Disclaimer: Check on my profile, please.
N/A: Hello! I know it's been years since my last update and I'm very sorry. But I've been too tired to write. However, to reward you for the long delay, this is a chapter focused on Alice, what I believe will please some of you.
Oh, I don't know if you guys read on my profile, but I'll be posting a new story soon. It's post-Breaking Dawn. Nessie's story. I know some of you didn't like BD. But this is something that I've wanted to write since I finished the fourth book. Please, give a chance, okay? This didn't mean I'll stop writing Independent Bella!! I'll keep the stories and update Gold & Blood as soon as I can.
Have fun!
15
Beautiful Lie
"It's a beautiful lie
It's a perfect denial
Such a beautiful lie to believe in
So beautiful, beautiful lie
That makes me"
APOV
I clenched my teeth and bared Esme's entire lecture. I already feel bad enough about the Lauren thing but, hey! It wasn't me who brought the Evil Witch of the East here! What the hell was she thinking?
"Look, mom. I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I didn't tell anyone Lauren was working with me. And what's the big deal, anyway? It's not like we share lunch together!" I said when she gave me a break. She gave me a stern look and rolled her eyes. She was protective towards Bella. Well, who in Cullen house wasn't? I suppose someone should be; with an annoying ex-fiancée, a jerk as a father and a mother far too busy with her third husband, I seriously can't blame her. If I could be honest for a second, I should have kicked Lauren out of the magazine months ago. But I'd rather have her under my sights, than away.
Thank God Emmett decided to come home now.
"Hey, family!" he said with his goofy grin as usual, leaving his huge jacket on the back of one of the chairs in the dinning room since he knew this would piss Esme off. Emmett will always be Emmett. "What's for dinner?"
"It's nice to see you too, Em," I replied with a smirk, "Oh, and I did have a nice day, thank you for asking."
He raised his eyebrow at me and sat on the armchair near the fireplace; spread his huge, muscular arms on the back of the chair, completely at ease. It seemed he had spent his entire afternoon at the club, playing tennis, than actually managing four hospitals around the city.
"Well, well. Someone is a bit irritated there," he commented, his grin growing, instead of getting smaller. "Where's Bella?"
I sniffed "Bella is hiding herself after her little chit chat with Alicia King."
Emmett's smile fell for the first time. "Alicia King was here?" he looked at Esme with a shocked face, "Oh, mom!"
She put down the cup of tea and raised her eyebrows.
"You know. You two keep telling Edward he's overprotective and now you two should take a look at your faces. In the first place, no, I didn't invite Alicia to come here. She invited herself and two: you are not giving Bella the credit she deserves. She stood up to Alicia and dealt with the situation quite well."
"And I'm not hiding in my room, Alice!" Bella said, coming out of the room, her face was pink with revolt and her eyes were shinning, intensively, that's my girl.
"Okay, because you pretty much made a very good acting of how you were chickening out." I grinned at her and she smacked my arm playfully, The others chuckled. "It's good to see you are up and fighting, Bells."
She sat beside me and sighed. "I'm okay. The tea party was—" she eyed Esme carefully and my mother smiled apologetically at her, "interesting. It's over, anyway. It's not like she can force Edward to marry her niece, is it?" she shrugged. "She doesn't scare me."
"Aaawwww. Isn't she my pride?" asked Emmett pulling Bella in for a bear hug, she giggled and I shook my head and picked up the phone.
"Well, I think this deserves pizza with everything on top, guys! Are you with me?" I raised my eyebrows suggestively.
"Yeah!" they said unison and they both cracked up. Thank God we are in a good mood.
Because I'm in a good mood too, my day was fantastic. I made a small interview with Tyra Banks. Took pictures of the whole event and the most amazing outfits ever; and on top of that I talked to an old friend. So, why was I so angry? Just because a certain blond guy who just simply despises me hasn't called at all? Maybe it wasn't such a good plan. No reason to be angry or disappointed at all. The line walks.
Esme got up and said, "Well, you kids have a nice afternoon then. Your father and I have an appointment tonight. I have to get ready." And then we all wished her a good evening.
Edward arrived, looking somber and upset, an unusual mood for him since Bella is back here; I wonder what happened. He immediately went to his girlfriend's side, looking worried and loving. He wrapped his arms around her. It was such an adorable scene that it almost hurt to look. They were two halves of a whole. Alicia King could bring the Victoria's Secret cast and still, she wouldn't stand a chance. Bella and Edward loved each other, simple as that. Things may not be easy, if I'm correct, I think Edward might be upset because of Tanya. But what kind of love survives without a few of obstacles?
