Okay, so here it is. Finally. I'm sorry for the late update. I did have this chapter a week ago but, I didn't get the chance to post because the broadband connection here stinks. It's been on and off for the whole weekend. I was so pissed. Anyways, I'm making use of this advantage right now. And I'd like to use this to thank all the new alerts I've received. It's been a while, but I'm glad most of you still want to keep updated on this story. It must be a drag to have to keep waiting for me to update, but thanks.

Hope you guys like this...


Dusk and Dawn: Chapter 20

Persuasions

BPOV

There. I've seen it. Edward was in the store with some other girl. I studied her features: blonde curls, a small face, blue eyes and she wore a dress that reached her knees. This shouldn't matter to me. I shouldn't even be slightly bothered by this. They can do whatever they like, whenever they like and go wherever they like. They can do all the –evers if they like.

Alice was still looking through clothes in the rack as I quickly closed the curtain of the dressing room.

"Bella?" Alice opened the curtain. "What are you doing there?"

I closed it back and muffled, "Nothing, just waiting for the next thing you want me to fit."

"Oh," she handed me a pair of black leggings. "Here, I'll go get a shirt that can go with it." Alice left towards a farther rack of clothes. I peaked behind through a small opening. They were about five racks away from the dressing room. The blonde was trying on a cashmere sweater while asking Edward how it looked on her. Alice came back and handed me a long, red top.

"Thanks," I replied. Alice can't see them, too. "Why don't you go find more clothes for me to try on?"

Alice raised one eyebrow at me, "You want more clothes to try on?" she said with skepticism. "You're acting really weird."

"Of course not," I replied. "But, you know, I'm getting a headache and I want to hurry so I can head home," I heard myself say.

"Oh, I'm sorry," she said apologetically. "Okay, let me go get one more thing I want you to try on," she turned but to the wrong direction. She stopped once she saw what I've been trying to keep her from noticing. She turned to me, looking surprised. And from that flabbergasted expression, came a wide grin that reached ear to ear. There was a twinkle in her eye. "You're head must ache so much," she said slyly.

I looked at her. "It does," I winced. "I really need to head home."

Alice grabbed my wrist, "Right after we pay for these."

"And then we head home?" I said following behind her.

"And then we say hi," she dragged me to the counter.

After paying I turned towards the door, so ready to leave until Alice pulled my wrist to stop me again. "Don't be so cold, Bella. It's just Edward." Her expression turned gloomy, "And an idiot."

"Idiot?" I looked at her.

"It's Liana, our moms are close."

"I see," I replied. Alice continued to lull me towards them.

"Hi, guys," she greeted. I caught Edward's eye. He looked like he was shocked and I was, too. He grinned lightly at us.

"Hello, Alice," he said with his velvet voice. "Bella." He added, which made me look at him. Edward smiled at me. I feel astonished and fearful. I feel like I want to smile ear to ear, too.

"Hi," I said softly before looking at my feet. I tried to keep away from any eye contact. The blonde was still clinging to his arm as she eyed me.

"Liana, this is Bella." Alice acquainted us.

"Bella," she repeated my name.

"She used to go out with Edward," Alice smirked.

Liana was looking at me again, with a serious expression that almost looked smug, "What a waste. You two must have had some harsh argument or something, such a pity."

I fiddled with my watch to keep myself busy. I wish someone would call so that I can be excused. Somebody.

"Bella, doesn't you're head hurt," Alice looked at me. "How does it feel now?"

"Right," I remembered.

"Is it okay now?" Alice asked.

"It's worse," I grimaced at her. And she looked at me sincerely. "We should get you home then," she replied.

"It was nice seeing you," she turned to Edward. "One of you, actually."

APOV

Alice: 2, Edward: 0

"You didn't have to do that, Alice," Bella suddenly said while I drove my car out of the parking lot.

"You should have told me earlier, Bella. I wanted to punch her guts out."

"Can you just drive me home?"

"I'm so sorry about that, Bella."

"You mean for introducing me to Edward's girlfriend?"

