The characters do not belong to me. And if I tried to steal them, I'd be dealing with a very pissed of Stephanie Meyer and her lawyers. Cowgirl Bella and the rest of the gang are characters of my imagination.

A/N: I was finishing my outline for this story last night. Turns out it's going to be a long story. And when I say long, I mean a lot of chapters. Maybe 70? Hope you guys all stick with me!!

The song "Probably wouldn't feel this way" by LeAnn Rimes doesn't belong to me either! My Bella just sings it for fun.

Playlist:

The Wolves (Act 1 and 2) by Bon Iver.

Love Hurts by Incubus

Probably Wouldn't Feel This Way by LeAnn Rimes

Have you ever heard the joke, 'how do you make time fly? You throw a clock out the window.' The last couple of weeks went by all too fast. It was almost a slap in the face. I spent most of my time hanging out with Lauren and her parents at their place. We even took a mini vacation to their summer home in San Diego. I was grateful for it. It removed me from home. If I could even call it that. Jane's behavior worsened, along with my mother's. I was actually feeling bad for Phil and the twins. I'm leaving for Cheyenne in two days, which doesn't give me a lot of time to pack. I was in my room, digging through all of my Wrangler jeans, Justin boots and Carhartt jackets when I heard a knock on the door.

"Yeah?"

"Its Phil. Can I come in?" Oh joy. What could he possibly need?

"Sure. Door's open." He walked in when I noticed an envelope in his hand. I looked at him with confusion.

"What's that?"

"Oh. Um…" He's stalling.

"Come on. I don't have a lot of time here, Phil. I'm trying to get ready to leave. Just spit it out." After all, it can't be that bad.

"Okay. I'll just get right to it then. Your mother and I won a contest a couple weeks ago. We leave for Puerta Vallarta tomorrow morning…" My stomach did flips. I couldn't tell if I was upset or actually glad. "We bought you a bus ticket and already spoke to Jared and Claire. They will be picking you up from the bus station."

"Yeah. Okay. Um, thanks I guess." I grabbed the envelope out of his hand. "If you don't mind, I have to finish packing and get to bed."

Phil nodded and walked out the door. Did that just really happen? Did my mother and stepfather just openly admit that their vacation to Mexico was more important that driving me to Wyoming? Yeah. They did. Nice to know that they didn't even tell me they were leaving. I felt so out of sync with this family. I felt disgusted with myself. I suddenly had a sharp sting of tears reaching my eyes. I didn't bother holding them back. The warm liquid poured down my face. I crawled into bed and threw a blanket over my head. I silently shook as my tears covered my pillows. I eventually drifted off to sleep.

I awoke the next morning feeling light headed. I looked over at my alarm clock and noticed it was only 5:45. I was never going to fall back asleep so I rolled out of bed and hit the shower. I threw on a pair of sweatpants with the words 'Rodeo Queen' on the butt and a my lime green 'AJ Farrier' hoodie. I opened my door and listened. It was quiet. I tiptoed into the kitchen and made a pot of coffee and grabbed a blueberry bagel. I inhaled as I poured the hot liquid into a mug. I instantly felt myself perk up. I nibbled on my bagel and then headed back into my room. I set my coffee on my work desk and walked into my closet. I pulled out a stool and grabbed my suitcase off the top shelf. I pondered for a moment. Damn, this suitcase won't be big enough if I was going to follow through on my 'never coming home again' plan. Surprisingly, I had a lot of clothes. I climbed down and walked out of my room. I slowly walked down the hall to Jane's room. I knew she had an extra large sized suitcase hidden somewhere in her closet. Trying to be a mouse, I opened her door and crept in. I made my way over and looked in her bed. She wasn't there.

"Huh. What would mommy dearest think if she caught you sneaking in?" I laughed. I walked to her closet and began digging. I knew that stupid suitcase was here somewhere. After searching for ten minutes, and discovering some of Jane's 'naughty' lingerie, her luggage bag was in my room. She wouldn't even notice it was gone until she was packing her bags for school. I knew she'd try and beat my ass, but with me all the way in Wyoming, I didn't see that becoming a possibility. Besides, it's not like I couldn't throw it in her dorm room at school.

I looked at the clock again. 7:06. Lauren would be awake by now. I picked up my cell phone and hit the '2'-speed dial. After the second ring, a groggy voice answered.

