Let Love Lie
Chapter 12 – Wasting the Days Away
BPOV
I don't know how long I've been standing here but it's getting dark and colder. A breeze rolls off the waves making me shiver. My tears dried up a while ago, leaving a numb feeling in their wake.
"Bella," a familiar voice calls out to me. I sigh before turning to look at Jake. "What are you doing out here?"
"I had to get away from Forks," I say in a raspy voice before clearing it. He comes over to me and pulls his jacket off to drape it over my shoulders. I slide my arms into the sleeves and turn back to the water.
"Rough day?" he asks.
"That's the understatement of the century," I muse bitterly. Jake pulls me to him and hugs me, holding me securely to his body. I loop my arms up behind his back to grip his shoulders and rest my head on his chest. This is the thing I missed the most about Jake; he knows how to comfort me. He knows that I don't like people filling the silences that let me just be.
"I need to head back to town," I sniffle.
"Are you going to be okay?"
"I don't know," I answer honestly.
"I'm always here if you need me," he assures me.
"Thanks," I smile half-heartedly. I shrug out of his jacket and hand it to him before trudging over to my truck. I shove the key in the ignition and turn it, making it roar to life. I drive past Jake toward home.
XOXO
When I get home Alice's Porsche is parked on the street out front. When I pull into the driveway she gets out and starts coming over to my truck. I get out and turn to her.
"Bella, I'm sorry," she apologizes. I close the distance between us and hug her.
"How long have you been here?"
"About an hour," she mumbles into my shoulder. She pulls back and dabs at her eyes.
"Don't cry, you're going to make me cry," I say with a trembling lip. She sniffled and let out a sob-like laugh. Tears spill out of my eyes again.
"I'm sorry," she blubbers again.
"Why?" I sniffle.
"I knew all along and I didn't tell you. I'm such a horrible friend."
"Al, no, don't say that," I cry. "It wasn't your fault he was lying to me. It wouldn't have been your place to tell me anyway."
"No hard feelings?"
"No," I shake my head and smile softly. "We're fine." She smiles and hugs me again, squeezing me harder than before.
EPOV
I walk into the police station to turn in my uniform and badge.
"Edward," Charlie calls as he walks over to me.
"Chief," I say shortly.
"Cut it with the 'Chief' bullshit. I'm not your boss anymore, it's Charlie," he sighs. "Look, I have an offer for you."
"I don't want any offers from you," I say angrily. "The last offer I accepted turned out to bite me in the ass."
"It's a transfer," he continues. I look at him suspiciously for a moment before answering.
"To where?"
"Seattle."
"Why?"
"Because I know how much you liked your job. We don't have to tell Chief Call you quit or about your last assignment."
"I'll consider it," I say. I turn and start walking away.
"You need a job, Son," he calls to me. "If you're in any shape like my daughter is, then you'll go crazy without something to keep your mind off things." I stop at the door and turn to him.
"I'll take the job," I accept.
"Great, you'll have two weeks to find a place to live and another week to get settled before you start. I'll tell Chief Call you want the job," he smiles, satisfied. I nod before walking out.
I get into my Volvo before calling Alice.
"Hey," she chirps.
"Can we meet for lunch?" I ask. "At the diner?"
"Yeah, sure."
XOXO
"You're moving?" she asks bewildered, dropping her fork onto her plate, creating a loud clatter.
"Yeah, to Seattle," I say. "I just decided today."
"What about Riley, Edward? You can't just pick up and leave, he'll be devastated."
"I'll make sure to have a room for him in my apartment. And I'll come back on weekends if you'd like."
"I can't ask you to do that," she says guiltily.
"I didn't hear you ask," I shrug and take a bite of my sandwich.
"Do whatever you have to, but I don't like it," she frowns.
"I'm going insane here, Alice. All I do is think about Bella and how easy it would be to just go to the school and force her to talk to me until things are better. I just need to get out of Forks."
"Let me know if you need help moving," she sighs.
"Oh, and can you do me a favor?"
"Anything," she nods.
"Don't tell Bella I'm moving."
"We don't talk about you. She can't talk about you," she frowns. I sigh and run my hands through my hair.
"I hurt her that bad?" I groan.
"Edward, all she wanted was for someone to be good to her. She's hurting, yes, but I'm sure it could be worse."
"I'm still a dick though," I frown. She doesn't disagree.
