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New pen name: rootbeer-sherbet (kmwriter94 was temporary since I couldn't think of anything at that time) I know it was so sudden for me to be changing it now. What do you think of it? Don't hate me for it :D

This chapter is dedicated to all those who have just started reading this fanfic and are still keeping themselves updated. Most of all, this chapter is dedicated to YOU! Yes, YOU! I'm thanking you, because you're probably reading this right now. I love getting reviews! So I hope this will gain more reviews.

I'll also be putting questions at the end of the chapters again.

Enjoy!


Dusk and Dawn: Chapter 24

Just Peachy

APOV

I finally got Bella into a long, cherry red hoodie and a pair of black leggings with red flats. She was ranting about it, which is so unlike Bella, but it's fine by me, because I knew that she was just being a nervous wreck.

"So, it's sort of like saying my brother asked you out," I told her again. She wouldn't listen to me. "He did ask you."

"You're not making sense, Alice," she sighed. "For the hundredth time, he didn't."

"Well, for the millionth time, Bella," I replied. "He did!"

I still haven't been able to tell Bella about Liana not being Edward's girlfriend. I mean, who in their right mind would date Liana anyway? She's a total bimbo. And I am proudly wearing the Danny Kovitz shirt tonight!

"You better switch to something else, Alice," Bella warned me.

"No," I said. "I like it. But don't worry, I'll put a jacket over it, well, some of it."

She shook her head and sighed, looking like she was irked.

"That's Jasper," I chirped when I heard a knock on the door.

"Hi, Jazz," Bella greeted while I was hugging him.

"Where's Kate by the way?" I turned to Bella.

"She's on a date," Bella replied.

"I see," I said. "We better go; we don't want to keep my parents waiting." I grabbed Bella's hand.

"Where's Edward?" I asked after noticing Bella's silence.

"He's still in his room, said he's going to head there by himself."

"He's probably busy," Bella stated.

"No duh," I replied. "Have you tried talking to him?" I asked Jasper.

"Yeah, but he doesn't seem to be listening." Jasper replied.

We walked into the restaurant. And BTW, I cannot believe Mom and Dad invited Jane over. This means Liana's around, too. Seriously, if I hear her voice tonight I am going to scream. I cannot stand her anymore. Last night, she sent me an e-mail saying that she wants me to wear purple, so we'd look like sisters… since, according to her, we practically are. Seriously, I don't give a damn. Screw her. Instead, I'm wearing a peach, off-shouldered sweater with a pair of black tights. So the opposite of purple.

I walked inside and spotted Mom in a green dress. She was having a conversation with Jane. Ah, Liana. I finally spotted her and ew… she's flirting with Edward again. Does she not get that she is not his type? They were sitting on the table. Edward was a perfect distance away from her until she decided to sit next to him. My poor brother, can't he just shoo her away and ditch being a gentleman?

Liana is this pompous idiot who just can't seem to get enough of herself. Excuse my anger, but this is all her doing.

"That's so great, Edward," she told my brother as we walked to him.

"Hi, Alice," he looked at me with an expression that had Save Me written all over it. "Bella, Jasper."

"Hi," I replied.

"I'll leave you guys, okay?" I grabbed Jasper's hand and walked towards Mom and Jane.

"Hello, darling," Mom greeted, giving me a hug. "How's college?"

"'S okay, I think I'll survive," I told her. "Hi, Mrs. T" I greeted Jane, she prefers that I call her that instead of her entire surname.

"Hello, Alice," she smiled sweetly. It's sweet unless you get it from Liana.

"How long will you guys be staying here?" I asked Mom.

"Oh, just for a few days. Your father wants to see how Edward is balancing everything."

"Right," I replied.

"Sweetie, I know your father's hospital can be a lot of work, I've talked to him about it and he said that he'll be doing some of the work while we're here."

"So… you won't be able to hang out with Dad much?" I looked at Mom. Dad is such a workaholic and I sometimes tell him that he needs a break, too. But like Edward, they only compromise for some time, then they get their teeth sunk into their paperwork again.

"I guess not so much," Mom replied and I could see the slight drop of her tone.

"Then I guess it's just you and me, Mom," I smiled.

"Yes, perhaps, a little of your brothers, too."

"Where are Emmett and Rose anyway?" I looked around.

"They're going to be a tad late, honey," Mom replied. "And I got your message a few hours ago."

"Well don't you think it's strange, Mom?" I switched to another topic.

"Yes," she nodded her head.

"Is this about Edward and the bouquets?" Jane interjected.

"Don't you think it's unlikely, Jane?" Mom asked.

"Yes," Jane nodded her head. "It's so sudden."

