A/N: UUUUUGGGH, I might delete this chapter and start over. Please let me know if it's any good. IDK, maybe its the bronchitis talking but I think it could have been better. Oh, and please don't hate me for the ending!
Review, review, review! Maybe it'll make this flu go away:)
Thanks, Chelsea for your help with this mess of a chapter!!
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Chapter Forty-Two
Friday.
The week had flown by without incident. Not once did Alex attempt to speak to me. That made me even more worried—her silence was almost more frightening than her actually talking to me. I felt as if she was mustering up all of her strength for an attack – hopefully I was just overreacting. Maybe I was making this a bigger deal than necessary– but I still felt something – I didn't know what. The whole week I had an eerie feeling that someone was watching my every move – but for now, I wasn't going to let that get in the way. Tonight was supposed to be mine and Chelsea's fairytale evening.
Right after school, she came over to get ready for the dance.
Lucky for us, we had our personal stylist Alice on hand to make sure we were primped to perfection.
Chelsea wore her hair up in a low, sleek chignon. A few curled tendrils framed her face. Alice swept a shimmery pink eye shadow across her eyelids that complimented the shade of her dress and applied a clear gloss to her lips. We decided it would look best if I kept my hair down in loose, romantic curls with minimal make-up.
"Beautiful." Alice said as she smoothed the feathers on Chelsea's train. "I think I have really outdone myself this time."
"I think you have. Can we pleeease see ourselves now?" I begged.
"Yes, I suppose so." She replied with a smile. She carried an enormous, gilded mirror across the room, placing it before us.
We stood side by side, ogling ourselves. I couldn't wait to see Moe and Aiden's expression.
"You girls look divine!" Rosie gushed, walking in with Grams. "You're going to be the two most beautiful girls there!"
"Thanks," we said in unison, never diverting our eyes from our reflection in the mirror.
"So, I'm guessing the whole vampires being invisible in front of a mirror thing is a myth too?" Chelsea teased, laughing and playing with the feathered edges of her dress.
Each one of us laughed along with her. "Definitely a myth," I confirmed.
As the laughter died down, I looked over to Chelsea. "You look absolutely ravishing, Chels. You really do."
"Thanks, Ana for everything."
"You're welcome. The dress looks lovely on you."
"No, not just for the dress…well, yeah…thanks for that, too, but, I mean…thanks for everything. Your family has been so wonderful to me. I feel accepted and part of a family for once."
"Chels, you are apart of this family. No thanks necessary!"
"Tonight is going to be so much fun! I can't wait to see the boys!" She exclaimed. We grabbed our purses from Alice's bag and headed out to the stairwell, our dresses sashaying and swishing behind us. Before he reached the topmost step, I started to feel the butterflies in my stomach. I was nervous and excited at the same time. I couldn't wait to see Moe—and my brother, at that—in their tuxedos.
And boy, I wasn't disappointed.
Moe looked devastatingly handsome in an all black tux and a tie to match the lavender color of my dress. His cropped black hair was messy but in a way that reminded me very much of grandpa's. I couldn't stop looking at him.
Moe and Aiden were waiting at the bottom of the staircase, corsages in hand but their attentions were turned to the living room where Bryce was seated on the couch watching a baseball game.
Chelsea cleared her throat to get their attention. "Oh, boys…"
They diverted their gaze from the living room to us, their jaws dropping immediately in awe. Their eyes were as big as saucers.
"Well, are you going to stay there all day or are you going to tell them how they look?" Alice skipped down the stairs. "I worked very hard to make them perfect! Well, not that hard…it didn't take much."
"You look…amazing, Ana – you too Chelsea." Moe smiled, coming to meet me at the middle of the stairs. He took my hand in his, kissing the back of it. "You're beautiful, babe."
"Thank you, you don't look too bad yourself." I smiled, winking at was next to go up the stairs. "You look…wow…just…wow. Absolutely beautiful." He kissed the back of her hand and slid her corsage onto her tiny wrist.
She smiled, blushing immediately, "Thank you."
