Chapter 6
5 years later…
August 16, 2009
BPOV
I awoke to the cool sensation of a tongue licking me across my face. I slowly opened up my eyes to the only present Renee ever gave me. My black pug Nessie gave me one final lick before she scurried off, as I got off my make shift mattress on the floor.
"Finally." I thought to myself..
I was finally moving away and I couldn't be happier. Going downstairs, I opened up a can of dog food for her to eat. Nessie hurried down the stairs as I put her food down as she happily began to take a bath before I got on the road. I headed back upstairs hoping I could calm my nerves before I left this place.
I looked about the brown boxes to look for my I drew my bathwater. I stripped and quickly poured my favorite scented body wash onto my washcloth. After thoroughly scrubbing myself clean, I let the hot water soothe my aching muscles and I instantly relaxed. Closing my eyes,my thoughts were instantly flooded with memories of the last couple of years, the reason why I was so glad to get away from this place.
Flashback
4 years ago…
"Where in the hell have you been?" Phil screamed.
Great... Here we go again. They'd been married for about 2 years now and ever since they said "I do" its been an argument every other week. Of course it wasn't Phil's fault, he only had my best interest at heart. We had became close over the past 2 years and I was glad I had someone who actually cared for me. Renee on the other hand, changed tremendously. She bleached her hair dark dirty blonde locks platinum blonde, bought fake boobs, got botox injections, and was gone almost everyday. She didn't even acknowledge the fact the fact I was alive.
She was constantly spending Phil's money like it was nothing. The credit card bills were so high, Phil would have gone bankrupt if he weren't one of the best players on the Phoenix Sun's baseball team. All of his teammates knew how Renee was. She was just a selfish gold digging bitch. Everyone saw it but him. I usually thought Phil was clueless, but maybe he was finally seeing the light. I sat down on the bottom step of the stairs to see what this time's argument was about.
"Shopping." the bitch replied.
"Yeah that's all you ever do. You're always gone. Do you even care about the well being of our daughter?" he asked.
"Your daughter? She's just your stepdaughter. I'm her real parent." she sneered.
"I'm not her parent? Boy… I can't believe you.I more of a parent then you ever been Who feeds her, buys her clothes, helps her with her homework? Me that's who." he sneered back, but I could hear the hurt in his voice.
"Look I don't have time for this. I'm going clubbing with the girls so.." she started but,before she could finish her sentence, Phil interrupted.
"I can't do this anymore. I thought I loved you ,but you've changed."
"All of my friends told me they had a bad vibe about you, but I just didn't listen. You don't care about anyone but yourself, not even your own daughter. You are just a gold digging heartless woman and I wished I never married you." he whispered on the brink of tears.
"So what if I did marry you for your money? It's not my fault your clueless. Even the brat, could see that I didn't love you." she claimed a smirk on her face.
"I want a divorce! Pack up your crap and leave!" He shouted so loud that I could see the vein in his neck throbbing.
"Fine, but I'll sue you for all you're worth. I'll leaving and I'm taking the kid with me." she hollered.
"No you won't." He said, his face a dark shade of red. I'd never seen him so angry in all the time I've known him. Phil was a calm and cool guy once you got to know him. It took a lot to make him angry.
"You will leave. You can have whatever you want, but you won't and I repeat . You won't take Bella away from me." he said.
"She's not even yours! She's coming with me." she glared.
"I said she isn't. I won't let you ruin my daughter's life anymore. You need to stay far away. I'm giving you 5 minutes to get your stuff and leave." he said sounding out of breath.
"Fine, keep the brat. I never wanted her in the first place. I should have had an abortion when I first found out,but no I had to listen to Charlie, and this is what I get; an ungrateful little prick." she grimaced before storming out of the house.
I couldn't help the tears,that erupted from my eyes. I knew she didn't really acknowledge me, except with the occasional hellos, but she had claimed I was a mistake. I didn't usually let her words get to me , but those words still had hurt.
Phil trailed over to me defeated and I climbed onto his lap.
"It's okay Sweet Pea." He said, using the nickname he given me when I was fourteen. "It'll be okay, she's gone. You were never a mistake. I know you're not my biological child, but I love you more than anything, and I will not let anyone ever take that away from you. Promise me." He said warmly.
"I promise." I whispered back. He cuddled me in his arms and I knew that everything was going to be alright.
Over the next couple months, the divorce process became messy. Renee tried to take all of Phil's money, but with no such luck. They agreed on a settlement, and Renee got half off his earnings in the process. I on the other hand got to stay with Phil and he legally adopted me and I became Bella-Swan-Dwyer. I had occasional run-ins with Renee, when I last checked she was with her 9th boyfriend ,drying him clean of a bank account. Sometimes I wondered how I could come from such a despicable woman. That was also how I got Nessie, her 5th boyfriend was a world renowned veterinarian and he had found her alone on a street, when he decided to give her to Renee. That was when I had my 6th run in with her when she told me that she didn't want the little ugly thing.
"A bitch for a bitch." she had told me and Nessie's had been mine ever since.
Ever since she left, life had gotten so much better. Phil and I would go out every week, and bond from reading our favorite books, to watching comedy movies on Sundays.
We enjoyed each others company and it was just nice to have someone love you, who worried when you didn't come home on curfew, or even held you when you got stood up for prom. I love Phil so much and he had loved me back.
Charlie would have been proud. There was now someone to take care of his daughter, no thanks to Renee. It was nice to actually experience happiness, something I hadn't felt in a while. But that joy was short lived when, Phil died from a brain hemorrhage from a batting injury, about a year ago. We all thought of it as a simple batting injury,but we were wrong and before we could do anything to save him he was already gone. I was so heartbroken afterward. It seemed like everything was being taken away from me. First Charlie,then the Cullens and now Phil. I had no clue on how to set up a funeral. The thought of it scared me, but thank god Phil had a will that paid for all of his funeral expenses. I also found out that Phil had left me all of his money and estate, in the result of his death which was about 3.2 million dollars. I didn't even know what do with all of that money. Money never mattered to me, but Phil always told me that I deserved the "finer things in life". I didn't think so I invested it in a trust, where I could occasionally take some out. I could have moved ,but I had decided to stay at our home since I had no other place to go. I had just turned 17 and I figured when I left for college I would sell the house. I had no friends, except Angela ,because everyone wanted to be your friend when you had a rich stepfather. I often tried calling and sending letters to the Cullen's back in Forks, but always ended up with nothing. I figured no one wanted to be around me, which is why they always left. I'd just stopped waiting for someone to call, write, or anything. That was just the way life was.
End Flashback
I opened my eyes to the loud barking of Nessie, as I looked over towards my cell phone to see that it was 10:30. It was time that I hit the road. I guess I was so engrossed in my thoughts, that I hadn't realized that the water had ran cold. I knew I had to rid myself from those thoughts. I could still have a better life. I had just graduated high school, and I had been accepted to Reed University in Binghamton, New York. I was attending on an English scholarship, so I had a great deal of cash left that I didn't really need. I had finally started to get used to being in my own skin, and I became some-what confident. I was still clumsy as ever so somethings never really change. I had grown 2 inches, from my 5'4 and was at an average height of 5'6. My tangled mess of hair, was finally in soft waves that fell down to the swell of my hips. I had gained soft curves, that resembled an hour glass, that made me look better than most girls my age.I was even surprised that I managed to attract a few boys, but still never dated anyone. It was hard to find someone who actually liked you, not someone who just wanted to get in your pants.
