A/N: Thank you to all 37 of you that added me to your favorite's list! Thank you to the 72 that have me on alert! Most of all thank you to those of you that reviewed this story… you are the reason for me continuing….

Here is the next chapter, I know this is kind of still repeating and building but stick with me all the good stuff is coming….

Chapter 6

I was floating on air. Even listening to Rose's crap pop music blaring through her all too expensive speakers in her car wasn't pissing me off like it usually did, nothing could burst my bubble. I was finally getting my car back.

"I'm getting my car back," I sang to the beat of the song. "I'm getting my car back!"

"I know Bella, I think the whole freaking world knows you're getting your car back," Rosalie answered disgruntled. She had every right to; I had been doing my song and dance since I woke up this morning. It had been close to twelve hours of my incessant joyfulness, which was more than her limit. Even though Rosalie was being a bitch at the moment, I could see she was happy for me but even more I could see the worry in her eyes. It had appeared the moment I had informed her of my news as much as she tried to hide it. Me, I tried to ignore it as best as possible, after all I was getting my car back. "Will you please shut up about it already?"

"Rose," I said turning to her and pouting. She glared back. "Are you upset cause you're gonna miss me?" Rose huffed and rolled her eyes but I knew the truth, under her hard, harsh exterior there was so much love and softness, yet only few people had ever been allowed to see. There it was again, a fleeting worrisome expression crossed her face for only a moment, immediately replaced with false annoyance. "I love you too Roe!"

Rose didn't answer, I had used her nickname she hated, but instead turned the volume up on the stereo. In my extremely good mood nothing could bother me, instead I started singing along to the music at the top of my lungs. Freedom! Sweet, sweet freedom was less than a mile away. By the time Rose pulled into the lot I was bouncing in the bucket seat unable to contain my enthusiasm. "Stop in front of the office!"

In a rare moment of exasperation, Rose listened to what I said parking the car by the main office. I could see my old heap of metal looking better than ever just feet away, I would love that thing till the day it died. Climbing out I smiled, Jake was the best. There was no denying it, he cared for me.

"What are you doing?" Rose asked staring down at her nails, feigning uninterested. I knew what her question meant. She wanted to know what I was doing tonight, had I made up my mind. Had I come to a decision and the truth was I didn't know what the fuck I was going to do. This one decision had been weighing heavily on me and even after the constant reminders both Jake and Rose had given me almost daily since my last encounter with Mike, I just couldn't bring myself to choose yet. So I decided to do what I do best, avoid the situation as long as possible.

"I'm going to go talk to Jake," I answered expertly avoiding her question all together before entering his shop through the garage, as I had for as long as I could remember. I had spent a good amount of my childhood hiding out in this very place. That was pre-parental units divorcing and pre the drama that changed everything but nothing could take away from those memories. They were the few of my childhood I actually wanted to keep safe and intact. The memories of me and Jake hanging out here as he tried to convince me he was superman and could fix cars at the age of six, which he couldn't still made me smile. Jake had been my first kiss, it had happened right behind the shop in the little wooded area that now held a car depot. We had tried our first and last cigarette together back there, and later smoked a ridiculous amount of pot when our, or should I say my, life got to difficult to handle. But that was all in the past. Since Jake had taken over his father's business there was a new light in his eyes, and I didn't doubt he could fix a car these days. The lazy, irresponsible boy I had grown up with suddenly became a hard working, respectable man before my eyes. The transformation made me feel slightly stagnant in my own life.

Entering the shop I could see Seth and Ambry working under the hood, everything here was so natural, so normal. They waved and we greeted each other causally. I glanced over my shoulder, Rose was still feigning uninterested but I knew if they asked her to join in she would have gladly gotten her hands dirty. That's my girl, she could fix a car just as well as Jake, and sometimes I think she's even more knowledgeable but I would never admit that to him.

"Where's Jake!" I yelled across the garage. Ambry pointed to the main office that had once belonged to Billy, Jacob's father. I flitted across the garage and pulled the office door open. Jake was sitting behind the desk, a pile of papers in front of him, chewing on the end of a ballpoint pen.

I stood watching him for a moment, still unnoticed. His teeth marks were embed in the white plastic and he exhaled heavily. "What did the pen do to deserve that treatment?" I asked laughing at his shocked expression.

"I take it you got my message," he answered throwing the pen onto the desk and leaning back in his seat. The worn leather chair creaked under his weight. Jake was not a small guy, he was tall and muscular, looming over me by at least five feet.

