Lilliana Swan (Unedited)

Chapter 24

A few days passed and it was graduation now we were sitting down listening to Jessica's speech.

"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, princess. When we were ten, they asked again and we answered - rock star, cowboy, or in my case, gold medalist. But now that we've grown up, they want serious answer. Well, how 'bout this: who the hell knows?" Jessica says

I look next to me and she Bella I can tell Jessica's words are sinking.

"This isn't the time to make hard and fast decisions, it's the time to make mistakes. Take the wrong train and get stuck somewhere chill. Fall in love - a lot. Major in philosophy 'cause there's no way to make a career out of that. Change your mind. Then change it again, because nothing is permanent... So make as many mistakes as you can. That way, someday, when they ask again what we want to be...we won't have to guess. We'll know." Jessica says

Everyone stands up and claps. Bella and I walk over to dad. We are getting out of graduation gowns. People are saying 'see you at the party'. Dad wraps his arms around our shoulders.

"I'm so proud of you two. I can't wait to see what you guys do next. You're my biggest accomplishment." Dad said

"...Dad, that's not true." Bella said

"Yeah, it is. And it's...Well. You'll see, when you have kids." Dad said

Bella and I headed home and changed and into something for the party. Once we did we headed to the Cullen house. When we walk was see Edward in a deep conversation with Carlisle, Emmett and Jasper. We head towards them but are stopped by Angela.

"You're finally here." Angela said

"What'd you think of my speech? Too easy-breezy, self-helpful?" Jessica said

"Actually, you pretty much nailed it." Bella said

"It was amazing." I said

"Like I was born to lead, right?" Jessica asked

"I love this song. Come on--" Angela said

Jessica grabs Bella's hand and Angela grabbed mine and pulled us to the dance floor. Eric and Mike soon found us.

"Time to dance, Bella. Don't make me get my robot on." Mike said

"You wish your robot looked this good." Eric said

Mike and Eric start a robot battle. The girls laugh. The celebratory mood here is a striking contrast to the atmosphere in the kitchen. I make my way off the dance floor, but Bella is not as lucky she is still in her own personal hell which is the dance floor. She is glaring at me but then she looks over my shoulder. I turn around to see Jacob, Embry, Paul and my Emily. Bella is final able to get off the dance floor and makes her way towards Jacob.

"What are you doing here?" Bella asked

"You invited me, remember?" Jacob asked

"Emily, Paul lets go get something to drink." I said

"Was my right hook too subtle? 'Cause that was me uninviting you." Bella said

As we walked away I laughed at Bella's comment.

"Bella, I'm sorry about, you know, the kiss and your hand and...I'd blame it on the whole inner animal thing but...it was just me. Being an ass. Really, I'm sorry." Jacob said

Paul was getting drinks and Emily and I were watching Bella and Jacob. I can tell that Bella knows the Jacob is sincere.

"I brought you and Ana graduation presents. Made them myself." Jacob said