Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Twilight characters, they belong to Stephenie Meyer!

Chapter 15-Changes

We pulled up to the apartment complex and had no trouble finding the manager's office. The leasing manager's name was Mr. Birdie, who from a first glanced appeared as a nice man. He welcomed us into his office with open arms, not minding being interrupted by people who did not have an appointment. We gladly came in and took our seats.

"Good morning, My name is Mr. Birdie and you are?" he asked as he shook Jacob's hand and then mine.

"Isabella Swan, and this is Jacob Black." I answered as I smiled at Jacob.

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you both. How can I help you today?"

"I'm looking for a new place and I hoped you had a few places available for rent..." I told him.

"Are you looking for a single with two occupants or two bedrooms?" He asked..

"Just one occupant, one bedroom." I said.

"So this is for you Miss Swan, alright," he started. "As it happens, we do have twoplaces available right now for lease. Not rent. If that's not a problem, I'll be glad to show you what we have to offer..." I thought for a moment about leasing...that wasn't too bad. I could have easily gone and bought myself a nice place to live but I wasn't looking to live in a house by myself. I knew this was going to be the next best thing. If I could find a place here that was what I was looking for, I'd be closer to Alice and Jasper. This alone made me excited about the move because I missed being able to see Alice as often as I used to. This was another perfect reason for me to find my own place. The apartment I was living in now reminded me too much of the memories Alice and I shared together while living there. Instead of building new ones with Edward, that place is no longer somewhere I go and feel at peace and am happy. There is always something that comes up and I end up hurt. Edward was actually, while not realizing it, pushing me away through his actions.

I had been so lost in my thoughts about everything going on with Edward and missing Alice that I hadn't noticed Mr. Birdie and Jacob get up. I snapped back into reality when Jacob squeezed my hand. He looked at me with concern in his eyes but I smiled to reassure him. The first apartment Mr. Birdie took us to was on the first floor, which was nice. There was no balcony though, which was disappointing but not something I needed. The apartment was a simple, studio meaning no bedrooms. Just one big open space, a kitchen and bathroom. It looked as though the previous owner attempted to create a wall to seperate a bedroom area from the kitchen but somehow it didn't fit with the original construction of the room. While this place was simple and something that wasn't too big for just one person, it didn't feel like home.

The second and final apartment was next and I found myself growing nervous. I really hoped this place was what I was looking for. I had been hoping so much to find an apartment in this complex that if it didn't work out, I would honestly be sad. Just before unlocking the door to the next apartment, Mr. Birdie turned to face me.

"If the last apartment wasn't what you were looking for, I think this might spark some interest..." I looked at Jacob, who was also intrigued with what was in store for us beyond this door. Mr. Birdie opened the door and stepped in, allowing plenty of space for us to enter. I stood there, in awe at what I was seeing before me. This place was nothing like what I had imagined it would be. After seeing the studio, I assumed apartments here had similar features but I had been so completely wrong.

This apartment was big...bigger than I actually needed but would be perfect if I needed to accommdate any guests. It was white and open and had beautiful glass doors leading onto an extraordinary landscaped balcony. It consisted of two floors; the first floor had the kitchen and living room area divided with thin ionic columns, not solid walls. This seemed to go well with the overall scheme of the apartment. The kitchen had a cute little island which would been perfect for preparing meals. After the first floor fully sunk in, I made my way over to the stairs which led to the second floor; there were two flights. The railing on either side were made of glass as well, which added to the apartment's charm. Upstairs was even more overwhelming. There was one bedroom...which was bascially a master suite. It had two walk-in closets, though I wasn't sure why. Seeing this made me instantly think of Alice and how much fun she would have helping me bring my clothes over. The bedroom also had a bathroom which had both a jacuzzi and a shower. This was perfect. I could easily get new bedroom furniture if I needed to because of all the space that would have been left over if I brought my simple set. Though I also considered making this an office area. I noticed another room which was across the hall from the bedroom. This room was smaller, not designed for someone to sleep in but it was perfect for an office type room. The window was a little small to allow proper lighting but I considered what I could make of this room; perhaps an area where I could paint or write...

