Sorry about taking FOREVER to update. I have no excuses but I just didn't feel up to writing.
It'd mean a lot if you reviewed, I've had a bad day and need some cheering up.
Thanks;

Dancing, Duets, and Dodging

E POV

The daylight was in full bloom, the sun was leaking into my bedroom past the blinds.

I had not slept all night.

The past nights events circled in my head until I was nauseated. Bella's words echoed in my head. Go to hell, Edward Cullen. I winced at the words still stinging. How could I have been such a jerk to her? I was a monster. I felt physically sick at what I had done last night.

I had had Bella right where I wanted her. I was going to seduce her; her body was begging me to take her. But then my conscience kicked in and lectured me on how wrong I was. I didn't love her, I just wanted her body. That was an insult to Bella and I would never degrade her like that.

She was under the impression that I didn't want her. I stared up at the ceiling, begging to be put out of my misery. The events kept reoccurring in my mind; the way Bella's lips tasted, the way her eyes would flutter when I would graze her jaw line, even the way her hands went into fists when she was trying to hold back.

I tried to tell myself that I had done nothing wrong, if anything, I had done her a favor. I knew I was wrong, but I kept telling myself that we couldn't cross that line. We had talked about the ramifications of us being together. The answer was simple: it was absolutely out of the question. Mike was the only reason for us holding back. I cursed Mike to the lowest pit of hell. Right now I could be holding a beautiful girl that I cared for in my arms and not have a care in the world. I knew that if Bella and I ever did sleep together, the morning after would be filled with worry, maybe even regret.

But at the moment, all I felt was regret. Regret for making Bella think she was unworthy, for allowing myself to become attached to her, and I was even regretting working for Mike. All the "what-ifs" were swooping in my mind, filling my body with emptiness and morose; I wanted Bella so badly, it ached.

I could feel her warm breath on me, her feathery-skin touching mine, and her glowing radiance shine upon me. I laid there for a couple more minutes, staring at the ceiling, wishing I was someone else; someone who had not tricked the woman of his dreams.

I finally whipped back the covers knowing what I had to do. I was the four-year-old, having to apologize to a girl for saying something mean. I checked my phone hoping to see a missed call from her. She didn't have my number, but I couldn't but hope that she somehow had my number.

"Bella, Bella, Bella," I whispered, my head in my hands, sitting on the ledge of my bed. I look through the contacts that Emmett had set in my phone. Alec, Andrew, Bart, Baxter, Beck, Bella, Ben…wait, Bella?

I could feel my heart skip a beat and my lungs tighten. I pressed the green "call" button and put the phone up to my ear, not knowing what to say if she answered. I knew I just needed to hear her voice to know everything was going to be okay.

The first dial tone.

The second dial tone.

The third dial tone.

The fourth dial tone.

The fifth dial tone.

I was about to hang up after the sixth but suddenly I hear the most glorious voice in the world.

"Hello?" her beautiful voice said. I found my breathing hitch and my muscles tighten in excitement.

"Bella?" I asked nervously. I felt better once I heard her voice, but I was still worried that she was upset. I heard the phone click and realized she hung up on me. "Damnit!" I cursed.

I pushed her button again, no answer. I threw the phone on the bed and went for a shower. I was going to have to meet her face-to-face for her to talk to me. I knew just the place to go…Julliard's.

B POV

I woke up sometime in the afternoon. The night was a long, cold, black hole filled with tossing and turning; anger coursing through my minds, then sadness keeping company in my heart. I scowled at 

myself for allowing my heart, mind, and body to want something else as much as I wanted to succeed in ballet. Ballet was number one, and Edward Cullen would never be in front of that. I came to New York to do one thing: pursue a career in ballet. I did not come here to fall for someone. I wouldn't allow myself. I hated Edward for making me feel so vulnerable, then throwing it in my face. I felt weak and hurt.

I wiped a tear at the corner of my eye and got up and walked to the bathroom. I turned the shower on and stepped into the hot shower, letting the water wash away the sick feeling I had from the past night's memories.

