[Bright Nights] [Chapter One: Forks and My Black 2008 Ford Mustang]

"Wake up," Someone whispered in my ear. I lifted my hand to bat the annoying voice away, but I couldn't find it with my eyes closed. The source of voice chuckled making me close my eyes tighter in annoyance.

"Stop," I stressed out the word in a whining way. I groaned and turned away from the voice and pulled myself closer to the pillow. Cold hands reached for me making me stop squirming and giving out a violent shiver. I realized my covers were missing making me so much colder.

"Sorry." The voice said sadly making me come into reality. My eyes snapped open as I saw Edward getting off the bed. Not even thinking I lunged onto him and wrapped my arms around his waist, shoving my face into his lower back. He stopped moving and tensed.

"No. No! I'm fine, don't go." I said quickly so he wouldn't get the wrong idea. I knew he would find any reason to prove to me this was a bad idea. Apparently, we were still at that stage.

"You need to get ready for school." He said soothingly. My grip on him loosen, not like it mattered, as I began to slide them off. He stood once he was 'free' and turned to face me. I looked up into his eyes and saw nothing but worry. In my mind I rolled my eyes. He saw it anyway. He reached down and stroked my cheek. "We can't make almost being late a habit." He gave a small smile and then was gone. I glared where he used to be standing.

"Can't make it a habit." I muttered under my breath crossly and slowly got out of bed. I did my usual thing and walked downstairs since Edward had yet to return. But then I realized why.

"Good morning Ebony," My father said cheerfully from the kitchen. His glasses were on as he read the paper and drank coffee. I raised a brow as I sat with him. He pushed a mug of coffee towards me making me smile.

"Thanks," I said happily and took a sip. I started to debate in my head either if this was the time or not to tell my father about my boyfriend. A small smile appeared on my lips when I thought of the word; boyfriend. It was such a new word that practically sat on my shoulder in all it's glory. I could feel small waves of excitement circulate through my system just at the idea. "So Dad.." I trailed off in a serious tone. I mean it wasn't that big of a deal since he appears to already planning our wedding in his head, but still, what girl is not nervous when telling their dad they have a new boy toy? No girl, that's what.

"Yes?" He furrowed, I guess preparing himself. I never quite understood his facial expressions. Sometimes I thought he did them for the hell of it and just to confuse me from what he was really thinking. Maybe (scary thought) he was actually trying to look.. dadish. Whoa, shivers.

"Well you know Edward?" Silly Question. I thought in my head as I stared into my coffee and trace random shapes with my index finger on the table.

"Of course I know Edward. I knew him since the Cullens came here. What about him?" He asked sounding highly curious. It was then I realize that I sucked at this.

"Well we're kind of-" I began to slowly say until a knock at the door interrupted me. I silently thanked the knocking at the door in my head. I was so not ready to tell my father about Edward. "I'll get it." I breathed out and quickly stood from the table. I walked open the door and sighed in relief.. speaking of Edward.

"Hello Ebony," Edward smiled a drop dead gorgeous smile. I gripped the door knob tighter so I wouldn't fall to the floor. Sadly to admit, but true. But then I noticed that his smile did not reach his eyes. I quickly regained myself and now began to wonder what could possibly be wrong with Edward.

"Is that Edward I hear?" My father called as he walked to us. He smiled making his eyes crinkle and rested a hand on my shoulder. I didn't care, I was more focused on the fact of Edward's expression. "Edward! How strange, Ebony was just talking about you. What can we do for you?" My father said happily.

"I'm here to offer Ebony a ride to school, Mr. Colburn. If that is alright with you of course." He asked in probably the most convincing voice I've ever heard.

"How nice of you Edward." My father responded sounding curious once more. The rest of their conversation was blocked from my mind as it began to cloud with aimless thoughts soared through my head, ideas of all the possible matters that could make a happy Edward of last night go to this concerned Edward now. I had a feeling I already knew what it was about, a tired some topic, really. So I came to one single conclusion.

I didn't really care but we were ending it once and for all today.

I don't know how or what happened since my thoughts but when I came back into reality I saw I was sitting in the passenger side of Edward's car. Once settling into this new found fact I found myself glaring at Edward. He slowly looked over at me and sighed. "What?" He asked.

"Dare I ask what about?" I asked him. He just looked onto the road making my huff.

