Chapter 14: Challenge
If Edward really was pursuing me –and somehow I wished he were –then there must be a way to make this work… I wished that this were true.
Nevertheless, it somehow became impossible. My heart was still in its inactive sleeping state, surrounded by a concrete shell that merely had a crack on it. I was still terrified.
The war of self-preservation versus love was never going to end, was it?
I didn't get enough sleep last night. All the nightmares, all the memories, they began to haunt me once again. I stayed awake for as long as I could, then I would fall asleep and wake up crying. I was glad the screaming stopped; I wasn't waking up Uncle Charlie anymore.
I got up, realizing that it was morning. I scrambled down the stairs to get a granola bar from the kitchen and stuff my face with it. I quickly ran back upstairs to brush my teeth. I changed into my usual: long-sleeved shirt, jeans, and rubber shoes. Light blue, blue, and white, in that order. I combed my hair once and tied it into an untidy bun. Taking my backpack and guitar case I rushed out the door, making sure to locked the front door. I ran down the driveway and stopped. I had forgotten my sweater. I was about to head back inside when I noticed something…
A silver Volvo parked in our driveway. I froze. So he really was pursuing me… I knew I should be frightened –being pursued by a vampire –but I was happy.
Edward suddenly appeared, and the passenger door suddenly opened. I felt my eyes widen.
"Do you want to ride with me today?" he asked. And once again, I found myself unable to decline. My brain disconnected from my body.
"Thank you," I muttered as I got in. I closed the door behind me. I jumped when he was suddenly beside me. Oh, right, super speed… forgot… wasn't used to it…
Edward was smiling, which meant he wasn't upset. That was good. I leaned my head on the headrest when I felt something there. I reached back to find out what it was. His jacket… it still had a scent. Were vampires supposed to smell good?
"I brought the jacket for you," he told me, "I didn't want you to get sick or something."
I put on the jacket, "How old are you?"
"Seventeen."
"… And how long have you been seventeen?"
He smiled widely, "A while."
"That explains the chivalry then," I said.
I stared out the window. Here I was, sitting in Edward's car and wearing his jacket, with thrill and terror shooting up my spine at the same time. He didn't need to try very hard to charm me. I was already in love with him. The fear temporarily disappeared, now that my brain was disconnected.
"What, no twenty questions today?" he asked. How velvety and soft the tone of his voice was. I loved it, too.
"Stop it, Bella," I ordered. I guess my brain wasn't completely disconnected. I faced him, almost surprised at how beautiful he was. Gosh, was I really awake?
"Do my questions bother you?" I asked, not smiling, but there was a smile in my voice.
"Not as much as your reactions do," he smiled. I loved his smile, too. Was there anything that I didn't love about him?
It was strange. Even though my heart was inactive, I knew that I loved him. My brain must be making references from when my heart was alive again. Relying on my memory, I supposed. Would my heart ever start working again?
"Do I react badly?" I asked, frowning.
"Other than last night, no, but that's the problem. You take almost everything so coolly –it's unnatural. It makes me wonder what you're really thinking."
"I always tell you what I'm really thinking," I lied. Of course, I couldn't tell him everything.
"You edit."
I bit my lip, "Not very much."
"Enough to drive me insane," he said.
"I don't want you to hear it…" I whispered, hoping that for once he wouldn't hear. I never, ever, ever, wanted to relive my dark past. Ever. "Where's the rest of your family?" I changed the subject.
"They took Rosalie's car," he said, parking beside the very car he was talking about. I felt my eyes widen. "Ostentatious, isn't it?"
"Um, wow. If she has that, why does she ride with you?" my voice was full of awe, "I mean, not that your car isn't nice. It's just… wow."
"Like I said, it's ostentatious. We try to blend in."
"You don't succeed." If I could have laughed, I would have. "So why did Rosalie drive today if it was more conspicuous?" I wondered.
"Hadn't you noticed? I'm breaking all the rules now." I got a bit startled by that. What exactly did he mean?