"I have been waiting for your message," I answered plopping myself down in the chair across from his desk and sighing. "I can't tell you how happy I am. Thank you so much."

"It's nothing Bells," he answered throwing a paperclip at me. He chuckled as it hit me square in the forehead, his aim precise.

"Jake! Seriously, thank you. I owe you so much!" I returned throwing the paperclip back at him. He dodged it easily; the clip hit the wall and fell onto the carpet noiselessly.

"Just get me my dinner with Rosalie and we will be all good Babe," he returned winking suggestively at me. I shook my head, when will he ever learn Rose just wasn't into him. Where he detects 'sexual tension', I detected complete revulsion.

"Tomorrow night at Rose's place. I promised you I would and I am," I answered laughing, there was no way he would get anywhere near her, not by a margin of an inch. Not to mention Rose was doing this whole thing as a favor to me and I was on pervert-Jake duty, supposedly supposed to block every false attempt made. Not to mention this whole encounter was costing me more than I could imagine.

"And what about your other promise?" Jacob's asked all humor gone from his face. His eyes bore into me intently and I couldn't bring myself to look at him. I knew what he wanted to hear, I knew what I had promised but now just wasn't a good time to keep that particular promise. There was just too much to figure out and with him hounding me about Mike it was making the decision even more difficult to make. I know what I needed to do, I just didn't have the resources to get it done yet. When I made a promise I always kept it, Jake had known me long enough to know it would happen…eventually.

"Jake," I began staring at my hands, the shit of an engagement ring sitting on my finger. I hadn't taken it off since Sunday, when I had been required to go to his parent's house for dinner. I never wore it and now it was staring at me, mocking my situation. "It's more complicated than it seems."

Jake huffed, turning to stare at me head on, his chair creaking as he did so. I bit my lower lip trying not to let the flood of emotion escape, instead I attempted to make myself emotionless in hopes he would drop the whole subject. "Really, more complicated. It is pretty simple to me actually. You said you were finally out and now you're basically telling me you're going back. What the hell is that about!" I didn't have a response. I knew what he wanted to hear but couldn't even bring myself to force the lie out. I had spent too much of my life living a lie and now I wasn't going to continue with it, wasn't it bad enough everything between me and Mike was a lie.

"Jake," I began again in a whispered voice, trying my best to hold back all my emotions.

"Bella, what the hell!" Jake shrieked his usually calm demeanor gone. I knew it was hard for him to see me like this but what other choice did I have. Slamming his hands on the desk I swallowed hard the tears making their best attempts at escaping, my emotionless mask useless. "Why the fuck would you want to stay with a guy who yells at you like that, essentially commands you around. For the last week and a half you have been living on Rosalie's couch because he refused to drive you to work…" for the first time I looked up, tears brimming my eyes in hopes when he saw the true emotions he was bring out he would stop. I didn't need to hear it from him; Rosalie's constant reminder was enough.

"He didn't refuse," I said trying and failing to defend myself but it sounded weak even to my ears.

"Okay," Jake conceded sarcastically slinking back into his chair, it rolled away from the desk slightly from the force of his drop thudding gently against the wall behind him. "He just screamed and yelled about it until you had no choice but to stay at Rose's so you could get to work without be harassed," Jake continued. I cringed at his words, why had I decided to go to Jake's last night. Why hadn't I decided to just stay at Rose's like I had the previous nights? "I was there last night Bella; you can't deny the way he speaks to you. You are so much better than that. You deserve so much better." His words bit into me, I didn't know what I deserved anymore. Had I been so horrible in my previous lives that I was living through penance now? It was a question I constantly asked myself, why me. Jake's tirade was far from over, the more he spoke the more I just wanted to bash my head into the wall. "Why would you want to stay with him? And now that you have your car is back you're actually going to end up going back to him. Just because he was there when all that shit went down doesn't mean you're indebted to him for the rest of your life."

"It's not that simple!" I yelled back angrily, tears finally making their triumphant appearance. I ignored them wiping my cheeks furiously with the back of my hand. Why was he pushing this topic, again! Why couldn't he just let it alone and let me be… my life had never been black and white, I lived in the gray.

"Things could have been so much different," his voice was soft, Jake's whole expression changed as he saw the tears. Getting up from his chair he sat on the desk in front of me. I leaned forward resting my elbows on my knees and hiding my face in my hands. I felt his hand on my shoulder and a gentle squeeze but couldn't bring myself to look in his somber expression.

