Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyers still owns it all, I just like playing with Edward and Jasper!;)
Once again you guys have made me feel like I'm doing something right with this story. Thanks for all the amazing reviews! I had started writing another story and I have the first chapter finish, but I want to concentrate a little more on this story before I post it.
I will let you know for sure when I plan to post it, or you may want to put me on your author's list so you can get an alert when I do post it. It's going to be entitled, "Doing Things Her Way."
This chapter is dedicated to…
"Mrs. Darcy Cullen", "Kerry Hale", "insatiable 06", "orionfoo", "mikabaird", "Darkangel10470", "Janelle Masen", & "dreamngo4it9"
My Playlist 4 This Chapter
"Better In Time" by Leona Lewis
"Rehab" by Rihanna
"Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood
"Listen" by Beyonce
"What Goes Around" by Justin Timberlake
It's been three weeks since that wonderful weekend in Seattle. Edward and I haven't had a chance to be intimate since then, but I promised him that we would have time soon. Not that he's been pestering me about it or anything.
We've both been extremely busy with school. I started my piano lessons and Ang and I have been having soccer tryouts for the girls. We have one more spot to fill so we will be holding one more tryout on tomorrow.
Edward has been composing music for the end of year show, which will feature all songs composed by him. He won't let anyone listen in on his sessions, not even me. Carlisle rented out a studio in Port Angeles for Edward to go to and write so he can keep everything under wraps. I'm looking forward to see what the final product sounds like.
I've been hanging out more with Rose and Ang, especially when Edward is writing. We've become even closer, if that's possible.
I haven't had anymore run ins with Alice, but there have been times when I thought she was going to say something to me, but I guess she changed her mind at the last minute.
I found out that Esme put her in counseling to help her with her issues. Evidently there's a lot going on that none of them knew about. Hopefully she's getting the help that she needs.
I know it's not funny or anything, but everytime I hear Rihanna's song "Rehab", it makes me think of her.
It's like I checked in to rehab
And baby, you're my disease
It's like I checked in to rehab
And baby, you're my disease
I've gotta check in to rehab
'Cause baby you're my disease
I've gotta check in to rehab
'Cause baby you're my disease
Jasper has made the effort to try and talk to me on a friend level. Asking me about my day, about my family, and about my relationship with Edward. He never gets too personal, which I appreciate.
Wednesday would have been our 3-year anniversary and for some reason I took it kind of hard. I didn't go to school that day and I asked Edward to just give me the day to myself. He didn't ask any questions and for that I was grateful.
I basically sulked in my room all day, my mom and dad was concerned about me. Believe it or not, it was my brother who comforted me that day. He just sat with me and let me cry and let me talk when I needed to.
I had music playing in the background thinking that it would help my mood, but for some reason they kept playing all these sad break-up songs. As I listened to Leona Lewis sing "Better In Time", I knew that I had to move on and get over this. Edward was my future, so why am I sitting her sulking in my past.
Ooooh)
It's been the longest winter without you
I didn't know where to turn to
See somehow I can't forget you
After all that we've been through
Going coming thought I heard a knock
Who's there no one
Thinking that I deserve it
Now I realize that I really didn't know
If you didn't notice you mean everything
Quickly I'm learning to love again
All I know is I'mma be ok
[Chorus:]
Thought I couldn't live without you
It's gonna hurt when it heals too
It'll all get better in time
Even though I really love you
I'm gonna smile cause I deserve to
It'll all get better in time
I couldn't turn on the TV
Without something there to remind me
Was it all that easy
To just put aside your feelings
If I'm dreaming don't wanna laugh
Hurt my feelings but that's the path
I'll believe in
And I know time will heal it
If you didn't notice boy you mean everything
Quickly I'm learning to love again
All I know is I'mma be ok
[Chorus:]
Thought I couldn't live without you
It's gonna hurt when it heals too
It'll all get better in time
Even though I really love you
I'm gonna smile cause I deserve to
It'll all get better in time
Since there's no more you and me
It's time I let you go
So I can be free
And live my life how it should be
No matter how hard it is I'll be fine without you
Yes I will
[Chorus: x2]
Thought I couldn't live without you
It's gonna hurt when it heals too
It'll all get better in time
Even though I really love you
I'm gonna smile cause I deserve to (yes I do)
It'll all get better in time
Around six that evening, I called Edward and asked him to come over. I knew that he didn't deserve any of this and I felt ashamed that I allowed myself to act a fool over a day that should no longer hold any meaning to me.
