Hi! I'm a little late sorry about that. BUT for good reason this chapter is my longest to date I believe totaling at nearly 5.5k and when you're a trash writer such as myself that takes a while to do. Lots, and I mean lots, of juicy things happening in this chapter with the introduction of a new character! Guess who? Not telling you'll have to read.

Not beta'd all mistakes are mine

Enjoy

When I exit the shower I move through Rosalie's modest home in search of her. After about ten minutes of searching I resign to the fact that she was in fact not home. I sigh in slight disappointment. I believe I only mentioned the date of my birthday once, but I had hoped that the blonde would have remembered the date and planed something for me. I shake my head instantly at the thought; feeling guilty for allowing myself to expect that Rosalie would feel obligated to do something like that for my birthday.

My phone alerts me to a new notification and I pull it out puzzled before I realize that it is a text from Alice alerting me that she is ten minutes away, and expects me to be dressed and ready. I laugh for a moment thinking that she is joking before I remember what type of person she is. Quickly, I move up the stairs two at a time, throw something presentable on, touch up my makeup, and make it back downstairs as Alice is pulling up. I lock the front door with the spare key that was given to me by Rosalie on my second day here.

"Can you walk any slower Bella? Geez, I'll be an old woman if, and I mean if, you could move any slower. Actually, maybe you are already an old woman. Have you been lying to me this entire time about your age because I'm starting to think you have been." Alice regards me with scrutinizing eyes as I slid into the passenger seat. I roll my eyes in mirth at her antics.

"Hello to you too Alice, I've been better but I'm still holding on," I reply with a hint of sarcasm. Alice looks at me with a twinkle of amusement in her eyes before she shifts the gear into reverse and pulls the car out of the driveway. Content in her presence I prop an arm on the ledge of the window and lean against it, beginning to become lost in my thoughts. Well, one thought in particular. The dream I had last night was still very fresh in my memory and causes a light blush to color my cheeks. A part of me was still embarrassed that I would even think that way about a friend who extended her help when I needed it the most, and still do. The other, and guiltier, part of me relishes in that sinfully sweet thought of what could possibly be. I flutter my eyes close to try to imagine the way my body was set alight. I had wished to see her especially today as it was a day that in my small friend group, was dedicated to me. Yet, she had left without a trace this morning.

I sigh lightly.

"None of that today," Alice childes lightly. "Penny for your thoughts?"

I turn my body to fully look at and study Alice. My thoughts about her sister have been burring me alive and I desperately needed to talk about my confusing emotions. Normally, I would have instantly gone to her, but this situation was slightly different. Should I tell her now? The logical part of my brain tells me that she would still love and accept me as a person but the overruling fear begins to tell me that she may resent me. I lick my now dry lips.

Alice studies me with a look of slight concern etched onto her face with the best of her ability while she also tries to stay focused on the road.

"Uh," I gracefully begin. "Maybe?" I bit my lip out of a nervous habit. Of all people, my longest standing best friend deserved to know about the shift in my life. "Alice, I want to tell you that, although I'm not entirely sure but there's a pretty good chance, that I may be, possibly," I feel my voice become smaller and smaller as I try to navigate my way to the confession. Now stopped at a red light Alice turns to regard me with both concern, confusion, and now slight agitation from me beating around the bush. I close my eyes and blow out a shaky breath. "I think that I'm actually attracted to women."

I keep my eyes closed for a long time when I'm met with silence. Tentatively, I crack one eye open to see Alice throwing me a toothy grin. I release the breath I didn't know I was holding; relief flooding through my body. "You don't have a problem with this, or want to ask me any questions?"

Alice laughs lightly to release some of the tension I had built up in the car while speeding up to avoid a red light. "Nope, besides you probably wouldn't have any answers even if I were to ask any questions." I throw her a confused look. "Bella, I've known you were gay since we met in college. Well actually, never mind I take that back. I thought you were bi since you know, Jacob, and stuff, but I definitely wasn't getting a straight vibe from you anyway. I just figured it would be a matter of time before you found out and decided to tell me. Oh, but not like you had to tell me, only if you were comfortable of course, which clearly you were since you told me."

