Chapter 14: Just a Partycrasher

Companion Song: Blue Orchid by The White Stripes

You got a reaction

You got a reaction, didn't you?

You took a white orchid

You took a white orchid turned it blue

Something better than nothing

Something better than nothing, it's giving up

We all need to do something

Try to keep the truth from showing up

How dare you

How old are you now, anyway?

How dare you

How old are you now, anyway?

(Lyrics are copyright of The White Stripes)

(Characters are copyright of Stephenie Meyer)

No permission is implied from their use and belongs to the respective copyright owners.

Bella and Jacob had been together several more times since that first time. Each time was as good as the last. They had begun to know what made each other tick and how to tease the other person until they were begging for relief. Jacob always seemed most attracted to her after spending the night. He would wake up and smile seeing her beside him. He could be slow and gentle, like they had all of the time in the world. And other times, it was like he couldn't get enough of her fast enough.

Bella had been enjoying the physical aspect of their relationship, or whatever it was they had going. It was the aspect that had never been allowed to exist before now. All of the tension, the anger, and the longing of the past could be settled by the freedom they had to let it out.

The happiness leaked into all parts of Bella's life. She had visited with Charlie several times, going out to the diner for dinner with him just like in the old days. He had noticed a difference in her appearance again and had asked "Need to know?" before Bella shook her head at him and told him he didn't need to worry about anything. He was smart enough to know by now there were things he wouldn't understand and to leave it at that.

"It isn't just the way you look Bells. You seem happier." He had remarked, looking relieved.

"I am, Dad. All this time…I finally came to my senses. Edward and I got a divorce." He had spit his coke out on the table and all over his shirt.

"Really?" he asked, trying not to sound happy. "Hmmmm. Well, it's important to follow your heart." Charlie had been in a good mood ever since then and they promised to see each other again soon. She really had missed him.

Bella made other plans too. Jake had been discussing the logistics of having a shop with Embry. They both were pretty mechanical, and looking forward to the prospect of making money doing what they spent a great deal of time on anyways. Bella remembered them talking about it in detail once, on one of the two times she had been on the rez since the wedding when everything started. She was happy things were happening for Jake. He had given away too much of his time and life to her already and he deserved a real future.

In the meantime, Bella had gotten more used to the idea of a big party. She wasn't excited, but did admit it would be nice to really see everyone again. Seth had told her there would be a huge bonfire and that even Sam and Emily would be there, finally back from a month long honeymoon in Greece. Bella liked Emily, and was looking forward to having a chat. She was somewhat nervous, wondering if they all would really accept her. Jake hadn't been the only one she hurt in her wake of disaster.

The night of the bonfire came and Jake picked her up, reassuring her that she had nothing to worry about.

"They know we're together, that's all that matters. They respect that I can make my own choices – bottom line. They have always liked you Bella."

Bella was greeted by smiles and cheers from everyone. Looking good Bella! came from the right of her, followed by catcalls. Bella blushed in response.

"Now what kind of friends would we be if we didn't celebrate your return to the exciting world of being human without embarrassing you first?" It was Quil.

Bella noticed a few empty bottles behind the logs that Quil, Embry, Seth, and Collin were sitting on. Seth kicked them noisily out of sight with his foot and smiled.

Teenage wolves Bella thought, internally rolling her eyes.

"You know Bella, you're late and someone had to start the party without you." He wagged a finger at her.

"Sorry Seth, can you forgive me?" she asked shaking her head and coming over to hug him.

"I'll think about it." He hugged her back and pulled out a present from behind him. It was an oddly shaped box, wrapped in green paper. There was a hole torn in the top of it. She eyed him quizzically. He shrugged his shoulders, not giving anything away. Becareful, he warned her.

She opened the box, cautiously peeling down the paper from the top. She felt something grab her hand. She jumped back, almost dropping the box in the process. Some of the guys had started to chuckle. She looked at Seth, who shrugged his shoulders again and grinned, telling her to keep opening it.

"Seth Clearwater, you did not get me a kitten!" she said in disbelief.

"I may have…" he said. "and there's nothing you can do about it. Ha."

Bella noticed she was a little orange kitten with tabby stripes. Seth had put a little pink collar and a bow on her. She meowed at Bella, staring with her big kitten eyes. Bella cradled her in one arm and saw that Seth had attached something else to the box. It was a book.

It was the same book Bella had told him was her favorite as a kid. She remembered telling him one night that as a little girl she had always wanted a cat just like the orange one in the story. Renee was allergic though, and that was the end of her childish wish. Bella looked down, noticing the nameplate said Bailey just like the cat on the cover.

"You're too much, Seth. Really." And she walked over, whacking him with her free arm. Bailey meowed in protest to the impact. They both laughed and Bella zipped her hoodie up around the kitten, putting an arm underneath her as she popped her ears and head out of the top. Bella scratched her ears with two fingers and she purred. Bella smiled, enamored with her new gift.

"Damnit Seth, I'm allergic to cats." Jake griped at him.

"Oh, really?" Seth tried to sound innocent. "Sorry, Jake." Bella had to stifle a giggle as he winked behind Jake's back. Jake turned his head to scowl at him but Seth had already faced away and started pretending like he was talking to someone.