I looked at her with shock. Bella doesn't know anything about Liana yet. And I just thought of something. "I understand you don't like her, Alice. But you shouldn't just do that."

"You're right." I sighed. "I'll apologize when I feel like it."

I pulled up in front of her house. Bella closed the door.

"Bella," I called. "Rose said that she wanted to hang out with you tomorrow." Rose couldn't make it since she was out with Emmett, watching a baseball game.

"Would you be okay if you meet us at the Gourmet Café for lunch tomorrow?"

"I'm not sure if I can make it," she replied. She is such a bad liar.

"What've you got for tomorrow?"

"Uh, appointment—to check on how my head is."

"I'll go ask my father about it. I'm sure he can ask your doctor to postpone it."

"No," she stuttered involuntarily. "That won't be necessary."

"It's fine," I took out my phone. "What's the doc's name?"

"No, I'll go," she stuttered again. "I'll call him and ask him to."

"Okay," I sang. "See you tomorrow, Bella!" I started the car and drove off.

*:o:*

"Alice!" Edward stormed when I entered the house. I looked at him in the most stunned and aback expression I could do. "What the heck was that for?"

"The whole 'de-cluttering' my wardrobe thing?" I asked him. Mom did asked me to put some clothes I didn't like up for charity. "I did a good job, didn't I? Practically half of my walk-in closet is in those boxes." I smiled at him.

"I was talking about the thing at the mall."

"Bella is not a thing, Edward. And why were you with Liana in the first place?"

"Answer the question," he pressed.

"Answer my question."

"You're being juvenile, Alice. Mom made me take Liana to the mall. I thought you had a meeting with Bella. I should have thought twice before realizing that you have your own definitions of the term 'meetings'."

I didn't say anything except slap his arm. "I just hate Liana. That's why I did that, you, of all people, should know that."

"Blame me for actually thinking you had something rational for an alibi."

"Hmph," I walked up the stairs. "Aren't you going to ask about my meeting with Bella tomorrow?"

"No."

"Well, I'll tell you anyway." I giggled but Edward turned his head away as if he didn't care at all.

"Rose and I are going to meet her at Gourmet Café for lunch tomorrow. And it's okay if you want to—"

"I don't want to come, Alice."

"It was just a suggestion, brother," I grinned with pleasure before walking up the stairs. "Twelve, noon," I teased once more before walking into my room.

*:o:*

It was eight when I woke up and after taking a warm shower, dressed myself in a white, collar shirt, brown shorts, gold ballet flats, and a long, milky white coat. I looked at the mirror; my outfit is great, isn't it? I took my black 'paper boy' hat and purse before leaving. I stopped and thought of something.

I walked to Edward's door and knocked. Knowing my brother, he was probably awake by now and just sitting on his desk, reading Wuthering Heights or whatever. Edward opened the door. I looked at him. He was dressed in a navy blue T-shirt and a pair of denims with his black chucks.

"What?"

"Nothing," I lifted my head. "I was just going to ask if you would like to join—"

"No," he said sternly.

"That's really not going to get you anywhere, Edward. You might at well give up on trying to forget about Bella because either way—you can't and you never will." I crossed my arms over my chest and sighed sharply. "Just be a friend, that's all you need to do. And if it doesn't budge… then at least you guys have a friendship and that you tried."

"You're never going to give up, are you?" Edward replied and he was about to slam the door. Slamming is so for girls. I stopped the door with my hand. "You're never going to try, are you?"

"I'll think about it," he said and closed the door.

*:o:*

"Hi, Rose," I smiled after stopping in front of her house. Rose was dressed in a green, off-shoulder cashmere and black skinny jeans. She had a large pendant of a gold key hanging around her neck and she had her favorite white pumps on. "Love the outfit."—And I'm not lying, it's so fetch.

"Thanks," she replied and got in the car. I started the car and drove out of their driveway.

"Have you seen Jasper today?" I looked at her.

