AN: Yay for a really long chapter!! I was really in the zone and enjoyed writing this one! Next chapter is the wedding, then a honeymoon chapter and then time for Bella's change. I just want to point out that I haven't gotten any reviews yet, and FF says that 80 people have read this story so far..so where are you? If you like what I'm doing then please let me know!

Oh, and this chapter has Bella and Edward "practicing", but nothing too raunchy. But, I said I'd warn you about anything sexual..

Here you go. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, any of the characters, or the town of Forks. Also, I don't own any of the songs or games mentioned in this chapter. No copyright infringement was intended.


Ch. 3 Party

We pulled into the Cullen drive and wound though the twists and turns with ease. Alice stopped the car in the drive way and I hurried to meet Edward on the porch, I wondered why he hadn't raced to get me out of the car and carry me straight upstairs with vampire speed, and I was about to ask, when Charlie's voice rang out, "Bells! You're here. Come look at what we've got set up in here!"
"Ok, Dad. Coming", I looked up at Edward and gave him a hug, and placed a small kiss on his cheek. "Let's go, I want to see what he's talking about." I pulled Edward through the house until we got to the living room. I gasped when I saw the transformation the room had undergone.

The usual couches and loungers had disappeared, and in their place, was a raised stage. There were huge professional style speakers on either side, and a few mics set up on stage. Positioned in the corner was a small grouping of instruments, when I looked closer I noted that they were the kind for games like Guitar Hero, and Rockband. Across the room was a giant pull down projection screen, and at the edge of the stage, a glowing projector. Between the screen and the stage, was what I could only assume was a dance floor. To the right, along the far wall, was a table set up with snacks and drinks. On the opposite side was a small but growing pile of presents. There was banner hanging above it that said "Bon Voyage!"
"Oh wow. Alice, this looks great. But you didn't need to go to all this trouble. I would've been fine with just the radio, you know that." Alice just smiled and danced over to me and said "Only the best for my favorite sister-in-law. I'll just miss you guys so much when you leave; I wanted to do something special!" Of course, we both knew that Alice would not miss us, we'd never really leave. Well, except for our honeymoon of course.
"Well, it looks great! I've never tried Rockband before, but with my coordination it should be interesting! Maybe I'll give it a try." I was actually very excited at trying the games. This would be a great night.

"Is there anything I can do to finish getting ready?" I asked. It was 4 o' clock now. The guests would start arriving around 5, I was sure things were under control, but I wanted to do my part.
"No thanks Bella, but Edward did need you upstairs to work on some wedding stuff." Alice nodded towards the stairs and then grabbed Charlie's elbow. "Charlie, could you help me? I need to move some boxes, but I just can't get them alone." Alice turned on the charm. I gave her a thankful glance for giving me an excuse for some alone time with Edward.

I hurried up the stairs and into Edward's room where I collapsed into him arms.
"I missed you this morning." I whined. He planted a soft kiss on my mouth.
"I know love, but I wanted to get some things for your surprise, and this was the only day. Besides, you needed some time with Charlie too. How was your morning?"
"Oh, you know, normal; cooked breakfast, nothing too fancy. What's this about a surprise for me?" I pressed.
Edward's face turned sly. "I'll never tell." He vowed. "You'll just have to wait and see! But I do think you'll be thrilled. Just six days until you'll find out!" He waggled his perfect eyebrows at me and pulled me closer. I snuggled into his chest, and pressed my nose to his perfect bicep. I placed a soft kiss there. I looked up at the clock on his wall, the one there solely for my benefit. We still had a while before the party started; I thought this could be the perfect opportunity to get in a little "practice."

When I had agreed to Edward's marriage proposal, and the condition that I marry him before he changed me, I had come up with a condition of my own. I was not that enthralled with being human. I was klutzy, and accident prone, and average at just about everything, so I was looking forward to becoming a vampire. I had however, decided on one human experience that I was not prepared to forfeit, and through the wonderful concept of compromise, was going to make sure that Edward followed through. For as intimate as Edward and I had become emotionally in the past months, there was one part of himself that he kept from me. I yearned to have him in every way, but he didn't trust himself to keep control when faced with being with me physically. I maintained that he was literally unable to hurt me by design, it was just a part of his makeup, and he would somehow know where the line was, and wouldn't cross it. But since he was so convinced that it would be a disaster, we had pushed the boundaries just a little further every time we were close. I decided now was just such a time to do a little boundary pushing.

"Can you hear Charlie?" I asked him.
"Yes, he's in the kitchen talking to Esme. Why do you ask?" he looked at me puzzled.
"Just making sure he won't decide to come looking, I wouldn't want him to find his only daughter in a compromising position…" I trailed off suggestively. He chuckled and pressed his lips to mine.

