Chapter 2
Bella pulled the brass key with nervous excitement out of her pocket and placed it into the lock of her new house. She turned it in the lock until she felt it unlatch and then finally felt the emotion flow over her, that she finally had a home of her own. She swung the door wide. "Finally, a home of my own."
Jake bound past her and into the cottage. His scampering paws echoed throughout the empty rooms.
"Show us where you want everything and we can get you moved in."
"Sure, Bruce. Let me show you." Bella ushered the movers inside, quite in awe that she now owned the place. Moving through the house, Bella showed the men where she wanted everything placed. She was glad that she did not have many possessions; less to unload and unpack. Soon, she would be completely settled into her new home.
Within the hour, the moving truck was emptied and Bella was waving goodbye. She remained on the porch, under the hanging wisteria, as she watched the truck moving down the street.
It took her most of the day to unpack her things. Her book collection took her the longest, as she lovingly placed all her veterinary sciences textbooks on her oak bookshelf. Next came all her loved fiction novels, in both alphabetical and series order. She moved the furniture around, shifting her couch and television just so. In the master bedroom, she moved her bed so she could wake up looking out the French doors - she would wake every morning with a view out of the doors, through the porch and lastly of her new backyard.
Stepping back, she looked around, happy with her accomplishment for the day. Slowly but surely, her new house began to look like home. She straightened the blanket on her couch, deftly hiding a few tears that Jake had made when he was a young pup.
Jake ran past with a rolled up ball of newspaper, scampering and sliding along the polished wooden floorboards. He was attempting to "catch" the escaping ball. Bella laughed at his antics as he bounded out the back door in triumph, where he finally mangled the paper ball. Following him out back, her eyes gazed around the wilderness that was her backyard.
"What a mess!" Bella thought. The grass was as tall as she was. The bushes and vines were so overgrown, she wondered if she would even be able to make out the back fence.
Jake seemed happy as he ducked under a bush with his paper ball, completely disappearing into the under growth. "Come on, Jake, let's go!" Bella called, laughing as Jake bounded back out, stopping momentarily to give her a little woof before making a beeline straight for the front door.
Following him inside, she grabbed a jacket as the afternoon had grown cooler. Jake was waiting by the front door with his leash in his mouth. His whole backend was wagging so hard, she wondered how on earth he actually stayed on his feet.
"Want to go to the park, Jake?" Bella patted Jake as she clicked on his leash.
She looked back at her cottage as they followed the estate agent's directions to the park. She still couldn't believe that the cottage was hers, that she had a place to call home. She desperately wanted to feel that, to have that connection, but something at the back of her mind niggled that this all could slip through her fingers - all gone. She dreaded the thought that she might have to move on again. She wanted to have permanence.
Turning the last corner, the sight and smell of the park brought Bella out of her melancholy. She could see the forest Jessica had mentioned. Jake pulled on the leash but Bella took a few seconds to breathe in the smell of damp soil and freshly cut grass; the smell of nature. The vast lawns of the park were so much bigger that she had ever imagined.
"Who would ever have thought this would be right in the city?" She said to Jake as he strained to get to the park.
Nose to the ground, Jake sniffed at everything. Every little bush, every rock and every lamp post had to be peed on. Bella sighed, a little embarrassed by Jake having to mark everything.
"Jesus, Jake, everyone would think I never take you outside."
The concrete paths wound through the park grassland and, as they neared the edge of the forest, they became slightly raised and turned into boardwalks. From beyond the wall of trees, Bella could hear the babbling of a creek. Bending down to Jake, she whispered into his ear, "Can you hear that, Buddy? Sounds like there is somewhere for you to swim, my furry friend."
Jake looked up at her and cocked his head to the side, seeming to be listening intently to her. Bella pointed toward the trees and Jake instantly started heading there. Once again, his nose was pressed to the ground taking in all the smells.
Bella was amazed by the beauty of the forest as they wandered deeper into the trees. It was truly a beautiful place. The wooden planks of the boardwalk were covered in moss; a gorgeous shade of green. Bella could make out the lichen that grew on the sides of the trunks of the trees that never saw daylight. Bella imagined that as a child, she would have thought fairies lived in this part of the park, fluttering amongst the trunks of the trees and between the mossy rocks and ferns.
The sound of babbling water grew louder and coolness prevailed as the forest became thicker. Looking up, Bella could hardly see the sky. She shivered a little here in the shade - the sun could hardly reach her through the thick cover of the enormous trees towering above. She pulled on her jacket and zipped it closed.
Just ahead, butted against the boardwalk, was a quaint little bridge, covered with moss and lichen. Bella smiled as Jake pulled hard on his leash. He knew what was ahead and was straining to get there. She looked around, not seeing anyone. She bent down and released Jake from his leash. Jake bounded off the boardwalk and went straight to the creek. At the edge of the water, Jake stopped, waiting for her. He seemed to know what was to happen next.
