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Chapter 8

The Subject

"You're doing well, Miss Swan," My lecturer told me when I had the chance to meet with him to consult about the draft of my project.

I asked Kate for permission to come late this morning because I needed to see my lecturer and ask him about the draft. I've been working on the draft for almost two weeks; the same time that I started my volunteer program at 'Our Hearts'. I had built a relationship with Margaret and tried my best to stay objective for my project.

"Thank you, sir," I said to him and breathed the sigh of relief.

My lecturer smiled and handed me my notes back. "If you keep up the good work, you won't have to stay too long in your volunteer program."

I smiled. "I wish I could do that, sir, but I feel that it's my duty and I really like that place. I learn so much from the place." I already forgotten the incident with James and my heart skipped a beat when I remembered the last time I saw Edward with the piano. I've never met with him again, just a glance or a whisper about him from the kids or the staff. I didn't see Dr. Cullen much either.

My lecturer nodded. "I understand, Miss Swan. But you must understand that you have to stay focused and not become too personal with your subject.

I pursed my lips and sighed. "I will, sir."

"Just keep doing what you do now. Your draft is good. I expect to see progress two weeks from now."

I smiled. "Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."

I took my draft from his hand and got out of his office. I walked through the semi-empty halls to the public garden outside. Alice texted me earlier and told me she will wait for me at the garden. We didn't talk much since she was too busy with her design project. I always returned home at night whereas she hadn't come home yet. Today was the chance for both of us to see each other.

I spotted Alice at her favorite spot; the bench under a tree, and waved my hand to her when she looked at me. She smiled and waved back at me. I walked up to her and hugged her.

"Hey there, pixie girl. How are you doing?" I asked her.

Alice giggled and leaned away from my embrace. "I'm fine. GOD, we are like a couple who have been married for twenty years."

I scoffed and sat next to her. "That's funny. So, what is the occasion here?"

She grinned. "Jasper asked me on a date."

I raised my eyebrows. "Uh….congratulations, but what it has to do with me?"

Alice rolled her eyes. "I want to tell you first, silly. Oh, yes I remember something. I saw Emmett too, with Rosalie."

I looked at her curiously. "Really? When?"

Alice shrugged. "The day before yesterday. He said hi, though, and he said that he was sorry he couldn't see you yet at his father's place."

"Okay," I said in low voice. I hoped that Emmett didn't tell Alice about what happened to me the last time we met. "Did he tell you anything else?" I asked her cautiously.

"No, he just told me that."

I exhaled. Thanks, Emmett. And then I smiled to her. "So, you have a date with a hot guy from the mall? How about his sister?"

My best friend rolled her eyes. "Rosalie wasn't that bad. As a matter of fact, she loves shopping."

Oh, great!

"So, how's your project?" She asked me again.

I shrugged. "It went well. My relationship with Margaret is still good and I just need to stay focused on my project so I could think objectively."

Alice nodded thoughtfully. "And the man…Edward…have you meet him again?"

I smiled slightly. "Did Emmett tell you about that?

"Well, not the details. He just said that you had already met Edward after he helped you not to fall on your own feet again," Alice answered me.

I chuckled. "Yeah, you can say that." I sighed. "No, I didn't see him again." Although I wish I could see him again soon.

"Oh."

I nodded glumly and took a deep breath. "Sorry, Alice, but I need to get to 'Our Hearts'. I'm already late."

Alice smiled slightly. "Alright. Take care, Bella. Say hi to Margaret for me. I wish I could meet her."

I pursed my lips. "Kate told me there will be a free day at the end of the program. You could come with me and meet her."

Alice squealed. "Oh, I would love to." And then she grabbed my bag and handed it to me. "Go on. You don't want to be late."

I laughed. "See you, Alice."

We parted at the garden; I walked to my truck while Alice walked back to the building. I opened the truck's door and got in. I revved the engine and drove from my campus.

I arrived at 'Our Hearts' one hour before the lunch time. I quickly got into the old building and went to see Kate. She was busy organizing some files when I saw her in her office. Garrett was nowhere to be seen. He probably busy with the kids.

I knocked on the door and she raised her head. She smiled warmly when she saw me. "Bella! Come in," she told me.

I smiled back and entered. Kate gestured for me to sit on a chair across from her. "Sorry I'm late," I said to her. "I came here as soon as I can."

The dark haired woman laughed lightly. "It's alright, Bella. I know you had to see your lecturer. Trust me, I've been there."

I chuckled.

"So, what did your lecturer say?" She asked me while still sorting the papers.

I took a deep breath. "It was good. He said I didn't have to stay any longer for my volunteer program once I finished my project."

Kate went rigid and then she looked at me. "Oh, I see." And then she smiled although it didn't reach her eyes. "Well, we'll be missing you if you decided to leave before the program is over. You are so great with the kids."

I chuckled nervously. "Oh, no….that's not what I meant. I'm going to stay here until the program is over. Don't worry."

Kate blinked. "Oh…." She said again and chuckled too. "I'm sorry, Bella. I think I'm just too stressing with my work here."

I smiled.

