A/N: This story has no Beta. All spelling errors and mistakes are my own.
Sorry for the wait guys! Been busy with work! Hope this was worth the wait!
Playlist for chapter 15:
Wake Me Up When September Ends - Green DayGood Riddance (Time Of Your Life) - Green Day
BPOV
Three hours. Just three hours can change your life. It can turn your whole world upside down. Time is infinite, it will go on forever. It flies in or it drags in. All we have is time to make things count.
Three hours and my life was forever changed.
"Happy birthday, kid." My dad smiled at me and handed me a card, "I didn't manage to get you a present or anything."
I took the card from him and shook my head, "I don't care." I answered, "There's nothing I need."
My dad leaned back in his hospital bed and took a deep breath, "What time is your party?"
"Seven thirty, I think." I sat down on the chair by his bed and chewed my lip, "It's at Alice's."
He nodded, "Well, enjoy yourself, kid. You're only eighteen once."
"Yeah." I smiled sadly and stared down at my lap, "I wish mom was here."
My dad sighed and reached for my hand, "I know. But she's here. Maybe not in person, but she's here."
I squeezed my dad's hand gently and nodded, "I know."
He stared at our hands for a while before looking up at me and smiling widely, "You better go get ready for you party, kid."
I laughed, "I am ready."
He shook his head, "You're not wearing that, are you?"
I looked down at my skinny jeans, band tee and scuffed converse, "What's wrong with it?"
He wrinkled his nose, "I'm sure you can find something dressier to wear."
I rolled my eyes and stood up, "I'll get right on that."
"Don't get too drunk now."
My eyes widened in mock horror, "Dad!" I gasped, "The legal drinking age here is twenty one."
My dad smirked and raised a brow, "Yeah, so?"
"You're a cop." I laughed, "You shouldn't be condoning this behaviour."
He held his hands up and chuckled, "I'm off duty."
I shook my head and kissed his cheek, "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Okay. I love you, Bells."
I smiled in return, "I love you too, Dad."
I stared at my reflection in the mirror and smiled at myself. I'm eighteen. I'm fucking eighteen.
I dragged a brush through my hair and looked down at my clothes. Maybe my dad was right. Should I change?
It's a house party.
Yeah. It's a house party, not a night out.
I grabbed my phone and sent a quick text to Alice.
"Be there soon."
I stole a glance at the clock. I had half an hour before I had to leave.
I had a lot to celebrate tonight. My dad was getting better. He was going to be okay, which meant goodbye Phoenix, AZ and goodbye Edward fucking Cullen.
My phone buzzed in my pocket.
"Jasper will pick you up. x"
I smiled at Alice's text and shoved my phone back in my pocket. Tonight was going to be fucking amazing.
While I was waiting for Jasper, I had one of the joints Jake had left. I wanted a head start.
I leaned against the back door and stared outside.
I would miss Alice, of course. It's weird how the one person you hated at first, could be the one person who actually made this state bearable. Life would be weird without her. But I'd have Mike and Jess back in no time.
A knock on the front door signalled the arrival of Jasper.
I locked up and followed Jasper to his car, "Happy birthday." He smiled.
"Thanks." I responded, putting my seatbelt on.
"Alice is so excited about this party." He chuckled.
I grinned widely, "That's great."
I don't know what it was about Jasper, but I felt uncomfortable around him. He didn't talk much, which was fine. But the silence was always awkward.
"Are there a lot people there already?" I asked quietly.
Jasper chuckled, "Alice has practically invited the whole school."
I groaned inwardly, I thought it was just gonna be a few people.
"Great." I forced a smile and ran a hand through my hair.
Jasper pulled into Alice's driveway and got out. I closed the car door and followed Jasper into Alice's house.
The lounge was full of balloons and bowls of snacks.
Alice squealed in delight when she saw me, "Happy birthday!" She pulled me into a hug and squeezed me tightly. She was freakishly strong for such a small person.
"Thanks!" I pulled back and grinned at her.
"There are more people to come, don't worry." She smiled and handed me a balloon, "For you."
