A/N I'm sorry for the delay, guys. I had to have all of my chapters revised by a beta before posting again. A big thank you to Nichole for helping me with my English. She's the best. Here's chapter nine. Enjoy.

Chapter 9

Edward Pov

October was rapidly approaching to an end. Today was the last, and the most important, day of the month; the 31th of October, which meant that Halloween was here.

There was a certain buzz filling the air as the general atmosphere hummed with the excitement surrounding the holiday spirit. Like any other place in the US, our little old Forks was in a frenzy as locals were preparing to welcome one of the most loved and entertaining events of the year.

Jack-o'-lanterns, haunted houses, scary decorations, creepy costumes, spooky storytelling around a roaring bonfire, trick-or-treating, horror-themed parties; Forks had it all.

Speaking of parties, I was currently standing in front of a large, spider web-covered mirror, in a costume shop in Port Angeles. It was the fourth costume I was trying on, and I was already fed up with the entire process of choosing an outfit for later that night.

For the past two days, Alice has been organizing the annual Halloween party that was going to take place at our house this year. Everything was taken care of; the decorations, the food, the drinks, the furniture in the living room moved so we would have room to move and dance. And most importantly; the parents were out of town.

The problem? I was the only one left without a costume. So here I was, in the busy shop, looking at my reflection as Alice and Emmett studied me from a blood-red sofa.

"Nah." Emmett wrinkled his nose, obviously not pleased with Alice's choice.

"Why not?" She narrowed her eyes at him. "I think it looks good on him."

"Come on, Alice, seriously. Prince Charming? The fucking cape is ridiculous," I said, running a hand through my hair in frustration. I turned my body, looking at myself sideways in the mirror. "I don't like it."

"Fine," Alice huffed, getting up. "Let me look for something else."

"And if I don't like this next one either, I'm going to wear the costume from last year."

My sister's head snapped in my direction. "You're kidding, right?"

"No."

"You'll be wearing a costume two years in a row, when I'm going to attend a party dressed as a parrot. Comprendes?"

I rolled my eyes and Emmett burst into laughter.

"Are you looking for an outfit, Emmett?" I asked annoyed.

"No, I already got one." He beamed.

"Then what are you doing here?" I was irritated.

He grinned happily. "I wouldn't miss the opportunity to see Alice torturing you."

"Fucker. What are you dressing as, anyway?"

"Mad clown."

I chuckled. "No shit."

"Fuck yeah!"

"What did Rose have to say about that? I bet she kicked your ass and forbade you to wear it, but since you're suicidal, you're going to do it anyway. Am I right?"

"Something like that. She wanted matching costumes, but this year I had to put my foot down; you know what I mean? She needs to learn who's the man in this relationship." He grinned again, his eyes sparkling.

I laughed. "Which is Rosalie. She has a good grip on your hairy balls. Admit it."

"You're just jealous because we're perfect for each other." Emmett fluttered his eyelashes jokingly, like the drama queen that he was.

"Found it!" Alice yelled excitedly from across the room as she made her way between hoards of people searching the racks. "This is perfect for you. I can feel it."

I eyed her skeptically, holding my hand out for the piece of clothing. "What's this?"

"A gladiator costume."

"Gladiator?"

"Yeah."

"I don't know, Alice..."

"Just try it on." She let out a heavy sigh.

A few minutes later, I stepped out of the fitting room, instantly covering my ears, trying to block Alice's loud squeal of delight.

"I told you it was perfect!"

"I gotta admit it looks pretty good on you." Emmett nodded firmly.

"Yeah." I agreed. "I'll buy it. Thank God we're done because I already have a raging headache."

~~ 0 ~~

"What's that?" Alice asked curiously, pointing to the black and red box on my bed.

"Jacob's present," I said, not looking up from my underwear drawer. I was looking for a pair of black boxers to put on after my shower. I had a long towel wrapped around my waist, water dripping from my hair on my back and on the floor.

