Playlist: Dreams Tonite - Alvvays

Bella inhales deeply, blowing out the candle atop the small cupcake. It's red velvet, the kind with cream cheese frosting on top and her absolute favorite.

Her mother, Alice and Aunt Carmen all clap their hands, varying smiles on their faces as they surround the small round table where Bella sits. It's very early-only 6 am- but Alice just had to see Bella today. A facetime call wouldn't suffice. The visit from her mother and sister was a surprise, considering that it was a weekday. Though the initial surprise was...awkward, mainly for Renee and Bella, she decided that it was ultimately a good thing. Especially when she saw the excitement on Alice's sweet face as she handed her a present.

"I made it myself." She stated proudly, her eyes anxiously gauging her older sister's reaction.

Looking down, Bella fiddled with the-surprisingly- impressive bracelet in her hand. The chain was silver, a sparkly "B" charm hanging from it. It was simple, but beautifully so and the fact that it came from Alice, made it even more special.

"Al, this is awesome. Thank you."

Bella brought Alice into her arms, squeezing the giggles out of her. Looking down, Bella was struck by the innocent excitement in her eyes. That kind of wholesome joy, burdenless curiosity was something Bella hadn't felt in a long time. Bella couldn't help but thank the universe that Alice was such a special person, her creativity reaching new levels every time she saw her. Her birthday was always a weird day for her and she had woken up today with some trepidation, not entirely ready for the full force of her friends - or Edward. A heaping dose of Alice was just what she needed. They spent the better part of the early morning together, Renee and Carmen only coming in from the living room every once in a while. Before long, it was time to go.

"Alright," sighed Renee. "Say bye to Bella, baby. We still have to get to school on time."

Alice wrinkles her nose, a pronounced frown on her face. Her breathing is already accelerating, her big eyes blinking rapidly. Alice, being the baby of their small family, was a master manipulator and had perfected the fine art of crying on demand. Renee wouldn't fall for it this time.

"Nope. C'mon, we'll see Bella on Sunday. I'll meet you outside."

Renee hesitates where she stands, no longer sure what to do or say to her eldest daughter. Even on her birthday. Their interactions were surface level at best- only necessary during Bella's visits. There were plenty of things left unsaid and somethings they both wish they hadn't said, but it was glaringly obvious that Renee and Bella just weren't there yet. On this day especially, Renee struggles to reconcile the deep resentment and love she simultaneously feels for Bella. Their guilt and pride was their biggest downfall. Carmen's eyes flicker between her sister and niece, her heart aching as she thinks, it shouldn't be this way.

Finally, She settles on throwing a quick smile Bella's way before hurriedly walking out to start the car and wait for Alice.

Alice's sweet chatter in the background, Bella looks out the kitchen window and watches as her mother sits in the driver's seat, using her sleeves to wipe her tears.

At school, Bella is bombarded with birthday wishes.

If the masses at Port Angeles Highschool were not notified via social media, Rosalie and Jasper made sure everyone knew Bella Swan was born on this day, 17 years ago.

For the most part, their theatrics make her laugh. They love to spoil their friend, endless balloons and treats and pictures filling the day. Another part of Bella is embarrassed and she can't help the thought that she doesn't deserve this, their unwavering love and celebration of her. She tampers it down, knowing on some level this is a sort of therapy for all involved parties. Before this summer, she hadn't been a very good friend and in turn- hadn't let them be good friends to her.

They needed this.

Edward is late to study hall, and after missing Honors English and lunch, Bella wonders if he came to school at all. She sits in the back, their usual spot, and anxiously fiddles with her phone.

Fifteen minutes into the period, Bella figures that Edward must just be out today. She concentrates on her Physics assignment, something she wants to get done before the end of the period. She's stuck on question five- something about a rollercoaster- when she feels a warm hand on the small of her back.

Startled, Bella looks up to find Edward, a small smile on his lips as he whispers, "Happy Birthday. Again."

Bella smiles back, staring at the myriad of green shades in his eyes.

He sits, flinging his backpack onto the desk before placing a small piece of paper between them. Bella's eyes flicker to the scrap, squinting to decipher its meaning. It's an address.

"Ernie's Roller Rink." She reads out loud.

"You ever been?"

"I think I had my eighth birthday there. I remember the owner, too. Some old Italian guy who kept yelling, 'Bella!Bella!'." She laughs at her failed Italian accent. So does he.

