Chapter 10: Acceptance

Bella's Point of View

It had been a week since the battle with Chase and I had finally recovered. I had been staying at Caleb's house because it was safer. At school the Cullen's and pack tried to talk to me, but I had been in a daze. Today was the first day I felt awake; it took some getting used the power. It makes you feel like there is something in you that has so much pressure built up that if you don't release it you'll combust, but I can't release it; I can't lose control. Being with Caleb makes it easier to deal with and takes my focus away from the feeling; that's probably because of our extracurricular activities.

"Wake up beautiful." I heard Caleb said and kissed my temple.

"Five more minutes." I said.

"I'm sorry, but Kate and my mother won't allow that." He chuckled.

I looked up at him, "What do they have planned?" I asked.

"Something extremely horrifying…..a party." Caleb said over dramatizing it.

I laughed, "You're right that is horrifying."

"Oh it gets worse it's a theme party." Caleb said.

"Why are we having a theme party?" I asked.

"Well it's your birthday party since we have been so distracted." Caleb explained.

"Oh no." I groaned and fell back into the pillows.

"Yes and I have strict orders to have you up and dressed in 15 minutes." Caleb replied.

I sat up and looked at him, "What's the theme?" I asked.

"Beats me." He replied.

I got out of bed and threw on a t-shirt, jeans and put my hair up in a ponytail. I headed for door, but Caleb stopped me;

"What no kiss?" he asked.

I smiled and leaned close and said, "Nope." Then quickly exited the room.

As I walked into the living room Kate and Evelyn were waiting for me;

"Well look who's finally up." Kate teased. "You look better."

I laughed, "I feel better; so what's the plan?"

"Shopping for a dress for tonight." Evelyn said.

"Honestly you guys I don't need a party." I said.

"Yes you do, after everything that has happened we need some fun." Kate replied. "Don't worry it's not fancy."

"Okay," I said cautiously, "Where are we going?"

Two hours later we all had our outfits picked out and I was the only one who had a purple dress. It was strapless ruffle mini party dress; normally I didn't do purple, but the dress was gorgeous. We got back to the Danvers mansion and I saw the Cullen's vehicles parked in the drive;

"What do they want?" Kate sneered as we got out of the car.

We walked into the house and there they were all the Cullen's and the pack.

"Bella," Alice said cautiously, "You have your color back."

"Yeah well I just needed rest." I replied. "What do you want?"

"We would like to talk to you about Victoria; she was spotted earlier while you were out." Carlisle answered

"NO," Kate said and I looked at her, "Look here tonight there is no drama. Tonight we are celebrating Bella's birthday and I will not tolerate talking about this crap. Bella has had a hard year and she deserves fun not headaches. Tomorrow you can discuss this Victoria, but tonight is a drama free." Kate grabbed my hand and started to pull me towards the stairs, but I stopped her.

"Kate they're right and I need to talk to them." I said.

"No tonight nothing is going to come between you and this party." Kate said stomping her foot.

"Did you seriously just stomp your foot?" Emmett asked.

Kate fumed and started for him, but I stopped her, "Kate I know you want to do my hair so how about you go upstairs and start the curling iron and I will be up in a minute." I said.

"You have five any more than that and I call Caleb and let him know they are here." Kate said.

She went upstairs and I turned to face everyone, "What is going on?"

"She was in the woods watching the town and tracking your scent." Rose said to me.

"Did she follow it here?" I asked.

"No we ran her off, but I'm sure she will be back." She replied.

"Bella," Alice said, "Why didn't you invite us to your party?"

I sighed, "Alice if you haven't noticed this entire week I have been in a daze and I didn't even know about the party until this morning when I woke up."

"Five minutes is up," Kate said as she came down the stairs, "Now get out."

"What are you going to do?" Jake asked.

"I'll make you a deal you leave now you all can come tonight." Kate said.

The pack and the Cullen's smiled and left;

"What the hell Kate?" I asked as we went up the stairs.

"Look I wasn't going to get them out of this house any other way." Kate explained.

"I don't want fighting." I said.

"There won't be fighting." Kate assured me and started on my hair.

