Wait For Me by Motopony

"I know it won't be easy

What a thing

To believe."

XIX. Movie

The morning was foggier than most compared to the fall. But it was Forks, she'd always been used to the changing weather patterns of this strange town she called home. It was much colder today, signifying the real temperatures of winter were finally setting in, so she wore heavier clothing - thick blue jeans, chunky black boots with a deep lining of wool, and a black cashmere sweater with a bulky raincoat.

When she got downstairs, Jay was gone as he usually was. She swallowed a protein bar in three bites, chased it down with milk straight from the carton, and she heard the doorbell ring.

She flung the door open to see Edward with a small smile on his lips and looking absolutely perfect in a sweater and jeans - as if he could look any other way. What neither of them expected was Abby to throw herself at him, wrapping him in a large hug with her tiny body. She didn't realize she had missed him till she saw him again. She couldn't understand why, but an inkling in her heart told her it was because they were apart for so long before this weekend.

"Hi," she breathed him in.

"Hi," he whispered back, holding her to his chest while caressing the cascading brown waves that fell loosely on her back. "Did you sleep well?" He wondered.

She nodded against his chest, "I did. You being in my life makes the bad dreams go away."

He pulled away slightly, and looked at her worriedly, "What bad dreams?"

She shrugged slightly, "My parents mostly. The night I got the call. Sometimes I'm in the car with them." Those were the worst. The one's where she feel's the car flip, the broken glass in her mouth. She couldn't scream. And she was the only one alive. Yeah, those were the worst.

"Why haven't you told me this before?" Edward wondered. He placed a lock of her hair behind her ear and looked at her with such concern that it made her heart feel whole. It was nice - someone taking care of her. It felt like she was in this world entirely alone till Edward showed up.

"I don't know," she mumbled. "I'm sorry," she had no idea why she was apologizing. But the look of adoration on his worried face made her feel guilty of keeping this from him. Truth is that she hadn't told anyone. She didn't even mean to tell him. But it came out of like vomit. Keeping anything from Edward was difficult.

"Don't apologize," he placed both of his cold hands on her cheeks gently and the pads of his thumbs strokes the skin of her cheeks causing her to blush deeply. "Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help."

"You do help," she whispered. "You help by existing, Edward." Please don't ever go anywhere, she silently added.

He smiled at her, a blinding smile that only forced a smile out of her. Edward asked, "Are you ready?"

She nodded. She could really only hope she was ready to face the entire school with the return of Edward and Abby.

He opened the door for her to his silver car, and music and warmth were already filling the interior when she stepped in. She took a deep breath, hoping her nerves would calm down before they got to the school.

As they were driving, Abby realized it was unusually foggy; the air was almost smoky with it. Maybe the student body wouldn't even recognize them when they stepped out of the car because of how thick the fog was. But, of course, a moot point.

"Where's the rest of your family?" Abby wondered as they usually took his car to school.

They were already pulling into the school's lot due to Edward's lunatic driving. And he pulled up next to a red convertible that was definitely worth more than her, Jay's, and Edward's cars combined.

"They took Rosalie's car,"

"Wow," Abby released a breath. "Can she pick me up next time?"

Edward laughed, but then said in a tight tone, "She's the one with the most...opinions about our relationship."

"I don't blame her," Abby whispered. "I'm sure she's just concerned about you and her family. It's not everyday a vampire and human are in a relationship."

He grasped her hand and brought it to his mouth to kiss her palm. He said, his butterscotch eyes darkening in the slightest, "I can't believe how understanding you are. It will be impossible for her not to love you." Just as I do, he wanted to add.

Edward watched as her entire face began to flush a deep rouge color. He couldn't help himself but to lean over and give her a quick kiss upon her lips, taking her by surprise. He pulled away, smiled at her, and exited the car. In an instant he knew that everyone in the student body was already watching him walk to the passenger door.

Abby stepped outside, slightly ducking her head and swung her backpack around her shoulder. He wouldn't have it. Instead he carried the backpack on himself and wrapped an arm around her as they walked to their first period English class. It wasn't hard for the other students to come to the realization that it was Abby under his arm. And the thoughts from each of them were the same: 'they're back together'. A few angry, a few jealous, and a few in astonishment.

