(Edward's P.O.V)

It wasn't difficult to sift through Dustin's thoughts to figure out the location of the home that he shares with Lynna. I pulled up to a two-story white house with red shutters and a vibrant red door that matched. There was a greenhouse in the back. I could smell an arrangement of flowers in the air, so I knew that there was, no doubt, a beautiful garden in the back yard that was encased within a white picket fence.

Trimmed hedges lined the house. There was a welcome mat at the front door, along with two rocking chairs and a porch swing. The American Dream, I thought ruefully before I knocked on the door.

I heard shuffling from inside the home, along with the thoughts of two very different people, it would seem. One mind seemed to be kind and gentle, almost hushed like Lynna's, while the other was chaotic and loud. The woman's thoughts were the loudest I had ever encountered to date.

A strange feeling coursed through me as I heard the woman approaching the door. I was.. nervous? I wanted to make a good impression. Why? — I hadn't the slightest idea. I automatically stood up straighter and plastered a soft smile on my face.

A woman in her late thirties opened the door. She had medium length blonde hair with unruly waves that instantly reminded me of Lynna's, aside from Lynna's being much longer. Their similarities ended there. The woman's eyes were bright and vibrant as she took me in.

Holy shit, she thought. If only I was twenty years younger.

"Hello," she greeted me with a toothy smile. "And who might you be?"

He's even better looking than Grayson which is saying a lot. Lynna sure knows how to pick em. Her thoughts rang out.

I couldn't help but feel a bit smug at her comment, although I was sure Lynna would disagree. But, then again, he did cheat on her, so perhaps her sun no longer rises and sets with him. Not that it mattered, of course. I didn't care either way.

"I'm Edward Cullen. A classmate of Lynna's. It's a pleasure to meet you," I spoke in a smooth voice.

Her smile grew if that were possible. "Oh. I'm Christie. Her mom. Come on in." She gestured for me to step through the threshold which I eagerly did.

The second I stepped into the home, Lynna's delectable scent washed over me. It hung like a thick curtain in the atmosphere, overpowering everything else. My eyes scanned along the walls at the photos. There were many pictures of Lynna and Dustin in their childhood scattered about. Lynna's hair used to be much lighter; it was so blonde, that it was white. There was a photo of her dressed as a genie at around the age of five; Dustin was dressed up as Superman in the photo, both posing with innocent grins.

My eyes flickered over to a woman appearing to be no older than fifty who was sitting on the couch with kind eyes that were the exact same shade of blue as Lynna's. Their features were almost identical, aside from the woman's faint wrinkles around her eyes and her light auburn hair. I was guessing this was her grandmother, though she looked much too young to be so.

"Mom, this is Edward. A friend of Lynna's," Christie introduced us with a knowing smile.

The woman gave me a hesitant smile as she stood up; she was the same stature as Lynna. I looked between the mother and grandmother and was at a loss. They appeared to be complete opposites in every way.

"Nice to meet you, Edward. I'm Leah. Lynna's mamaw. I don't recall her ever mentioning you," she spoke with her head tilted slightly, studying me with a careful eye.

"My family and I just moved here from Minnesota," I explained to her with a cautious smile.

"Well, welcome to Maine. I hope you're liking it so far. Is there anything I can get you? Something to drink? A snack?" The kind woman asked me as she whizzed into the kitchen.

"I'm good, thank you. I just need to go over this review with Lynna where she missed today," I explained to them.

Christie smirked, not buying it. All of a sudden, she ran over to the stairs and yelled, "Lynna! There's a very good-looking boy here to see you!"

Leah looked up from her magazine and smiled briefly. I could hear Lynna groan in annoyance and had to bite back a chuckle.

"Whoever it is, tell him to go away!" She hollered back.

Christie flashed me a sheepish smile. Leah chuckled and said, "She's not going to come down."

Given her thoughts, she knew her granddaughter all too well. Christie hummed before giving me a knowing look and saying, "You just go on upstairs. Her room is the second door on the right."

Leah's eyes widened. She didn't think Lynna would be too happy about me just traipsing into her room. I shifted my weight nervously, unsure what to do. Christie noticed my uneasiness and gestured towards the stairs.

