Hi guys! Back again with a new chapter... Let's see if Edward and Bella can manage to clear somethings up this time...
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Chapter 17
Present
Dinner becomes easier after that. We talk about how Jasper proposed. I "aww" as Alice describes it, while the guys tease Jasper making him blush.
Edward glares at us, every time Jake leans in to say something in my ear. And Jake does it often. I'm pretty sure he is doing it on purpose. I almost roll my eyes at his childishness.
Jake and Edward have always been like this. Since we've known each other, both have always competed in everything. I guess, even after all these years, they can't let go of this ridiculous competition they have with each other.
I get up to go to the restroom. When I return back, Jasper and Jacob are chugging down champagne like it is water.
I quickly snatch Jake's flute away. "I think that's enough, Jake," I say, softly.
He looks up at me and grins. "Bella, we're celebrating."
He's drunk. I quickly get him a glass of water. "Here. Drink up." He does as he's told.
I look up at Alice. "I think we should head home." Alice nods. I look at Jasper and see that he's drunk too. I notice Edward's not drunk at all though.
I get up, and Edward follows suit. I look at him, quizzically. "How are you going to get home?" He asks, arching a brow at me.
I bite my lip, contemplating. "I guess we could take a cab."
"I'll drive you both." He says, in a final tone. I want to argue but can't find an excuse to refuse him.
"Okay," I say, simply.
I look at Alice. "How are you going home?"
"We'll get a cab as well," Alice says.
I frown. I'm about to offer a ride with Edward as well when she says, "We're fine, Bella."
Edward interrupts us. "I'll get a cab for them, first." Then he walks away before either of us could respond.
After a while, he returns. "The cab is here." He helps Jasper up and walks him out, Alice trailing behind them.
I sit beside Jacob again. "Hey, Bells," Jake calls. I turn to see him looking at me intently. "He still likes you."
My eyes widen in surprise. "Jake, you're drunk."
He shakes his head, slowly. "I mean it. I can tell that he's still got it bad for you."
I scowl. I'm about to reply when I feel Edward approaching. "Alice and Jasper will be home safely."
"Thank you, Edward."
He simply shrugs. "He's my friend too."
I smile. "Right."
I turn towards Jake who is glaring at Edward. "Jake, let's go." I'm about to help him up, but Edward stops me. Edward helps him up and Jake staggers to his feet.
"I can walk. I'm not that drunk." He says and pushes Edward away.
I sigh. I quickly walk up to him and hold him by his arm. We walk out silently, and I notice the same black car parked in front. I help Jake in and close the door. I'm about to sit on the other side, but Edward opens the passenger door for me. I get in.
"So, where does Jake live?" Edward asks, as soon as we're all settled in. I look back to see Jake is already asleep.
I sigh, again. "Just take us to my place," I say to Edward. His jaw clenches.
"Bella, just tell me his address. I'm not letting him sleep at your house." He says through clenched teeth.
"Fine" I spout out his address and we're off.
We're silent for about a minute. And then, "You two are awfully close for someone who claimed they weren't together." Edward's voice is hard and cold.
My jaw hardens and I stop an urge to curse at him, for accusing me. Again. "We're just friends."
"Hmm."
We're silent again. His jaw remains clenched for the rest of the way. By the time we reach Jake's apartment, we're both clenching our teeth, in fear that we'll curse the other.
"You stay here. Lock the car. I'll help Jake up."
"No. I'm coming too." I glare at him. For a while, we're just sitting there glaring at one another. Finally, he sighs. "Fine."
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~SunAndMoon42