I could feel the intensity slowly rising. I turned in his arms to that our chests were pressed together, and ran my fingers down his arms, and back up to his neck. I pulled his face closer to mine and felt him melt a little closer to me. He rolled us so that he was on top of me, I could feel every curve of his body pressed against me. I moved my hands down along his back, and stopped at the waistband of his jeans. This was as far as my hands had wandered thus far. Slowly, and softly I slid my hands into the back pockets of his jeans, and pulled him closer to me. I felt him tense against me, the hum of a low growl building in his chest. I deepened our kiss, and came up for air when he trailed soft kisses down my neck and along my collar bone. I shivered, but not from cold. I saw his lips turn up into a smile and felt his cold hands run town my sides to the hem of my shirt. He was about to pull it up over my head whenever Alice burst into the room.

"Oh! Excuse me." Like she hadn't seen this coming. "Charlie made the decision to come up to talk to Edward and I saw him, uh, interrupting. So I decided better me than him."
Edward chuckled, I guessed in reaction to the vision of Charlie catching us. That would be a sight, but not one I particularly felt compelled to witness. I was thankful for Alice's foresight.
"No Alice, thanks for coming up. I guess we were getting a bit carried away…"

I had decided that if I was going to live in a house with seven uber observant vampires, I'd have to get used to the interruptions. Besides, everyone in this house was doing it. And I fully intended to join them once I was allowed free reign with my Edward. Alice's eyes sparkled. I knew she was impressed with my ability to keep my mortification under control.

"Nice Bella. You didn't even need Jasper that time." She said referring to the past times we'd been interrupted, and Jasper had needed to calm my embarrassment before I could return to the rest of the family.
"Well, it's not like you haven't seen it before Al," I shrugged my shoulders indifferently, "And if I'm gonna be here for eternity, then I might as well just deal. I know that's not the first time we've been interrupted, and if the stories I hear are true, it definitely won't be the last. I don't plan on being celibate to avoid exposure…"

They both looked at me open mouthed. I was satisfied at this; it was very hard to surprise a vampire. And I had managed to surprise two!
"Okaaay." Alice drew out the word and rolled her eyes. "Well, if you two are done, Angela, Ben, Jessica, and Mike are downstairs. And the evening just disappeared, so I think the wolves must be here. Would you care to join us downstairs?"
"Yes Alice, we'll be right down" Edward answered for us. Alice vanished into the hall, and we heard her tinkling laughter as she greeted the new arrivals. He turned to me with a question on his face.
"Bella, not that I'm not thrilled with your change of mind, but what happened to make you so…" he struggled for words, "immodest?"
I shrugged my shoulders, and laughed. "What did you tell me once? You "got over it." Guess I did too."

We headed for the party and I stopped at the foot of the stairs to take in for the last time, my human companions. There was Angela, smiling and happy as usual, helping Esme with the food. They were laughing and smiling, Angela was completely at ease. She caught my eye and waved. Then there was Ben, he was cutting up with Eric and Tyler in the corner, doing some kung fu impersonation. I laughed at his efforts. Mike and Jessica were in the doorway, apparently still together, or was it back together? I wasn't sure. I had quit trying to keep up with that relationship. Lauren had, thankfully, bowed out of this evening. Though I wasn't sure what her excuse had been, I didn't miss her scowls. I took a final glance around the room and went to say hello to Angela. She gave me a warm hug, and turned to smile at Edward.
"Ok Bella. Let me see that ring one more time! I just can't get over it. It's so beautiful! Just six days left! Are you getting excited?" I could tell she was genuinely interested. Edward motioned that he was going to go talk to his brothers, and Angela and I carried on about the wedding and college. We talked for a bit, until I excused myself to make the rounds and say hello to everyone else.

Jessica greeted me with a big hug, and then to our surprise, turned and gave Edward one as well. Though from Edward's expression, I guessed they were two very different hugs. Mike hugged me and I heard Edward growl under his breath, so I guessed Mike was up to his usual behavior. I was very thankful to avoid any real conversation with them when Jacob and the boys from La Push came in. I had to bite in a laugh as I watched all of the Cullens wrinkle their noses at the arrival.

"Hey, Jake, Seth, over here." I called. "Where's Morgan?" I asked Jake. She and Jake were usually inseparable, so her absence was very noticeable.
"Oh, Morgs' coming out later with Emily and Sam. She was helping Emily with some girl stuff, and she didn't feel like running out with us." He winked at me, and enveloped me in one of his warm woodsy hugs. He grabbed Edward's hand, and shook it firmly. I was surprised how quickly the animosity had disappeared once Jake had imprinted. He and Edward we're almost friends now. Each seemed to hold a mutual respect for the other, and actually had things in common once they weren't vying for my affections.