"Exactly," I agreed. "It's so out of the blue that Edward's suddenly sending Bella flowers."

Jane giggled and Mom followed after. "Let you brother have his fun, Alice."

BPOV

Alice left with Jasper, leaving me with the sight of Liana and Edward. If I were a real psychic, I'd say that Liana wanted to be caught snogging Edward. I should probably let it go, because I know that they're together anyway. It must be difficult for them to maintain a long-distance relationship.

"Hey, Bells," Edward said enthusiastically.

"Hi," Liana said with the highest shrill in her voice and trying to sound nice.

"Hey," I replied.

"Save Me," Edward mouthed while titling his head away from Liana. She must really like him so much.

"I'll go check the restrooms," I grinned widely and walked away.

"Get a grip," I cup my face in my hands. "Stop thinking about it, Bella." I looked at my reflection. Was I that pale tonight? Of course not, I'm just… euphoric about everything. I need to be shrewd and calm. I breathed sharply, and then left out the door. The only seat left was between Alice and Edward. On Edwards left was Liana, who was still busy talking to him. Alice was laughing with Jasper, who was sitting on her right. I saw Emmett and Rosalie sitting. Rose was sitting across the vacant seat, laughing along with Alice and Jasper.

"He did that!" Emmett chuckled at Rose. "Hey, Bella!" he turned smiled at me.

"Hi, Bells!" Rose greeted.

"Hey," I sat beside Alice… and Edward.

"I love that hoodie," Rose said to Alice. "Where did you get it?"

"This cute store in Fifty-first Avenue called Soda Pop. I love it, too." Alice chirped while looking at me proudly.

The waiter started walking to the table with a tray of food.

"So, how's college, Bella?" Esme asked. She was seated next to Carlisle who was tapping away with his Blackberry.

"It's fine," I smiled. "We've only had one test so far," I added. My hunch was right, Mr. Woods did throw a 'pop quiz', except it involved editing this article from old newspapers. He gave us our first assignment, too, well, half of it. All he said was that he was going to assign us to interview charitable institutions and etcetera. He's going to assign each of us to one tomorrow. Jack, from class, said that it'll probably be through picking papers.

"I'm sure you've done splendidly, Bella," Esme grinned.

The waiter set a plate of garlic bread on the table.

I nodded for Esme.

"Will you join us tomorrow, Bella?" Esme asked. "Alice is taking me around L.A., we'd love for you to join us."

"Sure, Mrs. Cullen," I replied.

"Esme," she corrected. "As always."

I nodded my head again.

"What about you, Liana, dear?" I heard Esme ask Liana who had just put her head up from looking at Edward.

"I'm not so sure, Auntie Esme," she said. "Maybe Edward can take me somewhere. Will you Edward?" Edward was sitting straight, his expression was pretty confused.

"I'm sorry, Liana," Edward said with his velvet voice. "I have to help out in the hospital. Dad's going to need my help."

"Well, I'm sure you can take me some other time!" She flashed him another smile.

"We'll see," Edward simply said.

I lost my appetite. I lost it.

"Excuse me," I said while standing from my chair.

"What's up?" Alice whispered.

"Nothing," I replied. "I'll just be a while." I walked to an open balcony. It was windy outside. I could hear leaves rustling and cars passing by. This restaurant was on the fifteenth floor of a hotel. I hugged my arms while resting them on the rails. I'm still contemplating about everything. I'm still trying to push all this away.

~.~.~.~.~

Okay. I was on the balcony a few minutes ago, but I'm pretty much not familiar with my whereabouts right now. And I also don't recall drinking this glass of Piña Colada.

"That's right, drink it all in," said Joe. He was a bartender somewhere at his mid-forties.. "Takes care of all those issues." I'm not ready to agree with what he just said but this seemed to taste really good right now. I've never drunk in all my life and this better be the last because I'm starting to feel my eyelids getting heavy and nauseated all at the same time. It's amazing what alcohol can do to someone. I nearly drank a Tequila sunrise when I was sixteen, thinking it was a mango shake until Mom was quick enough to take it from me.

"'Ya know what?" Joe leaned an arm on the counter. "I've had one of those problems when I was your age." I looked at him as he dazed. "I used to like this girl once, told her how I felt and she felt the same way, too. Then it hit off from there," he paused and heaved a huge sigh. "Then, boom!" he said. "Crash."

"You guys broke up?" I said wearily from drinking the Piña Colada.

He shook his head heavily. "She died and crashed in a car accident," he sniffed.

"Oh, I'm sorry," I replied.

"Yeh," he smirked. "That night I found out, I rushed here and a friend offered me a Margarita. Hey," he shrugged his shoulders. "It might not be your thing, but it's working now, eh?"