I tuned out their conversation and ordered our dinner, with Emmett on my heels, making suggestions and irritating me like the big brother he was. I finally smacked his back, after he changed for the tenth time if he wanted pepperoni or not and at last, finished my order.
But Emmett's teasing wouldn't pass without reward.
I went to the kitchen and brought beer for the boys and the wine Bella and I would drink. I poured the rosy, almost orange liquid in the glass and studied my victim carefully. Bella was telling them about our meeting with Rosalie and Jasper and I saw my brother's eyes light up when she talked about Rose. I know exactly what to do.
"Oh, Emmett. Did Bella tell you we found your girlfriend today at NYFW?" I asked with an evil grin at him. I saw he had stiffened a bit before controlling himself. "We had a very interesting conversation with her, right, Bella?"
Bella turned from Edward's lap, caught my glance and took the lead.
"Yes. It was very-- how can I put it?" she asked, frowning her eyebrows a bit in concentration.
"How about educational?" I suggested.
"Excellent choice of words," replied Bella, smiling evilly too. I had the satisfaction of watching my brother, looking uncomfortable. Edward suppressed a laugh. "She asked about you, you know?"
I put my arm around his waist and Bella got up and stood behind Em's armchair, patting his massive shoulders. Edward chuckled, watching us torturing Emmett. It was routine between us. It was nice to know Bella still fit perfectly in our group.
"And what did you girls say?" he asked, trying to look in at ease, his eyes fixed on the beer can he had been drinking. "Better, what did she said?"
"She said you are husband material," I said in a serious tone.
His face went white."Oh, my God."
"Yeah, Em," She sighed. "I think her ultimate goal is dragging you to the alley, with the tux and everything," said Bella, looking sympathetically at him. "So, when are you going to tell her?"
He looked at her as if she was crazy, "Tell her what?"
"That you are on your fours for Rosalie and you two are much too stubborn to admit it!" she said.
He snorted, "Rosalie doesn't like me back. She prefers that jackass, Royce King." He seemed relaxed, but his eyes were sad. I felt so bad about him and I was so sure he and Rosalie were perfect together.
Edward sat up. "Hold on, what does Rosalie have to do with Royce King?"
We told him everything and he looked disgusted, "That bastard. Rosalie deserves someone better than him."
The door rang and Emmett stood up, quickly.
"Food!" he sang. Edward and I rolled our eyes and Bella chuckled.
It wasn't the pizza guy. It was Rosalie.
We heard a smack noise and she busted into the room looking like a furious tigress. We widened our eyes at her as she scowled at Emmett. We clenched our teeth and prepared to leave, but she roared.
"You can stay. I won't take too much of your time, and you," she pointed to Emmett, "Stay away from my boyfriend and me. Just because you are of jealous of him--"
Emmett finally found his voice at this point. I wanted to interfere, but Edward put a hand on my shoulder and shook his head. Bella seemed worried. It was so unfair.
"Hey, hold on a second. I'm not jealous of that jackass and I'm certainly not sorry because I punched him. I would have done the same thing again. If you had heard half of what that guy said, you would have agreed with me. He disrespected you, my sister and Bella."
Her face went pale and livid, "I don't believe you. Royce said you lost the game, he teased on you and you lost your temper."
Emmett bent to face her. They were inches apart. His voice was low and dangerous.
"I have some news for you, princess. People lie. Royce is a liar pro. I'm telling you he said horrible things about you and people who I love. If you don't believe me, fine. That works for me too."
Rosalie's lips trembled a bit, but she controlled herself. She lifted her chin; her eyes were dark like iron. The ice queen was back.
"Well, I think we have an agreement, then," She turned to us and said, "I'm sorry about that, guys. Have a nice evening. Oh, and your pizza is here."
The pizza guy almost had a stroke when Rosalie passed by him. Emmett pushed the money to his chest and grabbed the package. "Thanks," he grumbled and closed the door in the guy's face. He turned and saw the three of us staring at him with a mix of pity and exasperation. "What?"
"Forget it," said Edward, taking the package from his hands and putting it on the coffee table. We had eaten half of the pizza when my phone buzzed and I almost jumped to my feet. Oh, my God! What if it was Jasper? Be cool, Alice!
Rolling his eyes, Edward grabbed the phone and said, despite of my frantic protests, that he dismissed like an annoying fly.
"Hello? Yes, this is Alice Cullen's phone. Yes, hold on a second, please." He turned at me; straighten the phone with a sweet smile. "It's your boss."
Oh, fuck!
