Author's Note: Hello again everyone! How is everyone doing, splendidly I hope. Okay so to get all of the legal mumbo jumbo out of the way, I am not now or ever been Stephanie Meyer. I am Just Amber, so therefore, Twilight and its characters are not mine, although in my head Jasper's all mine. I do however own Ana, and Jade, and the new surprise addition!!! You guys curious yet, well wait before you scroll down, I wont keep you much longer. Okay, so I have to say thank you to everyone who contnues to read and review, you guys truly keep me going, and I love you all for it. Drum roll please, here is chapter 46 of ICFY!!!! AS ALWAYS READ/ENJOY/REVIEW :)
Chapter 46: Who Would Have Thought
" Serendipity. Look for something, find something else, and realize that what you've found is more suited to your needs then what you thought you were looking for."-Lawrence Block.
The rest of spring break passed by in a blur. A blur mostly made up of endless tear filled days, and nights spent awake, wondering where in the hell I had gone wrong. I walk downstairs, carrying my duffel bag over my shoulder, my big suitcase clunking loudly behind me.
" Ana, let me help you with that," Edward says, rushing forward to take my suitcase from me.
" Thanks," I manage to mumble out, walking slowly to the kitchen. I stand in the doorway, unable to stop myself from smiling, even in my depressed and shcoked state. Emmett sits at the kitchen table I had frequented since childhood, a sad and sullen look on his face.
" Do we have to leave?" Emmett asks, his voice carrying the same tone of sadness as his body language.
" I'm afraid so dear, but you remember what I said, you and everyone are more than welcome to come back and visit anytime you want," my Mom says, wrapping her arms around Emmett. The picture is almost amusing. My petit mother dwarfed by Emmett's over-sized frame. I clear my throat lightly, and both Emmett and my Mom look in my direction.
" Well, we'll be out in the car. I'm going to miss you Momma B," Emmett says, hugging her quickly once more, pressing a soft and almost shy kiss to her cheek.
" Thank you, for everything," Rosalie says, hugging my Mom next. I watch in silence as everyone leaves, one by one, giving us a few moments of the privacy that we need. I walk to her slowly, sighing sadly as I breathe in the scent of her.
" My sweet girl, you don't have to go back. You can stay here, transfer to a closer University, I can help with the baby," Mom says, pulling away to look at me, the look in her eyes tells me she is sincere in her offer. I shake my head, trying to blink away the tears.
" I'm not going to let him ruin my dreams for me Momma," I say, mustering up the best smile that I can.
" Stubborn, always have been, always will be. I just worry about you sweet girl, I don't want anything to happen to you, or my grand baby," she says, the protectiveness in her voice for my unborn child is almost humbling.
" I know Momma, but I'm a big girl now. It's time for me to act like it. I'll be looking for a new place as soon as we get home, I' keep you updated on how everything goes," I say, picking up my duffel bag. She walks me to the awaiting car, her arm wrapped around my waist. I climb into the car, looking at my Mom one last time, smiling softly as I close the door. I wave as we pull away, trying to stifle the tears. It's useless, so I slide my sunglass on, lowering my head as the tears wash down my face silently.
" Where were we supposed to meet Jade and Edward?" Alice asks, looking out of the window.
" The Marriott," I answer automatically, grimacing at the idea of having to see Jasper.
" I wonder how Jasper's spring break was," Rosalie says, her voice nonchalant.
" Who cares?" I blurt out, immediately feeling guilty. Rosalie is one of my best friends, and I hate to put her in the middle of this mess. But I'll be damned if I'm going to pretend like everything is okay where her brother is concerned.
" Ana," Emmett says sharply, his eyes piercing mine through the rear view mirror.
" Sorry," I mutter half heartedly. The ride to The Marriott was quick, and filled with silence. I watch as Edward gets out of the car and walks into the hotel, suddenly feeling tense. Five minutes pass by. Then ten. Finally after twenty minutes Edward emerges from the building a sulking Jasper behind him. I watch, slightly curious as to why they are walking towards our car, instead of Jade and Edwards.
" What in the hell do they think they are doing? He isn't riding with us," I say, not the least bit ashamed at my proclamation. Edward opens the door, looking at me seriously.
