And here is chapter 20! One of the longer chaps of the story. Sorry I missed the other night. I couldn't get on a comp, and im still tryng to fix my own comps internet right now. Sigh.

Okay, so here we go. I skipped right into the masquerade ball, just to let you know. We need to get things going here :) cause this is when stuff really starts to happen and come together.

You know what to do when you finish reading.

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CHAPTER 20 – The Masquerade Ball Confessions

I Will Be – Leona Lewis

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Edward stared at me for a long time. He got really close, and then really far away, his lips in a thin line, a hefty frown on his face. I started humming a terrible rendition of the Harry Potter theme song, but only to fill the silence. Edward suddenly laughed and kissed me.

"Your nose is fine, dear," he said, still chuckling to himself.

I exhaled heavily. "It took you twenty minutes to figure that out," I accused.

Edward shrugged and pulled me into his lap, wrapping his arms around me and resting his chin on the top of my head. "So?" he mused. "I wanted to be absolutely sure."

I rolled my eyes and wrapped my arms around his neck, absentmindedly running my fingers through his hair. "I already saw a doctor, you know," I informed him. "That's why I am in perfect condition."

Edward lightly poked the tip of my nose. "Yeah," he agreed as I kissed his index finger. "It's only a bit crooked, but no one will notice."

I glared at him, but he just threw his head back and laughed.

Deciding to change the subject of my humiliation, I said in an excited voice, "I can't wait for our trip."

His laughter died almost immediately, and I looked up to find him staring at me with…love? I couldn't be too sure, but I knew it was somewhere along the lines of affection.

Edward smiled crookedly and gently brushed his lips against mine.

"I can't wait either," he said softly.

I gestured at the suitcase on the floor of my bedroom and grinned triumphantly. "I've already packed," I said with evident pride.

Edward laughed. "Me too, Bella," he said cheerily, just as Alice came striding down the hallway past my room, carrying a huge cardboard box in her arms. Suddenly she walked back and poked her head through the doorway.

"Hey, you two," she said. "Could you help me out? I'm trying to get all the boxes down to Jasper's car before the charity event tonight."

Edward raised an eyebrow at her, and she scowled.

"C'mon, Cullen, get your ass up and help me," she demanded, eyeing my boyfriend with aggravation. I knew she was only joking though; they always bickered back and forth, but in the end, they hugged and laughed like siblings.

Edward smirked and resumed stroking my hair. "Don't feel like it, Brandon," he teased, knowing it would annoy her.

Alice rolled her eyes, dropped the box in the middle of the doorway, and plopped down onto the other end of the bed we were sitting on, her hands folded neatly in her lap and her stare hard.

Edward and I stared back at her in confusion.

"What…" I began.

She kept staring.

I recoiled into Edward.

It was really starting to creep me out.

I glanced up to find him raising an eyebrow at her.

But Alice kept on staring.

"Ugh fine! I'll do it!" I groaned, hopping off Edward's lap. "Just stop staring at me like that! It freaks me out!" I exclaimed, dashing towards the hallway, only to trip over the box in the process. I would have broken another bone if it weren't for Edward, who'd caught me just in time.

"Careful, Bella," he said reprovingly.

I stuck my tongue at him, but got onto my tippy-toes and pressed my mouth to his in gratitude before pulling away.

Edward sighed and shook his head at me. "I'll take care of it, Bella."

"But—"

"I've got muscles," he said with a bit of arrogance.

"You—"

"I can do it," he said, laughing. "It'll be quick," he promised, patting the top of my head before easily grabbing the box off the floor. With one last wink and a crooked grin, he descended the stairs.

I turned to find Alice in the same spot as I left her, staring at the suitcase in the corner of my room.

"Your first trip together, hmm?" Alice said, smiling at me.

I nodded and sat down across from her. "We're both really hyped."

Alice laughed musically. "When do you plan on leaving?" she asked.

"Two days from now," I said, hearing the anticipation in my voice. I really couldn't wait.

Alice suddenly pulled me to her and threw her arms around my neck, saying, "I'm so happy for you guys!" into my ear.

I laughed through my confusion. "Thanks, Ali."

Alice giggled and leaned back, her smile warm and happy. "Despite everything that's going on right now, me moving out, the charity event, the feelings"—we both grimaced—"I'm so happy that you're going on a trip to get away from all of it," she said genuinely.

I couldn't hide the smile on my face. "Me too. Just me, Edward, and his parents."

"'And his parents,'" she quoted, laughing. Then she glanced at her watch and gasped. "Crap! We better start getting ready for the ball tonight."

"What? Aren't you going to help them carry the boxes?"

Alice glanced at the doorway, where Edward was carrying two boxes at a time, the muscles in his forearms straining, sweat on his body…

"Nah," Alice said, bringing my attention back to her. She shrugged casually at me. "They can handle it if they wanna be men and not wimps."

