This chapter is dedicated to the ever lovely, juststatingtheobvious. She's my 100th reviewer so I thought she deserved something special!

I waited in the lobby for Edward. I was feeling a lot of things at that moment, anticipation mixed with anxiousness.

I was relieved too, but only to an extent. Yes, Edward had accomplished an extremely important task today, but it was nothing, nothing compared to what he had to face in the future. It was scary, uncertain, and unforgiving. One slip up and that's it. You're back to where you started.

While educating us, there was one story in particular Tanya had told that bothered me. It was about a young couple who were both users of heroin. One day the young woman finds out she's pregnant and they both decide to stop using till the baby's born - but after that, they go back, steal money from their parents, and neglect their child. Then, after much encouragement from their family, they both quit again. The young man is the first to go back. The young woman goes back soon after, but hides it and lies. Time goes by, things get out of control, and the couple gets sicker, more desperate, and consequently more careless. It gets to the point where the young woman's sister visits their apartment one day to see the child in the bathtub – filling with water – and the mother nodding off on the bathroom floor. The young man is no where to be seen. If the sister hadn't shown up then, the baby would have drowned.

Not only was this story just plain disturbing, it was a major dose of reality for Edward and I. This couple had so much to care for, so much responsibility, all in a little baby. They had the biggest motivation of all, and yet… they couldn't quit. Not then, and apparently not ever. The parents of the young woman took custody of the child and its mother just ended up disappearing. They don't know what happened to her, or her boyfriend for that matter. They just… lost contact.

And even though our story wasn't like theirs at all, it still shared the same hopelessness of the drug.

But then there were the stories that contradicted this. The stories where the users took Buprenorphine specifically and never went back to heroin. They called it their miracle drug. They said it was as if they never even took heroin in the first place.

I couldn't let myself hope for success like that. It would only hurt more, if in fact, Edward could not get better.

I couldn't be naïve any longer. I could believe in Edward, for his sake, but I could never let myself think, even dream, of a clean Edward. If I did, that picture would stay in my mind, and I'd believe it to be real after a while. When in reality, that may never happen.

After learning the intense, harsh realities of heroin today, things were bound to change for me. But one thing stayed the same, and that was my decision to help Edward. My loyalty to him was unwavering. I hoped that it was enough to make a difference for us… to make a difference for Edward. I would no longer think of the distant future, rather I would just think about the now, the tasks at hand. If I did this, everything would just fall into place on its own, good or bad.

For the challenges we would face, the actual preparations would involve Edward's rehab accommodating the both of us. Tanya explained there were certain lectures we could both attend weekly; each speech serving its own separate purpose on educating a certain topic of the addiction. I found my self looking forward to them. They could only help us.

"Bella?" I looked up to see Edward in front of me with a half smile on his face.

I smiled. "Hey."

He reached his hand out for mine. I accepted it and he pulled me up, maintaining the small connection as we walked.

"So," I started. "Detox tomorrow…"

He nodded once. "Nine o'clock sharp at Kirkland."

"You'll be in slight withdrawal then?" I looked up at him through the corner of my eyes.

"Yes," he sighed.

"And then…?"

"Blackout," he finished.

Blackout was the term they used to describe the time from admittance and the beginning of detox to the time when they were no longer physically dependent on heroin, but their new antagonist drug. During this time, Edward wouldn't be allowed to see or talk to anyone outside of the center. It was going to be difficult, but they insisted the blackout was crucial for his ability to focus on his new goals, and adjust to his new life without the drug.

It would be scary for both of us. I still couldn't quite grasp the fact that I would not be able to see or speak with Edward for three full days.

But it needed to happen. Edward had to detox and I couldn't be there with him.

Walking to my car I noticed that the clouds were clearing up slightly and the sun was fighting to shine through. Maybe it would be a nice day after all.

"It'll be okay, Edward." I half smiled at him. "They'll take care of you."

He breathed a laugh before letting go of my hand and trailing over to the passenger side.

Once the car was started and the heat was on, I turned to Edward. He looked up at me from under his eyelashes before quickly glancing down to his hands folded in his lap.

"Edward, I-- I'm so proud of you." I tried to smile even though he wasn't really looking. "You astound me. Everything about you, your strength, your courage, your determination… you're amazing, Edward."

He still refused to look up at me, picking absently at his finger nail. I timidly reached over the armrest and took his hand in mine. His gaze shifted to my fingers.

"I know - I know you're scared now. But I'm not giving up on you. Not today, not ever… as long as you want my help."