"Bella. Why in name of all things holy are you calling me at this time of the morning?"

I felt guilty, but rolled it off my shoulders. "I figured you'd be up. You're always awake by 6:30 on the weekdays."

Lauren sighed and I could tell she was getting aggravated. "Did you happen to forget that it's summer? I don't have to be out of bed until at least noon!"

"Well, I'm so sorry. Why don't you get your ass up and get ready to come over here to help your best friend pack before she leaves for good?"

"What do you mean for good? You better not forget about me when you're off scre-"

"Lauren Hope! Just hurry up and get your cute butt over here!" And with that, I hung up. I looked at the clock again. I'd give her an hour.

To my surprise, Lauren had her smiling face, or lack there of, at my house in less than fifteen minutes. I was in shock when her car pulled up. Normally she needs two hours to find the perfect outfit, do her hair and makeup and find the perfect shoes. Then I noticed what she was wearing. Pink fuzzy Tinkerbell pajama pant, a black zip up American Eagle hoodie and slippers. He hair was pulled back into a messy bun and she had on her glasses. She honestly looked like a zombie. I ran to open the door before she had time to ring the doorbell and wake up Alec, Eric and Tyler.

"Well good morning my Sleeping Beauty!" There's that look again.

"If I didn't love you so much, Bella and if you weren't going away, I'd be knocking out your two front teeth right about now."

"Come on. You don't have to pack anything; you can just lay on my bed and watch. I appreciate your company. Besides, I have to tell you the new low my so called parents have reached."

A few hours later, I was finished packing. I had Lauren sitting on top of the suitcase while I tried to zipper it.

"That zipper is going to bust right on the bus and you know it!"

"Shh! Lauren! Don't jinx me like that! I already have horrible luck." Lauren giggled.

"Sorry. But it's true! I hate seeing how empty your room is now. I know you hate your family, but you can't not come home. Did you forget I'm here? As well as my parents? They are going to miss you just as much as I am." I could see the tears in her eyes.

"Hey. Don't cry. I'll be home. Eventually. At least to visit you. I just can't wait to get out of here. I don't really ever care to return to this place. Tomorrow seriously can't come soon enough."

Lauren just nodded her head trying to push back the hurt.

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to be leaving you behind like this, but you're going to be going off to NYU soon. And I promise to call you every chance I get. Maybe you can come visit me on the ranch and I can finally get you up on a horse…not to mention, meeting a hot cowboy!"

"Oh my gosh, I'd die! You know I have a weak spot for mean in tight wrangler jeans!"

Just then, a knock at the door. I walked over and opened the door.

"Phil and I are leaving for the airport now. Just came to say goodbye and have a safe trip tomorrow. Call when you can, but if you don't get to it, that's fine. We know you're going to be busy working the ranch. Tyler will drive you to the bus stop in the morning." Renee turned to leave, but stopped. She reached out for me with one arm. We gave each other an awkward hug and she quickly retreated.

"Wow. That was weird. You know you can just cut the tension between you two with a knife. I can't imagine wha-"

"Lauren. Just.. please. Stop. I can't deal with this anymore."

"Maybe a good dose of cowboy will be good for you." Lauren then hopped off the bed and disappeared behind my bed.

"What are you doing?" I asked her suspiciously. She then popped up with my guitar in hand.

"Aren't you forgetting something? Bella, when was the last time you played? It's covered in dust!" She blew on it and wiped it off.

"I guess it's been awhile. I didn't even think about it, honestly."

Lauren looked at me like a deer in headlights. "Bella! Have you lost your mind? You could be the next Faith Hill or LeAnn Rimes! Please tell me that you didn't waste both of our summer of freshman year no less, watching 'do it yourself' guitar lesson DVD's?"

"Yeah right! Those guys are amazing! I could never compare to them! An no. I didn't waste our summer. You know you enjoyed being locked away in your bedroom, having to deal with my horrible playing!"

"Really Bells? I'm not happy that I started my freshman year as white as a ghost, but you have some mad guitar skills. You could kick both Faith and LeAnn's butts! Not to mention, you're like, oh I don't know, ten times hotter than both of them? Combined! You know you miss playing! Come on. Play for me one last time! Please?" She gave me the puppy dog Lauren eyes.

"UGH! You are so annoying sometimes!" I grabbed the guitar out of her hands. "What would you like me to play?"

