SECOND CHANCES

Author: Pandagal19
Rating: PG
Pairing: You/Edward Scissorhands
Categories: Romance

Disclaimer: I do not own Edward Scissorhands. Everything throughout the story that involves any songs of The Phantom of the Opera do not belong to me but to Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Summary: Years after the movie, Edward thought he would never go back to Suburbia. One day a young girl enters the mansion and convinces him to give it one last try. A lot of changes happen since Edward was last there, including the Bogg family. Will Edward leave? Or will his new hero’s sister change his mind?

* * * * *

PROLOGUE

The young girl returned. He figured she was about 13 and was grateful for the visit. Well, it wasn’t like she saw him anyways. He kept to the shadows where he felt safe.

She was quite mature for her age and her beauty could only be described as innocence and angelic. She had light chestnut curls that framed her petite slightly pale face. Her eyes were hazel but often appear olive green. She wore a bright smile that illuminated the darkness of the lonely mansion. She loved to wear theme outfits.

Today she came clad in white- color of purity. She was wearing shorts and a loose spaghetti strap shirt. To his joy she had with her her backpack. It was full and she dropped it to the ground with a thud. She opened the backside to reveal a water bottle, shovel, plastic bag of bulbs, and a tiny watering can.

He was thankful for the visit in that she usually planted new flowers on the ground and took care of everything. She walked up to the hedge that was shaped like a dog. The plant was cocking his head as if looking at something with great interest. She paused for a moment and then proceeded. She began digging a small hole at the angle where the head was tilted so now he has something to look upon.

She opened the package and dropped the tulip bulbs into the hole. She covered it with the dirt. She then poured the bottle into the can and lightly sprinkled the new mound and then got up to water the rest of the plants around the mansion. Satisfied with her job, she placed everything back in the backpack and then pulled out a notebook and pen.

She moved over to another hedge that looked like a tree and leaned against it. Flipping through the pages she got to the spot where she left off. This was his favorite part.

She was writing a song and in the silence she sang the melody. Her voice was like no other. It began out soft and picked up volume.

High up in the mansion he looks out the window listening to the sad song about lost loves. It touched him deeply and tears fell freely in the darkness.

* * * * *

CHAPTER 1 - Return to Suburbia

~5 Years Later~

“Hey Chris wait up!”

She didn’t hear them. Not when she was so close to winning.

The 14-year-old energetic teen kept running and enjoyed the rush of the wind hitting her face. She finally got up to the stairs of the mansion where many stories were told about.

She whirled around, her brown ponytail whipping her face. Her mischievous green eyes twinkled as her friends caught up.

“Bout time!” Chris yelled, grinning.

“Well, we’re not as fast as you,” said her best friend, Tiffany.

“Is this it?” piped up one of the two boys, Mike.

“Dude, is there any other haunted mansion in Suburbia?” replied Sean.

“You guys,” Chris sighed. “Can’t you get along?”

“No,” they all said in unison and began laughing.

“All right we’re here. Now who’s brave to enter?” asked Sean, smirking.

“I’m not,” announced Tiffany. “I heard Edward Scissorhands eats uninvited guests.”

“Oh yeah? I heard he likes to shred people apart with his hands and drink their blood,” added Mike.

“That’s not true,” defended Chris. “That’s rumors. He’s just misunderstood and he’s kind. He won’t hurt a thing.”

“Is that what you think or your sister?” teased Mike.

“Who first told you the story?” Chris asked smartly.

“Fine whatever,” he grumbled. “But there’s a slight chance he might do those things.”

Chris rolled her eyes. “Sure Mike.”

“Do you think he’s even alive?” Tiffany asked her friends.

No one answered. They all were taking a risk coming here. If their parents ever found out they would be grounded for months. It’s just since Chris’s sister told them the story about Edward long ago, they all wondered about the legend and if it’s true.

Chris believed it was.

“I’m going in,” she said. She looked at her friends for support and they reluctantly agreed.

Taking the lead, she led them to the door. Taking a deep breath, Chris opened the door and stepped inside.

* * * *

The 4 friends were hit with dust-filled air. Coughing, Chris led the group further inside and glazed around in amazement. The main room was huge! Odd inventions were spread all over the place. Cobwebs dominated corners, parts of the wall, and the inventions. The floor was concrete and high above was a chandelier that seen better years.

To their left, was a concrete staircase that led upstairs to a small room. Chris moved forward, but stopped by the trembling hand of Tiffany’s.

“Chris don’t,” she whispered.

Chris shook her hand off and ignoring her friends’ pleas she went up. The stairs led to another set and soon Chris found herself in what she guessed was the attic. The floor appeared ancient and as she stepped down, the floorboards groaned.

The first thing anyone would notice would be the large hole in the roof. She looked up in awe and continued farther. Glancing over her shoulder, Chris noticed a fireplace and hurried over to it. There was a pile of wood in front so she carefully walked over it. Inside were many newspaper clippings on miracles.

She read a couple and after growing bored she now turned around. Chris was disappointed. She was hoping the stories were true. By the looks of it no one could have lived here. Perhaps Edward died all alone in this huge mansion.

She was about to leave when she heard a scuffle from behind. Snapping her head up, she slowly turned around and gasped.

A man, well a boy it looked, stood in front. He had black hair all twisted up in a 80s style and his face all pale with a couple scars and a few fresh cuts. He wore a black armor suit of some kind all the way to his shoes. To finish it off, he had no hands; instead he had long sharp blades like scissors. His eyes, dark, were oddly filled with friendliness and warmth. He eyed Chris carefully almost studying her.

She knew she looked like a mess despite her hair pulled up. Small strands of dark brown were sticking out and her “Get Out & Vote!” tee was developing sweat stains around the pit area. Her blue jeans had holes at the knees and frays at the bottom. Her once white tennis shoes were covered in dust and mud from the trek up here.

“Hi,” Chris said. No response.

“I’m Christina Rush,” she continued. “But everyone calls me Chris. You’re Edward Scissorhands, aren’t you?”

Edward slowly nodded his head, but still didn’t say anything.

“I knew the stories were true. They described you perfectly. Please don’t go! I’m not going to hurt you. Um, look, I know you’re not a murderer. You don’t strike me as one. And the people were wrong to have you kicked out like that. Please say something. You can trust me,” she pleaded.

“W-why d-did you come here?” he asked, stammering.

“To see if it’s all true. Boy, (you) will get a kick out of this!”

“Who?” Edward asked confused.

“Oh (you)? She’s my older sis. She told me about you. We both believe you were treated unjustly.”

Chris paused for a moment before continuing, “Edward, how would you like to come back to Suburbia?” It was a crazy thought that hit her right away without thinking.

He flinched from her question and right away Chris regretted it. Then again, it might do some good. “It’s okay if you don’t want to. Times changed now, Edward. Maybe you’ll be accepted better if you tell your side. Or not if it bothers you.”

He didn’t answer. Instead he walked past her towards the window and looked out. Suburbia has changed Edward knew from watching all these years. But was it enough time? Will he be well received? He wasn’t sure if he wanted to take that chance.

“You know now that I know you’re here,” Chris said. “I’m going to keep coming until you give in. Trust me, I will do it and eventually you’ll come.”

* * * *

“What’s taking her so long?” whined Tiffany. “I need to get home before my parents realize I’m gone.”

Her friends nodded in agreement. They were sitting on the stairs for 15 minutes when they heard their friend’s voice, “I’m coming!”

They scrambled up to say something, but lost all words at who else was coming down with Chris.

Chris was leading Edward done. He stared at the 3 wide-eyed kids and couldn’t help but crack a grin. There was a girl who was in the middle of these two boys with long dark hair and lightly tan skin. Her jaw was quivering.

One boy had spiked jet-black hair with a deep tan and the tallest out of the 4 friends. He was gawking at Edward in wonder. The other was slightly shorter with red hair and his eyes almost came out of its sockets!

Chris smiled and introduced Edward. After a few minutes, the shock wore off and Chris’s friends went back to normal. They asked a lot of stupid questions, though, to Chris’s annoyance (Mike asked Edward how does he go to the bathroom).

When everyone got out of their system she told them of her plan to take Edward down. The reaction wasn’t what she was hoping for.

“Are you nuts?” cried Sean. “Chris, use common sense! You can’t hide him!”

“Oh yes I can,” Chris replied. “I have to talk to (you) into it. She’ll do it.”

ean rolled his eyes. “Well, how do you propose to get him out without people noticing?”

She smiled. “Simple. Mike, go home and get your old hoodie, a baseball hat, and your dad’s jeans.”

“No way! Chris have you lost your marbles?”

Chris sighed. “It could work so just do it Mikey.”

Grumbling, the tall boy left. Chris gave Edward an assuring smile and squeezed his shoulder. “Don’t worry. Mike has never let me down.”

