A/N:
(70, 000 views?! Holy crap! Thank you! *Whispers: Wait, so how'd they do that?*
I know what you're thinking. *Gasp* "An author's note? On this site? WHAT?
I don't do this often. Not at all in fact. But I want to ask on here because hardly anyone goes to WordPress "Pout*
"Sequel?"
I only ask because I'm not sure if this is an enjoyable fanfic. I get reviews, helpful ones, that say it isn't. Not entirely.
I'm sorry, guys. This was an idea, a thought that wasn't going to go anywhere, when I was writing the first few chapters.
I apologize that it hasn't met expectations. I like it though...
So, sequel? Yay or nay will suffice.
Have a nice day/night. (It's 1:04 AM over here. *Goofy smile*)
P.S. - I tried really hard today guys. This chapter made it up on Saturday, not Friday like I wanted.
Chapter Fifty One
My breath hitched and I said shakily, "Alice saw?"
"Yes," Edward admitted. "I was curious. You don't have to tell me."
I shrugged and blushed with embarrassment when I remembered that he wasn't in the room. "He said he couldn't leave without it."
Edward was silent for a moment. When he finally speaks, his voice is kind. "I see."
"I figured you would." I said with a smile. "It's a big deal for humans to do everything you want to do before you die."
Edward laughed. "I understand."
I chimed. "Good to know."
Edward hummed in agreement and silence settled over the two of us.
"Is that all?" I asked. "You don't seem angry-"
"Why would I be angry with you?" Edward asked, surprised.
"You sounded mad when you picked up the phone."
"Oh," Edward said, sounding embarrassed. "Rosalie and I got into a wrestling match trying to get the phone. She wanted to congratulate you."
Chagrin made my voice wobble. "Can you tell her that it's not like that?"
Edward laughed again, catching on. "I will, Bella."
Another silence settled on us. I shifted my weight to one foot, my mind churning with thoughts. What could I say?
Edward spoke before I could.
"I'm glad Jane allowed you to live."
I nodded. "Me too."
Edward's silky voice sounded rough when he said, "I wish you could stay."
I found my mind drifting to warm soda cans, small bowls of ice cream, the beautiful crystal heart on my bracelet, and a can of spray tan.
"Me too."
Edward was quiet for a moment.
"What would you do if I bought you something you can't return?"
I laughed. "I'd have to use it. It'd be rude of me not to."
Edward smiled, I could hear it. When he spoke, he sounded silky smooth as always. His voice sounded warm too, like oozing honey.
"I'm glad we're on the same page."
His words confused me. "What?"
Edward laughed. "I'll call you sometime before the party. See you next Saturday." He hung up before I could answer.
"I, uh," I muttered awkwardly. Emily sat down beside me. We were both staring at Leah in horror.
I had never seen her cry before, not like this, and seeing the tears go on and on made me want to cry with her.
"They're really sorry-"
"Sure they are!" She huffed. "And I'm sure Logan wants me back too."
Emily rolled her eyes at that. "Leah-"
"I know." Leah grimaced. "You told me."
"Told you what?" I asked as Leah collapsed on the couch.
Leah's face darkened with pain. "She told me that Logan never wanted me in the first place."
I turned to Emily, horrified. Emily held up her hands. "I said it nicer than that," she muttered.
I groaned. "Look, Leah-"
"It's true, Bella." Leah said, wiping her eyes. "He wouldn't have went after her if he wanted me."
"Do I have to?" I begged. "Alice, I just woke up."
"You don't sleep late." Concern filled Alice's voice. Her reply had been unexpected, considering what day it was. "Do you want to cancel the party?"
"Alice!" I whined. "Stop!"
"Stop what?" Alice asked innocently. "If you're too tired, we can have the party tomorrow."
"No, no!" I lurched off the bed. "I just have don't have a lot to do. I'm going to be sitting around after you make me pretty."
Alice huffed. "So do you want the party or not?"
"I want the party."
Alice sounded unsure. "Do you really want the party?"
"I really want the party."
Alice didn't seem certain. How many times did I have to say I wanted the party? "Do you really really want the party?"
"I really really want the party."
"Do you really really really-"
"Alice!" I started laughing. "I'm up now, okay!"
"Alright." Alice relented. I could hear her holding back laughter. "Come around four thirty, okay?"
