TWELVE

Saturday afternoon

Bella sits in front of her dresser. The dress that adorns her body is a hand-me-down from Renee and doesn't quite sit correctly on her slender frame. There are pins in the back and she is worried that people will be able to see them when she arrives. She is sure that almost everyone will be watching her tonight.

After her mum's incessant pestering, Bella prepares for probably the worst night of her life. As final exams draw closer, it is the sixth form's tradition to hold a "good luck" party for the Year 13s. Renee called it a right of passage. Bella wasn't so sure that she agreed with her.

Staring at her reflection, she wishes that the dress covered more of her skin. Her forearms are littered with bruises the size of fingertips and a deep graze is visible on her shoulder from where Phil pushed her down the stairs and she got carpet burn. She puts as much concealer as she can on each marking, but they are still quite visible. Luckily, it will be dark at the party.

It's being held in the school hall, and there are rumours that all of the sixth-formers are heading to Reid's, a local nightclub, once the party draws to a close. Instead, Bella is looking forward to an early night. She secures the buckle of her heels around her ankle and swipes a layer of dark rouge across her lips.

She takes a deep breath. She is as ready as she will ever be.

"Where the fuck do you think you're going dressed like that?" Phil asks when she gets to the bottom of the stairs.

"Leavers party. It's tonight. I won't be out late."

"To hell you won't. Don't want you going home with some fella like a tart." His words sting. "Renee, do you know about this?"

"Yes, I gave her my dress to wear for the evening." Renee stands hesitantly in the doorway.

"Of course, only her mother would own something so slutty. Go upstairs and change."

"I can't. My bus is coming soon."

"I said, go upstairs and fucking change."

Renee walks over. "Phil, leave her. Let her enjoy her night."

"I don't want the whole town thinking that my daughter is a whore! I won't allow it!"

"Bella, baby, just go. I'll deal with this."

Renee looks tired as Phil begins his tirade, and Bella feels guilty as she walks out of the door. As she waits for her bus, her vision blurs with tears.

The party starts at 6 but Bella agreed to help set up. She thanks her past self. She revels in any opportunity to leave the house.

"Bella!" Alice welcomes her as she arrives. Surprisingly, she wraps her arms around her. "You look fantastic, I love your dress."

"Uhm, thanks. It was my mum's."

"Oooh, vintage. So in right now. I'll take you to the hall."

Bella lets the petit girl lead her down the corridors of the school. A red dress is wrapped snugly around her enviable frame; Bella feels unsure. She wonders whether Edward will find Alice more attractive tonight.

"Okay, you'll be in charge of drinks. Just stack them out on the table, preferably keep the same cans together. No alcohol but I'm sure that won't matter later. Are you coming to Reid's?"

"I wasn't planning on it."

"Oh no, you have to! You can stick with me, it's gonna be such a good night."

"Maybe, I'll let you know.

"Come get me if you need any help but I think the boys will be here soon. I'm sure they can lend you a hand."

Alice flounces off in the direction of Jess and Rosalie, who stand near a photo booth. They are unloading props out of cardboard boxes.

Bella sets about putting the cans on the table, but it isn't long before a shrill squeal makes her look over at the doors. Her eyes meet Edward's and her knees almost buckle underneath her.

What's going to happen here?

You'll find out tomorrow! Happy reading :D