Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners.


Rediscovering the swan

Chapter 12

Bella

Getting ready for the party on Saturday night was fucking hell. To say that I was unprepared for the onslaught would be a vast understatement. The whole experience was like some strange Ambush Maker, Bridezilla crossover. I was the volatile, unappreciable bitchy woman. Alice, Rose and Angela were the helpful unsuspecting friends that I bitched and threw shit at.

Okay, I didn't really throw shit at them. But I certainly did bitch. They were turning this whole Halloween thing into a big fucking project. I mean, I hated the so called holiday for obvious reasons. But I also hated it because it was just an excuse for people to walk around looking like fools all day and annoy the shit out of people like me. I didn't have a problem with the little kids that dressed up and trick or treated. I actually thought it was rather cute. But the teens and Adults annoyed the shit out of me. And right now Alice Cullen was so annoying me.

A collection of cosmetics that you'll likely find in a prostitute's hand bag was spread across her vanity. I inwardly shuddered when I spotted bright purple eye shadow among them. God, I hated that fucking color with a passion. My mom was obsessed with it. Everything she wore had some shade of purple in it. Her shoes, her pants, her shirts - even her hair. She once told me that she considered naming me Violet when she was pregnant. Thankfully, Charlie guilted her into naming me after my late grandmother. I think I would have lost my shit if she named me Violet. That name was something I imagine a stripper or a major slut having.

Putting those thoughts aside, I sat at the vanity - closed my eyes and endure being primped, plucked and painted on for two fucking hours. When they finally finished torturing me, I was practically shoved into Alice's massive bathroom with my Courtney Love costume in my arms. Alice warned me not to look in the mirror. Saying something about, not wanting to unveil the masterpiece until it's completed. Whatever the fuck ever.

As I stood in her bathroom with my costume in my hand I reflected on our plans for tonight.

The plan was for us to get dressed here - at Alice's house then go to the party together. Once the party was over, we would return back to her house to spend the night. She was practically vibrating when she informed us that her parents were going to be out for the night, and possibly won't be returning until tomorrow morning. So she was really psyched about the prospect of having an after hour slumber party.

I tried to hide the sudden pang of jealousy I felt at how easy going and completely normal her relationship with her parents was. Mine couldn't be anymore fucking awkward. When I left my house this evening with my bag of clothes in my backpack, Charlie merely grunted a farewell; not even a 'See you later Bells' or 'Call me when you get there'. To be honest, I really didn't give a shit. Charlie and I hardly talked anyway. But sometimes, I do wish things were different between us. That we had a normal relationship- like Alice has with her parents. But unfortunately, normal just isn't in the cards for me. My mom was fucking insane and my dad…he just didn't give two fucks about me.

Can someone call Dr. Phil?

A soft knock on the door immediately brought me out of my pathetic musings. I huffed; untying the bathrobe I was wearing and pulled up the tattered stockings. But my uncanny ability to fuck up shit chooses that moment to kick in. My nail got caught in one of the runs on the stockings, causing a huge gaping hole.

"Shit"

God, I'm such an awkward loser. Who the hell rips stockings by pulling them up?

"Bella? Are you okay in there?" Alice said from outside the door.

I sat on the lid of the toilet seat and snatched the ruined stockings off - thoroughly pissed. I threw them on the floor, fighting the urge to stomp on them like a petulant child.

"No. I'm not okay every thing is…fucked"

"What happened?" She inquired with obvious concern in her voice.

"The fucking stockings. They're ruined"

"Don't worry. I have an extra pair." She replied and I can practically hear the smile in her voice. For some reason that pissed me off even more. She's always so fucking happy.

I shook my head even though she couldn't see. "No. It's fine"

She knocked again. "Don't be ridiculous Bella. Open up"

With a sigh, I tied the bathrobe I was wearing so tight that I probably bruised the skin on my stomach. I stood up and yanked the door opened. Alice stood there in her costume, looking every bit of amazing. It was a petite green strapless dress, wings and strappy heels. She held out the stockings to me with a smile. I rolled my eyes and walked passed her.

She followed me. "It's not the end of the world, Bella"

I ignored her and plopped down on her bed. No. Her world was just fucking perfect, with rainbows and unicorns. Mine was the fucking apocalypse.

Angela gazed at me with a sympathetic expression, probably knowing all too well how I was currently feeling. I'm sure she feels it sometimes too.

Inadequate, awkward and odd were just a few to name.

"Don't get all fucking angsty on us now, Mary. We don't have time for that shit" Rose, so pleasantly added.

I glared daggers at the Barbie bitch, who was more attuned to my feelings than I was comfortable with. She was wearing a sleek red dress with a sweetheart neck line and black pumps. Her hair was in soft curls and she had bright red lipstick on. She looked like someone out of the Oscars. She looked stunning.

I turned away as a wave of jealously suddenly encompassed me. They both looked amazing. Beautiful and amazing and I looked like shit on a stick as usual. Sure, I haven't put my costume on yet. But I have no doubt that I'll look like shit. I mean, Rosalie had the face and body of a model. Alice was petite and completely gorgeous. Even quiet Angela looked like a vixen. I was the odd one out. The ugly duckling among three beautiful swans. I find it ironic how I share my name with such a beautiful bird and I look like this. Instead of Bella Swan I should have been named Bella Shrew.

