|| You, Me and Penny Green ||

| Chapter Fifteen |

Iris was not in a good mood today. Contradicting the bright and shiny new day, the ginger felt gloomy and irritable. It had everything to do with her argument with Edward the night before and his text message to her this morning. 

"I picked up Penelope this morning from your dad's. Let me know if you want to spend the day with her, otherwise we'll be at Carlisle's."

That was it. There were no loving endearments or missing you comments, just straight to the point. Her coffee wasn't set the way she wanted it on the kitchen counter where Edward would leave it for her. There wasn't even a goodbye kiss because he didn't come back home in the first place. She believed he was giving them space for the moment. However, Iris didn't realize how much she took those little details for granted.

Now without them, a permanent scowl marred her perfect features.

A tired sigh sifted passed her lips as her high ponytail swayed around her. She decided to work on Donna's Daisies today. Seeing she didn't have a red headed nomad to interrogate... or exterminate. Iris cleaned excessively, rearranging the seed packages and placing down orders for more stocks. 

The shop smelled heavily of lemon pledge, the polishing solution she sprayed all over the counters and floors. Maybe she was spring cleaning because she was trying to get her mind off of Victoria. Or... maybe she was trying to keep her thoughts off of Edward and their fight.

It was a foolish fight, that she was certain. She didn't mean what she was insinuating, honestly. It just so happened to come out that way. And though she was so focused on getting her revenge on Victoria, it wasn't worth arguing with him over it. However, Iris didn't want to be the one to admit it – of course.

The doorbell chimed as three very familiar figures walked in. Tall and stacked with russet colored muscles, they grinned wide smiles to show off their pearly whites. Iris glared at them, pointing her polished finger towards their dirty shoes.

"I just mopped guys, seriously? Glad you're not avoiding these streets after last night." At least Embry had the nerve to appear sheepish as he scratched the back of his head. Quil and Jacob on the other hand didn't really care as they padded towards the counter, leaning on the side of it.

"Iris! How's it hangin'?" Embry greeted, flopping on the yellow couch with a groan. By the light shine of sweat glistening on his forehead, she could tell he ran here. And now she was wondering why.

"Better than those shorts you're tying with that makeshift belt," She gestured towards his green cargo shorts, being poorly held together by some shipping rope. Jacob and Quil chuckled at the reminder, earning a glare from their friend.

"Oh yeah well, it wasn't my fault. Quil is still working on his phasing and 'bam' ripped up my good pair of shorts cuz the idiot got too close." Embry glared towards the smirking Quil as he told the story like he was reliving it all over again. Iris rolled her eyes, closing the supply requistion with a plop.

"Quit frowning like that or it'll get stuck that way. I'll buy you some new ones," Embry tried to object but Iris moved on to another topic and that was it. "Quil you too? How are you," She inquired like any worried mother would. 

"Yep. Finally made the pack, but I'm not the only one. Leah Clearwater joined as well." Iris noted he didn't look too happy about that and she couldn't blame him. None of the shapeshifters ever wanted that kind of life. And for the first female to shift in a pack full of barbarians no less. Iris mentally sent her condolences, especially after her father passed away.

"Listen, if you ever need anything, let me know yeah?" She searched his surprised eyes, smiling softly. When he nodded mutely, she patted him on the shoulder. Turning on her heel, Iris pulled out some dirty orange pots and put them in the sink. The flower pots needed to be tidy enough for the window displays. "So, are you three going to tell me why you're here?"

"Can't we come by just to spend time with our favorite ginger?" Jacob tired, leaning over the counter with a charming grin. Unfortunately for him, those charms didn't work on Iris.

Her face turned unamused, "Try again."

"Jacob's looking for that blonde Australian from your wedding," Embry spoiled as he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

"What, no –"

"Yeah, he's obsessed with her. I wonder what she's doing right now," Quil teased and Embry instantly tagged along.

"Is she a natural blonde?"

"I wish I had her number," The boys chuckled childishly, Embry practically holding his stomach to keep himself together. Meanwhile, Jacob Black was blushing like a tomato, his ears on fire as he fumed.

"Alright, you can shut up now." Iris arched an eyebrow, finding this new information surprising and unexpected. She turned the large sink on and motioned for the hollering boys to come over. "Here, since you all need something to do. I want this to sparkle," Embry and Quil grumbled under their breath, lazily dragging their feet behind the counter.

Seeing as the boys had a distraction, she tugged Jacob towards the couch and sat him down. Her expression was very much amused as she leaned back on the arm of the couch and rested her chin in her hand. "So, tell me about you two."

The shapeshifter looked utterly uncomfortable with this gossip session, shifting from side to side on the couch like he had an itch. "I -I uh, imprint–"

"No," Iris gushed, her mouth gaping open.

"Yes," Quil and Embry echoed with their backs turned. Part of that response sounded as if they heard it over and over again, and the phrase was completely exhausted by now.

