Breathe In Union
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 11
~ Jambi ~
Dim my eyes
If they should compromise
Our fulcrum
Wants and needs divide me
then I might as well be gone.
~o0o~
Bella awoke with a bit of a start as she cracked an eye and stared at the night-stand next to her bed…at Charlie's.
She rolled over with a stretch and a sigh, just remembering the night before in that little alcove. She smiled. It had been perfect…
Thankfully, Paul had woken her after they'd slept for an hour, otherwise she could just picture the fallout of Charlie finding them as they'd been. 'Yeah,' she thought. 'That would have been bad…worth it, but bad.'
As it was, Charlie gave her 'the eye' when they'd made it back to the house. She'd ignored it. She wasn't going to apologize or make excuses. She was mature enough to manage her own affairs; she'd been doing so for years now anyway and it wasn't as though she and Paul were merely messing around. They were serious, and Charlie would just have to accept it.
Rising from her bed, she walked to the window and pulled back the drape, only to be pleased and surprised by the sunlight that streamed in. "Awesome," she muttered with a smile. A clear sky was a rare thing here in rainy Forks, so she turned, grabbed her stuff and headed for the bathroom to get ready for the day. She didn't want to waste good weather.
When she was dressed and had straightened her room, she headed down stairs and into the kitchen where she could hear Charlie running water in the sink. "Hey Dad," she greeted as she walked in and grabbed a cup from the cupboard.
"Mornin' Bells. Did you sleep well? The new bed okay?"
"Yeah," she said with a smile as she poured a cup of coffee. "It's great, thanks. Better than the one I had at Renee's."
He folded the newspaper over and gestured to his breakfast. "There's more on the stove if you're hungry. I wasn't sure when you'd be down, but I made plenty just in case."
She smiled and grabbed a plate. "Thanks Dad. I'm used to fending for myself for meals, so this is a treat," she said as she helped a plate with scrambled eggs and bacon.
Charlie smirked but tried to hide it as he took a sip of coffee. "Yeah, your mother was never a whiz in the kitchen."
Bella paused with her fork in mid-air. "Understating, but yeah," she muttered as she took a bite while Charlie chuckled.
She eyed him surreptitiously for a few minutes while they both ate quietly, wondering how he was really taking all that had happened the day before. He seemed fine, but she and Charlie were alike in many ways, so she knew he was still processing in his own way. He'd speak when he was ready, she knew.
"So," he said when she'd finished and set her fork on the plate. "You and Paul…it's uh…" He sighed and ran a hand over his face. "Damn, how do I approach this?" he muttered and she chuckled as she sipped her coffee and watched him struggle for a moment with one brow arched.
When he glanced at her with stress plain on his face, she decided to let him off the hook. "I've had 'the talk' already Dad. I've been on the Depo shot for a year now. That's birth control." Charlie choked on his coffee and she smirked. "It's great. Pretty much eliminates my periods…"
He cut her off with a raised hand. "Ah! Just…yeah, okay, good."
The ringing house phone came to his rescue and he answered it looking a bit relieved. "Swan residence." He raised a brow as he listened and chuckled. "The rumors are true. She's right here. I'll put her on."
He handed Bella the phone. "I need to get to work. I'll see ya later kid."
Bella held her hand over the receiver. "Okay Dad, have a good one."
When he walked out, she put the phone to her ear. "Hello?"
"Bella!" a voice she hadn't heard in so long squealed into the phone.
"Holy shit! Ange? Is that you?!" she asked as she sat back with a wide smile. She and Angela had been best friends every summer for her whole life until she'd stopped visiting Forks.
"Yes! Gosh, I can't believe you're here! I'd heard you were going to come live with your Dad, but I wasn't gonna believe it 'till I saw it. I'm so glad it's true though!" The tone of her voice changed as she continued. "Why didn't you call me though?"
Bella sighed, feeling like a bit of a heel. "Sorry for that Ange, I've just been really busy," she hedged. There must have been something about the tone of her voice because Angela pounced.
"Tell me," she said in a tone that brooked no argument.
Bella laughed lightly. "Tell you what, why don't we meet at the diner for a coffee or something and I'll tell you all about him? You know how I hate talking on the phone."
"Sounds perfect! My boyfriend's out of town for the day so I'm totally yours."
Bella's brows crept up. "Boyfriend? Anyone I would know?"
Angela laughed. "No, he's kinda new to the area, but I'll tell you about that at the diner. You show me yours, I'll show you mine and all that."
"Sounds fair," Bella answered with a chuckle. "Potentially kinky, but fair."
"Potentially what?" Angela asked, sounding confused and Bella rubbed her forehead. She'd forgotten how sheltered Angela was. Sarcasm always went right over the girl's head.
"Never mind Ange. It wasn't important. So, I'll see you in fifteen?"
"Yep, I'll be there Bells! Bye!"
"Bye Ange," Bella said as she stood and hung up the phone. She stared at the thing with a sigh and a cringe. The call had reminded her she'd yet to call Rudy…or return any of his many texts. He was gonna kill her.
