Author's Note: Wow. 113 reviews? That's incredible. Words can't describe how much I appreciate you all. I've been gradually getting reviews that are lengthier and lengthier, and I love it! I love hearing specific parts you liked or quotes you liked or even reasons why you didn't like something in the chapter. It makes for some great criticism and helps strengthen me as a writer. I try to reply to everyone who leaves a review, so if you get a message from me don't feel shy about replying! I love talking with you all about the story. But don't go asking for any spoilers; I may give you a tiny hint about something, but it's always broad. I hate spoilers. In other news, this chapter is almost 3,500 words long, which makes it the longest chapter to date. And even though this has nothing to do with this story or the Twilight-verse, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NEVILLE LONGBOTTOM! He turns 30 today, so hooray! And yes, I'm aware he's fictional. And no, I don't care. Now, onto the story.
Disclaimer: I don't own Mountain Home, Idaho, Holiday Inn and Suites, or any of the characters. I do, however, own this storyline and Celia's diner.


Moving On

They had had a relatively quiet drive that day. The only conversations they had were short and forced, and they ended before they ever truly began. Alice would bring up something, Jasper and Bella would mumble something in response, Alice would talk for a few minutes, – though mostly to herself – and then they'd slip back into awkward silence. After a few failed attempts to converse, Alice gave up.

They had long passed the Nevada border and were well on their way through Idaho when Alice let out a heavy sigh. "I'm hungry."

Bella kept her eyes on the road but responded. "We ate a little while ago."

"Six hours is not 'a little while ago'. I'm starving here." She pouted and hung her shoulders as though she couldn't muster up the energy to sit up straight.

"Fine. Look out for any food places."

Bella got off of US-93 N and drove into Mountain Home, Idaho, a town that she had never been in. She wasn't sure what they had to offer, but she was wiling to look. Now that Alice mentioned food, her stomach was beginning to growl. A quick meal wouldn't deter them too much. She just hoped having to sit together wouldn't make things any more awkward.

"There!" Alice hollered, pointing to a humble diner on the corner of the street. Bella quickly maneuvered across the road and parked in the parking lot behind the diner. She unbuckled her seatbelt and jumped out of the truck, leaving the door open for Alice. But as she peeked in the door she noticed the girl was busy whispering to Jasper, who looked sick to his stomach.

"If you don't feel any better after eating, let me know. We'll stay at a motel for a day or two – however long it takes for you to recover. If Bella leaves without us, so be it. I'm sure Rose and Emmett will come get us." She said in a soothing voice, rubbing his arm in a motherly way.

Bella turned away, waiting for Alice to finish speaking. She didn't want to eavesdrop on their conversation, though she felt she should say something. Alice and Jasper exited the cab a few seconds later. Jasper looked pale and worn-out, and Alice looked concerned, all traces of her usually bubbly self gone.

"I wasn't trying to eavesdrop, but I heard Alice say you were sick." Bella said, addressing Jasper although both siblings turned to stare at her. "I won't leave you guys behind if you want to stick around for a day or two to recuperate."

Jasper smiled weakly, but it looked more like a grimace. "Thanks, Bella."

She smiled and nodded and led the pair into the diner. A pretty Hispanic girl with silky black hair greeted them with a smile. Her name tag said Maria. "Welcome to Celia's Diner. How many?"

"Three." Bella said, watching the girl dig out three plastic menus. She followed her to a booth and slid into one of the seats. Alice helped Jasper into the opposite booth but moved herself to sit next to Bella. Bella gave her a blank look. "Don't you want to sit by Jasper?" she asked curiously. The pixie had seemed so concerned about his health a minute ago…

"Yes," Alice answered. "But I'm wearing a new pair of shorts, and he would have had his feet on my lap. That last thing I need is to spend an hour scrubbing dirt out of the denim." Alice motioned to Jasper, who was sitting sideways in the booth, taking up two spots – his back was propped up against the wall and his feet nearly dangled off the edge of the seat. Alice frowned. "I hope you're okay, Jazz."

"I just need food." He reassured her. It looked, though, like food was the last thing he needed.

Alice shrugged at his response and flipped through the menu, scanning each line with her index finger. Bella watched her instead of looking at her menu, studying the lines in her face. A knowing smile curled at the edges of Alice's lips as she spotted Bella from the corner of her eye. Bella's face turned red. "Don't be embarrassed." Alice told her, as if it was so big deal that Bella had been staring at her like a creep. Jasper opened one eye and gave them a wondering look that Alice promptly ignored.

