Chapter 18

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Chapter 18

"Anna," Edward answered evenly.

He instinctively pulled Isabella closer to his side and squeezed the hand that was inside of his. He immediately looked down at her when he heard Isabella gasp in surprise, telling himself that no matter what, she came first. Appearances, manners, and all that meant shit if she was uncomfortable, at all.

"Edward, it's been so long," Anna said in a totally false tone of voice.

"It has," he answered back simply.

Anna huffed, having not received the warm welcome she had wanted and then stared at his wife. She grudgingly admitted, silently, that Isabella Cullen was a pretty woman. Not beautiful, and certainly not worthy of the way Edward stared at her like she was a drink of water after he'd been in the desert for days on end.

She stood up straighter and plastered a fake smile on her face. "Well, Edward, aren't you going to introduce me?" she asked and pouted.

"Ah, sure. Beautiful, this is Anna Davenport. Anna, I'd like you to meet my wife, Isabella," he said and Anna couldn't help but boil on the inside at the way he'd all but dismissed her to stare, some more, at Isabella.

Isabella held out the hand that Edward didn't have in a death grip and waited for Anna to take it. She wasn't fooled by the smile on the woman's garishly made up face, not for one damn second. She could feel her animosity rolling off her in waves, no matter the pretended niceties she tried to fake. "It's nice to meet you," Isabella said politely.

As much as Anna wanted to ignore the gesture, she knew she couldn't, so she limply took her hand and said, "You, too." She got a smug look on her face and then said, "Edward and I go way back. We were very close," she said suggestively.

Isabella had to refrain from rolling her eyes at the implication. However, she was extremely relieved and grateful Edward had told her about Anna ahead of time, not to mention how lucky he was! "Yes, Edward has mentioned that you two knew each other many years ago," she answered, refusing to rise to the bait.

Anna couldn't help but bristle at the way Isabella so casually dismissed her relationship with Edward, as if it meant nothing. She opened her mouth to say something back but was interrupted when she felt Vincent step beside her, and squeeze her arm tightly.

"Cullen," Vincent practically hissed as he stared at Edward with blatant animosity.

Edward was prepared to be civil, at least he was until he saw Vincent leer at Isabella like she was a piece of meat and he hadn't eaten in days. Fucking asshole, Edward seethed and stepped forward, fully intending to make sure the piece of shit never looked at Isabella that way again, but was stopped when Johann approached, completely oblivious to the hostility that was present.

"Edward, Isabella, let me show you to your seats," the man said and then managed to turn them toward the aisle so they could get to their places.

Once they were seated, in choice seats about ten rows up, Edward turned anxiously toward Isabella and asked, "Love, are you all right?"

Isabella couldn't help but snicker at her adorably overprotective husband, though he still looked like he would gladly rip Vincent Sinclair from limb to limb if given the chance. "Sweetheart, I'm fine. They are both horrid people, but I'm perfectly capable of dealing with women like Anna Davenport and men, though I use the term loosely, like Vincent Sinclair," she told him and then kissed his cheek.

Edward felt most of his anger melt away with her touch and took a deep breath. "I'm so sorry," he told her, though he wasn't sure for what.

"Well, I have to say, you're very lucky you told me about Ms. Davenport before tonight," she told him and narrowed her eyes at him, "but you have nothing to be sorry for, Edward. You've done nothing to either of them to warrant them behaving that way."

"Vincent has always been like that, for as long as I can remember. As for Anna," he trailed off and opened his eyes wide when he heard Isabella snort beside him.

"Edward, really. Anna is probably kicking herself for ever doing what she did to you, for whatever reason she did it. Often, you don't realize what you have until it's gone. Not that I can blame her mind you, you are quite the catch," she said and waggled her eyebrows at him, hoping to lighten the mood a bit.

"Nothing compares to you, Beautiful," he told her sweetly, pushing all thoughts of Vincent and Anna to the back of his mind.

The lights went down and the performers walked on stage and both Edward and Isabella were lost in the music and the story. Edward couldn't help but watch her as she soaked up every note and word, and was reminded yet again what a truly extraordinary person she was. Loving, more brilliant than anyone he'd ever met, kind, loyal and as fierce and strong as anyone he knew.

To top all that off, she was his.

When the first act was over and they made their way to the bar to meet Jasper and Alice, Edward couldn't help but wonder when the conspicuously absent angel would make his next appearance.

He didn't have to wait for long to find out. By the time they'd been seated at the table to wait for the others, after being stopped numerous times to say hello to other colleagues and having taken the time to proudly introduce his wife along the way, the angel materialized in the seat opposite him. Seth was wearing a tux that looked unlike any other he'd ever seen before, though there was no way in hell he could ever explain how or what it was that made it different. For an angel, he dressed well, no question about it.

"You almost blew it back there, though I would have loved to see you try to explain the damn angel comment," the angel said without preamble. He waved his hand in front of Edward and the usual amber liquid appeared.

