Bella's POV

I stayed on the road all night, listening to the radio, which was playing from my new phone. Right now, Jo Dee Messina's Heads Carolina, Tails California was playing. It was oddly fitting.

18 hours and 39 minutes later I arrived in Ventura, California. It certainly was beautiful here. First thing to do was find an apartment. Money wasn't an issue, since the Cullen's had insisted on paying for everything.

"We have loads of money, and it's not like we need it for medicines or food or anything. Please take it," Esme had said. So I accepted reluctantly.

I pulled into the parking lot of Denny's and ordered some eggs and bacon while I searched on my phone for apartments. I ended up calling Ocean Villas and getting a two bedroom apartment. After I ate I drove to the apartment office building to get my key then to the apartment complex.

It was beautiful, with a great view, and fully furnished. After I finished unpacking I decided to head to the beach. First, though, I took a picture of my new apartment and sent it to the Cullens. It didn't take long to get a response.

Alice: So pretty! How long r u staying?

Rosalie: Cool! By the beach?

Jasper: 2 sunny 4 me :)

Emmett: I am moving in tomorrow lol

Edward: Nice!

Carlisle: Glad you found a nice place!

Esme: Very nice! Have fun in Cali!

Grinning, I answered their texts, hesitating on Alice's. I had no idea how long I would stay. Just have to see what happens.

I packed a beach bag with sunscreen, my new bathing suit, and an old copy of Crime and Punishment so I didn't get my new one wet.

I found a quiet spot a ways away from the crowds and flopped down on my towel. I had just gotten past chapter 7 when someone tapped my shoulder. I looked up and saw 2 little girls and a boy who looked to be about 11. "Will you come play with us? We're short a member of the girls team," said the boy. I got up, tossing my book into the bag. "Sure, I'll play. What game?" "Football. I'm Matthew, and this is Jessica and Josephine," said the boy. Matthew was a lean blonde boy, his sisters similar, just slightly tanner. I followed them farther down the beach until we saw two other boys, probably my age, tossing a Nerf football back and forth. "These are my brothers, Jason and Alex," Matthew said. We all said hi, then went over the rules of the game. Girls won the tossup, so Josephine hiked the ball to me, and I passed it to Jessica, running toward the goal. "Jess over here!" I yelled. Josephine ran past me, ready to receive ad Jessica threw the ball at me. I caught it, ad saw Jason hurtling towards me. I threw it to Josephine just before he tackled me. "SCORE!" Josephine yelled in the end zone. I laughed breathlessly as Jason got up and pulled me up.

In the end, the girls won, 13 to 11. Afterwards we went for a swim, playing Marco Polo and goofing off. I had somehow gained 5 new friends in about 2 hours and it felt great. I loved playing with the kids. I felt carefree and light, running through the tide, splashing Jason and Alex. Finally it got dark and I was getting ready to head back to my car when Jessica grabbed my hand. "Will you come home for dinner," she asked. "Um... I don't know sweetie," I said, unsure of what to do. Jessica looked at Jason and Alex. "Sure, why not?" Jason said. Jessica turned back to me. "Well...alright. Thank you," I said.

Author's Note:

So I kinda got writers block with this chapter. Jason's family will be a big part of the story, so I thought this was necessary, but it's a little boring. She won't meet Tony for awhile, but it's partly because of Jason that she does. Also, since I forgot a disclaimer: I own nothing. And finally, if you want to see Bella's apartment, it's on my website. Here's the link : . ~Ethereal Words