A/n: Hey everyone! Thanks again for all of the review/favorites/follows! I apologize for the delays! As usual school and work have taken over my life…Anyways, there will be some new characters joining the story, and a new POV this chapter. So enjoy!
Never put my love out on the line. Never said yes to the right guy. Never had trouble getting what I want. But when it comes to you I'm never good enough." –Demi Lovato "Heart Attack"
Chapter 12: THE POT STIRRER
Present day, Seattle Washington
BPOV
I walk down into the kitchen, and see Jasper and Alice, cooking breakfast. He has his arms wrapped around her waist from behind and she is leaning into him, and both of them having smiles on their face. Seeing them like that (although it kind of grosses me out since I know what they were doing last night and they are like a brother and sister to me), made me smile because I realized how genuinely happy they made each other, and how lucky they are to have found each other. And it made me realize how much I wanted, and needed that.
Growing up, I didn't have the best examples of love. A couple I could look up to and know that their love was exactly what I wanted. My mom left my dad and I when I was only 3 years old. And the only time I hear from her is on birthdays, and when she wants something from me. Or when she wants to pretend like she is my mother to impress one of her latest boyfriends. As for the rest of my family, they had all been divorced, and were on to their second and third marriages. So I have always been scared to fall in love. To scared to be happy, and then to have it all crumbling down when it didn't work out. And too scared that the people who loved me the most would leave me. Realizing I wasn't enough for them. That's why, throughout my adolescents (and into my twenties I will admit) I had been afraid to be in a real relationship. Too afraid to let anyone love me. I would never put my love out on the line. Or go out on dates with guys that were right for me and I could see a future with. I would go on dates with guys, and at the first sign that they wanted to be serious with me or if were getting too close I would bolt before they could. I know it wasn't very mature of me, but it was how I was at the time.
I never had trouble getting what I wanted out of relationships. And then I met Edward. And everything I thought I knew and believed about love and relationships went out the window. Even though I was still scared to fall in love and be in a relationship, I could see it with him. I could see myself being happy and in love with him, ever since the first day I met him. There was this spark, this undeniable chemistry that we had, that was impossible to deny. He just got me. He understood me. We had this banter. This back and forth…that I have never had with anyone else. But timing was a bitch. And there were too many things working against us.
He was the last person I should have been with...really. Because of all of those things I was afraid of…the abandonment, and the hurt that prevented me from wanting to be in a relationship…I knew he was more then capable of doing those things to me. And in the end I was right.
There were too many lies, secrets, and girls. And too much uncertainty on my part. I had let all of the lies, and insecurities grab ahold of me. I think that really was what broke us in the end. That's why I couldn't really blame Edward for everything that went wrong with us.
Flashback 2009- First day of work:
BPOV
I knew that working at Eclipse would be complicated. I knew I would be dealing with a bitchy boss who only kind of liked me despite her better judgment because I actually stood up to her. But she still thought I was sleeping with her employee. And I knew I would be dealing with Edward. The kind of guy I had been avoiding my whole life because I knew how they operated, and the kind of things they did. But it didn't stop me from being curious, and intrigued by him. I look around for Edward, only because Rosalie wanted me to report to him. I had planned before coming here to spend the least amount of time with him as possible.
I could admit I was nervous to see him. I knew I couldn't cross any lines with him, after all I had been warned countless time about how he was with women, but I wasn't sure how long I would be able to say no to him. He was a persistent guy, and one that I am pretty sure has never heard the word no from a girl before. I am interrupted from my thoughts when a blonde girl, with her standard work uniform entirely too tight and revealing, walks up to me.
'Hi, I'm Lauren!" She says excitedly, "And you are?" She asks me questioningly, raising her eyebrows.
"Bella." I reply back. Not entirely sure I could trust this girl. After all she looked exactly like the kind of girls I would avoid at my other school.
"So nice to meet you, Bella! I can tell we are going to be great friends!" She says enthusiastically.
I internally roll my eyes at the fake enthusiasm in her voice, and I look around the restaurant. After a moment I spot Edward, leaning casually against the bar and laughing with one of his friends. He looked so innocent, and so carefree that I couldn't help but stare at him for a second. I knew that I had I caught him in a rare moment. The other times I had talked with him he always looked so tense. So contemplative. Or he had a smirk on his face, like he was wearing a mask. He was naturally gorgeous, but when I saw him like this, so relaxed and carefree, it just made him even more attractive. I see Lauren turn around, and look in the same direction. Wondering what I was staring at. She turns back to me and I am once again brought out of my thoughts.
"Do you know, Edward?" She asks me raising her eyebrows and standing up straighter. Like she was on alert. I could tell that there was something going on there, and I could see the wheels turning in her head. So I scoff, and play it off. Hoping she would put her claws away, and act like a decent human being.
"Barely. We met at a Starbucks, last week, and then I found out he was working here a few days ago. I barely know the guy." I say brushing off her comment, and hoping that it would get her off my back.
"Oh ok, cool." She says casually, although I could tell that she wasn't happy about him knowing me. She casually looks at her nails and says, "Him and I have been dating for awhile now." She says nonchalantly. Then she looks at me for a second, and lowers her voice to a whisper like she doesn't want anyone else to know, "But don't tell anyone you know. There is kind of a policy about dating people you work with." She says rolling her eyes as if she really cared whether people knew.
"Not a problem." I say smiling at her. She grabs my arm squeezing it, and thanking me. Then she turns around and walks towards him. I watch her walk away and I can't help but feel hurt, and annoyed with him. Even though I knew I didn't have any right to feel that way. I had no claim on him. And I guess it made sense that he would have a girlfriend… look how gorgeous he was… but I couldn't help but feel played. Like maybe the connection...the spark that I felt was one sided.
