Adult-FanFiction.org : Books

Neighbours	By : That-Girl-Han Category: Twilight Series > AU/AR > Het > Het Views: 2455 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or make any money from this story.

Chapter List
- 23
- 24
- 25
‘N –
House is yours – I’ll phone and take my name off the contract.
I’m taking Buddy with me; I know you weren’t fond of him.
I’m sorry things didn’t work out the way we had hoped. I never wanted this for us but we both know it’s for the best.
Look after yourself – for me.
Jacob.
P.S. I left my Cookie Monster T-shirt for you. I know how much you love it.’

My fingers traced the crumpled piece of paper. It had been a week. A whole seven days since our break up at Spain. Every time I thought about it, it still made me want to curl in to a ball in pain. I smiled sadly as the last line. Cookie Monster T-shirt…I do love that. It was always snug, the fabric soft against my skin. And it always held that familiar smell of Jacob. I absently pulled the thin material from my shoulder and lowered my nose…his smell was slowly disappearing. Oh.
I had gotten myself in to a flawless routine – sleep, cry, watch Bridget Jones and/or Romeo and Juliet then eat. And repeat. Sometimes, if I was feeling especially depressed I’d put on P.S I Love You.
Whenever my phone would ring, my heart would jump in to my ears, hoping and praying that it was Jacob. Of course, it never was. I even reached that certain point of crazy when all I could think about was him and convinced myself I was actually going to die unless I heard his voice – I didn’t. Obviously.
But I did call him. Then hung up as soon as he answered.
But it’s worse is at night time and I’m all alone. I get to the point where I gear myself up to text him – to say sorry- but I can’t bring myself to hit send. And in a way, I’m proud of myself. I need to take my mind off him. I need to get better. Take one day at a time.
Urgh, but it’s so hard!
Reading this note over and over doesn’t help. I heaved a heavy sigh as I shoved it in my pocket. A baby...now Jacob. Anything else I should lose? My car? My job? My house…actually, thinking about it, I’m not one hundred percent I can even afford the rent by myself. But I do still have the money from selling my flat stashed away. I should be alright...for a while, at least.
Mmm, I wonder where Jacob is staying at the moment.
No. Stop thinking about him.
I quickly shook my head, as if all thoughts of Jacob would suddenly drop out, and reached out for the ice-cream on the coffee table. I chiselled away a generous bit and shoved the spoon in to my mouth as I turned my attention back to Mr Darcy and Mr Cleaver on the TV set.
Three loud sharp knocks stirred me from my Bridget Jones movie marathon. Who could that be? And right when Mark and Daniel are having their girly fight in the street – the best bit. Urgh. With a groan, I managed to push myself from the sofa. Another set of loud knocks against the front door echoed through the hall way.
“Alright!” I exclaimed. “I heard you the first fucking time.”
My hand grabbed the door handle; I swiftly unlocked it and yanked it open.
“Oh.” Jennifer looked shocked, than immediately appalled. “Oh, Ness. Look at the state of you!”
My nose wrinkled as I glanced down and took in my body. What is she talking about? What’s wrong with grey tracksuit bottoms and my Cookie Monster top?
Jennifer pushed past me and shook her head as she pulled off her black business coat. She’s obviously come from work.
“First off, no more ice-cream.” Her long fingers swiped the tub of Ben & Jerry’s tucked in my arm. “Secondly, I’m pretty sure you wore those clothes when I saw you last – that makes you incredibly dirty.” She scolded, hanging her coat over the banister and stepped in to the front room. “And thirdly, this place is looks like a bomb hit it. When was the last time you actually tidied up?” Jennifer asked me, as she gingerly picked up an old can of coke.
I shrugged. “I don’t know. A few days ago, I suppose.”
Jennifer pursed her lips. “When was the last time you ate?”
I opened my mouth “Ju-“
“A proper meal. “She cut in. “Not this ice-cream crap. Which, incidentally, is not good for you. Or your waist line.”
I felt my face crumple. “I know. I just haven’t been up to cooking, that’s all.”
“Uhuh.” She narrowed her eyes at me. “Right, well this is what’s happening - no more wallowing around. No more eating shit and living like a slob. And, definitely, no more Bridget Jones.” She regarded the TV with a deep frown. “Now we’re operation post-Jacob.”
I winced. I suppose she’s right. I can’t sit around her forever, despite how much my insides were screaming at her.
Jennifer sat down on the arm of the sofa, looking in to the tub of ice-cream. “Right. You go jump in the bath. I’ll have a quick clean around,” Jennifer picked up the spoon and had a mouthful. “Then we’re order some Chinese and get ready for tomorrow.” She said through a full mouthful of ice-cream. It wasn’t a pleasant sight.
“Tomorrow? What’s tomorrow?”
“Jogging.”
I blinked at her, taken back. “I’m sorry – it sounded like you said jogging.”
“I did.” She shrugged as her mouth closed around the spoon again.
I couldn’t help but groan. “Why are we jogging?”
“Because exercise makes you feel better.” She glanced back down at the tub. “And I’m since I’m going to save you from this ice-cream; I think we both could use some.”
I opened my mouth but Jennifer flicked her wrist at me. “Bath. Now.”
I grumbled under my breath as I slowly turned and trudged up the steps. I hate jogging. I can’t jog. I’m not sure my body even knows what that is.

