Disclaimer- I own nothing but boy it sure is fun to play.
A/N-
Holy cow you guys really let me have it! Eek! I really didn't expect that! I mean yes Edward was a prick but I think that I am going to give a view from his eyes. It may be a little different. I won't excuse what he said and did but maybe it will ease up enough to get you to finish of the story LOL! Hang in there this is still an Edward and Bella story but remember I know my endings before you do and this story has to get from point a to point b we just can't jump completely back to together where's the fun in that. Again please excuse any mistakes and as I said before I recommend reading the prequel Til I see you again to get caught up. Also this chapter brings us to our intro chapter…whoo hoo it starts getting good from here! I also apologize for the length …there just wasn't a good place to break it up.
Thanks for the reviews I appreciate them believe it or not. Criticism isn't my favorite, especially when its nasty, but it's still a response so keep them coming. Remember I write a lot of words for you, I just would like a few back in return!
Enjoy –Ali 3
EPOV-
"You're a jerk" Rosalie pointed her finger in my face.
We were all sitting around our dining room table having a family meeting. I didn't know where the sisters went…and frankly I didn't care.
"I know alright!" I pulled at my hair in frustration. "But what was I suppose to do, let her tear my heart out again" I argued. "All I was thinking about was making her think I didn't care."
"Really this is about you...your ego. She was almost raped and you told her it wasn't your concern."
"Ok I regret that…I do... but I told you I took care of it!"
"Throwing a tree on top of his car isn't going to help her Edward!"
"NO, but the other option was murder so which did you prefer Rose?" I spat.
"What was up with the stink face you gave Bella, and the fact that you wouldn't talk to her?" Alice chimed in.
"Whose side are you guys on anyway?" I steamed. "She cheated on me"
"It's no wonder if you treated her like that…She should have dumped your ass a long time ago!" Rose cut in.
"She was standing at my door in a freaking negligée, bleeding from a cut, for God's sake I had to tell her to leave because I couldn't hold it together, I was losing it. Is that what you want to hear?"
"She thinks you hate her." Alice said solemnly. "She hates me now too."
"I'm sorry Alice. I should have told her. I tried I did…I just I was afraid she wouldn't forgive me…I should have told her the other night when I had the chance. It wouldn't have mattered I lost her anyway."
"Well her hand broken." Emmett frowned throwing the car keys on the table as he interrupted me. He took the empty seat by Rose.
"I knew it would be" I sighed in frustration. The hit hadn't hurt me at least not physically but mentally it pained me as much as when she broke my heart. She actually thought I wanted Tanya? Absolutely absurd.
"How bad is it?" I asked.
"Carlisle said that there was no serious damage, just tiny fissure in the knuckles but he was none too thrilled to hear how she broke it." He shot back.
"Did she fight you about going?"
"She would have if she knew you sent me." He snickered.
"You would have gone anyway" I glared
"Don't do this again Edward. Don't play the victim." Emmett locked horns with me. "You're acting like an idiot."
"And what exactly am I DOING Emmett?" I yelled
"Pushing her away…giving up! We watched you do that last time and it almost tore this whole family apart!" Emmett shouted. "I won't have you screw us or her up again because you're too blind to see what's in front of you!" he threatened.
He was usually such an easy going person that when he got angry it was serious business but I couldn't help but feel like my entire family was ganging up on me.
"This is different, she chose Jacob. The best thing I can do is just keep my distance." I said irritated. I pushed back my chair and headed toward my bedroom. "I suggest you all do the same."
Bella-
I couldn't get to sleep. The splint that Carlisle made me wear was uncomfortable, but it could have been worse at least it wasn't a cast. I tried to erase my mind but I kept playing the events over in my head like a movie.
Truth or Dare, Fighting with Alice, Hitting Edward, Walking home in the rain, and the car ride with Emmett. I hadn't made it far when his headlights overtook me.
"Get in Belly Bean" Emmett sighed opening the door.
"No thanks…I've had enough of rides this evening." I protested.
"Please" he asked again.
I shook my head.
"l'll follow you regardless." He joked. "There are dangerous creatures out in these woods."
"Ha-ha very funny" I groaned.
"Come on Bella, just get in the jeep." He begged.
