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Dedication: To gigglezgirl52, Dani, Siobahn Holloway, and AllyR for being my newest reviewers! Thanks so much!

Learning To Fall
A Twilight fanfic by Starfire Star

Chapter Three: Getting Friendly

As we set our glasses down, I suddenly felt awkward and uncomfortable. They barely knew me, why was I invited into their little toast? I didn't know I'd actually be socializing in Forks, other than the occasional small-talk with the townsfolk. I thought I'd mostly hang out at home, catch up on my reading, and go out when it was sunny, visit Port Angeles…

My thoughts trailed off as Rosalie cleared her throat. I looked up at her face, which was grim. The others stopped talking and stared cautiously at her. "You guys do know what happened to Tanya today, right?" she asked quietly, examining our faces. They immediately looked surprised. Edward looked especially shock-struck. "Judging by your faces, I guess not…" she continued.

Edward interrupted her. "What happened to Tanya, Rosalie?" I could tell he was trying hard for his words to come out evenly. Rosalie raised an eyebrow at him.

"Her house… was on fire," she spoke slowly, gauging our reactions. I still had no idea who Tanya was, but a light bulb suddenly turned on in my brain. I suppose this was the fire that Charlie was talking about.

Edward drew in a sharp breath. Alice clapped a hand to her mouth, whispering "Oh my God." Jasper frowned. Emmett stared at Rose, eager to hear more. Rose shook her head sadly. "You know, for a small town, I thought news would travel faster. Do you guys even keep up with the town happenings? I mean, Alice, I would've expected more from you…"

Alice glared at her. "Is she all right, Rose?" she asked, struggling to compose herself. Edward looked deep in concentration, his eyes intense as his mouth turned almost into a pout. Rosalie's eyes flickered in Edward's direction. "I don't believe any casualties have occurred," she replied formally. "I'm sure we would've all heard about that."

"Where is she?" Edward said, not looking at Rose.

"Greg said that the police took all the people living in the house to the police station."

That was enough for Edward. He swiftly grabbed his coat and walked out the door. Everyone looked at each other, unsure of what to do. Emmett and Jasper immediately got up and followed Edward out the door.

"Wait, Rose, who's Greg? Never mind, let's just go!" Alice and Rosalie grabbed their coats. Alice looked at me. I was still frozen in position, hesitating to follow after them. They were practically strangers. I had no right to butt into their business. Nevertheless, Alice sighed and grabbed my arm. "What are you doing standing there? Come on!"

Rosalie was ahead of us, already in her car. She motioned to us to get in. "They left with the Volvo," she informed us as we got in to her M3 convertible, both me and Alice climbing into the back.

The soft rain could be heard on the windows. Alice immediately turned to me. "Tanya Kent goes to Peninsula College," she began. I realized she was going to give me all the details. "She lives in Port Angeles during the school year, but she came to live in Forks for the summer since she has relatives here. But she lives in another boarding house, but it's much smaller, she only has one or two roommates. And they're not even here right now; they went to visit family in other cities."

Rosalie glanced at us through her rear view mirror. "What? I never knew that! She was all alone in the house? Poor thing."

She didn't mention anything on Edward's apparent interest in Tanya, so I didn't bring it up. I was in no position to do so. I was surprised that Alice was telling her history in the first place.

As we zipped by the houses, I realized that we were going to the police station, and at the police station would be Charlie… I stared out the window. It was starting to rain now, the drops hitting the window softly, a pit-patter in the background.

"Excited about seeing your dad, huh Bella?" I looked at Alice, who gave me a sheepish smile. Rosalie stopped at a red light, taking the opportunity to turn around and look at us. "What? Why would Bella's dad be at the police station?"

Alice rolled her eyes. "Didn't Bella tell you her last name? Swan. Her father is Chief Swan," she said matter-of-factly to Rosalie. "She moved here for the summer to live with him."

Rosalie turned around and continued to drive, her eyes meeting mine in the mirror. "So you're his kid, huh?" I couldn't quite read her voice or expression. "I could tell he had some kind of dark past about him," Rosalie said, a hint of excitement in her voice.

Alice laughed and turned to me. "Rose lives for the drama," she whispered. "She likes the whole, dark-past, mysterious thing. Soap operas are her life." Rosalie glared at her. "Soap operas are not my life," she shot back. "I live a fabulous life, thank you very much!"

I managed a small smile. "I-I'm not some kind of dark past," I informed them, trying to keep my voice even. "I just haven't managed to visit him in awhile." I lowered my eyes as my hands were clasped nervously in my lap.

