TEAM FOREVER

Disclaimer: The Cullens, the Swans, and most of the characters mentioned in the story that are known from Stephanie Meyer's beloved Twilight Saga, are all hers and hers alone. I neither have nor wish to pass them off as mine. I do appreciate the fact that she did bring them to life and allows us to play with them in our imaginations. The only thing I will claim is the current storyline.

My stories are being beta'd by dowlingnana and she is doing an awesome job. Thanks so much.

She got a taxi and headed over to Wainwright Elementary School where once she got to the office asked if Mrs. Hamilton had arrived. The office sent a message to the art teacher who immediate came to meet Bella at the office. Both women explained what they had discussed earlier in the morning and the principal was in agreement to the program.

After another two hours everything was ready and the special program was announced. All classes headed towards the lunchroom to witness the presentation. Bella spent time with presenting the different forms of art and then patiently answering the questions some of the students asked. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the unexpected break from class time, but, also, learned, hopefully, to enjoy art a bit more.

After leaving the school and the thanks of the teachers, the principal and Mrs. Hamilton, Bella wandered around parts of Los Angeles. She had no particular plans in mind until she happened upon an empty building that stood on the edge of the downtown district and the lesser commercial area.

Looking the building over, she decided that it would be perfect for a gallery. She had galleries across the country and scattered around Europe, but, for some reason had never opened one in L. A. And with another look around she made her mind up as to what she wanted to do. Now all she needed was to get in touch with the right people and get things moving.

CHAPTER 9: IDEAS OF ONE KIND OR ANOTHER

All had a fine time at Edward's and partied until late into the night. Since they had another day left before reporting back to the studio no one felt they needed to call an early night to be rested. And, since it had been awhile since parents, children and friends had all been together they just spent the entire evening enjoying each other's company. But, as all things must do a halt had to be called as each were beginning to tire out and had to return to their respective homes or hotel for a rest. The only bad spot on the party was the fact that Isabella wasn't there to be a part of the group. Everyone wanted her there, but, some for different reasons than most of the others who have began considering her friend or, possible, future.

Once Edward was alone after telling everyone goodnight and seeing them off, he sat for awhile contemplating all that had transpired that day with his parents and Isabella. He was glad that she had been able to spend some time with them and that they got to know one another briefly. From what little his parent did say about meeting Isabella they were impressed with the way she had conducted herself during the incident in the restaurant. Of course, everyone was curious as to what she had done with herself afterwards since she couldn't be found in the hotel, but, Edward knew that she wasn't with Jacob Black as he had been seen with Irina hanging all over him at various times throughout the day, according to the gossip rags.

After a bit he got up and went to bed, but, his mind was still on Isabella. She was all he could think of and she was so genuine with none of the fakeness that seemed to surround most women in Hollywood. But, then again she wasn't from Hollywood; she was from a place far removed and unheard of. Her own talents, hard work and acute business sense had gotten her to her current place in the world. She had done it the fashion way; earned it. But, as sleep over took him his active mind stay with the same thoughts into his dreams with Isabella having the star role which kept and unconscious smile on his face.

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As had been arranged before all parted the night before they were meeting again in the restaurant at the hotel for breakfast and would then decided what to do for the day.

Edward was just entering the lobby from the parking garage area when he happened to run into Jacob and this time he was along. Evidently Irina hadn't made her appearance as yet since it did take her time to get herself situated just so so for being seen in public. And as he started to pass by Jacob reached out and grabbed a hold of his arm, stopping him from continuing on.

Looking from Jacob's hand holding on to Edward's and then following the arm up to Jacob's to final look Jacob straight in the eye with raised eyebrows questioning why Jacob had grabbed a hold of him in the first place. It didn't take long before he found out.

"You will leave Bella alone. She is my woman and I don't like the fact that you are taking up all of her time. You and your company of misfits are to stay away from her. Do I make myself clear, Masen?" were the bitter, commanding words coming out of Jacob's mouth.

"First off, let go of my arm. Secondly, my family and friends aren't a lot of misfits. Thirdly, we aren't taking up all of Isabella's time. And, fourthly, from what she has told us she isn't your woman as you so elegantly put it." Edward told him in a no nonsense tone.

"Bella and I have an understanding and we will be getting married in the near future. And, I won't stand for anyone filling her head with a bunch of shit that will be interfering with my plans."

"Well, from what I understand from Isabella, you are full of it. She has no plans to marry you or anyone else any time soon."

"Heed my warning, Masen, for I won't tell you again. It would be a great loss to Hollywood and the movie industry if your career came to an unscheduled halt." Were the last words out of Jacob's mouth as he walked away to leave Edward standing there staring at the man that was full of illusions about the future and what he thought he could do or control.

