Emotional Warfare

by completerandomness12

Geeky Edward Cullen is dumped by his high school sweetheart...alone...in a parking lot...with an engagement ring in his pocket. To avoid looking pathetic at his parents' New Years celebration, he enlists the help of his beautiful, and mysterious friend Bella to pose as his girlfriend. Hilarity ensues.

10. Chapter 10

EMOTIONAL WARFARE

Link to outfits on my profile.

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight.

Chapter 10

BELLA

Flashback…

December 25th, fifteen years ago…

"Come on, Bella," I heard my nanny, Cecily, calling to me. "Time to wake up, sweetie."

"Okay," I said as I rubbed my eyes to see. Then I remembered what day it was. "Merry Christmas!" I hugged her.

"Merry Christmas, precious," she smiled. "Your daddy needs you to get ready, okay?" she smiled.

"Okay," I yawned, taking her hand to go into the elevator. Then, we headed into my closet.

There were lots and lots of clothes in my closet. Most of the time, I outgrew them before I got a chance to wear them. I wished other kids could have some of them. I didn't need all of these clothes.

"Can I wear this?" I asked, going deep into my closet to find my favorite green sparkly shirt, my bright orange tutu skirt, and my yellow shoes hidden in the back. I liked them because they were really colorful. They reminded me of Starburst candy, and they didn't look like the clothes mommy and daddy made me wear. I liked that best of all.

"Sorry, sweetie," Cecily shook her head, "It's pretty, but I don't think your daddy would like it. Remember, I got those from Goodwill for you to wear only when it's just you and me at home."

"But…"

"Let's try this nice red and white dress," she held the dress up to me. "It'll look cute on you," she said as she filled up the tub for me to take a bath.

"Okay," I rolled my eyes and jumped into the tub.

After I got ready, I walked with Cecily to go see my daddy.

"Is daddy busy?" I asked, looking up at her.

"I don't know, sweetie," she looked at me like she was sad. "Let's go check."

"Okay," I said, skipping down the hall.

Our house was really big. There were a lot of shiny wood floors and really tall ceilings. Sometimes, I got lost. One time, it took Cecily an hour before she found me. It was kind of cool because you could hear everything. It was scary at night, though. Now that I thought about it, this house might be haunted.

It hadn't been that scary lately. Daddy had a huge Christmas tree put in the entryway of the house. It went all the way to the ceiling. He hired people to decorate it with lights and ornaments, so it lit up the house at night. I didn't even know why daddy lived here. It was only us…when I didn't have to stay with my mommy and Phil.

"Do you have a family, Cecily?" I asked her as we passed the big fireplace in one of the living rooms. It sounded scary when it crackled.

"Yes, I do," she smiled.

"Then, why are you here?" I asked. It was Christmas Day. Shouldn't she be with them? Even daddy was home with me today.

"You guys need me," she answered as we passed the scary picture that hung on the wall. It was really creepy. It was about this man standing on a bridge and he was screaming. It was ugly. Daddy said that I couldn't touch it.

"But…it's just me and daddy. Don't you want to be with them?" I asked. "Daddy is here today. He'll take care of me," I smiled. She just shook her head sadly and knocked on daddy's office door.

"Come in," he said, and I opened the door and went in.

Daddy's office was big. It took up this entire floor of the house. There was a long table running down the center, with big leather chairs on each side. Plus, there was a phone in the middle of the table. When I was allowed, I liked being in here. You could see all of the pretty buildings outside. It was in the morning, so the sun was hitting all of the buildings and they sparkled.

"It snowed!" I shouted, running to the window and putting my face against the glass.

"It sure did," daddy smiled, pulling me away from the glass. "It's a white Christmas."

"Merry Christmas," I hugged daddy's leg.

This year, I got to spend Christmas with my daddy. I hadn't seen him in a very long time. He was always working. I couldn't wait. I got him for the whole day.

"Merry Christmas, Bella," he laughed, picking me up. "I missed you, baby girl."

"I missed you, too, Daddy," I kissed his cheek.

"I have a surprise for you," he smiled, putting me on the floor.

"Here, Sir," Cecily gave daddy his coat and put my coat on me before we headed outside.

"Where are we going?" I asked as the driver closed the door on the limo.

"You'll see," he ruffled my hair as we started driving.

We spent the next few minutes singing Christmas carols until the driver opened the door.

"Merry Christmas, Bella!" daddy shouted, waving his hand to the toy store.

"FAO Schwarz is closed, Daddy," I pouted. "Everything is closed on Christmas."

"Not for you, princess," he opened the door.

"Wow," I smiled as I walked through into the toy store.

I had been here before, but I'd never been here by myself. It seemed so much…bigger. There was a giant train running through the store…and a giant piano. Everything was bigger here.

"Thank you! Thank you!" I jumped up and down and hugged his legs.

"Merry Christmas, Mr. Swan," a man in a red jacket smiled at him. "Hey there, Miss Bella," he grinned. I waved back.

There was a line of people who worked at the store waiting there for us. They were all smiling at us. It was weird. Everyone smiled at my daddy…even though they didn't know him.

"You can get anything you want, as much as you want," daddy grabbed my hands, kissing my forehead.

"Yay!" I screamed running towards the Barbie dolls.

I got everything…dolls, dishes, cars, candy, stuffed animals, games, and this really big teddy bear. I even got one of those giant keyboards that took up the whole floor. I went to show daddy what I'd bought, but I couldn't find him. Where was he?

"Daddy?" I cried, running through the store, the man in the red jacket running after me. "Daddy!" I shouted again.

"Shhh!" he whispered, talking on his phone.

I hated that awful thing.

I sat on one of the big couches I'd gotten and waited for him to finish.

"I'm finished," I said, pointing to the people in line holding my gifts.

"Oh my," he smiled, picking me up. "You had a great time, didn't you?"

"Mhmm," I nodded my head, eating a Hershey bar. "Daddy?"

"Yes, princess?"

"Is it true that some kids don't get presents on Christmas?"

That was sad.

"Yeah," he put me down. "Their mommies and daddies can't afford to get them gifts."

"Where are they?"

"Everywhere," he said as the line of people in red rang up my gifts.

Now I felt bad. I had all of these gifts, and some kids didn't have any. "Daddy?"

"Mhmm?"

"Can I give them some of my gifts?"

"I'm buying those for you, sweetie. You've been good this year," he kissed my forehead.

"But you can buy me more," I said. "I feel bad that I have gifts and they don't," I looked at the huge line moving.

"Okay," he huffed, turning to the smiling man in the red coat. "For every one thing she bought, donate five to charity," he said, taking out his checkbook.

"Thank you, Daddy!" I hugged his leg.

It took an hour for everyone to pack up what I wanted. They said that they would have to deliver most of it to my daddy's house. I was happy, though, because I had a big bag with me in the car, and I was going to play with daddy when we got back to our house.

"Can we play Candy Land when we get home?" I asked daddy in the car, "Or Shuts and Ladders?" I asked excited, holding up the games. "It's going to be so much fun!" I smiled.

Then, daddy started looking funny.

That was never good.

"Bella, honey," he sighed, "I need you to pick three toys that you want to play with."

"Okay." I picked Candy Land, Shuts and Ladders, and Memory. I picked games because I wanted to play with my daddy. I was always playing by myself. "Which one do you want to play first?"

"Bella, honey," he sighed, "You're taking them to your mommy's house. Daddy has to go to work."

"What?" I shouted, dropping the games on the floor of the limo. "But you said…"

"I know, honey, I'm sorry," he told me. "I'm dropping you off at your mom and Phil's house..."

"No!" I cried. "I don't like mommy and Phil's house. I want to stay with you!" Huge tears fell from my eyes. "You said we were spending Christmas together, you promised, Daddy!"

"I'm sorry…"

"You always do this!" I crossed my arms. "Please, Daddy?" I begged. "I'll stay with Cecily at home out of your way. I'll be quiet, please, just don't send me to mommy's house."

"Cecily has to be with her own family."

