THANKS FOR THE FAVES AND FOLLOWS. ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE DM OR REVIEW. I'M HAVING A LITTLE WRITERS BLOCK RIGHT NOW. I KNOW THE END GAME OF THE STORY BUT HAVING TROUBLE GETTING IT THERE THE WAY I WANT LOL. GOOD THING, I ALREADY HAVE SOME CHAPTERS DONE. JUST GOING THROUGH TWEAKING.
RYURWBY- THANK YOU FOR THE REVIEW. GLAD YOU'RE ENJOYING IT.
*POV BELLA*
I wake up late but hey I deserve to sleep in. Jess text me asking me to come over so we can discuss our 'dating'. I laugh and tell her I'll be over later. I come down to see a note from Charlie saying he's going fishing with Billy. I decide to shower and head down to the Res. I text Leah and Jake that I'm coming down and need some advice. Tell them to meet me at the beach in 10. Now that my baby can go pass 40, it's hard not to speed. And I know I can make it there in that time. I pull up to the beach and see Jake and Leah in the distance walking the coast.
Jake: so what's up?
Bella: jeez I don't know where to start.
Leah: did something happen between you and Alice?
Bella: I wish. Well, I went on a date last night.
Jake: your wolf let you?
Bella: yeah, till I kissed her.
Leah: ok start from the beginning.
I tell them how things went Thursday and Friday. How Alice went out of town with Jasper and how Jess asked me out. How Alice planned out my outfit. How the date went and how when I decided to kiss her, my wolf showed me Alice. How I felt when it happened. And how Jess suggested we pretend to date to make Alice jealous. They both just stared at me for a while. I'm guessing neither knowing what to say.
Leah: I think it's a great idea!
Me & Jake: seriously?
Leah: yeah! I would offer to do it but I'm sure Alice would know its fake. As long as Jess knows it's fake and can handle her feelings, I think it'll work. Unless you develop feelings for her. But even if you do, we all like Jess. And she's human. She'll be welcomed easily here. I'm just saying.
Jake: I don't see her wolf allowing that.
Leah: it would be stupid not to. If Alice doesn't want to be with her, why not? She deserves happiness. And if it helps Alice see the truth. It works either way.
My wolf whines at the idea. I know he doesn't agree but at the same time, he hasn't came up with anything.
Jake: I guess you're right. Well Bella, you have our support. Whatever we can do to help.
Leah: so what's the game plan? I vote you play hard to get.
I tell them how we're going to meet up later to talk about it. Leah, suggest we lay it on thick but Jake says it'll be better to take it slow. Make it believable.
Edward: how was the date? I need deets.
Bella: it was good. Definitely will do it again.
Edward: that sounds like more than good! Esme wants you to come over. She wants to cook again. Plus, I want to hear all about it.
Bella: going to Jess' in a bit. I'll be by after?
Edward: see you then!
I tell the guys I'm going to head out. Leah gives me a hug and tells me things will work out. Jake just nods his head. But I see the worry in his eyes. I drive over to Jess' and she's waiting outside for me. She offers me some cookies she baked, and we get down to business. We settle on pick up and drop off from school. Lunch here and there. Holding hands in the hallway. And kissing. She sees the nervousness on my face and tells me, we can fake kiss if it'll make me feel better. We just have to really sell it. I look at her confused and ask how does one fake kiss? She leans into me, grabs my face with both of her hands covering our lips. Our lips are maybe a millimeter from touching. To anyone else, I'm sure it would look like we're kissing. She also suggests dates here and there. We can go at my pace, and we judge it based on Alice's reactions. I let her know it sounds like a solid plan. We hang out a bit more. Before Rosalie text me telling me to hurry up because Esme is making her help. I laugh at the text. Hug Jess and tell her I'll call her later. I turn on the radio and "Shivers" by Ed Sheeran starts playing. I turn it up and step on the gas.
When I pull into the Cullens I turn off the car and step out. I instantly smell her. She's back. Suddenly I'm nervous. Is it going to be weird? Would she even care? She probably doesn't even care, she was gone all weekend with Jasper. Probably having sex every minute, they were gone. I punch the tree and turn around to Esme giving me a puzzled look.
Bella: I thought I saw a snake.