By the time she was finished my hair was spiral curled in a half up half down style. My make-up was light and fun nothing too flashy except the eyes and lips.

"Now for the final touch." Kate said and reached in a box.

She pulled out a gorgeous Venetian masks that was white with purple and rhinestones and glitter. I put on the mask and took in my appearance;

"Damn girl you know I never thought you one for purple, but you look amazing. I better not see Caleb putting his hands up that dress." Kate teased. "Can you guess the theme?"

"Masquerade?" I guessed.

"Close; Mardi Gras Carnival!" Kate exclaimed.

We started for the door, but I stopped, "Crap I need some jewelry." I said and turned to my jewelry box.

"No we don't have time." Kate said grabbing my hand and pulling me down the stairs and into the waiting limo.

Caleb's Point of View

"Dude your mom and Kate did an amazing job." Reid said as we looked around the party space.

Gold, purple, silver, and green covered the entire room. Everyone was in masks and it was hard to find anyone we knew. Mom had really out done herself, but then again for Bella she always did.

"Hello boys." I heard Kate's voice and turned to see her in a royal blue halter dress with matching heels and her masks was blue and gold with glitter on it.

"How did you know it was us?" Tyler asked.

"Easy you four are the only ones standing around waiting for someone while everyone else is mingling." Kate said and kissed Pogue.

"Where's Bella?" I asked.

"Around," she said and had a mischievous gleam in her eyes, "It wouldn't be as fun if I just handed her over so you have to find her."

"Hey it's like Where's Waldo." Reid said slapping me on the back.

"That's not nice Kate." I said.

"Never said I was," Kate replied and looked at Pogue, "Let's get a drink." They started walking off and then Kate called over her shoulder, "You have some competition tonight Caleb; I invited the Cullen's and the pack. Happy hunting."

Pogue stopped in his tracks and asked her, "Why in the hell did you invite them?"

Kate shrugged, "Because I know she wants them here and I don't want to hear one word about it. I don't like it either, but this isn't about us tonight is about her so suck it up."

Pogue and Kate left to go to the refreshment bar while me, Tyler, and Reid started scouting. Immediately I spotted the pack, who were in black suits and white masks like all the rest of us guys. Jake and I locked eyes and started staring each other down.

He walked over and said, "Where's Bella?"

"Like we'd tell you." Reid said. "Why don't you tuck your tail between your legs and run along home."

"We won't leave her alone…Victoria was spotted." The one named Sam said.

"We can protect her." I growled.

"Like you protected her from Chase." Paul sneered.

"Back off dog breath." Tyler said.

"Hey," Kate said walking over to us, "Down boys tonight isn't the night. Now unless you all can play nice you have to leave. That includes you Reid, Tyler, Pogue, and Caleb." Kate looked behind me and smirked, "Looks like you decided to join the fun; nice dresses."

I turned to see the Cullen's standing behind us; I sized up Edward and he did the same to me;

"Have you seen Bella?" Alice asked.

"Let me save you the time." Kate said, "No they haven't and I'm not saying anything." Then she looked at Edward, "Look in my head all you want to pretty boy, but with Bella's help I blocked it so like Caleb, the boys, and the pack you are just going to have to hunt for her." And then Kate walked off.

I looked at Edward and Jake, "Don't even think about going near her." I said and walked off in the opposite direction of Kate to find Bella; no way they would stick together.

Bella's Point of View

I watched the whole intimidation fest transpire; why do guys have to have a mine is bigger than yours contest? Kate walked over to me and I handed her a glass of wine;

"So?" I asked.

"So, it's playing out perfectly; now you can talk to each of them without interruptions." She replied.

On our way over I told Kate I needed to deal with Edward and Jake once and for all and she agreed. So we came up with this little plan; I think I'm starting to rub off on her too much.

"Thank you." I said.

"Anything for my girl on her birthday." Kate said.

I watched as Jake split from the pack and started to wonder outside so I followed and snuck up on him;

"Nice night huh?" I asked.

"Bella?" he said as he took off his mask.

"Yep, you look good in a suit Jake." I replied.

"You look amazing." He said just staring at me.

