A/N: I was so glad I could post this before Christmas! I didn't think I'd fit it in between shopping and wrapping and doing everything else that requires attention. So, here is my present to you all. Thanks so much for the reviews! I will not be posting until next Monday. I'll be spending this weekend with family and friends and will not have a computer, unfortunately. We like to shut them off to ensure quality 'family time'. Strange, I know but it really seems to work. So, hopefully this will hold off you hungry readers until Monday. Also, if this chapter seems like a filler chapter, it is and it isn't. It sets the pace for the next chapter while including some sentimental conversation and memories.
Enjoy!
Chapter 7- Visiting the Past
BPOV:
"Bella, this is of utter importance, I promise!"
I groaned and rolled the phone to my left ear, trying to concentrate on her rushed voice. It was difficult, considering I was still half asleep and she was talking faster than any normal human being could understand. Sometimes, I wondered if she was even human. Laughing internally at my thoughts, I shook my head and tried to focus on her words.
"My parents…anniversary party…this weekend…Edward…"
That was about all I got out of it.
"Can you go slower this time?"
She sighed, moved the phone around. "My parents are having their anniversary wedding. They've been married for-"
"Fifteen years, I know," I finished for her.
Alice huffed but continued. She didn't like to be interrupted. Ever. "And they want us to come down, along with some friends. We're to be the bridesmaids, along with one of my girlfriends. I also invited two others."
"Let me take a big, wild guess: Edward and the girl's…"
"Husband," she finished for me. "His name is Emmett and I think you two will like each other."
"I don't know Alice," I said, worried about what would happen if Edward and I were put too close together for too long. Sure, we'd had a nice lunch but that didn't mean every time I saw him would be nice. After tons of thought, I'd come to the conclusion that I was still unsure about him.
"Come on, Bells," Alice pleaded. "It's near Christmas and my parent's anniversary wedding. I want to give it to them. And you're like a second daughter."
"Where is it going to be?"
"Forks," Alice said as though I should have known. I sighed but knew I'd have to face my hometown eventually. "I know about the…situation there so I've made sure that he won't show up."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive," Alice beamed across the line, if one could beam over the phone. "Now, pack your bags because we leave in two days."
"Two days?" I sighed. "Is a week's notice really so much to ask for? I have to tell my boss."
"You work in retail," Alice seemed to state and chide at the same time. I waited for it. "It's not like they'll go crazy without you." Yep, that Alice was a keeper. I said my goodbyes and hung up with her, my mind reeling from what just happened.
I briefly wondered why she always called me so early to tell me unexpected things. Shrugging to no one, I lied back down and pulled the pillow over my eyes.
EPOV:
"So, this is for one of your friend's parents?"
"Alice is a good friend," Rosalie called to me from the living room. I had been hearing non-stop about Alice's parent's anniversary wedding. "We have to go."
I came, sliding my jacket on. "She's a good friend of mine too but that doesn't mean we have to intrude in her personal life."
"That's what good friends do," she replied.
I shot her a pointed look. "That explains you then."
She threw a pillow at me but I caught it and dropped it back down on the couch. I ignored her as I moved around the apartment searching for my wallet. Ever since I'd heard about the anniversary wedding, I'd been cautious. I liked Alice and considered us to be friends but it seemed a bit personal for me to go. I had the weekend off but it seemed strange. When I found my wallet, I made a victorious noise and walked back to Rose.
She didn't look up as she asked, "Where are you going?"
"Out," I said discreetly, hoping she'd leave me alone.
When she looked up, I knew she was in a prying mood. Wait, I take that back. Rose was always in a prying mood. "Are you going out with that Tanya girl?"
"No!"
"Good because from what I hear, things are getting good between you and Bella."
I rolled my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose. "Where do you hear this from? It was one lunch and she didn't even know it was with me. It had some better parts but mostly it was her chewing me out. I can do no good with this woman!"
I couldn't understand why it felt so good to say it.
"But you like her," Rose concluded.
I breathed; bit the inside of my cheek. "Where is your husband when I need him?"
"He'll be back soon," she answered before she went back to analyzing her nails. The woman seriously never let up but it was one of the many aspects I liked about her, even when I told her it was one of the ones I disliked the most.
"Are you just going to stand and stare or are you actually going to do something with your miserable life?"
"Always a charmer," I smiled and ducked when another pillow came flying my way. "I don't know why we didn't end up together."
"I know," she teased, pressing a hand to heart. "Forgive me for not falling in love with the irresistible Edward Cullen. As if, my friend."
"I'm not that bad," I grumbled and made my way towards the door. She just laughed and waved me off with a flick of her wrist. I rolled my eyes but left her alone in my apartment, which was probably not a safe thing to do but I wasn't in the mood to argue with her.
As I made my way towards the front gate, I opened my cell and dialed.
APOV:
"Bella, where are you?"
I stepped into Bella's apartment and looked around, both of my brows sky-high. It wasn't like her to go out on a Wednesday night but maybe she had changed her mind. I sighed and moved around the place, going to her bedroom first. I laughed when I saw her fast asleep on her bed. I was about to wake her up when her phone began to rang. I checked the caller id but it was unknown. Curiosity peaking, I answered it.
"Bella's phone, Alice speaking," I said into the cell.
"Alice?"
"Edward, nice of you to call," I smiled and pushed Bella. She woke up quickly, her eyes searching the room quickly before they landed on me, surprise filling them. I just smiled and waved, shoving the phone into her hand before she could fully wake up.
