A/N: Oh gosh, is has been quite some time since I've last updates, haven't I? It's mostly my fault -- well, it's fully my fault. But you can't blame me! XD I was just caught up in the wonderful world of fan fiction… sigh. I've been re-reading some of my favorite stories, and well, my favorite stories have like, millions of pages. Anyway, I've finished this chapter a long time ago, but I never did come around to posting it. My time's been occupied by fanfics. Sorry. Forgive?

Oh, and er, sorry for Bella's dreams consisting of animals. But hey, I was just having fun! Anyway, thanks for all the reviews. Glad to know that you guys like Alice and Jasper coming back and planning to protect Bella. I wonder though, what'll happen once they find out about the wolves… hmm… Well, I don't know either XD I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

Oh, and PS: I don't know how to spell Ellen's last name, and I don't have time at the moment to check it out, so please bear with it.

Two Worlds: Exposed - Chapter 35

Rambunctious music sounded from every speaker in the studio at the highest possible volume without endangering the people's ears. Swaying to the music was the audience, consisting mostly of women, seated on the bleachers. The host of the TV show, Ellen Degeneres, meanwhile was showcasing her dance moves somewhere within the sea of people.

I was hidden backstage, laughing freely. There was undoubtedly some kind of infectious energy in Ellen's studio, which was one of the reasons why I've been to this place numerous times. And besides, who was I to try and disregard the boisterous energy? It was the epitome of Ellen-ness. Plus, I needed a pick-me-up after an unfortunate, not to mention petty, argument with Lyle ten minutes ago.

He had blamed me for trying to avoid him these past months, and of course, seeing as I never knew he was trying to get in touch with me, I had answered with confusion. Apparently, ever since last December, he had been sending flowers to my home in Florida. Well, sorry to disappoint, but I haven't stepped foot in that place in ages, so I never 'received' any flowers from Lyle, which I deemed a good thing. That boy could not take a hint…

"Alright, good day everyone. I have er, I have an exciting show for you guys today," said Ellen, clasping her hands together. The audience applauded wildly in response, making Ellen laugh. "First and foremost, I've invited America's sweetheart, Bella Swan, most famously known for her alias, Yasmin Stone. She and I are going to play a game -- we'll see who is the uh, better singer -- so be waiting for that."

I glanced at the small television, high up on the corner of the room, where the walls met the ceiling, and saw a picture of me on the screen. I couldn't help but smile at the clearly photoshopped image. My skin was not that flawless, and what happened the bags under my eyes?

"Yeah, I'm glad you guys are happy about that," laughed Ellen. "Well, next we uh, we have hot hottie Lyle."

Applause and cheers sounded from the audience, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes. He wasn't that hot, especially compared to the company I keep. Having hung out with the Quileute wolves, all whom prefer to strut around the place shirtless -- well, I'm not saying anything, but if Lyle wanted to be classified as 'hottie' in my books, he has to do more than just smile prettily and pose for a couple of pictures.

"He clearly needs no introduction," Ellen continued. "Uhh, he will be talking to us about his latest reality show, debuting this following Monday. And for you guys watching at home, one of you lucky winners will win a three months cruise trip. Just keep on watching to see how."

On the TV screen now, after showcasing a monochromatic picture of Lyle, was an image of a large white cruise ship. Hmm, it's been a while since I've been on a cruise ship… My phone buzzing in my pocket, interrupting my whimsical wishes of being on a cruise ship at this very moment.

"Hello?" I spoke into the phone, unsure. There was no caller ID. "This is Marie speaking." Checking that all the backstage people were busy with their designated jobs and were not watching me, I walked out into the corridor and ducked inside a broom closet, wanting some privacy.

"Marie?" the tinkling, distinctly female, voice on the other side asked. A moment later, the person hummed in understanding. "Right," she giggled. "If you haven't guessed already, this is Alice. You gave me your cell phone number last night, remember?"

