Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight.
Author's Note: I'm so glad you like Bella's Boys. School is 3 days from now. , Thank you to: true-blued07, ginny'snumber1fan, Topaz-Dancer, Jaimini, sprinter1, MelissaMasen, styling16, vinvinong86, naeo99, mello-ello, twlightlover88, NessieCullen2005, ArinaCullen, tsukinohikari-hime, hidinginyoureyes, Human Torch, oreosNcookiecrunch2, ECulllenLover1, DPrincess, gummiebears, torikatt, skittleysweet, LoopyLuma2, cris.f.a., gilmoregroupie, Isabela is Online, 07, romanceaholic, Contezza, GhostxHunterxLlamas, , Sarah-Pattinson, indiananshu, maashu, Twilight-Jacob-Lover, conan07, Jess Loves Twilight, SamBee44, kit-kateee, miss-labyrinth, -XcarlieX-, Renee1985, Dianne E., twilightfangirl, XDGa, bubblyhoney, daffy410, Mineymai, pixietwilighterforever, IamLeahsConscience, nature love 95, iiLoOveeTwiiliight, lilymemoirs, WereWolf1010, nusrat 85, MintCullen17, yellowiswhatgood, vampiregurl, Bumblebee77, LiveAndDontRegretIt, x TWILIGHT x OBSESSED x, mikky546, musician13th, WA0520, .Swan, sammy may cullen, april123, chechuu-cullen, alicecullen96, Justcurious8, ., Thirsty4Blood, md15, Blairoutloud1428, AdilahLuV, 17, redwinggurl, can'tspeak, XvTWILIGHTvX, Edwards-Spider-Monkey45, au017, lababykarla, lordoftheringergottwilighted, twilight-madness, Rockishelle, KirstyClaire84, Tutor-girl-107, liv3609 and bornagoof.
Thank you so much to my editor Rockishelle. ^.^
CHAPTER 33
Bella's Birthday
Written by: Selene11
Edited by: Rockishelle
Jacob handed me a sweater and a pair of pants from his closet. I thanked him and replaced the rags I was currently wearing. In all the excitement, I didn't realize that Emmett had stolen back my cell phone and wallet. I went to the living room and joined the guys.
"Jacob, I was just wondering... How did you find me?" I asked.
"My movie has its premiere tonight - I was coming home from the venue. It just so happened that I chose to take that route – you're very lucky. I spotted the motorbikes parked on the side of the road and you, crying, in the middle of that group of guys."
"I am really lucky then... Thank you so much!" I hugged Jacob around his waist. It felt like each week he was getting taller.
"You're welcome," Jacob replied sincerely, staring into my eyes. "I'm just happy that you are safe."
"I guess we better get moving. It's past 3am now," Jasper stated, staring at his watch.
"Of course," Jacob replied, accompanying us to his gate. We got inside Emmett's car and waved good bye to Jacob. Emmett opened his window.
"Hey Jacob," Emmett called. "If you're not busy or you're looking for a place to hang out, just go to Edward's house. Jasper and I will be there. We could also visit some bars."
"Okay," Jacob nodded.
We arrived at Edward's house and saw Edward sitting on the sofa. He immediately rushed to meet us.
"Bella!" he exclaimed as he hugged me. I didn't hug back. Jasper pushed Edward out of the way and walked me upstairs.
"What happened? It's 4am!" Edward called after us. "How come Bella's just arrived, and why are you with her? Why is she wearing different clothes?"
"I'm fine," I answered while climbing the stairs.
"You know she almost got hurt!" Emmett shouted at Edward. I froze in my tracks.
I told him not to tell Edward! Edward looked shocked, while Emmett raised his eyebrow.
"Kidding…" Emmett joked. I let out a sigh of relief. I didn't realize that I was holding my breath.
"You got me worried," Edward claimed, and exhaled.
"Oh please, Edward, as if you freakin' care," Emmett retorted. Emmett ran up the staircase quick-smart and acted like a body-guard all the way to my room. We reached my door and I turned to face them.
"I thought you were really going to tell him, Emmett."
"I really wanted to..." Emmett cracked his knuckles.
"Thank you, Emmett, Jasper. For everything…" I smiled weakly.