"Fuck off, Rose!" I snapped.

I've never been really cared about my looks before. I just sort of accepted the fact that I would never be anything remarkable. But ever since Edward called me a shrew, I've been feeling…well I've been feeling like a shrew.

The bed suddenly dipped as Alice sat beside me. I sighed; trying to curb the resentment I'm currently feeling. She was a good friend. It wasn't her fault I felt this way. It was her brother's.

"Wow, you're really pissed. What's wrong?"

I stood up, suddenly needing some space. "This is a bad idea. I don't think I should go"

"And here comes the angst" Rose remarked

Alice frowned. "Why not? You said…"

I huffed in annoyance. "I know what I said, Alice. But this is just a disaster waiting to happen. You guys can go ahead without me, I'll ju… "

She shook her head. "Not a chance. We're not leaving you"

I huffed; running my fingers through my hair in frustration as she regarded me with a pensive expression. After a minute or two, she stood and gripped both of my shoulders - gazing at me intently.

"Alright. We'll give it an hour" I sighed, ready to rebuff. She put her finger up, halting me. "If the party is totally lame and you're not feeling it, we'll come back here together - no questions asked. We'll pig out in front of the T.V."

She gazed at me expectantly. I gazed at her awestruck. Her selfless nature never ceases to amaze me. She truly was one in a million.

I nodded my head and smiled. "Okay"

She smiled and I swear her whole face lit up. "Excellent. Now get dressed"

I grabbed the stockings out of her outstretched hand and reluctantly returned back to the bathroom.


When we arrived at Tyler's house, the party was in full swing. I'm talking music blasting, sluts grinding and idiots getting fucking wasted. The whole scene looked like something out of a frat house. Or Animal house. The neighbors were bound to call the police. I hoped... no I prayed, that Charlie doesn't find me in this shit hole. This was so not my scene.

I gazed around uncomfortably, taking everything in. The house was in shambles and half the population of the school was present. It seemed everyone went all out tonight. The majority of the girls wore typical slutty costumes and the guys were mostly dressed like characters out of movies or disgusting monsters. I rolled my eyes when I spotted Mike Newton dressed as Tom Cruise in Risky Business. It was clear he only dressed like that for attention. No doubt trying to score the title of most popular guy at the party. I watched as a small group of girls I didn't recognize, surrounded him and laughed. The stupid fucker was dancing to some Black Eye Peas song; gyrating his hips and showing off his extremely small package in tighty whities. I burst out laughing when one of the girls whispered in her friend's ear and discreetly pointed to Newton's crotch. The stupid oblivious fucker just kept on dancing, high off the attention he was getting. He didn't even realize that they were in fact laughing at his toddler dick.

Alice and Rosalie gazed at me curiously and followed my line of vision.

Alice gasped. "Oh my god. What is he doing?

"Something that only guys with big penises should do." Rose replied matter of factly. She turned her gazed on me and smirked. "Looks like you're in luck Mary. At least your first time will be quick and painless. You'll probably forget it's even in there."

"Gross. I would never in a million years…" I trialed off and inwardly shuddered. They both laughed.

We moved through the crowd. I noticed several guys appraising my friends; nodding approvingly at their costume choice. But the girls were oblivious to the attention; searching left and right for their boyfriends. I gazed over head and discreetly searched forEdward's shock of bronze. I was kind of anxious to see him. Alice and Rose said the guys were going to arrive late since they were in Port Angeles helping Edward find a costume all day. At the mention of Edward in a costume, a pool of moisture suddenly seeped through my panties as I imagine him as Romeo. I remembered that time at in the cafeteria when he told us his parents made him dress as Romeo years ago. I haven't been able to get it out of my mind since then. I thought Romeo was the epitome of romantic and sexiness. Edward dressed like him would be…god there aren't any words. He would look so unbelievable in those fourteen century garments. Not to mention the tights. I bet his ass would look so good. And his thighs. He'd fill out that costume perfectly.

I closed my eyes and immediately shook those perverted thoughts from my head. God, I'm so pathetic. Here I am imagining how hot he'd look in his costume. When he takes one look at me he'll probably think I'd look like a Goth shrew.

The girls and I stopped when we found an empty nook next to Tyler's kitchen. Two girls dressed as play boy bunnies walked by us. Rose made a gagging noise. They glared at her and stomped away.

I chuckled. "One of these days you're going to meet your match."

She arched her eyebrow and looked at me pointedly. "I thought I already did"

I smirked. "Touché"

As we stood silently, bobbing our heads to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. My thoughts once again drifted to Edward. This time not in the pathetic perverted way. He was truly an interesting person and I find myself wanting to know more about him. The conversation we had was nothing short of amazing. It was brief but perfect. And it was enough for me to learn that I had misjudged him. He wasn't just some cocky douche bag that flirted his way through life. He was intriguing, talented and complex. I don't think I've ever had a conversation with someone and was fascinated by every single thing they said and did. I wanted to know so many things about him; like his hobbies, favorite classes, and favorite foods. I also was curious to know why he was pissed before I knocked on the door. And why he seemed nervous when we talked? I found it odd that the confident cocky guy I verbally sparred with a week ago was replaced by someone almost timid and unsure.

