Hi guys! Back again with a new chapter...

I'm glad that after the last chapter, many of the negative opinions about Jake changed into positive ones.

As always, thanks so much to all those who read, followed, and reviewed the story. I really appreciate it.

The story is complete. So, it will have daily updates. This story is not betad. So any mistakes are my own. Hope you like it. Please review and let me know.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 16

Present

I'm just checking up everything one last time in the mirror when my phone rings. It's Jake.

"Bells, are you almost done? I'll be there in 10 minutes."

"Yeah. I'm ready. I'll wait downstairs for you."

Soon after, Jake is opening his car door for me to get in. Once we are settled, he starts off towards the restaurant.

"I can't believe Alice is getting married," I say, almost squealing in delight.

Jake smiles as well. "Yeah? I can't believe she said yes to Jasper."

I laugh. "I'm not surprised. She has been dropping hints at him for a year now. He's just taken this long to figure it out."

Jake shakes his head lightly. "Alice is something else, but she'll definitely keep Jasper on his toes." His voice takes a brotherly tone and I catch him smiling fondly. He then turns and looks at me intently.

"Bella, I'm really happy for them. But…" He pauses and then sighs. "But I can't help but envy them."

I smile sadly. "Me too, Jake. Me too."

We both look at each other for a moment too long. Finally, he turns away.

When we finally reach the restaurant, I see Edward standing near the entrance with his hands in his pockets.

We get out and Jake immediately grabs my hand in his as I walk beside him. I look up at him in surprise. "Jake, what—"

"Shh, Bella. Just play along for a while." He whispers in my ear.

I look at him confused, but before I can say anything, we're already there and Edward is glaring at us.

"Edward." Jake greets him coolly.

"Jacob." Edward greets back. My eyes jump between them while I stand there silently. They seem to be in some kind of staring match. God knows what this is all about. I think and shake my head.

"Let's just get inside," I say, to finally end the cold war.

Jake and I move first with Edward following behind. When we enter, Alice waves at us, indicating our table.

We quickly make our way toward the table. I sit beside Alice, Jake following suit and taking a seat on my other side. Edward takes a seat across me.

"Congratulations, Alice, Jasper," Edward says, immediately after taking a seat.

Alice smiles. "Thanks, Edward." She says softly.

Jasper pats Edward on the back lightly. "Thanks, man."

I take Alice's hand and squeeze gently. "I can't believe you are engaged, Alice," I say and smile widely.

She laughs. "God, me too. I keep checking the ring to confirm that it is all real."

I quickly grab her hand. "Let me see," I say and look down at the ring. "Whoa, Jasper, good choice."

"It's my mother's ring." He says and smiles shyly. "She gave it to me when we visited my home last time."

My heart constricts a little and my mind flashes with the memory of my mom lying in the hospital bed, while I cried beside her. I shake off the thoughts and smile at him.

"It's beautiful," I say, in almost a whisper. Jake squeezes my hand under the table. I turn to look at him and he is staring back with concern. I shake my head lightly and smile to reassure him.

"So, Edward, when did you get back?" Jasper asks, to change the subject.

"It's been a few months. But I was busy with the exhibition." Edward replies, and his eyes immediately meet mine. I blush and look away.

"Yeah, I heard Jake and Bella were there too. What did you think, Bella?"

I narrow my eyes at Jasper. What is he playing at? "It was…" I hesitate. "It was wonderful, actually," I say finally. I look at Edward and he smiles at me like we are sharing a secret.

"Was it?" Jasper says and smirks.

Alice immediately jumps in. "What? What am I missing?"

I glare at Jasper. "Nothing."

Jake comes to my rescue. "So, Alice, have you decided on a date?" He asks, effectively distracting both Alice and Jasper.

I look up at Edward and glare. He stares back with a proud grin. Oh, he's definitely said something to Jasper. I mouth "Bastard" at him and he bursts out a laugh, before quickly covering it with a cough.

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I'll see you in the next chapter.

~SunAndMoon42