I groan in embarrassment. "Wow, I feel like everyone knew before I did. Jacob, you, even Rosalie."

Alice throws back a heavy laugh at this. "I have a sixth sense what can I say? And of course Jacob would know, you and I both know that despite his shortcomings, that man knew you pretty well. Arguably, better than you did yourself. As for Rosalie," she shrugs. "That one's a given. How are you and Jacob by the way? If you want to talk about it?"

I slump in my seat with a sigh. "Not terrible, but not well either. I haven't seen him since shortly before I was served divorces papers. Rosalie told me that he stopped by to talk with her, but she won't share anything. Some type of violation or something. The next time I'll see him will likely be in court."

Alice bobs her head up and down in understanding. "And how's staying with Rosie going? I know she's super boring."

"It's actually been fantastic. I'll admit, when I first got there it felt a bit silly and humiliating that as a grown women I couldn't even take care of myself. But she never judged me for it. And when I kept making a point that I was intruding upon her space, time, and money, she silences that conversation every time. So eventually I just gave in and decided to go with the flow, and it's honestly been one of the best decisions I could have made. I've just, never really felt like," I grapple with my words for a moment in the search to find the one that described the situation perfectly. "Myself," I decide on, "until I started staying there. She makes me, me." I knew at this particular point that I was gushing information, but I couldn't stop the word vomit that was ejecting from my mouth. It had been the first time I was able to talk about the blonde to someone I trusted, and who knew her.

"On top of that she's really been opening up to me as well. Like at first I didn't really think she had a sense of humor before she finally started laughing at my jokes. I didn't even know it was possible someone could have a pretty laugh. Or, I finally started to see her be relaxed instead of all tensed up or inside a business suit. Just the other day I came in and she was laying over all of her paper work, passed out from working four days straight. I think I finally understood how important her work is to her."

"Yeah it is. Her work is as important to her as she is to you."

I nod my head enthusiastically. "Yes exactly, wait what?" Alice laughs again but chooses not to answer me and instead gets out of the car. I knit my eyebrows in confusion. How long had we been parked? I follow Alice shortly out of the car only to see that we had arrived at the mall. I force back a groan of annoyance.

"Wait Alice what did you mean by that?" I ask once I was able to catch up to the bubbly lawyer.

"Exactly what I said Bella. I mean I'm kind of insulted you're asking for more explanation; I personally thought it was a pretty witty and well timed analogy."

"What are you implying?" I try again, my checks flushing with pink with what I hoped to be the answer. She looks at my pointedly while we walk into a high end clothing store, and doesn't speak again until she's examining a dark blue dress on the floor.

"I mean," she drawls out. "It's pretty clear that you like her Bella, in more than a friendly way."

I try to sputter out something to defend myself and let her know how wrong she was, but the words die on my tongue. Alice gives me a knowing smile before moving on to examine another dress behind the blue on she was originally looking at.

Finally, in a small voice I ask how she knew about it.

"The way you look at her," Alice answers simply. "And I guess I can use today as an example and say the way you talk about her as well." She chuckles to herself. "It's super obvious Bella. Do you like this one?" She switches topics by holding up a little black dress with an open back.

"Yes it's nice," I add dismissively. If Alice knew, and said it was obvious, did that mean Rosalie knew? I feel my face heat up all over again. Oh my gosh what if she knew? Maybe that's why she decided not to see me today, or ever again. What if she's kicking me out and is putting Alice up to the task? Being gay was one thing, but what if her knowing I like her completely crosses the line? Why do I care?

I snort to myself.

Stupid question, I knew exactly why I cared. Still, the thought of her thinking negatively of me sent waves of anxiety throughout me.

"Hello? Earth to Bella," Alice waves a hand in front of my face frantically. Caught off by the moment and proximity of the appendage to my face, I take a shaky step back.

"Sorry, I must have zoned out."

"Yeah, I'll say," Alice adds with a playful roll of her eyes. "Now can you please try this on?" Alice shoves the black dress into my hand and begins to drag me to the closest fitting room, clearly, leaving no room for debate. Once behind the wooden door, I begin to rid myself of my clothes.

