*POV BELLA*
After tossing and turning all night, going back and forth with my plan. My alarm lets me know it's show time. I take my time getting ready, picking out a nice outfit, actually style my hair and a spray or two of the cologne she got me. I plan to fully respect Alice's decision. I just won't make it easy for her. As hard as it'll be, I'll keep my distance. I'm surprise to see Charlie still home when I come down. He has his "dad talk" face. He's worn it a couple of times and I love him even more, though at times it's been awkward.
Charlie: listen kid, I know this weekend was tough, but I don't want it to get you down. Things will work themselves out. You just go in there with your head high and show Alice what she'll be missing.
Bella: two steps ahead of you pops. I won't fully ignore her, but I won't beg her. If things are meant to be, they will. I'll figure out some way.
Charlie: ok, I just don't want to see you again, like how it was when Lauren left you.
Bella: left is a nice way to put it, but don't worry dad. Alice isn't Lauren. The fact alone that she's putting distance out of respect for her relationship, she's nothing like Lauren.
Charlie: ok Bels. I'll see you later tonight. Love you kid.
Bella: I love you too dad.
He walks out and I hang back for a bit, taking a breather to calm myself and my wolf. I send Jess a text that I'll be on my way. Quickly locking up and racing over to her house. Jess has really made this whole thing somewhat bearable. When I pull up, she's outside waiting. I quickly jump out to open her door for her. Once again, I have to admire her outfit. The tight jeans that wrap her legs and hips just right. The nice fitting tee that shows some skin. Her heels that make her a little taller where we're pretty much eye level. Her hair is straighten down over her shoulders.
Jess: hey good looking
Bella: I think you've earned that name today. Looking really good Jess.
Jess: thank you but stop flirting with me. We have to get your girl. Just figured it might help to step up my game.
I laugh a little. I'm sure she knows it's not on her. But I'm grateful she's willing to try more. I give her a hug and help her into the car. When I get in, she starts letting the top down and I give her hand a squeeze. We get to school and once again I jog over to open her door. I hold my hand out for her and she looks up at me giving me a beautiful smile.
Jess: always the gentleman Bella.
Bella: I try.
Emmett: hey Bella bear!
I had a good feeling this would happen. I turn to spot Eddie, Emmett and the goddess walking over to us. I look over Eddie's shoulder and see Alice and Jasper walking away. She has on a light-yellow blouse and tight black skirt with yellow heels to match. Jasper pulls her into him and she puts her arm around his lower back. I quickly look back at the 3 Cullens as a ping of jealousy hits me.
Bella: sup guys, ya have a good weekend?
Edward: yeah, we are just… Well, we were wondering if we can talk to you for a bit.
Edward gives me a meaningful look. I can already guess what it's about. I look over at Jess, who's looking nervous. I squeeze her hand again, hoping it's reassuring to her. She gives me a peck on the cheek and says she'll see me in class. As she walks off, she turns back and mouths out "good luck". I chuckle at it. She tends to know how to lighten the mood always.
Bella: I'm sure I know what it's about. And we're cool guys. I hope ya didn't think it would change anything between us. None of you guys knew. And while I don't like it, I'll respect her wishes and their relationship. Oh, and Jess already knows. She read the note. Honestly, I'm thankful to have her around. She's been a great friend.
Rose: I don't agree with none of this Bella. I don't understand what she's thinking…
Bella: I don't understand either. The tribe doesn't know much about a wolf and vampire imprint. This is a first, but you guys have a thing called mates. Alice told me about it. She never mentioned her being mated with Jasper, but she never said she wasn't either.
Edward: she's not, from my understanding. From seeing the bond/relationships between Rosalie and Emmett, Esme and Carlisle… they're not mated. Alice just feels a sense of loyalty because Jasper has never left her side.
Bella: so why did she have a vision of me?
Rose: because you're her mate. She just has to figure it out. Maybe if you date Jess…
Bella: we can never actually be my wolf won't allow it. I do like her. Not the same way as I do for Alice. But she truly is a great friend. Edward, you know the pull of an imprint. It won't change but it's also what will help me respect her decision. You guys are still invited to join Jess and I when we go out.
