AN: Hello darlings! You all ready for the Ball? I sure am!

I have a few personal issues I'm going through this week and would really appreciate some positive vibes sent my way!

Thank you!


Chapter 3

They say oh my god I see the way you shine
Take your hand, my dear, and place them both in mine
You know you stopped me dead while I was passing by
And now I beg to see you dance just one more time

Dance Monkey – Tones and I

Jake looks incredibly handsome in his navy suit, dark plaid shirt and tie. His chocolate eyes roam appreciatively down my frame as soon as he steps into the room, making me feel beautiful and confident. I feel my cheeks heat at his attention, but also realize that just the sight of him has caused my nerves to settle ever so slightly. He has that effect on people. When he reveals his bright, white teeth in a wide and honest grin, I find myself wishing that I could fall for him. Life would be so much easier if I did; as easy as breathing. Unfortunately, my emotions won't budge on the matter. Jacob Black could never, and would never, be more than just a good friend to me. And although he admitted, or at least alluded to wanting something more between us, I'm pleased when I see nothing but friendship shining through his warm gaze.

Paul steps out behind Jake, his dark eyes shining with adoration and a love so deep that it makes my heart burst from just witnessing it. His attention is focused solely on one specific person in the room. A person who is finally able to openly display the same emotions right back at him. Leah has changed so drastically since that day she stepped into my café all those months ago. The hard work and sacrifices they've both put in to build their relationship is remarkable, and seeing them together now literally brings tears to my eyes. Like magnets they move towards one another as though some invisible force is pulling them together. The intimate and passionate kiss they share heats up the entire room as though they're completely oblivious to the fact that they aren't alone. Averting my gaze, I feel my cheeks burn as a sharp and intense yearning explodes in the pit of my stomach. I want what they have so desperately that it physically hurts, but even after years of therapy I still struggle with the belief that I too am deserving of a love like theirs.

"Are you ready for this?"

I startle at Jake's sudden proximity. Releasing a short and nervous laugh, I try to get a handle on the rush of jitters I feel flowing through me.

"Not really," I answer in a light tone, deciding it's better to be painfully honest.

Jake's reassuring smile once again settles at least some of my nerves.

"Well," he takes a step closer, leaning in as if to hide his words from the others.

"If it helps, most of the town gossip will probably revolve around me and not you."

He barks out a sharp laugh at my confused expression.

"They'll all be wondering how the hell the Beast managed to scoop up the Belle of the Ball tonight."

I shake my head at his ridiculous statement, but can't help but chuckle at his clever usage of his hockey nick-name.

"Exactly how long have you been waiting to use that line?"

"You have no idea!"

We share a laugh and I feel my shoulders drop as the tension in my body begins to fade. Jake's expression softens.

"You look gorgeous tonight, Bella."

The genuine honesty in his tone, makes my heart warm.

"You're looking quite dashing yourself, Mr. Black," I tease, enjoying the light tone between us.

Jake's lips twitch with humor as he playfully pretends to fix his tie.

"Why, thank you."

We share another laugh.

A comfortable silence builds between us as we both listen in to our friends' happy and enthusiastic conversation. After a moment I feel the return of his gaze. Jake touches the small of my back and leads me a few steps away from our group of friends, glancing over his shoulders to make sure that they are otherwise preoccupied.

"Listen, Bells, I know the goal of tonight might be to make Edward green with envy."

I snort at his description, feeling stupid for the lengths I'm going to just so that a guy might notice me.

God, what the hell was I thinking.

"But I want you to promise me something."

Jake's dark brown eyes burn into mine with such intensity that I'm unable to do anything but nod.

"Be honest with me?"

I blink, surprised by his ardent request.

"If you feel uncomfortable or if you need me to back off, just tell me, okay? I value your friendship, Bells, and I want to make sure that I don't ever do anything to risk losing that."

"Jake," I interrupt, placing a hand on his arm.

"I'm the one who came to you and who put our friendship on the line by asking you to do this," I take a breath.

"Your friendship means the world to me, Jake."

Nodding my head in silent confirmation to his request, I quickly continue.

"I promise to always be open and honest with you."

Jake bobs his head, a wicked gleam returning to his gaze.

"You know the best thing you can do to catch a man's attention is to completely ignore him and give all of your attention to another man, right?"

I bite back a sharp laugh at Jake's "brilliant" yet absolutely impossible theory, raising an eyebrow at him instead.

"Oh, really?"

Jake offers his arm to me like the perfect gentleman.

"Yeah, it'll work like a charm, I swear."

I purse my lips and roll my eyes to show my doubt, placing a hand in the crook of my date's arm.

"Well, I guess you better show me a hell of a good time tonight then."

Jake chuckles at my response, wiggling his eyebrows playfully.

