I'm officially a college student, yay. And by yay I mean WHY IS THERE SO MUCH HOMEWORK. This is a longer chapter for the wait, thank you for being patient. Some good stuff is happening in here so that's a plus. I'm not 100% pleased with this chapter but I've been working on it off and on for months. Bella's thoughts may be confusing, bear with us while she figures herself out.

Enjoy.


I did very little throughout the week. I now worked only three days instead of the standard five. When I was home, I was cleaning impulsively or laying around all day. This week seems to drag on for ages; before this I would have considered myself a patient woman. So when Friday rolled its way around the corner I was eager to finally get it over with.

By the time I reached the room Jacob and Ms. Hale were already seated. Jacob had taken the seat to the right and had made himself quite comfortable. Ms. Hale on the other hand, was visibly tense in her chair.

Nervously I knock lightly on the door frame to alert them to my presence. Jacob looks over and grins widely while Ms. Hale rises quickly to greet me. "Thank you for coming today Isabella," she places a hand dangerously low on my back. A move Jacob notices when his eyes dart there and back to Ms. Hale.

I allow her to move me further into the room and seat myself a healthy distance from my husband. Once seated herself, the blonde begins to talk. "Thank you both for meeting up with me today, usually I can't get couples into the room without them wanting to tear each other apart." She chuckles lightly at her own joke. "But I'm acutely aware that your case is not like the others."

We make light talk for close to an hour about how we met and the early years of our marriage. Rosalie watches Jacob and I like a hawk. Surprisingly her gaze is not uncomfortable, but oddly reassuring.

After a while, Ms. Hale finally redirects her full attention to Jacob. "So, would you care to give me your reasoning for wanting the divorce?"

"Well, wanted is the correct term now," he clarifies. I smile at his words but don't miss the quick grimace the flashes on the blondes face before going stoic again. I don't have much time to dwell on it before they continue.

"Ok, then why did you previously want the divorce then?" She corrects herself.

"Well, I had cheated on her. It wasn't really my fault though,"

"Jacob!" I hiss cutting him off. That certainly was not what he said just a week prior.

"It's true," he shrugged. "A man needs very few things in his life. Sex is one of them. Bella hardly ever slept with me, and when she did she made it like a chore." He looks at me before adding "sorry babe."

Ms. Hale's eyebrows rise considerably high on her forehead before giving me a questioning look. The look that said 'you certainly never told me this please explain.' I sigh heavily. "That's not entirely true. Admittedly I was not sleeping with him as often as I could have. But I did not make it seem like a chore," I shoot Jake a dirty look to punctuate the end of my statement.

"Bella you are so lying right now. You would barely put in any effort when we did do it, would grimace from my touch, and on top of that I have never, ever made you come before."

A hot blush flares up on my face. "Jacob!" I sputter with embarrassment. "That's, that's not even true."

"Bella I might be a little daft at times but I'm not stupid. I noticed every time. It actually kind of pissed me off because I know I'm good in bed and you not coming, not even once, was a serious hurt on my pride."

I groan and hide my face in my hands. Why was I even looking forward to this meeting in the first place?

"It's quite alright," Ms. Hale interjects. "It's nothing I have never heard of before Isabella so there is no need to be embarrassed. However I am going to ask you to elaborate on this detail for me. Why didn't you enjoy Jacob's touch? I will have to agree with him on finding it strange that he was not even able to please you once in the entirety of your relationship."

Still with my face in my hands I muffle out "I don't want to talk about it."

"I understand, but I can not move away from this topic Isabella. Believe it or not, this could be very important information."

When I still don't make a move moments later I feel a soft hand on my knee and look up to the blondes gaze. Intense, as usual. "Please," she tries again. I let out a breath I haven't realised I was holding. She gives my knee a comforting squeeze before removing her hand.

I look at Jacob who seemed to be deeply troubled by Ms. Hale's touch before meeting my gaze. "If I were to touch you like that, you wouldn't relax into it like you did there, you would have moved away," he comments quietly.

"It's not that I don't like your touch Jake," I press choosing to ignore his comment. "It makes me...uncomfortable. But only if it's sexual," I add quickly. "I love Jacob's hugs, and cuddling against him at night, I just don't like him advancing on me sexually."

"And why is that?" Ms. Hale presses.

"Ms. Hale," I groan in frustration.

"Isabella," she quips back.

I squeeze my eyes shut. "Because it makes my skin crawl," I rush out. I can feel Jake shift in his seat to move closer to me. "Please don't." I can already imagine his hand hovered over my shoulder and the last thing I want is his touch.