I was done with Edward Cullen. I was going to focus on my ballet. I lathered, rinsed, repeated, and quickly got dressed in my leotard and tights, heading for the kitchen.

There was a note on the fridge explaining that Alice and Rose were at Emmett's and Jasper's apartments and that they would meet me at the studio.

"Thanks best friends," I muttered. I wasn't mad at them; I was just upset that I had no one to talk to about my current situation. I heard the ringing of my cell phone and I ran to pick it up. Maybe it was Alice or Rose calling to check up, I wished that was who it was. I didn't recognize the number, thinking it must be Emmett or Jasper's phone, I pressed the "talk" button.

"Hello?" I asked pleasantly.

"Bella?" A beautiful, velvety voice sang. I knew that voice. It was the one voice I didn't want to hear, I hung up as soon as I recognized the caller. I put my phone back on my nightstand and went back to the kitchen. My phone started ringing and I knew who it was, I decided not to answer it. I looked at the time and figured that I was running late. I grabbed my slip-on shoes and headed for the door.

The walk was cold and I felt numb. My heart was hurting and every breath burned my throat. How could one man make me feel so weak in the knees? I didn't bother to look around my surroundings, just wanted to get to class and work off all my stress at the bar.

I walked quickly to the studio for my first class and found a notice on the door saying that lessons were being held in the auditorium for the day. I grunted in irritation and trudged to the auditorium.

The doors opened and I saw my whole class getting ready for class. I spotted Alice and Rosalie waving me over. I smiled and went over to my best friends. They could always make me feel better, and I found myself comforted with their presence.

"Hey," Rose and Alice said in unison.

"Hey," I replied. I sat on the ground and started putting on tape on my toes. My legs were not in pain for once, thanks to Edward's massage. I shook my head trying to get that thought out of my head. The way his fingers would press firmly into my skin, welding the ache out, and creating sparks to shoot up my leg.

"How was your night?" Alice said cheerfully.

"Fine," I mumbled, trying to concentrate on my toes protesting the fit of my shoe. It was definitely time to get a new pair. The pink lace was tearing, the silk was wearing down, and the color was fading. Not to mention, my feet screamed in pain every time I put them in the cramped space. I tried not to move my toes that much to avoid the pain that would shoot up my leg if I did.

Before Alice could ask what I did, our teacher walked in and clapped his hands twice, giving us the sign to head to the bar and begin our first routine consisting of rond de jambes.

I put my hand gently on the bar and took a deep breath. I glanced at the enormity of the auditorium, a few people filling the seats watching in on our lesson; this was something that wasn't rare. Teachers, lower-level students, or peers would come watch us to see the dancers at work.

The song "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven came on and I let the music fill me. The tension from last night washed away for the moment and I was left in a cloud-like state, dancing methodically to the music. I closed my eyes and extended my leg further, pushing my muscles farther and farther. I took slow, deep breaths and rotated my leg around my hip. The same pattern went on until the magnificent song ended and I felt at peace with myself. I rose up on my toes and turned quickly to the other side, repeating the steps.

The majority of the class was spent at the bar, stretching our legs and pointing our toes to perfection. I could feel the beads of sweat glisten on my forehead as the lights shone down on us. I could 

no longer make out faces in the audience, but I could see figures. There was at least seven or eight people watching us intently, not making a sound in order to not to disrupt our class.

The floor exercises were my favorite; we were allowed to break out of the monotonous routines at the bar and create our own masterpiece. Our teacher told us the steps and counts, had someone demonstrate them for us, and then it was our turn. It was a partner routine, so whoever the male you were standing in line next to, was your partner. I went to get in line and found myself next to a black-haired, tall, good-looking man. I paid no attention to him; he was just used as a prop for me. He and I would make a colorful display of moves, arches, and graceful steps and the rest of the world would be nil. Rose and her partner went, they were flawless. Alice was up next, her partner messed up one step and Alice gave him a death glare, he didn't mess up after that. It was Charlotte's turn, her partner got into her path and they collided. I choked back my laughter, even my partner's lips were turned up at the corner, his eyes down so he wouldn't be able to see the horrendous sight of Charlotte and her poor partner sprawled on the floor. Charlotte scowled and took her place in line. It was my turn now and we stepped up to the beginning point.