"This isn't fair!" I shouted, crying harder.

"Bella," he looked in my eyes, "You're five years old now. You're a big girl, and big girls don't throw hissy fits."

"It's not fair," I whimpered.

I sat in the limo with my arms crossed, tears running down my cheeks, until we pulled up to my mommy's apartment building.

"I'll take you up," he opened the door, and we took the elevator to the top floor.

"Where is she?" mommy asked. She sounded mad, but then she always sounded mad when it was about me. I peeked out from behind my daddy's legs. "Just as I thought, she needs to stand up straight and stop hiding, and what the Hell is she wearing?" she frowned at me as some lady came into the room with a lot of poufy dresses and a brush.

I noticed a lot of people were rushing around the apartment. They were carrying food, decorations, and bottles. She was throwing another party. That wasn't good.

I hated Mommy's parties. She always made me dress up in something stupid and play for her friends. I wasn't even allowed to talk to anybody.

"It's about time you dropped her off," mommy said. "You're late as usual," she frowned even more as the lady started raking a brush through my hair.

"Must you be so hateful?" daddy shook his head.

"Don't you have somewhere to be?" mommy replied, rolling her eyes. She sounded rude.

"Daddy, please…" I begged him.

Don't leave me here.

"Bye, sweetie," daddy bent down to kiss my forehead, before he turned quickly and stepped back into the elevator, the doors closing as I saw him drop his head. He was gone again.

"Do something with her hair, it's so...hopeless!" mommy pulled my hair as she yelled at the lady with the brush. "Dress her in this," she shoved some clothes at her, "and some makeup wouldn't hurt, either, she looks dreadful," she added then turned to me. "Have you been practicing your violin?" she demanded.

"Yes."

"Go to your room, and keep practicing until your called," she pointed to the instrument on the table. "You'll be playing at the party."

"Mommy…"

"Now!" she pointed down the hall.

"Okay," I grabbed the violin and ran down the hall.

I shoved the sheet music onto the stand and started tuning.

"I hate Christmas," I whimpered, wiping my tears and started practicing.

I sat on the couch at the Cullen's house, watching how they all interacted with each other.

"A diamond necklace!" Esme beamed, hugging her husband. "It's beautiful."

"Not half as beautiful as you," he kissed her again and hugged her. "I knew you wanted one."

"Thank you," she kissed him.

"Ew…" Emmett gagged, shuddering in disgust, "Get a room."

"Get a hotel," Carlisle replied, and we all burst out in laughter.

Was this how Christmas was supposed to be? I tried my best to treat this holiday as any normal day. Seeing these happy people come together just for the sake of being together made me think. They were happier with their three gifts than I ever was with my extravagant shopping spree. I shook my head, thinking this was yet another thing to feel out of place about. I snuck away and called Victoria.

"Merry Christmas, bitch!" she yelled.

"Merry Christmas, slut!" I replied.

"What's up?" she answered. She sounded out of breath.

"What are you doing?"

"Nothing good. Hey, what's wrong?" she asked. "Is Edward's mom a bitch?"

"No," I laughed. "She's awesome."

"So…?"

"I had a flashback."

"What kind?"

"A childhood flashback."

"Shit," she huffed. "Those are the worst. How bad was it?"

"The FAO Schwarz incident."

"Damn. Brutal."

"It's just…it's so surreal, you know?" I rubbed my eyes, thinking about everything. "His family is so nice and normal. It makes me feel…awkward," I admitted.

My parents had screwed me up more than I'd thought.

"His mom baked me an apple pie," I gushed, thinking about how sweet Esme was…in contrast to my harpy of a mother.

"No, shit?" she gasped. "Rich women bake?" she asked in awe, "By themselves?"

"Yep," I shared her enthusiasm. "She heard that I was allergic to nuts, so she baked me my own pie," I sniffled. "My own mother forgot…even after I almost died," I whimpered. "I've been so neglected by my own parents," my voice cracked.

"Bella," she sighed, "We've been over this. We wouldn't be the tough, sexy, crazy, cool bitches we are today if our parents weren't fuck-ups," she said in a stern voice. "I'm thankful for my shitty upbringing."

"I know," I said. "It's just weird…seeing how a real family works. It made me feel more damaged than I really am."

"Damn," Vic sighed on the phone. "I'm sorry, B. I wish I could be there for you right now. I miss you."

"I know…I know. I miss you, too. Don't get too drunk, okay?" I told her seriously. I didn't like getting too sentimental. As I started to say goodbye, I felt Edward walk into the room. "Bye," I told Victoria.

What was with him always showing up when I was upset? He probably thought I was a crybaby.

As always, Edward was there to make me feel better. I didn't know what it was about him. He just had the knack for making everything okay. I couldn't see why any woman wouldn't want him. I still couldn't make sense of the spark I felt when I was near him. There had to be some explanation for that. Right?

Edward loved his fuck-awesome gift. I adored mine as well. It was so amazing that he really got me. That saber was awesome. It even made the laser sound when you moved it. How cool was that?

I couldn't believe he'd bought me that ostentatious diamond bangle. That was entirely too much. I felt guilty for taking it. I would have been happy with just my Vader saber. Outrageous gift or not, he helped put my earlier sadness into the back of my mind.

After Carlisle, Esme, and the kids went to bed, Alice and the rest of the gang invited us to go out clubbing. I was not much of a partier. Edward wasn't much, either. However, I didn't feel like going to bed, so I thought, what the Hell?

Alice, being the tiny force of nature she was, marched all three of us ladies to the front of the line and demanded that the six of us be let in. After taking a look at the three of us girls, and taking a quick stare at my boobs, the bouncer let us inside.

The club was really nice…everything you'd expect from a trendy, upscale club. The dance floor took up the entire bottom floor, with the exception of a circular bar in the middle. Then, you had the laser and strobe lights that made it hard for you to see what was in front of you. Victoria would've loved it here. I laughed at the thought.

I looked around the club after we were let in and noticed that there was a commotion going on between two other patrons, and the bouncer was about to toss them out of the club. I walked forward, seeing someone I wasn't expecting.

"Victoria?" I asked, confused and a little disturbed.

I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I mean, anyone could tell that Victoria liked to party. I just didn't think she'd come to Connecticut…from Massachusetts…on a moment's notice…while on probation.

She was so going to jail.

"Surprise?" she said in the form of a question, walking toward me. She could still stand, so she couldn't have been in the club that long.

"What are you doing here?" I walked up to hug her. "You shouldn't be here."

"You're welcome…bitch," she giggled. "I came to see you," she leaned a little bit. "Moral support and all," she whispered, loudly. I was sure Edward heard her.

"Hey, Victoria," Edward smiled and waved. "How's it going?" he asked awkwardly.

Edward hadn't had much contact with my best friend. From what he'd seen, I was pretty sure she hadn't made the best impression. She was a unique bitch, I gave her that. But…she was my best friend.

"Great," she leaned to the other side, "Now that I have my buddy," she put an arm around my shoulder. "You're my buddy, too, Edward," she put her other arm around his shoulder.

"I'm so…" I searched for the appropriate word, "Surprised."

"I know, right?" she gleamed. "When you left, I felt so shitty. So, I worked out a deal with my parole office, and he let me come for the week."

"You slept with him, didn't you?" I face-palmed myself.

"Bella," she held her hand over her heart, "I can't believe you'd think so little of me," she wiped a fake tear. She whispered something in Edward's ear, and he started to cough.

Yep, she'd slept with the guy…most likely. Most would have been disgusted. To some degree, I was, but I felt more honored to have her as a friend. Not many would have risked that. I wouldn't screw a guy for her…but I'd bribe the shit out of somebody if it meant keeping her out of trouble.

"You know that loser?" James pointed at Edward, interrupting our conversation.

"Shut it, James," Vic glared at him.

James? The douchebag who had teased Edward and accused me of being a prostitute in the same sentence? How did Vic know this fucker?

"He's my friend, asshole!" I shouted, giving him the finger.

