Midlight (Third in the Apocalypse Saga)

Chapter 32 ~ Rekindle

Chapter 32 ~ Rekindle

* Amelia's POV *

As planned I moved back with Ash into his little cottage. I didn't realise I missed the place until I went inside and rested on the armchair. We had only been away for a few weeks but a there was a thin layer of dust on the furniture. And I made sure to it out within no time, I didn't want Ash or anyone else to start sneezing.

Even though he didn't say anything, I knew Ash was glad to have some of his own space. With the few days he stayed with the Cullens, he began to love them, but he was scared of starting anew all of a sudden. While he was there, he seemed to enjoy spending much of his time with Carlisle and Esme and often seeking out Macy and Elijah or myself whenever he could.

Now, he often left the cottage and went for walks in the forest to clear his mind and sometimes I went with him. It was refreshing and gave us something to do instead of keeping cooped up inside all day. The cottage was never too quiet though – Macy and Elijah stayed every other day and most of the family members visited for hours on end. Except Max.

I tried my hardest not to ask about him, and when I was told anyway I tried to be nonchalant about it. I was dying to see his handsome face again. I was really starting to miss him.

Max wasn't lying when he said I was a terrible cook. I wanted to prove him wrong but instead I proved him right because there was always more than one thing wrong with every dish I made. So, I decided to leave the cooking to Ash and the twins whenever they came over; it was a good thing I didn't have much of an appetite.

I peered at the tidy household – there was never any mess so I had nothing to do in moments like this. The twins were coming over and Ash had gone to get them, even though they already knew the way. It was around an hour journey to get here, if you travelled by car or motorcycle, so I knew that they should be here any minute now. All I had to do was wait.

With nothing better to do, I decided to allow myself to have a little shut eye, because I know that otherwise I'll be spending time thinking of Max.

I felt sleep come as soon as I thought about it but I couldn't commit because I heard the front door open. My eyes fluttered open.

As usual, Macy ran to give me a hug as soon as I entered the hallway and Elijah followed shortly afterwards. I hugged them tightly before they let go and I saw the huge smiles on their faces, making me arch my eyebrow. Now, I didn't mind them being happy but something really seemed to put them on cloud nine this morning.

"What's up?" I questioned, a smile creeping up on my own lips. Their happiness is infectious.

Macy giggled and Elijah remained silent. I looked at Ash, hoping that he had an explanation, but he tried his best to keep his face impassive.

My eyebrows furrowed together. Am I missing something?

Knowing I wasn't going to get anything out of these three, I decided to concentrate on my senses and it became completely obvious when I heard a fourth heartbeat. I know that heartbeat.

Instantly, I could feel butterflies in my stomach and my own heartbeat speed up. I bit the inside of my mouth to stop a ridiculously large smile from spreading on my lips.

After a few moments, Max emerged in the threshold. He had his hands in his pockets and had his gaze downcast. He slowly shifted his gaze upwards and he met my eyes. He was troubled as usual, but he appeared confident and contented.

"I want to talk to you, if you don't mind," he offered, I could hear the nervousness and uncertainty in his voice. He was clearly giving me a choice here. "Properly this time."