Chapter 15 - Showtime

Friday was a staff development day for the teachers, so we had the campus pretty much to ourselves. We were at the school bright and early to enjoy the catered breakfast Esme had arranged for us, and to start receiving the deliveries that began steadily coming in. I had asked Jake to help me coordinate the deliveries, and he was masterful at it. With clipboard in hand, he was checking off and inspecting as things came in, making sure everything was what had been ordered and in the correct quantities, before directing them to where they needed to be.

Alice had done well recruiting helpers to decorate, and they dove into the job enthusiastically. She had totally charmed the people at the rental companies for the linens, dishes and décor, and they'd let her pick anything she wanted and donated the rental for the night. She was a miniature five-star general herself, and her troops were at her command, as they transformed the large, bland room into her grand vision.

By midnight, the gym and cafeteria were unrecognizable. She had gone with an earthy Tuscan theme, setting up a tall, free-standing, cubicle-type privacy wall to block the view of the kitchen from the dining area. She'd then anchored trellises with vines to it and decorated them with plastic grape clusters, borrowed artwork, and sculptures to look very homey. She had charmed the janitor, Mr. Wilson, into helping take down the vinyl accordion partition wall that divided the gym and the cafeteria, and then they suspended woven rows of vine-wrapped fairy lights from the acoustic ceilings of both spaces with fishing line, which created a lower and more intimate canopy. She accented the walls with more grapevine-covered trellis panels, which were also embedded with golden fairy lights, and hung more paintings and stoneware on them. Large, lush silk plants, statuary and archways decorated with the same vines and lights were also positioned around the room in strategic places. However, my mouth fell open when a huge stone fountain was wheeled into the middle of the dining area, and workers started assembling it atop a large round plastic pad.

"Seriously, Alice, don't you think that's a little over the top?" I said in shock.

"There is no such thing when you're dealing with Alice Masen, dear sister. And how would it be romantic Tuscany without a fountain? Besides, the company donated it to the school for the courtyard when we're done with it in here. Apparently, the owner is an alumnus of the school." So, we had a beautiful four-tiered, lighted Tuscan stone fountain that helped set a very romantic mood indeed.

After all the décor was in place, they rolled out and set up all the small, square tables that seated up to four persons each, eighty of them in all. When Alice and Rosalie started setting up the tables, complete with crisp linens, beautiful candle centerpieces, nice flatware, and fancy glassware, my mouth dropped open again.

"Alice, how did you manage to get this quality of stuff?" I asked in awe, as I admired one of the beautiful plates that were being delivered to the kitchen.

"Why would they not give it to me?" she asked innocently. "All you have to do is know how to ask the right way," she grinned and then did her best impression of a homeless Persian kitten.

"I see what you mean," I said, as I looked at her, shaking my head. "I suddenly feel the urge fetch a saucer of milk for you."

"It's a gift," she giggled before skipping off to supervise the table setting.

The whole dining room and dance floor was a sight to behold and looked nothing like a high school cafeteria once Alice was done. She had truly outdone herself. I would never underestimate her again.

We planned the menu such that much of what we were serving could be prepped ahead of time, so those of us with the kitchen crew spent the day washing, peeling, shredding, and chopping. All the chicken breasts were pounded and seasoned, the desserts were prepared, salad dressings made, and everything else we could do ahead was done and organized into the refrigerators. By midnight, we were all exhausted, but we were well on our way to being prepared for tomorrow night.

Listening to Edward and the band practice all day was a great accompaniment to our work while we cooked and decorated. I really would have liked to have been playing with them, but I was needed in the kitchen. We were finished for the night, and I walked out from behind the divider wall to see that the band was still up on the stage, and they were wrapping up their last play-through. I felt someone at my side and looked up to see Mr. Anderson standing there.

"They sound great," he whispered. "So, where's your shadow? I miss the little ball of energy," he said with a grin.