"Four thirty?" I echoed, horrified. What was I going to do until then? Since the scandal with Lizzie and Logan, the Pack hadn't been too excited to see me. I couldn't see Edward until tonight. Sam was busy doing Sam-things.
"Charlie doesn't need you to run some errands for him?" Alice asked.
A light bulb went off. "I'll go ask him."
"Okay. See you at four thirty." Alice hung up.
I clomped down the stairs and peeked into the kitchen. Charlie was making eggs.
"Do you need anything today?"
Charlie looked over at me and grinned. "Bored?"
I sighed. "Yep."
Charlie set the spoon down and went to the table. "I've been meaning to check this crap off." He handed me a scrap of paper. "Can you check these off for me? I'll make you eggs."
I eyed the eggs in the hot pan and make a grimace surface on my face. "I'll pass, but yeah, I'll check this off."
"Thanks, Bella," Charlie called as I ran upstairs.
I looked at the list as I got dressed. Charlie needed me to run by La Push and buy a romance novel. Since when did he read about romance? Charlie needed some sunscreen and other beach supplies at La Push. I guess he was going to go outside more. More than he did already. Charlie was hardly a lie-in-sand guy. He needed more cooking utensils and he had a cookbook on the list.
Charlie's cleaning himself up for Sue.
Were they that serious? Since when?
I eyed the rest of the list. The rest seemed to be groceries. He needed a tie too?
"Do you have money for this or . . .?" I told Charlie as I came back downstairs.
Charlie looked up from his plate of eggs. From the way he was eating them, they couldn't be too bad. "I'll get it," Charlie hopped up. "Wait there."
He ruffled my hair as I walked past. When he came back down, he presented me a few hundreds. "Nothing's cheap nowadays," he muttered.
I pecked him on the cheek. "I'll try to be back before four thirty."
Charlie eyed the clock. "It's twelve thirty already. What's happening at four thirty?"
I frowned. "Alice."
"Ah." Charlie picked up his fork. "Have fun, I guess."
I walked to the truck and cranked it up. I spent a good five minutes numbering things I could knock out at the same time.
La Push – tie, books: romance, cooking. Forks – beach supplies and cooking utensils.
"There we go," I hummed and tucked the list in my pocket.
"How can I help you?" The man asked. He looked nice in his dark blue suit. It suited his dark hair and brought the pale blue out in his eyes.
"I'm looking for a tie," the words sounded lame.
The man smiled. "Is this your first time here?"
I nodded, somewhat ashamed. "For my dad. He can't shop."
The man's smile grew bigger. "Did he ask for anything specific?"
I shook my head, completely lost.
"Well, let's look over here first."
When I hopped back in the truck, it was already two thirty three.
"Oh, crap!" I tossed the bag containing the tie in the back seat. The closest book store was fifteen minutes away.
Luckily for me, I knew my way around a bookstore. I found the cook book section immediately and grimaced at the list.
I dialed Charlie's number. "Dad?"
The background was loud, but it went quiet when Charlie spoke. "Bella?"
"I'm lost again." I had to call him in the men's warehouse store. "What kind of cookbook?"
"It should say something like Cooking for Idiots or something."
I squeezed the bridge of my nose. "Can you be more specific?"
The conversation dragged on and on. By the time, I found the book, I was nowhere near the romance section.
"What kind of romance novel?" I muttered with the cookbook clutched to my side. I scanned the shelves for ROMANCE.
"What romance novel?"
I was about to shout in frustration. "It's on the list, Dad."
"No." Charlie retorted. "Can't be."
I closed my eyes tightly. "It's written right here."
"You must have wrote that, Bella." Charlie started laughing. "You really want to sell your old man?"
"Dad," I warned. "Do you want this book or not?"
"Nope."
"Okay," I said. "Bye."
"Bye."
I walked straight to the cashier and paid for the book. Halfway to the truck, Charlie called again.
"I changed my mind. Buy me the first kissy book you see."
I groaned and turned around.
"He's got me running all over the place," I fumed to Alice.
Alice sounded nonchalant. "At least you have things to do now."
"I think I might be late," I confessed. "It's already three-thirteen and I have to drive back."
"Come by as soon as you can." Alice said. "Just don't crash."
I was stuck in traffic.
"You're joking," I muttered as the car in front of me moved a centimeter forward. My eyes jumped to the clock. Three forty-five.