But more than that, I couldn't help but be annoyed by Lauren. I mean really? She knew exactly what she was doing. She was laying her claim on him. Letting me know he was spoken for. I thought I wouldn't have to deal with this passive aggressive bullshit after high school, but I guess I was wrong. And really she could have him for all I cared. Because if he really was dating her, and flirting with other girls, that was definitely not the kind of guy I needed to be involved with. I have known enough guys like that to last a lifetime. And I didn't need another one.
I knew that for now on I needed to maintain a professional relationship with him. Because that was all we would ever be...colleagues. Satisfied with my resolve, I walk over to them. An annoyed look passes over Lauren's face but she quickly clears it, and loops her arm with Edward's. When my eyes finally meet Edward's the look that he gives me almost…almost…makes me lose my resolve to remain professional with him. The smile he gives me…it was so brilliant, genuine…and beautiful, that I had to literally pause for a second. Was he really that happy that I was here? Or was that his way of getting girls…getting me… to fall for him? And why would he act that way with his girlfriend right next to him?
"So Eddie, I heard that you met our girl Bella already?" She asks him with her eyebrows raised as soon as I was in ear shot. He subtly slips his arms out of Lauren's clutches and he smiles back at me. I raise my eyebrows at him. What was that about?...
"Hey Bella it's good to see you again. I am glad you survived the interview with Rose." He lowers his voice for a second. "I know she can be a hard ass but she really is great once you get to know her." He says. I smile because of the genuine love they have for each other. And I realized that he was scared of Rosalie.
Probably sensing that we were having a moment I hear Lauren clearing her throat, "Ahem. We both look over at her, when she clearly ruined whatever moment we were having, "Eddie we should probably get back to work. We don't want Rose to get pissed at us." She says, in mock concern. I roll my eyes at her obvious attempt to try to get the attention back on her. And her use of the nickname Eddie, which he obviously despises. But then I realize something.
"Oh, actually Edward, I don't know if she told you this, but Rose assigned you to train me. I hope you don't mind." I say innocently, smirking at Lauren. A little satisfied that Lauren wasn't going to get what she wanted. I was rewarded when I hear a scoff and turn to see her glaring at me. Edward doesn't notice though because his attention is still focused on me.
"Of course I don't mind, Bells. I would be happy to help you with whatever you need." He says with a smirk. I roll my eyes at the sexual innuendo. I mean really? Now? In front of his girlfriend? I ignore his attempt to flirt and say, "I am going to go talk with Rose, I'll meet you out here in a few." Without waiting for an answer I turn around and walk away. I needed a second to calm down. I knew this wasn't going to be easy. And I definitely didn't to be around either of them for longer than I needed to…
When I walk back into the dining room I see that Edward is finally alone. "Hey so you are finally alone." I say walking up to him.
He just laughs. "Yeah sorry about that. She can be a bitch sometimes." I stare at him a little disgusted. Because really, that's how he talks about his girlfriend? The disgusted look must have shown on my face because he suddenly speaks up.
"But we aren't dating." He says, almost frantically, like he was reassuring me that he was available.
I roll my eyes. Not really sure I could believe him. Even if he wasn't dating her it was obvious they were still messing around. And I didn't want to get involved in that. "Edward, you can date whoever you want. I'm not here to judge you, or the girls you go out with. I just want to do my job." I see a look pass over his face almost like he wanted to argue about it further. But instead he shakes his head and laughs darkly.
"Whatever you say, Bella. Let's just get back to work." And without waiting for a response he turns around and walks away. I look at him confused. What the hell was that? Was he genuinely angry that I told him he could date whoever he wanted? What else did he expect me to do? Tell him he shouldn't date anyone else but me after only knowing each other for a week? Realizing that this was going to be harder than I thought, but not wanting to let him know he was getting to me, I follow him. I was lost in my thoughts, wondering how I was going to survive working with Edward, when I bump into something solid.
"Whoa," I say starting to fall backwards. But before I could fall I feel strong arms grabbing my arms, and steadying me. And my klutziness strikes again. I was embarrassed because all I seemed to be able to do lately is walk into people. I look up getting ready to apologize but my words are stuck in my throat when I see a gorgeous guy with green eyes looking at me.
"You ok?" He asks me with a look of concern. Why was I never able to be coordinated around attractive men? I ask myself. I must have been staring because he looks at me for a second concerned, that I wasn't answering him.
I shake my head. "Yeah I'm fine." I say smiling at him. "Thanks for saving me. That would have been embarrassing, falling on my first day."
"Not a problem." He says smiling back. "My name is Brady, and you are?"
"Bella," I say.
"Nice to meet you, Bella. And trust me a lot worse could have happened." I look at him questioningly, and he lowers his voice, "On my first day I got several orders wrong, and tripped and spilled food on a customer. So trust me it's normal." He says, with a laugh. I laugh along with him, because he actually seemed like a decent guy. "You have a beautiful laugh." He says smiling.
"Thanks." I say shyly tucking my hair behind my ear.
"So it's your first day, huh? Who do you have training you?" He asks me.
At the realization that I was supposed to be following Edward I look around, trying to find him, and see him talking to some tall blonde. Of course, why am I not surprised? I roll my eyes. What is his deal with blondes anyways? And why is it that whenever I piss him off he finds some other girl to talk to? Even though he is talking to her, I notice that he is sneaking glances at me. When he sees that he is caught, instead of being embarrassed, he continues to stare at me intensely, an indecipherable look on his face. I ignore him though, not wanting to deal with his bullshit. So instead I look back at the cute stranger in front of me. He must have known who I was looking at because he raises his eyebrow at me.
"Is something going on between you and Edward? Because he doesn't seem to be too happy that your talking to me." He asks me. Why was everyone so interested in my relationship with Edward?
"Not at all." I say confidently smiling at him. He smiles back.
"Good, because I know that we just met but I wanted to see if you wanted to hangout with me sometime? Maybe grab a drink or something?" I look at him for a second hesitant. And I didn't know why. What was holding me back from going out with this cute stranger?
