Every single one of you guys ROCK! Thank you for the support I've received already, even if it's still only the third chapter. You guys are the best!
This has nothing to do with anything, but I kinda wanted to explain SOME of the things that will be in store for this story. So basically, I wanted to establish a good relationship with Bella and Charlie with this story. I know that I haven't exactly done the best to show that in any of my stories. For example, Charlie just kind of disappeared in I'm in Love with a Rockstar and Another Chance. I've worked really hard to change that in this story. He's going to be pretty big and dominant. Also, I wanted Bella to have more interaction with the kids at her school. Hence, the whole Lauren thing :D But I'm sure you guys have been amused by their petty fights :) Another thing, is that Landon (Yes, Landon! Sheesh guys, as if that wasn't obvious enough) and Bella's relationship WILL take some time to grow. It's not going to be a week thing (like ILR) or a day thing (like Another Chance, New Found Love, or My Heart). So, you guys don't have to worry about THAT moving too fast.
But I will warn you again, the first 10 or so chapters will have LOTS OF TIME JUMPS.
Well, enough of me talking :)
Without any further adieu, here is chapter 3!
Chapter 3: Bet On It
Bella POV
It's been a month since the Fiores and Rouxs moved to Forks. It's the week before winter break and Ives is dead set on getting me to sleep over at the house. Rayne is also doing some major persuading. Patrick, surprisingly enough, also wants me to sleepover. I have no idea what Ives meant by saying that Patrick is a loner. He seems sociable enough to me.
Rhia and I have finally gotten along, but the conversation we had wasn't necessarily a pleasant one.
"Look, I don't want you here. It's better if you just leave my family alone," Rhia hissed at me while we were alone in the family's backyard.
"I don't understand what your problem is with me. What did I do to you?" I snapped at her, not really caring if I was being rude. She's been nothing but a complete snob to me and I just had about enough.
"My family is not one that you can mess with, okay? You don't get the right to just use us as some replacement for that other family that you lost. The Cullens, isn't it?" she spat at me harshly.
I clenched my hands into fists. How dare she question my friendship with her family? I'm not using them as a replacement. In fact, up until she brought it up, I haven't thought about the Cullens in a long while.
"I'm not using your family as a replacement!" I shouted at her.
"Well, I hate how they all like you so much. Who are you, anyway? Patrick actually likes you and we're talking about Patrick here. Patrick! And Marc just totally thinks that you're so pretty," she grumbled bitterly.
It took me a few seconds to get it, but I finally understood what her real concern is.
"You like Marc, don't you?" I asked with a teasing tone.
I notice her shoulders stiffen. She whipped her head away from my direction and stood up.
"I do not know what you are talking about," she said in a thick French accent before walking away.
"Wait – " I tried to call out to her but she had already gone.
I couldn't help the grin that made its way to my face. Ives found me with the very same grin when he walked to me.
"What are you smiling about?" he asked. I laughed and just walked away. He stood up and ran after me. "Wait! I really wanna know!"
Ever since our conversation, Rhia and I have come to a silent understanding that I'm no one to be jealous about. She never truly admitted that she likes Marc but I can just tell. Her attitude towards him proves enough for me than her actual words. Honestly, I think it's very cute, not that I would actually tell Rhia. She would strangle me and I don't doubt that thought one bit.
"Come on, Bella," Ives whined.
"Yeah, please!" Rayne begged on her knees as she grabbed onto my legs.
"Please, Bella, please!" Patrick also pleaded.
I groaned and sighed in exasperation. The three of them were giving me full on pouts and puppy dog eyes.
"Dammit! Fine! Just don't expect me to have fun," I mumbled.
"Yay!" the three of them exclaimed. I groaned at their obvious excitement. This isn't going to be fun.
"You'll finally meet Cassandra," Landon laughed at my expense.
"Yeah, about time too. It's been a month since you've known us and you still haven't met her," Daniel agreed.
