Disclaimer: Everything related to Twilight belongs to Stephenie Meyer.

[Thanks always to Taylor!]

Chapter 10: Trouble

Bella was sitting on the edge of her bed, staring into the abyss that was her closet. She sighed loudly, again, and closed her eyes, hoping the perfect outfit would magically appear behind her eyelids. When her chocolate eyes fluttered open to the exact same closet, she thumped back on her bed with an annoyed cry.

"Bella!" Charlie pounded on the door angrily for the third time in the last ten minutes. "Jacob called. Again!" he yelled through the mahogany.

"Too bad, I'm not ready!" she shouted back, the same response she had two minutes prior. Jacob was taking Bella on a mystery date and she had no idea what to wear, as per usual. Alice was away on a hunting trip so Bella had to fend for herself, something she had no desire of doing, even if it was for Jacob.

"Isabella Marie," Charlie called warningly, "if you don't come down and answer the damn phone, Jacob is going to show up on our door step covered in tears."

"Fine!" She yelled back, shoving away from her sheets and trudging toward the door. She threw it open and narrowed her eyes at her father, giving him an evil stare. He rolled her eyes as she stormed passed, muttering something like 'teenagers' under his breath.

Downstairs, the phone was ringing off the hook, buzzing in place on the coffee table in the small living room.

"What?" Bella grumbled into the phone, while Charlie shot her a disparaging look.

"Bells?" Jacob's smooth voice echoed through the phone.

"Yeah," Bella stated, trying to make her voice perk up.

Bella could tell Jacob was smiling on the other line. "Hello beautiful," he said into the phone. At once, Bella's irritation dissolved like it always did when she heard Jacob's voice. Her stiffened features melted just like her heart.

"Hi," she said more serene.

"What time should I come by tonight?"

Bella looked down at her baggy sweats and knotted hair and frowned. "I don't know Jake, I'm not even close to being ready. I have nothing to wear."

"That's absolutely fine," Jacob said, "don't wear anything, then."

"Jacob!" Bella reprimanded, turning red in embarrassment. He chuckled on the other end.

"Just call me when you're ready, okay?"

"Okay."

"Bye love," he said, still laughing confidently.

Bella hung up the phone, squinting her eyes as she narrowed in on the white phone cord; she hadn't noticed that her finger was twirled through it like a little girl on the phone with her first crush. It made the soft rosy color of her cheeks brighten exponentially.

"Was that Jake?" Charlie asked, climbing down the hallway stairs.

Bella tried to compose her features before turning toward her father. "Yep."

"Where is he taking you tonight?"

"I have no idea," Bella answered honestly. "It's our one month anniversary." Charlie raised his eyebrows.

"Are you two, um, celebrating that?" Charlie stumbled over his words uncomfortably. Bella saw his reddened face and couldn't help but feel bewildered.

"What do you mean?" Had he not been listening? She just told him Jake was taking her out somewhere special.

"I mean," Charlie began again, speaking his words slowly, as if calculating Bella's reaction before he said them. He steadied himself by gripping the stair banister, and looked right at her. "I mean, Bella, are you two being careful?"

"Dad!" Bella whined, her eyes jutting out in mortification. Blood pooled in her cheeks to match the pinkish gleam on Charlie's. The blushing was hereditary. Suddenly, Bella remembered Jacob on the phone moments ago telling her not to wear any clothes on their date. She wondered if Charlie had been listening, and then her blush became even more pronounced.

"I just want you to be safe, Bells, and well Jacob is a guy. You're a beautiful girl and he probably has temptations…"

"Dad!" Bella yelled again, cutting him off before he could continue. "Please stop." The words came out muffled from her embarrassment, and she had to turn away. This was the last conversation she wanted to have with Charlie. "You don't have to worry about me, okay?"

"Okay," he answered, walking down the narrow hallway that led to the kitchen. Bella closed her eyes, ridding her mind of the past five minutes' events, and then went upstairs. When her bedroom sat untouched, Bella threw on a pair of jeans and a black beater without thinking. She grabbed her car keys off the dresser, along with something thin and worn, stuffing it in her pocket. Rushing down the stairs in a hurry, Bella darted through the door with a quick shout to Charlie letting him know where she was going. In her haste, Bella smashed into the front door, her belt loop catching on the hook in the door. Her movements were so hurried that she didn't even notice the white paper twirling to the floor.

***

A soft knocking on the front door surprised Rosalie enough to send her gliding down the front stairs. She opened the door to a nervous and ragged looking Bella.

"Bella?" she gasped, unsure of what she was seeing.

"Hi, Rosalie," she stuttered, suddenly regretful of her hasty decision to come here.

"Not to be rude, but what are you doing here?" Bella was twitching in such discomfort that Rosalie felt bad about how intimidating she must be.

"Er, well," Bella started, "Alice isn't here and I was wondering if maybe you could help me." She looked up hopefully to watch confusion and then amusement dance across Rosalie's face. Bella sighed in relief that she didn't see anger or some indication that she wanted Bella dead. She was probably hiding it.

"Help you? With what?" Rosalie's expression was purely befuddled.

