All characters from Vampire Diaries belong to L.J. Smith as well as all characters from Twilight belong to Stephanie Meyer. I own nothing except my version of events.
Chapter 3: Making Amends
The next morning I decided to focus all of my energy on repairing the relationships I had damaged. Unfortunately it was Friday so all my friends in Forks would be in school, maybe when Ang comes over after school I can discuss if she could arrange for them to come over so I could apologize. Since Care and Jer live further away my only solution would be to contact them by phone. So I decided to start a group chat, maybe I can get them to video call me during their lunch break… if they're not too mad at me.
Hey Guys, I know you are both probably mad at me and you should be. I deserve it. It's been months since I last contacted you and I've been ignoring your calls and texts. I've been a really shitty person overall for the past few months but I've finally come to my senses. I wish I could apologize in person but since I can't I was hoping you guys would be willing to talk to me through video call? Love, Bella.
Seriously that's probably the longest text I've ever written. Fuck, I hope they reply. I know they're both probably in class but that really shouldn't be a problem, we texted all the time during class. Just in case they decide to let me sweat it out before they reply back I better find a way to entertain myself. So I resorted to reading a book, hoping it would distract me enough. I made sure I increased the volume of my ringer and notifications just to make sure I didn't miss their replies and began reading my book.
I had just flipped the page to start on chapter 2 when I heard my phone ping.
Fuck! I'm nervous.
Caroline: Well well well, look who it is… I was about to file a missing person's report with my mom.
Nice Caroline threatening me with Aunt Liz the Sheriff of Mystic Falls. Normally I would reply back with a witty retort but clearly it wasn't the time. I messed up and I needed to make up for it and explain what's been going on in my life.
I know, I know. I fucked up. Big Time! But I promise I have an explanation and I would really appreciate it if you guys could give me another chance. I miss you guys!
Caroline: Does this have anything to do with your boyfriend Edward?
Ex-boyfriend and yes it does. A lot has happened and I want a chance to explain it all to you guys.
Jeremy: I knew there was a reason why I didn't like the guy. You would always cut off our conversations when he came over.
Yeah… I was a complete idiot. I'm sorry I did that to you guys and to be completely honest. You weren't the only ones who I cut out of my life because of him. So are you guys willing to video call me later so I can explain everything? Preferably during your lunch break, I mean I can wait for whenever you guys are both free but the sooner the better.
I waited what seemed like a century for a reply. Man they really are making me sweat. I bit my lip... Reply already!
Caroline: Fine -.- I'm down for lunch time if Jeremy is.
Jeremy: I can do lunchtime.
Great! I can't wait. I love you guys so much! What time should I call?
Jeremy: Just wait for us to call
K, I can't wait to see your faces :)
I got no reply after that but really what else did I expect. I got lucky they both agreed to talk to me in the first place. I better put on my groveling face before they call me, I'm just happy I got this far. The fact that they agreed to talk to me alone is a major success. We've all been known to hold grudges for a while. Which is a good thing we never really fight, we've always been able to talk things out before any conflicts arise.
I tied my hair up in a ponytail while pulling out a few strands to frame my face. There's really not much I can do right now seeing as how I can barely get up to use the restroom. Now for the waiting game. I was too distracted and anxiety ridden to even attempt to continue reading my book so instead, I decided to watch some TV. It would successfully help me lose track of time and not focus on the issue at hand.
Finally, who knows how long my cell rings. I pick it up and I see Caroline's picture appear on my phone screen. I answer and I see her and Jeremy sitting outside looking very serious. I can tell it's sunny there making me momentarily jealous that they have such nice weather while I'm stuck here in gloomy Forks.
"Hey guys!" I say, hoping my enthusiasm will ease up the tension I can feel through the screen.
"Bella, what are you doing at home? Shouldn't you be in school?" Jeremey asks.
"Yeah… it's been a shit show around here. Which I don't even know how to begin to explain without having to start from the beginning"
"We're listening." Caroline stated firmly, she's always been the direct one of us three.
I sighed heavily. This is gonna be a long story, maybe I should've called them after school.
