Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, just Ella, Adrian and anything else you don't recognise.

AN: Sorry this is a day late, I hadn't finished it yesterday. I just checked up with the plan for this story and am uncertain as to whether I'll end up splitting it into different parts or not. Parts 1 & 2 of this story are pretty much fleshed out but parts 3 & 4 are still in the planning process. I'm adding another mythical being to join the 2 I've already put in and Angela will become a big part of the story. For all those waiting for some Edward/Ella action/smut, this really is a slow burning story, so don't expect any soon.

AN2: To everyone who has reviewed so far - thank you. Your words mean a lot.

AN3: For those of you wondering why I only post once a week/those that ask me to update sooner. I only write one chapter a week. So there isn't any pre-written material ready for me to post.

~Hannah

Up Next: Chapter Fourteen – Halloween

National holidays were a big event in Forks, definitely bigger than the Renaissance Fair. It was almost like it was a 'small town rite of passage' to celebrate any and all holidays that passed throughout the year. I had many plans of what I wanted to dress up as on Halloween but I was pretty sure that most of them would be vetoed by my Dad. Suicide Squad had just come out at the cinemas and I really wanted to dress up like Harley Quinn but I knew however, that that was just asking for trouble. There was no way in hell that Dad would allow me to dress in something that skimpy.

Alice and I had been discussing for several days what to go as for Halloween but hadn't come to a conclusion yet. Alice had backed off from trying to push Edward and I together since I the conversation I'd had with her. I still felt a little guilty that I hadn't told Bella of my feelings yet but I knew I would when I got a chance.

Currently I was rushing across the school's car park and heading towards Alice with a smile upon my face. I'd finally decided what we should dress up as. We were intent on dragging the rest of the Cullen's into our Halloween spirit though they were protesting very loudly.

Every year the Halloween dance was held in the school's gym. It wasn't teenage based though as the whole town was invited. The school's gym was just the largest room the town had to offer so of course all our events would be held there.

"Oh this is going to be so exciting, I can't wait to start designing."

Coming up to stand before Alice I paused in what I was about to say. How could Alice already know what I was going to tell her? None of the Cullen's had mentioned anything about their lives as Vampires but I was beginning to get slightly suspicious. I believed that at least some of the Cullen's had inherited special talents when they became Vampires. To me it made perfect sense but I hadn't yet worked up the courage to ask them about it. I didn't want another blowout. I should really stand my ground and ask them but oh well.

I'd buck this unsure trend soon and ask them, I'm sure.

"Are you going to let me tell you or are you going to spoil the whole thing?"

Alice mimed zipping her lips closed and waited for me to talk though she was already bouncing on the balls of her feet in excitement.

"We should go in 'day of the living dead' costumes," I said proudly. "I've already got a list of what we could include and I've made a couple of sketches for you, Rose and myself."

"Definitely exciting. I knew you'd think of something sooner or later though I still think going as members of Suicide Squad would have been awesome."

"If we're not doing Suicide Squad does this mean we don't have to come?" asked Emmett.

Firecracker Alice appeared like a bolt of lightning from the sky.

"No it doesn't. You have to come, we're going as a group and we'd look really sad if it was just us girls. Besides we need big strong men to protect us from the wild young men of the town. You'll protect us won't you."

Alice said her words in a sing-song voice but even I could detect the subtle manipulative tone to what she said. No doubt that even if the boys protested she'd find them dressed in costume on Halloween night. Not even paying attention during my school classes, I was giddy with excitement at the thought of dressing up for Halloween. I'd even roped Angela into dressing up as the day of the dead though Bella point blank refused.

I now had to create four unique outfits on paper and then Alice had said that Rose and Esme would then make them. I was ecstatically happy by this turn of events.

I was sitting in the Cullen's living room sketching out my ideas as soon as the bell had rung signalling the end of the school day. We'd all decided to go for the traditional make-up of a painted white face and black outlined skull features with colour where necessary.

For my own costume I'd designed a corset that had red piping and red frills across the top and bottom and had a skull pattern across it. I had created a Victorian style skirt that was very short at the front – showing off the black hot pants I planned to wear – and very long in the back, with several layers that alternated between red and skull patterned. I also envisioned black and red lace gloves that covered my palms and wrists. I was going to team it with a garland of colourful flowers and a headdress of flowers and skulls.