Cassandra is their mom and I learned that she's the doctor that replaced Carlisle. Ever since he left, the hospital has been hectic. Cassandra has been working overtime during this past month, which is why I still haven't gotten around to meeting her.
"She'll like me, right?" I asked albeit nervously.
"Everyone likes you, Bella," Ives grinned. I rolled my eyes and playfully punched him on the arm.
"Yeah, come on. Even Patrick likes you and that's crazy enough as it is," Landon joked.
Patrick huffed and crossed his arms. "What is that supposed to mean? Just because you dub me as the loner of the family, it doesn't mean that I actually am one," he scowled. "I have friends, you know."
Ives fake gasped. "You do?" he asked as if it was the most shocking thing in the world.
"Fuck you, Ives!" Patrick shouted, stomping away.
"No thanks! I don't swing that way," Ives teased, laughing at Patrick. I laughed at their display. I may have not admitted it to the family just yet, but they've grown on me.
"Alright, leave him alone," I chuckled, softly pushing him aside. "He's sorry, Pat!" I tried to shout after him.
"No, I'm not!" Ives argued. Patrick just continued to walk away until he sat down at another group's table. Ives eyes widened. "He actually has friends?"
The rest of us laughed and left Ives to his amazing discovery.
"So, what are we supposed to do at the sleepover?" I asked Rayne, biting into my apple.
"Typical girl stuff," Rayne shrugged.
"But… why?" I whined.
"What do you mean, why? I'm a girl and you're a girl – Wait, you are a girl, right?" she asked with fake concern. I scowled and she laughed.
"No… I'm not," I replied sarcastically.
"You're not?" Ives shrieked.
"Shut up, Ives," I groaned, "Go back to your discovery about Patrick."
"Wait! Just let me get this straight. So you are a girl…" he said slowly.
"Yes! Dammit, do I look like a guy to you?" I scowled.
"Well…"
"Ives!" I shouted.
He laughed and playfully nudged me on the side. "Of course, you don't, but your sense of style… sucks," he chuckled.
"I'm comfortable enough," I huffed.
"Whatever you say," he sang.
I turned away from him, signaling the end of our discussion. Rayne and Daniel were watching us with amusement clear on their faces while Landon had a scowl on his.
"You fight like an old married couple," Daniel chuckled.
"I am not old!" Ives resented, standing up with appall.
"Well…" I started, mocking his earlier words.
"You're older than me!" he shouted.
"By like, a year!" I shouted back. We both huffed and turned away from each other.
"I hate you," he muttered.
"The feeling is mutual," I said.
Rayne and Daniel burst out laughing. Landon, however, stood up and walked away from us. The four of us watched his back. I had a questioning look on my face, wondering what was up with him.
"What's his problem?" Ives asked.
Rayne gave him a wink. "He's just being emo," she grinned.
"Is he having problems with his girlfriend or something?" I asked.
"Why?" Daniel teased, "Are you concerned?"
"Ohhh," Ives sang, "Someone's concerned."
"Screw you, guys," I stood up and walked away.
"At least you didn't deny it!" Rayne shouted after me.
I groaned.
After school, I went straight home to ask Charlie for permission.
"Dad?" I asked as I entered the house.
"I'm in the kitchen," he informed, his voice slightly faint.
Charlie doesn't say anything but I know that he's glad that I've gotten better. I hardly ever have my nightmares anymore and my skin has gotten healthier. I managed to get rid of the black bags under my eyes and gain some weight back. I remember being so shocked the first time I saw myself look like that in the mirror.
I also haven't told my dad anything, but I did take what he told me that night to heart. I gave it a lot of thought and realized that he was right. It doesn't mean that I still don't hurt over them. It just means that I don't allow myself wallow in misery anymore.
"Hey," I greeted as I entered the kitchen.
"What's up, kid?" he asked from the table.
"Well, my friends want me to sleepover at their house for winter break," I replied nervously.
