A/N: I would like to give a thank you to edwardrocksmysocks for leaving my my first and only review.
Disclaimer: I don't anything... It's all Stephenie Meyers
Chapter 2: An Engagement & More
JPOV
I started heading to the entrance Bella informed me about. I'd never felt as nervous as I was at this moment, anticipating seeing Alice again. I wanted to see the surprise in her face when she saw me after I had to leave unexpectedly for London. But there was another reason I was so nervous that was not included in Bella and Rosalie's plan. Tonight I was going to do the big gesture; I was going to proposal to Alice. As I got closer to the door, I could feel my heart beat increase dramatically. I took a deep breath and opened the door as quietly as I could manage. And there, standing in the center of the foyer, was my reason to live. I took the black velvet box from my pocket and bent down on one knee.
"Alice Mary Cullen." She jumped and turned around, looking straight into my eyes. I could tell she wanted to run and jump me but was in shock at the position that I was currently in.
"Alice, I've been waiting for so long to look you in the eyes like I am doing in this moment, and tell you how much I love you. But deep down I've always known that our love has been more than words can describe. Alice with everyday that I didn't have you with me in this past week, I realized more than ever that you're my life, my love, and the air that surrounds me. I need you to light up my day and brighten my nights. Alice, would you give me the pleasure of calling you my wife? Will you marry me?" I asked her with tears betraying me as they slid down my cheek.
APOV
I was completely shocked in so many ways. First, Jasper was here and not in London like I thought he was. And second, he was looking at me in a way that allowed me to see the love that he felt for me. But I could also see that he was nervous. I so wanted to run and hug him and kiss him for everyday that he was gone, but at the same time I wanted to scream at him for not tell me he was coming home early. Then I remembered that he was bent down on one knee which led me to third reason I was so stunned. Was he doing what I thought he was doing? Jasper wasn't much about telling me his feelings, but I knew deep down that even if I didn't hear it much, I knew he loved me. And I loved him. I started to feel my stomach tighten and my eyes begin water.
"Alice, I've been waiting for so long to look you in the eyes like I'm doing in this moment, and tell you how much I love you. But deep down I've always known that our love has been more than words can describe. Alice, with everyday that I didn't have you with me in this past week, I realized more than ever that you're my life, my love, and the air that surrounds me. I need you to light up my day and brighten my nights. Alice, would you give me the pleasure of calling you my wife? Will you marry me?" Jasper asked me as he opened a black velvet box, revealing the most gorgeous ring I'd ever seen, with tears sliding down his cheeks.
"Oh god, Jasper... Yes, I will marry you! As long as you want me, I'm all yours." I ran to him and held his face, pulling him towards me. When his lips met mine we kissed passionately. I felt him smirk against my lips. I pulled way and looked at him confused. Then I remembered where we were.
"Jasper, when did you get in and why didn't you tell me you were coming early? I would have picked you up from the airport. And why didn't Bella tell me you were coming home early? And why on earth are you smiling like you were just caught stealing cookies from a cooking jar?" I asked him, getting a bit angrier.
"I'm so sorry, love, but this - well, the coming home early and surprising you part - was really Bella and Rosalie's idea. The band in London didn't need much convincing. They had seen how successful the last band that we'd signed was, so they signed with us quickly. I called Bella yesterday morning and told her how everything went, and she came up with the idea of surprising you. But asking you to marry me was my idea. No one knew I was going to do this. Oh, Alice, I love you much... - Jasper said while placing small kisses on my lips.
"Well, I'm glad you came home early, but I think it's best we go in now. I have guests to attend to, and Bella and Rosalie may send a search party soon."
"True. Anyway, I want to see Emmett and Edward. Are they here already?" Jasper asked me happily
"Yeah, he's with the group. But I don't know… he's acting a bit weird."
"Well, it's been eight years, Alice. He may feel uncomfortable around us. We've all changed and grown so much, and it may take him a bit to get used to. Don't worry about it much. Just give him a chance to readjust," Jasper said while taking my hand and walking toward the party hall.