"Ma'am," the bouncer stepped in again, "I'll have to ask you to either settle down or leave the club," he told me.

"Sir," I smiled, slipping him one hundred dollars, "Could you find it in your heart to forgive my friend for whatever she did to get thrown out?" I asked, fluttering my eyes a little. "I'm taking personal responsibility," I added smiling. I willed him to hurry and take the bait. My face was starting to hurt.

"This is your last chance," he pointed to Victoria, and my friend danced back toward the bar. "What about him?" he pointed to James.

"Fuck him," Edward deadpanned, leading us behind my friend. Victoria turned and stuck her tongue out at James, and we headed off to find a table, as the bouncer showed James the door.

My heart filled with joy as Edward said those two words. Maybe FYB was working. He was growing up. Next…he'd be giving people the finger.

"Yes!" Victoria high-fived Edward and I started to laugh. "Leave us for a second, Eddie," Vic shooed him away.

"It's Edward," he corrected, walking toward his siblings and friends.

"So?" she stopped, raising an eyebrow. "What's the story there?"

"It's a long one," I sighed. "Play along," I winked. "Thanks for coming."

It meant a lot that she would risk possibly going to jail in order to be there for me. She was pretty much the only family I had.

"Anytime," she nudged my shoulder. "You were so upset on the phone. I would've come to Edward's house, but I didn't have the address. Asking would've ruined the surprise," she hugged me.

"Your skank tendencies paid off," I teased.

"Whore," she rolled her eyes. "When are you and Edward going to put an end to that sexual frustration?"

This again…

"Victoria," I groaned.

"No," she waved her hands, "You guys want each other. Why don't you just go for it?"

"It's not…" I paused, "I don't know."

"Oh," she smiled sinisterly. "What happened?"

"I'm not sure," I admitted, thinking about what had happened earlier today. "We had a moment…at least I did…I think," I told her.

This afternoon in the bathroom, I'd felt something when Edward was talking to me. The way he looked at me…I didn't know. He was so sweet to me…calming me down and telling me everything was okay. He really cared. He was a great person.

"How did he like the saber?"

"He bought me one, too."

"How sweet," she gagged herself. "Although, it could be quite kinky…if you two get over yourselves."

"Shut up," I rolled my eyes, walking over to where everyone had settled at a table. "Hey, guys," I pulled Vic by my side to introduce her, "This is my best friend…"

"Oh, my God!" Vic shouted, running over to Rose and kissed her square on the mouth. "I fucking worship you," she smiled. "You're hotter in person," she nodded her head, licking her lips. Emmett looked like he didn't know whether to be offended or turned on. "No fucking way!"

Victoria had had a little trouble with her weight in high school. She wasn't fat or anything. She just gained weight really quickly. That all changed once she started doing Rose's tape. I think Vic had a girl crush on her.

"Uh…"

"I'm Victoria," she shook everyone's hand. "I'm Bella's friend. I'm passing through for the week," she said.

"Cool," Alice smiled, pulling her down. "It's awesome that I get to meet a friend of Bella's…since her and Edward have been dating so long," she smiled, sipping a little of her drink.

A sinister smile erupted on Victoria's face, and she looked at me and Edward. "Oh, yeah," she looked embarrassed, "They've been going at it for the longest time," she fake blushed, and Alice and Rose started to laugh.

Oh shit.

"I'm just glad Edward found a girl like Bella," Emmett said, coming out of his girl-on-girl stupor.

"Well…" Edward smiled, hugging me close to him, "I am, too," he winked at me, leaning in to give me a kiss. He was a good kisser.

There was that spark again. What was with that?

"You taste like strawberries," Edward pointed out, as I wiped some gloss off of his lips.

"It's a new flavor I'm trying," I told him, as I looked away.

"He thinks you taste nice," Vic whispered in my ear. "Tell him your pussy tastes better."

"Vic!" I poked her. "Someone will hear you."

She flipped me off and turned to the rest of the group. "You know…" she led off, smirking at me and Edward, "Our favorite couple over here acts all sweet and innocent…but they are so freaky," she laughed and nodded her head. "One time, I came home and Edward was pile-driving Bella like nobody's business," she finished.

I immediately had a flashback. That had actually happened, except I was the one who walked in on my high school Physics teacher pile-driving Vic in the teacher's lounge during the Homecoming dance. I was traumatized.

"Victoria!" Edward shrieked.

"Eddie!" Emmett drawled out, standing up to give his brother a hug, "My man!"

"I thought he was going to kill poor Bella," she added, pointing to me. "Look at her. She's so skinny."

"Okay, okay," I settled her down.

"Bella," Rose shook her head, "You dirty little whore."

"What's a girl to do?" I looked at Edward adoringly, who had gone beet red. "Look at him," I smiled, kissing his cheek. "He's irresistible."

"How long have you two been friends?" Jasper asked.

"Since we were…seven," Vic answered. "We grew up in the same building."

"The Dwyer building?" Alice asked.

"Yeah," Vic smiled, turning to look at me funny. I was not known for giving out much information about where I lived.

"Let's dance! It's Christmas. I want to dance and get drunk." She got up to head for the dance floor, "You coming, ladies?" she asked, pointing to us.

"Hell yeah!" Alice jumped up and we all followed suit.

"Wait," Vic ran back to the guys at the table, "Can I ask you guys a question?" she asked and they all nodded their heads. "Who's gonna carry my drunk ass out of here when I can't walk in the next two hours?" she laughed. "We'll slur later," she waved them off and walked to the dance floor.

"Some random guys bought the four of us drinks," Alice smiled, handing me a strawberry margarita.

"Don't you just love being pretty?" Vic asked, as Alice and Rose smiled.

"Of course," Rose smiled, and the four of us made our way to the middle of the dance floor, as one of my favorite songs came on.

"I love this song!" Alice screamed, as the beat dropped.

The song started, and I started swaying my hips to the beat, enjoying the vibration of the bass. I begin singing along with the lyrics, and I heard the girls singing it with me.

I turn around and laughed, seeing that Rose was fake humping Alice, and they were both making the "O" face.

"Uh-oh," I teased, "It looks like your guys have some competition," I raised an eyebrow.

"Never," Rose shook her head, as Vic danced over to me.

"Let's do this," she took my hand and started dancing around me. "This is how you do it."

She moved in front of me and ground down to the floor, before slinking her way back up, and then she started grinding on me…and drinking her margarita at the same time. She didn't spill a drop.

"Drunkard," I told her.

"Bitch," she laughed, moving closer.

We put our arms around each other's necks and started dancing together to the music.

"Yes!" some guy yelled at us, fist pumping the air.

"As if," Vic flipped him off and I laughed at her. Then, I saw a blonde guy walk past, and her eyes followed his path.

"Go on," I released her, rolling my eyes.

"If you insist," she checked her boobs and walked/ran after blondie. "Hey, sexy," I heard her say, and I couldn't help but giggle.

Soon, I saw that Emmett and Jasper had joined us on the floor and were dancing with Alice and Rose. As the song changed, it seemed like the floor had paired off. You couldn't really dance by yourself to slow songs. So I went back to the table to find Edward. I wondered how he was doing.

I looked at the sight before me and had mixed emotions. I didn't know whether to laugh or be mad. Edward was sitting in the booth…with two women sitting across from him. Twins. Scantily-clad twins. Giggling…touchy…twins. He was looking everywhere but at the two people in front of him. Sometimes, he found the label on his beer to be particularly interesting. Couldn't they see he was not interested? Did they not see us come in together?

When things like this happened, it confused me even further why Edward would maintain the opinion he was ugly. With that sex hair, chiseled features, a hot shirt that showed off every muscle in his toned body, and contacts that made his lash-laden bright green eyes sparkle, he was stunning. I finished the rest of my drink and moved to rescue him…again.

"Hey, lover," I smiled, kissing his cheek and sitting next to him. "The dance floor is so lonely without you," I pouted, as I lay my head on his shoulder.

"Sorry," he flashed me that gorgeous straight white smile I loved. I saw a wave of relief wash over him.

