following your dream chapter 13

BPOV

Present June 2012

I slowly woke up to the warm LA sun coming in through the window of my condo or should I say James’s condo. I love this place. It is so spacious and comfortable, but most importantly it was the only place that I could go to when I need some alone time. Unfortunately James didn't like me running off so many times to come here, so he disposed of my keys. But what he doesn't know is that I have another set and I keep them in a secret hiding spot. True, it was my money that paid for it but James made sure that everything was in his name. When I came to New York to attend school I was so innocent and naive. I know now that he took advantage of me and I let him. I was so heartbroken over Edward and I didn't want to feel anything for any other guy, so I closed my heart. I thought that I was safe with James, but I was wrong. If only I had known then what I know now, I would have done a lot of things differently.

September 2008

"Hey Bella wait up."

I turned around to see Angela Weber, a girl from my classical chamber music class running towards me. She was the first friend I had made here when I arrived a month ago.

"Hi Ang. What's up?" I greeted.

We started walking towards the school's book store.

"You’ll never guess what Bella?" she said breathlessly.

She didn’t give me a chance to answer before she continued.

"James Hunter is coming to the school to see the concert," she said giving a dreamy sigh.

I looked at her with a confused look on my face.

"James who?" I frowned.

Angela looked at me as if I had grown two heads.

“Oh my god Bella, James Hunter is only the most gorgeous, sexy, dreamy guy in the world. And on top of that he is the most popular record producer that Atlanta Records have," she sighed.

I shrugged my shoulders to show her that I didn't really care. There is no guy out there that is more handsome and sexy than my Edward.

My Edward! I had to stop thinking about him as being mine. He was with Tanya now. I hadn’t fought for him, I had just run away to New York and left him, like the coward that I was.

I looked down and started to fiddle with the necklace that he had given me. I could still vividly remember what he told me as he put it around my neck.

‘I want you to think of this pendant as a promise. I promise you Bella that I will always be there for you. No matter where you are in the world, if you need me then I will be there. It is also a symbol of us and to swear to you that you are not alone. Not now, not ever.

"Bella did you hear what I said?" Angela asked.

I shook my head hoping to get rid of the memory. I looked up at Angela and gave her a little smile.

"Yeah that's nice. It will be great to meet him," I told Angela.

"It will be great but right now I better get to class," she giggled and ran off.

I really needed to get my life in order. Edward was a part of my past and if he wanted to talk to me he would have found a way to do it. He could easily contact Emmett for my phone number but he must be too busy boning Tanya to even think about me I thought bitterly as I walked towards class.

I had to run to make it to my vocal jazz class. I was already five minutes late and Michelle Brody was an impatient woman. I turned the corner and walked smack into a hard body and fell to the ground.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," I apologized, whilst picking up the papers that I had dropped.

The person that I bumped into knelt down and helped me pick them up.

"I should be the one to apologize. I wasn’t looking where I was going,” he answered.

I looked up at him and the first thing I noticed was that he had the bluest eyes I had ever seen. He was well built, with blond hair pulled back into a ponytail. He looked like he was in his twenties. 

He smiled when I looked at him and it went straight to his eyes. They almost look like they are laughing.

"Thank you, but I'm afraid I’m late for class," I whispered.

He helped me get to my feet and handed me the papers that he had picked up for me.

"No problems Miss…..?"

"Swan, Bella Swan," I answered.

"Beautiful name for a beautiful girl," he cooed.

"Thank you but I really must go," I blushed and ran toward my class. I could barely hear him calling after me.

"I hope to see you soon Swan, Bella Swan."

          ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ FYD ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Three weeks went by and I hadn’t seen my good looking blond stranger again. It was the night of the concert and I was so nervous. The students who were just singing vocals could choose their own songs, so I had decided to sing a song that showed the love and admiration I felt for my father and how much I missed him. I knew that the guy Angela was telling me about was going to be in the audience tonight. It also so happened that today was my 17th birthday. Emmett and Rose were coming over for the first time to see the concert and to look around the school. They planned to take me out for a birthday dinner later. I was hurt that Edward didn’t come with them. Emmett hadn’t said anything about him and I wasn’t going to mention him either unless my big ass brother did first.

