Chapter thirty-one: Bitter Taste of Fame

A/N We finally hit Bella's birthday. Because the next chapter is all about the entire day, the premiere, and afterward, it will be lengthy. There are a few more exciting surprises that needed to be revealed here. Fame can bring out the worst in those who are supposed to love you unconditionally.

Everything belongs to Stephanie Meyer, and I own nothing.

"Oh my god, Alice! This dress is breathtaking!" Bella almost cried, "how long have you been working on it?"

Alice knew Bella would feel that way, "before Edward and Emmett like I told you before I had no idea who's premiere it was that we were going to, just that we were going. I did not see Jasper as being one of those going with us, but who could have predicted that! It's insane!"

Neither Rose nor Bella could disagree with that statement, "I know, it's crazy in a cool way. Think about it, tomorrow it will be seven years since he attacked me but had he not none of this would be happening.

Now, Jasper is in love with the original Masen hater, he's the only one of his family that was asked to celebrate with me when I have not observed my birthday since that night. It's hard to get my head around. I am happy it worked out this way, I have to say. I never thought I would say that.

I know you are all going to hate that I'm saying this, but I do feel bad for Anthony, in a way. We haven't responded to his email, waiting to see if his actions matched his words, so far, they have. I forgave Ashley and Jasper without a second thought, but it's like he's been sentenced to live in the basement when Nikki should be stuffed in the basement, never to be seen again."

Rose lifted a brow, "yeah, it's going to suck for him to see this on entertainment news or internet, but maybe it's a bit of karmic retribution he deserves.

Ashley was your best friend, and she left you without a word, you should have been much harsher on her than you were on Jasper. I am sure you will be overwhelmed with Masen's when Elizabeth, Anthony Sr. and hopefully K visit oh! And Ashley and her rug-rat. Whenever you and Edward return from Berlin, that is."

Alice was so appreciative of their support of her relationship and connection with the other Masen's, "I think Jasper is planning on going with me to Forks for Thanksgiving to meet my family. I may spend Christmas with his family in Ithaca." She braced for Bella's reaction.

"Wow, the original Masen hater. I expect that comes with some sort of condition that you do not kill Anthony. Or your parents don't hate by association. They were there during the dark days." Bella said, amused.

"Well, I have told them about Jasper. They don't like it; they are worried more about my safety and being with someone who could be genuinely crazy. I reminded them I was friends with you, and they were okay with it." Alice joked.

"Ha-Ha, Edward brought up the same thing, but I, we, trust your judgment."

Alice wondered what happened to the Bella and Edward she knew a few weeks ago and what they did with them, "I was thinking, while you two are gone, I'll have the condo to myself; I should invite Anthony and get to know him, as he is now. See for myself what his attitude is like. It has to be equally intimidating staying with the original Masen hater. Not only that, but I live in Edward's condo." Alice's stomach churned, she hoped Bella would be okay with that.

"Are you asking me for permission to invite your boyfriend's family to your home? When I'm in another country with my boyfriend? Alice, I don't care. Just be careful about the paps. Please don't get married while I'm away either; that's my one condition." Bella giggled, shaking her head.

"Ha-Ha, but what about Edward?" She didn't know if HE would be okay with it.

"Edward knows that we are family, he doesn't want to be the cause of discord. After what happened in London, he knows how I feel. Again, we are going to be in a different country together. Also, he doesn't want you to see this as his home, he's subletting it to you for as long as you want- making it yours, the Brandon of Swan, Hale, and Brandon consulting, and Maryalice, the Fashion designer. Most of all, Alice Brandon, the amazing sister he never had, who deserves good things, including love. If that means being civil to Anthony, when we are in the same space, so be it. We are on the same page about this, minus a few hours." Bella inhaled a deep breath, thinking about how wrong that could have gone.

"God he's so weird," Rose piped in, "I mean we haven't known him for that long, but he has changed. Think about that night at the bar, screaming in your face. Emmett has always been jovial, that's his nature, sure he's happier now, but Edward is DRASTICALLY different. Day and night different, Carmen agrees and loves you for it."

