A/N This fic is close to my heart since it's the first story I've ever started writing and its based on my family's cabin. Hope you enjoy :)
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Isabella, hurry up, we're going to be late." Angela, her roommate, and best friend called up from the living room.
"One minute!" She yelled back, as Isabella took one last look in the mirror. The make-up had done its job of perking up her face, while her hair looked much better when it wasn't thrown into a ponytail.
Since Jacob had just broken up with her two days ago, it seemed she was in a never-ending loop of shit. Besides the fact that her boyfriend of four years completely bailed on her for no explanation, her brother had somehow convinced her that she needed to visit the family. This idea didn't sound too bad until she remembered that she hadn't seen them in nearly ten years.
So, swallowing her pride, she descended the stairs to face her friend Angela who had somehow blackmailed her into going out. Isabella tried not to think about the fact that it would be the first time in three years that she was going to go to a club as a single woman. It was all a little daunting, and even though Jacob was long gone, she still felt like it was too early to be moving on. Her heart wasn't broken in the least, more her pride, and she knew she had to get back out there and live her life.
Angela groaned when she took a little too long descending the stairs. "You have a right to have fun. That asshole is done dictating your life, and you need to take this opportunity and just run with it!"
They had been friends since their freshmen year of college, so Angela probably knew just what she was thinking before she asked, "Don't you think it's a little early? I mean, it only just happened."
Angela rolled her eyes. "Please, if you ask me, you should have gone out the night he dumped you." Isabella winced just at the mentioning of it.
Angela softened her words, "Honey, he didn't deserve you. He was controlling, and a jerk even before the breakup."
"I know, I just don't quite remember how to be single." Isabella had been so sure she had found the man she was going to marry. But then again, life often had its way of pulling the rug out from under her feet.
"Yes you do, so stop being dramatic. Everything will work out, I promise."
Isabella just nodded, trying to remember the girl that used to be fearless so many years ago, "Then let's go."
The club was booming, as was usual for a Saturday night in Chicago. They were supposed to be meeting up with one of Angela's new boy toys, as Isabella liked to call them. Not knowing exactly what this guy looked like, she was content to follow Angela as she tugged them to a booth in the back.
As they rounded the bar, Isabella saw why her friend had been so smiley these last couple of weeks. The guy waving them down was cute, even more attractive when he immediately stood up to give Angela a chaste peck on the cheek. Her best friend was simply beaming.
"Isabella, this is Ben. Ben this is my best friend in the entire world, Isabella."
Ben gave her a warm smile. "Great to meet you, Isabella, I've heard so much about you." He shook her hand firmly, a good sign.
"The pleasure is mine. Angela can't seem to shut up about you."
Angela shot her a warning glare, and Ben just chuckled. "That's good to hear, but I hope it was all good." He motioned for both of them to sit, and garnered the attention of the waitress easily.
"Order whatever you want ladies," Ben announced. "Drinks are on me tonight."
"Keep this up and even I might end up in love with you," Isabella answered, perusing the drink menu. "And don't be fooled by her size, Ben, Angela can guzzle drinks like nobody's business." She chuckled as Angela shot her another death glare.
Ben laughed easily, "Oh, believe me, I found that out a few weekends ago." Angela had turned a deep shade of red before her friend fired it right back.
"That's an excellent offer Ben, but our Isabella here has bragged that she could trick any guy she wanted to buy her free drinks tonight, so she won't be needing you to buy her drinks after all."
It was Isabella's turn to be annoyed. Seeing how many men could buy them drinks was something they would do it college, but Isabella hadn't done it in years.
"But what about Ben's friend?" Isabella asked between clenched teeth.
Angela just smiled sweetly at Ben before she shrugged, "He'll still be here, but it doesn't hurt to get some extra numbers in the meantime."
"Geesh, Ang, when did you turn so diabolical?" Her friend just shot Isabella a wink as Ben pulled her closer.
"Any guy who wins the attention of the beautiful Isabella will be a lucky bastard," Ben announced as he raised his glass in a salute before Bella stood rather reluctantly.
"But don't forget, Iz," Angela started. "Ben's friend is going to be here in a half an hour. So whatever poor bastard he is, make sure you don't go home with him." She just gave her friend a curt nod in understanding, before turning to the bar to see how many numbers she could get.
When Isabella reached the bar, she miraculously found an empty seat and got the bartender's attention. He gave her a warm smile as she gave him her drink order. It was something fruity that she hated but would make the men practically flock towards her.
Even though she had been off the market for a while, Isabella was still aware of how single life worked.
So she vowed to stop moping and at least find someone to have a decent rebound fling with. And sure enough, a couple of guys made their move, but she felt the need to turn them down. Isabella was trying not to be too picky, but she still had some standards.
After turning down another guy that had terrible breath, she was getting sick of these advances fast. "Any luck?" Angela has snuck up behind her, and Isabella could see the alcohol was doing the trick on her friend.
"I'm trying, but all of these guys are creeps." She yelled over the booming music.
"They can't all be creeps, Iz." Angela rolled her eyes, as she motioned for the bartender.
"Actually, they can. And maybe you should slow down." Bella commented as she gave Angela a warning glare.
"Why would I slow down when all of these are on Ben?" She giggled as the barkeep slid over another drink.
"That's my point." Isabella chuckled. "I don't think even Ben is ready to see you full-fledged drunk.
"Stop being my mother and get at least two numbers before Ben's friend gets here. If you can manage that, our next night out is on me."
"What's the point of you setting me up if I still have to do all the dirty work?" Isabella sighed.
"Options," Angela replied with a sly smile, as she made her way back to the booth.
Accepting her fate with a deep sigh, Isabella's eyes fell to the exit. She couldn't help but wonder if this so-called friend of Ben's was going to be cute, or just a creep like the rest of them. Because she didn't think she had the energy to deal with some sleaze for the rest of her night.
