Disclaimer: You've gone too far to not know what I don't own ^^

Some of you have noticed that the last chapter was a little mellow and less dramatic than the past ones. I needed a breather, and I needed to add a bit of filler to balance the story out. I couldn't just keep adding more and more twists until the story became absolutely ridiculous! Thanks for the lovely reviews, though. AND the constructive criticism. It's very much appreciated :)

Ear Candy: Ghosts That Broke My Heart – Laura Marling

Learning To Fall
A Twilight fanfic by Starfire Star

Chapter Eighteen: Just One Of Those Things

"Bella, I miss you."

"I miss you too, Mom," I said into the phone, which was pressed in between one ear and my shoulder. "How's everything? Where's Phil?"

"He's around here somewhere," Renee sighed, her voice absent-minded and sounding about a million miles away. "Everything's been quite busy lately." I shifted in my seat, switching the phone to my other ear. "Same here."

Charlie winked at me as he passed by, laying his fishing gear out for the day. As he examined one of his hooks, he said to me, "Tell your mom I say hi."

"Charlie says hi," I told her, and Renee heaved another sigh. "My hellos back to him." I was growing more concerned now. My mother sounded worse and worse each call I gave her, until I felt as if she felt worse than I did.

"I wish you were here for the summer. It's not the same—I've been working on my tan, and you haven't been here to appreciate it." I rolled my eyes as Charlie gave me a confused look and then quickly turned back to one of his broken fishing rods. "You know I would never appreciate it, Mom. I've never been able to tan as well as you," I joked.

"Well, still, it's not the same at all." She was lonely. I mentally cursed Phil for his hectic schedule, and the fact that it didn't sound like he actually took initiative into spending more time with Renee. "Look, Bella, sweetie, the reason I've called is that something happened that I think you should know."

Oh, no. She was probably announcing her separation from Phil. Or something like that. But then, why he still be around the house?

"Jacob Black called," Renee confessed, to my disbelief. "Twice, actually."

"W-what?" I murmured into the phone, turning around in my seat so Charlie couldn't read the shock etched onto my face. "This… it can't be…"

"I'm afraid so, sweetie. I didn't want to call you, I didn't want to worry you with all these problems, but I think you should be told. I'd like to think that you're ready," her voice was full of concern and caution, two things that I needed right now.

"No, no, I am… its fine," I lied in a weak voice. First Charlie, and now Renee. He was definitely going to run me into a corner now. Who was next? Alice?

"He called earlier in the summer, to tell you the truth," Renee said in a soft voice, almost afraid. This was something I had become accustomed to after my short bout of teenage rebellion with Jacob. Renee was always afraid that I'd take things the wrong way, that I'd suddenly start kicking and screaming, my reactions to anything unpredictable.

"Oh," I murmured weakly.

"He asked for you. I told him that you had decided to spend the summer with your dad," Renee reported. "I don't know what he's going to do… I doubt he'll do anything, anyway. I ought to have reported him."

For what, Mom? I asked inside my head. For abandoning me? For taking my virginity? My soul, my heart?

And then my stomach sank. My heart started beating wildly and my mind racing a million miles per hour. I had told him everything about myself, the less embarrassing details anyway, when we were going out. I knew that I had told him where Charlie lived. Forks wasn't a small town at all.

I knew Jacob. I knew that he put his mind to getting whatever he wanted. If he wanted me back, or wanted to at least get to me, to talk to him, he would do whatever it took to get to where I was.

"And then he called about a week ago. He asked me if I had talked to you lately. He asked about a few of your Phoenix friends. Since I've never met those people, I told him I had no idea what they were up to."

Phoenix friends? Those weren't my real friends. Those were Jacob's friends. They were people the old Bella would never hang out with. I covered my face with a hand and stared glumly out the kitchen window.

"That's alright, Mom. Just… if he calls, don't give him my number or anything, alright? I'll reach him, not the other way around."

"Of course not," Renee said with a click of her tongue. "Who do you take me for?" I laughed, and she joined in reluctantly, as if she had rarely seen this side of me. I pushed the hair off my forehead as I heard some noise in the background.

"Phil?" my mother's voice called. She was never one to cover the receiver when talking to someone in the background. "Phil?" she repeated.

