Rating: T, possible bad language and nondescript adult themes.
Disclaimer: If I was Stephenie Meyer, Twilight would never have been finished. How did she find the time???
Esme and Renee were best friends in school and Bella and Edward grew up together. Bella's feelings for Edward are more than friendly but she worries about ruining their friendship and then there's the added problem of Tanya, Edward's new girlfriend.
You Belong With Me
Chapter 9
No-one in your life is with you constantly,
No-one is completely on your side,
And though I'd move my world to be with him,
Still the gap between us is too wide,
Looking back,
I could have played it differently,
Learned about the man before I fell,
But I was ever so much younger then,
Now at least I know I know him well.
-I Know Him So Well, Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson.
Bella's POV
"What about this pair, Bella?" Alice asked, picking up an item of clothing for the umpteenth time today.
I tried not to get bored as Alice pointed out various dresses, skirts and shirts that would make me look sexier, but really all I wanted was to stay in my comfortable jeans and higher cut tops. Converse and jeans were practical, but the heels and short skirts looked deathly. I just wasn't that girl. I didn't flaunt myself or act like a complete slut. I didn't spend hours choosing my clothes or carefully coordinate each item in my outfit. I never spent hours picking clothes out in shops, preferring the several tops and pairs of jeans that I already had at home. What was the point in buying new clothes when the ones I had already were perfectly adequate?
Edward, yes, of course. I'd never have spent vast amounts of time shopping if it wasn't for the hope that my best friend might actually see me as more than his friend.
I'd never really had any girlfriends, not close ones anyway. Having a guy as my best friend, I'd missed out on all those typical teenage girl things like shopping and shoes. I kind of enjoyed my shopping trip with Alice but it was a situation I'd so rarely been in. At the age of about twelve, my Mom and Esme had tried to encourage an interest in such things but I'd never found any enjoyment in them.
Perhaps that was why Edward didn't have any interest in me as anything more than a friend. I was a friend, someone he would share jokes and indulge in past-times with. He would never see me as anything more because the stereotype was too firmly embedded. I wasn't feminine enough to be his girlfriend and he'd never like me if I stayed this way.
First, Alice had wanted to pick up some new clothes for a couple of job interviews that she'd applied for. Then she took me to a couple of wedding dress shops and insisted that I try one on as well. We also looked at some bridesmaids dresses and we talked about the end of year concert. Alice wanted to know if I was performing and I told her about the song that Edward was helping me learn. I said that I didn't think it would be good enough to perform in front of the whole school and the parents. Alice encouraged me, saying she thought it would be great.
After we'd been to the wedding shops, Alice took me to shop for new clothes for me to wear to school. We went to several designer shops that I could never afford anything from. I couldn't imagine myself wearing any of the things Alice pointed out for me. Finally she seemed to sense my discomfort and she pointed out a couple of nice shirts that weren't too revealing but slightly more alluring than my usual ones. I chose a couple of ones like that and Alice insisted on paying for them. We then picked up a couple of new pairs of jeans. I was glad Alice didn't actually make me buy any of the more revealing clothes she'd pointed out before.
In the next shop, I picked up a skirt I liked. It was a pale blue and came to a couple of inches above the knee. I chose a strappy blue and baby pink, beaded vest top and a pale blue wrap-around cardigan to go over the top of it. I also bought some pale blue pumps and a pretty, silver necklace to go with the new outfit. Then, we picked out a flowing black dress, with a slight V-neck in the bodice that I could wear to the concert. Alice then pointed out some small black heels to go with it.
At the moment, we were looking at some new pyjamas because Alice wanted me to stay over at some point. She said that Edward seeing me in new pyjamas would be a turning point in our relationship. I didn't really believe her but I really needed some new pyjamas anyway.
The ones she was currently holding were midnight blue with white spots and made out of satin. The top was strappy and slightly curve hugging while the bottoms were three quarter length. They were really nice and not particularly exposing.
"Yeah, I like them," I agreed. "Nice find, Alice." I gave her a soft smile and allowed her to lead me to the cashier to buy them. I was deeply surprised to see Emmett standing behind the counter, with a tight black polo shirt that showed his muscles off. He looked really embarrassed to be found working in woman's clothing store, particularly in the night and underwear section. He scratched the back of his neck and took the pyjamas off me.
"Hi, Em," I said, feeling the blush threatening to rise up my cheeks at the thought that one of the boys in my year was looking pyjamas I was intending to buy.
