2. Birthday Girl

As I made the familiar turn into the street of my mother's house, I felt a sense of comfort engulf me. That sensation was quickly replaced by dread and irritation as I read their house number. 13.

I still don't understand why on earth they had to buy a house numbered 13. Okay, so maybe my mother fell in love with the portico and lucky for my step father Phil, the house fell in their price range. But still, the number 13 is supposed to be unlucky. It really is. Ask me, I will tell you.

I was born on September 13. And my life has been a series of unlucky mishaps. Exactly 13 days after my birth (I have video proof!) I fell for the first time in my life, from my mothers arms onto the couch. Although it was hardly a mountain jump, I still regard it as the beginning of my life long curse to stumble and fall at every nook and corner every minute of the day. Eight years later, on 13th of June, I was lost for a total of one and half hours in the wilderness of Forks (the details of which I don't want to even go into). Once I sat on a bus on seat 13 and it just missed an accident. If there was any test on the 13 of any month, I was sure to fail or do badly. And the most major factor of all, my parents got divorced when I was 13 years old.

I still remember my mother telling me on the kitchen table as I was eating mushroom ravioli. I puked the entire thing out before she could even finish. To this day, I have never eaten mushroom ravioli again. My mother left to New York the next day.

A year later, she met Phil and married him in under 2 months. After a year full of persuasion I finally agreed to live with her and Phil and complete the rest of my high school in Manhattan. Of course, that led to me completing my college in New York too. Once I enrolled in NYU, mom decided she has had enough of the big city and moved to this house in Long Island. I often visit them and obligatorily have to be here for my usual birthday breakfasts. I usually turn up the night before since I don't have the patience to get up early in the morning and travel for three hours up and down.

Which is exactly why I am parking in their driveway now.

I went and rang the doorbell. It was opened by a smiling Phil.

"Hey Bella!" he said hugging me, "Good to see you."

"Good to see you too Phil. How are things?"

"Oh, as normal as they can be with your mother", he said grinning.

I laughed. "That's nice to hear. Where is she by the way?"

"In the kitchen. But… I don't think you are supposed to go in there."

"Is she baking my surprise birthday chocolate cake?" I asked knowingly.

"You know her.", said Phil laughing and called out to her, "Renee… Bella's here."

My mother came bustling from the kitchen and hugged me tightly.

"Hey sweetie! I'm so glad you're finally here." She held me by my shoulders and started the examination. "You look weak and tired. Aren't you eating properly? How many times should I ask you to take care of yourself? Are you taking your vitamin pills or no? Look at those dark circles! You should stop stressing yourself so much at work. They really should pay you more for this slave labor -"

"Mom, Mom! Chill okay?" I said laughing,"I'm fine and work's great too. No stress and definitely no slave labor. And I am taking those pills, so please stop fretting."

"Well, still. I think you can do better."

"Mom, you always think I can do better." I hated her constantly fussing over me, so I hastily changed the topic. "Anyway, how are your pottery classes version 2.0 coming along?"

"Oh! I'm not taking them anymore. They were getting a little repetitive."

"Mom," I sighed. "This is the second time-"

"I know, I know. But, I found a wonderful new hobby. Natural Purse Making!". She looked at me expectantly.

"Am I supposed to know what that means?"

"Oh darling, we make purses out of these wonderful shells and wood and other things. In fact, we just finished a prototype yesterday. Let me show you…" She excitedly led me to the study and I followed gratefully. It was so easy to distract my mother especially with one of her hobbies. And since she had a new hobby every other week, I thankfully had plenty of safe topics ready at hand.

We had a nice dinner out on the patio in the cool weather. My mother excused herself a little before 12, probably to ice my surprise birthday cake. Ten minutes later she yelled, "Phillll! Could you please come in here?"

"I should probably make sure she doesn't blast the oven or something." he said laughing and left.

