A/N: Well obviously this is a New Year's Eve story about Edward and Bella. For the sake of this story Bella entered school in first semester instead of second semester. And while she and Edward have been getting closer as they did in the book, Bella's fellow classmates are still unaware of their relationship beyond them being lab partners.

I do not own Twilight. That belongs to Stephanie Meyers.

New Year's Eve

Bella woke up when the sound of the telephone ringing sliced through her dream. She groaned as she rolled over and covered her head with her pillow. Charlie can answer it, she thought. The phone continued to ring when she remembered that Charlie had already left for work. Whoever was calling was extremely persistent forcing Bella to finally climb out of bed, walk downstairs, and answer the phone.

"Hello." She mumbled into the phone.

"Hey, Bells." Mike Newton's annoyingly perky voice greeted her. Bella sighed.

"What's up, Mike?" she asked politely.

"Well, I thought I'd remind you about the New Year's Eve party that I'm throwing together at my place. Everyone's gonna be there." Mike said. "I was wondering if you were coming."

"I've told you a million times already that I'm coming." Bella said. It was difficult but she succeeded in keeping the impatience she was feeling out of her voice.

"Oh, okay. That's great. I guess I'll see you then." Genuine excitement laced Mike's voice. Then as an afterthought he added, "Is Cullen coming?"

"Um….I really don't know." Bella answered truthfully. "I'm just his lab partner after all." Not that I wouldn't mind being more than just that, Bella thought to herself.

"I see." Mike said cautiously. "Have you invited him?"

"Um…well…"Bella said guiltily. "I did mention the party to him. Who knows whether he took it as an invitation or not."

"Got it." Mike said suddenly cheerful at the idea that Bella didn't outright invite Edward to his party. "Well if he shows up, we can just set him straight can't we?"

"Well there's nothing really to set straight. I mentioned it to him. He probably won't show but if he does it's not a big deal." Bella said. "It's not like it'll ruin your party."

"Okay." Mike said. Bella groaned to herself. She didn't need mind reading abilities to see the fantasies forming in Mike's mind. They all centered on Edward showing up to see Mike and Bella all over each other. Even though it would never happen Bella couldn't help getting angry at Mike.

"You know I'll just talk to you later. Okay, Mike?" Bella phrased it like it was a question but her tone implied that the conversation was definitely over.

"Okay. See you tonight, Bella," Mike said before hanging up.

Bella hung up the phone and sighed. She was not looking forward to this party at all. But she had already promised to go and she couldn't back out of it now. She walked up to her room and changed clothes and got ready for the day.

She did mention the party to Edward but she didn't think that he thought anything of it. In fact even though they were spending a lot of time together lately, not many people they went to school with knew the extent of their relationship. If relationship was the right word for it.

Bella wasn't quite sure how to define her and Edward. Yes they were lab partners, but they were also really good friends and they were getting so close after she found out he was a vampire. Of course there was that little thing about her being completely and hopelessly in love with him. He admitted feelings for her, very deep feelings, but he had yet to use the word love. He was still hanging on to the tiny hope/fear that her instinctual fear would kick in and she would run screaming out the door. Bella knew that would never happen. She was his and all he had to do was say the words and she would gladly stay with him forever.

When she finished getting ready she rushed downstairs. It was getting close to 10:00 and Edward was supposed to meet her. She loved Christmas vacation since it gave her a lot more time to spend with Edward. She was instantly greeted with a burst of cold wind as she stepped outside. That part of Christmas vacation she didn't love so much. Her mood instantly lit up when she saw Edward leaning against the door of his silver Volvo.

She smiled, grateful to the wind for blowing her hair into her face and concealing her blush. Not that it mattered whether or not he could see the color in her cheeks. Her heart was already racing at one glimpse of him. She loved this feeling that always came when he was around.

"Hey," she said when she finally reached him. "What did you have in mind for today?"

"Nothing to exciting," he said. He smiled and his teeth flashed brightly. "I was thinking we go to my house, listen to music, and just hang out."

"Sounds good to me," Bella answered. Of course, everything that involved Edward sounded good to Bella.

AN HOUR LATER

Most of the Cullen household was out doing their own thing, leaving Bella and Edward alone in Edward's room. They had spent the hour listening to music and talking about music, books, life, and anything and everything in between. Bella loved this time with Edward. It just felt so natural being with him.

"So, Edward," Bella started awkwardly. "Mike Newton is having a New Year's Eve party tonight."

"Yes, I think you mentioned it once," Edward said, already guessing where this was going. "I don't think that he would appreciate my presence though."

"Well that's too bad because I would really enjoy your presence." Bella said shyly. She quickly glanced at the floor and let a stack of CD's laying next to her feet occupy her attention. She felt Edward's cold, hard hand touch her cheek. It sent sparks shooting through her and she made the mistake of turning her head to look at him. Once she was looking him in the eyes she lost all rational thought.

