Sunlight Filtered Through Green Leaves

Chapter 10

Bella

Like everyday this week, Edward's gone when we get back. He's been running to Seattle and back most nights. Alice says pent up energy, but I know it's to avoid the teasing.

The revelation that Edward would fall in love with Beau shook the household, most of all Edward. I'd tried talking to him about it, that night.

"Eddie, Ed-boy—"

"Please don't," he'd interrupted me.

"Just listen," I said. "Beau's one of my best friends. He's kind, sincere, funny—"

"Don't you think I know? That's why I'm trying so desperately to preserve his life, to keep him alive and whole!" Edward moaned, far too dramatic for me. Though, I knew I wasn't being fair. To Edward, Beau's life depended on his ability to stay the fuck in his own lane, to not ruin the poor boy's life.

"What, cause he's funny?" I joked, desperate to ease the mounting tension. I never did too well with grave situations. "He's not exactly going to have a career in comedy."

"Bella, this isn't a joke," Edward snarled. "His entire life's ruined now, all because of me. It's unthinkable. This will wrench us both apart."

"Alice doesn't think so," I said in a small voice. "She said there might be a chance, if you were strong enough."

"I really don't think I am," Edward laughed humorlessly. "I won't condemn him to this half-life, stuck in purgatory, undead for all eternity."

"Okay, edge-lord," I muttered. Edward scowled at me, but he was clearly hurting. I might not like him all the time, but he was my brother, I loved him unconditionally. I looped my arm around his, leaning my head on his marble shoulder. He held perfectly still, accepting my small comfort.

"It's going to be okay," I said softly. "I believe in you."

It's going to be okay. I repeat that to myself now, forcing myself to believe it. It might work itself out. Beau seemed to be perfectly normal. We talked, laughed, and texted just the same as we had.

My phone chimes, jarring me from my thoughts. The group chat was blowing up, and I had a separate message from Beau, a reading list of classics he thought I'd like. He offered to bring me some. I text out a reply, telling him to bring the easiest one.

JESS: Mike just asked me to prom!!!! Here's the promposal!!

This was followed by heart emoji's of every color and a picture of a badly written poster, bearing the words, "Prom would be sweeter if you came with me." There was a collection of Jess's favorite candy beside it and a cheap look bouquet. To me, it looked like he'd thrown it together hastily after school, but I couldn't rain on her parade.

ANGELA: So sweet! You guys are so cute together!

LAUREN: We should be in a group together. Think Tyler wants to go with me?

BEAU: That's great, Jess!

BEAU: Lauren, you could go with Tyler and Angela could go with Eric maybe? Still need to find a date for Bella.

I grin, replying quickly.

ME: Someone find me a mans

ME: I wish you were going, Beau. I could've been your platonic date.

BEAU: You're too gorgeous for me. Pics would come out crazy.

I sent the heart eyes in response, clicking off my phone and pulling my homework out. Still, prom weighed on my mind. Not for the first time, I realize everyone's paired off. It used to be okay, since Edward was alone too, but now, he had his strange life-or-death thing with Beau and I was alone.