Emmett: will you still come to the house? Rose has the parts to your car and I want to play video games with you. I'm sure Edward wants to bore you with his music.
Eddie sends him a glare at the mention of his music.
Bella: I don't want it to be awkward for anybody.
Rose: it's our house too. Plus, Esme wants you to come over. And honestly, it'll make it harder for Alice to ignore you.
Bella: that was my hidden plan lol. Make her want me without actually stepping over the line.
Emmett: it's settled, Team Bella!
We all laugh at him and start heading inside. Rosalie and I walk Eddie to class, knowing Alice is sharing the class with him. She'll see me walk by, hopefully smell me too. We make light talk about our weekends. We just so happen to be talking about my weekend as we get closer to their class. Eddie tells me he's glad I had fun and was surround by love ones, we tell him bye and head to our class. As I walk by, Jess grabs my hand and quickly whispering asks, if I'm ok. I tell her yes and write out "they are team Bella" on her paper. She chuckles, squeezes my hand and I head to the back with Rosalie.
Edward: she heard about your weekend with Jess. Not exactly a fan. Team Bella!
Classes go by pretty quickly. I see Alice and Jasper in the hall in a happy little relationship bubble. As I walk Jess to her classes, I always receive a hug before we part. While is nice considering my wolf whines at every sighting of Alice and Jasper. And though I quickly look away each time, it all hurts the same. I don't go meet Jess at her class before lunch because I know I'll be seeing her there. Edward and I take our time heading to the cafeteria. As we get closer to, Eddie whispers that Jess plans to attack jump on my back. I find it as the cutest thing ever, so I don't move and relax my body, so she doesn't hurt herself.
Jess: gotcha! Haha
Bella: Haha yes you did. Hold on tight.
I half run into the cafeteria and gently drop her into her chair. We're giggling in our own little world and again, I realize how she does all these little things to make me smile and ease my heart. I notice that the whole cafeteria is looking over at us. A few laughing at our antics. Others probably just wondering why. I feel Alice's eyes on me, its quick but I feel them. It makes me want to look over to her, but I force myself to be in the moment with Jess.
Bella: I'll go get us some food. Any special request?
Jess: another piggyback ride later? Haha
Bella: anytime you want.
She grins up at me and I walk away smirking at her jealously antics. When I look back over at our table, Rosalie and Emmett are there. I see Emmett very much in his story telling mode. Jess laughing and Rosalie looking over to him with so much love in her eyes. I want nothing more than Alice to look at me that way. I quickly spare a glance over to her. They have their backs to me, so I don't have to worry about getting caught. I steal a couple more and I see her head twitch a little, but she doesn't look back. I walk over to our table with both trays. And lunch is fun vibes because of the 3 people I'm with. When the bell rings, I grab Jess' hand and walk her to class. Alice and Jasper pass us in the hall. Holding hands and continuing to be in their bubble. Jess pulls me closer. Giving me a long hug and bathing me in her scent. Which is nice and smells like lavender. I'm sure she does it, knowing I'm about to go into a class with Alice. I let go of her and head to class. Surprisingly no Jasper. When I turn into the class, I see Alice at our table with her head down. I resist the urge to ask her what's wrong. It's not my place anymore. Not even as a friend. Eddie throws me a look and looks back at Alice. I just shake my head. It won't be me that breaks. Class feels like it goes on forever. Alice doesn't raise her head at any point. When the bell rings, she dashes off. Right into Jasper who now surprisingly is at the door. He throws me a glare, but I don't look away. It must bother him that he doesn't scare me. Noticing the moment between us, Alice tugs his arm. Pulling him along. Eddie walks up from behind and puts his arm around me.
Eddie: come on good looking, Jess is getting worried about you.
I laugh at his usage of Jess' pet name for me. We walk out to the parking lot and yep, Jess is waiting by my car. I follow her eyes and see she's looking at Alice and Jasper, walking to her car. I feel Eddie flinch beside me.
