Author's Note: A TIME SKIP! Ah, jeez. I've been waiting for this as long as you have. It's finally two years later, and here's a little information, as you might be confused. Bella is seventeen, and she's a senior. Edward is nineteen, and he is studying at Harvard. Emmett is twenty-two, studying at Harvard, and Alice and Jasper are both twenty-one. Alice had been studying fashion in Paris, and Jasper is currently in Johns Hopkins. We good? Enjoy!

FYI! I'm sorry I haven't been updating Golden Lifestyle lately, and I'm so sorry; I'm not updating it today either. I just need some more time with the next chapter. But don't worry, the story isn't finished yet, so rest assured. Thanks!

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.


Chapter 7

Two Years Later

I was getting really annoyed. What part of, "We're over," did this guy not understand?

Mike Newton kept babbling on about why we should be back together again as he drove me home. I'd told him that I'd drive myself home, but he'd insisted. And how could I say no when he looked at me so pleadingly? I'd felt so bad when I'd dumped him three weeks ago. The shock on his face…

We'd just finished the last day of school before spring break. We were both seniors now, currently wrapping up our high school education.

There was a reason why I was so excited about spring break this year. Emmett, Alice, Edward, and Jasper were all coming home for the next two weeks. They hadn't been able to get time off last year. I hadn't seen them in two years, and I was excited to spend some time with them.

Of course, Alice had gone to Paris to study fashion abroad. She was totally into the fashion that she claimed to have forgotten all about coming home. Finally, Esme convinced her to come home for the short spring break to spend some time with the family.

The only obstacle in the way of my excitement was this annoying boy sitting right next to me.

I merely glared out the windshield as he droned on and on. I'd stopped listening about five minutes ago because he'd been repeating the same reasons over and over. This was getting out of hand. I was going to cut ties with him today. I wasn't going to let him ruin my spring vacation.

He parked in front of my huge family mansion. As always, he looked up with the lust in his eyes, which reminded me of one of the reasons why he'd asked me out two years ago. There was that crush he'd had on me ever since freshman year, but there was also the money and family background that was involved…

Swan and Cullen Corporations had grown over the past two years. They now held the position of one of the top five biggest companies in the whole world. Being the daughter of Swan Corps. had its advantages, but it was frustrating when your boyfriend only wanted to date you for your money.

"So, Bella," Mike said, resuming his reasoning as we walked through the black gates and into the garden. "I think it's unfair that you just dumped me without any reason at all. I think we should get back together again."

We paused about fifty yards from the front door.

I sighed exasperatedly. "I told you why I broke up with you, Mike. I have no intentions of continuing a relationship if my boyfriend wants me for my money."

"That's a misunderstanding!" Mike protested. "I don't know what kind of rumors you've been listening to, but-"

"And the fact that you were cheating on me was a rumor too?" I asked coldly. "Remember, Mike, I caught you on a date with Jessica that day in Soho. Don't try to deny it."

"That…was…" Mike was panicking. "You know Jessica's been pestering me to go on a date with her ever since we started going out. I just wanted to get her out of the way."

"And the fact that you were obviously flirting with her?" I asked, taking out my phone discreetly and hiding it in my hand. I interlocked my fingers behind my back and inclined my head, merely making it look as though I was questioning him sternly. But really, I was fiddling with my phone to text my brother.

"It's a misunderstanding!" Mike said. "You probably heard wrong or something…"

"Mike," I said. "I know what I saw, and I know what I heard. You were saying you loved her and you were telling her the real reason why you were dating me."

As I was speaking, I was texting Jasper to come out and help me. I knew he and the others were already home from college. I was sure Alice was home from Paris too. If he didn't come out and help me get rid of this guy soon, I was going to explode from frustration.

I sent the message and hid my phone in my hand again before bringing my arms back around. I narrowed my eyes at Mike.

"Any more excuses?" I asked coolly. "Because I've got to go in now, and I want to be sure that you won't bother my spring break."

"Bella, give me another chance," Mike pleaded. "I can't live without you."

I took a deep breath, closing my eyes. This boy was getting too attached to my family's fortune.

"Mike, I broke up with you three weeks ago. You can't keep doing this. This is getting out of hand. I said we were over. I'm letting you go. You can go date Jessica freely now; I don't know why you're being so difficult."

"But you're obviously still angry with me if you're refusing to take me back…" Mike whined.