I stopped walking and turned to him looking him right in the eye.
"Did you know?" I asked.
"No" he said pained. Emmett was a lot of things but he was not a liar. I succumbed and pulled myself into the cab.
"There's a towel in the backseat." He informed me as I buckled myself into the harness.
I reach around and winced as a sharp pain jolted my hand.
"You hit him pretty hard huh?" Emmett asked trying to keep from laughing.
"Everything I had" I admitted.
"Good for you" He told me seriously.
I smiled.
"You know…he misses you."
"I don't want to talk about it Emmett."
"Fair enough" He agreed. "But I just wanted you to know, he's not the bad ass he's making himself out to be."
I nodded my head. "Can we change the subject, please?"
"Sure" he said. "Sports, Weather, whatever you want to talk about."
"Rosalie" I asked.
"Wow! Not expecting that…" he chuckled turning his head toward me. "Whatcha wanna know."
He drove slower than the rest of the Cullens; we had barely made it into city limits. I was grateful.
"She acted really odd this evening…nice…and then at the party…well she wished she had a life like mine? What was that all about?" I asked.
Emmett gripped the stirring wheel hard but didn't speak for a moment.
"Bella I'm going to tell you something but I don't want Rose to know I told you. Ok. She'll tell you when she's ready but it's hard for her sometimes especially when she is around you."
"Why?"
"Because she never ever wanted this life, none of us did but especially not her." He began. "She was engaged to a man, a very bad man." His eyes burned. "Let's just say that you got off easy tonight compared to what Rose went through."
"Oh…" I felt my mouth drop in surprise. Emmett continued.
"All she wanted from him was a happy life and a family but, he and his buddies took that from her." He snarled. "You know it still bothers me the fact that I can't give her what she wants." He slammed his fist into the wheel.
"I know she loves you Emmett, you give her all she needs" I promised putting my hand on his shoulder. "I didn't mean to bring back so many bad memories." I apologized.
"It's not your fault, but I hope that helps explain why she so against you becoming one of us. It's not you she dislikes but your decision to give away everything she always dreamed of …that's what's making it hard for her.
He pulled into my driveway and walked me to the door.
"Well she won't have to worry about it now" I shrugged. I tried opening the door but Emmett took my hand.
"This is swelling. You've probably broken it. Why don't you let me take you to Carlisle and see what he says?"
"I really don't think that necessary, I'll just put some ice on it" I played off the pain.
"Bella, I'll drag you there if I have too." He was serious.
"Can I at least change clothes first?" I asked trying to cover myself with the towel.
"If you want…" he chuckled. "But I have to say I think you look pretty darn good myself."
I blushed and he laughed harder.
I rolled over again trying to sleep but it didn't help. I drug myself from bed, dressed and stumbled downstairs. My plan was to work on my history report but I kept getting side-tracked instead I grabbed my jacket and headed outdoors.
The crisp morning air was refreshing. I never would have imagined that I would grow to appreciate Forks when I moved here to live with Charlie. Truth was that it was growing on me every day. I almost hate the thought of leaving after graduation but regardless of if Edward and I were together I couldn't stay. It held too many memories.
I walked for a really long time each step clearing my head of unwanted thoughts. Only when I came to a stone cliff did realize that the trial I had been following ended. I turned immediately back in an attempt to go home the way I came. It was chilly now in the depth of the forest. How could I have been so oblivious to my surroundings? I took three steps when I heard it.
"Bella" the wind whispered my name.
A shiver went up my spine, it was her, it was Victoria. I knew her quiet threating tone.
I ran straight ahead…it echoed again just a few feet away.
I turned and ran left deeper into the woods…but again the words followed. "Bella"
I was confused now…the voice was approaching but I couldn't tell from which direction. I was out of breath gasping for air. I was completely surrounded by large green vegetation. I had no idea where I was or how close she might be…
"I am coming for you…." the words seemed to float from behind me but when I turned around she wasn't there.
"Bella" I heard Jake yell for me in alarm. "Bella where are you?"
"Here, Jake, I'm here!" I screamed in relief.
"Stay where you are!" He demanded. "Don't move"
I did what he wanted. A few minutes passed before he reached me and I immediately threw my arms around him!
