I slowly shuffled across the floor and cocked my head to the side when I saw the painting. Edward was a master of capturing the moment, even if I was a little embarrassed he painted me sleeping. My arm was tucked lazily behind my head, almost completely sheathed by my dark hair. My shirt had ridden up a little bit, just barely exposing some skin. I looked serene, like everything in my life was perfectly falling into place. Like I didn’t have a damn care in the world. What a fucking sham.
I stared at the painting, almost becoming lost inside it. Drowning in the mix of colors and lines across the canvas. My eyes focused on the one spot on my shoulder. Even though he didn’t paint it, I knew what was hiding underneath the fabric. It was like this little monster threatening to expose the darkest parts of me. The parts I keep hidden. I never wanted any of it, I never asked for it. I know no one ever does but why does life have to be so unfair? What the hell did I do to deserve this symbol of my pain engraved in my skin? I know what happened to me, I don’t need a reminder everyday when I look in the mirror.
I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t even register Edward sneaking up behind me. I didn’t flinch when he wrapped his arms around my waist. I didn’t even blink when he kissed my neck.
“I know that look baby. Where are you at?” He whispered.
“Why do you think bad things happen to good people?” I reached out, almost like I was going to touch the painting. I stopped just before my fingers brushed against the rough canvas, allowing them to linger over my painted shoulder.
“Bad things happen to everyone Bella,” he mumbled against my skin. “It doesn’t matter if you’re good, bad or ugly, they’ll happen.”
“So it doesn’t matter then?” I said softly.
“What?”
“Anything.”