Edward picked the glass up and took a drink, closing his eyes as the angelic scotch flowed down his throat. It really was the most exquisite thing he'd ever tasted.

"Does this taste as good to everyone, or just me?" Edward questioned, purposefully ignoring the statement from before.

Seth gave Edward a level stare but indulged his charge just the same. "Well, my friend, obviously you are the only one aware of where it comes from, but for others that are highly sensitive to our kind, like the lovely Isabella for example, they would realize it tasted like nothing they'd ever had before but then wouldn't know why," the angel remarked with a grin.

"Angelic mumbo jumbo," Edward said with a smile and then took another drink, enjoying both the drink and the few moments of reprieve the angel's presence afforded him.

"Will she ever see you?" Edward wondered aloud. He really didn't know what he thought about that either. On the one hand, as much as the being annoyed the ever-living shit out of him on an almost daily basis, there was no way he could ever discount the immense comfort it gave him to have Seth's guidance. On the other, Seth's presence reminded him, daily, that he was living on borrowed time and he had no idea when it would come to an end.

The otherworldly being let his ice blue eyes twinkle as he stared, very lovingly Edward noted with a scoff, at Isabella. "Edward Anthony, I told you before, everything that concerns you is all part of the same package, most especially the amazing woman beside you. You don't think we went to all that trouble to guide her to you and then let her go, do you?" he asked incredulously and then shook his head. "If there comes a time when my existence becomes necessary for her to know, then yes, but until then I'm afraid it's just me and you."

"You'd never get anything done anyway; you don't fool me for one second," Edward told the angel person with a pointed look. "You'd spend all your damn time giving her googly eyes like a schoolboy."

"And you don't?" Seth challenged with a raised eyebrow.

Edward glanced to his left and couldn't help but reach out and run his fingers down the side of her face. It felt odd to touch her knowing she couldn't feel it, but he couldn't really help himself. What that said about him, he had no idea.

"I know you heard what she told me earlier," Edward said softly as he turned back toward Seth.

"I did."

"She really does love me," Edward stated, and for the first time ever, it didn't come out sounding like a question.

Seth beamed in pleasure, feeling his entire being light up from within. "Yes, Edward, she does."

"Her faith in me is astounding," Edward said slowly as he tried to get his thoughts in order. "Then what she said about CP, I never expected that." He shook his head as the words played over again in his mind.

"She's always believed in you, Edward. We've talked about this already. The thing you need to remember is this, my friend: Isabella is a Cullen. While neither of you have been deeply involved with your family for the obvious reasons, she belongs to your family as much you do, hers. She is the sister Emmett has always wanted, Rosalie, too, for that matter. She's the daughter Esme has always wished for, because we all know Rose doesn't give anyone the warm fuzzies even though we all love her, and as for Carlisle," Seth said and waited until he got Edward's full attention. "She is the example of grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love he needs to follow. She is yours above all else, Edward Anthony, but they all need her."

"She's the strongest person I know," Edward said quietly.

"Unquestionably," the angel responded immediately.

Edward took another drink of the amber liquid and chuckled softly to himself. When he looked up, Seth had raised one eyebrow in question. "I'm just thinking how lucky I am I told her about Anna last night; there is no question she'd have kicked my ass if I hadn't, so thank you for pushing me to do so."

"Like we've established, Eddie, I have my uses every now and then," Seth replied without missing a beat. "Now, let's talk about Vincent and Anna for a moment before I take my leave." When Edward growled the angel couldn't help but laugh. "Knock it off, Edward," he said dismissively. "I have no doubt you can keep the fair Isabella from the evil Vincent's clutches, so let's focus on the more important matter of Anna first shall we?"

"If that son of a bitch," Edward muttered as he recalled the way Vincent raked his eyes over Isabella, practically drooling as he openly stared at her.

Seth slammed his hand down on the table, causing Edward to jump in his seat from the incredibly loud sound. "Enough, Edward! We'll deal with Vincent soon enough, but you need to deal with Anna first and foremost, are we clear?" he demanded, leaving no room for argument.

He waited until Edward nodded his head and then went on in a much gentler voice; a fact of which Edward was most grateful for. He really hated being scolded like a child; at the age of thirty-five who the hell wouldn't? "As uncomfortable as the discussion with Anna is most likely to be, you still have to try to apologize to her," Seth said.

Edward huffed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "That is going to really suck; you know that right?"

"Of course I do, but you still have to do it anyway. Edward, while there are understandable reasons for why you did what you did, the fact of the matter remains that you did use Anna. Even people as seemingly unfeeling as her can be hurt by such actions. Make no mistake, Anna knew what she was doing as well, but to knowingly disregard her feelings as you did is wrong. I know she is as much at fault as you are so stop looking at me that way," the angel casually said when he noticed the incredulous look on his charge's face. "Two wrongs never make a right, Edward Anthony. They never have and they never will. Apologize and then leave it in the past."