"I need an outfit to wear on my date tonight." Bella closed her eyes slightly and cocked her head to brace Rosalie's reaction. She raised her perfectly shaped eyebrow and then laughed without humor.

"Well, I'm busy right now, but I can let you into Alice's room. You can take anything you want." She opened the door and stepped aside so Bella could walk out of the rain and into the crisp open space of the Cullen's front room.

"Thanks," Bella said gratefully. She followed Rosalie up the winding stairs and down the furnished hall, turning right into Alice and Jasper's room. It was right across from Carlisle's study, but he was not sitting at the desk like she expected. He must be hunting with Alice. The only Cullen that seemed to be home was Rosalie. Bella didn't mind.

Rosalie pushed the door open and ushered Bella inside, pointing toward two large ornate double doors across from a king sized bed dressed with a white silk comforter Bella padded over to the wooden doors and took a deep, preparatory breath. Before she reached out for the golden handle, she turned toward the doorway. Rosalie had disappeared.

"Rude," Bella muttered under her breath and then opened the closet doors. Before her sat a room as big as the bedroom; a bar ran the entire length of the room with clothes hanging on every wall. The western wall had a long mahogany dresser with eight drawers; the biggest Bella had ever seen. On the eastern wall, resting under the hanging clothes was a wire rack with endless pairs of shoes. Bella was instantly overwhelmed looking at all the clothes, and then laughed when she realized they were all Alice's. Jasper's clothes were nowhere in sight.

Bella walked over to one wall and started dancing her fingers along the rows of outfits, examining each piece of clothing in admiration. Alice had always told her she was welcome to any of her clothes, but Bella still felt guilty being in there without her permission.

On the top floor, without Bella's knowledge, Edward was in his bedroom listening to music on his laptop. He perked his head when he heard footsteps in the hall and then a voice was talking in his head, an underlying tone of anger woven through it.

I'm coming in. His bedroom door flew open, slamming the adjacent wall, and the beautiful blonde stepped over the threshold.

"Sure Rose, come on in," Edward said sarcastically, slightly annoyed at his statuesque sister. He leaned back in his computer chair, crossing his arms behind his head.

"Alice is home," she stated simply.

Edward looked at her quizzically. "I didn't hear them come in."

Rosalie shrugged her shoulders indifferently. "Maybe you're not as special as you think." Edward growled at her, a low throaty and guttural sound. Rosalie's lips twitched into a striking smile, accompanying her slyly arched eyebrow. She walked out of the room then, her wedges clapping against the hardwood floors.

Edward lifted himself from his chair and made his way into the hall, heading toward Alice's bedroom. He didn't bother moving any faster than human speed.

When he arrived at the stairwell to the second floor, Edward perked his ears, listening for Alice, but couldn't hear anything. He trotted to her bedroom door and tapped lightly.

"Alice?" he whispered through the door. He waited ten seconds before opening the door slowly.

"Rosalie, I'm not making a mess, I promise," a familiar soft voice called from the inside of the closet. She poked her head out looking repentant, and then her eyes widened to match Edward's.

"Bella?"

"Edward. Hi." She stepped out of the closet wearing one of Alice's skirts, and only a white camisole. She looked down, seeming to remember her lack of shirt, and stepped back into the closet looking embarrassed. Edward chuckled and walked over to stand right in front of the open closet.

"It's just me, its okay," he murmured, reaching out his hand and beckoning her to come out of the closet. She complied, looking wary, and Edward laughed again. He sat down on the plush bed and Bella followed, but sat as far away from him as possible.

"What are you doing here?" Bella asked quietly.

"I live here," Edward smiled.

Bella blushed. "Oh, I know, I meant I just thought Rosalie was the only one home."

"What are you doing here?" Edward questioned back.

"Oh, um," Bella looked into his golden eyes and her cheeks reddened instinctively. Edward lifted his hand and rubbed the pink with the back of his forefinger. Bella stiffened under his touch, so Edward dropped his hand. Bella quickly spoke in hopes of dislodging the awkwardness that was sure to accompany the rejection.

"I needed an outfit, so I was looking in Alice's closet."

Edward stared at her, and when he realized she was serious, began laughing hysterically. "Ah yes, I forgot. Bella Swan, connoisseur of fashion." She stuck her tongue out at him.

"It's for my date tonight." She stated at an attempt to get back at his sarcasm, but instantly regretted it when his face looked crushed.

"Oh." He looked at her neck. "Is that from him?"

Bella didn't need to look down. Her hand rose to curl around the heart-shaped sand dollar hanging from a woven leather cord. "Yes." He nodded solemnly.

"What do you see in him?"

Bella looked straight into his eyes. "Hope. Happiness." Her eyes turned sad. "Healing," she whispered.

Edward's face fell and his eyes were contrite. "Bella…"

"Don't," she said. She got up off the bed, remembering she still needed an outfit for tonight. She walked back into the closet, but her mind was not on the clothes in front of her.

Bella didn't hear Edward sneak in behind her until he whispered in her ear. "I'm sorry, Bella."

She turned around. "I know." She smiled for him, trying to lighten the atmosphere which had become extremely somber. His expression turned hopeful for a moment, and he started leaning in toward her.

