Chapter 56, The Intruder
"Damned vampire."

✧

Two weeks left.

Only two more weeks until graduation and until finally returning home. It was hard breaking the news, but Mia received endless support. Her friends from Forks High were told she would be attending a university in England, which was enough to convince them not to ask her any more questions.

Bella, Jackson, and Jacob are the only ones that know about where she was truly headed. Considering they were there for her through everything and were aware of the problems happening back home, keeping the truth from them didn't seem reasonable. Not to mention how it was inevitable for Bella not to become more involved since Charlie and Isobel were set to marry very soon. He would be a part of the supernatural regardless of any attempts of secrecy, especially since Bella's dating a shapeshifter and his future wife was a witch with a daughter who also carried the same power.

With Victoria's abrupt departure and no sign of Dimitri or any death eaters, Forks had become strangely quiet. It brought relief to the town, but to those who knew the full story, they were aware silence couldn't be linked to anything good.

Now with graduation having taken over everyone's minds, a sense of euphoria flew through the air. Everyone was making plans for college or if they were choosing to take a gap year. Many were staying in Forks, but many were also leaving for the city.

For the past month, Mia had been focused on working on her salutatorian speech. She worked extremely hard to raise her grades and get back on track. The valedictorian spot was nearly in her reach, but having missed a few assignments prevented her from the honor. It wasn't like she was complaining. If anything, she was proud of herself for her hardwork and not letting Edward's return affect her.

However, she couldn't pretend his presence wasn't painful. He was in nearly every one of her classes, and before, she used to view it as a gift, but it was now her worst nightmare. Ignoring him was much more challenging as it seemed their break up was the only source of entertainment for everyone. With their peering eyes and whispers, Mia longed for the time when he wasn't here. There was more privacy, but now, she had become a public spectacle.

"Make sure to call me every day and send me lots of letters," Bella demanded while placing a pear on her tray. "Keep me up to date on everything and if you miss a call, I will fly over there and yell at you."

Pretending to tremble in fear, Mia teasingly rolled her eyes before laughing, "I'll make note of that. I wouldn't want you to embarrass me in front of everyone."

"You do that yourself," she pointed out, playfully nudging her on the shoulder.

"Says the clumsy one who trips over anything," Mia retorted and Bella pretended to be offended by gasping.

"I'm extremely coordinated. You offend-" Bella didn't finish her sentence since she nearly slipped when stepping over her shoelace.

Mia nearly dropped her lunch to prevent her fall and gave her a look of 'I told you so.' She chuckled as Bella pretended to be annoyed and walked to their lunch table, sitting herself next to Jessica and Eric.

"You guys are just in time. All right, check it out," Mike pointed his pen at them as he held a black notebook. Clearing his throat, he deepened his voice as if addressing the entire student body, "My fellow students. Right?"

"Wow, great start," Mia sarcastically said, earning agreeing nods from the rest.

"We are the future. Anything is possible if you just believe," Mike said with pride, believing his idea for a valedictorian speech was the greatest thing to have been created. "Blah, blah, blah – and you got yourself a speech."

Jessica frowned as he tossed her notebook back at her, "No, this will be my speech when I want everyone to throw diplomas at my head." She crumbled the piece of paper Mike had written in and tossed it to his face, "So, thank you."

"Good thing you're not valedictorian or else we would be screwed," Mia popped a grape into her mouth and barely dodged Mike's attempt at throwing the crumbled paper at her.

"How about I write your speech, little Grey?" Mike leaned forward, plopping his elbows against the table rather too harshly. "I guarantee I'll write you a better one than Jess' that no one will remember hers, but only yours."

She laughed loudly, "In your dreams. Jessica's speech will be epic."

"And Mia's will be groundbreaking," Jessica added, both she and Mia glaring at Mike with satisfaction as he sunk into his seat in defeat.

"You both have to embrace the clichés," Mike suggested.

Eric nodded in agreement, "They're the bread and butter of all valedictorians and salutatorians."

Angela hummed in thought for a moment before answering her boyfriend, "And that is why you are not valedictorian."