I placed my arms, curved, in front of me and held up by my head; my partner placed his hand on my waist and the other arm mimicking the arm placed by my head. The music played, the teacher counted, and we started the steps. We took a step and I rose on to my toes, I lifted my leg and started to twirl and dance across the stage. My peer supported me in my moves, flowing with me like a stream. I was displaying and he was adding to my magnificence. I was the picture and he was the frame. We finished with one last turn and leap, and then ended in a poised, straight position. As soon as the teacher started clapping, along with the rest of the pupils, I relaxed and smiled at my partner. He returned the smile and turned back to get into the line, I followed, letting the accomplishment fill my body with confidence and pride.

"We were amazing," he whispered to me once we were standing back in line. I smiled at his comment and he continued. "Aren't you Bella?"

"How do you know my name?" I whispered back curiously.

"Everyone knows the Bella Swan," he answered, deepening his voice at my name. I blushed lightly and he laughed.

"What's so funny?"

"I was just remembering Charlotte fall," he answered. I giggled in approval.

"We shouldn't be laughing," I joked.

"Oh, she deserves it," Jacob suggested. The teacher clapped his hands twice again, averting our attention back to him.

E POV

I snuck into Julliard, walking quickly down the halls, hoping to find the studios. I found the long hallway filled with doors opening to classrooms quickly. I peeked into each class's window and tried to spot the woman I was after. I didn't see her anywhere. I got to the last classroom, giving up hope, and noticed that there was a sign on the door telling the students that class was in the auditorium today. I prayed that this is where Bella was. A young girl was walking down the hall, probably no more than thirteen years old, her hair was pulled up tight into a bun and she was wearing a leotard and tights, she would most definitely know where the auditorium was.

"Excuse me, Miss," I said politely. The girl stopped abruptly and looked me over. Her eyes went wide and her mouth parted slightly. "I'm looking for the auditorium; can you point me in that direction?"

"Are you talking to me?" She asked astonished.

"Do you see any other beautiful women in this hallway?" I said smiling. The girl was sweet and she looked innocent enough. She giggled at my response and pointed me in the direction.

"Take a left at the corner and follow all the way down, you'll see it," she said nicely. I smiled in gratitude and she returned it. I started walking, practically running, down the hall following the small child's directions. I found the auditorium easily and opened the door silently.



The room was black, except for the stage lights shining down on the dancers. I crept to the front and took a seat. I searched around the ballet students and spotted her.

Her hair was pulled up so you had a better view of her creamy, ivory skin. Her forehead was glistening with sweat. Her body looked small and compact in her leotard, but she looked graceful. She was standing in line with a tall man; they were not speaking, but looking intently on two dancers moving their way across the stage. The two tripped and fell on the floor and a couple of laughs broke out along with some "shushing". I didn't pay attention to the clumsy kids as they made their way up and into line on the other side, I only paid attention to one beautiful creature.

Bella took one last look into the audience, she looked at where I was sitting, almost as if she was looking into my eyes, I crouched down and tried to hide, but she showed no signs that she saw me. I hoped that the bright lights prevented that. She went into position and her partner joined her. She took off with a step, her peer keeping step with her and holding her when the time allowed it. His hands gripped her tightly and pushed her through the air; she was like an angel flowing across the air. The entire room went quiet to watch this heavenly sight.

When they finished, the room erupted into applause. My mouth was agape and my eyes were lighted with the brilliance of their performance, of her performance. Bella and her silent partner went and got back into line, he whispered something into her ear and she giggled in response. He replied and she blushed deeply. I couldn't help the jealousy coursing through my veins at the moment; it was much deeper than the jealousy I felt towards Mike, because Bella disliked him. This man, whoever he was, was not forced on Bella, she didn't have to like him, but anyone could tell that she did. I gripped the armrest tightly and swallowed back my irritation. Now was not the time to get worked up, I needed to be cool and calm when I spoke to Bella.