" I'm sorry but he has to ride with you guys, Jade refuses to let him ride with us," Edward says, an apologetic look on his face.
" He isn't coming in this car," I say, my back immediately stiffening as I stare ahead.
" Ana, be reasonable," Rosalie says, her voice strained. I look around the car, and everyone seems to be in agreement.
" Fine, you want him in this car, I'll ride with Jade and Edward," I say, picking up my bag. Moving so that I can slide out of the car.
" You cant. Our car is full with luggage," Edward says, blocking the door so that I cant get past him.
" Are you kidding me? This is ridiculous. Whatever idea you guys have cooked up, to force Jasper and I to be together isn't going to work. He made his choice," I say, anger bubbling in my voice.
" It isn't like that Ana," Jasper says, and I look at him coldly.
" Don't you dare talk to me," I say, pushing past Edward. " You guys want him in your car so damn bad fine. I'll find my own way home." I skirt around the car, walking quickly to where Jade sits watching what's going on. I pull open the back door, tugging my suitcase out.
" What are you doing?" Jade asks, pushing from the car trying to stop me from leaving.
" Finding my own way home," I say, trying to pass by her.
" What do you mean finding your own damn way home? Your riding with Rosalie, Alice, Emmett, and Jasper," she says, trying to push me back towards the other car.
" Like hell I am. I'm going to the bus station, buying a ticket, and as soon as I'm in Washington I'm moving into my own place," I say, staring at her seriously.
" Ana, come on," she says, and I just glare at her.
" You know what's funny about this entire situation? Jasper chooses an internship in another country over our child and me, and everyone's treating me like I'm the one who screwed everything up. Be reasonable Ana, do this Ana, do that. You know what, I'm done. You guys can have him, I'm over this, and over all of you," I say, pushing past Jade, walking into the hotel to call a taxi. I hear them calling for me, but ignore their pleas. They want to treat me like I'm the bad guy here, then I'll be the bad guy.
Jade's POV
We were an hour and a half outside of Palmdale, and already my heart was breaking.
" What if something happens to her Edward? We should have never tried to force her to be with Jasper, not this soon after everything that happened," I say, my voice shaking at the thought of Ana on a bus full of strangers for a day.
" Jade, you know what Alice," Edward starts saying, and I just shake my head stopping him mid-sentence.
" I don't care what Alice saw Edward. My best friend, my pregnant, heartbroken best friend is on a bus, full of strangers, all because none of us knew how to butt the hell out," I say, annoyed with the whole situation. Who cares what Alice 'saw'. She could be wrong every once in awhile. Maybe trying to make Jasper and Ana fit together is like trying to force a square peg into a round hole. Impossible.
" She's going to be fine Jade," he says, his voice immediately soothing me. " Just try and get some sleep." I give in, laying my seat back. I close my eyes, dropping into nightmares of everything that could possibly go wrong.
Jasper's POV
A week in a hotel, wasn't exactly how I pictured spending my spring break. I imagined it more like Ana and me, together, the way it should be. Until I screwed everything up again, as always. Why was I being so adamant about this stupid internship?
" Anyone hungry?" Emmett asks, interrupting my thoughts of self-loathing. Alice and Rosalie murmur in agreement, while I groan. The thought of food makes my stomach roll. I remain seated as Emmett and Alice push from the car.
" You guys go ahead, I'm just going to talk to Jasper for a second," Rosalie says, and I wait knowing the wrath that is about to fall on me.
" So, when are you going to tell me what the hell you were thinking," she asks turning in her seat to look at me.
" I don't know Rose, I wish I did," I say, feeling weary with my own pathetic answer.
" This is bullshit Jasper. Ana is your wife, she is carrying your child, my niece or nephew, and your most worried about a stupid internship, half way across the world? What would Mom and Dad think if the knew this? That their son, the one who once would have put everyone before himself, chose a year out of the country over his family?" she asks, her eyes fierce with her anger.
" I don't know Rosalie, whatever opportunity I had with Ana is gone now, so I'm just going to move on with my life, that way her and our baby can too," I say, my heart breaking at the thought of not spending my life raising our child, with Ana.