"I have to go pick up Mel." Bryce said from the foot of the staircase.
"Not before we get pictures!" Grammy Esme stopped Bryce from running out the door. "You all look so wonderful! We need lots and lots of pictures!"
"'Kay, but Mel is expecting me in 20 minutes." Bryce replied.
"I won't hold you up. Promise."
The five of us posed for endless amounts of pictures with our entire family—including my teary-eyed parents—looking on from the living room. After Esme was finally satisfied, Em tossed Bryce his keys.
"Thanks, Em. Guys," He turned to address us, still arranged on the stairs, "I'll see you at the dance." Bryce bolted out the door.
"Are we done here, Grammy?" I asked impatiently.
"Oh, I suppose so." Her eyes were glued to the screen of her camera.
"Ready?" I asked Chelsea.
"Very!" She replied. Aiden helped Chelsea down the stair, making sure he didn't step on or trip over the train of her dress.
I turned to Moe; "I'm going to go say goodbye to my parents. You can wait for me in the car."
"Sure." He kissed my forehead tenderly. "Your chariot will be waiting."
****
"Ana, you look so beautiful." Mom beamed. Tears trickled down her cheek and I wiped them away for her.
"Oh, Mom, please don't cry."
"I don't know why I'm so emotional. I guess it's just that my babies are so grown up. I thought I'd be able to keep you here with me forever." A glorious smile sprawled across her angelic face. Dad pulled her in close to him.
"Have a good time tonight, Kiddo." Dad draped my wrap over my shoulders. "Please remind that boyfriend of yours to keep his hands to himself and to have you home by 1:00 at the latest."
"'Kay, Pops, will do."
*****
The ballroom at the newly restored Merrymeeting Park Casino looked absolutely gorgeous. It was festively decorated with streamers, lights and balloons in our school colors. It didn't exactly have a theme – but everything looked great.
A girl at the door handed each of us a small slip of paper. "What are these?" I asked, looking at a list of names.
"Homecoming King and Queen ballots. Check off your vote and drop your slip into the box at the concession table," she replied. I looked up and down the list of names most of which were completely unfamiliar to me—except for two. Alex and Nick were candidates on the ballot. "The winners will be announced after the votes have been tallied."
"Your sister's a nominee?"
"Yeah, even though she's a major pain, she's still popular." Chelsea rolled her eyes as she checked off her votes. I was definitely not voting for Alex but I did vote for Nick. I checked off a random girls name. Heather Hanson—Chelsea said she was a cheerleader.
Loud music was already playing in the background as couples began filling the cavernous room. Moe and I walked off to the concessions table with everyone's slips while the rest of our group secured a table.
"You really do look beautiful tonight," He smiled, kissing the top of my head.
"Thank you. You look quite dashing yourself." I complimented him as he poured a glass of punch for me. I graciously took it from him, taking a sip as he poured himself a glass. I scanned all the happy faces and happened upon Alex and Nick walking inside. Alex was dressed quite seductively in a revealing red dress. My muscles tensed up as she gave me her signature death-glare, acknowledging my presence.
"You're going to crack your cup if you don't loosen your grip," Moe informed me, taking it from my hands.
"Sorry," I said.
He nodded, "I'm worried about you, Ana. Something is up that you're not telling me." Oh, God. Why did he have to go all grandpa on me? It was bad enough that Grandpa could actually read my mind – but now I had Moe - who could just as easily read me.
"Nothing's wrong, Moe. I can assure you that everything is fine." I lied. Yes, I felt bad – but this was my battle. I didn't need anyone else fighting it for me.
"Alright, whatever you say. But I still think you're acting weird. You know you can tell me anything, right?" He sipped his punch.
Okay, so now he was going to bring on the guilt. It was time to employ my acting skills once more, "Yes, of course I do. Nothing is wrong," I said with a completely fake smile plastered on my face.
"I sure hope so." He dropped his cup into the trashcan and took my hand, "Ready to dance?"
"Definitely!" and with that, he led me into the middle of the dance floor.
