Chapter Fourteen.

Alice

I knew Charlie wouldn't put up any opposition to Bella going to the cinema with me, he thought having friends at school, of her own age, was a good idea and we did have a good reputation, none of us were trouble makers. All I had to do now was show her that Jazz and I weren't an item despite what she'd heard. I thought a girl to girl chat might be appropriate so after school the next day I asked her if shed go for coffee with me because I needed someone to talk to.

"Sure Alice, what's wrong?"

"I need some advice Bella, about Jazz."

"You want advice from me? I think you might be better off with someone else, someone with a little more experience. What about Rose?"

"She isn't exactly very well disposed towards me at the moment. So, do you mind?"

Bella shook her head and we drove to the coffee shop in my car, leaving her truck in the school car park to pick up later.

Bella

Once inside we found a booth at the back and ordered coffees waiting until the waitress had gone before talking.

"So Alice?"

"Jasper and I split up a few months ago but we're still good friends, it just didn't work out. Now I think he's sweet on someone else but he doesn't want to hurt me."

Her words made my pulses race, Jasper wasn't going out with Alice any longer? But he did like someone else?, I thought it was too good to be true!

"Well if it's over why would it hurt you?"

"That's what I said but because we live in the same house I think he's worried about bringing a new girlfriend in."

"Well have you told him you don't mind...or do you? Are you still sweet on him?"

"No, I'm waiting for Mr Right, he'll be along soon I'm sure."

How she could imagine anyone better than Jasper existed was beyond me but there you go.

"Then I guess all you can do is keep telling him its OK. Maybe you should get together with the girl he likes so he can see you don't mind. Even a few other girls so it's not too obvious."

"What a good idea, I think I'll try that, thanks Bella. See you did help."

Alice

Dear Bella, if only she knew how easy she was making it for me. We sat chatting for a while before she decided she had to go, after all Charlie still wasn't fully recovered and I knew she took her responsibilities regarding him very seriously. I drove her back to the school so she could pick up her truck only to find Jacob sitting on the hood. Bella groaned which made me smile but I didn't want to get into a war of words with the mutt so I just dropped her off and drove on. But I admit I parked up round the corner so I could hear the conversation,

"Jake what are you doing here?"

"Looking for you. When you didn't come home I was worried".

"You were worried? Why? I went for coffee, Charlie wouldn't mind and I'm on my way home now anyway. How is he?"

"Charlie is fine but I don't think he'd be too pleased that you were spending this much time with the Cullens."

I heard Bella's heartbeat speed up but it was with anger this time.

"I don't think Charlie would mind Jake, you mean you don't approve. Well it may come as a shock to you but I don't really care what you like or don't like, you aren't my father, brother, or boyfriend, so keep your nose out of my business."

"Bella they aren't good people."

"OK then tell me what's so bad about them Jake, are they drug dealers? Running a brothel? Selling off the clinic equipment to make a few bucks? Gun running? Or is it something really bad? Don't tell me, let me guess. They are really aliens from Alpha Centauri, or Zombie's ready to eat me."

His laugh was brittle, she was getting uncomfortably close to the truth without even realizing it.

"Yeah something like that Bella. You should listen to Billy and Harry and stay away."

"Oh for Gods sake Jake grow up! Now get off the truck, I'm going home where I can have a sensible conversation".

I heard the door slam and the engine start up and rev noisily as she drove off, way to go Bella!

The passenger door of my car opened and Jazz slid in to join me.

"So you thought you'd listen in too. What did you think of Bella's defence?"

"Jake is alienating her more every time he opens his mouth which suits me. Do you think he'd tell her the truth Alice? About us."

"Not unless he wants to be banished from the tribe, besides he doesn't know the whole story. All he could relate would be the legends and I somehow doubt they would go down well with Bella, she has a mind of her own."

Jake walked dejectedly round the corner scowling as he saw us parked up. I smiled warmly and his scowl deepened. Winding down my window I spoke as he went past,

"You certainly have a way with you Jake, how to win friends and influence people in one easy lesson. Why don't you leave Bella alone? Don't you think the tribe has done enough damage to the Swan family?"

That stopped him in his tracks and he turned,

"I have no idea what you're talking about Cullen but you'd do well to stay away from them."

"Oh really? Well Bella feels differently doesn't she? Maybe she's outgrown her childhood friendship. I think your biggest mistake was laughing at her angel story, that really upset her or so she said."

Jake

I knew Alice Cullen was baiting me but I was so angry I was shaking, why couldn't Bella see how bad the Cullens were for her? I looked across her to the passenger who sat quietly beside her as if unaware of the conversation although he'd heard every word. His golden eyes met mine as if in challenge but I didn't speak again just walked on. I could feel their eyes on me until I turned the next corner. She may be right about Bella's story because she had never been as warm towards me after that holiday but I was sure if I could get her away from the Cullens we could get back to where we had been before that time. I had been really excited at the thought of Bella living here full-time but it hadn't turned out the way I had envisaged. We weren't best friends any more, there had been too many years apart and I knew my hopes were being dashed against the rocks of her indifference. I toyed with the idea of going back to Charles but I couldn't bear the thought of any more arguments about her choice of friends and Charlie was just as bad when it came to the Cullens so I climbed into my truck and drove back towards the Res feeling dejected.