Disclaimer: I take no credit in the characters within this story, those are the sole work of Mrs. Stephenie Meyer. I do, however, take credit for the specific, new traits I gave them and am quite proud of them.--"Hello, Bella," he replied, his crooked smiling playing on his face. I felt my heart stop. "It's been too long."

Note: I adore this chapter personally, because I feel that it is considerably less depressing! Let me know what you all think!

APOV

My head was pounding by the time we finally made it back to the house. I closed my eyes for a minute, trying to take a deep breath and let it out as slowly as I possible. "God I hate men."

Rosalie, sitting beside me and holding the bag, started laughing. "No you don't! You love men. You just hate the stupid ones. Don't group them all together. Besides, you made his day and got out of a ticket. A single date won't kill you."

I looked at her and shook my head before my eyes flew up to the door just as it opened, revealing a smiling Jasper. He said something into the house behind him before closing the door and walking over to the car, looking incredibly sexy with the most adorable grin on his face. He leaned into Rose's open door, looking at me rather than his sister. His smile grew before he spoke. "I heard that you had some trouble with the law."

I smiled back, my headache suddenly seeming to lessen. "What can I say? I'm just a natural law breaker."

"But hey, you kept yourself from being shipped off to jail. What did that cost you?"

Rose started laughing and answered before I could, "A date tomorrow night with the cop that pulled us over."

I groaned and leaned my head back, the pain returning full force. "That's not funny Rose."

"Doesn't make it any less true."

"The cop asked you out, and you agreed," Jasper said slowly, making me turn my head to look at the frown on his face.

"I had to. Can you imagine the ticket he would have given me if I had said no?"

He nodded as he pulled back out of the car, still frowning. I felt horrible. I bit my lip and turned my eyes away from Jasper's receding back to look at Rose. She had a little smile on her lips as she looked at me. "You know, that's not a bad thing. Now come on in. We have to get Bella drugged up so we can bring her with us tonight. We can't leave her here to mope."

I nodded and climbed out of the car, closing the door lightly and pocketing Edward's keys. Once in the house neither of us stopped to say anything to Emmett or Jasper who were sitting on the couch, watching a car explode on the television. We marched right back to Bella's room and I opened the door slowly, trying not to make any noise. I took a step in and stopped, my eyes growing wide as I saw Edward, leaning against the bed, his eyes closed, seeming to be asleep where he sat on the floor. Bella was curled around herself, her knees near her chest, her eyes also closed and a serene look on her face, though she did seem to have blotches on her cheeks, a sure sign she had been crying. The room was really dim with the curtains closed tightly, probably Edward's handiwork. I took another step in, staring at the two, fast asleep and unable to keep from smiling as I saw their entwined fingers lying next to her. I turned to Rose and put my fingers to my lips.

I watched as she came in, looking between the two and taking on a subtle grin as well. I went to the bed and sat down gently, not wanting to shake the bed too much. Bella didn't seem to stir so I just took the bottle of medicine and put it on the pillow next to her, sure she would see it when she woke up. Sleeping was usually enough to help her out of it if it was deep enough, but there were those days when it just wasn't. I hoped this wasn't one of them. With any luck she would wake up feeling better.

I stood back up and left with Rose, heading back to the living room. Emmett looked at Rose and patted his lap, smiling. She took the seat quickly, planting a kiss on his lips. I went to the kitchen, needing to do something if I didn't want to go insane

--

--

BPOV

My legs stretched out as I was tugged out of my dreams by a warm hand touching my cheek, running along my jaw. I didn't open my eyes, just turned my face away so I could hide and steal a bit more sleep. "Bella, come on. You need to wake up. How's your head?"

I sighed and blinked a few times as I opened my eyes, trying to clear my vision. Rolling over a little I saw Alice sitting on my bed beside me, looking at me with concern. It took me a minute to figure out what she meant about my head. "It's better."

She beamed. "Oh good! Edward, wake up! She feels better. Plans are still on. Go get ready!"

I turned my head, confused, to see that Edward had his head on the edge of my bed, the rest of him leaning against my bedside table, our hands intertwined. He opened his eyes slowly, not seeming to be able to focus. When he lifted his head and looked at me he flinched, like something hurt him. I smiled as best I could. "Good morning sleepy."

