Chapter Three: Spring Fling
"So what do you think?" Charlotte asked as she unbuckled her seat belt and stepped outside of Amy's black Prius on Saturday afternoon. The light breeze tossed Amy's long hair as she shut her door and locked the car, which was one of hundreds lined up like colorful matchsticks in front of the bustling festival grounds at Winthrop Public Park.
"I gotta say, this is more than I was expecting," Amy responded, slinging her camera bag over her shoulder. Despite the cloudy weather, the park was overflowing with people.
"We like to welcome our first warm season with some flare," Charlotte replied, a piece of walking human flare in Amy's eyes. The woman was radiant and always smiling. It was impossible not to feel pleasant around her.
"I'll say." Amy's eyes scanned the fairgrounds, not sure what to focus on first. Lining the rear perimeter of the grounds was the border of one of the area's national parks, the tall, swaying trees standing guard.
Far off to her right were a cluster of spinning rides accompanied by flashing lights and gleeful screams. Coupled with the rides were rows of booths of carnival games, their innards overflowing with brightly colored prizes. In the center was a fenced off section with a stage standing against the tree guards, a large bar set up near the section's entrance.
Off to the left were rows upon rows of more booths, but these occupants were local businesses that were attending the Spring Fling to reach out to customers and advertise.
Amy spotted the Winthrop Daily News booth instantly; the stacks of free newspapers gave its identity away. She saw John and Olivia from her staff milling around the booth, cameras in hand. Not far from them was the booth for the Winthrop Medical Center. Amy could spot Carlisle's slick blonde hair and thin frame greeting friends and patients in front of the booth. And not far from him was Wes, whose presence reminded Amy that she had promised to meet him here for a drink. The butterflies instantly formed in her stomach.
"Shall we?" Amy asked, forcing herself to focus on her job. Charlotte nodded, and the two women stepped in unison onto the green grass to greet the doctor. The grass was still damp from an early morning rainfall, and their shoes squeaked on the freshly watered blades.
The locals were friendly as Amy passed them, but they were clearly aware of the new Winthrop resident. Their eyes found her too easily, but they did not scrutinize. They simply seemed curious.
"Amy, Charlotte." Carlisle spotted them before they reached the booth, his welcoming smile drawing them closer.
"Dr. Cullen." Amy shook his hand in greeting. "Thanks again for meeting us here today. We know you're very busy."
"No problem. And I swear, it's okay to call me Carlisle."
Amy laughed in response. "It may take up to two more reminders for that one to sink in."
"Hi Amy." Wes was suddenly at Carlisle's side to greet one of the two photographers. His eager smile almost hid his nerves, which were showcased immediately as he rose onto his toes and ran a hand through his dark brown hair.
"If I can call you Carlisle, can I call him Wes?" Amy asked Carlisle jokingly.
"I think he prefers 'Nurse Gibson,'" Carlisle responded, giving Wes a light shove. Wes smiled, but his striking blue eyes never left Amy. She returned his smile, but turned her focus to Carlisle.
"Before you get started, may I introduce you to my family? I'd love for them to be in some of the photos."
"Absolutely," Amy responded, with Charlotte nodding enthusiastically on Amy's right. Amy watched Carlisle's head as he turned his attention to a small group of people standing nonchalantly near the rear of the hospitals' booth. Amy hoped her gasp wasn't audible, but it wasn't possible for the group of five to be nonchalant. Each person was strikingly gorgeous, and with every movement, even one as simple as a turn of their head, the air around them seemed to react. It was as if even the wind would bow to their commands.
Carlisle motioned for the group to join him. They began moving in unison, the grass succumbing to their delicate footsteps. All of them, including Carlisle, had delicately pale white skin that somehow seemed to glow even in the cloud cover.
"Amy, Charlotte, you already met Esme." Carlisle put an arm around his smiling wife. "And this is Rosalie and Emmett." The angelic, blonde Rosalie and handsome, well-built Emmett waved to the photographers. "And next to them are Jasper and Alice." The model-like Jasper showed a strained smile, holding tightly to Alice's hand.
