Dark Awakenings - after Breaking Dawn (Twilight)

Goodbyes

"Did you know your eyes had changed?" Edward couldn't help but stare.
"I don't do mirrors..it reminds me of how evil I was....what I..." He stopped her
"That wasn't you Mari" he knew she hated her past self.
"The people I slaughtered...with every one I cried ... I knew it was wrong, but the need to feed was too overpowering."
"I know..soon after Carlisle found me, I was unstoppable." He came close and sat down on her chair "Some say the people I killed deserved it... I just look back and think....no one deserves to die like that"
"They were bad people Edward.. The people I killed were normal everyday women and even children" she put her face in her hands and sank to the floor.
A wave of hate soared through his body as she said 'children' and she felt it.
"I know ..... I hated myself that much too.." Tears stung her eyes like razors..but she didn't care she deserved it.
"You were newborn...we've all don't things we regret" Edward stood and paced four strides away from her. Mari now saw a young woman cowering in a corner with the depiction of pure fear in her eyes, in Edwards head. Then she saw Bella and felt his fear of hurting her.
"That's why you resisted her." She said looking up at his beautiful man, who's pain clung to his skin like the diamonds shimmering in the sun did.
"You are strong Edward...it takes some strength to do that.... I took the easy way out." She now stood and walked to her window
"Not strong enough to save her...was I?" He spoke so soft she wasn't sure he'd said it aloud or not?
"..it wasn't a match of strengths...Michael was just faster on that particular night."
"Don't!" Edward recoiled. It angered him at the sheer sound of his name. She spun round ...
"Sorry ...Edward I'm sorry....." He was gone....with a slam of the door.

"He's still raw" Esme said as they sat out side the next daylight draining chickens of their fluids into buckets to bottle up.
Mari knew that. "I know....and I should have thought before I spoke."
"He's not mad at you, he's mad at Michael... We can all see the fondness he has for you...but he made true promises to Bella..he feels he is going to betray her by letting her go."
"Maybe I shouldn't be here? If it's confusing him?" She stopped and looked at Esme.
"Maybe he doesn't know it yet...but he needs you...he needs you." Esme smiled "just be patient"

Now her eyes had changed Mari felt more confident to leave the confines of the house. She wanted to earn her keep as they all did. The boat business was soaring now summer was fast approaching, but she had to stay clear of Edward for a while.
She'd drive into the town and buy a newspaper to search for a job. The town was so small jobs were hard to come by. But she tried...she tried everywhere. The only jobs available were skilled work and she had none. Working with the Cullens was going to be the only way.

It had been a human week since Edward had spoke to her, imagine how long that was for vampires who can't escape with sleep.
Mari hunted with Rosalea and Emmett.
One particular night as they'd finished their feed Edward appeared. One look from Edward to Rosalea and her and Emmett got the hint. And they headed for home.
"I'm not angry with you Mari" Edward started. After a small pause she answered.
"Esme said...I meant no harm." Mari walked up to him as he stood with his strong arms crossed. Dressed elegantly as always. She placed a hand on his top arm. Causing him to catch his non existent breath.
"I....I" he wavered. "I want to....."
"I want to too.... But....." she dropped her hand to her side and her face to the floor.
"God damn it.." He puffed out a long breath and stepped closer. Lifted her chin with a finger and thumb and ....kissed her.
That magnetic pull build up inside him again...causing him to close and screw up his eyes. Time stood still as the sensitive skin on both their lips broke apart, his hands moved up either side of her face and the pull wound them in again. This time the pressure increased on their persed union. Leaving them panting as they broke again once more.
Back at home Alice stood up, jasper jumped to her side. "Alice?"
She smiled staring ahead. "He's done it...he's said his goodbye to Bella"