Oh, right. Vampire and human –clearly not allowed. As I pondered this, Edward opened my door for me. I wished I wasn't so slow that I gave him a chance to do that. If we were going to make this work, he needed to be a little less polite. He helped me out of the car.
I noticed that we were standing unusually close. My hand twitched, wishing that it could feel his cold, smooth skin against it. I pulled it back. We began to walk.
"Why do you have cars like that at all? If you're looking for privacy?" I asked.
"An indulgence," he admitted, "We all like to drive fast."
"Figures," I remarked.
Then I spotted Jessica under the edge of the cafeteria roof. Her expression made me blush.
"Hey, Jessica," I greeted.
"Good morning, Jessica," Edward said. Her eyes widened.
"Er… hi," she mumbled, "I guess I'll see you in Trig."
"Yeah, I'll see you then," my mouth twitched. I knew what was coming next. She was going to interrogate me about last night, probably. She's so predictable in that way.
"What are you going to tell her?" Edward asked. I glared at him.
"Hey!" I whisper-shouted, "I thought you couldn't read my mind!"
"I can't," he stared at me, surprised. Then comprehension crossed his face, "However, I can read hers –she'll be waiting to ambush you during class." I groaned. This was so typically Jessica. "So what are you going to tell her?" Edward pressed.
"A little help? What does she want to know?"
"That's not fair," he shook his head, smiling.
My eyes tightened, "No, you not sharing what you know –now that's unfair."
We walked to the doors of my classroom. I was about to leave when…
"She wants to know if we're secretly dating," Edward said slowly, "And she wants to know how you feel about me."
"Yikes," I tried to sound innocent, "What should I say?" I wanted to know what he thought about it.
"Hmmm," was all he said, a thoughtful expression on his face. Suddenly, he took the strand of hair that lay across my shoulder and placed it back into the untidy bun of my hair. I blushed. "I suppose you could say yes to the first… if you don't mind –it's easier than any other explanation."
"I don't mind," I whispered.
"And as for her other question…" he smiled widely, "Well, I'll be listening to hear the answer to that one myself." I felt my eyes widen and my mouth hung open. He laughed at my expression before leaving, "I'll see you at lunch."
The rest of the day went passively. I was glad that I was invisible to the teachers. If they called on me, I would've been caught answerless. What was I going to say?
"I am absolutely and irrevocably in love with him." Yes, that would be enough to keep Jessica quiet. However, I had to remember that Edward would be listening the whole time.
Then came the hour of truth.
"Tell me everything!" Jessica demanded the moment I sat down.
"What do you want to know?" I asked, stalling. All the while, hoping she wouldn't notice I was wearing Edward's jacket. I had forgotten to return it to him.
"What happened last night?" Ah, one of the easiest questions. I wouldn't even have to lie.
"He bought me dinner, and then he drove me home."
"How did you get home so fast?" Jessica eyed me suspiciously.
"He drives like a maniac. It's terrifying," I rolled my eyes. That ought to give Edward a good laugh.
"Was it like a date –did you tell him to meet you there?"
"No –I was very surprised to see him there."
"But he picked you up from school today? And you're wearing his jacket?" Oh, so she did notice.
"Yes –that was a surprise, too. He noticed I didn't have a jacket today, and he thought it was cold out."
"So are you going out again?" Jessica demanded.
"He offered to drive me to Seattle Saturday because he thinks my truck isn't up to it –does that count?"
"Yes."
"Well, then, yes."
"Wow… Edward Cullen."
"I know," I sighed. Yes, he was Edward Cullen. Student, Vampire, Friend… Best Friend.
"Wait!" Jessica suddenly said, "Has he kissed you?" K-kissed me? Kiss a vampire? Kiss of death much!
"No," I mumbled, "It's not like that." Although, I wish it was, somehow.
So what if it was? What if he kissed me? It was impossible though. And I don't think he would even want to.
"Do you think Saturday…?" Jessica prodded.
"I really doubt it," I was getting frustrated. Jessica was nosy.
"What did you talk about?"
