It's been exactly 17 months to the day that I started that God damned job at that place. I obviously like it, otherwise I'd just pack up and leave, but God can it be draining. I slid out of bed and onto the floor. I overslept by almost 2 hours, but yet I'm more tired than I would've been if I woke up like I normally would at eight o'clock.

I stepped from the shower and onto the slippery black and gray tile of the bathroom floor. I skidded to a stop in front of the steamy mirror; I wiped it, brushed my teeth and applied a little amount of make-up. I wrapped my fluffy blue towel under my arms and tippy-toed into my sad excuse for a bedroom.

I dried off and plonked the damp towel on the floor. I'll pick it up later. Maybe. I thought.

I stared at it and sighed, scooping it up and dropping it into the laundry basket in the hall. I'm such a Neat Freak when I want to be.

I hurried back into my room and stared at my naked form in the mirror.

God, I hate my body. I sighed. My legs weren't what you would call fat. But they aren't toned either. My stomach was flat, but held no muscle. And my boobs? What boobs? I was hardly filling out my 36B bras. Okay, so a 36B isn't exactly flat-chested-ness, but that's not my point!

I groaned in defeat and flung open the doors to my pitiful closet. My life was shockingly busy; I had no time to do girl stuff like go shopping or have slumber parties. Yes, I am 25 and I do like slumber parties! You think that's bad, you wanna meet Alice...

Mary Alice Brandon. Otherwise known as Alice, Pixie, Tinkerbelle... Whatever, she's my best friend, and has been for over 21 years. I don't know what I'd do without her.

I snapped back to reality when I heard my phone ringing. I clipped my bra together and spun it round to face the right way, pulled on a random pair of panties and sprinted to find my cell.

I found it wedged between the two large cushions of one of the love seats in the front room.

"H-hello?" I asked.

"Hi, Bella." A masculine voice from the other end said.

"Oh, hey, Jasper." I replied running back into my room, "What's up?"

"I'm sick; can you please pick up my dry cleaning and get some groceries for me?" He coughed.

No. "Yeah." Grr, when am I gonna learn to say no?! "Wait, where's Alice?" I asked curiously. Alice and Jasper had been dating for over 7 years. Jasper still hasn't popped the question; God knows why, the pair are perfect for each other.

"She's uh... busy see you later!" He said quickly, slamming the phone down.

"Bye Jazz!" I said sarcastically, tossing the phone somewhere. I turned back to my wardrobe and pulled out a plain dark blue button-down shirt and a black suit skirt. I found some fish-net pantyhose in a drawer and pulled them on, followed by the skirt. I dressed in the shirt whilst trying to find my shoes. Unsuccessfully.

My phone bleeped from its position on the floor. I snatched it up and read the memo. I had 15 minutes before the meeting started. Oh Lord, take me now!

I ran into the kitchen then ran straight back out again. No time for breakfast.

I found my favourite pair of high heeled black Mary-Janes by the door. I pushed my feet into them and grabbed my purse and the stack of paper beside it from the coffee table in the living room.

Car keys... Car keys... My brow eyes scanned the room for them. Discovered them hanging on the hook on the kitchen wall where they always are. Calm down, Bella. I though, yanked the bobble from my long brown hair, letting it cascade in waves down past my shoulders.

I dragged my fingers through it, trying to sort out the mess on my head; to no avail.

I practically kicked the front door open and almost fell down the stairs and into my car. I shoved the keys into the ignition and floored it. Usually, fast driving scares me, but I'll make one exception for today.

I looked at my left wrist and sighed; I'd left my watch at home.

The car skidded to a stop in my regular parking spot. I jumped out and hurtled towards the entrance doors.

I stole a glance at the big clock above the reception desk. 9:25. Oh, God! Carlisle's gonna kill me!

I jabbed my finger repeatedly into the elevator call button. "C'mon!" I screeched at it. I looked over my shoulder. Jessica, the receptionist was staring at me. "Yeah?!" I yelled at her. I do not do well under pressure.

With a ding, the doors slid open, and I squished myself through them as soon as the gap was big enough. I pressed the big "7" and the doors closed again.

The elevator moved at an excruciating pace. I tapped my foot on the polished black floor whilst looking through the pile of papers in my arms.

The doors slowly opened. My heart was beating out of my chest. I don't know why I'm so scared, I just am. I need this job. I can't lose it.

I came to a halt outside the familiar frosted glass door. I knocked three times before entering.

My shoes echoed off the pale wooden floor as I slowly walked across the room.

"Isabella?" Said an appealing voice. It belonged to Carlisle Cullen, my boss. He sat, all blond and beautiful at the head of a long conference table.

"Mr. Cullen, I—" I began, walking faster.

"So, you've finally decided to join us." He said rising from his chair.

"I'm sorry, I can explain!" I pleaded.

"Victoria?" He called and a young woman entered the room from another frosted glass door at the back of the room.

Wait, that's the door from my office!