"What's the deal with the dress anyway?" I ask in a voice muffled by the shirt I was pulling over my head.

"It's a special occasion."

Instantly I am reminded of the dream I woke up to just hours ago. A hot flash of arousal spreads through my body, and on instinct I clench my thighs together. I give a frustrated sigh. It was almost like I was a horny little school girl again.

"What's wrong? Does it not fit right?"

I slip the dress over my head and pull it down until it was snug. "No, it fits rather well actually." I spin in a few directions trying to catch how nicely the black contrasts to my pale skin. It fit well in the bust, not overtly pushing the flesh up, but nicely accentuating both of my curves.

"Well let me see!" Alice calls out impatiently from the other side of the door.

I laugh a little and open the door to show Alice. She has me turn around a few times, nodding her head in approval. "It's not often I see a dress that fits someone so well. Yes, this is perfect. Quickly! Take it off, we have much to accomplish today.

I groan for the umpteenth time today, but follow her orders.

Hours later, Alice had dragged me all around the mall in search for heels, jewelry, and a heavy shawl for the fall weather. By the time we emerged from the shopping center, the sun was low in the sky, and casting out hues of orange and purple.

"Are you going to explain to me why you just spent hours buying me an entire outfit and wouldn't let me pay for any of it? Geez Alice, at this rate I'm going to start thinking that you're on a mission to take me out on a date."

"No thank you Bella. I like you as a friend but I am strictly dickly. Besides, can you imagine the catastrophe that was ensure if we were more than friends?"

We both share a heavy laugh at this.

Afterwards, we drive in relative silence until we arrived at an upscale hotel slightly outside of downtown. I give Alice a questionable look to which she returns with one of indifference before hopping out of the vehicle. I stare in relative awe at the high ceilings, grand chandelier, pillars, and intricate design on the plush carpet. I'm not ignorant to the life of luxury, I make more than enough to enjoy things like this, but I have never used my money outside of modest purchases.

"Checking in for Isabella." Alice addresses the man at the front desk. His eyes flicker between the two of us, as if he were deciding if we were together as friends or lovers. I blush and look away. He goes to grab the room card and slides it to Alice with a brief description of policies, and how the room should be left when we are done with it. Alice thanks him, and leads me to the elevator. When I spare a backwards glance at him he gives me a knowing look and a wink.

We say nothing on the way up until the elevator dings to let us know we arrived on the twelfth floor.

"Seriously, what the hell is going on?" I decide to break the silence by asking the same question I've been pursuing the answer for all afternoon.

"Bella," Alice whines. "Why can't you just allow yourself to be surprised? Geez, the more you ask the more you make me want to tell you just to shut you up. Which I will not do," she quickly adds when she sees me contemplate if I could annoy her into telling me. Without waiting, she slips the card into the lock and open the hotel room.

As expected, it was huge, and clearly expensive.

"You know how much I hate surprises. I would much rather just be told what's happening instead of being left in the dark this entire time."

Alice's eyes fly open with mirth as she attempts to hide a smile behind her hand. "Oh trust me, I know about your adversity to surprises, or anything exciting in general."

I swat at her playfully.

"Anyway," she continues, "get dressed with the clothes we bought today. I also stole your makeup pouch so go ahead and touch up that pretty little face of yours, and then I want you to curl your hair real nice. Got all that?"

I nod in agreement.

"Great!" She chirps. "After you're done with all of that meet me on the rooftop at table five for your surprise."

She turns promptly on her heel and gives me a goodbye wave before she closes the door. I roll my eyes at the silliness of it all, but begin to shimmy out of my clothes for the second time today. The dress fits me as snug as it did when I was in the store. In the bathroom, I apply a light layer of foundation, concealer, eyeliner, then do a couple quick swipes with the mascara wand. After some debating, I decide to go with a bold red lipstick. Grabbing the curling wand that had been heating up during my makeup application, I begin the process of spiral curling my hair.