"Hello, who is this? What do you want?"
I heard a vague response before she rolled her eyes.
"How did you get this number?"
It was silent before Bella sighed and hung up the phone. I peered down at her as she snuggled back into her pillow. "You do realize it's nearly seven at night, right?"
"Yes."
I laughed and poked her until she sat up again. "Seriously, is he stalking me?" When my response was a short chuckle and hers was a glare, I shut up and looked around. "How did he get my number? Wait, why am I even asking?" She shot me a pointed look and I tried my best to look innocent. When her stare continued, I became uncomfortable and broke.
"Fine, I gave it to him," I admitted, shrugging when she groaned. "It's not like it's such a bad thing. How else was he going to talk to you again?"
"That was the point," she bitterly spoke.
I nudged her and changed subjects. "Well, maybe you'll have a better chance to get to know him at the anniversary wedding this weekend."
"So, he's only going because I am?"
I bit my lip and looked away guiltily. "Uh, he…doesn't know yet."
"Great," she deadpanned before she got off the bed and went towards the bathroom. "I've decided that you don't have to get me any Christmas presents."
I moved towards the door. "Why?"
"Because you give me enough surprises in one week to last me a lifetime," she said through the wooden door. I laughed when she opened it with a sour face.
"I'm thinking of changing my mind," she blurted out.
"Oh, no you're not. You're going and you're going to have fun and drink wine and enjoy the company of others."
"Says who?"
BPOV:
"I really dislike you right now," I said as Alice dragged me up the steps to her house in Forks. The short plane ride had been boring and even though Alice had made a list of all the positive points of the trip, I was still feeling the more negative points of it.
"Bella! Alice!"
I was suddenly enveloped in a tight hug. I tried to hug back but it was difficult when the air was being squeezed from you. I couldn't help but to laugh though. I'd always enjoyed visiting Alice's parents, not matter the circumstances. They were like my second family and I always had fun when I was at their house, despite my age. They were born entertainers.
"It's so good to see you," Esme exclaimed when she pulled away. Carlisle simply smiled, which spoke volumes if you knew the man well enough to pick apart the emotions on his face.
"I'm glad I could come and celebrate with you," I said as I turned to look at the car. Carlisle seemed to notice what I was looking at and went to help Jasper with the bags.
"Well, come in," Esme ushered, already pushing me and Alice towards the door. "Let the men handle the bags."
I nodded as she led us in. It still smelled the same as it did back in high school. The wallpaper was changed but the same furniture remained. There was also a piano in the back corner, the same one that Alice had tried to play but failed miserably. I still remembered her first day with her piano teacher. She'd worn a ball gown and when the teacher told her to remove it she threw a fit and decided she didn't like piano lessons or the piano itself. I myself had never been able to master it.
"So, when are your other guests arriving?"
Alice glanced down at her watch. "They should be here tonight. You remember Rose?"
"Ah, yes," Esme said, narrowing her eyes in remembrance. "I think I met her when we came down. She's the blonde, right dear?"
"Yep," Alice answered.
"How's everything going in the city?"
"Its fine," I answered before Alice could dish out the true facts. It had been fine but I was still on my own. I flashed a quick look at Alice and sighed. We didn't all get the fairytale life she had. Met her husband right when she moved there, had a wonderful job and many friends. I had been envious at times, but I got over it and realized that it didn't happen to everyone.
"How's school?"
"A little harder than I remember school here being," I joked and laughed when Esme gave a quick snort.
"You'll be done sooner than you think and having your anniversary wedding just like us," she said as she winked. I nodded but I tried not to think too much of it.
"I hope so," I commented, looking from Esme to Carlisle, who came through the door. When I had been younger, Esme and Carlisle had seemed like the perfect couple; they still did. I had wanted that and thought I had it in Jacob until I learned otherwise.
"Are you alright, Bella?"
I looked up to see Jasper leaning over me. I gave him a small grin. I don't know why but he seemed to always know when something was up with me or anyone really. He was the type of person you could talk to without feeling judged. He seemed to really listen. I looked over at Alice and her husband and smiled. They were perfect for each other.
"Well, let's get to your rooms before your friends get here," Esme announced as she began up the stairs. Alice naturally would take her own room, and I would most likely get the guest bedroom down the hall, as I always did. As Esme opened the door, I noticed that nothing had changed. Everything was still the same.
"I couldn't change anything," she commented as she walked in to join me. I looked around and knew what she meant by anything. Nothing was moved, not even a picture. "It seemed to preserve the younger years, don't you think?"
"Yeah, I think it does," I agreed.
She breathed a sad sigh. "I don't know when you kids grew up."
"I don't know when either," I said as I walked around the room to pat the bed. Even the sheets were the same, I mused.
"I better go down and start dinner," she said and I nodded, watching her leave the old room. I didn't realize how many memories this house carried until I was actually in it. It would be a busy weekend that was for sure.
Then I thought of Edward's soon to be presence and realized that it would also be a difficult one as well.
-
So, did you like it? Sorry if it was a bit boring but I didn't want to add too much and make it overstuffed. However, I tried to include a bit of the sentimental so you get a feel for the next chapter, which will be very interesting! I'm excited to finish it. I'm almost done with it but, being the evil author I am, I'm making you guys wait until after the holidays. Now, I have to go pack and find a way to fit all of the presents into my tiny car. Yes, I have that many.
Merry Christmas everyone!
With love ;)