I looked at the car beside me. The girl had her windows rolled down. Her car wasn't vibrating. She had turned the gas off.
"Excuse me!" I called to her as I unrolled my window. She looked at me. "Do you know what happened?"
She nodded, rolling her eyes. "A really bad accident. I think we're going to be here for a while."
A while. My eyes went back to the clock.
It was past five when the traffic started to pick up.
And then it stopped again because it was rush-hour.
I groaned at the steering wheel. "I'm going to be more late," I told Esme. "The traffic is getting worse."
"We'll wait for you, Bella."
I shook my head, on the verge of screaming. "You might as well cancel the party."
"What makes you think we would do that?"
I stated the obvious. "I am ten minutes away and stuck in traffic. The party starts at eight."
"You still have time," Esme said, ever so optimistic. She was just like Alice sometimes, but she was more relaxed. Alice never sat still. "When do you think you can come?"
"Probably never," I mumbled under my breath. In a louder tone, I said, "I don't know. Maybe six thirty?"
"Okay," Esme said. "Alice has quite a lot to do, so come as soon as you can."
"Right."
I pulled off the highway at six fifteen. I drove straight to the house and grabbed what I could carry.
I set Charlie's tie and books in his room and busied myself with putting away the groceries.
The phone rang.
"Hello?" My foot tapped the floor.
Charlie spoke. "Did you buy light bulbs?"
My jaw dropped. "What? No!" I shouted. "Since when did you need light bulbs!?"
Charlie sounded sheepish. "I was changing one and realized we didn't have any."
I closed my eyes tightly. "Where are you? Could you get it?"
"Aw, Bella, I'm helping Alice set up."
I leaned my head against the wall. "How important is it?"
Charlie mumbled, "It's the light in the bathroom."
Shoot. We only had one light bulb for the bathroom. It was small so, the light didn't . . .
"Okay," I sighed. "Can you tell Alice I might be able to make it in fifteen minutes?"
"Yeah." Charlie said. "Thanks."
"You're welcome," I hung up. I raced back to the truck. "All these errands," I mumbled, cross.
Then I realized something.
"I forgot to lock up." I turned the truck around. I ran out of the truck and locked the house up.
I got to the store ten minutes later. After another five minutes, I was back in the truck. My phone rang and I picked it up.
"Hello?" My voice was high-pitched. I hated being late. "Edward?"
"Are you still coming?" Edward sounded worried.
I stopped at the red light. "Can't you ask Alice that?"
"I can, but I wanted to make sure you're okay." Edward said. "Jasper can feel your frustration from here."
"Ha," I mumbled. "I'll tone it down."
Edward paused. "We could always have the party later-"
"Why is everyone telling me that?" I demanded. "I'm coming right now!"
Edward spoke in a soothing tone. "Sorry. I didn't mean to irritate you. How far away are you?"
"Five minutes."
"See you then."
I hung up, set my phone down, and then I saw the flashing blue lights behind me.
"Bella," Jacob pleaded, "you have to go."
"I'm not so sure." I moaned. "It's been a long day."
"But Alice-"
I nearly threw the phone in frustration. "I know! I'm coming! Just. . ." I suddenly felt exhausted. "Give me a moment."
"Are you still going to go?"
My voice shook. "Yes."
"Take a cat nap," Jacob advised. "I'll have Charlie cover for you."
I shook my head, "I'll be there soon."
I put the phone on the hook and looked at the clock. I was pretty tired. It was about to be seven.
I sat down on the couch and rubbed my eyes.
All this running around made me realize something. I didn't want to let Charlie or Renee down. Part of going to college was to make Renee and Charlie proud of me. I wasn't on honor roll, nor was I a star athlete, but I wanted to prove that I could do something. Be someone.
Even if it meant losing contact with the ones I loved. Jacob, Edward, the rest of the Pack and the Cullens. . .
I didn't love Sam, not like that. I loved his heart and spirit. I loved his smile and eyes, but not romantically. Sam was someone I considered a friend, but I did promise him a date. . .
My eyes snapped open.
It was nine o'clock.
I ran to the phone and snatched it off the hook. "Alice!" I shouted when she picked up. "I'm so sorry!"
"Bella!" Alice demanded. "Where are you?"
"I fell asleep on the couch," I said, shame making me hang my head "And I just realized that I had no idea where the party is."
