DISCLAIMER: STEPHENIE MEYER OWNS ALL THINGS TWILIGHT!
Chapter 6: Learning Again
E.P.O.V
I propped my elbows up on my desk and pinched the bridge of my nose, sighing in frustration. I had just written a five-page essay in the span of two hours.
Two hours I had been sitting at my desk, analyzing a small paragraph, which, according to my psychology teacher, had so much information and intellect that a one-paper essay just wouldn't do. After studying it for so long, I'm sure I had memorized it well enough to recite to him if he'd asked me to. Not to mention I had one other paper to write for a different class, due tomorrow. Just thinking about being in my room for an additional two hours was enough to make me want to scream.
I groaned when I opened my eyes and looked at all my notes and drafts strewn about me. I knew becoming a psychological therapist would take hard work and patience, but sometimes it was a bit too overwhelming for me. Reading and analyzing other people's problems could sometimes feel like a lot to handle. Sometimes the stories I heard, or merely the things I read made me think about how hard it would be to give someone the right advice, let alone tell them how to deal with a certain situation. But again, if my father was able to do it then so could I.
I sighed again loudly as I began to pick up the mess around me. As I moved them to the side of my desk, a small paper fluttered out and dropped onto the floor. I picked it up, grinning when I saw the reminder written on it. It took me all but two seconds to get up and walk over to my bed where I had left my cell phone. I smiled lightly to myself as I began to dial, finally having something much better to do than homework.
B.P.O.V
I sighed as I watched the rain pour down lightly from outside my window. It wasn't raining as hard as it was last night, so the droplets fell peacefully, lightly onto the grass. How nice it would be to feel so weightless and carefree, if only for a second.
I took one final sip of my orange juice and poured it down the sink, setting the cup down to wash it later.
I winced and rubbed my thigh as I walked over to the couch, accidentally bumping into the small table I had beside it. I rolled my eyes at my clumsiness as I turned on the TV. My thigh was stinging slightly and I couldn't help but realize my coordination hadn't improved much since I was little.
I shook my head as memories of my childhood began to flood my mind, flipping the channels faster now just so I could find something interesting to watch quick. The only problem with my idea? There was never something on TV worth watching.
This was the problem with my weekends. I had nothing to do. Homework wasn't even an option, because I buried myself in all things school related during the week. It kept me from thinking about things I didn't want to have to relive in my own head. Kept me from wallowing in my own pain. And going out with friends only worked if you had any to actually spend the day with. I mean, Angela could be a possibility but I still had the hesitation of calling and acting like we were best friends again. It just didn't feel right at the moment.
I growled lightly in frustration when I couldn't find anything that caught my attention, turning off the TV and getting off the couch. I stomped my way over to the kitchen in annoyance, particularly with myself, and opened my pantry to try and find the right ingredients to make a cake or brownies. To bake anything really! Just as long as I was doing something! I'm sure I wouldn't feel like eating whatever I baked in the end, but I could take them to my dad or Jake and I'm sure they'd be happy to take them off my hands.
"Flour, sugar…" I said to myself as I pushed things around to grab what I needed. I went through my mental list again, making sure I hadn't forgotten anything as I walked over to the refrigerator to grab the last of my ingredients.
"Craaaaappp." I groaned, as I was about to open the refrigerator door. I laid my forehead against the fridge and banged it lightly.
Eggs! That's what I'd forgotten! I'd been too lazy to go to the grocery store yesterday so my kitchen wasn't exactly stocked. And now I couldn't bake the damn cake!
"Well this bites." I groaned again as I walked over to the table to put everything away, much more annoyed than I was before. I took my time as I arranged everything back into its original place, sighing when I closed the pantry after I was finished. I walked over to my living room again and sat on the couch, refusing to turn on the TV.
I leaned against my couch and looked around my quiet, boring living room, hoping that a great idea would just come to me if I thought hard enough.
I bit my lip as I looked at my shoes, thinking about going to the grocery store now instead of staying in here all day. That way when I got home, I could bake the freakin cake and get all my groceries done once and for all. I sighed as I made up my mind and walked over to put them on. I grabbed my cell phone, keys, and umbrella before putting on my jacket to leave.
I closed my apartment door and began to walk toward the stairs. I glared at the rain as it fell, proving that my mood had only worsened from the time I woke up to now. Maybe I should just go back to bed and-
"Hi Bella!" A sudden voice said from behind me, jostling me out of my thoughts. I jumped at the sound, dropping my umbrella in the process and almost tripping down the first step. I regained my balance and spun around to see who it was, my breathing coming out in ragged breaths.
