Author's Note: Twilight is the property of Stephenie Meyer. I'm just borrowing, and absolutely no infringement is intended.

I realized that my body should register pain, but my initial thought, the sensation that overrode everything else, was abject fear. I wasn't in any terrible physical danger, however; it was my mind, my very soul, for which I feared. Because if Edward found out about this—if he knew what happened—it would be the birthday incident all over again. I couldn't bear it. I could not, would not, lose him again. And I would do whatever was required to ensure that history did not repeat itself.

I took a deep breath and pushed myself up off the ground just as Emmett turned back to me. His wide, affectionate grin disappeared when he saw me stumbling to my feet.

"Hey Bella, what're you doing down there? Are you all right?"

I glanced over my shoulder quickly to check for blood on the post. Fortunately I didn't see any. I nodded and tried to laugh casually, though it sounded awfully wooden to me.

"I'm fine—just tripped over my own two feet. What else is new?"

He chortled at that then eased back as he eyed me more critically. "You wanna take a break? You seem a little out of breath. Edward'd kill me if he thought I'd overtired you or something."

I nodded agreeably and tried to keep my voice from shaking as I replied, "Yep. I guess I could do with a glass of water." With a shrug, I added, "Sorry, human thing."

His booming laugh throbbed through my aching head. "Come on, squirt," he said, looping his arm through mine, "let's water the human."

The differences in our heights made walking smoothly at his side impossible. And I was very, very glad, because it meant that Emmett didn't notice my faltering, unsteady gait as I stumbled along beside him.

Keep it from Edward; don't let him know. This phrase instantly became my mantra, giving me the strength to remain on my feet until we got into the house. My mind slipped back to one idle conversation three days ago. I'd had no idea then that it could ruin everything.

I suppose no one would have been surprised to discover that I couldn't dance. Edward already knew, of course, and I imagine the rest of the family had their suspicions, but it had never really been an issue. However, once Edward shared the news of our engagement, a flurry of plans descended. Most of them were utterly overwhelming, and I left a great deal of those in Alice's capable, if hyperactive, hands.

Within a day or so of the announcement, Alice had informed me that Edward would want an old-fashioned wedding with traditional music, décor, and attire. I didn't really care; I just wanted to avoid unnecessary attention.

"You're going to be his dream bride," Alice had told me, her voice trilling with excitement and love for us both. "Oh Bella, you're going to make him so happy!"

She embraced me then danced back with her usual, effortless grace. I watched her small feet move beautifully over the floor.

"Do you think," I began, hesitant to ask, "that he'll want to dance with me at the wedding?"

Alice's laugh sounded like bells. "Of course he will, silly! You two will have…" She closed her eyes for an instant, then continued, "A waltz! Ooh, you'll both look so elegant, just like something out of a movie!"

I nearly snorted at this. "Elegant isn't the word I'd use to describe my dancing," I muttered.

Shoot. I'd forgotten about Alice's acute vampire hearing. She arched a perfect eyebrow at me. "Do you know how to waltz?" she asked.

"Um… no?"

Her lips pursed and her brow furrowed. "Hmm. Well, we can fix that. I'll just have to arrange for one of us to give you some lessons!"

With those fateful words, she skipped off, leaving me to wonder who she would choose. I was certain that Carlisle was an excellent dancer; he moved with innate grace. I supposed I could manage a few dance lessons with him. He was patient and sympathetic, and if I tripped over my feet and sprained my ankle, he'd be able to patch me up. I chuckled at this last thought.

Then there was Jasper. He was still a Southern gentleman at heart. He probably knew all sorts of dances, and he was lithe and fluid, too. Also, he'd be able to keep me calm, which might actually help my coordination. After so many years of klutziness, I had to admit that a small part of the problem might lie in my own expectations… Yes, Jasper would be a good teacher.

When Alice returned a few minutes later dragging Emmett by the hand, I was more than a little surprised. She must have needed him for something else.

"Okay!" she chirped, "watch and learn!"

I did watch—utterly agape at first—as she began humming then positioned herself before him. He gave me one vaguely self-conscious glance then shrugged as his expression changed to an enormous grin. In a moment he and Alice were waltzing with perfectly executed, flawless, light-as-air steps. I was truly stunned that someone so huge could move so smoothly. He guided Alice gracefully, his hand light on her back. I watched their feet; each step seemed effortless.

After about a minute, Alice sang, "Now, Emmett!" and he twirled her to a flowing stop. Then he offered her a polite, if somewhat amused, bow.

He grinned proudly at me. "Emmett Astaire at your service!"

"Wow," I said. "I had no idea you could do that!"

"I couldn't before I was changed," he confessed, "but now it's easy. Rose taught me after my first year. That was back when we'd go to the jazz clubs and hear the big bands. Any excuse for her to get dressed up and have everyone drool over her…" He rolled his eyes in fond exasperation.

"I'm a pretty hopeless case," I replied, shaking my head doubtfully. "I think I have three left feet!"

Emmett laughed heartily. "That's okay, Bella, I did too!"

"So, Emmett will teach you to waltz, and I'll be sure everything else is just perfect!" Alice chimed. She was bouncing with excitement.

"Well, I guess you can try," I said, still dubious. "But can we keep this just between us?" I could already imagine Rosalie's slightly scathing look if she knew her husband was trying to teach the Queen of Clumsy to dance.

Emmett winked at me. "Yep. Our little secret!"

Given the volume of his voice, I doubted that. But at least Edward was out hunting, so he wouldn't know. A little grin tugged at the corners of my lips as I imagined his surprise when I danced competently—not skillfully, I wasn't that optimistic—on our wedding day.

"Everyone's going to Seattle on Monday," Alice said. "You can start the lessons then."

"But Rose expects me to go!" Emmett reminded her, not wanting to incite his wife's wrath.

"I'll handle Rosalie!" Alice proclaimed cheerfully. "You two just focus on dancing!"

That sealed the deal. I was in for it now.

To be continued...

Note: If the site would let me, I would have put this under a Bella/Carlisle/Emmett category, but alas three characters are not allowed! Carlisle will enter the picture soon, though.