"Elliott and my mom are both working as usual, so I made arrangements for my stepsiblings' grandmother to keep her today and tomorrow. I convinced her that Honey would get lonely if she were left alone all day, so after some intense negotiations and offers by Granny Hale to walk to the park and feed the ducks, she finally calmed down enough for us to leave her behind."

He laughed out loud, and then he took my hand and spun me around, pulling me into him and dancing a few steps. There was a sharp sound, as Edward missed a chord on the piano. Mr. Anderson glanced over my shoulder at the band before pulling away with a kiss on my hand. "Goodnight, Bella," he said softly before abruptly turning and leaving.

I didn't realize I hadn't been breathing, or paying attention, until Edward's hand touched the small of my back, making me jump and gasp. The look in his eyes was livid.

"He's testing my patience," Edward growled.

"Don't worry about it, Edward. I'm sure he means no harm. Let's go."

The ride home was tense. Edward's jaw was tight, and his body was rigid, his eyes focused on the road. We arrived as Granny Hale was leaving, since Elliott had just gotten home as well. She had already given Esryl her bath and tucked her into bed in Edward's room, where she had fallen asleep in front of his TV, so I slipped in and kissed her goodnight and headed to my room. I didn't realize Edward was right behind me. I turned to close my door and bumped into him.

"Edward?"

He didn't say anything, he just came in and sat down on the side of my bed. His body was still tense, and he looked exhausted.

"Bella, I don't like how Mr. Anderson keeps-" he started, but I didn't let him finish. I shushed him and stepped between his legs and wrapped my arms around his stiff shoulders, pulling his head against my chest.

"There's nothing to worry about with him, Edward. Just let it go, for me?"

He nodded tiredly and slowly brought his arms up and wrapped them around my waist, tightening me to him, as I softly stroked his hair. I began massaging his shoulders, trying to get him to relax, which he finally started to do. I had him pull off his jeans and sweatshirt before I pushed him down on my bed and rolled him onto his stomach, where I continued to knead his weary back and shoulders. We had a huge day ahead of us tomorrow, and the last thing we needed was a big confrontation tonight.

Within minutes, Edward was sound asleep, so I pulled off my clothes and slid on my nightshirt before setting my alarm and climbing in next to him. As I was dozing off, I felt Edward wrap his arm over me and settle in with his chest against my back.

The next morning, Edward and I were up, showered and back to the school before eight o'clock after leaving Esryl and Honey again with Granny Hale for the day, much to Esryl's chagrin. She absolutely refused to believe that her help was not needed today. I almost caved and took her with us, but Edward reminded me of the mayhem the kitchen would be, so we both stood firm, but we promised to take her somewhere fun tomorrow. She had no clue it would be to the airport to pick up Jasper. I wasn't sure how much fun that was going to be, but I didn't have time to dwell on it right then.

We had gotten much done the day before, but there was still much more to do before the rush that evening. By ten o'clock, everyone was in the kitchen and working on whatever prep work needed to be finished. Everything went more smoothly than I could have hoped for, with only a few minor snafus that we were able to work through.

By six thirty that evening, we were ready to go live. My stomach jumped excitedly when I heard the opening sounds of the band striking up and voices coming in a few moments later, as our guests began filling the dining room.

As the orders started pouring in, we worked fast and furiously to get the drinks and appetizers onto the serving carts. Eighty tables didn't seem like that many before we'd started, and twenty waitstaff had seemed like overkill, but now, I was glad we had all of them on hand. Everything was going fairly smoothly through the first few courses, and the kitchen was beautifully organized chaos. I was glad I had followed my instincts and had ordered more chicken breasts than I had thought we would need, as it was such a huge hit, and I had to pull two other kitchen staff over to help me with finishing them.

