Chapter 28-

Summer Dance

I watched my reflection as Alice slid the blue rhinestone clip into the side of my hair.

"There you are, all done." She announced clapping her hands in delight. "You look amazing, Bella."

"Thank you, Alice," I mumbled, not really seeing my reflection. I was unable to shake this mood. Not even Alice's amazing work on my hair and makeup was enough.

"Erm…come down when you're ready," Alice said, sensing my need for a few minutes alone.

I met her golden eyes in the mirror and forced a smile. I just really couldn't get into all this today. In fact, the only thing I wanted to do today was climb back into one of my hoddies and a pair of tracksuit bottoms and go back to hibernating in my bedroom.

Edward and I had come to a mutual decision that we would not attend this Summer Dance. I had never had any interest in this dance in the first place. The only reason I was involved was because my parents thought it would be a great opportunity to make new friends in our new home. Also they wanted to get me out of the house. Edward had been forced to attend this dance the last three years, so he wasn't missing out anything. We had planned to just stay at home and watch DVD's while I ate myself into oblivion. This had been the norm since I got back from the hospital. I just didn't want to do anything and Edward was more than happy to let me deal with all this in my own way.

The physical pain had completely disappeared, but my mental and emotional states were another thing. I was unsure of how to deal with all this. There wasn't a book that told you how to deal with your best friends losing her mind and trying to kill the closest person she had to a sister.

I felt trapped. I felt like I was unable to express my feelings and emotions on everything that had happened. I wanted to cry, to scream and smash things, but instead I just isolated myself from everyone except Edward.

However, that changed yesterday. Alice had appeared at my house, interrupting my brooding. After much persuasion and threats, Alice had convinced me that maybe a night out would make me feel a little better.

I tried to get out of it, using every excuse I could think of. From I just didn't want to go to I have nothing to wear.

Alice being Alice was one step ahead of me. Announcing that she had already designed and made me a dress for me to wear. However, that was not what decided to make me go. It was a look I saw flash across Edward face, excitement. After that he admitted that he wanted to go, if I would be his date. Giving up, I had agreed to go.

So for most of today, I had been hauled up in Alice's bedroom. She had insisted that we could spend the day getting ready. Personally I never understood why girls took so long to get ready. I hated sitting for hours on end while people pulled at my hair and slapped make up on my face. Thankfully, being a witch meant that I rarely had to go through the hours of preparation. I would mumble a spell and have perfect hair and makeup in seconds. However, when I suggested this to Alice she all but took off my head. According to her, the pampering was all part of the experience and if I ever tried to magic myself into perfection with her around, she would end my life.

So after hours, I had finally been deemed ready. The dress that Alice had made me was stunning. It was a royal blue chiffon halter evening dress with sparkling jewels detail the halter straps and waist. There was a split in the front. It was an amazing dress and I did feel incredible in it but my heart wasn't in it. I just wanted to be at home.

"Bella? The car is here." Rosalie called from down stairs.

Sighing heavily, I sprayed myself with some perfume Alice had given me before leaving the room.

I gripped the banister, desperately trying not to trip on my dress and end up as a heap at the bottom of these marble stairs. I guess the five inch gold heels I was currently wearing weren't helping the situation. Plus my parents and the Cullen's were gathered at the bottom of the stairs, watching my descent. It was like a scene from a film. There was even a camera flashing.

I didn't look up from my feet until they were firmly on the bottom step.

"Oh sweetheart, you look incredible." Renee squealed in excitement. She made a grab to hug me but pulled back last minute, scared that she would rip something. Instead she settled for kissing my forehead. "This dress is incredible Alice. It must have taken you ages to make."

"Thank you, Renee. It didn't take too long to make. I know exactly what suits Bella."

"Before you go, I want a photo of you all," Esme announced, producing a camera from one of the drawers.

I couldn't help buts smile as Edward pulled me tighter to his chest while his siblings arranged themselves into similar positions on either side of us. We all smiled, while Esme snapped photos.

