Twilight 12. BALANCING

12. BALANCINGBilly Charlie c exclusivelyed as soon as he got reveal of the car.I turned toward the house, beckoning to Jacob as I ducked below the porch. I hear Charlie greeting them loudly slowly me.Im hatful issue to pret wind up I didnt delay you behind the wheel, Jake, he verbalize disapprovingly.We get permits early on the rez, Jacob said while I unlock the accession and flicked on the porch informal.Sure you do, Charlie laughed.I pay to get or so somehow. I recognized Billys resonant sound easily, despite the years. The sound of it made me feel jerkyly younger, a child.I went inside, leaving the door open behind me and turning on lights forward I hung up my jacket. Then I s in additiond in the door, watching apprehensively as Charlie and Jacob helped Billy step up of the car and into his wheelchair.I subs topaztiateed appear of the way as the three of them hurried in, shaking run into the rain.This is a surprise, Charlie was assureing.Its been excessively long, Billy answered. I hope its not a f fullful duration. His dark eye flashed up to me once more(prenominal) than, their expression unreadable. nary(prenominal) its awaystanding. I hope you discharge stay for the game.Jacob grinned. I bet thats the plan our TV bust conk week.Billy made a scene at his son. And, of course, Jacob was anxious to experience Bella again, he added. Jacob scow conduct and ducked his encephalon while I fought pricker a rushing of remorse. Maybe Id been too convincing on the beach. atomic number 18 you hungry? I asked, turning toward the kitchen. I was eager to escape Billys searching gaze.Naw, we ate vindicatory before we came, Jacob answered.How slightly you, Charlie? I c all tolded oer my raise as I fled roughly the corner.Sure, he replied, his go moving in the military commission of the campaign room and the TV. I could hear Billys chair follow.The grilled cheese get upes were in the frying pan and I was slicing up a tomato p lant when I sensed somebody behind me.So, how be things? Jacob asked.Pretty good. I grinningd. His enthusiasm was sturdy to resist. How closely you? Did you finish your car?No. He frowned. I still necessity parts. We borrowed that one. He headinged with his thumb in the direction of the front yard.Sorry. I arrestnt seen both what was it you were verbalisming for?Master cylinder. He grinned. Is something victimize with the truck? he added suddenly.No.Oh. I exclusively applauded because you werent driving it.I st bed down at the pan, pull up the edge of a sandwich to check the bottom side. I got a ride with a friend. decorous ride. Jacobs vowelize was admiring. I didnt recognize the driver, though. I cerebration I knew near of the kids around here.I nodded noncommittally, keeping my eyes down as I flipped sandwiches.My dad seemed to cognize him from somewhere.Jacob, could you hand me some plates? Theyre in the cupboard over the sink.Sure.He got the plates in silence. I hoped he would permit it drop now.So who was it? he asked, setting two plates on the counter next to me.I sighed in defeat. Edward Cullen.To my surprise, he laughed. I glanced up at him. He mattered a little embarrassed.Guess that explains it, thence, he said. I wondered wherefore my dad was playing so strange.Thats right. I faked an innocent expression. He doesnt same the Cullens.Superstitious gray-headed man, Jacob muttered under his breath.You dont think hed say anything to Charlie? I couldnt help asking, the speech approach shot unwrap in a low rush.Jacob st atomic number 18d at me for a moment, and I couldnt read the expression in his dark eyes. I doubt it, he finally answered. I think Charlie chewed him out pretty good stick up fourth dimension. They havent spoken more than since this evening is sort of a reunion, I think. I dont think hed bring it up again.Oh, I said, delivering to sound in assorted.I stayed in the front room after I carried the food out to Charlie, pretending to watch the game while Jacob chattered at me. I was in trulyity listening to the mens conversation, watching for any sign that Billy was active to rat me out, trying to think of ways to stop him if he began.It was a long night. I had a lot of piazzawork that was personnel casualty undone, that I was afraid to leave Billy alone with Charlie. Finally, the game ended. are you and your friends coming anchor to the beach soon? Jacob asked as he pushed his sky pilot over the lip of the threshold.Im not trusted, I hedged.That was fun, Charlie, Billy said.Come up for the next game, Charlie encouraged.Sure, sure, Billy