"Hi!" Alice said cheerfully, smiling brightly at Amy. She reminded Amy of a dark-haired Tinkerbell, but much more beautiful.
"And rounding out the Cullen family is Edward, who you may recall from yesterday. Before he disappeared." There was a slight chastising tone to Carlisle's voice.
"Hi." Edward nodded at Charlotte, then Amy, the half smile on his face shocking both women. After yesterday, the two of them expected nothing nicer than a scowl.
"Nice to meet all of you." Amy smiled, but scolded herself internally. It seemed like such a generic thing to say in front of such an extraordinary and exquisite group. Her sometimes outspoken personality took over her mouth before her head could catch up. "I realize I'm new in town, but I probably won't meet a more beautiful family in Winthrop." Overdid it, she thought instantly. Way too much for just meeting them. Now they'll just think I'm a weirdo.
But to her surprise, seven perfect smiles, in varied forms, replied to her statement. Alice's was the most vivid; Edward's was the most subtle.
"May I?" Amy asked, removing her camera from her bag and implying that she wanted to photograph them.
"Absolutely," Carlisle responded, the group instantaneously moving together and placing arms around each other. Of course. The perfect people don't need any direction.
Amy crouched slightly and started taking photographs of Carlisle and his family. Charlotte followed suit, and the two women captured many different angles and poses of the already picturesque family. Some of Carlisle with his boys, some with his girls, some with Esme, and some solo shots of Carlisle, the hospital booth behind him providing the perfect promotional backdrop.
For a more professional backdrop, Amy suggested switching locations for a more serene view. They started walking to a different area of the park, just outside the border of the festival grounds where the unobstructed wall of trees would provide a calm, artistic background. The noise dulled as they moved away from the buzzing crowd.
Carlisle moved to Amy's side during the walk, the rest of his family gracefully gliding behind them with Charlotte wrapping up the rear.
"I hope you know that I sincerely appreciate you doing this," he began, his calm voice making the easy photoshoot even more relaxing. "Not only for helping me promote the hospital, but also for working on a Saturday." He grinned.
"No problem. I'm still getting to know the ins and outs of the paper, but I can tell you that a lot of our readers and staff are really excited about this feature."
"Glad to hear it." He smiled again. "And how long ago did you move here? If you don't mind me asking."
"Not at all. Just two weeks ago actually. I can't believe it's only been two weeks," she said, shaking her head in disbelief.
"And where did you move here from?"
"New York. Manhattan."
"Not quite the same, is it?" Carlisle's mouth curved into a smile.
"Not quite at all. I've spent the last week trying to get situated in my condo, and then I started work this week. New and bigger home; new and better job." She lowered her voice, and added with a weak laugh, "But I still feel like I have no idea what I'm doing." She wasn't sure what prompted her to say such a personal statement in front of a client, but Carlisle's serene demeanor made him easy to chat with.
"It's okay to be nervous," he replied, the doctor in him taking over. "You're in a huge transitional phase. And you know you wouldn't be here if you didn't have some idea what you were doing."
A sudden calm seemed to brush over her, easing her muscles and lightening her anxious mood. "I think I have some idea. I'm just not sure of what yet." She was the one to smile at Carlisle this time, which was followed quickly by a wink. "We'll see how I do right now."
Now that they were far enough away from the grounds, all the festival sounds blended into a single, steady hum, an occasional misplaced scream or boisterous laugh chiming amidst the buzz. Amy took a few quick steps ahead and turned around to face Carlisle and his stunning family.
For the briefest of moments, she forgot her words. And it wasn't because of Carlisle's anticipatory grin. Or Esme's feminine, delicate face. Or Emmett's burly arm secured protectively around the elegant Rosalie. Or Alice and Jasper's gracefully intertwined fingers.
It was Edward's golden eyes. The amber orbs stared intently at her, curious and thoughtful. The eyes warmed her skin, the heat soaking through to the depths of her stomach. Eyes that summoned her. Eyes with a passion that matched their color. Eyes she was certain were a different color yesterday.
