Confused Replacement (Twilight FANFIC)

Chapter 16: Graduation

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"When we were five, they asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up. Our answers were things like Astronaut, President--or, in my case, a Princess..." laughter rippled throughout the crowd, "When we were ten, they asked again. We answered, Rock Star, Cowboy. Or, in my case, a Gold Medalist." A smile again twitched at my lips..."But now that we've grown up, they want a serious answer. Well, how about this? Who the hell knows(?)"

"Whoo!" I felt myself cheer in sync with the audience, a brief moment of applause agreeing with Jess.

"This isn't the time to make hard-and-fast decisions. This is the time to make mistakes. Take the wrong train and get stuck somewhere. Fall in love, a lot...--Major in philosophy, because there's no way to make a career out of that." Spattered laughs responded, "Change your mind, and change it again because nothing's permanent..." I felt my eyes water as that same stirring in my gut rose, visions of collecting my certificate and seeing Charlie so proud made me realize I wasn't ready yet..."So, make as many mistakes as you can. That way, someday, when they ask what we want to be...we'll know..."

An uproar of applause and cheering pulled me from my thoughts, a hand gently gripping my knee making me realize I was clapping numbly--"Are you okay?" Edward leaned in, and I felt like I could breathe again.

I don't want to leave Charlie and my friends but--...I can't imagine a future where I don't do this. Because it is for me, I do want this... I guess I just gotta figure out how to fulfill that destiny while also living parts of my old life that I can't let go of just yet..."Never better..."

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"You made it!" Angela skipped toward me with a wide grin, pulling me into a quick hug before I was allowed to then greet Jessica.

"Hey, what did you think of my speech? Too easy-breezy? Too self-helpful? You hated it?"

"No," I found myself chuckling at her nerves, "Honestly, Jess, you nailed it."

"Yeah? It's like I was born to lead, right?"

"Oh! I love this song, let's go--" Angela gripped Jess's hand, the pair throwing me a small wave before vanishing into the crowd. I laughed at their antics, shaking my head before a turn forced my smile to drop. I turned back, prepared to storm off in search of the snack table when my arm was caught.

"Bella, wait!"

I faced him with a huff, crossing my arms over my chest to gain some distance. "What are you doing here, Jake?

"You invited me, remember?"

"Yeah, before you made a move on me and went all macho wolf boy against Edward to suggest I don't have enough brain cells to decide for myself--I mean, was my right hook too subtle for you(?) Because that was me revoking my invitation."

The tenseness in my shoulders eased slightly at seeing genuine regret pass over his features, "Look, Bella, I'm sorry...--a-about everything. I'd blame it on the whole inner animal thing but, it was really just me...being an a$$. I'm really sorry...I brought you something. A graduation present," a small chain was pulled from his pocket and held towards me, "I made it myself."

"Wow..." I pulled it from his grasp, "Thanks. It's really pretty."

"I can put it on if--"

I shook my head at his offer, "I accept your apology, but--" I slipped the bracelet into my back pocket. "I think it's best if we have a little distance for a while..." The sight of Alice freezing on the staircase had me ignoring any response he may have had--"I'll be right back." I hurried past, "Alice, what'd you see?"