"He was busy…" twin number one smiled.

"Talking to us…" twin number two raised an eyebrow.

"Well…" I lay across Edward's lap, "Thanks for keeping him company," I smirked, running my fingers through his hair. His adorable crooked smirk played across his lips, and I took the opportunity to run my tongue along his bottom lip. His breath caught as I kissed him, and I laughed a little. His tongue slipped between my lips and began massaging mine. That was…different. Our hands found their way into each other's hair as we continued exploring each other's mouths.

"Whoa," I breathed, coming up for air and touched my chest. "That was…"

"Uh-huh…" he nodded his head, looking dazed.

Was I drunk?

I lay my head on his shoulder, only to see that Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum were still sitting in the booth staring at us.

"Do you need a second hint?" I asked, wiping some of my lip gloss off of Edward's mouth.

"Bitch," they called in unison, jumping up from the table.

"Thank you," he blushed, licking his lips.

"You're welcome," I smiled, rubbing my lips.

He was a really good kisser.

"They were so touchy," he shivered. "I didn't want to be mean…but they wouldn't stop talking…and touching."

"You got hit on by twins," I told him. "Twins," I exaggerated. "I must say, I'm impressed."

'They weren't hitting on me," he shook his head.

"Yeah," I argued, "Why would they want to share?" I asked, shaking my head. "I'll share a womb, but I couldn't see myself sharing a man. Nasty."

"What do you mean by sharing…?" he paused. "No way," he rolled his eyes, "Nuh-uh."

He was so…Edward.

"Suit yourself," I pinched his cheek. "You don't want to dance?" I asked, looking at the dance floor. Everyone seemed to be having fun.

"No," he sighed. "I'm not much of a dancer."

"We can leave if you want," I whispered. "We don't have to stay."

I didn't want to stay if he would be miserable the whole time. It was not really his scene.

"I'm okay," he ran his hand over my hair. "You're already doing so much. I can stay longer."

There he went again…being all noble and shit.

"I don't have to stay. If you don't want to…"

"Bella," he rolled his eyes. "It's fine."

"Okay then," I leaned my head on his shoulder, "One dance…with me…and then we'll go," I compromised. "That way everyone's happy," I explained, raising up and reaching my hand out for him.

"But…"

"Edward," I rolled my eyes, smirking.

"I don't…"

"Edward!" I poked him repeatedly.

"Bella…"

"Lover," I smiled, poking his cheek, "Please?" I drawled out

"Okay," he sighed, rolling his eyes and took my hand.

"Why do I feel this is a big step for you?" I asked.

"Because it is," he groaned, stepping onto the floor as the song changed.

"I love this song," I told him. "It's kind of slow, so you don't have to worry too much." I didn't see why he was so worried. Girls did all the work when couples were club dancing, anyway.

"See," I stood with my back to him so he was facing behind me, "It's easy," I smiled, reaching my arm behind me to wrap around his neck. "Just move with me to the beat," I coached him, swaying and rocking my hips, putting one of his hands on my stomach. "One, two…one, two…one, two…" I said as he moved his hips with mine. "You're not so bad," I teased.

"If you say so," he croaked.

"I do say so," I smiled.

"Go, Edward, go!" I heard Emmett shout, pointing at us.

"Work those hips, Bella!" Alice shouted, grinding on Jasper.

"Oh, God," Edward moaned, his face falling into the crook of my neck.

I laughed, until I noticed the beat starting to change. Call me cruel, but I wanted to try something.

"Keep doing it this way, okay?" I directed Edward, who was swaying to the beat.

"Okay," he nodded his head.

I started moving my hips a little faster against his, before I slowly dropped my hips to the floor, grinding to the beat. Then, I worked my way back up, grinding against him as I made my way back to wrapping my arms around Edward's neck.

"Yes!" I heard Victoria shout. I looked up to see that she was grinding on the blonde guy we'd seen earlier. She now had two drinks…one in each hand. They were both half empty. "That, ladies and gentlemen, is why we're best friends!" she shouted, taking a gulp of both drinks.

"Uh…" Edward croaked, grabbing my hips, "I'm ready to go now," he rushed, stepping back from me.

"Okay," I said. "A deal is a deal."

"I'll go get our stuff," he mumbled, turning around and walking away. Or was it a jog?

Whoa. That was intense.

"We're going to head home," I told the rest of the gang.

"I'll bet you are," Jasper laughed, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Don't wake the kids," Rose grinned.

"How are you getting home?" Alice asked. "Emmett drove."

"Here," Vic dug down in her bra and gave me her keys…or rather my keys. "Take the…"

"You stole Cheetah?" I asked.

"Steal is such a harsh word," she waved me off. "I was going to give it back. I like to ride in style," she smiled, still grinding on blondie.

"Whatever," I said as I felt Edward's hand take mine.

There was the spark...again.

"Ready?" he asked, coughing.

"Yeah," I said, jingling the keys.

"Okay," he lent his arm, and we left the club.

I checked my watch to see that it was after two o'clock in the morning. At that realization, I started to yawn. It was later than I thought.

"Do you feel like driving?" he asked, looking at me. "If you're tired…"

"Bullshit," I called him out playfully. "You just want to drive Cheetah," I accused, causing him to blush.

"If my driving your cars happens to prevent us from crashing into a median on the way home," he paused, "So be it."

"I love your way with words," I yawned, giving him the keys.

"Awesome!" he shouted and grinned widely, running to the car.

"You're such a man," I laughed, scanning my fingerprint to turn the car on.

"I almost forgot how cool this car is," he gushed, opening my door for me.

"Thanks," I smiled. I didn't know men still opened doors for women.

"You're welcome," he waved me off, walking around to take a seat.

"Welcome back, Edward," the car spoke in its girly voice.

"It remembered me," he smiled, as the seat and pedals automatically adjusted to his size. "Wow," he grinned.

"Please pick a destination," the car asked, prompting him to put in his address.

"This is so cool…" Edward startled as Cheetah started backing out of the parking space on its own. "What's happening?" he asked, worried. "I'm not doing anything."

Shit. Vic had it on auto-drive. Lazy bitch.

"Engage manual drive," I spoke to the car and it stopped in its tracks.

"Manual drive engaged," the car spoke. "You are now free to take the wheel, Edward," the car instructed, and the steering wheel vibrated.

"Bella?" Edward drew out my name.

"Edward," I replied, shaking my head, "Don't ask."

I was not in the mood to discuss anything related to this car.

"Fine," he said, driving off.

"I'm sorry you had a bad time," I apologized as we pulled out of the parking lot.

"It got better…towards the end," he blushed. "It wasn't all bad."

"See," I smiled, "It's good to step outside the box."

We made it home and headed upstairs, both of us ready for some sleep.

"Bella?" he asked, when we stepped into the room.

"Yeah?" I smiled at him as I looked through my luggage for a fresh pair of pajamas. "What's on your mind, sweetie?"

"Uh…" he started, twiddling his thumbs, "Um…everyone in my family really likes you," he rushed, getting under the covers.

"Well…I really like them, too," I smiled.

I changed into my pajamas, thinking about what an awesome Christmas this was. It was easily the best one of my life. I was grateful Edward had asked me to come. I was proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and agreeing to come.

I walked out of the bedroom to find Edward on his side, resting his head on his fist, staring at the door.

"Hey," I said, climbing under the covers with him.

"Hmmm?" he said, turning over. He had taken out his contacts, and now his eyes had that glazed look. He looked cute…and tired.

"Thanks," I looked into his eyes. "In all my twenty years…this is honestly the best Christmas I've ever had," I told him.

"Same here," he said with those green eyes shining. "Merry Christmas, Bella," he kissed my forehead.

"Merry Christmas, Edward," I blushed, turning off the lamp on the bedside table.

Edward and I had kissed before. We'd made out before. Somehow, that forehead kiss seemed much more intimate than any mouth-to-mouth kiss we'd ever shared.

What was happening?

I went to sleep confused as Hell.

