A/N: A little transition chapter for you guys before we get into some canon New Moon events. Mostly Edward and Vitalia missing each other here. Poor kids.

…………………

Earthshine

Chapter XX

"A Gift"

…

"When the sun goes down on my side of town, that lonesome feeling comes to my door, and the whole world turns blue…Oh, but I'll be alright as long as there's light from a neon moon." - Ronnie Dunn

…

[Vitalia]

The rain was pretty heavy today. I yawned and ran my hand through my hair, staring into the creamy liquid of my coffee cup as I tapped my pencil over the textbook sitting open in front of me.

School was officially in session, but luckily I didn't have to sit through an entire seven hour day like I did when I was in public school. It was only, like, three hours or so of work. And I was able to stay in my pajamas and drink coffee without all the stupid rules. I could even go to the bathroom without bugging someone for a hall pass!

"Stumped?" My dad asked, limping out of the room with his cane. He was able to get up and walk around now. It was a good thing too. He was driving everyone a little insane with his stir craziness.

"A little." I shrugged, looking down at the math problem again. I hated math.

He clicked his tongue then looked up as mom walked in the door with a bunch of wildflowers in her hand.

She set them in a vase in the center of the table then came to stand behind me, hands running through my hair. The action always soothed me.

"Where's Edward at these days?" She asked. "Haven't seen him all week."

"He started school too, didn't he?" Dad asked, biting into a scone.

"I think so." I answered with a nod. We'd driven by the High School yesterday morning after a grocery run, but I hadn't caught a glimpse of him or any of his siblings.

I sighed and slouched back as I let out a long breath. I looked up at mom. "We probably won't be seeing him around anymore. We kind of went our separate ways."

"Why?" Mom asked as she took a seat next to me. "What happened?"

"His girlfriend, Bella, well…she was kind of having a hard time with us being friends. He kinda wanted to do what was right for her."

Dad dusted the crumbs off his fingers. "Well that's a shame. He was a special kind of kid. I was getting kind of used to having him around."

Mom smiled. "I'll miss him too. But I agree he's doing the right thing if it really bothers Bella. The gentlemanly thing."

"Yeah, same. I agree it's the right thing." I scrunched my lips together. Didn't mean I had to like it.

Dad shrugged. "Maybe. Un less…" He gave mom a little look.

She tilted her head. "Unless what?"

"Well, when you and I met, you were dating someone else. You ended up breaking things off. He didn't like the idea of us being friends either. I mean, for good reason, but still. Maybe the obvious choice is breaking things off with the other person."

"Diego, that was different. You were trying to win me over the whole time. "

"Yeah, Dad, Eddie and me aren't like that. It wasn't romantic."

Even as I said that though, I felt my stomach twist again. I thought of my song and the way he'd played it. That look on his face…it was so borderline now for me but I knew it was different for him. He definitely didn't think of me that way, so I couldn't let myself go there, even in just my head. It'd be unnecessarily painful.

"Okay, okay. I get it." Dad raised his hands. "I'll stay out of it."

Mom smiled. "Well we'll remember what that boy did for your dad. He'll always have a special place in our lives."

I returned her smile. "Yeah, he will."

I lifted my cup and held it between my hands, letting the hot ceramic warm my skin. I stared out the window for a few minutes before mom told me to get back to work.

…

Later that afternoon, I put on my yellow raincoat and boots before heading out into the drizzle. I hopped between puddles and swung my arms at my sides. I walked down the forest path and into the outskirts of the downtown area before making my way into the little convenient store where I'd become a regular of sorts. I waved at Clive.

"Afternoon, miss Vitalia." The older man gave me a kind, wrinkly smile. "Having a good day?"

"First day of school." I answered with a shrug. "So it's been okay."

"Well school's important." He rang up my red vines and root beer. "What's your favorite subject?"

"Writing," I smiled. "I want to be a journalist!"

"That's exciting." He nodded and handed me my bag. "See you next time. Stay out of trouble now."

"Thanks, Clive." I grinned and walked outside again.

As I walked down the sidewalk, not really going anywhere in particular, I chewed on the cherry flavored vine candy and watched as a large yellow school bus flew by.

I guessed school was about to get out.

