“I'm going to take her to her room, so she can get some rest.” he announced to the rest of the room occupants.

I saw Charlie nod gravely and the others looked taken aback and scared for me.

He carried me up the stairs swiftly and smoothly, and soon we were in my room.

He put me on the bed gently and got down on one knee to look eye-to-eye with me.

“I'll be back in a few short minutes. I need to talk to you without the threat of an audience.” he whispered, as he tucked me into bed. He leaned forward and kissed my forehead before leaving the room, and leaving no room for argument.

I laid in bed trying to control my breathing, as I listened to the muffled sounds of Edward getting everyone to leave so that I could rest.

Everyone was gone, except Charlie. I heard him coming up the stairs, so I pretended to sleep, counting my breaths to appear calm. He opened the door to check on me, but decided against walking over to my bed. He left and shut the door behind him. I heard him go into his room and shut the door.

Not a moment later, I heard a faint tapping on my window. I crawled out of bed and opened the window to see Edward hanging from the ledge. I backed away and he gracefully climbed in. I immediately hugged him tight against me, threatening to spill over once more.

“I thought you were never coming back. I thought I had lost you. I thought you were dead.” I whispered quietly.
“Dead? Why would you think that?” he pulled away to look down at my swollen, red eyes.
“The news. The fires in Seattle. I knew it was a vampire fight. I just thought you were gone. All of you guys.” I said, trying to look away from his penetrating gaze.
“How-how did you know it was a vampire fight?” he asked, alarmed that I knew about it.
“The smell. Fire doesn't normally smell the way they described it.” I said.

He seemed to relax in my arms, just a small amount.

“Will you tell me? Explain everything?” I asked, still looking down, afraid of his reaction.
“You still want me? After I left you here? With the awful lie to remember me by?” he asked me quietly, so quiet I almost didn't hear it.
“Oh.” I paused thinking about what he said, “Edward, no matter what, I'll want you forever. You can't change that, no matter what you say.”
“Forever? Really?” he asked, his eyes lighting up.
“All of eternity.” I said, smiling at him.