Forget Me Not

Chapter 7 – Halloween, funeral and fights

BPOV

The next week went by quickly. All eight of us hung out more and there was less drama at school.

"Come on!" Edward complained. "Why do I have to wait until the party tomorrow?" he pouted.

"Because Alice will kill me if I tell you what my costume is!" I laughed.

"We don't have to tell her," he grinned.

"No, Edward. You have to wait!" I jokingly scolded.

"Fine," he pouted as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"You are such a baby!" I laughed. He stuck his tongue out at me and I stuck mine out at him in return. He got up from where he was lying on my bed and came over to me.

"I'm not a baby," he smiled.

"Are too. You were just acting like a two year old!" I laughed. He started poking my sides playfully and tickling me. I fell to the ground laughing. He continued tickling me. "Stop! Edward!" I laughed. "I can't breathe!"

"Say it! Say I'm not a baby," he chuckled.

"No!"

"I won't stop until you do!"

"Fine! Fine! You aren't a baby!" I choked out between laughs.

"Thank you," he smiled. He helped me up and then kissed me. I smiled against his lips before returning the kiss.

"Hey, Bells," Charlie said as he came in. I pulled away from Edward and looked at my dad.

"Yeah, dad?" I asked.

"It's time for Edward to head home," he said. "You'll see him tomorrow, I'm sure."

"Okay," I said. He closed my door again and I turned around to face Edward again.

"I'll see you tomorrow," I smiled. He leaned down and kissed me goodnight.

"Can't wait," he winked before turning and going out my window. I turned on my bedside lamp and my ceiling light off. I went over to my closet and grabbed a camisole and some shorts and changed. After that I climbing into bed and turning my lamp off.

The next morning I woke up to tapping on my window. I motioned for them to come in.

"Good afternoon, Bella!" Alice chirped.

"What time is it?" I mumbled into my pillow.

"Almost two."

"Why are you waking me up so early?"

"Early? Bella, I was up at ten."

"I'm not you."

"Now, come on, get your lazy ass up!" she laughed.

"Five more minutes." Alice got on the bed and started jumping. "Alright! I'm up!" I groaned. I sat up and cracked my back. I stood up and looked at her. "So why are you waking me up at two?" I asked.

"Well Rose is going to be here any second and we are going to start getting ready and hang out until six. That's when the party starts and my house is fully prepared," she smiled.

"I grabbed my costume out of my closet and closed my blinds so that Edward couldn't see what we were doing.

Rose knocked on my door before coming in.

"Hey girls!" she said.

"Hey Rose," Alice and I said.

We went into my bathroom and started doing our hair and make-up.

Alice put my hair up in a high ponytail and put a thick headband in my hair. Rose used a deep blue eyeliner and mascara for my make-up. Then they started working on their own hair and make-up. Alice and Rose put their wigs on and made it look as natural as they could. They used wash-out dye to change the color of their eyebrows to match the wigs. When they finished we put on our costumes.

"Bella put this on! Edward can't see you until other people come to my house," Rose said as she threw a jacket at me. I put it on over Edward's jersey and we headed downstairs.

"Bye dad! I'll see you tomorrow," I called.

"Bye, baby girl," he called back. We walked across the grass to Alice's house and walked in. I was taken aback by the decorations. Their house was totally transformed into a house that you would see in a horror movie.

"Edward, Emmett, Jasper!" Alice called. The three guys came downstairs in their costumes. Emmett was dressed up as Eminem, Jasper was a cowboy and Edward was dressed as Clark Kent.

Edward came over to me and kissed me briefly.

"Hey you," he smiled.

"Hey Superman," I smiled in return. He looked down to see what I was wearing but saw my jacket.

"This is the costume that you had me wait a week and a half to look at?" he asked.

"Nope. My costume is underneath the jacket," I laughed. He shook his head with a smile on his face before leaning down to kiss me again. I rested my hands on his shoulders and he rested his on my waist. I felt him move one of his hands from my waist and start to pull down my zipper.

"Edward," I warned. He didn't stop. I smacked his hand and quickly pulled up the zipper so he couldn't see.

"Bella-a-a," he whined.

"Edward! Stop being a baby!" Alice scolded. "You can see her costume when people get here!" Edward sighed.

"Fine," he said.

"Told you that you were a baby," I said as I stuck my tongue out at him. Edward rolled his eyes at me and chuckled.

About five minutes later people started piling through the front door into the house. Alice turned on some music and party lights.

"Bella, you can take your jacket off now," Alice said as she walked passed me. I took it off and put it on the couch.

"Is that my jersey?" Edward smiled when I turned around.

"Yeah, I hope you don't mind. Alice gave it to me," I shrugged.

"So you're a football player?"

"More like your number one fan," I laughed.

"I love it and I would never mind you wearing my clothes," he said as he picked me up and kissed me. Edward put me down and held my hand as we went over to talk to some of our friends.

"Hey, guys!" Angela said as we came up to her and Ben.

"Hey," we said.

"Great party, Edward," Ben said.

"Thanks, but you should really be telling that to Alice. She didn't tell me about it until yesterday," he said.