"I overstepped," he said quickly backtracking. "I'm sorry if I was too forward. I just…" He hesitates for a second like he was trying to choose his words carefully… "can tell you are different from a lot of the other girls I have met. Even though we have only been talking for a few minutes." I look at him questioningly and he adds on, "In a good way, I promise." He says reassuringly. "But your probably in a relationship. Of course you are. You gorgeous, and charming, and have a beautiful laugh." He continues rambling and I laugh. Because I had never met such a genuinely nice guy. One that was good looking and didn't even know it.
He looks at me for a second, probably not sure how to take me laughing at him. "I'm not laughing at you I promise." I say reassuring him. "I just have never met a guy like you either." I say smiling at him. "in a good way I promise. You are a genuinely, nice guy. And it's definitely not something I am used to. I just…can't go to a bar to drink for a few more months. I'm only 17." I say shyly.
"Oh," he says, the relief obvious in his voice, "That's not a problem. We can do something else. Go to a movie or something. Or we can watch a movie and drink at my apartment." He says.
"Yeah, that sounds good," I'll give you my number after my shift." I say smiling at him. "It was nice to meet you." I say, and then I start to walk away.
"Nice to meet you too." He calls after me. I walk towards Edward, a smile still on my face. I see that the blonde has left, and Edward is glaring at me.
"New friend?" He asks glaring at me.
I raise my eyebrows at him. "What I am not allowed to make new friends?"
"No you are, but come on, farmer boy? You can do a lot better than that." He says scoffing. I look at him questioningly, wondering about the nickname, but before I can say anything else we are interrupted by Lauren.
"Hey baby are we still going out to lunch?" I turn around and see that Lauren has appeared, and is rubbing his shoulder. "Bells you don't mind if I steal him from you do you?"
"No not at all." I say giving her a fake smile, and trying to not let her get to me.
"I'll bring him back soon so that he can continue training you, I promise. You could probably use all of the help you can get." She says smiling insincerely back at me. I grit my teeth, wanting to hit her. But before I can, she pulls Edward by the arm whisking him away. He waves and then walks out the door after her.
I watch them walk away, glaring at Lauren's back.
"She can be such a bitch can't she?" I hear someone say behind me. I turn around and see a petite brunette staring at me.
"Yeah, what is her deal anyways?" I ask her. She rolls her eyes.
"She is just a jealous bitch. Who doesn't like Edward's attention on anyone else but her. Don't worry she is like that with every girl."
"Yeah that doesn't make me feel better." I say, and she laughs in response. "What the hell does he see in her anyways? Like why would he date her? She seems awful." I say trying to pretend like I didn't care too much.
She looks at me for a second, as if she caught on that I might like him. But then she starts laughing. "Oh trust me they aren't dating. Edward doesn't do girlfriends. I am assuming that's what she told you?" I nod my head in the affirmative, and she rolls her eyes. "See what I mean? She is territorial over him. She doesn't want him dating anyone else but her, and she thinks the way to do that is scare off all of the other girls. But I can tell you are the type of girl who doesn't get intimidated very easily." She says smirking.
I laugh. "I'm not. And I am definitely not scared of her."
"Good." She says smiling at me.
"Hey what are you guys talking about?" I turn and see an attractive guy with blonde hair, and blue eyes walk up to me. "I'm James." He says smiling at me, and putting out his hand. "And you are?"
"Bella," I say smiling back at him.
'It's nice to meet you, Bella." He says, "What are you guys talking about over here."
"Lauren and her obsession with Edward." Jessica says, rolling her eyes.
He laughs, "She is a little she-beast. They dated when they were both in high school. And not that I would ever be one to defend Edward, but even I have to admit that she is crazy. And he ended things with her as soon as he realized how crazy she was."
"And now he is sleeping with her?" I ask rolling my eyes.
"Yeah we don't get it either. But they kind of deserve each other. He is a huge asshole who plays games with girls, and she is a bitch who tries to sleep her way to the top. She tried to sleep with Emmett a few years back, but Rose found out. And you can imagine how well that went over."
"Yeah, I bet Rose kicked her ass." I say my respect for Rosalie rising.
She laughs. "She definitely wanted to. But her dad is friends with the owner, and he would never have allowed it."
I didn't want to ask about Edward but my curiosity got the best of me. "So what is the deal with Edward then?" I asked trying to act like I wasn't interested.
Jess looks at me for a second like she wanted to question my interest, but she lets it go. "His parents are really well known in the community. His dad, Carlisle own his own doctor's office in Seattle, and is on the board of several major hospitals. And he is grooming Edward to follow in his footsteps. He has already set him up with several internships. And his mom's family owns multi-million dollar businesses in Chicago. He is basically being brought up to be the next business tycoon. He is only working here because Rose and Emmett needed help, but also because he knew it would piss off his parents. They don't exactly have the best relationship." James explains.
"But still, like seriously don't waste your time with him. He is definitely not the kind of guy to get involved with." Jessica pipes in, quickly. As if she saw what I was trying to hide that I was interested.
"Wasn't planning on it." I say to her. And I wasn't. Because I meant what I said before. I need to be focused on school and work, and I wouldn't let a guy interfere with that…And anyways he was totally out of my league. Gorgeous…successful...
"But I need to get back to work, Edward is probably waiting on me to finish with my training. I will see you guys later." I say to them walking away.
After getting a chorus of byes in response, and plans to hangout later, I start to head back over to Edward. Taking a deep breath on my way…
Once I was able to get the hang of the job, Edward was forced by Rosalie to let me work on my own. And so the rest of the night I avoided him. Not wanting to deal with his excuses or his lies. And trying to process everything that Jessica, James, and Rose told me about him. I wasn't sure how I felt about him now that I knew everything that I did.
I am walking towards the back to take a break, when I feel a hand tugging on my arm, pulling me into the closet. I am spun around and see…Edward. Of course. He pushes me gently with his body against the wall. "Your avoiding me." He says, resting his arm above my head. I look up at him annoyed. "I'm not avoiding you Edward I am just trying to do my job." I say pushing him back. I head for the door. But he apparently doesn't take no for an answer because he grabs me turning me back around.