He yawned and got to his feet with a grunt. "You look like your feeling better."

I nod, remember the pain I had felt a few hours ago. "I am, thank god."

He smiled and nodded as he looked to his sister who was looking at him with expectant eyes. "What?"

"Go get ready for dinner Edward. We're leaving in an hour." Her voice was softer now, not as pushy or excited as it had been a minute ago. I didn't know why.

"Okay," he said, leaving the room, not giving me a second glance.

I blinked a few times at the closed the door before turning to Alice. "So, what am I going to be wearing?"

She beamed and hopped up from the bed, hurrying to my closet. "Well, I was thinking about a pair of jeans with that really cute top that we got you at the mall. The tie-dye one."

"Whatever you want," was my only response. At the moment she could dress me in anything she wanted. As long as one of us was, happy it would be okay. "Can I wear the flats though?"

"Of course." She came out of my closet with the shirt (pic on my profile) and a pair of dark blue jeans in her hand. I stood up slowly, pasting a fake smile on my face. "Now, go take the fastest shower possible while I go get dressed."

"Okay." I said. Then it something hit me, something that would help. "Hey Alice?"

She stopped and turned, "Yes?"

"What do you think about going back to Seattle tomorrow?" Her face fell instantly I had to shake my head. "No! I don't mean just you. What do you think of both of us going up to Seattle to stay at your place for the rest of the month? There isn't enough to do here and you know Jasper lives in Seattle."

Her eyes went wide. "He does?"

I smiled at that, surprised she didn't know. "Yeah, Rose told me yesterday. That's why they were heading back to Seattle yesterday. To take him home."

Her smile was gorgeous for a minute, then her entire face fell. "Not tomorrow…"

"Why not?" That was not good. The plan needed to be thrown into action TOMORROW. If I didn't get out of here, didn't have anything to completely throw myself into, I was not going to survive this.

She blushed a deep red. "Well, I kind of have a date tomorrow…"

I started laughing, suddenly happy for Alice. "Asked you out already?"

Her blush deepened. "No… I got pulled over earlier and the cop asked me out. I couldn't exactly say no…"

My jaw dropped open before I started laughing again. I walked over and gave her a hug. "You're too beautiful for your own good Alice. How did Jasper take it?"

She hugged me back for a second, "He didn't seem to like it."

"Well, that's a good sign, right?" I pulled away and smiled at her. "I'm gonna go take my shower, I want to hear all about this when you get back, okay?" Before she could answer another brilliant idea hit me. "Hey, Rose said something about planning to leave tomorrow last night, right? How about we offer to take Jasper with us so they don't have to deal with Seattle?"

Her smile was beautiful and she nodded vigorously. "You wouldn't mind?"

"Not at all! The house is going to be devoid of men tomorrow after they leave. Can't have that."

She started laughing and nodded as she opened the door. "Okay Bella, sounds great."

I smiled and went into the bathroom, focusing only on Alice and Jasper, keeping my mind at the strictest attention it had ever been.

JPOV

A few minutes after Alice had disappeared down the hall Edward appeared, walking to the couch and taking a seat next to Emmett. He looked beyond dejected. I glanced at him, trying a friendly smile. He nodded at me, but didn't say anything, much less smile in return. I turned my attention back to the TV just as commercials started. I turned back to him, "How's Bella feeling?"

He opened his mouth but the only sound heard was Bella's laugh echoing down the hall, making his eyes shift to the hall. Obviously she was better. I watched him as he closed his eyes and tilted his head back. I turned my eyes to my sister who was watching him as well, the saddest look I had ever seen on her face in place. A second passed and the laugh carried again, the pain on Edward's face disappearing as he listened. I felt horrible for him. It was obvious how much they loved each other, not only from the stories I had heard, but the way they acted together and how Edward had been last night, so broken when he seen Bella crying. I wished there was something I could do to help him. I was searching for something to say when a different laugh drifted from the hall.

Alice's laughter was like music, a sweet song. I turned my eyes to the hall, smiling as she came to the entrance and beamed at us. "Okay, Bella's feeling better. We are all leaving in an hour. Get ready!"

