Chapter 2

"There's not a word yet for old friends who have just met."

Jim Henson


A hot shower and a change of clothes is exactly what I need, and when I eventually step out into the small café, I feel lighter and more like myself than I've felt in weeks. Soft music seeps through an old jukebox in the corner and I find Bella humming along as she sets a delicious-looking plate of food on a table overlooking the amazing display of baked goods. Her feminine, white lace top with puffy sleeves combined with a pair of high waisted, form fitting, pink pants, is far cry from the timid girl I knew back in high school who basically lived in her oversized hoodies and baggy jeans.

"My, my, look at you!"

Bella's bright smile widens as she places both hands on her small hips, openly inspecting my appearance. She isn't the only one who has changed since high school. Whereas she has found a very specific style that perfectly matches her workplace, I enjoy a simple, clean-cut and comfortable style with a little bit of an edge.

"I like the leather jacket," she tells me appreciatively.

I smile, pushing the tips of my fingers into the tight front pocket of my dark blue jeans.

"Thanks."

My form-fitting leather jacket is one of my very favorite pieces of clothing.

"I hope you're hungry."

She motions for me to sit and when I get a good look at the enormous sandwich on my plate, I feel my mouth instantly begin to water.

"I'm starving!" I reveal, finding my seat.

Bella disappears for a moment and I begin digging into my meal with gusto, the delicious sandwich literally melting in my mouth. She soon appears carrying a steaming cup of coffee and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. Placing them both on my table, we're both distracted when her front door opens and a string of customers file in.

"Morning rush," she explains simply.

"I'll be back. Don't leave okay? The café is usually busy for about an hour or so, but then it dies down before picking back up again a little later in the afternoon."

I nod in affirmation and watch how Bella greets her customers with both ease and confidence, making every person that steps in through her door feel both seen and welcome. Focusing my attention on my delicious meal, I pull out my phone and begin leafing through the mountain of work emails I have sitting in my inbox. Taking a deep breath, I do what I can to awaken that professional side of me that is known for her impeccable work-ethic and unyielding discipline. It doesn't take long for me to realize that my efforts are completely in vain.

Setting my phone down, I release a tired sigh, picking up my steaming hot cup of coffee instead. Ever since I received the news of my parents' passing, it was as though the successful adult inside of me just evaporated into thin air and was replaced by the insecure, angry and hormonal teen I used to be before I basically ran away from home.

Taking a sip of my coffee, I spend the next hour observing Bella as she serves her customers. I quickly realize that she's given me a table that is partially hidden, allowing me the privacy I need, all the while giving me a perfect overview of the entire café. It's brilliant, really. When a painfully familiar face saunters in through the doors with her head of perfect curls held high, I physically hunch down as far as I can, making sure to keep myself out of view. The high school girl inside of me cringes. Ugh… Jessica Stanley.

I watch how even Bella struggles to keep that sweet and genuine smile on her face as Jessica walks up to her counter. If there was one thing Bella and I still shared in common it was our dislike for stuck up women like Jessica Stanley. After a rigorous questioning where Jessica basically insults every single piece of deliciousness Bella has on display, she begins to recite an absolutely ridiculous drink order. Bella, bless her, is both professional and kind as she works her impressive coffee maker to comply with Jessica's lengthy list of instructions, but I can see through her carefully placed mask. Bella despises her just as much today as she did when we were teens.

The small bell over the front door gives a small chime and I watch how Bella turns her head to greet the newcomer just as she finishes Jessica's order. If I wasn't watching her so closely, I probably wouldn't have picked up on the subtle change in her. Her warm smile wavers and a light flush rises to her pale cheeks. Turning back to her coffee maker, she immediately appears to become extremely interested in everything that isn't the tall, distinctly male stranger that has just made his way to the counter. Feeling my eyebrows pinch together in curiosity, I realize that I can actually see a slight tremble to her hand as she moves from her safe spot by the machine and turns around to place Jessica's "to-go" cup in front of her and face her new customer. Bella's confidence appears to have completely seeped out of her and her fearless stance has morphed into one I clearly recognize as the hunched over, painfully shy girl I knew way back in high school.

Curious to see who it is that has such an effect on my friend, I lean forward to catch a clear glimpse of this mystery man. As soon as I do, I almost laugh out loud. Jesus, it's like I've just travelled back in time! Standing directly in front of Bella, looking just as clueless as he always did, is the infamous Edward Cullen. The overly talented football quarterback, Prom-King, Whizz-kid, Fork's High's most popular and respected Senior and Isabella Swan's not-so-secret crush. His family owned the largest apple orchard in the state and the Cullens had been my closest neighbors growing up. Edward's younger sister, Alice, had been one of my closest friends until we started high school and she decided popularity was more important than old friends. Although Edward was a year older and we had never been particularly close, I'd always considered him a friend. The slightest scruff on his chiseled jaw and the hint of what appears to be worry lines on his face are about the only things that separates him from his younger self. He looks just like he used to.

"Isabella," he greets her softly, running his fingers through his sun kissed hair.

Those bright green eyes of his, find hers for a brief second before he returns his gaze to the impressive display of baked goods. Before Bella even has a chance to respond, they are both interrupted by Jessica's high pitched voice.

"Edward! What a nice surprise."

