Disclaimer: I do not own twilight

Thanks for the reviews ! And subscriptions ;) I'm not very good at these authors notes, so I'm just going to get straight to it.

Chapter 2

BellaPOV

Even the fact that I knew he would be here, it didn't prepare me for this moment. Seeing him standing there, brought everything to the front of my mind. All the arguing, heartbreak, pain… loneliness… Was it me or was this room getting smaller? I started wringing my hands, as I usually do when I get nervous. He just continued to stand there, staring, from any bystander he appeared cold and emotionless. I remember how his eyes sparkled when he was with his family, when he was with me. Now, nothing. They were dull and lifeless, but he obvious had moved on from the looks of things. Lucky him…

"You look… well" he mumbled, shoving his hands deep into his pockets and standing to one side, as if he were posing for the camera. Seriously, its like he was a fucking model. Not that he couldn't be, I'm surprised he never even entertained the idea. God, who turned up the heating?

"I know" Okay, so I didn't have to be smug, but it was the least I could do to try and show how much I hated him, and how his presence didn't have any affect over me.

"I didn't know you would be here"

"Would you have come if you knew?"

"No, probably not" I met his gaze then, reflecting back the death glare he sent me. If he wanted to play this game, I'm all for it. Stupid prick!

"I'll make sure to pass that information on to Jasper, you know, your best friend? Who is marrying your sister? I'm sure they'll like to know how you wouldn't think twice about making an effort to be here for their big day"

"Ha! You haven't changed at all. Still the same old Bella. Shame" I hated him! I was shocked, scrambling for a comeback that wouldn't end with him laughing at me, but before I could, he turned and left, leaving me standing there.

I knew it would be a bad idea, me being here. I wasn't family, as much as they all said I was, I wasn't. I had no blood relations to them, I wasn't even related by law. Edward was. He was the brother of the bride. This small confrontation simply proved it. So what? I was maid of honour, and I wouldn't miss Alice's wedding for the world. Well, I be damned if I was going to let Edward Cullen ruin the next 3 weeks.

"Oh Bella…" I shook my head and took a deep breath, and turned to see Rose carrying a big bundle in her arms. Sammy was still half asleep, her head resting soundly on her mothers shoulder and sucking on her fist. Her cheeks were slightly chubby, her head covered in a thin layer of light blond hair and her blue eyes scanning the room. She was… beautiful. It only made me cringe when I thought about what I could have had.

"You want to hold her?" I must have looked a state. My eyes wide and I could feel the blood drain out of my face.

"No no, it's okay. Don't want to disturb her more" I tried to plaster on my best fake smile, which seemed to work as Rose just shrugged and sat Sammy on the sofa, placing cushions around her so she wouldn't roll off.

"How old is she?"

"5 months next week. Though it feels like we just brought her home yesterday" She chuckled, patting her daughters hair. I just stood behind her, gazing down on the small baby.

"Bella! Come on! The guys brought your stuff up, so we have to start unpacking straight away!" Alice came bounding into the room, and seeing Sammy, danced over and kissed the babies head."Isn't she the cutest? You have to see the dress I have picked out for her"

"You picked it?" I asked, thinking her mother would probably want to dress her own daughter. I know I would.

"Yes me. She is going to be my flower girl" Understanding, I took a step back. Not really wanting to be near Sammy for too long. I loved my niece, don't get me wrong, but I felt like I needed space.

"Come on" I followed Alice up the stairs, passing Emmett and Jasper, who both messed up my hair and laughed when I glared back.

"Why are we unpacking now? We just got here"

"Because, we do it now, we have plenty of time for other stuff" She pulled my suitcase onto the bed, and swung the lid open, lifting the first thing she found, which happened to be my chucks, and threw them into the bottom of my wardrobe.

It didn't take long really to unpack my stuff. I chose to ignore the looks Alice was giving me every time she found a piece of clothing she disapproved of. Alice had decided to place me in my old room, technically the spare room, but I used to stay here so much it was basically like my own room. I had pictures stuck to the walls, posters on the doors, books stacked neatly on the shelves, and even the same blue and green bed sheets I used to love. After successfully filling up the chest of drawers and wardrobe with my 3 weeks worth of clothing (which was a few garments short of all the clothing I even owned), Alice decided to help Jasper with his stuff, and left me to get settled.

I fell onto the bed, curling up in the home comfort, before my eyes zoomed in on a certain wall of photos, just peeking out behind the open closet door. Pulling it out the way, I was hit with so many memories of such simpler times.

The first photo was one from when we had just started high school, and when Edward and I had just started dating officially. It looked like the woods, the same ones that surrounded the Cullen house, and I was on Edward back as he ran around the trees. I couldn't help but notice the huge grin that was prominent on my face, and his infamous crooked grin. The only thing that ruined it was the huge thumb that took up the corner of the picture. No doubt it was one of Emmett's photography moments.

The next was just a snapshot, probably taken during our first summer together. Edwards hand stretched out, showing he had taken the picture himself. Our heads were together and we both smiled, two teenagers in love.