"I know it was wrong to lead her on and pretend the way I did. I never should have let Grandfather pressure me the way he did," Edward said with obvious regret.

Anna might not have been the nicest of people and she might have been vain and shallow, but he was smart enough to understand that though she didn't show it, she did have feelings just like everyone else. He knew he treated her horribly, practically ignoring her every day, except for the occasional function they had to attend.

"No, you shouldn't have, but you did and now you must own up to your own mistakes. Asking for and granting forgiveness isn't easy for anyone, Edward, but the important things never are," Seth said knowingly.

"I know that," Edward answered, somewhat miserably the angel noticed. "You'll stay close by when it's time, won't you?"

"Yes, I will, but you knew that already. Now, try to relax and spend some time with your friends," the angel instructed and then disappeared.

"Damn bossy seraph," Edward muttered before turning toward Isabella.

He was about to say something when they both heard a very excited, "Bella!" and turned to see Alice Whitlock charging toward them with a huge smile plastered on her face.

Isabella stood up to greet her very exuberant friend. "Alice, it's so good to see you!" she said, meaning it completely. Alice was one of the most cheerful people she knew and she always brought a smile to her face.

"Oh my gosh, you, too! And damn, you look amazing," Alice told her and then hugged her again. "I've missed you."

"Thank you, and I've missed you, too," Isabella answered back and then turned toward Jasper. "Hi, Jasper. Don't you look handsome tonight?" she teased before leaning in to kiss his cheek.

"Bella, darlin', I'd say between you and Edward, the rest of us could be dressed in paper sacks and no one would even care," he told her and then gave her a hug. He took the time to whisper, "I've never seen either one of you look so happy."

He kissed her quickly and then squeezed her hand before stepping back. "And you, my friend," he said as he turned and looked at Edward. "What the hell was that with Sinclair and Anna? From up in the box it looked like you were about to knock the shit out of him," Jasper asked, a bit hesitantly for he wasn't sure how much Isabella knew.

Jasper couldn't help but chuckle when Isabella practically snarled when he said the two names but there was no mistaking the flash of fire in her eyes. He watched as Edward took her hand in his and waited until she looked at him before he answered, "Fucking asshole was just being his usual snakelike self."

The group sat, and Edward noted with a roll of his eyes that in front of everyone was a glass of what he was sure was not normal champagne, because he didn't order it and it hadn't been there before.

"Show off," he muttered almost silently and he was sure he could almost hear the satisfied laugh of the annoying angel person.

Jasper took a drink of his champagne and was vaguely aware that it tasted better than he could ever remember, but as soon as that thought entered his mind, it was gone again. He smiled as he watched his wife and Isabella catch up and turned to his best friend. "Now, tell me really what the fuck was that all about?" he demanded quietly.

He crooked his eyebrow and waited until Edward sighed and then leaned forward, but still held on to Isabella's hand Jasper noted. "Jas, you should have seen the way he was looking at Isabella," Edward hissed and Jasper had to laugh at him.

"Edward, man, are you fucking blind? Every man and woman here hasn't been able to take their eyes off your wife tonight. She looks beautiful, Edward, though not as beautiful as my Ali of course," he said with a smile.

"She's something else isn't she?" Edward asked and sounded as content as Jasper had ever seen him.

"That she is, my friend," Jasper answered fondly. There was no doubting the way he felt about Isabella, at all.

Edward took a drink of the angelic champagne and snorted as the incredible taste exploded in his mouth. It wasn't quite as good as the scotch, but it would do. He leaned in closer to Jasper, but still didn't let go of his wife's hand and whispered, "Jasper, you should have heard what she said earlier, the way she talked about CP...and Vincent. She was incredible," Edward said with a sigh and Jasper could only widen his eyes in surprise at what Edward told him.

Isabella was a brilliant woman, no question about it, but in all the time she and Edward had been married, though she'd always been supportive, it had never been blatantly so.

"Really?" Jasper asked.

Edward nodded and answered, "Yes, really."

"So, what the hell is up with Anna? Bella knows about her, right?" Jasper asked quietly, not wanting to cause trouble if his friend had been too stupid to tell Isabella about Anna before tonight.

Edward snorted and then kind of shivered which caused Jasper to chuckle. "Yes. Thankfully I was smart enough to tell Isabella about Anna last night, lucky for me."

"No shit, man. How did she take it?" Jasper asked seriously all of a sudden. Judging from the way Isabella and Edward were practically joined at the hip, it didn't seem like she was angry with him, but you could never tell.

Edward sat back in his chair a bit and took a second to think about what he wanted to tell Jasper, because obviously he couldn't tell him everything, especially his reaction to what she'd said and what happened when they got back to the penthouse. "Amazingly. If I would have let go of her, I swear she would have gone after Anna and Vincent right then and there. I don't know how she manages to be so understanding and supportive, but she does. I never should have waited so long to tell her," Edward finished quietly.