And just when she was about to go to the bathroom to escape, someone caught her eye from across the bar.
And damn it, the tall, dark stranger was the embodiment of the cliché. Even from the bar, she could see his striking face and messy red hair. Well no, maybe it was more bronze. Either way, he looked perfectly fuckable, or at least the foolproof candidate to help get Jacob out of her mind.
The perfect palate cleanser.
Sensing her attention on him, the stranger looked at her. And when their eyes finally locked, she swore she felt the tension practically sizzle between them. Not embarrassed in the slightest that she had been caught staring, she dared to even quirk a brow in challenge.
This guy was beyond delicious with his tousled hair, burning eyes and lickable jaw as he just nodded his head in greeting before walking into the crowd.
Downing the shot she had ordered from the bartender, Isabella straightened out her dress and prepared to confront the man. But when she turned back around, he was completely gone.
Pushing the disappointment away, she figured she might as well take the opportunity to tell Angela she couldn't join them after all. No matter how nice her blind date might have been, Isabella had made her choice.
But before she went back to the booth, she thought it a good idea to go freshen up in the restroom. Isabella could already feel how flushed her face had become just from the encounter, and the last thing she needed was sweat in the wrong places. Not to mention that, after two drinks, she had to pee like a racehorse.
After the restroom, Isabella found their cramped little booth quickly, and couldn't stop the words from spilling from her mouth when she saw Angela. Apparently, the alcohol was starting to hit Isabella as well.
"Angela, you have to see him." From the corner of her eyes, she could see someone else was in the booth now, but Isabella couldn't find herself to care who it was.
"Iz," Angela tried to interrupt, but she couldn't stop the words from spilling out even if she wanted to.
"Oh my God, he's so fucking hot." Isabella gushed, suddenly parched as she looked for the closest drink and then downed it in one gulp. She sputtered when she realized it was straight scotch.
"Jesus." She coughed, trying to find her breath.
"That's great, but we would like you to meet someone." Angela's eyes flickered over to the stranger that remained in Isabella's peripheral, as her friend shot her a look that was loud and clear.
She was being rude.
Ben was desperately trying to hide his laughter as Angela continued to shoot Isabella daggers. But her ears also registered someone else's masculine laugh, a surprisingly arousing sound. Deep and rich, just like the scotch she had just drunk.
Finally, she turned her head and in her shock, her mouth now hanging open, making her appear to be a fish out of water
Not only was it the man from earlier: The hot one—or more specifically—the fucking hot one, as Isabella's mind lagged at just how attractive he was.
But there was more.
She knew him. Beyond the previous encounter, she knew him.
Edward Cullen.
Her high school boyfriend and basic embodiment of everything Isabella had never been able to find again.
Fuck.
Angela just forced a smile before she announced, "Honey, this is Edward, and Edward this is—"
"Izzy." Isabella quickly interrupted with her ridiculous nickname before Angela could finish. Apparently, by some miracle, he had yet to recognize her, and she wanted to keep it that way.
"I'm Izzy. It's nice to meet you." She swallowed a lump in her throat as she stuck out her hand, opting to use only the name Angela used for her.
Thankfully, Angela and Ben stayed silent, but both were wearing wary expressions.
But Edward, it seemed, had yet to notice anything at all, as he gave Isabella a grin she knew all too well.
"I'm Edward, it's a pleasure to meet you, Izzy. I think I saw you at the bar earlier."
"Yeah." Was all she could reply since she was still in a stupor that was Edward Cullen. The last time she had seen him was...when she was a different person. It had to be more than ten years ago.
She could now see his hair had yet to change from the last time she had seen him. He was so unchangeable that Isabella was kicking herself for not recognizing him before.
Besides the fact that it looked like someone had just run their fingers through the luscious locks only moments ago, it was still that most peculiar color. A sort of coppery-red that she never knew she liked this much until she saw it now.
But the best part about Edward was his eyes. They were an impossibly rich, vibrant, emerald color that left her itching to ask if he recognized her after all…
No, she couldn't, it would just lead them down a road Isabella had tried so hard to forget.
"Yes, well, I do hope you were referring to me earlier, or this is going to be a bit awkward." Edward laughed as he raised a hand for another drink.
Angela cleared her throat when she didn't answer. "You'll have to forgive my friend, Edward, apparently she has had one shot too many."
Isabella just blinked to regain her senses. If Edward hadn't recognized her yet, then that meant he never would. She didn't blame him, though. Since the last time they saw each other, she was just a teen, and her haircut made her look like a boy.
He was also part of the reason she no longer went by Bella. Introducing herself strictly as Isabella or Izzy, even when she hated it. But she would do anything to avoid those ghastly memories that she associated with that name.
But Edward, he looked the same. Edward had always been mind-numbingly attractive, and apparently, his handsomeness only multiplied with age.
Besides his hair and eyes, which hadn't changed, his face had matured with his square jaw and high cheekbones. His brows were even darker, and his nose sported a slight bump she didn't quite remember from before.
And all of it put together had Isabella salivating at the sight of him.
Damn him.
Edward rolled his shoulders and turned towards her. "Either way, we're here now, aren't we?" His eyes were practically smoldering as Isabella felt the electricity from earlier. It was as if she was magnetically drawn toward him.
It was as if nothing had ever changed.
But, things had changed.
Isabella was a strong, successful woman who had overcome tragedy and pain. It was rightfully so that Edward hadn't recognized her. She was anything but the Bella he once knew.
"Yes," She answered, dazed, and unable to say anything else. And Edward's answering smirk could only be described as devilish. Oh, he was flirting all right, but if he only knew…
Shaking off the feeling his gaze did to her, she sought an escape. "I think I need another drink," Isabella announced a little too fast to be considered normal, raising her hand to get a waiter's attention.