"He's a good man. He just needed someone to remind him of that. Underneath the 'Edward Cullen, freshly fucked, cocky public persona' there was always someone worthy of being loved. My Edward Cullen, I love; for who he really is, madly, deeply. He has friends that love him because I know you do. Edward has a family who would walk through fire for him, and he sees that now. I don't think he feels so lonely anymore. I am so proud of him. Sometimes I wonder if I am worthy of his love, he is so… words fail to explain how he makes me feel." Bella's face was utterly smitten.

"Bella left without words, that says a lot." Rose couldn't help but laugh at the irony there. "Stop being stupid, and I mean it. Stop being idiots about how you feel about each other. I swear to god; I have never met a couple so in love but so insecure about each other. Just trust it, go with it and for god's sake enjoy every second you have with him. That's what I mean by him changing. He's bold when it comes to you, Bella. Be bold with him, like tomorrow. Speaking of, why didn't you make plans to have drinks with me during the love scenes, instead of Carmen?"

Alice shot Bella a look and pulled Bella's dress in tighter than necessary.

"OW! Alice!" Bella complained.

Alice grinned and asked, "what is this? When were you planning on telling us this?"

Bella groaned, Rose's newfound relationship with Edward's "people" was a pain in the ass sometimes.

"It was Edward's plan, so I just went with it, we made this plan like the second day we spent together. I would love for you all to join me to have a drink to celebrate coming full circle when that happens. You know, that's why I haven't watched any of his older movies." Bella finally admitted.

Rose looked at Bella like she was a stranger, "are you fucking kidding me? You are telling me that Edward has no problem with that? Did you know in all of those vampire flicks there are like two, not-real-actual-sex scenes? It's just a bunch of cuts, and it's like 20 seconds long. They barely kiss for three of the movies, and he rejects her in most of them, being a vampire making out with a human and all. It was a PG-13 movie, Bella, come on. They are kind of funny, Edward wasn't all that great of an actor when he started, but he sure was baby faced."

"He didn't tell me that! He was also dating the co-star!" Bella tried to make excuses for being so irrational lately.

"So what?" Rose challenged.

"Bella, do we have to have this conversation again?!" Alice was getting tired of this insecurity, "he's not dating her now, and she's not even in his life. None of his exes are. I agree that his judgment hasn't been the best when it comes to women."

Bella grumbled, "that's for sure,"

"Ah-hem," Alice continued, "you are the only woman that matters, and you will have to get used to seeing this shit. Seriously, you directed sex scenes in college. You know how awkward that shit is, even for couples, especially for couples. Men are wearing thongs! Imagine Edward wearing one of those thongs!" Alice started laughing so hard she had to grab on to furniture to keep her steady. She wasn't the only one, but Bella was laughing and shuddering at the same time.

"I see your point," Bella said in-between hysterical laughter, "I wish I didn't see it, but I do. I'll start with his old movies then, with you guys only. I will build up a tolerance."

"I think that's a good idea. I suggest thinking about him wearing a thong during them, that would make me more nauseous than jealous." Rose's looked like she might be sick right then.

"Point taken! Alice? Verdict? Rose?" Bella asked about her dress.

"I cannot wait to see his face when he sees you in it; it's perfection. Do you guys know to come here tomorrow? Because I am dressing you and myself, we will have hair and makeup people here. Someone is also coming to do your nails so be here early. Harry Winston will be delivering some small trinkets for us to wear." Alice said nonchalantly so Bella wouldn't freak out.

Rose squealed, "Harry Winston doesn't do small trinkets."

Bella was about to argue, "Alice…"

"Rental's Bella, they disappear the next morning. Insured to the hilt. We make good money, shit, so does Edward, but none of us could afford to throw that kind of money away." Alice scolded; how did Bella not know this?

"Oh, okay." Bella shrugged.

"Good! Well, you both are perfectly fitted, the shoes, holy shit! You both look better than even I envisioned. I do, too, of course." Alice praised herself.

