✧

Weeks have gone by and things have returned to normal. Well, as normal as it can get considering magic and immortality will always remain. It's just a matter of trying to live life to the fullest, which is something Mia's been determined to do after nearly dying.

Life is just a frail thread that can be cut at any moment, so she's not willing to waste time pondering about the past and the hardships that come with it. Instead, she's moving forward.

Soon after being released from the hospital and recovering at home for a while, she was finally able to return to school just in time for prom. She and her friends went to Seattle dress shopping and were excited over this new milestone they were entering – senior year. Even Bella was ecstatic, which was surprising considering how much she detested going shopping the last time, but Mia figures it must probably be due to Jacob.

Now that prom is here, Edward is currently waiting in the living room for her to come downstairs. Sitting in front him are Isobel and Remus, but unlike her, Remus has been glaring at him nonstop. He's been warning him through his thoughts on how he better keep her safe and make sure she has a great time unless he wishes to be cursed for an eternity.

Edward could do nothing but just smile nervously and try avoiding making eye contact, but it's proving harder than expected. Remus is just adamant on continuing to stare at him with a disapproving look while sipping his can of beer, refusing to let the vampire obtain a moment of peace.

Footsteps coming from the top of the staircase make Edward quickly stand up. He glances up and his heart practically starts beating again when seeing how beautiful she looks. Her hazel eyes are sparkling like a resplendent diamond, her chestnut locks placed onto the side have a hint of golden in them that resembles the beauty of a sunrise, and the vibrancy of her red satin dress accentuates her complexion and hugs her figure in all the right places.

God, she's truly the most magnificent woman his eyes have ever seen.

Once reaching the bottom of the staircase, Mia gives a twirl and smiles. She places her hands on her hips before saying, "So, what do we think? Alice helped me pick the dress, so if you guys don't like it, blame her."

Edward's unable to say anything as he's completely entranced by her, "You look- you look... wow. You're perfect."

Remus turns to him with a stern glare, his head shaking in disapproval that earns him an elbow from Isobel.

"You look beautiful, peach!"

Edward offers his arm for her to take and just when Mia grabs ahold of it, Remus clears his throat and blocks their path to the door. Ever since the incident, he's become extremely protective and has been clear on his expectations with Edward. Clearly he holds a tinge of resentment over him having taken so long to reach her, but that's something he tries keeping to himself.

"Now, I trust you two will be civilized," Remus points an authoritative finger at them, but focuses more on him. "Prom is the time when people get wild, so don't do anything out of impulse. Please for Merlin's sake, don't do anything."

Mia playfully rolls her eyes and places a hand against her heart to pledge her honor, "We won't do anything. You won't have to worry about that."

"I'll keep her safe, Professor Lupin," Edward politely says, refusing to accidentally call him by his given name since the last time, he was reprimanded for it. "Nothing like that will happen."

Remus narrows his eyes at him, but chooses to hold him accountable for it, "Good, then I hope you both have an incredible time. You look amazing, Mia." He turns to Edward with a deadpan look, "I guess you too, Edward."

Isobel scoffs and shoves him back, now holding a camera in hand, "Now, smile for the picture!"

Mia leans closer to Edward just as he pulls her by the waist toward him, both of them now smiling at the camera and listening to Isobel's instructions on the various poses she wants them to do.

After a long while of tons of photographs, Mia and Edward are finally able to head to prom. She practically runs toward his Volvo with excitement, which makes him ask that she's careful just to avoid any of her stitches from opening. He holds the door open for her as she turns on the radio, now belting out the lyrics to "Twist of Fate" by Olivia Newton-John.

"Life doesn't mean a thing without the love you bring!" Mia gestures toward him as he chuckles at her singing being incredibly off key. "Love is what we found the second time around!"

In a strange way, the lyrics connect with their past journey. Even if Edward doesn't remember anything from his human life as a wizard, he's comforted by the fact that Mia remembers for the both of them. They might not have agreed in the past, but they've received a second chance. Love brewed between them the second time around like the melody says, and they couldn't prevent feeling the most fortunate for another opportunity being granted.

