TWENTY-ONE
Friday afternoon
Out in the smoking area, Edward is entranced by the blonde-haired girl before him. The energy that surrounds her is different; she seems to have blossomed into a complete human being. As she ignites the end of a cigarette, at least three people greet her when they pass.
This Isabella is almost a stranger to him.
"You know, if you take a picture, it'll last longer." She teases, resting the cigarette between two dark-coloured fingernails. She has a ring on every finger.
"Sorry. I'm just…taking you in."
"Kinky." She sits down on one of the benches, crossing her legs seductively.
"Not like that. I just mean that…you've changed."
He can't quite bring his eyes to meet her's, so he just focuses on her Doc Marten boots.
"And thank fuck that I did. I don't know why you ever used to shag me; I was such a wet wipe."
"What do you mean? You were…are…gorgeous."
She snorts. "You've changed your tune."
"Huh?"
"Ew. Yuck. Wouldn't touch Swan with a barge pole."
"Oh, right, that was a dick move. Honestly, I felt horrific about it for months. I still do. I've thought about texting you every day."
"Well, I'm happy you didn't. Allowed me the chance to actually move on."
"I'm glad you're feeling better about it, Isabella."
He didn't tell her that he didn't feel the same.
"Please, just call me Bella. Honestly, I feel fantastic, I'm not gonna lie to you. Like a new woman almost." She taps her cigarette over a nearby ashtray. "You know, I'm not living with Phil and Renee anymore."
"Oh really. How comes?"
"I learnt that I don't have to take shit from anyone. Had a breakthrough, moved in with my Dad and my stepmum. They live in Cambridge themselves but have a flat in London. Worked out perfectly really."
"Hmmm."
"He even paid for me to get some counselling. You know, I actually think I understand what happiness is now."
"That's good."
He still hasn't looked at her. She nudges his foot.
"Hey, are you okay. You haven't said anything for a while. How are things for you?"
"They haven't been easy; I'm not going to lie. Family's fine, friends too. It's just…you…I…"
"Edward, it's fine, honestly."
"What I did…to you, of all people. The way I behaved was awful. I'm surprised you're so happy to see me."
He feels tears burn the backs of his eyelids and he closes his eyes to stop them from spilling. Bella takes his hand in hers and he finally looks up at her. Brown eyes bore into his green ones.
"Edward, like you said, it's you. Like, I was mad for a while, don't get me wrong, but you were special to me. Always will be. I don't think I could ever hate you."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course, and if anything, we've been given a second chance. It's almost like it was fate that we saw each other tonight. I'm not gonna make it easy on you, but we can at least try to be civil with one another."
She smiles at him and he can't help but copy her. Grabbing her glass, she holds it out towards him.
"Friends?"
His glass meets hers in the light of the overhead heater. "Yeah, friends."
For the first time in months, Edward finally feels like his heart is healing. Even though the dynamics have flipped – she is confident, popular; he is lonely, sheepish – he's never felt safer. He finally feels like he understands something.
He finally feels as though he's on a path back to where he belongs.
Is Edward right or is he thinking a bit too prematurely?
Find out tomorrow! :D