Chapter 5: Honesty

The tears kept streaming down my face as Edward drove me home. He kept glancing over at me as if he wanted to say something, but would stop at the last second. I felt terrible for ruining a wonderful night. I couldn't remember ever having as much as I had during the couple of hours we had shared. I couldn't believe that I had allowed Mike to get to me even after we weren't together.

Edward parked the car in front of my building, and opened the car passenger door for me. "Thank you." I whispered the first words that had left my mouth since we had left the restaurant. I really did not trust myself to speak.

"I'm not letting you stay alone, Bella." He said as he walked me to the door.

"You don't have to let me ruin the entire night, Edward. Go have fun, I'll be fine by myself." I said opening the front door and walking in.

"You didn't ruin the night. I really enjoyed spending the time with you, and if anyone ruined the night it was that jerk. And I won't be able to enjoy myself knowing that you're depressed." He stated simply sitting me down on the couch. "I'm going to get you some water." He said before disappearing into the kitchen.

I sighed covering my face with my hands. I was a total wreck, and Edward must think that I was a lunatic. I looked down at my arm and saw that it was turning purple. Mike always had a temper, but he had never been violent. I did not understand what had gotten over him that day, but he had honestly scared me.

Edward sat down next to me a minute later handing me a glass of water. "I don't know who that guy is, but please don't let anything he told you get to you." Edward said placing his arm around me.

I felt all my defenses fall as soon as his arm touch my shoulder, my chest and throat constricted and I began to sob. I felt as if Edward genuinely cared for my well being, and really wanted to understand what I was going through. But I also felt unworthy of a guy like Edward, he was too nice. He was too perfect.

Edward held me as I cried. He ran his hand down my back allowing me to express my emotions. "Do you want to talk about it?" He asked as my sobs quieted down.

"There's not much to say." I whispered my head resting on his shoulder.

"He obviously hurt you." Edward stated wiping away one of my tears his green eyes full of concern.

"He's my ex-boyfriend." I explained. "We dated for two years, and I broke up with him a few weeks ago."

"Do you love him?" He asked hesitantly.

I shook my head. "He's been in the only boyfriend I've ever had, but I wouldn't call what we had love. I care for him, but I don't think I ever really loved him."

"Did he hurt you?" He questioned tracing the purple bruise on my arm.

"He never hit me. He just over reacts sometimes, I don't think he understands that we're not together anymore. He's always been very jealous." I said grimacing when I noticed the extent of my bruise.

"Guys like that aren't good news, Bella." He warned. "He's just mad that he lost such a great girl like you, but you deserve a whole lot better than him. He's a prick."

"You're just saying that. I really don't deserve better. I'm just plain old Bella. I have nothing to offer." I said surprised at my own honesty. For some strange reason I felt as if I could really trust him.

Edward frowned and rolled his eyes. "Bella, I don't think you've ever really looked at yourself."

"What do you mean?" I questioned.

"Come here." He said helping me up, and walking me towards a mirror we had above a table.

"When I look at you I see a beautiful young woman who is smart, funny, and a great singer." He said standing behind me. I couldn't help, but smile when he said the last part. "And any man that has the chance to be with you should be honored."

"You're just saying that to make me feel better." I said turning around to face him.

"Bella, you really are a wonderful person, and I will never tell you something I didn't mean." He said his right hand caressing my cheek and his left hand resting on my hip.

I was unsure of how long we stared at each other, but I had never felt more at peace. Part of me wanted to kiss him, but the other part was scared of letting him in. I was not emotionally available the way I should be, but I was willing to try. I did not get the chance to ponder the choice any longer before his lips were grazing mine.

His kiss sent a jolt of electricity throughout my body. It felt wonderful as if everything was falling into place. I wrapped my arms around his neck my fingertips playing with the ends of his hair, his arm tightening around my waist. It truly was the most magical kiss I had ever experienced. It was as if we were made for each other.

"I'm sorry." He whispered stepping away from me. "I shouldn't have kissed you."

"No, Edward. It was nice." I answered touching his arm.

"I really should get going. Can we talk about it tomorrow over coffee?" He asked.

I nodded walking him towards the door. "Goodnight, Bella. I'll pick you up at two." He said kissing my cheek before turning around.

"Goodnight Edward." I said softly closing the door suddenly feeling alone and vulnerable. Tomorrow couldn't come fast enough.

A/N: Your reviews are great! You all spoil me, but I love it!

The next chapter will go to Edward's point of view and will include the coffee date. I am trying to get that written and posted by tonight. I have the general outline of what I want to do, so it shouldn't take me too long.

Please keep the reviews coming! I love refreshing my mailbox, and seeing new reviews. It really makes my work day more bearable!

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