"Bella!" Alice whined.
"I know I'm awful." I sighed. "Where's the party?"
Alice complained. "We're all set up here."
"Where is here?"
"I'll have to get it from Re-" Alice stopped. "I'll get it from Emily."
I fought against a yawn. "How long will that take?"
"A few minutes." Alice muttered. Concern filled her voice. "Did you eat yet?"
"No."
"Why don't you go to that diner Charlie likes? Just until I get the address?"
I nodded heavily. "Sure." I was still half-asleep. I ran cold water on my face at the kitchen sink before I left the house. I turned the doorknob, it didn't budge, and went to the truck.
"I can't do anything right, can I?" I sighed as I started the truck.
I lurched to a stop, gazing at the dark diner in complete confusion.
Why would Alice tell me to go to a diner that was closed for the night?
I hopped out of the truck, curious. Charlie's diner was open until eleven. It was just nine forty.
I tip-toed up the wooden stairs and peeked into a window. I couldn't see anyone inside.
"Great," I mumbled. I turned to go to the truck when a creak behind me made me turn back around.
The door was open to a crack.
I crept over to the door, timid. "How did . . . ?"
My hand went to the doorknob and I peeked inside. It was still pretty dark.
I backed away from the door, unnerved. I had no idea what to do.
I dialed Alice's number again, but she didn't pick up. I hid in the truck and spent the next five minutes dialing everyone. Charlie, Jacob, Edward, Rosalie. . . No one picked up.
I punched the steering wheel, jumping when the horn went off. I laid my head on the steering wheel and swallowed hard at the tears in my eyes.
I looked at the truck, ready to go home and call it a day, only to discover that the truck had run out of gas.
I jumped out of the car and eyed it. No bruises or anything crazy. How did the truck run out of gas? I had just filled it up.
I groaned and marched back to the diner. I'll just go sit in the dark and calm down.
I tucked my phone in my pocket and yanked the door open.
Lights flickered on and I jumped back as people appeared out of nowhere.
"Surprise!"
My eyes focused on the glowing faces in front of me.
Edward, Alice, and Jacob were grinning the biggest.
Logan stood nearby, looking out of place with his hands tucked in his pockets. Lizzie stood beside Sam, a smile on her face. This smile touched her eyes. Sam was smiling a cheeky grin, thoroughly amused by something.
Emily and the Pack stood on my left with their arms crossed. There were grins pasted on their faces, some more heartfelt than others. Sam stood in front, smiling the best he could. His lips formed a happy straight line easier than an earnest curve.
Rosalie and Emmett were grinning, looking as mischievous as two foxes. Carlisle's and Esme's smiles were sweeter, and the sight made me feel warm inside. Jasper hugged me before anyone could stop him. He pulled away and beamed.
"How was your day?"
I stuttered, a happy smile on my face, as I tried to find a word to sum it up. Jasper grinned at the delighted confusion coming from me. He gestured to the back of the diner.
"Guess who's here?"
Renee popped out of nowhere before I could guess. She beamed.
"Me and Phil!"
I pulled her into a hug, my eyes roaming the smiling faces for Phil. "Hi, Mom!"
"Hi, Bella!" She gushed. "You stranger!"
I smiled and looked over at Edward and Jacob. They were smiling just as big, shoulders brushing.
They were Adonis and . . . And. . . Hercules.
"Well, hi to you too," Jacob mumbled. "What are you staring at us for?"
I shrugged, too happy to be sarcastic. "You guys."
"Whatever for?" Edward asked, giving Jacob a clueless face. Jacob was actually wearing a shirt for once.
"Whatever for." Logan snickered. "Aw, Ed, you're great."
"Ed?" Edward and Jacob turned to Logan.
"Hey!" Riley boomed. "Did you really overlook me?"
I turned to Riley, blushing. "Nope." I crooned, opening my arms. I was too happy to remember Riley was a vampire. "C'mere."
Riley moved very slowly as he pulled me into a hug. I tried not to stiffen when his nose went to my neck. It lingered for a second.
"You smell good," he said. The room's atmosphere darkened a bit because all the Cullens and the entire Pack tensed up.
I joked, "One of Sam's perfumes."
"Which one?" Lizzie asked.
"I can't remember." I shrugged. "I'm surprised you can still smell it."
