September 13

BELLA'S POV

Everyone's talking about the party that I too am a little into the party mood. I'm kinda excited about it. Though I've been whining that I hate parties to the core, it's what I do to hide the excitement inside me. I didn't want to embarrass myself. Everyone's going to be there to celebrate my special day. No one's ever done that for me before. The only celebration was celebrating with my mom. She would come back earlier from work and I would bake a cake and that's all. Nothing much really.

I do remember one of the parties I've been to. I haven't been to many but I can never forget this party. It was one of the worse days of my life. I had been invited to Courtney's birthday party – who knows why she invited me. I was pretty excited about it as not many have invited me to their parties before. I got dresses up and everything to match the theme of the party N & D. However, when I went to the party, it started well but as more and more people came, I felt more and more left out. One of my good friends bailed at the last minute so there wasn't anyone to talk to. It felt like I was on an island on my own and I didn't even dare go interact with the others. I left the party early in the end. I started hating parties since then but deep down, I was still hoping to have a great party. I wanted to have a party where I didn't feel alone.

Though mostly everyone is coming to see the exclusive Cullen's residence, it was okay. There are some who are coming for me. One would be Jake and all the Cullens. It doesn't really matter. Today's party is for me and me only. No one can take it away from me.

Lauren and the gang are also coming. I sometimes wonder if Alice could read my mind. Sure they're not the best of friends, but they've been nice to me before. When I first came, they were the only ones who let me sit with them during lunch. It's much better than in Phoenix. I sat alone during lunch. No one ever wants to sit with me. They treat me like I have some kind of disease. The 'good' friend of mine never talked to me after the party. It's really sad come to think of it.

"I'm going to your house now? But the party's only starting at seven! Why do I need to go so early?" I was shocked. Edward wanted me to go to his house like five hours earlier. I mean, I need to get ready and everything. I can't possibly get ready in half hour.

"Don't ask me. Alice wanted you there early for a private party."

"Private party?" Now I'm confused…

"Yeah. We wanted you for ourselves for awhile to give you your presents. There won't be much a chance to give you our presents later tonight."

"But I'm not ready. Any there's no way I can get ready in half an hour."

"Don't worry about that. Alice told me to go to your house to fetch everything you need and she and Rose will help you get ready."

I didn't really have much stuff to get ready. I was just planning to wear the dress and tie my hair into a ponytail. I couldn't afford make-up or nail polish or anything. I found those things a little too expensive and not needed. I don't have much money left on me and Charlie doesn't exactly earn that much so I had to save where I can.

EDWARD'S POV

Alice and her whacky ideas. Bella didn't seem unhappy or anything about the 'before' party. She seemed excited; she looked like she was glowing.

"You excited about the party?" I asked casually while I drove her home to pick up her things. Alice saw the dress she decided to wear and was horrified. Her reaction was really funny. I had a quick glimpse of it as well and it just doesn't do Bella's beauty any justice. But Alice was always one step ahead.

"Erm, a little. You're good; I thought I was hiding it well."

"It's not difficult to read your face today. You're like glowing. You even walk with a slight sprint today," I chuckled. Bella didn't say anything but just looked down and blushed.

When we reached her house, she quickly went up to grab her dress and tied her hair into a ponytail. She looked nice with her hair tied up but it wasn't enough. She was the star of the party today. No one's going to outshine her.

BELLA'S POV

"Bella! You're here, you're here, you're here!" Alice shouted and came to hug me. Reflexively, I went to hide behind Edward. Edward chuckled and Alice pouted.

"Seriously Bella, when are you going to outgrow that?" she asked. I was confused, I didn't know the reason behind me doing this silly gesture but it just came to me naturally.

"No time to waste Bella. We have so much to do."

She quickly pulled me into the house and up the stairs to her bedroom I presume. The dresser at the end of the room seemed to take up like half of the entire room. I didn't want to ask what the bed was for since vampires don't sleep.

Rosalie came in shortly and started powdering my face while Alice did my hair. They seemed to do it in lightning speed. They put lip gloss, mascara, blush etc etc. I couldn't really tell what most of the stuff was they were putting on me but I didn't dare look. I've never put on make up before. Hope I don't turn out too bad.

"We're done. Bella, you can open your eyes now."

