Author's Note: This chapter is super long. For me, anyway. And also, a head's up. I told you that Rollie isn't going to be a normal dog, right? Well, here's proof. Don't hate the unrealistic side of it too much. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.
Chapter 49
Bella's Point of View
When I woke up, the first thing I noticed was the usual smell of bacon. And then, I started leaning forward towards the bedside table to see what time it was, when I shrieked in surprise to feel something warm next to me, breathing.
I stared down at the little golden ball of fur next to me. I distinctly remembered placing my cute puppy into his bed next to my bed. He must have joined me sometime during the night. But he was such a little thing; how had he even gotten here in the first place?
At my yelp, Rollie opened his eyes and stared at me with his sparkling eyes sleepily. And then, he cuddled even closer to me. He was so cute.
I smiled. I'd almost forgotten about the excitement of becoming an owner of a little puppy of my own.
I stroked his fur gently. "Did you have a good sleep, Rollie?"
He looked up again, then rolled onto his back, his tail wagging. Giggling, I tickled his stomach gently. He seemed to like it. "Arf!"
Feeling content, I took his small paw and shook it. "This is shake. When someone asks to shake your hand, this is what you do. Okay?" I felt silly for talking to him when he obviously wouldn't understand, but I didn't feel lonely anymore.
Still, Rollie looked up at me with those wise, sparkling eyes. He rolled back onto his feet and stood still, as if waiting my command.
"Shake," I said, holding out my hand.
To my amazement, Rollie lifted his paw slightly, uncertainly. He was getting the hang of it, though he was still confused.
"Wow," I said, laughing. "You're really smart, Rollie. Let's try again. Shake, boy." I held out my hand.
This time, he placed his paw on my hand. And I shook it. "Good job, buddy. Do you think you can show the others?"
"Arf!"
I felt like I was talking to a person. "Good." I glanced at the clock and saw that it was nine-thirty. Everyone else would be up already. I rolled out of bed and headed for the bathroom.
Rollie jumped off the bed, unafraid of heights, and followed me quickly. He sat patiently on the toilet seat cover as I took a quick shower. As I dried my hair and bits of water rained down on him, he shook his head, sneezing twice. I laughed.
"What should I dress in, Rollie?" I asked rhetorically as I looked into the closet. "Pick for me, honey."
To my surprise, his small body immediately disappeared into the depths of the clothing, and soon, he came out, carrying a pair of dark, skinny jeans in his mouth. He disappeared again after dropping at my feet, and, five seconds later, came back out with a white-gray half-sleeve shirt that said Princess on it in a fancy script.
"Thanks, buddy," I said, starting to dress without bothering to be amazed anymore. Rollie was no ordinary puppy.
I finished putting on the shirt when he dropped a single shoe at my feet. I frowned at him. "No," I told him, sounding like a preschooler as I pouted.
His tongue showed as he grinned. He disappeared again before coming back with the other shoe.
I sighed. "I can't wear heels, Rollie. I trip a lot."
"Arf!" he urged. It was as if he was telling me that it went with my outfit.
He was right. He had given me a whole outfit that was stylish. It was as if he was my personal stylist. He would get along well with Alice.
"Rollie…" I whined.
"Arf! Arf!" He sat down and placed his paw on a shoe. He seemed to be frowning at me.
Sighing once more, I slipped into them, resigned. "I'm going to be staying in the house all day. What's the point?"
"Arf!"
Rolling my eyes, I opened the closet door, and Rollie shot out before me. He led me down the stairs, barking happily.
Before I could reach downstairs, he'd already disappeared into the dining room, where the others were probably eating breakfast.
"Hey, Rolls," I heard Emmett greet the little puppy. "Want bacon? Come on, up, buddy! Good boy!"
"Where's Bella, Rollie?" Jasper asked, as if he could answer.
"Arf!"
I approached the dining room door that had a window, and watched with a smile on my face, amused.
"Arf! Arf!" It was as if he was telling them something.
"Oh," my brother told him. Then, he turned to the others. "He says Bella will be right out."
Carlisle, Esme, and Rosalie all laughed, while Charlie and Renee shook their heads at their son's silliness.
Alice grinned. "I hope you dressed Bella up like I told you to, Rolls."
"Arf!"
I rolled my eyes. Of course.
