Employment

No, I still don't own the rights to anything related to Twilight!

BPOV

Dropping my hand, I released her as I looked into her eyes, my anger started to flair again. "Bella, please let me explain", she pleaded with me.

I turned from her and started walking from the room. As much as I thought I wanted to confront her, after looking in her eyes I determined now was not the time. All I really wanted was get away from her at that moment. As angry as I was at her, I didn't think speaking with her would be good for either of us. I was sure I would say something out of anger that would make this situation spiral out of control.

As I was leaving the room, she shouted, "Bella please, let me explain. I didn't mean any harm, it's important that you understand." She was rushing towards me and reached out to grab me. I spun on my heels and glared at her. She stopped in her tracks and whispered, "Please."

"Don't come near me right now. This," I said as I fanned my arms around the room, "is not where I would like to have this discussion. The best thing for me to do right now is get some air and you are not invited," I hissed at her. Without waiting for her to answer, I turned and walked out of the room.

Walking out of the house having no idea where I was headed may not have been such a good idea, but I couldn't go to my room. I knew Roxanne would just follow and I had to think about everything Ian had told me. Walking always helped me to clear the chaos, especially when I was angry.

How could she have stepped on my trust? No, that's not even correct, how could she have jumped to so many conclusions. She didn't know a thing about my past yet she felt the need to warn Ian that I was, what did he say, 'delicate…on the verge of a breakdown'. Not only that, she didn't even have enough faith in me to allow me to handle my own relationships. She felt compelled to step in and talk about things even though she didn't have all the facts. Maybe she wasn't the person I thought she was. Ugh, I hated not trusting her, it frustrated me, and it hurt me.

I had no idea where I was walking I was so caught up in my thoughts. Looking around I realized I was already down by the student center. I decided to go inside and sit, my anger was starting to subside the walk had at least tired me; it hadn't quite fully calmed me down yet though.

Sitting in one of the chairs I looked around the room. There were still several people in the center, playing ping-pong, reading, or just hanging out with friends. Being here I realized, all I wanted to do was be in my bed with the covers pulled over my head. But this wasn't an option, I knew if I returned now, Roxanne would want to address our fight and I wasn't ready yet.

Staring off into space, I began thinking through why I was so angry. I knew it wasn't just because of Roxanne's actions. In my heart I knew that her motives were based in love, she was only trying to protect me. If I really thought about it, she was only reacting the way I had seen her react to several things during the short period of time we had become friends. It was as if Roxanne acted before she thought through all of the consequences. I chuckled to myself at that thought, we weren't so different in that respect, the difference being I would never be as outspoken as she had been with someone else's feelings.

One of the things nagging at the back of my mind was why I had reacted so severely. In thinking clearly I could see that I had overreacted and was making this bigger than it had to be. Was it truly all about Roxanne, or was there something else. If I were honest with myself, I'd admit that it was because she had disclosed this information to Ian. I wasn't even given the opportunity to work through my own feelings and now Ian knew there was something from my past that I hadn't completely dealt with.

I was just beginning to feel normal and then this had to happen, I had to work this out before heading back, otherwise Roxanne and my relationship would always have something hanging over it.

Things had actually turned out great between Ian and I, so what was making my anger flare. I heard someone clearing their throat next to me; I looked up and saw Anne standing next to my chair. "Hey, I saw you sitting over here and thought you might appreciate some company," she said as she took a seat next to me.

I nodded my head and then just looked into my lap. I wasn't really up for company right now, but since I had no idea whether or not she knew what happened back at the house, I decided to let her stay. Sighing I looked at her, "So why are you at the center? Is Sam here with you?"

"Nope, I decided to take a walk." She was looking around the room and turned to me smiling. "So anything good happening here?"

Looking around again I noticed that the center was nearly empty. There were only two guys still playing ping-pong. "Yeah, can't you tell? Me and the boys are preparing to have a tournament, what do you think, want to be my partner?" I said sarcastically. Regretting that immediately, I looked at her and smiled shyly. "Sorry, that was uncalled for."