"I guess," I rested my head on one hand. My head felt like things were spinning. I did forget about things. I forgot how I got here, there's only a vague vision of me riding the elevator to the lobby and to this bar. There's a disco ball in the middle of the room and people were drunk while they danced. I'm so preoccupied with all the spinning that I can hardly think of Edward.

"So," he said. "This guy's really something, eh?"

"Maybe," I shrugged. "If he wasn't, I wouldn't be here right now."

"True." He nodded. "Which one of you, do you think, is the real idiot?"

"Me," I frowned and tracing my finger around the edges of my glass.

"Kids," he turned his head to one side. "Drink it up, until it's all gone," he raised a glass of Margarita and gave me a toast. His voice was hoarse from all the drinking. "I'll show you how to drink it good," he said while looking dizzy. He took a large, quick sip. "See! Straight and no breaks!"

EPOV

"We'll be opening the hospital in a week," Dad announced. "The day before that will be the acquaintance party, so I'm expecting everyone there." He smiled proudly as he looked at me.

"Edward!" Alice hissed and whispered at the same time. I ignored her and kept concentrated on the food. She grabbed and fork and painfully jabbed my arm with it. I crocked my head towards her and raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Bella's been gone for half an hour. I'm getting worried."

"It's been half an hour?" I looked her without realizing. Everyone's nearly done with dinner and Bella's plate looks as if it was untouched.

"Duh," she said. "She hasn't been answering her cell phone either."

"Maybe she decided to head back," Jasper whispered to Alice. "I'm sure she's fine."

"Check, please," I heard Dad tell the waiter.

"I'll try calling her," I assured Alice.

BPOV

I heard my phone ring after drinking in another glass of Piña Colada. This stuff may cause nausea but it seems to be working wonders. I took the phone out of my pocket and read the caller I.D.: Edward.

I buried my head into my hands, trying to balance both being groggy and the splitting headache at the same time. I've already had three missed calls from Alice. She must be back at the dorm right now.

"That's him, huh?" Joe smirked. "Answer it." I raised my head from my palms and looked at him through my messed up hair with confusion. "Answer it," he nodded his head slowly, "And flush it all out."

"He-hello?" I said while trying to keep my eyes open.

"Bella?" I heard his velvet voice. Gah. "Where are you? We're all worried."

"Worried?" I said while shaking my head. "Ha! Alice is obviously worried," I tilted my head to the left, balancing my weight on the bar stool I was sitting on. "Maybe Jasper is, too. But you," I inhaled my empty glass of Piña Colada. "Were never worried. About Me."

"Are you okay, Bells?" He replied. "Are you feeling fine?"

"Bella?" I heard Alice's voice from the other line. "I'll take it, Edward. Bella, where are you?"

I grabbed my bag and lightly waved to Joe while getting of the stool.

"Oh, you know," I grinned. "I'm on my way home. It's been fun."

"As am I," she replied. "But where have you been all night?" I walked towards the door and carefully opening it.

"I'm fine, Alice," I replied.

"Bella," she said loudly. "Are you drunk?"

"What makes you think that?" I hiccupped and tried to open my eyes again but they seemed like they were shut tight. The music from the bar began to fade; I must be in the lobby now. "I'm Peachy." I said to her.

The heard the elevator in front of me ding open as I stumbled out of the door.

"Bella!" I heard Alice screech followed by quick footsteps. My headache was really unbearable now and everything dimmed.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

EPOV

"I can't believe she's drunk!" Alice ranted on. We were sitting in the back of Jasper's car.

"I'm sure there's a good reason. We should wait until she's awake," Jasper said soothingly while keeping his eyes on the road.

"It's so unBella for her to be drunk. I know that she doesn't," Alice replied. "When she wakes up, she is going to get it."

I looked at Bella who was sleeping soundly with her head on Alice's lap, in between both of us. She was curled up like a ball and sleeping heavily.

"Y-you n-n-never cared," she said in her sleep, causing Alice and me to look at her. "Never bothered," she continued.

"What the heck is she talking about?" Alice said looking confused.

"I heard the same thing when I called her minutes ago." Alice continued to look at me. "She said something about me never being worried about her. It seemed like she was really mad."

"At you, obviously!" Alice spat with a high pitch. "What the heck did you do?"

"Nothing," I raised my hands while trapping myself in my side of the car. "I don't know what she's talking about."

"Edward," I heard Bella say my name as she shifted her head from side to side. "Never…"

"Totally your fault," Alice glared.

"Did you say something to her, Edward?" Jasper suddenly said.

"Nothing!" I said again. "I don't think I did," I scratched my head.