"Ms. Swan, this is Victoria, my new personal assistant." Oh my God. The woman was tall, a red-head, with legs that went on forever. She looked like a model, let alone a secretary. Her hair was wild, yet tame; it fell in startling orange ringlets way past her shoulders to the middle of her back. Her eyes were the strangest colour of blue; they were almost violet. Her stance beside Carlisle's chair was cat-like.

"N-new personal assistant?" I stammered. Have I just been fired for being 25 minutes late for the first time ever?!

"Yes." He said coolly. I blinked back the tears that threatened to spill from my eyes.

"When was I planning on being told about all this?" I said my voice little more than a whisper. I felt like an idiot. No, I am an idiot. If I hadn't stayed up re-reading 'Midwives' by Chris Bohjalian, God, I love that book—Bella, Stop it! I mentally scolded myself for having the attention span of a toddler.

"About 30 minutes ago actually, were you not late, you would have already known about Victoria taking over your position in the company." Carlisle continued.

My stomach rumbled. I hate missing meals.

"I'll go pack my things..." I said, hitching my purse onto my shoulder and shuffling the papers in my arms. "Mr. Yorkie called yesterday, he asked about the plans for the new leisure centre on Main Street; he said to call him back before 2p.m tomorrow. Also, Mr and Mrs O'Neill had to cancel today's lunch date. They send their apologies. I really am sorry, Mr. Cullen." I informed him as I walked past his chair.

I entered my offi—no, Victoria's office and closed the door behind me. I sighed as I opened a drawer and emptied the contents into the large cardboard box that was already a quarter-full sitting on the floor. God, remind me not to piss Carlisle off again.

I cleared the rest of the room within the hour before BitchToria opened the door to poke her head in. I turned around and shot her the most evil look that I could muster.

"Yes?" I spat standing up from my current position on the floor.

"Carlisle wishes to speak with you, I'll have someone collect you're belongings." She said. Her voice was soft, musical.

I just stared at her; I hope she wasn't expecting a 'thank you'.

I passed through the doorway and into the meeting room. Carlisle's meeting was over, the people had left and he was sat alone.

"Isabella, please sit." He said quietly. I did so obediently.

"Mr. Cullen, I'm sorry for my incompetence, I-I can explain..." I trailed off.

"It doesn't matter." Is he for real? He fires me, and then says, it doesn't freakin' matter?!

"What?!" I hissed.

"After about a year and a half, my secretaries move on, I thought a bright girl like you would know that." He grinned.

"So what am I supposed to do now? Just find another place to work? I have bills to pay mister!" I yelled.

"That is the idea, I'm sure you'll do just fine, Isabella." He said curtly. I felt like crying. "Don't get me wrong, Ms Swan, you were one of the best we've ever had here at Cullen & Co. –"

"So why can't I stay?" I begged. I loved this job.

"Because your time is up."

"No its not! I've worked here for exactly 17 months: 1 year and 5 months! I've got one more month left!" I exclaimed. I regained my calm and breathed slowly in and out pinching the bridge of my nose. "You know what? Forget it, I'm leaving. Goodbye Carlisle." I said rising swiftly from the chair and stalking into Victoria's office to collect my things. I made sure to throw the papers and forms that I'd brought with me at Carlisle and slam all of the doors on the way out.

"I can call someone to collect your belongings if you wish." Victoria's squeaky voice came from somewhere behind me.

"Doesn't matter." I mumbled, concentrating mainly on not falling flat on my face.

"I don't need him, or that stupid job!" I muttered to myself as I waited on the elevator. "I was gonna quit anyway." I huffed as I got into the elevator.

I didn't bother turning on the radio as I drove to the dry cleaners for Jasper. That was odd for me.

I drove slowly to his house when I'd collected his clothes and groceries; I had nothing better to do, why not kill some time.

I parked the car at the top of the unnecessarily long driveway and got out, taking my stuff with me. I knocked on the front door and waited. And waited.... and waited.

For the second time on that cloudy Tuesday, I looked at my watch-less wrist out of habit. What is taking him so long? I placed the bag of clothes alongside the three bags of food on the front step and peered through one of the front windows.

Nothing.

I cautiously stepped around the back of the house, expecting to find something, but there was nobody there. I went back round to the front of the house to retrieve my phone from my bag and dialled Jasper's number.

It rang 4 times before someone answered. "Hello?" I asked.

"Hey, Bella." Answered Alice.

"Where are you and why do you have Jasper's cell?" I said, perching on the edge of the step beside the bags.

"Jaspy's driving—"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa... Isn't Jaspy sick?" I accused.

"I—uh, yeah, yeah he is!" She stuttered.

"Alice... Are you lying to me?" I said in a way you would expect a two-year-old to be spoken to.

"N-no..." She whispered. 3...2...1... "Gah! I'm sorry, okay? We went checking out clubs for your birthday party. I made Jasper tell you he was sick so he didnt have to come and help you," Jasper was helping me write a novel. So kinda like a BETA, but... better. "and I'm sorry about your job and I'm sorry for—" Alice continued.

"You knew about my job?!" I screeched, my voice rising a few five octaves with anger. "How!" I demanded shooting up off of the step like someone had shot a bullet up my butt.