"Jess and Mia's speeches don't need clichés," Bella pointed out. "Their speeches will be the best this school has ever heard."

"Exactly. They will change lives," Jessica stated, certain about their success in creating the most impactful declarations.

Mia's enjoyment faded once Edward, Alice, and Jasper took a seat at their table. She clenched her fist under the table and scooted herself further from Edward, who had chosen the spot next to her in an attempt at getting a word with her.

"I've decided to throw a party," Alice announced through a bright smile, her hands interlocking and placing themselves on the table.

"After all, how many times are we going to graduate high school?" Jasper's inside joke caused Mia and Bella to exchange annoyed looks, both of them not bothering to hide their dislike for the three vampires.

Angela was surprised, "A party? At your place?"

Jessica stared at them in shock, "I've never seen your house."

"No one's ever seen their house except for Mia," Eric stated the obvious, receiving a kick from Angela for bringing it up.

"It's not that great. There's better houses out there," Mia leaned back against her chair, glaring at the vampires so heavily that she might as well have hexed them instead. "And really, Alice? A party?"

"It'll be fun," Alice emphasized on the last word, an attempt at pleading her case that her celebration would be incredible.

"Hmm, I doubt it," Mia sensed Edward's gaze on her and she didn't think twice in demanding him to stop simply with one look. His golden eyes still made her melt and made her heart skip a beat. She knew he was aware of it by the reciprocating look he gave her and it infuriated her that he was able to get a glimpse into her after everything.

Damned vampire.

When Mia finally looked away, she noticed Alice's familiar blank stare, indicating she was having one of her visions. However, something was different this time. Compared to the other visions she had, this one made her fall back against her chair and adorn her face with worry. Mia turned to Edward, who appeared deep in thought like he usually does when reading someone's mind.

Remembering the others were still here, Mia started covering for Alice, "Hey, guys. I have an idea."

The table – with the exception of the Cullens – quickly place their attention on her.

"I was thinking of heading to La Push later today. It's been a while since we've been there, so how about a beach trip?" Mia lit up once everyone was quick to agree and started making plans right away. She glanced back at Edward, noticing the worried crease on his forehead and his golden eyes darkening with gloom.

Something was wrong and from the looks of it, Mia already knew he wouldn't tell her a single thing. Still, it didn't mean she wouldn't figure it out. He wasn't the only one who could read thoughts as she only had to focus well enough and cast the Legilimency spell.

The bell rung and Mia hurried in gathering her belongings before walking away. Mr. Molina's class was next, which meant she and Edward would be sitting together and forced to work on their review for their final. It would be the perfect time to try and acquire answers before resorting to magic. It all depended on him and if he was willing to be honest for once – something that she was highly doubting.

Edward arrived and took his spot next to her. He wanted to spark up a conversation, but already knowing Mia was refusing to acknowledge him, he settled on staying silent and hoping she would make the first move.

Mr. Molina began his lesson and handed out the review sheets. He emphasized how the exam counted for forty percent of their final grade and no second chances would be offered. Oddly, Mia was reminded of what the Volturi said about offering a second chance, causing her to tense as she recalled Alice's vision of seeing her as a vampire. God, she really hoped immortality would never reach her.

"You may begin," Mr. Molina said, the class soon becoming louder and chatting about graduation instead of the review.

"Are you going to tell me what Alice saw, or are you going to lie to me about it?" Mia broke the silence, continuing to write the answer to the first question before turning to him. His microexpressions give away his debate on being honest or keeping her in the dark. He claimed to be a closed book, but she knew him extremely well to know when he was hiding something.

Edward knew there was no use in keeping a secret from her. If he wanted to win her trust back, he needed to prove he was worthy of it. Continuing to lie would only make their situation worse and he promised to never make the same mistake twice. "Alice saw Victoria near the border. She's back, so we're going to try and catch her."

Mia was surprised he chose to take the high route. He was always great at keeping secrets, claiming he was only doing it to protect her, but it appeared he was learning from his mistake. Of course, it was the bare minimum, so it wasn't enough to make her willing to trust him again.