"But you knew about it because I told you last week," I laughed.

"Yeah, but I didn't help at all."

"I'm going to go get us some drinks," Ben said to Angela.

"I'll come too," Edward offered. "Be right back," he said as he kissed my cheek.

"Wow, Bells. You have him pretty whipped. I've never seen him act like that," Angela laughed.

"What do you mean?"

"He used to never be that sweet. He is a whole new Edward Cullen since you came back."

"What can I say? I have that affect on people," I laughed. "But he's not whipped," I said.

"Sure," she complied. "So I haven't talked to you outside of school in a while. How have things been?" she asked.

"They've been good. Well, besides the fact that now that Edward and I are dating Charlie has been on my ass with the whole 'sex talk' charade," I said as I shook my head.

"My dad was like that too when Ben and I started dating. He would always say 'you are too young to have sex, stay my baby girl forever' and shit like that," she laughed.

"Yeah, he called me 'baby girl' today which, I'm guessing, is because I'm over here," I laughed.

"Dads; they can be so ridiculous at times!"

"Yeah, but he means well. He's just glad that I'm here and he wants to keep it that way. He has it stuck in his head that if things end badly between Edward and me that I'll move back to Phoenix."

"Is that true?" she asked.

"I don't know. I want to go to college out here so I don't think that I'll move back to Phoenix."

"Do you know who that new kid is? I think his name is Embry Call. He moved here from Phoenix so I thought that I'd ask."

"Unfortunately, I do. He moved here because I'm here. He's my ex."

"Oh, I see. Isn't that kind of, I don't know, stalker-ish?" she asked.

"Yeah, pretty much. He doesn't like that I have a new boyfriend," I rolled my eyes.

"I don't have that problem," she smiled.

"Lucky," I retorted with a smile.

"Hey," Edward said before kissing my cheek. He handed me a glass with punch in it.

"Hey," I said before taking a sip. "Thanks," I smiled.

"You're welcome." Edward and I made our way around the party and talked to different people we knew from school. Edward talked to some of his football friends and I went to go hang out with Alice and Rosalie.

"Al, this party is sick," I said above the music.

"I know right?" she laughed. The song Thriller by Michael Jackson was playing.

"Hey, Bella," I heard Embry's voice. I groaned and turned around.

"What do you want?" I asked. Embry was dressed up as the Joker.

"I wanted to see you."

"Alright, let me say this so you understand. I, Bella Swan, have a boyfriend, Edward Cullen. You, Embry Call, are not my boyfriend."

"I know that Bella. But I was thinking maybe I could change your mind about dating Cullen if we go somewhere more secluded. You know, I could romance you up good."

"Go away, Embry."

"The only place I'm going is the closest bedroom with you," he said as the song changed. My eyes went wide and I looked around at everyone staring. Edward came over to us as the next song started playing.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" he asked Embry.

"No one right now, but if you go away, I'll be doing Bella."

"Oh, you mean my girlfriend Bella? Sorry but I already give her the pleasure she needs."

"You wouldn't know how to pleasure her if you read a book on it!"

"Leave, now," Edward said sternly.

"Or what?" Embry said as he shoved Edward. Edward's hands curled into fists.

"Edward, don't," I said. "He's not worth it."

"Hey, Cullen, maybe you should go back to that Tanya chick and leave Bella to me."

"Why don't you go home, Embry? You know, to Phoenix?" Edward asked.

"Because I want to be here for Bella. If you hold up to your reputation you'll dump her quickly."

"What reputation?"

"Don't tell me that you honestly don't know about your reputation of dating girls and then getting bored with them so you dump them."

"I don't have that reputation."

"Actually, Eddie-boy, you kind of do," he said with a smug smile.

"Edward, come on, let's go somewhere else," I said. Edward put his arm around my shoulder and we started walking away.

"Don't touch Bella," Embry said as he grabbed Edward's shoulder.

"Get off of me, dude!" Edward said as he brushed Embry's hand off of him. "Just go home Embry. You're making an ass of yourself." Edward came back over to me and we walked off to talk to other people, leaving Embry standing there angrily.

What seemed like not too much longer everyone started heading home in the groups that they came in.

Edward and I headed up to his room for the night.

"Are you sure you're okay with me staying the night?" I asked.

"Bella, I'm more than okay with it," he laughed. I laid down on his bed and he joined me.

"Did you have fun?" he asked.

"Yeah, I had a lot of fun."

"Me too," he smiled as he kissed me. This kiss was more heated than normal. When we broke apart for air he moved his lips to my neck. I tilted my head so that he had better access. He moved his lips down to the exposed part of my stomach. He nipped and licked at my skin.

"Edward," I laughed.

"Yes?" he mumbled.

"What are you doing?"

"Kissing you…?" I lifted his head back up to mine and he captured my lips in his. When we pulled apart I laid my head on his chest and he held me in his arms.

"Bella, Bella, wake up," Edward mumbled sleepily. I heard my ringtone faintly. "Bella, your phone is going off." I groaned and answered my phone.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Bella? It's me," Jess's gloomy voice rang through the phone.

