Disclaimer: SM owns these characters

A/N: I hope you enjoy this chapter, I wrote it all in a day, it was my goal since I didn't post anything this entire week. Thank you for the reviews, I love them, they make me so happy.

I still need a beta reader FYI. So sorry if the chapter is sloppy, it would be better if I had that beta.

Thank you for reading and please review!

My Dark Angel

Chapter 7

The Tiny Bit of Hope

I honestly don't know how long I can keep up with this charade. The ache in my heart has taken over my life. It has caused me to keep distant from everyone, minus Edward who has that weird way to make me forget why I hated my life. He has that strange power over me, and I draw to it, wanting more of his precious gift. He has kept me sane this entire week; every day in Biology I would walk in there like a zombie, and every day I would leave happy because of him. That happiness always ended though, once he left and his powers were out of reach, I could not retain the feeling anymore. Nevertheless, he had made me happy and I admired him for that.

Jacob would always try, but his efforts weren't as powerful. He would make me smile of course, and I would laugh around him, but I still felt the ache of pain deep inside. I was never completely happy with him while feeling this way, I couldn't forget it like I could with Edward. It was difficult to understand, Jacob out of all people should be the one to make me forget. He should be the one to make the pain go away, but he wasn't. It was Edward.

Today was Friday and I was glad. I could finally have the chance to get away from everyone constantly worrying about me. I could leave Forks and drive around, find something to do, or just find myself. I could think, I could wonder, I could let the pain take me. I decided I might as well embrace the feeling; it wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. I might as well let it get the best of me while I was alone, so then hopefully I could act more like myself when I was with people. I would be less zombie like, hopefully. But that was just a theory of mine, who knew if it could actually work. If anything, the result might make everything even worse. But I had to try; I had to make the effort.

My world was falling apart and I couldn't hold myself together, I had to try anything that could help. I couldn't let go of the past, I couldn't let go of what I had shared with my dark angel. He haunted me every moment that I could think. He was everything I could have ever imagined, and he was gone. If I didn't try to forget, I would be forever damaged, forever broken, forever lifeless. My soul had been ripped apart, but I had to do whatever I could to sew it back together. I had to move on, I had to live on. Without this effort, everything would be hopeless and nothing. Without this effort, there would be no point. I would survive, even if it would be the most difficult thing I could ever do, I would survive.

Lunch had just ended and I was heading to Biology. My hope of the day would be there, Edward who was my happiness for an hour and a half would be waiting in his seat. My eyes lit up at the thought and anticipation, I greatly needed his ability to make me smile. I needed to forget the pain. I needed to forget my dark angel and focus on reality. I needed to think of Jacob and the real relationship I had, but I couldn't, and speaking with Edward certainly would not help that situation either. I completely forgot about my life when I was with him, but I didn't care, at least in that moment I didn't, I felt alive again.

I entered my Biology class and stopped almost simultaneously as I looked at my table. He wasn't there. The seat was vacant, no one sat there and my heart skipped a beat. Edward. My world began to crash down again as the realization sunk in. I would not be happy today, which made me feel terrible. I would not forget the pain I was in, I would not laugh and I would not smile. The boy who was able to make me forget everything, was not there, and I was filled with a rush of disappointment. Thank God it was Friday; thank God I could escape.

Biology was torture. I was completely alone; we were doing group activities so everyone was talking to their partner. Since Edward wasn't here, I was left to talk to no one. It wasn't like anyone was going to talk to me anyways; I was distant lately and had isolated myself from everyone. I would get the random "hey Bella," but that was it. Nothing more. I was left alone with my mind, which was a horrible thing.

Every couple of minutes or so I would stare at the front door hoping that Edward would burst through any second, but he never did. I would look to his seat and glare at its emptiness. I was mad, he left me here all alone, and didn't warn me beforehand that he would be absent.

The dark angel enveloped my mind, I could feel him, but he was distant, the feeling couldn't touch me like it used to. I would never be able to feel the closeness I once felt when I was with him. I could remember him, but I could never be with him when I imagined him. He would not dwell in my dreams anymore. Like the reality of the past, he was just a memory, something I could remember, but something I could never experience again. I could never go back to him, and he would never return to me, no matter how much I wanted him to. No matter how much I cried and begged for his return, he would never.