I stood in the room, deep in thought about the possibilites and potential this apartment had. I definitely did not expect to walk into such an extravagent place but I had and I couldn't let it go. It was everything I had hoped it would be. I felt at peace. I felt happy and calm. It was just right to start fresh.

"Bella?" I heard Jacob walk into the room. "Bella, this place is amazing!" I turned to look at him, unable to hide the smile that was now implanted on my face.

"I know, isn't it!" I answered. "I'm inlove with it. It's perfect!"

"Sold?" he asked with a grin, already knowing the answer to this question. I nodded my head and I ran toward him and gave him a hug.

"Thank you so much for being here with me," I said, not letting go of him.

"No thanks necessary," He replied as he hugged me tighter. "I'll always be here for you." I leaned back to look at him but not removing my arms from around him.

I didn't know what came over me, maybe it was the intense moment we were sharing as we stared into each others eyes. Maybe it was how true I knew his words were. Whatever it was, I found myself kissing Jacob and unwilling to break away from this kiss. Jacob's hold on me tightened, which only drew me in even further, giving me that indication that what was happening was not wrong. It was right. I had forgotten where we were. As far as I was concerned, it was only me and Jacob. No apartment. No Mr. Birdie. Nothing. We were alone together surrounded by nothing but stars if that were possible. It wasn't until a constant coughing sound, which continued intensifying in pitch, broke our moment and we pulled away gasping for air. Even though we had been interrupted by Mr. Birdie, Jacob and I continued staring intently at each other, both surprised and overwhelmed with the desire and passion we had just shared.

"I don't mean to interrupt...but I don't think this is the place to get carried away," He said, awkwardly wanting to look away from us. "Not that it's any of my business." I shook out of Jacob's hold. He seemed unwilling to let me go but after I looked at him questioning his actions, he did.

"Mr. Birdie, I am so sorry," I stumbled over my words. "I'm so embarrassed..."

"Don't be...I understand," he said, avoiding eye contact. "I was young once too..So, any thoughts about this apartment?"

"If it's available, I'll take it!" I exclaimed. I didn't want to waste another minute without knowing for sure this place was guaranteed to be mine.

"Perfect, let's head over to my office and get the paperwork started. When did you plan on moving in?" He asked.

"As soon as possible, maybe this weekend even," I said. I was more than ready to move in here. But I did need Alice's help if I was going to do this so soon. He nodded.

After talking with Mr. Birdie for another hour and filling our all necessary paperwork, we agreed I could be moved in by the end of the week but did have the chance to wait another week if I needed it. In the mean time, I was given a key to access the apartment so that I could slowly bring things in. I was going to use this opportunity to get Alice and ask her about the project. She already was overeager to know what I had up my sleeve and now that the apartment was already here and now leased in my name, I could tell her. When Jacob and I got in the car, I took my phone out to call Alice. She was just two blocks away which was perfect. We could stop by and I could share the news with her.

"Alice?" I asked into the phone.

"Bella, hey." she didn't seem as enthusiastic.

"Alice, I'm two blocks away with Jacob. Is it alright if we stop by?" she hesitated before answering me, which I thought was wierd.

"Now isn't such a good time, do you think you could come later?" she complained. This was unlike her, which made me refuse to give up without an explanation.

"I guess, but I thought you would want to know what the project is that I needed your help on..." I said to her. Before she could answer, I added something else which would make her unable to resist. "I was even going to put you in charge of it completely, full reins and all."

"Aww, Bella," she said. "Why would you do this?" she complained.

"I'm right outside your apartment, you just need to let us in," I told her.

"Alright, I'll buzz you in! It better be good!"

APOV

The morning had dragged on fairly slow, but if mostly felt this way because I felt slightly drained of energy. This was unacceptable. Pregnant or not, I had responsibiliites and I would not have anything stop me from planning my wedding! And when I said nothing, I meant nothing. Jasper had been so amazing with taking care of me though, especially when I would get sick at night. It only started two nights ago but he was still there, by my side. He was the best. I wasn't ready yet to get up and start my day; thankfully I didn't have to worry about classes today due to all the conferences my professors had to attend. Instead I had papers to write, which were already almost done. I was on top of it all. I felt accomplished. This was proof nothing could slow me down. If anything, it motivated me to get everything done faster.