Realization dawned on me. Alice was pestering me for changing cells so I, reluctantly, gave her the number for my current one. She said it was necessary, since if there was any emergency, she can right away contact me. I had a sneaking suspicion that she just wanted my number because she missed talking to me, not that I was complaining but… this morning, I've been having second thoughts about her and Jasper.

What if them being in contact with me and protecting me was a bad thing? What if Edward finds out, and gets mad at the fact that his siblings ignored his wishes? I wouldn't want to cause a family feud.

Speaking of family…

"Alice, where are you?" I asked, wary. Wherever she was, she better not be in the hearing range of a certain Edward Cullen, because why else would Alice be calling me other than to talk about her plans about moving back to Forks? I really am having trouble convincing myself that it was a good thing.

"Oh, I'm with the Denalis. They're close family friends; we consider them as our cousins, actually," Alice answered offhandedly. There was a beep on the other line, and the sounds of some TV advertisement filtered through the connection.

"Alice!" I admonished, hissing since I was inside a broom closet and did not want to give away my hiding place. "What if, you know, someone happens to overhear this? And from what I know of your family, it is pretty easy to eavesdrop."

Alice giggled again. "Yeah, annoying siblings do tend to do that. It's all right though, Marie…" Her tone lost its lightness and I knew she was being serious, "…you're just a friend I met and instantly bonded with at the AAJs concert last night. Everyone here knows that."

I nodded, knowing what she was telling me. It would've been suspicious if Alice popped out of hearing range every time she makes me a phone call, so I guess what she was doing now was ingenious. Introduce Marie as her new friend, nice.

"Okay," I breathed out. "Why are you calling me again? I'm kinda busy at the moment and -- you know what? -- I need to go soon, so can you please make this quick?"

"I just wanted to tell you that my sister, Rosalie, is very eager to meet and get to know you, so I gave her your phone number. Don't be surprised when you receive a call from her sometime this evening. Oh and…" The television where Alice was increased in volume; I vaguely heard the unmistakable voice of Ellen. "Thought you might want to know, my entire family and I are watching the Ellen talk show. I heard Yasmin was going to be there singing 'Since You've Been Gone'."

My brows furrowed in confusion. It was planned for me to perform at the end of the show, but I had chosen to sing 'My Happy Ending' again. Was this Alice's way of telling me that I needed to sing 'Since You've Been Gone'?

"Er sure," I said. "Look, I need to go."

I ended the call and stepped out of the broom closet. After I made sure there were no cobwebs in my hair or clothes, I hurried back to I was supposed to be, waiting for Ellen to call for me. Just in time, Ellen was saying, "So please welcome America's sweetheart, Bella Swan!" I didn't have time to pause walking as I plastered a smile on my face and walked out of the backstage.

When I sat down on the sofa, I greeted Ellen with a friendly hug. "You know Ellen, I don't like thinking of myself as America's sweetheart."

And with those words, an interesting debate of how I suited that title began. It ended with me wearing a fake moustache and a tiara saying: America's sweetheart. Safe to say, I lost the debate, as I always do with Ellen.

"I don't see why you had to wear that horrible facial disfigurement," commented Agnes as we drove away in the limo. She was talking about the moustache, and how I had to wear it throughout the entire show. "And why didn't you talk to Lyle just before? He's been waiting for you in your dressing room ever since the show ended."

Rolling down the windows, I stuck my hand out and reveled in the feeling of the air rushing past my fingers. It was exceptionally cold, despite the humid air.

"The moustache was just a joke," I flashed Agnes a grin. "I had fun, Ellen had fun, everyone had fun!" I barked out a laugh. "I even got myself a trophy!" I handed the trophy to Agnes. She gingerly held the trophy, which was a plastic microphone bonded to a marble slab with the words 'Officially the Better Singer than Ellen' etched on it.

"Charming," she said as she gave me back the trinket. "Still, you haven't answered my question. Why did you avoid Lyle? You're not still hung up with that Jonas kid, are you? I thought you said there was nothing going on between the two of you?"

