Chapter Ten: Dancing in the Dark
Dusk Malveya's POV
16th of December

"Just take deep breaths, Sarah," I whispered as we walked down the hall.

Sarah nodded, breathing in and out as I instructed. "You'll stay by my side, right?" She whispered.

"Of course," I smiled reassuringly, taking her hand and giving it a light squeeze. "You know I'm right here."

My words seemed to calm Sarah and her eyes flickered open as she breathed unsteadily. "I'm going out to see all of those people," She muttered. "All of those people," She repeated and added nervously, "I could embarrass my father in front of."

"Don't say that, Sarah," I ordered gently as I noticed Sarah slowing down her pace, her strides became slow and reluctant. "All of those people are waiting to enjoy your party and see the beautiful birthday girl, not to see you embarrass yourself. That shouldn't be a test for you."

"But it is," She objected, closing her eyes and parting her lips, rushed breaths slipped in and out of her lips. "It is a test," She countered.

"If anything, it's a test of strength. You're stronger than this, Sarah. You know you are."

Sarah's eyes opened again and determination flew through her eyes. "I am," She declared firmly. "I am strong," She continuously repeated until we reached two large, wooden 18th century doors that were opened by two doormen.

This staircase led into another part of the house, a part I had not dared to venture into. It led into the ballroom and I was nervous as to what I would find. As we neared the staircase, we heard lots of wild laughter and blaring classical music, the scent of fresh food enticed my senses and I found Sarah and my pace quickened slightly.

I prayed the Sarah would enjoy herself, it seemed like she needed a relaxed night.

Time slowed as we approached the staircase and I squeezed Sarah's hand once more. "I won't let go," I whispered as the maroon carpet floor turned into polished floorboards beneath us. My eyes met the first step and I kept my eyes on the floor, refusing to look up.

Sarah and I stood in the centre of the staircase and I took a deep breath, feeling poor Sarah's clammy hand clutch onto mine. The roar of voices suddenly died down and I immediately felt the burn of people's stare dig into our nervousness and bring out a new anxiety. I very reluctantly looked up, taking in my intriguing surroundings.

All I could see were eyes, people's eyes – judgemental eyes, jealous eyes, superior eyes, interested eyes. Yet, as far as I looked for one pair of eyes that I found unreadable, I could not succeed. They all held at least one emotion, one emotion the left me thinking as to the calibre and manner of these people.

My eyes skimmed over the still crowd and I found Claire Young and Angela Call staring up at Sarah, on the verge of tears. They looked so proud, happy and I wondered how deep Sarah's connections to them ran.

My eyes continued to roam over the crowd and I saw Imogene Brooklyn standing next to a girl about Sarah's age. The girl was fiercely glaring up at Sarah, yet Imogene had a smile on her face as she held a firm arm around the scornful girl.

My eyes continued to slowly wander around the room thoughtfully. Though, my eyes swiftly moved back to the staircase as I heard a deep clearing of a throat. Time shot up to the present moment and I my eyes snapped down to see three masculine men looking up at Sarah from the bottom of the staircase.

Mr Black stood in between Quil and Embry, gazing up at his daughter pleasantly. I couldn't help but take in his dashing attire. He looked far more handsome in his black tuxedo, standing tall and proud with his hands behind his back, a charming half-smile fell upon his face.

I suddenly felt as if I was leading a bride down an aisle and that left me feeling peculiar as I revaluated my surroundings.

Everything looked so extravagantly perfect and detailed to every detail.

The extremely high ceiling was lined with patterned green and gold streamers. Large, bright, crystal chandeliers hung above the wide marble stone dance floor. Tables were perfectly set out around the dance floor. I saw at least twenty of them and they were all set out with spotless beige tablecloth, expensive silverware, crystal drinking glasses and sweet scented roses. Spare seats lined the edge of the whole ballroom and candles were lit everywhere, replacing electrical light, giving the whole ballroom a very historical atmosphere.