Allie was standing at the front of her door, her hand over her mouth to stifle her giggles. She gave me a sorry look but let out another laugh.
The glare on my face instantly softened and I couldn't help but let out a giggle of my own. I held my hand over my heart and glared playfully at her. "Allie! You scared me!"
She laughed again loudly and came over to give me a hug. "I'm so sorry! I really didn't mean to!"
I looked down at her in surprise as she hugged me, a warm feeling spreading throughout my body. I can't say I hadn't felt it before, but it seemed foreign to me. Like I hadn't felt it in such a long time.
"Apology accepted," I laughed back, my arms wrapping around her to return the hug. "What are you doing out here in the cold?" I asked as she pulled back, a shiver of my own passing through my body.
She grimaced. "My mom was supposed to take me to the park but it started drizzling before we left. She says it'll probably get worse once we get there and she doesn't like going out in the rain," She looked up at the sky as she talked and glared as drops of water continued to fall. "So I was just waiting outside to see if it would stop so she can take me." She sighed hopefully.
I nodded but grimaced slightly. Knowing this weather, the chances of the rain stopping once it started was very slight. Of course I wouldn't mention this to her. She already seemed so sad.
"I know the feeling. I don't like the rain sometimes too," I scrunched up my nose as if I'd smelled something funny and she smiled back at me sadly.
I bit my lip as she looked out at the rain again, my brain wracking to find some way to cheer her up. I didn't like seeing her all sad. "Ummm," I began slowly. "Well, I was actually heading to the park myself. I can take you if you'd like." I said before even thinking about it thoroughly. I really didn't mind taking her, I didn't want to get my groceries today, and hanging out with Allie seemed like a much better idea. My only concern was her mother. I hadn't even met her yet! And although she had seen me around the apartment building, I didn't think she'd feel comfortable letting her daughter out with a complete stranger.
"Yay!" Allie yelled out excitedly as she threw herself at me to give me another hug. "Thank you Bella!" She squealed out happily.
I laughed again and grabbed her shoulders as I pulled her back gently. "Now wait a minute missy. I still don't know if your mom will be ok with this, so why don't we go ask her first?"
She nodded rapidly with a grin on her face, grabbing my hand as she pulled me to her apartment door. She opened the door and all but ran inside, my hand still clasped tightly in hers.
"Momma!" Allie yelled out.
"Allie wait!" I whispered loudly, my eyes widening when I realized this was not the ideal way to meet her mother. I'd imagined it in a way where she wouldn't call the cops on me for coming into her home without notice. My stomach clenched at the thought.
It was too late though. By the time I had started to even process what I was going to say, Allie's mother had already turned around. A blush spread out onto my cheeks as her eyes widened at the sight of me.
I gave her a sheepish smile and opened my mouth to explain what was happening when Allie beat me to it. "Bella says she can take me to the park for a little while if you're ok with it! But she said she had to meet you first before we could go. Can I please please pleassseee go, Mom?" She said all in one big breath. I laughed lightly as I looked down at her, my smile quickly fading when I looked up at her mom who was still looking at me like I was a creep.
Allie looked a lot like her actually. Light brown hair with hazel eyes that stood out against her pale skin. She was very pretty. I'm sure she was even prettier when she actually smiled, the exact opposite of what she was doing now.
"I'm so sorry for coming in uninvited," I began, my voice shaky. "I'm Bella Swan. I actually live right next door to you but I don't think we've ever officially met before."
"Savannah Richards." She replied, recognition now in her eyes. She extended her hand for me to shake and I felt myself relax a little.
"I met Allie a couple of weeks ago. I dropped my groceries and Allie was sweet enough to help me pick them up."
Mrs. Richards laughed lightly and nodded. "Yes, I recall her telling me about that. I'm glad she was able to be of help. My daughter has always been the helpful kind. No matter how many times I've told her not to speak to strangers." She looked down at her daughter and shook her head playfully as she stroked Allie's hair lovingly. I found myself staring at the two of them as Allie looked up at her with a sheepish smile.
I snapped out of it when they both turned to look at me again. "Umm, I just didn't know if you would be ok with me taking her to the park for a little while. I know we haven't met before and I'm sure you see me as a complete stranger but I promise I'll take care of her and bring her back home safely." I rambled nervously. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea…
She smiled at me and then down at Allie. "I don't see you as a complete stranger. I've seen you around myself and although you usually keep to yourself I trust my daughter's judgment of other people, but," She bit her lip before continuing, her smile a little embarrassed. "I really hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I think we should all get to know each other a little bit better."
I shook my head in understanding and gave her a smile. "No, of course I understand. I'm sure any parent would feel the same way."
