A/N: Midterms suck. But now I'm home for spring break and i love it!! This means hours at the coffee shop with my laptop...which means a couple more updates for you!!
Special Thanks to nightgirl-shadow-bleach and hiddensun for favoriting my story, and to twilightlovr1995, for favoriting my story, me as an author, and giving an awesome review! You're the best ever!
Thanks for the wonderful reviews too! You guys put smiles on my face. Now I'm greedy…more more more!
This chapter is obscenely long as an apology for sucking at updating:
Chapter 7: Back to Reality
I sighed, happy to be in this dream, as I pushed the front door open. All too soon, I snapped back into reality when a shrill noise pierced my ears. It was Alice, Rose, and Jen squealing and giggling.
"What?" I said, a little harsher than I intended.
"Bella, you and Edward are so cute!" Alice answered between laughs.
"Then why are you laughing at us?"
"No, we're not laughing at you. We're laughing because we're excited," Rose said, "We've never seen Edward so happy, and he barely met you today." I suddenly remembered that it was only a few short hours ago that I first saw Edward. It was strange, I felt like I had known him my whole life.
"And I've never seen you take to a guy like you've taken to Edward," Jen went on, "Bella, I'm so happy for you! It's about time you found someone to treat you right."
"Guys, don't you think you're getting a little ahead of yourselves. I mean I did just meet him today. It's not like we're together or anything," I protested aloud, but silently agreed with them. Edward was perfect, and I was the luckiest girl in the world that he just looked at me the way he did.
"But you both want it to be more," Jen said, "It's so obvious."
"I don't think you understand how Edward is, Bella," Alice explained, "He's incredibly old-fashioned. He isn't one to rush anything. Believe it or not, but that kiss on the cheek was incredibly forward for him."
"You were spying on us?!"
"Oops," Alice's hand shot over her mouth, unsuccessfully stifling the giggles that spilled over. "Oh come on, don't be mad! We had to see how your date finished! It's not our fault we heard you coming up."
Something Alice had said stopped me in my tracks. She had said that Edward and I were on a date. "Was it a date?" I mused, not realizing I had spoken aloud.
"Of course it was a date, Bella, don't be stupid," Rosalie half-glared at me, but then turned her stare into a smile. "He's crazy about you already, and frankly, I'm happy he's not going to be a fifth wheel anymore. I want him to understand how Emmett and I and Alice and Jasper feel about each other. And I think you're the one to make him feel that way."
Just then, I noticed that the shower was running, "Um, is someone else here?" I asked.
This time it was Jen's turn to flush, "Yeah, Jake's staying here tonight," she said meekly. I gave her a questioning look, to which she replied, "No, not anything like that, Bella! Come on, you know me! He needed a place to stay tonight before he went back to La Push, and he wanted to see me off and give you a proper goodbye."
"Oh, right." I felt kind of dumb. I totally forgot that Jake lived on the other side of the state, and of course he wouldn't be driving back in the middle of the night. I heard the shower knobs turn off and moments later, Jake stepped out of the bathroom, his long wet hair clinging to his shoulders and a towel wrapped around his waist.
"Hey Bells, how was your date?" he gave me a warm smile.
"Um, it was good," I slowly answered, still unsure that I really had been on a date with Edward.
"Good, good," he said as he turned into the bedroom to get changed. Something about the way he said it made me feel like I was talking to Charlie. I could tell he wanted to be protective of me, but it seemed as if he didn't want to step out of place.
The girls and I settled into the couch, and Rose grabbed the remote. She put on some romantic comedy that I had never heard of. It wasn't great, but it made me think about Edward. Of course, I would have been thinking about Edward regardless because all of them grilled me about every aspect of our breakfast out. I went through a whole play-by-play of every mindless detail, but it seemed to make them happy. At some point, Jacob returned and snuggled in next to Jen.
"So, what was the last thing he said to you, before he gave you that kiss?!" Alice was bouncing up and down.
"You kissed him?" Jacob asked me.
"He kissed me on the cheek, that's all. Um, he asked me to go on a picnic with him tomorrow, and then he said goodnight."