"Hello." Their waitress said, and Bella looked up at the beaming redhead, stunned. She was tall – about 5'9" – with curly red hair that fell down her back in wild tendrils. Her eyes were a deep amber, and a seductive smile was plastered on her pale, freckled face. She was beautiful. "My name's Victoria, and I'll be your server on this lovely afternoon. Can I get you anything?" She looked pointedly at Alice, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Bella coughed loudly into her fist, catching on to Victoria's meaning, but Alice didn't seem phased. She just grinned at the girl and asked for a Coke with a lemon. The girl nodded before flashing Alice a heart-stopping smile. She turned to Bella, a much more tame smile now illuminating her face. "And you?"

"Water."

Victoria turned to Jasper, but Alice answered for him. "He'll have a water." She beamed at the redhead, who winked in return. Alice's smile widened, if that were even possible. Bella thought the girl's cheeks were going to split from the sheer force of her grin. Alice noticed Bella glaring at her and the grin disappeared. "What?" She asked, worried. Bella shook her head.

Victoria returned with three full glasses balanced on a thin, plastic tray. She handed Jasper and Bella their drinks, then set Alice's down with an unnecessary – at least in Bella's opinion – flourish. Alice seemed to enjoy it, though. She watched appreciatively as the slinky redhead overly swayed her hips as she sauntered towards the kitchen. This is a diner, not a runway, Bella thought, burning a hole in the girl's back.

Alice giggled suddenly, covering her mouth with her hand. Bella turned towards her, an angry expression still on her face. Alice got one look at her and started giggling again. "Someone's been visited by the green-eyed monster."

"No, I haven't." Bella said in a defensive tone. It was a lie, of course. But she wasn't about to give Alice the satisfaction of knowing she was jealous. Besides, she shouldn't be jealous. She had a boyfriend – she had Edward. Somehow, that tidbit of information wasn't important to her right now.

Alice gave her a look that said 'You can't deny it, Bella,' but she ignored it. She knew her jealously was obvious; she didn't need Alice going on about it. She felt stupid – there was no reason for her to be jealous. It wasn't like she and Alice were together, although she did like the sound of that…

Victoria's arrival cleared her thoughts– yet another reason to dislike the girl. She took out a pad of paper and a black pen and asked, "Are you all ready to order?" Bella grumbled a yes. Alice giggled again.

Alice ordered an exceptionally large order for someone her size, though Bella was no longer surprised by that fact. Victoria quickly scribbled Alice's order on the notepad then tapped the pen cap against her pink lips. "Anything else?"

Alice pursed her lips, pretending to think. Then, with a sly smile, she replied, "Maybe later." Victoria beamed.

Bella cleared her throat loudly, and Victoria tore her eyes away from Alice. "I'll have a plain hamburger. And fries, too." She was usually very polite when it came to waiters and waitresses, but she had no patient with this one. Victoria nodded then turned to Jasper.

"I'll have fries. That's all." He said, still looking miserable. Alice gave him a sympathetic smile. He didn't return it.

"Alright! Your food should be out shortly." Victoria closed the notepad and stuck the pen behind her ear, grinning once more before making her way to the kitchens to place their orders.

They sat in silence – Jasper moaning in pain every couple of minutes, Alice picking at her nail polish, and Bella staring at her folded hands, which were resting on the tabletop. Victoria finally brought them their food, which Alice dug into immediately She was halfway done in a matter of minutes.

Jasper stared at his fries with an off expression, looking as though they revolted him. He ate a couple, but after a minute or two he clamped his hand over his mouth and rushed to the bathroom. "Jazz!" Alice called, standing up. He was already in the bathroom, though, and she wasn't about to follow him into the men's room. "Poor Jasper. He's rarely sick." Alice said to no one in particular.

"Lucky him." Bella said, dipping a fry in ketchup and popping it into her mouth. "I'm always sick."

"Me too." Alice said, taking a bite of her massive bacon cheeseburger. Bella gave the burger a disgusted look.

"How can you eat that?" She questioned, her nose crinkling.

Alice frowned. "The better question is, how can you not? Bacon cheeseburgers are delicious." She took another bite. Bella wrinkled her nose again.

"I prefer just ketchup on mine." She looked down at her burger that looked to be half the size of Alice's. "I hate cheese."

Alice coughed on her bite of burger, pounding on her chest to stop herself from choking. Bella gave her a wide-eyed look, but Alice waved her off. "You hate cheese?" Bella nodded. "That's – that's – that's un-American! How can someone hate cheese? What's next – you gonna tell me you hate hotdogs too?"

Bella shook her head. "Of course not. I've never even had a hotdog."

Alice's jaw dropped. "Never had a hotdog? You were deprived of a proper childhood."

Bella chuckled at Alice's expression. "No. I just never wanted to try one." She shrugged as if it were no big deal. Alice still looked perplexed.

