School ended quickly after lunch, and I didn't even get a chance to work out my thoughts before student chatter filled it in again. I didn't even register that I was home until I pocketed my keys and shut my truck door. I looked around the outside of the house, feeling adrift. I just didn't want to be inside. I felt a small tug that made me want to go to my tree and bit my lip.

Instead, I fought the feeling and went inside. I threw my clothes in the hamper and then changed into something to lounge in. Sighing, I threw myself on the bed. I had to wait. Maybe I could fight fate, and the three vampires would move on, and I'd escape my brush with death. As much as the thought should comfort me, it weighed my heart down with anxiety.

I was stuck in a cycle. A catch-22 where if I stayed in the room, I felt anxious, and if I went out to clear my head, I was tempting whatever warped prophesy that could have broken my mom— Renee. I put my arm over my eyes. Even though the specter was gone, I still couldn't talk about the future. I sat up, looking over at my book. Did it have something that could help me?

I rubbed my neck and then pulled myself up to go grab it. Walking around my room, I opened the first page. That reading was the same. The lovers, a reversed empress next to the devil, and finally, a blank card. I moved it so that it'd open where I'd rested my bookmark, expecting the trio of women, only to see gibberish.

I sighed, blinking at the words on the page. "What do you want," I murmured, then took a seat. I looked over the words, but I may as well have been looking at numbers in the alphabet. I couldn't even sound them out. I flipped pages, and all of the words looked ridiculous. Why can't I talk about dying?

I waited, but this wasn't the Chamber of Secrets or Tom Riddle's diary. The book didn't do anything, and I slammed it shut. I don't think I'll ever understand how magical objects work. I sat it aside and looked out the window. It was actually a nicer day now. One that if the Cullens had come to school, would have had them leave early. I stretched and then went downstairs to prep dinner. Giving my hands something to do so I didn't feel so restless.

And I was only feeling more and more jittery with each tick of the clock. I tried to even out my breathing, not used to being so conscious of my body. I felt sick and hot. I tried to shake it off. Then I opened the kitchen window, hoping some fresh air would help.

I felt a little better as the breeze blew against my hair. It was still cold but in a pleasant way. Working on not spilling the marinade I was working on before putting some steak in it. I grabbed the cutting board and started attacking the tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers.

I slid them off into a large bowl, then grabbed the romaine. Starting to cut them like the others. A cramp started building in my stomach, and I winced right as I chopped some lettuce. Pain seared through me, sharp and wild. I inhaled, blinking in shock as my hand put pressure on my finger.

"Shit," I muttered. I felt chills roll down my back. I gagged, going over to the sink. I held my breath as I started to clean the cut. It wasn't small, but it wasn't that bad either. I'd sliced into the fatty part of my thumb. I bit the inside of my cheek, and sharp pangs shot through my hand. I could feel myself start to sweat as I tried to stop my bleeding.

Watching the water run down the drain was almost hypnotizing. It took a moment for me to breathe. In and out. I darted my eyes up and looked out into the forest. I narrowed my eyes for a second and then reached up and shut the window. I didn't feel like I was being watched, but I felt like something had changed in the air. I eyed a spot on the tree line, blinking briefly, nothing was there.

I shook my head. I couldn't exactly trust my mind at the moment. I pressed harder on the cut. Close. My fingers felt warm, and then the blood stopped. Hardly a thing out of place. I flexed my thumb experimentally and then cleaned up my mess.

Charlie was earlier than usual. He looked tired but alert, Fix it. He thought while holding bags from the hardware store and a stack of whiteboards under an arm.

"Hey Dad, how're you feeling?" I asked.

"Good," he said without feeling.

I blinked, "And I'm healthy and whole too. Thanks for asking," I replied, cleaning my hands off with a dishtowel. He looked weird. "You're here early?"

"Yeah, I just felt like it needed to get done." his tone was off. The phone needs to be fixed. Fix it. His thoughts droned over and over. He furrowed his brow, and I tensed.

