A/N: It's nice to see that people like the previous chappie. I know I said that there's gunna be a surprise... and yes! There is!! just read and find out... o.O

Anywho, this chapter is kinda long, since I've combined chapter 34 and 35 together so that everything goes to my plans. I'm the sort of person to have a chapter plan written out. Call me a dork, but hey, at least I won't get thigns confused xD

Disclaimer: I don't own anything, unfortunately. Though, the thought of it sounds rather pleasant. I wonder if SM would want to swap lives for a little while... =P

Two Worlds: Exposed - Chapter 34

I was having a nice, normal dream about a flying squirrel and a talking fish when a loud knock on the door shook me unkindly from my sleep. "Housekeeping!" sounded from outside, and I groaned. Images of the flying squirrel disappeared, and the talking fish bid adieu before it dived into the cold, merciless ocean. I shivered before I opened my eyes.

"Housekeeping!"

"I'm coming, I'm coming," I grumbled under my breath, only to grimace when the stench of my breath overcame me. "Argh, I need to brush my teeth."

I stumbled around blindly, trying to locate the light switch in this maze-worthy of a hotel suite. When I bumped into the sharp corner of the bed, I realized that I didn't need the light switch. Cursing technology, I clapped my hands sharply twice, and the lights were turned on.

"Ahh, I see that you are awake Ms. Stone," the door opened to reveal the maid, a beautiful woman with wild, curly hair piled high on her head in a bun. "Are you having a good morning?" she asked politely.

"It's Ms. Swan, actually," I corrected her. "I don't go by Yasmin Stone anymore."

"Oh," the woman said as she approached my bed and promptly began changing the sheets. "Such a shame, really." In a swift action, she had the white bedspread in her hands, which she immediately deposited into the laundry bin. "Did you know," she said, "that the name Yasmin means flagrant flower?"

She breathed in deeply, and I swore her eyes changed color. I looked away, shaking my head. I must be imagining things. Eyes don't just change colors. The lighting must be reflecting off the surface or something, changing the tint of the irises or whatever. I glared at the offending light, only to flinch and look away.

Now, my eyes hurt. This was turning out to be the best day ever.

I left the maid to do her job. Every now and then, she'd say something trivial and out of politeness, I replied with short answers. A 'yes' here and a 'no' there. So, when the woman was done, I was glad to have her ;eave the room and leave me in peace. There was something about her that freaked me out to monosyllabic answers. Or maybe it was because I was sure I've seen her somewhere before. Perhaps I've passed by her in the streets, or met her at an airport or something.

"Bella, are you decent?" asked Agnes from the other room, pulling me from my thoughts. We shared the suite, and her bedroom was connected through the small kitchen. "I'm coming in whether you are or not!"

Agnes swept inside the room, already dressed for the day. She peered at me with a discontented expression, and I blushed. I knew I had a full schedule today, and by now, I should be finishing up with breakfast. But, I had a late night last night, talking with Angela and the lot via Facebook. Who knew the website can be addictive?

"I know I should be preparing now," I said before Agnes had the chance to open her mouth, "but I just woke up, so…"

"Well then," Agnes said, taking a seat on a high bar stool, "you should start now. You have an eight-thirty downstairs with that journalist for Vanity Fair."

"Really?" I asked, shocked. "Why?"

Agnes rolled her eyes. "Because you're a new face, silly! Yasmin Stone might be a household name, but Bella Swan isn't. At least, not yet. You -- Bella Swan -- are going to be a part of the Fresh Faces of the year."

"isn't that a tad unfair?" I ducked into the bathroom and began undressing for my shower, so I had to shout to be able to talk to Agnes. "I mean, I'm not exactly a fresh face."

"Technically speaking, though," Agnes shouted back, "you are. You're hair is different, as well as your name. You're using your real name now; no more personas. I thought you understood that."

I didn't say anything to that, so Agnes let me be to finish my shower. Once done, I wrapped a customary hotel bathrobe around me and exited the bathroom, having not brought any of my clothes with me. I hadn't decided on what to wear yet, so I went to my suitcase and propped it open wide.

