Authors Note:
Thank you so much for all of the wonderful reviews. Also, thank you to those people have added my story to their list of story alerts and favorite stories. I really really really appreciate it :)
Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight and all the characters from the book.
I apologize in advance for any mistakes and/or errors.
Reviews, criticism and suggestions are welcomed and appreciated. I hope you all enjoy this chapter :)
*All thoughts are in Italics
Bella's POV
I knead the dough with as much force and pressure as I can. I feel the strain in my arms and hands, but I welcome the pain. It is a wonderful distraction from the emotion pain that I am enduring. Baking has always been a wonderful source of therapy for me. That's why I think I have made it my profession. It is like an escape. There are no rules to baking. I am totally in control. I can create anything that pops into my head. I am creating something beautiful, to tickle the delicate senses of the human tongue. When I bake, I can make no mistakes and I have no flaws. I know that when I bake something delicious, someone will grateful to me and be pleased with me. I love to see the look on people's faces when they take the first bite into one of my creations. The look of unadulterated joy, bliss and pleasure lights up on their face. They are experiencing innocent satisfaction, one of the simple joys in life. I know within myself that I gave that to them, I gave them happiness, even if only for a moment. Baking just makes me feel better. I started baking around the age of twelve, the same year my parents got divorced. I was devastated. I thought they were so in love. I felt that my mother had abandoned me at the time when I needed her most. I had just gotten my period, my body was changing, I was starting to have all these feelings and she just up and left me. I felt my dad had been nothing but wonderful to her and he did not deserve to be left like that. I felt anger, hatred and betrayal and I harbored resentment in my heart for her. I ended up living with my father. He had no clue on how make anything edible so it was up to me to create food that both of us could eat. Luckily, my mother had taught me some basic cooking skills before she left, so I was not completely clueless. I channeled all my detestation for my mother into making mouth-watering meals for both me and my father. I would spend large amounts of time reading cook books and using trial and error in order to teach myself how to cook. I found myself starting to read up on pastries more than anything. So I decided to try my luck at that. I baked most of the basic stuff: cookies, cake, cupcakes and brownies. My father said they were absolutely delicious and would recommend my concoctions to all his friends. Soon, I had people paying me to bake sweets for their parties and social events. When I discovered that I really did love to bake, I started experimenting and making my own creations. It gave me such a sense of purpose and really made me feel at peace.
"Bella, how is that pie crust coming?" Tia yells at me from the front room. Her shout brings me out of my musings.
"I am workin on it!" I shout back as I start to knead the dough faster. We are preparing for the lunch hour, which is usually our busiest time of the day. I personally feel busier than ever. I have taken up more shifts at the bakery so I am here all day. My daily schedule consists of baking, eating when I can, and sleep. I am working so much because that is the only way I can take my mind off of what is eating me up inside. I know that I am avoiding all the problems in my life, but I just don't know how to deal with them.
"Okay Bella," Tia again diverts my attention from my thought. "What fillings should we use for the pies? Chiffon, pumpkin, lemon cream, sweet black cherry, strawberry- rhubarb, blackberry, peach, or nectarine-blueberry? Pick your favorite three." she says as she hurries around the kitchen.
"Hmmmmm." I contemplate the choices. "I am feeling lemon cream, sweet black cherry and nectarine- blueberry today." I respond.
"You got it." she says smiling as she moves quickly out of the room. I start to use a rolling pin to flatten the dough and then a thought occurs to me.
She said you got it. Does that mean we are using the ones that I want? Since when do I get any say in the menu choices? Isn't that Sue's job. She does own the place.
Tia comes back into the room and grabs some dough that is on the table and starts to knead.
"Hey Tia," I say. "What pie fillings are we using today?" I ask mildly curious. She gives me a confused look.
"We are using the ones you told me you liked." she says as it if it was obvious.
"Really?" I say surprised. "What did everyone else chose?" I ask.
Surely the others had different fillings they wanted to use.
Tia wears another confused look on her face as she kneads.
"I didn't ask anyone else." she tells me. I become confused, but then think of a rational explanation.
"So Sue must have liked the exact same one's that I liked. That's odd." I conclude as I lay the flat dough in the pie crust pan.
"Actually," Tia says wearing a small smile on her face. "Sue told me to ask you which ones you like so we could use them." she says, still smiling while glancing at me. A look of surprise and shock covers my face.
"Why would she want to use the ones that I like?" I ask, more confused than ever. Tia shakes her head, and smiles a little brighter.
"Sue likes you Bella. Like really likes you." she tells me.