"Well, I was talking to Jasper and-"

"Oh, god."

"-We thought it'd be nice for your birthday. You up for it? Before you answer, keep in mind that we already called ahead and ordered a cake."

Bella rolls her eyes.

"Well, now I'm an ass if I say no, aren't I?"

"You said it, not me."

She slaps his arm playfully, before looking back at the scrap of paper. She'd have to be home by nine, but she figured a couple of hours was all they needed.

"And it's a group thing, right?'

Edward rolls his eyes.

"Yes." He reassures, smirking. "I wanna know - what do you think would happen if we were alone? You scared?"

"I just don't do dates...right now. And that'd be like...a date," she mutters, her cheeks reddening.

Bella and Edward had known each other for over a month now, the majority of their time spent laughing, talking and working on assignments. As far as their friendship went, it felt like she had known him forever. He was charismatic He was refreshing in that way- he had nothing to hide or be ashamed of. He was unapologetically honest and clear. He was a shiny sun.

Bella was a tornado, bringing dysfunction and pain into the lives of those brave enough to love her. They didn't belong together, and Bella knew it was only a matter of time before Edward figured that out.

But for now, she'd enjoy the ray of his light.

"Right now..." he mutters quietly, nodding his head. His eyes flash up from the table, and in a voice that leaves no room for argument, he says, "We're gonna have fun. I promise."

The rink was enveloped in the flashing purple lights, the smells of victoria secret perfume and fried foods prevalent. There was a good crowd and bouncy music, perfect for the setting.

Bella and Edward sat side by side as they worked to tie their skates, the music so loud they could feel their seats vibrating. Bella watched with a huge grin as Jasper tried to twerk in his rollerblades as Zafrina and Angela laughed their asses off. Rosalie passed Bella and Edward, holding Emmets hand and seemingly talking his ear off. Edward looked over at Bella and he could feel the corners of his lips turning up automatically as he watched her beautiful face. Under the strobe lights, she looked like a dream. When he saw that she was ready, he reaches out for her hand, reveling in the feeling of her small hand in his large one.

Once out on the rink, he let her hand go as Jasper came and pulled her off. She laughs, looking behind her to where Edward works to get the hang of things. Their eyes met for a brief moment before she turns to pay attention to her friends.

"You good, Bro?" Asks Ben as he twists impressively in front of Edward.

"I don't know what the fuck I'm doing." Edward laughs, holding his arms out as he works to find his balance. Ben chuckles and works to help his friend get the basics down. Eventually, Edward can slowly glide around the rink and join the others. The evening is spent laughing, dancing and the crew making fun of Edward, as he takes the jabs good-naturedly and throws them back just as well.

It isn't until much later that Bella and Edward find themselves alone. Bella skates in front of Edward, facing him as she skates backward. She matches Edwards slow pace as he sings along to the Bee Gees "How Deep Is Your Love".

"I can't believe you know all the words." Laughs Bella.

"My mom loves this shit."

"Well, your voice is kinda nice. I won't lie."

"Oh yeah? I'll sing to you all night if you want." He responds, a cheeky grin on his face as he reaches out with both his hands to grasp hers. He lets Bella pull him along, as he sings in a comical falsetto voice and drowns in the sound of Bella's laughter.

"Are you having a good time?" asks Edward. His voice is uncharacteristically unsure.

The energy around them suddenly shifts, no longer playful and silly, but charged with something neither seem to understand.

"The best," Bella says, squeezing his hands.

On the sidelines, Rosalie watches as her oldest friend looks adoringly into the eyes of a boy who may just be what she needs right now.

Towards the end of the night, Edward, Zafrina, and Jasper disappear. With Rosalie and Emmet eating each other's face and Angela enthralling Ben with her Instagram page, Bella leans on the counter as she waits for her hot dog.

She's chewing happily when she hears a voice that almost causes her to choke.

"Oh shit. It's Bella!" She turns to find an old friend, Jake, standing behind her with a curious grin on his face.

She'd met him through Riley and though Riley always emphasized that he trusted no one- Jake was his right hand.

Despite being a close associate of Riley's, Jake was always very kind to Bella, often taking care of her when she'd get sick or blackout. He'd calm Riley when he'd get violently angry and take Bella home. Bella always got the impression that Jake didn't belong in that world. He was like her in that way- they were pretenders. Only there by chance or circumstance.