"What if I come? I can use my magic on her-"

"No," he quickly denied. "I know you're capable of defending yourself, but this is a mess we caused, so we're going to take care of it."

"Right, 'cause you have been so great at it," she sarcastically said and returned back to her work.

"That's not all of it," Edward continued. "We've been tracking the situation in Seattle for a while. Unexplained disappearances. Killings. If the situation gets any more conspicuous, the Volturi will step in."

If the coven made an appearance, nothing would stop them from coming to Forks to make sure the promise had been fulfilled. Second chances weren't usually offered, so if they learn she's still human, it was safe to assume the worst will occur.

However, there was always a loophole. There wasn't a time limit for her transition and it helped having her full powers back. It might be a lot to handle, but she wouldn't become a vampire without putting up a fight. Besides, she would be leaving Forks soon, so the Volturi would be the least of her problems.

"If they go to Seattle, they can come here and they will see you're still human," Edward explained the obvious, unaware she stopped paying attention and was now focusing on doing her work instead. "We'll go to Seattle if we have to and we will take care of the issue before it gets worse. I will make sure Alice's vision never happens. You won't ever become one of us."

She hummed in response, still refusing to look at him. "It's not your choice, Edward. Remember that before deciding for me."

His brows furrowed in confusion, "I thought you didn't want to become one of us."

"I don't," Mia harshly dropped her pencil as her eyes darken and jaw clenches. "But you're making it sound like it's your choice to make. Not mine. You're not making sure of anything, because I'll handle the problem myself."

"And how will you do that? By running away?" Edward retorted, his voice coming out lower than intended, but the judgment in his tone still being just as noticeable.

Mia actually had to take a minute to reconsider if what she heard was right. She refused to believe he was judging her for wanting to leave the place that nearly broke her. After everything he did, she was appalled he was snapping back at her as if he were right. "I would only be following in your footsteps, or should I remind you how I'm in this mess because of you? I should have known better than getting involved with a vampire, but I learned my lesson unlike some people."

Edward turned quiet, unsure of how to respond considering she was right. Meeting him brought tragedy into her life. He knew how dangerous it was for a vampire to get involved with a human. It didn't matter if she was a witch, because there would still be a risk regardless of their involvement in the supernatural. He should have stayed away, but it was his stubborn heart that prevented him from thinking rationally, so really, how could he argue against her?

"I'm sorry," he told her. "You're right and I will try not to involve myself in your decisions."

Mia knew how hard he was trying to earn her trust back, but whenever she considered forgiving him, the words he said and how easily he said them made her unable to follow through. Not to mention how he still doubted being honest, even when it was about matters that involved her. She appreciated him for telling her about Victoria, but it wasn't enough.

And she worried nothing ever would be.

__________________

By the time she arrived home from La Push, it was already nightfall. She parked her car and grabbed the food she picked up from the cafe since Isobel was working late with Charlie on a case about a missing boy from Seattle, Riley Biers. Apparently, he's been missing for a year and there's been no trace of him. His parents were still holding out the hope they would find him, but it was becoming more unlikely by the minute.

Mia wondered how long her mother would look for her if she ever were to go missing. She gave it about six months, but the voice at the back of her head reminded her to stay positive and believe she was loved. It was something she was working on, but change doesn't happen overnight, so it was a work in progress.

She reached into her bag for her keys, but was taken by surprise when the door was already open. That was when she noticed footprints heading out in the direction of the forest. Someone entered uninvited and the thought that their spells weren't working made her afraid that they were still unsafe in their own home.

Quietly, Mia placed her belongings on the porch. She cautiously entered, making sure not to make much noise just in case the intruder was still here. A part of her really hoped they were as she would rather get rid of the issue already and stop worrying about it, but the other part worried this visit could end with a terrible outcome. Luck wasn't always on her side, so she wouldn't allow her hubris to cloud her judgment.

