I cleared my throat, "Rosalie, Emme..." I never got the chance to finish before I was enveloped in a bear hug from Emmett. I stiffened, but relaxed into the hug because I could feel the excitement radiating off his body. It's hard to stay mad at someone so happy. The next thing I knew I was lifted off my feet and twirled in a circle, the world blurring together into a rainbow of colors. I laughed at how easy my anger towards Emmett melted away. For a brief second I wondered if it would be the same way with Edward. Is he here tonight? I had to find out; I could feel the stress sneaking into my body just thinking about it. Feeling my feet reconnect to the ground, I swayed uneasily; I would have fallen had Emmett not grabbed my arm to steady me.

"Damn heels," I muttered under my breath, not loud enough for human ears. I considered what Stephanie would do if I "broke" a heel and had to take them off. I was wearing a floor length dress; no one would notice if I went around barefoot…hmm

"Same old, clumsy Bella." He joked, beaming.

I laughed, "You know I was never able to stay vertical, but I'm a little more gracious now that I'm…you know…," lowering my voice before continuing, "vampire." Mentally cursing myself for mentioning my condition, I tried to change the subject, "So uh, how are you guys doing?"

Emmett was not so easily deterred though, in as grave a voice I had ever heard from Emmett he asked, "Bella, when did you become one of our kind? Who changed you?"

I was at a loss for words. Should I tell them? Would they tell him? I pushed that thought from my head. I was having a hard time staying away from thoughts involving him tonight. I looked between the long lost friends in front of me. Scratch that, long lost friend. Emmett looked as if he were about to blow a fuse and Rosalie was trying hard to look as if she were far more interested in her perfectly manicured nails than the conversation happening between the person she loved the most and person she hated the most. I caved, deciding I was going to tell them. We would be reconnecting no further after tonight so what was the harm?

Tilting my chin so I was able to look him in the eye I simply said, "Victoria. Eight months after your family left." The harsh edge to my voice surprised me. It portrayed the hurt I still felt, but fought to keep locked deep inside. Fearing they would be able to see how this topic affected me, I cast my eyes towards the floor. I clenched my hands into fists, fighting the memories of my poor baby girl that pushed towards that front of my mind. Taking a deep, shaky breath to keep the anguish from overtaking me, I lifted my eyes to find both of them frozen in place. I saw the realization sink in for Emmett as he stiffened, adding an inch to his already towering form. His eyes suddenly pitch black and blazing he let a string of profanities escape his mouth. Rosalie, fighting to keep her emotions in check, stepped on his foot, reminding him to stay in check. Realizing what he had done, he cursed again, this time too low for human ears. Rubbing a great hand over his face, he looked stressed. Why does this affect him, I wondered. They made their choice when they left me.

Emmett's voice snapped me from my thoughts, "So this is what she meant, Edward is going to have a hissy fit when he finds out."

This can't be happening. I felt as though I was going to lose it. "No!" I panicked. They can't tell him. Why would he even care?

Emmett looked up surprised, "Bella, Edward tracked Victoria for months after we left. When he finally caught up with her, she said something that completely unhinged him. Something about having already gotten revenge. I don't remember the exact words, but I know he will want to know about this."

I shook my head stubbornly, "There is no reason to tell," I took a deep breath to gain strength, "Edward." I had forgotten what it sounded like. His name rolled off my tongue like silk. I felt a warm tingle in my dead heart, but reality got my attention again. I need to get over him. "He left me twelve years ago. He doesn't love me and I'm sure he has moved on. He deserves happiness in his life and he made it clear a long time ago that I wasn't that happiness. There is no reason to bring me up to him. I'm a long forgotten memory to him." I didn't know if I was trying to convince Emmett or myself.

Emmett and Rosalie looked at as if I was crazy. Rosalie spoke for the first time this evening, "Wow. You're dumber than I thought." She snorted.

Anger flared within me. "I don't know what you're talking about. If you haven't noticed, I have done well in my lifetime." I was going to say more when I felt a warm, delicate hand on my shoulder and could smell the vanilla and lilac perfume. I relaxed, Jake had sent Angela. She seemed to forget what she came for, completely in awe of the beautiful creatures in front of us. Pulling herself together, I heard her speak, clear and strong, "Please excuse me as I steal Bella away. There are many that are just dying to wish her happy birthday." I was surprised. She just let them know that she knew what they are. The vampires in front of us were trying hard to contain their emotions. Their faces were priceless. I giggled, "Okay, let's go Ange. It was uh, nice to see you guys again."

Turning and walking in the opposite direction I could feel their eyes on me. I snuck a glance back and nearly fell over when I saw four more familiar faces. Their faces a mixture of shock, excitement, and hurt; I'm sure my face mirrored them exactly.

A/N: I am so sorry it has been so long since I have updated, but life is HECTIC! I have clubs, lessons, practice, tutoring, etc. every day of the week :( It ends up taking up 90% of my time. I really want to do an exchange program near where my aunt lives in Switzerland next year, so I have to do everything I can this year to make my application for the school look good and that includes every after school activity under the earth. :/ I have already started the next chapter for this story so I am going to try to update by Sunday, but no promises. This chapter was short, so I will make sure that the next one longer. I appreciate all y'all putting up with me and my slow writing :)

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