ENTRY 9
SPARKS

The 4th of July.

It's one of the most important days on the American calendar and one of the busiest for emergency services.

I watch our volunteer firefighters as they observe our school's festivities, and one man, in particular, catches my eye and the eyes of every other female. He's wearing the same uniform as the others, but I'd recognize Edward Cullen a mile away. Nothing can disguise that jawline, those thighs, and that ass.

As he moves through the crowd, I watch parents, fellow teachers; even some students become mesmerized by the charm and charisma he possesses. I should know; I've been in love with him my entire life.

Of course, he hasn't a clue.

"You should get over there and save him from the leeches," Alice says. Lauren and Jess have Edward surrounded like a pack of wolves desperate for their next meal.

"How long are you gonna be happy watching him from afar? Life can change in the blink of an eye, Bella. You never know what's around the corner."

Alice is right. I'm a confident, independent woman. It's about time I make a move.

"You're right!" I tell a gobsmacked Alice.

I approach, feeling my confidence surge the closer I get because this is Edward, the guy who looks after me when I have a little too much to drink ... The guy who beat the shit out of Mike Newton when he pushed me over in fourth grade. The guy who fixed my car when it broke down. I love this man with a fierceness that terrifies me.

But … I could ruin our friendship by what I'm about to do.

No, I can't think that way.

And then, he turns, and his eyes meet mine, and something changes—shifts.

I'm barely aware of the crowd or the fireworks erupting around us when he hits me with that crooked smile. His head tilts to one side, and he's looking like he's trying to figure out a mystery, which he must solve because his smile splits across his face.

I'm in front of him now.

My arms reach up like I've done a thousand times before, but this time is different ... significant.

"Hi."

"Hi," he whispers back, his eyes alight with happiness. "You finally figured it out, Bella?"

"Edward … I."

Just as I'm about to form the words I've long kept hidden, a call comes in on his radio.

"Fire at the Res. Some kids decided to have their own fireworks display. Backup requested."

Edward sighs, his arms drop from around my waist as he takes the call.

"We're on our way. ETA fifteen minutes."

"Be careful," I warn, fighting the instinct to wrap my arms around him and never let him go.

"I'll be back to continue this, Bella ..." He points between the two of us before his lips brush mine.

He pulls away, and as lights explode around us, I feel that spark between us, and I know he does too.

… Finally

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