Bella listened to the sounds of chatter going on around her. There were a lot of people talking, laughter peeling out here and there. The bonfire was warm and seemed to crackle in response to the party going on around it. The raucous sounds of bottles clinking, dirty jokes, and music went late into the night. She chatted with Emily, asking her all about Greece and how married life was suiting her. She heard about the beautiful sights, the details of every place, and the wonderful food. Evidently Bailey didn't find Emily's account very interesting, and had closed her eyes and fallen asleep against Bella's chest. The little bit of warmth the kitten gave off in her arms next to her body was nice.

She was enjoying herself on a birthday for once. That was until a younger boy, Bella remembered it was Brady – one of the newer members of the wolf pack – stumbled into the clearing by the beach from behind a few trees. He looked worried. He looked around, trying to spot someone. Sam had noticed his appearance and walked over to him. People turned their heads but went back to doing what they had been doing before. Bella wondered what they could be talking about.

Collin and Quil continued a loud argument about a girl. Seth chimed in and they were all laughing. Quil tried to look mad but he was saying okay, okay, good-naturedly.

"You know, they debated about whether to actually have a dance the year after that."

Psssh Quil said in response, knocking Seth off the log.

Idiots Jake muttered, chuckling at their antics and dodging Quil's shove from the other side. It was nice to see Jake carefree and having fun. This felt like home, next to everyone that had been an important part of her life in some way.

"Jake?" it was Sam's voice cutting through their conversation. Jake walked over to where Sam and Brady were standing. He was there for a few minutes, deeply in conversation as he turned his head to look at Bella, and then back at Sam, still talking.

Jacob walked back over to Bella, slipping his arms around her waist from behind.

I have to go honey, I'm sorry he apologized quietly into her ear with a low voice.

"We're leaving?" she asked him. "What's going on?"

"You're not leaving, just me. Nothing's going on. Brady's just being a party crasher. There's something Sam wants me and Paul to help him with. You know he hasn't been doing this as long as the rest of us." He was still talking quietly. Bella watched Sam return to Emily's side.

"It's getting kind of late. Why don't you go stay over at Emily and Sam's for the night? This might take a little while, okay? Sorry I have to leave like this. I'll make it up to you." He promised.

"Enjoy yourself Bells, it's your party." He said kissing her neck and walking over to Seth. Jake quickly mumbled something to him and then disappeared with Paul and Brady. Bella was anxious and it showed in her face.

"What, no kiss for me?" Seth called after him, pretending to look hurt. She shook her head at him but felt more at ease. Seth yawned and walked over to Bella, putting an arm around her. It can't be that big of a deal then she thought, watching Seth.

"What say we go to bed now?" he said in a loud voice and cocked his eyebrow. Bella could still smell the whiskey, even though he had quit an hour ago.

"We?"

"Yes, we." He flashed his winning smile, hoping he looked convincing and pulled her up to her feet. He walked her over to Emily and Sam. "Jake was a real downer for this swinging party anyways." he kidded her, hoping to make her forget about him leaving.

"Soooo…I heard Bella was crashing at your house for the night."

"Seth, I really don't want to invite myself over. I don't live that far away." she protested, feeling embarrassed.

"Nonsense. I have been looking for an excuse to break out my new guest towels anyway." Emily said, pushing Seth's arm off and replacing it with her own. She took one whiff of Seth and frowned at him. That is some potent stuff she remarked, shaking her head.

"We'd be glad to have you, Bella." Sam reassured her.

Bella and Emily got a headstart and Sam and Seth walked behind them. They left and walked towards the house. Bella looked back and noticed the party was breaking up anyways. It had been a good night. She was bummed Jake had to leave but figured she'd make the most of things. She said goodnight to Seth and walked down the hall where Emily was beckoning.

Emily let her borrow some pajamas and found some extra pillows for her. She made a nest with a blanket on the other side of the bed and Bella unzipped her sweatshirt putting Bailey in the middle. The kitten opened her eyes for a second but was too drowsy to stay awake and went right back to sleep. Emily told her she would see her in the morning and said goodnight, closing the door behind her. Bella was pretty tired herself, and pulled the covers up to her neck. She was feeling sleepy, but heard the sound of muffled voices coming from the front room that kept her from totally nodding off.

"Seth, you're drunk."

"I am not drunk." He answered, protesting.

"Shhhhh! Lower your voice." It was Sam.

"Yeah Seth, stay here. We refuse to admit how great your wolf skills and physical prowess really are, no matter how well you've proven otherwise. We will relegate you to a desk job your entire life. We…" Seth's voice was clearly mocking Sam.

She heard a Shhhh cutting him off again and more muffled voices she couldn't make out, followed by him saying FINE and the sound of a door closing. Bella closed her eyes, smiling. Sometimes Seth reminded her so much of Jake. She thought about Jake, missing him and the heat he would have radiated from the other side of the bed. She fell asleep and then woke up early the next morning. She had tossed and turned and had weird dreams all night. She decided it was time to get up anyways and venture out. Emily and Sam were already in the kitchen, having breakfast. They offered her some waffles, which smelled delicious. She took two and sat down to pour syrup all over them. Seth walked in the door, along with Quil. They both looked sleepy.