"Jess, what's wrong?" I asked sitting up.

"It's Michael, Bells," she said and her voice cracked. Michael Welch was Jessica's boyfriend and my first friend in Phoenix. "He got into a car accident."

"Is he okay?" I asked hesitantly.

"No," she cried. "He died on the way to the hospital," she ended with sobs.

"Oh my gosh, Jess!" I said as tears welled up in my eyes. "I'm getting the next plane ticket that I can there and I'll be down there soon, okay?" I asked as I wiped my eyes and controlled my shaky voice. Edward sat up and started rubbing my back.

"Okay, I'll see you later," Jess sobbed as she hung up the phone. I closed my phone and leaned my head on Edward's shoulder.

"Are you okay?" he asked as he kissed my forehead. I nodded. "Would you mind telling me why you're crying then?" he asked.

"My friend Michael just died," I whispered.

"I'm so sorry," he whispered.

"It's fine. I-I've got to go home and get a plane ticket. I'll talk to you later," I said as I got up.

"If you need someone to talk to I'm always here and so is Alice," he said as he kissed my forehead.

"Thanks," I said weakly. I climbed out of his window and into mine. I went downstairs and into the living room where my dad was. "Hey, dad?"

"Yeah Bells?" he asked.

"I need a plane ticket to Phoenix."

"What? Why?" he asked.

"My friend just died. I'm going back for his funeral," I said, my voice cracking every few words.

"Oh, baby girl, I'm sorry," he sympathized. He went over to the computer and went online. He booked my flight for eight o'clock tonight.

"Go pack, I'll have to see if I can go into the station late today," he grumbled.

"I can find someone else to drive me, its fine dad. Just go to work. I'll see you in a few days."

"Okay, be safe, sweetie," he said as he gave me my boarding pass and ticket information.

"Bye dad, and always," I winked. I went up to my room and packed a bag with clothes before climbing over to Edward's window. He was asleep on his bed. I looked at the clock. It said noon. I climbed in bed with him. He smiled and wrapped his arms around me. I laid my head on his chest and held onto his arm.

"Back so soon?" he joked.

"Yeah, I came to ask you a favor but now I just want to sleep," I giggled.

"What is the favor?"

"Would you mind driving me to the airport to catch an eight o'clock flight?"

"Sure," he said. "What time is it?" he asked.

"Noon."

"Wake me up at four and we'll leave," he mumbled.

"Alright," I said. I set my alarm for four and closed my eyes. I heard my alarm go off and I turned it off.

"Edward," I mumbled. "Edward, wake up," I said as I shook his shoulder.

"I'm up, I'm up," he groaned. He sat up and stretched. "Ready to leave?" he yawned.

"Yeah, I guess." We got up and I went back to my room to get my suitcase before going to Edward's Volvo. We drove to the airport and I boarded my luggage. Edward walked to the security line with me.

"I can't go through security. I'll see you in a few days," he said as he hugged me.

"I'll call you later today," I said as we broke apart.

"Can't wait," he smiled. Soon after that it left and I landed in Phoenix, Arizona a few hours later.

I got off of my plane and texted Edward, telling him that I had landed. I went to baggage and saw Jess. I ran over to her and hugged her.

"Jess, I'm so sorry," I said as tears fell down my cheeks.

"I still can't believe he's gone," she sobbed.

"I know, sweetie, I know," I said as I rubbed her back. When we started attracting glances from the people passing by us we decided it was time to go get my luggage. We walked out to her car and drove to her house.

"Does your mom know that you're here?" she asked.

"No, not yet. I'll tell her later though."

"How long are you staying?"

"Well, I was thinking that I would stay at your house tonight and go to the funeral with you tomorrow and then stay at my mom's house for the remainder of my stay. She'll be upset if I don't come see her while I'm in."

"Okay that sounds good to me," Jess said. "And Bells?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks. I know that you must have had plans and that you ditched the person you were in bed with for me."

"Wait, how did you know that I was in bed with someone?" I asked.

"Because I heard the bed sheets and I know that it wasn't you because you had already sat up, from what I heard. So who was the guy that got lucky on Halloween Night?" she smiled.

"No one got lucky, Jess," I laughed. "But it was Edward."

"I thought you two broke up," she said as she furrowed her eyebrows.

"We did, but we got back together almost two weeks ago."

"And I'm just hearing about it now? B!" she said shocked.

"I know, I'm sorry. You haven't called me B in a long time. Why start back up now?" I said confused.

"It just slipped, sorry," she muttered.

"Jess," I laughed. "I don't mind. It's just you haven't called me that since like junior high."

"I know," she laughed.

"So what are your plans for today?" I asked.

"We could go to the beach," she said.

"That sounds like fun. I can't really go to the beach this time of year in Forks and expect to get a tan," I laughed.

"I have yet to meet your family there and your friends," she said.

"Come visit me sometime and you'll meet them. I can't exactly bring all of my friends and family to Phoenix."

"I wasn't expecting you to," she laughed. "I'll have to take you up on that offer. I'll come up there over Christmas break or something."

