[Twilight] Rising Phoenix (Part Two)
Jeez, these drabbles make me want to write a lot more than I really intended. Guess that it backfired on me more than I expected. XD Anyhow, I hope you guys enjoy this batch, even though not that much happens!
Title: Rising Phoenix (Part Two)
Fandom: Twilight [but so very AU]
Summary: Bella's eighteenth birthday is on the horizon! Seems everyone but her's looking forward to it, though.
Disclaimer: Leaf and rogue Cullen child are the only things that belong to me, okay? DX
11.
Elizabeth didn't mind helping Leaf settle back into his treehouse. He had honestly become a second son to her (she had even told her husband so over the phone!). So it wasn't much of a big deal to be constantly flying from the base of the tree to the top every now and then.
Leaf had just laughed at her. "You angels are so weird," He replied, setting down his suitcase on the bed. "You know there's a staircase in the back, right?"
"I know," Elizabeth smiled. "But it feels amazing to stretch my wings again."
Leaf stepped closer, clasping his hands together as he got a full view of Elizabeth's wings flapping in the breeze. Unlike most angels' wings, hers were smaller and curled close to her body when she wasn't flying. If he squinted, he could even see the pink tint of her feathers.
"What color are Edward's wings?"
"Blue," Elizabeth replied without hesitation. "You'll see them eventually."
Lead nodded, then continuing to unpack his clothes. "... You think Bella'll be all right, living in such proximity to us?"
"Of course," She said, taking his shirts and safely putting them in a drawer. "She's Isabella. She'll be all right, even when Edward goes away for his winter exams."
Beaming, he put away the last of his clothes and opened the window. "That's good to hear. I was wondering if she thought it was weird to live with an elf like me."
"I doubt it."
"... Thanks."
There was a light knock on the door. Leaf frowned - who could be here at this hour? - and opened the door. And there, just beyond the doorframe, was Ephraim.
12.
Ephraim held out a gift bag sheepishly. "Sorry I didn't come by earlier."
He walked in, smiling at (a rather red) Elizabeth as he plopped onto the couch. Leaf took the gift bag graciously and set it on a coffee table.
"It's fine," Leaf assured him, watching Elizabeth tuck her wings in out of the corners of his eyes. "Were you two just discharged?"
"Yeah," Ephraim replied. "We're probably going to leave for South Dakota in a week or so. It'd be dangerous to stay in La Push."
"But then what was the point of living in this treehouse?"
"Leaf, we don't want to run the risk of having vampires attack again. It's happened once already, and you barely survived that one."
His face immediately turning solemn, Ephraim bowed towards Elizabeth. "I... owe your son and his friend a lot for saving Adohi and taking care of him."
Elizabeth paused. "Adohi?"
"His full name is Adohi Unegawa'ya, or Forest Whitewolf in English."
"Ah," Elizabeth smiled. "That's an oddly fitting name. But then why do you call him Leaf?"
More leaves flew out of Leaf's hair. The child smiled up at the two innocently before muttering to himself as he shook even more out. Ephraim shot Elizabeth a look, as if to say, 'It isn't obvious?'
Laughing, Elizabeth flashed an apologetic smile before she left to take care of Leaf. "Do you have to leave so soon? Bella'll be heartbroken once she finds out."
"Bella," Ephraim blinked.
"Isabella Swan. You know, Jacob Black's best friend?"
Ephraim's eyes grew wide. He motioned for Elizabeth to sit down as he whispered, "Really? Would you... please tell me what's going on in Jacob's life right now?"
And so another recap session began in the treehouse. Leaf beamed. He wouldn't get reprimanded this time! Saved by his elder brother once more.
13.
The first day of school had gone without a hitch, Bella happily noted as she looked around the table at her friends. The circle had somehow gotten bigger without her noticing, for even Angela's boyfriend Ben was sitting with them this year. Tyler Crowley, Angela Weber, Jessica Stanley, Lauren Mallory... they were all here. And they were all laughing over something stupid as usual.
"... And that is how I was defeated by a toddler," Edward finished to a chorus of laughter. Bella couldn't help joining in, even though she knew she'd missed the entire story.
(But she'd been there when it happened! That had to count for something, right?)