"I don't know, Jess, lots of stuff. We talked about the English essay a little," I lied. Of course, I couldn't tell her what we really talked about.
"Please, Bella! Give me some details!"
I deliberated for a moment, "Well… okay, I've got one. You should have seen the waitress flirting with him –it was over the top. But he didn't pay attention to her at all."
"That's a good sign. Was she pretty?"
"Very," I told her, "And probably nineteen or twenty."
"Even better. He must like you."
"I think so," I talked slowly, taking to mind that he was listening, "But it's hard to tell. He's always so cryptic. Sometimes I think he just hangs around me out of courtesy."
"I don't know how you're brave enough to be alone with him," Jessica said.
"Why?"
"He's so… intimidating. I wouldn't know what to say to him."
"I do have some trouble with coherency when I'm around him." If I could have smiled, I would have.
"Oh well," Jessica sighed, "He is unbelievably gorgeous."
I glared at her. That wasn't fair. She couldn't possibly see Edward as just a pretty face, could she? He was a lot more than that. He's kind, sweet, chivalrous, considerate, polite, empathetic, tolerant, understanding, patient, and so much more. How could she not see that?
"There's a lot more to him than that," I snapped.
"Really? Like what?"
I bit my lip, "I can't explain it right. But he's even more unbelievable behind the face."
I looked away. How could it be possible that I was afraid of him, and say these things about him? Oh, right, my brain disconnected from my body this morning.
"Is that possible?" Jessica giggled, and I was very deeply annoyed. I ignored her. "So you like him, then?"
"Yes," I answered, not looking at her.
"I mean, do you really like him?" Ugh, wasn't it obvious enough without my say so?
"Yes," I couldn't help but blush. I bet Edward would've seen it.
"How much do you like him?" Jessica demanded. This was the most difficult question. How much did I like him? My cheeks felt hot.
"Too much," I concluded, whispering, "More than he likes me. But I don't see how I can help that." I was sad again.
It wouldn't make sense for him to return my feelings. I was in love with him. How could he love someone so… so… plain? A liar, even. How could he feel anything special towards this sad, pathetic, useless girl?
Edward deserved the best, and that definitely wasn't me.
Jessica and I didn't really talk about the subject afterwards. She started to talk about her date with Mike, and I paid no close attention. I was not interested.
I was focusing on a way to escape my classroom before Edward would catch me. I knew he would bombard me with a flood of questions that I definitely didn't want to answer. For all I knew, he could've been waiting for me already when class ended.
"You're not sitting with us today, are you?" Jessica asked.
"I don't think so," I answered. I wouldn't even go to lunch. I would hide in the library, probably.
Jessica and I walked out of the classroom together. And just as I had expected –much to my dismay –Edward was waiting for me. Both Jessica and I opened our eyes a little wider. He thwarted my escape plans.
"See you later, Bella," Jessica said, walking away. "No, wait, come back! Don't leave me! I'm in trouble!" Dang.
I took a step closer to Edward. My cheeks felt hot again. He heard everything that we talked about, so he would probably get upset. More than he likes me. But I don't see how I can help that. Why did I have to say that?
"Hello," Edward said, a little offhandedly.
"Hi," was all I could manage. I didn't want to upset him further.
Edward led me to the cafeteria. I was restless when we waited in line. I would sometimes look at him, but whenever he met my gaze, I'd look down immediately. I was in hot water. Then I noticed that he was getting one of everything.
"What are you doing?" I hissed softly, "You're not getting all that for me?"
He shook his head, pushing the tray up to the register, "Half is for me, of course." I doubted it, looking at him skeptically. We sat down at the table we had sat down at last week. I sat down across him. He pushed the tray towards me.
"Take whatever you want," he encouraged.
I picked up an apple and twisted it in my hands, stalling, "What would you do if someone dared you to eat food?" I made sure to keep my voice soft.
"You're always curious," he complained. He got a slice of pizza and bit off a small piece of it. He chewed and swallowed. Impressive. "If someone dared you to eat dirt, you could, couldn't you?"
