FAGE 14. Escape From Reality

Title: Can't Dance

Written for: Ninkita

Written By: brierlynn03

Rating: T

Summary/Prompt used: He didn't care, he just wanted to dance

Sometimes when you least expect it, things just fall into place. Even if it means that you can't dance properly.

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Prompt Used: He didn't care, he just wanted to dance.


Looking around the bar, I can understand why Emmett picks this bar to try to pick up the many ladies he brags about all the time.

And why he insisted that I dress up. Not a full suit and tie, but dressed nicely.

Wearing all black, a casual suit and shirt. Hair that I tried to tame but I could never get that right.

If nothing else, my hair is good for a laugh.

The bar is decorated simply with white brick walls and a simple bar with a mirror behind part of it where the liquor is kept.

People are all over the place.

I am not someone who really wants a ton of one-night stands, but sometimes, a man has needs.

And this man needs to get laid. Pronto.

After the disasters known as the Denali Sisters, Tanya, Irena, and Kate, I have kind of sworn off women.

Was I a perfect boyfriend while I dated Tanya? No. Not by any stretch of the imagination.

But, I was not a cheater. Much less one that thought cheating with my sisters was a good idea.

Thinking about it makes me want to throw up.

Looking back, Tanya really only wanted me for my money.

My family always wanted me to have the best of things but always encouraged me to work for it. That is how I got a full-ride scholarship to my first three choices for college. While my parents would have loved me to stay with them in Chicago, I knew I needed to spread my wings.

The women in Chicago that were in the circles that I knew were not the kind of women that I would want to be with for the rest of my life. Much less the next week.

While the local women can be really great, there really wasn't any reason for me to stay there. This man here needed a change of pace and scene.

Hence my move to Boston, Massachusetts.

Because when Harvard Medical School wants you, you go.

My father understood. Even if he'd have preferred that I went to Dartmouth as he did. Which actually is where he met my mother.

What I want for my love to be like. Married for nearly thirty years, they are the "It couple of Chicago..." that make you want to puke because they still are handsy with each other.

They are always kissing each other no matter where they are. Stealing looks with each other with the love that shone in their eyes.

This brings me to the bar not far from where we are now.

Looking for my friends Emmett McCarty and Jasper Whitlock.

Jasper said he is meeting us with his latest girlfriend that he thinks is going to be his one.

A woman that looks like an elf in size next to him, makes him feel something really different.

And she will be bringing a couple of her friends.

One has a name that is a flower while the other is Italian.

Great.

Jasper is trying to hook me up with someone.

Someone that I can't use as a rebound because if Jasper and this elf work out, it will make my life miserable.

Normally I'm not the biggest drinker, I feel like tonight is the night I indulge a bit.

Finals are over and I don't need to go back for two weeks. I am taking summer classes to speed things along in my medical degree.

Which at the time was a really great idea and now I am starting to rethink.

Enough about school.

Making my way to the bar for something to drink, someone bumps into me on my side.

"Ouch! James! Don't do that!" I hear a woman yell with a laugh.

"I told you that stealing my drink was a bad idea, Lighty!" A high-pitched voice scolds with a laugh.

Not sure why, but something about how this woman feels against me makes sense. Like she belongs right beside me in my arms.

That does sound like a great idea.

Especially with her laughing and trying to walk, but she trips. I catch her, putting my arm around her.

Doing something like this is not something that I'd do.

It feels so wrong, yet so right.

Making sure that the woman is upright, I look into her eyes.

Usually, brown eyes do nothing for me. I have been known to really like blue eyes. Maybe hazel.

Never brown.

I have always thought that brown eyes were boring and cold. Looking like bowel movements.

Being a resident doctor is not my idea of a good time.

But the woman in front of me, her eyes are warm and loving, chestnut-colored eyes that match her beautiful long braided hair. She is wearing a cute white tank top with a tight-fitting pair of dark wash jeans and cowgirl boots.

This James person is a taller dude, probably 6' with light brown hair in a military cut, wearing jeans and a black t-shirt. He is also wearing cowboy boots and a cowboy hat.

I wonder what she would look like in a cowboy hat?

Think that would be very hot. Looking back at her, I realize that I have been staring and should probably say something to her.

"You alright?" I ask her. Looking her over to make sure that she wasn't actually hurt.

She laughs and it is probably one of the sweetest sounds I have ever heard.

"Thank you for catching me. This is so embarrassing! James is a butthead, giving me his drink, instead of buying me one!"

This James character laughs and shakes his head.

"Well, Isabella, as much as I love you, I told you not to drink that. My man-made that for me to improve my alcohol tolerance, a gift from dear ol' Daddy. Which you have none of. You got your tolerance from Mother dearest. Come on, let's get you a Bahama Mama. Or whatever girly drink we are going to make virgin."

Could this man be her brother? Interesting. If that's the case, then I would not have to worry about her and him together.

"Well, it's still your fault! You know I share!" She shakes her head and smiles at me. "And my name is Bella. Don't listen to this idiot." Pulling me into a warm hug.

I chuckle at the feeling of Bella being close to me.