Alice sighed, "I called Carlisle this morning to invite him to the party, and he said no, he didn't want things to feel awkward after you left Cullen & Co. I'm sorry Belly," I hated it when anyone called me 'Belly' It made me feel fat.

I sighed into the phone, "You shoulda told me, I made a complete ass of myself today, Alice! But, I guess you meant well. But I'm sat on your doorstep, in the cold, with all of your shopping and a bag full of underwear!" I cried for dramatic effects.

"Right, sorry, I'm on it..." She promised, "We're not in Forks at the minute."

"Well, where are you?"

"Seattle, but we'll be back in about 10 minutes, hold on!" and with that, the line went dead. Seattle was at least a half hour drive even if you drove fast. I sighed and begged my limbs to carry me into my car.

Then I remembered why I was sitting outside the house of my best friends in the first place. Oh God, a party! Me and parties went together like peanut butter and ketchup. Not a good combination. I still had 2 days before the big 2-6, so I guess that's sort of enough time to talk Alice out of it.

I was sat on that freezing cold step for at least 30 minutes before I saw the bright yellow Porsche Turbo 911 belonging to Alice driving up and parking behind my car.

I reluctantly got out of my cosy car and stepped into the chilly Setember air. Alice skipped over and hugged me tightly. I stood still with my arms by my side to let he know that I was still mad at her.

"I'm sorry Belly—" I shot her a look that told her to shut up, "Sorry, I meant Bella. You want coffee?" I ignored her and picked up the bags from the doorstep and followed Jasper inside.

I left the bags in the kitchen and flopped down on one of the soft leather sofas in the living room. I kicked off my heels and picked up the remote control for the television. It looks more like a detonator for an atomic bomb than a remote. I sighed pressing several buttons at once.

I gave up, tossing it aside and folding my arms like a stubborn child. Jasper set a mug on the table in front of me. Alice hopped up onto the couch beside me and snuggled close.

"I'm not your friend, go away." I pouted turning to the left.

"I was only trying to be nice to you, Bella!" She sniffled moving over so she was practically sitting in my lap. Jasper rolled his eyes and walked out if the room; he knew what was coming. "I was gonna throw you a nice little party, with balloons and cake and jelly and ice-cream and a clown and everything!" I looked at her in disbelief.

"What am I? Six?" I scoffed.

"No, but you're gonna be twenty six. And I've never thrown a twenty-sixth party before. I was trying to be a good friend for you!" She sniffed, fat tears rolling down her cheeks. God, can she act. "And I'm sorry for loving you so much and wanting you to have the best party ever in the whole wide Washington!"She sobbed, grabbing a fistful of my blouse, "I'm sorry for—for being a nice person! I-I'm sorry for being s-so generous!" She wept.

I knew she was faking it, but the look on her little drippy pixie face was heart-breaking. I felt the guilt creeping out of the depths of my empty stomach and crawling up to tug on the strings of my heart.

"Oh, please Bella! Forgive me!" She begged, her voice breaking several time during the sentence. "Please let me throw you a party!"

"Fine!" I practically screamed in exasperation. Why do I always cave? "Throw a party, I just won't go!" Alice's eyes grew wide with shock.

"N-n-n-no! You can't not go to your own party!" She explained wiping her mascara-stained face.

"Sure I can! Or, can't... Whatever!" I huffed shoving her off of my knee and almost onto the floor.

"Oh, please Bella! Forgive me!" She repeated, "I'm sorry for being a nice p-person! I'm sorry for being so generous! I'm sorry for—"

"Leave it Alice!" I pleaded, "Do what you want, throw the best party in the whole wide Washington." I quoted her, "But you can't make me enjoy it!" I threatened.

"But you'll go right?"

"If it makes you happy." I sighed in defeat. She leapt like a coiled spring into the air and onto my back.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, Bella!" Alice gushed, almost strangling me.

"Do we really have to have a clown?" I asked, unable to keep the fear from my voice. I hate clowns. I shuddered at the thought of their big red noses and weird face paints and not-funny jokes.

"Of course not! Have you seen how they dress?!" She exclaimed with true disgust.

Typical Alice.

I stayed at Alice and Jasper's that night; Alice was intent on dragging me shopping the day after. Apparently, none of the clothes that I own are suitable for a party. Alice's words, not mine. Now that I have free-time, I wish I didn't.

I was awoken by the sound of a hairdryer. In my hair.

"What the fuck, Alice?!" I hissed sitting fully upright in the swivel chair which I was slouched.

"You're a deep sleeper." She shrugged. I rolled my eyes. I was dressed in plain jeans – most likely with some designers name that I couldn't pronounce stitched into the back – and a plain green beater. "I decided that you'd probably throttle me if you wore anything... decent." She grimaced.

"Too right..." I murmured, rubbing my heavy lidded eyes. "What are you even planning on dressing me in for the party, O Wise One?" I said sarcastically.

"Oh, you'll see, Isabella, you'll see..." she trailed off, her devious brown eyes examining me closely.

I was genuinely terrified.