said. Well be here. Have a good night. His eyes shifted to mine, and his smile disappeared. You turn back care, Bella, he added seriously.Thanks, I muttered, vistaing away.I headed for the stairs while Charlie waved from the doorway.Wait, Bella, he said.I cringed. Had Billy gotten something in before Id join them in the living room? entirely C harlie was relaxed, still grinning from the un panorama-of visit.I didnt get a chance to talk to you tonight. How was your day?Good. I hesitated with one foot on the first stair, searching for details I could safely share. My badminton team won all iv games.Wow, I didnt crawl in you could play badminton.Well, actually I cant, scarcely my partner is really good, I admitted.Who is it? he asked with token interest.Um Mike newton, I told him reluctantly.Oh yeah you said you were friends with the Newton kid. He perked up. Nice family. He mused for a minute. Why didnt you ask him to the jump this weekend?Dad I groaned. Hes kind of dating my friend Jessica. Besides, you go to tranquillity I cant dance.Oh yeah, he muttered. Then he smiled at me apologetically. So I guess its good youll be gone Saturday Ive made plans to go fishing with the guys from the station. The weathers supposed to be real warm. But if you valued to put your touch saturnine off till someone could go with y ou, Id stay headquarters. I know I leave you here alone too much.Dad, youre doing a great job. I smiled, hoping my relief didnt show. Ive never minded being alone Im too much like you. I winked at him, and he smiled his crinkly-eyed smile.I slept ameliorate that night, too tired to dream again. When I woke to the pearl gray morning, my inclination was blissful. The tense eveninging with Billy and Jacob seemed harmless sufficient now I decided to forget it completely. I caught myself whistling while I was pulling the front part of my hair back into a barrette, and later again as I skipped down the stairs. Charlie noticed.Youre cheerful this morning, he commented over breakfast.I shrugged. Its Friday.I hurried so I would be ready to go the second Charlie go away. I had my bag ready, shoes on, teeth brushed, tho even though I rushed to the door as soon as I was sure Charlie would be out of sight, Edward was faster. He was waiting in his shiny car, windows down, engine off.I did nt hesitate this time, climbing in the rider side quickly, the sooner to see his face. He grinned his corrupted smile at me, stopping my breath and my heart. I couldnt imagine how an angel could be any more glorious. There was nothing about him that could be im proved upon.How did you sleep? he asked. I wondered if he had any idea how appealing his join was.Fine. How was your night?Pleasant. His smile was amused I felt like I was missing an inside joke.Can I ask what you did? I asked.No. He grinned. Today is still mine.He cherished to know about people today more about Ren?e, her hobbies, what wed done in our chuck up the sponge time together. And then the one grandmother Idknown, my few school friends cumbersome me when he asked about boys Id go out. I was relieved that Id never really dated anyone, so that particular conversation couldnt last long. He seemed as impress as Jessica and Angela by my lack of romantic history.So you never met anyone you essentialed? he asked in a serious tone that made me wonder what he was thinking about.I was grudgingly honest. Not in Phoenix.His lips press together into a hard line.We were in the cafeteria at this point. The day had sped by in the blur that was rapidly becoming routine. I took advantage of his brief pause to gravel a bite of my bagel.I should have let you drive yourself today, he announced, apropos of nothing, while I chewed.Why? I demanded.Im leaving with Alice after lunch.Oh. I blinked, bewildered and disappointed. Thats o.k., its not that far of a manner of walking.He frowned at me impatiently. Im not release to make you walk home. Well go get your truck and leave it here for you.I dont have my chance on with me, I sighed. I really dont mind walking. What I minded was losing my time with him.He shook his head. Your truck impart be here, and the key will be in the ignition unless youre afraid someone magnate abstract it. He laughed at the thought.All right, I agreed, pursing my lips. I wa s pretty sure my key was in the chemise of a pair of jeans I wore Wednesday, under a pile of clothes in the laundry room. Even if he broke into my house, or any(prenominal) he was intend, hed never find it. He seemed to feel the challenge in my consent. He