There were only two more photos. Both appeared to have been taken on our holiday to Florida, were my mom lived at the time. It was one of the best days of my life. All my friends together and having fun. Alice had insisted on a picture of just the two of us. I stood there, looking so out of place, wearing the indigo coloured bikini that Alice had forced me to wear, while she jumped about in her blood red two-piece. I remember Emmett standing to the side of Jasper, who held the camera, looking like he was up to something, which proved to be right as the picture held a grinning Emmett, thumbs up, taking up half the picture. Unfortunately, it was the last picture that could be saved, so we left it. Safe to say Alice wasn't happy for the rest of the day.

Surrounding the photos were simple things, like receipts from shops I had been dragged to, concert tickets from when Edward took me to see Bon Jovi. It was our third date and we had been getting on really well.

I didn't realise my eyes had watered until I felt a drop hit my hand. Quickly scrubbing them away, scolding myself for letting it get to me I turned and headed back downstairs.

"Fuck Jasper, I thought you didn't have this game!" Emmett yelled, and I could see his shadow on the back living room wall, jumping about on the sofa while the sound of Mario kart came from the TV.

"I don't, your just shit at this game" Jasper laughed. They were both lounging on the sofas, and armchair. Well, jasper was. He had his legs propped up on the arm rest, sitting side ways facing the TV, while Emmett moved side to side on the main sofa, barely even sitting at all. At times he was standing, sometimes jumping too.

"God, you guys are such kids" I laughed, walking past and heading to the kitchen.

"MOVE PEACH! Who decided to put fucking girls in the game…" Hearing the controller hit the rug, I guessed Emmett had lost.

"Hey Esme"

"Oh hello darling. Unpacked yet?" She stood at the island in the middle of the kitchen, finely chopping some sort of herb. She was an amazing cook, much better than myself, though I did learn the majority of my cooking skills from her.

"Yeah, Alice helped. Not sure where she is now though, probably unpacking hers and Jaspers things"

"Yes, she can get a bit too excited" She chuckled, scooping up the herbs and dumping them into a pot that was steaming from the cooker.

"What you making?"

"Emmett's been nagging at me to make my Arabiata pasta" Stirring the pot, the smell of the sauce hit me and my mouth started watering.

"Good choice. Need any help?"

"Not at the moment. If you want, you could set the table?" She pointed towards the dish cabinet, where in front sat a dozen napkins and glasses.

"Sure" Picking up the cloths and plates, I carefully walked into the adjoining dining room. Nothing had really changed, except the red walls, broken up by a few dozen framed photos of Alice and Edward growing up, even one of Esme and Carlisle's wedding, and by the kitchen door was a larger frame with all of us in it; Emmett, Jasper, Edward, Rosalie, Alice and me. What is it with this house and trying to make me think of the past. When that's exactly what it is, the past, and that's where it will stay.

I made quick work with the table, setting up a placement at all 8 chairs, before walking back to keep Esme company.

"Go away Emmett, I'll let you know when its done"

"Aw come on Momma E, just a taste? It smells so good!" I could practically see the drool shining on his chin. There was a small dusting of pasta sauce on the counter as Esme shook the wooden spoon at him.

"Out! Or I'll give Jasper your helping" The look on his face was comical, like someone had just ran over his puppy, then laughed in his face.

"Stay in there Emmett! I could use a second helping" Jasper shouted from the living room, where Mario Kart had been put on pause.

"Fuck you Jazz" He grumbled, stomping back out the kitchen glaring.

"Language boys" Esme scolded, stirring the pasta again.

"Sorry"

"Oh Bella, all done?"

"Yeah. Where is everyone? Except the two morons next door" I jabbed my thumb behind me to indicate the two occupants in the living room.

"Well, Alice is upstairs, Rosalie is bathing Samantha before dinner, and Carlisle is in his study I think, though Edward disappeared awhile ago. Speaking of, can you gather the gang, I'm almost done"

"No problem" I made to leave and head upstairs when Esme called me back.

"Hmm?"

"Leave those two till last"

"Will do" I laughed, and jogged past Jasper and Emmett quickly so as not to arouse suspicion.

"Alice! Esme says everyone in the dinning room. Dinners ready" She grinned and dropped the empty suitcase she was holding, letting it hit the blue carpet with a thud before dancing past, grabbing Carlisle who was just leaving his office, eyes glued to a book with his glasses perched halfway down his nose.

Walking along the corridor, I counted the doors, stopping at the third door on the left. It was cracked open slightly, and I could see the walls painted a lime colour with purple waves and pink patches painted on top. It was pretty clear this was Sammy's room. I could hear Rose cooing at her inside, and the babys replying gurgles.

"Hey, uh, Rose?" I called, not daring to look further inside.

"Yeah!"

"Esme says dinner is ready" There was a faint smell coming from the gap between the door and wall, it was a mix of talcum powder, milk, and a new baby smell. I couldn't stand there much longer.

