Chapter 11

Paul helped Bella into the backseat of the Clearwater's Buick, "Where's Jared and Kim?" she asked. "I thought they were going to be here."

He paused, as did Sam and Leah, before Leah answered, "They're gonna meet us at the restaurant. There isn't enough room in to car and..."

Bella shook her head with wry amusement. "Her parents think I'm pregnant."

Paul wrapped his arm her shoulders. "They think I'm a bad influence."

"Which is bullshit," Sam spat. "You haven't been in a fight in months. Not since the summer."

"Appearances is everything to the Wildes', Bells. You know that." Leah rolled her eyes.

Bella inhaled deeply, then let out a shaky breath. "You know what; it doesn't matter. We're going to go to prom and have a great time." Her words were greeted with cheers.

Bella Italia was filled with other prom-goers. Sam led them through the crowd to the table Jared had snagged. Bella could feel the stares. When they reached the table, Paul tugged Bella under his arm and faced the rest of the restaurant. He gave an ear-piercing whistle, causing everyone's attention to turn towards them.

"Doesn't she make a beautiful bride?" he called out, presenting his date to the other diners. Several whistles and cheers greeted them, Jared and Sam's among them. Balling up her fist, she punched him in the stomach; this earned her applause from most of the female patrons.

"Sit down and stop making trouble," Bella said.

"Who? Me?" He grinned rakishly and held out her chair.

"Dude," Jared said. "What the hell was that?"

"Pre-emptive strike. They were going to talk anyway; why not get it over with so we all can get on with our night?"

"You're awful." Kim giggled.

**TPP**

The group paused in the vestibule of the gym. "Where's your other dress?" Paul asked Bella.

"At home. I want to surprise you next week," she responded as she straightened his tie. She glanced up through her lashes. "Is that okay? I'll be with this all night." She patted the belly.

"Its fine, babe." He squeezed her tighter to his side.

"Oh. My. God," a nasally voice interrupted them. They turned to find a pretty girl staring at them. "It's true. Paul Lahote is going to be a daddy."

"Yep," he said proudly. "This is Bella Swan." He tugged her in front of him, placing his hands on the belly, showing it off. Under his hands were a series of bumps.

"Well, I guess I need to spread the word you're off the market." She sneered and with her back to them she entered the gym.

"You know that all that comes out of that bitch's mouth is lies," Leah growled.

"Down, girl," Bella quipped. "We're here to have fun, no matter what anyone says." She threaded her fingers with Paul's. "And if any faculty give us problems, I sic Billy and Uncle Quil on them."

"Don't forget Nana," Paul added.

"Right." With their heads held high, they entered the La Push High School's gym.

**TPP**

Bella hummed along with radio as Sam drove towards the Clearwater house. "Did you have a good time?" Paul asked softly.

"I did. I can't wait to get the pictures back." She smiled.

"Your favorite part of the night?"

She grinned. "I have to say walking in. The look on everyone's face was perfect."

"Why?"

She looked up from where her head rested on his shoulder. "The truth? Cause most people wouldn't expect us to be together. We're almost complete opposites."

"And that's a bad thing?" he asked, frowning.

"No, it's a very good thing. You bring me out of my shell. Even with boisterous cousins as Emmett and Quil, I'm introverted. You pull me out of the shadows and put me in the spotlight."

He pressed a light kiss to her lips. "That's where you should always be."