A/N: Welcome back to this bumpy ride! ;)
No this won't go straight to a happily ever after now!
Disclaimer: I do not own these people! Except the old lady and Doug.
(Bella POV)
"Yes!" Ally squealed and ran over to Edward and I, she pulled me into a hug that was tighter then ever imagined.
"What?" I asked and patted her back. She realised me.
"Don't be mad, but there's a chance I may or may not have heard that you're going back to Eddie! Don't get me wrong, I love ya like a sister and I'm visiting a thousand times a week." She stopped to look at Edward and he nodded. "But I'm just so happy!"
"Eddie!" Ally turned to hug him. "What's your phone number? I need to keep in touch with yall – especially Bells, I need to talk to her."
"I don't have a phone…" He replied in a low voice.
"Looks like we're going shoppin'!" Ally laughed.
"What?" Edward asked.
"Well look it's nearly ten at night – ya think I'm lettin' you and Bells just leave? You won't get back till midnight dammit! Jazz and I have a guest room, yall stay there and tomorrow we'll shop then you can go home!" She explained in a rush.
Ally really has spirit. I laughed to myself, Edward had the funniest expression – his sister wouldn't take no for an answer and we all new it.
"Come on let's get home. Eddie follow us in your… truck." Ally looked at the Chevy with disgust. Edward rolled his eyes. "Come on!"
Ally started walking to the car. "Bells, why don't you keep Eddie company for the way back."
She winked when she passed me, she went to the car where Jasper was already in, starting it up.
I didn't say a word as I went to the passenger side of the Chevy. Edward grabbed his keys from his pocket and went to the drivers seat – he opened the door and got it, closing it behind him. He started up the truck and it came to life with a roar. I put on my seatbelt and so did Edward and next thing I knew we were on the road.
"I'll drive you to work on Monday." Edward said casually when he stopped at the only red light.
"You don't have too."
"I want to." He replied and looked at me.
I nodded. "Thanks."
…
When we got back to the house, I offered to sleep on the couch since there was only one guest room. They all argued but in the end I won over. I jumped in the shower and got changed into a comfy pair of Ally's pyjamas before I grabbed a pillow and a blanket and heading to the living room for the rest of the night.
Everyone else already went to bed since they were tuckered out – even Ally surprisingly. I placed a pillow on the end of the couch and lay down, pulling a blanket over me as I did so. I laid on my side since the couch was rather small.
"Bella, are you awake?" I heard a voice.
"Yeah." I mumbled into the darkness.
"Do you wanna talk?" Ally asked and heard her come closer. She fumbled around and a standing lamp turned on, dimly lighting the room.
"About what?" I asked gently. I sat up and patted the spot next to me; Ally walked over and sat down, folding her hands in her lap.
"So you're gon' go live with Edward." Ally stated and for once she used it actual name and didn't call him Eddie.
"Yeah, for now anyways." I sighed.
"What?" She asked.
"I know he'll have a mood swing and push me out – I don't know when, I just know he will-"
"Bells" Ally stopped me. "Eddie's like that, but I know he really cares about you."
I shook my head but Ally continued. "He told me so at his house this morn'."
"He did?" I asked dumbly.
"Yeah," Ally grabbed my hand and squeezed it. "He's been through so much, he can't trust anyone. You have to know that."
"I know." I countered. "I do know that. I don't… It's just I want to know. I want to know everything. But, then again, I'm just an intruder."
"But you are so much more!" She argued. I shook my head. "Yes ya are! You mean a lot to me, Jazz and my brother!"
"I just want to earn enough money, then I'm going to go." I changed the subject.
"Go where?" She asked.
I shrugged. "Out of town, somewhere. I'll buy an apartment or something."
"Out of town? Why!" Ally said suddenly sad. I could faintly see a pout. "Ya don't like us?"
"No, No." I assured. "I love you all - I just can't be here."
"Why not?" She argued.
"Alice, this is as far as I could have ran – I had nothing. Nothing. You all were nice and gave me something to start on. That means so much to me." I told her.
"I don't get it." She replied truthfully.
"I'm too close to anyone. It's not… safe. You know how we almost ran into Doug?" I asked and she nodded. "Doug has friends, Jacob has friends and quite frankly this is just far to close to him or anyone he knows. Word will get around – you said everyone knows each other in this town."
