Breaking Bread

Of course like everyone else I don't own any characters you may recognize from Stephanie Meyers' Twilight Series.

BPOV

After baring my soul to Roxanne, we stayed out on the deck until the sun rose. We had classes to get to and knew we were going to be exhausted, but after telling my story there was no way I was getting back to sleep and since she was still mulling the whole thing over, no sleep for her either.

We headed upstairs, dressed and decided to meet again for dinner on Church Street after I got off work. Roxanne wanted the opportunity to ask me several questions after she had some time to think about everything. I cautioned her again that there would be some things I just wouldn't be able to explain because of my commitment.

When I arrived at work, John took one look at me and smiled but with his eyebrow raised, "Looks like someone celebrated their birthday after all."

At first I was confused, probably because I wasn't firing on all pistons due to my lack of sleep and then I realized what he meant. He was inferring I looked like I had spent the night partying until dawn; I could only imagine what I must look like. I smiled shyly, "Yeah, it turned out to be a long night." Moving towards the back to put my things down, "I really learned my lesson last night, I'm not someone who can pull an all nighter."

When I came back out front, he was just looking at me. "Look Bella, it's not my place to say things like this, but I feel close to you. I have two daughters in college and hope that someone in their life cares enough to look after them while they're in school. You should take it easy and not burn the candles at both ends. There's a lot on your plate and you need to pace yourself. Your GPA is important considering you're on a full scholarship. That's all I'm going to say on the subject. There's no need for a lecture, I'll leave that to your parents." He patted me on the shoulder and headed towards his office.

I could have let him know it wasn't the kind of all nighter he was imagining, but knew it was best to leave him thinking I was just being a normal college student. I shrugged my shoulders and looked around to see what needed to get done.

A new shipment of used books was waiting to get unpacked, checked into inventory and stocked. I was grateful for the project as it would make the next few hours fly by until Rox came for dinner.

As I was going through the books I discovered the shipment contained a variety of titles. There were a few new books; some barely used releases as well as some really old issues. One of the older books was extremely well cared for considering it was printed in the mid 1900's. It was the biography of a Union Brigadier General in the Civil War written by his great grandson, titled 'A Soldiers Journal'. It was impressive because the shape the book was in made it appear as if it were published only years ago, the quality of the photos on the interior were superior considering some of them were taken in the 1800's. John came back from his office and noticed me looking through the book. "So do you think I should put that one in the window to encourage business?" he asked.

"I think it's pretty impressive, if you think the book wouldn't get harmed by putting it in the sun I think you should. Who knows what kind of buyer it may attract" I said with a smile.

"It's a pretty dry read, it takes a certain type of person to get through a book like that." He said while picking through the books I'd already checked in. "I think I will put it on display in the window, I have a great deal of books on the Civil War, maybe this book will help move some of them."

The book really was quite an impressive piece of history I thought as I continued looking through it. I put it on the counter and continued checking in the inventory. John took the book and went to the window to add it to the others already being showcased there.

Shortly after, Roxanne came walking in the door. "Hey Bella, Hi John. How are things going?" she said while looking around and walking to the different displays. "You really do have an extensive assortment of books here John, I can see why Bella loves being here. Maybe you should consider charging her to come in," she said while laughing.

"Honestly, I thought about it, but I like her too much" he said as he patted me on the head. He looked at me and said, "Why don't you call it a day and go have dinner with Roxanne? I can take it from here."

"Are you sure, I still have a half hour left?" I asked. I really did want to leave because I was hungry and tired, not a good thing for a woman to be, but I didn't want to leave him if he had things that still needed to get done.

"Go, it's not like there are customers breaking down the door. And Bella, get some sleep tonight!" he said in a fatherly way.

"Thanks John, I will." I said as Roxanne and I practically ran out the door.

We headed towards Three Tomatoes Trattoria to grab dinner. It was a little out of our budget but still reasonable and Roxanne had a craving for Calamari. After being seated and ordering our meals, Rox looked at me and said, "Okay I've thought about everything you told me last night, or actually this morning." She said as she rolled her eyes. "I know you told me there were things you couldn't talk about, but Bella why would you treat someone trying to kill you so casually?"

"Well, I wouldn't say casual. I was scared when it was happening, I mean really scared. I thought if he didn't find me he might go after my parents. But it was a long time ago, so maybe last night I sounded casual but I took it seriously when it was happening."