" You know Jasper, I used to look up to you. Try and be like you. More giving, humble, caring. I don't know who you are anymore. Ask yourself this, if you went to London, will it be worth it? Is losing Ana and your baby really worth this trip?" she asks, shaking me for an answer. I just sit, contemplating my words and what I should say. " You know what Jasper. I give up. Go to London, give the queen my best, but when you get back, don't be surprised if you find yourself homeless." I stare after her, shocked beyond belief. She cant be serious. Kicking me out of the house because things didn't work out between Ana and me. I slap my hand to my forehead, who am I kidding? It isn't as simple as things just not working out, I was stupid, no beyond stupid, and there's nothing I can do about it now.
Ana's POV
I sit in the Sacramento Greyhound station, waiting patiently for my boarding time. Stupid Jasper, I should charge him the one hundred and fifty four dollars that it cost me to get this stupid ticket. To think, what could have been a short seventeen hour drive to Washington, transformed into an almost two day trip on a bus. Full of at least nobody knows me, I think to myself, sighing as I lay my head back, staring at the ceiling. I can't believe this. A thirteen hour layover in Sacramento. All of this hell, because my supposed friends decided to play Dr. Phil and try to force Jasper and I together. I check my cell phone. Twelve missed calls. I grimace at the imminent voice mails. Well, they made their choice. I press my hand to my rumbling stomach, hunger rolling through my body. I grab my purse and bags, walking from the station. I step into the bright sunlight, looking around.
" You lost?" a deep voice, hinted slightly with the south, rumbles from behind me. I nervously turn, pasting a fake smile on my face. The man standing behind me looks to not be that much older than me, so I smile easily.
" Uhm, actually I'm stuck here for another," I pull out my cell phone and look at the time. " Ten hours and forty five minutes, just looking for somewhere to get something to eat." He smiles easily, a crooked smile flashing perfectly straight and white teeth. I watch as he unbends himself, standing up. If it was a year ago I would have shrunk away from him, his size intimidating me. He was easily as tall as Emmett, possibly taller, however he lacked Emmett's muscular build. He was built more like Jasper. My heart lurches in my chest and a small ache courses through my body at the thought of him. However the resemblance that this man holds with Jasper ends at build. His black hair falls messily into his eyes, his impossibly deep and beautiful gray eyes, and his skin has the California beach tanned look to it.
" Heading to Washington," the stranger asks, and shock runs through me.
" Yeah, how'd you know?" I ask, unconsciously taking a step away from him.
" So am I. Back to school, back to reality," he says, and I smile glad to be around someone who is having to face a horrific layover.
" My name's Ana, by the way," I say, adjusting things in my hand so that I can offer my hand to him.
" Elijah," he says, taking my hand softly in his. I smile at him, my stomach suddenly growling loudly, causing my face to grow profusely red.
" Sorry, like I said I need to find some food," I say, laughing slightly.
" Well, how about some company?" he asks, picking up his bags, and I notice the guitar case he picks up last.
" Uhm, sure why not," I say, and we easily fall into step together, walking side by side to the closest restaurant.
" Seriously, I cant tell you how happy I am to have met someone, normal," I say, laughing as Elijah shakes his head.
" Yeah, take it from someone who has frequented Greyhounds, finding someone normal to talk to on the trip is close to impossible," Elijah says, looking at me and my phone which hasn't seemed to stop vibrating since we sat down to eat. " You going to answer that?" I stare at the phone as Emmett's number flashes across the screen.
" Yeah, sorry," I say, picking up my phone quickly. " Hey Emmett."
" Ana, why haven't you answered the phone until now?" Emmett's deep voice yells through the phone.
" Sorry, just don't really feel like talking to anyone," I say, my voice growing cold and distant.
" Listen, we understand that your pissed at us Ana, but taking a bus back home? Really Ana? How long is the trip anyways, a day?" he asks, his voice concerned.
" One day, twenty two hours and ten minutes actually," I say, answering automatically.
" Sweet Jesus Ana, just let us come get you. We'll move things around, have Jasper in the other car," he pleads with me and I just shake my head. " We'll strap him to the roof if we have to." I smile at the thought of seeing Jasper, strapped snuggly to the roof of Edward's car as it flies down the freeway.