"As much as I'd love to stay here and as much as I'd love to be known, and know people and live near you and Jasper and Edward – I can't. I need to get away – I'll start here, earn money, get started… But I have to go. Any sign of someone reporting me back to Jacob or even Doug – I'll be gone. Unless it's too late and one of them came back…"
"What?" Ally asked. "He can't just take you!"
"He has his ways, and if you know Jacob – you do what he says, he has so many 'friends' that will do whatever for him. I can't risk anything! I have to get far away from here." I explained sadly. I hated having to leave but I knew that one day I'd have to. One day soon, I mean we already ran into Doug and if Ally didn't notice him… Well I'd hate to think of that.
"No Bella." Ally cried and pulled me in for a hug. "You're my first best friend – my only best friend! Ya can't just leave."
"You know this would happen." I whispered as I pulled her close. I felt a tear escape – I hated the thought of leaving, even just for a moment. Ally pulled back and narrowed her eyes.
"What about Eddie? Ya just gon' hurt him again?" She asked suddenly defensive
"Ally," I looked down. "It's not like that – he knows I can't stay with him forever! I'll let him know… that I'll be leaving soon."
"Soon?" She gasped.
"I need out of here as fast as possible and I need to go far, far away." I whispered.
"How much money will ya need?" Ally asked me sadly.
"I don't know a couple thousand. That's it… If I work hard enough and do extra – in a month maybe I'll have enough?" I said and it sounded like a question. Ally stood up and I watched her walk away. I was about to follow her but I just sat there. She came back a while later and she had something in her hands.
It was a check.
She came over and sat down beside me. "Take this, it's all the money you're gon' need,"
"Ally I really, I couldn't." I said honestly.
"Yes ya can. And ya will." She replied.
"No." I said sternly.
"Yes. You have to. There's even money for a damn bus ticket. I'll drive you to the next town – to the subway or whatever and ya can go." She whispered.
I gasped. "But, Ally… I can't."
"Ya have to. I'd rather have ya do that, actually." Ally replied.
"Why?" I asked sadly. I felt… rejected.
"Instead of stayin' here and findin' a closer place to our hearts." Ally said sternly. I know she didn't mean just her.
"Just do it." She said through clenched teeth.
…
The next morning we all sat around the table for breakfast, it was quiet and awkward though. I was fighting back tears the entire time it seemed.
"So Bells, is gon' go home with you Edward?" Jasper asked making conversation. That was the worst way to start – this was just going to go downhill and Ally and I knew it.
"Actually." Ally counter, cutting in. "I'm gon' take Bells down to Push."
"Why? To shop, to show her our book store?" Jasper asked her. He had no idea.
"No." Ally said in a calm voice. "To the subway."
"Why?" Edward asked. He looked at me and all I could do was look down. Edward raised his voice. "Why?"
"She's gon' go move to the next city I think." Ally explained. I heard gasps, didn't know from whom though. I couldn't look up.
"Why?" Edward growled.
"Why?" Jasper added.
"I need to start fresh…" I whispered and looked up at the tortured faces of my friends. My only friends, actually.
"Bells, was gon' leave anyway." Ally explained in a rough voice. "It's better now than when we get closer to her, eh?"
Ally sounded fine with it – like she didn't care. I deserved that.
"No she isn't." Edward said.
"She doesn't trust us." Ally countered. My head shot in her direction.
I gasped. "What?"
"Well, you're leavin' because you don't want Jacob or Doug to notice ya but really, I think Edward, Jasper and I could protect you enough. That's what friends are for after all." Ally gave me a pointed look. "But I guess not."
"I don't want to bring you guys into this mess." I whispered.
Jasper stood up. "That's bull shit. Bells, Ally is right – you're fine with us! That jacked bastard, Jacob, he can't do shit with us around."
I never heard him so vile.
"You ain't goin' nowhere." He continued.
I looked at Ally and was crying – look at this mess I've made. I had to get out of here…
"I asked her to stay Jazz." Ally sobbed.
…
After a bit I excused myself to go get dressed, when I was dressed in the clothes I wore when Jasper first picked me up, I went back into the dining room.
"Bells, Edward's gon' drive ya. He offered." Jasper said, Ally was nowhere in sight.