BPOV
I kept looking at the door and at Edward. How much he'd changed in eight years. He was taller - about 6'2''. His hair seemed to have darkened a bit. He was also more built. Everything suited him perfectly, but I couldn't place the feeling that I felt when I caught him staring at me. Was it that he didn't remember who I was? Had I changed that much? I sure hoped I changed in a good way. Back then, I was the total opposite of who people know as Isabella Marie Swan today. I was taller now. 5'8'', to be exact, and my hair was waist-long in loose curls. I was pale and had finally grown a chest. I turned to look at Rosalie who was looking at the foyer's exit.
"What is taking them so long? They should have been out here by now. I sure hope Alice isn't mad at us. I really don't need an unhappy Alice at the moment. Somebody start talking before I head out there, searching to see what's taking them so long."
"Bella, I'm as anxious as you are to see Alice's expression, but we have to calm down. Don't worry. It may just be that Alice and my brother are making up for lost time," Rosalie said with a smirk pasted on her face.
She was probably right, like always. So I decided now was the chance to see how much Edward remembered about our days of hatred back in folks.
"So, Edward, how was you time in Europe?"
"Um... It was great. I got to work in a few hospitals after I graduated college. How about you? I've heard many times from Alice that your record label with Jasper is going well. What's your record company called?" he asked with curiosity.
"Twilight Records. I once heard the meaning of the word 'twilight' from a great guy I knew and was mesmerized by his point of view."
"Wow, it must have been a good point of view to name your business after it, but I'm happy to see you succeed in such a difficult business. You deserve it. I know how hard you've worked to get to where you are now," he said while giving me a smile.
I smiled back and saw him tense up, then shake his head, and give me a returning smile back. I looked once again at the door, still wondering what was taking Alice and Jasper so long. I was starting to pace back and forth when I felt a pair of strong arms hold my shoulders.
"Would you stop pacing? You're making us all nervous. Just give them time to talk. They'll come out when they're ready. Look, while we wait, would you give me the pleasure of a dance?" Edward held out his hand and waited for my answer. I looked at the door. Realizing it was a good idea to focus on something else, I took his hand.
"That is a great idea, Edward. The birthday girls need a distraction," Emmett said while he held his hard for Rosalie to take. We started to walk to the dance floor as the DJ started a new song. I couldn't place the song that was playing until I heard the first verse. It was Wait For You by Elliot Yasmin.
Edward placed his arms on my waist while I placed my hands on his shoulder gently - not really touching him. We started swaying slowly to the song. After a few minutes he leaned in and whispered in my ear, " You've grown to be a beautiful woman, Bella."
"Wow, I don't know to take that as an insult or a compliment. I mean, was I that ugly when I was just a girl and not the woman that stands here in front of you?"
He smiled at me before leaning in again and whispering in my ear once again. "No, you were always beautiful, but you're just so different from the Bella back then when we went to high school together. This Bella suits you," Edward said as we started dancing a bit faster as the music picked up tempo. The song had changed to Step Up by Darin. I felt him get closer to me. I was looking at Rosalie grinding on Emmett when I felt Edward turn me around and tighten his arm around my waist behind me.
A minute later I saw Alice and Jasper join us on the dance floor. She started dancing and turned to me, blowing a kiss. I smiled at her, knowing that she was happy to have Jasper home when she lifted her left hand to reveal an engagement ring on her finger. I squealed and ran to her. Rosalie seemed to see that something was up because she ran up to us. When she saw what I was looking at, she start squealing as well. All three of us started to jump and scream, causing people at the party to look at us, confused. I pulled Alice and Rosalie to the side of the party hall, leaving the guys to talk among themselves.
"Oh my God, Alice! Did Jasper just propose to you?"
"Yeah. It was so romantic! But I'm still upset with you two. Why didn't you tell me Jasper was coming home early?" Alice said with a pout, staring at me and Rosalie.
"Sorry, Alice, but you've been so helpful planning this party and helping me plan so many things since I've started Twilight Records that I wanted you to enjoy a surprise for once in your life. I think Rosalie and I did a good job. And now you're even happier because now you're engaged to Jasper. We're so happy for the both of you." I said as I looked at the ring once more and Rose nodded in agreement.