Allie looked up at her, her face surprised and sad. I looked down at Allie and smiled at her apologetically as she pouted. "I really wanted to hang out with Bella." She whispered, mostly to herself.
I looked up at her mom and bit my lip, not wanting her to be upset again. I shouldn't have suggested this in the first place.
She laughed lightly and looked down at her daughter again. "Which is why I was going to suggest that Bella go to the park with us tomorrow," She looked up at me again. "I would invite you to go with us today but her father just called and asked if he could come pick her up. So what do you say, would you like to join us tomorrow afternoon?"
Allie nodded her head quickly and looked at me with hopeful eyes.
I nodded back and a huge grin broke out onto her face. "Of course! I'd love to!" I laughed.
"Thank you Bella!" Allie squealed, clapping her hands happily.
I laughed again and then looked back up at her mom, who was smiling at the two of us.
"Alright missy!" She began, "Go pack anything you want to take to your dad's house. He'll be here any minute."
She nodded excitedly before giving me one more hug and ran off to her bedroom.
"Well I should get going," I excused myself. "I don't want to take up any more of your time Mrs. Richards. I'm sorry again about coming in without your permission. Thank you for inviting me tomorrow though."
"Oh don't worry about it hon, you just startled me is all. And you're very welcome. It was very nice meeting."
"Likewise. I'll see you tomorrow Allie!" I yelled out to her, already walking toward the door.
"Bye Bella!" She called.
I smiled as I walked outside, actually laughing lightly as I wiped away a drop of rain as it ran down my cheek. I shook my head at how well that had actually gone. Allie really knew how to brighten my day, something not much people had the ability to do. I was just very glad she was one of them…
I opened up my umbrella and went toward the main gate to start my small walk to the bus stop again. Just the thought brought back the grimace onto my face.
On my way there I passed my car, letting out a sigh and pouting slightly. If it weren't for my big clunk of a truck I could have gone to the store and bought everything with ease. But nooooo, I had to take the bus, walk in the rain, then carry an armful of things back to the bus stop, wait again, and finally walk back home probably soaking wet.
"Stupid," kick "old," kick "non-functioning," kick "car!" I grumbled, taking out my frustration on my poor old car. I let out an annoyed sigh and stuck my tongue out at it as I started walking away.
I heard a chuckle from in front of me, but before I could even turn to look at the person who's laugh had startled me, I ended up running straight into them. A light squeal escaped my lips out of fear before I jumped back in alarm. I was even about to apologize when I heard the all too familiar voice. "Remind me to never get on your bad side." He chuckled.
I looked up at him and a smile spread across my face involuntarily, his own grin plastered over his handsome face.
"Hey." I said lightly, surprised.
He chuckled again. "Seeing as how you almost beat it to death, I'm guessing you're truck isn't exactly in your good graces today." He joked.
"One of many things," I glared at him playfully. "What is it with everyone scaring me today?!" I smacked his arm playfully and put my hands on my hips.
He laughed and then smirked at me. "I didn't mean to scare you Bella, you just weren't paying attention to where you were going."
My jaw dropped in shock and then I laughed. "Yes, because you're the first person I would think of running into here. I'd say you were stalking me Edward." I smirked back.
"Guess you caught me." He winked. A blush spread onto my cheeks and I rolled my eyes playfully. He chuckled and shrugged, going on with the charade. "But I'm sorry. Maybe I should just come by another day to see if you have time so we can fix your car." He shrugged, walking past me and toward his own car, which I now realized wasn't parked too far from mine.
My eyes widened and, although I could see the playful smile playing on his lips, I called out excitedly, "You can fix my car today!"
He turned around and nodded, but then pouted playfully. "But I can go if you're angry with me."
I rolled my eyes again but grinned when I realized my car would finally be fixed! I could finally drive wherever I wanted!
"Ahh! Thank you Edward!" I replied, throwing myself at him to give him a hug. I suddenly felt like Allie and the way she kept hugging me earlier. It was a good feeling. "You are now allowed to stalk me all you want." I laughed.
He chuckled and wrapped his arms around me too. "You're very welcome." He whispered sweetly in my ear. "And I might have to take you up on that offer."
A shiver ran through my body as his warm breath blew across my neck and ear; I couldn't help but close my eyes and smile.
"Cold?" He asked, wrapping his arms tighter around me. Mistaking the way my body reacted to him to actually thinking I was chilly. Not that I minded…
I shyly laid my head on his shoulder and locked my hands together to bring them to his chest.
I breathed in his unique scent and then blew it out slowly, pulling away from him before it became too awkward.