All of this for a twelfth birthday? I thought incredulously, looking around in amazement.

I turned my gaze towards Sarah and was thrilled to see a bright smile gracing her elegant facial features. I was also pleased to see her holding such a loving gaze on her father. I knew that somewhere in Sarah and Mr Black's father & daughter relationship was a clear common ground between them.

I had to find that common ground between them, even if I was still on a landslide with Mr Black.

Mr Black's smile grew as he put out his hand, gesturing for his daughter to come down the stairs. Sarah duly obeyed, grinning as she glanced at me momentarily, almost as if she was asking for my approval. I gave her a reassuring nod, my smile warm and proud, as she took her first step downstairs, her hand slipping from mine.

I was surprised to find that, as her fingertips slipped from mine, I felt the sting of worry coat over me. I don't think I had noticed how attached I grew to Sarah. I didn't like to let her go, it discomforted me, all I wanted to do was protect her and letting her leave my side was harder than I had ever expected.

Yet, knowing her hand would then be held by her true kin left me relieved.

I didn't know whether I thought of her as a sister or daughter, but motherly emotions were there and all they wanted to do was protect and care for Sarah. She was growing older, yes, but that left me with all the more reason for me to want to protect her.

Sarah strangely looked back up at me before she took her second step downstairs. I could feel her hesitation as she descended into her father's arms, as if she was taking her first nervous steps as a twelve-year-old. I immediately reacted to her silent nerves and took a step down as well, placing a firm and reassuring arm around her shoulders.

I felt her relax as we effortlessly continued downstairs.

I was there to keep Sarah calm and settled; I was going to do my job even if that left me oblivious to the world around me. For the first time in my life I was letting something snatch away my complete attention, leaving me vulnerable to the people who could be watching me judgingly.

Little did I know that, as I walked downstairs with Sarah, someone was watching me with inquisitive and slightly envious thoughts. It was someone in the crowd, someone with cold emerald eyes and a fake smile. I couldn't feel anyone's stare, yet I knew the danger lurking within someone's mind and that left my arm protectively tightening around Sarah.

Mr Black stared at me with an emotion I could easily read. It seemed he let his guard down, leaving me smug, as I clearly read the emotion of fascination roaming through his dark fathomless eyes. "Sarah-Isabelle," He acknowledged his daughter after he glanced at me for a split second. A larger smile graced his handsome face, his white teeth gleaming against his clear copper skin.

Mr Black's hand was still outstretched and Sarah took it finally, smiling as her small hand slid into his large one. I felt something in me flutter as she looked up at her father in adoration. I had never seen a girl mask her love for something so well; I couldn't believe I actually thought Sarah wilfully despised her father.

"Hi, Dad," She whispered, blushing immediately.

"You look beautiful," He complimented proudly. "I can't believe you've grown up so fast."

Sarah's cheeks darkened. "Thank-you," She murmured.

"You do look great, Sarah," Embry, who stood next to Mr Black, agreed with that same proud smile Mr Black and Quil had.

"You've never looked so much like you grandmother," Quil added wistfully.

Mr Black's eyes remained on Sarah, as if he couldn't believe that was truly his beautiful daughter. Though, something in his eyes made me feel sorry for him. His eyes weren't actually as proud as Quil or Embry's, or even mine, were. On the outside, they were filled happiness and delight; yet, his eyes were centred with emotions darker than another – regret, guilt and shame.

"Thanks, Uncle Quil and Uncle Embry," Sarah breathed, her eyes soft with happiness and relief.

"Oh, Sarah," A voice from the crowd exclaimed and we turned to see Imogene making her way through the swarm of watching guests. Imogene wore a green dress the matched the ceiling's streamers. It was long and flowed to the ground, matched with golden heals and stylish accessories. "You look gorgeous, sweetheart."

Sarah managed to give her a tight smile before Imogene yanked her into her arms, wrapping her arms around Sarah, causing her to let go of her father's hand. "Thank-you, Imogene."

