A/N: Thank you so much for all your support guys! I truly want to thank whoever recommended this story to the communities it has been accepted to. It's a dream come true for me! Thank you so much!

Summary: Isabella Swan is the one person to go to about love – even though she has virtually no love life of her own…until a drunken blind date lands her married to the sexy Dr. Edward Masen. Please read and review.

DC: I don't own Twilight.

I was planning on updating a week ago, but I've been having some 'personal' problems so I was to swamped to write. Then, I went on a weeklong field trip to Bandung last week (omfg, it was so much fun!) and I realized I was being a total biznitch for not updating for over two weeks.

So, I truly want to apologize for the incredibly long wait.

As always, Review Responses are at the bottom of the chapter. Please read and review!

(In Bella's inner monologue, there's a little activity that you can do, and she actually asks you to do so. I'd love it if you reviewed or PMed me with the results of the activity. It will help me to write oncoming monologues)

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Urban Decay

Chapter 6: Three Cheers for Five Years

B

It takes no time to fall in love, but it takes years to know what love actually is.

I invite you to ask your friends, ask your family. In fact, take a break. Stop reading this for a second, and look around the room. Who is around you? If you're around a few people that you know, ask them what they think love is. If you're alone, ask yourself what love is. What were the answers you received?

There are a countless number of answers. And they all go something like this:

Love is everything it's cracked up to be. That's why people are so cynical about it...It really is worth fighting for, risking everything for. And the thing is, if you don't risk everything, you risk even more. Love is the irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired. It doesn't make the world go round; it's what makes the ride worthwhile

Almost every time I ask this question to the few people who say they know exactly what love is, they always answer with a long description of what you should feel when you are in love. One man once said to me, "You will be happy even at the darkest hour, and you will see light even in the deepest of caves." And I had scoffed. If that was true, why were some people scared of being in love? If love is really as lucrative as it seems to be, why isn't everyone in love?

The more I think about it, why wasn't I in love? Why haven't I ever been in love?

We all have an obsession with love, and yet, so many of us have never actually been in love. Why are we so interested in something we have never seen or experienced personally? Why are we so in tuned to that warped sense of romanticism and acceptance, that we cry ourselves senseless until we finally figure out what it means? People come to me when they begin to feel doubts in their relationship, or when they have a problem overcoming a certain obstacle. I make my living because of this twisted sense of perfection surrounding love.

The truth is, we're just a bunch of kids who want to know what love really is.

R

I tossed in my bed, the thin sheets sticking to my legs like a second skin. The air conditioner was on full swing, but a thick layer of sweat had drenched through my flimsy excuse of a night gown. My hair was tangled in my too-large pillowcase and it hurt to move even the slightest inch. I hated waking up like this – it was like a silent omen, foreshadowing a sadly anti-climatic event.

I was beginning to be the slob that I never wanted to be. People have always expected me to be one of those stereotypical models – all I cared about was the latest Prada bag, and the trendy hairstyle going around town. The truth was, I was just a girl that got lucky when she was born. If you saw me now, you'd laugh yourself silly, wondering how I'd ever been offered a modeling contract.

I pulled the sheets off my body and went to the bathroom. I threw some water on my face and brushed my teeth. My hair was oddly uncooperative, sticking to my neck and forehead. Strands were randomly clumping together, and the comb did more damage than it did help. Sometimes, I imagine what it would be like to be bald.

"You're pathetic." I scolded my reflection. I threw more water on my face, trying to clear any sense of doubt or resentment that hid beneath my skin. "One mistake. It was one mistake. You can't ruin your life like this." I chanted over, and over again.

I wiped my face with a cotton towel, keeping it wrapped around my neck. I dragged myself to the kitchen, turning on the coffee machine and grabbing a bagel from the packet on the counter. Mornings have always been a drag.

Chewing the stale bread bitterly, I poured myself a cup of coffee. I burnt my tongue trying to chug it down. "Stupid, stupid." I muttered to myself, wincing as my teeth grazed the sensitive burn on my tongue. "Stupider."

