Disclaimer: I pity the fool that thinks I own anything!

Thank you for all the lovely reviews! They made my day. And yes, I threw a little bit of Jasper/Alice in there for all you fans. I'm glad you liked it. Now, on to Chapter Seven! Enjoy!

Learning To Fall
A Twilight fanfic by Starfire Star

Chapter Seven: Stolen

I silently prayed for something, anything, to say during the drive home as we settled in his silver Volvo, Edward drumming his fingers against the steering wheel. I put on my seat belt and glanced out the window to see Alice smile at me, giving me a thumbs up. I smiled back, rolling my eyes to put rest to all her suspicions. She didn't seem to notice.

"You know, this really isn't necessary," I hesitated, touching the handle of the door. "I could ride with Alice. And don't you have to be at work?" He chuckled as he absentmindedly flipped through the CD compartment. "You ask a lot of questions."

I blushed and turned away. "I don't want you to get in trouble."

He shook his head. "No, I don't have to be at work. My boss thought it would be a slow day, so he let me off." I was about to speak when he interrupted me. "And riding with Alice would blow your cover. You wouldn't really want that, would you?" He grinned crookedly at me as the car started moving. I turned around in my seat to see Alice following dutifully behind us, her shiny yellow Porsche a beacon of light under the cloudy sky.

"Thanks, again," I told him as he came to a red light and let his side window open an inch. "I don't know what I would've said to him." Edward laughed. He ran a hand through his bronze hair, steering with the other. "You should've said yes."

I looked at him, surprised. He saw my expression and chuckled softly for a moment, then said, "You would probably get free lawn care." I laughed with him, my own laughter not quite comparing with his musical one. He looked at my face for a moment, then said, "But seriously, what would you have told him?"

I stared at the road ahead. "I don't know. It's not everyday that I have guys asking me out," I said carefully. He nodded. "Not since Jacob Black, huh?" He saw my alarmed expression. "Sorry," he murmured quickly. I wanted desperately to change the subject. I nodded at him in response before I did so.

"I'm glad that Mike Newton didn't ask for my last name," I admitted as I shifted in my seat. "Chief Swan's daughter, I wonder what he would make of that."

"I wonder why nobody recognized you," Edward replied. He raised an eyebrow. "You did come here every year, didn't you?" I didn't need to chime in the fact that it had been quite some time since my last visit.

I nodded. "But I don't know. I never really socialized with anyone. And I guess I look different." This much was true. During my trips, I'd usually stay in the house or lounged in the backyard, reading a book or simply lying on the grass in the sun on rare occasion. I'd go out to the grocery store to make our meals, but other than that, I was hardly seen by the townsfolk.

And it was true; I did look different. Before Jacob, I always wore my hair out. The only thing I did to it was put it up in a sloppy ponytail for gym. But now, I had let it grow out, the waves now concealed carefully inside a bun or behind a headband. I used to wear a modest amount of make-up, but now my face was completely au natural.

When Jacob was with me, I was so carefree… I joked around. I went to parties. But now that he was out of the picture, I reverted back to my old ways, being responsible, having to take care of Renee, staying at home. I didn't have a curfew anymore—I didn't need one. And make-up? Right. Like I had anyone to look good for anymore.

Edward looked at me, surprised. "I doubt anyone could forget how you look like," he said to me, his voice barely audible. I didn't know whether to take it as an insult or a compliment. Instead, I turned the tables around on him.

"How about you, Edward? I heard you were quite the hottie in high school," I teased. I didn't know whether Edward would appreciate this comment or not, but I took my chances. Thankfully, he laughed. "Where did you hear that?"

"From Alice."

"It's not like I wanted all the attention. In my opinion, I'm positively normal. I'm not particularly eye-catching," he said seriously. "It never made sense to me why some girls thought otherwise."

"On the contrary," I murmured. "Have you seen yourself?"

Edward raised an eyebrow at me, his green eyes piercing into mine. "Have you?"

"What?"

After a fraction of a second in awkward silence, we both burst into laughter at our own confusion. Edward shook his head. "I meant, have you seen yourself?"

"Everyday when I wake up in the morning," I told him grimly. He chuckled. "Honestly, Bella, don't think so highly of me. Besides, Mike Newton asked you out, and he has very high standards."

"How would you know?" I asked him suspiciously, wondering if he was just trying to humour me. Edward caught the look on my face and grinned. "He asked out Rosalie."

My mouth opened slightly in surprise. I quickly clamped it shut, thinking it was rude. "H-he did? What did she say?" Edward cocked his head. "Don't worry. There's really no need to hide what you're thinking from me." I quickly continued, trying not to be swayed by his genuine sincerity.