"Ok… so I guess I didn't take into account the fact that your lunch break is short and my story is long so I'll be giving you the gist of what's been going on in my life. As you know, I had been dating Edward and I guess I got so caught up in the whole first love thing that I didn't even realize I was losing myself. He turned out to be selfish and controlling, the worst part is I didn't see it until my accident."
"Accident?! What accident? Are you ok?" Caroline yelled through the screen, eyes wide open completely shocked. Jeremy looked about the same but without words.
Instead of explaining I decided to show them. I flipped the camera pulled the covers off and showed them my injuries. I scanned my body and arms with my phone camera so they'd see the extent of my injuries. Finally flipping the camera back to my face I realized they looked pissed.
"Did that fucker do that to you? Because I swear I will hunt that bastard down and kill him!" Jeremy exclaimed.
"No, no. It wasn't him, Relax! It really was just an accident." I then proceeded on giving them the shortened version of events that happened in Arizona.
By the end they seemed to believe it really was caused by my clumsiness, but they still appeared to be worried.
Caroline shook her head, "Bella, this shit only happens to you. Not only are you broken, black and blue but now you tell us it wasn't done by your crazy boyfriend but instead you did this to yourself. I'm sure Charlie is spitting fire."
"Actually you'd be surprised." I laughed, "Charlie was so happy that Edward would be out of my life that he didn't even punish me. He said recovering from my injuries would be punishment enough… and he's right, I can't do anything by myself. Angela, my friend from school, decided to forgive me as soon as I came back and she's been helping me shower and move around when Charlie isn't available. She's been my godsend. Look you guys, I know your lunch break is almost over and I want to make this quick before you go. I'm really sorry I ditched you guys for some stupid boy. I completely lost myself and I've come to realize he's done more mental damage than I thought. So from now on I will be trying to get back to myself and work to build back the relationships I've lost because of him. I love you guys so much, you're my family and I don't know what I would do without you both in my life." The severity of what I could have lost hit me like a ton of bricks and my eyes began to water.
"Oh god, don't cry Bella. We all make mistakes, Of course I forgive you! You know you're more like my sister than anything else and I can see you've been through hell. I wish you wouldn't have gone through any of that but just know I'm always here for you whenever you need me. I love you." Caroline said, misty eyed as well.
Jeremy shook his head sadly but agreed with Caroline, "Yeah Bella, I forgive you too. You're my honorary sister and I love you too. I'm sorry this happened to you but I can see it's been a lesson learned and I'm also here if you ever need anything. I'm also still available to fly out to Forks and kick his ass for thinking he could ever do this shit to you."
I laughed and wiped my tears away. "Thanks you guys but there's no need for that. Edward and his family moved away right after the accident. I haven't seen or heard from them since." I sighed, continuing to say what I needed to. "And I'm happy that they did. Right now I'm just focusing on my recovery, both mental and physical, as well as repairing the damage I have made with the people around me. Thank you guys for loving me enough to forgive me." Right then I heard the bell ring on their side of the phone. "Looks like my time is up but before you leave, I will be staying in contact with you guys and thanks for spending your lunchtime listening to my shit."
"Anytime sis, we gotta go. Talk to you later!" They both waved and the call ended. I let out a puff of air from my mouth. I'm thankful I'm forgiven and that it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Well, that's two down and a few more to go… I've already lost count of how many people I've screwed over. Note to self: never make the same mistake again!
Later on I finally heard movement from downstairs. Hopefully that's Angela, I gotta arrange a gathering for tomorrow if everyone agrees to meet with me. It's also a Saturday so they won't have an excuse to skip because of school work or something, unless they were planning on going out. Either way, I'm hoping they agree to come over tomorrow and I can start repairing the damage I've done.
"Beeellaaaaaaaa!" I heard Angie say my name in a sing-song voice. "Where are youuuuu?" Finally her head poked through the doorway and she came in with a smile, plopping down onto my bed.
"Ha. Ha. Very funny, where else would I possibly be? I'm trapped on this bed staring at my ceiling all damn day." I rolled my eyes.