"What're you thinking of wearing?" asked Ages, surprising me. She had suck up on me without me noticing. I glared at her, but she ignored it as she laid eyes on a particular t-shirt. "'I run with the wolves'," she read with a grimace. "Bella, why do you have that awful shirt in your suitcase?"

I grabbed the shirt and threw it on the bed, deciding to wear it. If by chance a Cullen saw me via TV or magazine, then they'd sure get a laugh from the slogan. Either that or an aneurysm. I didn't really care which.

"Don't tease," I huffed, though the smile on my face might've ruined the affronted act that I was trying to pull. "Besides," I said as I donned the shirt. "It's a gift from a friend."

"Which friend?"

"Er, Emily." I squeezed myself into a pair of tight skinny jeans with horizontal rips running down each leg. "You might've met her when…" I trailed off, not wanting to mention my dad's funeral. "When you were in Forks," I said instead. "Apparently, she has a thing for slogan tees. She gives everyone a personalized one and I just got mine yesterday."

The shirt was more like a team shirt than a personalized one, though. After Jacob and I returned back to her house, Emily, Jacob, Sam and I had a discussion about the werewolves. I told them everything I knew, and they filled in the blanks where my knowledge lacked, or corrected me in my assumptions. When the discussion was over, Emily gave me the t-shirt, saying that she was glad that I don't "run with the vamps anymore". Though my heart gave a twang of discontent at that fact, I still accepted the gift. How could I not? I felt accepted by the act.

The rest of my day passed by in a blur and before I knew it, it was already nighttime. I had just finished my dinner with Agnes, and the paparazzi were blinding me with their flash cameras. I didn't complain though, and just posed for a minute and smiled. Agnes made me promise when I was younger to never complain about the paparazzi. Something about accepting it as part of being famous, and then having me in their good side.

"You ready for the next and last part of your day?" asked Agnes as she helped me into the back of the black BMW. She had rented a car for the day, and I had no doubt that she'd rent another one for tomorrow as well.

I gave Agnes a knowing look and she sighed. I was always ready for whatever it is that she makes me do. A magazine interview, a public appearance, a quick performance, even a last minute photo sesh.

"Okay," Agnes looked at her PDA, "the last thing for tonight is…" She scrolled down with her pinky finger, biting her thin lips as she did so. "Right, the AAJs contacted me last week saying that wanted you to be their opening act for their concert tonight. It's going to be the kickoff for their tour, so you better choose a good song."

I looked out the tinted window and watched as cars and buildings passed by. "Don't worry," I said. "I have a good song in mind. I'll need my electric guitar, though, I think."

"All of your things are being transported to your dressing room as we speak. A make-up artist will have to do you up, but your fashion stylist -- what was her name again? -- will be helping you out."

"Oh, now she doesn't have to come. I already know what to wear. Tell her to have the night off, she told me last night that her sister's in labor, so consider this as a er, gift."

"Alright," Agnes was silent as she texted my stylist, and when she was done, she asked, "Do you want me to send her a gift basket? A flower bouquet, food basket, or maybe some baby stuff?"

"Sounds like a great idea," I shrugged. "Just send whatever you want, but not the baby stuff," I laughed. "Don't want them to think I'm prying or anything."

We arrived at our destination soon enough and before I knew it, Agnes was pushing me inside my dressing room, telling me to get changed quick. The concert, apparently, was going to start in three hours, and I still needed to rehearse my act and make sure the band knew my song. I just hope that the band members (not the AAJs, but the actual band band) were quick learners.

"All right guys," I entered the room via a double door entrance, surprising some of the band members. I smirked. "My name is Bella Swan, and I will be the opening act for this concert. For the next five minutes, you all will be learning a song of mine," I gestured to Agnes, who was giving out the sheet music, "and after those five minutes, I will listen and see if you guys hit the nail."

"Learn a whole song in just five minutes?" someone asked. "You've gotta be joking."

