TEAM FOREVER

Disclaimer: The Cullens, the Swans, and most of the characters mentioned in the story that are known from Stephanie Meyer's beloved Twilight Saga, are all hers and hers alone. I neither have nor wish to pass them off as mine. I do appreciate the fact that she did bring them to life and allows us to play with them in our imaginations. The only thing I will claim is the current storyline.

My stories are being beta'd by dowlingnana and she is doing an awesome job. Thanks so much.

The final message was the one she had been expecting and it upset her that she had missed it. But, the voicemail gave her the information she had wanted. Things were looking up in that area. Her two galleries in Chicago would be hosting a variety of paintings, photography and other art exhibits that would be serving a dual purpose. Bringing notice to semi known artists and some works being sold for charity.

The voicemail was letting her know that everyone had agreed to the proposal and were fully aboard to participate in the events.

XXXXXXX

As the evening was coming to a close Alice and Jasper said goodbye to everyone to head home while not far behind were Emmett, Rosalie and then Edward. All promised to meet with Carlisle and Esme the next day and Edward had promised that he would try to get Isabella to join them.

CHAPTER 8: ACCIDENTS DO HAPPEN

Since receiving word that the next two days were her own, Bella was trying to figure out what to do with herself. She was still trying to figure things out as she entered the restaurant downstairs for breakfast. The one thing she did need to do was to apologize to Jacob for standing him up last night and explain what had happened. She knew it was a sorry excuse, but, at least, it was the truth, but, knowing Jacob as well as she did she knew he wouldn't like that she hadn't shown up or called. And, she had to agree that it was rude and unforgiveable on her part. Even, after realizing her mistake she could or should have called to explain then instead of waiting until now.

Without looking around, but, was heading towards the back to an empty table she saw there, Bella was unaware of the looks and stares she had drawn. Amongst those were Jacob and Irina at one table eating and plotting quietly while at another was Carlisle, Esme, Edward, Alice, Jasper, Rosalie and Emmett. And as she was getting close to each group three things seem to conspire together that would draw attention to everyone.

First, Jacob arose from his seat as Edward did at the same time. Each man was intent upon getting her attention as she was going to pass. Second, the motion of each man startled her and Jacob reached out since she was nearest to him to help steady on her feet and allowing her time to recover from the shock. This action halted Edward for a moment, at least, long enough for him to overhear Jacob start to berate Bella for not meeting him last night for dinner.

Thirdly, with no one being aware of her, a small girl was moving swiftly away from her parents across the restaurant heading straight for Jacob, Irina and Bella. Her parents weren't even aware yet that she had left their side and was headed in a different direction than their destination. Suddenly, the roar of the different semi hushed conversations in the room came to a halt by a chain reaction event of a small child tripping in her excitement to reach the object of her admiration. As she tripped she bumped into Jacob which caused him to jerk backwards from Bella forcing him to let go of her arm. She still hadn't fully regained her balance so as Jacob let go she fell away from him and the table as Jacob fell into Irina while she was taking a sip of her juice causing her to spill it all over her which in turn she jumped and jarred the table causing everything to go flying in one direction or another.

"Oh, hell!" shouted Irina without thinking of where she was. Next, she leveled her gaze on the little girl and began, "Why the hell don't you watch what you're doing? What sort of parents do you spring from that you're allowed to run loose to cause trouble for others?" All of this springing from her unguarded mouth as the parents was trying desperately to reach their daughter and the accident that had just occurred.

Bella was sitting on the floor where she had fallen near the child while Jacob was more or less sprawled on his back across Irina's lap and chest. He was trying to regain an upright position and his dignity while Bella chuckled and reached for the little girl while at the same time throwing an irritated look at Irina that was telling the woman to shut her mouth.

As her hand closed around the small arm of the child Bella was pulling her close to her and was making shushing sounds to get her quieted down and telling her not to cry that everything was okay. "I sorry. Tripped and didn't mean to fall. I sorry." The poor child kept repeating over and over.

"I know. It was only an accident and you surprised us all. What had you in such a rush, young one?" Bella asked while cuddling the child once she had gotten her close enough and she was finally starting to calm down.

"I wanted altgraph of -" but before she could finish Irina interrupted with, "If you think I'm going to give you an autograph after what you just did and ruined my clothes you had better think again, little brat!"

"Not you, her." she said while pointing to Bella. "Not know you. Know her, she Isabella." And that caused Irina to snap her mouth shut then open again like a fish out of water trying to breathe.

"And how do you know who I am, little one?" she asks with a gentle smile while watching the parents trying to get close enough to their child to apologize and make amends for the problem caused.

The entire restaurant observing the entire incident remained quiet except for certain individuals moving to render aid. Edward moving over to help Bella up while his family continued to watch how this young woman handled the whole situation she had found herself involved in. Everyone seemed to have more respect for the young woman seated on the floor than the starlet that had made a fool out of herself. Unknown to her many of the diners were busily taking pictures of the happenings with their phone cameras. And, you could bet that most if not all would end up on the entertainment shows or the internet by evening, if not before the hour had concluded.

Jacob was managing to get himself righted while Irina was still bitching, but, a bit more quietly. Finally, Jacob looked at her and told her, "Just shut the hell up and stopped making yourself look more of an ass than you already have." She snapped her mouth closed, but, had a determined air that she would teach a no account, in her opinion, a lesson as to how to treat his superiors. For she considered both Jacob Black and Isabella Swan as nobodies compared to the Hollywood sets.

Bella not paying any attention to anything else, but, the little girl, was waiting to hear her answer. She didn't have to wait very long, "I artis to. Mommy says I good and take me to see pictures that has yours there. She tell me about all of the artis that color them like me."