I wrinkled my nose. I remembered when Rachel was curious, so she forced me. The experience was very unpleasant. "I did once…" I looked down. I added quickly, "On a dare. It wasn't so bad."
He laughed, "I suppose I'm not surprised." He looked away for a moment, and then faced back to me. "Jessica's analyzing everything I do," he informed me, "She'll break it down for you later."
He pushed back the plate of pizza towards me. A little hesitant –how would I know if he was poisonous or not –I took a bite from the same slice. Nothing bad was happening… It didn't taste any different… Safe.
"So the waitress was pretty, was she?" Edward asked.
"You really didn't notice?" I raised my eyebrow.
"No. I wasn't paying attention. I had a lot on my mind," he looked at me, meeting my gaze. I blushed again. Was he paying attention to me, then?
"Poor girl," there was a slight smile in my voice. How I wished I could smile for Edward again.
"Something you said to Jessica…" his voice became serious, "Well, it bothers me." "Here it comes."
"I'm not surprised you heard something you didn't like. You know what they say about eavesdroppers," my voice was defensive.
"I warned you I would be listening," he reminded.
"And I warned you that I didn't want you to know what I was really thinking."
"You did. But I do want to know what you're really thinking –everything. I just wish… that you wouldn't be thinking some things."
Everything? No, I couldn't. Not yet. I wouldn't know how he would react. I would wait for the right moment.
"Do you truly believe that you care for me more than I do for you?" he leaned towards me. My eyes widened, my breathing stopped. It really was as if my brain was substituting for my heart, relying on memory to pick a reaction.
"You're doing it again," I breathed.
"What?"
"Dazzling me," I admitted.
"Oh."
"It's not your fault," I sighed, "You can't help it." Well, it wasn't as if I didn't want him to help it. Whenever he 'dazzled' me, it made me feel like I actually mattered. But for everything else, I was unimportant.
"Are you going to answer my question?" he demanded.
"Yes, I really think that," I was sad again, looking down at the table. The blood rushed to my cheeks as I bit my lip. I was in trouble now.
"You're wrong," he promised. His voice soft now.
"You can't know that," I whispered, looking at him now. But his eyes conveyed that he truly meant what he said.
"What makes you think so?" he wondered.
"Well, aside from the obvious," I murmured, "Sometimes… I can't be sure –I don't know how to read minds –but sometimes it seems like you're trying to say goodbye when you're saying something else."
"Perceptive," he breathed, "That's exactly why you're wrong, though –What do you mean 'the obvious?'"
"Well, look at me," I said, pain twisted in my voice. I didn't want him to look at me, really. But I had to get my point out, "I am absolutely ordinary. No, aside from all the bad luck and clumsiness, I am nothing. Useless, unimportant, insignificant, pathetic –if I start making a list now, I'd never finish it by graduation." My face twisted in pain, because I couldn't deny what was true. "And look at you," I pointed. I looked down at the table again.
"You don't see yourself very clearly, you know," he told me. I looked up at him. "I'll admit you're dead-on about the bad luck," he laughed humorlessly, "But you didn't hear what every human male was thinking on your first day." He smiled smugly, and I didn't understand why.
"I don't believe it," I mumbled, my face going blank.
"Trust me this once –you are the opposite of ordinary."
I flushed, changing the subject, "But I'm not saying goodbye."
"Don't you see? That's what proves me right. I care the most, because if I can do it…" He shook his head, "If leaving is the right thing to do… Then I'll hurt myself to keep from hurting you, to keep you safe." I glared at him.
"And you don't think I would do the same?"
"You'd never have to make the choice." I stared at him. How difficult it must be for him… Then he suddenly smiled, "Of course, keeping you safe is beginning to feel like a full-time occupation that requires my constant presence."
"No one has tried to do away with me today," I joked.
"Yet," he added dryly.
"Yet," I agreed.
"I have another question for you," he said.
"Shoot," I muttered.
