Chapter 29

I stumbled down the stairs in my shimmering heels, they were sling-backs and so my feet had very little support and I was convinced that it was only a matter of time before a tumbled down the stairs. There was no one there helping me as the girls had remained in my bedroom, changing into their party outfits. So as I was alone, I was forced to desperately clutch the banister with both hands as if my life depended on it.

And it did.

Most likely

When I reached the bottom of the stairs I let out a loud sigh of relief, glad that nothing had been broken during that painful process. My mother suddenly entered the hallway having left the kitchen. She too had changed into a nice rose outfit that I hadn't seen her wear in years. When her gaze met my tense form she covered her mouth with her hands and tears began to pour out of her glistening eyes.

"Leah, sweetheart you look beautiful." she said.

"Thanks mom, so do you." I said, my eyes beginning to tear up also. I strictly berated myself, knowing that Alice would not hesitate to kill me if I ruined her masterpiece. My mother burst into laughter and I joined her; it was always better to laugh than to cry.

"Oh look at us, already starting the waterworks." She shook her head and brought out a tissue, carefully dabbing my eyes and, ridding it of the tears that had escaped.

I sniffed and giggled, "Yeah, I'm not a very good host am I?"

She smiled, "They'll understand. Now go, you've kept everyone waiting for long enough."

I nodded and walked on, relief flooding through me when I discovered that it was much easier walking across in the killer heels then walking down the stairs. I confidently sauntered over to the kitchen, ready to make my big entrance when I was hit by yet another surprise.

"Hello Leah, happy birthday." Mrs Cullen said with a smile. I smiled back, though I was totally surprised to see her.

"Thank you." I said, I felt bad for forgetting her name. I fumbled through the many files in brain in search for at least a clue of what her name could be. Karen, Amber, Sarah…

'Wait, it started with an E didn't it?'

"Esme, where should I put these?"

'Esme, that's it.'

I turned around to face my saviour only to find the other blond leech at the door, holding three stacks of boxes that must have been very heavy, with very little effort at all. I frowned.

'Great, now I can't remember his name.'

'Wait Edward had said it just the other day… um… Casper that's it! I think…'

"Just put it over there Jasper."

'Oh Jasper… Oh well close enough.'

I mentally repeated both their names in attempt to remember them for next time.

"Hello Leah, happy birthday." Jasper drawled in a Southern accent as he placed the boxes in a nearby corner.

"Thank you Jasper."

I walked over to the door and slowly opened it; I was stopped when Rachel's voice could be heard as she spoke through a microphone. She gave me a flattering introduction which made me grimace, and then when I finally stepped out into the garden once more, there was a burst of applause. I blushed as some guys began to wolf-whistle and howl.

I wasn't used to getting so much attention, and the attention I usually got was nowhere near as enthusiastic or even positive. But that had always been fine, because I wasn't one to crave attention, and so having a blinding spotlight on me and over eighty people staring at me, was really nerve-racking. A sudden wave of calm rushed through me and I finally found the courage to walk down the steps in the suicidal shoes and meet my guests.


After two hours of smiling, greeting, laughing, shouting and dancing, I was exhausted. My throat hurt from yelling over the music, I had a huge headache and my cheeks were stiff as I'd never smiled so much in my life. However all of that combined, could not compare to the excruciating pain that my feet were forced to endure.

I had attempted multiple times to change into a more comfortable pair of shoes, however Alice had acted as my personal body guard, ensuring my make-up was not smudged, my hair remained perfect and I did not have access to any other pairs of shoes.

I had begged and pleaded with her, but she'd merely said;

"Leah, everyone knows, beauty is painful; we women must suffer to look good."

I'd shaken my head and wondered why I hadn't received any of these memos that everyone else seemed to have gotten.

"Leah."

I turned around and smiled when I saw Jacob.

"Hey Jake."

"I've been looking all over for you Lee." He said with a smile.

"But you're probably so busy with all your new friends."

He gestured around us and I laughed and soon he joined me.

"I just wanted to say happy birthday Leah, you look… wow."

I blushed, but covered up my embarrassment by punching his arm.

"Thanks Jake."

"Ouch! You're welcome?" he said, rubbing his arm, though I could tell it didn't really hurt.

I grinned.

"Leah."

"Hey Seth."

"Lee, mom wants you in the kitchen." Seth said.

"Ok, guess I'll see you two later."

Jacob nodded, "Yep, don't forget us little people."

I rolled my eyes, "As if I ever could; you're not exactly little are you?"

Jacob laughed and held up his glass of 'punch'.

"Glad to hear that I won't be swept to the side now that you have all your new friends."

I smiled, "Don't get too comfy, I might change my mind."

With that I left, stumbling over to the kitchen which seemed like an endless journey as I was surrounded by dancing bodies and could barely see the house.

When I finally made it to the kitchen, I found my mother bustling around with Esme, preparing more snacks for the hungry guests.

"Hunny, there you are," my mother said.

I nodded,

"Yep, here I am, Seth said you needed me?"

"Yes Lee, could you go over to the garage and get me an empty box?"

I raised a brow in confusion, but didn't object.

"Um, Ok."

I slowly made my way to the front door and then to the garage, wincing at every step and very tempted to take off the killer heels and throw them into the dark night, but considering they must have cost a fortune, I knew that wasn't an option. I decided to walk faster, figuring that the faster I had this done, the sooner I would be able to sit down.

I rushed over to the garage and pushed the button allowing the door to rise so I could enter. But when the door did rise it revealed something very unlike an empty box…


Well there you are; a very short but significant update! Not to fear, I think I'll treat you guys to another chapter to compensate for the long wait. By the way, apologies for that, it seems I'm getting much busier than usual, I'm not used to having a life… anyway, reviews will be appreciated and praised, and Edward lovers… well you'll see him soon….