Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or its characters. I am making no money…

Special thanks to Jayeliwood for your support and ideas, but most of all for your help with commas. She is the best beta a writer could ask for. I must also thank ObsessingOverEdward and TheSpoiltOne for all their contribution. All three of you rock!

Chapter 11: Bella's Birthday Part 1

Bella Swan

I loved to read, but I despised reading textbooks. They were boring and repetitive. They were designed to bore all students until they fell asleep in the library surrounded by a mountain of books. I stared down at the page just to realize that I had read the same sentence at least ten times and I still had no idea what it meant.

I knew I wouldn't be able to concentrate today. Even though I didn't have too many classes today I didn't get see Carlisle at all. And, I knew that was my problem. I missed him. I hated the fact that I just couldn't have lunch with him when I wanted or even invite him over to the apartment. Weekends were never long enough.

"You're off in dreamland again," Angela commented with a giggle.

"Sorry," I said forcing a weak smile. Angela and I had decided to escape to the library for some quiet reading time. Edward and Jasper were playing video games and were making too much noise for us to really concentrate.

"What's wrong?" she inquired, dropping her highlighter.

"I'm just kind of tired. I think I need a nap," I lied, hoping that she would believe me. How could I tell her that I missed our professor?

"I think there's something more than that, Bella. I'm here if you need to talk," she added with a warm smile as I sat back into my chair.

"Thanks, Angela. I just have a lot on my mind. Reading these books are torture," I replied with a laugh.

"You can say that again," she agreed as I heard someone coming down one of the book aisles. My heart nearly stopped when I saw it was Carlisle carrying a few books in his arms. Our eyes met and I really couldn't help the huge smile that appeared on my face. My day had suddenly gotten much brighter.

"Good afternoon, ladies," he greeted, approaching our table and giving me a smile in return.

"Hi, Dr. Cullen," Angela replied as I sat there unable to look away from him.

"How's the studying going?" he inquired, looking down to see what we were reading.

"Not too bad," I answered, finally finding use of my vocal cords.

"It doesn't look like there's a lot left," he commented with a half smile. "I'll see you both tomorrow for our conference. Enjoy the rest of your day."

"Thank you," I said almost sadly as he walked away. Why couldn't he stay with us? Why couldn't he help us finish studying? Why couldn't I just kiss him hello?

"Is there something going on with you and Doctor Cullen?" Angela asked in a whisper once Carlisle had left.

"Why would you say that?" I questioned in shock. Were we that obvious? Was she going to report us?

"It's obvious to me," she commented with a very accepting smile. "The way you two look at each other is adorable. I can see the connection clearly. How long have you two been together?"

"Angela, there's nothing going on," I replied hoping that she would buy my lie. I couldn't let this ruin Carlisle's career. I would never be able to live with myself if it did.

"I understand that you don't want to tell me, but the offer still stands. If you ever want to talk to anybody, I'm here. I'm not going to judge you," she stated kindly before returning to her reading. Could I possibly trust her?

"It's not what it looks like," I said after a few minutes of silence. I didn't want her to think I was sleeping with Carlisle for grades. I had to clear this mess up. Plus, she had become a really good friend over the past few weeks. I trusted her.

"What do you mean, Bella?" Angela inquired as I looked around to make sure no one was around to hear us. I needed to make sure we weren't overheard.

"I'm not sleeping with him for grades or anything," I said in a quiet voice.

"Are you two a couple?" she inquired, showing no sign of judgment.

"I think so. We haven't really talked about it, but we've gone out a few times," I explained, trying to decide whether she looked like she was going to say something. "Please, don't say anything. I swear I'm not getting any special treatment."

"I won't say anything, Bella. It's obvious you like each other," she giggled, squeezing my hand. "I think I'm a bit jealous."

"Jealous?" I asked in astonishment. What was there to be jealous about?

"He's dreamy," Angela laughed. "Don't get me wrong I'm very happy with Edward, but Doctor Cullen is gorgeous."

"Speaking of Edward," I started, finding the perfect opportunity to bring this up. "What's with you two? Are you officially a couple?"

"We are," Angela said with a heavy blush.

"That's great, Angela," I said, giving her a hug. "Can I expect you staying over more nights?"

"What do you mean?" she questioned, her blush getting darker.

"You can tell me. Come on, I told you about Carlisle," I replied, saying his name in a low whisper.

"He was a perfect gentleman. I had to assure him at least a hundred times before he would do anything," she revealed with a nervous laugh.

"Sounds like Edward," I agreed rolling my eyes. He behaved too much like a gentleman sometimes. It was very annoying.