For the past week, I have dreamt of the meadow. I would go there all by myself, and cry in the lonely glimmer of light shown by the abandoned star.

The meadow was still the solemn, dark, and cold place that it had become. There was no happiness and no beauty anymore. The flowers had died and the animals had fled. The water had stopped running, and the stars had stopped shining, except the one lost star that stayed dimly lit, the poor lonesome star that fought to stay a glow to light then night by itself.

I thought about the significance of it, surely believing that the star represented me. I used to be surrounded in a world full of beauty. I used to bask in the dark angel's presence. The life at which I used to have was everything to me, all the beauty I could ever ask for. When he had left, my beauty had left with him. I was alone, just like the star in a sinister world.

The star was the little sliver of hope that was left in the world I once knew. It was the little speck of dreams that I still carried with me. The tiny hint of love that I used to have, and the tiny speckle of peace I used to obtain when I escaped to my world of beauty. I lived for that beauty, I lived for that peace, I lived for that dream, and I lived for that love. Now there was no sense for my life. I was fighting to keep shining; I was fighting to stay lit, just like the lonely innocent star. I was the only faint star in a world full of darkness. Sure, I was not bright or strong at the moment, but I was the hope, I was the dream.

I looked out the window into the woods of Forks and sighed. Today was sunny again, just like Monday had been. It was rare that we would have two sunny days in one week, and I was getting tired of seeing these days when it was a time I could not appreciate them. Today I resented the sky and its brightness, wishing that my surroundings would only represent how I felt. I was feeling completely alone and completely abandoned, very much like the poor star from my dreams. If only the sky would embody that as well.

I sat alone in silence for another half hour staring outside at the strange nature until the bell finally rang. I sulked off to gym, my least favorite class of the day.

We were playing tennis today, singles. Wonderful. I walked over to the farthest court and waited for someone to gather up the courage to play me. There was an advantage and a disadvantage when it came to playing me, you would easily win, but you would probably get hurt in the process.

"Hey Bella!" I heard Mike Newton yell from across the room, my back was toward him and I didn't feel like turning, so I ignored him.

"Bella!" His voice was coming closer. Great, he was running towards me. I strainfully turned my head to face his direction. Could he really not see how much of a bad mood I was in? Could he really not tell that I didn't want to speak to anybody, least of all him? Obviously he could not.

"Bella," he said again, breathing heavier than before once he finally reached me.

"Hi Mike," I said unengaged and quietly, trying to force a slight smile. I didn't care to speak to Mike, definitely not now.

"What's up?" he asked, completely oblivious of my response and state of mind.

"Not much," I said staring into space, ready for the day to be over.

"So, I see you and that Cullen guy have been talking a lot lately. I don't like it." I shot a look at Mike; I was not expecting him to mention Edward at all. He would never talk about anyone but himself if it included a guy. Who was he to say he didn't like who I talked to anyways? What was he my father? He had no right.

"Yeah I talk to him, he's a friend. It's none of your business anyways." I glared at him, but a part of me was happy that we were talking about Edward. It felt as if his presence was here in a way, slightly, but still here.

"I just don't want you interacting with the wrong kind of people Bella," he said in a shocked tone, finally taking notice of my mood.

"Wrong kind of people? Edward is not a bad person; I have no idea what you are talking about." I said snarling, Mike was becoming aghast.

"He doesn't have a very good reputation," Mike said attempting to defend himself while I became angry.

"Bad reputation? He just moved here Mike!" I was appalled with Mike at the moment. I wanted so much for the conversation to come to an end.

"I've still heard things." He said with disgust as I defended Edward.

"Like what? That he's a new student?" I scoffed. Mike narrowed his eyebrows.

"Like he's slept with girls at our school already," he spitted out. My mind did loops as I processed what Mike had just said. That couldn't be true. Edward just moved here, it couldn't possibly be true. He was a new student. He was Edward, the sweet, funny, gorgeous Edward. A part of him just seemed so innocent too, like he couldn't possibly do such a thing – but of course that could just be my ignorance playing in. He is extremely gorgeous, why wouldn't he be someone like that?

He is the epitome of a Greek god; he has a voice like an angel, a body to die for, and has the ability to dazzle me every day. But it was Edward; he wouldn't use that to get with a girl. Would he? Maybe I really didn't know him; I just met him after all. I couldn't honestly know the real Edward Cullen, but a huge part of me believed he was innocent. A huge part of me believed that this was all a lie.