Maybe he was nervous because he didn't want to be seen talking to you. My brows furrowed at that random thought. Then, like a light bulb - it all clicked.

That's it, isn't it? He doesn't want people to know we're cool. That we're friends. Now that I think about it, it's all starting to make sense now. The whole notebook thing. The fact that he ignores me at lunch, in the hall or any where around other people.

He's ashamed to be seen with me.

I tried to beat down the sudden pang of melancholy I felt at that notion. It's not like I don't deserved it. I basically treated the guy like shit for weeks when he's done nothing but try to help me on several occasions. He helped me out when I passed out from blood typing, he was ready to fight Jacob because he thought he took advantage of me at the bonfire and then he saves my life.

I definitely deserved it.

I ran my fingers through my hair - gazing unseeingly in the crowd when it hit me like a ton of bricks.

I won't be talking to him tonight.

"Holy fuck it's hot in here" Rose suddenly stated bringing me out of my musings.

"I know. Thank god we left our coats in your car" Alice added.

I leaned against the wall still bummed that Edward and I won't be talking tonight because he was ashamed of me. I shouldn't feel so hurt over something like that, considering that I'm use to people treating me like that. But I was. I was hurt.

"Oh my god! There's Ben!" Angela suddenly exclaimed.

I followed her line of vision; indeed spotting Ben Cheney dressed as none other than Frodo from Lord of the Rings. I smiled half-heartedly; glad to see that although he hung out with lame ass Mike Newton he was still a geek at heart.

"Wow, he looks amazing" She gushed.

I watched her eyes sparkle as she gazed adoringly at Ben. I could practically see the cartoon hearts surrounding her head.

"What are you waiting for? Go talk to him" Alice urged

"Yeah, girl. You totally ooze sex, tonight" Rose injected.

She blushed and ducked her head shyly. "I don't know. What if he doesn't want…?"

I shook my head at the absurdity, briefly putting my dejected feelings aside. "Trust me, Ang. He wants to"

It wasn't a secret that Ben crushed on Angela. He just tries to hide in front of that douche bag Newton. I know without a doubt, as soon as he see's Angela tonight he won't be able to resist her.

"Go"

She gazed at me with a new found confidence in her eyes. I nodded encouragingly.

"Well, I think I'll go talk to him then"

Alice and Rose whooped and shouted 'you go girl' when Angela walked through the crowd and headed toward Ben. Once she reached him. I watched Ben's eyes nearly popped out of his head as he took in Angela dress as a sexy scientist. I chuckled. I bet he'd let her perform all types of experiments on him tonight.

"C'mon girls, let get a soda. I'm fucking parched." Rose said.

Alice and I nodded in agreement. Rose grabbed our hands and pulled us into the kitchen. I groaned when I spotted Jessica and Lauran among a crowd of people, by the table - drinking jello shots. This was what I was trying to avoid.

Lauran chugged one back and gazed at me mockingly. "Well if it isn't Bella. Forks own suicide queen"

Fucking Bitch.

Jessica snickered and chugged her shot back. She was dressed as a cheerleader and Lauran was a devil. I felt the sudden urge to grab her pitchfork and shove it up both their asses. But being the mega whores they were I'm sure they'll enjoy it.

"Have anymore wet dream, lately?" Jessica said, tossing one of her pigtails behind her shoulder.

She must have been drunk if she missed the way Rose growled and practically shot laser beams through her eyes at her. Did that bitch seriously forget she got slapped?

I decided it was time I fought my own battles. "No, but I'm sure you did. But instead of waking up drenched in sweat. You wake up drenched in someone's jizz. Tell me Jessica, how many times has that happened to you in the past month? Five…ten…fifteen times?" She gasped and narrowed her eyes.

Rose, Alice and a group of people who over heard openly chuckled. I had the pleasure of watching Jessica's face redden in embarrassment.

"You're such a…bitch!" she stomped off; leaving the kitchen.

Likewise whore, likewise.

Lauran watched her friend's retreating figure before she approached me with her finger pointed in contempt. "You're going to regret you said that, you weird ugly bitch."

Rose surprisingly chose that moment to step up with a fierce expression on her face. "Back the fuck off Lauran. I'm warning you"

Lauran's chicken shit ass shrunk back. She gazed at Rose incredulously, like she can't believe it's not butter or some shit. "Are you seriously going to defend her? I mean what's your deal, Rose. I get that you're with Emmett and all. He's like… really cool. But her? She's a fucking loser. A nobody. You said so yourself. She's nobody"

My brows furrowed in confusion. Okay; hold up, rewind and pause. What?

Alice gasped, wide eyed. When the words that smut- bucket said finally registered in my brain; I gazed at Rose with a mixture of betrayal and hurt.

She thought I was nobody?