BPOV
School is now let out for summer. I used to look forward to summer, but now that it's hear I'm dreading its presence. Summer used to hold so many promises and had so much potential but now all I see lying ahead of me is darkness.
I pull myself out of bed and trudge downstairs to make coffee. I'm surprised by the smell of freshly brewed coffee and Jasper sitting in the kitchen reading the paper.
"About damn time you got up," he calls to me as he looks over the top of the paper.
"What time is it?" I mumble sleepily.
"Eleven thirty. I made coffee," he smirks and raises his mug before taking a sip.
"Thanks," I yawn. I pour myself a cup and add sugar and creamer before sitting across from him.
"How are you?" he asks offhandedly, not looking up from the paper.
"I feel like walking on sunshine," I grumble around my mug.
"All right, Katrina," he chuckles. I smile lightly.
"You're a part of The Waves if I'm Katrina," I giggle.
"You still coming over today?" he asks.
"I'm not looking forward to it, but I'll be there," I sigh. Alice and Jasper were having everyone over to kick off the summer. Unfortunately, that means being in the same vicinity as Edward. I've managed to avoid him for the past few months.
"Just try and be civil, please," he pleads.
"Jazz, I'm not going to fight with Edward. I'm just going to keep my distance." I sip my coffee and close my eyes as the warm liquid runs down my throat, soothing me.
"Dad was asking me how you were this morning."
"And you told him?" I drawled out, leaving the last word hanging, urging him to go on.
"The truth. I said you were still hurting but you're holding your ground."
"He's stopped trying to contact me."
"I know that too."
"I just can't bring myself to talk to him," I sigh. "I feel so much hurt and anger towards the both of them."
"I know," he sighs. "Just take your time. No one is rushing you to talk to them. Hell, you don't even need to talk to them if you don't want to." I shrug my shoulders and focus on the coffee.
"I need to head out. I have to pick up a few last minute supplies for the party. You're bringing dessert, right?"
"Baked a pie last night," I smile. "I'm picking up ice cream on the way to yours."
"Thanks, Bell, you're a saint," he says as he gets up to put his mug in the sink. He kisses me on the cheek before walking out.
I get up and put my mug in the sink before showering and pulling out an outfit for today. I go with a pair of jean shorts, a frilly blue tank top and a pair of blue flip flops.
XOXO
I pull up to Alice's house and see that neither Edward's bike nor car is parked out front. I breathe a sigh of relief before grabbing the pie and ice cream. I walk up the porch, knock a few times and walk in.
"Al, Jazz, I'm here," I call as I walk into the kitchen.
"Coming!" Alice calls as she bounds down the stairs. "Rie. Bella's here," Alice calls up to him. He comes running in behind her. Alice comes over to hug me after I set the desserts down.
"Hey Bub," I smile and lift Riley up.
"Hi," he grins.
"Rie, honey, go play in the living room, okay?" Alice says. I put him down and he runs into the living room.
"How are you?" she asks as she turns to me.
"I'm okay," I say as I clasp my hands in front of me.
"You seem kind of," she says and motions with her hands.
"Anxious?" I fill in where she left off. She nods. "If I'm being honest I haven't felt this much anxiety since the whole thing with James went down," I confess.
"Don't, please," she says apologetically. "I know this is hard and I really appreciate it. Don't feel like I'm forcing you to be here, please. If it's too uncomfortable for you," she rambles but I stop her.
"Al, I'm here, aren't I?" I smile. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't think I could handle it." The sound of Edward's bike pulls my attention away from her. I take a deep, shaky breath before giving Alice my most convincing smile.
"Just remember," she reminds.
"I know. Thank you," I kiss her cheek before going into the living room to see Jasper and Riley. I sit on the couch next to Jasper and he throws his arm over my shoulders.
"He here?" he whispers. I nod. He squeezes my shoulder reassuringly.
Edward has kept his friendship up with my brothers these past few months. I don't mind at all, it's just weird for me knowing they are hanging out with my ex. Despite the weirdness, I'm still glad they were able to keep their friendship and that our break-up didn't ruin any other relationships.
"Where's my favorite nephew?" Edward booms from the front door. Riley gets up from coloring on the floor to run over to him. When they both come into the living room I do my best not to look at Edward. As if my eyes have a mind of their own, they kept finding their way back to looking at him. He shows no sign of hurting. Maybe he's moved on and I'm just stuck in the past.
Edward takes a seat across the room and Riley climbs in his lap. Alice sits across from me.
