A/N: First and foremost, I'm truly sorry for not putting this chapter up earlier. I know I've been neglecting this too much but I'm currently experiencing a terrible writer's block for this story which hinders me from finishing even a single chapter. Again, I'm sorry. I hope you understand.

If you want to read something that I constantly update, then I suggest you check out my other story, "I Kissed Who?". It's another AH fic with a more original plot. You could check my profile for the link.

Enjoy the fifth chapter, everyone! :)

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters and the inspiration I used for this story.

If you could see that I'm the one who understands you
Been here all along so why can't you see,
You belong with me

I found myself glancing at my watch every now and then, checking how many minutes had already gone by since I came here. It was already six in the evening; fifteen minutes after Edward sent me a quick message on my cell phone. I settled myself on the farthest corner of the café we used to go to and patiently waited for him to arrive. For once, I was glad for his usual tardiness; it gave me just enough time to dwell on certain peculiar things, to figure out the unusual reactions I had a while ago.

For the first time, it seemed, I'd really came to notice how infectious his crooked smile was, how his simple glance could bring a tinge of joy in me, how his mere touch could send jolts of electricity running through my veins. I admit I like the guy the very first time I saw him, but never had I thought that he could manage to pull these ridiculous, intense reactions from me. My heart would mercilessly pound in my chest just by catching his usual mop of bronze, tousled hair. My cheeks would redden even with the pettiest of his gestures. It seemed like my body could give me away anytime, and for that, I was truly worried.

"Here's your order," said the waitress, effectively pulling me away from my chaotic train of thoughts. She then handed me my favorite dessert—a slice of chocolate cake with thick icing on top and a tall glass of cold, refreshing iced tea.

"Do you need anything else?" she asked again, her hand clutching the brown, plastic tray to her chest.

"No," I responded with a smile. "This would be all."

She turned her heels and went back to serving the other customers inside the café. I forked a small bite on the cake; my taste buds feeling heavenly delighted as soon as I did. I let my mind wander for a while, knowing fully well that I won't have the chance to do this again once he comes. I racked my brain to find the best possible solution to this dilemma. I knew letting him know would only make things worse. Keeping a safe distance from him wouldn't do any good, either.

Putting aside those two choices, I was left with only one option to consider.

My thoughts were thrown right out the window as his bronze, disheveled hair came into view, my heart beating impossibly loud just by the mere sight. As soon as he saw me, a crooked smile lighted up his face. Edward sauntered to where I sat and I tried my hardest to pacify the erratic thumping of my pulse.

Remember, Bella. Your one and only option.

"So, Prince Charming really made his successful escape from the clutches of the evil witch, eh?" I goaded, struggling hard to keep a straight face. He rolled his eyes before taking the empty seat across me.

"Sorry, I'm late," he said, his eyes truly apologetic. "Tanya wouldn't let me go before her cheerleading practice starts."

"So, you, what, sneaked out on her?" I asked. The thought of Edward sneaking out from his girlfriend to meet me was exhilarating. It made me illogically happy and satisfied.

He laughed. "Well, I won't put it that way."

"Then, how did you come here without letting her know?"

"Won't tell," he responded, a mocking smile plastered on his face.

I rolled my eyes. "You act so annoyingly childish at times; I don't know what else to do with you."

His lips pursed for a second, his eyes narrowing disbelievingly at my statement. "Isn't that one of the many reasons why you love me?" he asked, jokingly.

His words totally caught me off guard; I would've blushed if I only allowed myself to do so. I stared at him, at the goofy grin adorning his features, and instantly knew that he was totally clueless of what he's doing. A crease appeared on his forehead and his emerald orbs were bare with curiosity. I noticed he was still waiting for me to say something. I blinked twice and managed to respond, "Very funny, Edward."

One option. Only option. Keep that in mind, Bella.

He grabbed the fork off my hands and sliced a big portion of my cake to devour. "You are such a pig!" I exclaimed.

He soundlessly laughed at my remark, but the irritated expression clearly written on my face only made him guffaw even louder. People dining inside the café were starting to give us incredulous looks and I feel my cheeks flushed in embarrassment. Edward also pacified himself as he noticed the unnecessary attention being thrown at us. Seeing the lightest tint of red coloring his cheeks, I couldn't help but giggle at his reaction. After all, it's not everyday to see a blushing Edward sitting right in front of you.