"Far from it," I smiled kindly. "Now, chop chop! I want all of you to be able to play this song in your sleep." I took my own copy of the song from Agnes and quickly ran through the song in my head. The song came from my new CD; it was a sad song, and I wrote it sometime after Edward had left.

When five minutes have passed, I went to a place where everyone can see me as they played their respectable instruments. "The song is titled 'My Happy Ending', as you all may know. The song fades in with the drums, so let's begin with that…"

The rehearsal, if it could be called that, lasted for about an hour before I deemed the band ready to work with me. I wish my own band were with me instead, since they all knew my quirks and hand signals whenever I was to repeat the chorus or something of the sort, but I guess I'd just have to make do with the people I have now. Besides, they -- the band -- were really, really good. If I hadn't known better, then I would say that I've been practicing with them for weeks, not hours.

"Bella, are you ready?" Agnes asked as I the make-up artist placed last minute touches on my already made up face. I had asked her to not place too much make up, since concerts make me sweat buckets, but I did tell her to place a lot of eyeliner, eye shadow and mascara. I wanted to make my eyes pop.

"Ready as I'll ever be," I answered as I stood up, my make up done. My hands automatically moved to remove any creases from my black skirt, which was knee length and poofy with a white, intricate vine design was on the side. I was also wearing the t-shirt Emily had given me, tucked tightly underneath the skirt. The red belt I wore on my waist gave the illusion of my costume being a dress.

"How many more minutes until it's show time?" I asked, pacing up and down my dressing room. The ankle length leather boots that I was wearing squeaked on the tiled floor. Eyed dancing around the room in anxiety, my gaze landed on my electric guitar. I decided to not use it tonight, choosing to impress the audience with my voice prowess instead. Still, I felt like I would need it tonight somehow.

"Ten minutes," Agnes' voice filtered through my ears. "But you need to be ready and waiting in the east entrance in seven minutes' time. One of the tech maintenance will hand you your wireless mic; I've already spoken with the guy so he'll know what to do. You also --"

"Excuse me, Ms. Swan?" a deep voice said, opening the door. A Latino man poked his head through.

"Yes?" I said, halting my pacing.

"You're needed on stage in five minutes," he said. He was still speaking, telling me more things I needed to know, but I didn't hear a thing. I shared a nervous look with Agnes and she gave me an assuring nod. My nerves were alleviated slightly.

I followed the man across the confusing hallways and staircases of the building, before finally stepping out into the fresh air where the stage was situated. The cold air bit my exposed legs, but I thought nothing of it. I like the cold; it never fails to remind me of Forks.

I watched from the side of the stage as giant colored spotlights flickered over the audience. Their screams were deafening, their energy infectious. From behind my ribcage, my heart pumped a million miles a minute as adrenaline rushed within my veins.

"Ms. Swan, your entrance is in five, four, three…"

Two. The man handed me the wireless mic.

One. I bounced on the balls of my feet, anxious.

Zero. I felt the man's hand push me onto the stage though I didn't need it. I was running already. From somewhere, someone was announcing me, telling the audience that I was the opening act. A fresh waves of screams greeted me, and I couldn't help but grin like a Cheshire cat. I was in my element.

"Hello everyone!" I shouted, my voice reverberating around the area. "I'm Bella Swan, and tonight, I am here to…" I paused as someone drum rolled, "…get this part-ay started!! Are you guys ready?!"

Another wave of screams. I scanned the sea of people and saw many excited faces. My mood sobered considerably when I saw a familiar face. Alice. Alice Cullen was in the audience. What on earth was she doing here? I never pegged her to be an All-American Rejects fan. My eyes slipped to her side, and I saw Jasper, a stiff smile on his face.

'Huh,' I thought. 'Jasper must be a fan then, to be amongst all these humans with fresh blood pumping furiously in their veins. I mean, this was a concert after all.'

I quickly averted my eyes and looked behind me at the band. "Okay, let's start," I said softly. I turned back at the audience, this time making sure to avoid the front row, where the vampires were located. "This is 'My Happy Ending'," I whispered in to the microphone, and then the intro started.

