A/N: Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight. No copyright infringement is intended.

Story is all human. Characters do tend to be out of character on occasion as well.

WARNING: This chapter does contain mature content.

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Chapter 13: Preparations

BPOV

After leaving Emmett in the garage I all but ran to my room. I should have expected to see Alice, but her presence startled me as much as Emmett's had. "ALICE! Oh my God! You scared the shit out of me!"

She smiled and laughed. "C'mon Bella… You couldn't think I'd just let you run in here and not explain yourself…"

Alice was right. I did owe her an explanation, I just wasn't sure if I was quite ready yet. I sighed deeply. "Ok. So what do you wanna know?" I knew exactly what she wanted to know, but was really hoping she'd go easy on me.

"Why don't we start with why you felt the need to borrow my favorite car?" She raised her perfectly shaped eyebrow.

I inhaled deeply, held it for a moment and then released. "Well… the last thing I remember the other night was watching some movie and then after that… I was having some amazing dream about Emmett, but he rejected me for Rosalie. Which ok, yeah I know why I was having that dream. Anyway, then I felt better, loved, cradled. It was the most comforting feeling I've ever had. Suddenly I felt desolate. I woke and searched the room. I was in my room and there was Emmett. He was walking out the door. I don't know what possessed me but I screamed no at him. Honestly Alice, I'm amazed you didn't hear me."

She smiled a bit. "Oh you know, when I'm out I'm out." She shrugged but also blushed just a bit. Yeah I know what she was 'out' doing at that moment. "Continue…" Alice was always persistent.

"Ok, so I asked him to stay. Well demanded it really. He practically ran to my side and began to fuss over me. Asking me what was wrong. I almost told him then. I really wanted to, but I just couldn't do that to him. His happiness is far more important than my own. So I just told him it was nothing… that it was just a bad dream." I sighed again remember how much I wanted him to know. "I told him it was ok to go, that it was getting late but he insisted he wouldn't be sleeping much anyway. I knew full well I wouldn't be going back to sleep… so we decided to watch a movie." I stopped talking for a minute to simply think, to remember the moment.

"So watching a movie gave you the sudden urge to borrow my car?" Her face was skeptical and she knew there was more.

"No Alice. That wouldn't drive me to 'borrow' a car and drive over one hundred miles per hour toward an unknown destination…" I gave her a harsh look before continuing. "…but Emmett kissing me and me coming to my senses will."

Alice audibly gasped this time. "H-he WHAT?!" She was screeching now. I really really didn't want the guys to hear this conversation, that would be mortifying.

"SHHH Alice!" I hissed and waited for her to confirm she had calmed down. "Yes, he kissed me. It's kinda a long story how that happened but he did. I kissed him back and honestly Alice, I could have all freaking night! But I had to think. Once we broke the kiss I just stared at him. I memorized everything about him before deciding I couldn't do this to him. I couldn't take away any chance he had with Rosalie or some other worthy girl. I'm not that girl Alice. I'm not going to be that selfish. It may kill me but I will let him go… for his own sake." At this point the tears had begun falling down my face.

Alice wrapped her arms around me and held me close. "Bella, what makes you think it's not you he wants?" Her voice was low and sincere.

I sniffed a bit. "How could he want me when he could have her? I mean c'mon Alice. Look at me." I motioned with my arms showing off my lack of beauty. "I'm nothing compared to her. He deserves to have someone who he can show off, someone who looks perfect next to him because he is perfect Alice. I won't take that from him."

Her head just shook. "Bella, you don't see yourself all that clearly now do you? I talked to Emmett. According to him he's so not interested in Rosalie and feels just awful about this whole mess. I think he loves you Bella. I really do."

Now it was my turn to shake my head. "Alice, I've already decided. I'm not chasing him. I won't do it to him. Not now not ever. He deserves more than me and I won't stand in the way of that. Please, just help me be friends with him. No more planning no more chasing. I just want things back to how they were before… before this whole fucked up mess." I was sobbing fully now and I'm guessing that's why she let the topic drop.

"Shh Bella. I promise, no more chasing. We'll step out now. Just be friends. But know that you're making a mistake. I know you think you're right but I think you're making a huge mistake. I won't step in anymore, but please, for everyone's sake, think about your choice."

I promised her but knew deep down I wouldn't even bother thinking about it. I had already made up my mind. Emmett and I were friends, nothing more.

