SM owns twilight.

This is a sequel to 'What the Cullens want, the Cullens get.' I suggest you read that first, if you want to make any sense out of this story.

It is M-rated, please take note people!

This is Bella's story, all about her learning to choose what's good and right for her, and not do what other's want her to do.

The story starts on the day after the night of her twenty-third birthday. She has previously brought a very drunken Garrett and Jasper from the club home in her car and left them to sleep there, unable to wake them up.

To those readers who want me to reply to your reviews, please just log in. It's impossible for me to answer you otherwise.

Chapter 1.

"Here's a coffee Garrett. Is Jasper still out there in the car?"

"Not when I left it, I thought he might be here in with you." Garrett looked a little under the weather and kept his dark sunglasses on, to stop the glare of the afternoon sun.

"Ok, well it's probably just you and me then. Help yourself to toast, I'm off to have a walk down on the beach and check out the swell. I'm thinking of learning how to surf this year, as well as learn to dance the Hula." I chuckled.

Thank heavens I kept my alcohol to just a few glasses of wine that I drank with my birthday dinner last night. No hangover for me... Yay!

"I'll just go and have a shower and try to work out these kinks in my neck and back." Garrett yawned and stretched up, touching the ceiling. Gee he was tall!

"That's what you get for getting so drunk that I couldn't wake you up and consequently sleeping awkwardly in my car! Ha, ha, ha!" I laughed evilly as I walked off, towel over my arm and my big hat on my head, to stop me getting sunburnt and even more freckled, than I already was.

"I'll see you in a while, or meet you down at the beach later." Garrett said grabbing a piece of toast and chewed on it thoughtfully.

I waved as I set off down to the beach, smiling to myself. The weather was so nice compared to Forks at the same time of year. I liked the drier air and sunnier skies of California.

I hadn't thought to worry too much about Jasper and where he had gotten to. He was a grown man, who could find his own way back to his home...or not...whatever! I didn't have enough energy to worry about him anymore.

I found a good place on top of a sand-dune to put my towel and settled myself down on it. Looking out to sea and enjoying the warm sand, I sighed, the waves were breaking cleanly. I had slept in till two, the afternoon sun was hot and perfect to match my mood. I remembered last night and all of the crazy dancing and fun I had had at the club. All of my gay friends were such good dancers and so hilarious, I had the best time.

I was feeling quite hot after sitting there for a while, and I took off my hoodie and sarong. I had found a brilliant Billabong, tankini 2-piece that I was happy to wear.

It covered my stretch marks, and was extremely comfortable. I slathered on the sun-block and took my notebook and pen out of my bag, I had the intention of writing down some new things that I would love to do this year.

The future was mine. I was now in control of my life. What was it that I wanted? What did I want to learn, try, do, achieve and create?

Last night Garrett had asked if I wanted to have any adventures or excitement. Initially I answered like I was a really big scaredy-cat, thinking I should restrict myself to just boring, regular study and work.

But hell! I was alive, single, no longer pregnant with twins, and back in California, living in a beautiful house right on the beautiful beach of Monterey Bay...life couldn't present me with any more freedom!

This was the moment I had always wanted, but never thought I would reach!

The only person I had to care for was myself.

I was no longer in debt, and I was where I wanted to be.

I had friends and an appointment for a new haircut tomorrow, Steve insisted I needed to come and be given a new 'look'.

I had just turned twenty three and had happily danced the night away, until four this morning.

Garrett was staying in my spare room until some time... actually I didn't know till when... and Jasper had disappeared...who knows where?

I was free to love who I wanted.

Free to arrange my life how I liked.

There were plenty of nice guys in the uni and on the beach. Even some of the lecturers were friendly.

Aro and Pia had my back, acting just like doting grandparents.

The new, little family Esme and Carlisle created with my assistance, were all reunited again. Amelia was finally out of hospital and she and her twin brother Aaron were back home in Forks, in their lovely, new rooms, with their tired but very happy parents.