Pursing my lips, I thought it over for a second before changing direction and moving towards the High School. I finished my root beer and threw it a nearby trash can before tilting my head at the Home of the Spartans sign sitting in front of the brick building. It was a cool mascot. My mascot at the Junior High had been a hawk, which was kind of generic and boring. I liked this one.

I walked around the building, just kind of checking it out. It had character. And it was much smaller than the ones I was used to seeing.

I heard the bell ring and hung back as kids started walking out the doors. I only chanced a few more seconds of standing there before turning to walk across the parking lot. I didn't think a run in with the Cullens or Bella would be a good idea.

I didn't want Eddie to think I was learning any bad, stalkery habits from him.

…

The first week kind of dragged on. I was hoping I'd still get to hang with Emmett and Rosie, but she stopped by briefly to let me know that the two of them were taking a vacation in Africa. It sounded like an amazing experience and I couldn't help feeling a little envious. It was on my list of places to see.

"We should be back before you leave Forks, but just in case, it's been really good knowing you. I'll stay in touch, okay?" Rosalie had said before hugging me.

Emmett gave me a big hug too, saying he wished things had gone differently with his brother.

"He lost his mind a long time ago." Emmett had said before they headed out.

It kind of left me feeling a little bored in the afternoons, not having someone to hang with, so I decided to go ahead and finish the fort I was building. My dad even helped. It was always fun hanging with him and it definitely cheered me up. It was hard to feel any boredom with him around.

I took lots of walks through the forest, picking fresh wildflowers for my mom's vase on the table. I enjoyed the rare sunshine days, letting my hands dance in the glowing rays. New joy always surged in me on these walks. I listened to the crunch of pine needles and green ferns beneath my boots. I sat in fallen tree logs and felt the biting wind, closing my eyes and smiling as it brushed through my hair. I had lots of conversations with the animals I happened across. There were lots of birds and raccoons. A few foxes and rabbits too.

When the weekend rolled around, my parents planned a little family night thing. We started a fire in the pit outside the cabin and roasted hot dogs and drank hot chocolate. The velvety chocolate tasted amazing. My mom liked to cook it from scratch in a pot on the stove. The little Swiss Miss packets didn't even come close.

My dad turned the stereo on in the car and, in the beaming headlights, he pulled me in for a two-step dance to Neon Moon. I loved dancing with dad. It was one of the safest places in the world to me, being in his arms.

The next Monday came and, after a long day of course work, I sat on the couch to watch Alice in Wonderland. I loved all of the randomness and the curiosity of the story. It was so brilliant!

"Do you want to come help me at the boutique?" Mom asked.

I jumped up from the couch and paused the movie. I was eager for an opportunity to get out of the house. "Sure! Let me just grab my jacket."

She laughed. "I thought you would."

We drove into town and my eyes strayed to the gold polish that had long faded and peeled. I sighed, thinking of Eddie again. I really did miss him. I smiled as I thought over some of my favorite memories. I thought of the way his whole face lit up when he smiled and the way his golden eyes would shine like the sun.

Mom got me a coffee then we parked outside the boutique shop. The window display looked amazing! I smiled as I looked at the turn-of-the-season display. There was a red and white checkered spread with apples and mini chalkboards and school supplies.

"Cute." I grinned at her.

She smiled her grateful smile then pulled open the door. A little bell chimed when we walked in and I noticed that the whole place had a strong potpourri scent. All these little places seemed to smell like that.

She went to speak with Lillian Harris, the owner, and I started looking around at all the knick knacks. There were lots of neat music boxes and glass figurines. There was one of a sad looking clown playing the violin that I liked.

A few minutes later, mom called me over to help arrange some displays and we quietly worked together for awhile. The bell chimed a few times, but it seemed like a pretty slow day.

Before leaving, the bell chimed again and I looked up to see Eddie's mom walk inside. She waved at us and gave us one of her stunning, warm smiles.

Mom walked over to chat with her and took a look inside the bag Esme had brought with decor items. They looked expensive, but they would sure take the displays to another level.

I waited until they were done before walking over too.

"Hey, Mrs. Cullen." I said politely.

"Hello, Vitalia." She smiled at me again and it made me feel all cozy inside. The woman had a gift.

"How's Eddie been?" I couldn't help but ask.

