*TAPS MICROPHONE*
HELLO IS THIS THING ON. CAN YOU ALL HEAR ME? I HAVE A COUPLE OF VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS TO MAKE. YOU IN THE BACK PUT DOWN THE DOUGHNUT. ACTUALLY JUST BRING IT TO ME AND THEN PAY ATTENTION
Okay now that everyone is reading this and if not it will be your loss. Tooting my own horn here. Anyway, my announcements:
First:
This is the last regular chapter and an epilogue will follow. Currently I'm sitting at 228 reviews. Now we all know that I'm not a review whore. I don't beg for them or hold a chapter hostage until I get a certain amount. That doesn't mean though that I don't grin and squeal a little at each and every one I get in my inbox though.
I've decided that because I have such loyal readers and reviewers that I need to reward you guys. The person that gets me to review number 250 will get a one-shot of their choice.
Pairing, plot, human, vamp, anything. You choose and then when I post it will be dedicated to you. Or you can choose an outtake from one of my stories if that is what you want.
However if you ask me to write Edward/Bella, Jacob/Bella, or Alice/Jasper I will do it but then I will be forced to either a) kill off the first person of those three pairings or b) break them up at the end. :)
I'm not opposed to threesomes just as long as those three first idiots aren't involved. Slash is okay too. I've never written it, but I think I've read enough that I could give it a go. No femslash though.
I will be doing this from now on with all the stories I finish. Since that is going to happen if you read Senior Year too you might get lucky and get two one-shots. I will be putting this same thing in that chapter update as well; just the review numbers will be different.
The one shots will be done before I start my next two new stories. Also along with the two one-shots coming out this time I will be expanding All You Have To Do Is Ask two or three more chapters. I can't concentrate on it while doing full stories so I figured it was time to make time to expand since all of you wanted it to happen. Put it on alert if you haven't already.
Second:
On my profile you will find a poll and summaries for the six stories I have coming. You all get to decide which two you want to read next. I will put the title and pairing up and you vote for the two want. The ones with the most will be the winners. The poll will up until I finish this story and Senior Year.
Now I hope you enjoy this chapter and I'm so freaking sorry it took so long to get out. Between the holidays, a sick husband, a sick kid, a sick me, and a major case of writers block I had a little trouble. Things will be looking up for our boy now though.
Also this chapter is dedicated to TheUnderStudy who helped with the writers block. Thank you babe and all of you send her one as well by going to read her story This Changes Things and leaving her a review.
And if you haven't gone all glassy eyed with this long ass A/N I love you. :)
We are at the present now.
Chapter song: Fix You by Coldplay
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The cookout was in full swing and while I was enjoying catching up with Felix, who I hadn't seen since I left the label, I really wanted to just go back home. I knew no one else, except the few I'd already met, but everyone else seemed to think they knew me. They wanted to talk and laugh and hear stories about being famous. I smiled and told them what they wanted to hear, but in reality I just wanted to say it sucked and cost me the best thing in my life.
I was in the middle of having a one-sided conversation with a goober from Charlotte's work when Peter came over, giving me a look of apology.
While the guy babbled on about something or other Peter stopped and leaned his head over, whispering just loud enough for me to hear.
"Get out of here Jasper."
"But..." I whispered back. I wanted to leave, but I also wouldn't do that to him or Charlotte. This was their night.
"You've been here two hours. Charlotte and I both understand. Just come over for dinner one night this week and we're good. Don't forget to say goodbye to her and the boys though."
"I won't. Thanks man."
He nodded and motioned me toward the backdoor with his chin. "They're in the kitchen."
I left him standing there with the guy who still hadn't stopped talking and went to find Charlotte.
She was giving the boys ice cream as I stepped through the backdoor. She gave me a small smile as I went over and gave her a hug.
"Wednesday at 6." She said leaving no room for argument. Not that I would have had a problem with it anyway.
"Of course."
"Alright then get on out of here and be careful."
I kissed her cheek and ruffled the boys' hair, telling them a quick goodbye before going on to the front door.
I didn't pay much attention as I pulled the door shut behind me or walked across the front yard to my truck. I was about to pull my door open when the sound of another door closing behind me met my ears. On reflex I turned my head and all the air in my lungs rushed out in a choked breath.
I knew it was her immediately. I would always recognize her no matter how much time had passed. She hadn't noticed me standing there and I took a step forward as she sat down on the top step. I wasn't going to be an idiot this time.