" Emmett, as sweet as an offer as that is, and as much as I would like nothing more than to see Jasper strapped to the roof of a car, I'm going to have to say no. I need this trip, to think about what exactly I'm going to do. I will call or text you in a few hours, love you," I say quickly hanging up the phone. I sigh as I shut my phone off, hiting it as deeply as I can into my purse.
" Boyfriend troubles? Elijah asks, and I look at him blinking owlishly.
" Huh. No, just, it's a long, and exteremely compiacted story. Anyways, where are you from?" I ask, trying to place his accent.
" South Carolina, and we only have time, might as well get the story off your chest," he says, his voice sincere. I stare at him, his gray eyes shining in the light. Well, he asked for it, I think to myself as I open my mouth starting in on my story.
" Wow," Elijah says, sitting back to look at me, his eyes wide. " You weren't kidding were you? What's with this Jasper guy anyways? Where I'm from, family comes first, no matter what."
" I don't know what his problem is, and I don't have to anymore. He made his choice," I say, sipping my water slowly.
" Yeah your right. I just think it's a damn shame that he didn't see what a beautiful and wonderful woman he had," he says, and I blush fiercely.
" Thanks, your sweet," I say, pulling out my wallet to pay for my food.
" Don't even think about," he says, sliding my money back to me. " This one's on me."
" No, its fine, I can pay," I say, feeling guilty over the fact that he wants to pay. He just stares at me as the waiter comes by and before I can hand over my cash he hands him his credit card. I smile folding up some of the money to leave it on the table. " Fine, I'm leaving the tip."
" If you insist," he says, laughing as we gather our things and leave the restaurant. We walk in companionable silence back to the bus station, and find two of the only available seats.
" Well, only about seven and a half hours to go," I say, looking at the clock on the wall. The bus station is alive and buzzing with people, waiting. Some impatiently pacing, while other find other means to pass the time.
" Oh joy. I never understood these long layovers," Elijah says, and I nod in agreement.
" So what do you do in Washington? Work, go to school?" I ask, shifting in my seat so that I'm sitting cross legged, facing him.
" Both. School and work. I go to the University of Washington, studying Psychology," he says, and I stare at him in shock. " What, is there something on my face?" he asks, wiping a wide palmed hand over his face.
" No, sorry, its just, that's where I go to school," I say, shaking my head lightly. " Small world huh?"
" No way, you go to U.W? he asks, staring at me in just as much disbelief as me.
" Yeah," I say, laughing suddenly.
" What dorm do you live in?" he asks, his long fingers strumming his guitar strings lightly.
" I don't. I live, or more like lived with some friends, but with everything that's going on, looks like I will be finding an apartment as soon as I get home," I say, my musicians ear picking up the familiar chords.
" Ahh, yeah dorm life wasn't for me either. So I saved up for a few years, for tuition and enough to get me settled into an apartment," he says, and I smile. Thankfully I was smart enough to save what was left from every pay check after rent, so being able to afford an apartment wouldn't be such a hurdle. We fall into silence, my mind wandering as Elijah strums along on his guitar, and I find myself thankful, that fate found fit to put someone here that I can be with.
Seven and a half hours later Elijah and I find ourselves standing in line waiting to get on the bus, and I shift anxiously. I'm beyond tired and looking forward to sinking into a seat and sleeping.
" Oh shit," Elijah murmurs, his southern accent more noticeable, as his hands search his pockets.
" What's the matter?" I ask, looking over my shoulder at him.
" I cant find my boarding pass. Shit. Okay I'm going to run to the bathroom and try and find it, if you get on the bus before I get there, save me a seat," he says, and I smile nodding as he steps out of line. I walk through the door of the station showing my boarding pass. The driver nods to me as I set my suitcase by the bus, praying that it gets loaded. I climb into the bus, and spot two seats in the very back of the bus. I easily push through the few passengers getting situated, setting my bad on the seat next to mine. I get settled and watch as people start pouring into the bus. I sit up further keeping an eye out for Elijah.
