Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, just the plot that I've fabricated and my original character Ella.

AN: Sorry I didn't update last week I had Gastroenteritis and was really sick! I hope this extra long chapter makes up for it ~ Hannah

Up Next – Chapter Twelve – Renaissance Fair

I was feeling decidedly bubbly the following Friday I woke. There was no school today which was a considerable plus and everyone was in a happy mood. Forks may be a small town but every year they held an Elizabethan Renaissance Fair. The Fair was so popular that it bought in people not only from Port Angles but Seattle as well. Last year her Dad had said that over 8,000 people had attended the weekend event.

I always thought it odd that we held an Elizabethan Fair when we weren't English. I guess it was our take on an imagined village in England. Perhaps it was the one chance American's got to pretend they were English or attempt their British Accents. Whatever the reason I couldn't say that I was against it. I loved the Renaissance Fair, I'd always loved it. The chance to dress up and be someone else for a day was too much to resist. Of course I had to bribe Bella into joining me, she wasn't one for parties of any kind and was usually too self-conscious to dress up. I think she was more inclined to accompany me this weekend A) because Adrian would be attending and B) because I was smiling.

Don't get me wrong, I was still struggling with the absence of the Cullen's but I think I'd resigned myself to a life without them. The sadness I'd felt was less compressing somehow and the weight felt lighter on my shoulders. I hoped this meant that my depression was coming to an end. I'd learnt long ago that it was best to just ride it out and that's what I intended to do. I couldn't deny my excitement for the event though.

I'd been working on my outfit for a long time and I'd made Bella's as well. I was nifty with a needle and thread when I put my mind to it. I had wanted this years' Fair to be a special one seeing as we were now living with Dad. I knew the Fair to be something that Dad loved to participate in. They had everything at the Fair, a fairground, a winery and even a maze. They set up archer stations and there was even a jousting tournament. The Renaissance Fair raised money for the local community as well as 3 selected charities. Different charities were picked each year to make sure things were fair.

There was usually a BBQ on the Saturday evening and then a dance on the Sunday evening. Both events were ones I planned to attend. There was also Mrs. Well's famous cake stand that you didn't want to miss out on, craft stalls and may pole dancing. It was generally a good time for all.

Friday was spent with the community coming together to put the last finishing touches to all the displays and making sure everything was both safe and ready for the masses that would arrive on the weekend. After helping Dad with the last run through of the jousting tournament – he would be overseeing it – I returned home to make last minute adjustments to both mine and Bella's costumes.

Bella wasn't home when I arrived, I remembered she'd mentioned going out and doing something. It didn't matter so much as I had the majority of her costume finished. Both hers and mine stood on body mannequins, pins sticking out at odd angles. I have to say I was looking at some of my best work here. I just needed to add a couple more flowers to Bella's dress and then finish making her flower crown and I'd be done.

The rules of the Renaissance Fair were that you had to come dressed up. Your costume could either be historically Elizabethan or Mythical but you couldn't deviate from that. We got a lot of wizards, elves and Queens at the Fair. However, no two costumes were alike so I guess it didn't really matter much.

When Bella returned that evening she was alight with happiness and a giddy aura. Firstly, I was happy for my sister but then I was suspicious as to why she was so happy. She had a merry glint in her eye, one that only appeared when she was about to blackmail me into doing something.

"Why are you smiling so?"

Her cheeks gained the rich red hue of a blush as she heard what I'd said.

Poor Bella never could hide her embarrassment. She was such a blusher.

"Adrian just asked me out and I said yes."

A pang of jealousy hit me square in the chest but I pushed it aside.

"That's great Bella, I'm really happy for you."

If she sensed the melancholy aspect to my voice she didn't comment on it and merely continued to smile.

"Thank you, I'm so happy that I feel like I'm floating in the sky. How are the costumes coming along?"

"I just have to finish your flower crown and then I'm all done. You're going to knock Adrian's socks off you know."

"Thanks…hey I have a favour to ask."

My eyes narrowed, as happy as I was for Bella's new found romance we'd now come to the reason for that glint in her eyes.

I concentrated on sewing more flowers into the crown and Bella, sensing that I wasn't going to talk, took it as a sign that she should explain.

"I'm really happy that Adrian asked me out, I've liked him for a while and we have so much in common. However, I sense something about him, I'm not sure what it is but it doesn't seem normal. I want you to help me figure out what it is."

