I do not own Twilight... but I do love it so... happy reading...
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After walking Kate out to her car, I sat down on the steps in front of the house and enjoyed a moment alone. It seemed like the only time I was alone anymore was when I was asleep or in the shower and I just wasn't use to it. I watched a few cars go by and then decided to head back inside.
When I opened the front door I heard raised voices coming from the family room. I could her Jasper and Rose arguing about something and I really didn't care to know what. When I reached the stairs I could hear that they were arguing about Tanya and Kate. And when Jasper called Rosalie selfish, I knew it was time to go upstairs.
I hoped I made it to my room without being heard, but then again I really didn't care at this point. I quickly made my bed and picked up a few articles of clothing that had been lying on the floor. I went in my closet and straightened the little messes that had lingered. I went back into my room and looked out my front window at the ocean and realized I hadn't sat out on my balcony in a while. I grabbed some magazines from the basket by my nightstand, opened the French doors and then stepped outside to relax.
It felt like a typical, mild San Diego day and I loved it. I sat down in my wrought iron glider and propped my feet up on the small ottoman in front of me. I closed my eyes and leaned my head back against the top of the chair. The slight rocking of the chair and the sound of the ocean was enough to help me relax. I enjoyed the silence for a few minutes more and then opened my decorating magazine looking for ideas for some of the unfinished rooms in the house. It would have been absolute perfection if Edward would have been sitting by my side relaxing.
After I finished sifting through a few more magazines I decided to face the music and see what was happening downstairs. I rounded the corner and saw Rosalie sitting in the courtyard and there was no sign of Jasper or Alice.
I went to the refrigerator and grabbed a soda and then decided to see what was going on with Rosalie.
"Hey," I started as I walked through the French doors. Rose didn't raise her head to look at me. Instead she turned her head away, bringing her hair down between us in a curtain, so that I couldn't see her face.
"Hi," she said so softly I could barely hear her.
"What's going on?" I asked, knowing that something dramatic must have happened for her to be acting this way.
"Oh, nothing," she shook her head, "just another case where I can't keep my mouth shut."
"What happened?" I ask and take the seat next to her and set my soda on the table.
She sat for a moment continuing to hide her face from me. "After you and Kate walked out Jasper told me that my remark to Kate was childish. And that Kate was dealing with enough as it was and for me to say that was insensitive at best."
"Well," I began, "I have to agree that your timing absolutely sucked. But, Kate's a big girl and she told you what she thought."
Rose peeked up at me, "Is she completely pissed off at me?"
"No, I don't think so. I think she has more things that she's worried about other than Bella's friend being insensitive."
"So, you agree with Jasper?" Rose glared at me and asked as if it would be completely insane for me to side against her.
"Listen, I think that if you didn't have anything constructive to say you should have kept your mouth shut until Kate left. That's all," I stated plainly.
Rose looked hurt and on the verge of tears. "It was just a harmless comment," she said under her breath.
"You know what Rose..." I stood up. "As one of your friends, I am used to your comments and your sense of humor. But, most people don't understand and it comes across as bitchy and insensitive. And as much as you don't want them to be, they are entitled to their opinions just like me and you."
I briskly picked up my soda and turned to walk away. But, before I stepped inside I turned back to Rose and said, "If you want to make things right you need to apologize to Kate." I walked back into the house needing to get away from Rose before she and I ended up fighting just like she had with Jasper.
The phone rang and after being distracted by Rosalie, I answered it, still somewhat annoyed, without care.
"Hello?"
"Bella?" the voice asked.
"Edward?" I gasped. Oh my god! I couldn't believe it was him.
"Hi, Love. How are you?" his voice was gravelly, but it sounded so good.
"I'm better now that I'm talking to you," I joked.
"I know. It's so good to hear your voice."
"Did you get my e-mails?" I asked.
"Yes. What's been going on?" he asked, his voice sounded full of concern.
"How much time do you have? Because there's been some craziness," I say the last part quietly.
"I have about 15 minutes and then we'll have to resort to e-mail for a while."