"Sue likes everyone." I say as I brush off her praises.
"She likes you more than everyone else." she insists. "I heard a rumor that she is thinking of making you the head baker." she says as she enjoys the bit of gossip she has shared with me. Another look of shock covers my face.
"Really?" I ask, again surprised by Tia's words.
"Yes really." she says excitedly. "I think she is noticing that you have been taking up extra hours and she is taking that into serious consideration." she says in a sing-song voice as she elbows me in the shoulder. My face falls to a frown and guilt starts to worm its way into my body.
What she doesn't know is I actually took up extra hours so I could stop thinking about how I am in love with my husband's married sister.
Tia takes in my expression, shakes her head and rests her hand gently on my arm.
"Bella you should be happy." she tells me. "You might be head baker. You will be making a lot more money. You get to call the shots. You will basically be second in command." she says while smiling brightly. I give her a small smile.
"You will be a great head baker Bella. I just know it." she says, convincing me.
"Thanks Tia." I say gratefully while giving her a small hug.
"You're very welcome" she says while winking and smiling at me. The bells on the door start to jingle and I hear the incessant chatter of people starting to fill the bakery.
"Well we better get a move on. The lunch crowd is coming in." Tia states as she starts to work faster. I begin to pick up the pace and prepare myself for another long day at the bakery.
Alice's POV
"He is just so wonderful Alice. I mean he is not perfect. He has his baggage but he is still amazing. Such a gentleman which is very rare nowadays." Stella tells me elatedly as we chat at our desks. The office is set up in such a way that so that Stella's desk is near mine. This enables us to have daily chat sessions while we work.
"He sounds charming." I tell her. "He must be really romantic." I say smiling, glancing at her. She gives a bright school girl smile.
"Oh he is." she says, practically swooning.
"What does he do for a living?"I ask skeptical.
This man almost seems too good to be true. Stella always goes for those artists and musicians. They don't know where or when they are going to make their next dollar most of the time! Not marriage material. Guys like that are not good enough for her.
"He works at the bank down the street from where Peter lives." she explains to me, still wearing an infatuated smile.
"Good." I say, pleased with his profession. "Finally someone who has a steady job." I say satisfied. Her smile quickly turns into a frown the moment she hears my words.
"What do you mean by that?" she asks defensively while she whips her head in my direction. I heave a sigh and shake my head.
"You are always dating these men who are so called artists and musicians." I say while making air quotes. "Most of the time they have to have other menial jobs just to keep up with the bills. They don't make adequate money to keep a household on its feet." I say, convinced that I am correct. Stella rolls her eyes, obviously irritated by my words.
"You make it sound like I am preparing for children or something and I have to get married right away." she says aggravated.
"Isn't that why you date?" I ask. "To find someone to marry." I say as if it is apparent.
"No Alice that is not why I date." she says, mocking my tone. "I date because I want to be in love with someone. Because I have connection with them that I want to explore. I date them because they see something special in me and I see something special in them. If the relationship blossoms, then maybe we will consider marriage." she explains, with a hint of anger in her voice.
"Maybe consider?" I say incredulously. "Stella, what is love without marriage?" I ask, almost scolding her for her opinion on marriage. Stella lets out a huff of anger and frustration while swiftly standing to her feet. She walks over to the front of my desk and she leans forward while bracing her two hands on top of my desk. She brings her face close to mine and looks me straight in the eye.
"Honestly Alice." she says, her tone low. "You need to get the idea out of your head that marriage equals love and love equals marriage." she says harshly. She stands up straight and gives me one hard glare before briskly walking off. I glare back at her departing form and let out a huff of annoyance.
Fine! Be angry! I don't care! Goodness Stella can be so dramatic sometimes.
I roll my eyes and turn myself back to the papers on my desk. Ask I replay our conversation over in my head, I feel myself start to become slightly irritated.
What does she mean I need to get the idea out of my head that marriage equals love and love equals marriage? I don't because I am right! Of course it does! When you love someone that means you should get married obviously! You can't be in love with someone and not get married! That's ridiculous. You might as well not be in love with them in the first place. How can you not get married? Marriage is just something that is supposed to happen. Not getting married is just not normal.
I nod my head, agreeing with my thoughts and this causes me to calm down. All this talk of marriage brings me back to the marital problems that could occur in my own family. My plan suddenly comes to mind and I decide to speak with AJ again. I get up from my desk and go to the bathroom where I can get some privacy. I dial his number, nervous and eager for our next conversation.
"Hello." his deep voice responds.