It didn't matter. What mattered was Abby and her comfort. He could tell the stares were bothering her, maybe a part of her wanted to run into the building, and yet, she huddled into him. The feeling of her not shying away from his touch caused the venom running through his veins to soar with pride. He knew what the consequences from his family would be for going 'public' once again. But he couldn't find himself to care. Consequences be damned. He was in love, he found the one he was meant to be with; he was going to be brash and open about it because he could...because he wanted the world to know: Abigail Davis was his and he was hers.

Abby was dreading the stares, but nothing compared to the dread she was feeling when she walked into her Calculus class to see Jess glaring daggers at her. English went by easy with Edward taking a seat next to her like he'd done since September, excluding their little break, and in Edward's presence, she barely noticed the looks. The stares died down as most people simply assumed they were back together after breaking up due to a fight. It was fine by her. No explanation was needed. Couple's get back together all the time.

She shuffled over to her seat next to Jess, who immediately turned away from Abby.

Abby sighed, and tried not to roll her eyes at the unnecessary silent treatment, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you the second it happened, Jess. It kind of took me by surprise, too."

Jessica continued to ignore her. Now, Abby did roll her eyes, saying, "Guess you don't want to know how good of a kisser he is."

And just like that, Jessica whipped around in her chair with an eager smile and asked in a hushed squeal, "You kissed?!"

Abby laughed quietly; she knew Jess too well. The girl could drown in gossip, and she'd be the happiest she's ever been.

She nodded, "It's what people in relationship's do, right?"

"Like, relationship relationship?" Abby nodded, grinning at Jess's enthusiasm. Jess looked like she was going to jump out of her seat as she asked, "So, what happened? How did you guys get back together? Did he come begging on his knee's?"

"More like the other way around," Abby shrugged, watching Jess's mouth fall open. "Me breaking up with him was a serious mistake, and being with him makes me the happiest I've been in a long time."

"You must really like him," Jess concluded. An eyebrow on her pale face lifted when she saw Abby's sheepish look, and continued, "Unless it's more than that?" Abby didn't answer, then Jess exclaimed as quietly as she could, "Oh, my god, you love him!"

"No comment," Abby whispered, "but I'm sure I like him more than he likes me." She had no clue if this was true but how couldn't she? He was everything she wasn't. He was the mere definition of perfect. There was still a part of her that truly believed that he couldn't possibly like her as much as she loved him as she was so insignificant compared.

Jess scoffed, "Yeah, you don't see the way he looks at you." Abby sent her a quizzical look which only caused Jess to roll her eyes and say, "He'd very obviously take a bullet for you, which is super intense for a high school love story yet really sweet at the same time."

Abby knew what Edward felt for her through his words and actions, but she couldn't fathom him loving her the way she loved him. How could he? She was nowhere near as amazing as him. He would never let her feel little compared to him but being who he is, it just happens. The insecurities rise and there's nothing she could do really to stop them.

The rest of her classes went by quickly and the bell rang for lunch. She walked to her locker, after bidding Jessica adieu and promising her that she'd call the girl after school since she knew Abby would be sitting with Edward today at lunch. And speaking of the vampire, he was leaning against the locker next to hers with a frown on his face.

She gave him a confused look as she approached him, "What's wrong?"

He didn't answer her immediately, and then replied with a curt, "We should get you something to eat. I can hear your stomach."

Why was he irritated? Abby wondered. Did she do something? Was something else going on? Did something happen between classes? The possibilities were endless, and she couldn't understand what had happened.

Abby couldn't think of anything else to say, and he didn't speak — so it was a quiet walk to the cafeteria. Walking with Edward through the crowded lunchtime rush was a lot like Abby's first day back; everyone stared. But she ignored the looks. They'd get used to the idea of the two of them eventually.

He led the way into the line, still not speaking, though his eyes returned to Abby's face every few seconds, their expression speculative. It seemed to her that irritation was winning out over amusement as the dominant emotion in his face.

