Chapter 10: Bella's Bday

Bella POV

Whoever said time flies only when you're having fun had to be a masochist. The last few weeks have flown by and leading up to the day I dreaded most out of the entire year… my birthday. Alice had naturally insisted on throwing me a Sweet 16 party at the Cullens', though I could see very little 'sweet' about it. It was just another year in my opinion. But as soon as she got Edward to assist her in convincing me, she knew it was a done deal.

Edward came to pick me up that morning and I could see his facial expression all the way from the porch. His raised eyebrow and amused smile gracing his lips spoke volumes. He was actually laughing by the time I climbed into the passenger seat with a pout on my face and my arms folded defiantly over my chest. "Bella, seriously. You're sixteen not six. But then again a six year old actually looks forward to birthday parties and presents," he said as he backed out of my driveway.

I kept my eyes down in my lap and shook my head. I knew I was tempting fate by dressing and acting this way, especially with the Chief of the Fashion Police waiting to pounce me at the first given opportunity; but I really didn't care. I had worn my most tattered set of sweats and the oldest pair of sneakers I could find. I saw nothing worth celebrating today. "I don't like having things bought for me, nor do I like being the center of attention, Edward. You know that."

His hand appeared in my line of vision as he reached over, gently squeezing my knee and I brought my eyes up to look at him. "It's really not that bad, firecracker. And if it makes you feel any better, I didn't spend anything on your birthday present. Can't promise as much about the rest of them though."

I looked over at him and the crooked smirk that screamed 'I know something you don't know' was there, and I wanted to smack it off him. I dug my fingernails into the back of his hand and smiled sweetly. "Edward… sweetie… why do I get the feeling that you're hiding something from me?"

Edward pulled his hand away, laughing and shaking it out. There were four very distinct crescent shaped marks on the back. "Down kitty," he chuckled and patted me on top of the head, causing me to narrow my eyes at him. "Whatever would give you the impression that I was hiding something from you?" he chuckled with another sly grin and I huffed, folding my arms over my chest again.

I was at least glad to see that Edward was in better spirits than he was yesterday, but aside from my birthday, I had so many other things weighing on my mind. The most prominent at the moment was what happened at the game the night before. Edward had taken me to the game as promised, though it was obvious that he was not overly happy about being there.

When we arrived, I noticed a new cheerleader I had never seen before hovering around James. She was tall and statuesque, with a thick shiny mass of curly red hair. And from Rosalie's facial expression as she approached us, she was not popular with the head cheerleader.

"I don't know why you're wasting you time with him, Bella," she snapped slightly as she passed and I really couldn't make heads or tails of her comment. Was that meant to be an insult, that I didn't deserve someone like him? Or was it disgust for the fresh face that was obviously flirting with my boyfriend?

My boyfriend.

Somehow my relationship with James did not feel as I imagined one would. He kissed me and my skin tingled, but not in a good way. We'd made out on my couch the other day before Charlie got home, and I was actually grateful when I heard the crunching of gravel announcing his arrival. Not that I wasn't attracted at all to James, or that he was a bad kisser but I wasn't feeling that lust and desire I had been expecting with a guy I was actually dating; though he'd made no secret of his for me.

I guess I was also the kind of person that needed my space from time to time, and to not have someone hovering or hanging on me constantly. Edward understood this, as did Jake. Why couldn't James?

But seeing that girl so close to him sparked something in me I hadn't felt before with him; that old familiar friend. Jealousy. I simply tried to brush it off when James saw me in the stands, smiling and waving at me as he moved away from the leggy redhead to join his teammates. Edward growled slightly beside me, but that was just Edward-always protective of me.

After the game, we left to head back to the school to meet the bus and once again I noticed this redhead standing a little too close to James for my liking. I thanked Edward for the ride and then made my way over to James, who moved quickly away from the girl as he saw me approach.

"Hey babe, didn't see you there," he said, walking over to me and wrapping his arm around me. "I was just talking about you with Victoria here."

I placed a smile on my face that to an oblivious guy, would be a friendly greeting. To a fellow female, it was a look of warning. He's taken, back off bitch. I slid my arm around his waist and hugged against his side. "Come on, James. It's Friday and my curfew isn't until eleven."

