Chapter 2
I clutched Rose's arm and walked into the bar, well hobbled actually. I froze. I can't do this! What if I see him and run from the room? I will be so embarrassed!
I took a deep breath, and then another one. Ok, I need to stop before I hyperventilate! I can do this. Right? I'm a grown-up. I will act like a grown-up. I will kick off these shoes and run if I need to. Wait, no I won't run. Walk really fast? No!
Rose looked at me and could tell what I was thinking. "Bells you're going to be fine. Just relax and smile." Relax? Seriously? I would rather be anywhere else right now, like a pit full of snakes.
She grabbed my arm and pulled me into the bar. It was actually pretty nice. There was some light background music on, nothing too heavy. To the right of us was a long, curved bar with stools. To the left were tables and booths. It looked more like a restaurant than a bar. In front of us was a huge dance floor. There were a few people sitting at the bar. About 10 of our fellow graduates were sitting at one of the tables. They had pulled 5 tables together to make one really long one. I looked closely at all the people, so far no sign of Jasper or Emmett.
We walked over to their table and Rose gave hugs to everyone. I'm not that comfortable with displays of affection so I just stood there awkwardly. I can't believe how much everyone looks the same, only older.
They looked at me strangely. Did they not remember me? That would be really humiliating. Edward, my old lab partner said, "Bella is that you?" "Of course, it's me! Did you think I was Rose's date?" "Well no, you just look so different," he stammered. The rest of the group kept looking at me. "Is there something on my face?" I asked reaching up to touch it. Jessica, one of the girls I couldn't stand in high school said "no, you just look terrific. I mean you were pretty in high school, but you're gorgeous now." Did she just say pretty in high school? Did she not recognize me? Is she thinking of someone else? I just said thanks and sat down at an empty chair.
A waitress came over and took our drink orders. I decided to just get a Mike's Hard Lemonade. Rose ordered a Bud Light and a got a round of shots for the two of us. "Isn't it a little early for shots," I asked quietly. "No way, we need to loosen you up."
Everyone was talking about what's been going on the past 10 years. It sounded like most of them kept in touch. "So Bella, what have you been up to?" Jessica asked me as she took a sip of her margarita. "I've been doing bookkeeping for a few businesses in Seattle." I hate small talk. I never know what to say. "Are you seeing anyone right now?" She asked when I didn't say anything else. "No." Did I mention I hate small talk? I think she got the hint because she turned around and starting talking to Edward.
The waitress came back with our drinks. Rose held up her shot of, wait let me smell mine, grape pucker and said cheers. I downed mine. At least we weren't starting off with Tequila. I took a swig of my drink to get the grape out of my mouth and heard someone walking up behind me. I turned around and saw Alice. She had a huge smile on her face and a huge belly. Oh my God! She's pregnant. I looked at her hand and saw a huge diamond ring and wedding band. I felt a wave of disappointment course through me. This night was not looking good.
Everyone got up to greet her and touch her belly. Jessica gave her a hug and said "I can't believe how much bigger you gotten since last month." Alice laughed and said "I know, at this rate I'll be huge by my due date!" She sat down and looked at me and Rose. "Hey guys, I haven't seen you in 10 years, you look great." "Thanks, where's your husband?" Rose asked knowing I'd be dying to know. "He can't come tonight. He had a conference in LA, but he'll be here tomorrow night."
Well, at least I don't have to worry about seeing Jasper tonight. Now I can try to relax, have fun and worry about seeing him tomorrow. "Where is everyone else?" I asked. "I think there are only a few more people coming tonight. I know Emmett will be here in about an hour, he was running late when I talked to him earlier." Edward said. I noticed Rose perked up at that information. "Is he bringing anyone with him?" She asked nonchalantly. "I don't think so; I know he's not dating anyone right now." Edward said.