"Friends?" he asked incredulously.
"Yes, Dad. I have friends," I said sarcastically. I couldn't help the small smile that graced upon my lips as I realized that I had just repeated what Patrick had said earlier.
"How long?" he asked.
"They actually want me for the entire break, but I only agreed for the last two weeks of vacation," I told him.
"As long as you're with me for Christmas," he smiled. I laughed and gave him a hug.
"Thanks, Dad," I thanked. "I know I've never told you, but I really appreciate you being there for me," I said sincerely.
"I'll always be there for you. Know that," he replied.
"I know. Thanks," I repeated.
He laughed and playfully pushed me away. "Okay, I think we've had enough," he joked.
"Alright, Mr. Manly," I laughed as I walked up my stairs.
"Good news, everybody!" I shouted as I entered their house, "You have me for two weeks," I announced.
"Hell yeah!" Ives grinned, sliding down their stair railing.
"Great," Rhia muttered.
"You know you love me, Rhia," I smiled cheekily. She gave me a fake smile and then scowled.
"No," she said shortly before turning her back on me. I made a face at her retreating back.
"I finally get to have some girl bonding time!" Rayne exclaimed.
"Hey, Bella, you should totally go photographing with me."
"I need to teach you how to play football."
"We totally need to go people watching."
"We have to go shopping."
"Let's eat some ice cream!"
I laughed and said, "Calm down, guys. You make me feel so loved."
"Don't forget to cook with me too," Adrien added, his head popping out from the kitchen. I chuckled and nodded eagerly.
"So when are you going to sleep over?" Patrick asked.
"The last two weeks of vacation," I answered.
"But that's so late," Ives whined.
"I have to be at home for Christmas," I explained.
"So you aren't coming to the party?" Daniel asked.
"I am, but it's on Christmas Eve, right?"
"Yeah, but – "
"Well, after the party, I'll have to go back home," I interrupted, "My dad wants me to be with him for Christmas."
They all gave me crestfallen faces.
"But…" Marc pouted up at me.
"I'll still technically be here," I reminded them, "You know, with me visiting every single day and all."
"That's true…" Ives said, pondering over the statement.
"Okay, fine," Rayne groaned.
I looked at each of the family members and noticed that Landon was missing.
"Hey, guys? Where's Landon at?" I asked.
Ives looked around and a questioning look came upon his face. "Yeah, where is he?" he asked with just as much confusion. Everyone else looked just as lost. It seemed that no one even noticed that he was gone.
"Pretty boy is brooding over something," Rhia informed with indifference.
"Over what?" Rayne asked with a worried expression.
"I don't know," Rhia snapped.
"Where is he?" I asked.
"That one park with some gazebo," Rhia answered.
"I know where that is," I told them.
"Do you want me to take you?" Daniel asked.
"Uh, no. I'm good. It's close from here anyways," I told him. "Who else is coming?" I asked the group.
Everyone gave me terrified expressions and backed off. "You don't know Landon like we do, Bella. When he's brooding over something, he'll blow off steam on whoever is closest to him," Patrick said, shaking his head.
"That's why we usually leave him alone," Rayne added.
"If none of you will go, then I will," I huffed and began walking out.
"Bella!" Ives called after me. I sighed in relief, thinking that he was gonna come with me. "If you die, can I have your ugly truck?" he grinned cheekily.
I scowled and shoved him in the chest. "No, Ives," I rolled me eyes. "And it's not ugly. It's vintage," I said, sticking my tongue out at him.
"Sure it is." I thumped him on the chest before walking away.
"Good luck!" the rest of the family shouted from the places inside the house.
Scaredy-cats, I grumbled in my head.
I started walking towards the park. It's a good few blocks down the Fiores and Rouxs house but it shouldn't take very long to get there. Before I knew it, I was already standing in front of the park.