I was in my dorm room looking for a dress that Alice had bought me on our last shopping spree, when someone knocked on the door. I went to answer it wearing only a towel, as I thought it was just Angela, only to find Emmett and Rose on the other side.

As soon as Emmett saw me he covered his eyes.

"Oh my fucking eyes. I'm blind, I'm blind," he said jumping up and down with his hands still covering his eyes. Being the idiot that he is, he bumped into a wall and fell back.

"Emmett you doofus. Behave or go down to the Hall and save us a seat," Rose laughed.

Emmett nodded and walked away, mumbling under his breath that he needed bleach for his eyes. Rose continued to laugh as she followed me into my room.

"So what are you planning to wear tonight?" she asked while she made herself comfortable on my arm chair.

"Err, I was just looking for that cream beaded dress that you and Alice bought me before I left Seattle," I answered, while continuing to look for the dress. Rose got up, closed my closet and handed me a box.

"This is for you, it’s from Alice and me. We thought that you might like to wear it tonight for the concert and dinner. Alice told me to take lots of photos of you in it," she grinned.

I couldn't believe that they had both pulled this on me. They knew how much I hated surprises, but I opened the box anyway. I gasped when I saw it. It was a lace top black dress. It was beautiful and just right for a night like tonight.

Rose smiled as I touched the top of the dress that was covered in lace.

"It’s made by the designer Emilio Pucci," she said proudly. I quickly put the dress down on my bed and pulled her in for a hard hug.

"Thank you, thank you, and thank you. I absolutely love it," I glowed.

She laughed as she pushed me towards the bathroom.

"Why don't you finish your make-up and then I will do your hair. Trust me, you’re going to look stunning," she smirked.

Forty Five minutes later I was ready to leave. I had a minimal amount of makeup on. Rose had straightened my long hair and it fell down my back like a curtain. The dress fitted perfectly, it went to just past my knees and showed off my curves beautifully. My black Jimmy Choo toe top shoes with a one and half inch heal completed the outfit. As soon as we got to the Hall Rose pulled me in for a quick hug.

"I'll see you later Bells," she whispered and went to join my brother.

The concert had already started, so I slipped quietly backstage. I was waiting patiently for my name to be called when I heard someone behind me.

"Bella Swan is that you?"

I turned around and came face to face with Jacob Black. He used to live on the reservation in La Push, until his mother packed up and took him with her. He was only a year older than me, but the way he was looking at me now made me very uncomfortable. But I reminded myself that he used to be one of my best friends, but I hadn't seen him for like four years.

"Jake, I can't believe it. What are you doing here?"

He smirked at me as he continued to look me up and down.

"I came here with James Hunter. I've been working for him for two years, ever since I dropped out of school. But enough about me, look at you. You have certainly grown up Bells. What are you doing here?"

"I go to school here. My father and I put in the application before he died," I whimpered.

I could feel the tears coming to my eyes just thinking about my father. I hoped that I could keep it together when I announce the song that I was going to sing.

Jacob put his hands on my shoulders and looked into my eyes.

"I'm so sorry Bells. My dad told me what happened to Charlie. If there is anyth..."

"BELLA SWAN. YOU’RE NEXT," yelled my vocal coach.

I nodded to her and was just about to follow her when I suddenly remembered Jacob. I turned around and he was glaring at me.

"Err, I'll see you later," I mumbled.

I could feel his eyes burning a hole into the back of my head while I watched Marcus Jones, the school’s principal, introduce me. I walked blindly onto the stage with flash bulbs going off in my face. I quickly searched for Emmett and Rose's faces. I finally found them on the second row. I kept eye contact with Emmett while I introduced the song that I was singing, so that I could see his face when he realised who I was dedicating it to.

"Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen. Before I sing tonight’s song, I would like to say a few words about someone very special to me. My Father."

I took a deep breath before I continued, making sure that I continued to keep eye contact with Emmett.

"My dad was a wonderful man. He always supported my dreams and it is because of him that I came to this school. He always encouraged me to follow my dreams. Sadly he died in a car crash earlier this year. I would like to dedicate this song to him. It is called Unforgettable by Nat King Cole."

Emmett and Rose's eyes were shining with tears when the music started. I waited for my cue and then started singing for the man who loved and supported me unconditionally.

Unforgettable, that's what you are.

Unforgettable, though near or far.

Like a song of love that clings to me.

How the thought of you does things to me.

Never before has someone been more.

Unforgettable in every way.

Tears were falling freely from my eyes, as I poured my heart and soul into the song.

And forever more, that's how you'll stay.

That's why, darling, it's incredible.

That someone so unforgettable.

Thinks that I am unforgettable too.

Unforgettable in every way.

And forever more, that's how you'll stay.

That's why, darling, it's incredible.

That someone so unforgettable.

Thinks that I am unforgettable too.

I finished the song with my eyes closed and you could have heard a pin drop it was so quiet. Then suddenly there was a loud cheer. I opened my eyes to see everyone in the Hall giving me a standing ovation. I looked straight at Emmett and he was holding a sobbing Rose in his arms, as he cried into her hair.

I walked off the stage, the tears blinding me. I could barely hear the chanting

Encore, Encore!!!

I knew that I wasn’t in the right state of mind to sing again but I also didn’t want to let anyone down. Luckily the principal Marcus Jones made the decision for me.

"I know, I know, wasn’t she great but I'm afraid that we will have to move along with the concert," he told the crowd.

I was just leaving the Hall to go and get ready for my birthday dinner when I bumped into the guy that I had been thinking about for the past few weeks.

"Well hello there Swan, Bella Swan. I was hoping to bump into you," he laughed.

I could feel my cheeks burning while he was talking.

"I think that it is best that I introduce myself. My name is Hunter, James Hunter," he smirked.

He sounded like James bond. It took me a few seconds to realize that this was the guy from Atlanta Records and if possible my face got even redder.

"I want to let you know that I think your voice is magnificent and I was hoping that we could maybe have a chat?"

I couldn't believe it. This gorgeous record producer liked my voice and wanted us to have a chat about it. I felt like I was in seventh heaven.

"I'm really sorry but I’m just on my way to meet my brother and his wife for dinner, so if there is any other time we could meet I would be there with bells on," I blushed.

He laughed and put his hand on my right cheek to stroke it with his thumb.

"I really like your blush," he flirted.

If possible my face got even redder with that complement.

"Well, since you’re having dinner with your brother and his wife tonight, how about having dinner with me tomorrow night so that we can talk before I get the red eye back to LA?"

"Yeah, I'd like that," I smiled.

He put his hand into his pocket and took out a card with his cell number on it and handed it to me.

"Great. How about 8.30pm at the Eclipse restaurant. Do you know it?"

I nodded yes, so he continued.

"Okay then. My cell number is on the card just in case you can't make it but I really hope that you can," he smirked and walked away, leaving me dumb struck.

It took me about five minutes to get my head together, before I went to find Rose and Emmett. I found them in the middle of the Hall talking to Angela's parents. I walked over to them, said a quick hello to Mr. and Mrs. Weber and practically dragged Rose out of the hall and up to my dorm. As soon as we got into my room, Rose put on her mother bear face.

"Okay Bells, what gives?"

"I don't know what you mean," I smirked. Rose stood there with her arms across her chest and tapped her foot, waiting for me to talk.

"You know damn well what I mean. So you better start talking," Rose demanded.

