Hey everyone! It's been awhile huh! Had a wonderful holiday with my family – didn't want to come back lol. I'm really sorry to have left it this long, it took me awhile to sink back into it if I'm honest.
Thanks for all your amazing comments/alerts/favourites. You overwhelm me =]
I would also like to give a little shout out to twi-ficpromotions! It's a fantastic website where Twilight related FanFictions are reviewed and promoted. A lovely review has recently been left for No Strings Attached, which really made my day!
Thanks to AllyinPerth! For taking the time out to review; it definitely gave me the enthusiasm and drive to continue!
Make sure you take a look! I've found loads of great fics on there which I'm currently reading!
Anyway, I hope you enjoy :)
Chapter 23:
"Let me tell you this, I won't stand for tardiness in my lecture theatre, punctuality is the key! If you don't want to learn, the doors that way, leave now, save face, before I get my very capable T.A's to throw you out" he seemed to gain great pleasure in saying that, with that devious twinkle to his eye. One wondered how he could even get away with it, but alas he did. "Believe me when I say this, I mean every word I say; if you dont like it, well..." the lecturer gave a rather uncaring shrug, his stern voice booming across the theatre, stunning every student into frozen stupor-like statues. Nobody dared move an inch during his speech, out of pure fear of being publicly humiliated... or worse.
On a good day, students were allowed to call said lecturer 'Mike', on a bad day (not unlike today it seemed), it was Mr Donahue, that's if they even dared to go near him of course.
Bella swallowed hard, the lump in her throat like a thick hardened chunk of clotted cream, wondering why on earth she'd chosen this elective, 'Theology and Religious Studies'; that said it all really! And who needed extra points anyway? Surely nothing was worth this kind of torture.
"And on that note, we'll end it there. For those of you strong enough to return, I'll see you tomorrow, 9am, bright and early! We'll have fun this year, put the work in and you shall get rewarded". And with that, he was gone, leaving nothing but a blanket of pale white faces.
At one point not a single breath could be heard across the room, a second later as the coast became clear, the entire student collective bustled their way out of the theatre. Not a single person dared hesitate as they headed for freedom; an entire hour of psycho Donahue's implacable preaching leaving many of them contemplating their educational/and or career choice.
Bursting out of the door one after the other, Bella breathed in the fresh autumn air, the confines of that lecture theatre had had her suffocated; University was supposed to be fun, but no fun came from that. She made a pact with herself, to by no means set foot in that lecture theatre ever again, not unless her life depended on it... maybe not even then.
Standing out of the way near the wall, Bella placed her bag at her feet, just taking a quiet moment to come to terms with the events of the day. So this was the life of a first year university student? Lecture after lecture, piles of notes to skim over, on top of the extra reading of course, and as of yet, she'd made not a single friend.
"Bella!" a voice unexpectedly called to her from behind, making her jump out of her skin. Cautiously turning around she found Jessica Stanley, an old school friend, strolling out of the building towards her. She relaxed a little at the knowledge that crazy Mike Donahue wasn't coming to get her; his large wooden cross and bible in hand. "Hey! How's your first day been?" Jessica grinned before her; looking awfully pleased with herself as she did, "Come on, lets walk" she added as she clung onto Bella's arm, barely giving her a moment to grab her things. Bella staggered along with her, disgruntled at the sudden shift in movement. "Oh, well, you know, a little daunting at first, but mostly fine…" a humble Bella replied, tossing her bag back onto her back.
"Well mines been great so far. I've joined like ten different social clubs already" Jessica went on animatedly; her hands expressing her enthusiasm, whilst she was apparently still very much in love with the sound of her own voice. "I also put my name down for class president, I know it's a little crazy but I've got such a rush for responsibility this year. I think it really suits my personality. Don't you think?"
"Erm, yeah, sure, why not!" Bella politely agreed. Although pairing the term 'responsible' with Jessica Stanley seemed a little farfetched.
"So did you have a good summer?" the blonde quickly changed the subject.
A blasé' shrug of the shoulders accompanied Bella's response. "Yeah I guess; my dad got married, that was pretty great".
"Aw, that's awesome. And speaking of boys, I heard this really bizarre rumour about you".
"You did?" Bella's brow puckered, her eyes blinking with care. One guess what that could be about.
"Well it's totally insane if you ask me, but, I figured it was best to just ask you right out, you know, just get it over with. You know what these gossipers are like Bella, if things aren't put straight, they just escalate into something hideous. And being one of my oldest friends, I wouldn't want that for you" she turned to her, looking almost sincere.