Riley shrugged, shooting Carlisle an apologetic glance. "Hard to miss," was all he said. He walked past me to blend in with the crowd.
Charlie put his hand on my shoulder and pulled me further into the diner. "Everyone from Forks is here."
"I can believe that," I gave some of the strangers a bright smile. "Hi, guys. Come to say bye?"
"Either that or get arrested," a familiar voice said.
I turned to see Tyler standing in front of my lunch pals. I squeaked in delight when Angela rushed forward to give me a hug. Lauren waved, a welcoming smile on her face.
Jessica wrapped her arms around Angela and me.
"Where's Mike?" I asked.
Angela spoke before Jessica could. "Getting an engagement ring!"
I looked at Jessica, shocked, as she squeaked in defiance. "What?"
"He proposed too early," Jessica blushed. "We've only been dating for-"
"If he thinks you're the one," Tyler said, "then you must be."
I felt eyes dart to me when Tyler said that. I looked at Jessica.
"Are you happy?"
"Yep."
Lauren rolled her eyes as she pulled me into a hug. "You better be on good terms if things go wrong, Rabbit."
I smiled as irritation washed over Jessica's face. "Rabbit?"
Jessica grimaced. "A childhood nickname everyone remembers."
Lauren gave Jessica a hard look. "Seriously."
"I couldn't say no," Jessica mumbled.
"You could have," Tyler said, "but you didn't."
"Did you want to?" Angela asked.
Jessica looked ready to answer when her eyes jumped to the people around us.
"I can't tell us guys what happened with all these people around." Jessica blushed. "But Mike is here somewhere. Ask him yourself."
"Can't tell us?" I whined. "Jess!"
Lauren teased, "She's modest now, Bella."
"Jessica?" I echoed. "Modest?"
Jessica pinched me. "Shut up," she mumbled.
I glared at everyone, half-serious. "It's okay if I tease her."
"Whatever, Arizona," Ben's voice came out of nowhere. I turned to see him and Eric standing side-by-side, arms open. I ran into them and dodged Eric's hand as he tried to ruffle my hair.
"We'll tease her for you when you're gone," Eric promised.
Jessica moaned, laughing with us when we burst into a laughing fit at her tone.
I pulled her into a hug and said in a low voice, "As long as you're happy, right?" If Edward had stayed, I might have been in Jessica's shoes.
Jessica nodded and pulled away. She gave me a grateful smile.
"Thanks, Bella."
I saw Mike before the night was over. He blushed when we asked him about the proposal. He finally chucked up, "I was drunk," and we exploded into laughter. The laughter became a big, "Aw," when he said, "I meant it."
"So when the big day?" Angela asked. Maybe this had been a secret because everyone asked all sorts of questions.
"When we both turn twenty two," Jessica said. "Mom and Dad want to make sure we don't get cold feet in two weeks."
"Wise of them," Eric said. His eyes went to me. "How's the packing?"
"Done," I said, taking a bite from my burger. "I'm throwing deuces soon."
"Whoa," Ben said quickly. "How soon?"
"Two weeks."
"Aw." Mike said. "That's the time Jess and I get cold feet, according to her folks."
I gave them a smile. "I might get cold feet."
Angela begged, "Bella, could you? Get frostbite for us so you can stay."
My eyes caught on fire as I looked down. "I can't."
"Why not?" Lauren asked.
I peeked up at them. "I already accepted the scholarship."
"Aw." Tyler moaned. His face went blank. "Guys, she told us this already."
"When?" Jessica demanded.
Tyler gave her a sly grin. "You and Mike were probably AWOL making out when she said it."
Jessica blushed a dark shade of red while Mike coughed into his shoulder. He and Jessica exchanged knowing, guilty glances.
Ben bumped Tyler's fist and they both crooned, mimicking an explosion, "Boom."
We had another dancing line.
For old time's sake, Logan, Lizzie, and I went down first. Everyone pulled me down the line. I danced the most, which was odd because out of everyone there, I danced the worst.
"Ooh!" Jacob yelped. "Kill it, Bella!"
I started laughing. "Shut up, Jake!" I threw my hands up, unsure what to do.
"Do that again!" Jacob grinned, wiggling his eyebrows at me. "You're killing it!"
"Jake, you know I can't dance," I said through laughter.
Jacob twirled me in a quick circle, hissing like I was boiling hot. "Ooh!"
