The One that Got Away.

The Bonfire

Author's note: I know the story is written in several tenses, and for that I am sorry, but I am comfortable writing this way. For me, it isn't about perfecting the tense or grammar with which I write, but to get the story down and out of my head (before it drives me insane!) Again, I apologize, and hopefully I won't lose any readers because of this. So, here's the story, I hope you enjoy! OH YEA, I do not own anything other than the story plot and Mr. Nash.

Chapter Three

As Nash and I pulled up in the parking lot, the nervous jitters flocked to my stomach as I spotted Jacob and Lizzie gathered around the fire with the rest of the group from high school. Lizzie was sitting in Jake's lap; her hand was rubbing the back of his neck and caressing his shoulders. (Don't dwell on the "What if's Bella.") I told myself.

Shaking his head Nash politely opened my door. "It will be fine babe; I mean you are with me how bad can it be?"

I giggled to myself. "You're Right." Placing my hand in his, he closed the door and with a deep breath, "Let's go meet everyone." I said, and we started making our way down the beach hand in hand towards the crowd. As we drew closer I noticed that they are laughing and fondling each other, and as if he felt my gaze watching them, he looks up with disbelief written all over his face. I just smiled softly and turned my attention back towards Nash as he gives me a comforting squeeze and placed a soft kiss on my left temple.

"Ah, Bells you made it." My dad said as we approached, kissing my cheek. "You're late young lady." He uttered, his voice soft, yet firm. I only had to glance at the man to know that he wasn't seriously peeved I arrived late to the party, just mildly concerned. He nodded his head to Nash in an unspoken hello, and turned back to Billy.

"Look who it is." Billy said smacking Jake's shoulder as he got up to hug me. After he gave me a hug he steps back, and glances at me from head to toe. "You sure have grown in to a lovely looking young lady." He says, squeezing me one more time before looking over to Nash. "Who is your friend you got here?"

"This is my boyfriend Austin Nash, but most people call him Nash." Turning to Nash I gestured with my hand, "Nash this is Billy Black." I said, smiling. Nash, ever the well-bred southern gentleman, extended a hand toward Billy.

"Nice to meet you sir." His voice was sincere, and he shook Billy's hand firmly when the older man finally caved and gave him one of his own.

"Same here." Billy murmured. While he was happy to see me and meet Nash, hearing the word boyfriend come from my lips didn't quite sit well with him. I didn't need a mind reader to tell me that, it was written all over his aged face. His chapped lips twitched in a smile, but his eyes-those dark orbs were gleaming with curiosity, but I could also see the dark tint of warning flitting across them. Billy turns towards Jake who stood up and said "This here is my boy Jacob." He gestured toward Jake. They stood for a few moments sizing each other before Nash stretched forth his hand first, "Nice to finally me you" tilting his head in my direction, he continued "this one here has told me so much about you."

Jake took a few seconds before looking down at Nash's hand and finally taking his offer. Jake firmly grabbed his hand and nastily said while looking me dead in the eye. "Funny I haven't heard anything about you." His voice was more aggressive than necessary.

Charlie stood up placing his hand on Jacob shoulder, and looked in between the two, "Boys." He said politely.

Jacob turned around, pulled Lizzie up by her hand into him, turns towards Nash and I, and mockingly says "this is my fiancé Lizzie, Lizzie this Bella, Bella this is Lizzie. You two have never properly been introduced.