"You're kidding right? Don't you know what curiosity can get you? Haven't you learnt nothing from my situation with the Cullen's?"

Bella frowned and crossed her arms which was a tail tale sign that she was annoyed.

"Ella you never told me much about what happened with the Cullen's."

"I found out their secret and confronted them about it. I wasn't trying to gain anything from it but I just thought they'd want to know. It didn't end the way I wanted it too, they aren't talking to me now and it looks like they've removed me from their life. Looks like their secret was more important than our friendship."

"What secret?"

"I'm not telling you, not yet anyway. Maybe I'll tell you when they leave. It would just make things worse if I told you now. I know I've never kept a thing from you Bella but please trust me on this."

I could see that my sister was struggling with the fact that I was keeping something from her. I was truthful when I said that I'd never kept a thing from her. We really were two peas in a pod. I felt bad withholding the Cullen's secret from her but I figured it wasn't really my secret to tell.

"You're right, of course I trust you you're my sister but Ella this curiosity is eating me up inside. It's like Adrian is hiding a part of himself from me and I reckon Tyler knows what it is as well. I just want to make sure it isn't anything illegal or dangerous."

"And if it is? What will you do then?"

"I'll cross that bridge when I get there."

I sighed, I could practically see that this was going to end badly.

"Please, look Ella you don't have to be involved too much. Just talk through theories with me when I have them and keep a check list of things I've discovered. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important to me."

I nodded, she was right of course but that didn't make me like the idea.

"Fine I'll help you but Bella when I say I want out I mean it. I have a bad feeling about this."

The next morning dawned with a vibrant sunrise and chirping birds. Perhaps I was being biased to the fact that I was happy for once. It was funny how certain things could alight such joy in one's soul. The clanging of metal I heard informed me that Dad was already up and dressed in his Knight's outfit.

Breakfast it turned out, had been made by Bella e.g. I got to eat blueberry pancakes with maple syrup and not plain cornflakes and milk that Dad would usually provide. Hurrying Bella upstairs I instructed her to sit down so I could do her make-up – despite the protests she made – and make her look more mythical. The costume I'd made for her was a 'royal fairy' and it fit her spectacularly if I don't say so myself.

The bodice was made of mauve velvet that was smooth to the touch and shaped like a corset. The pale purple skirt came down to Bella's knees and was made like a tutu and I'd covered it with trails of flowers in shades of purple, pink and blue. I'd made her wings out of mauve netting and had covered them in glitter and sparkles. The flower crown I'd made with the same coloured flowers and I'd also attached ribbons that flowed down into her hair. Bella was lucky that she had such curly long hair in the fact that I didn't have to do much to it.

In terms of make-up, after I'd tortured her with foundation and concealer, I covered her eyes and the bridge of her nose – like a mask of make-up – in bright pinks, purples and glittering silver. As a finishing touch I added a coat of matt mauve lipstick to her lips. She looked beautiful and very mythical. I snapped a couple of photos of her before she could protect. Chances were she'd never let me dress her up again and I wanted a memory of the day.

Once Bella was ready to go I sent her downstairs to amuse herself while I got ready myself. I'd fashioned my dress on Arwen's from the first Lord of the Rings film. However, with my complexion I knew that red wouldn't suit me and had decided on blue instead. It would complement my hair and bring out the blue in my eyes. I had combined both velvet and silk to make the gown. The skirt and bodice of the dress was dark blue velvet which was similar to the material I'd used for Bella's dress but just a hint softer. The billowing sleeves of the dress had been made of a lighter blue silk. The material was like running water over my arms. To make the costume more interesting I'd added a detailed sequined collar and shoulders and had entwined both the velvet and the silk on the upper arms in a simple pattern.

I'd also found some blue satin flats online for a reasonable amount and was wearing them now. They completed the outfit. My make-up was subtler than Bella's. My eyes a mixture of blue and silver, a light dusting of blush on my cheeks and a pale pink lipstick upon my lips.

I asked Bella to snap a few pictures of myself so I'd have something to show for all my hard work later.

I'd deliberately worked pockets into my dress so I wouldn't have to try and match a bag to my outfit. There was just enough room to hide my camera and my purse without making it look too obvious that I was carrying anything.

We made our way to the Fair on foot as the town square wasn't far from our house. Also, we knew we wouldn't get parking with the amount of people who were due to turn up.