"Go on," she urged.

I gave them both a hesitant smile before I obliged, gliding up the stairs. I was a bundle of nerves as I stood outside her door. Her heartbeat drifted to my ears, only adding to my nervousness. I inhaled deeply before lightly knocking on her door.

"Go away," she grumbled.

Her voice sounded muffled, as though she had her face in a pillow. Ignoring her request, I opened the door, desperate to see the girl for some strange reason. It was just as I expected— she was lying in her bed with her face smothered in a pillow. Her light blue comforter was wrapped around her like a burrito. I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my face at the sight.

I left the door ajar as I stepped into the room. Her scent was much more concentrated in this room than the rest of the house. My lungs and throat instantly ignited in a fiery blaze. I inspected my surroundings to distract myself from the burning thirst.

Her walls were painted a light blue. Paintings of the ocean hung along the walls. There was a small wicker basket full of seashells beside the desk that held a computer and several mermaid figurines. I was sensing a theme. Mermaids and dolphins adorned the top of her bookshelf. There was a blue recliner in the corner of the room with a sea-themed quilt folded neatly on top of it.

In her computer chair, I noticed several large, dark hoodies were folded and resting on top of a bag. I believed they were Grayson's hoodies. Was she giving them back? Ignoring the silent girl, I walked over to the chair and picked up a small picture frame that was lying face down on top of the hoodies. It was a picture of her and Grayson. They looked so happy. The way she looked at him caused a lump to form in my throat and a strange sensation to rake through my chest. I was quick to recognize the emotion— Jealousy. But why? Was I jealous knowing that I could never have someone look at me like that? Surely, that's all it was.

I was so in tune with my own thoughts that I hadn't noticed when Lynna untangled herself from the comforter and darted in my direction, yanking the picture from my hand.

"Don't touch that!" She hissed as she laid the picture face down on top of the hoodies once again.

I quickly took two steps back, not trusting myself to be that close to the enticing human girl whose heart was beating like a drum. My eyes involuntarily roamed up and down her body. She was wearing a pair of sweatpants and a plain blue t-shirt. I found myself being grateful for the loose clothing. The image of her in that light-blue skin tight dress had already been permanently burned into my mind.

She looked up at me with a look of fury adorning her features. Her bright blue eyes locked with mine, holding me prisoner as she asked, "What the hell are you doing here?"

A smirk crawled onto my lips as my fingers trailed over a mermaid figurine. I chuckled dryly at her vexed expression. Choosing to ignore her question, I asked a question of my own, "What's with all the mermaids?"

Her eyes flashed. She folded her arms across her chest. "What are you doing here, Cullen?" She asked again.

I laid the stack of papers on her desk and pointed at it. "Mr. Turner wanted to be sure I reviewed the material with my girlfriend." I smirked when her brows knitted together.

"You have a girlfriend?" She asked, scoffing before she continued, "That's unlikely."

I narrowed my eyes at her. "I was talking about you. Mr. Turner thinks we're an item," I explained, trying not to be offended by her comment.

At this, her jaw dropped. "Ha!" She laughed humorlessly. "When pigs fly."

My jaw clenched at her remark. "That's actually something we can agree on, Holloway," I responded stiffly.

I pursed my lips as I picked up a mermaid figurine.

"Would you stop touching everything?!" Her voice went up an octave.

I chuckled lowly before setting the what-not back in its rightful place. "For real, though. Why all the mermaids?"

"Why not?" She countered back.

I shrugged, shifting my weight to keep from looking so rigid. "I don't know. Because they're mythical creatures? Because you're not five years old?"

Her eyes narrowed into slits. "You don't know if they're mythical or not. We have only discovered two percent of the world's oceans. We know more about the moon than we do about our own oceans. You can't tell me you know for certain that mermaids don't exist."

I couldn't help but laugh at her serious expression. It sounded as though I wasn't the first person that she has had this argument with.

"Have you ever seen one?" I challenged with a smile.

She pursed her lips. "I wouldn't tell you if I had."

At this, I furrowed my brows. "Why not?" I wondered.