"Dad? Did Renee call you?"

He looked up, "No, I don't think so. Why?" I moved over, examining him.

"Are you sure?" I asked again a little more forcefully.

He stopped pulling cords and plaster from the bag, "Pretty sure." He blinked, expression clearing a bit. He stood up straighter, brushing his hands on his pants.

"We can hold off—" I tried again.

"You do know we need a phone, right?" He said. I blinked. He was right. We did. I refocused my eyes on him and swallowed. This is the second time. "Bella, you said you'd talk to me about something later. Is it a good time?"

I shook my head, working my throat and the bottomless pit in my heart and stomach. My voice was small as I replied. "Maybe after I finish making dinner?" I turned around, going back over to the stove. He didn't follow me, but his thoughts did.

This has to be about her mother, hardly ever heard her call Renee by her name before.

I placed the steaks in a hot pan. Listening to them sizzle. It's all fine. I tried to not second guess myself as I grabbed spices and vinegar to make Italian dressing. I heard Charlie start chiseling away at the wall. I went back to the steak. Minutes later, I turned off the stove.

"It's done," I said.

"You started dinner real early," He called out, and even if he couldn't see me, I nodded.

"Yeah," I said lamely. Looking over the food, my stomach rolled. I'd started making dinner just so I could do something. But now that it was done, I stared at the bloody meat and felt myself shiver. "Yeah, I needed something to do."

"What about your homework?"

"All done."

"And how's Edward?" He asked. And I looked up to see him standing in the doorway.

"He's actually not in school at the moment." I said, "Family friends in town." I shrugged.

Charlie nodded, Good enough reason as any. "So, were you uh, hungry when you decided to make dinner?" Bella's trying to stay busy, and she's avoiding talking about Renee. What did we talk about on the phone— Renee's said it felt like Bella was ignoring her on purpose. Why? Maybe they fought with each other.

I sighed, turning back to the food. "... I might be able to stomach a few bites." I tried.

Charlie grimaced. "You okay? Like really okay— not fine."

"It's hard to explain." I scrunched my face up. But didn't really say anything. I put some food on a plate. I walked over to the table to take a seat. "I think the best thing I could do is tell you bits and pieces but… I don't know where to begin or if I even want to talk about it." I looked up at him. "My head's a mess."

"Is it about your mother?" He asked tentatively. He was using a voice I'd never heard before. One I imagined comforted the people in the area after calling the police.

I nodded, "Yeah."

Charlie ignored dinner, coming to join me at the table. He took the seat across from me and kept his hands relaxed. I couldn't hear his thoughts, weird. "What happened."

I shook my head, "I don't know where to begin. You're going to think I'm crazy." I laughed.

"No, I won't." He said. "I'll think you're getting something you've been holding onto for too long."

I scrunched my face together. "Really?"

He nodded, "yeah, now, start at the beginning."

I opened my mouth, about to tell him I was a witch, only to be hit with a sharp pain that took my breath away and made my eyes tear up. My vision dotted with black spots and I was aware that I wasn't sitting at the dinner table anymore. I was on the floor, and Charlie was sitting over me, checking my pulse, panic on his face.

"Bella!" He said, placing his hand on my cheek, "Don't move. I'm going to get ready to bring you to the hospital—"

"Don't." I croaked. Well, that sucked. I took a gulping breath in. That was a violent reaction. "I'm fine."

Just another weird caveat to a spell I knew nothing about. So, Renee hadn't just sealed away my memories. She'd barred me from talking about the vision as a whole and then stopped me from talking to Charlie. It was the only thing that'd made sense. I was confused, though, why had I been able to tell Edward? I wish I could remember what was said, but instead, a cramp made me tense.

"Bullshit!" Charlie swore, "I just watched you blackout, I'm grabbing your jacket, and we're going to the hospital."

