We got to our destination much too soon. Maybe it's just me, but there's always something sad about ending a long car ride. Sometimes, I can't even think of a reason to get out of the car. I just want to sit there, and never get out. Although knowing Edward was waiting was more than enough motivation this time. In fact, he opened my door for me. It sounds stupid, but I thought it was the sweetest thing. Nobody does those gentleman-like things anymore, and I really thought it was special that Edward did…
Anyhow, he grasped my hand and led me opposite the trail that led through the woods. I looked up at his face and saw his smirk; needless to say it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I couldn't help but smile back.
"So, is this where you're taking me? The woods?"
"Give me a little more credit than that, Lucy." He replied, as we began walking. This was the first time I really, really noticed him. The way his entire body looked. He wore a lighter grey t-shirt which defined his chest muscles, and khaki pants. He had bronze hair that spiked and twisted around in a way that made me want to kiss him all day.
There wasn't much conversation as we walked, there didn't need to be. Just being there was enough, unless he started to say something. And because of the quiet, my mind started to wander. I started to dream up a thousand different scenarios, though I knew they would never really happen.
Lucy, what are you doing? He doesn't think of you like that. Drop your expectations before they get out of hand. I took a much needed deep breath, and immediately looked down when Edward turned and glanced at me.
"Are you alright? We're almost there."
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine." Oh, God. That always sounded so wrong, but so familiar. It had been my answer for everything since the 7th grade. Every time anyone asked how I was, the answer was always fine, even when I was dying inside. Though, I was being quite honest this time… I guess I was just too used to hearing those words as a lie.
This was when I realized it. Around Edward… I was happy. Better than happy, actually. Do you know that feeling of complete euphoria? When it seems as though your blood is rushing and pumping because it's laced with pure adrenaline, built out of just happiness? Edward caused that in me. I hadn't felt that since I was five.
"The clearing up ahead." He pointed, and I nodded, walking a little faster now that it was in seeing range. We took the final steps through the trees and what I saw… was really insane. In a good way, of course.
Calling it a meadow seemed so ordinary for a place so pretty. The air almost glittered as it reflected off the sun. Small flowers bloomed from the green grass. The place was actually quite small, but a perfect circle.
"Do you like it?..." He asked, almost nervously.
"I really do! It's beautiful, Edward." A smile broke through my face. He smiled too and took my hand, leading me to the middle of the circle. His skin was the same as Alice's had been the other night. Like ice. And that reminded me of the entire reason we were here. So he could explain why his family was so… different…
My curiosity got the best of me as I sat down on the grass. I wanted to know now… But I didn't want to push, so I bit my lip to stay quiet. Of course, Edward noticed.
"Are you sure you're alright?"
"Yeah, I was just thinking…"
"About the entire reason we're here?" He smirked again cockily, raising an eyebrow. I giggled quietly and nodded.
Edward hesitated for a minute, probably figuring out the best way to say it. The moment seemed to last forever, and I wished I could quiet down my heartbeat.
"Do you believe in vampires, Lucy?" Well, I guessed he decided to come right out and say it…
My smiled widened and I nodded excitedly, biting on my lip again. "You're a vampire?" But his face dropped into a frown.
"That doesn't… frighten you? Or make me seem insane?"
"No, no! Not at all. You have no idea how… happy that makes me!"
"I could easily kill you on accident. How does that not bother you or worry you in the slightest? I think I'm missing something here… Or something is very clearly wrong with you…"
"Both, probably. But… I'm not quite sure how to explain. I mean, I've always been interested in those supernatural like things… And I've always felt… out of place. My entire life. Just like something was never right. This was meant to happen, Edward. It's meant to be this way. I don't feel so wrong anymore. I belong in your world. I can feel it."
"That does make sense… And it explains how calm you were about everything yesterday night as well. And speaking of, I believe there are a few things I left out."
"Like?" I sat up straighter, ready to hear more.
"In all the fuss, I forgot to mention that Jasper can not only sense your emotions, but change them as well."
"To anything? Happy, sad, nervous?"
"Yes. To anything at all. I believe I never got to explain who Carlisle and Rosalie were either."
"Right, you didn't."
"Well, Carlisle is Esme's husband. We consider them our parents. Then Rosalie is Emmett's wife, and I would consider them my brother and sister. Along with Alice and Jasper, who are married. We stage as a family, all adopted, so people won't figure out or secret."
"That's… clever. But, wait. You're not… married or anything?"
"No… I'm not… And that's kind of where you come into the situation. Alice saw us… together… She saw that this was the only way you'd stay safe… And I don't want to force you into anything, if you're not interested. But you're important to me now, Lucy. I need to be able to keep you safe."
I nervously looked to him again as I moved a little closer, setting my hand on his cheek. "You're important to me too. So, so important." Quickly, I pressed my lips to his cheek, shaking slightly with nerve.
Then he pulled me against him, so I was sitting on his lap, and he secured his arms around me. His lips brushed mine so lightly before he kissed me. Maybe it was the way he had to be so careful, though he was so strong that made this kiss so special. His lips were hard and cold, but the kiss was so soft, so gentle, and so warm. It was perfect.