Disclaimer: Do I really have to? (Looks at lawyer; lawyer nods; I sigh) I do not own the Twilight saga and its characters. They all belong to the very fortunate Stephenie Meyer. Any recognizable items are not mine. I own this story's plot, though.

A/N: Sorry if it took too long. I was supposed to finish it earlier this day, but I did the laundry. At any rate, do enjoy the chapter! :D

Chapter 3: Exhilaration

The thudding of someone's feet reverberated in the room, and took us both in track.

"So let me get some things clear," I told him, still in a good mood. Edward was craning his head as if looking for something. "You aren't a priest?"

"The last time I check. No," he jokingly said. I stared at his face for a moment, smiling hugely. He hadn't changed a bit. He was still that carefree, marvelous young boy I'd met twelve years ago. When Edward approached the window, he finally saw what I was doing. "Some jesting lads made me go into the confession room. I was at first surprised when you entered, but I really wanted to tell you at that moment that I would like to lend you a hand. But you left all of a sudden, leading me to make this grand idea." He tried opening the window, but it was a futile attempt. His eyebrows creased.

"You can still call me, Bella, you know," I told him, remembering his and my father's pet name for me. When they had both disappeared out of my life, the name had never been mentioned. But then, Edward rushed to my side when a knock sounded on the door.

Fear shot through my nerves. "Who is it?" I asked a bit shakily. We both held our breaths to see if it was my poor excuse of a groom.

"Milady?" We both exhaled in relief. I reached for the knob and saw my lady's maid and her alone.

"Good thing it's you," I exclaimed. Edward appeared beside me on the doorway. "Listen," I said. "I have no plans of attending to my wedding." A smile crept on her lips as I said this. "None whatsoever." I smiled, too, despite of myself. "So please help us," I pleaded.

"Of course, miss," she said happily. "This way."

My lady's maid directed us to the rear end of the building where an exit could be seen. We moved along the hallway silently and were alert for any signs of my mother or Lord James. Edward whispered how kind my lady's maid was.

"She's not just a lady's maid to me," I whispered back to him. "Angela has always been a good friend of mine, and I consider her as one." Angela looked at me gratefully, then.

She opened the door and hurried us out. "Farewell, milady. God bless you." I told her how thankful I was and my own farewell.

Just as she was closing the door, a shriek erupted from inside the abbey. "Where's the bride?"

I took one last look at Angela, then at Edward. Then, we both sprinted away. Edward dropped his hat and took my hand as I was falling behind. Just as we were a few meters, I tripped over my gown, sending me into fits of laughter at my clumsiness.

"Bella," Edward scolded playfully. "You're getting us in trouble. Come on. Let's move." He towed me along by my hand, and we were running again.

I guessed he was right because just as we were out of the abbey's perimeter, Lord James–who had been outside for some reason–spotted me in my very obvious white dress.

"Isabella?" he asked, surprised. Edward and I shifted course and headed away from him, giggling and still running at full speed. "Where are you headed?" he shouted, and I could feel him chasing after us.

"Away from you, chap!" Edward shouted back. I laughed before he steered me into an alley.

We were approaching the town market and Edward went into one of the stalls with no vendor for us to hide for a while. We knew we couldn't risk being chased by a carriage or a horse in that matter. Both of us were breathing heavily, but still, I was glad.

"I–" I paused, trying to regain my breath. "I have never run that fast in my entire life."

Edward looked at me as if I was sharing a joke. "Are you serious? Have you really been deprived of that much fun?" I knew he was the one joking now. We were aware that girls and women do nothing but sit, talk, eat, walk, and dress properly. I'd expressed how much I disliked all of that a few years back.

"All right, I accept. I'm the deprived little lassie." I used the term he always called me before. He gave me a lopsided grin.

When we thought the coast was clear, we went out and started running again. Edward seemed to know where we were heading, while I did not. But the most important thing on my mind at the moment was to put as many meters between Lord James and me as I could, because I would never, ever marry him.

Soon there were tall buildings–made up of red bricks–towering all over the vicinity. The alleys between these structures were only a meter in width. Because I was a petite woman, I was able to go through easily. Edward wasn't so fortunate. Even though he was lanky and a bit muscular, the space wouldn't allow him to travel quickly and without difficulty.

The sound of horses came nearer to where we were located. I thought I heard the deputy's voice from a distance. Hmm. Lord James had called officers.

"Go." Edward pushed me towards an alley that looked safe enough.

I hesitated. "What are you–"

He cut me off. "I'll meet you on the other side," Edward assured me. "Go on. We're almost there."

I went ahead, but not before looking back to see him again. All I saw was the same abandoned street. Sighing deeply, my feet lurched forward, each trying to move as quick as I could.

There were only about ten steps left until I finished this long, narrow alley. I made my legs move faster, a bit anxious about Edward's situation. I wondered what happened to him. Was he safe? Or did they catch him? If so, what are they going to do to him? Many possibilities ran through my mind, while my heart almost flew out of my chest.