I must have been really tired from our trip to the club the night before, because I slept like the dead. I was in the middle of having a fuck-awesome dream about grinding on Edward…that was until some evil asshole decided to interrupt my beauty sleep with an attempt at Chinese water torture.

"Wake up, lovebirds," I heard someone say before water trickled onto my face.

"Ahhh…" I shielded my face as Edward groaned.

I looked over to see a confused Edward with a sleeping Snooki curled up on his chest. She must have come in here during the middle of the night.

She adored him.

"Victoria?" he asked, putting on his glasses and setting Snooki between us.

"Yep," she smiled, popping the 'p.'

"What are you…?" I started, trying to wake up. "Why?"

"I made quite an impression last night with my awesome partying skills," she gushed, eating some grapes. "Alice totally said I could stay here," she laughed, sitting on the foot of the bed. "Edward, your mom is awesome by the way," she nodded her head. "She's hot, too."

"Why are you so chipper?" I asked, getting up.

"You drank half your weight in alcohol," Edward pointed out. "You should be in a coma."

"Please," she rolled her eyes and giggled, "Hangovers are for pussies. I haven't had one since I was a junior in high school. My body is used to it."

"That's so sad," Edward shook his head. His hair was sticking up more than usual, thanks to bed head.

He was gorgeous.

"Your AA sponsor won't be pleased," I pointed out, trying to get my mind off of Edward.

"Who's going to tell him?" she raised an eyebrow, getting up. "Rise and shine, lovers," she patted the bed. "Esme said breakfast will be ready in forty-five minutes. Get ready," she finished before leaving.

"She's…spirited," Edward said.

"Yeah," I laughed, getting up. "I'm gonna go hop in the shower. I won't take too long," I promised, grabbing some clothes and going to get ready.

What was happening? What happened between arriving here and this morning? Why was I dreaming about Edward? Why were his eyes so green? Why was his hair that awesome color? Why was he so caring? Why did he smell so good? Why did I care?

I felt…something. I was not quite sure what it was. It was…unsettling.

I stepped out of the bathroom refreshed and started getting ready. I picked this preppy looking Gucci cardigan. It was black with a gold patch and white borders and stitching. It was not really my style, so I decided to badass it up a little. I put on a pair of black skinny jeans and some black high heels with gold studs and brackets on them. There was also this gold spiky necklace with diamonds I added for extra sparkle. It was a guilt gift my dad had gotten me when he missed my eighteenth birthday. I included a spiky bangle that doubled as a watch. I scrunched up the sleeves, put on a black and gold spiky belt, and I was ready to go.

"Alright," I stepped out, turning around, "I'm ready."

"Wow," Edward gasped, smiling. "You look pretty…nice…great," he rushed. "You look great," he repeated, blushing.

Why was he blushing?

"I'm going to wish the birthday girl a good day," I grabbed Snooki and walked downstairs.

"Good morning," I smiled and waved to everyone in the kitchen. Snooki barked her greeting.

"I like your outfit," Rose said, looking me over.

"Preppy grunge," Alice noticed. "That's a hard look to pull off."

"Thanks," I smiled, looking for Lexi. "Where's the birthday girl?"

"Here!" she yelled, running into my legs. "Today is my birthday!" she yelled, looking up at me.

"Happy birthday, honey," I smiled, bending down to hug her. "You're such a big girl."

"Uh-huh," she nodded her head. "I'm turning six today," she beamed, holding up six little fingers.

"That's an important birthday," I told her, ruffling her hair.

"What did you get me?" she asked, leaning closer.

"Nope," I shook my head, "It's a surprise. You'll have to wait," I said, grabbing an apple from the fruit bowl.

Delicious.

"Humph," she pouted, picking Snooki up off the floor and petting her.

"Bella!" Megan ran to hug me, "Good morning."

"Good morning, sweetie," I hugged her back. "Did you guys enjoy Christmas yesterday?"

"Uh-huh," they smiled widely.

"I can't wait for my party," Lexi gushed.

"I can't, either," Megan smiled. "Lexi has the best parties."

"Who are you?" Lexi walked up to Victoria, who had come into the kitchen in a different outfit.

"Hello, little girl," Vic grinned at her. "My name is Victoria. What's your name?"

"Lexi."

"Megan."

"Today is my birthday!" Lexi beamed. "I'm having a party. You can come."

"Thank you," Vic nodded her head, still eating grapes.

"It's not until five o'clock, so you have plenty of time to get my gift," Lexi told her.

"Well…" Vic started.

"Look, lady," Lexi looked Victoria in her eye, "You're wearing Louboutin shoes, Gucci outfit…and you have a Prada purse," she pointed out. "Don't stiff me," she raised an eyebrow.

"I see," Vic cocked a brow and looked her in the eye in a stare-down. "I like you, kid," she finally smiled and patted her head.

"Hello, ladies," Esme and Carlisle entered the room. "How is everyone?"

"Good," we all replied.

"It's nice to have you with us, Victoria," Esme hugged her. "The more the merrier."

"Thanks for having me," Vic smiled.

"Oh," Esme waved her off, "It's no trouble." She turned to me, "I love how your friends are so well-mannered," she smiled, flipping over some bacon.

"Do you have any jewelry that matches this shirt?" Vic asked. "I left in such a hurry, I'm without accessories," she said, with a hint of shame. "Necklace? Bangles? Rings?"

She had on a green and gold blouse, jeans, and gold heels.

"All of the above," I smiled. "You know how I loooove gooold," I finished in my Austin Powers Goldmember voice. "I'll be back."

It was true. I picked gold over silver or platinum any day. But that platinum and diamond bangle Edward had gotten me was quite stunning…it was just too expensive.

I walked upstairs to go back to the room. From what I saw, she needed a necklace and probably some…

"Oh, my God!" I yelled as I saw Edward walking around the room…with no towel…naked…as the day he was born.

"Shit!" he shrieked, covering his manhood.

It was too late, though. I saw it… all of it…every last impressive inch.

"Uh…" I stood there staring, "Wow." I grabbed my jewelry case and ran out of the room.

Oh, my God. I saw Edward's penis. Oh, my God. I saw Edward's penis.

I was not prepared for that.

Whoa.

Shocked silent, I walked back into the kitchen, holding the case to my chest.

"What's wrong, Bella?" Carlisle asked.

"Nothing," I tried to smile.

I just saw your son's penis.

"Let's see," Vic opened the box. "Nice," she smiled looking through. She grabbed a gold necklace, and one of those rings that fit over two knuckles. "I feel whole again," she breathed, putting the pieces on. "What do you think?" she asked, motioning to her outfit.

"Uh…huh…" I nodded, on autopilot.

I just saw Edward's penis.

"What's with you?" she laughed at me, rifling through the box again. "Whoa," she gasped, looking at the bangle Edward had gotten me for Christmas. "What did daddy not do to warrant such an extravagant piece of jewelry?" she asked.

"Edward…" had a penis, "gave it to me," I finished in a daze.

"What?" she asked, looking at the diamonds as they sparkled in the sunlight. "You. Me. Bathroom conference," she whispered, pulling me up from my chair and into a nearby bathroom. "Bella?" she asked, closing the door.

"Huh?" I asked…still on autopilot.

I saw Edward's penis. Edward's huge…

"Are you two fucking?" she shook me, pulling me out of my penis-induced haze. "Did you lose your V-card and not tell me?" she asked, crossing her arms.

"What?" I shook my head. "No."

"Then explain this," she shoved the bracelet in my face.

"Edward got it for me for Christmas," I told her.

"Bella," she deadpanned, "This is worth at least five thousand dollars," she shook the piece of jewelry. "You want me to believe you aren't putting out on some level?"

"Yeah," I nodded my head, "Nothing sexual."

"Bullshit," she shook her head. "I saw you two dry humping on the dance floor last night," she raised an eyebrow. "There's definitely something there."

"Victoria…"

"Honestly," she looked me in the eye, "There's nothing…extra…about your relationship with Edward?"

