Hey guys. Still trying to make up for not updating. This chapter is the first step of my BxE romance. So sit back, relax, and enjoy!
All too soon, the sun was rising behind its usual gray cloud cover. I retired to my room to change clothes for school.
I flung myself onto the bed with a sigh, unable to bear the thought of another day of tedium. With this exciting new development at home, leaving would be all the harder. I ran my fingers through my hair absently, and stared gloomily at the ceiling.
"Thinking deep thoughts?" The soft, clear voice sounded behind me. I sprang off the bed in less than a second, spinning to face Bella Swan. Sharing a house with a ghost would take some getting used to.
"Do I need to tie a bell around your neck so I can hear you coming?"I frowned at her.
"You could try, or I could save you the trouble by telling you that it wouldn't work."
"Damn," I muttered sarcastically. She smirked at me before sitting gracefully opposite me in the window seat. She touched the glass, and smiled slightly.
"This window seat is my favorite place in the entire house. When I was alive, I spent a good portion of my life just sitting here, wishing, dreaming, thinking, and watching life pass me by."
I sat down on the bed, watching her carefully. "What did you dream about?"
"Escape. Sitting in this window seat, I planned to run away thousands of times." She chuckled. "Usually after being punished for misbehavior." I smiled with her.
"I wanted to go to these places, and stand on top of the mountains. Instead of being only an observer, I wanted to participate in life," She continued.
"Your father must have loved you," I blurted suddenly. "Even if he didn't show it. It sounds as if he wanted to protect you. The world is a dangerous place."
"No matter. I have not yet forgiven my father for his role in my death. It will take more than that to convince me to." I nodded solemnly. I had not expected her to.
"I heard you and Rosalie talking. You two seem on better terms."
"I understand Rosalie better know," Bella said. A wry smile split her grave expression. "Nothing builds bonds like being murdered by your fiancé."
I couldn't help scowling. How heartlessly she could speak of her own death! "That's not something you should joke about," I told her severely.
"If it doesn't bother me, it shouldn't bother you." Bella countered. This left me speechless. She was right, of course. Sensing her victory, Bella gave me a gloating smile.
Then we were both silent for a while, Bella staring out the window, and me staring at Bella. I felt intrusive, as if I were trespassing, when I watched her pale reflection in the window. She swung one curtain of dark hair around her, blocking her face. It wasn't until she started to shake that I realized she was crying silently.
I strode over to Bella, and gently touched her shoulder. "Please don't cry…" I whispered, feeling helpless. "Please." She buried her face in my shoulder. I instinctively wrapped my arms around her, and stroked her hair gently. Where was this coming from?!
Her tears soaked the front of my shirt, and I was a little surprised. I suppose I expected them to pass through me, like when Bella had walked through the wall. Eventually, her sobs slowed, and she pulled away, wiping at her eyes. I felt of flash of sadness when she did. I wanted her to remain here, with me. I wanted to protect her, but I was two hundred years too late.
"Thank you, Edward." She whispered hoarsely. "I'm sorry; I ruined your shirt."
"That's alright," I assured her. "I don't mind. I have to change, anyway. It's time for…" I groaned as I caught a glimpse of the clock. "School," she said with me, and we laughed together. She seemed back to normal now, or as a normal as a ghost ever is.
"Have fun, now," she said with false sweetness. I made a face, but a warm glow that I didn't understand at all was blossoming inside me.
A/N: Sorry, I actually typed this a couple of days ago, but then I started having computer troubles and I couldn't post. I understand if you want punch me.