Emmett was desperately trying not to look at the items of clothing as he rang them through the counter. "I'm working here because, uh… I needed a job for the summer… and… uh, this was the only place I could find."
I gave him a gentle smile. "Oh," I answered, "saving for anything nice?"
"Um," he started. "Just a few bits for my car," he replied, stuffing the pyjamas quickly into a carrier bag.
"Oh, I see," I said. I didn't really know much about cars, except how to drive them. Therefore I didn't bother to ask him what sort of car parts he needed.
He looked at me awkwardly for a moment, searching for a topic of conversation. "So, have you seen Edward this weekend?" he finally asked.
"Yes," I said, unsure where the conversation was going, if anywhere. I didn't really want to discuss Edward with him right now. Emmett and Edward were pretty close, not as close as Edward and I but still I didn't really feel comfortable discussing him with his closest male friend. "Have you met Alice?" I asked, cutting off the development of the conversation. "She's Edward's sister."
"His older one? The one who hates Carlisle?" Emmett asked, his tone the coldest I'd ever heard his usually playful voice.
Alice shook her head. "Not anymore," she said, shame colouring her tone. "I don't hate my dad."
"Perhaps you should discuss it with Edward," I suggested, believing that Emmett should hear the story from Edward. It wasn't mine to tell and I doubted that Emmett would even listen to Alice if she tried to explain.
Emmett nodded. "Fine, for the moment I'll pass judgement, just until I've talked to Edward. Nice to meet you, Alice," he said, distrust in his clear eyes. "I'm Emmett; I go to school with Bella and Edward."
"Nice to meet you too," Alice said, favouring him with a disarming smile. I could see the glimmer in her eye and I had a feeling that trouble was on its way.
"We'd better let you get back to work," I told him, feeling slightly guilty as I took the bag off him. I didn't want him to get fired because we'd distracted from his work.
"Yeah, sure," Emmett said softly. "I guess I'll see you in school."
"Yes, you will," I agreed, "see you then, Em."
The walk back to the car was a silent one but I could tell that Alice was bursting with questions. I was a bit worried as to what she was going to say because the last time she'd got that look in her eye, she'd suggested that I should find another boy to make her brother jealous…
No. Wait. No. That was just it. Alice wanted… But she just couldn't!
When we got to where the car was parked, Alice put all the shopping in the boot and unlocked the door. We slid into the seats and closed the doors behind us simultaneously. Alice quietly started the electronics, allowing the radio to start. However, she didn't start the engine but turned to look at me with extremely familiar green eyes.
"You want Emmett to be the boy I use to make Edward jealous," I said. It was a fact, not a question.
Alice smiled and nodded. "He's so sweet, Bella," she told me. "And not bad looking either."
I shrugged. "I hadn't noticed. I mean he's a nice guy, but I've never had any interest in him."
"You wouldn't notice because you're too hung up on my brother," she giggled.
I shrugged once again. "He's Edward's closest friend," I argued. "I couldn't do that. It's not fair." I stared at my feet in the foot-well of the car.
I was surprised when I heard Alice murmur one word brightly. "Perfect."
"How is that perfect?" I asked, my voice slightly cold due to shock.
"Because he's Edward's best friend, it'll make him so jealous when he sees you together," Alice promised.
"I don't think this is going to work," I said nervously.
"Do you have a better idea then?" Alice asked impatiently.
I shook my head softly and stayed silent.
"Then we'd better get started." Alice's beaming smile returned. "If it doesn't work, you can always kill me later or something." Her tone was juvenile.
"You bet I will," I said under my breath, just loud enough for her to hear.
Alice just laughed, obviously not at all bothered by my comment. "Now, we'd better come up with a plan to get you with this Emmett guy," she commanded. "God knows you couldn't manage to do it on your own."
I gave a low sigh as we pulled outside the house, glancing into the window of the Cullen's sitting room. Alice got the shopping bags out of the boot and as we walked in through the door, I could hear violin music playing from Edward's bedroom. Great, the bitch was still here. What a lovely way to end my afternoon!
Alice rung my Mom to tell her I was staying over the Cullens for the evening. She told me we would order pizza and watch a film but I was sure she was just desperate to put her plan into action. We sat in the living room and ate our pizza whilst watching re-runs of Friends on the television. I tried my hardest to block out the sounds of the violin and piano upstairs and even more, the moments of silence when who-know-what could be happening between Edward and Tanya. The thought of it made me feel sick to the very pit of my stomach. I couldn't stand thinking about Edward being with another girl, particularly if that girl was Tanya.