In 10 minutes, the exhausted lad returned with the needed clothing. With much help, the teens got the jeans on Edward and the hoodie. His hands were a problem, though. Chris and Sean carefully placed them inside the large pocket so they could be hidden. Only a small tip of each blade stuck out, but other than that it was fine. Tiffany slicked back his hair and placed the hat backwards on his head.

The friends stepped back to admire their work. It could pull off they hoped.

“Let’s go. It’s almost 4,” informed Sean.

Chris saw the hesitance flashed in Edward’s eyes and gave him a reassuring smile. She looped her arms in his and together they all walked out.

When they reached the iron gate, the entrance to the outside world, Edward looked back towards his home and fear gripped him. He wanted to go back, but it was too late.

* * * *

They were halfway to Chris’s house when Edward broke the silence, “Do you guys know this girl who would come to my home?”

They stopped abruptly. “What are you talking about?” Chris asked.

So Edward explained about this girl with a lovely voice who would come and plant flowers and such. He told them that she stopped coming for almost 5 years now. His eyes grew sad as he told them about her. Even though he never met her face-to-face he appreciated the generosity she gave him through gardening.

Chris listened intently and the description of the mysterious girl sounded familiar. Edward thought he spotted a trace of recognition flash on her face, but it quickly faded as soon as it came. He was about to ask her if she knew her when Chris said quickly, “Well, I’m sure she had her reasons. C’mon. We’re almost there.”

Within minutes they arrived at their destination. For Edward, too many painful memories arrived as well.

The grass was full of life and the blue covering of the house stood out like a brand new penny. The pot of the flowers that once stood next to the white front door was replaced by a statue of a goose with a silly outfit on. The landscape was slightly different. The little bushes outlining the side were now mini tree-shaped plants with stones going around the front of the home. The brown fence hiding the backyard was missing. The tree that once held up a tree house was there, but the house was not.

It was the Boggs’.

“Here we are,” announced Chris. She tugged on Edward’s arm, but he wouldn’t budge. His entire body began to tremble.

“Edward what’s wrong?” asked Tiffany.

“The house. That’s Kim,” he answers.

“Who the heck is Kim?” asked Mike.

“Is she still living there?” Edward queried.

“I said, ‘Who the heck is Kim?’” repeated Mike.

Then it hit them what Edward was asking, except for Mike.

“Let’s go inside and we’ll explain it,” Chris told Edward.

They went inside and they all sat around in a circle in the living room. Sean and Mike took Edward’s hands out of the pockets so he could move them. When everyone was situated all eyes were on Christina Rush. She took a deep breath and told Edward the tale:

“I guess it all started after you went back to the mansion. Kim ended up getting married and having a family growing up here. Her youngest daughter and her family remained here taking care of the elderly Kim until she passed away. And that was about 8 years ago. One day my dad came driving past and saw this house and fell in love with it.

“We bought it and while we were unpacking we had a unexpected visit. You see, Kevin, Kim’s brother, his only son and family moved out of state after Kevin died in a car accident. When news of Kim’s death reached them, Blake decided to buy his dad’s childhood home. They sold their house and came here with their belongings. We were all in shock when we saw each other.

“Blake tried reasoning with my dad about the house and he refused to sell it to him. Angered, Blake left but cooled off and bought a house a few streets down from here. My dad and Blake are on much friendlier terms now, but that didn’t mean the kids were.

“Blake’s oldest, Carrie, is the same age as my sister and had each other in all their classes since the moves. Carrie hates us for taking away her family’s home and made life miserable for my sis. They’re seniors now but that doesn’t mean Carrie has come close to maturing. She’s a Grade A Bully and no one likes her. So is her younger brother, Andrew. He’s my age but he doesn’t bother me no more, isn’t that right guys?”

Chris paused long enough as her and her friends snickered as they remembered Chris beating up poor Andrew on the playground a couple years ago. The nickname “Wussie Drewie” has never left him and probably never will.

“Well, anyways, Carrie always tried to upstage (you) in just about everything. Grades, sports, guys, you name it. But my sister finally got her back this year in her school’s musical. Normally, Carrie has the leading part in every musical and (you) is stuck with a minor role. But her school is doing Phantom of the Opera and my sister’s playing Christine Daae! She got lucky because (you) is the only girl who can sing as high as they do in the actual opera.

“Carrie’s voice couldn’t beat hers, at least, not in this role. The only part Mr. Waddles could give to Carrie was as Meg Giry. The part’s small and she doesn’t have a lot of speaking or singing lines. Imagine being a prima donna and then being dropped to an extra! Carrie was so mad it was the greatest moment.

“So you see Edward, Carrie Bogg is your enemy. She’s not your friend. She’s not at all like Kim so don’t try and be nice to her because it won’t happen. I’m telling this to you because I don’t want you to be afraid of the people down here.”

Edward looked at the other teens as they all nodded their heads. Edward was completely shocked by this information. Kim’s family was so nice! Where did this Carrie come from? He didn’t have long to voice this when Chris jumped up and looked out the window.

“Oh no,” she murmured.

She whirled around with worry etched all over. “(You)’s back from rehearsal!”

~Your POV~

You stepped out of your best friend Rachel’s car with a wondrous feeling in you. Today was the third day of rehearsals and you once again astounded everyone with your voice as the lovely Christine. Even your crush Mark who plays Raoul was surprised by such talent.

Turning to your friend, you said, “Thanks for the ride Rach. I’ll see ya tomorrow!”

“Bye (you). Hey, good job today at rehearsals. Man, you really showed Carrie!”

You shrugged like it was no big deal, but it was and you couldn’t help the smirk plastered on your face.

“You should rest your voice (you). You really hit that one note,” Rachel told you.

“Yeah and that took a lot of effort,” you chuckled. “I’ll do my best. But I can’t promise anything.”

You moved away and waved as she drove off.

You started up to the front door when you saw Tiffany, Mike, and Sean come out through the back. You shook your head, and called out a “Hi!” and then went inside.

* * * *

You walked into the kitchen just in time as Chris came flying down from the hallway.

“Hi (you)! How did it go?” she asked.

“Great. I saw your friends leave before I came in. You know, they’re always welcome to stay longer,” you said.

“I know but they had to leave. So did Mom and Dad say when they would be back?”

You cringed. “Sorry Chris, but it might be another long night for them. So it’s going to be just you and me for dinner.”

“That’s all right. Um (you).”

“Hmm?” you answered.

“Remember those stories you told us about Ed-“

“Chris, did you go to the mansion?” you interrupted with anger evident in your voice.

“You know you’re not allowed to go up there. What would Mom and Dad say?”

“It’s not like they’re going to find out!” she scoffed.

“Chris,” you sighed. “Look I worry about you too you know. And when they’re working, I’m in charge. So no more visits to the mansion or else I will tell them.”

“Deal,” replied Chris.

“Start thinking of ideas for dinner. I need to change.”

You began heading to your room when Chris blocked you.

“Okay, (you) before you go in there. Please listen to me,” she rushed.

“Christina Rush what in the world is wrong with you?” you groaned. “Get out of the way.”

Chris shook her head.

Taking a deep breath, you pushed her out of the way and opened your door. What you saw in the middle of your room you didn’t react like you would normally do. Instead, you fainted away.

* * * * *

CHAPTER 2 - Voice from Heaven

Everything was a blur to Edward. In the blink of the eye after Chris announced her sister’s arrival, her friends left. Then the next thing he knew, Edward was being shoved into a bedroom the door slamming behind him.

He took his time to observe this new surrounding. Oddly, it felt familiar and it should, since this once was the former room of Kimberly Bogg.

The walls were painted a cheerfully sky blue and to the window’s right was a small bed decorated with stuff animals at the foot. On the other side was a keyboard and moving down was a white dresser with 3 mirrors attached with pictures slid carefully in the sides of each one, like Kim’s. Next to it was a large bookcase filled with every type of genre ever imagined.

There were posters all over the room as well. Mostly of opera singers, operas, and musicals. A Phantom of the Opera poster was over the keyboard and next to the bed was one for the musical Hairspray. On the back of the door was a poster of Sylvia Wolfe, the well-known soprano in the opera scene.

It was a singer’s haven.

He heard voices out in the hall but ignored it as he admired the neat room. Then the door opened.

Edward’s head looked up in time as a girl fell down into the room. Chris gasped and went over to check her sister. Muttering something intelligible, she left to get some water.

Edward moved over to the fallen girl to see if she was all right. She was lying face up and Edward’s breath was caught in his throat.

She had similar features as her younger sister in facial structure, but she had long raven tresses that sprawled over as a cushion to her creamy white face.

A strange tingling feeling gripped Edward and he recognized it as the same sensation when he had first saw Kim. Shaking his head, he moved out of the way as Chris came over. Kneeling, she gently dabbed her forehead with a washcloth.

“This wasn’t how this was suppose to go,” she mumbled.

There was a soft moan and then the young beauty opened her wide hazel eyes and screamed when she saw Edward.

Scrambling up, you grabbed your sister and pulled her away from the stranger.

