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CHAPTER 2: Bella's Decision

I woke up with the sun beaming down on my cheek and the birds chirping outside my window. It wasn't either one that really woke me, more so the loud, abrasive sound of the vacuum cleaner downstairs. I want to sleep in but Marie, the cleaning lady, won't let me enjoy my day off. Fighting against myself to wake up, I shot up like the walking dead, hair in tangles as usual. It is barely 8 a.m. when I glance at my alarm clock. Great. I try to use my fingers to tame my locks and give up after my fingers keep getting stuck in the stubborn knots. I straighten my cotton nightgown and put on some boy shorts—as to not seem too inappropriate around the house cleaner. After finally finding my hair brush and combing what I could, I walk downstairs to greet her.

"Oh, good morning, Miss Bella," she smiles at me, turning off the noisy apparatus. Marie has a thick Spanish accent, which I think is rather cute. Fitting for a lady like her. She is a tiny, semi-plump lady with a dark complexion and short curly gray hair. You can tell she has a lot of young grandchildren by the way she smiles and talks to you. "Your uncle Aro told me you will be alone because he is away so I will take care of you," she nods as if it was her duty to play the role of a second mother to me because the world was cruel, mean, and full of bad, scary monsters. She means well, but I have to remind her several times that I am capable of taking care of myself, even if the boogie man lurks in the depths of my closet. Besides, I still have that can of pepper spray Charlie gave me back in Forks.

"Oh, Marie," I smile at her caring personality. "Thank you, but I'm fine. I'm used to being alone in the house. I have everything I need and I know how to cook a healthy meal. My uncle also gave me some extra money for emergencies, so don't worry about me."

"Still," she shakes her head, not wanting to accept my reassurance that I didn't need a babysitter. I am almost twenty-three for crying out loud! "I will come by twice a week and cook for you." If I knew how to take care of Renee, my mother, before Phil came into the picture, and Charlie, who I swear only owns a microwave before me, I think I can survive alone for a few months without someone looking after me.

"It's not necessary, Marie," I try to be more assertive with my words. "I won't be home most of time since I picked up some extra hours at work and I wouldn't want your food going to waste. Plus, you should spend time with your grandkids. There's no need for you to do any extra work around here. Family is more important." She stops and thinks about what I say, especially the part about spending time with her family. She is very family-orientated and did absolutely everything with them. That's why she's only here once a week for a few hours cleaning.

"Well…okay. If you think you will be okay," she replies hesitantly.

"Yes!" I give an enthusiastic don't-worry-about-me smile. "Definitely!"

"Okay, Miss Bella, if you say so. But, I still cook breakfast for you, so eat up. You are still too pale." She turns the annoying vacuum on again and continues with her chores, ignoring me once more.

My smile falters at her comment. What made her think her food is going to put some color in me? I know I'm pretty pale, but she didn't have to rub it in. I examine my hands, which are shades lighter than hers, not with her nice, dark complexion. Even with all the time I spent in the Arizona sun my skin didn't seem to have adapted to the climate of the desert. I think living in Forks for six years turned me a shade lighter, if that were possible. Looking at my hands turns my thoughts to that boy I ran into the night before. His skin was much paler than mine, making me wonder where he's originally from. And, come to think of it, Alice is pretty pale herself, but it suited her. She hates being in the sun to avoid getting early wrinkles. It is rare to see anyone close to my skin completion in LA, not with all the fake-and-bake and spray tan salons that are popular among the celebrities. I would rather look like this than be bright orange like an Oompa Loompa, thank you.

When I walk into the kitchen, there are several plates on the island counter that are wrapped in plastic. There is rice, beans, chicken and other dishes I didn't quite recognize. I put the chicken and the unfamiliar foods to the side and go straight for the rice, beans, and tortillas. It seems too early for this type of meal but I wasn't going to insult her for bringing them to me, not when they tasted this good! Maybe I'd reconsider Marie coming over twice a week after all.

The vacuum cleaner seems quieter by the time I head back up the winding staircase to my room. I assume Marie is in another part of the house, much to my relief. I hate the sound of that thing. I thought about buying a Dyson for Aro, which would really be more for Marie. It was quieter and more high-tech than the dinosaur one she found in the closet that was left over from the Stone Ages. He is probably oblivious to it since Aro's never done any cleaning in this house.

Looking into the mirror, I sigh at my plain reflection. I pinch my cheeks to get some color in them. "Mirror, mirror on the wall…" I begin, shaking my head for sounding so ridiculous, "when will I meet that boy again and will I trip or will I fall?" I laugh at my lame attempt to rhyme. I finally get up from the chair and stare out the window and see a few cars pass by and people out on their morning jogs. "What should I do today?" I ask myself. That is a really good question. I feel like since Aro is gone and so is Alice, my mind goes blank on what I do on a typical day when I didn't have to work.

