Standard Disclaimer – I do not own Twilight or any of the characters from the story. All song selections have been provided by my amazing beta, NoWayWithWords. She is the greatest! She has set up a YouTube playlist that includes the songs chosen for the chapters. If you would like to check it out, see my profile for the link.

The song for this chapter is "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfiled.

Chapter 4 – New Beginnings

I spent the rest of the weekend talking wedding plans with Angela. If her mother had her way, the entire wedding would end up looking like something from the '80s. Angela literally cringed at the wedding gowns her mother wanted her to consider. She didn't want big puffy sleeves, tons of iridescent sequins, and a big fluffy bow on her ass. She wanted something simple and elegant.

We knew that we had plenty of time before she had to commit to a dress, so we focused our attention on more basic things, like finding a place to hold the reception. Angela's dad was a minister at a small church near the suburbs, so she knew she was going to get married there, but it was much too small for a reception. We found a nice little place that was not too far from the church. Not only was the price reasonable, but they would also provide bartenders and wait staff if she needed them.

With that major decision out of the way, we sat down and started making a schedule of what we needed to accomplish and when it needed to be finished. By the time I left on Sunday afternoon we had a game plan of what we would each work on over the next month. I would do as much pre-planning as I could over the internet to help narrow down Angela's options, then I would email her basic summaries of what I found and she could go check things out in person. I promised I would come back into town once a month to help out with whatever she needed.

On my way back to Forks, I could feel the weight of my real life crushing down on me. I had a nagging feeling that I shouldn't be leaving. Seattle was where I was supposed to be, not Forks. I deserved more. I shouldn't be waiting tables in a little diner. I should be on stage. Even if I never made it big in Seattle, I could at least utilize my college degree there. I could be Bella Swan, not the police chief's daughter. I could go on a date without the entire town knowing whether or not I let the guy kiss me goodnight.

Dad wasn't home when I pulled into the driveway. I found a note on the refrigerator saying that he was working the night shift. In a way, I was kind of relieved. I didn't want to have to account for everything I did while I was gone. I knew he meant well and was just trying to play the part of the concerned father, but he needed to start treating me like a grown woman and not a little girl.

-/MMI/-

The week seemed to drag as one day fed into the next. I received a call from Nate late Wednesday evening. He was at a payphone.

"Hey, Bella. It's me, Nate. Listen I'm at a payphone and don't have any more change so we have to make it quick. I've been working on some songs. I have two ready for you to hear. I like one but I'm not really sure about the other. I figured you could listen and decide for yourself. Are you coming back into town anytime soon?"

"Hey, Nate. I'm glad you called. Just in case we get cut off, I need you to write down a number. Do you have something to write with?"

He mumbled to someone else then said, "Go ahead."

I gave him the phone number and made him read it back to me.

"That's a local number. Who is it for?"

"His name is Jasper Whitlock."

"Your record company contact?"

"Yes. He wants to talk to you about a possible position in his house band."

"Bella, I don't have my drums anymore and with the other shit hanging over my head…"

"He knows about that, Nate. I told him. I know it was confidential, but he was really cool with it. He believes in giving people a second chance. Call him. The position may not be available for a while, but call him anyway… promise?"

"Ok. I promise. Now, how are we going to exchange music? I don't have a recorder and I can't stand at this payphone and play for you. When are you coming back to town?"

"I can't come this weekend because I'm broke, but I might be able to make it the weekend after."

"OK. Listen, this thing is asking me for more money. I have to go. I'll call next Wednesday."

"Call me collect if you don't have any change."

"Ok. Talk to you then."

I barely had time to say goodbye before the line went dead. I really hoped he would call Jasper and not blow it off. I knew deep down in my bones that this was what he needed to start getting his life back on track.

-/MMI\-

By Friday my dad was on every single nerve I own. Somehow he got it in his head that I needed to find a good man and settle down. His best friend's son, Jacob, had just dropped out of college and moved home to open a garage and dad just knew we would fall in love, get married, and have a litter of babies.

He had invited Jacob to come over for dinner on Thursday to meet me. Thankfully, I was working at the diner, so I wasn't home. Jacob showed up at my door on Friday and announced that my dad had instructed him to take me to the movies in Port Angeles, which is about an hour away from Forks. Talk about putting someone on the spot!

The drive to the movies was incredibly uncomfortable. Neither of us really knew what to say to each other. He tried making small talk, but the only thing he knew about was cars. Since I didn't know anything about cars, I pretty much sat in silence, nodding occasionally, while he talked.

The movie was ok, but nothing to write home about. Through the entire movie, Jacob kept trying to hint that he wanted to hold my hand but I pretended to be oblivious. He tried to put his arm around my waist on our way back to the car, but I stepped out of his reach.

He actually pouted all the way back to Forks. I couldn't believe how incredibly immature he was. I was so irritated that I started fiddling with the radio stations. I stopped on an Edward Cullen song and started to sing along with it. This irritated Jacob.

