All recognizable characters belong to Stephenie Meyer, I am just borrowing them.

The Voice of an Angel

Chapter One - Bella's POV

I had just got home from work, it was a Friday night and it had been a very long week. I was curled up on the couch watching a rerun of one of my favorite shows. I was interrupted by my cell phone ringing. I looked at my caller ID and saw that Alice was calling.

"Hello, Alice," I said with an irritated tone. I already knew she was going to insist that I go out tonight.

"Bella, get off the couch and get dressed! Rose and I are on our way to get you. No arguments either Bella! Wear that cute little sapphire blue shirt I bought you last week. We will be there in about 5 minutes, " Alice didn't take a single breathe as she spoke.

"Alice it's been a long week. Can't we just skip going out tonight?" I asked pleading.

"Of course not. Bella, we are going to Star Lounge tonight like we have for the last year, every Friday night! Now stop arguing we are almost there!" Alice yelled back at me.

"But Alice!" I whined.

"Bella! Get dressed now! And I'll see you in a minute! Goodbye!" Alice spouted off then quickly hung up before I could protest any further.

I turned off the TV and reluctantly went to my room to get dressed. I threw on the top Alice told me to wear and a pair of my favorite jeans. There was no logical reason not to wear what she told me to, it would only end up in a struggle and I'd end up wearing it anyways. That small woman was a force not to be reckoned with. As I headed to the bathroom to freshen up my make-up, I heard Alice and Rose come in. I looked in the mirror and noticed Alice had already appeared behind me.

"I see you listened. Are you about done? Jasper is going to meet up with us later at the bar. He's taking care of some stuff at work tonight," Alice told me as I put down the last of my make-up. I nodded to her and walked to the door and threw on my Chuck's. Alice can only dress me partially and over the years she has learned that. Footwear was not something I gave into with her, comfort overrides 'beauty' when it comes to me.

After putting my shoes on I followed Rose and Alice to the car so we could get to the bar. Friday nights for the last year were our karaoke nights. We were regulars and the owner, who was also the DJ, knew us very well. I love karaoke. I have a great voice and sing as often as I possibly can. Rose looked in the mirror and began speaking to me.

"I'm driving there but Jasper is going to drive us home. He's having a co-worker drop him off at the bar. So you will be getting your drink on with me tonight!" Rose said with excitement in her eyes. I simply nodded back in reply. We drank often but we always did so responsibly. Plus I knew if Jasper decided to drink tonight we could always call his neighbor.

We arrived at the bar and climbed out of the car. We went inside and sat at our usual table. Nate, the owner and DJ waved to us when we walked in. Soon after being seated Jennifer, one of the waitresses, stopped by and handed me a karaoke book.

"What will it be ladies? The usual?" Jennifer winked at us.

"Of course Jen. You know what we like," Alice replied handing her some cash to pay for our drinks while we got comfortable. I opened the book and started browsing the songs. I typically sing the same songs but occasionally I find others I like to sing. Jennifer interrupted my reading when she placed my drink in front of me.

"Bella, Nate says he's going to play one of his favorite songs you sing. He said he's going to do it here real soon, just so you know," Jennifer smiled brightly as she fixed her ponytail. Jennifer is one of those lucky women with long blond hair and a body to die for. I have always been a bit jealous of her, I'm just plain. There is nothing exciting about me at all.

I looked over at Rose and Alice and they were talking animatedly about some new fashion line. I was uninterested in the topic so I turned my attention back to the karaoke book. I wrote several of my songs down for Nate. I took a sip of my drink and looked back up to the girls. Alice was now on the phone, she looked entirely too drunk already. I giggled inwardly and noticed Rose looking at me. She knew exactly what I was thinking and I could tell she was thinking the same thing.

"Jasper's outside! I'll be back girls!" Alice yelled as she jumped out of her seat and ran to the door. Alice tends to be a bit louder than usual when she is drunk. I suspected she had already drank before she left the house. Jasper walked in as she reached the door. He gracefully picked her up and gave her a kiss. Jasper and Alice walked back to the table and Jasper greeted us. After asking if we needed anything he walked to the bar to order himself a drink. Nate signaled to me when I looked over towards the DJ booth, he was letting me know that I'd be up pretty soon. Jasper walked back to the table with a rather large man. He was very tall and muscular. He had dark brown hair and had a smile that could light up a room.

"Jazzy? Who is this?" Alice asked as she sat her drink down.

"Emmett's the name!" The man answered with a loud booming voice.

