A/N: Thanks to everyone for the reviews so far! Hope you like it so far! As of right now I have no plans for an EPOV, but we'll see where it goes.
I felt as if I were living a scene from a movie. Jasper, Alice, Angela, Ben, and I were riding in a limo to the Hale mansion, happily buzzed from a few celebratory drinks in Jasper's room. Alice was snapping photos, and encouraging Jazz to drink more champagne. I was wearing my blue dress and felt sexy for the first time in my life. Before we left, Alice had given me a pep talk about Edward.
"What have you got to lose Bella?" she asked seriously.
"Nothing", I replied.
"But what have you got to win?"
"Everything", I admitted.
"Exactly", she said with a smug smile.
I knew she was right, and I made the decision to follow my heart.
"We're here!" Alice trilled.
Two wrought-iron doors, adorned with the letter H, swung open to allow us in. I looked out the window to see a plush lawn, where several well-dressed people were already socializing. The brick mansion was breathtaking. Stark white columns supported the sloping roof, and a half moon balcony with French doors jutted out on the third floor. The sun was just starting to set, and I could see its reflection in a large pond in the backyard. Our limo stopped just in front of the front doors and we all piled out.
"There is a theme for each room. Sort of an around the world theme, drinks from different countries. The band is playing in the gazebo out back, kegs are set up in the kitchen, and we have a VIP room upstairs", Jasper explained.
We all gave Jasper a shocked look.
"I guess the rumors weren't too off base, huh?", Ben teased.
"You know how my parents get…but I'm not complaining", he laughed.
"I say we start with Mexico. TEQUILAAAA!" Angela shrieked. I held in a giggle. Angela was usually so reserved.
We walked into the room and the walls were practically vibrating. A DJ was set up in the corner, a cluster of girls surrounded him requesting songs. People rushed over to greet Jasper, slapping his back, and already complimenting the party. I eagerly searched for Edward, but assumed he was outside setting up.
We entered the Mexico room and a frosty margarita glass was shoved in my hand. Alice forced a sombrero on Jasper's head, as he ordered a round of tequila from the bartender. We all licked our hands, and passed around the salt. The bartender cut us a fresh lime and poured the tequila shots.
"Happy Birthday Jazz", we chorused. I hastily licked the salt, drank the tequila, and bit the lime hoping to eliminate the burn.
"Woo!" Alice yelled.
"Where to next?" Angela asked, her eyes shining.
"Germany", the boys said together.
The Germany room was crammed with guys holding large glass steins of beer, foam spilling over the edge. Jasper rushed over to the bar and came back with two steins, one for him and Ben. Alice rolled her eyes and said "C'mon ladies". She dragged us to the bar and ordered a round of Jagermeister.
"To best friends", Angela toasted and held up her glass.
"To best friends", Alice and I echoed.
We stayed in the Germany room for a while watching Ben and Jasper dominate in beer pong. Finally Jazz suggested we head outside to watch the band. He didn't have to ask me twice.
As I walked I could feel the alcohol taking its effect. I felt pleasantly light in my body. The night air was cool, but refreshing. Jasper led us to a couch next to the gazebo, and flagged down a waiter. We all ordered drinks and waited for the band to start. After only a minute the waiter reappeared, and Edward entered the gazebo followed by his band members.
"We are Immortal", his velvet voice declared. His long fingers reached for the piano keys. As soon as the music hit my ears, it could have been just him and I. His golden eyes locked with mine as he sang:
Before you my life was but a moonless night
I could never see the light
Then you lit up my life
My meteor.
I wanted to go up and kiss him right there. I took a sip of my rum and coke to keep myself in my seat. Thankfully the next song was more upbeat. Alice and Jasper left to join the group of people dancing. Angela and Ben were dangerously close to an inappropriate display of public affection. I tried to avert my eyes so I looked up and could almost see the stars shining through the clouds. The cushion beside me sank as someone sat down.
"Hey gorgeous", he slurred and his eyes landed on my chest. I could smell the alcohol on his breath.
"Do I know you?" I asked scooting away.
"No, but you can get to know me. I'm James", he said leaning in closer.
"Maybe some other time James", I said brushing his arm off.
"C'mon baby, let's get you another drink" he grabbed my wrist and pulled me up.
"Is there a problem here?" a velvet voice snapped. Edward? A feeling of security washed over me.
James released my wrist. "No, chill out dude", he said taking in Edward's murderous expression and stumbled away.
"Are you ok Bella?" Edward asked anxiously. His face smoothed and I studied his flawless features.
"I'm fine", I said, embarrassed.
"I'm sorry if I scared you. Sometimes I have a problem with my temper".
"You didn't scare me at all. You made me feel safe", I admitted. I didn't want him to leave. I felt whole now that he was here. I didn't seem to convince him though.
"Are you sure you are alright? I have to get back to the band."
"Yes, I'm fine". He paused as if waiting for me to combust. I rolled my eyes. "Go!"
He squeezed my hand and headed for the stage. Alice and Jasper returned and plopped on the couch, exhausted from dancing. They were both covered in a sheen of sweat.
"The next band is coming on in twenty minutes", Jasper said, mostly for my benefit.
Twenty minutes. Then I could have Edward to myself. I think I need another drink.
"Alice, want to go get a drink with me?" I asked.
"Sure. Jazz, do you need anything?" she looked over at Jasper whose eyes were sliding shut.
"Maybe a water for him", she giggled.
Alice and I walked over to the bar. She discreetly pointed to the end. Rosalie was sitting there with that muscular man again. She gave us a smug smile. I also noticed another girl in a tight black dress, with a mess of strawberry blonde curls. Tanya.