"It's his birthday today?" Her brow furrowed.

"It was yesterday, but I didn't have time to give it to him. I had to help you decorate the house." I turned around to look at my sister. "What did you want?"

"Oh." She smiled. "Should I curl my hair, or leave it like this?" She asked in regards to her straight hair.

"Curl it a little."

Alice beamed at me. "Okay. So, what's in the box? Can I look?"

"Sure."

"Oh, this is a nice watch," she exclaimed, as she examined the black leather Tissot watch. "You know... you treat your friends better than your girlfriends, Edward."

I shrugged. "You know that once you earned my friendship and appreciation, I can be a decent person."

Even if he managed to piss me off in the last month and a half, more than ever.

I admit having been a prick to him lately, but I blame it all on Isabella. It was her fucking fault. She was like a dividing harpy.

Anyway, he was still my friend, and I never forget about my friends' birthdays. I had known Jacob since I was eight, and there was a time when we were really close.

Alice smiled lovingly. "You are more than a decent person, Edward. You're very kind and loyal. All of your friends know this."

I nodded absentmindedly, swiftly changing the subject. "How many people did you invite?" Our parties had always been selective.

"Um... around forty. Why?"

"Just asking."

"I have to finish getting ready. See you downstairs." She turned on her heel taking a few steps to the door, when I found myself speaking again.

"Is Isabella coming?" I blurted out stupidly.

Alice smirked knowingly. "Why do you want to know?"

My jaw set. "I don't want to know. I was simply asking."

"Yeah right. I invited her, if that's what you wanted to know. She said she'll think about it. God, you're so obvious it's ridiculous." She chuckled amused.

I gave Alice a hostile glare, my nostrils flaring with mild anger. "You know what? Just get out of my room. I don't need your mockery."

She rolled her eyes. "You're so stupid, you know that? I'm not mocking you. There's nothing wrong with liking her. Bella is a very nice girl. I can't say the same about Tanya." She gave me a pointed look.

"Yeah, Alice, I get it. You like Isabella. Whatever. I need to change," I said, dismissing her.

~~ 0 ~~

Alice had done a great job with the decorations this year. From monster footprints, cobwebs, black cats and paper ghosts to fake blood, skeletons, bats and carved pumpkins; my sister had thought of everything.

Our house looked like it just came out of a horror movie.

In the living room, on our seven foot-long dining table covered in a black tablecloth, there were all kinds of mouthwatering treats. Jack-o'-lantern candy apples, ghost gingerbread, vampire and zombie brain cupcakes, skull lollipops, gummy worms, spider-web cookies, white tombstone chocolate, candy corn cookies, marshmallow monster eyes, Jell-O shots, pumpkin pie, eyeball ice cream sundae; everything looked so good, I couldn't wait to eat until I'd pass out from a sugar overdose.

Alice had even ordered a big cake that had Halloween as the theme. It was a two-story cake, with a haunted house on top; ghosts, pumpkins and tombstones on a white and lilac background.

In a huge bowl, there was a blood-red punch that I had spiked with vodka. Next to the punch, there were a few bloody Mary cocktails, beer, vodka, whiskey and other alcoholic drinks.

Fuck, I loved my sister. She threw the best parties in the world.

Around nine, I was heading downstairs dressed in my gladiator costume, when the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of the first party people.

Alice, wearing her hippie outfit, came flying down the stairs, passing me in a hurry to get to the door.

"Whoa, take it easy, midget." I chuckled, amused by her enthusiasm.

"I can't." She grinned at me and opened the door widely. "Hey guys! Come in." She ushered Emmett and the blond brothers- my nickname for Jasper and Rosalie- inside.

"Woohoo. Parteeeee!" Emmett yelled excitedly, dangling a bottle of liquor in front of me. True to his word, he was dressed as a mad clown, the creepy mask on his face proving how mentally unstable he was.