"Hey, Bella," Jessica cut in after the laughter had died down. "You've got to have some funny story, right?"
"Hm," Bella looked a little thoughtful, putting a bite of salad to her mouth. After she finished her food, she replied, "... I'm not really sure. I wasn't much of a people person back in Phoenix."
"There was the time that chocolate exploded all over Jacob," Edward interrupted. "You could tell them about that."
"Oh yeah," Bella replied at the same time all the others were like, "Whoa, when'd that happen?"
Angela blinked. "But who's Jacob?"
Bella blushed (she wasn't really sure why - he was just her best friend). "Jacob Black's a friend of mine from La Push. We do nearly everything together."
"But he's really, really bad at making chocolate," Edward finished for her with a joking sigh. "So we never let him into the kitchen around Valentine's Day."
A few of the girls giggled while the boys looked amused. "You always have the best stories, Ed," Mike grinned. "You should honestly teach us one of these days your secrets."
"Really," Edward smiled bemusedly. "It's not that hard. You just have to listen! And know people a little better, I guess."
"So not the story of my life," Bella cut in. Everyone laughed.
And that was when Bella finally noticed Alice Cullen sitting all by herself at her lunch table. She nodded towards Edward before making her way over.
14.
"Alice," She said once she got a little closer.
Blinking, the brunette looked up at Bella. "Yes?"
Bella wasn't really sure what she was doing anymore, but she knew that she just wasn't going to leave Alice alone this year. She was her friend too! And she deserved to be in the crowd, surrounded by people that would care about her too.
"You wouldn't," Alice stared as she saw Bella's hand on top of hers.
... For a light-weight girl, she was surprisingly strong. Bella tried to make her budge, but seriously? She couldn't. What was up with this girl?
(Was she like Leaf? Or Edward? She couldn't be human.)
"Hey, Alice," Edward called, sauntering over to them. "Come sit with us. It looks pretty lonely over there."
Alice looked from Edward to Bella. Then, in a sigh of defeat, she rose, taking her tray with her, and took the last empty spot at the other lunch table.
A ripple went through the cafeteria. Alice Cullen was sitting with other people? That weren't part of her family? Even if she was friends with Bella and Edward, it was still bizarre to see her actually interact with them.
But Alice didn't care. She smiled politely at the other students, then held out her cookie to (a rather surprised) Mike. "I'm not that hungry," She confessed. "So who wants extra food?"
Tyler looked warily at Edward, who shrugged and said, "It's Alice. You never really know what's going on in her head."
The table was silent for a moment, and then roused into a new round of stories and horror parables about failing a test. Alice blinked when Mike asked her about a test, and then smiled as she dished out her take on it - was it hard? Was it easy? - to a stunned table.
"Looks like she'll be fitting in well," Bella softly remarked to a grinning Edward as she leaned her head on his shoulder.
"Thank the Lord," Edward happily replied before digging into his chicken pot pie.
15.
"Looks like you're popular," Jasper remarked, keeping his eye on his luggage as Alice strolled into their bedroom.
Alice shrugged. "They took pity on me because I was sitting by myself."
Her eyes glazed over; she slowly sat down on the bed, her head shaking as she slowly tried to gain ground again. Jasper nervously looked from her to the fallen clothes on the floor.
"What'd you see this time?"
"... The kids at school like me. I'm not sure if it's because I associate with Bella and Edward, but they want me to join clubs, maybe even be president. And of course, Bella and Edward will be behind me every step of the way."
Jasper frowned. "You'll be remembered if you're club president. But I thought the school hated us?"
"Not if Edward has anything to say about it. He's all about equality and everyone needing friends." She paused for a moment, then adding another set of clothes into his suitcase. "He's very kindhearted that way. Almost like an angel."
"Take care of yourself---" Jasper's words were cut off as Alice leaned in, pressing her finger to his lips. Letting go gently, she replied, "I will. Love you."
He took her hand and gently pressed his lips against her own. When he reluctantly let go, he added, "Love you too," before kissing her again.
16.
Seniors. Just the word made shivers go up Bella's spine. It was hard to believe that her eighteenth birthday was just around the corner.