He took my devilish smile as an invite as I had intended, and I gave one last glance to this Victoria before we headed to his car.

"Hey, you okay?" Edward asked, snapping me back to present. "You look… a little pale all of a sudden."

I looked up to see that we had already arrived at his house and I pasted a smile on my face and nodded. "Yea, just… long night last night, that's all. Let's get this over with."

Edward laughed softly as we got out of the car and began walking toward the house, his arm draped over my shoulder.

Walking in the front door, I couldn't help but again notice the elaborate difference between the Cullen house and my own. My house was clean but cozily cluttered, exemplifying Charlie and I perfectly. We had never needed much, and being raised on a policeman's salary, we were comfortable but enjoyed the simple things. In comparison, the Cullens had Army insignias and antique military rifles in the wide-open expanse of the entryway of their home, leaving no doubt that Carlisle ran a tight military household. Whereas the wooden sign by the coat rack that read 'Kiss my bass, I'd rather be fishing' right beside Charlie's leather bomber jacket and gun holster left no question that mine was a policeman's home.

When we entered the front room, as expected, Alice gave me the once over but surprisingly said nothing. Probably because my eyes lit up as my egaze landed on one of the least expected occupants in the room.

"Dad? I thought you had to work?" I gasped, and for the first time in years, I walked up and hugged my dad tightly and he surprised me by hugging me back, in this room full of people. PDA had never been our forte, even as parent and child; and it moved me almost to tears.

Charlie pulled away slowly with a smile and patted my face, his cheeks slightly tinted pink. "And miss my little girl's big day?" he replied with a nervous smile. I could tell this was far from easy for Charlie and the fact that he was putting in all this effort meant so much to me. Especially today. "I pulled a few favors at the station, and I'm working tonight instead."

I gave him a grateful smile and put the comfortable physical distance between us. "Thanks, Dad."

"Happy birthday, sweetheart," Esme said softly as she walked up to me to hug me, followed closely by Carlisle and Emmett. Leaving the final two in the room for last; Alice and Rosalie.

Alice glanced at Rose and shook her head, getting an affirming nod from her. They both stalked toward me, each taking an elbow and pulling me backward toward the stairs. "Excuse us, the birthday girl shall return," Alice called out from the hall.

The entire room laughed and the last sight I caught was Edward giving me an annoying smile and wink.

Oh, he was going to pay for this later.

When we got upstairs, we immediately entered Edward's bedroom, where a pair of jeans and a navy blue sweater, both with tags still on laid on his bed, and a pair of black heeled boots set on the floor beside it. I immediately placed my hands on my hips angrily. "He swore he didn't spend money!"

"This isn't from Edward, we're just borrowing his room," Alice quipped as she closed the door and pulled me across the room. "We knew you were gonna do this, so we came prepared."

"We?" I asked, shooting a brief glance over to Rosalie and returned to Alice.

"The outfit is from me, the boots are from Rose. It's also a bribe," Alice replied with a devilish grin. "So what happened after the game last night?"

I watched them both sit on the bed and I wasn't sure how comfortable I felt discussing this in front of picture perfect Rosalie, but I also knew Alice wouldn't give up. "Look, I tried, alright? But it just felt…. weird. I mean, his hand was up my skirt and when he touched me… there," I shifted uncomfortably, and saw Rose rolled her eyes.

"It's ok to say crotch," she stated with a shrug.

I felt my face flush. I knew that Rosalie thought that I was a complete prude, but I had never been touched this way by a guy. And making these comments was not helping any. "Anyway, when he touched me, it… it didn't feel good. And then he actually put his finger inside me, and it kinda… felt like I was having an exam. And I just didn't want to after that."

Alice sighed, standing up to move toward me and lifting my sweatshirt over my head swiftly. I quickly covered my bra with my arms and Alice chuckled. "You ain't got nothing we don't have, darlin'."

"Yea I know, that's the problem," I mumbled, nodding toward both of their chests. Rose was naturally the epitome of the buxom blonde, and Alice, for someone so small, was better endowed than I was.

"That's why they invented push-up bras, Bella," Rose chuckled, and I looked over at her. She was actually smiling; something that was very rare for Rosalie. Though I was positive it was at my expense.