smirked, overconfident.So where are you vent? I asked as casually as I could manage.Hunting, he answered grimly. If Im going to be alone with you tomorrow, Im going to take whatever precautions I can. His face grew morose and pleading. You can always cancel, you know.I looked down, afraid of the persuasive antecedent of his eyes. I refused to be convinced to fear him, no matter how real the danger might be. It doesnt matter, I recurrent in my head.No, I whispered, glancing back at his face. I cant.Perhaps youre right, he murmured bleakly. His eyes seemed to darken in color as I watched.I salmagundid the subject. What time will I see you tomorrow? I asked, already depressed by the thought of him leaving now.That depends its a Saturday, dont you want to sleep in? he offered.No, I answered too fast. He restrained a smile.The uniform time as usual, then, he decided. Will Charlie be there?No, hes fishing tomorrow. I beamed at the memory of how conveniently things had worked out.His voice turned sharp. And if you dont be intimate home, what will he think?I have no idea, I answered coolly. He knows Ive been gist to dothe laundry. Maybe hell think I fell in the washer.He scowled at me and I scowled back. His anger was much more impressive than mine.What are you hunting tonight? I asked when I was sure I had mixed-up the glowering contest.Whatever we find in the park. We arent going far. He seemed disoriented by my casual reference to his secret realities.Why are you going with Alice? I wondered.Alice is the most supportive. He frowned as he spoke.And the others? I asked timidly. What are they?His brow puckered for a brief moment. Incredulous, for the most part.I peeked quickly behind me at his family. The y sat staring off in different directions, on the dot the same as the first time Id seen them. Only now they were four their beautiful, bronze-haired brother sat across from me, his golden eyes troubled.They dont like me, I guessed.Thats not it, he disagreed, but his eyes were too innocent. They dont meet why I cant leave you alone.I grimaced. Neither do I, for that matter.Edward shook his head slowly, rolling his eyes toward the ceiling before he met my gaze again. I told you you dont see yourself clearly at all. Youre not like anyone Ive ever known. You influence me.I glared at him, sure he was teasing now.He smiled as he deciphered my expression. Having the advantages I do, he murmured, touching his forehead discreetly, I have a better than average grasp of human nature. pot are predictable. But you you never do what I expect. You always take me by surprise.I looked away, my eyes wandering back to his family, embarrassed and dissatisfied. His row made me feel like a science experiment. I wanted to laugh at myself for expecting anything else.That part is slow enough to explain, he continued. I felt his eyes on my face but I couldnt look at him yet, afraid he might read the chagrin in my eyes. But theres more and its not so easy to put into words -I was still staring at the Cullens while he spoke. of a sudden Rosalie, his blond and breathtaking sister, turned to look at me. No, not to look to glare, with dark, nippy eyes. I wanted to look away, but her gaze held me until Edward broke off mid-sentence and made an infuriated noise under his breath. It was almost a hiss.Rosalie turned her head, and I was relieved to be free. I looked back at Edward and I knew he could see the confusion and fear that widened my eyes.His face was stiff as he explained. Im sorry about that. Shes honourable disordered. You see its hazardous for more than just me if, after spending so much time with you so publicly He looked down.If?If this ends badly. He dropped his head into his men, as he had that night in Port Angeles. His anguish was plain I yearned to relaxation him, but I was at a loss to know how. My hand reached toward him involuntarily quickly, though, I dropped it to the table, fearing that my touch would only make things worse. I know slowly that his words should frighten me. I waited for that fear to come, but all I could seemto feel was an ache for his pain.And frustration frustration that Rosalie had cut off whatever he was about to say. I didnt know how to bring it up again. He still had his head in his hands.I tried to babble out in a normal voice. And you have to leave now?Yes. He raised his face it was serious for a moment, and then his mood shifted and he smiled. Its probably for the best. We still have fifteen minutes of that wretched celluloid left to endure in Biology I dont think I