Chapter Eleven

I was having one of those days where I can't do or focus on anything because I'm thinking about something else too deeply. I'd come to the conclusion that I had nothing to worry about as far as Cassidy was concerned. She was a kind person and I couldn't blame her for being attracted to my best friend. I would be too if I were... Anyway, I should be happy for them. Besides, there was no way to tell if they were even going to hit it off, or of Alice even liked girls or not. If she didn't, would she make an acceptation for Cassidy? With her shiny hair and gorgeous eyes, her poise and sensitivity. I wouldn't blame Alice if she liked this girl more. But that was silly. Alice wasn't about one friend over another. There was nothing to worry about.

Charlie made breakfast, almost as much of a surprise as how good it was. Or rather, not burnt. I spent the morning with him, again marveling at how nice it was to take it easy instead of running around with Edward. I wondered where he was or if he'd called the Cullens since his sudden departure. I somehow doubted it. If I knew Edward he was probably hundreds of miles away brooding in some dark, desolate place. As long as he was okay.

I'd forgotten I had some laundry to do so was at a loss of what to wear. There was no way I could wash a load before it was time to go. It was too cold still for shorts, or tank tops, which was pretty much all that was available in my closet. I searched my drawers, but surfaced with nothing. Then an idea came to me. It was a thin chance but I'd give it a try nonetheless. I'd only been up to the attic a couple of times. The last time Charlie had to help me with the pull down latter. I climbed up the splintery planks, emerging into the dust laden room. It would have been a pretty cool place if it were cleaned out and given a little TLC. I searched until, in the far corner by the window, I found some old Victorian style hat boxes with my mom's clothes in them. I'd told her they were up here and we could ship them if she wanted, but she quickly changed the subject, uninterested. Who knew, if they weren't completely moth eaten or outdated, they could help me out today, if they too didn't need laundering. I sat on one of the boxes while I opened another, praying a little critter didn't crawl out. To my surprise, the clothes were wrapped in several plastic bags and looked perfectly well preserved. I took some time going through them, unlocking a piece of my mother's history. There was everything from elegant to casual-Alice would be proud. I tried on a couple outfits, but the jeans didn't fit me right and looked a little funky. Eventually it was down to a few dresses. Ugh. What choice did I have? I pulled one on, avoiding the stare of an antique mirror I'd freed of cobwebs. The fabric was coarse but light, a shade of baby blue I'd always loved. It tied in the back with a ribbon which I had some difficulty with. I ventured a glance in the mirror. To my astonishment, it didn't look half bad. It fit perfectly and had that kind of retro look that was in these days, according to Alice. I still would feel ridiculous wearing a dress, but it was my last chance. I wore some legging type things Alice had gotten me. They'd help me stay warm. I was beginning to feel overly out of my realm when I tried to pick out shoes for it. I automatically grabbed my usual sneakers but then realized that probably wasn't the right combination. Thankfully Alice apparently had thought of everything. I unpackaged a pair of flats I'd never worn before, glad that they weren't too uncomfortable. I also found some earrings in the dress pocket. I assumed they were supposed to go with the ensemble so put those on as well. Lastly, hair. I threw it up in what was probably too messy of a bun. I wasn't really used to doing my hair. Usually Alice did it if she was feeling so inclined.

The doorbell sounded. Charlie called up to me.

Already? A glance at the clock told me that I'd taken much longer to get ready than I'd thought. I glanced one more time in the bathroom mirror, feeling worse about my appearance by the second, grabbed my jacket and purse, and headed downstairs.

I didn't miss the look of shock spread across my dad's face.

"Bella?"

"Yeah, I know. It looks awful. Don't make fun."

"You look just like... you look great." His tone changed from impressed to demanding. "You're just going with your friends right? No boys?"

"Nope, no boys, dad."

He still looked suspicious.

I gave him a brief hug. "Back by eleven."

"...You're sure there are no boys going?"

I rolled my eyes. "Yes, I'm sure-"

"Don't worry, Chief Swan."

Alice! I felt joyful and apprehensive at the same time. At any moment she'd bust up laughing about my attempted outfit. My mom's ancient wardrobe? What was I thinking?

"I'll personally see to it that no boy so much as glances at your daughter," she sang. She on the other hand looked stunning as usual, wearing simple capris and an Oxford shirt with a petite fashion vest of some sort.

Charlie mumbled something then went back to watch TV, waving to us hesitantly.

"Well, well," Alice said, turning her attention to me. "Perhaps those fashion tips have finally sunk in."

I blushed. "You mean it doesn't look like I just walked out of a thrift store?"

She laughed loudly, coming over to inspect me more thoroughly. She took my hand and gestured that I spin for her, which I did tentatively. I could feel my cheeks burning. When I was finished I stared at my new shoes awkwardly. She felt the fabric of the dress, retied the ribbon sash, her cool fingers feeling soothing on my waist. I could smell her familiarly tropical scent as her breath brushed across my neck. "...I ran out of clean clothes."

"Well of course you did," she scoffed. "Like you'd willingly turn to well established fashion. But it's a start."

"It is? It doesn't look horrible?"

"How cute," came an unexpected voice. Cassidy was standing in my hallway. I admit I'd forgotten she was coming for a moment. I tried not to look too disappointed. "And those earrings," she came over and brushed a piece of my hair aside. "Adorable."

Alice was adjusting my hair but I was beginning to relax into my mom's clothes. If Alice approved then I knew it looked okay. Cassidy looked great as always, but I knew if I noticed too much I'd probably lose my temporary confidence boost.

"Shall we be off?" Alice smiled, her hands moving from my hair to my shoulders. I nodded and Cassidy walked to the door.

"Bye Chief Swan," Alice called. Charlie waved in return, with a bit more assurance. Guided by Alice's arm, I followed out to her car. I automatically reached for the passenger's door but then thought better of it. This was Cassidy's date. The polite thing to do would be to sit in back. But when I reached for that handle, Cassidy insisted I take the front.

"No, you go ahead." I smiled.

"No, you. I like the back more... roomier."

"But my dress... um, it needs more room." How on earth that was a convincing argument I had no idea. But Cassidy shrugged and sat in the front seat next to Alice who I could have sworn was hiding a grin. We listened to whatever Cassidy wanted on the radio, Alice being courteous and myself not having any clue what any of the stations were. I found myself silent most of the drive, listening to the two of them joke and share stories. I watched the woods slowly melt into industry; buildings and parks springing up instead of the thick trees. I barely noticed when we'd stopped and Alice came around to open our doors for us. I smoothed out my dress and put on my jacket, getting my money ready as we walked.

"It's already taken care of," Cassidy beamed. Oh yeah. Cassidy's treat. I thanked her, closing the little bag.

"This is going to be so fun," Alice danced around, bringing the two of us with her. Cassidy giggled, following suit. It was all I could do to keep from looking completely disgusted. We were practically frolicking through the theater parking lot. I was wearing a dress. It was all just a little too girly for me. Still, for their sake I grinned and tried to look amused.

It didn't slip past my notice how long it took the ticket guy to rip our tickets. When we finally got past him the two of them couldn't keep from laughing.

"Maybe it's not such a good idea for you to go out in public like this, Bella," Alice teased.

"Yeah, you probably gave that poor guy a heart attack."

"Oh please, he was clearly staring at you two." I rolled my eyes.

"Well, maybe Alice too." Cassidy winked. Alice shrugged coyly, allowing Cassidy to wrap her arm around Alice's shoulders. Here it goes, I thought. And we haven't even made it inside the theater yet.

A/N: Please review! :)