Then like a fucking switch, those weak ass emotions immediately flew out the window and right into the fiery pits of hell. My eyes narrowed as my anger blossomed and fueled. I should have fucking known She was no different then them.

Rosalie blanched at the expression on my face. I imagined I looked like one of those killer women from that show snapped. I hoped that's what the fuck just happened. I snapped.

Then the phony bitch had the audacity to gaze at me contritely. "Bella…please let me explain, I…"

I held up my hand, cutting her off. "Do not…fucking speak to me. No one."

Rosalie nodded, glassy eyed. Then she turned her rage onto Lauran. I backed away as the three girls became engrossed in an argument; and I quickly retreat the kitchen. I slipped out through a back door leading outside instead of back into the party. I was fucking done with that place. I didn't wanting to deal with anybody right now. Especially Rosalie's fake ass. I mean, how could I be so fucking naïve and think that she was my friend. She hung out with those bitches. They were her friends. I was just forced upon her because she's dating my brother. I was pissed. When I got outside, a gust of wind sent a cool chill through my body. I shivered, stuffing my hands into the pockets of my borrowed black cardigan - wishing that I had my coat with me. I spotted a tree with a swing on it a few yards away. I felt my anger slowly began to ebb away. I smiled at the sight of it, remembering the one I had when I was little. Charlie engraved my name on the seat of it. And I remember being so fucking happy then. My parents were married and I didn't have a care in the world.

Charlie built my swing in the summer when I was six. Every day, he'd sit me on it and push me until I was dizzy. Then he'd joke and call me dizzy Izzie. I adored him. It was the best moments of my life. Then like all good things in my life, it all ended. That fall, Renee packed up and left - taking me with her. I cried and begged for my father. But he didn't beg for me back. He just let her take me. I remember the stoic expression on his face when I saw him looking out the second floor window as I sat in the car. When the car finally pulled off. I raised my hand on the window with tears in my eyes. He turned his back and walked away. No goodbye. No, I love you. Nothing. He didn't want me anymore. Nobody does. And nobody will…

I swiftly moved across the lawn and sat on the sturdy wooden swing that looked as if it were years old. I push the ground with my feet and swung; enjoying the cool wind in my hair. I closed my eyes and did that for several minutes; feeling oddly liberated. A small smile graced my lips as I remembered why I liked doing this so much. On a Swing I was free. It was soothing. When I was little, I'd pretend I was a bird, a superhero. Hell, I could be whatever I wanted on a swing. Right now I wanted to be a rocket ship and shoot up some place far, far away from here.

"Reliving your childhood?"

Simultaneously, my eyes snapped opened and my hands slipped from the rope. I fell backward and prepared my body for impact on the hard soil. Instead, two strong hands on my back halted my fall. My body instantly responded to his firm touch. In other words my nipples hardened and my cooch dripped. I silently gazed into the emeralds that drove me insane - in an inverted position. Fuck, he was like my own personal super hero.

When that sexy crooked smile formed on his lips. My heart started thumping so fast; I thought I might die.

"You okay?"

I nodded dumbly; in complete awe of this fuck hot man-boy.

I was starting to get a head rush from the position I was in and also from whatever freaking hypnotizing powers those magnificent green orbs held. I swear he could make me fucking break dance right now.

He carefully pushed me up; probably growing tired of touching such a hideous girl. One who resembled a mammal that's most likely hibernating right now.

When I was sitting upright on the swing, he kneeled in front of me and gazed at me intently while I got my bearings.

"Bella?"

I shook my head and closed my eyes briefly. "I'm fine. Just got a little dizzy"

He smirked. "Yeah, swings do that to you"

I narrowed my eyes in mock offense at his teasing. Smart ass. He chuckled. I smiled at the beautiful sound and replayed it in my head. Beautiful.

"You know, I'm starting to think you have super hero reflexes or something"

He chuckled and shook his head - briefly looking toward the ground. I bit my lip when our eyes connected again.

"No. I'm not the hero. I'm more of a bad guy"

He grinned wickedly, revealing a set of fanged teeth. I burst out laughing as I finally took him in. He was wearing a black cloak, black pants and a black shirt. A small trickle of fake blood was at the corner of his mouth.

He was a fucking Vampire.

He winked and I suddenly had the most disturbing thought. If he were in fact a real vampire. Like real live. I'd gladly let him suck my blood. Hell, I'd be begging for it.


Edward

"Slow the fuck down E. The party isn't going anywhere" Emmett bellowed.

"Yeah, you might want to slow it down a notch. Unless your goal tonight is to get pulled over" Jasper calmly added.

Fuck. He had a point. Getting pulled over meant, not seeing Bella. And not seeing Bella was a no-no. I sighed and reduced the speed.

"You're right. My dad would have my balls"

Emmett chuckled. "No, my dad would have your balls…cuffed"

My face contorted in repulsion at the image that painted in my mind. "Emmett. That's just…ugh"

He shrugged his shoulders. Jasper chuckled from the back seat.

"What's your hurry, anyway? All the babes are still going to be there. Unless you have someone in particular in mind"

I glanced at him briefly. He wagged his eyebrows. If only you fucking knew, Em.