"I would love to be with you too tonight, Bella." Edward said. Bella's heart soared.

"Really?" Bella asked weakly.

"Yes." Edward nodded.

"So will you come?" Bella asked. She knew it would make Mike mad and she felt guilty about that, but she didn't like the idea of not being with Edward.

Edward looked lost in thought for awhile before he answered, "Maybe."

"Just maybe?" Bella asked disappointed.

"That's all I can say right now." Edward said. "You should probably go get ready now."

"Okay." Bella said reluctantly.

"Bella, you mean everything to me," Edward said looking her in the eyes. His eyes smoldered like they contained a passion he could barely contain. "I would love to be with you tonight. I'll do everything I can to make that happen." Bella nodded. She felt a lot better.

Edward drove her home but he grabbed her hand as she was about to leave the car.

"If I were to go tonight," he said softly. "Would you dance with me?"

Bella's eyes went wide with shock. "Ed-Edward…I can't dance. Not even a little bit." Bella tried to explain just how dangerous her dancing skills were to those around her.

"I'm not scared." Edward laughed. "It takes a lot to break me."

Bella had to nod her head in agreement. "I guess that's true. Okay. I will dance with you if you come." Edward smiled and she walked away.

Bella was horrified with the idea of dancing but it would be worth it if it meant she would be in Edward's arms. She smiled brightly as she went upstairs to change for Mike's party. It was only 7:30 so she still had a little bit of time. She changed her clothes but she purposefully took more time than necessary. At 8:00 she got into her truck and drove to the Newton's house.

"Bella," Mike yelled when she came through the door.

"Hey, Mike." She answered. Bella looked around the room. A big screen TV was showing New Year's Eve parties from around the world while a stereo blasted music. Furniture had obviously been taken out of the large living room to make room for dancing. The dining room table in the adjacent room was covered in drinks and food for guests. Happy New Year's 2009 streamers were strung along the walls and also hung from all available hooks. On a table next to the stereo, there were party hats and sound makers available. It seemed like the Newton's had gone all out on this one.

Bella saw Angela and Ben near the food table talking and Jessica was dancing and trying to show off. Mike asked her to dance with him but Bella politely declined. She was not a very good dancer and plus everyone's definition of "dancing" was grinding. Bella was very uncomfortable about the idea of Mike grinding on her like that, or touching her in general really.

Bella decided to go hang out by the food and talk to Angela and Ben. They spent most of the night talking comfortably while more people packed into the living room to dance. Mike would occasionally come and try to talk Bella into dancing but eventually gave up. Bella looked up and saw Mike dancing with Jessica. She was relieved that Mike and Jessica were both occupied so she could really enjoy her evening.

After awhile Bella found that she was genuinely enjoying herself. She liked the music that was playing and she was having fun talking with Angela and Ben. But she still missed Edward. She was in the middle of a daydream when Jessica came running up to her.

"OH-MY-GOD!" Jessica squealed in her ear. Bella cringed as she waited for the ringing in her ear to stop. She glanced around to see what the excitement was and all she saw was Mike glaring at her before he stormed off. Bella's heart leaped into her throat as she scanned the room. That meant….

Edward didn't want to go to the party but he knew that it would make Bella happy if he were there. Plus he had a hard time turning down a chance at more time with her. He spent the last couple of hours in his room trying to listen to music, and then after that didn't work he went for a run. Running that quickly through the trees helped him clear his head.

He was definitely in love with Bella if he was willing to go to Mike Newton's party to make her happy. He groaned. Why did she have to have this effect on him? He loved her and yet he never told her. He told her how much she meant to him but he had never said those exact three words to her. He figured that she could read between the lines and that would keep him from embarrassing himself by spelling it out. He didn't deserve her, yet he hoped selfishly that she cared about him too.

In the end he ended up at Mike Newton's house. He stayed towards the wall trying to keep a low profile. He still wasn't sure if he really wanted to be here or not. The music blared but not enough to drown out the thoughts of everyone here tonight.

I so think I'm gonna score tonight…

I wonder if he'd dance with me….

Crap, I spilled punch on my new blouse…

Wow, Bella, looks HOT tonight. I wonder if I can steal a New Year's kiss from her…

Bella's name instantly caught Edward's attention. It didn't surprise him that the "voice" he picked up on was Mike Newton's. He let out a slight growl. Although Bella wasn't technically his, he still felt very protective of her. People around him must've heard his growl because suddenly their thoughts turned to him. People began to whisper as he searched the room for Bella.

He saw Jessica Stanley running to the dinning room. He figured Bella must be there; no way would she be on the dance floor. Mike strode up to him trying to look intimidating.

"Cullen, what are you doing here?" He shouted over the music. "This is an invitation only party."

"Ahh, geez, Mikey." Edward feigned a hurt look. "That kind of hurt my feelings that you don't consider me one of your fifty closest friends."