"We went to school together. Emmett and I shared a dorm room. It was quite a surprise to run into him. Alice, I'm going to go to the back and play some pool with Emmett and his brother," Jasper leaned down and took Alice's hand. Alice stretched up and kissed him.

"Have fun! We will be right here if you need us," Alice smiled and shooed Jasper and Emmett off. I looked over at Rose and she was practically drooling.

"Wow! That was one hot piece of…"

"Rosalie! Control yourself!" I scolded as Rose continued staring at the retreating man. Rose continued to go on for several minutes about Emmett. Thankfully Nate called my name for my first song. I walked up to DJ booth and grabbed the microphone. Nate pointed to the song he had chosen for me, it was one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite movies. The music started and I began singing. I immediately got lost in the music, as I usually do.


EPOV

Emmett and I decided to go out tonight and have a little fun. Emmett called a cab and we headed out to a bar downtown, one of our clients owned. When we arrived it was apparent that they were having a karaoke night. I love music, but people who sing karaoke typically are horrible. I myself love to sing, and I'm not too bad at it either. But I've never really been one for karaoke. Occasionally I will sing, but typically, it's when I'm drunk or I'm really in the mood. Which was rare occasions, this night in particular I wasn't in the mood. Emmett and I went to the bar and ordered our drinks and headed to the back to play some pool. After playing a few games, with Emmett in the lead, we took a short break.

"Hey bro, get the table set up. I'm going to grab another beer, want anything?" Emmett asked while putting his pool cue up against the wall.

"Nah, I'm good," Emmett walked down the few steps and to the front of the bar. I set up the table and sat down as I waited for him to come back. After nursing my beer for several minutes Emmett returned with a very tall blond guy. When the guy was a bit closer to me I recognized him as Emmett's old roommate from college.

"Hey Jasper! It's been a while man! How are you?" I greeted him as I sat my beer back down on the table. Jasper grabbed a cue and walked over to me and gave me a hand shake.

"Not too bad, and how about yourself Edward?" He asked as he sat his beer down on the table.

"Not bad either, just working and that is about it," Emmett decided to start playing without us so we joined in. As I was getting ready to take my turn and was lining up my cue to shoot I heard the most beautiful voice singing in the front of the bar. I froze. It was like I had died and gone to heaven. I threw my cue down on the table and started to walk towards the angelic voice.

"What the hell bro? Where are you going?" Emmett yelled after me. He threw his cue down by mine as he spoke.

"Do you hear that? I have to go see this woman with the beautiful voice," I continued walking and could feel Jasper and Emmett following me to the front of the bar.

I stopped when I saw the beautiful woman that was singing. Her voiced matched her physical beauty. She had gorgeous brown hair and chocolate eyes. I was mesmerized by her voice and her beauty.

"Oh, that's just Bella," Jasper replied from behind me.

"She's beautiful and her voice is magnificent," I responded while I stood there in awe as I watched her sing. She was into the song and I notice her close her eyes as she sang parts that appeared to mean something deep to her.

I watched her till she wad one and walked off after handing the DJ several slips of paper and peaking to him. It looked like I would get to hear this angel sing again.

"Dude, you're acting weird. Let's get back to our game!" Emmet huffed and I reluctantly turned and followed him.


BPOV

I finished my song and handed my song slips to Nate. He nodded and smiled.

"Beautifully done, as always Bella," Nate set the slips down and gave me another smile.

"Thanks Nate," I said as I walked back to my table. I sat down and took a drink of my new drink the waitress must have brought when I was singing.

"Lovely job! I'll be back, I'm going to go see how Jasper is getting along in pool," Alice said as she bounced up out of her seat and headed towards the back.

"So, what do you think of Emmett? Think I should go for it?" Rose asked as she stirred her drink with her straw.

"Might as well. It's been a while since you and Royce broke up Rose. You should get out there and really try and find someone who will treat you right, Rose!" I sincerely told her.

Rose and Royce dated for about a year. He was perfect at first then a few months into their relationship he started to get verbally abusive. Rose stuck around since she loved him. Shortly after he got worse. When he tried to get physically abusive with her, she punched him and walked out. She never went back after that. Rose had a difficult time handling things after Royce. She was in love with him and struggled with trusting people after their breakup. She had only been on a few dates since Royce and she never went on a second date with any of the guys she met. It was the first time I had seen her this enthusiastic over a guy since Royce.

"You know, you are right! I think I just might have to give it a try!" Rose said smiling widely.

Rose and I sat and listened to some of the singers. An older gentleman who often came in for karaoke was up singing. He was one of the few who actually sounded decent. I spotted Alice bouncing through the crowd happier than usual, which is a feat hard to accomplish when it comes to Alice.

