Disclaimer: All recognisable content is the property of Stephanie Meyer. No infringement intended.

A big thank you to everyone who reviewed, story alerted or favourited. I really appreciate it. This is Chapter 3. I hope you enjoy.

When One Door Closes, Another Opens.

Summary.

Bella grew up in Forks. She and Jacob were friends from a young age. As they grew older, their relationship develops into something more. Bella leaves for college in Arizona, Jacob remains behind to finish his last year of High School. She returns for the summer after her first year to an unpleasant surprise. Enter, Edward Cullen. AU.

Song for this chapter:

When My Time Comes, Dawes.

Chapter 3:

The Cure.

Edward and I had begun to walk towards the checkout. We arrived there relatively quickly, it wasn't a particularly large shop. Edward motioned for me to go first, in a perfectly gentlemanly manner. Everything about him seemed to be perfect. He was very attractive, this I had to admit. His bronze hair was dishevelled, yes, but in an endearing fashion. His emerald eyes sparkled with intelligence and humour. His body was lean and muscled, but not overly so. His smile was crooked, but somehow more beautiful for it. He seemed to be kind and funny. He was seemingly perfect. Frustratingly so. Because of the fact that if he hadn't been so very perfect, my answer to his next question would have made some sense. I would have had some reason for it, except for the fact that I was still so desperately and pathetically hung up over the cheating dog that was Jacob Black.

''Bella,'' He said tentatively. He ran a hand through his hair, mussing it even more. He cleared his throat nervously. ''Well, I know this may sound a bit sudden, but if you don't mind, maybe, we could go grab a coffee, or something?'' He looked at me with such hopefulness that it frightened me just a bit. We had just met, after-all. I felt uncomfortable at his suggestion. ''I'm sorry Edward, but I can't. Things are..difficult right now.'' I explained lamely. His face fell and I felt an impossible amount of guilt wash over me. However, a moment later, his easy grin was back in place. He handed me a thin slip of paper. ''Well, then,'' He said. ''Here's my number. Call me when things become..less difficult. Or if you just need someone to talk to.'' I nodded mutely and paid for my meagre goods. Then I went home and watched romantic, sappy movie after romantic, sappy movie. They cheered me a little bit but did nothing to distract me from the attractive, seemingly perfect man I had met in the store. Stupid, perfect Edward!

The next morning I awoke to an empty house. I made my way downstairs and into the kitchen, I was ravenous. On the table, there was a note from Charlie.

It read:

Hey Bells,

Gone fishing. Be back later. If you go out, don't forget the pepper spray. Be careful.

Love,

Dad.

I sighed. What was I going to do with the day? The prospect of staying in all day watching television, again, was less than inviting. However, the idea of going out and possibly running into him was positively horrible. Especially alone. For all I knew, he could have her draped over his shoulder. Tears threatened to spill from my eyes. Why did he have to do it? Why did he have to ruin everything? What changed? Was it something I did? Was our relationship over? Or something we could salvage? I sighed. I would have to talk to him, for my own sanity if nothing else. If it was over, at least then I would know for sure, and I could think about trying to, I gulped, move on. It was a conversation that I was going to put off for as long as possible though. I just couldn't handle it right now. This was, of course, completely contradictory to what I knew to be true, and therefore completely illogical. However, I didn't really feel like being logical. I would put it to the back of my mind, attempt to distract myself. When the time came that I could no longer do so, and I felt that I was almost strong enough, then I would face Jacob.

I was at a complete loss for what to do. The summer in Forks loomed before me bleakly. I'd had such high expectations, too. It was going to be the best summer of my life, every day spent with my soul-mate. I sighed, I was such a fool. I had to get out, get away from the house, busy myself with something or other. Most importantly I had to get my mind off Jacob Black. But how?

MY mind wandered and somehow focused in on the card that was given to me yesterday. Edward! It had his number on it. I could call him and we could go and see a movie or something. Or get a coffee. Or just something. As long as it got me out of the house, as long as it distracted me. I didn't really care what we did, just something. However, I was somewhat reluctant to call him. I didn't want to give him the wrong impression. I was looking for friendship, nothing more. Perhaps not even that. It wouldn't hurt to give him a call, though, would it? No, as long as I upfront from the very start.