-E-c-l-i-p-s-e-

The ballroom was beautiful. I was here only two days ago, but now that I saw the final show, it was too beautiful for words. The high yellow ceiling sparkled with glistening crystal chandeliers, and the tall windows were partially concealed by long, purple velvet curtains. I looked down at floor, where I could almost see my entire reflection. It gleamed, little white smudges visible in the alabaster in every other spot. Alice was standing at the stage holding a black box and testing the microphone, her small body covered in a stunning floor-length dress, pale pink with matching shoes. Rosalie was at the entrance table, setting up the money bank in her beautiful red dress and white, full-faced mask. She would be our treasurer tonight.

I was already in my masquerade dress when I entered the room with my best friends to help set up for the charity event. My dress was strapless and incredibly heavy, but nonetheless I felt beautiful wearing it. My hair was clipped in the back, half-up, half-down, in elegant twists and curls that ended near the middle of my back. Burgundy gloves covered my hands, and gold shoes made it incredibly difficult to walk. The shiny gold mask I wore twinkled and ended at the tip of my nose, its tall white feathers protruding from one corner and its intricate gold lines dancing across my cheekbones.

Alice beamed when she saw me and hurried off the stage, the gold necklace she wore sparkling beneath the light. It was an item of jewelry she wore on special occasions; it had a gold rectangle dangling off of it, with glittering rhinestones in the shape of a sun. She told me she'd owned it ever since she was adopted by the Brandons, and since it was such a huge part of her childhood, she only wore it to formal events, such as tonight's masquerade ball.

"You look beautiful, Bella," she said, eyeing my dress with interest.

"Thank you," I said, blushing, and I gestured at her ensemble. "You look absolutely stunning, too," I said genuinely, and she chuckled. "What's that?" I nodded at the black box in her hand.

Alice laughed and flipped it open for me to see. "They're pins and bands for the guests to wear. See?" She gestured at the pins, which were white and circular with The Brandon Foundation written in big blue letters. Then she pointed to the bracelets and said, "Those are for the women." The bands were black and made of a special kind of leather, with The Brandon Foundation in bold silvery writing.

"That's cool," I said. "Can I have one?"

Alice gasped. "Oh, sure! I forgot," she said apologetically, handing me one of the bands. I quickly slipped it onto my vacant right wrist and smiled at her. "Nervous?"

She waved her hand indifferently. "Nah. I have a good feeling about tonight. Oh, hey! Look! People are coming in." She squealed excitedly and ran over to Rosalie, her high heels clinking loudly against the floor.

I laughed quietly, sweeping the room one last time before peeking out one of the windows. It was dark outside, only a bright fountain light illuminating the flower gardens in the back. Little white specks blinked and flickered in the dark blue sky, and the full moon shone as brightly as the ballroom.

I bit my lip and turned around, noticing that the room was now beginning to fill with people. Classical symphonies were suddenly swimming in the air, and couples were already swaying to the music, some holding masks to their faces and others carrying one end of their gowns to avoid tripping while they stepped or tangoed. Alice was amiably greeting the guests and handing them the appropriate Brandon Foundation accessory, smiling at me over their shoulders. I returned it with my own grin of encouragement before looking around for Edward.

It was pointless, I realized after a while, since everyone wore masks that either concealed half or all of their faces. All the men wore similar tuxedos, and they all looked as handsome and attractive as the other.

"Looking for someone?" said a familiar voice.

I smiled and turned around, instantly seeing my favorite crooked grin. Edward looked incredibly mouthwatering in his black tux, his hands in his pockets and his green eyes gleaming through his black, sparkly mask. His bronze-colored hair, stained with just a bit of copper, was gelled neatly on his head, a contrast to his usual messy hair. Nevertheless, he was still as mouthwatering as ever.

"Edward," I breathed, realizing my mouth hung open.

He took a step around me, his eyes studying every detail on my body. I felt him touch my hair, my bare shoulder, my waist. His fingers ghosted back up to my neck, then my cheek, and then my lips. His touch was so gentle and soft it sent tremors down my spine and to my toes.

I felt his presence behind me, and his warm, steady breath met my ear.

"Beautiful," he whispered. He gently tilted my head to the side and placed a gentle kiss on my neck, trailing his lips down the side of it and along the length of my shoulder. "My beautiful, beautiful Bella," he murmured affectionately.

I smiled and laced my fingers through his, sighing when he nuzzled his face into the back of my neck and kissed there, too.

"Dance with me?" he asked.

Out of instinct, I very nearly rejected the invitation. Then I remembered the Halloween party, and how we had danced so perfectly together I actually had had an amazing time. With this thought in mind, I turned around and confidently took his held out hand, and he led me to the middle of the ballroom.