Jasper had texted me earlier in the day and told me that he understood my reasoning for not coming to school today and that he was sorry. He said that it was hard for him to be at school, but that he wanted us both to move on in our own relationships. It was because of that, that I made myself pull it together.
I knew right then that Jasper and I would be alright…as friends.
Edward came over 30 minutes after I called him. We sat up in my room and I told him all about what was going on with me. He took it better than I deserved. We talked some and listened to music. Around 10 he left because we both needed to get some sleep for school the next day.
It was just good to have him there with me and understand what I was feeling. I won't ever do anything like that to him again. He's so wonderful and I don't deserve him. I told myself that I was going to do something really special for him soon, something that he would love.
Right now I'm on my way to my piano lesson. I've been doing really good, if I do say so myself. I've moved up to the intermediate level, so I'm working on more complex pieces.
There are 4 songs that my music teacher has given me to learn. Three of them I've mastered, but I'm having a hard time with the last one.
The songs I've mastered are:
"Fur Elise" by Beethoven
"Cradle Song" by Robert Schumann
"Sweet Dream" by Tchaikovsky
The song that's giving me hell is:
"Minuet in C Major, K.6" by Mozart
I've promised myself that I will not under any circumstances give up. My dad ordered me a white baby grand that will be delivered on Saturday. He conferred with Carlisle on the best kind to get me. I can't wait till it comes, so that I can practice a lot more.
When I arrived at the studio my teacher, Mr. Pattinson was there. He was almost as beautiful as my Edward. We got along well and he was very patient with me. No matter how long it took me to read and comprehend the sheet music, he was supportive and encouraging. That's rare these days and for that I was grateful to him.
We went over the songs that I'm learning and he gave me some pointers on ways I could better understand Mozart's music and master it. I promised him that I would be practicing this weekend, since I will be getting my own piano and by our next lesson on Tuesday, I will have progressed.
After my lesson I met my mom at the local diner for a mother and daughter dinner. My dad and James were over at the Cullens house watching the game with Carlisle, Emmett, and Edward.
To my surprise when I arrived, she was not alone. Esme and Alice were sitting at the table as well. I was steaming on the inside. My mother knew that I did not want anything to do with that conniving bitch.
She saw me coming into the diner and came up to me before I could reach the table. She asked me to be nice and just be cordial, before she pulled me over to the table, never giving me a chance for a rebuttal.
"Hi Bella, sweetheart. It's lovely to see you again dear," Esme said.
"Hi Esme, it's wonderful to see you too."
"Hi Bella," Alice said with a slight smile.
"Alice," I said to her, giving her a nod.
I couldn't find it in me to be all perky and happy to see her, because I wasn't. Just because I was friends with Jasper does not give her a free friend pass.
Rose still wasn't friends with her either. She was only cordial because her mom told her not to be so mean to Alice, since she's dating Jasper and all. Mrs. Hale wasn't too happy with Jasper's decision to jump right into another relationship right after we broke up, but of course she didn't know the real story either.
I had never got a chance to thank Esme personally for my birthday presents so I took the time to do so now.
"Um Esme, I just wanted to say thank you for the trip and the purse that you got me for my birthday. That was very thoughtful of you and Carlisle to do for me."
"Oh nonsense Bella, we loved doing it for you. However, I must confess that I'm not sure what purse you're speaking about. We were only responsible for the weekend trip getaway," she said curiously.
"Oh, I see. Well there was a bag on my bed with a Gucci purse inside and I just assumed that it was part of your gift. My apologies."
"Uh, actually Bella…that was from Jasper and I," Alice said.
"We didn't want to leave a card or note, because I knew that you wouldn't accept it if it was from me. I've noticed you carrying it around in school a few times and I was going to say something to you, but I thought that it would be best if I didn't," she explained.
"Wow, I definitely didn't see that coming. Thanks Alice," I said. I wasn't too sure of what else I could say to that, so I just let the topic drop after that.
One thing my parents taught us is to always be considerate of others and even though I couldn't stand the pixie sitting across from me, her gift was thoughtful and it was from both her and Jasper.
I wouldn't make a bid deal of it, but I would be sure to thank Jasper as well.
Dinner passed uneventful and my mother and I drove back to our home, conversing about various things.
When we pulled up to the house I stopped her from getting out of the car because I wanted to say something to her in private.