"Hello AJ. It's Eve." I say quietly, hoping no one will walk in.
"Eve?" he asks, not recognizing my fake name.
"Ummm, I am the newbie you talked to last week." I say as I reminding of him of the nickname he has given me.
"Ohhhhhh newbie." he says as he finally recognizes who I am."Have you finally decided what you want?" he asks with his gruff voice. I start to panic.
Oh no! I haven't even thought about buying anything. But I can't get around it. I have to buy something, or he will get suspicious.
I wrack my brain to try to think of a solution. I remember our prior conversation and I think of an answer.
"I want some grass." I say, trying to sound confident.
"Good choice." he says impressed. "How much do ya want?" he inquires.
"Uhhhh I'm not sure." I say, my words very true. He gives a little chuckle.
"Well I recommend starting off kinda small since you are beginner. You should probably take just one bag." he says knowledgeably.
"How much will that cost?" I ask worriedly, unsure of how much intoxicants usually cost.
"It'll cost ya about four hundred bucks. Payed in cash." he says calmly.
"Four hundred dollars!" I blurt out, dreadfully surprised. He laughs heartily at my outburst.
"You really are new to this aren't you?" he asks jokingly, his voice laced with laughter. I frown because his laughter is at my expense. I wait until he is done with his laughing fit to speak.
"I will get the money somehow." My voice pressing and confident.
"Alright." he says as he accepts my words. "We need to set up a meeting place so we can make the trade." he tells me. I consider what he has said and try to think of a place where no one I know will be there.
"How about we meet behind Club Haze on Friday night?" I say, suggesting the night club that is miles away from the usual hang out spot for my group of friends.
"Yeah sure. I know where that is. What time you wanna meet up?" he questions.
"How about 8'o clock?" I tell him, proposing a time when it will be dark, but not too late.
"Alright. It's a deal." he says, confirming our appointment. "Catch you later newbie." he says as he brings the conversation to a close.
"Bye." I say in farewell then I hang up the phone. I sigh and lean my body against the wall.
Crap. I really didn't think this through. How am I going to get four hundred dollars by friday? I personally don't have the money right now. I can't ask Jasper for the money. He will get suspicious and question me to no end. If I draw it out of my bank account, I won't have enough to cover my end of the bills and Jasper will surely find out.
I bite my lip and push my brain to think of another solution.
Well I guess I can borrow the money from someone. I will not borrow from anyone other than family. I hate the thought of being indebted to someone who is not bound to me by blood or marriage. But who will be willing to lend me the money? Obviously I can't ask Jasper. I refuse to ask Rose. Plus, she would say no before I could even ask. Emmett spends all his money on sports gear and season tickets. And I would feel bad about taking sweet, goofy, lovable Emmett's money to use it for such a dark purpose. I can't ask Bella. I haven't spoken to her since the party and if I start acting all buddy-buddy now she will get suspicious. That leaves Edward. I can count on him. We are close and he loves me. He can't deny his baby sister anything. I will ask him for the money.
I heave a sigh of relief and smile, contented that I have found a solution. I walk out of the bathroom and head back to work.
Later that night, I am seated in my car, nervous and apprehensive. I am parked in front of Edward and Bella's home. It is 7:38 pm. I am debating whether to go through with asking Edward for the money. I bite my lip worriedly and look towards the house. The lights are on and his car is in the drive way. That means he is home.
What if he says no? What would I do then? What if he starts questioning me? What if he doesn't trust me?
My breathing starts to pick up and I grip the steering wheel.
Stop scaring yourself. He will give you the money. You have given him no reason to distrust you. You're his little sister and he loves you. You have been there for him through everything. You have done everything you can for him. He practically owes this favor to you. You are doing this to help him. Don't worry. He will give you the money.
Once I convince myself that Edward will give me what I want, I gather my courage and get out the car to go ring the doorbell. After a few moments, a surprised Edward opened the door.
"Alice." he says taken a back. "What are you doing here?" he inquires as he looks at me curiously.
He is still wearing his scrubs. He must have just come home from the hospital.
"What do you mean by that? Are you saying I am not allowed to come over?" I say a mocking hurt tone. He rolls his eyes and smiles at me.
"You know thats not what I meant Alice." he replies. I let out a little giggle and pat his chest playfully.
"I know Ed. Well can I come in, or is your baby sis gonna have to stand out here in the cold?" I ask him humorously. He lets out a little chuckle and steps aside so I can enter the house. The house is relatively quiet and I don't smell the aroma of any food or pastries.
