Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight!

Truth will Without

1 - Bella

I opened my eyes to a kaleidoscope of colors dancing across every visible surface. Typical.

My first proper birthday as a vampire and the sun was shinning. And it was the first birthday that I was actually looking forward to! Just my luck!

I rolled onto my side, expecting to feel the warm, silky skin of Edward's arm. Instead I tumbled over the edge of the mattress and onto the floor, bringing the quilt down with me. I sat up dazed.

"Edward?" I called. His perfect face appeared around the edge of the doorframe.

"Happy Birthday sweetheart," he soothed, "Um… what are you doing on the floor?"

"Wondering why you haven't given me my birthday kiss yet!" I held my arms open as he sauntered across the room to embrace me. We pulled apart sooner than I would have liked, but Nessie was fast approaching the doorway.

"Happy Birthday Momma!" she sang. I re-opened my arms as she ran towards me.

"Oh, thank you, my little chickpea," I whispered into her hair.

"Well, you better get dressed Birthday Girl, everyone is waiting for you," Edward purred. I giggled.

"Okay I'll be out in a minute. Wait here." Without hesitation I drove into my walk in closet. After raking through ever row of clothes I settled on a black and white long sleeved stripy sweater dress and black high-heeled strap shoes.

Comfortable, but it would still impress Edward.

I turned on the spot. Edward was starring at me from the closet doorway, a look of adoration in his eyes.

2 - Edward

I starred down at the most beautiful thing in the world. She giggled. Her giggle was so gorgeous. I scooped her in my arms and planted a passionate kiss on her silky lips. She giggled again.

"Everyone's waiting for us," I whispered, "And Emmett's getting impatient."

"Come on then," she whispered back. I gave her one of my award winning smiles. Lethally, I leaped down the stairs, Bella giggling in my arms. She reached up and lightly pecked me on my cheek.

"Oh get a room!" Emmett groaned.

"Hey! It's my birthday! I can do whatever I like!" Bella chirped proudly.

3 - Bella

After Emmett's brief annoying comment, I was greeted with a chorus of 'Happy Birthday' from my family. For once Alice even praised me on my outfit choice.

Now presents.

My first was from Nessie.

"Oh Nessie! It's beautiful!" I gasped. The silver ivy – climbing frame cased a complicated watercolor painting of La Push beach. Oh… she missed it too.

"She painted it all by herself," Edward added proudly.

"Of course she did. She's our little artist! Oh thank you sweetheart!" I said whilst hugging her tightly.

Before I could even think, Alice thrust a pink frilly box under my nose.

"Go on open it! I need to see your face! What! I promised myself I wouldn't look!" she retorted to our shocked stares. I shrugged and ripped the wrapping paper off.

"So what do you think?" Alice chirped. I starred at the black satin chocker neck dress. It was obviously designed to show off my figure. The rows of triangles cut out of the sides of the fabric and one just below the cleavage line added a sexy element.

" I designed it myself!" Alice sang. 'Well that explains a lot' I thought.

"Alice it's beautiful, but where am I going to wear this?" I questioned.

"Tonight. We're all going clubbing. My treat!" she revealed. I could have argued my point; I had to work tomorrow, but decided to let it go. I didn't want an argument on my birthday.

I moved onto my next present. It screamed 'expensive' so I guess it also screamed 'Edward'.

"Edward, what have you gone a bought me. I know I said I was okay with gifts, but not expensive ones," I complained.

"Just open it Bella," he chuckled.

Puzzled, I lifted the lid off the box. I groaned inwardly. Buried in the pale pink tissue paper was extremely lacey, extremely frilly, extremely revealing black lingerie.

"Really, Edward?" I asked.

"What did you get her?" Emmett chuckled, "You cheeky buggar!"

"Hey! Young ears are in the room! Watch your language!" I exclaimed, clasping my hands over Nessie's ears.

"Mine next!" Rosalie said placing a shoe box in my lap, "I hope you like them, I designed them myself!"

Inside the box were the most gorgeous ballerina strap high-heels I'd ever seen.

"There to go with your dress tonight," she explained.

"Oh, Rose there beautiful! Thank you!"

"Go on Jazz. Give her your gift." Alice encouraged. Silently, Jasper came and placed a small box in my palm. I opened the box to find the most delicate looking bracelet with a single inscribed star charm. It read:

"Oh Jasper, its perfect! Thank you!"

"Your very welcome, Bella."

Esme gave me a huge hug before passing me my gift.

"Happy Birthday Bella," she whispered into my ear. I ripped back the wrapping paper. It was… a blue spotted white bikini and ballerina strap sandals?

"Um… have I missed something?" I stuttered.

"Oh. Sorry Bella. I now see how this may look to you, all of you," Carlisle started to explain, "But this is a gift for all of you."

"What? Bella's spotty bikini?" Emmett snorted.

"If you'll let me finish Emmett. We are going to spend the next week on Isle Esme." Carlisle finished.

4 - Edward

I knew what she would say before the words even left her mouth.

"I'm sorry Carlisle, but I have to work. The new school year started last week." Bella apologized.

'And I didn't think she could obsess over something anymore…' Rose thought.

I glared at her.

'What?' she thought.

I continued to stare. In the back of my mind I was vaguely aware of the conversation. Bella was arguing her point and everyone else was claim that some time off would do her some good. To be honest, I agreed with them. Bella did too much for those kids, for that school in fact. Constantly running fun raisers and taking kids on trips. She was the best teacher at that school, but she worked so hard. She defiantly needed a break.

My mind shifted back to reality as Emmett cleared his throat.

"Um… hello? Gonna open my present any time soon?" he asked.

"Sorry," Bella apologized, seizing the package with two hands. I began to rake through Emmett's mind, trying to figure out what he'd got her. Nothing. Hmmm. Wait there was something…but it was buried down deep…

Oh well, Bella was already revealing the content. I took one look at the gift and slapped Emmett clean across the face.

"Edward!" Bella exclaimed.

"What was that for?" Emmett bellowed.

"For insulting my wife!" I shouted back. He took one puzzled look at the rhinestone dog collar and matching leash and burst into laughter.

"You know, my hand can do a lot more than slap!" I threatened.

"Alright, alright! She's in the garage," he chuckled.

"She?" I stuttered. I turned to see Bella's reaction, but she was already out the front door, sprinting to the garage.

"Bella wait!" I called after her.