I took another step and she starting humming. It was then I realized what was holding her attention. My steps faltered and an ache, painful to the point of almost buckling my knees, erupted in my chest. I shook my head and closed my eyes not wanting to believe what I was seeing, but when I opened them again she was still there with a baby in her arms.
I couldn't move and I couldn't think. The pain in my chest was making it hard to breathe and then it just compounded when the door opened again. The same man from the gallery was there and she looked back, a wide smile on her face. He handed her some kind of towel and grinned back.
He said something too low for me to hear and she nodded a reply. As he turned to go back inside his eyes locked on me. I saw them widen and then he whispered something to her.
Her head snapped up and she shot up to her feet. She put one down on the next step and her movement spurred my own. I backed up until my back hit my truck, shaking my head the entire time. I couldn't do this, not when she had a family. I knew if I talked to her I'd tell her I loved her and wanted her back, but I'd never make her chose between them and me. The only way around it was to leave and I started fumbling with my keys, thankful I'd already unlocked my door.
"Jasper wait please." She said.
I shook my head again and jerked the door open, jumping into the front seat and shoving my key into the ignition.
As I turned it over I took what would be my last good look of her and hating that I would never see Peter and Charlotte again unless they came to my house.
I almost got back out when I saw the tears streaming down her face as she rushed down the steps of the porch, having handed the baby off to the guy, but I didn't and sped away down the road just as she reached the street.
My eyes wouldn't stay away from the rearview as I came to the end of their road. She was standing in the middle watching me drive off and again I had to stop myself from going back. I finally let out the choked cry I'd been holding in as I turned the corner and she disappeared from my sight.
The drive home was a blur. Anger and pain were quickly taking over my thoughts and I just wanted to scream.
I was angry at myself and at her. Myself for walking away the last time and not saying the things I should have said; when I might could have stopped this outcome. At her because she'd said I owned her heart. Me and me alone and she'd moved on that far without a thought for me at all. I spent the years since she left only wanting her, missing her with every fiber of my being, and living in a past that to her didn't seem important anymore. It might be selfish, irrational, and I'd probably regret thinking it tomorrow, but I wasn't in the right frame of mind at the moment and I didn't stop the thoughts. Hell I was even a little mad at Peter and Charlotte for not telling me Bella lived across the street. Granted they more than likely didn't know either.
When I made it home I went straight to the kitchen and the tequila. Unfortunately there wasn't enough in the bottom to make tonight better and I turned, walking right back out the door. I decided to walk to the liquor store I always went to and when I got there I bought two bottles. Once they were in hand I trudged back to my place.
As I walked up the stairs I could hear a quiet knocking and somehow I just knew it was her. Why couldn't she have stayed away? I wanted to wallow in my own self pity for a while. Maybe once I had drunk myself into a complete stupor I'd be more inclined to listen to her explanations on why she moved on so easily.
As I got closer though I could hear her quiet tear-filled words and they chased away the anger completely.
"The baby isn't mine Jasper. Please will you open the door and talk to me? Please Jasper."
I felt wetness on my cheeks and quickly wiped underneath my eyes before going up the last few steps.
When she came into view the sight killed me. She was on her knees, her forehead was resting against the door, her left arm was wrapped around her stomach, and her right fist was rising to knock again.
"No one's home," I whispered before she could and caused her to spin around.
She scrambled to her feet and brushed the tears off her cheeks. We stood there in awkward silence for god knows how long and then we both tried to speak at the same time.
"Jasper can we...?"
"Bella do you..."
Stilted laughs came from both of us before they were abruptly cut off and I motioned for her to go first.
"Can we talk? I know I probably don't deserve it with the way I disappeared, but please can we just...?"
I stood there for a few minutes contemplating things. This is what I had always wanted, to talk to her. I already knew why she left me, but I did want to know why she never came back and what she'd been doing all this time. And then I wanted to tell her how I still felt, what I had done, and ask if there was any chance for things to go back to the way they had been. Before I heard or said any of that though I need to know something else first because if her answer was yes than all of it would be pointless.
"The guy from the porch, is he still your boyfriend?"
"Emmett? No, he never was. He's the baby's father and has been married as long as I've known him. I actually met his wife, Rose, first. Why would you think...?" She trailed off and her eyes widened as something seemed to dawn on her. "How did you know I called him that for a time though?"
I sighed and stepped closer so I could unlock my door. As I did I realized something and asked, "How did you know I still lived here?"