I huffed, trying to come up with a plausible excuse that didn't sound like shit. I mean, I could just go with it and say I'm hoping to hook up tonight. But I didn't think that was right, for the simple fact that his sister was the person I was dying to see.

"It's just been a long day. I need to fucking unwind"

"Hey, the day wouldn't have been so fucking long, if you weren't so picky. You seriously shop like a chick, man. And all you brought was a pair of fangs, a tube of fake blood and a fucking cloak" Emmett stated, opening up a bag of chips.

I eyed the offensive bag like it was my mortal enemy. Then I glared at Emmett. Hell fucking no

"Okay, first and foremost don't eat that oily shit in my car. Secondly, I do not and have never shopped like a chick." I said as calmly as possible; considering how I was feeling.

He looked displeased but reluctantly put the bag of chips away.

Thank fucking god. I don't think my interior could have handled that shit. Oil stains were fucking hell.

"You could have fooled me"

I smirked "you're only saying that because unlike you I'm not stuck looking like a fucking douche"

Jasper and I chuckled as we gazed at Emmett in his tight ass tuxedo with a tailcoat and bow tie. All he needed was a top hat and he'd be fucking set.

His eyes narrowed at Jasper. "I don't know why you're fucking laughing. You got stuck looking like the gayest cartoon character ever.

I laughed even harder; praying that I didn't get into a car accident because of these two morons.

I glanced at Jasper through the mirror. He shrugged; not at all offended. "Alice said she loved Peter pan. And whatever she wants I want.

I instantly stopped laughing; astounded by his comment. I didn't realize the depth of his feeling for my sister until that very moment. As corny as it sounds, that was the nicest shit I've ever heard anyone other than my parents - say to another person. But it confused me. How can someone be so selfless, that they'd risk looking like a damn fool for an entire night for someone they weren't even dating a month?

If the shoe was on the other foot, could I be so self-sacrificing?

Emmett chuckled "still, Peter Pan is so lame man."

"But the rewards are so much sweeter" Jasper replied

I frowned. What fucking rewards?

"I know what you mean man. Rosie definitely wouldn't let me near her goodies, if I didn't wear this shit" he said, tugging on his 1950's bow tie.

Fuck no.

I glanced at Jasper through the mirror. Ready to cringe at his response. Please don't say anything sexually about my baby sis. I would hate to kill him now that we're friends.

He shook his head with a thoughtful smile. "I'm not talking about that. Her smile and adoration alone is a much better reward than that"

His eyes met mine through the mirror and I knew he was telling the truth and not trying to placate me because he was talking about my sister.

In that moment, I knew for a fact that Jasper was one of the good guys.

"Damn Jazz. You're going to make one hell of a therapist one day. You could be the next Dr. Phil" his eyes suddenly lit up. "Or that guy therapist from the fucking reality shows. What the fucks his name?"

"Dr. Drew" I piped up

"Yeah him. That guys fucking awesome. I heard he made stone cold cry. That's classic shit"

"Bullshit" Jasper stated.

"It's fucking true, man. Demetri told me so" Emmett argued

"Well Detmetri's a fucking liar. Steve Austin wasn't even on that show" Jasper replied

I droned them out after that. We were almost at Tyler house and I needed to think about my plans for the rest of the night. Dodge Tanya, look for Bella. Dodge Tanya, talk to Bella. Dodge Tanya, hang out with Bella. I had a feeling that Tanya maybe a bit of a problem. Last night I received a text from her that said 'See you at the party, Eddie' with a fucking smiley face at the end. I mean I don't get her. I blatantly ignore her for a whole week. I don't return her phone calls or text. What the fuck does she want me to do next? Write on her locker 'I'm not interested, go away bitch' in bold letters. A fucking blind chick couldn't miss all those obvious signals I've been throwing at her left and right. But clearly she has. My theories on that are; either she's delusional or fucking crazy.

When we arrived at Tyler's we hopped out the car and immediately entered the crowded house. The music was so loud that I could hardly hear myself think.

Emmett Chuckled. "Look at that douche Newton, grinding on that chicks ass"

Following his line of vision I spotted Mike Newton in a dress shirt and underwear rubbing his dick on some girl's ass. And from the looks of it she was enjoying it.

"That guy is such an ass" Jasper stated with disgust. "He's practically molesting her"

And she's enjoying every minute of it. I wanted to add.

"Aww, leave the guy alone Jazz. That's probably the most action he's gotten in a while. Besides, I rather he rub his stick on that chick then my sis."

My blood boiled at the thought of that asshole rubbing any part of his body on Bella. My fist subconsciously clenched. That would his last fucking day standing.

But what if she like's it? My jaw tightened at that thought. She wouldn't like it. She hated that dickweed.

"Hey, Ed. You okay man? You look like you're about to comment a murder." Jasper inquired, gazing at me intently.

I closed my eyes and calmed myself. "I'm good. Let's go find the girls"

"Hell yeah. I need to see my woman!" Emmett enthusiastically replied.

