CHAPTER THREE

JANURARY ELEVENTH

THIRD PERSON POV

Bella pulled up in her truck, a tarp covering something big in the back. Jacob came out of the house with a huge grin, "Bella!"

Bella hopped out and Jacob gave her a huge hug, spinning her slightly, "'Bout time you came by."

Bella smiled awkwardly, "I brought you something." She pulled the tarp back, revealing two rusting motorcycles.

"Scrap metal," Jacob grinned wryly, "You shouldn't have."

"I rescued them from the dump," Bella explained, "They'd cost more than they're worth to fix... unless one had a mechanic-type friend."

Realization dawned on Jacob's face, "Me, being the mechanic-type friend. Since when are you into motorcycles?"

"Recently," Bella said curtly.

Jacob studied the bikes, "The parts alone will be pricey."

"I have a college fund I can dig into," Bella answered.

"Charlie's gonna love that," Jacob said sarcastically.

"Charlie won't know," Bella said decisively.

"Wow," Jacob looked surprised, "Lying to dad. Does Callie know?"

Bella ignored him when he mentioned Callie.

Jacob gave her a calculating look. But dropped it. "I'm guessing you'll want to ride?"

"I really get it if you think this is stupid and reckless," Bella admonished herself.

"Oh it's totally stupid and reckless," He leaned closer but grinned, "When do we start?"

Bella's face split into a wide smile. One that hasn't made an appearance in quite a while.

BACK TO CALLIE'S POV

It was my birthday. January 11th. It fell on a Saturday. Thank god. I didn't want to have to celebrate my birthday at school.

Dad came into my room to find me awake, "Happy Birthday, honey." I offered my dad a small smile. Then he held out a small box to me, unwrapped. I took it gingerly from his hands and lifted the lid of the jewelry box.

Inside was simple silver chain with a ring on it. The ring was a skinny gold band with a pretty pear-cut amethyst stone. The gold band had intricately carved designs in the side and when I looked inside, the word Forever was engraved in it.

Dad looked somewhat awkward, "It was my grandmothers. That my grandfather gave to her when they got engaged. She always told me to give it to someone I loved. And I did give it to your mother. But she returned it when she..."

I nodded, "Why are you giving it to me?"

Dad looked at me, "It's not like I have any sons to give it to their girls. So it should go to someone who deserves it. And that's you."

My shoulders sagged, "What about Bella?"

Dad sighed and sat by me, "Hon, I don't know what is going on with you and Bella. I can't pretend to know. But the way Bella's been acting, towards you more than anything. It just proves that she doesn't deserve this ring."

"But her birthday was before the Cullens left. She wasn't acting this way then," I pointed out.

Dad nodded, "But I could tell that Bella isn't able to handle any more ties to this family. I know how much she wanted out. There's nothing I can do about that."

The hardest thing about hearing my own father realize that Bella didn't want to be in this family, is that it was completely true. "I love you, Daddy. Thank you for the ring."

Dad leaned forward and hugged me, "I love you too, Callie."

He stood then and walked to the door when something occurred to him. He turned and looked at me expectantly, "Shouldn't you be getting ready right about now?"

I looked at him, utterly confused, "For what?"

"For your birthday of course," Dad answered like it was obvious.

"Dad," I sighed, "I don't have any plans today."

"Are you sure about that? No one's coming to pick you up for a day-long birthday celebration?" Dad looked at me disbelievingly.

I was completely confused now, "No..."

"Really?" Dad asked 'surprised', "Because I could have sworn there were some nice young men waiting for you in the living room. They seem really excited too." He paused and started to walked out, "But it could be my old eyes playing tricks on me."

My curiosity was piqued. I ran around my room like a headless chicken getting dressed and ready for the day.

When I walked out into the living room, Embry and Quil were there waiting for me. I smiled at them, tears in my eyes, "You guys are here..."

"We have to celebrate our best girl's birthday," Embry smiled and came to hug me. Quil hugged me afterward, "Crying isn't allowed. Today's a happy day."

I chuckled a nodded, wiping my tears away. I was already feeling better with them here.

Embry started, "Now no presents until later tonight. We're throwing a bonfire in your honor. Everyone is going to be there. Except for your Forks friends. We didn't really know how to call them or your boyfriend."

"Good," I said, "I don't really feel like seeing them. Except maybe Angela."

"What about whats-his-name?" Quil asked.

I shook my head, "Definitely not. I'll call Angela before the party and she'll come. I want you guys to meet her."

The didn't question my want not to have Tyler at the party. They just nodded and Embry scooped me up on his back, "Come on Birthday girl! See ya chief!"

Dad laughed at the boys' antics and nodded, "See ya boys! Take care of my girl!"

"Will do!" Embry shouted back as he plopped me in the passenger seat of his mom's rodeo. The played some music until my phone rang.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hey, baby, Happy Birthday," Tyler's voice answered mine.

"Tyler," I recognized, "Hey. Um.. thanks."

"You doing anything tonight? I wanna take you out for your birthday."

I had to admit that it was a sweet thought, but it didn't phase me. "That sounds great, Tyler, but I'm actually completely busy today. I'm celebrating with my family. You understand."

"Yeah, no problem baby. I'll see you at school and give you your present."

"You didn't have to get me anything."

"You're my girlfriend. Of course I did. Hope you like jewelry."

"Sure," I sighed, "I kind of have to go soon so..."

"I get it," There wasn't anything resentful or bitter, just understanding. "I'll let you go. Bye baby."

"Bye." I hung up.

Embry looked at me, "Boyfriend?"

I sighed, "Yeah..."

Quil leaned up from the back seat, "No offense. But it doesn't seem like you really like him all that much for someone you've been dating for eight months."

I had to admit that he was right, "You're right. I guess he's just... sort of there."

Embry looked at me again before returning his eyes to the road, "You, of all people, shouldn't settle for some guy who will never make you happy."

"Yeah," Quil agreed, "You deserve to be with someone who you're crazy in love with and who is crazy in love with you. Someone who will do anything to make you happy and safe."

"Those guys are the most dangerous," I answered, "Tyler may not make me happy. But that means he won't hurt me. Because he doesn't have the power to."

"So he's the safe guy?" Embry asked incredulously.

I shook my head, "Not safe. He's more like a buffer. If I'm with him, I won't get hurt by some other guy."

The car was quiet for a while until Embry broke the silence quietly, "You deserve better."

Then it was silent again.

Merry Christmas!

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