I looked her in the eye, and I couldn't lie. I would have been lying if I said there wasn't something I felt for him.

"There is something," I confided, sitting on the toilet seat.

"Like…?" she led on.

"Every time we touch, there's this…spark," I smiled, rubbing my hands together. "Literally every time," I exaggerated.

"Oh," Vic waved her hands, "I know what that is."

I found myself a little disappointed. I thought it was special.

"It's your vagina, Bella," she smiled, grabbing my hands. "You and Edward claim that you're just friends. But you aren't," she shook me. "That shock…that spark…that's your body trying to override your head," she flicked my forehead.

"How do you…?"

"It's not one-sided," Vic giggled. "It's so not one-sided."

"What?"

"I'm willing to bet my inheritance that Edward got a boner last night when you were dancing," she crossed her arms in a challenge.

"He doesn't see me that way," I shook my head.

"Maybe you're not the only one feeling that spark," she said, giving me something to think about.

"Whatever," I got up, reaching for the doorknob.

"Why were you all zombie-like when I dragged you in here?" she asked, blocking the door.

Oh…that.

Edward's penis.

Edward was hung like…

"Today," she snapped her fingers.

"When I went to get my jewelry chest…" I paused, feeling silly that I was embarrassed, "I saw Edward…naked."

"Really?" her eyes perked up. "So…?" she led.

"It's the biggest I've ever seen," I shrugged my shoulders, and she hugged me.

It was the only one I'd ever seen in person.

"Details," she sat me back down. "I'm so proud of you."

"It was an accident," I told her.

"There are no accidents," she rolled her eyes. "Details," she started again. "Length. Width. Everything."

"I don't know," I shrugged my shoulders.

"You're not leaving until I'm satisfied," she said.

"I guess," I separated my hands in measurement, "This?" I hung my head, embarrassed.

"No way!" she shouted. "Was he hard?"

"I don't think so."

"You lucky bitch," she hugged me. "Edward is hung like a freaking horse! Who knew?"

I nodded my head. I hadn't seen a lot of peens, just in pictures. Edward's did look huge, though. I blushed at the memory.

Oh, God.

"It's not like we're ever going to…you know…" I led off.

"Never say never," she started to move from the door. "Could you imagine him hard?" she asked. "He'd probably fuck your liver."

"Victoria," I warned. I didn't like her talking about him like that. He was not like one of the guys she flocked to.

"Okay," her hands waved in surrender. "Fine...touchy," she smirked and we walked back into the kitchen.

"You're back," Esme smiled as we seated ourselves. "Brunch is ready."

I saw Edward then. He looked…weird.

"Hey," I smiled. He wouldn't look at me. "Edward?" He still wouldn't look at me.

"Hey," he said in a low voice. His eyes were focusing downward.

"Are you mad at me?" I whispered in his ear. He shook his head and put some bacon on his plate. "Edward?" I asked again. Still not looking.

"Are you okay, Son?" Carlisle asked Edward.

"Yeah," Edward smiled at his father and went back to making his plate.

He was mad at me. I didn't know why. It was an accident.

That was how our morning went. I kept talking to Edward. He'd answer in three words or less, and he refused to look at me…at all. I kicked his shin under the table. I pinched his thigh. Nothing worked. I didn't know what I'd done wrong. It really was an accident. Didn't he know I was just as embarrassed as he was? Eventually, the men went to go pick up the cake and occupy Lexi while the ladies stayed home and got everything ready for the party.

What was up?

"What was that?" Vic asked.

"No clue," I told her, going into the dining room.

"Sweetie," Esme whispered, grabbing my shoulder, "Did you and Edward have a fight?" she asked. "You two seemed distant this morning."

"It's nothing," I hoped. "We just had a misunderstanding."

"Oh, well, he'll get over it," she smiled. "When he gets in one of his moods, it's best to just leave him by himself."

"Okay," I nodded and opened a huge box that was filled with various crowns.

"Lexi wanted a princess theme this year," Alice said, lugging a huge box of pink and purple party stuff into the entryway. "We've been planning this for the past two months."

"Esme," Rose chimed in and pointed toward the door, "The moon bounce people are here to set up."

"This is Lexi's second party," Alice said, as I help her place princess crowns on the table. "We had one for her back home for her school friends. We throw her another one here because she has friends in the area. It gets out of hand…every year," she huffed, stepping back to look at the arrangement of crowns.

"She'll love it," I told her, sprinkling different colored jewels along the table to make it sparkle.

"Where do the balloons go?" Victoria asked, her voice sounded like she was high on helium.

"Tell the guys I want them all over the main room," Alice pointed to the ceiling. "I want this place to have a pinkish glow by the time it's finished."

"Okay," Vic squeaked, running away.

"Help me," Alice huffed, trying her hardest to push a gigantic pink and silver throne chair to the front of the table. It was hilarious…she was so tiny.

After we, and by "we" I meant Alice, myself, Rose, Esme, Victoria, and some man name Horace, got the throne by the table, we started unpacking individual scepters for all the girl guests.

"This is awesome," I smiled, looking at the wand that had Alexia's name engraved on it with crystals. It was gigantic.

Like Edward's penis.

Stop!

"She's been looking forward to it. I want it to be special," Alice gushed. "She loves spending her day here because the whole family gets to celebrate with her."

I looked around the huge dining room at how it had been transformed. There were several runs of sheer pink and purple fabrics covering the ceiling, with lights shining through them. It gave the room a lovely glow. On top of that, there were pink, white, purple, and clear balloons everywhere. The bigger ones floated to the top of the ceiling with the pieces of fabric. It was awesome.

"That's nice," I smiled.

"What was with Edward this morning?" Alice asked. "I haven't seen him that moody since he was with Tanya."

"There was a little mix-up," I waved it off. "He's overreacting."

"What happened?"

"I'd rather not say," I respectfully declined.

"The Denali's are coming," Alice gagged. "I hate them."

"Well…" I hedged. Heidi was definitely a bitch.

"Don't be nice," Rose urged. "We all saw what happened last night at dinner between you, Heidi and Tanya. That was a serious fucking showdown."

"The only thing that was missing was some fucking tumbleweed," Alice laughed. "I'll hand it to you, though," she smirked, "You handled her like a pro. She didn't get the best of you."

I laughed at her statement. When you grew up with my mother, you quickly learned when someone was trying to get a rise out of you. The quickest way to get them back was to not say anything at all. It would make them go insane.

"You'd be surprised at how many 'Heidi's' I've dealt with," I sighed, starting to work on the goodie bags.

"You're such a better match for Edward," Rose nodded at me. "Last night…you actually made him dance," she furthered her point. "I'd never thought I'd ever see that happen."

"The only thing Tanya ever did was dance with other guys and make Edward buy her drinks. She was such a bitch. I'm glad that era of tyranny is over," Alice shook her head in disgust.

"Oh, my God," Victoria squealed as she walked inside, "The moon bounce and games look awesome!"

We all walked outside to see Esme putting the final touches on the backyard. Vic was right. It was spectacular. Lexi would flip her shit when she saw it. The princess moon bounce was purple and pink, with a gigantic silver crown on it. It even had an inflatable slide on the top. It was probably twenty feet high. There was also a Velcro wall, as well as what looked to be several carnival games, a cotton candy machine, popcorn machine, and a taffy puller.

"Wow," I gasped and hugged Alice, "It's…wonderful!"

"I hope she'll like it."

"She better," Esme wiped sweat from her forehead. "It costs a damn fortune."

"It looks like we're finished," Alice clapped. "Good job, ladies! Thanks!"

"You're welcome," I saluted, going upstairs.

"Shit," Victoria followed me. "I want a fucking princess party now," she collapsed on the bed.

"She deserves it," I smiled, looking through my luggage. "She's a good kid."

"This reminds me of your eighth birthday," Victoria gushed. "How baller was that?" she reminisced.

"Eh…" I shrugged my shoulders.