At least Edward was older than her. They'd celebrated his birthday last June (the 20th) with a cake and presents. It had been an amazing party! Leaf had even gotten sparklers, and they played with them by the river that summer evening. If she closed her eyes, Bella could even hear the crackling sound of fire.
She opened her eyes and was promptly greeted by a chilly hug from Alice (dang, she was always cold, even with that parka.)
"Your birthday's coming up," She cheerfully remarked. "So, what do you want for your special day?"
Bella blushed, shrugging. "Nothing, really. I'm happy enough as it is."
"But we've got to get you something. I know! How does a trip to Sephora sound---"
Bella groaned, rubbing her temples together. Alice laughed nervously, before replying, "I guess not."
"Maybe American Eagle would be nice," Bella slowly replied as the two went up to the cash register to pay for some hot coffee. "Or something that doesn't involve make-up?"
"All right," Alice beamed. "I'll plan the best shopping spree you've ever had."
Really? Bella couldn't help laughing - surely Alice was kidding; there were better things to do - as the two paid for their food and sat down at a nearby table.
"Really."
Oops. She'd said that aloud. Bella sheepishly shrugged, but let herself be dragged into the shopping spree. Edward and Jake wouldn't mind, would they? They'd been ragging on her for not having enough gal pals, as they called it. So there.
17.
Thank the heavens for Alice Cullen, even if she was a bloodsucker. Edward took a mental check of the Swans' backyard, staring intently at a tree as he heard the sound of crunching leaves underneath him.
"You think this'll be big enough for her surprise party," The voice called, standing beside him.
Edward grinned. "I think so, Jake."
Jacob glanced around him, muttering, "I hope you're right. How many people are you and Miss Elizabeth inviting? Like twenty or so?"
"I think twenty five. We're planning for thirty, just in case we get crashers."
Laughing, Jake leaned against a nearby tree. "When's the tent coming in?"
"I dunno. Chief Swan's in charge of that one," Edward glanced over at him. "... You think this'll be a good party for Bella?"
Jake nodded. "Definitely. You're putting a lot of work into it."
"Thanks."
There was a lull of awkward silence before Jake turned to leave. "I've gotta go," He admitted with a sigh. "Chemistry and Algebra call."
Edward made a face, but nodded as he watched his friend go off. "Have fun."
"I'll try," The other teen laughed, making a face before he disappeared into the house.
18.
The Swan household always seemed to be full these days. Bella didn't think twice about it when she called home and heard Jacob in the background; it felt like he was really living in with them. Leaf was probably there too - the poor boy didn't go to school - and Edward would probably join them later after club meetings ended.
"Dad? What's going on?"
"Oh, nothing in particu--- Jacob! Watch out for the door!"
"It sure doesn't sound like nothing, Dad. Should I come over?"
"No, don't worry about it," Her father quickly insisted. "I'm afraid I have to go. Talk to you later, sweetheart!"
He then hung up, leaving Bella with the phone in her hands. She stared at the phone for one, long second before turning her attention towards the two teenage girls beside her.
"Jessica, Angela? I guess I'm free after all."
The two exchanged amused glances and high-fives before taking Bella's arms and walking her over towards their car.
"I'm glad," Jessica happily replied as she motioned for Bella to sit in the backseat. "I was so afraid that I wouldn't have a second opinion at Port Angeles. Right, Angela?"
"Definitely," Angela beamed. "Shame Edward and the guys couldn't have come. I guess we'll just make it a girls night out?"
"Why not," Bella interjected. Both girls immediately stared back at her; she shrugged in slight defeat.
"I was caught up in the mood."
They all laughed, then immediately started swapping stories about bad dates and how clumsy boys (and girls!) could be. Might as well turn this girls' night out into one to remember, right?
19.
Whatever happened to a normal shopping outing? Bella groaned as she watched Jessica turn the stereo up louder, moving her head in perfect rhythm to the beat.
"Nessie's mom~ Has it going on~"
"She's all I want~"
Wait, wait. Wasn't the song Stacy's Mom? She could've sworn it was; she remembered her mom singing along to it too (though her mom sung worse than these two.) She sighed, putting her hands to her ears as Jessica and Lauren belted out the next verse.