Nothing that runs through my mind interests me. Mostly because a lot of it I did with Alice or I would be over at her house, looking over her designs and the massive shoe collection she has laid out on the floor she would try to match with the different outfits she wants to dress celebrities in. She didn't like other people seeing her masterpieces, as she calls them, before they hit the red carpet. But, I am an exception since she knows I'm not going to spill anything to the media or the paparazzi.

Alice also has a habit of naming her creations, which I can never remember. She gave her dresses names like the blue wave or the shimmering sun—names only she understands the meaning behind. The only other person who sees her outfits before they are red carpet ready is her boyfriend, Jasper Hale, who is a professional photographer. He has his own studio here in LA called Jas Studios and has done a few photo shoots for America's Next Top Model, which really helped his career. He has a quiet demeanor to him, very reserved, and lets Alice do most of the talking with her bubbly, friendly personality. And Alice doesn't walk, she glides. She has the most graceful steps I'd ever seen on anyone. Sometimes she will skip or jump toward me in her excitement, always landing softly in front of me. The one thing I like about them is that regardless of their fame, they are still very down to earth people. They are also a cute couple. Opposites—but they matched each other well.

Since it's such a sunny day I didn't want to barricade myself in my room. I suppose most girls my age would go to the mall or Rodeo Drive and go shopping, but it wasn't really my thing. If I want to go shopping, all I have to do was look in my closet and open the boxes full of clothes from Alice. My eyes then dart toward the closet, thinking about it for a second, but quickly burn the idea before it has a chance to fully formulate. I can picture Alice shaking her head at me with a disappointing pout following behind it. Oh, well. Sorry, Alice.

While I decide on what I want to do today, I think to call Jacob. "Hey, Jake."

"Bella? What time is it?" he asks groggily. I hear something fall in the background. I'm guessing it was his alarm clock from the bell sort of ding it made.

"Umm…about five past nine," I look at my own clock.

"You couldn't have called me like after one?" he grumbles. His voice was slightly muffled, probably talking to me with his pillow over his face.

"Sorry that I just thought to call my best friend!" I try to sound as equally annoyed that my phone call was such a disturbance to him. "I'll let you go then…"

"I didn't mean it like that, Bells," Jacob's voice sounds more apologetic. "Of course I like hearing from you. I just had a late night last night."

"Late night? What were you up to? Causing mayhem on the Rez?" I smirk over the phone.

"There's this new girl in town that Emily introduced me to. She met her and her parents in town, at the market. She's about my age. She invited her to our bond fire last night. We were up all night talking. She's pretty cool."

"Oh, yeah? How cool? Cooler than me?" I slightly pout. Whoever this girl was needs my approval before I can accept her as Jacob's new friend. I've never known him to have many female friends outside of La Push who I didn't already know.

Jacob chuckles. "No one's cooler than you, Bells. But—she comes close. She kinda reminds me of you, minus the 'danger magnet' personality."

"Har-har," I roll my eyes. I go to lie down on my bed and stare at the ceiling full of neon glow-in-dark stars I put up. "What's her name? What'd you guys talk about? How does she remind you of me?" I fire away with my questions. I have to admit it was nice to hear Jacob was finding an interest in someone else. He never really talks about other girls, mostly because the La Push females were like sisters to him.

He groans into the phone. "It's too early for interrogations, Bella."

"Well, at least tell me her name," I reply. That much he owed me.

"Her name is Renesmee. She has long, bronze-like curly hair and has chocolate eyes that remind me of yours. Her family just moved here from Alaska. There…you happy?" he sighs.

"For now," I grin. "Are you going to see her again?"

"Yeah, later today. I was gonna take her down to the beach and show her around the Rez," he yawns. "After I get a good morning's rest," he adds due to my interruption of his slumber.

"You're not planning on replacing me, are you?" I frown. I know he never would, given our history together, but I want to find out what's on his mind regarding this girl. Mostly for the fact that I want to hear the words out of his mouth that I have nothing to worry about. I also hope she doesn't shorten or take away our phone conversations while they're getting to know each other. It is my only link to him and what was going on in Forks. Jacob is a mad genius when it came to fixing cars, but the boy barely knows how to type or text. It just wasn't what his big hands are designed for.

"Oh, c'mon, Bells," I can sense him rolling his eyes at me. "You know you'll always be my number one. No one could ever replace you. There's no need for you to get jealous," he laughs softly into the phone.

