A/N- yeaaa two tournys down, one to go woooo. I've got a good feeling about tomorrow. Think i'ma do good! ;) This chapter is sooo dedicated to Lions-Lamb-4ever{aka Allison!} for the line that Alice screams. Girl, that's 100% uu!:) much lovee!{ps-check out her stories!} Now here's Ruined
BPOV
"Alice, I don't like this . . ."
My hands fluttered from my curled mess of hair plastered to my head to my heavily made up face. I felt like I'd been painted on a canvas in thick oils, not purified water colors. I'd been sitting in Alice's bathroom for four hours straight. After spending about a half hour at home straightening things out with Charlie– which had blown over remarkably smoother than I'd expected– she had dragged me here. I'd been forced to walk right past Edward without being allowed a single word. Since then I'd been forced into a small green cocktail dress and sat in the same fluffy seat in Alice's bathroom.
"You don't have to like it," Alice rebuked, slightly offended. She spun around me to turn my shoulders this way and that. "I do, and so will Edward."
I shrugged her hands off. "Where are we going, anyway?" She had kept the evening's plans under lock and key and it was beginning to cause me to grow wary. I knew– from experience when the soldiers returned home– that Alice loved to take things overboard if she was given the opportunity.
"I can't tell you." She giggled, stepping away from me just to turn me towards her. Her hands flitted across my face as she made some unnecessary touch ups. "Edward knows just as much as you do."
I groaned and pulled away impatiently. "Alice, I hate surprises."
Her hands fell to her hips and she narrowed her eyes. "Just this once, Bella. Please, stay with me here." She begged desperately before reaching out to pull me back. I bit my lip to refrain from groaning angrily again. This had to be the least I could do to Alice after all the help she'd offered me. I knew she had the decency to never bring it up as a threat or to persuade me, but Alice had helped me so much that very nearly owed her my life.
"Don't bite your lip like that," Alice scolded, waving her hand in front of my face. "It messes up your make up. Must I teach you everything?" I pursed my lips, but stop biting it. Alice had taken it upon herself, too, to explain to me all the things I couldn't do with make up on. I couldn't rub my eyes, cry, eat messily, slouch, kiss Edward too many times, touch my face, frown, lean into anything, and now, bite my lip. It nearly took away my entire plans for the evening aside from cry and frown.
"You're almost ready." Alice announced, placing her instruments of torture on the counter. "Let me go get your shoes and make sure your ride will be here on time. Stay here." Her eyes shot me warnings as she slipped backwards out the door, dragging it closed with her. I breathed out and slouched into the counter, already breaking one of Alice's make up rules. I smiled. This was probably going to be the most rebel thing I'd do for awhile.
A light tapping on the door made me jump. Before I had time to respond, a vaguely recognizable voice called through the door. "Alice, Esme wants to see you." I paused for a moment, deciphering the talker. Registering that it was Jasper, I shuffled uncomfortably up to the door and opened it enough to stick my head out.
"She went to go make sure everything's all set for tonight." I informed him miserably, leaning into the door. Rule 2, broken.
Jasper strained his neck to see through the door. "So she's not in there?" He whispered. Confused, I nodded. A sly smile broke across his face. "Better hurry then." My lips parted in bewilderment, but my baffled questioning was cut short when he gripped my wrist and pulled me into the hallway. Looking hesitantly around the hall, Jasper guided me past the other rooms. He stopped at the last one of the right.
"Have fun," He murmured, pushing me in through the door. I turned to inquire information on my location only to see he was gone. Utterly perplexed, I stuck my head out of the room and scanned the hallway. Jasper's lanky form was nowhere to be seen.
"You look lovely." A low velvety voice purred from behind me. I squeaked and started as two muscular arms snaked around my waist. My hand soared to my throat and I spun around, prepared to smack my captor.
"Edward!" I breathed in relief. My relief instantly morphed into anger. "Why'd you scare me like that?"