*****
"Thank you so much, Carlisle. And to all of you," Amy said with a warm smile to the Cullen family after she snapped the final photo. She received collective responses of gratitude from them in return.
Amy shook Carlisle's hand, and his grip briefly strengthened to gently pull her closer. "I think you did great, Ms. Isadorra," he whispered.
"Thanks, Dr. Cullen." She couldn't help but smile. "We'll be in touch. Give me a call if you have any questions."
Carlisle nodded, waved a farewell at Amy and Charlotte, then turned away to join his family as they retreated to the festival.
"That went really well," Charlotte commented once the Cullens were out of earshot. "I mean, I got some good shots, but you were totally in control of the whole thing. You got some great photos."
"It's not hard when your subjects could already be models," Amy said nonchalantly, lifting her camera up to her face to examine the lens.
Charlotte giggled. "They are all kind of … perfect, aren't they? And what's with his kids? Are they couples? They have to be," she said, quickly answering her own question. "I mean, I know they're adopted, but they were like, together-together. It was sort of odd to get used to, but you can tell they care about each another."
"Maybe Carlisle is a doctor, foster dad and matchmaker."
Charlotte giggled. "If it weren't for Matt, I wouldn't mind him adopting me." Charlotte reflexively glanced at her watch: it was just past six o'clock. "Speaking of, I told Matt I'd meet him at six. The Four Feathers has its own booth – first time for Matt."
"Good for him." Amy smiled.
"Would you like to meet him? I'm sure he could get us a free drink. We're off the clock now, y'know." Charlotte nudged Amy's elbow.
"Sure. You can go on ahead if you want. I just have a couple things to take care of, and I'll meet you over there."
"Do you need my help? I can wait—"
"No, I'm all set. Go ahead." She nodded toward the rows of booths. "I'll meet you over there in a few minutes."
"Thanks. I'll see you in a few." Charlotte slung her camera bag over her shoulder and trotted toward the grounds, her hair bouncing with each light step.
Amy smiled as her assistant left, knowing their friendship would rapidly bloom as fast as the spring season was blossoming around them. Her charm was infectious. And she needed a familiar face in her new home, someone that could make her forget her anxious efforts to establish herself in Winthrop.
The sun was setting in the west underneath a thick cloud cover, the gray puffs blending together in the sky like an impressionist's painting. The hidden sun created an illusion that the night sky was approaching more rapidly than normal, and the lack of light was hindering Amy's scrutiny of her camera's lens.
"Camera problems?"
She jumped as the sound of the unexpected male voice. But the surprise was welcome when she looked up to see Edward Cullen's golden eyes steadily focused on her. In the moment their eyes locked, she forgot how to speak. Her heart rate increased instantly, as if the sudden, rapid pumping blood was a learned reaction to his presence.
"Um, not yet," she said quietly, clearing her throat at the end of her timid statement. Was the camera still in her hand? All matter seemed to drift into a haze, objects floating around them, with him so close, so focused, on her. "I think …" she started, forcing her brain and mouth to work as a team again. "I think there's just grass in the autofocus. And it's getting too dark for me to see to try to get it out."
With no hesitation, Edward silently reached for the camera, swiftly lifting it from her hands and taking it into his own. For the first time, his eyes left her to study the object. But after two seconds, his intense gaze returned. As he watched her, unblinking, he raised the camera up to his lips and blew a steady, swift puff of air at the lens. She watched a single blade of grass fly out from within the camera, the moistened blade catching the light as it fell silently to the ground.
He passed the camera back to her, the corners of his mouth curving upward into the slightest of smiles.
"Thanks." She looked down at his hands momentarily to take the camera from him, the weight of it somehow more than she remembered. The man before her oozed sexiness, so much so that she forced herself to turn away from him before succumbing to his alluring darkness.
Amy turned around and walked a few steps away from Edward to retrieve her camera bag, a solitary object in the grass.