Mike's eyes bulged with rage. "Well I don't consider you a friend so you can GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!" Mike screamed. He looked like he was ready to start throwing punches. "No one wants you here."

"Wow, Mike, calm down," Bella said. She stood in between Edward and Mike. Her palms were lifted in a peaceful way as she tried to stop a fight from breaking out.

"Mike, I am really sorry," Bella explained. "I asked Edward to come here. I thought it would be fun if he hung out with us. I mean he is a friend of mine. I want him to be here." Edward smiled as he replayed Bella's word over and over again in his mind. I want him to be here. ..I want him…

"Well he's not a friend of mine," Mike growled. Jealousy lined his face. "I don't want him here."

"Well I think he should stay," Jessica suddenly spoke up. No one missed the way she was batting her eyelashes at Edward as she said it. Edward and Bella both cringed.

"I think so too." Angela added. "It's a party. The more the better."

"Angela's right." Ben said. He blushed when Angela smiled up at him approvingly.

Mike's muscles relaxed as he prepared to admit defeat. "Okay he can stay." He mumbled as he walked away into the crowd trying to get out of eyesight of Edward or Bella.

With the potential fight broken up everyone quickly forgot about the argument and went back to the party. Edward joined Bella in the dinning room as she continued talking to Angela and Ben. The four of them got along surprisingly well.

"Edward, would you like to dance," Jessica asked him. Oh God he's so hot. It's almost midnight. If I can steal him away from Bella now then he's all mine for that kiss. Why would he want to be with a Plain Jane like Bella anyways?...

"No, thank you, Jessica," Edward said trying very hard to keep his voice casual. Inside he was getting sick of having to see Jessica's fantasies of her and Edward. "I was just about to dance with Bella."

"What...I…Ed-"Bella stammered, her face turned tomato red as Jessica glared at her.

"Don't you remember promising me a dance?" Edward gave her that crooked smile that dazzled her every time.

"Oh, okay," Bella said defeated. She let Edward pull her towards the living room. Thank God it was a slow song. He put his hands around her waist and Bella gasped. She looked up in time to see him laughing softly at her. She wanted to stick her tongue out at him, but instead she put her hands on his broad shoulders.

People were watching them curiously. Not only was Edward Cullen at a party but he was dancing with the new girl. This was huge news. Tomorrow Jessica would call her and pump her for all the details.

The newswoman on the TV. announced the impending New Year and the audience in Time Square began counting down. " 10…9….8…7…6…5…"

"Every grab someone to kiss," someone yelled.

"4….3…2…1….Happy New Year…"

Edward looked intensely into Bella's eyes. He didn't know how much temptation he could handle but he didn't know how he could pass this opportunity up. Her soft pink lips looked so inviting that moment. He lightly grazed his hand across her cheekbone and her eyes fluttered shut.

Bella felt her heart race as he stared at her and she held her breath when he touched her. He was hesitating. Did that mean what she thought it meant?

Edward slowly moved closer. "Stay still." He whispered against her lips. The sweet smell of his breath stunned her, she couldn't move even if she wanted to. Finally, his cold lips pressed against hers. It was a light, chaste kiss at first. Then once he seemed satisfied that he had enough control for this, he leaned in again for a more prolonged kiss.

Bella stood up on her toes to get closer. Her arms wrapped around his neck as he pulled her closer to him. She deepened the kiss until his willpower ran out and he had to pull away from her.

Everyone was silent now, staring at them. Neither Edward nor Bella seemed to notice. They stared into each others eyes as their breathing slowed down. Somewhere the clamoring of a utensil falling from the hands of a shocked teenager onto the floor filled the room.

Edward stroked her cheek again. "I love you, Bella." He whispered.

Bella froze he had never said those three words before. She felt as if her entire soul had lifted out of her body and was flying to the moon. Edward mistook her sudden stiffness as unhappiness.

"I mean…I…I shouldn't have said that," Edward said.

"What? Why not?" Bella gasped. How could he make her so happy and then ruin it a second later.

"Well, if you're uncomfortable with my feelings we can just be friends. I understand, Bella. "He said.

Bella laughed as she finally understood why he was suddenly retracting his words. "No, Edward, I don't want to be just friends. I love you too." They both smiled as they held each other close.

"Happy New Year, Bella," Edward whispered to her as he leaned in to kiss her again. For Bella it was definitely going to be a Happy New Year.

As the shock wore off the party goers returned to their own festivities. Jessica was the only one that was still paying attention to the couple. She was DEFINITELY going to get some information out of Bella tomorrow she promised herself.

Edward and Bella continued to stay in each other's arms oblivious to everyone around them. They were in their own personal little bubble and they were in love.

A/N: Well there it is. Please read and review. I would greatly appreciate constructive criticism to help with my writing. Happy New Years to everyone. Hope you all enjoyed the holidays.