"We've got your back, Bells, always remember that," Jasper promised. "Now, go and get some rest." Jasper kissed my forehead. Emmett did the same, then ruffled my hair. I entered my room, locked the door, and then showered to refresh myself. I still have classes to attend today. Before going to sleep, I wrote in my diary:
"I thought it was the end, but they saved me. They always save me - whether from people, from sadness or even from hurt. I can't be with the man I love, but there are other men who I can be with. They are like my brothers, my closest guy friends, well, sometimes they can also be like pets. Even though I can't accept the name they have given themselves, I am still grateful that they are with me. I love Em, Jazz and Jacob (as friends, of course)."
I kept my diary under my pillow and slept. It felt like I'd just closed my eyes for several minutes when the alarm woke me up. I'm still so sleepy, but I can't miss school. I dressed and went downstairs. We all had breakfast together.
"Hey Bella, Jasper greeted me. "I will accompany you to school every morning, then Emmett will fetch you in the afternoon.
"You don't have to do that…" I shook my head in disagreement.
"It's fine," Jasper smiled. "Plus, I'm also planning to fetch Alice every morning..." He winked.
"Ohhh, so that's the real reason!"
"Hey, I also want to take you to school since Edward's leaving you alone," Jasper retorted.
Edward didn't finish his food - he just stood up and left to go upstairs.
"Sorry..." Jasper whispered to me.
"Tskkk…Jasper!" I scolded him, slapping him lightly on the knee.
"Sorry Bella, I didn't mean to say that. It just came out."
"I thought that was brilliant!" Emmett interrupted and gave Jasper a high five.
I went to school with Alice and Jasper. These two have actually gotten closer, even though Alice still gets annoyed by Jasper's antics. I know that the guy had somehow crept his way into her heart.
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Weeks have passed. Edward has become more distant that ever. He didn't bother asking what really happened when we came home together – when I was wearing different clothes. I still cover up for him and Tanya. I didn't notice that I've been pretending to be his fiancée for 11 months now. Time has flown by.
Today is Saturday. Emmett, Jasper and I are all sitting in the living room waiting for Jacob's arrival. Jacob has been hanging out with us on weekends. Edward doesn't seem to mind Jacob staying over. Edward joined us and he attempted to start a conversation.
"You guys are waiting for Jacob?"
Jasper nodded.
"Oh, okay. I never knew you were this close to him," Edward commented.
"Jacob's kind and funny. We think he's cool," Emmett added, eyes transfixed on his PSP.
Ever since they found out about what happened between Edward and I, Jasper and Emmett were acting colder towards him. I talked to them about this. I told them that whatever had happened it should not affect their friendship. They argued that it wasn't possible, but I pleaded with them.
"We'll try Bells, but no promises," Jasper assured me.
"We haven't gone out for a long time," Edward continued.
Jasper looked up at Edward, who was lounging against the wall.
"Yeah, you've been so busy, dude. Don't worry, Emmett and I are always free - just let us know when," Jasper said smilingly. I nodded agreeably at Jasper and he winked at me. I'm glad he's slowly opening up to Edward again.
"I'm not always free. You must first secure an appointment," Emmett interrupted as he momentarily tore his eyes away from his PSP. I glared at him and he just shrugged his shoulders.
"What?" he asked me.
"Huh?" I pretended not to understand.
"You were glaring at me Bella."
"I was not glaring."
The door bell rang and our argument was cut short. The two guys immediately stood up and went out. I assumed it would be Jacob - they've been so eager to see him. I've heard he has new games with him. Kids will be kids. I realized I was left alone with Edward. I avoided his eyes but I saw through my peripheral vision that he was running his hand through his hair. I know this mannerism - he does it when he's nervous.
"So… how are you?" he asked. I was so startled when he began speaking that I stared wide-eyed at him.
"I'm good," I answered.
"We haven't talked for a while," he continued.
"Yeah." Why do I have to kill the conversation?! I'm always giving closed answers. This is an awkward moment. I don't always get this chance, so I'd better make the best out of it.
"You know, I visited the orphanage again," I smiled tensely, trying to maintain our conversation. Relax...
"Really? How are the kids doing?" he asked eagerly. I gestured for him to sit on the lounge with me. He promptly obliged, leaning towards me. I faced him with my knees folded underneath me. He was too close for comfort.
"They are still the same; however, I think they've grown a little. Mary and Kyle were looking for you."
"I haven't visited them again. Next time you're planning to make a visit, let me know. We can go together."
"Okay," I replied, a real smile forming on my lips.