"So what's in New York?" he asked abruptly.
Amy turned around after picking up her bag, surprised to find Edward directly behind her. She involuntarily flinched, and Edward licked his lips.
"Um, well … " She paused. Had she told him she just moved to Winthrop? Apparently he overheard her conversation with Carlisle. "My former employer, I guess. My former life."
"Were you a photographer there, too?"
Amy quickly surveyed his stance. His hands were in his pockets, but not leisurely. It was almost as if he was forcing his hands to be there. "Yes," she answered, "I worked for a marketing firm – I was one of almost thirty photographers, actually."
His expression didn't change, but his questions continued. "So why Winthrop? Why leave a busy place like New York for this?"
Her eyes briefly narrowed, curious for the reason behind his multiple, personal questions. "I um … well, I'd been at that same firm since I finished college. I'm 27 now. I wanted a change. Winthrop offered me that change." She shrugged, a light breeze flowing through her hair from behind her, tossing her hair delicately around her face.
"How long have you lived here?" she asked.
Edward took a step forward, took Amy's camera bag from her and slung it over his shoulder. "I think Charlotte's waiting for you."
The confusion on her face had to be obvious, but Edward's expression never changed. She couldn't tell if he didn't notice or chose to ignore it. Edward turned and took a few small steps toward the fair grounds, summoning her to follow his lead. Amy joined him at his left side, watching his profile as he faced forward on their walk back to the Spring Fling. The perfect angle of his jaw line made his pale face appear chiseled like an ancient Roman statue. His perfect frame guided his arms and legs effortlessly through their walk. It was if he was gliding along the earth.
"I've lived here for about a year," he finally answered. "I was on my own for a while, but I missed my family. They're all here." His golden eyes scanned every object in their vicinity but paused when they found Charlotte and Matt. Amy followed his gaze to the Four Feathers booth where Charlotte was waving at her. Matt was manning the booth to her left and opposite her was Jacob Black.
Amy had never thought about it, but it seemed logical that Jacob and Charlotte knew each other, especially given that Jacob was a consultant for the paper. The two were still engaged in a friendly conversation when Amy arrived with Edward at her side.
"Hey Jacob," Amy's smile came automatically when she greeted Jacob, one of the only faces she recognized in Winthrop. Her and Edward's steps slowed and stopped as they reached Jacob and Charlotte.
"Hi Amy." As usual, Jacob's smile lit up his face. His eyes drifted cautiously to Edward, then back to Amy. "I was hoping to run into you here."
"I'll see you around, Amy," Edward said quietly and clearly, interrupting the greeting between Jacob and Amy. Edward removed the camera bag from his shoulder and handed it to its owner on his left, the amber eyes fully focused on Jacob. His eyebrows had narrowed, his glare reminding Amy of the previous day when she had first seen Edward. It was unwelcoming. Threatening.
"Thanks, Edward. See ya." Her eyes lingered on his thin, toned frame as he walked away from her.
"Can I buy you a drink?" Jacob's question interrupted her stare, and her head turned back to meet the brown eyes of her muscular, bronzed acquaintance. But their new location within the heart of the fairgrounds made his calm voice impossible to hear amidst the rabble of conversation around them. The Spring Fling had multiplied in size in mere hours, and was surely grow even more as night fell.
"I'm sorry, what?" Amy asked.
Jacob leaned closer to her, his fingertips resting gently on her left arm. "Can I buy you a drink? You had to work today – I think you deserve one." He inhaled the sweet scent of her hair, then pulled away from her to reveal his smile.
"For the new photo editor!" Charlotte appeared, holding a bottle of Miller Lite in front of her for Amy. "Courtesy of the owner of the Four Feathers, my boyfriend and the hottest guy alive, Matthew Fischer."
"Thanks." Amy took the cool, plastic bottle and raised it in gratitude toward Matt. A muscular man with sandy blonde hair waved at Amy from behind the booth, blue eyes twinkling. In strict female code, Amy raised an eyebrow at Charlotte in approval of Matt's appearance.
