As soon as I’d said those words I’d regretted them. They were true, but still… “I’m sorry, Edward…I shouldn’t have said that.”

He ran his hand through his hair and turned back to face me. “I would never willingly cheat on you.”

“You don’t owe me anything, Edward. We’re not together.”

My words seemed to physically wound him for he flinched as though I’d assaulted him. “Maybe not…but there will never be anyone else for me.” He was back on the bed before I even realized he’d moved. “You promised me you wouldn’t harm yourself,” he said changing the subject so fast that I was struggling to keep up. It all came back soon enough, though. Me and Edward in the woods…him saying he didn’t want me…making me promise not to harm myself.

“And you made me a promise too, Edward. You said it would be like you never existed – what a fucking lie that was. Your presence was everywhere…seared into my very soul – I couldn’t breath without thinking about you.” I shook my head in disgust. “You ruined my life.”

If I’d thought he was still before, it was nothing compared to the statue he’d become. “I know. That is precisely why I left.”

I laughed, but there was nothing amusing about it; it was one of scorn. “You leaving didn’t help.”

“I didn’t know how else to protect you from us…from me.”

Neither of us said anything for a long time. “Charlie’s going to die. You know that, right?” I finally asked.

He swore. “No, I don’t know that and you neither do you.”

“Whatever, Edward. I know my dad and I know what he’ll choose. You and your family caused this and I hate all of you for it.”

He nodded just accepting my irrational outburst as though it were fact. He bent forward and brushed a kiss against my forehead, his finger trailing down the curve of my cheek, then like a gust of wind he was gone leaving me stewing in my anger and grief.

–

Sorry about the delay. Dealing with the aftermath of the car accident and acquiring a new car has just been a huge ditraction. I'm trying to get this wrapped up before classes start on the 24. Please comment.