"Cool, I'll be down in 5" Wanting to get away, I dashed back downstairs, narrowly avoiding missing the last step, and quickly headed towards the dinning room. Everyone bar a few were sitting, Emmett and Jasper obviously caught wind of the pasta and were eagerly sitting in their usual seats, Emmett already having his napkin tucked into his shirt and fork and knife already in his hands.

"Excited Emmett?" He just gave me a goofy grin and watched the kitchen door with wide eyes. Alice sat in front of Jasper, with Carlisle at the head, still reading his book, which was most likely a medical novel, while carrying on a conversation with Alice about the wedding. I decided to go help Esme, and left the 4 sitting.

"Bella! Can you take those out?" she pointed to two bowls, one filled with different kind of grated cheese, the other had a mixed salad. Smiling, I did as she asked, trying to hold in my laughter as I watched Emmett's face drop when he saw no pasta.

"What kind of shit is this!"

"Emmett" Carlisle scolded.

"Sorry"

"Grow up Em" I sighed. He stuck his tongue out at me, which I quickly returned, before skipping back to the kitchen.

"I swear that boy eats enough for the whole of Washington…"

"I couldn't agree more. But everyone knows not to come between Emmett and his food" We both nodded in agreement to the statement and she carried the food out, while I took the jug of orange out.

"Finally!" Emmett grabbed the tongs and went to grab a huge handful, but not before Esme smacked his hand away.

"Wait till everyone is here" Rosalie came down, her hair pulled up into a messy ponytail and a clean t-shirt on. She sat in front of Emmett and beside Esme, who was sat opposite Carlisle, passing a small comment about how Sammy was sleeping, and it was Emmetts turn next time. I sat next to her, looking around and noticing Edward was missing.

"Um…" But before I said anything, the man of the hour walked in himself, taking the last seat in front of me. I shot him a glare, which he ignored and sat, scanning what was on offer.

"Okay everyone, dig in!"

"Don't have to tell me twice" Without blinking, Emmett already had his plate piled high, Jasper not far off him. Quickly I grabbed myself a portion, before it was all gone, adding some greens to it also. It was silent for the first 5 minutes, the only sound being the scraping of forks and coughs as some would eat too much as once (Emmett) and choke as it went down (Emmett), and after a scolding off Esme (Emmett) continue where they left off and end up choking again (Emmett).

"So, how's the wedding coming along Alice?" Esme asked, trying to fill the silence that was deafening.

"Great! Everything's sorted except the bridesmaid dresses. Since I only had Bellas sizes, I decided just to get them made here. You don't mind Rose, do you?"

"Course not! This is going to be so much fun" She grinned, clapping her hands.

"Nervous Jasper?"

"Your kidding right? As long as I have Alice beside me, nothing could ruin it for me. Why would I be nervous? I'm marrying the most amazing woman I've ever met" His eyes shone as he looked over as Alice, showing nothing but pure love for only her. Her blush and soft eyes, mirrored his feeling right back at him.

"Wow, since when did you become such a softie Jazz?" Edward chuckled, looking down at his plate and twirling a piece of pasta around his fork.

"I thought it was very romantic. Alice is lucky to have him" I shot back. Even thought the question wasn't aimed at me, I had to say something. He acted as if he owned the place.

"I know she is. Shame you probably wont know just what its like"

"Edward!" Esme said in horror, probably shocked at what her son had said.

"I already know what its like, I also know it aint no picnic, especially when you're unfortunate enough to have someone like you"

"You weren't complaining last year"

"You didn't shut up long enough for me to complain"

"Why did you come here?" He was angry now, his eyes looked like they held small fires, burning with rage, his dinner forgotten about and his slammed the fork onto the table. Well I was angry too! And I had every right to be.

"Because I care about Alice, and she wants me here"

"Well no one else does!" He exclaimed before standing up suddenly, knocking his chair to the floor and storming out. The front door slammed shut, showing his departure.

It was quite for a few moments. Everyone in shock at what had happened. Me too. Emmett had successfully pushed his plate away, Jasper still sat with his fork in his hand, hovering above his plate. Alice and Rosalie had their mouths hanging open, not sure what to say. Carlisle had disappointment written all over his face, but his eyes were clueless. Esme was the first to say something.

"I'm so sorry Bella…I…I don't know why…"

"Why are you sorry? You didn't tell him to say anything" I could feel my eyes prickling, yet more tears threatening to spill over. The good mood before dinner had effectively been ruined. I stood, slower than Edward had, and gently tucked my chair in, folded my napkin and placed it beside my plate, before giving a watery smile to everyone and leaving. I was angry, embarrassed, pissed off, sad, guilty, a whole load of things. I knew it was a bad idea, ever since Alice had told me he would be here. Whoever thought that we could go a whole 3 weeks and not kill each other was very much mistaken.

A/N Chapter 2 ! Yay!

Okay, what did you think? I was a bit worried that the whole Edward Bella argument might not work, but I think I did okay?

What do you think is up with Bella and Sammy ? Let me Know !

REVIEW ! xxx