I nodded.
"Let's go." Edward said and opened the door. He let me go through for once and then he followed. I went to the truck and got in the passenger side. Edward got in the drivers side and we headed off.
…
"Say something." I begged after an eternity of silence. It was actually only an hour but either way it felt like forever.
"What do you want me to say?" Edward asked but he stayed looking through the dash – both hands on the steering wheel.
"Tell me you don't hate me." I begged in a whisper.
"I don't hate you." He replied casually.
"Mean it when you say it." I begged.
"I don't hate you." He repeated
…
Edward stopped the Chevy and turned up a familiar dirt driveway. I didn't say anything at first but he continued to go up the driveway so I had to speak up. We were nearly at the top of the driveway.
"Edward?" I asked.
"What?" He replied.
"Why… What… we are here?" I asked dumbly. I was beyond confused – he offered to drive me to the subway, yet we are back at his cabin.
"I told Jazz that I'd take you home." He replied simply. He parked the truck and grabbed his keys. He opened the door and got up, walking past the truck and to the house. He unlocked the back door and went inside.
I stayed inside the truck.
...
Eventually I got out of the truck realizing that Edward was being serious and I closed the truck door behind me. My hands ran over my pockets and I noticed they were empty. I was sure Ally told me to put the check in my short pockets. I stuck my hands inside and it wasn't there.
It made me suspicious.
I walked to the door and wiggled the doorknob.
It was unlocked.
I pulled in a breath and opened the door. The front door led to the living room and the back door led to the side of the kitchen. I was in the kitchen. I took my shoes off and carried them to the living room where I set them down beside Edward's. I saw him on the couch.
"Took ya long enough." He chuckled and looked over his shoulder at me.
"Really why am I here?" I asked.
"I brought you home." He replied simply.
I placed my hands on my hips. "Okay you were supposed to bring me to the subway."
"Like hell I was." Edward laughed. "You think I'd do that?"
He shook his head. "You said yes when I asked you to come back with me - so I brought you back."
"When am I going to the subway?" I asked him, my hands were still placed on my hips.
"Never I hope." He chuckled.
I gave him a funny look. He stood up and walked over to me, he stopped a foot in front of me. "Tell me you want to leave and I'll let you go right now. I'll drive you myself."
I just stood there.
"Exactly." Edward smiled. I mean he smiled, huge smile too, ear to ear, like the grinch. But not an evil smile. "You shouldn't be forced to do something you don't want to because of that bastard."
"But Edward..." I started.
"No don't. Ally and Jasper were right. I know that I can protect you and I will - I also know that Ally and Jasper will help so you're all good." He explained.
I shook my head. "That's not a good idea."
"We all want you here. Me especially." He argued. "I won't let some asshole ruin that for me."
"Jacob is capable of so much though." I whispered. The last thing I wanted was Edward, Ally or Jasper getting hurt under my account. "I care to much."
"Yeah so do I. I care, Alice cares, and Jasper cares... Jacob can't do shit. He can't come on my property and he can't come within spitting distance of you anymore, that just won't happen." Edward assured me.
I didn't believe it completely but was in no mood to argue.
Edward took my wrist and held it up to his cheek. "Welcome home."
...
Edward and I got into the truck and Edward started the thing up, again it came to life with a roar.
"You know." Edward started. "You need to stop thinking about him - it will be better if you just live now, don't worry about him."
"It's kind of hard not too." I mumbled.
"Why?" Edward asked. "Tell me why."
"I don't want someone I care about, getting hurt in my place." I whispered.
"He's hurt you enough, he won't touch you again." Edward growled. "And he won't come anywhere near us."
"He didn't care about me." I mumbled suddenly.
"I know." Edward hissed and I gave him a questioning look. He started pulling out of the long driveway; he had to turn the truck around so he could go forward to head down it. "If he did, you'd be all over the news. I wonder why not, didn't you have family?"
"Just my dad but he's... an alcoholic. He... saw Jacob as his son and me as... nothing." I explained.
"Some people are so damn blind." Edward grumbled.
...
Edward pulled into the parking lot of the store. "You know I used to have a phone – I threw it out when it got annoying."
"Got annoying?" I questioned.