"And the girls are?" I asked, trying to collect evidence that this crazy accusation was false. Mike stumbled on what to say next. Perfect.

"I….don't actually…have names." He said looking down and scratching the back of his head. I smiled.

"Then it is a rumor. Edward couldn't have possibly done that, unless you have a name." I said triumphantly. Mike's eyes lit up, as if he just remembered a vital piece of information.

"I do have a name, I can't believe I forgot it," he said relieved now.

"Who?" I looked at him curiously.

"Jessica Stanley," he proclaimed happily like he had just won the argument. I was in complete shock. Jessica Stanley, she would have loved the chance to get with Edward, but he wouldn't go for someone like her, at least, I didn't think he would. No, it couldn't be possible.

"And who told you this?" I asked suspiciously.

"Jessica Stanley herself." He stated with a smug expression. I was disgusted. Certainly Jessica would have told me this herself. She would have been thrilled to tell me she had slept with Edward Cullen, the new God of our school. Maybe she had tried. I thought about that for a moment.

I do remember Jessica trying to tell me in math two days ago something very important that had happened to her. I didn't pay attention what so ever. She began to speak at the end of the class, but the bell rang and she couldn't tell me what had happened. I didn't care either way; I only wanted the day to be over, so I didn't think twice about it.

But now I wondered – was she trying to tell me that she did have sex with Edward? I only hoped that she wasn't, that this was all a lie. If it was true, my regular escape would be another disappointment. The positive hero persona in my life would be another hopeless dream that would soon contort into a nightmare.

"I don't believe you." I said sure of myself. Mike felt betrayed.

"Fine don't believe me, just don't get your heart broken when you find out the truth," he scoffed. I was pissed.

"Why would I get my heart broken? We are just friends, if you haven't noticed; I've been dating Jacob for the past 12 years." I hissed.

"Jacob who? I haven't seen you near him since Edward arrived. Are you sure you're still dating him?" He snickered at me. I would have punched Mike in the face right then, but I decided he was a waste of my energy. He was doing a hell of a job to make me angry.

"Of course I'm still dating Jacob, I love him. That will never change."

"Sure it won't, just like Edward hasn't slept with Jess." That was all he had to say for my hands to turn into fists.

"Mike Newton, get away from me right now if you know what's good for you," I said shaking. He took a step back with a shocked face, and then quickly smirked again.

"What are you gonna do Bella, punch me in the face?" He said teasing me.

"That is exactly what I am going to do," I said wickedly, smiling at the thought.

"I'd like to see you try," he smiled, as we began to circle each other. Mike had no idea that when I was little Charlie would teach me how to punch like a boy, he did it for self-defense. I now thanked him for that. Even though I was clumsy, I could still throw one hell of a punch.

"Edward slept with Jess," he began to say. My heart was racing and I could feel the adrenaline pumping, I felt so alive. I was ready to give Mike what he deserved.

"Edward slept with Jess," he teased again, "Edward slept with Jess." He stopped where he was and began to laugh. That was all I needed and I went for it.

My right arm swung to his left eye, harder than I had ever punched anyone before.

"Holy shit Bella!" He said as he grabbed his eye. "What the hell is wrong with you?" Pain shot through my hand and it hurt to open and close.

"Owww!" I yelled, "I think you broke my hand!"

"I broke your hand?" he yelled angrily. "You're the one who punched me! It's your damn fault for breaking it. Jesus Bella, I'm going to have a black eye."

"Don't even act like you didn't deserve it," I said as I held my hurt hand with the other and squinted in pain.

Coach Hoff walked towards us, his eyebrows narrowed together.

"What is going on here?" he yelled sternly.

Even though I currently hate Mike Newton, he wasn't a complete dumbass. He didn't want to get in trouble as much as I didn't want to talk to him. And I'm sure he didn't want anyone to know that he had gotten punched by a girl. I was almost thankful for his pride, almost.

"Nothing, Bella just hit me with her tennis racket by accident, she was serving and the racket flew from her hand into my eye." Mike knew that this was a believable statement. Everyone knew my clumsiness, especially Coach Hoff, who wouldn't believe the story if it was anyone else but me.

"Bella Swan, is this true?" Coach Hoff asked questioningly.