"How about Doctor Cullen?" she questioned quietly, causing me to blush.

"Let's go," I said picking up the books on the table. "We can talk more up in my room."

It felt nice to have someone like Angela to talk to. And, I knew she wasn't going to tell anyone. I really did trust her.

Doctor Cullen

"Are you sure you won't come, dad?" Emmett asked after he had put Alice's bag in the trunk of his Jeep. "You know Nana and Gramps love having you over too."

"I know, I just have a lot of work to do," I replied, knowing full well that it was a lie. I had done all my grading already. "You kids have fun and I'll see you Sunday."

"I think dad wants us out of the house. He probably has a hot date," Alice mentioned with a giggle.

"You kids get a move on. Call me when you get there," I said kissing Alice's forehead ignoring her comment before she jumped into the passenger seat of the car. "Behave for your grandparents."

"Always," Alice answered with a mischievous grin before closing the door.

I went to the porch watching as the car drove away. I usually joined them on these excursions to Anne and Robert's house, but I usually found it very hard. It brought back to many memories of Esme and it became painful rather than enjoyable.

It was just after two and I had quite a lot of hours to kill before I could even expect Bella to arrive. I went inside just as my cell phone began to ring.

"Hello, mia stella," I answered, loving the fact that I was going to hear her voice for at least a few minutes.

"Hi," she said with a giggle. "I will never understand why you call me your star."

"Do we have to go through this again?" I asked in a teasing tone.

"No, we don't," she sighed. "I just wanted to give you a call before I left for the mall."

"Shopping sounds like fun," I mentioned as I took a seat on the couch. "Buying anything special?"

"Angela is dragging me to buy a new outfit for tonight. I think Edward put her up to it," she explained in frustration. "I despise shopping."

"It's your birthday. Have some fun," I commented with a laugh.

"It's my birthday and that means I should be able to pick whether or not I want to go shopping," she complained and it almost sounded as if she were pouting.

"How about we do anything you want tomorrow?" I suggested, hoping to cheer her up.

"No shopping," she warned immediately.

"None whatsoever," I promised, hearing her giggle.

"What are you up to today?" she inquired curiously.

"I was going to play some golf," I replied, looking at the clock to make sure I still had enough time for that.

"Do you play often?" she questioned excitedly.

"It's my guilty pleasure," I laughed. I played golf at least a few times a month. It was my way to relax and clear my mind. "Have you played?"

"Never learned how to, but I would love for you to teach me," she answered in a purr.

"I'll definitely have to teach you one day," I added, smiling to myself. I couldn't wait to teach her how to play.

"Ready to go, Bella?" I heard a female voice ask Bella.

"Just about, Angela," she responded.

"I'll let you go then," I said, getting up from the couch. "I'll see you tonight?"

"Of course," she replied happily. "I'm not staying any longer at the club than I absolutely have to."

"Have fun, Bella," I responded before hanging up. I made my way into the garage, picking up my golf clubs and grabbing the keys of my golf cart. One of the best things about my community was the country club it had. It allowed me to play gold at just about anytime I wanted.

I knew golf wouldn't stop me from thinking about Bella, but it would distract me. I didn't want to think about her dancing with younger men. I had to keep reminding myself that she was coming to my house afterwards. She wasn't going home with any of them.

Bella Swan

I studied my reflection in the mirror and I really liked what I saw. I had been extremely thorough ironing my hair and putting on my makeup. I usually didn't pay this much attention to my appearance, but I wanted to look pretty. I wanted to look nice for Carlisle.

I had picked an amethyst v-neck dress that showed off more skin than I was used to. But, Angela had assured me that I looked beautiful and would shock Carlisle the moment I got to his house. I really wanted to impress him and maybe begin to push some of his buttons.

"Everyone is here, Bella," Edward called as he knocked on my door.

"Come in," I said, spraying a little perfume on myself before looking at my reflection in the mirror.

"Wow, look at you. You're sure dressed up for someone who didn't even want to go," Edward said with a chuckle.

"This isn't for the club," I corrected with a triumphant smile. I had yet to tell Edward that he had to drop me off at Carlisle's house before heading back here.

"It sure looks like you're dressed to go to a club," he replied, leaning against the side of my door.

"This is for Carlisle," I answered with a wicked grin as I picked up my small black clutch.

"For Carlisle? Is he going to be there?" Edward asked in confusion and concern, heading into my room. He obviously had no idea what I was talking about.

"I'm going to see him after. He wanted to come, but I don't think it's a good idea. So, you're going to drop me off at his place," I replied with a shrug. I really did wish he could join us.

"But, Angela is with us. What are you going to tell her?" he inquired, looking out for me the way he always did.