"Duh! Of course! You have designed some amazing shoes, Alice; I know you were adding on to what they were initially, but the butterfly heels and these are MaryAlice signature style. I would even spend the money to buy them at a designer price," Bella admitted, and that was a huge deal.

"Wow," Alice took the compliment.

Alice carefully unzipped Bella's dress. She didn't trust Bella's luck to hold out, "What the fuck is this?" Alice saw her new tattoo.

"Oh, I got that done yesterday before I went home to talk to Edward. I figured having the ribbon on me, forever would get my point across." Bella answered.

"Did it?" Rose asked, stunned, she didn't know how Bella dealt with the pain.

"Not at first, well sort of. He was still mad, but after we made up." She grinned at the memory, makeup sex was always hot, she didn't like fighting to get there, "he appreciated it, even this morning I woke up to him looking at it, lightly tracing it. He insisted that he was the one who should put ointment on it. He wishes he could get one, but his body belongs to the camera," Bella shrugged, but the disappointment was there.

"He'll figure out a way to do something, that's something I've learned about Edward. Just give it some time." Alice said as she was helping Rose out of her dress, "I have lingerie for you two to wear under your dresses, so make sure to shower and shave before coming over. Shorts and tank tops would be the best. The shorter the shorts, the better."

Bella flushed; she could only imagine what Alice had in mind with the red dress she was already going to be wearing.

"They will appreciate it; I promise." Alice said smugly, and she was probably right, "Although if you wore granny panties, they would still appreciate you. Just think of this as part of my birthday present for you, Bella."

"Part of?" Bella asked, alarmed.

"Yep, tomorrow is your birthday! We haven't gotten to celebrate it, ever, so get over it. No complaints about gifts either! Promise me you won't hurt anyone's feelings by insulting something they thought you would like, even if you don't."

Rose nodded in agreement.

"Okay," Bella grumbled.

"God, you would think we were pulling teeth. This is another irrational fear, remember?" Rose scolded.

"Yes, ma'am," Yes, Rosalie could be scary, even to Bella. This was an irrational fear, and one she needed to get over to prove that she was passed that night, especially with Jasper there.

Alice was practically vibrating; she was so excited, "time for me to get my man, so get the hell out of my new place."

Both Bella and Rose smiled at how happy Alice was.

"See you tomorrow, no later than 10 am. If you are late, I will stick my foot up your asses, and Edward's, and Emmett's and your bodyguards, I dare them to try to stop me." Alice could be scary too if she wanted to be, she got her point across.

"Sorry, we cannot go with you, Alice," Bella offered.

She rolled her eyes, "Yes, we don't need ten thousand people trying to ID Jasper before the actual event."

"Oh…," Rose shut her laptop and gave a smile, but she couldn't fake the rage.

"What is it?" Bella asked cautiously.

"Your Mother. Bella, she hasn't contacted you? Has she?

Bella snorted, "right, I am sure she will soon enough, as soon as she hears about Edward. I hoped that she would at least have called about the book, but you know what a voracious reader she is…"

Rose was boiling inside wanting to hit Renee, "She's contradicting your version of the story. Trying to seem like the mother of the year. I'll call Carmen about this, but do not call her or lose your temper until we can issue a statement. God, she's such a fuckingbitchmotherfuckinghorriblemotherfuckher." Rose went into the other room to call Carmen.

"I'm sorry Bella," Alice said, as she read the article shaking her head, "you knew this was going to happen; something like this. I cannot believe she would say that you were the one who cut off contact! She said that you live in New York!" Alice was amused until she read the rest; she started shaking with anger. "I cannot believe she would go there, saying that you are using Charlie's death to further your career when it seems quite the opposite. She doubts you and Edward last with how long you lasted with Anthony. No! She named his full name! Shit! She just gave his real name first and last name! WHAT THE FUCK?!"