I was so glad to start off in a new place, full of new and interesting people. Quickly throwing on my sweats, I gathered the last few remaining boxes,putting them in the U-haul that was meeting me in New York. Grabbing my purse, Nessie, and a few stray items, I put them in the back of my Ashton Martin. It was a tight fit but it fit none the less. As I settled myself in my car I took a deep breath, relishing in the fact that this was finally it. I had a three day drive ahead of me so I knew I had to get going. I had said my goodbyes already and visited Phil one last time. I was off to start my life and i couldn't be any happier.
APOV
Meanwhile 3 days later…
"I'm so excited!" I exclaimed.
I was finally joining my siblings at Reed University. Since I was the youngest, I was the last to be headinoff. I would be starting out as a freshman as a fashion design major. It was nice to be at a place surrounded by family. My senior year was very lonely with, my family gone. After about 1 and half years after Bell left, Dad had gotten a deal to work in New Jersey, to be the new head doctor for their new cancer center. It was a deal he couldn't refuse.
I on the other hand, bluntly refused. What if Bella decided to come back, or send a letter, we wouldn't be able to get it. Rosalie and Edward just grimaced at me and told me to stop believing she'll come back. I hated to admit it, but I was losing hope in Bella too. I still couldn't come up with a reason why my best friend would leave and never write or call. They told me that we needed a new start, away from all of the heartache. I grudgingly agreed and we had been living in New Jersey ever since. Slowly one by one my family members went off to college,all of them deciding to attend Reed University in Binghamton.
Senior year sucked being in school without my family. I was constantly alone and I couldn't wait to reunited with my siblings and Jasper. I was moving in with Rosalie in her apartment. We all wanted a penthouse, so we could live together, but the only one we saw to accommodate us was already sold. Someone must have had a lot of money to rent out a place that had just opened less than a couple days ago.
Rosalie was in her second year of college, along with Edward , she was studying in architecture. She was still gorgeous,and she still could put any model to shame. She was dating Emmett, which put the whole family into shock, except me of course. When they told that they were dating. Dad fainted and Mom looked like she was turning blue, but they quickly warmed up to the idea of the two of them dating. Edward was also in his 2nd year, and was an music major. Lately, Edward and I rarely talked to each other. Every time we did acknowledge one another, he would go off with another random chick. Currently he was dating Tanya. She was a total bitch, and was rude to everyone. We all thought she was crazy, she seemed bipolar, and every time we responded to her comments, he would cry, and moan to Edward. He be stupid enough to suck it up, and he wouldn't talk to us for days. They had a very turbulent relationship. They would break up one day then make up the next. It was sickening really. Tanya always found some way to manipulate him into coming back.
Then there was Jasper. Things between us were better. We just recently confessed our love towards one another, but still hadn't told Mom or Dad. I didn't want to have the same reaction again, so we had decided that we would tell them when we were ready. The others accepted it,and I couldn't have been happier. He was a psychology major as he wanted to be a therapist. I never understood why he wanted that profession, he just said that he was always able to read other people's emotions. Emmett was in his 4th year of college as a veterinarian med. major. He was a big teddy bear and loved all animals. There were only 2 days left until the first day of school and I was a nervous wreck. I was glad to be in college. It was going to be so much fun. I felt saddened because I remembered that Bella and I had planned to go to the same college together. I realized I had to put that aside, that this was college, Bell was gone, my family was here and that it was time to have fun.
"Rose!" I hollered.
"What?" she hollered back.
"Let's go shopping!" I squealed. If anything could take that ache in my heart, it was definitely shopping.
BPOV
1 day later…
I was finally finished clearing out the last boxes of my things. I had gotten here last night and had only 1 day before school started. I'd bought this modern Spanish themed penthouse about, that was close to all the places I needed to go. It had 4 bedrooms and a lot of office space. I wondered why I wanted to live in such a large house, I guess it was just nice to be able to call something my own. I put my remaining items away and left to go pick up groceries.
I went and got everything I needed and quickly returned home. I was famished. Making a quick sandwich for myself, I opened a can of dog food for Nessie. I then ran upstairs to grab my toiletries to take a hot relaxing shower. I was nervous about school tomorrow. I know it just college but, I was still sweating bullets. Just like high school, I wanted to fit in. I quickly threw on some shorts and a tank, before climbing onto my queen sized bed. I snuggled under the covers, as Nessie jumped onto the bed and cuddled herself next to me. I wondered what the day would bring. I wanted, to become an editor, and with this school I may finally get that chance. I slowly closed my eyes and drifted off into the peaceful darkness.
I awoke to the noise of my alarm clock blasting King of Leon's Need Somebody on the radio. I desperately wanted to hit the snooze button, and as I was going to hit the button I realized that I had school today. I quickly jumped up and ran towards the bathroom to brush up, only to stub my big toe on the leg of the dresser in the process.
"Shit!" I screeched. That was the third time since I've been here to stub my toe on some random object.
I moaned as I went to my closet to retrieve my clothes. I never was a big fan of shopping, but I bought the basics. Phil had bought me designer clothes(which I always refused but eventually relented) and I was lucky that I had still had kept them. Some of which I still hadn't worn. I decided on some vintage Baxter skinny jeans, my Harajuku lovers panda tank and charm bracelet. I decided to pair my outfit with some Christian Louboutin Ballerina graffiti flats,since wearing heels usually ended up with me falling flat on my face.
(A/N: Outfit on Profile) I didn't care what anyone else says, when wearing heels, I'm a danger to myself and anyone else in a 10 feet radius. I grabbed my bag, the only expensive bag I owned at that. The only reason being that its was the last gift Phil bought it for me. As I ran downstairs, I looked down at my cell phone to see that it was 9:30.
"Crap" I said out loud. I had about 30 minutes to get to campus, grab my schedule and get to class. Grabbing a pop tart, I ran out to my car and hit the gas. I was there in about 15 minutes. I jumped out of the car and went towards the booth where they were handing out freshman schedules. There were 5 people ahead of me, and I could have sworn that the person first in line looked familiar. She turned, grimacing before looking down at her schedule. She suddenly squealed, as we all looked over towards her. She looked up and gave us a small glance, her eyes focusing in my direction a little too long before she shook her head and walked off. She was a short maybe 4'8 with the heels, with a wild jet black pixie cut hairstyle. It looked fashionable but not too boyish. She sort of reminded me of… well never mind. I was still trying to figure out why she looked so familiar until, I realized that the line had moved up and that I was next in line. I retrieved my schedule and saw that my first class didn't start for another 15 minutes.