"Well, now that Rosalie and I are engaged, the only one missing is you, Bella. I want to see you happy, and I haven't seen that at all. Give yourself that opportunity. You deserve it more than you think. But to tell you the truth, for that to happen you need to open up to guys." Alice said while looking at me, serious.
"I know, Alice, but I can't force what life has already planned out for me. Right now my life is my job. I am pleased to help all those talented people out there. So for now can we just let this go? We can discuss it another time." I pleaded.
"Fine. We'll let this go only because I want to keep dancing with Emmett. This conversation will definitely be continued tomorrow," Rosalie said before heading back to Emmett who was waiting for her on the dance floor.
I watched as Alice followed suit and started dancing with Jasper. Both couples looked so happy. In a way I envied them. They had their soul mates, their true love among them, while I was still lonely. I mean, don't get me wrong. I've been in relationships a few times, but honestly, I've never been in love before. And having guys in love with me is not the same. Looking around the party hall, I came across the bar and headed to it. I needed a drink before I got all depressed. I sat on a stool and ordered a drink. When the bartender gave me my order, I sat completely at ease sipping my drink. Before I knew it, I was drinking my seventh glass and was feeling a more than a bit tipsy.
"Can I have everyone's attention? Can the birthday women come up here to the stage, please? Bella, Rosalie, I need you up here before you next birthday," Alice joked from the stage, making the guests laugh.
I tried standing up but felt the room spin around me. When I tried to hold on to the bar, I felt two strong arms hug me around my waist, holding me up. I stared up to be met by the same green eyes I been thinking about since I first saw them.
"Thank you. I thought my face was going to meet the floor today."
"Your welcome. But I think you've drunk enough today. Also, Alice wants to make an announcement, and she needs you up on stage right now," he said while walking me towards Alice.
EPOV
Alice started calling Bella and Rosalie up onto the stage, so she could give her announcement. I looked around and I saw Rosalie and Emmett heading to the stage, but I hadn't seen Bella in a while. For some reason, I started to worry. I started walking around the party hall and finally saw Bella trying to stand up from the bar stool. When I saw her about to fall forward, I walked - well more like ran - towards her. I put my arms around her waist holding her tight to me before she could finish falling.
"Thank you. I thought my face was going to meet the floor today," she said while blushing, embarrassed.
"Your welcome. But I think you've drunk enough today. Also Alice wants to make an announcement, and she needs you up on stage right now."
"Yeah, your sister loves giving announcements. I should offer her a job as my spokesperson." She was laughing.
When we finally reach the stage, I helped her up. I placed her beside Rosalie and left to stand next to Emmett. I couldn't help looking at how Bella had grown. Her body then was nothing to what it was now. She had the most defined curves. She was confident, and those lips looked so inviting. I've never been a guy of many relationships but looking at Bella, I wonder how it would be to be with her. I kept thinking about her as I felt Emmett and Jasper lean closer to me.
"Well, Edward, how do you feel about our little sister being engaged? Emmett ask with curiosity.
"I'm happy to see her happy. That's all that matters. And I know that Jasper, here, will make her happy and never break her heart. She couldn't have picked a better man. I should also be congratulating you on your engagement to Rosalie."
"Thank you, bro'. But do you know what I would love to see?" Emmett asked me with a serious tone.
"What would you love to see?"
"You with your special someone. I know you're not the type to date, but give it a chance. Who knows? She might be here in New York after all. That's why life brought you out here. Edward, you deserve a wife as much as we do. You've done so much for us. Dad's so proud of you, but he also wants to see you happy. And Mom's practically advertising you all over Forks. Just look around; meet new people. Give love a chance. I don't only want to see my little sister happy but also my little brother. Think about it," Emmett said while giving me a hug.
I knew he was right - in a way, but I never found someone that I could see myself with. The longest relationship I'd been in lasted two months. And to be honest, the only reason it lasted that long was because I didn't want to hurt her when I broke up with her. Having Emmett remind me what dad would tell me every time I called him made me feel a bit homesick. I missed both my parents. I missed those simple days in my room. Everything was so different now.