I carefully rested my free hand on his shoulder and brought the other one to intertwine with his. I could feel the light weight of his hand on my lower back, sending tingles up my spine. Slowly, we started moving our feet.

I realized I had never slow-danced with Edward, or with anyone as a matter of fact, and it was quite difficult. I was over-thinking my steps, and Edward knew it.

"Relax, Bella," he whispered as he did at the Halloween party. Then he bent his head close to mine and closed his eyes, his feet moving easily to the music. "It's all in the leading…"

I shut my eyes as well and tucked my head to the crook of his neck, smiling when his sweet scent filled the air around me. I let him 'lead' me and buried my nose in his chest, inhaling as much of his smell as I could. Edward's chest rumbled then, so I knew he was laughing to himself. He liked it.

"Do that again, Bella," he whispered into my ear.

I grinned and nuzzled my face into his chest again, which earned another laugh from him.

After a couple minutes, we were dancing in perfect synchronization. His chin found the top of my head and my arm pulled him closer, and together we moved effortlessly and gracefully. We danced in comfortable silence, having no need to say anything. With Edward, it didn't seem like there were hundreds of other people in the room. It was just him, and me, and the dance floor. Just us.

"Edward!" a voice squealed.

Pop! There goes the bubble of privacy.

I felt empty the moment he pulled away and glared over at the person who yelled his name: Tanya. My scowl immediately matched his.

"What are you doing here?" I asked before I could stop myself, and I did not sound civil at all.

Edward slipped his arm around my waist protectively, his nostrils flaring, a sure sign of his anger. Tanya smiled unaffectedly at us, looking drop dead gorgeous in a black, floor-length gown that accentuated her figure in all the right places. I instantly felt intimidated, even a little envious.

In one gloved hand, she held her black feathery mask and in the other, she carried a thin, skinny flute of champagne. Tucked under her pale white arm was a matching black clutch with a shimmering silver bow. She looked like she belonged on the Red Carpet, rather than here at a charity event.

"Oh, same reason as everybody else," she said conceitedly, taking a dainty sip of champagne with her glossy, blood red lips. "I care about the needy." She smiled dazzlingly, and I recognized it as the smile that got her anything she wanted.

I opened my mouth to call her a bad name, but Edward squeezed my side.

"You look pretty tonight," he said graciously. Though I knew he was only being polite, I felt a pit of jealousy and anger in my stomach.

Tanya stared at him with a raised eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corners of her red lips. "Pretty?" she said, sounding very skeptical. "Well, I was hoping for beautiful…" She gazed at Edward expectantly, but he didn't answer, much to my relief.

Tanya brought her cold gaze to meet mine. "You again," she muttered, as though Edward wasn't there anymore. Her eyes sailed to the hand on my waist, and then back up again, a beautiful, cruel smile forming on her face. "You just wait," Tanya said threateningly. "He'll be gone before you know it."

We glared at each other before Tanya darted her eyes back to Edward. I did notice the fact that she gave him a once-over, her eyes gleaming with lust.

"You guys enjoy your night," she said, not sounding like she meant it at all. All three of us knew she was only saying that for publicity, since important people were here tonight, and she needed to appear like a good person in public. After all, she was a well-known person among celebrities.

Edward smiled crookedly, but his green eyes held obvious warning. "You too, Miss Denali," he said.

She smiled sweetly. "It's Tanya to you, baby," she whispered.

Baby. Had Edward not grabbed my hand and pulled me away at that exact moment, Tanya Denali would have lost an eyeball.

Edward dragged us outside into the flower gardens, where a large stone fountain stood with a cupid shooting water out of its arrow. He sat me down on the edge of the fountain and took a seat beside me.

"Bella, could you please let go of my hand?" he asked softly, and I looked down to find that I was gripping it with all my might. I didn't even have the will to blush, and instead glared at the doors to which we'd just exited.

"She knows it's mean," I said angrily, gritting my teeth. "She knows it hurts, and all she does is—"

"Bella," Edward murmured, gently turning my head to face him. I stared deeply into his eyes, already feeling my anger dissolve. "Bella, I'm sorry," he whispered, his mouth three inches from mine. "Please believe me. I'm so, so sorry." There was nothing in his beautiful green eyes but hurt and anguish.

"Why are you sorry?" I asked in a voice harsher than I'd intended. "I mean, why are you sorry?" I said more cordially.

"You had to see her because of me," Edward murmured, his eyes hardening. "And you had to hear those words—"

"It's not your fault," I replied, leaning my forehead against his and closing my eyes, feeling tired all of a sudden.

"Oh, Bella," Edward sighed wearily, gently kissing me, "It's you I'm with. Always, always remember that."

