Alright. Disclaimer!! I DO NOT OWN ANY TWILIGHT CHARACTERS. OR APPLEBEE'S. BUT I DO OWN A FEW ORIGINAL CHARACTERS ALONG WITH THE PLOT.

Okay. Continue reading :]

What Happens In Vegas

"And so, you can see how product sales increased…" Darenda chirped in her almost-vomit inducing voice. I shuddered and quickly tuned her out, once again. Too much Darenda is a close comparison to overdosing on cough syrup. Yeah, it's that bad.

I heaved out a long sigh. Completely bored, I picked up my blue pen and reached for my blank memo pad. I was supposed to be taking notes on Darenda's meeting, but that would require me to listen to her, so I decided some colorful doodles would pass the time.

I glanced up at the rambling bimbo long enough to spark an idea for a drawing. I eagerly began sketching her portrait with a smile on my face. Doodle Darenda was wearing ill-fitting clothes that showed way too much skin, much like real Darenda's ensemble for work today. The doodle was standing on a street holding a sign that said, "A dollar an hour."

I couldn't help but chuckle at my masterpiece. It depicted her quite nicely. I was admiring Doodle Darenda when real Darenda brought me back to reality.

"Bella!" She exclaimed. "Would you like to share your thoughts with the rest of us?"

It sounded as if I were being scolded for interrupting a lesson at school. Darenda was the teacher and I was the noisy student. As if.

I forced a smile. "No, Darenda. It wasn't important. Please! Don't keep us waiting any longer! We want to hear the rest of this fascinating meeting!"

I layered my response thick with sarcasm. A few people laughed underneath their breath, and others merely hid their laughter with coughing.

She, too, forced a smile. She glared towards me, and through barred teeth she spat, "Well, I'm finished now. Any questions?"

I nearly jumped out of my seat, and tossed her a quick "nope." I quickly grabbed my folder with my office supplies and headed for my desk.

"Lord, Bella. What have you done now?" Angela Webber inquired as she caught sight of our amused coworkers. They all were chuckling and occasionally glancing to Darenda.

I let out an accomplished sigh and said, "Relax, Ang. Just having a little fun with Darenda. That's all."

I shrugged innocently and Angela giggled. After a fit of laughter, she quickly straightened herself and cleared her throat.

"Okay. Where's Jessica?"

"I don't have a clue. Wasn't she at her desk?" We all were going out to dinner to celebrate our anniversary. Exactly ten years ago today we all became best friends.

"No, I checked. Maybe she's in the lounge," Angela suggested. I absent-mindedly nodded as I stuffed my belongings into my purse.

I grabbed my keys and said, "Well let's look."

Angela tugged my arm, insisting I move faster. As we nearly ran through the hallway, startled coworkers jumped out of our path.

"Sorry!" Angela called out, laughing. At the end of the hallway was a gray door with the words "Staff Lounge" painted on.

We sped up and nearly pushed down the door. We looked in the room expectantly, only to find Mike and Lauren playing tonsil hockey. Angela gasped, and I just laughed hysterically.

Between giggles, I managed to gasp, "Well congrats, guys!"

Angela stared at me, mouth wide. Mike straightened his shirt and coughed nervously. Lauren rolled her eyes as she yanked her skirt back into place.

"Well, don't let us stop you! Have fun you kids!" I laughed as I pulled Angela out the door with me. She still was shocked.

"Wow!" she finally gasped, almost smiling. I just shook my head and grinned.

"What?" Jessica popped in. I jumped and turned around.

"Jeez, Jess! Give me a heart-attack!" I gasped, holding my chest. Jessica chortled as we started for the elevator.

"Where've you been? If we don't hurry, we'll be late for our reservations!" Angela exclaimed. She nervously pulled her phone out and checked the time.

"Where are we eating anyways?" I questioned as the elevator doors pulled apart. We casually took our places inside. I looked expectantly towards my friends. "Well?"

They paused, silently debating whether or not to tell me.

"Guys!" I persisted.

"Don't kill us, Bella! Please!" Jessica begged apologetically.

"Just tell me!" I yelled. The people around us flinched as my volume increased.

"Okay. But you have to promise not to hurt us," Angela added. I nodded.

Suddenly their faces split into huge grins. "Bella, get your party dress out."

"And your feather boa!" Angela shrieked, still smiling. "Cause we're going to Vegas!"

My mouth dropped as the elevator rung. The doors slid open, and everyone filed out. Everyone except for myself and my friends. I still stood there, mouth open, shocked.

"Bella?" Jessica asked in a small voice. "Are you mad?"

"I.." I paused briefly. "Vegas?"

"Yes," Angela answered, staring at her feet.

"I can't!" I finally yelped. "I have lots of work to do; even at home! I can't afford to spend the weekend in Vegas! Even if it is only an hour away!"

"Oh Bella, you work too much!" Angela insisted, leading me out of the elevator.

"No, really. I can't guys. Let's just go out somewhere in town!" I offered. Truth be told, this was probably hazardous to our health, and any innocent bystander. Angela and Jessica plus alcohol equals dancing, bets, and usually men. And the fact this little shin dig was taking place in Sin City itself didn't help.

"Bel-la! Please! It'll be fun! You know it will!" Jessica pleaded. I began to pace faster. The sooner I got to my car, the better.

They sped right with me, begging more and more.

"Pleeeeeeeeease? Angela sang to the sky as we weaved through the parking lot.

"Guys, please. Let's just go out to Applebee's or something like that! Don't make me go out and baby-sit you two while you party down. You both know that's what always happens. I end up with two very drunk women in the backseat, passed out. I swear, I don't feel like cleaning puke up either!"

"Bella, we promise that won't happen! We just wanna go out with you and celebrate. We promise we won't party too hard!" Jessica promised. "Now will you go?"

I paused, biting my lip. I knew I was going to regret this.

"Fine. Let me go home and get dressed," I sighed and climbed into my car. I shut the door, listening to the both of them squealing like little pigs.

What have I done? I thought, shaking my head.