"He says that he has some sort of surprise for you tonight and that I should keep you with me for the whole day," Rose said. "Don't ask me what it is, 'cuz he would never tell me."

I blushed. "I see."

"So, I can't believe Bella actually agreed to see us today." Rose adjusted the strap of her white Kipling bag.

"I know," I smiled. "Maybe she suddenly decided she couldn't stay away from us. You know, ever since the whole accident thing."

"Or maybe… she just gave up on trying to stay away from Edward. Maybe it's not just us, Alice."

"Who knows," I shrugged my shoulders. "At least she really is going to hang out with us. Where do you want to take her after lunch today?"

"I don't know. Shouldn't she be busy the whole day?"

"Oh, right. You know, she tried to lie about that yesterday. She said that she really needed to get to this appointment with a doctor. I told her to hand me the name and I would ask my Dad to reschedule it for her, since Dad must know her doctor."

Rose chuckled. "Let me guess… she said not to?"

"She said she'd call him herself and move the appointment. She is such a bad liar."

"That's good, right? At least she won't be able to hide anything from us anymore."

"Yeah," I sighed and took one turn at Lerris Street. "You know, I tried to talk Edward into having a good conversation with Bella before I left."

"And what did he say?" Rose asked. We were nearing the Denny and George store. Ohmygosh, that green scarf is so cute! "Alice?"

I blinked a couple of times and put my attention back on the road. "He said he was going to think about it and tell me what he thinks later."

"He's not going to think about it, is he?"

"I think he will… in a while."

"What if it takes too long? He might realize it but then it would be too late because he'd be busy in college."

"I could just convince Bella to go to UCLA. And then he can see her when he wants to."

"Yeah," Rose sighed. "Hey, you want to stop by that Denny and George store before we go to lunch?"

"Really? You want to?"

"I know you do, Alice. You practically drool when you pass by a new store."

"Okay," I beamed and turned around to park my car outside the boutique.

"This one!" I gaped and held the green scarf in my hand.

"It's amazing!" Rose said. "I got this one," she held up a grey scarf.

"That's nice. We should pay for them now before Bella gets hungry while waiting for us."

"Right." We walked to the cashier who looked like an Asian girl, Chinese or Japanese perhaps.

"Thanks," I replied as she handed us the carrier bags. We walked to the car and in a few minutes, we were finally outside Gourmet Café.

"Hi, Bella," Rose greeted with a smile.

"Hello," Bella said. She was already sitting on the table.

"What would you like?" The waitress came with a notepad.

"Mushroom ravioli," Rose replied. "And some water."

"I'll have the deluxe clubhouse sandwich," I replied while flipping through the menu. "And an iced tea."

"I'll have the lasagna," Bella said shyly. "And a rootbeer."

"Okay," the waitress said and left.

"So," I breathed. "Rose?"

"Right," Rose said. "How are things, Bella? It's been a long time."

"Yes," Bella spoke. "It's still quite overwhelming to see you guys. We haven't talked like this in—"

"Two years," Rosalie seemed to gasp. "I know. I've missed you so much Bella."

"We both did," I interjected. "But you know, you could have tried to at least call us."

"I lost your contact numbers," she held up her new Motorola phone. "And… my old phone."

"Oh," I replied. "That's why we couldn't reach you. You know, Edwa-" Rose nudged me.

"Forget about it," I slumped back to my seat. "You get the details."

"No," Bella shook her head.

I grinned at Rose. Help me.

"No, it's okay for you to mention your brother," Bella said quickly.

"It's best if I didn't," I smiled. "So, where are you headed off to college?"

"Yeah," Rose said. "You should think of going to UCLA! Because… you know… I heard there are really cute guys there."

Bella looked stunned, and had a hint of an uninterested expression.

"There's a library, too," I added.

"I don't know," she shrugged her shoulders again. The waitress finally came with a tray of orders.

I just thought of something that might make Edward want to kill me.

EPOV

"Do you really think what Alice said was right?"

"I mean, yeah sure, if you're up for it," Jasper replied. We were at his backyard. Setting up what he called a surprise for my sister.