I laughed wryly at Agnes' accusations. "Aggie," I rolled my eyes, "there's absolutely nothing going on between Joe and me. Everything's platonic; I told him so during our vacation trip to the Bahamas together. And as for Lyle… I couldn't care less about him. Let him send his flowers and chocolates. Still doesn't change the fact that I can't stand his presence."

"Ohh, c'mon chikka!" Agnes nudged my leg with hers, piercing the exposed lower half with her pointy heels. "I know he cheated on you and everything when you were younger, but you've gotta give him the benefit of the doubt! You can see that he's changed, sending flowers and chocolates, like you said. Plus, he's hot. If I were a few years younger and not old enough to be his mother…" she waggled her eyebrows suggestively.

I snorted but said nothing. It'll take more than some pretty flowers and sweet chocolate to make me forgive him. I might've been naïve before, but not now. My experience with men taught me to be ruthless: if you don't want your heart broken, you've got to put up a shield to protect yourself. Why? Because the worthy ones will be the ones working hard to lower that shield, and the only way to do that is for me to do so. And I will never do so without trust.

Obviously, I did not -- and never will -- trust Lyle.

Beep! Beep!

Startled, I yanked my hand back inside the limo and poked my head out instead. It was foolish of me -- my head obviously was more important than my hand -- but it was a natural reaction to check out who was beeping. And the window was open, meaning the glass couldn't stop my head. I wonder why I opened the window in the first place.

A second later, when the heavy wind assaulted my face and successfully stretching it tightly against my skull, I realized the answer to that question. I heaved a deep sigh. I saw flashes of lights from other vehicles pass by and I shut my eyes in response, overwhelmed. Reason overtook my pleasure: what was I doing, sticking my head out the window?

"What are you doing?" asked Agnes who, apparently, was my voice of reason. "What're you thinking, sticking your head out the window? Are you suicidal -- this is a highway!" She jerked me back inside the safe confines of the limo and as she did so, I caught a glimpse of the vehicle that beeped just moments before.

My mouth dropped to the floor (figuratively speaking) at what I saw.

I rubbed by eyes for perhaps I was hallucinating. I was still on high with the energy in Ellen's studio, so yes, I must still be hallucinating. But if I were, then why would my hallucination be of Emmett on a bright red Harley with Rosalie behind him, her hair flapping behind her like a ribbon of light?

"Emmett?" I choked. "R-Rosalie?"

Faintly, I heard Agnes ask, "You know those people? Are they insane or something?", but I was too busy to even utter a coherent reply. I was entranced, because Emmett and Rosalie were before me, face alight with excitement and joy. And on a red Harley to boot.

"Bella!" Emmett called, waving a hand high up in the air and winking at me. "Do you think you can pull over? We need to talk to you!"

Jerkily, I motioned for the limo driver to pull over as soon as she could. When we reached a break in the highway, the limo turned into it and after parking, I came stumbling out.

"Bella, sweetie…" Agnes touched me on the arm, stopping me from closing the door. "Where are you going?" She snuck a glance at Rosalie and Emmett, both whom were lounging on the Harley, completely at ease. A frown tugged on Agnes' lips. "Are they even safe? I mean, they look like rascals to me."

"I -- I know those people," I stammered. "I'll just be a moment. They won't hurt me, Aggie, so I'd be safe."

I tried to smile reassuringly, but I knew from Agnes' unsure expression that I had failed to dissuade her worries. As I made my way towards the two breathtakingly, supernaturally beautiful vampires, they watched me. Rosalie and Emmett watched me. Their golden eyes bore on me with every step that I took, like hungry wolves over a piece of raw meat-- I grimaced; they wouldn't appreciate being compared to wolves. They were mortal enemies after all (or should I say immortal enemies?).