APOV

She cried out every last tear before falling into a troubled sleep. I knew she was wrong. I could see how Emmett loved her. It wasn't right to let her just give up, but Bella was Bella and she had made up her mind. Stubborn shit if I'd ever known one. This just meant Emmett would have to work twice as hard. He needed to prove to her she was all he ever wanted. I'll bring that up with him soon. For now, just let her sleep.

I tucked Bella in under the covers and left her to dream. I backed out of her room taking caution to close the door lightly. When I turned around I could see a very troubled Emmett sitting on the floor across from her room. I motioned for him to follow me.

We went to his room. Sitting on his bed I motioned for him to sit next to me. "Well, I'm guessing you heard all that." He didn't even speak, just simply nodded. "She's pretty messed up in the head Em. I don't know what you could do to fix this, but you've gotta do something."

He sighed and then began pacing. Soon after, he began ranting. "How could she think she was anything less than Rosalie?! Shit, Bella is perfect. She's the most loving, kind, caring, fun, gorgeous woman I have ever known! How could she doubt herself?!" The pacing continued as he worked through things in his own way. Then a sudden change. He became angry. "How could she doubt me!?! Doesn't she believe me when I tell her how remarkable she really is?" His eyes were blazing with fury but also pained with the heartache he was feeling.

"Emmett, it's not that she doubts you. She just worries that you will do anything to keep the peace between friends. She doesn't think she deserves you and that's an internal issue with Bella. You know how she can get. It has nothing to do with her not trusting or believing you. She just wants what is best for you and in her eyes that's a girl like Rosalie. It's not your fault, it's her messed up head. Which is just another reason we love her… even when she's being stupid."

He growled and ran his hands through is hair. "This is awful Alice. What can I do? I mean, she's still going to the ball with Edward isn't she? She's still going to push me toward Rosalie isn't she? I can't handle that. I think I'll lose it seeing her with him again."

It was my turn to be harsh. "Emmett, you will deal with it. She won't' cancel her date with him for the ball. She has assured me she is taking him as a friend only. She's even told him that. As for the Rosalie situation, I think you are right. You need to stay as far away from her as possible. This year I think it's best if you fly solo to the ball. It'll accomplish one major objective. You'll prove to both Rosalie and Bella that you are not interested in Rose." I thought for a moment. Rose and I were becoming friends. She had seemed like a very nice person, but I also didn't want her near my brother. I also noticed how much Bella and Edward had in common. I wouldn't want to break up that friendship.

"Em, I think we can all be friends. Rose, Edward and the rest of our group. I think it'll take time, but they seem to fit. So for my sake, please try and play nice. By all means, stay the hell away from Rosalie. But play nice with Edward. I just have this feeling that we'll be great friends in the future and I don't want to mess that up."

EmPOV

WHAT?! Alice honestly thought that Edward and Rosalie would be great additions to our foursome? Shit. I wanted to yell, scream, shout NO, but I knew Alice. When she had these 'feelings' they just happened. No questions asked. I sighed in resignation. "Ok Alice. Just for you I will play nice. But I want it understood, if Rosalie is here I do not want her near me. Nor do I want her left roaming the house alone. She must have you or Bella or Jasper with her at all times." No way in hell did I want her jumping me in the shower or something. "And… I want advanced notice before she comes over. I mean at least an hour or more."

Alice nodded in agreement. "So, what do we do about our dear Bella?" She asked. I really didn't have the answer. I couldn't chase her because she would run. I couldn't push her away because I would lose her forever. I would have to do what she wanted and just be friends. I could do that. I had to do that. Maybe in time she'll figure out she was all I ever wanted, needed.

"We play it her way. I'll be friends… for now."

JPOV

Alice returned to our room rather late. I had long been asleep when she crawled into bed next to me. I felt her arms wrap around me. It was rather cute when she tried spooning with me this way, no way in hell her short body could wrap around mine. I grinned and rolled so I was facing her. "Hey baby. I missed you." I pulled her to my lips and kissed her softly.

Kissing Alice had always been electrifying. I felt as though currents were running through every piece of my body. Some people say this happens on their first kiss and then dwindles with time. With Alice, I have to say it just grew. Each time kissing her was more intense. I pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. Her tongue traced my bottom lip begging for entrance to my mouth. I complied and moaned as her tongue danced with mine. She was perfection.

Out tongues moved in synchronization as her beautiful hands wandered up and down my body. My need for her was growing. I moaned in her mouth. I could feel her smile on my lips. "You want me baby?" She asked teasingly as her hand caressed my now solid cock. I could only moan and nod in response. The desire was building and I knew I couldn't hold out much longer.

