Chapter 11
It's Time
The author does not own any publicly recognizable entities herein. No copyright infringement is intended.
Carmen POV
Bella and Alice's freshman year ended successfully, so we decided to spend our summer break visiting Nonno and Nonna Cullen.
We hadn't been to Italy since Bella had joined our family and the timing seemed perfect.
While in Italy, Nonno and I had lengthy conversations about Edward and Bella's relationship.
Ever since I had called him to share my fears about Edward's increasingly possessive nature, Nonno and I had spoken on a regular basis. He had been heartbroken to learn about his grandson's decision regarding Bella's admittance to Dartmouth College and was disappointed in his actions.
Even though Nonno loved his grandson with every fiber of his being, he told me he would not put up with any of his shit.
One of the many things I appreciate about Nonno is that he is a realist. He understands better than anyone what can happen when two people are in a relationship based on control and mistrust. So when he learned his grandson was still acting like a jackass, he acknowledged it was time to establish a contingency plan in case Edward didn't change his ways.
So when he learned his grandson was still acting like a jackass, he acknowledged it was time to establish a contingency plan in case Edward didn't change his ways.
We spent the bulk of our summer putting a solid plan in place, and Nonno and I were the only ones who knew about it.
As much as I wished to include my husband, he tended to let his heart rule when it came to Edward. Because Edward and Bella were soulmates, he believed everything would magically work out for the best.
Me? Not so much.
My faith in Edward dwindled with each passing day.
But at least now, I felt more assured than I had at this time last year. If Edward messed up again, I had a way to protect my sweet girl.
The girls' second year of school had a quiet start. Even though they didn't have to live on campus as sophomores, they had enjoyed their experience so much the prior year they decided to stay in the dormitories once more.
Alice took a modest, part-time job at a boutique working with a local designer. She had cemented her plans over her freshman year of school to major specifically in design.
Bella continued pursuing a degree in literature and like Alice; she had discovered an opportunity for a part-time job in her field of interest.
She told me all about it while she was visiting and helping me prepare dinner.
"So I have something I need to talk to you about," she said biting her bottom lip as she commonly did when she was nervous.
"Oh? What's that?" I inquired as I gathered the needed ingredients from the fridge to make stir-fry.
"Well, there's an opening at the college bookstore," she began, "And I'd really like to apply. It's only a few hours a week."
I peeked over at her and could see the uneasiness in her eyes. She already knew what I would say next.
"We must talk it over—"
"I know," she interrupted, "Edward has to give his approval. Believe me, I know the drill."
I reached over and lightly stroked her cheek. "I know you do, sweet girl. I'll call and ask right now if you would like," I said before adding, "who knows? Maybe we'll catch him in a good mood?"
She gave a small laugh and shrugged her shoulders. "I suppose now is as good of a time as any. As for his mood … I have no opinion, but it seems as if he hasn't been as attentive lately if that makes sense?"
"It does. And I agree."
Edward had graduated from law school and begun working at his father's company. Because he was acclimating to his new role as the family attorney and Carlisle's protégé́, we didn't hear from him as often as we had while he was in school.
And I have to admit it had been nice.
It was almost as if he didn't exist.
"Can you finish this up for me while I make the call?" I gestured toward the boiling pot of rice on the stove.
"Sure," she answered and then said, "good luck."
I prayed I wouldn't need the luck as I walked out of the room.
"Hello, Edward."
"Hi, Aunt Carmen. How are you?"
"Good. And you? Are you enjoying your new position?"
"Dad certainly keeps me busy. I just finished my first big case. It was exciting but exhausting."
"I remember Eli's first days practicing law. I used to find him conked out over stacks of books in the middle of the night. Well, I actually still do," I said with a laugh.
Edward chuckled, "So you're telling me it doesn't get any better?"
"If you love what you do, I don't think it matters. At least that's what your uncle always tells me."
"Well, I do love it," he admitted. "How's the rest of the family? And Bella? Is school going well?"
"Everyone is doing great. I'm actually calling about Bella. She recently asked me something that requires your input," I said sweetly.
Kill him with kindness, I thought.
"Oh? What is she asking?"
"She wants to apply for a part-time job at the campus bookstore."
I could hear him sigh on the other end of the line. "Carmen, why does she want a job? Does she need money?"
Not this again. Doesn't he realize Eli and I provide Bella with anything she needs and wants?
Don't get angry.
"No, it's not about the money. This is important to her, Caro. She loves books like no one I've ever known and just wants the opportunity to share her passion with others," I said before adding, "once you marry, she won't ever work again. Give her this. It's only ten hours a week, and once she learns you allowed this for her, she will love you that much more."
I couldn't believe the bullshit that was spewing from my mouth, but it seemed to be working since Edward wasn't his typical argumentative self. So I continued, "Alice is working a small part-time job at a women's clothing boutique, and it has been going well for her."
I was met with silence before I finally heard Edward murmur, "I don't like it."
"Eli and I promise to keep a close watch on Isabella. You know we love her as if she were our own," I said before adding with a soft plea, "Edward, she will be simply devastated if she can't do it."
"I'll allow it this time, but only ten hours. No more," he relented reluctantly. "I have a feeling I will regret this decision, but I'm trusting you and Uncle to protect her."
"Of course, Caro. With our lives," I promised before we ended our call.
Bella POV
I had been working at the bookstore for over three weeks when Jacob Black had first approached me.
"Can you help me find the textbook for Econ 101?"
After putting down the sweatshirt I had been refolding, I turned around to find a guy who appeared to be in his early twenties staring at me.
"Umm sure," I replied, wondering why he needed a book for a course given at an all-girls' college.
He followed me over to the textbook section where I easily located what he was looking for and handed it to him.