I think I’m going to die. Seriously, I am. My lungs have gone on a sudden strike with all this exercise, leaving me gasping for air. My chest is burning. Oh, and my legs. Fucking hell. It’s like all the muscles have decided to contract and spasm at the same time.
“Come on!” Jennifer yelled, ahead of me, jogging on the spot.
I can’t. Physically, I can’t. We’ve been at this for twenty minutes. Twenty whole minutes! Greenwich Park is lovely, yes, but right now, I hate it. And I hate the hills. Why does a park need so many hills? It just isn’t on. And what’s with the birds being so loud and chirpy? Urh.
I bent over, my hands gripping my knees for support, trying to desperately suck in the air to my closed up lungs.
“I can’t.” I wheezed. “I can’t breathe. My legs feel like they’re burning.”
“That’s good!” She exclaimed, her ponytail whipping up and down. “It means its working!”
My hand flew to my chest as I continued to struggle with breathing. “I hate you so much right now.”
“No, you don’t! Exercise is good for you! Don’t you feel good?!” Jen shouted with a smile, stilling running on the spot. How does she do that?
“No.” I shook my head and stumbled across the path and on to the lush grass, letting myself fall so I’m looking up in to the blue sky. “I’m about to kneel over.”
Jennifer’s head popped in to my view, looking down at me. “You’re fine. Let’s go do another two laps or so.”
“What?” I squeaked. Two laps? I haven’t even finished one. Oh, god. This is how I’m going to die. I know it – cause of death: jogging. Urgh.
Jennifer sighed and plonked herself beside me, crossing her legs. “Ness, eventually you’re going to get back out there. And as your best friend, it’s my duty to support and help you. Oh, and to slap you around the face if you ever get your vag pierced.” She looked down at me with a hint of a smile. “I’ve let you have your heartbroken stage. Now this is where I push you back on the horse.”
“I don’t want to get back out there.” I replied like a stubborn child once my breathing had returned to back to normal. Oh, thank god. No dying today, then.
Jennifer tilted her head to the side. “You know my philosophy?”
“If you can break if, you can eat it?”
“No.” She frowned. “To get over someone, you have to get under someone.”
I snort. “That’s bullshit.”
“Is it?” Jennifer raised her eyebrow with a smirk. “Tell me, how long were you pining for Nate after you two broke up?”
Oh, touché.
“That was different.” I told her, pushing myself up and crossing my legs like her.
“How? You fell for Jacob pretty quickly after your break up with Nate.”
“Yes,” I snapped. “But Jacob didn’t cheat on me, and Jacob and I had something much more deeper than Nate and me ever had. With Jacob…it was so much better.”
Jennifer licked her lips. “Fair point. But that still doesn’t change the fact. “
I pursed my lips. I know she’s right. But I really wish she wasn’t. A part of me wants to snatch him back, and shout MINE. And the other…well, the other knows it just wasn’t working – it was doing more damage than good.
Besides, it’s not like I won’t ever see him again. I mean, his best friend is with my best friend so it’s only natural we’d see each other occasionally. Like a parties and get togethers…then I think of him having a new girlfriend. My stomach clenches at the thought.
No. I can’t think about that. He won’t get a girlfriend. Uh, what am I saying? Just look at him! Of course he’ll get another girlfriend. And I bet she’ll be blonde and pretty. God, I don’t even know her but I already hate the bitch.
“Have you seen him?” I asked. I don’t need to say his name. Jennifer knows.
She turned her face away as she started to pick at the grass. “Yes.”
“How is he?” I whispered, afraid for the answer.
“Not very good.”
“Oh.” I think something is wrong with me – I get an instant spark at her words. He misses me, too. God, I’m so fucked up. I rack my head for a much needed distraction. “Jen?”
“Yeah?” Jennifer replied, twisting the grass between her fingers.
“I think I’m going to call Mike later. I want to go to work tomorrow.”
Jen glanced at me, a smile starting to grow. “I think that’s a good idea.”