She gave me an incredulous look, as of the answer was obvious. "Because if anyone found out about their existence, it would be detrimental to their well-being. Humans aren't wired to comprehend that sort of thing. Anything new or different automatically invokes fear. So, for the sake of the merpeople, I would keep my big mouth shut."

I raised my brows, feeling strangely satisfied with her answer. "You wouldn't be afraid?"

"No," she was quick to say.

I hummed in response. I looked down at her bed and casually plopped down on it, knowing that doing so would get under her skin. Just as I expected, she shot me a glare.

"What do you think you're doing?" She asked, frustration plain as day in her voice.

"Getting comfortable," I said with a shrug and gestured to the papers on the desk. "Read through those and feel free to ask me anything that you're confused about. There's going to be a quiz tomorrow."

She put her hands on her hips. "I don't think so. You need to leave."

I smirked devilishly before leaning back against the headboard and placing my hands behind my head. "Nah, I don't think I will. It's.. cozy in here."

Indeed, it was. A sharp pain shot through my chest when I remembered being in a girl's room for the first time. She-who-shall-not-be-named. My chest ached uncomfortably as my mind replayed memories of me watching her sleep, of holding her in my arms as her chest rose and fell with every breath she took. The annoying blonde broke me from my intrusive thoughts.

"Get lost. Seriously," she hissed.

I quirked a brow at her annoyed face. "Mr. Turner wants me to be sure you don't get behind."

She glowered at me. "I don't care what Mr. Turner wants and neither do you. You just came here to annoy me."

I bit back a smirk at her words. "So, what if I did?"

Her glare intensified. "Mission accomplished. Now leave."

Blood was starting to pool beneath her sun-kissed cheeks. She was getting flustered and I was getting immense joy out of it. Why did I take pleasure out of getting under this particular human girl's skin? Curiosity seeped through me as I stared at the aggravated girl.

"Why weren't you at school today? Are you sick? I told you not to play in the rain, did I not? Maybe you'll listen to me from now on," I scolded her like a child, fighting back a smile as her face flushed even more.

"I'm not sick," she spoke through gritted teeth.

"Playing hooky then?" I teased.

She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, clearly trying to calm down. "No," she breathed out, her eyes fluttering open and locking with mine. "I just found out that I was cheated on by the person that I trusted with all of my heart. Forgive me for needing a day to recover."

I pursed my lips. Couldn't argue with that. "That's a good enough reason, I suppose. Are you going back to school tomorrow?" I asked casually.

She blinked rapidly. "Get out."

I sat up on the bed and smirked. "Answer the question and I will."

She pressed her lips into a thin line. "Yes. Now go."

I narrowed my eyes at her. "Why are you being so rude? You should be thanking me. I didn't have to bring the review to you, you know."

"I never asked you to," she countered back. "Besides, you'll just go back to brooding tomorrow anyway. You can't seem to make up your mind. One day you're doing everything you can to get a rise out of me with your incessant remarks, then the next, you're back to brooding and ignoring my existence except to glare holes in my back!"

It was my turn to glare at her. I stood up and approached her, towering over her five feet two stature. The warmth of her body enveloped me, causing my vision to blur and every muscle in my body to tense as fresh venom filled my mouth. She didn't back away, not wanting to give me the satisfaction. Instead, she stared up at me with a look of hatred to match my own.

"You really shouldn't have sat beside me," I spoke in a low, threatening voice, clenching my fists and jaw as her sweet scent hit the back of my throat.

Her lower lip quivered, catching my eye. I couldn't help but allow my thoughts to run rampant as the sound of her heart beat filled my ears. I envisioned backing her against the wall and pressing myself against her soft, warm body. I imagined gently grazing her lips with my own, feeling her hot breath against my mouth as she sighed out of pleasure. I scowled at my ridiculous fantasy. The girl clearly despised me as much as I despised her, if not more. I had a feeling she'd rather walk through fire than kiss the likes of me.

"I shouldn't have," she agreed in a stern voice. "I should have sat next to Tyler."

When she said his name, I could feel a growl building up in my chest. Pure rage pierced through me, spreading through my veins like wildfire. Stupid girl.

