Hi all!

I hope you are guys are up for just Bella in this chapter. I might not have figure skated but I did do choir and theatre from a young age so I can totally image how Bella is feeling in this chapter.

I think 2 uploads for tonight is enough. It was a long day at work and I am ready to hit the hay early.

Enjoy and I appreciate feedback. I do not have a beta so any mistakes are all mine.

Disclaimer: All recognizable characters, ideas, plots, music, brands, etc. are owned by their respected owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Chapter 10

13 years old

"Please be seated as our first soloist takes the ice."

Bella let out a slow breath as she stepped onto the freshly smoothed rink. It was still quiet as she got into position on the center of the rink. Bella snuck a quick glance at her family as she waited for her cue.

Riled was sitting next to his new girlfriend, Bree. Mom and Dad were sitting behind them. Renee had her camera up and ready to take pictures. Another parent was sitting in the scorekeeper box taking video. Charlie had a bouquet of purple bellflowers tucked under his seat.

"Thank you again for getting me a ticket, Mr. and Mrs. Swan," Bree thanked turning around to give them a shy smile.

"Of course, honey. We are happy you could make it. Thank you for doing Bella's make up and hair. It looks beautiful, "Renee smiled, "and please, it's Charlie and Renee."

Bree had come over after school to hang out with Riley before the recital and get some homework done. She could hear Bella trying to follow along to a make-up tutorial on Youtube from the downstairs bathroom. It did not take long for Bree to figure out Bella needed some help. Bella had brushes spread out across the bathroom counter and a thin layer of purple eyeshadow dushed on the mirror. Bree quickly stepped in and helped Bella out. They had a good time blasting music and talking about their favorite movies. It did not take Bree long to create a soft, purple eye look that complimented Bella's leotard perfectly. The rest of the time was spent hanging out in Bella's room laughing while Riley grumbled in the kitchen jealous that his little sister was spending more time with his girlfriend than he was.

"And cue music," Esme nodded to the announcer.

Clouds by Anthony Sylvestre poured out of the sound system.

Bella smiled and swung her arms up into the air. The piano was quick and bright. Bella loved this song. She searched for hours for the perfect song to go with her first solo performance. Other then small parts within the group routines, she had yet to get one of just herself on the ice. Bella worked extra hard to impress Coach Esme and it paid off.

The accompaniment swelled right as Bella jumped into the air for a double salchow. Bella quickly pivoted and pushed to gain some speed before dipping into a forward lunge. Bella could vaguely hear clapping coming from the audience. She focused on tuning them out and instead getting lost in the music.

"She's doing great out there."

"I know. Bella has got some real talent."

Esme kept her eyes on Bella as she talked to her husband in hushed voices. Carlisle had long since stopped being Emmett's coach and was back to coaching the younger kids.

Esme smiled remembering Bella's first class and how she wanted to go home before she even made it to the ice. Long gone was the girl who held on tight to Esme's hands as she was pulled towards the middle of the rink.

Choosing who got the solo for the 11 to 13 year olds was tough. All of the girls were talented and could have easily gone out there are and put on a spectacular routine, but Bella was special. She breathed figure skating. It was her life. Bella transformed into a different person the moment her skates touched the ice. Esme saw how shy and quiet Bella was outside of the rink and how she usually kept close to her friends. But when she was skating, Bella was a new person. Graceful. Confident.

"Your sister is really good," Bree said as she stole some of Riley's nachos.

"Yeah, she's been skating since she was four. Mom and dad are thinking of getting her private lessons. It's a surprise for Christmas so don't say anything."

Bella was bent in a low layback. Her purple skit was flared around her hips as her arms stretched out behind her. The air was cold on her cheeks and stung her lungs with each breath. The routine was challenging but Bella was giving it her all. The last 16 counts were coming up quickly. It was a short song but slowed down fast towards the end. The last couple notes played as Bella's shoulders relaxed into her final pose. Bella finally tuned into her surroundings and took in the excited applause from the audience. Her family cheered loudly as Bella took two quick bows.

"Wonderful!" Esme beamed pulling Bella into a tight hug.

"That was fantastic! Your laybacks were to die for," Alice congratulated.

"Go stretch and cool down before changing. Take a Gatorade from concessions too. You earned it."

Esme gave Bella one more squeeze before going off to find the high school figure skating coach before their set started. The other girls on Bella's team surrounded her with big smiles and congratulations. Alice hung out with Bella during her cool down since she did hers after their group performance. Bella quickly got changed and found her family in the lobby.

"You did great Bells," Charlie said.

"You were beautiful out there," Renee gushed crushing Bella into a big hug.

"Thanks," Bella said taking ahold of the bouquet of flowers from her dad. She loved them. The purple matched her makeup perfectly.

"A bunch of the girls are going to Dairy Queen instead of watching the high school team. Can I go?" Bella asked.

"As long as your brother drives you."

"Please, Riley?"

"You want to?" Riley asked turning to Bree.

"Yeah, sure."

"Thank you," Bella gushed, "can you take my skate bag with you home, mom?"

Bella grabbed Alice's hand as they walked to Riley's car. Bree hopped into the passenger seat and turned around to talk to the girls in the back. Riley bobbed his head to the music as they drove down the main road to get some ice cream.

If you didn't catch the song Bella was performing to, it is Clouds by Anthony Sylvestre. It is short song, under 3 minutes, but it is beautiful. I have actually been listening to classic music throughout writing this fic. I feel like it helps me get into the right mindset to write about skating.

We are officially half way through this story. Things are definitely going to pick up in the second half of the story. Things with Bella and Edward shift as they get older. As it typically happens when kids turn into teenagers.

Let me know what you think. Did you listen to the song?

Thanks for reading!

~ Cat