I shook my head, opened my mouth, and hesitated. After a second of feeling the words I uttered. "I can't."

"What do you mean you—"

I lifted a hand to stop him, Charlie's eyes were drawn to my face and I tried to talk again. "I can't— Renee."

"What does this have to do with your mother?"

I opened my mouth but gasped as another stab of pain went through me. "I can't." I breathed out.

"Bella, you realize that your appendix may have burst." He cautioned, and I wanted to laugh. It seemed like that was an easier solution than whatever curse was layered on me. "This isn't funny."

"I know— Just, please, can you promise me something?"

"What?"

"Don't talk to Renee. No matter what." I said, slowly sitting up. "I know this is confusing, but please… Trust me."

Charlie furrowed his brows, and looked confused, "I don't know, Bella."

"Dad, please." I begged, "If she calls, hang up immediately. I don't know— try to get her number blocked or change your number, just—"

"Bella." Charlie swallowed. "What did she do?"

I stopped, I didn't realize it but I'd started crying. This was worse than when I'd talked to Edward about it. I opened my mouth trying to test words again, sitting on the floor of the kitchen mouth open and closing like a fish out of water before I dragged out, "I can't tell you."

Charlie's face crumpled, and he pulled me into a tight hug. "I'm so sorry." He said. "I can wait for when you're ready. Okay?"

I rolled my head against his shoulder, looking up to the ceiling. "I don't need to go to the hospital. I promise, and…" Once I broke whatever spell remained on me, then I'd tell Charlie the truth.

He nodded and pulled himself back. "And I promise, I'll give your mom a mini-break. I'll have to explain myself a bit." He sighed, "but we can do this."

I sniffed. "'Kay." I pulled back, and Charlie helped me up. "I just need a moment." I eyed the plants nearby, they looked wilted and sort of sad. I brushed a hand over my face and hair. "I'll uh, take care of the plants. Then I'll just take it easy."

Charlie nodded, "If you want, we can eat in the living room? Put on a movie?"

"Sure," I said. I grabbed my plate to pick at it and moved towards the end of the couch. Charlie joined me a second later. Cycling through the rentable movies on demand.

"What are you feeling?"

I furrowed my brow, "Something fun."

"Pirates?" Charlie asked. He put the cruiser over The Pirates of the Caribean.

"Nothing with the ocean." I said, "maybe something classical?"

"Here," he hummed scrolling down till his face lit up. "Charlie and the Chocolate factory?"

"Yeah," I think I remember watching it up here a long time ago.

He pressed play, and I eased into the couch. Enjoying the way the camera trailed over Charlie Buckett running home with his golden ticket and his family nestled into the couch. Whimsical, and childlike, I watched the entire movie with my dad. Then I gave him a big smile and hug when I left for bed much later.

Wednesday I got up and got ready for school. The phone cord hung limp in the hallway unfinished. I ignored it, glad that Charlie had put it on hiatus for right now. When I got into my truck, I looked for a note and found nothing. Guess it was for the best, but I felt a pang in my chest. I had to rub it out as I drove down the street.

Classes were the same, people's thoughts revolved around the rumors. Whenever someone thought about something else, I stayed with them for as long as I could. Aside from that, I kept getting told that I smelled good, Mr. Varner had even scrunched his face up and debated whether or not I was breaking school code before surprisingly dropping the thought.

Lunch was a little more annoying. I spent maybe five minutes in the room before I decided to sit outside when the sun cleared through the clouds. I pulled out my notebook and drew. Not well, just letting the pencil move on the page. Drawing a plane, ballet flats— then I scribbled those out. I didn't really care for that, it made me feel like I'd go back to Arizona. I started a new page, drawing a fireplace, a broken wine glass, then candles the bell rang and I sat my pencil down.

I ran my hand over my hair and watched as everyone left the cafeteria. Gathering my things I went to biology, where I was placed in a group of three. Thankfully I got to choose and made my way over to Angela and her deskmate.

