Disclaimer: I own nothing, period.

**This is my first foray into fanfiction. Please be nice. :) Hope you enjoy!


The slightly chilly breeze was easily felt through my dressing gown. Ashleigh had just come up to help me get dressed. I guess the chill I felt could be due to the fact that it was fall in Atlanta but I was pretty sure it also could be attributed to my nerves.

I had yet to warm up to the idea that I was a desired companion amongst the male population. I never viewed myself as beautiful. Not when there were so many other Southern Belles that surrounded me.

I suppose that my father had helped raise me to be somewhat independent and I was not as focused on snagging a husband as most girls my age. Thus the conundrum I always felt when preparing for another ball. It was as if we were being paraded around to find the highest bidder. Thankfully my father understood that I wanted more in a relationship and marriage than the ability to live lavishly.

"Ready, Miss Bella?" Ashleigh asked. "As I will ever be," I responded. She laughed as she helped me into my ball gown. Although I wasn't so enthused about dressing up, I really did like this gown. It was ice blue and was fairly modest. I loved that it had a sheer overlay that attached to the underside of the bodice.

Thankfully she was extremely careful and my face and hair remained unscathed. I don't think I could have endured another round of that torture. At that a knock sounded at my door and Ashleigh let me know it was time.

Carefully I proceeded down the staircase, proud of myself that I only stumbled once. My father was standing on the porch observing the readying of the carriage. He was a man of few words so his smile told me all as he helped me into my seat. Blushing I nodded to him in thanks.

The ball was being held at the home of the Cullen's, in honor of their youngest daughter Mary Alice. They had only recently returned to their home in Atlanta. I knew very little about them. Only that she was the same age as I and had two older brothers.

As we pulled up to their house I was very impressed and a tad intimidated. They truly had a grand home. Slowly I exited the carriage holding my breath that I would not trip and fall. What an entrance that would be.

Mrs. Cullen and Alice stood at the doorway welcoming us. "Welcome to our home, I am Esme Cullen and this is my daughter Alice. We are very pleased to have you." I extended my hand and curtsied. "Pleased to meet you, Bella Swan." At that Esme and Alice pulled me into a grand hug. Alice reminded me of a pixie. She was tiny with jet black hair that had a mind of its own.

"I just know we are going to be the best of friends," Alice said. I smiled at her a slight blush showing on my cheeks. "Please enjoy the ball," Esme said as she directed me inside.

**Chapters will be longer from here on.