Amy's attention returned to Jacob who was standing casually to Amy's left, his beer bottle secured within his large, masculine hands. " Thanks for the offer," Amy said quietly to Jacob. "Hard to get the new girl a drink when she's friends with the bar owner." She took a swig of the beer and winked at him.
"If we say we know you, do we score some free drinks, too?" Jacob nudged a second male to his left. Jacob's friend was close to his height, and shaggy dark hair donned his head.
"This is my buddy Quil," Jacob said to Amy and Charlotte. Quil's introduction prompted him to shake hands with both women. "Known him my whole life, which is probably why I feel the need to punch him every once and a while."
"Like this?" Quil said, punching Jacob in the shoulder.
"Exactly," Jake grinned, swiftly punching Quil's bicep in response. The two women laughed in unison. "I was hoping to recruit Quil to help you with your move. Y'know, unpacking and stuff."
Amy's eyes widened at the same time as her smile. "Oh my gosh, that'd be great, you guys!" The two men laughed at her thrilled reaction, and Charlotte excused herself to be nearer to Matt.
"I meant to call you sooner about helping you, but I figured you were probably a little busy this week. Y'know, starting your new life and all." Jacob shrugged nonchalantly.
"My life cannot officially start until I get my home organized," she joked back.
"Well, how about we organize tomorrow – you up for it?" Jacob asked, playfully pushing her arm.
"Absolutely," she gushed, her gratitude obvious without needing to thank them.
"And I'll bring Embry," Quil chimed in. "He's not quite as strong as we are, but we'll make him useful somehow." The sarcasm in Quil's tone was evident.
As nightfall crept over the fairgrounds, the three new friends solidified plans for the following day. It was obvious why Jacob and Quil were friends with such similar personalities. Even their laughter was similar as they playfully competed with each other for the spotlight. Through Jacob and Quil's stories, Amy was fully introduced to the two males. She learned about their lives, their families, the Quileute people and Winthrop. She felt comfort in her laughter as it mingled with theirs.
Soon Charlotte appeared with Matt at her side, her right arm interlocked lovingly with his. Charlotte initiated the introductions, first with Jacob and Quil, then with Amy. "Amy, this is Matt. Matt this is Amy, who's sort of my boss."
"So I need to keep the free drinks coming?" Matt joked, his gleaming smile brightening his face.
"Couldn't hurt," Amy joked back, taking another sip of her beer.
"I'm on a quick break, but as soon as I get back, I'll set another round over."
"No, no. Next round's on me!"
Amy almost spat out her drink as a new and unexpected presence was abruptly at her side. She turned to meet Wesley's squinted eyes, the weight of a few drinks pulling on his eyelids. "I'm so glad you came." His hand slinked around her waist before she could step away. All she could manage was a forced smile. The others around her collectively grinned at Amy's sudden discomfort.
"I kind of had to," she said with a laugh. She stepped to his left so his arm fell limp to his side.
"Right. Carlisle." He shook his head and laughed at forgetfulness. "Isn't he great? I really couldn't ask for a better boss."
Amy smiled. Despite the influence of alcohol, his statement was truly genuine. "How long have you worked with him?"
"Almost three years now." He seemed startled by his own response. "Wow! Three years. I can't even believe it's been that long. I'm always glad to be there though. Especially when beautiful photographers roam the halls." Wesley grinned at her and nudged her shoulder.
"Really? You get a lot of those lately?" It was her best attempt to dodge his compliment. Wes shook his head and laughed. His baby blue eyes roamed her figure, studying how her dark blue jeans and pale yellow, linen top hugged her curves. Amy shifted her weight to attempt to force his attention elsewhere.
"Can I get you something to drink, pal?" Matt asked, pulling Wesley's attention elsewhere. Matt put an arm around Wesley and guided him back toward the Four Feathers booth. Amy's relief swept through her nervous stomach, and she exchanged a glance with Jacob. He was quietly chuckling with Quil.