"Irina wouldn't stop calling." He explained and parked the truck. He turned it off and got out. I got out and stretched my legs.
We walked towards the store and Edward held the door open for me when we got up to it. I walked inside and looked around. It was a small store and had a woodsy smell, literally – it smelled like wood. Edward led to so a section of the store that sold a few electronics and stuff.
I wasn't paying much attention. Edward shoved his keys in his pockets and knelt down to the bottom shelf where some phones were. He grabbed a box and read it over but placed it back. He grabbed another box and did that same. He grabbed a smaller box and read it over and stood up with it.
"Do you need anything?" He asked. I shook my head.
"We need groceries though, we'll get those at Wal-Mart." He chuckled. This town was bigger than the other surprisingly and had a few more stores – more people too.
Edward walked to the checkout with me close behind. He placed the box with the telephone in it and put in on the checkout line.
"How are you doing today sir?" The lady asked. She had thick dark hair that looked almost black. She was tall and thin, she wore glasses. Her hair was straight and pinned back in a few places. She was wearing a black t-shirt with a nametag that read Angela.
"Not to bad, yourself?" Edward asked as he reached for his wallet.
"Good," She replied and it sounded as though she giggled. I stepped closer to Edward when someone came behind us with a basket of stuff.
I still didn't trust anyone around here.
Rather then Edward, Ally and Jazz.
But everyone else, were still strange and some are creepy. I didn't know if they knew him either so I didn't try to make myself noticeable. Edward paid for the phone and the lady, Angela, put it in a bag and handed it to Edward.
"You have a nice day!" She called as he grabbed the bag and walked away. Edward said nothing in return. This time he didn't hold the door open for me, which was fine. I was more used it him that way. Edward and I walked, side by side to the truck and we both got in. Edward put the bag behind his seat and started the Chevy up.
He pulled out of the parking lot and back onto the narrow street.
...
"No fruit?" I asked. We just past the fruit, Edward didn't even look at it. It was hard to pay attention though because Edward was being rather close to me. And I mean close.
I pushed the little cart throughout the store but Edward stood behind and held the cart as well, he placed his hands right beside mine. I was trapped in his embrace, his chest almost touching my back. I took little steps so I didn't kick him either.
"What, do you want some fruit?" He asked into my hair.
Oh did I mention he had his chin resting on my head.
For once I felt... content.
"It would be nice." I laughed as I felt him rub his cheek against the top of my head.
"You're a health nut." Edward noted. "What fruit do ya want?"
I pushed the cart a bit further and stopped beside a stand of strawberries. My eyes lit up I swear I loved me some strawberries! I looked for a fresh box of them and placed them in the cart. "Do you like strawberries?"
"Yeah, haven't had some in a while though." Edward mumbled his response against my head. "You smell like strawberries, so yes, I am particularly fond of them."
I couldn't help but smile.
I stopped the cart again once we reached to the apple stand and I grabbed some, bagged them and put them in the cart with the strawberries. I grabbed a bunch of bananas and pushed the cart over to the bread.
"White or brown bread?" I asked as I looked at the bundles of bread.
"Doesn't matter." Edward hummed against my head.
I laughed. "You're not much help, did you know that?"
"Hmm?" He pulled back. "It's not my fault."
I turned and faced him. He smirked. "White."
"Thank you." I mused and turned around, reached over to grab some white bread. I checked the date, it had just over a week, which was good so I plopped it in the cart. I began to push the cart and Edward grabbed some hamburger buns and placed them in the cart. He moved to put his hands on top of mine as we both pushed the cart down the isles.
The store wasn't to packed with people; it really wasn't packed at all for a Saturday. I guessed there to be only 14 people all together, which wasn't much. The store was small though, so it's better having less people in there at once.
"Is there anything else you need?" Edward asked as he rested his chin on top of my head again.
"Hmm..." I smirked. "Tampons."
"Good gosh, I'll go get the milk, meet me there." He laughed and I got out of his embrace and rolled my eyes at him before walking off. I had to peek my head down each isle until I found the right one.
...
I met Edward back at the milk and when he saw me he smiled. "Welcome back."
"Glad to be back." I laughed as he opened his arm and I walked back to the cart. He cocooned himself around me again as we pushed the cart down the final isle. "This all we need?"