"Okay. So what did she say?"

"She didn't say anything. She just walked right past him without a word. That's the worst rejection you can get from Rosalie Hale. You'd be lucky if she even makes eye contact with you if you ask her out." I stifled a laugh, in awe at how brave Mike Newton was. "Wow. I guess Rosalie has even higher standards, huh?"

Edward sighed. "She seems quite content with that older man she's dating, despite the fact that he has a child. But what can we do? Tell her not to do what she wants? I mean, she's already eighteen, so it's legal. I care for her as if she were my sister. I wish her all the best."

I looked wistfully at Edward. It seemed like he was concerned and even a little anxious for Rosalie. I couldn't help but notice that it was the way I felt when Renee had fallen head over heels for Phil, who was so much younger than she was.

"Don't worry," I reassured him. "My mother fell in love with a guy who was way younger than she is, but everything worked out. They're happily married now." There was no need to tell him about the doubts I had about their marriage, and how I hoped that Phil would take better care of my mom.

My thoughts went flew to my dad. It seemed like he never did get over Renee, what with the constant reminders of her in our house. I didn't know if he had put them there for my sake, or he never actually took them away. I was thinking the latter. "But Charlie…" I sighed. I looked out the window.

"Wait… Edward… I forgot to ask… where are you taking me?" I felt stupid and embarrassed to even ask. Why shouldn't I assume anywhere else but home? Edward didn't seem to notice. "We're going home, of course. You brought up Charlie at a good time."

I stared at him, my eyes wide in panic. "Is Charlie hurt? Did something happen?"

Edward quickly shook his head. "No, of course not! When you and Alice were out, he came by to drop off the key to your new house so that you could move in as soon as possible. He also requested that I help you, in case you needed it," he was grinning widely now. "He said you were a bit accident prone."

I flushed. Why on earth did Charlie have to say that? Now I felt even more idiotic. "So what if I am," I mumbled. "He didn't have to go right out and say it."

Edward laughed. I scowled out the window, wondering why he thought it was so hilarious. It was no fun tripping over your own two feet once you got out of bed. I decided to ignore his reaction. "I don't think you would like it if you parents happened to mention not-so-desirable traits to random people," I told him.

"My parents never have done that," Edward replied evenly, "And I don't think they ever will. We're here now." He parked into one of the garages next to the house. Alice followed suit just a minute later. "As you can see, I driver faster than Alice," he said proudly as we got out of the car. Alice rolled her eyes, grabbing my arm and dancing into the house.

Jasper was sitting in the living room, plugged into his iPod. He had Architecture for Dummies in his lap, but there was a spiral notebook lying on top of it, as if trying to be concealed or hidden. Alice giggled and ran over to him, yanking the notebook away. "Aha!" Jasper looked flustered.

"I thought you needed to study!"

Jasper rolled his eyes and gestured for the notebook. "Alice," he coaxed, "it's not finished."

"Oh." Alice immediately dropped the notebook in his lap and walked toward me, pouting. "Bella, I already unpacked for you, and now we have to pack again? Ridiculous. Maybe I should give Charlie a call and persuade him to let you stay here. I mean, it's more convenient."

I shook my head, sighing. "Charlie needs me. He's a horrible cook. I don't want him to have to live off frozen dinners even while I'm here." Alice stared at me for a moment, and then sighed as well. "Alright."

Edward walked in behind us, running a hand through his hair. Jasper looked up from his notebook. "Edward," he said, "Tanya called for you about ten minutes ago." For a minute I thought Edward had blushed. "Did she say why?" Jasper shook his head.

"I wonder why she couldn't reach me," Edward murmured, then fumbled in his pockets for his cell phone. He checked it. "Oh, it was off. I'm an idiot." Jasper smirked. Edward pressed the phone to his ear, and after a minute, I heard him say, "Hello, Tanya?" Alice let out a low, teasing whistle. Edward glared at her, walking into the kitchen.

She smiled at me. "Let's go up to your room, Bella." She grabbed my arm, leading me up the stairs. I complied. As I opened the door to my room, a gust of wind blew through the window, ruffling a few papers on my desk and giving the room a slight chill. I shut the window as Alice turned on the radio on my nightstand, dancing to the tune that came on.

A look of sadness crossed her face as she opened one of my drawers. "I'll start here," she said in a small voice. I could tell that she was upset about my leaving. "I was just getting to know you, Bella, and now you're leaving?" she frowned at me as I put an arm around her shoulders.

"I'm less than a block away, Alice. See me whenever you want," I promised her as she began taking things out of the drawer, handing them to me to put in the suitcase. "It would be much more convenient if Charlie just let you stay here," she grumbled. "But I guess we can't have everything."