Jasper chuckled and waited until Edward looked at him. "You'll get no arguments from me, Edward. I've been after you for years to tell her about Anna. The woman did a real number on you; I know, I was there. Between her and William, you didn't stand a chance," Jasper remarked truthfully.

Edward shook his head immediately and replied back, "That's too easy, Jas. I knew all along what Anna was doing, and what she was after, yet I didn't do anything to stop her. I played along because it was easy and kept Grandfather off my back. I used her as much as she used me. I didn't deserve what she did to me, but she didn't deserve my blatant disregard for her feelings either."

Jasper stared at his best friend for many long moments before saying, "That must have been some plane ride."

Whatever had happened to his friend, and he didn't believe the plane ride story was all it was for one moment, he was extremely glad to see the Edward Cullen he knew coming through.

Edward scoffed and took a sip of his champagne, smiling as the taste exploded in his mouth as a not so subtle reminder, and said, "Jasper, you have no idea."

While Edward and Jasper were talking, Isabella tried to keep up with her friend's lively conversation. Alice was one of the sweetest people she knew, but it took a lot of energy to be friends with her. "So, Bella, tell me, where did you find your dress?" Alice asked as she narrowed her eyes and looked her up and down. Alice had never seen a dress quite like it, and she made a point to know about such things.

Isabella sighed and lifted the hand that wasn't resting inside of Edward's and pushed a piece of hair behind her ear. As she did so, she noticed the candlelight reflect off the diamond bracelet around her wrist and she couldn't help but smile and feel her heart expand with love and happiness. The bracelet and earrings were the most beautiful things she'd ever seen and not even for one moment did she think about telling Edward he shouldn't have. She accepted the extravagant gifts in the spirit in which they were intended, to make her feel special. He didn't need to give her diamonds to do so, but she sure as heck wasn't about to tell him to stop!

"Edward got it for me, so honestly, Alice, I have no idea," Isabella answered her.

Alice stared at her friend in disbelief and then immediately came to the conclusion that Edward needed to give Jasper some lessons in the romancing department. The man seriously knew what he was doing judging from the very blissed-out face of Isabella and that dreamy look she had in her eye that only came from a very satisfying love life as well.

She never thought she'd see the day.

Alice took a big drink of her champagne and with a start realized it was the most delicious champagne she'd ever tasted. She made herself a mental reminder to ask what the name of it was so she could tell Jasper to get some for the house, but as soon as that thought entered her mind, it was gone.

It seemed forgetful dust was in the champagne, too.

She shook her head and then looked around the room, catching a glimpse of Anna and Vincent at a table, and both of them were staring in their direction, well, most likely at Edward and Isabella. "That Anna Davenport is some piece of work," she said off-handedly.

Jasper had told her long ago all about the relationship, for lack of a better word, Edward had had with Anna, and at the time Alice had a hard time understanding how Edward had ever gotten involved with her in the first place. Over the years, as she got to know Edward better, or as well as he allowed her to know him and from listening to Jasper worry about his friend, she understood easily how Edward manged to get tangled up with her.

"Vile woman," Isabella practically snarled.

"I take it you know about her and ah...Edward's whatever you want to call it?" Alice questioned with a raised eyebrow.

Alice bit back a laugh when Isabella narrowed her eyes and glared at the other woman; that was certainly unlike the Isabella Cullen she was used to. She had to say, she rather liked seeing her friend be a bit fiery; it just reinforced her belief that things had certainly improved for both Edward and Isabella.

Isabella nodded her head once, very quickly and then picked up her glass of champagne. "He did, luckily for him. Not that I blame him for what happened, mind you, but I would not have enjoyed meeting Anna having not known about their history," Isabella answered as she thought about all Edward had told her.

It wasn't as if she didn't understand that what Edward had done in regard to Anna was wrong, but she knew that women, especially women like Anna, had the innate ability to use a man's weakness and exploit it to their own advantage. In Edward's case, his unwillingness to allow himself to get close to anyone was all fine and good for Anna, as long as it suited her needs. When her needs changed, she didn't understand, nor did she try to, why Edward didn't change as well.

Because Anna didn't really care about Edward at all, and certainly didn't consider his feelings or needs, it didn't take long at all for her to tire of his seeming indifference. As one who was used to getting what she wanted, when she wanted, she lashed out and tried to hurt him.

For all of those reasons, Isabella felt a strong dislike, one that bordered on hatred and she didn't hate anyone, burn like a smoldering fire. No one hurt Edward, especially on purpose, and got away with it. She'd hold her tongue and be polite, but if Anna thought she could intimidate her, she certainly had another thing coming. When it came to Edward, no one was safe from her wrath, especially if they tried it again.

The patrons at the tables surrounding theirs began finishing up their drinks and gathering their things to head back into the theater, so Isabella knew that intermission was coming to a close. She felt Edward squeeze her hand and when she looked at him, he asked, "Are you okay, Beautiful?"