"Sorry for going all crazy on you," I blushed. "I've just been really miserable without my car."
"Really? Because a couple minutes ago it seemed like you hated your car very much." He laughed.
I giggled myself and then smiled sheepishly. "You caught me in a moment of weakness. I was about to take a walk to the store since I didn't want to stay cooped up in my apartment all day," I admitted. "But I've been delaying buying groceries and other necessities because I've been too lazy to take the bus."
"Well I'm glad I decided to come by today then."
I nodded, agreeing and smiled again. "So is your friend coming by soon?" I asked impatiently.
He laughed, noticing my eagerness. "She'll be here in a couple of minutes to take a look at it."
"She?" I asked, surprised.
He nodded and smiled. "You actually met her already. It's my cousin Emmett's girlfriend. Rosalie doesn't look like the type of girl to be a real grease monkey, but she's great at it."
"Wow." I simply said, raising my eyebrows in surprise. He was right too; she looked more like a super model than a mechanic. But I guess that was just one of the things that made her stand out so much. Another being the ability to intimidate anyone she looked at. I thought.
"Here she is now." He said, wrapping an arm around my waist to move me out of the way as she pulled into the apartment's parking lot.
I heard him groan and looked up at Edward. "What?"
He pinched the bridge of his nose and glared at the car. "I'm guessing she didn't understand the part where I told her to come alone."
I looked back to where her impressively beautiful BMW convertible was parked and laughed when I saw Emmett, Alice, and Jasper getting out of the car too.
"Rosalie." Edward whined when she came close enough, causing her to roll her eyes.
"I tried to leave without an explanation but you know how the pixie gets when she doesn't get her way." She defended herself.
Edward groaned again silently beside me and I let out a laugh.
"Hello." Rosalie said to me when she finally came to stand in front of us.
"Uh, h-hi." I stuttered stupidly, a blush creeping onto my cheeks. Just the way she greeted me, short and simple, seemed to ooze with confidence. The exact opposite of what I had.
"You act like I'm going to rip your throat out if you don't tell me where you're going," Alice rolled her eyes, obviously hearing what Rosalie had said. "Hey Bella!" She waved, a sweet smile spreading across her face.
"Hey Alice. How are you?" I asked politely as she came over to hug me.
"Good. Just thought I'd tag along with Rose to see you."
I nodded and opened my mouth to respond when Emmett blocked her from my view and picked me up in another bone-crushing hug. "Bella Ella!" He yelled out with a loud guffaw.
With what little breath I had left, I gave a laugh and then breathed out, "Emmett, can't breathe." Although I had mostly been kidding when I said it to Jake, Emmett's hug had literally knocked the breath out of me.
"Emmett!" I heard Edward complain. "Put her down!"
He gave another laugh before setting me on my feet. "Sorry Little B, didn't mean to squeeze you so hard there."
I sucked in a much needed breath and laughed at his choice of nicknames. I shook my head. "No need to apologize Big E." I said back, causing a wide grin to spread across his face… dimples and all.
"Hello Bella," Jasper laughed as he held up his hands, as if surrendering. "No need to worry about me. I'll settle for a small hug." He said and kept through with his promise.
"So which car am I looking at today?" Rosalie asked, getting straight to the point. Looking around to try and figure out which one it was, I presumed.
"It's the umm, orange Chevrolet car parked near Edward's." I replied, pointing to it as I talked. I blushed furiously when I realized what a big piece of junk my car looked like compared to hers. I grimaced slightly and blushed before turning back to look at her, just in time to see a disgusted look on her face.
I laughed, embarrassed. "I'm sure you're probably wondering why I even want to get it fixed but, I love my car and would really appreciate it if you could get it to work again."
She shrugged. "I'll see what I can do." Not to jump to conclusions, but her words didn't exactly sound sincere…
E.P.O.V
I glared at Rosalie as she walked past Bella without giving her one last glance. She never acted mean with someone she'd just met for this long. She was usually guarded around them, but never rude.
I watched Bella's eyebrows come together in what looked like confusion, and then her eyes dropped to look at the ground. She wrapped her arms around herself and instead turned to talk to Emmett, who had called out her name from behind her. My anger only became stronger when I realized she thought she'd done something wrong. Here she was, trying to make friends like I'd told her she should after two years of being completely guarded, and Rosalie was acting like this.
I walked over to Rosalie just as she got to the truck. "Rose, when I asked you to do this favor for me you didn't really have to say yes." I whispered to her angrily as she lifted the hood of Bella's car.
She finished propping it up and then paused. "I know I didn't. But I did, so what's with the lecture?"
