Bullet of Love Chapter 14: Party Planner, a twilight fanfic

AN: In my defense, out of my 8 classes the lowest grade I got was a 95 so I am very proud of myself and I appreciate those of you who are still with this story.

LISTEN: There are songs in this chapter. This chapter is when Bella really starts to get attached and learns things about herself and how people view her so when a song is introduced, it would be wise to find it and listen so you can get a feel of it all; I wrote it with the intent that someone would listen to the songs. Thanks! 8-)

Then, Edward did something that shocked me. He went over to my bed, picked it up, went under it, and put the boards back on. He smiled mockingly. "I saved your bed. You're welcome," he said. I just gazed into his red eyes. I couldn't help but get lost in them. They reminded me that he was a murderer but I couldn't look away. It was the cocky grin that made me sneer at him. He was too confident for no reason at all. For a moment, I saw something in his eyes. It was his eyes that only kept me looking. His mouth was in a sneery, cocky grin, but his eyes were emotionless. He was putting up a front. He wasn't truly feeling what he was showing me. There was something going on inside of him that made him act this way.

I stared into those eyes and imagined the Edward Volturi I had seen in my dream. I could love that Edward. I could fall in love with that Edward.

And somehow, even when he was emotionless, that Edward was in his eyes.

I couldn't look away, I wouldn't.

14. Party Planner

"Bella, Jasper and I have a proposition for you," Emmett stated. It was comical the way he sounded like a professional business person, but I kept my giggles in. Apparently, this was serious, or something to the same effect, for Emmett. He was looking at me strangely.

"If you don't want to, Bella, we would understand," Jasper added.

"Well, you better ask me before I flat out tell you no," I warned. They had come into my room, alone- something that hadn't happened since I had arrived here; there was always a large number of Volturi men around- and told me that they wanted to ask me something. I had no clue what it was but they were excited. I had a feeling Jazzy didn't get excited easily so it had to be something.

"We want to throw a party," Emmett started and I just stared, "for Edward."

Oh," was all I said. Why were they bringing this up to me? Was I expected to help? I mean, sure, after the last look we had I felt a spark, but I had decided that it wasn't anything. Edward Volturi could be anything he wanted and do whatever he wanted and I couldn't care less. Right?

"It's gonna be his birthday soon; the day that he was changed, so only vampires are invited," Jasper explained. I nodded.

"So what do you need me for? I am confident that you two can throw one heck of a bash," I began, "and I bet Jazzy will send all kinds of waves of fun to people and Em, you will shake the place with your booming laughter-"

"We were hoping that you would help, actually," Alec said. He had just popped his head inside the door. "Can I come in?"

"Sure, come on." He walked in and took a seat beside me on the floor. We formed a kind of odd circle in the middle of my healing room which had become my permanent room.

"It isn't a surprise party or anything. I mean, everyone knows about it and everyone comes," Alec added, "It's something we do every year because, well, he is-"

"Edward Volturi," I finished. They three nodded. "Again I ask, though, what do you want with me?"

"Well," Jasper looked nervous. It was common knowledge that I didn't like Edward very much. Only Arlene knew of the little fuzzy feeling I got when I looked into Edward's blood-red eyes. The thought made me shiver as Jazz continued, "We were hoping that, well, you would help us?"

"Um-"

"Look, we know you don't like Edward much, but the vampire who threw the party last year messed the whole thing up; it was a disaster, and the guests who were supposed to be invited weren't and they were… disposed of," Alec said. I knew what he meant; that person was probably ashes right now.

"And we suggested that we could do it this year, but there is a problem," Jasper said.

"And what would that be?"

"We don't know how to throw a party. Well, Emmett knows but can you see him doing the whole thing by himself? We discussed it, Alec, Emmett, and I, and we thought that you seem like the kind of person who could throw a party, Bella. So, will you help? Please?" Jasper asked. No, it was more like he was begging. I looked at the three of them and my walls fell down. I had to help.

"I will help you," I started. Emmett jumped from his spot on the floor and gave me a big hug. "But," I continued, "I don't want anyone to know that I was involved. I don't like attention," I added.

They just stared at me. "You don't like attention?" Alec asked.

"Not in the least. Why?"

