AN: Sorry this is a little late coming to you. I didn't have much motivation, not to mention that I was busy celebrating my first 5th anniversary (that's the city hall paper wedding) and watching Harry Potter. Loved it and it's disturbing to know that I read the book twice and I still jumped at the scary parts and cried in the end even though I knew what happened. HAHAHA Anyway…

Two things: 1) I've changed the flashback headings to be actual years, hopefully this will be a little less confusing. 2) I want to remind you all that this is OOC so do NOT hate me for what I write, I also don't want to read ultra negative reviews or anything regarding what is written in this chapter. If you don't like it just don't continue reading. It's my story, I write it as I want. :o)

Aside from that, you can review all you want. Reviews make me happy. I have almost 50, maybe I can get to 75? Love you all!

Chapter 8 – New Year's Day

BPOV

I was having the weirdest dream. It was straight out of the "I Love Lucy" episode where she was eating the chocolate from the conveyor belt. I was Lucy and instead of chocolates, it was mini pumpkin pies and I was stuffing my face full of them. Then I heard a shrill ringing sound. The conveyor belt was moving faster now. The ringing came again, but this time it sounded oddly like my ringtone. It came again and I realized it was the real world making its way into my dream and my phone was ringing.

I woke up and blindly reached for my phone not bothering to check the caller ID.

"Hello?" I groggily answered.

"Bella?" My eyes shot open at the familiar velvet voice.

"Edward?" Maybe I'm still dreaming.

"Yes. Did I wake you?" he asked with concern. No, this isn't a dream.

"Yes, but why... Is everything okay? Was there a problem with Alice's flight?" Really there was no other reason for him to call.

"No, no. She's fine." I felt myself relax with relief, but immediately tensed up again.

"Why are you calling?"

"I…ummm…wanted to thank you," he stammered.

"You're welcome, I guess."

"The pie," he clarified. Shit, I forgot I made an extra pie for him. I couldn't sleep the last night the girls were here and I made him a pie with the leftover ingredients. I thought nothing of it since I enjoy cooking and baking anyway.

"Oh. That was nothing. Really. You didn't have to call to thank me." As a matter of fact, I thought I told Alice to be sure he didn't call.

"I wanted to call. It was…nice. Thank you."

"Well, you're welcome."

There was an awkward silence. Neither of us said a word for about a minute.

"How…"

"Edward…"

We spoke at the same time.

"Sorry. Ladies first." I didn't even know what I wanted to say.

"Edward…I have to go."

"Oh, okay. I'm sorry to keep you."

"Bye, Edward." I hung up before I could hear him say another word. Hearing his voice stirred up all sorts of emotions ranging from lust to anger. I couldn't bear to listen to him if I was trying to forget him. His voice would just lure me in as it always did in the past. I could never resist it.

"Fuck, Edward!" I screamed to no one. Why did he call? What could he possibly tell me that I don't already know? Was he trying to apologize…again? He was frustrating me to no end. I decided not to think on it too much and fell back to sleep.

~*~

The next couple of weeks were hell with the end of the semester and finals fast approaching. Oh, to be a student again. They had it easy. They came, they sat through their exams, and went home while I had to grade said exams and papers in time for their grades to be calculated. After all of that, I had to prepare for the next semester. It was a vicious cycle.

I was heading to Van Pelt library to return some books one evening when I ran into Professor Silva. Literally.

"Oh my…I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed as I bent down to collect her papers that were now strewn over the ground.

"Don't worry about it…ummm…Isabella, right?" She had the faintest of accents. I handed her the papers.

"Yes, Professor Silva. Again, I wish to apologize. I didn't see you until the last second."

She laughed. "Please, Isabella, we're colleagues, no need for the formalities. You can call me Zafrina."

I blushed in embarrassment. "Zafrina, forgive me and you can call me Bella. I prefer that to Isabella."

"Okay, Bella," she smiled. "How about you stop apologizing and make it up to me by going for some drinks. You look like you could use a drink right now."

"Sure," I agreed. "A drink sounds really good right about now."

We stopped briefly to drop off my books and then proceeded to the Blarney Stone. Most of the students were already on vacation so the bar was relatively quiet. We ordered a couple of beers and talked through the night.