I gently rested my head on his chest as the beginning of a slow song filled the room. Chelsea followed suit, placing her head on Aiden's as they began to sway with the music.
I loved this moment – I could stay dancing in Moe's arms forever and never get tired. I loved how close we were, how being in his embrace felt, how he smelled, how our bodies fit together like a perfect puzzle piece. I loved him, and I was with out a doubt certain that I never wanted to be with out him.
"I love you," he whispered in my ear as we both gently swayed side to side in perfect synchronization. By this point, I felt like we were the only two dancing in the room together. Everyone else around me had faded out, everything faded out – except for Moe and I and my feelings for him
I lifted my head from his shoulders to meet his eyes, "I love you too." I kissed his lips tenderly at first then it deepened into a passionate, smoldering kiss. I felt a slight tug on my dress; I turned to see Chelsea giggling and became suddenly aware that the crowd around us was staring at the two of us.
I turned back to Moe, "Oops. How about we go sit down for a while?" I asked, embarrassed.
"Whatever you want babe."
****
"I'm tired!" Chelsea plopped down into the chair next to me, a cloud of pink feather floated around her. She had just about enough of dancing for the evening; her heavy, voluminous dress made it hard for her to maneuver the dance floor. Aiden pulled his chair closer to her and wrested his arm on the back of her chair. Bryce and Mel eventually joined us at the table as well.
"There's going announce the Homecoming court in a few minutes." Mel informed us, pointing at the stage.
I looked towards the front of the ballroom where Dean Lipton and another staff member were sliding two thrones and a podium across the stage. The music wasn't nearly as loud anymore and students had stopped dancing turning their attention towards the stage as well.
"Good evening, students. I hope you all are behaving yourselves and having fun. We are about to announce the Homecoming Queen and King and invite all nominees up on stage."
"Do you think your sister is gonna win?" I asked Chelsea.
"Of course she will. I bet she bribed half the student body to vote for her!" She laughed.
"Well, here's hoping for Heather Hanson!" I joked.
The Senior Class president and Vice-President handed Dean Lipton a large, white envelope. "And…the Homecoming Queen and King are," There was a drastically long pause. "Alexia Woodrow and Nicholas Suttler!"
Screams, applause, clapping and sighs could be heard from everyone around me. Some people were happy for them, and others were devastated they didn't win. The spotlight scanned the room looking for the two winners. Alex, of course, was gloating and basking in her victory. Nick, on the other hand, looked as if he could care less.
Alex dragged Nick behind her, walking past Chelsea and me, rudely and purposely bumping into my side. She glared and smiled at me at the same time—I didn't think it was possible to do both. My instincts to growl kicked in – if it wasn't for Moe stopping me, I don't think I would've.
I gritted down on my teeth, "Congratulations."
She didn't even acknowledge me, but kept walking towards the stage for her tiara.
"Told ya. She always wins." Chelsea mumbled under her breath, watching her sister receive the crown that she didn't deserve.
"That'll be you next year…I just know it." Aiden ran his fingers through her hair and then kissed the top of her head. She blushed deeply, falling into his chest.
"Thanks, you're too sweet!" She stood up on her tiptoes, kissing him. "It doesn't matter to me anyway. I'm having the time of my life just being with you."
****
We left the ballroom just before Midnight. I was floating on cloud nine. The dance was perfect—everything I wished it to be. The four of us strolled to our car, laughing and recalling all the small details of our wonderfully blissful night.
From behind, I heard the sounds stampeding feet. I turned abruptly—Alex was heading straight for us. This couldn't be good.
"Get away from my sister, freak!" Alex screamed, her eyes penetrating at my family.
"Who are you calling a freak?" Aiden retorted, pulling Chelsea closer to him by her waist.
"You heard me! Get away from her!" Alex repeated, pulling Chelsea away from Aiden's hold.
"Alex! What are you doing? Why do you have to ruin everything?" Chelsea was yelling, too, tears streaming down her face.