I took the balloon from her and smiled in thanks.
A few senior guys, who I recognised from English tipped their cups toward me and nodded. Alice grabbed my hand and pulled me through to the kitchen, "We're all set with the drinks." She gestured toward the kitchen table which was full of bottles of Vodka, Bourbon and Beer.
"Enjoy your party." She kissed my cheek and skipped off toward Jasper.
I rubbed my hands on my jeans and grabbed a bottle of Bourbon from the table.
Within half an hour, Alice's lounge was packed full of Freshmans, Sophomores and Seniors. Jasper wasn't kidding.
Random people came up to me, hugging me and giving me their well wishes.
I remained in the kitchen with my trusty bottle of Bourbon. The fact that Edward wasn't here hadn't escaped my notice.
"Emmett isn't here yet." Rosalie sighed, leaning against the kitchen unit beside me.
I nodded, "I know." I handed her my Bourbon.
She took it from me and took a drink, wincing when the burn hit her throat, "Anyway, happy birthday."
"Thanks." I took the Bourbon from her and watched as she danced her way back into the lounge.
Suddenly, I wasn't enjoying myself. It was my party but I felt isolated. I was still "the new girl" deep down.
I stared at a pizza box, chewing on my lip.
Why wasn't Edward here? Was he coming with Emmett? Was he coming at all?
Chill out and enjoy your party.
I couldn't. Not yet anyway.
"You know, you're supposed to eat that, right?"
My stomach somersaulted at the sound of his voice. He showed.
"What?"
"The pizza?" He pointed to the box and smiled, "You're supposed to eat it. Not glare at it."
I rolled my eyes and reached for a bottle of Bourbon that was sitting nearby. I know how pizza works.
"Bourbon girl." I heard him whisper.
"Aren't you going to wish me a happy birthday?" I asked, sitting up on the kitchen unit. I felt giddy. He was here.
"Happy birthday." He chuckled, filling up a cup with Diet Coke.
I raised a brow, "You're not drinking?" This was a party, wasn't it?
He shook his head, "Nah. Not in the mood." He answered, lifting the cup to his lips.
I snorted and drank some of the bottle I was holding, "Boring."
What happened to "bad boy Cullen"?
Emmett grabbed me and crushed me to his chest, "Happy birthday, Swan girl!"
I laughed and pushed him away so I could breathe, "Thanks."
Emmett grinned widely, "I've brought Tequila."
Tequila? I hated Tequila. I wasn't even at that drunk stage where I would drink anything yet.
I scrunched my nose up, "I'm a-"
"Bourbon girl." Edward finished, motioning toward the bottle in my hands.
I raised a brow, but remained silent.
"Shoulda known." He huffed, grabbing himself a cup, "Well, there's Bourbon too." He kissed the top of my head, "Enjoy your party."
I swung my legs against the cabinet underneath me and annihilated the Bourbon.
Edward raised a brow as he watched me.
It was my party, and now that he was here, it could really begin.
I jumped down off the unit, almost landing flat on my face.
Edward's arms snaked around my waist, "You good?" He whispered, his lips close to my ear.
I almost moaned at his breath tickling my skin. Almost.
I pushed him away, trying to maintain a safe distance, "I'm good."
He nodded and backed away and I felt bad. He was just trying to help.
I grinned when I spotted the balloons, "Happy birthday to me." I giggled, making my way into the lounge.
"Bellaaaaa!" A few senior guys from my Calculus class grabbed me by the waist and lifted me up, "Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!"
I threw my head back, laughing at their antics.
Admit it, you're having fun.
I was. I actually was. Now that I was slightly drunk.
They sat me back down on the floor and one of them, I think his name was Seth, pulled my against him as he danced.
From the corner of my eye, I could see Edward leaning against the kitchen door, eyes narrowed. Was someone jealous?
I pressed myself against Seth and smirked when he placed his hands on either side of my hips.
Eat it, Cullen.
I frowned, noticing that my bottle was finished. It was time to get another one. I grinned up at Seth and backed away. He gave me a thumbs up and danced his way back to his friends.
