The wind whipped my hair back and I couldn't help but laugh. This was just what I needed to feel better. My only complaint would have been the noise of the engine. Any other day I wouldn't care, but in my post-inebriated state my head was a little tender.

We flew down roads with tall slender trees swaying in the breeze. We saw fields of corn, dense forest, and so much more. Everything was vividly lush and green from the recent rain and it smelled clean and fresh.

I could see a small diner come into view as Jake slowed. He pulled into the gravel parking lot and cut the engine. I climbed off the bike begrudgingly running my fingers through my hair. I liked the freedom the ride had given me. There had been too much noise for a conversation so I had been left to my thoughts, but now I could feel Jake wanted answers.

"So Bella, what would you like for lunch? My treat." He smiled his white teeth sparkly next to his dark skin. I smiled in response to his happiness.

"I don't know, what's the most expensive thing they have?" Jake barked out a laugh and pulled me toward the counter.

"Very funny." We moved closer to the diner and I noticed there was no 'inside'. It was only a window on the side of a building with menus tacked along the walls. The teenage girl behind the counter was chewing gum and swirling her side ponytail on her finger. Her eyes were glued to Jacob.

"How did you find this place?" We were in the middle of nowhere at a diner called 'Stan the Man's' but Jacob seemed to feel very comfortable here.

"I grew up around here. I actually use to work this job every weekend through high school." I was surprised but just nodded turning back to the menus.

"Hi there, I would like a cheese burger with everything and lemonade please," I smiled at the girl. Her eyes never left Jacob.

"And I would like three hotdogs, a cheeseburger, and a sausage with everything, a large order of fries, and a chocolate milkshake please." Jake smiled at the girl. She blushed and popped her gum.

"Um, sure right away." I widened my eyes at him. How he could eat so much food boggled my mind.

"I'm still growing." He grinned patting his stomach again. "Not to mention they have the best shakes in the entire state if Washington."

"Sure they do, it's not like you're biased or anything. If you keep eating like that the only way you'll be growing is horizontally." I snorted and then blushed. Jake started to laugh again. "So why aren't you at work today Mr. Fix-it?"

"I'm talking a mental health day." He stretched his arms over his head and I heard his back pop.

"For you or the office?" I teased.

"Both, they are connected you know. Once in a blue moon I just don't want to be around people, and I imagine that I convey that message rather loudly and other people don't want to be near me."

"What do you mean?"

"Well last year when I didn't take off time when I should have, I punched a guy in the face and then broke his laptop over my knee." He blushed just a little but didn't seem overly embarrassed.

"Who!? And Why!? What did he do to you?" Jake smiled at my reaction.

"His name is Ted. He works on the third floor. He came up and was harassing me about how long his computer repairs were taking. I had just pulled a double shift so I could finish his computer for him and I snapped. I broke his computer, his nose, and I cracked his cheek bone. He didn't come into work for a while. He, ah" Jake scratched the back of his head and avoided eye contact, "had to have his face cosmetically rebuilt." He coughed and glanced at my face for a reaction. "I think he has a metal plate in his head or something like that now.

"Mental health day." I repeated.

"Exactly." We sat in comfortable silence for a second. I thought about the power of his fists while he thought about something else.

"If you need to be away from people for your own health, why did you help me with my groceries? Am I not a person?"

"Not all people, just people who piss me off." He shrugged. The girl called our number so we grabbed the trays. It took two trips to move all of Jake's food to the picnic table we chose. We also grabbed gratuitous amounts of ketchup packets and salt for the fries.

Jake tore into his burger first before asking questions.

"So Bella," he mumbled around a mouth full of half masticated cow, "tell me about yourself."

"Ok, I'm secretly an undercover cop who just can't stand authority figures." I hunched forward trying to whisper as if this was a conspiracy.

"Really." Jake replied with skeptic smile.

"No, not really but I really hate it when people chew with their mouth open." Jake swallowed his food and laughed.

"I thought that would get to you."

"Of course it did. I have manners." It was Jake's turn to snort.

"Well, tell me something true about yourself or I'll make up my own story." I was curious as to what he would come up with but I decided to play along.

"What do you want to know?"

"Where did you grow up?"

"In a town up state, it's called Forks, very small and just as rainy."

"Did you like it there?" I chewed my lip for a second thinking about high school and the relief that was college.

"Not particularly at first, but it grew on me." Jake just cocked his head to the side and took another massive bite. He had moved to the hot dogs now. They were barely recognizable under all the condiments. "Well, I moved there when I was in high school. My mom and dad got divorced when I was still a baby and my mom took me to live in Phoenix, Arizona with her after the break. I didn't move back to Forks until she got remarried. I didn't want to be a third wheel to the newlyweds so I convinced her I wanted a change. So, I moved in with Charlie and made a new life."

"Do you like your mom's new husband?"