"Mom, I know your heart was in the right place when you and Esme decided to try and get Ali and I together in hopes of us making up and being friends. You should know that I don't think that's ever going to happen. I'm still very hurt and angry with her."
"Bella, it's not healthy to carry around that kind of anger. You really should consider giving her the chance to make things right. She's deeply sorry for not only what her and Jasper did, but for her behavior after the fact. She's been through a lot in her life, but I won't go into details. That's her story to tell when she's ready for you to know. Just think about it sweetheart. Just because you forgive her don't mean you have to forget, okay?"
"I will think about it mom, but I'm not making any promises."
"That's all I can ask for. Now lets get inside before your father tear the blinds off the window. He's been peaking through them since we pulled up."
We both laughed as we got out of the car. My father was a character. He always try to play like he doesn't notice things, but when it comes to me and my mom…he notices everything.
I've never seen him and my mom more in love than they are now. Their relationship proves that not every relationship fails.
After bidding my family goodnight, I went off to bed. I was hammered and I knew that I was going to have a full day tomorrow. There were seven girls who were trying out for the spot of "goalkeeper".
I hadn't even seen the list yet, so I'm not sure who the seven girls were or if I knew them. Ang was responsible for setting up the tryouts, so therefore I didn't pressure her about approving the list. I would find out soon enough.
At exactly 3:00 the next afternoon I was sitting out at the long table with Ang and Coach Beverly. We were waiting on the seven girls to change their clothes and come out on the field.
Ang looked over to me and asked me to keep an open mind once I saw the girls, which I thought was odd. I'm usually pretty easy going about anybody that shows an interest in wanting to join the team.
A few moments later the girls were making their way onto the field. Once they were all lined up in front of us, Coach Beverly went over the basic guidelines of the tryout and then asked them to sit over in the chairs we had provided for them.
I still hadn't looked at the girls, because I was going over the defensive tactics that coach had given me when we first got out here.
"Are you ready for us to begin Bella," Coach Beverly asked.
"Sorry coach, sure I'm ready," I said as I put the book down.
I looked over at the seven girls as I stood to take my position on the field. Ang and I were the forwards on our team and since she ran the last tryout session, I told her I'd do this one.
I looked each girl over one by one, when I reached the last girl in the line I balled my fist up so tight and I knew my face was probably 5 shades redder than when I blush.
Standing at the end of the line was none other than Alice-fucking-Cullen! Great, just fucking great. I just couldn't understand why it seems everyone wants to throw us together and force a friendship upon us. I know Ang had to know that her name was on the list and that's probably why she didn't ask me to take a look at it and also probably why she told me to keep an open mind.
Well there's no way in hell that Alice Cullen is going to be playing on this team, No. Fucking. Way!
I ran plays with all six of the girls, leaving Alice for last. Only one of them was able to stop most of my balls from getting behind the goal line.
Now it was Alice's turn. I will admit that she had the height and the build for a Goalkeeper, but I would never admit that to anybody.
I used all my best moves on Alice and to say that she was good would be an understatement. The crazy pixie bitch was beyond good!
I knew then that she would be the goalkeeper for our team and there was nothing I could do about it, except suck it up and deal with it.
I would not forsake the team because I have issues with Alice. As long as she kept everything professional, we would be fine.
Coach Beverly was the one who would let the girls know who was chosen and I took that opportunity to leave the field. Ang said she understood and that she would stay and let coach know I had somewhere I needed to be.
I was battling with myself because I knew that I was right for having the attitude that I have when it comes to Alice, but am I really being open-minded? I mean, should I just let bygones be bygones and try to let her back into my life?
Hell No! I can't even believe I'm entertaining a thought like that. I needed a way to let off some steam and an idea struck me…I think it's time I paid a visit to my boyfriend's house.
Edward thought I was going to be busy with soccer tryouts for awhile and I had originally told him that I was going to hang out with Ang tonight, because he wanted to work on some more compositions. That works perfectly into my plan.
I made a few phone calls and then I set my plan in motion.
I pulled up to my house and went right up to my room to get the things I would need ready. After I laid everything out, I went to my computer and hooked my Ipod up to it. I removed all the songs that I had on there and replaced them with songs that would be beneficial to my plan.
After I was done, I went downstairs to spend some time with my family until it was time for me to go get ready and leave.
I watched TV with James until Victoria arrived and they left for their date. My mom was busy on the phone handling some business for PaPa and my dad hadn't made it home from work yet.