"What has you so happy my dear sister?" I asked as she sat in her seat next to me.

"Well, I dropped off a song to Nate for you," she had a smile on her face that told me she was meddling in my business. "You'll be after the next person he said. Oh and it's a duet!" She squealed and clapped her hands excitedly.

"Duet? And who do you think I'm singing with?" I looked at her sternly. I hated duets at karaoke. I had yet to find someone to sing with that can actually carry a tune.

"Oh, that friend of Jasper's…Emmett? Well his brother Edward is going to sing with you! Apparently he loved hearing you sing and I suggested he sing a song with you!" She kept bouncing in her seat while she spoke.

"MARY ALICE SWAN! How dare you! What if he can't sing!" Sometimes my sister really ticked me off.

"ISABELLA MARIE SWAN! Don't call me Mary! And Emmett and Edward both say he can sing well! And you're singing that Lady Antebellum song I like!" Alice yelled back at me.

"Fine, but I swear if he sucks, I'm killing you!" I picked up my drink and quickly finished it off.

"Yay! And I love you too sis!" Alice smiled and Rose laughed.

"You two are hilarious!" Rose laughed out. I just glared at them both and sat quietly.

Quicker than I hoped, Nate called out for Edward and myself. I walked up to get the microphone from the stand. I grabbed my favorite microphone and turned around and saw a green eyed Adonis behind me. He was insanely gorgeous and I got lost in his eyes.

"You must be Bella, I'm Edward," He smiled the most breathtaking smile I had ever seen.

"Uhh, well yeah. Nice to meet you," I stumbled out as I turned to face the right way. I could feel the blush taking over my cheeks. Edward moved closer and his arm brushed against mine. I felt a shock run through my entire body at his touch. It was an odd but pleasurable sensation.

"Bella! I'm starting this are you ready?" Nate asked. I couldn't speak so I simply nodded. I heard the music start and I sang when it was time. As I was singing I realized I had unconsciously turned my body towards Edward. Next I knew he had started singing the male part and I was stunned. He was good, better than the actual artist! We sang well together and sang to each other through the entire song. Before I knew it, the song had ended and the crowded erupted with applause. Alice came bouncing up and pulled me away from my daze.

"Bella! I told you he was good! That was perfect!" She yelled as she pulled me to the back where the pool tables were. I saw Emmett and Jasper playing a game of pool. The next thing I knew I felt the electricity running through me as I had early when Edward touched me. I turned around and found Edward behind me with his hand on my back.

"Thanks for singing with me Bella, you have an amazing and beautiful voice," Edward said as he let his hand fall from the small of my back. I didn't want him to move his hand, the feeling of him touching me was incredible.

"You're welcome. You are very good yourself," I mumbled out and sat in the seat that Rose had pulled out for me. Rose smiled at me and slid my drink to me. I willingly took it and took a big drink.

Alice, Rose, and I continued to watch the guys play pool. Rose and Emmett appeared to be hitting it off very well. Rose was currently sitting on Emmett's lap as Jasper and Edward played a game by themselves.

"So, Emmett. Do you and Edward come here often? I'm surprised we haven't all ended up getting to meet one another before now, since we are all somewhat connected!" Alice yelled over the music. Alice had too much to drink and was being her normal drunk self.

"Nope, we haven't been here before. After college Jasper and I sort of lost touch. I got a new number and didn't have his anymore so I wasn't sure how to get a hold of him. I'm glad we ran into you all tonight! Edward and I really don't know many people around here, other than people we work with," Emmett replied. I could tell he was feeling a bit tipsy himself.

I looked over at Rose and the smile of her face was something I hadn't seen in a long time. I could tell she was very happy to be around Emmett and I hoped that things would work out for them. My attention quickly turned towards the pool table as Edward was leaning over getting ready to take a shot. I kept catching myself staring at him, and often he seemed to notice. I couldn't be sure but I almost swore he was staring at me as well.

"Rose, give me your phone and I'll give you my number," Emmett slurred. Rose quickly handed him her phone and held out her hand indicating she wanted his as well. The both programmed their numbers in each others phones. It looked like this was going to continue past tonight, which made Alice and I smile.

I looked back over to the pool table and caught Edward staring at me. He gave me a bright smile and I smiled back. I got lost in his eyes while he stood there waiting to take his turn.

"Earth to Bella! Isabella! Nate just called your name for a song!" Alice yelled at me and brought me out of my daze.

"Alice, don't call me that! Good grief, I'm going!" I yelled back at her as I rose from my seat to head to the front. As I was walking to the front I could hear someone behind me. I turned and noticed that everyone was following me. "What the hell are you all doing following me?" I asked confused.

