I do not own any of the characters below, they all belong to the great SM.
Thanks for all of the positive feedback I've received so far. This is just the beginning and hopefully you all like the upcoming twists and turns I have in store for this story. Again, please let me know how I'm doing.
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Chapter 2 - After Party
EPOV
I pulled up to the night club that Vamp Records had rented out for the night and immediately saw the large crowd standing outside the entrance waiting to get a glimpse of the celebrities that would be entering throughout the night. It was then that I had an epiphany.
Bella doesn't handle attention very well when she's not on stage performing, which she made very clear tonight. Maybe I could win the "Edward vs. Bella" saga by making myself the good guy with the paparazzi and all of those ridiculous tabloid reporters. I don't typically stop and pose for pictures or make myself available for comment but if it gives me a chance to show the world what kind of person Bella Swan is, then I'll just have to make the sacrifice.
With that, I got out of my Volvo and made my way toward the entrance. The crowd was shouting my name as soon as I got out of my car and only got louder as I moved closer to the doors. Jasper and Jacob were already standing off to the side of the red ropes signing autographs as I approached. I walked up to a reporter I recognized from one of the tabloids that's been running stories about Breaking Dawn and Crimson Eyes non-stop for the last couple of months.
"Edward Cullen, can you answer a couple of questions for us?" He asked as bright flashes were going off like crazy.
"Sure, what do you want to know?"
"Tell us how you felt when they announced Crimson Eyes tonight as the Best Rock Band of the Year"
"I was very happy for those guys, their music rocks. It's too bad I haven't had the pleasure of seeing them perform live yet."
"Sources say that the rivalry between you and Bella Swan has been completely fabricated to sell more records. Is there any truth to that?"
I stopped for a minute to make sure I answered the question as honestly as possible without making myself look like the asshole in the situation, "Let's just say that Bella and I didn't start off on the right foot when we first met."
"Can you expand on that further?" He asked with genuine curiosity plastered across his face.
"She slapped me across the face." I cringed purposely.
He was now trying to hold back the laughter, "Why did she do that?"
"I'm not sure, but I don't think she quite understands my sense of humor." I smirked. "Well, I've got to get inside."
"Can I get one more picture first?" He pleaded with a grin.
I hesitated but decided that I might as well move forward with my new plan, "Sure, then I really need to get going." With that, the flash went off and I made my way back to the doors.
I walked through the doors and couldn't believe the transformation that had taken place to honor our bands. I had just been in here a week ago and now there were flat screen monitors all over showing video clips of us and them. There were also life size replica posters of all of us, meaning all of the members of Breaking Dawn and Crimson Eyes scattered throughout the open space. The most astonishing thing was the complete stage that was set up across the room from where I stood. I wondered if they were going to have some local band get up and pay homage to us. At least that's what happened when we won our first Grammy.
I glanced around once more before I saw Jasper and Jacob talking with Aro. I stalked off toward them since I was still pretty irritated with Aro for making me come here tonight. As I got closer, I realized Bella and Emmett were standing on the other side of Aro looking like they were just handed the key to the city. Bella looked up at me and gave me a look that said 'go away'. I noticed she had changed out of her blue dress and was now wearing a red and black corset. I let my eyes wander down her body and saw she was wearing a black skirt that looked like it had been shredded into a thousand pieces. I winked at her when she noticed me looking at her intently and then turned my attention towards Aro. He looked up at me and said, "Edward, I've got some great news for you."
"Are you going to let me leave now?" I sneered.
"No, Breaking Dawn and Crimson Eye's are going to perform one song each tonight." He waved a hand toward the stage.
"Are you fucking kidding me? I felt like I'd been kicked in the gut. "Since when do the top bands at Vamp Records perform at their own celebration party?" I asked mockingly.
Aro turned and gave me a look that showed he meant business, "Since I make the decisions around here and gave you the chance to earn that title., I do. Now get your guys together, you're on in fifteen."
"Fuck" I looked at Jasper and Jacob. "Where's Sam?"
"He's at the bar, I'll go get him and meet you two up there." Jasper pointed across the room.
Jacob and I made our way to the stage and climbed up. I saw that someone had brought all of our instruments from the studio and had everything set up for us. I bet Rose knew about this and didn't want to tell us for fear that she'd have to listen to me bitch about it.
"What song do we want to play?" Jasper asked as he and Sam jumped on the stage to join us.