"You look like you could use some coffee." Bella said to them, passing the waffles over as they sat down next to her at the table. Sam looked at the two of them warily but said nothing. He returned to reading a newspaper.

"So do you." Seth remarked. He sleepily smirked at Bella and got up to put the coffee maker on. He was leaning on the counter, head on his arms.

After a minute Sam nonchalantly asked them How did things go? from behind the front page. Fine they both mumbled in response. Emily got up to start making more batter and plugged the waffle iron back in.

"I guess I am tired." Bella admitted. Seth had taken his coffee straight from the pot, totally black.

"They tell me this is great for hangovers." he said dryly, looking in Sam's direction. He sipped some more down and then poured another cup, handing it over to Bella. Bella thanked him and then put the cup up to her lips. She smelled it and wrinkled her nose, putting it back down. Ughhh she said, pushing her plate back too. She was in no mood to eat anymore. The strong smell of the coffee made her feel nauseous.

"Hey, I make great coffee." Seth said, giving her a face. No you don't Quil muttered, slyly giving Bella a smile when Seth wasn't looking.

Bella cleaned up her dishes, thanking Sam and Emily for their hospitality and telling everyone she was going to head home. Sam stole a look at Seth behind the paper where Bella couldn't see. They all said goodbye and she grabbed the keys to Jake's car, going back to pick up Bailey and zipping her in her hoodie once more. Bailey meowed, clearly hungry. Bella figured at some point in the day she would see Jake, so she might as well get some of her errands done and the first one on her list was to go to the pet store and pick up supplies.

She dropped Bailey off at the apartment and went about getting what she needed in town. She was gone for awhile, and checked her cellphone when she got back. Nothing. Bella set about cleaning up and putting away the dishes when her phone finally rang. It was Jake.

Hey Bells.

Where have you been?

I was around Forks for awhile last night, but I had to go up north a little. We're still here now. You aren't missing much in the middle of this bro-fest. Paul smells pretty rank anyhow.

Great.

Yeah, just adds to the fun.

What are you guys doing anyways?

We're just doing Sam a favor. Last night when Brady was on patrol he…thought there was a problem on our northern border. We came back to check things out with him but there's nothing here now. You'll probably see me tomorrow. I miss you.

I miss you too. I love you.

I love you too. Bye.

Bella wished she had told him to be careful. She couldn't shake the feeling that something else was going on. All of a sudden, she felt very sick. The lurking anxiety was enough to give her a headache.

"Bella!" she heard Seth call from the other side of the door, followed by his knock. She opened it up and let him in.

"You don't have to knock, you know." she said, going to sit down on the couch and hoping it would help.

"One of these days you're going to regret saying that." he said with a knowing smile.

"Shut up, Seth." she countered, wanting to smile back but still not feeling very well. She took a cleansing breath.

"So what's up?" she asked him.

"Well you know, I just figured I'd come to hang out and keep you company. I wanted to see how my fabulous present is liking her new home anyways."

"Ohhh, that's nice. Well, see for yourself." she pointed in one direction. Seth noticed Bailey curled up, entirely fitting into one of Jake's sneakers except for her tail that stuck out.

"Very nice." he said, walking over to the other side of the room and reaching a finger down to stroke her head.

A knock sounded at the door a few minutes later. Bella jumped up in surprise. She got up to open up the door and was even more surprised to see that it was Edward on the other side.

"Edward?" she noticed he had a large envelope in his hands. Seth stopped petting the cat and looked around Bella to see him there.

"Well, Bella...actually, I knocked on the door but I didn't expect you would be here. I figured they would have taken you to the reservation last night."

"I was there last night. You knew about my party?" she was kind of surprised.

"Party…" he said uncertainly, like that wasn't the right word. Bella noticed his hesitation. She turned around and stared at Seth who was looking Edward in the face. There was clearly a conversation going on that she wasn't a part of. Hey! she half yelled at both of them.

"Right, your party. Yeah…I didn't know if you'd be back by now." He almost stumbled through the sentence. That was not like him at all.

"Anyways, I brought these and figured I would leave them for you, just in case you were here."

"What is it?" she said, narrowing her eyes at him.

"They're the divorce papers, love." he tried to keep his face clear but she could see he was upset. He looked her over carefully.

"Oh…well, thanks." she wasn't sure what else to say.

"Bella, I don't mean to be insulting, but you don't look so good. Are you feeling okay?" he asked.

"I'm fine." she lied, feeling a little dizzy. How is it that he always picked up on every little thing? As if betraying her confidence, her face flushed and then felt very warm. She reached out and took the envelope, setting it down on a counter. What felt like a really long minute of silence passed.

"So I guess you're leaving then?" it was Seth's voice from behind her.

What the hell, Seth? Since when did he start giving orders? she thought and then looked between the two of them. Edward turned to leave but stopped when he heard her voice.

"Wait a minute, what is going on here?" she demanded from both of them.