"Don't thank me, sweetie, thank that dress!" Imogene grinned. "You never look like this normally. Gosh, that dress is you doing you wonders."

Something in my emotions hardened and my expression grew darker. It seemed those strange feelings were also going through Mr Black as he stated gruffly, "She always looks like that, Imogene."

Imogene pulled back to look at Mr Black. "Oh, yes, yes, of course. But, that dress just brings out her beauty all the more, Jake."

I turned my eyes from Imogene to Embry and Quil who were both looking at Imogene in frustration. The two of them shared a knowing look before going back to keeping their proud smiles and pleasant gazes.

I looked back to Imogene, who was now looking towards the many guests. "Ladies & Gentleman!" She called for attention, holding Sarah's hand in the air, gaining all eyes on them. "I would like to present the lucky birthday girl, Sarah-Isabelle, who has made the most beautiful entrance in taking her first steps of becoming a lovely young lady!" I had to admit to myself, Imogene did have a pleasant way with words.

I had yet to find the bad side of Imogene Brooklyn that Sarah and Kally were constantly complaining about.

Sarah seemed to be enjoying herself as the party settled down and people started to approach her with presents and congratulations. Mr Black sat beside his daughter the whole time – remaining silent, yet protective about her. Imogene sat beside Sarah also, making charismatic chitchat with the lively guests, who all held content smiles.

I sat silently in the background, being ignored, observing everyone around me with a straight face.

Sarah talked happily with Claire Young, who sat next to her fiancée, Quil. I could unintentionally overhear conversations between several people. It seemed Sarah was asking about Claire's wedding. "So how long now, Claire?" Sarah asked curiously.

"It's gonna be a spring wedding – April the 7th," Claire chirped excitedly.

"How beautiful," Sarah marvelled with a grin.

"We hope so," Claire blushed, looking up at Quil affectionately. It seemed his eyes had been on her the whole time and, somehow, they remained filled with adoration. "All of our friends got married in spring," She added. "Jared and Kim, Sam and Emily, Paul and Rachel, Embry and Angela...and now us."

Sarah let out a squeal, clasping Claire's hand. "I'm so excited for you. It's going to be perfect!"

Quil chuckled, looking at the both of them lovingly. "It will be, Sarah."

"It just seems unreal," Claire continued. "We've waited so long and now the time's finally come...I really can't believe it."

Both the girls squealed, jumping up and down in their seats excitedly, clasping each other's hands. "I'm so happy for you, Claire," Sarah smiled warmly. "You're finally getting your wish!"

I tuned out of that conversation, moving my eyes towards Embry and Angela Call who seemed comfortable in each other's company. I watched as Angela leaned into her husband's touch, smiling tenderly. "Do you think the kids will be okay, Embry?" She asked quietly.

"They're with my mum, Ang, I'm sure they're all fine. Mum is probably reading them a bedtime story as we speak, honey," Embry smiled and stroked his wife's hair as she laid her head on his shoulder. Angela gazed up at Embry with a very deep, doting emotion. "Come on," He let out a sigh as he lifted Angela to her feet. "Would you like to dance?"

Angela arched her eyebrow and smirked. "Remember what happened the last time?"

"I'm sorry for spraining you ankle. I was eighteen and madly in love with you. You can't blame a guy for being clumsy around you, Angela," He shrugged, winking playfully.

Angela laughed, taking Embry's hand, weaving her fingers into his. "Well, if you put it that way," She rolled her eyes, letting her husband lead her to the dance floor where slow music was playing melodically.

I couldn't help but smile at the couple. They seemed to genuinely respect, value and love each other. Quil and Claire still seemed to live in the honeymoon phase of their relationship. Though, Angela and Embry Call appeared to have a very realistic love for each other – a solid tolerance and stable fit.

A true soul mate is the person you can see as being your best friend as much as your lover.

