A/N: Okay so first I would like to apologize for not posting anything in forever. Second, I'd like to apologize for promising stories that never actually showed up. And third, I'd like to say thanks to everyone who has ever reviewed this story! You guys rock!

Disclaimer: I own nothing blah, blah, blah, and all that.

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"Bella, aren't you ready yet?" Charlie asked anxiously from the living room. "You don't want to be late. You only graduate once, you know."

I caught a glimpse of Alice in the mirror that was so below her standards, grinning as she twisted another lock my hair around the curling iron.

"We'll be one in a minute, Charlie," she called back in her clear soprano voice.

"You said that half an hour ago," he called back crossly, though I could hear the smile in his voice. It was amazing how Alice could charm-- or better yet, con-- Charlie into nearly anything. She giggled as she let my hair fall against my neck. The heat radiating off of the newly formed curl reminded me of the warmth I used to feel around Jacob. I clenched my fists, forcing myself not to think about my former best friend. Trying to clear my mind I glanced up at Alice's reflection in the mirror.

"Honestly, Alice, are you almost done?" Judging by the large amount of curls already cascading down to my shoulders, there couldn't much hair left on my head for her to curl.

"You humans are all so impatient!" I sighed in defeat as she twisted more of my hair around the curling iron.

After a few moments, she released the clamp. "There," she said triumphantly. I began to stand up in relief that she was finally done when she placed a delicate hand on my shoulder and forced me back onto the little wooden stool with more force than I expected.

"You still need hairspray, or every single curl will go all limp as soon as you walk outside. Now hold still and close your eyes."

I barely had enough time to do so as she said before the fumes from the large, metallic, red can began choking me.

After a few more minutes of Alice insistently playing with and clipping things into my hair—which now felt like plaster—and then touching up my make-up, she dubbed me decent enough to venture downstairs.

Charlie must have given up on me ever being released from Alice's lair and sat down to watch whatever game was on ESPN tonight. He was sitting in his chair wearing a gray suit, staring intently at the stream of basketball players running down the court.

He didn't notice me standing at the bottom of the stairs until the doorbell rang and I walked over to answer it. He glanced up at me as I passed him.

"Looking good, Bells."

I thanked him sheepishly, blushing slightly as I opened the door.

And there stood Edward wearing a tuxedo identical to the one he had worn to prom. He looked me over and took my hand in his, smiling warmly at me.

"You look absolutely beautiful," He whispered in my ear. Whatever blush still stained my cheeks from Charlie's comment was multiplied exponentially by Edward's.

We walked back into the living room to an awaiting Charlie.

"Wow," he said surprised, "I didn't know graduation had turned into such a formal occasion."

"Believe me," I said warily, "Neither did I." Edward gently squeezed my hand. Charlie looked between the two of us, confused and suspicious.

"Where is Alice?" Edward asked to break the impending awkward silence.

"She's cleaning up the disaster area that is my bathroom."

He laughed at this, but I could tell it was forced laughter. We heard Alice call for us to wait for her in the car and had no problem obliging. I turned back to the front door when Charlie's voice came from behind me.

"Bella, could I talk to you for a second?" He glanced at Edward and back at me. "Alone." Edward nodded and made his way outside. I caught a glimpse of the sleek black car he had driven me to prom in. I highly doubted the car was there purely because we were graduating.

"Bella," Charlie began, dragging my attention back to the present situation. "I just wanted to say two things. First, I am so proud of you, I can't even put it into words. So, congrats!" He reached into his coat and pulled out a small package wrapped in blue wrapping paper.

"Dad, you didn't have to get me anything," I said surprised.

"Don't worry about it, you deserve it. Now open it," he commanded.

I laughed and tore away the thin paper to reveal a brand new hardcover copy of Wuthering Heights. I felt my eyes tearing up a bit, touched by his gift.
"This is fantastic. Thanks, Dad, I really appreciate it."

Charlie turned red with embarrassment and cleared his throat. "The second thing, though," he said, his tone more business-like, "is about Jacob."

I clenched my fists, feeling the skin stretch across my knuckles. I struggled to keep my expression indifferent.

"What about him?"

"Well, it's just that Billy called and said that they may be coming over to watch you graduate."

I stood there for a moment, not sure what to say.

"Why?" I asked finally.

"Well, Billy said he wanted to talk to you. He didn't really give me much more to work with than that." He shrugged apologetically.

I sighed. "I really don't want to deal with Jacob right now."

"Please, Bella, just hear him out."

I sighed again. "Fine."

"Sorry I took so long," said Alice as she gracefully ran down the stairs wearing a deep purple dress. "Are we ready to leave?" she asked glancing cautiously between Charlie and I.

He gave me a small nod.

I smiled. "Yeah, I think so," I walked over to give Charlie a hug before I left. "Thanks again, Dad."

"No problem, Bella."

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A/N: Sorry this was kind of a long chapter with not a lot happening, but it's one of those filler chapters that just needs to be there. On that note…

Awww! Father-daughter sentimentality! W-o-w I've posted some really fluff-tastic chapters in the past haven't I? Don't worry, graduation can't last more than a chapter can it? Well, it probably could, but I say it won't because everyone would really like to know what Edward has planned. You've all told me since the beginning. I'll try to be less sentimental and throw in a few action scenes here and there. You know something's happening soon if Jacob's showing up. Updating soon! Really this time! I'm typing the next chapter between sentences of this!

-Alice C.