Back in the room I apply my jewelry. I stand in front of the mirror to fret and smooth down nonexistent wrinkles and imperfections before I'm satisfied with my outward appearance. I leave the room, slipping the card key into the little handbag I got today, and take the elevator to the top floor. I am greeted by a high class restaurant when the doors chime open. Releasing a low whistle I walk up to the young hostess.

"Hi, I believe I have a reservation at table five?"

"Oh of course Ms. Swan, please follow me this way."

I am led to the back part of the restaurant and out onto the veranda and the view of downtown Seattle is spectacular. The hostess smile and points me to the only table out here, and leaves. I thank her politely before turning to said table to greet Alice. To my surprise, however, it was none other than Rosalie. When she sees me she moves from her seat to pull out mine and gestures for me to sit. Numbly, I follow the wordless instruction.

Once we were both seated I am better able to look at her. Her hair was pulled up into a messy, yet sophisticated bun. She wore no makeup but under the dim ambiance of the restaurant her normally light green eyes had deepened in color and sparkled with mirth. I allow my eyes to dip a little lower only to notice how dangerously low cut the top of her dress was. The milky skin was on fully display while giving me just a tease of the pillowy flesh the lie underneath.

A hot blush spreads like wildfire across my cheeks when I can't control the thoughts of last night dream popping up on me. I bit the inside of my cheek hard to try to anchor myself back to the situation at hand. When I look back up Rosalie is studying me with a look of smug amusement.

"I think you look stunning as well." She responds before taking a small sip of the red wine the server had poured for us. I groan internally knowing that I was caught practically drooling over her.

"Ah, thank you," I manage to sputter out. "You'll have to excuse my lack of grace, this just caught me completely off guard."

"I wanted to surprise you. I think we can both agree that you have had a really tough year with everything that has been going on." She pauses to take another sip of wine. "I figured this was the least I could do for your birthday." Rosalie shrugs slightly and gauges my reaction which I'm sure looked mostly slack jawed. Her face crumples a little. "Unless you don't like it? Did I go overboard?"

I mentally kick myself when her face morphs to one of slight fear. It was just hours ago I had accused her of forgetting my birthday when it turns out, she had the whole day planned. "No absolutely not! I'm just not used to anyone remembering my birthday, and then even going to such lengths to do something so nice and considerate. I really appreciate it."

"People don't remember your birthday?"

"Uh well," I backpedal when I see that brief expression of rage flicker through her eyes. "I mean of course Alice does and sometimes will take me out for it."

"And Jacob?"

I flinch a little at his name; a movement that does not go unnoticed under Rosalie's watchful gaze. "He was always terrible with dates," I shrug in an attempt to excuse his actions. "He would barely remember when out anniversary was. That's just how it was between us."

Rosalie shakes her head in disgust. She seems to want to speak more on the subject but she chooses instead to stare intently at her menu. Her action confuses me because she normally never keeps anything to herself. As a therapist she, of course, had to be careful with what she said, but in private I found that she was actually quite blunt with her wording. Not that I minded, I much preferred people who were able to speak their minds.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ruin the mood," I apologize while looking sheepishly to my menu to avoid eye contact.

I feel, rather than see, her head snap back up. "Don't ever apologize you've done nothing wrong. Look at me Isabella." I raise my gaze to meet hers. "I don't completely understand what happened between Jacob and yourself and I'm not going to push you for details. But what I do know is that you will never have to worry about those things when you with me." She studies me with an intense expression before softening it and letting a small smile grace her elegant features.

"Thank you Rosalie."

We stay quiet for quite a while to decide what we were going to order. Once decided, she flags down our server.

"So about your house, what are you going to do about it?"

I scrunch my eyebrows in confusion. "I'm not sure I understand the question?"

"You've been staying with me and paying mortgage on your house at the same time. I know that Jacob had agreed to give you the property, so what are you thinking about doing with it?" Rosalie explains patiently.

I mouth a silent 'o'. "I haven't really given much thought into it actually. I mean, I can't stay at your home forever so I'll need to go back eventually." The thought of actually going back to that house makes me internally groan. At this particular point, more bad than good memories have been made in that home. And if I were being completely honest, I didn't want to go back to living alone.

