Bella s POV
I looked into the window and my whole body tensed up. I didn t think I could go through with what I was about to do. Jake grabbed my arm, startling me from my thoughts. He gave me a small strained smile. I could tell from the look on his face that he wasn t sure what to think about me. "Are you ready?" He asked me, tapping his foot impatiently.
I took a deep breath and tried to mentally prepare myself for what was going to happen when I stepped through the doors of the restaurant. "Ready as I ll ever be, I muttered under my breath, the words coming out shakily. Let s go," I said, hoping that my voice was steadier than I felt. I plastered a smile on my face and let him lead me towards the doors.
Tanya s POV
I glared at her, the girl who Edward had left me for, and fumed. I felt like stomping my foot and screaming at the injustice of it all. But I didn t want anyone to know I was there so I settled for pouting and fuming. Now, I realize that what I was doing could potentially be seen as stalking in some people s eyes. But that stupid nothing Bella had taken something from me, something that was mine. And I intended to get it back.
My eyes narrowed even more as I watched the hot guy that Bella was with gently take her arm. This time I did stamp my foot a little, ducking back into the bushes I was hiding in as the couple glanced over their shoulders. I watched him lead her into the restaurant before following cautiously.
Bella s POV
Jake held the door open for me and I walked through, hoping against hope that Edward wouldn't notice. But because the universe hates me or some unknown deity was in need of their nightly jollies and I was the only candidate available for their amusement he did. I watched, horror stricken, as Edward s head raised and our eyes locked. He walked over, coming to a stop in front of me, and smiled. Hello Bella, Edward said softly, his eyes never leaving mine. You look beautiful.
I felt my pulse quicken as I held Edward s gaze. Forgetting for a short time where I was and who I was with. Jake cleared his throat, breaking the spell between us and drawing my attention over to him. "So Bella, he said sounding a little annoyed at the turn of events. Who s your friend?"
"Um this is Edward," I said, my throat suddenly feeling dry. I tried to keep my eyes off of Edward s, looking everywhere else instead. I could feel him watching me, the heat of his stare making my skin feel like it was about to burst into flame.
"Yeah I'm Edward, her date," he replied his eyes flicking between Jake and me as he spoke.
Jake smiled as though someone had just told a joke, looking between Edward and me. His face sobered almost immediately, taking in Edward s earnest face. Jake looked at me with questions in his eyes.
"What does he mean he s your date?" Jake asked, growing increasingly angrier as the seconds ticked by.
Tanya suddenly appeared by Edward s side, her mouth turning up in a sneer. She grabbed Edward s arm, linking hers with his. Don t worry Bella, she said, her voice sickeningly sweet. I ll take care of Eddie for you.
I felt like I was going to pass out, my stomach suddenly rebelling against me. Seeing Tanya attach herself to Edward made tears spring to my eyes. And the sudden pressure of their eyes on me made my head swim ,my eyes darted around the room, searching for some relief from the sudden overwhelming tension in the air. My eyes darted between them and I could feel the room beginning to close in around me. I didn t even notice as Edward snatched his arm away from Tanya, as though he was burned by her very touch. He glared at her and turned back to me. Bella, he said softly, taking a step towards me.
I reacted on instinct when my eyes landed on the exit, my only escape from the mess I had created. I ran, not stopping when I heard them call out to me. I pushed through the door, running as if my very life depended on getting as far away as I could. I felt tears rush down my face, the reality of what I had caused nearly making my legs buckle out from under me.
Jake s POV
I stared off blankly in the direction Bella had just run, unable to believe what had just happened. What the hell just happened? I wondered out loud. I looked over to the beautiful girl who stood beside me staring after the couple who had just run from the restaurant. Her lip was pouting like a three year old who had just been told she couldn t have more candy.
We just got dumped, she said with a pout. My heart jumped a little as I watched her. I had never seen someone who could look so hot while being completely immature.
I m Jake by the way, I said, introducing myself.
She glanced away from the retreating backs of Edward and Bella, giving me a quick once over. She did a double take, her mouth literally dropping open as she did a full body check.
I m Tanya, she said, her stunned expression giving way to one of pure delight.
I smiled at her. Would you like to have dinner with me? I asked.
She smiled back at me, her pout vanishing in a matter of seconds. Absolutely, she said with a throaty purr.
Bella s POV
I could feel Edward behind me; I knew he was running after me. He was calling my name. I heard it as though it came from a great distance, the wind rushing all around me. I felt his hand land on my arm pulling me gently to a stop. Bella, he whispered, pulling me into his arms. He held me to him, stroking my hair gently as I cried.
I m sorry, I cried, the words muffled by his chest. I lifted my head, my eyes finding his. I didn t want to hurt anyone, I told him, my voice breaking on the words.
Edward brushed a stray hair away from my face, the small gesture sending tingles through me and bringing more tears to my eyes. When I saw you kissing Tanya, I said, my voice shaking with each word. It nearly broke my heart. I was so hurt that I couldn t see anything but the pain. And when I met Jake, all I could see was the chance to make you feel the pain you caused me. I didn t stop to think about anything, all I kept seeing was the two of you together. And now, I said, the tears starting to fall again, my voice tight in my throat. I hurt a really nice guy who didn t deserve to be used, and the only guy I ve ever loved. I m so sorry Edward.
Edward cupped my face in his hands, gently bringing my face up so that I could see his eyes. I love you Bella, he said softly. Nothing s going to change that, not anytime soon. I understand what you did, and why you did it. And I m sorry that I hurt you, Edward said softly. Can we just move past this? Start over again?
I felt tears flood my face as his words washed over me. I would really like that, I said, my voice choked with tears. But first I need to make this right, I told him, taking a deep breath to try and calm myself. Will you wait for me? I asked.
Forever, he said tenderly, brushing his lips across mine.
I pulled reluctantly from his arms and went in search of Jake.
Jake s POV
I opened the door for Tanya, noting the coy smile she flashed me over her shoulder as she slid inside. I closed the car door and pulled my eyes away from her. A movement out of the corner of my eye caught my attention and I looked up to see Bella coming towards me.
I turned towards her and watched her approach.
Jake, Bella said softly, coming to a rest in front of me. I think I owe you an explanation, she said, her eyes filling with tears as they searched mine. She explained everything to me and by the time she was done I found myself oddly happy. I never wanted to hurt you, and I m so sorry. You re such a great guy, Bella said.
I smiled at her. Thank you for telling me the truth, I said walking around to the drivers side of the car. And I really hope that things work out for you and Edward.
Bella smiled at me. Thank you. You really are a great guy Jake. And I know you ll find someone else in no time.
I smiled at her and said, I already have, and then slid into the car.
Bella s POV
I stood in the shadows, watching Edward.
Edward leaned against his car, his head tilted up towards the night sky.
Penny for your thoughts, I said walking up and settling against the car beside him.
Edward smiled and I felt his arm snake around my waist, pulling me closer to him. Oh my thoughts are worth way more than that, he said turning to face me.
Is that right? What could possibly be worth so much? I asked playfully, smiling back at him, a wave of contentment rising up inside me.
Edward looked into my eyes. You, he said lovingly.
I raised my hand up to stroke his face. I missed you, I whispered, my fingertips tracing his lips.
I missed you too, he said, lowering his lips to mine.
I sighed contentedly as our lips met, knowing that Edward was the only one for me.