With that thought, she quickly cleaned up the kitchen and headed up stairs for her bag and phone. She'd call him on the walk to the diner. She had plenty of time to kill today since Paul had said he wanted to speak to Sam so Angela had perfect timing.
After locking up the house, she headed down the street and pulled out her phone. Hitting Rudy's contact, she cringed and held it to her ear.
"Yo," he answered in his usual Rudy fashion.
"Hey Rudy, it's Bella."
"Bella who?" he asked in exaggerated curiosity. "I once knew a Bella," he continued, sounding nostalgic. "Sweet girl, considerate, but this can't possibly be her 'cause the girl I'm speaking to now doesn't bother returning calls or texts."
"Rudyyyy," she groaned. "I'm so sorry, but things have been so crazy, you just wouldn't believe it. Just know that Paul is okay and we're doing fine and I really am sorry for not getting back to you until now."
She heard him sigh. "Shit…I just can't manage to stay mad at you B."
"Good," she said with a smile. "So how are you? Things okay?"
"Yeah, you know, same shit, different day. Not much excitement around here. My girlfriend dumped me, so there's that."
She gasped. "Shit D, that sucks, I'm sorry."
"Meh," he said, sounding nonchalant. "It's all good B. She was turning into a major harpy, ya know? I'm relieved to be honest. So enough about me…Paulie's really okay? Not sick anymore?"
She hesitated, unsure as to how much she could or should share with him. "Well, no, he's not sick anymore."
"Great. So, he's probably busy getting ready for school, huh?"
She grimaced because there was no way she could keep this secret, but she wasn't sure what reason to give for him giving up something he'd worked so hard for. There was just no way Rudy was gonna buy a bullshit story on it. "Well," she drawled, and decided to just dive in and tell him what she could. He'd just have to be satisfied with that. "He's not going D. He can't. He has to stay on the rez."
"What?!" he yelled in her ear. "There's just no fuckin' way B! What the fuck is going on and don't BS me."
"I can't say D. It's not my story to tell," she said apologetically.
"Not your story," he muttered, sounding pissed. "He's like my little brother B and that scholarship meant the world to him. He can't possibly be okay with this and I can't imagine what would convince him to give it up…unless…oh fuck, you're knocked up!"
She bristled instantly. "So it's gotta be my fault? Is that it? Well, you're wrong, okay? I'm not…" she looked around for listening ears as she got close to the diner and continued in a lower tone, "…knocked up!"
He sighed down the line. "Sorry B. I didn't mean that the way it sounded, but it was the only thing…you're the only thing that I could see him giving up his dreams for. I know he loves you that much."
Her anger deflated as her heart ached. How she wished the reason was so simple because then she could just kick his ass and make him see reason. As things were, there was nothing she could do. "I hear ya D, and I almost wish that was the reason, but it's not. It really has nothing to do with me but like I said…"
"Yeah," he cut in. "It's not your story."
She got to the diner door and could see Ange sitting in a booth. "D? I need to go. I'm meeting a friend, but I'll tell Paul to call you when I talk to him later, okay?"
"Okay B. Take care of yourself and take care of Paulie. Talk to ya later."
"Bye D," she said and pocketed her phone as she walked into the diner.
Angela saw her and hopped up to hug her. "Bella!" she chirped with a sunny grin as they both took seats. "Did you walk?"
"Yep," she answered as she took out her phone and set it on the table. "No car yet, but I hope to get one before school starts. God knows I don't relish the thought of showing up in Charlie's cruiser, ya know?"
"You should have told me! I would have picked you up instead."
Bella shook her head and took a sip of the ice-water that was already on the table. "Nah, I needed to make a phone call anyway and walking gave me time to do that."
"Well, if you don't get a car before school starts, I'd be happy to give you a ride…or…" Bella watched with interest as Angela blushed. "…Edward and I could give you a ride." She shrugged a shoulder. "He started insisting on driving me to school for the last couple of months of the year last year. He might continue this year, but I'm not sure."
Bella's brows inched up and a grin curved her lips. "Edward?" she questioned in a sing-song tone and laughed as Angela's blush deepened as she rolled her eyes.
"Okay, enough fun at my expense."
"Oh no," Bella said with a smirk before taking a sip of her water. "You must elaborate on this Edward person. So, go ahead," she sat back and crossed her arms atop the table. "Tell me all about him."
Angela looked down and smiled softly before meeting Bella's gaze. "Well, he's…" she sighed. "…perfect really. He's just so handsome, and such a gentleman and he treats me like such a lady. He's just amazing." She smiled widely. "The best thing is my parents just love him which makes dating much easier. I think it's his old fashioned manner that won them over."
Bella sat back and took in her completely smitten friend before finally speaking. "Wow. I can't wait to meet him."
Angela smiled. "I can't wait for you to meet him. He's…well, he's pretty important to me."
The waitress walked up and handed them menus. "Can I get you girls something to drink while you decide?"
Bella laid down her menu. "I'm just gonna have a large mocha latte please."
The lady wrote it down and glanced up. "Whipped cream on that?" she questioned and Bella grinned.
