So, all in all my new clan was filling up my vampire self like a puzzle, each piece meticulously crafted to be useful forever. I appreciated it, I really did. But I would be lying to myself if I didn't say I was waiting. All the time spent with others, I was waiting. For him.
For Edward. He was by far, my least frequent visitor. I was a little offended until Jasper mentioned that Edward was trying to be everywhere at once. He was our most effective surveillancer and seemed to be endlessly on patrol.
When he did take a shift with me, I knew it before he arrived. I knew it, not like Alice, with fluttering eyes and deep slips in consciousness. But the knowing started deep inside me, when I could feel the excitement pour like champagne through my veins. Bubbling and effervescent, the nearness of him started a symphony of butterflies and magic.
He would open the door quietly and my eyes would find him. Rudely, my conversation would stop mid-word with whomever was in front of me at the time. Sometimes, I would apologize and try and find my way back to the conversation, but my eyes would have trouble peeling from his.
Carlisle, excused himself on one such afternoon, snickering happily to himself and mumbling, "I know how to pick 'em".
Edward would greet me the same way each time, "Sasha." My name never sounded so beautiful, it was as soft as a pillow and filled with beauty coming from his sinful lips. At first I was ashamed of my thoughts of almost delirious happiness at the sight of him, so much so, I made feeble attempts to block them.
Edward stopped this almost immediately. He put one of his soft hands to my cheek, "Don't censor your thoughts, they bring me delight."
Really? I spent ungodly amounts of time visualizing my hand running through his hair.
"You never lie, at least not that I have ever noticed. It is rare and endearing." Well ,ok then.
I let my thoughts flow freely after that little revelation. As much as I liked him around as eye candy, he too seemed to have a piece to my puzzle.
"Anything?" his sunshine colored eyes probed deeply into mine.
No. Not even a hint. He wanted to know if I had seen any ghosts.
"Have you tried?" We were in a disagreement about that. I was totally against trying to see one on purpose. Edward felt that trying in this controlled place might be safest.
Edward. I know I should, really, I do. But I am alone in my head. No one comes to beg me for anything. It is just nice.
He took my hand, which melted all my resolve to try and appear coherent.
"You are supposed to be talking out loud." Edward's reprimand was dismissed. I found it too natural to think to him.
I feel normal. I may be a blood-sucking vampire, but I am finally getting to feel like a real girl. Don't take that away, Geppetto.
He changed the subject, "Well, Sasha, you have made an impact on the family. They are crazy about you, even Rosalie. Which is impressive."
I couldn't stop looking at our hands twirled together, like they belonged to each other.
They are too kind to try so hard with me.
"I have a surprise for you," he looked excited and a little guilty.
Ok! What is it? He had not carried anything into the penthouse, so I doubted it was an animal.
"No, not a snack," he led me to the door.
I put the brakes on when he opened the door to the outside world.
Really?
"If that's ok with you?" he looked out from underneath his lashes.
I nodded as he led me to a stairwell at he end of the hall.
He walked backwards up the stairs, and watched me as he held my hand. I took the steps gingerly, slightly unsure of leaving my prison for the first time. He opened the door to the roof without looking at it.
As the door opened behind to reveal the rooftop tableau, I flashed back to the dying night.
Edward pulled me into a hug, "I am sorry, I didn't think about this that way." His words fell on the top of my head. In his arms, the champagne in my veins doubled it's effort. I took the chance to lay my head on his chest.
Safe.
Home.
I am fine, he won't take rooftops from me, I leaned my head back to encourage him with my smile.
Edward nodded and stepped backwards to lead me the rooftop, which was much more beautiful than the one I died on.
The Cullens had created an outdoor retreat. They had paved the roof with patio stone and Esme's golden touch revealed itself in the lush greenery. The sky-high garden was sprinkled with a few glowing tea light candles.
I couldn't help feel my heart soar at the romantic setting. His face reflected my feelings with a wide smile.
He reached in his pocket and retrieved a watch.
"A few more seconds," he tilted my head away from his face, until I was looking at the over-bright city nighttime sky.
"Look up, and keep looking up no matter what." I waited, looking at this sky that had disappointed me on many human occasions.
With the sucking sound of energy lost, all the lights in the city extinguished.
I couldn't help the gasp that slipped through my lips.
With the lights out, the stars twinkled through the night sky. I felt the laugh start in my feet.
I threw my arms out and stepped back from Edward. I began to spin to take in each and every star in the sky.
I stopped again and just stood. I could spot the big dipper, just like when I was a kid on Karen's driveway.
I focused my eyes back on his candlelit face. His smile was so welcoming.
You did this. You turned off the city and gave me my stars back.
"Guilty as charged," the aww shucks smile was followed by an equally charming shuffle of his feet.
I walked slowly until he was right in front of me. My hand found its way to his chiseled jaw.
I love it. Thank you. In the same instant that I put my lips to his in a soft kiss, the lights illuminated the sky again, washing my stars away.
That was perfect.
"You are welcome. Thank you for taking giant lemons and making lemonade. You could be here driving everyone crazy, hating us all. But you are just going with the flow. I expected to feel awful, being responsible for your change. Instead, I find your mind full of the positive," Hearing him commend me for being exactly who I was made me endlessly proud.
I was getting it right.
Guessing I had a limited amount of time that anyone trusted me out of the penthouse, I turned to go head inside.
Edward wouldn't budge and held my hand. I looked at him with my head cocked questioningly.
"If we are going to have our first kiss, let's do it right," Edward pulled on my hand until I was wrapped in his arms. He quickly dipped me, dramatically. I squealed in surprise and gripped him harder. He waited until I was quiet, then held his lips just above mine.
"Sasha," was all he said. He allowed his lips a much longer kiss then I had allowed mine. He tasted so incredible, I found myself digging my hands in his hair.
When we finally broke the kiss, I knew I was in for it.
I am falling for you.
"We are falling together then," he looked victorious and sexy all at once.