Rosalie shakes her head lightly causing a few strands of hair slip out of her bun. She moves to place it behind her ear and I watch with intense focus. Briefly, the thought of placing it back for her passes my mind and I resist the urge to do just that. Luckily for me, the server arrives with our meals and I eagerly begin to cut into my steak.

Rosalie speaks again shortly after her first few bites of her entree. "I don't want to push you to do, say, or think anything. But I don't think that's a good place for you to go back to. May I offer some advice?"

I nod.

"You could sell the home and stay with me. You have been doing so well under my care. You're color is returning, your weight, your happiness. I would hate to see you become so down again. Besides, I enjoy your company. It's been awfully nice coming home to a clean house and a delicious meal."

"Oh so you're using me for a good meal?"

"But of course," she quips back playfully, seeming to never miss a beat. We share a light laugh over the joke. I chew on my meal thoughtfully. It wasn't a bad idea what she was proposing but I wasn't sure I wanted to make such a big step. Selling the house was a permanent decision. Living full time with Rosalie was a permanent decision. Both of which I was still unsure If I wanted to do or not. I mull these thoughts over while I continue to work on my dinner.

After a pregnant pause I answer her advice. "I agree that selling the house is a good idea; now that I'm single I really don't need all that space and it does tend to bring up the more somber side of me. On the other hand, I've been a grown woman for quite some time so while your offer is particularly pleasing to hear, I still think it's a good idea for me to still have a place of my own."

Rosalie furrows her eyebrows but nods her head in agreement. "Yes I suppose you do bring up a valid point."

I poke the food around on my plate for a few minutes thinking over what I wanted to say next. "Yeah I think that would be the best course of action. But, maybe I can get a place that's really close to yours so I can visit often? Or you can if you would like. I would even give you a key if you want it."

At the prospect of seeing me on a more frequent basis I notice the blondes expression change to one of pure delight. "I would love that."

I return her bright smile with one of my own.

The rest of the dinner went well, with me sneaking glances at the milky expanse of skin that lay below of course. We chatted idly about lighter topics like my work and relationship with Alice. She seemed to be pointedly avoid bringing up his name or mentioning anything about the divorce. Of that, I was appreciative. Soon we were well into an hour on our dinner and were ordering desert. I was also beginning my fifth glass of wine while Rosalie finished modestly at her second and was now drinking water.

We were giggling about a corny joke that we had heard on when I noticed it.

It was small. Like, a really small piece of chocolate from the cake we were sharing, and it was right at the corner of her lip. Normally, this would not have been an issue. But this was the Rosalie Hale we were talking about here. A woman who was hardly ever not immaculately put together. Although my head was beginning to swim, I was firm in my resolve that someone had to do something about this little bit of chocolate. I think tirelessly trying to figure out how to tell the blonde about it without breaking her from her current conversation. Just flat out saying seemed to be too rude.

So, I went for the next best option.

"Isabella what are you,"

In one swift movement I had stood up from my chair and leaned over far enough so that our faces were nearly touching. Before she could object to the close proximity I flicked my tongue out and licked the offending dessert off.

I sit back in my seat smiling smugly at my little achievement. Rosalie's face morphed from one of absolute surprise to something else I couldn't quite pinpoint. It was a look I haven't seen cross her features in a long time yet months later I am once again confronted with the look that made my lower stomach coil.

She stayed quite letting her dark eyes roam about my face before closing them slowly. When she re-opened them the passion of the expression was gone, replaced with something akin to desire. "I think we should head home now; it's getting late and I've sobered up enough to safely drive.

Relieved that the intense look had passes from her features I bob my head enthusiastically, more than ready to head home and lay my spinning head to rest.

Rosalie pays for our bill shortly after that, with a little protesting from me, before we take the elevator down to the lobby. Rosalie directs me to stand still while she goes out and retrieves the car. I nod in understanding and plop down unceremoniously on the nearest arm chair. I was alone in my thoughts for only a few moments when I was approached.

"Hi, fancy meeting you here."