I picked the phone and took another sip of wine, just in case. This can't be good. It's a Tuesday night, for crying aloud! Wasn't she in L.A? Why is she calling me?
"Hello, Kelly."
"Annabelle, " said her in her icy tone. What? Not even a good evening? "I need you to go to my house on this very second and pick up the book. I want you to send it to LA first thing in the morning."
"I'm on my way," I replied, resigned and shot an apologizing glance to my family.
"That's all." She said and turned off the phone.
I stood up and Edward asked, putting down the beer, "Hold on a second. Where are you going?"
I snorted. "I'm going to pick up the freaking Book and send the material to her tomorrow." I rolled my eyes. "Just another day in Mary Alice Cullen's life. Not a big deal."
"But is past eight!" cried Bella, as I put on a parka on top of my outfit. If I don't think too much about this thing, I think I can pass through the night without doing something stupid.
"It's okay, Bella. She must want something that's in the book urgently, and as soon as I go out, I'll be back. She lives just a couple of blocks away. I won't take too much time."
Emmett got up. "I'm coming with you."
I snorted, "Are you sure you want to face Rosalie now? I don't think it's a good idea. It's not far, guys. It's going to be okay." I waved to them goodbye and left.
The cold air was good to make my mood cool down a bit; I didn't have to tolerate this, I could find another job. I've been working in that magazine for almost ten months. Two more months of torture and I was going to say goodbye to Kelly Cole and her Starbucks coffee forever.
The building where Kelly lived was fancy and discreet. The doorman opened the massive glass door to me, and I crossed the big entrance hall, with the lovely pink marble floor and creamy walls. I didn't have to say anything. I was responsible for the book, so I was kind of a known face here. I got in the elevator and for the first time, since I received the call from Kelly, I asked myself if Jasper could be home.
What the hell am I going to do if he is?
I turned to the mirror on the back of the elevator and checked my appearance. Everything was okay. The cold air had added a bit of color in my face. The parka wasn't exactly what I could call sexy, but the top under was cute. And the tight black jeans hugged me on the right places. Not that I was going to take the parka off for any reason. As far as I know, I would get in, pick up the book and get out. I didn't even need to establish any kind of conversation to anyone. As soon as I finished, I would be on my way home.
Too soon for comfort, the little bell dinged, I was on the right floor and I got out, crossed the corridors and got in. The door was always opened. Standard procedure. Kelly wanted me to do what she asked. She didn't want to talk to me.
I walked as silent as I could and went to the little desk where the book was. I grabbed the book and slowly, and turned back to the door.
"Do you always sneaks on people's houses or is just this one?" asked a voice behind me.
Crap.
It took everything in me to not gasp or freeze. I turned and grinned at Jasper, still holding the book. "Well, a girl has to have her hobbies you know."
He chuckled from the entrance of the living room. The golden lights of the crystal chandelier making his long blond hair shine like gold, his gray eyes shining in amusement. If Bella thought about Romeo or Heathcliff when she sees Edward, Jasper makes me think of Lestat, Legolas, or Lancelot. Nerdy, I know. Oh, well, sue me.
"Wow, were you going to just pick up the book and get out, like a runaway thief? Without even saying a good night?" he shook his head, looking disappointed, "You'll hurt my feelings like that, Ally."
I shrugged, pretending indifference. "Standard procedure. The day her nieces convinced me to go to their rooms to pick up book, I received the biggest lecture ever. Kelly was furious. I'm here just to pick up or deliver the book, not to stay for dinner." He raised his eyebrows seeming a bit surprised and I added, "By the way, is Alice for you. Miss Cullen. Capice?"
He chuckled a bit and leaned against the door, folding his strong arms, "Kelly is bitch. I don't know how you bare her, Ally." He looked me in awe, completely ignoring my full name again. I'm starting to hate this guy. "Well, she isn't here now and I'm having a cup of hot chocolate. Would you like to join me?" he asked, and the warmth on his smooth voice came down to my toes.
Whoa, he was good; I had to give him that. But I wasn't going to make this easier for him.
"Nah, I have to get back. My brothers will be worried if I don't return soon. Maybe another time," I said, with a polite smile. Yeah, another time, pal. When I got over this stupid crush that I have on you. Then, we can sit and have hot chocolate.
I blinked when he moved and he slowly picked up the book from my hug, his eyes on my face.
"Alice, it's just a cup of chocolate. Five minutes and I promise, I'll take you home." He ducked his face as he studied mine and said, "Unless you are uncomfortable being with me." He added and amusement returned to his eyes.
