A/N:

I've been holding onto this chapter for a while now. (This is actually the first part of what I had written... the second is not completed, yet.) I decided that I couldn't keep you guys waiting any longer so here is the short, but important, chapter.

Reviews are love.

Shout out to hippiehappy for putting up with my complaining. It took a lot of thought to put this chapter together. I love her to death for listening to me go on and on about the endless possibilities for this story.

Last thing: what better inspiration for this story than being in Georgia at the lake?

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. SM does.

BPOV

August 27th

Edward,

I made it back to New York without any trouble- that means you can stop worrying about me. It's funny, I don't really feel like I'm home. I guess Georgia made me see that New York no longer holds anything for me. Maybe it's because you're not here. I know, it sounds pathetic. But I really do miss you and I can't wait to see you again. Anyways, tell the rest of the family that I said hello and I'll be in touch with you guys soon. Now go enjoy the rest of your stay before you have to leave!

Love,

Bella

August 29th

Going back to work wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. In reality, I was so excited to see Angela and to tell her all about Georgia, so I went in a day before I was needed.

I walked up to her office and knocked on the door.

"Come in."

I twisted the knob and pushed the door open. "I'm sorry to intrude, Angela, but I just wanted to make sure you received my emails." I said, trying to hold back my smile.

Angela's head whipped up; her eyes widening in surprise. "Bella!" Her voice was close to screaming but she quickly recovered, resuming her professional manner. She stood up and all but ran as she tackled me into a hug.

"How was the trip? I really missed my favorite worker." She said, taking a step away from me and looking me over. "You seem different."

"That's because I changed. I met someone." My eyes locked onto the floor and I could feel the blush spreading over my cheeks.

"Let's go to lunch and you can tell me all about this someone." Angela said, grabbing her purse from her chair. I nodded in agreement.

A hour later, Angela had heard every detail. Once she heard it was Edward, she wasn't really surprised. She had met the Cullens a few times when she was down there.

"What about Jake?" Her question caught me off guard.

"With Jake, it's complicated. I really want to be friends with him but I just don't know how to do that without it being awkward."

Angela took a sip of her water; her eyes trained on the empty plate in front of her.

After a few moments, she began to speak. "I think that if you really want to be friends with him again, then you should ask him out to lunch as a start. Things are going to be awkward at first but that's a given. You probably shouldn't tell him about Edward, at least not for a while."

Nodding, I processed the advice. "Honestly, I don't even know what's going to happen between me and Edward; we're waiting until after his tour to decide anything. But, at this point, I'd go anywhere with him to give what we have a shot. And you know for a fact that I would never usually do that."

"Do you love him?"

Ah, the question of the year. Could you love someone in only a month?

"Yeah, I do." I said softly.

"Bella, I'll do anything I can to make this easier for you. I want to see you happy. If it comes down to you moving away from here, I'll do my best to pull a few strings and help you find a new job."

"Angela, I can't ask you to do that." I protested.

"Nonsense. Now, let's get back to work. And call Jake. I'm sure he wants to know that you made it back safely."

"I will. Thanks, Angela. For everything."

-Same Day-

"This is Jake. I'm unavailable at the moment but I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Leave a message."

"Hey Jake, it's Bella. I was wondering if you wanted to meet up for lunch sometime this week? Call me back when you have the chance. I miss you."

August 30th

Bella,

The whole family is glad to hear that you made it back safe and sound. As for Georgia, it will always be your home. Think of it as your home away from home. Clever, right? I miss you, too. The whole family does. But I'm determined to see you as soon as possible. In fact, I got the details of my tour. It's only three months- mid September to December. Maybe you could come to one of the concerts; I think we might be heading to New York sometime.

We head back to Washington tomorrow. Jasper teaches at the high school so he had to leave with Alice yesterday and get his work sorted out. I don't know how he can put up with some of those kids.

Alice and Rose are dying to talk to you so you should probably call them before they go out of their minds.

I'll talk to you soon,

Edward

September 1st

"Bella! How are you? Long time, no talk." Alice's voice squealed through the phone.

"I saw you less than a week ago, Alice."

"So? I still miss you. Even Rose does. Right, Rose?"

In the distance, I could hear Rosalie mumble a 'sure.'

"Don't mind her. They just got back yesterday and she claims to have jet lag. Whatever, no one is buying it Rosalie!"

"Alice, be nice. I'm sure Rose just doesn't want to go back to work."

"Oh please, she loves her job more than she loves us. I swear, the cars they restore are like their children. They barely ever leave the shop!" Alice's voice rose higher, her laughter mixing in with the words.

"Well when your husband works with you, why would you need to go home?" I countered.

"Touché, Bella. Well played."

"I try. Anyways, so you guys are all back now?"

"Yeah, it's a shame. Jasper already had to go in for work so it's just me and Rose hanging out in my apartment."

"Where's Edward and Emmett?"

"At the gym. Emmett had to drag Edward out of his place. He really misses you, Bella."

"Well he shouldn't. He should be excited for his tour and there is no doubt in my mind that I will be having a talk with him later."

"Whatever you say, Bella." Her laughter filling the silence.

"I have to go, but I'll talk to you guys soon."

"We miss you! Call anytime."

"I will." That was a promise.

So here I am, balancing my work and my social life. I'm doing the best I can to keep in touch with the Cullens and every now and then I meet up with Jake.

I just hope that the best I can do is enough to keep them both in my life.

AN: Do you totally hate me for it being so short? Next chapter is guaranteed more action. I just needed to have time move along in some way.

Review please.