"He asked you to go out again? What did you say?" Alice, Rose, and Jen asked in unison.
"I said I would call him when I got back from the airport."
"Oh, this is so great, Bella!" Alice squealed, "Edward really likes you!"
"Do you really think so?" I asked, getting caught up in all their excitement. What if Edward really did like me? I didn't know if I could handle that. Especially since I couldn't deny that I was having really strong feelings for him. I couldn't help but think, what if he thinks I'm a creeper, or overly obsessive? I'd have to be very careful to keep my emotions in check. The girls were chattering about something, but I couldn't really pay attention; I was too lost in my own thoughts.
A husky voice snapped me back into reality, "Bella, can I talk to you for a minute?" I looked up to see Jake standing over me.
"Yeah, sure, what's up Jake?" I said as I stood up to follow him back into the bedroom.
"Bells, I don't know how to say this without it being kind of awkward…" he trailed off.
"Just tell me, you're making me nervous!"
He let out a long sigh before continuing, "I'm just not sure if you should be getting so involved with someone you barely know already." I knew he was getting overprotective father on me! What a hypocrite though! Was he not just all over Jen, who he's known for a grand total of two days?
"That's funny that you're the one telling me this. How long have you known Jen?" I said, more hurt coming through my voice than I would have liked.
"You know that's different. You're like my sister and she's your best friend. I know I can trust her because you do. The only people that know this Edward are people that you also just met. Don't get me wrong, they all seem like great people, but I don't want to have to come down here and kick a bunch of asses because he broke your heart."
"You're just being crazy now, Jake. You're right, I just met him. I could fall for him, or it could turn out to be nothing. It's not like I'm planning our storybook wedding. He's just someone that I want to get to know better. I promise. If you have to do some ass-kicking to avenge my heart, it won't be for a long time," I pulled him to me and wrapped my arms around him, "I do appreciate you looking out for me, I just think everyone's getting way ahead of themselves with this whole thing. School hasn't even started yet and everyone's talking about serious relationships and all I'm really concerned about is that I stay afloat during my first year."
"Now who's the crazy one? I got all your updates from Charlie. You were always in the top of your class in Phoenix. You'll do fine. Plus, if it gets too hectic, you can always call me." He gave me a big, goofy grin as he said this. I was so glad that I had a good friend like Jake. He really just wanted me to be happy, and didn't want me to get hurt.
"All right, well we should probably round the troops up for sleep. I'm exhausted. This has been the longest day ever, and we have to get Jen to the airport and it's already 3:30." We walked back out to the living room, where the only change was that Jen had fallen asleep. I nudged her and helped her to the bathroom so she could change out of her dress and into pajamas. Then I led her back to the couch, where Rosalie had already set up a pillow and blanket for her. Jake had a bed set up on the floor that he was crawling into. I gave Jen a kiss on the cheek and she murmured "Love you too, Bella" before she turned over, fast asleep. I walked into the bathroom where I let my hair down, and washed the makeup off my face. I slowly made my way to my closet, where I found my favorite holy sweats and a t-shirt to wear to bed.
I climbed into bed and as soon as my head hit the pillow, I was asleep. Too bad that wouldn't last. I woke up 20 minutes later, my mind reeling with all the events of the day. I was finding it hard to believe that I had actually moved away, and was starting a new life in, of all places, Washington. I thought of my renewed friendship with Jake. It was like I had never left. I thought of all the new friends I had made: the Cullens, the Hales, Emmett, Angela, and all the people I had met at the party. I tossed and turned, hoping to fall back asleep. Finally, slumber reached me, though it was fitfully.
I woke up and walked into the living room to wake Jen up. Only, she wasn't there. Jake was missing, too. I darted back into the bedroom, but only found Rose and Alice in their beds. I checked the bathroom, but they were nowhere to be found. Suddenly, I heard voices yelling from outside. I ran out the front door to see Edward and Jacob fighting, but Jen was still gone. "What is going on?" I almost shrieked.
"This guy's no good for you, Bella. He's going to hurt you," Jake grunted as he lunged toward Edward.