And then she sighed. "Honestly, Bella, you are amazing for a Psychology student. Even when you had to deal with James."

I shuddered slightly to the memory. I was really grateful that Edward was there even though I had to deal with his temper. I crossed my fingers; I think this was the time I could ask her about Edward.

"I was lucky Edward was there," I said to her.

I could see not only the kids here were affected once I said the name. Kate seemed to be too. She smiled, but again it didn't reach her eyes. "Yes, you were, Bella. And you were the first person who met Edward personally. I was really grateful he didn't hurt you."

I rolled my eyes. Why was everyone thought he was dangerous? "He is not dangerous."

Kate frowned. "You don't know him, Bella."

"Yes, I don't," I was getting frustrated with this 'dangerous' thing. "But, if he was dangerous, he could have hurt me when he got the chance instead of helping me. I'm a Psychology student. I could tell those things. Like what happened with…James," My voice was faltered in the end.

Kate grimaced.

"He is the one who is dangerous. This place has professionals. Why can't they even tell you that?" I said again.

"That issue was beyond my decision," Kate said sternly. "It was Dr. Cullen's decision."

My eyes narrowed. Did she mean he could tell his son was dangerous while the opposite thing with James? The world was getting crazy. "He could tell James was not dangerous while his own flesh and blood is the dangerous one," I concluded. "I think I need a coffee."

Kate sighed. "Bella, you can't say things like that to Dr. Cullen. He has been through so much."

I scoffed. "Yeah, sure."

Kate sighed and rubbed her temples. "I think you should go back to the kids. It's nearly lunch time and I think Margaret miss you."

I chuckled. "You are probably right." I rose from the chair. "See you later, Kate."

She nodded and I exited her office. I walked through the hall. I heard a soft melody; the same one from the time I saw Edward behind the grand piano. My heart skipped a beat and I took a deep breath. I changed my direction to the big room under the stairs. I didn't know why, but I just knew he would be there. I swallowed hard before I slowly opened the door and the sight really took my breath away. Edward was there behind the piano. He looked so peaceful and if it was possible, he was more handsome than the last time I saw him. His eyebrows were healed from the wound after the fight with James. I stood there looking at his perfect figure until he stopped and raised his head to look at me.

I gasped slightly when our gaze met. He looked at me deeply with his beautiful green eyes. I cleared my throat and trying to control my heart beat."Uh….sorry to disturb you. I think I just go." I started to turn around when he said, "Wait!"

I stopped my feet and slowly turned my body to face him again. He was already standing behind the piano and I saw something flash in his eyes. Was it….hope?

Edward fidgeted on his feet. "Um…you didn't disturb me. You can stay here if you like."

I blinked. Huh?

He smiled and gestured nervously to the space next to him. "Would you like to sit here with me?"

I stared at him for a moment and I pondered with the choice. I knew he was not dangerous, but what about his changing temper? We were alone now without Emmett or Carlisle outside the room to help me. But, the look on Edward's eyes was melting me from the inside. He looked at me pleadingly; asking me to accept his offer.

I took a deep breath and nodded. I walked in and slowly approached the bench. Edward still stood there and then I smiled. He smiled back and I sat next to him. Edward sat back after I settled on the bench. I looked over to the grand piano and realized this was the first time for me to actually sit behind a piano. My mom tried to make me take piano lessons, but I was never interested. For the first time in my life, I just wished I could play even one simple song. Well, talking about regretting in the end.

Edward seemed sense my weariness when he asked, "Do you play?"

I blinked and chuckled. "No…not at all. Don't get me wrong, but I have no musical talent."

He titled his head and looked at me curiously. My heart turned erratic again when our gaze met. This Edward was the charming Edward and I didn't see any anger from him. I could tell that his piano was the thing that calmed him.

He chuckled. "That's ridiculous, Bella. Everybody has sense of art even though not all of them have the ability to make it more special. Let me show you." And then he took my hand and my body instantly jolted with a strange feeling when he touched me.

Edward held my hand for a moment and then he looked at me. We were staring at each other before I heard him sigh and let my hand go. He started to play some random tunes while I was sitting next to him dumbly.

"I'm sorry for what I said the last time we met," he suddenly spoke.

I raised my head to look at him, but he still keeps his head down and still playing with the piano. I smiled. "It's alright, really. I should be the one to apologize to you. I was acting like I know everything." I grimaced inwardly when I realized I was using the reverse psychology again.

Edward chuckled. "You are great when it comes to make me feel bad."

I grimaced.

He stopped playing and then he looked at me. "I miss you."

I blinked. "W-what?" He missed me?

"I was thinking about what you said to me," he continued again; oblivious to my confused expression. "I realized that I'm not the one that I wanted to be. I just want to do something better rather than be trapped in this place."

I took a deep breath. Well, that was a good start if he wanted to change.

"Bella, I know you are a Psychology student. I need your help," he said again.

I chuckled nervously. "You should be asking a professional for help, I couldn't do that."

He shook his head. "No, it's not like that."

I looked at him curiously.

Edward looked at me with his piercing green eyes and said, "I want to be your subject."

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