"Ah-ah, ah-ah. So much for my happy ending…" the background singers sang, repeating over and over again as the introduction prepared for the first verse. I settled myself in the middle of the stage, microphone gripped tightly in my right hand, my left busy tapping the beat on my thigh.

I will not let the appearance of Alice and Jasper disturb my performance. I have to be professional about this. I will continue like nothing has happened. I will sing my heart out.

"Let's talk this over, it's not like we're dead… Was it something I did? Was it something you said?" I sang, smirking as I did so. The first line was ironic, seeing as the main topic of this song was about mine and Edward's failed happy ending, and since Edward was already dead… Well, undead, but it was the same thing.

When I reached the bridge, I couldn't help but cast a withering glance at the front row, at a specific couple that were watching me intently, sadness clear in their murky yellow eyes. I met them, grim determination on my face. They had left me without even saying goodbye, hurting me in the process. They deserve to know how I feel, and I would love it if Edward saw this memory later. I would love it sincerely…

Choking slightly as I felt the telltale burning of tears in my eyes, I forced my voice to not waver as I sang. "You were the things I thought I knew, and I thought we could be…"

Then the chorus began, and I unleashed the fury inside of me. All the pent up anger and hurt at the fact that I actually believed that Edward was the real deal -- that the Cullens were the real deal. If it was just Edward, then maybe I wouldn't be so bitter about it, but it wasn't just him, though he was the main reason.

Alice and Jasper and Emmett and Rosalie, Carlisle and Esme… they were in on it, too. And it pained me. I actually believed I found family in them. But of course, who could trust vampires? Laurent had tried to drink me, and Victoria was hunting me down. Not to mention the whole fiasco with James, and what he did to Angela.

"All this time you were pretending," I sang softly, closing my eyes. "So much for my happy ending."

After the second verse and another round of the chorus, I dragged myself towards the edge of the stage, kneeling as I reached out with my hand so that the people could touch me. I was too far away though, but I guess as the coda came, the position I was in was sort of artistic.

"It's nice to know that you were there," I spat, my hand high in the air. "Thanks for acting like you care, making me feel like I was the only one… It's to know we had it all. Thanks for watching as I fall, letting me know we were done…!"

Tears flowed down my face, but I barely noticed them. I rarely get emotional in the middle of a performance, but this one was a different case. Out of the entire song, the coda was the closest to the truth. Edward left, and as I tripped and fall, I only had myself to catch me. Songs had a funny way of reminding me that, especially if they were of my own creation.

I looked heavenwards, cursing the clear night sky for giving me hope. I didn't want hope, because I knew that it was a lost cause. I stood up and saw the pain stricken expressions on Alice and Jasper's faces. I quickly looked away; they really liked kicking a pathetically lost puppy where it hurts.

I locked myself up I my dressing room after the concert had ended, regardless of Agnes' complaints about some people wanting to get my autograph. I told her frankly that I didn't give a damn at the moment. She had noticed my tense attitude and asked me what was wrong. Thinking back, I felt bad for slamming the door on her, but it felt like the right thing to do at the time.

Once I shake myself out of this self-loathing-slash-depressed state, I should really say sorry. It was rude of me to treat her like that.

"Bella? Bella, are you in there?" I heard the unmistakable sounds of the knobs being turned, and failing. It was locked and no one can get past it. I was barricaded in this room, and I will not get out until I had pulled myself together.

"Look Bella, I know that you're in there. I can hear your heartbeat. Please don't be too much trouble and open this door. If you don't, I won't hesitate to use force."

Wearily, I raised my head from the soft pillows of my arms and, upon seeing my reflection in the mirror, grimaced. My face was blotchy, my eyes puffy and red, not to mention that my mascara had run, trialing black lines across my cheeks. I looked like a mess. The only consolation I could take comfort in was that my hair was behaving.

"What do you want, Alice?" I asked, my voice breaking at the strain. I couldn't believe that after all this time, I was talking to Alice. The only thing separating us was a flimsy door, and that can be simply solved by my opening it. Or Alice breaking it down, but I highly doubt she was going to do that… I think.

