Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight that belongs to Stephenie Meyers...I wish I did though because I spent a small fortune during the FGB auction. But it was well worth it even if I have to get a 2nd job and can't go see Eclipse for the 6th time.
A/N: Seriously though...thanks to all who participated and raised an amazing amount money for a well deserving cause. It just amazes me what the Fandom does and we should all be proud to be a part of it.
Thanks to all of you for reviewing me, putting me and my story on alert...and a special thanks goes out to those who were kind enough to put it on your favorites list. I am humbled by the great reception this little ditty of mine has gotten so far. I sure hope I can live up to all the expectations...I will do my best to keep you interested and with me though this journey.
Huge hugs and kisses go out to my prereaders NJNYTwiGal-H, basketgirl and tg10781...without you this story would not make sense and I wouldn't have had anyone to pimp my first chapter...you guys mean the world to me.
Mommakal there are no words that will convey what you mean to me and this story without your beta skills this chapter would have never been readable. I am for ever indebted to you :)
So without further delay...
~o0o~
Chapter 2 – Birthday Surprises
Seeing a bright light and hearing a loud crash was not the turn of events I expected my dream, or should I say nightmare, to take. All night long I was struggling to find something peaceful to dream about, but instead I was dreaming about a lonely old lady who owned two dozen cats living in a one bedroom apartment. Those visuals were not something that would allow me to have the restful night of sleep that I desperately needed if I was going to fully enjoy the day that was awaiting me.
"Sorry Bella, but if your room wasn't such a disaster I would have been able to wake you up with just letting the sun shine in, but instead I ended up tripping and almost breaking my neck," Alice complained. I knew she was trying to hold back her irritation because it was my birthday.
"What time is it and why are you waking me up? You know how rare it is that I get to sleep in on a Saturday morning with my work schedule," I practically yelled.
"Bella, it's your birthday and since you wouldn't let me start last night, we have to get up and get going if we want to be ready in time for your first surprise!"
"What timeis it Alice and where is Rose?" I screamed, while still refusing to open my eyes.
"It's 7:30," she stated in almost a whisper. She knew I was angry and that this wasn't the way neither she nor I wanted my day to start out.
"Ugh! I can't believe you did this, but since I'm awake I guess I could get up," I said, clearly frustrated. Just as my eyes were adjusting to the bright sunlight streaming in through the window of the condo, I heard the front door open.
Rose's low voice filtered through the condo. "Alice where are you? Did you wait for me before waking her up?"
"No. She didn't." I yelled to her.
The next thing I saw was Rose stepping into my bedroom with a sorry look on her face. She was holding out a bag with what I assumed was a peace offering.
"Alice, I thought we agreed to serve Bella her favorite breakfast in bed this morning?"
"Sorry Rose, I just couldn't wait. There's so much to do and she needed to be awake to be able to eat breakfast, right?"
In typical fashion, Rose just rolled her eyes and grabbed Alice by the hand. She gestured to me to wait a moment before they walked out of the room.
A few minutes later, they were back with my breakfast tray in hand. "What's all this?" I asked while they were bringing the tray over to me.
"It's all your favorites, and something extra just to make the day a little more special," Rose said with a smile.
Once the tray was placed down, my eyes couldn't believe the breakfast before me. First, there was what looked like to be a mimosa garnished with a strawberry in a beautiful champagne flute. Champagne for breakfast…I've never had that before.Then I saw the large bowl of blueberries, raspberries and strawberries that had to have come from Whole Foods Market. Next to them there was a small bowl filled with Fresh whipped cream; something that I loved, but seldom treated myself to because of the calories. Off to the right was an extra large mocha from Uncommon Ground, and finally, sitting in the center of the tray on a plate was the best breakfast sandwich made anywhere. It was a Dinkel's veggie burglaur with Asiago and Cheddar cheese along with eggs and broccoli. Yum!
"Thanks, you guys. This looks absolutely delicious. I hope you don't expect me to share any of it." I stated with a wink so that they would know it was in jest, as there was no way I was going to be able to eat it all by myself.