As Bella walked towards the creek, she realized how truly beautiful it was in this secret, hidden part of the park. The water meandered and slowly cascaded over an outcropping of rocks, tumbling down to a deep pool. The water was crystal clear and the rocks and gravel on the bottom were rounded by the years of constantly moving water.
"You ready?" She asked Jake. Jake went into a stance, his tail wagging furiously and nearly sending him off balance. Bella bent down to pick a small stone and threw it so it skimmed across the surface, counting the bounces as it cut across the surface. As soon as it skipped, Jake lunged, landing in the deepest part of the pool, swimming after the skimming rock. When the rock stopped and sunk to the bottom, he turned and swam back standing in the shallows near the bank. There, he shook out his fur, barking at her as if to tell her to hurry up. His bright eyes stared at her, waiting for her to throw the next rock. Bella laughed - she knew he could do this all afternoon and never get tired. She indulged him, laughing at the close calls, when he would almost catch the rocks in flight. They were in their own little world.
Bella was startled when a voice sounded from behind her.
"Hi there. I am not sure if you knew that you aren't supposed to have your dog off of his leash."
Quickly, Bella turned around, her hand over her heart. The voice didn't sound scolding so she knew she wasn't in that much trouble.
In front of her stood a petite woman, short, dark hair surrounding a feminine face. What really called to Bella was her smile. It was a laughing smile, and the woman's eyes matched it, shining in happiness at the sight of Jake trying to swim.
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. Maybe next time, come a bit before seven in the morning. That's when the dog-walkers are here. Most people let their dogs run a bit, but be careful of the walkers who don't. They tend to be a bit prissy. Oh! I'm Alice." The woman said, walking closer towards Bella and extending her hand.
"Thanks, Alice. I'm Bella and this is Jake." She shook Alice's hand and then pointed over to the now thoroughly drenched dog. Jake shook out his fur, sprinkling water drops over both of them, and made a beeline to greet Alice's dogs.
"I'm so sorry." Bella said as she tried to restrain Jake. He was worming his way between the two of them and now had his nose right up the backside of one of Alice's dogs. "Jake! Stop it, Jake!"
"Don't worry about it." Alice laughed. She was completely tangled up in leashes as both of her dogs tried to walk around her; followed by a sniffing Jake. Soon, she was wrapped up as tight as a mummy. Bending awkwardly, she managed to unleash her dogs and all three took off in a doggy version of chase.
"The pesky Jack Russell, that's Seth. He's a darling, but she can get a little feisty. Her name is Leah" Alice laughed. "I haven't seen you before. I know most of the dogs around here. Have you just moved here?"
"Just today," Bella replied. "I start my new job in two days, I'm pretty excited. It seems nice here."
"Well, I like it here. Would you like to walk with us?" Alice asked as she bent down to pat Jake, who had returned to sniff out the new person.
"Sure, that would be nice."
"So, Bella. What kind of dog is Jake?"
"Oh, Jake came into the animal shelter as an abandoned animal. He was pretty messed up." Bella bent down to give him a pat. "But he's all good now, aren't you boy? I really couldn't tell you what he is; I think he's got a bit of everything, so he's a mutt."
Bella thought back to her days at the university - when she wasn't in class, she could always be found at the animal shelter. One day a sad looking, malnourished six-month old puppy was brought in. He was so quiet and did not like to be petted; always shying away and whimpering in a corner if anyone got too close. Bella felt her heart crying out for the puppy and ended up adopting him; much to the disapproval of her father.
One wouldn't recognize that sad puppy nowadays. Jake stood at knee-height and had long shaggy russet-colored hair. He was a smart dog, seemingly too smart at times. It had taken Bella five long months to get him to come out of his shell. Now he was her best friend and she could not imagine her life without him. He filled the void that no person had yet filled.
As the two women walked along the path, Alice and Bella chatted about the town - where the good restaurants were, which clubs had the best vibe. Alice talked animatedly and Bella felt drawn to her. Alice was almost like a soothing balm, easing Bella's nerves about moving into a new city.
"Oh! I have to introduce you to my husband, Jasper. I think you'd like him. These two guys," pointing toward her dogs, "are our babies. They are my pre-training for when we have our real kids." Alice laughed.
Bella laughed along with her. "Yes, I agree. Dogs are just like having kids and best of all, they can't really whine at you and beg for the latest toy."
"True that." Alice giggled.
Bella mused to herself, Jake was definitely her baby and she would be surprised if he would let another man in her life.
"So, Bella, tell me about your new job." Alice asked as they were neared the end of the boardwalk and placing their dogs back on their leashes.
"I'm the new Vet at Paws, Claws and Feathers." Bella smiled, as she couldn't wait to start work. She felt that when she started, it would finally sink in that she was here for good.