"Well Edward here thinks he has to come watch you sing," Emmett answered earning a smack in the back of the head from Rose.

"Just go sing Bella, we just want to give you our support!" Rose said giving me a hug. I walked up to grab a microphone and noticed everyone sat down at a table close to the DJ booth that had recently become unoccupied. As the music started I became nervous. This was an odd feeling for me, as I have never been nervous when singing. Singing was something that I always felt comfortable doing. I could sing in front of the largest crowd imaginable and feel comfortable. However, make me talk in front of a crowd and I was a nervous wreck.

I felt Edward's eyes on me the entire time I sang, and I decided that he was the reason I was feeling so nervous. I had no idea what it was about this gorgeous man that could make me nervous. Of course I was worried I'd mess up and embarrass myself, which was an unrealistic worry. I hardly ever messed up on the songs I sang. I quickly realized as I was singing that I was nervous because I liked him. Not just as a friend, I wanted more from Edward. It felt strange to me to feel that way. Sure I've dated men, but to have this deep of an attraction was something completely new to me.

I hadn't dated anyone seriously in a few years, and the only serious relationship I had was with Jacob. Jake and I had been friends our entire lives and it just seemed natural when we reached high school that it progress to dating. We dated from Junior year of high school to the end of our Sophomore year at college.

I had always wondered if I was just taking the familiar and easy road when it come to dating and had second guessed our relationship often. I loved Jake, but it wasn't the kind of love you stick around for. I wasn't in love with him. A month before our sophomore year ended Jake was supposed to meet me at a restaurant close to our apartment. After waiting nearly an hour I gave up on him and headed home. Of course it had to be one of the days I forgot my cell phone at home, so I couldn't even call him to see where he was.


Flashback.

When I got home I was already in a rotten mood. I was soaked from the Seattle rain, was pissed off Jake didn't show up, and I was hungry as hell! When I got into our apartment it was dark and something didn't feel right. I started to get worried and wondered if something had happened to Jake. I went back to the bedroom to change out of my wet clothes and search for Jake. When I walked in the room I froze. I found Jake in bed with Leah Clearwater. I quickly snapped out of it when Jake started throwing apologizes and excuses at me.

"Bella, It's not what it looks like. I'm so sorry!" Jake said in a panic as he attempted to crawl out of our bed. I just stood there silently.

"Shit, Bells I didn't think you'd be home for another hour. You were supposed to have choir rehearsal tonight," He said, as if that would make it better.

"No Jake, that was yesterday. Tonight we were supposed to meet down at our favorite restaurant, but I see you had other plans. Not that it really matters what the hell I'm doing!" I yelled back at him as I snapped out of my shock. Leah just sat there covering herself up and not commenting once.

"Bells, really I'm sorry," Jake apologized again, like his apology would fix something.

"Stop apologizing! I don't want your apologizes or your excuses! I'm leaving and I am not coming back! You can keep Leah, it's over Jake!" I screamed as I grabbed a change of clothes and ran out the door and back to my truck. I quickly dialed Alice to see if I could stay with her and Rose. I moved in with them the next day.

END FLASHBACK


As I finished up my song, I realized it reminded me a lot of Jake. I noticed Edward was still staring at me. As soon as I finished I quickly rushed to the bathroom. I was worried I would begin crying and I didn't want Edward to see that. As I sat in one of the stalls trying to calm myself down I heard the door open.

"Bella, honey are you okay? Come out and talk to us," I heard Alice say. I could see her and Rose's feet standing outside of the bathroom door. I pushed the door open but did not move from my position.

"There you are sweetie. It's alright, you know I think maybe you shouldn't sing that one anymore. It always makes you think of him," Rose replied, knowing exactly what I was upset about. She was right, that song always reminded me of him and got to me. But I loved the song, and I kept hoping that someday I'd get over it and could sing it without getting upset afterwards. I also felt like it partially was because I finally felt attracted to someone else and it scared me.

"I know, I probably should. I'm okay really, I just wanted to get away from the guys. The last thing I need is to break down in front of Edward," I blurted out and immediately threw my hand over my mouth. I could tell I was blushing.

"Aww, that's so cute! I knew you liked him! He is totally into you too! You two are going to be so cute together! Yay, my sister has found a new man!" Alice said as she bounced up and down.

"Alice! I never said I liked him and how do you know he likes me?" I shouted back at her.

"Oh come on Bella, it's obvious! You two haven't stopped staring at each other all damn night!" Rose smirked at me after she finished talking.