"You are avoiding me. And I'm not really sure why? What happened to the beautiful girl in the coffee shop who was flirting with me?" He says with a smirk on his face.
I roll my eyes at him because he was such a cocky asshole. "I was not flirting with you, Edward. I was trying to let you down easy. And we should pretend like that never happened. We work together, and that is it." I say crossing my arms over my chest.
"Pretend like what never happened, Bella? What exactly happened? Because all I can remember is that I was flirting with you, and trying to get to know you, and you shot me down." He said getting close to me again. When I didn't respond he continued.
"Let me prove to you that I am a good guy. I know you probably heard a lot of shit, from a lot of different girls. But most of it isn't true...It's jealousy. That is all it really is. So go out with me. Let me prove to you that I am not a bad guy." He says smiling at me. I want to believe him. I really did. But I knew he had something going on with Lauren, and I wasn't going to get in the middle of that. And I knew that we would be crossing a line. One that was bound to have consequences for both of us.
"I'm not going out with you. Or dating you. I'm drawing a line. A big line. We aren't allowed to date. I know the rules. And I am not going to fuck up this chance. This opportunity that was given to me… because of a guy. I'm new to this job and already have people hating me. Girls hating me because of you. And I don't deserve it." I look up at him. "I still have something to prove, Edward. And I can't let you screw this up for me." I sigh.
He studies me for a second, and then he says, "Is this what you really want? For me to leave you alone? Or do you feel like you have to? Because the way I see it you have two reasons for rejecting me." He puts his fingers out. One, out of obligation to Rosalie and everyone else. Or two you doing it to prove to everyone that you are a hard ass. That you are the kind of girl that doesn't have feelings. And doesn't need a relationship. Or isn't effected by guys like me." I look at him shocked. Because he nailed it right on the head. How is it possible that he already knew me better than I knew myself? I wasn't going to let him know that he was right though. So instead I went on the defense.
"Why can't you just accept the fact… the possibility that not all girls want you? Why do you think that there has to be something wrong with me because I don't want to go out with you? Why can't we just stay friends?" I ask him frustrated that he wouldn't let this go.
"Bella- "
"it's the thrill of the chase isn't it? That's why you are so eager to go out with me. You have never been rejected by a girl before. And no other girl has ever said no to you. I have been wondering to myself why you are so hell bent on getting me to go out with you. You know that there is a policy against dating. Especially those that are higher up. You know we could get in trouble for dating if anyone ever found out. And you know that I keep saying no to you. So that's what it is isn't it? It's the thrill of the chase." I ask him expectantly.
He pauses for a second and several emotions pass over his face before he speaks. "Well it's fun isn't it?" He whispers.
I give him a look. "You see this is a game to you. But it's not to me. Because like I said I have something to prove being new to this job. And I am going to have to depend on this job to get me through college. Because unlike you, I don't get handed everything in my life. I have to work for it. So please, just stop. Because if you don't, I wont be able to be friends with you either." I say angrily. And then I walk away, not giving him the chance to argue with me further.
One week later
I am in the back room ready to clock out for the day when I feel someone walk up behind me, his body pressed close to mine, and his lips near my ear. Edward…. How was it that I could feel him like this?
"Its not the thrill of the chase Bella." I hear Edward say from behind me. I turn around and ask,
"What?"
"I know I made you think that was all it was. But you and me. This thing between us. Its not the thrill of the chase. It's not a game." He walks closer, breathing into my ear. "It's the way you smile. And how it can light up the whole room… And your laugh." He says smiling at me.
He gets impossibly closer to me and reach his hand up, putting my hair behind my ear. "And it's the way you make me feel when I am around you." I close my eyes at his touch, and he whispers, "That's why I want to go out with you." I open my eyes, and he is staring at me. His eyes searching mine. And I almost give in. But then I remember what everyone had told me about him. All of the warnings from Brady…Jessica…and even Lauren. And all I can think about is all of the problems I have with relationships. So I step back and whisper, "I can't do this, Edward." And then I turn and walk away, not allowing myself to look back, no matter how much I wanted to. As I am walking out the door I feel a hand tug on my arm, pulling me into another room. I look up and see it is the blonde he was talking to on my first day. I had later learned from Jess that her name was Tanya, and she had been friends with him since high school. She is looking at me, the disgust obvious on her face. What the hell did I do to her?...
"What the hell are you doing to him?" She asks me furiously.
And now I am angry. Because how dare she corner me like this? "I have no idea what your talking about, Tanya."
"Your playing games with him. Telling him he doesn't have a chance, and then flirting with other guys in front of him. I might not know you very well but I would have never taken you for a tease." She spits out nastily.
I look at her shocked. "First of all, I have no idea who you are talking about. And secondly, you don't know me. So you have no right to spit out accusations. I'm new here, and I am just trying to make friends."
She scoffs. "Friends, right." She says rolling her eyes disbelievingly. "And you know exactly who I am talking about, Bella. He has never been like this with a girl before. He has never liked a girl this much. You are all he has been able to talk about. And the games you are playing with him are cruel." She said continuing to glare at me.
I look at her incredulously because I think I know who she is talking about. "Wait are you seriously saying that I am playing games with Edward? Edward? The king of playing games with girls? The one who can't even be with the same girl for a single day? Are you kidding me with this shit?" I seriously can't believe she was lecturing me about playing games with Edward right now. God Edward. I try not to let what she said effect me. And I couldn't get my hopes up. Because even if what she said about him liking me is true, he had no idea how to be in a real relationship. And really neither did I. Us being together…I think could only end in mutual destruction.
"Of course I am talking about him. He is my best friend. And I am going to do everything I can to keep him away from girls like you. The kind of girl who tells a guy that she wont date him because they are coworkers, and then goes around flirting with every other guy. What is the deal with that anyways?