"Why is that?" Alice piped up, not realizing that she just hit right where it hurt. I drew out a small gasp and bit my lip. My eyes bore holes through the backing of the leather-bound passenger's seat in front of me. I tried to think of something, anything to say to her. I wasn't ready to talk about that. It hurt. But I couldn't be mad at Alice. She didn't know. And I wasn't about to tell her.

Her asking that question was another reminder of that open wound, still raw and fresh, as if it would never close or heal. As long as people kept asking questions, I would have to deal with the fresh pain, over and over again. I was able to block painful memories from my mind, but not from my heart.

Thankfully Rosalie saved me. We came to an abrupt stop in front of the now-familiar police station. When I was younger I would go to work with Charlie sometimes. The brick building with the glass doors look like it had never aged. "We're here," she announced, getting out of the car, opening her umbrella.

I unlocked my seat belt with trembling fingers. Alice did the same. I wondered if she could sense the tenor of my emotions, the reason why I hadn't replied. I hope she didn't take it personally.

We tried to hurry out of the wind and rain that had picked up. I noticed there was a silver Volvo already parked into the parking space next to us. I could see Charlie's cruiser parked dutifully next to the building.

We burst inside. Rosalie and Alice motioned to me to lead the way to Charlie's office, and I realized that maybe they'd never been inside the police station before. I complied and lead the way to an office in the back of the building.

We found Charlie sitting behind his desk, his hands pressed together. Sitting in front of him in a cushioned chair was a strawberry-blonde girl. Standing behind her were Edward, Jasper, and Emmett. Everyone turned to look at us as I opened the door to his office. Alice and Rosalie immediately entered the room behind me.

"Tanya! Are you alright?" Alice exclaimed, rushing to her side. Tanya's face showed a hint of sadness as she smiled. "Yes, I am," she spoke in a soft voice, tossing her hair over one shoulder. I looked at Jasper and Emmett who were staring at Charlie, and then at Edward, who was looking down at Tanya, his arms on either side of her chair, his body in a protective stance.

"Bella!" Charlie exclaimed, standing up from behind his desk. I managed a feeble smile as he opened his arms. I gave him an awkward hug. Charlie immediately sat back behind his desk, trying to look professional.

Emmett put on a fierce face. "Did you get the idiots who put the house on fire?"

Charlie shook his head. He raised an eyebrow at Emmett. "Unfortunately, we didn't. But we'll be looking in on a couple of people. We've been questioning a few suspects. We're doing the best we can."

Emmett immediately balled up his hand into a fist and began punching his other hand with it. "We can help, if you'd like," he offered, stepping forward.

Charlie shook his head, his eyes wide, in fear or surprise, I couldn't tell. "That won't be necessary." Rosalie agreed with him. "Like punching them in the face will help any, Emmett," she said, rolling her eyes as she shook drops of water from her hair in disgust. Emmett immediately began to make mocking faces as she turned her head, unable to see him. I stifled a giggle. He winked at me.

"Do you need a place to stay, Tanya?" Edward suddenly asked. My eyes darted from him back to the blond. She had an appearance that could compete with Rosalie's. Her blue eyes and strawberry-blond hair seemed to glow in the dim light of the office. She smiled warmly at Edward. "I have relatives I can stay with, thank you."

"You can stay with us if you ever need to," Alice spoke up, smiling. I suddenly felt like an outcast, like I didn't deserve to be there, immediately confused again why they welcomed me with open arms.

"Well, if that's taken care of, Tanya, you're free to leave," Charlie told her. Tanya smiled swiftly at him. She took her purse and coat and immediately headed for the door. "Thank you."

Edward paused, hesitating. "Do you need a ride?" he asked her. Tanya smiled at him, her face full of gratitude, blue eyes shining. "That would be great, thanks," she breathed. "I forgot that I didn't take my car here." Edward laughed and walked in front of her, opening the door. They left together, talking about something that I couldn't hear.

Charlie glanced at all of us, his face tired. "I appreciate everyone coming out for the benefit of your friend. She wasn't in the house at the time of the fire, so thank goodness no one got hurt. But it's nice to see you all. How's the house?" Rosalie spoke first as Alice sighed in relief. "It's lovely, thank you for letting me stay, Charlie."

Alice smiled, her eyes lighting up. "The balcony and back patio are perfect."

Emmett and Jasper both nodded in agreement. I had the feeling they didn't know what to stay. Charlie looked at me. "So, Bella, how do you like our new house? It's basically the same size…" his voice trailed off.

I blushed. "Well Dad, I haven't seen it yet," I admitted. "I didn't get the chance to leave the boarding house." Charlie blinked. He looked at Alice. "Did you give her the key?"

Alice's face was immediately innocent. She shrugged her shoulders, her eyes widening in surprise. "Key, what key?" She caught my eye and winked. "Anyway, we brought Bella's suitcases to her room. Is that okay?"