“(You), it’s okay! He’s harmless!” choked out Chris. She struggled to break loose from your death grip and succeeded. Chris ran from your grasp over to the shaken man.

“Chris, what are you doing?” you hissed. “Get away from… from…”

“Edward you mean?” she replies nonchalant with a hint of sarcasm. She cocked her head in your direction and glared. “Relax. He’s not going to hurt us. I thought you would appreciate the fact that he’s real.”

“Yeah but it’s impossible!” you blurted. “There’s no way he could be alive-?”

“Well he is. In the flesh.” Chris brought Edward closer to you. You watched him closely, most specifically his hands, in case he tried anything funny.

“(You), Edward. Edward this is my older sister (you). Now, before you start biting my head off (you), just listen to me. Edward, we’ll be right back.”

Chris took your hand and led you away from him. When you reached the kitchen, Chris explained everything from the dare to go inside to the thought of bringing Edward down. You listened and when she finished you added on:

“I know you had good intentions, but seriously here? Why not Tiffany? No, better yet, Mike or Sean? How are we going to take care of him Chris? No, how are you going to handle this?”

“I can do it,” she said.

“Yeah right. Remember that bird you found in the ditch? Who ended up taking care of Charlie? Hmmm? Where is he now?”

Once those words left your mouth, you regretted them right away. You hit a sore spot in Christina.

Chris found Charlie one day with a broken wing. She brought him home and took care of the bird until its wing was healed. After that she neglected him and you feeling sorry, took up the role as bird keeper. You fed him, you talked to him, and you even sang to the bird. Charlie grew to love your presence and you taught him a few tricks. Chris grew jealous since Charlie never did anything with her. One morning when she woke up, Charlie was missing. She accidentally left her window opened over night. That was just a year ago.

“Look, I’m sorry Chris for bringing it up.” You sighed. “Edward’s not a pet, he’s human. You can’t keep him here. It’s inhumane. And what if Mom or Dad finds him? Then what?”

“They won’t find out. So (you) stop bringing that up. They spend all their time at the firm and are hardly even here. He would be safe,” Chris finished bitterly.

You winced from the tone. Your parents spent their time at the Rush & Rush Malpractice Law Firm. They only came home late every night when you and Chris are asleep. It’s been like that for at least 4 or 5 years.

“Still,” you pressed. “We can’t keep him locked up in here forever. People are going to find out and it would be the past all over again for him. Chris, I can’t play babysitter for Edward and neither should you. I have the musical and you have school and stuff. God, I can’t take care of us and worry about him at the same time!”

“(You), if you were in my place you would have done the same thing. Because of you I knew about Edward. No one else would have told us the stories. Wouldn’t you want to help make his life better?”

The last question got you cornered. Even as a child you were curious about the legend of Edward Scissorhands. The ending of each story told in school was depressing and unfulfilling to you. That wasn’t how it was suppose to go. He should have gotten off lucky with new hands or the girl! Being isolated once more wasn’t the happily ever after you wanted. You looked out down the hall to see Edward looking at the family pictures hanging up. He deserved an ending that he wanted.

Sighing, you turned back to Chris and nodded. “He can stay, but under one condition- he stays in your room.”

Chris let out a whoop and hugged you tightly, cutting of your oxygen supply.

“Thank you!” she squealed. Letting you go, her smile dropped when his accommodations sank in.

“My room? I thought yours because it has more space than mine.”

You shook your head. “No way Christina. After all, you were practically begging for him to stay. Remember, I’m not babysitter, you are.”

You tapped her nose and left to tell Edward the arrangements.

* * * *

Dinner came and Edward was in a more pleasant mood. He was afraid you were going to turn him out, but to his surprise you didn’t.

You watched with curiosity while your guest ate. You didn’t want to be rude, but it was interesting how he was eating a slice of pizza. He literally jabbed the pizza and let it slip down a bit on his “finger”. Carefully, he took small bites and when he got to metal, he then ate around it so a small ring of cheese and sauce was left.

“You want another piece?” Chris asked.

Edward bobbed his head eagerly. It was so good!

You softly chuckled as he shish kabob 2 pieces. Your eyes wandered to the clock on the oven and the time made you choke on the bite you had. It was almost 7!

“Okay, guys, we have to hurry up,” you told them. “Jer is coming over to help practice with me in like 10 minutes!”

“He’s coming? What about Mark?” Chris teased.

“Mark isn’t coming. He’s busy,” you said. “Chris, could you take the rest in your room for Eddie? And make sure there’s no accidents.”

“Do I look like a five-year-old?” she grumbled as she took the box and headed to her room. You began clearing the dishes when you noticed Edward was still sitting at the table.

“If you want more Chris has it in her room. And I’m sorry if Chris forced you in anyway to come down,” you explained.

“She didn’t. I decided to come back on my own,” he answered ever so softly. “Who’s Jer?”

“Jerry is my friend. He’s playing the lead role as the Phantom. You see the biggest duet between our characters is the song “Phantom of the Opera”. That’s the one I hit that high note on,” you said proudly. “But it won’t be for long. I don’t think you want to be trapped in the same room with my sister for hours.”

“I don’t mind. She’s really nice.” He paused. There was something on his mind he wanted to ask you. It was easy to ask this to Chris and her friends, but he couldn’t get the words to form on his lips to ask you.

“You say that now, wait until later,” you winked. “I’m sorry for my behavior earlier. It was a shock, I hope you understand. It’s not very often that you find out your childhood stories are true.”

He smiled. “I get that a lot. I mean, the panicking and such. I scared Kim when we first met.”

“Yeah, well, I can normally hide my fears,” you said. “I’m a calm, cool collected kind of gal.” You glance over to the clock. Jerry would be there in any minute!

“Sorry Eddie but Jerry will be here at any moment,” you explained. “Hey, I hope you don’t mind if I call you Eddie. I usually call all my friends by their nicknames, old habit I’m afraid.”

“Sure,” he replied. She thinks of me as a friend? he thought excited. Wow. He got up and left to find Chris still thinking about his newly nickname.

After you put the last plate in the dishwater, the doorbell rang. Straighten up your clothes, you ran over and greeted Jerry.

“Bonjour Christine,” Jerry saluted. “My student is ready I hope.”

“Hi yourself Jer,” you said. “As long as my Angel of Music is ready than I am also.”

“Great. I was able to make a copy of your soundtrack with just the music.”

“Cool.” You took the cd and went over to the stereo in the family room. You turned it on and place it on the right volume as the haunting melody flowed out of the speakers.

* * * *

Chris quickly ushered Edward in as she closed her door at the same time you rushed to get Jerry.

“You might as well get use to this,” she informed Edward.

“Get use to what?” he asked. Then they both heard the music playing throughout the house.

Chris grinned. “Wait and hear the wondrous voice of (you) Lynn Rush.”

“In sleep he sang to me,

Inside my mind…”

Edward looked at Chris with surprise and awe. She sat on her bed with a huge smile still on her face. Then the soft sensuous tone that Jerry brought echoed in their ears:

“Sing once again with me

Inside your mind…”

You:

“Those who

draw back in fear…

I am the mask you wear...”

Jerry:

“It’s me they hear…”

And then both sang loudly:

“Your/my spirit

Inside your/my mind…”

There was a break where the chorus would sing and then Jerry came back with such fierce:

“In all your fantasies

that man and mystery-“

You:

“…were both in you…”

Together:

“And in this labyrinth,

your/my mind…”

Jerry: “Sing, my Angel of Music!”

You: “He’s there the Phantom of the Opera…”

“Sing for me…”

And to the astonishment of Edward and Chris, you sang with such fervor and whenever Jerry demanded for more, your voice went higher, never breaking the beat or the note. Then for the last note, you sung out with all your heart and soul that any lover of opera would shed a tear for.

When the song ended, Edward heard a sniffle and looked towards Chris. Her eyes were shrouded with mist and she went to wipe away a stray tear.

“No matter how many times I hear her sing, she always moves me to this,” she said meekly. “No matter the song or its tale. Her voice is something from Heaven.”

Edward agreed with Chris on this. You did have a voice like no other he’s ever heard! He even had a crazy thought that you were better than the girl who would come to his home! Edward felt something cool dripping down his face and without thinking he went to brush away the tear. He yelped when the cool steel came in contact to his skin.

Chris jerked out of her trance and saw a small drip of blood on Edward’s cheek.

“Oh no,” she gasped. She jumped up and headed to her drawer and took out a band-aid.

Gently, she wiped off the blood with a tissue and put the band-aid over it.

“There,” she said, “Good as new. You better be careful.”

* * * *

It was coming close to 9 and so you and Jerry ended the practice. Your throat was sore from the repetition of “The Phantom of the Opera” and “The Point of No Return”.

“That was fun.” Jerry smiled. “You’re doing great kid. It’s about time someone put Carrie in her place.”

To be cute, Jerry kissed your hand good-bye and mumbled a few “Au revoir!” and left.

You watched as his car pulled out and then yelled it was safe for them to come out.

