“Bella,” I whispered. My whisper was barely audible to me, but somehow she heard me. When she first entered, I saw worry, anxiousness, and hope in her eyes. But now, there was pure joy.

Something about her . . . It made me feel like I knew her. Of course, I did know her. But somehow, I loved her even though I didn’t remember her. I loved her more than I loved myself. Strange. There was just something about this woman. It entranced me. I wanted to hold her and make her fears go away. I wanted to be there for her. I wanted her to be mine. I needed her.

I couldn’t believe I was thinking all of that about her just by looking at her. This is going to be a couple of really . . . interesting days . . .

“Ed-Edward?” Bella asked. Her voice was one of an angel’s. She looked like an angel. She sounded like an angel. She was an angel. There was no doubt about it.

“Yes, Bella?”

“D-do you remember me? At all?” she asked, her voice full of hope.

“No, I’m sorry, I don’t. I wish I did, but I don’t. Yet it feels like I know you somehow. Sort of like . . . I love you, even though I just met you. Technically.” I spoke softly, trying to make my voice comforting. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings by saying what I did, but for some reason, I just couldn’t lie to the beautiful being standing in front of me. She looked like she was close to tears. For some reason, though, I doubted vampires could cry.

It turned out that I was right. Vampires couldn’t cry. She just dropped to the floor, curled up into a ball, and started sobbing.

The sight was heartbreaking. I couldn’t bear it. I made my feet move and got off the bed. I ran over to her. My speed made my angry somehow. It was as if I was used to going faster. I sat next to her and put my arms around her, pulling her into a hug. She hugged me back and started sobbing even more. The sound and sight truly was heartbreaking. It was as if I could hear my heart crush into a million pieces, knowing I was the cause of her pain.