"Oh hold on," I called as an idea popped into my head. I held out my palm and suddenly it was engulfed in white smoke and sparkles. When it cleared, there was a black camera in my hand. "Use this camera."

"Why?" Esme questioned looking at the device with curiosity.

"Just trust me." I giggled stepping back into Edward's arms. We all resumed our smiles and positions as Esme took numerous photos with my camera.

After several more snaps, we finally made our way outside and into the limo that had been arranged. Personally, it was all a little over the top for me, but from everything I had been told this was a very prestigious event in Forks, almost as important as the prom. Therefore, I would be seeing a lot more limos and tiaras tonight.

I relaxed against the leather of the seats, listening to Emmett, Jasper and Edward argue over the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys, whatever that was. Alice and Rosalie were contemplating what some of the other girls would be wearing. I on the other hand was thinking about Sam.

She would have loved all this. Like any school, we had hosted a number of different dances. We would spend hours doing and redoing each other's hair and makeup before changing dresses hundreds of times before growing tired and just using magic to gain the dress that most fitted our mood that night. She loved the whole glitz and glam thing, always taking pride in her appearance. After her parents had past, we swapped the dresses for onesies and stayed in our dorm room watching chick flicks and eating chocolate. She had really gone off the glam; she wasn't really big on being around people, always worried that they were judging her. Was that a sign? Should I have picked up on how she perceived herself in the eyes of others? Had I been so wrapped up in myself that I didn't see that my best friend was more damaged than she had led everyone to believe? Had I failed her?

I was unable to suppress the sob that shook my frame, thankfully it was silent. However, that didn't help me, not with an empath and a load of vampires in the same car. Silence echoed through the car as I tried to keep my tears in my eyes. Edward wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me into his side, as the tears finally left my eyes. He squeezed me tight, letting tears soak his suit. I felt someone take hold of my hand, while someone else brushed my hair gently. I pried my head out of Edwards's jacket to meet the gazes of the people I'd become so close to. Emmett was holding onto my hand, while Alice was the one brushing my hair. Jasper was the furthest back but I could feel the waves of calm and composure he was sending my way. All of them were supporting me, just making me cry even more.

"It's going to be okay baby," his sexy smooth voice whispered in my ear. How was it going to be okay? My lack of attention to my best friend had caused her to snap. Caused her to break. All of this was my fault.

"Don't think like that, Bella." Jasper voice was strong "It's not your fault."

"Sam is very sick. She hasn't been able to cope with her parent's death." Rosalie said which shocked me a little.

"She has been bottling up so much anger and hate. However, she chose to not take the help she was being offered. That is not your fault." Edward added, holding me impossibly close.

"Losing your parents can have a serious effect on some people. You supported her as best you could Bella," Alice spoke gently.

I looked at the people around me, all of them holding and supporting me in some way. A group of vampires, who I had hated, were holding me together as if I were their sister, a part of their family.

"Thank you," I hiccupped out as Edward brushed away my tears.

"It's okay, Bella," Alice said gently before kissing my cheek. "Now stop crying. You're ruining your makeup."

I laughed lightly before using magic to redo the damage I had caused with my salting tears.

It was amazing how much support these guys were giving me. Suddenly I felt guilty about everything I had ever done or said to them. They were all good people, even Rosalie. She was just protective of her family, worried that I would have exposed them and caused a serious amount of trouble. I could completely understand that now. As Rosalie scowled at Emmett for nearly ripping the silver dress she was wearing, I mumbled a few words and watched as her bright blue hair changed back into her striking blonde.

When she spotted her reflection in car window, she flew across the car, pulling me into a tight hug. I hugged her back in shock as she thanked me several times for fixing her hair.

The rest of the ride was calm and comfortable. I stayed wrapped in Edwards's arms as I conversed with everyone about what they planned to do after they left school. When we arrived at Forks High School, I was met with a car park full of limos and even a few carriages.

"You guys really go all out for this, don't you?"

"You have no idea. Wait until you see the inside." Alice's excitement was catching and I found myself giddy with enthusiasm instead of frozen stiff in fear. I had suspicions that Jasper was involved in my behaviour.

