Chapter Eight

We sat together reading for some time when I finally got up the courage to speak.

Bella: "Are you enjoying your book, Mr. Cullen"

Edward: "Oh, I've read this book dozens of times, I just wanted a reason to sit with you."

BS: stutters... "Did you needa reason?"

EC: "It would have looked inappropriate for the two of us to be sitting together with me simply staring at your beauty, wouldn't you say?"

BS: blushes "Oh, well, yes. That would look strange."

EC: "You intrigue me Isabella. I'm quite fascinated by you."

BS: "Whatever FOR?"

EC: "I've never seen anybody blush so often."

BS: stutters

EC: chuckles "You see Isabella, I've seen many beautiful women in my lifetime, but none compare to you. You're classically beautiful, but I don't understand why you always look so unhappy."

BS: "I'm not unhappy!"

EC: "Not in public, but I've been watching you from a distance, and every once in a while you let the facade down, and you look to be on the verge of tears."

I was a little bit offended by that statement. I worked very hard to ensure that my facial expressions never gave away my feelings. He was not incorrect, I had been less than thrilled when father told me that I was to marry Jacob, but I let that out when I was alone. A lady never showed emotion in public, that much my mother had taught me.

I got up quickly, and told Edward that I had to go to my room and dress for lunch. I was ashamed that my true feelings were clear enough on my face that someone noticed from across the room. Edward tried to explain that he was very intuitive and could read people very well, but I couldn't hear him anymore. I practically ran back to my state room, and started crying as soon as I got through the door.