Coach Clapp the second we came in said we'd be going outside. We all piled out of the gym, walking across the grass to get to the track. Even though it was sunny, the air was still cold and I found myself rubbing my arms. Mike looked over at me longingly, and I turned away. I just wanted to get class over with so I could leave.

We started jogging. I didn't run with anyone else, and I hated feeling like I was being watched. I finished quickly, panting and wiping the sweat from my forehead. As I was fixing my laces I saw a shadow standing over me.

Don't feel so weird about it. Apologize. "Hey Bella," Mike hesitated.

"Hey." I finished and sat up.

"I just wanted to say I didn't know that Kelley would bring the dance up." He shifted.

"Okay." I nodded.

"And you know, I'm uh, sorry." He looked at me looking very much like a sad puppy. "Are we cool?" Please say we're cool.

"Listen— Mike—"

"Just, give it a second okay?" He started walking away.

I pursed my lips, and then went back to watching the kids finish their laps. I could understand him wanting to run away, it didn't take an empath to see he was uncomfortable. But, I didn't know how I should handle him. A part of me wanted to start over, but I obviously couldn't handle seeing his feelings for me.

I shifted. I could take it away. Or try to, however, Mike's mind didn't seem to hold onto instruction very well. Then there was Jessica, who'd been hurt and used, and even if he'd apologized to me, he hadn't done that for her. I rubbed my hands on my shorts and stood. Later, I swallowed, and If he couldn't work through his epiphany on his own, then I'll just have to make him.

Coach Clapp blew his whistle and called the remaining kids over so we could go back inside. We finished out with basketball drills and I was more than happy to change into my new clothes and get ready to leave.

When I got home I went through the same routine. I sectioned my homework and put it off to the side glad I was so ahead that I could afford to pour over the book instead. The book, as it was, spoke some more gibberish. Each page, littered with an almost cubic-like script. I guess I was on my own. Again.

I leaned back, trying to recall everything I could from the chapter on the three cycles, I'd only finished the Maiden and managed some of the Mother. I was curious about the Crone, and clusters which I assumed today meant covens. I'd never really had either unless I counted Renee and Marie among them. I huffed, I didn't feel a need to try to find either. The book had helped enough but seemed to hint that the old covens died out.

Whether from being unable to birth new witches or being hunted because the Maidens couldn't control themselves. Was that what I was doing with my scent? And what about Edward? He had his own experience with scent, and so had his family. He'd said then that I'd smelled good to them, better than other humans, but would that change now I seemed to be warping my scent?

I pushed my hands against my head feeling a headache coming on. I missed him, just to have someone to talk to, someone that didn't mind all the questions. I looked out the window, two and a half days so far. Those three vampires could find me tomorrow, or the day after. The proverbial clock ticking in the corners of my mind. Every second building to something I didn't know.

I rolled onto my side. Trying to fight the feeling, especially as the ache in my gut returned. I breathed through the pain. Sweat dotted my skin, and I pressed my head to the pillow. Hugging myself helped a little. Finally, I made my way over to my computer keeping pressure on my midriff.

I opened a browser and started typing words in, if the book couldn't help me maybe someone else could. "Pressure and heat lower stomach, what is it?"

A bunch of results on period cramps, and I altered the search. This time, I got answers between typical cramps and arousal. I sighed and kept looking till suddenly I was in a hole of something called the omegaverse.

I read maybe a page's worth of information before I rolled my eyes and exited the page. Sure, I felt… off. But I certainly wasn't looking for any of that, and the idea of me being in "heat" was something I'd rather not think about. I flopped back over on my bed.

I might feel better if I masturbated again. Thinking about how I'd taken care of the itch before and how great I felt afterward played through my mind. No one else was home, and so before I could think about it, I pressed my hand under the waistband of my pants and started to slide my fingers over myself.