By the time the dessert dishes were all back to the kitchen, I was ready for the night to be over. I was beyond exhausted, but in a good way. We had done it. I looked around at my fellow kitchen comrades, and we all grinned at each other quietly, as we finished cleaning up the stations we were working at. Done with what I was doing for the moment, I stepped out of the kitchen and peeled off my chef whites, trying to cool off a bit, leaving me in just my black tank top and leggings. They had worked well under my whites, but now, I was feeling a little exposed.

I slipped off my sneakers and pulled on my black ballet slippers I had stashed aside, giving my feet a breather. I peeked around the divider wall to see that lots of the couples were dancing to the band. I was glad to see my mom had made it back in time for tonight, and she and Elliott were swaying to a slow song as close as they could, given her girth. Esme and Carlisle were dancing next to them, as were my dad and Sue.

I jumped, as someone from behind me grabbed my hand. Mr. Anderson was there and grinning. "Come on, Bella. Let's go thank our guests."

"No, wait, I'm a mess!" I cried, trying to avoid going out in front of everyone. Mr. Anderson stopped, looking me up and down.

"You look perfect, Bella," he said breathily before reaching up and unclipping my hair, letting it fall in ringlets down my back. "Beautiful, as always," he smiled gently, and then he pulled me towards the front of the room. The last song was just ending when Mr. Anderson picked up a microphone and called everyone to attention, asking all the people to come out of the kitchen.

"Welcome to Stanford High's second Performing Arts benefit. I'd like to thank you all for coming tonight to help us support the Greater Portland Food Bank this holiday season. Please, also help me thank the students who worked so hard to make this happen. Ladies and gentlemen, take a bow," he nodded to us. We all bowed and waved, as our friends, neighbors and family applauded. "Now, please welcome the director of the Food Bank, Mrs. Sharon Johnson."

Mrs. Johnson took the microphone and addressed the audience. "Thank you so much for being here tonight. Because of your generosity, and the hard work of these students, the Food Bank will be able to help so many more families in need this holiday season. Every year, thousands go hungry, while those of us who are more fortunate enjoy our bounty. By being here tonight, you've all shown what it truly means to reach out and share your blessings with your neighbors. Thank you so much to everyone whose generous checks far exceeded the advertised price of the meal this evening, and there were so very many of you. We wish everyone very happy holidays and thank you again from everyone at the Food Bank. Also, a special thank you from all those who'll have a better Thanksgiving because of your help." Mrs. Johnson handed the microphone back to Mr. Anderson, who continued after the applause died down.

"On the wall as you leave, you'll see a lineup of banners featuring all the names of the companies who contributed food or services tonight. Please, be sure to sign them and include any comments you'd like to pass on. Also, we'd like to take a moment to thank a couple of special people here who made this whole thing possible from the start. Mrs. Cullen and Chef Kurtis, come on up."

Esme walked up to the stage, and Mr. Anderson took her hand and brought her to the center of the stage, followed by Chef Kurtis. "Mrs. Esme Cullen has been our backbone during this whole endeavor, providing the students with support and direction the whole way. Without her help, and the help of her dear friend, Executive Chef Daryl Kurtis, owner of Portland's renowned Italian restaurant, Valencia's, the preparation and service of this meal might have been a lot rougher than what you experienced."

Mr. Anderson hugged Esme and shook Daryl's hand vigorously before continuing. "Your dedication to our community and to the success of our students will have far-reaching positive effects for all of us, our sincerest thanks to you both." Everyone applauded their servers, who were near flawless, and Esme and Chef Kurtis, who I hadn't realized was going to be here tonight with his wife, Marsha. I waved to him, and he threw me a kiss and a thumbs up. I could feel myself blushing.

"There are a few other people who also deserve special recognition, the first being Miss Isabella Swan, a member of our class. The original idea of the charity dinner was hers. Bella is also responsible for the menu tonight, and I believe most all the dishes you enjoyed are of her own creation. I'm extremely thankful to have her in my class, and she, along with all my Performing Arts Group students, has made me extremely proud." The audience clapped loudly, especially all my parents and family. I was the color of a tomato by now, having been singled out. I looked over to Edward, who was smiling warmly at me.