"Angela knows," I revealed with a small laugh. "She figured it out herself yesterday. She's alright with it and promised not to tell a soul."

"I guess I can drop you off. It is your birthday and all," he mused causing me to hit him playfully.

"Let's go then. The faster I get through this the faster I get to leave," I added, heading to the bedroom door.

"No need to sound so excited," Edward added, rolling his eyes as he followed me out.

Clubs are dark and noisy and completely out of my element. We had been escorted to a private VIP section that was roped off from the rest of the club in honor of my birthday. I knew this had been Edward's doing and for once I didn't complain. He loved doing elaborate birthdays for everyone else except himself, but I was determined to repay it on his birthday.

"Is the birthday girl going to be a couch potato all day?" Jasper asked, sliding next me and draping his arm around me. "Aren't you going to dance?"

"I don't dance," I answered with a weak smile before picking up my drink. I had surprisingly enjoyed myself so far. I had been watching my friends dance while sipping on a few drinks. I knew I hadn't drank enough to be drunk, but enough to be a bit tipsy.

"I don't believe that. It's your birthday and you're going to get that ass onto the floor," he continued, taking the drink from my hand.

"Let's go," he urged, pulling me up and out of the roped off section and onto the dance floor. "You have to dance with me."

"One dance," I warned as Edward smiled at me from across the floor causing me to laugh. He was holding Angela close to him and rocking with her to the steady beat of the song.

Jasper simply laughed at my warning, twirling me before wrapping his arms around me. "I don't get you," he said as we moved to the music, keeping a respectable distance between us. "You could dance with any man out here and you're hiding out in the VIP section."

"I don't like clubs," I replied with a shrug. I couldn't exactly tell him that I didn't want to dance with anybody else but Carlisle. I made an exception for Edward and him only because I knew that they were my friends. I didn't have to worry about any advances with them.

"You're a funny one, Bella," Jasper continued to laugh as we continued to dance.

"Can I steal the birthday girl for a dance?" Edward asked Jasper as he extended his hand to me.

"Of course," I giggled, smiling as Jasper kissed my cheek and went off to find someone to dance with.

"How are you enjoying your birthday?" Edward asked, taking Jasper's place.

"It's been fun," I replied, giving him a half smile. "Thank you."

"I'm sorry he couldn't be here," he replied in a genuine tone. "You know I would have invited him if I could."

"I understand, Edward. We don't have a conventional relationship. We have to make sacrifices," I assured him, giving him a smile.

"Come on," he said, taking my hand and leading me off of the dance floor.

"Where are we going?" I asked, having no choice but to follow him.

"I'm taking you to Carlisle's house. It's not fair that I've kept you here this long," he said, giving me a hug. "Go get your purse while I look for Angela."

"I'm going to touch up my makeup," I added, escaping to the bathroom to reapply my lip gloss. I wanted to look as good as I could when I arrived at his house.

"Edward went to get the car," Angela said, joining me in the bathroom as I was putting away my gloss.

"I'm sorry, Angela. I hate that I'm cutting your night short," I said, realizing that they were leaving too. I didn't want their night to be ruined.

"Nonsense, Bella," Angela giggled as we walked out of the bathroom and headed towards the exit."We get to go back to an empty apartment. I doubt that counts as a ruined night."

"I guess not," I agreed, spotting Edward's car.

I jumped into the backseat, letting Angela take the front with Edward. I was excited and anxious about seeing Carlisle. I had missed him terribly over the past week, but at the same time I knew we were entering uncharted territory. His kids were out for the weekend and we would be alone in his house with no threat of interruption.

I wanted to be with him, but I didn't know how he felt about that. I knew his wife had been gone for a long time, but that really didn't mean anything. I knew he would never push me to do more. He was a perfect gentleman. I would have to gather up my courage and let him know it's alright to do more.

"We're here," Edward announced, knocking me out of my daze.

"Thanks, Edward. You two have fun." I said, opening the door of the car.

"Call me if you need a ride back home," Edward said giving me a wave.

"I don't think she'll need a ride tonight," Angela commented with a small laugh causing me to blush.

"We'll see," I replied waving at both of them as I walked up to Carlisle's front door and knocked.

The anticipation was literally killing me.

A/N: It's Wednesday and I decided to post very early in the day. I know a lot of you are mad that I ended it there, but I had to. It just seemed like a good place to end.

Remember that I post previews every Friday over at the Twilighted forums and I give away some tidbits of information when you all ask questions. Make sure to head over there to play. I really love reading your expectations and speculations.

Next Chapter: Bella's Birthday Part 2

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