A\N: I want to apologize for the delay, but the good news is that my writer's block is over. Also, in attempt to update more frequently the chapters will be a little shorter than before. Sorry.

Enjoy!

Things will never be the same

Chapter 10- Finally

Previously:

… I was in a daze when we returned to the party with the presents in our hands. The first thing I saw sobered me more than a bucked with ice-cold water. I immediately felt hurt, disappointment and anger. Because at the spot where I was standing just a minute ago Edward was kissing non other than Tanya Denali.

I quickly averted my eyes from the couple, feeling like a complete idiot. How naïve I could get? Of course that he couldn't like me. Who was I to even hope that he will notice me? I laughed bitterly at my stupidity.

''Bella, what's up?'' Alice asked and at the same second spotted Tanya and Edward. ''What the…''

''Come on, lets find Rose and Jasper.'' I interrupted her and before she could say or do anything I dragged her with me. We spotted Rose, Emmett and Jasper easily. After all the dancing they were thirsty and were by the drinks, trying to decide whether to be alcoholic one or non alcoholic.

''Hey little ones, what's with the angry faces?'' Emmett's voice boomed.

''Nothing.'' Both I and Alice answered.

Jasper, Rose and Emmett watched us suspiciously but I decided to cut in before they could start questioning us. I wasn't in the mood.

''Whatever, Happy birthday Rose!'' I smiled at her, trying to look exited and happy. I couldn't fool her, but she decided to not question it right now. She took the small box eagerly.

''It's from both me and Alice.'' I said.

''It's actually Bella's idea!'' Alice added and I rolled my eyes.

Rose opened the velvet jewelry box to find a golden Tiffany's necklace with the words 'Forever R.A.B.' dangling from the chain.

Rose was speechless. She touched the words and then looked at both of us. For a second nothing happened. Suddenly, the three of us were embraced in a group hug.

''Thanks girls, I love it.'' She said with twinkling eyes.

Her reaction made me happier. Rose gave the necklace to Emmett who put it around her neck and kissed her below her ear.

''I won't take it off again.'' Rose said proudly and we all laughed.

''Jazzy, this is for you from both me and Bella.'' Alice jumped towards him and handed him a simple square black box. ''Happy birthday!''

''It's more from Alice.'' I corrected her but she just glared at me so I gave up.

''Well, open it already!'' she said excitedly but a little nervous.

''Calm down Ali.'' Jasper chuckled at her and proceeded opening the box.

A second later he pulled out a gorgeous watch from white gold. It was simple yet elegant. Alice had said that it was 'written Jasper all over it'.

He smiled. Emmett peeked through Jasper's shoulder and cursed. Jasper smiled even wider.

''Well?'' Alice questioned her boyfriend. In response he just kissed her.

''It's a double prize Ali.'' He said to her still grinning mischievously. He then turned to Emmett and stretched his open palm. Rosalie's boyfriend grumbled but put fifty dollars in Jasper's hand.

''You two did a bet on what am I going to give you?'' Alice asked amazed. She put her hands on her hips. ''I can't believe it!''

''I can.'' Rose shrugged.

''Me too.'' I said.

Before Alice could get into killing stance Jasper put his hand on her waist and drew her close.

''Emmett thought that you were going to give me clothes. I told him that you weren't all for clothes and fashion and he laughed. Then we bet for fifty dollars, it wasn't a big deal. Besides, I know you too well.'' he planted a kiss on her cheek.

''The worst bet in my life.'' Emmett muttered.

We all laughed but I soon stopped because I spotted a certain blond figure glaring with a smile at me.

''Bella, what is it?'' Rose asked and followed my gaze. ''What the fuck she wants?''

Alice then told them about the scene we had witnessed. Rose narrowed her eyes at Tanya which was coming towards us now.

''Something's wrong, this doesn't sound like Edward.'' Emmett commented with a puzzled expression.

''I don't know how it sounds but I know how it looked. Bella saw it too.'' The pixie exclaimed.

Nobody had the chance to say anything because Tanya was already in front of us.

''Happy birthday Hale.'' She said with her evil smile. ''I have to admit that the party is not so bad.'' She then turned to me.

''Just to know Swan, your friend Edwards…he's mine. You touch hum and I'll kill you. Got it honey?''

''Just to know Denali, people are not for sale.'' I snapped at her. ''Let him decide.''

''He decided. So I'm telling you to back of or else…''

Rose and Alice stepped protectively by my side.

''Or else what?'' Rose encouraged with a smile. ''You would slap her?''

''Then prepare honey, we know that you have experience in being thrown away like the trash you are.'' Alice added.

''Back off bitch. I want to deal with her.'' Tanya pointed at me and I glared at her. Did she truly believe that I would be scared?

''If you are so confident then why are you here to threaten me?'' I asked her with my hands clenched in fists. She looked at me with disbelief. Soon enough she smiled again, gaining back her confidence.

''Watch your back Swan. I'm not over with you. You don't know what can happen to you.'' She said with evil glint in her eyes and they stomped away in the crowd. I glared after her until she disappeared from my sight. Before I turned to the others I caught glimpse of Edward. He was trying to get to us but then Tanya attacked him again. I thought that I saw something in his eyes, some emotion close to my own sadness but it couldn't be. I shook my head and turned to my friends again.