"Because I knew I'd get the less shy side of you first if I scared it out of you." He chuckled, bending his head to kiss my neck. I blushed deep scarlet and looked away. He was right– had he just come up and said hello I, looking the way I do now, would have been far too shy to form sentences. Now that he'd pointed this out, the shyness had begun to take action.
His hand swept across my warm cheek and tilted my face towards him. He smiled ruefully at me and pressed his lips gently to mine. I felt my pulse quicken even more than when Edward had frightened me and my lips burned from his contact even after he pulled away. Greedily, I leaned forward, searching for his lips again. I heard him chuckle again before he pressed one of his fingers to my lips.
"I'm sorry, Bella." He whispered in my ear, sending goose bumps down my neck. "But if you don't want Alice finding us, I suggest we hurry." I narrowed my eyes questioningly at him, but was only offered a mere shrug and wink in return. I bit my lip, rule 3- broken, but complied and allowed Edward to pull me from the room and silently down the hallway and stairs. It wasn't until we'd snuck through the empty living room that I realized I was still barefoot.
"Edward, I-
"Don't worry, I've got you." He grinned before swiftly sliding one leg to the back of my knees, knocking my legs out from underneath me. My back fell into his other hand and he pulled to his chest, bridal style. My breath left me in a sharp huff and my eyes widened as I glared up at him, blushing so heavily that I could be mistaken for an overripe tomato. Edward's lopsided grin grew and he kissed my forehead before slipping out the front door and into the black night.
"Edward, mind telling me where we're going?" I demanded quietly. Despite the fact that we were no longer inside, I still felt the need to speak in a hushed tone.
"My car." He replied simply. I could hear the sly smile in his voice. I huffed and crossed my arms
"Edward, I really hate surprises."
He laughed and captured my lips with his own. "Dear, I saved you from the real surprise you would have hated." He reminded me. Obviously, he had discovered Alice's intentions. "Besides, I just told you where we were going, the Volvo." I heard the click of a car door and I was lowered into the soft interior.
I leaned back in the seat, squishing my legs together, still self conscious of the dress. "Well dear," I mimicked sourly. "Where off to now?"
"Your house," He shrugged as he closed the door. His eyes grazed my leg "Unless you want to go shoeless, that is."
I rolled my eyes and self-consciously covered my thigh with my hand, my face heating up, if possible, even more. "Depends, would you carry me everywhere if I went shoeless?"
"Everywhere and anywhere." He vowed, leaning forward to peck my lips. He pulled away before I had the chance to deepen it, and sighed.
"Let's go get me some shoes." I puffed in defeat. He chortled and started the engine. I leaned against the window and pressed my face to it in an attempt to cool my cheeks. Guess I was breaking that rule a lot tonight.
A sudden burst of light filtered through my window as the car began backing out of the driveway. I lifted my head to see Alice standing in the doorway, waving a cell phone over her head, shouting something. Out of curiosity, I rolled down the automatic window to hear her words before the trees surrounding the three mile exit could drown them out.
"EDWARD FREAKING CULLEN AND BELLA FLIPPIN' SWAN!" She screamed after us, jumping to the bottom of steps before continuing. "IT WAS GOING TO BE PERFECT! EVERYTHING! GET BACK HERE! I WILL GET YOU TWO ON A DATE, SOMEHOW, SOMEDAY! AND IT'LL BE EVEN MORE PERFECT!" The rest of her infuriated words were lost in the thick trees and undergrowth of the forest. Edward burst into hysterics. I giggled, but actually, I was a little frightened by the thought of a date being even more perfect than what she'd been planning . . .
"Bella, you look terrified." Edward panted as we broke onto the highway. I smiled sheepishly.
"Is it that obvious?" I mumbled, my continuous blush finding more reason to stay.
"I don't think she knows the true definition of perfect." Edward frowned suddenly, looking serious. "She thinks it has to be expensive and well planned out to be good. Me, I'm just going along as it comes . . . mostly."
I smiled wider at his confession. "How's it coming along right now?"