When the claustrophobic walls ended, I sighed in relief. A hand gripped my arm. Edward. I felt the nervousness ebbed away, and I turned to him with a smile.

My smile froze on my face, and my heart almost stopped. Holding my arm was not the person I supposed it to be. A tall man with blond hair, wearing an officer's uniform. His golden badges identified him as the sheriff. Cold water seemed to wash down my insides.

"Miss," he acknowledged, trying to be polite.

"Please, let go of me," I requested firmly. He only tightened his grip when I tried to take my arm. "Let. Me. Go," I repeated, my teeth gritted.

Someone approached from behind. I feared it was another officer, and I knew I was trapped.

That is, until the person spoke, "Didn't you hear the lady, sheriff? Let her go."

I turned around to see Edward, looking past me and at the sheriff with cold, unemotional eyes. He grabbed my other arm and tried to pull me to his side, but the person on the other side wouldn't let go.

"Give it up, boy. The girl's getting married," the sheriff grumbled. He tried to pull my arm, but Edward's fist was swift, and he was down before any of us could react.

"Come on," Edward muttered, looking down at the fallen sheriff. I was somewhat horrified at what he had done but tagged along behind him. He kept his hold of my hand, and I supposed it was probably the only way to get out. Edward was just trying to save me. I had to deal with whatever things we may do.

We both ended up at the familiar stream. The one we had just a few steps from my home. I thought he was foolishly going to bring me there, and I stopped walking.

Edward knew what was going on in my mind. "Do you seriously think I'd bring you back there?" He raised one brow at me.

Of course not, I said mentally, and I didn't bother answering him out loud. I trudged behind him until we paused at the lip of the stream. Edward and I stood there, not speaking or doing anything.

"So ..." he started.

I interrupted him. "You are expecting me to cross in this condition, right?" He faced me, a boyish smile now on his face. He nodded and raised his eyebrows, as if daring me to disagree.

As if. With a smug smile, I kicked off my pumps and lifting the fabric of my dress on my sides. I dashed onto the water, making most parts of my dress wet. I jumped around the cold water. Winter was around the corner and all of the trees were losing its leaves. Scooping up some water, I splashed it across my face, feeling rejuvenated. The depression, the other negative effects of the things my governess had instilled in me, washed down metaphorically like the water from my face.

When I stared up at Edward, he was shocked at what I'd done. His mouth was slightly opened and in his hands were my pumps. The whole thirty seconds I was gazing at him was filled with the soft whispers of the wind and that alone. To awaken him, I scooped again, and, this time, spattered him instead.

He took a step back as I burst into fits of laughter. Smiling devilishly, Edward went into the cold water and took his revenge. Our childish game continued until both of us were soaking wet and flushed from laughter.

We were sitting at the side of the stream, not caring if our clothes–especially mine–got unclean or broken beyond repair. My white dress seemed almost unrecognizable with all the mud on it, and Edward's black cassock looked almost the same. My hair had been destroyed. The long curls tumbling down my back.

Feeling so lighthearted, I applied mud on my right hand and rubbed it on Edward's cheek. He closed one eye as I was doing this and was smiling, saying that it was a fine thing to him. I giggled, feeling like time had rewound and taken us back to the past.

"I really missed this," I murmured to him softly, gazing up at the grey clouds and leaning back using my two arms. I expected him to reply, but he didn't. My head twisted to his. I met his gleaming green eyes and was surprised that the usual playful spark in it was nowhere in sight. It was a peculiar thing for him. "Edward?"

He continued staring for a while and then said quietly, "We better go now." After helping me stand, we strode across the direction completely opposite from my home. Walking amongst the trees, it did not take that long before we approached a grand house by its back door.

"Whose house is this?" I asked curiously. Edward knocked on the door thrice, and a beautiful, middle-aged woman opened it.

"Edward!" the woman rejoiced, coming over and hugging him tightly. "What are you doing again, my son?"

My son? I stared at the woman, who was now being comforted by Edward. I could see the similarities. The hair and eye color. This must be Edward's mother, and this was his home.

"And who is this young lady?" she asked with a kind smile. The smile was actually true, and she seemed to ignore my dress. Or maybe not, as I saw her looked at it from the corner of her eyes. But still, the smile never faded.

"Oh, um, Mother," Edward started, a bit distracted. "This is Bella."

Her jade eyes widened slightly, the smile getting bigger, too, as she learned about my name. "So you're Bella," she said this with approval and delight painting her tone. I wondered why.

"Yes, Mrs. Masen."

She rolled her eyes. "Oh, please, do call me Elizabeth. Well, come in, come in." Elizabeth motioned for us to enter their home. I felt a little guilty, since the floor was so clean and white and I was covered with mud. When she discerned my uneasiness, she assured me that it was all right.

