Disclaimer: All things Twilight belong to the amazing Stephenie Meyer. I am just playing with them. Similarly, the songs in this chapter also belong to their respective writers and/or copywriters. I am borrowing them to make an interesting story. (I hope ;) )
Previously...
Almost as soon as they had finished, the boys sloped off, and left me to my fate with Alice and Rosalie again. This was fast becoming a habit. Why did I keep doing things that I didn't enjoy?
Well, this could be fun, maybe. It possible. You never know...
Even in my head, the argument didn't sound great.
Chapter 6 – Torture and A Little Bit of Chemistry
"OK girls, does everyone understand the mission?"
"To find Bella the perfect outfit for tonight's disco!" Rosalie chanted.
"Why me?" I complained, "Why not either of you guys?"
"We have enough clothes already that we will be able to find the perfect outfit with what we have. However the size of your wardrobe is pitiful. Thus, you need new clothes." Alice explained.
"Dad gave me a load of new clothes for this vacation anyway, so I might as well use them." Rosalie added, in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Great," I sighed, "Well let's get on with it, before I chuck myself overboard!"
"Seriously Bella, you need to sort out your priorities," Alice chided, "Shopping is a basic need for the female system."
"Along with chocolate? Sure!" I snorted, "Pull the other one."
"Let's just get on with it," Rose suggested, tactfully steering us away from a full blown argument, as Alice got more and more frustrated with my lack of enthusiasm.
We decided to hit the mall in a systematic way, to reduce time spent there and get me out of there as quickly as possible, although I could see this idea disgusted Alice.
And so it started. We went from shop to shop and I must have tried on about a hundred outfits at least. There were plenty of times when Alice pulled out her pout, or Rosalie used her status to get more clothes than were normally allowed into the changing room. There were a lot of outfits that I was happy with, but there was always something missing with them in some way or something wasn't quite right. Occasionally the girls would try something they liked themselves on, but it was mostly outfits for me and then some. I wasn't allowed to try shoes on, because 'the shoes go with the outfit, not the outfit with the shoes'. I cringed when Alice said that, because once they had found the perfect outfit, we would probably then have to trawl the shops again to find the perfect shoes. This meant more time shopping and more Unhappy Bella.
And in went on. And on. And on. And on. When I was sure that we must have visited every shop in the entire mall about three times, since our systematic hitting of the shops went out of the window after about half an hour, and I'd tried on nearly every outfit possible. Alice handed me a deep blue dress that screamed party girl; I tried it on, secretly planning on rejecting it, as it was too short for me but then I looked in the mirror and gazed at my reflection in awe. It was incredible. It fit me well in all the right places and skimmed over the bits I was less happy with.
"Bella? Are you alright in there?" Rosalie called, worried about my silence.
I gulped and tried to form words, but they got stuck in my throat.
"Bella?" This time it was Alice, "I'm coming in; is that ok?" She didn't wait for my answer, but just barged in past the curtain and walked into my cubicle. She whistled.
"Rose, come and look at this,"
"What?" Rose's head peered around the curtain, being slightly more polite than Alice, and her mouth dropped open. She came in to get a better look.
"This is it, isn't it?" she asked, quietly.
"This is it," Alice answered, solemnly.
I changed quickly, incredibly pleased that we had finally found the perfect outfit, and to top it off, I loved it too, but I was also worried about what would happen next. It had taken us three hours to find the perfect dress; how long would it be for the shoes and then the accessories? Luckily Alice solved all my problems soon after.
She quickly regained her bubbliness, on the way to the cash desk, and was happily chatting away oblivious to my slightly glum face.
"So I think that you should wear some black footless tights with these, as they will set off the length of the dress perfectly, but also tone it down for the disco and karaoke tonight, because at the moment it's more of a clubbing dress. I also think that you should wear ballet flats with them, to make it even more low key. I actually have the perfect pair of flats in our cabin. They are exactly the same colour as your dress. What size are you, because I'm a size four. You look like you're a four too, but even if you are a five it should be fine; you can just squeeze your feet into them. Of course it would be more of a problem if you were a six or higher, because then you definitely wouldn't be able to fit into them."