Esme and Carlisle arrive a little while later. They both sit in Alice's loveseat, which was by the chair Edward is sitting in.
"So, Jasper, how've you been?" Edward asks as he leans forward. Alice takes this time to, thankfully, start a conversation with me.
"Thank you so much Bella for bringing the dessert," Alice sighs appreciatorily.
"No problem, I haven't done much baking in a while," I giggle.
"Are you kidding me?" she rants. "It looks store bought it's so good!"
"Trust me, it isn't store bought," I laugh.
"Want to help me get some things ready in the kitchen?" she asks. I nod and we both leave the living room with Esme right behind us. Once in the kitchen I let out a huge breath and slump against the counter. "Chill, Bells, he's not going to harass you," she assures me.
"I know, I just," I mumble but stop.
"What?"
"He looks so happy without me," I say with a trembling lip. "Sorry," I apologize quickly. "I'm not meaning to ruin this day, I swear." I take a few calming breaths before gaining control of my tears. Esme comes over and hugs me.
"Just keep your head up, Sweetie," she says as she softly pinches my chin between her thumb and forefinger.
Alice smiles and rubs my arm. Rose and Emmett walk in then, Emmett's thunderous voice announcing their arrival. I hear a smack and Rose's voice scolding him. Rose comes into the kitchen and Emmett goes into the living room with the guys.
"Hey," Rose grins as she walks in. "What're you up girls up to?"
"Just chatting," I smile softly. She arches an eyebrow at me.
"About Edward," Alice whispers.
"What about him?" Rose asks.
"Just how he looks happy without me," I say, biting my cheek to keep from crying. Rose frowns before hugging me.
"Don't let him get you down," she smiles and winks.
Alice hands me a pitcher of lemonade and grabs glasses for everyone, handing those to Esme and Rose. Then Alice pulls a bottle of vodka out of the cabinet.
"You need a drink," she smiles. I grin back at her before we walk through the living room and outside, with the guys following. I sit between Alice and Rose in padded lawn chairs.
Alice pours everyone lemonade, adding vodka to my drink along with hers, Rose's, Jasper's and Edward's. I thank Alice when she hands it to me and take a sip.
"Bella, Uncle Eddie, come play with me!" Riley pleads. I clench my jaw and chance a quick glance at Edward. He's already looking at me.
"I'm going to sit out this time, Punk. I'm sure Bella wants to play though," he says and takes a gulp from his drink. I take a sip of mine before setting it down and extending my hand to Riley. He takes it and we walk out to his play structure.
"Are you and Uncle Eddie fighting?" he asks innocently after we climb up onto the structure.
"Just a little, Honey," I answer.
"Why?"
"Grown-up stuff." For a four year old, Riley is very observant and smart. He knows everything that goes on around him and processes it better than a child his age normally would.
A little while later we all sit outside eating pie and ice cream. Riley sits in Edward's lap eating his superman ice cream.
"Uncle Eddie?" he asks.
"Yeah, Punk?" Edward asks as he puts his uneaten, fork-mutilated pie down on small table next to him.
"Why don't you and Bella kiss and make up like Mommy and Jasper?" he asks. I feel blush cover my cheeks and I put my face in my palm.
"Bella and I aren't like Mommy and Jasper, Rie," Edward says.
"Yes you are," he insists. "You used to kiss her."
"We stopped kissing, Riley."
My phone rings in my pocket and I thankfully excuse myself. I feel the tension lift as I step into the house. I walk out onto the porch before answering.
"Hello?" I answer.
"Bells," Dad's voice replies. The tension is automatically back.
"Yeah," I say shortly.
"Can we please talk?"
"Why?"
"Because Bella, I haven't heard a word from you in months. I'm your father!" I don't answer him. "Can you stop by?"
"Yeah," I sigh, nodding even though he can't see. "I'll head over now." I hang up and walk back inside. "Al, I have to go," I say as I walk back out into the yard.
"Already?" she whines.
"Yeah, I have to go talk to my dad," I smile apologetically.
"Okay," she nods. I hug Esme, Carlisle, Jasper, Alice, and Riley goodbye before walking out.
"Bella," Edward calls as he walks out.
EPOV
The tension between Bella and I is unbearable. I thought sitting as far as I could from her would help relieve some of the tension but it leaves me yearning to go over and push her hair back from her face. Riley's question didn't help relieve any of the tension either.