I pulled away long enough to nod and brought my lips to his again, wanting to convey the feelings I couldn't yet put into words for him to hear. I wanted a moment of just him and me, no Tanya, no Alice, no interruptions. I got it.

-M-i-d-n-i-g-h-t-S-u-n-

"If I didn't know any better, I would suspect that you were bringing me out here to kill me," I said lightly, leaning into Edward's shoulder.

He chuckled and gently ran his hands up and down the side of my arm, his fingers tickling my skin through the suit jacket I wore.

"I wouldn't ever lay a finger on you that way," Edward said, shaking his head at me. "I care about you too much."

He cares about me. Does he love me? I sure as hell love him.

I sighed and kissed his jaw, noticing for the first time the scab of a little shave cut. I giggled – the poor guy. "I care about you too, Edward," I said sincerely, shutting my eyes and letting him lead me to wherever. "I don't know where I'd be without you."

Edward chuckled. "Hopefully in one piece?" he said, though I could hear the authenticity in his voice.

I gave a very unladylike snort. "Barely," I replied. "I mean, I've broken two bones in two months. My nose and my wrist."

As though my words triggered something, Edward lifted my arm and gently pressed his lips to my wrist, his warm breath tickling the bottom of my palm.

"Nothing more will happen as long as I'm here," he promised me.

I laughed incredulously. "I wouldn't count on that, Edward. I'm clumsy everywhere I go."

"Then I'll have to follow you around."

I rolled my eyes, but he just laughed.

We walked for a bit, and for the tenth time tonight, Edward asked, "You sure you're not cold?"

I rolled my eyes again. "Edward, your suit jacket is so warm." I snuggled into it even more, as though to prove my point. "Besides, you're warm too." I buried my face in his chest and sighed with satisfaction.

His chest rumbled as he laughed, and I smiled.

The sky was pitch black now, but the night was beautiful. I could hear the faint trickling of water from the fountain to my left, over bushes and bushes of various plants and flowers in every single color imaginable. There were lilacs and daisies, freesias and lavenders, and every shade of a rose in existence.

"These gardens are beautiful," I said randomly, and we came to a stop in the middle of the garden, where another stone fountain stood tall with three little levels, structured like flower petals. "I don't know anything about flowers, but everywhere I look, they're beautiful."

"Really?" Edward said dubiously, glancing around before turning back to me. "They're nothing compared to you," he said sweetly.

I blushed and elbowed his stomach, bruising my arm in the process. The guy had abs.

"You tease," I muttered, unable to hide my grin.

Edward laughed and said, "What? It's true!" he said defensively, before taking both of my hands into his. His voice became softer, more pensive. "I don't understand, Bella. Why don't you believe me?"

I sighed. "It's not that I don't believe you…"

He raised an eyebrow at me.

"Okay, I don't believe you." I anxiously nibbled on my lip for a moment before finally saying, "I just don't think I'm that pretty, and to hear a compliment coming from someone like you—"

Edward surprised me by rolling his eyes, though I could tell it was a bit difficult with the mask on.

"Damn it, Bella, you're not pretty. You're beautiful," he said firmly, his stare boring into mine. "And what do you mean, someone like me?" He sounded slightly affronted.

Oh no. Moment of confession.

"You're…Edward Cullen," I said slowly. "Every girl that's ever met you wants you."

"'Cept Alice and Rosalie," he pointed out. "And my mom."

I giggled, and then became somber again. "I'm serious, Edward," I continued, sounding oddly desperate. "You're talented and handsome…and every girl wants you."

"But there's only one girl that I want," he said pointedly, and then a crooked grin formed on his face. "She's a brunette. Brown eyes. Pale skin that glows like the moon. A cute little nose—"

I kissed him, and then pulled away.

"As I was saying," I said sternly, though I was grinning like a giddy schoolgirl, "You're a Greek god, Edward. Adonis or something, I'm not even kidding."

Edward smiled at me. "You're a Greek goddess, did you know that, Bella?" he murmured with a lopsided grin. "You're my Aphrodite."

I blushed, and he kissed me again before we resumed walking. Our intertwined hands swung back and forth as we strolled down the cemented pathways. Edward pointed out random flowers he knew, like the freesias and roses. Then he started saying these really cheesy lines, for instance: "The petals of this rose match the warmth in my beating heart," and "The pollen in this flower reminds me of the morning, when the sun rises and the birds sing me awake."

Twenty minutes later, when he'd run out of sentences to say, Edward sighed and kissed the top of my head.

"You wanna know what I think?" he said, letting go of my hand and wrapping his arm securely around my waist. I leaned into him and breathed in his sweet scent, which had recently become my new favorite smell.

"What?" I asked dreamily.

"I think you should take off your mask so I can see your beautiful brown eyes better."

I laughed skeptically, and he glared at me. When I realized he was serious, I sheepishly untied the mask in the back, took it off, and raised an eyebrow at him.