Angela shot her a sympathetic look before turning the volume down. "Hey, Bella? What's up?"
"I was just thinking... why is it Nessie's Mom, and not Stacy's?"
Jessica and Angela exchanged glances before giggling to themselves. Bella sighed, crossing her arms as she leaned further back in her set. "What?"
"You haven't read those selkie books, have you?"
Bella blinked. "HUH?"
Jessica explained, "Basically, this guy was in love with this girl who fell in love with a selkie. But uh, he ended up settling with the girl's kid. So... we're making fun of them."
"Oh," Bella laughed. "You should've told me earlier."
The chorus immediately rang through the car - "Turn it up! Come on! We've gotta reject Nessie!" - as the three laughed to themselves, belting out the song at the top of their lungs.
A few passers-by stared, but they were immediately rebuted with a loud "HONK!" and another rousing round "Nessie's Mom~ Has got it goin' on!" (Sucks to be them, huh?)
2o.
The house was quiet when Bella came back from their outing (which, thankfully, did not include a visit to Sephora). She nervously looked back at Jessica and Angela, muttering, "I could've sworn Leaf was here... or even Edward or Jake... it's so weird."
Fidgeting with the keys, she was so oblivious to the situation that she didn't even notice Jessica opening the front door. "Uh, well, it's open?"
"Thanks, Captain Obvious," Jessica shot back with a giggle. "Come on, Bella! Let's hurry up and get that lantern!"
(Oh, yeah, Jessica'd forgotten some lantern at her place thanks to their last sleepover.) Bella sighed, nodding as she took the front of their party and walked through her house and out the back door.
"SURPRISE!"
There, a giant white tent was illuminated by hundreds of white paper lanterns. Despite the light drizzle, it all looked so... pure. Bella's jaw dropped as she took a step back and into her two friends' arms.
"O-ohmigod," She whispered, staring at the dozens of people that were standing by the entrance. "You didn't really!"
Edward and Jacob both immediately enveloped her into a tight bear hug.
"Happy birthday," They chorused.
Bella choked, her eyes watering as she stared back into the eyes of her two best friends. "... Thank you," She whispered as they took her hands and led her into what was about to be her best birthday party ever.
Title: Rising Phoenix (Part Two)
Fandom: Twilight [but so very AU]
Summary: Bella's eighteenth birthday is on the horizon! Seems everyone but her's looking forward to it, though.
Disclaimer: Leaf and rogue Cullen child are the only things that belong to me, okay? DX
11.
Elizabeth didn't mind helping Leaf settle back into his treehouse. He had honestly become a second son to her (she had even told her husband so over the phone!). So it wasn't much of a big deal to be constantly flying from the base of the tree to the top every now and then.
Leaf had just laughed at her. "You angels are so weird," He replied, setting down his suitcase on the bed. "You know there's a staircase in the back, right?"
"I know," Elizabeth smiled. "But it feels amazing to stretch my wings again."
Leaf stepped closer, clasping his hands together as he got a full view of Elizabeth's wings flapping in the breeze. Unlike most angels' wings, hers were smaller and curled close to her body when she wasn't flying. If he squinted, he could even see the pink tint of her feathers.
"What color are Edward's wings?"
"Blue," Elizabeth replied without hesitation. "You'll see them eventually."
Lead nodded, then continuing to unpack his clothes. "... You think Bella'll be all right, living in such proximity to us?"
"Of course," She said, taking his shirts and safely putting them in a drawer. "She's Isabella. She'll be all right, even when Edward goes away for his winter exams."
Beaming, he put away the last of his clothes and opened the window. "That's good to hear. I was wondering if she thought it was weird to live with an elf like me."
"I doubt it."
"... Thanks."
There was a light knock on the door. Leaf frowned - who could be here at this hour? - and opened the door. And there, just beyond the doorframe, was Ephraim.
12.
Ephraim held out a gift bag sheepishly. "Sorry I didn't come by earlier."
He walked in, smiling at (a rather red) Elizabeth as he plopped onto the couch. Leaf took the gift bag graciously and set it on a coffee table.
"It's fine," Leaf assured him, watching Elizabeth tuck her wings in out of the corners of his eyes. "Were you two just discharged?"