Alice and Jasper had on matching costumes, while a pouting Rosalie was wearing a long, slave princess dress.

"You crazy fucker." I laughed. "This is a cool costume. Suits you perfectly."

"Why thank you. I feel awesome."

"Save it, princess," Rosalie snapped, walking past us and into the kitchen.

I snickered. "What did you do, bro?"

Emmett shrugged careless. "Dunno. She'll get over it. She's probably PMSing or something."

"She's always PMSing, man. I don't know how you can stand her sometimes."

Emmett smirked knowingly. "You'll get it when you find the right girl. She'll grab you by the balls, torturing you like a sadistic out-for-blood bitch, and you'll be thanking her and asking for more. That's looooove, man."

I snorted out a laugh. "Not gonna happen. I'll never be wrapped around a woman's little finger, so she can do whatever she wants with me."

"Just wait and see, my brother from another mother. Just wait and see," Emmett said mysteriously, giving me a huge dimple smile as he stepped into the living room and out of sight.

"Hey, Jazz," I called over my shoulder.

"Yeah?" He came out of the kitchen eating a cookie.

"Let's have a drink. Just one." I warned.

Jasper grinned. "What do you have?"

"Anything but strong stuff for you. Maybe a glass of Fruitables." I joked, and he frowned at me, not amused.

"Funny. I want vodka."

"I don't think so. Remember how drunk you got last time you had it."

"Man, do you have to remind me of this every chance you get?"

"Um... yes." I laughed. "You have zero resistance to alcohol."

He groaned.

"Just kidding." I patted his back, "Come on, let's get you fucked up. Just don't let Alice see you drinking. For now at least."

Jasper nodded his head eagerly.

Too eagerly.

~~ 0 ~~

"... so... no, no, listen to this..." Jasper laughed, holding his belly with one hand. "Why don't skeletons ever go out on the town?"

"..."

"Because they don't have anybody to go out with." He laughed harder. "Get it? Any body."

"Jasper, what did I tell you?" I shook my head disapprovingly. "You're drunk. It's not even eleven yet."

"I am not," he said indignantly. He looked at me with a frown, then his face broke into a huge smile. "Why do mummies have trouble keeping friends?"

"Jasper..."

"Because they're too wrapped up in themselves." He started laughing hysterically.

I sighed resigned and rolled my eyes at his stupidity. "If Alice beats your ass, don't come whining to me."

"Edwarrrd," Jasper slurred. "My future brother-in-law." He put an arm around my shoulders, holding me to him tightly. "Relax. Little one is not around to see me. She's busy tonight."

I chuckled, pushing him away. "You have a death wish."

"Nah." He grinned.

The doorbell rang again, for the fiftieth time that night. Since Alice wasn't around to get it, I stepped away from Jasper, making my way to the foyer.

I swung the front door open widely, the persons on the other side greeting me enthusiastically. "Happy Halloween!"

My heart stopped, my breath caught in my throat, and I was about to faint from the lack of oxygen.

Jesus Christ...

Why do you hate me, God?

Isabella.

She was all I could see in that moment. I was aware of voices speaking to me, but I was unable to focus on anything else. It was like I couldn't look away, my eyes glued to the vision of beauty in front of me.

"Edward." I heard Alice next to me. She pushed me aside gently. "Don't let our guests stand outside." She leaned to whisper in my ear, "What's wrong with you?"

I was dumbfounded. I slowly moved to the right, making room for Jacob, Angela and Isabella.

"Hey, man. Are you alright?" Jacob asked concerned.

I cut my eyes to him. "Huh? Yeah. Come on in," I said distracted. "Almost everybody is here."

"The house looks amazing, Alice," Angela gushed.

"Thank you." She beamed giving her a hug. "Bella, I'm so glad you could make it. I love your outfit."

Oh yeah... that outfit...

"Where's Ben?" I abruptly woke up from my reverie.