"I've come to a conclusion," He said making my blink and stare at him with wonder. I had a feeling this was off topic due to the fact there shouldn't have been anything he was deciding over. Nothing I knew of anyway. "Your mind is like a radio with a bad signal."

"Excuse me?" I squeaked out with wide eyes. He looked over at me, chuckled, and looked back at the road.

"As I talked to your father this morning you began to think thoughts at a rapid pace and before I knew it," He paused and sighed in anger and frustration. "It all faded. I couldn't hear a thing." I remembered that's where I zoned out. I was thinking about too much and didn't even have a sense of what was going on. I also noticed how easily it was for him to change subjects on me. I guess I'd have to wait till lunch or after school to confront him.

Edward parked and quickly opened my door and helped me out. Holding hands, we walked towards school where whispers could be heard. It was the second day and people haven't gotten over it yet. I figured this would be a long, long day.

I wanted to talk to Edward so badly but I had a feeling he'd just shake it off. So I decided I'd wait till later where I could possibly argue myself into the discussion and it'd be too late for him to pull himself out. That could work. I looked around the math room and smiled on how Edward wasn't here and therefore could not hear my thoughts. I was getting used to thinking stupid or certain things and getting caught. Apparently, this time was different.

All my classes consisted of me in deep thought. But luckily the teachers decided not to bother me today. The bell for my last class before lunch ended bringing me out of my daze. While walking to my locker I remembered I had gym today. Just another aimless class to put off english just a but longer. Lovely.

I got into the lunch room but skidded to a stop when I just remembered something. My eyes slowly shifted over to a certain table.

"So you and Ebony have never met? What a shame. Perhaps there is a way for you and her to get to know one another better?" My father asked making me pale.

"Well Ebony and I do share lunch together. Would you like to join sitting with Ebony? No one will mind, I'm sure." Alice smiled showing her teeth. My dad's eyes gleamed with excitement. He smiled too and looked over at me expectantly. My mouth was slightly open but nothing was coming out. I wanted to decline, to save myself from a nerve-racking lunch, but I don't think I had a choice.

"Sure," I forced myself to smile. Alice stared at me knowingly. "I would love to."

"Wonderful!" My father beamed, his hands clasped together. I wanted to wail and complain like a little kid right there and then.

I saw Alice look up at me and smile, beckoning me over. I scanned over the rest of the table and saw Edward sitting there, waiting for me. So he knew. Of course he did. Grumbling and listing a string of profanities along with threats to my father I begrudgingly sat down. Now, I had nothing against the Cullens..

Obviously.

But the thing was I just don't know how I could handle being myself in front of a bunch of vampires. I do have that attitude were I often say 'I don't care what people think of me,' but when it comes to people who are literally beyond perfect that all changes. After all, that attitude is aimed towards those of imperfections, humans who's hearts still beat. Their heats don't beat at all.

Sighing I sat down next to Edward who smiled, a gesture to make me feel welcomed. Alice grinned and so did Emmett but Jasper and Rosalie remained emotionless. I was more surprised but the smiles then the other reactions. Alice giggled and said hello. I responded quickly to make sure I didn't seem rude. Edward chuckled and slid his arm around my waist.

I could feel myself sit on the edge of the seat, a sign of my nervousness and tense reaction to anything they might do. But then suddenly, I was at ease. Calm. I knew who this was and looked over at Jasper a little surprised, again. I didn't expect Jasper to even partake in anything that had to do with me- helping me relax no less. "Thanks." I said airily. He gave me a curt nod before looking away. Even though I was now relaxed, I noticed he wasn't. He looked exactly like I just had moments before. I had an idea why. "I'm sorry," I said and looked at him feeling bad now but still calm. "Does it bother you too much? I really don't have to sit here, my dad won't know."

"No," Came his strangled reply. He sounded like he was holding his breath, something I wouldn't doubt for a second. "It's alright, I can deal." He told me and gave me a small smile. Edward turned my attention towards him and away from Jasper.

"Alice asked you something." He told me.

"Oh! I'm sorry Alice." I said and smiled apologetically at her.

"It's alright," She said sounding very happy. I began to grow curious on how she would sound like if she were mad and if she ever was mad in her life. It was something that easily could have been pondered on. "I was asking how your school year was so far. Being new and all." She repeated herself.

