Author's Note: Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.
Chapter 6
When dinner finally ended, we went over to the Cullens for last minute talks.
Carlisle and Esme were chatting with Charlie and Renee on the first floor living room, while the rest of us were on the second floor.
"You were really quiet this evening, Bella," Alice said. "Were you worried about tomorrow?"
I didn't respond.
"Aw, come on, sis," Jasper said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "I said we'll come visit. You act like we're going away to live abroad or something. It's just college."
I shook his hand off and stood up.
"I'm going to get some air," I mumbled before leaving them to stare after me worriedly.
The Cullens had a huge backyard garden. Esme had a green thumb, and the flowers bloomed beautifully under her care.
I was walking around slowly, feeling the cool wind. I stared into nothing, my thoughts far away. I was startled when I heard a sound behind me.
I whirled around.
"Sorry," Edward murmured. "I didn't mean to scare you."
"It's okay," I mumbled. "Why are you out here?"
He smiled. "I told the others that I'd talk some sense into you."
"I'm not doing anything crazy."
"Well…for one, sulking isn't going to do you any good."
I sighed. "I can't help it. We've all been together ever since I was a baby. How do you expect me to react when I'm going to be left all alone?"
Edward looked at me. "I told you, you won't be."
I rolled my eyes. "You mean that promise you made? You're breaking your promise, Edward."
He wandered closer to me. He was six inches away. I was getting really awkward and uncomfortable, but I didn't lean away.
"It's true that, in a way, I'm breaking that promise," Edward admitted. "But… I'll always be here for you."
I blinked, not understanding what he was saying.
He smiled affectionately. "All I'm saying is that I won't ever leave you. I'm not strong enough."
That confused me even more, but Edward had always been a little mysterious. I'd given up trying to understand him years ago.
"I don't know about the others," he said slowly. "I'm sure they'll move on quickly with their life. But… I don't think I can ever do that with you."
"You know I don't have any idea what you're talking about," I reminded him frostily. "Care to clarify?"
He chuckled. "Never mind then. Can I ask you a favor, Bella?"
"Depends on what it is."
He rolled his eyes. Then, he spread his arms, as if waiting for a hug.
"What?"
"Come on," Edward said, his eyes smoldering. "I want to hug you before I leave."
I hesitated. I just realized that Edward and I had never hugged before. I always did it with Jasper. Emmett liked to scare me from behind and hug me sometimes. Alice nearly always squeezed the life out of me.
But never with Edward. It was a bit strange of him to ask me all of a sudden.
Awkwardly, I walked the remaining distance towards him. His arms closed around me, gentle first, then tightly. But it wasn't uncomfortable. I fit perfectly in his arms, as if I was specifically made for him.
I felt like a statue. I couldn't move because I was so nervous.
Edward didn't seem to care.
"I'll miss you," he murmured. "Every single day."
Slowly but hesitantly, I raised my arms and hugged him back. My movement made him hug me even tighter.
Wordlessly, we stood there for a long time.
I felt like this was a dream. Was Edward really the one that was hugging me?
I was feeling much better now. In Edward's arms, I felt like nothing could go wrong. Everything was going to be fine.
"Hey!"
Startled, I pulled back and looked towards my right. Edward, upon seeing whom it was, looked annoyed.
"What are you two doing?" Emmett asked suspiciously.
"Um…" I could tell that I was blushing like crazy.
"Hugging," Edward answered promptly without a trace of embarrassment.
Emmett stared at him. "Uh-huh. Right."
Edward glanced at me, his eyes amused now. I didn't meet his gaze.
"Well, come on inside," Emmett said, retreating slowly, his eyes flickering back and forth between us. "Esme's made us a midnight snack." And he disappeared from view.
"Come on," Edward said, taking my hand easily and dragging me away. I trailed him, bewildered.
I couldn't help noticing the electric-like current caused by our contact. It was making me dazed. The only thing I could think about was his warm hand in my cold ones that was making my palm tingle.
AN: Short, I know. I promise longer chapters. And guess what? Next chapter will be a time skip! You know what that means, don't you? It means that the juicy parts are coming up. ;) Look forward to it!