But someone's hand pushed hers down just as quickly. "Let me get that." Isabella's chest heaved with the contact, and in the instant Edward touched her, she was right back in high school and he—
She gulped back the rush of feelings as Edward easily got the attention of the waitress. Figures. The man was more attractive than most models, so she couldn't blame any female from noticing. It would be criminal if they didn't.
"Remind me what you were drinking again, well, besides my scotch." Edward shot her a wink, mischief in those green eyes. Another thing she knew too well.
"Excuse me," Isabella stood up abruptly, practically climbing over Edward's lap before he helped her out of the booth.
"Whoa, are you okay?" His hands were like hot brands against her skin, as she tried not to wretch her arms away.
"Iz, what's going on?" Angela asked over the din of the club.
"I'm fine, I uh, just need to use the restroom." Isabella made the mistake of looking at Edward again; his face beautifully written with concern.
Gulping down the rush of emotions that gaze brought her, Isabella practically sprinted to the bathroom.
Bypassing the line, she rushed to the nearest sink so she could splash some water on her face, or she was afraid she would start hyperventilating.
There were just too many memories, too many emotions; all of them threatening to break her open.
"Iz, sweetie?" Angela had followed her in and was now rubbing a hand across her back. "Do you want to tell me what just happened?"
"I know him Ang. I knew him, and he didn't even recognize me." Isabella's breaths were short and gasping as she turned to her friend.
"Well, you didn't really give him a chance before you ran off. Maybe if—"
"No," She interrupted, "No, he can't know who I am."
"Well, why not? Ben says Edward's a really nice guy. Just how do you know him?"
There was a very good reason Angela had no idea about Isabella's past, and that wasn't about to change now.
Isabella shook her head. "I need to go home. I'm sorry Ang, but I can't stay."
Angela nodded her head, "Okay. Well, I can come with you. Just let me tell Ben."
"No, you should stay. I can just get a cab home. I don't want to ruin your night."
Angela had hesitated before she agreed, "Fine. But don't think we won't talk about this, Iz. You really scared me out there. Are you sure you're okay?"
Isabella forced a smile. "I'm sure."
With a wary look, Angela followed her out of the bathroom and back to the booth. Isabella bypassed the table before Edward or Ben could say anything, but she could still hear Angela explaining. There was no word from Edward before she left without looking back.
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The familiar road of pine trees flashed by as she gazed out the window. Isabella gave her tired limbs a stretch after sitting in the same place for nearly six hours now. She usually slept the entire way up to the cabin when she was a child, but sadly, as an adult that was no longer an option.
Her family had been coming up to the lake as long as she could remember, even after Isabella's father died; something about Northern Michigan and its beauty helped her family heal.
Everyone but her that is.
But that was almost ten years ago. She had not seen her family since the Christmas after she graduated high school. The only reason she agreed to make the trip was that Jasper had invited her personally, insisting that they needed to see each other because he had something to tell her in person.
And even she had to admit, she did miss her brother and wouldn't mind seeing him in the least bit. Now her mom, she could do without. Renee was the kind of mother who liked to think she was the perfect parent, but in reality, she was the exact opposite.
Growing up, as long as she and Jasper stayed out of any real trouble, she didn't care much as to what occupied them; which only intensified after their father's accident. And part of Isabella never forgave her for the neglect.
And perhaps that was why she had avoided not only her family but also the place that reminded them the most of their father.
But that didn't faze her brother. Jasper always liked to have a good time up here, and for him, that translated to alcohol and girls. For her, it meant swimming. Growing up, she had always dreamed of a scholarship to swim in college—and now that part of her life was over, and her career was all that she had.
Building her architectural firm from the ground up was what had occupied Isabella's life for the past five years. And nothing, not even a week's vacation was going to interrupt the new life she had built.
After the lengthy drive, the forested road finally cleared and started its familiar turn around massive Jose Lake. And Isabella could now see the perfectly kept lawns and cabins—more like mansions—hugging the edge of the lake, some of the shining water peeking in between the trees now and then.
As the car finally pulled into the pine-covered drive, Isabella realized that her body was starting to buzz in anticipation. She hoped it was just from the long drive, but deep down she knew it was from nervousness.
She had discarded her shoes early into the trip, so when she exited the car, evergreen needles poked uncomfortably at her bare feet. The smell hit her next, a mix of clean pine, and crisp air that only resided near water. And despite herself, Isabella found that she was almost…nostalgic, for a time of her life long forgotten.
Shaking off all of the memories—good and bad, she swallowed her pride and stepped through the threshold of the cabin she hadn't seen in years.
But it was just like she remembered, pieces of driftwood still dotting the walls that her father had loved to collect. Along the wood-paneled walls in the main living area, were paintings of lakes along with the wrinkled, blue and green paper of old lake maps. The worn carpet still remained spread throughout, only stopping at the rustic pine floors that covered the kitchen and dining area.
With the cottage came the memories of her childhood whether she liked it or not. And she suddenly couldn't make her body move any farther than the large sitting area that served as a foyer for the front door. It also helped that this room also had a wall of windows that showed a breathtaking view of the water: Jose Lake. If only the walls of this rickety old cottage could talk, then the stories would never end.
But then Isabella heard voices come from the lakeside; voices she hadn't heard in nearly a decade.
She was frozen as she watched her brother stride in from outside, oblivious to her arrival. The beautiful blonde on his side was their long-time, childhood friend, and neighbor, Rosalie. The two of them were chatting easily, wide smiles on both of their faces; smiles that she knew would disappear as soon as they saw her.
Bella stifled the sudden urge to run as she took in her brother: a grown man, and more handsome than the pictures she saw of him on Facebook.