I decided to walk around exploring on my way to class. I headed towards the tech building where my first class was being held. On my way there I passed by the Vet. Building, where there was a clear glass, where students could look inside to see the students interact with the animals. There was a small group of people in front of the glass. Inside there were about 4 guys and 2 girls feeding 6 kittens. I couldn't help but smile. I noticed that most of the girls standing outside, kept looking over glancing over to a huge burly guy. He had his back to the window,but when he turned I had a sense of déjà vu. He looked like he could be a carbon copy of Emmett. Piercing blue eyes, curly mop of brown hair, and he even had a dimple on his right cheek. He waved to everyone outside the window, but his eyes seemed to linger on me for a second, before turning around.
"Maybe, I'm just hallucinating." I thought to myself as I went inside the tech building. I must be in desperate need of friends. I mean… Alice or Emmett couldn't be here, they're still somewhere in Forks. They wouldn't leave Washington just to come all the way here. I didn't even hear the lecture my computer teacher Mr. Varner gave us. I just sat in my seat and when he dismissed us I ran out the door. My next class was writing so I decided to grab some water before heading off to my next class. The vending machine was right next to the music room, as I heard the comforting sound of Clair de Lune playing in the distance. I glanced in discreetly only to gaze into the face of a god. Although his eyes were closed, I could only imagine what beautiful shade his eyes held. I couldn't help but study his angular features. His hair was an unusual shade of bronze, which surprised me. No one had ever had that shade of color except Ed...again maybe I'm wasn't seeing things too clearly.I quickly left before he saw me, and made my way over to my next class.I became a little lost until I finally approached my classroom right before my professor Mrs. Cope was closing the door.
"And you are?" she said.
"Isabella Swan-Dwyer" I mumbled embarrassingly.
"Well Miss Sw..Dwy…Isabella. I don't appreciate tardiness, Since it's the first day I'll give you a warning" she sneered.
"Great!" I thought to myself. I had only been here 3 hours and one of my teachers doesn't like me already.
All of my classes went about in a blur. I was glad that the day was finally over. Although it was only the first day, fees, syllabuses and a whole bunch of junk. I thought college was supposed to be fun but I also knew it was going to be a lot of work.
I hurried to over my Ashton, when I noticed a shiny silver Volvo parked next to my car. But it wasn't the car that I was paying so much attention to, it was the bronze haired Adonis leaning against the car door talking to a beautiful blond. Figures… he's already taken. I thought mentally to myself. I opened the door to my car, giving the the two of them a weary glance, before pulling out and driving home. I arrived home a couple of minutes later and couldn't help but think about the familiar faces I had seen that day. Could it be…. Nah! I opened the door, only to be mauled my little black fur ball of a pug Nessie.
"Nessie" how about you and I go for a run through Central Park?" I smiled down at my dog, also feeling a little stupid expecting her to answer me. I seriously needed to find me some friends.
She looked at me her eager brown eyes, before barking loudly to retrieve her leash.
I ran upstairs and threw on my sports bra, shorts, and sneakers, before coming back downstairs. I attached the leash to Nessie , although it felt kind of stupid to attach a leash to such a small dog, but Nessie was strong and easily get away if she wanted to. We headed out the door and headed towards a trail that I'd seen earlier that day occupied by other joggers. I loved jogging. It was always an easy way for me to clear out my head and burn off the calories I usually consumed from eating to much ice cream.
I started off easy before speeding up, letting the twisted curves of the trail take me.
APOV
Meanwhile earlier…..
Yay! School started today! I was extremely nervous, what do I wear... what do I wear? I started rummaging through my closet until I came out with the perfect outfit. I decided on silk lamé top, with a grey pencil skirt. I topped it off with a plum blouse to go over it and my favorite pair of Rock & Republic gray heels.(A/n: Outfit on Profile)
I stepped out of the bathroom to show my sister my outfit.
"Damn Pixie". she smirked. "Are you trying to make everybody look bad?"
"Yep. You know I have to make an impression." I smirked back.
"Well knock em dead!" She hollered as she left for her classes. Grabbing my purse, I walked towards the parking lot where my Porsche was parked. Putting my keys in the ignition I sped off. I definitely didn't want to be late for my 1st class. As soon as I parked my car I saw the Freshman schedule booth and noticed that there were by only a few people in line. I hurried over, because with these heels, I definitely didn't want them to get dirty by standing in line all day. Soon enough I was first in line.
"Name?" the girl asked , her eyes focused on the load of schedules on the table top.
"Cullen, Alice" I replied.
"You don't happen to be related to Edward Cullen.?" she asked a grin spreading across her face.
"Yeah he's my ?" I replied.
"Um…can you maybe give him my phone number?" she asked batting her eyelashes, which made her look like she had a bad twitch.
"Let me think no." I growled. I then grabbed my schedule from her hand and walked a few steps away.
I looked down to see my classes, and I couldn't help the squeal that erupted from my mouth. I suddenly realized I wasn't alone. I looked over towards the group of students in line and gave them an apologetic glance. But my eyes stopped for a moment on a girl who looked about my age. She had long mahogany hair that cascaded in waves and I could see she was biting her lip in what looked like in deep concentration. She must have noticed I was staring, because she was staring back at me. I gave her a weary glance, before walking off. She looked so familiar, that I swear she reminded me of what Bella would have looked like. But I remembered her outfit. Bella would never dress that way. Although I was her best friend, even I sometimes admitted she didn't have the best of style.
Walking towards the auditorium,I couldn't get rid of the feeling that I knew her from somewhere. I was just being foolish. There were so many college students on campus that it could have been anybody.I couldn't wait till later, Jazz, Em, Rose, Edward, and I including Tanya (although it would have been so much better without her) were going to have a picnic in the Park. It was nice, because some of our classes released us at the same time. That girl's face kept popping up in my mind, and I couldn't seem to get it out of my head. She looked so much like Bella, but at the same time it wasn't her. She somewhere in Phoenix, right? If she wasn't could that really have been her? I really wanted to find out.
EMPOV
First day back! I boomed, well not for me. The vet. med majors had to return three days early.
Since I had to leave early, I never got the chance to wish Alice good luck on her first day. We were feeding the kitties today, and we were allowed to do it in the glass room. I loved the glass room. I enjoyed seeing the reactions of the students, especially the girls. Yeah the girls... I love Rosie and all and I would never even think to cheat on her, but I liked how they reacted to me. It always boosted my ego. Turning around,I gave a wave to the crowd as they waved back. I glanced over the crowd, but my eyes stopped momentarily on the brown haired girl looking at me through the window. She had deep brown eyes and was fidgeting around like she was uncomfortable. She reminded me so much of Bella. It was probably just my imagination. Shaking my head to clear it, I turned around and put my back towards the crowd. Though I wished it was her, I knew it probably wasn't. Our family had just gotten back to normal, but there was always felt like a piece of us was missing. If she were here we would be complete. Especially Edward, who goes through girls every week. I surprised he had been with Tanya this long. She's a complete bitch and was constantly insulting my Rosie and baby sister. No one likes her and even Edward knows that. I'll have to deal with her later when we go on our picnic. He just misses Bella. Although he hates to admit it, he does. I couldn't concentrate on her, I had work to do. Smiling to myself, I once more began feeding the small kitten in my hand.
EPOV
"Tanya." I exasperated.
"Please Eddie." she begged.
"Fine." I said defeated.