"Yeah, it's been Alice-ified," Emmett boomed while we all groaned at his terrible joke.

Edward got out of the car first, holding out his hand for me to take. I couldn't help the smile that graced my face; he was always such a gentleman.

As soon as my heels had touched the ground I wanted to get back in the limo.

"There are too many people." I wasn't ready for this I gulped, my hand tightening in his as I tried to shrink into him.

"Hey," Edward turned me to look at him. His cold hands came to rest on either side of my face. "Bella, I won't let anything hurt you. I promise."

"I know," I breathed as he wrapped an arm around me, pulling me into a tight embrace. I would happily have stayed there, but I felt him stiffen in my grip. I pulled back alarmed. My sixth sense wasn't going off, so I guess I was just going to have to fight off Lauren and her snide remarks.

"What is it?" I whispered, as he finally let go of me. However, he did take hold of my arm as if he was going to push me behind him.

"You're wanted." Edward whispered in my ear. I followed his gaze, seeking the source of his sudden stiffness. I had a massive sense of déjà vu, as I spotted a gorgeous looking man standing at the edge of forest.

"It's okay, Edward." Alice said laying a hand gently on his arm. "He just wants to talk."

I raised an eyebrow at their exchange. What had Alice seen Edward doing?

"It's fine, I'll be back in a minute." I reassured him before unhooking the stilettos off my feet and handing them to Edward.

"What are you doing?" Alice asked appalled with my actions.

"They will just sink into the mud." I responded before lifting up my dress so it wasn't dragging along the ground, and made my way towards Zephyr.

As he saw my approach, he sashayed forward to meet me half way. Unfortunately, half way meant me walking on mud. Securing my dress in one hand, I stepped onto the wet, soft mud. My feet sunk into the slimy substance. We stopped when we were about a meter apart.

"Zephyr," I said in greeting.

"Hello Isabella," he said in his usual sultry sexy voice. His eyes racked up and down my body in a way that made me want to cross my arms. "I must say you look absolutely stunning."

"Thank you," I mumbled, unable to stop or hide the blush spreading across my face.

"So how are you feeling, Isabella?"

"I'm okay, I guess."

He raised an eyebrow at my response. "Really?" he asked, seeing straight through my façade. I wasn't sure how I felt about that. He had always been a perceptive person, always able to pick up on other people's emotions. I was slightly irritated by his observation.

"The last time we were in this position, things didn't end so well. So if you have come to tell me some other deep routed secret that is going to destroy part of my life, save it."

"I promise I haven't come to start anything. I think it's safe to say you have been through enough."

I hadn't seen Zephyr since the incident in the clearing. He hadn't come to see me in the hospital; in fact, we'd been almost certain that he had disappeared into nowhere as he normally did. None of us had heard anything from him, but we weren't exactly worried. Zephyr would be found and seen when he wanted to be. So I was a little shocked that he was standing in front of me so soon.

"What can I do for you?"

"I just wanted to give you something," he said, pulling out a small vial which held a neon green liquid. I had never encountered anything like it before.

"What is it?" I asked, staring at the bottle. I have had enough of tonics and potions for a while. However, I was intrigued. He smiled in a way I had never seen on his face before. There were hints of pride and accomplishment.

"That, my darling Isabella, is a temporary cure to your little problem."

My breath hitched at that. He had found a remedy? "How?" I was in shock that was for sure.

"It's not going to cure you, Bella. However, it will bind and secure you."

"I don't understand." I admitted, as he twisted the bottle between his fingers.

"The potion is created to target the dangerous parts of your personality. It will bind them and secure them back behind that barrier. Once they are safely bound, the potion will increase the barrier, effectively holding it in place."

"That's incredible." The awe was evident in my voice. This guy was incredible when he wanted to be.

"It was something I started working on for Bailey." His eyes suddenly seemed ancient and tired, like he just wanted to rest for a while. "Unfortunately, circumstance got in the way before I was able to complete it."

