Chapter 5; Scene 1

APOV

Allie had outdone herself. The ceremony was wonderful. There were a hundred black roses and pearl-like calla lilies around the small the 'funeral parlor'. The so called funeral parlor was the best that Forks had to offer; and the only that Forks had to offer. Billy Black was at his best and at times moved Anna to tears despite the fact that she didn't know Ms. Call well. It was packed from wall to wall with well wishers and weeping friends. Personally, Anna didn't know a person could have so many friends but, Caroline Call did.

After Billy did his piece that had most people choked up, Embry stepped up. He shared a heartfelt speech of how wonderful a mother and how unique and special she was. He joked about her marvelous sense of humor and about how she was both a mother and father to him. He shared the story of when she told him that he wasn't like other kids who needed two parents. He was born of the immaculate conception, like Jesus. There was laughter at all his jokes and awes at sweet moments. When he finally stepped down and Allie stepped up, she could almost feel Allie's sorrow and dread.

Allie too, spoke of happier times and childhood memories with her aunt. She apologized for a time when she was six and had smeared all of her aunts makeup on Caroline's best white dress. She cried when she had to apologize for Cam's absence and when leaving the podium.

Jacob spoke as well, arriving from Alaska just on time with a full grown Ness in tow. His speech was short but, it meant just as much as anyone's. Numerous people from the crowd stepped up to share fond memories of her. Old school friends and co-workers, even some guy from the post office. After the service and burial, Anna was shooed home by Seth whom insisted that she was no longer needed. The crowd cleared and all that was left was the pack. Anna hugged everyone all around and then Allie physically kicked her, Brady, Collin, Lisa, Ryan, and Kevin out. She claimed she had enough to worry about and didn't need them buzzing around causing trouble. Anna slipped into the car with her friends and then the quiet conversation began.

"Where should we go?" Lisa asked.

"Beach?" Offered Kevin.

"Not in these shoes," Anna vetoed eyeing the tall black heels on her feet. Lisa heartily agreed.

"Diner?" said Collin.

"I could eat," Kevin said rubbing his 'hungry tummy'.

They pulled into the lot and scrambled from the rain into the busy diner. It appeared that most of the mourners had come here directly after the service. Many people nodded to them and shook their hands as they made their way to their table. Melissa nodded solemnly at them and wrote an order for the cook. Brady slipped into the booth beside Anna, and Lisa and Collin slipped onto the other side. Ryan sat down beside Anna and Kevin slipped off to chat with Melissa. Brady took Anna's hand silently underneath the table. Lisa eyed them suspiciously but, didn't say anything and instead pursed her lips to keep from smiling.

"I think I'm going to ask Mel out on a date," Kevin announced as he slid in beside Collin.

There was a collective groan from all at the table. Lisa and Anna shared an exasperated look before Anna turned to address Kevin.

"Kevin we've had this conversation a hundred times," Anna shook her head tiredly, "You can't date Melissa."

"If you do and things end badly, then we lose the perfect hangout," Ryan finished.

"And let's be honest," Brady said, "You ruin most relationships."

'That's not true!" Kevin protested.

"Hannah, Sarah, Ellen, Sky, Taylor," Collin reeled off.

"Heather, Katy, and Tina," Lisa added.

"I get it," Kevin snapped.

"Okay," Melissa called, "We've got a six cheese burgers with red peppers, grilled pickles, and black olives for Kevin; four cheese steaks for Collin; a platter of our finest sandwich options all with extra cheese for Brady; five bowls of chicken noodle soup and thirteen packets of saltines for Ryan; Four grilled chicken sandwiches with a hint of honey glazed barbeque sauce for Anna; and a Caesar salad with the dressing on the side for Lisa."

"Perfect as usual Mel," Kevin winked at her. She blushed and went off to serve another costumer.

Collin stabbed him with his fork and Kevin yelped loudly. Half the restaurant turned to stare but they ignored them. Anna shot Kevin a glowering look and started on her first perfect sandwich. Brady dug into his platter of assorted sandwiches and heartily ignored Kevin and Collin's arguing. After their enormous meal, Melissa brought over three apple pies and pulled up a chair to take her break.

"Mel you've outdone yourself," Anna moaned around the warm apple pie.

"I thought you'd like it," She smirked as the group groaned at the delicious dessert.

"How the hell does she do it every time?" Ryan sighed happily.

"Will you marry me?" Collin asked taking her hand.

"Problems with that Lisa?" Mel giggled.

"Not unless you stop working here," Lisa winked.

"Then I'm going to have to decline," Lisa said feigning sadness.

"I'll cancel the catering," Collin sighed dejectedly.

"Mel, think you could wrap something up for Allie? She might need some comfort food," Anna asked.

"Sure sure," She waved her off, "I've got just the thing for her."

"Always do," Brady smiled.

"MELISSA?" The cook called from the back.

Melissa sighed, "Duty calls."