I sighed, why did he always had to bring this up in these situations. I knew Jake used to have feelings for me, moreover seeing me with Mike hurt him beyond words. There was just too much history between us for me to see him any other way than as my brother, my protector, and my rock. I loved Jake, without a doubt he was one of my two best friends, but I had never been in love with Jake. I knew he had deeper feelings for me than I had for him that was part of the reason for my year of silence, a year I now regretted beyond belief. It seemed I had a lot of regrets these days the more I reflected on my history, the closer I came to actually make a decision. Rose was right I needed to just let it go. Have a new beginning; I just didn't know how to make it happen.

"Please don't start Jake," I muttered still averting my eyes to the shabby, brown, thread bare carpet beneath my feet. I couldn't look at him seeing the sheer adoration and love I knew I would find there, I didn't deserve it. It was just too hard to deal with, it seemed like yet again I have disappointed another person. "I can't…" my voice trailed off not quite sure what I could say to make this better.

"I know Bella, but I can't help but think like that when you could have had someone so much better. You could have had me…"

I glanced up hearing his voice, it stung. I knew everything he was saying was true. Why couldn't I bring myself to love Jacob, especially since I was with Mike who most days I abhorred. "Jake…"

"Ugh, this is ridiculous!" Jake threw his hands in the hair pulling his fingers through his too shaggy hair. Huffing loudly he threw his head back shaking it as if trying to shake the very thoughts away. "I'm sorry I couldn't do anything back then. I know you don't feel that way about me. All I'm saying is try and figure this out the right way. You have options, just open your eyes. Besides I know your girl has a thing for me." I chuckled lightly enjoying the shift in the mood. Talking about my past was definitely something I didn't like doing. Jake's old self, the lighthearted jovial jokester was back, and it was a welcomed distraction.

"Yeah, she's just dying to let you in her pants," I answered sarcastically. Was he playing naive, Rosalie didn't even like being in the same room as him. Having dinner with him tomorrow night had caused me to have to buy coffee at break time for the next two weeks but I couldn't tell him the details. He had finished my car two days early and I was ecstatic. I sighed getting up, ready to go home. No desire to see Mike at all, I was still debating whether or not to actually go back to Mike's place or stay at Rose's for another night. She wouldn't mind.

The bell rang from the other room and I sank back into my chair. I knew Rose was waiting outside, trying to avoid Jake, but her patience was thin with me at the moment. I figured I'd let Jake finish with his last customer before retrieving my car, hopefully Rose would wait it out. Jake got up, still smiling and popped his head out the door.

"Can I help you?" Jake asked his professional tone back in his voice. It was so odd to hear, so unlike the Jake I was used to being around. Leaning my head back I sighed, all I wanted at the moment was a shower and a bed. Sleep sounded amazing!

"Hi, I'm here to pay a bill. I got a call this morning from Jacob," a velvety voice asked apprehensively. It was a voice who had taken to only appearing in my dreams, whispering arousing and alluring statements that had left me wanting when it was all over.

"Ahh, you must be Edward Cullen," Jake answered, his eyes glancing towards me knowingly. I was glad my view was obstructed from where I sat, if I couldn't see Edward he couldn't see me but it didn't stop Jake. He could see me clearly and from the look in his eyes I couldn't stop the groan that escaped. I bit my lower lip, I had mention Edward a time or two and now he was here. Why had I told Jake about Edward...? I knew exactly what was going to happen next and my only hope was Jake would take the high road. The owner of the velvet voice was standing in Jake's shop, I wanted to run out of the office and see him. See if he looked exactly like I remembered him from that fateful night, hoping my eyes would have been playing tricks on me. He had been in my thoughts lately, besides my dreams, but the likelihood of me actually seeing him again was nil, yet here he was in the next room only feet away. "Let me help you with that," Jake said glancing at me one last time. I was stuck where I sat. I looked like crap after a ten hour day with four year olds and wanted nothing more than to take a shower and throw on sweats. My hands still stained pink from the cheap shit finger-paint my boss insists on buying and some smudged into my jeans. My hair completely in disarray. When I had pictured seeing Edward Cullen again, I had always looked amazing. Well at least as amazing as I could, being me.

"Perfect, I took a look at the car. It looks good," Edward said, his voice was soothing, yet my nerves were on fire. He's married, I reminded myself making a poor attempt to stop the inner calamity. There was ruffling out in the front and I couldn't stop myself from wanting to run out there and see him. But I did knowing it wouldn't be long either way…Jake was too nosy to let that happen.

