I really need a vacation... (I do not own Twilight)

I could feel the panic creeping up my spine as I neared the airport terminal. My thoughts were a mess, a blur of Bella's face, her smile, the way her scent had always been my anchor. I couldn't lose her now. Not after everything. It was late in the day and the sun had already set, giving me the advantage of free range. I pushed my legs to move faster than I knew I could, until I reached the customer service building, slowing down to a human pace before walking in.

Two women stood behind the counter, one who looked in her 20s and the other in their mid-50s. The younger girl's attention, momentarily drawn away from her work computer by my sudden arrival. She was slender, with dark hair cropped just above her shoulders, and gave me a polite but curious glance. The other, a taller woman with gray-streaked hair, barely looked up from her computer. I could hear both of their thoughts instantly.

The younger girl, who's nametag read Lily gave me a shy smile and welcomed me. "What can I do for you?" she said in an overly welcoming tone. He's gorgeous…

Her mind seemed to flicker between thoughts of my appearance and the professional demeanor she was trying to maintain. The second woman's mind was distracted, honed in on the tasks on her computer.

The urgency of the situation kept me focused.

"I need a ticket to Jacksonville that is leaving today," I said, trying to keep my tone steady, even though my mind raced. Bella was so close, and I could feel the time slipping through my fingers. Every second mattered.

As she started to look for the flight on her computer, I noticed the older lady, who's name tag read Susan glancing my way, intrigued by the change in her co-workers voice. Her thoughts seemed more innocent, seeing me as an attractive young man.

"Hmmm..." Lily hummed softly, offering me a sympathetic smile. Her eyes lingered on me a moment too long before she replied, her voice gentle. "I'm sorry, sir, but that flight's already fully booked."

I felt a sickening feeling twisted in my stomach. Different Plan.

"Can I get the next flight out, one that leaves today? Doesn't matter where," I blurted, the words rushing out. It was late, around 9pm, and not many flights where leaving for the rest of the day. I knew what I said probably sounded suspicious and that would usually raise red flags for any airport staff. But I flashed a dazzling smile and leaned closer to the counter.

She blinked twice, clearly thrown by my words, though her attention kept wandering to my appearance. Normally, I hated how my looks had this effect on people, but right now, I was grateful for the advantage.

"Oh… um, sure! Let me check," she stammered, tearing her gaze away and typing furiously on her keyboard. This was taking longer than I thought, I had no idea when Bella's flight was supposed to take off. After a tense pause, she looked up, concern written on her face. "The next flight is to New York…"

"That's fine." I cut in, my voice cold and direct. I needed this to end, time was running out and Bella could be gone by now.

She raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical, but reluctant to press further. Her fingers hovered over the keys as she continued her search.

Susan, who had been quietly observing until now, glanced up from her computer. I caught a flash of her thoughts, she was also suspicious at my rushed tone, debating on if to let security know.

"Looks like there's a first-class seat available for $1500, leaving in about an hour. Is that okay?" the young woman asked, her tone laced with uncertainty.

I didn't waste a second on words. Sliding my Black Amex card across the counter, I noticed her eyes flicker with surprise. As soon as she saw it, her professional mask snapped into place, and she immediately began processing the transaction without a second thought. The doubts vanished from both of them, replaced by the assumption that I was just another wealthy, impatient traveler. My affluence had a way of making people treat me differently.

She quickly printed and handed me my ticket. "Do you have any bags you'd—" Before she could finish, I was already walking away, heading straight for TSA, the sound of my footsteps being the only reply.

I didn't glance back as I hurried toward security, moving swiftly thanks to the pre-checks our family had arranged for moments like this. Each second stretched into what felt like minutes, with every step bringing me closer to her.

I could almost feel her presence, like an invisible thread pulling me forward. I had to find her…

I sprinted through the airport, pushing myself as humanly possible, desperate to find the right gate. My eyes darted to the flight information screen, scanning for any sign of hope. The flight to Jacksonville had already boarded and left 5 minutes ago.

No…

A crushing wave of defeat swept over me. All that rushing, all that effort… for nothing. My shoulders sagged as the weight of failure bore down on me. Why would Alice give me hope, only to leave me stranded here? Why have me race all the way here, just to drown in this despair? The seconds dragged on, each one feeling like an eternity as I stared at the closed gate. I wanted to scream, but all I could do was turn away, my heart sinking with every step.

As I turned, dejected and broken, I pushed through the crowd, heading toward the exit. My mind was clouded, overwhelmed with thoughts of guilt, and the feeling of time slipping away. I couldn't let it end like this.

As I passed the terminal seating area, a familiar scent hit me. My head snapped up, eyes frantic, scanning the crowd. And then, there she was.

Bella.

She was sitting on the floor, her suitcase leaning against the wall beside her, her shoulders slumped in a way that mirrored the way I felt. Her face was a blend of sadness and deep contemplation, her eyes fixed on her phone as if lost in thought.

She was here. She hadn't gotten on the plane. I had made it... Slowly, I walked toward her, careful not to startle her. Every part of me wanted to rush forward, scoop her into my arms, and never let go. But I held back. As I closed the distance, just ten feet away, her head snapped up, and her eyes locked onto mine.

She looked just as shocked as I felt, her gaze flicking from my face to my clothes, as if she couldn't quite believe what she was seeing.

"Edward?" she said, her voice quiet, hesitant.

"You're still here…" I asked, my voice filled with disbelief.

She bit her lip, looking down at the floor aggravated for a moment before meeting my gaze again. "I missed my flight," she confessed softly, almost too quietly for anyone else to hear.