I pushed the door open and walked in. "So it was you. I should have known."
Everyone gaped at me in shock. Edward's eyes raked over my body before glancing up at my face, his eyebrow raising.
"Beautiful!" Alice exclaimed. "Wow, Rollie. I was just testing to see if he really was intelligent. He's no average dog."
"I'll say," I grumbled as I took my place next to Edward. It was the only empty seat. "He actually gave me the clothes to wear. He'd get along well with you."
Alice laughed. "Here, Rollie. Bacon for you. Good job."
Rollie caught the bacon Alice threw and munched on it happily. "Arf!"
"Why'd you dress me up?" I asked.
"Because we're going shopping," Alice replied. "Duh."
"In these?" I asked, horrified as I looked down at my heels. "Over my dead body."
Emmett and Jasper snickered.
"Seems as though your coordination hasn't improved, sis," Jasper teased.
I stuck out my tongue. "I have enough clothes."
"We're not shopping for casual clothes," Rosalie explained. "We're shopping for your dress, of course."
I looked up from my plate. "What dress?"
"For the party."
"What party?" My voice went flat. "I'm not going to any party."
"Oh, yes, you are," Charlie said. "It's an annual New Year's party the owners of the biggest corporations throw every year. Their family's attendance is mandatory. Of course, you haven't been around for eight years, so your absence was excused. But since you're back, you'll attend."
"And why didn't I attend before I left?" I asked, my voice still flat.
"Because the tradition started a year after you left," Carlisle said. "Even Edward had to attend every year. Although he wasn't very hospitable." He winked.
Alice giggled. "I remember one year when everyone ganged up on him to sing a song. And then, all the women in the room swooned, and he had a really hard time getting away."
Edward scowled. "Don't remind me. And don't volunteer me anymore at those small events, Alice. It was all because of you."
She laughed harder.
"Wow," I said. "I'm sorry I missed that. But I'm not going."
"Yes, you are," Charlie snapped. "People already know you're back in New York. You can't escape it. It would be considered rude."
"What do you think, Rollie?" Emmett asked the puppy that was sitting patiently beside him. "Don't you think Bella should go?"
"Arf! Arf!"
"See, even your little puppy says you should go," Alice pointed out.
"Yeah, he said, 'Of! Course!'," Jasper said, his voice purposely squeaky.
I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, right." I looked at Charlie pleadingly. "You know how much I hate parties, Dad. Do I have to go?"
"Yes."
I made a face. "I'll go back to California on New Year's Eve, then."
"NO!" Alice, Emmett, and Jasper chorused, making me jump in shock.
"Don't worry," Edward said, calmly eating his food. "She's forbidden to go out of the state for now."
I looked at him. "What?"
He looked up to meet my eyes. I detected a mischievous, playful glint in his green eyes. "You're forbidden to leave the state."
"I haven't done anything wrong," I said, frowning.
"I know."
I raised my eyebrow. "You mean…"
"Yeah," he said. "I did. It only took a few phone calls to do it."
I glared at him. "I can't believe you did that."
"If you even try to leave, the guards will bring you right back home," Edward said indifferently.
"Good boy!" Emmett said heartily. "You're always one step ahead, bro." He held out his fist for Edward to bump.
"You're kidding," I said, staring as he took a sip of his orange juice.
He gave me a look. "You're not going anywhere, Bella."
His tone itself was a warning. I stared in surprise as he rose from the table.
"See you later," he said.
"Where are you going?" I asked, surprised.
"Work," Edward answered, looking amusedly at me. He winked, making me blink in surprise, then walked out of the room. And I realized that he had been wearing a neat suit just now.
Rollie ran out of the room after Edward, barking as though he was talking to him. We heard Edward laugh and say something to him, but it was hard to make his words out.
"I've gotta go too," Emmett said, rising. He raised his voice. "Yo, Edward, wait up!" He turned back to us. "Bye, everybody. Have fun, pixie." He kissed her on the cheek, then kissed Rosalie on the lips. "Have fun, Bella." He winked before following his brother.
I sighed as I speared a pancake. "Are we really going shopping?"
"Well, more like you're going to come to Fashionista to get your measurements," Alice amended. "I designed everyone's outfits about three months before, so theirs' is all ready. You, on the other hand, I had no idea you were coming, which means that I must work doubly hard to get your dress ready on time."