As we neared the town square I could tell that Bella was just itching to find Adrian. I couldn't really blame her, as my mind repeated my near constant thought, I was happy for my sister. I just hoped I could find Angela or Tyler so I didn't have to suffer the title of third wheel.

I didn't have to wait long it seemed as Tyler was the one who found us first. Dressed like a representation of Robin Hood complete with a bow and arrow, I guessed he was participating in the archery competition. His appearance signalled Bella's departure, but by this point I didn't mind so much. Tyler and I found Angela by the cake stand. I managed to buy a fair amount there and proceeded to leave the bags with Dad. I didn't want to lug the produce around with me and knew that Dad would look after them for me.

Angela had dressed as a simple maiden in a dress of periwinkle blue. She said that she'd thought of coming as a milk maid but the idea of lugging around milk pails had put her off. I guessed that made sense, she looked cute in the outfit she'd picked up regardless.

We three walked around with smiles upon our faces, taking in the sites and buying the occasional thing. Of course we kept getting stopped by various people who wanted to say hello to one of the Chief's daughters or by people wanting to complement our outfits.

"Hey Ella, way to make yourself look more like a freak," said Lauren.

"Real original insult there Lauren. Tell me are you jealous of my costume because yours looks like a joke shop kid's failure? Or are you trying to make my life worse because you've got nothing going for you in yours?"

"You little harlot, don't speak to her like that. As if she wants to be anything like you. You think you're so perfect with your talent but really you're worthless. I told you the Cullen's would get bored of you and move on. Looks like they realised what everyone else already had," said Mike.

"Why is it that wherever you go there is always a bully trying to tear another person down?"

I wasn't really sure how I got cornered by these three annoyances but I was looking for a quick way out. I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck rise and knew someone was watching the drama unfold, I just didn't know who.

"We aren't bullying you, we're just pointing out your failings. Your Dad might be the Chief of Police here but you are nothing. Don't you get sick of pretending to be important? I mean we don't say it enough but your Mother didn't want you. How sick in the head do you have to be for your own Mother to disinherit you?"

"It's because she's crazy right. I mean don't think we haven't noticed your doom and gloom the last couple of weeks. What happened? Did your imaginary friends die?"

"Oh please, if she can't have real friends she can't have imaginary ones. Get real, we're talking about a rat here."

My hands clenched and unclenched at my sides. I detested situations like this. These three cronies had waited till I was alone, that much was obvious. I kept looking for someone to help me but it looked like I was alone for now. I kept backing away from the three but they continued to advance. I wasn't on top form right now; I could take them down if I really tried but I knew their words were taking their toll on me.

It only took so long of hearing the same negative comments before you started to believe them.

"Why don't we leave the fair. We could go into the forest. I'm sure there is a nice sized hole we could push you into," said Jessica.

"Yeah, we'd be doing everyone a favour really. The world would be better off without you in it," said Mike.

"Oh and by the way, you have zero talent. You can't sing and your music playing sounds like nails on a chalkboard. Your art can't even be called art it's so bad, even a child could draw better than you. You know when you go to Seattle and you see those poor washed up people on the street? That will be you someday, that is if you don't try and kill yourself first," said Lauren victoriously.

A hand came down on my shoulder and I jumped violently in the air.

"What's going on here then?"

Sweet Lord, I'd never been so relieved to hear my Dad's voice.

"Nothing at all Chief Swan, we were just chatting to Ella here about school. She's really popular and such a sweetie," said Lauren.

"Is that so? Tell me, did your parent's teach you to lie so horribly?"

"Excuse me?"

"Down at the Police Station we hear all sorts of gossip. I try to stay out of it unless absolutely necessary. There has been a recurring story about some students at your school tormenting others. I never thought much of it, kids will be kids right? Well now I'm of a different opinion. You know it's a crime to lie to a Police Officer right?"

Jessica looked like she was about to cry. My smugness at her situation made me feel guilty.

"Please Sir, we didn't want to say anything. Ella is your daughter after all but if we're not supposed to lie then I guess we should tell you. She's so mean, she says such hurtful things to us. We try to stand up to her but it doesn't work. She uses your job as Chief to her advantage."

My blood stilled as I wondered what my Dad would think.

"Kids these days will say anything. I don't know much about technology but I do know that if I press this button on my phone it records whatever I want it too. Now, I have already scheduled an appointment with the school's principle because clearly something needs to be done but let's go and talk to your parents."