"And she didn't take it well." Iris tapped her chin in thought and nodded her head a moment later. From her brief impressions of Ava, she seemed like a wild flower who didn't like being told what to do. So the fact that Jacob had told her she was his forever soulmate in every way... would literally drive her in the other direction.

"Yep. Sounds about right, but I'll help you a little bit." Jacob sat forward in his seat as if he was about to get the low down on the secret codes to the Pentagon. "From my experience with her, she's all about spontaneity. And if I were to happen to say – oh I don't know, she needed a mechanic for her busted Jeep..."

Jacob brightened instantly, catching on as he bit his lower lip in thought. "And I so happen to be in the area with my tool box..." Iris winked and left it at that, standing from her seat to check on the boys. She wanted to make sure they didn't ruin her pots.

When Iris got home, she was in an even worse mood. Her eyebrows were set in a furrowed position as she got out of her car. Her bag was slung over her shoulder as she padded towards the house, lost in her thoughts. Iris vaguely remembered this feeling when she first met Edward.

Despite her heart telling her to give into his supernatural mystery, another part of her told her to steer clear of the dangerous adventure. The very next day and time after that, she was miserable – trudging through the days as if they'd never end. Iris figured it was her conscious telling her how much Edward and her belong with each other.

A longing sigh burst from her lips as she glanced up from her feet. "It's about time you got here," Iris perked at that voice, a grin forming on her face.

Bella stood from her seat on Iris's stoop. She was back from visiting her mother with Colton and was grinning from ear to ear as her doe eyes sparkled with one clear emotion Iris knew all too well. Love.

"Ow, would you look what the cat dragged in!" Iris ran towards her friend, pulling her into a loving embrace. A hug was what she really needed at the moment, and the universe decided to pay her favor, by bringing her best friend.

The girl's got cozy on her living room couch, blankets thrown about with popcorn and wine being shared amongst them. A classic black and white movie was playing in the background, just like old times when they would gossip about the possible supernatural. My have things changed since then.

"So, give me details. How was Phoenix, do you miss it?" Bella sat back in her seat, chewing on some popcorn as her mind flickered over the events.

"I think I'm so used to the weather here, I don't like anywhere else hot. Mom is well, mom. She asked a lot of questions about Colton, watching him like a hawk. She likes him though, that much I can tell. It was hard saying goodbye." Iris nodded, unable to talk as she stuffed her mouth full with buttery goodness. Food always solved her emotional dilemmas, that is until it ran out.

"And – why, would you have to say goodbye again. Remind me," The Swan looked at her pointedly, averting her gaze towards her fumbling hands.

"I - I haven't changed my mind, Riz. I know I want to be with Colton beyond forever... I l-love him. It's happening after Graduation, so it'll be a smooth transition. I get to spend time with Charlie and friends from school – I'm ready." Iris set her giant bowl down and started clapping with a proud smile on her face.

"I think that's the first time you've told me that, Bells. I'm proud of you, and support whatever you chose to do." And Iris was completely certain about that. Bella and Colton deserved their happy ending, plus she wanted to be the one to plan the wedding. Especially since Alice was already planning the graduation party.

By the end of the night, the bestfriends were talked out. Their heads resting on top of each others as they lightly snored with popcorn thrown about. The bottle of red wine was completely empty, knocked over by Bells foot on the coffee table. The ginger hogging majority of the blankets as she snuggled further into the couch.

A slight breeze trickled through the window as an intruder slipped in noiselessly. His steps light as he glided around the house with a scowl on his lips and mild intrigued in his venomous red eyes.

He ghosted his fingertips over the Swan's cheek, stealthily snatching the discarded jacket on the armchair. The intruder breathes it in, confirming the heavily scented fabric before leaning near her head. Just inches away from her face, he smirks a spine chilling smirk – this was too easy.

It was harder to pick up Iris's scent as she didn't have a distinct smell. It was more woodsy mixed with honey, yet the intruder secured frilly blouse from her closet. His form moved with immortal grace as he stood behind the couch of the unlikely pair. His hands just itching to get the job done now, but alas, his supposed mate had other plans. And he couldn't go against her. However, it was oh... so... tempting.

He leaned over the couch, his breath just barely ghosting over Iris's forehead when she started to stir. A low groan left her lips as her eyelids fluttered open. Suddenly feeling like someone was watching her, she sat up straight. Suspiciously staring around the now empty room, a shiver went down her spine.

No one seemed to know that this night was the beginning of a reckoning. 

Unedited.

THIS CHAPTER I'm loving it more and more you guys. I'm ready to crank up the heat! ... lol I'll stop now.

Also, SURPRISE Jacob imprinted on Ava. And because of that I have another surprise. Jacob and Ava will be getting their own book. It will start around the time Ava comes into town in Eclipse and carry on from there! Our Twilight adventure will continue after You, Me and Penny Green. I'm so excited, let me know what you guys think in the comments!!

Next Upload: Saturday, may be a little late in the day but don't fret.