TWENTY

Friday afternoon

"Edward Cullen. God, have I missed you."

He smells just as good as he used to as Bella inhales his scent. She can identity the musky, boyish aftershave that he used to wear back in sixth form; after they'd had sex one time, he told her that it was a Christmas present for his mother. It smells comforting, transporting Bella back to a cherished safe haven.

The words he muttered still burn in the back of her mind, and the scars haven't yet healed on her heart, but she pushes through the pain, merely content with seeing a familiar face so far from home.

While he smells the same, his appearance isn't as cocky as it used to be. Without Emmett and Jess around him, Edward looks small, scared, a shell of his former self, almost. His skin is paler than before, if that was even possible, and she can see his hands shaking slightly. His hair is scruffy, and a few strands have fallen in front of his eyes.

She pictures running her hands through it once more.

"Wait, do you two know each other?" Jake asks; Bella realises she has held onto Edward for slightly too long. She steps backwards.

"Yeah. We used to go to sixth form together. It's a small world, isn't it?"

"Nice one, loca." Jake plants a kiss on Bella's cheek; she notices Edward freeze. "I'll leave you two to catch up. See you in a bit."

As Jake walks off, Bella takes the pint glass out of Edward's hand, setting it down on the table before them. "You don't want this cheap shit. Come on, let me get you the good stuff."

She takes his hand in her's and drags him towards the bar. A fair group of students huddle around the countertop, but Bella uses her shoulder to push through the crowd. Angela is working tonight, so they should get served quickly. A few titters rise around her, but she doesn't care. Her confidence is wholly unbreakable.

"Pick your poison."

"Uhh, Bella…you really don't have to get me one…it should be me buying them."

"Edward, we're living in an age of empowered women. Now, let me get you a drink."

"I'm not sure…"

"Alright, I'll order for you then." She waves her hand in the air and Angela comes over. They wrap their arms around each other over the counter. "Ang, can I get two Jagerbombs and two double vodka Cokes. Thank God it's fucking Friday."

Angela giggles and begins pouring out their drinks. "Who's your friend."

"How rude of me! Edward, Angela: we're doing the same degree. Angela, Edward: we used to go to school together."

"Nice to meet you, Edward. Can't believe you've had the pleasure of knowing our Bella for such a long time. I'm very jealous, I must say."

"Yeah, she's great."

Bella pays for the drinks with her debit card and holds out a Jagerbomb towards Edward. He looks startled.

"Come on, don't be a pussy."

Clinking glasses, she drains her shot and he follows suit. The thick liquor coats her throat and burns as she swallows.

"Fancy a cigarette?"

Don't worry guys, we're just at the beginning of their university experience! I can assure you a lot is about to go down ;)

Happy reading! :D