"Challenge accepted, Isabella, challenge accepted."

§§§

The annual Farmer's Ball was held inside an enormous empty barn adjacent to the Town Hall. Traditionally, the population of Forks would celebrate the end of the harvest with a social gathering of some kind, and over the years this had formalized into what we now know as the Farmer's Ball. Its name made it sound a lot more formal than it really was. Honestly, the celebration resembled nothing more than a big party with country music blaring from the speakers and bucket load of booze for each participant.

However, ever since Mary Alice Cullen moved back to Forks, the celebration had received quite the makeover. Needing a project after moving away from her fancy job as a designer and over-the-top lifestyle in New York, Alice had taken it upon herself to become Fork's own Private Events Manager. Practically overnight the "Ball" had grown into an upscale event unlike anything anyone in Forks had ever seen before. After having had the "pleasure" of working with Alice in regards to the Ball's menu, I already knew that she was looking to outdo last year's great success. As I step through the large wooden doors of the barn, I see that I'm not mistaken. My eyes wander across the enormous room, and I feel my breath hitch as my mouth drops open in complete awe at what she's managed to accomplish. The woman may be annoying as hell to work with, but damn did she know how to get results.

Every single beam is covered with soft lights and delicate flowers or ivy. The light enhancing the natural dark brown colors of the barn, making the rustic and old building feel beautiful and upscale; like something out of a fairy tale. Round tables scatter the room donned with stunning floral arrangements and small lanterns. The large dancefloor which takes up most of the space, features a high-tech DJ booth and professional looking spotlights. I have no idea how she's managed to get her hands on all this expensive equipment, but having experienced her persuasive nature first hand, I'm not really surprised. The barn looks like something out of a high-end magazine.

Captivated by the barn's incredible make-over, I almost don't notice that we're actually moving. However, when Jacob suddenly comes to an abrupt stop, I quickly drag my eyes away from the beautiful décor and rejoin the land of the living. The first thing I see are a pair of familiar, warm brown eyes and immediately I feel a wide and affectionate smile spread across my lips, releasing my hold on Jacob's arm as I instinctively move towards the most important person in my life.

"Hey Dad," I greet as I step into his open arms. Leaning the side of my face against his strong chest, I feel it move as he chuckles.

"I still haven't gotten used to that blond hair of yours, kiddo," my father replies, his thick mustache dancing happily as he instinctively wraps his arms tightly around me like a protective shield.

After all these years, it's still strange to think that I spent the majority of my life without my father, not even knowing he existed. It's the one thing I still haven't been able to forgive my mother for; the fact that she knowingly kept us apart when she continuously neglected her role as a parent. As usual, my father's arms tighten around me as though he's making up for lost time. It had taken me a long time to accept him into my life and even longer for me to open up and trust him, but after a while I began to realize that he wasn't going anywhere and that he loved me unconditionally. My father had slowly become my rock; my safe haven; my home. Keeping my arms wrapped loosely around his waist, I tuck my body against his side and look up to meet his gaze.

"You look beautiful, Bella," a sweet and kind female voice rises from my father's other side, sandwiching him between us and my smile widens.

Flickering my eyes to the woman who has been the second constant in my life ever since I arrived in Forks, I feel the warmth of genuine joy flow through me at the sight of her next to my father. Finally, after years of solitude and ignoring what was right under his nose, my father has opened his eyes and heart to the gem living right next door. Maggie O'Connor was quite literally the heart of Forks and the sweetest woman I'd ever met. Her bright red hair and infectious smile charmed absolutely everyone in her path.

"Thank you, Maggie," I tell her genuinely, my eyes falling to their clasped hands.

My father clears his voice nervously, clearly uncomfortable with the rising attention as my group of friends gather around. He doesn't let go of Maggie's hand though, which makes me proud.

"The dress is a little short, don't you think?" he grumbles and I can't help but release a sharp laugh as I shake my head. Maggie hits him lightly on his arm.

"Charlie, stop! Your daughter is a grown woman and can wear whatever she wants."

"Besides, have you seen how good her legs look in that dress?" Rosalie shoots in from the sidelines.

Always a trouble-maker, I watch as her blue eyes sparkle with mischief as she directs all of her attention towards my poor father and Forks' very own Chief of Police. Sending him a saucy wink, Rosalie moves her eyes appreciatively up his frame.

"Looking good, Chief."

I'm unable to hold back a round of giggles when I see my father's cheeks immediately turn bright pink at her obvious flirtation. Guess I can easily see where I get my blushing from. Luckily, Maggie is there to rescue him.

"Oh, look there's Billy. Charlie, wasn't there something you wanted to ask him about?" Maggie asks, successfully giving my father an out.

Releasing my hold on him, I silently give him permission to take his leave. The look he sends my way is grateful.