"So, anyway," Alice interjected, cutting the tag off the shirt. "Were you at least wet? Because it's not going to work if he doesn't slick you up first." My eyes widened as she pulled the shirt over my head. I found it unbelievable that they could both talk so casually about something that completely mortified me. "Come on, Bella, lighten up. Were you at least turned on?"

I sighed and shook my head. "No, not really," I replied in a dejected tone, looking down at the floor. "I think… maybe I'm broken or something. Because he really really wants it. I mean he was... ready to go. And I felt bad, and I couldn't just let him go like that, so I…"

Alice popped up just as she was about to remove my sweatpants, her eyes wide. "Oh my god! You got him off?"

I took an uncomfortable breath and I shrugged, my eyes flickering nervously around the room.

"Hand or mouth," Rosalie asked anxiously with a smirk, intently listening now.

"Both," I murmured softly, fiddling with my fingers. I had never 'gone down' on a guy before and I could honestly say that I wouldn't mind if I never had to again. It felt weird, and it tasted horrible. I had to brush my teeth three times when I got home to get the taste out of my mouth.

Alice squealed lightly and clapped her hands. "Progress!" she giggled and hugged me.

"I don't know that it's going to last too long though," I said and she pulled away quickly with a questioning look on her face. "Look, he just really doesn't do anything for me. And I just can't see anything more happening with him. I'm not even really sure I like being with him. And now that he knows about the pill, I know he's only going to get more persistent about having sex. And I just don't want to."

"But…" Alice was about to say, but surprisingly, Rosalie cut her off.

"Alice, if she doesn't want the guy, she shouldn't force herself to be with him," she stated in a calm voice, and both Alice's eyes and mine shot to her in shock. Never would I have imagined Rosalie of all people being an advocate for my virginity or the preservation of it.

"Alice, do you know what he did last night?" I started, as my recollection of the night before kicked in, and Alice shook her head. "Alright, we went out for pizza after the game. Not only did he order pepperoni-which he should know I can't stand- but when the waitress brought my drink, I opened my straw and started to flag her down again. James asked what the problem was, and I told him I don't like those kinds of straws, they need to be bendy. He actually said 'What the fuck, Bella? It's a straw! Want it bendy? Here…', and he bent my straw."

Alice gasped, clapping her hand over her mouth. "No he didn't!" she exclaimed and I could tell she was mocking me, while Rosalie sat there completely confused. "You know you're psychotic about that, right? I don't know why Edward insists on enabling your OCD behavior."

I rolled my eyes and sighed. Alice never could understand my quirky tick, whereas Edward thought it was endearing that I had just one little 'insane thing' about me. I jumped quickly as Alice tugged on the leg of my sweatpants and yanked them off. "It's just… when it happens, I want it to be with someone who knows me and I can know for certain that it's because he cares about me and not just because he's a horny teenager."

"Honestly Bella, you should just break up with him. You could do so much better, and he certainly wouldn't be lonely for long with the likes of that new skank Victoria around. I am telling you, something is going on there. But come on, it's your birthday party and you're going to be hot," Rosalie said with a smile, and pushed me down to sit on the bed as soon as I got the jeans on, starting to shove my feet into the boots.

"Rose, I really don't do heels," I said with a slight groan but I didn't cause as much a fuss as I normally would, since it seemed that she was genuinely trying to be nice to me. And she was helping to remove Alice from my back.

"Well, you do now," she replied in her typical domineering tone.

Well, it was nice while it lasted. I swear this girl is bipolar or schizophrenic at times.

They each took one of my hands and dragged me out of the bedroom and toward the stairs. Just as we got to the bottom, I spotted Carlisle by the front window and his voice broke Edward's perusal of me.

"Edward, it's time," he said simply and let go of the curtain.

"Yes, sir," he replied and made his way over to me and place his hands over my eyes. "Chief Swan?"

I felt what I could easily discern as my father's hand closing around mine, and both men began guiding me toward the front door. "What is going on?" I asked nervously; they both knew I hated surprises, but they both only chuckled. "Come on you guys, you know I ha.."

My speech cut off as Edward's hands dropped from over my eyes and I opened them to reveal the last thing I was expecting.

