October 8th was Rosalie's eighteenth birthday. I guess she'd mentioned it to Edward — who seemed to never pass up an opportunity to give someone something — and the outcome was a mandatory party for all the Selected. As a result, Thursday was a mad rush of girls in and out of one another's rooms, asking what they were wearing or guessing at how grand it would be. It didn't appear that gifts were required, but I figured I'd do something nice for her all the same.

On the day of the party, I donned one of my favorite day dresses and grabbed my violin. I crept down to the Great Room, looking around corners before I committed to walking on. Once I made it to the room, I did another sweep, surveying the guards who lined the walls.

The Great Room was decorated beautifully. Special vases hung on the wall, displaying huge arrangements of yellow and white flowers, and similar bouquets sat in bowls around the room. Windows, stretches of wall, and pretty much anything that didn't move was draped in garlands. A few small tables had been set out, and they were covered with bright linens. Little bits of glittering confetti sparkled on the tabletops. Ornate bows adorned the backs of chairs. In one corner, a massive cake that matched the colors of the room waited to be cut. Next to it, a small table held a few gifts for the birthday girl. A string quartet was set up against the wall, effectively making my attempt at a gift meaningless, and a photographer wandered the room, capturing moments for the public eye.

Rosalie's dress choice had been incredibly strategic. Here we all were in day dresses—short, girlish things—and she was in a floor length gown. But the length meant little. It was a glittering gold color, with spaghetti straps and no back. Her hair was done up with a row of yellow jewels pinned into a line across the front in a very subtle resemblance to a crown. She looked mature, regal, bridal. Meanwhile, I wore a short, off-the-shoulder, long-sleeve royal blue dress, and matching heels.

"Happy birthday!" Alice cried, hugging Rosalie. Rosalie had a proud, smug smile on her face. My eighteenth birthday isn't until next September.

"Happy birthday, Rosalie. You look stunning." I told her, giving her a grin.

"Thank you, Bella. You honestly do look stunning in blue. Trying to copy you was a horrible idea."

I laughed. "Thank you. I was wondering if I could play a song for you on my violin as a birthday gift."

"Oh, yes, please! I'd love to hear it!" Then she announced to everyone, "Bella will be playing a song for me."

I grabbed my violin and curtsied. "A song for the birthday girl."

I began to play one of my favorite songs. Everyone swayed slightly to the music. It was short, but sweet and elegant — just like Rose. When I was done, everyone began applauding. I noticed Edward's proud grin. I smiled back.

"Thank you! That was wonderful!" She hugged me and went to get some punch.

"That was perfect, Bella!" Alice squealed. "Who knew you were so talented?"

I laughed.

Then I heard Rosalie's loud gasp. I saw a large punch stain on her dress. Tanya looked apologetic. I knew she did it on purpose, just because Rosalie was the center of attention. Rosalie cursed at her, and ran out of the room, crying.

I had to get that girl out of the palace