Crossroads

E L E V E N

Bella was thankful for the warm air inside the restaurant. Although she could feel the coolness of Edward's skin, she still held on as they walked up to the hostess. The woman wore a bright smile, but Bella couldn't help but notice the way her eyes were glued to Edward. She and Edward shared an amused look as the woman began to stumble over her words after he had told her of their reservation.

Dinner was almost normal. The conversations that flowed between the two of them were as easy as they've always been, but there was something holding her back. There was a nagging voice lingering in the back of her mind as they talked. Bella couldn't stop thinking about what Edward had said about his ability to read minds. She found herself curious and terrified at the same time in trying to piece it together. If what he said was true, could he read her mind? Was he doing it right now?

She watched Edward closely. He made no outward reaction to her thoughts. She continued to watch him. She noticed how Edward had ordered a soup, but he hadn't touched it.

"Are you feeling okay?" She asked.

Edward's brow furled. "What do you mean?"

"You haven't eaten anything," Bella said, gesturing towards his untouched plate with her fork.

A tight smile stretched across his face. "Ah."

Edward picked up a spoon and dipped into into his soup. He awkwardly brought it up to his lips. He grimaced as he swallowed, as if it was painful for him to do so. Bella pursed her lips as she watched him. A heavy sigh spilled from between her lips. She wasn't sure what to do.

"Bella? Are you okay?"

"What did you mean about the mind reading?"

There, she had said it. Bella watched as Edward tensed, going completely still. Neither spoke for a few minutes. Edward grinned, however it was more sad than anything else.

"Nothing seems to get past you," he said, his tone had a bitter edge to it.

Bella frowned wrung her hands together in her lap, unsure of how to respond. "I guess not."

"I...are you sure you want to know? There's not going back."

Bella's heart thudded loudly in her ears. "I think it's a little too late for that."

Edward nodded, yet was hesitate to speak. She could tell he was having a hard time voicing his thoughts.

"I can read minds from a certain distance. It's apart of my secret, I suppose. My gift, if you want to call it that. When those men," his lips curled into a snarl as he spoke, "approached you I could hear their thoughts about you."

"So...you can read everyone's mind?"

Could he hear her now?

Edward laughed, the sound somewhat sour. "Everyone but you."

Bella rose an eyebrow. "Everyone but me? That seems kinda convenient."

She didn't think he was lying, yet she couldn't help but question how it seemed she was the only one immune to his gift. They were interrupted by their waitress. Her eyes focus only on Edward as she asked how their meal was going and if she could get them anything else. Instead of turning her away, like Bella thought he would, Edward turned towards the woman and said,

"She's not my sister. We're on a date right now."

The woman reared back, her face coloring as she started to stumble out an apology.

"I-I hadn't realized I said that out loud. I'm sorry. Let me know if there is anything I can get you."

Bella started after the woman, baffled beyond belief. Her tongue swiped across her bottom lip and she glanced back towards Edward. He refused to met her gaze, as if he was afraid of her reaction. She has almost ashamed to admit the thought of running crossed her mind. Things were never simple around him it seemed.