I slowly opened my eyes and gasped. Who is that in the mirror? Is that me? Impossible. That can't possibly be me right? She was gorgeous. Her hair was given a slight curl and the make up put on her was just right to show off her features. I raised me hand up a little and noticed that her nails were painted a nice baby pink. It's me, it's really me. I smiled at the mirror and Alice and Rose smiled at me too, triumphant.

"C'mon Bella. Time to put your dress on."

"Oh, my dress is in Edward's car. I'll go get it."

"No way Bella. I'm not going to let you wear that piece of junk when you're looking like this."

"Then what am I going to wear? I only have one dress."

"Two actually."

I was confused. I only had one dress. Just then, Rosalie came in. "Oh no you didn't."

"Oh yes I did Bella. This is our gift for you for your birthday so no whining," Alice said.

There was no point in arguing with Alice. She already bought the dress I liked so much the other day. So that's what she did when Rose and I went to get a drink. They planned it. No wonder she wasn't carrying any bags when she came to the juice stand. She already hid it somewhere in the car so I wouldn't see it. I'd probably ask her to return it if I saw it.

"Now for the finishing touches," Rosalie said as she helped me with the heels and the clip.

EDWARD'S POV

Bella looked spectacular when she came down the stairs. She was beautiful, like a real princess. I made a mental note to compliment Alice and Rose on a job well done later.

The music for the private party started and I quickly went to take Bella's hand. "You're beautiful Bella." She blushed.

"Since Rose and I have already given her our present, now it's your turn."

We'll go first dear. I smiled at Esme.

"Bella, here. This is a present from me, Carlisle, Emmett and Jasper." Esme handed Bella a bottle with a ribbon on the top. It was filled with sand and Bella looked at it confused.

"It contains sand taken from all the places we've been to Bella."

Bella's eyes lit up immediately. "Thank you so much. I feel like I'm holding the entire world in my hands." It's like before…

"Edward. What that?" Bella asked while pointing to the bottle at the top of Carlisle's desk. Carlisle was doing his work but didn't mind that Bella had come in to play.

"This here Bella," Carlisle said while taking the bottle and placing it in Bella's hand, "is a bottle containing sand I have collected from the places I have been to. This bottle contains memories of all the places I have been to. The sand right at the bottom is from the place I was first changed, my birthplace."

"A bottle filled with memories? That's so cool! I've never been to many places before but when I'm holding this bottle, it feels like the whole world is in my hands."

I smiled and knelt down and wrapped my arms around her chest.. "Edward, why are you hugging me all of a sudden?"

I chuckled, "So I could go with you all around the world Bella."

"That's nice. One day, I'm going to go to all these places as well."

"Sure you will Bella. Would you like to keep it?" Carlisle asked.

"Oh no no. Bella can't keep this. It's too precious to you. It has all your memories Carlisle. You were born there. And your memories of your Daddy and your Mommy are all inside."

Bella… Would you too be a memory when I leave? I didn't want to answer that question. I just hugged her even tighter.

"Edward. You're the only one left."

"Oh yes." I took out the small CD cover from the living room drawer and gave it to Bella.

"What is this Edward?" Bella asked me and she looked like she was glowing. I'm glad my family's gift made her so happy.

I took the CD from her and played it on the stereo. Bella's lullaby soon filled the room and Bella was speechless. She looked like she was about to cry.

"Thank you so much. You've really made my birthday a truly special one."

"Now's not the time to get emotional Bella. You'll ruin your makeup." Alice smiled.

BELLA'S POV

This party is what every girl dreams of and I'm that special girl having my dream party come true. The whole room was filled with pink ribbons and roses. Different types of food were placed on one end and drinks next to it. There was an empty table covered with a pink cloth. I assume it would be for the guests to put their presents at.

When Edward's gift was played, I couldn't remember the tune at first but I soon remembered. It was the melody that he played for me on the day he told me that he loves me. It touched my heart and I started feeling a little emotional. It was silly but I was truly touched. Everyone's gift was simple but it held so much meaning. This was a party no one would ever forget.

Everything up till now has just been perfect.

Everyone soon came and the party started. Everyone came in looking awed. This is the first time they're coming to the Edward Cullen's home. Some even went to explore the many rooms of the house.