I rolled my eyes at his exuberance. I swear he was like the male version of Alice with out all the annoyance. Jasper shook his head as we maneuvered our way through the over crowded house. Well Jasper and I maneuvered. Emmett's hulk ass pushed his way through.

Emmett suddenly stopped and glowered. "Motherfucker! What the fuck are they doing here?"

"Who?" I asked, looking around the crowded room.

"Those Port Angeles dickheads" he replied pointing to a group of guys standing on a wall.

There were four of them. They were wearing green and white football jerseys with their school's name on it. They also had, what I assumed was their jersey number - painted on their cheeks. It was obvious that they were here to make a statement. Our team plays their's in a few weeks. And from what I heard from Emmett, we were old rivals. Their school hated our school and from the scowled on Emmett's face, I can tell the feeling was mutual.

"They got a lot of fucking balls showing up on our turf" Emmett said cracking his knuckles.

Jasper grabbed his arm, trying to calm him. "Leave it alone Em. They're not going to start something outnumbered."

"Damn right their not" he replied.

Two chicks, one blond one brunette - dressed as playboy bunnies sauntered up to two of the guys. One of the guys, a big dark haired one - eyed Em and gave him a knowing smile before he bent down and kissed the blond chick

"What the fuck he's looking at?" Emmett seethed, clenching his fist. "God, I hate that motherfucker."

I eyed the dark haired guy, who was now groping the blond's ass unabashedly. "You guys got some kind of personal beef or something?"

Emmett chuckled humorlessly. "You could say that. That motherfucker thinks he's Emmett McCarthy swan!"

My eyes widened at his use of his full name. "Okay, care to elaborate"

"That motherfucker wants to be me! I mean look at him, doesn't he look like me? And his chick" he pointed. "Doesn't she remind you of Rosie!…you know he tried to make a pass at her a few years back." My eye brows rose. "Yeah and guess what I did? I beat the living shit out of him! And I don't mind doing it again." he said with a wicked glint in his eyes.

Jasper grabbed Emmett's arm again. "Okay, Em. I think you need to rail it in a bit. You're causing a scene."

I gazed around the room and sure enough people were gazing at Emmett curiously. Most likely thinking a fight was brewing.

"Baby!" a familiar feminine voice shouted over the crowd.

Emmett's head snapped from big dark haired guy. "Rosie?"

I peered through the crowd and spotted Rosalie dressed in an overly sexy red dress, that looked nothing like a Halloween costume - followed by Alice who was dressed way to sexy for me. The dress she was wearing was too fucking short and her tits were practically popping out of it my fist clenched in fury. What was she thinking leaving the house looking like that?

When the girls approached us my expression immediately morphed from anger to confusion. For one, they were both clearly upset about something. And secondly, Bella wasn't with them.

I watched as Rosalie immediately ran into Emmett's arms. He held her tight as she whispered something to him. His brows furrowed then Rosalie pulled his arm - dragging him away.

I turned my attention to Alice, who was hugged up on Jasper whispering in his ear. He had that same furrowed brow look Emmett had as he intently listened to whatever my sister had to say. And from the looks of it, it must be serious.

I threw my hands up annoyed. "Can somebody tell me what the fucks going on?"

Alice turned around and faced me. Jasper held her by the waist. "Bella and Rosalie had a fight"

My eyes widened. "What?"

"Not a physical fight. An argument"

I bit my lip with my false fangs to keep from yelling at her. She left Bella alone?

"Where's Bella now?"

"That's the thing, I don't know. I was so busy arguing with that hideous slut Lauran and Rosalie that I didn't see her go"

I raked my fingers through my hair, pulling at the ends a little. I wasn't comfortable with Bella roaming around this house alone. So many things could go wrong. Date rape namely one of them.

"Where was she last?" I inquired impatiently. I had to find her.

"We were in the kitchen. But Edward…"

I was already manevering to the kitchen by the time she finished that statement. I had only one goal in mind. And that was to find Bella. She was roaming alone in this house full of drunk perverted assholes and vicious bitches. I swear to god, if someone fucking touches her. That motherfucker was going to dig an early grave. This inexplicable need to incapitate anyone who so much as blinks at Bella wrong was overwhelming. I never felt this strong need to protect anyone other then my baby sis. This girl was rapidly bringing out all these intense emotions in me. I felt like I was about to burst at the seams from them all.

The kitchen was packed with drunken guys and chicks. There was a large table in the center of it, full of every alcohol beverage known to man. I found it amazing how someone under eighteen managed to score all that liquor in such a small town. Shit, we didn't even have it that easy in the city.

I pushed my way through the hordes of drunken idiots and asked each of them if they saw Bella. One of the girls giggled drunkenly and mentioned that she saw Bella walk out the back door. I gently pushed her aside and headed to the back door. Once I got outside, I closed my eyes and took a deep calming breath. My heart was pounding and my nerves were going haywire. Where was she? When I opened my eyes I spotted movement through my peripheal. What I found simultaneously eased my nerves and put a smile on my face.

She's on a swing.