At that moment, Alice stepped up to the microphone on the little stage; "Hey everyone, Thanks for coming out. As you all know in three weeks, after their honeymoon," Alice looked at us and winked suggestively, I heard Emmett's cat calls above the laughter. "After the honeymoon, they're off to Europe to travel with the "No Boundaries" program for a year. So we're here tonight to celebrate their engagement, wedding, and departure-"
"I know I'm celebrating their departure" Emmett called. Rose smacked him on the arm and he guffawed.
Alice continued, "I want everyone to have a good time, but also, don't forget to say your goodbyes to the happy couple. On the table in the corner is a scrapbook for you to sign and write well wishes in. I know they'll cherish it forever. Anyways, enough sentimental stuff. Let's party! Who's up for some Rockband??"
Edward grabbed the mic and added "Also, we are saying goodbye to Alice, who will be off to school with Jasper at the University of Alaska in a few weeks. We wish her the best of luck, and can't wait to share stories about our freshman years!" She beamed at us; it was all a part of the show.

Emmett, Jasper, and Seth decided to play first. As I watched them set up the game, and fight over who got what instrument and who could pick a song, I was struck by the odd camaraderie between the boys.

Seth Clearwater was definitely my favorite wolf, besides Jacob of course. Seth seemed to honestly not care who was a vampire and who was a werewolf. He and Edward had a pretty close relationship. I'd venture to say that outside of the family, Seth was his best friend. They enjoyed rough housing together, since they were evenly matched when Seth was in wolf form, and Edward was trying to tech Seth about the finer side of music. To his credit, Seth was trying hard to appreciate the music from the Big Band era. My favorite though, was whenever it was Seth's turn to share music with Edward. I'll never forget the look on his face when Seth showed up with a "Lil Wayne" cd. I think the old fashioned gentleman in Edward was appalled.

The boys on stage finally decided that Emmet would sing, Seth would take the drums, and Jasper would play guitar. I was interested to see which song Emmett would pick. I looked at Edward and saw him roll his eyes and shake his head, so I knew whatever it was it was good. The room was silent with anticipation. I started laughing as soon as I heard the familiar opening;

"Ooooohohoho. Ooohohoho. Oohohoho. Everybody was kung-fu fighting, those cats were fast as lightning. In fact it was a little bit frightening. But they fought with expert timing…"

With each new verse Emmet karate chopped the air, and swung his body forward. It was a wonder he didn't knock someone out with his heavy fists. The room broke out into laughter and Rosalie made catcalls from the back of the room. Jasper and Seth played flawlessly, and stayed on stage for Jasper's choice; Mississippi Queen. They got off of the stage smiling.

I left the games to my friends and brothers for a bit and went to greet the other people who had arrived. Billy was here talking to Charlie, so I went over to say hello. Morgan and Emily had just gotten here as well, but before I could catch them, Morgan was off in search of Jake. I saw the two embrace in the front of the room by the stage, Jacob giving Morgan a sweet kiss. All the sudden Edward was there, "Just wait 'til you see this!" He laughed. I looked to where he was pointing, and Sam, Jacob and Seth were taking the stage. They got into position, and Jacob called "Hey Bells, This one's from all of my boys down at La Push." He winked at me and pressed start. The Song "Hungry Like the Wolf" started and I had to try very hard to remain standing, I was laughing so hard. How fitting. I could tell the humor was lost on most of our guests but the "Wolf-girls" as we'd started calling the pack's imprinted girl friends, and all of the Cullens seemed to have the same reaction. We exchanged glances and got into the song. At the end of the song, the three boys leaned back their heads and howled.

Edward and I made our way over to where Morgan and Jacob were standing.
"Hey Morgan. Glad you could make it."I waved, Morgan was a really sweet girl, and I really enjoyed being around her. I wondered how things would be once I was changed. I probably wouldn't be able to see her for a few decades. I wasn't sure but it was probably unacceptable to eat your best friend's girlfriend in a crazed fit of newborn vampire bloodlust.
"Hey Bella. Edward. Great party. Alice doesn't do things halfway does she?," she laughed.
"No, I'm not sure Alice knows what "half-way" means," Edward responded.
"So, any big plans for you two this fall? Going back to school Jake?" I asked sternly. After he found out about his nature, Jacob had had a very cavalier attitude about his education. I was hoping that Morgan would convince him to back to school.
"Yeah Bell. Actually I am. I'm gonna try and finish it all correspondence. The thought of going back after everything just kills me, so Billy's trying to get them to let me finish at home. We'll see. And Morgan's planning on taking so classes at the community college a town over. We'll stay busy." He looked from me to Edward, and I could tell he was thinking just how busy Edward would be keeping me from massacring whole villages. I blanched at that thought.
"Well that's great Jake. Good luck! And you too Morgan! Jake tells me that you like riding his motorcycle?"
"Oh yeah, it's a rush. He's only taken me a few times, but I love the wind in my hair, do you ever ride them?" she asked me.
"Not anymore, but Jake has my old bike at his house still. I was gonna offer to give it to you. I figure someone should use it. So please, feel free to take it out!" I smiled, it seemed like the right thing do to giving it to her. I just hoped she would have better luck on it than I did.
"Oh wow! Thanks. I'll have to get Jake to teach me how to ride."
"Yeah, no problem. Enjoy it." I gave her hand a squeeze. "Well, I gotta go make another round of small talk. The party's winding down and I don't want to be rude. Ya'll should stay as long as you want though ok? Eat all this food." I winked at Jake.