She smiled softly and answered, "Peter and Charlotte. They came out of the house, with a couple of people, across the street as you turned the corner. I don't know who was more surprised me or them. After a very brief reunion I asked and Peter said the same as always. I came straight here."
I nodded, thinking I'd have to thank them later if things turned out okay, and pushed open the door, motioning for her to step in first.
Her eyes must have been scanning the room as I shut us in the apartment because she said, "It looks the same. I don't know why I thought it wouldn't."
I didn't know what to say to that so I just set my bag of liquid wallowing down and started for my office. She followed quietly behind me and when I made it to the room I once again pushed the door open and motioned her forward. Reaching around the jam I flipped the light on and I waited.
I knew the moment she saw the painting; her back stiffened and her hand flew her to mouth, stifling the sob that left her throat.
She turned her head slowly toward me and with tears streaming down her face asked, "You were the anonymous buyer?"
"I was. That's why I thought he was your boyfriend.
"How?"
"I'd finally done what you asked me to in your letter. I'd found Jasper again and after talking to Peter and Charlotte I googled you. I was so surprised when I saw the link on the gallery and that you were spotlighted for the week. I thought it was fate so I spent the days before thinking about what I would say and what it would be like to see you again.
"Opening night I was nervous and I got there a couple hours early, figuring if you told me to leave it wouldn't be in front of any important people. I was probably 500 feet from the building when you stepped out on the sidewalk. You never saw me, never looked my direction, and he stepped out right behind you. I stood there and watched you smile at him, kiss him on his cheek, and then walk away with your arm wrapped around him.
"I went back to Peter and Charlotte's house and they convinced me to go back the next night. So I went and you weren't there.
"The lady that owned the gallery approached me as I stood staring at this painting and remembering the times we spent there. I asked about the story behind the picture, like I didn't know first hand what it was about. That's when she told me she wished you were there since she didn't think she could do it justice. I told her I'd wait and then she said that your spotlight was moved up and you already had a prior commitment. That you and your boyfriend had left town already and weren't returning.
"It hurt to hear that, god did it hurt and it's the reason I didn't want you to know it was me that bought it. But I had to have it because it was a time when I still made you happy and it helped to remember the good times before I ruined every fucking thing."
By the time I finished she was openly crying. I didn't say another word and finally she calmed down.
Her eyes met mine again and she asked, "What would have happened if you hadn't thought he was my boyfriend? Even if I had still not been there."
"I'd have found you wherever you were and said all the things I'd wanted to since you left me that letter. I would have asked you to give me another chance, begged if I had to. I have never stopped loving you Bella and I would have shown you that everyday. I would have done everything to prove to you that I was the guy you fell in love with and that that wouldn't change again."
She tried to suck in a deep breath but it was stuttered and when she let it out more sobs and an "Oh God," left her mouth. Her knees gave way and she dropped. On instinct I rushed forward and caught her in my arms, both of us sinking to the floor. I held her against me as she cried; her hands gripped my shirt like a vise and she showed no signs of letting go anytime soon.
Neither one of us said a word as we sat there, things still needed to be said and talked about and I needed to apologize for everything I'd done, but we also needed this too.
My knees finally started to go numb and I had to move. I shifted slightly just to get into a better position, but Bella must have thought I wanted her to let go because she quickly pushed away. "I'm sorry."
"No it's okay, the floor just isn't the most comfortable though. Let's go to the living room and talk."
She nodded and we both stood. She took one more glance at the painting and then followed me out of the office.
"Do you want something to drink? I have water, coke, tea, beer, and tequila."
"A beer is good."
She moved to the couch as I headed into the kitchen, grabbing us both a beer. Coming back out I sat down, leaving about a foot or two between us and handed her beer over.
She took a long pull from the bottle and then silence descends on the room. I really hate it. It was awkward and not us or not the us we once were. Her head was down and she was picking the label on her bottle.
After what seemed like hours I finally said what I should have said years ago. "I'm sorry Bella." Her head came up and I kept going. "I'm so sorry for everything. I'm sorry for hurting you. I'm sorry for breaking the promises I made. I'm sorry for becoming something you couldn't be proud of. I'm sorry for not being there when you needed me to be. I'm sorry for the lying I did. And I'm so fucking sorry for making you think you weren't the most important thing in my life. You have been since the moment I saw you sitting under that tree in 9th grade and that never changed."
When I finished she reached over and swept her thumb under my eye, wiping away the wetness before cupping my cheek.
"I'm sorry too. I..."