Zafrina told me about her time as a fine arts professor. She's taught at the university for four years and loves every aspect of her job. She especially loved the creative arts classes where she could help shape and mold her students and their artwork.

She was born in Brazil and came to the states when she was five. She explained to me how she uses her upbringing in the states and her time in Brazil as inspiration for her own work. She often vacationed in her home country and also helped other artists there to get noticed in galleries.

As she spoke, I couldn't get over her exotic beauty. She had long black hair that stopped at the middle of her back. Her eyes were huge dark brown orbs that were expressive as she spoke. She had beautiful olive skin that looked as though she had a year-round tan. Her energy reminded me somewhat of Alice, just not as jittery. I paled in comparison to her, but she was breathtaking.

I mentioned my time in Forks and Seattle, skirting over any stories that included Edward, but she caught on that I was hiding something.

"Telll me more about Edward…"

"There's nothing to tell," I curtly responded.

"Really?" She quirked her brow at me. For some reason I couldn't hold anything back and I told her everything from the when we first met to our first time and the disastrous wedding that never happened.

1995 – Freshman Year in College

"Edward, you know you can't whisper in my ear and expect me not to react," I whined.

"But I didn't even say anything sexual," he protested hiding a smile.

"You don't have to, that voice alone does wonders to my libido."

"Well, I'm sorry."

"Humph."

We had been together for a year now. After the incident with Jessica, we actually never had any more issues. Other girls knew to stay away. I'm not sure if it was that Edward was no long interested or if it was from the death glares Alice would give any of the skanks. Either way it was a blissful year.

We were now in college. I was majoring in English Literature and Edward was in an accelerated joint program for pre-med and medical school. He would be a doctor in five years. We didn't get much time together because of all the classes he was taking, but we always made sure to spend our free time with each other.

It was the end of the semester and I had just finished my last final before Christmas break. Edward had one more final and I was helping him study, though he was doing a fine job of distracting me.

"Can we get back to studying now? I'm helping you out here. If you don't want to do this I can easily go back to my room and have Alice play dress up with me," I chided.

"Bella, you know I don't really need to study. This shit is easy for me. I was making it fun for you."

I rolled my eyes. "Really? By whispering the answers in my ear? The only think you accomplished was turning me on."

He smirked. "Great, my job is done."

"You're such a pain in the ass."

"Yes, but you love me."

"I do, but sometimes I wonder…"

"Hey!" He tackled me down onto my back. "Take that back!"

I scrunched my face up in deep thought. "Or what?" I challenged.

He started tickling my sides and kissing my neck. He made his way to my weak spot right behind my ear. I couldn't help but moan.

"Say it," he commanded.

"I love you, Edward Anthony Cullen."

"I know," he said smugly, pushing off me.

"Arrogant bastard," I mumbled. I threw his pillow at him which he caught easily.

"I love you, too, Isabella Marie Swan."

We had first proclaimed our love to the other on our graduation day. We both realized we couldn't live without the other. Much to our parents' chagrin we applied to the same schools and enrolled into the University of Washington. We wanted to get a place together but that was where the parents drew the line. They did promise that if we maintained our grade point averages they would consider it for the following year.

There was one big reason I loved Edward. True to his word, we never had sex. We did other things. I can say he worked magic with his fingers and tongue and I knew a few things with my mouth, but he never pushed me. Not once.

I was planning on remedying this after his final. He was taking me out to a pre-Christmas dinner and an additional surprise. Alice was helping me with my clothing. I was going to give my virginity to Edward. Until then, I was going to help him study.

"Bella, I really don't want to study anymore," he said tucking the pillow under his arms. "I know the material. It's actually getting late anyway. I need to get you back to your room." We also never stayed over the other's place. Edward never wanted to feel tempted. He was worried about himself when I knew he needed to be more worried about me ravishing him in the middle of the night.

He dropped me off shortly after, leaving me with a lingering kiss.

The next morning I woke up to Alice bustling about in the room. I opened my eyes and saw her staring into the closet.

"Alice what are you doing?" I asked, sleep still in my voice.

"I'm picking out your clothes for tonight," she stated.