"That sounds good. Just let us know before you come so we can have time to get ready."

"Alright," she said as she pulled into her driveway. I got my luggage out of the back of her car and followed Jess inside. We changed into our swim suits and headed to the beach.

I texted Edward and talked to Jess the whole way.

Edward: how's the warm weather?

Bella: amazing. Jess and I are going to the beach.

"Tell Edward I say hello," Jess said.

Edward: I'm stuck at home doing chores.

Bella: awe, poor baby. Lol. Jess says hello.

Edward: Tell her I say hello. And I don't appreciate your mockery.

Bella: you don't have to.

"Edward says hello," I told Jess. Jess pulled up to the beach and parked. When we got out I snapped a picture of us on her phone and sent it to Edward.

Edward: I think I have my new background for my phone.

Bella: good to know haha. I'll talk to you later. Can't really text while swimming.

Edward: alright, bye.

I turned my phone off and left it in Jess's car. Jess and I took our towels and laid them out on the sand before lying on them.

"Bella, what happened to your stomach?"

"What do you mean? The bruising cleared up," I muttered. I looked down at my stomach and I had three distinct hickeys from Edward. "He is so-o-o lucky that I didn't find this until now."

"Wait…are those hickeys from Edward?" she laughed.

"Can I borrow your car keys? I need to go make a phone call."

"Yeah, here," she said. I stalked over to Jess's car, grabbed my phone and walked back to our towels. I turned my phone on and dialed Edward's number and pressed send. After two rings he answered.

"Done at the beach so soon?" he teased.

"No, but I do have three marks from you on my stomach," I said sourly.

"What do you mean?" he said using a fake innocent voice.

"Don't you give me that," I said. "You gave me three hickeys on my stomach and you are so lucky that I didn't find them before I came down here."

"You enjoyed getting them and you know it," he chuckled.

"Yeah, but now it looks like I've been beat up," I whined.

"Or maybe just think that you have an amazing boyfriend," he teased.

"Goodbye, Edward," I laughed.

"Bye, baby," he said and my heart fluttered as I shut my phone.

"What did he say?" Jess asked.

"He was like 'what do you mean?' and 'you know you enjoyed it,' and 'people will think you have an amazing boyfriend.'"

"He's the one with the big ego, right?" she laughed.

"Yep, that's him," I shook my head with a smile. "I remember when we would always come down here and do our homework after school," I smiled.

"Yeah, I miss that. It's not the same now that you're not here. Michael and I would still come down here but it wasn't the same."

"I just do my homework in my room now," I sighed. "And instead of sitting on my porch swing and listening to music, like I did here, I sit on my roof and listen to music in Forks."

"Nothing's the same anymore, Bells," Jess sighed.

"I know. But things will get better."

"You moved, Michael…Michael died, I'm losing everyone," she said as tears fell down her cheeks.

"Jess, you're not losing everyone. I have only lived in Forks for maybe a month or two. I've come back to visit twice all ready," I said reassuringly. "You can come visit me too. And hey, we graduate at the end of the year. You can come to Washington for college. Sure Forks is small, but hey, it's better than being lonely."

"I got accepted to University of Phoenix. I got a full scholarship for volleyball, too."

"Jess, that's great!" I said.

"Yeah, and we were supposed to go together and be roommates but you went all Washington on my ass!" she said unhappily.

"I'm sorry, Jess. Really I am. I just can't make my dad lose me again until after college," I said. "It's not like because I'm in a different state we can't still be friends," I pointed out.

"Yeah, I know. But it definitely complicates things," she sighed. "It's getting late and I'm emotionally and physically exhausted. Let's go crash at my house."

"Okay," I said. We packed up our things and headed back to Jess's house. When we got there we changed into our pajamas and crawled into her bed.

"Is it okay if I make a quick phone call? I can go out onto your fire escape if you would like."

"I don't mind," she mumbled. I picked up my phone and dialed Edward's number.

"Hello?" he answered after a few rings.

"I just called to say that I'm going to bed and I think I'll be home Tuesday."

"Alright, baby, sleep well."

"I will, sweet dreams." I hung up the phone then plugged it into the charger. I climbed into bed with Jess and fell asleep.

"Bella, Michael's funeral is in two hours. Wake up," Jess said as she threw a pillow at me.

"Alright, I'm up," I said. I got out of bed and took a quick shower in Jess's bathroom. She sat on the counter while I was in the shower.

"I'm not ready for this," she said just loud enough for me to hear.

"Jess, I'll be there for you. All of our friends will be there. I know how hard this is but he's in a better place now," I tried helping.

"I know, Bells, but I can't let go."

"Michael loved you, did he not?"

"Yes," she said quietly.

"Then he wouldn't want you to be sad. He would want you to remember all the good times that you two spent together. He would want you to realize that he is with you every second of everyday now, just not in the same way. He is with you in your heart and your mind."

"Thanks, Bells," she said with a smile in her voice. I turned off the water and Jess handed me a towel. I wrapped it around my body and stepped out of the shower. I pulled my panties up under the towel and turned to face away from Jess as I put on my strapless black bra.