I watched the rest of the ballet class dance in joy, admiring only Bella and her natural talent. The class continued with their elegant steps and before too long, class was being dismissed. I quickly stepped out and went around the corner to where she would be stepping out of the class. I peeked around the corner and saw students filling out, heading in my direction, I leaned back and hid out of sight. I watched the crowd float by, but no sign of Bella. I peeked around and saw Alice and Rosalie marching out, talking about fashion or something; but Bella was not with them either. I thought I had missed her so I went to check in the auditorium.

There she was, still practicing at the bar. Of course she was this determined, ballet was her life. I was hoping there was enough room in that life for me. I looked out and saw no one in the audience so I walked up the stairs onto the stage. Her back was turned to me, as she was leaning back in an arabesque. The music was beautiful, "In the Morning Light" by Yanni. I loved this piece, I played it frequently. She was as graceful as she was beautiful, she took my breath away and I marveled at her eloquence. I took one last deep breath and walked slowly to her.

Seven feet more to go.

Five more feet to go.

Three feet to go.

One foot to go.

I was almost pressed up on her, I could feel the warmth her body was emanating, and I longed to bring it closer to me and hold it in my arms. She rose on her toes and took a fraction of a step out to turn, when she did she came face to face with me, she began to gasp but I cut her off with my lips on hers.

I felt whole once again with her lips on mine, her body melted into mine, her lips pushed outwards and around mine perfectly. The plush, soft lips parted slightly, allowing her breath to come onto me and freeze my body. I wielded our lips together, hoping to keep them constantly in motion. I raised my hands and placed them on her delicate face, pressing my lips further into hers.

Her arms went up, to what I thought was to embrace me, but she pushed against my chest. I was not going to let her go that easily, I put my arms around her back and pushed her closer to me. Her arms were now in an awkward position so she could not use her full strength on me. I focused on the powerful kiss that had blood rushing down my body, aching my muscles with the delicious taste of her two rosy 

lips. She pushed with the strength she could muster, but after having a strenuous ballet lesson and being in a position of no arm strength, she was no match for me.

She resulted in a different course of action. She bit my lip. I winced at the pain and then tasted the blood protruding from my lip. I drew back from her and placed my tongue on my bottom lip where she pierced me. I took a step back and put my finger up to my mouth, when I glanced at my finger, I saw the blood. I gave her a stern look but she was already gone. I looked around and she was running out the door with her clothing in her arms. I leaped off the stage and followed her. She was already down the hall when I opened the auditorium's doors. She was pacing to the outside; I sprinted towards her and finally caught up to her. I whirled her around and pushed her against the wall, forcing her to look at me with my finger underneath her chin.

"Get off of me, you pathetic bastard," she spat.

"Not until you listen to me," I spoke sternly.

"No," she spoke quickly. She tried to get out of my grip, but I put more force on her body, keeping her pinned on the wall. My hand was on her shoulder, my body pressing on hers, and my fingers holding her chin up to look at me. She jerked away from my fingers and continued to wriggle off.

"Bella, please, just listen to me."

"You've got 30 seconds."

"I'll take what I can get," I said meekly. "Last night was not your fault in any way, it was mine. I wanted you for the wrong reasons, for reasons I'm ashamed of."

"Thanks for clearing that up, have a nice life," she said icily.

"I'm not finished," I retorted. "I want you, Bella. I want all of you. I don't want you with Mike, but if I can only have it that way, then I'm taking it. I don't care what happens to me, I want you. I know you feel the same way, you're just better at denying it than I am." I looked intently into her eyes, hoping she'd realize I was right. I moved my hand across her lips, brushing the full, plush pouts.

"Edward…" Bella began.