Tanya and I have been dating on and off for a while no now. I was surprised that I even kept her around that long. After Bella left, I felt so lost,that I started dating various girls around school. By time I hit graduation, I had gone through every girl in school with the exception of Alice and Rose. I mean come on…that was just gross.
Tanya was a complete bitch, even I knew that. My family couldn't stand her. But she was a good fuck. That's the only reason she stayed around. We would break up only to make up. Tanya could be a good person if she wanted to, I'd seen on many occasions, but she could also be viscous if you were after what she wanted. Whether it be academics or men, she always got what she wanted, including were boring, so I decided to cut my last against my Volvo door, I closed my eyes until I heard the nasally voice of my girlfriend Tanya. She was begging me to come to Mom and Dad's anniversary party. She knew that my parents didn't like her and she wouldn't shut up until I said yes. We were waiting for Al, Jazz, Em, and Rose so we could have a picnic in park. I was ignoring the blabber of Tanya, when I saw a brunette goddess come towards our way. She had to be about 5'6, short compared to my 6'2. She had long mahogany hair with small flecks of red on the tips. I couldn't really see her eyes, but looked to be framed by long eyelashes. She had a gorgeous face. Her skin pale, almost translucent, showed small freckles across her nose. She gave a quick glance, before getting in her car, surprisingly the Aston Martin next to mine before pulling out of the parking lot.
"Eddie are you listening to me?" Tanya sneered.
Before I could respond, Emmett, Rosalie, Jasper, and Alice strolled over to us, Thank god.
"You guys ready to go?" I asked, and they all shook their heads. We all piled into Emmett's jeep. Emmett was driving, Rosalie beside him riding shotgun. There were only three seats in the back so Alice sat on Jasper's lap while I sat in the middle. Alice held a grudge against Tanya, ever since she insulted Alice's clothing, which was a big mistake. Ever since then, Alice refuses to even sit next to her. When we finally arrived at the park,we gathered the baskets out the trunk and found a soft spot of grass to sit and set up.
"Ew. Do we have to sit on the ground?" Tanya grimaced.
"We-." Rosalie gestured to everyone except Tanya, "are going to sit on the ground."
"You-" she pointed at Tanya, "could go and sit back in the cage in which you came from." she smirked causing Alice to snort.
Before Tanya could make her comment, Emmett's booming laughter startled everyone, calming us all down before things got a little too heated.
We started pulling out food and began eating. We eased into conversation...well no one talked to Tanya except me but that was besides the point. I noticed that Alice wasn't talking, so I decided to grasp her attention.
"Al." I called, but received no response.
"Alice." I called again, waving my hand in front of her face. Everyone was looking between the two of us.
"Huh?" she simply responded.
"Where did you go?" I asked.
"What do you mean?" she responded dryly.
"You spaced out on me. Something wrong?" I questioned.
"No… I just thought about a familiar face I'd seen today. "She responded not looking at me.
"Who?" I asked..
"Uh… nobody." she said, hiding her glare from me.
"Al. Come on and tell us." I begged, actually curious as to who had my sister so flustered.
"I bet it was one of ol Eddie's ex-girlfriends." Emmett boomed.
"Don't call me Eddie! Emmett!" I snapped back at him.
"Geesh Edward, don't have your period." he said, rolling his eyes.
I ignored that last remark. "So who did you think you saw?"
"Bella" she whispered.
"Come again?" I asked flabbergasted.
"Bella." she said louder, as we all glared back at her stunned. She knew how the conversation went, when we brought her up.
"You're joking right?" I asked , but Alice just stared at me.
"God Al. I think all that hairspray you use is finally getting to your head." I laughed, trying to ease the tension that was slowly building up.
"Don't laugh at me, I swear it looked just like her." She responded.
"Looked like her Alice, not actually her. Besides she probably somewhere in Phoenix." I commented.
I hated it when they brought her up, it opened up old wounds.
"Who's Bella?" Tanya asked annoyed that our attention was not on her .
"Just an old friend who moved away." Jasper replied.
"Yeah the one who left with no real goodbye. Not even a phone call or letter." I mumbled under my breath.
"And she's important why?" Tanya asked sarcastically.
"Look she was my best friend, Just because the conversation doesn't revolve around you all the time. Shut it!" Alice snapped.
"Calm down Al, you think you saw her. Let's get back to eating."Jasper said, trying to resolve the matter.
Before I could pick up my fork Emmett interrupted..
"I think I saw her too." Emmett acknowledged.
"Not you too." Both Rosalie and I said at the same time.
"You saw her too Em? See it's not the hairspray fumes. " Alice said anxiously, as she stuck her tongue out at me.
"Yeah.. I mean I was feeding the kittens in the glass room, and there was this group watching us, and I could have sworn I saw her." Emmett said.
"What makes you think it was her?" Jasper asked.
"She looked just like Bella. Brown eyes, long brown hair, always fidgeting, and biting her lips. I think it was her. She looked so familiar to me yet different." Emmett said stuffing his sandwich into his mouth.
"That still doesn't' prove that it's her" Rose said.
"But it might be." Alice huffed.
"Look can we get back to eating please?" I said. I was so done with this conversation.
We sat in relative silence until I could hear a steady thumping sound coming towards our direction. I glanced past my shoulder and all I could manage to make out was a small black pug running this way unattended.
"Nessie wait up!" the voice called. The voice sounded so familiar, like I had heard it once before.
I looked over my shoulder once more to see the brunette from the parking lot earlier, running this way in the distance.
She was breath-taking. She was wearing a blue Addia's sports bra and gym shorts. I could faintly see her hard curves that could even put Rosalie to shame. I was pulled from my thoughts when Alice exclaimed….
"That's the girl!. The one I think is Bella." she squealed.
"That can't be her." I proclaimed.
"No dude, that's the same chick I saw earlier too." Emmett said eying the running figure.
The girl was coming closer towards our direction. Emmett and Alice were arguing back and forth,debating on whether or not it was really her.
"It's her. I know it is!" Alice said bouncing on her knees.
"No it's not. Leave the poor girl alone Al." Rosalie said.
"It sure does look like her a little bit" Jasper grudgingly agreed.
"'s not her." I huffed.
"Well only one way to find out." I was wondering what he was doing when he suddenly stood up and screamed.
"BELLA!"
The girl quickly turned her head in our direction as she ran, realization quickly dawning across her face.
What she didn't see ,was the large oak tree that she suddenly smacked into, bouncing back hard onto the ground.
We all got up leaving Tanya on the ground, as we ran over to the now unconscious girl that lay on the ground.
We,were all shocked that this was actually Bella. Looking up closer than afar, I could actually see the resemblances of the thirteen year old girl I remembered.
Alice was bouncing in place, while Jasper looked on concerned with his hand upon her shoulder trying to calm her down.
Rosalie showed a look of disbelief, while Emmett stood beside her with a shit-eating grin on his face,while I stood there amazed.
The gorgeous brunette I saw earlier was actually was no way.
"Well I think that answers our question Ally-bug. If anyone could do a face plant onto a tree, it's definitely Bella." Emmett boomed with laughter, as we waited for her to wake.