"Jacob, if you don't shut up-"
"Bella, you're setting the dance floor on fire!"
I gave Jacob a playful glare and he raced out of the circle. I ran after him, picking up someone's cup. Jacob hurled himself out of the diner and I slung the contents of the cup at him.
"Ah!" Jacob jumped back. "Lemonade?"
I huffed through pants. "You know what they say about life and lemons."
Jacob burst into laughter. He walked up the stairs and looked me up and down, astonishment making him grin.
"What?"
"You didn't trip."
I looked at my two feet, amazed. "I didn't?" I looked back up at Jacob. "Wow."
Jacob grabbed my hand, smiling, and guided me to the door.
I stopped before the threshold. "How's Seth?"
"He's better."
I hoped he would be.
Everything cooled down when we walked back inside. Seth and Lizzie were dancing together, a sight that surprised me. They weren't dancing closely or anything, just in arm's distance.
I exchange a curious glance with Jacob when Edward appeared in front of me. He gave Jacob a smile.
"May I borrow the party girl?"
Jacob nodded. "By all means." He gave me a lingering look as Edward went to an empty table.
I looked at Edward, cringing. "Did I give you a dance?"
Edward gave me a soft look from his gold eyes. They were pure gold today. "You did."
He watched me look at the diner. "Alice did good, hm?"
"And her helpers," I gave Edward a smile. "I like the sign."
It said THIS IS NOT THE END, BELLA SWAN.
It was almost foreboding, just below threatening. "I feel like Jacob picked the words."
Edward's reply surprised me. "Sam did."
My eyes jumped to Edward. "He helped set up?"
Edward smiled. "With what he could do, yes."
I smiled, looking at the decorations in a new light. "What's on your mind?"
Edward's eyes twinkled. "The usual."
"Which is?"
"Wondering what's on yours."
I shrugged, touched. "The usual."
"Which is?"
"You and Jake."
A smile formed on Edward's face. "You think about me?"
"Like I ever stopped." I gave him a look. "You know I'm going to remember you for the rest of my life, right?"
Dismay and pleasure battled for control of Edward's face. "You need to forget me as soon as you can."
A sigh drifted from my chest, I didn't say anything.
Edward leaned forward and reached for my face. He tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
"Sorry," he murmured. "I won't bring it up."
"Bring what up?"
"Jane." Edward sounded sad. I could see the sorrow buried behind the impatience, happiness, and desire on his face.
He still wanted me. Did I want him? The feeling lingered. It never seemed to go away like I wanted it to. I had breathed Jacob into my system and exhaled his woodsy, pleasant musky smell when he choked me. I couldn't get the taste of Edward's lemony scent out of my lungs. It didn't choke me though, not always. Sometimes it dissolved into my lungs, making me feel amazing, like I could-
"I brought up leaving." I amended. "They go together, you know."
Edward nodded, silent.
When he spoke, his velvet soft voice sounded like a lullaby, more so than before.
"How do you feel when you think of me?"
I peeked at him. "Honestly?"
"Yes, please." Edward said. He gave me a teasing scoff. "Why would you lie?"
I shrugged. "I feel happy. Safe."
"Really? Even after all I've brought to you?"
"You act like it was your red shirt," I muttered.
Edward chuckled, an amused smile appearing on his face. Silence settled over us once more and I looked over at the rest of the party. Charlie was chatting Phil and Billy up. Seth and Lizzie were talking, standing a little too close to Logan and Leah, who were also talking. Could they be working something out? I'd have to ask Lizzie-
"What else is on your mind?" Edward asked.
I looked back at Edward. "Sam."
"I figured he would be." Edward allowed. "You're going to give him his date right?"
"What's it to you?" I mumbled.
"I'd be a little angry if a beautiful girl promised me a date and never delivered."
I smiled. "He'll get his date."
Edward gave me a smile. There was something off in the smile. It hinted of dismay and something I couldn't read.
"How's the party?" Sam asked when I sat down beside him. He had twirled me in a circle and even jumped around with me for a bit before he had to sit down. He never got back up, which worried me.
"Fine." I said, giving him a grateful look. "Glad you made it."
"Me too, as always." Sam said. He was looking at me with the same emotions Edward's smile had. Dismay and something unreadable. Whatever it was, it was dark.
"How's the chest?"
His reply, "About done," surprised me.
