AN: Wow! I am so sorry it's taken me this long to update. I honestly have no good excuse. To make it up to you, I promise to upload the next chapter within the week! Thanks once again to all my lovely reviewers:

bartender - that is so strange! As you know all characters in this story belong to Stephenie Meyer and I would never attempt to profit from this story in any way. Don't know who could be uploading it to Amazon, but they're a bit cheeky!

leelator - I promise it will all be explained :) in time...

Dottyanne, Anony, Helen S, wolfhappiness, lucky97mary, oncebitten84, q, and everyone else - thanks for the reviews, they keep me smiling!


Chapter Eleven:

"If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you'll never enjoy the sunshine." - Morris West

I keep waiting for life to fall into place and for everything to calm down and make sense. I'm not sure how healthy that is. Dr Kopner would probably say that I'm not an active participant and am yet again sitting on the sidelines. Maybe that's true. But being a human being in the supernatural world can make one feel fairly helpless.

At my birthday party, after I'd stormed out of Jacob's room, I'd told Alice that I was ready to see Edward. But I had some demands. Everything would have to be on my terms – we'd meet at the local coffee shop next to my work and I would give him an hour of my time. That would be it.

Alice had agreed, seemingly unsurprised by my demands. Of course she had known.

And so for the next week, I lived with a constant knot of worry in my stomach.

My stomach growled and I glanced at the clock sitting on my desk. One o'clock. Definitely lunchtime. Beautiful autumn sunshine shone through my office's floor-to-ceiling windows and I left my jacket hopefully draped over the back of my chair as I went off in search of Mel.

I found her reading a picture book to a group of small children and I listened until she had finished the story. When she looked up, she blushed to see me.

"I'll see you next time, kids," she said sweetly as the small children ran off to find their parents.

I grinned mischievously at her and she glared back at me.

"Lunch?"

She rolled her eyes but grabbed her bag anyway and we walked silently out of the library into the beautiful midday sunshine.

"So are we going to talk about it?" I asked once we'd placed our orders with the Panini Man and stood waiting, sipping our take-away coffees.

"I suppose I don't have a choice do I?"

"Of course you have a choice. But I will pester you until you explain."

"You're a brat, Bella."

I laughed. "I don't think anyone's ever said that to me before." I nudged her with my practically healed shoulder. "Come on, it's me you're talking to."

She sighed. "I really didn't mean for anyone to see me, you know."

"So tell me what happened."

"Fine."

We grabbed our sandwiches and walked over to a sunny patch of grass to sit and eat.

"He was being so obnoxious when we were talking, we spent most of the evening arguing. Then, when I went to get us a drink, he followed me into the hallway and before I knew it we were making out. Next thing I knew we were in his bedroom."

I watched her face carefully, glad to see a small smile playing on her lips as she picked aimlessly at the plastic lid on her cup.

"But he's so frustrating," she burst out. "There were times when I just wanted to kiss him to make him shut up. Honestly."

"I laughed. Yeah, I haven't had much to do with Chris but he does seem nicer with his mouth closed."

She laughed, "Anyway, what were you doing sneaking out of Jacob's room so early?"

I shrugged. "I stayed over."

She gave me a significant look and I rolled my eyes.

"No, nothing like that happened. Honestly, mind in the gutter, Mel. We just slept, that was all."

"Right."

I blushed. "Okay, well we did kiss."

She squealed and threw an arm around my shoulders.

"Ow! Shoulder!" I reminded her. It had all but healed, but did twinge occasionally when knocked.

"Sorry! But Bella, this is so exciting. I can't believe you kissed! What now? What about his girlfriend?"

I shrugged. "They broke up."

"What about your boyfriend?"

I rolled my eyes. "Henry is not my boyfriend. And besides, like you can talk. What's happening with the married man now you and Chris are sleeping together?"

"We're not sleeping together, we just slept together, that's all."

"Doesn't answer my question."

She sighed and shrugged. "What does it matter anyway? He's never going to leave his wife. But I can't seem to get over him either so we're at a bit of an impasse as they say."