When she comes back in from taking a call to tell us she was leaving to go talk to her father I feel a tug at my heart. She's willing to talk to him but I had to fight her to talk to me? After shooting me a glance she walks out. I get up and start following her.
"Edward, don't," Alice says but I don't listen. I keep walking until I'm in the front yard calling for Bella to stop. She stops, takes a deep breath and turns to me.
"Don't," she whispers holding her hand up to stop me. I stop a few feet from her.
"You told Riley we were fighting?" I ask, a little shocked that she would share that with a four year old.
"He asked, Edward. What was I supposed to do? Lie? You should know where that gets you," she says, a small fire in her voice. I clench my jaw and swallow at her words. "Go back to the others," she says warily.
"No, I," I start, trying to find the words. "I can't."
"Yes, you can, and you will. I don't want to talk to you," she says in a shaky voice.
"Bella," I start and reach for her. She steps back and puts a hand to her trembling lips.
"Edward, please, this is hard enough already," she cries softly. A tear falls from my eye and I wipe it away quickly. I can't stand her being so close, yet so far away.
"I'm sorry," I say with a voice thick with tears, looking directly at her. "I'm so sorry. I know I'm making this hard but I can't find the strength in me to give up. I love you, Bella," I sniffle. She walks over to me and wipes a few tears away from my cheeks.
"I'm sorry too," she whispers. She leans up and kisses me softly. Once her lips leave mine she pulls away and drops her hand. "But I can't do this, Edward. You can't give up but I can't keep going. I can't just pretend that I'm not hurt by your lies because, in all honesty, they're crushing me." I swallow thickly as her words sink in.
"There's no chance we can get back together?" I ask although I knew the answer.
"No," she shakes her head. "I think it's best we just keep our distance whenever we can."
"I thought you didn't want me to leave," I say, grabbing on small threads of arguments.
"I didn't until I figured out that you were lying to me. I don't even want to be around you right now," she says angrily, tears pooling up in her eyes.
"Can you just tell me you love me one more time?" I whisper.
"I can't," she shakes her head as more tears fall from her eyes. "I can't," she repeats before turning and walking quickly to her truck. She pulls away without looking at me.
"Edward," Mom calls as she comes out. I wipe my eyes and sniffle real quick before turning to her.
"Yeah," I say, my voice deeper than normal from crying. She pulls me into her arms and I hug her to me.
"Are you okay?" she asks.
"No," I chuckle humorlessly. "I don't see me being okay anytime soon either."
BPOV
I pull up to Dad's curb and take a deep breath to calm myself. My conversation with Edward was the hardest thing I've had to do yet. I sigh before killing the engine and getting out.
I walk into Dad's house and find him sitting in the living room. He stands when he sees me.
"Bella," he sighs with a soft smile.
"Dad," I don't return the smile.
"Sit, please," he says. I shake my head.
"I'd rather stand," I insist.
"Okay," he says and clasps his hands awkwardly, still standing.
"So, you wanted to talk?" I ask.
"Yeah, look, the whole undercover cop thing," he says shaking his head. "It was only to protect you. I just needed you to make sure you were safe."
"Dad, we live in a small town! You live not even two minutes from my house! I'm a grown woman and I didn't need protection!"
"What would you have done if Edward hadn't called me the day we caught James, huh? You could be dead right now if it weren't for him," he raises his voice.
"I could be happy right now if it weren't for him!" I yell. "I would rather be dead than feel like this! You both have hurt me beyond repair. I feel so broken every second of the day that it takes all the effort I can give not to just give up!"
"What do you mean give up?" he asks, his voice still raised but now filled with concern. "You don't mean," he trails off.
"It's run through my mind a few times but I'm not going to," I say, trying to hold onto my anger. Dad's face falls but isn't filled with sadness. His face shows disappointment.
"Why aren't you asking anyone for help, Bella?"
"I don't want help, Dad. I don't need help. I have my life under control."
"That's hard to believe after you just told me you were thinking about," he says not being able to say the word.
"Suicide?" I spit the word. "I said it's run through my mind but so have many other thoughts Dad. Thoughts about you and Edward that hurt. Thoughts about how I'm never going to be happy again because I can't stand to look at the man I'm in love with and my own father. The thought's run through my mind that everyone in my life is going to hurt me and it's depressing me. All of these thoughts are making me depressed, Dad!" I cry.
"I didn't mean to hurt you, Bella. I just meant to protect you. You're my baby girl and I've almost lost you once and I'm not willing to go through that again."
"You're losing me, Dad," I tell him. "And this time it's not from the hands of an abusive boyfriend, it's from your own actions. You're losing me because you're sheltering me and it's hurting me."
"I'm sorry, Bella," he sighs exasperated.
"I just need some space," I say.
"I've given you three months of space. Please, I'm your father!"
"And Edward is the only person I'll love, Dad. I just need some time. Please," I plead.
"Take as much time as you need. Just remember that everything I did was for your safety and because you mean everything to me." I turn and walk out without another word.
XOXO
I look around my now empty apartment for the last time before placing my keys on the counter.
I'm moving to Seattle today. I was offered a teaching job a few weeks ago and I accepted immediately. Apparently one of the teachers quit last minute and they found my application and portfolio from when I applied a few years ago. So, Seattle here I come.
Jasper and Alice moved there about a month ago and Rose and Emmett were planning on moving there, which is perfect.
I grab my purse and walk out to my truck, where the last of my boxes await me in the trunk. I get in and start up the ignition.
My radio is permanently broken after a fit of rage I had on it about two months ago. I jammed the volume knob to where it's always on mute and a few of the buttons are stuck pushed in. Needless to say, it no longer plays music. I was listening to music until I realized every song reminded me of Edward. After making this realization I pounded my fist and the heel of my palm on it over and over, tears pouring from my eyes the entire time.
Anyway, it's broken and my car rides are now more peaceful. I put my sunglasses on and pull away from my house, which now has a SOLD sign in the yard.
These past several months haven't been the best. I feel like I underwent a midlife crisis throughout them. I cut my hair so it just barely reached my shoulders. I stopped wearing make-up. I've decided to move. I've lost about five pounds. My best friends are now Ben and Jerry.
Three hours later, I pull up to my apartment building just in the city limits of Seattle. Alice, Riley, and Jasper are already unloading boxes from Jasper's Chevy Avalanche. They had left about an hour before me to start getting things settled.
I asked them not to tell Edward about my move. The point of this move is to get away from Forks and away from everything I left behind there; all the hurt and anxiety.
"Hey, Bells," Alice smiles when she comes out to grab another box.
"Hey," I smile and grab a box from my trunk.
"We almost have all Jazz's car unpacked."
"Sweet, because we have the whole trunk and a few in the bed," I smile. We had my furniture delivered by moving truck yesterday so I didn't have to worry about how I was going to move my bed and stuff.
After everything is finally unloaded from my truck Alice and Jasper head home, leaving me to unpack for three more hours.
"Alright, Swan, time for grocery shopping," I sigh.
EPOV
Seattle is a great change. It's no longer silent and small. There is traffic everywhere, noise filling every street, and it's a lot bigger than Forks. The change is good for me, but Bella still fills my mind every second of the day. How is she? Is she moving on?
I don't ask Emmett or Jasper about her. I doubt they would share information with me anyway. I did break their sister's heart after all; even if mine broke in the process. We have an unspoken agreement not to bring her up in conversation, which I'm thankful for.
"Cullen," Chief Call says as he plops into a chair in my office. That's right, I have an office. With a fancy nameplate and my name written on the door, the whole nine yards.
"Yeah, Chief?" I ask as I look up from my paperwork.
"It's Embry or Call, not Chief. I hate formalities," he scrunches his nose in disgust. Well, that's different than what I'm used to. Charlie was all about formalities.
"Alright, what do you need, Call?" I ask. He smirks before proceeding.
"Just wanted to let you know that after your patrol you can head home for the day," he nods and gets up.
"Thanks," I call as he walks out. He lifts a hand and gives it a single flick of the wrist over his shoulder, dismissing my comment.
I walk out to my cruiser, that's right, my cruiser, and got in, setting out for my patrol.
XOXO
I park my bike in the parking garage and walk into my apartment. I greet the doorman, Larry, who tells me a cutie just moved in. I chuckle and dismiss his comment, telling him he can have her. I walk up to the third floor and grab my keys out of my back pocket.
I hear paper bags crinkling and look up to see a woman with shoulder length brown hair trying to open her door with an armful of grocery bags.
"Miss, do you need help?" I ask as I approach her. She jumps and drops her bags, cursing under her breath. I bend down next to her and start helping her pick up her groceries. That's when I realize she's not picking them up. I look up and am met with the shocked eyes of Bella. I roll back on my heels until I'm on my ass just staring up at her.
"Bella," I whisper after a moment. A cutie just moved in. He was talking about Bella? Fuck.
"I don't need help," she whispers as she opens her door before starting to pick her things up.
"Please, let me help. This is kind of my fault," I insist, finally coming to and starting to pick up the groceries again.
"Just leave me alone, please," she says, her voice still a whisper.
"Sorry," I apologize and get up. I walk to my apartment. Right next door. I walk inside and close the door, resting my forehead against it.
"Fuck," I whisper.
BPOV
I finish picking up my groceries, lucky enough to not have eggs, and walk into my new apartment. I set the groceries on the counter and call Alice.
"I had a feeling you'd call me at some point today," she answers.
"You knew he lives here?" I ask.
"Yes, but you loved the apartment and he didn't want me to tell you he moved. I'm sorry," she drags out the 'y' in sorry. I start unloading groceries, only answering her with a sigh. "Are you mad?"
"Well, I'm not necessarily happy," I mumble.
"Bell, I'm sorry!" she whines.
"It's fine," I grumble. "If my fruit is bruised I'm blaming you, though," I add.
"What?" she questions, confused.
"I was trying to unlock my door with my arms full of groceries and Edward asked if I wanted help. I dropped my groceries. I guess he didn't know it was me because he looked as shocked as I felt."
"Speak of the devil, he's beeping in. I need to take this, Bells. It's probably the same thing you called for."
"Bye, Al, love you," I say.
"Love you too," she says. "Oh, and we're all going out tonight," she switches over to the other line before I could argue.
Once I finish unloading the groceries I walk into the living room and look out to the city. The view from the apartment was the factor that sealed the deal with this apartment. If only I had known whom I would neighbors with, I may have wised up and realized the view shouldn't have made my decision. I mean, my apartment is nice; two bedrooms, one bath, a kitchen and a decent living area.
I sigh and walk into my bedroom. I fling myself onto my freshly made bed and groan. It figures I would move into the apartment he lives in. Just my luck, right?
A knocking on my door pulls me from my moping. I get up and trudge over to the door, looking into the peephole before answering.
"Alice, Rose," I smile welcomingly. They walk in with garment bags in hand. "No," I whine. "I'm not in the mood to be Bella-Barbie."
"We're not going over the top," Rose promises. "We're just going out to dinner to celebrate your move and Emmett and I just sold our house."
"Your house sold?" I ask brightly.
"Yeah, this morning we closed on it!" she grins. I squeal and hug her.
"Now, come on ladies, we have to get ready!" Alice says as she shuts the door behind her. We walk into my room and Rose sets to my make-up while Alice styles my hair. After they finish they go about doing their own hairstyles and make-up, instructing me to get dressed.
I walk into my room and get the garment bag they labeled with my name. I unzip it and pull out a deep blue dress. I slip into it and look in the mirror. The sleeves stop just above my elbows and the length of the dress stops right above my knees. The material is loose yet still shows off my curves. The neckline dips dangerously low between my breasts, stopping right below the valley between them. A light brown belt loops around my stomach, resting on my hips.
Rose and Alice walk in and express their approval. They make small improvements to my look before they deem me ready to go.
"It's just us going out, right?" I wonder aloud.
"And the guys," Alice adds offhandedly. I bite back a groan. Great, I get to see Edward twice in one day.
"Oh, and by the way, you're riding with Edward. Bye!" Rose and Alice rush out. I quickly follow them.
"Are you two insane!" I screech.
"Bella, we have Rose's BMW and we have to go pick up the guys," Alice explains.
"So I'll drive myself!"
"What's the point of taking more than one vehicle if you both live here?" Rose asks. She grabs my arm and ushers me back into my apartment.
"Look, Bell, we know he's not high on your list but please tolerate him. It would make it easier for all of us."
"But it will make it harder for me," I point out. "I'm trying to move on, you guys, and forcing me to be with the man I love, the man that broke my heart, is not going to help."
"Just drive with him, please," Alice pleads, giving me puppy dog eyes. I sigh, feeling myself give in.
"Fine," I throw my hands up in defeat. "But once the car parks I am getting as far away from him as possible."
"Deal," Alice extends her hand and I shake it, rolling my eyes. "Now, Rose and I have to go pick up the guys. Jasper should be back from taking Rie to the sitter's."