I was already wet enough, so I could slide over my clit and roll my fingers over it like before. I sighed, and let my mind wander. I bit my lip, wondering if it was too much to think about Edward again, and yet he was what I wanted. I could imagine the planes of his chest, the line of his jaw. I flexed my other hand, wondering how he'd like to be touched.

Would he like my hands on him? My mind warped going towards images of us in different positions before I smelled palms and the ocean. The bed dipped again and I opened my eyes.

I was back in that room. Everything was bright, and Edward hovered over me, a playful smirk on his lips as he lowered his head to kiss me. I opened my mouth in surprise and then a tangle of tongues that ended when he nipped a little at my lip.

He hummed. "You started without me."

"What?—" I said dazedly. I still had a hand covering the apex of my thighs and the other drifted off to the side.

"So insatiable, you give vampires a run for their money." He leaned down and nuzzled into my neck. "May I?"

"Yes?" I said, and he started pressing open mouth kisses over my neck, moving over a silky nightgown that he started pressing up to take it off me. Once it was overhead he tossed it aside.

"This one is a favorite." Resuming his trail down my chest. He huffed a cold breath against my breast, and he flicked his tongue against my nipple. "Remind me to buy you one in every color."

"You say that about all of them." I found myself saying with a little more conviction arching up so he could do more. He bit at it, cupping my breast, and then he started to roll my nipple beneath his thumbs, it tickled. I let out a breathy sigh pressing my thighs together in response. "You really like to take your time."

"We have plenty of it." He looked up and gave me a heartbreaking smile, "besides, I enjoy your reactions. He tilted his head, and his hand danced across my stomach to join the one currently cupping my sex.

He was so comfortable here, and his eyes darkened as I pulled my hand back and then twisted my hands up and around his neck to kiss him. His fingers started—

A car crunched outside my room and I jerked upright in bed. Breathing heavy, aching, and suddenly angry. I groaned and rolled over. I was glowing, just enough that I laid a glamour over me, and then went to go wash my hands. I felt a pelvis cramp and slammed my hand down on the counter. That really hurt.

I sighed as the familiar sounds of Charlie made himself at home. Leaving and trying not to be awkward, I just brushed a hand over my hair and slid back into my room to put my hands to use and clean.

Once dinner was done, I made my appearance downstairs to eat. And Charlie and I had an easy conversation. One where he said he'd left a message for Renee saying he would be unavailable for the remainder of the week. I nodded, thanked him, and then tried to peek into his mind, only to meet with silence. Huh.

For the rest of the night actually, there was nothing. Not during the small amount of TV, he watched while I read nearby. Not while we said goodnight either. I sat crisscrossed on my bed and added it to my notes, but really, I didn't know what to do with that information. Especially since it seemed like I couldn't tell him what I was anyway.

I laid down, and despite the silence spell, I didn't try to finish what I'd started earlier. Instead, I just curled into a ball and went to sleep.

The next day was awful. A boy from English I didn't really know asked if we could eat lunch together and I awkwardly turned him down. Then in Geography, another bot handed a paper to me and "accidentally" held my hand. I swallowed my emotions, and just went through the motions. I acted oblivious today. It was enough. The final bell ended, and I rushed to the locker room to change and leave.

The Cullens were still dealing with the nomads. They had to be. I wanted them gone. I wanted Edward to come back to school so I could talk to someone who understood me. I wanted a lot. I wondered if it was healthy for a second as I turned on my truck. To want to be near someone so much I'd actually try to wish it into existence. But I doubted it would be that easy.

When I woke up on Friday, I felt refreshed. I suppose there was some silver lining in me being able to rest without conversation late into the night, at least I tried to lie to myself and say it was a good thing. I got dressed, and made sure that I didn't glow too much. Then I grabbed my things and was opening the door and blinked.

Edward stood outside, he leaned against his silver Volvo giving me a playful grin. "I was hoping I could give you a ride?"