"No pressure," I said promptly. "It would be even better if you didn't finish it on time." I ignored her heavy scowl.
"It's good to have your own fashion designer, I must say," Esme said, smiling. "Very comfortable. All you have to do is stand still while they take your measurements, and Alice does all the designing. Don't worry, Bella. It won't take long."
"I suppose that isn't too bad," I agreed. I turned to Carlisle and Charlie. "I just have to show my face at the party, right?"
"Basically," Charlie shrugged. "At least until midnight. We all do the countdown, and there's usually fireworks and stuff. It's really cool. I think you'll enjoy it, Bells."
"Do I need a date?" I wondered under my breath, mainly talking to myself. But everyone heard, and they exchanged looks.
"No," Alice blurted out. And she bit her lip like she'd given something away. "I mean… There are tons of young men your age in the business world. I'm sure they'll be glad to entertain you."
"Right," I said slowly, staring at her. "Is there any specific reason why you don't want me to have a date with me?"
Alice choked on her sip of coffee. She coughed several times before blinking at me innocently. "What do you mean?"
I've seen that innocent face of hers way too many times in the last twenty-five years of my life. I knew it too well. I grew suspicious, and my thoughts immediately flew to Edward. Were they really trying to pair us up again?
That ring on his fourth finger… He should have known already that I'd noticed. Then shouldn't he have taken it off? What was the reason he kept it on, even though his ex had noticed?
I'd known my siblings for over twenty years, and I knew for a fact when they wore that innocent expression on their face that something was up. But I also knew that they wouldn't tell me. There was no point in crying over a glass of milk that refused to tip over and spill.
My eyes flickered to Rosalie who had been staring at me. When she met my gaze, she immediately looked down, biting her bottom lip.
I may have known the others for years, but I didn't know Rosalie well. And she didn't know me either. Perhaps I could wheedle something out of her later. So I let the matter drop.
Rollie came running back, yapping. He stopped next to my chair, his tail wagging. He scratched the leg of the seat, and barked once. He was demanding for another piece of bacon.
"Did you see the boys off, Rollie?" I asked. "What were you telling them?"
Rollie merely barked again and turned in place once. His tongue rolled out, and he grinned. The look in his eyes said something like: I'm not going to tell you, so deal with it and give me bacon.
I sighed as I gave him a piece. "Not you too. I thought you were my little puppy."
"Arf! Arf!"
Jasper cleared his throat as he got up. "I should leave too. Have fun at Fashionista, girls." He kissed Alice on the cheek before walking out. Rollie barked after him, saying his farewell before turning back to me for bacon again.
I watched Alice the entire time, still suspicious. She was too cheerful and nonchalant about everything, and it made me feel more bothered.
And even when Alice dragged Rosalie and me out to her store, I was deep in thought. I barely noticed as her employees began the measuring.
Even if our siblings were planning to get us back together, would Edward even consent to do it? He and I had suffered enough eight years ago. Would he be brave enough to agree to trying to get me back? Would he be stupid enough to make a move on a divorcee that was his ex-wife as well?
It was risky. And he should know it. I was the one that had to suffer for his mistakes, and I remembered that he hadn't wanted to sign those divorce papers. But since he had, he should know better than to hurt me again and be selfish. Shouldn't he?
No, it was ridiculous, I decided. Edward wasn't that stupid. He wasn't stupid enough to make the same mistakes twice. And even if he was, he wasn't dumb enough to test his limits on the same woman more than once.
"BELLA!"
I jumped, startled. I realized that the measurements were over, and Rosalie and I had been sitting on a sofa, waiting for Alice to bring out a couple of dresses for me to see.
"What on earth were you thinking about?" Alice asked, frowning with her hands on her hips. "I called your name five times."
"Sorry," I muttered. "I was thinking. What is it?"
"Which one?" she asked, gesturing to a short, red dress with sequins, and an ivory, long dress with long-sleeves that seemed to flow like a waterfall.
I pointed to the long ivory one, and Alice sighed.
"Of course you would pick that," she said, disgruntled. "You never liked dresses. And I suppose you'll want a long one?'
I shrugged. "As long as I can handle it. I don't want to be tripping the whole night, you know. Besides, red isn't really my color. Why don't you give that one to Rosalie?"