His eyes met mine then, lighting up in a small, reassuring smile. His right hand drifted up to my face as he leaned closer. Softly, he brushed a stray strand of hair behind my ear, eyes tracing his movements. His cold fingers lingered near my ear and goose bumps erupted on my neck. I closed my eyes reflexively and sighed.

"Thank you," Edward spoke, his voice a normal volume.

My eyes snapped open. He blinked once before pulling away. I sat suspended over the armrest between us for a moment before returning more fully to my seat.

This small moment between us unearthed conflicts; conflicts that I couldn't sit here and try to formulate a way to resolve without going crazy. I cared for Edward in many ways, romantic included. But I couldn't even dream of acting on those feelings yet, it would complicate things greatly. Having a romantic relationship with someone is difficult enough without having the stress of heroin addiction and rehab. The logical side of me knew that one between us would only hurt more than not having one in the first place. It was just too complicated. But it didn't change my feelings. I still wanted him.

Edward's tender caresses somewhat displayed his affection for me, whether it was just friendly or not, I couldn't be sure. Sometimes though, when I looked into his eyes, I saw something – something that led me to think he may want me too.

He had to know though – him especially – that anything deeper than a friendship between us at the moment wasn't smart.

But then again, how do you stop two people - who want each other - from being together? No matter what the situation is, you can't deny that instinct. If something is meant to be, it will happen.

Meant to be.

Did Edward and I fit into that category?

I began backing out of the parking space, glancing at Edward once before turning my attention back to the space behind us. He was gazing out the window thoughtfully. He was beautiful. I had feelings for him.

Could I suppress them long enough for him to get better?

What if he never got better?

Those feelings would still be there. Nothing Edward could do would change that.

Meant to be.

Well, obviously, something about us was meant to be. He came into my life yesterday, and changed it completely today. Things like that don't just happen for the hell of it.

I took a deep breath. I just had to arrange my priorities. Maybe then I could stop worrying about the future and deeper feelings.

I had to help Edward get better.

Everything else could wait. Getting Edward clean was all I had bargained to do in the first place; it was the only thing that really mattered.

Not a romantic relationship with him, not the possibility of never being able to express my true feelings. Just Edward. Just getting him better.

I felt very protective of him all of a sudden. He was slouching in his seat, forehead against the cold window, lost in thought. His stance reminded me of that of a child's. He looked vulnerable. I wanted to take care of him. He deserved it after all he had done today.

I was about to ask him if he wanted lunch but he spoke before me.

"Will you take me to the zoo?"

My eye brows furrowed but I smiled nonetheless.

"The zoo?" I repeated.

"Yeah, I don't know. I just saw a sign advertising it. I figured it would be a good way to spend my last afternoon…like this for awhile."

I gazed at him through the corner of my eyes. "Sure. We can go to the zoo."

…

After paying the small fee to get in, Edward and I wandered the scarcely populated park for a few hours. It was a good distraction for the both of us – taking our minds off of the looming future for a few moments at a time. And as the day wore on, I got a better understanding of why Edward had wanted to come here in the first place. It distracted him, yes, but it was also a way to say farewell from the monotony he grew used to. He still had heroin in his system, he still felt human in an odd, drug addict way. He was experiencing a trip to the zoo under conditions that he wouldn't have to face again. This was kind of it for him. After tomorrow, there was no telling where he'd be three months from now…

Six months from now…

A year from now.

And of course, he certainly wouldn't be able to go to the zoo whenever he pleased like this, for a while.

We were having a good time. Both of us acting oblivious to the darkness that lay ahead; sometimes forgetting for a moment the situation we were in. It wasn't easy for me to just drop my worries. But after awhile I just grew tired of over thinking it. This was the last time things would be mildly normal for us, everything was changing, and quickly. So after a few internal arguments, I just thought: screw it. There was no point in putting a damper on this trip when there would be plenty of time to act depressed in the future.

For now, it was just Edward and me, in a zoo, trying to outrun our problems-- if only for a moment.

If Edward was still worrying, he did a good job at pretending – always smiling and joking with me. I had never seen him so happy. And it made me happy and sad at the same time; happy to see him enjoying himself, but sad to know that even if it wasn't a charade, it would all disappear with time.

Then it just made me desperate to relish in it - every laugh, every smile, even every meaningful look my way - made me anxious as time wore on.

I should have known not to leave Edward unattended. Better yet, I should have known not to leave Edward unattended after going into the gift shop with him and gushing over all the cute stuffed animals and other souvenirs… but I had to go to the bathroom.