He stepped up to the counter and filled a tray with food.

"What are you doing?" She objected. "You're not getting all that for me?"

He shook his head, stepping forward to buy the food.

"Half is for me, of course."

She raised one eyebrow.

He led the way to the same place they used to sit at many times before their little break. From the table right across from them, a group of seniors looked at the two of them in awe. Abby shied away, fidgeting with her fingers at the table because she knew everyone at this school. And everyone knew her. Sitting with a ridiculously handsome man was a first for Abigail Davis, and the school was making it blatantly obvious that they were all shocked. But Edward seemed oblivious. Or he was simply indifferent. She was sure it was the latter.

He pushed the tray toward Abby, the agitated look still on his face, "Please eat, love".

Okay, he was still calling her love. That was a good sign, maybe she didn't do anything wrong. Or maybe she did? Man, she wished she could read his mind.

She grabbed an apple off the tray and toyed with the stem, then she couldn't take it anymore, "Did I do something?"

He looked up from the tray, and swallowed, "Something you said to Jessica… well, it bothers me." He refused to be distracted. His voice was husky, and he glanced up from under his lashes with troubled eyes.

"You were eavesdropping on my conversation?" Abby slightly glared at him.

"I apologize," he didn't seem sorry. "I was simply curious as to what you'd tell her."

"Well," Abby took a bit of the apple and gulped it down before saying, "don't be surprised if you didn't like what you heard while listening in."

They were inclined toward each other sitting at the round table; their seats inching towards each other. He had his large white hands folded under his chin; Abby had her right hand cupped around her neck, with her elbow on the table. They were only mere inches away from each other. She had to remind herself that they were in a crowded lunchroom, with probably many curious eyes on them. It was too easy to get wrapped up in their own private, tense little bubble.

"Do you truly believe that you care for me more than I do for you?" He leaned closer to her as he spoke, his dark golden eyes piercing her own.

She cleared her throat, leaning away from him now and stared at the table as she whispered, "Yes."

His reply was fast, "You're wrong."

"There's no way for you to know that's true,"

"Maybe," Edward nodded, thinking over her words. Then, he whispered, "Jessica was right about one thing: you don't acknowledge the way I look at you." She looked up at him and his gaze was intense yet soft, like he was trying to communicate exactly what he meant. He continued in a quiet voice, "You would know you were wrong if you did."

Abby opened her mouth to counter his statement but his gentle gaze suddenly turned to a sneer and he nearly growled, "Alice,"

She was confused as to why he just spat out his adoptive sister's name but realized the chair next to her was filled with Alice's presence.

"Oh," Abby gasped, not expecting her to be sitting next to Edward's sister. She slightly turned to see the entire Cullen table staring at Alice and Edward. It was then Rosalie turned to glare harshly at Abby, causing the girl to flinch and turn back to Alice.

"I think it's time for Edward to stop keeping you all to himself," Alice smiled at Abby, who was staring at the shorter vampire in awe. Her short black hair was styled to perfection, and her white skin was flawless - of course. "It's nice to finally meet you, Abby."

"Y-yeah, you too Alice," Abby nearly winced at her reply. She was just so stunned how gorgeous Alice was sitting so close to her.

"I don't know what you're talking about Edward; Abby smells absolutely amazing," Alice grinned at her adoptive brother, teasing him in the slightest. Of course, Alice wouldn't touch a hair on Abby but nothing makes her laugh more than watching Edward get angry.

Edward lowly growled and hooked a finger around Abby's chair, dragging her chair across the floor so she was closer to him.

Now, Abby rolled her eyes at the man's actions and laughed saying, "Thank god I smell like a meal to one of you. I was starting to believe I was actually made of honey."

Alice laughed, a beautiful wind-chime like laugh, and replied, "Now I see why Edward doesn't like to share. Well, I come bearing bad news; he has no choice but to do exactly that. I'd like to formally -"

"Alice," Edward hissed again, cutting her off.

She didn't miss a beat, pretending like he didn't just cut her off, "-invite you to our house Saturday afternoon."