5 years later…
August 16, 2009
BPOV
I awoke to the cool sensation of a tongue licking me across my face. I slowly opened up my eyes to the only present Renee ever gave me. My black pug Nessie gave me one final lick before she scurried off, as I got off my make shift mattress on the floor.
"Finally." I thought to myself..
I was finally moving away and I couldn't be happier. Going downstairs, I opened up a can of dog food for her to eat. Nessie hurried down the stairs as I put her food down as she happily began to take a bath before I got on the road. I headed back upstairs hoping I could calm my nerves before I left this place.
I looked about the brown boxes to look for my I drew my bathwater. I stripped and quickly poured my favorite scented body wash onto my washcloth. After thoroughly scrubbing myself clean, I let the hot water soothe my aching muscles and I instantly relaxed. Closing my eyes,my thoughts were instantly flooded with memories of the last couple of years, the reason why I was so glad to get away from this place.
Flashback
4 years ago…
"Where in the hell have you been?" Phil screamed.
Great... Here we go again. They'd been married for about 2 years now and ever since they said "I do" its been an argument every other week. Of course it wasn't Phil's fault, he only had my best interest at heart. We had became close over the past 2 years and I was glad I had someone who actually cared for me. Renee on the other hand, changed tremendously. She bleached her hair dark dirty blonde locks platinum blonde, bought fake boobs, got botox injections, and was gone almost everyday. She didn't even acknowledge the fact the fact I was alive.
She was constantly spending Phil's money like it was nothing. The credit card bills were so high, Phil would have gone bankrupt if he weren't one of the best players on the Phoenix Sun's baseball team. All of his teammates knew how Renee was. She was just a selfish gold digging bitch. Everyone saw it but him. I usually thought Phil was clueless, but maybe he was finally seeing the light. I sat down on the bottom step of the stairs to see what this time's argument was about.
"Shopping." the bitch replied.
"Yeah that's all you ever do. You're always gone. Do you even care about the well being of our daughter?" he asked.
"Your daughter? She's just your stepdaughter. I'm her real parent." she sneered.
"I'm not her parent? Boy… I can't believe you.I more of a parent then you ever been Who feeds her, buys her clothes, helps her with her homework? Me that's who." he sneered back, but I could hear the hurt in his voice.
"Look I don't have time for this. I'm going clubbing with the girls so.." she started but,before she could finish her sentence, Phil interrupted.
"I can't do this anymore. I thought I loved you ,but you've changed."
"All of my friends told me they had a bad vibe about you, but I just didn't listen. You don't care about anyone but yourself, not even your own daughter. You are just a gold digging heartless woman and I wished I never married you." he whispered on the brink of tears.
"So what if I did marry you for your money? It's not my fault your clueless. Even the brat, could see that I didn't love you." she claimed a smirk on her face.
"I want a divorce! Pack up your crap and leave!" He shouted so loud that I could see the vein in his neck throbbing.
"Fine, but I'll sue you for all you're worth. I'll leaving and I'm taking the kid with me." she hollered.
"No you won't." He said, his face a dark shade of red. I'd never seen him so angry in all the time I've known him. Phil was a calm and cool guy once you got to know him. It took a lot to make him angry.
"You will leave. You can have whatever you want, but you won't and I repeat . You won't take Bella away from me." he said.
"She's not even yours! She's coming with me." she glared.
"I said she isn't. I won't let you ruin my daughter's life anymore. You need to stay far away. I'm giving you 5 minutes to get your stuff and leave." he said sounding out of breath.
"Fine, keep the brat. I never wanted her in the first place. I should have had an abortion when I first found out,but no I had to listen to Charlie, and this is what I get; an ungrateful little prick." she grimaced before storming out of the house.
I couldn't help the tears,that erupted from my eyes. I knew she didn't really acknowledge me, except with the occasional hellos, but she had claimed I was a mistake. I didn't usually let her words get to me , but those words still had hurt.
Phil trailed over to me defeated and I climbed onto his lap.
"It's okay Sweet Pea." He said, using the nickname he given me when I was fourteen. "It'll be okay, she's gone. You were never a mistake. I know you're not my biological child, but I love you more than anything, and I will not let anyone ever take that away from you. Promise me." He said warmly.
"I promise." I whispered back. He cuddled me in his arms and I knew that everything was going to be alright.
Over the next couple months, the divorce process became messy. Renee tried to take all of Phil's money, but with no such luck. They agreed on a settlement, and Renee got half off his earnings in the process. I on the other hand got to stay with Phil and he legally adopted me and I became Bella-Swan-Dwyer. I had occasional run-ins with Renee, when I last checked she was with her 9th boyfriend ,drying him clean of a bank account. Sometimes I wondered how I could come from such a despicable woman. That was also how I got Nessie, her 5th boyfriend was a world renowned veterinarian and he had found her alone on a street, when he decided to give her to Renee. That was when I had my 6th run in with her when she told me that she didn't want the little ugly thing.
"A bitch for a bitch." she had told me and Nessie's had been mine ever since.
Ever since she left, life had gotten so much better. Phil and I would go out every week, and bond from reading our favorite books, to watching comedy movies on Sundays.
We enjoyed each others company and it was just nice to have someone love you, who worried when you didn't come home on curfew, or even held you when you got stood up for prom. I love Phil so much and he had loved me back.
Charlie would have been proud. There was now someone to take care of his daughter, no thanks to Renee. It was nice to actually experience happiness, something I hadn't felt in a while. But that joy was short lived when, Phil died from a brain hemorrhage from a batting injury, about a year ago. We all thought of it as a simple batting injury,but we were wrong and before we could do anything to save him he was already gone. I was so heartbroken afterward. It seemed like everything was being taken away from me. First Charlie,then the Cullens and now Phil. I had no clue on how to set up a funeral. The thought of it scared me, but thank god Phil had a will that paid for all of his funeral expenses. I also found out that Phil had left me all of his money and estate, in the result of his death which was about 3.2 million dollars. I didn't even know what do with all of that money. Money never mattered to me, but Phil always told me that I deserved the "finer things in life". I didn't think so I invested it in a trust, where I could occasionally take some out. I could have moved ,but I had decided to stay at our home since I had no other place to go. I had just turned 17 and I figured when I left for college I would sell the house. I had no friends, except Angela ,because everyone wanted to be your friend when you had a rich stepfather. I often tried calling and sending letters to the Cullen's back in Forks, but always ended up with nothing. I figured no one wanted to be around me, which is why they always left. I'd just stopped waiting for someone to call, write, or anything. That was just the way life was.
End Flashback
I opened my eyes to the loud barking of Nessie, as I looked over towards my cell phone to see that it was 10:30. It was time that I hit the road. I guess I was so engrossed in my thoughts, that I hadn't realized that the water had ran cold. I knew I had to rid myself from those thoughts. I could still have a better life. I had just graduated high school, and I had been accepted to Reed University in Binghamton, New York. I was attending on an English scholarship, so I had a great deal of cash left that I didn't really need. I had finally started to get used to being in my own skin, and I became some-what confident. I was still clumsy as ever so somethings never really change. I had grown 2 inches, from my 5'4 and was at an average height of 5'6. My tangled mess of hair, was finally in soft waves that fell down to the swell of my hips. I had gained soft curves, that resembled an hour glass, that made me look better than most girls my age.I was even surprised that I managed to attract a few boys, but still never dated anyone. It was hard to find someone who actually liked you, not someone who just wanted to get in your pants.