Finally, as they crossed the patio that would lead them inside, Rosalie looked up, and as soon as she saw Isabella, she stopped in her tracks. She stood, staring, with no doubt, the same look of shock Isabella had on her face.
Jasper, realizing that Rosalie had frozen, finally looked up to see what she was looking at.
He looked like their father: that was the first thought that ran through Isabella's head. The second thought that ran through her mind was how ungodly idiotic she had been.
"Crazy, out of all the views I never thought I'd see, this ones the best," Jasper smiled as he nudged Rosalie in her shoulder and nodded to her.
Isabella just laughed, well, more like laugh-cried because she was currently choking back tears at the moment. She hadn't even begun to form a response before her brother was pulling her into a bone-crushing hug.
"I've missed you Bella-bean," Jasper murmured into her shoulder, using the name he called her as children.
"I've missed you too. So much." Yup, she was an idiot. The dumbest idiot of all, for letting what happened years ago drive her from him.
"Well," Jasper finally let her go only to hold her at arms length as he scanned her up and down. "You're here now."
Isabella gave him a wobbly smile as she looked around the room appreciatively. Pretending not to notice their father's old fishing kit on an end table, Isabella looked to Rosalie who had been keeping her distance the whole time.
"Hi," Isabella said sheepishly, not even remembering the last time she had seen the girl that was practically her sister in every right. "Long time no see."
Rosalie nodded solemnly, but still opened her arms to offer her a hug. "You got that right. Jasper wasn't sure if you were going to come."
"Well, he said he had something special to tell me. So I'm here." Her brother just blushed at the mentioning of it as he deftly changed the subject,
"How was the drive?"
Bella let out a sigh as she dropped her bags, "Good. How are Carlisle and Esme?"
They were Rose's parents that owned the cabin next to theirs and basically raised Jasper and Isabella after their father's accident.
"They're great actually," Rose answered, "Should be stopping by soon to chat. They've missed you. We all have."
There it was again, the pity. That was one of the main reasons she avoided them all those years ago. It got so that it was unbearable.
Her eyes, however, seemed to slide back over to the lake that lay beyond the sliding glass. And even though she was almost twenty-seven years old, all she wanted to do was to drop her bags and sprint down to the water's edge.
Turning to her brother, she knew he had the same idea.
They both raced down the hall, Isabella finding the familiar pink room that she always stayed in and Jasper going into his. She distantly heard Rosalie sigh loudly at their shenanigans as her brother shouted, "Last one in the water has to cook dinner."
"You're on!" Isabella called back as she wiped her tears back. It was like nothing had ever changed, and she could have died from the relief of it.
As she entered her room and slipped on her bikini as fast as she could, she realized this part of the cottage had stayed the same. Even down to the giant, lake trout, body pillows that were on the beds, something their father had bought at a fishing convention when they were kids.
It seemed no matter how Isabella's life and the people around her had changed, the cabin remained fossilized in time, and the realization made her chest heave.
But she had been sidetracked with her reminiscing because she could hear her brother stomping down the hall and towards the lake.
They met at the sliding glass door, as Bella gave her brother a firm shove. He didn't lose his footing in the slightest, but it surprised him enough to allow her to squeeze in front.
"You've always fought dirty, little bean." He called after her, still hot on her trail as they raced down the steps.
She scoffed, "I'm not a little bean anymore, so you should probably stop calling me that."
"Only when you start winning." Jasper was practically breathing down her neck, so she picked up the pace; the trail down to the lake was not a short one. But finally, she could see the end.
And as she reached the dock, Isabella distantly heard Jasper voice some sort of warning. However, there was no hesitation on her part before she took one swift dive into the water before everything went black.
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"Bella, Can you hear me?"
God, that name. Isabella hadn't heard it in a while, and it still took her breath away. It wasn't helped by the fact that the name was being spoken with a heartbreaking amount of concern.
With heavy eyes and fuzzy comprehension, Isabella finally recognized the soothing voice that belonged to Carlisle, Rose's father and the man that had raised her when she lost her first father.
"What happened? Where am I?" Isabella croaked, her voice stuck in her throat.
Looking around groggily, she struggled to take in her surroundings and realized she was by the water.
Was she up at the lake?
"Don't try to talk, your neck might be a little sore." Isabella's eyes grew wide as Esme came into view, a woman she hadn't seen in far too long.
"What do you mean?" Isabella registered the worried faces of Jasper and Rose peering over Esme's shoulder.
"When you dove off the dock, I think you forgot how shallow it was, and you hit your head knocking yourself unconscious," Carlisle explained as he helped Isabella sit up straighter.
"Dock?" Isabella asked, finally finding her voice.
"Don't you remember, Bells? You're up at the Lake House." Jasper finally piped up.
She was?
Esme pushed a strand of hair away from Isabella's face. "How do you feel?"
"A little tired, but otherwise, okay." Esme gave her a stiff nod. She didn't look too worried, but there was still that note of sadness in her eyes.
There was a beat of silence until Isabella asked the dreaded question, "How long was I out?"
"Not long at all. Luckily there was someone else swimming by to help your brother get you out of the water quickly." Carlisle answered, an uncomfortable silence settling over her family.
"Someone else?" Isabella searched everyone's guilt-ridden expression before her gaze rested on her brother.
"Yeah, uh. You know him, actually." Jasper rubbed the back of his head nervously.
"Who."
However, she already knew the answer. One of the reasons she avoided coming up here for so long. The person she credited her love of swimming to, and the one who make sure she hadn't shattered after the death of her father.
"Edward." Jasper practically winced at the name, while the rest of them just had eyes full of pity.
"Oh." Isabella gave Esme and Carlisle a small smile as they helped her to her to her feet. "How did he seem?"