He hugged me back. "She's gone for now" he promised. "What were you thinking? What if I hadn't come by? What if I hadn't caught a whiff of her?" he questioned. "Don't be out here alone anymore ok." He requested.
I agreed without hesitation.
Jake walked me back to the house, I really wasn't as far as I thought from the main path but I was glad to have his company and sense of direction.
"So I got to thinking about the whole truck situation." Jacob announced as he grabbed a couple of sodas from my fridge. He brought them back to the living room and plopped on my couch. "And I think I might have a solution but it might be a gamble." He warned.
"I'm listening."
"Look, I don't know if it's smart that I even tell you about this…I mean you can't drive it with your hand all messed up anyway." He debated with himself.
"Let me worry about my hand." I argued. I had skipped over the finer points of last night with Jacob. As far as he knew all of my injuries occurred when I tripped at the Cullen's house.
"Ok but it's still a matter of getting past your dad." He continued.
"Jake!" I pushed.
"The bikes, alright, I thought that you could use them to get to school and maybe work while I hunt for you some tires." He offered hesitantly.
"Jake you're a genius!" I declared jubilantly.
"I don't know Bella; the more I think about it … I mean I don't want to get you into trouble with your dad."
I brushed his comment off like it was nothing.
"He's been spending his all his time at the department. Missing hikers and the review next weekend. My truck will be fixed and in the driveway before he knows anything about it."
"Someone will end up telling him, you'll get caught." He argued taking a large gulp from his can.
"I'll cross that bridge when I get to it, just make sure you aren't the one turning me in again!" I scowled.
"No way I learned my lesson the first time." He swore.
"When can you drop it off?" I asked.
"Tomorrow I guess." He shrugged "Later today if you want?" he offered.
"Tomorrow would be perfect…just make sure that its afternoon. Charlie will be home but should be sleeping or watching one of the games."
"No problem…I'll park it behind the outbuilding. Just promise me you'll be careful on it" he implored.
"Of course I will." I scoffed at him.
"Right…"
"Hey how did your test go the other day?" I changed the subject. I knew that he was scheduled to have a quiz on Romeo and Juliet.
"I did ok…I got a B-"He said proudly.
"That's great!" I praised. "You worked really hard for it."
"Yeah Dad was pretty happy…said I should get you some type of a thank you present for all your help."
"Oh no Jake that's not necessary" I began.
"Yeah it is…I would be failing big time if it wasn't for you Bella." He acknowledged. "That's why I stopped by I was just going to leave it for you but I'm glad you're here. I hope you like it." He seemed unsure as he handed me a small drawstring bag.
"What is it? "I asked.
"Open it and find out." He urged.
I tried tugging on the small pouch but the stupid brace wouldn't cooperate.
"And you think you're going to be able to ride a motorcycle." He scoffed pulling on the strings.
I ignored him as I watched a small silver bracelet fall into my opened hand, on the end of one of the links dangled a tiny realistic figurine of a wolf.
"It's beautiful, Jake." I said truthfully. "I don't remember ever seeing anything so lifelike" I mused gingerly touching the charm.
"That's not surprising; it's one of a kind. I made it. Billy taught me." He seemed unsure. "You really like it."
"I love it...its perfect." I promised. "I can't believe you actually made this."
He seemed relieved as he clasped it around my arm.
"Thank you Jake" I was touched. I leaned in and gave him a small peck on the cheek.
He looked embarrassed and coughed.
"Bella when are you going to go on a date with me?" He pressed.
"Nice try Jake…know how to ruin a moment."
"Had to give it a shot" He shrugged. "Got any food around here?"
Nope nothing ever changes with Jake.
X0x0x0x0x0x0x0x0
Jake had the bike behind the shed like he promised when it was time for my shift at Newton's on Sunday. We normally didn't work on Sundays often but when Mrs. Newton asked if I could come in for some store cleaning I agreed. I needed extra money for new tires.
Charlie was snoring away when I left the note telling him where I was going. I snapped my helmet into place made sure my backpack was secure and kicked down on the clutch. I had no problem with the gears because I had removed the brace from my wrist and tossed it under the bed. The pain was excruciating at first but I'd had worse.