"What's with the attitude?" I replied back just as annoyed. "You've only met Bella once and there's already something you don't like about her?"
She narrowed her eyes and smirked. "I didn't say that now did I?"
"Rosalie…" I sighed out, pinching the bridge of my nose.
She let out an exasperated sigh "Look, I promise I'll be…nice, ok? You know I'm like this whenever I meet someone new. It's just the way I am. Now do you want me to fix this thing for her, or not?"
I narrowed my eyes, knowing there was something she wasn't telling me, but let it go. I wanted to take up her offer even if it was a forced one. "Fine, thank you."
I just hoped that she went through with her promise.
B.P.O.V
"Emmett, that's not funny!" Alice yelled as she felt the water run down her back. I couldn't help but laugh at her expression and leaned against Rosalie's car with Jasper as I watched Alice chase Emmett around with her purse, swinging at him whenever she got close enough. He taunted her every time he missed, and the more he did it the angrier she became.
"What is going on here?" Edward chuckled lightly as he came to stand next to me. Jasper was dieing of laughter as Alice finally got close enough and clonked it on his head. Emmett winced as he rubbed where she'd hit him.
"Geez Alice, what the hell do you have in there? Rocks?!"
"Maybe." She sang, skipping over to Jasper happily. She sat on his lap and kissed him sweetly. The moment seemed personal, so I turned away and laughed lightly.
"Emmett had a water bottle so he poured some down Alice's back while she was talking to me." I explained. I turned to look at him when I realized he was already staring directly at me.
I blushed slightly but didn't move my eyes from his. I never really realized just how green and bright they were. The same warm feeling spread throughout my body like earlier, just much stronger. They were a beautiful, unique color…
I bit my lip and looked away, clearing my throat when he didn't say anything.
"Ohh uhh," He stuttered as he snapped out of whatever daydream he'd been in. "No wonder she was pissed. Alice hates it when we mess around with her clothes." he said, finally realizing I'd spoken.
"Which is why we should go to the mall when Rose is finished!" Alice clapped excitedly. She turned to look at Jasper who shook his head with a smile, and then kissed her on the forehead.
Edward groaned lightly beside me again and I giggled. "What?" I whispered to him.
"This is why I asked Rosalie to come alone. They're all like a bunch of little kids."
I laughed again. "It's fine Edward."
"No, it's not. Once Alice insists on going to the mall, it's almost a guarantee we'll go. First it starts with the pout and puppy dog eyes, which Jasper can't resist, and then he convinces everyone else to come along. Never fails. And if there's one thing you need to know about Alice, she's a shopping freak."
My eyes widened slightly at his use of words. "Well that sounds…intense."
"You have no idea." He mumbled.
"Ok, I'm all finished." Rosalie said as she walked toward us. She cleaned her hands on a dirty towel and walked over to Emmett who wrapped an arm around her waist.
"What was wrong with it grease monkey?" He asked, placing a kiss on her cheek.
"A couple of the cables were out of place, so I just had to connect them back to were they belonged," She shrugged, as if it was the easiest thing in the world. "It took me longer than I expected but it should work."
"Thank you so much Rosalie, I really appreciate it." My truck was finally fixed!
She gave me a forced smile and nodded. "Ya, no problem. I wouldn't be too excited though. Those cables look like they're ready to burn out in the next couple months."
My eyes widened at the new information but I quickly hid it. "Ohh, umm, thanks for telling me. That's good to know." Greaaattt…another thing to worry about it. Not to mention that I loved my truck, and now that I knew it would only last a couple more months really upset me.
"And there isn't something you can do now so they won't burn out later?" Edward asked, rubbing my back lightly.
I looked up in hope only to see her shake her head. "It's a pretty old model. Once the engine and cables burn out you're pretty much done for."
"It's fine. Thanks again for fixing it. I'll just have to look for a new car these next few months." She nodded and I let out a sigh, biting my lip.
"Aww come on Bells, don't be sad!" Alice said in front of me. I looked up and saw she was wearing a pout as she came over to give me a hug.
I laughed lightly and hugged her back. "I'm not. It's just a little frustrating to think about buying a new one."
"Well any of they boys can help you with that! Edward's literally in a relationship with his car." She teased.
He narrowed his eyes. "Says the one who actually named her Porsche."
"Ya ya," She replied as she waved around her hand dismissively. "Anywho, I'm sure they'll love to help you look. Rose even knows where to get the best deals."
"Ya, little B. You look like a monster truck type of girl to me." Emmett laughed.
I shook my head quickly and laughed. "No no. No monster trucks."
"Nah, I can picture her in a slugbug though." Jasper suggested, a hint of a southern accent creeping out into his voice.