I looked at Sam, taken aback. "Is it t-t-?"
"No." Sam said. "I've got a few days, give or take."
I put my elbow on the table and hid my face with my hands.
"Oh, Sam-"
Sam nudged me. "I've got days, Bella."
I peeked at him and nodded tearfully. "Right."
Sam looked at the tears. "Shoot. Don't cry." He offered me a napkin. Before I took it, he stood up and pulled me into a careful hug.
He smelled like antibacterial soap and old pills.
"I promised you a date," I said when we pulled away. "How about tomorrow night?"
Sam smiled cheekily. "A date on Sunday night? What will the old ladies think?"
"They'll just have to be okay with it." I muttered.
Sam smiled a grin of amusement. "Cool. I know a place we can go."
I nodded and swallowed hard. Sam looked at me carefully with wary baby blue eyes.
"Bella," he mumbled.
"I'm not crying," I wiped under my eyes. "See?" I showed him the end of my dry sleeve.
Sam looked at my sleeve and then at my cheek as a tear fell.
"Aw," he cooed and pulled me into a less careful hug. "Stay strong, champ."
I muttered through the stupid tears, "You're the champ."
Sam guffawed. "Hardly. I'm not the one who survived two vampire attacks."
I rolled my eyes and wrapped my arms around Sam, brutally aware of the tank that kept him breathing.
"Gifts!" Esme and Renee shouted. "Bella!"
I ran over, pushing past the thin crowd of people. Now it was just Charlie, Renee, Phil, the Cullens, the Pack, Logan, Lizzie, Sam, and Riley.
"By the way, Bella," Emmett said as I ran past him. "Your truck is currently in a junk yard."
I whirled over to Emmett, my blood boiling.
"You. Trashed. My. Truck?" I demanded.
Emmett gave Jasper a panicked expression. I immediately rebelled against the acceptance that rolled over me.
"You," I pointed at Emmett and Edward, "are in trouble when I feel angry."
"Yes, ma'am," Emmett breathed, giving Edward a dirty look.
Edward smiled and gestured to Charlie. Charlie looked at the crowd and said, "Friends first, I guess." He looked tired. I felt for him. He hardly went out and stayed out all night. It was already one in the morning.
Seth and the Pack got me way too many coupons for the diner in La Push. Lizzie got me more music and another journal. I thanked her with a squeak when I saw the glitter pens.
Logan got me a pair of scarves, "So your neck doesn't burn up."
Ben, Eric, Mike, and Tyler got me sandals. Jessica, Angela, and Lauren bought me summer dresses that Alice did her best not to frown upon.
Jacob bought me a shiny red helmet that matched my motorcycle. He managed to get Charlie and Renee, who was surprisingly relaxed about me riding a motorcycle, to let me and Jacob ride our bikes one last time.
"We'll ride them before I go," I promised, which made the atmosphere sorrowful. "Thanks for the helmet." The helmet was eerily similar to the one in my dream.
Sam got me more sunscreen and shampoo. "I got you something else, but I forgot it at home like the forgetful guy I am so," he gave me a hug, "sorry."
Alice smiled when I turned to her. "The clothes are at your house." She said. "And don't forget to wear the dress and boots your first day." She hugged me.
"I won't." I went around the Cullens, dishing out hugs. When I got to Emmett, I scowled and rolled my eyes as I gave him a hug. He burst into booming laughter.
Edward smiled when I wrapped my arms around him. "Emmett broke your gas gauge sign, but you'll be pleased to know that your truck is sitting in your driveway, safe and sound."
I was ecstatic to hear that, so he got another hug. He tucked something in my hand and I put the precious, unknown item in my pocket for later inspection.
"Family now." Charlie looked around for confirmation.
Renee and Phil bought me furniture for my college dorm. Renee only had the pictures with her, the furniture was back in Arizona.
"Thanks, guys," I hugged her and Phil.
Charlie bestowed with me five pairs of sunglasses and bags designed for sand.
"Your other gifts are at home."
"What?"
Charlie smiled sheepishly. "I had to keep you out of the house so they could get your boxes."
"What?"
Riley explained with a grin on his face. "He sent you on a wild goose chase so we could pack up your stuff on the U-haul truck that is sitting in Carlisle's backyard."
I put my head in my hands, muttering. Everyone burst into laughter at my reaction.