"Go on…" Bella proceeded cautiously, and Jessica gladly complied.
"Well I can't remember the major details, but, something about you and Edward, you know, being together now".
"Oh…" Well that wasn't a surprise. "Right, who told you that?"
"Just some people from our old school. I can't remember who exactly," she waved it off. "I figured they were joking anyway, I mean, he is your brother after all" she flashed an uncomfortable smile; it was common knowledge that Jessica Stanley had a major crush on Edward Cullen, and by the look of her current expression, Jessica was well aware her dreams were about to be shattered.
"Right, well you know were not actually related. I mean we are, because of our parents being married now, but, we're not blood related or anything" explained Bella, while Jessica nodded back, listening intently with eyes so wide; clearly waiting for that distinct yes or no response. Glancing away Bella sighed in exasperation; she'd long dreaded this moment.
"Erm, but, yeah, for once your sources are correct".
Jessica's smile wavered. "What?"
"Edward and I, were together now, officially" Bella told her with careful consideration; Jessica Stanley may well be Queen of the Gossip world, poking her nose in business that didnt concern her, but Bella would never want to hurt her feelings.
"No way?" her voice softened.
"I'm afraid so".
"Wow" she appeared momentarily distraught, however it passed within the length of a breath, "well that's just… congratulations. I mean, its pretty weird, no offence or anything, it's just because I've always known you as brother and sister, its just, well, wow, what an unexpected turn around. I guess it makes sense though, you won't exactly have to sit through the awkwardness of meeting the in laws, because, well, they're already your parents" she laughed overtly, while Bella managed the smallest of smiles in return.
"Yeah, I guess. I never really thought about it".
"Well lucky you anyway, I'm sure you'll make a great couple" Bella felt touched at her words, knowing beyond anything else, Jessica always meant well. "I have to get going anyway. Presidential stuff. I'll catch you later" grinned the perky blonde, before scurrying off with a noticeable frown on her face; disappointed to learn Edward was no longer on the market. Bella spent a minimal amount of time feeling sorry for her, before loneliness once again took over. No matter how annoying Jessica Stanley could be, at least she was a familiar face. An unexpected longing for her past School life hit Bella hard. Change was harder than she'd thought.
"Bella?" another voice sounded out, but this one higher in pitch; musical almost. A distinct characteristic of her beloved best friend. "Hey it is you!" exclaimed the petite little lady, as she rushed up towards her.
"Alice" Bella sighed with ease. "Boy am I glad to see you" a relieved Bella walked up to her. Thankful for Alice's excellent timing.
The pixies grin grew wide at that, and she embraced her friend in a loving hug. "What's up?"
Bella found warmth and a sense of hominess in their hug; a battery in desperate need of recharging, and Alice could certainly provide that. "Oh, nothing much" she told her as they pulled away. "The usual really, Jessica Stanley fills me in on the latest gossip, this one being a little closer to home though; I'm not sure whether to feel flattered or not" smirked Bella with a lazy, lopsided smile.
"Come on Bella, you didn't expect something as juicy as your relationship with Edward Cullen to just slide right by did you?"
"Well I had hoped, but I guess I was just being irrational".
"They're gossip mongers Bella, they're like FBI's, nothing gets past them" she smiled; her eyes offering her sympathy. "So how's your first day been?"
Bella shrugged in response, not wanting to go into too many details. "Alright. Lots of forms to fill in, lots of people I don't recognise, the odd death threat thrown in now and then … How about you?"
"Same really, minus the death threat" she chuckled. "So far the only thing that's getting me through the day, is knowing I get to see Jasper in…" she glanced at her watch, "precisely 12 minutes actually" she practically squealed; rising a little onto her tiptoes. "I'm heading over to his room before lunch, you want to come?"
A warm smile crossed Bella's face; nothing made Bella happier (aside from the obvious) to witness Alice finally being in a loving committed relationship. The excitement radiated off her, and her happiness was contagious. "That's alright; I wouldn't want to get in the way; 3rd wheel and all".
Alice's head tilted to one side. "You wouldn't be in the way Bella".
"Well thanks for the offer, but I think I'm just going to grab some lunch from the canteen, maybe phone Edward, see if he's around here somewhere".
"Fair enough, but if you change your mind, were in the Berry Anne building, room 209". Bella gave her friend a parting embrace, a small nod of the head, before watching her walk away.
Once again Bella's smile started to waver. Why did it feel like everyone on campus had something to celebrate, every student Bella Swan locked eyes with had a broad beaming smile, was she missing something?