She smiled at him. He was so attentive and sweet sometimes that he made her just stare at him in disbelief. "Yes, I'm fine."

Edward stood and helped Isabella up and then placed his hand on the small of her back. The group headed back into the theater and each duo headed toward their seats. Cullen Publishing did have a box in the theater, but Edward preferred to sit closer to the stage. As the head of the company and the figurehead for the support CP gave the opera, it was expected that he be somewhat accessible and he couldn't do that sitting up in the box. Besides, even though it was probably done unconsciously, he knew Isabella preferred to sit closer to the stage so she could see everything. In the past she might not have attended every performance with him, but she did so often enough so that he knew what she liked and disliked.

The lights were dimmed, and once again Edward found himself lost in the music and the story in front of him, not to mention his beautiful wife beside him.

Anna Davenport looked around the theater from the Sinclair Publishing box as the performance started. She couldn't help but be drawn to Edward and Isabella, no matter how hard she tried. She vaguely heard Vincent and the others beside and behind her crassly discuss things that were certainly not appropriate for their present surroundings. In all honesty, they'd probably only be appropriate in strip club and even then, only barely.

She tuned out Vince and his cronies easily, having had to do so for many years now and decided to just give in and watch Edward and Isabella. She looked on as he put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close and whisper something in her ear. Obviously she had no idea what he said, but judging from the way Isabella ducked her head and he ran his fingers along her neck, it was something intimate and meant only for her.

Sighing she shifted in her seat for suddenly she was filled with a great many unpleasant and admittedly most uncomfortable thoughts; the most prevalent one being, she was jealous. That one threw her for quite the loop because she didn't get jealous of anyone, ever, but she was. She was positively green with it, almost overwhelmed by it. She stared at Isabella Cullen again and though she wouldn't go so far as to say she envied her specifically, it was hard to not want what she had. Edward obviously loved and adored her judging from the way he looked at her and couldn't stop touching her. It was obvious Jasper and Alice Whitlock were both incredibly fond of her by the way they all laughed and hugged when they had greeted one another during intermission. Edward's family also must have loved her based on Emmett and Rose's reactions when they'd all said hello. She noticed Carlisle and Esme were a bit more subdued, but their affection couldn't be denied. Alec and Marcus both fell over themselves trying to say hello and even as she watched Edward introduce her to other people, she seemed to win them over almost immediately.

In the dark of the theater, Anna finally had to admit that Isabella was a beautiful woman; anyone who said any different was lying. She had that classic, elegant beauty and an understated grace that made people, men and women alike, stop and stare at her. What was more, she was positive Isabella had no idea the effect she had on people, which just added to her allure. God, how she envied that.

Anna was a beautiful woman in her own right; she knew that, but it wasn't the same and she knew that, too. Hers came out of bottles and jars, and from hours with a straight iron and in the salon chair. Hers came from Dr. Acosta, the most sought-after plastic surgeon in Chicago and she had his number on speed dial.

Even with all that, with the surgically altered breasts and the lines that she diligently filled will Botox, with the constant waxing and exercising, with the never-ending battle to eat the bare minimum she could get away with so she could wear the designer clothes that filled the numerous walk-in closets of her house and Vincent's house, she still didn't come close to being as beautiful as Isabella.

Vincent sure as hell never looked at her the way Edward looked at Isabella, either, that was for damn sure. Hell, the man barely held the door open for her or helped her with her coat, and those gestures she was sure were done more from habit than because he truly wanted to. She thought for a moment, and with a start that caused her to actually gasp out loud, realized that in the eight years she'd known and been involved with Vincent, though some of that was off and on, he'd never once told her he loved her.

With an even more painful admission, she acknowledged not only did she not mind that so much, but that she didn't love him either. She cared for him, yes, after six plus years of constant companionship he'd definitely grown on her, but she didn't love him. As with Edward, he was more of a means to an end. She hated to be alone; she always had for as long as she could remember and being with Vince was better than the alternative. As that thought slowly took root in her mind it seemed as if time stopped and everything faded away except that one thought that exploded and overtook everything.

She might have been sitting in a dark theater but she might as well have been on the stage naked with a spotlight shining on her as exposed as she felt just then. Her heart started racing and she broke out into a cold sweat as realization after realization swamped her. It was if she'd been in a blinding blizzard and then suddenly the clouds cleared and she could see things clearly for the first time.

She saw how badly she'd treated Edward.

She understood why he'd acted the way he had.

She knew that she'd hurt him.

She finally admitted that she was not the person everyone believed she was.

She saw it all...everything.

God, she'd been such a bitch; she was such a bitch. A steady stream of nameless, faceless people flashed in her mind, over and over and over again. Men and women alike, everyone of them subjected to her holier-than-thou attitude and her grandiose sense of entitlement. Her breathing slowed back to a normal rhythm and she felt herself calm somewhat, though she was still shaken by the revelations. As her eyes came back into focus and she looked at Edward and Isabella, she felt such a heavy weight of regret.

