Through the Mirror

Twilight - Sixteen

We reach the top of a beautiful tree and I'm worried about the the narrow limbs. It doesn't feel long till Edward and go to school together. It's practically worse than my first day here. Every gaze seem to like a magnate to a refrigerator. "It's like they have nothing better to do than stare at us.

Edward wraps his arm around my shoulders and points at a random student. "Not that guy." He gives a small shrug. "Wait, he just looked. I'm breaking all the rules now, anyway, since I'm going to hell." 

I shake my head at him bring arm down and intertwining our hands together. "Lets just get through this day. Yeah?" Between the students and Edward's own family I'm not sure which reaction out does the other. Students with shock and disbelief. Or his family with worry for both of our sakes.

Edward drops me off at home and I drive over to the diner that Charlie insisted that we still visit though I've been making our meals."Yo, Arizona. So..." He pauses and thoroughly looks conflicted. "You and Cullen."

I press my lips together as a smile threatens to spread. "No comment." I scuffle past him and sit at the table Charlie picked. "Sorry, I'm late. Getting details about a project from a- uh- partner.

Our food arrives and I let out a sound of disapproval at his choice of dinner. "Ordered you the seafood combo."

"I'm starting to think you need to cut back on the steak once in a while, eh Dad?"

"I'm healthy as a horse." I narrow my eyes at him a bit playfully and serious backing.

"Say Chief, boys want to know, you find anything down by Queets River today?

Charlie glances around knowing many are leaning trying to listen in on his answer. "The suspect's moving east. Kitsap County Sheriff is taking over from here. They're putting extra guys on."

Cora lets out a sigh of somewhat relief. "Hope they catch him fast." She leaves the table and we both prepare to eat. 

Charlie points out the window to the side. "Your friends are flagging you" Mike along with his friends were messing around. I shake my head at them while smiling. "It's okay you wanna join them. I'm just gonna turn in early anyway."

I stretch out a bit and attempt not to yawn largely. "Yeah, I could use a good nights rest."

Now Charlie seems ready to give me his own lecture. "It's a Friday night. Go out. The Newton boy's got a big smile for you. Nice family, the Newtons."

I laugh lightly and make a bating away motion with my hand. "Mike's a good friend."

Charlie's attention seems to zero in on the topic at hand. "None of the boys in town interest you?"

"We're not really going to talk about boys, are we?

"Just... you should be around people. I leave you alone too much."

"I've never minded being alone. Guess I'm a lot like my dad that way." We share a smile before Cora comes back over.

"Berry cobbler, two forks." We thank her and pick up a fork each.

I can't help but pace around my room while talking on the phone with Renée. Some nervous habits are too hard to break. "So spring training's going well?" 

"Phil's working hard. We're looking around for a house to rent, in case it becomes permanent. You'd like Jacksonville, baby."

I twirl thinking about everything that has happened. "I don't know, mom. It's been really good. Forks is really growing on me."

"Could-" Renée takes a second and lets out a loud breath. "a guy have something to do with that?"

"Perhaps a bit."

I hold the phone away from my eye at the squeal Renée lets out. "Tell me everything! Jock? Indie? Bet he's smart. Is he smart?"

I have no idea how she expects me to answer with how quickly she's firing her questions. "He's somewhat a history buff." Unfortunately there Edward laid on my bed when I turn. "We can talk more later mom. I forgot I have something to do."

Renée lets out a whine. "No way. we gotta talk boys. Are you being safe?"

At Edward's look of shock I wave him away. "I'll call you later, Mom." Shaking my head at him I turn and close the window. "I've been meaning to get a lock."

"You've known haven't you?"

"About you coming in at night?" I pick up a pillow from the floor and playfully throw it back at him. 

"What else is there to do at night?"

"That's not very gentlemanly of you Edward." I poke at his chest when he grabs my hand and pulls me down to lay next to him. We laugh for a moment before his eyes roll over my face.

"I just- like watching over you."

"I understand."

His hand rests gently on the side of my face. "I'm not sure you can yet." He swipes his finger over my lips. "There's something I'd like to try."

"Remember you are strong." He waits another second before moving close and places his lips on mine. I can't help but bring my hands up to grip at his hair. The kiss deepens before he is suddenly out of my grasp. My mind takes a second to catch up to what happened. 

"I'm stronger than I thought."

I pick at the blanket and try not to make eye contact. "There is no way I could say that. I'm so sorry" 

The blush on my face continues to flair on my face. Edward attempts to reassure me while returning to the bed. "Don't be. But we will have to be careful." He lays back while I get under the sheets. "I can never lose control with you. Ever." I try not to think too much about all that he means and lean back against his chest while he wraps his arms around me. "I just have one question for you, now that you know that I've been watching over you."

"Yes?" I close my eyes waiting for his question.

"What is a Stiles?"