…
A pensive Bella crossed the expansive grassy green campus and headed towards the University Canteen, the grumble of her stomach alerting her it was time for food. And while she passed her fellow students, most already in their cluster of friendship groups, there were the odd one or two students who aimlessly strolled by company-less. That filled her with some contentment; knowing she wasn't the only one at present lacking a friend.
The smell of food as it drifted out from the open door up ahead attacked her senses, but before she could enter the building and put her incessant mouth watering to rest, the most beautiful and attractive sound brought her to a halt. Turning her head towards the laughter, her now illuminative eyes searched for him.
The feeling, as always was indescribable. Butterflies turned to bats as soon as Bella saw him, her toes curling in her shoes to see him standing barely 20 feet away from her. But when her eyes tore away from Edward, and towards the group of friends that surrounded him, Bella's heart began to sink, the nervous feeling she'd experienced all day intensified, and much worse, she felt so out of place, like a sore thumb that really shouldn't be there.
The question was, was it because the majority of his friends were tall, tanned and beautiful women? Or was it simply because he had friends and she currently didn't.
As Bella watched them intently, she contemplated turning back, traipsing back to her room where she could curl up on their single bed, wrap the duvet around her body and feel sorry for herself. But like a sudden flash of light, Edwards eyes had found her, and any decision she could have made, was made for her.
"Bella!"
She lingered in the same position, her hand offering a feeble wave as she plastered on her best smile, although it wasn't exactly hard to smile for Edward. "Hi, sorry, I didn't want to interrupt" she told him as he walked towards her.
"Interrupt?" He flashed her a look of bemusement, as he rooted on the spot before her. "Interrupt what?" he questioned her with a smile, and all she could do was awkwardly roll her shoulders.
"Come meet my friends" he eagerly clasped onto her hand, encouraging her towards them.
"Sure" she swallowed hard, having a mild internal panic attack as she approached them. She knew she shouldn't be intimidated, but she was new to this, She already felt way out of her depth with Uni life, not to mention it had taken her so long to come to terms with Tanya, that friend of Edwards, and now she was faced with a dozen of them. "Sounds great" she forced back her insecurities as best she could; trying to see the positive in meeting new people.
"Guys" he called their attention, and like the ring leader of the pack, they all obeyed, "this is Bella, the one I mentioned".
The response was filled with 'Oh's and Aw's" from the girls of the group, while the only other male compadre' smirked back.
"Mentioned? More like talked about none stop" he joked, playfully whacking Edward on the arm. "You turned into the dream woman for awhile there, when you failed to materialize. Truthfully I was worried you were just a figment of his imagination; I was considering sending him to a counsellor" the happy-go-lucky guy informed her, and Bella's cheeks began to glow, she couldn't help the snicker that spluttered from her lips.
Edward shuffled awkwardly on his feet, "Yeah, you're real funny Jack" he grinned in sarcasm. "You should know that these aren't my real friends Bella" he turned to his girlfriend, "I just hang around with them to help make them look good really. You know how it is with charity work" he teased, and Bellas close-lipped smile turned into a toothy grin.
"Yeah right, that's what he says, but in reality, he's hanging by a string. Mostly were just here to babysit him".
"What ever you say Jackyboy!" Edward tapped his friend on the back, grinning wildly. "Now if you'll excuse us, were going to go over there and have a grownup conversation, I doubt you'd know much about that" smirked Edward, as he took Bella's hand, leading her away from the crowd and towards the wall nearest the canteen.
"You're a heartbreaker Cullen!" his friend's voice called back to him, and Edward waved him off with a laugh.
"Sorry about him, he's such a joker".
"No, he seemed really nice, they all did" she told him, feeling pride to be a witness to Edward in his student environment. Never had she seen him interact with his friends, and thankfully it wasnt as scary as predicted. It was a pleasure to see in fact.
"So how's your day been?" he asked with enthusiasm, but found it quickly diminish at the vulnerable expression on her face.
"Its fine" Bella looked anywhere but his eyes.
"You're lying".
She all-but rolled her eyes, chancing a look at him, absorbing his concern for her and sensing his growing tension. "Ok, so it hasn't been great, my first Psych lecture went well, it just started to go down hill during my elective, which I've dropped now and will never again be repeating… It's all just a little overwhelming. And kind of intimidating".
"Well, thats understandable" he told her, "this isn't high school anymore".
As if she needed reminding. "No, you've got that right".
