Hi guys! Sorry, there was no update yesterday... So instead, I'll update two chapters today.

Okay, so now going back to the past Edward...

As always, thanks so much to all those who read, followed, and reviewed the story. I really appreciate it.

The story is complete. So, it will have daily updates. This story is not betad. So any mistakes are my own. Hope you like it. Please review and let me know.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 21

Seven Years Ago

EPOV

I lean on the railing and gaze down the cliff. The lush green forest below dancing as the winds move. I breathe in the fresh air and close my eyes for a moment. Why did I agree to come on this stupid hiking trip?

My mind flashes to them again. Jacob and Bella. What does she see in him? He follows her around and slobbers over her like a dog.

"I'll go wherever you're going." The dog practically confesses to her in front of me. And all she can do is gaze at him and smile sweetly? What if she likes him back too?

"Watch out." A familiar voice calls out. I startle slightly and then turn. Jacob is standing there, grinning proudly.

I simply arch an eyebrow.

His smile widens. "What? You trying to jump?"

"You wish. I'm not getting out of your way that easily."

He huffs out a short laugh. "You, making it easy for me? I wouldn't dream of it."

He walks up to me and leans on the railing beside me. We are both silent for a long time.

"You're fighting a losing battle." I finally say, gazing at the view in front of me. I feel his eyes on me and turn as well. "Bella and I have always belonged together."

He smiles and then raises his brow in challenge. "Does she know that?"

I hesitate. When I can't come up with a response, he starts. "Bella is naively optimistic. But more than that, she's careless. She carries her heart on her sleeve. And it is out there for anyone to trample on." He looks at me pointedly.

I open my mouth to respond but he interrupts. "But I'll protect her even when she refuses to protect herself."

I glare at him. "She is not yours to protect," I say through clenched teeth.

He glares back. "I love her." He declares. I freeze. Of course, I knew that he liked her. He is shamelessly obvious about it. But I didn't expect it to be… love.

He continues. "And I know she likes you. But I don't care."

My jaw hardens at his words and I fight the urge to clock him in the jaw. I step closer and look him in the eyes. "Regardless, she is not your concern."

For a moment, he narrows his eyes at me, fury emanating from him. Then, his eyes turn sober. "One of these days, when you run away from her, you'll turn back to see that she's not running after you anymore, that she's tired to chase after you over and over."

A jolt of fear goes through me at his words and I turn away from him then. I start to angrily walk away when he calls out, "I'll wait for that day."

I falter. My fist clench at my sides and I squeeze my eyes shut at the thought of Jacob being any close to my Bella. I want to turn around and pummel him to death, but I simply stalk away from him furiously.

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I'll see you in the next chapter.

~SunAndMoon42