Bella is probably not here. That would be very convenient.
"Where is Bella?" I ask so that I can confirm my suspicions.
"She is still at the bakery." he replies as he starts to travel to the living room. I follow him and loosen the scarf that I am wearing.
Perfect.
"Oh." I say innocently, hoping he will not suspect my happiness in his wife not being home. He takes a seat on the couch and I sit on the love seat across from him.
"So to whom do I owe this pleasure of you visiting me?" Edward says jokingly. I smile at him and shake my head. I let out a little sigh and sit up straighter in my seat.
"You love me Edward. Don't you?" I say in the sweetest voice I can muster. Edward lets out a grunt and also sits up in his seat.
"What do you want Alice?" Edward asks in an exasperated tone.
"Why do you think I want something?" I huff, slightly offended.
"You always start with the same question whenever you ask me for something. You have been doing that since we were kids. I think I know when my little sister wants something from me." Edward says expertly as he smirks knowingly. I purse my lips and then pout.
Am I that predictable?
"I was wondering if you could do me a favor." I say sweetly. He rolls his eyes and smiles at me.
"Sure Alice. What do you need?" he says pleasantly. I bite my lip and get ready to drop the bomb on him.
"I need to borrow four hundred dollars." I say sheepishly. Edward looks at me shocked and widens his eyes.
"Four hundred dollars Alice?" he asks me taken aback. "Why in the world would you need to borrow four hundred dollars from me?" he questions, still surprised.
Shoot. I need to make up a plausible excuse. What takes up most of my money? Shopping! I will use shopping as my excuse. Everyone thinks I have a shopping addiction anyway, so I might as well use it to my advantage.
"Well, I went little overboard on my last shopping trip. You know how I am. I just have no self control when it comes to clothing." I say, adding laughter to my voice to try to sound cute. Edward stays quiet, but looks at me skeptically. I continue on with my persuasion.
"I need the money so I can catch up on my half of the bills. Since I spent so much money on new outfits I don't have enough to cover them. I just…. I just don't want to be in any financial problems right now. God, Jasper will be so cross with me if he finds out." I whimper to him helplessly. I hunch my shoulders and put my head in my hands for extra effect.
"Oh Alice." he says sympathetically. He comes over to sit next to me. He puts one of his arms around me and starts to rub my back soothingly. I let out a fake whimper and rest my head against his shoulder.
"That's a lot of money Alice." he whispers quietly as he continues his actions.
"I know Ed." I whisper. I raise my head up and will my eyes to create fake tears. "Just please. If you could do this it would mean so much to me." I say as earnestly as I can. He stops rubbing my back and looks back at me with sympathy and love in his eyes. He sighs and leans his head back while he is thinking. I wait nervously for his answer, but I keep up my pretense.
"Okay." he says suddenly.
"Okay?" I ask him back.
"Funds are kinda low around here, but I will give you the money." He says with a small smile on his face. A bright smile spreads across my face then I attack Edward with a hug and kisses on the cheek. He laughs and returns my embrace.
"You're gonna pay me back right?" he asks with a hint of worry after we finish our hug. I laugh and squeeze his shoulder.
"Of course Ed. You can trust me." I say convincingly. He smiles back and suddenly stands up.
"Let me go put a reminder in my cell phone. I don't want to forget to draw out the money when I go to the bank tomorrow. I will be back in a sec." he says before he leaves the living room to go upstairs. I am then left alone on the couch with my thoughts.
I knew I could trust him. Edward has never failed me.
As I think about my brother kindness, I feel a hint of guilt shoot through me.
Goodness. I can't remember ever lying to Edward before. He has always been honest with me. I feel so horrible about being dishonest with him.
I shake my head to rid myself of the guilty thoughts and start to encourage myself again.
This is the only way. You may feel bad but you will get over it. You are doing this for him, to save his marriage. You are doing the right thing.
I sigh and agree with my thoughts. Just then, Edward comes down from upstairs and seats himself next to me.
"When do you want me to give you the money?" he asks me as he relaxes himself.
I don't want Jasper knowing about this. I will have to make sure he never sees the money and he never hears about it.
"Can I just get it from you at the hospital tomorrow?" I ask him. He looks at me and nods in agreement.
"Edward, can we just keep this between us. I don't really want anyone knowing about this. Not even Jasper." I appeal to him, silently pleading with him to keep this quiet.
"Ummmm," he hums as he gives me a confused look. "Alright. If that is what you want." he says.
"Thanks big bro." I say smiling at him then I wink.
