Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

An Imperfect Life

By Midnight Dreamer

Chapter 09: Fortunes for a Quarter!

(APOV)

Edward seemed distant today, almost like he’s lost in thought. I wonder what he is thinking about. Oh …I bet it’s Bella. I “saw” the exchange they had in Biology. Maybe he will wanna talk about it!

 I saw him turn and wink at me. Yep he wants to talk. Oh goody! We pulled to the drive way but didn’t turn in.

“Rose, Jazz, I need to speak with Alice about a few things. Do you mind getting out here?” Edward asked.

They both glared at Edward. I shrugged. They did as asked, Jasper leaned in and gave me a quick kiss on my cheek. Soon we were driving again. I looked at Edward questioningly and he began.

” Alice I have a few questions I would like to ask you and a few things to discuss if you don’t mind?”

“Of course not Edward. Is any of this about the mysterious brown eyed girl you spoke with today?”

I swear he almost looked shocked. Almost.

“Yes this does pertain to Bella.”

I knew it he likes her. He turned to look at me. Yeah yeah I know mind reader. He chuckled slightly.

“So what would you like to ask?”

“Well Alice you were thinking about Bella earlier on your way to the car. About her being your best friend?”

“Oh yes Edward I’ve seen it. Slumber parties, make-overs, shopping trips.”

“Yes Alice I can see how excited she’ll be!”

He was always such a pessimist.

“She will you’ll see!” I growled at him. He just smiled.

“One more question?”

“Yes”

“About her making me happy?”

Oh crap. When was I ever gonna learn to keep my thoughts to myself.

 Edward pulled off onto a side road and parked.

“Alice I can hear you!”

“Well fine then see for your self”.

I showed him the vision I had earlier of him holding Bella close, and slow dancing in what looked like prom attire. Her reaching up on her toes to kiss his lips and him smiling, and returning the kiss passionately. I heard him sigh beside me.

“See I told you. Now what are YOU gonna do about it?” I asked.

“I’m not sure Alice. That is what I wanted to talk about, you seem to be the only one with a level head about all this.”

“How so?”

“Well Alice, Rosalie can’t stand Bella. Don’t ask me to explain. She doesn’t understand what attracts me to her. Truthfully neither do I!”

I just looked at him egging him to continue.

“Jasper brought up a good point also. If she finds out about us that only leaves two options and I really don’t like either one.”

“Would you like me to look and see what may happen?” I asked.

Sometimes I feel like a freakish fortune teller. Like those machines you find in cheesy restaurants.(Fortune for a quarter, I love quarters.)

“Sorry Alice” Edward said.

“Will you just stay out of my head for a minute. God you can be so…so…. Oh just stay out unless I say so.”

“Okay Alice, I’ll try” he said rolling his eyes and chuckling.

I sat back and let my mind drift. I don’t know who to focus on. Bella is still really blurry but that could be because I don’t know her well enough yet. I will have to rectify that soon, if I want that  vision to come true.

“Focus Alice” Edward reminded me.

“Alright I’m focusing”. I breathed deep, closed my eyes and focused on Edward instead.

I figured if it had to do with Bella, Edward would be there somewhere. I was right!

***Vision***

I see a beautiful meadow, surrounded completely by forest. I can see Edward holding Bella’s hands. They seem to be smiling and laughing about something. Edward leans into kiss her gently but she pulls him into her, kissing him with more emotion.

***End Vision***

Wait did I see that correctly. She pulled him?

“Alice go back slowly this time focus on Bella’s face please” Edward pleaded. So I obliged.

***Vision***

We were in the meadow again. Bella and Edward were holding hands. Smiling and laughing. Edward leaned for a kiss and…

***End Vision***

“Edward” I thought “Did you see what I saw?” I looked over at him and he looked shocked.

“Edward” I spoke out loud this time.

“Alice how is that possible?” he asked looking at me.

“It’s a possibility.” I told him. “You know how this works.”

“Yes Alice I do, but does that mean she will feel the same for me as I do for her?”

He seemed to say that last part more to himself then to me. As a smile crept across his lips.

“Edward I’m not sure if it’s your decision or hers so you will have to play your cards right and very carefully so as to not scare her off.”

“I know Alice, I’m still so confused. I’ve never felt like this for anyone, ever not even as a human.”

I was surprised by this; Edward doesn’t often talk about his human life. I don’t remember mine much. Just that it was always dark, never any sunlight. Strange smells and sounds, that were similar to hospital sounds.

“How do you feel Edward?” I asked.

“I’m not sure how to explain it. It’s like I need her. I can feel electricity when I’m near her. Her smell is both mouthwatering and the most beautiful thing I have ever smelt. I could stare into her deep chocolate brown eyes for days and never tire.” He sighed.

I giggled. He looked at me with an annoyance on his face. I held my hands up in surrender.

“You know I love you right”

“Get to the point Alice” he growled.

“Well Edward what you just described to me sounds like….”

“What, What does it sound like Alice?”

I was singing Mary had a Little Lamb in my head to keep him out of my thoughts.