One second I was on the front porch, the next I collided with him. He looked startled as he caught me, and I had my arms wrapped across his center. He chuckled, "I missed you too." His arms tightened around me. I was so overwhelmed I didn't notice that he'd taken a breath then stilled.

"I missed you a lot." I laughed against his chest, then I pulled back. "How are you here? Edward?"

He made a sound with his throat, "Are you wearing perfume?"

I raised my brows, ah. I stepped back from him quickly. Running my hands over my hair, I darted my eyes away. "Uh, no I'm not. It's new, at least it just started this week. Is it bad?"

"No." Edward shook his head and cleared his throat. "It's you, just, I don't know how to describe it."

I swallowed, "Yeah, I've been kinda getting that a lot recently."

"Has it been a hard week?"

"I'm sure you'll see for yourself soon." I laughed, and looked at him, tilting my head. "Are you sure this is okay?"

Edward nodded, "I mean, you're scent, its nothing I hadn't handled already, besides…" He came close, grabbing a lock of my hair, looking at me he brought it to his mouth and kissed it. "I was already captivated without it."

I hummed, tugging my hair from his grasp. Feeling butterflies starting in my stomach. "You say things and— I was so worried."

Edward's expression switched from playful to concerned. "What about?"

"About everything." I laughed. "I thought we'd be back to square one, and— I thought that you'd be gone for far longer." The last part was hard to get out, but I'd said it at least. I shot a quick glance at his hands.

Edward's eyes were warm. "You don't have to worry about that, the Nomads."

I wondered if it was a ruse. I didn't think they'd left, truly left. If my fate could be so easily thwarted then I'd never have been here in the first place. "Are you sure?" I asked a touch disbelieving.

Edward nodded. "They stayed briefly but got bored. They left yesterday night. Jasper and Emmett made sure to follow them out towards Port Angeles. They're watching the borders. Alice felt off, so she's taking tomorrow, and Rosalie said there was no point going to school for a day so she stayed behind. And I couldn't wait anymore. I wanted to see you."

I took his hand, squeezing lightly. "So you wanted to surprise me?"

"I did, did it work?" He gave me a boyish smile, and I rolled my eyes. It occurred to me he was avoiding one part of the conversation.

"It did, all right, or was me throwing myself into your arms not enough?"

"Good." He lightly touched my neck. "And how are you feeling?"

"Honestly," I shifted, wondering how I felt, "I'm doing better."

"Really?"

"Yeah," I took a step back, then I bit my lip. "I mean, you being gone for so long made me have to work through a lot of things."

"I'm sure it put a lot of things into perspective." he teased.

"Oh yes, and I had to be my own champion a couple of times." I teased back. He raised a brow and I huffed, "Yes?"

"Nothing, I would just hate to be on the edge of your blade."

I nodded my head listlessly, then I let out a deep breath. "But in all seriousness, I missed you so much."

He pressed smiled sadly. "I know." He rubbed a hand over his heart. "I— ached for you."

Startled, I leaned forward, "What?"

He shook his head, "Later. We're going to be late—" He blurred around me, then he had my bag and was dangling my house keys on one finger. "Are you ready for school?"

I lightly bit my lip, really wanting to continue that conversation, but Edward shifted and opened my door. I took a breath and then climbed into his car. Shifting to look at him as he joined me, after a couple of seconds I decided to dovetail and focused on the other pressing matter. "So, what can you tell me about them?"

He glanced at me, "Well, The dark one was Laurent. He said he originated from Lousiana. He was the most forthcoming. Victoria, she tried to appear playful, but her mind was much like many of the other vampires I met in my time."

I remembered the look in her eyes during so many of the visions I had, "Cunning?"

"Yes." Edward sighed. "She was curious about Forks, to the point that Jasper had to subtly make the town seem boring." He grimaced, "it was a hard couple of days."

I swallowed. "And the last one."