I grabbed a glass of water and gulped it down, soothing the burn with the refreshing wave. I caught my reflection on the fridge and frowned. What an awful way to start the day.

And I swear that you don't have to go. I thought we could wait for the fireworks. I thought we could wait for the snow to wash over Georgia and kill the hurt…

I blinked out of my haze, and my eyes darted around the room. I caught a glimpse of the vibrating cell phone, contrasting starkly with the dark fabric of the couch. Hobbling over to the couch, I flipped the phone open and answered it.

"Hello?" I breathed, sitting down harshly on the couch.

"Rose, hey!" A sweet voice came from the other end. "I just wanted to tell you that I'm on my way back home."

"Bella?" I asked, uncertainly.

"Of course." I could hear the smile in her voice. "I caught a ride with Edward. We had lunch at an exceptionally good restaurant today. I wish you were here."

"I do too." I answered honestly. "How's it going?"

"A little hectic." She admitted. "But I'm pushing through it. This could have been a lot worse – and a lot better, of course, had I decided to skip that round of chugging – but it's tolerable."

"How so?" I quirked an eyebrow. She sounded almost happy. An incredible change to how she had been like the last time I saw her.

"If I had been drunkenly married to anyone else, my stress levels would have sky rocketed over my head." She chuckled. "But Edward is a wonderful man, and he has been handling our…unique…situation much better than I thought – and his mood has affected mine."

I blinked. "It sounds like Edward is an amazing catch."

"Probably." She replied. "Anyway, enough about me. How are you?"

"But you're the one with the big problem." I protested. I'd much rather hear about her problems with Edward then gush about my nonexistent ones.

"Oh please." I could imagine her rolling her eyes. "In case you forgot, I make my living by seeking out love problems from people. I can smell your problem from Atlantic City."

I propped my face up with my elbow. "Please enlighten me."

"Well." She began, and I could sense the amused glint in her eyes. "You met Emmett a few days ago because of my situation – and the fact that his cousin is my impromptu husband…but that's beyond the point. When you met him – in the studio he dreamed about no doubt – that seemingly burned out fire in your heart rekindled, the spark being coaxed out of its hiding place – since it was never really gone in the first place. "

I bit my lip. No wonder her show was so popular.

"Then," she continued. "You left the studio with the same mindset and emotions as you left him five years ago. You were both still the same people and you both still felt the same way. But you acted as if you were just 'polite' strangers, having met only a few seconds before, with no history. When, in fact, you both still craved each other's company." She sighed. "And now, when Alice – and Jasper, no doubt – come to your house to make an attempt to get you to talk to them, you either ignore them completely, hint towards your 'issues', or, most likely, pretend nothing is wrong by acting bubbly and excited, as if you don't have a care in the world. Am I right?"

I winced. "Not entirely."

"I knew it." She said proudly. "I've told you this countless of times. Finding a Mr. Right Now will never substitute finding your Mr. Right – and luckily for you, you've already found yours, and almost half a decade ago. You just need to get him back – or, rather, bring yourself to accept that fact that you want him back."

"But I don't, Bella. That's what everyone assumes, but it isn't true!"

"…But it is." She replied. "And you know it."

I groaned. "I do not like you right now."

"I know, but I'll live with that, knowing that I'm doing my part in solving your problems. Just know that I'll be there for you when you finally decide to admit you need us to help you."

"Sure." I said, noncommittally.

"I have to go now." I could hear the sound of car doors slamming. "I'll see you in a few hours when I get home. Be prepared for a full out 'truth' session between the two of us."

"Bella! I told you, I don't need any help. It'd be easier if everyone just left me be, because there is absolutely nothing wrong!" I heard her laugh before hanging up. I threw my head back and settled in.

"Stupid, stupid." I muttered to myself, smoothing the surface of the pillows on the couch. "Stupid, masochist. Stupidly smart Bella…"

"Gah!" I threw my head back again, and sank into the sofa. I pulled myself up and walked back to the kitchen. Grabbing the near empty glass of water, I gulped down more of the water. "Mm…"

And I swear that you don't have to go. I thought we could wait for the fireworks. I thought we could wait for the snow to wash over Georgia and kill the hurt.