I’ve phone Mike. He was quite surprised to know what I was going in tomorrow. I’ve already picked out my outfit, my nice black pencil skirt and a white shirt with my black heels. I’m quite excited to go back in to the office. It feels like forever since I saw everyone. Mmm, I bet someone has pinched the stapler from my desk again.
I hurried to the front door as I heard it go. I whipped it open, the cold brittle air from outside whooshing in.
“Mum. Dad.” I nodded at them both as they stepped inside.
“Hi, darling.” Dad kissed the top of my head. “Just wanted to see how you were.”
I gently closed the door. “Thanks.”
“We brought you this.” Mum smiled as she held up a cooper tray. Food, no doubt. I smiled my thanks. My mum had rung me a day after I got back from Spain. I told her everything and cried so hard on the phone, I think I shocked her with how open I was about it. Then I was convinced I was going to blow up my phone from the tears that had soaked the phone. Water and electricals aren’t a great mix.
“You look tired.” She frowned as she narrowed her eyes at me.
I turned away from her scrutiny. “Jen took me jogging earlier.”
“Jogging?” Dad said, almost like he choked on his words.
“Yes. Jogging. I, er, jog now.” I pulled a face and headed for the kitchen. They don’t need to know my little white lie. “Tea?”
“Yes, please, darling.” Dad replied, both him and Mum following on my heel in to the kitchen.
I flip the kettle on and remove three mugs from the cupboard.
“You can come back home.”
I whirled around, my mouth hung open. “Sorry?”
Mum gently placed the tray on the kitchen counter before taking a seat at the table. “You can come home. It can’t be easy living here – in his house.”
I held up one hand to stop her. “Mum, no. It was our house. And it’s fine. Really.” I added when she frowned and Dad just rolled his eyes.
When the kettle had boiled, I faced back around and cracked on with the teas.
“It’s abit chilly in here, Nessie.” Dad as I fished the milk from the fridge.
I just shrugged. “Hadn’t noticed.” I lied. Truth was, I didn’t know how to turn on the heating. Jacob always did it and he never showed me. It seems stupid now but I didn’t think anything of it.
“Where’s the stat?”
I pointed in to the utility room.
“Right.”
I placed two mugs on the table, sliding one to my Mum. I picked up the third and sat beside her on the table. She smiled at me and it made me a tad nervous.
“What?”
“Nothing, love.” She shook her head. “Except…do you want to come home?”
Before I could answer, Dad was back. “Bella – stop. She’s already said no. Don’t push her.”
“I’m not pushing her. She’s my daughter, I worry about her,” she turned to me, “I worry about you, darling.”
Dad sat himself down. “I know. Look, Ness, you’re a big girl now. And if you want to come home and stay with us, that’s fine. You can – as long as you like. But if you want to stay here, that’s also fine. It’s completely up to you.”
I licked my lips as my eyes burned. I think I was going to cry – excellent. “Thanks for the offer. But I want to stay here.” It reminds me of Jacob.
Dad smiled. Mum frowned. And I took a sip of tea.
“But if you change your mind-“
“I’ll let you know, Mum.”
She smiled. “Good. You know I’m here for you, any time of the day, don’t you?” She gently traced her hand along my cheek.
I nodded. Yup, my eyes were starting to burn with tears. Somehow, she always makes me cry – not in a bad way. I think it’s just that motherly instinct.
She pulled back and reached in to her purse. “Oh. I thought it was ringing.” She mumbled as she set her phone on the table.
Dad took a few mouthfuls of tea. “You’ve caught the sun.”
I blinked. Oh. Right, yeah. “Yeah, only a little.”
“Was it nice weather?”
“Yes, lovely.”
“That’s good, then.”
I pursed my lips. I didn’t particularly want to talk about it. In fact, I didn’t want to talk about anything Jacob related. Even if the house caught fire, I wouldn’t want to ring for the fire-bridge in case I saw him. I couldn’t see him. It’ll screw me up.
“Have you got any sugar?” Mum asked politely, eyeing the kitchen.
“Yes. In that sugar jar in the cupboard.”
As Mum stood, Dad groaned. “What do you need sugar for? It’s quite sweet enough.”
“Edward, not everyone has your taste, you know.”
“Too much sugar isn’t good for you. Especially at your age.”
Mum sucked in a breath as she turned around. “My age? What do you mean by that?”
I grumbled under my breath as I shut my eyes. This was why I didn’t want to return home. All the nit-picking drove me crazy. Jacob and I were never this bad. As soon as I thought it, I mentally wish I didn’t. No more thinking about Jacob.
Stop it, brain.
I tapped my fingers around the hard wood as Mum’s phone beeped on the table. “Mum, you have a text.”
“Oh, lovely. It’ll be Alice.” She smiled to herself as she picked it up and brought the phone to her ear. “Hello? Alice?...Alice, are you there?”
“Mum,” I groaned. “I said text.”
Her face wrinkled. “A what? – oh, yes. I see.”
I glanced at my Dad. He was thoroughly examining his hand. When he felt my eyes on him, he looked up with a frown.
“I think something is wrong with my finger.”
“Pardon?”
“Well, look.” He held up his ring finger. “Does it look odd to you?”
I slowly shook my head. “No.”
“Hmm. I think if you stare too long at your hand it looks weird. Like uncooked sausages.”
Oh god. Sometimes I think I’m adopted.