The room grows silent for the next few minutes so I open my eyes cautiously. Jacob is studying me with a flurry of emotions ranging from angry, to sad, to hurt. Ms. Hale however looks at me with a certain knowing look tinted with compassion.

"Jacob I have heard everything that I needed to hear today. Thank you for coming in and working with us today. If we need anything else I will be sure to get ahold of you."

Jacob looks at her with a raised eyebrow. "You expect me to just leave after Bella said that? Whatever you say to her I want to hear too."

A dangerous looks flashes in her eyes while she holds a silent conversation with Jacob. After a few moments he relents and stands up with a huff. "Whatever. I can't see what people see in you. Some shrink you are. I'll be outside the door, holler is you need me Bells." He strolls out the room and slams the door without another word.

"A strong personality on that one," Ms. Hale remarks lightly.

"Ms. Hale I-"

She holds up a hand to silence me. "I told you, it's Rosalie."

"Rosalie," I say slowly; testing the name on my tongue. "Why did you send Jacob out? Anything you can say in front of me is something you can say to my husband."

"It's news that I did not seem fit to tell him right now." She answers easily. Rosalie sits on the edge of her seat and leaned further towards me leaving only a foot of so in between us. "Isabella I want you to listen very closely to what I have to say now, can you do that?"

I nod.

"Isabella have you ever entertained the idea that you might be a lesbian?"

"..."

What?

I shoot up from my chair in a blind rage. "Of course I'm not! Jacob is just one man who couldn't please me. How the hell can you draw a conclusion from that?"

"Oh is that so?" She leans back into her chair. "Have you ever been turned on by a man before? Have you ever yearned for their touch before?"

I faltered for a moment. I search my memory for any information regarding this information and to my surprise, have not found any incident in which I was in fact turned on by a man. But that doesn't mean anything right?

"Oh god no," I whisper and slink back into my seat. "Oh no," I repeat.

"Isabella is a lesbian!" The children in the park laugh loudly.

"No I'm not!" I protest with tears steadily falling down my face.

"Yes you are," a girl by the name of Lauren retorts. "Sarah told us that when she invited you over to a sleepover you kept trying to cuddle her. And she told us every time you guys play prince and princess you always want to be the prince. Even when other boys were playing to."

"That doesn't mean anything!" I cry harder now. No one would believe me.

Rosalie's hand on my shoulder breaks me from my flashback and I flinched violently from her touch. "I'm sorry," she quickly apologizes while moving to give me space. Suddenly nauseous I stand up quickly and make a beeline for the door. Wrenching it open I then begin to sprint down the hall to the bathroom. Luckily a trash can was located against the side of the wall. Relived, I grip onto the edges and begin to heave the contents of my lunch into the trash can.

I hear fast approaching footsteps before they stop right behind me. Gentle hands move the hair out of my face and rub small circles onto my back. It was a gesture that was both wanted and hated. Weakly I push her away and she relents. After a few more hurls I attempt to stand on wobbly legs and fix my hair. Rosalie makes another move to come closer but I halt her action with a single hand.

"Don't," I answer her unvoiced question. "How you even dare make the accusation of me is ridiculous. I have never, and will never like woman in that type of way. Ever."

I hear Jacob run up long before I see him.

"I heard everything, where the hell do you get off fucking with people like that?!" Jacobs barely constrained anger spills out. "A lesbian? Bella? You've got to be kidding me. She was right to think that you shrinks are just a waste of time."

I don't bother to defend her so instead I focus on keeping my breathing steady.

"I was simple asking a very valid question Jacob and I would appreciate it if you didn't raise your voice in my office."

"I wouldn't have to if my wife wasn't just traumatized by some theory you just pulled out of your ass!"

"I did nothing but ask a question. Isabella seemed to have remembered something that can provide an answer. Perhaps your attention should be more focused on that."

I hear Jacob punch the wall.

"She is reacting like that because she was bullied when she was younger because some girls started a rumor about her. Do you know what that did to her? What type of memories you-"

"Jacob!" I hiss, effectively stopping the conversation. "Take me home." I hear a quick rustling of fabric before he was at my side.

"I'm sorry Bells. This was a bad idea from the start." He gently picks me up and begins to carry me bridal style out the office. I see Rosalie's face flutter with emotions; anger, sadness, and compassion. For the briefest moments I almost think I see jealously, but it's gone in an instant. Hesitantly, the blonde looks away from my scrutinizing gaze.

"She's wrong," I tell myself. But for the first time I realize Jacob's grip wasn't as comforting as hers.