I grinned and thought that was very much possible. Although my mother could manage some dishes, anything that took longer than 20 minutes or more than 5-6 ingredients to make was out of her league. And though she hated baking, she made a cake every year for me and I dutifully ate it, even though the safety of doing so was highly questionable. Not that I am a great cook. I can hardly boil water. I inherit my cooking abilities or non-abilities from my father Charlie.

My heart warmed when I thought about him. I hadn't visited him since the 4th of July weekend and was missing him terribly. He was the chief of Police of a little town called Forks in Washington. He stayed there his entire life and loves the small town. That was probably the reason my mother left him. She was never for a dull, small town life. She craved adventure and excitement and, in a way, Phil gives it to her. I wish my father could have found someone too, just so that he wouldn't be lonely. But I suspect he is still in love with my mother. That is why he couldn't refuse her when she insisted I live with her in New York. Although I wasn't keen on leaving my father alone and living in a new big strange city, I agreed.

The reason for my leaving?

Jacob Black. My ray of sunshine in the foggy clouds of Forks.

I still couldn't understand what had gone wrong there. Jacob and I were the best of friends. We grew up together, literally grew up together. His father and Charlie were best friends so I knew him since I was born. He was my only true friend. We played together, teased each other, fought and made up, but, most importantly we were happy with each other…

Just then, my phone started ringing and shook me out of my reverie. Without even looking I knew it was him. He was always the first one to wish me. Like clockwork, he would call me exactly at 12 every birthday.

"You never miss it do you. The only time of the year you are punctual I suppose." I said smiling.

I heard his deep laugh at the other end. "What can I say? You bring out the best in me. Happy birthday Bells!'

"Thanks Jake. How've you been?"

"Not bad. How are you doing?"

"Alright I guess."

"You must be at Renee's. Has she force fed you her little mountain of horror yet?"

"Well, she will in a couple of minutes." I replied laughing.

"All the best! So, what's the big plan for tomorrow?"

"Nothing. Just work and home I guess."

"C'mon! No fancy hip party thrown by your awesome friends?" he sneered.

I sighed. "Must you start now?"

"Alright, Alright! So tell me, no party tomorrow?"

"No Jacob", I said patiently, "No party. Everyone is thankfully busy tomorrow with one thing or the other."

"Oh! So you are free tomorrow evening then?"

I waited. I knew he wanted to meet me, but I wasn't sure I could bear his taunting remarks all evening.

"Umm… I'm not sure. I may have to work late you know-"

"Oh c'mon Bella! Cut the crap. We haven't celebrated your birthday together in ages. I promise I shall keep my prick attitude to the bare minimum."

"Are you sure you can manage that?"

"Well, I can certainly make an exception for you. Can't I?" I could hear him smiling through the phone.

"I'm honored", I muttered sarcastically.

"Great! I'll pick you up at 9."

"Wait! I didn't say I could-". He cut the phone before I could finish. I sighed and shook my head at the phone.

It was classic Jacob. He always had his way. Even when we were kids. Even when we both wanted the last Snickers bar. Even when I wanted to play scrabble and he would insist on video games. Even when I wanted to curl up with a book, and he would drag me to play baseball with his pals. It wasn't that he forced me into it. And nor was he a natural charmer, he was just…Jacob.

"Happy birthday Bella!"

I turned and saw my mother and Phil standing beside me with trays of cupcakes with candles. Each letter of my name was iced on each cupcake.

"Thanks Mom! Wow. Deviated slightly from the usual, haven't we?"

"I started making your favorite chocolate cake, but…err…one mess led to another…and…well…let's just say, surprise!", she said flashing me a wide smile.

I laughed. "Yes, well, it sure is a surprise."

We sat together for a while eating the cupcakes, which turned out to be much, much better than the cake. I made a mental note to drop hints about it to her the next year. After some time, Phil excused himself to go to bed and my mother started the questioning I was anticipating.

"So honey, was that Jacob I heard you talking to before?"

I took a deep breath and answered, "Yes, mom. You know he always calls me at midnight to wish me."

"Yes. Yes, he does." she muttered. "How is he doing? Have you met him recently?"