"I can't believe you live in America and haven't ever –" Alice stopped short as Victoria set down a fresh Coke for her. Alice smiled up at the girl. "Thanks." She said, and the girl winked again. Alice's cheeks turned a slight pink; Bella scowled.

"Sorry." Alice said, clearing her throat and turning back to Bella.

"It's fine, I guess."

Alice raised an eyebrow, but Jasper decided to return then, saving Bella from any awkward questions. She mentally noted that she'd need to thank him for that. He sat down across from the girls, clutching his stomach. His light eyes were squeezed shut.

"You don't look so good, Jazz." Alice commented, reaching forward to feel his forehead.

"I don't feel so good, either." He said, letting out a long sigh. Alice pulled back and looked to Victoria, who was standing by the register. Alice stood, taking her purse with her.

"I'll go pay. You guys wait here." She said, weaving her way through the tables to get to the register. Victoria looked up as she approached, a smile illuminating her freckly face. "Do you think I could pay now?"

"Sure." Victoria said, handing her their receipt. She watched as Alice scanned the receipt – checking for any errors – and pulled out a wad of money. She handed Victoria two twenties and waited patiently for her change. "You new in town?" Victoria asked, glancing up for a second before reaching into the register for Alice's change.

"No. Just passing through."

Victoria nodded thoughtfully. "How long are you going to be in Mountain Home for?"

Alice shrugged. "Probably the rest of the day and tonight. Why?"

Victoria's smile grew. "I was wondering if you wanted to do something tonight… with me."

Alice raised an eyebrow playfully. "Someone's awfully forward."

Victoria shrugged nonchalantly. "Always have been. So what do you say?"

Alice thought for a minute, pursing her lips. Then, "Alright." Victoria grinned widely. "What time?"

"How about seven?"

"Sounds good. And what will we do?"

Victoria smirked. "Oh, I'm sure we'll find something."

Alice giggled as Victoria handed her the receipt and her change. "Do you have a pen?" she asked, and Victoria reached for a nondescript black one that was tucked behind her ear. "Thanks." Alice said, grabbing the receipt and scribbling her name and number on the back. She handed the receipt, along with the pen, to Victoria. "Text me."

"Will do. See you tonight…" she looked down at the receipt. "Alice."

Alice grinned and skipped back to the table; she didn't seem to notice the daggers Bella was throwing at Victoria with her eyes. "Ready to go?" she asked her brother and Bella, and the two both mumbled yes.

Alice pulled her bag farther up her shoulder and led the way to the exit. She flashed Victoria a winning smile as she passed the register and pushed open the door, holding it for Bella and Jasper. Tonight should be fun, she thought to herself; although, she couldn't help but wish that she was spending her night with someone else.

XxXxXxXxXx

Alice spent the rest of the day tending to Jasper and making small talk with Bella. It was taking time to rebuild the new friendship they had discovered; Alice was regretting the kiss more and more with each passing minute. She knew that if she couldn't have Bella in the way she wanted then she'd have to settle with having Bella as a friend. She was okay with that as long as it meant she could see the girl.

"I'll be back in a bit, Jazz." Alice told him, running her hand over his stubbly scalp. "I have to go get ready for a night out." He nodded gently, and she pushed herself off the bed. She walked quickly to her room – they'd chosen Hampton Inn and Suites. It was 5:45; she had an hour and fifteen minutes to shower and get ready. That should be enough time, she thought to herself.

She took a quick shower – 8 minutes, a new record – and wrapped a fluffy white towel around her slight frame. She wiped the condensation off the mirror and used a small, white hand towel to ruffle her short black hair, getting rid of the excess water.

Alice dried herself off and took out the small amount of clothes she'd brought with her. She grabbed a red blouse with a faint plaid pattern on it. She pulled it over her head and did up the buttons then continued on her search for something to wear – she needed bottoms. She pulled out a pair of black short-shorts and deemed them acceptable. She slipped them on over a pair of red and white polka-dot boy-shorts. She topped off the look with a pair of black, mesh pumps.

Alice stared at her reflection, making sure her outfit was absolutely pristine. She turned to the clock – 6:20. She certainly had enough time to finish getting ready and spend a little while with Jasper.

She rushed to the bathroom, grabbing mousse from her purse and squirting a generous amount into her palm. She rubbed her hands together and ran them through her hair, making it stand up at all angles. She smiled appreciatively at her reflection before moving onto makeup. She had just finished her mascara when a knock sounded on her door. "Be there in a sec!" She shouted, twisting the tube closed and hobbling to the door. Running wasn't a good idea in 5" pumps.

Alice pulled open the door and stared into a pair of large, brown eyes. Bella. Alice was eye to eye with her due to her heels. "Hey." She chirped, moving aside so Bella could enter the room. Bella walked in, taking in the clothes that were scattered all along the bed. "Sorry." Alice said, shutting the door. "I get a little crazy when it comes to picking out an outfit."