"God speed," Lisa wished her and then Mel ran around the counter to save the day.

"She's beautiful," Kevin sighed.

"Someone hit him," Anna rolled her eyes and Collin did.

After dessert and they had paid the check, they invited Mel to the movies the next day. She agreed happily to be ready at around five and they piled into the car again. This time they headed for home with a pile of goodies for Allie. When they got home, Allie and Seth were sitting on the couch beside Embry and Leah alongside several bottles of liquor. Allie laughed brightly despite the day and tossed back another shot.

"Guys? We're home?" Anna called and they walked into the living room.

"Hey kids," Leah waved, "Allie was just telling us about the time that she and Caroline made cake."

"What's so funny about that?" Ryan asked plopping down beside Seth.

"We accidentally baked Embry's shoe into it," Allie laughed.

"His shoe?" Lisa gasped, "How the hell didn't you notice it?"

"Embry put it in after we had it in the pan and didn't notice until the cake was half baked," Allie giggled.

"Then mom made me eat a slice," Embry shook his head sourly.

"That was your own fault for being mischievous," Leah chastised him.

"Where are Jacob and Nessie?" Anna asked setting the bag down on the table beside a bottle of whisky.

"Edward and Bella's old cottage," Seth said after a shot, "They're sleeping there tonight and going home tomorrow."

"They're not staying any longer?" Collin asked disappointedly.

"Nah, Carlisle and Esme's anniversary is the day after so they have to head back," Embry answered.

"Aren't you guys going?" Brady asked.

"You celebrated one anniversary you've celebrated them all," Leah shrugged.

"Besides, Embry has to figure out what he's doing with his house," Allie nodded sternly.

"Can't you just do something with it?" Embry groaned, "You have more experience with handling houses and stuff."

"Embry you're a grown man," Allie chastised him, "You've got to know how to fill out the paperwork and deal with property values."

"Leah sweetheart," Embry turned to her.

"Don't even think about it," Leah rolled her eyes.

"Think of it this way," Kevin said brightly, "Now you've got a bachelor's pad."

"Bachelor's pad?" Leah flared, "I'll be damned before he leaves me just to bring home slutty women."

"That's actually not a bad idea," Embry smirked.

"It is a bad idea," Anna interjected.

"All of Kev's ideas are bad," Ryan pointed out.

"Why don't we all focus on Embry leaving Leah," Kevin announced and reach for a shot.

"You're under age," Allie slapped his hands away.

"So are you! You're only nineteen!"

"I'll be twenty next week and I own six houses, run a franchise and attend college at the same time," Allie snapped, "I deserve to drink."

"C'mon Al, it's not like it'll effect them anyway," Embry said.

"You've lost your mind," Allie rolled her eyes at him and slapped Kevin's hand again.

"You know what?" Embry asked them, "I think I'll keep the house and do something even better with it."

"What?" Ryan asked.

"Move into it," Embry said boldly.

"Em are you sure?" Leah asked him seriously.

"We've been talking about moving back anyway," Embry said, "You miss your mom and Seth and I miss Allie."

"Yeah, but is that enough to move back?"

"We always said that we would get married here," Embry shrugged.

"MARRIED?" Several people shrieked.

"EMBRY CALL!" Leah shouted and slapped his shoulder.


The morning broke bright and cheery the next morning. Sunlight roused Anna just in time to get dressed for the beach. She rolled over and snuggled happily into Brady's side. He continued to snore but, unconsciously wrapped his arms around Anna's waist. He breathed slowly into Anna's hair and his beating heart was lulling her back to sleep.

If Seth only knew that Brady had spent the night in her room...God, she couldn't even bare to think of what he would do. That would bring punishment like no tomorrow. Pushing that thought away she focused on her boyfriend. Today they would go hang out with their friends and family. It was amazing how little Anna though of her biological family. They really weren't anything special. Okay, that was a terrible lie. Her father had been a terrible drunk and her mother wasn't really there much of the time. It was usually just Anna by herself and avoiding her parents. It was harder for Anna to deal with the fact that her parents really didn't care for her. They didn't want her around and when she phased it seemed like a perfect excuse to have done with their useless child. Sometimes she would run by their house at night when she was the only one on patrol. They would be home of course. She could smell the alcohol a mile off. The yard would be in the same mess as the day she told them and they kicked her out on her ass. Anna always thanked God that she was an only child because she didn't know what she would have done if there was anyone she cared about in that house.

"Anna" Allie called and knocked on the door, "We're going to be late! Get dressed!"

"Shit!" Anna shook Brady awake roughly.

"What?" He whispered.

"We overslept! You have to go before Seth and Allie find you here!"

"Crap!" Brady swore and leaped though the window.

Anna watched him run into the forest and waited a good while before turning to get dressed in Brady's favorite dark purple bikini. She pulled her hair into a ponytail and grabbed her beach bag. She met Allie on the stairs and Allie held her there for a moment.