"Any time little sis." he says as he winks back. I shake my head and we both share a laugh.
Bella's POV
As I walk in the house I hear laughter coming from the inside. I go to the living room to see what is going on. I peak in the room and see Alice and Edward sitting together on the love seat.
Why the hell is Alice here?
Alice lets out another laugh but suddenly stops when she spots me. Edward turns around to see what she is staring at. When he realizes it is me, he starts to grin.
"You're finally home." he says cutely as he smiles lovingly at me.
"Yeah." I say while gazing apprehensively at Alice. Alice is looking back at with a hint of distain on her face. I can tell that she is not making her hate for me very apparent on her face for Edward's sake. The room is awkwardly quiet for a moment.
"Well, I should probably get going." Alice says suddenly. She smiles at Edward and pasts him on the knee before she gets up from the couch.
"Bye Ed." she says as she starts to make her way out of the living room. Once she finally reaches me, she stops briefly.
"Bella." she says as she nods her head at me in acknowledgement. She then continues approach the exit of the house. When I hear the front door close, I look at Edward. He has turned on the TV and is watching the news. I go and sit beside him. He instinctively wraps one of his arms around me and kisses me on the forehead.
"How was work?" he asks me while his lips are still against my temple.
"Busy." I reply back, restless. I suddenly realize how tired I am and I rest my head against his shoulder. He kisses my hair then rests his head on mine. We both sit there for a few minutes, enjoying the embrace and quiet company. But I can no longer hold my suspicion in and my curiosity gets the best of me.
"Why was Alice here?" I ask, trying to sound nonchalant. He lifts up his head and heaves a sigh while he looks at me.
"Technically, I am not supposed to tell you but…Alice wanted to borrow some money." he tells me. My eye brows rise in surprise.
Why does Alice need to borrow money from him? Why can't she just use her own money? She works, doesn't she?
"How much does she need to borrow?" I ask, trying to get more information out of him. He looks away from me and then gazes back at me with worry in his eyes.
"A couple of hundred." he says quietly. My eyes widen slightly and my lips part open.
"A couple of hundred?" I ask, somewhat surprised .
"Bella I know it's a lot of money, but she is having a hard time with the bills. I had to help her. I think we can handle losing a couple of hundred dollars. She said she would reimburse the money she borrowed." he says almost pleadingly. I look at him and sigh.
Edward has such a kind heart. Of course he would help his sister if she is having a hard time.
"Well she is your sister." I say, understanding what he is appealing to me. He sighs in relief and kisses my on the forehead again. My body starts to scream in ache. I have been on my feet all day.
"I need to relax for a bit. I think I am going to take a bath." I say to him. I kiss him on the cheek before I leave our embrace. I go to the upstairs bathroom and turn on the hot water to fill the tub. Then I go to our bedroom and strip myself of my clothing. I head back to the bathroom and get all the necessary items I need to wash myself before I immerse myself in the warm water. I sigh and lean my head back against the tub, attempting to unwind. My muscles start to relax but my brain starts working on overdrive.
What could Alice want with a couple of hundred dollars? There are so many things she could do with that money.
I start to think about the tryst that is going on between Rose and me. I begin to feel uneasy.
What if she is using somehow to get back at me and Rose? I know Edward said that she was having trouble keeping up with the bills, but I don't think that is the real reason she needs the money. I think she is lying and honestly, I don't trust her. Alice can be very conniving and persistent. She will stop at nothing to get what she wants. She obviously does not like what is going on between Rose and I. She must want it to stop. What if asking Edward for money is a big part in a plan she has? I really wouldn't put that past her. Maybe she does have something up her sleeve.
Panic starts to rise within me and my face is scrunched up in an expression of worry.
Bella, calm the fuck down! You are just jumping to conclusions. What Edward told you makes sense. She is probably just having problems with the bills and need some extra cash. She most likely doesn't have time to work out a plan to expose you and Rosalie. Your emotions have been out of whack lately and it is making you paranoid to everything. Relax. Nothing covert is going on.
I sigh and slump my shoulders.
God, this is all so confusing and frustrating. Maybe I should talk to someone about it. But who can I talk to? I can't tell any of my friends or family about it. The only other person I can talk to is Rose. I really don't want to do that. Whenever I am around her, my emotions just get jumbled up and they are all over the place. I hate her and I love her all at the same time. Being around her makes me feel liberated and strong in ways I could have never imagined. But being in her presence also makes me feel weak and open. But maybe she can help me work through this. Maybe she knows something that I don't. Maybe she can help me get rid of my paranoia.