It was dark by the time we'd finished eating, (Alice had raided the freezer and cupboards for ice-cream, marshmallows, chocolate drops and strawberry sauce) and when we went upstairs, I could clearly hear the flowing chords of the composition Edward was writing for the summer concert.
Jasper had had to fly back home for a few days, leaving Alice and I to amuse ourselves. We went into the spare bedroom and Alice brought her laptop out. She 'encouraged' (forced) me to log into my msn account and was gleeful when she saw that Emmett was online. I allowed her to start up a conversation with him, with a simple "hi".
He replied a few seconds later. Hi, Bells.
Had a good evening so far? Alice replied for me.
Yeah.
Doing anything nice? Alice's quick replies must've made me seem like some sort of freak to him. I rested my head back against the headboard and watched in-case she should say anything ridiculous and I would need to take over.
Not really, just on my own and catching up with some schoolwork.
Me too… I'm all alone too, I mean. Alice left me for her sexy fiancé and Edward's with his slut girlfriend. I couldn't help but laugh at Alice's comment about Jasper or her one about Tanya.
"Tell him I'll be back in a minute, I'm bursting for the loo," I told Alice softly, standing and walking briskly towards the door.
"Bella, why don't you change into your new pyjamas?" Alice suggested deviously, chucking the shopping bag at me. "Then perhaps my idiot brother will see you in them and see what he's missing."
I looked at her blankly for a second before I replied. "Yeah, maybe," I said quietly, "at least I hope so." I wondered if the longing I felt was obvious in my tone.
I quickly changed and ran my fingers through my hair in an attempt to tidy it. On my way out of the bathroom, I met Edward coming up the stairs, having just dropped Tanya home. He looked very sexy in a pair of worn jeans and a navy shirt. I watched his expression to see how he would he react to my attire. There was no response whatsoever. His eyes stayed focused on my face and he relaxed back against the banister.
"Good practice?" I asked him, swallowing around the lump forming in my throat.
"Yes, thanks," he said, not holding my gaze. "I think the violin sounds really good and we've made a couple of changes that… uh… really add to the piece, I think."
"Oh, good," I said awkwardly, not really wanting to discuss anything that even vaguely related to Tanya.
"Well, I suppose you'd better get back to my sister," Edward replied, his eyes sad. He made his way across the hallway towards his room.
"Edward, wait," I called.
"See you later." He'd already closed the door behind him.
When I went back into the spare bedroom, Alice told me Emmett had signed off. She looked even happier than before as she passed me the laptop to show me how her conversation with him had progressed.
The first message from myself said, Did you like the pyjamas I brought today? ;)
Yeah, they were nice, yeah. Hadn't really thought about it. Alice gave a giggle as my expression changed to one of horror, poor Emmett must've been so embarrassed when he received this message.
No? Really?
No.
But you are now, right?
"Oh dear God, Alice how could you do this to me?" I moaned as I continued through the message. She continued to laugh.
Maybe a bit.
Em, I really like you and you're single, right?
"Haven't you ever heard of tact, Alice?" I asked, my voice rising in indignation.
No answer.
I guess.
Come on, we'll have fun! :D
Yeah, okay, why not?! It will be fun, I'm sure.
Great.
I've got to finish this work. See you tomorrow, Bells.
Yeah, see you then. xxxxxx
"Give me one good reason why I should ever talk to you again?!" I exclaimed, turning sulkily away from my new friend.
"Because I'm helping you get with my brother," Alice said, moving closer to me. Her voice was light and amused.
"You'd better hope to god that this plan of yours works," I growled for what felt like the hundredth time that day.
"Don't worry, Bella, it will," she said with a confident smile. "Now, sit back and relax, I'm going to give you a massage."
Un-bloody believable. Doesn't she care at all?!
Hi guys, so sorry for the lateness of this chapter... as well as writer's block, school's been hell, not to mention concerts, music coursework, courses, sailing races and driving tests. So sorry.
We were singing "I Know Him So Well" in choir earlier and one of my friends is in a very simular position to Bella right now and she was complaining how the song made her feel, so that's why I chose it... totally beautiful!
Thanks to Cath for helping me through kinks in the chapter and for not giving up on me.
Reviews would be fantastic! Please, please, please... I wish I had time to reply to them all, but I read them all and every single word you guys write to me means the world to me. Keep them coming.
I've got three weeks of easter hols now and although I must revise, I shall aim to get a couple of chapters posted!
Again, sorry!
Love JLF xx