Edward smiled and grabbed the mask from my hand. "Much better," he murmured into my ear, his breath sending shivers down my spine.

"That's not fair," I said suddenly. "I want to see your eyes better too."

"What's so great about my eyes?" Edward asked, sounding astonished and slightly offended that I'd even brought it up.

"They're green," I said with disbelief. How could he not see how liquid-like and deep and beautiful they were? I lived to look into those eyes.

"Yeah. Like boogars."

"No!" I squeaked, blushing furiously. Half of me wanted to just drop it to save me the humiliation, but the other half of myself wanted to do justice. I chose the latter. "They're like…like emeralds…" I trailed off and dropped my gaze to the pavement, already having confessed too much.

I felt Edward's index finger beneath my chin, lifting my head up.

He was grinning at me. "Like emeralds?" he repeated, almost in a proud manner.

I nodded mutely.

Edward chuckled and bent down, gently pressing his lips to mine. "They're nothing like yours," he mumbled against my mouth.

I opened one eye and peeked at him. "What's great about my eyes?" I asked, reaching up behind him to untie his mask. He bowed his head slightly, giving me better access, before finally replying.

"They remind me of chocolate." A dazzling smile played at his lips. "More like a pool of hot chocolate – warm and deep."

I blushed and tentatively fingered the rough, glittery lining of his black mask. "Your eyes are warm and deep too."

"Don't forget boogar-like," he said lightly.

I just laughed and rolled my eyes in response, and the doors to the ballroom emerged as we passed by the last and final rose bush.

Edward opened one of the doors for me, bowing as I entered with a grin, before stepping in after me. The ballroom was packed with people in various shades of gowns and tuxedos, glittery masks shimmering and flickering with every movement. Some were dancing, and others were lost in casual conversations with friends and acquaintances. Alice and Rosalie were at the entrance counting the money donated, so I turned to Edward and gestured at my best friends.

He smiled and nodded before pointing to Jasper and Emmett. We kissed quickly and I made my way over to the entrance.

"Hey, guys," I said.

Alice looked up and said, "Hey, Bella," as Rosalie nodded in acknowledgement.

"Need help?" I asked.

"Oh, sure," Alice replied, reaching for another wooden brown box. "Can you count the money in this? We'll add everything up in the end. Oh, and put on your mask, will you? It'll inspire the theme."

We spent the next ten minutes doing mental math, and as the time passed, Alice was looking more and more cheerful.

"16,000 dollars," she said excitedly.

"Plus another eight hundred right here," I said, handing her the money.

Alice squealed. "This is great. Perfect! Just as I knew it would be!" She smiled proudly before gathering up the boxes, thanking us, and making her departure.

Rosalie shrugged at me, tied on her mask, and said, "I'm going to go find Emmett."

Then I was alone.

Frowning, I glanced around for Edward, Emmett, or Jasper -- any of the guys. I couldn't find any of them, and Rosalie had left so suddenly she'd disappeared behind a forty-year-old couple dancing.

Loud laughter to my left caught my attention.

There was Edward, shaking hands with a man I didn't recognize. They were both partially obscured by two other men having an intense discussion, so I quickly stumbled around them to get a better view. Suddenly, someone caught my arm, and I jerked around to find a smiling Tanya.

She was still carrying her flute of champagne, still looking beautiful, still smirking as though she knew exactly what I was thinking about.

"They get along so well, don't they?" she asked in what was supposed to be an admiring voice, though it came out as conceited and victorious.

I was instantly filled with suspicion. "Who is that?" I asked, looking at the man Edward was talking to. I noticed Edward send sideways glances every now and then, looking as though he'd rather be anywhere but there.

Tanya threw her head back and laughed musically. "That is Daddy."

"What?" I squeaked. So soon?

Tanya smirked at me. "You know exactly what I said. That man over there" – she gestured at the brown-haired man— "is my father. Eleazar Denali of First Act Records," she said haughtily. "Oh, and you know? I think he's offering Edward a job." She tapped her chin with her fake nail. "I wonder what clever mind thought of such a great idea!"

I glanced hopelessly between Edward and Tanya, half drawn towards snapping Tanya's neck and half drawn towards running over to Edward and screaming "NOOO!" at the top of my lungs. I went with neither.

Picking up the long trail of my dress and gritting my teeth, I took a step forward, but Tanya stepped in front of me with a glare.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"I'm walking," I said distractedly. "It's what people do when they move their feet."

Tanya's red lips formed a thin, unhappy line, and her eyes narrowed. "No way am I letting you over there."

"Over where?" I asked innocently, though I was biting my lip with anxiety.

Tanya grabbed my arm, but at the same time, another man appeared behind her and put a hand on her shoulder.

