Chapter one BPOV

Never in a million years would I picture myself here. I swore a long time ago that I would never return. Yet. Here I was. Closing my eyes briefly I regain control before I start to scream in frustration. Not only was I back in my home town but I was working at Newton's Sporting Goods store once again.

I should be thankful I even got my old job working as a cashier but that didn't stop me from hating it. From what I heard from Mike, who manages the store; Mr. Newton had a heart attack a year ago. Ever since then Mrs. Newton stays home and takes care of him and so Mike stepped up to manage the store for them. While grateful that Mike gave me my job back I was far from happy. Sure it was a job but combined with the mess that was my life now, it seemed minuscule.

At twenty-five, not only was I recently divorced but I had to move back home. I was living with two of my best friends and their son. I felt horrible, intruding in on their life but I couldn't move back home with my dad. There was too many bad memories in that room.

A bell interrupted my thoughts. I glance up from stocking shelves trying to pull myself back to reality.

"Be right there!" I yell out walking out into the aisle to find Alice Cullen, who used to be my best friend years ago.

"Oh my god, Alice! What are you doing here? I haven't seen you since spring break senior year of High School."

"Hi, Bella! I just came to grab some supplies for this weekend's camping trip. What are you doing here?"

I looked down at my feet trying my best not to cry, "I work here."

"I kind of figured that. I meant here as in back home. When did you get back?" Alice asked shuffling her feet in the process. Did she feel as awkward as I did right now?

"About a week ago. It's only my second day back at work." I reply glancing up at her finally.

She nodded solemnly before asking, "So what have you been up to since High School?"

Running a hand through my short hair I tried to fight back the nerves and self-loathing I felt every time I had to explain my story.

"Well, after I graduated High School I went to Columbia and studied English Literature." I began pausing slightly, "In my junior year I got married and two years later I graduated with a Bachelors in English Literature. Amazingly I had found a job shortly after at, Potter Publishing, working as an Assistant Editor until recently of course."

Alice just stood there giving me a very confused look, "Your husband didn't mind moving back here with you?"

I could feel my eyes starting to betray me. A tear slowly rolled down my cheek, "We finalized our divorce in April. I'm living with Angela and Eric Yorkie until I can afford my own place." I wipe away my tears and finally look at her.

"Bella, I'm so sorry. Why didn't you move back in with Charlie?"

"Too many bad memories."

"I don't mean to pry but the last time I was here you were hanging out a lot with Jacob Black. Is that who you married?" Alice remarked, obviously still trying to wrap her head around what all had transpired.

For the first time since starting this conversation I actually smiled, "No, Jake and I tried dating but the whole long distance thing took a toll on us. We're still friends. I actually married Tyler Crowly. Do you remember him? We went to school with him. He was one of my only friends at Columbia. How about you? Anything exciting since high school?"

I thought Alice would explode when I asked. She broke into the biggest smile and threw her left hand out. She had a gorgeous gold band on with an oval diamond in the middle with a simple wedding band over the top of it.

"I just celebrated my first anniversary! I still can't believe it!"

"Congratulations. I'm sure Jasper is just as happy as you." I state grinning up at her as she lets her hand fall to her side.

"Yes, we are very excited. This is the first time we've all been together since Christmas."

I felt my face drain. A cold bucket of ice water felt dumped over my head from her statement. Sheer panic rose in me and I couldn't help but feel nauseous. Edward. Back in town?! I hadn't seen him since just after my eighteenth birthday. When he dumped me and moved back with his family to L.A.. I had to grip the shelving next to me in order to stay upright. Could my life get any worse?

"Bella, are you okay?"

"He's going to be here this weekend?"

"I'm so sorry I forgot for a minute. I won't tell him you're back." Alice remarked quickly, glancing at me with concern before glancing at the clock behind me, "I actually have to go. I'm running late for an appointment but I'd love to get lunch tomorrow if you can."

"Sure I'll meet you at Carver's around two tomorrow?"

"That's perfect! Bye, Bella!"

Just like that she was gone and I felt my stomach turn. Stumbling back to the where I was stocking shelves I couldn't get over what had just happened. Edward. Here in town, after all this time! This week couldn't get any worse. Right?