At first glimpse, she looked like an angel or some kind of ethereal being. The way her long hair billowed behind her in the wind. The way her ivory skin, covered in a hint of makeup, glowed in the moonlight. And the serene, tranquil expression on her face. Sappy words like glorious and magnificent crossed my mind at the sight of her. For some reason a word like fucking hot seemed to crude to describe her in such an innocent moment. Her eyes were closed and they were covered in her usual thin framed spectacles. I would have given anything to know what put that smile on her face. I don't think I've ever seen her so at peace before. And I've never seen anything so beautiful in my life. I know I should have left her to her peace. But I was drawn to her. Like a magnet to a metal. My feet were already moving toward her without realization. When I finally approached her I managed to scare the shit out of her, almost causing her to fall off the swing. But my reflexes were fast and I managed to catch her on time. I inhaled sharply when I felt the heat of her body through her sweater. I could tell she wasn't wearing much underneath it. Her body felt so soft and so warm. My dick jerked in awareness and I inwardly berated myself for acting like a perv to such an innocent act. I asked her if she was okay and she nodded wide eyed. When I felt myself getting lost in those endless chocolate pools, I carefully sat her upright and kneeled in front of her. She told me she was a little dizzy. I took the opportunity to give her a taste of her own medicine and snarked back. I thought it was funny that she said I had super hero reflexes when I was dressed as one of the most deadly villains of mankind. The one who specifically preys on innocent non-suspecting women, at that.

"So you're a vampire" she stated; eyes lit up with mirth. "How unoriginal"

I shrugged with a smirk then gazed up her glorious body. She looked like some sort of Goth hottie, which was not unusual. My eyes traveled from her worn docs to her stocking shrouded legs to her black frilly skirt and finally to her upper body swathe in a cardigan and whatever mysterious garment that lies beneath it. All I know is that it's making her tits look fucking spectacular.

She suddenly cleared her throat. My eyes snapped up to her beet red face.

Oh my god! I just got caught eye fucking her tits. Now she's going to think I'm a fucking perv. Way to go Edward.

"Sorry" I apologized, abashed.

I gazed down at the grass - raking my fingers through my hair. Fucking stupid. I chanced a glance at her and she was staring at her hands on her lap - face still flushed. Oh fuck, I've made her uncomfortable.

"so where's Em?" she queried. I sighed in relief at the sudden change of topic.

Thank. Fucking. Christ. I honestly didn't know what I would say if she called me out for checking out her tits. I'd probably stammer and say something dumb like. Nice…rack?

Her eyes followed me as I stood. I rubbed at the back of my neck. "He…uh…walked off with Rose"

She scowls but nodded. I could have sworn I saw a flicker of sadness in her eyes before her expression became hard and impassive.

The temperature had dropped. I stuffed my hands in my pockets from the chill. "Do you…uh, want to talk about it?"

Please say yes. Please say yes. Please let me into your mind, body and soul. Well, not your body…at least not right now. But your mind and soul. Let me in.

"No"

"Bella. It's…"

"Stones or the Beatles?"

My brows furrowed in confusion. "What?"

The expression on her face could only be described as annoyance. "The stones or the Beatles?"

I scratched my head a little confused by the relevance of what she was asking. I mean, seriously. What the fuck does this have to do with her issue with Rose?

But I decided to humor her. "Uh…both?"

She still gazed at me with that hard expression. Then I watched in awe as her lips pulled up into a smile that brightened the whole town of Forks.

"Good answer, Cullen"

"Thanks swan"

I smiled brightly as realization dawned. I knew what she was doing. But for it to work; it had to go both ways

"Vanilla or Chocolate?

She chewed her lip in contemplation. It was so fucking cute. "Um…mixed"

What. The. Fuck?

I gazed at her incredulously. "Are you fucking serious? You mix Vanilla and Chocolate?"

I pointedly put emphasis on the words to make sure my ears weren't deceiving me.

She gazed at me strangely; like I just said the answer to one plus one was eleven. "Uh…yeah"

I through my arms up in horror. "Who the hell does that?"

Her gazed turned incredulous; most likely from my outburst. But can you blame me? She mixed fucking ice cream.

"The majority of the damn country. Have you ever heard of swirl?"

I raked my fingers through my hair with a look of distaste. "Yeah, of course I have. I just never understood way people enjoyed that disgusting shit. It's like tainting natural ice cream. It doesn't even have a natural color."

"That's the point. It's fun. And it taste fucking delicious."

I swallowed thickly at her use of the word 'fuck'. This is so not the time to get a boner. Especially with her talking about this disgusting shit.

"That's not delicious that's…appalling!"

She was silent for a beat. She stared at me wide eyed with her teeth chomped down on her bottom lip. Her face reddened and her cheeks puffed out, like she was restraining something. I knew what was coming.

When she couldn't hold it any longer; a loud bassy very unfeminine laugh escaped her. She stood up slapping her legs dramatically and very Emmett-like. I narrowed my eyes at her. Did I just crack a fucking joke?

When her laughter died down to breathless pants, snorts and giggles. I was still kind of pissed off. I didn't like being made fun of. And she was definitely making fun of me.

"I'm sorry…I'm sorry…It's just…you were so fucking serious…. I swear to god it was like you were in a debate about the national economy or something."