"At least let me clean up this mess when I'm presentable," I mumbled, embarrassed. She shook her head, her bronze hair swaying side by side, and led me out of the kitchen and into the dining area.

Edward walked past us and headed towards the staircase. "Mother, you can take care of her, can't you?"

"Of course, Edward," she said, shocked at what he'd said. "I already considered your friend a part of the family." Then she steered me towards a bathroom opposite the staircase.

When Elizabeth closed the door behind her, she faced me with a tender smile. "Now, dear Bella, take your time to clean yourself up. I am going to find a suitable dress for you."

"Thank you for your help," I told her sincerely before she turned around.

She gave me that warm smile once more. "Like I said, you're already part of the family." She left after that while I sighed and observed my surroundings. The room was wide and marvelous-looking. I rinsed the dirt out of my skin with water and a towel.

When Elizabeth arrived, I was spotless. "Here you go," she gushed. "This would look beautiful on you." She handed me an elegant green dress and helped me put it on. She offered to fix my hair in a style she would deemed perfect. I felt her hands weave through my thick hair. After a while, she announced that she was done.

When I looked into the mirror for the second time today, I had transformed again. The dress complimented my skin in an exquisite way. Elizabeth's suggestion was a brilliant one. She'd braided my long hair, and it ended right before my waist. My whole appearance made me look fierce yet innocent and young.

"Oh, it's wonderful, Elizabeth," I cried out. I turned to her delighted face and smiled appreciatively. "Thank you again. For everything."

She chuckled, and it sounded almost identical to Edward's. "Now, you can look around the whole house as you wait for dinner."

"No. I want to help," I volunteered.

She placed a hand on my cheek in a motherly gesture. "It is fine, Bella. If there's one thing I won't let anyone do in my house, it's cooking." She smiled and opened the door. "Go on. Consider yourself at home." We both went out, and Elizabeth walked into the kitchen, leaving me standing at the hallway alone.

I guess it can't be helped. I slowly walked around, as if one wrong move would trigger some kind of alarm. There was one door near the staircase, and I decided to enter the room.

Inside was like a music room. Various music instruments lay around the area along with comfortable couches. Standing out was a grand piano resting at the middle of the room. Never in my life had I seen anything more outstanding as this.

My lessons with my governess had not exactly been miserable. There were times when we were studying how to play a certain instrument, and I loved it. So far, I knew how to play a harp, a flute, and a violin. Pianos made my fingers look useless, so I'd given up on the whole institution.

I looked for the instruments that I could play, and all three were available. Quickly, I walked over to where the violin was kept. I ran my fingers over the string, glad to see them in such wonderful conditions. After picking up the bow and placing the violin under my chin, I started making music.

The sounds brought out emotions and evened out my breathing. If I was asked, I'd like to make a living as a musician. I didn't know I had an audience until that person was right in front of me.

"Oh, Edward," I said, startled and blushed furiously when I realized I let myself enjoy too much. I tried to put the instrument back to its protective case, but his hands stopped me.

His eyes were scorching emeralds. "You are musically inclined." It wasn't a question but a statement of fact.

Feeling slightly insulted, I narrowed my eyes slightly and answered, "Yes. Those days with Mrs. Geoff weren't exactly put to waste, you know." He rolled his eyes and gently yanked the violin from my hands.

"Mother loved playing numerous musical instruments. It was ... a passion of hers. I remember she preferred the violin, as well." He eyed at the instrument with a far off look, as if he was reminiscing something from his past.

The past tenses did not go unnoticed by me. "Why? What happened to her, Edward?"

He sighed, coming back to reality. "She encountered pregnancy problems in the past, even before she gave birth to me. It was a miracle I was conceived and brought forth, she had told me before." I sensed his speech hadn't come to an end, yet, so I waited patiently. "But then," he finally sighed, "A few years after I was in this world, she learned she was pregnant again. Unlike what happened to me, my little sister or brother wasn't able to make it. And my mother almost never played because of sadness. She almost shies at any mention of that."

I was saddened by his story. Edward wasn't the type of person who I thought would've that kind of past. Especially his mother. That kind and compassionate woman hiding an experience as heartbreaking as this was staggering.

Edward stared at me with a small smile. "That is why, I was surprised when I saw her crying and smiling as I came down."

"What?" I asked, horrified that maybe I'd offended her with my thoughtless action.

"No, she was not disheartened," he assured me quickly. "Quite the opposite, actually. She said she hasn't heard such moving music, and it made her at ease. She understood that turning away from music was a bad decision. All thanks to you."

I was sort of stunned. How could I do such an impossible thing to a person? On top of that, it was my friend's mother. It was pretty unbelievable.

A/N: Kind of a cliffie, eh? Well, my back and neck hurt, but I'll continue the others soon. By the way, I'm continuing Brought to Life By Love. :) For those who haven't read it, I encourage you. It's neat and beta'ed. And of course, the plot's unique. :D

Review, okay? Okay, that's very demanding.