"I have to go to the office," came Phil's somewhat monotone voice. I never did see what my mother saw in him. It always seemed like he lacked passion in anything he did, yet he did it anyway. "Give Bella my regards."

"Oh, okay," Renee said to him. "Hurry home, alright? Maybe then we can do something tog—" The slam of the door indicated that Phil had already left, cutting my mother off.

She turned back to me and said, "Did you hear that Bella? Phil says hi."

Her voice broke my heart. It was as lonely and as empty as the girl I once was, the girl feeling neglected, worthless, nothing. The girl with only her mother to rely on. And now it was the other way around.

"Yes," I swallowed the lump in my throat. "I heard that. Mom, I have to go, but I'll call back as soon as I can, okay? Within the next 24 hours." I didn't want to hang up so quickly after Phil's untimely departure, but I felt the need to just leave that part of life there for now, in order for me to save another.

"Okay," my mother's reluctantly agreed.

I put down the phone and stood from my seat. Charlie looked up from his work to give me a curious glance. "You look like you're in a hurry."

I shrugged and slowly made my way toward him. "Look, Dad, I have to tell you something… I mean, we really need to talk." This conversation was long overdue. I couldn't believe how long it took me to talk to him about this.

"What about, Bells?"

"I'm sorry I caused you and Helena to break up," I blurted out, pulling a lock of hair nervously out of my face. I felt as if I would either be sick or pass out. "It's just… it's just that I've seen a second marriage go downhill. It's not pretty. It hurts."

Love hurt. That was the truth. But I wasn't about to let the people I loved lose it based on my own prejudices. Alice and Jasper, for example. They were clearly in love, and I was happy for them. Just because I had my own share of bad experiences didn't mean I was a hater of love.

"And you're afraid of me getting hurt?" Charlie's skeptical voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Yes! Dad, you know I care."

Charlie gave me a simple smile and chuckled. "I can take care of myself. But thank you for the concern. Helena and I won't be getting back together anytime soon, though. And don't blame yourself. You're not the reason. There were a number of factors."

"Don't lie. I know I was one of them."

Charlie nodded in agreement. "Yes, but the other issues were far bigger than you."

I swallowed the large lump in my throat. I didn't want to feel self-centered, but I couldn't help but think, had I done enough damage? That must be why they won't be together ever again. They won't have a happy ending.

"No! Charlie, please, I'm sorry. I know I overreacted. It was incredibly inconsiderate of me to think—"

Charlie chuckled. "You're headstrong, Bella. Just like you're mom. But I need to focus of being a father more. We're not in any rush for anything. We're not going to get married tomorrow."

No need for any mention of the pregnancy test. I looked away from Charlie, not knowing what to say. He raised an eyebrow. "Look, I'll consider going to talk with her. But I won't make any promises."

I threw my arms around Charlie and he staggered back, as surprised as I was. He patted me on the back. "You're a good kid."

"You too, Dad." He laughed and I loosened my arms from around him. Part of the weight was removed from my shoulders. It was a small amount, but still significant all the same.

As I turned to leave the room, I doubled back and grabbed the phone to make a quick call to Alice. She would be pleased that I made such a step. She had suggested it to me before. And so had Edward…

My thoughts trailed off, ready to go other places before Charlie interrupted me. "So, Bella, speaking of… uh… relationships… how's that Jacob Black doing? Is everything with him working out fine? I see you're… uh… trying the… uh… long distance thing, right?"

I shrugged. "You could say that," I murmured under my breath.

"I haven't told you this because you have a boyfriend and all…" Charlie lowered his voice as if, for some reason, it would make its way to others and become the latest piece of town gossip. "But would it kill ya to take Mike Newton out sometime? He's been calling, advertising his family's company, but I know the real reason why."

I rolled my eyes. "Of course he doesn't like me. I haven't even really talked to him."

"Just get him to stop calling our house, please?"

"Just tell him that we don't need lawn care. Or that you'll arrest him if he goes anywhere near me. Use your imagination, Dad." He grinned, shaking his head as I left the room.

