"Hey Bella, you look hot. As always," Caius met me halfway between the sidewalk and the front door. He was wearing a black Tux. Wow, he really cared.
I was still angry, Angry at Edward for being such a jerk, for not making an effort to get along, for throwing all my hard work straight back in my face. I didn't need to be civil to him, I didn't need to treat him with respect, and I didn't even need to tolerate him.
I put on a smile for Caius and put my arms around his waist. Be bent down to kiss me quickly. Edward was following behind me. I turned my head around, slowly that Caius would not realise. Edward had stopped walking and was now on his phone, talking to someone. He looked angry. Why should I even care anymore? I turned my head again.
"Let's go Caius," I faced his car he had red 2006 Volvo C70. He actually owned a car, I laughed. He opened the passenger side for me and I hopped in, putting my purse on my lap. He grinned as he shut the door slowly, shooting me a dazzling smile. I smiled back, and took my cell phone out of my purse. It was 7:05and as I looked at my back round image, The Cullen's and all of the Masen's from all that time ago, when we were all friends. But were we?
Thinking about it, I had never really seen Edward as a friend. The very first moment I met him, I had wanted him, I had always wanted him. The key to a good relationship is to be friends with your lover before you progress into anything else. That's where we had gone wrong. Sure when we first hooked up, I had known him for like, what, two weeks was it? But Rose and Emmett hooked up the first day they met, but it was different then, Emmett liked Rose, because she was who she was. Jasper and Alice had gotten on fine before they got it on. So did Edward and I, but let's be realistic. Edward hadn't even liked me before hand. Just something to keep Alice Company. Then I threw myself at him. No, I wasn't going to take his shit anymore. No more nice Bella. I looked through my contact list on my Cell. Alice, Angela, Ben, Caius, Chelsea, Chester, Dad, Emmett, Edward. I stopped when I got to Edward's name. I edited it. So now whenever he called, it would not be the name 'Edward' that flashed on my screen but; 'Selfish, Stupid, Idiotic Jackass' I laughed to myself then put it away.
"You've been quiet Bella, something on your mind?" Caius asked, twisting around the back streets. He had the top down. So my hair was flying everywhere.
"No just thinking about some stuff," I told the truth at least.
"Masen looked pretty angry, what happened," he laughed.
"He insulted me and my family so I forbid him from crossing the threshold of my house ever again, or at least until I am not angry with him anymore," I explained to him. Filing my nails.
"Ha, remind me never to get on your bad side Bella," he touched my hand, softly. He rubbed it.
"Well, if you keep taking me dancing, you're going the right way about it. Staying on my good side I mean," I laughed.
"I didn't know you danced Bella,"
"It's not common knowledge, but I guess it will be soon," I sighed, think what I had gotten myself into at school.
"Ok then. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me," he laughed, I laughed. But our merriment was interrupted by a beeping coming from my phone. I opened the message. Sent from 'Selfish, Stupid, Idiotic Jackass,' I opened it slightly scared.
'Okay Bella, you want to be that way, then fine. If I am not allowed to enter your house, then you are not permitted to enter mine. Not for anything. I don't care if it's just to drop off books or borrow some homework material; you are not allowed to come into it. And Rosalie and Alice have been informed. They don't agree with me, but that's their issue. Just to clarify, not allowed to come in. Okay, glad we are clear. Enjoy your date, Edward,'
I growled, fine, Edward had every right to ban me from his house, but to do it by text message, that was just insulting. Like he couldn't face me, in person. Ugh, what about my sweater, that was over there, on the sofa, if I was correct. Oh well, I wasn't going to let Edward get to me. I turned it over and put it back in my purse.
"Well that has you riled. What happened?" Caius asked, trying to be gentlemanly.
"Just Edward being a Jackass, let's not talk about him, let's just talk about us." I smiled, I could see the club in the distance, and it was buzzing. There was a line going around the block just to get in.
"Whatever you want baby, here's the place." He braked and handed the keys to the valet. A second valet let me out of the car, taking my hand in his.
"Thank you," I smiled
"You're welcome Miss, you are looking well this fine evening," he closed the door quietly.
"Thank you," I looked at his name tag "Uh, Brian." We shook hands, handing me a piece of paper, with his number on it .We smiled at each other.
"Yeah well thanks Brian, but I think I can take it from here," Caius snarled and gave Brian a $50 tip.