"Oh anything! Just play!" I couldn't help but sigh. I began to strum the guitar, waiting for a song to click in my head. After a couple of minutes, it hit. I plucked the strings as a melody of LeAnn Rime's poured through my room.

Got a date a week from Friday with the preacher's son

Everybody says he's crazy

I'll have to see

I finally moved to Jackson when the summer came

I won't have to pay that boy to rake my leaves

I'm probably going on and on

It seems I'm doing more of that these days

I started to get into it. I swayed with the flow of the words. My eyes closed as I felt the tears flow down my cheeks.

I probably wouldn't be this way.

I probably wouldn't hurt so bad

I never pictured every minute without you in it

Oh you left so fast.

Sometimes I see you standing there

Sometimes it's like an angels touch

Sometimes I feel that I'm so lucky to have had the chance to love this much

God gave me a moment's grace
'Cause if I'd never seen your face

I probably wouldn't be this way

When I finished the song, I opened my eyes to see Lauren crying and her mouth hanging open. "I rest my case."

I just shook my head and put my guitar away. Maybe she was right. Maybe I'll take it with me. Who knows, maybe I'll get lucky and bump into George Straight and we can have a jam session.

"So, what do you want to do on your last night in Arizona?"

"I'm not sure. What are you thinking?"

"Well that new movie just came out. The romantic comedy "Love Hurts" with the sexy Edward Cullen! I've been dying to see it! Maybe after that we could hit up Mario's and grab some Italian ice. It's been like, two weeks since my last binge! And then we can go back to my place and watch our childhood videos!"

"Yeah. I'd like that. " Lauren just gave me a weak smile. I knew tonight would be hard on the both of us. More tears spilled over as I hugged my best friend.

It was around two in the afternoon when Lauren headed home. As she was walking out the door, Jane was walking in.

"Hey Jane. How have you been?" Lauren asked.

"Never better." Jane had a smirk on her face.

"What? You get lucky with Rob last night?" I asked

"Oooooooh!!" Lauren nudged me as me both made kissy noises.

"Oh just shut up and leave already. Both of you! Tomorrow can't come soon enough!" Jane yelled as she was running into her bedroom.

"See what I mean?" I asked.

"Yeah. Maybe you should just spend the night at my place since you're coming over anyways. One more sleep over for old time's sake?"

I smiled. "As long as I can borrow your spongebob pajama pants!"

"Deal!"

Just then Tyler came strolling up the stairs from the basement. Lauren blushed. I knew she had a thing for my brother.

"Hey Tyler. How are you?"

"Oh, hey Lauren. I'm alright. How are you?"

"Oh I'm good. Sad that Bella is leaving. Now I won't get to see your face anymore!"

"Ppsshh. Just because she's leaving doesn't mean we still can't hang out! Come over anytime." Lauren's face turned cherry red.

What? Maybe he was digging Lauren too. Weird. Tyler was the only brother that was half way descent with me. But I guess he'd be an okay match. I shuddered as an image filled my head.

"Bells, be sure you're ready to go at 9 sharp tomorrow morning. I have to be at work at Mallory's Sports Store tomorrow at 9:45. I can't be late."

"Yeah, I'll be in the car by 8:50. Don't worry."

With that, Lauren left and I walked back into my room. I sat on my bed and grabbed my guitar again. Lauren was right. I did miss playing.

After I made myself a quick sandwich for dinner, I headed over to Laurens. It was only a fifteen minute walk, so I didn't mind. It gave me a chance to really indulge the dry heat and soak up some Vitamin D. I eventually reached her house and walked right in.

"Bella, love! It's always so nice to see your lovely face!" Dana beamed at me.

"It's nice to be here. Even though it may be the last time for awhile."

"Hush. We don't talk like that around here."

I giggled. "Where's Lauren?"

"Oh, she's upstairs. I know she was taking a shower and getting ready." Looking at her watch, Dana sighed. "It's only been an hour, you might as well make yourself comfortable. I just baked some cookies and triple chocolate brownies. Fresh from the oven. Have at it." My mouth instantly drooled. Not only was Dana an amazing wife, mother and lawyer, but also an amazing cook. Her brownies are to die for. I made a mad dash for the kitchen. There on the counter, in all their glory, sat the triple chocolate-melt-in-your-mouth-knees-go-weak-better-than-sex brownies. I picked up a piece and took a big bite. Oh yeah. Definitely better than sex. Not that I'd know. I'm still a virgin. But eh, a girl can use her imagination. I stood there for a good fifteen minutes, savoring every bite.