Chris and Edward emerged. You noticed the band-aid and asked what happened.

“Nothing big. He cut himself but I handled it just fine,” your sister emphasized.

“That you did.” You smiled at her. “I hope it wasn’t too long.”

You were directing this towards Edward. Without speaking, the looks on your faces said all what was needed.

* * * * *

CHAPTER 3 - Carrie

The first night at the Rushes house was an experience in the making. Edward couldn’t remember a night, no, any day to be in general where he felt so safe so welcomed. Despite your surprised reaction, you and Chris treated him so warmly and his hands didn’t make a difference! It felt so right.

Edward lay back on the pillow with a huge smile on his pale face. Chris set up a sleeping bag and pillow for him. He didn’t mind that the sleeping bag had puppies on it. It was the hospitality that he was given that meant the most to him. Chris talked to him until she fell asleep. He never met a person who was so verbose with a topic on mind. The topic was about you. With so much that Edward learnt about you, it could have been a class.

You always wanted to be an opera singer for as long as you could remember. Your parent’s thought it was cute, but grew worried when that was the only profession you chose. They wanted you and Chris to have well-paid jobs, not necessarily that you had to be lawyers, but a job that offered security.

“When you’re in the singing business, you’re either make it or you’re lost in poverty,” Chris told him. “And there’s no way that a daughter of theirs should resort to live in the slums of any city holding onto a hopeless dream.”

“What do you want to do?” Edward asked.

“I don’t know,” she said quickly. “I haven’t put to much thought into it.”

And that topic was closed off and it came back to you.

Chris really had plenty to boast about. It was obvious that she looked up to you, but like most sisters you had your annoying moments that bugs Chris.

“Mark did this, Mark did that, Mark talked to me, blah blah blah! I swear, she has a one track mind about Mark.”

Before Edward could ask her more about Mark, Chris fell asleep.

* * * *

Edward woke to the smell of sizzling bacon and pancake. His stomach grumbled, begging for some of that meal. He got up and was about to go out when two new voices made him freeze. He also heard yours and Chris’s voice as well so he quickly realized the other voices had to be your parents. There was a note lying on a pillow from Chris that read:

Morning!

Chris

So Edward sat on her bed and waited.

After 5 minutes, the door opened and you came in.

“Morning Eddie,” you greeted. “I brought you some slices of bacon and a Danish.”

You handed him a folded napkin that contained the goodies. “So how did you sleep last night?”

“Good,” he muffled in between bites. He swallowed and smiled. “Your sister likes to talk.”

“Yeah, well, I hope she doesn’t talk to you to death,” you joked. “Chris and I will be leaving for school soon so feel free to explore the house. My parents will be at work so you won’t have to worry about them, but in case they do come home for some odd reason, look out for a green 2000 Mustang. Here’s my cell number, too, for emergencies. But I doubt you’ll need it. Chris is coming back here as soon as the bell rings.”

“When will you return?” Edward asked shyly.

“Later. I have rehearsals after school,” you explained, slightly blushing. “Don’t worry Eddie. I won’t leave you for long with Christina.”

You said your good-byes and left.

* * * *

“Oh great!” you groaned. Your English teacher, Ms. Woods, just passed back your paper analyses on any short story of your choosing. Apparently, “Young Goodman Brown” (A/N: Title belongs to Nathaniel Hawthorne) wasn’t the best choice from the red fat D.

“Don’t feel bad. I think Woods has it in for us choir kids,” a deep husky voice whispered in your ear.

Your heart skipped a beat as you turned to face Mark. You have been in love with Mark Sawyer ever since you moved here. He had the most sincere blue eyes you had ever seen and a gorgeous smile that reveals a couple of dimples. On top of his head, was a mop of flaxen locks that drips down the side of his face. He had a strong built from all those years of playing Varsity Football. Mark was one of the popular guys in school. He was involved in any school function and had a voice of a God. It came to be quite a shock when Mark proclaimed his love of music and demonstrated it by taking on every lead part in the school musical since the 7th grade. Sadly, he had been dating Carrie for some time now, but there was rumors spreading that Mark was going to break up with her. This news overjoyed you.

He threw you a dashing smile and pointed to your paper. “You’re lucky you got that D. I have another F to add to my collection of rejects in this class.”

You nervously laughed. “I don’t think she likes me that much.”

“I bet she’s jealous of you. After all, I doubt anyone else in the school could beat your voice,” Mark said. “I never knew you could sing that good. I mean, you always had a good voice, but nothing like that!”

You felt red reach your cheeks and quickly looked away so he wouldn’t see. “Thanks Mark.”

“I’ll be looking forward to later today when we do the roof scene.” Mark winked at you and returned fooling around with his friends.

“So tell me, what did he say to you that made you blush?” asked Rachel excited. The blonde cocked her head, a look saying spill it now or else.

You shut your locker and faced her. “He thinks I have a good voice.”

“Duh you do!” your friend slapped your shoulder. “(You), before you know it he might ask you out.”

You averted your glaze away so Rachel couldn’t see the hotness returning to your flush cheeks. “Only if he dumps Carrie,” you muttered.

“Don’t go shy on me!” Rach went on. “(You), you deserve to go out with him. You spent how many years flaunting yourself to get his attention? And now you got him wrapped around your finger.”

“Don’t be silly Rach. I wasn’t ‘flaunting’ and I do not have him wrapped around my fingers,” you defended.

“But you dyed-“

“Well, isn’t it Miss Opera and Ra-ra,” sneered Carrie, as she came from behind Rachel.

“Hi Carrie and c’mon Ra-ra? We’re not babies no more,” smirked Rachel.

“No, we’re not. But it seems (you) is. I assume you’re still going to be chasing that dream?”

“At least I have one,” you scoffed.

“And what does that mean?” Carrie hissed as she stuck her face into yours. “Well?”

“What a fool of me to think you don’t. Your dream is to get my house, but that’s a bit puerile don’t ya think? I mean a house?” you drawled. “Carrie, we’re better than that. Now it’s time to let go of the past and move on. Look at Chris and Andrew! They’re getting along nicely.”

“It’s not that (you)!” she spat. “Haven’t you heard the rumors?”

You nodded. “Just stay away from Mark. He’s mine and I’m not going to let you take the one thing that matters the most to me away. Savvy?”

Before you could respond, Carrie walked away, her shoulder bumping hard into yours. You glared at her back and began rubbing the spot she hit.

“Don’t let her get to you,” Rachel said softly. She placed an assuring hand on your other shoulder and grinned. “It’s about time she’s getting a taste of her own medicine.”

* * * *

It was around noon and Edward was hungry. Before leaving, Chris left out a few bags of Cheetos and chips for him to eat. But he wasn’t in the mood to eat that. Oh no, his hunger was for another reason.

During the night he kept hearing your voice and even now he couldn’t escape the lovely sound. He longed to hear more songs. He scolded himself for such thoughts. It was the same emotions that gripped him when the girl would come and he always felt guilty about it. It was like he was betraying Kim and he never wanted to do that. He cared too much for her…

Yet, Kim was gone. She moved on, probably, without another thought about him. Tears began welling up and he did his best to fight them off. Never a day went by in that lonely mansion where he thought and dreamt about her constantly. To preserve her memory he would make all sorts of statues of her, ice or grass. Oh how he missed those warm lips against his!

He would spend hours, days, and weeks standing and looking out the window, waiting to see that golden red hair and the enchanting beauty that Kim possessed, but to his disappointment, she never returned. He almost gave up the notion that she would never return, but his heart persisted she would. After all, didn’t those rosy lips once say she loved him?! He remembered hearing his father, the old inventor, saying, “Love frees the soul.” If it does, then why was he alone? Why wasn’t his soul uplifted?

Then she came.

He could picture that day exactly, including the plaid skirt and white blouse she wore, her light brown hair laced with pale blue ribbons, and a song in her heart. He thought it was his mind playing tricks on him. Not once had anyone ever step foot near his house or come close to such proximity since that tragic day, but there she was. His heart leapt, thinking it was Kim and he ran down, but stopped as he realized it wasn’t. He almost left the house and would have frightened off the young girl! No, she wouldn’t run off, his mind told him. This confused Edward. What did that mean?

So he kept himself in a safe distance and watched her intently. He didn’t know her name so he would refer her to as “Angel”. It was silly for him to do that. It wasn’t like he had anyone to tell! But this child came everyday and if the wind was right, Edward could hear every soft-spoken word she whispered to herself.

He found himself forgetting Kim and this scared him! He never wanted to forget her! He would have nightmares of Kim accusing him of never loving her or forgetting her. He wake, crying and begging for forgiveness in the cold shelter that he had. He would even wish that “Angel” would stop coming and leave him to dwell in the past.

But she didn’t and maybe that’s what saved him from his depression.

One day she stopped for reasons Edward would never know. It brought him some relief but at the same time deepen his sadness. He was still alone, without friends and without love. Then Christina Rush showed up with her friends. She may never know how grateful Edward was and how she saved him from his emptiness. He thought that one day he might tell her, but for no it was his secret.