"Did she use the medicine?" Rose asked.

"No, it was still sitting on the pillow when I went in there. I think it was more a combination of sleep and… tea." Her eyes were on Edward, making us quite aware to the fact that the actual tea had nothing to do with it. "Now, hop to it all! It'll take about half an hour to get there and I want to be there by eight."

"And what are we to wear?" I asked, smiling at her.

She smiled, "Whatever you want! Jeans are fine but if you would prefer a skirt I'm sure I have something that will fit you nicely Jasper."

I laughed, "I'm afraid that anything of yours might be a bit small on me Alice."

She shrugged, still smiling, "Well, if you care to borrow something, you know where I'll be."

As she disappeared, still smiling, I had the strongest urge to follow her. I wondered if she would actually try to put me into a skirt if I did. I managed to fight the urge and just looked back at Rose who was smiling at me. Hardly managing not to blush I looked away, back to the TV two seconds before she got up and shut it off. Emmett moaned. "Rose, its not going to take us an hour to get ready!"

"Maybe not, but you can get ready first and watch TV after," she said with a motherly scowl. I laughed, remembering that same look on my mother's face two years ago. Rose was so much like her it amazed me. They could have been sisters rather than mother and daughter. "Now up off your asses! Go get ready!"

I laughed as I stood and went to the bedroom where my bag was to grab a different pair of jeans and dark sweater, both of which Rose had bought me a few days before. I left the room just as Rose was about to shove Emmett through the door. I smiled as I went to the bathroom. Edward was still sitting on the couch, his head tilted back and his fingers buried in his hair. I stopped and set my clothes down on the coffee table before sitting down next to him. "Do you want to talk about it man?"

He opened his eyes and looked at me for a second before shaking her head. "No, I'm okay. Just trying to find some determination."

I nodded, understanding little, but feeling the need to help out. "To leave?"

"Yeah," he said quietly.

"Is that what you want to do?"

He gave a bitter laugh and shook his head, "Not in the least."

"Then why are you?"

His face became pained again as he looked at me, "Because it's what she needs. She's… more precious than anything else in this world, and hurting her is the last thing that I want to do. And that's all that will happen if I stay."

"You don't think leaving is going to hurt her?" I asked, surprised. Edward seemed like a smart guy.

He shrugged. 'It won't hurt for nearly as long if at all. And she'll find someone that deserves her, that's perfect for her, and she will have an amazing life. That's all I want for her."

I nodded, knowing it was time to back off the subject. "So, when are you leaving?"

"After dinner. I'll just head out from the restaurant."

I nod, "And where are you going?"

"I was going to go visit Esme and Carlisle for a few days, but I really need to call them first. I think I'm gonna do that."

"Okay Edward," I said, standing up and grabbing my clothes as I head to the bathroom.

APOV

I absolutely could NOT decide what to wear. This had never happened to me before! I was tearing through my closet, searching for something, anything, that was sexy but simple. Something that I looked good in, but could pull off so that it looked like there was nothing involved. Something that would catch his attention and hold it to only me. Last night so many girls had hit on him. I would not allow that tonight. I was going to hook him. But, in order to do that, I had to find the right outfit. And I just couldn't seem to. I grabbed another top, a cute tank (on my profile of course), but not exactly what I was looking for. I spun the hanger in my hand, looking at the silky, mossy material. I was about to hang it up when there was a knock on my door.

I ran over, hanger in hand, thinking maybe it was Bella, out of her shower and looking for me. Outside stood Jasper, dressed in a nice, deep blue sweater that held his shape well, making me drool a little. Below it he wore a pair of loose, but not too loose, jeans that I was sure gave an amazing view of his butt.

"I wanted to make sure this would okay for wherever we are going. See if the great Alice approved," he was smiling as he looked at me, two pairs of jeans slung over one arm and the shirt still in my other hand.

I nodded, looking over him again. "It looks great!"

"I'm glad you think so. Wanted to make sure it was better than any skirt you had in mind," he teased, leaning against the wall beside the door.

"I don't know, I have some pretty cute skirts," I replied, laughing. "But it will do I suppose. I'm just trying to find the right shirt to wear now."