My mind wavered to the table next to me, where three young women sat chattering about something that caught my attention instantly. "You can clearly see that Imogene is trying to put a good impression on Sarah," A redhead gossiped mischievously. "But, apparently, Sarah just doesn't like her. Imogene's little sister, Bridget, knows Sarah personally – they're enemies."

"Isn't Bridget at the party tonight?" A blonde asked the redhead.

"Yes...but, she's here against her own will."

"Bridget and Sarah are such sweet girls though," The blonde replied with a sigh. "I can't imagine what makes them dislike each other so much."

"They've always been rivals. It all started when Bridget said she was going to be Sarah's step-aunt when they were seven," The redhead shrugged and quickly changed the subject, leaning in and gossiping, "So...have you heard the news?"

"What news?" The blonde and brown haired women asked simultaneously.

"Imogene went to New York in search of a wedding dress."

Every woman, including me, gasped. "No way," The brown haired hissed.

"Yes. We're expecting the announcement of their engagement soon, I'm sure."

"Wow," The blonde breathed out in amazement. "I wonder how Sarah will take it."

So do I, I thought in shock.

"Never mind that, I wonder if we'll be invited to the wedding," The brown haired woman said excitedly.

"Jacob and Imogene are such a beautiful couple," The blonde complimented absentmindedly. "I think they're finely matched."

My eyes drew away from the three gossiping girls and moved onto Sarah. She was staring up at Mr Black as the talked quietly; warm smiles both graced their similar facial features. My mood suddenly plummeted from contented to confusion. Mr Black was listening to his daughter intently and I strangely felt as if I wanted to capture that moment and store it away.

The moment when Mr Black was actually listening to his daughter.

Yet, as soon as their conversation deepened, Imogene stole Mr Black's attention and Sarah was left with an unfinished discussion. Imogene stood Mr Black to his feet and immediately started to introduce him to more guests. Sarah sat as I was – silently observing. We watched Imogene's body language. She seemed quite intimate with him, yet his figure was rigid and his attention only fell upon the vibrant guests.

He smiled warmly and shook people's hands, though I could see an absentminded emotion in eyes, as if he were doing a chore instead of a social activity. I continued to stare at him, my eyes aimlessly roaming over every detail in his striking physique. He held himself proudly and formally – straight back, firm handshake, long strides.

Though, there was something warm in his manner this evening, something that left him smiling longer and keeping up conversations more easily. It left a soft smile on my face, a smile I had never held upon my face, a smile I was desperate to escape from. I didn't realise I was looking so intrigued until I felt someone's eyes on me.

My eyes shifted from Mr Black and there I saw Imogene staring at me. I gasped, straightening my back immediately and gulping. She held my eyes for a long moment, looking at me with bemused eyes. I bit my lip as she narrowed her eyes and tightened her grip around Mr Black; as if she was afraid a thief would snatch him away.

I'm not a thief! I thought incredulously. Was my gaze that deep? A smile graced Imogene's pretty face once more and she turned back to the front, ignoring our wordless encounter, she began talking to another guest. Though, something in her mint green eyes faded into a cold emotion and that frightened me.

I suddenly found myself flashing back to a conversation that Sarah and I had this morning.

Flashback: The Ugly Duckling

"I actually found watching Imogene's bewildered expression more enjoyable. I have never seen her look so confused, yet smug, before!" She grinned.

"Smug?" I raised my eyebrow.

"I suspect she was hoping a huge clash would start between you and dad and he would end up firing you as you assumed. Imogene hates when people get close to my dad, firing you would put out another threatening fire he could catch. But, it seems you were both wrong! Dad's tolerance seems to be good today; maybe he favours your boldness for standing up to him. He hardly ever receives such a levelled conversation from anyone! Everybody looks up to him; I presume he was quite taken aback by your harsh stare and cold words."

