Chapter 7: Showdown

BellaPOV

The talk I had last night with Emmett was the only thing that helped make everything make sense in a long time. I don't even think that sentence made sense, but I hope you get the point.

"Come'on Izzy," Lexi whined. "If you move, I won't be able to get the eyeliner to go on straight."

"Sorry," I mumbled.

"Girls," James said walking into the room. "You have five minute before you have to go on."

"Okay," Lexi smiled sweetly. "We'll be right out."

"Oh, come'on Jay," a voice sang behind him. "Let us in," she whined, "You know they want to see us!"

"Cindi?!" I shouted, once I realized who it was. "You better get your gorgeous butt in here and save me!"

"Haha," Danni taunted, sticking her tongue out at James and walking in the room and straight into Lexi's waiting arms.

"Yeah babe," Cindi laughed pushing James out the door. "Its girl time. Out!"

Cindi and Danni laughed their heads off at the stunned expression on James' face.

"I see you're wearing the corset I sent you Lexi," Cindi smiled, spinning Lexi. "Looks amazing like I knew it would."

Cindi and Danni looked like model's. First with their flawless bodies, and then with their sense of style. Danni's hair was pulled into a low ponytail, and she wore a simple white tube top with a small vest and black skinny jeans, not to mention she had on leather ankle boots. She had a black heart chain and a silver and black bangle. Cindi's hair was in a wild mess of curls and she wore a black satin trim bustier, vintage dark blue skinny jeans, and blue and black slingback heels. To match her vintage look, she had vintage blue crystal drop earrings and a small silver, black and blue clutch.

"You're lucky I like the corset," Lexi grumbled. "I would have worn my Kings of Leon Tee instead."

I don't know why she was complaining, she looked amazing. Her hair was straight and hanging around her face. She had silver hoops and silver bangles. Cindi sent Lexi a black and silver corset that looks like something out of Japan. She matched her top with black skinny's and silver peep-toe heels.

"So," Cindi whispered, sitting on the vanity in front of me. "What's wrong?"

I adjusted the skinny tie around my neck. Suddenly it felt as if I was choking. "Nothing. I'm great."

"I saw him," she sighed, pushing a piece of my hair out my face. "Edward, is outside."

"Of course he is," I half-laughed. "His soon-to-be wife is my producer."

"That's not fair Izzy, and you know it."

I sighed heavily, "Yeah, I know. I just wish he wasn't here right now. I'm nervous as it is. The guys from Eclipse Records are outside in the crowd. Do you know what that means?" Cindi nodded her head excitedly. "If we get signed, it'll mean the world to the band. We can make a difference with the music we play."

"Calm down, Izzy." Cindi laughed. "I love your outfit by the way," she pointed out playing with the ribbon tied around my plaid shirt, "It's like rock goddess meets naughty school girl. Why didn't I think of that?"

I laughed, as I adjusted the tank top and tie. It was a simple outfit. A black and red plaid mini skirt, black high heeled boots, white tank top, and a black skinny tie I stole from Criss last night.

"Ladies, it's time." Criss' booming voice came through the door. "Let's go rock their brains out."

Criss as always was a little more dressed up than Dre and Speed. He had a black dress shirt, gray jeans and black and gray sneakers. Speed wore and anatomy shirt, extra skinny jeans and black sneakers. Dre had on dark blue jeans, black vans, and a vintage Michael Jackson Thriller Tee.

"Come'on," Dre whispered, his voice smoothing. "It's time to go."

"Have you called your mom?" I asked, my motherly instincts kicking in. "How are the kids?"

He smiled and rolled his eyes at my protectiveness, "Mom says their fine."

Dre leaned down and gave me a small peck on the cheek, squeezing my hand at the same time, "Let's go."

The roar of the crowd was something that over time became more relaxing than nerve racking. The curtains were still closed and I took my place on the right side of Dre, for the first couple of songs he would be singing alone, with me on back-up.

The guitar felt good in my hands, and like always I remembered my mom.

EdwardPOV

"Happy birthday man," James came from behind Jasper and patted his back.

"Thanks," Jasper laughed, coughing a little. Jazz was turning twenty-five today.

"You should know that they picked your favorite song to open with," James smiled than walked away to join a table with two very beautiful girls.

"Really?" Jazz asked Paige excitedly.