For Alice's costume I'd envisioned something between bar maid and 1920's film. Her dress was an off the shoulder number with green and red piped frills along the top. It was loose until her waist where the dress clinched in. The belt was large and wide. A skull with a heart above the eyes stood proudly in the middle of the belt and on either side a gold cross would be stitched. The skirt of the dress was poufy as it had layers of red and black netting underneath. The top of the skirt had three layers to it. Two of them were a stripy pattern of red, green, white and black while the layer in-between was made up of black satin with red and green piping. In her hair Alice would wear a single red flower and the dress was accompanied by spider web tights.

For Rose's costume I wanted to show off her magnificent figure. I knew she was used to wearing dresses to do this but I had something else in mind. I created an all-in-one body suit with the base of it being black. Sketched over it was a skeleton but filled with patterns and colours instead of just white. As the outfit demanded a lot of attention, I decided to leave Rose's hair loose and flowing. She didn't need any flowers in her hair or extra accessories. I made a note at the bottom of the sketch about black heels as I knew they'd go well with the outfit.

Lastly I designed Angela's outfit. Angela was a shy girl and I wanted her costume to represent her personality but also portray a hint of sexiness. The dress I styled for her came down to her thighs but I teamed it with over the knee black socks with skeleton bones on them so she would not feel uncomfortable. The top part of the dress had the ribcage drawn on in white paint and the collar was off the shoulder and made of multi-coloured flowers. The underskirt of the dress was black body-con but the top layer was stripy and fell lower in the back. Again I'd made the bottom of the dress lacy and attached flowers to it. I also sketched some arm warmers with skeletal bones painted on them for her to wear. For the final touch I created a headband with some flowers on it to wear on her head.

When I finally finished the sketches it had gone dinner time and the underside of my hand was smeared with different coloured pencil shades. However, I couldn't be happier with the visions I'd created and when I showed them to Esme and Rose I got to hear how they viewed my work as well. I was not disappointed. I was happy that I got to share my talent with others and thrilled that they liked the designs as much as I did.

I was shooed from being involved in making them though and feeling slightly disgruntled I headed home. Bella was out again, visiting Adrian I presumed. I felt like we needed to spend some more time together. It was just me and Dad for dinner that night and actually I really enjoyed myself.

Since finding out about the Cullen's being Vampires, I'd wanted to tell my Dad the truth many times over but didn't want to put either the Cullen's or Dad in danger. I'd refrained from spilling the secret but had almost slipped up many times. It was a dangerous thing to unveil, I wasn't stupid and I didn't want to put my family in unnecessary danger. Perhaps I'd just wait for an opportunity to present itself. I wouldn't be able to live in the knowledge of keeping something like this from my family for long. That kind of behaviour just wasn't in my nature.

Over the next couple of days, I found myself becoming increasingly angry. My anger did not dim when Edward asked me to accompany him for a day in the woods, but it didn't over take my spirit. Unlike my uncoordinated sister who refused to enter the wilderness without good reason, I didn't mind venturing into pastures unknown.

Being the good little human that I was, I had packed a backpack full of necessities because I didn't trust Edward to remember. I packed an extra set of clothes, a towel, some food and a first aid kit. It was all just 'in case of' as I didn't know what Edward was planning.

"I come out here to think sometimes. The house can get a little chaotic after a while. We've been together so long and yet we still have moments when we can't stand each other."

I nodded at his words as I could understand where he was coming from. Granted I hadn't lived for as long as he had but I had grown up with my sister and knew that as much as I loved her I too sometimes wanted to get away from her.

"I discovered this spot almost as soon as we moved here. I wanted to create a little safe haven for myself and Esme was only too happy to be given the opportunity to decorate some more. We each have our own little safe place and it's just nice to have a place where we can just be ourselves."

"So you're taking me to your safe haven?"

He nodded and somehow the thought of where we were going made me nervous.

"Are you sure you want to take me there? It won't be much of a safe haven if you're no longer the only one who knows."

"What if I don't want to be the only one who knows anymore?"

I studied him for a long while, trying to memorise his face in my mind. He seemed sincere in his words and I could tell he truly wanted me to see his safe haven.

At this point I was honestly expecting anything. It had been quite a trek to get here and I could only imagine how this walk would have been harder had it been Bella with Edward and not myself. As the undergrowth got momentarily thinner and the sky peaked through the trees in a more determined manner I started to believe that we were nearing out destination.

"Are we there yet?"

Alright, I was moaning like a brat, so sue me.

I'd already eaten half my fruit and nut mix and was beginning to get rather tired. I didn't have Bella's clumsiness to contend with but that didn't make me a magnificent walker.

"We're already here."

Looking around I saw the same trees, the same undergrowth and the same annoying forest that we'd been walking in for the past hour.