I loved living with Jasper. I loved being able to see him at any time of the day and not having to wait until days passed until he was finally off work. Being here was amazing. It did have one down side; Bella wasn't here. I felt horrible for tricking her the way Edward and I did that day. It wasn't fair to her and I knew on some level, it really bothered her. All things considered, those two were just simply too blind to realize how perfect they were for one another and I needed to push it to happen. It was getting extremely frustrating seeing the tension that was building between them and when Bella admitted to being in love with him, I definitely would not let her pass up an amazing chance for love.

However, that plan ended up back firing and Edward turned out to be a complete guy; stupid and thinking with the wrong head! He was really surprising me with his current behavior. I may not have been close to him, but Bella has been our entire lives, not to mention Jasper being related to him and everything. His behavior was completely unrecognizable. I wanted to smack him in the back of the head. Clearly, our last conversation had not set the lightbulb off in that tiny head of his. I wasn't entirely sure what ended up happening last night between Edward and Bella; I thought maybe something would be developing between them, especially with how jealous Edward was when she brought Jacob with her here the other night. I rather enjoyed seeing the jealousy flare from him. It was all we could talk about once Bella and Jacob left and not too long after them, Edward left too. That sent us all off even more. We had never seen Edward act like that, not even to his girlfriends which told me even more that he loved her. He was just too blind to see it. Such a fool.

Something happened though. As though the missed call from Bella the other night wasn't enough to tell me that, Edward showing up banging on our door step gave me that clarification. I hadn't answered the door since I was still in bed, so I knew he showed up when conversation flared up between Edward and Jasper. I put on a robe and entered the living room where I saw Jasper sitting on the couch and Edward pacing angrily back and forth. I was confused.

"What's going on?" I asked, curious.

"I'm an idiot, that's what's going on." Edward answered angrily. Oh the drama, I thought.

"I could've told you that," I said, grinning at him. "Now tell me something I don't know Edward." He stopped for a second and glared at me. I simply pointed to my stomach and gave him my pouty, innocent look. It was pathetic to use raging hormones as my excuse but I couldn't bring myself to feel bad considering Edward probably messed up again. He simply sighed when I did this and went back to pacing.

"Bella left again." was all he said.

"I'm confused," Jasper chimed in and looked at me. "I thought you said she left last night to go to Jacob's because she was upset?"

"That's what I thought too," I said. Edward stopped pacing and turned to face us, his face turning red.

"She spent the night with Jacob!" he yelled.

"Oh relax Edward," I said. "Her spending the night with someone doesn't exactly match your version of spending the night with someone. They're friends."

"Yea, I'm sure they are." he spat.

"Are you calling me a liar?" I asked, moving closer to him. "Because next to you, I'm the one person who knows Bella completely. I know what she's feeling, what she's doing and I know when she's hurt. You, however, are pushing her away and you don't even see it!" Jasper had to get off the couch and hold me back. Without noticing, I had been moving closer and closer to Edward with my fists clenched tight, ready to throw punches. If he hadn't stopped me, who knows what I would have done.

"No Alice," he sighed. "I'm not. And even so, I'm not exactly in any position to be getting upset with Bella when I'm the idiot here." He moved his way over to the couch.

"Do you want to elaborate for us Edward?" Jasper asked. "We still don't fully understand."

"I told Bella I was inlove with her the other night and she left." He said and I had to interject.

"She...left?" I asked, confused. "That makes no sense."

"No, but I guess with everything going on, everything hit her all at once and she needed time to process it all," he explained. 'I wasn't about to force her to stay. I pleaded with her to take that time in the apartment. She didn't need to leave but she did. But before she left, she hugged and kissed my cheek which made it that much harder when she actually left. I thought she'd stay."

"You two should have your own soap opera!" I replied. "There's always something going on; definitely never a dull moment with you two." I took a seat, trying to process. I was now finding out what had fully happened the other night when I missed Bella's call. I was a little angry with myself for not answering. Now I was one of the last to know and I hated that.

