CHAPTER 25

JESSICA

When people fall in love, we tend to hold on to it and never let that love go.

But what if that love asks you to let him fly?

That was what happened to me and Edward. I know I've been really demanding, and he tried his best to put up with my attitude. Somehow, I knew that this time would come. I would have to set him free if I want him to be happy. So I did.

Lately, I've noticed his growing friendship with Bella. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, it's just that, how come he had already moved on, while I was stuck here, waiting for him, still hoping that one day I'd wake up and he would me mine again?

However, painful as it was, I accepted the fact that we weren't meant to be together. If he would fall for Bella, I'd completely understand. She's a nice girl, no one else could be deserving of him if not me, it should be Bella Swan.

I sat at the back, beside Maria. We were always together, but people say we're too different. I could not agree more. Maria was always doing nasty things to get Jasper away from Alice, while I stayed gracious and sweet natured.

Time passed by quickly, I spent most of it doodling things on my notebook. I wasn't really interested with the lesson. When the bell rang, Maria ran out quickly, saying she'll catch up to me later.

I took the opportunity to grab Bella lightly by the arm.

"Bella?"

"Uh… Yeah?" She whirled around to face me.

I let go of her arm, and smiled at her. She smiled back, but I could see confusion in her eyes. "Sorry Bella. It's just that… I know we weren't that close, but Edward really seemed to… You know, like you… And… I'm friends with your friends… So… I hope that doesn't change anything… I mean… We weren't really friends but not enemies either… I just hope we stay that way. Don't feel awkward around me. Edward and I are friends, too." I took a deep breath as I finished explaining.

"Uhm. Okay."

"Thanks!" I said, seeing Maria by the door.

We headed to the cafeteria which was already full, and grabbed juices and sandwiches, then chose to ate at a bench outside.

"So, you're talking to Bella, huh?" Maria inquired. I knew she wouldn't let it pass.

"Yeah. I don't want any awkward moments." I took a sip of my juice, feeling uncomfortable.

"You're really good, Jessica. Keep your friends close, your enemies closer. I see your strategy. Why haven't I thought of that?"

I tried not to be insulted. "I'm not planning anything." I said. "Besides, I bet she makes Edward happy, and I'm happy with that."

"Oh, those jerks are poisoning your mind. I wouldn't let that Alice get away with my Jasper."

"That's you, Maria. That's just not me. I don't want to push myself on Edward."

We finished eating in silence, then went back to our classroom.

Mr. Dizon was giving us a lecture on Christian Education when someone knocked on the door.

"Come in." He said, putting the bible down n the table.

A student came in, handing our teacher a piece of paper.

He read the paper for a while, then signed the bottom of it. The student went out of the room, Mr. Dizon faced us.

"Sorry class, but it seems our Field Trip to Baguio was canceled."

Everybody groaned as he said that. We were all expecting that great break from academics for weeks, and now it was canceled. I saw Alice pout in particular. I heard she was planning to give a gift to Jasper there. That would be their first month Anniversary.

After our classes, I hurried back to the dorm to change my clothes. Esme then called us for dinner. I squealed, hearing the word dinner. I was not satisfied with what I had for lunch.

"I've heard your field trip was canceled." Carlisle was all fatherly.

"Don't remind us." Jasper said.

"Yeah, that sucks." Emmett.

"Emmett, watch your language. We're having dinner." Esme said.

"Sorry Esme." He replied, then shoved vegetables on Rosalie's plate.

We finished eating our food, laughing and talking about random things. Everybody went to their rooms after that, except for me, Alice, Jasper, Carlisle and Esme.

"Jazzy, go back to your room now. I can do this." Alice complained.

We share workloads on the dorm, tonight, it was my duty to wash the dishes together with Alice, but Jasper insists on helping her do her part. She looked upset.

"Don't treat me like a princess, please? I want to do this. Go back to your room now."

"Okay… Just be careful okay? Esme spent a fortune on those plates. Try not to break them." He kissed her, chuckling, as he made his way to the Boys' Wing.

"Night Jessica, Carlisle, Esme." He said before going away.

"Night." We all answered.

Esme kept wiping the table, while Carlisle did his paperwork on it. I washed the dishes, Alice wiped them dry. It was easier that way. She wasn't used to doing household chores. Mom taught me though, preparing me for this dorm life.

"What's up, Jess?" She smiled, placing a plate in the drawer.

"Nothing much. How're things with Jasper?" It felt awkward, I was only close to Rosalie. Alice was Bella's best friend.

"Oh, you know how Jasper is." She smiled, saying his name sweetly.

"I'm sorry about Maria." I said sincerely. "I keep talking some sense into her, she just wouldn't listen. I'll keep trying, though."

"It's not your fault. Really, I don't mind. Maria can do whatever she wanted. As long as we stay strong, nothing can break us apart."

"I guess so." I said, not knowing what to say.

We continued washing and drying the dishes, barely talking.

"Uh, Alice?"

"Yes?"

"Are Edward and Bella…" I was just curious.

"Oh. No Jess, at least not yet. They're just friends."

"Thank you." I said, then helped her finish her work.

Alice just smiled at me, then made her way to her room. I was about to follow when Esme called me.

"Jess, stay here for a while, do you mind?"

"Not at all. What is it, Esme?"

"Jessica… I look up to you for being so strong. I know what happened with you and Edward."

"Oh, that. Thank you Esme." I hugged her.

"We're here, okay? Like real parents, you could always come to us when you need to talk." Carlisle smiled at me. I smiled back, feeling lighter than I had ever been.

"You're a sweet girl…" Esme said as she hugged me again.

That night, for the first time since Edward said goodbye, I managed to sleep with a smile on my face. It might have been little, but it symbolized the start.

**

So yeah... Sorry if my chapters are going short, okay? im working on it. :)) BTW i have a new story... I published a sneak peek, it's called "COMPLICATIONS" check it out on my profile, then tell me if i should continue writing or what. thanks for your reiews! Im looking forward to them every single day. You never fail in making me smile. Love,Love.

NOW PLAYING: HANDS DOWN by DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL.