"What do you mean by back?" Bella gulped.

"He was talking so fast, almost like he knew I didn't want to hear it." Alice sighed and hung her dress back on the rack, "Apparently Irina is in town following up on some internship leads."

"Are you serious?"

"I'm sorry sweetie," Alice frowned. "I don't know what the hell got into him. He says they're trying to talk, whatever that means. He wants to invite her to the wedding!"

"Unbelievable," Bella thought aloud.

"I know," Alice scoffed. "He's completely off his rocker. It's like whenever she comes around he throws any sort of common sense right out the window."

Bella stayed quiet, noticing the aggravated look on Alice's face was growing more and more severe.

"She's not coming," Alice said firmly. "She practically ripped my family apart the last time."

Bella didn't know what to say, part of her was mad about Edward's actions but part of her felt responsible for Alice's reaction as well.

"Am I overreacting?" Alice asked as they walked out of the store, waving to Leah on their way out.

"Well some of people would say I'm a little biast, but no I don't think you are. This is your day," Bella said as they walked down the sidewalk and into the predominantly empty parking lot of the shopping center. "You have every right to say who comes and who doesn't."

"God!" Alice shouted loudly, making Bella jump at her sudden outburst. "he really gets my blood going sometimes."

"I know the feeling," Bella chuckled as they hopped into Alice's Mercedes.

"He is so lucky I'm staying at Jasper's tonight," Alice shook her head as she started the car. "You hungry?"

"I guess," Bella sighed as her phone went off.

"Jacob?" Alice asked as she peered over Bella's shoulder.

Bella nodded, "I totally forgot I was in mid-conversation with him earlier."

"Invite him out! We are going to be picking Jasper up anyway."

Bella's fingers hovered over the key pad, her mind trying to decide what to type.

You still be around? She typed.

Jacob: Yup, at the 'Lucky Frog' with Quil.

Bella: Well I was going to see if you were around to join us for dinner?

Jacob: That works, haven't eaten yet. Quil is taking his sweet time trying to figure out what to do, I'm in.

Bella: OK stay there, we are on our way.

"OK," Bella breathed. "Let's do this before I change my mind."

"Awesome!" Bella smiled, "Good for you!"

"He's at the 'Lucky Frog'."

"Yes ma'am," Alice saluted her before backing the car out of the parking spot.

God, what am I doing?

"You're going to be fine," Alice said as she noticed the sick look on Bella's face. "Just dinner between friends right?"

"Sure," Bella muttered as they pulled up in front of the small café in the heart of Port Angeles.

Bella took a deep breath and lifted herself out of the car, receiving a thumbs up from Alice before she walked towards the small café.

"Funny meeting you here," Jacob hugged her as she walked towards him.

"I know, it's crazy." Bella grinned, "Had enough of me yet?"

"Not yet, but the night is still young."

"Watch it, my best friend is insane and I will sick her on you," Bella nudged him as they walked towards the car.

"Hello Jacob, we meet again." Alice offered him a friendly smile as the two climbed into the back seat.

"Thank you for inviting me along."

"It's no problem," Alice winked at Bella from the rearview mirror.

She better not try anything.

Surprisingly, both Alice and Jasper were on their best behavior during dinner. Mild prying was made through smooth conversation which kept Bella at ease, even more so as Alice and Jasper began to warm up to Jacob.

"Thank you so much for doing that," Bella breathed once Jasper dropped them off in front of the Port Angeles movie theater.

"What do you mean?"

"Sitting through dinner with my friends," Bella shrugged. "I know you'd rather be doing something else."

"Nah," Jacob shook his head firmly. "I had a great time, and your friends seem like really nice people."

"They're my life savers," Bella smiled as he held the door open for her.

"So what was that thing with her brother that she mentioned when we first got to the restaurant? She seems like too sweet of a girl to have that happen to her," Jacob asked as he paid for their tickets.

"Remember that guy I told you about, the one that lied to me?" She asked, receiving a nod from Jacob. "That's her brother."

"Oh," Jacob's face twisted in disappointed.

"But that's all in the past," Bella said as she shook off the feeling of sadness that was beginning to wash over her.

"Bella?"

Or not, her eyes shut briefly as an all too familiar voice rested on her ears.

She turned slowly to see Edward staring at her with a rather confused look on his face.

"Edward," she said coldly.

"What are you doing here?"

"The same thing everyone else does at the movies," She rolled her eyes. "You?"

"A movie as well, are you here wit…"

"I found it Edward, I left it in the car." A tall and leggy red head bound up the Edward, wrapping her arms around Edward's waist. "Who's this?"

"No one," Edward said dryly.

"No one Edward? That's real nice," Jacob spat as he wrapped an arm around Bella's shoulders.