I was so glad to start off in a new place, full of new and interesting people. Quickly throwing on my sweats, I gathered the last few remaining boxes,putting them in the U-haul that was meeting me in New York. Grabbing my purse, Nessie, and a few stray items, I put them in the back of my Ashton Martin. It was a tight fit but it fit none the less. As I settled myself in my car I took a deep breath, relishing in the fact that this was finally it. I had a three day drive ahead of me so I knew I had to get going. I had said my goodbyes already and visited Phil one last time. I was off to start my life and i couldn't be any happier.
APOV
Meanwhile 3 days later…
"I'm so excited!" I exclaimed.
I was finally joining my siblings at Reed University. Since I was the youngest, I was the last to be headinoff. I would be starting out as a freshman as a fashion design major. It was nice to be at a place surrounded by family. My senior year was very lonely with, my family gone. After about 1 and half years after Bell left, Dad had gotten a deal to work in New Jersey, to be the new head doctor for their new cancer center. It was a deal he couldn't refuse.
I on the other hand, bluntly refused. What if Bella decided to come back, or send a letter, we wouldn't be able to get it. Rosalie and Edward just grimaced at me and told me to stop believing she'll come back. I hated to admit it, but I was losing hope in Bella too. I still couldn't come up with a reason why my best friend would leave and never write or call. They told me that we needed a new start, away from all of the heartache. I grudgingly agreed and we had been living in New Jersey ever since. Slowly one by one my family members went off to college,all of them deciding to attend Reed University in Binghamton.
Senior year sucked being in school without my family. I was constantly alone and I couldn't wait to reunited with my siblings and Jasper. I was moving in with Rosalie in her apartment. We all wanted a penthouse, so we could live together, but the only one we saw to accommodate us was already sold. Someone must have had a lot of money to rent out a place that had just opened less than a couple days ago.
Rosalie was in her second year of college, along with Edward , she was studying in architecture. She was still gorgeous,and she still could put any model to shame. She was dating Emmett, which put the whole family into shock, except me of course. When they told that they were dating. Dad fainted and Mom looked like she was turning blue, but they quickly warmed up to the idea of the two of them dating. Edward was also in his 2nd year, and was an music major. Lately, Edward and I rarely talked to each other. Every time we did acknowledge one another, he would go off with another random chick. Currently he was dating Tanya. She was a total bitch, and was rude to everyone. We all thought she was crazy, she seemed bipolar, and every time we responded to her comments, he would cry, and moan to Edward. He be stupid enough to suck it up, and he wouldn't talk to us for days. They had a very turbulent relationship. They would break up one day then make up the next. It was sickening really. Tanya always found some way to manipulate him into coming back.
Then there was Jasper. Things between us were better. We just recently confessed our love towards one another, but still hadn't told Mom or Dad. I didn't want to have the same reaction again, so we had decided that we would tell them when we were ready. The others accepted it,and I couldn't have been happier. He was a psychology major as he wanted to be a therapist. I never understood why he wanted that profession, he just said that he was always able to read other people's emotions. Emmett was in his 4th year of college as a veterinarian med. major. He was a big teddy bear and loved all animals. There were only 2 days left until the first day of school and I was a nervous wreck. I was glad to be in college. It was going to be so much fun. I felt saddened because I remembered that Bella and I had planned to go to the same college together. I realized I had to put that aside, that this was college, Bell was gone, my family was here and that it was time to have fun.
"Rose!" I hollered.
"What?" she hollered back.
"Let's go shopping!" I squealed. If anything could take that ache in my heart, it was definitely shopping.
BPOV
1 day later…
I was finally finished clearing out the last boxes of my things. I had gotten here last night and had only 1 day before school started. I'd bought this modern Spanish themed penthouse about, that was close to all the places I needed to go. It had 4 bedrooms and a lot of office space. I wondered why I wanted to live in such a large house, I guess it was just nice to be able to call something my own. I put my remaining items away and left to go pick up groceries.
I went and got everything I needed and quickly returned home. I was famished. Making a quick sandwich for myself, I opened a can of dog food for Nessie. I then ran upstairs to grab my toiletries to take a hot relaxing shower. I was nervous about school tomorrow. I know it just college but, I was still sweating bullets. Just like high school, I wanted to fit in. I quickly threw on some shorts and a tank, before climbing onto my queen sized bed. I snuggled under the covers, as Nessie jumped onto the bed and cuddled herself next to me. I wondered what the day would bring. I wanted, to become an editor, and with this school I may finally get that chance. I slowly closed my eyes and drifted off into the peaceful darkness.
I awoke to the noise of my alarm clock blasting King of Leon's Need Somebody on the radio. I desperately wanted to hit the snooze button, and as I was going to hit the button I realized that I had school today. I quickly jumped up and ran towards the bathroom to brush up, only to stub my big toe on the leg of the dresser in the process.
"Shit!" I screeched. That was the third time since I've been here to stub my toe on some random object.
I moaned as I went to my closet to retrieve my clothes. I never was a big fan of shopping, but I bought the basics. Phil had bought me designer clothes(which I always refused but eventually relented) and I was lucky that I had still had kept them. Some of which I still hadn't worn. I decided on some vintage Baxter skinny jeans, my Harajuku lovers panda tank and charm bracelet. I decided to pair my outfit with some Christian Louboutin Ballerina graffiti flats,since wearing heels usually ended up with me falling flat on my face.
(A/N: Outfit on Profile) I didn't care what anyone else says, when wearing heels, I'm a danger to myself and anyone else in a 10 feet radius. I grabbed my bag, the only expensive bag I owned at that. The only reason being that its was the last gift Phil bought it for me. As I ran downstairs, I looked down at my cell phone to see that it was 9:30.
"Crap" I said out loud. I had about 30 minutes to get to campus, grab my schedule and get to class. Grabbing a pop tart, I ran out to my car and hit the gas. I was there in about 15 minutes. I jumped out of the car and went towards the booth where they were handing out freshman schedules. There were 5 people ahead of me, and I could have sworn that the person first in line looked familiar. She turned, grimacing before looking down at her schedule. She suddenly squealed, as we all looked over towards her. She looked up and gave us a small glance, her eyes focusing in my direction a little too long before she shook her head and walked off. She was a short maybe 4'8 with the heels, with a wild jet black pixie cut hairstyle. It looked fashionable but not too boyish. She sort of reminded me of… well never mind. I was still trying to figure out why she looked so familiar until, I realized that the line had moved up and that I was next in line. I retrieved my schedule and saw that my first class didn't start for another 15 minutes.