"Thanks so much for the help, guys." She was still smiling despite her sarcasm.
"I couldn't interrupt that show. All that was missing was the popcorn," Jacob replied, shrugging.
"Oh, come on, he's sweet on her! I think it's cute," Charlotte chimed in, supporting Wesley. "All he did was stare at her at the hospital yesterday."
Amy blushed in response. Yes, Wes was sweet and attractive, but she had never reacted well to male flirtation. She always felt her exterior strength was a front for her interior insecurities – insecurities that she assumed made her undesirable. But maybe that was the case with all people. Maybe Wes was just as nervous.
Amy unexpectedly abandoned her group of new friends to catch Wes and Matt circulating around the left corner of the Four Feathers booth. "Hey, guys." It was completely dark now, but Wes's eyes lit up when he saw Amy approaching. Matt clapped Wes's shoulder, who turned and smiled at the bartender before he departed. Somehow, Amy knew Matt wouldn't be far away.
"Look, I'm really sorry if I seem too forward," Wes started, his baby blue eyes easily visible even amidst the darkness. He seemed less inebriated, and he ignored the beer bottle in his right hand. He paused, arms extended as if holding them in midair would help capture the words he was searching for. "I like you. A lot. Which sounds so pathetic, I know, but I do—"
Amy held her hand up to silence him, but her face was soft. "I know you do. And I'm really flattered. It's just that I … don't know you. I don't know anybody. I don't know this town, and I'm barely moved into my new place." Wesley opened his mouth to speak in protest, but Amy continued. "You just need to give me a little time, okay?" She reached her hand up to his face and delicately brushed a strand of hair away from his piercing blue gaze.
Before her soft hands could leave his face, Wes reached up to grasp her hand in his. He brought the feminine hand to his lips and placed a light kiss on the back of her hand. Her stomach fluttered in response, and she couldn't force back her smile.
"Still need more time?" he joked, releasing her hand. Amy poked him in the stomach, then turned around to return to her new friends. As she walked away from him, the tingle in her stomach remained. When she turned to look back at Wes, he was smiling at her retreating figure. And several feet behind him, watching from a distance, was Edward Cullen.
*****
"Fireworks should be starting soon," Charlotte announced just after ten o'clock. Matt's arm was draped protectively around her as they stood in a circle, with Jacob and Quil, near the outer border of the fairgrounds where Amy had photographed Carlisle earlier that day. Since alcohol wasn't served after ten at night at the fair, Matt was free to join his girlfriend and their new friends.
The group had bonded throughout the evening, sharing stories from their past that frequently ended in laughter. Quil and Jacob constantly teased one another, a male trait that never failed to amuse Amy. According to her, the more males teased, the more they cared about each other.
And as far as female traits were concerned, Charlotte had accompanied Amy to the restroom, a sure sign of friendship among women. Even though the situation seemed childish, Amy admitted to herself that it felt good to be a part of the group.
"I have some blankets in my car we can sit on," Matt announced. "I'll go grab 'em if everyone else wants to go snag a spot."
"Good idea," Jacob replied. Swarms of people were flocking toward the edge of the fairgrounds to gather for the fireworks. They walked in defined lines like ants on a mission to retrieve their next meal.
A test firework bolted through the air and exploded in the sky, the sparkling reds and golds mingling with the stars before falling silently to the ground.
"Better hurry." Matt wiggled his eyebrows and kissed Charlotte's cheek before jogging toward the parking lot to retrieve the blankets.
Jacob and Quil led the foursome toward the open space at the exterior of the festival grounds with Amy and Charlotte close behind. As they traveled nearer to their destination, the already busy crowds thickened. Soon, Jacob and Quil were far ahead of the two women, and their tall heads were no longer visible amidst the swarm of people around them.
And with everyone in attendance heading toward the same location, it was obvious to spot two people moving in the opposite direction. Amy glanced once at the couple, thinking nothing of a twosome that wanted some privacy amidst the crowds. But a second glance caused her pace to freeze.