They shared looks with each other and Emmett laughed out, "Bella you are way too pretty not to get attention. How have you existed this long? You must have the spotlight on you all the time." Alec and Jasper nodded.

"Actually, no one ever notices me. I am plain," I shrugged.

"You are not!"

"Bella, you don't see-"

"But you are an angel."

"I am too, I do see, and I am not an angel, Alec, I'm sorry. Now, when is this party?"

"In two days," Emmett shrugged. My eyes bugged out of my head.

"Why would you wait until the last minute to tell me about this? If you wanted my help, all you had to do was ask, but I need a little more warning. My goodness, you guys, two days is not enough to get an awesome party started." I shook my head. If Alice were here, she would be able to do it with no problem, and though I got my interest in parties from her, I was not Alice Cullen.

"Sorry, Bella," they all said. I took a deep breath and we began planning.

"How is the party planning coming?"

"Quite nicely," I replied to Jasper's familiar voice.

"Can I take a peak?" His voice replied. He was standing behind me in the desk chair. I had been sitting here looking over decoration colors for the ballroom where the party would be taking place in only a day. Emmett and I had decided that we would be completely different than any of the other party planners. We wanted to have the best idea of any of the years of parties before this one. I wasn't even sure how "old" Edward would be turning; I didn't care. I was doing this for Em, Jazzy, and Alec.

"Sure." As asked for by me, the only ones of us who knew I was helping with the party planning- meaning that I was doing it all by myself- were me, Alec, Jasper, and Emmett. I liked it better that way. I didn't want anyone thinking that I was doing this for Edward; I wasn't. This was for my friends, for me. "Emmett and I decided that we wouldn't hire a band this year-"

"Wait. Edward's favorite part is when we get a band to play," Jasper informed me. He looked worried.

"It's too late to book someone, Jasper. Besides that is Emmett's job; he is trying to figure out what to do about the music," I said. "You guys should have been working on this for months in advance. I can't believe you have waited this long." I shook my head. Jasper tilted his head up like he got an idea.

"You're right. I will see you later, Bella," and he was gone. Well that was weird.

Party day.

No one knew that I had planned it all, and to be honest, I couldn't believe I had. Arlene had gone out shopping- she didn't think Aro would let me leave- and bought me a gorgeous dark blue number and pumps to match. The dress was sleeveless and stopped an inch above my thigh where it ruffled out. I felt girly and weird wearing it, but I felt sexy, too. I know, weird. She had done my hair into light curls that framed my face and fell down my back, and helped me into the skin-tight dress.

I suddenly missed Alice.

I hadn't seen Jasper since the day before when he had run away. I was starting to feel anxious about it. What was he up to? And since then Emmett had been acting weird towards me.

As I looked around the ballroom, I felt proud. I had done it. The room was beautiful with golden drapery and red lights with black touches and sparkles, and I had managed to keep my involvement silenced. I hadn't gotten the chance to ask Emmett about the music situation, but I felt confident that he had taken care of it; he better have.

The ballroom was full, now, that I could see. I had gone back up to my room to let Arlene finish making me up and I was supposed to arrive "fashionably late" according to her. I was about to make my entrance when she told me to take a different way. I looked at her skeptically but she only said to trust her and I did.

I stepped through the door and found myself with every eye in the room on me. Arlene knew I didn't like attention, and yet she made me the center. I blushed furiously as I descended the staircase. I saw familiar faces, but for the most part I saw strangers. I gulped and my heart-rate sped up. As would be expected, I tripped.

"Watch it," Edward said, but he was smiling as he caught me. "You have every eye in the room on you; you don't want to embarrass yourself now, do you?" I was too shocked to say anything. I just held on to him, feeling the muscles under his dark blue button up shirt. He looked completely sexy with his black pants hanging loosely at his hips. I might have jumped out of his arms had his voice not been laced with actual concern. For a moment, I was a goner to his eyes and I tilted my head to him. As if recognizing his mistake, he let me go. My heartbeat sped up and slowed down.

"Thanks," I whispered.

"Don't mention it. Ever," he added. But I could see that he didn't mind catching me. Or maybe that's what I wanted to think. Was it? Did I want Edward Volturi to want to catch me, to hold me?

No.