Edward's hands tightened on the wheel. "He said his name was James, and the main reason I stayed away as long as I did. He smelled you on me." He moved a hand to brush over his mouth and then shot a sideways glance at me. "I convinced him that I didn't notice anything particularly special about your scent— he was fixated for a time, at least until Wednesday. They had to leave to feed since we refused to let them do so here."

"So, Port Angeles."

He nodded, and I turned my head to look forward. The Cullens had afforded Forks more protection than I realized. I leaned back and rolled my head against the headrest. "How come everything is so complicated?"

He sighed, and I felt his hand reach out towards me. I intertwined my fingers with his. I relaxed for a moment, looked at his hand, and flipped it over to run my fingers over his palm. "Do you feel ticklish ever?"

He flexed his hand. His eyes still on the road, but it seemed like he was a touch tenser. "More so recently, why?"

"I was curious." I said, "I wondered if your so hard all the time, or if you soften up." I meant to say it lightly, but I could see him flex the muscles in the hand that held the wheel. I joked to ease some of the new tension in the car. "I mean, it's not like you are one giant callus."

He let out a bark of laughter. "I hope not." He paused for a second, then asked, "Would you… tell me what you feel when you touch me?"

I blinked and felt heat surface through my chest and up my face. I cleared my throat. "Well," I pressed my thumb into his palm, "I think you are cold—"

"Naturally—"

"I wasn't finished," I said, scratching lightly against his pointer finger. "I was going to say, you're cold initially. But you warm up quick. You fluctuate between feeling both solid and soft. Like Marble one moment and velvet the next. I don't mind it. It's an interesting feeling."

He tilted his head. "Really? Sometimes I feel soft to you?"

I nodded. "Why do you ask?"

He looked over at me briefly, an unreadable expression in his eyes before he took a breath. "I was wondering… My family, we have a lodge up near the peninsula." He shifted, wincing slightly. "It's hard to explain where it is, it's secluded—" He stopped, and we pulled into the parking lot at school. He parked effortlessly despite his nerves.

He took a breath and started again. "What I mean to say is," He looked over at me reaching in between us where the console was, and grabbed a key. He turned it over in his hand and held it out to me. "I would like to ask your permission to take you to my family's vacation home this weekend."

"Yes," I said. I felt my heart thud loudly in my ears, then I repeated, a little more. "I can— how long?"

"The weekend." He smiled, clarifying what he'd already told me.

I pressed my lips together. "Do I need to do anything?"

"If you want to, you can. I'll admit I've already started preparations." He leaned over and moved some hair behind my ear. "But, you can back out at any time."

"But you bought the key?" I said, gripping it like it might disappear. "Why?"

He looked perplexed. "Because there is weight to it. The choice isn't something unseen anymore, it's tangible and in that." He gestured to the key in my hand. "Besides, the events of the week put a lot of things into perspective. And don't misunderstand, while I don't want to discredit your opinions— If I feel like you are pushing yourself—" He took a breath.

"You'll stop," I said, and he nodded. I continued, "And then we move onto plan B where we have a magical 2-day vacation filled with late-night talks and heavy petting?"

"Of course." He rolled his eyes, but he was still tense.

I couldn't help it, I leaned over and pressed a light kiss to his lips. "I love you so much. Thank you."

"I love you too." His face relaxed. "Besides, I'm not entirely guilt-free. I have many diabolical things I want to do to you."

I blinked, "Oh?"

He grinned, "I very much want to ravish you, remember?"

I started laughing, then pulled him in for a more pressing kiss. He angled his lips and cupped my cheek to angle us into a slightly deeper kiss before pulling away. I sighed, then licked my bottom lip. Edward watched the motion, then swallowed.

"We should go then."

I smirked, and then gathered my things, beating him to opening my door this time. He shot me a chagrined look and I hooked my arm around his then quipped. "Only because you had to walk at a human pace."

"I'll lament it for the rest of the day I'm sure." He took my backpack from me, and then we started toward my first class.