End of Flashback

I shivered. For some unknown reason, I found myself trying to block out the voices floating around this huge ballroom. It wasn't working; nothing could stop me from replaying that conversation in my ears. Each time, it grew louder, Sarah's voice echoed within my head and I found myself abruptly standing up.

I felt a few people's eyes on me and that left me needing to escape all the more. I didn't know what was coming over me, why was I panicking some much? I looked to my left and found a door leading out onto a balcony. I quickly walked towards the door and opened it, making sure to swiftly exit that room so no freezing air would blow in.

Before I could even blink, I found myself outside in the freezing air, goose-bumps surfacing to my skin. It was very dark outside, yet I was more relieved to be in the dark than the spotlight. Besides, there was some source of light from the candles inside the ballroom. On the other side of the French doors, which led back into the party, I found no one had taken me notice of my swift departure from the buzzing voices and lively music.

That, surprisingly, left me totally relieved and I felt my mood spacing out again.

I turned my head back towards to balcony and slowly approached it, mist slipping through my lips as I breathed evenly. I relaxed as the freezing air soaked into my sweating skin. Placing my palms onto the low brick wall, which sealed off the balcony, I stared into the untouched darkness. I felt the night's cool breeze wash over my bare shoulders and weave into my hair, causing it to flutter in the wind's soft melody.

I closed my eyes, falling under nature's spell. No music could compare to that of nature's whispering winds and soothing rains. I breathed in the darkness, feeling it whisk into my mood and calm me down. I found the fresh wind soothing when it wasn't heavy and consuming–

My thoughts were cut off by a deep voice echoing through my empty mind, "It's a lovely night."

I felt my heartbeat skip as I spun around, frantically breathing as I hastily drunk in his rugged features once more. I gulped, leaning against the wall lining the balcony. My eyes met his and I jolt of emotion ran through me – I felt that warm spot in my chest circling my heart once more. I fell agape for a few moments, recollecting my thoughts as if I had dropped some important papers in the wind, which held my life's script.

I remained silent, blank and frozen. Mr Black tilted his head to the side, casually putting his hands in his black tuxedo's pockets. He seemed to be holding back a smile and that left my breathless. "You don't think so, Miss Malveya?"

I nodded breathlessly. "N-No, sir. I mean, yes, s-sir. I mean...it is a l-lovely night," I blurted out, spinning around again, facing me back to him as my cheeks blazed of red.

I heard a few slow footsteps and he appeared on the left side of me, leaning over the balcony, looking up at the sky. His eyes moved towards me for one moment before he spoke again, "I'd, uh, I'd like to thank-you for the great pains you took with Sarah-Isabelle. I don't know what it is about her...though, she seems stronger somehow, more independent."

I gave Mr Black a sideways glance. "It was no great pain, sir," I whispered. "Sarah is a very intelligent girl."

"Yes, of course, naturally," He chuckled deeply.

Naturally? I thought curiously, what's that supposed to me?

I took a deep breath and looked at him, turning my head and facing him completely. His eyes didn't move from the sky, though I knew he had acknowledged the fact that I had rotated my head to look at him. "I have heard much of you from Sarah," He continued. "She tells me you are of a mixed background."

"Yes – Jamaican and Spanish," I answered automatically.

The small hint of a smile slipped through his lips as an unreadable emotion flew into his eyes. "She also tells me that you aspire to become a teacher."

"That is correct," I replied quietly.

He turned towards me with curious eyes. "Tell me, why did you choose to become a nanny over teaching?"

"I...uh," I began, biting my lip. "I need the money."

"For college to get a degree?" He assumed. "I thought you had half accomplished your exams for teaching."

"No, I was in college," I explained nervously. "But, my grandfather has grown very ill and my family are broke. I sent myself back home so that I could help them. I have three siblings, you see."