Both men had so wrapped up in their confrontation that neither had observed the lone figure standing in the shadows. After a bit of a mental shake Edward continued on the way he had originally been going while still considering all the foolishness that Jacob had spoken. He considered it all to be a joke of some kind, but, felt deep down that Isabella was heading for a dangerous situation that could be life threatening if Jacob wasn't stopped. It was as his thoughts reached this point that he froze immediately, coming to a sudden halt, still as a statue while he went over the entire conversation in his mind once more. The more he considered everything the more convinced he became that Jacob Black was up to no good and Irina seemed to be part of Black's team; in fact, the head participate and head cheerleader all in one messed up package.

As these thoughts finished racing through his mind, a jolt of reality ran through his body bringing him back to where he was and the fact that he was standing motionless in the middle of the hotel lobby drawing attention to himself due to his inactivity. With that realization he started walking towards the hotel restaurant to meet with the rest of his family for breakfast, but, his mind was still trying to come up with a plan of action to protect Isabella from Jacob Black's foul intentions. Edward was convinced that Black's soul was as black as the man's name.

Even though, Edward talked, planned, laughed and joked with his family his mind was still centered on the conversation or, rather, warning, of this morning and his fears for Isabella. He never noticed the looks that were being exchanged by everyone else seated at the same table and the fact that they were concerned about what was causing his distraction. After a time Edward, just stood, never realizing that he had come to any definite decision and excused himself. He went looking for Isabella.

As he was in the elevator going up to Isabella's suite his mind, thoughts and emotions, both mentally and physically, settled upon a course of action meant to protect his lady from the plans of one Jacob Black, asshole of the northwest and pretend friend of the Native American.

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She was finding it very hard to believe what she had just heard coming out of Jacob's mouth. Where the hell did he get such notions? The very ideas that seem to spring from his mind. All she had been doing since returning to her suite has been to pace back and forth, back and forth continuously trying to make sense of the conversational exchange between Jacob Black and Edward Masen. Trying to think of a way to put a halt to any future planning without hurting anyone because there sure in the hell wasn't going to be a wedding in the near or distance future between the man saying the words and the woman that was being discussed. There had to be some way to keep relationship between everyone on an even keel without causing a lot of long range problems for all concerned.

Oh, well, that was not the most immediate problem that she needed to concentrate on at the moment as she had a lot of phone calls and plans to get ready for her coming project. And, this gallery was going to be different that all of the others she owned. It was going to be the prototype of some future changes that might take place at some of the other places.

This one would concentrate on all age groups of the known artists, the up and coming and the hopeful from the young, the youth, and the adult. Having a place where they can showcase their work and a place where they can work if they don't have one already. It would stand as an ongoing work of ideas and an example of what can be done.

Walking over to the desk near the French windows that provided the exit onto the balcony, she looked down at all the notes that she had been making since yesterday afternoon late. Checking once again to make sure nothing had been left off or forgotten before beginning all of the phoning that was needed and not much time to get things started. Between the obligation at the studio and trying to get this going time was going to be tight, but, as always she would make sure her desires were achieved.

Reaching this point in her thoughts two things happened at the same time, the phone begins to ring and a knock sounds at the door. Looking to see who was calling she decides that person could wait, so, she walks over to see who is knocking. Opening the door and seeing who was there she moves to one side while opening the door wider and invited the person to enter and to be seated.

After closing the door she walks over and takes a seat as well waiting for her visitor to speak first, but, curious as to why he was there after the discussion this morning and the subject matter of that conversation. The waiting didn't take long before he begins by saying, "I want to tell you about some information that came my way this morning; actually, just a short while ago and then to make a suggestion as to how to do with the situation this information might be leaning towards."

So, he tells all, not withholding anything. She listened without offering any indication as to how all he was saying was affecting her, or, letting on that she had overheard the whole thing at that time.

"Okay, I've listened to the information as to what was revealed by an idiot, but, you said you had a suggestion as to how to diffuse the whole situation?" and with that being asked, he continued to offer his idea and to explain how it would work. As he concluded his explanation he remained quiet while she considered all that had been said and suggested.

The out of the blue she looks him straight in the eye and says, "I think that it is an excellent idea. How soon can it be accomplished?"

"It can be handled in less than six hours."

"Then let's do it. How much time do you need to get things in place?"

"None. If you are ready then so am I." he remarks. With the confirmation she stands, walks into the bedroom to retrieve her purse and then comes back into the living area where he was waiting. Upon seeing her heading towards the door he follows and they both head for the elevator, down to the lobby and then the hotel parking garage.

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Six hours and a name change later, Isabella Marie Swan and Edward Anthony Masen Cullen becomes a wedded couple with the understanding that it is in name only. She has no wish to be tied down in a marriage with anyone, nor, did she wish to be backed into a corner by her childhood friend, Jacob Black.

Now, Edward knew that he had found a way to protect Isabella by foiling Black's plans for her, but, at the same he had a clear way to get to know her better and the time to convince her to accept him as her husband in more ways than just in name only.

A/N: What the hell is Jacob going to do once he finds out about this latest development? Hell, what are the families and friends going to say when they found out? And, how are the powers that be at the studio going to react as well?

Your reviews are always welcomed and I will be updating this story every two to three weeks due to the number of open stories I have going at the present time. As each come to completion then updating will become more frequent once again.