"Ok," I sighed, "Saturday I went to the debriefing with Rose, which was uneventful, after we planned on meeting Kate and Victoria for lunch at Miguel's. Rose and I went to the bar to get a Margarita, because Rose was being Rose and I just needed a freakin' drink after everything. Well, we were sitting there minding our own business when Tanya comes up with Eric and starts being her crazy self. I tried to be polite, and when I turn my back because I think she's done the woman grabbed my damn pony-tail and jerked me off the bar-stool and I landed flat on my back."
"WHAT?" Edward growled and I could tell that he was completely pissed off. "You got to be kidding me! That crazy… Did you call the police? Are you pressing charges? What about a restraining order? What the hell did Eric do? Don't tell me he did nothing or I'll… Are you fucking ok?"
"Baby, calm down," I tried to soothe him. "I'm fine. Eric hauled her ass out of the restaurant and the manager called 911. I am pressing charges and have filed a restraining order. She didn't really hurt me as much as it just stunned me."
"Should we get the command involved?" Edward asked, completely serious.
"No," I groan, "Kate and Garrett are going to talk to her and Eric tonight to see if they can get her to go get some kind of help."
"Are you sure you're ok, Love?"
"Yes, Edward, I'm ok," I try to reassure him with a firm voice.
"So, how'd the rest of the week go? You made it sound like other things have happened." Edward was way too perceptive for his own good.
"Well, after the Tanya thing I kind of lost it on Jasper. But we talked about it on Sunday and things are better."
"That's good," he sighed. "Is that it?"
"Well, ummm… on Monday, there was fight outside my class and when I opened my door…" I knew I had to say the next part really quickly or I was going to chicken out, "…"
"And?" Edward asked. He knew me well enough to know I was trying to make it less of a big deal than it was.
"…
"What in the hell? You were tackled? Are you fucking ok?" Edward was angry, again. "Please tell me you are ok."
"Yeah, baby, I'm ok," I sighed, wanting to cry for having to tell him I was ever hurt in the first place. "I went to the hospital and had CT scan and some x-rays and everything came back normal."
"Why did you need x-rays and a CT?" he asked and I could tell he was still very angry.
"Well, I hit my head again. So, two head-injuries in three days warranted a CT-scan. I had to have my ribs x-rayed because I think I took a punch to my left side and they just wanted to rule out broken ribs."
"What the… Are you fucking bruised?" he growled at me.
"Yeah," I whined not wanting to upset him more.
"Love, when I get home, I'm going to teach you some things that will make size irrelevant," Edward said in all seriousness.
"Baby, but you are the perfect size," I teased trying to change the subject.
"Funny, Swan." Edward chuckled. "I want you to do me a favor…"
"What's that?" I asked.
"I want you to take a picture of that bruise and e-mail it to me…"
"What? Why?" I couldn't understand why he would want me to do such a thing.
"Motivation, Love, motivation," his voice had a strange edge to it, "and Bella?"
"Yeah?"
"Make it a good one."
"Oh, ummm, ok." I thought I understood what he meant.
"I have to go, Love," he grumbled.
"Ok, Baby. I miss you," I said softly.
"I miss you, too," he replied. "I love you, Bella. These two months will fly by, I promise."
"I hear ya, Cullen," I tried to be positive, "I love you, Baby. Be safe."
"I will. Bye Bells."
"Bye, Edward."
And then he was gone.
I hung up the phone slightly sad, but mostly so happy that I had a grin that stretched from ear to ear.
Now, that I had heard from Edward and knew he could e-mail I decided to call Esme and Carlisle and let them know what was going on. I called Esme's cell phone and was relieved to get her voice-mail. I left a quick message relaying all the information I had and then hung up.
I thought I should call Alice and see what she and Jasper were up to and when they were coming back. I was relieved to hear that they were just walking the beach and would be home in a little while.
I plopped down on the couch and turned on the TV while I waited for them to come back. I flipped through the channels looking for something to watch and eventually settled on some type of decorating show. I zoned out not really paying attention to the show, but at the same time not really paying attention to anything else.