I wanted to ask: "What do you guys want?", but instead my mouth uttered: "Why are you guys here?" I resisted the urge to add: "…with me."

Rosalie, Emmett, what are you two doing here, away from Alaska and your family, and with me?

"Aww, c'mon, Bellsie!" Emmett whined. He roared, pumping his chest, reminding me of Tarzan. "Can't your ole friends come once in a while to see you? Alice and Jasper did, just last night."

"Don't call me 'Bellsie'!" I hissed, glaring. Emmett cocked an eyebrow up in response, and I buckled underneath his gaze. In a lower voice, I amended my heated comment. "It makes me sound like a cow or something…" I blushed. "Stick with Bella, or Bells."

Emmett shared a look with Rosalie -- it was just for the briefest of moments, and if I hadn't known better, I would've thought my imagination was playing tricks on me. But I knew better. Vampires were fast, and quick looks shared must be faster than what the human eye could see. I guess it was fortunate of me to have caught it in the first place, or perhaps unfortunate because now, I was nervous. More nervous than before, at least.

"Look, Bella, I --" Rosalie grabbed the upper portion of my arm, her pale hand snapping from her side to me. It was only my natural reaction to jump and flinch away. Seeing my reaction, Rosalie retracted her hand and pocketed it. "I'm sorry," she muttered, chagrined.

"It's all right," I tried to smile a smile that reached my eyes, and I succeeded for a short moment. Then, my smile dropped. "You just surprised me. It er," I shifted my weight from one foot to another, "it won't happen again."

There was an awkward, pregnant pause, made even more palpable when Agnes yelled my name, along with a string of curse words and threats. I bit my lip I embarrassment, shrugging helplessly at Rosalie and Emmett for apology. The only consolation I can gather was that it wasn't awkward anymore.

"What do you want guys?" I asked softly, sighing. "Agnes wants me inside the limo soon; four, five minutes tops. I guess her instinct's telling her that danger's around."

"Dangerous vampires at that…" Emmett muttered with a smirk, revealing his dimples. He really was adorable, despite his gargantuan size and overly large muscles.

However, no matter how adorable, both Rosalie and I discounted his comment, looking into each other's eyes as if communicating. I could tell from the rawness of the emotion in those golden orbs of hers that she was apologetic, repentant for even agreeing to Edward's petition to leave. Knowing nothing else to do, I nodded in understanding. Edward can be pretty persuasive whenever he wants to be. I should know more than anyone else; he persuaded me to fall in love with him after all.

Curse him and his charms. He was a turn of the century man, meaning he was raised to be a gentleman. Plus, his vampiric good looks just added more to his arsenal. Damn, how could anyone in their right mind not fall in love with him?

I cussed in my mind, not liking one bit where my thoughts went. I blinked a couple of times to get back to the present.

"I should've fought harder against it," Rosalie said in a husky voice. When Emmett's arms draped over her shoulder, she leaned into the embrace. I felt a stab of jealousy pierce through me at the sight of their affection, but I held it in.

"There was nothing you can do," I said, my throat constricting as I spoke. "You all left because you all thought it was safe for me, what with you guys being vampires attracting others of your kind, it was the logical solution for all of you to --"

"But that's the thing! You're not!" exclaimed Rosalie. "You, Bella Swan," she stepped forward and grabbed me by the shoulders, "are far from safe!" She shook me hard, but once she saw how much pain she was causing me, she stepped back and cupped her face with her hands. She looked so much like a crying angel, a sculpture of some Greek artisan, or something of the sort.

"This -- this Victoria is after you!" she continued, sobbing tearlessly. "I can't help but feel that this is my fault! I should've fought harder; I knew Esme didn't want to move either -- hell, everyone knew she didn't want to move. She was all for staying in Forks and being with you, but Edward convinced me, and Esme took my agreement as defeat.

"Emmett followed soon afterwards, and Alice and Jasper were already resigned to the fact that we were moving. But if I hadn't buckled, then maybe Victoria," she hissed out the name like it was filth on her lips, "then perhaps she'd be disposed of right now."

