Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, New Moon, or any of S. Meyer's characters. I also do not own Sex and the City.

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Chapter 2

Sunlight began to filter through the room right before my alarm yelled at me using the unbearable twang of a country love song. I smacked my alarm twice before I found the snooze button. Ugh. I am so not a morning person. I covered my head with my pillow trying to block out the sunlight. Why the hell did I choose Hawaii to go to school? Oh yeah, that's why. All the bullshit and tough girl persona aside, I knew why I came here. I hit my snooze one last time, remembering how I had basked in a delusion last night. But at least here I didn't have to pretend to be normal. I could be whomever I wanted, act however I wanted. And no one could say, "well she used to not be that way," or "what has gotten into her," or worse still "he broke her heart and she hasn't been the same since." No- Hawaii had lush tropical scenery, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, strangers who didn't know shit about me, and lots of sun. No risk of seeing sparkling skin here or dazzling topaz eyes that I could lose myself in. Not a chance.

I got up and stumbled to my tiny kitchen following the rich aroma of my coffee pot. Seattle has amazing coffee, but I discovered that Hawaii has more than the above-mentioned perks- the coffee was great too.

"Well, good morning Sleeping Beauty." I jumped when I heard her voice. I didn't know anyone was here. I growled at her.

"Looks like you had an interesting night. Did you go all Sex and the City last night or what?"

"Huh?" I grabbed a cup and poured me a cup of coffee. I needed cream.

"Your drink choice, of course. Not that you brought someone home like Samantha would. Not you. Picture you in a sex swing- I think not."

"Their drink of choice was a Manhattan, wasn't it? I made Cosmos. It was my birthday after all." I glared at her. Ouch! I needed Excedrin. I must have had too much. Vodka does tend to sneak up on me like that. Andrea got up to fill her cup. She smirked at me when she saw me grab the Excedrin. She settled back into her seat eyeing me suspiciously.

"I know yesterday was your birthday. I tried to take you to dinner. I tried to take you out. It's not everyday you turn 21. But no, Bella had to hole up in here and drink alone. Why the fuck would you want to do that?"

She wouldn't understand even I attempted to tell her. Where would I start? Oh yeah, well you see Andrea I fell in love with a beautiful boy and I'm not beautiful. He let me believe I was the most important thing in his life, but I really wasn't. Once he convinced me that he loved me, he left me. He didn't want me anymore. Oh yeah, did I fail to mention that he was a vampire? She'd think I was really waving my freak flag today. Instead, I tried to change the subject.

"So, what are you doing today? Looks like it's another beautiful day in paradise." I rolled my eyes for effect, cringed because it made my head hurt, and slowly lowered myself into a chair. Andrea snickered at the apparent hangover symptoms I demonstrated.

"Yeah, well I've got to work today. But there's a band playing tonight at the bar." Her eyes lit up and she leaned towards me expectantly. "I know it's not as dangerous as sneaking into bars with a fake ID, but I'd love to buy your ass your first Cosmo as a legal woman."

Woman. Not quite. Still, it sounded like fun. Andrea was interesting, fun, and loyal. She was always game for any rebellious idea I had, plus she has put up with my quirky, eccentric behavior for the past three years. "Okay. What kind of band? Please let them be decent." Hey, could I put some Kahlua in my coffee, or would that be too self-destructive? It's Saturday and it's almost noon. What the hell.

"Hey, share the love! I want some too!" Andrea pushed her cup near mine. I gave us both a generous pour and sighed.

"I've got to work two to ten tonight at the Tiki Bar. I can meet you after. The band probably doesn't start till eleven. What time do you get off? If you meet me at the Tiki Bar, we can flirt a couple of shots off Dave before you buy me my first Cosmo as a legal woman." It's not cheap living in Hawaii. I got up, rinsed my mug, and turned to face her. Over her shoulder I could see palm trees blowing in the breeze, green plants lining every walkway, and clusters of pink flowers cascading out of terra cotta pots. The sunlight was reflected off the pool throwing rainbow prisms all along the buildings and glass. Sparkling like diamonds.

I reined my thoughts in quickly when I heard Andrea's sarcastic "Bella, oh hel-ll-oo Bella! Earth to Bella." Yes, I had definitely gone too far last night. Really, I do know better. I gave Andrea my undivided attention and kept my eyes on her face and not the sparkling rainbow outside. "Do you want to go run before our shifts or did you tie one on last night?"

I narrowed my eyes at her. "Sure, let's go run. It will get my head out of the clouds."

"Yeah, I know you've got to really concentrate so you don't trip over your own two feet!" She laughed triumphantly at her little joke as she headed to her room. I gave her the finger. I've really done well. I've trained and trained. I've been in yoga three times a week to work on balance and 'inward peace'. I run every day and hardly ever fall now. Maybe running would help me escape my past. The old Bella would never be able to run a 5K, much less train for a marathon. Problem is, did I want to escape or was I so angry because I desperately missed it?

As I headed to my shift I realized there is something to the saying "Ignorance is Bliss." I watched tourists come in, order common well drinks that cost way too much, and think they're getting a deal because some concierge told them the Tiki Bar is a 'locals' hangout. Whatever. I smile, chit-chat, and keep the drinks coming. If I keep them happy, the tips are good. Time usually flies by and today was no exception. I was about to begin my end of shift work when Tammy ran up to me and whispered, "Hey Bella. You've got two customers at table 9. They said they knew you." She leaned in very close and whispered, "If he is why you are so secretive, I have truly underestimated you, Bella. You are my hero! He is so hot!"

I rolled my eyes at her and turned around to glance at my visitors. I felt my heart begin to try to escape its confines. It was beating so rapidly, I knew they could here it from across the room. I froze in place- I couldn't take my eyes off of them, I couldn't move my arms, I couldn't even breathe. Suddenly, I felt something ice cold on my leg and realized I had been trying to fill the frozen pina colada machine. In my state of paralysis, I had allowed the machine to overflow and the rogue mix was escaping down my leg. I quickly dropped the empty container in the sink, wiped up the mess, and turned to the bar. My mind was furiously searching for any reason for them to be here. How dare they! I mixed two drinks quickly, tempted to drink them myself- liquid courage. I closed my eyes and silently repeated, "you can do this, you can do this" as I headed to the table.

"Hello, Alice. Hello, Jasper." I did my best to sound detached, but knew my traitor heartbeat had already given me away. "It's been awhile. Of course, you two haven't changed a bit." My tone held more animosity than I truly felt. "These are on the house." I leaned in attempting to build suspense, "Bloody Marys." I lowered my voice and whispered conspiratorially, "It's the best I can do on short notice."

Jasper raised his eyebrows, clearly shocked at this bold, new Bella, but Alice narrowed her eyes at me and smiled wickedly. "Actually Bella, I was thinking of another drink. Hmm, what was in it Jazz? Oh, I remember- cranberry juice, triple sec, sweetened lime juice, and Grey Goose Orange."

I sucked in my breath, clearly shocked. Why I was surprised, I don't know. I tried to level my most evil glare at the beautiful vampire; she was clearly awaiting my witty response. I so wanted to give her one, to yell at her for not saying goodbye to me, but my voice came out in a whisper.

"You big cheater."