Thank you Echo58 and Megan39 for your reviews. It always bothered me that Charlie didn't do more when or even after Bella ran away the first time. Especially since she ended up in the hospital from "falling down the stairs and through a window." If I was a cop and all that happened to my daughter, there would be a most extensive investigation. Even if I had to keep it off record.

Chapter 25

Bella didn't feel the need to avoid Edward today so she was surprised she did not see him in between classes. When lunch came around Bella was scooped up by Alice.

"We have a week to plan this party for my two favorite people." Alice said smiling. "We have to get to work."

"Alice, I don't need anything special." Bella told her.

"Me neither." Jasper agreed.

"Oh come on. You two are no fun."

"I'll tell you what." Jasper said. "You have a blast planning this party and we will show up and enjoy it."

"Bella, you have to help. It's your sweet sixteen. It has to be perfect. We can start planning tonight. You can come over or I could go to yours."

"Alice, I can't. My father made plans for us tonight and tomorrow I have my last drivers ed class and lesson."

"Then tomorrow night or Sunday."

"Really Alice I have only one requirement, you invite Jacob."

Bella didn't know why. She barely knew the boy a day, but she felt like they knew each other forever. They had become instant friends. She felt more comfortable with him than she did her own family.

"Should we invite his new accessory too?" Alice asked.

Looking up she saw Jacob bringing his lunch to a table. Alongside him was Lauren's bouncing blonde head. She practically sat in his lap at the table, his head bent to hers as she talked.

Bella thought back to last year. Mike sat straight up as Lauren hung on him and whispered in his ear. He didn't get invested because he knew she wasn't going to stick around. She remembered him saying she was just going to go back to Tyler. Jacob didn't know this. Bella felt a sudden protectiveness for her new friend. She had to warn him.

"Bella?" Alice asked.

"Hmm?"

"Should I invite Lauren?"

"I don't know."

"What don't you know?"

Bella jumped. "Edward!"

She was surprised she barely noticed he wasn't there before.

Alice put her arms around Bella's neck and glared at her brother.

"Who to invite to the party." Bella mumbled.

Edward scoffed. "Who cares, it's not like you're going to be there."

"What?" Bella and Alice asked together.

"I am taking you out for a romantic dinner." Edward declared.

"No! She will be spending the day with her friends at the party I am throwing."

Bella looked back over to Jacob. Lauren was kissing the corner of his mouth. Like he had turned his head at the wrong time and she missed her target. Was she going for his cheek or his lips?

"Stop!" Bella stood.

Why did she do that? She shook her head.

"I'm going to stay home alone if you two keep fighting over me like I'm your favorite toy." Bella stormed off and hid in the first class she found unlocked.

She found herself hiding a lot the past two days. She hoped this wouldn't become a habit.

Alice was in their second shared class of the day and she begged Bella's forgiveness.

During the last class Bella was going to tell Jacob all about what he was getting himself into with Lauren. Unfortunately when the kid that moved his desk yesterday tried the same thing today, the teacher made him move it back.

The boy kept looking over at them. He was absolutely paranoid, and he was definitely close enough to hear anything they may talk about. Bella decided she would tell Jacob on the way home.

In the parking lot Edward pulled her to the side.

"Get in my car." He ordered.

"Edward, I can't. I have to go straight home."

"I will take you home."

"No, Charlie said I'm not allowed to see you for a while. He is waiting at home for me, If he sees you drop me off I won't even be allowed to come over to see Alice."

"Jasper will drive you home."

Bella sighed, Then tiredly said. "Edward you're doing it again. The best I can do is text you when I get home."

"Fine!" He spat.

He grabbed the back of her head and repeated the kiss he gave her this morning. Bella remembered Jacob's comment. She tried to pull away. When Edward finally let go she blushed and looked down.

Jacob was leaning against his door with his arms crossed. He looked very annoyed. Bella walked over to him to ask what was wrong. He took her book bag, made sure all the zippers were closed and placed it in the cargo bed.

"What are you doing?" Bella asked.

He didn't answer. He opened his door, put his hands on her hips, and lifted her into the driver's seat.

"What are you doing here?" An all too familiar voice asked.

She should have known. Bella turned back to see Lauren in the passenger's seat.

"Don't you have some rich bitches to schmooze." The blonde asked, raising her eyebrows.

Bella didn't bother responding. She felt a nudge on her legs and moved over into the middle seat. Jacob climbed into the truck. She would have to wait again to tell him. At least for now she could act as a barrier between them.

He pulled up to a house that wasn't in the best shape. The lawn was overgrown and some of the shingles were falling off. Jacob got out to grab the bags from the back.

Lauren ran over, wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed a kiss to his chin, probably because she couldn't reach his mouth. Tossing their bags into the cab he climbed back in. Bella was still in the middle seat.

She took a deep breath. "There's something I have to tell you."

"Does it have anything to do with your boyfriend stalking us?"

"What?"

Turning around Bella could see the Volvo behind them. She moved over to the passenger seat and watched as they drove. Sure enough every stop and turn they made Edward followed. She was just glad Charlie wasn't waiting on the porch.

Charlie was dressed in civilian clothes ready to leave as soon as they walked in the door.

"Jake, Is there anything you need before we leave?"

Jacob shook his head. Charlie let out an aggravated sigh and stared at the youngman.

Jacob stared back then grumbled "No."

Bella could have sworn she heard "Pain in the ass." after that no.

"Okay, why don't you go ahead to your dads. Bella and I will meet you there."

Without another word Jacob turned and walked back out the door.

"What about you Bells? Is there anything you need before we go?"

There wasn't anything Bella could think of. She left her backpack in the hall and followed Charlie to his car.

They weren't on the road long when Charlie asked. "So what was all that about this morning?"

Thank you for reading.