"Stop! Stop it!" I yelled, but it was too late. They were fully fighting, and there was nothing I could do about it. I went back inside, frantic. I woke the girls up and told them what was happening. Rose just told me to let them figure it out on their own and went back to sleep. I told them Jen was missing, and Alice said,
"Oh yeah, she left already. She went back to Phoenix."
"But, I was going to take her to the airport. She didn't even say goodbye." I was almost in tears. How could she just leave?
"She said that you were starting a new life here, and didn't need her anymore," Alice explained.
"I wanted to say bye to her though. And it's not like I'm never going to see her again!" I was frantic. I had to call Jen. I had to stop Jacob and Edward's fight. The peace and happiness I had felt last night was replaced with uncertainty and fear. I grabbed my cell phone off of my desk, and turned to run outside, but I turned too quickly and fell over my feet…
I shot out of bed. It had all just been a dream. No, not a dream, a terrible, hideous nightmare. What if things were really changing forever? How would I be able to reconcile my life in Phoenix with the one here? So much was different already. Jacob didn't trust my new friends, at least not yet. Jen would be gone today, and who knows what will happen after we're parted for a semester. My head was pounding. The mixture of my renegade thoughts with the hangover I had made me ill. I stumbled to the bathroom and found some aspirin. I gulped it down with a large glass of water. Trying to be silent, I crept back into the bedroom and grabbed my cell phone and my laptop, a change of clothes, and a towel. I checked the time: it was 10 AM. I wouldn't wake Jen up for another hour and a half at least.
I set my laptop and cell phone down on the table before walking over to the bathroom. I brushed my teeth; my breath was stale and terrible. Afterward, I turned on the shower and stepped inside. I took a long shower, trying to wash away the worry that had been built up in my mind overnight. My attempt was futile, however. All the time in the shower, just let my mind wander more, and as my hangover began to subside, possibilities of how my life could change flooded my imagination. Finally, I angrily shut the water off, giving up. I stepped out and toweled off, quickly changing into my most comfortable jeans, and a simple, charcoal tank top. I towel-dried my hair, and threw it up into a bun, still wet. I slicked some moisturizer on my skin, deciding that would do for now. It was now 10:45. I quietly made my way back to my laptop, and sat down in a chair, turning it on. Deciding that Rene was probably already going insane without me, I checked my email. I had 5 new messages from her, each getting more frantic than the next. I laughed at my crazy mother and opened a reply to her:
Hi Mom,
I know I said that email was a good way to get in touch with me, but that doesn't mean you can't call. Yesterday was the longest day ever. I was up for almost a full 24 hours! My roommates are really nice; they're actually from Forks which is weird. I'm living with Alice Cullen, who's a tiny little thing with enough energy for 10 people, and Rosalie Hale, who is the most gorgeous woman alive. They introduced me to their boyfriends and brothers, who seem to be really great guys. We went shopping in Spokane and then met the guys for dinner. Rose's brother is Jasper, who is also Alice's boyfriend. Rose's boyfriend is Emmett McCarty, who is the largest man you will ever meet, but he's really just a big kid. Alice has a brother named Edward, who is a really nice guy. We all went to a party last night, which was fun, and I got to meet a bunch of my new schoolmates. Afterward, Edward took me to go get some breakfast.
Jen seems to be enjoying herself up here too. It's too bad that she's leaving today. I might have to persuade her to come up to Forks for Thanksgiving. You remember the Black's right? Well Jacob came up to visit last night, too! He and Jen are really getting along ;-).
I miss you already. My first day of classes is tomorrow, so wish me luck!