"Yeah, it looks good. What can I say Bella is a good friend of mine," Jake continued. I blanched I could literally feel what was coming next and in a vain attempt began smoothing my hair down to no avail all the while sending up a silent prayer that Jake would keep his mouth shut. "Actually she's here, what a coincidence!" Jake exclaimed, his feigned surprise sounded exactly that, phony. "Bella!" he called and I bit my lip.

I couldn't hide from Edward Cullen, I wasn't five but did I really want to face the object of my longing and desire in my current state, knowing he was something I could never actually attain. He's married, I reminded myself for what felt like the millionth time. Besides he did pay to get my car fixed, it's the least I can do, go say thank you. Taking in a deep breath I tried to swallow the growing lump in my throat. My palms moist suddenly, heart racing. Keep it together Swan, I hollered internally.

Standing up I bit my lip, damn all my bad habits and walked towards the door. Heart hammering away in my chest, this is ridiculous! I walked out the door and had to stop the gasp that desperately attempted to escape. Edward Cullen is the most beautiful man I have ever seen. There was no denying my memory only belittled his true exquisiteness. His reddish bronze hair was pushed back with a pair of sunglasses sitting perched on the top of his head, odd bits of hair sticking out in every direction. But that wasn't even the most exquisite part, his bright vivacious green eyes. They were alluring in a way I never thought eyes could be, I bit my lip harder forcing a smile, forcing myself to remain calm in the situation.

Then he smiled, a crooked smile and I thought my knees would give out, how was it some stranger would hold so much power and control over me. I smiled back, not quite sure what to do.

"Hi Edward," I said finally finding my voice. Jake was smirking and I had the sudden desire to reach over and smack the back of his head.

"Hello Bella," his velvet voice greeted. It was even more fluid and smooth than I could remember and than before now that I was in the room. Or maybe it was my own imagination. Damnit why does he have to be married!

"Thanks again," I said lamely motioning towards my car beyond the garage. Edward smiled and nodded as Jake handed him back a black credit card. I had to catch the gasp again, it was the ever allusive black American Express card.

"Not a problem," he returned. I stood for a moment oddly feeling completely out of place.

"Okay, well I'm going to get going then," I muttered turning towards the door and waving at the two of them. Edward's smile faltered for a moment, or maybe once again I was imagining the whole thing. I really needed to keep my imagination under control. There was no way this man was as affected by me, plain Jane, than I was by him. Turning I pushed my way through the door, Rosalie was still standing where I left her, phone in hand.

She looked up and smiled knowingly at me, I ignored it. "So everything copasetic?"

"Yeah, everything is taken care of," I chanced a glance back at the door just as Edward was stepping through it, rubbing his palms against his jeans. Damn, why did he have to be so attractive.

"Bella," his velvet voice called. I stopped, I could feel Rose's eyes on me, watching me closely. Turning I faced him hoping my features didn't give away my rapidly beating heart. "You forgot the keys."

I was a complete idiot, my cheeks burned under the intensity of my blush I tried to mentally force away.

"Right."

Stepping forward he dropped the keys into my outstretched hand, all the while wishing I could feel the texture of his hands against my own. I clutched the cool metal and forced my smile to remain on my face. Was I really stupid enough to think he would have any interest in me.

"Bella, how could you be so rude," Rose called from behind. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?"

I groaned turning to glare at Rose, what a bitch move. I heard Edward chuckle behind me and my heart lurched. He found this whole situation amusing. "I'm Edward Cullen." Edward stepped forward and extended his hand, jealousy shot through me. Rose was going to get to actually touch him, even if it was in the most innocent manner I wanted it to be me.

"Rosalie Hale," she breathed, eyebrow raised as she accepted his hand.

"Nice meeting you," he breathed turning to me. Clearing his throat he stared at me for a long moment. "Can I speak to you for a second."

I nodded trying my best not to hyperventilate. We stepped just out of ear shot and Edward turned to glance at Rosalie exhaling deeply. Reaching up he ran his hands through his hair pulling his sunglasses off and fiddling with them in his hands, eyes stuck to the glasses.

"Is something wrong?" I asked trying to keep my voice even. What was this all about.

"Bella, I was wondering," Edward began exhaling heavily again. Looking up his eyes met mine and his emotions were completely on display. He looked nervous, but that couldn't be right. What did he have to be nervous about. "Would you go with me for coffee sometime?"

A/N: Okay so here it is for now. When I originally wrote this chapter it ended up being way to long so I split it in two. If I get enough reviews like maybe twenty I w promise to post the second half of this by Sunday!

Review and I promise to update ; )