I stopped her because to me she had nothing to be sorry about during that time. "You did nothing wrong Bella."
Tears fell from her eyes again as she said, "I do because I let things get so far and then I knowingly hurt both of us.
"When I left you I was so angry and hurt that I could barely think. I loved you so much and you took that for granted. I was mad at myself too though because it took dad dying for me to finally realize it. It's something that I wished hadn't happened, but it gave me back the person I needed to be. I spent the entire day before the funeral thinking about everything and by the time I went to bed our outcome, if I stayed, was blaringly obvious. I made the choice that night to leave. I knew when I saw you the next day that it would be for the last time. It's why I didn't talk to you at all. I knew if I opened my mouth I'd tell you I was leaving and you would have talked me out of it."
"But you told me you loved me."
"I had too because even though I already knew what I was going to do, I did love you. I couldn't leave without you knowing that."
I nodded and asked, "If Charlie hadn't have died, what do you believe would have happened?"
"I'd have been there when you came home. We'd have fought and I would have forgiven you like always. We'd have continued with the way we were living until I grew to hate you. I never realized how close I was to that already, but I couldn't let myself feel that way for you."
My eyes had closed as she answered my question. Hearing her say she was close to hating me just about broke me, but it was a wake up call too. I never doubted that Bella loved me even when she left, but if she had left hating me...I don't know what I would have done. Yeah I still hurt today after all these years, but I think that if I had pushed her to that point, it would have sent me over the edge.
Bella's hand on my arm brought my eyes back to her tear filled ones.
After a few silent minutes I said, "You said you got back to the person you needed to be. Will you tell me how? How you got to where you are today, the boyfriend thing, and everything else?"
She nodded and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.
"It wasn't easy. When I left here I didn't know where I was going. The only thing I did know was that I couldn't stay in LA. Being that close I would have come back the next day. So I went to the airport and bought a ticket for the next flight out. It just happened to be to New York.
"When I landed I found a hotel and pretty much spent the first week in bed. I was so tired and I just let myself grieve for dad and you and everything else. I knew that I had to get up after because I had enough money to last me a while, but not forever.
"I found a job at the YMCA teaching art to seniors in the morning, moms in the afternoon, and kids at night. It was long days, but that was okay because for a little while I didn't have to think about anything, but painting.
"I was there three weeks when I got a call from my dad's lawyer. His life insurance and pension checks had come in and he needed to know where to send them. The amounts were shocking and more than enough to live off of without ever having to work again, but I stayed at the YMCA. I moved into an apartment and for the following six months I functioned. I went to work and I went home, painting late into the night when I couldn't sleep.
"Then one night I had finished up a class and was leaving. I ended up dropping some of my things right as I got outside the door and a woman coming in stopped to help me pick it up. Her name was Rosalie and she was coming by to see about volunteering. We talked for a few minutes and then went our separate ways.
"The next day she came in as I was starting my last class and ending up being put with me. She'd hand out paint or brushes or anything else the kids needed while I taught. While we cleaned up that night we talked.
"I found out she was 27 and was married to a guy named Emmett. They'd been together since high school and married since college. She was a family therapist and started volunteering because she loved kids. She told me about Emmett. He was 27 as well and a lawyer. She told me how funny he was and how much she loved him.
"We ended up going to dinner after we were done and Emmett met us. He was everything she said he was and they were perfect for each other. It was nice to see them together, but I also couldn't hide how hard it was either. Rose picked up on it right away and asked about what was wrong. I ended up telling both of them about you. To say they were shocked at who you were was an understatement. They actually had your CD's and loved your music.
"After that night they became my friends. I'd go over to their apartment on the weekends, Rose and I would have girl's nights when Emmett was working late on a case, and we just grew closer.
"I'd know them about three months when Rose asked me if I'd ever thought about showing my art in a gallery. I told her I used to, but I didn't think anything I'd done recently was good enough. She scoffed at me and then dragged me to my apartment, pointing at everything I'd done when we got there and saying everything was good enough.
"She gave me the courage to try and I called a gallery. I asked what I needed to do and they told me. I spent a month getting photos of my paintings put in a portfolio and then another month going around to every gallery I could find. I heard it wasn't what they were looking for or they didn't have the space so many times and I wanted to just give up, but Rose and Emmett wouldn't let me.
"I finally got a yes though. They wanted ten pieces from my portfolio and gave me a contract to look over. Of course I took it to Emmett and he deemed it okay. I showed for two weeks, got 60% of each painting sold, and I walked out with only one painting and a really big check. I was ecstatic.