I stumbled my way back to the kitchen, brushing by "Mr Broody" and gently placed the empty bottle on the table. Knowing my luck, if I wasn't careful, I'd end up smashing it. "Why so glum, Cullen?" I mumbled.
I pursed my lip, scanning the kitchen for another bottle. I could've swore there was another bottle here.
You probably drank it.
I rolled my eyes at myself, I only had one bottle. I think.
"No reason." Edward answered, calmly. He reached down and took a bottle from a bag at his feet, "Looking for this?" Edward smirked.
My eyes widened. Finally. I took the bottle from him and unscrewed the cap, taking a long overdue drink.
I tilted my head to the side and stared at him, "Is this my birthday present?" I asked, sarcasm dripping from my voice. If it was, it was a welcome present, but not amazing.
Yeah cause you want to unwrap something else entirely.
Edward chuckled and shook his head, "No."
I nodded in approval, "Good."
Good for you, you still got a chance.
I wanted to kick myself for thinking what I was thinking. We would never work. And anyway, I had Jake.
Drug dealer? Scooooore.
I looked up to find Edward staring intently at me, "What?" I could feel my cheeks burn.
"What, what?" He answered.
"You're staring at me." I replied, swaying slightly. I was beginning to feel like I was on a boat or some shit.
"…thinking." I could barely hear him over the music.
I moved closer to him and looked up at him, "About what?" I asked. I was eager to know.
He closed his eyes and too a deep breath and I wanted to lean closer and kiss him.
Have some water, Swan.
"About nothing." He answered finally, opening his eyes.
My eyes searched his. He was lying. It was obvious. "Okay." I whispered.
"Okay." He whispered back.
My stomach churned as we stood, staring intently at each other.
He looked…just too intense. He clenched and unclenched his jaw as his eyes scanned my face. He had a little bit of stubble on his cheeks, I wanted to reach out and touch it.
What is wrong with you?
I know. I know. I can't make up my mind.
"Bella!" Alice screeched, running into the kitchen.
Edward abruptly stepped back from me. I frowned, what the fuck? Was he embarrassed to be seen talking to me now?
You know you weren't talking.
"You need to dance with me!" Alice grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the kitchen.
I didn't want to dance, I wanted to stay in my bubble with Edward.
I sat on the couch next to Alice and popped a piece of gum into my mouth. My mouth was starting to feel dry.
Rosalie and Emmett were practically dry humping each other on the chair next to me. I squirmed uncomfortably and scooted closer to Alice.
"I know, it's disgusting." She shouted over the bass. I smiled and nodded.
"Happy birthday, Swan!"
My skin turned ice cold at the sound of her voice. Jane.
I turned my head slowly and forced a smile.
"No hard feelings, right?" She smiled sweetly at me and opened her arms out for a hug.
Alice nudged me and nodded.
I rolled my eyes and stood, slowly making my over to her.
I hugged her tentatively. This was awkward as fuck.
"I'm soooo glad we can be friends now." She grinned as we broke away from each other.
I raised my brows and nodded. Friends? With her? No chance.
She gave Alice a small wave and skipped off outside.
All I wanted to do now was wash her scent off my skin.
I grimaced and leaned down to Alice, "I'll be back soon." I told her.
She nodded and turned her attention to Jasper, who had just joined her on the couch.
I climbed the stairs, careful as to not stomp on anyone's fingers. There were people passed out everywhere. I held onto the wall as I stumbled my way to one of the bedrooms.
Who invited her? Why was she here? The last time we spoke she told me to watch my back and now she wants to be friends? Did Edward speak to her? What did he see in her anyway?
You're not his girlfriend. She is.
Yes, thank you brain. I am aware of that. I flopped down on the bed and sighed, the room was starting to spin slowly. I closed my eyes.
Edward. Edward. Edwaaaaaard.
I sat up and chewed on my lip, Edward is nothing. We were nothing. And that wasn't going to change.
Someone knocked on the door then, "What?"
The door opened and Edward stepped inside.
I took a deep calming breath and watched as he quietly shut the door behind him.