I dragged my feet apprehensively to Edward. He was holding a plastic shopping bag. At least it wasn't obnoxiously large. He had an anxious smile on his face as I approached, which led me to believe the gift was indeed for me.

I furrowed my eyebrows as he offered it to me.

"I got you something…"

I didn't want to hurt his feelings so I humored him. Opening the bag I pulled out a medium sized stuffed lion. I recognized it immediately. It was the one I had aimed most of my 'awws' at. I couldn't help it though. The little thing was in a seated position, an innocent expression on its face. Its mane was soft - not made out of that annoying material that just gets knotted - and best of all, it reminded me of Edward.

During the safari tour we had passed the lion exhibit. The instructor made a few comments during the introduction about lion's being courageous and brave and I couldn't help but think of Edward.

So once inside the gift shop, that had been strategically placed at the exit of the tour, I scoured the store for fun and saw the little lion and fell in love. Silly, I know. It's only a stuffed animal, but it was really cute nonetheless.

I stroked it absently and smiled. "This wasn't necessary but… thank you."

His face lit up slightly. "So you like it?"

I half smiled. "I love it."

With most of the exhibits visited, we took a seat on a bench outside the store. The sun was now hidden by the clouds and the air held certain coolness. It was also getting pretty late.

But I didn't want to think about that yet.

"I had fun today, Edward." I told him honestly.

His head was resting against the back of the bench, eyes closed. I had a small sense of déjà vu for a moment. Edward had looked similar to this just yesterday at the airport: tired, even solemn in his silence. Perhaps the day's events were just wearing down on him… perhaps he needed a fix.

I shook my head and turned away, closing my eyes tightly. I didn't want this day to end. I didn't want to say goodbye again without the promise of tomorrow and the next day and the next day.

But there was no escaping it. The zoo would close; we would most likely leave before then. Edward would return to his hotel. I would return to my apartment. Alice and I would talk. I'd sleep restlessly with worry over the next day's events. And then I'd get to see Edward. Except this time, I would be saying goodbye.

If things worked out like we both wanted, it would only be for a little while. We'd see each other as much as we could while he was in rehab.

But we had to get through the blackout first.

Edward sighed after a moment. "Me too," he agreed.

Silence set in after that. I gazed at Edward for a few minutes, memorizing everything I could about his face. I really was going to miss him. And I had only known him for two days.

Yet in those two days I had changed as a person. I started understanding more about relationships and connections and how they formed. I also matured some.

It was a humbling experience – meeting Edward. How many times had I said in the past: 'Why me?' How many times had I put myself before everyone else for the silliest of reasons?

Even though I rarely believed it, I was lucky. I had two parents, great friends, and a freaking published book! But I didn't get a long with my parents. I didn't always act the way I should act around my friends, often being the 'party pooper' or 'fun sucker'. And to top it off, I actually complained about being on my book tour. I had enjoyed it at first. It was a new and exciting experience for me. But then it just got old, and I got frustrated.

What the hell was my problem?

There were so many other people who had it much worse. Who's to say that I even had it 'worse' at all? I was highly privileged.

Edward had problems and a past that was mind bottling. It takes someone extremely strong to make it through what he had alive. Not just physically, but emotionally too. As a person.

I knew that Edward wasn't dead inside. Today had proved that. He still has a heart, still has a brain that pushed him to stay alive. And he's doing it.

With nothing left, he managed to leave the influences of New York, pick up everything, and travel to a new place, alone, with a single planned appointment with a rehab counselor. Nothing else was certain after that.

And then I came along and everything changed. I was happy that I found Edward yesterday. So unbelievably happy. Even though logically, I had no reason to be. I should be scared out of my mind. I shouldn't be hopeful for Edward. But I am, and I'm here.

Because of him.

Edward.

He's the reason for everything.

And even though it was wrong and dangerous, I quickly saw him becoming my everything.

There was no stopping it.

Some things were just meant to be.

I said a silent prayer for Edward's well being to no one in particular, and opened my eyes.

He was still resting his head on the bench, but his eyes were open now and he was gazing up at the sky, pondering.

"Penny for your thoughts," I said before realizing that I didn't have a penny. I always put them in the coin tray in the kitchen. Damn.

He didn't smile, but he didn't brush it off either. "I was just thinking about turning back time." His voice was solemn. "I would do so many things different." He shook his head. "There were so many times when I could've made my parents proud and didn't, when I was a kid, when I was an adult. I did things without a second thought, always thinking I had time to make up for it… one day." He smiled at me from the corner of his eyes. "I ran out."

