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storyline - "Informant"
prompt - stardust
In the days following our little scare, things felt different. At least, to me they did.
Our conversation that day had been a turning point for our relationship and definitely for me. I'd told him in so many words that he was the one for me, and he'd replied by saying – in so many words – not to hold my breath. I could see he was conflicted, and that he wanted to be with me, but he also wanted to do the right thing…whatever that was.
He confused me. One day he was upset with me for leaving his bed without saying goodbye, and the next he was saying that we might not have a future. It was time for me to clear the stardust from my eyes and be realistic about things. This was my life, not a sweet little fairy tale even if Edward was my knight in shining armor for all intents and purposes.
So with a heavy heart I started to withdraw. I don't know if he was taking a little time out, too, or if he was simply responding to me, but he seemed distant as well. We both worked all day but now that I had access to the nursery's truck, I drove myself to and from work.
We still saw one another, obviously. It's not like we were fighting. But we didn't talk or kiss as much, and we definitely didn't sleep together. It was easy to blame long work hours and the summer heat on our mutual "exhaustion". At least we were on the same page in that regard.
I couldn't even find it in myself to be bitter. I was just tired. Tired of the emotional roller coaster that was my life. And really, I had no one to blame but myself. Things had calmed down in terms of my witness protection and being placed in Amherst. Nothing seemed to be awry, and I knew the Marshalls dealing with my case were vigilant. I could have a drama free existence if I chose to.
About a week and half went by. I was at a deli in town, grabbing something to eat, when an ad on the bulletin board caught my eye. There was a townhouse for rent not too far away, about halfway between town and Esme's. Grabbing the flyer, I quickly paid for my food and set out to look at the place. If there was ever a good time to distance myself from Edward's house, it was now.
Keeping one eye on the road, I retrieved my cell from my purse and called the number on the flyer. A woman answered and, once I'd explained my reason for calling, enthusiastically encouraged me to stop by.
The moment I pulled up to the townhouse I was glad I hadn't settled for anything else. It was near enough to town that I wouldn't have to go far for what I needed, and yet also relatively close to both the nursery and Edward. There were flowers and shrubs and full, tall trees, exactly what I'd imagined for a place of my own.
Mrs. Black was friendly and talkative, immediately inviting me in. The space itself wasn't big, but the architecture was old fashioned and gorgeous. Plus it was sparsely furnished which worked for me, seeing as I hadn't any furniture. Based on my earnings and the housing voucher I was set to receive from the program, I would be able to afford rent.
I left feeling buoyant and relieved. Maybe a little bit of space was what Edward and I needed to take some of the strain and pressure off of our situation.
Esme was thrilled when I told her the news, saying she was familiar with the property and knew Mrs. Black from around town. She promised to help me on moving day, which I'd decided would be in one week. I didn't have too much to move, but the fact that she was so willing to help but sweet.
I was outside beneath a tree, reading and soaking up the sun dappling through the leaves when Edward came home. He smiled when he saw me and made his way over, kicking his shoes off before crossing the creek. For the first time in a few days my heart swelled for him, and suddenly I was sad that I would be leaving, even though there was no denying it was the best thing I could do for myself.
"Hey," he said, coming to stand above me.
Always so handsome. My stomach ached.
"I have good news," I said, setting my book down, open against the grass.
He raised his eyebrows, slipping his hands into his pockets.
"I found a place. I'm moving next Friday."
"Where?"
"Outside town, a little ways off the main road…" I explained to him where it was and told him all about my meeting with Mrs. Black.
"Oh, I know where that is. Didn't even know it was up for rent," he mused, rubbing the stubble on his chin.
"She said the last tenants vacated a month ago," I explained.
He nodded, watching me quietly. Then he extended his hand.
I took it, grabbing my book as I stood.
"So that's that, then," he said softly, tugging me closer.
My heart squeezed. "What do you mean?"
"We won't be neighbors anymore."
I shook my head.
"I'll still…" he trailed off, looking very my shoulder.
"Maybe we should just… call it like it is," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Have you been avoiding me?" he whispered, his face now inches away from mine.
"I see you every day," I sighed, my eyes growing blurry and hot. Dammit… I was such a crybaby when it came to things like this.
"Avoiding me here," he insisted, touching his pointer finger to where my heart was.
I nodded slowly. "You too."
"I don't know what to do," he said, his voice pained. He put his arms around me, burying his face in to my neck. "I'm supposed to be focusing on work but instead all I can ever think about is you."
How was I supposed to maintain a brave face when he was spilling his heart and being all earnest?
He pulled back when he heard me sniffle, rubbing his cheek against mine, getting his face wet.
His lips were so soft when I kissed him, holding myself as close to him as I could.
