Bella couldn't tell you what Senator Cullen went up on that stage and said. In fact, she barely registered as he came off stage and he and Jasper talked as they led her off. She started to stutter out an apology, but Carlisle gave her a bit of a strained smile as he shook his head before he looked to Jasper who was on the phone. Before she could really understand what was going on she was being led to Alice's waiting car.

Getting in she didn't say anything for a while as Alice drove off, and she just stared at the city rushing by her. Finally, she looked to Alice, softly speaking, her steady voice not showing the raging turmoil inside of her, "I thought you were busy with Alistair tonight."

Alice shrugged, "Jasper told me you needed me."

"You two are talking again?" Bella asked.

Alice smiled a bit and glanced Bella's way. "We've actually been talking for a few weeks now. We're not back together again or anything…not yet anyway," she finished with another shrug.

"Huh," was all Bella said. She supposed she had been too wrapped up in her own relationship that she really hadn't talked to Alice about how things were going with her. "Sorry, I should have known that."

Alice shook her head. "Don't worry about it."

Silence filled the car for a while before Bella looked around. "Where are we going?" She had figured that Alice would be heading to their apartment, but they were actually in a completely different part of town. "Alistair's. I just, I figured you wouldn't want to be at our place where you could be easily found, you know?"

Bella was sure that Jasper had told Alice what had happened and so she just nodded and closing her eyes she leaned her head back against her headrest and let out a shaky breath. Alice was right, she didn't want to be found, and she had every reason to believe that Edward would be looking for her. Right now she had to figure out what to do. As far as she was concerned, she had no relationship and she knew she was going to have to resign. It was the right thing to do after tonight's fiasco.

She felt her chest and throat tightening up at the thoughts going through her mind, but before she could shed a single tear, she felt Alice reach out and squeeze her hand. "Don't worry," Alice said gently, "It'll be all right."

Bella wasn't so sure, but she squeezed her hand back and nodded.

Right now she really didn't know how anything would be all right.

)( )( )( )(

The function was over and the only sounds now echoing through the ballroom were the clatter of silverware on china and crystal glasses clinking together as the clean-up crew tidied up after the event.

The only guest left behind sat at the table where he had been most of the evening, bow tie undone, tuxedo jacket hanging haphazardly over the back of the chair where he slouched. His posture was that of someone that was utterly dejected, but more striking than that was the look on his face. His look was one of anguish.

The staff moved around him, cleaning up, giving him wide birth because of the vibe he was giving off. If any of them recognized him, they gave no indication as they continued to do their jobs.

Edward had no idea how much time passed before someone moved the chair next to him and he looked up to find Emmett sitting down, a tired expression on his friend's face.

No words passed between them for a while. He had told Emmett the truth of what had happened when Emmett had followed him out into the alley where he had gotten sick.

Emmett hadn't said much, he'd just led Edward back inside and made sure that Edward had pulled himself together enough to go sit down at his table again. Then Emmett had just disappeared for a while. In fact, this was the first time Edward had seen Emmett since then.

They sat there in silence for a few minutes before Emmett finally spoke, "We should get you home, Edward."

Edward nodded and stood up, reaching for his jacket. "Did you drive?" Emmett asked as he got up. Edward just shook his head.

"All right then," replied Emmett as they made their way out of the ballroom.

After they got in the car, Edward finally spoke, "Do you think that we might stop by Bella's?"

Emmett looked to him and frowning a bit he said, "She ain't there."

"You spoke to her?" Edward asked almost eagerly.

Emmett shook his head. "Nah, I talked to Rosalie."

"Has she seen Bella? Talked to her? Is she all right?" Edward questions came out in quick succession.

Frowning a bit, Emmett shook his head. "No." It seemed like he purposely left it vague as to which question he was answering.

Edward just watched the road and nothing else was said.

When Emmett finally pulled in front of Edward's building he didn't cut the engine, but did put the car in park. Edward didn't move to get out right away.

Finally, Emmett broke the silence, "Who do you think stole the speech?"

Edward shook his head and hoarsely replied, "I…I don't know. Someone might have hacked into her computer or email. It's not like any of the staff come by my place, not even you." He sat there frowning and then he rubbed his face tiredly and said, "Christ…"

"What?" Emmett asked.

"Alec was here just the day before yesterday when Bella was working on the speech."

Emmett arched a brow. "Alec? You really think the kid took it?"

Edward frowned. "I don't know, but I'd like to speak to him to find out."

Emmett sighed and nodded. "All right. I can pick him up and take him to the office tomorrow morning. Kid won't be happy it's a Sunday, but I think I can get him there," he added with a shrug.

"You don't want to bring him by here?" Edward said with a frown.

Emmett shook his head. "Nah, if he did take it, well, this is business and should be dealt with at the office. Throw him off a bit."

Edward nodded and moved to get out of the car. "All right. I'll be there at 9 a.m."

Emmett just nodded, looking at the steering wheel rather than at Edward. He feared that if he did look towards Edward that his closest friend would see the disappointment in his eyes, figure out his intentions and try to stop him.

"See you tomorrow, Em."

Emmett nodded again and Edward was too caught up in his own emotions to notice how Emmett was acting.

)( )( )( )(

Alistair's place in DC was rather small since he usually resided in New York, but he left the place to Alice and Bella's use, insisting it was no trouble at all since he was spending his nights with a "friend" anyway.

When they got to his place Alice had put a tea kettle on and then she'd gotten some comfortable clothes for Bella to wear. "Here, Alistair always keeps a stash of my comfy clothes here for when I crash after a long night."

Bella nodded as she took the clothes.

"Go take a quick shower and then we'll have some tea. I'm sure he even has crumpets around here…he's so…English," she smiled and gently pushed Bella in the direction of the bathroom.

As she showered, Bella tried not to think about what had happened tonight. She was tired and just wanted to sleep and think about tomorrow, well, tomorrow.

Stepping out of the bathroom a short time later in Alice's PJs she didn't even make her way back to the kitchen and instead she curled up on Alistair's bed. A short time later it was as if a dam broke and the tears she had been holding at bay for too long burst forth and she sobbed quietly in a fetal position. It wasn't long before she felt Alice lie down behind her and just hug her close. Neither of them had to say a word as Bella dealt with the immediate aftermath of the betrayal she had experienced.