I gave her a sympathetic look. "Unless, of course, you don't want to stay here," Alice added. I gave her a shocked look. "Of course I want to stay here, Alice! But you know that Charlie needs me. He was the whole reason I came here in the first place." Well, partly… not really. But I didn't want to come right out and say it.

Alice gave me a smile and winked. "Kidding."

She continued to hand me my shirts as I put them in every available place possible in the suitcase, trying to maximize the space. Alice looked at a shirt in disgust, as if the front of it was too much for her to bear.

"Alice," I pleaded, "I know you have an impeccable sense of fashion,"—Alice smiled at this—"But please do not criticize one of my favourite shirts!"

Alice rolled her eyes as she held up the t-shirt. Something small landed on the carpet with a tiny thump. I froze, staring at the black square object as Alice looked curiously around for it. Her eyes widened as she saw it, and for a quick second, she looked at me. Then she picked up the velvety smooth, square box.

As I stared at it in her hands, I swallowed. Alice opened the box, her eyes growing wide, frozen to the object concealed inside. Then she stared at me, her lips pressed into a thin line. "Bella, what the hell is this!?" she demanded, her high soprano voice edged with a thick hint of confusion and even anger.

I shook my head, feeling dizzy. Stepping forward, I gestured to Alice to give the box back. She shook her head furiously, her eyes flashing, her face more confused than angry now. "Alice, please give it back," I whispered, holding out my hand.

"No," she said firmly. "Not until you tell me what's going on. You're engaged?" My heart was racing, my eyes filling with tears. I heard loud thumps coming up the stairs, and Alice sat frozen, watching me, her face weary as I felt like I was about to suffer yet another emotional breakdown.

Jasper swiftly strode into the room, his face anxious. "What's going on, you two? I could hear Alice from downstairs!" Alice's eyebrows pulled forward, her expression guilty as she kept her eyes on me, slowly turning the opened box toward Jasper, revealing its contents.

My sparkling, white gold, diamond engagement ring was set in the smooth velvet, glistening in the light. Jasper's mouth dropped open, and his entire face turned red. "W-what is this?" he asked in his quiet voice. Alice's eyes widened as she quickly clamped the box shut, turning away. "Jasper Whitlock, did you just think that I proposed to you?" she teased in a quiet voice that matched his own.

I was temporarily led astray from my thoughts as I stifled a giggle, Jasper turning even more red. "No," he said quickly, Alice winking at him. "Just kidding." Jasper shook his head in disbelief. "Mary Alice Brandon, you will be the death of me," he muttered, leaning against the frame of the door. Alice stuck her tongue out at him.

"It's mine," I said quietly, still feeling light-headed.

"What?" Jasper asked, his face turning shocked again. Another pair of footsteps could be heard, coming up the stairs at a rapid pace. Edward was grinning as he went to stand beside Jasper. "I just talked to Tanya," he said. "Apparently, she was at the grocery store and overheard Mike Newton tell Eric Yorkie that I was going out with 'some girl named Bella'. I guess news travels fast after all. But I told her that the rumours were completely false. After that, she asked me out for coffee."

The lump reappeared in my throat, my heart quickening, I supposed, in response to realizing that I would have to tell everyone the truth. Alice stared at Edward wordlessly. Jasper looked unimpressed. "No offence, but even I can see the wrong in that. Why didn't you ask her out? You need to keep up appearances, Edward." Edward rolled his eyes and stared from me to Alice.

"Where's the funeral…" he asked, completely oblivious. Alice flipped the black velvet box open once more and showed it to Edward. Edward's face pulled into a blank expression. "Will you please stop doing that?" I said softly to Alice as I covered my face put a hand to my temple.

"Sorry."

"What's going on?" Edward demanded. I couldn't look at him in the state I was in.

I swallowed. There was no turning back now. I sat on the bed, covering my face with my hands before pulling my hair back. Everyone turned toward me, their faces ranging from concerned to expressionless.

"It's mine," I said. "The engagement ring is mine."

"Wait, wh—"

"Please don't ask any questions," I interrupted, hoping my voice wouldn't crack. "I guess I have no choice. I can't hide everything from you guys forever."

No one said anything, so I took this as my cue to begin.

"About a month after I visited Charlie, I met Jacob Black," I said, hoping that my voice was audible. Tears were threatening to obstruct my vision. "Before I met him, my life was painfully boring. I wasn't really close to anybody. I was never really social. I kept to myself, and I took care of my mother when her new husband was away."

I looked up, wiping stray tears with my hand. Alice, Edward, and Jasper were all staring at me nervously now, as if they were holding their breaths.