"Hey, I've seen this gorgeous place while I was surfing the net. It was a beach in Asia, I forgot what specific country, but the place is awesome. I've got some pictures on my laptop, right here." He reached for his laptop and turned it on. I sat beside him and waited for the pictures. He entered his password and what I saw shocked me. His desktop background was still my picture. He still has it displayed.
"Uh, sorry. I haven't changed it yet," he muttered nervously.
"It's fine," I shrugged.
He showed me the pictures. The place looked really beautiful. We checked out every picture, commenting on how magnificent the place was. We were talking as if nothing had happened in the past. Sometimes it's very easy to be myself and have a good laugh with Edward. I miss him. He's still showing me some pictures when Emmett, Jasper and Jacob came in. Emmett loudly cleared his throat. I stood up and greeted Jacob heartily. He was raising his eyebrow as I kissed his cheek.
"Enjoying your time with him?" he whispered.
"Jacob…" I warned him quietly.
Edward shut his laptop and shook Jacob's hand. He said that he was just going upstairs to his room. As soon as they heard Edward's door closed, the guys glared at me.
"Bella, do you really want to move on?" Jasper asked.
"Of course."
"Then stop doing this. You have to stay away from Edward," Jasper lectured.
"Guys, we were just talking. We haven't talked for a while."
"Suit yourself, Bella. We just want you to avoid more pain," Jacob said.
"Thank you, but I wasn't really doing anything. I'm fine."
They began their guy talk. You know - those conversations which involve cars, sports, girls, a little bit of work and some people that they find annoying. After listening to their conversation and trying to play with their gadget, Jasper suddenly looked up.
"Hey Bella, Alice mentioned that you're about to celebrate your birthday this coming Saturday."
"My birthday?" I thought for a while and then nodded. I'd almost forgot about my birthday!
"We should definitely celebrate!" Emmett shouted.
"Emmett, we can just eat together, then I'll visit my parents. That's all I want."
"Where's the fun in that?!"
"I just want to celebrate my birthday peacefully and with the ones I love."
"So you want to celebrate your birthday with Edward?" Jacob teased.
"Funny," I replied sarcastically. He chuckled a bit and gave me the peace sign.
"So... What do you want as your birthday gift?" Jasper asked.
"Nothing."
"C'mon Bells, I'm sure you have something in mind. Tell us and we'll get it for you," Emmett insisted.
"What if…I don't want something, I want someone?" I said slowly. All three of them sighed and I laughed at them.
"Chill out guys, I'm just kidding."
"Okay, enough with this talk. I'll call Alice - She can help us plan Bella's birthday."
"Who are you kidding, Jazz, you just want to call her because you just want to hear her sweet voice, or you miss her like crazy." Emmett pretended to vomit.
"You're just envious because you don't have someone to call!" Jasper retorted as Jacob boomed with laughter.
"Excuse me! I've got tons of numbers of different women here in my phone," Emmett bragged.
"Yeah, they are phone numbers of your mom, aunts, sisters and grandmothers!" Jacob butted in.
I sighed and couldn't help but smile. As I've mentioned earlier, kids will always be kids.
******************************************************************************
The next few days were chaotic. My friends were crazily planning my birthday. Jacob even wanted a grand celebration! Of course, I was opposed to this idea and persuaded them to just have it simple. Alice was becoming closer to the guys because she was a part on the planning committee. No, scrap that, she actually was the leader of the committee. It's Wednesday and we're at Jacob's house. Edward does not know a thing about this, which is fine with me. Okay, maybe I'm hoping to just receive a "Happy Birthday" greeting from him, but that's it. That would make me happy.
"You know, this restaurant really looks nice. It looks elegant. Perfect for Bella's party," Jacob said as he pointed at a brochure. I am sitting beside him and I told him that from the looks of the restaurant it sure must be expensive.
"Bella, don't worry about money. It's our treat!" Jacob argued. "It's your birthday, so you should enjoy it."
"Hey, I think this one is also cool," Emmett commented. He showed us a brochure of another restaurant. The restaurant was overly colorful.
"It also says here that they offer mascots and freebies for the celebrant to enjoy!" Emmett beamed.
"Emmett, just so we're clear, we are not celebrating Bella's 7th birthday. She's turning 19!" Alice exclaimed as she snatched the brochure from Emmett's hand.
"Hey! This restaurant is the best, Alice! It's cute, colorful, and has mascots!"