"Here you go."
"Great. Thanks. I'm really dreading this class. Have you taken it before?" he asked as he gave me a toothy grin.
Confused by his question I said, "You do realize this is an all-girls' school, don't you?"
Jacob's face paled for a moment before he responded. "It is? I mean, of course."
I watched him as he laughed awkwardly.
"Okay, you caught me," he said. "I just wanted to talk with you. I don't really go to school here."
No shit, I thought. I figured that out on my own.
"Well, I have to get back to work. So if you don't need anything …" I tried to be polite as I turned to walk away.
He lightly grasped my arm and said, "Wait."
"What?" I said annoyed by his antics.
"Would you like to go out sometime?"
"Thanks, but I don't date."
"Oh, do you have a boyfriend or something?" he asked intently.
Instead of telling him I didn't have a boyfriend, but I did, in fact, have a deranged soul mate I repeated, "No, I just don't date."
I walked away thinking I would never see him again, but I was wrong. From that day forward, whenever I had a shift at the store, Jacob happened to be there.
And he proceeded to ask me out every single time.
After the third occurrence, Mike became concerned.
"What's that guy's deal?" Mike said as he walked with me to my dorm one night after I had finished closing the store. "You've shot him down what, three times now? Doesn't he have any self-dignity?"
"Who? Jacob?"
"I don't know his name. That big, goofy-looking fellow who keeps showing up at the bookstore. There's something fishy about him."
I snorted. "Trust me, he's harmless." In the few times we had spoken, I had learned Jacob Black wasn't the crunchiest chip in the bag. Even if I were to date, he was so not my type.
"No Bella," he said sternly, "I'm serious; I get a bad vibe from him. I really think I need to say something to Edward."
Panic surged throughout my body. "No! Please, Mike!" I begged, "you know what will happen if you do that. He'll make me quit my job."
Mike paced the sidewalk grumbling to himself. After a few minutes of contemplation, he said wearily, "Okay. Just promise me you'll be careful."
"Yeah. Sure, sure." I mumbled thinking Mike was overreacting.
"Hey Bells!"
Ugh. How many times had I asked him not to call me that stupid name?
"Hi Jacob," I said not even bothering to lift my head from the inventory sheet I had been staring at for the past thirty minutes. I knew I was being rude, but he was seriously getting on my last nerve.
"So are you doing anything after work tonight?"
"Yes, big plans," I dryly responded.
"And exactly what would those plans be?" he asked snapping his fingers in front of my face in an attempt to get my attention.
"Studying. Sleeping," I quipped. "Listen, I'm really busy here. Do you mind?"
"Oh, come on! You gotta eat, Bells. Just have dinner with me," he whined.
"Like I already said—"
"This guy bothering you?"
I looked up and discovered Mike had joined us. He rarely came inside the bookstore while I was on duty.
"Hey gramps," Jacob butted in before I had a chance. "Do you mind? I'm talking to my girl."
Both Mike and I spoke at the same time. While I attempted to let Mike know I had everything under control, he proceeded to threaten Jacob.
"I might be old, but I can still kick your punk ass. Now if you know what's good for you, you'll get lost and forget about Bella. She's not interested."
"Bella, are you finished with the inventory?"
I had been so absorbed with Mike and Jacob's drama that I hadn't even noticed my manager, Mr. Forge approach us.
"No Sir," I mumbled sheepishly, "I still need to check in the calculus texts."
"Well, since you're too busy with your friends to get your work completed, go ahead and take the rest of the day off," he sneered before adding, "unpaid."
I began to protest, "But—"
"Just go and don't bother coming in for your next shift unless you're prepared to actually work," he interrupted before storming off in a huff.
"Bella—," Mike began, but I cut him off.
"Please go! Both of you!"
Jacob gave a brief apology before making a hasty exit.
"Can I at least walk you home?" Mike asked.
"Not today. Please, just let me be."
After Mike begrudgingly left, I grabbed my stuff and headed to the park where I sat and stewed over the incident at the bookstore. I couldn't believe Mr. Forge was such a jerk. I always went above and beyond when I was on duty. Other workers were constantly on their cell phones, late for their shifts, or too busy chatting to help customers. But, no one else was ever reprimanded. No one, but me.
Once again, life screws over Bella Swan.
I sat and felt sorry for myself for about a good hour before it finally hit me. I could continue to let life knock me down, or I could stop having such a pansy-ass victim mentality and do something about it.
I needed to stop living in fear of Edward Cullen and just live.
Damn him and all his fucking rules and regulations! Who does he think he is telling me what I can and cannot do? I'm my own person, and it's time for me to make my own decisions!
He won't even find out what I'm doing anyhow.
Carmen said they rarely hear from him and it's not as if Mike will run and tattle on me; he's already promised he will only intervene if I'm ever in danger.
So what should my first course of action be?
Just as I was thinking about how to declare my independence, a couple holding hands walked by and gave me the perfect idea.
Next time Jacob asked me on a date, I would accept. I could finally have the experience of a first date, and maybe he would see how incompatible we are and leave me the hell alone.
Look at me, killing two birds with one proverbial stone.
Excited about my idea, I left the park in a far better mood than when I had arrived.
AN:
Well, Bella's finally decided to stand up for herself, but was that the best way to do so? We'll see how it all works out for her in chapter 12.
Thanks as always to my beta, SunFlower Fran and my pre-readers, Gabby1017 and AllTheWayIntoTwilight. Special thanks to EdwardsFirstKiss for providing feedback as well.
And my deepest gratitude to my readers! I so appreciate your kind words and support.
Voting is now open for The Age of Edward contest. There is still time to read and vote if you haven't already.
id: 9351628 and on Facebook: Age of Edward 2017
Until next time!
HE