Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of the characters they belong to Stephenie Meyers. I just like to play with them and see how they come out.
Thank you to Project Team Beta, who made this chapter so much more readable.
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Fool Me Twice Chapter 3 – February
Living with Alice was… wonderful and a nightmare all rolled into one. Don't get me wrong, she's an amazing person, and it was great that I had someone to keep me company (when I was alone, I tended to have full conversations with myself). As the weeks passed, we were getting to know each other really well and were becoming the best of friends. We started doing things together, but never shopping, it was way too excessive, in time and money. Living with Alice during the week was no nightmare, far from it. It was great.
No, the nightmare part came on the weekends, because living with Alice also meant from Friday night through Sunday evening Jasper lived with us. I love Jasper, I really do, but I could do without knowing, or rather hearing, how much they love each other. They were both very vocal in the bedroom, and it was killing my sleep. Some people would think I was jealous, and I would actually admit to that, if it weren't for the fact that I needed sleep!
I finally had enough of the movie we were watching and said, "Good night" to Alice and Jasper. I was barely out of the room before Alice jumped on him. I rolled my eyes as I closed the door behind me. I rubbed my hands together as I walked into my bedroom and shut the door. Alone at last and in desperate need for some kind of sexual release.
I went to my nightstand, got out my old faithful and started to strip. I knew, I had been using it too much recently, but with Alice and Jasper at it like rabbits, I was desperate. I laid down on the bed, positioned everything just so and pushed the button. I loved how quickly it worked me up: my breathing was getting heavy, my muscles were slowly starting to tighten, my feet started to tingle, and I knew any minute now... Then nothing! The buzzing stopped. The movement stopped. My grand finale was ruined.
I sat up, my purple rabbit in my hand, shook it, banged it, and still nothing. I tried changing the batteries, but that didn't fix it. The stupid thing had died on me. I wanted to kill someone! The next woman who told me that vibrators were better than men would die. I laughed, not at all amused. Someone must really hate me; I can't get an orgasm with a man or a machine, go figure?
Just then, I heard footsteps going by my door. Great now the world's greatest lovers were going to bed, just my luck! I quickly put my dead vibrator into one of my old handbags and threw it onto the floor. My intention was to throw them both in the trash tomorrow.
Since my night-time activities were cut short, I decided to read my very tattered and used copy of Jane Austin's Persuasion, for the umpteenth time. I opened it and started to read, but the pages were not making any sense to me. I felt so frustrated that I thought I would be able to climb the walls like Spider-Man. I groaned loudly as I put a pillow over my head and shut my eyes tightly. I tried to sing loudly in my head, needing anything to block out the sounds which, from recent experience, I knew would come.
Even under the pillow I heard the door shut and Alice giggle, soon followed by shush, then more giggling. I groaned, thinking that the sounds I really didn't want to hear would begin any moment now.
Moments passed with no noise and I let out a sigh of relief, maybe they were too tired, thank God. I removed my pillow, tucking it behind my head and took in the peace and quiet.
"Oh, baby, that feels so good." Jasper rasped loudly, followed by a crash then a giggle. I groaned loudly and shoved my head back under the pillow.
"Babe, press harder." Alice groaned loudly as I heard the headboard bang against the wall. "Fuck yes, that's so good."
"Take me all the way, baby." Jasper growled.
I shot out of bed mad as hell; I couldn't take any more. I grabbed my long winter coat, picked up my messenger bag and scarf, and made a swift exit.
I walked into the cold night air. I pulled my coat up to my face and tried burying my head into the collar. I walked quickly, not really looking around to see if anyone was out at this time of night. Walking alone in the dark in New York really didn't bother me at all. Maybe I was naïve, but nothing had ever happened to me or anyone I knew so far.
I finally made it to my destination, Ray's all-night diner, two blocks down from our building. I loved coming here. I had been doing it ever since Rose and I shared the apartment, and I had one of my big bouts of insomnia; I am not sure whether Rose knew about them or not. Sometimes I would be cleaning and ironing until four o'clock in the morning. Then I found this place as I walked around the neighborhood.
The door jangled as I walked in and Meg, the waitress, looked up."Hey Bella,"
"Hey Meg," I replied with a smile. "How's Ray?"
"He's cooking up a storm." She laughed as she walked over to me. "Now what brings you here at this time of night?"
"Not wanting to hear my noisy roommate and her boyfriend express how much they love each other," I replied, rolling my eyes dramatically.
"Say no more." She patted my shoulder in sympathy. "Your usual?"