I frowned but didn't say anything.

"And then I started thinking about how I could make it up to them somehow, you know? By doing well in rehab and getting somewhat of a normal life back. It's wishful thinking, I know. But then I just thought: 'screw it.' It wouldn't make a difference to them no matter what I did. They're gone. I lost my chance. We get this one life for a reason - if we don't use our time wisely, that's our choice - but once it's gone, it's gone. My time to make my parents happy has come and gone, and there's nothing I can do for them now." He was gazing up at the sky, calmly, as he spoke.

I couldn't help but disagree with him. It was my personal belief that our loved ones that passed, were aware of our being somehow, maybe not in the dramatic sense of 'always watching over you'. But something along the lines that when they died, they're love and protection did not. Things like that can't be destroyed, not with death nor time.

But it was a tricky thing to explain to someone without offending them. If that was Edward's personal belief on life, who was I to change that?

I wanted to comfort him somehow though. It was a depressing thought to think that after death there wasn't some form of an afterlife. But for some people, that's the truth they chose to believe.

"I think your parents know how you're doing now, Edward."

He side glanced at me, disapprovingly.

I held my finger up. "You explained your beliefs, let me explain mine." He sighed, turning his attention back to the sky, allowing me to continue.

"Love is a very powerful thing, Edward. And if you don't believe in life after this, fine. But I can't help but think that at least love can defy death in some way. It's this love that I believe your parents still feel towards you. It's this love that makes me feel they're aware of you, wherever they are."

He was frowning slightly, but didn't look like he was going to protest… but Edward was such a roller coaster of emotions that he still needed reassuring.

I forced a laugh. "Okay, so don't believe that your parents still watch you and care about you. Whatever. But don't get so lost yet… you still have me. I'm still here. My time hasn't run out yet."

He sat up and narrowed his eyes at me. I leaned in closer to him.

"You can still make things right."

…

Our time at the zoo managed to run out, despite our reluctance. It was just one of those things that you can't stop. It was dark out by the time we left. The ride to Edward's hotel was a quiet one, both of us drained and one of us on the brink of beginning heroin withdrawal. He did a good job at hiding it though.

As we pulled into the hotel parking lot, my chest tightened with the knowledge of our coming separation. I felt that same longing as I did at the zoo, only this time I couldn't just brush it off and go onto the next exhibit. This was, in a sense, the end of the road for us – the road that led us to rehab. Everything after this would be a new chapter, a new beginning in the literal sense for Edward.

I parked and the silence in the car suddenly seemed so deafening. There were so many things left unsaid.

My eyebrows furrowed as the reality of tonight's challenge set in. Edward would have to be in moderate withdrawal tomorrow morning in order to begin detox. If he didn't, the physical affects would be painfully amplified.

So they were basically asking Edward to take his last hit tonight, which was fine. It was what he needed to do.

Would he be able to quit, though? Taking heroin is like clockwork for him. Would he be able to refuse the pull once that time came around again?

"You okay, Bella?" Edward's voice broke me from my newfound fretting.

I turned to him with a lingering expression of fear.

"What's wrong?" he asked seriously.

He was aware of this, certainly. Why wasn't he afraid?

I couldn't just outright ask him if he could do it. For one, it would display a weakness in my trust, for two, he might not know. And that wouldn't soothe my worries. I could only hope that he read my questions in my gaze.

What if he couldn't do it? What if I came to him tomorrow morning to find he overdosed? What if things got so bad during the night that he realized he couldn't do it and sent me away? What if he decided he needed more time?

Something came over me then – the fear of losing him. A sob broke free and I flung myself to him, wrapping my arms tightly around his neck and just trying to get as close to him as possible.

"Bella?" He sounded worried but tightened his own grasp on me in response. He rubbed up and down by back a few times as I tried to hold in my tears. "Bella," he sighed.

It was no use. I couldn't hold the ridiculous tears any longer.

"I'm scared," I cried. And at that moment, I really was. I was terrified of losing him.

"Why?" he asked.

I swallowed and squeezed him tighter. "Tonight-- t-tomorrow…?" I managed to gasp.

He rubbed my back in quicker strokes. "Bella…" He sounded like a parent trying to convince their kid that the boogie monster wasn't real. "I'll be okay."

He pulled away slightly. My arms were strewn loosely around his neck, his hand were on my shoulders.