"Tanya Denali!" he said loudly, and Tanya jumped and spun around. Simultaneously, her grip on my arm loosened, and I took the moment to jerk away.

Without glancing back, I hastily weaved through the hordes of people, stumbling three times in my high heels, until Edward and the man – Eleazar – were in clear view. I hesitated, wondering whether it was a smart thing to interrupt men talking business. However, I didn't need an answer once Edward's voice caught my attention.

"Oh, hey! It's my girlfriend! I need to go," he said hastily. I felt their stares on me and quickly attempted to look as though something was stuck in my hair.

Eleazar seemed unbothered. "Oh, fantastic! Bring her over here, Edward. You could use her opinion on this."

I peeked up at Edward through my bangs to find him looking back and forth between Eleazar and me, a hesitant expression painting his beautiful features.

Oh, damn. I was so effed after tonight.

"Hello, Edward," I said, pretending not to notice the man standing beside him.

Edward grimaced, a strained smile on his face. He suddenly looked years older, and I took his hand, looking meaningfully into his eyes. After a moment of hesitation, he nodded and smiled stiffly at Eleazar.

"Eleazar, this is Bella, my girlfriend."

I was expecting the man to glare at me or something (I mean, his daughter is Edward's ex!), but he didn't. To my surprise, Eleazar held his hand out and we amiably shook hands as though we'd been friends for years.

"Eleazar Denali of First Act Records," he said in a deep voice.

"Pleasure to meet you, sir."

Up close, he appeared to be in his mid-fifties, towering at least a head taller than Edward. A gray tuxedo concealed a slightly round belly, and in his tanned, wrinkly-skinned hand was a glass of red wine. His brown hair, mostly gray now, was pushed back on his head, and his ice blue eyes were strikingly identical to Tanya's. When he was young, he may have been very, very handsome.

"I was just talking to Edward here," Eleazar said, proudly clapping Edward on the back with a large and bulky hand. "We were discussing job opportunities," he added pointedly.

Edward cleared his throat and stumbled a bit, his hand tightening over mine.

I was careful to keep my expression straight and voice clueless. "How nice. But Edward already has a job, doesn't he?"

Eleazar laughed wholeheartedly. "Nothing we can't improve," he said with a deep chuckle. "In fact, I must ask your opinion, Miss…"

"Swan," I replied. "But you can call me Bella."

He chuckled. "I see. Well, Bella, Edward here has just been offered 22 million to sign a record deal with First Act Records."

At that moment, my jaw hit the ground.

22 million? For a record deal? For Edward? Tanya really wasn't kidding. Edward uncomfortably shifted from foot to foot beside me.

Eleazar seemed pleased by my reaction. "The deal is to make two records and go around the US for six months, performing music he's written as well as classical music for audiences to hear. Not only will he receive over twenty million in cash from First Act Records, but with his performances added in, he will receive over 30 million total, not to mention the success of his CDs."

Damn. Damn. Damn. Oh, shit. This is bad, really bad.

"Wow," I said weakly.

Eleazar chuckled and put a hand on Edward's shoulder. "No instrumentalist has ever been offered such an opportunity before," the man said in such a businesslike and persuasive voice I would have sunken in right then and there. "He's received the best from us; he'd be a fool not to take it."

Edward, who was evidently sick of being spoken about as though he wasn't there, finally opened his mouth. "Eleazar, as tempting as that offer sounds, I've already got a job here, and I'm in no position to be touring the US—"

"We'll pay the expenses," Eleazar said right off the bat. "We'll put you in the nicest hotels, the nicest tour bus, and we'll throw in some extra cash to pay for anything else you may need. All you have to do is give the a-okay and perform before an audience—the rest is on me."

He left out the six months part, and the making two records part, and the rehearsals part. On purpose, my inner conscience told me. Edward replied with something that caused Eleazar to frown, but I was no longer listening to the conversation.

It occurred to me that Eleazar wasn't the man he appeared to be at first sight – friendly and cordial. In reality, was just like Tanya; the more I watched their exchange, the clearer it became. He could be persuasive and sneaky if he wanted to be, and at the same time appear as benign as an ant. The worry I felt now was seriously getting to me. As his girlfriend, the right thing to do would have been to support him and encourage him to take this amazing opportunity. As his friend, the right thing to do would have been to support him and encourage him to take this amazing opportunity. As Bella Swan, I wanted to grab his arm and never let anyone touch him.

"—a talented man, Edward, and a man with your gift should be known all over the world, not just Chicago," said Eleazar, shaking his head.

Edward smiled dazzlingly and wrapped his arm around me, pulling me so close to his side I was struggling to breathe. "It sounds great, Eleazar, but I like where I am now," Edward said with a bit of impatience, and I had to fight to keep from dropping my jaw. He didn't want it?