He sat on the couch and looked out the window. He wondered what you were doing right now…

~Rehearsals~

“Okay, Christine takes Raoul to the rooftop and blah blah blah, Raoul you’re on!” hollered Mr. Waddles.

“No more talk of darkness,

forget these wide-eyed fears.

I’m here:

Nothing can harm you—

My words will warm and calm you…”

“Cut! Mark, we’ve been over this before. Christine’s frightened and needs to be comforted not deaf! Sing softly and loud, but not too loud! And her closer to her! She’s your childhood sweetheart, now again!”

You took a deep breath as Mark came a lot closer than before. You tried to control the sudden hotness spreading across your cheeks. You closed your eyes and slowly opened them as Mark began once more:

“No more talk of darkness,

forget these wide-eyed fears.

I’m here:

Nothing can harm you—

My words will warm and calm you…

“Say you’ll love me every waking moment,

turn my head with talk of summertime…

Say you need me with you,

Now and always…

Promise me that all you say is true—

That’s all I ask of you…” you rang out with such tenderness and love.

When the duet ended, your choir instructor, Mr. Waddles was beaming. “Splendid! Perfect Christine! Now that’s what I call a song!”

You blushed at the compliment and to your surprise Mark took your hand and gently kissed it.

“You sang lovely (you),” he whispered. “I’m glad you got this part.”

You opened your mouth to say something when Carrie came bouncing out of nowhere and pulled Mark into a deep embrace. “My God Markey! You’re the best!” she squealed. “I felt like you sang that to me alone.”

“Thanks honey, but I was talking to (you),” he said, somewhat annoyed.

“You can talk to her some other time. C’mon Mr. W just announced rehearsals are done and a bunch of us is heading to the mall. Let’s go!” She tugged on his hand, but Mark kept his feet planted steady.

“I’m not going,” he replied.

“What?” Her features dropped in disbelief. “What do you mean you’re not going?”

“Carrie, I think it’s about time we talked.”

Mark led her out of the auditorium and everyone gathered around the doors to listen. You stood on the stage, stunned by Mark’s suave action. Rachel came up from behind and shook you out of your trance. When you focused on her, Rachel cried, “(You)! I think he’s dumping Carrie for you!”

“Wha-?” You got out before a wretched wail echoed the empty corridors.

* * * *

Chris arrived home several hours ago and in that time frame, she chatted about her day. Edward came in and out, but with much effort he tried to listen. You were right about her talking! Chris glanced at her watch and gasped.

“(You) is coming home soon!”

She got up and scrambled into her room to start her homework. Edward sighed, as he was free for now. He got up and looked out the window, careful so no one could see him.

He was like that for a couple minutes until he saw what had to be an apparition. She had long golden red hair, her white face pinched in sorrow, and with such longing gray eyes. It couldn’t be-? Could it?

She mesmerized Edward. Was it Kim? She looked like her, but Kim would have never worn a shirt that tugged down so low. He hid behind the curtain and continued to watch her. If this wasn’t Kim then was it this Carrie that Chris and (you) warned him about? She didn’t look so horrible from the way you two described her…

She stopped and stared at the house, cold. Her sad eyes quickly flashed into intense hatred that this startled him. Kim never made a face like that towards anyone! Not even Jim. Yet she stood like she was trying to destroy the house with a single thought. It sent chills down Edward’s spine. This girl wasn’t the sweet Kim he knew.

After a moment, she stormed off and within a couple of seconds your friend’s car pulled into the drive way and you got out. There was something strange about you Edward noticed as you walked to the house. You had this goofy look on your face, your eyes hazed over in a dream, and you sort of moved on a slant as if drunk.

He turned to the door as you entered with that drunken joy and right away jealousy gripped Edward.

“Hi Eddie,” you answered and you floated into your room, your door closing from behind.

Wanting to know what happened, Edward went to your door and rapped on it. You opened, this time, you got rid of that look but this huge smile was plastered on your face.

“Yes?” you inquired.

“I wanted to say, ‘Hi’, and see how your day went,” Edward said. “Chris told me her day.”

“She did? Well, I’m sure she gave you an exact portrait of the events that happened,” you said. “My day was wonderful! The best ever! Come in. I have to tell you everything!”

Edward did and as soon as he took a seat on your bed, you burst.

“Mark broke up with Carrie! It was terrific! Carrie was crying and she began cursing him and everything and then she ran out like she was on fire! Then, then, this is the shocker Eddie. Mark came to me and told me he was glad he did that. ‘It was long overdue’ he explained and then Eddie! He asked me out! Mark Sawyer asked me out! Well, not exactly with those words but he implied it. He said, ‘Maybe you and I could meet up one day, but not for the show.’ Those were his exact words! I’m so happy!”

You hugged him tightly. Edward froze as you did this, your words sinking in. Part of him wanted to be thrill for you, but he couldn’t voice his “glee”. Then there was another part of him, who wanted to chew Mark out so you would be with him. Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to say a single word at all!

You pulled back and looked happily into his eyes, waiting for a response. All you could see was your reflection in the emotionless dark pools.

“Eddie? Edward?” you asked confused. He stared blankly at you. “Are you all right?”

He slightly nodded. “I’m fine,” he managed to say.

“Are you sure? Because you don’t look it. Aren’t you glad for me?”

“Of course I am,” he choked. “I knew you waited for this a long time. At least that’s what Chris says.”

“It is.” You sighed. “I didn’t mean to say like that but I’m excited. Eddie, you have no idea what I went through to get Mark to finally notice me. It even took me years to gather enough courage just to say ‘Hi’ to him and carry conversation without growing bashful.”

“I’m truly happy for you,” he continued, though his tone gave him away. “I mean you had waited and you do deserve this.”

“Thanks.” The word seemed dry to your lips. Odd, when the exchange took place you were so thrilled that you couldn’t wait to tell everyone. Now you felt like a fool in front of Edward. It was obvious of what his feelings were towards the situation and now you felt bad for even mentioning it. But you two only knew each other for a day. You both shouldn’t feel this way now…

In the background, Chris was calling out Edward’s name and he reluctantly left you to contemplate the battling emotions in you.

* * * * *

CHAPTER 4 - Think Of Me

A week went by and not once was Mark ever brought up between you and Edward. In fact, you were avoiding in talking to him all together. You were afraid to see what lie hidden in those piercing dark eyes. You never felt so confused in your life!

Chris, unfortunately, had noticed the tension between you and Edward, and decided to take action into her own hands.

You were in your room, lying on the floor with your eyes closed and humming to the music playing through your headphones. You didn’t hear the opening and closing of the door until a hand pulled on your knee. You let out a squawk and jumped up.

Ripping off the headphones, you glared at your sister. “What the heck were you trying to do? Give me a heart attack?”

“Relax (you). What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Nothing’s wrong so leave me alone,” you snapped as you were putting the headphones back on.

Chris reached out and took them away. “There is something wrong. What’s going on between you and Edward? You guys won’t talk to each other.”

You sighed. “Is this necessary? C’mon Chris it’s mine and Eddie’s business.”

The stubborn girl shook her head. “There’s more to it than you’re giving me. Spill it.”

“I don’t know!” you cried. “I don’t know why, okay?”

Chris eyed you carefully in a You-Can’t-Pull-A-Fast-One-Over-Me look. So finally you told her about the break-up between Mark and Carrie, how Mark suggested going out with you, and Edward’s reaction.

When you finished, Chris burst out laughing. Tears began streaming down her face and you hissed, “What’s so funny?”

She sobered up quickly and gave you a knowing smile. “Oh, nothing at all. Nothing.”

“What is it?” your turn to ask.

“Nothing sis. Just go back to what you’re doing. I get it.” She winked.

“Get what?” you asked, not sure what she meant.

Chris didn’t reply as the door closed.

* * * *

You finished your homework and were sitting on the couch, watching T.V. You and Edward were home alone. Chris was over at Tiffany’s for a sleepover, which you didn’t want her to go.

Christina patted your shoulder and smiled.

That was it and then she was gone. Chris knew something that you didn’t know and it was driving you crazy. For the most part Edward kept to your sister’s room and so it was hard to tell who was more embarrass to be around the other. Whenever you heard a sound, you assumed it was the scissor-hand man and threw a blanket over yourself.

The last time you ever did anything remotely similar was when there was an awful thunderstorm and you were only nine.

You still hadn’t figured out why you were behaving like this. It didn’t, no shouldn’t, matter what Edward thought about Mark. You were in love with Mark. It was your goal to score a date with Mark Sawyer way before Edward Scissorhands. All of a sudden, why now?

You didn’t feel much guilt since Mark never spoke to you about going out. This did hurt you. You thought for sure he would ask you out right away. Rachel told you he would in time. He was simply waiting for the right moment, she says. You sort of hope it was true. Key words: sort of.

