Here is a new chapter for you all. It is the lunch date with Alice, Edward, and Bella.

Enjoy.

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BPOV

"You don't have to do this Bella."

Angela sat on the edge of my bed, here for the moral support. I had my lunch with Alice and Edward today and I was having major second thoughts about going.

"I know that. I just…want to give Edward a chance to explain things to me."

As much as I didn't want to go, I had to. I had questions that needed answers. It wasn't like I hated him or anything; I still cared enough for him to not blow him off.

"I want to see Alice too. I have missed her."

"Of course you have," Angela said softly. "You two were very close. I understand."

"Thanks Angela. I have to go."

"Alright. Good luck Bella."

I grabbed my car keys, some money, and glanced at myself in the mirror. Alice wouldn't approve of my 'boring' and 'simple' outfit, which made me smile. I closed the door behind me and went to the parking lot.

I got into my old rusty Chevy and headed to the café. It was the same one that Jacob and I ate at after I saw Edward again.

Jake wasn't happy about this lunch. He didn't say it so much as I could just tell. He thought that when Edward left again, it would be a replay of last time. That wasn't going to happen to me though. Edward no longer held the part of me that could break.

I pulled into the café and turned off the engine. I took a few deep breaths to calm myself and opened the door. I made my way into the café and looked for Alice or Edward.

"Bella! Over here!"

I turned and spotted an extremely excited Alice. I smiled. She was practically bouncing in her seat as I gave her a big hug.

"It is so good to see you Alice," I gushed, not being able to contain my excitement either. "How have you been?" I asked while taking my seat.

"I have been good, but I will tell you more later."

"Hello again, Bella."

I jumped. I had almost forgotten Edward.

"Hello. How are you?"

"I am fine, thanks for asking."

The tension in the air was almost tangible. I was sure Alice could tell as well and she decided to intercede.

"So you're getting married Bella?" Alice asked as she raised her delicate eyebrows.

I internally cringed. What a great topic to bring up.

"In August. Jake and I were thinking of having a simple wedding," I told her.

"So…can I help?!" Alice asked. She was giving me a pleading look. "Please?"

"Ok. I guess you could help. Heaven knows I don't want to do half of this stuff myself."

"Thanks Bella! I appreciate it. Have you found a dress yet?"

"No, I haven't," I answered cautiously.

"How about we go shopping for one this Saturday?"

I sighed. Of course. Of course Alice would want to go shopping with me.

"That is ok I guess."

"Wonderful. I will see you at 9 AM sharp. I'll pick you up so you better not be late," she said, starting to get up.

Huh? Was she leaving?

"I have to go meet Jasper right now, so you and I will catch up then. Bye."

"Wait! Alice…" I said, but she was already at the door. I was now left alone with Edward. Devious little pixie. She would be in big trouble on Saturday.

"Would you like to order?" Edward questioned me.

"Uh, sure," I replied, stunned by the suddenness of his question, as a waiter walked over. I placed on order for water and a sandwich. I then was left to stare at him.

"Look, Bell," Edward started. "I have to apologize to you. I didn't want to cause you any pain. I just--"

"Stop. I don't want to hear an apology from you Edward. When you left, that hurt me. More then you will ever know. Jacob was a big factor in my recovery process--"

"I get that," Edward said, interrupting me this time. "I just wanted to tell you that any harm I caused was not meant and I am really sorry for it."

"Thank you. Apology accepted," I answered.

We sat in silence for a bit, and my food arrived. Edward stared at me while I ate with an unreadable expression on his face.

"So, Bella, about Jacob," Edward began. I could tell this wasn't going to go anywhere that I wanted our conversation to go.

"What about him?" I asked, my tone was almost defensive.

"Well," he began. "Do you love him?"

The question hung in the air. I was surprised. How could he even ask that question?

"Of course I love him!" I was sure he could hear the shock and anger in my tone. His face almost seemed too blank to read his emotion, but I thought I saw a spark of hurt and disappointment in his eyes. "Why would you ask that?"

"I didn't mean to offend you. I was simply curious to know your feelings about him."

"I'm going to marry him Edward. Of course I love him!"

"Ok. I understand that," Edward replied as he ran his hand through his messy bronze hair.

As I finished my sandwich, I stared at him. He hadn't changed at all of course, but something did seem different about him. I wondered what I looked life to him. Did I also seem different?

"Bella?"

"Yes?"

"Before you go," Edward started, looking at my empty plate. "Could I ask you another question?"

"You can," I agreed while bracing myself for the question.

"Do you think that it would be possible…for us…to remain friends? I care for you Bella, and I don't want to loose you again."

Loose me? Hadn't I lost him?

"I know things are a little weird between us," he continued. "I would like to stay in contact with you though."

"Friends?" I asked him. Was that even possible considering our past? Plus, it was just so cliché. The only difference was we are already broken up. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to try." I seriously doubted it would be possible.

"That's all I ask."

I threw a bill down on the table and turned to walk away.

"Wait!"

It was like déjà vu.

"I brought you something." Edward then placed in my hand the copy of Romeo and Juliet that I had left at the bookstore; not buying it because I was in such a rush.

I stared at him. It was a really nice thing for him to do, and I could feel myself smile. It was just a very Edward-like thing for him to do.

"Thank you so much Edward."

"You're welcome Bella."

"Goodbye." I then turned and walked out of the café while clutching my new book to my chest.

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Later that night, Jake came over. We were going to watch a movie and hang out. I had the popcorn and other snacks ready. Jacob ate a lot. He was supposed to be on pop/juice duty.

Just then there was a knock on the door. I walked over to the door and opened it. I gave Jake a quick kiss hello and he walked in laden with Coca Cola for him and cranberry juice for me.

"How was your lunch Bells?" Jake asked as he sat down on the couch.

"It was interesting…"

"Was it nice to see Alice again?" I could tell he was just trying to be nice.

"For what I saw her it was."

Jacob raised his eyebrows.

"She basically stayed long enough to plan a shopping trip with me on Saturday and then left me and Edward."

"She did?" I could tell he didn't like that.

"Yeah. It was sort of weird. Edward and I just sat there."

"What did you talk about?"

"He apologized…"

Jacob snorted.

"And he asked if we could be friends."

Jake was silent for a bit.

"What did you tell him?" Jacob quietly asked.

"I said that I would try. I doubt it will be possible," I added in for his benefit. I had been thinking, and I thought it would be best to try to become friends with Edward.

"Hmm. Ok. Well…let's put in the movie, shall we?"

So we sat there watching a movie and I couldn't help but to feel very lucky I had Jacob. I leaned against him, smiled, and didn't think about Edward for the rest of the night.

Tell me what you think about the lunch. Did Edward say what you think he was going to? Let me know and review please!!