Alice and Jasper came through the front of the house. Alice's giggling snapped me out of my trance and I snapped my head around to see the pair walking to the kitchen, smiling, hand in hand. Their happiness radiated off of them and it warmed my heart and made me smile. I hoped that Edward and I looked that happy when we were together.
Alice looked over at me and smiled. "What?" she asked.
"Nothing," I answered shaking my head slightly. "Edward just called."
Alice's face lit up and Jasper turned to look at me, not sure of what he had just heard. Alice excitedly skipped over to me, "And everything's good?"
"Yeah, he will be able to e-mail regularly and call every once in a while," I explained, "so, things ARE good."
"Great," she smiled. "I found a space." She was grinning took a spot on the couch. Alice turned to face me as she pulled her feet up onto the couch and then crossed her legs so that her knees were almost touching me.
"You did?" I asked sarcastically. "I knew it wouldn't take you long, Al." Alice beamed at me and I could tell that she wanted me to ask her all about it. "Alright, dish, where is it? What does it look like? When can I go see it? Come on, Woman, I know your dying to give me the details."
And she was. The next hour or so we spent talking over the details of Alice's new shop. She had already developed a successful clothing line that had taken off in Miami and now she wanted to open a second shop here in San Diego. Alice was really hoping to add a larger couture collection to her existing line, as well as finish the most recent line she had been developing. We agreed that I would go with her on Thursday to see the space she had her eye on and to tell her what I thought.
"Alice?" I asked and she looked up at me. "I need a favor."
"Ok, Bella," she answered without hesitation. Alice was always there to help me with whatever I may need… always.
"Get Rose and meet me upstairs in my room, ok?"
"Sure." Alice looked at me, not really sure what was going on, but she quickly got up and went in search for Rosalie.
I headed up to my room and ended up passing my brother on the stairs and he didn't look happy. "Jazz, you ok?" I asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine," he answered bluntly.
"Ok… we can talk about it later if you want," I suggest.
"Sure, we can do that," he nodded and continued on his way down the stairs.
The short conversation felt strained and I really wasn't sure what to make of it. Regardless, we would get to the bottom of that later.
I quickly made it to my bedroom and sat down on my bed and waited for my friends to join me. I really want to do something for Edward and I know that my girls can help me pull it off.
"Alright, what's up?" Alice's voice startled me. Alice was standing in the doorway and I could see Rose looking in over her shoulder.
"Ok, I told Edward about everything that has happened over the last week and he wanted me to take a picture of the bruise on my side…"
"Why wou…" Rose interrupted me and then smiled, realizing the answer to her question, "Ohhhhhh… I get it."
"Right," I answered, "so, I need some help with my hair and what to wear."
Both of their eyes lit up at the idea and they both came into the room and grabbed my hands, pulling me up and off the bed.
Rose immediately spoke up, "Alice go pick her out something sexy to wear and I will work on her hair and make-up." Alice nodded and turned off towards my closet as Rose and I went into my bathroom.
"Sit," Rose ordered and began looking through the vanity drawers for my make-up and hair stuff.
I took a seat on the vanity stool and waited for Rose to tell me what to do.
Alice yelled from the closet, "Royal Blue or Coral?"
Rose and I answered, "Royal Blue," in unison.
Rose pulled out a large barrel curling iron and plugged it in. "Take your hair down," she said quietly and I obliged, pulling my pony-tail holder out of my hair. "I think I want to pull some of it back on top, but the rest I want to curl in big, loose curls. Sound ok?"
"Of course," I answered matter-of-factly. I completely trusted Rose to make me look beautiful.
As Rose began curling my hair, Alice dashed into the room holding several small scraps of material in her hands. "Ok" she gasped, almost out of breath. "I found these and these," she said as she spread two sets of royal blue panties (a pair of boy-shorts and a thong) and a demi-bra, all in satin. "What do you think?" she asked looking back and forth between Rose and me.
