IV. A Heart Kept Under Lock and Key

Summary: To Isabella's relief, Edward proceeds to ignore her for the month of February, subsequent to the van incident. Then, come the numerous offers for the upcoming spring dance, and jealousy rears its ugly head. [Part II]

I thought I was home free once I drove off, but I forgot to take into consideration Alice's abilities, because it was only a few hours later that Edward caught up to me―in the Thriftway of all places.

"You did that on purpose," I glared balefully at his shopping cart―which had, coincidentally enough, crashed into mine.

"Isabella," he deadpanned, "How could I possibly know it was you around the corner of this specific aisle? That's ludicrous."

I narrowed my eyes and hissed, "See? That's another reason I refused to go out with you―you treat me like I'm stupid!"

"What? No!" he denied, and then deflated under the weight of my glower, shoulders dropping. "Okay, fine. Maybe I did come here hoping I'd run into you. And maybe I did see you turn into this aisle a few minutes ago," he admitted with a reluctant sigh. "Although, running into your cart was an accident."

"See?" I grinned sharply. "Is being honest really so difficult for you?"

"No―yes? Sometimes," Edward struggled to come up with an appropriate response.

I pursed my lips. Well, I guess I can't completely hold it against him. I rolled my eyes. "It's a simple yes-or-no question, Edward. I'm not asking you to divulge your deepest, darkest secrets. I'm just asking for a little courtesy here."

"You're right, Isabella. I am sorry," he said, eyes soft with sincerity. "Do you think you could forgive me for acting like such a brute?"

"Yeah, whatever. No need to be so melodramatic about it," I huffed, pulling my cart away and pushing it around him.

Edward abandoned his empty cart and hurried after me, curiously watching me pick out my groceries. "But you haven't changed your mind about the dance," he noted.

"Um, no? Why would I?" I shot him a perplexed look before turning and tossing a loaf of bread into my cart. Even without him giving me the cold shoulder for the past few weeks, Edward equaled plot, which equaled trouble. "Can you pass me that jar of chunky peanut butter?" I asked, pointing to where it sat on the topmost shelf.

"Sure," he murmured distractedly, and handed me the jar.

"Thanks!"

Edward crossed his arms and observed me while I continued ambling down the aisle. "I really am sorry I treated you so rudely these past few weeks," he murmured.

I paused, waiting for his next line of "it's better if we're not friends" but it never came. Then again, if he was so set on being my date to Sadie Hawkins, it would be a counterproductive statement to make.

Perhaps seeing that my anger had simmered, Edward continued, "Is there any way I can make it up to you?"

I came to a halt in the middle of the aisle and turned to face him head-on. "What exactly brought all this on? Just yesterday you were content to pretend I didn't exist."

Edward grimaced. "Content is most certainly not the word I would use."

"Oh? Then what would be a better word?" I lifted an eyebrow.

"Hell," he smiled ruefully, "Pure hell―torment, fire, and likewise."

"Alright, calm down there edgelord," I huffed. "So, you mean to tell me that if I don't go to the dance with you, you'll perish in hellfire and brimstone?"

Edward tilted his head thoughtfully, copper locks flopping cutely against his forehead. "Yes, something like that."

"I think they'd really appreciate your company over in the drama club," I snickered.

Edward shot me an unamused scowl.

I drummed my fingers against the handle of my cart thoughtfully. I hadn't really planned for this. I wasn't Bella, so I didn't have the foggiest idea as to why Edward was drawn to me. It was a recipe for canon disaster. I then made the mistake of meeting Edward's earnest eyes.

I pursed my lips. I was shit at holding grudges, but I also had zero interest in dealing with Edward's mood swings. "Look, I appreciate your apology. Even if your reasons for doing so are a bit immature."

Before I could continue, Edward burst into melodious laughter.

"...Are you done?"

"I apologize, Isabella," Edward said around one last chuckle before shooting me a bashful smile. "You're right. It was immature. I admit―I panicked. I've been so busy trying to stay away from you, but today I realized―I'm not strong enough. Knowing you would be asking someone else to the dance caused me to act rashly."

"I see." There was no question about it. What he had felt for Bella in the story, he clearly felt for me. The idea was unnerving.

All I knew was, I wanted to go home. Getting involved with Edward would be the opposite of that.

"You've clearly struggled with this," I began to slowly voice my thoughts, "But the reality is that up until today, I thought you hated me. The quick turnaround is unsettling, and I can't be sure that you're just going to end up changing your mind. I'm sorry, Edward."

His butterscotch eyes dimmed with regret. "Don't apologize. I'm the one who is sorry."

I heaved a sigh. "Stop. Just―quit apologizing, and start acting like a decent person. If that isn't too much to ask for…"

"On the contrary―it's the least you could ask of me. And I will prove it to you, Isabella―how much I mean it. How much you mean to me." He was standing closer now, ichor eyes burning with the fierceness of his sincerity.

I cleared my throat. "R-right. Just, one more thing?"

"Anything."

"Quit stalking me."

A/N: Sorry, no jealous!Edward, but here is Edward getting a clue. And just in time! Canonically, this takes place the same day Edward ends up sneaking into Bella's room. So, let's nip that in the bud, shall we? xD

Hopefully, Edward will now get back into her good graces. And not break too many things in his fits of jealousy lmao.

In Reference to A Body of Water and Bones: Canon compliant after the van incident, mid-Chapter 2.