Eleazar looked anxious. "Edward, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You no longer have to work at El Bello Italio—"

"It's La Bella Italia," Edward muttered, but Eleazar didn't seem to hear.

"—bigger and better things. Think of all the money you can make. You no longer have to be the lost, meandering man you were four years ago."

Four years ago? Then it struck me – Tanya and Edward had met around that time, though I'd never heard the full story. Edward preferred not to talk about his past relationship with Tanya, and who was I to push him over the line?

"Daddy!" said an annoyingly familiar voice. As though my thoughts had somehow brought her over here, Tanya came strutting gracefully up to us, a dazzling smile on her face. She wrapped her arm around Edward's and clung to him like a koala baby clings to its mother. I wanted to smack her pale white cheek: did she not see me standing there, on Edward's other side?

"My beautiful daughter," Eleazar said pleasantly, but they shared a brief, dark look that made Tanya's smile falter. Suddenly, their gazes broke as Tanya spoke up.

"I hear you've been offered a job, Edward," she said, looking at Edward expectantly.

Edward smiled at her, his fingers stroking light circles on my waist. "Yes, I have. But I was just in the process of informing Eleazar that I do not accept it." He sent me a brief glance, a peculiar expression on his face that I couldn't read.

Tanya opened her mouth to object, but at that moment, Alice strolled onto the stage and cleared her throat into the microphone. A spotlight focused on my grinning, pixie-like best friend, making her gold necklace blink and her diamond earrings sparkle. I knew it was time for her patriotic speech.

Just before the lights dimmed, I saw the deep scowl on Tanya's face, which brought me a ton of satisfaction, and maybe a bit of guilt too. I also couldn't figure out why Edward would want to turn down something like that. I glanced up at him, but he faced forward, his nostrils flaring; he was mad about something. I wanted to say something but refrained with much effort. Therefore, I went for the other path: I reached up and lovingly pressed my lips to his cheekbone, feeling relieved when his body relaxed into mine. He sent me a small smile, which I returned.

"Can I have everyone's attention please?" Alice said into the mike.

The chattering ceased completely, and all eyes were brought to her.

She smiled cutely at everyone. "I would like to begin by thanking everyone for coming tonight and making appropriate donations," Alice said. She took a deep breath, and then continued, "Every year, thousands of Americans lose their homes to natural disasters, evictions, and many other cases. Families are left with no place to live, while we here tonight are dressed in expensive ball gowns and tuxedos.

"As you know, Christmas is nearing, and that holiday is a time where people give things to other people. That is why tonight is a very important night. Everyone in this room has made a difference to society, and I am proud to say that your sincerity has added to a total of 16,800 dollars to be donated to homeless shelters all over America!"

There was a brief round of applause before Alice continued again. "With this amount of money, we'll be able to donate necessities to shelters in Chicago, Dallas, San Diego, and New York City. Children can finally have the toys they've wanted all year long, and mothers can finally get their coats and sewing kits.

"Tonight, all of you have made a difference, and I sincerely thank you so much for your participation in this event. We can now make the lives of our fellow Americans better, as well as know that this Christmas, we've all done something valuable. So, once again, thank you, and enjoy the rest of your night!"

We all applauded as Alice gracefully waltzed off the stage, right into Jasper's awaiting arms. People began gathering their things, saying last minute goodbyes and "good nights," ready to leave for the evening. In fact, it was around 11:30 PM, and all I could think about was my bed and the fluffy pillow on it.

Edward gently tugged on my hand and led me out the back door, which led us back to the flower gardens. He pulled me around a couple corners, and somehow, we were in the crowded parking lot of Charles Place hotel.

Despite the cold wind biting at my cheeks, I glanced up at Edward, whose impassive expression made me uneasy. Nonetheless, he quickly led me over to his Volvo, allowed me to slip into the passenger seat, and got gracefully into the driver's side.

The moment both doors were closed and locked and we were finally alone, Edward took my face between his hands and kissed me, long and hard and endless. When he was sure my lungs were about to explode, he pulled away, panting.

I had opened my mouth to speak when he kissed me again. And again. And again.

"You—" Kiss. "Al—" Kiss. "—right?"

Edward sighed and swallowed apprehensively, his tired gaze meeting mine.

"Yeah, I think so," he finally replied, taking off his mask and throwing it into the back. He faced the front again but didn't move to turn on the engine.

"Why did you turn down the offer?" I found myself asking, my mask joining his in the backseat.

There was a long silence between us before he responded. "Did you want me to accept it?" he asked monotonously.

Did I? No, I didn't, if I wanted to be honest with myself. But what would that make me? A bad girlfriend. My God, I was thinking about this half an hour ago.

"Answer my question first," I said carefully.

"I didn't want it." That was his answer – short and clipped – and it annoyed me.