"That sounds great. Thanks." I smiled and took a seat near the window. I put my bag on the table with a loud thud, and I noticed what it looked like for the first time. Shit, I had brought the wrong bag; I'd grabbed the one that I was throwing away tomorrow. Oh, this was just perfect.
Meg came back at that minute with a hot steaming mug of coffee, and I felt my cheeks, as they started to flame up.
"Meg, I'm sorry, but I have to pop home and get my purse," I explained. I gave her a sheepish smile and started to get up.
"Nonsense," Meg said, gently pushing me back down, "you can pay me next time you come in."
"Oh Meg, you're the best." I smiled at her. She walked off, waving my last comment off.
After I had finished my pancakes and coffee, I looked at my watch and noticed it was two-thirty in the morning; surely it would be safe to go home now. I quickly said my goodbyes and gave Meg a hug. Picked my bag up and walked out into the cold night air. The temperature had really dropped, and I regretted coming out in my pyjamas.
Maybe it was the time of night or maybe I was just really tired, but for whatever reason, I felt uneasy. I quickly looked around and realized that no one else was about, I quickened my pace wanting to get home as soon as possible.
I jumped slightly and spun quickly to look behind me. I swore, I heard a noise, but nothing was there. My heart was pounding like crazy in my chest, and my legs suddenly felt like jelly; I tripped slightly and then righted myself. I turned my head to look behind me again. I felt a sudden sharp pain across the back of my head before everything went black.
XXX
The first thing I became aware of as the blackness faded was that clean, sterile smell that seemed to lodge itself in your nose and make everything smell nice and clean. As I began to regain more of my consciousness, I was met with an almighty pain in my head, the throbbing was like a ticking clock. How much did I drink last night? This was the worst hangover ever.
I tried to open my eyes, but the brightness that accosted me was too much. I quickly shut them again, putting my arm over my eyes to hide from the light completely. I didn't own lights that bright. This wasn't my room. Where was I?
"Oh good, you're awake," I didn't recognize the soft feminine voice.
I tried opening my eyes again, but the light was just too bright and my head really hurt.
"Where am I?" I asked with a croak.
"You're in the hospital," the soft voice replied. "You were mugged."
"Did they hit me over the back of the head?" I asked; everything still felt a little fuzzy.
"We believe so," the soft voice answered. "You must have fallen forward and cut your forehead on some glass."
"Well that explains the headache," I replied, still unable to open my eyes.
"Now that you're awake I can get you something for the pain," she smiled. "I'm Nurse Carter by the way."
"I'm Bella." I tried to smile but it hurt. I moved my arm above my head and tried to look at her, but all I could see was a big, dark blob!
"I know," she stated simply.
"How do you know who I am?" I asked; I knew I did not have any identification on me.
"I just need to page the doctor," she said evasively, and I heard her leave the room.
I put my arm back over my eyes wishing for the pain in my head to go away. I must have drifted off because, the door banging against the wall made me jump, and my eyes flew open in surprise. I found myself staring into a very angry pair of green eyes. I gulped-he was furious.
"What the hell were you thinking?" he hissed at me.
I just layed there my mouth wide open in shock, staring back at him in confusion. What is his problem with me?
"What were you doing out at that time of night?" he shouted loudly at me, making me flinch slightly. "Did he leave you to make your own way home, or did you crawl out of bed while he slept?"
"What are you talking about?" I asked, feeling very confused. I tried my hardest to work out what he was getting at.
"The guy you so obviously slept with last night," he hissed. His eyes looked like they were on fire as he stared at me angrily.
My brain registered what he was implying and rather than explaining myself, I got mad. How dare he judge me! "Well, I had a lesson from the best," I spat out angrily. I instantly regretted it as a white-hot pain shot through my head, leaving me seeing stars.
"So was the sex worth a trip to my ER?" he spat back.
"What's it to you, anyway?" I quipped angrily. The pain in my head was getting worse by the moment.
"Nothing, except I'm the one who had to call my sister at four in the morning to let her know that her roommate is battered and bleeding in one of my hospital beds," he shouted. "Can you guess how that went down?"
The guilt, the headache and a now spinning room made me lean over the side of the bed and throw up all over Edward's scrubs. I must have fainted because everything went black and quiet.
When I woke, I was surprised to see a freshly clothed and concerned Edward sitting next to my bed. He slowly came into focus, his eyes on mine.
"Are you feeling a little better?" he said. Surprisingly, his voice was soft and gentle. "Has your headache gone away?"