Anna had never taken the time to do much self-introspection. When you thought you were better than everyone, there wasn't much need for such meaningless wastes of time. As she watched the two of them touch and whisper softly back and forth she was filled with another unexpected feeling.

Longing.

She didn't necessarily long for Edward or to be in Isabella's place. She certainly didn't long to BE Isabella either. What she did long for was what the two had together. That sense of completeness that only came from unconditional love. That sense of belonging to someone, not as a trophy to show off, but as a half of a whole. That sense of acceptance. She was sure Isabella wasn't perfect; no one could be. Maybe she snored, or left wet towels on the floor in the bathroom; maybe she was a horrible driver, something. No matter how many flaws she had or didn't have, it was obvious Edward loved her because of them, not in spite of them. And the way she looked at him? Anna was well-acquainted with Edward's numerous flaws, though mostly on a surface level because she never bothered to try to know him, not really. Isabella looked at him with so much love and adoration in her eyes it almost seemed like you were intruding to watch them.

She shifted in her seat again and she thought about doing something she would have sworn with every fiber in her being she would never do. She was going to apologize to Edward. She'd heard the rumors of course about his supposed brush with death or whatever and his change in personality. Vincent scoffed in disbelief about it often enough and then of course she'd heard from Yvette how he'd acted at the restaurant. After witnessing him tonight, she had no doubt whatsoever that something had changed in him...had changed him.

As the lights came back on and the second act ended, she was resolved that if Edward Cullen could change, then so could she. She just hoped he would listen to her.

"It's such a good performance," Isabella remarked to Edward as they stood up from their seats. "You should be proud of your support, sweetheart. I am," she told him as he took her hand.

Many other patrons had the same sentiment and Edward and Isabella were stopped many times on their way to the opera Bistro to meet up with Emmett, Rose, Marcus, Alec, and their dates. Isabella excused herself to stop at the bathroom and Edward found himself walking toward the gift shop and ran smack dab into Anna.

"Um...Anna," Edward said nervously as he looked around for his wife. As soon as a flash of white appeared off to the side, he knew that the moment he'd been dreading was finally here.

He quickly looked at Seth who calmly said, "Edward, it will be fine. You can do this."

"But, Isabella," Edward stammered, not quite making excuses, but awfully damn close.

"Is otherwise occupied," the angel replied instantly. "No more waiting, Edward Anthony. Trust me."

Edward sighed, resigned to listen to the otherworldly being. So far, even though Seth had seemed to get immense pleasure in his being uncomfortable, he hadn't lied to him. "Okay," Edward answered finally. "You're staying, right?"

Seth rolled his ice blue eyes and then nodded and motioned for him to proceed.

"Edward...um...I was wondering if you have a moment?" Anna asked and Edward couldn't help but gape at the uncharacteristic way she sounded.

Anna Davenport didn't do unsure, at least not in his experience.

With one more nod of approval and support from the angel, Edward nodded his head and motioned toward an empty sitting area. They each took a seat and stared uncomfortably at one another. Edward noticed out of the corner of his eye that Seth was leaning against the wall.

"Edward, I," Anna began in a shaky voice.

"Anna, there is something," Edward began at the same time.

Anna shifted in her seat and then took a deep breath. Seeing Edward look as uncomfortable as she felt actually helped settle her nerves. She straightened her shoulders and resolved to follow through with what she wanted to accomplish by talking to Edward. He didn't immediately tell her to go to hell which gave her hope that he'd at least listen.

Edward stared at Anna and watched a myriad of emotions flash across her face. It was plain to see that there was something that she wanted to say to him, so being the gentleman he was brought up to be, he said, "Why don't you go first."

"Thank you," Anna breathed out in relief. She wasn't sure she'd have been able to sit and listen to what he wanted to say without saying her peace first. "This is honestly the last thing I ever expected to do, especially tonight, but I don't see any point in waiting for another time."

She stopped and took a deep breath and looked at him. She was struck immediately of how handsome he was, how green his eyes were, but there was also a sense of peace and contentment that surrounded him, and she was well aware that was not there when they knew one another all those years ago. In the next instant, she realized how sad and angry and alone he had been, too.

God, she'd been such a blind, hateful bitch.

"You've changed," she said quietly, not really meaning to say it out loud.

Edward heard her though, and leaned forward in his seat. "I have," he answered simply, not feeling as though he owed her any sort of explanation.

"I'm...happy for you," she said and though the words were hard to say, she meant them completely. She sighed and hung her head not sure what to say next.

Edward gaped at her in disbelief. In a million years he never would have expected those words to come out of her mouth. When Edward didn't respond back she picked her head up and looked nervously at him.

