So here's the next chapter. Read now, talk later.

Discaimer: I don't own Twilight or any of the characters associated with it

9.

Bella POV

I was happy. Really and truly happy. I had my family back, what more could I ask for? Well, I did want Jacob to stop pestering me. But no matter how many times I'd tell him to leave me alone, there he was again; showing up at my work, throwing rocks at my window at night, calling me constantly, knocking on my door and then getting chased away by Amanda who had recently purchased an AK-47, trying to get through the back door and then get attacked by a very protective Mr. Hippopotomus. Jacob Black just wouldn't give up!

My phone rang. I looked at it. I had recently invested in caller's ID. To my relief, it was Alice calling me. I answered to phone.

"Hi Alice!" I practically sang.

"Hey Bella!" she sang back.

Since the Cullens had moved back, me and Alice were closer than ever. Her and Amanda too. Alice and Amanda both loved to shop and, most of the time, I would be dragged along with them. The shopping trips usually occured every weekend and they usually lasted all day. I had more clothing than I would probably ever wear! But I was still glad that they were back. Sometimes, Rosalie would tag along as well, and sometimes, so would Esme. The guys never did though, of course. Not that I hadn't seen them at all. Emmett stopped by often to pull pranks that never ended up working because Jasper would usually come and stop him. I saw Carlisle almost every time that I worked, which was a good thing. The only one that I never really saw was Edward and that didn't really upset me. I still wasn't sure if I was ready to forgive him. He seemed to have given up trying.

"What's up?" I asked her.

"I was wondering if you wanted to meet me for dinner at La Bella Italia." She said. La Bella Italia? Wasn't that where me and Edward... And wait a minute, Alice doesn't eat. Though, I realized, she did get a kick out of pretending to eat whilst secretly throwing her food into the nearby plants. She also got a kick out of how the waiters reacted when they saw how gorgeous she was. They usually couldn't speak for a couple of minutes. Amanda also got a kick out of it. I had to admit, it was pretty funny watching them gawk at her.

"Um, sure." I replied.

"Great!" Alice exclaimed. "Wear the dress that's layed out on your bed."

"There's no dress on my–"

"Go look!" I obliged and I went to my room and, sure enough, there was a black mini-dress with green sparkles and a green ribbon that went around the middle of the dress. From the waist down, the dress poofed out a bit. I felt the fabric of the dress. The dress was made of satin. On top of the dress there was a note. You're welcome, Bella! It was Alice's handwriting.

"Oh wow, um, thanks Alice." I said.

"No problem, Bella!" she chirped.

"What time do you want me to meet you at the restaurant?" I asked her.

"I made a reservation for 6:00 under my last name."

"Sounds good to me."

"Alright, see you then Bella."

"See you," I replied. I hung up. I looked at the dress. Why so fancy? Was she planning something?

I started to get ready around 4:00. The dress fit me perfectly, like a glove. I put on a bit of make up. I soon left for Port Angeles. By the time I got there it was around 5:50. I've always prefered to be a bit early. I don't much care for being 'fashionably late' as Amanda put it. What was the point? If you'd promised someone that you'd be there at a certain time, then you should be there at that time.

I walked into the restaurant and told them the reservation name. I was led to a table that was separated from all of the other ones. I sat down in the chair. I found an envelope there. I opened it and read:

Dear Bella,

Sorry I couldn't make it tonight. But don't worry, you won't be dining alone. I'll understand if you're mad at me and I'll let you yell at me all you want after tonight. but please, please, PLEASE don't get up and leave when your dinner date arrives. Please give him a chance. Please. For me?

Sincerely,

Alice Cullen.

I read it over again. What was she...? Then I realized what the letter meant.

I looked at the door and, sure enough, I was right about who was walking in.

None other than Edward Cullen.

Well, sorry for the slight cliff hanger. But at least you'll be excited for the next, and possibly fluffy, chapter. Please review!