"No harm, no foul" she shrugged her shoulders. She just sat there watching the guys playing without saying a word. When she first came over I thought she may have been unaware of what happened, but apparently I was wrong. Someone had clued her into the argument; she was just waiting for me to bring the topic up. I immediately started feeling like I was being manipulated. If she knew what was going on, why wasn't she saying anything.

My anger started rising again. "Anne what are you doing here?" I said with a little too much acid in my tone. I couldn't help it, this whole evening it felt like everyone was playing games with me. Ian, Roxanne, and now Anne…

Taking in a deep breath, she looked at me and said, "Look, Roxanne came to me and told me what happened. I don't want to intrude; it's up to you if you want to tell me your side. But being the RA I couldn't just let you roam around campus on your own so late at night."

She was staring at me intently and then she looked down at her hands, "Bella, I know being so far from home and meeting new people is hard. In the years that I've been living in a college dorm, I've hardly ever encountered two people that got along as easily as you and Roxanne have. You have the great beginnings of a strong friendship, do you really want to throw all that away over one fight?" She gazed at me waiting for me to answer.

"No, of course not. I'm not that dramatic, I just wanted to walk off my anger and think through a few things. I'm sorry I was so short with you, I don't know what's wrong with me." I said as I leaned forward in my chair and put my head in my hands.

"Well, it doesn't appear as if sitting here is helping, so why not come back to the house." She stood up and held out her hand for me. "Maybe a good night's sleep will help." She wiggled her fingers in my face, to get me to take her hand.

Sighing, I took her hand and we headed for home. We walked in silence until I said, "Anne, I'm really sorry. She smiled at me and said, "Don't worry about it. Come on, you really need some sleep."

When I got to the room, I took a deep breath before entering. Roxanne wasn't in the room thank goodness; I really didn't have the energy to go another round. Pulling my pajamas out, I ducked into the bathroom and changed. Practically crawling to my bed, I pulled my iPod and ear buds out, the only thing that would help me sleep at this point was the sweet sounds of piano chords in my ears. I was soon drifting off all while thinking about how things had taken a turn very quickly.

When I woke up the next morning, I immediately turned to see if Roxanne was in her bed. She had already left, ah that's right she had an eight thirty class. I wouldn't be seeing her until we met at the student center later in the afternoon. This wasn't good; I hadn't intended to let a whole day go without addressing this. Once again, I screwed up. Throwing my covers off, I headed towards the shower.

The feel of the water on my skin was doing wonders for my tension. Things with Roxanne would work out; I had confidence that this wouldn't get out of hand. After all, I had worked things out with Ian even though I hadn't had a clue what the problem had been initially. At least, I knew what the problem was in this case; I just had to speak with Roxanne to work it out.

Classes went pretty quickly and I was standing at the student center checking out the board when I felt someone tap my shoulder. I turned to see Roxanne standing there looking very apologetic. I smiled shyly at her, reached out to her and pulled her into a hug. "Hey, I'm really sorry about last night. I didn't mean to cause such a problem…"

She pulled away from me saying, "Bella, you didn't cause a problem, so stop beating yourself up. I was stupid; I shouldn't have destroyed your trust in me. Sometimes, I don't know, I say things that I shouldn't. Do you forgive me?" she said with so much sincerity.

"Of course, Rox. Here sit, talk to me." Pulling her over to a chair we sat down. "I overreacted last night, but I still want you to tell me what compelled you to talk to him. I'm ready to hear your explanation," I said carefully.

"Well, you know how you talk in your sleep," she said glancing at me shyly. Oh no, what did I say now. "The talking is getting worse Bella. Although I'm willing to wait for you to feel comfortable enough to talk to me about whatever happened to you, I felt I should at least protect you from anyone else who might hurt you. I'm sorry I know it's not my place, but I'm worried about you Bella. You need to talk to someone about whatever happened." She blurted out.

"Rox, I'm not sure what to say." I was looking at my hands hesitating before beginning again. "I do know that when I'm ready to tell you I will and you can't rush it. Believe me when I tell you, I'm not on the verge of a breakdown, I know that for a fact." I said with conviction. "You have to allow me to make my own decisions, whether you agree with them or not. Part of being my friend, or anyone's friend for that matter is giving them the space to make their own mistakes." I smiled at her and continued, "Your job as my friend is to be by my side, no matter how stupid I get." With that I gave her a big grin.