"He's on his way. He had to give his aunt a ride to Port Angeles," Jacob said, giving me a strange look.

"Come guys. All of you need a drink." Alice clasped her hands together, starting to guide everyone into the living room.

As soon as they started walking, my sister pulled me to the side, tugging on my hand roughly. The smile on her face was instantly replaced with a frown. "I want you to behave tonight, Edward."

When I looked at her like she was crazy, she made an impatient sound with her tongue. "You know what I mean. I want you to be nice to Bella and watch your mouth around her."

"I didn't do anything," I said defensively.

"I know. I'm just warning you. Don't fuck up. I like Bella and I want to be friends with her. Keep your personal opinion to yourself and try to be civil. Okay?"

"Alright." I shrugged nonchalantly.

If only she knew. I was so attracted to Isabella at this point, it was insane. And her costume tonight... it should be illegal to wear something so sexy.

She had on a Snow White costume, with a skirt so short and cleavage so revealing, it was frustrating to look at her. Add the white knee-length tights, the black platform shoes and the red bow in her dark hair, and I was a salivating idiot.

I had to remind myself she was still her same bitchy self, but I don't think I could have cared less in that moment. From the moment I laid eyes on her in the doorway, I was gone. There was no more hope for me.

I just prayed I was able not to stare at her too much.

Alice gave me a suspicious look before departing. I followed after her into the living room and instinctively searched for Isabella. She was standing next to the large dining table, watching Jacob as he poured her a drink in a blue plastic cup.

I walked over to them. Isabella saw me, and her eyes met mine as she played with the ring on her middle finger. God she was hot. I forced myself to avert my gaze.

I tapped Jacob lightly on the shoulder. "Hey, man. Can I have a word with you?"

He seemed surprised. "Yeah, sure."

"I won't keep him long," I said to Isabella. She bit her upper lip and nodded, turning on her heel and making her way to Alice.

"What's up?" Jacob asked.

"I want to show you something. Come on." I nodded to the stairs.

We got to my room and Jacob looked around expectantly. "What is it?"

I smirked. I went over to my nightstand and pulled out his present, handing it to him. "Happy birthday. I wanted to give this to you yesterday, but I didn't have time. I thought it would be awkward to give it to you downstairs."

He opened the box and his eyes widened. "Whoa, bro. This is awesome." He paused for a few seconds then added, "It has to be expensive. You shouldn't have bothered."

I waved him off. "You're one of my best friends. This is what friends do, no?"

He chuckled, shaking his head. His pirate hat fell lower on his forehead. "You always bought me expensive shit. I appreciate the gesture. Really."

"Yeah, yeah." I waved him off. "Let's go back downstairs. I'm glad you like it. You needed a watch anyway."

~~ 0 ~~

"Baby," Tanya whispered in my ear. We were seated on the couch, her pink tutu sprawled over my knee. "What is it? You seem a little off."

In front of us, people were dancing exuberantly in their carefully chosen outfits.

I shrugged. "Nothing."

In reality, my mind was elsewhere. Since the beginning of the night, I couldn't take my mind off Isabella. She was eating a cupcake and laughing with Angela in a far away corner, completely oblivious to my insistent stares.

"Do you want to dance?" Tanya asked hopefully.

"Nah."

"Okay..."

She kissed my cheek softly. "I love you."

I sighed heavily.

~~ 0 ~~

I was coming out of my room, after having talked to Mom on the phone. She and Dad were celebrating Halloween in Port Angeles, with my mom's cousin and her husband. Mom had called to make sure we were having fun and not destroying the house. After the last party, when some idiot broke her favorite porcelain vase, she was reluctant to let us have people over this Halloween. Luckily, my father could be very persuasive when he wanted, and he eventually convinced her to agree to our 'small' gathering.

She had no idea we had over forty people scattered around her precious home. Alice had vaguely told her something about 'close friends' and a 'discreet party'.