"I'm thinking the boy-shorts will be better, if anyone else were to see the picture," I smiled up at Alice. Rose nodded and continued curling the hair that framed my face.
"I know Edward loves you in blue," Alice began, "but the coral would look beautiful, too."
"I know, Al, but let's stick with what we know he'll love."
Alice nods and her eyes light up, "How 'bout some heels? I saw that gorgeous blue pair you have in there and they would just make your legs look so long."
I nod and she squeals and runs out of the room to retrieve the shoes.
Rose and I laugh at Alice's excitement. "I think you just made her day," Rose chuckles.
"Yeah, I think so," I giggle back.
Rose pulls the hair at my crown back and pins it back and out of the way. She then arranges the curls around my face, spreading them with her fingers and taking the time to do them just so.
"Beautiful," she sighed, "now the make-up… how about a smoky eye that will make those brown eyes pop?"
I bite my lip and nod knowing that Edward is going to absolutely love it.
Rose sets to work on my eyes and uses a charcoal black on the top and bottom of my eyelids and then smears it just so. She then takes the mascara and applies it while adding, "You have the thickest eyelashes I have ever seen." The compliment makes me smile. Rose pulls back to look at me. When her eyes fall to my lips she says, "I think some gloss will do it." I smile again, because, I hate lipstick and don't really wear anything but lip-gloss.
Alice enters the bathroom and gasps, "Damn, Bella, you look hot!"
I laugh out loud and Rose scolds me not to mess up my make-up.
"Ok," Alice says as she walks over and grabs my bra and panties, "Put these on and we'll get things set up."
"Ok," I say, suddenly feeling nervous about them 'setting up' anything, "Just keep it simple, alright guys," I plead.
I take my lingerie and they head out towards my bedroom. I undress and dress quickly and check my appearance in the mirror. Although Edward has seen the lingerie before, he has never seen me look quite like this. I have to agree with Alice… I do look hot. My brown eyes pop out against the charcoal framing and my pale skin. And the soft curls framed my face so that the heart-shape of my face was accentuated.
I turn slightly and look at the bruise on my left side. It had darkened from the reddish purple to a dark purplish, blue with some green tinge around the back edge. It was really quite hideous and I knew Edward was going to be livid when he saw it. Hopefully the pictures would be sexy enough to distract him… one can only hope.
I walk into my bedroom with my shoes in hand and am surprised to see a warm, pinkish-orange light is being cast into the room by the setting sun, making it seem warm and cozy.
Alice and Rosalie are standing at the windows looking out towards the ocean. "You guys ready?" I ask.
They both turn and smile. "Ok, Bells, put on the shoes and come stand over here by the window," Rose orders. I oblige as Alice walks to the opposite side of the room with camera in hand. Rose props my hand just so, twists my hips slightly towards Alice, and then adjusts my hair. "You look beautiful," she winks and then pulls away. The both easily talk me through a few standing shots and then rose points me towards my white chair in the corner where the aqua wall meets the white.
Rose fixes my hair again and then adjusts my legs slightly. She steps back and Alice snaps a few quick shots. "Wait," Rose interrupts, "try this," she says and then quickly comes back to me. She places both of my knees together and then pulls my high-heel clad feel as far away from each other as she can. She pulls me forward so that my elbows are on my knees, "rest your chin on your hands," Rose orders. I, of course, do as I am told. Rose fixes my hair again and then steps away.
"Tilt your head a little," Rose says quietly.
"Relax, Bella," Alice tries to soothe me from behind the camera, "just think of Edward," she chimes.
I slight smile comes t my lips at the thought of Edward. And for the next twenty minutes I let my friends rearrange me as they see fit, thinking of nothing but Edward and how much he is going to love what I am doing for him.
Once Alice is satisfied with the shots we have gotten Rose runs downstairs to grab my laptop while I put some clothes back on. When I make it back to my bedroom, Rosalie and Alice are sitting on my bed with my laptop on and the camera plugged into it. "Hurry up," Rose orders, "I can't wait to see how these turned out."