"Yes," I said bluntly with my nose in the air.

"What happened to your hand?" Coach Hoff asked as he saw me holding my hand.

"I hit it with the racket a few times by accident," I lied.

"Both of you go to the nurse," he looked from my hand to Mike's eye then back to me, "and get some ice while you're at it."

We nodded then walked off to the nurse, not talking to each other or looking at each other along the way. I was still completely angry with Mike and he was probably still pissed that I had punched him. I didn't care however, he honestly deserved it.

When we reached the nurse's office, she taped my hand and iced Mike's eye. There wasn't much you could do for a black eye, just ice it and give it time to heal. Mike resented me for that, and I gloated in my win. Although, he did enjoy when I'd squint at the pain my hand was causing me, he thought of it as his own personal revenge. Mike did have some polite aspects, for one, he did not hit girls. That was one of the very few things I liked about Mike.

By the time we returned to gym, the bell rang. I changed back into my regular school clothes and quickly walked to my car. Jacob was there waiting for me like always.

"Hey Bel-" he began to say until he saw my hand. His face became concerned. "What happened to you?" His face was hard.

"I punched Mike Newton," I said happily. Jacob's face softened and he began to laugh.

"Yeah right Bella, no really what happened?" I narrowed my eyebrows.

"No really, I punched him." I said, getting angry that he didn't believe I could do such a thing. He laughed even louder.

"Really? That's awesome!" He said. I smiled.

"Yup,"

"What was the reason?" he asked curiously. I didn't want to mention Edward, it felt too personal to speak about him with Jacob. I didn't want him to know I had defended him.

"He was just saying really mean things and I had had enough of it." I didn't lie; I just didn't tell Jacob the whole truth.

"Oh, I'm sure he deserved whatever he got," Jacob smiled hugging me.

"He did," I replied. As much as I liked hugging Jacob, I was ready to go home. I was still feeling terrible. All the emotional pain I was going through was beginning to creep back to the surface; on top of that, I now had physical pain to endure.

"I'm going to go home now, I'll call you later." I said looking at Jacob. He nodded, and kissed my forehead. Lately he didn't ask me much on how I was feeling or if I wanted to hang out with him. He knew the best thing to do was to give me space so I could gather myself. He knew I needed to clear my mind and get away from anything that could trigger my pain. He believed that he was one of the main causes, always blaming himself for that fateful day on the cliff. He could never let it go, therefore he didn't object to giving me space. He only nodded and then granted me what I wanted, even though the cliff had nothing to do with why I was feeling so horrible, but he didn't know that. He was eager enough anyways to go hang out with Quil and Embry, so I didn't feel too bad.

I climbed into my truck, turned on the engine, and quickly drove home. When I arrived, I was greeted at the door by my parents. It looked like they were leaving the house.

"Hey guys, where are you two off to?" I asked carrying my backpack and heading towards the door. Renee and Charlie both looked up, Renee smiled and Charlie let out a sigh. Obviously Renee was dragging him somewhere he did not want to go.

"Me and your father are going out to eat and then to a movie," she said smirking. Charlie huffed and jumped into his cruiser. "We'll be back late honey; you should get out of the house too. Go hang out with Jacob or Angela, someone, you need fresh air."

"Yeah, I was planning on getting out of the house anyways, just came by to drop my stuff off," I admitted. Renee nodded her head approvingly.

"Enjoy yourself sweetie." She said in more of a demand than a gesture.

I heard Charlie grumble in the cruiser and we both looked at him. He gestured to Renee to hurry up. She laughed.

How Renee got Charlie to get out of the house was beyond me, but I didn't question it. "Okay, I will, have fun," I said as I walked inside the door.

I heard them leave as I dropped off my stuff onto the counter. I didn't know where I was going to go; I only knew that I had to go somewhere, anywhere but here.

I went back to my truck and sat in it, wondering where I could go. I decided on the idea of driving to the bookstore. I could buy a nice book and sit in the store and read all night. That would be good to keep my mind from thinking anything unwanted. It was a good idea to distract myself from the pain. I turned on the Chevy and drove.

I pulled into the parking lot, turned off the truck's engine, and jumped out of the truck. There was barely anyone here. Of course there wasn't, who goes to a bookstore on a Friday night? Apparently I do.

