Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight. I didn't say anything about Twilight owning me.

Chapter Two

APOV

I watched Bella walk onto the stage and tried to hide a smirk behind my hand. She was too funny, trying not to trip in the high heels I'd bought her and looking so red in her face she might match the curtains behind her. I was very grateful she'd stepped in at the last minute, and I knew how hard it was for her. But that's what friends are for, right? At least she got a fabulous new dress (that I made just for her, thank you very much) and shoes out of the deal.

My eyes wandered to the audience, wondering how much money Bella would fetch. She was convinced people would only bid on her out of pity, but I did not miss the eyes of most of the men in the room follow her as she'd walked in earlier tonight. Bella was a beauty, ironically enough, and she had no idea of her appeal. I knew she'd get a pretty penny for the hospital, and maybe even a second date. Lord knows she needs to get out and have a good time- anyone who voluntarily signs up to teach high school English deserved a lot more than that, actually.

A very familiar voice snapped me out of my musings. "Five thousand," I heard. My eyes searched frantically for him, convinced I was hallucinating. NO WAY my brother participated in this event at all, never mind actually bidding- My breath caught in my throat as I saw Edward stand up and give a little bow for having the winning bid.

HOLD ON a second.

The infinite wonders of the moment flooded my mind.

First wonder: Edward, my staid, quiet older brother, who preferred being a wallflower when his looks called for him to be a screen star, had just drawn attention to himself.

Second wonder: Edward, my happily single brother who never asked for dates because he was the one being pursued, had bid on a date with an unknown woman. And bid quite a chunk of change, I might add.

Third wonder: Edward, my best friend in the entire world who knew every single one of my secrets, had just bid on a date with the only person who would ever give him a run for his money in the closeness-to-me department, my dearest friend Bella.

I couldn't come up with any more wonders because I was being approached by Bella backstage. She frowned when she saw me. "Are you okay, Alice? I thought you'd be jumping for joy at how much I got for the hospital," she said.

I plastered a big smile on my face and determined to grill Edward later. "Of course I'm jumping for joy! Just on the inside, I can't show favorites among the bachelorettes," I covered.

She smiled. "Well, then, I won't let Tanya know where I got this fabulous dress, then. She's been asking me if it was one of yours nonstop since she saw me."

"Ew! Definitely don't tell her!" I exclaimed. "She needs to find her own clothes, not angle for mine." Tanya had been begging me to make her a dress for who knows how long, and I always refused. I had standards, after all, and Alice Cullen did not make dresses for skanks who chased after her brother.

Bella suddenly grabbed my arm. "Do you know who bid on me? I know your family comes every year."

For some reason I was suddenly certain that I should let this… thing play out between Bella and Edward and see what happens without letting them know my connection to each of them. Don't ask me where it came from, I just knew.

I successfully hid a smile and tried to keep my face blank. "No, I didn't get a good look at him. I'm sure he's a nice guy and you'll have a great time, though," I said reassuringly. And I wasn't lying- Edward knew how to impress a girl when he wanted to. He just never usually had to try.

I saw Edward approaching the winner's table to write a check for his date, so I grabbed Bella and led her backstage to the makeup table. "Let me freshen you up a bit before your big date."

Bella rolled her eyes. "Alice! You already tortured me for three hours! You could have at least used long-lasting makeup!"

I made sure and kept Edward in my periphery while I reapplied mascara and lip gloss. I took as long as possible, drawing out each stroke until I saw him walk away to wait for his date to join him. "There you go! Now go out there and wow your lucky winner. Be someone else for the night. You never know what could happen…" I trailed off and waggled my eyebrows.

Bella blushed. "I don't know how to be anyone but me… and I'd be too embarrassed."

"Aw, come on, Bella! What could it hurt? You'll probably never see him again. It's like those Vegas commercials: 'What happens on a bachelorette date in Seattle, stays on a bachelorette date in Seattle.'" I made sure and pouted so she'd cave, like always.

"That's cheating, Alice."

"But effective," I chortled as I saw her resolve give. "You'll have fun! And you can always text me to come rescue you." And then I could give my brother the lashing of his life for screwing this up.

She sighed. "Okay, okay, I'll try it your way. But keep your phone on you." She turned and looked to where the winners were waiting for their bachelorettes. "I hope he's cute…"

I smothered a laugh. "Oh, he's cute, alright," I muttered as she walked away.

AN: I'm pretty open with where this is going. This is my first ever fanfic, so let me know what you think! :)