"No, not for a couple of months. We are going out tomorrow evening." I added, knowing I would regret it instantly.

"Oh. I see." She nodded.

After a minute of silence, I couldn't take it. "What mom?" I asked irritably.

"Nothing.", she said with a blank face, "So, been seeing anyone lately?"

"No Mom. I haven't."

"You should really socialize a bit more darling. One would think you have plenty of dating opportunities having a glamorous job and-."

"Mom how on earth is working for a publishing company glamorous? If you think so, then you haven't heard me talk about my boss all these moths at all. Just because I travel sometimes doesn't mean I'm partying all night. Meeting snooty writers and sucking up to them is far from glamorous, trust me. Anyway, I very well know how to manage my social and love life. So, please stop with the inquisition", I huffed.

"Why is it that you always get so worked up whenever I mention the word dating?"

"And why is it that you always mention the word dating after asking about Jacob?" I asked indignantly.

"You very well know why-"

"Save it mom. I don't want to hear it."

She pursed her lips and said, "Alright. Have it your way then. But, don't make me tell you I told you so later on. I just want you to be happy honey."

I sighed. "I know. But trust me mom, I really am."

She nodded at me doubtfully.

"Shall we turn in? Have to go work tomorrow. And also, can we please skip breakfast; coupled with the 300 cupcakes I ate and lack of sleep, I'm sure I'm going to puke on the ride back. Wouldn't want to add to that."

My mom laughed and stood. "Of course honey. You know, these days you always come over for breakfast but never eat it."

"Yeah. I blame your moving to Long Island for that. See, this house is unlucky. It broke our tradition." I said laughingly.

My mom rolled her eyes at me and said, "You and your superstitions. One of these days you will find that not all things associated with 13 are unlucky."

"Yeah! Like that's gonna happen." I scoffed.

The next morning, as usual I got late and arrived at my workplace just in time. I checked my reflection in the elevator. Black trousers, pinstriped grey shirt and black ballet flats. Not out of Vogue, but presentable. I smoothed out my hair and got out of the elevator. I was greeted by the sweet and friendly receptionist, Angela Weber. Behind her the company's name was splashed on the wall. Estrella Publications. The entire office was white with uncomfortable modern furniture. The environment made me just that. Uncomfortable. Even after 7 months.

"Happy birthday Bella!" She smiled at me sweetly.

"Thanks Angela."

"Ohh…its Bella's birthday! How old are you now? 27? 28?"

I didn't have to turn my head to know that voice. Infact, I think I would recognize her with her tone before I registered her voice. She was walking towards me from behind. Jessica Stanley. One of the woes of my life at Estrella. I don't know why we mutually piss each other off.

Actually, I do.

She is angry with me because the object of her puking, stalking sick affection, Mike Newton, my neighbor, is obsessed with me. Wait. Let me rephrase that. He is obsessed with the idea of getting into my pants. The more I turn him down the more relentlessly he pursues. Although not in the Jessica Stanley way, but still enough to make me run in the opposite direction at the sight of him. I really regretted ever having invited him to our office party a couple of months ago. He had taken that as a go ahead to start behaving as my pseudo boyfriend. It didn't help matters that Jessica had taken an instant liking to his boyish charm (gross!) and decided to have an on-again off-again relationship with him. Currently they were off. I had to constantly endure their sick displays of affection and rude bitch sessions. He and Jessica successfully turned my work and home into a migraine.

I turned slowly and smiled sweetly at her. "Good morning Jessica. I was just telling Angela about my night with Mike. We went for the most amazing dinner at Miel. Have you ever been there?"

I knew she hadn't because, that was one of the newest and hippest restaurants in the city with a 5 month waiting list. So, of course she hadn't. And of course she would be insulted that I had. With Mike.

"Not yet." she said narrowing her eyes at me.

"Well you must." I smirked. No more in mood for more eye games, I bade them goodbye.