She pouted, "Fine, but you may have to remind me to back off every once in awhile and not get too upset with me when I revert to my old habits. I don't want to have another evening like last night."

"No problem, I'll make sure I let you know when you become too overprotective. Now come on, I saw a posting for a job I want to check out." I grabbed her hand and pulled her from the chair.

"Really, what job? Where is it?" She grabbed the slip of paper I was holding from my hand. "Oh Bella, this is perfect for you, come on…we have to move quickly. This job won't be open forever." She started pulling me forward practically running.

"Whoa, slow down. I don't want to get there out of breath and sweaty. I think we can slow down the pace a little and still get there" I chuckled.

As we walked she told me about her evening with Drake and how he was so great about comforting her. She wound up staying down on the couch in the common room because she knew that I wanted my space. I really felt bad about that and told her not to let my feelings ever make her feel she's not welcome in her own room.

I needed to find out what I had been saying in my sleep, but knew if I brought the subject up again, it would only worry her. So I let it lie for now, I was worried I may be saying something that she really shouldn't hear. What if in my sleep I talked about werewolves or vampires. Wait a minute; I was being stupid if I did say anything about werewolves or vampires she would figure it was part of the dream. No one knew their secrets, it's not like I was saying it out loud while I was awake. If I was saying anything about mythical creatures while sleeping no one would believe it had anything to do with reality, so the secrets were still safe. My promise wasn't broken.

Finally arriving at Church Street we quickly found the place I needed to be, North Country Books. It was everything I could ever dream for a bookstore it was huge. It had new and used books and there were so many, it looked like thousands, this was where I wanted to work. Of course I could probably get a job at one of those mass merchandiser bookstores, but this was so much better this bookstore had character. Just walking in the door you could smell old books; the leather bound volumes…the ink. I was grinning from ear to ear.

While I was looking around with wonder, Roxanne had stepped up to the counter showing the paper that advertised for help. The man behind the counter said, "So are you the applicant?"

"Oh no sir. That would be my friend over here" she said as she turned and waved her arm in my direction. "She's just a little keyed up about your store," she said as she pulled me over to the counter.

I finally snapped out of it and smiled at the man. Extending my hand I said, "Good Afternoon, my name is Bella Swan and I'm here to apply for the open position."

"Bella, it's very nice to meet you. My name is John Garlette; I'm the owner of North Country Books. Why don't we step over here where you can fill out the paperwork and we can talk privately," he said as he stepped from behind the counter. We walked to the right side of the counter by one of the windows of the store and sat at a table. "Before you begin filling out the paperwork, why don't you tell me a few things about yourself," he said quietly.

We sat and talked for about an hour, after I told him about my background retail experience as well as my studies he explained to me what my responsibilities would comprise. If I were chosen to take the position, I would need to work the cash register and restock the shelves. Eventually he would teach me how to take orders from the Internet site and fulfill them. I was so excited, when he left me to fill out the application, I could barely fill it out in all my enthusiasm.

When I had completed the application, I went over to the desk to return the papers and say goodbye. We shook hands and he said, "Bella having you fill out the paperwork is a formality necessary for you to begin employment here," he smiled.

He hesitated watching my face as what he was saying registered. I started grinning and then shook his hand again. "This is wonderful John, when do I begin?"

"Well, as early as tomorrow if that's alright with you? I'll work out a schedule while you're in classes and we can review it when you come in. After we decide on the schedule, it will remain the same week after week; I prefer to know when to expect you so I can plan my calendar. Does this suit you?"

"Oh yes sir, that would be great. I'll be here by tomorrow at three," I said as I shook his hand once again.

I walked outside and looked up and down the street trying to locate Roxanne. She came running up and said excitedly, "Well?"

Jumping up and down and clapping I said, "I got it! I got the job!" We both stood there jumping up and down squealing. "Roxanne, I can't believe it, not only did I get a job, I got my dream job!"

"Let's go, we have to tell the others!" She pulled me into a hug and grabbed my arm as we started towards the house. It was a great afternoon, everything worked out better than I could have imagined.