I decided to walk around exploring on my way to class. I headed towards the tech building where my first class was being held. On my way there I passed by the Vet. Building, where there was a clear glass, where students could look inside to see the students interact with the animals. There was a small group of people in front of the glass. Inside there were about 4 guys and 2 girls feeding 6 kittens. I couldn't help but smile. I noticed that most of the girls standing outside, kept looking over glancing over to a huge burly guy. He had his back to the window,but when he turned I had a sense of déjà vu. He looked like he could be a carbon copy of Emmett. Piercing blue eyes, curly mop of brown hair, and he even had a dimple on his right cheek. He waved to everyone outside the window, but his eyes seemed to linger on me for a second, before turning around.
"Maybe, I'm just hallucinating." I thought to myself as I went inside the tech building. I must be in desperate need of friends. I mean… Alice or Emmett couldn't be here, they're still somewhere in Forks. They wouldn't leave Washington just to come all the way here. I didn't even hear the lecture my computer teacher Mr. Varner gave us. I just sat in my seat and when he dismissed us I ran out the door. My next class was writing so I decided to grab some water before heading off to my next class. The vending machine was right next to the music room, as I heard the comforting sound of Clair de Lune playing in the distance. I glanced in discreetly only to gaze into the face of a god. Although his eyes were closed, I could only imagine what beautiful shade his eyes held. I couldn't help but study his angular features. His hair was an unusual shade of bronze, which surprised me. No one had ever had that shade of color except Ed...again maybe I'm wasn't seeing things too clearly.I quickly left before he saw me, and made my way over to my next class.I became a little lost until I finally approached my classroom right before my professor Mrs. Cope was closing the door.
"And you are?" she said.
"Isabella Swan-Dwyer" I mumbled embarrassingly.
"Well Miss Sw..Dwy…Isabella. I don't appreciate tardiness, Since it's the first day I'll give you a warning" she sneered.
"Great!" I thought to myself. I had only been here 3 hours and one of my teachers doesn't like me already.
All of my classes went about in a blur. I was glad that the day was finally over. Although it was only the first day, fees, syllabuses and a whole bunch of junk. I thought college was supposed to be fun but I also knew it was going to be a lot of work.
I hurried to over my Ashton, when I noticed a shiny silver Volvo parked next to my car. But it wasn't the car that I was paying so much attention to, it was the bronze haired Adonis leaning against the car door talking to a beautiful blond. Figures… he's already taken. I thought mentally to myself. I opened the door to my car, giving the the two of them a weary glance, before pulling out and driving home. I arrived home a couple of minutes later and couldn't help but think about the familiar faces I had seen that day. Could it be…. Nah! I opened the door, only to be mauled my little black fur ball of a pug Nessie.
"Nessie" how about you and I go for a run through Central Park?" I smiled down at my dog, also feeling a little stupid expecting her to answer me. I seriously needed to find me some friends.
She looked at me her eager brown eyes, before barking loudly to retrieve her leash.
I ran upstairs and threw on my sports bra, shorts, and sneakers, before coming back downstairs. I attached the leash to Nessie , although it felt kind of stupid to attach a leash to such a small dog, but Nessie was strong and easily get away if she wanted to. We headed out the door and headed towards a trail that I'd seen earlier that day occupied by other joggers. I loved jogging. It was always an easy way for me to clear out my head and burn off the calories I usually consumed from eating to much ice cream.
I started off easy before speeding up, letting the twisted curves of the trail take me.
APOV
Meanwhile earlier…..
Yay! School started today! I was extremely nervous, what do I wear... what do I wear? I started rummaging through my closet until I came out with the perfect outfit. I decided on silk lamé top, with a grey pencil skirt. I topped it off with a plum blouse to go over it and my favorite pair of Rock & Republic gray heels.(A/n: Outfit on Profile)
I stepped out of the bathroom to show my sister my outfit.
"Damn Pixie". she smirked. "Are you trying to make everybody look bad?"
"Yep. You know I have to make an impression." I smirked back.
"Well knock em dead!" She hollered as she left for her classes. Grabbing my purse, I walked towards the parking lot where my Porsche was parked. Putting my keys in the ignition I sped off. I definitely didn't want to be late for my 1st class. As soon as I parked my car I saw the Freshman schedule booth and noticed that there were by only a few people in line. I hurried over, because with these heels, I definitely didn't want them to get dirty by standing in line all day. Soon enough I was first in line.
"Name?" the girl asked , her eyes focused on the load of schedules on the table top.
"Cullen, Alice" I replied.
"You don't happen to be related to Edward Cullen.?" she asked a grin spreading across her face.
"Yeah he's my ?" I replied.
"Um…can you maybe give him my phone number?" she asked batting her eyelashes, which made her look like she had a bad twitch.
"Let me think no." I growled. I then grabbed my schedule from her hand and walked a few steps away.
I looked down to see my classes, and I couldn't help the squeal that erupted from my mouth. I suddenly realized I wasn't alone. I looked over towards the group of students in line and gave them an apologetic glance. But my eyes stopped for a moment on a girl who looked about my age. She had long mahogany hair that cascaded in waves and I could see she was biting her lip in what looked like in deep concentration. She must have noticed I was staring, because she was staring back at me. I gave her a weary glance, before walking off. She looked so familiar, that I swear she reminded me of what Bella would have looked like. But I remembered her outfit. Bella would never dress that way. Although I was her best friend, even I sometimes admitted she didn't have the best of style.
Walking towards the auditorium,I couldn't get rid of the feeling that I knew her from somewhere. I was just being foolish. There were so many college students on campus that it could have been anybody.I couldn't wait till later, Jazz, Em, Rose, Edward, and I including Tanya (although it would have been so much better without her) were going to have a picnic in the Park. It was nice, because some of our classes released us at the same time. That girl's face kept popping up in my mind, and I couldn't seem to get it out of my head. She looked so much like Bella, but at the same time it wasn't her. She somewhere in Phoenix, right? If she wasn't could that really have been her? I really wanted to find out.
EMPOV
First day back! I boomed, well not for me. The vet. med majors had to return three days early.
Since I had to leave early, I never got the chance to wish Alice good luck on her first day. We were feeding the kitties today, and we were allowed to do it in the glass room. I loved the glass room. I enjoyed seeing the reactions of the students, especially the girls. Yeah the girls... I love Rosie and all and I would never even think to cheat on her, but I liked how they reacted to me. It always boosted my ego. Turning around,I gave a wave to the crowd as they waved back. I glanced over the crowd, but my eyes stopped momentarily on the brown haired girl looking at me through the window. She had deep brown eyes and was fidgeting around like she was uncomfortable. She reminded me so much of Bella. It was probably just my imagination. Shaking my head to clear it, I turned around and put my back towards the crowd. Though I wished it was her, I knew it probably wasn't. Our family had just gotten back to normal, but there was always felt like a piece of us was missing. If she were here we would be complete. Especially Edward, who goes through girls every week. I surprised he had been with Tanya this long. She's a complete bitch and was constantly insulting my Rosie and baby sister. No one likes her and even Edward knows that. I'll have to deal with her later when we go on our picnic. He just misses Bella. Although he hates to admit it, he does. I couldn't concentrate on her, I had work to do. Smiling to myself, I once more began feeding the small kitten in my hand.
EPOV
"Tanya." I exasperated.
"Please Eddie." she begged.
"Fine." I said defeated.