"I see. So, she teaches you about the different artists."

"Unhuh. Her art teacher at my school. Her says that you help artis to be better."

While she is still talking Bella just smiles and continues to hold her close to keep her from getting injured until the serving staff has cleared up the mess. As they finished, Jacob had gotten Irina under control and Edward had reached Bella to get her back on her feet. As she rose so did she pull the child up with her safely locked in her arms. Smiling thanks to Edward he led both woman and child back over to the table where his family were and away from Jacob and Irina.

As Bella took a chair she sat the little girl in her lap while not noticing the other people at the table right away. "Little one, what is your name? And where are your parents?" as she asked that question she happened to glance over the child's head to see a man and woman moving towards her.

"Mommy and Daddy there." She answers while pointing from the direction she had come. "My name is Eloise. You mad at me like other lady?" she looks at Bella suddenly with sad eyes.

"No, I'm not mad at you. Accidents happen and that is what that was. It wasn't your fault. So, Eloise, you are wanting my autograph you said." And the little girl nodded shyly.

At that very same moment Eloise's parent arrive. They did so by apologizing over and over for what had happened. Bella just waved their apology away saying again that accidents do happen to the best of people. Introductions were made and a child reclaimed. But, before she left Bella halted them while she reached for a piece of paper. She motions for Eloise to sit in Edward's lap for a moment and for the parents to stand next to him. Of course, all of this was done without even consulting with Edward or the other members of the party seated at the table. Very quickly over the next ten minutes where keeping an ongoing conversation with the Hamilton's, Bella makes some quick strokes on the paper. Then after she finished she signed at the bottom and passed the paper to Edward. He saw what she had done, smiled and added his signature as well. Once that had been done he handed the paper to Eloise. Her parents and the little girl looked at what was on the paper and while Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton gasped Eloise reached over and gave Bella a tight hug and then did the same to Edward. Bella very quietly asked Mrs. Hamilton where she taught school. After getting the information everyone said goodbye and the trio turned to leave before Eloise could get into any more trouble.

With a quiet chuckle and then looking down to survey the damage to her clothes, Bella notice that nothing seemed to be too bad other than missing a heel from one of her shoes. It was at that moment she became more aware of her surroundings and the fact that she was sitting at a table with people she knew and some strangers as well. But, before she could react Edward took that moment to begin the introduction of his and Alice's parents.

"My apologies for intruding on your family party;" She begins only to be waved off by Esme and Carlisle both.

"Don't think about it, dear. We have heard so much about Edward's partner on the show from both of our children that we have wanted to meet you. And, needless to say, I am like the young Eloise, a fan of your work."

"Thank you. It is appreciated to hear, but, there are others that are much more talented than I ever could be;" Politely waving off their words. "Now, if all of you will excuse me I really do need to return to my room and clean up, also, for a change of clothes. So, as much as it is a pleasure to meet you, I will leave you to finish enjoying what is left of your meal." And with that she rises and walks away towards the lobby of the hotel and her room.

Jacob watches the interaction taking place at the table a ways from his and Irina's and is most unhappy with the events he sees unfolding before his eyes. He is realizing just how much of a problem Irina is starting to be, but, at this point he doesn't have much choice except to continue with his plans and use what she is offering. And as much as he would like to follow Bella to have a few words with her it is impossible because of Irina and having to worry about what she might do to hinder his plans.

Also, Carlisle and Esme watched Bella leave, but, quickly turned to see the expression upon their son's face as he also watched her leave. The look they saw answers all of the questions they were considering asking, but, now didn't need to.

No one saw Bella again that day, but, did wonder what she was doing. Jacob never had a chance to talk with Bella, either and became furious about it, but, knew he needed to contain his anger if he had any hopes of succeeding in his own personal venture.

After breakfast the ladies decided to do some shopping and then to meet over at Edward's: The men decided to head on over to Edward's as well to enjoy his entertainment room, gym, and the pool. So each group went their own ways.

XXXXXXX

Bella had arrived back at her suite to clean up and change clothes. She had a meeting as she had promised Mrs. Hamilton. After about an hour of getting some things together and trying to call Jacob, but, receiving no answer she left a voice message and then left.

She got a taxi and headed over to Wainwright Elementary School where once she got to the office asked if Mrs. Hamilton had arrived. The office sent a message to the art teacher who immediately came to meet Bella at the office. Both women explained what they had discussed earlier in the morning and the principal was in agreement to the program.

After another two hours everything was ready and the special program was announced. All classes headed towards the lunchroom to witness the presentation. Bella spent time with presenting the different forms of art and then patiently answering the questions some of the students asked. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the unexpected break from class time, but, also, learned, hopefully, to enjoy art a bit more.

After leaving the school and the thanks of the teachers, the principal and Mrs. Hamilton, Bella wandered around parts of Los Angeles. She had no particular plans in mind until she happened upon an empty building that stood on the edge of the downtown district and the lesser commercial area.

Looking the building over, she decided that it would be perfect for a gallery. She had galleries across the country and scattered around Europe, but, for some reason had never opened one in L. A. And with another look around she made her mind up as to what she wanted to do. Now all she needed was to get in touch with the right people and get things moving.

A/N: Poor Jacob, he seems to be doomed to having any alone time with Bella. What do you think of how Irina, Jacob, Bella and Edward handled the accident with Eloise? How will everyone react to her news, once she tells them, of her idea for opening a gallery in Los Angeles?

Your reviews are always welcomed and I will be updating this story every two to three weeks due to the number of open stories I have going at the present time. As each come to completion then updating will become more frequent once again.