My eighth birthday had a carnival theme. Daddy got the Ringling Bros. to do a special showing for the guests at my party. I didn't even know half of the people there. It was more of a networking opportunity for people who wanted to speak with my dad.

"I hope Lexi likes my gift," Vic pulled me out of my memory. "Who am I kidding? She'll love it," she said as I heard the door open downstairs. Vic had gotten Lexi six hundred dollars, one hundred for each year, all in crisp one hundred dollar bills, wrapped in a big pink bow.

"We're back!" Emmett shouted.

I sighed and walked back downstairs. I hoped Edward was over it by now.

"Hey," I smiled and waved at him.

"Hi," he waved weakly and walked past me.

I guess not.

"Jasper took Lexi the other route to her room," Carlisle informed. "We want everything to be a surprise."

"Everyone should start arriving within the next fifteen minutes," Esme chimed in, looking over everything.

"You did wonderful," Carlisle congratulated us.

I nodded my head and then went looking for Edward. This needed to end. Now!

"Hey!" I shouted at him, standing in my best bitch pose. "What the fuck is up?" I asked, trying to lean myself into his line of vision. He kept moving.

"Not now, Bella," he left the room.

I was getting pissed off.

I stormed into the living room to cool off. I didn't want anyone to see me come unglued. Why was Edward acting like a whiny bitch? It was getting old. I heard guests coming into the house and praising the work we'd done. I sat in the living room and calmed down. I counted backwards from ten, and I was not…as mad. I wouldn't act mad at Lexi's party. Today was about her.

As soon as the last person left, though…it was on.

"Bella," Vic ran into the room. She had on a giant tiara, and I just stared at her. "What? Don't look at me like that. Every girl has one," she threw one at me.

"What?" I asked, putting the crown on my head.

"Some fat blonde bitch is hanging all over your man," she pulled me up. "I say we kick her ass."

I walked amongst a hundred or so little kids to see Tanya…in a tight red dress…a low-cut tight red dress…talking a little too close to Edward.

"What the Hell?" I asked, looking at Vic.

"I know, right?" she nodded her head. "Slutanya's in the house. Look at her tacky-ass dress."

Victoria had the same dress in green.

"The dress I own actually fits me," Vic huffed, reading my mind. "Plus, I'd never wear that to a kid's party," she scowled. "I'm not that big of a whore."

Vic was right. Tanya looked fat in that dress. I smiled at the sight. No one told her? She must be a huge bitch to have been skipped on that memo. I'd never let Vic walk out of the house looking like that, and I knew damn well she'd return the favor. That just went against girlfriend code or some shit.

Hello, Michelin Man.

"Hey, guys," I smiled, walking into the room.

"Where have you been?" Emmett asked, looking at his watch. "We thought you'd miss the big entrance."

"I've been around," I excused. "I wouldn't miss Lexi," I laughed, sitting next to Edward…between him and Tanya.

Back off, bitch.

"I like your outfit, Becca," she complimented. "It's very…plain…almost chic," she grinned.

Were we still playing this game? We both knew damn well that she knew my name was Bella, not Becca. So, I'd keep calling her Tawny until she realized that I knew what she was doing. Tawny fit her better anyway, since it sounded like a hooker's name. Someone was going to cave eventually. It wouldn't be me. It didn't escape me that she'd called me plain, either.

Passive aggressive much?

"Thanks, Tawny," I smiled as her grin deflated. "I love your outfit as well…that you're wearing to a child's birthday party…that's filled with impressionable little girls…and such…classy attendees," I smirked. "You really look the part," I grinned, raising an eyebrow.

Did Carlisle just laugh?

"Well…Daddy always told me that I was a princess," she smiled at her father. "Edward treated me like a princess," she poked Edward's cheek. "Buying me gifts upon gifts upon gifts," she dragged on. "He loved to give me what I wanted."

"That's Edward," Heidi smiled, pointing at Edward. "He's such a giver."

"That's nice," I nodded my head. "I'm not really into gifts, though. Edward can tell you that," I rested my head on his shoulder. "I'd much rather give to charity," I said. "I hate it when someone spends money on me that could be used to make someone's life who is less fortunate a little easier. It makes me feel so guilty," I ended, putting a hand over my heart.

Selfish bitch.

"Really?" Esme entered the conversation. "What charities are you involved in?"

"There's this lovely foundation called Loose Change to Loosen Chains," I started. "It's basically asking everyone you meet to donate a portion or all of the loose change in their pockets to charity. The proceeds go to help stop child slavery in third world countries. You'd be surprised at how much we raise annually."

"That's amazing," Carlisle smiled. "Where is it?"

"I've never of it," Heidi interjected.

"It's located on some eastern college campuses. We're trying to go national."

"That's lovely, dear," Esme nodded her head smiling.

"Yeah, I'd much rather Edward donated to that than buy me any presents," I said. "Now, of course, he does like to surprise me…like he did last night with my bracelet," I grinned. "But, I admire him all the more that he helps."

"What did he get you?" Tanya asked, leaning forward. "He got me this necklace last year," she stuck out her chest, showing a diamond pendant.

"This," Victoria showed the bangle to a distraught Heidi. "Isn't it gorgeous? Edward is such a catch. Who'd let him get away?" she asked, looking at Tanya. "Oh," she sighed, handing the bangle to me.

"It's okay," Tanya and Heidi sneered as the announcer started to present.

"And now…I'd like to present to you…Princess Alexia Whitlock!" he shouted, and we all started to cheer.

"Aw…" all the ladies cooed when Lexi walked out in her princess dress. It was two-tiered, and the under tier came down to her ankles. It had a puffy skirt, and the crinoline was exposed a little. It was white satin with a jewel-trimmed bodice, and the crinoline was pink and purple. The under tier could be slipped off later when she was ready to play. Her shoes were pink and extremely sparkly. She had on a huge crown, and her hair was curled into a high pile of golden ringlets on her head. She was holding Snooki, who had on a doggie-sized crown.

The kicker was Jasper in a Prince Charming costume, walking with her down the stairs.

Adorable!

Ahhh…to be so young and still believe in fairytales.

"It's perfect!" Lexi shouted, looking all over the house. "Thank you! Thank you!" she beamed, hugging all the ladies who had helped put it together.

"You're welcome," I kissed her on the cheek. "You're the prettiest princess ever," I told her.

I was not going to lie. The party was bangin' fun. Victoria had a little bit more fun than an adult should have had. She played in the bounce house, the Velcro wall, and the apple bob. All the little kids kept getting mad because she kept winning all the games.

I couldn't have fun because Edward was mad at me. I was trying to fix it. However, he was still in his avoiding phase.

"Who invited you?" I heard Emmett sneer at someone at the door.

James?

"Is Victoria here?" he asked from the entryway. "I want to talk to her. She's not at her hotel. I thought she'd be here," he said. "I brought a gift," he held it up.

"I'll take that," Emmett took the box from him.

"I'm not here," Victoria walked past the door, eating a caramel apple. She didn't even look at James.

What was going on there?

"You heard her," Emmett smiled, shutting the door in James' face.

"Later," I told Vic. She rolled her eyes.

Another four hours passed by, and Edward had yet to lift his ban on talking to me. After we ate the huge crown-shaped cake, the guests started to leave…except the Denali's.

"It's been good seeing you again," Tanya smiled what looked like she was trying to pull off as sexily, at Edward. "I look forward to hooking up with you later," she glanced at me, "to see what's been going on with you."

Oh, no, she didn't!

"I wouldn't count on it," I deadpanned, walking them to the door. "Tell Riley I said hi," I sneered, reminding her that she had a boyfriend before I shut the door.

"Bitch!" Vic and I said in unison.

"Whoa," Esme fell on the couch, "I'm beat."

"Let's get started on cleanup tomorrow," Carlisle suggested.

"Are you excited for the Ladies Luncheon tomorrow?" Alice asked.

Luncheon? What luncheon? Edward didn't mention any luncheon.

"Yeah," I smiled.

"It'll be great," she clapped. "Vic, you're coming, right?"

"Of course," my best friend smiled awkwardly.