I rested a hand on her arm sympathetically. Although I hadn't really taken to Chris on our first encounter, I really hoped that he would be good to Mel. Or at least be a good distraction until she got over the married man.

Finally it was time to head back to lunch, but not before I'd told her all about my upcoming meeting with Edward and the fears I had at seeing him again.

As we approached the library, I was startled to see a familiar figure standing by the entrance. Mel grabbed my arm in a vice-like grip.

Chris leant against the wall, looking unbelievably handsome in a pair of dark wash jeans and a grey tshirt. He was smiling at Mel and held two coffees in his hands.

Mel grabbed my arm. "I have a book reading at 2," she whispered frantically. "I can't miss it. Shit what am I going to do?"

I sighed. "I'll do your book reading, okay?" After all, how difficult could it be, reading to twenty or so children?

"Oh my god, Bella you're a lifesaver. Really you don't mind?"

I shook my head.

"I left the book on the cabinet by my chair. It should only be about 20 kids and their parents. All you need to do is read the picture book then answer any questions afterwards."

"Not a problem. You go enjoy yourself. Just promise me you'll tell me everything afterwards."

She hugged me then hurried off towards Chris who leaned in and kissed her full on the lips before handing her a coffee, throwing an arm around her shoulders and striding off down the pathway.

Boys, I thought crossly, but secretly wishing it had been Jacob waiting by the door, not his obnoxious flatmate Chris.

I slowly made my way back up to the Children's Literature Departure, keeping an eye on the time. I wasn't great with kids, not having much experience, and I was a little worried about this book reading. I'd seen Mel do book readings before and she was fantastic, bringing the stories to life with her voice and facial expressions. The best I could hope for was to not suck too badly.

A few teenagers sat moodily on the chairs as I arrived and I assumed they'd been conned into bringing younger siblings by their parents. A few adults were sitting on the chairs as well but there wasn't a child in sight. They must have been off in the play area. After all, it was still ten minutes to 2.

Shyly I introduced myself to the people who were already seated and explained that I would be reading the story this afternoon. They all just stared at me as though I was a Martian.

"Right," I said quietly. "Well I'll be starting in 10 minutes, so um, please make yourselves comfortable until then."

A pimply teenage boy smirked at me. "At which point we'll all be uncomfortable?"

The adults in the audience chuckled and I felt my face burn even darker red. I tried to laugh along with the audience but quickly turned my back on them, desperate to hide my embarrassment. I found the picture book that Mel had left on the cabinet and picked it up.

Then I froze.

I was going to kill Mel, I really was.

"Puberty Blues," I whispered as I read the title of the book, absolutely mortified. In shock, I thumbed through the pages, aware that Mel hadn't completely lied – it was a picture book, that was for sure. I halted thumbing through the pages when a title popped out at me – "Masturbating – It's Natural"

"Oh my god," I muttered, staring dumbfounded at the accompanying cartoon drawing of a boy in bed with his hands placed mysteriously under the covers and a look of extreme satisfaction on his face. "Oh my god," I whispered again. I wanted to sink through the floor.

ooo

I called Jacob as soon as I left work that evening and to give him his due, he listened to the story of my afternoon without laughing once.

"Do you want to come over?" he asked.

Part of me did, but I was nervous as to what he would expect from me if I went. "I think I'll just go for a run then go to bed," I replied. "Thanks anyway."

"Well, can you leave this weekend free? I've been planning something."

I was instantly curious. "Don't forget, I'm meeting Edward at 5:30 on Friday."

He made an impatient noise. "Fine fine," he said. "But after that? Can I have you the rest of the weekend?"

I smiled. "Sure you can," I said quietly liking the way he had asked.

By the time I got home, I didn't feel like going for a run. Instead I drew myself a hot bath, turned on some relaxing music and tried to forget about my mortifying afternoon. Just as I was relaxing in the bubbles, I heard my mobile phone ring. Carefully I stepped out of the bath, wrapped myself in a towel and hurried over to my nightstand.

'Karin' was flashing across the screen of my phone and I grinned. It had been too long since we spoke.