Now, you weren’t even sure what to think, let alone feel about the situation. You wanted to talk to Edward so badly, but then you didn’t.

You set Seinfield on mute and listened to see what he was doing. Silence.

What was running through his mind right now? You fought the urge to call him to join you.

What are you doing?! your mind scolded you. He doesn’t want to talk to you and you don’t want to talk to him. If he can’t accept that you like Mark, then too bad!

That was it! The chance of you dating Mark was what got him upset! But why? Does he even remember-? Does he-?

“No he doesn’t,” you said to yourself. That was the past and it wasn’t probable. There was nothing.

The cursed memories came back to you when you thought he deserved a happy ending. You weren’t doing so well on that and you felt even worse than before. Your entire life you imagined what it would be like to hang out with this legend. You dreamt of the adventures you two might have shared and the fun times together. But that was stupid and childish. That could never happen. The reality of it was this: him locked in your sister’s room and you in the living room, wrapped in a blanket, watching Seinfield.

A crazy thought then came to mind. Is he thinking of me?

You blushed and a small smile tugged on the corners of your lips. How ironic it would be if Edward were thinking of you when you were clearly thinking of him!

* * * *

Edward hated himself at that moment. He upset you and that was the furthest thing from his mind that he wanted to happen. He knew he should have been happy for you because he knew how much you liked Mark! The fact, he guess, truly didn’t hit him until you told him. His jealousy probably drove you to despise him.

And that led him to his self-loathing. That, plus, his neglect towards Kim. The other night he had a nightmare. Oh it was so horrible!

He dreamt that he was back in the past. Kim, so innocent so sweet, told Edward she loved him. Choked with love, Edward went to embrace her, forgetting his hands weren’t normal.

As he approached her, Kim took one of his hands and stabbed herself in the heart.

“You don’t love me,” she accused. “See? You’re killing me.”

Then he woke bathed in sweat. That had to be one of the most disturbing dreams he ever had!

After that he didn’t want anyone to see him. He softly cried to himself now, wishing he didn’t come back. He could never let go of the past.

During his self-pity, he almost didn’t hear the soft voice filling the house. It was so low, so gentle like a caress of a hand. It was comforting and Edward stopped to listen to the words-

“Think of me,
think of me fondly,
when we’ve said goodbye.
Remember me every so often-
promise me you’ll try.


On that day,
that not so distant day,
when you are far away and free,
if you ever find a moment,
spare a thought for me…


And though it’s clear,
though it was always clear that
this was never meant to be,
if you happen to remember,
stop and think of me…


Think of August when the trees
were green-
don’t think about the way things
might have been…


Think of me,
think of me waking,
silent and resigned.
Imagine me,
trying too hard to put you from
my mind.


Think of me,
please say you’ll think of me,
whatever else you choose
to do-


There will never be a day
when I won’t think of you…


Flowers fade,
the fruits of summer fade-
they have their season,
so do we…
But please promise me
that sometimes,
you will think…
…of me!”

In the middle of the song, Edward was at a loss for words and he could no longer shed a tear. He had no idea where the song originated from, except it came from your lips.

And he did. He thought about you all the time. For the first time, Edward ignored the guilt he had for forgetting Kim. If she moved on, then why shouldn’t he? Why should he be the slave to the past?

Swallowing hard, he managed to open the door and went out to speak to you.

* * * *

You didn’t know why sung, “Think of Me”, but the words just flowed from your mouth and you didn’t stop. You were so engrossed with the tune that you didn’t see Edward until it ended.

He stood about ten feet away from you, staring.

Forgetting all thoughts of avoiding him, you smiled at him shyly and regarded his presence.

“Hi,” you said.

“Hi,” he echoed back. “That was an amazing song! Is that from the musical?”

You nodded. “The first solo for Christine. Hey, would you like to sit?”

You took the blanket and moved it on you so he had some room to sit. Edward didn’t move and after a couple of seconds, he finally took a seat beside you.

Not sure what to do, he kept his glaze to the floor. You watched him for a moment and then spoke up:

“Mark hasn’t asked me out yet.”

When Edward didn’t reply, you took it as a sign to continue. “Though, I don’t know if I want him to.”

This shock him and it was clearly seen in his expression.

You chuckled at his bemused façade and looked him in the eyes.

“Edward, I’m sorry I brought up Mark. I was so excited that I wasn’t thinking straight of how it might affect you. Of course I care of what you feel.”

He blinked. You were sorry for telling about Mark? You cared about his feelings?! And you called him Edward! Not Eddie! What did that mean? This was too much!

“(You), you don’t need to apologize. I don’t know what overcame me, I guess,” Edward said. “I know how much you liked him and if it makes you happy to go out with him, then do. Don’t use me as an excuse.”

Your jaw practically dropped from his words. “Not if it makes you uncomfortable! Eddie, I respect all my friends’ thoughts about my actions. I don’t like seeing anyone getting hurt that’s all. If you think Mark is wrong for me, then say it! I don’t want to find out for myself. It will simply hurt too much if I was saved from the heartache.”

Okay, so you went back to his nickname, but that didn’t matter to Edward right now. It was the seriousness and an almost pleading tone you took on. Were you begging him to say no? No, you couldn’t be. This was something you wanted for so long and he did want to see you happy.

"If he asks you, then say yes.”

Your features dropped at his decision. Was that the answer you wanted? You weren’t sure. You were so mix up that you didn’t what was right or wrong! But it would be unfair to Edward if you did go by his request. No, you couldn’t do that to him.

“(You) it’s all right. Go out with Mark. That’s what I want you to do,” he said as if he read your thoughts. He gave you an assuring grin.

Well, you weren’t still happy but if that was what he wanted you to do, then there was no reason you shouldn’t.

You took the remote and flipped it to one of your favorite movies, The Notebook (A/N: I know this isn’t out yet to own, but I love this movie).

“I love this movie.” You sighed. “It’s a true love story.”

You leaned back to rest your head on Edward’s shoulder. You put some of your blanket over him as well to make him comfortable. This gesture caused Edward to grow stiff. What were you doing?

But you didn’t seem to mind and you took a great joy in being this close to him. It felt so right in a way. You noticed his hand shaking and so you gently took a hold of his wrist and held it as you watched the movie.

Edward eventually relaxed and relished in this contact between you. You were so different in many ways than Kim. He couldn’t remember Kim ever holding his hand like this and you didn’t care that he might accidentally hurt you. This filled him with such joy and he even thought there was some love as well.

Love……

Yes, that was it.

* * * * *

CHAPTER 5 - Caught!

The next couple weeks flew by to your joy. After that night, things between you and Edward had gotten better. You were still surprised that no one figured this out yet, but you and Chris had it all planned so it wouldn’t happen.

Edward stayed away from the windows and whenever he saw a car pulling in, he took shelter in either your room or Chris’s. He didn’t want to leave just yet and so he was more than willingly to oblige.

He was a good sport when your friends came over to rehearse. You knew he enjoyed listening to the songs and dialogue of the play because you caught Edward a few times humming the songs. Plus, you found out he had a decent voice. That fact you stumbled upon by luck.

You were passing your sister’s room to use the bathroom when you heard a low, deep voice coming from the room. Curious, you slightly opened the door to find Edward going through your songs for the musical.

He was trying to do his best to keep the beat, but he kept coming off off-key.

You helped him with some of the notes and you were able to teach him a small part of the love song between Raoul and Christine. He didn’t have a super voice, but it was good enough to listen without wanting to plug your ears. You sensed his embarrassment and you made light of it. You pointed out that he was trying too hard to hit some of the notes and it was fine if he went lower than what was written. That way you won’t strain your voice, you explained.

So this started off the “singing” lessons with Edward. It was good to have someone help you in parts of the songs if Jerry couldn’t come over. You couldn’t remember having this much fun. You always had fun singing, but with Edward it was more enjoyable. You weren’t sure if it was his messing up or the closeness you two shared.

After the lessons, you two sat around and talked. You wanted to hear Edward’s side of the story. You wanted to know the whole truth.

Edward, sadly, told the tale without leaving anything out. You listened, transfixed, to his voice as he softly explained about his father, Peg, and the Bogg family. He admitted he was in love with Kim and he never forgot her this whole time. It truly touched you for his devotion he had and you told him so. When he got to the difficult part about the break-in and how he knew all along it was Jim’s house, you were angry.

“I’m sorry Eddie, but that was way out of line for Kim,” you said straight out. “That was the most cruelest, unthinkable act ever! She played you like a low life mutt! She used you! I swear, if I was there I would put her in her place!”

He beamed at your outburst. He had no doubt in his mind you would do just that. He guessed that was what made it easy for him to tell you anything. You had an opinion for just about everything and would cut in to say whatever was on your mind. He admired that and wished he could do that as well. To his shock, he agreed with you on Kim’s behavior! Normally, he would have justified her actions but not anymore. He broke free from the past.

Returning to the story, he went on about how he came close to having that surgery so he could be normal.