Her eyes turned sympathetic. "He's been good. He misses you though, I think. I wish you two could have remained friends."

I nodded. I wished that too. "Well, tell him hi for me, when you see him, okay?"

"I will." She nodded.

I watched her go and let out a long breath. My mom came up beside me and pulled me into a hug. I smiled and let her hold me close as my hands closed around the bracelet on my wrist.

…

By the end of the second week of school, I decided to head into town again to see if I could find something fun to do on my Friday night.

I stepped into Pacific Pizza and ordered myself a slice of the Hawaiian. I saw some kids at a booth in the corner, but Jessica was with them and gave me a nasty look. I only chuckled and walked out the door, pulling up my hood when it started to drizzle. I picked off some pineapple pieces as I walked, loving the sweet and salty combination.

I wasn't heading anywhere specific, but as I went along I noticed I was heading in the direction of Newton's. I hoped Bella wasn't working, because it might be awkward for her, but I thought it might be a good place to hang for a little while.

I reached the parking lot then paused when I saw Eddie's car. He was sitting inside with his eyes on the door of the Outfitter's. Probably waiting for Bella to get off.

Well hello there, Eddie.

Seeming to read my thoughts again, Eddie's head turned in my direction and his eyes lifted to mine. I could hear music blasting on his stereo and I smiled. I liked the band.

Great. Another moment where he might think I'm a stalker.

I saw the edge of his mouth twitch, as if he was amused by my silent joke.

You can totally hear me, can't you, mind reader?

He didn't react to that one. I assumed he didn't want to confirm my observations.

Movement from the front door had me looking over and I saw Bella walking out. She had her head down, so I didn't think she noticed me, which was probably for the best.

I looked back at Eddie, gave him a small smile, then lifted my hand in a wave.

He returned my smile sadly then lifted his fingers from the steering steering to return my wave.

I stared into his eyes a second longer then turned and headed into the store.

[Edward]

I watched Vitalia pass Bella — who didn't acknowledge anyone being there — before disappearing inside the store. I wondered what she was doing here by herself. Was she revisting the place where we'd met? It was a nice thought, but I put it from my mind. Dwelling on it would be of no help to me.

It'd been like a wisp of fresh air, seeing her again. It had been difficult to put her out of my mind these last couple of weeks. She had surprised me the other day when I suddenly heard her thoughts outside of the school. It had humored me, the thought of being the one stalked for a change. Her showing up here might've confirmed it, but her thoughts implied that our run in had not been at all intentional. Most things she did were unplanned.

Accidentally running into her was a nice comfort. I knew the whole thing would be harder once she left for home.

I found myself always curious about what she was doing or worrying about what sort of trouble she might be getting into. I missed talking to her and getting my mind off all of the other things going on in my life. Things I couldn't really talk about with anyone else.

I often caught myself rereading a lot of our old texts and wishing I'd asked more questions when I'd had the chance. There were now things I'd never be able to learn about her.

It felt like my life had become overcast. The storm clouds were moving in and there was no sunshine to help me face my coming difficulties.

I could feel the charm bracelet in my pocket and it helped me feel a continued connection to the girl. Bella had seen it and been a little concerned about my keeping the memento, but I explained I wanted to remember Vitalia in some way. She still seemed bothered by it though, so I chose not to regularly wear it on my wrist.

"Hello," I said to Bella when she climbed into the car. I turned up the heater for her and gave her a dazzling smile. She instantly soothed the ache of my lost friendship.

"Hi," she smiled back.

I drove her home then waited as usual for her and Charlie to finish their dinner before I climbed up through her window and held her as she slept.

At school the following day I spent most of my classes devising a way to gift Bella something for her upcoming birthday. She told me not to spend any money on her, so my mind turned to gift ideas I could make for her instead. My family had entirely ignored her no-gift rule and gotten her gifts anyway. The tickets from Carlisle and Esme were a gift I was particularly eager for Bella to receive. I was sure, as adverse as she was, she would be thrilled about it.

Maybe it would actually help her mood too. Bella had seemed to be growing grumpier as the day approached.

I could really use a cup of coffee right now. Stupid that I'll have to sneak it too. My parents hate me drinking the stuff.

The thoughts from a girl — Candice? — near the front of the classroom drew my attention and I couldn't help the lift at the corner of my mouth.