I touched my head with my hand and moved it away quickly when I felt the gauze covering part of my forehead. I was still a little confused by what had happened. Did I really throw up all over him? Did we really fight? Why was he being so nice to me now?
"Bella?" he asked, gently touching my arm to get my attention. "Are you in any pain?"
"No," I managed to croak out. My lips felt dry; I quickly licked them with my tongue to wet them. My head whipped around to Edward as I heard a strange sound come from his throat. "Are you OK?"
"You're the patient, not me," he replied. I gulped as I noted the irritation seeping into his voice.
"My head feels a little sore and painful." I tried smiling at him but he still looked slightly peeved. "What happened?"
"What can you remember?" he asked sharply.
"I had been to Ray's for a coffee and something to eat," I said, pausing as I tried to piece together what had occurred. "Then I started walking back to the apartment, and that's all I can remember."
"Who's Ray?" he asked, his face holding some sort of emotion at bay, and I noticed his hands clenched into fists.
"He and Meg own an all-night diner I sometimes go to when I can't sleep."
"You went to an all-night diner at that time of night?" he screeched at me, making me jump. "Are you out of your mind?"
"No, but I had to get away." I cringed at his anger.
"Why?" he said and pinched the bridge of his nose. He was either trying to control his breathing, or even worse, his temper.
"Have you been in the apartment with the lovebirds?" I asked, trying my hardest not to roll my eyes.
He looked at me strangely, taking in what I had said and tried to make sense of it. His brain caught on to what I was referring to, and his mouth formed the perfect O. I smiled to myself at his reddened cheeks and embarrassed expression.
"They can be very vocal, and I had finally had enough of it," I replied. "I needed to get out."
"You could have been killed," he stated, his green eyes darkened, flashing with that temper again. After all, I was always led to believe that redheads had volatile tempers. .
"Yes, but I wasn't," I stated firmly. "Anyway, why are you pretending to be concerned? You don't even like me."
He stared at me. His mouth opened and closed a couple of times. He wanted to say something but wasn't sure what, so I beat him to the punch. "So what if I died? Your life would be simpler."
I suddenly felt the need to go run to the bathroom and hide as his features, and demeanor, changed; I almost expected him to turn green and lose his shirt. His face went from pale white to bright red, almost touching purple; his eyes went so dark I swear they turned black with a murderous glint to them. He growled, I swear he actually growled, and he stood with his back slightly curved. His nostrils flared and his hands fisted so tight that his knuckles looked white.
He just glared at me, as still as a statue, nostrils flaring, before abruptly spinning on his heels and leaving the room. The door hit the wall with a loud bang, and he was gone. I could have sworn there was a trail of smoke that followed behind his swift exit.
I stared at the door in shock and nearly jumped when Nurse Carter came rushing in, her eyes full of amusement. "So where's the fire?" she teased.
I looked from her to the door then back again and shrugged my shoulders. What just happened?
She came closer to me and reached for my glass and pitcher of water, filling the glass halfway then handing me a couple of tablets. "For the headache," she stated, looking at me curiously.
"What?" I asked, suddenly feeling like I was under a microscope.
"So, how do you know Dr. Cullen?" she asked casually, but there was something in her tone that made me think it was more than just a casual question.
"I'm his sister's roommate." I smiled.
"So you spend a lot of time with Dr. Cullen then, do you?"
"No, not much at all."
"Oh," she replied, suddenly looking perplexed.
"Is there a problem?" The look on her face was starting to worry me slightly.
"Well…" she started but looked unsure about what to say.
"Just say it," I replied, becoming irritated.
"From the moment you were brought in he acted so totally out of character - so unprofessional," she stammered. "It threw us all off kilter. He is always so methodical and professional in everything he does; it was a shock to see him so… well…human."
"I think it was the worry of what to tell his little sister," I replied, not even really giving what she said much thought. I mean, the guy was an ass if you asked me.
"I wonder?" she asked, more to the room than me as she walked out of the room shaking her head and muttering quietly to herself. I shook my head, which was a big mistake as the room started to spin, but I smiled at her departing back anyway.
I was only alone for a few minutes when Alice came bounding in, Jasper following close behind. Alice's face was murky from tears, which instantly made me feel guilty, and Jasper just glared at me with the same angry look on his face as Edward's, but not quite as intense.
Alice hugged me with a sob and I returned her hug, whispering to her that I was fine, but that just made her crying worse.
"Oh Bella," she sobbed loudly. "Why did you go out at that time of night?"