could take any more.I subtracted. Alice her short, inky hair in a halo of spiky disarray around her exquisite, elfin face was sudde nly standing behind his shoulder. Her slight frame was willowy, graceful even in absolute stillness.He greeted her without looking away from me. Alice.Edward, she answered, her high soprano voice almost as attractive as his.Alice, Bella Bella, Alice, he introduced us, gesturing casually with his hand, a wry smile on his face.Hello, Bella. Her brilliant obsidian eyes were unreadable, but her smile was friendly. Its nice to finally meet you. Edward flashed a dark look at her.Hi, Alice, I murmured shyly.Are you ready? she asked him.His voice was aloof. Nearly. Ill meet you at the car.She left without some other word her walk was so fluid, so sinuous that I felt a sharp pang of jealousy.Should I say have fun, or is that the wrong sentiment? I asked, turning back to him.No, have fun works as well as anything. He grinned.Have fun, then. I worked to sound wholehearted. Of course I didnt fool him.Ill try. He still grinned. And you try to be safe, please.Safe in Forks what a challenge.For you it is a challenge. His jaw hardened. Promise.I promise to try to be safe, I recited. Ill do the laundry tonight that ought to be fraught with peril.Dont fall in, he mocked.Ill do my best.He stood then, and I rose, too.Ill see you tomorrow, I sighed.It seems like a long time to you, doesnt it? he mused.I nodded glumly.Ill be there in the morning, he promised, smiling his crooked smile. He reached across the table to touch my face, lightly brush on my cheekbone again. Then he turned and walked away. I stared after him untilhe was gone.I was sorely tempted to ditch the rest of the day, at the truly least Gym, but a warning instinct stopped me. I knew that if I disappeared now, Mike and others would assume I was with Edward. And Edward was worried about the time wed played out together publicly if things went wrong. I refused to dwell on the last thought, concentrating quite on making things safer for him.I intuitively knew and sensed he did, too that tomorrow would be pivot al. Our relationship couldnt continue to balance, as it did, on the point of a knife. We would fall off one edge or the other, depending just upon his decision, or his instincts. My decision was made, made before Id ever consciously chosen, and I was committed to seeing it by means of. Because there was nothing more terrifying to me, more excruciating, than the thought of turning away from him. It was an impossibility.I went to class, feeling dutiful. I couldnt honestly say what happened in Biology my mind was too preoccupied with thoughts of tomorrow. In Gym, Mike was speaking to me again he wished me a good time in Seattle. I carefully explained that Id canceled my trip, worried about my truck.Are you going to the dance with Cullen? he asked, suddenly sulky.No, Im not going to the dance at all.What are you doing, then? he asked, too interested.My natural urge was to prove him to butt out. Instead, I lied happyly.Laundry, and then I have to occupy for the Trig test or Im going to fail.Is Cullen helping you study?Edward, I emphasized, is not going to help me study. Hes gone away somewhere for the weekend. The lies came more naturally than usual, I noted with surprise.Oh. He perked up. You know, you could come to the dance with our chemical group anyway that would be cool. Wed all dance with you, he promised.The mental show of Jessicas face made my tone sharper than necessary.Im not going to the dance, Mike, okay?Fine. He sulked again. I was just offering.When the school day had finally ended, I walked to the parking lot without enthusiasm. I did not especially want to walk home, but I couldnt see how he would have retrieved my truck. Then again, I was starting to believe that nothing was impossible for him. The latter instinct proved correct my truck sat in the same space hed slip his Volvo in this morning. I shook my head, incredulous, as I opened the unlocked door and saw the key in the ignition.There was a alternate of white paper folded on my s eat. I got in and closed the door before I unfolded it. Two words were written in his fair script.Be safe.The sound of the truck roaring to life frightened me. I laughed at myself.When I got home, the handle of the door was locked, the dead bolt unlocked, just as Id left it this morning. Inside, I went straight to the laundry room. It looked just the same as Id left it, too. I dug for my jeans and, after finding them, chequered the pockets. Empty. Maybe Id hung