Paige giggled softly, her laugh making her shoulders shake under my arm, "Maybe, I wasn't supposed to say."

"What's so great about the song Jazzy?" Alice asked, looking up at him.

"Well it's called 'Comatose', Dre sings most of it. But Bells is amazing on the guitar in the beginning. I've only seen her perform it once before, and it's sick. She jumps off the drum set platform and everything."

My eyebrows shot up at the mention of this, "Really?"

Before Jazz had a chance to answer, the lights in the club dimmed and James was on center stage on the mic, "What's up, Seattle?!" The crowd cheered, "It's my distinct pleasure to present Deaf By 30!!!"

The stage curtains opened and classically music bellowed from the speakers. I was confused for a second before Bella jumped from the top of the platform and landed gracefully next to Dre. Her guitar solo began and she killed it from her spot on the stage.

"Woah! You go Bells!" Emmett yelled, jumping up from his seat.

Her skill on the guitar had grown since the last time I saw her play. She looked amazing, her head banging along with every chord she played. She continued to play the guitar as Dre began to sing.

[Dre]

I hate feeling like this
I'm so tired of trying to fight this
I'm asleep and all I dream of
Is waking to you

Tell me that you will listen
Your touch is what I'm missing
And the more I hide I realize I'm slowly losing you

Comatose
I'll never wake up without an overdose of you

Bella smiled in our direction before her focus went back to her guitar. She looked mesmerizing, her blonde hair flying in every which direction.

[Dre & Bella]

Oh how I adore you
Oh how I thirst for you
Oh how I need you

[Dre]

Comatose
I'll never wake up without an overdose of you

Jazz and Alice stood up and joined the rest of the crowd as everyone sung along to the chorus. I knew Bella belonged on the stage, so that everyone could hear her. Emmett turned and shook his head at me. I raised my eyebrow confused, before taking a look around me. I was the only one in the whole club that wasn't standing.

Quickly I stood and cheered along with everyone else. It wasn't that the band wasn't amazing, I was just to caught up in watching Bella move around the stage.

[Dre & Bella]

I don't wanna live
I don't wanna breathe
'les I feel you next to me
you take the pain I feel
waking up to you never felt so real
I don't wanna sleep
I don't wanna dream
'cause my dreams don't comfort me
The way you make me feel
Waking up to you never felt so real

[Dre & Bella]

Oh how I adore you

Waking up to you never felt so real
Oh how I thirst for you

Waking up to you never felt so real
Oh how I adore you

The way you make me feel

Waking up to you never felt so real

[a/n: song lyrics are chopped up, some songs are just too long!!]

A breathless Bella walked up to the microphone, "How is everyone doing tonight?" She laughed at the cheer the crowd gave. "I'll take that as a great, I just wanted to say a quick happy birthday to my friend Jazzy. That song was for you."

The crowd and Jasper cheered as Bella took off her guitar and set it on the stand. In response Dre picked up his and gave Bella the center mic. Bella smiled and pointed at Lexi, as she began on the keyboard a soft melody. Bella slowly approached the microphone and began to sing.

[Bella]

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 sleeping somewhere cold
Until you find it there and lead it back home

[Bella & (Dre)]

(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

[Bella]
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

Bella looked so sad as she sang, but when she caught eye of someone in the crowd, smiling and trying to sing along to the song, her face lit up. She looked content and very happy just being in the moment with her band.

[Bella & (Dre)]
(All 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

(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

[a/n: song lyrics are chopped up, some songs are just too long!!]

"Fellas," Dre laughed, getting back in the center and handing Bella his guitar, "Isn't there always that one girl, that's always hot and cold?" The men in the crowd cheered, many of them receiving a slap on the back of the head, like Emmett. "Well, I don't know about you but I hate women like that." He winked at Bella.

Bella flipped him off, and I chuckled softly at her. She rolled her eyes and began to play the guitar.

[Dre]

Go!!
So 1, 2, 3, take my hand and come with me
Because you look so fine
And I really wanna make you mine.
I say you look so fine
That I really wanna make you mine.

Oh, 4,5,6 c'mon and get your kicks
Now you dont need that money
When you look like that, do ya honey.

Big black boots,
Long blonde hair,
She's so sweet
With her get back stare.