I glared at him slightly. "That's even worse!" I yelled out as he began to laugh.
"Oh oh," Alice hopped excitedly. "She looks like she loves to shop!"
We all stared at her for a couple of minutes, before everyone burst out laughing. Even Rosalie was shaking her head in amusement as she laughed.
"That was so freaking random, pixie." Emmett laughed out.
She giggled and shrugged. "I just really want to go to the mall!"
"When don't you Al?" Rosalie questioned, flipping her blonde hair back.
"Come on, please!"
Edward sighed again and I looked up. He rolled his eyes and I laughed. "Alice…" He trailed off.
"Please! It'll only be for a little while!" She pouted, looking up at him through her lashes.
Jasper's face suddenly softened. "Awww come on guys! She said it'll be quick!"
Edward looked down at me and grimaced. "Point proven." He whispered in my ear. I covered my mouth as I let out a laugh. "Fine Alice, we'll go, but only for an hour. I have homework to do." Edward sighed with a grimace.
She squealed quickly but then became serious. "Ok, one hour. That means I can only go to the small stores and go through them quick." She said, mostly to herself as she began to walk toward Rose's car.
I lifted my eyebrows in amusement and smiled. "Well I hope you all have fun. Thank you all for coming, and thanks again Rosalie." I replied, already walking with them.
"But Bella you have to come!" Alice said suddenly, spinning around to face me. She'd stopped so abruptly, I tripped when I tried to back up and avoid hitting her. Thankfully Edward was right behind me to grab my waist and steady me. I turned around to give him an appreciated look and he smiled crookedly, setting his arm around my waist loosely instead of letting go.
I turned back to Alice and grimaced slightly. "That's ok Alice, really. I don't like malls very much. I'm not a shopping type of girl."
She gasped and dropped her jaw lower than I thought possible. "YOU DON'T LIKE SHOPPING!?" She yelled out loudly.
I winced and shrunk back. "Uh no, not really?" I whispered this time, my statement now sounding more like question.
She shook her head. "Nope. You are definitely coming with us missy. I will show you the art of shopping, and once you've gone with me, you'll love it." She said, determined.
"Now you've done it." Edward chuckled in my ear.
She grabbed my arm and pulled me away from Edward and over to her car, literally forcing me into it before getting in and driving to what I saw as a jailhouse. I couldn't exactly say I was excited for what was about to come.
E.P.O.V
I chuckled as I watched Alice drag Bella around to different stores. She'd shove her into the dressing room with an armful of clothing, decide which ones she'd like best and then run over to pay so they could move on.
"Help me." Bella whispered to me pleadingly as Alice pulled her over to their next raid.
I shook my head laughing, and followed over to where they had gone.
"…pay for all of this Alice! This is THIRTY-FIVE dollars! For one shirt!" I heard Bella say as I neared them, just in time to see Alice roll her eyes.
"A very nice shirt! And don't worry about it! I've been paying for whatever you left behind anyway! Don't think I didn't see you put most of the stuff I approved of back where they were Bella!" Alice glared accusingly, wagging her finger as if she were chastising Bella for doing something wrong.
Bella's eyes widened and she gaped. "You did what?!"
"You are being very dramatic."
Bella glared. "Alice, this is ridiculous. This is more than enough and I'm not ok with you buying all of this for me," She said exasperatedly. She turned her head and saw me looking at her, her hand gesturing to point to me. "Edward! Please tell you're cousin to stop buying me all this stuff!"
I laughed lightly before walking over to where they were standing. "Alice, maybe you should tone it down a bit." I suggested.
Alice pursed her lips for a moment and then sighed, annoyed. "Fine."
"Thank y-" Bella began, looking relieved.
"If," Alice interrupted, holding up a finger to stop her."You try on one more thing and let me buy it for you. No whining."
Bella looked at her blankly, gritting her teeth. "Deal." She grumbled, stomping away from Alice and I.
Alice giggled from beside me and I looked down at her. "What?"
She shrugged and then smiled widely. "I like her." She said simply, before walking after Bella.
I chuckled and then smiled. "I do too." I whispered to myself, even though in the back of my mind I knew that my feelings were much more different than Alice's.
B.P.O.V
I sighed as Alice closed me back up in a dressing room, grimacing when I realized she'd brought me a dress. A very short dress…
"There is no way this is going to look right on me." I called out, refusing to even touch it.
"Yes it will Bella. Just trust me." She called back.
And for some unknown weird reason, I did. I did trust her. It was such a common word to say to anyone, especially when it came to simple things like this. But with Alice, it meant so much more than just a person I'd only met twice encouraging me to try on a dress. It really felt like a gut feeling.