"Well," There her brother went again, with the head-scratching. "He uh, seemed a little confused at first. He saw me and recognized me instantly, but when it came to you—"
Isabella tried not to shrivel in embarrassment.
What Edward must have thought when he saw her, the woman who only weeks ago pretended she had never seen him, only to figure out that she was, in fact, his ex-girlfriend from high school.
Isabella just shook her head as her brother trailed off into nothing and everyone exited the dock, leaving only the two of them.
"What did he say?" She wasn't sure if she wanted to know the answer.
"He was freaked out, obviously. He was worried if you were okay, of course. It took a bit for everything to sink in I think. It's been so long since he'd seen you."
Isabella hoped that Edward didn't spill the beans to Jasper as to what transpired between them at the bar those weeks ago.
"But when you were finally out of the water," Jasper continued, "he said he hoped you were okay and insisted on staying. But then I suggested he probably shouldn't be there when you woke up, because of how it went down between you two."
And Isabella couldn't decide if she was happy or disappointed that she hadn't seen him when she awoke.
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When Isabella was finally home from the hospital emergency center after being given a clean bill of health, she read over the orders from her doctor; no strenuous exercise or movements until the concussion subsided. That meant no swimming and no boating. Rules Isabella was seriously thinking of breaking.
When she walked into the kitchen that morning to get some breakfast, Rosalie was at the table enjoying a grapefruit. However, when she saw Isabella, she seemed to waver on whether to stay or leave. "How are you feeling?"
"Like shit," Isabella mumbled as she plopped herself down at the table.
"Hey, language. " Esme scolded even though every one of them were grown adults.
"So," Isabella started awkwardly. "What's everyone been up to?"
Rose gave her a look suggesting that was the last thing she should be asking.
Esme however, was nice enough to answer. "Oh, nothing really. Just life, I suppose."
"Has Carlisle retired yet?" Isabella did her best to crack a joke since everyone knew he had been trying to stop working at his family medical practice for about ten years now. Each time he just couldn't do it.
"Yes, he finally did," Esme noted quietly. "He should be over soon to join us for a boat ride."
Isabella gave a forced smile, swallowing the sudden lump in her throat.
"How about you Rose? Any changes?" Isabella asked with extra sincerity. Rose just shrugged, shoving her spoon into her grapefruit. "How are you and James?" Isabella prodded lightly, hoping that Rose would at least want to talk about her longtime boyfriend. They had been together since high school.
Rose finally lifted her head to rest that steely gaze on Isabella, "Actually, he cheated on me."
Isabella opened her mouth to apologize, but Rosalie beat her to the punch, "Yeah, with my best friend too, thanks for bringing it up. So glad you decided to come back." She practically spat the words before she turned away.
Well, Isabella knew she deserved that much. "I'm sorry. I didn't know."
Rosalie cackled a sarcastic laugh, "How could you? I mean, you of all people know how to forget tragedy—"
But Rose didn't have time to finish before Jasper interrupted. "Stop! That is enough."
Rosalie gave Jasper a scowl before she shoved away her breakfast and stomped outside.
Esme released a sigh as she turned to Isabella. "You'll have to forgive her. I think she was hurt most of all when you left."
Isabella released a terse laugh, "Somehow I can't see that being true."
Esme gave a warm smile, "People deal with grief differently. This is just her way. Give her time, she'll come around."
Isabella felt someone squeeze her shoulder, only to see Carlisle smiling down at her. That smile only grew wider as Isabella stood to give him a tight hug.
"Good to see you, Bella." Carlisle murmured, and she wanted to correct him, but she couldn't.
He looked the same as usual, besides the fact that his light hair was showing flecks of gray, and perhaps his face sported a few more wrinkles. But otherwise, he looked exactly as she remembered.
"Its so good to see you too. I've missed this." Isabella motioned to everything, deftly avoiding the unexpected gloom that suddenly occupied everyone's face.
"So what's new?" She asked casually.
Carlisle shrugged as he slipped Esme a kiss on the cheek, "Nothing I would bother you with."
Isabella was about to object when Jasper slid two pills in front of her. "Your medicine, for the headaches," Isabella smiled her thanks and welcomed their help appreciatively.
"I'm so glad you're looking better." Carlisle nodded to her head.
"Yeah, I'm so sorry that had to be the first time you saw me after so long. Thanks for dealing with it."
Carlisle dismissed her with a wave of his hand. "We're just glad you're here, and you're safe. We've missed you Bean."
Isabella suddenly didn't have words to respond, so she just gave him a weak smile.
But with the clap of his hands, the tense atmosphere evaporated. "Well, let's get going, or Jasper will probably burst at the seams."
Indeed, her brother was practically thrumming with excitement, and Isabella had a good guess as to why.
"Jazz, you honestly still tube?"
"What do you mean just me? Rose too, and Emmett when he's here."
Isabella's face went white. Emmett. Another one of their childhood friends; just another person to add to the growing list of people she hadn't seen in far too long.
As children, they could spend hours on multiple tubing runs a day, and it seemed even as adults, everyone still enjoyed it. Isabella felt the familiar pang of nostalgia for a time when her family was still whole.
And all she wanted to do was run into her room and never again set eyes on that crystal clear water. It was another thing to see the cabin after so long, but another, altogether, to see the lake that supplied where she spent most of her childhood.
"Come on everyone, you know the drill. Grab what you want to drink and eat." Esme ordered in her familiar fashion. "Isabella dear, do you want to come? I know the doctor said no boating, but you want to join us down to the dock?"
"No" Isabella cleared her throat and rose from the table, "No, thanks. I think I'll stay here."
Esme gave her a soft smile but finally followed everyone down to the water's edge. Isabella watched with a mix of sadness and relief before she went into her room to read; the only place in the entire cabin where she would be safe from the beckoning lake.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Finally, Isabella decided to at least go down to the dock after hours of staying locked in her room hearing the intoxicating sound of the wind and the water hitting the shore.