"That's where we take Seth and Leah!" Alice exclaimed as she clapped her hands together.
"Awesome! I hope I only see you for check-ups, then," Bella laughed.
"We should definitely have coffee some time. I work near the vet's. I have a little boutique just around the corner." She pulled out a pen and scribbled a number on a business card. "Here, when you get settled, give me a call, we'll do coffee or something. I come down here every morning around six thirty or seven, if you want some company on your doggy walk."
"Sure, Alice. That would be great, thanks."
With their plans for coffee semi-settled, they stopped at a fork in the boardwalk.
"This is my path home. It was really great meeting you, Bella. Thanks for the talk and the walk. Best of luck with your new job."
"It was cool meeting you too, Alice. Bye for now!" Bella waved as Alice took a path that split off the main pathway.
She thought that Alice seemed such a happy person, very laid-back and so friendly. Bella knew she would definitely take Alice up on her offer for coffee. It would be great to have at least one friend here. Smiling as she bent down to pat Jake, she started to have a really good feeling about this move.
~O~O~O~
Alice moved along the path, to the point of being almost dragged by Seth and Leah. She thought about this new person, this Bella, who looked like she needed a friend. Bella stood almost a head taller than she did, with beautiful, long brown hair that curled around her shoulders, framing her face. She had a natural beauty and flawless skin. Someone Edward might like? Bella seemed unpretentious and nothing like these city women Edward despised.
Pondering these thoughts, Alice really hoped Bella would give her a call or at least bump into her at the park again. She seemed like the quiet type, almost reserved, but there was something about her, something down to earth. Bella's deep brown eyes seemed a little lost but so friendly.
Alice had a feeling that they would become friends and the thought of having someone new in her life excited her. She was getting a little tired of the pretentious city women who thought the world revolved around only them, too.
Her thoughts kept coming back to her brother, Edward. She understood him better than anyone, and understood his reluctance to date these pretentious women. It saddened her that he thought he could not find with someone a connection like the one she'd found with Jasper. It was only through being with Jasper that she had been able to sleep through the night. He was her panacea.
Alice sighed as she worried about her brother. They were so alike, which was hardly surprising, because as they grew up, they only had each other to rely on. She could not imagine a life without him in it.
"Edward, I'm going to find you someone, you deserve it." Alice sighed to herself.
Moving along the street, she turned the corner and smiled to the doorman who held the apartment complex door open for her.
"Afternoon, Mrs. Whitlock," he said as he tilted his hat.
"Hi, James." She smiled at him as he bent down to give Leah a pat. Leah loved being the center of anyone's attention and began wagging her little tail in delight. Seth, however, stood right beside Alice as if he were a guard. Seth didn't like James one bit. Alice giggled at the antics of her dogs.
Quickly, she made her way through the lobby and up the elevator. When she got out on her floor, she looked over to Edward's door. Alice wondered if she should drop by but decided that she had better not. He was probably still on site at his latest job, since he was scheduled to finish today. She thought she would stop by later on in the evening, instead.
"Jasper, you home?" She called as she moved to the kitchen to get Seth and Leah some water after their walk.
"Yeah, Babe, I'm just about to take a shower." He called from the bathroom.
Alice smiled and made her way there. She stood in the doorway to the bathroom admiring her husband. He had his back to her as he took off his shirt. Her mind flashed back to the night she had first met Jasper.
After a week of nothing but rain, Edward and Alice ventured out of their apartment making their way to their favorite bar. It was nearing midnight and the bar was about to close. They had just won their fifth game of pool and they had an extra $500 in their pocket. Alice sat at the bar as Edward chatted to Emmett by the pool table. She took a long sip of her Vodka Lime and soda, wondering what movie Edward and she would pick to watch tonight. It was sure to be another night of falling asleep in the living room together yet again.
Someone sat down beside her and water drops splashed across her back as whoever it was took off their coat. When she turned to offer a cutting remark, she instead became speechless. A pair of lost looking blue eyes met hers and she noted a tangle of blonde hair. She was absolutely speechless.
"Sorry, Ma'am," the stranger said in a deep Southern accent.
In a moment of braveness Alice replied, "I'm Alice, I've been waiting for you."
'That was less than a year ago', Alice thought and smiled a secret smile to herself.
Standing in the doorway, her eyes roamed over his masculine back, noting the faint scars crisscrossing his back. His hair was blonde, slightly curly and cut to the nape of his neck. Alice smiled as he bent down to lower his suit pants; his belt buckle clanked as it hit the floor. She naturally noticed his butt muscles clenching as he stepped out of his pants. Yum.
She made a step closer and moved her hand down his back.
"Alice! Jesus, you scared me!" Jasper exclaimed as he turned quickly towards her.
"Sorry, Jazz, I couldn't help myself," She smirked.
