A/N: Thanks to Sherry & Tiffany!
Chapter 27
The rest of the week passed more or less the same. I went to work and hung out with Edward afterwards. I'll admit we had gotten a lot closer after his confession. I almost felt ready to open up to him and talk about my parents, almost.
I wasn't entirely sure what was holding me back, but I knew if anyone was able to break through that wall then it was him. He was so patient and understanding with me. I wasn't quite sure what I had done to deserve him, but I was grateful that he had come into my life. I was no longer existing, I was living again.
"You look beautiful," Alice said, meeting my eyes in the mirror.
"Thank you," I sighed, looking at my reflection in the mirror. I barely recognized the woman looking back at me. I knew Edward wasn't going to recognize her either.
It was Friday night, and like Edward and I had agreed, I was taking him out to dinner with my first paycheck. I had chosen to wear the blue, daisy print dress that he had bought me earlier in the week. I felt completely out of my comfort zone, but I wanted to make an effort for him and show him that I was grateful for everything that he had done for me. I wanted to show him that I was willing to change, if he was willing to wait for me.
"Bella," Jasper called up the stairs, "we gotta leave if you want to make it there on time."
I took a deep breath. Alice reached over and squeezed my hand. "You'll be fine," she assured me, "he is going to be blown away, just don't forget to smile."
I nodded and grabbed the clutch I had borrowed from Alice off the bed and hurried down the stairs. Jasper was grinning from ear to ear when he saw me. "You look stunning, Bella."
I blushed, looking down at the floor. I wasn't used to getting compliments.
"C'mon," he said, pushing me towards the door. "We don't want to keep Edward waiting."
I said goodbye to Alice and followed Jasper to the car. My stomach was doing somersaults by this point. I felt so sick.
"I was wrong, ya know," Jasper said, starting the car. "You're good for him. You're both good for each other. I'm sorry I was so hard on you before."
"It's okay," I said, smiling over at him. "I understand that you're both close. You were only looking out for him. I would do the same if it was someone that I cared about. I mean, let's face it. I wasn't exactly in a good place when I came here."
"No, you weren't," Jasper agreed, "but I have seen a big difference in you since he has come into your life. I'm happy to have my cousin back."
"I'm happy to be back."