"Thank you Sir!" he laughed, and returned to his station. I began to wonder, if this what life would be like, if I had decided to stay with Caius. Him making sure that nobody even looked at me, bribing those who complimented me, but being eternally on my side? STOP Bella, this is only your first date, don't get ahead of yourself like you did with the Jackass, I told myself.
We walked into the club arm in arm, and he led me straight to the dance floor. The Sunshine Club was basically, a club from the twenties. A live band, dance floor and a lot of tables. Playing swing music, ballroom, Salsa. Stuff like that. It was a Salsa at the moment. Salsa was an embarrassing dance for me; you were required to get so close. I hadn't danced for months, and my current and only dance partner, was sitting at home right now, watching Cold Case re-runs.
Caius didn't hesitate and he twirled me straight into his, toned body. It was like nothing I had ever imagined, I felt like I was safe, as he guided me around the floor. Our faces millimetres apart, our bodies touching, like we were one person, moving as one. Caius whispering sweet nothings in my ear. Twisting and dipping me. It felt nice, and I soon got used to Caius' moves. We were Salsa dancing for fifteen minutes. Then a voice over the PA system.
"Ladies and Gentleman, you know what time it is? It Swing dance hour, so grab your best Guys and Gals and head to the dance floor," the Cheesy announcer said all over the club.
Caius and I immediately broke apart, as the swing music began. Caius really did know how to move around with floor. It was almost embarrassing to not be able to do anything good with him. He lifted me above his head, for crying out loud, at one point. We were the only ones who were on there for a full hour. He loved the music and my dress was all billowy, the skirt fanned out as I twirled around, hitting other couples, that pissed them off to know end. And by the end of it, I was so tired it wasn't even funny, it was only 11pm. I had been awake longer than that. But I stifled a yawn. That didn't get past Caius and he whispered as we walked off of the dance floor.
"You tired Bella?" he almost laughed.
"No, well yeah, I didn't really sleep very well, I think. As you know, I don't remember anything from last night," I sat down at our table with my head in my hands.
"Well, I don't think you will be sleeping very well tonight either Bella," he added, with a smile on his face.
"I don't understand." I was confused.
"Well, I took you out dancing and my company, don't you think I deserve something in return?" he pouted, but it wasn't going to work on me.
"Um, yes, my pleasant company,"
"Listen Bella, where I come from, when a guy takes a girl out for a good time, he expects something in return that night." He urged, holding my hand.
"And were I come from, men aren't such sleaze bags," I rebuffed.
"Aww come now Bella, you know that we could be great together," he smiled.
"It's always going to be that way with you isn't it. About when I can finally service you?" I whispered, terrified.
"No, because I know it will be great," he reasoned, opening a bottle of Champagne.
Things could go one way or the other. I could surrender tonight, surrender all of my morals. Loose my virginity to someone that I didn't really love, or I could be strong. I closed my eyes tightly. What would Uncle Chester say?
'Kick him in the balls Bella, self defence; I would stick up for you.' I laughed in my head. Definitely my father's brother. I took a deep breath. And gathered my voice.
"Ok, why don't you just let me freshen up," I said sweetly, and seductively. He smiled.
"Take as long as you need Bella, I'll be waiting here," he winked, and poured some champagne into a second glass. I stood up and walked quickly into the ladies room, taking out my cell phone as I walked. I grabbed the piece of paper that Brian, the Valet, had handed to me with his number.
Should I really do this? I nodded to myself. And dialled Brian's number.
'Hello?"
"Hey Brian, its Bella, the girl who was with Caius Volturi?" I asked, in case he didn't remember.
'Oh, hey Bella. To what do I owe the pleasure?" he laughed.
"Okay in about 45 minutes, I guy Called Jay, or James, will pull up, is there any way you can get him in here? It's very important," I pleaded.
'For you Bella, sure. He your Brother?' he added.
"Yeah, thanks for doing this," I hung up. I had reached the bathroom now, and hit 1. He answered the phone almost immediately.
'Hey Bells, what's the matter?' He asked.
"How much do I mean to you James?" I pleaded...
OOOOOOOOOO
It had been 50 minutes now. I had been in here a long time, even for a girl. I knew the plan, Jay knew the plan but Caius didn't. All I had to do was waiting. I hated waiting. I tapped the sink impatiently. 51 minutes I had been here. Suddenly the door to the ladies room had burst open. It was James. I sighed in relief. He wasn't alone either; Brian had decided to join the rescue attempt. Oh God.
"Jay, thank god! Did he see you?" I ran up to him and hugged him.
