Church

THE BIRDS CHIRPING FILLED THE ROOM. I SLOWLY ROLLED MY BODY UP AND closed the window. Last night was the best sleep I'd had in years, even though I was sick. As I turned from the windows, my eyes landed on a hot bowl of chicken noodle soup. When I took my first bite I felt my cheeks warm. Then something different happened, I began to giggle. Never in my life had I ever giggled, why would I now?

When the soup was finished I began changing. My parents were still in their room, so everything was a lot easier.

Once outside, I began down the street and went to the nearest church. The inside was warm and comforting. The ushers at the front greeted me and shook my freezing hand. I greeted them, then scanned the room. His bronze hair caught me. He was looking straight at me. He had heard me coming through the doorway. I began walking towards him, and once there, I went the other isle.

He scoffed and came over to me.

"Was that really necessary?" he hissed.

"Yes, it was."

"Liar."

I looked at him hatefully then smiled.

"I made you laugh." he said triumphantly.

"Did you now?"

"Yup. This morning."

"That was a giggle…but thanks for the soup."

"No problem."

"It's pretty scary you can come into my house without me knowing."

"How else am I going to keep you safe?"

His question caught me off guard.

"Why would you want to keep me safe?"

"Because, you are different from others. I can be my old self around you."

I gave him a puzzled look.

"I'm glad," I whispered, "I've never felt safe until I was around you."

He laughed then Carlisle came and sat next to him. Then the sermon began and ended. Carlisle went to talk to the pastor while Edward and I went outside.

We sat on the hill in the grass. I fiddled with the wet grass and he played with my hair.

"Why do you come to church?"

"Maybe, if I pray and believe, I can get answers, and things will change." I looked at him, which caused him to drop my hair. "You?"

It took him a while to answer. He was thinking about the proper answer, I could see it in his eyes.

"Carlisle believes, and I think it's only right to believe with him. Plus I knew you would be coming."

I nodded then stood up.

"You have to go?" he asked sadly, already knowing the answer.

"Yes. I'm sorry, but my parents will wonder where I am."

"Be safe."

"I'll try." I replied quietly, hoping he didn't hear.

When I got home, my parents were there. Inside there were boxes and luggage. No.

It wasn't possible.

Not now.

"There you are!" her voice stung my ears like poison burned the throat.

"Are we leaving?" my voice was barely a whisper.

"Get out."

"What?"

"Leave, and don't come back." she said the same sentence with more words.

"Okay…" my voice trailed as I left the house.

It was noon. Families walked together. Laughing, smiling, chatting. Everyone was happy. Then their was me, filled with sorrow. I walked up to the park I had scene a few days ago. I moved to a swing and sat. My feet kicked slowly, and I wasn't really swinging, just rocking back and forth, in a daze. I didn't notice Edward sit on the swing next to me. We just sat there for awhile. Watching people come and go. Laughing and playing in sheer joy.

"Are you okay?" Edward asked.

"I guess. I should probably be happy, but the feeling isn't coming. Not yet."

He didn't say anything, just kept swinging.

The day was cloudy. That was the first thing the struck me. My sense were coming back. Not realizing it, I had shifted into my dead state.

"Sorry." I said looking at Edward.

He wasn't paying attention. He was looking at some kids over in a corner of the park. They were smiling, yelling, and laughing at each other. Playing a game of tag I realized. My mood lightened. A smile moved on my face.

"Why did you come here?" Edward asked me, not turning from the kids.

"I like seeing happy families." I answered truthfully.

I loved to see families happy together. It made me believe it was possible. I needed that hope right now. How could they not want me anymore. I wanted that family on the corner. I wanted the portrait family, with everyone smiling and loving each other. It wasn't fair that I couldn't have it. I'd never did anything wrong. Never hurt someone for my own joy. Hell, I let other people hurt me for their joy.

Edward began stroking my back. Making small circles on it.

"You deserve better." I swore I heard him say it.

A scream filled the park and our heads flung around. Next to the slide, and small girl was on the ground. She was on her butt, her hands behind her and her knees together in front. With a quick movement Edward covered his mouth and nose and got up. He left. Quickly.

Her knee was bleeding.

She kept crying, then a boy about a year older than her came over. He touched her shoulder and she sobbed looking at him.

"I told you not to go down without me." he said quietly.

"I'm….sorry…." she cried between sobs.

The boy tore his sleeve and wiped the wound then kissed it.

"See all better." he smiled at her.

Her sobs slowed and she smiled at him.

"Thank…you.."

"Haha, that's what I'm here for."

He picked her and carried her away. Edward came back after awhile. When he did, it was near dusk. I had to go home. No other choice. I couldn't let him know.

We walked back. When we were in front of the house, we both stopped. I gulped and he grabbed my hand when I began to the door. I looked at him, but his eyes and face were glued to the house. He looked horrified. I was soon able to free my hand and he looked at me with the most scared face I had ever known.

Some how, we both knew what was coming. But neither of us could go without it happening.

"Goodbye Edward." I whispered. I wanted to cry, not leave. But I had to. I went to the door and looked behind. He was still there.

I entered.