I crawl up to the head of the bed and log on to my computer. After the computer is ready I download the pictures from the camera to the laptop. And I am amazed at what I see. I barely recognized myself. I look beautiful and sexy. Of course there are a few awkward shots, but most of them are pretty good. The three of us pick our favorites and I pick a couple more that I think Edward will like and then attach them to an e-mail for Edward.
Edward,
Here are the pics of my injury.
I love you, baby and I will e-mail you again later.
All my love,
Bella
The girls and I wrap up our little photo shoot and head back downstairs. We him and haw about what to have for dinner and then we finally decide to just fend for ourselves. I make myself a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup while the others mill around the kitchen making their own dinners.
We sat outside in the courtyard. When Alice shivered, Jasper got up and walked over to the fire-pit and began building a fire. Once he got it going he called us over. Alice immediately took her seat on Jaspers lap and Rosalie sat down by me.
Jasper and Alice are whispering back and forth to one another. Making Rose and I look at one another. She silently asks me 'what they are whispering about' and I shrug and 'I dunno'.
"Alright, you two, what is it?" I ask.
"What do you want to do Saturday?" Jasper asks.
"I don't really care what we do," I dead-pan, trying to avoid the subject of Saturday.
"Come on, Bells," Alice's voice gets slightly pitchy because she is annoyed with my avoidance, "it's your birthday. There has to be something you would like to do." She looks over at me and then sticks out her tongue.
"Ok," I sigh, "I really just want to relax with you guys. Rose leaves on Sunday and I want to spend as much time with her I can before she has to leave."
"You don't want to do anything?" Alice asks, slightly annoyed with me.
"Let's plan on going to the beach and going out to dinner… the rest let's just play by ear, ok?"
"Alright, it's your birthday, after all," Alice groans.
The rest of the night we chit chat and have a genuinely pleasant evening. Jasper seemed a little off, but he still was a part of most of the conversations and he even seemed to be back to normal with Rosalie. I finally felt tired around 11:00pm and said my good nights and then trudged my way up to bed.
My laptop was still on so I decided to check my e-mail and was ecstatic to see an e-mail from Edward waiting in my in-box. I immediately opened it up and dove in.
Bella,
The pictures were beautiful, amazing, sexy and so many other things. I have to say I was pleasantly distracted from the awful bruise that is on your side.
That bruise just pisses me off to no end… but you know that. I can't help but feel that if I would have been home I could have protected you, but I know that's bullshit. I know that even if I would have been there you would have still gone to work and the same stupid shit would have happened.
I know it was beyond my control.
Who took those pictures? Please tell me Alice or Rose. I can't handle the thought of anyone else being in our bedroom with you.
I want to feel you so badly. Every time I close my eyes you're all I see. Last night I had a dream you were in my rack with me. And I swear when I woke up this morning I could smell you around me. For a second I thought you were here, but then I blinked and I knew exactly where I was and it just made me want you even more.
I love you, Bella. I am counting the days I have left on this cruise and counting the days I have left before I go to shore duty. Have I explained that to you? I am not sure if I had. Basically, I won't be doing this anymore. I will be an SEAL instructor for at least two years and after that I am not sure if I will re-enlist. We will have to talk about that once the time comes.
I miss you Love and I can't wait to hear your voice again. I'm sorry I won't be there for your birthday, but please try to have fun with everyone and I promise that I will make it up to you when I get home.
I'm sending you all my love,
Edward
I closed my laptop and got up out of bed, setting the laptop in my chair that sits next to the bed. I quickly used the bathroom and then headed to our closet. I walked over to Edward's side and found one of his well worn BDU shirts and pulled it on and buttoned it loosely at the bottom and stopped after the third button. I am engulfed in Edward's large shirt and once I inhaled I was taken over by his scent. I was comforted and torn apart at the same time.