"No Bella, I don't even think that he's here. He must have given up. Are you ok though," he held me at arm's length and examined me with his eyes.
"Yes, yes now I am fine, let's go already." I practically shouted. He was way ahead of me and had my hand in his; weaving his way through the crowd, back to his car. I sighed in relief when I saw James' car. I climbed in quickly, hoping that, nobody would see me. I was going to pay for blowing off Caius Volturi on Monday. Well done Bella, you have only been back for one day and you already have an enemy. Ugh.
James climbed in his door and started the engine. He seemed as eager to get away from here as I did. He put on his seat belt, as did I. My brush with death I the spring had made me very road safety conscious. But we were going about three times the speed limit. I sighed, James turned the radio on. Small town girl, by journey was on, and we both couldn't resist singing along. James was good, drumming on steering wheel. And laughing too much for my own good. When it had finished, we were nearly home. It had taken ten minutes to get home; it usually takes half an hour. We pulled out on my street. It was quiet. Well it would be seen as it was just past midnight. I stared out of the window.
"James, you can pull up in your house. I can walk home from here," He did as he was told and pulled into his driveway. He pulled the key out of the ignition. I took off my belt and got out of the car. He got out too. I walked over to the porch, and sat down on the swing. Jay followed.
"What are you thinking about," he sat down next to me, putting his arm around my shoulders, rocking as both back and forth.
"Just about how great a friend you are," I smiled up at him. He laughed stiffly. "What Jay?"
"It's nothing, Bella. Don' worry about it," he looked in a different way. Something was wrong.
"Jay, what's wrong? You can tell me anything you know," I pulled his face in my direction. "Talk to me please," he took a deep breath.
"I'm afraid it will ruin our friendship Bella, and it means so much to me,"
"Jay, nothing can shock me," I told him sincerely. Holding his hand. He looked in pain.
"Bella. I think that," he sighed, "you could do some much better than Volturi," he spat.
"Like who? Jay, everybody will soon know about what a whore I am," I lowered my head.
"Bella, don't think that about yourself. You are not a whore,"
"You have to say that, you are my best friend," he looked pained again.
"Bella, I don't just want to be your best friend," he looked at me again, willing me to understand.
"I am confused," I gripped his hands tighter. He sighed again.
"Bella, when I saw you today, I just wanted to hold you in my arms, and never ever let go. Caius wanted you so bad, but I wanted you more," he said it so quickly, I nearly missed it.
"Okay then," I sighed. He wanted me to comfort him. "Jay, I need some time to digest this, to make a decision," I went to get up. He followed me. Until we reached the sidewalk.
"But until then, let this help you decide," He twisted me around and our lips moulded together. It was like fireworks going off. I knotted my hands in his hair; his hands lingered on my back and neck. His tongue explored my mouth like it was urgent enough to make him want me more. My own tongue explored his mouth, it was like, it was ok, not taboo for me to be there. The grey area of our friendships walls had finally been demolished, and now there was no holding back.
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT!
THIS WAS JAMES, MY BEST FRIEND! I pulled away suddenly.
"Bella?" he seemed confused.
"I need time Jay," I turned around quickly and practically ran down my street. I pulled out my keys and ran into my house. Slamming the door behind me. I started to cry. Six people met me outside. Rose, Emmett, Jasper, Alice, Mum and Dad.
"I'll kill him, what did he do?" Emmett shouted.
"Dear, I will not condone violence in my house," Mum yelled.
"It's Volturi Mum! Come on! Look what he did!" Emmett went back. He came and gave me a hug. I welcomed it. His big, muscled arms enveloped around me.
"It wasn't Volturi," I stammered. "I don't want you to do anything," I told them all. Emmett looked angry, but patted me on the back.
"Fine." Jasper, Emmett and Dad chimed in as well.
"Alice, you were staying over, you still want stay over," I asked.
"Of course Bella," Emmett let go of me, unwillingly.
"Rose you want to stay over too?" I gave her a look in my eyes, saying please god stay over!
"Yeah, sure," she came and took over from Emmett giving me a one armed hug, leading her and me to Alice.
"I need to talk to you two now!" I whispered furiously to them both.
"Bella I'm tired, shall we go upstairs now?" Alice gave a fake yawn.
They practically dragged me upstairs. My eyes were still puffy.
"Bella what's happened," Rose asked. Patting my hand. Alice was rubbing my back.
"Is it Caius?" Alice whispered.
"No. Um. It's James. He kissed me tonight,"
"OH MY GOOD GOD!" They both yelled.