"Well…" I trailed off, suddenly feeling ridicules for blowing up over something as unimportant as ice cream. Now, she would not only think of me as a perv, but a psychotic perv - who finds the thought of mixing diary desserts repulsive.

I wonder what she'll think if I told her I once puked at the sight of my aunt Kate's homemade Thanksgiving stuffing.

She'll probably lose her shit over that one.

She must have seen the embarrassment on my face because she suddenly stopped laughing. I gazed at her pinkish face as she moved to stand in front of me. I swallowed thickly at her proximity. If the wind blew in the right direction, I'd be able to smell her. Strawberries and flowers.

She gazed at me earnestly. "Hey…I didn't mean to offend you. I'm well aware that…you, um - have issues with certain things. I can respect that…. I know I said some fucked up things before but… I don't really think that it's weird or anything like that.

I gazed into her beautiful, sincere chocolate eyes and couldn't help but smile.

"Bella. Are you trying to tell me, in the most decent way that you accept and respect the fact that I have a compulsive disorder?"

She worried her lips, nervously. "Yeah…guess I am."

I laughed. "Well, don't worry your pretty little head about that". I patted her head. She looked perplexed. "I don't have a compulsive disorder"

She stepped back and frowned. "What?…you're not OCD?"

I Shook my head. Her brows furrowed with what seemed like more confusion.

"So how do you explain the car…your bathroom?"

I frowned. Was it so hard to believe that I just liked my shit neat and obtainable? Christ

"I'm not even going to answer that"

She held her hands up. "Okay, okay. So the whole idea of mixed ice cream really disgusts you?"

"Yes"

"Have you even tried it?" she probed, tilting her head a little.

I shook my head. "No. I told you, I thought it was disgusting."

She smiled and the sight literally warmed my heart. I couldn't help but smile back.

She playfully pat me on the arm. "Well, my friend. It seems that we have a bit of discovering to do" she paused for a beat. Then leaned close to me, conspiratorially and whispered. "That is, if you're up for the challenge"

Fuck. Me.

I bent toward her - secretly loving this playful side of her - until the tip of my nose touched a strand at the crown of her head. She tentatively raises her chin and looked at me. I took that moment to admire the lovely freckles on her face.

"I'm up for anything, Swan. As long as you are"


We remained outside and continued our little improvised game of 'asking each other a bunch of random shit without directly asking it. Yeah, it sounds weird but she started it that way and who was I to complain. Anything was better then talking through that damn notebook. Although, our questions were rather on the elementary level; it still gave me some insight on who she was. And surprisingly, she wasn't exactly what I what I expected. I half expected her to be some heavy metal listening chick, who hated society and all authority figures. But she wasn't. I learned that she had a wide range of musical taste, with the exception of country. In her words, she loathes all things Taylor swift. I chuckled because I know Alice would try to work her powers of persuasion and convert her to swiftism - as I like to call it. I also learned that she enjoyed cooking and that her favorite past time was to read. And get this…classical literature. Pride and Prejudice being her favorite. I don't think I've ever met anyone who read those books without being forced to by a teacher. At one point the questions changed from elementary level to preschool. And to my amusement and curiosity; I watched as she suddenly became flustered and uncomfortable.

"Color?"

Her face flushed and she bit down on her lip in embarrassment. "Green."

Why would that embarrass her?

"Gemstone?"

Her face reddens even more and she averted her eyes. "Um…emerald"

Oh, I see. She likes things that are green. Interesting.

I smirked; deciding to tease her a bit. "Hmm, it seems you're a little obsessed with all things green"

I winked at her. She gaped at me, briefly; before snapping her mouth shut.

"Don't flatter yourself, jerk"

The wind suddenly picked up and the temperature dropped to the point that it was much to cold to stay outside - Unless you're part Eskimo. I reluctantly suggested that we head inside. She agreed, clutching to her sweater. I didn't miss the look of sheer disappointment in her eyes as we made our way back to the party that we both seem to have forgotten.

The feeling was mutual. I was disappointed too.

As soon as we stepped through the door, the loud music that we seem to have droned out assaulted my ear drums. Some high tempo hip-hop song was playing and I wanted nothing more then to drag Bella back to the seclusion of the yard and continue our game. We maneuvered our way through the shit-faced crowd in the kitchen and entered the living room, where the party was in still jumping.

"I'm going to, uh… find a bathroom or something" Bella voiced over the music.

I gazed at her closely and immediately notice something different. The light that was in her eyes when we were outside diminished to a dull brown. She looked upset; almost sad.

I took a step toward her; ready to go with "Okay, I'll just…"

Suddenly something hard a fast slammed into my chest, momentarily taking my breath away. The stench of cheap perfume assaulted my senses .I wrinkled my nose in distaste. This chick smelled like dead flowers.

When I gazed down into the face of the chick in desperate need of a bath - I audibly groaned. Tanya

"Eddie!"

I pried her fingers off of me and turned back toward Bella.

But she was gone.

"Come on, baby. I'll show you how to really have fun"

Somehow I really fucking doubt that.


Review… pretty please!