"I think I'm quite capable of doing that myself."

"Yes, but as your best friend and your boyfriend's sister I know what's best. Just trust me."

I hid myself under my pillow and left Alice to do her thing. I tried to go back to sleep, but Alice's movements were making it impossible.

"What time is it?"

"Almost nine," she answered. "I'll need you to be up and showered by twelve so we can get you ready." I would argue but after a year of knowing Alice I knew getting ready was always an ordeal.

"Fine, but can you quiet down so I can get some sleep?"

"Sure. I'm done anyway." She left our room no doubt heading over to Jasper's. She and Jasper had also decided to join us at school. The same rule applied to the two of them regarding sleeping arrangements so we roomed together.

I fell back into a restless sleep dreaming about all the things that could go wrong later in the night. I finally gave up and got out of bed. I showered and washed my hair. I read Pride and Prejudice for the hundredth time while I waited for Alice to return.

At exactly twelve Alice bounded into the room and wasted no time in primping me. She flat-ironed my hair straight, managing to tame my waves. She did my make-up next, leaving me with a more natural look that I preferred. It was time to get dressed. I saw the dress that Alice picked out and told her that it was a bit much for just a dinner. She insisted that I wear it anyway. Trust Alice at all times.

The dress was red and strapless with a bow that sat right above the waist. I never saw it before, so I had to assume she bought it without me knowing. Alice lent me her very high Christian Louboutin slingbacks. I protested about the height of the heel knowing my clumsy nature, but she was quick to tell me that I needed to get used to heels. I figured Edward would be my crutch anyway. Before I knew it, six o'clock rolled around.

Edward, punctual as usual, knocked at the door. I opened the door and my jaw dropped at the sight of him. He was wearing charcoal gray pants with a pale green button down shirt and dark green argyle vest. He had a black blazer over this and was carrying his overcoat. His face was slightly flushed from the cold giving him an almost innocent look, but his eyes were smoldering as he gazed up and down my body.

"Bella, you look…stunning," he gasped out. I stopped my drooling to reply.

"Thank you," I said shyly.

He extended his arm out and, after grabbing my coat, I slid my own arm in his and we headed out.

A half hour car ride later we were at Le Gourmand, one of the fanciest French bistros in Seattle. I had always wanted to come here. The reviews were great and from what I read the food was exquisite. What I found though shocked me.

"Edward, where is everybody?" The place was empty except for the restaurant staff.

"Umm…yeah…I kind of rented out the whole place for the night. I didn't want any distractions," he said rubbing the back of his neck.

"Edward Cullen, are you nervous?" I teased.

"A little," he sheepishly grinned.

I had to smile as he blushed. He was always the picture of calm and cool; it was refreshing to see him flustered.

"Mr. Cullen?" The maître d' asked as he approached us. Edward nodded. "Right this way, sir." He led us to our table which was in the center of the room. We sat down and our napkins were placed on our laps.

"Edward, you really outdid yourself. This was all unnecessary."

"No, Bella, you deserve it. I wish I can do more for you, but you never allow me. I have to wait for the holidays and birthdays and, even then, it's almost like pulling teeth with you. Is it a bit much? Yes, but I love you and I want to do this for you. Please?" He reached across the table for my hand.

"Well, since you begged so nicely," I smirked. "Thank you, Edward. I love it and I appreciate it all."

Edward set up the seven course tasting menu for us. Every single dish was delicious and if it weren't for my ever growing full stomach, I would have continued eating. I sat back in my chair and let out a long sigh.

"Was it that good?"

"Unbelievable. I think this is my new favorite restaurant."

"Well, the night isn't over. I have one more surprise for you." He stood up and offered his hand to help me. Because of the heels, I stumbled out of my seat. Edward quickly righted me, wrapping his strong arms around me. "Okay there, tiger?"

"You are my personal hero, thank you for saving me." I leaned forward on my toes and kiss him chastely on the lips. Edward's hand found my own and he led me safely to the car. Once inside he turned to me.

"Do you trust me?" he asked.

"Of course." He leaned over and opened the glove compartment pulling out a black scarf. "Edward, what is that for?"