"All right gauging by your reaction, that's all your going to say on that. So can you tell me what happened on your birthday last year?" She asked with her eyebrows raised.

"Next question" I said as I stuffed a piece of bread in my mouth.

"This next question is probably the hardest of all of them, why would Edward want to hurt you? You said he left town because he couldn't be near you or he'd hurt you?" she asked completely puzzled.

"Um, that's a good question." I wasn't sure how to answer that, so I stalled as I buttered another piece of bread. "Well, Edward really didn't like me and felt I had come to Forks to destroy him and his family." I said as put my bread down and sipped my Iced Tea. It came out in a jumble of words, and I really hoped she didn't understand what I said.

"What? Bella, do you hear yourself? Are you sure they aren't with the mob, I mean how do you know they aren't? It's the only logical answer." She lifted her fingers to count off her reasons. "Number one, Edward thinking you came to town to hurt him, so he was going to hurt you instead. Number 2, his immediate distrust of you to the point of not wanting to talk to you or make eye contact. Number 3, an unknown visitor comes to town and decides he should kill you. Do you see a pattern here Bella?" she paused while I just shook my head chuckling.

"And what about Jacob and Edward being, what did you call them, 'mortal enemies'? Why are they mortal enemies and what does that mean anyway?" Now she was glaring at me.

"Rox, I know it sounds very bizarre, but trust me, Edward's family is not related to the mob. I spent a lot of time at their house and I would have known if they were mob related." I said with conviction while staring at her daring her to oppose me.

"Okay, but you still didn't explain the 'mortal enemy' thing. What does that mean, that's a term they use in comic books Bella. Is Edward like Superman and Jacob Lex Luther?" She reached for her drink and took a sip. The look on her face was one of pure satisfaction, like she stumped me.

I laughed at her, "Of course not Rox. Superman is fictional and believe me Edward is very real. My friend Jacob is a living breathing man, the next time he calls, I'll let you speak with him so you can see for yourself he's not a fictional character." I said as I smirked at her.

"Fine, I get it. You aren't giving up any more information than what you've already told me." She glared at me waiting for me to break eye contact. I knew what she was doing though and I wouldn't look away. She knew if I broke contact that I was hiding something and she wouldn't let me be until she found out what it was.

Our waitress came over with our meals and we began eating. A few bites into our dinner she looked at me again and said "Bella, it sounds to me like Edward was right to leave you. Maybe the reasons he gave weren't viable, but I think he was right. I believe he left you for your own good. Given the few facts you've provided and the timeline, it sounds to me like Edward left because he felt he wasn't good for you. You are worth a lot more than you give yourself credit for; you're a treasure to everyone who knows you." She said with complete sincerity.

"Rox, you couldn't be more wrong. You weren't there. He left because I bored him; I wasn't enough for him. You saw his picture, he's so much more than I'll ever be." I whispered.

"Bella, that's crazy talk. You have so much to offer the right person; you should give yourself a little credit. Let's say you're right for argument's sake, then here's what I have to say to that, He's An Idiot. Edward is not worth your tears, or any part of sorrow that you have been wallowing in for a year. It's time to move on, he's not good enough for you. Think about it Bella, you walked into Bader Hall and within a few hours you had the hottest guy in the house lusting after you. Doesn't that tell you something?" She grabbed my hand and made me look at her. "Ian would do anything for you, he's 10 times the man that Edward is. Granted I don't know Edward, but I know you and I know Ian. Stop obsessing over someone you can't have and open your eyes to the man standing right in front of you, he's just waiting for you to see him!" she said in a forceful whisper.

I sat there staring at my meal; I finally looked up at her and said, "You're probably right. Ian is a great guy and I'm starting to really feel something for him. Lately, I've been looking at him differently and it's been confusing."

"That's because you're falling in love dopey!" she said with a smile.

"Roxanne, I'm warning you, you cannot say a word to anyone. I would rather go through this at my own pace. Let me work through my feelings without you pushing Ian at me." I warned her while waving my finger in her face.

"Yeah, yeah." She said while waving her hand at me. "I'm just glad you're considering it. He's a great guy and you would have to be dead not to notice how much he adores you."