"The second gallery didn't go as well. I only sold three, but I was okay with that because I was still showing my stuff.
"The third is what caused Emmett to become my fake boyfriend. The guy that owned the gallery gave me an amazing contract; three week showing, 20 pieces, and 80% with a chance to have a constant showing if my stuff did well. Rose, Emmett, and I were shocked, but it was too good a chance to pass up. I realized when I dropped my paintings off though that my stuff doing well probably wasn't the only condition to getting a permanent spot.
"He made comments first about how hot I was and I tried to ignore him. Then he started talking about going out and he put his hand on my arm, sending shivers down my spine. I shook him off, told him I wasn't interested, and then quickly left. I went straight to Emmett and Rose's place and told them about it. I'd already signed the contract so I had to still do the showing, but Rose came up with an idea to make sure the guy backed off. I didn't go back to the gallery until opening night and then Emmett went with me. I introduced him as not only my lawyer, but my boyfriend. I hated saying it, but it worked and the owner left me alone.
"It was there that I was also offered a booth at an art convention in Chicago. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for someone who just started showing their pieces. I was ecstatic and spent the three weeks I was in the gallery doing other paintings, so I would have something knew to show. I only needed five, but it was like a fire had been lit under me. Yeah I had painted a lot before, but that was because it was my job or because I couldn't sleep. This was different. I got that feeling again, that rush from doing what I loved to do and I ended up doing fifteen paintings.
"The convention was in July and Emmett went with me. It was everything I thought it would be. The talent in one building was unreal. It didn't seem to matter that I wasn't a big name like all the others. People still constantly stopped by my booth and told me how good I was. It fed the fire and I relished in it. When I wasn't at my booth I was in seminars or classes and I realized how much I enjoyed learning about new techniques. It got me thinking about a few things and I decided I wanted to go back to school. I had to finish the conference first though before I thought about it more.
"It was the second to last night of the convention when Emmett met, Henry, the owner of the gallery here in L.A. Emmett automatically introduced himself as my boyfriend. We then of course found out he was married, but we didn't try to change how we were perceived. When he told me his gallery was in L.A. I was floored and when I told him I used to live there he got excited. Said he and his wife spotlighted local artist and while I wasn't still local they wanted me. He gave me their card and said either him or his wife would be in touch. He also bought a painting.
"When we got back to New York I started to look at art schools in the area and waited for Henry's call. None of the art schools seemed to be right to me and then I thought about going back to SCAD. As soon as the idea formed I knew that that is what I wanted so I called and spoke to an advisor. I told them how I'd been there before and that I wanted to come back. It was easier than I thought it would be and before I knew it I was enrolled for the fall semester. The only problem was when I found out I had about two weeks to find a place to live and move.
"I hated leaving Emmett and Rose, but they understood and were happy for me. I went ahead and packed up everything and the three of us drove down; me and Rose in my car with Emmett following in a moving van. I found a storage unit to put my stuff in until I could find an apartment. Thankfully that wasn't hard and I had keys in hand by the end of the weekend and then had all the utilities set up the next day. Rose flew back on Monday, but Emmett stayed and helped me get moved in before leaving too.
"I spent the rest of the time before school started to unpack, buy the things I needed for both school and the apartment, painting, and then painting some more when Henry finally called. They wanted me for the last week of September and while I hated taking a week off of school so soon after starting I couldn't pass up the chance.
"By the beginning of September I had every painting done except one. I wanted that one to be the main focus and represent who I was. I let my mind go back to the times I was truly happy with everything in my life and it was the days we spent at La Push Beach. I finished it in a day and then cried the entire night because of the memories it pulled forth.
"I don't know if you'll believe me, but I had every intention of coming to see you when I was here. I knew you hadn't resigned and I wanted to know how you were doing. Plans changed though because I had to come a week early. I'd already told my teachers I'd be off the week after and they weren't happy about it, so I couldn't go back and say I needed to change weeks.
"Emmett came to Savannah and then we flew into L.A. that Saturday afternoon. We had just enough time to check into a hotel, change, go by the gallery and check placement, and then go for dinner; which must have been when you saw us.
"We flew back out the next morning so I could go to class and Emmett could go to work. I've been in Savannah ever since. I do showings once a month, I volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club, and during the summers I work at the art museum. That's everything up until now."