"Do you really have to go to Seattle this Saturday, or was that just an excuse to get out of saying no to all your admirers?" Damn.
"I really had a reason, but because you offered to bring me there, I had to rearrange my plans," I whispered. If he was being honest with me, I'd be honest with him… as much as I could.
"Why?"
"Umm… I was going to look at a few places… to move in to…" I looked down, playing with my fingers.
"Move in to?" he repeated.
"I feel like I'm a burden to Uncle Charlie," I explained, "I'm always so depressed, and he constantly has to worry. So I was planning to get my own place… a relatively small one."
"So the thing about the college fund…?" he asked.
"I lied," I admitted, "I'm sorry."
"If I'd asked you, would you have turned me down?" he wondered.
"Probably not," I said, "But I would have cancelled later –faked an illness or a sprained ankle."
"Why would you do that?"
"You've obviously never seen me in Gym… That is, before I broke my leg. I don't really do anything now," I told him.
"Are you referring to the fact that you can't walk across a flat, stable surface without finding something to trip over?"
"Obviously."
"That wouldn't be a problem. It's all in the leading."
I could only imagine a moment like that, where I would be safe in his arms… Safe… Where no one would ever hurt me… I was denied of that for four years… Would I ever get that back?
"Are you resolved on going to Seattle, or do you mind if we do something different?" he asked.
As long as it was Edward… "I'm open to alternatives," I said, "But I do have a favor to ask."
"What?"
"Can I drive?"
"Why?"
"I told Uncle Charlie, you know, asked his permission. And leaving my truck at home would just bring up the subject unnecessarily."
"Won't you want to tell your uncle that you're spending the day with me?" he asked.
"With Uncle Charlie, less is always more," I said, "Where are we going anyway?"
"The weather will be nice," he told me, "So I'll be staying out of public eye… and you can stay with me, if you'd like to."
"And you'll show me why vampires can't be in the sun?" I kept my voice low, "I mean, since they don't weaken or die or… whatever."
"Yes. But… If you don't want to be… alone with me, I'd still rather you didn't go Seattle by yourself. I shudder to think of the trouble you could find in a city that size… So I'd rather that you stay with me."
"As it happens, I don't mind being alone with you," I said.
"I think you should tell Charlie, though," Edward sighed.
"Why in the world would I do that?" I asked, horrified.
Uncle Charlie would never let me be alone with a boy, not after what I've been through. It may be a different case, but he thinks I'm too sensitive. He doesn't want to see me hurt again… Heck, I didn't want to get hurt again.
Edward glared at me. "To give me a small incentive to bring you back," he hissed. I cringed away from him. How did I miss the sign for running away? I looked down at the table.
"Let's talk about something else," I said gently, practically whispering. I didn't want to upset him again.
"What do you want to talk about?" That was a difficult question. I didn't want him to get angry, so it probably wasn't a good idea for me to choose. I tried to think of a safe topic. "I'm sorry I frightened you," Edward suddenly said.
"It's my fault," I faced him, "I'll tell Uncle Charlie about it… But I won't be sure that he'll allow it…"
No, he wouldn't allow it. Maybe… If I showed him that I was happy… But he probably wouldn't believe me, since I've been acting depressed all weekend… That could work. But I would have to try very hard to smile…
"Umm…" I made sure to keep my voice low, "Why did you go to that Goat Rocks place last weekend? To hunt? Uncle Charlie said it wasn't a good place to hike, because of the bears." He stared at me, one eyebrow raised. "Bears?" I almost gasped, "But bears are not in season."
"If you read carefully, the law only covers hunting with weapons," he said. My mouth fell open. No weapons? Hmm… super speed, super strength, teeth… I guess that would be enough…
"Bears?" I repeated.
"Grizzly is Emmett's favorite."
"Hmm," I murmured, "So, what's your favorite, then?"
"Mountain lion," he answered brusquely, "Of course, we have to be careful not to impact the environment with injudicious hunting. We try to focus on areas with an overpopulation of predators –ranging as far away as we need. There's always plenty of deer and elk here, and they'll do, but where's the fun in that?"