My heart ached for her, seeing the confusion and anger in her eyes. I rushed to her side, crouching down in front of her, the relief that had flooded through me slowly turning into regret.

I gently took her hand, my thumb tracing the back of her knuckles. The feeling of completeness filling me with just this simple touch. "I thought I lost you, Bella. I thought I was too late. I was-" My voice cut off. She pulled her hand away quickly, as if I burned her. The pain in her eyes evident.

"Too late for what, Edward? To apologize? To admit you lied?" she shot back, venom dripping from her words. "Hate to break it to you, but you are." The irritation in her eyes was unmistakable, burning with every word she spoke.

Her words sliced through me, sharp and unforgiving. I knew I deserved her anger. I had no right to explain, no right to make excuses. She was right. I had lied. I had hurt her. And here I was, desperate to fix things, but afraid that I had already destroyed everything.

I was frozen for a moment, fighting back the overwhelming urge to beg for forgiveness. My chest ached with regret, but I knew the truth, words could never undo what I had done. I had been so focused on my own selfish reasons, so consumed by fear and guilt, that I hadn't considered the pain I would cause her until it was too late.

"Bella…" My voice trembled, "I know I don't deserve it, but please, just let me explain." I reached out to her again, but she stood up abruptly, shoving her phone in her pocket, grabbing her suitcase and turning away.

"Where are you going?" I asked, my voice laced with worry, as I followed her through the crowd.

"To a hotel," she snapped, her gaze fixed ahead. "So I can catch a flight in the morning."

We moved swiftly through the airport, her pace never slowing, never once glancing back. She headed straight for the taxi line, where the cars waited in a silent queue. The outside was almost empty and traffic had died down. With how late it had become there weren't a lot of people or cars. She reached a taxi, opening the door.

I had put my hand on the outside of the door slamming it shut. Her eyes gazed at me with shock, then pure hatred. "Please, just hear me out." I begged.

Her eyes burned with anger, and for a moment, I thought she might hit me, or worse, just walk away for good. But she stayed silent, her chest rising and falling with every shaky breath.

"Why?" she finally spat, her voice low but full of venom. "Why should I listen to you? How am I supposed to believe anything you say?" She shook her head, her lips trembling as she tried to hold it together.

"I know I messed up, Bella," I said, my throat tight. "I'm not asking for forgiveness right now. I'm not asking for anything. Just… just let me explain, and if you still hate me after that, I'll leave you alone. I swear." The words were out before I could process them. Could I leave her alone? Probably not…

"Move, Edward." She ground out through clenched teeth, tugging at the door handle once again. But my hand remained firmly in place, unyielding. Her strength was no match for mine. We locked eyes, the tension thick between us, neither of us willing to break.

Then, a gruff voice sliced through the silence. "You coming or what?" An old man yelled from the front window, his impatience clear. I didn't look at him, keeping my focus entirely on her. I couldn't let her leave. Not like this.

The seconds stretched into an uncomfortable silence as we stood there, the weight of unspoken words heavy between us. The few people still waiting for their ride, starting to notice, their curious gazes drifting our way. But she didn't speak, her hand still gripping the handle. I watched as her anger began to waver, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. The hard edge of her gaze softened, replaced by something more vulnerable. "Please…" her voice soft.

It hit me like a punch to the gut. Anger I could handle, but this—this raw anguish I'd caused her—it was unbearable. I did this to her. I made her feel this way. I would give anything to turn back time, to rewrite every moment, to undo the damage. Anything, just to stop this from happening. But I couldn't…

I hesitated for a moment, then slowly lowered my hand, letting it fall to my side. Her eyes never left mine as she pulled on the handle one more time. There was a sadness in her gaze, a look that mirrored the one I saw in Tanya's memory. She finally broke the connection, turning away just long enough to place her suitcase on the seat beside her before climbing in. Her focus remained ahead, never once glancing back at me as she slammed the door behind her. I stood there, frozen, unable to move, my heart heavy with everything unsaid.

"Marriott, please," she murmured, her voice small but resolute. The taxi driver gave a slight nod, shifting the car into drive as I watched her disappear into the night.

I stood there, staring at the taillights of the taxi as it pulled away, my chest tight with a weight I couldn't shake. I should've let her go. I should've stepped back, respected her space, and let her find peace without me dragging her through this mess I had created.

She's better off without me.

The thought was so clear, so undeniable, that it almost felt like the truth. I had lied to her. I had thought I was protecting her from this life. Stripping her decisions away without her even knowing, and now… now, I was the reason she was leaving, the reason her eyes were filled with tears she didn't deserve.

I'm the one who broke her. I'm the one who made her feel like this.

I wanted to tell myself to walk away. To go home and never look back, let her move on and disappear from her life. For her. For her happiness. It would be better this way. I should let her go. She deserved better than me. She deserved peace, something I could never give her.

The thoughts wouldn't stop. They tangled in my mind, each one louder than the last, until I could barely hear myself think.

No, a voice inside me whispered, overpowering all the voices. It didn't even sound like my own.

My legs moved before my brain had a chance to register what I was doing. I was running. It felt as though my body had taken over my mind. I couldn't stop. My breath hitched, my body moving on autopilot as I pushed myself, I was screaming in my mind to stop, but my heart—my stupid, aching heart—demanded that I chase after her. I've never felt so out of control.

I was an idiot. I was pathetic. I knew that

She deserves better than this, I thought again, but it was drowned out by the frantic pounding of my feet against the pavement.

Run forest, Run! All this running is making me thirsty. Hehe, vampire joke...