I looked around the room and answered, "This crowd is pretty fucking boring if you ask me. Let's get 'em going." I looked at all of the guys and said three words, "HIT THE FLOOR."
They all started knocking fists with each other as I started to go over the song in my head. Jacob went over to his drums and sat down while Sam grabbed his bass and adjusted his amp. Japer and I each grabbed our guitars and started strumming to make sure it was ready. Aro really outdid himself, it seems the sound checks were already taken care of prior to our arrival. I wondered how long he had been planning this and why he felt the need to keep it from us before tonight. I was pissed that we were being treated like a bunch of no-name puppets. We will definitely be discussing this during the meeting tomorrow.
We were standing at our stage positions when the lights all went out eliciting a big gasp from the crowd. The main spotlight came on and shone front and center as Aro came out from behind us and glided across the stage with a microphone in hand, "Hello out there. We've got a little treat for all of you tonight. Vamp Records is proud to announce that our top two bands will be performing one song each tonight. This is just a taste of what is yet to come"
I looked at him questionably. 'What does that mean, a taste of what is yet to come'
"So without further ado, Breaking Dawn"
I scanned the crowd and locked eyes with Bella before giving her my crooked grin. We're going to show everyone why we're still the best at what we do even though we didn't win tonight. The crowd erupted as I started the opening riff and we started jamming:
I see you walking home alone
Your face is alive and bright.
But you can't see how weak you are
'cause I could end it tonight.
It's the feeling you get when you think Why do you take it all?
that someone behind is watching you.
Well I can tell you now that someone is me
And I'm about to make it right.
Why do I beg for more?
I never thought that this is how I'd hit the floor!
Why do you take it all?
Why do I beg for more?
I never thought that this is how I'd hit the floor!
I creep up from behind, touch your neck
move down to your spine.
You take a look and breathe so sharp
It's just a matter of time.
Don't scream, I ask of you
but then you let one out so now it's time to go.
I come down on you like a ton of bricks
it's all over so now it's time to go.
Why do you take it all? ohhh-oh-oh-ohh-oh-oh-oh Why do you take it all? Take this from me, I don't wanna hurt you
Why do I beg for more?
I never thought that this is how I'd hit the floor
Why do you take it all?
Why do I beg for more?
I never thought that this is how I'd hit the floor (Hit the floor!)
ohhh-oh-oh-ohh-oh-oh-oh
ohhh-oh-oh-ohh-oh-oh-oh
ohhh-oh-oh-ohh-oh-oh-oh
Why do I beg for more?
I never thought that this is how I'd hit the floor
Why do you take it all?
Why do I beg for more?
Take this from me, (I don't wanna hurt you)
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BPOV
We entered the nightclub following Cauis after we stopped and signed a ton of autographs and posed for numerous photos. It all still seemed surreal as we walked through the open club space. Alice and I were still walking arm-in-arm as we made our way over to an area where a bunch of people from Vamp Records were sitting. I recognized some of the faces from our recording time at the studio. They all stood up and started congratulating us. Emmett and Quil were smiling like idiots at everyone while Alec started engaging in conversation with Eric, the sound guy that helped mix our album. I was taking the moment in when Alice leaned over and whispered, "Let's go to the ladies room."
I turned as she started dragging me away. Once we got to the ladies room, I noticed Alice had a large bag strapped to her shoulder. As soon as we got to the lounge area fully equipped with full length mirrors, she started pulling clothes from the bag. I looked at her questionably when she started screeching.
"Bella, you need to put these on. And before you say a word, please, please, please trust me." She pleaded.
"Fine, but are you going to tell me why I'm taking this dress off that you forced on me earlier today?"
"No, now get changed. I chose this outfit specifically for tonight."
I grabbed the clothes and headed for a changing room. Once inside I looked at what she had given me and smiled to myself. The outfit looked like something I would wear while performing and way more comfortable than the dress I'd been wearing all evening. I got dressed quickly and stepped out for Alice to lace up the back of the corset.
"Alice, I love it. But you have to tell me why I'm changing" I asked her.
She rolled her eyes at me, "I'm trying to preserve your image as the Rock Goddess that you are. Now sit down so I can fix your make-up and hair."
I sat down and she pulled all of the pins out of my hair and wiped the make-up from my face. I sat there contemplating on Alice's words, 'Rock Goddess' while she fixed my hair and applied more make-up. I really liked the sound of that. I had been imagining playing on stage to large crowds since I was in high school. I even spent quite a bit of the money I had earned at my various part-time jobs buying tickets to rock concerts. I haven't been to a concert in quite a while though, it's been at least a year. I was trying to remember which concert I had seen last when Alice interrupted my thoughts.