"I was having problems sleeping." I sighed heavily, not really wanting to disclose the truth. "So I decided to go and get a late night coffee."
"You went to a dinner in the middle of the night?" Jasper asked, angrily.
"I didn't think anything would happen," I answered honestly, looking down at my hands twisting together on top of the bed. "I just thought some fresh air would do me good."
"Fresh air? In New York?" Jasper bit back.
"Well, you know," I replied, shrugging my shoulders since I was unable to look him in the eye. I could feel my face going bright red.
"Next time you feel the need - don't!" Jasper replied. Alice turned to look at him, and it must have been a dirty look because he looked down at the floor.
"The police are outside wanting to take a statement and to ask what the mugger took," Alice said, grabbing hold of my hand and squeezing it.
I could feel my face going even redder when I realized what the mugger had actually taken. I must have been in shock, despite my embarrassment, I started to laugh. I mean the bag was an authentic designer bag - one of Rosalie's castoffs. What would the mugger think when he looked inside hoping to find a matching purse filled with money and all he found was a broken vibrator? I was laughing so hard my stomach hurt, and the tears of mirth started to fall.
"Bella, are you OK?" Alice asked, her voice full of concern.
"Maybe she's gone into delayed shock," Jasper stated. "I'll go find Edward."
I held my hand up to stop him, but the laugher was still hard to control. I hit the bed a couple of times to try and calm myself. My head was pounding, but I was unable to control my laughter.
"Breathe, Bella," Alice whispered.
I tried to control it by thinking about my breathing, and finally I had it under control.
"So why were you laughing?" Alice asked.
I motioned for her to move closer so I could whisper it to her; there was no way on Earth I could tell Jasper - I would die. So I told her how I picked up the wrong bag as I left, and I could feel myself going bright red again as I described the contents of said bag. She pulled away from me, her eyes wide. "You are kidding me, right?" she asked her mouth open in surprise. I shook my head, and that was when she doubled over in laughter. I rolled my eyes at her and noticed Jasper staring at our insane behavior.
"Well, thanks a lot!" I grumbled as she laughed.
"Oh Bella, you've got to admit that's classic."
"What is? Tell me!" Jasper pleaded. Alice looked at me. I shook my head furiously at her and begged her with my eyes not to say anything.
"Let's just say that the mugger won't benefit from attacking Bella." Alice laughed, then realized what she said, Her face turned serious. "What will you tell the police?"
"The truth." I sighed and blushed at the same time.
"What?" Alice screeched in surprise.
"I'm just going to say that before I left the apartment I picked up a bag of no value that had nothing in it." I said in a rush.
Shortly after I said the last word the police officer walked into the room and took my statement. It was quick and easy; I hoped he did not catch on to the fact that I told a little white lie. I am a terrible liar. What made it worse was Alice and Jasper were there waiting for him to leave. I was unable to make eye contact with Alice. I knew if I did, I would end up laughing again, so I kept biting my lip to stop from even smirking.
After they had left, I turned to Alice. "Do you think I can go home now?" I asked her hopefully.
"I'll go find Edward," Jasper said for a second time, but this time he had a smile on his face instead of a look of concern.
"Thanks," I replied, returning his smile with my own as he turned to walk out the door.
The minute the door swung shut Alice grabbed my hand tightly. Even though she was tiny she had a very strong grip. "God, Bella ,when Edward called me, I nearly died; he sound so panicked it scared me."
"Look, it was just a bang on the head," I said trying to make light of it.
"Bella, what if he had a knife?" Alice cried passionately.
"I'm fine - no harm, no foul," I replied.
"No harm? No harm!" Alice shouted. What is it with this family?
"Look, Alice, I have got a nasty headache, can you keep it down an octave?" I asked her, putting my hand to my head to emphasize the point.
"This will not happen again," she warned. "I don't think mine or my brother's sanity can deal with this."
I was just about to answer what I thought about her brother's caring when Jasper walked back into the room. He did not look like a happy bunny; he was cussing under his breath.
"Your brother is a total ass," he said through clenched teeth.
"You got that right," I muttered, earning me a stink-eye from Alice. I shied away slightly.
"What's he done now?" Alice asked with an exasperated sigh.
"He said he is not releasing Bella until tomorrow," Jasper grumbled.
"See, told you, he's an ass," I replied.
"Will you shut up about my brother, or I will personally put you in here for another week." She looked me straight in the eye, and the glint in hers told me she meant it.