We watched Rosalie sing a Paramour song, and then Esme got up and sang "Calling Dr. Love" while making goo goo eyes at Carlisle. It was cute. Alice did "Don't Stop Believing," and then pulled Edward and me up on stage and handed me the microphone.
She unhooked the drums from the game unit and danced off stage leaving Edward holding the guitar. The whole room quieted down and looked at us expectantly.
"What song're ya singing Bella?" Emmett called.
I grabbed the controller and clicked though the choices until I found the perfect song.
Alice smiled at me and nodded encouragingly. I pressed start, and when Edward saw the song he looked at me with a puzzled expression, but seemed to accept my choice. I was a bit nervous (well, a lot nervous, but I'm pretty sure Jasper was helping me..), but I decided to go for it anyways. Everyone was having fun singing and I would too! The first few bars on piano opened the song, and I started singing;

How can you see into my eyes like open doors
Leading you down into my core

Where I've become so numb
Without a soul

My spirit's sleeping somewhere cold
Until you find it there and lead it back home

(Wake me up) Wake me up inside
(I can't wake up) Wake me up inside

(Save me) Call my name and save me from the dark

(Wake me up) Bid my blood to run
(I can't wake up) Before I come undone
(Save me) Save me from the nothing I've become

Now that I know what I'm without
You can't just leave me
Breathe into me and make me real
Bring me to life

(Wake me up) Wake me up inside
(I can't wake up) Wake me up inside(Save me)
Call my name and save me from the dark
(Wake me up) Bid my blood to run
(I can't wake up) Before I come undone
(Save me) Save me from the nothing I've become
Bring me to life

I've been living a lie
There's nothing inside
Bring me to life

I got really into the song now, knowing my favorite line was coming up, and looking straight at Edward. I hoped he was catching my message loud and clear.

Frozen inside without your touch
Without your love, darling
Only you are the life among the dead

All of this time, I can't believe I couldn't see
Kept in the dark, but you were there in front of me
I've been sleeping a thousand years it seems
Got to open my eyes to everything
Without a thought, without a voice, without a soul
Don't let me die here
There must be something more
Bring me to life

Edward wasn't even watching the screen, just me. His fingers were moving skillfully across the colored tabs, keeping perfect time. But somehow he never broke eye contact with me. As the song came to an end, I could see the emotion in his eyes. I think he got my message.

(Wake me up) Wake me up inside
(I can't wake up) Wake me up inside
(Save me) Call my name and save me from the dark
(Wake me up) Bid my blood to run(
I can't wake up) Before I come undone
(Save me) Save me from the nothing I've become

Bring me to life
I've been living a lie

There's nothing inside
Bring me to life

The song ended and everyone started clapping. But I didn't hear much more than that. Edward pulled me into a tight hug and whispered so that only I could hear, "It is you who has brought me to life Isabella. You truly saved me from myself. Now and forever, you will be my salvation." He kissed my cheek, and we stepped off the stage.

The rest of the night was a blur. Everyone eventually got on stage, even Charlie, his rendition of "I Fought the Law (and the law won…)" was hysterical. Edward seemed quiet and contemplative for the rest of the evening, I didn't have the chance to ask him what was on his mind, I wouldn't have to wait long. Finally, everyone left, and I was tucked safely in Edward's arms. As I was drifting off, he told me, "Bella. I understand your reasons for wanting to be changed. And you have convinced me that there is more to this life than being a monster. I will be honored to share this life with you. I want you to know that I change you because I want forever, and I want to give you what you've given me, which is life. Even if it is a different kind of life, than the one you're living now. You will be mine forever." His eyes were black with the intensity of his feelings. I kissed him hard, still on the edge of sleep, and felt myself drift off.


Ok so what did you think? Were those good song choices for everyone to sing? Tell me what you thought! If I get 5 reviews I'll post sooner. Haha. :) Hope everyone has a great, safe weekend!-- Haley