"Oh really, that's not necessary," said Mike.

"Oh no, I insist."

I watched gleefully as my Dad frogmarched the three cronies through the crowds and towards their parents. Dad had turned back and winked at me. I knew for now that I was safe but that he would probably want to talk about things at a later date.

Despite the happier ending to that situation I couldn't help but feel that the wind had left my sails slightly. I still enjoyed the evening BBQ but the events of the afternoon pressed down on me.

The second day of the fair didn't seem as fun since the events of the previous evening but I still decided to attend. After all I'd made myself a pretty gown and it would be a shame if I didn't dance in it. I'd managed to fob my Dad and Bella off about not attending the fair during the day but I knew I couldn't get out of the evening dance regardless of how I felt about it.

I still felt very mythical in my dress. I felt as though I should have bought a pair of elf ears to make the whole outfit more realistic but that didn't matter now I suppose.

I could hear the cheers and laughter before I'd even entered the hall. People were certainly in high spirits. Upon spotting my Tyler dragged me away and swept me up into a dance. Had it been anyone else then I probably would have been offended at being manhandled so but Tyler was harmless and I had to admit I was having a lot of fun letting him twirl me around the dance floor.

I saw Bella and Adrian dancing and smiled at the adoration in my sister's eyes. They looked very cute together. As another dance began, thoughts of my sister's blossoming new relationship were pushed from my mind as Tyler began dancing with me again. It seemed for the next couple of hours like I was never left alone. From the glances between my friends I wondered if this had been done on purpose. I knew they were worried about me but I was a big girl who could look after myself. I understood their worry however, when the next song came to an end and as Tyler turned me one last time, I came face to face with the Cullen clan.

They looked even more beautiful than usual, it was almost unfair that they seemed able to fit into any decade without trying. I hadn't seen them at the fair yesterday, in fact I hadn't really seen much of them recently. A combination of me avoiding them and them not being around. It was odd how much it hurt to see them but also how much I was unaffected by their presence. Even now my heart and mind seem to be warring with each other about what I wanted.

Begging release from dancing I moved away from Tyler. I was very aware of eyes following me. Not just the eyes of my sister and Adrian but others also. Trying to play it cool I grabbed a bottle of water from the refreshments table and headed outside. It was still light out, the sun had not yet gone to sleep and it was pleasantly warm.

It didn't take long for someone to follow me out. I'd expected it, considering the feelings I'd been having recently, people were probably scared of leaving me alone.

"Can we talk?"

I nodded my head without looking at the person and waited for them to join me. Sitting on the ground was peaceful and I wasn't about to move to accommodate them. They sat in front of me and I was unable to look away from them. I'd recognised them from their voice but still hadn't expected it to really be them. I would have chosen someone else.

"I'm sorry."

"For what? It's my fault Rose, I should have stayed quiet."

"No, it's our fault. You were just looking out for us and trying to make things easy and we threw you out because of it. It's not easy being what we are and we have had long talks about what to do now. There are rules within our communities that argue against humans knowing of our existence until they are used as blood banks or are going to be turned at a later date. The punishments of breaking such laws are…unpleasing."

"You're going to move aren't you? Or at the very least cut me from your lives. I understand, I expected it really. I've come to the point where I can accept it now. It'll be hard but I can work through it."

Rose smiled which I personally thought was a little insensitive given the current topic of conversation.

"We aren't moving or cutting you out Ella. We talked about it long and hard and thought about it from different angle but we concluded that our life would be better with you in it. There is no reason for us not to continue on as we were before. We have all been effected by the separation caused between us, some more than others and Alice pointed out that there was no immediate danger."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that we want to be your friend again. I'm not saying this will be easy but we'll take things one day at a time. You're a strong person Ella but we want to see you smile again."

"You really mean it? I won't cause problems us being friend's?"

Rose shook her head.

I felt…words couldn't describe how I felt. Alive, happy, excited, like a melted pile of sweets. The oppressing grey cloud that had hung above my head for so long seemed to have suddenly lifted.

"If you feel like it there is someone inside who I'm sure would like a dance with you."

"Edward?"

"Edward."

I beamed. Being friends with the Cullen's meant a lot. Being friends with Edward meant more. Maybe this was the chance I needed to push the boundaries and see if there was more than friendship on the cards.

Up Next: Chapter Thirteen – People's Meddling Fingers