"I told you I am not flirting with them. I am making friends. And its none of your fucking business anyways who I do and do not date." I fire back at her.
"It becomes my business when you are hurting my best friend." She waves her hand. "You know what? It doesn't matter. I am not going to argue with you any further. Just stay away from Edward. And stop letting him think he has a chance." As she walks away I turn around, watching her leave in shock.
End Flashback
Present day
BPOV
Being brought out of my memories I walk into the kitchen. "Ahem." I say smirking at them, when I see that they are kissing. They pull apart and look over at me, blushing.
"Morning Bells!" Alice chirps. "We are making eggs, and sausage, want some?" She asks pointing to the food.
"Sure, do you need help with anything?" I ask sitting down at the breakfast bar, watching them cook.
"Nah, we are ok, just stay seated it'll be done soon. By the way my sister is coming in today from California. So Jazz and I are picking her up from the airport. Do you want to come with us?" She asks me, her eyebrow raised.
Alice's sister and I had a complicated relationship. While we had been friends for a long time growing up, she started being cold towards me shortly after Alice and I started at UDUB. I understood her not wanting to hangout with us when we were freshman in college, and she was a sophomore. But I soon realized it was just me she didn't want to be around. She never wanted me to be around when I was hanging out with Alice. Or when they went on family vacations together, even though I had been going with them since I was a little kid. I honestly didn't know what I had done to her to piss her off, but still to this day, she was a bitch to me.
She must have noticed my hesitation because she says, "Come on it'll be fun! We can go to lunch at Pike Place Market, and then we can walk around! My parents even offered up their boat. Although I think we should wait to do that another day… Please, Bells? I just want to spend time with my best friend, and sister while they are still around." She asks me jutting out her bottom lip. Damn her and her powers of persuasion. She could probably convince me…or guilt me...into doing anything.
"Fine," I say grudgingly, knowing this probably wouldn't end well. But it was Alice's wedding, and I knew I had to get along with her sister for her sake…
Shortly after getting to the airport, we walk over to the gate to pick up Charlotte when I heard screaming, and a tall blonde came barreling towards us, hugging Alice. My god there is two of them…I roll my eyes at the shrillness of their squealing.
When they finally pull apart, Charlotte holds her at arms length looking at her. "Hi sis its good to see you! You look great!" Charlotte says smiling at her.
"Its good to see you too, Char!" You remember Jasper right?" She says pointing at him.
"Of course! Its good to see you again!" She says walking over to him, and hugging him.
"And you know, Bells." She says pointing towards me. And to my surprise Charlotte walks over to me too, and hugs me.
"Of course, its been too long! Wow, you have grown! You used to be this little thing, and now you are a full grown adult!" She says in awe. I internally roll my eyes. Really? I am only two years younger than you…. And there she was again with her backhanded comments. She knew exactly what to say to make something that wasn't a compliment sound like one…
"Good to see you too, Charlotte." I say grinding my teeth together willingly myself not to make a snide comment back to her.
Before I could say anything, because she knows me so well, Alice speaks up. "Well, Char, lets go get your stuff! And we were thinking Pike Place Market for lunch, and then we can do some sight seeing. And maybe even go to some of our old hangout! I am sure you, and Bells would love that since it's been so long since you have been in town!" She says excitedly.
"That sounds great, Al." I say trying to sound enthusiastic.
"How about Eclipse for lunch!" Charlotte suggest.
Alice looks over at me questioningly. Although I knew it would be hard, I couldn't let Charlotte know that I hadn't been back there since I quit the day after Edward and I broke up. I really didn't want to have her questioning me about it, and have to explain what happened. No one but a small group of people knew about us, and I wanted to keep it that way.
"Yeah sure that would be great!" I say trying to sound enthusiastic. Alice looks at me again questioningly. Making sure I was really ok with it. When we all start walking again she pulls me back, and Charlotte, and Jasper walk ahead of us. Charlotte talking Jasper's ear off.
"Are you sure your ok with it, Bells?" She asks me worriedly. "We can go somewhere else. I can make an excuse up for not wanting to go there." She says. I smile, because that was Alice, always looking out for my well being.
"Al, its fine really. Thanks for the concern though." I say wrapping my arm around her shoulder reassuringly.
She looks at me doubtfully, but then lets it go. Knowing I was over talking about Edward. "So your coming to the wine tasting tonight right? I need your help on deciding what wine we should have for the wedding." She says looking up at me hopefully.
"Of course I will Al. You don't even have to ask." I say smiling at her.
She stops me for a second grabbing my arm. I turn around and see her looking at me concerned. "Bells, I know you don't want to talk about him. But I just wanted to say that I know this whole thing is hard on you. Seeing Edward, and having to spend time with him. And I am so sorry I have put you through this. But I really do appreciate you being there for me throughout all of this. I don't think I could do any of this without you." She says looking like she was close to tears.
I wrap my arms around her pulling her into a hug. "Al, you have nothing to apologize for. You didn't know any of this was going to happen. How could you have known? So you have nothing to feel guilty for, honestly. I would have done this for you regardless of whether I knew beforehand that Edward was going to be here." I look at her sympathetically, and she is wiping tears from her eyes.
"Thanks, Bells," she said squeezing my hand. "Anyways, enough about that. How are you and Jake doing? I know the whole, getting a job offer in Seattle thing has kind of had a strain on your relationship. How is he doing with it?" She asks me concerned.
"He seems to be ok with it." I say sighing running my hand through my hair. "But I think I told you, actually I don't remember because of all the tequila," she laughs in response, "but I told you that he agreed to come with me if I moved to Seattle right?"
She looks at me for a second shocked. "Wow, Bells that is amazing!" She says enthusiastically.
"Yeah, it is." I say hesitantly.