"Hey!"

"Bella!" came the cry from the other end of the line. "It's so good to hear your voice, babe, how are you?"

"Oh I'm okay," I replied, shivering in the chilly air. "Despite having to answer personal questions about my sex life to 20 thirteen year olds this afternoon."

"Can't you get arrested for that?"

I laughed. "Oh shut up, it was a library talk thing."

"Well make sure you're not in jail next month, because guess who's coming to visit you?!"

"No way!"

"Yes way, and you better be ready to get your dancing shoes out, babe because I miss our nights out."

"I actually have a pair of shoes I'm dying to wear!" I said, thinking about the red-soled Louboutins still sitting in their box in my closet.

"I'll email you the dates, okay?"

We chatted for a little longer and I felt a little better about my appalling day at work after I got off the phone.

The week passed quickly as I busied myself with organising a function for a new book opening in November. Marcus wanted a black tie event, and I found that party-planning wasn't one of my skills. The invitations had to be sent out by the end of the week, and my stress levels were rising as Marcus kept changing and adding to the guest list. It didn't help that the Friday meeting with Edward was also hanging over my head.

I finally snapped at Marcus, "You realise every time you do that, I have to call the caterers back and change my order?"

He laughed his usual full-bellied guffaw and patted me on the back. "So fiery, Bella."

By Friday afternoon I was sick with nerves. I'd finally forgiven Mel for the Puberty fiasco, and went down to visit her after work.

"I don't know if I can do it," I told her quietly, wringing my hands anxiously.

"Sure you can." She flung an arm around my shoulders. "You just need to remember the person you are now, and don't let him control the situation. And if he really is as gorgeous as you claim, just imagine him in 50 years time when he'll still be controlling and manipulative but he'll also be fat and ugly."

I wished this were true.

"Don't let him try and engage in small talk," she continued. "Remember, he doesn't need to know about your life now."

I gave her a quick hug before leaving the library. We were to meet at the coffee shop across the road. It had started to rain, and I pulled my jacket a little tighter around me before putting up my umbrella and dashing across the street.

Edward was already there when I arrived, seated in a corner booth and playing on his phone. He glanced up when I arrived and smiled at me. I felt my insides clench.

Don't fall for it, Bella, I told myself, grateful yet again that he couldn't hear what was going on inside my head.

I smiled weakly back and went over to the table and sat opposite.

"Hi," he said, his voice even more soft and melodic than I remembered.

"Hi," I replied, and I noticed how clipped and curt my voice sounded in contrast. I winced inwardly.

"How are you?" he asked, his golden eyes gazing at me unblinkingly. I felt myself begin to melt into their depths but mentally shook myself. Pull yourself together, Bella!

"I'm fine, Edward," I said, trying to soften my voice but with little effect.

"And how's your new job?"

I felt rude but I had to stick to my guns. "It's fine. Listen, Edward, I'm not here for small talk, okay? Alice said you had something to say to me so why don't you just go ahead and say it?"

He looked completely taken aback. He even slid backwards a little in his chair, his eyebrows rising. I nearly opened my mouth to apologise but stopped myself just in time. No. I had nothing to be sorry for.

"Okay, then," he said slowly. "I suppose part of the reason I wanted to meet up with you this afternoon was to just know that you were okay."

"Well I'm fine, thank you."

"That's good," he said nodding. "Honestly, Bella, that's really good. All I ever wanted was for you to be happy."

I sat there fuming. The way he spoke sounded like he took credit for my happiness – he had allowed me to be happy.

"I'm sorry I could never make you happy," he said quietly his golden eyes boring into mine.

I shrugged. "It just wasn't meant to be, Edward. And I hope you're happy now too."

He smiled crookedly at me, and I wasn't sure if it was a smile I liked. "You've really changed you know."

"I know," I replied. "In a good way though I think. I have a better understanding of who I am now."

"That's good," he said, nodding encouragingly.

"So is that all you wanted?" I asked. "To see how I'm doing?"

"Not exactly." For the first time he didn't meet my eyes. "No, Bella, there's something I need to talk to you about."