"Are you joking? I don't see anything. If you've tricked me Edward I'm going to hurt you."

"Hurt a vampire? As if you could."

"Oh I'd work out a way to do it. I didn't say I'd get physical now did I!"

I huffed in annoyance, crossed my arms under my chest and pouted to the forest floor.

I could hear his light footsteps; he was getting closer to me but still I refused to look up. Even now when I could see his feet appear in my vision I didn't look up to meet him.

He placed his index and middle finger under my chin and momentarily caressed the skin there. It was soft and charming. I fought the urge to close my eyes and enjoy the attention. He lifted my face to meet his.

"Silly Ella, we are already here and I didn't trick you."

He pushed my head up further until I was looking up at the sky. Upside down it looked a bit odd but I recognised it for what it was.

"A treehouse?"

Edward let go of my chin and I found myself to be disappointed. Taking my hand instead he led me up to the base of the large tree. The house that sat atop it looked like a small palace and I couldn't wait to see what was inside it. Though I could see some very sturdy looking steps embedded into the tree I wondered how I was going to get up them. There was no railing to hold on to and the tree was one of the highest I'd ever seen. It seemed that Edward had come to the same conclusion I had for – without giving me a chance to protest – he'd swung me up over his back and was climbing up the tree with his hands and feet.

It was like being on a six legged creatures back, alarming and fast. I didn't close my eyes though – even if I did feel a little sick – for I didn't want to miss a moment of this experience. I also wanted to cement in my mind the feel of Edward's muscles under my hands. This was probably as close as I was going to get to hugging Edward for a long while so I was going to make it count!

When we'd reached the top and Edward had set me down on my own two wobbly feet I turned to mock glare at him.

"You could have warned me you were going to do that."

"I didn't want to ruin the surprise."

I watched as he got a small key out of his pocket and unlocked the door before us. He waited then and motioned for me to go in before him. I hesitated on the doorstep and then pushed forward. From what I imagined the treehouse to look like times that imagination by fifty and you got what I was now looking at. I could definitely tell that Esme had been in here working her magic. The treehouse was a perfect combination of both Edward and nature. Honestly I felt completely awed and honoured that Edward felt comfortable enough to share this with me.

"It's beautiful."

"It certainly is something," he murmured back but he was looking at me and I had the distinct impression that he wasn't talking about the treehouse.

I blushed.

Leading me by the hand again, Edward showed me around his safe haven. There was only one room and a balcony. The place was filled with pillows and blankets. The balcony did have a railing at the front of it, there was also a hammock and two chairs. The view from the balcony was incredible and every time I blinked I was awarded with a new view to look at. I wished I had bought some art supplies with me for I dearly wanted to draw what I was seeing.

"I'll bring you back sometime with supplies so you can draw."

I blinked and tore my gaze away from the view to Edward's face.

"How do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Know what I'm thinking before I've said it?"

"I'm good at reading people…you're hard to read but your face is expressive."

"You know that sentence was confusing right."

He chuckled.

"Come on then, tell me what it is I'm missing. Don't lie either, I know that whatever you're hiding, Alice and Jasper are hiding as well."

"You're overly observant you know that?"

"Perhaps but I haven't pushed you guys. I've kept my mouth shut."

"What changed."

I took in his smirking face and amused eyes before I answered.

"You putting your foot in it just now. You practically gave me an opening to ask."

If his face was anything to go by, Edward was clearly amused by this situation. It was clear that I'd called him out and I was optimistic that he would reveal all.

"There are certain vampires who are reborn with gifts. These gifts could come from their souls or a part of their lives they excelled in before. Emmett for example is super strong, he was incredibly strong in his human life and almost succeeded in fighting a bear. That strong trait was carried over when he was reborn. Jasper is an empath; he feels what others feel. You were so close to the truth when you first met him and called him out for his anxiety. Alice can predict the future. She predicted the arrival of you in our lives and it was mostly down to her scanning the future that we felt it safe enough to include you in our lives. I can read people's minds but before you go all paranoid on me, I can't hear yours."

"You just said I was easy to read though?"

"Your face is very expressive it is only from watching you that I can decipher some of your expressions. I can't hear what's in your mind though other than the odd jumbled word. The only way I can describe it is that it's like you have a block on your mind or that you're unconsciously hiding your thoughts from others. Your sister however I cannot hear at all, it's like she's on the FM and I'm on the AM."

"So basically you're a vampire with issues."

"Something like that," he said as he stared at me with a level of intensity I hadn't seen before. "You're taking this rather well."