"You said you trust me, right?" I nodded. "Okay, well, I don't want you peeking and, being as I have to drive to our next location, I can't cover your eyes with my own hands, so I need to use this," he explained lifting the scarf.

"Okay, fine." He swiftly tied the silk around my head, hiding my eyes.

"Comfortable?"

"Mmhmm," I hummed.

Edward started the car and we made our way to our next destination. I tried asking for hints, but he would just change the subject. Finally I felt the car slow to a stop and heard Edward opening his door before coming around and assisting me out.

He led me through some doors and eventually into an elevator. We exited and continued walking. I heard him opening another door and gently pushed me forward. He finally spoke after a few minutes.

"We're here." He removed the scarf and I slowly opened my eyes adjusting to the light.

"Oh my god, Edward." It was obvious we were in a hotel room. There was a huge king size bed and candles everywhere giving the room a soft glow. What astonished me most was the picture window with views of the bay. "It's beautiful."

I turned to Edward who was standing by a small table. On the table was a bucket of ice keeping a champagne bottle warm, a vase filled with roses and a small, black velvet box. He picked up the box and twirled it between his hands.

"Bella, I wanted to give you your present now before we were with the family. I know you would get embarrassed getting something like this in front of everyone so I figured you would want to open it in private." He looked nervous again. My hands were shaking. I know we've spoken about our future, but I couldn't imagine that he would want to commit right now, not with all the schooling he had left. I wouldn't know unless I opened the box though.

He handed my gift to me and I slowly opened it. Inside were the most beautiful diamond stud earrings. "Edward," I gasped, "they are gorgeous."

"Do you like them?"

"I love them. Thank you!" I put the box down on the table and grabbed his blazer to pull him to me. I gave him a deep kiss to rival all others and then hugged him. It was perfect being in his arms.

"Dance with me, Isabella," he whispered. I became vaguely aware of the soft music playing in the room as Edward's hands slipped to my waist. "You're so beautiful. I love you so much." We swayed to the music, my head against his chest, hearing his heartbeat.

"Edward, make love to me. Please?"

"I thought you'll never ask." He sweetly kissed me, his lips caressing mine. His hands moved up and down my back stopping at the top of my dress. He slowly unzipped it, letting it drop as it pooled at my feet.

We made passionate love all night. Our first time was gentle. He was completely sweet and totally apologetic as he entered me for the first time, but it was utterly wonderful. I can't say the rest of times were as gentle, but they were just as explosive.

We finally fell asleep in each other's arms. It was perfect.

2005 – Present

"Sounds like you two are still in love with each other," Zafrina commented.

"I don't think so. If he truly loved me he would not have cheated and we would be married right now."

"Perhaps, but you also baked him a pie and he called you," she countered. "I also see some pretty impressive diamond studs in your ears." After Edward gave me the earrings I wore them constantly. It became habit for me to put them on that I still continued to wear them now.

"Whatever. It doesn't matter. I can't give him another chance. Not now, not ever. It wouldn't be fair to either of us."

"People do change, however it's good that you have this time apart. You both seem to need to grow and learn. I think it's good for the two of you."

I thought on what Zafrina said. People could change, but Edward only proved to me that he was still the womanizing boy I met in high school. I couldn't go back to that, I had to move on.

Zafrina slammed her hands on the table causing me to jump in fright.

"I know what you need," she began. I looked at her expectantly. "You need a good party and I have just the one for you. I was invited to a new year's bash at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The invitation states a plus one. Why don't you come with me?"

"Oh…ummm…I don't know."

"Do you have plans already?" I shook my head. "So, come then. I guarantee you'll have a great time."

I sighed. It was either the party or a tub of ice cream and Ryan Seacrest. "Okay, I'll go." She squealed in delight.

"Perfect. I'll call you with all the details. This will be great!"

We finished off another round of beers and split the bill. We said our goodbyes giving each other a kiss on the cheek.

Christmas came around and I made my customary phone calls to the family. They gave their thanks at the gifts I sent them and I did the same. I called Alice who filled me in on the Cullen family, except for Edward which was totally fine by me.

"Hey Alice, I need a favor."

"Anything for you. You know you're like my sister."

"Yes, I know and I love you for that. Well, I was invited to a New Year's Eve party and I need an outfit."