"Can I join you?" Edward's voice shocks me out of my thought and I jump in fright.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you." he says sincerely. I look up at him and see his troubled face.
Gosh I forgot how handsome Edward really is. He looks so beautiful when he is brooding. I haven't spent much time with him or even looked at him lately. I kinda miss him. We used to be best friends and now we hardly ever talk. And it's all my fault.
The feeling of guilt visits me once more. I push it away and look up at him with a small smile.
"It's okay. Of course you can join me." I tell him. I see his face brightens and he proceeds to take off his clothes. After he has taken them all off, he climbs in behind me so that I am sitting between his legs. He braces his back against the tub and I lean my back against his chest. He wraps his arms around me and I relax in his embrace. He rests his cheek against my hair. For a few minutes, only the sound of our quiet breathing fills up the room.
"You have been working a lot lately." he says suddenly, his voice soft. My body becomes slightly tense and I bite my lip. I was hoping to avoid this kind of conversation with him.
Just lie to him. You have been doing that this whole time anyway.
"I know." I whisper back. "I don't want us to have any money problems. You are working hard enough at the hospital. I just want us to be financially secure is all." I lie to him, guilt weighing me down. He grabs both my hand and intertwines out finger together. He brings his face to my ear and kisses it.
"You are amazing you know that?" he whispers against it. I turn my head away from him and shake my head.
"I'm really not." I say disagreeing with him. He brings one of his hands to my cheek and turns my head to I can look him in the eyes.
"Well I think you are." he whispers while looking at me with adoration. I roll my eyes and purse my lips in a small smile.
"Well, let's agree to disagree." I suggest playfully. He gives a small chuckle and shakes his head slightly.
"Fine." he says with fake exasperation, his lips in a pout. I give a small chuckle and squeeze the hand that is still holding mine. I lean back into his embrace and we stay intertwined together until the water gets cold.
Alice's POV
I check the locks on my car a third time before I finally walk away from it. I am nervous because this isn't exactly the ideal neighborhood to leave you car unattended for long periods of time. I glance at my vehicle one more time before I walk across the street to the front of the club. The cold night air dances against my face and the pulsing music from the club fills the atmosphere with noise. I see the women in tight and skimpy dresses and I am suddenly thankful for my apparel. I am wearing black skinny jeans, a black long sleeved sweater with a black leather jacket over it, black high heeled boots and a black beanie hat. The only thing that fills my pockets is my cell phone and the money I had gotten from Edward earlier in the week. I decided on all black because I wanted to blend in with the dark surroundings. I didn't think I needed a disguise because AJ has never seen me before. I walk past the line of people who are waiting to get into the club and go around the corner to the alleyway that lies right behind the back door of the club. I walk into the dark alley and take in my surroundings. It is wet, damp and haunting; the perfect scene for a horror movie.
Crap, it is really creepy out here. But at least it is isolated. I don't think anyone will see us make the trade. But what if he doesn't show up? What if I wait out here and something happens to me? What if-
"Newbie?" I hear a gruff voice inquire from behind. I whip my body around and see two tall men standing there. One has long brunette hair that is let lose around his squared face. His brown eyes look at me with an expression of amusement. He is wearing dark blue jeans, a light brown jacket and brown combat boots. The other one has his long blonde hair in a pony tail and his mouth is twisted into a smirk. He is also wearing dark blue jeans, a blue shirt and a blue jean jacket with black combat boots. His blue orbs are staring at me with a feral blaze; almost as if I was something to eat. As I take in his expression, I gulp and my breathing becomes shallow. After I suppress some of my fear, I respond.
"Yes." I say apprehensively as I look fearfully at them.
"Don't look so scared little pixie. We don't bite." the blond one says mischievously with his deep voice. The brunette rolls his eyes as he looks at his friend. He then looks at me and speaks.
"I'm AJ. And that thing over there is James." he finally tells me as he points to the blonde. I glance quickly at AJ but my eyes travel back to James in trepidation.
"You didn't tell me you were bring company." I say nervously.
"Oh don't worry about him. He is harmless. Unless you piss him off." AJ convinces me while he smirks. I squirm under James's gaze, but continue to solider through my mission.
"So did you bring the stuff?' I ask with a little more confidence in my voice.
"Yeah of course. Did you bring the cash?" he asks me in return. I take the money out my pocket and let him see it. He takes out a bag of a green looking substance that is perceived to be the marijuana. I hand him the money and at the same time he hands me the marijuana. He counts the cash and then smiles at me.