Charlie wearily rubbed his eyes. "Of course it's okay. I swore I gave you a key, though. It's alright for now, you can stay there overnight, Bells. As I said before, I have to stay late tonight. And it looks like a real downpour outside. You can move in tomorrow morning."

Alice's eyes lit up. "Thanks, Charlie."

Charlie merely nodded and whisked us all out the door. As we walked toward the car, Rosalie and Emmett both said at the same time,

"If Edward took the Volvo…"

"Who's watching the house!?"

They all looked at each other in horror. They didn't dare scream or yell or anything, in fear that Charlie would hear them and they would get into a serious load of trouble. Instead, they bolted toward Rosalie's convertible (with the top up, of course) and threw open the doors.

"Wait, there are only four seats, and there are five of us!" Jasper realized. My cheeks started to burn. I didn't mean to intrude. "That's all right, you guys… I think that maybe I'll just hang out at the station and wait for Charlie to get off work. I can pick up my suitcases tomorrow morning," I fumbled with the words, wondering how my plan could possibly work. I needed the toiletries in one of my suitcases at the boarding house. I was fairly certain Charlie didn't have any in the new house.

Alice glared at me; I drew back, feeling very small. "You will do no such thing," she said, sounding almost like my mother. "I already unpacked some of your things, Bella! And believe me, some of your clothes are really cute, but on the other hand, some of them are absolutely atrocious…" Alice trailed off as Jasper cleared his throat. I let Alice's comment on my clothing slide. I was used to even my own mother poke fun at my wardrobe.

Emmett nodded at Alice. "I like her, she laughs at my jokes," Emmett agreed in his booming voice as he pointed to me. "Unlike some people," he muttered as Rosalie rolled his eyes. I was sure that she had heard him, judging from the dirty look he received from her. "It's agreed, Bella will stay."

Rosalie slid into the driver's seat, her face pinched into a look of distress as she shook water droplets out of her hair. She let out a moan. "I should've changed before we left, my dress will be ruined," she complained. "Get in the car everyone! We'll decide when we're not standing in the pouring rain getting cold, sick, and wet."

I sensed where this was going. I supposed Emmett did as well, since we shoved ourselves into the car, securing our seats. Jasper slid in the seat at the back next to me, leaving Alice the last one. She shoved herself in at almost the same time as Jasper, but he was quicker, securing himself to a seat. Alice ended up sprawled over his lap.

Emmett and Rosalie burst into laughter as they saw the two looking very uncomfortable. I stifled a giggle as well, smiling at them. Alice stuck her tongue out at us before turning to Jasper.

"Jasper! Ladies first, remember? It's the gentleman's code. You're a gentleman," she informed him. A look of frustration crossed Jasper's face. He ran a hand through his blond hair. "I know, but where would I be sitting? I weigh more than all of you… except for Emmett," he began. Emmett grinned.

"You can ride in the trunk," Alice said cheerfully as she struggled to get up. Jasper shook his head slowly, his face mockingly grim. Alice's eyes grew wide. "Rosalie?" she asked sweetly. Rosalie shook her head. "Uh uh. This is my car, and I'm not letting anyone else drive it." She watched as Alice turned to Emmett. "Oh, no you don't," she interrupted before Alice could say anything. "Do you know how much Emmett weighs!?"

Emmett grinned. "It's all in the muscle, baby, I'm all muscle." Rosalie clicked her tongue and turned around in her seat. Alice sighed and pouted, giving me a feeble glance. Emmett laughed. "You put on a good show, Alice. But you are way smaller than all of us! Just sit in Jasper's lap. Come on, we're all friends. Unless…" he trailed off suggestively, raising his eyebrows.

Alice and Jasper looked at him in horror. "No!" They both yelled at the same time. They stared at each other and both let out sighs of exasperation. Alice yawned and clasped her hands in her lap. "Whatever, let's just get home, alright? I never thought I'd say this but at…" she checked her watch. "Nine fifteen on a Sunday night, I'm beat."

"Shocking," Rosalie agreed as she backed out of the parking lot and onto the street. "The party planner is all planned out."

"Yup," Alice agreed sleepily. I could see her eyelids begin to droop. The rhythmic routine of the window wipers was all that could be heard as everyone sat in silence. As I glanced to my right, I could see Alice slumped over, legs awkwardly dangling over the side of the seat as she slept. My motherly intuition took over, and I whispered to Jasper, "Let her lay her head on your shoulder. Put her legs up." Jasper nodded and obeyed.

The two looked awfully sweet together, her sleeping soundly, her breath against his ear, his arms wrapped protectively around her waist. There were so many questions that ran through my head about everyone. It felt strange. I wasn't used to being intrigued by strangers.