"Yeah," Ephraim replied. "We're probably going to leave for South Dakota in a week or so. It'd be dangerous to stay in La Push."
"But then what was the point of living in this treehouse?"
"Leaf, we don't want to run the risk of having vampires attack again. It's happened once already, and you barely survived that one."
His face immediately turning solemn, Ephraim bowed towards Elizabeth. "I... owe your son and his friend a lot for saving Adohi and taking care of him."
Elizabeth paused. "Adohi?"
"His full name is Adohi Unegawa'ya, or Forest Whitewolf in English."
"Ah," Elizabeth smiled. "That's an oddly fitting name. But then why do you call him Leaf?"
More leaves flew out of Leaf's hair. The child smiled up at the two innocently before muttering to himself as he shook even more out. Ephraim shot Elizabeth a look, as if to say, 'It isn't obvious?'
Laughing, Elizabeth flashed an apologetic smile before she left to take care of Leaf. "Do you have to leave so soon? Bella'll be heartbroken once she finds out."
"Bella," Ephraim blinked.
"Isabella Swan. You know, Jacob Black's best friend?"
Ephraim's eyes grew wide. He motioned for Elizabeth to sit down as he whispered, "Really? Would you... please tell me what's going on in Jacob's life right now?"
And so another recap session began in the treehouse. Leaf beamed. He wouldn't get reprimanded this time! Saved by his elder brother once more.
13.
The first day of school had gone without a hitch, Bella happily noted as she looked around the table at her friends. The circle had somehow gotten bigger without her noticing, for even Angela's boyfriend Ben was sitting with them this year. Tyler Crowley, Angela Weber, Jessica Stanley, Lauren Mallory... they were all here. And they were all laughing over something stupid as usual.
"... And that is how I was defeated by a toddler," Edward finished to a chorus of laughter. Bella couldn't help joining in, even though she knew she'd missed the entire story.
(But she'd been there when it happened! That had to count for something, right?)
"Hey, Bella," Jessica cut in after the laughter had died down. "You've got to have some funny story, right?"
"Hm," Bella looked a little thoughtful, putting a bite of salad to her mouth. After she finished her food, she replied, "... I'm not really sure. I wasn't much of a people person back in Phoenix."
"There was the time that chocolate exploded all over Jacob," Edward interrupted. "You could tell them about that."
"Oh yeah," Bella replied at the same time all the others were like, "Whoa, when'd that happen?"
Angela blinked. "But who's Jacob?"
Bella blushed (she wasn't really sure why - he was just her best friend). "Jacob Black's a friend of mine from La Push. We do nearly everything together."
"But he's really, really bad at making chocolate," Edward finished for her with a joking sigh. "So we never let him into the kitchen around Valentine's Day."
A few of the girls giggled while the boys looked amused. "You always have the best stories, Ed," Mike grinned. "You should honestly teach us one of these days your secrets."
"Really," Edward smiled bemusedly. "It's not that hard. You just have to listen! And know people a little better, I guess."
"So not the story of my life," Bella cut in. Everyone laughed.
And that was when Bella finally noticed Alice Cullen sitting all by herself at her lunch table. She nodded towards Edward before making her way over.
14.
"Alice," She said once she got a little closer.
Blinking, the brunette looked up at Bella. "Yes?"
Bella wasn't really sure what she was doing anymore, but she knew that she just wasn't going to leave Alice alone this year. She was her friend too! And she deserved to be in the crowd, surrounded by people that would care about her too.
"You wouldn't," Alice stared as she saw Bella's hand on top of hers.
... For a light-weight girl, she was surprisingly strong. Bella tried to make her budge, but seriously? She couldn't. What was up with this girl?
(Was she like Leaf? Or Edward? She couldn't be human.)
"Hey, Alice," Edward called, sauntering over to them. "Come sit with us. It looks pretty lonely over there."
Alice looked from Edward to Bella. Then, in a sigh of defeat, she rose, taking her tray with her, and took the last empty spot at the other lunch table.
A ripple went through the cafeteria. Alice Cullen was sitting with other people? That weren't part of her family? Even if she was friends with Bella and Edward, it was still bizarre to see her actually interact with them.