It has been three weeks since I had bothered to make contact with Rosalie. She had managed to shake the foundation of my life, my identity. I was in no place to face her again. I'm not a lesbian. I think I would have known a long time ago if I were. Still not convinced I close my eyes and try to imagine Alice. Alice was pretty, angelic face and features to match, but I felt nothing when I imagined her.

Feeling a little better, I tried to focus on my paperwork again. It was actually very light considering what it could be. But even as I tried my hardest the persistent question came to mind. It had made sense. I have never particularly enjoyed Jacob's touch. Was he too rough, or did I just not like it? If this were true, that places the reason for our separation on me. It would have never been Jacob's fault, but rather mine for leading him on.

I drop my pen in defeat.

I hated her for doing this to me.

I was interrupted by Alice's text; she had asked me if I was interested in going to the mall with her. Normally I hated long shopping trips but I figured it would be a useful distraction. I head home and quickly shower and towel dry my hair off deciding to wear a more natural look today.

My outfit was simple; just a pair of dark wash skinny jeans and form fitting black blouse. I finished the look with a pair of three inch heels. I apply simple touches of makeup to my face and tousled my hair one last time. Checking my phone I was pleased to find that I was actually running a little early.

I descend the stairs quickly and briskly walk to my car. Once in I peel out of the parking lot and begin my fifteen minute drive to Alice's house.

When I pull up in the driveway I notice another sleek black car parked there. I look at it quizzically for a moment. I know I had seen this car before but my memory is failing me. I look a while longer before I shake my head in defeat. I make the short walk to Alice's front door and knock twice. I don't have to wait long before the door swings open and I'm greeted by a blonde bombshell.

Wait. I haven't seen her since I blew up on her back at the office. Seeing her again was embarrassing to say the least.

"Rosalie?" I all but managed to stutter out. She was wearing designer jeans and a fitted red button up. Her golden locks were free and curled loosely at the bottom, and her makeup was light with a rose colored lipstick. And that smell. I find myself leaning forward slightly before I can stop myself.

Rosalie clears her throat which crashes me back to reality with a heavy blush to tote.

"Isabella," she greets while looking me up a few times. I recall briefly how I hated when people did this. However Rosalie's gaze makes me flattered. "You look great," she compliments before stepping outside completely. I nod dumbly in thanks, still not trusting my words. What could I possibly say? I admit that I am still pretty pissed, but seeing her again makes me want to forget all of that. I want to forgive her.

"I was just leaving actually, Alice and I were just discussing a few family trip ideas. It's our job to organize the vacation this year," she explains.

Alice suddenly appears at the door. "Oh Bella! I didn't even hear you knock." Alice and Rosalie share a look before she giggles and moves to lock the door. "I hope you're ready Bella I haven't been shopping in like a month." As Alice struggles to find the right key Rosalie clears her throat.

"I believe now is a good time to take my leave. Thank you for having me over Alice and Isabella," she pauses in thought. "I'm truly sorry. I hope you can forgive me. I hope to see you soon." She nods slightly in my direction with a small smile playing on her lips before she turns and heads to her car. Suddenly I am overwhelmed with the unexpected feeling of loss. The same feeling I had when Jacob was leaving me. But why? Jacob is my husband but Rosalie is just a therapist. I squeeze my eyes shut. Why can't I just hate her and move on with my life, she accused me of being a lesbian for Christ sakes!

I glance back at the blonde who is now currently sliding into her driver's seat. My heart begins to race and my palms start to sweat. I can hear Alice going on in the background but I can't focus on her. "Wait," I blurt out. Alice stops immediately and Rosalie looks up from fiddling to get the key in the ignition. At this moment I know I'm crazy, I have to be. No one in their right mind would even think about this. But I cannot shake the feeling that I need more from her.

"Can you come with us?" I ask unsure to the siblings. Alice looks surprised for only a split second before an award winning smile spreads across her face. "You're asking me if I want to spend the day with two people I love doing the thing I love the most? That's not really a question Bella my answer is obviously yes. You will come, right Rosie?" Alice jumps on the balls of her feet excitedly while doing her best to deliver the signature puppy dog eyes.

Rosalie looks at me quizzically before sighing softly. "As much as I would love to I really have to get caught up on paperwork. I've picked up two new clients this week and you know how my receptionist gets when I ask her to do paperwork."

Oddly enough I knew she was lying. Defeated I turned to head towards Alice's car but stopped in my tracks due to the look on her face. It was fiercely determined. Did she know about what happened? Wait, did she do this on purpose?