"That's the best part!"
The waitress chuckled. "It sure is hun." She turned to Angela. "And for you sweetie?"
Angela set her menu aside. "I'll have the same please, but hold the whipped cream."
"You got it hun. I'll be back in a jiff." She grabbed the menus and disappeared into the kitchen as Bella focused back on their conversation.
"So, that sounds like things are pretty serious."
Angela sipped her water and nodded. "They are Bella," she murmured as she met her eyes. "He's told me he loves me and I think I'm ready to tell him the same."
Bella reached across the table and squeezed Angela's hand. "Then I'm happy for you! Finding that one special 'one' is pretty awesome isn't it?" She sat back and the waitress brought their drinks. They both thanked her and she left them to it with a "Just wave me down if ya need me!" tossed back over a shoulder.
Angela gently blew on hers and took a sip before glancing up at Bella who was busy sampling the pile of whipped cream atop hers. "So, by what you just said, is it safe to assume you've also found 'the one'?"
Bella set her spoon down and smiled. "Yeah, I most definitely have. I have a pic on my phone of him, you wanna see it?"
"Of course!" Angela said as she held out a hand for the phone.
Bella scrolled through and found it before handing it over.
"Oh my god Bells," she said with widened eyes as she stared at it. She looked up. "He's beyond gorgeous."
Bella grinned. "I know," she said a bit smugly as she took a sip of her drink. She set it back down and continued as Angela set her phone down. "His name is Paul and we met in Arizona, but the most amazing part is that he actually lives here in La Push. He was visiting cousins when we met. He's a year older and graduated last year."
"What a weird and awesome coincidence," Angela said with a smile.
"That's not the half of it," Bella muttered with a chuckle. "My Dad is engaged to marry Paul's mom and has known Paul since he was fourteen. We didn't realize any of this until after we'd developed feelings for each other."
Angela's eyes were comically wide. "Gosh, it's almost like you two were fated to meet and be together!"
Bella was a bit struck by her statement as she'd never really thought about it that way before, but she had to admit, Ange was right. It did seem that they were destined to meet at some point or another. The thought made her smile as she murmured, "Yeah, I guess we were."
Angela's ringing phone interrupted their conversation and she pulled it out and answered. "Edward, hi! No, no, you're not interrupting. I'm just at the diner catching up with Bella, you remember I told you about her? Yeah, my best friend…that's the one." She leaned over and glanced up at the sky that was rapidly darkening with clouds and she smiled. "Of course I don't mind! Bella said she wanted to meet you so this is great! It'll be nice for her to know more people when school starts up anyway. Great, see you in a bit!"
She set her phone down and looked at Bella who was stirring the cream into her latte. "That was Edward. His day trip was cut short since the weather is getting bad so he and his sister Alice are coming by the diner. They're on the road and will be here in a few minutes. Is that okay?"
"Sure!" Bella answered with a nod and a smile. "At least I won't have to wait to meet your Mr. Wonderful." She smirked and Angela tossed a piece of napkin at her.
"Remind me to tease you when it's time for me to meet your Mr. Wonderful," she laughed as Bella threw the piece of napkin back at her.
"Hey!" Bella defended. "I'm only lookin' out for my sweet, innocent friend. Gotta make sure he's good enough." She grabbed her phone as it buzzed with a text.
"Hey Shorty, love you, miss you, can't wait to see you. -P"
She quickly tapped out a reply. "All of those and more back at you. Text or call when you're free. -B"
Angela grinned as Bella set the phone down and looked at her friend. "Paul?" she questioned.
"Yeah," Bella said with a smile. "Just checking in."
The bell over the door jangled and Angela waved with a smile at a young looking guy and girl. Bella's eyes went a bit wide at the site of them. They were…ethereal was the only word that came to mind and her breath caught at they stopped at their table. The boy had a crooked smile on his face as his uniquely colored eyes locked on her friend but the girl, who was shorter than Bella fairly bounced in place with a wide grin.
Angela stood and the boy pulled her into what seemed to be a very gentle hug. "Hi Edward," she breathed.
"Hello Love," he answered as he stepped back and took her hand as his attention shifted to Bella.
"This is my best friend from childhood, Bella Swan," Angela introduced.
Edward held out his hand. "Hello, it's nice to finally meet you. I'm Edward Cullen and this is my sister Alice."
The shock of his icy cold skin had just registered in her brain when the reality of his last name put the final nail in the coffin of her uncertainty and she yanked her hand back quickly. She met his eyes and he looked curious as he apologized. "Sorry, I was holding a cold drink in the car. I guess my hand's still a bit cold."
The short girl, Alice, leaned over and gave her a quick hug. "Hi Bella! It's so nice to finally meet you! We're all going to be such great friends! I can't wait!" she enthused as she slid in next to Bella while Edward sat next to a smiling Angela.