"You should have." I fought back a snarl. "Too bad you didn't."

"Too bad," she mumbled bitterly in agreement.

Without another word, I spun on my heels and practically ran downstairs. Luckily, her mother and grandmother were out back in the garden, so they didn't have to see the rage that decorated my face as I darted through the door and made a beeline for my car, desperate to get away from the infuriating blue-eyed girl.

(Lynna's P.O.V)

"That Edward boy seemed nice," Mamaw said to me as she stirred a pot of soup beans.

"Don't let him fool you," I muttered as I grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge and headed for the door.

"Where are you running off to?" She asked as I laid my hand on the door knob.

"I won't be gone long. There's just something I have to do real quick," I told her before stepping out into the evening air.

My eyes welled up with tears as I knelt in front of Grayson's tombstone.

"Why?" I asked out loud, as though he were there. "How could you?" My voice was but a mere whisper in the wind. "You're not who I thought you were. And that really sucks." My voice broke as the first tear slid down my face. "And do you know what the worst part is?! The fact that even after what you did, I still miss you. I can't find it within me to hate you. To not love you. And I hate myself for that."

That night, I tossed and turned which was the norm for me. Every time I closed my eyes and slipped off to sleep, I would have that same dream. Grayson's red eyes fading to blue. His icy touch growing warm. The words "It isn't safe".

At exactly 3:03 in the morning, I awoke in a cold sweat from the strange dream. It was like clockwork. Just as I closed my eyes, I heard a light tap on the window. It was so faint that at first, I thought I had imagined it. Then I heard it again. My heartrate quickened out of fear. Maybe it was just the wind?

Despite being frightened, my curious nature got the better of me. I hesitantly got out of bed and tiptoed over to the window. With a shaky breath, I pulled the curtains back to look out at the pitch black of night. With trembling fingers, I lifted the window, feeling the cool breeze against my flushed cheeks. That's when I saw it. Looking down, I noticed a single white rose perched on the windowsill. Lying beneath it was a wrinkled piece of paper, covered in dirt, that was folded as neatly as possible.

I furrowed my eyes in confusion before picking up the rose and inhaling its floral scent. I grabbed the note and unfolded it, eyes growing wide as I did so. Scrawled in familiar handwriting were the words 'I'm sorry'.

(3rd P.O.V)

Lynna bustled through the hallway, dodging curious stares as she waltzed into the classroom. Noah and Paige were already seated, as well as the Cullens. Edward automatically looked up when she walked into the room, taking note of her frantic expression and sleep-deprived eyes.

"She looks pissed," Emmett mused. "What did you do this time?" He teased his brother.

The mind-reader shot him a glare, ignoring Alice's stern gaze. Lynna trotted over to Noah and slammed a small piece of paper on his desk, causing him to look up at her with wide eyes. Edward watched the situation unfold with curious eyes.

This was in my window. At 3:00 in the morning. Along with a white rose, she explained to Noah with eyes as wide as saucers.

Edward tilted his head to the side as he studied the expression on the blonde's face. Her golden hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail. He took note that she was no longer wearing a giant over-sized hoodie of Grayson's. Instead, she was sporting one that fit her much better; one that didn't belong to the deceased boy. He wasn't sure why that pleased him so, but he was pleased nonetheless.

Noah picked up the weathered piece of paper and looked it over with scrutiny. Who's sorry?

Lynna's eyes threatened to bulge. "Don't you see?! That's Grayson's handwriting!"

Edward furrowed his brows, right along with Noah. Was the girl going insane? Noah studied the note for a moment longer and shook his head.

That's impossible. Someone must have handwriting similar to his, Noah assured his best friend.

Lynna was still in denial. What about the white rose? Grayson knows white roses are my favorite. He used to get them for me all the time.

Noah pursed his lips. Paige was looking between the two friends with a look of utter confusion.

Maybe you have a secret admirer who got lucky by getting you your favorite flower? Noah shrugged as he signed.

The blonde pressed her tongue against her cheek, still not convinced. "If that's the case, why would they leave a note saying that they're sorry? Wouldn't they leave a love note or poem or something?"

