I do not own Twilight.
The metal door behind us opens gently, but loudly and we both glance back, watching as one of the guards slips into the room. Another follows. It's the man with the folder, the chart of Edward's life, Officer Toul.
I'm confused as to why they've approached, but Edward only moves back in his chair and then stands. Whatever is happening, it's nothing new for him.
I look from Officer Toul to Edward and back.
"Time is up," Officer Toul says with a soft shrug. His tone is gentle and I wonder how long we've been in this room. It feels like it's been forever, and then not long enough.
I look up at Edward, glued to my own chair. He's standing by the table, ready to be re-cuffed and sent back to his cell. He stares at the ground and I don't know if he plans to say anything else before he goes, but I stand quickly before they can shuffle him away.
We're close now, closer than when we were sitting and he seems to lean back slightly, almost involuntarily. Protecting himself again, I think.
"I won't come back if you don't want me to," I say, my voice low and even because I don't want him to feel obligated to speak to me, especially if this is no longer at the request of a therapist.
His eyes snap to mine. He's so much taller than I remembered. I have to tilt my head slightly to catch his gaze, which is hesitant, cautious.
"I want you to," he says and though his voice is unwavering, his eyes are still careful. I wonder if he wants me back to fix us, or simply because he won't talk to anyone else. I don't know which option I'm hoping for.
I nod and then wet my lips which have suddenly become so dry. "Talk to Emmett, please," I say, hoping it's one request he will adhere to. "He's desperate to help you."
His emerald eyes dance between mine until finally he nods—once, but it's enough. I can read the guilt on his face. I want to touch him; nothing big, nothing powerful, just a simple hand resting on an arm, but I refrain because I think I've already mixed more signals than I meant to today.
"I'll come back next week," I say instead and watch as his eyes light up just a hint. He looks away before I can react, and nods again.
"Cullen," Officer Toul says and I watch as Edward follows after them.
I hate that he knows the system so well now.