“That’s all I ever wanted.” He sighed. “I just wanted to be a normal guy with a normal life. I hate being so helpless.”

He eventually got to the part with the confrontation with Jim and how he killed him.

“I had no remorse,” Edward confessed. “When I saw Jim lying there, lifeless, I was glad. Glad! He wasn’t a threat no more to Kim or me. But it didn’t matter. Kim left and told the mob I was dead as well. That’s why no one bother to check her story. They were too afraid. Too afraid that I might kill again.”

“You didn’t really murder him,” you replied gently. “It was self-defense. If you didn’t stop Jim then you or Kim might have been dead. You’re a hero Edward.”

“I don’t feel like one,” Edward answered. “I was taught to do right and I always was good until I came down here. I did terrible things and I’m afraid I’ll just make thing worse than before!”

Then you did the unimaginable. You went over and kissed his cheek. You gripped his shoulders and forced him to look at you.

“Don’t ever say that,” you scolded mildly. “You are not a bad person. So don’t even believe for a second that you are. You’re probably one of the most sweetest, kindest, and gentlest being I had ever met! I’m sorry you had to meet such people who hurt you for their own selfish needs. If there’s one thing I know well its people. There are some you can trust and some you cannot. You, unfortunately, met quite a few that couldn’t be trusted, even if you wanted too. That’s life, I’m afraid. But for as long as you stay here you will not refer yourself as the ‘bad guy’. Got it?”

He nodded. You caught him off guard with that kiss and this directed order. But that kiss…

You watched his eyes. They were so deep and thoughtful. You could almost get lost forever in the depths of his brown orbs. Your faces slowly inched closer when a slam caused you to pull back suddenly. There was a loud rip and part of your sleeve had ripped down the middle. Edward’s expression was that of mortification.

You looked down at the ruin sleeve and laughed heartily. “It’s all right! I hated this top anyways. See? I’m not cut or anything.”

You stood up and went out to see where the commotion was coming from. Christina Andrea Rush- proud 13-year-old, record-breaking runner for Suburbia’s Girls’ Track team, all around tough cookie- collapsed to her knees in the middle of the living room. Her hair was mussed up and clothes disheveled with grass stains all over. Her eyes were swollen and puffy, cuts and scratches were all over her face, and her lips were beginning to bleed. She cast one pain look at you before hot tears came sliding down her bright red cheeks.

“My God!” you gasped and ran to your sister. You hugged her tightly, hiding her messy face in the crevice of your neck and shoulder as the sobs wrack the young girl’s body. You felt your own tears stinging your eyes at the pathetic sight Christina displayed. She rarely comes home looking like a wreck, unless there was a fight.

Softly, but forcefully, you pushed her back so she could see you.

“Christina, what happened?” you asked sternly.

“I-I w-was wal-walking ho-home a-and a-and he-he j-jumped me!” she sobbed.

“Who jumped you?”

Only one name. “Andrew.”

At that moment, Edward came out to see what was taking you so long and was taken aback by Chris’s appearance. He heard the mumble “Andrew” and he instantly clenched his hands to his side, fury bubbling within.

He had heard Chris speak of Andrew Bogg with such anger that he grew to dislike the boy as well. How dare he hurt her!?

“Edward!” Christina blubbered as she moved over to him. Chris hung onto his waist as more tears came out. Standing, you went over to them and coaxed Christina to come over to you.

She did. “Now, Chris, I want you to tell me the truth. Did you prompt this fight?”

She shook her head. “No! I swear, I didn’t! I was walking home from Sean’s when Andrew came from behind. He took me by surprise and I had no idea of what was happening, except I was pinned to the ground being kicked and punched at!”

“Then what?”

“I was able to get my ground and I got him in the shins!” she exclaimed proudly. “Someone was running over to us then and his friend, Kyle, got my arms around my back and Andrew jumped up and started punching me again. I heard Carrie scream their names and they left me there. Carrie came to me and she whispered something like, ‘Serves her best for ruining my life’. I dunno.”

“Are you sure you’re all right?” Edward asked with a hint of worry.

“I’m fine now. But I should have done more! I was so stupid (you)! Once that first hit came I began to cry! Cry! I never do that!” she cried.

“Sh! I know, I know,” you said as you pulled her into another hug. “It’s my fault,” you whispered as a small tear trickled down your face.

Edward heard this and frowned. “No, it’s not,” he told you. “You didn’t know that Carrie would have her brother hurt Chris to get back at you. No one could have seen this coming!”

“I know,” you choked. “But I can’t help but feel responsible for all this.”

You draped your arm over her shoulder and led Chris to the bathroom to help clean the cuts.

Edward sighed and slowly willed his anger to subside. How could one be so cruel? Simple, he bitterly thought. They have no hearts so what do they care?

His mind was so preoccupied that he failed to notice a green 2000 Mustang pulling in.

You were almost done scrubbing Chris’s face when your eyes fell to her watch. Your eyes widened in fear as you remembered earlier that morning your mom told you they’re coming home early from work to spend time with you and Chris.

You ran out to tell Edward to hide, but it was too late.

The front door swung opened and Mr. & Mrs. Stephen and Laura Rush walked in.

* * * *

Everyone just froze. You looked from Edward to your parents; Edward to you; and your parents in shock at the person in front of them.

Chris came out to see what was happening and, she too, froze in her spot.

Then time, slowly, settled in.

“(You), Christina,” your dad started, but was stopped when he saw his wife starting to faint.

He caught her in his arms and glared at his daughters and then to Edward (who turned around at the exact time as Mrs. Rush fainted).

“Who is that?” your father ordered, scooping his wife up.

“Dad, now please don’t be angry,” you began to say but shut your mouth as his glaze rested on Edward’s hands.

A cold sweat broke out across your dad’s forehead and he slightly trembled.

“Girls, get away,” he said. “Please, don’t hurt them. We have a small safe-“

“Dad!” Chris interrupted, “Edward’s not robbing us!”

“Edward?” he repeated.

You groaned. This was going to be a joy.

~An Hour Later~

You, Chris, and Edward finished wrapping up your explanation just as your mom came too.

“Oh, Stephen! My head!” she moaned. She cast one look at Edward, shriek, and fainted again in her husband’s arms.

“I’ll explain this to her,” he murmured. “Now, do you expect me to believe all this?”

“Dad, how else can you not?” you questioned. “He’s real as you can tell.”

Stephen shook his head. “No. This cannot be happening. For all I know, you kids might be pulling some prank on me and it’s not funny.” He shook a finger at Edward and continued. “And you! You have to be ashamed of yourself for taking advantage of my daughters! Letting them think you’re some made-up children’s tale!”

“Dad!” you and Chris shouted in unison.

“Enough! Both of you are in deep trouble. You two should know better! How could you let this person stay here without telling us? We are your parents-“

“Stop! Just stop!” Chris yelled. “Edward is not some person, kay? Look, don’t be mad at (you). She had nothing to do with this. I went to the mansion on the mountain and brought Edward down. I didn’t think it would that much of a problem if he stayed for a while. Besides, you guys are hardly ever home so why should you start caring what we do?”

“Don’t give that to me. (You) is just as blame as you, perhaps, more. And for saying we don’t care, that’s not true! Your mother and I worry constantly about your well being when we’re at the office.”

“Oh really then?” Chris went on, sarcastically. “Did you notice that I got into a fight?”

Stephen stopped and stared hard at his youngest. Honestly, he didn’t even notice the bruises taking place or the minor cuts on her face. His attention was on this “Edward” and those hands.

He ran a hand through his short dark hair and cursed.

“Dad,” you said softly. “Edward was lonely. You would have done the same if you knew…”

“If I knew what?!” he barked. “I told you from the start, young lady, that those stories were lies and foolish tales to scare children. I had forbidden you both from ever going to that mountain! It’s dangerous there and yet you both disobeyed me.”

“No she didn’t,” Christina persisted. “Daddy it was all me!”

Stephen shook his head. “No, Christina, it wasn’t just you.”

Edward, throughout the confrontation, remained silent and submissive. He flinched from Mr. Rush’s tone and words and his anger on his friends. It wasn’t their fault he was there. It was his.

Painful tears began to swim in his eyes and he lowered his head, shamefully. He knew this wasn’t going to work, but they lasted so long and now it was all for nothing. He never felt so weak at this moment, until an inner voice belched out:

Don’t sit there like a fool! Stand up for yourself! Stand up for Chris and (you)! They welcomed you into their home and took care of you and this is how you repay them?! You’re allowing their father to walk all over you! What is the matter with you? Haven’t you learned anything over the years? Do you want to go back to that cold world?

“No,” he croaked as he blinked back the tears.

“Excuse me?” Stephen glowered, as he snapped his head in Edward’s direction.

Taking a ragged breath, Edward forced himself to look squarely into his eyes. “Don’t yell at them,” Edward said. Looking to you, Edward felt this incredible surge of strength flare within.