Esme: I didn't know we got those around here. I just came out to tell you to go ahead and park in the garage. Rosalie stepped out to the store, but she wants to get right to work when she gets back. Come in when you're done dear.
I park my car next to Alice's and head inside the house. Emmett pulls me into a bear hug.
Emmett: Bella bear! How was the date? Did you get lucky?
Me and Edward start laughing.
Esme: Emmett! Here Bella, have some cookies.
Bella: Actually Esme, I just had a plate full. I'll take some a little later thought. And Emmett…
Alice: you turned down Esme's cookies? You must have had some really good cookies.
There she is. Coming down the stairs with a big smile on her face. As if everything is ok. She has on this black skirt and white blouse that shows enough but not too much. I smell her scent and the body wash she left me in her shower. I wonder why but don't say anything.
Bella: hey pixie. Welcome back. And uh, yeah, they actually were. Jess made my favorite, sugar cookies.
Alice: oh. Didn't know Jess baked. Must have really impressed her on your date. I see Esme finally used the kitchen. I think it'll be her new favorite room if you hang around.
I run my hand through my hair not knowing what to say. I remember we have to sell the relationship.
Bella: yeah, I guess so. She actually surprised me this morning. And I'll be happy if its Esme's new favorite room, I enjoyed her cooking.
Emmett: this morning? So, you spent the night?! Way to go Bella!
Esme: EMMETT CULLEN!
We all laugh but quickly stop when we see Esme's face.
Bella: no not like that. She asked me to stop by this morning.
Emmett: ooooh she couldn't get enou…
He quickly ducked as Esme throws a book at him.
Alice: Emmett has a point. Must have been a good date.
Edward: yeah Bella, give the deets!
Bella: it actually was. We were suppose to go to dinner and a movie but we didn't make it to the movies.
I put my hand up before Emmett can get himself in trouble.
Bella: We didn't make it because we were having really good conversation and just wanted to continue talking. So, we took at walk through the park. It was actually nice.
Edward: did you guys kiss?
Esme: Edward! Oh my god, what is wrong with my children? That's private business. I'm so sorry Bella.
I smile at the interaction between Esme and the boys. The motherly interaction. For a minute I think about my mom. How she would react to all of this.
Alice: well Bella, did you?
Esme: ALICE!
Alice looks sheepishly at her mom but then looks to me. I see a look on her face but can't figure out what it is. As much as I want to be able to tell her no, I can't. I have to be honest in my answer to her.
Bella: yeah, we did.
Emmett: that's my boy!
Edward and Emmett high five each other. I look over at Alice and her face shows no change.
Bella: it wasn't like that. We danced in the park and well, you know, it was a in the moment kind of thing.
Alice: dance in the park? How romantic of you, so when's the next date? We can go shopping!
She looks excited. I guess she doesn't care if I'm with Jess. Jasper comes down the stairs and he looks hard at me.
Jasper: I hear your date went well. Congrats Bella.
Bella: thanks Jazzy. Hope your trip was good.
He makes a face at the name but quickly zoomed over to Alice. Putting his arm around her.
Jasper: please don't call me that. And it was actually pretty good. My favorite part was our last night, in the woods.
He looks at Alice and I see her shuffle a little, but she doesn't deny it or moves away from him.
Edward: Eww Jasper!
Jasper: Sorry bro!
He laughs and my wolf growls. I fight every fiber of my being to not pound his face in.
Bella: Alice, forgot to tell you. Jess loved the cologne. I have to stock up on it now. If Rosalie finishes with my car early. Can we go shopping? I want to ask Jess out again.
She has a stern face. But just nods.
Alice: I knew it! Told you she would. If she's not done, we can take my car.
I give her a nod and started eating a cookie. Maybe it'll keep me from saying more.
Rosalie: I hear you're making out Bella. Did you let her touch your abs again?
I see Alice tense out the side of my eye.
Bella: no princess. That's more of a 3rd date thing.
Emmett: Bella bear has a plan, Rose. She's going to make Jess work for it!
Bella: if she bakes me cookies again like she did this morning, she won't have to work that much.
Esme: Bella!… I'm going to go up to my room since you kids clearly need to talk. Bella, there's food in the oven. Should still be hot.
Bella: sorry Esme!