I walked inside and scavenged for a good book to read. Aisle after aisle I walked down, searching for some piece of literature that would stand out to me, but so far nothing had. I was becoming desperate to find a book, but nothing interested me. I was not in the mood for a romance, nor a tragedy. I wasn't particularly interested in mystery or adventure at the moment either. There was nothing that suited my mood, nothing that could satisfy me. I walked down the last aisle with little hope, and my eyes lit up. It was not a book that I had found, but a person.

"Bella?" He asked in his deep beautiful voice.

"Edward?" I asked in sweet surprise. "What are you doing here?"

He smirked at me then replied, "Shouldn't I be asking you the same thing?" Edward always had some witty remark when he talked to me. I couldn't help but smile at him.

"I was just looking for a book," I said. He raised his eyebrows.

"Oh, what book?"

"I don't know, I couldn't find anything that interested me." I said sighing. "This was the last aisle before I was about to give up and go home." Edward laughed, but I didn't understand why.

"Well, Isabella Swan, I think today is your lucky day," he said mischievously smiling. I raised my eyebrows at his remark.

"And why is that?" I asked, enjoying this conversation.

"I just happened to have stumbled across a very interesting book. It has 'Bella' written all over it," he grinned.

"Oh really? And what is the name of this book?"

"I believe it is called 'Bella and Edward talk over dinner,'" I was surprised, but I smiled. "Just as friends of course," he added with a wink and a crooked smile. He knew I had a boyfriend, but at the moment with his charm and his smile, I completely forgot.

"You want to go out to dinner with me?" I asked shocked, but extremely happy.

"Yes Bella, I want to go out to dinner with you," he laughed rolling his eyes.

"Okay," I breathed out, "let's go to dinner." He smiled brilliantly again and led me to the exit of the library.

"We can take my car, if you don't mind, then I'll drop you off to your truck later." I nodded as we headed towards his Volvo.

The passenger side was closest to us and Edward opened the door for me. "Such a gentleman," I said, impressed by his politeness. He laughed and shut the door behind me once I was fully in then walked to his side.

He looked really nice, very well dressed. He was wearing light colors again as usual, ivory and khaki tones that looked beautiful against his skin. He was magnificent looking and perfect in every way. Then I remembered what Mike had told me earlier today, and my hopes of the perfect boy fell. Edward could not possibly be like that. He was such a gentleman; he was such a good person. He couldn't, I would not believe it.

"So where are we heading?" I asked curiously. Edward briefly glanced at me then back at the wheel, I could see his crooked smile forming onto his face.

"Just a small quiet café I have recently discovered. I really like it; it's a good place to talk." I smiled.

Edward slowed down the car and pulled into a secluded area filled with a few shops and a quaint little café. It looked very peaceful and fun to just hang out and relax. I would remember this place for when I'd have to leave again and go somewhere to think.

Edward quickly parked the car and opened the door for me. I really enjoyed his politeness, it seemed so old-fashioned, I wasn't used to it. Jacob never treated me like this, but I never really did mind.

We walked inside the café; it was beautifully decorated with warm colors and modern décor. There was soft music playing in the background, and the vibe of the place was entirely soothing and comforting. I adored the café; I couldn't believe I had never been here before.

"I really like this place," I said to Edward while looking everywhere and taking it all in. He looked at me and smiled.

"I like it too." He grabbed my hand and led me toward a secluded table in a far corner of the room. I didn't mind him holding my hand, it didn't seem wrong; it was just a simple innocent gesture that I didn't disapprove of. But when we touched, I felt that little jolt of electricity between us. I was becoming used to it now; Edward couldn't help but accidentally bump into me in Biology or in the hallways. Though every time I felt it, a feeling of familiarity would rush over me, and I welcomed the strange sensation.

Edward pulled my chair out for me and I sat down. He then sat in his own chair next to mine. I didn't delay; I began to ask him questions right away.

"So where were you today? You're obviously not sick," I gestured to his healthy appearance. Edward chuckled and nodded.

"I went on a hike with my father today. We haven't hiked in a while, and today was such a rare and beautiful day that he decided I could stay home from school and explore the woods of Forks, Washington with him."

"I wish my parents would let me do such things," I said shaking my head.

"Yeah, it's pretty fun, but I'm sure I have a lot to catch up on at school."