Meanwhile, seemingly without being noticed, Bella's mind whirled. 'Vampires!' she screamed mentally. 'I'm sitting next to vampires!' She was panicking inside but fighting it. She had no idea what they would do if they found out she knew, so she fought with everything she had to keep a level head. Still her thoughts screamed on. 'Oh god…my best friend is in LOVE with a damn vampire!' She looked at Ange as she smiled into his eyes and clung to his arm as they spoke lowly. 'Does she even know?! Oh god, what do I do?'
"So Bella," Alice chirped brightly. "You're going to Forks High right?"
"Yea…" she cleared her throat and tried again. "Yes, that's the plan."
Angela grinned. "I really hope we have a lot of classes together. You taking AP courses Bells?"
Bella wrapped her shaking hands around her cup to still them as she answered. "Yeah, I am. Well, at least biology, history, math, and english." She picked up her cup and took a sip.
Alice bounced. "There aren't that many offered so I bet we have all of them together! Won't that be great?"
Angela nodded and Edward chuckled, but Bella could see him watching her curiously for some reason and it sent a shiver down her spine. It made her long for Paul and at that moment, her phone buzzed with a call.
"Excuse me," she murmured as she grabbed her phone and answered. "Hello?" Her voice was weak even to her own ears as she stared down into her lap.
"Bella, what's wrong baby? I can feel you…I know something's wrong," he rushed out with worry lacing his tone.
Her heart lurched at the thought of him coming here and facing these beings and she tried to smile as she lied. "Nothing baby. I just got startled for a moment. It was stupid, but I'm fine now."
"Jesus B…" he breathed out. "Why do I still feel like you're in danger? Who are you with?"
She looked up and out the window. "Um, still at the diner with Ange. I'm probably gonna head home in a few minutes though. Try to get there before it decides to rain."
She heard an actual low growl from him. "Fuck! I can't shake this feeling B. Just…just stay there and I'll get my truck and come get you."
"No!" she almost shouted before getting a hold of herself. Her hand shook as she took a breath to hopefully calm herself. "No Paul, really, it's fine. Ange can give me a ride if it starts raining and I'll just see you tonight for dinner? Really, I have some stuff to do at home, and if you're there, I probably won't get any of it done. Just trust me? Please?"
She glanced up and watched as Angela kissed Edward sweetly with a giggle and looked back out the window as she heard Paul sigh. "I do trust you Shorty, but god this hurts," he murmured. "Guess I'll go for a run and try to work through it. I love you. Call me if you need me."
"I will," she said as guilt pierced her for lying, no matter that it was to keep him safe. "I love you too." She ended the call and Angela smiled at her.
"Paul, huh?"
Bella nodded and took another drink of her latte. "Yeah, he's worried about me walking and getting caught in the rain, but I told him you'd give me a ride home."
"Of course! Be happy to."
Alice spoke up then. "Edward, don't we go right by Chief Swan's house on our way home? We could take her so that Angela wouldn't be put out."
Angela began to protest but Edward grasped her chin gently and met her eyes as he spoke. "Shh Love, it's true and we would love to take your friend home. You need to get home anyway. Weren't you supposed to watch your brothers for your mom this afternoon?"
Angela gasped as she looked at her watch. "Oh my gosh! Yes! And I'm almost late!" She shot a pleading look at Bella. "I'm so sorry, but do you mind? I really need to rush!"
Bella's heart sank and her stomach felt made of lead, but she smiled through it with a nod. "I don't mind. Go ahead. I'll be fine."
Angela started to get her wallet out of her purse when Edward laid a hand on her arm. "Just go Love. I'll get this and I don't want you speeding on the way home. Be safe and I'll call you later."
She smiled and nodded as she made her way to the door where she called back, "Bye Bells! I'll call you later!" before rushing out the door.
Bella eyed the vampires she was left with and pushed her cup away. "Well, I guess I should be going too. I really need to get home. Thanks for the offer of a ride, but I really think I can make it home before it rains."
Alice didn't budge and Edward smiled but looked puzzled. "We insist Bella. I can't very well leave Angela's best friend to the elements. I am a bit curious though because you seem unusually nervous for some reason. Have we done something to make you so?"
"What?" Bella tried to laugh it off as her heart took flight. "No, of course not. We just met. What could you have done to make me nervous?" She picked up her water glass and took a drink as Edward smiled.
"Yes, what indeed?" he murmured.
"Shut up Edward, you're making things worse," Alice said quietly and she laid a gentle hand on Bella's arm as she met her eyes with a calm, sincere gaze. "We're not going to hurt you Bella. We're not like that. I really do want to be your friend and not only because of Angela. Please, believe me?"
Bella studied the petite female beside her for moments as her heart slowly calmed. Although she couldn't say she trusted them, she was convinced enough to nod and answer. "I believe you."
"Great," Alice said with a small smile. "Now how about that ride home?"
Before she could answer, the bell over the door jangled and both vampires at the table tensed visibly just as two massive Quileute stepped up.
Bella had to admit, she never thought she'd see the day when she was relieved to see the asshole, but today was that day, especially when he crossed his arms over his chest and said lowly as his lip curled, "We'll be taking Bella home, thanks anyway."
~ Jambi ~
Dim my eyes
If they should compromise
Our fulcrum
Wants and needs divide me
then I might as well be gone.