"Look I know you had high hopes for this year, probably too high now I think about it, and with yesterday and the beds and everything, its not surprising you're feeling down. But, you've just got to deal with it. I know that sounds harsh, but this Uni life, you've just got to get on with it and hope for the best. Its not going to be easy, nothing in life is you know that, but you'll get through it, its day one Bella, things will look brighter tomorrow, I assure you".
"Having friends would also help" she pouted; feeling miserable.
"You'll make friends" he took a step closer towards her, clasping both of her hands. "Don't worry about that. I didn't make mine until at least the 2nd week, just give it time".
Her pout retracted and she eventually nodded back, pulling herself together. She wasn't a child anymore. She was a grown up and it was time to start acting like one.
"I'm going to grab some lunch, you want anything?" she asked him.
"No I already ate, but thanks. I can come with you if you want?"
"That's alright; I'll be back out in a bit".
…
Standing in the sandwich line Bella grabbed a tray, holding it up to her chest protectively. She shuffled along every few seconds, as each student took their desired meal, when she reached the end, she felt completely torn for choice.
"You should take the crayfish" a tall shadow of a person appeared behind her, making her jump. A flash of those pretty strawberry blonde curls coming into awareness, told Bella it was Tanya, that friend of Edwards. The one she'd spent many a time loathing. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you".
"You didn't…" Bella offered a smile, turning back to face the sandwich shelves, "So, crayfish huh?"
"Yeah, crayfish or southern fried chicken salad, that's also a good choice, avoid the ham and cheese though, there's mustard on it" she pulled a disgusted face. "Unless, you like mustard?" she recoiled, hoping she hadn't offended.
"Definitely not" chuckled Bella, "thanks for the tip" Bella grabbed the first choice, Crayfish Salad and placed it onto her tray. "Anything else I should know?"
"Well, not really, just make sure you maximize your food intake as best as possible. For instance, things like fruit, juice boxes, snacks, you hide subtly in any available pocket or bag, that's your breakfast and break for tomorrow" she informed her, as she grabbed a couple of apples, cereal bars and juice boxes and descreetly hid them in her bag.
"Wow, sounds like you've learned the trade".
"Well, after watching everybody else do it for the first few weeks of Uni, you kind of catch on. And it's not as if it's stealing. We've paid the contract after all" she lowered her voice a little.
"You've really thought this one through, huh" Bella mused.
"Yeah, well I spent awhile determining what was stealing, and what was… owed to us as students. I figured with the amount of calories we burn with all the stress and hard work they put us through, we deserve the odd treat now and then. It's all about give and take really".
"Well, I like your logic".
"Thanks" Tanya grinned delightedly, before conversation started to fade. "Well I'll, leave you to it anyway" she awkwardly excused herself, turning on her heel to walk away.
"Wait…" Bella called her back, temporarily moving out of the line to avoid a hold up. "Look, I'm sorry … I think, maybe I owe you an apology" a small solemn smile quirked Tanya's lips and she signalled to the table beside them; taking a seat Bella angled her chair towards her. "I'm not really sure how to say this without making myself sound like a total bitch, I guess it's inevitable" Bella spoke slowly, smiling sadly as she looked down at the table. "I think it's safe to say I barely looked you in the eye the first time we met, and if I'm totally honest with you, I spent weeks labelling you as public enemy number one. And I had no right to... You wouldn't believe how paranoid I became this year" a thoughtful smile lifted Bella's lips, as she reminisced over the past few months. "Any woman that got within two feet of Edward suddenly became my arch nemesis. I felt so intimidated by you, which is crazy because I didn't even know you" Bella looked into her eyes; for the first time that day finding herself feeling at ease. Tanya wasnt judgemental, nor a man-stealer as Bella previously deduced, she was simply a genuine kind-hearted person. "And if anything, I should've been thanking you. You were there for Edward when I couldn't be. And if it wasn't for you, Edward and I probably wouldn't even be together right now. We'd still be going back and forth in that drama of a relationship, both too stupid to realise how we felt. I guess what I'm trying to say is, thank you. I'm really grateful you were there to guide him. You've been a good friend to him, I realise that now."
Tanya's bubbly and confident persona turned coy at Bella's thanks. "I only did what Edward would do for anyone else. But I'm glad I could help. Honestly, I've seen such a change in him this last week, from how he was a few months ago, to now, it's like he's a new man, he radiates with excitement and energy. I hope you know that that's because of you, because of how happy you make him" her eyes narrowed a little with intensity and meaning. "You don't have to be intimidated Bella, by anyone, I think what you both went through with your family, the risks you took, tells anyone just how much you love each other".
Bella's face glowed at Tanya's words, and it took every ounce of strength she had not to run right out the building and jump into Edwards arms.