"So are you and Edward in love?" Jessica asked.

"I love him, yes, but I'm not in love with him, if that makes sense."

"Yeah, you love him like you love me," she grinned.

"Yes, exactly," I laughed. I looked in the mirror and sighed when I saw my stomach. "My stomach just cleared up from that beating I took too," I laughed.

"I think it's cute," Jess laughed. I rolled my eyes. I picked up my black strapless dress that I was wearing to the funeral and put it on. Jess did my hair while I did my make-up. Next I did Jess's hair while she did her make-up. Jess had on a black dress and the necklace that Michael gave her for their one year anniversary.

"Ready?" she asked.

"Yeah, let's go," I said. We got into her car and drove to the church. Jess and I sat in a front pew and she started crying when she saw them bring up the closed casket. I rubbed her arm soothingly as she watched the men walk the casket up. The priest started preaching.

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls; we are gathered here today to mourn the loss of a great friend, brother, and son. As much as it may pain all of us, God has chosen this boy to join him in Heaven. Michael left behind his mother and father, his brother and sister, his friends and his girlfriend. Most importantly, though, he left behind his love for all of us. He left behind what mattered most to him." Jessica cried on my shoulder as the priest continued. After the priest finished, Mrs. Welch went up to speak.

"My Mikey was never the guy to give up. I'm sure Jess knows that. I believe he asked her out about five times before she said yes," Mrs. Welch laughed through her tears. Jess nodded and laughed along with her. "You never saw Mike without a smile. When he was sick, sad, happy. Everything life threw towards him, he took it with pride. So when the police came to my house that afternoon," she said and then paused to stifle a sob. "And told me that my Mikey was killed by a drunk driver on his way home from Jess's, I didn't know what to do. I felt like my life was being shattered. When the police left, the hard part came. Telling my husband and my seven and nine year old children that Mikey was gone." There was a long pause as Mrs. Welch controlled her crying. "Jess, sweetie, why don't you come up and talk about Mike. I know you two had a great time together and that he loved you very much."

Jess took a deep breath and went up to the microphone. She hugged Mrs. Welch for a minute before clearing her throat to speak.

"Hi everyone, I'm Jessica Stanley and I was Michael's girlfriend of a year and eight months," she said weakly. "I was head over heels in love with him. We spent as much time together as we could. We did things from walking on the beach to studying together. He was the sweetest guy I have ever met and I don't understand why he was taken from all of us. His life was just beginning and a drunk driver took that away from him. The pain I'm experiencing isn't heartbreak, no one broke my heart. What I'm feeling is loss, like a child when they lose their favorite stuffed animal. There is a whole in my chest where my heart should be because Michael took it with him. He has my heart and always will. I find myself hoping for this all to be a dream. A sick, twisted nightmare. The only problem is, no matter how many times I pinch my arm I don't wake up.

"Michael was the kind of guy that wouldn't want people to mourn him. He would want people to remember him for who he was. He always told me 'when I grow old with you and I die, I don't want you to be sad. I want you to be happy. I want your first thought to be thank god that son of a bitch is dead.' And every time he told me that I would laugh and brush it off like it was no big deal. Now that he's gone, I can't get myself to think that. All I think is why? Why him? Why does this have to happen to such a sweet and loving guy?

"Mike always smiled, as Mrs. Welch said. He never went without smiling. He lived life to its fullest and didn't regret anything. I think that we could all benefit by living the way Mike did. Live like Mike. Live life to the fullest, smile as often as you can, but most importantly, love with all your heart. Thanks," she said as she got off the podium and everyone started clapping. She came and sat by me and cried on my shoulder. The mass ended shortly after that and we went to the cemetery where Michael was being buried.

After they lowered Michael into his grave Jess and I went back to her car. I drove back to her house because she was crying too hard.

When we got to Jess's house I went upstairs and packed my stuff.

"Thanks for letting me crash here. Call me if you want to talk. Or text me, it doesn't matter."

"Okay, thanks for staying and being here for me," she said as she hugged me. I walked outside and called Edward before starting to walk to mile to my house.

"Hey, baby," Edward answered the phone.

"Hey," I said. "What are you up to?"

"Nothing just got home from hanging out with Em and Jazz. How about you?"

"Walking to my mom's house."

"Walking?" he asked.

"Yeah, Jess was exhausted from all of her crying and my mom doesn't know that I'm in Phoenix, so I'm walking to surprise her."

"That sounds like fun," he said and I could hear the smile in his voice. "How was the funeral?"

"It was…sad. Jess made a huge speech off the top of her head but other than that, not too eventful."

"Sounds…sad?" he said.

"Yeah, but anyway. I just wanted to call you because I haven't heard your voice at all today. I'm just walking up to my mom's house now so I'll talk to you later," I said.

"Okay, miss you, bye."

"Miss you too." I hung up my phone and walked inside.

"Mom? Phil?" I called.

"Bella?!" my mom said as she came into the hallway. "When did you get here?" she asked as she hugged me.

"Yesterday."

"Well, where were you last night then?"