"I know, right? Not what you expected to hear, I'm sure," she said nervously. "Look, Edward," Anna said, suddenly wanting to come clean. "It's been a long time since we've spent any time together, and even then it was barely more than a hello more often than not. I know," she sighed and then went on in a rush, "Edward, I was a bitch and I'm sorry for hurting you the way I did." Awkward.

Edward shook his head, stunned, and then looked at the angel, who had what looked like a cross between hope and hesitation on his face. "You knew she was going to say that?" Edward asked immediately.

"Not for sure, but there was a possibility," Seth answered calmly.

"Why didn't you warn me?" Edward demanded.

Seth moved from the wall to stand beside Edward. "Edward Anthony, first of all you know I can't read minds so I wasn't positive what Anna was going to do but as we've already established, I'm excellent at reading body language. It was apparent that Anna was wrestling with her own demons as Faust was wrestling his on stage, though hopefully with different outcomes." The angel snickered. "She's older now, Edward. Wouldn't it be fair to assume that during the time you two have gone your separate ways she might have grown up some? As much as you both used each other, there were reasons both of you acted the way you did. Until recently you hadn't given much, if any, thought to why you acted the way you did, but have you stopped to wonder why she acted the way she did? The door has been opened, Edward, meet her halfway and tell her what you need to."

Edward looked at Anna and suddenly he didn't see the woman that looked down her nose at everyone and everything, instead he saw someone who was still searching for what she thought was missing from her life. "Anna," Edward began softly and in a much gentler tone of voice he would have ever expected.

When she looked up at him, he saw himself, saw where he was on his path to righting his own wrongs. He saw the fear of rejection, the belief that it was too little too late, but he also saw the hope for another chance buried beneath that as well.

He quickly remembered the words Charlie had spoken to him not too long ago...No one was undeserving of love. Well, if that went for him, it certainly went for the woman across from him as well.

"I'm sorry, too. We were both very unfair to the other. I know I treated you horribly and I know that I hurt you as well. I hope you'll forgive me?" Edward asked.

Anna immediately felt her eyes fill with tears and then she nodded her head and said, "If you'll forgive me?"

Edward had to blink a few times and then took a few very uneven and deep breaths to keep himself under control. It was amazing the immense amount of relief he felt as soon as the words had left his mouth. Unbelievable really, how five words could have such an effect. He nodded his head and then dared to look to his right. He found Seth with a huge smile on his face, his eyes twinkling, and if he wasn't mistaken, some sort of light seemed to shine all around him.

"Well done, Edward Anthony," Seth said with much emotion.

"That was..." Edward said slowly as he struggled to find the words to explain.

The angel glided and stopped in front of his charge, more proud than he could ever remember being. The steps he'd made with Isabella, the effort he'd made with Emmett, Rose, Carlisle, and Esme, the admissions he'd made to Charlie were all important, necessary steps sure, but even if Edward didn't realize it fully, all those people loved him in spite of the mistakes he'd made. Forgiveness from all of them, even Carlisle though they hadn't gotten to that point yet, really wasn't ever in question. Forgiveness from Anna, even Seth had to admit, was a bit up in the air on which way it would go.

"Not as bad as you thought it would be?" the angel asked with a smirk.

Edward tipped his head back and leaned it against the back of the chair, stared up at the ceiling, and blew out a long, calming breath. He sat back up, feeling like a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. There were still things that weighed on his heart and things that needed to be dealt with, but there was absolutely no denying that he'd taken a giant step forward. He was proud of himself, Edward thought with a very self-satisfied smile.

"No, as usual you're right. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be," Edward admitted, and he did so with much less annoyance than usual the very pleased angel recognized with a grin. "Yeah, yeah, I know. You're always right; I'm always wrong," Edward remarked and then smiled.

Damn, he felt good.

He looked at Anna and said, "Well, I can't say I ever expected this turn of events." He chuckled and then coughed to try to keep from laughing out loud at their current predicament.

Anna rolled her eyes and giggled, feeling much like Edward in that she felt lighter, freer all of a sudden. "No kidding. Thank you, Edward, really for listening to me. I know I don't deserve it," she went on but Edward stopped her right away.

He knew exactly what her next words were going to be and immediately understood what both Isabella and the annoying angel person had been telling him all along. Everyone deserved a second chance if they were willing to make an effort to mend fences with those they'd hurt.

Even Anna.

"Everyone deserves a second chance, Anna," he told her repeating the words he'd just told himself.

Anna couldn't help but let a few tears fall at the sincerity and absolute conviction she heard in Edward's voice. She resolved right then and there that she would not waste the opportunity Edward's forgiveness had given her. If he could change, she had no doubt she could, too.

Seth nodded in approval, pleased beyond measure to hear Edward's words to Anna. Maybe he did get it, finally.

Edward looked up and found Isabella watching him with a concerned but not upset or angry look on her face. When he smiled at her, and he gave her her smile, she blew him a kiss and then turned to finish her discussion with Alec and Marcus. He knew he would have to tell her what he was doing; not that he even thought for one moment of not telling her mind you.