"Jealous?" I reply, taken aback by his assumption. "Who said I was jealous?"

"Jealous that she'll take all my time away from you," he answers.

"Well, she better not!" I exclaim, sitting up immediately. I didn't like the fact that someone can potentially get in between us. It was hard enough we were hundreds of miles apart. Jacob is the only real, true friend I have in my life that I have such a strong bond and connection with, that it pains me to even think that I could lose him like that. If that was a sign of jealousy, then so be it!

"Bella, calm down," he continues to laugh. "I just met this girl. It's not like I'm planning on marrying her tomorrow. Besides, I've already told her about you."

"You what? You did?" I ask surprised, relieved, and a little curious. "What exactly did you tell her about me?"

"That you were my best friend and that you knew me the best," he says. "She thinks it's great how close we are and wished that she had a friendship like ours. You're pretty much all I talked about," he laughs sheepishly.

That comforts me. It let me know that I hadn't lost my Jacob. If he likes this Renesmee girl, then I'm sure I will too. As long as he didn't forget me, that's all that mattered. "Just make sure you keep me posted on what's going on with you," I tell him. "In step-by-step detail!"

"Sure, sure," he yawns again.

I smile at my friend on the other line. "Hey, Jake..."

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

"Love you, too. Can I go back to sleep now?" he sighs for the millionth time with a tad hint of annoyance left in his voice.

He's always cranky in the mornings and sleeps through the night like a log. We've actually fallen asleep together in my bed a few times after our late night talks, which Charlie didn't seem to mind as long as I kept the door open when he was over at the house. Charlie knows he can trust Jacob so he wasn't opposed to him falling asleep with me since that's all we did. Talk and sleep. We did cuddle occasionally, but only after Charlie was fast asleep and I could close my door. It took me forever to get used to the sound of his snoring. After constantly making him roll over on his side to silence him, after a while, I felt like I couldn't sleep without hearing it while in his arms. It became like a lullaby to me. It was also something I still miss when I can't sleep.

"Yes, go back to sleep," I give him my permission. "Have fun later. Tell me about it when you can."

"Will do. And hey, Bells…"

"Yeah?"

"Have a great day today, kay?"

"Thanks, Jake, you too," I smile wholeheartedly as I hang up the phone. Like I said, Jacob always knows how to make me feel better. His friendship is priceless to me and his words finally put my day off to a good start.

Marie must have left for the day because the noise downstairs finally subsided. I was talking to Jacob longer than I thought. It's almost 11 a.m. I always lose track of time whenever we're on the phone since we never ran out of things to talk about. I grab the remote and turn on my flat screen to find something worth watching. I absentmindedly flip through the channels until a familiar face pops up on the screen. I turn back a channel and turn up the volume. E! News has a short interview with Aro. "Yes, we're all very excited," he says with a smile, leaning back into his seat, crossing one leg over the other. "We're still gathering some of the film crew here in Italy and letting the actors roam around the area. Volterra is a beautiful town to soak in with many wonderful sights." When he's asked on who is going to play role of the male lead, he just gives a secretive smile. "He will be revealed in due time." And that is the end of his clip. It was good to see him even though it was only a screen image of him.

The last time I was in Volterra I was eighteen. Aro bought my friends and I plane tickets as a graduation present. My friends were ecstatic with the free trip and the quaint little villa we stayed at that belonged to Aro. Well, I shouldn't really say small since it was three stories high, full of open windows, and seven bedrooms. Charlie was against a bunch of teenage girls going but there were a couple of boys in the mix, too, namely Jacob and Seth Clearwater. I became good friends with Seth when I started hanging around Jacob on the Reservation. He was a good kid, real nice, and always trying to out-do Jacob in everything. He looks at him as an older brother and their little friendly competitions were fun to watch since Jacob towers over him, which is usually an advantage. With a few persuading words from Aro, Charlie finally gave in and allowed us go on the trip. We were well behaved kids…at least for the most part.

It's almost noon and I still haven't done anything productive but shower, check my Facebook page, and email Alice to see how things are going. I fail to ask where in Europe she's travelling to and assume Paris and Milan since she loves those places. That's where most of the inspirations for her designs came from. Seeing as she was half way across the world, I know she wouldn't get my email right away, but I couldn't help but check my gmail account through my phone every few minutes. Just in case she surprised me.

