You Didn't Have me At Hello
A/N Don't own it boo hoo hoo
Thanks for the great reviews. I am having fun writing this one. Check out the other ones. Working hard getting the other ones too.
Chapter 5
Jasper POV
I couldn't stand the fact that we had made Bella suffer so much. We were cruel children, but now I wanted to really make it up to her, Liam, Tanya and my parents. No one should have gone through what we put Bella through. I remember those times when we would call her stupid, dumb, ugly, dog, pig and even the c word. We would try to think of more shit every night to torture this poor girl. Why – I can never explain it. We were on a power trip. Every single kid wanted to be our friend and wanted to like us. Bella didn't – she was the only one. That made her different and we interpreted it as abnormal. Once we got older, the insults were worse and sexual. Bella wasn't one of those girls who developed early and we reminded her that every single day. I recall the girls accusing her to be a lesbian and a dyke.
Oh, I still shiver from what we did to her. She has every right not to forgive us, but I know Dad and this medical community really need her. She is one of the most talented scientist in the world and she is dedicated to her field. I know none of us men have asked her forgiveness. Emmett won't do it because if I know him he would be afraid of saying something stupid. Edward won't do it, because the bitch Lauren is here and he has complete control over her. If he showed any weakness, that would mean he would have to show it to Lauren.
"Isabella, may I? " I was trying to talk to her and extend my hand. Liam and Tanya were hovering over her, protecting her from any more pain. "Please Isabella?" She nodded to her parents and took my hand and I held her hand tight. Emmett got right behind me. The idiot of Edward didn't move. "First, may I call you Bella. I know I have no right, but hear me out." She was putting her guard down and looked at me straight in my eyes. "Bella, I want to genuinely and honestly ask you if you can forgive my brothers and I for treating you the way we treated you so many years ago. We had no right and in reality no one should had suffer as much as you did. I can only speak for myself, but I was jealous. You were so different from all the other kids. You weren't sucking up to us, you weren't trying to be our friend. You were just trying to be Bella. You had and still have the intensity and passion to be yourself. Bella, if I could, I would take away everything we ever did to you, but I would be so grateful and privileged if you would forgive my family and I and allow us to slowly re-enter your life as friends. I can promise that we will help you forget what what have done."
Bella POV
As I heard Jaspers words, it felt sincere and kind and promising. Alice, Rose and Emmett were right next to him. Edward wasn't, which I kind of figured because he was the cruelest of them. They were all looking at me and I had to make a decision.
"First, Jasper, thank you for your kinds words. Secondly, Carlilse and Esme, let me apologize for the outburst before. That scene was uncall for and I hope you can forgive me. You had nothing to do what happened." I saw their smile and knew there was nothing to forgive. Then I faced the Alice, Emmett, Jasper and Rosalie, while trying to look at Edward as well. "I can't say that I completely can forgive you right now, but as my father always has told me, time heal all wounds. Let's slowly try this out, if that is ok." Jasper held out his hand again and just said "Thank you." It felt a heavy burden had been release from my shoulder. I really believe I needed that so I can continue with my life and successfully work well at SLR. Mum and dad enveloped me in a big hug and whispered in my ear that they loved and adored me and how they were proud. Carlisle and Esme hugged me as well .
Once that was done and the tension was a bit less my dad and mum stomach grumbled. "Dad, did you eat today?" He smiled, "You know me too well. What are we in the mood today?" "Hmm, how about Chinese?" My dad laughed, "Carlisle, Esme, why don't we all go. Can you recommend a a place?"
We all left, except for Edward and Lauren. They had other plans, which was perfectly fine with me. Why the other Cullens looked at me differently, it felt that Edward didn't like me and neither did Lauren. We got to the restaurant and I was so happy that it was an authentic Mandarin restaurant. My parents and I adored Chinese cuisine. Each one was different. The food found in Hong Kong was different that found on mainland China. We spent a month in China hiking, getting lost in the Chinese culture. I learned a lot of Mandarin there. When the hostess provided us with the menus, I looked at everyone. "Carlisle, Esme, do you trust me?" I saw my parents and they immediately knew what I was up to. Carlisle and Esme stated yes. "Ok, does anyone here have any type of allergies ?" No one answered a yes. I nodded. I requested the hostess to come back and that is when I shocked the hell out of the Cullens.
I requested the hostess that I needed to speak to the manager of the restaurant – IN MANDARIN. All jaws dropped except for mum and dad. The manager came over and introduced himself as Jimmy Zheng. I fluently spoke Mandarin to Mr. Zheng, "Mr Zheng, my name is Isabella Swan and these are are parents and friends. We would like to celebrate new hope here and well, I wanted to order from the other menu." Mr Zheng's eyes popped out, very few westerners new of the Mandarin menu. He apologize and took all the menus back and provided me with one. I thanked him and requested 5 mintues to look over the menu to decide what to order. I scanned immediately and they had the traditional plates there. When Mr Zheng came back, I requested about 20 different traditional dishes.
Rosalie POV
Bella ceases to amaze me. She speaks Mandarin fluently and she charmed the pants off Mr Zheng. Emmett had to ask,"Where did you learn to speak Mandarin, Bella?" She explained to us how she learned all the languages she knew from a language school a block away from where she lives in London and from her extensive travel. Her parents and Bella told us their adventures in China and in Hong Kong. I was actually surprised to find out that Bella had been formally trainied in Kung Fu. That would explain her demure. This particular martial art not only teaches the ability to fight physically, but as well emotioanally and psychologically.
After Jasper's speech, we all felt better. I knew that Bella would never call us out for a favor, but at least we were going to try. The conversation was lively and hilarious. When the food arrived, we were all starving. The aroma was intoxicating and the taste was the most incredible taste any of us had tasted.
After dinner, we smalled talk and I definitely wanted to have Bella as my friend, actually as a good friend. I could tell that she protected her family and friends. She was an independent, strong woman who enjoyed the simple things in life. We did talk shop and advised Bella that we need to start moving on the the fundraising ball for Valentines' Day. Due to the economy, we were losing donations left and right. The ball was going to be $500 per couple collecting money for the advancement of SLR. We had only received 1/3 of the tickets sold and we were worried. We got into details of ball and I noticed Bella's eyes started to dance. She said she was going to start taking care of some. Her eyes glistened and I knew she was up to something..