"Bella, you look stunning," Rein approached us and I saw Edward stiffen slightly, all traces of concern vanished. Was it me, like Arlene had said? Was it the fact that I was here that made them so cross towards each other? No, it couldn't be. Rein was only a friend. Wasn't he? And I didn't even like Edward that way, or at all, really. Right?

"Um, thanks, Rein, and you look dashing yourself," I added. It couldn't hurt to tell him he looked good, right? He looked amazing. He smiled down at me.

"Stunning? Psht, Rein, she looks totally sexy!" Emmett boomed. My cheeks flushed.

"Hey, Emmett," I said. "Black looks good on you," I added.

"Blue looks amazing on you," Edward whispered so low that I didn't know if I was supposed to hear it. So when I said, "Thanks" he looked like he just got hit with a bus. I blushed badly.

"Bella," Emmett began looking uncomfortable.

"Yes?"

"Is there anything I could do to you that would make you hate me?" he asked. I thought it over and told him that there wasn't anything because he wouldn't do anything like that. "Well, is there anything I could do to you that would make you mad at me?" he asked. I thought about this one, too. I told him maybe, but I couldn't stay mad for long. He smiled. Edward looked confused. Emmett was probably blocking his mind. This couldn't be good, could it?

"In the slight chance that you get upset at me for this, I'm sorry, Bella," Emmett said and he hugged me before running up to the stage and grabbing the mike. Uh, oh.

"Hello, everybody in the house!" he began. I shrank down. Edward and Rein gave me quizzical looks. By this time, Aro, Caius, Marcus, and Phil were walking towards us. What was Emmett doing? "Doesn't this party look amazing, and those decorations?" Man, Emmett could pump a crowd. "Now, Bella told me not to do this," he shot me an apologizing look but continued on.

"No," I whispered. Emmett and Rein, along with those approaching us, and many others around us looked at me. I shrank down further. Attention. I was going to kill Emmett.

"In case any of you are wondering, which you shouldn't be- she is hard to miss- Bella is the hot girl in the blue; the one you all had your eyes on a minute ago." This gained more looks. I was blushing furiously. Emmett was gonna die for good. My eyes bugged out of my head so I closed my eyes. "As you all know, this year's Edward Party is bigger and better than usual. Jasper and I were volunteers," here it comes, "And we asked Bella to help." He looked at me with a grin, now. I glared. "Actually, all this is her doing," he finished and motioned to the decorations hanging up.

"I was assigned to one thing: music," Emmett continued and I could feel many, many pairs of eyes on me, but I didn't pay attention. I could see Edward out of the corner of my eye. "So this year, I decided that I would make a band and a few of us Volturi would play and sing for you!" There was large applause from this and Rein went up to the stage and stood in front of the mike. Wait, he sings? Hot.

"Hey, guys. What's up?! Pump it!" Wow. He was really going to sing. And he could get the crowd to go along with him. He had stage presence. I was entranced. Jasper, Felix, and Jacob- What?- went on the stage and picked up different instruments. Emmett took the mike from Rein and said, "Bella doesn't like attention so we want to dedicate this song to her! We love you, Bella! And then she is going to come up here and sing for you guys! Would you like that?" I dropped my jaw. NO. But the crowd gave the biggest applause yet.

The boys started playing their instruments and Camera Shy by School Boy Humor blared into the room, Rein singing. He looked flustered. I guess this was what Jasper and Emmett had been working on, and no one else knew about it.

There is no hope for you and me
'Cause this long drive might be
The last time I take the wheel
You're not sure how you feel

I think the spotlight
Always gives you stage fright
I wish this all would end right
I wish you would stop
Making my head spin

Over and over
It's over, but what if
We just pretend

You'll play the love
And baby, I'll play the lead
So strike a pose and fake a smile
You're coming with me
I'll strum my guitar
'Cause girl, I know how you are
You're just a little bit camera shy
But you're still a star

This isn't right
You said it takes some time, you know
Let's try again tonight
This fight is getting old

You're young, but old enough to build up
Falling walls and false love
I wish this all would end

The camera's on tonight
We're gonna pick it up slowly
Can I hear your voice
What a perfect story
Can I pick you up
You could be my star
Now the spotlight's on
Move close for the final scene

Rein was really working the crowd, and when the song was over, Emmett jumped from the stage and came to get me. "No," I whispered.