Love,
Bella
I thought I'd leave out the part where Edward and I are supposedly halfway down the aisle. I'm sure she'll have a thousand questions about our "date" anyway. When I finished writing the email, I messed around on the Internet a little more. I went to Facebook, thinking that since I was starting tomorrow I should probably have one, and set up an account. If nothing else, this will keep me linked to my friends at home. I found a few people that I graduated with and added them as friends. As I was picking my profile picture, I realized that I had lost track of time. It was about 11:20. I chose a picture that Jen took of me while I was driving up here and set it as my profile picture. I figured that the best way to wake the house up was with food, so I looked in the fridge to see what we had. I found some eggs, bacon, and cheese. Breakfast sandwiches it is, then. I pulled out two pans and cracked the eggs in one, while I fried the bacon in the other. When those were just about done, I started loading bread into the toaster. The aroma wafted through the house, and before I knew it, four groggy sets of eyes were intently looking at the pans. I loaded a sandwich and some fruit on each plate and handed them over.
"I could get used to waking up like this," Rose said with a wink.
I blushed, "I'm just used to doing the cooking at home."
"That's fine," Alice perked up, "we never cook, so it'll be nice to have someone who does around."
Everyone silenced as they tucked into their breakfasts. I was still pretty full from all that French toast earlier, so I stuck with some fruit.
"Did you guys sleep okay?" I directed my question toward the only two without beds.
"Mmhmm. I was pretty much dead, so I slept fine," Jen mumbled, still visibly tired. I put a pot of coffee on, knowing she would need it.
"Yeah, pretty much the same here," Jake said, his mouth full of food.
"Okay, well Jen hurry up and finish so you can shower. We have to leave in a little over an hour," I told her.
"Bella, you're such a mom," Alice mused, her voice teasing.
"Yeah, well, as much as I'd love her to miss her flight and stay, Jen's mom would be pissed at me if we didn't make it." I poured out five cups of coffee, putting milk and sugar on the counter. I poured some milk in and stirred in a teaspoon of sugar, sipping on its delicious warmth. I took a seat at the table, joining Rose and Alice's conversation about their plans for the day.
"So, I want to check out the football field today, especially since we'll be seeing Emmett there this season," Rose said.
"Oh, I didn't know he played football, not that that doesn't make sense," I replied, thinking about the sheer size of Emmett. Of course he was a football player.
"Yeah, he's a left guard. You have no idea how sexy he looks in that uniform," she went on, clearly losing herself in a fantasy.
"You only want to check out their practice, Rose, don't lie," Alice gave Rosalie a knowing look.
"I told you, I love my man in uniform!" We all started laughing.
"So, Bella, where's this picnic you and Edward are having today?" Alice asked.
"I don't know, he didn't say. But don't come looking for us, I don't want you spying on me again!" I playfully scolded her.
"You're too paranoid," she giggled, "I was just curious!"
"Yeah, right."
"Okay, you caught me, no spying today," she and Rose exchanged disappointed looks.
"You guys are too much," I chuckled to myself.
I heard Jen walk into the bedroom and Jake take her place in the shower. I checked my phone; it was 12:30. "Jen, we have to leave in a half hour!" I shouted.
"Yeah, I know! I'll be ready!" she called back.
"I'm going to miss her so much," I thought aloud.
"You guys are really close, huh," Rose said.
I blushed, not realizing I said that out loud. "Yeah, we've been best friends since I can remember. I can't imagine not seeing her every day. It's going to be tough."
"You can still talk to her every day. And it won't be that long until you see her again. I'm sure it'll be like you guys were never apart," Alice soothed me, rubbing my back. I hadn't even realized my eyes were welling up with tears.
"I'm sorry, it's not like I'm unhappy here, at all. You guys are great. It's just such a big change, you know?"
"We understand," she said, still consoling me, "I don't know what I would do if the five of us were split up. Now, no more tears! You have to take Jen to the airport, and I know that's not what you're wearing. She dragged me into the bedroom, Rose on her heels.
"Alice, what's wrong with what I'm wearing?" I questioned, thinking I looked perfectly acceptable.
"Jen was finishing packing her suitcase, "I feel like this is going to be a regular thing for you, Bella," she smiled. Alice pulled clothes out of my closet. Thankfully, she let me keep my jeans on. I had to drive an hour to Spokane and I wanted to be somewhat comfortable. She found a sleeveless peach ruffle top. At first, she pulled out brown pumps, but I protested.
"Alice, I have to drive. I can barely stand in those as it is. Do you really want to be responsible for our deaths?"