"Alice calm down, I'm a four too, so you're fine. Wait, does this mean no more shopping?"
"Yep!" she beamed, "Why bother shopping when you now have the perfect outfit? You do have footless tights don't you?"
"Yes," I laughed, "What sort of teenager would I be if I didn't have them?"
"An unfashionable one. Wait you're that already." Rosalie answered a wicked grin on her face as she said it. I maturely stuck my tongue out at her.
We walked back to my room, where Alice proceeded to do as Alice did best, and drew my face on. Rose lay on the bed and we chatted about things, as is the norm when girls get together and there are no boys around I learnt from Rose all the details about her parent's divorce; how it nearly killed her to spend such a long time away from Jasper, the only person at the time who truly knew her and liked her for who she was and not the mask that she put on. It was really sweet, hearing her talk about Jasper and it helped me learn a bit more about him, as he was one of the strong, silent types. Or at least he was from the impression I'd got of him. Alice of course drank it all in greedily, anxious to know anything and everything about him.
"Alice, when you've finished with your stalkerish tendencies, will you please hurry up and fix my hair already or we'll be late. At least you will, if you want to do your hair and make-up as well."
"Your hair's fine as it is. I'm not properly making you up, or it'll look like you've made too much of an effort. You don't want to put Mike off, do you?" She asked cheekily.
I lunged at her, and tackled her onto the bed. We spent a good five minutes wrestling and tickling each other and generally messing around, occasionally punctuated with Alice screaming at me to watch my make-up or it would smudge. Rose had joined in and it wasn't until we were completely breathless that we stopped.
As seven o'clock rolled around, Rosalie quickly got dressed in the outfit she'd chosen, which did look stunning on her. She had chosen a bright red halter top that stopped just short of her tummy button, and had put on a short black skirt to go with it, and black tights. She topped off the outfit with red shoes and red lipstick. Alice went for a flowery summer dress that looked amazing on her but no doubt, a look that I could never pull off. After slipping on a pair of shoes, Alice texted the boys and we set off toward the deck to check out the sunset (which according to Rose was a cruise must) before the disco itself. Alice tucked the room key into my clutch bag as apparently 'she had nowhere to put it' which after a quick appraisal of her outfit I grudgingly realised to be true.
Dressed in my new outfit, with Alice's shoes on, I was feeling comfortable for the first time on the ship. Either Alice's disapproving looks at my outfit, or the barely-there bikinis, or whatever Alice had dressed me in; none of those were the best things for me to wear and they all left me feeling uncomfortable.
We stepped out onto the deck and my mouth dropped open. The sky was a mixture of pinks, reds, oranges and yellow, all fading out into the next colour. It was like a painting and I was awestruck. We stayed out there was nearly half an hour, just watching the sky and exclaiming at it. Even as night fell, it didn't get any less picturesque. The sky faded to purples and deep blues and the stars started to come out. I wished I had a camera, to try to attempt to take a picture, even though it would never be as amazing as the real thing.
When darkness had truly fallen, we headed into the dining room for dinner. This evening's entertainment was a meal for everyone at the same time, as opposed to whenever they wanted, and a karaoke. But it had a twist; no one volunteered. You were picked, either as part of a group or a duet, or just do it on your own. You had to do it; there was no other option.
"Why do they do it this way?" I asked, pulling the doors open, and leading the way in.
"Well, when we did it the normal way, either no one volunteered and it was rubbish, or a couple of people hogged it for the whole evening. Either way, it wasn't fun. This way is much better, because everyone has to sing at least once. Yeah, there are some people who are really rubbish, myself included, but that's part of the fun." Rosalie explained, "Oh, and often the songs are like ancient or really cringey." She added as an afterthought.
We spotted the boys and walked over to their table. We were also joined by Tanya and Victoria, who had decided to attend this social. Nessie and Jake were also sat down. Jake was discussing football with Emmett, while Nessie tried to make conversation with Tanya, fruitlessly.
"Another thing," I continued, "Is there stuff like this every night, or do we get nights when we don't actually have to do anything?"