"Hey." He smirked.
"What do you want?" My speech was slurred and I was beginning to see double.
"I just walked in on Emmett and Rosalie." He chuckled.
I covered my mouth with my hand, "No." I gasped. Was he serious? That's hilarious.
"Yes." He nodded and sat down on one of the chairs by the window, "You enjoying your birthday?" He asked, watching me carefully.
I made my way across the room and leaned against the wall and smiled lazily, "I'm high and drunk, of cour-course."
Speak properly.
"Get your weed from Jake?" He asked, raising a brow.
Fuck. How did he know?
Play dumb.
Yes. Play dumb.
"Who?"
Edward rolled his eyes and stood up, "C'mon Bella. Don't lie to me." He muttered.
"What's it to you anyway, Cullen?" I spat, straightening myself up off the wall, "I can do what I want." I crossed my arms over my chest and nodded to myself. This was none of his business.
"You can. But with Jacob Black of all people? Come on, Bella."
I narrowed her eyes . How dare he tell me what I should and shouldn't do. He had no authority over me. No right to dictate to me. "You don't, you don't get to tell me who I can or can't hang out with."
Try and say that without slurring and with more conviction.
I scowled at myself.
"I'm not. I'm telling you who you can and can't fuck." He spat.
Oh no he fucking didn't.
"Fuck you, Edward!" I growled, punching at his chest. Fuck him to hell and back.
He grabbed my wrists and pushed me away from him, "Listen to me, Bella!" He hissed. I pulled my wrists free from his grasp and turned away from him. I couldn't look at his face. I may just fucking punch it. I sat myself down on the bed and sighed, "Why are you doing this?" I whispered, "It's none of your concern who I sleep with. It's none of your-of your concern what I do. I'm nothing to you."
Today was my day. I should've been able to enjoy what was left of my birthday without his ego overshadowing everything.
"I know I fucked this up, Bella." Edward whispered, leaning against the wall as he faced me, "I know I fucked it majorly."
I sighed again and ran a hand through my hair. I couldn't deal with this. "I need another drink." I mumbled, standing up. I stood up too quickly, the blood rushing from my head, and I ended up back on my ass.
Oh for fuck sake, Swan.
Edward chuckled, watching me with amused eyes.
Asshole.
"This isn't funny." I growled, standing again.
"I know." He whispered, "But-"
"But what?" I hissed, moving over to him. I glared up at him, "But what?" I was just dying to know what else had hurt his humongous ego.
"I just don't want you to get involved with Jake."
I hid my face in my hands. This shit again. "It's none of your business." I mumbled.
He gently tugged at my wrists and my hands dropped to my sides. I stared tiredly at him. I had just about had enough.
"I'm sorry." He whispered .
What. The. Fuck.
"For everything I've done to you since you've got here. I didn't treat you the way I should have." He brushed a strand of my hair behind my ear and smiled, sending my heart into overdrive.
My mouth went dry, my heart loud in my ears as I focused on his lips.
You know you want to.
I did. I really did. Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe it was the fact I was soon to be leaving Phoenix, but I just wanted to taste his lips again.
Fuck it.
"I know you don't believe me-"
I pressed my lips to his, effectively silencing him, and snaked my arms around his neck, pressing my body to his.
He tasted like Jack Daniels and cigarettes. I ran my hands across his shoulders and down his chest. I wanted to feel his skin. I slowly began unbuttoning his shirt and dropped it to the floor, my hands trailing along the curves of his chest. He pushed me to the bed, lying over me.
Well done, Swan.
I focused on his kisses instead of my thoughts. He moved his lips to my neck, kissing my skin, sending shock waves through my body. I moaned quietly and squirmed under him. My hands found their way into his hair, pulling lightly as our lips met again. It felt good to kiss him again. It was nostalgic.
My nails scraped along his chest as he slowly pulled my top off.
One night stand, then? What will people think?
I tried to focus on him, but the better part of myself had a point. What about Jane? She would really kill me. And if Alice or Emmett were to find out.
"Stop." I whispered, pushing him away.
"What's wrong?" He answered, leaning back.