His eyes went to the one in my hand and he smiled, "I know I haven't seen the other options, but if it was up to me, I would choose that one."

I lifted it a little, spinning it slowly on the hanger. "You think?"

He nodded, his eyes flicking from the shirt to my face, "I do. Of course, I am a guy. You may want to call my sister on this one."

"No, I think I can trust your opinion," I glanced back into my room, making sure there was nothing out of place. It seemed clean enough so I stepped back in, "Hey, I have a question to ask you, can you come in here for a minute so I can finish pulling stuff out?"

"Sure," he said, stepping past me as I waved my arm. He smiled as he sat down on my bed and watched me as I closed the door. "What's up?"

"Well," I said as I went back into my closet to find a pair of shoes, "Bella has decided that the day after tomorrow she would rather go up to Seattle and stay at my house for the next few weeks. She wanted to know if you would like to stay here for the extra day and just go back when we do." I took a deep breath, trying to keep from blushing as I look up to find him no longer sitting on my bed, but leaning against the closet door. "Wasn't sure if you could handle the car ride with my brother again."

He laughed as I looked back away, bending over to grab a pair of black heels that go well with the black jeans that would work well with the top Jasper had liked. "I would like that. And it would keep me from inconveniencing Rose again. Though I did offer to bring my car."

I turned and smiled, "Bella will be glad to hear that she won't be here alone tomorrow."

He raised an eyebrow, then he realized what I meant, "Ahh, that's right, your date with the cop."

I stood with the shoes in hand and walked back out of the closet, brushing past him. "Yeah. I'm hoping I'll be able to get Bella to come and save me after a few minutes."

I heard Jasper laughed as I dropped the stuff on my bed, making me turn to look at him, "Poor guy. A date with a beautiful but reluctant girl. He doesn't stand a chance."

I managed to hold back my full smile, not wanting to show him how excited I was that he called me beautiful. "Turn around."

His eyebrows went up and he just stared at me. I touched the hem of my shirt, "Well, you don't have to I suppose, I'm not too shy to get dressed with you watching."

His cheeks went up in flames and he turned quickly. I bit my lip, holding back my laughter as I slipped off my shirt and jeans. Then I realized my mistake, "Okay, Jasper, will you do me a favor? Move over like a foot and keep your eyes closed."

"Okay…" He moved out of the door to the wall, facing it. "Better?"

I smiled as I went into my closet, finding the bag that had my favorite strapless bra, before walking back to my room, slipping off the one I was already wearing. And, of course, THEN it happened. Proof that god hated me more than anyone else on this damned planet. The bulb, which for the past few days had been making an odd buzzing and slowly growing a bit dimmer, died. The sudden blackness made me jump and drop my bra. The heavy velvet drapes that Bella had hung up left no light left in the room. "Shit."

"What?" Jasper asked, "Whoa, who turned off the lights?"

"It blew." I mumbled, suddenly disoriented, not remembering where everything was in the room. I took two steps forward before remembering that I had dropped the bra and turning, I couldn't seem to figure which way I had come from. Wrapping my arm around my chest I put out my other hand and took a few steps in whatever direction I was facing, hoping to find a wall so I could eventually get to the lamp on the bedside table. "Okay, where are you Jasper?"

"I haven't moved."

"Okay, I need to find the lamp… and I'm not sure where I am. I just got completely turned around."

"Here, I have a wall, let me find it," he said, his voice now moving though I wasn't entirely sure which direction it had come from. "Which side of them bed?"

"Far side." I said, 'But don't' find it. Let me. Don't move."

"Why not?" his voice was still changing, as we a little shuffling. "I have a wall. It's okay."

I took another step in the direction, my hand coming in contact with a wall. I breathed out. "No, I have a wall now, just stay still."

"But I know where I am, you don't. Just let me handle it."

I began to quickly follow the wall, determined to find the lamp so that he wouldn't just turn it on and find me without a shirt. I could tell him to close his eyes if I got to it first. "I-"

I was cut off as my body slammed into something hard, making me trip and nearly fall. "Whoa! Found you Alice." He managed to grab my waist and straighten me despite the blackness, though I didn't understand how. "You okay?"