"Oh," Abby looked over to Edward who was shooting daggers at the shorter girl, and sheepishly said, "I wouldn't want to make Edward uncomfortable -"

Alice waved her perfectly manicured hand off at Abby's words, saying, "He's just upset because he wanted to take you on a date this Saturday. Too bad. Esme's dying to meet you."

Abby sighed, "I'm guessing you and Esme are the only ones who really support Edward and I."

The spike haired vampire quickly shook her head, her eyes softening greatly, "No, no, Carlisle's met you, and he cares for Edward's happiness so he cares for you. Emmett is a buffoon with a big heart; he'll love you just as Jasper will. Rosalie and Liz..." Alice trailed off.

"Ah," the pretty vampires who can shame Abby with just a single look hated her for being human, "got it." At least most of the Cullen clan won't hate her - that's slightly encouraging.

"Rosalie and Liz are in a world of their own," Edward comforted Abby while placing a lock of her brown hair behind her ear, "If you would like to come over Saturday, you can. I would've liked to have taken you out -"

"See you Saturday, Abby," Alice cut him off, placed a quick kiss on Abby's cheek, and gracefully bounced out of her chair to walk out of the cafeteria with Jasper who was waiting for her at the double doors.

"So, I guess I'm coming over Saturday," Abby smiled at him. He stood up, holding a hand out for her. She glanced around to see the cafeteria nearly vacant. She took his awaiting hand and the two made their way to Biology II.

"You don't have to," Edward replied. He knew she wouldn't feel comfortable in a house full of vampires - no matter that Alice's vision proved him otherwise.

"They're your family, Edward. Of course, I want to." Abby replied. She took a breath and added, "I eventually have to introduce you to Jay as someone more than a study buddy, since you'll be over quite a lot."

Was Abby nervous? Yes. But she was going to save the nerves for Friday night instead of right now. She would enjoy this week with Edward, and do all of her overthinking Friday. Abby was mostly worried they wouldn't like her. Yes. They might've all been vampires but they pose no threat to humans. And with Edward with her, she really had no reason to worry.

"If at any point you feel uncomfortable, please let me know." Edward told her softly as the two walked into the classroom to their lab table with all eyes on them. But the duo ignored them, as they have the entire day. She was sure the looks would be over tomorrow; Abby knew it.

She took her seat and waited for Edward to take his own before saying, "It'll be fine, pretty boy."

Mr. Molina backed into the room then while pulling a tall metal frame on wheels that held a heavy-looking, outdated TV and VCR. A movie day — the lift in the class atmosphere was almost tangible.

He shoved the tape into the reluctant VCR and walked to the wall to turn off the lights.

And then, as the room went black, she was suddenly hyperaware that Edward was sitting less than an inch from her. She was stunned by the electricity that flowed through her, amazed that it was possible to be more aware of him than she already was. A crazy impulse to reach over and touch him, to stroke his perfect face just once in the darkness, nearly overwhelmed her.

She snuck a peak at him as the opening credits started to roll. His seat was close to hers but his posture mimicked her very own: arms crossed against his chest with his fists clenched and peering sideways at her. She sent him a contrite smile and he gave one right back to her. One of the many moments she was grateful he couldn't read her thoughts because the overwhelming urge to touch him even slightly wouldn't surpass.

The intensity between them was always there, she realized. But it was absolutely upsetting that she was sat there in the dark without touching him. She needed a little help from courageous Abby. She needed to touch him; she didn't know why but the need was becoming unbearable.

Abby didn't expect him to gently lay a hand on her upper thigh. As delicately as she possibly could - she shivered under his touch. She knew then he felt the same electric current that flowed between the two of them. Her entire body started to relax slightly while her face flooded with a deep blush. She undid her arms that were crossed against her chest to subtly lay her hand on top of his cold one.

He wrapped his hand around her own and the clasped hands rested atop of Abby's thigh. She was grateful that the top of the lab table was long enough to hide their hands, even if it was an innocent hand hold. Her peers did not need to know it was difficult for her to go through not touching Edward in the dark. Yet, she was sure they'd understand because the man was too irresistible for his own good.