"You actually like that music?" He made a face like he smelled something nasty.

"Yes, I do. I met him once and he gave me front row tickets to his concert."

"You know he's gay, don't you?"

I rolled my eyes. "Just because a guy is good looking doesn't make him gay."

"You just keep telling yourself that, Bella."

"Besides, he had a small harem hanging out with him when we met."

"All part of the cover, I'm sure."

"Looking like that, I'm sure he could have any girl he wanted."

"That's exactly why I say he's gay. When they don't have to work for it, they don't appreciate it as much."

There was no point in arguing with him, so I asked him a few questions about his garage. That was enough to get him talking for the rest of the trip home. When he pulled into the driveway, I shot out of the car before he even had a chance to get out.

"Thanks for taking me to the movie, Jacob. It was nice," I shouted as I headed up the steps and unlocked the door. "Good night."

"Wait," he said as he jogged toward the steps. "Don't I even get a kiss goodnight?"

"Sorry, Jacob, I don't kiss on the first date."

He rolled his eyes. "How about a hug then?"

I signed and reluctantly skipped down the steps, gave him a quick hug, then turned around and rushed into the house. On my way inside, I thought I heard him mumble, "What are we, twelve?"

Of course, my dad was waiting up for me to see how the date went. I shot him a dirty look and informed him that I didn't appreciate being set up against my will before marching up to my room and shutting my door. If he wanted to treat me like a kid, I was going to act like a kid.

Jacob called the house a few times the following week, but I conveniently missed the call every time. I got a few emails from Angela talking about wedding planning stuff and how remarkable Ben was. I was glad that she had finally found that someone special to spend the rest of her life with.

I started doing online research regarding current trends in bridal headwear for Angela. I couldn't believe there were so many options: a tiara, a few flowers, a wreath, a hat, a headband, and more. All of these could be worn by themselves or with a veil. There were different kinds of veils, too. They could be long or short, sheer or lacy, trimmed in beads or dotted with tiny pearls. It was very intimidating.

While I was sorting through it all, an email popped up.

Bella,

I just wanted to let you know that I met with Nate. You were right, he is a nice guy. I brought him to the studio and let him play around. He is very talented and has a real ear for music. He played me one of the songs he has ready for you. I think you'll like it.

I took him out for steak and told him that I was interested in bringing him onboard, but I had to wait until I had an opening. He asked me to shoot you an email to thank you for recommending him. I told him I would. When I dropped him off back at his apartment, a few minutes ago, he seemed much happier than he did when I picked him up.

I thought you might like to know that everything was going fine.

Sincerely,

Jasper

That email brightened my mood and I was finally able to get some restful sleep without worrying about my friend.

-/MMI/-

Over the course of the following four months a lot of things changed. I signed the contract with Jasper. Nate and I finished writing three new songs. Jasper's drummer turned in her notice, so he was able to hire Nate. Angela found a wedding dress, decided on a veil, and shoes. I got into a huge fight with my dad about repeatedly trying to force me to go out with Jacob that resulted in him accusing me of being a prudish old maid. I told him that I wasn't a prude; I just had zero interest in Jacob.

I took my frustrations with my father's preconceived notion that a woman needed a husband and babies to be happy and turned it into some harsh song lyrics. Nate got me to sing them to him and wrote the music around it. Nate was playing with the guitar solo at the studio, after hours, when Jasper heard it. Jasper called my cell phone while I was at the diner, so I took a quick break and stepped out back to take the call. He had me sing the song to him over the phone so he could record it and play it back a few times before I could come back to Seattle and record it in the sound booth at the studio.

I didn't think much about it, but a few days later, Jasper called and told me I needed to make arrangements to come into the studio the following Monday. He didn't know how long I was going to be working so he suggested I take the entire week off from the diner. Needless to say, my manager wasn't too pleased. She found someone else to cover my shifts, but threatened that if I tried to ask for anymore time off the rest of the year, she was going to have to let me go. I was really close to telling her that she could shove it up her ass but I bit my lip and thanked her for being so understanding instead. I turned that frustrating situation into song lyrics during the drive to Seattle.

I worked my ass off during that week. Jasper had me re-record the song I sang him over the phone, as well as three others Nate and I had been working on. He also had me re-record four of the old songs from the first CD.

On Friday, Nate and I worked with the lyrics I made up on my way to town and just managed to get it recorded by the end of the day. I now had my part of nine songs recorded and ready to go. Jasper had a guy that was going to work on mixing them and making them sound even better, so I was feeling pretty confident on Friday night when we were all leaving.

Jasper suggested we go out to celebrate all the progress we made in one week and Nate wanted to celebrate moving into his new apartment. Who was I to argue? I hadn't stepped foot in a bar since I was performing with Swan Dive and even then I wasn't old enough to drink. I glanced at the date on my cell phone and realized that I would be turning 21 years old in three weeks. I couldn't believe it had been that long.