"He's alright. He makes her happy. But I felt like I didn't need to take care of her anymore, that's his job now. They had another daughter a year or so after I moved out, I didn't want to intrude in their new family."

"What about Charlie, who I assume is your father, is he still in Forks?"

"Yes Charlie is my dad, and no. He lives in the city just a few blocks over from me." I didn't want to make this outing depressing so I decided not to open the whole 'Charlie' book.

"I can tell you care about him." It wasn't a question so I didn't respond.

"So what about you tough guy?" I didn't want my hotdog to get to cold and I was honestly curious about him. I took a bite out of my hotdog and surveyed his plate. Only one hot dog and about half the fries were left.

"Well, I lived in a town called Redmond. I went to school, flirted with cute girls, cut class, got my high school diploma, had the cute girls groveling at my feet, went to college, met some hot girls, cut class, got my college diploma, had some hot girls groveling at my feet, got a job at Seattle Sun Times fixing computers and other technological stuff, and here we are."

"What, no more hot girls groveling at your feet?" I knew they did, it was displayed all too clearly at the club when he was done playing. Any woman in the club would have happily gone home with him that night. I felt jealousy flare but I crushed the feeling. I barely knew the guy, I had no claim. I didn't even know if I wanted one.

"It's more like I stopped noticing the hot girls groveling at my feet. Now, the beautiful girls who make me laugh… now they are a rare bred." He never looked away from my gaze as he spoke and then polished off his food. Once he swallowed he leaned back and belched. I started laughing at the spectacle.

"So, why technology?" I was trying to subtly change the subject without any confessions or epiphanies.

"I like to work with my hands. I built my first car from scratch, I fixed up my first bike from scraps, and I just love knowing that I can create such beauty and power. I built my first computer in college and I just couldn't get enough. All the intricate pieces, it's just fascinating. I love it, so that's what I do."

"Ok, so why the Times?"

"They were hiring." He shrugged. "What about you, why journalism?"

"I use to believe adamantly in the right to free press. I wanted to uncover my own Waterloo or something like that. I wanted to make a difference."

"I notice that you are speaking in the past tense." He slurped his shake noisily. I blushed slightly since I was pretty sure he knew why my opinions changed.

"Don't you remember me the day my face was all over all the tabloids?" He grinned.

"Yeah, you were rolling around on the floor pretending to be a secret agent."

"Ha ha, very funny. It was because the media was sticking their nose in my life for no reason. One make out session with a rich guy does not make me a news story."

"Technically there were two different times, and yeah, it kind of does." I scowled at him but I knew he was right. "You're going to let a bunch of blood thirsty paparazzi ruin your career choice? That doesn't sound right to me." His words rang true.

"You're right."

"About what?" He sucked up anything remaining in his cup with a loud obnoxious sound.

"I shouldn't let the paparazzi ruin my dreams. I can still make a difference; I just need to distance myself from all this drama. I have to set things straight with Mikhail anyway…" I started to formulate a plan in my head.

"What do you need to set straight?"

"That we aren't together and I don't want to be. I followed a stupid impulse and it has brought me nothing but frustration and embarrassment. No longer."

"Well that's good to know."

"Hmm?" I glanced back at him. I had plans of shutting Mikhail down in my mind. I was still angry that he had put me on the spot like that.

"It's good to know you aren't with that guy, or I might have had a tinge of regret for spiriting you away for the afternoon." I rolled my eyes.

"Bologna. You wouldn't have cared what he thought. You are just happy that I deigned to spend time with you." I purred with sarcastic charm. He started to laugh again.

"You're right. You know me so well." His smile was big and friendly so I felt myself return it. My face hadn't gotten so much exercise in a while. "Are you ready to head back?" He stood and held out a hand to me.

"Yeah!" I jumped up and trotted back to the bike. My phone buzzed in my pocket. I let out one of my yelp moans and blushed profusely. Jacob gave me a look that I did not want to interpret right now. "Hold on one second." I flipped open my phone to read the message.

The stars will twinkle with delight at my extravaganza tonight. 11 pm the code word is gorgonzola. C.c

I felt myself blush deeper thinking about Aro's last party. Edward flashed across my mind and I felt sweat break out along my hairline.

"Are you ok? Is it bad news?" Jake tried to peek at the screen.

"What?" I asked jerking my head up. Jake had leaned over me putting his face in my head's path. My head smacked into his nose. I crouched down clutching my head while Jake back away holding his nose. "I'm so sorry Jake. OW! Damn you have a hard face!" My already tender head throbbed. I felt like someone had hit me with a bat.

"It's ok; I take it as a compliment when a girl head butts me." I glanced up still clutching my head. Jake's nose looked a little red but it wasn't bleeding. "Are you ok Bella?" He touched my scalp tenderly. I hissed my discomfort, but it was bearable. "Can you make it back? Wait! I have an idea." He took my hand and helped my stand up.