I don't know why I did the next thing I did, but I did it. It was something I hadn't done in a while—not that I was trying to avoid doing it—I just wasn't in the mood lately. I did it without really thinking about it and for a split second, I wish I hadn't. With much apprehension, my fingers start to move. I called Charlie. My fingers quickly found his number and the line on the other end rang instantly. I call a couple of times a month to make sure he is taking care of himself to best of his abilities, and although I love my dad, our conversations weren't really the highlight of my day. Maybe his since I rarely call, but I feel obligated to check in once every blue moon.

Growing up, even now, we hardly talk about anything personal. The last time that happened I blurted, "Dad! I'm a virgin!" when he attempted to have that awkward conversation with me in the kitchen, which wasn't necessary. At all. I was no longer naïve at the age of eighteen when he tried to go parental on me so I lied that my mother had already beaten him with the whole 'the birds and the bees' talk like a million years ago. I shudder at the memory and focus back on the ringing line.

After a few more rings, it goes straight to the answering machine. I clear my throat before it beeps. "Hey, dad, it's me. Just seeing how you were doing. You're probably out fishing with Harry. Just call me back when you can, no rush. Okay…talk to you later…bye." I disconnect the call and sigh. I know he would be out with Harry. For some reason a part of me wishes that I had caught him before he left just to have someone to talk to. Even my mother didn't answer so I also leave her a voicemail. I feel really pathetic in that moment calling my parents, holding my head down in shame. "I need friends."

My room is a mess and I'm too lazy to clean up after myself. I had Marie leave my room untouched while she was cleaning. I dig through my hamper full of clean clothes I hadn't folded and find a red, plaid button up shirt and some khaki shorts. I grab my purse, my sun glasses, and my copy of Romeo & Juliet. I've read the book so much I can recite it in my sleep. The pages are worn out from the constant use and I have to remind myself to re-tape the front cover before that, too, goes to shambles. There is a small park nearby where I go to read and reading is the most productive thing I could think of.

No matter how many times I read the book, it always gives me the same feelings of happiness, sorrow, anxiety and anticipation, making it hard to put down. Romeo and Juliet had the ultimate love story. To die for the one you love that you thought you could no longer be with…that took a lot of courage. That was pure dedication right there. It made me wonder if someone was willing to do that for me. I look to the bright sky pondering on the subject. However, that didn't last long as I laugh at my preposterous thoughts knowing no one was that stupid to end their life over me, assuming I was dead. What a silly notion.

The fight scene between Romeo and Tybalt was finally reaching its climax. My right leg couldn't help but shake in eagerness of the next move, even though I already knew what was going to happen. Romeo is about to stab Tybalt when the sudden vibration in my short's pocket startle me, causing me to throw the book on the grass like it was a hot potato. I quickly pat myself down, trying to get the phone to be still. The vibration is tickling me like crazy. I look like a crazy woman with a tick of some sort before I silence it. Whoever this was interrupting me at a good part, better be important.

"Hel…lo?" I answer, unsure of whom it was. The number came up as an unknown number.

"Isabella?"

"Uncle Aro?"

"Hello, darling, how are you?" he says with a smile in his voice.

"I'm good!" my voice gives a smile of its own. "It's good to hear from you." And it really was. He was only gone for a day but it was already Monday where he was. The last 24-hours seems more like 24 days. "How's the press and interviews? I saw you on tv today," I laugh softly. "It was…weird."

"I know, isn't it?" he chuckles. "I can never get used to seeing myself on the television so I try not watching my interviews. When I do, it makes me wish I had worded certain things differently or feel that I give too much information away."

"But, things are going okay over there…right?"

"Oh, yes, yes. Well, except for the weather. It's due to rain in Volterra for the next few days so everything is on hold. Production here is also much slower than it is in the States so some of the indoor sets are still being built. I let the actors venture around since they were becoming anxious being cooped up in their rooms."

"Aren't you worried the actors will be recognized?" I ask curiously since he was all about keeping their identities a secret until the big press conference.

"Most are still fairly new to the industry so they won't be recognized. I also avoid going to public places with them in case I'm recognized and the media and paparazzi put two-and-two together," he explains. "The actors have caretakers I've placed with them so they stay out of trouble before the press conference. That way I can also keep tabs on them. But, enough about that—I called to see how you were. Did you see the money I left for you?"

"Yes, thank you. It was actually more than enough."

"Well, I just want to be sure you're taken care of while I'm gone. How's work going?"

I find it's always easier talking to Aro about my day or things in my life than it was with Charlie. Our conversations flow more casually as opposed to my stiff, ridged, "Oh, I see…that's nice," talks with Charlie. Aro is more relaxed and enjoys life and is more understanding. He's lenient but also knows when to draw the line when he needs to act like a parent, although he had no children of his own. I figure that's why he spoiled me so much growing up, being that I was his only niece.