"It is wonderful to meet you, Bella. I'm Edward."

When she was ready to let go, I did reluctantly.

"How about I buy you a drink? I was on my way to the bar, anyway." She nods and grabs my hand. Then drags me to the bar.

And I know that I would follow this woman anywhere.

Bella goes to a crowded area where she finds a barstool and once on it manages to gain some height and smacks the arm of a bartender with a laugh, not letting go of my hand.

While he is on the shorter side, he seems to have a rather large personality. Laughing at those around him with olive-colored skin, dark brown eyes, and black glossy hair that was in a ponytail. He is matching James with the black t-shirt and jeans.

Not feeling comfortable with not knowing the man she hit, I go to get in front of her to protect her.

Just in case.

The thought of someone hurting her made me mad.

Wait. What the hell.

The bartender is ignoring her which is making Bella laugh and try to hit him again. Making me wonder how drunk she is.

"Bella, love, I would not do that. I will get his attention." I say as I move her behind me, keeping her hand in mine. "And is there a reason we have to see this bartender and hit him?"

A laugh is heard in front of me and I see the bartender shaking his head.

"Looks like Miss Bella found someone who needs to learn how things are. I'm Laurent. Her brother-in-law and based on what I am seeing, it looks like she got into big brother's gin and tonic." He says with a laugh. "A hangover cure coming right up, sis. What can I get you?"

"I'm sorry. It's not every day that you see someone act as she did. I'm Edward and I'll have two beers on tap. Thanks, Laurent." He nods and we shake hands. He goes and gathers supplies for what I assume is a hangover cure and hands me two beers.

I smile and hand him a twenty and after getting my change I leave a few bucks to hopefully leave him in good graces.

"So that is your brother-in-law? Makes sense why would smack him around and he would ignore you." I laugh and she shrugs.

We are silent until we find our way to a table in the back. After we set our drinks down and have some of the drinks, Bella starts to talk.

"Jamie and Lauri have been friends since they were four and I was three. We used to live in a small town about three hours from Seattle, Washington called Forks. My father, Charlie, was Chief of Police there. He has always been really relaxed when it came to what we did and loved us no matter what. He just wanted us happy and healthy. Our mother, Renee, wanted nothing to do with us She left when I was two and Jamie was three. She hated the small depressing town that sucks the life out of you." She looks like she is going to cry for a minute. "Charlie loved us no matter what. He actually died when Renee came back into our lives and tried to run Jamie over with her rental car because she found out he was dating Lauri. At that point, they had been together for almost six years."

I am in shock. How could a mother want to do something so terrible like that?

"I don't know what to say. I am so sorry, my love." I pull her into my arms and kiss the top of her head.

"Thank you. Jamie managed to get away with only a broken leg but when he overdoes sometimes he has a limp." She smiles. "Jamie never had to hide from Charlie. I knew about them about two days after they started dating. About two weeks after Jamie and Lauri became official, they came out to their families. Lauri's family was not happy and kicked him out. He had packed a suitcase of some clothes and had managed to get some of his childhood memories before. The boys knew it would not go over well. When Charlie was told, he sat there a minute and thought about what to say. Typical Charlie. He never talked without thinking. He looked at Jamie and Lauri and smiled. 'As long as you boys are safe and happy, then you have my blessing. I take it your parents didn't handle this well?' Lauri shook his head. 'Well, looks like we need to clear some space for ya then, boy. We can get your stuff tomorrow after school if there is anything that you think you need since it is almost nine now. Thank you boys for trusting me with this. You are both sons to me and I love you.' I smile thinking about the love that must have shown both of the men. "Charlie died protecting Jamie. He had a heart attack from the car hitting him. Renee is in jail rotting."

That must really mess with someone to have someone die for you like that.

"Lauri and Jamie had a commitment ceremony in the hospital in Dad's room and he died an hour later. With a smile on his face. They moved here after they got accepted into college out here. I followed them after I was done with my degree. I got a full ride at the University of Washington in Seattle. I hated it, but I was able to get my teaching degree almost free. When they were about to They used their inheritance to buy this bar. It was a steal. I used mine for a down payment to buy a multi-family house. I love it here but it is expensive as fuck to live here." We both laugh at that.

"Really. It's stupidly expensive and it seems like you get nothing for what you put in. Are you a teacher nearby?" She nods.

"My school is about two blocks away. What do you do? Sorry for it being heavy. Tell me about your family. Are you from around here?"

"I am from Chicago and wanted a break from that city life. So...I came here when I got a scholarship for Harvard Medical School. I am in my last year. I am very excited about being nearly done. I hope to get a good-paying job somewhere. Not really sure where, but I look forward to the change of pace. Maybe somewhere smaller where you can get a house and some land. My parents are both still alive and married to each other. They will likely move when I find a place that I want to be. Seeing as they want to be close to me." I smile at the thought.

Taking a sip of my beer, I am happy with how things are going. So happy that I nearly forget what brought me here in the first place.

A loud voice hollers and crashes into Bella and something tells me that my life is about to change and I am not scared about it.