"Oh don't be so dramatic!" she laughed, "Though you're not wrong."
I grabbed the pillow lying next to me on the bed and hit her on the head. "Rude!" but I laughed along with her anyway. Once we quieted down, I got to the part I've been planning to discuss with her since this morning. "So Ang, I was wondering if you could help me out with something…"
Ang turned to look at me with a frown, "Of course, you know I'm here for you. Unless you're trying to get me to help you hide Edward Cullen's body behind the woods. Though even then I would help, I just wish you would've called me before I got here so I could pick up the supplies first."
I rolled my eyes, "What is with you? You must have had a really good day for you to come here in such high spirits."
"Nah nothing incredible happened today." She said, suddenly staring off into space as if she were trying to find the words to explain it. "But I guess if I have to be honest, when I'm with you… I guess I feel more open to be myself. I know you won't judge me and you're probably weirder than I am. You just bring something out of me."
I looked at her shocked. I can't believe that even though I was a shitty friend, she still trusted me enough to be herself around me, "Wow Angie… I don't know what to say…"
She shrugged her shoulders, "You don't need to say anything. We're starting on a new clean slate right? So I'm trying to do the same." She said, throwing a small smile my way. "Anyways, you said you needed some help?"
"Right, so talking about a new clean slate. I was able to fix my relationship with Jeremy and Caroline today!"
"Really?" she smiled. "That's great!"
I nodded enthusiastically. "Definitely and they didn't give me as hard of a time as I thought they would. Anyways! I'm trying to mend all these broken relationships I've personally destroyed so I'm hoping you'll help me fix my relationship with the gang."
"Seriously? Of course!... but how am I going to do that?"
"Well, I have a plan. I was thinking that you can invite them all to hang out with you tomorrow. Hopefully they don't have plans. Ask them to pick you up from here but instead of going out with them we surprise them with a party here! We can get some food and drinks. I get a chance to apologize and if they accept we can just hang out and have some fun. What do you think?" I bit my lip; maybe I was being too presumptuous thinking they're not that mad at me. Maybe they're madder than I thought. Shit, I gotta think up another plan… What else could I do?
I think Ang noticed how worried I was that she laughed at me. "Relax Bella I think it's a great idea and I'm more than willing to help. Honestly, I don't think they're that mad at you. They're more hurt than anything but we also haven't known you for very long so it should be easy to fix. Lemme start a group chat with them and I'll let you know what they say."
I saw her fingers flying over her phone screen. Giving her the time to finish her conversation I turned back to my TV. Finally, after what seemed like forever she turned back to me, "So everyone is free, they thought it was weird that I asked them to pick me up from here but I told them my dad needed to get an oil change on my car so he was going to drop me off here and that I would need a ride afterwards. I don't think they suspect anything so we should be good."
"Great, now I gotta get everything ready. Too bad I can't get up and do it all by myself."
"No worries, I can help you with that." Ang smiled at me.
"No girl you've done more than enough and you will be my guest to the party tomorrow too... plus Charlie is off of work in the morning so he can help me arrange everything and I'll make a list for him to go grocery shopping."
She rolled her eyes, "Fine whatever, but if you need help just let me know and I'll come flying."
"Well I'll need help taking a shower and getting dressed. So if you can come an hour earlier to help me get ready, I'd love you all the more for it."
We spent the rest of the day talking, planning, and doing homework. When Charlie got home, we ate dinner together and we explained our plan to him. I could see he was incredibly happy I was taking steps forward to fix my life. I gave him the list and he promised he'd go in the morning to pick everything up.
It was already noon by the time my dad came back with the groceries. He actually didn't miss anything on the list, which I was proud of him for and he even bought some extra decorations for the house. That one actually threw me for a loop. It's not like it was a birthday party, we didn't need any decorations… and how the hell did Charlie know what looked good or not? He confessed the lady at the store helped him pick up the stuff and the instructions were easy enough that he was able to set everything up on his own. I was very impressed.