Bella was trying to hold back the tears, "what did I ever do to her other than being born? I called her a pain in the ass, once and that has not even been published. Why would she bring Charlie or Anthony into this? Did she intend to kick me in the gut? I could have said so much more, like how I have not received even a birthday card from her since I lived with her. Even then, I had to remind her it was my birthday. She didn't like celebrating it because it's always been the Renee show! Nobody else!"

"Maybe you should put that out there? It's been almost a year since you even got a call from her! It was Thanksgiving. She was drunk too! She's just doing it because she's forever 16! She has no idea about the consequences. You are dating a rich and famous internationally known sex symbol. You are wealthy and wildly successful yourself. You did that on your own, despite the odds being stacked against you. She's jealous of her own daughter, Bella.

What are her accomplishments? Other than having you, which she never appreciated. She traded you in to marry someone semi-famous. Renee's life could be summed up as 'horrible mother and full-time groupie.' Finally, she divorced one of the best men I've ever known and destroyed him. Fuck Renee." Alice sounded venomous.

Bella started sobbing, "you're right, but it's my mother! I am sorry, Alice, we should go so you can get Jasper."

"No, you have keys err codes, stay here until you need to, you don't need to be in front of a camera sobbing. Call Edward to come over if you need to. I'll be back in a little while. I am so sorry, Bella, if I could hit her right now, I would. I'd be on the phone booking a plane ticket to Florida if I could. Some people just … I'll see you later. I love you, Bells, remember, family Por Vida."

"Por Vida," Bella returned through strangled tears.

Rose walked back into the room, rather, stormed in, "Firstly, Alice go pick up Jasper, this could be bad for his family, and he needs to talk to them. Secondly, Edward is on his way, and he is pissed, thirdly we are going to list off Renee's accomplishments as a mother and hope she will be blacklisted afterward. The last one is what Carmen is working on right now.

Right now, I need you to listen to me, Bella. Maybe September 13th is a bad day for you, not because it's your birthday just because it's a shitty day. You are not allowed to let her win. Hold your head high because you are a fantastic person, and you were an amazing daughter. Charlie would NEVER want you to fold because of Renee. He would be angry with you for doubting anything about your life. Just like in Forks they are trying to tear you down, make a spectacle of you both, don't let her fuck with your head like this! Even better, strut, in that beautiful gown, with the man who loves you more than life, because you know what? You are here despite her, not because of her. That is the law! It will be the first sentence of your statement." Rose's voice was loud, and she was furious; this was something Bella only saw when they talked about either her mother or both of Rose's parental figures.

"Carmen's fast, here is the draft of what she is about to send out what do you think? It's harsh, but Renee deserves it!"

September 12th

For Wide Release: Joint Statement From Isabella Swan And Edward Cullen's Representatives.

Regarding Renee Dwyer's Recent Statements about Isabella Swan And Edward Cullen.

"Isabella Swan is successful despite Renee Dwyer, not because of her. Isabella believes her success can be attributed to her father, Charles Swan, and his unwavering love and support for his daughter. She became the women, he was proud of, with hard work and commitment, following in his footsteps. One only has to read Isabella's book to see that.

To suggest anything other than that is outrageous and cruel. These false statements only speak to Mrs. Dwyer's character, using the death of Isabella's father to gain fame for herself.

Isabella has either declined to comment about the tenuous, estranged relationship with her mother or she has been very vague, until today.

To clear up the confusion on this subject- Here are the facts:

The last time Isabella spoke with her mother was Thanksgiving Day, last year. Mrs. Dwyer called her daughter drunk to talk about herself. If she had inquired about her daughter, her mother might have learned that Isabella would soon be publishing her first novel. Isabella's book, New Moon; has continued to be a commercial phenomenon; Isabella doubts that Mrs. Dwyer has read it.

Isabella takes commitment seriously. Mrs. Dwyer could only commit to following around and eventually marrying a baseball player with money and fame. Mrs. Dwyer traded away her relationship with her daughter for the man she would eventually marry.