"Ok." I whispered, grabbing the dress to try it on.
After zipping it up I let out a breath and turned around to look at myself in the mirror, smiling when I saw my reflection.
The dress was actually very pretty. It was a midnight blue color, with a deep V on the back, stopping right at my mid-back. It was beautifully embroidered in the front, signed lightly at my waist before the skirt flowed out nicely above my knees.
"Finished?" Alice asked from outside my stall.
"Ya." I replied, opening the door.
"Oh my…" I heard Alice whisper, her mouth slightly open. "Bella you look amazing!" She yelled out, clapping her hands together excitedly.
Rosalie was even raising an eyebrow in surprise. "Wow." She said, although the dress she was trying on made her look like a model ready to walk on the runway.
"I have to get this for you!" Alice yelled out, breaking me from my trance.
I bit my lip. "Are you sure? It's not too much, is it?"
She shook her head quickly. "Of course not. You look absolutely amazing. It's for Edward's birthday party, so this is exactly right!"
His birthday party…I had completely forgotten about that. "When is that by the way?" I asked, as she gestured for me to turn so she could look at the back.
"Three weeks from today," She nodded when she approved and then raised an eyebrow at me. "Which you'll be able to go to, right?"
I nodded. "Yes of course. I'm glad I was able to find a dress then."
"Good. Cus you're the only reason I'm able to even throw him a birthday party. Edward would definitely flip if you didn't go."
I laughed. "That I know."
"Ok, you can take it off and I'll go pay for it. We'll be waiting for you outside of the store."
As soon as I was finished getting dressed I walked out of the changing rooms, only to be met with Edward leaning against the wall.
He smiled crookedly at me before pushing off the wall and walking toward me. I blushed and looked down, meeting him halfway.
"All finished?" He asked sweetly.
"Mhmm, Alice bought me a real nice dress."
"I'm glad you two could compromise." He chuckled.
I looked up as we began to walk, a pair of glaring eyes looking my way. My eyes scrunched together in confusion until the girl looked next to me. Her eyes immediately softened and I laughed, although a small portion of me was very jealous. Why? I didn't really know.
"What's so funny?" Edward asked, bumping my shoulder lightly.
"Do you know that girl over there? To our right?" I whispered, thrusting my chin up quickly in her direction
He glanced over and shook his head. "No, why?"
"Well she seems to keep staring at you. She's not very happy you're walking with me." I giggled.
He looked again in her direction at the same exact time she glanced over to him again. Her cheeks turned a light pink when she noticed he was staring back, her eyes now fluttering in, what I assumed was supposed to be, a flirtatious way.
"Uhh ya. The feeling is not reciprocated."
I raised my eyebrows. "Really? She's actually very pretty."
"Mmm. I've seen way better." He replied, staring down at me in an almost smoldering way. Just the way he was looking at me, plus his crooked grin, made my heart flutter. I couldn't help but wish his words had more meaning. That I might be the 'way better' he was talking about. Then again, maybe it was better that I wasn't…
"I see." I said simply.
"Hey! So Emmett and Jazz were kind enough to take all of our stuff to the car so we don't lug them around everywhere. I think we should just grab a quick bite to eat and then we can head out."
"Sounds good." Rose agreed, already leading the way toward the food court area.
"This is on me guys!" I yelled out once we arrived.
"Bella you don't have to-" Edward began.
"Nope! Alice bought me more clothes than I can fit in my closet, Rosalie fixed up my car, and you were kind enough to ask her to fix it for me. I like Emmett and Jasper, so I want to buy lunch for all of us. We should just pick something to eat and we're set. It's the least I can do…for now."
"Thank you," Alice laughed, followed by everyone else. "I guess this is kind of the pay back, huh?."
"Oh, you have no idea." I smirked.
"Awww you already like us Little B? Edward almost never introduces us to his friends cus he thinks we'll scare them off." Emmett scoffed.
I laughed and nodded.
"I don't think, I know." Emmett mumbled beside me.
I only shook my head and giggled at their bantering.
Once everyone had gotten their food, we made out way over to a table we'd all fit in. I had set my plate down and was about to sit when someone suddenly called my name behind me. I turned to look and couldn't help the grin that spread over my face.
"Excuse me." I said to everyone before speed walking over to where Jacob was.
"Hey!" I replied, standing on my tiptoes to give him a hug. I'd only been a week since I'd last seen him, but now that we were on good terms, a week seemed to feel like forever. Two years without communication with someone you cared deeply about was enough to do this to you.
"Hey Bells. I'm actually really surprised to see you here." He pulled back, giving me a deep chuckle.
