A/N
Thank you for being the best readers!
The vast majority of you understood that not everything will change for E&B overnight.
—
The excitement of the upcoming Snow Ball begins to infiltrate the teenage population of the town. It's nothing but a chance to get dressed up and make out before we break for Christmas -I love it. Usually. Or, I used to.
I'm not so sure anymore.
I'm excited of course. It's high school, we live for this shit.
"Ahh, that looks so beautiful on you, B," Alice coos, watching as I spin slowly in front of the tall mirror.
"That's the one," Rose adds, nodding.
I look down, the light shining into the store is bright, making the dress sparkle, like it has been doused in white glitter. I like it. I really like it.
The sky blue silk and crystal sheen give it a decidedly winter glow; the halter-neck and deep cut are flattering, making my chest look appealing. As the light hits the dress, one hundred different colours are reflected around the store, little bright beams of happiness.
"Yeah," I agree, smiling softly. "This is the one."
—
Edward doesn't text -not that I expect him to. I know by now that when he retreats, any attempts to pull him back will be futile, ending in my pain.
I leave him alone.
I don't see him at all before school on Monday.
People continue to discuss Tyler and the beating he endured at the hands of Edward, surprised that Tyler decided not to press charges. Edward seems to have nine lives. I can't help but wonder when they'll run out.
No one has asked me to the Ball. Now I'm untouchable for all the wrong reasons.
I guess it was inevitable. I can't say Edward didn't warn me.
This is what he wanted all along. I'm his now, though I'm not. No one will touch me.
His to discard.
But he doesn't want me. He just doesn't want anyone else to have me.
He won.
Bracing myself, I say goodbye to Rose as Alice and I head into English Lit, knowing Edward will be there, not knowing how I feel about that.
My friends haven't mentioned the clusterfuck of Saturday night, choosing instead to wait me out. I know exactly what they're doing, and they'll be waiting a long time. I've never been forthcoming with personal matters and they know this, yet they remain patient.
I've been in my seat thirty seconds when Edward walks in, looking as delicious and unfazed as ever. He doesn't look my way. I try to look anywhere but at him.
I don't understand what I did wrong, what I did to deserve his cold shoulder.
It's as though I never existed.
I want to be strong, I want to erase the whole damn board and go back to the point where it was easy to up my game and drive him wild. But I can't, I don't have it in me anymore.
Back then, it was fun.
Now, I'm exhausted.
And I'm dateless for the fucking ball.
—-
A/N
Do we think Bella will remain dateless?
Jemster23 pre-reads this madness, adding little sprinkles of carnage as she goes.