" Come on, where is he?" I ask myself, standing up to see if he slipped in without me noticing. Why do I care so much if he gets on this bus? I ask myself, sitting back down. Probably because around him I feel safe, familiar almost. Easy to talk to, same interests, and besides we're going to the same place. Better to stick together in my book. I look out the window, trying to reassure myself that there is nothing more to these unwarranted feelings towards this stranger. A soft touch on my shoulder causes me to jump and let out a small scream. I press a hand to my galloping heart, and smile when I notice Elijah, his lips forming that perfect crooked smile.
" Sorry, didn't mean to scare you," Elijah says, sitting next to me easily.
" That's okay. Thought you weren't going to make it," I say, smiling as I settle back into the seat.
" And leave you without your bus buddy? Not on your life," he says, and I laugh quietly as the bus pulls out of the station.
" Ana," a deep voice calls to me and I stir sleepily. There's an un-familiar scent wafting around me, but its comforting. I open my eyes and look over, Elijah's equally tired face smiles at me. " We're in Redding, half hour stop."
" Mmm'kay," I say, sitting up slowly. My stomach rolls and I groan, bending over.
" You okay?" he asks, and I look up at him shaking my head. I get off the bus as fast as I can and make my way to the bathroom in just enough time. I step out of the bathroom, glad that I grabbed my bag before rushing off the bus. My teeth freshly brushed, I feel somewhat human, even though the evil little demon known as morning sickness is determined to make my life a living hell.
" Ahh, the joys of pregnancy," Elijah says, and I laugh slightly, blushing. " don't worry about it, my sister had the same problem with her oldest."
" Yeah, well if I never throw up again a day in my life, I will be happy as a clam," I say, walking towards a vending machine.
" Are you going to keep the baby?" he asks, and I turn slowly to look at him. I know that the friendship has been a quick and easy one for me and him, but that was a little to personal for my liking. " I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked that."
" No its fine, and to answer you, yes I am keeping the baby," I say, carefully opening the ice cold Sprite.
" That's going to be tough, college and a baby," he murmurs, and I smile.
" I know. But I was raised by a single mom, I know I can do it," I say, walking towards the doors. I breath in the night air as I slide against a wall to sit down, a small chill in the air. I shiver slightly, and smile when Elijah wraps his hooded sweater around me.
" Thanks," I say, cuddling into the warmth.
" Look, I shouldn't have butted in that way, especially since we barely know each other. But there is just something about you Ana, I cant quite place my finger on it," he says, his voice sounding strained.
" No, it's okay, I feel the same way. It feels like even though I just met you, I've known you my entire life," I say, laughing and shaking my head. " Wow that didn't sound cliché-ish at all."
" Well, as much of a cliché as it sounds, I totally agree," he says, smiling as we settle into silence.
" I didn't think that bus trip would ever end," I say, grabbing my suitcase.
" I know, seems to go by so slow with so many stops," Elijah says, kicking his suitcase nervously. " Well, I guess this is where we part ways, bus buddy."
" Yeah, I guess so. Thanks, for everything. I don't think I would have been able to survive that trip without you," I say, hugging him on impulse. I hold onto him, feeling somewhat sad by the idea that I might not see him again. True, we may go to the same school, but it's a big place, with thousands of students, likelihood of us running into each other again is slim to none.
" It was no problem. I'm glad I met you Ana," he says, pulling away. He turns to walk away and I turn just in time to see Jade and Alice walking towards me. I start walking towards them. " Hey Ana wait." I turn and smile as Elijah runs towards me.
" Yeah," I say, looking at him. He pulls out a pen and takes my hand, writing something quickly.
" That's my cell number. Give me a call sometime, maybe we can hang out or something," he says, hugging me quickly before walking towards his own group of waiting friends. I'm still smiling as I turn back to confused and questioningly looks from Jade and Alice.
" Don't ask," I say, walking past them. I doubt if anything will ever happen with me and Elijah, because the heart ache left from Jasper is enough to swallow me whole, but for the last day, twenty two hours, and ten minutes, he has been one of my best friends. I smile as I climb in the car, adding his number to my phone. I stare through the window and the rain and wonder what's awaiting me at home.