I did feel closer to Edward and decided to dwell on those feelings rather than the other. I climbed back into our bed and took a moment to feel the weight of Edward's shirt against my skin. I pulled his pillow to my chest and inhaled. At this point his shirt smelled more like him than his pillow. But, it was still his pillow after all. I smiled slightly and fell asleep at the thought.
We decided the night before that Thursday would just be a lazy day. We all slept in and eventually got together about lunch time to go for a walk on the beach. We took our time enjoying the ocean air and eventually made our way back to the house. Rose had been called from work and needed to take some time to take care of the issue. Jasper decided that he wanted to grill some chicken for dinner and Alice decided on potatoes and salad for the sides. I decided to mix a batch of mango Margarita's while the pair worked on dinner.
Once the Margarita's were mixed I poured one for myself and one for Jasper and made my way out to the courtyard to see how the grilling was going. I handed my brother the glass and he took a sip.
"Mmmm, that's great Bells," he complimented with a smile on his face.
"Thanks, Jazz." I smiled back. "The chicken smells good," I offered.
"I hope it turns out," he smiles and winks.
"So…" I pause not sure where to start, "What's going on with you?"
Jasper glanced up at me and I could see he was surprised that I had noticed his strained behavior. He looked back to the grill. "It's nothing Bella. Don't worry about it."
"I beg your pardon?" I ask, slightly annoyed with him dismissal.
"Bella, it doesn't have anything to do with you. So just let it go." He said roughly.
"What the fuck Jazz? That's quite a double-standard you have there. I'm supposed to rely on you and depend on you. But, you can't be bothered to tell me anything. And I can tell that it's something important. So, get the fuck over yourself and spill it."
Jasper slammed the tongs he was using on the speckled, granite counter and turned to face me. His face was hard and his eyes were boring through mine. "Has Alice said anything to you about having a baby?" he asked.
"No," I replied quietly.
"Well, it's not going how we planned. And on top of that, I'm having issues with the house closing in Jacksonville. Oh, and on top of that, I need to find a job. Is that enough for you?"
"I'm sorry Jasper. But, I do appreciate your confiding in me," I answered.
He and I talked for a while and I would like to think that it helped him. But, he's a man after all and you never know if what they hear and what they don't.
The rest of the evening was calm. We ate, we drank, we talked and eventually we went to bed.
I think that night the tequila in the Margarita effected my greatly. All I could think of us Edward and his hands all over my body. Eventually, I worked myself up so much that I had to take matters into my own hands and get myself off.
Once I finished, I couldn't sleep and decided to write Edward a letter…
Edward,
Hey Baby!
I miss you. We had drinks at dinner tonight and I think I had too much. When I came to bed I put on your old BDU and got in our bed.
The shirt smells of you and between the tequila and the shirt I couldn't stop thinking of your hands all over my body… Tracing my breasts and circling my nips with an occasional pinch or pull, raking their way down my sides making me lurch and giggle and then working their way to my aching pussy where you push me over the edge again and again.
I simply worked myself up to the point where I had take matters into my own hands and get myself off. Every second, every movement… I thought of you, wished it was you.
God, I fucking miss you.
Bella
I fell asleep shortly after I set the pen and paper aside and dreamed of Edward's face between my legs.
Friday morning I woke up feeling rested and better than I had all week. When I got up and went downstairs, the smell of fresh coffee filled the air. I took a quick glance around and saw that I was the first one awake. And I found myself truly excited to have a moment to myself. I happily walked over and made myself my usual cup of coffee, picked up my cell phone and headed out to the front patio to watch the ocean.
I hadn't been sitting down for more than a minute when I heard a car-door slam. I glanced over towards the direction of the noise and I immediately gasped and dropped my coffee mug to the ground.
There's a streak of strawberry blonde hair and I know exactly who it is. I get to my feet and turn to run into the house, not content to find out what exactly what she wants. Before I can make it inside, Tanya calls me name.
"Bella, please wait." Tanya's voice was calm.
I open the front door and then turn to face her. "Tanya, you shouldn't be here," I said quietly.