"Look buddy, I don't think this is any of your business." Edward's eyes went dark with with anger.

"It is when you're talking to my friend like that."

"Well maybe your friend should learn to keep her company in check," Irina sneered.

"Same to you sweetheart," Jacob chuckled.

"OK, well I think that's enough." Edward continued to stare at Bella, "You ready Irina?"

Oh Irina, that makes sense.

Bella stared back, her gaze staying straight ahead at Edward. She couldn't figure out the look on his face, it almost seemed like he was more upset to see her than he was angry.

Maybe Alice was right, Irina did have some sort of strange effect on him.

Even through the anger he presented he still had that passionate look in his eyes, making it hard for Bella to look away.

"Let's go Edward, we're going to miss our reservations." Irina tugged on Edward's arm urgently.

"Well Bella, I guess I will see you later." Edward said, reluctantly allowing his rather irate date to drag him out the doors of the theater.

What is his problem? Bella wondered, finding her blood pressure rising again.

"Bella! Where are you going?" Jacob shouted suddenly as Bella pulled herself away from him, quickly heading for the rear exit.

"Bella!" Jacob shouted as she continued walking, not looking back as she pushed through the heavy door.

The chill of the outside air met Bella, a rush of cold running over her.

"Bella, stop!" Jacob huffed as he came up behind her, "Please!"

"Why?" She snapped, "I just don't want to be here anymore."

"Why? Because some asshole felt he could walk all over you because his bitchy girlfriend has her head so far up his ass he cant see straight? That's ridiculous Bella."

Bella stood silent, staring at him in shock. Jacob never seemed like the type of person to lash out like that, despite his well built physique.

He seemed more upset than angry, as if Edward's actions seemed completely outrageous in his mind. It was incredible, the amount of emotion he presented.

"Sorry." He said, taking a deep breath to calm himself down. "I just got a little worked up there."

"I can see that," Bella said quietly.

"I just don't like seeing people treated like that, especially if they are being treated like that from someone you dated."

"He's just never acted that way," Bella said in disbelief.

"I think she probably has a lot to do with it," Jacob frowned.

"Yea, so I've heard." Bella muttered, "Unbelievable."

"Men can be assholes sometimes Bella, I am sorry to say."

"Not saying much for you is it?" She grinned at him.

"Hey we all have our moments, but rest assured I would never ever treat you like that."

"I can see that," Bella smiled at him. "Thank you for standing up for me like that."

"It's no problem," Jacob hugged her tightly. "Can you do one thing for me?"

"Sure."

"Come back inside and see a movie with me."

Bella smiled, "Throw in some popcorn and you have yourself a deal."

"I'll even throw in a soda," he said making her laugh.

Bella shook her head and allowed him to wrap an arm around her as they headed back inside.

She was amazed at how careful he seemed with taking each movement carefully, always making sure that he didn't overstep his boundaries. Even with the dark confines of the movie theater he managed to keep his distance, only keeping an arm securely around her through various parts of the movie. It was comforting to know that with everything that had happened to her recently, Jacob wasn't trying to use any of that for his advantage.

"So are we still on for Saturday?" Bella asked hours later as Alice pulled on in front of Emmett's house.

Jacob nodded, a grin spreading across his lips.

"Thank you again for everything." Bella said, receiving a look of curiosity from Alice and Jasper. 'And I will see you both later."

"Bye Bella," Alice smiled at her before backing the car out of the driveway.

"Úgh, now what?" Bella groaned as her cell phone erupted, "I just spoke to everyone that needs to be spoken to!"

"Hi Bella."

Oh goodness, a groan escaped Bella's lips. It's Edward.

"Yes?"

"Can I talk to you?"

"Well you called so you might as well," Bella mumbled as she fished her house keys out of her purse.

"I just wanted to say I'm sorry for earlier," his voice dripped heavy with embarrassment.

Bella plopped down on the couch, waiting patiently for him to continue.

"I shouldn't have acted like that towards you, you didn't deserve it."

"OK," she said simply.

Edward sighed, "Bella please. I know you're mad, but with Irina…"

"What? 'With Irina' means you can be a total shit head when she's in front of you and then decide to act like a human being the minute she leaves?"

"OK well, I deserve that."

You have no idea, I'd slap you if I was there.

"So do you feel better?"

Another sigh, "Bella you have no idea how sorry I am."

"I understand. She must be really worth it, considering you play her games and out up with her shit."

"That one stung Bella," the sincerity was completely gone from his voice.

"Yea well now you know how it feels," Bella muttered.

"I really fucked up Bella."

"That's correct. Look I have to go to bed, I just got home."

"Bella?" He asked as her finger hovered over the 'end call' button.

"What Edward?"