"Aaallicee… I need…" another moan escaped my lips. "you…" With that she rolled on top of me, one knee on each side. Alice looked down at me. Her eyes were dark with lust and love. God I love this woman. She was beautiful in all her glory. She knew I wanted her, needed her, but Alice loved to taunt me.

She ground her hips against mine eliciting yet another deep moan. "Tell me what you want baby… tell me so I can give it to you." She spoke softly, seductively as she continued moving her hips. My already burning desire increased tenfold as her hips ground down on my throbbing cock. She knew this drove me wild. My hips bucked up toward hers, silently showing her what I wanted. "Ah ah Jazzy baby… I wanna hear you say it. Tell me what you want darling…"

It took everything in me to respond in a semi-coherent manner. "Baby, I want you to fuck me… NOW!" I screamed the last word through clenched teeth as her hands toyed with my nipples. Her nails were running up and down my bare chest. I watched her sexy smile grow across her face as she moved down my body. Her finger nails tracing my entire body. Scratching ever so lightly down my torso. Down to the waist of my boxers. She looked up at me as she slid my boxers off, slowly. Painfully slow…

APOV

There I stood at the end of our bed, his boxers in hand. I watched him watch me remove them. I loved to play with him like that. Toying with him before giving him everything he wanted. In truth I would do anything for this man. I loved him so very much. I just stood there, staring that essence of beauty. Yes, a man can be beautiful and mine was the most beautiful man I had ever seen.

"Alice, please…" He begged. I couldn't hold out much longer. I smiled down at him and slowly removed my shirt, exposing my now solid nipples. I heard him moan again. I removed my panties and began crawling my way back to Jasper.

My mouth was now directly over Jaspers throbbing manhood. Oh this is perfect. I opened my mouth and took in every inch of him. This time we both moaned. He tasted so good, but I had other plans. I ran my tongue up and down him a few times and then pulled him from my mouth. I flicked my tongue over the tip several times before moving further up his body. Kissing every inch of him on my way. I took his nipple in my mouth, traced it with my tongue before gently biting down on it. I smiled as he moaned deep within his chest.

Finally I made it to his mouth. He kissed me with such hunger. I assaulted his mouth with mine as I straddled his manhood. I was positioned perfectly for his entrance into me. Without breaking our kiss I lowered myself down onto him. I sighed and as always the love I felt for him brought tears to my eyes. Our kisses moved from hungry, lustful to pure love. I just sat there for a moment, kissing him, letting my body adjust to his size.

Breaking the kiss, I let my hips begin to move. My head fell back as I moaned. Jasper brought his hands to my breasts, teasing each of my nipples. I love the feel of Jasper inside me, there was nothing better in the world. Nothing more perfect. When we were together it was like time simply stood still. I never want this to end. And in truth I knew we'd be together forever.

My stomach began to tighten as I quickened my pace. I knew it wouldn't be long. We were both moaning loudly at this point. He brought his hands between us and began rubbing my clit. I ground against his hand while riding him. He knew this would make me come. "Oh Jasper. God. You feel so good… mmmm." I was nearly beyond coherent sentences.

"Come for me baby. Come for my while riding my cock." Jasper's fingers worked my clit and then he pinched down on the bundle of nerves. This skyrocketed me over the top. My walls clenched hard down on him pulling him over the edge with me. I collapsed into his embrace. He kissed the top of my head and whispered "I love you" before I fell into a deep sleep.

BPOV

With the moaning coming from Alice's room I had a rough night of sleep. I secretly thanked God when they both finally climaxed so I could sleep. Once I fell asleep I dreamt of Emmett again but couldn't quite remember the dream when I woke the next morning.

I stretched as the sun crept through my window. Uggh, I hate mornings. I never really was a fan of early mornings, which just made school that much harder for me. I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and headed for the shower. I started the shower and adjusted the temperature. Then I turned to the mirror and glared at my pitiful reflection. Yep. That's why we're doing this. You are much too plain, simple for Emmett. He deserves better. Yeah, I know. We discussed this in depth yesterday. I glared for a moment more before the steam overtook the mirror. Stepping into the shower I thought I heard someone in my room but ignored it. It was probably just Alice after all.

The hot water felt wonderful flowing over my sore muscles. Who knew driving all day could give you sore muscles? I just stood there for a few minutes letting the water wash away all the sorrow and pain. I couldn't let anyone see how much this hurt. I knew they would insist on making it better but didn't want anyone sacrificing for me. After washing my hair I stepped from the shower and wrapped the giant white towel around my body. I grabbed the other towel and dried my hair. I wasn't going to put too much effort into my look for the day. I finished towel drying my hair and headed toward the bedroom.

