Angela wanted to tell people about the existence of vampires except nobody would believe her. She didn't even believe Edward when he told her until he crushed a cinder block like a cracker. She couldn't provide proof that the Cullens were vampires that couldn't be explained away. And she knew this because she had been explaining away their sheer oddness for the past two years like everybody else in town.

If Jessica or Lauren had come up to her and insisted with every fiber of their being that one of their classmates was Dracula, she wouldn't believe them. She would laugh and call them silly. She would say they were being mean by spreading rumors. She would reiterate that vampires weren't real until she was blue in the face. She would be wrong.

Having to keep the Cullens' secret to herself made her essentially mute as she feared blurting it out in the middle of the hallway or class. She might say it to the camera as Eric was filming a video. She might see one of the Cullens and greet them with "Hello Mr. or Ms. Vampire". All scenarios were bad.

She had to resort to telling her everyone she had a sore throat and didn't want to talk. English class was awkward. Angela could practically feel Edward's eyes on her and the few times she looked over her shoulder, his sad, sulking face was making her feel guilty and confused. She still didn't know where she stood on vampirism.

And she didn't know how to feel about his feelings for her. Truth be told, she never thought of him that way. Edward Cullen had spent two years creating a façade of superiority that discouraged any girl in school from trying to get his attention without being soundly rejected. The story of his rejection of Jessica in Freshman Year had spread and they all learned to stay away.

Not that they didn't look at Edward Cullen. He was too handsome not to be seen. They admired him like a painting in a museum. To be seen but never touched.

But now after all these weeks of seeing glimpses of what Edward hid beneath his façade, Angela liked what she saw. Despite her reservations, she was aware that most couples had awkward beginnings. Theirs just happened to be vampirism and Edward's terrible social skills. She didn't know how long he'd been alive in this world but she guessed he didn't spend that time talking to a lot of people.

Class ended and Angela gathered her things. She nearly jumped as an origami duck landed on her table. She got a glimpse of Edward's back leaving the classroom and she unfolded the paper duck. She noted that Edward's pretty, loopy handwriting was even prettier than hers.

Hi. As I said, take all the time you need. I do want to clarify that you're right. I have not spoken to a lot of people. And I've been around a while. – E

Smiling, she tucked the paper into her textbook and left the classroom.


Angela kept herself from saying anything about the supernatural by stuffing her face with food. Even if she said anything, it would come out as unintelligible noises. Eric was filming with his camcorder again and she was in the background of the footage, chewing her food as slow as she could. Eric had just shut off his camcorder when Emmett Cullen came over.

"Hi!" He greeted, cheerily. "I don't think any of us have ever been really introduced. I'm Emmett."

Eric warily stared at the other boy's hand. Emmett stood over him like Goliath staring down at David except Goliath was smiling and friendly. Eric shook his hand and made no comment about how cold Emmett's hands were. Another vampire trait Angela had missed was the temperature of Edward's skin.

"I'm Eric," Her friend swallowed. "Nice to meet you."

"No, man, nice to meet you!" Emmett took a seat at their table, right between her and Eric and she moved back to accommodate the giant. "I love your channel! I watch FLOSH every morning on the way to school."

Eric gaped at him. "Really?"

"Yeah! My siblings hate me because I watch your videos on repeat," Emmett said. "That part about Jasper, I laughed so hard I almost threw up."

Eric was speechless but pleased. He was nodding along to everything Emmett was saying. Angela looked over to the Cullens' table and saw them all watching. Rosalie, in particular, looked embarrassed and annoyed.

Alice smiled and waved at Angela enthusiastically until Edward stopped her. Angela waved back. Edward gave a small, unsure wave. Jasper started laughing and Edward shoved him.

"And you're Angela, right?"

She turned back to Emmett who was smiling widely at her.

"I feel like I know you already. Edward talks about you all the time," Emmett gave her a conspiring look. "I'm a huge fan of you throwing water at his face. It was all we talked about for the rest of the day."

"Wait," Jessica cut in. "You threw water at Edward's face, Ang? When did this happen?"

"Yesterday," She answered, her face going red with embarrassment. She still remembered how Edward looked like a wet duck. "He was over at my house."

That got all of her friends' attention. They all looked at her intrigued and surprised. Eric was even trying to turn on his camera again. Angela slapped his hand to stop him. He smiled sheepishly.

Mike asked, "Why was Edward at your house?"

Tyler jumped in. "Since when do you and Edward hang out?"

Eric joined in. "Why didn't you tell us?"

Lauren demanded, "Were you two alone?"

They stared at her expectantly. She opened and closed her mouth like a fish. She tried to look for help but found none. Emmett just shrugged at her.

"We're friends and I didn't tell any of you because we're seeing where things are going," She finally explained. "And yes, we were alone but we weren't doing anything. We just talked."

Tyler pressed, "Then why did you throw water at him?"

"Because he's annoying,"

Emmett snickered.

"Wait," Jessica grinned, delighted. "He likes you! I told you he likes you!"

"And I got it all on footage!" Eric hollered. "The emo crushing on the good girl is classic!"

Angela sighed in exasperation and turned to Emmett who was the cause of all this. "Thank you for that."

"You're welcome!" He was so irritatingly cheerful. He became a bit more serious and softened his tone so only she could hear. "And just between us, Edward has never been in love before so take it easy on him. We all want the guy to finally be happy."

She wanted to ask him more but Emmett had stood up, saluted to her friends and returned to his siblings. Edward refused to look at her and he would be blushing if he could. She looked down and found another origami duck on the seat Emmett vacated. The paper was yellow like the ducks on her pajamas and she realized with great frustration why he was making ducks instead of something pretty like swans or roses.

She unfolded the stupid duck.