"Yeah," Emmett said while setting up the table. "One conversation can't kill you, man."

"Take her out to dinner," Jasper added while dropping rose petals on the floor. "Or you could do something like all this."

"Bella clearly needs an explanation of things. You left with no excuse that time."

"She was asleep, Emmett."

"So you could have waited," Jasper said.

"Yeah… but see, she didn't wait for you anymore, dude. She'd probably dated hundreds of guys after getting out of the hospital. You had your chance," Emmett shook his head. "But, you blew it."

"You're being harsh, Emmett," Jasper added.

"I'm being honest. And these are words of motivation, Edward."

"And that story you told me about the mall," Jasper said. "What if Bella's too late and Liana gets to you first?"

"Eww," Emmett complained. "She's a flirt. You like her?"

"No," I replied.

"I don't know," Emmett sighed. "It think she's kinda cute," Emmett continued to scoff.

"In a scary I'm-obsessed-with-Edward way."

I kept myself busy with the candles. Liana is too much.

"You can decide if you want to blow it all away again, man," Emmett said quietly.

"How's about if I take her out to a movie?" I asked.

"Great idea," Jasper replied.

"And you can make a move!" Emmett gasped. "Great idea, Edward. Or you can put a jacket over her if the theater's to cold. Make sure to bring you're thinnest jacket."

"Thinnest?"

"Yeah," Emmett rolled his eyes and sighed. "So if she still thinks it's chilly, you can wrap your arms around her—"

"—I think dinner would be great." I said. I only wanted to be friends.

"I think so, too."

"Stop taking his side," Emmett whined at Jasper. "You're going to regret not picking your first idea, Edward. I mean you guys could cuddle. That worked on Rose."

"Bella's not Rose," Jasper replied for me. "Edward might make the wrong impression."

"Impressions don't count," Emmett argued. "But bring a jacket, just in case."

"You're a goof, Em," I slapped the back on his head.

"No wonder women love me," Emmett said with pride.

I rolled my eyes and Jasper just sighed at him.

"So, it's decided, then?" Jasper looked at me.

"Lunch at that floating restaurant on the lake?" Emmett suggested.

"It's not supposed to be romantic, Emmett," I looked at him. "We'd be going out at friends."

"Who says you can't be romantic and friendly at the same time? And lunch isn't as romantic as dinner anyway." Jasper chimed in. I think Alice is rubbing off on him.

"Yeah," Emmett said loudly.

"I have a better idea, how about when we happen to see each other in some random time?"

"That's seems fine. But I'm sure Alice would still love the date idea." Jasper nodded.

"Edward has a date! Edward has a date!"

"Shut up, Emmett," I said with an angry expression.

"How can I if your idea sucks?"

BPOV

"Oh, Bella," Alice said as she tossed me a pair of white Capri.

"Okay." We're at a store called Apples and Lemons but prices here aren't like apples or lemons in the market at all.

"Take this too, Bella," Rose handed me a light pink cardigan.

"Okay," I replied before walking into the dressing room. It has been two hours of pure torture with them. They've already taken me to about four stores and I'm getting cramps from all the walking.

"Turn," Rose said as she saw me come out of the dressing room.

"I think it's okay…" Alice trailed off and took a plum dress from a nearby rack. "But I want you to try this on."

"It's a dress."

"I can see that, yes." Alice smiled as she admired the dress and its designs. "It's totally cute, too. I mean it's everyone's must-have."

"I don't need one." I said.

"I think you do." She flashed the dress. It was plum and had a few sequins at the bottom left corner. "Don't worry, it comes with a shawl."

*:o:*

"What are we doing at Barneys?" I looked at Alice who was now dragging me into Barneys and Rose was pushing me inside as well. Did I mention I was in pure torture?

"We're here to shop, silly," Rose replied gaily.

"Barneys will just drill a hole in our wallets." I replied still trying to keep myself outside.

"Then, we can buy better wallets from Tiffany. It's right across the street."