my key up after all, I thought, shaking my head. chase the same instinct that had prompted me to lie to Mike, I called Jessica on the pretense of indirect request her luck at the dance. When she offered the same wish for my day with Edward, I told her about the cancellation. She was more disappointed than really necessary for a third-party observer to be. I said goodbye quickly after that.Charlie was absentminded at dinner, worried over something at work, I guessed, or maybe a basketball game game, or maybe he was just re ally enjoying the lasagna it was hard to tell with Charlie.You know, Dad I began, breaking into his reverie.Whats that, Bell?I think youre right about Seattle. I think Ill wait until Jessica or someone else can go with me.Oh, he said, surprised. Oh, okay. So, do you want me to stay home?No, Dad, dont change your plans. Ive got a million things to do homework, laundry I need to go to the library and the grocery store. Ill be in and out all day you go and have fun.Are you sure?Absolutely, Dad. Besides, the freezer is get dangerously low on fish were down to a two, maybe three years supply.Youre sure easy to live with, Bella. He smiled.I could say the same thing about you, I said, laughing. The sound of my laughter was off, but he didnt seem to notice. I felt so guilty for deceiving him that I almost took Edwards advice and told him where I would be. Almost.After dinner, I folded clothes and moved another(prenominal) load through with(predicate) the dryer. Unfortunately it was the kind of job that only keeps hands busy. My mind definitely had too much free time, and it was getting out of control. I fluctuated between anticipation so intense that it was very(prenominal) just about pain, and an insidious fear that picked at my resolve. I had to keep reminding myself that Id made my choice, and I wasnt going back on it. I pulled his note out of my pocket much more often than necessary to absorb the two puny words hed written. He wants me to be safe, I told myself again and again. I would just hold on to the faith that, in the end, that desire would win out over the others. And what was my other choice to cut him out of my life? Intolerable. Besides, since Id come to Forks, it really seemed like my life was about him.But a lilliputian voice in the back of my mind worried, wondering if it would hurt very much if it ended badly.I was relieved when it was late enough to be acceptable for bedtime. I knew I was far too stressed to sleep, so I did something Id ne ver done before. I deliberately took unnecessary cold medicine the kind that roasted me out for a good eight hours. I normally wouldnt condone that type of behavior in myself, but tomorrow would be complicated enough without me being loopy from sleep exit on top of everything else. While I waited for the drugs to kick in, I alter my clean hair till it was impeccably straight, and fussed over what I would go bad tomorrow. With everything ready for the morning, I finally lay in my bed. I felt hyper I couldnt stop twitching. I got up and rifled through my shoebox of CDs until I found a collection of Chopins nocturnes. I put that on very quietly and then lay down again, concentrating on relaxing individual parts of my body. someplace in the middle of that exercise, the cold pills took effect, and I fain sank into unconsciousness.I woke early, having slept soundly and dreamlessly thanks to my gratuitous drug use. Though I was well rested, I slipped right back into the same hectic earnestness from the night before. I dressed in a rush,smoothing my collar against my neck, fidgeting with the tan sweater till it hung right over my jeans. I sneaked a western fence lizard look out the window to see that Charlie was already gone. A thin, soft layer of clouds veiled the sky. They didnt look very lasting.I ate breakfast without tasting the food, hurrying to clean up when I was done. I peeked out the window again, but nothing had changed. I had just finished brushing my teeth and was heading back downstairs when a quiet knock sent my heart thudding against my rib cage.I flew to the door I had a little trouble with the simple dead bolt, but I yanked the door open at last, and there he was. All the exhilaration dissolved as soon as I looked at his face, relieve taking its place. I breathed a sigh of relief yesterdays fears seemed very foolish with him here.He wasnt smiling at first his face was somber. But then his expression lightened as he looked me over, and h e laughed.Good morning, he chuckled.Whats wrong? I glanced down to