Bella quickly dodged away. "I'm sorry, too. I love Jacob now."

"Do you?"

Edward noticed her hesitation, even if it was only momentary. "Yes."

"Do you want help picking out an outfit?" Edward asked, his voice surprisingly light. Bella looked at him, confused. He was either really good at hiding his emotions, or pathetically apathetic.

"Seriously?"

Edward smiled his crooked smile. "I've lived with Alice for 30 some years. I know a thing or two about style, and I also know that you don't," he laughed.

Bella laughed too, knowing that she should be offended, but she wasn't. "Okay," she offered, waving her hand in front of all that clothes. "Where do we begin?"

Edward tapped his chin. "Where's he taking you?" he asked honestly, not grudgingly.

"I don't know. It's a surprise."

"Hmmm." He looked at the clothes and then at Bella. "Okay, I actually have no idea what you should wear. Good luck, Swan." He was chuckling as he stalked casually out of the closet, his hands in his pockets.

"Rude!" Bella called loudly, and she heard his velvety laugh from the hallway. She turned back to the clothes, trying to channel her inner Alice.

***

Jacob pulled into the Swan's driveway right behind Charlie's cruiser, dressed up in jeans and a black polo. His hair was combed and gelled back, and he smelled deeply of cologne.

He hopped out of his rabbit and strided to the front door, excited to surprise Bella. He rang the door bell, and Charlie answered, looking happy to see him.

"Jake, kiddo, how are you doing?"

"I'm good, Charlie. How are you?"

"I'm okay," he smiled. "Come on in."

Jacob stepped into in to the foyer grinning. "Is Bella ready?" he asked.

Charlie frowned. "Um, actually Jake, she's not here."

Jacob frowned too. "Where is she?"

"I'm not really sure," Charlie answered. "She left the house muttering something about getting an outfit to wear tonight. She'll probably be back shortly."

Jacob resumed smiling. "Oh, okay," he laughed. He remembered Bella's distress on the phone earlier. He wished he could tell her that it didn't matter to him what she wore, as long as she was with him he would be happy.

The phone rang loudly from the kitchen. "Oh, let me grab that. Excuse me for a moment," Charlie muffled, hurrying into the kitchen. That was when Jacob looked down to the floor, and noticed a piece of paper sticking out from under the lip of the door. He bent over and picked it up, unfolding the dog-eared note.

To my one and only singer-

Bella, you mean everything to me. You are the world to me.

And that will never change. Sweet dreams.

Always,

Edward

Jacob didn't even finish the note before he was out the door, slamming it behind him. He jumped forcefully into the rabbit and sped all the way to the infamous long driveway of Edward Cullen.

He pulled up to the front of the house, and leaving the car idling, he bounded up the steps and pounded on the front door with two fists.

Edward opened the door with a friendly smile, which turned into a grimace as he took in his guest. Jacob pushed passed him, walking inside.

"Sure Jacob, come in," Edward muttered.

Jacob turned around and glared at him. "What is this?" Jacob growled, thrusting the note into Edward's face. The jerky movement caused something to fly out of Jacob's jeans pocket, thumping to the floor. Edward bent down to retrieve the small blue box.

"What are these?" he hissed back, his eyes popping out in rage. Jacob's face turned beet red as Edward stared down at the box of condoms resting in his snowy palm. "Why do you have these?" he demanded harshly. Jacob looked down, his face flushed, and he was mortified for a moment before he quickly masked his expression with anger. Jacob turned back to the note, looking down at it with black eyes. If looks could kill, Edward thought. Jacob's eyes were daggers, and Edward could tell he was using all the strength he could muster to keep from phasing.

"That's none of your business!" Jacob blurted out, composing himself. Edward was about to say something but Jacob cut him off. "Don't change the subject! Why the hell does Bella have this note?"

"Jacob, Bella loves you. I know that. She and I are just friends." Edward's voice was sincere, and he smiled in encouragement. Jacob shook his head, and threw a punch gunning Edward's jaw. But Edward's reflexes were too quick, and he caught Jacob's fist before it hit his face. "Calm down, dog." Jacob ripped his hand from Edward's grip and let his arms fall to his sides. He tried to control his breathing.

"She'll never go back to you," he said. Vitriol seasoned each word.

At that moment, Edward's head snapped up, and Jacob turned to see what he was staring at. Bella was in the doorway of the kitchen, staring at the two boys.

"Bella," the two said at the same time. Jacob's was a confused question, where as Edward's was defeated acknowledgement. She stared at the two of them, standing feet apart. The look on both of their faces clearly showed anger, like they had just been fighting. Her eyes widened as she narrowed in on their hands; Jacob was clutching her note from Edward, and Edward was holding a box of condoms.

Two pairs of worried eyes, so different in color but so similar in emotion, focused on Bella's exasperated ones before they closed and her body hit the floor.

A/N: Craaaaaazy stuff! How long will Bella be able to resist Edward? You'll have to wait and see :) Jacob and Edward are ready to dual. Haha. I'm sorry this update is so late, I was on vacation and I wasn't able to write! I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!