"Please, Bella," he begged. I couldn't say no, however much I wanted to. He walked me to the stage and I got a round of applause. Did they really like me? I hadn't even begun singing yet. "Bella is going to sing a song or two for you guys!" Emmett blared into the mike. "Pick a song," he said to me. I gulped. I racked my brain for a song and found the perfect one. It fit how much I wanted to escape this place, but it also told how much I was starting to like it. Rein gave me the mike and stepped to the side.

"I'm gonna sing The Other Side by Alana Grace," I said into the mike. There was hooting and a girl shouted, "I love that song! You rock, Bella!" I smiled and began.

I found the poison under my skin Creeping in slowly feeding everything
I feel so close yet so far away
Staring at life this prison of sheltering
it's killing me...

I-I-I wanna break free from these walls
And say goodbye-ay-ay to the feelings that I've known before
I try-ay-ay to fight back the urge to hideaway
and let it, let it, let it open my eyes
to the other side

The glass it's breaking, I'm not afraid
The noise it's making is taking my breath away
This water is cold but I'm not alone
And something's moving underneath my feet
it's sinking me...

Ooo-oo
Floating away on a star
Passing through clouds and rose colors
Oh...starting over
I'm never coming down

I...I...I...
I...I...I...

It's killing me, just set me free
Set me free!

Ooo, oooo, oh oh oh
Mm oo mm oo

I think I almost went deaf from the applause I got. It made me smile and I decided to be bolder in the next song and dance a little. It couldn't hurt, could it? I also went up to Emmett and kissed his cheek. The crowd loved it. I was drunk with it.

"Alright, this one is more upbeat and harder, and Rein is going to be the lead, so everyone needs to dance," I said. "This one is called Hero by Skillet." Rein came up beside me and put the mike on the stand so I could share it with him. I was in the background while he sang the main part. We danced together while we sang and it was fun. He had real stage presence.

Bold is Bella.

Regular is Rein.

Italics is Bella and Rein together.

I'm just a step away
I'm just a breath away
Losing my faith today
Falling off the edge today

I am just a man
Not superhuman
I'm not superhuman
Someone save me from the hate

It's just another war
Just another family torn
Falling from my faith today
Just a step from the edge
Just another day in the world we live

I need a hero to save me now
I need a hero, save me now
I need a hero to save my life
A hero will save me, just in time

I've gotta fight today
To live another day
Speaking my mind today
My voice will be heard today

I've gotta make a stand
But I am just a man
I'm not superhuman
My voice will be heard today

It's just another war
Just another family torn
My voice will be heard today
It's just another kill
The countdown begins to destroy ourselves

I need a hero to save me now
I need a hero, save me now
I need a hero to save my life
A hero will save me, just in time

I need a hero to save my life
I need a hero, just in time
Save me just in time
Save me just in time

Who's gonna fight for what's right?
Who's gonna help us survive?
We're in the fight of our lives
And we're not ready to die

Who's gonna fight for the weak?
Who's gonna make 'em believe?
I've got a hero, I've got a hero
Living in me

I'm gonna fight for what's right
Today I'm speaking my mind
And if it kills me tonight
I will be ready to die

A hero's not afraid to give his life
A hero's gonna save me just in time

I need a hero to save me now
I need a hero, save me now
I need a hero to save my life
A hero will save me, just in time

(I need a hero)
Who's gonna fight for what's right?
Who's gonna help us survive?

(I need a hero)
Who's gonna fight for the weak?
Who's gonna make 'em believe?
I've got a hero

I need a hero
A hero's gonna save me just in time

We got a bunch of catcalls. I blushed and Rein kissed my cheek. I heard Arlene whistle somewhere and tell me "go girl". I shook my head.

"This one is gonna be just Bella," Rein said. I gave me an encouraging look.

"I'm gonna change it up a bit," I started. I was worried about the reaction of the next song, but I was hopeful. "This one's called Pretty Ugly by Alana Grace," I finished. I heard a girl sigh in agreement with what I was feeling about the song. That gave me my inspiration. Rein stood with me and swayed at the right moments. We danced when it was appropriate. The song wasn't a dancing song, and yet there were couples dancing.