"Next time Brady 'sleeps over' make sure you get him out before Seth is awake," Allie whispered.

"Does he know?"

"I don't think so," Allie smiled softly.

"Thank God," Anna sighed.


"Should I go for the blue flats or silver?" Lisa asked.

"Blue," Anna said and continued to curl her hair.

"Are you sure?" Lisa furrowed her eyebrows at the blue flat skeptically.

"Better choose fast," Anna said eyeing the time wearily, "We only have another fifteen minutes and you still have to finish your hair."

"Ugh," Lisa groaned, "Collin better appreciate all the hard work I do for him."

"You know he does," Anna smiled and patted her now finished curls.

Lisa grabbed a handful of sparkling pins and began to mold half of Anna's hair into a bun and left the other half down.

"This your first date with Brady right?" Lisa smirked.

"Hardly," Anna snorted, "I'm going out with my misfit friends."

"Have you guys been any where alone yet?"

"No," Anna sighed, "With everything going on we haven't really had time to think about an actual date."

"It might be a good idea to do so," Lisa advised her.

"Some day," Anna sighed.


"SSHHHH!" Someone behind them hissed.

Anna hid her face in Brady's shoulder despite the darkness of the movie theater. Brady chuckled and wrapped his arm around Anna and Lisa too. The pair was clinging to Brady in mortification as Collin, Kevin, and Ryan had stood up in the theater and were applauding the actress' bare breasts. Poor Melissa was seated on the far end and had to slouch down in her seat and hide her face with her hand.

"WHOOOOO!" Kevin cheered.

"SHUT UP!"

"Collin sit down," Lisa hissed at him and tugged his shirt.

He smiled at her and winked teasingly. He whooped loudly but, it wasn't as convincing as Ryan and Kevin's. Lisa shook her head and seized Brady's T-shirt. She screamed quietly into it and Anna snorted in laughter. Lisa looked up at her murderously.

"He loves to embarrass me," Lisa groaned.

"Brady," Anna said sweetly looking up at him, "Have I ever told you how much I appreciate you?"

"No," He smiled.

"And I never will," Anna grinned teasingly.

"Really?" Brady arched an eyebrow at her and made a move to get up.

"No!" Lisa cried and held him down, "Not you too!"

"For Lissy's sake," He rolled his eyes.

"Of course," Anna grinned.

"EXCUSE ME? SOME PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO WATCH THE MOVIE!"

"Some people should get some eyes and look at those sweet ti-" Kevin began.

"Sir, we're going to have to ask your party to leave," The manager said grumpily from the aisle.

"Thank God," Lisa grumbled and let Collin lead her away and into the hallway.

Anna and Brady followed after them the entire way and began to howl with laughter the minute they got into the parking lot. The second Lisa's foot touched the asphalt pitch she began to rant angrily.

"Collin, I can't believe you got us kicked out of the movie! I really wanted to see it!" She snapped ruefully.

"We can go next week," Collin soothed her, "It'll be just the two of us."

"Well," Lisa pouted, "I don't know."

"At midnight," Collin offered.

"Mm, okay," Lisa smiled and allowed Collin to peck her lips joyfully.

Brady quietly chuckled into Anna's hair and pulled her closer. Lacing his hand through hers, Brady held tightly to her and they smiled to each other. Coming to their car, Anna slipped into the passenger seat and Brady into the driver's. The rest pooled into the back and contemplated what to do now.

"It's only eight," said Ryan, "Why not grab a pizza or something?"

"We had dinner before the movie," Lisa pointed out.

"There's always room for pizza," argued Kevin.

"We could go bowling?" Anna offered, "They have pizza at the lanes and those of us who don't want any don't have to endure your eating style."

"What do you mean endure?" demanded Kevin.

"You eat like a dog," Anna scowled at him.

"Well, isn't that the bitch calling the dog mutt," Kevin rolled his eyes.

Brady pulled into the lot and the crowd moved to the lanes. Taking Brady's hand in her's, Anna tugged him along as he chuckled behind her. The bowling alley wasn't really anything special. Compared to the lanes that Allie had taken her to in Seattle and Olympia, it could even be called a dump. However, Anna didn't. It was true that some of the carpeting had seen better days and the DJ booth could easily have held her grandfather's favorites but, it had charm, making it a top hangout for teens. It also helped that they never checked for ID's when serving alcohol but, it was really all about bowling...

They changed their shoes and put their names into the computer. Lisa, who was impaired with any type of sport, offered to keep up on the scores. Kevin was up first. He took his time limbering up and made a show of strutting up and down to examine the lane. It was when he had laid flat on his stomach to test the leveling of the floor when Anna had finally lost her temper and 'accidentally' stepped on his hand. Close to the last frame, it was Anna followed by Melissa, followed by Ryan. The winner that night was undetermined because just as Anna was about to bowl the last ball, Allie called. There had been an attack and someone was dead.

They were gone before the heavy bowling ball could come crashing down.