"Sorry again Bella for this not actually going as planned, but you know how Alice gets when she's excited about something."
"Yeah, she's like a kid on Christmas morning digging into the gifts before anyone else is awake."
"Hey, why are you picking on me? It's just that I'm excited for you and your big day," Alice declared in frustration as she began to pout.
"Sorry Al, it's just that I didn't sleep well last night and really wanted to be well rested for today." I gave her my puppy dog eyes. "Now both of you get over here so that I can give you a hug, and then you can help me eat all this food. Just don't touch the mocha, as that is something I am not willing to share any day of the year."
After a quick hug and a kiss, Rose and Alice went to the kitchen to grab some coffee and extra silverware before heading back to my room where we all sat on the bed and ate breakfast together.
About an hour later once we were all stuffed and had finished our coffees, Alice decided it was time to get moving because we had somewhere we needed to be by eleven.
"Where are we going Alice?" All I got was a shrug of her shoulders.
Rose decided to intercede. "Bella, you know she'll only tell you what you need to know, and the rest you'll just have to wait to find out."
I rolled my eyes and took a deep breath, knowing that a shower would help. I resolved myself to the fact that this was just how the day was going to be and that I better just get over it and try to enjoy myself.
Just before stepping into the shower I stated, "Let me know what I should wear so that I'm dressed appropriately." I was trying to appease Alice's fashion sense.
The excitement in Alice's voice was palpable, "Don't worry; it's all been taken care of. Just get in the shower and get cleaned up and leave the rest to me."
~o0o~
By the time we were leaving the apartment I was dressed in a jean skirt, red low-heeled sandals, a royal blue polo shirt that I thought fit too snuggly, but Rose said it showed off my best assets. She even winked at me when she said it. Just before we walked out of the condo the finishing touch was put in place, a sparkly tiara placed on the top of my head. At least Alice let me pull my hair back into a pony tail and didn't make me wear my hair all teased out so that I didn't really look like some reject from the Miss America pageant.
When we arrived at the door to leave my building, Ben, the doorman, took one look at me and stated enthusiastically, "Must be a special day for someone, with wearing that beautiful tiara and all… Have a Happy Birthday Bella!" In typical fashion, I felt my face get hot from the blush that was quickly appearing and lowered my eyes to the ground.
"Thanks Ben," I said quietly, just before we walked out the door.
The day outside was perfect. The sun was shining, the temperature around 80 degrees, and there was a slight breeze coming off the lake. The next thing I knew, I was being flanked by my two best friends. Their arms were linked with mine and we were heading west bound, down Waveland Avenue. I still wasn't sure where we were going but I knew the Cubs were in town that day and was hoping maybe one of them were able to score some tickets.
Even though it was two hours before the game the area around the ballpark was already bustling with people going to the bars for a pre-game eats and drinks. Others were on their way into the bleachers to get to their seats. Batting practice was taking place and they wanted to get the best seats before they were taken. I felt the expression of my face go from one of excitement to sadness as we passed by the entrance to Wrigley Field and ended up at Casey Moran's across the street instead. I guess we weren't going to the game, but we were going to watch it at one of our regular hang outs. Once the bouncer checked our IDs and flirted with Rose, we headed to the upstairs terrace. The place was packed with people who were grabbing a quick beer or two before the game. It was so crowded; I didn't think we were going to be able to find a place to sit. Much to my surprise, when we got up top, the best table in the house had a reserved sign on it. Rose went over and sat down.
"Rose, are you sure we should be sitting here? It says it's reserved and on game days that means it's for someone important."
Rose just rolled her eyes at me. "Sit your ass down girl, it is for someone important. You! What do you think I was doing here last night…searching for the next guy I was going to conquer?"
I heard Alice chuckle, as we all know that Rose can get whomever she wants whenever she wants. She's mostly a tease and doesn't nearly live up to the reputation she has. I know she hangs out here because of the owner. She thinks he's a cutie and knows he's more successful than he lets on. According to Rose, he owns a number of bars and clubs throughout the city.