"Bella," Alice sighed, "I know we have a lot of explaining to do, but can you please let Jasper and I in? We've missed you. We want to see you."

I stood up, swaying slightly from the sudden change of altitude. I walked over to the entrance but made no move to unlock it. I pressed my head to the cold surface of the door and said in a quiet voice: "I'm not opening this door until I get what I want."

"What do you want, Bella?" Alice's voice was borderline hysterical. I had a feeling that if she was able to cry, then she would be. "Anything -- I'd do anything for you to consider me as your friend again."

I paused, shocked that she actually agreed to my request. Before I could change my mind, I opened the door a crack. I poked my head through, though I forced myself to not leave my gaze from the ground. I couldn't look at Alice, nor could I look at Jasper. Instead, I consoled myself by looking at their shoes. They were Italian in origin, but hey, who cares?

"I want an explanation," I whispered, barely audible, though I knew they, particularly Alice, heard me. "You guys left without saying goodbye. Do you know how much that hurt? I thought you were my best friend."

"I'm sorry," Alice said, wavering. "I really, really am sorry. And I'm sure everyone else is as well, even Rosalie. We only left because Edward said so. We didn't like it -- we really do care about you, Bella; you're like the sister we never had -- but in the past years, Edward had always moved for us. He never complained, and though it was manipulative of him, he guilt tripped us into agreeing to his decision."

"That still doesn't explain why you left," I insisted, my eyes boring into the ground as if everything was its fault. "There must've been a reason."

I didn't mention Edward's letter as a small inkling of hope built inside of me. If Edward had guilt tripped his family into moving, then perhaps he didn't give a reason. And if he didn't, then his letter to me might've just been a cruel lie; he might not have meant it at all. Maybe the reason why he left was because of something else, something I, a human, could not know about.

Fearfully, that small hope grew. It did not occur to me that Jasper, whose power was the ability to sense people's emotions, could feel the hope building inside of me.

"Edward didn't give us an exact reason," Alice said. I looked up, not able to control my actions. "But," she continued, "it's not hard to guess."

"What do you mean?" The hope stopped building and eventually dissipated. Forlorn, I waited for Alice's answer. But it wasn't her who spoke next. It was Jasper.

"When James decided to hunt you down," Jasper's cool tone calmed me somewhat, "Edward was forced to admit to himself his fears. He was always wary of you and your obvious mortality, but he never worried about it. How could he, when there seven vampires -- including him -- that are very willing to protect you at a moment's notice?

"Nevertheless, the combined strength of seven vampires proved useless against James. You were far away in New York, practically on the other side of the country from Forks. Though you weren't injured in the ordeal, Edward knew that you were hurt because of Angela. She was hospitalized and Edward saw how worried you were for your friend. He didn't like to see you in pain, so he decided to leave you be, thinking that if we left, then perhaps no danger might befall on you."

"So this is all about me and my safety?" I asked. Both Jasper and Alice nodded grimly. They looked at me, gauging my reaction, and I schooled my features to not reveal anything. Sighing, I stepped aside and opened the door for them to go through. I then closed it immediately and locked it, not wanting to be disturbed by anyone.

"Take a seat," I instructed, gesturing with my eyes the small sofa set in the corner. I crossed the room and took out a frozen Coke can from the mini fridge. Seating myself in front of Alice and Jasper, both visibly uncomfortable sitting down, I cocked my head to the side and asked: "Did it ever occur to him that by leaving, then perhaps you guys did the opposite of what you wanted?"

At their confused faces, I elaborated. "I mean, instead of the danger leaving with you guys… did it cross your minds that the danger had stayed? What I'm trying to say is, by your leaving, then maybe I was even more in danger. Without your protection, I wouldn't stand a chance against another vampire."

I, of course, was speaking of Laurent and Victoria. I didn't want to tell them outright that the former had drunk my blood and that the latter was threatening to kill me, but I wanted them to know that I was in danger. Though I knew I was far from unprotected -- I trust the werewolves to keep me safe from Victoria -- I still feel like if a vampire was with me, then perhaps the likelihood of my surviving to reach my next birthday will be higher.