"What's up with you? You've been ghost." He continues

She offered him an ironic smile. "Yeah, I guess I'm just over...all that."

He nods his head and squints his dark eyes. "I'm glad, B. For real, but yo, Riley's been going wild thinkin' you're ignoring him."

"I am."

"Ah," Jacob says, contemplating quietly for a moment before pulling his hoodie over his head and turning back to face Bella. He looks down, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

"I guess I understand why...I mean a bunch of us thought you'd died this summer. After your overdose and then your-"

"It won't ever happen again. It's done." She says quietly, but with what sounds like conviction to her ears. She bristles at the mention of her overdose, something that will haunt her for the rest of her life. She tries to relax and understand where Jacob -or anyone who asks- is coming from. She and Jacob were friends, and even though they can't be anymore, he was a right to be worried. Recalling a conversation she had with her therapist, Bella reminds herself that she needs to own her mistakes or she'll never move on. That wasn't an option.

She sighs.

Jacob turns to face Bella again, his face softening as he looks at her. She was always beautiful, but he can't help noticing that she looks even better now. She's gained some much-needed weight, her hips and backside pleasantly plump. Her skin is clear, save for the small zit at her hairline. But more than her beauty, Jacob is struck by Bella's fierce determination to do better. Done with his perusal, Jake nods his head one last time before offering Bella a small smile and a "See ya," over his shoulder as he walks away.

"And Jake?" Bella calls out. "Could you not mention seeing me?"

"Seeing who? I ain't seen nobody!" He says, walking back toward a group of boys.

Bella laughs as she blows out her birthday candles for the third time that day. Edward holds the large cake in front of her and she can't hear anyone else above Jasper's shrieking. The night is coming to an end and Bella marvels at the quick passage of time.

After the hugs, kisses, and promises to text, Bella is left untying her shoes with Edward once again at her side. Worried about twisting her ankles, Bella had tied them a little too tight. She silently curses herself as she fumbles with the laces, chewing her lips as she concentrates. Eventually, she feels Edwards hand softly brush hers aside and easily pull the laces apart. She watches, her mouth open in shock. He laughs at her expression and tugs the skates off her feet.

"Eddie! Unless you and the pretty girl are going to help, leave!" yells Emesto, the old Italian owner Bella had made fun of earlier in the day. She is struck by the familiarity between the two, and wonders about the extent of their relationship.

"Damn gramps, you're killing me." Edward groans, his cheeks flushing in embarrassment.

"That's your grandpa?!" Bella giggles, excited to meet someone from Edwards family.

"Sadly." Edward jokes. "My mother's dad. He's a big reason we moved here."

Bella nods her head and stands to follow him as he makes his way towards the exit.

"So..." Bella starts as she leans against the building to wait for her Aunt Carmen.

"So?"

"Thanks. Again. I'm glad you got me to come out."

"I am too. It was nice to be and not have to work. Even if I did bust my ass."

"You looked so cute, though." She giggles.

He walks to stand in front of her and paces slowly. The silver moon shines on his handsome face, giving him a dream-like look.

"Cute?" He scoffs, "I am not cute!"

Tired of following his movement with her eyes, Bella loops her pointer finger into one of Edwards belt loops and pulls until he almost falls on her. She tilts her head up to find Edward staring back down at her lips, his own part. Maybe it's the weeks worth of buildup or the muddying that happens in Bella's brain when Edward gets a little too close, but she can't it when she asks.

"Are you gonna kiss me?"

Edward's eyes briefly widen in shock, but then he leans in a bit closer, a silver chain coming out of his shirt.

"Do you want me to?" he breathes.

She does. God, she wants him to so badly. She had been doing so well- working on her dancing, school work, and self. She liked Edward - they both knew it but for some reason Bella just knew she had so much more to work through, so much to understand about herself. Edward was too magnetic and once she was in, she couldn't see herself ever wanting to find an out.

But she could be selfish, and forgetting what she should do, she did what she wanted to do.

Instead of answering, she reaches up to grip Edward's neck and pulls his face down, their lips meeting for the first time. Their kiss isn't tentative or unsure, but fierce and hungry. She revels in the feel of his soft lips and warm breath mingling with hers. His hands slip around her waist, pulling her to him so tight she swears she's about to fade into him.

It's everything she thought it would be.

A/N: It's not edited - sorry for any glaring mistakes! Leave me a thought.