Hi again. Take all the time you need. Emmett is an idiot. Ignore everything he tells you. And I needed to say that you look pretty today. You always do. – E

She knew her face was red again. She refused to look over at the Cullens' table. She lasted about thirty seconds before looking over her shoulder to see Edward smiling at her. In spite of herself, she smiled back.


Angela had Home Econ with Alice and Rosalie, something she never really paid attention to. They kept to themselves and didn't talk to anybody if they could help it. Rosalie had an icy stare that was even scarier than Lauren's and Alice seemed to be lost in her own world. Nobody really wanted to get too close to them.

Alice was a great at sewing which they all learned during the class as she spent the semester making numerous dresses with Rosalie as her model. Rosalie looked good in everything from a dress made of feathers to what could only be described as bandages that made her look like a couture mummy. It became something to look forward to in class, seeing Alice's new oddity. And to watch Rosalie pose disdainfully like a model on her break.

Angela was decent at sewing. The dress she was working on was simple and she knew was good enough for a good grade. She was having some trouble with the sewing machine when Alice came over and asked her if she needed any help. She stared up at her in surprise and nodded. Alice unjammed the machine and showed her how to get more even stitches.

"You know, blue isn't your color," Alice stated. The fabric of the dress was a light blue. "You're warm with golden undertones so sunset colors like reds, oranges, yellows and pinks would look amazing on you."

"Okay," She replied, not sure what else to say. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Certain shades of green might work on you," Alice further expounded. "But stay away from purple. You will look like you have jaundice."

"Alright."

Alice smiled brightly at her. "You should let me make you a dress sometime. I have this idea for a red dress."

"Sure," She was daunted but not displeased at the idea of wearing one of Alice's creations. "I'd love to wear something you made."

"Speaking of dresses," Alice moved the fabric around to start working on the seam. "Have you already got a dress for the dance?"

"Yes. It's red."

Alice looked pleased. "And do you have a date?"

"Not yet," Angela tried to play it off like it was nothing, though she was embarrassed. "I might just go with my friends."

"What if a certain someone asked you to the dance?" Alice proposed. "A certain awkward person we both know? Would you say yes?"

"Well, if that awkward person would ask me directly I wouldn't say no."

"Great!" Alice turned off the sewing machine. "This dress is done."

Angela watched the shorter girl saunter off with that usual spring in her step. She found that the dress was done and Alice had finished the whole thing during their conversation. She checked for any mistakes and found none. And on the table was a pink origami duck. She didn't hesitate to unfold it.

Hi. Take all the time you need. I apologize for Alice. She drives me insane too. I wanted to ask you about Homecoming but I would like to do it in person. So when you're ready, Angela Weber, here is my number. – E

For an awkward vampire with no social skills, Edward Cullen was doing quite well for himself.


Edward sent her a note every day in every color of the rainbow. They were short and sweet. They could be telling her he thought she was pretty or he liked what she was wearing. It could be about their classes and the people at school and his observations. Sometimes he would even tell her people's thoughts and how weird people could be. Her favorites were the more personal ones.

Hi. Take all the time you need. I wanted you to know my real name and it's Edward Anthony Masen. I'm originally from Chicago. No. I've never had deep dish pizza. It came to the city by the time I already stopped eating food. Which I know you think is a tragedy. – E

Hi. Take all the time you need. I was only seventeen when it happened. I was dying from the Spanish influenza. My mother's dying wish was for the doctor to save me. That doctor is now my father. He likes you, by the way, and he actually doesn't mind your brothers. – E

Hi. Take all the time you need. I was named after my father. He was a lawyer and he was distant. I was close to my mother. Her name was Elizabeth. I had her eyes. My eyes used to be green. Sometimes, I fear I'll forget her face or her voice. Time can be cruel to memories. – E

Hi. Take all the time you need. I wanted to be a soldier but I didn't enlist because my mother begged me not to. Sometimes, I wondered how my life would've changed if I did enlist. Would I have died on a battlefield? Or would I still become what I am? Is everything fate or simply chance? I'm sorry for throwing my existential crisis on you. – E

She was at her locker and rereading the growing pile of notes when she felt a tap on her shoulder. Rosalie Hale looked annoyed and handed her a red origami duck before strolling away. Angela unfolded the note.

Hi. Take all the time you need. I blackmailed Rosalie into being my messenger bird and she wants to kill me. Just so you know, Alice wanted to make you a dress but I already told her the dress you bought was lovely. I saw you through the shop window. Lauren was thinking the truth. I was there for you. Forgive me. I am still learning. – E

She sighed and fished her phone out of her bag. She composed and sent a text to the number that had been sitting in her contacts for days. Several times she found herself staring at the numbers and daring herself to do something but chickened out at the last second. Today, she was going to let the chips fall where they may.

Hi. This is Angela. Please don't stalk me. It's creepy.

A text almost immediately came in.

Noted. Am I forgiven?

I forgive you. You are being so patient after all.

I'm glad you noticed. There's no rush. Perks of immortality, I can wait.

Some of us are mortal. And, Edward, don't worry. It's going to be soon.


And this is where I differ from the books. We need actual romance that just isn't staring at each other in a meadow. Double update today because of you lovely reviewers. Encouragement works.

1. The chapter title is a play on the book/film 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before' by Jenny Han. Because like Lara Jean Covinsky, Edward writes letters to Angela.

2. Originally, Edward would be sending her origami swans but I changed my mind because they were too Bella. I changed it to ducks because it tied everything better together. Angela is the duck, Bella is the swan. Ducks are also really cute.

3. Deep-dish pizza or Chicago-style pizza has conflicting reports on when it was invented. The earliest year disputed is 1926. And since Edward was turned in 1918, he wouldn't have been able to try it as a human.

4. I decided to make Alice gifted in actual fashion design instead of just a master shopper. Makes her more interesting.