Today was July 20th, Alice and Edward's birthday.
They were turning twelve and having a party.
Of course, it was mostly organized by Alice, because Edward really couldn't care less about throwing a party. A lot of her friends were going to be there.
But the most exciting part?
There'd be no adults.
Well, there would, but Carlisle and Esme said they would leave them alone, as long as they were playing nice and nothing bad was happening.
When I arrived that night, there was about twenty or so people. The music was on, blasting a song I didn't know, and there was a table full of food and cupcakes. "Bella!" Alice squealed, throwing her bony arms around my shoulders, and squeezing against me. I didn't fail to feel what she had… acquired over the past month. Alice went to a no-cup, to an a-cup. She said it was cool shopping for bras, because Esme let her pick all different kinds. I wondered what it would be like for me.
"Happy birthday," I said, grinning and pulling back. Edward came running over and I hugged him as well. "Happy birthday, Edward."
"Thanks," he grinned.
I set my presents down where the others were and Edward and I wandered over to Alice and Rose. "So, what are we doing first?"
"First?" Alice said, smirking. "First, we'll play then truth or dare, and then I have something fun."
"Alice," I whined and she giggled.
"Lighten up, Bella." She leaned forward, her eyes wide and happy. "Emmett's friends brought beer. Want some?"
"Say no, Bella," Edward said, rolling his eyes.
"No, I don't want beer," I said. "Won't your parents get mad if they find out?"
"We'll just say we didn't know." She shrugged and giggled, and I had a feeling she had already had at least one. My dad told me about people when they were drunk.
"Alright, everyone! We're playing truth or dare!" Emmett yelled, and hesitantly, I followed my friends to the big circle that was forming. "Here's how we play," Emmett said once we were all settled. "You spin the bottle and whoever it lands on makes up the dare or question. If you back out of a dare though, you'll have to spin again and whoever it lands on next, you'll have to spend seven minutes in the closet with." He smirked and I hunched myself forward, swallowing my nerves. Since Alice was older than Edward, she spun first. It landed on a tiny Indian girl named Emily. "Truth or dare?" she asked and Alice tapped her chin.
"Um… dare."
"I dare you to stuff ice in your bra for five minutes," she giggled and Alice rolled her eyes. I don't think the ice would really affect her much, though, since she always stuffed her bras. While I didn't really understand it, she said the boys would think she was cuter.
Alice stuffed a few ice cubes in her bra, grinding her teeth together as the ice soaked through. Everyone laughed, except for Edward and I. Edward just cringed and rolled his eyes. "Your turn," Alice gritted out. The ice was soaking past her bra and through her shirt. I guess the toilet paper didn't do anything after all. My face heated up in embarrassment for her.
The game didn't really heat up until Emmett dared a girl named Victoria to kiss Edward. My mouth went a little dry and I swallowed as she giggled and tugged on her curly, red pigtails. Edward looked a little nervous, but leaned forward anyway to kiss her. It was short and made my stomach churn indignantly. When they pulled back, Edward had this goofy smile on his face―my goofy smile―and Victoria was still giggling. I swallowed and stood quickly, nearly falling as I mumbled, "I need to go to the bathroom," and left.
I took some deep breaths and tried desperately to figure out why I walked out like that. Obviously, it was because Edward and Victoria kissed, but it's not like we're together. Edward should be able to kiss anyone he likes without me getting upset over it.
But I was upset. Really upset.
"You okay?"
I gasped, turning around. Edward was frowning, scratching the back of his head as he looked over at me in worry. "Um… fine. Just needed some fresh air," I lied. Edward nodded wearily and walked up closer to me. We sat down on the bench, content and quiet for a moment before I talked.
"So… did you like it?"
"What?"
"You know."
"Um… no. I don't."
"The…" I paused, biting my bottom lip. "The kiss."
"Oh," he mumbled. He blinked rapidly a few times, cleared his throat, and then shook his head. "No. Felt weird."
"Why?"
"I'm not sure. It just felt weird."
"Oh. Okay."
I sighed softly, uncrossing and crossing my legs apprehensively.
"I think it's because―"
"Do you maybe wanna―"
We both stopped talking, giggling. "Sorry. You go first," I said.
"No, no, you go ahead," he said quickly.
"Edward."
"Okay. Alright. Um, well I was saying… I think it's because she wasn't… someone else," he told me nervously.
"Oh, well… who did you want it to be? Do I know her?" I asked curiously, leaning forward and holding my breath.
"You know her," he mumbled. "You… are her."
I sat back, my mouth opening in an O shape as I tried to process this. Edward wanted to kiss me? Again?
"Um..." I squeaked stupidly.
"But it's not like you have to kiss me," he said quickly. "I would like it, seriously, but you don't need to and I'm just saying that Victoria is not you and you're not her, thank God, and that I liked kissing you before, and I really wanna do it again and―"
"And you really need to stop saying and," I said, smiling widely.
"Oh," he chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. He nodded. "Yep. Sorry."
"But I kinda wanna kiss you," I whispered. Edward looked at me, eyes wide. "Only if you want―"
"Shut up," he hissed. "Of course I want to. Did you not just hear me rambling earlier?"
I rolled my eyes and leaned over to him, pressing my lips firmly to his. He tasted like cherries and Mountain Dew. It made me smile, scooting closer until our knees were touching and he was able to wrap his arm around me in a one-armed hug.
"This is perfect!"
We broke apart quickly at the sound of Alice's squeal. I blushed heatedly and turned around, seeing half the party at the patio doors. Alice was holding a camera, smiling so wide it had to hurt.
I looked back at Edward, who was looking at me too, smiling that crooked smile that I love. That one time, I had to agree with Alice. This was perfect.
…