The irony is not lost on her that Mrs. Dwyer was once a kindergarten teacher. When it was her step-father, who spoke up about Mrs. Dwyer's inability to care for her own 17-year-old daughter, this is why Isabella decided it would be best if she moved in with her father in Washington. She does not hold any ill will toward her step-father. Isabella feels gratitude to him for advocating for her, when no one else ever bothered to.

Mrs. Dwyer has not contacted her daughter since last year but went to the press the same week the world found out about her relationship with Edward Cullen; a successful actor and household name. The reason is unknown, but Isabella strongly suspects it is because her mother either lost her phone number, again; or her mother may be an opportunist; using her daughter for fame and monetary gain.

Mrs. Dwyer also does not know where, or what state Isabella lives in. Isabella and Edward live together in California, not New York. Edward has neither spoken to nor met Mrs. Dwyer. Edward has not been given the opportunity, as she has never reached out, to anyone.

Mrs. Dwyer has forgotten Isabella's birthday since she was seventeen years old. Mrs. Dwyer only remembered when Isabella reminded her. She has not received a card or a call on her birthday since she left Phoenix as a teenager. Noticeably, Mrs. Dwyer failed to comment that Isabella's birthday is September 13th; today is September 12th.

Mrs. Dwyer cannot remember what college Isabella attended. She did not attend her high school or college graduation, nor did she send anything to congratulate her, not even a phone call. Unlike her father, who went into debt with his credit card to buy her earing's and a locket. He was incredibly proud of his daughter.

The last time Isabella saw her mother was at the funeral of Police Chief, Charles Swan, Isabella's father, who died in the line of duty. Isabella was a sophomore in college. She graduated from college without a single member of her family in attendance.

As Isabella celebrates her twenty-fifth birthday at the premiere of Edward's newest film Red Ribbons of Fate, her mother will be the furthest thing from her mind. She does thank her father for each one of these blessings.

Edward Cullen and Isabella Swan's representatives strongly suggest that any statements made by Mrs. Dwyer be vetted before being published. Once again, not a single member of the press made contact to comment on these ridiculous statements. Edward and Isabella are once again asking the media to be more responsible before releasing wildly false accusations.

Contact Information for their representation is listed below.

"That's awesome! Shit, I'm going to be late! I'll be back soon." Alice stormed out of the room to the elevator.

"Wow," Bella frowned at first and then smiled. "Tell Carmen to send it!"

"You know that this is going to attract attention, like way more than normal. This is another thing you will have to deal with, but you need to. You have always needed to. Making peace with Anthony would be the best idea now. I cannot believe she did that." Rose gave her the standard warning just for Bella's sake, not for Carmen's.

"Come what may, as long as I have you guys and Edward, I can deal with it. Renee is a piece of work, but I've known that for a long time." Bella sighed.

Rose was on her laptop, smiling, Bella narrowed her eyes at her. She suddenly felt warm arms around her and lips on the crown of her head. She melted into her Edward, feeling better already.

"Well, they know about this place, sorry guys. I tried to lose them, but it was taking too long. I needed to be here," Edward grumbled.

Bella got up and threw herself into his arms, "Thank you for coming so fast. I am so sorry."

Edward was confused, "Why are you apologizing to me, love. Your mother is much more of a shrew than I imagined. Carmen will take care of it."

Bella sighed, exasperated, "You know we are going to be taking heat for much longer than before."

"And we are going to be gone for three months. Also, I don't care. Your mother could have come up with some story, perhaps close to the truth, something hard to prove wrong. She was so beyond outrageous in her very easy to debunk lies. It sounded like she was using it as an audition for a reality show" Edward was trying to contain his rage, "once again the stupid press will get shit for getting it wrong again. I told you they would try to tear us apart; obviously, they don't have a lot of ammunition. I cannot imagine being betrayed like that by your own mother, but Bella, it was pathetic, and nobody will take her seriously again."

Bella thought about it, "maybe she does want a reality tv show, or to join the real housewives of Jackson Florida!" Bella laughed, "It is pathetic at how easy it will be to prove her wrong. Forks is a tiny town with a long memory. Thanks, guys."

"Look at what Carmen is going to release in a few!" Rose chirped.