We hated high society bullshit.

"I'm tired," Jasper walked into the room, holding a passed-out Lexi, who was still holding her scepter, and her crown was still pinned in her hair.

Precious!

"Let's go to bed," Emmett yawned, before throwing Megan over his shoulder and running upstairs with Rose behind him.

"Cheers to that," Esme said.

Within fifteen minutes, everyone was in their rooms…Edward and I included.

Answers. Now.

"Edward," I stood in front of him. "Goddamn it. Look at me!"

"Bella," he huffed, looking above my head.

"Look at me!"

Nothing.

He'd left me no choice…

"LOOK AT ME!" I shouted, punching him in the chest. Hard.

"Ouch!" he yelled, gasping for air. "What?" he finally looked me in the eye.

Was that so hard?

"Now that I have your attention," I smiled, "Why have you been avoiding me…all day?"

"You know why," he sighed, looking down. "Ouch!" he yelled when I punched him again.

"I'll hit you every time you look away from me," I told him. "No, I don't know why."

"You saw my…" he stammered, "My…"

"Penis," I finished for him.

"Yeah," he sighed. I cocked my fist back to hit him and he stared me in the eye.

"Why are you mad at me?" I asked. "It was an accident."

"I'm not mad at you."

"Then why have you been avoiding me?" I was confused.

"It's just…I'm not used to girls…looking…" he slumped down on the bed and looked away. I punched him again. "Ouch!" he rubbed his chest. "The only women to ever see my penis have been my mother and Tanya," he blurted out. "Well…and almost that crazy girl from the coffee shop…but just those two," he put up two fingers. "It's just…weird, I guess," he admitted.

Now, we had it.

"You don't have to be weird around me," I looked in his eyes. "We're still friends."

"Yeah," he rolled his eyes, pinching his nose, "Friends...right."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

I didn't know if I should have been offended or not.

"Friends don't see other friend's genitals, Bella," he huffed. "It's weird. Face it."

"Only if you make it weird," I argued.

"Can we talk about this tomorrow?" he begged. "I need to go to sleep."

"Fine," I huffed, grabbing some silk pajamas and going into the bathroom to change.

It was an accident. Why was he so hung up about it? It was not like he had anything to be ashamed of…quite the contrary. He had to know he was hung. Right?

"Edward?" I asked shyly, stepping out of the bathroom.

"What?" he asked, hopping under the covers.

"You know you don't have anything to be embarrassed about, right?" I asked. "You have a very impressive…package…"

"Oh, God," Edward plugged his ears with his fingers, "Stop!"

"Fine," I gave up, getting in bed.

I didn't get what was so weird about it. If he…

"Edward, close your eyes," I smiled, thinking I'd come up with a way to fix this.

"Bella…"

"Just do it, Edward," I rolled my eyes.

"Fine," he huffed, and I saw him shut his eyes.

I couldn't believe I was going to do this.

"Don't move," I straddled his hips.

"What are you…?"

"No peeking," I smacked his chest. "No moving, either," I reminded him.

Okay, Bella, you can do this.

There was only one thing to do. I had to even the playing field. I took off my silk cami, leaving me in just my tiny silk pajama shorts. I took a deep breath as I felt a gust of cold air blow across my bare breasts, and my nipples tightened immediately. Suddenly, I felt nervous. So far, I'd been the only person to see me naked in any way since adulthood. I was a little self-conscious. I looked down at the ladies to give them an inspection. They were okay, I guess. Vic always said I had a nice-looking, generous rack, but how would I know? I wondered what he'd think.

Okay, ladies, look alive.

"Alright," I whispered, grabbing his hands and pinning them to my hips. I didn't want him to cover his eyes trying to be noble. "Open," I ordered.

"I don't see why you…Oh, my God!" he gasped, shutting his eyes again. Great.

"Edward," I gripped his hands. He was trying to yank them out of my reach. "It's the only way," I told him. "I don't want you to be embarrassed."

"Bella," he breathed out hard.

"Edward," I said his name, softly whispering, "It's okay, you can look."

I wanted him to look. A part of me wanted to know what he thought.

His hands stopped moving, and my breath hitched as I saw him start to open his eyes.

"Okay," he opened them, looking me in my eyes first. I winked at him, trying to hide my nerves.

His eyes traveled slowly downward, from my eyes, to my nose, lingering on my lips, and they widened at my neck. I saw him pay attention to the small mole I had on my clavicle. I always thought it was kind of cute. I grabbed his hands, knowing what his path of vision would lead him to next. Then, I felt it. I sensed his gaze, and I held his hands tighter. Except this time, it was to keep me from covering myself. Was he disappointed? Was he judging them? Their size? Their shape? The color of my nipples? At that moment, I realized why Edward was so weird earlier. I sensed a hint of crimson flooding my skin, as my blush took over. He'd been looking for a long time.

Then, I thought about Tanya. Hers were even bigger than mine. Judging by the shape of them, though, I'd bet they were probably fake. But they were bigger. Was he comparing mine to hers?

"Whoa," I heard him whisper.

"I know they're not as big as…hers…" I muttered, stammering, "But they're real…"

"Beautiful," he whispered again, as I then felt his thumbs rubbing patterns on my hips.

As his fingers moved, I felt that tell-tale spark again. It was stronger…a lot stronger. So strong that I could have sworn I saw Edward's hand move.

Many things flew through my mind. What was he thinking about? But most importantly…why hadn't I moved to cover myself yet?

Edward must have been staring for a good minute, way past the amount of time I'd seen him naked. Yet, I didn't feel exposed…or nervous. I kind of liked the fact that I held his gaze. I felt my blush returning. Then the spark ignited again.

Then, I thought about what Victoria had said.

That shock…that spark…that's your body trying to override your head.

Could she have been right? Was my body trying to tell me something my head wasn't acknowledging? The thought itself both excited and terrified me. I had to find out.

I release his hands, moving my hands to his chest, giving him more range. I decided to let him lead…if it went anywhere.

"Uh…" he breathed, as his patterns widened, leaving a burn in their wake. "Uh…" he repeated, as his palms grazed my naked back.

I didn't know what came over me next.

"Kiss me, Edward," I demand, looking into his eyes.

"Mhmm," he moaned, as his hands threaded themselves through my hair, and his lips attached themselves to mine.

This time it was real. No audience. His lips were urgently moving against mine, my tongue eagerly massaging his at the first opportunity, teeth nibbling on lips, hands pulling hair…moans...grunts. It was all real.

I hadn't noticed our hips grinding against each other until I felt a hard bulge between my legs. A huge…ginormous…bulge between my legs. I knew what it was. I expected to feel awkward. Weird even. I didn't. I felt powerful. I felt sexy. I smiled against his lips, loving every second of it.

"Bella," he groaned against my lips.

"Hmmm?" I moaned in reply.

Suddenly, the bedroom door flew open. "Hey, mom told me to give you guys some…oh, fuck!" I heard Emmett shout.

"Oh, God!" I cried, covering my chest.

"Emmett!" Edward yelled, hugging my chest close to his.

"S-Sorry!" Emmett stammered, throwing some towels into the room before storming off down the hall.

"Oh, God," I shook my head, "Emmett saw my boobs."

"No, he didn't," Edward consoled me. "Your back was facing the door."

"Are you sure?" I asked him.

"Yeah," he smiled, putting a rogue strand of hair behind my ear. "Me, on the other hand…" he smirked.

"Shut up," I slapped his hand. I forgot I was topless until I saw him staring at my jiggling tits.

We sat there in silence, giggling and staring at each other…completely clueless on how to proceed.

"Bella?" he asked.

"Yeah?"

He hugged my chest close to him and kissed me. "Thanks."

I smiled, "My pleasure. Goodnight, Edward."

There you have it! All you guys had to do was be patient. Things will start to heat up between our fave couple from now on. Pics of outfits are on the profile as usual. I made this longer than normal because I'm going to be packed with things to do for the next three weeks or so. I might not get to update. I hope this will tide you over.