Rosalie smiled. "The dress Alice designed for me is red. It's a bit brighter than that one, and a bit longer."
"You know what?" Alice asked, studying the dresses. "You're right. I shouldn't be showing any red dresses to you, since Rose's is red. Take this away." And one of her employees took it away. "You!" Another girl scurried towards us. "Get the turquoise dress. You know, the most recent one I made."
I sighed. "Are you just going to give me a dress that's already made?"
"Of course not!" Alice looked horrified. "I wouldn't want you to wear something off the rack! No, I just want you to pick a design you like, and I'll create something similar that's just for you. I'll make it into your own style so that it'll suit you, and you only."
"Smart," I said dryly as the girl came out with a beautiful, satin turquoise dress. "But I don't think that's the one for me. I'll trip, and I don't think I would be able to breathe."
Alice scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous. Your waist is narrower than Rose; that dress will be big on you."
I looked at the narrow waistline of the dress. "Why do I find that hard to believe?"
"Take it away," Alice snapped at the girl. "It's not her color."
"You're the designer, Alice," Rosalie said. "Why don't you just make one up?"
Alice frowned slightly as she leaned back on one foot and studied the ivory dress once more. She began muttering under her breath. "If you're going to wear this color, it should be slightly darker… You're too pale, which I find hard to believe because you spent eight years in California. And perhaps straps instead of long-sleeves… Spaghetti straps? No… Two-inch straps?"
I stared at her working, fascinated. If there was a specific time Alice became serious, it was when she was working on fashion.
She walked behind the dress, still muttering to herself. "Perhaps a paved back? We'll see about that…" She walked back to the front again, glancing at the chest area. "A more paved V-line?" She glanced back at me, studying my chest. "Yes, that'll emphasize more of your… That's good. And since your waist is narrow…"
"Excuse me?" I asked incredulously. "If you're going to make my outfit slutty, I'm not going to that party."
Alice didn't seem to hear me. She had turned back to the dress, now looking down at the train. She was muttering about how low she should cut the train.
"Is she ignoring me on purpose?" I asked.
Rosalie laughed. "Don't worry. She gets preoccupied when it gets to dresses and parties. She has this fantasy of everyone dressing like one of her models on a runway, so every year, the Cullens are all supermodels at the New Year's party. They have a reputation of being the best-looking people there."
"I guess I'll ruin that picture at the party this year," I sighed. "I'm far from being a supermodel."
Rosalie looked at me in surprise. "What makes you think that?"
I looked at her in surprise too. "I should think it's obvious."
She began to laugh. "I don't believe it, Bella. You don't see yourself clearly, do you? Didn't anyone ever tell you that you were beautiful?"
"Sure." I paused. "Eight years ago, before my divorce."
She stopped laughing. "Oh. Sorry. It's just…most people tell me that I'm beautiful, and that Emmett is very lucky to have me. And, of course, I think I'm not too bad-looking myself. But when I saw you…" She smiled. "All my confidence shattered. I'd never seen anyone more beautiful than you are. I saw your pictures, but you looked so different from eight years ago…! You look like you just walked out of a Victoria's Secret catalog, you know that?"
I just blinked at her, taken aback.
Rosalie shook her head disbelievingly. "It makes me feel self-conscious to be next to you, because I feel as though I'm being compared."
"That's…ridiculous," I sputtered. "You're the prettiest girl I've seen in my entire life."
She laughed. "Right. When you first walked into the room, I felt jealous. And then, I found out that your personality is so sweet, and you have such a nice way of bonding with people… I started wondering how Edward ever lost you."
I paused my protests at her statement.
Rosalie smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry for bringing him up, but really. During the last few years that I've known the Cullens, I've heard so many wonderful things about you. And now, I've seen you and even experienced what kind of a person you are. Honestly, I think Edward was a fool to have even looked at another woman with you by his side."
"Of course he was," Alice snorted, still studying the ivory dress. She had been listening in. "How he could have ever looked at that bitch is still a mystery to me. That Honya, or Sonya, or whatever her name was-"
"Tanya," I offered.
"Whatever."