I parked my car and took a deep breath. Nothing to be nervous about. It’s only work. Nothing scary. I checked my mobile, trying to waste time, and frowned when I didn’t have a message or anything.
Well, not to worry. I slid on my bag and got out the car as my stomach started to feel a bit funky. Jesus, it’s like I’m starting at school all over again. I lock the car then drop the keys in to my bag before heading off for the doors.
Everything looks the same. Same building. Same receptionist. Same old security man who stands in the corner lurking like some weirdo. Yup. Definitely good to be back.
As I strode past the reception, I whipped out my ID card and scanned it over the rotating metal barricades. It beeped and I’m through. I jabbed my finger on the elevator call button and nervously pulled down my skirt. Shit, it’s quite tight. I knew it was in the back of my wardrobe for a reason. Bugger it.
Oh well.
“Ness?”
I turned at the sound of my name.
“Holy fuck!” It’s Phil. The company arsehole.
I quickly stabbed the button again with my index finger. Come on! Come on! Quickly before he gets here!
“I thought you had left!” He bellowed right in my ear, before giving off a laugh far too loud at this time in the morning.
“Ha. No. Didn’t leave.” I replied tightly. Oh, hurry the fuck up, you stupid elevator!
He ran a fat hand over his bald head. “Where you been, then? Someone die?” He laughed at his attempt of a joke.
I looked at him, deadly serious. “Yes, actually.”
He’s face dropped. “Oh, wow. Look, I didn’t mean anything by it. I didn’t know, I swear!”
I shrugged. “Yes, well. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t mention it again.”
“Sure, toots.”
I cringed. He calls women that. I’m sure he has even been dragged in to HR about it.
Luckily, the doors ping open and I practically dive in and press the button for my floor. I kept my face away from his, so he couldn’t start another conversation with me. Pathetic really but, heyho, I’m really not in the mood.
As the doors opened for my floor, I stepped out and turned for the doors in to our office. The place was still fairly empty, thanks to the early hour. Hardy anyone got in for half seven.
The desk looked exactly that same as I left it. But no stapler. I knew it! I bloody knew it. I sighed and looked around. No one was watching me as I stepped over and snatched Hugo’s one from his desk. He won’t mind; in fact, it’s probably mine.
I dropped my bag under my desk as I sat down. Ooh. Yes, I remember. This chair is so comfy. It’s bouncy and has wheels. I turned on my computer and waited patiently while it loaded. God, it feels so weird. I’m not even sure what I should do. I mean, do I still have the same clients or have they been handed over to Hugo in my absence? I can’t really start until I know…
I click on my work emails and decide I’ll catch up by reading these.
RE: Client Onboarding. Boring.
RE: Project Jill. I don’t even know what that is. Boring.
RE: Monthly figures check. Urgh, so boring.
RE:I see you, you sexy thing. Ooh, hello. It’s from Jennifer. I didn’t know she’d be in this early. I opened it.
To: Ness Cullen
From: Jennifer Burke

