AN: Technically this is a week from the last update, right? So I kept my promise. I am sorry, the end of school is crazy! I only have two weeks left, then things will be a lot quicker. Please tell me what you think, it motivates me. Sorry my chapters are short, they will get longer.
Diclaimer: Don't own and I never will.
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Song: Broken by Lifehouse (listen to this song, it's perfect for this)
Being inside my house was depressing. I was usually the only one home because my dad had work and my mother was "exploring the area" with some new activity every day (I don't know how she already met people here, we have only been here for, what, 3 days, but she had). The next day I decided to ride my old bicycle down to the park and bring my laptop. It was overcast but not raining. I didn't want to risk my truck blowing out again before school started.
The park was pretty empty, so I wiped the remaining rainwater off one of the benches with my sweatshirt and sat down. I plugged my iPod into my ears, set it on a playlist, and opened my laptop. I had a few emails to respond to from my old friends in Pheonix. I had a feeling that the emails would stop after a little while, but it was nice gesture.
By the fifth email I was writing the same thing back to everyone ("It's ok here in Forks, I miss you, hope you have a nice break!"). I didn't really think they missed me that much, but I was glad that they had emailed. It made it seem like maybe they actually thought about me once in a while.
I sighed. Forks was incredibly boring. Because it was such a small town, there wasn't going to be much of a selection when it came to friends. Plus, everyone probably had formed their own cliques by now, because they had lived here their entire lives and grown up together. I tried to stop thinking about this after a little while, it was depressing me.
I was pulled from my thoughts when I heard a melodic voice ask "Do you mind if I sit here?"
My head jerked up, and I was face to face with Edward Cullen once again. His beautiful face and emerald green eyes stopped my heart once again, I had to catch my breath.
"Sure, go ahead." I tried to keep my voice from shaking. "I'd like to talk to you actually, thank you for fixing my truck." I didn't know what to say. I couldn't tell him he didn't have to worry about it because that was so obvious- the truck breaking down had nothing to do with him and he knew it. So why had he gotten it fixed?
"You're welcome." That was all he said, but his eyes sparkled and a crooked smile spread across his face.
I had to ask why, even if I was being rude. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but, why did you get it fixed? I mean, you had already helped me out by giving me a ride home, why did you help me again? I'm sorry, I'm so grateful for it, I just—"
He cut off my rambling. "Bella," he said cautiously, "Remember how I reacted when you told me that your father was chief of police?" I nodded, encouraging him to go on. I was glad he brought it up, I was dying of curiosity but wasn't about to say anything. "There is a reason for that. I assume you have heard nothing about me yet?"
I almost lied, but told the truth. "I mentioned to my dad that I met someone named Edward in the supermarket- I lied actually- and he automatically assumed it was you and…
I saw the pain flash in his eyes before he hid it away. "What did he tell you, Bella?" Edward's green eyes were burning onto mine.
I kept telling the truth, although I was afraid to offend or anger him, I was morbidly curious and hoping he might explain a little more if I continued. "He just told me to stay away from you, that's all he said, he didn't say why." Edward face leaned even closer towards mine. We were inches apart.
"Then why aren't you?" He whispered. I felt his breath across my face.
I answered in a whisper also. "Because I didn't believe him."
Our faces were so close and I could feel the intensity of our whispered exchange. He stared into my eyes for one more second, before leaning back against the back of the bench. He closed his eyes. "That's why I helped you, Bella." He spoke with his eyes still closed. "This is such a small town. Everyone knows everything about everyone else… everyone knows me. I helped you, Bella, because you are the only person in this town that would have accepted my help." He opened in eyes and looked at me. The pain was not disguised now, it was clear to see.
"Why?" I was desperate for answers.
He was still looking in my eyes, as if trying to see through me. "When they tell you their stories, you will believe them too, and you will run. I probably shouldn't be sitting next to you now, in case someone walks be and sees… I am avoided like the plague, Bella, and your reputation should not be tarnished by me, especially since you are new here and haven't heard anything about me yet."
He was still not telling me anything. Instead of answering my questions, he was giving me even more to think about. "Will you tell me why? I won't judge, I promise… I would rather hear it from you than from others…"
Edward searched my face, trying to decide something. His face became resigned after a few seconds. "It's not really a question of judging, Bella, it's more about who you believe."
"Who should I believe?" I asked.
He smiled sadly at me. "I would like for you to believe me, but I must warn you, I am far outnumbered."
For some reason, I trusted him. He exuded sincerity and gentleness. "If you tell me, I will believe you."
He glanced around at the empty park before looking back at me. "It would be better for you to believe them. There are more of them than there are me."
"Please tell me."
I was close now to convincing him to reveal his story, and I could tell that Edward was going to tell me. And I knew I would believe him. I stared at into his bright green, shining eyes that were so full with sadness, silently beseeching him to talk.
"I will. I promise I will tell you. But would you do something for me first?"
Of course. "Anything." I answered too quickly.
He smiled at me. "Would you come to lunch with me?" he asked hesitantly. "It's been so long since I have had a regular conversation with someone, and since you don't know me, we can talk?"
My heart almost broke for this beautiful man in front of me. "I would love to," I answered shyly.
Edward's smile grew. "Now?" he asked. I nodded, and he continued. "Will you tell me all about yourself first, and we can talk about anything else, and then after we eat, I will tell you my story-- is that okay?"
"Great." I smiled back. My heart was beating erratically from the thought of going out with him alone, but not out of fear. No, this feeling was definitely not fear.
Despite the warning from my father, and the cryptic messages from Edward, I was not afraid.
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