As Edward makes a swerve further into town, he's unable to keep his wild eyes on the road. Her carefree and lively essence brings him to life, reminding him of how fortunate he is to have found his mate after believing he never would. Even if he knew Alice's vision held this knowledge, he refused to believe it as he couldn't imagine a heart like hers could ever love him.

To be proven wrong is truly a remarkable gift.

Mia smiles in delight as she caresses the wind, her fingertips colliding with the cool breeze and becoming a part of her. The little town street becomes more crowded and it isn't until hearing the loud music coming closer that her excitement is about to lose control.

Blinding luminescence in the shape of fairy lights decorate a cottage-like ballroom. People are dressed in their lavish tuxes and dresses, making the place an epitome of grace and extravagance. Since previously a masquerade theme had been chosen, a Monte Carlo one had been voted this time.

"I'll be right back," Edward tells her as he holds open the passenger door, prompting her to take a seat on a concrete bench.

"Mia!" Bella calls out as she and Jacob make their way over to her.

She smiles happily and welcomes them with a tight embrace, "You guys look amazing! I'm glad you could make it, wolfie."

Bella smiles, her arm remaining interlocked with Jacob's, "I managed to help him get out of his family dinner. Billy's not too happy with me though."

He softly laughs and shakes his head, "He'll get over it, Bells. It's not like me missing the same dinners we have every night will make the world stop turning."

"Tell me about it," Mia grumbles, shaking her head at the memory of how much her mother wanted them to have dinner before the dance. Considering their last gathering didn't go so well, she tried getting out of it since she and Edward will go somewhere after the dance.

"Did everything work out with your family back in London, M?"

It takes her a while to comprehend what he's asking, but that's when she remembers the excuse for her absence had been due to a family emergency. Whenever anyone asks her about it, she gives a nonchalant shrug and offers the most vague response, "Everything's fine. Nothing to worry about."

Bella knows her boyfriend is intent on asking more, so she starts guiding him to the entrance. It sure helps seeing Edward coming back and since the last time both he and Jacob got into a semi-altercation, making sure they avoid crossing paths would be the most prudent.

"We'll see you inside, Mia," she softly says, avoiding the glare her boyfriend is sending Edward.

Mia gazes at her boyfriend and is unable to miss the harsh glare he sends Jacob's way, almost as if they're communicating through their expressions and thoughts.

"Hope you have a good time, M," Jacob says, bitterness and irritation lacing his tone.

Edward places an around her, both of them now heading to the entrance where a photoshoot is taking place. She smiles and eagerly jumps over a couple of steps, causing him to chuckle at her adorable excitement.

"Eric really went all out," Mia stares in amazement at the scenery, wondering about the budget the school had offered him.

"It's clear he really preferred this theme over the masquerade one," Edward comments as he and Mia reach the photo shoot station in the shape of an arch with bright lights saying Casino Monte Carlo.

After the most formal picture ever taken, they head inside and are welcomed by a wild ambience and the most lavish decorations. Various twinkling lights surround the area, a large disco ball is hung in the center and sparkles the floor as if stars are becoming reflected into it. In the far corner, there's a poker table where many are placing their bets and laughing with enjoyment.

Prom is obviously more important based on how many decorations and actual correlation to the theme. Sure, the masquerade dance had been fun, but with the death eaters' ambush, it certainly made the memory twist into a complicated maze.

Well, she can't complain much since it had been during the time when she was starting to fall for Edward. Dancing with him is one her favorite memories, which makes her grateful for getting the chance of doing so again tonight.

Up on the stage, Mia notices Mike and Jessica posing for photos. Upon seeing her, Mike sends her a delighted thumbs up with the widest smile on his face. Jessica waves with excitement and twirls in her pink dress, making Mia whistle at how gorgeous she looks.