We finished eating and headed back to the house, I was so exhausted at this point my feet were dragging with each step I took. My bed was going to feel so good and the best part was I could sleep late because my first class was at noon!

When we got in the door, Ian was standing in the entryway smiling at me. "Did you have a nice evening?"

"Yes, Rox and I treated ourselves to a nice meal. What's up with you, why do you look like you just started printing your own money?" I said laughing while hanging up my jacket.

"Nothing, I'm just really happy to see you. How about we go sit, relax and you can tell me about your day?" He reached out to take my hand.

I took his hand and pulled him towards me, he started laughing because my efforts were fruitless. "No, I really need to go to bed. Roxanne woke me up last night and we wound up talking until sunrise, I'm beat. Can I give you a rain check?" I smiled my most radiant smile hoping he would understand.

He pouted, "Okay, but I'll definitely take you up on that rain check." He pulled me into him then and kissed me on my lips chastely.

Wow, my first real kiss from Ian! My head was spinning, I didn't know if it was from the kiss or lack of sleep. I didn't really care either way it felt wonderful. I looked up and smiled at him, "You can take it to the bank." I kissed him again and walked up the stairs.

The next morning I woke up just in time to dash to class. As I bounded down the stairs and flew into the kitchen to grab a granola bar, I heard Anne laughing behind me. "Somebody running a little late?"

"Yeah I barely have time to grab this," I said as I held up the bar to stuff it into my pack.

I was just leaving when she grabbed my arm and spun me so I was facing the room again. "Hey Little Miss Observant, before you bolt take a look around to see if you've forgotten anything." She was smiling the biggest smile. Something was definitely up.

That's when I saw it; on the table was a single sunflower with a note propped up against the glass it was in. "Is that for me?" I asked grinning. She nodded and pushed me towards the table.

I reached down grabbed the note and read, 'I hope this little flower brings as much sunshine to your morning as you have brought to my days! Have a great day because I'm taking you up on your rain check tonight. Later, Ian.' I was smiling as I tucked the note in my pack, gave Anne a hug and skipped out of the room. Yes, it would most definitely be a great day.

After classes were over, I headed to North Country. I walked in the door and noticed John's music was blaring. I called out to him several times before he heard me. There were stacks of books in the corner as well as boxes, packing tape and various items for shipping. When John came walking up, he was smiling broader than I had ever seen. "What's up?" I swung my arm in the direction of the items in the corner.

"Well, shortly after you left last night a customer came in and asked to look at 'A Soldiers Journal'. After she looked at it a few minutes she asked me to put it on hold, she came back pretty excited and started picking out books on various subjects, the Civil War, Music, Cars, even Medical Journals. While she was picking through everything she wanted, another woman came in and started helping. It was incredible Bella, I've never had a sale like last night." He was shaking his head as he recalled the episode.

Smiling I said, "So what's with all the packing? Have you decided to close up now that you've made your millions?"

"No, this my dear, is what you will be doing today. They chose so many books they couldn't carry them to their car. So they're sending someone to pick them up this evening. Get to it kid, I wouldn't want to disappoint my best customers." He turned and went back to his office whistling.

Throwing my jacket on the counter, I headed over to the corner with my backpack. I pulled my iPod out and began the task of packing up all the books. It really was amazing the assortment of books this customer had purchased, there were hundreds of titles here. I was really happy for John, he needed this boost in business. Hopefully this customer would return, or at least recommend North Country to others.

A couple of hours later John came walking out and said, "You look awfully happy Bella. What's going on, did you get a good grade on a paper or something?"

"No, nothing like that, I just realized last night that life has a lot to offer if you're willing to open your eyes." I grinned at him as I stood up. "Well, they're all packed. Hey John, do you mind if I head out a little early, I'm anxious to get home." I said excitedly.

He just studied my face and grinned. "Go, enjoy your evening Bella."

Not wanting to wait another second to see Ian, I grabbed my backpack and rushed towards the door. "Thanks John, you're great. See you tomorrow."

I turned back around and nearly collided with a man coming in. Looking up at him, I apologized and stepped aside to let him pass. Probably the guy coming to get all those books, I thought. As I walked home I thought about how lucky I was. My mind wandered to Ian, my heart started racing and I began walking faster. The quicker I got home, the sooner I'd be in his arms and taste his sweet kisses. Yes, today was a great day and it would be an even better evening.