She looks at me, hearing the hesitancy in my voice. 'What's wrong, Bells? Do you not want him to move here? Or are you questioning whether you want to move here?" She asks me. And this was why we were best friends. Because she knew exactly what I was feeling. There was only one other person who I felt that way about, and I knew it was impossible for us to ever be friends again…
"A little bit of both." I admit to her. "I just…" I sigh, running my hand through my hair. "I don't know what I want…or what I want to do. There are times when I can see a real future with Jake. The whole getting married, having 2.5 kids, the white picket fence…the perfect life dream. But I am not going to lie. I am still scared to settle down. What if he isn't who I should be with?" I say, obviously still scared to be in a relationship after everything with Edward.
She looks at me for a second, contemplating what I was saying. "It's normal for you to be hesitant to be in a relationship after everything you have been through in the past. But Is there someone else you want to be with, Bella?" She asks me raising her eyebrows at me.
"This isn't about Edward, Alice." I say looking at her sternly. Asking her not to go there now.
She raises her hands up. "Hey, I didn't say anything about, Edward. You went there on your own. Believe me, I don't want you back with him. He treated you like shit, Bella. And you don't deserve that." She says vehemently.
"Thanks, Al. It's just that I feel like I am too young right now to think about marriage. I mean I am only 24. But I do want to move forwards with Jake. I really do. And I want to be with someone that will be committed to me and only me. But I don't think I am ready for that step yet. I know that you knew right away that Jasper was the one you wanted to spend the rest of your life with. So isn't having doubts a bad sign? Or do you think it's about all the bullshit with my family?"
she looks at me for a second, studying me. "It definitely has to be everything with your family. Bells, Jake is a great guy. He treats you well, and he is committed to you, and only you. You deserve someone like that. Someone that is actually willing to have a future with you."
I sigh. "Your right. I do. It's just, when we had the conversation about me moving back to Seattle, at first he was pissed. He thought I was trying to pull away from him again. He thought I didn't want to be with him, and that I wasn't letting him love me." I sigh, running my hands through my hair. "I love him. I really do. But I am scared that if I move too fast that things aren't going to work out with us. And I don't want to lose him. We were friends first. And that is the most important thing to me. I don't want to lose that friendship."
She looks at me sympathetically. "Bell, I wish I could tell you what to do. But this is something you have to figure out on your own. And you need to be honest with him. Tell him everything you told me. Tell him that you don't want to lose him, and that's why you don't want to move too fast."
"He is going to think this is about Edward." I mumble thinking out loud to myself.
"Wait, he knows about Edward?" She asks me shocked.
"No, no of course not. He just knows there was a guy in my past who hurt me. That's why I wanted to only be friends with him when we first started talking. He wanted more but he waited for me. So patiently. And now that we have been together for awhile, he wants to move forward. And I don't blame him for that. I really don't. I just don't know if I am ready."
"All you can do is be honest with him Bells. And if he really is a good guy he will understand that and wait for you."
I sigh. "Your right. Thanks, Al. I miss having my best friend around." I say hugging her.
"I miss you too, Bells. I don't want to tell you what to do, but I do hope you move back here. Things aren't the same without you."
Later that afternoon, Wine tasting
EPOV
"So where is your girlfriend, Edward?" I turn around and see Charlotte walking towards me.
"Hey Charlotte, how are you?" I ask her trying to sound enthusiastic to see her. But I knew that she was only here to start trouble. Because that is what she did. And even though I knew she was coming, if what happened between us in the past got out, I would be in deeper shit then I already was…And worst of all Bella would be hurt. And I had honestly hurt her enough in the past few years to last a lifetime…
"She opted out of coming today so she could spend time with her friends." I say smiling. That was partly true, she was spending time with her friends, but I told her that only the members of the wedding party were coming to the wine tasting. I had realized that if I was ever going to start to make things right with Bella, and be the man she deserves, I was going to have to start by not throwing Kate in her face every two seconds. Even though she still was bringing Jake, and I would have to watch them together all night. And even if it killed me. It was the least I could do. After all the shit I put her through. I had failed her. Time and time again in the past. I played on her insecurities. I realized that now. And I wasn't going to do it anymore.
"Awe that's too bad. I was looking forward to seeing her again." She says, but she sounded anything but sad that Kate wasn't here.
I roll my eyes at her. "Yeah you seem really disappointed." I say, and she smiles at me.
Charlotte POV:
I had wanted Edward since the moment I met him. He was gorgeous, and cocky, and had that knight and shining armor quality about him that made girls swoon. Every girl wanted him, and I knew it was only a matter of time before I got my shot. But then a year later Bella started at UDUB. And all of that changed. Suddenly all of his attention was on her.
I knew all about their relationship. After all they weren't exactly subtle about it. But they didn't know that I did. And I planned to use that to my advantage. So I waited for my chance. For the inevitable problems brought on by Edward's inability to be in a relationship, to start. That was what happened with every other girl who tried, but failed to be in a relationship with him. Because they didn't know him like I did. And they didn't know how to make him happy like I did.
My plans to interfere didn't have anything to do with not liking Bella, really, but I knew what I wanted. And I was going to do everything in my power to get it. I knew I was better for Edward then she was. I understood him, and how he was. And all Bella did was try to change him. Make him into the person she wanted him to be. So I waited for them to end. Knowing it was inevitable. Knowing that he would get tired of her trying to change him. And I would be waiting for it to happen. But what I didn't expect was how long they would be together. Or how broken he would be after things finally ended between them.
When he ended things with Bella he came to me, drunk. Seeking comfort. After that night we were together for a few months. Hooking up. And I actually thought we might start dating. But then he left again. It was obviously too much too fast for him. And he got scared.
So even though I was happy for my sister, and I was, my reason for being here was to get Edward. And I was going to do everything in my power to do so. I didn't have anything against Bella, even back then I didn't, but I have wanted Edward for a long time. And I was going to do what I had to, to get what I wanted. And I was going to start with her relationship with Jake…
Speaking of the devil…. I smile when I see Jake by himself. Looking at something…or someone. I walk over to him, and see that he is staring at Edward and Bella. I smirk because I realize this was the perfect opportunity to plant seeds of doubt in his mind….