"Mia!" Angela hollers from the DJ stand with Eric standing next to her.

She smiles widely, "You guys look incredible!"

"We're beating you both for the hottest couple at the prom!" Eric pumps his fists into the air and spins around, clearly the music putting him in a euphoric trance.

Angela playfully rolls her eyes, "Oh, shut up, Eric."

He nonchalantly shrugs, "What? You gotta give in to the moment, babe."

"He's right!" Mia hollers back. "But it seems you guys are winning by a lot!"

Eric extends his arms as if a point has been proven, "You see? We're the hottest couple!"

At their excitement, Edward softly chuckles and leans closer to her, "Do you want to go somewhere quieter?"

She shortens the distance between them by pulling him by the waist, "Lead the way, ghosty."

His face is so close to hers to the point she can feel his temperature on her skin, "Come with me, little witch."

With their hands interlocked, Edward guides her out of the room without looking away from her. His smile remains intact as he can't imagine anything better than right now. She tilts her head slightly, a devious look swimming in her eyes as she traces down to his lips. He swallows hard and is suddenly unable to imagine remaining in this place as they surely wouldn't obtain a moment of well-needed privacy.

The refreshing breeze brushes against her rosy cheeks as he guides her towards a gazebo decorated with tons of twinkling lights. A few couples are heading out, which makes it perfect for a moment alone.

"Shall we?" Edward rests his hand on her waist while the other lays on her palm. He pulls her closer, her heartbeat bouncing onto his chest and radiating a lively essence to fill the space. She shivers at his touch as she can't imagine anything better than this, so instead of thinking of the world around her, she chooses to solely focus on right now.

Cyndi Lauper's song, "Time After Time," starts playing in the background. The soft melody entrances them as if a siren had begun her song, making them quiet for a moment as they take in their companionable silence.

Mia closes her eyes for a brief moment, their foreheads now resting against the other. She can feel her heart banging against her chest and the blood gathering in her cheeks. Usually, she would be embarrassed of him knowing how nervous he makes her, but for the first time, she's glad he's well aware of it.

Expressing herself has never been her strong suit. Her feelings explode impulsively, and sometimes it happens at the most inconvenient time, but now, she couldn't care less about it. She loves him and isn't afraid of showing it.

She glances up and notices Edward staring at her as if admiring the most exquisite masterpiece, as if she's the sun and he's the earth, and as if she's the snow falling on a crystallized beach. He looks at her like she's the most important person and it makes her heart perform a somersault.

"What is it?" she softly asks.

Edward's gaze melts at the sound of her voice, "I love you."

Mia is quiet for a moment, mainly due to being absolutely stunned at hearing the words she's been longing for. His golden eyes make her heart skip a beat and bring goosebumps to trail down her skin. Her breath becomes hitched and it's taking everything not to lose it right now.

Her voice comes out lower than intended, "It's the first time you've ever said it."

He softly smiles, "To be fair, I've been wanting to tell you for a while, but you kept telling me to wait until the time is right."

She laughs lightly, "And is it the right time now?"

Edward pauses for a quarter of a second, "It always has been. Everything is always right when I'm with you, so I don't intend on holding back anymore. I know I'm not perfect, but I will do everything to make you proud because I can't imagine not having you in my life. That is a promise I will forever keep."

Her expression is full of adoration and a consuming love as her heart insists on racing uncontrollably, "I'm already proud of you and I always will be, but that doesn't mean you won't be getting on my nerves all the time."

"Oh, really?" Edward tilts his head slightly, his golden eyes becoming much more consumed with love. "That sounds like a challenge, little witch."

She holds him with such gentleness as their noses bump against the other, "You're an idiot, Edward Cullen."

"Maybe," he chuckles, shortening the distance between them even more. "But as long as I'm your idiot, there's nothing else I could ever ask for."

Mia pushes herself on the tips of her toes and Edward meets her halfway, the gap between them closing as he captures her in a kiss full of a promise that this is forever.