5.

BPOV

Three buses and two days with Edward have solidified the fact that God hates me. No really, he does.

That first night when I'd fallen asleep with my head on his shoulder had been the first night I'd dreamed of him. Of course, in my dream, he was flawless and sparkly and for some reason his eyes were red, but it was all him—tall, lean and beautiful.

We spent two days talking about everything and anything that wasn't too personal. It's not that I didn't trust him, but telling him about my dad and his job and going in depth about my parent's divorce wasn't something I wanted to talk to him about. In turn, he told me about his family, without going into too many details. No last names were exchanged as we both agreed it would be too personal.

A line in the sand was drawn and as much as I would have loved to tiptoe across it, I knew it was a bad idea to do so. Edward seemed to be the sweet and genuine type. The kind of guy I'd gladly bring home to meet my father. Unfortunately for me, he lived in Chicago and our journey together was scheduled to end in a bus depot in downtown Seattle.

Being friends was easy enough, though. We spent our time playing twenty questions and exchanging music. When the bus would stop at a restaurant, we'd sit together and share stories about some food we'd eaten or some weird family traditions.

Speaking to him just came so easily that by the time we crossed the Idaho-Washington border, I was almost sad to see my trip end. My belly became tight with anticipation. I was glad that home was within reach. Taking the bus may not have been such a brilliant idea, but I was happy to have done it nonetheless.

But, with all things said and done, the prospect of not seeing Edward again, after spending all this time with him, made my chest hurt.

"So, are you anxious to see your family?" I ask him as he's turned away from me watching the signs by the highway near Ellensburg. Seattle isn't too far away and I can feel how anxious he is just by the way his leg bounces and his eyes follow each road sign.

I'd given him the window seat on our last stop, and at this time of day as the sun sets through the window behind him, highlighting the side of his handsome face in just the right way, it makes him look God-like even with the three day stubble on his chin.

He takes a deep breath and turns to face me. "Yeah, I miss my sister. I wish she were closer." He scoffs. "My parents have visited her every few months for the past four years and I've been a shitty brother. I haven't seen her since the last time she came home, which was last Christmas."

"She's older, right?" I've asked a few questions about his sister, but according to our no-name rule, he hasn't told me much about her, although I do remember him calling her Rose.

"Yeah. I'm twenty-four, so she's...twenty-seven." He frowns. "Man, it's about time she gets hitched."

I giggle. "That's not that old. At this rate, I'll probably end up older than that when I get hitched."

"Pshh, you're like twelve, Bella. I'm pretty sure some guy's going to scoop you up way before your expiration date." He gives me a pointed look and I shake my head.

"I'm twenty-three, and I thought we weren't talking about our age." I cock an eyebrow and smirk.

He licks his lips, momentarily distracting me and looks away. "I'm going to miss this, Bella."

I take a deep breath willing my emotions to stop whatever it is they're doing. "I know."

We're silent for the next hour or so, and we both watch the highway signs change as Seattle gets closer and closer. The city is easily distinguishable as we get closer to civilisation.

I don't notice when it happens, but by the time we're parked at the station waiting for the driver to give us the okay to get off the bus, Edward's hand is clutched in mine.

"Give me your phone," he says as the people around us start to stand and stretch. I don't argue as I reach into my bag and pull it out. He calls his phone and after pushing a few buttons, he hands me back mine. "The ball's in your court, Bella. I want us to be friends, if you want."

I feel my lips quivering momentarily and smile. "I'd like that."

The bus driver starts to let people off the bus and I know I need to find the right terminal for the last leg of my trip.

I follow Edward as he climbs down the steps and when he looks back at me, we both stand there for what seems like forever, just looking at each other.

"Well, I have to catch my bus," I tell him, shifting from foot to foot.

"Yeah, I can see my mom over there." He juts out his chin. "She's about ready to cross the gate." He grins and I watch a rather tall woman with Edward's features waving her arms around.

"I think she wants you to go." I giggle and take a step closer to him. I'm not sure if hugging is okay, but screw it. After an awkward moment where neither of us is sure which side to tilt, Edward's arms are around me, tight and comforting.

"Call me, Bella. Please," he pleads and kisses the top of my head sweetly.

I nod as a few tears slide down my cheeks and I take a deep breath, inhaling his scent. "I will."

With that, I take a step back and break our embrace. With a last longing look, he turns and walks quickly towards his mother and I go in the opposite direction in search of my next route.

…

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Please don't cry. It'll get better. ;)