Rosalie pulled into the driveway. We noticed that Edward hadn't yet arrived, as the silver Volvo was nowhere to be seen. Rosalie jumped out of the car, opening the door for Jasper to get out slowly, as to not wake up a sleeping Alice. Emmett led the way, opening the door and hollering, "If anyone did anything to this house, I'll kick their ass!"

Everyone stopped and stared at Emmett, most of them looking utterly bewildered at the sight of him. I had to agree, seeing Emmett being all tough and mighty frightened me a bit as well. "Shh!" Jasper and Rosalie hissed at Emmett, Jasper nodding at Alice in his arms, Rosalie throwing one of her icy glares.

Some of Emmett's friends came up and assured him that no, they barely realized they were gone. Rosalie was a bit miffed at that. "Some friends," she muttered as she made her way past us and up the stairs to her room.

Jasper followed with Alice, carefully moving sideways to fit through the doorways, despite how small she was. A few of the boys at the party offered to help him. Jasper gave them an icy look. "No," he said curtly. They boys looked taken aback. I was surprised as well at this remark. Nevertheless, I followed behind in case Jasper needed some help.

He laid her on her earth-toned bed, pushing stray locks of hair out of her face. I leaned against the doorway watching. I could sense that protective, caring vibe Jasper had for Alice. I closed my eyes, thinking back to the time where I felt strong emotions from another person toward myself. I bit my lip, knowing it would bring me pain.

Jasper stood up from the bed. I smiled at him. "I just wanted to see if you needed any help," I whispered. Jasper shook his head. "She'll be fine." As Jasper shut the door behind him, Rosalie came out from her room across the hall, dressed more casually in shorts and a shirt. "Is Alice awake?" she whispered to me and Jasper. We shook our heads.

"Darn. I am just dying to tell someone the story of my date tonight!" she said softly, her voice excited. Jasper raised his eyebrows. "Can't, Rose," he replied. "I have some reading to catch up on." Rosalie threw him an exasperated look. "For goodness sakes, Jasper Whitlock, it is the summer," she told him. "Lay off the books! It's time to have fun."

Jasper laughed. "Reading is fun. And maybe I'll play the guitar. I'll see you all later." He made his way toward his room. Rosalie smiled and shook her head. "Come, Bella. Would you like to hear my story?" she asked me. I was no longer one for romances. Hearing these stories was a constant reminder of the dull ache I kept with me. Nevertheless, I didn't want to be rude, so I shyly nodded.

She led the way downstairs back to the kitchen, sitting on one stool at the island and motioned for me to sit across from her. She grabbed an apple and turned it in her hands. "So here's the deal. Tonight I went out on date with my boyfriend, Greg. He's a wonderful man, really. He took me out to the carnival at Port Angeles after dinner at La Bella Italia…" she sighed as he trailed off. I put on a small smile for her benefit.

"Well. Yes. He brought me to the carnival, and the Ferris wheel and booths were all lit up and decorated… it was a beautiful sight. I could feel the chemistry in the air, and sparks were flying…" her eyes were warm as she looked at me, gauging my reaction. I tried my best to look convincingly intrigued.

The door opened and closed. People were leaving, judging by the couple, "Bye Rosalie!", the waves, and the curious looks I got, followed by a couple of whispers. I ignored them all, instead focusing on Rosalie, and painfully, her story. My own story was playing like a movie inside my head, parallel to hers, as if in comparison. I tried to block it the best I could and succeeded in blocking some of what Rosalie was saying as well.

A key turned the doorknob and Edward came in, running a hand through his bronze hair. He gave me one of his crooked grins as he grabbed a drink out of the cooler.

"Edward, stop distracting Bella, she's listening to my story," Rosalie complained as I looked down and fumbled with a pen on the table. Edward laughed. "Sorry," he said in his velvety smooth voice.

"So by the end of the night… it was clear. It was plain and simple. It was right in front of my eyes… I was in love," she whispered the last part in a dreamy voice. "Or, I should say, am in love," she laughed. I laughed with her. Edward watched in amusement, taking an apple for himself and biting into it. Suddenly Rosalie looked at me, her face sincere as her eyes shone. "Do you know how that feels, Bella? Do know what it's like to be in love?"

I looked at both Rosalie and Edward in surprise; Edward paused in mid-bite of his apple. I stared back down at the pen held loosely in my hands on the table. I could feel him watching me intently, more so than Rosalie.

"Yeah," I whispered, sounding more like I was saying it to myself. "Yeah, I do."

-

Who wants to learn about Bella's past? Show of hands! –MEEE!- Haha, thanks for reading. And thank you to my regular reviewers. Reviews are appreciated, so click the button below! The results are kind of obvious, so should I keep the poll up or change it?

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