He must be really excited that I'm trying to have friends in Forks again. I didn't realize how important it was to him. I had to say something, I know we don't really talk about our feelings but maybe that's something we should work on changing. I wanted to make an improvement in my father and I's relationship and I knew I had to be the one to make the initial move.
"Hey dad?"
Charlie was cleaning up all the trash from the packaging of the decorations, stopping to look at me he said "Yeah?"
"I just wanted to thank you for all the help today... well not just today but since I've moved back here to Forks. I don't know if I've said this before but I do appreciate everything you've done for me. I know we don't really talk about these things but after everything that's happened I want to change some things for the better. I want to be more open with you and make some friends here in Forks. I love living with you and even though Forks can be gloomy and depressing. There's nowhere else I would rather be than be here with you."
He looked at me completely shocked. I don't think he ever thought any of these words would ever come out of my mouth. The way his eyes were suddenly shiny made me realize he was trying to hold in his emotions.
Shit, I really need to let him know that I really do appreciate him more often. He's the only parent I have left and I need him more than anyone else.
He cleared his throat and with emotion he said, "I'm happy you're here too Bells. You're right, we don't usually talk about these things and we're both awkward talking about feelings but I think it's a great idea. I want to improve my relationship with you too. You're my only daughter and I love you more than anything on this earth."
We both smiled at each other and said "Cool, now come give me a hug because I can't get up." Charlie bent down to give me a tight hug and a kiss on the forehead. I pulled away, "And since you're here. Can you carry me back to my room please?"
He laughed and picked me up "Of course baby girl. Let's get you settled in until Angela comes over and can help you where I can't."
Once Angie got there, she helped me shower and get ready. I even let her put light makeup up on me and she fixed my hair for me. I had to agree after she said I looked like a dead corpse with wet hair. As my dad passed by my open door he decided to agree with a "Yeah, we could probably put you on display at the museum at this point." I huffed, funny guy.
I'm not opposed to makeup but I'm just too lazy to spend time on it. And when Alice would do it, it felt like she was putting a ton of it on. I couldn't possibly be that ugly that I needed an inch of foundation to cover my face like a mask.
Before Charlie left to go to work he picked me up and carried me back downstairs to wait for my friends. With a quick goodbye he left money on the table and told me to order some pizzas for everyone.
My dad is the best!
I was waiting anxiously the whole time and when Mike called Ang to tell her they were here I got even more nervous.
"Seriously Bella, chill out! Everything will be fine and even if it doesn't work out the way we thought, you'll still have me. In the end, at least you'll be able to say that you tried, Right?"
She didn't wait for a response from me and hurried out the door. After a few minutes I heard several footsteps walking towards the house. Good, at least some of them agreed to talk to me.
Showtime!
Once the door opened I was surprised to see all of them walk into the house and look startled at all the decorations around them. Especially when I yelled, "Surprise!"
They all looked at me with shocked, clueless looks on their faces. Until Mike finally walked further into the living room in question, "What's going on? It's not your birthday is it?"
I laughed, "No my birthday's not until September, this is actually for you guys!"
They all continued to look at me completely bewildered, I couldn't blame them they probably never expected something like this from me. Jessica finally spoke up, "Uh, why?"
"Because I owe you guys, I know we haven't known each other for very long but I still owe you guys an apology for being so shitty to you guys. You all offered me your friendship when I didn't know anyone here and you made it effortless. When Edward came, I basically ditched you guys and I want to apologize for that. It was very stupid of me and I really hope you can all forgive me and let me show you guys that I can be a real friend."
There was silence around the room, as they processed what I had said.
"Well you were shitty but we understand, I mean I think I would've been the same way if Edward Cullen would have paid me any attention." Jessica shrugged and Angela nudged her with her elbow.
I laughed and said, "I guess, still I was friends with you guys first and I shouldn't have done that. And let me tell you, being with Edward was not everything it was cracked up to be. To be completely honest, I'm glad he's gone and out of my life for good."
Suddenly there was a slam of the front door and Lauren stood there looking angry as hell, glaring at me. "Oh, so everyone is just gonna let her off the hook that easily?! You're crazy, she's a total bitch. What? Did Edward get tired of you and that's why you're crawling back to us?"