I decided to get dinner started since my mom was otherwise occupied. She had set out some ground beef for spaghetti, so I whipped it up in no time. Right as the garlic bread was being taken out of the oven, my dad walked in.
"Hi Bells," he said.
"Hi dad, how was work," I asked him.
"It was work, nothing exciting."
"Dinner's ready, why don't you go and get washed up?"
"Okay sweetheart."
My mom had just got off the phone and greeted my father with a kiss, before following him into their bedroom.
A few minutes later they returned to the kitchen and my mom made my dad a plate, while I fixed me and her a plate.
We sat and ate, talking about our day. I told them about tryouts and my mom reminded me about our talk from last night about giving Ali a chance. My dad just sort of nodded his head as in agreement with her.
I wasn't ready to give her a chance yet, but I wouldn't voice that to my mother. We'll see how things go once we start practice next week. Again, I'm not making any promises of anything.
After we were done eating, I cleared the dishes and sat down with my parents in the family room to watch a movie. I still have a 1 ½ before I needed to be at my destination. So I would watch the movie for a little bit before I went upstairs to get ready. I already told my mom that I was going to be staying the night with Rose.
Thirty minutes later I went upstairs showered and got ready. I had already packed my overnight bag, so I didn't have to worry about that. I removed my Ipod from its docking station and put it in my bag and then I put my purple trench coat on to cover up my outfit. I was ready to go and set my plan in motion.
I pulled up to the Cullens house 20 minutes later. Carlisle and Esme were away for the night and Emmett, Edward, and Alice were going to be home alone. I wasn't really planning on staying the night with Rose, I just told my parents that. If everything went as I planned, I would be staying the night with Edward.
When I walked up to the door, Rose greeted me. She was helping me out with my plan. Before I could move fully into the house, she halted my steps.
"Bells, I just wanted to give you a heads up that Jasper and Ali are going to be here tonight too. I didn't know this until a little while ago and I figured you had already left to come over here, so that's why I didn't call to warn you."
"That's okay Rose, I'm not going to let them stop me from what I came here to do. Thanks for the heads up though."
With that, she stepped aside to let me in the house. Just to show her what a good sport I was about the situation, I stopped in the family room and greeted everyone before turning and heading up the stairs.
"Try to keep down the noise and leave him in one piece," Emmett yelled to me as I went up the stairs.
"Owww, why'd you do that Rosie? I was just joking with her," he said feigning hurt.
I laughed to myself as I continued to make my way up to the third level of the spacious house. I knew Edward was home, because Rose had texted me as soon as he came in from Port Angeles.
She said he was in a good mood, but seemed a bit lonely and stressed. I knew it was because we hadn't been spending that much time together lately and he was more than sexually frustrated. Not for long though.
I was now standing outside of his door preparing myself for what was about to happen.
"Okay, here goes nothing."
I knocked on his door, before turning the knob and walking into his room. He was sitting on his black leather sofa reading a book, with his earbuds in his ear.
He didn't even hear me knock, but that just added to the element of surprise. When he reads and he puts his earbuds in to listen to his Ipod, he lets himself get lost in the story. I knew he probably wouldn't notice me for a few minutes if at all.
I took out my Ipod and set it up on the docking station on his bedside table and I removed my coat, taking care to lay it over the chair at his desk. I then walked over to him and gently tapped him on his shoulder, causing him to jerk away quickly from the intrusion.
I kept a smile on my face and gave him my most seductive look.
"Hey there sexy, I heard you were a bit lonely tonight. I thought I'd come and keep you company, is that alright," I asked him.
He was speechless. He couldn't even form words. He was just staring at me like it was the first time he ever saw me.
"My God Bella, what are you wearing?"
A.N. Okay so that was the shortest chapter I've written so far. Sorry to leave you with a cliffy, but I just needed to set up the next chapter. This was just a filler chapter. The next will be a bit longer and will reveal Bella's plan. Please review and leave me your thoughts. Also in the next chapter I will finally reveal what it is Bella hasn't done yet and I will post her outfit on my profile.
BTW, the last chapter should have said "Breakfast Tiffany's", but I guess it doesn't recognize the symbol when you try to use it in a title. Now I know for future reference.
Some Great Fanfics to Read
~"Sinful in Seattle" by forbidden bliss
~"Shotgun Charlie" by jstarrh
~"The Trip Home" by mskathy