I sat up and shook my head. I didn't want to talk to him. I grabbed my top and hurried to get it back on.
"This was a mistake." I whispered as I stood, making my way to the door.
This was a huge fucking mistake.
I leaned against the kitchen unit, biting my thumbnail.
Idiot.
Yes, I fucking know.
Jane stood next to me, watching me carefully, "Are you okay? You look like you're about to be sick." She commented, "Too much to drink?"
I narrowed my eyes at her. If she only knew.
"Your phone is ringing, Swan." She muttered, swirling her drink around her cup.
I turned for my phone and spotted Edward. Sighing, I grabbed my phone and frowned when I saw Dr. Cullen's number.
"Why the fuck is my dad calling you?" Edward hissed from behind me.
Oh fuck off, Cullen.
"Hello?"
"Miss Swan," Dr. Cullen's urgent voice sent anxiety through me, "I'm so sorry to disturb your night, but could you please get to the hospital as soon as possible. It's regarding your father…" His voice broke at the end, telling me all I needed to know.
"What?" I whispered.
"It's extremely urgent, Miss Swan. We need you to come to the hospital now if you-"
My phone slipped through my fingers, bouncing off the floor. He wasn't better. Far from it.
"What's wrong?" Edward asked quietly.
I stared at the wall infront of me, trying to find the will to answer him, "My…my dad."
He stood infront of me and placed a finger under my chin, lifting my head, "What about him?"
What was he doing?
You don't need him. Go to the hospital.
"Fuck off, Cullen." I hissed, grabbing my jacket. He didn't need to know everything about my life. He didn't need to know about my father. It was none of his business. I stormed out of the party, pulling on my jacket as I walked.
"Where are you going?" Edward shouted. I didn't answer. I wanted to get there quickly and wasting time with him was not an option.
"Bella!" He shouted again. I could hear him running behind me. He didn't know when to quit. "Seriously, Bella, stop!" He grabbed my arm, and quickly turned me around.
I narrowed my eyes, "I'm going to the hospital, okay?" Wasn't that self explanatory?
"Let me drive you." He offered, patting his pockets for his keys.
"I don't want anything from you."
He tilted his head to the side and frowned, "Don't be like this." He begged quietly.
"Leave me alone." I turned around and began walking toward the hospital. He never followed me, so he must've got the message.
I don't know how long I'd been walking for, but I was starting to get cold. Anxiety and fear bubbled inside of me.
"Please let him be okay." I whispered to myself.
I heard a car pull up beside me, "Get in the car, Bella." Edward sighed.
I continued walking, ignoring him and his stupid shiny Volvo.
"Bella, get in the fucking car!" He hissed, the car coming to an abrupt stop.
I turned and growled, "No. I'd rather walk!"
"Oh fuck this." He killed the engine and got out, marching over to me.
I frowned, watching him, "What the fuck are you doing?" I hissed.
He grabbed me by the waist and the next thing I knew I was over his shoulder as he carried me to the car.
"Put me down." I punched at his back, kicking my legs around, hoping to kick him in jewels.
Just give up, Swan.
He placed me in the passenger seat, "Put on your seatbelt." He muttered quietly as he shut the door and stormed to the drivers side.
I did what I was told and crossed my arms. "There was no need for that." I muttered, sticking out my tongue.
"There was no need for a lot of things tonight." Edward chuckled as he drove.
"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked quietly.
"I'm guessing you didn't mean to kiss me." He replied.
I leaned my head against the window and chewed on my lip, deliberating my answer. I did mean to kiss him, I think. I don't know, I couldn't remember. "I didn't mean to do a lot of things tonight." I answered.
"What's that supposed to mean?" He asked.
"I'm guessing you didn't want to come tonight?" It was fairly obvious. He showed up late, didn't drink, stayed in the kitchen with me. He screamed uncomfortable.
"Not really, no." He answered, smirking.
Thanks for the truth, asshole.
I nodded and stared out of the window, "That's cool."
"So…why does my dad have your number?" He asked, parking outside the hospital.