I was about to open my mouth and tell her where she can shove off to but apparently I didn't have to.
Jessica turned around, yelling at her first. "Shut up Lauren!" Wow, ok that was shocking. I thought her and Lauren were best friends, out of everyone I would have never thought she would be the one to stick up for me, especially to Lauren. "That's so fucking mean to say, we all forgive her and there's no use in throwing shit back in her face. I know you've had bad breakups too and not one of us has ever used it against you."
"That's different!" She yelled, "I've known you guys my whole life, you're supposed to be there for me!"
"No, we don't have to." Angela said, "You've done a lot of shitty things to us through the years and you always ditch us for a hot date whenever you can. You never even apologize for it either. At least Bella knows she did wrong and she's making an effort to make things right."
"I can't believe you guys are buying her bullshit!" Lauren yelled. "You know what? Do whatever you want. Fuck this! Come on Tyler let's go!"
Tyler looked back at her, raising an eyebrow. I don't know if he was surprised that she thought he'd be on her side or angry at the command. "I'm sticking around actually but you can leave whenever you want. I'll catch a ride with Mike or Ang later."
Wow if heads could explode I would have seen her head spin and then explode into a million pieces, she was so mad. She turned around and slammed the door on her way out. Everyone was pretty quiet then, not knowing what to say or where to look. It was almost comical. If I weren't as shocked about the whole situation I would've made a joke to lighten the mood. I never would have thought they would choose me over Lauren. She was right, they've known her all their lives and they barely even know me, I can't let them loose their friendship with her because of me.
"You guys, I can't let you do that. Lauren was your friend before me and you shouldn't drop her because of me. I completely understand, I would never make you pick between us and you shouldn't have to. If you guys leave now you can still catch up to her." I said sincerely, I wanted friends here in Forks but not at the cost of destroying other friendships.
"No Bella," Jessica said. "What I said is true. Lauren has done some really shitty things to us and she's never once apologized. She's just a selfish bitch who doesn't care about anyone but herself."
Eric had been quiet at this point, standing in the corner trying to avoid all the drama, I could only assume. That is until now; he looked at me and spoke. "I agree, we've all gotten really tired of her shit, we just put up with her because we have to. And you're right when you said we shouldn't have to choose, but Lauren made us choose and we choose you."
Seriously? What the hell did I do to deserve these people in my life? I was speechless, shit I think I'm about to cry…
Hold that shit in Bella, what the hell happened to your hard diamond strong exterior.
Tyler looked at everyone and finally broke the serious atmosphere, "So where's the food?!" he said as he plopped down on the couch next to me, "I'm glad your back B but I'm also starving." Everyone laughed and shook their heads. Good 'ole Tyler breaking up the tension.
"Yeah, I'm kinda hungry too and you don't need to apologize Bella. Everyone makes mistakes." Ben said and Eric nodded his head in agreement as they both sat on the floor to let Ang and Jessica take the love seat.
They all sat around and we ordered some pizzas, everyone seemed to be having fun and there didn't seem to be any tension left or anything. We had a lot of fun, actually. I was glad but also regretful that I missed out on their company for so long. Stupid Edward and his family. If I haven't said this before I'll say it again, they're all assholes and I hope to never get see their stupid faces again. I don't need supernatural beings in my life. Clearly they were more monster than human, like they said they were. I guess all along they had been warning me but I didn't pay as much attention as I should have been. They were right about one thing though, I had no self-preservation.
I guess I was looking too deep in thought because I suddenly felt an arm slipping around my shoulder. When I turned it was Ang frowning at me, "See I told you everything was going to be ok. You were worried for nothing, we're all a forgiving bunch…" I don't know what she saw on my face because she continued speaking. "Look Bella, we all make mistakes but what's more important is what we do after. You learned your lesson and now it's time to move on and let it go." She gave me a bright smile that forced a smile out of me. She was right, I need to stop looking at all the mistakes I've made and look forward to the future.
Let the bullshit go and move on.