"All done. Now let's get back out there and enjoy the party." she grabbed all of her "supplies" and put them back in her bag.
"Let's go." I followed behind her and returned to the area where we had left the guys. I was greeted by Aro as soon as I got there, "Bella, you look awesome!"
I chuckled, "Thanks, Alice thought I needed to keep up with my image."
"Well, that girl's got a good head on her shoulders or she has un uncanny ability to predict the future" He grinned back. "I have a surprise for you guys tonight."
Emmett heard the word surprise, "Great, let's have it."
I shot him a dirty look and turned back to Aro waiting for him to speak. Alec and Quil were also listening intently waiting for the big "surprise" Aro was about to give us.
"Tonight's been a big night for Vamp Records and we want to start building on it. I'd like for you guys to perform a song tonight for all of these people. I want them to see the talent that we've been keeping to ourselves." He winked at me.
Alice and Emmett started jumping up and down like little kids while I started grinning ear to ear. Most groups would prefer to stay in the studio, but not us. Performing live was where we shined the brightest and we can finally get to show everyone that we deserved that Grammy tonight.
I broke out of my happy stupor, "When do you want us to go on?"
He hesitated slightly, "Breaking Dawn will be performing one song as well, so we're going to have them go first. We've already brought all of your instruments in and done the sound check. Be ready five minutes after they're done."
I cringed at the thought of Him being here tonight. I suppose it's inevitable that we'll have to see those guys but it doesn't change the fact that I can't stand Him. It's hard to believe that I used to really look up to Edward Cullen. Breaking Dawn was one of my favorite bands after they got their big break. All of a sudden it hit me, that's the last concert that I had gone too. I remember being pushed around while I made my way near the front of the stage so I could get as close as possible. I guess you could say that I had a crush on Him. At the time, I thought he was the most beautiful man I had ever seen with his bronze-colored hair and emerald green eyes. And the voice, it could make me wet as soon as the first words came out of his mouth. Aside from his physical traits, he is a really gifted musician who I dreamed of writing and recording a song with someday. I shook my head at those school girl dreams. Once I met him and found out what kind of pig he is, all those positive traits went out the door.
I felt a pair of large hands grab me by the shoulders and turn me around slowly. Emmett was looking at me with an amused expression, "Alright we need to decide which song we need to play."
Alec and Quil were throwing song titles out, as was Alice. I looked at all of them and spoke carefully, "I think we should wait to hear what Breaking Dawn plays before we make a decision." I just knew that He would try to make us look undeserving tonight if given the chance. We needed to stay one step ahead of them. This is our night dammit!
"Bella, you do realize that only gives us five minutes to prepare." came Alec's voice of reason.
"Guys, we know all of our songs frontward and backward. It'll be fine. Trust."
Alice, Quil, and Alec walked away so they could get a good view of the stage while Emmett and I stayed to talk to each other.
"Little sister, I just want to say how proud I am of you." Emmett smiled brightly at me.
"I'm proud of you too. I still can't believe all of this is happening." I replied.
"Well, it is! Let's go out and give them hell now." We stood there for a few minutes talking about everything that's happened tonight when I saw Jasper and Jacob walking toward us. They both smiled at us before they started talking with Aro. I was still talking with Emmett when it felt like someone was staring at me. I looked over and saw Him standing there. I glared at him as his eyes raked over my body before his eyes met mine again and he winked at me. Of all the fucking nerve. I wish I could gouge his eyes out so I don't feel like a piece of meat every time he's around. I'm sure the brainless women that he's been known to associate with don't mind, but I do. He was still standing there in what looked like a very heated discussion with Aro when Emmett and I went to find the others. My thoughts kept wandering back to the irritated look on Aro's face and wondered if He was giving him a hard time about performing tonight. It wouldn't surprise me in the least since he's the most arrogant asshole I've ever met.
About ten minutes later, the light went out and a huge spotlight came on. Breaking Dawn was on the stage ready to play when Aro came out from behind them and glided across the stage with a microphone in hand, "Hello out there. We've got a little treat for all of you tonight. Vamp Records is proud to announce that our top two bands will be performing one song each tonight. This is just a taste of what is yet to come"
I looked at him questionably. 'What does that mean, a taste of what is yet to come'
"So without further ado, Breaking Dawn"
He looked as though he were scanning the crowd and the next thing I know his eyes were locked with mine before giving me a crooked grin. In the next moment, the crowd erupted as he started the opening riff……………………………….......................