Edward read it, and he lit up, his anger sated a bit, and then he realized how lonely Bella had been. How much shit she had gone through, her entire life. It was not fair and yet she was the kindest, most forgiving woman he'd ever come across. She even thanked Phil for getting her out of her mother's house. She had put so much in perspective for him. He felt so burdened before. Until he met Bella and realized, thoroughly that he has lived, and always has lived a very charmed life. He didn't want to take advantage of it anymore."

"Don't!" Bella scolded, "do not feel sorry for me! I can see it on your face, and I do not want any of you to feel bad for me. I am who I am because of all of that. I miss my dad, though." She choked back, crying again, "I wish he could see everything, but he can't. I have managed just fine without any family except my two best friends. Nothing has changed; it's just my mom has shown her true face. She sold her rights to any relationship with me in the future, that's on her. Maybe she'll regret it one day."

Edward nodded, "Okay, I love you, amazing woman." Edward needed to express his awe for her. He didn't feel bad for her in that way. The decks were stacked against her, and yet, there she was. She could be that inspiration, and he wanted to be a better man to deserve her.

Edward was curious, "where is Alice? How did the fitting go?"

Bella felt dread in her stomach, "Good news, the fitting was spectacular, this is, wow. She went the extra mile for us both, all three of us. She is picking up Jasper at the airport. Did you notice that my mom spilled Anthony's full name?"

Edward grimaced, "I didn't, I forget that people don't know that. So, it's only a matter of time."

That was a statement, not a question.

"We need to talk to Jasper and have him warn the family. We need to respond to Anthony, Edward. I don't think he would say anything bad about us, even if we do not. Anthony may be the only one who is capable of keeping his sisters mouth shut. She is the one I worry about actually."

Rose gasped; she hadn't even thought of that.

"Ashley?" he asked.

"No, Nikki. She never liked me, and she intimidated me almost to the point where I was afraid that she was going to hurt me. She never thought I was good enough for Anthony. She thought I would somehow hurt him, betray him. I am sure she still thinks that way. She's not a nice person. She's vain and selfish." Bella looked down, ashamed.

"Bells, you could not help that she is the way she is. That is who Nikki is. If she comes forward, well then, she does. The story isn't about her. Jasper, Ashley, and Anthony are on your side. Elizabeth and Anthony Jr. will be too. Just take Jasper's lead, but let Alice sort this out with him, I know he is going to feel terrible, again, for what happened. I think you should go home before this shit hits the fan and deal with it as it comes. Tomorrow is a big day for you both! Enjoy it."

Bella nodded and whispered into Edward's ear, "I came up with another song, it's more electronic, and it's a duet, so you have to figure out your part."

He grinned, "let me get a few things from the music room. I'll meet you at home."

"See you tomorrow, before ten Rose! We're going to go home and play."

"Good. See you tomorrow. Happy almost birthday, Bella. You deserve the world."

Joe took Bella home. She started working out the song in her head again.

xxxxxxxx

Bella liked the all the lyrics, and she was able to get a lot of the synth on her keyboard, but it needed more, and she knew Edward was the only one who could add to it. Plus, it was a duet. She could have shown it to him yesterday, but she wanted it to be something they played with for fun, not because they were fighting. She did come up with it while she was getting her tattoo done, that was the secret to dealing with the pain. They hadn't set up a music room per se, so they played around in the room next to the master, making it into a place for them both. Edward used it as an office as well. It was ridiculous; they could live in a two-bedroom apartment and be happy.

Edward's grin was broad when he came back. New instruments were coming in, Edward started looking like a damn DJ.

"More skills I have not seen?"

"It's been a while, but with you, I figured it was time to brush up so I could teach you. You like these songs, and I love the lyrics to them."

"But you hate how they sound?"

"No, I like them, but I prefer the traditional stuff. It's amazing to me that you can compose such commercially viable tracks and have no urge to sell them."

"Maybe one day, you can use it on a soundtrack for a movie, it will be our secret." She smiled.