He smirked at me. "Nice try, Bells." He winked before returning his gaze to the road in front of him. "But I wouldn't tell you even if I really had an idea. All I know is that I don't want to waste that pretty outfit of yours." He looked away from the windshield again to quickly look me up and down. "I did mention you look absolutely divine tonight, correct?"
I shrugged shyly and studied my hands on my lap, my blush heating up again. "Something like that." I couldn't stop the involuntary smile that crept across my face at his accusation.
The car jolted into an unexpected turn and my head shot up in alarm. We were heading down another road engulfed in trees. I tilted my head curiously at him as the car eased to a stop on the deserted road. Even as the headlights went out, I could sense the gleam in Edward's eye as he flashed my favorite crooked smiled.
"I lied," He confided, his hand finding my chin to slant my head back. "I've had this planned all night." His lips found mine and fire blazed between them. I slid off my seatbelt and leaned closer towards him, balancing my hands on the center console. A moan of desire slipped through Edward's lips and he pulled me closer, his tongue brimming my bottom lip, wishing to deepen the kiss. I froze, suddenly remembering what this situation reminded me of.
I broke away, my chest heaving as sobs threatened to escape. No, my mind scolded my memory for presenting these ideas now. You had to ruin it, ruin it all. I can't be normal, can I? Ever?! I felt the tears now, hot and salty they were streaming down my face– rule 4, broken. Edward, worried by my sudden rejection, reached up to turn the car light on. I coughed back at wave of hysterics and turned away from the blinding light to fumble with the doorknob.
"Bella?" Edward's velvety voice was laced with concern. "Bella, are you okay?" I pushed the door aside and shook my head. If I had so much as opened my mouth I would have broken down, right then and there. Edward didn't deserve to see me like this. I ran as far as my feet would let me, blinded by the pitch blackness of the night. My bare feet were stung with fresh cuts as they dragged along the rocky road, but I didn't stop. I had no idea if I was running towards the highway or away, all I focused on was running away from Edward. Something– or maybe it was nothing– caught my foot and I toppled over, a loud ripping sound resounding from my thigh as the elegant dress I wore tore. My sobs racked through me and I pulled myself to the side of the road and curled into a ball, forcing my recent recollection to the back of my mind.
"Bella, this is Leon." Lola said nonchalantly, pushing a buff, sandy blonde boy towards me. He smiled seductively at me as his eyes scanned my body. I folded my arms self-consciously across my low cut shirt and blushed, looking away from his greedy eyes. I didn't like him, instinct was right. "He's Morgan's friend. Wanted to get to know you. I'll be . . . around."
My eyes lingered on Lola's retreating form as she left me stranded with yet another perverted boy I'd no doubt ditch again to spend the evening in the bathroom. I think I remembered to cram my book into my jacket. . .
My eyes reluctantly circled back to Leon's square face. "Uh, hi." I mumbled, shifting my weight onto my right foot.
"Hey," He smirked, stepping closer to me. The proximity in the crowded room made me feel uncomfortable, I took a step back. With the music blaring from the speakers beside me I couldn't make out his next words, all I registered was the movement of his hands as he placed them on my hips. I slid mine down on his and pushed against them with no sign of progress. "I'll take that as a yes. I'll be right back with two beers."
My lips parted in disagreement, but he vanished into the crowd before I could voice my distaste towards alcohol. I could tell that if I stay then I wouldn't end up with a choice. I made my way through the crowd to find a pay phone. I needed to call Renee, my only ride was Lola's car. I was beginning to think that the car was the reasoning behind her dragging me to these parties just to dump me with some strange– so she could get home safely. She knew I didn't drink, while she, on the other hand, drunk herself silly. I scowled to myself as I pressed the coins into the machine.
Renee had been my last hope. Thank you, so much, for letting me down. It all could have been stopped. . .
"Bella?!" The voice that broke me from my trance was strained and breathless, and I could assume that he'd been calling for me for some time now. I felt guilty for making him anxious, but he would have freaked and demanded information had he seen my major break down. I needed to choke back the memories on my own accord, I couldn't have someone standing beside me as I fought the never ending battle.