Returning back to Stephen, Edward repeated, “Don’t yell at them sir. By all means, go and take your anger on me. They don’t deserve it. I do. I knew the consequences and I didn’t care. Your daughters had shown me nothing but kindness, something I hadn’t felt in a long time. They took care of me when everyone shuns me for my faults. I can’t help the way I look. So, Mr. Rush, if you want I will leave and never come back, but know this. Your daughters are true angels and I thank them for letting me stay.”

Mrs. Rush came to as Edward began this speech and when he finished, she clasped her hands together and let a few tears fall. She didn’t know this person or what is going on, but his words were beautiful and they described her children perfectly.

“You're welcome,” Laura whispered. Her husband whirled around to face his wife in shock. “Laura?”

“I may have fainted and I may not know the situation, but Stephen, hear him out! I think Chris and (you) might have performed a miracle.”

You smiled and poked Chris in the ribs at your mother’s statement. Even though they haven’t been the #1 Parents of the Year, your mother was an amazing person in such predicaments.

“What’s your name again?” she asked sweetly to Edward.

“Ed-Edward, ma’am,” he stumbled.

“Edward it is? Well, I’m sure this was all just a misunderstanding, and nothing big. I’m sorry if I scared you from my outburst, but you have to see that this hardly happens everyday!”

A small smirk formed on Edward’s face. He nodded. “I’m used to it,” he teased as he winked in your direction.

You hid your face to hide your flushed cheeks.

“Now, let’s get this settled, shall we? Girls, you are in fact, still in trouble for not telling us of our guest. Edward can stay unless he wants to leave early. And what in the world happened to you Christina?”

While Chris explained, Edward looked as if he won a million dollars. He could stay! He could stay!

He didn’t notice Stephen’s disapproval of his wife’s final decision. When Chris wrapped her story up, Stephen was at his wits ends. “Andrew Bogg, did this to you? Christina, do you know how this sounds?”

“Dad, Andrew beat me up! I swear to God I didn’t antagonize him or anything!” Chris cried.

“Christina, the Boggs’ are good friends of mine and I know Blake’s kids wouldn’t randomly beat you up. Or you sure it was Andrew?”

“Stephen,” Laura lowered her voice in a warning. “You don’t know that for a fact. Besides, Andrew and Chris had their differences before and this shouldn’t be ignored.”

He sighed, giving up. “Fine, perhaps, Andrew might have done this. I’ll just have to give Blake a call then. Now you said Carrie didn’t do anything to stop this. Why?”

“To get back at me,” you murmured. “Mark broke up with her for me, I suppose.”

“Mark? You mean, Mark Sawyer?” Laura piped up, interested. “Isn’t he the one you ‘like’?”

You blushed. Nodding, you went on. “That’s the only explanation I can think of. Why else would this happen?”

“Well, like I said, I’ll give Blake a call and listen to Andrew’s and Carrie’s side of all this. Meanwhile, Chris, I want you to go into your room and take… Edward with you. Your mother and I would like to speak to your sister. Alone.”

Christina merely nodded her head and tugged on Edward’s arm towards her room.

When they were gone, you took a deep breath. This wasn’t going to be pretty.

* * * *

“What do you think they’ll say to her?” Edward asked Chris as soon as they were safely in the bedroom.

“Nothing good I can tell you for sure,” she replied. She went over to her window and sighed. Deep down, she knew what it would be about. She never thought it was true, but after what she witnessed with her father’s outburst, she thought otherwise.

“You do know,” Edward said softly.

Chris turned her head to face him and gave a slight nod. “I have a feeling what it is, but I’m not sure if that’s only it.”

“What? Chris, please tell me!” he pleaded, giving her his best puppy dog look.

She bit her lower lip and chewed on it restlessly, trying to make up her mind if she should tell him. “Okay. But don’t tell (you) that I told you this, savvy?”

“Yes.”

“All right. Remember when you asked me about that girl who visited the mansion?”

* * * *

The living room was dead silent as you and your parents sat looking at each other. You had a dreaded feeling what this was about and all you wanted to do was run and never look back. You were normally the one who obeyed your parents’ wishes because that was what you did. You never imagined in your wildest dreams of going against them, but you did. Multiple times.

“(You), I assume you know what we’re going to tell you,” your father spoke gravely.

“Yes.”

“We told you never to go up there. It’s not a safe place and yet you did. And for what? Three, four months? Possibly longer? That mansion was broken down and what if it collapsed or something if you were in it?”

“Well, since, that was five years ago and I’m still here that is not even worth mentioning,” you scoffed.

Stephen shot a look that had Keep Quiet written all over.

“Honey, we were only looking out for your best interests,” Laura said. “When we moved here, we all heard of such horrible stories about a man with scissors for hands. But that was it. A story. And that’s how it should have remained.”

“But Mom-“ you started.

“No buts (you). When you told us about him when you came home from school on your first day, we told you it was nonsense. Even though that mansion was on that hill and might appear inviting to the young, your father and I knew there was a reason why the neighbors were so uneasy about the subject. Frankly, I thought the entire thing was absurd and you were so dead set that it wasn’t a tale.”

“We told you not to put any ideas in Christina’s head, but you went ahead and done so,” your dad said.

“All I did was tell her and her friends the story from what I heard,” you defended. “They were going to hear sometime sooner or later. Besides, you guys were the ones who tried so hard to keep it quiet, and that only made Chris want to know more. She kept badgering me until I caved!”

“Doesn’t matter. You knew better. And you, secretly, went up there everyday God knows doing what!” your father accused.

“Luckily for us, Mrs. Bryant, told us that you were going up there. We never would have known of your little trips until she caught you leaving the gate when we were working late one night,” Laura added.

You looked up surprised. That night was the first time they stayed late at the firm and it was the fourth visit you made to the house on the hill. If they knew before then why didn’t they say anything when you continued for five months? Was it a ploy of some sort to see whether or not you will tell them?

“Yes we knew for some quite time before we finally confronted you on the matter,” your dad said as if he read your thoughts. “We thought if we didn’t do anything you would stop on your accord when you realized it wasn’t true as you thought. When you didn’t, we got worried that maybe there was a man who lived there and he was doing something to you.” Your father’s harsh manner before changed dramatically to a gentler, fatherly tone as if speaking to a child.

His body began to tremble slightly and you watched, amazed, as your mother wrapped her arms around her husband to comfort him. You didn’t realize how your actions affected your father so. He was scared that something terrible happened to you when you left the door.

“Whenever you went out to school or with your friends or wherever, all I could think of was you going to that mansion. You’re my first child and I fought so hard to forbear the urges to keep you inside,” his voice wavered. “But your mother kept her cool and mine as well. We trusted you. We knew if you were in trouble you would have come to us on your own account and we shrugged it off. I guess it was a stupid thing to do.”

“No it wasn’t Daddy,” you whispered. “I never knew that my secret hurt you so. If it helps, I never went inside. Never. I kept to the outdoors just in case if I had to run I could escape quickly. I never met Edward until Christina brought him here. All that time I was there, I never knew he lurked somewhere in the depths of the mansion. I thought I was alone and I planted flowers of all kinds around the grounds. It was such a pitiful dark place that I wanted to bring some color and life to it. And in a way, it was homage to the ghost of the past that I felt deserved an ounce of kindness from a stranger.”

“You always had a poetic way of explaining yourself,” your mother teased. “You have a wonderful spirit and a good heart. But sometimes even that can cause trouble of the wrong kind to happen.”

“I know,” you sighed.

“And I guess from the looks of it, Edward couldn’t harm a fly,” Stephen commented dryly. “But that doesn’t excuse your or Christina’s behavior. As your mother said, he can stay unless something happens. I mean something that will cause more scars to this neighborhood.”

“Yes! Thank you!” You jumped up and gave your parents a hug.

“But you’re grounded.”

* * * *

Later that evening, all the tension was gone and everyone sat to a nice family meal. You still were in shock from the earlier conversation with your parents, but everything was going to be all right. They accepted Edward and there was a chance of Mark asking you out.

Yes, you had a renewed hope of your crush asking you out.

When dinner was over, your family and Edward sat around in the living room. He answered all of your parents’ questions and you smiled as you saw how more relaxed he became. He now appeared to be in much higher hopes than he was when you first met him.

This made you glad.

But unbeknownst to the Rush family and their guest, an inquisitive person came over to see how Christina’s plight affected her sister.

Carrie Bogg, hid behind a bush outside a window, and carefully peeked inside. What she saw shock her and at the same time filled her with horror. There was another in the house. And that someone was the same person she remembered her grandfather talked about when he was alive.

How could this be?

To her bewilderment, no one around him seemed to be frightened or mind that his hands (if that was the correct terminology) flapping about in excitement as in some great tale or other. Her white hand clasped over her mouth to hold in the suppressed shriek she wanted so badly to release.

This couldn’t be happening. It couldn’t possibly be happening!

Edward Scissorhands, the one being who ripped the suburb apart, was in the home of none other but her rival’s.

CHAPTERS 6-10

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