"I understand," was all he said before he began another subject, "I have been many places on business–Germany, Italy, England, Japan –yet, none could compare to the entertaining letters Sarah would regularly send me. She'd tell me about you constantly and I found myself growing curious. She'd frequently compliment your intelligence and common sense. Though, to be honest, when I finally met you, I was very surprised to find you were the girl my Sarah-Isabelle had been applauding so often. I imagined you differently."

I didn't know whether to take that as an offense or an innocent observation. Though, I couldn't keep my thoughts silent, "As I did you, sir."

"Oh?" He looked genuinely surprised. I only nodded wordlessly and Mr Black left it at that, leaving the subject mute. He continued to watch me observantly, seeming intrigued by my body language. "You get on well with her," He stated rather than asking.

"Yes, we think alike," I nodded immediately.

"I can see that," He chuckled deeply again and I couldn't help but marvel over his husky, sensuous voice. "You're both very quiet. I noticed you hadn't spoken a word inside. Are you often so silent?"

The feeling that made me escape to the balcony came over me and, suddenly, I wished I could leave again. "Yes," I answered and drew away from the subject, "Though, Sarah was speaking very intently, I noticed."

"We hardly converse," He shrugged. "It's a pleasure to speak with her and she seemed eased, which brings me back to my thanks. She is usually very reluctant to speak with me. Though, tonight, she seemed pleased to talk to her impatiently gruff father."

I can't disagree with you, Mr Black, My thoughts chuckled. "She obviously pleasures the presence of her father," I agreed. "And she will regularly due to your stay here."

"She's confident, out of her shell, and I must thank-you, Miss Malveya. I feel as if this is your doing."

"She is growing older, sir," I countered. "Sarah is changing, so are her emotions. It is not at all my doing."

Mr Black laughed. "Do you usually contradict your compliments?" He asked with a smirk.

I gulped, flushing. "I'm sorry," was all I could whisper, looking to the floor.

"It's nothing to apologise for, Miss Malveya," He spoke gently and I found something in me fluttered as I heard his manner was soft towards me for the first time. "I just find you quite overly humble."

I looked back into his eyes to find them amused as he crossed his arms. I fought back a smile and a blush as I looked into his eyes, finding them watching my expressions and reactions once again. I remained silent.

"Well, Sarah-Isabelle was very right about one thing," Mr Black sighed as he stood straight, putting out his hand with a smile. "It is easy to talk with you, Miss Malveya."

I felt a sweet smile fall upon my lips as I took his hand and shook it firmly. As soon as my fingertips felt his skin, I felt my whole body lean into the handshake. He was so warm and his skin was so rough, rougher than I expected a businessman's hands to be. They felt like my father's hands, a hardworking tradesman's hands.

I wonder if he continues working with cars in his spare time, I pondered curiously.

I looked up into Mr Black's eyes, those blazing black eyes of his, and suddenly realised why I was feeling so nervous before I reached the balcony. I was being watched, I was being watched by those eyes and I could feel them on me in a level even deeper than my observant mind. I knew why I feared him so much: he actually noticed me and I felt him making observations – he studied me as I studied him.

The girl who didn't let any detail pass her was being studied by a man who saw everything in whole.

A/N: Hello, I hoped you liked the chapter, PLEASE REVIEW and tell me if you do! I think you can already see the growing sparks between the employer and employee. They're already on good terms and hopefully you can see that Dusk doesn't act as reserved around him.

They speak their minds to each other.

And, hey, I just noticed something kinda strange.
All the Imprints & their Werewolves got together through something beginning with B!

Renessmee & Jacob – A birth
Kim & Jared – A book/diary
Sam & Emily – A BBQ
Paul & Rachel – A beach
Quil & Claire – A bonfire
Jacob & Dusk – A blizzard
Angela & Embry – A bakery (you'll hear that story of Ang and Em further into my story)

I guess I just randomly noticed that as I was skimming through BreakingDawn again. Isn't that weird? And Peggy cook...I listened to some of Kate Rusby's music – it's amazing, I love it, it's my new obsession thanks to you!