If I were Bella, I would have blushed.
"Actually, it would be lovely to have a cup of chocolate, thanks." I smiled at him sweetly.
Yes, sir. Two can play this game; and I have no intention on losing.
I followed him to the kitchen, which was surprisingly warm and inviting. The rest of the house, or better, the entrance hall was so formal. The orange wallpaper and the collection of peppers, the pattern of fruits on the benches made me think this was one of the most used places in Kelly's house. What a surprise.
Jasper caught me staring at the many kitchen accessories and said, as the turned on the heat and added more milk to the mixture of chocolate. He gestured to me sit down and he picked up two cups and served the hot, fragrant drink in the cups. I was full with the pizza, but chocolate was a weakness of mine. I put my both hands around the cup and felt the heat. I was perfectly happy: Jasper and chocolate.
"My father really loves to cook. So, whenever he's home, he likes to make those complicated meals, mostly, Italian food," he said, as he sat on the bench on the other side of the tiny table. "That displeases Kelly a lot. She'd rather go to some fancy restaurant. Having her meal being prepared by a chef, with waiters and a buffet. But Rosalie and I were used to Sunday's lunch, and dinner was something to look forward to when my mother and him were married." Oh, so he his parents were divorced. I thought his mother was maybe deceased.
I took a sip of the chocolate and it was fantastic. "Speaking of Rosalie, where is she?"
He rolled his eyes, looking annoyed, "She went to some party in the West Village with Royce. Is it true that Emmett punched him?" he asked, looking more amused than actually angry because my brother hurt his almost brother-in-law.
I shrugged. "Emmett said Royce made some nasty comments and he had to punch the guy. I don't know what Rose told you, Jasper. My brother and her have their issues, but I assure you. Emmett would never punch someone without a good reason."
Jasper had put down the cup and his eyes were serious.
"What did Royce say"
Oops.
"Nothing. It's not important." I quickly took another sip. Why couldn't I keep my mouth shut?
"Alice," he said, his voice tense. Well, he was all tense; a bit scary too. "What did Royce say?"
I gulped. "He didn't talk about her. He just asked some questions about his relationship with Bella and then suggested that we joined him in some trip to Aspen this weekend." I rolled my eyes, "Stupid, I know. But Bella and Emmett are like brother and sister. It's totally nasty to think about them in a different way. My brothers are protective and--"
I stopped talking when his fist hit the table and he stood up, pacing up and down the kitchen. I shivered, surprised.
"I knew that guy was a problem," he hissed, his eyes getting darker, "This weekend, you say?" I nodded and he clenched his teeth, "Rosalie will dump that guy tomorrow, that cheap playboy. There is no way he's going to cheat on my sister like that and get away with it," he grumbled under his breath. "That son of a bitch; I'll crush him if he hurts her."
Wow, talk about overprotective. He's definitely in Edward and Emmett's league. I think it's time to go. I climbed down from the bench and said, "Well, Jasper?" he turned to me, a bit surprised, as he had forgotten I was here. Man, this guy really knows how to make a girl feel special, doesn't he? "I'm leaving. Thanks for the chocolate and the chat."
He crossed the kitchen in two strides, "What? But it's too soon!"
I smiled. "My brothers must be worried. Anyway, you can show up at the dinner on Sunday, right?"
He passed his fingers in his long hair, seeming frustrated. "Yeah, sure. I'll stop by. Should I bring something?"
I thought for a second, "Well, the dinner will be prepared by Kate, not us. And I don't know what she has in mind." Just to think about that mystical food of hers, it makes me a bit sick, "But a bottle of wine is always welcome or even beer, if you'd rather."
"Okay," he said, following me as I got out of the kitchen and picked up the book. He opened the door for me and I turned to say bye. I confess I was caught off guard when he bent to me and slowly, licked my lower lip with the tip of his tongue. I shivered as he straightened back and licked his own lips, tasting.
"Hmm, chocolate."
"Huh?" I asked, stupidly, my mind numb.
"There was chocolate on your lips," he replied, a hint of a laugh in his voice.
"Oh, okay." Okay, I was having trouble finding words. Or my knees.
His lovely lips spread in a triumph grin. "I guess I'll see you on Sunday, Miss Cullen."
Oh, my God. Get a grip, Alice! Now!
"Yeah." I said, mimicking his movements and licking my lips before turning my back to him. I waved a goodbye, "I guess we will."
And the game was on.
N/A: I love Alice's part of the story! It's so much fun! Please, be nice and write a review, okay? It's the only way I know you are enjoying the story too.
See you next time!
Ushio-chan