I guess I sort of understood what he meant. If I were a vampire –I shuddered at the thought –I don't think it would be any fun to prey on defenseless, little animals. Where would be the thrill of the hunt? I shuddered again –I could've sworn that I was thinking just like a vampire.
"Where indeed," I agreed thoughtlessly, biting the slice of pizza that I had forgotten about.
"Early spring is Emmett's favorite bear season," he continued, "They're just coming out of hibernation, so they're more irritable."
"Nothing more fun than an irritated grizzly bear," I nodded. Somehow I couldn't picture how a vampire could possibly hunt without weapons. I was sure that they didn't need weapons, but I couldn't picture it.
Edward chuckled. "Tell me what you're really thinking, please," he shook his head.
"I'm trying to picture it –but I can't. How do you hunt bears without weapons?"
"Oh, we have weapons," he smiled widely. I flinched. "Just not the kind they consider when writing hunting laws. If you've ever seen a bear attack on television, you should be able to visualize Emmett hunting."
I glanced toward the Cullen table. Emmett was very bulky and muscular… just like a bear. I guess it wasn't that difficult to imagine the way he hunts after all. I shuddered.
"Are you like a bear, too?" I asked, whispering.
"More like the lion, or so they tell me," his voice was detached, "Perhaps our preferences are indicative."
"Perhaps," I repeated. Then I thought about something, cocking my head to the side. Although, I wasn't sure if I was going to ask him, I didn't want him to get mad again. Curiosity overpowered fear. "Is that something I might get to see?" I asked softly.
"Absolutely not!" he snarled, only loud enough for me to hear. I flinched, jerking away. He leaned back, too. "Bella, you are an absolute idiot. Stop upsetting him!"
"We're going to be late," he snapped, rising to his feet. What?
I looked around. Oh yeah, we were at school. Forgot…
Edward and I walked silently to Biology, and then took our seats. Mr. Banner pulled in a TV and VCR, announcing that we would be watching Lorenzo's Oil. I noticed that this time, Edward didn't move far away from me this time. He was sitting close to me, close enough for me to feel the cool temperature of his skin.
Then the lights went out.
In this dark room, where no one could see –except Edward, there was electricity. And the sudden urge to touch him became strong once again. Was it because I knew that I could get away with it? Because if Edward minded, all he had to do was pull away?
No.
I folded my arms across my chest, balling them up into fists. Edward was upset enough that I kept flirting with danger, how angry he would be if I tried to touch him.
The darkness became a bit lighter when the movie finally started. I glanced at Edward. He didn't seem so upset anymore. But he was in the same position as I was. Did that mean he wanted to touch me, too? The possibility would have made my heart flutter. Another crack.
So Edward did show interest in me, beyond courtesy. Maybe he liked me, too. I felt my breathing become shallow. My brain was very good at acting like my heart. I could swear that my heart was the one reacting. But I knew that it was only based on memory and reference.
And all too soon, the hour passed. The lights turned back on. I stretched, stiff from holding the awkward position.
Edward chuckled, "Well, that was interesting."
"Umm," I murmured. I had forgotten to pay attention to the film.
"Shall we?" he asked, standing. He offered his hand, and I took it. As if, I could refuse him anymore, anyway. He escorted me to Gym, the whole trip silent.
I turned to him to say goodbye, but stopped. His expression seemed… conflicted. I was about to open my mouth to ask what was wrong, but I bit my tongue. He lifted his hand to my face; his cold, slender fingers stroked my cheekbone.
I felt like time froze, and that no one was there except for the two of us. Like no one in else in the world existed. In that moment where he touched me, I felt as though my heart was working again. It was as if I fell in love… again.
Edward forced himself to turn around, walking away stiffly. I felt the blood rush to my cheeks again. My heart had another crack… a big one.
* * *
"So," Mike said, as we towards the gym door.
"So what?" I asked.
"You and Cullen, huh?"