I shrugged. "Ya, I'm umm, I'm here with some…friends." I smiled. It felt good to say that.
"Uhu. So these are the people you're always ditching me for?" He pouted playfully.
"Ditching you for?! Jake I haven't talked to you since the last time I saw you!" I laughed.
"Ahhh, there's the point I was trying to prove. You were supposed to call me remember? Never heard back from you after last week and I got worried." He sighed.
"Aww Jake, I really didn't do that on purpose. I've just had a lot on my mind, and then my car broke down about two weeks ago and-"
"Bella, it broke down to weeks ago and you're telling me now? You know I can go over and fix that for you with ease."
I gave him a sheepish smile and bit my lip. "Well I actually got it fixed today. I kinda, uh, forgot that you're sort of going to school to be a mechanic."
He gasped in a breath and widened his eyes. He shook his head and put a hand over his heart. "And you just keep breaking my weak little heart, don't you?."
I rolled my eyes at his dramatics but couldn't help but laugh. "There's nothing 'weak' about you Jake. Besides, I'm not the one who holds that type of power on you. Which is why, to make it up to you, we should go out to dinner this weekend so I can finally meet the woman who does hold your heart."
He laughed, but I still saw his cheeks tinge pink a little. "That was very cheesy Bells."
"But you know it's true," I sang out to him. "Have you even told her by the way?"
"Nooo I have not, but I was getting to that. The reason I had been waiting for you to call me was so I can invite you on a little trip next weekend. Billy, your dad, Shauna, and I thought it would be fun to go to LA. Soak in some sun and get away from here for a little bit. I'm already coming up with some…ideas as to how I can tell Shauna while we're there. Go to a beach or something. She's been dying to go to Disneyland for a while so that's even a possibility." He shrugged.
"Jacob that sounds absolutely great, but I don't know if I should go." I sighed.
"Why not? It's the weekend and it's only for two days. We'll leave Friday night and then get home Sunday night."
"And my dad is on board for this?" I asked, surprised.
"Ya, work has been stressful lately and he just wants to get away for a while. Go fishing with Billy or something."
I nodded. "Umm, I'll tell you what. I'll think about it and let you know by tomorrow night. Deal?"
"Fine, but please just really think about it before saying no. It'd be nice to go on a little mini vacation."
"It would be." I mumbled.
He laughed suddenly as I looked back up at him again. "Ok, I think I should let you go. I don't think you're friend appreciates me taking you away."
I followed were he was looking and noticed Edward staring at us curiously, his eyes slightly narrowed as he looked at Jacob. I laughed as I turned back to look at him. "Ya, I think I should go too. We're all supposed to be eating and I'm being rude."
"Alright Bells," He sighed, giving me a hug again. "Don't forget to call me about you're decision. I hope you decide to go, it'll be a lot of fun."
I pulled back and smiled. "I know. I promise I wont forget."
I just hoped I wasn't too much of a chicken when the time came to really decide. I'd felt so different all throughout today. I felt…happy and so carefree, just like the raindrops I'd seen earlier today, the ones I wished I could feel like. It was a very big improvement and a goal that I'd never thought I'd reach.
And just when I wanted to give up and go to bed this morning, to wallow like I always did, I had people now that could definitely help me through that, people that were teaching me how to be happy again. I was finally learning how to be me again…
E.P.O.V
"Edward man, they're just talking." Jasper laughed beside me.
I took my eyes away from Bella and whoever the guy she was talking to was, and looked at him. "I know."
"So then stop shooting daggers his way. It's kind of creepy." Alice replied as she took a bite of her pizza.
"That's not what I'm doing."
Rosalie rolled her eyes. "Ya sure. Can you at least stop looking at them then? They already noticed you're looking over there, so they're laughing."
I glared at her, before setting looking down at my slice of pizza.
"I think Eddie here has a little crush on Little B over there." Emmett chirped. He wiggled his eyebrows as I looked up at him. I glared again as he began to chuckle, scarfing down his last slice of pizza.
"Sorry about that. I didn't mean to be rude." Bella apologized. She sat down next to me and gave me beautiful smile.
How right you are Emmett. I thought to myself, sighing before I began to eat with everyone else.
A/N: Omg things are starting to become different! Bella is becoming so much happier! And guess what….you all get to FINALLY find out what happened to her next chapter! :D Anyway, I owe you all a very very big apology, and I know you've all heard this before but, I was really busy and couldn't get to writing. Which is why this is literally the longest chapter I have ever written! It's a late-Thanksgiving present for all you! Well please review and forgive me!
Love,
Edward Is My Lullaby