"Look," I said, seriously irritated. "I'm not angry with you. I told you, I'm over you. I don't care what happened between you and Jessica. So just relax and go ask her out. Okay?"

"But Bella…"

I turned to go inside when he grabbed my wrist and swung me back around.

"Let go of me, Mike Newton," I snapped. "I dumped you three weeks ago, and there's no way I'm going to take you back. So you might as well give up."

"Bella," Mike said. "You don't understand-"

"Let her go."

We both froze.

Mike looked over my shoulder to see who the owner of the unfamiliar voice was, and I didn't move, shocked by the totally unexpected voice. I didn't expect him to be here.

I could hear the footsteps getting closer behind me. And then, he was right next to me, his familiar scent swirling up the air and making me dizzy.

I looked up at him warily. He was taller than he'd been two years ago, and much more handsome. He was wearing a simple maroon shirt that said Harvard on it, and dark jeans. His messy bronze hair was damp, like he'd just gotten out of the shower. His muscles were showing threateningly on his arms.

But what caught my attention the most was his expression. It was terrifying. He was glaring at Mike with pure hatred, and his lips were pressed into a thin line. His handsome face somehow made his expression and posture much more intimidating.

"Didn't you hear me?" Edward asked in a soft, dangerous voice. "I said, let her go."

Mike's eyes narrowed as he looked Edward over. Then, slowly, he let me go.

"Who are you?" he muttered.

Edward looked at him coldly. "I'm Bella's brother."

I glanced at him quickly, wondering what he was doing. Where was Jasper? I was sure I'd texted to Jasper for help, not Edward.

I raised the phone and checked the text message I'd just sent. I'd definitely sent it to Jasper. I didn't understand.

"Bella only has one brother," Mike retorted. "And you're not him. I've seen his picture."

Edward inclined his head. "Well, then, she must not have trusted you very much. Because Bella has three older brothers who are very protective of her. Which is why I won't tolerate you trespassing here. I would appreciate it if you would leave right away. And you won't bother Bella anymore if you know what's good for you."

The way his eyes flashed must have convinced Mike that Edward wasn't joking. He sensed danger, and he backed away. He glanced at me pleadingly.

I merely glared at him, my eyes narrowed.

"I guess I'll see you around, Bella," Mike muttered unwillingly.

I didn't answer, but merely watched as he fled the mansion. He got into his car and drove away quickly.

I breathed a sigh of relief and turned to Edward. He was studying me curiously, all hints of anger gone now.

"Thanks, Edward," I said gratefully. "I thought he'd never leave."

"You're welcome," Edward said, still looking me over, glancing up and down. He looked sort of surprised now.

"I meant for Jasper to get the message," I said, frowning.

He finally smiled. "Jasper was in the shower. I took the message instead. You don't mind, do you?" His beautiful green eyes smoldered.

"Of course not," I said, clearing my throat and looking away. "Welcome home."

He chuckled. "It's good to be back. You know, I really should have come to visit more often. I barely recognized you."

I looked up at him in surprise. "Why?"

"You've changed," Edward told me.

I had no idea what he was talking about. Because as far as I knew, I hadn't changed one bit.

But before I could ask, he grinned widely and held out his arms.

This time, I didn't hesitate. I hugged him tightly, unashamed. I'd missed him a lot.

His arms tightened around me, and he rocked us side to side gently.

"I missed you, Bella," he murmured into my hair.

I laughed softly. "Me too."

"Hey!"

We broke away and turned our heads.

Emmett was standing there at the doorway, with his arms crossed and frowning. He looked suspicious.

"What are you doing?" he asked, his eyes narrowing at Edward.

"Hugging," Edward answered in the same way he'd answered two years ago. He looked down and grinned at me.

Emmett's eyes flickered to me, and he looked confused. "Who's that?"

I grinned widely and ran towards him quickly. He looked shocked when I threw my arms around him. He, too, had grown a few more inches since I'd last seen him. I could tell that he'd been working out. He was wearing the same shirt as Edward, though in white.

"Whoa! Hey!" Emmett said, panicking. "Who the hell are you?"

Frowning, I let go and looked up at him. "What do you mean, who the hell am I?"

Emmett's eyes widened as he looked down at me. Then, hesitantly, he asked, "Bella?"

"Of course, who else?" I snorted, backing up to see him better.

Emmett's mouth dropped. "You're kidding. What happened to that little kid that used to run around this place?"

I placed my hands on my hips and looked at him, mockingly indignant. "Excuse me. When have I ever run around this place?"