“Alice” he screamed at me.

I just smiled the biggest grin I could manage, looked him straight in the eyes and said

“LOVE…I think…No…I know your in love with her!”

“Wait…What?” he looked shocked. Seriously this time.

“I can’t be in love with her. I don’t even know her.”

“Love at first sight” I sighed.

He slapped me upside the head then.

“Hey why did you hit me?” I scolded him.

“Because Alice we are getting to far ahead of ourselves. We don’t even know how she feels about me! As far as I can tell I do nothing but piss her off and annoy her.”

“Your right as always Edward. I will see what I can find out.”

“Alice don’t do anything stupid” I just smiled at him.

He shook his head and started the car again. We headed home. Both clearly lost in thought.

(EMPOV)

The drive home from school was quiet. I wasn’t sure what to think. Bella said he stopped her from hitting the floor face first, but he kissed her hand. Okay I’m a little ticked about that part. I must have been lost in my own head cause next thing I know is that Bella is yelling for me.

“Emmett” Bella said. “Are you coming in the house on your own or am I carrying you?” she is probably the only girl I know who could and would.

“Yeah…yeah I’m coming.”

(BPOV)

We went inside, hung up our school things and went our separate ways. The house of course was empty feeling. Charlie wouldn’t be home for a couple of hours yet. This house just seems so huge. I retreated to the basement to let off some steam. I changed quickly into my tights, gym shorts and tank top. I know not formal ballet attire but it’s my studio I’ll wear what I want. I went to the stereo system and turned it on. The first disc started to play. Debussy of course. One of my favorites. I started with some simple stretching. Always good to warm the muscles up first. Then I moved onto simple warm-ups. As I let the music take me over I felt my tensions slip away and my eyes drifted shut. Soon I could feel myself gliding gracefully across the floor. Thoughts of my mother filled my head. I began to slowly open my eyes to get rid of the thoughts. There in the mirrors’ reflection staring back at me was my mom. She was smiling at me. I ran at the mirror screaming and crying. Banging my fists off the glass.

“How could you leave me!” I shouted at her sliding into a heap on the floor.

“Why mom? Why would you leave me? What did I do? Why didn’t you fight harder to stay with me?” I was crying loudly now but I didn’t care.

There was no one here but me. I looked up to the mirror and she was gone again. I was sobbing uncontrollably now. I let my emotions get away from me. The longer I sat like this on the floor of my studio the angrier I got.

“How dare you leave me alone! No one to guide me, no one for me to come to with my problems.” I could feel the anger building inside me, even though I knew I wouldn’t have gone to her; it was still that fact that she should be here with us.

I needed a release. I ran to the gym room next door and slipped my gloves on. For the next half hour or so I took my frustrations out on the punching bag. I let the tears roll down my face. I wasn’t ashamed. No I was angry, hurt, confused, and alone all rolled into one. Once the frustration was gone all that was left was the hurt and loneliness. Once again I sank to the floor. I crawled my way to the nearest corner, curled myself into a ball and welcomed the sorrow. I knew this had to be done. I knew I had to let the emotions each have their turns. It was the only way I could begin to heal. I stayed there on the floor for I don’t know how long until Emmett’s voice broke into my darkness.

“Bella…Bella…Awe baby sister not again!” he cried to me.

I didn’t know how to respond.

“Please Bella honey say something to me.”

He wanted me to speak. I couldn’t get my thoughts together let alone concentrate enough to make my lips move. I let out a soft whimper.

Emmett knelt down and pulled me into his arms. He cradled me there rocking back and forth, rubbing his hand in circles on my back. I felt safe here, at home.

“It’s gonna be okay Bella, let it out, I’m here for you.” Emmett whispered in my ear.

We sat like that for I don’t know how long. We didn’t attempt to even move until we heard Charlie call for us.

“Hey Kids, I’m home. Where you two at?”

I looked up at Emmett fear spreading across my face, I can’t let Charlie see me like this. Emmett must have been thinking the same thing as we heard Charlie approach the top of the stairs.

“Go quick get cleaned up, I’ll distract Charlie” Emmett said into my ear.

I nodded in agreement and moved into the shower room. I could hear Emmett talking to dad.

“Bella’s getting cleaned up we had one heck of a work out session.”

I could just imagine him flexing his muscles in front of dad. I chuckled to myself. The warm water was inviting to say the least. I stood there letting it cascade down over my face and body. Allowing it to wash away the salt of the sweat and tears. I could feel my tense muscles relaxing. I let my mind start wandering. It wandered back to Biology class this afternoon. It wandered back to EDWARD. I could see his dark eyes staring into mine. Good god is he annoying. All that chivalry crap was grating on my nerves. No I can’t start those thoughts again. That’s when I realized that the water had gone cold. I turned the shower off, wrapped a towel around me and proceeded to take my clothes to the washroom. I threw my things into the wash, added the soap, closed the lid and turned it on. Then I headed for my room and a clean set of clothes. I dressed quickly in a pair of plaid pajama pants and an old rugby jersey I stole from Emmett. It was to small for him now anyway.