To my complete dismay, I was crying when the party ended.
"Dang it, Bella," Sam sputtered. He was wiping his eyes. "Stop it! You're infecting me!"
I bawled louder on purpose and clung to him. "I'm sorry!" I cried.
"No, no!" Sam shouted, trying to pull away. His eyes went to Logan. "Make her stop!" He wailed, ending in a mix of a cough and sob.
I pulled away and started laughing with him, only to end up crying.
"Shit," Sam pulled me back into a hug. His panicked eyes went to my lunch pals. "Help me."
Lauren giggled, her eyes wet. "C'mere, Swan." She extended her arms to me and Sam pushed me in them, wiping his eyes.
The end of the party was a mess. Everyone was crying, even the Cullens. They didn't cry like me, they weren't physically able to, but I got one look at Rosalie's face and lost it all over again.
Leah and Emily squished me between them. Then I was stuck between Jared, Embry, and Collin. Then I was with Quil and Seth. Then I was with Logan and Lizzie. And then Jessica and Angela, and Lauren and Eric, and Mike and Tyler. Then I was with Sue and Billy. Then Riley and Jasper. Then Alice and Rosalie and Emmett.
All of them were crying and wiping their eyes.
Carlisle gave me a big hug. Esme wiped her eyes first, gave me a hug, then wiped her eyes again, making me sob harder.
Renee and Phil squeezed in a hug, but their hugs were happier. I wasn't leaving them.
Charlie gave me a huge hug, squeezing the life out of me.
Edward pulled me into the tightest hug yet. When Jacob finally got me, he had his nose scrunched up almost inconspicuously because of the smell.
"Bella, I'm gonna miss you in my garage," Jacob murmured.
"I'm going to miss you too," I smiled weakly.
Sam got the honor of receiving the last hug.
"First and last," Sam mused. He peered at me. "How ya holdin' up?"
"I'd be howling if you weren't so allergic to tears." I teased, sniffling.
"I'm not allergic to tears," Sam said. His eyes were wet. He had been crying the whole time. "Just your tears."
I smiled, remembering the few times I had seen him cry. I'm allergic to your tears too.
We slowly left the diner. The owners there gave me a big hug, promising that I would have my first burger back for free.
Everyone slowly, slowly piled into their cars and left. Lauren and Angela gave me lingering hugs, sniffling. Jessica and Mike hugged me like they never wanted to let go. Eric gave me a fist bump, saying "Boom" as happy as he could. Given the tearful atmosphere, he said it as preppy as anyone could.
Ben and Tyler got a separate hug, sighing into my hair.
"If your kids get sick, I'll fix them right up." Tyler promised.
I smiled at the sweet promise. "I'll call you first."
"You better," Tyler said as he walked to his car. "Bye, Swan!"
Ben rocked me side to side. "I'd babysit any day."
"You say that now," I started, grinning when Ben started laughing.
The Pack left rather quickly, waving. Leah and Emily shouted, "Bye, Bella!" before they climbed into Jacob's Volkswagen.
Jacob lingered behind and looked at me. Even in the gloom, I could see the sadness in his eyes.
"I'll visit," I promised, hopefully not in vain.
"I know," Jacob murmured. He pulled me into another hug. This hug was warm and reminded me of our tender kisses. "Be safe, okay?"
"You too."
Renee and Phil left with Charlie. They were staying at a hotel until we drove my stuff down to Arizona. Their arrival had been bittersweet. It had been good to see them, but their presence had reminded me about the party's purpose.
All that was left was Logan, Lizzie, Sam, Riley, and the Cullens.
"See you tomorrow, waterfall." Sam said. He was still sniffling. "Have a nice night."
"Same to you, champ."
Sam laughed on the way to Lizzie's car. "Champ, she says."
I gave Logan and Lizzie a hug and whispered, "Did you guys work it out with Leah and Seth?"
Lizzie giggled, surprising me. "Sort of."
"Sort of?" I echoed in dismay. "What?"
"She means yes." Logan said. "Just on certain conditions."
I shrugged, pleased, and waved as they walked to Lizzie's car. "Bye! Call me?"
"I'd be dumb not to!" Lizzie turned to wave.
I looked over at the Cullens and Riley, warm with pleasure and love and-
"Thank you."
In the gloom, they breathed to me, sounding like a group of angels.
"You're welcome, Bella."