"Maybe," Edward loved that idea, "okay, show me what you have."

"It's a duet, sort of. It only needs one verse from you. The rest is a lot of singing together. The first part is mine. You add your verse when I'm done with the first chorus."

"When did you do this?" Edward was confused with the complexity of the sound; the lyrics were simple.

"I came up with two, while I was getting tattooed. I'll need help with the second one, but not from you. I want to surprise you with it. I need your piano to figure it out. The lyrics are finished — a song just for you.

However, this song I named, "'For You.'"

"You feel this way, don't you?" Edward asked, looking at the first verse.

"Are you kidding?" Bella was offended.

"That didn't come out right." Edward apologized, "It's just that it's always hard to find words to express emotions, for me, especially, but this one, I feel the same way. You nailed it. Especially changing what I thought I knew. So, if this is any indication, I cannot wait to hear your next one. I know you have more, so I can be patient. Wherever we stay in Vancouver and Berlin, we should put in our riders that we need some instruments or at least a piano."

"I agree. Let's get to work." She winked. Bella started playing the synth parts of the song. She switched over to violin where she explained that part, and classical piano. She added the drums last. It was fascinating to watch her experiment and explain a song with lyrics and, how quickly they both picked it up. Edward added his part, making Bella smile. He got her. On the outside, these two were a very average couple in the throes of the honeymoon period of a relationship, but this was proof this was something more.

.

In your eyes, I'm alive
Inside you're beautiful
Something so unusual
In your eyes
I know I'm home (yeah)
Every tear, every fear
Gone with the thought of you
Changing what I thought I knew
I'll be yours for a thousand lives

I'm free as a bird
When I'm flying in your cage
I'm diving in deep
And I'm riding with no brakes
And I'm bleeding in love
You're swimming in my veins
You got me now

Been waiting for a lifetime for you
Been breaking for a lifetime for you
Wasn't looking for love 'til I found you
Ooh na-na ayy

For love, 'til I found you (oh)

Skin to skin
Breathe me in
Feeling your kiss on me
Lips are made of ecstasy
I'll be yours for a thousand lives (for a thousand lives)

I'm free as a bird
When I'm flying in your cage (so lost)
I'm diving in deep
And I'm riding with no brakes (no no)
And I'm bleeding in love
You're swimming in my veins
You've got me now (now)

Been waiting for a lifetime for you
Been breaking for a lifetime for you
Wasn't looking for love 'til I found you

Ooh na-na ayy
For love, 'til I found you (oh)
Been waiting for a lifetime for you
Been breaking for a lifetime for you
Wasn't looking for love 'til I found you
Ooh na-na ayy
For love, 'til I found you (oh)

I'm free as a bird
When I'm flying in your cage
I'm diving in deep
And I'm riding with no brakes
I'm bleeding in love
You're swimming in my veins
You've got me now

Been waiting for a lifetime for you
Been breaking for a lifetime for you
Wasn't looking for love 'til I found you
Ooh na-na ayy

For love, 'til I found you (oh)
Been waiting for a lifetime for you (oh yeah)
Been breaking for a lifetime for you
Wasn't looking for love 'til I found you
Ooh na-na ayy
For love, 'til I found you (oh)
Wasn't looking for love 'til I found you
Ooh na-na ayy
For love, 'til I found you (oh)

Songwriters: Alexandra Leah Tamposi / Ali Payami / Andrew Wotman

For You (Fifty Shades Freed) lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Group, Reservoir Media Management Inc

Edward felt terrible for the thoughts he was having about Bella, while she was irreversibly marking her commitment to him on her body, she was also putting it to music. It came to him suddenly. Edward now knew what they would be doing on Halloween in Vancouver. He would need a day or two to take a side trip to the Pacific Northwest, to at least announce his intentions.

"Starving," Bella started to complain, they had been working for a couple of hours, with both the song and the technology process of laying down different tracks.

"I picked up your favorite beer. Why don't I order pizza?" Edward asked nonchalantly.