Heading toward the stairs I could hear Emmett and Charlie in the dining room. Oh crap I didn’t cook anything, they are probably starving. I rushed into the kitchen only to stop dead in my tracks. Charlie must of picked up dinner. On the table separated by plates, napkins, and plastic cutlery was several large Chinese take out containers. He must have been to Port Angeles today. The only take out Forks had was pizza. I made myself a plate. Some fried rice, mushu pork, bar-b-que spare ribs, 2 egg roles, and some fried dumplings smothered in sweet in sour sauce. They must have heard me banging around cause they yelled at the same time.

“We’re in the dining room come join us.” “Oh and could you bring the soy sauce” Emmett added.

“Coming and sure” I replied.

We sat and ate together silently. Emmett glanced at me occasionally. I smiled at him and he would look away. After that we all headed off to bed.

(EMPOV)

I went looking for Bella after awhile, I wanted to apologize for not saying anything after she told me about what happened in Biology. I could hear her stereo in the basement playing. Debussy. Her Favorite. I bet she is dancing; she hasn’t done that since before mom died. I listened closely. I thought I heard her screaming. I was gonna go check when the damn phone rang.

Ring…Ring…

Stupid phone. Better answer it.

“Hello”

“Emmett it’s dad”.

“Oh hey dad what ya need?” I asked.

“Just wondering if your sister started dinner yet?”

“No she’s in the basement why?”

“Oh okay. Well I’m gonna pick up some Chinese on my way home so tell her not to worry.”

“Okay that sounds great.”

“Okay well I gotta run, see you when I get there”.

“Yeah alright dad”.

I hung up the phone then and made my way towards the basement door. I leaned in to listen. I could hear the music still playing, and what sounded like someone kicking a bean bag around. Boxing. She must be upset about something.

All of a sudden the only thing I heard was the music playing. I don’t know how long I was standing there before I want down to check on her, and tell her dad was picking up dinner. Once I got down the steps I couldn’t see her. But that was no cause for alarm, it is divided into 3 smaller rooms.  I headed towards the gym. That’s when I heard it. Crying. I found Bella curled into a ball, her whole body was shaking. I went to her as fast as my feet would carry me. I hoped she wasn’t slipping back into that catatonic state she was in before we left New York. I tried to wipe the tears from her face, as I cradled her in my arms, rocking back and forth trying to soothe her. The next thing that registered was the sound of Charlie getting home.

The fear in her eyes pushed me into action. I ran to intercept Charlie. I told him Bella was getting cleaned up. That we had been working out. I think he bought it.

I heard Bella start the washer as I made my plate of the Chinese food Charlie brought home. When  Bella come back down and was banging around in the kitchen. Charlie and I both asked her to join us. I yelled for her to grab more soy sauce.

We ate in silence and then went to bed like always. I still haven’t had the chance to apologize, finding her like that made me lose focus. Tomorrows another day I guess. I lay there on my bed waiting for sleep to take hold. There was muffled noises coming through the wall that separated mine and Bella’s rooms. She was crying again. When was this gonna end. I thought she would have started to move pass this by now. It has been well over a month. I guess only time will tell.

(EPOV)

After Alice and I talked, we discussed Jasper and Rosalie. Alice knew she could convince Jasper, but Rose, she was a whole other type of beast.  

What am I gonna do? Alice asked me the same question earlier but I still have no clue. Alice has it in her head that she is gonna befriend Bella and find out how or if she feels anything for me. I think it’s the wrong way to go about this, but who am I to question the inner workings of girl world. So I’m  leaving it to Alice. She is relentless when she sets her mind to something. I feel bad for Bella, I just unleashed the evil dark pixie of fashion on her without any kind of warning. I hope she doesn’t hold it against me. I can’t wait for tomorrow so I can see Bella again. ‘Bella’. I love to think about her. Her hair, her eyes. The way she smells. Oh god her smell! Her smell is the most beautiful thing I have ever come across. A mix between the most fragrant flower, and the most mouth watering flavor, and a small yet subtle hint of wild sun-ripened strawberries. The strawberries I’m sure must be her soap or shampoo. It’s no where near as strong.  I wonder what Bella is doing right now…

Knock…Knock…Knock…

“What is it” I growled at the door.

I don’t like to be interrupted when I’m thinking. I have found it’s even more annoying when I’m thinking of Bella, which lately is all the time.

“Can I come in?” Alice asked.

“Sure Alice, what can I do for you?” I replied.

“Well Jazz and I are going hunting and wondered if you would like to go with us? Rose is going with Carlisle and Esme later.” she smiled.

How can I refuse this girl. She knows just how to play me to get what she wants.

“Sure I guess why not.” she lit up like a Christmas tree.

“Good. We can talk about my  lunch with Bella Tomorrow!” she giggled.

“Wait, what did you say?” I asked.

“My lunch with Bella”.

“Sometimes Alice you can be the most annoying little gremlin.” I chuckled.