"Don't," I stated. I could see in the tone of her voice that she was going to refuse my proposal. "Don't give me some made-up excuse. I want honesty."

Before she could answer a voice came out of nowhere. "Bella, there you are. We still on for coffee?" I whipped my head to the masculine voice and came upon Bella's former partner.

"Y-Y-Yes," Bella choked out. She wiggled out of my grip and walked quickly to the tall, tan man. He gave me a curious look and then smiled as Bella approached him. Bella gave me one last glance and then disappeared around the corner. I sank into the wall, sliding down to the floor, pulling my knees up. I sat there and thought about the problems I could get into if Mike heard my declaration. I didn't care, I wanted Bella, and I knew she wanted me too. I would just have to keep pursuing until she said, from her mouth, that she didn't want me.

B POV

"Bella, there you are. We still on for coffee?" I whipped my head around and found Jacob, my ballet partner.

"Y-Y-Yes," I stammered out. My thoughts were all in a jumble from Edward's presence, his kiss, and his declaration. I wiggled out of his grip and practically leaped to Jacob's side. I was thankful for him coming in; I got to Jacob's side and started walking with. I took one last look at Edward, he looked trouble, but still in perfect form as always. I turned my head back to Jacob who was giving me a comforting smile.

We rounded the corner and as soon as I knew Edward was out of hearing distance I spoke. "Thanks for rescuing me."

"You looked like you needed some help, my pleasure," Jacob relied happily. He held the door open for me as I stepped out into the cold winter morning. The street was already busy with people scurrying around, sirens wailing, and bells ringing from opening shops' doors.

"How'd you know?" I asked as we walked.



"I could just tell, I'm glad you went along with it, now we can actually get some coffee," Jacob smiled. It seemed like he was always smiling, I felt happier when I was with him.

"Alright, but I'm buying," I replied. He held his hands up in signing "if you must." We walked a block and then into a local Starbucks. Jacob told me to order while he found a table; I simply got him what I always had: a white chocolate latte.

When I had paid, received the coffees, and spotted Jacob, I walked over to him briskly and sat down. He took a sip and then gleamed at me.

"I think you just became my new favorite person! This is delicious!" I raised my foam cup to him and then took a sip.

"I can't believe I'm drinking coffee with the Bella Swan," Jacob exclaimed.

"I'm not that great," I said blushing.

"That's not what the entire student population and most of the faculty thinks," Jacob said with another charming smile.

"Oh, now you're just feeding my ego," I said with another sip.

"You are a very talented dancer," Jacob said leaning into the table. He propped up his elbows up and took another sip.

"Well thank you, that is very kind of you," I replied.

"How long have you been dancing?" Jacob asked.

"About nine years, you?"

"About seven, I don't tell many people I dance, kind of brings down the macho-ness." I laughed and Jacob returned with a smile.

"I think it is very masculine of you to dance," I responded.

"Well thank you, Bella."

"You're welcome, Jacob." Before I could say something else, one of Mike's cronies, Josh walked in and spotted me. He marched over and hunched over the table.

"Bella, Mike says he needs to see you," he barked.

"Hello Josh, could you tell Mike that I'm obviously busy, I'm at coffee with a friend," I said politely pointing to Jacob. Josh gave him an once-over and then turned back to me.

"Mike said it's important."

"As is this," I stated simply. Josh's lips started to flare and his knuckles tightened into a fist.

"Don't be difficult Bella, don't make me carry you like I did last time," he growled under his breath so only I could hear him. I stared back with the same glare, but with a sigh, I gave up in defeat.

"Fine, go wait for me outside, I'll be right there." Josh sneered and then turned around victoriously. I looked at Jacob who had a puzzled look on his face.

"I'm so sorry about that," I exclaimed.

"You have nothing to apologize about," Jacob said in a calm, soothing manner.

"I'm so embarrassed," I said putting my face in my hands.

"Hey, everybody has their problems," Jacob replied, trying to comfort me.