"Hi, I don't think we have met yet. I am Charlotte." I say to him turning towards him, and putting out my hand. He shakes it, and introduces himself back to me. Then he turns back around and continues staring.
"So you are Bella's boyfriend right?" I ask him, hoping to keep the conversation going.
"Yeah, we have been dating for a few years." He says back to me, although his eyes never leave Bella.
"Well, Bella is a very lucky girl." He turns towards me at that last comment, and smiles at me. "I apologize, I wasn't trying to be rude before, how do you know the happy couple?" He asks me.
"I am Charlotte, Alice's sister. I am currently working in California, but I am thinking about moving back. I miss my family, and I want to be able to reconnect with my sister, now that she is getting married."
"That is great, Charlotte. I am really happy for you." He says smiling at me. We both turn back around, and see that Edward and Bella are still in what looks like a heated conversation.
"It's interesting isn't it? How whenever they are thrown to together they always seem to end up alone. Talking." He looks at me for a second, confused.
"That's what Alice told me at least. You must be a really trusting boyfriend."
He looks back over at them. "They are just friends, Charlotte. Jasper is Edward's best friend, and Bella is Alice's. Its only natural that they would all become friends, and hangout together. Anyways, she loves me, and we are getting married soon. So I am not worried." He says confidently. I roll my eyes. Because honestly? How could he be so naïve about something that was happening right in front of his face? I move to stand in front of him, blocking his view.
"Really? You are not worried? Because you seem a little unsure with the way that you are staring at both of them. And are you sure that they are just friends? Because they seem awfully close for two people who claimed to have only met a few weeks ago." He looks at me questioningly. "That is just my opinion. I could be totally wrong. But you should really just find out the truth about what is going on between them. Before you lose her." I could see the wheels turning in his head, and the doubt start to form. So I put my hand on his arm rubbing it lightly, and then I turn and walk away, smiling.
I could have talked to Kate directly. Broken her and Edward up that way. But honestly, I couldn't stand the bitch. And I knew that by planting doubt in Jake's mind, that she would eventually find out the truth too.
Knowing that my job is done, at least for the time being, I go up to the bar to order a glass of wine. And happen to be standing close enough to Edward and Bella that I can hear their conversation.
"Edward, I'm not doing this shit with you here. Not when all of these people are around." She starts to walk away from him, and I think its finally my time to talk to him. But instead he follows her, grabbing her by the arm, and turning her around.
"If now isn't the time, the when will it be? You won't talk to me, even when we are alone. I don't get it. What are you afraid of?" I realize this was my perfect opportunity to interrupt.
"Ahem." They are both staring at each other, but at the sound of my voice, they stiffen, knowing they had been caught. They turn around. Bella clears her throat and mumbles something about finding Alice. Then she walks away leaving me with Edward.
He watches her leave, and I wait for him to turn back and look at me. When he finally does, I look at him knowingly. "So you and Bella still, huh?" I ask him raising my eyebrow.
He clears his throat, and runs his hand through his hair looking uncomfortable. "I don't know what you are talking about."
I roll my eyes at him. "Come on, Edward. It's obvious you still have a thing for her. But you know she is practically engaged right?" I ask him.
He laughs sarcastically. "Yeah, Charlotte, trust me I know. That's not the kind of thing you can easily forget." He said, looking away from me. It was obvious that he thought he still had feelings for her. But I knew he would be happier with me. That I could give him everything he wanted. And that Bella would never be enough for him. And I had every intention of reminding him of it.
"Look, Edward," I say putting my hand on his shoulder, "I am just looking out for you because I don't want to see you get hurt. Bella is moving on. She is getting married to someone else. And it's shitty, the way she is stringing you along like this. She is making you think that you still have a chance with her. But you don't, you realize that right?" I say raising my eyebrow. "She is not going to get back together with you. She isn't going to choose you over Jake. She is happy with him. Haven't you seen the way her face lights up whenever he is around? I have only been back in town for a few hours and even I can see it. I am not trying to hurt you, Edward. Really I'm not. But I think it's time that you move on too. Move on with someone who can make you happier then she ever could." He glares at me for a second. But then a look of resignation passes over his face. And I realize he finally believes what I am saying to him.
"I know that everyone blamed you for what happened back then." I say with a look of sympathy on my face, rubbing his shoulder. "But she is the one who left you, and took some of your best friends with her. She played the victim, when she was to blame for what happened too. It's not all on you, Edward." I say. He then looks at me for a second. A look of realization on his face.
"Wait you knew about me and Bella?" he asks me a look of shock on his face.
"Of course I did." I say rolling my eyes, "You guys weren't actually subtle about it. And Bella went over to Alice's apartment that night crying, and you came to me, messed up, and drunk."
He holds his hand up stopping me from going further. "Yeah I remember what happened that night, Charlotte. You don't have to remind me."
I could admit I was a little hurt at how dismissive he was of what happened that night. After all I knew he had feelings for me. But he was scared. And that was why he left. "Why are you so angry, Edward? We didn't do anything wrong. You and Bella were already broken up. She left you, even after you begged her to stay. You have nothing to feel guilty for."
He looks up at me, a harsh look on his face. "Really I don't have anything to feel guilty for? How can you be so casual about what we did? She was your childhood friend, Charlotte. And you don't do that to your friends. Regardless of whether or not you were friends at the time. And you don't do that to the people you love. Sleep with someone else only hours after you broke up." He runs his hand through his hair. "I did a shitty thing. I am man enough to admit it. I screwed up so many times with her. And I could say it was because I was too young and naïve to know when I had a good thing in my life. And while that is partially true, I know it's not a good enough excuse to justify how I acted with her. So I want to make things right with her. I at least owe her that after everything I put her through. I know that she has moved on, and we will never be together, but I at least owe her that. I owe the friendship that we used to have, that."