"Shut up, Emmett. Now I've found the perfect place. It looks like a garden, surrounded by trees and fresh flowers. Bella will really like that. They also offer great food at decent prices. Sounds great, right?" Alice said. Nobody answered and she glared at Jasper.
"RIGHT!!!" Jasper shouted.
"Thank you." Alice looked pleased
"I object! I still go for this restaurant!" Emmett disagreed, pointing at his brochure.
"No, this one is the best," Jacob stated, waving his pamphlet in the air.
Everybody kept on bragging about their chosen restaurants. It was so noisy because they all want to win. I just sat there and sighed. We've been like this for 3 days now. Each day everybody started out optimistic and willing to cooperate, but after a while they argued and then went home. That's why up until now we still don't have plans.
"SHUT UP!!!" Alice shouted at the top of her lungs. The guys ceased their conversation and they all sat down at the dining table again.
"I don't want to hear a single sound from you guys. Enough with the arguments. Let's just ask Bella which she prefers. Now, Bella, among these three restaurants which do you like the best?" Alice asked. I looked around the table. Emmett was silently pleading for me to pick his restaurant. Jacob was doing his puppy dog eyes and Alice was looking at me threateningly.
"I like what Alice suggested," I answered. Alice hugged me and gave a high five to Jasper. Emmett and Jacob protested loudly, but they immediately shut up when Alice turned to give them dagger-eyes. She's really scary sometimes.
"We will invite some of our classmates and your parents. We'll have lunch at the place. I'll be the one talking to the management of the restaurant. We should wear summer clothes," Alice said continuously without a breath in-between sentences.
"Are there any questions?" she asked. Everyone remained silent.
"I assume there are no questions. It's settled then," Alice stated in her musical voice. "Since you don't have questions, I'll ask one. Where is Edward?"
"He's shooting a new movie," Emmett answered.
"He's in Germany with his parents," Jacob also answered.
"I don't know," Jasper said.
They all gave different answers simultaneously. Alice raised her eyebrow.
"You're all lying. He should be here. Bella will be celebrating her birthday," Alice said.
"Alice, he's really busy right now, so, let's not bother him," I said.
"He should never be too busy for you. I mean, you should be a priority."
"Alice, it's fine. We're done with the planning so I guess we can all go home now." Alice still wanted to interrogate me about Edward's whereabouts but Jasper succeeded on taking her mind off the topic. I got into Emmett's car and we drove home. I feel guilty for not telling Alice. She's my best friend.
I have not seen Edward around the house lately. Maybe he comes home really late then leaves early. Saturday came - it's my birthday. I woke up because Emmett was hugging me to death and Jasper was tickling me.
"Okay, guys, I'm awake!" I shouted between fits of laughter.
"Happy Birthday Bella!" they greeted in unison.
"Thank you. " I grinned widely. I looked around.
Viktore, Hugo, Jean and Mr. Johnson were also inside my room. They greeted me.
"Where's Edward?" I suddenly asked.
"Oh, he's not here. He left early," Mr. Johnson answered. I smiled sadly.
"Forget about that. Here, you eat your breakfast then get ready and we'll go. Mr. Johnson, Viktore, Hugo and Jean are going with us. The birthday girl should enjoy her special day," Jasper whispered as he handed me my food.
"Thanks guys." I started to get teary. They were all so kind.
I enjoyed my breakfast, then I got ready. We all left the house at around 9:30. When we got to the restaurant, some of my friends were already there. I also saw my parents. I hugged them and had a chat.
"Excuse me, good morning everyone. We know why we are all here today. Today we celebrate Bella's 19th birthday. We have prepared some special numbers for all of you guys later. The food will be served in just a short while," Alice announced, sounding like a professional air hostess.
After eating lunch Alice took the microphone again.
"Bella, I want to greet you a Happy Birthday. You know we've been together for so long and I am so happy to be a part of your life. I'll always be here for you, no matter what, so if someone's saying bad things about you or is hurting you, just let me know. I'll definitely punish that person. I know you have a problem, even though you're covering it up with your smiles and laughter. I just wish that you overcome whatever problem that is. I love you Bells," Alice ended and then she hugged me. She made me teary-eyed, but thanked her warmly. After Alice, Jacob, Emmett and Jasper also spoke.