"I know, mine just seem a lot more…problematic," I said trying to force a laugh out.

"Who is this Mike guy any ways? An Ex?"

"No, he's just some guy who thinks he owns me."

"You need any help with him?"

"No, I can take care of him myself."

"If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask," Jacob said as I stood up and put my coat back on.

"Thanks for the rescue and the chat, it was nice to talk to someone who doesn't really know me," I said with a giggle.

"Any time, and if you ever need to talk to someone who doesn't really know you, give me a call," Jacob replied standing and putting his coat on. We walked to the door and headed out to the street. Josh was standing there waiting for me, I nodded to Jacob, who in return hugged me and kissed me on the 

cheek, and then took off down the street. I sighed and turned back to Josh who motioned me to follow and we started down the street.

"That wasn't very smart of you," Josh growled.

"Mike doesn't own me, he can't tell me who to hang or not hang out with."

"He doesn't see it like that," Josh snorted.

"That's not my problem."

"It could be," Josh snickered.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing, nothing…" I was tired of his games and didn't reply back to him for the duration of the trip to Mike's office.

When we arrived to Mike's office, I was led into his empty office and left there to wait. I walked around and looked at the painting and when that became dull; I went and sat down, waiting for Mike. After a couple moments, the door finally opened and in came Emmett. I stood up to greet him and he gave him his ever-famous bear hug.

"Emmett!" I squealed through his entrapment.

"Bella! How have you been?" Emmett said with a kiss on my cheek.

"I'd be better if I wasn't being dragged into Mike's office," I said with eyebrows raised. Emmett laughed and then took his place by Mike's desk.

"Mike will be here in just a moment," he replied.

"What am I being dragged into here for?"

"You'll see."

"Emmett…" The door opened and in walked Edward.

My breathing hitched as I took in the Adonis standing before me. He looked from Emmett to me, and his eyes widened as he realized I was here. I could feel the butterflies in my stomach erupt and flutter around.

"Emmett, Bella," he nodded in each of our directions. I put my head down when I realized that he probably didn't have the warmest feelings toward me, since I bailed on him at Julliard.

"Edward," Emmett nodded in return. Edward went and stood by the window, arms folded, and looking at the door. I put my hands in my lap and played with the fabric on my pants.

The door opened and in walked Mike, he went right over to his desk and sat down. He looked at me shaking his head; I knew he had heard about my "date" at the coffee shop. It wasn't even a date; it was a friendly cup of coffee.

"Aw, Isabella. How have you been?"

"Mike, cut the crap. Why am I in here?"

"We'll get to that, I just wanted to catch up."

"Catch up? This couldn't have waited until I was done having coffee with my friend?"

"Jacob is no friend of yours," Mike sneered.

"How do you know who he is?"

"It's my job to know," Mike replied leaning back in his chair and resting his head on his arms that were behind his head.

"Your job? Your job is to know every detail of the people I hang out with?" I barked.

"Isabella, I'm here to keep you safe," Mike sighed.

"No, you're here to make my life a living hell," I stated sternly. I rose to my feet to head to the door to be cut off by Emmett, holding the door closed and folding his arms over his shoulders. I gave him the dirtiest glare and he smiled apologetically. I turned back to Mike who was getting up out of his chair and walking over to me. Edward had yet to move, but was watching us silently.

"Why do you try so hard to undermine me?" Mike whispered as he tried to stroke my face. I jerked away from his touch; Emmett's hands gripped me and held me still. I turned my head away from Mike and focused on the floor. "You know, if you were working for me, I'd punish you for this kind of action."



"Just leave me alone," I said through gritted teeth. My blood was boiling and I knew there was nothing I could do, nothing Edward could do if he wanted. Mike would kill him if he tried to intervene, and he'd punish me if I didn't follow along with his rules. I looked up at Edward, my eyes burning with anger. He had a pained expression on his face and stared back at me hoping to keep me with his gaze. I felt like I was a mouse being fed to a viper, nothing I could do but just wait to be tortured with pain as he devoured me.