I hear laughter behind me and it's the sound of Jasper's laugh.

Without letting go of Bella's hand, I turn and see Jasper laughing.

"Well, as I live and breathe Doctor Masen." I laugh as I give Jasper a high five. "I see you met Miss Bella, one of my Alice's friends." I look towards the little elf-like person standing beside Bella.

"Hello, Alice. My name is Edward. It's nice to meet you. I have heard a lot about you." Alice laughs as she looks over at Bella.

"I knew that tonight would be a great night! I told you, Jas!" Alice is practically jumping everywhere. Jamie comes over, looking all scary just staring at Alice.

"Bells, did you really have to bring the pixie tonight? She brings the atmosphere down like twenty points." Bella gives Jamie a look while Alice just sticks her tongue out at him.

"Classic Alice. Make sure my brother knows how mature you are not." Bella laughs. "Jamie, this is Edward and you remember Jasper?" He nods and smiles.

"I will bring you all some drinks. Is Rose coming and should I bring your usual, ladies? And what do you guys want?"

Bella nods and gives her brother a big hug while Alice starts rambling, something I don't understand that makes Jamie laugh and roll his eyes.

Jamie and Alice are apparently close.

"Jack and Coke would be great, Jamie," Jasper says and I ask for one as well.

"Jamie will have a tab for us and we will pay it at the end of the night. It's easier that way." I nod and see Emmett at the bar talking to a tall blonde woman.

I point towards Emmett and Jasper laughs.

"Looks like Em found Alice's other friend, that's Rosalie Hale." I nod and laugh.

I look back to Bella who looks like she is needing to be saved.

"I think that your woman needs a hug, Whitlock." He laughs and grabs Alice and gives her a huge kiss.

I grab Bella and pull her into my arms. She smiles and wraps her arms around my waist.

At this moment I want nothing more than to put my hands in her hair and kiss her senseless. But that would not be gentlemanly of me.

Instead, I place my hands around her shoulders and kiss her forehead, closing my eyes.

That was when I heard a cough and looked to see Jamie giving me the stink eye as he came closer to our table with our drinks. I can't help but chuckle as I let Bella know Jamie is back with our drinks.

She thanked me by giving me a quick kiss on the cheek that was sweet and made me want more.

We talk and drink, Bella being in my lap most of the time. It feels comfortable and right.

Music is playing as the night goes on. Thankfully, Bella doesn't seem to want to dance, taking comfort in my lap.

That is until a song I never heard came over the speakers.

And Jamie took her from me.

And I watch the two of them dance.

I am not sure that I would call it dancing.

That is when I realize the name of the song is, Can't Dance.

And all of a sudden, looking around the room at all the horrid dancing around, I didn't care. I just wanted to dance.

Finishing the last of my drink I make my way behind Bella.

When the song says to two-step, I listen and try to get Bella in my arms. She laughs as she walks away from her brother and helps me to dance like an idiot.

My favorite part of the song is demanding me to hold my girl tight, so I do. We both are laughing at the lyrics a guy named Copper Alan sings.

All around me is craziness. The worm, lawnmower, disco, walking like an Egyptian, and I don't know what else.

Everyone seems to be having a great time and I think that the song was repeated a few times but everyone is so happy they don't seem to care.

The best sound of the night so far is the sound of Bella laughing.

Laughing at Emmett, Jamie, me, Jasper, and Lauri.

Alice is scary. She is running everywhere in circles like there is nobody else in the room. Jasper is doing some two-step that I have never seen. But that boy is from Houston so he likely knows a few more than I do.

After a while, Bella leaves my arms. Then she and Jamie are doing some strange dance that looks like a cross between a square dance and quickstep. Who knows, there might be a waltz in there.

All I know is that she is happy and her happiness is everything to me.

Alice and Rosalie dance with me, Emmett, and Jasper as we try to out-dance each other when a woman's hands come and try to pull me away.

Not Bella's hands.

I turn around and a blonde-haired woman is trying to pull me towards her.

Seeing Bella and Jamie waltzing over to us, I smile.

"I'm sorry. But it appears my girlfriend is back from her dance. Thanks for the offer." Pushing the whore away, I pull Bella into my arms and she jumps onto me.

And that is when we had our real first kiss.

A kiss that made me feel more alive than I ever had. Showed me that in my arms, was my whole world.

I saw our future together.

We would marry quickly and move in together. Having a ton of babies and moving to the country.

Probably Washington.

Mom and Dad followed us to get closer to us and the babies.

Jamie and Laurent followed, living in a city nearby and adopting several children of their own. Owning another bar while not as successful as the one here in Boston, for the area makes great money.

Jasper and Alice go to Houston and make a life for themselves.

Emmett and Rosalie move to Seattle. Close enough that we see each other often but that I don't get in tons of trouble.

All of this because I fell in love with a woman.

And she loves me despite the fact I can't dance.


AN:

HAPPY FAGE DAY! Thank you Deonne for hosting this wonderful gift exchange!

Michele and Diana for your help in making this piece great!

And Ninkita for giving me such wonderful prompts this year!

I hope each of you enjoy this.

~Brier