The hour wasn't as unbearable as she thought it'd be. Her and Edward's hands intertwined helped more than she'd like to admit. Mr. Molina flipped the lights back on, and she slowly let go of her boyfriend's hand and stretched out her fingers.

She turned to look at him to see him already sharing her gaze. His face startled her — his expression was tender, filled with intrigue and fervor, and so fiercely beautiful that she nearly reached over to touch his face as she'd done the day before in the meadow. But remembering where she was, around too many people that could never truly understand, she simply held out her hand.

And he took it gracefully, allowing her to lead them to the last class of the day: art.

Edward had dropped her at her front door after school with a promise to pick her up tomorrow at the same time as well. Of course, she said she could easily drive herself to which he replied with a kiss on the cheek and a 'I'll see you in the morning'. He would, she concluded, be the complete death of her.

As today was the first day of the work week, she would make Charlie a meal. She decided upon a quick chicken stir fry that he could easily plop in the microwave for the coming days. Abby quickly conjured up the meal in her own kitchen, and piled a large container full of the food before walking out of the house. She made sure to keep the rest of the meal in her oven to keep warm before Jay came home.

Climbing up the short hill to Charlie's small home, she knocked on the door. The door opened within a few minutes and there was a Charlie, a beer car clasped in his hand, paint covering his grey plaid shirt, and a smile when he saw the food.

"I would've came by later after your shift but your PT cruiser was in the driveway - no work today?" Abby wondered after he ushered in her.

She immediately walked over to the kitchen, putting the stir fry into the oven while he replied, "Nah, took the day off to fix up some things in Bella's room. The paint on her walls were thinning."

Abby closed the oven door and smiled, "I thought she wasn't coming till after the holidays."

He nodded, "January 17th,"

"Jeez," Abby laughed, leaning her hip against the kitchen counter, "you're counting the days, aren't you? Where's the calendar with the words 'Bella's Here' written under the 17th in big red letters?"

"You're hilarious," Charlie deadpanned. He took a sip of his beer and narrowed his eyes at her, wondering where she was getting her cheer from and he knew it wasn't just from making fun of him. "What's got you all...giddy?"

"I think I'm the perfect amount of giddy, thank you very much," Abby smiled at him. She could tell there was something stirring in his thoughts but Charlie was never one to pry. If Abby had nothing to say, Charlie would have nothing to ask.

"Well, happy looks good on you Abby, almost forgot what it looked like." Charlie released a small smirk of his own. Whatever's got her smiling was worth it because he hadn't seen her like this in months.

"Yeah," she whispered, thoughts of Edward and his unfathomably perfect smirk swarming her mind, "I almost forgot, too."

"Is he worth it?"

Abby eyes snapped up to meet his wary ones, to meet his concerned father ones. She gulped, not expecting him to catch on so quickly. But he was a parent, a father; they always knew even when they didn't want to know, they just knew. She knew it was pointless to even attempt to muster up a lie. She could only hope that he didn't tell Jay before she did. Abby would have to deal with Jay's outburst alone.

"He's...everything that dad would've wanted for me." And that was the truth. Edward was the perfect man; he was the kind of man her parents would love, would invite to dinner, holidays, trips. He was perfect for Abby. Sure, he might've been a vampire but he never posed a single threat to her. He treated her like she was the most delicate flower in this world.

Charlie took another sip of his drink, swallowed, and nodded, "Good. Because I've got a gun. And it's always loaded."

Oh, great, now Edward had to dodge two bullets.

A/N: Hi all! I do apologize for how late this one is. I didn't mean it to go so many months without updating! I've just been going through a lot mentally and my relationship with my boyfriend has been super rocky. Kinda' wishing I had better health insurance so I can see a therapist LOL! Soon enough though, I'll be starting a new job and they'll have better insurance.

But anyways! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I know I did. Abby and Edward are becoming my comfort characters. Also, I'm thinking of flipping this story over on Wattpad. I just feel like there's so much more potential for this story to grow on that site than this. And I've heard rumors of ending soon? Though they could just be rumors.

What do you guys think?

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Reviews, follow/favorite, love you guys always, let me know your thoughts in the review section *kisses*!