I eyed the expanse of the park but couldn't see any sign of Landon's figure. I made my way into the park and continued to look for Landon. I saw a small movement from the corner of my eye. I turned to see Landon inside the gazebo.
I walked behind the gazebo slowly, trying not to make any noise. I could faintly hear the soft strums of a guitar that Landon must be playing.
"I'm falling apart
I'm barley breathing
With a broken heart
That's still beating," Landon's voice rang through my ear.
I suddenly stopped walking and closed my eyes. I slowly clenched my hands into fists. My heart began to break for him and also for myself. I held my breath and waited for him to sing some more, but for some reason, he just stopped.
With my eyes still closed, I had lifted my foot to take a step but Landon began singing again. But this time, his voice was much harsher and angrier.
"I'm gonna break your little heart
Watch you take the fall
Laughing all the way to the hospital
'Cause there's nothing surgery can do
When I break your little heart in two
I'm gonna break your little heart in two," he growled out.
My eyes snapped open and I stared blankly at Landon's back. What the hell?
"Who's out there?" he suddenly shouted. I stiffened for a moment and took a deep breath. I cautiously started walking towards him.
"It's me," I said softly.
His head whipped towards me in surprise. "What are you – "
"You were missing and I was… worried," I replied, biting my lip. I silently sat next to him and stared out in front of me. He sighed and set his guitar aside. He mimicked my stance, his elbows resting on his thighs.
"She cheated on me," he muttered harshly, his hands clenching and opening.
"What happened?" I asked curiously.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I called her this morning to talk to her, you know? She answers all irritated. I realized that I forgot to tell her that I changed my number, so she had no idea who I was. I was about to tell her that it was me, then all of a sudden this random ass guy calls her back to bed," he growled out, grabbing a hold of the bench we were sitting on.
"Maybe it was just a friend?" I offered, trying to look at the situation in every aspect.
He lot out a harsh laugh and gave me a sarcastic smile. "See, that's what I thought too, but when I was just about to ask her who the hell the guy was, she goes ahead and practically tells me to fuck off because her boyfriend is waiting for her," he spat out.
My mouth ran dry. I didn't know what to say to him. "I'm..." I started out, but I trailed off. I flashed back to my own time of misery, when everyone kept telling me that they were sorry or that I should just get over it. I didn't want their pity or their indifferent advices.
"What? You're sorry?" he snapped, his eyes blazing with anger.
I bit my lip and shook my head 'no.' "It just... sucks," I finally said. He gave me a bemused look before laughing. "What?" I asked with confusion.
"You know what? You're right. It does suck," he chuckled humorlessly.
"What? It does. The girl cheated on you and worse she didn't even recognize your voice. If she really cared enough - which I'm not saying that she didn't - she should have known that it was you the moment you spoke," I pointed out. "I mean, do you love her?"
It took him a while to answer my question. A questioning look came upon his face and then he just stared at me. "No, but I thought I did. She was the first one to say 'I love you.' I guess I had just said it to her because I felt like I had to," he answered.
"So... what are you gonna do now?" I asked.
At this question, he gave me a grin. "I'm gonna break her little heart."
I chuckled. "Like the song?" I joked. "You're so pun-ny. Ha, get it?" I playfully nudged his side.
He laughed and ruffled my hair. "I get it," he smiled, "Thank you, by the way."
"No problem," I admitted, "It takes one to know one, right?"
He looked at me with confusion. "What do you mean?" he asked.
I bit my lip. "I mean, when I got my heart broken, everyone kept saying that they were sorry or that I should just get over it. It's not as easy as they think and I hated that. That's the reason why I didn't say 'I'm sorry' to you. I knew you would hate it too," I explained, "All I wanted was for someone to understand what I was going through."
He nodded at my answer but then he looked at me seriously. "What happened exactly anyways?"
I sighed. I guess I should tell him. After all, he just pretty much broke down in front of me.