"What are you trying to say?" asked Jasper. His body language exuded wariness; he was tense and ready to attack at a moment's notice. "Are you in danger, Bella?"

I hesitated, then nodded meekly. I lowered my gaze to the Coke nursed in my hands; I still hadn't opened it. I doubt I would be able to swallow anything down at the moment, what with the furious glances the two vampires were giving me.

"I'm sorry," I apologized. "I didn't want to anger you." I stood up abruptly and turned around, making my way towards the window. I missed the incredulous look Jasper and Alice shared. "I didn't know what I was thinking telling you guys about Victoria," I rambled. "Really, I don't think I should've told you. I doubt Jake would like it that I did -- oh dear. Anyway, I --"

"Bella!" I involuntarily spun around when Alice clasped my shoulders between her vice like grip. "Slow down a minute," she said. "I might have a vampiric brain that works faster than the speed of light, but I could not, even if my undead life depended on it, understand what you are trying to say!"

"Who is Victoria?" inquired Jasper, appearing behind Alice in show of support. "How is she a danger to you? Is she a vampire?"

I felt like they were ganging up on me, but I answered anyway. "Victoria is -- was, considering his death -- James' mate. She's out to get me, driven by some crazy notion that if she disposed of me, then James' death will be avenged… or something like that."

"I don't understand," muttered Alice. "If it was Edward who killed James, then why wouldn't she go after him. Why you of all people?" She turned to Jasper and asked, "Is this because she is human, and thus an easier target?"

Regardless of the heaviness of the situation, I couldn't help but felt angered by her words. I shrugged myself out of Alice's grip and sat down on the sofa. Just because I was human did not mean I was defenseless like a baby lamb! I could take care of myself.

"No," Jasper shook his head, his blond locks cascading over his eyes. He made no move to bat them away. "James' death was months ago -- last year, in fact. It seems to be that Victoria is the vindictive kind, or why else would she be waiting this long to attack?"

I opened my mouth to tell them about Laurent and the protection Jacob and the pack provided, but I decided to close my mouth with a snap. Neither Jasper nor Alice were letting me into the discussion, so why would I help them? I knew it was selfish of me to withdraw information, but I couldn't help myself. Teenage rebellion boiled within my very being.

"What do you mean?" asked Alice.

"Victoria's behavior is reminding me of Maria and how she would wait weeks, months and even years, for particular people to age before she turned them. Once she spotted a potential in a human and if that human happened to be a child, she would wait until they reached adulthood before changing them. They would be easier to control then.

"My gut is telling me that Victoria is waiting for something. Most likely, she has been trying to isolate Bella, but has been finding it hard to." Jasper, in a blink of an eye, was kneeling in front of me. Alice followed a second later.

"Bella," Jasper said, touching my knee gingerly. With that simple action, I was convinced that Jasper cared for me. I smiled at that revelation. "You're a very busy girl, considering who you are in the music industry," he said. "Think back on these past few months. Have you ever been alone wherein you cannot cry for help or assistance if by chance you stumble upon danger?"

My eyebrows knitted in deep concentration as I thought back, trying to remember all the insignificant details of my days. Beginning from the very moment I received Edward's letter, gradually melting into the night I first met Jacob and the days I spent at school. I thought of the Christmas holidays and my announcement to the whole world about Yasmin not really existing. And then, my memories brought me to discussions with Jacob and Quil, finally ending at my father's death and the following funeral.

During those times, I had never been left alone. At home and before Charlie's death, he was always on hand if I needed any help. School was full of students so Victoria wouldn't attack there, nor would she do so when the entire world watched me on screen. Times I've spent on the reservation were safe as well, seeing as the werewolves would've helped if Victoria came by.

I guess I appreciate Sam's insistence of having Jacob as my bodyguard every once in a while. I could never be alone, else I might be kidnapped by Victoria. I shivered at that thought.

"No." I ran a hand through my hair, unknowingly messing it up. "There was never a time that I was completely alone, I think. I've scoured my mind as thoroughly as I could, though I might've missed something." I cupped my chin, still gripping some tendrils of hair. "Still, I am sure."