We all share a laugh and I yell out a thank you as she dashes out the room. Jasper kisses Alice's head and excuses his self to go hunting.
Emmett: so, Bella, tell the truth. How far did you guys go?
Bella: just a kiss. A really good kiss but just a kiss.
Emmett: aww my Bella bear is growing up.
I throw a cookie at Emmett and turn around to look at Alice. Is that hurt? She spots me looking and quickly smiles.
Alice: want to watch a movie?
Bella: uh sure? Wait, Rosalie do you need my help?
Rosalie: nope! If I do, I'll make Emmett help. Enjoy your movie!
She grabs Emmett and rushes out the door to the garage. Alice grabs my hand and leads me to the couch. I sit down as she messes with the DVD player.
Bella: what are we watching pixie?
Alice: Gone With the Wind, have you seen it?
Bella: nope, can't say I have.
Alice: perfect!
Edward: that's my cue to leave. No matter how bored I am, I will not sit through another 4 hours of that. I'm glad now she has you to watch. Enjoy Bells.
And just like that he rushes out the door.
Bella: 4 hours?
Alice: yep! You'll love it!
Crap there goes my afternoon. But anything for her. I sit back and get comfortable. I'm surprised she hops downright next to me. Our legs almost touching. The lights dim and when I look up, she tells me they're set to dim when the DVD player starts playing. Real fancy. As the movie starts playing, I feel Alice's eyes on me but every time I look at her, she looks away. I wonder why this is her favorite movie. Does she see herself in Scarlett? Almost halfway through I ask her if she can pause it while I get food. She ignores me, dashes to the kitchen and brings back a try of food. I see Esme went all out. She made baked chicken, green beans, corn on the cob, and baked potatoes. I look at the plate and back at Alice, she just smiles and dashes back to the kitchen to get me a drink. I grab the remote and pause the movie.
Bella: I want to give the movie my full focus. Can't do that while I eat.
Alice: fair enough, want to talk?
Bella: sure, what's on your mind pixie?
Alice: so, you like Jess?
Bella: yeah, she's cool. Why? You don't?
Alice: she's ok. Clearly, she's smart with all her AP classes. You can still probably do better.
Bella: I guess I have to take my best friend's opinion into account. Just so you know, she is Leah approved.
Alice: well, I guess if Leah approves, she must be something.
Bella: yeah, I think so too. So, your weekend went well?
Once again, she looks uncomfortable. But she perks up quickly.
Alice: yeah, I went shopping!
I laugh at how she excited she gets to go shopping.
Bella: you do know if you make me watch this whole movie, we won't get a chance to go shopping?
Alice: I think it'll be worth it if I get to teach you about Ms. O'Hara.
Bella: as long as you think so. I should go wash these dishes.
Alice: I got it!
She rushes off and is back in less than a minute. She hops back down and tells me to focus. After a while, I feel myself dozing off, falling into a food coma. As I slowly come to, I realize my head is on a lap. There are fingers running through my hair. And I hear some light humming. I open my eyes and realize I'm in Alice's room. On Alice's bed. With my head on Alice's lap.
Alice: hey wolfie… you should know, you snore.
Bella: ha ha. Funny pixie.
Alice: I'm serious. *She continues playing in my hair. I debate if I should just lay here. Maybe not a good idea with Jasper around. I sit up slowly and come face to face with her* You have really pretty eyes Bella. *Her scent surrounds my face. And I have to take a second to clear my head*
Bella: so, I've been told. Hey pixie, how did I end up in your bed?
Alice: you fell asleep on couch and Esme told me to bring you up here. She figured you'd get better rest here. And I figured I'd wait with you, so you don't freak out when you wake up.
Bella: I wouldn't freak out; I know what your room looks like. But tell her, my back thanks her. Maybe I should go, don't want to upset Jasper.
Alice: Jasper is still out hunting. And he'll be ok.
Bella: right. As much as I enjoy this. I should really be getting home.
I don't want to leave her, but I know Charlie will start to worry. Just because I'm Alpha doesn't mean; I can be out and about all night.
Alice: oh of course. I would've waken you up eventually.
Bella: before or after Charlie called me 100 times?
Alice: it's just something about that 101 call though. Either way, I'd have to take you home, Rose isn't finished with your car.