He led me to the bike and sat down. The difference was he sat farther back so I could sit in front. I was awe struck.

"You want me to drive after a head injury?" I was blown away.

"No, no, no. I have long enough legs I can reach around you. If you sit in front I can make sure you don't fall off or something but still have control of the bike." It seemed logical but I was hesitant. I wanted to see what Jake's chest felt like, but I didn't know if an hour long motorcycle ride was the best 

time to figure it out. I bit my lip. "Come on Bella, don't be a baby." I scowled at him and climbed on. He just smiled.

His skin was softer than I could have possibly imagined. It felt like satin as his arms came around me to grab the handlebars. My hands were resting on his thighs while his claves held mine captive against the bike as they worked the shift and clutch.

"Are you really?" He said right into my ear. I shivered in anticipation and nodded yes. He kicked the bike started and we were off. The wind was colder as it hit me first. I was used to Jake taking the brunt of it. I got cold quickly and found myself leaning against Jake's chest for warmth. He seemed to emanate it.

I could feel the muscles of my chest ripple as his hands gripped the handlebars against my back. His head hovered over my shoulder as he watched the rode and avoided my hair. My head still throbbed but the cool air helped immensely.

The ride seemed longer on our way back to the city. It could have been that I was getting tired, or it could have been the fact that I counted Jake's breaths as his chest rose and fell behind me. When we finally pulled over in front of my building I felt more relaxed to be touching Jake. When he got off the bike I immediately felt cold without his internal furnace.

"Thanks for the ride Jake, it was really fun." I smiled at him as I stood at the bottom of my stoop.

"Yeah, I had a good time too." He seemed to be arguing with himself about something. "You're friends with Rosalie Hale right?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Where you invited to her wedding?"

"Yeah, I'm actually one of the bridesmaids."

"Oh."

"Why?" I searched his face for some type of emotion. He smiled sheepishly.

"I was going to invite you to me my 'and guest' if you weren't invited." He shrugged.

"Well I'll see you there; I'm kind of obligated to be there." I smiled at him.

"Alright, I guess I'll see you there then." He smiled back. "Bye Bella." He reached up to ruffle my hair but stopped. I must have looked at him questioningly. "I don't want to hurt your head." He explained as he brought his hand back to his side. We both started laughing. I turned and climbed the stairs as he climbed back onto his motorcycle. He slid on his helmet and waved as he sped off.

I ran up the stairs to get ready for Aro's party. If Edward was going to be there I wanted him to bite off his own tongue when he saw me. Or maybe Tanya's if it happens to be in his mouth at the time.

OOOOOOOOOOo

The house was just as beautiful as I remembered. I, on the other hand, felt much more powerful this time as I sauntered inside. Alice had come over along with Rosalie to talk about my Mikhail incident but they had ended up just getting me ready for the party. As a joint effort I could not have been happier.

My dress was forest green spaghetti strap paired with white Manolo Blahniks. I felt like a million bucks as I walked through the front door. I walked straight to the bar this time. It was the same bartender as last time and he seemed to remember me. I gave him a coy smile and a wink.

"Good evening Miss, what may I get you?" He smiled in return.

"I'm feeling a dirty martini with a twist, please." I winked at him again before I swiveled around to see who was near me. The voluptuous women graced the pool again but I paid them no mind. Aro was caught in a group of people talking adamantly about something. I kept searching but didn't recognize anyone else within sight.

"Here you are." I spun back around and took my drink.

"Thank you very much. What's your name?" I lifted my olive from my drink and pulled it delicately from the tooth pick into my mouth. I was working on my seduction techniques and they seemed to be working on this poor man.

"I'm Kyle. What's your name?"

"I'm Bella." I smiled again putting down my glass. I reached over the bar to shake his hand placing my boobs along the counter to give him a better view. He took my hand and released it quickly with a glance over my shoulder. I turned to see Edward standing in the doorway shooting daggers at him. I smirked and sipped my drink. Tanya was clinging to his arm and pulling him towards another group of people but his eyes stayed on me.

Who did he think he was? We weren't anything. If it was anything it was just having fun, no emotional attachment and he was glaring at a man who was just standing near me? If he was going to be so territorial then we had to set some things straight. I could date whomever I pleased. End of discussion.

With Edward's eyes still on me I picked up my glass and made my way over to Aro.

"But it is classless to have useless nudity in a movie. Honestly Patrick I thought you had better taste!" Aro was chastising another man. "Ah Bella! So good to see you!" He wrapped and arm around my waist and pulled me into the conversation. I could still see Edward over the other men's shoulder and he did not look happy. His nostrils flared. "Bella, I want a woman's opinion. In a movie when there is a tasteless nude cameo, does it offend you?"