I then told her about bumping into James a few weeks ago and then about how it turned out he was a record producer. As I continued, I told her what he had said about my voice and that he wanted to meet tomorrow to talk. Rose sat patiently waiting for me to finish.

"Bells, remember that you’re my sister and I love you. Just please, please be careful around this guy and promise me that you will talk to me and Emmett before you makes any decisions," she pleaded.

I gave her a weak smile.

“I promise Rose,” I answered.

I picked up my clutch bag and wrap, and after a final peak in the mirror, we walked out of the dorms to where my brother was waiting outside.

          ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ FYD ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I pulled up outside the Eclipse restaurant at 8.20pm the following evening, thinking about what I should expect from tonight. I was so nervous about meeting James Hunter. He scared and intrigued me both at the same time.

I thought back to what my brother had said last night. I should have known that Rose wouldn’t be able to keep anything to herself.

“Bells, please don’t go into anything halfcocked. You will only live to regret it if you do,” he said.  

I promised him that I wouldn’t. I shivered wishing that I had worn a warmer coat. I looked down at what I was wearing. I had chosen to wear my black skinny jeans that made my ass look great, and a red blouse that showed a modest amount of cleavage. I walked into the restaurant and approached the hostess stand. I waited for the blondie, who was smacking gum, to acknowledge me standing there. She looked up at me as if I was the gum that she just scraped off the end of her shoe.

“May I help you?”

“Yes, my name is Isabella Swan and I am here to meet with Mr. James Hunter. I believe that he has a reservation,” I smiled through my annoyance.

Her smirk fell from her face and was replaced by shock. She looked down at the reservations and then looked back at me and smiled.

“Err...yes, he is expecting you Miss Swan. Please come this way,” she stuttered and walked ahead of me. She led me towards a private room. Inside sat James Hunter with Jacob Black. They both stood up as I walked in. James gave me a panty dropping smile and pulled out a chair for me. The hostess took my coat and I sat down opposite him and Jacob.

“May I get you a drink?

I ordered a coke and she walked out.

Jacob looked at me with a ghost of a smile on his lips.

“Hey Bells”.

“Hi Jake,” I answered. James looked from me to him.

“Am I missing something here? Do you both know each other,” he asked glaring at Jacob.

Jake looked at James and nodded.

“I have known Bella for years. Her father and my father were best friends,” he explained.

James looked from Jacob to me and smiled. This time his face was serious.

“Isabella, the reason I asked for you to meet me here is to tell you that I love your voice and that I would like to set up a recording contract. I would like you to come to LA and record an album. Not a single but a full album.”

He paused before he continued.

“Now that I have seen you, I think we should also think about filming. Are you interested?” he asked taking a sip of his wine.

I was speechless with what he was proposing. I shook my head to get rid of the shock.

“Of course I’m interested. I just need to think about it,” I said with surprised wide eyes.

I felt like I should say yes straight away but all I could think about was Edward. I subconsciously put my hand up to where the necklace that Edward gave me was still hung around my neck.

James looked at me thoughtfully.

“Are you seeing someone or waiting for someone?” He asked.

I jumped, not expecting him to hit the nail right on the head and I nodded.

“In a way, but it’s complicated,” I answered honestly.

He nodded and looked at Jacob telling him something with his eyes. They got up and James looked at me.

“They will bill me. Please order anything that you want.”

He took his wallet out and handed me a card. It was different than the one that he gave me last night. It was a business card.

Atlanta Records

Mr. James Hunter (Producer) - (225) 236-7475 ext 1741

Mr Jacob Black (Personal Assistant) (225) 236-7475 ext 1758

“We have to leave to catch the red-eye to LA. When you make a decision then please contact me,” he smiled, but I notice that this time his smile didn’t go to his ice cold blue eyes.

He and Jacob went to leave the room but before he walked out the door, he turned to me.

“Isabella, remember this. If you don’t contact me then I will be contacting you,” he smirked and left the room leaving me dumb struck.