"I should have told you," he said simply.

"Yea you should've," she sighed. "Good night Edward."

She snapped the phone shut as a faint 'goodbye' could be heard from the speaker. Her grip on the phone loosened as her head fell back against the arm of the couch, letting it fall to the floor with a soft thud.

Why couldn't the night just go well?

The thoughts continued as exhaustion took over her, swirling her thoughts around as she began to loose the ability to concentrate. A throbbing pain began to throb in her head as she closed her eyes, finding it extremely difficult to fall asleep. Her eyes closed eventually as she tossed and turned on the couch into the morning hours.

The smell of bacon drifted to her nose hours later, causing her eyes to open slightly. The sun was just beginning to show through the parts in the blinds as light chatter between Emmett and Rosalie could be heard from the kitchen.

"Now that's what I'm talking about," Bella rubbed her palms together as she shuffled her way into the kitchen.

"You know you have a bed here right?" Emmett said as he scooped some scrambled eggs onto a plate.

"Oh is that what that big thing is up in my room?" Bella's eyes grew wide as she slid onto the stool, "I knew it was there for something!"

"You're a mess Bella," Emmett chuckled and set the plate down in front of her after adding a few slices of bacon.

'What were you doing here?" Rosalie asked, as she fixed her own plate and sat down next to Bella.

"Long night," Bella said before stuffing her mouth with a forkful of eggs.

"Good or bad?" Rosalie asked.

"Both," Bella mumbled.

"OK, well at least a little good is better then no good at all." Rosalie said as she slid onto the stool next to Bella, "Was your dress that bad?"

"No," Bella chuckled. "I actually love my dress. I ended up at the movies with Jacob afterwards do Alice could have some Jasper time. While we were at the movies we ran into Edward…"

"What did he do?" Emmett asked, gripping his fork tightly.

"He was there with his ex," Bella said receiving surprised looks from Rosalie and Emmett. "He acted like such an asshole."

"The nerve," Rosalie said as she shook her head.

"Well she has that effect on him according to Alice, which seemed to be proven true by his actions."

"Speaking of Alice," Emmett reached across the counter, sliding Bella's cell phone in her direction as it went off.

"Hey," Bella cleared her throat as she finished off the last of her bacon.

"Bella, I need you." Alice sniffled, "Everything is falling apart."

"Alice, what happened?" Bella stood up suddenly, catching the attention of two others in the room.

"We had a fight," she sniffed.

"You and Jasper?"

"No, that asshole of a brother of mine."

Edward.

"Do you want me to come over?"

"Please. Jasper's at a job interview so I cant call him or anything."

"I'll be right there," Bella said and shut the phone before running upstairs.

"Bella, is everything OK?" Emmett asked from the bottom of the stairs, Rosalie leaning over him.

"That bastard is turning Alice's life upside-down," she huffed as she hurried from her bedroom into the bathroom.

"Bella, remember murder is frowned upon in this state!" Emmett called up the stairs.

"Screw that!" Rosalie hollered, "Kick his ass."

"Oh I plan on it," Bella tied her brown curls into a loose ponytail as she made her way down the stairs. "Just because he feels he needs to bring the queen bitch into his life does not mean he get to ruin everyone elses."

"Get him girl!" Rosalie tossed Bella her car keys on the way out the front door.

The fury rose within Bella as she pressed her foot to the gas pedal, making her way across the small town in a record time.

"Where is she?" Bella asked as she pushed through the class doors of the Cullen residence, finding Esme folding laundry in the living room.

"Upstairs," Esme frowned. "I had to separate the two of them after they exploded on each other. Jasper is on his way, but apparently there is a lot of traffic on the highway. It was terrible Bella, I have never heard her scream like that."

Bella shook her head, " he is unbelievable."

"I love my son Bella, but he can do some really really stupid shit sometimes."

Bella looked over at Esme in surprise, she had never expected an outburst like that from someone as quiet and patient as Esme.

"Sorry," Esme blushed. "It's definitely been one of those mornings."

Bella nodded, "Let me get up there. She sounded so panicked on the phone."

"Bella?" Esme called as Bella started up the staircase.

Bella turned around quickly, leaning against the handrail.

"Thank you for being there for Alice, she adores you." Esme rested her delicate hands on the top of the railing, "And I think Edward made one of the biggest mistakes of his life when he let you go."

Bella smiled, nodding at Esme before hurrying up the stairs.

Alice sat at the edge of her bed, a mangled pile of tissues sat beside her. the room was dark, the only light came from the bathroom behind her.

"Hey you," Bella said quietly from the doorway.

"Hey," Alice said quietly, not looking up from the tissue in her hands. "You got here fast."