"Jess's house. And today I was at Michael Welch's funeral."

"Oh, I heard about that. I'm so sorry sweetie. I know he was a good friend of yours."

"I know, and it's fine. I'm trying not to get too upset over it; it's not what he would have wanted."

"Good for you, sweetie. How long are you staying?" she asked.

"Well, I may go home today because now that I think about it, I can't really miss anymore school. My original plan was to go home on Tuesday though."

"Well, whenever you want, I can get you a plane ticket."

"I'm just going to go home today."

"Alright, sweetie. Oh! I and have some very important news to share with you!" she said happily.

"Oh god, please don't tell me you're pregnant!"

"No, silly! Phil and I are moving to Jacksonville!" she said happily.

"Jacksonville?"

"Florida, dear."

"You're moving all the way to Florida! Why?"

"Phil got an amazing offer for baseball that we couldn't pass up. This could be his big shot!"

"That's so far away though!"

"I know but sweetie, you can still come visit us."

"I know that, but what about Jess? Dad probably won't let me come visit her at all this year now!" I looked around and I noticed boxes sitting on the floor and some furniture was missing from the living room.

"Bella, you're being selfish. You'll be moving out of your dad's house in less than a year and you'll be coming back here for college, I'm sure."

"No mom, I applied to go to college in Washington."

"I don't see what you like about Washington. It's nothing special."

"Its home though. It's where I feel most at home."

"Well, then, stop complaining."

"I'm not complaining, I'm just saying, Jess and I were talking today and she hates that she's losing all of her friends." My mom went over to her computer and got me a flight for six tonight. I looked at the clock and it was already two thirty.

"Come on mom, I have to go." My mom grabbed her car keys and we drove to the airport.

"Come visit us in Jacksonville anytime, sweetie," my mom said as she hugged me.

"Alright, love you," I said before walking through security. After I passed through I pulled out my cell phone.

"Hello?" Edward answered.

"Hey, I'm coming home."

"Why? I thought that you were coming home Tuesday," he said confused.

"I really shouldn't miss anymore school," I said.

"Okay, would you like me to pick you up at the airport?"

"If you wouldn't mind."

"I never mind when it comes to you," he said sweetly.

"Calling all passengers to board for flight number three six four oh," said the announcer.

"I have to go; I'll see you in a few hours."

"Bye, have a safe flight." I hung up the phone and turned it off before boarding my plane. The plane took off moments later and I was on my way home.

When my plane landed I got off of the plane and went through security and made my way to baggage. When I got to baggage I saw the green eyed boy I left behind yesterday. I ran up to him and he lifted me into his arms. I wrapped my legs around his waist and kissed him fiercely.

"I missed you so much," he mumbled against my lips.

"I missed you too!"

"Come on, let's get you home; you're probably exhausted."

"More than you know," I said as he let me down. We walked to his Volvo and drove home in silence. I closed my eyes and rested while we were in the car. I felt my body get lifted from the car soon after. I held onto Edward's neck as he carried me up to my room. He laid me down before kissing my forehead.

"Goodnight," he whispered.

"Night," I mumbled. He left my room and I drifted back to a peaceful sleep.

The next morning I woke up and went downstairs to get breakfast.

"Hey, Bells," Emmett said as he came down the stairs.

"Morning," I said. I grabbed a granola bar before going back up to my room and turning on music. The song was Vanilla Twilight by Owl City. I went over to my closet and pulled out a royal blue v-neck long sleeved shirt and some skinny jeans. I put on my Converse and went downstairs and went to school with Emmett.

"BELLA!" Alice called as I walked over to her at school. I walked over to her quickly and hugged her tightly. "I missed you!" she said.

"I missed you too, Al!"

"You have to tell me all about it!"

"I'll tell you after school or at lunch, okay?" I laughed.

"Yeah." Alice and I walked over to Rose and we walked to English class.

"Where's Edward?" I asked, realizing that I hadn't seen him this morning.

"He is finishing his homework this morning. He's skipping first period but he'll be here for the remainder of the day," Alice explained.

"Oh, okay."

"Class, listen up," Mr. Molina called us to attention. "I want everyone to get up because I have a new seating chart." Mr. Molina went down the rows of desks calling out our names and pointing to our desks. "Swan," he said as he pointed to my desk. "Denali, Cullen, Newton, Hale, Call." Fuck, I thought. I have to sit by Tanya. What a great few weeks this will be! I sarcastically thought to myself. I put my stuff down and took my seat.

Tanya thankfully didn't say a word to me.

"Alright now, people," my teacher said. "You will be working with the people sitting next to you. That means you, Miss Swan, will be working with Miss Denali. That means that any projects we have coming up you two will have to put aside any petty little disputes and show some teamwork. Understood?" he asked as he eyed the both of us.

"Understood," we muttered. After class let out I was met outside the building by Edward.

"Hey, Bells," he said as he hugged me.

"Hey, skipper," I smiled.

"Snorer," he retorted.

"Not funny!" I laughed.

"Then why are you laughing?" he smiled. He leaned down and kissed me sweetly. When we pulled apart he snaked his arm around my waist and he walked me to my next class. Math.