~o0o~
Bella awoke with a bit of a start as she cracked an eye and stared at the night-stand next to her bed…at Charlie's.
She rolled over with a stretch and a sigh, just remembering the night before in that little alcove. She smiled. It had been perfect…
Thankfully, Paul had woken her after they'd slept for an hour, otherwise she could just picture the fallout of Charlie finding them as they'd been. 'Yeah,' she thought. 'That would have been bad…worth it, but bad.'
As it was, Charlie gave her 'the eye' when they'd made it back to the house. She'd ignored it. She wasn't going to apologize or make excuses. She was mature enough to manage her own affairs; she'd been doing so for years now anyway and it wasn't as though she and Paul were merely messing around. They were serious, and Charlie would just have to accept it.
Rising from her bed, she walked to the window and pulled back the drape, only to be pleased and surprised by the sunlight that streamed in. "Awesome," she muttered with a smile. A clear sky was a rare thing here in rainy Forks, so she turned, grabbed her stuff and headed for the bathroom to get ready for the day. She didn't want to waste good weather.
When she was dressed and had straightened her room, she headed down stairs and into the kitchen where she could hear Charlie running water in the sink. "Hey Dad," she greeted as she walked in and grabbed a cup from the cupboard.
"Mornin' Bells. Did you sleep well? The new bed okay?"
"Yeah," she said with a smile as she poured a cup of coffee. "It's great, thanks. Better than the one I had at Renee's."
He folded the newspaper over and gestured to his breakfast. "There's more on the stove if you're hungry. I wasn't sure when you'd be down, but I made plenty just in case."
She smiled and grabbed a plate. "Thanks Dad. I'm used to fending for myself for meals, so this is a treat," she said as she helped a plate with scrambled eggs and bacon.
Charlie smirked but tried to hide it as he took a sip of coffee. "Yeah, your mother was never a whiz in the kitchen."
Bella paused with her fork in mid-air. "Understating, but yeah," she muttered as she took a bite while Charlie chuckled.
She eyed him surreptitiously for a few minutes while they both ate quietly, wondering how he was really taking all that had happened the day before. He seemed fine, but she and Charlie were alike in many ways, so she knew he was still processing in his own way. He'd speak when he was ready, she knew.
"So," he said when she'd finished and set her fork on the plate. "You and Paul…it's uh…" He sighed and ran a hand over his face. "Damn, how do I approach this?" he muttered and she chuckled as she sipped her coffee and watched him struggle for a moment with one brow arched.
When he glanced at her with stress plain on his face, she decided to let him off the hook. "I've had 'the talk' already Dad. I've been on the Depo shot for a year now. That's birth control." Charlie choked on his coffee and she smirked. "It's great. Pretty much eliminates my periods…"
He cut her off with a raised hand. "Ah! Just…yeah, okay, good."
The ringing house phone came to his rescue and he answered it looking a bit relieved. "Swan residence." He raised a brow as he listened and chuckled. "The rumors are true. She's right here. I'll put her on."
He handed Bella the phone. "I need to get to work. I'll see ya later kid."
Bella held her hand over the receiver. "Okay Dad, have a good one."
When he walked out, she put the phone to her ear. "Hello?"
"Bella!" a voice she hadn't heard in so long squealed into the phone.
"Holy shit! Ange? Is that you?!" she asked as she sat back with a wide smile. She and Angela had been best friends every summer for her whole life until she'd stopped visiting Forks.
"Yes! Gosh, I can't believe you're here! I'd heard you were going to come live with your Dad, but I wasn't gonna believe it 'till I saw it. I'm so glad it's true though!" The tone of her voice changed as she continued. "Why didn't you call me though?"
Bella sighed, feeling like a bit of a heel. "Sorry for that Ange, I've just been really busy," she hedged. There must have been something about the tone of her voice because Angela pounced.
"Tell me," she said in a tone that brooked no argument.
Bella laughed lightly. "Tell you what, why don't we meet at the diner for a coffee or something and I'll tell you all about him? You know how I hate talking on the phone."
"Sounds perfect! My boyfriend's out of town for the day so I'm totally yours."
Bella's brows crept up. "Boyfriend? Anyone I would know?"
Angela laughed. "No, he's kinda new to the area, but I'll tell you about that at the diner. You show me yours, I'll show you mine and all that."
"Sounds fair," Bella answered with a chuckle. "Potentially kinky, but fair."
"Potentially what?" Angela asked, sounding confused and Bella rubbed her forehead. She'd forgotten how sheltered Angela was. Sarcasm always went right over the girl's head.
"Never mind Ange. It wasn't important. So, I'll see you in fifteen?"
"Yep, I'll be there Bells! Bye!"
"Bye Ange," Bella said as she stood and hung up the phone. She stared at the thing with a sigh and a cringe. The call had reminded her she'd yet to call Rudy…or return any of his many texts. He was gonna kill her.
With that thought, she quickly cleaned up the kitchen and headed up stairs for her bag and phone. She'd call him on the walk to the diner. She had plenty of time to kill today since Paul had said he wanted to speak to Sam so Angela had perfect timing.