"Work's work…" I shrug. "Today's my day off."

"Are you at the park again?" he suddenly asks.

"Yeah, how'd you know?"

He gave a short laugh. "I can hear the birds in the background. I assume you're reading your favorite book?"

"Of course," I smile sheepishly to myself.

"Listen, dear, I've been thinking about this on my way here and thought it would be a good idea. But…only if you're up for it."

"Umm, what exactly is it?" I really hope he wasn't going to assign me a babysitter or worse, have me stay at Marie's house! The last birthday party we went to for one of her grandkids was so overwhelming. There were kids everywhere! I thought most of them were friends or classmates of the birthday boy, come to find out they were all family. I highly doubt I'd last a week with that many rugrats running around. I could picture myself being tied to a chair by jump rope as the house burned down.

"Isabella?" Aro broke my ramping thoughts.

"Huh? Sorry! What were you saying?" I shake the image away.

"I asked you if you would like to come stay in Volterra with me until the location shoot here is over," he repeats himself.

"Huh?"

He laughs a sigh. I can tell he's shaking his head at me with a smile. "So, how about it? I can have Jane book you a flight first thing tomorrow. I understand you're currently working and it's important to you, but I spoke to Lucy earlier this morning and got her blessing. She will allow you to return to work when you get back. I hope you don't mind that I called her. Besides, it's been ages since you've been here. A lot has changed."

Lucy was the store manager and was gaga over my uncle. She thought he was the most handsome man in all of the seven continents, so of course she'd do anything for him. She loves his long, dark hair that flows past his shoulder and his British accent. "He's very charming and so polite!" she'd gush. They went on a date once and he said he had a good time but he was just too busy to start any type of romantic relationship with anyone. Lucy was nice, but I was skeptical that she could handle being in the eye of the media if anything serious were to happen between them. She plays it cool when a few celebrities would come into the coffee shop but as soon as they leave, she'd turn into a crazed fan. I couldn't imagine how she would act being surrounded by them all the time if she went to events with Aro and the paparazzi constantly hounding her. It was a disaster waiting to happen. Lucky for me, I was kept low on the radar. So low, I was lower than dirt, which in this case, I didn't mind.

"Well? What do you say? This long distance call isn't getting any cheaper," he tries to be funny.

"I don't know, uncle. I mean, I would love to go to Italy for three months…who wouldn't?" I exclaim, "But…"

"But, what?" he sounds slightly disappointed at my hesitance to accept his offer.

"What I am going to do there? I feel like I'd just get in the way if I were on set. You know how uncoordinated I am," I remind him. "Do you want your production to fall apart before you've even started? I have no talent in anything so I don't know what kind of use I would be to you."

Aro softly laughs at my excuses. "Bella, I am not trying to get you to work for me." I was surprised that he called me 'Bella'. It was rare when he did and usually only did during those very sincere moments like this one. "I will admit that I don't like leaving you alone for so long although you are a very capable, young woman. But, still. As your uncle and current guardian, want to be there for you in case you need me. I would feel much more at ease if you were closer. Like you said, who wouldn't want to come to Italy?" I can sense him smirking as he tries to persuade me. It makes me think he was hiding something else in between his sentences.

"I don't know…" I still feel torn by the idea. Yes, I want to go, definitely! And yet, no…I didn't. The packing and moving part wasn't something I was looking forward to. I'm almost adjusted to living to LA and relocating to another place I hadn't been to in years and starting all over again, didn't seem so appealing. Volterra was no stranger to me, but I always just look at it as a small getaway, and now, I would have to live there like a local. Another reason for my hesitation is that the next closest city to Volterra was Tuscany. Now, when I say 'next closest', I don't mean a twenty minute drive. Tuscany is four hours away!

Volterra is more of a small town, higher up in elevation and half the size of Tuscany. The streets are narrow and the stone brick buildings are high. It's a beautiful place but there is only so much one could do there until you feel like you are closed off from the mainland. Forks gave me a similar feeling at first because it was five hours away from Seattle and you have to catch a ferry over, but I grew to enjoy the small town. There were closer areas my friends and I went to like Port Angeles and the San Juan Islands. In Volterra, however, the closest thing to it was more land and sheep.

"Thanks, uncle, but I think I'll stay. Three months isn't really that long. Before you know you it, you'll be back in good old sunny LA!" My voice isn't very reassuring as I try to fib my best of sounding optimistic for not needing to be there. I'm not a very good liar either. Any blind person could tell. My face was like an open book. I quietly cringe at my failed attempt knowing Aro wasn't buying it.