"Right," he responds vaguely, giving Maggie his arm. "We'll talk later, Bella. Have fun tonight, kids, but-."

"Not too much fun, yes, we know, Chief," Jake snickers, but chokes down his laughter at the hard and all-knowing look my father sends in his direction.

We are all distracted when Jared magically appears, expertly carrying a large tray of drinks. My father pauses, grumbling something below his breath as he takes two glasses of champagne off of the tray, handing one to Maggie with the smallest hint of a smile before they both turn to leave. Taking a glass off the tray for myself, I shake my head at Rosalie who simply shrugs.

"What?" she asks, her eyes wide with exaggerated innocence.

Before I'm able to answer her, I feel my shoulders stiffen as Jacob's hand finds my hip, pulling me quite a bit closer to him than what I'm used to. Just as I'm about to object and step away, I feel the hairs on the back of my neck rise and realize the true reason behind my good friend's sudden proximity.

"Edward!" Leah exclaims, stepping away from her boyfriend's side for a brief moment as she greets her neighbor and childhood friend with a tight hug.

My heart leaps in my chest as I catch sight of the man who unknowingly owns me… body and soul. I watch how his beautiful smile widens with true affection as he bends down ever so slightly to greet his friend. Having become an expert at admiring him from afar, I take advantage of the fact that he is temporarily distracted and sketch the breathtaking image of him in a suit deep into my mind.

Holy Fuck, why did he have to be so good looking?

A delicious thrill of female appreciation rushes through me.

The man should seriously try his hand at modelling.

Edward in his everyday, casual and more-often-than-not dirty outfit of worn jeans, tight shirt and boots was a sight to behold, but this… This was far better than any fantasy my lovesick mind could ever, and would ever, come up with. Unfortunately I suddenly become painfully aware of the bright blond head with perfectly styled hair that is coming up behind him. Recognizing who it belongs to, I feel myself being yanked me back to reality with vengeance.

Tanya.

When she appears at his side, I can physically feel my heart breaking in my chest. I bite back a snort as my mind replays my off handed comment about Edward pursuing a modelling career. Jesus, the two of them would be a photographers wet dream.

Christ, why the hell did I agree to come here.

Averting my gaze and desperately needing some kind of a distraction, I instinctively move even closer to Jake, tucking myself intimately against Jake's side as I lift the glass of champagne to my lips and quickly devour its contents. My eyes immediately fill with water as the bubbly liquid burns its way down my throat.

"Jesus, Bells," Jake mumbles, replacing my empty glass with his as I turn my face towards him to try and hide my grimace.

Hearing their steps approaching, I automatically lift Jake's full glass to my lips, preparing to down yet another glass of alcohol. Three fingers lightly touch my wrist, halting my movements.

"I don't think more alcohol is the right answer here, Sweets," Jake's voice cuts through my surprisingly hazy brain and I feel myself sway ever so slightly.

Okay, so I guess what they said about the effects of alcohol kind of sneaking up on you was true.

Meeting his gaze, I take a deep breath, lowering the glass in my hand with a small nod. I hear our glasses clink together as his hand follows mine. Jake's dark eyes narrow for a second as though he's trying to make sure that I'm truly alright before he eventually turns his attention to the newcomers.

"Edward, my man, good to see you!"

Finding strength in the confidence of his tone, I lift my gaze and immediately feel my breath hitch in complete shock as a pair of achingly familiar green eyes meet me straight on, burning into me with an intense look that I've never experienced from him before.

What the-?

"Oh my God, Bella! I love your dress! " Tanya shrieks, forcing me to avert my gaze and break this strange connection simmering between Edward and I.

A rush of excitement surges through me and I can physically feel his eyes linger. I swear I can feel them slowly running down the length of my body, but I quickly decide that I must be losing my mind. There's no way. Unfortunately, I'm not given the opportunity to inspect this unusual change in his attentions towards me any further, because in the next second Tanya is practically in my face, tugging me away from Jacob and towards her. Her lips boldly brush against each of my cheeks in a foreign and, in my opinion, far too intimate greeting, making it seem as though we're the very best of friends. When she finally releases her hold on me, Edward has schooled his features, his expression painfully neutral.

"I love this metallic color on you," Tanya practically gushes, running her fingers down my long sleeves as if she's inspecting the light fabric.

Uncomfortable with her proximity, I take a step away from her, grateful when I feel Jacob's strong arm wrap around my waist as he pulls me, perhaps a little possessively, against his side once more. Glancing up to send him a grateful look, I'm surprised to find that he and Edward appear to be locked in some kind of staring match.

"Uhm… thank you," I mumble almost unintelligibly.

Luckily, Leah steps up to the plate and redirects Tanya's attention by introducing herself.

"I don't think we've met, I'm Leah."

