Jade POV

Something smelled amazing.

Nothing ever smelled that amazing in my house. Cooking had never really been one of my strengths. If someone was trying to wake me up, it was definitely working.

Blinking the sleep from my eyes, I stretched up feeling the sun on my skin as it shone through the open window. I kept the duvet wrapped tightly around me enjoying the sensation of being lazy. I couldn't remember the last time I hadn't woken up to the high-pitched squeal of my alarm. Only when my eyes were fully open did I notice the stack of pancakes beside me dusted with icing sugar and loaded with fresh strawberries. My favourite.

Matt slid into bed beside me. I flinched as his cold feet brushed my bare legs. My eyes were still fixated on the pancakes as he placed a firm kiss on my lips, his hand winding itself in my knotted hair.

"Happy Birthday babe," he whispered when he finally came up for air. His grin was so wide I was afraid it might break his face in two.

Oh.

Automatically my eyes flickered to the calendar by my dressing table. Vaguely I could remember turning it to the month of May one morning when I had been rushing out the door to school. Shit. How had my birthday crept up on me so quickly?

"Don't you like it?" Matt cocked his head to the side, a frown line appearing on his forehead as he looked at me. He had been giving me that look more and more. Ever since we had run into Brady in the Diner he had been checking I was okay, he was buying me flowers on the way home from work and staying round at my house more often. It was as if he was testing my loyalty towards him.

"I love it," I finally answered pulling the plate of pancakes towards me. I truly did love it. For as long as I could remember my Mom had made me pancakes on my birthday. Matt knew that, Matt knew how much that had meant to me. Every minute of every day he made sure that I was doing okay, that I got to feel her presence even when she wasn't around.

It struck me suddenly that my Mom would never meet Brady. She would never get to see his disarmingly handsome smile or make him her famous mac and cheese. My heart felt heavier in my chest.

"We're getting so old." Matt pulled me into his side as I ate, his hand rubbing soothing circles on my arm. I forced a laugh as he produced a spare fork from behind his back and stole some of my pancakes.

"Speak for yourself," I pretended to narrow my eyes at him, "Personally I think we look pretty damn young."

"We're graduating in under a month. We're adults."

"Nope," I grinned knowing there were strawberries stuck in my teeth, "I am going to be eternally young."

"We can't let that happen, or you'll trade me in for a younger model," he joked waiting for my response. Briefly I thought of Brady's warm eyes watching me from across the room as he laughed with his friends. I thought of the way he made me take the first slice of pizza, and walked me to my car after it got dark. I could have stayed around him all night. So easily.

Matt elbowed me gently still waiting for my response.

"That will never happen," I tried to smile convincingly, "You're stuck with me."

"And I've never been happier," he whispered reaching down to twist my engagement ring around my finger. My lips drooped as he carefully put my half-eaten pancakes on the floor beside the bed. He smiled gently, his blue eyes shining as he carefully placed his lips on mine.

"You taste like strawberries." I could feel his lips smile against mine.

His hands snuck under my cami pulling me closer towards him. My lips moved against his but all I could think about were the pancakes. They were going to get cold. I had wanted to finish them, I didn't want to have to wait another whole year to get surprised with them again. It wouldn't even cross Matt's mind to be spontaneous and make them on a day that wasn't my birthday.

"I love you," Matt's breath was warm in my ear. His hands snuck further up my top, his lips pressed harder against mine. I -

"Shit." I jumped as my ringtone sounded from nearby. Matt groaned in annoyance.

"Just leave it," he grumbled.

"What if it's Louise wishing me a Happy Birthday?" I was aware of how whiny my voice sounded but I couldn't bring myself to care.

Reluctantly he let me go as I searched for my phone. I narrowed my eyes as he reached for the rest of the pancakes.

"Hello?"

A cough sounded down the line.

"Hello?"

"Hey Jade." Immediately I recognised Angela's croaky voice, she sounded like shit.

"Ang? Are you okay?"

"Not really," she whispered, "I know it's your birthday and your day off and I feel awful asking but-"

"No problem," I interrupted her before she had the chance to finish, "Don't even worry about the shop today. I'll pick up the extra shift."

Beside me, Matt's eyes widened and he shook his head.

"I'm honestly so sorry. I-"

"Ang. Stop apologising," I laughed, "You can make it up to me another time."

"But it's your birthday," Matt spoke beside me, not even trying to keep his voice down.

"Oh no. Did Matt have plans for the two of you? I can just-"

"Ang," I kept my voice firm as I glared at Matt, "It's honestly no problem. And I'm hanging up now before you apologise again. Get well soon, I hope Ben is showering you with attention."

"What was that?" I hissed at Matt as soon as I'd hung up. I was already getting out of bed, trying to remember if I'd washed my black jeans or not.

"It's your birthday-"

"Which is just another day of the year." Matt sighed, he stretched his arms above his head in exasperation.

"I took the day off."