Am I the girl who has everything?
The one that everybody wants to be?
I wear this smile on my sleeve
Try to be what you want me to be

If I'm so beautiful, if I'm so wonderful
How come I feel so pitiful inside?
I want to disappear, just get me away from here
Cause you only love me cause I'm pretty
Ugly

I just don't see what you see in me,
But you'll never understand my misery
I protect this image so death well
But I can't keep the truth from myself

If I'm so beautiful, if I'm so wonderful
Why do I feel so horrible inside?
I want to disappear, just get me away from here
Cause you only love me cause I'm pretty
Ugly
Cause I'm pretty ugly

If I'm so beautiful, if I'm so wonderful
Why do I feel so unlovable inside?
I want to disappear, just get me away from here
Cause you only love me cause I'm pretty

I'm pretty, I'm so damn pretty
Ugly

During the song, Edward and I made eye contact several times. It was different because he didn't look cocky, most of the time. If he realized he wasn't sneering he would sneer at me, but I could tell he didn't mean it. And I didn't know what that meant.

Rein was having a blast. I had not seen this side of him before; he was carefree and it was intoxicating. "This next song is also by Alana Grace and it's called Black Roses Red."

Can I ask you a question please
Promise you won't laugh at me
Honestly I'm standing here
Afraid I'll be betrayed.
As twisted as it seems, I only fear love when it's in my dreams

So let in the morning light and let the darkness fade away

Can you turn my black roses red?
Can you turn my black roses red?

Edward was gazing intently at me. I refused to meet his gaze, but when I finally did, he held my gaze as I sang the rest of the song.

Drowning in my loneliness
How long must I hold my breath

So much emptiness inside I could fill the deepest sea
I reach to the sky as the moon looks on
One last year has come and gone
It's time to let your love rain down on me

Can you turn my black roses red?

Cuz I'm feelin like I've never known love

Can you turn my black roses red?

"This is the last song," Rein said. The crowd booed and sighed. I giggled and a few people laughed, including Edward. What was up with him? I kinda liked it, and that was bad. "This one is One Day We'll Know by Mandy Moore & JF." Girls "awed" as we began singing and looked into each other's eyes. I could feel Edward glaring, but not at me. Maybe I was imagining it, anyway.

Bold is Bella.

Regular is Rein.

Italics is Bella and Rein together.

Ninety miles outside Chicago
Can't stop driving
I don't know why
So many questions
I Need an answer
Two years later
he's still on my mind

Whatever happened to Amelia Earhart?
Who holds the stars up in the sky?
Is true love just once in a lifetime?

Did the captain of the Titanic cry?

Ohh

Someday we'll know
If love can move a mountain...
Someday we'll know
Why the sky is blue...
Someday we'll know
Why I wasn't meant for you...

Does anybody know the way to Atlantis?

Or what the wind says when she cries?

I'm speeding by the place that I met you

For the 97th time...Tonight

Someday we'll know
If love can move a mountain...
Someday we'll know
Why the sky is blue...
Someday we'll know
Why I wasn't meant for you...

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Someday we'll know
Why Samson loved Delilah...
One day I'll go
Dancing on the moon...
Someday you'll know
That I was the one for you…

I bought a ticket to the end of the rainbow,
I watched the stars crash in the sea,
If I could ask God just one question...
Why aren't you here with me?...Tonight

Someday we'll know
If love can move a mountain...
Someday we'll know
Why the sky is blue...
Someday we'll know
Why I wasn't meant for you...

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Someday we'll know
Why Samson loved Delilah...
One day I'll go
Dancing on the moon...
Someday you'll know
That I was the one for you…

We got some major applause and I bowed and curtsied. I felt like a girl and I felt wanted. I felt as though I belonged. Something happened that I didn't expect, though. Maybe he was too caught up in the moment; I couldn't let myself believe anything different when he did it.

But as the last song ended and the applause began, Rein took my face into his hands and he kissed me. And I kissed back.

And I distinctly heard Edward Volturi hiss.

AN: Just so everyone is clear, this story is going to be an Edward and Bella fic. Please tell me this was worth the wait, for those of you who are still with this story, and me. I had a lot of fun writing this chapter!

Review.

~Sylvia~