32
B
The party has been over for a while now, but a few close family friends are still hanging out in the den with my dad and Edward. I don't know what's going on, but the laughter coming from the room tells me they're enjoying themselves.
Meanwhile, I'm helping Mom clean the kitchen and listening to her gush about my boyfriend.
"He's just amazing, Bella. I can tell how much he loves you."
I smile and close the dishwasher. It's been like this for the past hour, and she's like a broken record, but you won't find me complaining. My parents approve of our relationship, and that means the world to me.
Things are just perfect.
"Oh, I bought a new purse at the swap meet a few weeks ago that you're going to love," Mom exclaims and dries her hands. "Let me go find it before I forget."
"Okay." I laugh, and she flits out of the room.
I'm wiping down the counters when Jacob comes waltzing in, carrying empty beer bottles.
I offer him a smile and point to the recycling bin, expecting him to grab more beers and go, but he lingers, watching me.
"Do you need something?"
He crosses his arms and leans against the fridge. "Did you bring him here to make me jealous?"
"I'm sorry?"
"I mean, you brought your boss. An old man home in hopes to get a rise out of me, and it worked."
"Jacob." I sigh. "I brought Edward home to introduce him to my parents. Trust me when I say this. You and your feelings never crossed my mind."
He rolls his eyes. "Stop lying to yourself, Bells. We both know that we belong together. It's been that way since we were born."
My jaw hangs open in shock. How delusional is this motherfucker?
"Was I not subtle enough when I ended things, Jacob?"
"You and I make more sense than you and a guy his age." His face softens. "Come home, Bella. I can take care of you. You wouldn't have to slum it at some bar to pay your bills."
My blood starts to boil. "Jacob—"
"Jake, I think it's time for you to say your goodbyes and head out," Mom says, interrupting me.
"But, Renee."
"Bella is with Edward now. That makes him part of this family. Either accept it or don't, but I won't have you coming into my house and disrespecting my family."
"Okay. Yeah, I should head out. I've got work in the morning." He gives me one last, longing look. "Think about what I said, Bells. Being with me would be as easy as breathing."
"It's over, Jacob. Edward is my future. So, move on. I know I have."
He walks out, and I turn to my mom. "Did that seriously just happen?"
She wraps her arm around my shoulder and shakes me gently. "Denial is a strong emotion, my love. Why don't you go find your fella before your father gets him wasted? The last time I checked, they were in his liquor cabinet."
I nod and let go of my past, setting off to find my future.