I started to think back when I'd met Bella. She had entered my science class. My professor told her that she would be my lab partner. When she turn to stare at me, she blushed. I was mad that day. I had just had a big argument with my then girlfriend, Tanya. I really didn't mean to act so cold-hearted towards Bella, but I knew that once Tanya saw her sitting next to me in class, I was sure to have another argument with her. She was very jealous. That same day in lunch, Alice had Bella sit with us. They had met in gym class and became inseparable since then. When Tanya saw Bella at our table and heard that she was also my new lab partner, she stood up and left. I ran to her and tried to explain the situation. After that argument I told her that I hated Bella, so she didn't have to be jealous of her. I was pulled out of my thoughts when I heard Alice speak.
"Everyone, I'm happy to be here to celebrate my two best friends' 23rd and 24th birthdays. I've known them so long, and we've come so far in life since our days living in Fork, Washington, the grayest state ever. I was there to see their happy moments as well as their sad. But today, we all witness a moment that will be unforgettable for them both. I see a lot of changes - but positive ones - for these two wonderful and beautiful girls. I wish you both the best in life and love, and I hope to celebrate many celebrations with you both. A toast to Bella and Rosalie… Happy birthday!" Alice said while tears spilled down her cheek, embracing Bella and Rosalie in a tight hug.
I pick up my champagne and toasted. As I looked up to the stage, I saw beautiful Bella throw her hair behind her shoulder and start laughing at something Alice said. She looked so angelic and beautiful. I walked off the stage and headed to the bathroom. When I was done, I took a quick look in the mirror. As I was about to head out of the bathroom, I heard the women's door open and pacing back and forth. Bella's voice drifted out the partially open door.
"What is wrong with me today? God, Bella! He hates you; he always has. It was the same in high school, so what makes you think his feelings for you could be different? But back then I hated him, too. What's so different now? Well, whatever it is, I am not going out there. Not while he's there. I may be going crazy. I'm talking to myself in the bathroom." I stepped forward into the doorway as she slid down the wall to sit on the floor. I was going to try and sneak back behind the door when I hit my knee on the door jam.
"Shit! Damn!" I whispered while rubbing my throbbing knee.
"Hello? Is someone there? Are you okay?" Bella ask concerned.
I stood silently hidden, hoping that she would leave. But then I saw that she tried to open the door. I hadn't gotten to shut it all the way. The door opened to reveal Bella staring at me, confused. She blushed as she realized that I had heard everything that she had said.
"How much did you hear? And please don't lie to me," she asked clearly mad.
"Enough."
"Enough for what? To laugh at my face? At how stupid I am to think that I could have a chance with you now after eight years? For thinking that maybe now you don't hate me? Please enlighten me." She said, hissing the lass few words at me.
I looked at her and couldn't help it. The only thing I was focused on during her whole little speech was her lips. I pulled her by the waist as I crashed her lips to mine. At first she was cautious, but then gave in. It started slow and sweet, but then it got rough and passionate. She parted her lips and I let me tongue slip into her mouth desperately in search of her tongue. When I found it, I couldn't help but deepen the kiss even more. She moaned as I pressed her up against the wall. I was completely unconcerned with the fact that I was heavily making out in a women's restroom. She knotted her fingers into my hair while I left her mouth to place small kisses down her neck and shoulders. She turned us around so that I was the one against the wall now as she kissed my neck. I groaned at the unbelievable sensation. I hadn't been kissed like this since, well, ever. After a minute she pulled away.
"I'm sorry I can't do this. Not here or with you," she said pushing my arms away from her waist and headed towards the door. Before she had completely exited, she turned and looked at me. Slightly confused and dazed, tears escaped her eyes before she slammed the door closed.
I walked to the sink and washed my face still confused at what I'd done. But God, did it feel good to kiss her. As I stood in front of the mirror, I made a little promise to myself. "I promise that from here on, I will give myself the opportunity to fall in love... and to kiss Bella once again," I said as I touched my lips feeling a tickling sensation.
A/N : Please let me know what ya think so far about the story... I really want this to be good as it is my first fanfic…my baby. Thank you all. Please Review!