"What happened to her?" I asked curiously. "I remember Edward pressed charges against her, but I don't know what…"
"She got kicked out of Harvard, of course," Alice said as she joined us on the sofa. "They didn't want their reputation being ruined by some dumb girl. And then, she went to jail for about two or three years instead of paying the fines; Edward made sure of that. I heard she went back to NYU after being released, and she started dating this guy, but she got pregnant with his kid, so the guy got scared and ditched her, and she got an abortion, and I don't know after that."
I raised my eyebrow. "Why'd she give up the baby? I wouldn't have."
Rosalie stared at me. "Really? Even if the father had run off?"
I smiled. "You don't know the feeling of a mother, Rosalie. And though being pregnant sucks, the baby becomes your reason for living."
She looked fascinated. "That's interesting. Then how did you live without your daughter all this time?"
Alice nudged her vigorously, her eyes widening and shaking her head. But I shrugged. "It was hard. It's still hard. Sometimes, I feel as though I can feel those flutters she gave in my stomach, but that's just wishful thinking, of course."
Alice was quiet. Then, she said hesitantly, "Would you remarry if…you know, if you found someone you think you'll be happy with for the rest of your life?"
I paused. Then, I said slowly, "N…o."
"Even if you love them enough to do anything for them?"
"No," I repeated.
"Why not?" Alice asked, studying me.
I smiled wryly. "Honestly, Alice… Don't you think I've suffered enough in the love department to last me a lifetime? I've done it once and ended up divorcing. And I don't think I need to go through that again."
"What if…" Rosalie said slowly, as if she'd just had a sudden thought. "What would you do if Edward decided to try to get you back?"
I frowned slightly. "I…" I stopped, then glanced back at the two of them. They both looked rather curious. "Why would you ask something like that?" I asked slowly.
"Just curious," Rosalie answered innocently. "If it bothers you, then you don't have to answer."
But the look on their faces made me feel pressured, as though they were demanding me silently to answer.
"I don't know," I said finally. "I've never thought about it. But then, I don't need to, because that'll never happen, will it? He's not that stupid enough to go after me. Besides, he's had me for a while; I'd think he'd get tired of me."
"That's bullshit," Alice snorted, and the tension between us broke. "He would never get tired of you."
I raised my eyebrows playfully. "He really shouldn't. I've known him for twenty-five years, and we were like siblings for seventeen of those years. Nothing should be different right now."
Alice opened her mouth to retort something, but Rosalie elbowed her as inconspicuously as she could. Hard.
"Ow," Alice muttered, but she did shut up. After a while, she said, "I'll get to work on your dress later, Bella. I'm a bit hungry. Shall we go have lunch? I deserve some fun before I start designing."
Rosalie and I nodded as we rose.
"Where do you want to eat?" Rosalie asked as the employees bowed us out of the elegant store.
"How about steak?" Alice suggested. "There's a neat place just down the street. Why don't we walk there? It seems silly to take the car when it's less than a block away."
"In these?" I asked again, glancing down at my heels.
Alice looked at me exasperatedly. "You'll live. Come on."
Sighing resignedly, I followed the two girls towards the steakhouse. I was listening to Alice and Rosalie's conversation about the upcoming party, but I didn't join in. Instead, I glanced around the street, studying the people and various shops.
Suddenly, Rosalie, who was between Alice and me, nudged us. "Isn't that Edward?"
We stopped dead in front of a lingerie store that was decorated with ribbons and bows. Startled, Alice and I glanced at through the window, and sure enough, Edward was with a pretty young woman with blonde hair. They were talking to a tall, rather stylish woman with her hair up in a french twist.
Alice's eyes grew wide. "Why, that little…"
"I'm sure it's not what you're thinking, Alice," I said quickly.
"Not what I'm thinking?" she repeated incredulously. "Right. Just look at him! It's obvious he's dating her! That liar! He said he wasn't dating anyone!"
"Alice…"
"I'll prove it to you!" she said. And before Rosalie and I could stop her, she marched right into the store, leaving us no choice but to follow her as quickly as we could.
"Edward Cullen!" Alice snapped, just as the tall woman walked away from them.
Startled, Edward and the young woman turned. Edward's eyes widened in surprise. "Alice," he said. "Rosalie. Bella. What are you doing here?"
"A question I might ask you," Alice said icily.
Edward blinked. "What do you mean? I'm working."
His sister laughed sarcastically. "Yeah? In a lingerie store?"