"You are kind, sweet and pretty
A fine jewel we're so lucky to see
Though you're hurt you still manage to smile
Always making us calm for a while
You are Bella, the precious girl we have
The hell with that dork that is making you sad
This is you're special day and we're happy to be with you
Always remember, we will always love you."
"Peace out yo!" Emmett shouted as everyone applauded. This is crazy, I'm actually crying right now.
"Ain't that sweet? We wrote that just for you Bells," Jasper added.
"Wait - there's more! We also prepared a dance number!" Jacob declared, and everyone cheered. Right Round of Florida was played and the guys went crazy. They are not even in sync with each other. After the dance number the audience were all in tears because of too much laughing.
"We hope you enjoyed our presentation. Happy Birthday BELLA!" the guys ended. They approached me and hugged me. My parents also used the microphone to give me messages. At last it was my time to thank everybody.
"Thank you everyone for being here. I can say this is the happiest birthday that I've ever had. To my parents, I have missed you so much. Thank you for everything you've done for me. I also want to thank my classmates for always being there. Mr. Johnson, Viktore, Hugo and Jean - thank you for always taking care of me. My best friend, Alice, I'm so lucky to have you. Last, but definitely not the least, Emmett, Jasper and Jacob. Thank you for making all of us here very happy. You guys are the best! I love everyone and I thank you very much for sharing this day with me."
"Wait…wait…wait… Can we request a song number from the birthday girl?" Alice suddenly asked.
"Alice, I don't sing!" My face was burning up.
"You do! C'mon, don't be shy. Just one song."
"No…"
"Just sing the first song which comes to your mind." Emmett and the rest cheered for me to sing. I do sing, but not in front of people.
"Okay. Just one song." I closed my eyes and started singing.
Your finger tips across my skin
The palm trees swaying in the wind
Images
You sang me Spanish lullabies
The sweetest sadness in your eyes
Clever trick
Well I never wanna see you unhappy
I thought you want the same for me
Good bye my almost lover
Good bye my hopeless dream
I'm trying not to think about you
Can't you just let me be
So long my luckless romance
My back is turned on you
Should've known you'd bring me heart ache
Almost lovers always do
I continued singing, images imprinting on the inside of my mind of Edward and I together. This song probably reflects what I feel for him. He's my hopeless dream. I ended the song and people applauded. They sang Happy Birthday to me and urged me to blow the candle out on the cake and to make a wish.
The celebration was a blast. I'm so happy right now. I bid goodbye to my parents and classmates. Jacob approached me and hugged me again.
"Never knew you were a good singer."
"Shut it, Jacob."
"I'm not kidding Bella," Jacob repeated truthfully. "Happy birthday again. I know it's hard to forget someone you truly love, but I'm hoping after some time you can finally let him go."
"I'm also hoping for the same thing, Jake."
"Tell me if you're successful. We can go on a date," he teased.
"Me, going out with you?!"
"Yeah. We will be the perfect It couple. Jacob and Bella forever! I bet we'll even have fan clubs."
I laughed at him and he also chuckled.
"Just kidding Bells. You know that you're the first girl that I liked, my first crush, my first love, but I understand. I'm not saying that I'll wait because, you know, it's really hard when you're handsome and all the girls want you - but I'll just be here. In the corner."
"Thank you, Jacob."
I went inside Emmett's car. Jasper is driving Alice home and Jacob still has a commercial shoot after this.
"Good bye my almost lover…" Emmett began imitating me dramatically. I glared at him but he just laughed.
"No doubt the song is for Edward," he said.
"Maybe."
"Don't cha worry Bella - you'll find someone who will truly cherish you. He'll be your true lover and you'll no longer sing…good bye my almost lover…good bye my hopeless dream…"
"Cut it out, Em!"
We reached Edward's house and saw his car. We went inside and he greeted us.
"Hey, where have you guys been?" he asked.
"Partying," Emmett answered.
"Partying?"
"Yeah. I'll go to my room now," Emmett said.
"Bella, can you accompany me?"
"Where to?"
"I just want to buy something."
"What are you going to buy?"
"A gift."
Author's Note: The song is Almost Lover by Fine Frenzy. I like that song so much though it's sad. The poem was just random thoughts, lol. How was this chapter? What's in store for the next chapter? More Bella and Edward interaction as in there would really be MORE! The next chapter will be in BPOV then the latter part will be in EPOV. Thank you guys for reading and reviewing! *hugs*