"Dammit." I groaned, filling my glass. "Stop calling!"

I thought I could live in your arms and spend every moment I had with you. Stay up all night with the stars, confess all the faith that I had in you.

I gulped down more of my drink, ignoring the ring – though it got louder and louder.

Too late, I'm sure and lonely. Another night, another dream wasted on you. Just be here now against me, you know the words so sing along for me baby

"Dammit." I moaned to myself. "I'm coming!" I called to no one. I walked towards the living room, abandoning my glass on the counter.

For heaven's sake I know you're sorry, but you won't stop crying. This anniversary may never be the same. Inside I hope you know I'm dying, with my heart beside me in shattered pieces that may never be replaced, and if I died right now you'd never be the same

I grabbed my cell phone and answered. "Stop calling me! I don't need your help, Bella. Go worry about your own problems and leave me alone!"

"Is that how we're greeting each other now?" his husky voice answered, amusement dancing between his words.

I froze. "Emmett?"

Em

I groaned as I tried to blink away the harsh light from the window. I forgot to close the drapes again. Sitting up, I groaned again. I was still wearing the suit from last night's impromptu board meeting. There were creases near the cuffs and the pants were incredibly stretched.

I got out of bed, and pulled the jacket off, abandoning it on the floor. Sighing, I tore my clothes off my body and threw on a clean pair of boxers and a plain white shirt. I walked to the bathroom and brushed my teeth, frowning at my appearance. Thank goodness it was Saturday. It was practically the only day I had to myself – without any meetings or sudden appointments.

I threw water on my face, rubbing my calloused thumbs over my eyelids. I was so physically drained. Running my hand through my god-awful curly hair, I forced myself out of the bathroom and into the kitchen. I had a lot of weak whiskey – enough to wake me up but not enough to knock me out. I grabbed a cold can of it from the fridge, and popped it open. While I gulped it down, I reached to get some toast from the cupboard.

I walked to the living room, drinking and eating at the same time. I was pathetic. Groaning, I threw myself on my couch. Feeling around for the remote, I turned the TV on. The annoying voice of the co-host of E! Entertainment immediately echoed through the living room.

"Now it's time for Fashion Police! Robert Verdi is in the studio to help us separate the flashy from the trashy!"

"Thanks Juliana!" Robert's grinning face suddenly appeared on the left. "Every now and then we find a gem in the middle of dull beads. We're here to throw the beads away and shine the gems."

"Interesting metaphor!" Juliana laughed. "First off, Solange Knowles at Samantha Thayma's party."

"I don't know, Juliana. I think she's rocking the shaved head trend. I n fact the shaved head is hot, but the metallic Mickey Mouse-adorned handbag and bizarre Moschino heels are not."

"I agree." A blinking neon sign that proclaimed "Trashy!" filled the screen.

"Next up, Denise Richard. What's worse? Her crispy coif of her ridiculously fried skin? Trashy!" Robert proclaimed.

I fumbled with the remote to change the channel, but something caught my attention.

"I don't know, Rob, seems like celebrities these days are having complete fashion meltdowns." She sighed. "Here's our last one, Rosalie Hale!"

"Remember how I said we can find a gem in the middle of dull beads? Well, Rosalie's an example of this. She's naturally beautiful, and she can wear anything she wants, and she'll still look fabulous."

A picture of Rosalie, golden-skinned with flashing blue eyes flashed across the screen. I froze. The camera did a once over, staying a few too many seconds on her incredible legs. It ran up the dress that clung to her body like a second skin, before landing on her flawless face.

"Right behind Sienna Miller at the premiere of G.I Joe was Rosalie Hale, who popped a sassy pose in a fierce one-shouldered mid-thigh length Frank Kauffman cut off mermaid dress."

There was a final shot of her face before the camera flashed to Juliana's suddenly unattractive face.

"Rosalie." I muttered to myself, throwing myself back on the couch. It was ridiculous how much of an effect she still had on me. It had been five years. She hadn't aged at all. She was too beautiful…and it was ripping me apart. If only my stupid cousin hadn't drunkenly married her best friend – then maybe I could throw our relationship back to where it had been hiding.

You are young and so am I and this feels wrong but who am I to judge? You feel like heaven when we touch I guess for me this is enough.

I cocked my head to the side as my phone rang. It gradually got louder, and I followed the song.

We're one mistake from being together but let's not ask why it's not right. You won't be seventeen forever, and we can get away with this tonight

I found it vibrating on the end table at the corner of the room. I grabbed the cell phone and checked the number. It was a number that wasn't on my contacts list, and I couldn't recognize it. It was flashing, but I hesitated before answering it. At first, I thought it was a random stranger – or worse, a telemarketer – but then I realized it was probably a board member from some company that may want to endorse our show.

I shrugged, and answered. "Hello?"

"I need to talk to you." Said a familiar voice. I recognized the voice, but I couldn't quite pinpoint where I'd known it from.

"Who is this?" I asked, quirking an eyebrow. I drank some more whiskey.

"I'm sure you probably don't remember me." He said, sighing. "But I'll probably end up being related to you one way or another, and I know you know it too, so I'm not about to let you break my sister's heart – or let it be as cracked as yours is."

"Who is this?" I repeated.

"My sister used to be a bubbly, happy woman – although she isn't nearly as genuinely happy as she was five years ago."

I froze. "Five years ago?" I echoed.

"I guess I spoiled it, didn't I?" He sighed. "Sorry. I'll start over. This is Emmett Masen yes?"

"Yes, this is he."

"My name is Jasper Hale. I believe we met five years ago?"

Jasper Hale…Jasper Hale.

"Is this Rosalie's brother?" I said, flatly.

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I am." He replied. "We met on the first Christmas you had while you were dating my sister. You ate dinner with our family."

"I remember that." I replied. "So, why are you calling?"

"I just want you to know some things." He said, seriously. "You and Rosalie think you're over each other. Despite what I may think, you both may actually have gotten over each other over the past five years. But whether you like it or not, because of this situation Edward and Bella foolishly threw themselves in, you will both probably be forced to be around each other a lot more than you'd like."

I nodded. "Just so you know, Rosalie and I are both in a place in our lives where we can stand to be in a room together and not feel any resentment. We went out five years ago, and have been apart for that same amount of time. I think it is incredibly ridiculous for you to even consider calling me and asking me if I can handle being around your sister."

"I just wanted to warn you of something you probably know. My sister is an incredibly beautiful woman and you were lucky to date her – I don't want to know why you broke up with her – so don't make another mistake to make her hate you more than she already does. She's not in the same place that you are. Just be sure to remember that."

"I will. Is that all?"

"Yes."

I pursed my lips. "Goodbye then." I hung up. There was fifteen minutes I would never get back. The nerve of him! Expecting that I would fall in love with Rosalie again, as if I'm some type of prude. I wouldn't fall in love again – I broke up with her for a reason, and it wasn't like she changed. She was still as headstrong as she always was – wanting things the way she wanted them, and I couldn't handle it. I still can't.

I was a stupid kid back then, but not anymore. I'd had a countless number of relationships since then, and I've been content with my life. I didn't need her.

I would never need her. Not like I used to.

Once this situation blows over, I'll never need to talk or interact with her – and that is exactly how I'd like it. Despite what all my friends seem to think, I am not and will never fall back into love with Rosalie Hale.

I fingered my cell phone. The sooner Edward fixed his problem, the better off I'd be. I dialed Rosalie's number with the intention to tell her I did not want to be involved in this anymore than she did, and I was withdrawing myself from the solution. Who cares if Bella's show went under? The better for me! There was no reason for me jeopardize my career by helping my competition, just because my cousin is involved and I'm acquaintances with the other party. They didn't need me in their lives, just as much as I didn't need them.

The phone rang for a while. I walked to the couch and sat down, smoothing my shirt with my freehand. She was taking a while. What could she possibly need to do at ten in the morning? I sighed, and was about to hang up when I heard her exasperated voice from the other line.

"Stop calling me! I don't need your help, Bella. Go worry about your own problems and leave me alone!" She yelled into the phone.

I chuckled despite myself. "Is that how we're greeting each other now?" I quirked an eyebrow.

She inhaled sharply. "Emmett?"

"Yes." I snickered.

"I'm sorry." Her voice was instantly serious. "I thought you were someone else."

"Bella, I'm guessing."

She turned defiant. "As a matter of fact, yes. Do you have problem with that?" I could see that spark of fire in her blue eyes.

"No. Breathe, Rosalie."

She exhaled. "What do you want, Emmett?"

"Well—" What did I want to say to her again? The second I heard her answer the phone, I forgot what I wanted to say. "I need to talk to you about Bella and Edward's situation."

"From what I've heard from Bella, they barely have a situation. They're incredibly civil to each other."

"And why would that matter?"

"They aren't clawing each other to death – that's a step up to what I thought they'd be doing."

"Are you disappointed?"

"A bit." She admitted. "But that's beyond the point. What are you worried about if they are civil?"

"A lot of things. How can we lie to the press and say they got a divorce because they had 'irreconcilable differences' if they're getting along?"

She paused. "They'll fake it. Bella's a good actress, and she gets annoyed easily. Perhaps this is just a phase."

"We still have mounds of things to discuss. When can we meet to talk about the solution to this problem?"

"I'm free tomorrow afternoon." She said.

"Do you know the bistro across from the movie theater?"

"Yes." She said, noncommittally.

"How about we meet there to talk? And then we can get out of each other's hairs and we do not need to see each other often."

"That sounds like a good idea." She sighed. "I'll see you then. Goodbye, Emmett."

"Goodbye, Rosalie."

B

"Slow down, Edward. We just exited the freeway! You'll make us crash!" I screeched, my hands holding the chair in a death grip.

"Take a breath, Bella. It isn't like I don't know what I'm doing."

I rolled my eyes. "Just slow down a little bit will you?"

He sighed and the car slowed to a reasonable pace. "Now, was that so hard?" I laughed.

"So what if it was?" He shot back, signaling left.

"Anyway, we need to discuss our marriage." I said. "Let's come up with a story behind it."

"Okay." He agreed. "How did we meet?"

"Well, everyone knows you're Emmett's cousin and I'm Rosalie's best friend. Let's just say that we met five years ago because we hung out with somewhat similar circles. But we lost touch for a few years after college."

"And then, one day, someone you knew visited one of their relatives at the hospital, and you decided to tag along." He continued. "We bumped into each other when you left the room to get you and your friend some drinks from the vending machine."

"You were still one of the resident surgeons, and not the head." She laughed. "We're great story tellers."

"That we are." He smiled. "We went to lunch after that periodically to catch up, but we were both involved with someone."

She nodded. "That makes sense."

"Once my relationship with Tanya was over, you came to do your part in comforting me, because you've always been excellent at the love advice."

"After a few months, you finally got the nerve to ask me out for dinner as more than just a friend – we'd been dodging the thought of 'dating' because we were afraid it would wreck our friendship."

"Stereotypical." He commented.

"But plausible." I shot back. "Anyway. We dated for a few months before you proposed. The engagement was meant to be long but we cut it short."

"We wanted an extravagant wedding, but everything was so hectic – with my promotion and your show, and we went to Atlantic City to take a break from the planning and just enjoy each other's company."

"We drove around, and we found the chapel, and thought 'what the hell' and got married – because whether it be a big wedding or a small wedding that cost a cup of quarters, we were still proclaiming our love for each other."

"Perfect." He commented. "But why did you always deny you were dating anyone whenever you were on Ellen's show or the late show?"

"Well, I wanted to keep it a secret because I knew it would cause some harsh spotlights to our relationship – I'd seen it happen to a countless number of celebrities. I didn't want us to breakup, so people didn't find out until we actually got married. I took off my ring before every show, and kept it safely in my pocket."

"OCD." He replied.

