In Dire Need of Cessation

Seventeen

"By any chance, do you believe we could visit my parents' house?" she timidly questioned as we lounged in my room, listening to acoustic ballads- I wanted to begin her discovery in music by calm and comforting songs instead of jumping straight into rock and metal bands. It was the logical thing to do.

I frowned, looking down at her (silently giddy as my arm was around the back of the sofa, behind her), "Is it still present?" I replied, knowing most of the areas had adapted with the times, meaning there was more of the possibility of it not standing. She bit her lip, her eyes casting downward as (I struggled to think how I could comfort her) I glanced at the flickering candle that was visible through her.

"I can not say," she whispered, "I have not accumulated enough courage to visit...until present." Concern dispersing through my body, I stood and crouched into Bella's eye line until she rose her head to me.

"Then what better time to check," I smiled tenderly. It was half eleven at night, and in a town this small, I knew not many would be out, especially on a school night. Therefore, no one would see a vampire and ghost walking the streets, side by side, on an emotional journey on one part.

Bella, evidently shocked by my answer, took a minute to gather herself. "Honestly?" This selfless woman had never been treated so kindly in all her years, I knew, so her reaction was expected.

"Yes." I rose to my feet and extended my hand as an offer for her to be helped up. I didn't know if her hand would go through mine, of if I would be like a piece of furniture- something she could touch.

"I do not require your aid," she replied stubbornly.

"Nonetheless, I am a gentleman," I answered, equally as stubborn.

With her lip still caught between her teeth, she ascended her hand to mine. The hope and desire surged through me as her delicate pale hand was mere inches from my skin. So close. I found it difficult to keep my breathing even and my heart to stop exploding with butterflies, (what the hell was happening?!) until every beautiful emotion was thrown down the drain as I saw her fingers go through me.

Silence.

Her eyes never strayed from mine, (did she feel it too?) allowing me to see right through her into her blossomed soul. I certified that she could not see my true emotions, (I didn't want to ruin this friendship) but I was quite positive she could (unlike my family).

"I believe it is because your soul is like any other, denied the ability to touch." Her eyes flashed away from me as she stood, my hand still airborne until I used my vampire speed to slot it in my jean pocket.

I do not have a soul.

I didn't voice my thoughts, not wanting to ruin this bizarre moment, so I politely shook my head showing 'it didn't matter'. (It mattered, though, it mattered abundantly).

"Why is it you can drift through grass and trees perfectly, but not floors and sofas?" I asked quietly, replacing 'trees and grass' with 'me' in my mind. How desperate (for her) I was. I couldn't show her, though, I needed to stay strong.

Stong, Edward! When did I become so fragile?

"When it comes to objects that do not possess a soul," she began taking lead as we strode down the stairs, the noises of conversation becoming louder from the living room. I did feel slightly rude for hoarding Bella in my room, away from my family, however, they were perfectly content with each other (without us).

"I have the ability to choose if I desire to go through or move the object." I glanced at her, eyes wide with surprise. "Oh do not give me that look, did you ever wonder how a ghost makes a scene?" she laughed, throwing her head back slightly, carefree.