Vitalia claimed my thoughts again. The ache of missing her wasn't the all consuming, torturous pit of agony I felt whenever I imagined life without Bella. It was rather a nagging, persistent echo that seemed to always linger at the back of my thoughts. A subtle reality. A quiet sadness. But it was always accompanied with joy. I could hardly think of the vibrant girl without an accompanying lift in my chest.

As I continued to think of her, and my admiration of her liveliness, I remembered that dancing painting again. An impulsive urge took me then. It was another one of Bella's work days, so I had an open afternoon to run to Port Angeles and visit the antique shop. I needed to find little ways to hold onto the vitality I had started to crave since meeting Vitalia. Hanging the painting of those street dancers in my room might help as a daily reminder.

I felt myself getting impatient as the school day drew on. I tapped my fingers then forced myself to stop when I noticed that I'd made small intentions on the desk.

This guy always gets so intense out of nowhere. Mike Newton was thinking as he glanced at me nervously.

I sent him a purposeful glance and intimidating little smirk. He blinked then looked away, swallowing hard.

Teasing the boy was always a lot more fun than it should be.

The final bell rang then and I sprang up from my seat and moved down the hall quickly to meet Bella outside of her final class.

She smiled when she saw me and I returned it. I felt my impatience temper in her presence and I was nearly tempted to forget the entire trip to Port Angeles.

However, as soon as I dropped her off at work, the urge struck me again. It was as if it'd just been lying in wait in the background, waiting for the focus of my universe to drift out of view. I glanced at the spot Vitalia had stood Friday evening, then I took off full speed down the highway.

I arrived in no time at all and ducked into the little shop. Everything was just as I remembered. The man at the counter glanced at me and his brows furrowed.

He looks familiar, he thought.

I headed to the back wall, eyes running over the displays in half a second. My stomach dropped in disappointment though when I saw that the street painting was gone. I sighed. It was a foolish effort. It had been over a month since I'd last been here. Of course an extraordinary piece like that would be snatched up.

Ah! I know now! The clerk was thinking. He has that sister. Little spunky girl with the spiky hair that was just in yesterday. Yes, yes.

My expression shifted into confusion. Alice had been here? Yesterday?

"Excuse me, sir?"

He called from the counter and I turned to look at him.

"Yes, uh-" he cleared his throat, unnerved by my glance. "Were you looking for something?"

"I was." I walked over, but hung back a few paces so as not to make him any more anxious. "There was a painting of a street dancing couple over there on that wall last time I was in here. I was hoping to purchase it."

The man chuckled. "Oh! Well, that little one you were with before just popped in and bought it from me yesterday evening. Said it was a a gift for her brother."

My brows shot up. "Oh."

He smiled. "Better not tell her I said anything though. Think she wanted to surprise you."

"Got it." I returned his smile then turned to leave with a wave. "Thank you for your time. This'll stay between us."

I hopped into my car and reversed as I shook my head. I supposed Alice was attempting to make amends. Gifts were so often her go to. It barely scratched the surface of what she owed me, but I was grateful anyway.

I took out my phone, then saw I had two missed calls and a text from her. The first had been sent right before I'd left Forks.

Alice: Hey, don't go to Port Angeles right now. Come home first :)

The second was from just a moment ago.

Alice: Darn it, Edward! Why don't you look at your phone sometimes? Get HOME!

I chuckled. I guessed she'd seen that I'd come here and had a chat with the shopkeeper. She'd lost the element of surprise. It was a taste of her own medicine though, impossible as she was for the rest of us to surprise.

I felt my humor start to ease my irration with my sister.

I sped home and arrived in record time. I spun my keys rapidly around my finger as I walked inside. Alice was waiting for me there with her little arms crossed and an annoyed expression on her face.

"I hung it in your room." She told me sourly.

I laughed and tousled her hair with my hand before moving past her and up the stairs.

When I walked in, my eyes lifted to the wall opposite my CD collection. I smiled and stared a long time at the vibrant display. It was even more incredible when seen in the evening light streaming through the large window that made up my back wall. The red and the golds in the painting were enhanced and riveting.