"Long story short, he practically called me worthless and ugly. He said that he and his family were getting annoyed of me and that they just wanted me gone. Also, I don't know if it was just for kicks, but he brought me into the forest to break up with me. When he left, I tried to follow him and got lost. I tripped and couldn't stand up. It was really cold and I passed out, so I nearly died of hypothermia. Luckily, they found me just in time. To top it all off, I found out that he and his family had left town the next morning," I told him, recalling the events. I looked up at him and observed his reaction. He had a bit of anger and fire in his eyes.
"That's harsh," was all he said in return. He probably just doesn't know what to say.
"I know, right?" I chuckled harshly.
"And this is..." he trailed off.
"Edward Cullen and his family," I finished, "But I'm getting over it. It's not something that I think about nowadays. It still bothers me, but not as much."
"I'm glad," he smiled.
"Me too," I agreed. I coughed and shifted so that I was facing him.
"What?" he asked.
I smiled. "Nothing. It's just nice to finally talk about it after keeping it in for so long. I'm kind of happy that it was you I talked to," I admitted.
"I'm happy you were the one who found me too," he also admitted. I beamed at him.
"We just had a heart to heart talk," I pointed out in a teasing matter. He scowled.
"You better not tell - "
"But who would I tell?" I asked innocently. I coughed and tried to imitate Lauren's voice, "OMG! Like, totally! You would not believe that Landon, our very own Hot Badboy, just broke down in front of me. It was kind of pathetic but he was still, like, hot."
He scowled while I laughed. Suddenly, he started tickling my sides with a grin. "So... you think I'm hot?" he teased. I squealed as he poked a very ticklish spot on my stomach.
"I was imitating Lauren!" I defended with a laugh.
"Sure you were," he laughed.
"I was!"
He finally stopped tickling me to lean back against the bench. He had a content smile plastered onto his face. "Thanks again, Bella. I mean it. I feel a lot better," he thanked again. I gave him a smile.
"No problem," I repeated, "Whenever you need me, I'll be there."
"Promise?" he asked with hopefulness clear in his eyes.
"I promise," I said, nodding. He suddenly looked hesitant. "What?" He leaned towards me and kissed my cheek. A blush crept towards my cheek. "What was that for?"
He shrugged but kept the smile on his lips. I turned my head to hide the smile that was slowly getting larger on my face.
This is not going to end well.
"You're still alive!" Ives exclaimed as Landon and I walked through the front door.
I scowled at him. "Yeah, no thanks to you," I muttered, "Stupid boy, asking for my truck."
"I heard that!" he shouted, mocking appall.
"You were meant to," I said, sticking my tongue out at him.
"He's rubbing off on you," Patrick groaned.
"No! Don't let that happen," Marc pleaded.
"I suggest that you stop hanging around him," Daniel agreed. Rayne just rolled her eyes.
"Fuck off!" Ives grumbled. I laughed.
"I guess everything turned out well," Rayne commented with a smile.
"We talked," Landon shrugged.
I tried to copy Landon's coolness. "Yeah, we talked," I repeated.
Rayne grinned. "Uh huh," she beamed at us suspiciously.
"Oh, great. She's really going to be sticking around, isn't she?" Rhia whined.
I smiled, showing off my teeth just to spite her.
"You can bet on it."
I love me some Bella and Ives interaction. Don't you? Landon and Bella are alright... but Ives is where it's at! LOL xD
Let's play a game, shall we? Just to see who could actually get it right, who do you think said which sentence?
"Hey, Bella, you should totally go photographing with me."
"I need to teach you how to play football."
"We totally need to go people watching."
"We have to go shopping."
"Let's eat some ice cream!
Some of them are pretty obvious :D If you get it right, I shall dedicate an outtake for you. Is that a deal?
Also, the songs used were Broken by Lifehouse and Break Your Little Heart by All Time Low, respectively.
Thanks for the support again! Don't forget to leave me some LOVE!
Love = REVIEWS