"I know…" she paused and looked down at her feet. Tanya was in jeans, t-shirt and sneaker and her hair was gently waving in the wind. She looked beautiful standing there, but I couldn't help but feel bad for her. "I just want you to know that, well, I'm sorry for all the chaos I've caused. I really am."
"Ok," I nodded slowly, not really sure what to say.
"I wanted you to know that I'm leaving and I should be gone for a while."
I was stunned. I really wasn't sure why she was here telling me this. The whole situation just made me completely nervous. "Tanya?" I asked and she looked up at me. "Why are you here?"
She looked around, carefully avoiding my face. "I'm not sure," she sighed. "I guess I thought you deserved an apology. I just… I've just made a terrible mess of things and I am truly sorry."
I stood in front of the door and waited. I was afraid that if I moved too quickly she would attack.
"I should go," she said quietly and I nodded. She turned and walked away, leaving as quickly as she came.
I went inside and sat down on the chair that sits in the Living Room. Not sure how someone so crazy could possibly seem so sane in such a short time. I needed to call Kate and see what was going on. I went into the kitchen and immediately called Kate and she informed me that after she and Garrett had gone to dinner at Tanya and Eric's, Tanya agreed to see a counselor and the counselor immediately suggested that Tanya go on a "retreat".
I didn't ask about the details because it really wasn't my business. Tanya was getting help and with any luck she would leave me the fuck alone.
Kate asked me what my plans were for my birthday and I told her about going to dinner and invited her and Garrett. She said something about inviting Ben and Angela and I told her it was fine and that I would call her with the details later.
I got off the phone with Kate right before Alice came bounding down the stairs.
The first words out of her mouth weren't good morning but, "do you want to go see my store?"
I of course, agreed. We talked for a few minutes about what her plans were for the space and then decided to wait until Rosalie woke up to see if she wanted to go.
I went upstairs, showered, got dressed and ready for the day. And by the time I made it back down Rosalie was awake and making her coffee. Rose agreed to come with us but said she needed some time to get moving.
"Too many Margarita's?" I joked. Rose laughed lightly and nodded her head.
Alice and Rose went back up and the same time and got ready. It wasn't long before we headed out to see Alice's store. I couldn't believe how close the store was to the house. It was placed between a small café and jewelry store. I thought it will be a nice spot for Alice's boutique.
The property manager was waiting to let us in when we arrived. Once in the door hurricane Alice excitedly ran us through her plans. Showing us where the showroom will be, the counter and register as well as her design and office spaces in the back. All in all, Alice had a solid plan. It was very similar to what she had done in Miami, just slightly toned down. She and Jasper had already agreed to sign the lease and would be doing it this afternoon.
I was very excited about the prospect of having them so close. But at the same time I was sad that Rose will be out in Florida without us.
We had lingered in the store long enough for lunch to roll around. So, we decided to eat at the café next to the store. As we were walking out, Jasper came to the door to meet with the property manager. Rose and I went ahead to the café while Jasper and Alice stayed to sign their paperwork.
The café was nice and the food was yummy. Jasper and Alice had talked about the design for the store through most of lunch and Rose and I just smiled and nodded. When we were asked our opinion we gave it easily, but we let them have their moment to begin their planning.
At lunch I confessed what had happened with Tanya earlier in the morning and none of them believed that she was capable of acting sane, let alone rational. Jasper was annoyed with me because I should have called the police so I could have the documentation for my case. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the thought.
Eventually, the four of us parted ways. Rose and I went back to the house, while Jasper and Alice stayed behind at the store.
Once I made it home, I checked my e-mail and was disappointed that I hadn't gotten anything back from Edward. I figured that since Rose really only had one more full day with us that she might like to go sight-seeing. But, when I asked she refused.
"Bella, I don't care about any of that shit," she shook her blonde head and smiled at me, "I don't know when I will see you again and I'd much rather chill out here, talk shit and drink strong Margarita's with you then go traipsing around the city and look at shit I could care less about."
I couldn't help but laugh… that was vintage Rosalie Hale after all.