"I took the speed limit signs as more of a suggestion then a guideline." Bella said, receiving a slight smile from Alice as she sat down next to her friend. "How are you?"

"Not feeling as bad as I did before," Alice shrugged. "I don't know what I'm supposed to do about this whole weeding mess. He's not even talking to me. How I am supposed to bring everything together without the best mans cooperation?"

Best man? Bella gulped, And I'm the Maid of Honor. That figures.

"God I forgot to tell you about that and…"

"Don't worry about it, I can put all of me feelings about that aside."

"He got so angry Bella, it's almost like he isn't the same person anymore."

"Is he still here?"

Alice nodded, "He's been in his room since Esme came up to split us up."

"Excuse me," Bella squeezed her friend and jumped off of the bed.

Just do it right?

Bella took a deep breath and pushed Edward's bedroom door open, causing him to jump at the sight of his unexpected visitor.

'What in the hell is your problem?" Bella hollered as she slammed the door shut behind her.

"Hello to you too Bella." He said, remaining in the doorway to his closet.

"Seriously! You completely throw our your relationship with your sister for some cheating whore?"

Edward winced, "Bella please. It's not that simple and…"

"I think it's pretty damn simple, but please explain it to me." Bella stood in front of him, her arms folded across her chest.

Edward sighed, "Bella do you have any idea how it feels to be in love with someone and then have it all torn away from you? Have it feel like you're not good enough for her, or for anyone for that matter?"

"Then why are you with her if she did that to you? And to drag her to your own sisters wedding?"

"I don't know why Bella, OK? She shows up here with a whole bunch of internships and apologizes, she kept saying she wants to make it up to me." He undid his tie and threw it in the closet, "You never want to give up on love."

'Well I guess it's true when they say that love is blind."

"Look, I don't want this to fall apart because of me. I just don't know how to make it all work."

"Maybe because it isn't going to," Bella huffed. "Alice isn't being completely absurd by what she is asking of you, she's just trying to look out for you."

"So what does that mean? I cant be in love because my family says so?" Edward scoffed.

"Is it worth it? Is SHE worth it?" She asked firmly, causing him to look up at her.

Her gaze was stern, her brown eyes dark with rage. Her smooth, pink lips were tightened into a straight line against her pale skin. She was beautiful, even angry she still managed to stir the familiar feelings inside of him.

"What?" She asked as he remained silent, his gaze never leaving hers.

He said nothing as he let his unbuttoned dress shirt fall to the floor as she walked across the room towards her.

"What are you do…" Her question was cut short as he pulled her against his exposed chest, pressing his lips to hers.

Surprise shot through Bella as she realized what was going on, and the fact that she was responding to him.

"Edward, stop it." She managed to press her hands against his chest and pushed him away from her.

"Is that what you want?" He whispered, sending a chill up her spine.

"Yes," she said, her voice shaking.

"I don't believe you," he said and kissed her quickly.

What are you doing?! Her mind screamed as she kissed him back, her arms wrapping around his neck. The warmth of his exposed skin spread through her as he pulled her close, wrapping an arm around her waist as his feet moved backwards across the floor.

The kiss became deep and passionate quickly, leaving the stumble onto Edward's bed unnoticed. A groan escaped Edward's lips as she positioned herself over him, her fingernails running up and down his chest. His fingers traced the waistline of her jeans, leaving a trail of goosebumps on her pale skin. They carefully lifted up the hemline of her shirt, his smooth hands wondering up her stomach towards her chest. She felt and tasted so good, any other thoughts he had about…

"Bella, wait." He hands left her body suddenly, his lips leaving hers.

"Wait, what? You started it and…"

"I know, I know." He sat up and ran a hand through his hair, "I know. I don't know what the hell I was thinking. Just with the job, and then there is Irin…"

"Forget it," Bella threw her hands up. "I should have known better. I am going to say one thing to you, you need to take a good look at yourself and your decisions before you are left here alone."

"Bella…"

"No Edward, stay away from me!" Bella said as she flung the door open, "I mean it!"

Edward remained in his position on his bed, his mouth hanging open as his mind struggled for the words.

Bella looked back at him once before slamming the door, the familiar look of anger in his eyes.

What was that? She wondered, her breathing heavy as she pressed her back against the wall. What did I just let happen?

"Bella?" Alice asked, appearing in the doorway to her bedroom. "Is everything OK? I heard a lot of banging noises."

"Yea, everything's fine."

Alice walked over to Bella who remained pressed against the wall, wrapping her arms around her friend.

'What happened in there?' Alice asked.

"Nothing," Bella sniffled as tears threatened to fall. "Nothing at all."

"Would you be made at me if I said I didn't believe you?"

"No," Bella squeezed Alice tight. "Because I'm a terrible liar."