A/N Thank you reviewers and readers! I dedicate this chapter to coworkers who were my very first readers and are always very supportive of my writing and crazy love for the Twilight universe.

Just a reminder since I still receive PMs asking about it, "Bella's Song" is an original song written largely by Meg aka Bella-with-the-blue-eyes and some by me. I'll post the sheet music when Meg ready, but she's a very busy gal, so no pestering, k?

Chapter 36

BPOV

I looked straight ahead as Edward and I walked to the choir room, avoiding the stares as we passed students in the halls.

Edward took my hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

I couldn't help but overhear some of the whispers.

"…Bella kicked her butt…"

"who knew…"

"…total psycho…"

"Alice took offence to Tanya's outfit and jumped her…."

I couldn't help giggling over that one.

Edward leaned down and whispered, "Looks like Alice had some fun with the rumor mill this morning."

We found Mrs. Munez straightening up her desk.

"Bella! I'm so glad you're all right! I just can't believe what happened." Mrs. Munez gave me a hug.

Not knowing quite what to say, I focused on choir, "It's a shame all performance stuff got ruined. I don't know if we have enough time to replace everything before Friday."

Mrs. Munez smiled with grim satisfaction, "Don't worry about a thing. The faculty met first thing this morning. Mrs. Olson, the home economics teacher, will help us replace the stage skirting, and Ms. Butler's graphics art class will be designing new posters in class today, and helping us repost them around the school. Her other classes will be working to replace the performance decorations. Also, Edward's mother, as head of the PTA, has already committed funding to replace all the choir books."

I smiled at Edward. I should have known Esme would be there for us.

Mrs. Munez was thrilled about our Julliard news and after talking about some a cappella songs for the recording, Edward and I left for class.

The next few days passed by in a blur as we prepared for the Spring Performance. Practice every day was both tiring and exciting.

My arm itched some, which Carlisle said was a good sign of healing. I'd been wearing long sleeves to cover my bandage but went to Alice as I didn't know what to do about for performance night. Her answer was "Opera gloves!" You'll look so elegant."

I wasn't sure where one would even shop for such gloves, but fortunately Esme had a pair she was more than happy to lend me.

As I pulled up to the house on Friday afternoon following dress rehearsal, I noticed that there was a strange car parked next to Charlie's cruiser. I parked at the curb, wondering who was at the house.

I walked in, "Dad?"

"In the living room, Bells." He called, his voice sounding slightly strained.

As I walked into the living room, I instantly knew why. Sitting on the couch, was Renee and Phil. Phil stood up, and suddenly the living room seemed very small. Renee rushed to me and hugged me.

I hugged her back in astonishment. "Mom! What are you doing here?"

She tsked at me, "Like I need a reason to visit my girl! Charlie was telling us all about that incident with that girl. I'm so glad you're all right, Bella. I can't believe you were fighting."

I rolled my eyes and thought like I had a choice.

"Phil and I have decided to stay at that quaint lodge for a few days to catch up." She pulled me to the couch to sit down next to her.

"Tell me, how has Forks been? Isn't it dreadful with all the rain?"

Charlie grumbled under his breath.

"Actually, I like it here."

She gave me a small smile, "That wouldn't have anything to do with a young man, would it?"

I blushed. "Partially."

"Charlie also told us you have a choir performance tonight. We thought we could go out for a quick dinner and then I could help you get ready."

I didn't eat much at dinner as the butterflies fluttered in my stomach. Renee did most of the talking, regaling us with tales from their honeymoon. Phil interjected from time to time. Charlie was very intent on looking down at his plate as he ate. He and I had very little to say, but Renee didn't seem to notice.

Later, Renee sat on my bed as I got dressed.

She glanced over to my nightstand and saw my favorite picture of Edward and me. Alice had managed to catch us unaware during a movie night at the Cullen house. Edward's arms were wrapped tightly around me, his head rested on the top of mine. Both of us looked so happy, so peaceful – as we were exactly where we were meant to be.

"Wow, what a hottie! That hair is downright sexy." Renee exclaimed.

I felt slightly annoyed by this. Edward was so much more than good looking. "That's Edward. There's even more to him beyond the face," I replied rather shortly.

Renee just gave a carefree laugh. "Yes, he would have to be if he managed to locate me in the most remote area of Tibet and had a Sherpa scold me in three different languages, telling me I needed to hear my very talented daughter sing."

I sat down next to her. "He did?"

Renee's sudden appearance now made a lot more sense. I was floored by Edward's thoughtfulness. I truly was the luckiest girl in the world.

