I felt the hilarity inside me bubbling dangerously close to the surface. I knew it! I knew Edward was a vampire! I clapped a hand over my mouth, but the muffled giggles wouldn't stop. My shoulders were shaking, I had tears in my eyes. Edward, to my surprise, gave me a look of deepest concern.
"Are you crying? I'm so sorry, Bella! I thought you could handle it...I'm sorry!" He said again, plonking himself on the ground and putting his arms around me. I was in heaven, being touched by an angel...literally!
"I'm not crying. I'm happy. I'm so glad I found out your 'deep dark mystery', according to Jessica!"
Edward looked amused. "Jessica said that?"
"Yes. I was wondering...did she once ask you out?"
Edward smiled. "Irrelevant. I'd rather talk about you." He told me seriously. "You are the most interesting thing I have seen for a long time...you don't know how long I've waited for you!" He traced circles on my thigh with a slender, white finger.
"I have lived for almost a hundred and ten years, and never have I seen such a creature that allures me...and frustrates me...as you."
Now I was in shock. Edward Cullen was practically announcing undying devotion. To me, ordinary Bella Swan.
I felt the sudden urge to speak. "I have a few questions for you, Edward."
He smiled. "Bring on the interviews. I am happy."
"What's it like...being a vampire? How come you don't eat? Do you suck blood? Do you sleep in a coffin? Do you-"
"Bella!" He interrupted me. "I said bring on the interviews, not a speed questionnaire! To answer all your questions...I don't eat because food tastes vile to me, I do not sleep in a coffin. I can't sleep, for that matter."
I stored his words away in my brain. Then I realised something. "You forgot one."
He smiled easily. "One what?"
"One question. I asked you if you drink blood."
Edward gazed at me, his eyes dark and pleading. "Bella, try to understand. I am not human, I cannot do the things that humans do. I am less. I do drink blood. But...only animal blood."
He paused. "I can understand if you are disgusted by me, if you do not want to see me again. Just, please...try to understand the way I must live."
I smiled and looked up. He was staring at me with unwavering attention, waiting nervously for my answer. "Edward...I do understand."
He relaxed, and smiled at me, his face more devastatingly beautiful than I could ever have imagined.
"Thank you, Isabella Swan."
I smiled at him, and snuggled into his welcoming arms. "Oh, and there's one more thing." I reached up and stroked his cheek. "You are not less than human. You are more than human."...