She approached the living room, checking in every corner or any possible place anyone could hide in. No sign of anyone. It was vacant. She headed to the next room and once making sure there was no one on the first floor, she walked up the stairs much quieter and carefully. Everything seemed normal, but that was when noticed her bedroom door wide open. It was always closed. Mainly for privacy reasons.

Mia tilted her head slightly, her gaze hardening and mind running with all kinds of spells. She didn't bother entering quietly now and instead dashed in ready to attack, but there was no one there. It was just her standing in the middle surrounded by her books and luggage.

However, the sound of footsteps frantically running up made the alarms in her head go off. She didn't bother waiting to see who it was as before she knew it, a surge of power sends the person slamming against the wall and falling down to the first floor.

Mia stormed toward the stairs and looked down, her adrenaline disappearing when realizing it was Edward. "Are you serious? What are you doing here?"

Edward took a moment to compose himself from the impact. He groaned slightly and rubbed the back of his head, the impact of her magic having inflicted physical pain. "I'm alright, Mia. Thanks for asking."

Mia hastily ran down the stairs and kneeled in front of him. Her hands reached for the base of his neck as she gently raised his chin to acquire a better look. Her eyes traced down his skin, worrying she could have hurt him beyond measure. Carefully, she lowered his hand from his temple and inspected the spot that was clearly hurting him. Her fingers ran through his locks, his cold temperature replenishing her like a breeze on a hot summer day.

Edward became entranced by their proximity. He admired her hazel eyes, the faint brown in them mixing with the green that created a perfect combination. She was staring at him like she did months ago, like he was the diamond she found in the rough, like she was admiring a painting from the most prestigious museums, like she was listening to a song for the first time, and like she made a discovery before anyone else.

Mia was looking at him with love and he considered himself the most fortunate yet unworthy of being granted this gift.

Her love was a treasure that witnessing this look made him feel ashamed. He shouldn't be struggling to reach for the stars or wanting to acquire a touch from the sun. He already had all of this and it was his mistake that cost him his dream. How dare he relish in the moment knowing he had been to blame for wrecking it?

Edward didn't deserve her and there would never come a day when he would forgive himself for the pain he caused.

Before Mia could say anything, he was reminded of why he came here and wasted no time in rushing up the stairs. She glared up at him with her mouth slightly agape and eyes narrowed, "Sure, why don't you come inside? Make yourself at home."

In the middle of her room, Edward was glancing around before heading to her window. He checked the locks, relieved when finding them intact and then turned around to face her. "Someone was in here. I caught their scent from a mile away."

"I know," she said, looking back at the footprints seen earlier and her front door being open.

His eyes widened in disbelief that she still entered despite knowing the intruder could still be here, "And you still entered? Are you insane?"

Mia pursed her lips into a tight line and nonchalantly nodded. Sure enough, her stoicism frustrated him much more. She knew it was important to be serious in a moment like this, but she couldn't deny how fun it was to get under his nerves. At least he would be feeling what she did whenever he was around.

"Considering I threw you down the stairs, I say my chances of defending myself are pretty high," she argued, but even through her supposed carelessness, it worried her that the intruder managed to enter in spite of the protection spells having been casted. Whether they were a vampire or death eaters, it was unnerving to no longer feel safe in the place that was supposed to bring comfort and security.

Edward noticed how she was pinching her forearm and how her eyes were full of worry. He knew her too well to know when she was pretending to be alright and this was one of those times. "They left, Mia, so you're safe."

"For now."

"Come on. Let's go," Edward tried guiding her down the stairs, but she staggered back once he got too close. Her rejection hurt more than anything, but he didn't allow him to drown in his sorrows. He needed to get her somewhere safe and his house was the lesser of two evils.

Mia dreaded stepping a foot there, especially after having destroyed it and not doing anything to fix it. She knew it would have been the right thing, but her anger prevented her from remedying her mistake, so she was dreading having to face the new appearance of the home she ruined. To make matters worse, she would now be forced into enduring the remainder of the night with the people that hurt her the most.

The only thing that brought her comfort was knowing she would be back home soon and wouldn't have to see them again.

Just two more weeks.