Well I could see,
You home with me,
But you were with another man, yea!
I know we,
Ain't got much to say,
Before I let you get away, yea!
I said, are you gonna be my girl?

I withheld a growl, when he pointed out that Bella was wearing black boots and she had blonde hair.

Did I mention that Bella looked like every guy's fantasy of a school girl? It was a miracle all the guys tonight weren't drooling.


[Dre]
Big black boots,
Long blonde hair,
She's so sweet
With her get back stare.

Well I could see,
You home with me,
But you were with another man, yea!
I know we,
Ain't got much to say,
Before I let you get away, yea!
I said, are you gonna be my girl?

I could see,
You home with me,
But you were with another man, yea!
I know we,
Ain't got much to say,
Before I let you get away, yea!
Uh, be my girl.
Be my girl.
Are you gonna be my girl?! Yea

[a/n: song lyrics are chopped up, some songs are just too long!!]

Bella handed back Dre his guitar and pushed him playfully out the way.

"You know," she smiled, pushing her hair out of her face, "How there's always that one guy you can't get rid of ladies?" The women in the crowd cheered. "No matter how much you want to. Well this song is for them."

[Bella]

I throw all of your stuff away
I'm gonna clear you out of my head
I tear you out of my heart
And ignore all your messages
I tell everyone we are through
'Cause I'm so much better without you
But it's just another pretty lie
'Cause I break down
Every time you come around

[Bella & Lexi]
So how did you get here under my skin?
I swore that I'd never let you back in
Should have known better in trying to let you go
'Cause here we go go go again
Hard as I try I know I can't quit
Something about you is so addictive
We're falling together
you'd think that by now I'd know
cause here we go go go again

Lexi was laughing and singing along with Bella as she danced across the stage.

[Bella]

You never know what you want
And you never say what you mean
But I start to go insane
Every time that you look at me
You only hear half of what I say
And you're always showing up too late
And I know that I should say goodbye
But it's no use
Can't be with or without you

[Bella & Lexi]
So how did you get here under my skin?
I swore that I'd never let you back in
Should have known better in trying to let you go
Cause here we go go go again
Hard as I try I know I can't quit
Something about you is so addictive
We're falling together you'd think that by now I'd know
Cause here we go go here we go again
Here we go again
Should have known better in trying to let you go
'Cause here we go go go again

[Bella]
Again (and again, and again)
Again (and again, and again)
And again And again
And again And again
And again And again
And again And again
And again And again

[a/n: song lyrics are chopped up, some songs are just too long!!]

Bella passed Dre his guitar and ran to the stand to get her own again. Instead of taking their spots, Bella and Dre stood in the center, close to one another and sharing the microphone.

"Well," Dre sighed. "Our set is almost over. But we still have one more song to leave you with."

"We love you guys," Bella laughed, "Thanks for coming out to see us tonight."

[Dre]

She's cold and she's cruel
But she knows what she's doin'
She pushed me in the pool
At our last school reunion
She laughs at my dreams
But I dream about her laughter
Strange as it seems
She's the one I'm after

[The Whole Band]
'cause she's bittersweet
She knocks me off of my feet
And I can't help myself
I don't want anyone else
She's a mystery
She's too much for me
But I keep comin' back for more
She's just the girl I'm lookin' for

[Dre]
She can't keep a secret
For more than an hour
She runs on 100 proof attitude power
And the more she ignores me
The more I adore her
What can I do?
I'd do anything for her

Bella laughed as she whispered something in Dre's ear. Emmett for like the thousandth time tonight turned back to look at me with this face that said 'You could have that.'

I rolled my eyes at him, again and went back to watching Bella play.

[Dre]
And when she sees it's me
On her caller ID
She won't pick up the phone
She'd rather be alone
But I can't give up just yet
Cause every word she's ever said
Is still ringin' in my head
Still ringin' in my head

She's cold and she's cruel
But she knows what she's doin'
Knows just what to say
So my whole day is ruined

[The Whole Band]
'cause she's bittersweet
She knocks me off of my feet
And I can't help myself
I don't want anyone else
She's a mystery
She's too much for me
But I keep comin' back for more

Cause she's bittersweet
She knocks me off of my feet
And I can't help myself
I don't want anyone else
She's a mystery
She's too much for me
But I keep comin' back for more
Oh, I keep comin' back for more
She's just the girl I'm looking for
Just the girl I'm looking for

[Dre]
I'm looking for
I'm looking for
I'm looking for
Just the girl I'm looking for

[a/n: song lyrics are chopped up, some songs are just too long!!]