"Will you please quit laughing?" he asked gratingly.

"You should've seen the look on your face!" I managed to say in between giggles. "It was absolutely cute."

Hell, that's a total slip right there.

I regretted those words as soon as they escaped from my lips. Edward, on the other hand, looked like he could burst into hysterics any minute. If I were in his place, I probably would've acted the same way. In my desperate attempt to keep myself away from further humiliation, my brain worked double time to think of another subject we could possibly dwell on.

"So…" I trailed off. I knew exactly what I wanted to talk to him about, yet I can't seem to find the right words to start the conversation.

"So…" Edward mimicked, a lopsided smile fixated on his face.

"How are…things with your parents?" I asked hesitantly.

As the question escaped my lips, his once euphoric expression suddenly turned sullen, his lopsided smile disappeared. God, this is exactly why I hate having conversations like this. I knew how much it pained him to talk about their family's situation, to open up things and just close them after; like they were that easy to do. But I knew having this discussion would make him feel better and, heaven forbid, I'd do anything for him to be happy. Edward only chose to talk to a few people about this, and I was truly glad to be one of them.

He stayed silent for a while before he spoke, "My parents are really persistent on having that divorce." He uttered the last word with disgust; like it burned his tongue before passing through his lips.

"Judging from Alice's behavior back at my house this morning, I'm guessing she's fine?" I asked, hoping he'd say yes. Alice is Edward's sister, only younger by a year. With her diminutive appearance and pixie-like features, you'd think she wouldn't be able to handle a complicated problem such as this. But that girl's strong personality enabled her to accept things just like how mature people usually do.

He smiled half-heartedly. "She's more than fine, you know. Don't worry too much about her."

"Alright. Then, how're you coping up?"

"I'm doing…well," he answered. He smiled at my direction but his eyes, the most radiant shade of green I had ever seen, were flat and empty. Apparently, the poker face was back. I couldn't identify any distinguishable emotion beneath those emerald orbs.

"Cullen, enough with the pretensions," I said sternly. "You don't have to pretend that you're doing well because, obviously, you aren't. And I don't think your expertise in lying would help you on this one, so don't bother coming up with any lies."

I heard him heave a deep sigh as he slumped on his chair dejectedly. "Okay, Swan. You got me," he finally admitted. "Honestly, I still couldn't believe this is all happening. It's like having a nightmare and you desperately want to wake up, only now waking up seems utterly useless."

Sadness was leaking from his tone and his expression was that of despair. His once empty forest green eyes were now filled with nothing but moroseness. I knew from his words that I wasn't anymore talking to the Edward that people used to know; the Edward that only showed the other, gleeful side of him; the Edward that not everyone seemed to be familiar with.

He was now my Edward. The Edward who allowed himself to be vulnerable even for a while; the Edward who wasn't afraid to show the hidden, more serious side of him; the Edward who made himself known only to a few number of people.

My Edward.

I didn't mean it quite literally, of course.

I patted his hand, wanting so much to comfort him, to take his sadness away. My heart instantly swelled up as he gave me a reassuring smile in return. "Thank you. I'm happy that you're always here. And that you seem to have enough time to listen to me and my melodramatic whining."

"Melodramatic?" I asked, my brow rising skeptically. "Have you been watching Alice's favorite soap opera lately?"

"Uh, I accidentally watched one episode last night," he answered sheepishly.

I rolled my eyes. "Figures."

We laughed in unison, our chiming laughter filling the dreadfully silent café. Even though his eyes still seemed empty and flat, I knew he felt even better now. And for that, I was happy.

He reached out for my hand and held it with his own. I could feel the zing of electricity stunning my whole body as soon as we made contact. "I'll be really fine, Bells," he said, his tone soothing.

"Do you promise?"

He smiled my favorite crooked smile. "I promise."

For once, I knew I'd have to believe him.

Him and his words.

There's no Tanya! LOL. Anyway, I hope this chapter's worth the wait. And thank you for putting up with me and my slowness. Leave me some love by clicking that box over there. :)

You know the drill: Review and I'd gladly send you a sneak preview of the 6th chapter. Thanks!

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