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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.

55. Chapter 55

Rating 4.5/5   Word Count 522   Review this Chapter

“You really never stopped loving you?”

“Did you ever think I did, beautiful? No, it was always a lie. I always have loved you. And I always will. Forever.”

The most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard, in all honesty… Perfection. It’s a promise I don’t expect to be kept… but, but, but, if I only hope, that’s enough, that’s all I need. I can live as long as he hope. In fact, he almost seems to think it’s true himself. That’s wonderful.

He is very beautiful. I still think he’s the most attractive person I’ve ever seen. He’s lovely, especially with the slight shine the clear moonlight gives his skin. “So. We’re getting married in a month?”

“Yeah,” I whisper. He grins.

“I’m so glad you forgave me, Bella.”

“I don’t have much of a choice. You know that, right? I have to have you to live, and I have to forgive you to keep you near.”

“No.” He contradicts me with a sad smile. “I’ll always be near you. Always.

“Really?” I sound pitiful to my own ears. I am staking all my hopes and dreams on this one answer. It isn’t really right. I should be somewhat stronger. I should at least try to hide how pitiful I am, but I don’t really want to. I want to be able to trust him with this.

“Always. I’ll always be here for you. I’ll always be waiting.”

Edward holds me tight, and I am of course comforted. I can’t help but be happy when I’m around him. He’s so much for me even when I don’t really feel glad, even when I don’t want to be happy, he makes me happy.

His smile widens when I grasp him tightly around the waist. I feel so close. He is practically grinning, the familiar crooked smile I love almost as much as I love him.

“Do you promise to love me? Forever?”

“Forever,” he swears, and I share his grin.

“I couldn’t be happier than to marry you, so I can love you… forever.”

“Bella…” he begins, and then stops.

“What?” I ask, worried.

“I don’t… nevermind.”

“Edward, what is it? Tell me, please. Please.”

“I… you don’t have to feel obligated. It isn’t a… I’ll love you no matter what. Don’t marry me just because you think it’ll make me stay with you. I’m never leaving again, and you have my word on that. I want you to marry me because you want to, not because you’re scared… it’s the same thing as changing you.” He stutters it out unwilling, and the breath freezes in my throat.

I try to hide the fact that he’s truly hit home. “Oh, Edward. I… I… I love you. I’m marrying you because I love you and I want to spend the rest of eternity with you. That’s the only reason.”

His eyes peer into my heart. “Can you promise me that? Will you swear that’s not a lie?”

Can I afford to tell him the truth? Can I afford not to?