Everyone was dancing and having a great time. I unknowingly eyed the table where all my presents would be at and noticed that it was empty. The room was already filled with guests but it seems like no one brought a present. I was a little disappointed. Not because no one gave me a present – I can forgive that – but it's because it seems like no one remembered my birthday. They only came here to party and have a look at Edward's house. No one wished me or anything. I just blended in with all the bright lights and loud music.

"Bella! There you are. Couldn't find you under all this madness." I turned around to see that Jacob was looking for me. He was wearing a white shirt and a black jacket and jeans. He was smiling and I felt better immediately. Jacob's smile was a miracle worker.

"Hi Jacob."

"Wow. Bella, you look hot!"

I chuckled.

"So er, Happy Birthday Bells. Here." Jacob took a small present from his pocket and I took it with both hands. "Open it. See if you like it."

I slowly unwrapped the present – careful not to tear the paper. The gift was a necklace. It was a long necklace with a small pink heart.

"Thank you Jake. It's beautiful." I smiled at the glistening heart at the bottom.

"That's great. I bought it as I thought it complimented that ring you always have around your neck. You said someone very important gave it to you right? So I thought why not put a heart around it to show how much you love it. You can laugh you know, I have some of the strangest theories."

I chuckled, "It's very meaningful. Thank you so much Jake."

"There you are! Jakey!" Leah called out and came to pull Jacob to the dance floor.

"Oh hey Bella." Leah smiled. I smiled back.

"Well, er, see you later Bells." Leah still didn't like Jacob spending time with me.

Jacob was gone and I was alone again. I played with the necklace Jacob gave me and wore it. I took out the ring and saw that the little heart was wrapped nicely around it. I held onto it tighter. I was alone and I'm afraid. I hate being alone. I felt like I had been tossed to another island again. This feeling of being isolated was uncomfortable and I just wanted to run away from it.

Edward suddenly appeared and without saying anything, took my hand and brought me to the dance floor. The music slowed to a soothing melody. He took my hand and slow danced with me.

I didn't care that everyone was staring at me. Edward was holding onto me and I no longer felt alone. "Thank you Edward."

He didn't say anything but just smiled at me before kissing my forehead. I lay my head at his chest and continued dancing to the melody. My heart feels at ease when he's with me, I feel safe. It slowly seemed like everyone was gone and we were dancing in a magical place where we were the only two people there.

The party ended sooner than I expected. I mostly talked with Alice and Rosalie and a little with Esme. The Cullens were extremely warm. They don't feel like vampires one bit. I couldn't believe that such a warm family could be vampire.

"Today's was the best birthday I ever had. Thank you so much." I blushed as Edward drove me home.

Charlie had already gone to bed when I arrived home. I saw a wrapped box at the kitchen table. I went to look at it and saw a card next to it with my name on it. I took the card and read the contents.

Happy Birthday Bells!

Hope you like your gift. It seems like all the other kids have one so I decided to get you one yourself. Don't keep on depriving yourself of such things. Love ya.

Dad

I opened the box and saw a phone inside it. I was the only girl in school without a mobile phone. Charlie told me to save up to get one but I said I didn't need it. I didn't have much savings so I didn't want to buy unnecessary things. I did want one but I had college to think about.

My dad's gift touched me. I thought I didn't have a father's love since I was a little girl but I was wrong. Though I didn't see my dad, he was always there and he always loved me. I wasn't deprived of anything. I was one of the luckiest girls in the whole wide world.

This has been the best birthday ever.

Sorry I took so long to update. I had one of the worse days of my life on Monday so I wasn't really in the mood to write. But having a bad day has its perks too. I had a Christmas party at my house on Monday. It didn't turn out good for me but it became the base of this chapter. I can write how I want to party to be like. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. I found it a little sloppy.

Anyway, this will be the last update for this week. I'm flying away again tonight for this Christmas but it's only a short trip. I'll be back on Sunday. (: I'll try to write a little quicker for the next few chapters as Bella will be remembering very soon. Oh I'm so excited. :D

Lastly, please go vote on the poll on my profile please. It's regarding the next story I will be writing after this. The two new stories came to me as a dream and I'm extremely excited about it. I have already done a brief outline of what's going to happen. As for the sequel to Two Faces, I have thought about it. I'm still unsure if I should write it or not so I'm asking the readers to choose. Thank you so much. (:

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!