Jogging down to the water, Isabella couldn't help groan at the smell of the clean pine air, the sound of distant boats and the call of the occasional loon.
And before she knew it, Isabella was on the creaky wooden dock, the water glistening under the warm sun. Sitting on the edge, she was content enough to watch the tiny fish swim through the lake plants until she laid back and eventually dozed off.
The relaxing sound of the waves crashing against the shore lulled her to sleep as she drifted in and out of awareness. For a while, she wasn't sure what was a dream and what was real when she heard a rather loud splash…a little too loud to be imaginary.
Ignoring the dizziness in her head as she sat up, Isabella skimmed her eyes across the water to locate the cause of the sound. She didn't expect, however, for the source to be so very close…because approaching their beachfront was a man.
He was swimming; his arms easily cutting through the water like precision knives. She watched with a slacked jaw, as the muscles in his arms and back rippled with each movement, the water sliding across his tan skin, giving Isabella the most delicious thoughts.
And damn her, Isabella just had to see him closer. So she rose as quietly as she could, hoping the dock wouldn't creak under the movement as she crept to the end.
He was almost approaching close enough that if Isabella sat at the end of the dock, he would probably brush her legs. Oh, just the mere thought sent a shiver down her spine.
As he got closer and closer, Isabella actually marveled at the sight of him. She could now see his rather thick hair soaked by the water, and a sharp nose and full lips each time he turned his head towards her. With each stroke he propelled himself forward like a machine; the act actually making Isabella's thighs clench.
She had always found swimming so graceful, and it was so rare to see someone do it properly. The grace and precision was such a turn on.
Isabella was almost to the end of the dock where she could see him as he passed. She was so close, but then her foot caught a raised floorboard in the dock, and before she could realize what was happening, Isabella was falling sideways into the water.
Her feet easily touched the bottom of the shallow lake, and she was grateful for that. The fall had screwed with her orientation a little, and Isabella was happy for something stable, as the soft sand under her feet as she gasped for breath when she broke the surface.
Sputtering water, Isabella looked down to see her simple sundress clinging to her body like a second skin. As Isabella wiped waterlogged hair from her eyes, she tried not to wobble on her feet before a firm hand grasped her elbow.
"Whoa there, you okay?"
Isabella went rigid.
The voice speaking to her belonged to him.
That strong but gentle hand belonged to him.
The beautiful swimmer she was spying on a few moments ago, the only person who could swim with such elegance , the one who taught her all those years ago …
Edward.
"Are you okay?" He asked with a bit more concern when Isabella hadn't answered. And part of her hoped he would leave if she just kept her back to him. But that of course was just wishful thinking. "Bella?"
Isabella braced for it. She would have to face him after that horrific night in the bar. "You're kind of scaring me, can you at least—"
He didn't finish his sentence as he came around to look at her, his eyes going wide.
"Bella."
Shit.
Bella was pretty sure she physically winced as he said her name as
his usually warm features changed into something colder.
"Hi!" She pretended to be shocked as Edward's eyes gazed up and down her body. She too, took the opportunity to appreciate his broad shoulders and sculpted torso. And damn it, Bella had to admit she was attracted to him, more than attracted, actually. He was just too gorgeous for his own good. With a face like that, it was almost a sin to have the matching body.
Double shit.
"Hello," Edward answered, finally releasing his grasp on her elbow to run a hand through his hair. "What are the chances, huh?"
Bella could only imagine what he was thinking. Here was a woman, both the grown version of his ex from ten years past, while also being the woman who had ditched him in a bar.
But all she could say was, "Yeah, what are the chances?"
Edward glanced to the cottage behind them, and Bella swore she could see his thought process: sadness and guilt before it vanished. "What are you doing here, anyway Bella?" His voice was matter of fact, cool, even.
"Well, Jasper kind of forced me up her. So I'm here for a week."
He nodded, his eyes trailing downward before he caught himself and snapped them back up. "Did Jasper tell you about me helping him, uh, lift you out of the water?"
Bella pressed her lips together, "Yeah, he mentioned it. I guess I should thank you, huh?"
"Yeah. Guess so." He answered simply. "Are you okay? Everything all good?"
"Yeah, all good. Uh, how have you been?" Bella offered rather pathetically before she heard a familiar boat approaching. She needed to end this conversation now, or things would go from bad to worse.
Edward rubbed the back of his head, "Really? Are we pretending we didn't see each other with Ben and Angela at that bar?" He crossed his arms, and Bella tried not to watch as his muscles clench beautifully with the motion.
"Look, Edward. I'm sorry, but I just panicked. After all those years seeing you…" Bella trailed off with a terse laugh. "You have to understand."
Edward didn't seem too convinced. "You know I recognized you? When I walked in and saw you, I knew. But then you introduced yourself with that ridiculous name, I realized that you had become someone else. I respected that. But now you're up here again. Why did you come back, Bella? After everything, why come home now?"
Shit, that name mixed with that word. Home.
Out of everything he had just said, that hit her the hardest.
"Jazz said he had news, and it's been so long that I figured it was time."
His eyes flicked up the hill to where the cottage sat before coming back to her; his expression emotionless. "Well. Glad you finally came up. I can't imagine how much they've all missed you."
His words roared in her ears before she heard the boat approaching.
They, not we. Edward didn't miss her.
Bella tried to think of something to say, something to defend herself, but it was too late.
"Bella-bean?" Wincing, Bella turned to her brother; his face full of concern when he saw her in the water. "You okay?"
Bella gave a weak wave to her family, and could see Edward measuring her reaction.
"Oh, Bells, did you fall in again?" Carlisle called from the head of the boat; Esme doing her best to dock through the commotion.