The next few hours went by in a blur and the next thing I knew it was lunch. Edward and I walked to lunch hand in hand and sat down at our usual table. Alice walked in moments later and sat across from me.

"Spill," she said.

"You don't waste any time do you?" I laughed.

"What are you spilling exactly?" Edward asked.

"Alice wants to know how Phoenix was."

"Oh, okay, carry on."

"Thanks for your gracing," I laughed. "Well, Phoenix was okay, I guess. Well, besides for me kind of fighting with my mom and the funeral, it was good."

"You fought with your mom?"

"Yeah, she's moving to Florida and I feel like she's only leaving because it will help Phil in the long run of his career."

"Oh, that sucks."

"Yeah, and Jess says that I went all 'Washington' on her. She thinks she's losing me as a friend and my mom moving does not help the situation."

"Tell Jess to go to college up here."

"She's an Arizona girl. And a city girl. She would go crazy here within a week, no doubt."

"That's probably true," Alice laughed. Edward put his hand on my inner thigh under the table and my breathing hitched and he smiled.

"Bella what's wrong?" Alice asked.

"Nothing," I said with a smile. "Just a cramp."

"Sure," Alice rolled her eyes.

"What? You don't believe me?"

"Nope. By the way Edward's smiling he made you breath like that." I held up my hands to let her know that I was innocent.

When the bell rang signaling that it was time for the last class of the day we got up. Edward snaked his arm around me and put his hand in my back pocket. He's very touchy today, I thought.

"I'll see you later, Bells," Alice said as she walked off to her building.

"Bye Al!" I called. When she was out of hearing distance I smacked Edward lightly in the stomach. "You ass!" I laughed.

"What did I do?" he asked innocently.

"You know what you did. That thing at lunch was not cool at all," I laughed.

"But you liked it," he smiled as we stopped at the gym building. He leaned down and kissed me. This kiss wasn't as sweet as before, more hungry and wanting.

"Edward," I smiled against his lips. "You're going to be late."

"Skip with me then," he said as he devoured my lips again.

"Swan! Cullen! Get to class!" the coach yelled.

"I have to go," I said as he pulled away.

"No you don't."

"Yeah, I do. As much as I would like to stay here, I have to. I'll see you after school, I promise," I smiled as I leaned up and kissed him again. When we pulled apart he turned and walked to class.

In gym we were divided into two teams for volleyball. I unfortunately was stuck in front of Tanya while she served. I soon after was hit in the head with the volleyball. I turned around and walked over to her.

"Do you really want to start shit with me?" I asked.

"Why whatever do you mean?" she said as she pushed me.

"I will screw up your nose so bad you'll need a nose job," I threatened as I curled my hands into fists.

"You wouldn't have the guts," she said as she kicked my leg. It hurt but I didn't let that stop me from pulling my arm back and punching her square in the nose. The next thing a saw was blood and Tanya on the floor.

"Oops," I said in a fake innocent voice.

"Swan! Denali! What the hell is going on?" coach yelled.

"Bella punched Tanya!" a girl said. Everyone quickly agreed.

"What? She kicked me first!" I defended.

"No, that's not what happened. Tanya didn't do anything. The ball hit Bella and she punched Tanya," a girl named Victoria said.

"Swan –," coach started but I interrupted him.

"I know, I know. I'm on my way," I said as I went to the locker room to change. Once I changed I went to the principal's office.

"Miss Swan, I am seeing you quite often, don't you think?" the principal said.

"Sorry?"

"I told you that the next time this happened that I would have to suspend you. So I'm sorry, Miss Swan, but you're suspended for the next day. You can skip the rest of class and wait for your ride home to take you there."

"Fine," I said. "But if Tanya wasn't such a lying bitch I wouldn't be suspended, now would I?" I said.

"That is enough Miss Swan!" I walked out after that. I sat on a bench and seethed. The bell rang to signal the end of school. Edward came over to me and sat on the bench next to me.

"What's got you so angry?" he asked as he held my hand in both of his.

"I'm suspended," I grumbled.

"What?" he asked, shock clear in his voice.

"I punched Tanya in the face and now I'm suspended."

"Why did you punch her?" he asked. I sighed.

"Well, Tanya hit me in the head with the volleyball so I went up to her and asked if she really wanted to start shit with me. She pulled this whole innocent 'I don't know what you mean' act and pushed me. I told her that I would punch her hard enough that she would need a nose job and she told me that I wouldn't have the guts and pushed me again so I punched her. And all of the bitches in my gym class said that Tanya was innocent and that I started it."

"Did you tell this to the principal?"

"No, what's the use? I'm suspended, whatever. It's nothing new to me."

"Come on, let's get you home before you get in more trouble," he said as he helped me up.

"Yeah, Bella. Go home and don't come back," Lauren spat. "Because of you Tanya has a broken nose."

"She deserves that broken nose," I said as I turned around to face Lauren.

"Wow, Bella. Lose the attitude," she said snidely. "You don't put it to good use anyways."

"Do you really want to test me?" I asked.