Alice screeched into the phone. "Bella, that's wonderful!"

"My ear, Alice," I admonished.

"Sorry! Yes, of course, I'll help you. Expect a package in two days."

"Thank you, Alice." She was silent for a moment and I knew what she was thinking.

"So, who's the lucky guy?"

"Umm…actually, girl…woman. She's a co-worker, an art professor."

"Oh, okay," she paused. "That's good. I'm sure you'll have fun. I need to get going though. Expect the package. Call me when you get it." Alice was acting strange; she never rushed me off the phone.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yes, just fine," she said curtly.

"Okay. Well, thanks again. I'll speak to you soon." She hung up without saying goodbye, a first for her. I realized then that Alice probably thought I was replacing her.

"Silly Alice, no one can replace you," I said aloud.

Two days later, as promised, there was a package from Alice. She sent me a complete outfit. There was a black one-shoulder goddess dress that fell just above my knees. It had pleated and draped detailing and was tight to my body showing of all of my curves. She included black stain pumps which had bows on them. There was also a black clutch and even bow hairclips. Leave it to Alice to think of every last detail.

I took a picture with my phone and sent it to Alice with a thank you text. I also told her that she would always be my best friend and no one could ever take her place.

Finally New Year's Eve arrived and I was ready to party for a change. I put my hair up in a messy bun with loose tendrils falling around my face. I used the hairclips to pin other strands down. I completed the look with some eye makeup to give them a smoky look and lip gloss.

Zafrina called to let me know she was leaving and to meet her at the museum. I hailed a cab and arrived just as Zafrina did. She looked stunning in a long emerald green dress that accentuated her height. Her hair was up in a French twist showing her long neck lines.

"Bella!" She hugged me. "You look absolutely gorgeous." I blushed as I always did.

"Thank you! You look marvelous; you make me look like cut glass."

"Oh stop that! You really look amazing. I wouldn't lie to you." She gave me a genuine smile which I returned. "Shall we then?" I nodded.

The museum had been transformed. Black curtains hung from the ceiling protecting the masterpieces from all the drunkards. It almost looked like a nightclub with disco balls hanging from the ceiling. There were a dozen bars situated around the main hall and smaller tables for people to place their drinks. Waiters were walking around passing out hors d'oeuvres.

Zafrina introduced me to some of her art peers and promised them we would visit their upcoming exhibits. I liked my time with her. She was unpretentious unlike some of the other professors at Penn and she was a great dancer. She could give Rosalie a run for her money.

The hours ticked down to the new year and soon we were minutes away. A long table holding hundreds of champagne flutes was wheeled into the hall. Each glass was filled with the bubbly, sweet drink then handed to all the patrons.

"Are you excited, Bella?" Zafrina asked. "This is a new year, a new beginning." She grabbed hold of my hand.

"Yes. Thank you for inviting me. This is the most fun I had in a very long time!" I yelled out so she could hear me over the music.

She squeezed me hand. "Good. I'm glad."

The countdown began. "10…9…8…7…"

Zafrina and I looked at each other and smiled.

"3…2…1…Happy New Year!"

Couples everywhere began to give the celebratory kisses. It was nice to see people happy for a change. I felt a tug on my hand and turned to Zafrina. She looked anxious and as I was about to ask her what was wrong, she leaned in and kissed me. Her soft lips found my frigid ones. I had never kissed a woman before tonight.

I wasn't sure what to do. She placed a hand on my cheek and I relaxed at her touch and began to gently kiss her back. This was certainly different from any of the kisses I had with Edward, but it was nice nonetheless.

She broke away from me and instantly apologized.

"I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me. I shouldn't have…"

"No," I interrupted, "it's okay. It was nice."

"Really?" I nodded. "Okay." She gave me another smile and we continued to party into the night.

A new year, a new beginning indeed.

AN: Yes, Zafrina. She is integral to Bella's growth, trust me. There will be some sexy time between the two, but I will ask you guys if you want me to write full on lemons involving them or just have it implied.

Also, I do not know if UW has a joint pre-med/med school program or not, but for the purpose of my story, it does. There are links to their outfits in my profile.

Review please. Tell me what you think. :o)