Peeks around corner.... I won't give you a list of excuses. I'm just so sorry it took so long for me to post this chapter. Since it's been about two months, some of you may want to skim Chapter 8 again. I'll try my best to summarize the story to this point.
Five years after Edward left Bella. Bella is now a High School English teacher in Seattle. The Cullens recently moved to Seattle because Carlisle accepted a job as a professor at the University of Washington school of Medicine. At their new school, Edward discovers that Bella is his 6th period English teacher, in room 312. Bella teaches Advanced English in the afternoons. Her 5th period is studying MacBeth, and her 6th period is studying Romeo and Juliet. Jonathan Turner is a really great guy and a fellow English teacher who has feelings for Bella. Bella really likes Jonathan, but still can't see anyone as a romantic interest besides Edward. Jonathan invites Bella out, but she declines in favor of spending the weekend in Forks. On her way out of the school she trips, and of course Edward catches her. It's here that Edward decides that he doesn't have the strength to leave Bella again, even though he promised to stay away. Bella goes back to her apartment and breaks down about Edward's unconventional reappearance into her life. She drives to Forks where she tells Jacob about her Edward dilemma. Jacob is in love with Bella, but Bella only sees him as a friend. Jacob can't understand why Bella still cares for Edward and leaves mad. She falls asleep crying, feeling alone and scared. She has a dream that night where Edward is holding her and tells her that he loves her. Of course, Edward really is there saying and doing those things. After meeting with his family about Bella, and deciding that Alice can't approach her until Edward has had the chance to talk to her first, he drives to Forks to figure things out with Bella. After witnessing her pain he decides to put off his conversation with her. This is where Chapter 9's EPOV is starting.
My writing format switches back and forth each time between Bella and Edward. BPOV serves to further the storyline along, while EPOV gives more background to the same story. Chapter 8 was in BPOV: It's Monday. Bella returned to Seattle from Forks. Her and Jacob never made ammends. The sun causes Bella to forget her jacket. Edward offers her his coat, but she refuses. Jonathan offers his coat, and she accepts. Jonathan and her eat lunch together where he dishes about the brilliant new Cullens, and asks her on a date. 6th period, Edward and Bella engage in a debate about Romeo and Juliet which parallels their relationship. Alice stops by Bella's classroom to chat. ~ Like I said, a quick skim of Chapter 8 may be helpful. Chapter 9, is EPOV of Chapter 8.
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EPOV
It was unfeasible. Impossible.
I shook my head, my hands cradling my face.
A deep groan rose in my chest and escaped my lips; each release of heavy breath an indication of my affliction.
I sat in my Volvo trying to think of a scenario where Bella could ever, possibly forgive me; where I revealed to her the lie that drastically changed both of our lives; where I caused her no more pain. I let out another sigh as I realized such an undertaking did not exist.
Her tortured face tonight reaffirmed all my suspicions. I was the source of her distress. Now and forevermore I would hurt her. There was no avoiding it.
I dropped my hands, and turned my gaze towards Bella's window.
I had made the correct decision to put off our inevitable conversation. Still I couldn't leave her yet. I was hollow when we weren't together, and I wasn't anxious to return to Seattle without her.
I closed my eyes and concentrated on Bella's low, steady breathing. I was grateful for her still slumber. She slept comfortably after I left her room. I let the melody of her heartbeat distract me, as I recalled her wet cheeks. Each painful tear, a knife stabbing me in the heart.
It was nearing dawn, when my body instinctively stiffened at the sound of a muffled ruffling in the forest beyond Bella's house. The noise was distinct; easily distinguishable from the clamorous birds chirping to eagerly greet the morning.
My hands clenched into tights fists as a rapid pulse came into play. It was strong. It was a human's heart.
A shiver of panic jolted through me as I caught wind of the intruder's thoughts. I saw trees blurring into a sea of green. I saw Bella. His mind was fixated on her.