"Come Aro, could that comment have been more biased?" An older man protested.

"Alright Caius I'll rephrase my question. Bella, does random nudity in movies offend you?" I deliberated for a moment. I could argue either side but I decided to be honest.

"A little yes. I feel as if the nude person has little respect for themselves if they would just be that naked person fifteen minutes in. Half of the time they do not even have lines so they play no role in the plot what so ever."

"True, but I feel as if young people nowadays would not go see a movie unless it has something of that nature in it."

"Generally romance or sexual tension is enough to get people to watch it. I personally feel that the imagination when it comes to sex scenes is much more erotic."

"Really? This from a girl who has been caught twice in public with obvious displays of lust?" Tanya had butted her way into the conversation. I frowned at her.

"Neither of those 'scenes' were in public. One was in a private club, the other a tinted window car. The public was not meant to be part of them." I was defending myself but I was still embarrassed that there was truth to her statement. I did not like public displays of affection very much and my actions were coming back to bite me in the butt.

"Well I call those places public. If you did not want people to see you then you should have done such things in a cheap hotel room." She was alluding to the fact that she thought I was sleeping with Mikhail for attention and the rest of her sentence would have been 'like the cheap whore that you are'. It's what her eyes said, I was disgusted and speechless. She smirked at my lack of response. I gulped the rest of my martini and excused myself.

I was walking back to the bar when I saw him. Mikhail was watching me through the wall of glass. I went back to the bar and ordered straight vodka this time. Maybe alcohol could make this easier. I didn't avoid it; I walked back inside ad stood before him. I glanced out the window and saw the little group I had just left watching me. Tanya must be having a field day.

"Hello Mikhail."

"Hello Bella. Have you thought about what I said?" He looked hopeful and I felt like a terrible person.

"I have, but I think we need to speak in private." He nodded. I led the way to the study where there was no one else despite the implications. I felt naked without Maurice this time. "Mikhail, I think I gave you the wrong impression about us," We sat on a small sofa facing each other.

"How so?"

"I don't want to be in a relationship right now. I was just having fun and then you came along. I didn't think I was leading you on, but I can see how you misunderstood. "

"I understood what you were saying, but I wanted you to change your mind." He admitted looking sad.

"Look, I am flattered that you like me, but I hope you understand when I say that I doubt my feelings will change. I'm sorry." He nodded and stood. He walked to the door and turned.

"I could have made all your dreams come true."

"I know, but I want to do that for myself." With that he walked out. I sat alone for a moment with my face in my hands berating myself. He wasn't a bad guy but I was not interested in him. I stood slowly and made my way back to the party. I was not in the mood to socialize so I decided it was time to leave.

I went in search for Aro and found him still on the patio. I stood next to him waiting for a break in the conversation. I had zeroed in on Aro that I hadn't even realized who he was standing next to.

I felt someone grab my hand and I immediately looked around. Edward stood to my left with my hand in his. It was slightly behind his back so no one else noticed.

"But actors nowadays are just over paid children!" Aro sputtered at someone, still oblivious to my presence.

"Tanya doesn't know what she's talking about." Edward whispered in my ear. He was drawing circular patterns on my palm with his thumb.

"I think I was so upset, because she was completely right. I acted foolishly and I doubt that I can ever completely live this down."

"What did he want?" I huffed and averted my eyes. I didn't want to talk about this with Edward. He couldn't possibly understand if he liked to spend time with a witch like Tanya,

"I explained to him that we did not feel the same way about each other." Edward was silent for a minute absorbing that information.

"So how do you feel about him?"

"Nothing. I feel nothing towards him or about him at all. That has been the problem but now he understands." I didn't look but I could feel Edward looking at me.

"Oh Bella, welcome back." Aro finally noticed me.

"Actually I'm afraid I'm leaving. I have had a long day so I'm going to head home."

"But you've only just gotten here." Aro looked puzzled.

"Don't worry Aro, she isn't driving alone. She's giving me a ride back to the city as well. I have early practice in the morning." Edward interjected. I glanced at him in surprise. I did not offer to drive him anywhere.

"Well, I guess if you must leave. Drive safely Bella. I'll see you soon." Aro kissed both my cheeks before we were dismissed. I walked with Edward keeping stride beside me. We walked in silence until I handed my card to the valet.

"What are you doing?"

"Waiting for your car."

"I meant why are you riding with me. Go find Tanya to give you a ride." I meant the innuendo and I saw shock flash in Edward's eyes.

"I would to prefer to ride with you." We were both speaking with double meaning at this point.

"Well maybe I didn't offer!" His eyes smoldered at me with that same unnamed emotion.

"Please."

"Excuse me?" I could not believe my ears.

"Please, just drive me home Bella." I felt my resolve shatter. I didn't respond. I just climbed in when the car came around and didn't protest when Edward did the same. This would be interesting.