I dialed Alice's cell number, but to my disappointment, she didn't answer. I figured she must have been at home, phone in purse and purse in her room so she wouldn't have been able to hear. I found a box of bear paws on the kitchen table, and before putting them away, I snagged a few because I knew Alice loved them. She was the tiniest, thinnest girl I had ever known, but she could eat like nobody's business. I hopped into my truck and drove to my ex-residence.

I needed to talk to her. Jacob Black was on my tail, and despite my victory with Charlie and his relationship, I couldn't enjoy it the way I wanted to. What was I to do now? Where should I go? I could always trust in Alice for some answers.

Then again, if Alice wasn't home, I could always talk to Edward. I was sure he could provide some thoughtful insight, as well. I chewed on my lip as I thought of him, and swore when it bled.

There were no cars in the driveway besides Rosalie's BMW. I gulped, nervous. I unbuckled myself from the seat, jumped out of the cab, and strode nervously toward the house. I knocked on the door.

As I waited, I pressed my ear closer to the door. I could hear yelling and crying. I broke out into a panicked sweat and knocked even harder on the door. "Just a second!" an exasperated voice came from inside the house. I still had my ear pressed to the door, and to my embarrassment, the door flew open and I took an automatic step back, almost tripping over a step and falling flat on my face. Luckily, I steadied myself on the porch railing.

"Would it kill you to wait to seconds?" Rosalie asked me, her voice strained, but not as rude as I thought it would be. I looked down at the ground. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I was just wondering if…"

"Nobody is here but me," Rosalie replied, sounding impatient now. The door was only open enough to see her face. But it didn't sound like she was alone. I gave her a doubtful look, and shook my head. "Can I wait here?" I prayed that Alice would come home soon. I could either go back home to an empty house, or stay here with Rosalie, who as far as I could tell, hated me.

Why did I choose the latter?

Rosalie sighed and looked down before looking back up at me. "Fine." She opened the door fully and raised an arm to gesture me inside. On the ground, playing with a Barbie doll, was a girl about seven or eight, who looked like she didn't want to be playing with Barbie at all.

"I feel too old to play with Barbies," the girl whined as I walked into the house, taking off my coat and my boots to put them on their appropriate racks. "You look like Barbie, Rosalie! Can I put make-up on you and dress you up?"

Rosalie winced. "I don't think so, sweetie. How about some TV until your Dad comes by to pick you up? Do you like Hannah Montana?" I went to sit on the long couch, and became uncomfortable when the girl threw the Barbies and clothes on the ground and wailed loudly. "I want Daddy now! You're no fun, Rosalie! I want my old baby-sitter!"

I bit my lip, nervous again, looking back from Rosalie to the little girl. Rosalie looked as if she were about to explode, but she quickly concealed it with a fake smile. "How about a nap?" she asked. Wrong choice, Rosalie, wrong choice.

"I'm not a baby!" the girl screamed. "And who's this girl over here? Is she my new baby-sitter? Because she looks like she'd be a better one than you! What's the use of having a Barbie for a baby-sitter when I can't even make her over, or dress her up? I'd rather have someone the opposite of Barbie!"

Rosalie took a deep breath, kneeling next to the little girl and stared at her for a long time. The girl crossed her arms. "This is Bella," she said slowly, shifting between looking at me and looking at her. "She used to live here. Bella, this is Jane."

"Hi," I said, shifting uncomfortably in my seat. Little kids did not like me, and I did not work well with them. Jane gave me an uninterested nod, her dark wavy hair moving in sync. "When is daddy coming home?" Jane suddenly wailed. "I don't want to spend any more time with you, Rosalie!"

"How about some food?" Rosalie offered, her voice faltering as she tossed her long locks of blond hair over her shoulder. "I'll make you some good stuff."

"You don't even know how to cook," Jane accused, her dark eyes filled with irritation. "You don't have any junk food." Rosalie shot me a quick glance before turning to Jane with a shake of her head. A few weeks ago, while I still lived with them, Alice had turned the whole house onto a healthy eating frenzy. No junk food, no carbonated beverages, fresh fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, healthy meats, etc. The only exception was the drinking of coffee. I had caught Alice one night sneaking bear paws in her room. I promised I wouldn't tell. I smiled as I thought of her stuffing the foil into her garbage and shaking the bag so the wrappers would go to the bottom.

