Electric Blue Rose - Book One. [COMPLETED] Undergoing Edits

Chapter Twenty-Six - Faith

Saturday night arrived. Jade returned to her dorm, which by appearance seemed unchanged. Her silver dress hung short, and her hair long and flat down her back. Despite being pleased with her appearance, the thought of going out with Amelia, Joe, Alex, and Edge overwhelmed her. Something she had been excited about suddenly consumed her with various emotions. Amelia hadn't let up about her potential second power, Joe's confession about Alex, and Alex's in return. Then there was Edge, the only other man she ever loved, who had done absolutely nothing wrong. Though, despite that, her stomach twisted in nerves. Jade took a breath. She needed to get a grip. All tonight promised was a fun, carefree time with her friends. It didn't need to mean anything more. It didn't require further thoughts or evaluations. All that she needed to do was relax and enjoy herself. A knock at the door signaled the start of the night. Opening it, Joe and Alex stood outside. They exchanged a glance that brought a heaviness to her heart. Her gaze went to Alex's eye. She frowned and placed her hand gently on it, letting her aura dissolve the bruising.

"Thanks," Alex said. His expression turned nervous. "You sure you still want me to come?"

"Of course," Jade smiled, forcing the expression as Joe stared helplessly at Alex. A look she had worn so many times before. Jade didn't want to be back together with Alex, but the thought of him turning around and being in a relationship so quickly after did bring her some turmoil. Though, she wasn't sure what Alex's and Joe's relationship was yet. "Should we head out?"

No one strayed from the small talk as they walked to the bar. Alex gave her very rehearsed expressions, obviously trying his hardest to show his growth. She gave small smiles to show appreciation, but honestly, she couldn't wait to have a drink in her hands. Her eyes turned their focus to Edge, who waited outside the bar with Amelia. Amelia embraced her before following Alex and Joe inside. Jade turned to Edge, who looked handsome in his black jacket and matching jeans. He looked her over, stopping at her eyes with a smile. Her heart raced as a blush emerged on her face.

"You look great," Edge said, breaking the silence.

"So do you," Jade returned. He smiled. "Guess we should head in?" Edge nodded and held the door open for her. The two of them immediately crossed to the bar. Jade started to relax as the alcohol touched her lips. Their small talk grew to conversations as more drinks appeared in front of them.

"I'm happy you asked me here tonight, Jade." Her eyes shone at him, enjoying the way he stared at her. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too," she smiled. Edge's smile captivated her. He always had a way of drawing her into a trance. Hypnotized, she hadn't even realized they stood up to dance. "I remember all the midnight dances we had."

"Me too," he said, his eyes focused on hers. "I remember everything we had together. You took over my life."

"I feel so ashamed when I think back. All those perfect moments we shared, and I." Edge placed a finger on her lips and shook his head.

"Don't dwell on it for another moment. Besides, life led you back to me. I couldn't ask for anything better than that." Her eyes shone at him, her breathing growing heavy. They stared at each other's lips, watching them part. Both of them played the scenarios in their heads, unsure if it was the right move or not, but before any more contemplation, Edge's lips were on hers. Jade closed her eyes, feeling the warmth in her grow. She returned to a more straightforward place where Edge and she were dressed far less formally and in the arms of one another. Nothing but the brisk air around the farmlands in their ears. When they released, panic seized her. What was she doing? All of this was happening too quickly. Simultaneously they stepped backward, running through possible outcomes from their spontaneous kiss.

"I guess we had one too many, huh?" Edge laughed with hesitance running his hand on the back of his head. Jade nodded, knowing it was a reasonable excuse to justify it. Just as she was crucifying Alex for moving forward too quickly, here she was, having kissed Edge. However, Jade wasn't sure if she regretted it. Her body longed to move forward and embrace him, to return her lips to his, but before she knew it, he said his goodnight and left her with warm lips and the turmoil in her mind.

Jade turned, grateful none of the others seemed to catch their exchange. She crossed over and joined them, getting swept up in old stories from Joe and Amelia and the ones she always longed to hear from Alex. He described his tour and the life-changing moments he had. Meanwhile, she remained stuck at Inanis. Jade hadn't been aware of the resentment she built during Alex's absence, but it was time to let it go. Alex exchanged a glance at Joe, and she noticed the way Joe lit up from it. A look she once knew well. Jade frowned, her brows scurried in a fury with herself. Why was she holding back? If Jade wanted to pursue Edge, and if Alex wasn't holding back, why should she?

"I'm going to call it a night," Jade announced.

"Do you need me to walk you back?" Joe asked, his role as her protector returning.

"No, I'll be okay," Jade smiled. "Have fun, guys." The moment the bar door closed behind her, she booked it. She was running as fast as her dress allowed. She caught her breath when reaching his door. As she was about to knock, he opened it. They gaped before he pulled her towards him and kissed her. Jade's heart lightened up, and all the doubts and insecurities left her. His lips warm against her, his hands firmly wrapped around her back. This moment with Edge was the moment she had awaited. The moment where no doubt crossed her mind about what she wanted. They parted, catching their breath and staring at each other. "I can't let you go again," Jade confessed. "Be it faith or luck. I can't be without you again."

Edge moved a strand of hair from her hair and tucked it behind her ear. His hand remained on her face as he pulled her into another kiss. Her legs grew weak at each passing moment. He picked her up, their lips never parting, and carried her into his room, shutting the door behind them.