He's silent for a moment before he speaks again. "Well, why don't you take a few days to think about it? Jane always has her phone on and if you change your mind, just give her a call…alright?"

"Okay," I say softly. I didn't like lying to my uncle but I also didn't like so blatantly refusing him when he's been so gracious to me.

"It's gotten very late here and I have more interviews in the morning. I'm glad you are doing well. I'll call again soon if I don't hear from you. Take care, love."

"Bye, uncle…" I wait for his line to go dead before I hang up.

I keep thinking about how I'd keep myself busy for three months if I did go, but I kept coming up blank. I've glanced enough at Aro's schedule when Jane wasn't looking to know that he really wouldn't be able to devote much time to me with his own hectic work life. But, still, it was nice of him to say he wants to be around if I need him. If I trip and fall off a cliff and call him while I was hanging on a branch for my dear life, he'd most likely send Jane to rescue me. "Jane, Isabella is plummeting to her doom. Can you save her before an unsuspecting local tries to help? She might accidentally pull them down with her. I need to review this scene," I can hear him saying in my imaginings. Jane, being the ever faithful assistant, would salute and bring with her the entire police department. I swear that woman would take a bullet for that man.

The people at the park were gradually disappearing with their families for the day. I look at my watch and was surprised at how long I was sitting here. I pick up my book off the grass and place it back in my oversized Louis Vuitton purse, which was a gift from Alice. She looked horrified when she saw my brown leather satchel that I carried everywhere with me. It was slowly falling apart from being used so frequently that the small clip on it has already broken off. I didn't care though. It was convenient and my things fit nicely in it. That is, until it disappears one day from my room with my things dumped out on my bed and the bag sitting beside them. "Bella, as your friend, I cannot let you carry around such an outdated, horrific piece of material," she remembered her saying. When that little girl insists on something, there was no way to refuse her—whether you wanted to or not. She is like the Godfather, but more petite.

I look at my watch again and frown that Café Twilight is still closed. They usually didn't open until 6 p.m. and it would still be a few hours until I can order my favorite drink. The next best solution is to head to Starbucks. My work.

"Hey, Bella!" Lucy greets me.

"Hey, Lucy," I give her a quick wave.

"Your uncle called me earlier today," she tells me, looking rather happy and glowing. She was daydreaming about something until she snaps herself back into reality. "Umm, so anyway, I adjusted the schedule for next week so Lauren will be coming in to cover your shift starting tomorrow. No one really minds," she almost whispers the last part to me.

"Really?" I raise a skeptical eyebrow. "Not even Lauren?"

Lucy looks reluctant to say 'yes' because Lauren was probably kicking and screaming when she told her. "Well…you know how Lauren is. But, don't worry about it. It'll be fine. Go have a great time in Italy! Say hello to your uncle for me won't you?" her eyes were gleaming again.

"Actually, I won't be going."

"What?" she sounds a little more disappointed to hear the news than she should have been. I thought she would be happy I wasn't going so that more shifts could be covered. We weren't short on staff but sometimes having extra people to cover orders help with customer flow. "No, sorry, I didn't mean it like that," she laughs, embarrassed. "I just thought you would be excited to go."

"Yeah…well," I look away briefly, "I like working here and I'd rather stay in LA," I shrug. "It'll be hard trying to get back into the groove of things if I'm gone for so long."

"Oh, I see," Lucy nods with that hint of disappointment still in her voice. Was she trying to get rid of me? I know I was clumsy and make a few mistakes but I was a hard worker! I really did like this job and didn't want to lose it.

Just then, the door flies open with a heaving, upset blonde marching in. It was Lauren. I can't tell how upset she is with her sunglasses on but I swear I saw smoke coming out of her ears. She finally lowers her glasses to the lower part of her nose and glowers right in my direction. If looks could kill, I'd be ashes by now. That only confirms her foul aura that has enveloped the room was because of me.

"Hey, Lauren," Lucy looks and sounds nervous to see her. I move away from the counter since she was making a beeline to the manager.

"This is unfair, Lucy!" Lauren slams her hands on the counter. Luckily, no one was in the store to witness her crazy behavior. "You knew I had plans this week and you're making me work her shift?" she quickly glares at me, turning her back to her.

Lucy sighs. "Look, Lauren, I know you told me but you never put in a formal request like I asked you to. Everyone who wants to request time off must fill out the request form. If I don't see it in my inbox, then it doesn't exist. I assumed since you didn't do what I asked you to do, you were willing to work." Lucy folds her arms and holds her ground. She wasn't one to be intimidated by her. It was her store after all.