"Nice doin business with ya." he says as he smirks at me. I give him a small smile and glance nervously at James.
"Likewise." I say with fake confidence. The darkness of the alley and James's hungry stare is making me increasingly uneasy, so I decide that it time for me to leave.
"Well I should be going." I say quickly while looking at AJ and then I start to walk off.
"Hey pixie!" James yells out behind me. I let out a shallow breath and turn around.
"It was nice meeting ya!" James yells at me teasingly, while waving and winking at me. I let out a huff and I don't respond. His actions ignite more fear in me and I rush off to the car. I fast walk around the corner of the alleyway and hurry past the line of people in front of the club. They give me strange looks, but I don't pay them any attention as I hasten to take refuge in my vehicle. I jump in and lock the doors. My chest is heaving with fast and deep breaths.
Jeez, that James guy is such a creep! He looked like he wanted to rip my clothes off then and there. Thank goodness nothing happened!
As my breathing began to slow, I start to doubt my actions again.
Alice, what the heck have you gotten yourself into? What if someone finds out about this? What will happen to your blossoming career? Your friendships? Your marriage? Everything you have worked for down the drain.
I begin to move my head back and forth and whisper "no" repeatedly as I clench my fists roughly.
I can't be wrong! What I am doing is right! I am helping them! They are too ignorant to see what they are doing is wrong and I need to guide them! I am right! I have to be right! I am doing the right thing!
My inner pep talk helps me regain my composure. I take a deep breath and close my eyes for a moment. After I open them again, I start the car and begin my journey home.
Bella's POV
I stand there, staring at the door, wondering if I should knock. My curiosity would not leave me alone, so I drove to Emmett and Rosalie's house after I left from the bakery. The glow from the orange sunset colors the sky and the chilly Saturday evening breeze brushes against my cheeks. As I contemplate my next action, I feel my heart start to tug.
What am I doing? I am just digging a deeper hole for myself. This situation is already dangerous and I am fueling the fire. If anybody finds out about this, both our lives could be turned upside down. If I go in there, we probably won't even talk about what I came here to tell her. She will seduce me to do what she wants. Like she always does. But it isn't all her fault. I give in. I always give in. Too weak and feeble to resist. Too in love with her to deny her anything.
I bite my lip and my face contorts into an expression of pain and longing.
I swear I miss her every second of the day. And I curse her in my head for making me think about her so much. How can I be in love with her? She could easily be described as self-centered and egotistical. She says what she means and means what she says. But I guess thats why I love her. She is the opposite from me. Edward and I are alike in so many ways. But Rose and I are like salt and pepper. Different appearances and different tastes. And that's what intrigues me. Rose is unpredictable. She never lets you know what she is thinking. I think the only emotions she actually expresses are anger and sarcasm. You never know what going to come out of that sharp mouth of hers. She has this mysterious element about her. Something that makes you want to know more. Like she is keeping this big secret. But that is something I also despise about her. She is so guarded. She hardly lets people in and she never tells them what she is really feeling. I wish she would open up to me. I want to feel her pain; I want to share it with her. I want to be there for her and she is not letting me. It hurts. Yes her words to me are sometimes hurtful, but the fact that she does not love me back hurts even worse.
I lips start to tremble and my eyes start to become glassy. My breathing picks up and I turn around. I start to head back to the car but I stop myself. I let out a slight whimper.
Fuck. This situation makes a simplest task seem like the hardest thing in the world to do. But I have to do it. I can do it. It's not that hard. I have to be strong this time.
I turn back around and ring the doorbell quickly before I can lose my confidence. Rose opens the door and smirks when she sees me.
"Hey Bella." she says while eyeing me.
"Hi Rose." I say with a small smile. "Can I come in?" I ask tentatively. Her smirk turns into a sexy grin.
"Of course Bella. You know you are always welcome." her seductive voice tells me. I almost whimper at her tone and my heart starts to pound. I take a deep breath to try to calm myself as I step into the house.
"Is Emmett here?" I ask as I look around the large foyer. She walks up to me and puts her slender hand on my waist. My body starts to tingle.
"Now don't tell me you came here to see Emmett." she says teasingly. I gulp and then force my eyes to look up at her.
Be strong Bella. Be strong.
"No I didn't. I came here to see you. I need to talk to you about something." I say, my body tense.
"Sure." she agrees. "Here let me take you coat." she says as she moves behind me to take it off. I turn around swiftly and take a step back so I can avoid contact. I know if she touches me in the right places, my resolve will be shattered.