Without another word he walks away from me.
BPOV, Wine Tasting
I see Edward walking towards me, and I start to plan my escape. But before I can, I see a tall blonde walk into the room. "Tanya?" I ask looking at her shocked that she was here. When I say her name Edward turns around too. Without thinking about anything else, I walk towards her, past Edward.
"T you're here!" I say wrapping my arms around her in a hug. "Why didn't you call me? I would have picked you up from the airport!"
"I wanted to surprise you!" She lowers her voice to a whisper. "And I know you needed me so I got on the first flight that I could." I see her look behind me and when I turn around I see Edward is behind us. She raises her eyebrow. "Edward." She says coldly.
"Hey, T." I say smiling at her.
There is an awkward uncomfortable silence that surrounds us. None of us really knowing what to say. And knowing there was too much that needed to be said. Before anyone can speak Alice materializes behind us. "Hey Bell I need you for a second would you mind coming with me?"
I turn around, giving her a look of gratitude. "No not at all." I say in relief, obviously wanting to escape the uncomfortable situation.
"Hi Tanya!" She says enthusiastically to her, and then she pulls me away.
They knew each other, sort of, but she didn't really like her because of the way Tanya treated me when we first met. But when she learned that she took care of me when I was getting over Edward, she warmed up to her…
After performing my maid of honor duties, Alice asked me to look for Edward, and Tanya. I searched the entire room, and couldn't find them. So I go outside, onto the patio. I finally spot them behind the wooden fence surrounding the patio, in what looked like a heated conversation. I stay behind the fence peaking around it, hoping to catch their conversation. I knew that Tanya was still pissed at him, and I didn't think this would end well.
"Ok, enough of the pleasantries. What is the deal, Edward?" Tanya asks him coldly.
"What are you talking about, T." He asks her, his voice sounding tired.
"You messing with her head, Edward. It wasn't bad enough that you broke her heart five years ago, and then started dating someone months later. But now you have to play games with her now? When she is finally moving on and happy? What are you doing Edward? You have a girlfriend. And Bella, she is genuinely happy with Jake. So stop messing with her head, Edward. It isn't fair."
He runs his hand through his hair. Frustratingly pacing in front of Tanya. He finally stops after a moment and looks at her. I can see his face from my view, and he looks frustrated. "What the hell? Why do both you and Bella keep saying that I was dating someone new right after her? You know that's not true right? And why are you so concerned? Is this about me and Bella, or the fact that I left, and haven't talked to you in years?" I gasp quietly in shock. Because if that was true, and he really wasn't dating someone else, things would probably be a lot different now.
"This isn't about our friendship Edward. Although I am still pissed about that and how everything went down. This is about you, and Bella. And what do you mean you weren't dating anyone new? I saw you with Kate a month after you broke up with Bella and after everything with Irina. Remember at the bar?" She says raising her eyebrow at him. "When you went to the bathroom I asked her what was going on. And she said you were dating!"
"And why the hell did you not ask me what was going on directly, T? Do you not understand the damage you have done? I know that Bella thinking I had a girlfriend is the reason she left Seattle, and moved to New York. You even said it yourself." He starts pacing agitated. "If she was still in Seattle I could have talked to her. Explained what happened. Got her to understand why I did what I did. But I didn't get the chance. Because she left, and I had no idea where she went. And no one, including you, would tell me. Do you know what that was like for me? To have the person you loved not only leave you, but also disappear? To not be able to talk to her for years. Not knowing whether she is doing ok or if she was happy? I know I deserved it, but it was hell for me, Tanya."
He loved me? How could he have loved me? He wasn't capable of being in love. That wasn't who he was. Why couldn't he tell me then? And why the hell did it matter to me so much now?
She looks at him shocked for a minute. "You loved her?"
He looks back at Tanya almost like he was in pain. "Of course I did, T. I was a wreck after we ended. You knew that."
She looks at him for a second, and sighs. "Look Edward, it doesn't matter anymore whether you loved her because you screwed things up with her big time. But, you are right. I should have asked you about your relationship with Kate. And I probably should have been more concerned about the poor girl you were leading on. But honestly, I don't think it would have mattered to Bella either way if you were dating someone else. You lied to her about Irina, Edward. You were engaged while you were with her. She understood that. And learned to accept it. Even if you had the chance to explain it to her, it wasn't going to change the fact that you were getting married. I don't think that if she was still in Seattle at the time you could have said anything to change her mind. Or said anything to get her to forgive you, and take you back. Because even though you were dating some poor naïve girl, you were still getting married."
She was right, I realized. It wouldn't have changed anything. Because I couldn't be in a relationship knowing there was an expiration date on it. Knowing that we would have to end it once he got married. I meant what I had said. We didn't have a future then. And we still didn't.
"Bella are you out here?" I hear Charlotte ask from behind me. I turn around and she is walking through the patio towards me. Realizing I had been caught, and that Tanya and Edward probably heard me, I tell her I will be there in a second, and walk out onto the sidewalk towards them. "Hey guys, there you are!" I call out to them as I walk towards them. Probably a little to perkily. Trying to play it off like I hadn't been listening the whole time. They are both looking at me, shifting uncomfortably. "Alice, and Jasper told me that they wanted to talk to everyone and asked me to come get you."
"I'm probably not going to stay Bells, I had a long flight and I want to go home and sleep." Tanya says to me. Then she turns around and looks at Edward giving him a look that I didn't see. But when she turns around to look at me she is smiling. "I should probably get going to my hotel. I'll see you tomorrow at the bachelorette party."
"Yeah jet lag can be a bitch," I say laughing. I walk towards her giving her a hug. "I'll see you tomorrow. Then I look at Edward before turning around and heading back inside.
A/n: I apologize again for the delays! Next up is the bachelorette party, where more information about the past will be revealed. See you all soon :)