"Dear God, Bella is that you?" His voice was above me now. I bit my lip to stifle the ongoing hysterics. Alice would have my head if she figured out how many of her rules I was breaking without much of a second thought. I didn't have time to dwell on what else was going wrong, though, before warm familiar arms scooped me up from the ground. I instantly realized my stupidity in running away. Edward's embrace made all of my pain to evaporate immediately. My insecurity, though, was still present. I tucked my face into his chest to avoid his eyes, even if they weren't visible in the dark night.
"Bella, do you want to talk about it?" He questioned lightly, his lips brushing my ear. He wasn't forcing the information out of me, he was offering his listening skills if I wanted them. I shook my head into his shirt. I wasn't ready yet. I wasn't masochistic, I didn't wish to purposely bring myself more agonizing pain. To my surprise, he didn't push the matter further. I felt my weight shift in his arms as he began to walk back towards the car at a steady pace.
After only a few minutes, I was lowered to the hood of his car. His hand cupped my chin and his thumb swept away a stray tear. He lowered his lips cautiously to mine and pulled away before I could react irrationally. "Tears aren't always romantic, hmm?" He murmured, perching himself next to me on the hood. I could see now, in the dim light of the illuminated car.
"I'm sorry Edward." I whispered, resting my head on his shoulder. He wound his arms around my waist and pulled me closer. "I'm sorry I ruined the evening and I'm sorry I won't talk to you. I'm just not ready to put up with anymore."
He pressed his lips to the top of my head. "Don't apologize, love." The word sent shivers down my spine. "If there is anyone on this planet who understands the burden of haunting memories, it's me. I'll be patient until you're ready."
I nodded, tilting my head to kiss his neck. I wasn't even sure I deserved such a perfect man. I didn't see how such a man could even look at me the way he did. "Can we still go through with your plans for the night?" I wondered guiltily. I silently hoped my episode hadn't ruined all of Edward's intentions.
"Yes, actually," Edward's voice perked up. He slipped away from underneath me, gently brushing me away so that I wouldn't fall. "Stay right here for a moment." My eyes followed him curiously as he stopped at the driver's door and popped the trunk. He winked at me before he was swallowed by the darkness that engulfed the back of the car. I leaned back patiently as I awaited his return. I could only imagine what his true plans were.
The front light clicked out behind me and I looked back in alarm. A hand wrapped around my eyes. "Alright, come here." Edward crooned in my ear. I obediently stood and allowed Edward to pull me along to the rear of the car. "Keep them closed for just one second, please." His hand left my face and I squeezed my eyes together tightly to resist the too tempting urge to peek. Edward's voice was distant when he spoke again. "Open them."
I cautiously opened one eye, suddenly afraid of what I might be greeted with. The flicker of candlelight flashed in the corner of my eye and they shot open, flicking towards the source of light. My jaw dropped.
Edward had set up a small– no doubt it was also a fold-up, though I couldn't tell by the white cloth covering it– table and adorned it with two plates with silverware and two tall, off-white candles, a water filled vase in the middle. It was beautiful. I'd never seen something quite like it before.
"Edward." I breathed, unable to say much more. He smiled sweetly at me and pulled something from behind his back– a small thornless rose.
"Hungry?" He held out the rose for me. I drew and ragged breath and stepped up to the table, accepting the rose. I twirled it in my fingers before raising it to my nose. The water filled vase suddenly made more sense to me.
"Absolutely." I whispered, lowering myself to the empty seat across from him. "Edward, this is so sweet."
"Better than what Alice could have planned?" He challenged with a grin. I rolled my eyes.
"Anything you do tops Alice tenfold."
A/N- if ur liking Mistakes Happen, do me a favor and check out the fanfics written by Jaralrunner- Daddy's Story and Return to Forks first one's a one shot that's really good, second's a full story check em, you'll love em:) thanks!
Ready? Review! ;)
~Rossie