"I'm fine," Bella announced, trying her best not to watch Edward the entire time.
By then, Jasper had somehow dismounted his tube and came out of nowhere as he slapped each of them on the back.
"Edward, bro? Is that you?" Jasper grinned ear-to-ear, oblivious to Bella's cringe and Edward's sourness.
"Yeah, it's me, man." Edward completely turned his back on Bella to give Jasper a tight hug.
"This is the best summer ever. I would have thought one look at my sister would send you packing. Glad to see you back up here after so long."
Bella barely contained a grimace, but Edward's smile widened. "Good to see you again too, Jasper."
Jasper looked between her and Edward, that stupid grin still on his face. Which shortly fell when he took in their expressions. "What's wrong? I mean, I know it was a rough break up for you two, but come on, that was nearly a decade ago!"
Bella could hardly control her face as she turned to her brother, eyes wide and brows furious, "That's enough Jazz," She ordered between clenched teeth.
Jasper just shrugged as he opened his mouth to say something more idiotic when Edward interjected.
"You're right. Honestly, your sister and I were just catching up on some things." Edward finally fixed his eyes on her then, and she suddenly felt herself shrink down to nothing. "Right, Bella?"
"Well, in that case, you should come up for lunch and relive some more old times."
"Thanks, but I should be getting home," Edward answered easily.
"Another time then!" Jasper offered.
Edward's eyes turned from his friend to settle back on her. There was a certain anger that resided in his gaze, and it threatened to strip her bare, "Yeah, some other time."
And he was gone, impossibly fast as he broke into a breaststroke and disappeared around the bend of the beach.
Both she and Jasper watched him go before her brother finally spoke.
"What was that all about?" Jazz peered over to Bella, "And how did you fall in the water again, Bella, you need to be more careful."
"It was nothing," Bella grumbled, trudging out of the water and towards the cottage.
"Are you sure? How many fingers am I holding up?"
Bella just rolled her eyes. "I said I was fine."
"Are you sure, you just did just suffer a major head injury." The worry in Jasper's voice made her physically wince and look backed quickly before disappearing in the distance.
"I'm fine. I promise."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The next couple of days were uneventful, to say the least, almost downright boring. Normally, Bella would fill her days with hikes and swims and tubing, but now that water was taken out of the equation, she was getting utterly sick of hiking. Although there were some good trails with some breathtaking views of the lake and Jasper was always willing to give her some company, there was only one thing she wanted to do.
Swim.
"I think you are taking it too hard. It's a week of no swimming, is it really that agonizing?" Jasper teased with a grin as they ended their usual morning hike up to Jose Point. The air was unusually hot today, making Bella want to swim even more.
"Well, you never loved the water like I do, so you wouldn't understand." She answered him with a playful shove.
Jasper gave her a long look, "Race you back, the loser has to go fishing with Carlisle?"
"You're on." And just like that, we were racing down the hill, barely able to keep from laughing until they entered the cottage with heaving chests.
"Ew, you guys are seriously disgusting." Rose cringed as Jasper and Bella walked through the kitchen, soaking wet with sweat.
"Rosie, you know you love it." Jasper crooned, starting to corner Rosalie in for a hug.
"Jasper, don't you DARE!" She warned, but Bella could see the fear in her eyes. Just as Jasper made the move in, Rosalie diverted his advance and made a start down to the lake. Jasper, of course, followed her and Bella couldn't help but chase after them.
When they all reached the dock, Rosalie was pleading with Jasper, but he was unyielding in his approach. Bella watched as the innocent bystander, always down for some good, old-fashioned, 'toss in the lake'. They would always trick each other down here when each other were fully clothed, and see who could be cornered at the end of the dock and pushed in. It seemed as though Rosalie fell for it that time.
"No, Jasper. No!" Rosalie was still trying to act calm, but she knew what was coming.
"Time for a dip Rosie!" Jasper announced. But instead of pushing Rosalie in by herself, he hoisted her over his shoulder and took one big leap off the dock together.
"Ahh, now that's the way to cool off." Jasper sighed in contentment when they surfaced. Rosalie, on the other hand, was not so amused.
"You jerk." She screeched, making her way to the latter. "Could you even act a little mature for a change?"
"Oh come on, be a good sport." Bella couldn't help but laugh along with Jazz. Rosalie's white dress was now soaked, her eye makeup streaming down her face, and her wet hair plastered against cheeks. She looked like a drowned cat.
"This is a new dress, Jasper! And now it reeks of dirty old lake water!" She harrumphed, pulling herself up the ladder. "You have no respect for—" Rosalie looked up but stopped midsentence.
"What?" Bella asked confused. But before Rose had time to answer, she was being lifted into the air.
"Time for a dip Bella Bean!" Oh shit, she knew that voice. And before she could brace herself, Bella was being thrown into the water sideways.
"That was graceful," Jasper announced as Bella pushed wet hair from her face.
"How does it feel Bella?" Rose asked curtly from the dock, giving a glance over to Emmett who had the smuggest grin on his face.
"Nice dismount," Emmett added as everyone else erupted into more laughter.
"Haha," Bella replied sarcastically, "Shows over children." Bella brushed off their antics easily, only hoping to get out of the water without falling over, since the toss had really messed with her balance.
But just in time, Bella managed to be pulled into one of Emmett's famous bear hugs. "I missed you too, Em." Bella breathed as he lifted her higher in the air.
"God Bella. Why did you stay away for so long?" Emmett groaned as he set her down with a rather stern look.
Bella shrugged, hoping to dislodge the lump in her throat. "I'm here now, aren't I?"
"Yes, you are. But what drastic measures did it take?" Emmett gave Jasper a wary glance, "You don't have cancer do you, Jazzy boy?"
