"Alice." I breathed

I was in complete shock that one of my favorite people was here with me. She's here, standing in the same bar that I come to so I can forget her brother. So I can forget him. Unbelievable.

"Bella! Oh my god I've missed you so much!" she exclaimed jumping up and down. "I missed shopping with you and dressing you up and putting makeup on you!" her voice was so high pitched it left my eardrums ringing.

"Alice," I repeated. I didn't know what to say. I was speechless. I opened my mouth to say something but shut it just as quickly. I must've looked like a stuttering fool.

She finally pulled back from the hug to look up at my face. She looked sad.

"Are you not happy that I'm here?" she asked with a pout.

"What?"

DUH. Are you freaking kidding me? The first full sentence I've said to her in three years and of course I sound like a complete dumbass. Typical Bella.

"You don't look happy that I'm here," she said while still in her pout face.

I shook my head and snapped back to reality.

"Of course I'm happy. Why wouldn't I be?" I smiled at her and she smiled back.

She pulled me into her cold, stone embrace again and laughed. When she pulled back she grabbed my hand and led me to the bar. I sat in my usual stool and she took the seat next to me. She said nothing as I looked at the bartender and ordered a margarita with a double vodka shot. I looked back to find her staring at me with a disapproving look. Even so, she said nothing.

We sat in silence until he came back with my drinks. He set them down in front of me and smiled. It was then that I noticed that he was the same bartender as last night.

"I believe I may have lost your number since last night," he winked.

My eyebrows raised involuntarily in surprise. I recomposed myself and drank my shot. "That would be because I never gave it to you."

"Well, that's a shame huh?" he began wiping down the bar in front of me.

"I don't see why." He was staring at me seductively but it only felt like he wanted to eat me. He suddenly ceased wiping.

"Because, if I don't have your number, how can I call and tell you what time our date is?"

I almost choked on my margarita. There is no way he's serious. I don't date. I've never even thought of anyone in that way but him.

In my head multiple options play out. I could walk away right now with Alice. I could also sit here and see what happens.

I chose the latter simply because it sounded more fun. Bex was always saying that I should get out more.

I took a long sip that was half of my drink. I put on the most seductive face I could conjure and adjusted in my seat.

"Since when do we have a date?" I asked.

He leaned on the bar with his face inches from mine. I could smell cinnamon on his breath as it washed over my face.

"Since I just asked."

I looked down to avoid his hypnotic breath. "Chris" was handwritten on his nametag in a messy scrawl. I downed the rest of my drink in one sip. I looked back to him and was once again assaulted by his spicy breath.

"Well Chris, I must say. You make it hard to say no." I smiled at him and leaned back, detaching myself from the noxious fragrance.

I looked at him and motion towards my empty margarita glass which he filled it immediately. A man at the other end of the bar began to gripe about terrible service. "Chris" turned away with an annoyed look.

I was sipping my drink, Alice completely forgotten, when I heard her clear her throat. I turned to see her with an outraged look.

"What was that?" She hissed between clenched teeth.

I ignored her and tipped back the rest of my drink. After putting my money on the bar along with a tip I stood up and walked out.

I could hear Alice behind me calling my name but I didn't stop until I reached my car. I unlocked the door and sat in my driver's seat not even paying attention as she got in and sat in the passenger's seat. She sighed loudly causing me to look up. She was pouting. I didn't bother asking, but instead turned on the car and pulled out of the parking lot.

I didn't stop until I reached my favorite park.

Palo Alto Bay was the best place I could find to get away from college life.

It let me escape the madness that was college and have some peace to myself. My favorite spot overlooked the bay of tranquil water.

I preferred to sit and stare at the water while I drank my coffee. Sometimes I brought a book and read it. Sometimes I lay on a blanket or towel and make shapes in the clouds. Anything to distract me.

I hadn't realized I would be ruining it by bringing Alice.

She hadn't said a word during the drive here. My memory might be bad but the Alice I remember was hardly ever quiet.

I was just as silent as I got out of the car and began walking towards my spot. Alice followed silently. When we got to my spot we sat down in the grass, me with my back against a pine tree.

"Let's talk." I said to her.

A/N: Sorry it's been so long. I had no idea how busy i would be. As for now I can't promise when I post the next chapter but as it is currently in the works I can assure you that it will be up before christmas. Thanks for sticking with me! Happy thanksgiving and don't forget to comment! :)