"No offense, Mike, but I'd rather not discuss my personal relationships with other people."
"I don't like it."
"Well, you don't have to," I snapped.
"He looks at you like… like you're something to eat."
"I don't think he practices cannibalism," I kept the tone of my voice skeptical, hiding my grimace.
When Mike and I got out of the gym, Edward was leaning on the wall, waiting for me. I walked to his side, a bit closer than I usually stood next to him.
"Hi," I whispered. I hadn't forgotten earlier. I was still a little dazed by it.
"Hello," he said, "How was Gym?"
"Fine," I lied. I was lost in thought the whole time.
My thoughts were depressing. What would my life be like if I hadn't been…? I couldn't even get myself to say it. How would I be different? Would I be stronger? Would I actually be worthy of being the object of Edward's affection… if I ever was that?
Part of me should be thankful for my misfortune. Because the events that were caused by it, led to me coming to Forks. And if I never came to Forks, I would've never met Edward. And he wouldn't be forced to protect me.
This saddened me again.
"Really?" Edward's voice pulled me out of my temporary reverie. Then Edward suddenly turned to face a different direction.
"What is it?" I asked. I traced the direction of his eyes to see that he was glaring at Mike.
"Newton's getting on my nerves," he admitted. My mouth fell open.
"You weren't listening again?" He must have seen my saddened expression.
"What's wrong? You looked upset."
"You're unbelievable!" I angrily walked away from him, to the parking lot. He easily kept up with me.
"You were the one who mentioned how I'd never seen you in Gym," he explained, "It made me curious."
I continued walking, but was stopped by a group of male students blocking the way. Edward pushed his way through the crowd, and I followed.
"Ostentatious," he muttered as he opened my door. He closed it and walked to his side.
"What kind of car is that?"
"An M3."
I frowned, "I don't speak car."
"It's a BMW," he rolled his eyes. He backed up carefully and drove out of the parking lot. "Are you still angry?"
"Definitely," I replied curtly. Stupid, special vampire abilities. Stupid, spying vampire.
Edward sighed. "Will you forgive me if I apologize?"
"Maybe… if you mean it. And if you promise not to do it again."
"How about if I mean it, and you don't have to tell your Uncle about this Saturday."
"Deal," I said, after a moment of thought.
He looked into my eyes, "Then I'm very sorry I upset you." My eyes widened, stunned. Dazzled.
Edward half-smiled, "And I'll be on your doorstep bright and early Saturday morning."
"Um," I said, "it doesn't help with the Uncle Charlie situation if an unexplained Volvo is left in the driveway."
"I wasn't intending to bring a car."
"How –" I began to ask.
"Don't worry about it. I'll be there, no car."
"Umm… Edward…?"
"Yes?"
"You know that I'm going to Port Angeles again, right?"
"Yes."
"And you don't have to pick up your family, because they're going to take Rosalie's car?"
"Yes."
"Does that mean…?" my voice trailed off.
"That I'm going to watch you perform?" he finished my question, "Well… Yes, I suppose it does."
"Oh…" Great, Edward was going to watch. Could I get any more nervous?
Then I realized something.
As long as Edward and I were trying to make it work… Edward would be tested to resist my blood, and not kill me. I would be dared to not run away screaming. With the very fundamental nature of the two of us, life was presenting us with a formidable challenge.
And we would gladly accept.
"You did wonderful," Edward complimented as we approached Uncle Charlie's house.
"Nah," I blushed.
"So," he asked, "If you aren't going to try and move out anymore, what are you going to do with the money?"
"College fund."
"Oh."
The car stopped. Our time together was up a little too soon. I opened the door and stepped outside. I leaned back into the car.
"I'll see you tomorrow, right?"
He smiled. "Of… course…" his smile and voice trailed off. He cocked his head to the side.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Who is that woman waiting for you on the porch?"
"What…?" I turned around.
My eyes widened. I felt my mouth fall open. I dropped my bag and guitar case, completely stunned. Tears gathered at the corners of my eyes.
"Aunt Cathy?"