Everyone in the club went crazy after the band finished their set.

"Babe," Paige's voice broke through the applause. "I'm going to see what the executives thought." I nodded my head and she placed a quick kiss on my cheek. "You guys should go hang out in the back if you want, it'll be quieter."

I smiled, a little relieved. Quiet sounded pretty good about now, plus I wanted to check on the kids. They were staying at Dre's mom's house. Not my first choice but Jacob and Vanessa went out of town yesterday to visit Jacob's dad in Phoenix.

I retreated away from the maddening crowd and into the back room.

EmmettPOV

I watched as Edward walked away and figured that now was as good a time as any to talk to him.

"Rosie," I whispered, tapping her on the shoulder. "I'm going to go talk to Edward, okay?"

She turned and looked at me with a dazzlingly smile, "I know."

"Will you be okay?" I asked slowly, my hand gliding over her stomach.

She sighed, "Yes Emmett, we'll be fine."

"Good," I chuckled, planting a gentle kiss on her head.

I followed in the direction I saw Edward disappear in the back of the club. As I approached the slightly opened door, I faintly heard Edward's voice.

"Yes ma'am," he said politely. "Thank you again for watching them. Have a good night. Bye."

I quietly stepped in and watched as my baby brother tugged on the ends of his wild hair.

"What's got you so nervous?" I asked suddenly, knowing very well that his hair tugging was a nervous habit.

He turned and waved his phone in the air, "It's comes so easy."

"What?"

"Worrying," he sighed. "I didn't think I'd be one of those dads. The ones that worry every second that their children aren't with them. Its a strange feeling yet very familiar. I can't explain it."

I nodded my head, I wondered how I would be when I become a father. Hell, I think I'll be an awesome dad. Maybe play some tricks on Rosie with them. Before she kills me, of course.

"What's going on Em?" he asked, taking a seat on a chair. I raised my eyebrow suggestively and shrugged my shoulders. "Come'on Em, I might not be a mind reader but I know when you want to talk."

"Do you like being a dad?" I asked slowly. Trying to ease into the conversation.

He looked down for a moment, focusing the the tips of his shoes. "Yeah, I mean it's hard but I got the swing of things."

I've never been one to prolong a moment. If something needs to be said, I'd say it. No sense in waiting for the inevitable. I mean it'll come out eventually right? So why not just bite the bullet and get it over with. I'm an honest guy, I don't lie. I don't like being lied to so I won't do it to someone else.

But in the same way I'm honest, I'm also very blunt. Rose sometimes chastises me, she says I have no mental filter. I say the first thing that comes to mind. Whatever it may be, I'll say it. I get into trouble sometimes because of the that.

"Okay man," I said, clapping my hands together, "I didn't want to drag this out and I know you might like what's about to be said but I really, honestly, don't fucking care at the moment. It kind of needs to be said."

He stood stunned into silence as I began my little tirade. I even think he blinked a few times to get over the confusion.

"Now, I know you love Paige and that's great cause Paige is a great girl. But I saw you out there tonight Edward, and I've never seen you look at someone with so much love in your eyes since the last time you looked at the kids. The way you looked at Bella, I don't know man. It was like a blind man seeing the sun, the moon, and the stars for the first time. It was like that day you saw her for the first time junior year and the whole world shifted. It's the way I look at Rose, Jasper looks at Alice, or even dad looks at mom. It's still there. That love. The love that all these fools only dream about. You guys have that and I can't stand on the sidelines and watch as you throw that all way on the wrong girl. I won't allow it."

I took a deep breath as my speech ended and I was met by a scoff from Edward.

"You can't allow that?" he said, his voice holding a tinge of disgust. "Who the hell gave you the right to tell me what I can and can't do with my life? I'm an adult Emmett."

"I'm not telling you what to do," I offered, "I'm just merely pointing out your mistakes."

"My mistakes?" he laughed bitterly. "In what planet does living my life and allowing myself to be happy qualify as a mistake?"

"You might not see it but you are marrying this girl for all the wrong reasons. You may love her but you're using her as a escape. You're simply afraid Bella will hurt you again."

