A/N: Sorry for the late update. I'm been very busy recently, with my school stuff and such. Well you can just proceed to the story now, but you're welcome to read on for a dose of Melanie's pathetic school life rant.

My small and fragile ego about writing has definitely popped. I was rejected to take part in the writing for the school before the teacher even read my work… She had rather ask my friend to tell it to me in a more 'considerate' manner than come up with her own excuse. Needless to say, I was asked to 'reconsider' my options. So, I kind of temporary stopped looking into my writing folder and focussed on reading better stories to improve. I just realised that my writing was never that well… Ugh. It's really depressing, especially for my puny ego. It's really small, see. –makes small circle with fingers-

On to the story!

Chapter 20: Meeting Seth

Previously

I peered into the mirror. The girl in the mirror had short hair; her eyes were bloodshot and had a slight maniacal look to it. She laughed.

Bella was dead.

And Izzy was reborn. The real Izzy…

(1 WEEK LATER)

Victoria tossed me my latest album.

"Good job, Iz. They've topped the charts."

I didn't bother looking at her. I continued reading my magazine like she didn't exist.

"Anyway, I just wanted to tell you. I kept forgetting. You do know that dreams can be interpreted, right?" She paused slightly, waiting for me to give her some sort of reply.

"I'm just saying. Just don't consult a real psychiatrist. We don't need bad press, I can see tomorrow headlines already, and 'Izzy is MENTAL'. I don't need any more heart attacks." She exaggerated.

I ignored her blatant request for my attention. Izzy doesn't need to pay attention to anyone. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see her eyes narrowed and her lips turned down slightly.

I smirked.

"Ooh, someone is angry. Awww… that isn't going to be good for her baby. James will kill her." I mused, trying to annoy her.

She glared at me and crossed her arms, "James loves me too much to kill me."

Then her whole mood changed, she rubbed her stomach in a loving manner and cooed, "Little Jamie will be fine."

My grasp on the magazine tightened. No need to spread her happiness around.

"Fuck off." I hissed.

She huffed before turning to leave.

A spot on the magazine darkened. I touched it and realised it was wet. My frame started shaking with heart wrenching sobs. I curled up on the couch and my hands fisted my short hair.

Why? Why do I still cry when I see happiness? Why does it sorely remind me of the fact that he and I are over?

Crying, I slowly drifted off to Slumber land.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Annoying little thing.

I fished my iPhone out of my pocket, yawning slightly. I glanced lazily at it before widening my eyes.

Seth.

My hand started trembling.

Why did he send me a text message? What did he want?

I pressed his message, hand still shaking.

Hey Bells,

How are you doing? Look, I'm in Seattle. Sorry for shouting at you and leaving the band. I really regret it now. Can we meet in Seattle to talk?

-Seth

A small smile graced my lips. Seth understood? Maybe, maybe… since I was… recovering… He wanted to come back?

My small smile became a full blown grin. After so long, this was my first genuine smile. Maybe I could start with Seth? Then Jake and Leah could come back? Maybe, just maybe I could return to before?

Before I could stop it, I realised I was hoping. My grin fell. I shook my head slightly. Hope was bad. It can kill. Hope was bad. It can kill. I chanted that repeatedly.

Yes, I would meet him. I would not allow myself to hope. No.

I quickly replied to his text and booked the next flight to Seattle.

*** (She's in Seattle) ***

'To dream that you are wearing a mask, suggests that you are trying to be someone you are not. You are trying to hide your true feelings and only reveal half truths. If you have trouble taking off your mask, then it suggests that your true self is lost or blurred.'

How aptly described. I chuckled silently as I scrolled down the web page.

'To dream that you are at a masquerade ball, suggests that you are trying to escape from the demands of real life.'

Hmm… it's like this website knows me so well! I chuckled humourlessly as I scrolled down further. Victoria sure was resourceful for stuff like this.

'If someone removes their mask, then…'

My jaws clenched as I finish reading the sentence. In a fit of anger, I grabbed the computer and threw it on the floor. Using my foot, I stepped on it, smashing the laptop into smithereens.

No… That wasn't true!

Convince yourself for all you want. You know that it isn't the case.

Stupid sub-conscious…

I sat on the chair and kneaded my temple in a futile attempt to get rid of the headache that was setting in.

'It symbolizes failure in gaining the attention of someone you sought for.'

That was the sentence.

The utterly true sentence and devastatingly painful one…

I looked around the room to avoid thinking about it. The room was white with a simple bed, Victorian purple chair and an elegant desk.

I was in Seattle. Amazingly, I had made it here all the way from Los Angeles without crying.

I took out my phone to look at the message that Seth had sent again. It was suspicious… very suspicious…

Only after I reached Seattle, I realised how suspicious it was.

First, Seth would never apologise.

Second, Seth would never regret his actions. Whether good or bad, he would never regret his actions.

Third, Seth was an arrogant guy. He would never be the one to take the first step in solving a conflict.

I berated myself mentally for agreeing to this arrangement. He was planning something. Definitely. My palm was sweaty. Would I survive whatever he was planning?

I looked at the clock. Well, only one way to find out.

Grabbing my coat, I made my way to a comfy café where I was meeting Seth.

"Bells!" Seth waved when he saw me.

I lowered my hat and made my way to him discreetly, trying not to draw too much attention.

I sat down and waited for him to speak.

He took a sip from his coffee and pushed another cup to me, breaking the ice, he said, "Sorry for asking you to meet in Seattle. My dad froze my accounts after leaving the band. So, I'm kinda short on cash."

My eyes narrowed. So he wanted to come back so he had access to his money?

As if reading my thoughts, he said, "Oh! No! It's not what you're thinking. I missed you. Even Jake and Leah."

His last comment caught me off guard and I choked slightly on my coffee.

He smiled, though it was a little smug.

"Yeah. Jake and Leah found me in Forks."

I nodded.

"What is…" it that you want? I didn't manage to finish my sentence for we were rudely interrupted by the shrill ringing of Seth's phone.

He mouth 'sorry'. And took the call.

"Hello, Liz" His voice low and husky, the tone he used when he wanted to flirt with girls.

I smiled at that. Seth really loved Liz. I was a selfish girl who took him away from Liz. I really regretted that bitch phase of mine. Though it was needed to get Jake, Seth and Leah to quit.

His eyes widened in alarm and his mouth formed a small 'o'.

"I'm coming." He answered in a solemn tone.

I furrowed my eyebrows. What was it that was so important?

"Edward got into a car accident. He may not live." He announced.

A/N: Oh, I have a new story. Though Edward hasn't appeared in that story, it's going to be nice, I think. SO GO SUPPORT ME! (It's also the reason I have been missing in action)

Reviewers get a nice little teaser.

Review Example: I'LL DEFINITELY SUPPORT YOU! I'LL GO READ IT NOW. I, -insert your name-, IS A –insert sexuality- OF HIS/HER WORD. –salutes and goes to read new story-

:D