Check it out Ch 2!! It really didn't take me all that long… Hope u enjoy it. I'm open to criticism, so please criticize!! I'm open to praise too… just saying. :-D

-qtmelnee

DISCLAIMER-Again, I own nothing sadly. It all belongs to Stephenie Meyer. (Who, btw, ROCKS!)

Chapter 2 Forgiven

Date: (Still) Sept. 16, 1918

I stood there, somewhat unsure of what to do next. I smiled at her in silence as she came over to my side and slid her arm around mine to have a better hold on my hand as we started walking. This gesture took me by surprise and was completely new to me.

Never had Bella been so quick to forgive me. Had she forgiven me? Was this her way of putting everything behind her and moving on into the future? Did that mean she was open to try and love me the way I loved her?

Stop it, I thought. Don't get too carried away, she simply needs an escort home. No need to get overly excited only to be disappointed in the end.

She looked up at me with her beautiful brown eyes, a pout on her face.

"Are you not talking to me Edward?" She queried.

"No," I replied simply. "I'm still talking to you."

"Then why do you feel so ridged and stiff? Does this bother you?" She asked holding up our entangled hands.

"No, it doesn't bother me. It just… feels right." I told her meeting her gaze when I paused, then squeezing her hand. She stopped dead in her tracks and turned toward me letting go of my hand. She looked ashamed.

"Edward that was not my reason for holding your hand, I'm sorry to have mislead you that was very wrong of me."

"I don't mind being misled. But if I may be so bold. May I ask for your reason?" I asked sincerely, never moving my eyes from her face. Her reply came with a sigh as she looked back up at me.

"I was only meaning to show you that I value our friendship Edward, nothing more."

"Please let me apologize then." I couldn't let her beat herself up for my misunderstanding.

"Why should you apologize? I was the one who…" But I put up my hand to protest.

"Bella, I must apologize for thinking more of your gesture than what was intended. I must also apologize for my rude behavior on your birthday. You don't have to forgive me for my second offence if you do not wish it, but this is my final apology for the incident for I know you do not want to speak, or hear of it, again." We stood there in silence for awhile. Bella's face appeared pensivewhilst shelooked down atthe hands sheheld in front of her. I watched as she twiddled her thumbsin thought. Then she looked up at me.

"We best be going, it is past supper time and we are sure to get scolded." With that we continued our walk home. When we reached her doorway and she turned to face me before entering.

"Edward, you are forgiven on all counts," She gave me a coy smile. Then she did something I never expected. Just as I was about to turn away and leave, she put her hands on either side of my face, stood on her tip toes, and gave me a swift kiss on the lips. Then she quickly turned and entered the house.

I couldn't move for I was rooted to that spot. My lips were still tingling from where hers met mine. I was shocked, but in a good way. This act of affection was something Bella had never done before. Yes, she had given me a kisses on the cheek, something my grandmother and aunts often did, but there was something different about this.

It didn't feel like one of those you gave family, it was more. Oh Bella, I thought. Why do you do this to me? You do not wish to mislead me, though you did yet again. Why must I be tortured so? Everything about you draws me closer and yet you wish to push me away, to repel me. My sweet angel, my love, your attempts have no affect, for they only make me want you more. It is unfair that a woman should have such control over a man, but I do not care, I only wish to be with you.

I then decided I had been standing there much too long when Mr. Swan had come to the door. I blinked at him leaving my thoughts to focus on what he was saying.

"Young Mr. Mason, have you come to see Bella? She only just arrived home a short while ago. Was she not just with you?" He looked at me as if my dazed state had given him reason for concern.

"No sir," I paused thinking quickly. "And yes, I had accompanied her here. I only came to inform you that it was not your daughters fault for being late. I simply lost track of time. For that, I'm sorry, and must take full blame." I couldn't allow Bella to take the fall for my irresponsibility in getting her home on time.

"All is forgiven Mr. Mason, but you best be off, for I am sure your mother will do a good deal of scolding I will save my breath on it." He said with a smile and a wink. "Good day Mr. Mason." He bowed his head and closed the door.

I sighed. Off to the wolves, I thought.

As soon as I opened the door I spotted mother standing in front of the stairs with her armscrossed infront ofher chestwhile tapping her toe impatiently. Her bright green eyes, which I had inherited, were instantly full of rage at the sight of me.

"Edward Anthony Mason! Where have you been?" She yelled throwing her hands in the air with strong, pure anger, or was it frustration? Either way I was in for it.

Hope you enjoyed it, if you didn't, oh well.

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Thanks!

-qtmelnee