Was that Wesley?
Her curiosity was piqued. The man was walking along the perimeter of trees, hand-in-hand with a beautiful woman. A slender, curly-haired brunette in dark jeans and bright pink sweater was laughing as she flirtatiously ran her free hand along the man's chest.
They paused in front of the statues of trees, and the man's hands slinked along the woman's waist, pulling her close to his body. Like a learned reaction, her arms were around his neck, and her lips pressed eagerly to his. The couple then disappeared into the trees. Amy looked back at the flocking crowd she was a part of only moments ago. Charlotte was long gone, and Amy was alone.
Her attention returned to the trees. Surely the man's outfit matched what Wes was wearing earlier. Her mind was trying desperately to confirm what her eyes had seen. Almost as if in a trance, she walked toward the now unoccupied area where the couple had been kissing. As she reached the perimeter of the trees, her eyes scanned the damp grass, freshly bent from recent footsteps. Despite her conscience, she followed the footsteps into the trees, the sounds of the festival dulling behind her.
As if making an announcement in the darkened sky, the fireworks started. The thunderous booms in the sky echoed in her stomach, seemingly weighing down each step as she journeyed deeper into the woods.
And then, a clearing. It was there her eyes and mind confirmed the truth. Wesley was there with the brunette. It was Wesley who had her pinned against the bark of a sturdy tree. It was Wesley squeezing the woman's wrists above her head as she moaned beneath his touch. Wesley was the one thrusting his hips, his penis, upward into the woman with a fierce passion within the protective confines of the tall tree guards.
Amy's heart was pounding within her chest so loud she could hear it over the fireworks. It was hard to define her feelings: confused, hurt, and even ashamed of herself. Was she really that blind? Wesley's feelings for her seemed genuine. It pierced her heart more than she would have liked. Was she so replaceable?
She shook her head at her own foolishness. Her eyes had seen enough proof. Without turning around, she took a step back, but tripped on a protruding tree root. Her body fell backward, but instead of hitting the ground, she slammed into an equally hard surface: a body.
Edward had broken her fall, his hands gripping her waist to secure her balance. Her hand gripped his jacket at the cuff as he steadied her.
Her near fall was enough noise to catch the attention of the lovers. Wesley's motions had stopped, and the woman was silent. Wesley's eyes fixated on her in horror, but only the fireworks were making conversation above them. Before anyone could speak, she ran.
As she dodged the trees back toward the open space of the fair, she heard Wes calling after her … "Amy! Wait!" She ignored his calls and didn't stop running until she reached the cool air free of bark and foliage.
"Are you okay?" Edward's soft voice sounded from behind her, his breath calm and steady unlike hers.
"I'm fine," she lied, panting from her run as she stared up at the sky. The light from the fireworks seemed to expose her. She felt a new weight on her body as Edward placed his jacket around her shoulders. It wasn't warm, but the gesture provided a minute sense of calmness. She didn't think to thank him, only because another statement was already on her mind. "What were you doing there?"
"I saw you going in there by yourself. Didn't think it was a good idea." Edward was at her side now, watching her eyes scan the sky.
"Apparently people don't go in there to be alone." Her eyes remained locked on the sky.
"He's coming after you, you know." That statement made her eyes flicker to Edward's. As the fireworks lit up the blackish palette above their heads, they did the same to his eyes, highlighting their amber glow.
"I'm just … I think I'm going to go." Her hand gesticulated toward the parking lot, and she started taking a few steps toward the escape that would be provided by her car. Edward was beside her almost immediately. He walked with her in silence until they reached her car. She removed his jacket and handed it back to him, focusing one final time on his eyes.
"Thanks," she said softly, unlocking her car and opening her door. She turned to face him, unsure of what to say after the recent awkward events of the evening. As it turned out, words weren't necessary. Edward slowly reached a hand up to her face and brushed a strand of blonde hair away from her eyes. She never felt his fingers touch her skin, but the delicate gesture sent a chill rocketing through her from head to toe.