They were definitely rocking tonight. I don't remember seeing that much energy at a live show. It seemed like they were really trying to prove themselves tonight. I couldn't figure out why though, they were still one of the top Rock Bands in the country. I couldn't help but start moving to the music while Alice was banging her head next to me.
They finished the song and got a huge applause from the crowd. After they exited the stage, we made our way up. I was walking by Him looking at my breasts the whole time when I felt a hand grab my ass hard after I shoved by. That motherfucker! I turned around but was too late as I watched him make his way to where we had just been standing, all the while his body was shaking with laughter. A couple of roadies were pushing Emmett's drum set in front of Jacobs as we all grabbed our instruments and met in the middle.
"I want to play I'm so Sick" I said quickly, "I want to prove a point to a certain someone."
"Are you sure?" Alec asked, "It's not a damn competition Bella."
I looked at all of them with pleading eyes, "Please, it'll keep the crowd going too. We've got a tough act to follow."
They all nodded their heads as we all bumped fists in the center as is customary before we perform. We took our places, ready to start. I gave Alice a glance as she gave me a thumbs up, also customary.
Alec started the guitar riff while I locked eyes with Him just like he did when they were up here, only I smirked like I was trying to send a message. I looked away quickly and started singing:
I will break into your thoughts I'm so sick, infected with I'm so sick If you want more of this I'm so sick, infected with I'm so sick Hear it, I'm screaming it You sink into my clothes I'm so sick, infected with I'm so, I'm so sick, infected with I'm so
With what's written on my heart
I will break, break
Where I live
Let me live without this
Empty bliss, selfishness
I'm so sick
We can push out, sell out, die out
So you'll shut up and stay sleeping
With my screaming in your itching ears
Where I live
Let me live without this
Empty bliss, selfishness
I'm so sick
You're heeding to it now
Hear it, I'm screaming it
You tremble at this sound
This invasion makes me feel
Worthless, hopeless, sick
Where I live
Let me live without this
Empty bliss, selfishness
I'm so sick
Where I live
Let me live without this
Empty bliss, selfishness
(I'm so)
I'm so sick
(I'm so sick)
I'm so
(I'm so)
I'm so sick
(I'm so sick)
We finished the song and the crowd was screaming. We were making our way to get down from the stage when I realized I had left my "lucky" guitar pick with my guitar. I went back and got it and when I turned around I saw the crowd was blocking the stairs on the side. I walked behind the curtain hoping to find an alternate route when someone grabbed me by the wrist, and pressing my whole body to them from behind me.
A velvety voice started talking in my ear and I knew it was Him immediately, "Little Bella can actually sing. Now I know that song wasn't meant for me. I know you want me, I've known it since the first day I saw you."
I ripped my arm from his grip and turned around quickly slamming him into the wall as hard as I could.
"Now listen to me you arrogant asshole, I don't want you. I think you're a selfish prick who treats women like fucking whores." I shouted in his face, "If you think that you're going to talk to me like this every time I'm forced to be around you, then you've got another thing coming. Keep it up, and little Eddie will get cut off and shoved down your throat. And if you ever grab me again, that isn't a threat, it's a promise."
I pulled my hands back from his chest that were holding him against the wall and stormed off before he could say another word. Granted, I did feel that same electric jolt when he grabbed my wrist, but that wasn't going to keep me from putting him in his place hopefully, for the last time.
I found a way to the main floor and quickly found Alice. She handed me some kind of red drink in a tall glass, "Are you alright? Your face is red."
"I'm fine, I'm just hot!" I glanced sideways at her.
"Hot and frigid." I heard the all too familiar velvet voice from behind me. That was the last straw, I turned around and threw my full drink in his face. He stood there in what can only be explained as a state of complete shock while the red liquid was running down his face from his hair.
Everyone stopped talking and were staring at me with their jaws wide open when I turned to Alice, "I'm ready to go home now."
She was trying to suppress her laughter when she sat her drink down and we started making our way toward the exit. I spared one look back before heading out the door and saw Him wiping his face off while Jasper and Emmett were laughing so hard they were holding their stomachs. He didn't look happy as he gave me a death glare before I turned back around and left.
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Songs from this chapter:
Hit the Floor - Bullet for my Valentine
I'm So Sick - Flyleaf