She says with a big smile on her face.
Bella: crap! I told Jess I would pick her up for school tomorrow.
I see her face fall. Did she want to pick me up?
Alice: oh. Of course, you would since you guys are dating now. I'll take you home and I'll help Rose finish your car tonight. It'll be there for you in the morning.
Bella: you don't have to Alice. I can tell her I won't have my car.
Alice: no no. Wouldn't want to ruin your chances of that second date. Come on, the sooner I get you home, the sooner I can focus on your car.
She gets up and is at her door in a split second. I slowly roll out of bed and walk over to her.
Bella: by the way, you have a really comfortable bed.
Alice: so I've been told.
I have to hold a growl from my wolf. I just narrow my eyes at her and head for the stairs. Yeah, I had just said those same words. But my eyes and her bed are two different things. When we get the bottom of the steps, I see Edward looking at me with sympathy. He must have heard the exchange.
Bella: you know what Alice, I'll run home. I need to stretch my legs.
Alice: don't be silly Bella. I'll take you.
Bella: no, seriously, I'm good.
Before she or anyone can protest, I walk to the door. I text Charlie that I'm on my way. Once my foot touches the ground, I phase and start running. I take a longer route. Wanting to clear my head. I wonder if the person to tell her that was Jasper. Of course it was. Who else. I hope Leah's right. If Alice doesn't want to be with me, I hope my wolf lets me be with Jess. My wolf whines at the thought but I just run faster. When I get home, I phase back and walk in to Charlie sleeping on the couch. I put a cover over him and turn off the light. I head upstairs and jump in the shower as if it'll wash away the hurt and anger. When I get out, I check my phone.
Edward: hey, you ok? Let me know when you're home?
Alice: you could've let me take you Bella.
Jess: I hope you get a good night's rest! See you tomorrow fake gf!
I text back Edward and let him know I'm home. I decide not to reply to Alice. I look at the time and decide to call Jess. Let her know about my evening.
*POV ALICE*
I regret the words the minute I say them. Something about the look Bella gave me, made me want to punch myself in the face. She walks off and I walk behind her wishing I could take it back. There has to be some way to take it back. But before I can say anything, she says she'll run home. I tell her not to be silly, but she pretty much runs out the door. I see Edward about to throw a pillow at me and I catch it just in time.
Edward: you do realize she likes you?
Alice: she doesn't. She's dating Jess.
Edward: because you're with Jasper! Jess is great in her own way but Bella lights up with you. You have to see that. *I grunt and sit down* welp you need to go help Rose. Don't forget Bella has to pick up Jess tomorrow and you told her you'd have her car ready.
She doesn't like me. She's into Jess. She kissed her. I sit there for a second and just think about everything. I send Bella a text and hope she text me back. After 20 minutes, I give up. I go to the garage to help Rose but she just stares at me. Great another sibling with an opinion.
Alice: ok just say it Rose.
Rosalie: you're an idiot. *I stand there waiting for her to finish* That's all. You're an idiot. And Edward's right. And you know how much I hate to say those words but he's right. I don't need your help. Go talk to her. *I try to look into the future to see what will happen, but I don't see anything* Stop doing that. Just go.
I rush out the door. I go over and over what I want to say to her. The apology I need to give her. When I get to Bella's house. I pause in the shadows. She's on the phone… she's on the phone with Jess. I wait, is this a quick call? Is this something serious? Were my siblings wrong? And then I hear it, Bella's giggling. She's having fun. She didn't text me back because she's on the phone with Jess. I turn around and walk back to the house. My siblings were wrong. She's into Jess. And I'm with Jasper. That's all. I walk into the house.
Alice: you two were wrong. Rose, can you take the car in the morning? Just drop it off after Charlie goes to work. Leave the keys on the seat. It'll be fine. Thanks.
I don't yell it out. I say it, knowing they'll hear me. I run to my beach. I need to think. I need to clear my head of Bella. For a second, I had hope. I don't think I've ever had hope. Hope that she's into me? I shouldn't have hope. I focus on the waves. They normally calm me. But tonight, I wish I could go back to us in my bed with her sleeping on my lap. The only real calm I've ever experience in my entire life walking this earth.