Yeah right.

The music was loud, the guests were even louder, everyone was more or less drunk, and the first floor looked like a house of horror devastated by ugly beasts.

Discreet my ass.

I was about to round the corner to the stairs, when I head my sister's voice. "No." She sniffled. "Let me go."

My fists clenched on instinct and I was ready to go into attack mode, when I heard Jasper's voice.

"I'm so sorry, baby." I froze on spot and listened. He sounded like he had been crying. "I promise I won't do it again."

Alice sniffled again. "I asked you not to do it, Jasper. So many times."

"I know, baby. I know. Please. Forgive me." His words were a bit slurred, and I realized he was still drunk.

"You know I hate it when you get drunk."

"I know." His voice cracked. "Please don't be mad at me. I love you."

"No, you don't. If you loved me, you wouldn't have done it. How many time do I have to ask you to stop drinking so much? This is not a joke. I don't like to see you like this." Alice started sobbing softly.

I heard movement and then Jasper's muffled voice. "I swear I won't get drunk again. I love you. Please."

For someone from afar, this scene would have seemed a little exaggerated. Everyone got drunk at a party and Alice's reaction might have seemed theatrical.

In reality, I knew she was afraid. She was afraid of Jasper ending up like his father.

Even though I used to make fun of him for getting fucked up easily, it was a pretty serious thing. Jasper's father was an alcoholic. He had been in Rehab two times. Last time was a year and a half ago and he succeeded to stay sober so far. His business had suffered from his addiction, and so had his entire family. He was not a violent man, even drunk, but being an alcoholic was not a pretty sight nonetheless.

Besides a low resistance to alcohol, Jasper had yet to show any signs of addiction. He only drank at parties, or in our private group time, when we were all doing the same.

However, you never know. Alcoholism is hereditary. That's why Alice always got so upset when she saw him drinking over the limit.

"I love you," Jasper said again, his voice shaking.

Alice sighed. "I love you, too. Please don't do it again."

"I won't. I promise." I heard the unmistakable sound of kissing, then Jasper started murmuring something in a very low voice.

I couldn't understand anything after that, but I heard Alice whispering 'okay' before they went downstairs a few minutes later.

I followed.

When I got to the bottom of the stairs, I decided to go outside and take some fresh air.

As soon as I stepped through the front door, I noticed the silhouette leaning against my Volvo.

What the sight of those long, slim legs did to me...

I smiled to myself and approached her silently. "Nice car, huh?"

Isabella jumped in surprise. She had on a short beige trench and a cigarette between her fingers. "Mon Dieu!" She exclaimed, clutching her chest.

I laughed. "I've scared you?"

"No." She mocked. "Of course you scared me. You like to sneak up on people?"

I leaned against the car next to her. "Yeah, especially you."

Isabella snorted and turned her head, facing forward. She took a drag from her cigarette.

I wrinkled my nose and pointed to the thing. "Have you been smoking for a long time?"

She cut her eyes to me, arching one eyebrow. "Why do you want to know?"

"Just asking." I shrugged.

Isabella took another drag and chuckled. "You should see your face. You hate cigarettes or something?"

"Yeah. Nasty habit. I've tried it once, but the fucking smell that lingers afterward is repulsive."

"Thanks." She rolled her eyes.

"I didn't mean you smell repulsive. You smell fucking nice, actually. I speak for myself."

"Three years," she said after a few minutes of silence.

"Huh?"

"I've been smoking for three years."

"Fourteen is an early age to start, don't you think?"

"What are you, a doctor?"

"No, but my father is," I said matter-of-factly.

"That explains it."

"I want to be, though."

"Really." She laughed.

My brow furrowed. "Yeah. What's so funny about that?"

"Nothing. Although, you might kill a patient in one of your nervous breakdowns."

"I don't have nervous breakdowns," I said irritated.

"Uh huh."

I crossed my arms over my chest, looking away.