I parked the bike behind the store and headed inside. As I glanced over my shoulder I couldn't help but be surprised to find Mike's car crumpled and bashed in. I wish I could say it didn't give me a little bit of joy but it did. Mrs. Newton said a tree fell on it; maybe there was something to this Karma thing after all.
I was busy organizing the supplies behind the counter when I overheard Mrs. Newton on the phone.
"John, honey, I've searched the store over and can't find Walter. Where did you place him this time?" She seemed put out.
Walter was the stores mascot. He was one of those big plush stuffed husky dogs that we passed off as a wolf to the kids who came into the shop. They loved to hug around his neck but he was almost as tall as the children. Every week Mr. or Mrs. Newton would take Walter and wash him before returning him store where they would hide him and let the kids play "Where's Walter?" If the child found him they got a prize. The downside was that as large as Walter was he tended to always end up misplaced.
"Well I looked there too?" She argued holding the phone away for a moment, covering the handset she glanced at me. "Bella darling have you seen Walter?" she pursed her lips.
"No, Mrs. Newton I'm sorry I haven't." I shrugged my shoulders. "I know Nicholas and Logan found him Friday in the tent." I pointed to the back of the store.
"See John, Bella hasn't seen him since Friday either." She argued ignoring me again.
I returned back to work as if I hadn't been disturbed. She was still looking for Walter when I left.
I headed back home on the bike stopping two houses down and pushed the bike into our yard. I snuck back around to the front door and came in as if I had walked the entire way. Charlie was sitting on the couch reading the paper.
He looked tired. More gray to his hair, more crinkles around his eyes than in his smile but still he seemed happy to see me.
"Hey Isabella, how was work?" he asked generally interested.
"The same" I volunteered. "Although we may have to put out an APB on Walter." I joked.
"Again" said Charlie knowing how often he got lost.
I just nodded. "Anything interesting in the paper?" I asked glancing over. He crumpled it quickly. "Doesn't seem to be." He said a little to casually.
. We ate left-overs that evening and afterwards Charlie suited up again for work. I took that opportunity to snoop at the paper. I found three more missing hikers and a not so flattering description of how Forks sheriff department was dealing with the matter.
It was no wonder Charlie didn't want me to see it. The writer practically crucified him and his deputies. I truly felt sorry for him.
I had a hard time falling asleep again and morning came all too quickly. I had forgotten what it was like when Edward wasn't there to keep the dreams from engulfing me. It had been such a long and frustrating week. I missed him terribly but I was still hurting from the truth. He had kissed her! I was angry and I was determined to stay that way!
As it turns out school wasn't as miserable without Edward as I had thought. I kind of liked not having to deal with running into him. Alice on the other had wasn't giving up without a fight. She continued calling at least three times a day at the house. I really wished Charlie would invest in a caller i.d. system.
At school she was even more persistent. I couldn't seem to get away from her. She was always at my locker or standing behind me in the lunch line; it was while I was in the girl's restroom that I put my foot down!
"Enough Alice!" I fumed. "I don't want to talk with you; I don't want to hear excuses." I stormed away leaving her mid-speech.
In Mr. Jefferson's class I was reminded that our papers were due Wednesday and counted as 25% of our grade. Not great news for me considering that I hadn't started writing mine yet but it was in English Literature, one of the two classes that Edward and I still had together, that I got the most satisfaction. He sat in the back while I took a seat closer to the front.
Mr. Berty continued to drone on about Shakespeare, I listened as best I could but was distracted by the feeling that I was being watched. I tried my best to continue to ignore it but finally I couldn't stand it any longer and turned.
Edward was staring at me strangely almost angry, only he wasn't staring at my face, his glare was trained on my arm. I looked down and saw the problem. Jacobs's bracelet. I turned back into my seat and twisted it purposely. I heard the sound of a pencil snap in half and I couldn't help but smile to myself.
Mr. Berty called on Edward. "Mr. Cullen" he announced before the entire class. "Am I boring you?" he asked.
"No of course not." Edward returned his glance back to our balding teacher.
"I'm so glad to hear that…it will make staying after class easier. " he continued.
I snickered.
"You find that funny Miss Swan? Well congratulations you will be joining us." I cringed.