I listened with wide eyes; never before had I seen Rosalie behave like this, all vulnerable and distressed like a lost damsel waiting for her prince. Rosalie was -- well, to me, she was the epitome of obstinacy. She was always in control, and she would never reveal her weakness or insecurities like this before anyone, not even her family. Except perhaps Emmett and Edward, the latter being a mind reader.

Should I feel privileged to be able to see her at one of her low moments? Or was that too heartless a thought? I shouldn't be… proud… that Rosalie was like this. I should be concerned, which I was.

"Rosalie…" I reached out my hand and carefully placed it on her shoulder. She looked at me with sorrowful eyes. "Hush," I said, gripping her shoulder lightly, "do not fret over this. Alice explained to me what happened, how Edward convinced everyone to leave and frankly, I don't blame him. Though his methods were not what everyone wanted, he meant well."

"He thought it was for the best, Rosie," whispered Emmett, burying his nose into Rosalie's hair. "He knows the idea might bite him in the butt one day --" I tried to disguise my snort as a cough, but I was sure I didn't fool anyone, "-- but he thinks it's for the best. He's only looking out for Bella… and for the family."

After a while, no one said a thing. No one moved. No one dared even breathe, not even me. Finally, Rosalie allowed a wan smile grace her beautiful face. It was as if a light was turned on inside of her. With the smallest inkling of envy, I couldn't help but want the beauty Rosalie had -- I was only human, after all. She both had physical beauty in the form of her flawless face and figure, but she also had inner beauty. She was loved and loved in return.

Damn right I was envious.

The tender moment between the two vampires was nostalgic to watch, but I kept quiet, not wanting to disturb them. I was so focused on watching the pair, though, that I nearly jumped out of my skin when I felt my phone buzz against my skin. Fishing the gadget out of my pocket, I tapped the answer call button on the screen and pressed it to my ear. I didn't need to see the caller ID to know who the caller was.

"Isabella Marie Swan," hissed the voice of Agnes herself, "if you do not come into this limousine in one minute, I swear, superstar or not, you will never see the light of day again. I don't like those biker friends of yours; they give me the creeps. But since they are your friends, I'm giving you time to say goodbye."

"Fine," I muttered and ended the call.

From all the way back from the limo, Agnes shouted, "One minute!"

"I see your warden wants you back in prison," Emmett remarked with a cheeky grin.

I snorted but didn't say anything. Rosalie lifted her head from Emmett's chest and engulfed me in a bone crushing hug. When she released me, she sent teasing glare at her boyfriend -- or were they mates? I remember Laurent saying something about vampires having mates, like what James and Victoria were.

Anyway, Rosalie said sarcastically: "If you can call a limo prison. I mean, we're rich as can be and all," she looked at me, "but we never get to ride on a limos like that as often as you, Bella."

I blushed. I tried halfheartedly to refute her words, but Emmett cut me off. "Yeah," he agreed, nodding his head. "The last time we were on a limo was the high school prom of '97. Esme insists that limos are 'far too much for a simply family in a small town.'"

"We only got away because Alice begged for it." Rosalie's eyes glazed at the memory. "She said the limo would accent her dress perfectly. The prom's theme was Old Hollywood, and her dress was very vintage."

I snorted loudly, hurting my throat and nose. Of course the limo would accent her dress perfectly. I just can't believe she went to all those lengths, renting a limo for a school prom. I paused -- actually, I think I can believe; Alice was a force of nature when it came to fashion.

"Thirty seconds!" Agnes hollered, effectively ruining the lighthearted mood.

Sighing, I cuffed the ground with my shoe. "I gotta go," I said, not meeting any eyes. "I guess I'll see you guys when I see you. Here, I'll give you guys my new number." I gave them my phone, which already displayed the necessary digits. "Just make sure you name me as Marie, since Alice oh-so-wonderfully introduced me to er… to your family as her friend from the AAJs concert."