Anna couldn't help but cast a worried glance in Isabella's direction. She really didn't want to cause any trouble, even though that would surprise most everyone. She gasped softly when Isabella turned around after giving Edward and her a smile.

"She's very beautiful and it's obvious you love her very much," Anna told Edward when he turned back to her.

"She is, and yes, I do. More than I ever thought it was possible," Edward admitted easily.

Anna looked back toward Isabella again, admiring her in a way she'd never done to another woman before. She noticed the way her dress hung perfectly on her body, the way her hair was styled elegantly, but not overdone. The way her makeup highlighted and accentuated, but didn't overpower. The way she held herself while she talked, confident and open, and had a smile for everyone, well, except for Vincent, and Anna really couldn't blame her for that.

All of a sudden she felt uncomfortable and she shifted in her seat. For the first time ever Anna was embarrassed of herself. She looked down at her dress and cringed as she took in way too much skin and not enough dress. She knew what her makeup looked like and knew, unfortunately, what the shoes on her feet looked like as well. What the hell was she thinking, she wondered when she decided to wear this dress, and tonight of all nights for God's sake. Another moment of thought was all it took for her to acknowledge exactly what she was trying to do; it was what she'd always done. She was trying to get attention. Instead of earning it the way Isabella did, with class and grace, Anna had always demanded it, craved it, and did whatever was necessary to get it. Why? She really had no idea. but she resolved to figure that out as well. Damn, it had certainly been a night of revelations.

Edward heard Anna moving uneasily in her chair and he looked at her in question. Anna faced him and instead of finding him looking at her in disdain, she only saw encouragement. "You two are very fortunate, Edward. I really am very happy for you. Isabella is a lucky woman."

"Actually it's me that is the lucky one. Isabella has been more patient and more forgiving than I've ever had a right to expect, but she loves me as I love her. She makes me want to be a better man and a better husband, but she also loves me for me; she always has. I was just too afraid to see that." Edward stood up, anxious to get back to his wife. "Anna, don't let Vincent turn you into someone you're not. I'm not saying that because I dislike him, though you and I both know I do. I'm saying that because I believe you are better than what you've allowed yourself to become. If I can change and be happy, then so can you. All of us deserve to be happy...well maybe except for Vincent," he said with a grin.

He stepped forward and kissed her quickly on the cheek, not sure if their paths would ever cross again, but he knew if they did, it would be as friends. "Be happy, Anna."

Anna had to swallow a few times and she wiped the tears out from beneath her eyes and whispered, "Thank you, Edward," even though he'd already turned to walk away.

Edward looked at Seth, who quite frankly was staring at his assignment in amazement. "You know, Edward, there have been very few times in my existence I've ever been rendered speechless, but you, my friend, have...I don't even have any words to tell you how proud I am of you right now."

Edward chuckled, not sure what to even say to that. He looked back and saw Anna staring out the window, and even from that far away he could see the difference in the way she stood and held her head up high. "You watch over her; help her if she needs it," Edward demanded without even stopping to think about what he was asking. He knew, better than anyone, how difficult taking those first steps toward making things right was and Anna wasn't blessed with someone like Isabella by her side. Lord knew Vincent was worthless.

"You giving me the orders now, Eddie?" the angel asked with an incredulous look on his face; of course he was also sporting a grin a mile wide, too.

Edward nodded and said, "You told me that everyone that was important to me was part of the same package. Well, it's important to me that Anna be given a second chance to be the person she could be." Edward crossed his arms and glared at the otherworldly being.

"And what if she chooses to stay with Vincent?" the angel asked, purposely goading Edward. Seth felt there was very little chance that after tonight Anna Davenport would have anything to do with Vincent Sinclair, but you never knew with humans, especially female ones.

"Doesn't matter," Edward answered immediately. "Even if she stays with...him...it doesn't mean she can't change."

"Edward Anthony Cullen, you are something else," Seth said with a shake of his head and then disappeared.

"Damn angel," Edward muttered. He shrugged his shoulders, happy to have spoken with Anna, but now ready to get back to his wife. He walked up behind her where she stood talking with his friends and family and pressed his nose against the side of her neck, kissing her quickly. He heard her sigh and then she turned around and looked at him, searching his face to find any hint of distress. She trusted him completely, only worrying about him being upset at all and when he looked at her with bright, clear green eyes and a sexy, lazy smile, she knew without a doubt that he was just fine.

"You'll tell me what that was about?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Absolutely, Beautiful. I love you," he told her tenderly.

She stepped up on her tiptoes and brushed her lips against his. "I love you, Edward."

He took her hand in his and visited with everyone before the final act started. As he looked across the room and saw Carlisle, he knew there was still work to be done. He also knew, with any luck, as well as some heavenly intervention, it just might turn out as well as things with Anna had.

He could only hope.

~~~~OOO~~~~OOO~~~~