Amelia was going well and was feeding normally now. Her little heart was working much better than everyone had expected, which I was extremely thankful for. Aaron was growing like a sprout and putting on weight. They really did look like night and day, in the pictures Carlisle sent me... Amelia small, dark and delicate and Aaron long, pale and strong.

Emmett was still happily separated from Rose. He and I updated each other with jokes, photos and amusing things that happened.

I looked at the blank notepaper in front of me.

'Things to do this year.'

1. Learn to surf.

2. Learn the Hula, it's history and spiritual meanings.

3. Get my scuba diving certificate and dive on some beautiful coral and reef systems.

4. Work out what it means to be a godmother, before the actual ceremony and then, continue to be a really good godmother. (This could actually be hilarious, as Emmett was going to be the godfather!...You can imagine the jokes he was cracking about officially being a Godfather! Esme kept telling him it had nothing to do with the mafia and movies from the 1970's.)

5. Be brave and try falling in love with someone other than Jasper.

6. Stop pining for Jasper and get out and socialize, party and generally kick up my heels.

7. Read more fun things, rather than just texts and research papers.

8. After I've mastered the Hula, maybe I could try belly-dancing to tone up my tummy muscles. (They are still a bit soft and stretched form carrying twins.) or be really bold and try pole dancing, I've heard it requires a lot of physical strength.

9. Kugel exercises! Of vital importance, daily multiples...I didn't want to start losing control of my bladder! Walking on the beach and yoga!

10. Travel to more warm, exotic places and eat new things, then learn to cook the dishes I like.

I looked at what I wrote. Those things would be my starting point. I'm sure I could add to the list once I had mastered some of those things on the list.

I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and focused. Life was great, I felt like I could start learning these new things right now!

"Hey! How are you?"

I looked up I saw a really cute guy, with a large, white surfboard under his arm, smiling at me.

"Um hi." I answered, looking at him over the top of my sunglasses.

"I was going to have a surf and was wondering if I could leave my things near you for a while, so they don't get stolen?"

"Sure, I'll be here for a while, but if I need to leave, I'll wave to you in the water. I'm Bella by the way." I reached my hand out to him.

"Tyler, thanks for doing this Bella. I'm new to the area." We shook hands and smiled at each other.

"I'm back here myself, from up north. I had a year off my studies and am back studying and working at the Uni."

"Really? I'm doing my PhD there, I specialise in coral reefs and their ecosystems. I dive for my study and work... and surf for fun and relaxation."

"Wow! That's great! You don't teach people to surf do you? I've been thinking of learning this year."

His smile just got even wider and he chuckled. "You want to learn to surf, huh? What about coming out with me, right now? I can take you on a few small waves, right here on the shore-break and teach you a few of the basics."

"Ah...sure, why not? I'm up for it!" I stood up and took off my hat and sunglasses, and brushed the dry sand from my legs.

Tyler zipped himself into his spring suit, (it was a lighter style of wet suit, with short legs and no arms). He took me down to the edge of the shore where the water came into the beach, lapping in and out.

"Ok, this board is a mini-Malibu, it will be a good length for you to learn on, and it has more stability than a smaller board. I'll put the leg rope on your ankle, so that you don't lose the board so easily if it takes off without you." He knelt down at my feet and looked up at me, with a lovely look on his face.

Tyler was young and cute.

He carried the board out, with me attached by the leg rope following gingerly behind him. The water was really cold, compared to the air temperature, I shivered.

"We won't stay in too long, I'll help you find a good wetsuit if you decide that you like surfing. I've got a few extra boards and you can borrow one of mine to learn on, if you like."

"Thanks that's a very kind offer Tyler!"

"Now lie down on your stomach and I'll push you off into the small stuff, ok?"

For the next hour Tyler and I lost ourselves in laughing, joking and splashing around in the water. On my last wave, we both ended up on his board, me in front of him and him behind me, lying between my legs, paddling and getting a good view of my behind.