"Fine," she sighed, "Put these on." She handed me some tan jeweled sandals she deemed appropriate. "Now you can go out in public, and I won't make you change for your date later. Take your hair down, so I can see what to do with it." I let my hair down silently. I loved the way my hair was wavy after I put it in a bun. "Hmm, it's not bad as-is. I won't have to do much. Come on Rose." And just like that, we were in the bathroom. She lined my eyes with a soft brown, and used pale golds to shadow it. She then added some dark brown mascara. "Now, I'm using waterproof makeup because I know you're going to cry, but we'll probably have to touch you up when you get back." Rosalie was behind me, running product through my hair, teasing it a little. Alice applied a pink blush to the apples of my cheeks and a sheer lip gloss on my lips. I slipped into the sandals and checked the time. It was just about 1:00.
"Are you ready, Jen?" I called, not entirely sure where she was in the apartment. I heard the front door open.
"Yeah, Jake and I just put my stuff in your truck. Ready?"
"Yup, let's get going. I'll see you guys in a couple hours," I said to Alice, Rose, and Jacob.
"I'm coming with, Bells," Jake said.
"Oh, All right. Well come on, or we're going to be late!" I ushered him out the door.
"Bye, guys it was awesome meeting you!" Jen hugged Alice and Rose.
"Hopefully we'll see you again soon!" Rosalie said to her.
"Yeah, I hope so!" Jen responded as she turned out the door.
We all slid into the cab of my truck. It was a little cramped because Jake's so huge, but it wasn't too bad. It was quiet most of the way, with only my CDs playing in the background. Finally, we reached the airport, but it was too soon. I wasn't ready to have to say goodbye to Jen yet. I was glad that Jake was with me, because I wasn't sure if I would be in a state to drive home later. We pulled into the airport parking structure, and Jake hopped out to get Jen's bag from the bed of my truck. I opened my door and slowly got out. We walked silently to the ticket counter, where Jen got her ticket and then turned to us.
"Well, I guess this is it," she said, tears forming in the corners of her eyes.
I tried to be strong, but it was useless. I broke down, crying, "Jen, I'm going to miss you so much! Call me the second you land!" I managed between sobs. She hugged me tightly, and I didn't want to let go. We were both crying now, clinging to one another.
"I promise. I'll call you as soon as I can. And I'll talk to you every day."
"Well, I'll see you at Christmas, if I don't see you before then."
"Okay." She turned to Jake, "Bye Jake," tears still in her eyes, "I'll talk to you soon." And with that, she gave him a sweet kiss. "Bye, Bella. I love you."
"I love you too, Jen. Have a safe flight." She turned away and headed through the security line, stopping to wave back at us one last time before disappearing through the archway.
Jacob turned to me, "You gonna be okay?"
"Yeah, I will be. I miss her already, though."
"I know, it's rough. Come on, let's head back. Do you want me to drive?"
I nodded, not really able to say more. We got back in the car and Jake drove, trying to cheer me up along the way. He was even supportive of my date with Edward.
"So is that what you're wearing?" he asked, giving his best Alice impression.
I couldn't help but laugh, "Yes, and Alice picked it out. I have a feeling she might unleash her wrath on you if you insult it."
"I'm kidding, Bells. You look great. Edward's gonna love it."
"What's with the new attitude about Edward?" I questioned, raising an eyebrow at him.
"I saw the way Alice and Rosalie came to your side when you were upset this morning. I still don't trust him, but I trust their judgment. If they think Edward is good for you, then I have to believe them."
"Thanks Jake, it means a lot to me that you're more at ease about this. I mean, this is still really new, and might not turn out to be anything, but it's nice to have your support."
We chatted about nothing in particular on the way back, but he successfully kept my mind off the fact that Jen had left and I had to start a new life tomorrow. I was so much more at ease, and I didn't want to think about Jake leaving me, too. I knew I would be seeing him sooner though, so it wasn't as bad.
We finally pulled back up to the apartment. "Well, I should probably head back. I've got a long drive ahead of me, and I'm going to hit a lot of traffic."