"OK." I said, holding my hands up in surrender.
She then turned to Jasper. "So why is she unable to go home today in my care?"
"He says it's to do with hospital protocol," he answered.
"Right, we'll see about that," she muttered and left the room in a rush.
Jasper and I just looked at each other, not saying a word, but I knew from the look in his eyes that he wanted to say plenty.
Alice rushed back into the room with a big smile on her face. "Alright you're free to go."
"How did you manage that?" I asked.
"I promised to keep an eye on you for the next twenty-four hours."
"You have to work tomorrow," I stated.
"Not anymore," she replied with a big smile. "You do want to go home, don't you?"
"Of course I do," I answered.
"Then shut up."
"OK," I sighed in defeat, pulled the covers off and swung my legs around. I scrambled off the bed, and when my feet touched the ground, I swayed slightly. Jasper grasped my arm to hold me upright, but the room was still spinning slightly. I sat back down on the bed. Then a thought occurred to me, "Did you bring me any clothes?"
Alice held up a white bag. "T-shirt and sweatpants." She laughed slightly. "Did you really go out in your pyjamas?"
"I was in a rush," I replied, blushing.
"Jasper, can you leave the room while I help Bella get dressed?" Alice asked.
"Just holler; I'll be outside the door."
"Go get a wheelchair," she replied.
"I am not going in one of those," I grumbled.
"That was another condition for letting you go." She looked at me. "Sorry."
"No, you're not," I muttered.
"I know." She smiled, helping me get dressed.
They wheeled me out of the hospital, all the while I kept my head in my hands wanting to die of embarrassment. I was happy when we finally made it to the taxi. They even helped me in the car as if I was unable to do it myself. As we pulled away, I looked behind me and swore I saw Edward standing there watching us go. I couldn't focus properly so I might have been imagining things.
XXX
I went straight to bed and slept like a baby. I could vaguely remember having a drink and a bite to eat, but they seemed like far-off dreams. When I finally surfaced, I was surprised to find I had slept, on and off for nearly thirty-six hours. Alice had to wake me every few hours to make sure I was OK.
I slowly made my way into the kitchen, not really taking anything in as I stumbled my way through the living room. Thankfully someone had set the coffee machine and I poured myself a hot mug of coffee. I walked back into the living room and sat on the couch. I leaned back and closed my eyes taking in the lovely aroma of the coffee.
The sound of a cough surprised me, and I snapped my head towards the noise. Jasper was sitting on the chair, looking at me with an amused smirk on his face. I noticed Edward sitting on the couch, his arms crossed over his chest, looking annoyed.
"Sorry." I half-smiled in apology, but suddenly felt self-conscious in my ratty old robe; at least I remembered to put it on.
"How are you feeling?" Jasper asked in concern.
"I feel like I was hit by a truck." I half-smiled at him, trying my hardest not to look at Edward.
"Well what the hell do you expect, sneaking around New York in the early hours of the morning?" Edward cut in, his voice full of anger, his gaze hard and menacing. "You were asking for it, or worse!"
I was stunned by his outburst. When I looked over at Jasper, his expression mirrored mine. Before I could stop it, I let out a nervous laugh. I clapped my hands over my mouth, waiting for the fallout, but Jasper started laughing. I let go of my mouth and let the laughter take over. We both had tears running down our faces and were holding our stomachs.
"I don't fucking believe you." Edward's enraged voice stopped us short. He stood up and turned so he could glare at both of us. He turned his head and directed his angry glare at me; his eyes were dark and his posture rigid. His finger suddenly pointed at me in accusation, his voice turned so icy I could feel the chills run down my spine. "Do you fucking realize how you looked when they brought you into ER? How your face and hair was matted with blood? How fucking white and lifeless you were?"
"I-I-I'm sorry," I managed to stutter out.
"You're sorry?" He took a deep breath to try to calm himself, his voice was still icy. "I'm sorry too."
"Thank you," I replied, trying to smile at him. He glared icily back at me.
"You two are un-fucking-believable." His voice rose with every word. "Well fuck you."
He stormed out of the apartment, slamming the door behind him, leaving Alice bewildered as she walked in.
"What's up with Edward?" Alice asked.
"Beats me," I replied, really wondering what his problem with me was.
"I think that stick up his ass is getting slightly dislodged," Jasper replied with a smirk.
I looked at him in confusion. "What the hell are you talking about?"
"What do you mean?" Alice asked at the same time. just as confused as I was.