"Aw c'mon Rosie just take one day off. You're worse than even Bella was before the separation," Alice tries again.

Her words hit me hard and I physically flinch before I can stop it. Noticing my sudden discomfort Alice giggling ceases almost immediately and begins to apologize profusely. I wave them off because we both know she's right.

Alice seems troubled by my response but accepts it anyway. I clear my throat and redirect my attention to Rosalie who has silently been watching the entire interaction.

I can see the defeat beginning to settle across her features. "Alright, fine." She smirks before shutting her car door. "Last one to the mall is a rotten egg." To my astonishment Rosalie revs the engine and peels out the driveway going at least double the speed limit.

"That bitch!" Alice squeals and she makes a mad dash for her car. "Let's go Bella! We can't let her win or she'll never let me live this down!"

I think we made it to the mall in record time. I pry my white knuckles off the seat and open the door to step out with wobbly legs. Behind me Alice and Rosalie begin having a heated discussion on who parked first. I really regret not taking my own car here.

"Bella don't tell me you're going to be sick that was a leisurely stroll compared to what we usually do!"

"Aren't you supposed to be upholding the law?" I manage to croak out. I hear both Alice and Rosalie's laugh.

"No you goof my job is to find ways around it. Now come on! There's lots to see and things to buy!" Alice grabs me by the hand and begins to half drag me into the mall. I chuckle lightly before reclaiming my hand. "I can walk thank you." I quip.

Rosalie snorts to my right and I toss her a quizzical look. "Did you see what you looked like getting out of her vehicle? I thought I would have to carry you in," Rosalie explains through a light laugh that was quickly followed by Alice. I shoot her a mock glare before attempting to out walk them to the nearest store.

A few hours later and at least fifteen bags of clothing for Alice I was starting to get extremely worn out. Admittedly I am having a lot of fun hanging out with the two siblings. Rosalie was much different outside of her office. It amazed me how even when she was out and casually dressed she still managed to maintain the aura of regality.

Was it really ok to be hanging out with her like this? I was so angry at her, so why was it that as soon as I saw her again it just disappeared. Poof, gone.

"Hello earth to Bella?" Alice waves her hand in front of my face a few times. I blink back into reality. "Nice to have you back," she adds with giggle. "Bella you have to pick up at least one thing before we leave today! And don't you try to weasel your way out of this!"

I sigh heavily. I had already accepted my defeat long before arriving to the mall today. I purse my lips in thought while looking at the mall directory. I had no clue what I wanted to get. I have more than enough clothes...electronics? No I don't need that either. Perhaps a new pair of shoes could work.

"Oh!" I gasp out when my eyes fall upon a store. I turn to Alice and Rosalie who, at this point, where leveling me with curious glances. "New bathing suit," I explain. Summer was still a few months off but I might as well get it out of season before the prices shoot up.

We make the walk in relative silence for the five or so minute walk to the store. Once there I shoo off the sales associate and go about my search. Did I want a two piece or a one piece? Something strappy or something safe? I picked up a skimpy suit and examine it for a few seconds.

"I never would have imagined that would be the style you prefer." I jump slightly in surprise when I spot Rosalie approaching from a few feet away.

"I haven't really bought one in years because Jacob hated to see other men looking at me. 'You're too beautiful for anyone else's eyes but mine.'" I smile solemnly in remembrance.

"Hardly," Rosalie comments with a slight snort. "If anyone should be deciding where and how you show your body it should be you." I watch Rosalie's eyes do a quick sweep of my feature. A look that left me blushing and feeling oddly warm.

"I am very sorry about last meeting Isabella, I never intended to make you feel that way," Rosalie whispers. She was now within my personal space.

"I'm over it now," I mutter. "I'm sorry for exploding on you the way I did. You didn't deserve it you're only trying to help."

We locked glazes and there was that look again but instead of fading away it was growing with intensity with every second that passed. Rosalie reaches up and tucks a few strands behind my ear. Suddenly the mall didn't matter anymore, her gaze was smoldering. The warm feeling in my stomach dropped further until it settled between my legs.

Oh.

Oh.

I felt my mouth become instantly dry. This entire time that's what I was feeling, the feeling I recognized but couldn't remember; arousal. I was aroused by Rosalie fucking Hale.

"I-I have to go." I turn quickly on my heel and all but begin my sprint out the door. I fish my phone from my purse and call Jacob. Luckily he picks up on the first ring.

"I need you tonight," I breathe before he can properly answer. He's quiet on the other end of the line for a long moment. I turn around to find that Rosalie did not follow me out.

"Give me your location, I'll be there in a little."