"Look, not that I want to sound like I'm forcing myself onto you or anything" Tanya went on with a smirk. "But, you're important to Edward, which means you're important to me too, well, I'd like you to be... Besides, I'm always up for making new friends, if, you'll have me?"
"Are you recruiting?" Bella cocked an eyebrow.
"No, but I do take in special cases" she joked back.
Bella laughed in return; delighed at making a new friend, "Well, that's probably the best offer I've had all day".
"Great" Tanya's white teeth extended from cheek to cheek. "Look, why don't you go pay for your sandwich and I'll hold our table".
"Sounds good".
…
Exhaustion loomed by the time Bella reached her room level come 4.30pm. The day had been exceptionally drawn-out, the morning feeling as if it was punishment, although for what for she was unsure about. The afternoon had transformed into a pleasant surprise however, a much needed pleasant surprise.
"Hey you're back!" Edward rose to his feet to welcome her in; he'd grown impatient at her lack of show.
"Yep, I have finally returned" she gave him a pathetic wave before shutting the door behind her. She took a breath as she leant into the door, hoping for some quiet time, however Edward had no such plans.
"Are you ok?" he questioned her, and she responded with a gentle hmm? "You're not like, having a breakdown are you?" he asked with a nervous quiver. "Where were you anyway? I looked for you after lunch but I couldn't find you anywhere".
"Oh, sorry I was…" she placed a hand to her head, before the words seemed to escape her. Her mind was somewhere else, as her eyes took in the sight of the space before her. "Edward, did you do this?" she dropped her bag absentmindedly to her feet, and walked over towards the centre of the room, where a double bed now sat with pride. The large (and previously immovable) wardrobes had been moved to the far sides of the room, and the two single beds had been pushed together to make one large king-sized bed; exactly how she'd once pictured it.
"Oh, yeah, I got Jack and some of the guys to help me out, the wardrobes took some shifting, but we managed. We'll just have to make sure we move it all back before the years out" he told her. "Will it do?" he enquired, looking oddly hesitant.
"Are you kidding me?" she exclaimed, bewildered by her boyfriends uncertainty. "It's perfect" she stood before it, admiring its spaciousness as she ran a hand over the covers. "You are amazing" she turned to him, wrapping her arms around his neck to give him a kiss.
"Well ..." he started modestly, "yeah" he joked cockily. Swooping her up he sat on the bed; cradling her in his arms. "So how was your afternoon? I want to know everything. I've been really worried about you" he said as he shuffled his way to the head of the bed, resting his back on the wall as he cushioned her in his lap. Finally he could relax.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you" she laid her head on his chest; taking his hand in her own. "It's actually gone pretty great though".
"Really? How's that? I was about to get the anti-depressants out earlier."
"I know" she smiled into him, "I guess I was a little crazy. Just hoping everything would fall into place within the first hour or something. I was just being unrealistic".
"What changed?"
"Well, talking to you helped a lot; I realised I just need to take each day as it comes. No point in getting ahead of yourself, right?" she told him, and he cuddled her closer; only loving her more. "Plus my afternoon lecture ended up being really fun; we did some group activities so I got to chat to a couple of people; they were really nice. But, I guess the best part of it was, I made a friend".
"Aw, that's great. I told you you'd find someone" he squeezed her hand supportively. "What's she like?"
"Pretty amazing actually. Tall, strawberry blonde hair, funny, very beautiful, goes by the name Tanya".
Edward gave a knowing nod; like he should've guessed Tanya would find a way to worm her way in; not that he minded of course. "Tanya huh?" he smiled back fondly.
"Yeah, is that alright?" she angled herself to look at him.
"Alright? It's fantastic! What's mine is yours remember" he grinned, kissing her on the cheek.
"I remember" she beamed back, hugging herself into his side.
A/N: Ok, so despite the lack of B/E time, I hope you enjoyed it. It was very Uni central I know. And I hope you don't think I've put a really negative spin on University life. I know how much fun it can be, but for me especially, it's so overwhelming and a little scary the first few weeks of starting.
Only one last chapter to go now! Can't believe its coming to an end, although I am happy about where they're headed. I feel like the characters have come along way from how it started. Despite their on-going battles, they're alot stronger than they give themselves credit for, especially Bella!
Finale' - I'll try to include a bit of everything if possible, maybe less dialogue? as this last chapter was predominantly just that. But it's a firm NO to drama, I think these two deserve some happiness from now on! :) As always, thanks for reading and reviewing; nothing motivates me more!