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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.

53. Chapter 53

Rating 5/5   Word Count 507   Review this Chapter

“Bella, I’m sorry. I broke my promise again, didn’t I? I’m over-reacting.”

“You think?” I am infinitely relieved. It isn’t a plot to leave me. It’s just Edward being stupid again. It’s like I can breathe, not that I really need to.

“I’m sorry.”

“Stop apologizing. It’s really irritating. Just so you know, I love you.”

“And I love you.”

I look straight in his eyes and see he believes it. This makes me smile wide. I know I won’t be left again. I know I’m safe now. Or at least I believe it, which amounts to the same thing in the end.

“Don’t leave me, Edward. Please,” I beg. It isn’t the right time or place for this conversation.

“I won’t. I won’t, I swear.”

“You promise?”

“Yes.”

“But you’ve broken them before.”

His eyes turn to fire. “I swear by God and my family, Isabella Swan, that I will be yours, by your side, until the day you forbid me forever from your presence, and even then my heart will still belong to you. Will that do?”

“I should think so.” I smile at him, and he almost returns it.
“Bella, will you tell me something?” he asks, and I nod. “Is it true that you love Jacob Black?”

I let the question dangle for a second as I search for the words. The wind rustles in the silence, and I see a mounting agony threatening to overwhelm his face. Studied calm keeps it at bay, but just barely. “I… I did. I don’t think I do anymore. He’s still my friend. He always will be… but I don’t think I love him. I never loved him like I love you, I can tell you that… The only reason… the only reason I care about Jacob anymore is because of how very much I owe him.”

This wasn’t going to be easy.

“What do you owe him?”

“My life, seven or eight times. Probably my sanity. It isn’t fair to treat Jake the way I have, but he’s imprinted now, so I hope he’ll be happy.” All I ever wanted was for them to be happy. It still doesn’t seem like too much to ask. I don’t care what it does to me, as long as those I love are happy.

He weighs my words.

“Edward, I’m telling you the truth. The only thing I’ve ever wanted is to give Jake back what he gave me. The only thing I’ve ever wanted is you, Edward. I love you. I promise.”

“Okay,” he says, and slowly he stands. I see a great invisible weight pressing down his shoulders, but I ignore it. I run to him, and he wraps his arms around me.

He bends his face so his lips meet my hair. I hold him closer. The world rushes around us and disappears, utterly inconsequential to the sweetness of his touch. He is all I see or feel, and that’s just the way I like it.

“Edward,” I whisper. “I love you.”

He smiles.