Something in her tone makes me think that nothing about this encounter is a coincidence.

"Hey Jess," he says, greeting her politely, but I swear I see his eyes flicker towards the exit for a brief second.

She picks up her beverage, sauntering closer to him, like a hunter closing in on its prey. Edward is good at hiding his discomfort, but he takes a small step away from her, leading me to believe that he still isn't interested in her not-so-subtle attention. Batting her eyelashes at him, she places a possessive hand on his chest, leaning in close to whisper something in his ear. The look on Bella's expressive face sets my feet into motion. Apparently, my great idea of showing up and then leaving Forks unannounced has completely been thrown out the window. Deciding to use my need for a refill as an excuse, I quickly pick up my cup before I walk out from my perfect little hiding spot. Edward's almost frantic gaze finds mine almost immediately.

"Leah? Is that you?"

Pausing, I send him a small smile, making sure to keep my head held high as Jessica's grey and annoyed eyes flash in my direction.

"Yeah, it's me. Hi, Edward."

In a matter of seconds, I'm wrapped up in a hug so tight, I almost lose my breath.

"I'm so glad to see you, Leah," he breathes in my ear. "I'm so sorry for your loss."

Edward's voice holds a rough and emotional edge to it that takes me a little off guard. Pulling back, he takes my empty hand in his, squeezing it gently as his vibrant, green eyes pierce into mine. I feel my heart skip a beat in response to the ardent look in his eyes.

"I lost my Dad a couple of years ago, so I know at least a little of what you're going through."

My stomach sinks at his revelation. Edward Sr. had been something of an institution here in Forks. He'd paved the way for the farming community and would always do absolutely everything he could to help anyone in need, even if those who didn't know they needed it. I vividly remember how he and his wife, Elizabeth, would drop by our house on several occasions when I was a little girl. I even remember overhearing Edward Sr. argue with my father about his drinking habits. Edward's father had been this larger than life character who I always expected would live forever.

The news of his death hit hard.

"My God, Edward, what happened?" I ask before I can stop myself.

A flash of pain crosses Edward's face and I wince at my thoughtless outburst.

"Jesus, I'm an idiot. You don't have to answer that."

One side of Edward's lips curl into a crooked half-smile.

"No, Leah, it's fine. I'd actually really like to talk to you. Let me order a coffee and we can-."

"Coffee's up," Bella interrupts, her demeanor immediately changing into that soft-spoken 15 year old when the attention of the cutest boy at school is drawn in her direction.

Glancing down at the counter I'm shocked to find two hot cups of coffee and a plate each of some incredible looking pastry. Looking up, I make sure to find her gaze, hoping my grateful smile might alleviate some of her anxiety. Edward reaches for his wallet, but Bella shakes her head sharply.

"This one's on me. Why don't you both go and talk. Jess, is there anything else I can do for you?"

Lord, Jessica's presence had basically been the entire reason why I'd decided to come over in the first place and in a matter of seconds I'd completely forgotten about her.

Jessica simply waves a hand in Bella's direction, her steely grey eyes suspicious as they study me carefully as if she's trying to determine whether I'm a threat or not. Deciding to push her buttons a little, I take a step closer to Edward, watching her as I do so. Immediately her eyes narrow and her lips tighten into a sharp line.

"Hmmm… look what the cat dragged in. You're a little late, aren't you?"

Biting my teeth sharply together at her little innuendo, I force myself not to react. Once a bully, always a bully.

"Jessica!" Edward rises to my protection, scolding her for her poor choice of words.

"What?!" she responds innocently with a fake little laugh.

"You can't tell me you both aren't wondering the very same thing. Her parents' funeral was four days ago and she was nowhere to be seen and now she shows up? God, she's probably just here for her inheritance."

"GET OUT!"

The entire café goes completely silent at Bella's raised voice and sudden command. Even Jessica looks a little startled.

"I said, GET. OUT," Bella repeats, her voice deadly calm.

Jessica must realize that arguing is useless and simply rolls her eyes before dropping her almost full cup of milky, foamy coffee to the floor.

"Oops," she says holding Bella's gaze mockingly before she turns on her heel and leaves.

A powerful wave of sizzling hot rage washes over me and I'm just about to lunge after her, when Edward grabs a hold of my arm, keeping me in place.

"She isn't worth it," he tells me simply, reaching for a stack of napkins before he quickly stoops down and begins to clean up the mess Jessica proudly left behind.

I seriously should have kicked her ass when I had the chance.

Bella is already rushing around the counter, rag in hand as she too gets to her knees.

"I got this, Edward. Thank you."

I don't know if she's noticed that she is actually touching his hand while she speaks, her voice surprisingly steady. Unable to look away, I watch how his fingers automatically curl around her small hand, his expression achingly tender as their eyes meet.

"She had no right to do this," he whispers in a husky tone.

Bella bravely holds his gaze for a second before glancing down at their joint hands. It's as though both of them suddenly realize what they are doing and in the next moment, Edward is back on his feet and Bella is picking up the small pile of soggy napkins before she rushes behind the counter to throw everything away. Keeping my eyes on Edward I watch how his eyes follow her small frame until she disappears out of sight. Interesting.

Picking up one of the cups of coffee, I place my used cup on the counter so that I can pick up one of the plates as well.

"Let's talk."