I took a deep breath, and nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks"

"I shouldn't have been moving so fast. I'm sorry. Are you sure you are alright?" His arm was still wrapped around my bare back, holding me to him, every inch of my body pressed to his.

I began to stutter, realizing that I had both of my hands on his chest, not on mine. I began to stutter, hoping he hadn't noticed my bralessness though I'm sure my shirtlessness was evident to him. "I- I'm f-fine. R-really. Where are we?"

"Back wall," he said quietly, "should be nearing the corner, so it's pretty close to your bed."

I shivered, thinking of all the ways that could be taken, the ways I almost wanted to take them. God, could his voice be any sexier? Everything he said made me want him to keep talking to me. It didn't matter what he meant, every word out of his mouth took on a sensual twist in my ears, making me want to completely attack him. And his chest was so hard, his arms strong and warm. God, he was so absolutely perfect. I bit my lip as I looked into the darkness that hid his face. I could picture his pale blond hair, his sweet eyes, voluptuous lips, and every other piece of gorgeousness that made up his lovely face. I let one hand lift and find his cheek. I was about to say something, though I can't tell you what, when suddenly the darkness was split, making me blink as I saw those eyes that I had been picturing moment before. It took me a second to look over and see Bella, standing in the door, looking like a deer in view of an oncoming car.

"Oh my god, I'm sorry…" she hurried away, not closing the door. I opened my mouth as I looked back up at him to see that his eyes were on me, a smile on his lips.

"You were going to say something?"

I shook my head, "I don't remember what."

His smile grew as he held my eyes and it took me a moment to realize I still had my hand on his cheek. "Alice, you okay?"

"I'm fine," I squeaked, pulling my hand away quickly and, realizing I was still braless I began to blush. "Ummm…"

As if sensing the problem and looked down a little further, seeing my chest pushed against his, his arm around my back, a quick red took his cheeks and he shook his head, looking back into my eyes, "S-sorry. Ummm… I'm gonna go…"

I swallowed hard as he turned his head and released me before walking to the door. I wrapped my arms around my chest and hurried over to the lamp, turning it on just as the door closed behind Jasper's retreating form. I sat down on the bed, shaking my head as I tired to breathe normally. It took a moment, but after that I sat back up and grabbed my bra. The last thing I needed was a third person to walk in when I didn't have it on. I slipped it around me and fixed the hooks in place. From there my only goal was to get dressed and make sure to be ready so I could go see Jasper again.

In five minutes I had my clothes and shoes on and, with my makeup bag in hand, hurried over to Bella's room. She was sitting on her bed, dressed in the shirt and jeans I had pulled out for her. She gave me a sad look as I walked in. "I'm so sorry Alice! I didn't mean to barge in like that. If I had realized I never would have left my room. I really really really sorry."

I smiled at her, "Bella, it wasn't how it looked. I'm not mad."

"It wasn't?" she looked a little calmer as she repeated it.

"No," I walked to the bed and grabbed her, pulling her to the bathroom and sitting her down. I began to work on the subtle tones that I like using for her as I kept talking. "I asked Jasper to come into my room so I could finish getting my stuff together while I asked him about staying. I decided not to throw him out while I got changed and just had him turn around, but I had forgotten to grab my strapless, so I went back into the closet and grabbed it. I had just taken off mine when the overhead light blew out. I got instantly disoriented and lost the bra pretty quickly and tried to find a wall. He was trying to find the light too, but I really wanted to get to it first so I could make sure he didn't see me without my shirt on. But I was going the wrong way and ended up running into him. He managed to catch me before I fell."

She opened an eye and looked at me, "Alice…"

I smiled, "Well, maybe I got a little caught in the moment."

She laughed a little and smiled, "How far are you?"

I took a deep breath, understanding what she meant. "Deeper than I should be. But does time really matter when you find the right one?"

"No. I don't think so," she said, smiling still, but with a little pain in her features. I bit my lip, kind of sad that I had asked her that. "I'm just glad that you found someone who is actually good for you. Maybe even good enough for your friend's approval."

I laughed and pulled my brush from her eyes, now all lit with shimmery gray that worked well with her shirt. "Oh, is he?

Her smile grew as she looked at me. "I haven't entirely decided yet. Lets give it till tomorrow and then I'll tell you."