After locking up the house, she headed down the street and pulled out her phone. Hitting Rudy's contact, she cringed and held it to her ear.
"Yo," he answered in his usual Rudy fashion.
"Hey Rudy, it's Bella."
"Bella who?" he asked in exaggerated curiosity. "I once knew a Bella," he continued, sounding nostalgic. "Sweet girl, considerate, but this can't possibly be her 'cause the girl I'm speaking to now doesn't bother returning calls or texts."
"Rudyyyy," she groaned. "I'm so sorry, but things have been so crazy, you just wouldn't believe it. Just know that Paul is okay and we're doing fine and I really am sorry for not getting back to you until now."
She heard him sigh. "Shit…I just can't manage to stay mad at you B."
"Good," she said with a smile. "So how are you? Things okay?"
"Yeah, you know, same shit, different day. Not much excitement around here. My girlfriend dumped me, so there's that."
She gasped. "Shit D, that sucks, I'm sorry."
"Meh," he said, sounding nonchalant. "It's all good B. She was turning into a major harpy, ya know? I'm relieved to be honest. So enough about me…Paulie's really okay? Not sick anymore?"
She hesitated, unsure as to how much she could or should share with him. "Well, no, he's not sick anymore."
"Great. So, he's probably busy getting ready for school, huh?"
She grimaced because there was no way she could keep this secret, but she wasn't sure what reason to give for him giving up something he'd worked so hard for. There was just no way Rudy was gonna buy a bullshit story on it. "Well," she drawled, and decided to just dive in and tell him what she could. He'd just have to be satisfied with that. "He's not going D. He can't. He has to stay on the rez."
"What?!" he yelled in her ear. "There's just no fuckin' way B! What the fuck is going on and don't BS me."
"I can't say D. It's not my story to tell," she said apologetically.
"Not your story," he muttered, sounding pissed. "He's like my little brother B and that scholarship meant the world to him. He can't possibly be okay with this and I can't imagine what would convince him to give it up…unless…oh fuck, you're knocked up!"
She bristled instantly. "So it's gotta be my fault? Is that it? Well, you're wrong, okay? I'm not…" she looked around for listening ears as she got close to the diner and continued in a lower tone, "…knocked up!"
He sighed down the line. "Sorry B. I didn't mean that the way it sounded, but it was the only thing…you're the only thing that I could see him giving up his dreams for. I know he loves you that much."
Her anger deflated as her heart ached. How she wished the reason was so simple because then she could just kick his ass and make him see reason. As things were, there was nothing she could do. "I hear ya D, and I almost wish that was the reason, but it's not. It really has nothing to do with me but like I said…"
"Yeah," he cut in. "It's not your story."
She got to the diner door and could see Ange sitting in a booth. "D? I need to go. I'm meeting a friend, but I'll tell Paul to call you when I talk to him later, okay?"
"Okay B. Take care of yourself and take care of Paulie. Talk to ya later."
"Bye D," she said and pocketed her phone as she walked into the diner.
Angela saw her and hopped up to hug her. "Bella!" she chirped with a sunny grin as they both took seats. "Did you walk?"
"Yep," she answered as she took out her phone and set it on the table. "No car yet, but I hope to get one before school starts. God knows I don't relish the thought of showing up in Charlie's cruiser, ya know?"
"You should have told me! I would have picked you up instead."
Bella shook her head and took a sip of the ice-water that was already on the table. "Nah, I needed to make a phone call anyway and walking gave me time to do that."
"Well, if you don't get a car before school starts, I'd be happy to give you a ride…or…" Bella watched with interest as Angela blushed. "…Edward and I could give you a ride." She shrugged a shoulder. "He started insisting on driving me to school for the last couple of months of the year last year. He might continue this year, but I'm not sure."
Bella's brows inched up and a grin curved her lips. "Edward?" she questioned in a sing-song tone and laughed as Angela's blush deepened as she rolled her eyes.
"Okay, enough fun at my expense."
"Oh no," Bella said with a smirk before taking a sip of her water. "You must elaborate on this Edward person. So, go ahead," she sat back and crossed her arms atop the table. "Tell me all about him."
Angela looked down and smiled softly before meeting Bella's gaze. "Well, he's…" she sighed. "…perfect really. He's just so handsome, and such a gentleman and he treats me like such a lady. He's just amazing." She smiled widely. "The best thing is my parents just love him which makes dating much easier. I think it's his old fashioned manner that won them over."
Bella sat back and took in her completely smitten friend before finally speaking. "Wow. I can't wait to meet him."
Angela smiled. "I can't wait for you to meet him. He's…well, he's pretty important to me."
The waitress walked up and handed them menus. "Can I get you girls something to drink while you decide?"
Bella laid down her menu. "I'm just gonna have a large mocha latte please."
The lady wrote it down and glanced up. "Whipped cream on that?" she questioned and Bella grinned.
"That's the best part!"
The waitress chuckled. "It sure is hun." She turned to Angela. "And for you sweetie?"