"No." Jasper shrugged. "I just thought it was time for Bella to finally come up."
The group went sullen until Emmett clapped his hands in excitement. "Hey, what does everyone say to a little boat ride?"
Bella gave a wary glance to the cottage.
"Esme and Carlisle aren't up there," Jasper answered her silent thought. "They ran some errands in town, that's why we're all going out. You should be fine to come with us."
Bella just nodded and joined the rest of them on board.
"Emmett, who said you could come?" Rosalie teased as she laid out on the rear of the craft.
"The same people who want free alcohol." He nodded to the large cooler nested under one of the seats that he had somehow gotten on board.
"He can stay." Bella agreed as she took a seat in the front.
"Resorting to bribery now?" Rosalie quirked a brow at Emmett, and he just shot her a wink while scooting closer. She didn't look too happy, but then again, she didn't move either.
Bella looked expectantly at Jasper, "Do you want me to drive?"
"No, we're just waiting for someone else."
"Oh?" Bella couldn't think of anyone else that Jasper would have invited. "Who is it?"
"You'll see." Jasper nodded towards the water, and that's when she saw a certain person swimming towards their dock.
"Edward?" Her voice rose a little too high for her liking. "Why on earth did you invite him?"
"Why not?" Jasper shrugged. "The guy did help me save your life after all. I think he at least deserves a boat ride."
"It's not that," Bella crossed her arms nervously, watching the figure draw closer. "Its just so awkward." Bella knew there was no reason to be anxious; they were both adults that could be civil towards each other. But it didn't mean she had to like it.
"I'm sorry Bells, but he used to be my best friend. I willingly chose you over him after dad died, but I miss the guy."
Bella sighed, "I know. But you have to understand Jazz; this is most likely equally as tough for him too."
Jasper looked as if he wanted to say something else, but Emmett interrupted him.
"Hey look, it's Eddie Boy!" Emmett cheered as Edward easily hauled himself up their dock ladder. Jasper tossed him an extra towel, and Bella couldn't help but glance his way as he wiped his face and body in one swipe.
Just because they ended badly, didn't mean she was blind. Neither was Rosalie, it seemed.
"Edward, good to see you brother." Jasper clasped shoulders as Edward grinned at Emmett then Rosalie.
Everyone but her.
"Good to see you too. And Emmett!" Edward just smiled wider, "Good to see some things never change."
Both men gave hearty laughs before a quick hug. Rosalie too even said how nice it was to see him again. But Edward said nothing to Bella.
Jasper shot her a wary look. "Okay! Let's get going." Her brother announced as he started the boat.
Edward looked to every open seat before he made a move towards the back with Emmett and Rose.
Good. Now that was over, she could relax.
Her anxiety easing, Bella laid back and closed her eyes in hopes of catching a few rays. She stretched her legs out to get comfortable, but then something brushed her foot.
"Sorry," An unmistakable voice apologized. So he had come back to sit with her after all.
Interesting.
Bella kept her eyes shut as the boat increased speed, "It's fine." She murmured, but her skin was buzzing from the brief contact. It was like her body could sense whenever he was near, and couldn't help but react.
However, as Jasper increased speed, the combination of the warm sun, the motion of the lake, and the drone of the motor lulled Bella somewhere between sleep and wake. The only thing keeping her away from full unconsciousness was a big wave causing her leg to brush Edward's.
Each time goose bumps erupted that she chose to credit to the wind.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Bella woke slowly, her eyes adjusting sluggishly. Stretching out her limbs, she listened to the telltale splash of her family and friends in the water before she finally sat up. It took a while for her head to adjust to the upright position as the boat rocked comfortably. But when she did, her face fell as she saw who was seated next to her.
Edward looked up at her from his book and gave her a timid smile. The small gesture made him even more handsome. "Nice nap?"
"Good, thank you," she responded coolly. He nodded, returning to his book as Bella took in her surroundings.
They were at one of the many shallow inlets. The water there deep enough to anchor safely, yet shallow enough to swim.
That was exactly what her brother and friends were doing. Everyone but her and Edward.
"Why aren't you with everyone else?" Bella cocked her head towards the beach.
He shrugged. "I didn't want to put down this book."
Bella stood to grab a drink from the cooler, all too aware of the eyes that followed her.
"What's it about? If you don't mind me asking." Bella offered him the beer in her other hand, but was unable to stop her eyes from scanning his appealing torso before they rested on his low-slung swim trunks.
Not fair, none of him was fair to look at.
Accepting the beer, Bella also tried not to drool when his throat bobbed with each sip. "Just some brainless romance." He said rather dismissively as he tossed the book on a nearby seat.
"Really? That doesn't sound like something you would usually like."
He just chuckled, "And how would you know what I like, Bella?"
"That's not fair," She gave him an apologetic look, "You know what I meant."
"No," Edward's eyes were intent on her, "Can't say that I did."
Bella shifted her weight uncomfortably. "Look, I'm sorry about everything back then. I was young and scared. And I'm sorry about everything that happened in that bar. Can we please get past it and at least be cordial with each other. If not for me, for Jasper's sake?"
"And what about that bar, Bella. Did you just want cordial then?" Edward raised a brow, waiting.
"I have to admit, I was attracted to you, yes." Bella held up a finger when Edward's brows rose, "But then I realized who you were, and knew it could never work."
He just nodded, his face unreadable. "Fine. Then let's agree to be cordial. For Jasper's sake. What do you say, Bella?" He stuck out his hand.
Bella gave it a wary look before she clasped her hand in his, once again choosing to ignore the spark that shot up her arm. "Deal. We can survive each other for a week, right?"
Edward retracted his hand, wiping it on his swim trunks before chugging his beer in one swig. "We'll see, won't we?" And he dove into the water before Bella could answer.