"Marie," Emmett guffawed as he typed into his phone. I grinned when I saw his fingers were far too bulky for the nifty gadget. "Right… Only a fool would buy that. How many Maries could there be in the world?"

As I shoved the phone into my pocket, I said in the most nonchalant manner as I could: "Oh, I hear France has quite a number. And America too, last I've heard. It's quite a popular name, especially with its variations Maria, Mary, Marian…"

"I get it! I get it!" Emmett raised his hands, as if in surrender. "Still, Alice's concert friend Marie? It sounds…" He shrugged, not able to find words to describe it. "Knowing Alice and all the weird stuff she gets up to, Marie obviously has to be you."

"Ignore Emmett," Rosalie said, purposely stepping forward to block my view of the guy. "I know I do. Thanks for the number, I'd be sure to check up every now and again. Jasper's eager to eliminate Victoria, and I know I'm only a half step behind."

"And Alice and I are another half step behind her," added Emmett with an exaggerated wink and a thumbs up.

"That's good to know," I laughed nervously. My breath had caught when Rosalie said "eliminate". Undeniably, I wanted Victoria gone… but wasn't eliminate too harsh a word? She was in pursuit of me because she wanted vengeance. I was the reason for her mate's death. If I were in her shoes, then I would perhaps do the same thing.

But of course, my sympathizing with her motives doesn't change a thing. She still wants me dead, and that was not okay in my book. I like being alive thank you very much, and if being able to stay alive meant that Victoria had to be taken care of, then I wouldn't mind Jasper -- or Rosalie or Emmett or Alice -- to eliminate her.

I really was a selfish person, thinking it all right to have someone killed.

Feeling a heavy weight on my chest, I waved as Rosalie and Emmett drove away on their red Harley. One of these days, when all this drama about living in Alaska though they want to live in Forks thing blows over, I have got to ask Emmett where he got that sweet ride.

"Bella!" Agnes shouted, most of her upper body sticking out of the window precariously. "It's been a minute! Come inside!"

And come inside I did. Despite my morbid thoughts just moments ago, I was smiling. It's been a long time since I've seen Rosalie and Emmett, let alone got a chance to talk to them. So I was glad to have finally met up with them.

That night, as I tossed and turned in my covers, I wondered what exactly where Edward's reasons for leaving Forks -- for leaving me. He was the reason why the Cullens all left, and despite Alice's and Rosalie's explanation as to why exactly, I was still confused. Which explanation was correct: Edward's letter, or his sisters' word?

He said he didn't want me because he cared enough for me to not endanger my celebrity life. He also said that he grew tired of me; he wanted a new human to mess around with, someone more durable than clumsy little me, a probably with less ties to the world.

Actually, now that I think about it, the letter sounded kind of odd to me. Edward wasn't the type to 'mess around'. He was raised in the 1900s for goodness' sake! He was brought up to pursue marriage and commitment, and along the way, love.

Alice and Rosalie, on the other hand, said that Edward left because he didn't want me to be in danger -- not exactly my celebrity status being in danger, but me, Bella Swan, being in danger. Though his plan of other vampires not coming after me because of my lack of interaction with them sort of backfired, it still proved that he cared for me.

Does Edward still care for me?

I hope so; I sincerely do, but I wouldn't want to raise my hopes just so they can fall again.

It was well into the early morning and my eyes were just about to slam shut despite my efforts for them to stay open, but I had come to the conclusion that perhaps Edward wasn't the bad guy in all of this. He had left to protect me, that much I can gather. It was in his nature to worry; I knew him that well. And that also meant that he cares for me, but that still didn't change the fact that he left in the first place. Screw protection; I didn't want him to leave.

A/N: So what do you guys think? I hope I didn't upset anyone with Rosalie's behaviour, but I figured that she was friends with Bella before the left for Alaska, then surely she'd be emotional.