At that very moment, I didn't care what I looked like, or what happened next. I was enjoying the moment and hooting loudly every time I caught a small, foamy wave. They were all tiny waves, but it was a huge rush for me to ride along, getting moved by the force of the waves.

I totally got, how wonderful and addictive surfing must be! What would it be like to actually stand up on a board and ride some proper big waves?

Tyler behind me on the last wave, was chuckling his head off at my wild enthusiasm.

"I love it! I want to learn how to do this! It's such a rush and it must be incredible when you get to start standing up and riding properly!" I shouted back to him, over my shoulder.

"Yeah, it is! Why don't you have a rest now, and I'll catch a few?"

"Thanks Tyler! I'll see you soon." I hugged him and he looked even more pleased with himself.

.

.

When I got back home all salty and tired... the first thing that I saw, made me grin and shake my head.

Garrett was collapsed once again, fast asleep in one of his chairs, in another awkward position. He must be really exhausted, to get himself into another weird position and fall fast asleep.

I nudged him and called his name quietly.

He opened his eyes. "Hey Bella, I must have fallen asleep again. Not much of a house guest am I?"

"It's not every day you go out till four a.m., and then drink your entire body weight in hard liqueur. If you're up for it, how about I make you some pasta and salad, after I wash off all the salt and sand?"

"Sounds brilliant." He stretched and yawned.

"Great, I've got a new friend I'd like to introduce to. He's coming over for some food. He'll be here in just a minute."

I didn't go inside, but turned to the nearby outdoor shower and pulled off my sarong. Garrett's eyes bugged-out, as I sighed and moved under the warm water, coming out from the super large, shower rose, down on me heavily like a summer rainstorm.

I rinsed off my hair and felt the sting of my sunburnt shoulders, back, legs and arms. I must have gotten burnt from lying on the surfboard for so long.

"Hey! That's a great shower, can I use it?" Tyler strolled in, wearing his board-shorts and nothing else. He carried his sandy wetsuit, towel and mini-Mal.

"Sure, Tyler, I'd like you to meet Garrett. Garrett this is Tyler my new surf bud."

I turned off the shower and wrapped myself in a dry towel, bent over and squeezed the water out of my hair.

The guys eyed each other in a friendly way, kind of trying to work each other out. I chuckled to myself. I wasn't really ready for a relationship with either of them, but I was sort of open to persuasion...I guess.

I left them to it and went inside to start cooking something, I was starved. Absolutely ravenous! Apparently, surfing makes you famished.

There was a knock at the door and I went to get it.

Jasper stood there, looking sheepish and hung-over.

I looked at him and sighed. I still somehow felt, he owned my heart, even though I was trying to get over him and move forward with my life.

I stood there just wearing my tankini, bare feet, wet hair and a towel around my waist.

"Bella...I wondered if we could talk?" Jasper asked.

"Jasper, it's not a great time for us to talk. I've got a couple of guests here, and I'm about to make some dinner, are you hungry? Want to eat something?"I'm not sure why I still felt the need to feed him! It was ridiculous behaviour!

"Um sure, if that's not imposing on you?"

I shrugged. "The more the merrier right?" I tried to convince myself, it was ok to feed Jasper, I didn't want to be a hard-nosed woman and turn him away.

"Garrett, break out the beer and set another plate on the table, Jasper's here." I called out.

"Huh, more company!" Garrett mumbled...gee, was he hoping to have me all to himself? Good luck with that, my friend!

All three of the guys started chatting tentatively, about sport and their various interests. Garrett was a bit older than both Jasper and Tyler.

Garrett managed to be a real calming influence, on the emotional dramas and storms, I could see starting to unfold and rage behind Jasper's eyes. Tyler seemed to be happily mixing with them, unaware of the magnitude of Jasper's emotional turmoil.