"I like it a lot better then Los Angeles. I'd choose rain and woods anyway over smog and honking cars." I said almost bitterly making Alice laugh out loud. It was a beautiful laugh, one that stunned most people in the lunch room. I wasn't sure but I assumed this was the most interaction and emotion they've seen from any Cullen ever.

"You'd be correct." Edward whispered in my ear making me roll my eyes. I never got surprised or annoyed anymore when he did that. It was growing as a habit to have him answer my meaningless thinking. Alice and began to grow in conversation with Emmett joining every now and then. Near the end of lunch I realized it wasn't bad sitting there after all. It was nice actually.

I groaned when I had gym. Edward walked me to the class and then was gone, leaving me with Mike. In gym Mike happily talked to me and I guess I could say gym wasn't all the bad. But I was more excited as it was over and I was making my way to english. I rushed into the room finding myself being one of the first ones. Other then Lawrence, Edward, and Mr. Fronce. "Ebony!" Mr. Fronce said sounding astounded. "Two minutes early to class. What a lovely turn of events." He smiled.

I blushed. I guess I didn't have to rush. "Um, yeah." I said lamely and sat down next to Edward. Mr. Fronce's eyes lingered on Edward in a curious fashion before he looked towards the other students filing in. Mike frowned when he came in late and found out he'd be sitting next to Lawrence. I wanted to giggle but held it in.

English was done and I ran out the door and to Edward's car. He looked at me confused as I hopped in and waited for him to start the car. "Where's the fire?" He asked as he got in. For once, I was feeling that he was going to slow.

"We need to talk. Want to go for a walk near my house?" I said impatiently as all the things I wanted to say swam in my head. He groaned and started the car.

"It's gone again!" He complained and began to drive?

"What?" I asked confused.

"Your thoughts. They faded. Again!" He almost yelled out.

"I don't care, you never answered my question. We'll figure that out later." I dismissed it like every other time. He sighed and pulled into my driveway.

"Yes, we can." He answered and opened my door. I grabbed his hand and threw my bookbag into the house. We both went into the woods near my house for a walk. After a long time of silence I stopped us where the fallen tree was where I ended up last time and sat on it again. "What do you want to talk about Ebony?" He asked sounding actually interested.

"I want to clear the air." I told him making him furrow his brows. "About this morning." I explained. He frowned. I sighed in frustration and ran my hand through my hair. "Since, apparently, we are not past that stage I want to clear it up now so it's not an on going battle in our relationship. You and I both know it will come up again." I told him. He didn't say anything. "Edward," I pleaded.

He looked at me with his hard eyes and scanned over my face softly. After looking for a moment he began to speak and I listened. "I just don't think you realize what you're missing out on." He finally told me. I smiled in satisfaction of knowing what I thought this morning was correct. Luckily for me, I planned for this response.

"I'm missing out on nothing Edward." I told him with rehearsed confidence.

"There are things I can't offer you. Things I can give you like a real boyfriend should. I want to be able to do those things, but I can't. And I think you deserve them."

"What if I don't want them?"

"Then you're being stupid."

"But I don't. I find what I have right now is far more greater then anything else that could be given. What I get in the end is much, much better then anything else you cannot give me, ever."

"How? Like this morning, I hardly touched you and you shivered because I'm so cold. I can never hug you and you be warm. I can never stroll with you in the sunlight and go in the public. I can't just come up and kiss you without holding back. What we have is very limited." He retorted in a serious manner. I stayed silent to think about it.

"But you love me, don't you?" I asked after awhile. He looked very taken aback and surprised.

"Yes, of course." He said instantly. I smiled warmly while jumping off the fallen tree and walked towards him. I slid my arms around his cool waist and pressed myself up against him. Even though he was as cold as ice, I felt warm and completed.

"Then how could any of that ever matter?" I asked him and squeezed my arms. He stayed silent now as if he was thinking it over and then sighed. But it was a content, satisfied sigh. I knew this argument was over. "I don't need any of that because I know you love me. I don't need any of that. I love you Edward Cullen." I told him and kissed his chest.

"I love you too Ebony." He murmured as he put his nose in him hair and inhaled. I closed my eyes and giggled. My life was at a good spot right now and I begged nothing would change.

After a few moments I released him and bit my lip. He looked at me wondering and then smiled. "Wanna help me tell my dad?" I asked already knowing he knew.

"You have nothing to fear, my love." He chuckled as he grabbed my hands and led me away from the fallen tree.