Which reminded me of the ones I had in my purse. "I have bear paws," I ventured, opening my purse to take out the orange-foil covered snacks. "Want them?" Jane looked at me for a moment and nodded gratefully. "Thank you."

I hoped that would keep her quiet. Jane seemed like the type of unpredictable child who would scream and shout for the smallest reason, or throw a fit for not getting her way. But I guess a lot of kids were that way.

Jane finally settled on watching The Disney Channel, and Rosalie pulled me aside, her face reluctant. "Thank you," she told me coolly. "That was… very nice of you." I shrugged. "I had them anyway; it's not that big a deal."

Rosalie nodded, and there was an awkward silence between us. She twisted a lock of hair nervously around a finger, keeping the other arm around her body and watching Jane scarf down the Bear Paws. Finally, crossing her arms, she leaned against the wall and spoke. "I want you to understand that what I'm about to say is very… difficult for me. These past few weeks haven't been easy."

I remembered our housemates' testimonials to Rosalie's lack of presence at her house, the coolness she had brought between them all, the distance she had brought upon herself. No, these past few weeks hadn't been easy for anyone at all.

"I-I've been doing a lot of thinking…" her voice trembled, which scared me. Cool and confident Rosalie never seemed to have trouble articulating herself. "I haven't just been ignoring everyone for nothing, you know. I've heard what they've said."

I tilted my head to the side and shrugged my shoulders. "It's… perfectly fine. Look, Rosalie, before you say anything, I'd like to apologize for what I did. I realize that I'm the source for all the problems between you and everyone, and I feel terrible about it."

Rosalie laughed a hard, rueful laugh. "Bella, why are you blaming yourself? Don't you see? Hasn't anyone already told you? We should all be thanking you. You've changed us in ways we couldn't have possibly imagined, and it's irreversible and permanent. And we all know we'll be grateful in the long run." My eyes widened. Rosalie, thankful? What the hell could she possibly be grateful to me about? I had burdened myself with the thought of causing anyone pain, and suddenly she was thankful to me?

"I'm not looking for anyone's gratitude," I told her, trying (and failing) to hide the shock written across my face. "And yes, I do believe I've been told that before. But it's difficult for me to believe."

"I'm not saying that things will go back to the way they were before," Rosalie said curtly, twisting another lock of hair around her finger, "But I don't want to owe anyone anything. Thanks to you, I've done a lot of thinking, and you've said what I knew everyone in the house was afraid of saying. Harsh reality was what I needed, and that's what I got. And I've learned my lesson."

I raised my eyebrows and cocked my head toward Jane. "Seriously? By the way, you don't owe me anything. You never have."

"Yes, seriously," Rosalie murmured. "I'm planning on breaking up with him tonight. I know that it'll hurt him, but if I kept it up, it would hurt more than just him in the long run."

I nodded, a sigh of relief in my head. Rosalie had learned. Rosalie had opened her eyes. Whether or not she would get together with Emmett was none of my business, and it was as unpredictable as the weather. I knew a heart needed time to mend, and Rosalie was obligated to take as much time as she needed. I knew Emmett would want the same for her as well.

Rosalie's eyes filled with tears, to my surprise. She turned to me and whispered, "Bella, it's so damn hard. I can't believe I'm doing this, and here I am. I never dreamed things would turn out this way. I can't believe I decided to baby-sit her while he and his wife went out for a movie. It's not supposed to be this way. I'm not supposed to be the third wheel. And I'm not supposed to suck with kids."

"Oh, Rosalie," I murmured. "You know, it's just one of those things."

Rosalie stifled a laugh. Surprising me again, she reached out and hugged me. I stood there, like a statue, before I wrapped my arms around her, and felt tears drip onto my shirt. "I'm sorry, this probably feels so awkward to you. It does to me, but doesn't everyone need a hug now and then, just to get by?"

"Yes," I whispered, my voice caught in my throat.

"These past few weeks… I've never felt so alone in my life. I've felt loved, then alienated by people who were my friends. I was either loved or hated, never just there. When my defense mechanism came out, I had no choice. I fled. I fled like a coward, and it's necessary for me now to pay the consequences."

"We don't hate you, Rosalie," I said, feeling obligated to speak for the entire group. "We're just confused. We don't understand. But we want to."