Thankfully, the bartender didn't check my ID, so we had a few rounds before Alice met us up at the bar. She announced that she was going to be the designated driver and proceeded to order another round of shots for the three of us. We stayed until the bar was about to close, then Alice piled us into the car and got us out of there. We dropped Nate off at his MUCH nicer apartment before heading to Japer and Alice's house.

I had been staying there all week long, so it was really starting to feel like home. Jasper and I were drunk off of our asses as we staggered through the front door. Alice was giggling as Jasper spun her around like they were ballroom dancing. They were adorable together. I told them goodnight and headed to the guest room thinking about how I would love to have a man love me like that. I switched on the clock/radio trying to drown out the giggling couple in the other room.

I dreamt of swaying to the music wrapped in strong arms. When I looked up, I was rewarded with the sparkling green eyes and shocking bronze hair that could only belong to the one and only Edward Cullen. His velvety voice was whispering softly. I don't know what he was saying, but the look in his eyes said it was damn sexy, whatever it was. He slowly leaned forward and was just about to kiss me when I woke up. Damn!

The drive back to Forks was especially hard with a hangover. I was thankful that my dad was out fishing when I got home, so I could go upstairs and straight to bed. On Sunday morning, I got up and did all of my domestic chores like laundry, dusting, mopping, grocery shopping, and doing the dishes that my father had let pile up the entire week while I was gone. I don't know why that man could run an entire police department, but couldn't work a dishwasher to save his life.

I called the diner and asked for my schedule. I was glad that I would be on the morning shift from Monday through Thursday. Sure, it wasn't as busy and you didn't get tipped as well, but it was easy and I didn't have to think so much. I knew I only needed a few more good songs before the CD would be ready and I was anxious to get to it.

Thankfully work was extremely slow that week, because I managed to write the lyrics for two more songs when I should have been working. I emailed the words to Jasper for his approval. He liked one and rejected the other, saying it was too similar to a bunch of other stuff that was already out there. It kind of pissed me off, so as a joke I wrote a song about having my songs rejected. Jasper got a kick out of that one and said it was a keeper.

Since I couldn't risk asking for any more time off, Jasper reluctantly agreed to let me work in the studio on a few weekends. I recorded the two songs Jasper approved and I made up another two on the fly that Jasper liked. Nate was way behind, so we recorded my voice without any music. Nate played back what I recorded several times as he wrote the music around it. When he had something he thought worked well, he got the other members of the band to play it for Jasper. Once he got the green light, they recorded their part, mixed it with mine, and then we had a complete song.

Jasper would then call me up and play the song for me to get my input before he gave the OK that it was a good mix. It was really cool. He told me that not many singers can go in and sing without any music like that. He was impressed that Nate and I were able to work so well together.

Jasper's team worked furiously on my new CD, titled Bella Swan: Just Like Life. It was sent to radio stations across the country on the first of November and went on sale right after Thanksgiving, just in time for the Christmas rush.

The first thing I heard played on the radio was the remix of "Dirty Boy." It had been a local hit a few years back, but now it was being played nationwide. One of my new songs, "Moldy Expectations," the one I wrote when Dad was trying to marry me off to Jacob for no reason other than the fact that he thought I needed a husband and babies, was also getting a lot of recognition.

I broke down and told my dad about my pursuit of a career in music on Christmas Eve. He tried to tell me it was a pipe dream at first, but then I showed him my CD. The cover had a picture of me standing in the lush green forest in a sexy red floor length gown that hugged every curve and showed off a considerable amount of cleavage. It was something Alice talked me into buying. I looked gorgeous in the picture. Since I couldn't get away from work, Jasper had paid a photographer in Port Angeles to take the pictures. We did the photo shoot in the forest between Port Angeles and Forks, so I could make it back in time to work the evening shift at the diner.

Dad was shocked and a little disappointed that I waited so long to tell him about what I was doing. I had to listen to him lecture me about shutting him out of my life for a few minutes before he finally broke down and congratulated me and told me he was proud of me. He asked if he could have a copy to show off to the guys at the office. I told him he could, but warned him that some of the songs were rather explicit.

A/N: Thankfully, things are finally improving for Nate. Bella's CD is finally out, and things are looking up. Don't worry, Edward makes an appearance in the next chapter. I promise!

As usual, things in real life have been crazy again this week and I have not had a chance to respond to the reviews. I'm going to be honest and admit that I really don't have time to respond today, since I'm running out the door to go to a meeting. I really do appreciate all of the reviews that I've been getting and I hope that I continue to get them. I read every one on my cell phone, but for some reason I can't use the phone to reply. I have to wait until I get time in front of my computer at home.

Ok, I really must be going or I'm going to be late for my meeting.

If you like this chapter please let me know by posting a review. Thanks!