"You really don't want a repeat of homecoming do you?" she asked.

"Homecoming? What?" Edward asked.

"It was nothing, Edward."

"Nothing? Me kicking your ass was nothing?" she asked innocently.

"Fuck you. Fuck Jessica. Fuck all of your little friends," I spat.

"Come on, bitch. You think you're tough? You don't know tough." Lauren came over to me and punched my stomach. I coughed as I bent over.

"Bella!" Edward said as he came over to me.

"Hang on," I coughed. I stood up and went over to where Lauren now stood. I punched her in the jaw. She tackled me to the ground and put her hands around my neck.

"You bitch! You do not want to do that again," she said threateningly. I punched her in the side and she got off of me. I punched her in the cheek.

"Bella! Stop it!" Edward said as he came over and picked me up.

"Let me go! Let me fight her!" I said. A crowd had gathered by now. Emmett, Jasper, Alice and Rose were in the front. Emmett came to help Edward.

"Bella! That's enough!" Edward said as I fought against him. I finally gave up and let Edward pick me up. "I'll take her home," he said as he held onto my arm and guide me to his Volvo.

"What the hell was that Bella?" he asked when we got in his car.

"She started it," I said childishly.

"I don't care who started it! You didn't have to continue it! What, were you trying to prove that you were tough?"

"No," I said as I looked down at my hands.

"What happened at homecoming?"

"What you just saw, except in the bathroom and her winning."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want you to worry."

"Well this certainly isn't the way that I wanted to find out!" he said as he sped down the street. I looked out my window and when he pulled into his driveway I got out and stomped over to my yard.

"Bella, wait! I know that you're angry but just hold on," he said as he went over to me and lightly grabbed my waist. He turned me around to face him and I bounded into his chest.

"What?" I asked.

"Why didn't you tell me? Why did I have to figure out by Lauren?"

"I don't go around telling people about me getting beat up. It's not something I do."

"Please, stop fighting with people. I don't want to see you getting hurt."

"You think I can't hold my own in a fight?"

"That's not what I'm saying, Bella."

"Then what are you saying?"

"I'm saying that even though you can fight doesn't mean that someone else can't fight better."

"Whatever," I said as I started walking away.

"I don't want to walk away fighting, Bells," Edward said wearily. I stopped walking and turned around slowly.

"Neither do I," I sighed. I went over to him and wrapped my arms around his neck. He held me tightly to him by my waist.

"I'm sorry," I whispered.

"I'm sorry too," he said as he kissed me hungrily.

"ISABELLA MARIE SWAN! GET INSIDE, NOW!" Charlie yelled.

"I'm guessing the principal called," I sighed.

"Call me if you need me," Edward said as he kissed my forehead before letting me go. I walked inside and into the kitchen.

"Yeah, dad?" I asked.

"What the hell is this I hear about a fight?" he asked furiously.

"Tanya started it dad! It wasn't my fault!"

"Tanya? The one I heard about was with Lauren!"

"Oh, that. That wasn't my fault either! Ask Edward! He was there!"

"Damn it, Bella. I don't care whose fault it is! You shouldn't have been fighting in the first place!"

"Dad, I'm sorry."

"You're grounded, Missy. You are to go to and from school with Emmett every day and no hanging out with Alice or any of them for a week."

"Dad!" I whined. "That's not fair! It wasn't even my fault!"

"I don't care! Now go up to your room!"

"Fuck!" I yelled as I stomped up the stairs.

"Watch your language!" I walked into my room and slammed my door. I sat on my bed and tried to figure out what to do. Grounded? You have got to be kidding me. I have never been grounded in my life! I thought angrily. Stupid Tanya! Stupid Lauren! If they didn't start any of this shit then I wouldn't be grounded.

There was a knock on my window and I looked up to see Edward. I shook my head. He mouthed 'what is wrong?' I went over to my window and opened it.

"I'm grounded for getting into a fight. It wasn't even my fault!"

"Do you want me to talk to him?"

"I don't know how he'll react to that."

"How long are you grounded for?"

"A week."

"It'll be over before you know it."

"Kidnap me?" I asked with a smile.

"Wish I could," he laughed. "I'm going to go before Charlie catches us." He leaned in and kissed me and I held onto him so that it would last longer. I pulled him into my room and he lifted me up. He carried me over to the bed and laid us down.

"Bella? What are you doing?" I heard Charlie call.

"Shit! You have to go!" I said in a hushed yell. I pushed him out of my window and he captured a quick kiss before climbing out and I shut my window. I stared out of it as my dad came in.

"What are you doing up here?"

"Nothing."

"Look, Bells, I'm sorry that I grounded you but you need to learn that you can't use violence for everything!"

"Whatever. I'm going to bed," I said as I walked over to my bed and laid down.

"Goodnight, Bells." He turned my light out and I quickly fell asleep.


Hey everyone!

Thank you for reading this chapter! Please review! I am going to try to update Living the Life before starting on the next chapter of this story but I do not know. I may work on both at the same time. Anyway, I will update as soon as I can! Please review!

Lots of love,

Nikki