She was silent as I felt her heavy breathing, noting that she was still crying. It still killed me inside when anyone but me cried. I had cried myself out that it was a numb feeling, just there, and it would soon pass. But the ache was always constant, permanent.

"Bella… I've lost everything, but do me a favour."

"Please. Disregard everything I've said in the past."

"What?"

"Edward, Bella. I know things have crumbled for me, but I'm still a believer in true love. And as a silent observer, I know things with Edward and Tanya are going downhill fast. And I also know that you have nothing to do with it."

"Exactly," I pointed out. "It's none of my business. Edward's my friend, I'd never do anything to hurt him."

"You love him, Bella. Please, reach out before it's too late. He loves you too, you know."

"Not in that way. Just as a friend. Look, Rosalie, don't do this."

"Stop denying it. Please, just stop, for everyone's sake. I know you've been receiving mixed advice, but I, speaking from experience, think it's time. You need to make your move, or it will be too late."

"I already broke his heart. How many times can a heart be mangled and still be expected to function properly? I can't do it. For his sake, and mine."

"If you don't resist it any longer, things can happen." She looked at me, her eyes sad.

"Like what?"

"Like love."

-

Five days later Carlisle and Esme Cullen arrived in Forks.

It took us by surprise. Edward had mentioned something about his parents coming over for a visit, but he never confirmed a date. Nevertheless, it was a breeze for Alice to command orders for house cleaning, room cleaning, and in Emmett's case, room clearing. He had the biggest room in the house, and Alice kicked him out.

She also called to enlist me into helping with the house preparations the day they arrived, since she wouldn't be there to supervise. She and Edward would be picking up Mr. and Mrs. Cullen at the airport.

Tanya wasn't home. It seemed like old times, even though the times weren't so old. I missed no longer feeling comfortable in the home that used to be mine.

I finished fixing up the wrecked living room from a morning of dangerous Wii games and walked into the kitchen, where Emmett and Jasper were fixing lunch.

"It smells great," I told them appreciatively as I peered over Jasper's shoulder at the pan of stir fry. "Where's Rosalie?"

"Upstairs in the bathroom, putting in some Visine probably," Emmett replied, chopping some onions. I nodded. It was no surprise that she was still taking her break-up pretty hard.

The reception toward her in the house turned from icy to lukewarm. Rosalie wasn't as inviting and warm to me since that day she apologized, but she wasn't ignoring everyone as usual. Without question, they invited her back with open arms. She gave off a timid and apologetic vibe.

The sound of her heels clinking on the stairs signaled she was coming downstairs. Dressed in a chocolate brown sweater and black slim-fitting pants, she smiled as she walked into the kitchen. Her red eyes were still visible behind her thick black glasses.

"I think my eyes are going to be permanently red," she admitted as she took a stack of plates out of a cupboard along with a stack of placemats.

"Looks that way," Emmett grinned, teasing. Rosalie playfully rolled her eyes, and the two exchanged a secret smile. I couldn't help but look at Jasper and exchange a secret smile of our own as his eyes met my own. We had both noticed the change in Emmett when he found out the news of Rosalie's break-up.

A key turned in the door, and Alice came through the door, her grin as bright as the stars. "We're home!" Jasper turned off the stove. It was perfect timing. Rosalie hurried to set the table, and Emmett put the rest of the dishes on pot holders.

Carlisle and Esme Cullen were both smiling, their gentle faces looking comfortable and at home as we showed them to their places. Edward came through the door, carrying the rest of their bags.

"Edward, put those bags down. You can bring them upstairs later," Esme commanded, her gentle voice firm. "Right now, let's settle down to eat this wonderful lunch your friends have prepared."

Dr. Cullen rubbed his hands together, a huge grin spreading across his face. "It looks delicious. I have quite an appetite after that plane trip."

We all sat down to eat, Emmett dodging skeptical looks from Rosalie as he grabbed every dish and gave himself a generous helping. Alice appraised my outfit with critical eyes—I could tell her ideal 'homecoming outfit' did not include faded jeans and a v-neck thermal.