She nodded her head, "I think he really loves you."

"Yeah, he does, and I love him too."

"Bella, I'm happy for you, but what are you planning to do with your future?"

I told her about Julliard, and she was quickly appeased once she realized I wasn't planning to "settle" for Forks.

I rode to school with Phil and Renee, with Charlie driving separately. I felt a twinge of pity for his discomfort.

My nerves picked up as we pulled into the parking lot. While dress rehearsal had gone very smoothly, this was the first time I would be performing in front of my parents and the Black family. Thoughts of disappointing them reared up, even though I knew they were irrational.

I was able to push most of negative thoughts down as I spotted Edward backstage. I walked quickly up and hugged him with all my might.

He laughed, hugging me back, "I'm happy to see you too. You look amazing."

"You're looking quite dapper yourself," I replied. "Thank you."

"For what?" he asked innocently.

Oh, he was good.

"For finding my elusive maternal unit."

He smiled. "You're welcome."

I gave him a soft kiss before breaking away as Alice giggled next to us.

"Hi, Bella! Isn't Edward so sneaky? So how are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling a little nervous."

"Okay, let's start your breathing exercises."

*****

Soon it was time to take our places on the risers. Edward gave me an encouraging look as I walked past the piano.

We opened with "The Rainbow Connection," which was well received. I could actually hear a bit of humming from the audience as we sang. Then we launched into "Singing in the Rain." I could see a lot of smiles as the girls on the top row and sides twirled their little umbrellas as we sang. Alice then did a wonderfully witty job with "Popular." There were a lot of giggles and chuckles, and she received a very loud round of applause. We then sang "Fields of Gold" (Sting), which was followed by "Imagine" (John Lennon. Both songs held the audience in quiet awe.

At the very end of "Imagine," I took a deep breath. My turn next. Angela reached over and gave me a gentle pinch on the upper arm.

I looked at her in mild surprise. She smiled apologetically, "Alice said it would help you sing."

I smiled and gave her a quick little hug. I looked over to the Soprano section, and Alice waved.

Mrs. Munez stepped up to the microphone, "The next song was written and composed by Edward Cullen, our accompanist, and will be sung by Bella Swan."

Edward met me at the end of the risers and walked me out to the middle of the stage. I worked to control my thudding heart as I took in the sea of faces, most of them familiar and some very dear to me. Then he did something unexpected, unrehearsed. He leaned down and kissed my cheek. "I believe in you, Bella." He whispered in my ear before striding back to the piano.

I quickly centered myself, thinking of the song, Edward's faith in me, and the love I felt for him. I also felt the confidence that I could do this.

I gave Edward the signal to begin playing.

I began to sing low and softly. I held my hands clasped to my stomach and peeked shyly at the members of the audience, further enhancing the mood of the song with my actions.

I lived in the shadow of many
Hiding myself from the glare
My security
A weight I could no longer bear.

I told myself someday.

My voice began to build as I reached the chorus. I unclasped my hands and began making true eye contact with the audience.

Stepping from darkness into light
Prepared to fight for what was mine

Insecurity

Blinking, trying out my new
sight.

I told myself someday.
I told myself someday.

Chorus: Always hidden, never found
Singing out with no sound.
Wanted to break free,
Wanting to be me,
But too shy to try…

I told myself someday.
I told myself someday.

Again, my voice rose as confidence rang out.


You believe in everything I do
And I believe in you too
Gave security
Together what can't we do oh?

I told myself someday,
I told myself someday.

Chorus: Always hidden, never found
Singing out with no sound.
Wanted to break free,
Wanting to be me,
But too shy to try….

I sang with all my heart, joy pouring into every word.

Everything to us is brand new
And there's nothing left to do
But let my voice soar
As never before

Always hidden now I'm found,
Now, I'm singing out with sound
Helped me to be free,
You helped me to be me
Now I have the courage to try,

I told myself today,
You told me today is my day,
Someday became today,

Yeah someday became today….
Today….

The applause was thunderous. People began to rise from their seats. I turned toward Edward and held out my hand to him, a spontaneous gesture, as we'd rehearsed him standing next to the piano. He trotted out and took my hand. He bowed as I curtsied. The applause got noticeably louder, and the entire audience was now standing. Shouts and whistles also punctuated the applause. We bowed and curtsied once more and then walked off center stage together.

After returning to the risers, I focused on our last set of songs, riding on the high that I'd done it.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I'll add another author to check out with my next chapter of "Something Other."