I sighed and took off my seatbelt. He just doesn't give up, does he? "He's my dad's doctor." I answered.
We took the elevator to my dad's floor since it was quicker than taking the stairs. I chewed on my lip nervously at it ascended.
Breathe.
If only it were that easy. I had no idea what was going on. I had no idea if he was okay.
The alcohol began to wear off, leaving me with the beginnings of a pounding headache.
I made my way to the nurses station, "Where's Dr Cullen?" I asked politely.
The nurse was about to reply when Dr. Cullen cleared his throat behind us.
"Miss Swan?" Edward and I both turned to face him.
He stared at Edward curiously, "Edward?"
Edward placed his hand on the small of my back and stared at his father. His touch calmed me somewhat.
Dr. Cullen shook his head, "Go home, Edward."
"But I-"
"Now!" He snapped. I almost cowered from him. I had never seen him like that.
Edward glanced at me, silently asking me if it was okay. I gave him a small smile and nodded, telling him it was okay.
"Thanks for the ride." I whispered to him.
He smiled and began backing away toward the elevator, "Anytime."
I turned my attention back to Dr. Cullen. He gave me a small smile before taking a deep breath, "Perhaps we should take this into my office, and discuss things privately."
I shook my head, "No." I answered, "I want to know right now. Right here."
Dr. Cullen furrowed his brows, "Very well." He took a step closer to me and lowered his voice, "Your father, unfortunately suffered from a massive heart attack, just before I called you. I'm very sorry to tell you, Miss Swan, your father-"
"No." I whispered. I tried to swallow the lump that had formed in my throat.
No fucking way. He couldn't be gone. The tears fell from my eyes and my legs buckled, sending me to the floor. No.
"Your father passed away. We did all we could. I'm very sorry for your loss."
The only thing I could hear was the noise of my strangled sobs.
Dr. Cullen helped me to stand and escorted me to his office, "I'll leave you for a few minutes." He patted my hand softly and gave me a sympathetic smile.
My fingers began to tear at the tissue in my lap.
Three hours. I saw him three hours ago. Three hours, that was all it took. Three hours and my life was changed forever.
I should've appreciated the little things. I should've visited more often. I should've made more of an effort.
This wasn't your fault.
If I would've stayed with him tonight instead of going to that fucking party, he could still be here.
I stared at Dr. Cullen's desk and took a deep breath. I couldn't do this alone. I just couldn't. I had to relive this grief again. I had to somehow survive losing another parent. I just didn't think I had the strength in me.
I folded my legs underneath me and curled up into a ball, hugging myself tightly as I sobbed quietly.
"I love you, dad." I whispered.
The door swung open, revealing Edward.
"Bella." He whispered, rushing to my side. He knelt infront of me.
"What…what are you doing here?" I sniffed. I didn't want him to see me like this.
Accept it.
"Edward." Dr. Cullen's tone was clipped and full of warning, "Leave Miss Swan alone."
I didn't have the energy to interject. I didn't have the energy to do anything.
"No." He growled in return. Edward turned his attention back to me and wiped a tear from my cheek. That was all it took.
"He's…" I took a deep breath through my sobs, "He's gone."
He scooped me up in his arms and sat down, placing me gently on his lap, "It's okay." He whispered.
Dr. Cullen sighed deeply and shook his head before leaving the two of us alone.
"How did this happen?" I cried quietly, hiding my face in his chest.
Edward rubbed my back gently, rubbing soothing circles. I felt oddly comforted by him.
"He was fine. He was going to be fine." I choked through my tears.
"Shhh." Edward hugged me closer and kissed the top of my head, "It's okay."
He began rocking me slowly like a baby, and he continued rubbing my back. I closed my eyes, breathing in his comforting scent. I just wanted to sleep. I gripped his shirt tightly and buried myself in deeper against him, resting my head against the front of his shoulder.
Sleep.
I'll sleep and pray that tomorrow tells me this was all just one big nightmare.
I'll sleep and pray that tomorrow my dad will be here and assure me it was a mistake.
I'll sleep and pray that tomorrow doesn't come.