But Alice didn't care. She smiled politely at the other students, then held out her cookie to (a rather surprised) Mike. "I'm not that hungry," She confessed. "So who wants extra food?"
Tyler looked warily at Edward, who shrugged and said, "It's Alice. You never really know what's going on in her head."
The table was silent for a moment, and then roused into a new round of stories and horror parables about failing a test. Alice blinked when Mike asked her about a test, and then smiled as she dished out her take on it - was it hard? Was it easy? - to a stunned table.
"Looks like she'll be fitting in well," Bella softly remarked to a grinning Edward as she leaned her head on his shoulder.
"Thank the Lord," Edward happily replied before digging into his chicken pot pie.
15.
"Looks like you're popular," Jasper remarked, keeping his eye on his luggage as Alice strolled into their bedroom.
Alice shrugged. "They took pity on me because I was sitting by myself."
Her eyes glazed over; she slowly sat down on the bed, her head shaking as she slowly tried to gain ground again. Jasper nervously looked from her to the fallen clothes on the floor.
"What'd you see this time?"
"... The kids at school like me. I'm not sure if it's because I associate with Bella and Edward, but they want me to join clubs, maybe even be president. And of course, Bella and Edward will be behind me every step of the way."
Jasper frowned. "You'll be remembered if you're club president. But I thought the school hated us?"
"Not if Edward has anything to say about it. He's all about equality and everyone needing friends." She paused for a moment, then adding another set of clothes into his suitcase. "He's very kindhearted that way. Almost like an angel."
"Take care of yourself---" Jasper's words were cut off as Alice leaned in, pressing her finger to his lips. Letting go gently, she replied, "I will. Love you."
He took her hand and gently pressed his lips against her own. When he reluctantly let go, he added, "Love you too," before kissing her again.
16.
Seniors. Just the word made shivers go up Bella's spine. It was hard to believe that her eighteenth birthday was just around the corner.
At least Edward was older than her. They'd celebrated his birthday last June (the 20th) with a cake and presents. It had been an amazing party! Leaf had even gotten sparklers, and they played with them by the river that summer evening. If she closed her eyes, Bella could even hear the crackling sound of fire.
She opened her eyes and was promptly greeted by a chilly hug from Alice (dang, she was always cold, even with that parka.)
"Your birthday's coming up," She cheerfully remarked. "So, what do you want for your special day?"
Bella blushed, shrugging. "Nothing, really. I'm happy enough as it is."
"But we've got to get you something. I know! How does a trip to Sephora sound---"
Bella groaned, rubbing her temples together. Alice laughed nervously, before replying, "I guess not."
"Maybe American Eagle would be nice," Bella slowly replied as the two went up to the cash register to pay for some hot coffee. "Or something that doesn't involve make-up?"
"All right," Alice beamed. "I'll plan the best shopping spree you've ever had."
Really? Bella couldn't help laughing - surely Alice was kidding; there were better things to do - as the two paid for their food and sat down at a nearby table.
"Really."
Oops. She'd said that aloud. Bella sheepishly shrugged, but let herself be dragged into the shopping spree. Edward and Jake wouldn't mind, would they? They'd been ragging on her for not having enough gal pals, as they called it. So there.
17.
Thank the heavens for Alice Cullen, even if she was a bloodsucker. Edward took a mental check of the Swans' backyard, staring intently at a tree as he heard the sound of crunching leaves underneath him.
"You think this'll be big enough for her surprise party," The voice called, standing beside him.
Edward grinned. "I think so, Jake."
Jacob glanced around him, muttering, "I hope you're right. How many people are you and Miss Elizabeth inviting? Like twenty or so?"
"I think twenty five. We're planning for thirty, just in case we get crashers."
Laughing, Jake leaned against a nearby tree. "When's the tent coming in?"
"I dunno. Chief Swan's in charge of that one," Edward glanced over at him. "... You think this'll be a good party for Bella?"
Jake nodded. "Definitely. You're putting a lot of work into it."
"Thanks."
There was a lull of awkward silence before Jake turned to leave. "I've gotta go," He admitted with a sigh. "Chemistry and Algebra call."