"Alice, maybe you should go lay down," Jasper offered."I can try to help Edward while you rest. You shouldn't get worried about anything right now..."

"Jasper, I appreciate you looking out for me and the baby, but just because I'm pregnant, doesn't mean I can't deal with Edward and Bella's drama right now." I leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. He smiled and dropped it, knowing he would not win this conversation.

"So Edward, what happened after she left?" I asked.

"I don't know," he started. "I know what I should've done. I should've gone after her and brought her back home. I may not have known where she went, but I would've searched all night if that's what it took. But instead, I found myself alone in the apartment and miserable. I'd had a few drinks and hadn't moved from the couch until there was a knock on the door. I jumped for the door, thinking Bella was back. Sure, she had a key but I figured she was surprising me but no. It was Jessica at the door. I told her it was late and not a good time but she didn't leave. I went back to the couch and tried ignoring her banter but I wasn't fully functional with what was going on. I just remember her begging for me to take her back and her pushing herself on me. The next morning I woke up with her next to me in my bed and well, you know. I ended up giving in to temptation. I'm an idiot."

"EDWARD CULLEN YOU ARE AN..." I started to shout, fists ready to fly but Jasper cut me off.

"Alice, stress level," he reminded me. "You're not taking the time to rest but please try to keep calm." I didn't want to, even though I knew it was best. I just closed my eyes and started counting to ten to calm down.

"It gets worse," Edward added, hesitantly.

"Edward, man. Seriously?" Jasper asked in annoyance with him.

"You might as well say it while you have Jasper keeping me calm instead of attacking you!" I scoffed at him.

"Well, I went to take a shower but I heard someone talking in the bedroom so I finished up and got out so I could see what it was. I heard Bella and she, well...she was telling me, or who she thought was me, that she was ready to start a relationship and that she was sorry for running out and she was done running from her feelings...I stepped out of the bathroom and she realized everything that happened and.." he stopped.

"AND WHAT, EDWARD!" I said through gritted teeth.

"And when I followed her to explain, she was completely calm. It didn't phase her. It was like, she didn't care. She even asked what my girlfriend wanted for breakfast. But Jessica is not my girlfriend and Bella's behavior towards that...was not natural."

"Of course it's not natural you idiot!" I said. "Congratulations Edward, you've obviously broke my sister!" But before he could respond, the phone rang and I offered to answer it. Anything that would get me away from seeing Edward's face.

"Alice?" I heard Bella's voice through the phone. Great, the worst possible timing.

"Bella, hey." I replied, uninterested at the moment to what was going on. I was busy plotting my way of hurting Edward. No one hurts my baby sister!

"Alice, I'm two blocks away with Jacob. Is it alright if we stop by?" I hesitated. With Edward here and Bella planning on coming-and with Jacob of all people-I wasn't sure it was the best idea.

"Now isn't such a good time, do you think you could come later?" I asked her, hoping that even though she was so close, she wouldn't mind postponing her visit.

"I guess, but I thought you would want to know what the project is that I needed your help on..." she paushed but before I could get a word in, she continued. "I was even going to put you in charge of it completely, full reins and all."

"Aww, Bella," I complained. "Why would you do this?"

"I'm right outside your apartment, you just need to let us in," she said to me.

"Alright, I'll buzz you in! It better be good!" I went back into the living room to hit the button to buzz Bella in. I glared at Edward and addressed him directly.

"You are lucky as anything right now that Bella is coming here with Jacob! Her being her is the only thing keeping me from not hurting you beyond repair, do you understand me Edward Cullen?" He shook his head, but did not respond. I then turned to Jasper, my expression changing to that of love.

"I'm going to run in the bedroom and get cleaned up, make sure you keep Edward away from Bella while she's here. I won't be long," He nodded and I went to change. I needed some time to calm down a bit. I had let myself get so angry with Edward that I could feel the angry taking a toll on my body. Changing and getting cleaned up was the perfect chance to get back to a level head, if that were even possible at this point.

Breathe Alice, I told myself. You can always get him later.

A/N: You guys have been amazing thus far with your reviews, so don't stop now! Tell me everything you think so far and another chapter will go up!