"I will never leave you alone," Mike said, dragging his slimy finger down my jaw, I cringed away from it and fell back into Emmett's grip.

"Mike, how about we get on with this meeting," Edward finally spoke. He stepped towards us and Mike turned towards him glaring.

"What?" Mike gasped.

"Boss, you gave me orders to do today, if we sit here all day, then I will never get them done, don't you agree?" Edward spoke quickly and calmly. Mike shrugged and backed away from me and went back to his chair, Emmett released me, but I didn't dare move.

"Isabella, why don't you take a seat here?" Edward said waving to the chair I was previously sitting in. I glowered at him and then trudged to the seat being shown to me. I didn't look at Edward as I passed him, I just took my place. Edward sat in the chair next to me and kept his face straight, as did I, but we both looked at each other in the corner of our eyes.

"Shall we continue?" Edward said calmly.

"What happened to your lip, Cullen?" Mike asked curiously.

"Dinner accident, accidently cut myself on a knife," Edward stated as if it was nothing more than the truth. I admired his ability to lie and have it come across as the truth. I made a mental note as to practice that talent. Mike snorted in laughter at the thought of Edward hurting himself; I scowled internally at the lack of compassion.

"Any ways," I put in, no need for Edward to be made fun of."What am I doing here?"

"Right," Mike said clearing his throat. "As you know, I am going out of town and we've agree for Edward to be in charge of you—"

"No one is in 'charge' of me," I spat. I hated that he thought I was some doll that they could play with during their sick games.

"I'm just going to be protecting you," Edward said impatiently.

"If Mike is out of town, then I don't need protection. The danger will not be in town," I remarked.

"Don't be difficult, Isabella," Mike lectured. I folded my arms and turned my head away to look out the window. I wanted to get away from this man, this room, and these feelings of belittling.

"I've arranged Cullen to have the apartment next to yours," Mike said with a smile. Edward and I whipped around to face Mike at the same instant.

"What?" We said in unison. Shock was written all over our faces and surprise was radiating off.

"Cullen, I have an apartment set up for you, everything is taken care of," Mike said.

"I can't accept that, Boss," Edward spoke quickly.

"It's not an offer, it's an order," Mike said. "One thing that sickens me the most is people who don't accept my gifts." I knew that from first hand. Edward glanced at me and I gave him a look to take the offer or be warned of the consequences. Rejecting gifts from Mike was like spitting in a King's face: it was not allowed and was very disrespectful.

"Fine," Edward mumbled.

"Good, we're all set," Mike answered standing. He turned to me, "Looks like you are free to go, Isabella."

"I'll never be free," I muttered as I stood and walked to the door. I slammed the door shut and then walked quickly to the hallway door. I jerked the heavy door open and galloped down the stairs, needing fresh air, to get away from this circus.

I hailed a cab and quickly got in, frustrated at how maddening my life was. I gave the driver directions back to my apartment. I sat silently and drummed my hands on my lap as my building came 

into view. As soon as the cab driver had stopped I threw him the money and got out quickly. I hurried into the apartment building and up to my floor.

When I reached my floor, I noticed men moving boxes, furniture, and other items into the next apartment over from mine. That's Edward's new apartment, I thought. I was curious enough to take a peak, so I wiggled around the men, they not paying that much attention to me, and took a look around the spacious area.

The floor was a dark mahogany, a color a few shades darker than Edward's hair. The counters were granite and stainless steel products were being placed on the countertops. A leather couch was being placed in the open area of the living room. The place looked like a modern James Dean-esque studio. I instantly loved the place and decided before I was caught, I should get out. I hurried around the busy workers and back into my apartment.

I threw the door open and locked the door; first the deadbolt, then the chain, then the second deadbolt, then the third. I never took chances and installed the locks myself, not trusting Mike or one of his workers to do it themselves. I leaned against the door and relaxed for the first time in about an hour.

I was home.

I opened my eyes and saw Rose coming out of her bedroom in a towel, looking at me curiously.