make sure I hadnt bury anything important, like shoes, or pants.We match. He laughed again. I realized he had a long, light tan sweater on, with a white collar presentation underneath, and blue jeans. I laughed with him, hiding a secret twinge of sorrowfulness why did he have to look like a caterpillar track model when I couldnt?I locked the door behind me while he walked to the truck. He waited by the passenger door with a martyred expression that was easy to understand.We made a deal, I reminded him smugly, climbing into the drivers seat, and reaching over to unlock his door.Where to? I asked.Put your seat belt on Im nervous already.I gave him a dirty look as I complied.Where to? I repeated with a sigh.Take the one-oh-one north, he ordered.It was surprisingly difficult to concentrate on the road while feeling his gaze on my face. I even up by driving more carefully than usual through the still-sleeping town. Were you planning to make it out of Forks before nightfall?This truck is old enough to be your cars grandfather have some respect, I retorted.We were soon out of the town limits, despite his negativity. Thick underbrush and green-swathed trunks replaced the lawns and houses.Turn right on the one-ten, he instructed just as I was about to ask. I obeyed staticly.Now we drive until the pavement ends.I could hear a smile in his voice, but I was too afraid of driving off the road and proving him right to look over and be sure.And whats there, at the pavements end? I wondered.A quest for.Were hiking? Thank goodness Id worn tennis shoes.Is that a problem? He sounded as if hed expected as much.No. I tried to make the lie sound confident. But if he thought my truck was slowDont worry, its only five miles or so, and were in no hurry.Five miles. I didnt answer, so that he wouldnt hear my voice elasticity in panic. Five miles of treacherous roots and loose stones, trying to whatsis my ankles or otherwise incapacitate me. This was going to be humiliating.We drove in silence for a while as I contemplated the coming horror.What are you thinking? he asked impatiently after a few moments.I lied again. Just wondering where were going.Its a place I like to go when the weather is nice. We both glanced out the windows at the thinning clouds after he spoke.Charlie said it would be warm today.And did you tell Charlie what you were up to? he asked.Nope.But Jessica thinks were going to Seattle together? He seemed cheered by the idea.No, I told her you canceled on me which is true.No one knows youre with me? Angrily, now.That depends I assume you told Alice?Thats very helpful, Bella, he snapped.I pretended I didnt hear that.Are you so depressed by Forks that its made you suicidal? he demanded when I ignored him.You said it might cause trouble for you us being together publicly, I reminded him.So youre worried about the trouble it might cause me- if you dont come home? His voice was still angry, and bitingly sarcastic.I nodded, keeping my eyes on the road.He muttered something under his breath, speaking so quickly that I couldnt understand.We were silent for the rest of the drive. I could feel the waves of infuriated disapproval rolling off of him, and I could think of nothing to say.And then the road ended, constricting to a thin foot trail with a small wooden marker. I parked on the narrow shoulder and stepped out, afraid because he was angry with me and I didnt have driving as an excuse not to look at him. It was warm now, warmer than it had been in Forks since the day Id arrived, almost steaming under the clouds. I pulled off my sweater and knotted it around my waist, cheering that Id worn the light, sleeveless shirt especially if I had five miles of hiking ahead of me.I heard his door slam, and looked over to see that hed removed his sweater, too. He was facing away from me, into the unbroken forest beside my truck.This way, he said, glancing over his shoulder at me, eyes still annoyed. He started into the dark forest.The trail? threat was clear in my voice as I hurried around the truck tocatch up to him.I said there was a trail at the end of the road, not that we were taking it.No trail? I asked desperately.I wont let you get lost. He turned then, with a mocking smile, and I stifled a gasp. His white shirt was sleeveless, and he wore it unbuttoned, so that the smooth white skin of his throat flowed uninterrupted over the marble contours of his chest, his perfect musculature no longer merely hinted at behind concealing clothes. He was too perfect, I realized with a piercing stab of despair. There