He handed me the bottle and my future. "Thank you."

"We can't have you losing it in school now can we?" he was making jokes now?

"I guess not," I smiled, truly understanding how tired he felt. However, he was right. I was due to go back to school in two days. I hadn't even considered what would happen if I had an episode when I was at school.

"Like I said it's temporary. It will last for few months, so I will have the next one sent to you when you get back home for Christmas."

I had heard stories about Zephyr for years. Stories about how powerful and knowledgeable he was. Many of my kind looked to him for guidance and had nothing but respect for him. I was never one of those people. I was curious about whom he was, but how could you have respect for someone who could be so cruel? He had only proved me right when I met him. I had seen him as nothing but harsh and vindictive. He was always looking for a way to gain the upper hand over everyone, always looking for ways to profit from people's weaknesses. However, I had never felt so much respect for him than in this moment.

"Thank you, for everything." I wasn't just referring to the potion that I was holding.

"You're more than welcome." He said. "I'll let you get back to your evening."

"I'll see you soon." He smirked before leaning forward and kissing my cheek. Even from where I was standing I could hear the warning growl coming for Edward. This did nothing to scare Zephyr, instead he just laughed.

"Protective isn't he, Isabella?" he smirked as I just shrugged my shoulders.

"You can call me Bella." I insisted, knowing I had made this request before.

"No. I still like your full name." he smiled before turning and walking into the trees where he no doubt dissipated.

I gripped the bottle tightly before pushing in to the top of my dress. Classy as always. I made my way back to everyone before magically removing the mud from my feet and donning my shoes again.

"Why haven't you taken it?" Emmett asked once everything was back in place.

"I will later." I promised, linking my arm through Edwards "but for the rest of the night I just want to be a normal girl. No magic, no vampires or potions. Just me surrounded by friends and family."

Everyone smiled at me before taking the hands of their other halves and walking towards the school.

As we walked into the school hall my mouth dropped. The place had been completely transformed. The walls were covered with long tick black curtains; there were crystal lights, and candles. Everything looked classy and sophisticated.

I didn't have much time to admire them before Edward was pulling me onto the dance floor. We were spinning round in circles along with his family, everyone making room for us.

"I have to say, this is so beautiful. You guys did amazingly well with the decorations."

"Alice is a force to be reckoned with."

"Indeed," I giggled before closing my eyes and resting my forehead against his. For the first time since my return from hospital, I felt relaxed.

"You are so beautiful. This colour really suits you."

I blushed deeply. "Thank you."

"I was so scared." His sudden change of subject was unexpected. His forehead was still resting on mine, his eyes closed tightly.

"Edward?"

"I was so scared that I had lost you. I tried to help, tried to get you to stop. I just wanted you safe." he sounded so broken just thinking about what had happened. I cupped his cheek, forcing him to look at me. "You have no idea what you have done to me. No idea how much I need you ,Bella."

My heart melted at his words. He had no idea the effect he had on me. He had no idea how much I had changed since I had been here, how he had changed so many aspects and views on my life. He had opened my eyes and heart again, something I didn't even know was possible, and I loved him for it. I loved him with all my heart.

"I…" I stopped before I said something else. Now was not the time for this. Not in a room full of teenagers and vampires that would over hear. Those words were for him and when I did finally get round to telling him, I wanted it to be personal, just the two of us.

"You what?" he asked confusion clouding his voice. I smiled before saying something that was also true and yet personal.

"I can guess," I whispered so gently it sounded like a caress. I leaned up onto my toes and pressed my lips to his.

There was so much to talk about, so much to discuss. We had both crossed a bridge that we couldn't turn our backs on. There were obstacles I had yet to face and would have to one day. However, we kept it at bay for tonight. For tonight we were just Edward and Bella.


Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of the characters or locations from the series.

I know I said Saturday but this chapter was just sitting on my computer waiting to be posted.

Just want to say thank you Tarah for all her hard work.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter.

Please leave me a review.

See you soon.

xxx Red as a Rose xxx