a/n Please note that all WitFit entries are unedited. No beta. I don't own Twilight.

***The time frame continues from the last chapter, List. Sorry I've been MIA. I had hoped I'd get to write some stuff for Christmas but the holidays took away much of my writing free time. I'm about 4 prompts behind so we'll see what they trigger in my mind.

Word Prompt: Sparkle

A single word meant to inspire immediate thought. Write what your imagination dictates.

I was staring out of the window in the cab, looking at the flashes of holiday lights as we drove through the streets. I had to preoccupy myself because I kept staring at her otherwise. My heart was pounding from nerves because I didn't know how she was going to take the news. I should have been more confident since she agreed to leave with me in the first place but Bella's always left me feeling vulnerable. I looked over at her just in time to see her look away. I'd caught her staring too and I couldn't resist grinning.

"Shut up," she said, looking at the mini TV in front of her.

"What? I didn't say anything."

"Yes you are."

She was staring at her hands in her lap and most likely blushing. The roving shadows in the car from the outside light kept her hidden. I was tired of us hiding.

I shifted on my side so I was facing her and lifted her chin towards me. When I knew she was going to keep eye contact, I settled my head against the headrest and openly stared. Her smile lit up the car as she curled on her side to stare right back. Feeling emboldened by her move, I reached over to hold one of her hands lightly.

"I've missed you," I said simply.

She squeezed my hand as I continued. "Three years, Bella. The last time I saw your beautiful smile was three years ago. Actually, you weren't really smiling at me but you were still beautiful."

Her smile faded and her eyes sparkled as they filled with tears. I scooted closer to her, wanting to hold her but stopping short of that.

"What's wrong?"

"I was home when you came by. When my mom gave you the letter. I watched you read it from behind my curtain. I didn't realize it would be the last time I saw you."

I'd gone by Bella's house the day after Christmas three years ago with the intention to talk to her about the drama from the party Christmas eve. She'd brushed me off when I phoned her Christmas day and I didn't want us to part on bad terms. Renee told me she'd left early to go spend New Year's Eve with Alice in New York but gave me a letter Bella had written for me. She'd told me in the letter she needed space but I had no idea it would become three years. I was still dating Tanya so I couldn't pursue Bella the way I wanted to get more answers. It was unfair to both of them but in hindsight, I felt responsible for losing Bella. My actions made her turn us into casual acquaintances that shared sporadic and awkward emails or phone calls.

"I knew you were there," I said gently and brushed away a tear that had fallen down her cheek.

"You knew," she asked, wiping her face.

"Yeah, Bella. Your mom lies about as good as you do."

I was glad that got her laughing a little before I came off more strongly. "But it was clear you didn't want to see me and your letter was enough to get me to back off. Then. I'm not backing off now. I won't ever again."

I could have kissed her. She wanted it. I wanted it.

The cab stopped and reminded me that she needed to know more about my intentions before we invited in the physical.

"We're here," I said, breaking our moment.

I paid the driver and got out to meet Bella who had exited before I could reach her. She held her coat closed but took my extended hand in her other hand as I led us up the stairs.

"Where are we," she asked a tad puzzled. She was about to become downright baffled.

"My apartment."