"Alex, come on, let's go." Nick begged. He was teetering side to side, pleading with Alex. I could smell the alcohol emanating from the both of them.
Nick pulled Alex off of Chelsea. She ran to my side, hiding behind me. I turned to her, wiping away her tears with the pocket square Moe handed to me. "Chels, get your sister home. Neither of them looks like they're in any condition to drive." I informed her, "I can smell the alcohol on their breaths from here."
"Okay." She stifled a sob. "I'm sorry for ruining your night."
"Chels, you don't have to apologize to me. It's because she hates me that this is even happening. Go home with your sister and call me later. Everything will be okay, I promise."
"'Kay." She replied meekly. Aiden placed his hands gently on her shoulders. She turned towards him, hugging him tightly. "I'll call you when I get home." She reached up on her tiptoes and kissed him. "I love you,"
"I love you too," He replied, swiping her hair out of her face.
"Chelsea! Now!" Alex shouted over her shoulder.
Moe and I walked Chelsea to her sister's car. Nick climbed into the back; Chelsea sat in the driver's seat.
As Alex walked to the passenger side, I became infuriated by Alex's atrocious behavior. I chased her around the car, spinning her to face me. Her breath reeked.
"What the hell is your problem, Alex?"
"My problem? You want to know my problem?" She slammed her door shut and came within inches of me. Her eyes were wild—she was a woman possessed. "My problem is you and your family…your whole freaky family! There's something not right about any of you! There's something wrong with you! I can feel it! I can feel it in my bones! You're hiding something and I am telling you right now…I am going to find out! I want you and your freaky brother to stay away from my sister!" Her horribly slurred, venomous words stung. I could feel the tears welling in my eyes.
"When have you ever cared about Chelsea?" I yelled. Moe came from behind, restraining me by my arms. "And there's nothing freaky or different about my family."
She glared at the both us before turning back to the car. "Keep telling yourself that, freak." She got into the car, slamming the door shut.
Chelsea peeled out of the parking lot leaving me crying in Moe's arms.
****
Tuxedos in hand, I walked into the living room of my house. I was anxious to get out of my dress and into regular clothes so I could meet up with the boys in the woods. Before I had the chance, my parents bombarded me.
"1:15, Annie." Dad's stern voice rang through the foyer.
"Really, Dad? 15 minutes? I've been here on the property for almost half an hour so technically, I've been home…"
"I'm just teasing. How was the dance?" He asked, beaming like a little kid.
"It was great! We had so much fun." I tried to sound more enthusiastic than I actually felt. Chelsea and her sister were invading my every thought.
"Chelsea's not with you?" Mom moved to Dad's side, gently sweeping his dark hair out of the way.
"No, she went home with her sister. The boys are in the woods, I am going to meet them out there." I wanted to tell them about the confrontation with Alex but decided to forgo telling them.
I draped the tuxedos over the La-Z Boy and started up the stairs.
"Alice?!" Dad called out. "What is it? "What's wrong?"
I turned to see her, trembling and shaking her head. "Jacob! I didn't see it coming!" Her voice was desperate, filled with agony.
"She what?" I demanded.
The phone rang, startling me.
Dad quickly ran to the phone. "Hello?" His eyes darted to my family scattered around the room. "Carlisle, what is it?"
Carlisle called from the hospital—he was working the grave shift.
"What!" Dad yelled. His face went pale and his expression, somber. He tuned away from us, bracing himself against the wall. After a few moments of torturing silence, he hung up the phone.
"I'll go get the boys. Jazz, come with me." Alice said, sprinting out the door with Jasper following close behind.
"Dad! What! What is it?" Mom was now at my side, holding my hand. The horrible sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach returned. I felt lost and confused. Why wasn't he saying anything?
Dad walked into the kitchen, grabbing his coat and keys that were on the island counter. "We need to go now. There's been an accident…Chelsea's in the hospital."
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Yeah, sorry about the cliffhanger but I had to do it.
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Thank you to everyone who continues to read this story and especially to those of you who continue to leave reviews!