"I didn't ask you to," the words flew out of my mouth before I could stop them. Matt looked wounded, his face drooping a little under the weight of my words. Why was I always such a damn bitch?

"I didn't mean that," I sighed as I rifled through my drawers looking for a clean shirt. I really needed to do my laundry. Studying had taken over my life, chores had taken a major backseat.

"It's okay," Matt appeared behind me, and wrapped his arms around my stomach. I couldn't help but lean back into his familiar embrace. How he put up with me, I'd never understand.

"It's a Sunday, it's just a short shift."

"I know," he placed a kiss on the top of my head before letting me go, "And we can celebrate properly tonight. I'll even buy a cake." His smile was back.

"You don't have to-"

"I want to," he laughed, "You're my future wife. I'll be making you smile on your birthday for years to come. That's part of the job description."

I kept the smile painted upon my face as I kissed him lightly before disappearing into the bathroom.

XXXXXXXXXX

Sighing, I turned the page of my Biology Textbook as I gazed out of the window. It was a weirdly sunny day in Forks. Everyone was out and about, but there hadn't been one single customer. Not one. I was trying to think of the money, but even that wasn't cheering me up the way it normally would have.

Matt had phoned twice to check in. The first time he phoned he had still been lounging in my bed, eating the rest of my pancakes. By the second time he had made his way to the lounge to watch TV. He told me he was cooking me dinner though, so at least I had that to look forward to. Even if that did mean he was staying over for another night. I guessed I was going to have to get used to sharing a bed.

My head snapped up at the door chimed.

Finally. A customer.

I smiled as three women walked in. Their tanned skin suggested that they were from the reservation. I tried not to stare as I noticed scars running down the side of one of their faces. They were giggling amongst themselves as they walked over to a railing of dresses in the corner. Despite the scars they were all incredibly beautiful in an almost effortless way. It was as if they didn't care what anyone thought. I wished I could be as self confident as that.

"Can I help you with anything?" I smiled, closing my Biology textbook and heading over to where they were browsing.

Almost immediately all three pairs of eyes swivelled to take me in, their gazes calculating, they were studying me intently. Finally they all smiled, as if I had passed their test. I stood awkwardly in front of them waiting for someone to say something, anything.

"You must be Jade!"

My smile slipped a little from my face. How did they know who I was?

"You're Brady's friend, right?" One of them hid a smile behind their hand as another giggled.

"Well, kind of," I shrugged, not ready to use the 'friend' label, "I've seen him around." Seen him around? Who was I kidding? I'd actively went and sought him out two days previously. It was as if however much time I spent around him was never enough.

"Well, he speaks very highly of you," the one with the scars stepped forward with a reassuring smile on her face, "I'm Emily. And these two are Kim and Rachel, who are both much too nosey for their own good."

"We're looking for dresses," Kim explained glancing around the shop, "Bridesmaid dresses for my wedding. I'm just wearing a white Summer dress, nothing fancy or complicated, so I want the same for my bridesmaids, except bright and colourful. Happy colours." Kim seemed to bounce up and down on her toes as she spoke. It was as if she couldn't reign in her excitement. Was that how excited I was supposed to be? I was an awful fiancee.

"Something short but classy," Rachel chipped in, "I want to drive Paul wild."

"You always drive him wild," Kim laughed while Emily rolled her eyes. They were quite unlike anyone I had ever met.

"Not wild enough for him to put a ring on it," Rachel grumbled.

"You know Paul and his view on marriage," Emily's voice was quiet as she looked through the rail of dresses in front of her, "He'll come around eventually. He'd do anything to make you happy Rachel."

"I know."

"Anyway, back to the dresses," Kim turned to face me, "Do you have any suggestions?"

"Uhm," I twisted my hands in front of me as I tried to remember what we had in the back, "How many are you looking for?"

"Well, one for Emily and Rach," Kim suddenly tilted her head to the side looking thoughtful, "And one for another friend, I'd say she was about your height and weight, so you can try it on so we have a good idea."

Rachel and Emily exchanged a look.

"Oh-" I started walking towards the back, "She could always come and try one on another day."

"She's too busy," Kim said dismissively putting an end to the conversation, "It would mean so much to me if you tried it on for me."

"O-okay." I mean really, how could I say no to a begging bride? Besides, as my boss said 'the customer is always right,' even when they definitely weren't. It was all about the sale.

A few minutes later I brought a simple, strapless dress out to the front. Kim and Rachel were lounging on the sofa in the middle of the store, while Emily was trying on a pair of sandals.

"How about this?" The one I held up was a soft pink colour.

"We have this in baby blue, yellow, pink, and green I think?" I grabbed a catalogue from the counter so I could show them the different colours that I had through the back.

"Oh! These are perfect," Kim smiled brightly, her eyes sparkling. She reminded me of an excited puppy. Her fiancee must be some amazing guy. She was so obviously, and completely in love with him that it made my heart physically ache.

"Can I wear the yellow one Kim?" Rachel was almost begging, "You know Paul loves me in yellow."