"Yeah, you missed out on a group activity in Biology, but Mr. Banner loves you so I'm sure you won't have to make it up." Edward's expression hardened.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there today," he said as if he knew how I had felt today, as if he knew I counted on him being there so I could feel happy for a few moments.

"That's okay, you can't always be at school," I smirked trying to cover up the sudden intensity of the conversation.

"I know, but-"

"Edward, really it's okay." I wanted to change the subject, anything, "I heard something about you today." I said, Crap, why did I say that? Bad subject change, dumbass Bella.

Edwards raised an eyebrow, "And what was that?" I did not want to have this conversation with him, if it was true, I did not want to know. I wanted to pretend that Edward was still the perfect being that he was, even if that meant I had to lie to myself every day.

"Nothing," I said quickly. Edward's face became serious.

"Bella, what is it?"

Crap.

"I was talking to Mike Newton today…" I hesitated.

"And….?" Edward seemed anxious for me to speak. I didn't respond.

"Bella, please tell me-"

"Mike Newton said, for better words, that you have been a little risqué so to speak with Jessica Stanley….and other girls," I breathed out quickly. Edward's face played many expressions so quickly I couldn't keep up. I saw shock, then anger, then frustration, and then shock again, even humor until he turned his face into a calm expression.

"Do you believe him?" He asked. He looked deep into my eyes. I knew I didn't believe Mike, I trusted Edward, at least, I wanted to trust Edward. Even though it was none of my business and I had no right in his love life, I shouldn't even care regardless – but I couldn't help it.

"No." I said quietly.

"Good," Edward sighed, "Because that is definitely not true." I sighed with relief, I had to believe him. Edward stared off for a moment thinking, then began to laugh. I was astonished, why was he laughing?

"Why are you laughing?" I asked amazed at the situation.

"Me and Jessica Stanley." He slowly annunciated. He laughed again, "as if."

I began to laugh too. That was a funny idea, to imagine Edward and Jessica together. I tried not to picture it though; it also hurt to see Edward with someone, especially someone like Jessica. She did not deserve him; no one deserved a guy like Edward.

Just then a waitress came to our table to ask us if we wanted anything to eat. Surprisingly I wasn't hungry, and neither was Edward. We just ordered two coffees and then sat there looking at each other.

"So the rumor is completely false?" I asked still curious. "No other girls?"

"Yes Bella!" Edward exclaimed still laughing, "Of course it's false!"

I was completely relieved. Thank God. Edward was still the perfect boy I envisioned. Nothing could ruin him. I drank some of the coffee that the waitress brought and smiled in relief.

"Besides, I don't really have a taste for the girls at our school." My face fell, he basically said I was of no interest to him. He caught my expression and laughed again, "minus one." My eyes shot to his face, could he be talking about me? No, why would he? I ignored his response, thinking that I was hearing things. Damn it Bella, you're in a relationship, I thought to myself. It was true, I was dating Jacob, I shouldn't be hoping that Edward was talking about me, I shouldn't care about any of it – but I so strangely wish it was me that he was implying. A part of me wants it to be so badly.

Edward slowly stopped laughing, crawling into a slight chuckle.

"I do wonder though, why Mike would make up such an absurd lie." He seemed to concentrate, trying to formulate some sort of explanation for Mike's odd behavior.

"I don't know, Jacob always told me he had a thing for me, maybe he was trying to keep you away from me," I said without thinking what I had just spoken, you idiot Bella, "as if there was anything to worry about," I quickly added, realizing how stupid I am for saying that. Edward smirked at me.

"Right…nothing to worry about," he grinned. I was confused by his response, but instead of questioning it, I accepted it. I looked away from Edward's beautiful green eyes and stared at the room when I noticed an interestingly shaped clock on the wall.

"Whoa, Its 10 O'clock. We've been here for hours." I looked back at Edward and he was smiling.

"I know. It seems as if we had just arrived." He didn't seem surprised at all, he just sat in his chair, calm and beautiful, smiling at me. He seemed so mysterious, in the night; it was peculiar and magnificent to look at him. He always seemed in control of situations, he always seemed to know what he wanted and how to get it. I could not object to his assertiveness.

"Do you have to get going?" Edward asked, still calm and serene. I was puzzled.

"Oh, uh no, I don't have to be anywhere. Not tonight." Edward was happy at my response.