"You must be Bella Swan," Esme smiled warmly at me, tying her honey hair into a bun. "I'm Esme Cullen, Carlisle Cullen is my husband. I've been told you're the newest addition to the clan here?"

I looked at the ground, about to say yes. But I remembered that no, it was untrue. I no longer resided here, and that made me feel somewhat nauseous and teary-eyed at the same time. "No, I'm not, but it's nice to meet you."

"You, too," Esme said, sounding embarrassed, as if she had said something wrong. Staring at me intently, she took her place next to her husband.

"So how are you kids doing? Throwing parties every weekend, I presume?" Carlisle asked us easily as ate. Jasper laughed. Emmett muttered under his breath, "I wish."

"No, actually," Alice grinned, her eyes lighting up. "We're very mature. We all have jobs, and…"

"A job, Alice?" Esme asked, her eyebrows raised, politely showing that she was shocked. She pulled it off easily. Alice nodded and rolled her eyes at Edward. "Didn't you tell them?"

"I believe I was a bit too preoccupied to tell them anything," Edward told her, his eyes flickering from my face back to hers. My stomach lurched.

"Which reminds me, Edward, we've brought something very special for you," Esme told him, an arm reached out to lightly touch his shoulder. Edward looked confused and even wary for a second. "We want it to be a surprise, so we'll tell you later."

"Aw, don't we get let in on the big secret?" Alice asked as Jasper raised his eyebrows at her.

"I'll tell you when I find out," Edward promised her.

-

After we cleaned up in the kitchen, we settled into the living room for a movie. I sat down, mentally trying to make sure there was a place for everyone, when I noticed that Carlisle, Esme, and Edward had disappeared. They must be showing him the surprise.

"They're showing Edward the surprise," Alice reported as if she could read minds. She sat next to Jasper on the couch, grinning. "I'm so excited! I love surprises."

"I don't," I murmured dryly. Emmett laughed. We settled for watching Penelope, one of the movies that were currently on Pay-Per-Vu.

"Some people can be so shallow," Rosalie scoffed as we watched a scene where Penelope's potential suitors fled from the house after she revealed her pig-snout nose.

Esme and Carlisle returned with their faces lit up. "Where's Edward?" Jasper asked.

"Out," Carlisle grinned, sitting next to Emmett. "What are we watching here?"

"Penelope."

Even though Carlisle and Esme felt more like friends rather than parental, I could tell that they weren't interested in the movie. My eyes met Rose's and she spoke up. "Would you like me to play the piano for you two?" she offered lightly.

"You play?" Esme asked. "Wonderful. Let's hear it."

"It'll also give us a chance to listen if there are any repairs or adjustments needed to be made," Carlisle added.

"Edward's been the only one playing it," I told them. "I doubt it."

"Ha! You'd think it'd be in pieces by the way Bella treated it when she was learning from Edward," Emmett joked. My face flushed and Rose shot him a dirty look.

Rosalie, Alice, Carlisle, Esme, and I headed upstairs, to the attic, where the piano was sitting in all its glory, sunlight streaming through the window. Esme and Carlisle sat on the couch, while Alice stared out the window and Rosalie rustled through some papers.

"Edward told me you like a certain song, Esme… let me see if I can find it…"

"You know, Edward's told us a lot about you all, but not about you being able to play, Rosalie," Esme remarked. Rosalie shrugged. "No one really knows."

"He's told us a lot about you, Bella," Carlisle said. My eyes widened and Alice turned around, staring at me with her eyebrows raised.

"I doubt it," I replied, keeping my eyes lowered. "There's nothing about me to say, really. But that's very nice of him."

"Yes, he's told us about you," Esme confirmed. "And on the contrary, from the way he talks about you, you seem like an extraordinary person."

"Thank you," I whispered, my voice caught in my throat.

"I'm glad he has you for a girlfriend," Esme continued, her face pulling into a smile again. A lump appeared in my throat and my stomach felt as if it had a hole in it. I froze, my mouth slightly open, my eyes flickering to Alice, who was shaking her head, her eyes wide. Rosalie looked over at me, a concerned look on her face.

"I'm not," I choked out. "His girlfriend, I mean. His girlfriend is Tanya Kent. She lives here now after I recently moved back in with Charlie."