The class emptied out fairly quickly when the bell rang; I suppose they were afraid to be in the middle of the war zone.
Mr. Berty assigned us our extra reading and left us with Shakespeare.
We studied in uncomfortable silence for a long time…Edward finally slammed his book and turned toward me.
"You know I've been going to school now for almost 100 years give or take…and this is the first time I've ever had to stay after class." He chided waving his arms.
"Are you blaming me for this?" I huffed. "You're the one that wasn't paying attention!
He was so infuriating but what was worse that I felt the same familiar zipping of the electricity that I used to feel in chemistry class. It sizzled my blood. It was to hard to keep from kissing him or strangling him. I wasn't sure which I wanted to do more. In my unfocused dilemma I knocked my book off the desk. We both grabbed for it; our hands touching for a brief second and a shock ran through me. We both jerked our hands back.
"Nice bracelet." Edward sulked as he handed me my book back.
"Thank you, it was a gift" I replied with false sweetness.
"I thought you didn't like gifts." He sneered.
"I didn't like YOU giving me gifts." I reiterated.
"I see" he strained through clenched teeth.
We continued both of us trying to read, each one of us failing miserably. I flexed my fingers quickly but his sharp eyes didn't miss anything.
"Why aren't' you wearing the splint Carlisle gave you?" Edward gaze intent on mine. He had been hunting recently. They were a honey color. I almost licked my lips but caught myself in time.
"Not your concern remember." I said hatefully grabbing my books as Mr. Berty entered the room.
"Mr. Berty I have gym next period, can I please be excused." I asked nicely. I honestly never thought those words would be uttered from these lips. Edward seemed amused.
"I expect a paper on what you read Miss Swan…you are excused." He dismissed me without another thought.
"Have a great time" he smiled euphorically.
He knew I had no intention of going to gym. I went to Mrs. Cope and handed her the excuse that Carlisle had written me to get out of class. She seemed skeptical but assigned me study hall for the rest of the duration.
I checked in at the library and found the farthest table in the back. I preferred to be alone right now but Alice refused to let that happen.
I turned to get my history book from my bag and when I turned back around she was sitting in the seat beside me.
"Holy Crow Alice!" I shouted grabbing at my heart. The librarian shhh'd me. I waved apologetically lowering my voice. "I told you to leave me alone." I started packing up my stuff.
"I'm not here to bother you…I'll leave. I just wanted to tell you Jasper offer still stands. If you want help with your history report." She played with her hands. "I promise I won't be there, and I'll make sure Edward will be locked away somewhere too."
"I don't think that's a good idea."
"Please Bella, I know you're mad at me but Jasper was really excited about this, he doesn't have many opportunities to share his stories."
"I don't care Alice!"
"Fine, Bella, but when you fail your paper, and I know you will. Don't say I didn't try to help."
I chewed on my lip. I was thinking of any other options I might have in order to get my paper done on time.
She smirked. "5 o'clock is great. He will meet you in the library."
"I didn't agree to anything." I countered.
She just shrugged her shoulders as she pushed her chair under the table.
"One more thing, while I have you here…. I am truly sorry I hurt you Bella."
"I am too…especially for something as petty as a car." I turned my chair from her so I didn't have to see her sulk. I continued reading until I was sure she had left and hurriedly packed up my things as quickly as I could and headed home so I could release the tears that kept trying to escape.
Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Alice had kept her word. Neither she nor Edward was anywhere to be found when I arrived at the house. I hated that this was my only option but if I failed History I wouldn't graduate and the thought of having to repeat another year of high school was horrifying.
Jasper was wonderful and as Alice predicted enthusiastic about sharing his passion. I had never seen him more animated than when he was telling one of the stories. I got so much information as a matter of fact that I had more than enough to write two essays.
I was so enjoying the stories in fact that I didn't notice the time until Jasper looked at his watch. He got a little nervous. He coughed at his next question. "You wouldn't happen to want to see my uniform would you?"
"I would love too!" I answered. It was seven o'clock already but I couldn't pass up a chance to see a real piece of civil war history.
"It's in the closet" he motioned across the hall to his and Alice room. I followed him inside as I got close to the doors I heard something.
"What is that?" I asked.