"Oh, yeah? And what about little miss clumsy over here?" Lauren looks me up and down. I returned her look with a confused expression. "Did she fill out a form or did you just give her the time off because you're in love with her uncle?" she spat out. "It's not fair to the rest of us that you're giving her special privileges just because you have a thing for him. I don't even know why you keep her employed. She can't get anything right! She's useless!"

"You're crossing the line, Lauren," Lucy gave her a firm warning. "As I recall, you made more mistakes than she did when you first started. I was actually debating whether or not to keep you when your probation period was over." Lauren's jaw drops open. "And yes, a form was filled out for Bella."

"Wha…?" I was even more confused. I didn't remember filling out a form since news of the trip was only sprung on me less than an hour ago.

She walks over to her inbox and holds it closely to Lauren's face. Lauren practically snatches it from her and reads what was on the paper. "As stated, a family member can request a leave of absence for an employee with just cause. Her uncle faxed the form back to me this morning."

Lauren snorts at the request. "It still needs her signature so this isn't even valid!"

She takes it back from her and holds a pen out to me. "Bella?" she waits for me to sign, a small smirk playing on her lips.

My face turns red. Lauren's eyes are still on me like daggers with her jaw firmly locked into a frown. "I…umm…well, I really don't think I'm going to go," I answer quietly.

"Just go, Bella!" Lucy rolls her eyes, insisting I take the pen from her.

"You see!" Lauren exasperatedly throws her hands in the air. "She doesn't even want to go! Jesus, I'll sign my name on it if it means I can get out of this hole!"

"I'd watch what you say Lauren," it was now Lucy's turn to throw daggers at her. "I will not have you disrespect my store, the way I run my business, and on top of that, my personal life is none of your business either. You were only kept around because the customers enjoy your happy-go-lucky persona. But, as for your own ethical behavior toward your coworkers and your manager, you are the worst employee we have." Lauren looks appalled by her words. "I gave you employee of the month hoping your attitude would change, but it seems to have just boosted your self-centered ego even more. If you want to get out of this hole so badly, then by all means, there's the door," Lucy points, not taking her eyes off her.

The blonde-haired brat was still in shock, looking at Lucy then at the door. "You can't be serious?"

"Do I look like I'm joking?" she answers sternly.

"Lucy, c'mon! You know I need this job!" she pleads. "Look, I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean any of it. I was just…jealous. I love working here," she holds her head down. "I was also really looking forward to going to the beach, but I guess I can postpone it." She looks at me with hate still in her eyes, although her face looks calmer and more relaxed. "I'm sorry, Bella. I shouldn't have said those things about you. You really are a hard worker. Forgive me?" she smiles sweetly. Like I don't know her game.

"Umm…yeah, sure," I half-smile. Nothing Lauren says really ever gets to me since she was known for whining and bitching about everything and everyone. In the beginning, she crushed what little self-confidence I had but it was something I got used to and Eric always tries to assure me that Lucy thought I was doing a good job. I figure it was true since she hasn't fired me yet from all the mistakes I've made, which I'm getting better at avoiding.

"So, c'mon, what do you say, Lus?" she turns her seemingly sweet, charming smile toward her. "Even if Bella isn't going, I'll still cover her shift for the week. She can relax at the beach for me."

The store manager is contemplating her decision, looking at me then back at Lauren and finally sighs. "Very well, but your unprofessional attitude needs to change. If I hear even the slightest snide remark again from you from anyone, you're gone. Understand?"

"Yes, understood!" she smiles. "Thanks, Lucy!"

"You're welcome," she says coolly. "I'll see you tomorrow," she leaves and walks back into her office to make some more changes to the week's schedule.

As soon as Lucy's door is closed, Lauren turns her attention to me, the evil look plastered again on her face. "Look, Swan, I only apologized to you for Lucy's sake, but don't think I meant it," she hisses quietly. "Just to set the record straight I still think you're a loser, you're lazy, and you're worthless!"

Now I was getting angry. Who the hell did she think she was talking to me like that? Did she think she was better than me with that black, ugly personality she had? "Look, Lauren, I don't understand what I did to you to make you hate me so much?"

"Don't play dumb with me," she scowles. "You know what you did!"

"Uhh…no. I don't," I give her an honest-to-goodness bewildered look. "Don't you think if I knew I would have apologized to you by now?"

"Perry."

"Huh?" I stare blankly at her.

"My ex-boyfriend," she crosses her arms in front of her chest.

I wrack my brain on this Perry guy. "You mean the customer I accidentally bumped into when I first started? That guy?"