My eyes black with hate, I left the car and crossed Bella's yard to the edge of the thicket; ready to attack the aggressor as soon as he arrived on scene. A tingle of anger slithered down my spine and settled in my stomach. Why hadn't Alice seen this assailant coming for my Bella? If I had not been so eager to make amends, I would not have been here at her house in Forks. To my selfish desires, I was actually grateful that fate had brought me here to protect my love.
I crouched low to the ground, hidden by the brush and ready to pounce. The intruder was approaching at a great speed; at a speed too quick to be an ordinary human.
And then I saw it. A gigantic, russet brown wolf emerge from the forest.
I kept my defensive stance, staring in disbelief at the filthy creature…..at the werewolf.
I let out a heightened growl; the foul stench of dog hanging in the air.
The wolf's muzzle wrinkled back over his teeth; a snarl rolled through his colossal chest. His dark, enraged eyes focused on me.
What the hell are you doing here?!
He curved his massive body, ready to spring.
I flashed my row of razor, sharp teeth; threatening him to back away.
You'll ruin everything for her!
I was very much intrigued at his statement. Did this volatile animal care for my Bella?
"Who are you?" I hissed.
Who am I?! Filthy, arrogant, bloodsucker…. I'm the one who stayed! I'm the one who held her hand as she tried to put the pieces of her life back together after you left.
I winced as images of Bella danced in his head, showcasing more portraits of her pain - her eyes lifeless and full of tears.
I flipped through his thoughts, taking notice of the memories where Bella's sadness was replaced with laughter – happiness that derived from Jacob Black's presence.
Yes, I knew this wolf. It was obvious to me now.
I relaxed my protective posture, convinced that this dog only had my love's interest at heart. He would not harm her. In fact, he was her best friend…..her solace. I didn't have to read his mind long to see that.
Jacob did not bestow the same courtesy to me. I was the enemy. My very presence threatened Bella and the life they had made together.
She doesn't want you here!
I spoke earnestly, gently. "Jacob……I love her. The last thing I want to do is cause her anymore pain."
Love?! His bulky body was pacing the yard, his eyes however - full of disgust, remained fixed on mine. Is that what you do to someone you love?! Leave them broken in the woods?!
"I understand your rationale. And, I can't begin to justify my actions….but make no mistake. I do love her. More than you or she'll ever know."
Well, if that's true, then you'll go away now! Stop messing with her. Do what you promised and leave Bella alone.
I bowed my head in defeat, and shoved both my hands in the pockets of my jeans. This dog was playing on my every insecurity.
"I just need to know, one thing" I sighed.
"Does she have any love left for me at all?" I whispered under my breath, ashamed to even entertain the possibility that she did.
He answered quickly and forcefully.
No.
I nodded at the answer I knew to be true.
Now leave, and never return, he growled.
"Thank you Jacob" I stated, my voice heavy with melancholy. "Thank you, for loving Bella and taking care of her." He had pulled Bella out of the darkness - to him, I would be eternally grateful.
He only grunted in return, glaring as I walked away from the place where my love slept soundly in her bed.
The drive to Seattle was excruciating as I confronted the fact that I would never be able to erase Jacob's tortured images of Bella from my vampire mind. My memory would forever hold in detail, evidence of the suffering I caused her.
The house was empty when I got home. I retreated to my room, grateful to be spared the questions and sympathetic feelings of my family. Unfortunately, my own thoughts were not so easy to hide from.
On my desk lay a note, scripted in Alice's meticulous handwriting.
We're out hunting for the day – thought you could use a break.
Try these. They may help with your own peace of mind.
Next to the note, she had set a large pair or expensive, noise-cancelling, headphones. She also pulled from my CD collection, a complete set of Ludwig Van Beethoven's 32 piano sonatas.
Beethoven was one of my favorite composers – his music reeked of passion. In the past five years I had come to truly empathize with the genius behind his art. Much like me, his personality was full of complexities and contradiction. Traces of anger and fear lingered in his music, revealing his despair over loving an unavailable woman.