"Oh," Esme said, the smile on her face disappearing completely. She glanced at her husband. "Pardon me for the mistake."

"Shoot," Rosalie hissed as the papers on the piano stand slid onto the floor. She bent over to pick them up and I quickly joined in. Rosalie looked up at me as she collected a few sheets that said, "Bella's Lullaby". I felt my eyes begin to water, and I wanted to flee the rooms.

"Oh, Bella's Lullaby," Esme spoke up, reading the title off of the sheet music Rosalie had in her hand. "He wrote a song for you, too, Bella? I thought I was the only one who had the honor of having a song named after them."

Alice danced over to us, and knelt down beside me. I tried to collect the few papers that were left scattered on the floor, but her thin arm reached out to stop me. "You know what to do," she whispered into my ear. "Go, Bella."

I just looked at her. "I can't, Alice," I whispered, when all I wanted to do was scream.

"Are you alright?" Carlisle asked me, his face full of concern. Alice looked up and nodded. "Do you happen to know where Edward went off to?"

A smile appeared on Esme's lips. "Into town. At the plaza on Meadowvale St."

"Thank you."

"Let's take this outside," Alice replied. To Carlisle and Esme, she flashed a smile and said, "Bella and I will be just a moment." Rosalie nodded at us and motioned for us to go as she stood up, the appropriate sheet music in her hands, and sat on the bench.

Alice pulled me outside as Carlisle and Esme looked on, bewildered. "Alice," I hissed. "Let's go back in. I'm fine. It wasn't very polite—"

"Bella," Alice sighed, looking up at me. "We can't keep fighting the inevitable. Just go, catch him. Go kiss and make up with him."

"We're already friends," I protested.

"Yeah, but I know both of you with the other was something more. Just save us all the pain and go out with him."

"I'm not like that. I don't go out with taken guys."

"Just go. Go and see," Alice murmured. "Now, Bella."

And so I ran. I ran down the stairs, Alice cheering me on as if it were a pep rally, past Emmett, who was carrying a sandwich and whom I nearly walked over, past Jasper, who was coming through the door, and into the endless drizzle.

I drove through the streets, my heart hammering every time I read a street sign. It's a small town, so I found my way to Meadowvale St. quite easily. I wondered why I hadn't already memorized all the streets.

Why was I running? Why was I even here? I pondered impatiently at a red light. Because you love him so much, you can't even take it anymore.

I sniffled as I parked into the plaza lot. Getting out of the truck, I scanned the stores in the plaza to see which one he would likely be at. A fabric store, a pet store, and the china store that Alice and I had been to.

I ran past each of the shops, peering into the windows and receiving curious looks. I ran past the pet shop and the jeweler's store, before doubling back, not being able to believe my eyes.

There was Edward, tall, impossibly handsome Edward. His bronze hair was darker from the rain, and he was wearing his gray wool coat. I was in awe of him, but more so in what he was doing. My heart completely shut down. I felt warmth spread to my finger tips and halt there. I stared at him, receiving a black velvet box from a smiling, balding jewler.

Edward turned to leave the store, and his eyes met mine. His deep, grin, forgiving eyes. His face was warm, a smile on his lips before he saw me. Now he froze, looking just as shocked as I was.

I couldn't breathe. If I stayed any longer, I would probably passed out. That was my main motivation, I told myself, as I turned and ran.

It was so simple, yet so difficult at the same time. It was simple to run away from my problems, to try to make sure they didn't catch up and grab you by the shirt. Yet it was so difficult because the boy I truly loved, when I thought I couldn't love for a long time after the first, was calling my name. He was calling my name in pain, and each step I took, it faded away then came back, louder than ever. He was running after me.

I piled into my truck and pulled out in a streaming haze of tears. It was over. Indefinitely, unforgivably over. A raging war had finally finished. Someone had won, and someone had lost. We fought and someone fell. Tanya had won. I had fallen, I had lost. She could go claim her prize now. Then again, I thought, it was never really mine.

-

Goodness! This story is almost over :( Quite depressing, I must say. I can't give you a definite number of chapters it will finish in, though. I'm thinking maybe two or three more chapters and then it will be done. Thanks for keeping up with this story! You guys are honestly troops, and I'm so sorry for the late update. I love you guys!