"Whatever, I don't believe it for one minute. Okay, I need a drink lets get back to the table. Do I look okay?" I asked standing up and putting my arms out for the girls to examine me.

"You look fine, and you didn't cry this time so your make-up doesn't need any touch ups," Alice replied as she grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the bathroom. We walked back to the table and I notice Edward appeared to be worried. I smiled at him and he noticeably relaxed.

I sat back in my seat and took a big drink to try and calm myself down further. I felt Edward standing next to me and he sat in the chair beside me.

"That was a beautiful job, Bella. Are you okay?" He asked while grabbing his beer off the table.

"Uh, thanks. And yeah I'm okay," I mumbled out as I stared into his eyes. "Aren't you supposed to be playing Jasper?" I questioned. I noticed Emmett was playing Jasper now instead of Edward.

"Oh, I lost my match against Jasper while you girls were gone. So now it's between Emmett and Jasper, whichever wins this match is the overall winner tonight," He explained. I noticed he was staring at me again, not the kind of staring you do when you hold a conversation with someone. It was like he was trying to memorize what I looked like.

"Oh, I see. What happened? I thought you were doing well," I asked curious as to how he lost when he was clearly ahead before I went to sing.

"Well it appears I was distracted and didn't have my head in the game," he replied with that crooked smile that I had grown to love.

"What had you so distracted?" I said oblivious as to what he was saying.

"Well that would have to be you. You've had me distracted all night, I just can't seem to keep my eyes off of you. I'm sorry, that was really blunt," he looked embarrassed as he finished his sentence. I was stunned. I had seen right then, he was staring at me all night.

"Well to make it fair, you seem to have the same impact on me," I confessed and quickly turned my eyes away from him out of embarrassment.

"Bella, I know you hardly know me, but would you like to go out with me tomorrow night?" Edward asked, and appeared to have a worried look on his face. I was completely shocked and couldn't seem to form words. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bother you, just forget I…"

"No, I'd love to. Sorry I just wasn't expecting that," I answered quickly before he could take back the offer. I was ecstatic, this gorgeous and amazing man had just asked me out on a date, the boring me!

"Great sounds good, I'll just give you my number and if I could get yours I'll give you a call or text you in the morning and work out all the details," he replied with a triumphant smile. We exchanged our numbers and I could see Alice across from us bouncing excitedly.

"Ahh man! You totally cheated!" Emmett yelled out from the pool table. I looked over and he was putting his pool cue away and pouting. "I want a rematch man! That was not fair!" Emmett yelled at Jasper. Jasper was laughing and holding his side.

"Oh face it Emmett, you lost!" Jasper said back to him as he composed himself and put away his pool cue next to Emmett's.

Alice and Rose decided since Jasper had finished his game it was time for us to go home. I ran up to tell Nate to take out any songs he had left of mine, as we were getting ready to head out. Emmett and Edward followed us out to Rose's car. Jasper climbed into the driver seat and Alice joined him in the passenger seat.

As I was getting ready to get in the car I felt Edward's hand grab mine.

"I'll talk to you tomorrow then?" Edward asked while he held onto my hand.

"Yes, I look forward to it," I replied. Edward dropped my hand and I could still feel the tingle from him holding my hand.

"Goodnight Bella," Edward said as I climbed into the backseat.

"Goodnight Edward," I replied. I saw Edward walk towards a cab that was waiting down from where we were parked. I looked to see where Rose had gone to and noticed her talking to Emmett, just as Alice had rolled down the window to yell at her, Emmett leaned down and kissed Rose. Alice quickly rolled up her window and started to squeal.

"Oh that is wonderful! Do you see Jazz? Rose and Emmett are a thing! Oh this is the best night! Oh and I heard you talking to Edward, Bella! You are going on a date! I'm going to help you get ready tomorrow!" Alice continued squealing while she bounced in her seat. Bouncing and squealing was something you got used to when it comes to Alice.

"Whatever you say Alice," I replied as I was too tired to argue with her tonight. After a couple minutes Rose climbed in the seat next to me and we drove off and headed home.

"That was the best night I have had in a long time," Rose sighed and had a dazed look in her eyes.

"You can say that again," I replied back to her as we continued our drive in silence.


Author's Note:

Hello! Thanks for reading the first chapter of my story. This is the first story I have published on fanfiction! I used to write a lot when I was younger and recently started writing again. Please review and tell me what you think. I do appreciate positive reviews, criticism is welcome and appreciated, if it's done so in a tasteful manner. I hope to post a chapter a week. Thank you again for reading.

Ashley