was no way this godlike brute could be meant for me.He stared at me, bewildered by my tortured expression.Do you want to go home? he said quietly, a different pain than mine saturating his voice.No. I walked forward till I was close beside him, anxious not to waste one second of whatever time I might have with him.Whats wrong? he asked , his voice gentle.Im not a good hiker, I answered dully. Youll have to be very patient.I can be patient if I make a great effort. He smiled, holding my glance, trying to lift me out of my sudden, unexplained dejection.I tried to smile back, but the smile was unconvincing. He scrutinized my face.Ill take you home, he promised. I couldnt tell if the promise was unconditional, or restricted to an speedy departure. I knew he thought it was fear that upset me, and I was appreciative again that I was the one person whose mind he couldnt hear.If you want me to hack five miles through the jungle before sundown, youd better start leading the way, I said acidly. He frowned at me, struggling to understand my tone and expression.He gave up after a moment and led the way into the forest.It wasnt as hard as I had feared. The way was loosely flat, and he held the damp ferns and webs of moss aside for me. When his straight path took us over fallen trees or boulders, he would help me, lifting m e by the elbow, and then relinquish me instantly when I was clear. His cold touch on my skin never failed to make my heart thud erratically. Twice, when that happened, I caught a look on his face that made me sure he could somehow hear it.I tried to keep my eyes away from his perfection as much as possible, but I slipped often. Each time, his beauty pierced me through with sadness.For the most part, we walked in silence. Occasionally he would ask a hit-or-miss question that he hadnt gotten to in the past two days of interrogation. He asked about my birthdays, my grade school teachers, my childhood pets and I had to admit that after killing three fish in a row, Id given up on the whole institution. He laughed at that, louder than I was used to bell-like echoes bouncy back to us from the empty woods.The hike took me most of the morning, but he never showed any sign of impatience. The forest spread out around us in a boundless labyrinth of ancient trees, and I began to be nervous that we would never find our way out again. He was perfectly at ease, comfortable in the green maze, never seeming to feel any doubt about our direction.After several hours, the light that filtered through the canopy transformed, the murky olive tone shifting to a brighter jade. The dayhad turned sunny, just as hed foretold. For the first time since wed entered the woods, I felt a thrill of excitement which quickly turned to impatience.Are we there yet? I teased, pretending to scowl.Nearly. He smiled at the change in my mood. Do you see the brightness ahead?I peered into the dull forest. Um, should I?He smirked. Maybe its a bit soon for your eyes. time to visit the optometrist, I muttered. His smirk grew more pronounced.But then, after another hundred yards, I could definitely see a lightening in the trees ahead, a glow that was yellow instead of green. I picked up the pace, my cockiness growing with every step. He let me lead now, following noiselessly.I reached the edge of the pool of light and stepped through the last fringe of ferns into the loveliest place I had ever seen. The meadow was small, perfectly round, and filled with wildflowers violet, yellow, and soft white. Somewhere nearby, I could hear the bubbling music of a stream. The sun was promptly overhead, filling the circle with a haze of buttery sunshine. I walked slowly, awestruck, through the soft grass, swaying flowers, and warm, gilded air. I halfway turned, wanting to share this with him, but he wasnt behind me where I thought hed be. I spun around, searching for him with sudden alarm. Finally I spotted him, still under the dense civilization of the canopy at the edge of the hollow, watching me with cautious eyes. Only then did I remember what the beauty of the meadow had driven from my mind the mystery story of Edward and the sun, which hed promised to illustrate for me today.I took a step back toward him, my eyes fall with curiosity. His eyes were wary, reluctant. I smiled encoura gingly and beckoned to him with my hand, taking another step back to him. He held up a hand in warning, and I hesitated, rocking back onto my heels.Edward seemed to take a deep breath, and then he stepped out into the bright glow of the midday sun.