I groaned but Rose and Alice finally got me inside.

"Here!" Alice said as she dragged me to a Danny Kovitz section. "Don't you think these shirts are cool?"

"I guess," I replied until Alice started pulling out one shirt after another. She showed me a shirt that read: She's a blonde bimbo and I hate her. "We can all get matching pairs." She grinned at me.

"Or we can get this one," Rose took out a shirt that read: She's a yummy mummy and we love her. "But we wouldn't be exactly referring to someone unless we take the other shirt, now will we?"

"Are you guys talking about Liana?"

"Of course," Alice nodded. "Who else would it be?"

"Guys, I understand she's Edward's girlfriend but you don't have to get a shirt for that. If you guys hate her so much, you should be keeping it to yourselves."

Rose looked at Alice, "What did she just say?"

"Of course," Alice winked at Rose. I didn't know why. "We should just accept it that they're dating, right Rose?"

"Uh-huh," Rose nodded her head.

"What?" I looked at them.

"Nothing. Let's take you to Vera Wang, shall we?"

APOV

After hours of shopping, we finally paid for everything at the counter and I dropped Bella off at her house.

"Hey, Bells," Rose called before Bella turned to her house. "Can we hang out again? Tomorrow, maybe?"

"You can't," I nudged Rose. "Bella," my brother is so going to kill me after I say this. I stepped out of the car and went to her. "My brother wanted me to ask you if you'd be fine with having a talk with him. I mean, it could happen at any time!"

Bella looked at me, she was stunned but I could see her blush. "It doesn't sound like Edward to have to get you to ask me for him."

"Oh," I held her hand. "He's just being shy and all. If it's okay with you, I could come pick you up and take you there." Bella took her hand away.

"Are you sure you're not kidding because why would your brother want to talk to me?"

"Trust me, Bella, he wants to. He just can't ask you himself."

"Go on, Bella," Rose added.

"I don't know," she looked down.

Bella looked at me, she was completely unsure. "I guess it wouldn't hurt. And it'll happen when we'll actually get the chance."

"You will. I'll try to make it all as soon as possible."

"You are sure that you're not setting this all up yourself, Alice?"

"I'm not," I grinned and hugged her tightly. "Thank you for giving my brother another chance, Bella. I really appreciate it."

Bella just smiled sincerely. "I'm fine with friends."

"Thanks!" I hugged her once and got into the car. "See you then!"

"You planned that by yourself, didn't you?" Rose looked at me with one eyebrow raised.

I grinned widely and shrugged. "Maybe."

"Your brother is so going to kill you, Alice," Rose laughed.

"He's going to thank me, Rose," I replied. "He's never going to stop thanking me in the near future," I said as Rose got out of the car.

"Okay," she waved. "Don't forget about Jasper's surprise tonight. Bye." She closed the door. Right. I almost forgot. I so need an outfit.

*:o:*

After parking my Porsche outside, I saw Edward leaning against my bedroom door once I got upstairs.

"I've been thinking about it, Alice."

"And?" I hoped he did think about talking to Bella, or else he's going to kill me. What if he didn't want to talk to her, Bella would kill me for lying to her.

"I've been talking to Emmett and Jasper. We thought that I talk to her once we have the time to."

"Of course, well you don't have to ask Bella anymore," I quickly opened my door. "I just asked her for you," I was ready to close the door when Edward pushed it.

"You what?"

"Hey," I put both my hand on my hips. "I asked her if she'd be fine with one conversation with you, dear brother," I struggled to close the door. "And… you're welcome!" I finally got to close the door. Phew! I thought he was going to explode.

I have NEWS. My periodical tests will be coming up soon. So I may have time for one more last update before I go 'offline' again, for a while. I'll have to make it up with the next tests because I've been so occupied with a lot of things lately. THANK YOU! (from the deepest bottom of my heart) to all those who have been so patient.

Now, don't forget to give me a review. The more reviews, the faster I'll update the next chapter (and, of course, if my broadband internet connection will cooperate) :)

-Kar