I made my way down a corridor behind the reception towards the office area. It was a bright space with floor to ceiling windows on one side. The entire hall was covered in white swanky workstations curving their way around the room. The doors to the editorial offices and conference room were on the other side. My cubicle, luckily, was the nearest to the windows. I loved looking at the Manhattan skyline. It looked great at every time of the day. Even when all you can see down is horrendous traffic, or when it's so sunny you want to tear your eyes out. There is something very peaceful about gazing at the city at large and pondering-

A shrill ringing broke my reverie and I looked at my phone panel. I saw that it was my Bitch-from-Hell boss and answered immediately.

"In my office. Stat."

She clicked the phone shut before I even had the chance to open my mouth. It was nothing out of the ordinary. She always barked her instructions without allowing me to even mutter 'Hello'. I sometimes wondered what she would do if the phone got answered by mistake and I didn't show up with her completed orders. I made my way towards the rear part of the office and knocked on her door.

"Enter.", she said. I stepped in and was greeted with the familiar sight of a grouchy person working away at a desk covered with a million papers, books and files and about 10 Starbucks cups. It was amazing how much of mess she could make and coffee she could drink in the four hours Bella knew she started working.

Leah Clearwater was not ugly. On the first look one shall find her rough and brutal. But, at a later glance one could observe her feminity and beautiful features. She had the most tantalizing eyes and a very sculpted body. Of course, all this was hidden under the perpetual frown on her forehead as proof of her hard exterior and the masculine clothes covered up her beautiful body.

Yes, Leah Clearwater was not ugly, but as a person she was.

"Good morning Leah."

"Where is the report on Kingston's novel? I expected it by yesterday afternoon." She said, ignoring my greeting.

" Yes, but I informed you yesterday that he has almost completed the final draft and asked for time till this weekend before scheduling a meeting with you. You agreed-"

"I agreed that you may post pone the meeting, not the report." She said icily.

"Oh! But, since we always prepare the draft reports after you have reviewed their drafts I assumed-"

"You know they say about assumption? 'Never assume, for it makes an ass out of u and me.' Now you may be an ass in your own time as much as you want but when you work for me, you reflect me and I will be damned if I let you make an ass out of myself. I said I wanted the draft report and it means that I need a report of his drafts sent in until now. You do know how to make a report, don't you? Or do you need a refresher?"

My cheeks burned with humiliation. This was Leah at her best, or worst if you look at it. How on earth was I supposed to know that she would need that report before even meeting with the writer to discuss his goddamn draft! "Yes Leah. You shall have the report by lunch." I said, managing to keep my temper under control.

"One hour. I have a meeting at 10. I want it on my desk before that. Oh, and for future reference don't ASSume." She said dismissively, pronouncing the word as ass.

"Of course." I spat and turned my heel.

Twelve hours later I started gathering my stuff from my workstation to go home. The draft report delayed my other meetings and work, and pushed me to work overtime. I left a voicemail for Jake saying that I would be half an hour late.

"Hey Bella! So all done for today?"

I jumped when I heard the voice and turned.

Rosalie Hale. One of my best friends. I was introduced to her by another close friend of mine and a classmate, Charlotte Fleming. Charlotte was one of the quintessential Upper East Side princess and knew everyone in the New York High society. I was on the look out for a job and Charlotte gave me Rosalie's number saying she knew all the right people. Turned out that Rosalie owned a PR firm and did know quite many people. She tipped me off that there was an opening in Estrella Publications, four floors above her office. I joyously jumped and fortunately landed the job. When I offered to take her out to dinner as a thank you, she stated she would rather we go drink our asses off and find somebody to fuck. I nodded blankly, not knowing what else to do. And she did manage to score a decent guy that night. Thus, began our beautiful friendship which evolved into such a closeness that we were now almost family for each other.

"Rose! What are you doing here? Did you flirt with the security to let yourself in again? Wait a minute."

Rosalie had changed out of her work clothes into a sexy one shouldered, long sleeved sequin dress with metallic ankle boots. "Why are dressed to go to a party?" I asked, dreading the answer.