I nodded slowly and absorbed everything she'd just gone over. As hard as it was to be away from her I was glad that she'd been happy. I also couldn't help the small bit of relief that went through me at the fact she never once mentioned a boyfriend or dates. It didn't mean she didn't have them just that she didn't mention them. I didn't want to ask about that right now though. Instead I went with something else.
"How did your friends end up here?"
"Rose. She had just returned from maternity leave and was offered a position at the hospital here. She new pretty much everything about L.A. from me and she took the job."
I nodded again and then said, "Mom misses you."
A small smile turned up the right side of her lips and she nodded. "I know. She tells me every time I call her. I miss her too. And you."
"Then why didn't you come back after that first time?"
"Because of school. If I had come back and things would have worked out between us I would have given it up. I'm sorry, but I couldn't do that again."
"What's different now?"
"I've taken every class I could there and that part of my life is taken care of. It was time to see if I could fix this part."
I sucked in a sharp breath, wanting that more than anything else too.
Before I could ask another question she asked her own. "What have you been doing? I wouldn't let Maria tell me anything."
"Why?"
"Because it would have made it that much more difficult to stay away. As much as the last years have been hard it was still what we both needed."
While it wasn't what I had wanted I could also see that she was right She'd found her self away from me. I had too even though it didn't seem like it at times. Hopefully, if things went how I thought they should go we'd be stronger because of it.
"You never answered my question." Bella said pulling my attention back to her.
I watched her for a few seconds before taking a deep breath and telling her everything. I went over how I was right after she left, how I made the decision to not resign and instead to go back to school. I told her how I punched James and earned a smile for it. I then went on to tell her about finishing college, getting my degree, and teaching. I told her how Peter, Charlotte, and the twins helped to make me smile and laugh. I then told her about the box.
When I finished she whispered, "How do you not hate me?"
I replied with the only answer I could. "Because I love you too much. There isn't enough room for hate."
Her eyes locked with mine and she said the words I'd longed to hear since she walked out the door. "I love you too."
Hearing them I couldn't stop myself from reaching over and pulling her to me. My arms wrapped around her shoulders as hers went around my waist.
I don't know how long we sat there, but eventually she asked, "What happens now?"
That was the million dollar question. While we still loved each other we'd been broken up for five years. I knew we couldn't just pick up where we left off no matter how much we both may want too. We would have to rebuild everything again.
"When do you have to go back home?"
"My flight is in two weeks."
I nodded against her head and laid out what I wanted. "I want to take that time to figure things out. I want to talk more. I want to start over and I want to get back to where we used to be. I want you Bella."
"I want all of that too." She said.
I closed my eyes at her words and pulled her tighter to me.
Again we stayed that way for a while until I finally pulled back and cupped her face with my hands. Using my thumbs I wiped the tears from under her eyes.
"I never thought I'd get a second chance with you. I hoped but as the years went by I was starting to think it wasn't going to happen. Now that you're here I will do everything I can to keep you. I can't lose you again."
"I don't want to be lost again either." She whispered.
"Good and I know where we can start on making sure that doesn't happen."
She furrowed her brow and I gave her smile before moving off the couch.
"I'll be right back."
She nodded and I walked down the hall to my bedroom, going straight to the closet. I pulled down the box and brushed my hand across the top, hoping that after tonight it would be the last time I looked through it.
I took it back out to the living room and set it down on Bella's lap.
"This is where we begin." I said settling back beside her.
Bella looked from me and back to the shoebox a few times. She finally pulled the lid off and I reached in, pulling out the flip book.
I flipped through it once and then handed it to her, watching her do the same.
"I was so worried you would think it was stupid." I said.
A smile spread across her face and a soft laugh met my ears as she shook her head.
"It was no where near stupid. After all it was what made me talk to you."
"Thankfully." I said with a smile of my own.
She laughed again and set the book beside her as I reached for the next item.
We spent the rest of the night going through each memory. We laughed sometimes and cried others as we remembered our time together.
When we finished we sat quietly on the couch, leaning on each other and lost in our own thoughts. While we still had a ways to go before we would be the couple we had been, I knew that eventually we would get there. And knowing that, for the first time in years, I was completely happy.
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So how did I do?
Only the epilogue left guys.
Oh yeah here's this thing-Disclaimer: I don't own. We all know this. If I did that scene in Eclipse with Jasper telling Bella of his past on the cliff edge would have been so different. In my version he'd have shoved Alice off and Bella would have offered her a Zippo to light her way down. .