Just as we were getting settled and I was trying to figure out what I was going to have to drink, a massive, hot-looking guy came over to the table. He had to be over six feet tall, had short, dark, curly hair and the most beautiful sparkly blue eyes. His smile was welcoming and inviting, like a teddy bear, and his mannerisms were like that of a fun loving child. "So who's the birthday girl here?" he bellowed while looking directly at me. That damn tiara was dead giveaway, and I suddenly realized why Alice had me wearing it.
Rose and Alice quickly raised their hands and pointed directly at me. The next thing I knew, I was being lifted out of my chair into a huge bear hug by this guy, whose name I didn't even know.
"Hey Emmett, be careful with her. We're just getting started, and I don't think a trip to the hospital is something Bella wants to do on her birthday. She spends enough time there already." Rose said with a laugh.
Rose was right. They knew me well at the local emergency room because I was constantly tripping over my own two feet. Basically I was just a klutz, and had come to accept that as one of my charming qualities.
"Sorry Rose, I couldn't resist it. The look she was giving me just made me think she might need a hug to get through the day. So, what will it be girls? The drinks are on me today." He replied apologetically to us.
My eyes practically bugged out of my head. Why would someone I didn't even know be willing to buy us drinks all day? Oh yeah, I was with Rose. By the way he was looking her over, I could tell that he was doing it for her, and Alice and I were just reaping the benefits.
"Since it's before noon, I think I'll have a Bloody Mary," Rose said in a seductive tone while blatantly flirting with Emmett.
Alice and I decided to just order Black and Tans to start the day off. Emmett was off in a flash and was back before we knew it with our drinks. Following right behind him were two servers dressed in bustiers and short-shorts; carrying two trays full of food. I guess they dress that way for the male clientele.
Before we were able to comprehend what was happening Emmett pulled up a chair next to Rosalie while the waitresses were putting down all the food. "I wasn't sure if you guys were hungry or what you would want, so I just got you one of everything. I hope you don't mind." I could tell by the look on his face, Emmett had caught what I referred to as Rosalie Fever.
I decided it was my place to make sure he felt appreciated. "Thanks Emmett. This is very generous of you, but you really didn't need to do this for us."
"It's not a big deal Bella. You only turn twenty-five once in life. It should be a memorable day and I'm just glad I can be a part of it."
Was this guy for real? I've never met him before and he wants to make my day one to remember? Why? Oh yeah, I almost forgot, he has Rosalie Fever.
"Thanks," I said again, and then asked him if we could get someone to take a picture of the four of us. I always had my camera with me and figured if I was suppose to have a memorable day, what better way than to have picture to remember it by.
After about fifteen minutes and finally getting a picture that Rose thought we all looked good in, Emmett excused himself and said he would check back with us later. After he left, we settled back to enjoy the weather, food and drink.
An hour later, Emmett reappeared with a mischievous smile gracing his face. He looked like a kid who had just put his hand in a cookie jar and got away with it.
"So, how's everything going so far birthday girl?" He winked at me.
"Great so far. It's a beautiful day and I'm with my friends, enjoying their company while having great food and drink given to us by one hell of a guy." I had a huge smile on my face. It truly has been one of the best birthdays I've had so far.
"Well I'm glad to hear that, but if we don't get out of here we're going to be late."
What could he mean by that? Who did he mean when he said 'we'? Where were we going?
All of a sudden Emmett was pulling me out of my chair, and Alice and Rose were following. Emmett put his arm around my waist and didn't let go of me until we all were safely outside and standing on Clark Street.
"Where are we going?" I finally asked.
"You'll see," Alice said, as she gave me her evil looking grin.
We started walking south, and then crossed the street at Addison. It looked like we were going to go to the game, but I didn't get my hopes up thinking they were going to try to psyche me out.
