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Dream's Shadow

Summary:
This is my take on the over- and usually poorly- done plot. Edward leaves Bella again. She is changed and they meet again in the future. There will be a big twist! Requested by Iris. Banner by Iris!

Notes:
Try it! I know stories like this usually stink, but I thought I'd give it a try. I own nothing. Stephenie Meyer owns all.

25. Chapter 25

Rating 5/5   Word Count 523   Review this Chapter

“God!”

The single syllable is utterly unexpected. I admit I expected either an undying declaration of love or looks of bland disgust.

“Oh, God.”

This time he only whispers. I cannot turn to him. I cannot ask him what he means. When he is ready, he will tell me.

Waiting again. It always comes back to waiting. I will believe whatever he says next.

I will always believe him. However, this is critical. My whole life, my possible death, hangs on this next word. Whatever he says will shape my life. This time, will he accept my love? This time, does he want me?

There are no clues in his eyes. They are flint, hard, cold, empty. I cannot determine whether they are a mask or a true reflection of darkened heart.

“Bella.”

I listen to that perfect voice. This was the goodbye I wanted. His voice is golden on my name, and it breaks, full of pain, or perhaps passion. Something. When he thinks of me, he feels something.

“Edward?” I whisper. He doesn’t look up.

“Oh, God.” He sinks to the sand, kneeling. He clutches the grains although his life depends on keeping them close. They run through his long, delicate fingers, and he grabs more. He bends his head toward the sand, hiding his beauty from me… but I suppose it is acceptable After all, it is his choice, always, whether or not he wants me. I would never try to keep him unwillingly by my side.

“Oh, dear God. Forgive me. Bella, forgive me.”

“There is nothing to forgive,” I murmur, unsure if he’s really addressing me. He is.

This provokes an almost-violent response. His hair is whipped back by the force of his head turning toward me. His eyes are full of fury. They glisten like his skin in the sunlight, lit by the force of his anger.

“Nothing? Nothing!”

“Nothing.”

“Bella. Just look what I’ve done!”

“What?”

I honestly couldn’t understand his guilt. Yes, he’d taken much from me. But he’d given so much more, and that was more than I could ever deserve. Even if he loved me for one day and tormented me for all eternity with his absence, I was gifted beyond imagining.

“I cannot keep my promises. I’m a liar. An oath-breaker. Not just a killer, now, so much worse. I promised you I’d never leave you… and I did. Oh, I’m so sorry.”

I am mildly confused by this, though I cannot muster up any strong emotion- his fury at himself is far too engaging. He is so alive, and I am bound to that life in ways I cannot begin to explain. He is vibrant, and I for so long have been so empty.

“Don’t be, Edward.”

“Why? I’m unforgivable. I can’t ask for your love.”

That’s it. The final piece of the puzzle. The words I want more than anything else. The beautiful hope, fragile still, but building some legs to stand on.

"Do you... love me?"