Ness,
Stop looking at porn and get to work.
J
JENNY.

I chuckled. I’m not sure how she even knows I’m in – that woman has special powers, I tell you. I didn’t bother to reply.
I kept myself busy by reading up on reports about clientele from Hugo. It made me feel a bit bad; while I was off he was here picking up my slack. Ah, gotta love him.
When Mike came in, he stopped by and asked how I was. When I assured him everything was fine, he gave me a smile before heading off and leaving me to it.
My phone rang; I reached out and grabbed it, bringing it to my ear.
“Ness Cullen.”
“Ness?” The voice was shocked. “Oh my. Hi, it’s me, Brenda.”
Oh. Her. “Hello.”
“Yupyup. Look, do you have the Bobby pitch ready for the presentation?” She asked, hurriedly. “Only I’ve just gotten a call from Douglas and he needs them right now.”
I froze. Bobby pitch? What’s that?
I gripped the phone tightly. “Uh, no. I haven’t been in for a while and well, I don’t even know about it. I think Hugo has-“
“Get him to call me as soon as he is in.” She hung up.
Oh, lovely.

The day passed rather quickly, despite Hugo not being in and everyone pouncing on me for information about presentations and client portfolios. Before I know it, it’s five o’clock. Home time, baby!
I log everything off and slowly make my way down. It wasn’t a bad first day. Quite enjoyable actually. At lunchtime Jen and I snuck away to Star bucks and when I returned, Mike handed over a new client base. Which was good – I had something to focus on.
As I walked to my car, I smiled to myself. I haven’t thought about Jacob as much. Well, that’s a lie. But it didn’t upset me, though. Oh, another lie. Damn, one day at a time, Ness.
I unlocked my car and threw my bag in before plonking myself in the driver’s seat. As I reached over to put the key in the ignition, something buzzed and it made me jump.
Holy fuck. I glanced down between my feet. My phone. Ah, that’s where you went! I scooped it up and unlocked it.
12 messages and 67 miss calls. Jesus Christ, I’m popular today.
The phone rings in my hand and squint at the caller ID.
Sue.
What the hell?
Gingerly, I answer and lift it to my ear.
“Hello?”
“Oh, Ness, love! Thank god you’ve answered! I’ve been trying to call you all day!” Her voice was panicked with an undercurrent of irritation.
“Are you OK?” I asked, nervously.
“It’s not me, love.” She pauses. “It’s Jake.”
I swallow as heat raises in my face and my stomach clenches. I don’t like the sound of this.
“Jake?” His voice sounds odd as it rolled off my tongue, and I ignore the tight pull in my chest. “What’s happened?”
“He’s in the hospital.”
“What!?” I squeaked, through the lump in my throat. Hospital? Why? What’s happened? Please don’t be serious. Please, please, please.
“Hes…”
“What? He’s what?!” I snapped.
“He had an accident.” She finally said.
I sucked in a sharp breath, my eyes becoming burry. “What kind of accident? Is he alright?”
“Not really.” She mumbled sadly. “He fell through a burning roof.”
- 23
- 24
- 25
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Neighbours