Leah stretches her hand out, forcing Tanya to take a few steps away from me to greet her. Paul, Jared and Rosalie quickly follow suit, successfully distracting her even further. When Jacob's hand tightens ever so slightly around my hip, I automatically respond by shooting a look in his direction. The moment our eyes meet, I'm completely taken off guard when he dips his head and moves in close to whisper something in my ear.

"Pretend I've just told you something funny."

My brain, which still feels a little hazy from the amounts of alcohol I've consumed already, takes a moment to fully grasp what I've just been asked to do. The giggle I try to force through my lips is fake as hell, but Jake masterfully masks it with a husky chuckle of his own. His wide smile is full of humor and I feel my lips curl instinctively as I try to follow his lead. Deep down in the pit of my stomach, I feel a seed of doubt begin to spread. The look Jake is sending me is so genuinely affectionate and loving that I-.

"And you must be Jake, Bella mentioned you were going to be her date tonight," Tanya interrupts, sliding up next to me as though we're fucking BFFs.

Confused by her overly friendly attitude, I flicker my eyes in the direction of her date, surprised when I see that he is busy throwing back a rather large glass of Scotch.

Strange.

My breath catches when Edward's vibrant jade eyes suddenly flash in my direction, landing accusingly on the male hand resting against my hip. Distracted by his surprising and highly unusual reaction, I almost don't catch Jacob's response.

"That's right. Our Sweet Bella finally decided to give in to my rather insistent begging and allow me a shot at sweeping her off her feet."

As usual, I feel my cheeks flare at his words. Desperate to hide my reaction, I lift the full glass of champagne to my lips to take a small sip, unfortunately Jacob isn't finished.

"Honestly, I truly can't believe someone hasn't scooped her up and made an honest woman out of her already."

It takes everything in me not to spray every single person around me with the sip I've just taken as I react to his words. Instead, I send myself into a loud coughing fit.

What the hell was he trying to accomplish by saying something so outrageous?!

Both Jacob and Tanya desperately try to assist me as I try to get control of my breathing. Someone takes my glass, replacing it with a glass of water. Luckily, we are all distracted by a frantic and distraught Alice who rushes towards us with determined strides.

"BELLA! Thank God you're here!"

She grabs my arm and pulls me decisively away from Jacob and Tanya's hold. Taking a sip of my water as I try to wipe away some of the tears from my eyes, I try to regain my composure.

"There's been a massive problem with the food and Angela absolutely has no idea how to salvage the issue! Why you keep her on is beyond -," she continues without pause, practically spitting out Angela's name as though she's some imbecile.

A spark of anger lights up within me at her tone and I immediately jerk my arm away from her hold, forcing us both to an abrupt stop.

"I realize that you're stressed, Alice, but that doesn't give you the right to talk down one of my employees."

If I hadn't been so angry, I'd probably find Alice's reaction quite comical, but unfortunately her wide eyes and gaping mouth is the absolute last thing on my mind. The hot irritation I feel swirling around inside of me gives me the strength I need to finally stand up to her. Placing my glass of water on a table next to me, I cross my arms in front of my chest and shoot her with a hard glare, making it clear that I won't be moving an inch until she apologizes.

"Bella-," she sputters.

I clench my jaw and make sure to hold her gaze. Alice's entire body is tight with tension and I can visibly see her hands twitch with uncontrollable nerves; a trait I recognize. However, before I have a chance to study her oddly familiar reaction closer, she quickly pulls up a protective wall and locks me out. Shaking her head in what looks to be disbelief, she averts her gaze for a brief moment before finally turning to face me.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said what I said," she pauses. "Now will you please help?" That same frantic and desperate edge returns to her tone.

Narrowing my eyes at her, I consider refusing her pitiful excuse for an apology, but as I watch her, I can't help but shake the feeling that Mary Alice Cullen isn't as perfect and put together as she seems. In fact, a look of genuine fear appears to be simmering just below the surface. Alice looks to be merely a few small inches away from suffering from some kind of mental breakdown. A state of mind that I'm painfully familiar with.

Dropping my arms, I release a sharp breath before taking a small step towards her.

"You will apologize to Angela."

My voice is hard and to the point.

Alice looks as though she's about to argue, but I'm pleased when she bites her tongue, nodding her head instead in silent confirmation. I know Angela won't receive the most heartfelt of apologies, but I decide that having Alice swallow her pride twice in one evening may be the limit of what she's mentally and physically able to do. That and the fact that I suddenly felt a strange kinship to her, having recognized something deep and dark within her that I didn't think she'd even begun to acknowledge. The youngest Cullen was in a hell of a lot of inner pain, of that I was certain. Dipping my head once, I take a confident step in front of her tall frame, taking a leading position as we make our way to the makeshift kitchen on the far side of the large venue.