"Good." He said, "Then we can talk some more." I nodded and smiled.

"I was wondering if you could tell me more about yourself," I added to his statement. He grinned.

"What would you like to know?" He asked.

"Was it hard, moving from Alaska to Forks?" Edward thought about it for a second.

"Not really, I'm used to moving; my family moves around a lot. My dad gets a lot of job offers, so we relocate to various places. Usually we stay in an area for a couple of years then move on to the next opportunity."

"Are you going to move away from Forks anytime soon?" I asked slightly concerned. Edward caught my tone and smiled.

"No, my family is very fond of this place; I think we will actually stay here for a very long time."

"That's good," I said pleased by his response.

"Besides, I think I'm beginning to like Forks very much." He smirked at me and I blushed. "It would be a shame to leave now."

"I wouldn't want you to leave," I admitted, surprised that I actually said such a bold statement. He seemed pleased with my comment.

I looked at the clock again; it was much later than the last time I had checked it.

"Do you need to get going?" Edward asked like before.

"Yeah," I quietly confessed, even though I really didn't want to leave. If I could, I would have stayed all night at the little café talking with Edward. He was a breath of fresh air, but I did have a curfew.

He stood up from his chair, placed some money on the table for the drinks and we walked to the door.

"I had a really good time Edward, thanks for taking me here."

"The pleasure was all my mine," he politely said in his very charming way.

We were out of the café and walking to his car now, he opened the door for me and I clumsily slid in. Edward laughed at my lack of grace as he walked to his door.

"Thanks," I sneered. He continued to laugh.

"It amazes me how clumsy you are Bella. I have never seen someone so accident prone in my entire life." I scoffed at his comment.

"It's not like you've lived that long anyways, there's plenty of time for you to meet someone less coordinated than I."

"Sure," he chuckled.

We began to drive back to the bookstore where my truck was parked. It was very bright for the night; I looked to the sky, a full moon.

"It's beautiful isn't it?" Edward commented.

"It is," I said in awe. "I haven't seen one in a while so big and bright like that. Usually it is covered up by clouds."

"They don't show up except on special nights," he said smiling. I blushed again.

We reached the bookstore, it was closed and all the lights were turned off. Edward turned the Volvo off and quickly helped me out of the car. He walked me to my truck.

"Thank you for reading my book," he smirked, and then I remembered how he asked me out tonight.

"Oh yes, who could pass up the book 'Edward and Bella talk over dinner,' though there wasn't much of a dinner now was there?" Edward grinned.

"Sorry about that, I was so intrigued by our conversation that I forgot about food."

I laughed, "That's alright, I was too intrigued by our conversation as well." We both laughed and Edward's bright green eyes gleamed at me.

"Maybe next time we will eat." He stated.

"Maybe," I grinned. So there would be a next time? I smiled at the thought.

"Goodnight Bella," Edward said musically.

"Goodnight Edward."

He stared into my eyes for a moment then slowly turned away, I wanted to touch him so badly, hug him, hold his hand, something, and it felt as if he might have wanted to too. The look he gave me seemed personal and intimate, I blushed then gave him a warm smile. He winked at me then walked off to his pretty silver Volvo.

I jumped into my truck and drove away to my house. I couldn't believe what I had just done. What a night, I thought, Edward Cullen. I was happy again, not for a single second did I think of the pain that I was in. I was still on my Edward high as I drove home. The pain wasn't creeping back quite yet like it usually does once I leave Edward.

I parked in my driveway and saw that Charlie and Renee were still gone. I walked upstairs and went to my room. I was exhausted. I fell on my bed and closed my eyes, too lazy to even change my clothes.

As I fell into a deep sleep, the pain that had been kept away slowly began to creep back into my life as I entered the dark cold meadow. The realization of my aching heart began to thump and all I could feel was the loss. I laid in the same beam of faint light and began the same ritual, crying till I woke up.

But this time as I cried, I had a tiny bit of hope that resided deep within me. Now I could think of Edward, and now I could be slightly happy, even when I wasn't with him, but only slightly. The pain was still much stronger than anything else I had ever experienced, nevertheless, the tiny bit of hope was everything to me now.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter, it was interesting to write. If you have any questions you can PM me. Please take the time to write a review, I would love to hear what you have to say. Thank you!