Eddie: not so pleasant thoughts. Murderous almost.
I laugh at the possibilities of what they could be. Jess finally looks away and spots me, she runs up and throws herself into me. I spin her around, not too quick that she gets dizzy but slow enough I spot Alice looking. Eddie laughs and when I look over at him, he tells me he'll tell me later. We say our goodbyes and I wave to Rosalie and Emmett. The drive to Jess' is carefree.
Bella: hey Jess, they're doing a bon fire at the Res this weekend. Would you like to come with?
Jess: of course! Uh, we have our double date though.
Bella: we can hang out with them in the morning. The bon fire won't be till about 8. I think it'll help to keep busy. Won't have me curried up in bed.
Jess: old Bella, would for sure be in bed. New Bella will party like it's 1999!
I laugh at her comment as she closes the door and runs inside the house. I head over to the Res, wanting to hang out with Jake and Leah. Paul spots us heading down to the beach and ask if he can join us. Knowing they won't bring up Alice while he's around, I tell him of course. There's a look in his eyes as he looks over to Leah. A shiny, twinkle. Jake and I give each other a knowing look but we don't say anything. Paul starts telling jokes, which we think are corny, but Leah laughs at. I grab Jake's arm, letting them get in front of us. We hold back, letting them continue the walk without us. I look at them and back to the water. Wishing the waves were big enough to surf. I spot Jake looking at between me and them.
Bella: what Jake?
Jake: I'm sorry Bella. I mean I'm sure you're happy for Leah, but I know it hurts to see someone else imprint while going through all of this.
Bella: yeah. I rather not think about it. Besides, she's my best friend. I'm beyond happy for her. At least we know Paul won't break her heart.
He nods his head before pushing me down on the sand and running full speed away. I run after him and he phases right before I catch up. I phase right after him and tackle him into the water. Paul and Leah stop upon hearing us. We see Paul give Leah a look before she pushes him to us. He phases and runs to us at his full speed, tackling Jake back into the water. I start walking over to Leah and see her eyes sparkle at Paul's wolf. I nudge her with my nose and she pushes my head away laughing. I nod over to Paul and she gives me a pleading look. I'm sure thinking the same thing Jake just mentioned. I just nod my head at her, hoping she understands that I'm ok with it. Paul comes back to us and lightly pushes Leah with his nose. She laughs before shoves him away. I run back over to Jake wanting to give them their private moment. It's a very private moment for an imprint to see the wolf. A seal of the imprint so to speak. Jake and I continue playing on the beach in our wolf form. Before I know it, it starts getting dark and I decide to head home. Wanting to make dinner for Charlie and me. We both pull up at the same time. I let him know I'll start making dinner after I shower off the ocean. He tells me not to worry and he'll order us some Chinese food. After dinner I decide to call Jess. We talk about our friends, classes and music before she starts getting sleepy and we hang up. I hit play on my music and stare out my window. I stare off at the trees for what feels like forever. Something calling me to the trees not far from the tree line. When I look at the time, I notice it's pass 3 and I should head to bed. I don't hear from her and it hurts more, I guess she's keeping her word.
*POV ALICE*
When we get to school, Jasper pulls me to class. Not letting me wait in the parking lot like we normally do. I'm sure his way of not letting me see Bella. I let him though. No reason to try to wait for someone I'm sure doesn't want to see me. He gives me a hug and kiss on the cheek when he leaves for his class. I take my seat and get a vision of my siblings walking over to talk to Bella. I pull myself from the vision, scared of what she'll say but also knowing I shouldn't. Not long after, I hear Edward, Rose and Bella walking to class. Bella's telling them about her weekend. She mentions hanging out with Jess all weekend. I'm guessing my note didn't hurt as much as I thought. Edward walks in as I get lost in my thoughts. I quickly start singing in my head not wanting to share any thoughts.
Edward: jealous?
Alice: no, I'm glad she wasn't hurt.
Edward glares at me. Swear sometimes his glare could give Rose's a run for her money. He chuckles at my thoughts and I smile at him.