There on my bed was a tray of food. Eggs, bacon and toast as well as some fruit and juice. What the hell? Who was in here? I knew it couldn't be Alice… I mean really the girl was much better at shopping than cooking. No way would Jasper make breakfast for me in bed... That left Emmett. Now this is odd. I went to the tray and sure enough there was a note.

Bella-

I know things have been weird between us. I don't want to lose you…ever. I'll be a better friend, I promise. Please forgive me? Friends?

-Emmett.

My heart soared for a moment and then sank again. Yes this was what I wanted, for him. But at the same time it hurt like hell that he wanted it too. I smiled and decided to track down my friend.

EmPOV

I knew leaving breakfast for Bella was risky. I didn't want her to think I was pushing her away but I also couldn't do anything more otherwise she'd run again. Breakfast seemed almost harmless. I was sitting in my room after my shower, half dressed when my cell started ringing. Who the hell? It's what? 6:30? I glanced at the caller id and my heart raced.

Bella.

"Hello." I answered, hoping my voice sounded normal. My heart continued to race in anticipation of her voice on the other end.

"EMMETT!" She screamed into the phone. "Please come in here…" She didn't sound angry, she sounded almost… excited?

"Sure Bells, I'll be right there." I flipped the phone shut and headed toward her room.

I tapped lightly on the door and Bella flung it open. She jumped into my arms, wrapping hers around my neck. Then she kissed me lightly on my check. There was hope. With a single friendly kiss there was renewed hope for Bella and I.

"I take it you liked the breakfast?" I raised an eyebrow and look down at her. She was smiling. She released her grip on my neck and grabbed my hand leading me to her bed. Bella motioned for me to sit next to her.

"I loved it Emmett. I want you to know I'm always your friend. You're one of my three best friends. Besides, there's nothing to forgive." She shrugged and patted my hand. "So as a peace offering, I'd like to share breakfast before school." Her eyes were sparkling and it took everything in me not to kiss her again.

"Of course Bells. I'm just glad we're talking again." We ate together before getting ready for school. I knew it would be tough, but somehow I would show Bella just how special she is to me. Just how much I loved her. It would take time, but Bella and I would be together forever, if she'd have me.

APOV

We all rode to school with Emmett. It seemed he and Bella had made peace between them and I was truly happy. I hoped Bella would come to her senses and see how much she meant to Emmett. Jasper and I would stay out of it. We would not interfere in any way. What would be would be, no questions asked.

The next few days passed quickly. I had a party to plan and it seemed there weren't enough hours in the day. Thank God I had Jasper and the group to help me out with the party. It was our party, but in reality they just let me run with it. They were there to help in any way, but didn't really want any part of the overall planning. It did help that Rosalie had come to Forks.

Things were awkward at lunch. Emmett was not speaking to Rosalie, but I wanted her help with our party. She was great at design and planning. It was like she had done this a time or two. Much to Emmett's disliking, I recruited her help as soon as I realized she had a party planning talent. Emmett had agreed to let me befriend Rosalie but laid down some serious rules. He wanted nothing to do with her. That meant I had to keep her out of his car, away from him at lunch and at home. She wasn't allowed at our house without an escort and he must have advanced notice. Those were tough conditions, but I knew they were there for good reason.

Friday approached much too quickly. Rosalie and I were heading to Port Angeles to pick up the finishing touches for the ball. She had agreed to drive and would pick me up after school. I was hoping Emmett wouldn't throw a fit about me running off with Rosalie so of course I waited until the last minute to tell him.

Emmett, Jasper and Bella were all in the jeep waiting for me. "C'mon Alice. We need to go!" Emmett bellowed from across the parking lot. "Seriously! Jaz and I have some gaming to do!" Bella just laughed at the boys. I was so happy to see her smile around Emmett again.

"Yeah, Umm… I'm going to head out with Rose." I informed him as I walked up to the jeep. "We've got stuff to do in Port Angeles." I turned to Bella. "Bella, you can come if you want…" I was hoping she would come along. She and Rose could be friends if they tried. She just shook her head no. "Ok, soo you'll be able to handle these two boys for the night? Make sure no one gets into trouble?"

Bella laughed. "Yeah, I can handle it. I'll call Charlie when I get back to your house. He knows it's the ball this weekend so I'm sure he won't mind. You two have fun." She tried to smile but it didn't really reach her eyes. I went around the jeep to her side.