"Yeah well purple isn't really my color, but with this dress it works." I said and took a drink of wine, "Jake we need to talk and this is the only way. Before you say anything I know you love me and I admit it I love you, but not as much as I do Caleb. I want you in my life, but I'm not the one for you Jake; I never was."

"Bella I can't accept that." He said.

"No, you can accept it you just don't want to." I stated.

"Maybe that's true, but if you were in my position what would you do?" he asked.

"I would let you go and let you find happiness with who you want. You are trying to force me into something I don't want. Do you think I would do that to you?" I asked.

"No." he replied quietly.

"Then why are you doing it to me?" I asked stroking his cheek.

"Because I'm afraid to lose you." He said.

"Jake you can't lose me even if you try." I said and then reached up and pecked him on the cheek.

"I still love you Bella and I still want you to choose me but…" he trailed.

"But…" I said.

"But I want you to be happy." Jake said and kissed my forehead.

"Thank you Jake." I said, "Better get back inside; who knows you might meet someone."

One down and two to go I thought to myself and I navigated my way through the crowd. It didn't take me very long to find Edward, but getting him alone I knew would be a problem.

"Interesting evening," I heard someone say and turned to see Rose standing next to me.

"Yes it is." I replied.

"You plan this?" she asked.

"No, but I saw an opportunity and decided to take it." I said taking a glass of wine off the tray.

"Has the mutt decided to back off?" she asked.

"The mutt has a name and yes he has." I said.

"You need any help?" she asked.

"I'm glad you asked; think you can get your brother alone?" I asked.

"Leave it to me." She said and disappeared. Within ten minutes she was back, "Down the hall third door on your left." She said and I thanked her.

I walked to where she said he would be and I decided to use so I let my eyes go black and popped into the room undetected. He was there standing in the moonlight lost in thought.

"I remember that look," I said and he jumped.

"Bella?" he asked.

"Yes," I replied, "Remind me to give Rose a present for helping me."

"Why did you want to talk alone?" he asked.

"You know why; it's easier and this is how our conversation should go." I replied.

"There's no changing your mind is there." Edward stated.

"No, I love him Edward." I said, "That doesn't mean I don't love you too, but it's not like it used to be."

"Was it because I left?" he questioned.

"Partly, but not completely; Caleb has always held my heart ever since we were kids." I said.

"He's lucky, but then again so am I even though I held your heart for a short time. I would rather have had some time than none at all." Edward said.

"You will always have a piece of my heart Edward nothing will ever change that. We just weren't supposed to be and even though I'm still hurt by what you did I know now that it's what was supposed to happen." I replied.

"You look gorgeous tonight." Edward said crossing the distance between us, "Any chance I can have a dance?"

I smiled, "Of course, but I think the first dance should go to Caleb."

"Yes, I think after what I've put both of you through you deserve that semblance of normalcy." He chuckled.

"Edward when are you going to get it….we'll never be normal, but I appreciate the gesture." I said and he escorted me back to the party.

Caleb's Point of View

I had been searching for a good hour and still no sign of Bella, but then I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see Edward;

"What do you want?" I asked stiffening.

"To make amends; my behavior towards you and Bella was atrocious and unacceptable." He said.

I was shocked and asked, "Why are you apologizing?"

"Because someone made me realize how wrong I've been." He said and pointed behind me.

I turned to see a girl in a strapless purple dress smirking at me and when I looked into her eyes I knew it was Bella. She walked out to the patio and I followed like a little puppy. She was looking up at the night sky and I quickly wrapped my arms around her waist and kissed her neck.

"You look magical." I whispered.

She laughed, "Is that the best line you have?"

I smiled into her hair, "No, but maybe this will make up for it." I said and turned her to face me.

I pulled out a little black box and watched her open it. At first she quiet and I started to get nervous;

"It's called a journey necklace and it was extreme significance. I thought you would like it, but if you don't I can…" I was cut off by her lips on mine.

A/N: Sorry it took so long to start writing again, but finally this story is back on track for the most part. Now Bella's outfit is on my profile page. Please review and don't worry there is more Masquerade Madness coming up.