"Nice sword," Isabella observed, glancing down at the thing hanging from my hip.

I smirked.

She groaned. "Oh God. You have a dirty mind, Cullen."

"I know." I grinned. "So do you."

Isabella shook her head exasperatedly.

"I know you do."

"Whatever." She threw the cigarette to the ground, stomping it with her foot. She moved away from the Volvo, taking a few steps towards the house.

On instinct, I grabbed her wrist, stopping her. "Stay."

Isabella looked at me frowning, obviously not pleased with me touching her.

"Come on. Stay a few more minutes." I couldn't fucking help it.

She pursued her lips, but took her previous position next to me.

I watched her profile for a while.

"What?" She narrowed her eyes at me.

I shrugged. "Nothing."

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Like what?" I feigned I didn't know what she was talking about.

She snorted. "You are bipolar. Not me."

I laughed. I remembered saying that to her on her first day of school.

"You are too. We would make a good pair." I joked.

"In your dreams, Edward."

"I'm joking. You're not my type." I was a bigger liar than fucking Pinocchio. She was definitely my type. Fucking hot and smart and sassy.

"Oh really?" She smirked. "What's your type? Stupid blonde bimbo?"

My jaw set. "Don't fucking start."

Isabella rolled her eyes. "You know I'm right."

"My relationship with Tanya is none of your business." My tone was harsh.

She made a face. "Whatever, Edward."

I sighed aggravated. She could be so annoying sometimes.

Scratch that. She was annoying all the time.

"Nice costume. Looks good on you." I couldn't seem to keep my mouth shut. She looked amazing in it. So amazing, she was all I could focus on, all fucking night.

"Thanks," she said flatly.

I snorted. "You sure know how to take a compliment."

Isabella turned her head to me, smiling. "Everything looks good on me."

I rolled my eyes at her and she chuckled. "Kidding. I'm not that conceited. Thanks."

"That was a nice present you bought Jake." She looked at me sideways. "I didn't know you were close friends."

I shrugged. "We used to be very close. Then I made other friends and you know..." I trailed off.

We stayed silent for a while, watching the few stars in the dark sky. The wind was starting to blow with more force.

"Aren't you cold?" Isabella asked, looking at my short sleeves.

"A little." I admitted.

"We should go inside."

"Yeah," I said reluctantly. I wanted more time with her.

What the fuck is wrong with me?

~~ 0 ~~

"It's time to cut the cake," Alice announced happily. Jasper was holding her hand, a remorseful expression on his half-sober face.

It was two minutes to midnight. Jacob came to stand next to me, flashing me his new watch and a wide grin.

"Nice." I grinned back, nodding my appreciation.

From the corner of my eye, I could see Isabella studying us curiously. Jacob made a gesture with his hand, beckoning her to him. When she came to stand next to us, he put a big arm around her shoulders, leaning down to whisper in her ear.

She laughed.

I clenched my teeth.

In moments like this I felt like punching him. Like I said; she was a fucking harpy, playing divide and conquer.

She laughed again.

I looked away.

Alice began to cut the cake.

Everyone yelled.

"Happy Halloween!" I could hear somewhere in the background.

I was staring at Isabella.

Jacob continued whispering. I wanted to hear what he was saying to her.

I was close. Maybe I could lean a little closer...

Yet again she threw her head back and laughed.

Too much fucking noise.

What's so funny?

Suddenly, she bit her upper lip seductively and looked at me through long eyelashes.

Her eyes were so big and moist; just like motherfucking Bambi.

Her lips were thick and rosy.

Her nose was so small and perfect.

Her neck was long.

Her hair looked so soft and shiny. I wanted to touch it. To grab it between my fingers and bury my nose in it.

There was one word playing over and over in my head, like an obsessing melody.

Beautiful.

A/N Poor Edward is kind of confused. Lol. Leave me some love.

Translation: Mon Dieu- my God