"I want to do this." He tilted his head closer to mine. "My decision's not going to change tomorrow morning."

He lifted a hand and brushed some tears away.

"How do you know?" I whimpered.

He half smiled. "Because I've already proved to you and myself that I can go into moderate withdrawal, as long as there's the promise of something at the end. Tomorrow, there's the promise of never having to go back peacefully.

I frowned.

He continued. "Bella, I'm not going to make this harder on myself by taking a hit when I shouldn't. You know that will only make withdrawal worse in the long run. I told you, I want to do this. I'm not going to mess up tomorrow."

I nodded and sighed, feeling a little more at ease. His words were comforting, and the way he said them, added to the effect.

He wanted to do this.

And I knew this all along, didn't I?

Maybe… maybe I just needed to be able to see it to completely grasp it.

I didn't want to be one of those people, but apparently I was.

I wouldn't be as worry free as I had fooled myself into being at the zoo today for a long time. But perhaps, once Edward had settled into rehab, these worries and anxieties would be assuaged with the knowledge that he was in a secure environment.

I could only hope…

"Okay?" Edward checked for approval.

I nodded and pulled him close once again, resting my head on his shoulder and breathing in his scent, storing it away for memory.

And I was okay - for now. I was in Edward's arms and he was in mine. He still wanted to get clean and I believed that I could trust him to make it through the night and be ready for tomorrow.

What other choice did I have?

…

"I'm so relieved!" Alice breathed with her hand over her chest.

I had just relayed the day's important events to her. She deserved to know. From the moment I walked in she was waiting anxiously for me to update.

I nodded.

"Oh, Bella, you're doing great!" She exclaimed this quickly in response to my vacant expression.

"Thanks," I sighed. "I'm just really tired right now. Emotionally and physically draining day…"

She nodded in understanding.

That night we finished The Three Amigos. I couldn't pretend to be worry free though. I tried to, but was just too tired.

I felt really lucky to have a friend like Alice though. She had been nothing but understanding and sympathetic from the beginning. And I knew that she'd always be there for me.

She took care of me in many ways that night; letting me lean my head on her shoulder as sleep over took me, shutting the television off when the movie was finished, covering me up with a blanket, setting my alarm…

I thanked her for many things the next morning. She just assured me that it was no problem and wished me luck for the day. She also turned around with worry and said to be careful. I assured her that I would.

It was the least I could do.

Edward texted me and said he was ready.

After gathering a few gifts so was I. In the technical sense.

I was so nervous that I threw up, just when I thought I was ready to leave. I sat on the bathroom floor for a few moments as the room spun around me.

There was nothing I could do to avoid this upcoming event. It was practically here. I knew it. Edward knew it.

And we needed it.

I couldn't be afraid of it any longer.

I had to let Edward go.

I had to trust him.

As I brushed my teeth for the second time that morning, I gained some confidence. But it was mostly just the fact that I now had to rush after my little shenanigan with the toilet.

I had no choice.

I didn't want one.

The next thing I know I'm pulling into the hotel parking lot again.

Butterflies swirled in my stomach as I made my way out of the car, onto sidewalk, through the entrance, into the lobby.

Edward was there waiting for me, his luggage in tow, and a forced smile in place. I gave him one of my own, and walked up to him.

As I got closer, I noticed there was a layer of sweat across his forehead. His skin took on a sickly tone again and he looked exhausted. I took this as a good sign. Edward appeared to be following the rules.

The trip to Kirkland would take us at least a half hour, depending on traffic. And for that, I was thankful. Just a little more time with Edward…

He wasn't in the greatest mood, but I could tell he was trying for my sake.

We didn't talk about the more serious topics until later in the trip, when our time was really running out.

We were pulling into the final road that would take us to the center. Trees surrounded us and the sun failed to peak through.

"I just want to remind you of how proud I am." I said quickly in a high voice.

Edward sniffled. He had been doing that all morning. It was another side effect. "I know."

"You've made it this far," I took a deep breath. "Don't give up."

I pulled through the clearing and Kirkland finally came into view. It too was surrounded by trees, very secluded. There was a large, main building covered in bricks. Bordering the trees were a chain of white, one story houses. Together, they looked like a motel. The place looked dated even from the outside.

But I admired its location, secluded from the hostility of the city, deep inside the forest.

I bit my lip as I put the car in park. We were here. This was it.

Edward was biting at his sweatshirt sleeve as he sat tensely, staring out the window.