I slipped the thick headphones over my ears and placed the shiny, silver disk into my portable CD player. I spun the volume to the highest setting, hoping to drown out the unremitting sensation of anguish that plagued my every thought.
I let Beethoven's turmoil wash over me and replace my own. The simple and gentle piano melody in the right hand reminded me of the unrevealing mask he often wore – sorrow so intense that he hid himself from relations with people. Underneath, the lively runs in the left hand represented Beethoven's tendency to over-think. The intense emotions he tried to downplay however where prevalent with every beautiful note. I got lost in the labyrinth of his melodic sentiment.
I had lost all sense of time. It was Monday morning when Alice crept into my room and pressed the pause button on my audio system; tearing my ties with Beethoven.
I could not be angry with her though. I had to face the world eventually, and she at least had blessed me with two days of quietness.
"Good morning Edward," she stated sheepishly. "How are we feeling today?"
"Better. Thank you Alice," I said removing the headphone from my ears and lifting them in gratitude.
"I knew Ludwig would do the trick. Misery loves company you know," she said more animatedly.
I managed to brave a small smile.
"So, will we be talking to Bella today?" she asked timidly.
"I don't think so" I replied, running my hands though my hair.
"Why Edward?!" Alice's whined like a child throwing a tantrum.
"I can't just wing this! I have to approach things with Bella very carefully" I argued in exasperation. "What does everyone expect me to say anyway?"
"Tell her the truth of course."
"It's not that simple, and you know it," I stated dryly. "I can't risk hurting her anymore Alice. I just can't."
"I don't think revealing your love will be the worst thing in the world Edward."
"Of course it will be," I snapped back. "She'll know I lied…. how can it not be painful to find out that the person you loved, the person you trusted lied to you?"
"She needs to know. She deserves to know."
"Nothing good will come from it," I retorted. My trip to Forks had shed light on my current predicament and I was convinced; it was silly to think that I could fix this. "I ruined everything – and it's far beyond repair. I know that now."
"How can you know unless you try?" my sister pleaded desperately.
"She doesn't love me Alice. Not anymore. What's best for Bella is if I just leave her alone." Jacob's words had reaffirmed my fears.
Alice's expression scrunched in anger. "Can Bella decide what's best for Bella for once?! You manipulated her choices before and look where that got us?!" She marched to the door in annoyance. She had clearly had enough of this conversation, and so had I. "If you don't tell her Edward Cullen, I will!" she huffed before exiting my room.
We're leaving in 20 minutes! Were her final thoughts to me as she stormed down the stairs.
The sun's morning glow peaked through the side window, scarcely warming the icy skin on my left arm. The bright star would be my savior today. I said a silent thank you, for blessing me with another day to think this complicated mess through.
Not a minute later, Jasper opened my door to peak his head in; bearing the bad new before my hopes even had a chance to settle. "Alice told me to tell you that we're still going to school. The skies will be overcast in a few minutes."
I let out a light groan.
She knows the situation Edward - Alice is just on edge. She's anxious to make things right with her best friend. You know how much Alice misses her.
Jasper sent me a wave of calm, trying to alleviate my apprehensiveness.
Just remember that you're not the only one who loves Bella. He shut the door then and left me alone to get ready.
I took a brief shower and was dressed within the allotted time frame Alice gave me to be downstairs.
The ride to school was silent. We were a very quiet group. Only I could hear their stream of thoughts. Alice was troubled, worrying about me, flipping though images of the future. I saw Bella and myself, but I couldn't make anything else out – the visions were hazy. The images shivered and disappeared as a million tiny choices rearranged the future again.
Alice folded her arms and slumped in her seat, no longer trying to conceal her disappointment. Your future is shifting so much I can't keep up with any of it! She snapped. Your indecisiveness is infuriating!
Jasper, God bless him, was thinking of ways to pull Alice from her sour mood – an anniversary sale at Max Mara in Seattle was currently at the top of his list of ideas.
