Second Chances
By Ani aka Cherished Dreams
Disclaimer: I don't own Stephenie Meyer's characters. I own the plot though!
Side Story Ten point Five
He stares at the fragile glittering oval gold ring in his stone hands and he sees his mother again. She is laughing in this memory with her father's arm around her waist, tucking a flower behind her ear. It's not in black and white like the flickering films they had long ago, it's in bright colours and he doubts he'll ever forget them smiling down at him.
Another prominent face flickers in his memory. He remembers her face so much more clearly than his parents', the girl he loved, what seems to be so long ago now. He wonders where she is and how she's doing. Is she eating right? Is she still falling down and hurting herself? Her smile, her blush and laughter slide through his mind like a slideshow, crumbling his resolve.
He promised himself and to her, that he would protect her by staying away, but this creeping feeling doesn't help him keep that. It's taking a toll on his self control and he knows why. He stores the ring in its velvet lined box and tucks in it the family safe. He misses her but he'll keep her safe. For her happiness, for her life.
He doesn't have to breathe, but he sighs anyway. He misses her badly. Thoughts flicker in his direction, full of concern. He hears his father's voice calling him and he obliges by stopping in front of the great study. He enters after another thought passes.
"Edward," Carlisle says aloud shaking the silence. "I'll be heading over to Philadelphia for a lecture next week and was wondering if you'd accompany me for… no good reason?" he asks smiling mischievously.
Edward smiles at his new father and lets out a low chuckle at his hopeful expression, causing relieved thoughts to spill into his mind from around the house. "Sure dad."
Author's Note: Like Jacques from Finding Nemo after he cleans him - *bup* Voila!
I hope I'm not spoiling you guys will all these updates. See profile.