"You don't think?" Alice glared even more.

"I don't know!" I said, being completely exasperated. "I haven't said or done anything to her tonight!"

"If you didn't, then she wouldn't be drunk!" Alice shouted.

"Calm down, guys," Jasper said in a calm tone. "We'll sort this out once she's awake."

Alice sighed and leaned back.

"I'm sorry, Alice," I sighed. I watched her stroke Bella's brown hair. "And I'm sorry for being such an idiot."

"Will you stop that?" she said while furrowing her brows. "Don't apologize to me, because I will never forgive you if Bella doesn't."

"I know," I'll make it up to you both."

"Maybe," she sighed again and stroked Bella's hair. "Never mind," she shook her head.

"I'll get some water from the kitchen," Alice said while resting Bella's head from her lap to the couch. I sat at the end, watching her walk from the couch. Jasper just left to buy some things that Alice gave him. It was past eleven now and Bella was still unconscious. The door quickly swung open and I found Kate rushing in and dropping her things on the coffee table.

"Bella," she ran to Bella's side and stroked Bella's head. "Ohmigosh, I was so worried about her," she turned to me. "What happened?"

"She left dinner early and the next thing we knew, we found her outside the elevator, completely drunk."

"But she's never drunk before," Kate gasped. "What did you do?" she accused me.

"I don't know, okay?" I replied. "Is this entirely my fault?"

"Duh! Obviously," she said. "How can you be so oblivious?" I looked at her, completely speechless and she sighed and shook her head. "Forget it, just help me," she help Bella up and started to unzip the hoodie.

"What are you doing?" I looked away.

"Don't you know anything about helping someone drunk?" She said. "Hurry and help me." I kept my head tilted away. "Don't worry, Edward, we're not going to undress her."

"Hey, Kate,' Alice came in with a large plastic bowl and towels. She hugged Kate lightly. "Sorry for having to call you."

"Don't worry; I was on my way home anyway. It's a good thing you did," she took the towel and soaked it in the water.

"Well?" Alice looked at me. "Don't just stand there and look at us. Do something; this is all your doing really." The phone rang; Alice stood and handed me the towel. "Here, I'll answer the phone."

I took the towel and watched Alice walk away.

"You wanna know something, Edward?" Kate looked at me as I dipped the towel in the water. "It's not so difficult to just ask my friend out."

I kept silent and kept stern. "I mean, she's obviously going to say 'yes', so what's your deal?" She put the towel over Bella's forehead and started removing Bella's shoes. "Are. Are you chickening out?" She suddenly looked up at me. "Are you gay or something?"

"No," I replied and raised my eyebrows.

"Then what's the deal? Is it you girlfriend? Liana? I don't know her so well, though, but if you don't like her anymore or if you're afraid to break up with her, then…"

"What?" I looked at her. She was thinking that Liana was my girlfriend. That's impossible. I've always respected Liana, yes. But I don't fancy her.

"Liana." She said again.

"She's not my girlfriend," I replied while shaking my head.

"But, Bella thinks—"

"What?" I looked at her again. "Does-Does Bella think I'm going out with Liana?"

"Aren't you?" Kate looked shocked. "You did meet up with her, didn't you? A long-distance-relationship sort of thing, I mean."

"Yes, I met up with her. My parents and her mother are all here," I replied. "But how would that even imply that she's my girlfriend? Didn't Alice even tell Bella that she wasn't?"

"Didn't tell who what?" Alice asked as she walked back in the living room. "Hi, Jazzy!" She said as Jasper walked inside with a plastic bag. She ran up to him and squeezed him.

"I thought Liana was Edward's girlfriend," Kate explained. Bella's had it in her mind all this time. She's probably been seeing me as a friend and only a friend. I'm really appalled at the thought of it. "Maybe that's why she's drunk. Probably couldn't handle everything anymore."

"So this is really all Edward's unintentional fault?" Jasper concluded and looked at Alice. "Didn't you clear everything up with Bella?"

"I did tell Bella that she wasn't, but Bella wouldn't listen. Wait… why are you even asking, Edward? It's no big deal, is it?" she smirked while grinning at me.

Hit or Miss?

Review and tell me so that I can squeeze your own ideas in the story. Make me happy and send me your reviews! Oki???

QUESTION: 1) Scientists have proven that cats have more hair on one side than the other side. Some people believe that when cats lay on their side, they need insulation from the cold on the floor or ground. Which side of the cat has more hair?

If that was simple, then you can try this:

2) In the olden days, you are a thief charged with treason against that king and sentenced to death. But the king decided to be a little lenient and merciful and lets you choose your own way to die. What way should you choose?

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- Kar :)