"See you later, Bells. Don't give Edward too hard of a time," she winks. They both walk out.
I let out a groan and throw a silent hissy fit, complete with stomping my feet. Childish, I know, but I didn't want to scream in frustration because I don't know how thick these walls are. As it is, the people living below me are probably not enjoying the stomping.
"Alice!" Edward's pleading voice rings through the hall.
"Bye Edward!" Alice calls, her heels clicking down the hall. He must have not known about this either. I hear Edward's door slam loudly, echoing through the hall. I walk into the kitchen and sit at the table. I pull my phone out of my clutch and tap Jake's number into the keypad screen. I press it to my ear and the ringing fills my ears.
"Talk to me," he answers.
"Hey," I reply.
"Don't tell me you hate Seattle already," he chuckles.
"Let's just say I have a neighbor I'd rather not have," I grumble.
"Uh-oh, it's not who I'm thinking is it?"
"If that person happens to be the one that I've been avoiding these past few months then you'd be correct."
"There's always a room for you here," he offers. Jake and I have gotten our best friend status back in the past few months. He's helped me through a lot. He isn't too keen on the idea of me living in Seattle and even offered for me to live at his place.
"Thanks, Jake, but my job's here now. I can't quit before I start," I reason with him.
"Yeah, I guess," he sighs. "If you ever need me to kick the cop's ass, I'm just a phone call away," he offers.
"Thanks," I laugh. A knock on my door interrupts our conversation. "Speak of the devil," I muse.
"What?"
"Rose and Alice are scheming again," I sigh. "I have to ride with Edward to dinner." I get up and walk over to the door, looking out the peephole. Sure enough, Edward is standing on the other side.
"Should I let you go?" Jake asks. I unlock the chain lock and deadbolt before opening the door.
"Yeah, I'll talk to you later," I say as I walk away from the door.
"Have fun," he chuckles.
"Oh yay," I say sarcastically and hang up the phone. I look back and Edward is still in the doorway. "Are you coming in?" I ask and quirk an eyebrow. He doesn't say anything but comes in, shutting the door behind him. I walk into my room and slip my feet into the blue heels Alice and Rose brought over.
My heels click against the wood floor as I walk back out to the living room.
"You're wearing those on the bike?" he asks. It was then that I noticed the helmets in his hand.
"There is no way in hell I'm getting on that bike," I say, crossing my arms.
"You don't have much of a choice now, do you?" he challenges.
"You're right, I'll change. Meet you down there?"
"Sure," he shrugs and walks out. I wait about a minute before grabbing my keys and clutch. I walk to the opposite stairway that he went to. I carefully make my way down the stairs as not to fall in the heels. Once I'm on the floor level I take the far entrance to the parking garage, away from where Edward probably was. My heels clicked across the concrete ground, echoing throughout the parking garage.
I stride to my truck as quick as I can, fishing for my keys in my clutch. I scream as I collide with a body and fall backwards. Hands grip my waist, steadying me and sending a buzzing current through me. Once I'm steady on my feet I push his hands off me.
"Are you okay?" he asks.
"Hasn't anyone told you not to sneak up on people?" I grumble, smoothing out my dress.
"I thought you were going to change."
"And have our sisters kill me? I'd rather have them kill me for taking my truck."
"Alice told me I wasn't allowed to let you drive yourself," he sighs.
"I don't care. I'm taking the truck."
"Then I'm coming with you," he shrugs. He starts walking to the truck.
"What if I'm going to pick a guy up?" I challenge. He stops and turns to me.
"Then pick up the guy. I'll go pick up the girl I was going to bring before Alice ruined my plans," he counters and I feel a pang in my chest. I swallowed, my throat becoming tight.
"Fine, go pick her up. I don't give a damn!" I shout, my voice echoing.
"I will!" he says and storms off to his bike. I get in my truck and take deep breaths to calm myself. I turn my truck on and pull out of my spot. Edward is already gone.
I find myself biting my fingernails as I pick up my phone to call Alice.
"Are you two on your way?" she asks.
"Do you know any guys you could get to come last minute?" I ask around my nail.
"What? Why?"
"Your plan sucked. I need a date or Edward will know I was bluffing."
"Bluffing?"
"I'll explain later," I groan exasperated.
"Fine, I'll make a call," she sighs.
"Thank you so much," I hang up after saying goodbye.