Emmett was admiring the way his wife looked in her new winter sweater, and Rosalie apparently couldn't hold her thoughts in any longer.
"What happened this weekend Edward?" she voiced, cutting through the silence.
"I'd like to know the answer to that question myself," Alice piped in.
"I already told you, it just wasn't' the right time," I answered with authority, hoping to put an end to their tiresome prying.
"No, something happened. There's something off about you. Jasper can feel it, can't you Jazzy?"
Jasper's reluctance to confirm Alice's suspicions spoke volumes.
Her voice became softer then, as she placed her tiny hand in mine.
"Whatever it is. You can tell us."
"Not without judgment" I scoffed, removing my hands out from under hers, turning from my family's stares to look out the window. "Your attitude earlier did not go undetected" I stated matter-of-factly. I surveyed the crowd of students as we pulled into the school parking lot.
"I'm sorry." She took back the hand I had recoiled, and held it firmly. "I'm just….angry….not at you….just at the way things have turned out. This wasn't' the future I had seen for us. I love you Edward. No matter what is said between us, I am always here for you. You must know that."
I did know that. My family had been nothing but patient and understanding – especially Alice.
We parked the car, but no one bothered exiting. My siblings sat anxiously, waiting for me to recount my weekend's events.
I struggled for the words to sum up my experience in Forks. I could only think of one.
"Werewolf" I muttered.
"Excuse me?" Rosalie asked, a repulsed look on her face.
"Bella's best friend is a werewolf…..Jacob Black. You remember Ephraim Black of course," I trailed off.
"You're joking right?!" Rosalie went on, her tone mixed with bewilderment and disgust. "A werewolf?! As in, a filthy, volatile, mutt?!"
Emmett began to chuckle. "Man….there's no doubt about it. That girl is a magnet for trouble."
Rosalie slapped one of Emmett's muscular arms. "Idiot. There's nothing funny about this." Releasing her hard glare, she refocused her attention towards me. "What exactly happened Edward? How do you know that Bella keeps werewolves in her company?
"I saw it for myself….I talked with him."
"And did you tell this Jacob to stay the hell away from her?" Rosalie exclaimed.
"Of course not."
"What do you mean of course not? A werewolf Edward! - He's dangerous. I can't believe you of all people would stand aside while she continues to put herself in danger by associating with someone like him."
I opened my car door, already tired of this werewolf banter.
"Trust me Rosalie. I've hurt her more than he ever will." They just didn't understand. They didn't see. Jacob had nothing on me – I was the bigger threat.
She opened her mouth to argue, but Alice cut her off.
"Edward, she's coming."
The sight of Bella instantly warmed my heart, removing all traces of chagrin. Like a magnet, she drew me to her, pulling me from my sibling circle.
Everyone else faded into the background as I walked directly across the lot to the only person to ever hold my heart. I only saw her.
I hesitantly approached Bella, watching in discouragement as aversion settled into her big doe-eyes. Was she so opposed to be near me? I began to feel heartsick.
I needed to know what she was thinking. I needed to know where I stood.
I leaned in, smelling the sweet scent that came off her skin. "Bella," I breathed.
"Good morning Edward," her voice sparkled, trying to keep her odium at bay.
It took until Bella was shivering for me to notice that she wasn't wearing a coat. I quickly removed my outer covering, reprimanding my carelessness and panicked that she would fall ill from the cold.
"Bella, you're freezing. Would you like my jacket?" I offered her my coat, resisting with great difficulty to thereupon drape it around her shoulders. Getting Bella warm had become my prevailing concern.
She denied me without hesitation. "No, no thank you Edward." Her refusal was genteel, causing me more pain than if her tone had held great animosity.
I timidly withdrew my jacket, dismayed that she would rather suffer the cold, than don something of mine. Maybe her rejection wouldn't hurt as much if I didn't know how greatly she hated the bitter sting of Washington weather.