I wish I didn't know Jasper so well, I wish I wasn't so attached to him.

I turned to Tyler, I wanted to learn to surf properly and doing more things just for me, without Jasper.

"Thanks for coming back here Tyler; I'll get dinner served soon. I've just gotten this great idea! I was wondering if you wanted to come here everyday, after you surf to rinse off? I don't mind letting you use the outdoor shower, seeing how you're kind enough to teach me how to surf."

Jasper looked pained and Garrett's eyebrows rose up in surprise.

"Can I bring over one of my boards to keep here, for you to learn on? That way you've got it here anytime you want it." Tyler suggested.

"Thanks that would be excellent! Do the boards need any special place in which to store them? If you want, you could bring some other boards over to store here for yourself too." I offered.

"How about putting them over here in the shade, by the shower? It's easy to grab them if you want to go for a quick surf, once you get your confidence up. So...tell me Bella, what did you have to do, to find a great place like this, right on the beach? I'm still looking to find some accommodation and it's pretty scarce. I don't feel like living in dorms again.

"Ha! I got lucky I guess. I knew someone, whose nephew was an architecture student. They had just finished designing and building this place. He had planned to live right here, but got a great job offer in Australia. So I found out about it and got to rent it, without having to go through any sleazy, real estate agents. It's wonderful, small but perfect. It's amazing to live somewhere so new, there's nothing needing repairs, or any dark, cobwebby corners. I like having solar hot water, solar power, and cooking with gas." I was so happy to have found this lovely place.

Rufus made his way over to Tyler and leapt right up into his lap, purring wildly and making himself at home on his damp lap.

Tyler patted him and tickled his chin. "Ow, hey there buddy, no claws! I don't want you to damage my assets."

"Here's to avoiding clawed balls!" Garrett snickered, lifting his beer in a toast.

Jasper and Tyler snorted so suddenly, that I was sure they were both going to start choking on their beer.

I chuckled and went in to start serving up the pasta and making a salad.

Jasper came up and stood beside me at the kitchen bench and took the cheese and grater out of my hands. I thought he wanted to grate some cheese for me, but it looked like he just wanted my full attention.

"So what did you want to talk about?" I asked, a bit pissed off that I couldn't grate the cheese, and get the meal ready.

Being starving, ravenously hungry, made me quite grumpy.

He looked out the window and saw that the other two, were well into a deep discussion.

"Bella...I wanted to ask if there's anyway that you could consider..."

"Mm?"

"Consider if you would, or could... maybe see me as someone, who could possibly be a worthwhile ...prospect?" Jasper was having real trouble saying what he wanted, it was like last night at the restaurant, all over again.

"A prospect for what exactly Jasper?" I had to be really clear about what it was, he was asking me.

"A prospect of someone... you could be with again."

"Oh Jasper! I don't know if I could do that again! What if you got another urge... to scratch that itch and go off to spend time with the Denalis, or some other skanky whores?"

"But..."

"Or if I wanted something like marriage and children, or even a lifelong commitment? I thought all of that stuff I wanted scared you and you loved having your freedom back?"

"Bella..."

"Jasper I miss you everyday and still love you a lot. But I refuse to go back...back to thinking that I was on a sure thing with you. I have forgiven you, but not forgotten. I can't let myself be open to repeating all of that pain again. It would definitely kill me, if I have to go through that again!"

"Oh...I guess you need to do something other than just words."

"Yes, words are cheap, Jasper I leaned that the hard way."

"What are Garrett and that new guy doing here?" He gestured in their direction.

"They are my guests! I can choose to have anyone I like here, at my place. If you don't like it, you can leave."

"Bella..."

"No Jasper! You don't get to have a say in my life anymore! If you can't accept and respect me and my space, and you think you can just start come here and feel you can get all territorial and caveman on me... then you can leave!"

Jasper looked shocked. He shook and turned pale.

I pointed towards the door and he huffed and went through it, without another word.