Rosalie laughed, "Well not every one of these things is actually compulsory Bella!"
"I knew that," I huffed, "It's just more sociable if we go to them."
"Exactly," she agreed, "But yes, there are nights off when we can go to bed earlier than midnight if you want, or go bowling with friends or whatever. There are normally more of those; it's just that it's the start of vacation, so there are more events available. In a few days they'll also start the daytime activities, which mean there will be less late nights, because alertness is more conducive to getting things done. They wait a bit though, so that you've made friends and stuff before you start."
"Right, cool," I said, nodding my head.
"That sounds EPIC!" Emmett boomed, "Rosie, will you do some of that stuff with me?"
"As long as it doesn't involve you using it as an excuse to feel me up inappropriately, then of course." Rosalie smiled angelically, as Emmett's face fell comically.
I laughed, "You guys are so adorable! Oh, and Emmett do you even know what any of the activities are going to be?"
"Nope," he replied happily, popping the 'p'.
"Then how are they going to be epic?" Alice asked.
"Because I'll be doing them with you guys and Rosalie." He said in a matter of fact voice. Alice and I turned to mush at his sweetness.
"Awww!" We chorused.
"Blegh!" Rosalie fake puked, and we all laughed, especially as we could see it was just an act and she felt the same as we did.
Very shortly the meal arrived and we spent the evening chatting with each other. When Nessie's attention was elsewhere, I suggested that Jake took her to see the sunset at some point during the vacation, as it truly was spectacular, and I was disappointed that I would have to wait another twenty four hours to see it. Although I would never get the timing of it wrong; being at the equator (or there about) meant that sunset was about the same time every night.
All too soon, the desert plates were taken away, and I felt a bunch of butterflies explode into life in my stomach. Why am I doing this again?
"Because it's fun Bella and everyone has to do it. Trust me, you'll enjoy it." Alice reassured me. I'd clearly just spoken aloud. Oops.
I scanned the room; there were actually quite a lot of people here. I had a feeling that we were going to be there for a long time.
"Good evening and welcome to this evening's entertainment!" Cried the DJ; the same as the night before. "Tonight is going to be a bit different to normal!"
I rolled my eyes, and my gaze wandered again as he babbled on about the rules. I felt the atmosphere of the room get lighter and more excitable, but palpably more nervous as he continued outlining them.
"But how are we going to pick?" the DJ said excitedly, "Well, we have a large bowl here, and everyone's name is in there. We will pull names out of the bowl, and that is who is going to sing. There are no pull-outs, and obviously, if it's a duet, or a group song, then we will get more than one name. Are you ready?"
When no one answered, he took that as a yes, and carried on.
"OK then, the first song is... 'You're Gorgeous' by Babybird and the person singing it is... Emmett Cullen!"
We all laughed and Emmett beamed as he stepped up. The DJ looked a little intimidated by him, so quickly handed him the microphone before scurrying out of harm's way.
He had the right idea. As the song got bigger and louder, Emmett's actions got more exuberant. It was hilarious to watch and surprisingly, not at all painful on the ear. Emmett's voice was quite good; deep and a little throaty. He hit a couple of wrong notes, but it was to be expected. And it certainly was a performance. He basically serenaded Rosalie, pointing at her every time the chorus went on, and although she put on that she just found it a bit annoying she did actually enjoy at the end, if the massive smooch she gave him was anything to go by.
As the evening proceeded, it was a very interesting experience. There were some painful performances, especially from Mike, who warbled Leona Lewis' 'A Moment Like This', and a girl called Leah Clearwater, who just glowered at a boy the whole time, shouting the words of 'It Should Have Been Me' by Yvonne Fair.
"And now we have a group song. Spice Girls with 'Wannabe'. And singing it are, Tanya Denali, Nessie Cullen, and Victoria Savage."