"I'll tell you later," Jasper said to Alice with a wink. "I'd better go and check on Mr. Grumpy."
"You mean Mr. High and Mighty," I interjected.
"Do you have to be so hard on him, Bella?" Alice asked.
"I suppose not, but he is such an ass to me," I said, folding my arms
"He's not so bad once you get to know him," she replied as Jasper bent down and gave her a quick peck on the cheek.
"I'll take your word for it," I muttered.
"Please give him a try, for me?" Alice smiled sweetly.
"I don't know whether I will be able to," I replied honestly.
"Please, for me and Jasper?" she asked, giving me the puppy dog eyes; I knew I had lost.
"OK, I will try to be nice to him as long as he returns the favor."
"I'll talk to him." Alice smiled. She looked up at me and clapped gleefully. "I need to go shopping; do you want to come?"
I gave her a dirty look. "Just asking," she replied. She got her things together and left me in peace to sleep the rest of the day away.
XXX
After Valentine's weekend, many things started to change. Edward and I still avoided each other like the plague. But when we did see each other, we tried to be civilized and actually tried to make conversation. In the beginning the conversations were very stilted, but the more we saw each other the better it got.
I decided to join a gym, and I started yoga, where I made a few new friends. We would meet after class to have coffee and chat, getting to know each other. Well actually, they all knew each other, but they took me under their wings; they obviously realized I desperately needed new single friends. It was the second week after I joined the class that the ladies invited me to their Friday nights out.
Since Alice and Jasper had gone to her parents in Seattle for the weekend, I decided I would tag along on the Yoga Ladies' night out.
While I was in the bath getting ready, my thoughts got the better of me, and my old friend, low self-esteem, raised its ugly head! How come all the friends I have, new and old, are all beautiful, and I am basically wingman material, not beautiful, but will pass in a crowd? Whenever I went out, no matter who it was I went out with, I always felt inadequate, not good enough; or, I felt like everyone was staring, wondering why my friends invited me. Oh yeah that's right, because they felt sorry for me.
Rosalie was everything I could wish to be and more. She was incredibly beautiful with her long, wavy, blond hair and her big blue eyes, and her trim figure. Maybe she could have been a little less bitchy, but that was Rosalie for you.
Then there was Alice - everything about her was small - her features, her beautiful blue green eyes¸ and her voice that was so sweet you could almost sell it for honey. The only thing big about Alice was her personality, but I realized, with Alice in your corner, you never had to watch your back; she had it covered.
Angela - I adored her. She had been my best friend since junior year in high school; she was so quiet at school, but when we met up again in college she had really come out of her shell. Of course, she was another beauty with her brown hair, brown eyes and olive skin.
Now my new friends were all perfect with their beautiful looks, beautiful bodies and wonderful personalities, which I wished I had, but thanks to both of the guys I had dated in high school I had ended up with zero confidence. God, how I wished I could hate James and Alec.
I tried not to dwell too much on them; otherwise, I would not be going out, and I would just stay at home and drink myself into oblivion, which was not a very good idea.
I wondered vaguely if I should take Rosalie up on her offer and go visit her and Emmett. I had not met him and was very curious as to what he looked like, especially since I had seen both his sister and brother. Did he look like either one of them? Maybe he looked completely different than both of them. Anyway, I didn't like that idea. Seattle wasn't too far away from Forks, the one place I never wanted to go again.
I decided to try to shake myself out of my funk; I quickly washed myself and in my mind figured out what I was going to wear. They hadn't actually told me whether we were going out for a meal, or going clubbing. I needed an outfit which would be ideal for both.
In the end, I decided on a pair of skin-tight black jeans with a sparkly blue top, which you could actually describe as an extra-large handkerchief. It was diamond-shaped with a tie around my neck and one around my middle, and the back was completely bare, so I wore a jacket to cover it. I put black kitten heels on and a minimal amount of make-up. I was ready to party, and I almost felt good about myself.
I met the girls at a popular Chinese restaurant that one of them texted me the address to earlier. They greeted me when I walked in, the little part of me that felt good lessened as I took them all in. They all looked stunning in their designer dresses and shoes with matching accessories. Their smooth manicured hands all looked perfect. I looked down at my bitten nails and really wished I had stayed at home.
Despite the way I felt about myself, they were all wonderful people and none of them were nasty or bitchy to me during the meal. I found out a lot about them during dinner. They were happily married, divorced or separated. All four of them had children. And boy, did they know how to let their hair down.
By the time we got to the club, they were all very tipsy, flirting and harassing every male they encountered; it was almost embarrassing.