"Edward," the blonde young woman said, staring at us curiously. "Who are they?"
Alice's eyes flickered towards her. "Who are you?" She said it rather rudely, and I felt embarrassed. We'd been raised to be polite all the time.
"Alice," I muttered. "You're embarrassing us."
The woman looked rather taken aback. She stepped away once, looking apprehensive.
"Alice," Edward said warningly. "What are you doing?"
"What am I doing?" Alice repeated. "You know perfectly well what I'm doing. What are you doing with her when you should be working?"
The woman glanced at Edward, looking bewildered.
Edward's forehead creased slightly, and then, he seemed to realize what Alice was getting at. His eyes flickered to me.
"It's not what you think," he said quietly, still looking at me. It was like he was pleading me to not misunderstand.
I just stared back. What was I supposed to say?
"Fine," Alice said stoutly. "What are you doing with this girl then? Is she your girlfriend?"
"Alice," Edward said. "You're misunderstanding. This is-"
"I think there's been some confusion here," the young woman interrupted. She was smiling now, as though she finally found out what was going on. "My name is Eva Benson. I'm a client of Edward's, and we're here to ask a witness of mine some questions about testifying against someone." She laughed as she stepped forward again. "Does that answer your question?"
Alice blinked. She was speechless for once. Her eyes flickered back and forth between the two of them.
Edward smiled slightly. "Thank you, Eva. I think you just got me out of trouble."
Rosalie exhaled, rolling her eyes at Alice's silliness. I sighed quietly.
"I think an introduction is in order," he said. "Eva, this is my older sister, Alice. Rosalie is my brother's fiancée. And…" He paused. He seemed reluctant as he said unwillingly, "Bella, my…sister-in-law."
The term seemed wrong to describe our relationship, but I supposed it was true.
Rosalie laughed once, embarrassed. "Sorry, Edward. We tried to convince her that it was probably nothing, but you know her."
Edward's eyes flickered back to me. He seemed relieved that my expression held nothing that accused him of anything.
Finally, Alice cleared her throat. "It seems as though I did misunderstand. I'm sorry, Miss Benson. Please don't take offense."
Eva Benson smiled. "Of course not. It was a mistake. I'm just glad nothing bad happened to Edward. I was a bit scared for him a minute ago."
"She does look scary," Rosalie said, smiling.
Edward turned to his client. "I think we're done for today. I'll call you tomorrow, and we'll go talk to the other witness."
Eva nodded. "I'll see you tomorrow then." She turned back to us and smiled. "It was nice meeting all of you." She glanced at me swiftly, then frowned slightly. Then, she walked away.
Edward raised his eyebrows. "What a surprise, seeing you here."
"We were on our way to have lunch," Rosalie explained, "when we saw you here. I suppose Alice was wrong this time."
I nudged Alice, who was looking bad-tempered. "That's proving it, alright," I teased.
"Shut up," Alice muttered.
"What'd I miss?" Edward asked politely.
"She said she was going to prove that you were dating that girl," Rosalie said.
He sighed. "Well, it's nice to see that you trust me so much. I told you that I wasn't dating, didn't I?"
"My trust in you disappeared eight years ago," Alice snapped.
Edward smiled reluctantly. "Understandable." He looked at me.
I felt uncomfortable. Just to break the tension, I said, "Have you eaten lunch yet? Why don't you join us, Edward?"
Alice glanced at me, surprised.
"That's a good idea," Rosalie chimed in. "We're going to that steakhouse next door."
Edward nodded. "I think I will. That is, if my angry sister doesn't mind." He peeked at Alice, hiding a smile.
Alice sighed. "Come on. I'm hungry." And she stomped out.
"I hope you're not too uncomfortable," Edward told me as we followed Alice and Rosalie about ten steps behind them. "I only agreed to join you in hopes of returning our relationship to its non-awkward state."
"Of course," I said. "I don't mind."
Something in my tone made him look at me. He didn't seem convinced.
AN: I know you all are probably disappointed by the fact that Bella seems to be trying to live on without thinking about her past. And you must also think that Edward is going to get back with her easily. Well, don't you worry, my lovelies. You know how much I love to torture my characters, right? Bella will get her revenge. She will decide on it soon, and Edward will suffer very much indeed. So don't fret! Tortures…coming soon! Meanwhile…reviews, please!