Emmett laughed, still surprised. "Jeez, look what happens when you're not home for two years. You're a woman now, Bells!"

A woman? I blinked in confusion. Had I really changed that much?

Emmett chuckled, ruffling my hair the way he used to do when we were younger. "It's good to see you, kid."

I grinned. "You too, Em."

Edward was right behind me again. "I guess Esme was right, Em. We barely recognized her."

"You too, bro?" Emmett asked. "Good. I thought I was the only one."

"What are you talking about?" I wondered.

"Who's that?" A familiar voice asked from the bottom of the staircase.

I looked around Emmett to see Alice standing there, looking interested. Suddenly, she gasped.

"Is that your girlfriend, Edward?" Alice asked excitedly. "Oh, gee, she's so pretty!"

Edward and Emmett laughed. Alice looked confused. "What?"

I rolled my eyes. "It's good to see you too, Alice."

Her eyes widened in shock. "Bella?"

I grinned. "Hi."

"Oh. My. God!" Alice squealed as she threw herself in my arms. "Bella! I'm so sorry, I didn't recognize you! Oh my gosh!"

I laughed as I hugged her back. "Yeah, that's been happening a lot lately." I threw Edward and Emmett a sharp look.

"Esme was totally right," Alice said, withdrawing away and looking over my face carefully. "She told us that we wouldn't recognize you because you've changed so much… But I never dreamed that she would be right!"

"It's okay," I said, patting her arm.

"Hey, is Bella here yet?"

I perked up.

Jasper was standing in the middle of the staircase, using a towel to dry his hair. He paused and cocked his head in confusion when he saw me.

"Who's that?" he asked.

I giggled as I ran up the stairs and hugged him tightly. "Jazzy!"

He gaped down at me. "Who…?"

I retreated, frowning. "You should at least recognize your own sister, Jasper Swan!"

He blinked. "Bella?"

"Who else?"

He laughed, still shocked. "What happened to you? Where's my little sister that used to look so cute? You're beautiful, Bella!"

I rolled my eyes. "Well, thanks. Now, don't I get a proper hug?"

Laughing delightedly, he spread his arms and hugged me tightly. "It's good to see you, Bella."

"Welcome home," I said, grinning.

The kitchen door opened on the first floor, and Esme and Renee walked in, smiling.

"You're home, Bella," Renee said in surprise.

Esme looked at her three children in amusement. "I heard the whole thing. I told you that you wouldn't be able to recognize her, didn't I? You're the ones that didn't believe me."

Edward and Emmett chuckled. Alice grinned, sheepish. Jasper pulled me down the stairs.

"What happened outside, Edward?" Esme asked. "I thought I heard you talking to someone…"

Edward's expression hardened. "Bella's ex-boyfriend was bothering her. She texted Jasper to come down and help her, but he was in the shower, so I took the message instead."

Everyone except Renee, Esme, and Edward looked at me in surprise.

"You have a boyfriend?" Jasper asked in surprise. He frowned. "How come I didn't know?"

"Had," I corrected icily. "I dumped him three weeks ago."

"Don't tell me that awful boy was pestering you all this time," Esme said, scowling.

I laughed, embarrassed. "Well, Edward's appearance probably scared him off."

Esme and Renee exchanged thoughtful looks.

I knew that look. They were scheming something. But before I could ask, Esme changed the subject.

"So your spring break's started, right, Bella?" she asked. When I nodded, she said, "That's great. The five of you can spend some time with each other. You haven't seen each other in years!"

"I'll say," I said, scowling. "You promised to come home for Christmas, Jasper."

He chuckled. "It just happened. Sorry, Bella."

I perked up. "I know! How about you all tell me about college? I'm sure you guys all have girlfriends, right? And Alice, you can tell me what happened in Paris! You must have a boyfriend now too, eh?"

I fervently hoped that Edward didn't have someone, as my childhood crush hadn't disappeared. But still, acting nonchalant wouldn't give that fact away, would it?

"Uh…" Alice said, blushing as she glanced at Jasper.

I knew there was some juicy story involving this couple, so grinning evilly, I took both their hands and dragged them up the stairs. Emmett and Edward followed, laughing.

"Bella!" Alice complained.

"Aw, Bella!" Jasper protested.

I pushed them down on a sofa next to each other and sat in the couch opposite to them. "Spill."


AN: So how was the reunion? Exciting? Funny? Or just plain dreary? Let me know and leave a review. You know how much I love those!