"It's all I need, do you need anything else?" He asked. I shook my head.
"No." I smiled. "I have everything I need."
"Anything you want?" He asked with a chuckle.
"Nope, I have everything I want too." I leaned back against him a bit.
Now some people may think that this is too soon or strange since we went from an old bickering couple to this but I didn't mind at all. Edward made me feel... important and I liked it. It's not like we were dating and making out in public or something. We never kissed so I don't think it's going to fast.
We pushed the cart to the check out and an old woman was at the cash register. I could faintly hear some old country song playing through the store but I didn't pay it any mind. Edward and I placed the items on the check out line and she quickly scanned them. "Hello you two."
"Hi." I smiled. Edward said hi as well.
"Nice to see young couples these days." She smiled at me and then she looked to Edward.
"Uh, no. We're -" I started to say.
"Thanks." Edward cut me off and smiled at the woman. She kept smiling as she scanned the rest of out items.
"Your total is $54.65, please." She said.
Edward grabbed his wallet out of his back pocket and pulled out his credit card. He paid while I started packing up the groceries. Edward helped me pack up the rest and we were out of there.
We put some of the cold bags in the seat behind me so Edward could put on the air conditioning at an attempt to keep them cold for the way back. We put the rest of the bags in the trunk of the truck.
"Edward," I started.
"Yeah?" He asked as he started the truck.
"What happened this morning or last night?" I asked.
"What do you mean?" Edward asked me innocently.
"You know what I mean, there's a reason you just brought me back to the cabin." I scolded.
He shrugged and I gave him a pointed look. He sighed before answering. "Jasper and I talked... Okay let me start before that. It was like one in the morning and Alice came into the guest room, she woke me up and told me about the conversation she had with you, which, by the way I am not impressed with. You have to trust me on this, Bella."
He raised his eyebrows at me for a moment before he continued. "I told her that there was no chance in hell I'd let you just leave and she agreed. She told me her plan..."
"Plan?" I scoffed. Edward nodded.
"Yes, plan." He chuckled. "She gave you the money but really, she was going to take it back."
"She did." I corrected.
"Okay, she did - she told me she would." He laughed. "She told me that her plan was simple, that I'd 'offer' to take you to the subway but really I'd just take you home - where you belong, with me. So I did. She told Jasper about the situation with... Jacob, and he knew that the three of us would make sure nothing happened to you."
"If Jacob comes to town, he won't be here long. Trust me Bella, I have my ways. Alice and Jasper have their ways too." Edward said. "Just trust me, trust us. You don't have to leave."
"This is where your new life can begin." He finished with a smile.
I just had to put my trust in him, Ally and Jasper.
...
On the way back home, I thought a lot. My mind went in a thousand directions.
I thought about Edward mostly.
How, he was completely different then the guy I met when I intruded into his house, he was happy and humming to songs all the way home. He held doors open now (usually), and he smiled a lot. I heard him laugh a bit and the way he acted in the grocery store. He really wanted to be calm now.
To be comfortable around me.
And I loved it.
He answered pretty much my every question and I made sure to answer his. We got along and didn't argue. We bickered a bit throughout the day but hey, we weren't perfect.
And honestly, I felt comfortable around him and in many ways I always did. I just didn't like his attitude. Mood swings weren't my thing, but we both were stubborn so that was bound to bit our Asses.
Which it did at times.
I was slowly letting myself believe that I'd be okay in this town, with Edward. That I couldn't get hurt and that I'd be safe.
I just worried, what if Edward were to meet someone and fall in love? He claims to be different and his uplifted spirit is rather attractive so I wouldn't doubt some girl falling for it. And if he met someone I'd have to leave. I wouldn't bug Ally and Jasper; they're a couple a newly wedded couple and deserve their alone time.
I wouldn't barge into anyone's lives; I'd find a place and live, right? Maybe near Ally and Jasper where I could be close to work, maybe I'd get a promotion. I didn't know.
I just knew that right now, right where I was was the best place for me to be and I didn't want to leave.
Though I knew, one day I'd have to.
A/N: There will be ups and downs through this story. It's not perfect; there will still be problems! I got A LOT up my sleeve ;)
What do you want to happen?
Do you want Edward and Bella together?
Review please! Thanks: D