I pull into the restaurant parking lot about ten minutes later and see that Edward isn't here yet. Shit, is he really picking up a girl? I park my truck and walk into the restaurant. I find Alice and the gang at the table with an extra guy.
"Here she is!" Alice says brightly as she stands. "Bella, this is Mike. Mike, this is Bella."
"Pleasure to meet you," he stands and kisses my hand. I blush and mumble a response back to him. I sit to the right of Mike.
"So, Bella, what do you do for a living?"
"I'm starting a new teaching job at Seattle High," I smile. "And you?"
"I'm a sports reporter," he grins, his blue eyes shining.
"Awesome," I smile.
"Hey guys, sorry I'm late," Edward's voice calls to us. "I had to pick up Jess." He walks over to the table and everyone turns to look at them while I stay facing away from him. Edward helps Jess into her chair before sitting to my right. Mike drapes his arm over the back of my chair.
I take a chance to look at Edward and his jaw is set tight, his arm slung over Jess' chair.
We order our dinners and start up a conversation again.
"So, Rose, Emmett, when are you guys moving out here?" Edward asks.
"In another month or two. We just sold the house," Emmett grins.
Everyone chats and laughs, but Edward and I don't speak to each other. We don't even look at each other. Jess is nice enough, but I can't help but not like her. Everything she says is polite but all I can do is mock her in my head and think of everything wrong with what she said.
After our food everyone ordered dessert.
"Guys, Emmett and I have some news for you," Rose smiles as she calls our attention. We all look over at her.
"We're expecting," Emmett beams. My face lights up in a smile as I congratulate them along with everyone else.
"Wait, wait, I have an announcement too," Jasper says as he stands. We turn to him. He takes Alice's hand in his. "Al, I know we've only been dating eight months but I feel like I've known you and loved you my entire life. You and Riley have brought so much joy to my life and I am eternally thankful for both of you. I would like to have the honor of calling you my wife and giving you my last name. So what do you say?" he says and gets down on one knee. "Will you, Mary Alice Cullen, take me as your husband? Will you marry me?" he pulls a ring box out of his pocket and opens it. Alice places a hand over her mouth and nods her head vigorously.
"Yes, Jazz," she cries. "Yes!" he slips the ring onto her finger and gets up. He pulls her up to kiss her. I wipe a tear away from my cheek. Mike turns to me and pushes my hands away, wiping my tears for me. I smile at him and mouth thanks.
After we finish dessert we all get ready to head out. We all walk out to our respective cars. Mike walks me to mine. I look over his shoulder and see Edward handing his extra helmet, my helmet, to Jess. He looks at me, puts his helmet on, starts his bike and pulls out.
"Look, I know why Alice invited me," Mike says. I look at him.
"Sorry," I whisper.
"Don't worry about it. I know how it is," he shrugs. "You're a sweet girl, Bella. Give me a call if you ever want to go out," he says and hands me a piece of paper with his number.
"Thanks," I kiss his cheek. He helps me into my truck and shuts the door before walking to his car. I drive back to the apartment and park in the garage. Edward's bike is parked a few spaces down. He probably has Jess with him. I sigh and take my shoes off before walking into the lobby.
"Hello, Miss," the doorman, Larry says.
"Hi," I smile. "And it's Bella."
"Bella," he nods his head. I give him a small wave before heading to the stairs. I trudge up them until I get to the third floor. I start unlocking my door when I hear Jess' angry voice next door.
"Bella? Bella?" she screeches. I stop unlocking my door and my eyes widen as I listen. "Fuck you! If you want Bella so much then don't try getting with me!" I hear her stomp towards the door and I finish unlocking mine. I don't get it open quick enough and Jess sees me standing in the hall. "Well if it isn't Bella?" she wails angrily and storms past me. I watch her walk down the hall before turning to look towards Edward's door again. He's standing in the hall looking at me. I open the door the rest of the way and walk inside, locking the door behind me.
Tears start flowing down my face. He said my name? I thought he was over me. I silently scold myself for letting him make me feel all this jealousy and wanting. I let out quiet sobs as I pad my way through the apartment to my room. I pull off my belt and dress before throwing myself onto my bed and cuddling with my pillow.
The first night spent in my apartment is done so with crying. This has to be an omen or something.
Hey everyone!
I hope you liked the chapter! I may not be able to write as much as I would like in the near future due to tons of work that is being loaded onto me!
But, I will update as soon as I can!
Reviewers get teasers!
Lots of love,
Nikki