Bella's casual dismissal reminded me that just a few moments ago I was teeter-tottering on whether to accost my love at all. Hysteria coursed through my body as I wondered how I came to be standing next her right now, so ill-prepared.
I took a step closer, gauging her reactions as a sign to what my next move should be. She remained unchanged. I needed more.
"Bella, may I please speak with you privately?"
She answered more slowly this time, but just as casual.
"Sure. You may talk with me on my way to class."
It would have to be brief. The walk to her classroom was only a few minutes, and the location was less than acceptable, but….she had agreed to speak with me. My mouth turned up into a smile, unable to mask my gratitude.
"I would like that very much, thank you."
I sighed as I watched Bella hug herself for warmth. I wished so badly that she would allow me to care for her. I wondered if she would have accepted Jacob's jacket.
I walked nervously beside her, unsure of how to begin. We only made it a few steps however when Mr. Turner's eager thoughts again plagued my mind. Chasing down Bella seemed to be a tendency of his. In the midst of everything, I had somehow forgotten that Jacob and I were not the only ones after Bella's affections.
I stopped my trek towards 312, realizing that our short conversation had ended before it had begun. Bella continued on ahead, but soon looked back upon noticing my absence.
I longed to stay and erase the confused look on her face, but I knew I had to go. Jonathan would catch up to her in a moment.
I sighed and let out words I didn't wish to speak. "Bella, I'll catch up with you later."
I turned to walk away just as Jonathan arrived on scene. My family remained by the Volvo, concerned as ever, but I did not return to them. I wasn't up for their opinions on my latest encounter with the woman I loved
Bella's playful laugh held my attention, ringing like a bell over the crowds of students.
I stood at a distance, observing her beautiful disposition as she giggled and teased Jonathan.
I watched, suffocating in sadness as my love walk away from me; another man's jacket warming her body.
I made my way to first period alone, a feeling of hopelessness lodged in the pit of my stomach.
Jonathan intimidated me.
Not in the obvious sense of course, but because he and Bella fit. He was the perfect person to give her a normal life. In a world without monsters of magic, Jonathan was Bella's match – and that frightened me.
My classes before lunch proved no different than any other – impossibly monotonous. Alice met me after fourth period to accompany me to the cafeteria.
We took our places next to Emmett and Rosalie who were already seated. We sat in blissful quiet for the first few minutes of lunch, everyone speculating where Jasper was, and every mind wondering about my earlier events…..every mind, but Alice's. She curiously enough was singing the lyrics to "Alouette" over and over in her head, her gaze looking every direction except in my line of vision.
It was obvious – she was keeping something from me.
"What are you hiding Alice?" I accused, breaking the silence at the table.
Fortunately for Alice, she didn't get the opportunity to fabricate a story how the children's song was simply stuck in her head.
All attention turned to Jasper, making his fashionably late entrance, and grabbing a chair next to his grateful wife.
I shot her a look that this was not over. She forced a weak smile and turned to fix her eyes on the wall, pretending to be fascinated in the texture of the wall. All the while, continuing to sing.
Alouette, gentille Alouette, Alouette je te plumerai….
"So what's up with the tardiness Jazz?" Emmett inquired on everyone's behalf.
"I got held up in class," Jasper responded, giving Alice's hand a squeeze.
"Uh Oh….Did someone get in trouble on their second day?" Emmett picked up an apple and began twirling it by the stem.
"Hardly. Mr. Turner and I got caught up discussing the Civil War."
Alice gave a swift kick to Jasper's leg, and in a momentary lapse of annoyance, she forgot to conceal her thoughts….her vision.
I saw it all. With a heavy heart, I watched images of Bella and Jonathan on a date flash through Alice's mind.
"Please excuse me." I pushed my chair back, eager to leave the table.
"No, Edward wait…." my sister pleaded, reaching out for me. "Where are you going?"
"There's just so many reasons why Bella and I will never work....should never work."