Tanya and I have been dating on and off for a while no now. I was surprised that I even kept her around that long. After Bella left, I felt so lost,that I started dating various girls around school. By time I hit graduation, I had gone through every girl in school with the exception of Alice and Rose. I mean come on…that was just gross.
Tanya was a complete bitch, even I knew that. My family couldn't stand her. But she was a good fuck. That's the only reason she stayed around. We would break up only to make up. Tanya could be a good person if she wanted to, I'd seen on many occasions, but she could also be viscous if you were after what she wanted. Whether it be academics or men, she always got what she wanted, including were boring, so I decided to cut my last against my Volvo door, I closed my eyes until I heard the nasally voice of my girlfriend Tanya. She was begging me to come to Mom and Dad's anniversary party. She knew that my parents didn't like her and she wouldn't shut up until I said yes. We were waiting for Al, Jazz, Em, and Rose so we could have a picnic in park. I was ignoring the blabber of Tanya, when I saw a brunette goddess come towards our way. She had to be about 5'6, short compared to my 6'2. She had long mahogany hair with small flecks of red on the tips. I couldn't really see her eyes, but looked to be framed by long eyelashes. She had a gorgeous face. Her skin pale, almost translucent, showed small freckles across her nose. She gave a quick glance, before getting in her car, surprisingly the Aston Martin next to mine before pulling out of the parking lot.
"Eddie are you listening to me?" Tanya sneered.
Before I could respond, Emmett, Rosalie, Jasper, and Alice strolled over to us, Thank god.
"You guys ready to go?" I asked, and they all shook their heads. We all piled into Emmett's jeep. Emmett was driving, Rosalie beside him riding shotgun. There were only three seats in the back so Alice sat on Jasper's lap while I sat in the middle. Alice held a grudge against Tanya, ever since she insulted Alice's clothing, which was a big mistake. Ever since then, Alice refuses to even sit next to her. When we finally arrived at the park,we gathered the baskets out the trunk and found a soft spot of grass to sit and set up.
"Ew. Do we have to sit on the ground?" Tanya grimaced.
"We-." Rosalie gestured to everyone except Tanya, "are going to sit on the ground."
"You-" she pointed at Tanya, "could go and sit back in the cage in which you came from." she smirked causing Alice to snort.
Before Tanya could make her comment, Emmett's booming laughter startled everyone, calming us all down before things got a little too heated.
We started pulling out food and began eating. We eased into conversation...well no one talked to Tanya except me but that was besides the point. I noticed that Alice wasn't talking, so I decided to grasp her attention.
"Al." I called, but received no response.
"Alice." I called again, waving my hand in front of her face. Everyone was looking between the two of us.
"Huh?" she simply responded.
"Where did you go?" I asked.
"What do you mean?" she responded dryly.
"You spaced out on me. Something wrong?" I questioned.
"No… I just thought about a familiar face I'd seen today. "She responded not looking at me.
"Who?" I asked..
"Uh… nobody." she said, hiding her glare from me.
"Al. Come on and tell us." I begged, actually curious as to who had my sister so flustered.
"I bet it was one of ol Eddie's ex-girlfriends." Emmett boomed.
"Don't call me Eddie! Emmett!" I snapped back at him.
"Geesh Edward, don't have your period." he said, rolling his eyes.
I ignored that last remark. "So who did you think you saw?"
"Bella" she whispered.
"Come again?" I asked flabbergasted.
"Bella." she said louder, as we all glared back at her stunned. She knew how the conversation went, when we brought her up.
"You're joking right?" I asked , but Alice just stared at me.
"God Al. I think all that hairspray you use is finally getting to your head." I laughed, trying to ease the tension that was slowly building up.
"Don't laugh at me, I swear it looked just like her." She responded.
"Looked like her Alice, not actually her. Besides she probably somewhere in Phoenix." I commented.
I hated it when they brought her up, it opened up old wounds.
"Who's Bella?" Tanya asked annoyed that our attention was not on her .
"Just an old friend who moved away." Jasper replied.
"Yeah the one who left with no real goodbye. Not even a phone call or letter." I mumbled under my breath.
"And she's important why?" Tanya asked sarcastically.
"Look she was my best friend, Just because the conversation doesn't revolve around you all the time. Shut it!" Alice snapped.
"Calm down Al, you think you saw her. Let's get back to eating."Jasper said, trying to resolve the matter.
Before I could pick up my fork Emmett interrupted..
"I think I saw her too." Emmett acknowledged.
"Not you too." Both Rosalie and I said at the same time.
"You saw her too Em? See it's not the hairspray fumes. " Alice said anxiously, as she stuck her tongue out at me.
"Yeah.. I mean I was feeding the kittens in the glass room, and there was this group watching us, and I could have sworn I saw her." Emmett said.
"What makes you think it was her?" Jasper asked.
"She looked just like Bella. Brown eyes, long brown hair, always fidgeting, and biting her lips. I think it was her. She looked so familiar to me yet different." Emmett said stuffing his sandwich into his mouth.
"That still doesn't' prove that it's her" Rose said.
"But it might be." Alice huffed.
"Look can we get back to eating please?" I said. I was so done with this conversation.
We sat in relative silence until I could hear a steady thumping sound coming towards our direction. I glanced past my shoulder and all I could manage to make out was a small black pug running this way unattended.
"Nessie wait up!" the voice called. The voice sounded so familiar, like I had heard it once before.
I looked over my shoulder once more to see the brunette from the parking lot earlier, running this way in the distance.
She was breath-taking. She was wearing a blue Addia's sports bra and gym shorts. I could faintly see her hard curves that could even put Rosalie to shame. I was pulled from my thoughts when Alice exclaimed….
"That's the girl!. The one I think is Bella." she squealed.
"That can't be her." I proclaimed.
"No dude, that's the same chick I saw earlier too." Emmett said eying the running figure.
The girl was coming closer towards our direction. Emmett and Alice were arguing back and forth,debating on whether or not it was really her.
"It's her. I know it is!" Alice said bouncing on her knees.
"No it's not. Leave the poor girl alone Al." Rosalie said.
"It sure does look like her a little bit" Jasper grudgingly agreed.
"'s not her." I huffed.
"Well only one way to find out." I was wondering what he was doing when he suddenly stood up and screamed.
"BELLA!"
The girl quickly turned her head in our direction as she ran, realization quickly dawning across her face.
What she didn't see ,was the large oak tree that she suddenly smacked into, bouncing back hard onto the ground.
We all got up leaving Tanya on the ground, as we ran over to the now unconscious girl that lay on the ground.
We,were all shocked that this was actually Bella. Looking up closer than afar, I could actually see the resemblances of the thirteen year old girl I remembered.
Alice was bouncing in place, while Jasper looked on concerned with his hand upon her shoulder trying to calm her down.
Rosalie showed a look of disbelief, while Emmett stood beside her with a shit-eating grin on his face,while I stood there amazed.
The gorgeous brunette I saw earlier was actually was no way.
"Well I think that answers our question Ally-bug. If anyone could do a face plant onto a tree, it's definitely Bella." Emmett boomed with laughter, as we waited for her to wake.
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