A/N: This is the last regular chapter.

CHAPTER 11: SHINE

Once the meeting was over, they walked out together. Her arms were folded over her chest, while his hands were stuffed into his pocket. They headed to the parking lot silently, no words, but a thousand emotions being conveyed between them. She stopped in front of her car and looked around. His Volvo was nowhere to be seen. She didn't know how he'd gotten there without his car, and she didn't bother to ask. Neither of them said a word, but a sense of mutual understanding played out as she climbed into the driver's side, while he jumped into the passenger's.

They remained quiet throughout the way, but when Bella stopped the car outside her home, they both knew where they were headed.

It was darker outside than their usual rendezvous, but there was just enough light for them to be able to find their way.

Bella released a huge breath once they'd sat in their usual spot, the intangible magic of the place enveloping her in its comforting embrace.

She'd missed this . . . she'd missed him.

"I missed you," he confessed quietly, and her eyes snapped up in shock, wondering if he'd heard her thoughts. But he went on before she could say a word. "I came here every day in the past week and waited for you, Bella. I'd wait forever for you."

"Edward," she breathed.

"He was an ass," he spat suddenly. "The worst kind of vermin to walk the earth. He didn't deserve you . . . not one bit." He scooted closer, her breath catching in her throat when his palms rose to frame her face. "You deserve all the happiness in the world, Bella. You think you're broken . . . so am I. Who isn't? But I see the gold streaks in your scars. I see how they shine. The world deserves to see them, too. Stop hiding yourself, love. Step out of the darkness. Accept the light. Let it make you shine the way you were always meant to."

"I'm so sorry," she whispered through her tears. "I'm sorry for what I said to you. I didn't know . . . I di—"

"Shhh," he soothed. "How could you have known? And I understand now how hard it must've been for you to trust me."

"It's the hardest thing I've ever done." His face fell, so she rested her palm against his cheek, making him look into her eyes as she said, "But it has been worth it . . . every second, every tear, every breath . . . it was worth it."

For a moment, they simply looked at each other. Then he leaned in, ever so slowly, giving her all the time in the world to retreat.

But she didn't.

Instead, she closed the last few centimeters between them, brushing her lips over his in a feather-light caress that felt as natural as breathing. That was all it took to embolden him and he drew her closer, bringing their mouths together with more fervor.

Their lips whispered a language of their own, while hands worked their way around bodies, feeling each dip and curve, their breaths mingling into one.

In his arms, she let go of fear, she let go of mistrust, she let go of the shroud she'd worn to protect her heart.

She held on to him . . . she held on to her happiness.

A/N: An epilogue to follow soon.

Pics for each chapter—including the one that inspired this story in the first place—can be found in my FB group: Fanfiction by ForeverRobsessed. Follow the link on my profile.