Chapter 3: Unveiling Mysteries

Lying next to the stranger under the blanket of stars felt oddly comforting, as if for that moment, the weight of my sorrow had been lifted. I focused on the rhythm of my breaths and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze, finding solace in the tranquility of the night.

"What are you doing?" A musical voice says from beside me. I know it's the man. I can feel his gaze burning holes into the side of my face. Yet I don't look.

"I'm lying down on the road," I say. "I thought that was pretty obvious."

"You're a smartass," the man huffs. He doesn't talk again though, and the holes that were burning are now gone. He's probably back to looking up at the sky. We don't talk for a long time.

"Why are you lying in the middle of the road?" I finally speak. "Isn't it dangerous?"

"You're doing it too. Plus you're lying next to a complete stranger. I could be a monster. I could kill you."

"No," I say softly, "I don't think you're a monster."

"How do you know?" I look at him then.

He's beautiful. It's the first thing I notice. His eyes are crystal clear blue and outlined with thick black lashes. His face is angular and his skin is flawless. If I didn't know any better I would say he was a vampire. That's how pretty this guy was. But of course I knew better.

No red eyes, no yellow ones, and no way were those contacts.

He's still starring at me.

I like it.

"Why are you lying in the road?" I ask again.

"I've had a shitty day."

"So you're trying to get yourself killed." The man snorts. In disgust or amusement I don't know.

"I wish it was that easy." He murmurs. He rolls his head so he's looking at the sky again. I keep my eyes trained on him.

"If it makes you feel any better I've had a shitty month." I say after a long pause.

"I really don't think your problems hold a candle to mine, sweetheart."

"You'd be surprised. I've got a pretty fucked up life."

"Amen to that." He laughs. It sounds like a thousand crying violins. Tortured and stunning all at the same time.

There's another long pause.

"Who are you?" he says in a whisper. He's looking at me again. Forehead scrunched and eyebrow knit together in confusion. "I've never seen you before."

I don't know how to answer him. Because honestly, I have no idea who I am. I know I'm Bella Swan. I know I have brown hair and brown eyes. But that's it. Ever since Edward left, I really don't know what or who I am anymore.

"I'm just a girl," I say softly, because it's the truth. I'm just Bella Swan…the girl.