''She's up to something. Did you see how angry she was? We have to be careful.'' Jasper warned. Alice looked at me strangely.

''Wow, the mystic duo, chill. She won't do anything. We won't let her, right?'' Emmett said confidently.

''Okay, leave this bitch. Girls come, I just turned eighteen, I'm halfway drunk and I want to dance!'' Rose actually jumped.

Alice's squeal was muffled by the next song-Little bad girl by Taio Cruz and David Guetta. They gave me a glass with vodka. I usually don't drink but I told myself-it's one glass, what the heck! The alcohol spread warmth in my body and I felt my lips forming a grin.

''Lets dance.'' I agreed.

The three of us got to the middle of the dance floor and started dancing like crazy. I spotted Emmett, Jasper and Edward talking together but I soon averted my eyes. I wanted to erase the stupid image in my head and right now, having fun was the easiest way. An evil voice in my head whispered that I being happy will probably piss off Tanya. I laughed hard without an evident reason. Rose and Alice laughed too, seeing my expression. The night continued like this-having fun and ignoring the evil stares coming from a certain strawberry-blond female.

()()()

Around 1 a.m. people started to fill out. One of the last one to leave were Tanya and Edward. He turned around and nodded to Emmett. His eyes landed on me but I looked away. I waited around fifteen minutes before I decided that it was safe for me to go out too.

''Rose, Jasper, the party was epic!'' I told them both.

''Happy to see you happy squirt.'' Emmett grinned stupidly. He was pretty tipsy but was still standing.

''Be careful on the ride back home.'' Alice warned.

''Will do. Bye!''

They told me goodbye and I got out into the cold night. The light from the house was dim but it was enough for me to spot my car. As I got near it I saw that there was someone leaning against the passenger's door. I froze on my spot, ten feet away from the mysterious person.

''It's just me Bella.'' I heard a painfully familiar voice.

''You didn't leave with your girlfriend! This isn't a good start.'' I said sarcastically, trying to reach the driver's door without getting too close to him.

''She is not my girlfriend.'' Edward stated angrily.

''Whatever.'' I waved him off and started searching for my keys.

''Bella listen, she kissed me.'' He said and I froze again. Of course, he noticed and got closer to me but I didn't care. My mind was screaming Explain, please elaborate! He obeyed to my unspoken plea.

''She came to me after you went away. She had me cornered and I couldn't escape. I pushed her away as fast as I could but it wasn't fast enough. I'm sorry Bella.'' He was now standing right in front of me. I was with my back against the car door. I tried to shake off the silly hope that had nestled in my chest but it was as hard as ignoring Edward's proximity.

''Why are you apologizing? '' I asked him without looking up. I was aware of the traitorous tears which were threatening to fall from my eyes.

''Because I want you to know the truth. I don't want you to be misunderstanding things. Can you forgive me?''

The question was simple but I couldn't answer. We both knew that technically, he didn't have a reason to apologize. So was this true or was it part of some sick joke.

'This is Edward, Bella, you know him. And you know Tanya as well. Who are you going to trust?' said my inner voice. Well, that question was easier.

''Okay.'' I answered in a small voice.

''What? I didn't hear you.'' Edward asked.

I looked up and finally met his green eyes.

''I forgive you. I trust you Edward.'' I repeated my decision.

On the dim light, coming from the house, I could see that his eyes were lightened up by happiness and something else. He had also decided something.

''Good, because I want to do something.''

I just nodded curious. He smiled.

Before I could even realize what is he up to his lips were on mine. The same sparks that we always exchange were now even more intent. His lips were soft and warm and my mind was having a really big trouble staying clear. I smiled into the kiss though. It was heaven.

Eventually, we had to break apart for air.

''So…''I breathed.

''So…would you be my girlfriend?'' he asked me.

''Yeah.'' I answered softly and simply and he hugged me.

''Thank you.'' He whispered in my ear and I hugged him back.

''Well, it was 'bout time!'' Emmett yelled from the front porch of the house. ''Great job Edie!''

The other three came up from behind him. They all were grinning like fools.

''Stalkers!'' I shouted but laughed.

''I should probably drive my brother home. Will you be okay, how much did you drink?'' he asked concerned.

''Just one glass, I'm fine. Don't worry.'' I smiled at him.

He sighed and looked at his big brother again.

''I should go.''

''Yeah, you probably should.''

''One more thing.'' He said and leaned to kiss me again. The kiss wasn't that long but still made my mind dizzy and my heartbeat fast, and my knees go jelly…yeah. ''I'll pick you up at Monday for school.''

''Okay.'' I whispered to him.

He pecked me one last time and then opened the door for me. I climbed in and drove away, wondering how this night had ended up with me and Edward getting together.

Not that I was complaining.

A\N: Okay, this is the chapter. I hope that you liked it. Leave me a review please.

Also, I have to thank to all of you who review my story. It really makes my day to know that you care, guys. Thanks! Keep it up like this!

The next chapter is already done but I have to get ready for school because we start at Monday. However, I promise that I will update next week. You deserved it! Thank you for the support.