"Jake?" I gasped excitedly and walked over to him quickly, throwing my arms around his neck and he swept me into a bear hug. "Oh this is the best gift ever."

Jacob laughed and set me back down on my feet, and shook his head. "Wow, Bells. I could have saved myself a whole lot of time if I knew you were that easy to please."

Everyone began snickering and I looked around in confusion. "Umm, would someone mind filling me in on the joke?"

Charlie came up behind me and placed his hand on my shoulder. I looked to him and he had a hint of a smirk on his face; very similar to the smirk I'd seen on Edward's face earlier. But it didn't quell my confusion at all. "Bella, your present is behind Jacob," he replied and nodded his head in Jacob's direction.

I furrowed my brow in confusion and looked back at Jake, but there was nothing behind him… except…

And my throat froze and I felt tears welling up in my eyes. The black 1969 Mustang I have wanted ever since I was seven years old when Charlie took me to that car show that I had pitched a colossal fit about; until the moment I saw that car. And it was just as perfect and pristine as it would be if it were brand new.

"This?" I asked, pointing to the car as I looked back to my dad, and his smile widened as he nodded. "Oh my god. Dad, you really shouldn't have. I mean, it couldn't have been cheap, and I don't even have my license yet, and…"

Charlie brought his hand up to cover my mouth the way he used to when I was very little and I would talk incessantly; and it almost made me want to cry all over again. I hadn't experienced this much affection in one day from my dad in over ten years. Ever since….

"I've been planning this for years now," Charlie replied simply, squeezing my chin lightly between his fingers. "And besides, Jacob here helped out quite a lot."

"And let me tell you," Jacob added with a laugh, shaking his head. "It wasn't easy for any of us to keep this secret. But it's got a fresh paint job, reupholstered interior and a brand spanking new engine, which Captain and Mrs. Cullen so graciously donated to our cause. All it needs is a licensed Bella behind the wheel."

I was speechless. So I simply hugged Jake and then Charlie again. And then of course, I had to thank the Cullens. They had always been so wonderful to me from the moment I met them, and Esme had even joked on several occasions that I was like the daughter she never had but always wanted. But still; I didn't even want to think of how much this gift had cost them.

"Alright now that we've had our Full House bonding moment," Emmett called out as I was wrapped in Carlisle's embrace. Leave it to Emmett to bring an abrupt end to any emotional moment, and I had to laugh to myself. "Let's get to the food, I'm starving."

"Emmett," Esme scolded softly, looking over at him from Carlisle's side.

He grinned devilishly until Carlisle gave him the 'dad look' that no one dared contend with, and it quickly disappeared with a soft 'Sorry, sir'. The respect these two sons had for their father was both incredible and admirable, and it never ceased to amaze me.

We all moved inside and made our way to the large kitchen, where a buffet worthy lunch was set out on the long island in the middle of the room. I smiled in thanks to Esme, and grabbed a can of coke.

"Oh hold on!" Edward exclaimed from beside me and ran over to one of the kitchen drawers and back to me, popping a straw into my soda. "There ya go."

I smiled at Edward, as Alice and Rose both stared at the bendy straw now sticking up from the mouth of the can. "You know me so well. You know, I told James last night that I only liked bendy straws, and you know what he did? He bent the straw!"

"What's he got a death wish?" Edward replied with a shake of his head and the small hint of a smile. I gave Alice my best 'who's crazy now' look, while she returned with a grin and quirked eyebrow.

Lunch passed quickly and even Jake and Edward were carrying on a conversation, which I now believed trumped every other present I could have possibly received that day; to not have to divide myself between two of the most important men in my life. Maybe today wouldn't be so bad after all.

And then came time for the presents, and I internally groaned. Fortunately, I had received most of the gifts earlier, and from the looks of it, I only had to endure Jasper's, Emmett's and… Edward's.

Jasper's was very simple and very practical, and that's why I adored him so much. I opened the envelope and read the poem inside the card.

"If you don't dream big, what's the use of dreaming?

If you don't have faith, why even try?

You only have to look at the stars always gleaming,

To know you were meant to reach for the sky.

It only takes a hope that is worth believing,

Live like its here and know it to be true.