"Yes, that guy!" she replies with an attitude.

"What about him? I've never met the guy before in my life!" And it was true. It wasn't like I purposely did anything to make her jealous by talking to him when I accidently spilled his drink on him. I treated him just like any other customer that walks in. He wasn't even my type! "I didn't know he was your ex until after he walked out the door. And, I wasn't trying to flirt with him, I just replaced his drink!"

"It didn't look like it to me," she raises an angry eyebrow. "Not after he came back and asked for your number!"

"I didn't even give it to him!"

"How would I know?" she shrugs. "You could have waited to give it to him when I wasn't around. I heard he was out with some brunette that very night. That could have very well been you."

I laugh at her ridiculous accusations. "And what proof you do you have? It could have been anyone!" This girl was clearly demented.

"That could be true. I mean, for all I know you could have been busy whoring around the streets, picking up sleazy men, satisfying their filthy needs," she smirked evilly.

That right there did it. Her face became a target that my fist was being magnetically drawn to. I went in for the kill, horror and shock written across her face, determination in my eyes and fist tightly in ball, getting really for the impact of knuckle to face. Time felt like it slowed down when my anger finally bubbled to the surface.

Just as I was going to claim my victory, a forceful had stops me inches from her face. "What the hell is going on here?" Eric asks, frustrated and confused.

"She's crazy! Keep her away from me!" Lauren scrambles behind one of the tables across the room. It was a prefect alignment. If Eric hadn't intruded I would have gotten a perfect ten in my technique, even though I'd never punched anyone in the face before—or ever for that matter. I assume Eric was just getting back from his break when he saw us. I completely forgot that he was working today.

Lucy finally steps out from her office and looks at the three of us. "What's with all the commotion out here?"

"She's crazy! She tried to punch me in the nose after I apologized to her!" Lauren tries to play the innocent victim angle. "Do you really want someone violent like that working for you?"

A customer suddenly walks in with his kids, wondering what was taking place. The tension in the air was thick. "Lauren, go home," Lucy instructs politely in front of the customer.

"Welcome to Starbucks, sir!" Eric releases my arm and runs behind the counter, smiling at the man's children. "What can I get for you today?"

I was still angry and couldn't help but pace in place. If I saw her again before I calmed down, I'd rip her hair out. Yes, it was a girly move, but to see her with a bald spot would bring me joy if I couldn't ruin her face. "Bella, are you alright?" Lucy gently places her hand on my shoulder to keep me in place.

"I will be," I say quietly, my body still tingling with frustration.

She sits me down in the corner couch, settling across from me. "I know whatever happened is Lauren's fault. It always is," she rolls her eyes at her difficult employee. "Just take the week off to do what you want since she'll be working your shift. I'll have you both scheduled on different days from now on so you don't have to deal with her."

"Thanks, Lus…" I sigh.

We talked for a little while longer as we discuss my decision to stay. Lucy gives me a comforting hug before I leave. "See you soon," she smiles.

After today's events I feel exhausted when my body finally reaches my comfortable bed. My phone buzzes telling me I have an email. I sit up and see that Alice finally responded, but I don't have time to read it just yet. I have an important phone call to make.

I press the call button when I find the number I was looking for and wait for the person to answer. "He…hello?" they said groggily.

"Hi…it's me."

"Bella?" the sound of my voice surprises them. "Is something the matter?"

"No, nothing. Sorry for waking you, but okay. I'll do it."

"Do what?"

"Come to Italy."

"Oh," Jane sounds a little more awake. I hear her turn a night light on. "Okay, then. I'll look into booking the first flight out for you. Are you all packed?"

"No, but I will be."

"Okay, well…I'll call you back as soon as I have your itinerary and ride to the airport booked."

"Sounds good. Thanks, Jane."

"You're welcome. Your uncle will be very excited to see you and so will I."

"Me, too. Thanks again…goodnight."

I sigh at my phone. I can't believe I did it. Lucy told me that LA would always be here and that being with family should come first, regardless of where they were. In this case, Italy. The words I told Marie earlier that day rang clear in my ears. "Family is more important." Lucy understands how I'm trying to get settled in LA, but says I should also consider the different possibilities that could be waiting for me in Volterra. She tells me not to look at it as moving again, but more like looking into a different adventure for three months, an adventure I could share with them when I return. I appreciate talking to Lucy because it put things in a different perspective for me.

I only hop Italy was ready for me because I sure wasn't ready for the county.

Author's Note: Well, of course she's going to go to Italy! That's where a good chunk of the story is going to take place (hehe). Hoped you liked it. Please don't forget to review!