Angela set her menu aside. "I'll have the same please, but hold the whipped cream."
"You got it hun. I'll be back in a jiff." She grabbed the menus and disappeared into the kitchen as Bella focused back on their conversation.
"So, that sounds like things are pretty serious."
Angela sipped her water and nodded. "They are Bella," she murmured as she met her eyes. "He's told me he loves me and I think I'm ready to tell him the same."
Bella reached across the table and squeezed Angela's hand. "Then I'm happy for you! Finding that one special 'one' is pretty awesome isn't it?" She sat back and the waitress brought their drinks. They both thanked her and she left them to it with a "Just wave me down if ya need me!" tossed back over a shoulder.
Angela gently blew on hers and took a sip before glancing up at Bella who was busy sampling the pile of whipped cream atop hers. "So, by what you just said, is it safe to assume you've also found 'the one'?"
Bella set her spoon down and smiled. "Yeah, I most definitely have. I have a pic on my phone of him, you wanna see it?"
"Of course!" Angela said as she held out a hand for the phone.
Bella scrolled through and found it before handing it over.
"Oh my god Bells," she said with widened eyes as she stared at it. She looked up. "He's beyond gorgeous."
Bella grinned. "I know," she said a bit smugly as she took a sip of her drink. She set it back down and continued as Angela set her phone down. "His name is Paul and we met in Arizona, but the most amazing part is that he actually lives here in La Push. He was visiting cousins when we met. He's a year older and graduated last year."
"What a weird and awesome coincidence," Angela said with a smile.
"That's not the half of it," Bella muttered with a chuckle. "My Dad is engaged to marry Paul's mom and has known Paul since he was fourteen. We didn't realize any of this until after we'd developed feelings for each other."
Angela's eyes were comically wide. "Gosh, it's almost like you two were fated to meet and be together!"
Bella was a bit struck by her statement as she'd never really thought about it that way before, but she had to admit, Ange was right. It did seem that they were destined to meet at some point or another. The thought made her smile as she murmured, "Yeah, I guess we were."
Angela's ringing phone interrupted their conversation and she pulled it out and answered. "Edward, hi! No, no, you're not interrupting. I'm just at the diner catching up with Bella, you remember I told you about her? Yeah, my best friend…that's the one." She leaned over and glanced up at the sky that was rapidly darkening with clouds and she smiled. "Of course I don't mind! Bella said she wanted to meet you so this is great! It'll be nice for her to know more people when school starts up anyway. Great, see you in a bit!"
She set her phone down and looked at Bella who was stirring the cream into her latte. "That was Edward. His day trip was cut short since the weather is getting bad so he and his sister Alice are coming by the diner. They're on the road and will be here in a few minutes. Is that okay?"
"Sure!" Bella answered with a nod and a smile. "At least I won't have to wait to meet your Mr. Wonderful." She smirked and Angela tossed a piece of napkin at her.
"Remind me to tease you when it's time for me to meet your Mr. Wonderful," she laughed as Bella threw the piece of napkin back at her.
"Hey!" Bella defended. "I'm only lookin' out for my sweet, innocent friend. Gotta make sure he's good enough." She grabbed her phone as it buzzed with a text.
"Hey Shorty, love you, miss you, can't wait to see you. -P"
She quickly tapped out a reply. "All of those and more back at you. Text or call when you're free. -B"
Angela grinned as Bella set the phone down and looked at her friend. "Paul?" she questioned.
"Yeah," Bella said with a smile. "Just checking in."
The bell over the door jangled and Angela waved with a smile at a young looking guy and girl. Bella's eyes went a bit wide at the site of them. They were…ethereal was the only word that came to mind and her breath caught at they stopped at their table. The boy had a crooked smile on his face as his uniquely colored eyes locked on her friend but the girl, who was shorter than Bella fairly bounced in place with a wide grin.
Angela stood and the boy pulled her into what seemed to be a very gentle hug. "Hi Edward," she breathed.
"Hello Love," he answered as he stepped back and took her hand as his attention shifted to Bella.
"This is my best friend from childhood, Bella Swan," Angela introduced.
Edward held out his hand. "Hello, it's nice to finally meet you. I'm Edward Cullen and this is my sister Alice."
The shock of his icy cold skin had just registered in her brain when the reality of his last name put the final nail in the coffin of her uncertainty and she yanked her hand back quickly. She met his eyes and he looked curious as he apologized. "Sorry, I was holding a cold drink in the car. I guess my hand's still a bit cold."
The short girl, Alice, leaned over and gave her a quick hug. "Hi Bella! It's so nice to finally meet you! We're all going to be such great friends! I can't wait!" she enthused as she slid in next to Bella while Edward sat next to a smiling Angela.
Meanwhile, seemingly without being noticed, Bella's mind whirled. 'Vampires!' she screamed mentally. 'I'm sitting next to vampires!' She was panicking inside but fighting it. She had no idea what they would do if they found out she knew, so she fought with everything she had to keep a level head. Still her thoughts screamed on. 'Oh god…my best friend is in LOVE with a damn vampire!' She looked at Ange as she smiled into his eyes and clung to his arm as they spoke lowly. 'Does she even know?! Oh god, what do I do?'