Jasper sighed. "I'm sorry Bella, it was Alice's idea." He opened the door and threw me inside. It took me a minute to realize Edward was sitting on the floor tied up. A pair of scissors lay just out of reach.
"Oh MY God!" I yelled as I went over and helped him I cut off the duct tape around his wrists although he could have easily snapped them in two.
"I'll kill you Emmett" he yelled through the door pulling the tape from his mouth.
"How long have you been in here" I asked.
"Less than a minute, right before you got tossed in…I was minding my own business and Emmett grabbed me!" he cursed. "I know your out there listening!" he yelled!
"I AM NOT" he echoed back.
Edward just shook his head and gave me "He's an idiot" look.
"Emmett, I tried being nice. Why are we locked in here?" I asked trying to keep my voice calm.
"Alice said you guys needed to talk…" He commented frankly.
NO NO NO this can't be happening I thought! I be stuck in her with him…I started to panic.
"Damn it, Let me out." I screamed as I pounded on the door of the Alice's closet. I knew that with eleven other vampires in the house SOMEONE would take pity on me.
"Quiet down, Belly bean!" Emmett's deep voice echoed through the closet door. I'm under strict orders not to let you two out until Alice is back." He laughed.
"Come on Emmett!" I shouted pulling on the doors again. "Let me out of here!"
"Nope not until you to kiddies kiss and make up." He snickered as he made puckering noises; I quickly tuned him out.
"Unbelievable!" I huffed turning to Edward wishing I could make him disappear.
"You're the one who wanted to talk? " He growled.
"Don't blame me for this, this is your fault!" I griped from the other side of the closet.
"And how might I ask is that?" he replied heated.
"You refuse to listen to me!" I yelled. "If you had talked to me to begin with none of this would be necessary." I accused.
"Excuse me who told her we split up! It wasn't anyone's business but ours until you drug Alice into it."
"I'm not the one who told her, she saw it on her own, besides I never wanted to split up!" I screamed.
"No, you'd just prefer to go on sneaking around behind my back!" he spat.
"You You UGH! I can't think of anything bad enough to call you!" I cried.
"Oh I don't know, how about a Benedict Arnold or perhaps Jezebel perhaps maybe just simply a cheat, take your choice!" he paused a moment "NO wait, my mistake I was describing YOU!" He pulled his bronze hair.
"ME, well if that's not the pot calling the kettle black! What about you? You have little room to accuse me of cheating. " I hissed crossing my arms as he mimicked my motion.
We were at an impasse; both of us took a moment and stared at each other both of our eyes burning with the anger we felt toward one another, neither of us backing down. If only he knew the truth behind what was going on, he wouldn't be so judgmental, perhaps he would even understand but if he couldn't trust me with this than I wasn't about to tell him about what was really happening. I needed him now more than ever and he had turned his back on me.
"You know what…I don't care anymore Edward." I placed my hands down. "I don't care what you think about me. I don't care that my hand is throbbing and I don't care that I will never be able to pay for what I'm about to do because I would rather do just about anything than be in the same room with you right now!" I yelled.
I unzipped the nearest garment bag I could find and started chopping away on whatever was inside with the scissors.
It took less than 2 minutes before Alice released us.
"You are all INSANE!" I yelled on my way out the door.
"Bella I was just trying to help" Alice tried to explain as Edward pushed his way out the door looking for Emmett.
"Alice, I don't' want your help ok, right now, I don't even want to be around you let alone be your friend." Edward stopped and stared at me.
I climbed on the motorcycle and sped away without a second glance. I had never been so thankful to be home in my entire life.
Charlie cruiser wasn't parked outside again and I knew I wouldn't be around. I was tired from all the excitement and looked forward to climbing in bed with the notes Jasper gave me. At least the day hadn't been a total waste. It was quiet in the house but something was different. I notice a small piece of white fuzz lying on the staircase. As I climbed I found another and another each bigger than the next. I creaked the door open and my hands flew to my mouth to muffle the high pitched shriek.
Walter lay mutilated on my bed. Stuffing was everywhere and patches of deep red liquid splattered his soft furry coat. That isn't what scared me though, it was the note attached at the end of a dagger…the double meaning behind its horrible words.
"I'll get you my pretty…and your little dog too!"