"I see," Jasper said tersely, though not harshly. "Alice," he addressed her with relieved yet tense expression. "I cannot in good conscience return to our family and thus leave Bella unprotected."

Alice bobbed her head. "Neither can I." She bit her lip in frustration, a very human habit for her to have. "What do you suppose we do? Edward wouldn't like it if we leave for Forks, and I know that he suspects the two of us are up to something. The only reason he let us go to this concert was because I told him we needed some couple alone time."

Jasper smiled faintly. "Yes, I knew he suspected us as well."

A pregnant pause followed his words, as Jasper's smile was accompanied with Alice's mischievous one. Feeling out of place and awkward, I cleared my throat to bring them back to the topic at hand. I wanted to give the two their privacy, but once I started feeling pure affection and longing towards Alice, I had to draw the line.

"I have an idea," I said, raising an eyebrow in challenge. "Of course, it might not be worthy of you vampires, since I am, after all, a lowly human… but I, myself, think it sufficient enough."

"We didn't mean to leave you out. But pray tell, what is your plan, oh-lowly-human Bella?" asked Alice, smirking.

"Well," I wavered, but managed to get my head back in the game. "For one thing, I didn't outright asked you for help, so you defying your brother's request is not going to be my problem. However, I don't want to leave you guys to fend for yourselves, seeing as, after all, this is me you are helping.

"In any case, my plan if for you both to go to Alaska. I'm going to be safe enough during the day, seeing as Victoria could not stay out In sunlight. Moreover, I doubt she would try to isolate me with cameras following my every move." I rolled my eyes; who knew Agnes was right about having the paparazzi on my side? Though, I doubt she meant it in this context. "I'll be surrounded by people all the time and Agnes, my manager, will be by my side every minute of the day."

"What if you go back home to Forks?" asked Jasper. His tone was sharp, but I smiled warmly nonetheless. He referred to Forks as home.

"When I go back home, that would be most likely to attend school. However, I am sure that time will not come soon." I blushed and looked away, suddenly interested on the peeling pain on the ceiling. "I'll only come back when my schedule," I coughed fakely, "is er, not as heavy and… when I finished all my homework."

Alice laughed at my predicament. "Wow, it didn't occur to me that you'd be struggling in school, Bella. Perhaps you should take this whole celebrity thing more lightly."

I wanted to reply back some witty retort, but we were going off the topic.

"But if by chance I go to Forks without you guys," I shrugged, "there's nothing really to worry about. I have friends there that I trust with my life." Undeniably, I was speaking of the werewolves. I would never endanger Angela or Jessica or Lauren's lives for me.

"That actually sounds like a good plan," praised Jasper.

"And Charlie would never abandon you unwillingly," inserted Alice. "By the way, where is he? I haven't seen him around. I thought he was your bodyguard, Bella? At least," she allowed, "he was Yasmin's bodyguard."

"Oh, he's at Forks," I answered vaguely. "He couldn't accompany me. Besides, Agnes is with me." I didn't have the heart to tell her that my father was dead, nor did I want that piece of information publicized. News like this have a way of spreading to the media, and I would never want my father's death to be something to gossip about.

Alice, Jasper and I talked about other things -- nonsensical things -- for the rest of the night. At around two in the morning, Agnes demanded that I go back to the hotel immediately, seeing as I had an appointment early the next morning (or shouldn't it be later today?). So, grudgingly like a child going home after their first sleepover, the two vampires left me be, claiming to be needing sleep. I packed and rode a cab to the hotel with a sad smile.

It was nice to talk with Alice, and even nicer to have a chance to bond more with Jasper. As I unlocked the door to my hotel room, changed and finally collapsed on the bed, I thought of how the outlook of my life seemed brighter after tonight. Two out of seven Cullens wasn't a bad achievement, not bad at all.

I slept peacefully that night. Though my dreams did not consist of a flying squirrel or a talking fish, they were filled with a mighty lion and a honey badger. Yes, I slept well that night.

A/N: ...Ugh. Finally! ... So?

=D