"Where're you going?" Bella asked, although she already knew. It was pretty obvious. She'd seen the googly eyes Victoria had been making at Alice as the pair talked by the register. She'd seen Alice write something down and hand it to Victoria with a flirtatious smile. She'd felt her jealousy boil over as she watched the two interact.

"Our waitress from the diner, Victoria, asked me out. I said yes." She said it as if it were no big deal, which only further angered Bella. The day before, Alice had been all about Bella; flirting with her, giggling at the things she said, kissing her. Now suddenly she was going on a date with some random waitress. Bella didn't take kindly to being replaced so suddenly.

"Oh. She seemed a little too flirty. I wouldn't be surprised if you weren't the first costumer she'd asked out."

"Is that you talking or your jealousy?"

"My jealousy."

Alice giggled, the sound filling the quiet room. It was sweet and loud, making Bella smile just the tiniest bit. "I appreciate your honesty." She said, plopping down on the clothes covered bed. Bella remained standing. "Is there something you wanted to talk about?"

"The kiss." Bella said, her face heating up at the memory.

"I thought we agreed it didn't happen…"

"We did." Bella said, moving a black ruffled skirt out of her way so she could sit beside Alice. Alice waited for her to continue. "You have feelings for me."

Alice nodded. "Obviously."

"And I have feelings for you."

"Do you?" Alice asked doubtfully. "Because it sure it didn't seem like it."

Bella sighed. "I do, Alice, but I have Edward."

"Oh, yeah. Edward. Your boyfriend that you don't even love." Alice was glowering at her, her thin arms crossed against her chest.

"Why are you getting so upset?" Bella asked, shrinking back as the girl continued glowering at her.

"Is that even a question? I'm so upset because I made a move and you turned me away. Okay, whatever, your choice. I'm getting over it. I learned that I should just be your friend. Then you come here and tell me you have feelings for me, giving me just the teeniest flicker of hope. And in the same breath you tell me, 'It doesn't matter though because I have a boyfriend.' It's like torture, Bella."

Bella frowned. "I had to tell you. I had to get it off my chest."

Alice shook her head. "I'm sorry it's bothering you, Bella, but all you're doing now is putting that pain on my shoulders. I don't need it. I have enough going wrong in my life."

Bella took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She stared at the cheap carpeting, too guilty to look at Alice. "I thought you should know, Alice. I thought you'd want to know."

"I'd want to know if you wanted to be with me. I don't want to know that you care but not enough to do anything about it."

Bella chewed on her bottom lip. "I'm just so confused. I've never been in a situation like this."

"What, you've never had two people like you at the same time?"

"I have, but this time one of them is a girl."

"That doesn't make a difference, Bella. What matters is who you want to be with. Screw society and their views on homosexuality. Screw Edward and his relationship with you. Screw me for trying to sway your decision. Just do what you want to do and forget everyone else."

Bella finally looked at the tiny girl as her words sunk in. She was right. It didn't matter what anyone else wanted for Bella; it mattered what Bella wanted for herself. She sat still, not sure how to respond.

"Bella, I know you don't love Edward. You know you don't Edward. But you want to stay with him, and I understand. I'm not going to try to break up your relationship. I'll stay by your side as a friend, nothing more. And I'll move on, like I'm doing now. Just say the word, and I'll move on."

Bella stayed quiet.

"I can't wait around forever for someone who doesn't want to be with me, Bella. I need to live my life. So when you find the courage to make a decision, please let me know."

Alice's phone buzzed loudly against the wood of the desk it was resting on. Alice stood up and checked the name on the screen. Victoria. The room's digital clock read 6:59. The redhead was right on time. "I have to go. Victoria's here. See you later, Bella."

She exited the room, leaving Bella with nothing but her thoughts.


A/N: How'd you like it? I really enjoyed this chapter. It was a lot of fun to write about Alice and Victoria's flirting and Bella's jealousy. And Alice deserves to have a bit of fun, don't you think? Also, much like the past two chapters, the characters became independent and did what they wanted. The conversation between Alice and Bella wasn't supposed to go quite like that. Alice wasn't supposed to get so upset with Bella, either, but I feel it made sense. She's frustrated, and she has every right to be. The next chapter will probably be the day after all of this, and Jasper is still sick so they'll be sticking around Idaho. Now, go review because it keeps me going.

Songs: "Sami" by Darren Criss (I feel like if you replaced Sami with Bella then it'd be almost exactly how Alice was feeling earlier. And if you're a fan of A Very Potter Musical, you'll recognize both the artist and the song.); "River" by Lights.