I waited, a sense of unease growing in my tummy. He played mindlessly with the full cup of coffee he had ordered before I arrived.

"Alice has seen some movement," he began, running a hand through his thick bronze hair. "Within the Volturi."

I felt ice grip my heart. The breath I drew in caught in my throat and a sob slipped from my mouth. Before I knew it, he reached out and took my hands in his own.

"Bella, it will be okay, I promise. I won't let them hurt you. At the moment, you have just crossed their minds, that's all. They're just wondering. Alice hasn't seen any action yet. But I promise you, when the time comes I will protect you."

"No you won't."

I started at the loud voice next to me and looked around to see Jacob standing beside our table, glaring at Edward.

"I will protect her."

Edward rose to his feet, dropping my hands as he did so. "And how exactly do you plan to do that, dog, with your powers only a fraction of what they used to be?" his voice was no more than a whisper, but I could feel the venom behind them.

"Step outside and I'll show you," Jacob growled.

"Enough," I said. "Sit down both of you, people are staring."

The two men looked at me uncertainly until I barked, "Sit! Now!"

They both sat, still glaring at each other but looking a little sheepish at the same time.

I turned to look at Edward. "When do you think the Volturi will be coming?"

"Perhaps a year… at most."

I felt a tremor run through my body but tried to push it aside.

"And when they arrive, what do you suppose they will do?"

"We believe the root cause of their actions is to diminish our numbers rather than any true concern at your knowledge of their existence," he said quietly. "They will want Carlisle and our family to fight so they have an excuse to destroy us."

"Well that can't happen," I said matter-of-factly.

"If you think for one moment that we will leave you defenceless –" Edward began but Jacob cut him off.

"She won't be defenceless! She'll have the pack and me."

"You don't know their ways," Edward said quietly. "You can't read their thoughts."

Jacob gazed levelly at Edward. "So what do you propose we do?"

Edward sighed. "I propose we fight together. Caius is afraid of werewolves and when they see our numbers they'll rethink their attack. Especially if Alice can show them how badly the Volturi will be hurt by an attack. We'll try and convince some other friends to stand with us. People tend to trust Alice when she says they won't be hurt."

Jacob nodded. "Sounds like a plan."

"Hello!" I said crossly. "Don't I have a say in this plan?"

"Of course you do," said Edward quietly. "What is it you propose we do?"

"No one is going to get hurt because of me, that's just not fair."

"Well until the Volturi make a decision, Alice can't see that far ahead. So shall we tentatively agree on this plan until Alice sees anything else?"

Begrudgingly I agreed. "If that's all, Edward, I think I'll go. I've had a long day."

He nodded. "I'll keep in touch."

"Okay."

We quickly said goodbye and Jacob and I left as Edward stayed to pay for his un-drunk coffee.

"Why did you show up?" I demanded of Jacob the moment we were outside.

Jacob looked ashamed. "I didn't mean to butt in, I really didn't. I was just going to wait outside for you in case you needed a shoulder to cry on but then when I heard him say he was going to protect you, I couldn't help myself."

"So you were eavesdropping," I accused.

He looked guiltily down at his hands. "I suppose so."

"Honestly, Jake, I can look after myself with Edward."

He stopped walking and caught my hand in his. "I know," he agreed, forcing me to look at him. "I know, Bella, and I don't doubt you. I promise that I had no intention of interfering. But as soon as I heard him mentioning the Volturi, I got scared."

I sighed. "So did I."

He pulled me into a hug and I wrapped my arms gently around him as well, enjoying his warmth.

"Maybe I shouldn't have come this evening," he admitted. "But I knew you'd want to be with a friend after speaking with him so I wanted to be there for you. I should have sat somewhere out of hearing range I suppose."

"Thanks for coming, Jacob. But I can look after myself. With Edward anyway."

"I know," he replied and released me from the hug, taking my hand firmly in his as we walked down the street. "Hey you did promise that I was going to get you all weekend, right?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I did. Why?"

He just grinned at me, his white teeth flashing. "Go home and pack, I'm taking you away for the weekend."


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