"From the moment I met him, I was stolen. He was the complete opposite of me—fun-loving, free-spirited, wild. He was everything I'm not. He was dangerous. But he was just what I needed. I couldn't believe it when he asked me to go out with him. Everyone else was shocked, too. I felt like for once, I was accepted. Loved for who I was. Wanted. I started to get out into the world, and he gave me a push. I wouldn't have met a lot of people if it weren't for Jacob."

"I was crazy in love. Head over heels, even. In a matter of months, I wanted to be with him forever. My mother was happy that I had finally 'found my place in life'—but she became too concerned when I became different. We didn't fight much, though. I don't know if she felt like she couldn't say anything, because she married a man much younger than her. But I had a curfew. I snuck out. When Jacob drank, I drank. We went to a lot parties."

"It wasn't until a little under a year that things became really serious—for the both of us. My mother just became more and more concerned. I didn't care. We became convinced that it was the world against us; that the only way we could truly be together was when we were away from everyone else."

"We planned our runaway two weeks before hand. He convinced me it would work. He said, 'Please, Bella, please, it's the only way we can be together.' I believed him. So one night, while Renee and Phil were out to dinner, I packed a bag of my most precious belongings and left a note for them, promising them I was alright."

"We left on his motorcycle. We figured we'd head toward California or somewhere near the west. And after a couple of days…" I paused, staring back down at the box Alice held loosely in her hands. "He proposed to me. I don't know how he got the money to buy the ring. I didn't know a lot about what he did—he never told me, and I never asked. It was like I didn't want to know."

"He promised me that we were headed to Vegas. We'd get married there. A part of me wanted to say something, but I held back. I tried to reassure myself that was what I wanted."

"That night, we got drunk. Well, technically, he got drunk. I wasn't in the mood to drink—I was worried about Renee, and how she was probably frantically searching for me. I worried if Phil would take proper care of her. Anyway, Jacob got really drunk. I-I was a virgin, and I didn't want to have sex until after marriage. Jacob had been pressuring me for some time, but I always shook it off, changing the conversation. I wondered how long I could possibly put it off."

"He wanted to do it that night. He kept slurring that it was romantic, but in my eyes it was anything but. H-he got really aggressive. Jacob had never seemed that violent in my eyes. Sometimes he'd grab my arm, jerking me toward him, away from whatever I was doing. He protested that he playfully punched me, even when it left a bruise. It hurt, but I could see in his eyes that he really loved me."

"That night, I gave in. I agreed we could have sex, but only because I was afraid. I was afraid he would hurt me, that he would hit me or something if I didn't. But what he did afterward caused more damage that he could ever do physically."

"I woke up, and I was alone. He wrote me a note, saying that he went out to get coffee. I waited for an hour, watching TV in the motel we were staying in. When I went to change into regular clothes, that was when I noticed all his stuff was… gone. His motorcycle, his clothes, everything. He up and left. It took about a good two hours to let it sink in that he was gone, and never coming back. I had never cried more in my entire life. I sat on the bed, crying until it was hard for me to breathe."

"The police found me that night, lying broken underneath the covers, tears still falling from my eyes as I silently screamed into the pillow. When I came home a few days later, it turned out my mother has spoken to a therapist and the therapist suggested that we talk nothing of Jacob Black. Renee was only too happy to comply, and it helped me. She was comforting. But I didn't want to talk. Phil suggested that I see a therapist, and sadly, she agreed. I do have to admit, I was a little out of control. When I went back to school, everyone looked at me like I was a freak."

I cleared my throat, pausing. I could hear someone suck their breath in, as if about to speak, but I continued to let them know that I wasn't done.

"Soon after, I was feeling… strange. I went to see the doctor, and the doctor told me that I had suffered a miscarriage," My voice was cracking now. I didn't know if I could continue. "I didn't tell Renee. I didn't tell anyone. There was a doctor confidentiality agreement, you know, how they can't reveal any patient information after you turn sixteen? So I didn't need to worry about that."

I could tell Alice couldn't take it anymore. She sighed and wrapped her arms around me, and I could tell that she was struggling to fight back tears, as well. "I am so, so sorry, Bella," she whispered into my ear. Jasper put an arm around me, and Edward sat on the other side of me, rubbing my arm. I miserably hugged Alice, every drop of salt water on her shirt to remind me of all those tears I cried not too long ago, when my life had fallen apart, and when I struggled to just leave the pieces alone and move on.

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Poor Bella. ): Thanks for reading, everyone! Please review, let me know what you think! –hands out chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream cones- :D And it started raining right after I finished this chapter and took down the laundry! How excellent! (: