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Song for this chapter: "Come on, Come all" by ALL TIME LOW & "Curse of Curves" by Cute is What We Aim For
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Chapter 15: Come On, Come All
I tried to breath.
Inhale, exhale, inhale…oh fuck who am I kidding? This won't work.
But maybe it will. Perhaps time? Oh yeah, time. That's what got me in this situation in the first place.
My face was covered in layers of make-up and my eyes were red from crying the night before.
This might work, I told myself, MIGHT.
"Who am I kidding? Why'd I say yes in the first place?" I placed my hands on my face.
"Bella," Sami said from the other side of the door, "Can we come in?"
"Yeah," I grunted.
"Hey, you ok?" she asked.
I glared at her.
She backed up, "Whoa there tiger, I know you're nervous."
"What if I'm not? What if I just know this isn't the right thing?" I cried.
"Bella, you made this decision. I can't tell you what to do. This is your choice."
I sighed. Picking myself up from the ground, I looked at the white dress. It was beautiful and Renee designed it especially for me. Such a shame if it goes to waste might as well go on with it.
"Can my bridesmaids help me?" I cracked a smile. Sami, my maid of honor, nodded and went out to call Jaze and Angel.
"We're here!" Angel said as she jumped in the room. Ten years later and she still didn't lose her natural hyperness.
Jaze waved, "Hey, miss pretty, Chrissie is down there, too."
"Oh, you can tell her to come up," I smiled. We met Chrissie a year after I entered L.I.S. She had been a transfer student from Quebec.
"Hi, future Mrs. -" I stopped Chrissie before she could let it out,
"No worries, I'll have that last name by the end of the day," I blushed. Or not.
They got me into the dress by ten and then we had one of my mother's make-up artists help me with today's events.
When it came to be only two hours before the ceremony, my hair had been done in neat curls and my face was officially caked with artificial products.
So much for natural beauty, I sighed as I looked at myself in the mirror.
I still wore the Tiffany necklace around my neck which seemed to have been given to me so long ago. Naturally, I was going to wear it today whether or not everyone else hates it.
Edward, I still sighed when I heard that name. Ten years later, and I still missed him. I was about to get married and I still remembered him!
Two years ago, Jake had proposed to me in Venice while my mother attended the Paris Fashion Shows. We had snuck out to the city and he knelt down on one knee and asked me to marry him.
I couldn't say no, he was just too adorable. But when I said yes to him on that boat, I couldn't help but feel like I had just made the biggest mistake of my life. Now here I was, in a wedding dress about to get married to him in my mother's stone mansion in Shropshire.
Fucked up life…
"Bella, you look hot!" Angel said as she saw me in my wedding outfit.
Sami laughed, "That's how she manages to make those sounds we used to hear in our dorm at night."
I blushed. Oh yeah, our rooms were connected.
"It's not that bad…" I said with my face all read.
"Yeah," Angel made a face in disgust, "Unless you're the one hearing it."
Okay, so I lost my virginity to Jake…
Well, we broke up after that at the senior prom and I dated a guy named Rob for a few weeks and got together with Jake again during high school graduation.
We broke up again when I was in college to be a screen writer. After that, I thought we'd completely never see each other again so I moved to New York to concentrate on my studies.
It was winter when I moved to New York but it still wasn't as cold as London.
That was when I saw him or at least pass by someone who looked like him.
Hot, red hair with light highlights, 6'2", toned, and in a hurry to catch a bus. I didn't even think he noticed me but I was pretty sure he looked a lot like my high school love.
After that, I figured I was crazy so I went back to England and studied at the Film Academy.
Jake and I got together again and one year later, we were engaged.
I was pushed out of my thoughts when I was wrapped in a tight hug from Renee.
"Aw," she was crying, "Look at my baby! All grown up and getting married! Charlie should be proud!"
"Thanks, mom," I began to cry with her but not because of my long, rough journey. But it was because this had to be the biggest mistake of my life.
"Bella," Phil, my step dad, called, "You better get ready. Oh wow, you look beautiful!"
I thanked him and began to stand up.
Guess I better get this over with…
The walk down thirty three steps couldn't have been long enough. I sighed as I heard the sounds of the wedding march starting.
I gulped. Shit, I was going through with this?
Come one, come all
You're just in time
To witness my first breakdown
Cause there's a mile gone
For every minute passed
When I'm stuck in this
I've got a bone to pick with you, Mr. DJ
The traffic and the sound
Is just as bad as it is in LA
So go on and lock me up
You better throw away that key
Before I find out where you broadcast from
Because your play list is killing me
I'll change that station
Light it up like the 4th of July
It's me, I'm caller fifteen
Time to play my last request
Come one, come all
You're just in time
To witness my first breakdown
Cause there's a mile gone
For every minute passed
When I'm wasting space in this town
Don't call the doctors
I don't need no medication
I just need one more vacation
And make it last
Hear me out, please, judge and jury
I'm an innocent man
And it would be such a terrible injustice
To put me away without thinking about
All the terrible mistakes
That goddamn radio jockey makes
I swear he's out to get me
Oh, I swear he's out to get me
I'll change that station
Light it up like the 4th of July
It's me, I'm caller fifteen
But it's too late for explanations
This broadcast will be your last
Come one, come all
You're just in time
To witness my first breakdown
Cause there's a mile gone
For every minute passed
When I'm wasting space in this town
Don't call the doctors
I don't need no medication
I just need one more vacation
And make it last
Hear me out, please, judge and jury
And I swear he's out to get me
Oh, I swear he's out to get me
Go on and lock me up
You better throw away that key
I swear he's out to get me
I swear he's out to get me
I've got a bone to pick with you, Mr. DJ
You really ought to lock me up
Because your play list is killing me
Come one, come all
You're just in time
To witness my first breakdown
Cause there's a mile gone
For every minute passed
When I'm wasting space in this town
Don't call the doctors
I don't need no medication
I just need one more vacation
And make it last
The whole assembly was in the backyard and I was already crying even before they opened the doors so I could walk down the aisle of green grass.
The sunlight beamed as the two men in white suits opened the double doors.
"The Wedding March" began playing and I tortuously, slowly walked towards the altar where my future husband stood. I couldn't even bear to look at him. My hands held the white rose bouquet while I contemplated on what the consequences if I just turned around and walked away right NOW.
Most likely, I was the first the bride to actually stare at something else other than her groom.
I let a tear trickle down for the memory of Charlie's excitement relating to my wedding. He'd be the one to hold my hand. Its just too bad he's gone.
When I finally reached the altar, Jake took my hand in his and we listened to the pastor deliver the vows.
I was already crying after seeing Jake in his perfect tux and slick hair. I really couldn't break his heart- I just couldn't.
"If anyone objects to the joining of these two souls, speak now or forever hold your peace," the pastor bellowed.
The bride objects, I sarcastically commented in my head.
I was in a daze when the pastor said the words to Jake, "Do you Jacob Black, take Bella Swan, to love and to hold, until death do you part?"
"I do," his words rang in my ear ad his smile filled his face.
I couldn't breathe.
"Do you," he turned to me, "Bella Swan, take Jacob Black, to love and to hold until death do you part?"
My breaths were getting ragged and they shortened.
Holy shit.
"Bella, your response?" The pastor motioned to me.
My eyes closed and more tears came down my face, "I can't…I'm sorry Jake…I really can't. I'm sorry." I shook my head and let my knees fall to the ground.
All I heard was the loud gasp from the assembly before everything went dark.
Breathe, Bella, breathe, I told myself.
I pretended to be asleep as I heard the voices of everyone around me.
"I didn't think she'd do this…" Jake sounded so heartbroken, "She said she loved me…she even said yes on the boat."
Sami voice filled the room, "I think she's just having cold feet. Maybe she'll get around in no time."
"I don't think so," Angel said, "But we don't really know."
"Bella, babe, you awake?" Jake said as he saw me move. Ugh, crap.
I sat up in bed slowly, remembering the night when Charlie died.
"Yeah," I looked at my friends, "Guys, can Jake and I talk alone for awhile?"
They nodded in respect and left the room, leaving me with him.
"Bella," he took my hands, "What happened back there?"
I shook my head, "I don't really know, Jake. Maybe I need a break from this for a while. Tomorrow is Charlie's tenth year death anniversary; I don't think right now is the right time to get married."
"Okay, so when?" He looked so worried.
I began to tear up, "Not soon, Jake. I don't want to force myself to marry you. I just…I just need to clear up a few things back in Los Angeles, okay?'
"You're going back?"
I nodded.
"What? What in fucking hell does this mean?"
"Don't get angry Jake, I just want to visit Charlie's grave and maybe see a few of my old friends," I trailed off.
He clenched his teeth, "Could one of those friends have given you that necklace?" he pointed at my piece of jewelry.
Damn it, he must've noticed me wear it when I walked down the aisle.
"I haven't seen him in ten years…I just keep this as a reminder of my home."
"Yeah, right," he crossed his arms.
"Not right now, Jake," I said to him, "I think you might want to go."
"Fine, Bella," he left my room and slammed the door as he went out.
I began to cry, weeping for everything that happened today.
"Bella," my besties comforted me once they saw Jake leave.
I cried in their arms for the rest of the afternoon. But once it reached four, I went downstairs to find Renee and Claire in the kitchen.
"Hi, mom," I tried to smile. I sat down on the table and tried to talk to Renee.
She looked pissed off, "Bella, I'm not happy with what you did today. How can you break the poor boy's heart like that?"
She began to scold me when Charles Cameron entered the room.
Charles Cameron Swan-Dwyer. He was born during my first year at L.I.S. and adopted Phil's last name when Renee got married again. Of course, he didn't know that Phil wasn't his father. All he knew was that my dad had died before he was born.
"Bella," he said as he saw me, "Are you okay?"
Renee said to him, "Hon, go up to your room for a bit. Your sister and I need to talk."
He tried to reason out but my mom shooed the poor kid away before he could say anything else. He grumbled and stomped up to his room.
Renee placed her hands on the kitchen table, "This was really unnecessary, Bells. Why'd you have to say 'yes' if you didn't even love him that way."
I shook my head.
"And," she continued, "Did you even think this through?"
"Mom, I don't know what happened, okay? It was just there that I realized I wasn't ready for this," I covered my face in my hands.
"I'm going back to L.A.," I mumbled.
"Bella? What? I couldn't hear you."
I lifted my face, "I'm gonna visit dad."
"Why?"
"I…miss him. I've never visited his grave and I thought it was time for some reflecting on all of this," I began to stand up.
"Alright," she surrendered, "I love you, sweetie, just don't screw anything up okay?"
I stood up ready to pack my bags and go back to the place I once called home.
I exited the private jet with Renee's business line on it. Sure, fifteen years after launching a line can guarantee you one heck of a name. And lots of photographers following you around, too.
My shoes stepped on the hot cement once again and I felt at home.
Welcome back to SoCal.
It took me awhile to find the car my mom reserved for me.
The brand new navy blue Gallardo wasn't hard to miss- It stood out among the Toyotas, Chevys and occasional BMW.
I drove back to our old home, where I had planned to stay for the week. Maybe I could visit Alice. But first, I needed to settle in.
The drive back was quiet. Once I arrived home, I inhaled the dry, warm winter (its warm compared to London) air and went inside. It looked just like old times except for the wooden flooring which Renee had installed five years ago when she was in for Fashion Week.
"Still the same," I smiled as I opened the door to my bedroom. I was twenty-four and yet, my room looked like the same Pottery Barn Teen room I got for Christmas that cold, memorable winter.
I got settled in and suffering from jet lag, fell asleep.
I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing.
"Hello?" I said groggily.
"Oh thank god!" Renee sounded relieved, "I thought you didn't arrive safely or something."
"I'm fine, mom," I laughed.
"Okay, just checking in. What time is it over there?"
"Uh, almost ten at night. I got here at like seven in the morning."
"Oh alright, sweetie, I'll let you get some rest. Have fun," then she hung up.
So much for sleep.
I glanced at the clock again. What could I possibly do for six more hours?
Suddenly, an idea came to me.
Go clubbing, what else?
I arrived at one of the Hollywood clubs in around half an hour. Was I really going to get through with this?
Uh, yes, I was.
When I got inside, that was when I noticed the loud sounds of music and the crowd of people dancing. I headed straight to the bar.
A drink or two wouldn't hurt. Maybe even three…
Three hours later…
So, I was a bit dizzy and boozed up but I continued to sit surrounded by five desperate guys who looked like they were about to pass out.
When one of them tried to grab my ass, I immediately backed up and headed back to the bar. I stumbled every once in awhile what with my stilettos on. Hey, I was in a club, no use to dress like my old self right?
I clearly wasn't myself as I asked the bartender for another drink.
Drink all my troubles away for tonight. But I knew tomorrow I'd have a major hangover.
Bullshit.
"Excuse me, I didn't catch your name," a velvet voice called behind me.
EPOV
I was on my second martini when I noticed that my date, Tanya, was flirting with another guy. Screw her.
Walking around the club, I found my sister making out with her fiancé in the sofas and with a face of disgust, walked away.
Big burly Emmett with Rose on his lap said to me upon seeing my face, "Hey Eddie, get yourself laid, I heard you haven't gotten some in awhile."
I rolled my eyes, "One night. Em. Big Deal."
"One night?" he laughed, "Crap, how many whores you sleep with each night?"
I walked away. Answer: one or two. Depends…
This was heck boring.
My life had been different without Bella.
I began to sleep around, going home every now and then during my junior year. Hell, they even labeled me the "Avery Hugh Heffner".
College was the same thing. Nerd by day, player by night. I even got two at the same time occasionally. Sometimes, twins.
Now, I was still here in the same hell-hole with a fucking date who was flirting with another guy.
Well, two can play that game.
I was headed to get another drink and that's when I noticed her.
Long brown hair, pale skin, curved figure…she looked almost like…Bella…
It wasn't her. I just knew it. Bella would never come back- that's what I concluded after freshman year.
Though I knew it couldn't have been possible, I decided to take my chances. She was hot and I was waiting.
I've got the gift of one liners
And you've got the curse of curves
And with this gift I compose words
And the question that comes forward
Are you perspiring from the irony
Or sweating to these lyrics
And this just in
You're a dead fit
But my wit won't allow it
The inside lingo had me at hello
And we go where the money goes
The inside lingo had me at hello
And we go where the money goes
I want someone provocative and talkative
But it's so hard when you're shallow as a shower
And from what I've heard with skin you'll win
Her bone structure screams
"Touch her! Touch her!"
And she's got the curse of curves
So with the combination of my gift with one liners
And my way
My way with words
It seems I'm too hip to keep tight lips
And you're on the gossip team
You're making something out of nothing
Your jealousy's the cousin, the cousin of greed
The inside lingo had me at hello
And we go where the money goes
The inside lingo had me at hello
And we go where the money goes
I want someone provocative and talkative
But it's so hard when you're shallow as a shower
And from what I've heard with skin you'll win
Her bone structures screams (I want someone)
"Touch her! Touch her!"
And she's got the curse, the curse of: (I want someone)
From what I heard with skin you'll win
We All have teeth that can bite underneath
To where the reality grows
Yeah, that's where mine go
that's where mine go
We all have teeth that can bite underneath
To where the reality grows
Yeah that's where mine go
The reality grows:
From what I've heard with skin you'll win
And From what I've heard with skin you'll win
I want someone provocative and talkative
But it's so hard when you're shallow as a shower
And from what I've heard with skin you'll win
Her bone structures screams (I want someone)
"Touch her! Touch her!"
And she's got the curse, the curse of: (I want someone)
From what I heard with skin you'll win
With skin you'll win
Skin you'll win
I walked up to her, almost hypnotized by her beauty.
"Excuse me," I tried to sound relaxed, "I didn't catch your name."
The brown beauty turned around and with her chest all exposed like that, I saw a heart shaped necklace that looked kinda similar to the one I bought years ago.
She pursed her pouty lips and raised her eyebrows, "And?"
Fuck, she was drunk.
"I was thinking…" my voice trailed off suggestively and I gave her a crooked smile. Yeah, that one worked on all women.
"Tough luck, buddy," she pulled me by the collar of my shirt, "I don't have a date so you can stay inside of me all night long." She pulled me even closer and kissed me one hell of a hot kiss.
Holy shit, I was getting laid tonight…
Oh crap…
Heey, so tell me if you guys want a lemon in the next chapter. Hehe :] It'd be my first one… ;D
And....I'll see if I get enough reviews, I'll send a chapter preview for Chapter16 (:
Uhm, to get this straight, Edward became a player in high school and college. I'm not saying he's permanently an asshole, its just that he was really affected when Bella left.
Hmm… a few surprises in the next chapter. Lots of drama.
REVIEW PLEASE (:& just cmnt if you want some lemonade or not . hehe xD