Kate with her blond curly hair, bright green eyes and fake boobs was the worst. She was as brazen as they come, and she really did not give a rat's ass what anyone thought of her. She actually made me laugh since she reminded me of Rosalie.
Irina was recently divorced and had a little less confidence than the rest of the women. She had long pale blond hair, and her eyes were a pale grey; her figure was definitely the best, and her boobs were her own. We seemed to stick together for the rest of the night. She did not seem bothered about getting a man, so we kept each other company.
The other two women were twins, and to be honest I couldn't remember their names. I was not really interested in them. Their red hair and their hazel eyes reminded me too much of Victoria for my liking. They usually ignore me anyway. I tried to stay clear of them.
Irina and I had found a little spot overlooking the dance floor and were quite content to watch everyone else dance. I got quite a bit of attention from some of the male patrons, especially once I took my jacket off. I had about three guys offer to buy me a drink, but once they went to the bar they never came back. It was a little deflating to my ego and not really helping my thirst at all. In the end, I went to the bar myself while Irina kept our spot.
I had to patiently wait at the packed bar, but it didn't take long for me to get to the front of the line. While I was waiting for the bartender, I suddenly felt hot breath on the back of my neck. "You look nice tonight," a velvety voice whispered into my ear. I had to grip the bar to stop myself from falling as my legs turned to jelly.
I whipped my head around once I had some composure and came face to face with Edward. I was just about to reply when a woman's hand snaked over his shoulder and pulled him back slightly. A look of irritation flashed across his face. I noticed the hand was perfectly manicured and Fire engine red. Suddenly a face appeared from around the back of him. I was shocked to find one of the red heads from our yoga group; she looked at me and instantly smiled.
"Oh hey, Bella," she purred, as her hand tightened over Edward's chest making him wince slightly. I bit my lip to stop myself from laughing. She then looked between us, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Do you two know each other?"
"Sort of," I replied, luckily my drinks were thrusted into my hands, and I could make a sharp exit.
When I made it back to Irina, she looked at me concerned. "Are you OK?" she asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine," cussing Edward in my head, "Do you mind if I go after this drink? I'm getting tired."
"No, not at all." She smiled and quickly downed her drink. I sipped mine slowly.
When we eventually got outside, the fresh air made me feel even drunker. "Why don't you stay with me tonight?" Irina asked.
"I don't want to be any trouble," I answered.
"My son, Toby, is at his dad's," she replied.
"OK then, thank you."
Once we were in the cab I leaned my head against the cold window to try to sober myself up a little, closing my eyes to stop myself from feeling nauseous. Before any time seemed to have gone by, Irina announced. "We're here."
I paid the cab driver then followed her up to her apartment. As we reached her floor, I was starting to feel a little more like myself. She opened the door and ushered me into the livingroom, telling me to make myself comfortable, and she made her way into another room. "Would you like a glass of wine?" she shouted from the kitchen.
"Sure," I said against my better judgement. I leaned my head against the couch until she came into the room with the wine.
"I hope you like red."
"That's fine, thank you," I replied.
"So are you going to tell me what happened while you were at the bar?" she asked curiously.
"It's kind of complicated." I shrugged.
"How so?" she asked, moving slightly closer to me.
"I like someone who will never really like me back."
"Are you sure they don't return your feelings?"
"Oh, he makes it pretty obvious." I laughed sadly.
"Maybe you need a distraction." She looked me straight in the eyes.
"A distraction?" I asked confused.
"Yes, a distraction." She put her glass down on the table in front of us.
"What do you suggest?" I asked curiously. What does she have in mind?
She took hold of my wine glass and put it next to hers on the table. I looked at her, blinking a couple of times.
"This." She breathed then almost in slow motion, her hands took hold of my face and she pulled mine down to meet hers. Her lips crushed against mine, and before I had a chance for my brain to catch up she managed to thrust her tongue in my mouth. That was when the delayed reaction kicked in, and I pushed her off me and jumped up off the couch, staring at her my mouth wide open in shock.
"I would say I'm sorry, but I would be lying," was all she said to me; her eyes looked wary and sad.
"I have to go." I sprinted out her door so fast I wondered if I was a blur.
I don't really know how I got home, but I must have managed it somehow. When I woke the following morning I was sprawled over the couch with a blanket over me. I sat up, rubbing my face with my palms, and that was when I heard my cell going off. I scrambled to find it and quickly pressed the answer button without looking at the caller ID.