I felt sorry for Nessie, having to go up there with Tanya and Victoria, who both looked... excited. I wondered what was going on, but as soon they started singing, I couldn't help but laugh. Nessie was amazing. She sang with a high, clear soprano that sounded a little like bells chiming. It was beautiful. Unfortunately it was marred by the, interesting, interpretation by Victoria and Tanya. I don't think a single note was in tune. At all. Yet they were wiggling their hips and trying to be all sexy, while dying cat noises poured out of their mouths. It was incredible how seriously they were taking it.
I saw Alice's shoulders shaking from suppressed laughter and Rosalie had her lips pressed very tightly together still with a very broad grin on her face. It set me off even worse, until I had tears pouring down my face. I just couldn't help it. It was like I was letting off steam for everything that had already happened with Edward.
Edward. I wondered how he would take it, when I was supposed to be not making Tanya an issue, even though I was making it an issue by thinking about not making her an issue the whole time. I was already getting confused; something which happened easily when I was hysterical. But when I looked at him, he was just switching his gaze between Tanya and me, a smirk on his face. I breathed a small sigh of relief at his apparent approval of my instinctive actions.
This relief was soon dissipated when, a couple of songs later, they called my name. I hadn't even caught the name of the song. Then Edward's name was called. Even worse.
"What song are we doing?" I asked, as we walked up.
"'Don't Go Breaking My Heart' by Elton John and Kiki Dee," he replied, whispering slightly, as we got closer to the stage. As I took the microphone, I felt anxious; it was such a famous song.
The music started, and before I knew it, Edward was singing.
Don't go breaking my heart,
I was astounded at Edward's voice; it was breath-taking. I gaped for a second, but managed to pull myself together for my line.
[I couldn't if I tried]
Oh honey, if I get restless
[Baby you're not that kind]
Don't go breaking my heart
[You take the weight off of me]
Oh honey, when I knocked on your door
[Ooh I gave you my key]
We came together for the chorus, and surprisingly, my voice didn't sound too bad when mixed with his, although I was painfully aware how beautiful his was compared to mine.
Ooh, ooh, nobody kno-o-ows
But when I was down, [I was your clown]
Ooh, ooh, nobody knows it (nobody kno-o-ows)
But right from the start [I gave you my heart]
Ooh, ooh, [I gave you my heart]
The rest of the song went by in a flash and before I knew it, it was coming to an end. We rounded up for the big finale and together both of us belted it out together.
Don't go breaking my, don't go breaking my
I won't go breaking your heart!
I suddenly became aware of a tumultuous noise. I looked around it awe as I saw that he whole audience was on their feet, stamping and screaming. It was like we were celebrities or something. Girls were certainly interested in Edward now, judging by the screams as he took my hand and we bowed together.
How had I not noticed this before? I had been so wrapped up in Edward and in not screwing up the song for him, that I had forgotten that there were nearly two hundred people here.
But the applause was amazing and I now felt really buzzed. I had never felt such an adrenaline rush. And it was certainly the biggest applause of the night.
No one topped our performance for the rest of the evening. At least, the applause wasn't anywhere near as loud as it was for us. I was still riding on a high as I went to bed, so even Alice's incessant chattering didn't bother me.
As I got lay in the dark, I thought over the past few days and was amazed at how much we had crammed in, and how close I'd got to everyone so quickly, even Rosalie, who had at first been a bit of an Ice Queen.
If I hadn't had this feeling enough already, I couldn't stop reflecting on how good this summer was going to get if it followed the current trend. And that brought a huge smile to my face.
AN: Awww! Bella and Edward are so sweet together and they brought the house down with this classic song! And anyone who doesn't know 'You're Gorgeous' look it up on YouTube. It's immense. I'm listening to it right now. I love it, and not because my Dad always serenades me with it. Yes, he is that weird :D
Sorry it took me ten days to get this out! I am insanely busy, and have only had one evening at home this week. However, I have also learned that I have an interview at Oxford! I am insanely excited about it and also terrified. But it does mean that for two weeks, it is very unlikely that there will be an update. Sorry guys, but after that my life should calm down a bit and I will have more time for updates. If you review, I may be tempted to update sooner...
Again massive thanks to my beta, who helped bridge the gap between the shopping and the karaoke. She is a very talented writer, if a little slow. Love you!
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