I snap my head up in the direction of the feminine voice to be greeted by a gorgeous woman. She was around Rosalie's height with curly strawberry blonde hair that reached to her mid back. Her perfectly symmetrical face showcased two brilliantly hazel eyes, with a dazzlingly white smile. I reach out to shake her outstretched hand. She wore a silk dark blue top that was v-shaped all the way down to the waistband of her pencil black skirt. The top, bordering on being too skimpy for an upscale place, left and ample amount of skin to be shown.

"It appears that you like what you see?" I blush and looked away immediately but her tinkling laugh reigned my attention back to her.

"It's ok, no need to be embarrassed. My name is Tanya it's a pleasure to meet you Ms. Swan. My father and yours used to do business together before his passing." She explains when a look a confusion mars my face at the acknowledgement of my name.

"Oh I had no idea. It's a pleasure to meet you as well." I attempt to say this as professionally as possible but I could hear the words slurring before they even left my mouth. In hindsight, drinking that much when I was a world renowned lightweight was probably not the smartest decision I've ever made. Tanya doesn't seem to mind however, and her smile instead grows in understanding.

"I see you are here celebrating for the night! Are you with someone?" At the question her eyes do a quick sweep of my body before reconnecting with my eyes with a lustful expression.

I lick my now dry lips.

"Uh yeah, today is actually my birthday. My friend Rosalie, actually brought me here."

"Rosalie? Rosalie Hale?"

I bob my head in acknowledgement.

Now it was here turn to lick her already glossy lips. "Impressive. I've been trying to bark up that tree for years. Was almost successful at it too. I got her into bed once or twice, but it was pretty short lived after that. But you? You're definitely her type."

Woah.

Wait.

Huh?

In bed? Her type? My brain goes into overdrive trying to make sense of the information the strawberry blonde had just shared with me.

"Is Rosalie gay?" My eyes widen in surprise when the thought skips the filter and comes straight out of my mouth. Tanya looks at me confused but opens her mouth to answer before we are both interrupted by the sound of heels clicking on the marble floor. I whip my head around to see an annoyed looking Rosalie approach us. Her eyes dance between Tanya and I before finally settling on hers.

"Tanya," she greets tightly.

"Ah Rosalie it's great seeing you again! By chance I ran into your g-" Rosalie hold up one hand to silence her while simultaneously giving the strawberry blonde one of the deadliest looks I have ever seen. As if there were having a silent conversation between themselves, Tanya's mouth suddenly forms an 'o' shape before nodding her head in understanding.

"Well, it was nice meeting you Ms. Swan, I'm sure we'll be seeing each other around." She winks at me before turning on her heel and swaying away. Once she was out of earshot I turn then to Rosalie prepared with an armory of questions. But what I see stops the words on my tongue.

I notice that Rosalie is actually very wet. Her once neat hair was now plastered to the sides of her face with a steady stream of water dripping from the ends. But most noticeable of all was how suddenly see-through the material of her dress was. Underneath I could tell that she had skipped any form of a bra leaving her chest clearly visible with nipples that were protesting the drop in temperature. Further down I could see the lacey thong her had decided to adorn today. I wanted to look away or say something, but my eyes and mind were rooted to the sight.

Rosalie studies me with confusion before following my gaze and realizing exactly what I was looking at. She makes no immediate move to cover herself and instead stares at me with an almost daring look. Or perhaps that was the wine thinking for me. Either way, I manage to gather up what little self-restraint I had and look away.

"You'll have to excuse my wardrobe malfunction it is pouring rain outside and I had to trach down the bellhop. If you will?"

Rosalie offers me her free hand and I dumbly take it as I allow her to guide me the car she parked right outside the door. Once in, she grabs a sweatshirt that was in the backseat and pulls it on. The drove back to her place was done almost completely in silence aside from the murmuring of the radio.

This is also the first chapter I didn't do a line break in. Breaking all types of personal goals today. Tanya doesn't get much screen time so I'm going to take her character and do as I wish to it.

I actually love the BellaxTanya pairing I may tackle that after this story. What are your favorite twilight femmeslash pairings?

Until next time.