I showered and changed as quickly as I could, even though I dreaded this conversation. Alex's cabin was a couple of feet from mine so I walked there once I was ready. His lights were on so I assumed he was in as I knocked on the door.

"Alex, it's Bella," I called as calmly as I can manage.

I heard light footsteps and then the door swung open slowly. Alex appeared in the doorway wearing jeans and a black turtleneck, which was surprising given our location. He leaned on the doorframe and crossed his arms but never took his eyes off me. I wasn't sure but I thought he looked like he sort of expected to see me. He wasn't smiling and his eyes were dead serious. What gave me away?

"Alex, would you come for a walk with me?" I asked.

"Of course," he replied stepping out and pulling the door closed behind him.

We walked side by side in silence until we reached the sandy beach. The moon was full and cast its light on the waves below. The water looked like mercury as it swelled and fell continuously. I knew that the longer I waited, the harder it would be to start, so I took a deep breath and plunged ahead.

"Alex, do you remember when we first met?" I asked as I stopped and looked up at the moon.

"Of course. It was 22 years ago in London," he answered. I nodded and turned to him.

"It's been over two decades, but you haven't changed a bit," I pointed out. "Back then, you believed that love was fleeting and that there was nothing worthwhile once the chase was won."

"No, Bella. You changed the way I thought. You showed me what love felt like."

"Did I? I didn't change anything. The only reason that you want me is because I refused you," I pointed out. "Alex, is what you're feeling really love?"

I waited a minute, but there was no reply, just the crashing of waves and his intense stare.

"Alex, I truly hope you will find someone who can change the way you think about love, but it's not me. My fate is tied to Edward," I concluded.

"Bella, I'm sure that what I feel for you isn't superficial, but perhaps the way I chose to show it made you unsure," he insisted taking my hand in his.

"Even if what you say is true, I do not feel the same way. Edward stole my heart before you even returned," I explained. "I hope you can respect my decision if you do truly love me."

After a moment, he sighed heavily and nodded at me.

"I can't say I didn't see this coming. I know you Bella, once you've made your decision, there isn't much that can sway you. Your body language hinted this earlier today. I will do as you wish but I hope you will not try to stop me from waiting for you," he said sadly.

"Thank you," I said. I didn't bother hiding the relief in my voice. But Alex showed me a side of him I've never seen before and I wasn't sure of what I should think now.

"Whatever makes you happy, Bella," he insisted. "But remember, if he ever hurts you I will do all that is in my power to punish him for it."

I smiled and nodded. Alex suddenly pulled me to him and engulfed me in a hug. He wrapped his arms tightly around my waist and placed his chin on my shoulder. I wanted to push him off but I allowed my pity to control me for a moment. I closed my eyes and patted his shoulder gently.

We stayed like that a while before I opened my eyes. A shadow near the trees caught my eyes and I turned toward it. By the time I was able to focus on it, it had disappeared and the trees had stilled. Was I imagining things?

I looked up into Alex's bright, golden eyes and realized that I was still attached to him. I cleared my throat to get his attention and gently pried his arms loose and slipped out of my hold.

"You should probably head back," I told him.

"What about you?" He asked.

"Uh, I want to stay out a little longer," I lied. What he didn't know wouldn't hurt him.

He raised his eyebrow and gazed at me incredulously, but nodded and turned to leave. I let out a breath of relief and waited until he was out of sight before turning to head to where I was supposed to meet Edward.

I took my time and reached the trail leading to the meadow a few minutes later. On either side of the trail, paper lanterns had been hung to light the path. The meadow itself was entirely surrounded by trees on which thousands of lanterns had been hung. At night, fireflies appeared and flitted around the center of the meadow until dawn.

My mother had loved the sight of fireflies and my father never forgot that. This place had been created both in her honor and in remembrance of my parent's paper lantern night. When my mother was still alive and young, she was the center of attention in the town's lunar celebrations. It was that night that my mother said she was sure she had fallen in love with my father. My father surprised her by whispering his love for her in her ear while they danced. I could still remember the song my mother used to sing me to sleep with. Her smiles were always so genuine and joyful whenever she sang that song, but she never told me why. The song, if I recalled correctly, told their story but with a lonely ending.

I reached the center and sat down on the soft grass. The fireflies instantly circled me in a seemingly random dance of light. The lights reminded me of Edward's eyes, so bright and intense. Edward Cullen, I think I love you. But when had I started falling for him?

I smiled at my own silliness as I captured a firefly in my hands. I peered at it through my fingers for a moment before I opened my hands slowly and allowed it to fly free again. I finally understood what my mother felt for my father. I heard rustling behind me and my breath caught in my throat. He was coming.

Beneath the silver moon, I held you endlessly.
And danced the night with you,
'Cause you were meant for me.
The lights above the skies were burning in your eyes.
I gave my heart to you that paper lantern night.

CHORUS
But when you went away
all the light turned faint and gray.
Only darkness in the night.
Never thought that we said goodbye,
so I'll hold it all inside.
But I never will forget,
I close my eyes and think of when.
All the stars were shining bright,
like the light shining in your eyes.
As we danced all through the night
underneath the lantern sky.
And I held your hands in mine
underneath the lantern sky.

A magical surprise you gave me there that night.
You whispered in my ear the words I long to hear.
I wish that we could stay below the thousand lights.
And never let it fade our paper lantern night.