Noah shrugged once again. Who knows? Maybe they're sorry for something? Maybe it was Tyler?

Edward rolled his eyes at the thought of the dumb jock. Lynna rolled her eyes as well, but for a different reason.

Tyler isn't the type of guy to go around leaving notes and flowers in a girl's window. She said to him with a frown.

Noah tapped on his chin, appearing to be deep in thought before a sly grin spread across his face. Maybe it was that Cullen guy with staring problems.

Emmett and Alice both chuckled quietly at the horrified look on their brother's face. Lynna simply rolled her eyes and sauntered over to her assigned seat next to the brooding vampire.

(Lynna's P.O.V)

As I sat down, my entire body started to tingle as I felt Cullen's burning gaze. Ignoring his presence, I folded the note and shoved it in my bag for safe keeping.

I felt a light tap on my shoulder, causing me to spin around to look into the concerned face of Alice.

"Is everything alright?" She asked me with a sympathetic smile.

Not feeling like spilling my guts in front of the brooding Edward Cullen, I simply nodded. "Yeah. Just.. dealing with some things, is all."

She nodded in understanding. "I see. Well, if you need to talk about anything, I'm here."

"Thank you." I gave her a genuine smile before spinning back around in my seat.

Edward ripped his gaze from me, but I could feel his eyes shift in my direction every few seconds. What is up with him?! Why does he constantly stare at me?! I snapped my head towards him and scowled.

"If there's something you want to say, then just say it," I hissed at him.

His dark eyes met mine. A smirk sprung onto his lips. I could feel Alice and Emmett watching the two of us.

"I like your hoodie," he commented in a low voice, his smirk growing.

My eyes narrowed into slits. "Are you trying to flirt or start a fight?" I asked sarcastically.

His eyes danced mischievously. Emmett chuckled quietly behind us. Edward shook his head and laughed musically before turning his attention to Mr. Turner who was passing out the quizzes.

"Hope you reviewed that material," Cullen muttered under his breath, earning himself another glare from me.

In gym, Alice flitted to my side, followed closely by her sister, Rosalie. I had never spoken to the blonde supermodel, so I was surprised when she offered me a half-hearted smile. I paused mid-stretch and greeted the two girls.

"Lynna, we were wondering if you'd like to go dress shopping with us after school today?" Alice asked in a chipper voice, excitement plain as day on her features.

"I would love to, but I'm actually starting work. The start date has been pushed numerous times now and I don't want to keep pushing my luck," I said with a forlorn smile.

I meant what I said— I would have loved to have gone. I hadn't had a girls' day out since I don't know when. Alice's face fell instantly at my words.

"I'm sure Tyler wouldn't mind," she urged. "Especially if you tell him that you're going dress shopping for the dance that he's dying for you to ask him to."

I sighed as I readjusted my ponytail. "I'd feel bad using his crush on me to get out of work. Especially since I have no intentions of asking him to the dance."

Alice pursed her lips while her sister nodded in understanding.

"Fine," Alice sighed before continuing, "How about we just go after school on Monday then? Or do you work that day as well?"

My heart warmed due to the fact that they were willing to postpone their plans just so I could come along.

"I actually don't work on Monday. I'd love to go with you guys," I said with an enthusiastic smile.

Alice squealed in excitement. "Yay! We are going to have so much fun!"

Rosalie's smile slightly grew at her sister's excitement. I casted a glance at Paige who was sitting on the bleachers with her head in her hands.

"Would it be alright if Paige came along as well?" I questioned them, wanting to include her.

"Of course! The more, the merrier." She beamed, spinning around in joy.

I laid my head down on the desk and shut my eyes, feeling the pull of sleep tugging at my eyelids. I haven't gotten much sleep over the past few days and I was starting to feel the effects. Even in my half-asleep state, I noticed when Cullen sat down beside me.

"Would you like a pillow?" His teasing voice washed over me.

I sat upright and looked at him through half-closed eyes. "Shut up," I grumbled before yawning.

"I take it you didn't get much sleep," he spoke in a velvet voice.

"What gave it away?" My voice was heavy with sarcasm.