Leave your heart open to the prospect of receiving,

And everything you dream of will soon come to you.

Happy 16th"

I smiled at the sweet sentiment and opened the smaller envelope inside, which held a $50 gift card to Borders. I leaned over and kissed his cheek, thanking him before moving on to Emmett's present. And knowing Emmett, I was understandably a little nervous.

He placed the heavy box in my lap and I pursed my lips at him, trying to appear angry. But he only laughed at me and told me to open it. I opened his card, and rolled my eyes as I read it. "You're 16 today - Celebrate! Go Crazy! (inside) oops, forgot you were already there. Well you can still celebrate!" I laughed slightly as Rosalie smacked him in the head, but it couldn't have been more Emmett. I peeled off the wrapping paper and opened the box, and the soft smell of honeysuckle wafted toward me; Relaxing Aromatherapy candles with a note taped to the box. "If these don't work, I'm getting a refund!"

I laughed softly and shook my head. Emmett had always teased me about my frequent crankiness, so this gift didn't surprise me; nor did the message. I hugged him in thanks, and then Edward came to join me on the couch and handed me something that appeared to be wrapped in a vintage ladies' handkerchief bunched together and tied with a soft pink ribbon. I gently loosened it and the fabric fell to the sides to reveal a blank cd, with his beautiful script writing on top. "Happy Sweet 16, Firecracker. Love, Edward".

"What's this?" I asked him softly, holding it up as I looked at him.

"Well, you had me stumped when you said I couldn't spend any money on you for your birthday," Edward replied with a smile and shrugged. "So I made you a cd with songs that made me think of you."

I bit my lip with a chuckle; this was something entirely Edward. Very sweet and simple, but also very personal. "Can I play it?" I questioned curiously, wondering exactly what he had put on there; hoping it wasn't anything overly personal.

"Sure," he nodded and took the cd from my hands, getting up to pop it into the stereo. Before I knew it, Charlie and I were both chuckling as the first song came on.

"Firecracker" by Josh Turner.

Everyone else looked at us as if we were insane, since we were the only ones in the room who actually listened to country music. Though I knew the title of the song was the only thing that really related to me and Edward; it still made me smile.

Shortly thereafter, Charlie announced that he had to leave to get ready for work. I was actually a little sad to see my father go, since today was the first time in years that I had actually felt really close to my dad; felt like his little girl again. I excused myself to walk him out to his car and before opening his door, he turned to look at me.

"I uh, I have something else for you," he said nervously before he reached across the car and into the glove box, and pulling out a pink envelope and handing it to me. "Happy Birthday, Bella."

I took the envelope gently out of his hand, and slowly opened it. Went I pulled up the card inside, I watched something fall out of it and onto the ground. Charlie chuckled and I crouched down to pick up the gas card that had fallen out. "Dad, you already gave me a car," I started, but he hushed me with his own unique 'dad look' that was far less stern than Carlisle's; but the message was just as clear. I smiled and looked down to the card and saw a vintage picture of a little girl with pigtails on either side of her head, blowing bubbles from a dripping wand. The tears started forming then, but I couldn't fight them back anymore as soon as I opened it and read the inside.

Happy Birthday to the daughter who will never grow old in my mind...I love you. Love, Dad.

I knew today was going to be a big-and difficult- day for us both; but I honestly had never expected anything even close to what today had been. I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around his waist and he hugged me gently in return, kissing the top of my head; again, just like when I was a little girl. "I love you, Dad."

"I love you too, sweetheart," he replied softly and then cleared his throat, rubbing his hands along my arms and giving me a smile. Sentiment was difficult for Charlie, I knew this; so I wasn't hurt by it. "I've uh… gotta head to the station. You behave for the Cullens alright?"

"I will, Dad. Goodnight," I replied with a teasing 'annoyed teenager' look and closed his door behind him as he got in the car, waving as he drove away down the driveway.

I walked back into the house, but froze immediately.

That song was playing.

Something only Edward knew about, but I couldn't force the tears back, even with an entire room watching me expectantly. The soft melody floated through the air, and I couldn't breathe. I had to get out of here.

"Bella?" I heard Edward's voice from behind me, but I didn't stop as I ran up the stairs for his bedroom and slammed the door behind me.