"Bella, are you finished? I've been standing here watching you space off to brownie heaven again. We're going to be late to our movie if you don't snap out of it!"

"I'm sorry Lauren, but my god, these brownies! How do you stay so skinny?!"

"His name is John. He's my personal trainer and miracle worker. Have you seen these guns lately?" Lauren flexed.

"Wow Lauren. You're gonna need a band-aid. You are cut!" We both giggled.

"Okay, okay! Let's get to your movie so you can drool over McSteamy Edward Cullen!" I playfully made gagging noises.

"Oh shut it. You know you think he's hott. Oh the things I'd love to do to that man naked! Yum-my!"

"Yuck. Knock it off Lauren. That is so wrong!"

"Bella, when are you ever going to open up your eyes and notice the opposite sex? You know, Billy had a big crush on you. He asked about you a lot. Was going to take you to Senior prom, but he already heard you had other plans from Kim. What a little bi-"

"Yeah. I got it. Not interested. Maybe someday..but not right now. I'm more worried about school and buying my rodeo horse."

"Geesh. Sorry. Just trying to help you out. Maybe if you wore some heels instead of boots all the time, more guys would notice with you. You were one of the prettiest girls in school. You just never showed it off."

"Well, too late now. Come on. Lets go watch this guy make out with some chick."

We got to the theater just in time for opening credits. I was starting to wish we'd stayed at Lauren's and watched movies there. On the opening scene of the movie, the famous Edward and his co-star Kristen Stewart were making out on screen. "Oh god Lauren, I think I'm gonna be sick!"

"Shhh, Bella! You're going to ruin the movie! Did you ever notice that Kristen Stewart kind of looks like you?"

"She does not!! Are you insane?"

"Whatever, Bells. Now shut up and watch the movie!"

After an hour and fifty minutes of romantic comedy torture, the end credits finally rolled on screen. I've never been so grateful in my life. On the ride home, Lauren wouldn't stop gushing about how cute Eddie was and how he and Kristen made the cutest couple. "Lauren. It was a movie. Not real. All fake. Get over it!"

"Ha ha ha. You know you enjoyed it too. Don't lie."

"Oh shucks. You got me. It was the greatest movie of all time. It ranks number one!" I said.. hopefully she got the sarcasm.

"You can be such a pain in my ass sometimes, girl. But I love you anyways."

We made it to the house and said goodnight to Dana and Jordan. We headed upstairs to Laurens room. She waltzed into her closet and came back out, throwing her spongebob pajama pants at me. "Enjoy. They are yours now. I know how much you love them."

"Aww, thanks Lauren. Why don't you pop in a horror flick while I get changed?"

"Sure thing."

I walked into her bathroom and quickly got changed. I walked back out and climbed into bed. I noticed a shoebox on the nightstand. I grabbed it and opened it up. It contained pictures of our childhood. I made a loud sigh as Lauren came over to sit on the bed with me. I pulled out a picture of us on our first Halloween together. We were only in the first grade. She was Ariel from the little mermaid and I was Flouder the fish. Yellow really wasn't my color, but I somehow made it work. "Oh my, that was the best Halloween…ever. I still can't believe your mom sewed our costumes the night before!"

"Yeah, she did an amazing job. That fish suit you wore was perfect!" We both chuckled.

For the next two hours, we reminisced over our childhood and laughed at all of the goofy things we did. By the end of the night, our laughter had turned into sobs.

"I'm going to miss you so much, Bella. I can't believe this is really it. Tomorrow you're going to be off to start a new life, and I'll be stuck here by myself before I leave for New York!"

"Hey, I promised you I'd call everyday. I intend to keep that promise. And we'll still see each other! Maybe not every day, but whenever we can. I don't know what I'm going to do not having you to annoy me everyday, but it will work out in the long run. Just wait and see."

"Yeah. I guess you're right." With that, we both cuddled into bed. Lauren shut off the lamp on the nightstand. She grabbed my hand like she always does when we have our slumber parties since we were eight. I fell asleep smiling, but with a sad thought in my head. What if this was our final night together?