"And pink for you Em?" Kim asked, "You always look amazing in that colour."

"What about your other friend?" I asked still flicking through the catalogue. Rachel and Emily exchanged another glance while Kim pulled out her phone.

"Two minutes," she mumbled turning away from the group. Emily and Rachel took their dresses to go try on while I leant against the counter waiting for Kim.

"Baby blue or emerald green?" I heard her ask while I pretended to look busy.

"Just pick one!" Her voice rose a little, sounding slightly frustrated.

"Why does it matter? What colour do you like best?"

"Brady, I swear to god-" My head snapped up as she spoke Brady's name. Why did it matter what colour he liked best? Was the dress for someone he knew? Did he have a girlfriend?

Kim's voice was quieter as she continued to talk. I could hear the other girls laughing in the back. An awful sensation had wormed its way into my stomach. Why did I always turn into such a wreck when I heard his name? It wasn't fair to Matt.

"Baby blue," Kim was still smiling as she walked towards me, interrupting my thoughts. It was only then I realised I had been standing chewing on my nails. My Mom had hated it when I did that.

"Huh?"

"Baby blue. The last dress," Kim nudged me, "You alright?"

"Yeah, fine," I gave myself a shake, "Was that your other bridesmaid on the phone?" I couldn't stop the question from spilling from my mouth, even though I knew the answer. Kim's smile got even brighter as she linked her arm with mine and walked towards the changing rooms.

"No," her eyes held mine for a beat too long, "That was just her-" she hesitated, "I guess you could say that was someone who cares about her very much."

"Oh," I tried to keep the disappointment from my voice. Already I hated the girl that Brady cared for 'very much.'

"Blue is his favourite colour," Kim said nonchalantly as she passed the dress to me, "Now could you do me a huge favour and try this on for me?" No. I did not want to. I did not want to try on the dress that some other girl would be wearing to try and impress Brady. No way.

"No problem." I couldn't even force a smile, I felt sick to the pit of my stomach. Distantly I could hear my phone ringing, probably Matt wanting to make sure I was alright. It was as if I was a child who couldn't be trusted.

Holding back unnecessary tears I slipped the dress on. It had been one of my favourite dresses in the store for ages. The material was so soft on my skin, and I loved the way it floated down to just above my knee. Kim's bridesmaids were going to look stunning.

Kim clapped her hands as I exited the changing room. Emily stood in front of a full length mirror while Rachel twirled around laughing. They both looked like something out of a romance movie.

"You all look amazing," Kim's voice was quiet as she lined us up alongside each other and admired the dresses, "These are perfect."

"Not as perfect as your dress," Emily spoke up, placing a gentle hand on Kim's arm. Kim blushed lightly as she took out her phone and snapped a picture to take the attention away from herself.

"The boys are not going to know what's hit them," Kim giggled wiping a stray tear from her face. Rachel slung an arm over Kim's shoulder and pulled her into her side whispering something.

I glanced at myself again in the mirror. It was as if the dress had been made for me. The soft blue made me look gentle and welcoming. I hoped Kim's other bridesmaid appreciated it as much as I did. Secretly, I hoped it didn't suit her as much as it suited me. I was turning into a right bitch.

"Just remember if your other bridesmaid changes her mind, just give me a call." God. I hated saying those words.

"I don't think that will be necessary," Kim pulled me into an unexpected hug, her grip tight, "Thank you for all your help today." I stood static in Kim's arms. What was it with people from La Push always giving hugs? Thankfully, her phone rang and she pulled away.

I took my time as I went back into the dressing room, waiting until the very last second until I took the dress off. Briefly I wondered what kind of dress I would get for my 'big day,' Probably something completely over the top if Louise had any say in it. I longed for the simple wedding that Kim was planning.

Kim and the others were lingering by the cash register talking in hushed tones when I finally made my way back over to them.

"Is that everything for you today?" I asked, slipping back into my role as the sales person. I had to distance myself from the situation.

"Yes. Everything is perfect," Kim breathed, "Hey, when do you shut tonight?"

My eyes flickered to the clock above the door as I rang up the dresses.

"In five minutes," I laughed. They had made the rest of my afternoon pass by so quickly.

"The girls and I were thinking of getting some food in the Diner if you would like to join? My treat, since you have been so helpful today." I had hardly done anything. In fact I'd frowned through pretty much the whole experience.

"Oh no. Thanks for the offer, but you spend time with your friends."

"Honestly," Kim placed her hand on my arm, "We want you to come."

"Well, I-"

"It would be easier if you just said yes," Rachel sighed as she glanced at her nails, "Kim rarely takes no for an answer, and I am starving."

"Rach," Emily hissed, smacking her lightly with her handbag.

"She's right though," Kim laughed as I handed her the dresses, "I am a hard person to say no to."

And that is how I found myself agreeing to spend time with virtual strangers for the second time in the space of three days. I was completely losing my mind.

Thoughts?