It reminded me of the trip my brothers and I had taken to Port Angeles. I was still only an observer of the lively thrills painted in the scene, even when I was dancing alongside Jasper and Emmett. We were able to touch on the life enjoyed by these mortals, but we would always be separate from it.

It reminded me of Vitalia too, of course, and it reminded me of what I most wanted for Bella. Of the reason I wanted to step aside and let her live her life the way it was meant to be lived.

I smiled. Her birthday was coming up and it was a special one. She would be turning eighteen and would officially be an adult. It was a mortal milestone. I remembered that I had eagerly been looking forward to it myself. I had longed to be eighteen so that I could rush off and enlist in the army. I hadn't really valued my life before it came to an end. I was always looking ahead. Always rushing forward.

Vitalia was a rare person who was fully aware of what a tremendous gift she had.

Speaking of gifts… I sighed as I again pondered what to give Bella. I couldn't just give her nothing, no matter how adamantly she insisted on it.

My eyes shifted across the room to my CD's again before inspiration struck. I smiled. It was sort of perfect and wouldn't cost me a thing!

Reaching for some recording equipment I moved to the staircase again. Alice was already there with a smile.

"It's such a good idea, Edward! She'll love it."

I grinned. "Feel like helping?"

"Thought you'd never ask," she answered before flitting off to pull up the computer software.

I would offer her a CD collection of some of my favorite piano pieces, including the songs I'd written for her and Esme.

As I sat and Alice prepared to record the music, I suddenly recalled Vitalia's thoughts after I'd performed her song.

I hope I don't forget what that sounded like.

She probably would. She was human, after all. It would become more vague over time.

Should I record a CD for her too? Would that be crossing a line? It was a gray area, I figured. I told Bella I would stop seeing her, but surely gifting her this last thing would be understandable? I wasn't technically going against what I'd said.

Alice looked up at me the moment I turned to glance back at her. I read from her mind that she'd already seen my decision.

With a little nod, she reached for a second empty CD.

I'm sure Bella would understand.

I hoped so. I supposed I'd have to mention to her too, though obviously not until after her birthday.

I let my thoughts fade as much as I could then proceeded to play Bella's lullaby, letting the tone stir through me. It had always contained a sorrowful edge, as even when I'd written it, I'd known that I would have to leave its muse. It was desperate and gentle and aching. All of those nights I'd spent watching her sleep, knowing she was perfect in her untouchable way. I was just tampering with what should be allowed to freely flourish in the sun.

Soon. I knew it had to be soon. Maybe one more year? Surely I couldn't do too much damage in so short a time?

The melancholy I'd fallen into lifted a bit when I started on Vitalia's song. It was a complete shift from the quiet, lulling solitude of Bella's. It was so awake. So full of movement! It was such a fun piece to play.

When I was finished, I thanked Alice for her help, then proceeded to wrap each CD. I set Bella's aside, her birthday still a couple of weeks away, then took Vitalia's with me as I walked to my car.

No time like the present, right?

I drove the short distance to the little cabin, but parked away from view. I stepped out and listened for any thoughts. I didn't hear Eden, but Diego was mentally running through dinner ideas while Vitalia was watching the currently popular TV show Lost. She was unsurprisingly romantisizing the idea of crash landing on a strange, mysterious island herself. I saw her visualizing running into the strange monster in the jungle and analyzing the best strategy for surviving it. Flight or fight.

I chuckled before silently moving through the trees and setting her gift on the porch. I considered knocking to draw her attention, but figured she'd find it on her own soon enough. I lingered only another moment, chancing a glance through the window. I saw her sitting in front of the TV, smirking as she continued to imagine and overemphasize her survival skills. She was craving an adventure right now. An encounter with the unknown. A face off with danger.

I hoped that someday, within reasonable limits, she'd find that adventure for herself. And hopefully it would have nothing to do with my kind at all. She at least had the chance to survive most anything else.

See you, I told her. It was probable that I would, even if she never set eyes on me again. I didn't think I could resist the curiosity to see what adventure she found herself on several years from now. I was sure her travel journalism ambitions would lead her to all sorts of exciting places.

It helped ease the ache of missing her, making this promise to myself. It wouldn't be the last time I found myself in her presence.

In true stalker fashion, I thought shamelessly.

Then I dashed away in the blink of an eye, stirring only the pine needles on the doorstep.