He had seemed understanding yesterday, I only hoped that I had judged him correctly. I picked up the phone and somewhat tentatively dialled his number. ''Hello,'' He answered, his voice once again impossibly velvety. It caused my heart to do a small flop in my chest which I ignored completely. ''Hello, Edward?'' I asked. ''It's Bella. Bella Swan.'' I could almost feel him smile through the phone. ''Hello, Bella.'' He said enthusiastically. ''To what do I owe the pleasure of your phone call.'' I blushed profusely and toed the carpet with my shoe shyly. Thank God he couldn't actually see. ''Well, ahem,'' I said, blush deepening. ''I thought that, maybe, we could get that coffee you were talking about.'' I felt completely moronic. However, he didn't seem to think so. ''That would be great,'' He replied. ''Would you like me to collect you or do you want to meet somewhere?'' He asked. ''Oh, no.'I said hastily. ''You don't have to go to the trouble of collecting me. We can meet in the diner, if that's okay. It's just that I can't think of anywhere else in Forks that we'll get coffee.'' I knew that I was rambling. As did he, but he simply chuckled and said that he'd see me in ten minutes, then hung up.

When I arrived at the diner, I was beginning to regret coming. Especially coming here, it was all too likely that Jacob would be here, or someone he knew, who would tell him that I was here. Or...so many other possibilities. I inwardly groaned and outwardly fiddled with the hem of my jumper. I had smartened myself up somewhat, gotten rid of the sweats and had instead donned jeans and a jumper. Casual, but tidy. I began to chew on my lip, a nervous habit that I could never seem to kick.

I was contemplating escape when the door opened and Edward walked in and escape was no longer an option. I fidgeted as he spotted me and made his way over to the table. I kept my eyes downcast, as if attempting to pretend I was not here to see him. Forks was a small town, even if Jacob nor any of his friends showed up, I was almost certain that he would find out about my coffee with Edward. Why did I do this again?

''Hey,'' Edward's voice and his hand cupping my chin startled me. No, this was bad, it looked bad, really bad. I pulled away from his fingers as subtly as I could and I allowed my gaze to travel surreptitiously around the diner. Surely enough, there were a few people who quickly averted their gazes, confused and scandalized expressions on their faces. Like I said, Forks is a small town, and Jacob and I had been together forever.

''What's wrong?'' Edward questioned, seemingly confused by the fact that the attention of so many diners had been on us for no apparent reason. ''I don't want to talk about it.'' I said as politely as I could. This seemed to throw him for but a moment because he continued almost instantaneously. ''You seem a bit nervous. Don't worry, so am I. It's a bit of an awkward situation, is it not?'' He was making an effort to converse, I could see that and I knew that I really should reply. But I only nodded.

He chose to ignore my rudeness and continued. ''So, what brings you to Forks?'' He questioned. ''It's my hometown. I'm back from college for the summer.'' I replied. He seemed delighted that I had said so much. ''Where are you studying?'' He asked. ''I'm studying English in Arizona, you?'' I said. ''Oh, I'm studying music in Washington.'' This peaked my interest. ''Oh, really?'' I asked. ''What do you play?'' I asked, leaning forward subconsciously. ''Oh, I play several instruments,'' He replied. ''I prefer the piano, though.''

We continued talking for several hours, the time passing surprisingly quickly. He gradually pulled me out of shell, bit by bit, until I was laughing and having the most fun I'd had in days. I looked at the time and was shocked at how late it was. Edward offered to drive me home. I directed which way to go, said goodbye and got out of the car. I had to prepare dinner for Charlie and myself, I wasn't in the mood for fish. Before I could go inside Edward called me back.

''Yes?'' I asked. He got out of the car and offered to walk me to the door. When we reached it I turned to thank him and say goodbye, once again. But he was leaning forward, and I realised with horror that he was going to kiss me. I pushed against his chest with my hands and said, ''Edward, I'm really sorry. But I just want to be friends.'' I hoped he would understand. When I was with him, it seemed to fill the hole Jacob had left in my heart. I didn't want it to end after just one day. He sighed and said, ''I guessed as much. Is it alright if I call you tomorrow?'' I nodded mutely and he kissed my forehead, then got back into his car and drove off. I breathed a sigh of relief as I watched him go. He would be back, for now. I let myself into the house and started dinner.

As I lay in bed later in the night, I marvelled at how happy the day had made me. I fell asleep easily, an inexplicable smile on my face.

I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Please review and let me know what you think.

Thanks,

Kate.