The rest of the day went much like the day before. We relaxed, ate dinner, drank a little too much and then went to bed.
I dreamt of Edward again… but this time I had my face between his legs.
"Happy Birthday!" wakes me up and I groan. I know the voices and I wish they would just leave me alone. I groan, roll over and pull Edward's pillow over my head. I feel someone bounce their way onto my bed and I have to fight the urge to kick them.
"Let me sleep," I groan, hoping that they will be nice and leave me alone on my Birthday. But noooo… Alice pounces on top of me while Rosalie rips the pillow out of my hands.
"Wake your ass up," Rosalie orders as she hits me in the head with Edward's pillow.
The Pixie is on top my squirming all over. "Come on Isabella… it's time to get up," she sings.
"Ugh, FINE!" I snap and throw Alice off of me as I sit up.
I quickly take in the scene and am surprised to see Jasper holding a tray at the foot of the bed. Alice has shifted and is sitting beside me on the bed and Rose is next to the window.
"Ready to eat?" Jasper asks.
"Sure," I smile and Jasper brings the tray and sets it on my lap.
"Happy Birthday, Sis," he says as he kisses the top of my head, "I love you."
"Love you, too, Jasper," I reply.
Jasper takes the chair and we all try and figure out what we want to do for my birthday. I decide that I want to have Kate, Garrett, Angela and Ben over for dinner and just relax. Of course Alice is disappointed, but Jasper and Rose seem to agree that it's a great idea.
We spent most of the time relaxing around the house. Kate and Garrett came over around 3:00 and Angela and Ben showed up around 5:00. Rose pulled Kate aside and quickly made amends which was a great relief. We spent most of the evening talking while the guys grilled some steaks. Eventually, there was a cake and they did sing 'Happy Birthday'. But, the only thing that kept it from being a perfect birthday was the fact that Edward wasn't there.
I woke up this morning knowing I would have to take Rosalie to the airport in a little while. I really wasn't looking forward to saying goodbye to her. She's my best friend after all. She may be opinionated and difficult, be she is family. She and I always argued and seldom saw eye-to-eye, but we were always able to put it behind us and move forward.
I decided to go ahead and get ready before I headed downstairs. I dressed in khaki shorts and a fitted t-shirt and flip-flops. Once downstairs, I made my coffee and turned to see Alice, Jasper and Rose all sitting in the courtyard talking.
I open the door and ask Rose, "You ready to go?"
"Yeah," Rose smiles. She stands up and Jasper and Alice follow her lead. They all exchange hugs and kisses and then Rose comes back inside.
I turn to my brother and sister-in-law and tell them I will be back soon.
I decide to take Edward's Volvo and help Rose put her luggage in the trunk. Once we get on the road I ask her if she has heard from Emmett. She smiles a small, shy smile and says that she has.
I can tell that whatever he has said has made her happy. And for some reason, she's just not ready to share. I know she will eventually and that it is hard for her to put a name on what it going on.
It doesn't take us long to get to the airport and I wish she wasn't leaving.
"Do you think you'll be back soon?" I ask.
"I hope so. I want to come back before they deploy in December, but I'm just not sure if I can work it out with work. But, I will let you know when I get home," she explains.
I pull up to the curb of the departing flights drop off and get out of the car to help her with her suitcase. "I hope you come back soon, I'm going to miss you," I tell her as I give her a hug.
"I know, Bells. I'm going to miss you too," she tells me as she hugs me back.
I pull away and tell her, "I love you, call me when you get in."
She nods and says, "I will." She begins to walk away, "Love you, too, Bells."
And then she disappears inside the airport.
I want to cry because I feel like its one more person I love who is leaving me… one more person I love that I want to be here with us.
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a/n: thanks for reading... I'm sorry I didn't get this up by Saturday. I ended up spending 14 hours at a baseball tournament for one of my kids. They won at least! Summer vacation is in full swing here and I will do my best to update weekly.
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I have posted some links to MoH on my profile... check them out if you want...
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Thanks for reading... please review and let me know what you think... see you next week :0)