((AN: Bella's shield stops edward AND alice from using their abilities on her.))

Ch.10

2 months later

"Wanna go hunting Edward? I got us all some new clothes just for it! I think you'll love what I chose." Alice plopped down on my bed.

"Sorry Alice, I'm just not in the mood right now. I don't know why I have been feeling weird all of a sudden." I stopped reading my book for a moment. For the last two months I felt as if I had been sucked into a black hole. Nothing has changed for me to feel this way at all.

"It's not all of a sudden, it's because you miss her. I do too."

"Miss who Alice?"

"Bella of course."

"How could I possible miss someone that I don't really even know. Besides, she's definitely better off wherever she is. And I don't need your visions to be able to see that." I sighed, folding my hands behind my back.

"You knew what mattered Edward. Besides, I can't see if she is better off now or not. I think her mind blocks my visions as well as your ability." Alice shot up on the bed with a gigantic smile exploding on her face.

"What ever you are thinking, stop."

"But Edward, one little road trip couldn't hurt. We wouldn't even have to let her know we were watching her. I know you want to make sure she's okay as much as I do."

"Let me.."

"Never mind all that, I can already see that you'll agree." Alice jumped up and twirled out of the room completely satisfied that she had her way as usual.

She was right, I did want to see her again. But I'm not sure if I can see her and walk away from her once again. Of course I would have too. By now she was probably on her way to a happy, settled life. And I would be the last to rob her of that, no matter how I desired otherwise.

Somewhere elsewhere.....

"Come on in Bella." E.J. stepped inside the apartment allowing me to enter. After dinner he brought me to this high end apartment complex. Looking around I noticed that there weren't any signs of previous occupants to be found. The place looked completely new with the exception of it being fully furnished.

It looked like a page right out of a home décor book. Everything was pristine and top of the line. About ten stories up, the view was spectacular.

"So how do you like it?"

"It's beautiful of course. But why exactly are you showing me your home?" I was apprehensive about the whole thing. And rightfully so I believe. He stifled a laugh, and sat on the living room sofa.

"It's not my home. It's your home now, well if you still want the job that is. All my employees receive their own apartment as part of the package."

"Well, even so, I probably wouldn't be able afford the price." I huffed, sitting down next to E.J.

"I'd think everyone can afford free. All you have to do is sign a two year contract agreeing that you'll work for me and no one else and the place is all yours." Opening his briefcase, E.J. pulled out an affidavit. He slid it over to me along with a pen.

"Why do I feel like I'm making a deal with the devil?" I warily take the pen and look over the document.

"You shouldn't feel that way Bella. Besides at least it's a handsome devil." E.J. laughed heartily.

"Before I sign on the dotted line, I'm not agreeing to be your little girlfriend or anything of the sort right?"

"Ha, don't be absurd Bella. I do believe you are a bit too young for my tastes, no offense. This is a legitimate business arrangement. Take your time, read over everything if you're worried."

I picked it up and carefully read every word. As far as I could decipher it was legit. Still, I was slightly nervous about signing my life away for two years. Then again, I had signed 18 years of my life away for far less in return. Having decided that this was the best option for me, I confidently signed my name.

"Perfect. I'm looking forward to working with you Bella. Get settled and I'll call in a few days with your first assignment. Enjoy!" E.J. patted my shoulder and saw himself out the door.

Locking the door, I take everything in now that I'm finally alone. My stomach was growling. I didn't feel right eating as much as I really wanted to at that expensive restaurant. I found the kitchen completely stocked. Grabbing a can of tomato sauce and some spaghetti, I start to make myself dinner.

Turning on the tv, I sit down and enjoy the peace. Of course it would be far more pleasant if I had another person to talk to. A roommate at least. E.J. would probably have seen it as inappropriate if I asked him to stay longer, especially now that he is my boss I guess.

Reaching out for the pepper, I wince as soon as I hear it clash on the floor. Remembering where I was and who wasn't here I laugh out loud almost deliriously. Allan would have had my neck for sure, quite literally for things like that. But now, I didn't have to live under constant fear or expectation of punishment. So I was alone in this new city, but I alone was good. After all, I needed to learn how to live like a normal person. And this time, this time I'll be bulletproof. No more suave players sweeping me off my feet. Love is obviously not my cup of tea, and if it was anything like the relationship I just jumped ship from then I wanted nothing to do with it.

Feeling lighthearted and careless, I turn on the radio. Some song comes on called "Funhouse" and I let loose, just dancing around the house. I don't know what, but I think I'm teetering on the edge of something life-altering and great.

((AN: I know. I haven't updated for what seems like a year.....but in my defense I had midterms! What a nightmare! 'Only' 6 more years of school...great!! Anyway, enough of my pity party. Review please?))