"Not a party darling, your party. Your birthday party. I would have made it into a surprise but I can't allow you to walk into your own birthday party in work clothes. So here, change." She smiled and handed me a garment bag and shoes.

"You're kidding right? Aren't you supposed to be busy with the launch party of some damn perfume by some damn actress?"

"Yes, and Charlotte is also busy with the charity benefit for some endangered Chihuahua or something. Claire is busy with her big law case. And Peter most definitely won't tag along with Charlotte" she finished grinning toothily at me.

"Oh you think you all are so funny!"

"No we think you are so gullible. Now, do you mind getting dressed up?"

"Yes, in fact I do. I told you a million times I don't want a party, especially with a bunch of people-"

"Bella, Bella, Bella." she said shoving me, "We can waste time arguing or we can get ready since we both know you are not going to ditch the soiree that your best friend has thrown in your honor."

"But Rosalie-"

"Please Bella, pretty please…It will be your gift to me"

"And why should I gift you anything? It's my birthday".

She pouted. And I melted.

"But I already made plans with Jacob. I can't cancel on him."

A flicker of annoyance passed over her as I mentioned Jacob. I think it's safe to say that they both don't like each other and the one time they met…well, it was simply disastrous.

"Well, that's no problem. Tell him your friends threw you a surprise bash and invite him over. No biggie."

I contemplated. I knew Jacob wouldn't come, but perhaps, I could convince him and it really was no fault of mine now, was it.

"C'mon Bella! We don't have much time. There are people waiting for you. Everyone must already be there."

"Alright", I said slowly, "Let me just call him."

"You can do that in the car. We need to fix you. Now."

I nodded and went to change. I gasped when I saw the designer label on the dress.

"Rose, how much does this dress cost?"

"Well that is for me to know and you not to find out. Now shush and come here. I gotta do your hair and makeup."

I sighed and tried to stay still while she worked on me. It was a strapless purple and red beaded dress with a slim black belt. Gorgeous and expensive. I hated Rosalie spending money on me, but of course she never listened. I gave up after arguing for what felt like the millionth time.

"Done!" She handed me a pair of purple pumps and we were good to go.

I called Jacob from the cab. He picked up on the first ring.

"Hey Bells! I'm on my way over. Will be there in 10."

"Uh- Jake there is a slight change of plans. See, the thing is…my friends are throwing me this surprise birthday party. I totally don't want to go but, I have to…I mean after all they are doing it for me." I paused waiting for his tirade to start.

Silence.

"Jake? You there?"

"No Bella. I am not there. Not anymore. I don't suppose I ever was." he said irately. "Fine, you go have a fabulous time with your wonderful friends in your high profile party while I shall go back to where I came from, like a piece of junk."

"Jake, please listen-"

"Why Bella? If you didn't want to meet with me, you could have said so and spared me all this drama."

"For God sake's it's a surprise party Jacob! I did not know about it. That is why I'm calling to invite you up there-"

"Oh!" he barked furiously, "I'm so honored you are asking me to hang with your privileged friends! You know what Bella, I think I'll pass on the offer." He waited a moment and added significantly, "And you too." He hung up.

In all of our fights and arguments, nothing had ever seemed so final. So definite. It seemed Jacob wanted me out of his life. For good. I blinked at the phone a couple of times and tried to hold back the tears.

Rosalie placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Bella, he's not worth it. You know he has always been like this-"

"It's okay Rose. I'm fine." I said wiping the tears, unable to hear her continue. Jacob was not always like this. I was not always like this. We were never like this.

"Should I not have set up the party? I am so sorry if I hurt you Bella", she said biting her lip.

"No it's fine Rose. This has nothing to do with you. So please don't worry." I tried to smile and looked out of the window.

I knew it. Something bad always happens on the 13th. It is not just a silly superstition or paranoia. My life is a proof of that.

At that moment I did not know that I hadn't been offered the biggest proof yet.

At that moment I did not know that, that proof would be Edward Cuillinn.