"No it's okay. I won't be staying very long. But thanks for offering."I say politely. I think I spot a flash of disappointment on her face, but it is soon replaced by her usual mask of confidence.
"So what do you want to talk about?" she asks.
"Well, I am worried about Alice." I say, concern apparent in my voice.
"What happened to her? Is she in the hospital for shopping too hard or something?" Rosalie asks sarcastically. I sigh at her words, but still continue to explain.
"Earlier this week she asked Edward to borrow a couple of hundred dollars. She claims that she went overboard on shopping on now she does not have enough money to cover the bills." I tell her. Rosalie raises her eyebrows and gives me a confused look.
"What's wrong with that?" she asks, not understanding.
"I think she is lying." I say as I look her in the eyes. "Alice doesn't like to ask anybody but Jasper for things. I can't remember her ever borrowing such a large amount of money from Edward before." I say, making an observation.
"That's true."Rosalie agrees with me, her face screwed up in an expression of contemplation.
"Rose, what if she is using the money to get back at us?" I ask her worriedly as I let out my fear. Rose rolls her eyes and shakes her head.
"Rose it makes sense." I say earnestly as I try to convince her. "We both know that she knows about what we are doing. She has a personal vendetta against us. Alice never stops until she gets what she wants. She spends all her money on clothes and Jasper is low on money because he just bought a new car. She must have to get money from somewhere or someone else. What if she is using this money to finance this big plan that she has to take us down?" I reason out. Rosalie gives and exasperated sigh. She walks up to me and takes my face in her hands.
"Bella, you are being paranoid. Alice doesn't have the time to play little miss superhero. You are worrying too much." Rosalie says, trying to change my mind. I sigh and digest her words. She brings her hand to my shoulders and slowly traces them down my arms. My heartbeat quickens and I shiver at her touch. She then brings her hands to wrap them around my waist and she presses her body closer to mine. My body rejoices in the fact that we are so close, but my mind is screaming at me to step away. She starts to leave sweet kisses against my neck. The force of her lips leaves a fire hot trail on my neck and I bite back a moan. Her hands massage my sides pleasurably. She kisses her way up to my ear and licks the shell of it.
"I know a way that you can relax." she whispers seductively as she swipes my pussy through my jeans. At that moment, something within me snaps. Anger rises up in me and I push her off of me.
"Is sex all you can think about? God Rose this could be a really serious situation. We could lose everything and all you want to do is fuck!" I yell at her. She looks at me shocked. I hardly ever raise my voice. She gives an angry huff and puts her hands on her hips.
"Bella this isn't a serious situation. You just have an over active imagination. Excuse the fuck out of me for trying to satisfy you when your husband can't." she says harshly.
"There you go again!" I yell at her as I shake my head. "You are kissing me one minute and insulting me the next! Which is it Rose? Do you love me or do you hate me?" I shout at her.
"Bella why the fuck are you being so fucking sensitive? We made a fucking agreement! I though you understood when I said it is no more than fucking!" she yells back at me.
"Rose I am human. I have emotions! I can't fucking help what I feel okay?" I yell at her as anger paints my face.
"I am tired of being this way! I am tired of being so emotionally unstable! I thought I knew who I was but now I have no fucking clue!" I shout, letting her know how I feel.
"Well maybe we shouldn't do this anymore. You are obviously no strong enough to handle it." she mutters, her voice as sharp as a knife. My breathing stops as I look at her shocked and appalled. The pain strikes me like lightning and the hurt of her words swallows up my body. Tears well up in my eyes and I don't attempt to hide them.
"Is that what you want?" I ask in whisper, my voice trembling with ache and disbelief. She swallows and then looks away from me, her face still wearing a mask of anger. Her lack of words gives me my answer. I let out a whimper of pain as the tears finally fall from my eyes.
"Fine." I say painfully, my voice laced with raw emotion. I look at her beautiful face one more time before I turn around and walk to the door. Every step I take shoots a spear of anguish through me. I stop at the door and open it slowly while the tears continue to flow. I stop myself from looking at her before I walk out the door. Because I know if I look at her, I will run back and beg on my knees for her to reconsider. My body feels weak and frail. I am almost surprised that I made it to the car without going crazy. Once I am in the car, I let go. I start to sob loudly and uncontrollably. I rest my head against the steering wheel and grip it with my hands while I bawl against it. The pain in my chest stabs me continually as if taunting me. Reminding me that she does not want me anymore. I don't know how long I stayed in the car, but I stayed and wept for my Rosalie as my heart broke into pieces.