He bit back a smile. "The bags under your eyes, for one."

I shook my head at his comment. "You're so rude."

He pursed his lips and seemed to study my sleep-deprived face.

"You know.. Over time, you accumulate a sleep debt. Sleep deficiency is linked to a variety of chronic illnesses, including heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, obesity, and depression. Just to name a few." He stated, his mouth turned down in a frown.

I furrowed my brows. "What are you? A walking, talking encyclopedia?"

He scoffed lightly before chuckling to himself. "You could say that," he muttered bitterly. "So, are you just an insomniac by nature or is there something keeping you up at night?"

He quirked a brow, awaiting my answer. I folded my arms on top of the table and stared into his deep, dark eyes; an odd sensation coursed through me at the sight of them.

"Um," I cleared my throat nervously. "I don't have insomnia."

The curiosity in his eyes was undeniable. "So, there's something keeping you up at night. Nightmares?"

For some reason, I couldn't help but be honest with him. It was sort of frustrating. I wanted to tell him that it's none of his business, but there was something within me that wouldn't allow it.

"Just the same nightmare actually," I admitted.

His face pulled down in what appeared to be concern. "What's it about?"

I bit my lower lip anxiously as I averted my gaze from his piercing eyes of midnight. "Grayson," I breathed out.

His mouth parted slightly when I spoke his name. With furrowed brows, he asked, "Does it have to do with the fire?"

I shook my head. This seemed to intrigue him even more.

"Then, what?" He questioned in a low voice.

I blinked rapidly at his porcelain face, eyes full of unanswered questions. "I don't want to talk about it," I told him.

He sighed. "Please tell me." I could hear the pleading in his voice.

I pressed my lips into a stern line before saying, "No."

His dark eyes flashed with emotion. I noticed how his jaw was clenched when he demanded, "Tell me, Holloway."

My eyes widened in disbelief. Who does he think he is to demand anything from me?!

"Not gonna happen, Cullen," I sneered his surname.

He groaned loudly, earning stares from a couple of surrounding students. "You're so…" He trailed off with a scowl.

I chuckled bitterly. "So… Beautiful? Intelligent? Spit it out, Cullen," I mocked him, remembering how he mocked me in the same manner not too long ago.

His eyes darkened if that were even possible. "So unbelievably infuriating," he spoke through gritted teeth.

I smirked. "Aww. Do I get under your skin?" I taunted.

"You have no idea," he all but growled out.

Mr. Wallace passed out a work sheet, saying we could work in pairs. I, once again, chose to work on the worksheet alone. Cullen whizzed through the assignment. Why wouldn't he? He's a walking, talking encyclopedia after all. I felt his eyes on me, making it difficult to concentrate.

"Would you please stop?" I hissed as I reread the same question for the fourth time.

"Aww. Am I making it hard for you to concentrate?" He asked in a mocking tone.

I wanted to smack the smug smile off of his stupid face. "Yes. As a matter of fact, you are," I responded in a sickly-sweet voice.

His grin only widened at my confession. I rolled my eyes when he didn't peel his eyes from me.

"Why do you stare at me all the time? For real. Do you like what you see?" I teased, hoping to get a rise out of him.

His eyes grew to the size of saucers. "Um. I- Uh," he stuttered, causing a smirk to spring to my lips. Now, he was the one getting flustered.

"I'll take that as a yes," I whispered, my smirk growing at the sight of his distraught face.

"I don't stare at you for that reason," he spoke slowly.

"Then, why?" I challenged with wide eyes, taking note that he didn't actually deny it.

He ignored my question; instead, he asked one of his own. "What was up with that note that you showed to Noah?"

I breathed out a wry laugh. "You're so nosy," I spoke, pausing before continuing, "Do you really want to know?" I asked, biting back a smirk.

He nodded. "That's why I'm asking."

"Alright." I leaned towards him slightly as if I was going to tell him a secret. Curiosity was dancing like fire in his fires. "The truth is…" I trailed off in a whisper, no longer able to fight back the smirk as I spoke sternly, "It's none of your damn business."

The look on his face was priceless as I leaned back in my seat, chuckling silently to myself.