"I had to be careful." I shrugged. "You think that story will work?"

"I hope so." He replied. "If it doesn't, we'll have to do a lot of damage control."

"If something comes up, we'll have to adjust our story."

"Of course."

I sighed and looked out the window. Maybe things would be okay after all.

A/N: I had a million other things I wanted to put in this chapter…but it would be much too long, so I decided to save it for the next chapter. I hope you aren't too angry with this chapter. I know nothing happened – it's a lot like the second chapter that was more filler. But we get some insight on Rosalie and Emmett. Next chapter will focus more on Edward and Bella. I promise. And it will be incredibly sweet, as well.

Again, I apologize. The next update should be sometime in the next six days. I promise

-Kim

Number of Pages: 11

Number of Words: 5,334

Completed: Yes

Edited: No

Review Responses

Confused55: I'm actually proud of it. I mean, everyone's always surprised when I answer 'No' to 'Have you ever had a boyfriend?' Who cares if you've been in a relationship or not? I'm still in ninth grade – it isn't like being in a relationship right now will help me at all. I have my best friends and close knit group of supporters, and that's all I need. I used to have 5 dogs, but my father doesn't like dogs very much, so he gave them away to his friend without my consent. It was horrible! I want to be a vegetarian as well! I would love to be a vegetarian. The problem is…I hate vegetables so it would make it a tad bit…difficult…to be a vegetarian. Haha! 53 reviews now. I'm hoping to beat 60 after this chapter. Keep our fingers crossed!

Lovedforeternity: I love how cute they are together as well. I'm so sorry there wasn't much interaction between the two of them this chapter. But I want to save all the unbearably cute things for the next chapter! You'll love it, I swear. I know! Who in their right mind would give 3 million bucks to an almost stranger?

Aribx3: Oh my goodness, thank you so much! I hope it's getting better and better, although I'm sure you'll be disappointed with this one. I'm so sorry! Schweet! We have the same middle name! Bluetooth high five!!! I know! I'm so jealous of her middle name. We should both go to city hall and like, change our middle name to like 'flagellum' or 'felula' or something. It'll be the bomb! Sure! I'll check out your story right after I finish writing these Review Responses!

Medea Ariadne DeMarchi: Hahahah really? I hadn't meant for it to be funny, but I'm glad it made you laugh! I'm thrilled that you liked the chapter! I'm ashamed that I took so long to update quick, but I hope you like this update.

Race for the clock tower: I'm glad you liked the chapter! He IS one hell of a surgeon. Maybe he has this crazy insane mindset that lets him like do telekenisis and other stuff like that. That would be the most epic thing in the world. Oh my goodness, it wasn't that big of a bus! I could pick it up with my fingers. Either it's miniature bus, or I'm freakishly tall.

Angel4057: Aw thanks. I want this story to be unique, and unlike the ones I have read, and it has been so far (hopefully). I'm hoping that that section of the story will come out good too!

Warped Sense of Betrayal: I'm glad you liked that chapter! I haven't talked to you in a while! I live by quote graphics and avatars that explain exactly what I'm going through. I get my inspiration through these quote graphics and through music. I'm not lying! I'm really 14! I was born on July 7, 1995 at 7:00AM! I'm not 23, I promise. And I haven't graduated from Harvard – I could never get into that school!

Just a Sigh of Relief: Hey! Long time no see! I'm glad you like the story!

Calico Rayne: Calico. Damn. You like, won the name lottery or something! I'm pretty sure I could sue you and steal your name if my nonexistent lawyers let me do that for no apparent reason…haha, I'm glad I could make you smile! Addictive reading? Really? Schweet! I've never had that said about my story before, so I'm glad you said it! Wahoo! High five! Naaah you'll hate Indonesia. Same old, same old. Hot and wet. No entertainment whatsoever. I'll holler if I need a beta! I holler really loud so I recommend some ear muffs!

Twilight-saga-lover95: Oh my goodness, thank you very much! Bella's inner monologues are incredibly fun to write! I love writing them because they can either be sarcastic or really deep. So far, most have been neutral. I'm updating!