"The other group of students who have been tireless for our causes have been Isabella's friends, the SHAGNICs." The confused looks from most everyone there required a humorous explanation of the acronym by Mr. Anderson, which I had explained to him a while back. "This entire group of students has willingly helped our class, just because they wanted to support their friend. Thank you, guys, and I'd like to talk to your group next week about a special event." Mr. Anderson grinned and wiggled his eyebrows at me, and I knew he was talking about the offer of going to his family's ski resort. The guys were going to flip!

"Finally, sincere thanks to all of the other students who volunteered their time and service tonight. Your support of your fellow students and your contribution toward your community is much appreciated and will not go unrewarded. Our next events will be to visit some of the area retirement and nursing homes for the holidays, and a toy drive for Toys for Tots. We hope to see you all there. Thank you again, everyone, and enjoy the rest of your evening." He turned to exit the stage, but then he turned around. "Oh, one other thing. Tonight's event has brought in many thousands of pounds of food and raised just over twenty-five thousand dollars for the Food Bank. You guys ROCK!"

The loud cheers and applause lasted for a full minute.

Esme had made booklets with all the recipes from tonight, and the cover featured one of the pictures she had taken of us with Chef Kurtis as a thank you for our guests. She was passing them out at the door as people left. She smiled proudly and whispered, "Well done, sweetheart," to me, before I headed back into the kitchen to help finish cleaning up. Her pride in me meant more to me than anything else in that moment.

After all our guests had left, we spent the next three hours cleaning and breaking down the decorations. We had made enough extra spaghetti and desserts for everyone who stayed to help, and the atmosphere was almost like a party, as the adrenaline from the evening slowly subsided. I was exhausted, but I was satisfied that we had done our best.

Edward and I finally made it home long after Emmett, Alice and Rosalie, since we'd stayed behind to inventory all the rentals and make sure everything was cleaned, accounted for and packed up properly. However, I was surprised to find Alice and Rosalie busily rearranging the game room in the basement when I went down to bring up a load of clean laundry before heading to bed.

"What are you two doing?" I asked, shocked to see that they had basically turned the basement upside down.

"My grandmothers are coming next week for Thanksgiving and will be staying in Jasper's old room and the guestroom, so Elliott said it's okay if he stays over here, since you guys will have more free space available than us," Rosalie grinned. She was obviously excited to see her brother, since she hadn't seen him in so long. "We're trying to figure out the best way to turn things in here, so he has more room to maneuver once we pull out the sofa bed."

"Just be prepared to put it back when he's gone," I growled testily and went in to grab the load in the dryer.

"Oh, you know you're dying to see him, Bella," Alice teased.

"Absolutely." NOT! I wanted to add, as I gushed with fake enthusiasm.

I heard them snickering behind me, as I trudged back upstairs, grumbling to myself. He was not even here yet, and already Jasper was aggravating me. Just like old times, I groaned to myself. I was so not looking forward to having him here. I could just imagine how I was going to have to hide from him to keep him from taunting me with his sharp tongue and wicked need to try and reduce me to tears.

I just hoped I had developed a close enough relationship with the rest of my stepsiblings that they wouldn't feel the need to gang up on me once again with their ringleader back in town. I had never been so happy as when he had left for Texas. I knew I probably should have felt bad for feeling that way, but the relief his absence had brought me negated any guilt I'd felt. I wanted to believe that he might have grown up and gotten more mature in his behavior during the years he had been gone, but I wasn't going to hold my breath, instead taking a wait-and-see stance. This was Jasper we were talking about, after all.

I would do my best to be nice to him, but I wasn't guaranteeing that I would stand by and take it this time if he said or did anything to insult me, because I wasn't the shy, submissive little mouse he'd last known and lived to torment.

I was much stronger now, and I would be ready for him.