"Hello?" I answered groggily.
"Hello Bella," a velvety voice answered, and I almost swooned on the spot. Why did he affect me like this?
"What do you want?" I asked grumpily.
"Just keeping my word to Alice and making sure you're OK," he replie; I could almost hear his smile.
"How long have you been home?" I asked, suddenly wanting to kick myself very hard. Do I really want to know the answer?
"I have been home for an hour." He laughed.
"Did you have a good time?" Why do I set myself up for these things? Was I secretly suicidal? Do I have stupid written on my forehead?
"It was fine." He laughed again. "How about your night? Have fun with your friends at the bar?"
"She kissed me," I blurted out, realized what I just said and pressed the end button. Now why did I do that?
I plopped back down on the couch, groaning loudly at my verbal diarrhea. He probably already thought I was mentally incompetent then I go and prove it to him. God, why me?
I must have dozed off. I wasn't sure whether the banging was in my dream, but my eyes suddenly flew open. I looked around confused and realized that someone was at our door. I quickly got up and answered it.
Edward stormed past me and as I followed him into the living room. I braced myself for an onslaught of verbal abuse, but I realized he had two paper cups in his hands and a brown paper bag in his hands. Then the smell of fresh coffee and muffins hit my senses. "God I love you," I said taking one of the cups from him.
Edward looked at me with a smirk on his face and a cocked eyebrow. "The coffee, Edward, I love the coffee."
"Stop distracting me," he replied, his eyes bright. "So who kissed you?"
"One of the women I went out with last night." I hung my head in shame. "I went back to her place."
"How did it happen?" he asked, the excitement evident in his voice.
"I think I might have led her on without realizing," I replied sadly. "I think I just got a little too drunk."
"You seemed sober when I spoke to you," he replied.
"It must have been the air." I shook my head. "I hope I didn't hurt her feelings too much."
"I'm sure you didn't."
"How did your night go?" I asking him, trying to change the subject.
"What about my night?" he asked cautiously, his eyes becoming very guarded.
"Do you enjoy your nights of self-indulgence?"
"Bella!" he looked me straight in the eyes. "I really don't want to discuss my life with you OK?"
"OK," I replied begrudgingly. I couldn't help but be surprised by the fact that he didn't get mad at me.
"So don't you want to know what's in my brown paper bag?" he said with a teasing glint in his eyes.
"What is it?" I asked, uncertainly.
"Why don't you take a look and find out." He opened the bag in front of me, closing it quickly and pulling it to his chest. Without thinking, I slapped him on the arm and cringed, waiting for the resulting outburst but he just laughed instead.
I held my palm out in front of me and looked at him challengingly. "Give me my muffin."
"What makes you think I brought one for you?" he asked.
"Because you will die if I don't get my muffin."
"Oh yeah?"
"Oh yes!" I lunged for the bag and managed to get it. I opened the bag, took one of the muffins, bit a big chunk out of it, and groaned, "Apple Cinnamon, the best."
"I know you like them," he replied.
"How do you know that?"
"Alice."
"Yes, of course," I replied with a big smile.
He stayed most of the day, including lunch, but he had to leave for work in the evening. I walked him to the door, and he surprised me by kissing me gently on the cheek. "It's been fun today." He smiled crookedly and my heart skipped a beat. I swear my knees went weak. He was so damned handsome.
"I cannot believe we managed to get through a whole day without arguing once." I smiled back at him. "Thank you for the coffee and muffin this morning; it was a very thoughtful gesture."
"It's the least I could do for all the fantasies I am going to have about you and another woman," he teased.
"What is it about men and two women?" I asked.
He just looked at me as if I was a complete loon. He leaned forward and kissed my cheek again. "I better go, let's do this again sometime."
"I'd like that," I replied. He slowly walked toward the elevator. I was just about to close the door when he surprised me by turning around and giving me another quick wave before he got in the elevator. I waved back, the shock probably written all over my face. As I closed the door, I pondered why he was suddenly being so friendly. It was strange but very nice. I could get very used to it.
When Alice and Jasper returned from their weekend away they had some good news. Rosalie and Emmett had set a date for their wedding, and they had decided on St. Patrick's weekend so they could celebrate with all of us. Now I would finally meet Emmett Cullen and put a face to the name.
Authors Note: I hope you enjoy this chapter, I cannot believe how long it is. I have got up to June written and June is actually in three parts and when it finally comes to typing it up I will most probably add more to it. I have really enjoyed writing this story and I hope you enjoy reading it.