"Where are you getting pizza from?" Bella hoped it was from the place Edward took her, the best New York style pizza in all of Los Angeles.

"Yes, from there, silly. They are still open. This is L.A, after all." Edward beamed, "I'll take care of that down stars, keep doing what you are. I'll come to get you when it's ready."

Before Bella could ask him why he wasn't coming back upstairs, Edward had already left the room. She figured it was a security thing. She was frustrated that it was taking so much longer than usual for everything to come together. Once again, time slipped away while she was in her head, working it out.

"Come, love. Food is here." Edward grabbed Bella's hand walking downstairs; she saw that the entire living room was dark. That was odd.

When she got into the room, she couldn't help but put her hand over her gaping mouth. Edward had shocked her speechless once again.

"It's after midnight, happy birthday, Bella," Edward said with emotion, think in his voice. It sounded like gratitude.

"I cannot believe you did this! It's the perfect birthday dinner. Did you make that yourself?" She figured out what Edward had been up to while she was with Alice and Rose getting fitted.

The room was lit up with more candles than she could count, a picnic blanket was on the floor, with her favorite flowers, her favorite pizza, her favorite beer and a homemade strawberry shortcake cake with Edward's attempt to write happy birthday. It was so endearing. It was perfect. He was getting good at nailing the gestures that made her swoon.

"Yes, I made it myself. My mom gave me the recipe but told me to try making it on my own. It's not great looking, but the batter tasted appetizing. Tomorrow is going to become about me, well I guess this afternoon; fans, the media, everyone and it doesn't feel right. I wish we could celebrate without the world, knowing why. We should have a drink with everyone after, but right now, everything is about you. I am so thankful to be spending the first birthday you've celebrated since the worst day of your life and that you want to celebrate in the first place." Edward was now trying to hold back on his emotions.

"There will be many, many more to come." Bella swallowed, "Edward, this is how my eighteenth birthday should have gone. What I mean when I say that is; you knew exactly what I wanted, not what others think I want. You may have money, but you know who I am when nobody else gets it. I am still the beer and pizza girl. I always will be. I don't care what the cake looks or tastes like, the thought behind it means more than you will ever know. I am not delusional enough to think that you didn't buy anything extravagant, but in this, I see that you love me. I am starving, so let's eat! I love you by the way."

Edward laughed, "you know me well. I love you too, Bella. Happy birthday; let's eat."

That was how Bella's birthday began. She hoped that it was a sign that the rest of the day would not be disastrous. Edward killed the bitter taste her mother left in her mouth, just by being who he is. She knew that this was the moment to celebrate as the rest of the day would be organized chaos. She committed every single second to memory.

Once they were done, Edward gave her more presents that she enjoyed four orgasms. It would have been more if they didn't have to be up early to get ready. Before she fell asleep, she looked at the face of this amazing man and realized that she really could not imagine her life without him. She would not fight that need anymore, he was hers in every way. Come What May.

A/N So you may have noticed there aren't as many lemons in the last chapters of this fic. Fair to say, that nothing has changed between the two so it would be terribly redundant. A lot of sex, as much as possible.

I promise the next chapter is going to be all about the premiere, Bella's birthday, the aftermath of Renee's betrayal. Then we will go through some time jumps. There is an end in sight. Thanks to all who have been reading and especially those who are reviewing. I have tried to keep this story updated as quickly as possible.

Oh, Por Vida means for life.

Also, it may seem like I am pimping the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack, but I'm not. It is just that it is incredible, most Danny Elfman soundtracks are. So, yes "For You" is another song from the last movie. Sung by Rita Ora and Liam Payne. Songwriters: Alexandra Leah Tamposi / Ali Payami / Andrew Wotman

For You (Fifty Shades Freed) lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Group, Reservoir Media Management Inc

Yes, I am working on a banner for the next fic, which I think many will hate. Vampires, yes. Bella plays a secondary role in it- totally OOC. The other Cullen's are still Canon. I thought I would try something with a little less fluff, more action, and well just more... The range, you know? Seven chapters completed so far.