I laughed and nodded. "Okay. Sounds good. The best friends seal is the most important as we all know."

We laughed a talked for a few minutes and I was amazingly surprised by how calm Bella well. Other than an occasional sad look if she mentioned Edward, she showed no signs of dismay or regret. She seemed fine with him leaving. I wondered what they had talked about when they fell asleep, but didn't want to bring it up. I would wait for her to tell me, no matter how long it took. I finished her makeup and did mine before helping her tie the black ballet flats I had bought her in Seattle into place. She looked as beautiful as ever when we were done, and I didn't look too bad myself as I glanced at my watch. "Okay, its time to go!"

She smiled and hooked her arm through mine like she always used to. Everyone was already in the living room, watching something on tv where everyone in the cast seemed to be packed into a single emergency room. Bella spoke before I could, "Okay you guys, ready?"

Rose smiled and hopped up, taking the remote from Emmett's hand shutting off the tv, "You look much better Bella."

She smiled and nodded, opening the closet and grabbing a thin coat as well as her purse. "Oh, I feel much better. Thank you."

I smiled as I grabbed my coat as Bella handed it to me. She also tugged out Edward's leather, which he probably would have forgotten if she hadn't. He took it from her carefully and thanked her quietly. She smiled at him as she went back to my side and took my arm again. "Okay, who's going with whom?"

"Well, I'm going with you of course Bells," I smiled, tightening my grip. "And Rose will want to be with Emmett who will not leave his poor jeep no matter how much it kills him on gas. And I'm almost positive Edward will be taking his own car. So that just leaves you Jasper, who would you like to ride with? The loving couple, my loner brother, or the two girls who are sure to be giggling the entire drive?"

He smiled as everyone else laughed, well, everyone but Edward who was staring at the floor. "Wow, the choices are phenomenal."

I smiled at him and waited patiently. He met my eyes and I noticed a little red enter his cheeks again, probably at the memory of our chests pushed together so firmly. I could hardly see anything else.

Bella spoke this time, using the tone she always used to when she was reading something she had written, full of sharp sarcasm that changed the meaning of her words. I had only heard a few things where she used that tone, but I knew that she had read considerably more to Edward. "Well, if you would care to for some help, I would most definitely say that you would not want to take on the couple by yourself, especially when one is your sister. You would need serious experience for that. Now, between the giggling girls and the silent loner, you must take into consideration your own mood. If silence suites you better than, --oh, what was the word?" Her eyes flicked to Edward who was watching her with the first real smile I had seen today, "Gushing? I suppose you should definitely ride with the loner. However, if you prefer constant laughter and fun, not to mention the great looks you will get when you escort two girls into the restaurant, I would take the last of the rather diverse list. Of course, I may be more than a little biased."

Edward was chuckling to himself as he turned to look at Jasper who seemed to be considering his options with great thought. "You know, after those descriptions, you are welcome to take my car and I will escort the ladies."

Everyone started laughing at the look that Jasper give him, as if he was insane, "You think I would allow anyone to take that place?'

I looked at Bella who was glowing as her eyes floated around the living room. "Does that mean you will be in my car then Jasper?"

He looked at me for a brief second before he turned his smile to her, "Count me in."

--

--

BPOV

My description had been basically correct, as it turned out. Alice, Jasper, and I spent the entire ride laughing until it hurt as we flitted from subject to subject, talking about everything we could fit into thirty minutes. Jasper had put himself in the middle of the back seat and pulled himself up between us, staying in the conversation at all times, no matter what we talked about, including the cop that had pulled her over.

"So Alice, you never told me exactly what happened with the cop," I nudged her as I spoke. She just blushed and turned to look out the window. I met Jaspers eyes for a second and he smiled

"Really, Alice, all any of us know is that you got pulled over and now you have a date," he said, making me laugh again.

She sighed, "I was going… kind of fast."

"Kind of being…" I pushed, not wanting to miss the details

"50." She said with a shrug.

"In a…" Jasper said, smiling at her.