"My visions are subjective, you can change them Edward. Tell her how you feel."
"Maybe I don't want to change them."
"You don't mean that," Jasper piped in.
"She's better without me. Why can't any of you see that? This here proves it. She's moved on."
"You love her Edward. Bella deserves to know that you love her. She needs all the facts before she chooses Jonathan to be apart of her future," Alice petitioned.
"I'm gonna have to agree with the pixie" Emmett interjected, wrapping his arm around Rosalie and pulling her close. "No one said love was easy bro. This is the price we pay to have our ladies." He leaned in, and gently kissed the golden locks on top his wife's head.
"I don't remember any of you dealing with these types of obstacles," I argued in frustration.
Rosalie straightened up from Emmett's embrace. "No offense Eddie, but none of us royally screwed up like you did. Love is a battlefield, and your mistake landed you in a field of mines."
I knew there was love behind her statement, but it was hard to detect behind the arrogance of it all.
"What Rosalie means…" Alice spoke more gently, "is that there is no easy route here. It's going to be hard. Really hard, but Bella is worth it. And you're worth it Edward."
Her words took a second to sink in.
I snickered, a genuine smirk on my face. "Oh is that what she meant?"
Rosalie playfully stuck out her tongue to mock me.
"Yup…." Emmett leaned back in his chair, folding his arms behind his head. "My baby has a way with words."
I sat through fifth period, more optimistic and lighthearted. Alice had said something that struck a chord deep within me. Bella was worth it. That's all I had to remember. Bella was worth fighting for – and I was willing to fight forever.
The bell couldn't ring soon enough. I made sure I was the first one out the door, eager to speak with my 6th period English teacher. I waited impatiently outside 312, as the last of Bella's students trickled out the entrance way.
Her strong scent caught me off guard, as I crossed the threshold into her classroom. It was lovely, intoxicating. It still called to me.
I looked up towards the source of the beautiful fragrance and found Bella at the head room, her nose deep in a copy of Romeo and Juliet.
I walked soundlessly to her desk, loving her more with each step, fascinated by the way she threw herself into her books.
"Bella," I whispered, declaring my presence.
She looked up from her book and met my eyes, her face perplexed as she adjusted back to reality. I took no pleasure in extracting her from Romeo's enchantments – I knew he was one of her favorite fictional characters – I empathized with the feeling as being detached from the wonderment of Beethoven's sonatas.
In any case, it was imperative that I speak with her.
"Bella, may I have a moment of your time?"
"Please." I beseeched, leaning in closer to her. My hand moved to rest on the back of her chair, where the soft fabric of Jonathan's coat grazed my fingertips, reining back my confidence.
My breath caught in my throat as I awaited her answer.
She stiffened her body, and my high-spirits dropped another notch as I realized that I would not be given the same opportunity as this morning.
She pushed the frayed copy of Romeo of Juliet towards me. "I can't right now Edward, I'm sorry. Please take your seat. Class is about to begin."
It was difficult not to feel disgruntled, and even more difficult to conceal the emotion from my expression.
The feeling of bleakness began to resurface as I took a seat in the front row, observing that our interchange didn't faze her at all.
I spent most of the hour daydreaming; letting myself hope that Bella would consent to a conversation after school had ended.
"I'm going to have disagree. I think Juliet was the most mature person in the play actually; more so than Romeo." I heard Bella speak with confidence, pulling me fully from my reverie.
So far the conversation had been tedious – students repeating answers I had had heard hundreds of times. Nothing original.
Bella was always surprising me. It was one of the things I loved most about her. She was so unique, so unlike every other predictable person, so extraordinary. But this statement threw me for a loop. Had things changed so much that she had turned on her beloved Romeo?
"It was certainly the case that men simply chose younger wives…Capulet for instance, is much older than his wife. I think it's safe to assume that Romeo, as well as Mercutio, Tybalt, and Paris are maybe late teens, early 20's?"