"So Bella," Alice chirped brightly. "You're going to Forks High right?"
"Yea…" she cleared her throat and tried again. "Yes, that's the plan."
Angela grinned. "I really hope we have a lot of classes together. You taking AP courses Bells?"
Bella wrapped her shaking hands around her cup to still them as she answered. "Yeah, I am. Well, at least biology, history, math, and english." She picked up her cup and took a sip.
Alice bounced. "There aren't that many offered so I bet we have all of them together! Won't that be great?"
Angela nodded and Edward chuckled, but Bella could see him watching her curiously for some reason and it sent a shiver down her spine. It made her long for Paul and at that moment, her phone buzzed with a call.
"Excuse me," she murmured as she grabbed her phone and answered. "Hello?" Her voice was weak even to her own ears as she stared down into her lap.
"Bella, what's wrong baby? I can feel you…I know something's wrong," he rushed out with worry lacing his tone.
Her heart lurched at the thought of him coming here and facing these beings and she tried to smile as she lied. "Nothing baby. I just got startled for a moment. It was stupid, but I'm fine now."
"Jesus B…" he breathed out. "Why do I still feel like you're in danger? Who are you with?"
She looked up and out the window. "Um, still at the diner with Ange. I'm probably gonna head home in a few minutes though. Try to get there before it decides to rain."
She heard an actual low growl from him. "Fuck! I can't shake this feeling B. Just…just stay there and I'll get my truck and come get you."
"No!" she almost shouted before getting a hold of herself. Her hand shook as she took a breath to hopefully calm herself. "No Paul, really, it's fine. Ange can give me a ride if it starts raining and I'll just see you tonight for dinner? Really, I have some stuff to do at home, and if you're there, I probably won't get any of it done. Just trust me? Please?"
She glanced up and watched as Angela kissed Edward sweetly with a giggle and looked back out the window as she heard Paul sigh. "I do trust you Shorty, but god this hurts," he murmured. "Guess I'll go for a run and try to work through it. I love you. Call me if you need me."
"I will," she said as guilt pierced her for lying, no matter that it was to keep him safe. "I love you too." She ended the call and Angela smiled at her.
"Paul, huh?"
Bella nodded and took another drink of her latte. "Yeah, he's worried about me walking and getting caught in the rain, but I told him you'd give me a ride home."
"Of course! Be happy to."
Alice spoke up then. "Edward, don't we go right by Chief Swan's house on our way home? We could take her so that Angela wouldn't be put out."
Angela began to protest but Edward grasped her chin gently and met her eyes as he spoke. "Shh Love, it's true and we would love to take your friend home. You need to get home anyway. Weren't you supposed to watch your brothers for your mom this afternoon?"
Angela gasped as she looked at her watch. "Oh my gosh! Yes! And I'm almost late!" She shot a pleading look at Bella. "I'm so sorry, but do you mind? I really need to rush!"
Bella's heart sank and her stomach felt made of lead, but she smiled through it with a nod. "I don't mind. Go ahead. I'll be fine."
Angela started to get her wallet out of her purse when Edward laid a hand on her arm. "Just go Love. I'll get this and I don't want you speeding on the way home. Be safe and I'll call you later."
She smiled and nodded as she made her way to the door where she called back, "Bye Bells! I'll call you later!" before rushing out the door.
Bella eyed the vampires she was left with and pushed her cup away. "Well, I guess I should be going too. I really need to get home. Thanks for the offer of a ride, but I really think I can make it home before it rains."
Alice didn't budge and Edward smiled but looked puzzled. "We insist Bella. I can't very well leave Angela's best friend to the elements. I am a bit curious though because you seem unusually nervous for some reason. Have we done something to make you so?"
"What?" Bella tried to laugh it off as her heart took flight. "No, of course not. We just met. What could you have done to make me nervous?" She picked up her water glass and took a drink as Edward smiled.
"Yes, what indeed?" he murmured.
"Shut up Edward, you're making things worse," Alice said quietly and she laid a gentle hand on Bella's arm as she met her eyes with a calm, sincere gaze. "We're not going to hurt you Bella. We're not like that. I really do want to be your friend and not only because of Angela. Please, believe me?"
Bella studied the petite female beside her for moments as her heart slowly calmed. Although she couldn't say she trusted them, she was convinced enough to nod and answer. "I believe you."
"Great," Alice said with a small smile. "Now how about that ride home?"
Before she could answer, the bell over the door jangled and both vampires at the table tensed visibly just as two massive Quileute stepped up.
Bella had to admit, she never thought she'd see the day when she was relieved to see the asshole, but today was that day, especially when he crossed his arms over his chest and said lowly as his lip curled, "We'll be taking Bella home, thanks anyway."
DISCLAIMER: Twilight and its inclusive material is copyright to Stephenie Meyer. Original creation, including but not limited to plot and characters, is copyright to the respective authors of each story. No copyright infringement is intended.