Hello everyone,

This was a struggle for me. I wrestled with this chapter and which way to take this story. I decided to stick with my gut, and I'm not sure how people will like it. Anyway, you all wanted a twist and a twist I promised.

Thanks so much for reading, reviewing, favoriting, and following.

I may extend this until November 1. Haven't decided yet.

Please review ...

Bella-

I shoved to my feet feeling like a complete fool. It wasn't just a feeling.

I was a fool.

Fuck this.

I wouldn't sit here and feel sorry for myself.

Fine.

It was a one-night stand. People had them all the time. I would take it for what it was and keep the memories for those lonely nights.

I would think this was all a figment of my imagination, but the lingering ache convinced me it had all been quite real. I almost left his cloak lying in the dirt.

I shouldn't want a reminder of a guy who stalked me until he got laid. I wanted to smack his handsome face. That's what I really wanted to do.

Still, I retrieved the cloak from the ground, tucking it over my arm. Adjusting my clothes the best I could, I let myself out of the gate and made the walk of shame to the subway.

I could still feel his touch. I could smell the aroma of his cologne on my skin. I could still taste him on my tongue.

The heat from his gaze was no longer present. Normally, I felt the hot trail of his gaze skating down my spine by now.

Nope. Nothing.

With a snag of disappointment starting to fester, I waited for the double doors to open, and slipped into the car. A quick survey of the area turned up no stalker, no Edward.

What the actual fuck? Had he fucked and dumped me in a matter of hours?

I could've sworn our connection was stronger, made of armor. It had felt impenetrable, real, ever-lasting.

I was such an idiot. I was a fool. There weren't enough names I could call myself at the lowest point in my life.

My only solace was when I unlocked my door and hurried into my apartment.

Numb.

I was numb and it was perfectly preferable to the loss that would undeniably slam into me. I didn't want to think about him. I didn't want to think about being ditched in a beautiful garden after such a wonderful night.

My legs had a will of their own, and I found myself standing in front of my window. The blinds were pulled up, and I stared blankly across the street.

Every single day for the last month he'd watched me from that curb. Now it was empty. Devoid of life, nothingness staring back at me.

Determined to shove him from my mind, I headed to the bathroom after collecting some sweats. I studied my reflection, trailing the slope of my neck where his lips had been. Faint marks marred the skin there.

Nope. Hadn't been my imagination.

Sighing, I started the shower, and after washing just stood there, letting the hot water sink into my bones.

I didn't even feel remotely satisfied, but nonetheless, I turned the water off and climbed out. Wrapping a towel around me, I swiped at the fog covering the mirror.

I froze. I couldn't move.

There in the moisture left behind by my hand, I stared into deep, dark blue eyes. Fear knifed in my belly, and goosebumps raised the hair on my arms. The breath froze in my lungs, and every muscle went rigid.

How the fuck had he gotten into my apartment? I swear I remembered locking the door.

I wanted to turn and face him, but I couldn't move. I couldn't fucking move. Chills rippled down my spine, and I never broke his gaze.

Ever so slowly, I turned to face him, yet nothing stood behind me.

I was losing my damn mind. What the actual fuck was happening?

Oxygen filled my lungs and the fear holding me in place faded. I didn't understand, but then maybe it made perfect sense. Maybe I wanted him to be here so bad I was creating him in my space.

Sucking in a deep breath, I left the bathroom and dressed in my room. I was just calming down and running a brush through my hair when I heard a creak of floorboards in the hallway.

The same piercing terror stabbed my gut, and the air lodged in my throat. The same sensation of being watched crept over me.

Nervously, I held the brush as if I would actually have a fighting chance, and hesitantly, moved closer to the open doorway.

Nothing. There was nothing.

I was definitely going crazy. Whatever was happening was in my head.

I was on edge the rest of the day, wandering to the window several times, and was disappointed all over again. Feeling beyond sorry for myself, I grabbed the biggest bowl of ice cream and plopped onto my couch.

My fingers curled around the remote preparing to find something funny to draw me out of my melancholy when a movement from my peripheral caught my attention.

Just staring at the TV, I could see someone standing in my doorway. With the hair prickling on my nape, I turned to face the silhouette.

Nothing. There was nothing.

The cool slide of something ran down my cheek, and the faint traces of cologne tickled my nose.

That scent. I knew that scent. The warm, sensual, spice only he wore.

It wasn't possible.

How the fuck was he here, but not here?

My mind wouldn't let me go there. I didn't believe in supernatural shit, yet how could I ignore what was happening?

Just as I was fighting to understand, I felt a cool stream of breath slide down my neck.

"No. No. No."

My heart stopped. Letting my eyes close, I could feel everything as if he was right next to me.

Please review ...