"So the fact that Juliet is thirteen, surrounded by people that are sometimes generations older than her, is quite impressive." She paused, and I leaned in for more; anxious to hear what her next words would be.
"Their exact age isn't of consequence though. All that really matters is that Romeo and Juliet are an example of young love…a puppy love in my opinion."
I was taken back by her statement. Surely she was trying to probe debate-this was not her true sentiment.
"Puppy love?" I had to clarify this misconception at once.
"Do you have a different opinion Edward?" She sounded sarcastic; almost amused that I would come to the star-crossed lover's guard. Once upon a time, I had issue with Romeo as an individual, but to degrade their entire relationship to puppy love was blasphemous.
"Romeo and Juliet is the most famous love story in the English literary tradition," I stated dryly. She could not argue with this reality.
"I just think they're too young to know what true love is." I began to become panicked, defensive; each pessimistic statement from her mouth causing me pain.
"You really believe that?" I snapped. I was willing to fight for Romeo and Juliet….I was willing to fight for us – Edward and Bella.
She leaned against her desk, crossing her arms; ready to battle against me.
"Consider the facts. Only hours before announcing his love for Juliet, Romeo was infatuated with another woman. Does that sound like someone who really knows what love is?"
"Don't you see? Romeo didn't know what love was, until he met Juliet" I pleaded. Could she not know? Know how her presence forever changed me? I thought I was destined to live out my limitless existence alone. I was not the same man, the moment she entered my life. She needed to know.
"I'm just not entirely convinced of his love for Juliet. She very well may fall the same fate as Rosaline when another beautiful women comes along" she stated, her tone callous.
The lines between Romeo and I seemed to be growing indistinguishable, yet I still couldn't fathom that her new found abhorrence applied to anything beyond Shakespeare's tragedy. I always knew it would be a difficult task to convince Bella that I loved her still. Never had I imagined though, that I would have to convince Bella that I had ever loved her at all.
"Romeo ends his life for her. Is that not enough evidence of his love? He would rather die, than have to live without his Juliet." I had said those exact words to her five years ago on her birthday. I had told her of my contingency plans if anything happened to her. I wouldn't live in a world without Bella in it.
She shrugged, and casually dismissed the weight of my statement. "It sounds like Romeo was swept up by the passion of his affection more than anything."
I didn't want to believe she was serious, but her chocolate eyes were brooding; her expression hard, and full of conviction.
I dropped my face into my hands, shaking my head in disbelief. So this was her opinion of me?
"I thought it was obvious…" I whispered, unduly in shock to speak any louder. I lifted my head, meeting her gaze, and locking our eyes. My next words were for her.
"Romeo's love is so passionate, so pure, that is supersedes all other values." She was the most important to thing me now; the most important thing to me ever. It hurt to think that she didn't accept this fact.
The bell rang then. She stood motionless at her desk, as did I. I sat looking for any sign that my final words took hold. I didn't see any.
I clutched the flimsy copy of Romeo and Juliet in my fist, and hastily made my way out into the hallway, where Alice was waiting for me, springing in place.
"What's got you all excited?" I asked irritated. I wasn't in the mood for her pep.
She just grinned, waiting and bouncing as I skimmed through her thoughts.
"Ah…." I nodded.
"Well technically, you did talk to her today…."
"I don't care Alice. Do whatever you want." Werewolves, Jonathan, Romeo….I had a whole new set of issues to work through. Alice didn't even make my list of concerns anymore.
"I knew you'd say that! Thanks Edward!" She kissed my cheek and walked towards Bella's classroom. "You don't need to wait for me. I have my own ride home," she waved.
I watched Alice knock on Bella's door, her smile spreading all the way to her ears.
My sister was truly happy, and for the moment that would do.
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A million thank-you's if you're still reading this story. It means so much to me that you would stick around after so long. You are amazing, and I love you for your support. I'm going to try and post again within the next week and a half, before I start school, and homework takes over my life : )