Once we got closer to the entrance, Emmett pulled something from his pocket. Emmett then started waving four tickets in front of my face. "I hope you like the Cubs Bella." Somehow I think he knew that since it was more of a statement than a question, and he had a huge grin on his face
"I LOVE THE CUBS!" I immediately tried to wrap my arms around him to give him a hug, but I was so tiny compared to him, it didn't really work. I owed Rosalie and Alice big time on this one… I'm not sure what they had to do to pull this off, but whatever it was, I was going to be indebted to them for a least the next year.
We walked in just as the National Anthem was being played. I couldn't believe that I was here. I remembered the smells, the sounds, and how the field and ivy seemed like a little oasis in the bustling city. The few times I had been here in the past were with my dad, when we would make the trek up from the farm. It was during those times that I fell in love with the city, and I knew that one day I would live here.
Emmett led the way, and when we got to the usher he addressed Emmett by name and stated his friends were already in their seats. Emmett told Frank thanks and started down the aisle to our seats. My eyes practically fell out of my head when Emmett got to the row directly behind the dugout and told us this was where we were sitting. I was ecstatic that I had brought my camera, knowing that I would be able to get some great pictures and send copies of them to my dad.
As we made our way into the four empty seats in the row, I heard Emmett greet the two men at the end. One was a tall thin guy with curly blond hair and blue eyes. When he greeted Emmett, I thought I could hear a faint southern accent. Emmett introduced him as his brother Jasper. Even though they were different in build, you could see a slight resemblance in their faces. The other guy had blond straight hair, blue-grey eyes, and seemed to be a little more reserved. He was introduced to us as James.
When the game first started, I sat between Rose and Alice. Emmett took the seat next to the guys with Rose on his other side. As the game went on, it seemed like everyone but me started to move seats. The next thing I knew, Alice was sitting on the complete opposite end from me talking adamantly to Jasper, and I was sitting next to James. He seemed like a nice guy. He asked me if I was enjoying the game, if I had ever been to Wrigley before, and finally asked with a chuckle if I always wore tiaras, or if it was some type of special occasion.
"You'll have to ask Alice that question. She's the one who made me wear it."
He gave me a quirky look as if to ask why I wouldn't tell him. Suddenly, I heard a piercing scream coming from Alice. "Look at the scoreboard Bella!"
As I looked up, I noticed it said 'Happy 25th Birthday Bella'.
I saw James throw his head back and start laughing, "So, that's what the tiara is for. It's your birthday. Well I guess that means we have all day to celebrate right?"
I thought the game was the celebration, but then again, that might not be the case. I'm not sure how much the guys knew about Alice's plans for me, but they weren't letting on if they did.
Once the game was over I thanked all of them for the wonderful day. Before we left I asked Frank, the usher, if he could take a picture of us. He was more than happy to. I don't know if it was coincidental or not, but it seemed like we had all paired up in the picture; Emmett with Rose, Alice with Jasper and me with James. I began questioning myself, could be this fate, or was there something more behind it?
Thank you for reading, and PLEASE review. I promise it will only take you two seconds, and it will make my day!
I'm also pretty sure that most of you want to kill me now...Sorry :(
I guess I should probably go hide until next week.
For those wondering all references to Chicago are real. Casey Moran's is a bar across from Wrigley that I frequent often. Dinkel's is a real bakery up in the Lakview area of Chicago it's been there since 1922 and they do have a sandwich called the Burglaur... they are delicious and if you are ever in Chicago you should stop by and try one.
Finally I have a few recommendations for you...These are some of the great authors I bought is the FGB auction & one who is a special friend. Go read their stories and when you review let them know I sent you!
Nostalgicmiss - Privileged www (dot) fanfiction (dot) net/s/5770240
Risbee - A Beautiful Mess - co-Written with Coldplaywhore www (dot) fanfiction (dot) net/s/5560057/
Coldplaywhore - Sundrenched World www (dot) fanfiction (dot) net/s/5681460/
Elusivetwilight - The Rain Season www (dot) fanfiction (dot) net/s/5249534/
NJNYTwigals - Where There's Smoke www (dot) fanfiction (dot) net/s/53661941 & Beautiful Stranger www (dot) fanfiction (dot) net/s/5535491/
Thanks again and see you next Thursday :)