She groaned, "25"

We both started laughing and she shot a sharp look, but couldn't keep the little smile off her lips. When we settled down she continued. "I just really wanted tonight to happen, so I wasn't paying attention until I heard the siren. I pulled over and got all my stuff together for when he finally got there. He was nice enough, just told me what my speed had been and asked what the hurry was. I told him I had a friend who really needed some medicine at the house. He ran my license, asked about the car (I told him that Edward was my brother) and he was fine. Before he would tell me if I had a ticket or not he asked where I was from. I told him Seattle. He asked how long I would be in town. I told him I wasn't sure yet. He just leaned in and asked what I was doing tomorrow. And, being naïve enough not to think that a cop would actually hit on someone he had just pulled over, I said nothing. He asked if I wanted to get dinner and maybe catch a movie. I figured that I couldn't exactly say no if I didn't want a ticket from hell. And, like I said, he was nice enough, I said fine, gave him Bella's address where he is picking me up at six, and got off with a warning about watching my speed, even if I am in a hurry. There"

I was laughing at both her quick paced story and her snooty tone. And, after glancing at Jasper's face, had no choice but to ask the one thing that would really kill her. "So, is he cute Alice?"

Her head flew around and she looked at me, her jaw open. It was the ultimate payback for all the torture she had put me through over the years with Edward. Her jaw was working as she turned to look at Jasper who was laughing.

"Come on Alice, you have to tell us," he said with his chuckle.

She turned red, though I could only tell because of the way she turned her head as she tried not to let Jasper see. "He's not my type."

"That doesn't mean he wasn't cute." I pointed out.

"I don't think so, no. But why don't you assess him yourself tomorrow when he comes to get me."

I smiled out of the window, seeing our exit coming up. "I'll be sure to do that, care to join me Jasper?"

"Sounds like fun Bella," he laughed as I pulled off into Ellensburg, searching for the restaurant. I had been to Pearl's once before and could only remember that it was North Pearl Street. The car went silent as I got onto South Main, following it until it turned to North Main and dropped over a block till I found North Pearl. From there it was only searching for Pearl's On Pearl, which was only three blocks up thank god. I found a parking spot pretty close and shut off the car, turning to look at the other two.

"Okay, I'm not gonna lie, someone else will be driving home. Would that person like my keys now or later?"

Alice gave me a nervous look as she stuck out her hand, "I'll drive, Bella."

She turned her eyes to Jasper and pointed at him, "If she drives, I want YOU to make sure she obeys all traffic laws." Then she looked back at me, "And try not to have more than two at the most, okay?"

"Why don't I drive? I'll only have one beer." Jasper offered, "Then you two can have fun."

"That doesn't seem like fun for you though Jasper…" Alice said, looking at him with sad eyes.

He smiled at her reassuringly, making her face take on a dazed look, "No worries Alice. I'm used to be the designated driver for Rose too. Just promise to make it up to me when we go back to Seattle."

She broke out in a wide smile, "Okay. Deal. But, as the only sober person, I expect you to keep us from making too big of fools of ourselves. Is that too much to ask?"

He smiled, "Not at all. I'll keep a close eye on you two."

I smiled at him as I climbed out of the car, putting my purse on my shoulder and walking to the sidewalk. After a second Alice and Jasper got out of the car as well and walked over. Alice hooked her arm through the one he offered, smiling. He held the other out to me and I smile and took it, not quite clinging like Alice, but keeping my head high none the less. He led us into the restaurant and went to the podium where a girl stopped to stare at him for a second before saying, "You guys must be at the Cullen's table."

I smiled, that obvious, huh? "Yes, that would be us."

She nodded and led us to the table. Emmett was seated at the far side next to Rose. Emmett was on her other side and suddenly I found myself nervous. Was I going to have to sit next to him? I almost stopped, would have if Jasper hadn't tugged me back into life. He suddenly changed course and pulled the chair next to Emmett out for me, waving his arm over so that I could sit. Alice got the chair next to mine and Jasper sat between Alice and Edward. I gave him the sweetest look I could, before leaning to Alice's ear, "Screw it, I'm not waiting till tomorrow. He officially has the seal."

She laughed to herself as she took the menu the hostess was handing her. I took mine as well and flipped right to the list of alcoholic beverages, searching for what sounded the strongest. I found it pretty quickly and looked back up scanning the table. Everyone was looking over their menus. Emmett looked up and leaned so he could look at Jasper, "Hey, Jasper, you're gonna drive us back to Bella's right? Be our DD?"