Even though I wasn't the one about to go through detox, I was extremely nervous: I had to say goodbye to him. Everything from the past two days led up to this, to this moment of change. Life wouldn't continue the same after this.

I put my hand on Edward's shoulder, feeling the familiar spark that had – in a way – started it all.

"You'll be okay, Edward." I said quietly.

He took a few deep breaths but continued chewing on his sleeve in a desperate manner.

I found that I was the one sniffling this time. "We don't want to keep them waiting."

He nodded before releasing his sweater from his teeth and turning to me. His eyes were wide, nearly black – his pupils were so dilated. I don't think I've ever seen eyes so black outside of a vampire movie.

And it scared me, but not as much as the coming separation.

"I should go," he trailed off.

We both looked simultaneously towards the building. He would soon go in and get admitted. And I'd leave him here. I looked at the dashboard for the time. We were already late.

I nodded. We both got out of the car. The doors slammed. The sound was amplified. Everything seemed so surreal. I was beginning to feel lightheaded.

This really was it.

Edward grabbed his lone suitcase; I grabbed my two gifts, realizing that I had to give them to him now or never. So soon…

He walked around the car before setting his luggage down, staring at me.

I offered him my little gift. It was simple, a journal, and my book on top, wrapped in a blue cloth bow.

"Here, I brought these for you." I stammered. "It-- It's a journal incase you might need one, and my book incase you get bored."

He looked down at the gift, before taking it into his hands. I saw his eyes soften. He bit his lip when he looked back up at me. Then he placed the gifts on the roof of my car without a second glance, before pulling me to him and lifting me off the ground.

I could barely breathe but it didn't matter. I wrapped my arms tightly around his neck and contemplated never letting him go.

"Thank you so much, Bella." He whispered this quietly before kissing me on my head. "You mean so much to me." He continued on in a quieter tone. "Thank you."

He kissed me again but this time on my ear. Goose bumps erupted on the spot and traveled down my neck. He sat me down, but didn't put any space between us. He titled his head down towards mine, and it was then that I could see he was crying. His eye lashes were wet, and there were tears streaming down his face relentlessly.

"Oh, Edward," I whimpered, pulling him closer. "I'm going to miss you so much."

He sobbed harder into my shoulder. "I have to go…"

I held him tighter for a moment before nodding and abruptly pulling myself away from him.

He sniffled as he picked up his gifts and luggage.

The path to the entrance grew shorter too soon. The doors were in front of us now. Edward laughed – or cried – hysterically before we went in. I gazed up at him in question. He dug around in his coat pocket before pulling out his cell phone.

"I almost forgot, I can't have this here." He placed it in my hand after shutting it off.

And then we opened the doors, and were greeted with a dated room that had the same vibe that Lakeside had yesterday – uncertainty I had named it.

The floors were covered in industrial carpet and the walls were covered in brick. The layout was similar to Lakeside, just scaled down a few sizes. The room had only one other door, one with no windows, no way to hint at what was behind it.

At the end of the room, there was a large area cut out of the wall, office space was visible behind the lady at the desk.

Edward wiped his eyes and took a deep breath before treading over to her. I followed him but found it harder to compose myself.

She gazed at us with a rueful smile as we neared.

"Hi, I'm Edward Cullen".

The woman nodded cheerfully and found his file immediately.

"Okay, it appears they're all ready for you. Come on back." She said this getting up from her chair and disappearing from sight.

Edward fisted his hand in his hair and groaned. I wrapped my arms around his waist. He didn't respond.

"It'll be okay, Edward. You can do this." I whispered repeatedly into his chest.

I had to do something, anything now. Whether he needed the assurance or not, or whether it was because he was losing hope, I had to talk to him. I had to make sure that when I left this building, I wouldn't regret not encouraging him enough.

"I really am going to miss you… but I know you'll do fine, Edward." I squeezed him harder, not caring if my words were too wistful.

"I know you will," he whispered.

The door unlatched behind us and suddenly another presence was in the room.

We had to say good bye.

Edward wrapped an arm around me and squeezed me tightly before whispering, "I have to go."

And that was it.

I clung to him desperately and sobbed even harder. He leaned down to my ear.

"I'll think of you always."

And then he pulled away, grabbed his luggage, and left.

I didn't turn around to watch.

I'd really like to know your thoughts on this chapter... kinda nervous.

Those of you waiting for some ExB action, I only ask for your patience.

Still bored? Check out my oneshot Just South of Knowing, written for the "For My Valentine" Contest. I just did it for fun though.

Thanks for reading!