Jasper pulled her in close, lifting her up and onto the vanity.
"Hmm, I might not be able to help MYSELF either." He said as he nuzzled into her neck. Alice sighed and leaned into him, raking her nails across his back.
~O~O~O~
Edward was finishing up across town, raking the last of the mulch across the top of Mrs. Stanley's new garden. He pulled out the t-shirt that he had tucked into his jeans and mopped his brow. He hardly wanted to look back at what he had created.
His team had just had to install a concrete retaining wall to hold back the steep incline of the hill behind her house. Heavy rain had dislodged the structure of the hill, sending a mini landslide of mud and debris into her pool.
Mrs. Stanley had wanted the retaining wall to be painted fluorescent pink. The terracotta pots, which would have looked lovely in any other setting, were painted fluorescent yellow. Trying to talk her out of the color scheme had been impossible. Thankfully, she had let him have some leeway in the plant choice, but not much. She wanted palms, lots of palms. Not a bad choice, but he worried about the chilly morning frosts. The new plants would be frostbitten since they were not native to this area.
Incited, he decided on a few focal plants. The plants were mainly Cyrtostachys Renda (Lipstick Palms) since their trunks were a deep red/pink color and would somewhat fit in with the color scheme. She agreed on that, and thankfully she had the money to buy fully mature plants so that the hideous color of the paint was almost hidden by the green leafy foliage. For the plants in the fluorescent yellow terracotta pots, he planted Opuntia, by specific orders from the client.Mrs. Stanley had decided to go with palms and prickly pears – a very odd combination in Edward's opinion.
Edward and his crew had been at work on the Stanley's garden for a little over a week and he had yet to meet her husband. Edward wondered if the man had purposefully stayed away or if his job took him away from home. The man obviously had money. This house was situated in a prestigious part of the city, nestled into the hills with views of the city.
For some reason, Mr. Stanley's absence reminded Edward of his own father's frequent absences. The senior Mr. Cullen was gone often, always working, and to Edward's young mind, a rather emotionless man. Everything about him revolved around making money and having status. Thinking back, Edward would wager that both Alice and he saw their father a mere week out of an entire year. Edward then thought of Mrs. Stanley. Would his mother, if she had lived, been like her? He shuddered at the thought.
Edward jumped a little as Mrs. Stanley's voice startled him out of his pondering.
"Oh, Edward! It's spectacular." Jessica purred, looking at him, not her new garden. Edward quickly put his t-shirt back on, very uncomfortable at her insinuation. He took a step back as she closed the distance.
"Um, thanks, it's all done. I hope you enjoy your new garden." He wiped his hands on his pants and began to collect the last of his tools.
"It's great. Can you do the front of the house as well?" She asked quickly, closing the space between them even further.
Edward cringed at the thought. 'Where the hell is this woman's husband?'
"You'll have to call Tanya, my secretary. She's in control of placing all the jobs. I'm not sure when there is an opening so it would be best if you gave her a call." Edward hesitated in reaching into his back pocket to give her a business card.
"I will!" Jessica gushed. "I added a little extra to your final total. It was very, very nice having you and your crew around the house." She reached out and covered his hand with hers as she took the card. "Thank you, Edward."
Edward felt like saying, "What the hell is wrong with you, woman!"
Instead, he graciously said, "You're welcome."
"Are you sure you don't want to come in for a drink? I've got a well-stocked bar. Anything you want?" She purred, flicking her fake blonde hair over her shoulder. Edward shuddered.
"Sorry, Jessica, but I really can't. I have to get back, but thank you for the offer."
He hated having to be nice to these freaks.
Gathering his tools, he made his way to his truck and tossed them in the back, thanking god that he had put in a custom liner so that the tools could not destroy the paintwork. However, he did not have time to stow anything away properly. He hated being ogled and hit on. It made his skin crawl. He wanted to get out of there.
"Goodbye, Edward. Come by any time you like. I'll be sure to make that appointment for you to do the front," Jessica batted her lashes.
"Sure, see you later, Mrs. Stanley." Edward jumped in the truck and swiftly drove away. He wondered if there was something wrong with him as he didn't feel attracted to her one bit since she appeared to want more. He shuddered again at the thought.
Stepping into his shower, he washed the dirt and grime from his body. The water seemed to clear his mind as well as his body. Washing his hair, he mused at the thought of how nice it would be if someone else would do that for him.
Shaking his head, he made himself not think of such things. With purpose, he stepped out of the shower and dried off. He reflected that his bed was still made up, not slept in for days. He had spent the last couple of nights sleeping in the den. He shrugged and pulled on a fresh t-shirt and shorts.
Stopping by Alice's door, he thought better than to knock, for he had the feeling she would be busy. Smirking to himself, he ran down the stairs and onto the street. He needed to run and run far today.