"Sorry man, the girls staked their claim in the car."

I stared laughing as Emmett's face fell. "But why? Bella, you don't drink…"

My laughter came harder as I patted his arm. "Yes I do Emmett, and I am going to. We have him, so you just going to have to deal with keeping your butt sober."

His frowned deepened. "But Bella!"

I slapped his arm, "Don't 'but Bella' me."

Rose laughed and gave me a thumbs up just as our waitress came over, her eyes flicking between the three guys. "Hello, I'm Beth. I'll be your server for this evening. How are you all this evening."

"Been worse," Jasper said, smiling at his menu.

She turned her eyes right to him, smirking. "Well, that's always good to hear. Do you know what you would like to drink?"

I spoke up before anyone else. "I'll have a Goodnight Pearl."

Her eyes went to me, frowning. "I'm told to warn that that particular drink can really take it out of people with a low tolerance for liquor…"

I smiled at her, "No worries, I have my designated driver already."

Emmett mumbled something under his breath as she nodded and wrote it down, though I neither heard nor cared what he said. After a seconds pause everyone else called out their orders. Jasper started, "I'll just have a coke for now, but when my dinner comes think you can bring me a beer with it?"

She smiled and nodded as she scribbled it down as Rose went next, "I'll take the Hypnotiq Breeze"

"The Mother of Pearl for me, thank you," Alice said in a rather snippety tone as the waitress again looked over her notepad at Jasper.

"Coke." Edward said quietly, making me look at him. He was staring blankly at the menu in front of him, obviously not taking anything in. I wondered what was happening in his head.

"Bring me a Fat Tire," Emmett mumbled, making me turn my attention to the depressed man sitting to my right.

Rose bumped him and leaned over, whispering something in his ear that, in my unfortunate position beside him, I was able to hear. "I'll make it all up to you later Emmett. I promise."

I groaned, "I'm putting fresh sheets next to your door. You better strip the bed and flip the mattress."

Everyone laughed except for Emmett who was eyeing me with irritation. "Bella, you have quite a tongue on you tonight."

I smiled and shrugged, "What can I say?"

--

--

JPOV

God, she was amazing! Everything about her called out for me to touch her, to hold her. And, of course, I couldn't get earlier out of my head. One topless Alice pushed to me with no space to spare. Granted, I didn't realize till after, but still. What a shame! If I had just known… if I had realized what was happening….. WHAT? What would you have done? Disappointed her by sleeping with her…. And that's assuming that she would have allowed such a thing… God, drop it and don't touch it for a while Jasper. Just back away slowly…

"So, has everyone decided what they would like for dinner? Your appetizer will be out shortly."

I looked up at Beth, catching her staring at me once again. I smiled politely, but looked back down at my menu, making my final decision. The orders started pouring from around the table, again starting with Bella.

"I'll have the sun dried tomato ravioli." Her voice was still even, which completely shocked me. When she had said in the car she was going to drink I didn't think she would down two-thirds of her drink in about fifteen minutes. Especially after what the waitress said.

"Give me the garlic thyme pork tenderloins." Edward said from my other side.

"The Farfelle pasta for me," my sister said, taking another sip of her drink.

"Sirloin for me, medium rare please."

"I'll have the rock crab and shrimp cakes," I said, closing my menu and handing it to her. She took it with a smile and a nod.

I turned my attention to Alice who was taking a sip of her tropical drink. She glanced at me as she swallowed and smiled. "You should try this," she turned the straw to me, "It's so good."

I leaned forward and took a little sip, tasting it. As I swallowed I nodded. "It is really good Alice."

She turned suddenly, lifting her purse into her lap. She pulled out Bella's keys; " You should probably take these now. Wouldn't want to fight for them later, would you?"

I laughed, taking them, "I don't know, fighting with a drunk Alice may be rather amusing."

She smiled and took another sip of her drink. "You say that now. But you may regret it later."

I leaned forward, "I highly doubt that."

Her smile grew as she turned to me, her nose inches from mine, "Trust me, you would. And I have the strangest feeling you may just find out why."