Pulling her into a hug and whispering in her ear, "you know you'll always be my best friend, Rose is just another friend. No worries Bella." She hugged me tighter and whispered thank you in return. What a silly girl. So insecure. Like I could forget all those years in just a matter of a week? Whatever. Silly Bella.

I kissed Jasper and waved goodbye as Rosalie pulled up next to me.

RPOV

The week was interesting to say the least. Edward did nothing but talk about Bella. I swear if he didn't shut up soon I was going to beat him to a pulp. Then there was Emmett. He spent the entire week acting as though I didn't exist at all. By Friday I was so angry with him I could have screamed. My saving grace was Alice. She and I had become decent friends.

I pulled up in my convertible. "Ready to go Ali?" I asked as I pulled my sunglasses down. Hopefully Emmett would notice. Regardless of his atrocious behavior over the week, I still wanted him in my bed. To my dismay he looked the other way and started backing out of his parking space.

Alice jumped in and we were off. Thank God she enjoyed driving as fast as I did. The trip to Port Angeles took half as long as it had with Emmett driving. "So are you ready for the ball tomorrow Rose? I'm so excited! You'll love it. Thank you so much for helping!!" The little pixie must have had some sugar or caffeine during the day, she was jumping up and down in her seat.

"Calm down girl. Of course I'm ready. We've just got a few things to pick up and then we'll be finished." She smiled and seemed to calm a bit. "What time are we meeting at your house?"

"I'd say why don't you come over after breakfast? We've got a ton of shit to do so it'll be nice to have you around." Excellent. I would be able to see Emmett all day. My thoughts swirled with how I could seduce Emmett. Then Alice's voice intruded. "Umm, Rose. I need you to do something for me tomorrow." She looked nervous.

"What's that?" I asked. Maybe she wants you to do her hair or something.

"You need to stay away from Emmett."

EPOV

The week passed much too quickly for me, with exception of Monday. Monday without Bella was awful. I had so wanted to see her in Calculus with me. When she didn't show, my heart sank. The melody in my head ceased and I fell into an odd disheartened mood. Then came Tuesday and so with it my muse.

We spent the week working together in calculus and then chatting at lunch. I loved getting to know her. Her friends all seemed ok with this. Emmett even talked to me a couple of times. That surprised me but it was kind of nice feeling welcome. It would make getting with Bella that much easier.

Now it was Friday and I wanted so badly to hang out with Bella. Maybe take her to dinner or a movie. When I asked her at lunch she told me it wasn't possible. She would be getting ready for the ball tomorrow and needed some rest. Still, watching her drive off with Emmett and Jasper irked me just a bit. The only thing that kept me from being totally pissed was the fact I would be her date tomorrow.

Tomorrow would bring the beginning of mine and Bella's more 'personal' relationship. She would be mine, without question. I would use my time away from her to plan my seduction. She would cave, they all did. Never a question in my mind, I knew it was just a matter of time. Yes, I'll use tonight to plan tomorrow night.

After I finished my planning, I decided it was time to call Bella. I had been calling her each night to say good night and wish her sweet dreams. It was only about 9:00 pm but she had assured me it would be an early night for her. Besides, I just couldn't go any longer without hearing her sweet voice.

The phone rang several times before she answered. "Hello…" She said slightly out of breath. "Emmett… stop… I'm on the phone! Seriously!!" "Sorry about that Edward. How are you?"

What in the hell? What was Emmett doing to make her laugh like that? She's not yours yet Cullen. Calm down man. Whatever. "Hi Bella. I just wanted to say good night before you went off to bed. I know you've got a busy day tomorrow so I didn't want to wake you after you fell asleep." I smiled, good boy Edward had come out to play.

"Thanks Edward. That's really sweet. I'm about to head off to bed. I've been put in charge of these two knuckleheads tonight. They've been a handful." She laughed and it sounded like she threw something at one of them.

"Well sweet dreams Bella. Call me in the morning and let me know when you want me there. I can help with whatever before the ball." You play the nice boy well Cullen. Yes, well I really do like this girl…

"Sure thing Edward… Emmett STOP! Gah. I'll be right there. Hey I've gotta go. Thanks for calling. I'll see ya tomorrow." And with that she hung up. Of course I felt betrayed and more than angry. I had no reason to, after all she and Emmett were just friends. Rosalie had Emmett in her sights and she always got what she wanted.

I knew the ball would be a turning point in our relationship. I was sure to make Bella mine. It was just a matter of time.