My Second 'Fic!! D I hope you like it!! PLEASE REVIEW!! Its pretty different from VOV, but the Cullens will feature! –ForeverImmature

Shopping

Sighing, I strolled through the shop aisles. Glancing at a top here, some jeans there… there was nothing in Port Angeles that offered much, clothes wise.

"We have to go to Olympia, next time." I said, turning round to see my best friend, who was holding a skirt up against herself in a mirror.

"Hmmm… maybe," She said, distracted by the skirt. It was a striking gold, which complimented her skin tone. "What do you think?"

I walked up and stood behind her, to appraise the skirt from all angles.

"Its nice, I like the net at the bottom."

"Thanks," She smiled, "Trouble is, I have nowhere to wear it. The only people who see me are you and the boys."

"So?" I said, "There are loads of beach parties happening these days, out on the reservation. You'd be a knockout."

She laughed. One side of her mouth quirking up in a smile. A smile which still made me sad.

I'd known Emily for a year now, and she was beautiful. Her long black hair flowed down her back – outgrowing mine by several inches – and she had a perfect figure. Plus she was an awesome person, optimistic and honest. I couldn't have found myself a better friend. It took a lot to upset Emily…but there was something that always got her down.

She was in love with Sam Uley, the leader of the Quileute Pack – a loveable group of werewolves. They were engaged, and so in love it used to make me sick. But one day, before I'd them, Sam had lost control and struck out at his fiancé – who had been standing too close. Emily was scarred forever.

Harsh red marks ran from one side of hairline to one of her feet. She thought that the accident had ruined her looks forever, but it hadn't. If this had happened to anyone else – anyone who wasn't as beautiful as Emily – then things would have been a lot worse.

Emily put the skirt back on the rail. I tutted at her but made no comment. She never treated herself, but I didn't say anything as she linked her arm through mine, and we left that section of the shop.

"Do you want to go back to the second floor?" She asked, as we got on the escalator, "I think that blue blouse would've really suited you."

"Nah…" I said, feeling a little spark in my chest. I pulled my arm away from Emily, and folded my arms. Those feelings were still there, the feelings only one person could make me feel, and I couldn't even open up to Emily sometimes. Blue had been his favourite colour on me… Edward's favourite colour.

Even little things like that would send me into hibernation. The smallest reminder would set me on edge. Emily didn't know how much it affected me. It had been a year after all.

I suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to see Jacob, as we stepped off the escalator. He could distract me from the pain in my chest.

"What do you want to do now?" Emily asked, still shocked from my abrupt coldness.

I felt bad for my behaviour, linked arms with her again and replied:

"I dunno. What do you fancy?"

"Let's head back. The guys'll be whining for food."

I glanced at my watch, and saw it was half past twelve. Emily was right, the boys would probably be back at the cottage already. It was our job to cook for them, since all they could make was burnt toast. It made me laugh to think of six deadly werewolves, clueless when handed a pot or frying pan.

"Yeah." I sighed, as we headed for the exit. "We spoil them, you know."

Emily nodded, "I know, but I really don't want a repeat of the last time."

I laughed at the memory. We'd gone out to the beach one day – just for a day trip – and hadn't been gone three hours, before Quil was on the phone, shrieking that they were starving and couldn't work the cooker.

We'd grudgingly returned home, to find the kitchen in disarray. They'd burnt five loaves of bread, and the microwave was unplugged for some reason. We'd dived into the living room, to find all the guys sprawled out in front of the TV, surrounded by empty pizza boxes. That was not a good day. We could laugh at it now, but things hadn't been pretty.

"You're right." I replied, and we headed through the revolving doors to the car park, where my truck was waiting. Conspicuous and welcoming. We got in, and drove out of Port Angeles. Blasting music out the windows and chatting.

"So how are things with you and Jake?" She asked, leaning her head on her hand.

"Same as usual, I guess. Why the interest?"

"Just wondered."

It was silent for a while, besides the roar of my truck.

Then…

"It just annoys the hell out of me!" Emily exclaimed.

"What?" I jumped, scandalized. Emily wasn't a loud person. She was normally very even tempered. Now she was frustrated.

"I just… don't know why you and Jacob haven't got together already. Like, officially."

"I don't know Em…" I said, avoiding her gaze.

"Do you love him?" That was Emily. Straight to the point.

"Yes." I whispered.

"Then… then what's the problem?"

I didn't answer.

"Bella, please." She said, touching my hand. "It's not him is it?"

I knew who she meant. My chest tightened, as did my knuckles on the steering wheel.

I still couldn't speak.

"Bell…" Emily's voice was softer now; she must have sensed my mood. "Jake really cares about you. And if you love him, you should let him in."

I sighed. She had a point. I loved Jacob, Jacob loved me. But I think he sensed that I wasn't ready for a relationship yet. I hadn't recovered, I needed time. And I knew it hurt him every time I avoided the subject of our relationship. It seemed to be annoying Emily too.

"I know." I said.

I could feel the ripping sensation in my chest. It almost hurt. I really needed Jacob now.

"I just need time to think, Emily." I said, my voice raw. "I'm really messed up. But I promise I will decide soon."

"I know you will, Bell." She said. Her voice was appeased, and she patted my hand.

"Now, let's go find those wolves."

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