"Are you just getting home from the studio?"

"No, I ran into Mike," I shuddered.

"Was Emmett with him?" She got excited for some reason.

"Yea…why?"

"Nothing, just wondering," Rose said quickly and then turned back into her room and shut the door. I shrugged it off as something I didn't want to know. I trudged my way to my bedroom and fell on my bed, exhausted from the day's events. I still had one class to go, and then I could come home and relax.

I looked at my clock and groaned; I was already running late. I jumped up and grabbed my bag that I had thrown on the floor and made my way back to Julliard. I prayed that this class would be less dramatic and not so distracting. I needed to use my body to work out the problems of my life, to fling every detail across the stage as I pranced from one side to the other.

I hurried down the hall, going through the maze of workers still moving heavy items. I got to the outside and scurried to my next class.

The air outside was refreshing; it ran down my body like a refreshing mist and woke me up to be alert and conscious. I kept my eyes on the sidewalk, not wanting to get sidetracked. I practiced my breathing, breathing in and breathing out, methodically. Before I knew it, I was at Julliard. I stepped into the warm building, the calming scent, and the clean surfaces relaxed me and I made it back to the stage. The class I was taking was a volunteer-only class, it was not required, so you didn't have to attend every session, but I loved the class because you got individual feedback from the teachers. My favorite professor, Madame, was talking with the other instructors as I hurried into position. I loved her teaching methods; she made me fall even more in love with dancing every time she spoke about the beauty of the steps. She glanced over at me and gave me a whole-hearted smile, pleased that I had come to improve on my dancing. She admired my talents as I admired hers.

"Alright ladies, let's begin," a teacher I didn't recognize spoke. She was small, almost like a gnome. She had brown hair that was in a pony-tail, her crow's feet were imprinted well, and her body was slim. She was dressed in some kind of robe and her feet were placed in old ballet shoes. She counted the steps and gave us our marks, the music began and I began to dance. All of the problems, chaos, and feuds went out of my head and I went into a clouded state. I could only feel myself dancing, moving to the beats. I counted in my head while I graciously floated, willing my body to patter across the floor. I bent my head and then gracefully lifted it in step with my arms, as they were raised above my head. I stretched out my arms and lifted it outward, making it look I was out of reach of something important to me. Dancing was a sense of telling a story, I began to tell my own story; I lifted up to my toes and let my toes glide me across the floor. I felt the warm lights create beads of sweat on my brow; I found my fingers 

holding gently in the air, as if they were cupping something. The music went on and I continued with my steps, mimicking the instructions I had received, but giving the steps more life and balance.

The music began to fade and I knew that my routine would come to an end; I placed my feet back down on the floor, allowing my arms to gently swoop down and finished with a curtsy. As the music ended, I came back into reality and realized the teachers were beaming at me. I blushed lightly and looked down at my feet, moving them to get them in perfect form.

"Brilliant!" I heard Madame say. I looked up to see who she was talking to and she was looking intently on me. She whispered something to the other instructors and they all nodded in agreement. The previous teacher who had given us instructions stepped out and gave us another set of steps to show.

The teachers didn't say anything to me, nor did they all gleam in my direction. I wasn't bothered by it; this was usually how class went. After two hours, my feet were sore, blisters erupting from my toes, and burns on the soles of my feet. I ripped my shoes off, trying to be bypass the pain, like you would ripping a band-aid off. I chucked my ballet shoes into my bag, slipped on my shoes and put on my clothes and hurried out the stage. I wanted to get home into my bed as fast as I possibly could.

Call me a coward, but hiding from the rest of the world felt extremely great right now.

What did you think? Let me know.
FYI: Jacob is not going to become part of the story, he's just there to add in. He's going to be the "good friend" of Bella. Someone who is not in all the chaos to talk to and get advice from. So before you start throwing rocks at me, lol, just wanted to clear that up. Jacob is just a friend in this story.

Thanks. PLEASE REVIEW!