"Of course I'm afraid. Emmett, Rose has never left you. You don't know what it feels like to lose that essential part of you. She was my world, Emmett. But she left me. Without an explanation. Without a good-bye. And with my kids. She destroyed me when she left. I would understand that you didn't see my senior year without her, but you want to know the funny thing, I don't even remember it.

"I can't remember a single thing I did my senior year. If it wasn't for Alice being on top of me for every little thing, I don't think I would have made it to college. My life was a blank. I don't remember my nineteenth birthday for Christ's sake. She took everything when she walked out the door and ran away. She even took me with her. Do you know, that the day I saw her again was the first time I touched my piano since she left?"

I shook my head.

"I couldn't think of what to play," he chuckled softly. "I couldn't even remember if I knew how to play. It had been so long. I sat down on that bench and the first song that came to mind was her song. The lullaby I played for her on my birthday. A song I tried so hard to forget became crystal clear in my memory. Everyday now I sit on my bench and I play for an hour or two. Usually when I get home from work and Paige isn't home. I forgot how relaxing it was. I even composed a new song, I wrote it from the kids."

"That's awesome Edward," I smiled. Truly I was happy that my brother went back to his music. I knew he missed it. It was like when Bella left, the music was taken out of him. "You see Bella comes and you're returning to your old self again, bro."

"No, Emmett, my old self isn't coming back. He's gone, there is no way to get him back."

"Well, she's ba-"

But he quickly cut me off. "So, she's back. Does that excuse the months, even years she left me heartbroken? Does that excuse the six years of my children's lives I will never get back? It hurts, Em. Everyday it still hurts. It hurt losing her, it hurt seeing her again, and it still just hurts. But no way am I going to hurt Paige for mistakes we made in the past. For a mistake she made. Enough people have been put through the blender already."

"But you don't love her like you love Bella."

"I'll never love anyone like I loved Bella," he sighed, I could see the tears forming in his eyes. I didn't know if it was from anger or sadness. "But Paige is a close second. She'll never hold my whole heart but I can give whatever is left of it to her."

"Is that fair to her?" I asked. "Is it fair that she gives you all of her and you can only offer whatever pieces you have left?"

"No, it's not." He looked up at me in defeat, "But it's all I have. Paige never hurt me. She never left me. She won't leave me. I can't say the same about Bella. I won't love Paige the same way, I get that and I honestly made peace with that already. But, I will however, love her with everything I got in me. Plus, Bella has Dre. Why would I end my relationship with Paige on the off chance that Bella would even consider giving us a chance again? Bella moved on with her life, and I realize it's time to do the same with mine."

"But this isn't moving on, Edward," I begged. "This is settling. And Cullen men don't settle."

"This one does."

"What about Tony, or Alex? How about Lily? Don't they deserve to have a complete family? Like one with a mom and a dad."

"They deserve the world," he said seriously, "And I will do all in my power to make sure they get it. But not all families are normal, Emmett. Look at ours. I would say we were anything but normal. I love my children. I wish I had been there since the beginning but I can't turn back time. I can only promise them I'll be there from now on."

"You still love her, I know you do." To say this conversation was going liked I planned was an understatement. I knew it wouldn't be easy but I didn't figure it would be a natural disaster.

"I will always hold her in my heart but I can't love her anymore. I won't allow myself too. Bella made her choice and now it's time I made mine."

Edward stood up and walked towards me. He was taller than he was in high school but he was still a couple of inches shorter than me. He had composed his face into a mask of respect and indifference.

"You're my brother, Emmett. And I always appreciate your opinion," he started, very business-like if I might add. "But come January, I will marry Paige Walker. With or without your approval."

He inclined his head slightly, silently asking me to challenge him. I would have, if I was able to find my voice.

Clearly satisfied, he began to walk towards the door, halfway there, I recovered. "You're making a huge mistake, baby brother."

He didn't turn around to face me, he simply shrugged his shoulders and pressed his palm against the door. "This is one I think I can live with."

He walked out into the noise of the club without another word, leaving me stunned and confused.

So sorry for the delay. I have no excuse.

Don't hurt me for Edward's decision. It will make sense soon.

I love you guys for sticking with my story.

Once again special thanks to my beta [[AaEeVv]]
Can you say awesomest (that's definitely not a word) beta ever!

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