Chapter Song: Round and Round by Imagine Dragons


Their senior year was coming to a close and everyone was both excited and sad. Bella, Kate, and Edward had been accepted into UCLA while Ben and Angela were going to Notre Dame. Jake and Maggie were both exploring life without going to college for a year, actually taking a road trip around the states right after graduation. Bella admired their zeal for life and adventure but could never see herself not going to college first. Each to their own though.

They were all eating at Sonic the day after Senior Prom where Edward and Bella had been crowned queen and king, when Kate came up to them with a girl Bella recognized from school but couldn't name. She also remembered Kate's friend being from Jacob's band.

"Hey, everyone," Kate said with a slightly nervous smile.

They all said hello back, curiously looking at the two new comers.

Kate took the girl's hand, twining their fingers together. Eyes bulged out, while Bella smiled softly.

"This is Heidi." She was staring at Maggie who looked like she was about to pass out. "My girlfriend."

Bella bounced a little, clapping in her head as she extended a hand to Heidi. For being in a punk rock band, she dressed rather normal in a Nirvana t-shirt and ripped baggy jeans with her pretty straight blonde hair down at her shoulders. It was unfair of Bella to think that way, but she didn't mean it in a judgmental way. "Nice to meet you."

She got up to hug Kate, pulling a shocked stiff Edward up with her to do the same. Alice followed suit shortly after, Ben and Angela mirroring her. Jake gave them a small smile and wink but stayed sitting next to Maggie, rubbing her shoulders.

Everyone grew silent as they all watched Maggie.

She looked at Kate with hurt eyes. "How long have you been gay?"

Kate winced, looking down. "I'm not sure if I'm all the way gay...I'm leaning more toward bi."

Kate looked at Heidi almost for reassurance it seemed. Heidi smiled at her, squeezing her hand.

Maggie shook her head. "How long have you been bi then?"

Kate shrugged. "I don't know, it kind of snuck up on me."

Maggie frowned. "And you never thought to tell me about it? Do you know how shitty that makes me feel? What, did you think I wouldn't accept it or something?"

Kate blinked at her. "Honestly, no. I was just trying to figure stuff out."

"But we're best friends! We're suppose to tell each other everything."

"I am telling you!"

"Yeah, with everyone else—" She stopped suddenly, realizing that she was making a scene.

"Maggie," Kate's voice was broken and pleading. "Please, don't be mad. I haven't even told my parents yet."

Maggie stood, walking right in front of Kate. "I love you, but I need a minute."

Kate's eyes shimmered, but she nodded. "Will you call me?"

Maggie nodded before turning away.

Maggie and Jacob walked to her car and drove away.

Bella grabbed Kate's free hand. "She'll come around."

Kate nodded, though she didn't seem to even notice what she was doing.


"Don't you think you were a little harsh back there?" Jacob asked Maggie as they passed the green light.

Maggie frowned, clicking her nails together before sighing. "No. I wasn't harsh. I was a total, raving bitch."

Jacob touched her hand and she grabbed it like it was a life line. "Do you want me to turn around?"

She looked out the side window for a moment before saying, "Yes."


Kate was sitting inbetween Heidi and Bella, eating the other half of Bella's footlong chili dog when Jacob and Maggie whipped into the driveway not even ten minutes after leaving.

She stared at them as Maggie hopped out and bolted to her. She tensed on instinct for some reason. This was Maggie. Sweet, kind Maggie who couldn't hurt a fly, but could tear Kate easily in pieces with just a look. Kate fancied herself in love with Maggie once. But she'd realized it was misguided, confused emotions. Plus, if you loved someone who couldn't possibly love you back, there was no chance of getting hurt. How wrong she realized she was.

Maggie halted right in front of her. Standing there for what felt like forever until she grabbed Kate's shoulders and slammed their chest together.

"I'm sorry."

All Kate's grief subsided instantly as she returned the hug. "It's all good."

Maggie pulled away, shaking Kate a little. "No, it's not. I was a stupid bitch."

Kate laughed.

Maggie frowned. "I'm serious."

"I know you are. That's what's so funny."

"Why?"

"Because you couldn't be a bitch even if you tried."

Maggie tried to smile, but it fell quickly. "You know I wasn't mad at you for being bisexual, right?"

Kate nodded, even though she knew that as truth, she couldn't stop herself from secretly worrying that was the reason before.

"It was completely selfish of me to think only about my hurt feelings, when it took some serious guts for you to come to us like that."

Kate smiled. "I didn't want to have to come out over and over again."

Maggie nodded. "I know. That's your style. Quick and simple." She looked to Heidi then. "I'm sorry, you must think I'm bat shit crazy."

Heidi smiled, shaking her head. "Of course not. I was just thinking what a good group of friends Kate has."

Everyone smiled at that, thanking her.

Maggie hugged Heidi. Heidi returned it fully, murmuring something in Maggie's ear that caused her eyes to widen then her lips to pull up in a goofy smile she pulled off so well.


They all stayed there until nearly closing time, laughing and enjoying each other before they went their separate ways in only a matters of a weeks.

Bella looked at all them with a smile in her heart. She would miss every single one of them for different reasons—even Jacob.

Edward touching her knee under the table grabbed her attention.

She looked at him, titling her head with a smile.

He rubbed a thumb under her eye, coming back with a droplet. She hadn't even realized she was crying. Thank goodness everyone was too occupied to notice. Except for Edward. He always noticed every little thing she did.

Are you okay? he mouthed.

She kissed him softly, nodding when she pulled away.

He smirked, leaning closer to whisper. "Wanna get out of here?"

"Yes."

They stood, telling everyone bye twenty minutes away from closing time.

They drove around a bit before Edward pulled into the park. They stayed in the car, looking at the dark water of the pond reflecting the full moon. Silhouettes of ducks floated about the mirror like surface. It was both eery and serene.

Music played softly from the speakers. The scene, melody and Edward's presence relaxed Bella like nothing else could.

Edward took her hand, clearing his throat. "Why were you crying?"

Bella shrugged. "I'm not sure. I was just thinking about how much I'm going to miss everybody."

"Even Black?" he asked with a fake disgusted expression.

Bella laughed. "Even him. You have to admit, he's much better."

Edward grimaced. "I wouldn't stretch it that far. He's more tolerable. I'll give you that."

She pulled him in for a kiss, not wanting to talk about anyone or anything. She just wanted to be in the here and now, enjoying him and the intense love they had for each other. He went to her eagerly, shift gear in the middle digging into his stomach going unnoticed as he lost himself in her.


A/N: I don't believe I've use Heidi yet, but if I did, please let me know. Thank you.

I also have to say thank you to R.I.P. Little Girl for bringing it to my attention that I contradicted something in Chapter 20. I said that Esme never cursed before when she in fact had in the chapter where Edward was hurt durning a football game. I fixed chapter 20 by taking out that sentence that said, Bella never heard Esme cuss before. It almost sounded wrong coming out her proper mouth.

I never imagined I'd get so much love and support for this story. I'm so glad I decided to share it. This place can be overwhelming at times, but I find that everyone's priceless point of views override any little bit of trepidation I have.

Can't thank you guys enough,

Phee