"Yeah, that's probably a good idea. I don't want you driving super-late anyway," I said, feeling the tears well up in my throat again.
"Come on, Bells, don't cry. I'm going to visit again soon. I promise."
"Okay. Will you call me to let me know you made it back to La Push safe?"
"Of course. Come on, let's get my bag out of your living room." We walked back up to the apartment. It hadn't really hit me yet that this was my apartment. Jake grabbed his duffel bag from next to the couch.
"Heading back home, Jake?" Alice popped her head from the bedroom.
"Yeah, I want to make it back before it gets too late."
"Okay, well I'm sure we'll see you soon!" She skipped over to him and gave him a hug. "Rose, come say bye to Jacob!"
Rosalie came out and hugged Jake. "See you around."
"Bye girls. Thanks for having me last night!" Jake smiled as he headed toward the door. Suddenly, he turned to me and swept me up in his arms. "Remember what I told you. First sign of heartbreak and I'll be in the car on my way back," he whispered in my ear. And with that, he put me down and walked out the door.
"Hmm, you're makeup isn't as bad as I thought," Alice looked me over, "Jake isn't too fond of Edward, is he?"
"No, it's not that," I explained. "He actually thinks Edward is a great guy. He just doesn't know him, so he doesn't really trust him yet. He just wants to make sure I don't get hurt."
"Yeah, I can understand that," she answered. "Well anyway, call Edward! Find out when he's picking you up."
I pulled out my phone and found Edward in my contacts. Suddenly, I was incredibly nervous. I had never talked to him on the phone before. It rang twice before that magical voice said, "Hello?"
"Hi Edward. It's Bella," I said back.
"Hey Bella. Are you back from the airport?"
"Yeah I just got back. How's your day been?"
"Oh, it's been all right, nothing special. I went to the gym when I woke up, but now I'm just hanging out in the apartment. Did Jen make it onto her flight okay?"
"Yeah, she's on her way back to Phoenix right now."
"Are you okay?" He sensed the sadness in my voice.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just getting used to not having her around. She's been my best friend since I can remember."
"Do you still want to have a picnic today? I understand if you don't want to anymore."
"No, I still do. Really, I'm okay. When did you want to meet up?"
"Whenever. I'm pretty much ready. Can I pick you up in about 20 minutes?"
"Yeah, that works great. I'll see you then."
"See you soon."
"Bye, Edward."
"Bye, Bella."
I had barely ended the call before I heard Alice calling to me. "How long do I have to make you look amazing?"
"He said he'll be here in 20 minutes."
"Well thank God you've given me a lot to work with, and that we did most of the work this morning. Get in here." Alice was standing in the bathroom. "Sit." I had already learned that it did no good to defy Alice, so I did as I was told. "Good, you didn't smear your makeup too much. All you need is a touchup."
I sighed, "Do your worst. Where's Rosalie?"
"Getting dressed. She's going to see Emmett before he leaves for practice."
Just then she popped up in the doorway. "I'll see you guys later. Have fun, Bella!" She was wearing a fuchsia and brown minidress with ¾ length sleeves. If she wasn't a complete supermodel, it would have looked much too short. I knew it was exactly the kind of dress that Emmett would appreciate.
I thought about my new friends while Alice painted my face and fiddled with my hair. I still didn't know them that well, but they accepted me right away. I definitely wasn't in Phoenix anymore. Alice melodic voice snapped me back into reality as I was getting lost in my thoughts. "You are officially perfect. Now, you still have five minutes before Edward gets here, so don't ruin my work!" I nodded, afraid of her wrath lest I smudge some eyeliner. I turned to the mirror, and a girl with defined brown eyes and brunette waves cascading down her back stared back at me. I had to hand it to Alice; she was very good at what she did. I made my way back to the living room and settled in on the couch. My mind wandered, often to visions of Edward.
The doorbell rang. I stood up, looking in the mirror quickly to make sure I looked Alice-approved. As I opened the door, I saw Edward standing before me. He looked absolutely perfect, as always, clad in dark denim jeans and a light blue shirt with the same charcoal converse he was wearing last night.