I crossed my arms and glared at the windshield. "I'm cold," I said bleakly.

Sighing, Edward plugged the key into the ignition and immediately the engine hummed, warm air flying in through the air vents. Despite the heat blowing right into my face and body, I still felt cold – mentally. Did he not trust me enough to tell me everything? Was I that untrustworthy?

Edward seemed to be thinking along the lines I was. In a voice so soft I had to tune out the hum of the engine, Edward said, "I don't want to leave you."

I felt my heart drop and accelerate at the same time, and let me tell you, it is not a pleasant feeling. My hands clenched into fists, but I wanted to hug him. I gritted my teeth, but I sent a loving glance his way. Every emotion conflicted with another.

"You turned down the biggest job offer of your life," I muttered to myself. "For me."

"For you," he whispered.

"I don't understand. Why did you do it?"

The engine was on, but we still hadn't begun driving. In fact, Edward seemed to have forgotten the key was in the ignition.

Most of the guests from the charity ball were either gone or staying at Charles Place, and despite the darkness of the light, Charles Place glowed like the moon. I didn't even know whether Alice or Rosalie had left yet, and it didn't matter anyway. They were probably spending the nights with their boyfriends.

"Answer my question first, Bella," Edward said, sending me a look before gazing ahead.

I bit my lip, and in a soft, guilty voice said, "No, I didn't want you to accept it."

Edward sighed, and I couldn't tell whether it was a happy sigh or a sad one.

"I did it because you're different, Bella," he said, answering my other question. He still didn't look at me.

"Different," I quoted dubiously.

He nodded.

"Different as in…"

"You're just different, okay?" he said harshly. Catching the stunned look on my face, he added in a softer voice, "I know what I'm doing, and I'm glad that you want me here. I want to be here with you too, not somewhere in Kansas performing music."

Cautiously, afraid that he may suddenly snap at the slightest of movements, I reached over and pulled his hand out of his lap, never breaking my gaze from his. A sigh escaped past my lips when his long, slender fingers curled tightly around my hand. Complete bliss.

Edward smiled suddenly. "This just proves that my decision is right," he said triumphantly.

I raised an eyebrow at him. "I'm not sure I understand you."

"Our hands are perfect together."

I gaped at him. I had thought that exact thought the moment our hands had ever intertwined, and I was afraid to admit it aloud because I feared he would think I was some philosophical freak. But here he was, telling me that our hands were perfect in the smoothest, most unbothered way ever.

"Don't you think?" he added, looking at me with utmost curiosity.

"I think so, too," I said quietly, feeling my cheeks redden.

He smiled and said, "Please take off your gloves," and I quickly complied.

"There," Edward said. "I think that's perfect."

I smiled at him, but then a tense silence had filled the air. I realized he had easily swerved our conversation into a totally and completely new direction, and I hadn't even known it.

Edward seemed to know I had come to this conclusion. "Please, Bella," he said softly, our gazes meeting. "I'm not leaving you for six months; I need you," he said, almost in a pleading tone. Then he sighed, and his eyes hardened. "Believe me when I say that our relationship is more important to me than any fucking job opportunity." He spat the last part out scornfully.

I stared at his profile for a long time. He was dead serious, and the thought of it thrilled me and scared me at the same time. Before Edward, I had never been in a seriously intense relationship – not counting Mike Newton. But as we drove home, our hands fitting perfectly together, I knew what I wanted, and I knew that our relationship was more important to me than any other thing; I was in love with Edward. I breathed for him. The idea that Edward believed the same thing I did—that our relationship was something that shouldn't be broken—made me admire him in a whole new way.

Suddenly overwhelmed with an ache in my heart, I closed my eyes and leaned my head to the headrest. "Edward?"

"Mhmm?"

"You're an amazing boyfriend, did you know that?" A part of me wished he would be my husband one day.

I could hear the smile in his voice. "Thank you," he replied. "And Bella?"

"Yeah?"

"I love having you as my girlfriend."

I opened my eyes, and his gaze met mine in the dark. He smiled at me, and I smiled right back, deciding that Tanya couldn't ever take Edward away from me, nor could Eleazar, or First Act Records, or the goldfish my neighbor owns. Nothing would ever take Edward away from me because I love him, and if the stars of fate shine down in my favor, he loves me too.

--
It took me forever to come up with that last line. i was like, hmm. xD its supposed to mean "If im lucky enough". I was goin for something cool. xD
about the whole contract thingy, think of Yiruma. hes like an awesome pianist with an awesome CD and stuff, so im going along the lines of that. i think i made the whole record deal somewhat along the lines of correct, maybe realistic? ._.

next chap is their trip to seattle, whichll take up a couple chapters, with important stuff going on. you learn more about edward too. sigh.

you wanna know what i think?

i think you should review.