Edward: who said she wasn't hurt? I'm just glad she wasn't wallowing in her pain.
Alice: you're acting like she was heartbroken.
Edward: and you're acting like you know she wasn't.
I don't reply, I pull out my sketch book and start drawing the beach from my cliff. When class ends, Jasper is standing at the door with a smile on his face. I wonder if he's making sure I don't talk to Bella or if he just wants to walk me to class. Edward says the first one as he walks pass us and I just sigh before walking into Jasper's waiting arms. None of them have said much to Jasper. Speaking only when needed. I shouldn't be surprised considering Rose's words. It would still just be nice for everyone to get along. 2nd and 3rd period go by just the same. Jasper waits for me outside of every classroom. I feel and hear Bella and Jess between classes. I don't try turning to look because I know Jasper is taking in my every move right now. Especially when Bella's around. Lunch is interesting to say the least. Bella and Jess come in running with Jess piggy backing on Bella. The whole cafeteria looks at their playfulness. And I can't help but notice that she looks happy. My siblings were wrong. She was fine.
Edward: nope you're wrong.
Jasper looks at Edward questioning and Edward gets up to walk out. Emmett and Rose go to sit with Bella and Jess. We hear Emmett telling them about the time Rose got mad while they were playing video games. How she threw the remote at him, not knowing he would duck down and it would hit and smash the tv. How Esme grounded her from her garage for a month. He left out how her vampire strength made the remote go through the tv and break the wall too. Jess told them about the time her and Bella went to the zoo on the class trip. How Bella almost fell into the monkey enclosure trying to get the toy Jess dropped. Bella never told me about it. Then again, I cut our friendship short before I could find out everything about her. When the bell rings, Jasper walks me to class. He gives me a look when we get to the door. I'm sure thinking I'd talk to her. Also feeling my sadness at the whole situation. While most of it is about Bella, some of it is about my current relationship with my siblings.
Alice: it's going to take a while Jasper. I just lost a person who was supposed to be my best friend. But don't worry, I'll keep my word to you.
I don't wait for him to say anything I just walk into class and put my head down. If I keep my head down, I won't talk to her. And maybe it'll keep her from talking to me. I feel and smell her as she walks in. She doesn't say anything to me. I fight hard to keep from saying anything to her. Every second is hell. And she smells so good. I wonder if she did it on purpose. Wearing the cologne I got her. The second class ends, I'm out the door. In the parking lot I spot Bella playing with Jess again. We lock eyes for a second before I turn away to get in my car. When we get home, I dash up to my room. Throwing myself on my bed and try my hardest not to think about her. I get a vision of Jasper coming to my room but he walks away instead of knocking. And I'm thankful for it. I finally break around 12, I desperately wanting to talk to her. No, it feels more like a need than a want. I decide to go hunt. Before I know it, I'm outside Bella's house. Staring at her window from the trees. She's on the phone with Jess. Talking about everything but what happen. I wonder what she's doing. I don't hear much movement. But then I see her. She comes to the window and stares right at the tree I'm in. For a second, I think she can see me. But she never makes a move. We stare at each other's direction for a long time. Eventually she turns away, I'm sure going to bed. I walk closer to her window when I hear her start snoring. Climbing onto the tree by her window. Not daring to go in. I know if I do, I'll be covered in her scent. I know it'll be hard to leave her. After a while, I hear her say my name. She says it 3 times and says "don't go" … the words break my dead hurt. Before I know it, the sun is coming up. I run home and Jasper is waiting outside for me. I slow my pace and walk up to him. He takes a deep breath; I know trying to smell if I was with Bella. When he doesn't pick up her scent, he smiles and hugs me as we walk in. Rose and Esme are in the kitchen. I rise my eyebrow at them.
Rose: Esme offered to make Bella breakfast since she won't be coming over anytime soon. Probably ever.
I feel Jasper tense next to me. His hand tightening in mine. I don't say anything, I let go of his hand and just rush up to my room to shower. This is going to be a long week.