Chapter Two
Bella
Charlie stood looking at me dressed in the outfit Alice had brought over as a graduation present from Dr and Mrs Cullen. The blue dress fit but I hated the frills on it and I guess my scowl didn't help matters.
"It suits you Bells"
"Thanks dad"
"Is it a party you're going to?"
"Yes, you know it is"
"Then stop looking as if it's a funeral. It was kind of the Cullens to involve you in the party, at least act gracious."
I tried a smile and he grimaced,
"That looks worse than the miserable face. You're too much like me Bella, hate big gatherings. Just grit your teeth and enjoy, it'll be over in a few hours"
A few hours! It seemed like eternity but I took a deep breath and opened the door when I heard Edward drive up.
"Bye dad"
"Enjoy yourself. Hey you might even have fun if you try."
I managed a small smile as Edward appeared in the doorway.
"Chief Swan"
"Edward. Look after my girl"
"I will sir"
Charlie scowled as Edward took my arm and walked me to the car.
"Bella smile for heaven's sake, it's not a firing squad."
"It feels like it. Is Rose going to be there?"
"Yes why?"
"Oh nothing"
Great! I would spend the whole evening being scowled at by the ice maiden. I seriously considered jumping from the car but knowing my luck the seatbelt would stick!
"Bella?"
I was busy looking out the window and didn't really listen to him, the words washing over my head and I just nodded absently. Bad move as it later turned out but for now I was blissfully unaware that I had anything else to worry about.
When we got to the drive I could see Alice had gone over the top as usual. There were twinkle lights in the trees all the way down to the house which was lit up like a Christmas Tree, all the windows covered in coloured lights and streamers. The music was so loud I was surprised the glass didn't shatter and once inside I groaned. There were balloons, streamers, flashing lights, a smoke machine and tables groaning under the weight of food, the kitchen counter tops covered with bottles of soda and beer. There was enough to supply an army for at least a week in the desert. Alice bounced over, a huge smile on her face and a silver mini dress that was just about decent but looked perfect on her. I glanced around and saw Emmett grinning away as he flicked through the CDs. Rose stood by his side holding his arm affectionately until our eyes met, then the familiar scowl appeared and I sighed but Edward merely shook his head,
Ignore her Bella, she'll come round after tonight"
"Why tonight?"
He didn't hear me, he'd been called by Carlisle who looked as if he was ready to leave. Esme came over and kissed my cheek,
"Bella enjoy tonight, were so happy for you"
Before I could ask her what she meant Carlisle appeared and whisked her off,
"We'll be late for the theatre if we don't leave now "
I looked around hoping others would be here soon, the house seemed so big and empty without the guests. Alice came over and grabbed my arm.
"Come and look at the cake"
I groaned but let her pull me along, I'd found that was easier than trying to stop her, Alice was like an express train with no brakes. The cake was enormous but it looked good and I smiled,
"Great Alice. Where's Jasper by the way?"
He was the only one I hadn't seen yet.
"Oh it's not his thing parties, especially with lots of people about. He's sulking in our room I think"
"Oh right. Are you staying?"
"Of course, I love parties. He'll come round or stay up there all evening, it's up to him."
I looked at the stairs, I know which I would choose given the chance! In fact I wondered if I could sneak up there and hide, then Edward was back.
"Our first guests are arriving Bella come on"
Alice, Edward, and I stood by the door to greet the first guests, Angela, Ben, Eric, Tyler, Jessica and Mike who'd come in one car. They looked at the house with eyes wide, it was spectacular especially as presently decorated. I managed to wriggle free and go thorough with them grabbing the coats as I heard more cars drive up. Emmett pointed to the stairs,
"Throw them in our room, second floor third door"
I nodded and ran upstairs glad to escape for a few minutes.
I opened the door and went to put the coats on the bed then stopped, someone was sitting by the window. I realized it was Jasper as he turned his head.
"Oh I'm sorry. I got the wrong door"
I stammered my explanation, he was the one member of the family who made me tongue-tied.
"No problem Bella, you want the next door. I see your guests are arriving"
I groaned and walked to stand beside him looking at the lights from approaching cars.
"I guess I'd better get downstairs before they send out the search parties."
"Yes, you wouldn't want them to find you in here"
"Why not?"
"I'm not exactly flavour of the month, I'm still on probation after nearly attacking you"
I opened the door to go and stopped at his final words,
"I don't think you have anything to apologise for. Bye Jasper."
Throwing the coats on the bed in the next room I bumped into Emmett coming up with an armful. He looked at me and then at Jaspers door and raised his eyebrow,
"Took you a long time to get shot of the coats"
"Yeah I got lost"
"Oh right"
He smiled and threw the coats from the doorway before taking my arm.
"Come on Bella, Edward will go nuts if he finds out you've been up here."
"Why?"
"Lets just say he doesn't trust Jasper."
"Is that why he isn't downstairs?"
Partly I guess. Everyone gave him the third degree after what happened at the party."
"Well people should mind their own business and stop being so self-righteous."
I pulled away and left him dumbfounded at the top of the stairs. Edward was waiting at the bottom, a frown on his face.
"Where were you?"
"Putting coats upstairs"
"I don't want you up there"
"Why?"
"You should be down here with your guests not skulking up there like you have something to hide"
"Meaning what exactly?"
"Bella, its safer for you down here"
"Why?"
"Really Bella do I have to spell it out for you?"
People were starting to look so I decided it would save for later.
"No, not now. Let's say hi to some of the folks."
We spent the next hour chatting to friends about their plans for the summer and watching the dancing. I refused to go on the dance floor, two left feet were bad enough even walking, but dancing? No. Edward tried to coax me and in the end I had to get a bit short with him
"Edward. No means no. I am not dancing. Look Alice needs a partner, why don't you dance with her."
He went off reluctantly but Alice was overjoyed and dragged him on the dance floor, soon to be lost among the crowd. Emmett and Rose were in charge of the music and I went to sit in a dark corner. I couldn't get Jasper out of my mind, sitting up there alone because of something that hadn't been his fault. The reason he wasn't down here was me and it wasn't fair. Glancing over I saw Edward was now dancing with Jessica while Alice had collared Mike so risking notice I ran upstairs quickly and tapped on Jaspers door.