Edward made a face, but nodded as he watched his friend go off. "Have fun."
"I'll try," The other teen laughed, making a face before he disappeared into the house.
18.
The Swan household always seemed to be full these days. Bella didn't think twice about it when she called home and heard Jacob in the background; it felt like he was really living in with them. Leaf was probably there too - the poor boy didn't go to school - and Edward would probably join them later after club meetings ended.
"Dad? What's going on?"
"Oh, nothing in particu--- Jacob! Watch out for the door!"
"It sure doesn't sound like nothing, Dad. Should I come over?"
"No, don't worry about it," Her father quickly insisted. "I'm afraid I have to go. Talk to you later, sweetheart!"
He then hung up, leaving Bella with the phone in her hands. She stared at the phone for one, long second before turning her attention towards the two teenage girls beside her.
"Jessica, Angela? I guess I'm free after all."
The two exchanged amused glances and high-fives before taking Bella's arms and walking her over towards their car.
"I'm glad," Jessica happily replied as she motioned for Bella to sit in the backseat. "I was so afraid that I wouldn't have a second opinion at Port Angeles. Right, Angela?"
"Definitely," Angela beamed. "Shame Edward and the guys couldn't have come. I guess we'll just make it a girls night out?"
"Why not," Bella interjected. Both girls immediately stared back at her; she shrugged in slight defeat.
"I was caught up in the mood."
They all laughed, then immediately started swapping stories about bad dates and how clumsy boys (and girls!) could be. Might as well turn this girls' night out into one to remember, right?
19.
Whatever happened to a normal shopping outing? Bella groaned as she watched Jessica turn the stereo up louder, moving her head in perfect rhythm to the beat.
"Nessie's mom~ Has it going on~"
"She's all I want~"
Wait, wait. Wasn't the song Stacy's Mom? She could've sworn it was; she remembered her mom singing along to it too (though her mom sung worse than these two.) She sighed, putting her hands to her ears as Jessica and Lauren belted out the next verse.
Angela shot her a sympathetic look before turning the volume down. "Hey, Bella? What's up?"
"I was just thinking... why is it Nessie's Mom, and not Stacy's?"
Jessica and Angela exchanged glances before giggling to themselves. Bella sighed, crossing her arms as she leaned further back in her set. "What?"
"You haven't read those selkie books, have you?"
Bella blinked. "HUH?"
Jessica explained, "Basically, this guy was in love with this girl who fell in love with a selkie. But uh, he ended up settling with the girl's kid. So... we're making fun of them."
"Oh," Bella laughed. "You should've told me earlier."
The chorus immediately rang through the car - "Turn it up! Come on! We've gotta reject Nessie!" - as the three laughed to themselves, belting out the song at the top of their lungs.
A few passers-by stared, but they were immediately rebuted with a loud "HONK!" and another rousing round "Nessie's Mom~ Has got it goin' on!" (Sucks to be them, huh?)
2o.
The house was quiet when Bella came back from their outing (which, thankfully, did not include a visit to Sephora). She nervously looked back at Jessica and Angela, muttering, "I could've sworn Leaf was here... or even Edward or Jake... it's so weird."
Fidgeting with the keys, she was so oblivious to the situation that she didn't even notice Jessica opening the front door. "Uh, well, it's open?"
"Thanks, Captain Obvious," Jessica shot back with a giggle. "Come on, Bella! Let's hurry up and get that lantern!"
(Oh, yeah, Jessica'd forgotten some lantern at her place thanks to their last sleepover.) Bella sighed, nodding as she took the front of their party and walked through her house and out the back door.
"SURPRISE!"
There, a giant white tent was illuminated by hundreds of white paper lanterns. Despite the light drizzle, it all looked so... pure. Bella's jaw dropped as she took a step back and into her two friends' arms.
"O-ohmigod," She whispered, staring at the dozens of people that were standing by the entrance. "You didn't really!"
Edward and Jacob both immediately enveloped her into a tight bear hug.
"Happy birthday," They chorused.
Bella choked, her eyes watering as she stared back into the eyes of her two best friends. "... Thank you," She whispered as they took her hands and led her into what was about to be her best birthday party ever.