"I had already thought of possible answers. This one was no different. I've had time to accept who you and your family are. I've always had a more open mind to what is going on around me and before you get paranoid, that doesn't mean I've forgotten that even vegetarian vampires can be dangerous."

"Touché."

Smirking at Edward I relaxed against the back on the treehouse and pulled a soft fleecy blanket over myself. I was content to stay here for the rest of my days but unfortunately life doesn't stop for a single command. Soon enough someone was waking me from my deep slumber and as I groaned groggily I saw Edward's face swimming in my vision.

"Come on sleepy head, time to get you home."

I murmured something and Edward laughed. I tried to find my voice but I was still stuck in the land of the sleeping. When I finally managed to wake myself up I was already in Edward's car.

"Sorry for falling asleep on you."

"Well I did have you traipsing around the forest for a fair while. You lasted longer than I thought you would."

"No teasing the human here Edward."

"Leave your window open tonight Princess."

I groaned much to Edward's amusement.

"Why?"

"So the white knight can look after you of course."

Waking up the following morning I could distinctively smell Edward's lingering scent in my room. This in turn both excited and repulsed me. Excitement because it meant Edward was near me through the night and that was a sure sign that he like liked me. Repulsion because it was very creepy to know that Edward had been watching me sleep.

Groaning at the thoughts in my head I trudged downstairs. I made the mistake of trying to put my jumper on as I walked down the stairs and it resulted in me 'pulling a Bella' and landing face first on the floor. My loud arrival bought the attention of Bella who flat out started laughing at me. It did not improve my morning mood.

"So, who are you going with to the Halloween dance?"

Not again, why does she keep asking me.

"I don't know."

"Well who do you want to ask."

"Edward."

"I think that…wait, did you just say Edward?"

I blushed scarlet.

I did just say that! Crap, well the cat's out of the bag now. I'll have to tell Bella of my crush.

"Yes…"

"You and Edward?"

"Ok first off there is no me and Edward."

"You want there to be a you and Edward though?"

"Ok you got me cornered. I like Edward the same was you like Adrian."

Bella squealed in a way that I didn't think she could and began jumping up and down in the kitchen.

"Oh my gosh I'm so happy."

"Well I'm grumpy."

"Why? This is just amazing!"

"I have a headache and your loud squeals are not helping."

Despite the grouchy mood I was in that morning, Bella refused to tone down her happiness at my revealed feelings. She happily chatted all the way to school and it was like having a non-stop earache.

We were early for school and as it wasn't raining we loitered in the courtyard. It seemed my day was bound to continue along terribly. I never realised how many admirers Edward had but as I watched at least seven girls attempt to ask him to the Halloween dance, my world just got darker and darker. Even when Alice and Rose came over to join us, my glares to the outside world didn't stop. Alice was immediately involved in a conversation with Bella – I didn't even know those two knew each other that well – but I could guess what they were talking about.

Rose however made her way over to me.

"You know glaring like that isn't going to change anything."

Breaking my concentration, I looked up at her in confusion.

"Why don't you just ask him to the dance?"

I blushed.

"He wouldn't say no to you."

"Considering he's probably heard this conversation; I'd hate it if he accepted out of pity or friendship. Things are different with you guys; I don't want to rock the boat or lose the friendship."

"That's what you're worried about?"

I nodded.

"What about you and how you feel?"

"My feelings will either go away in time or explode for all to see. It's just a matter of which comes first."

"That doesn't bother you?"

"No. It probably should but it doesn't. Life never gives you more than you can handle. I can handle whatever outcome I'm faced with."

"You have a wise soul you know that?"

"So I've been told once or twice."

"Well whatever happens I will always be here for you. You help me remember who I want to be."

I smiled a Rose and offered her a hug which she gladly accepted. The hug meant more to the two of us than others would understand. I didn't know the story of how Rose – or any of the other Cullen's – became vampires but I knew that Rose was a very caring and compassionate woman. Like Esme I got the feeling that Rose craved a family. I craved a Mother figure, something that I'd lacked with Renee and much to my delight that role was being filled by both Esme and Rose. I wouldn't trade what I was getting for all the world.

"Can I butt into this conversation?"

Rose and I broke out hug and turned to face Edward. I saw Rose narrow her eyes towards him but ultimately she nodded in consent and stepped away from us. Once she had disappeared into the crowd of students, Edward turned to face me.

"I hate it when the school holds dances. I have to be the gentleman and just end up making girls cry. It puts so much pressure on our family, humans are generally infatuated with our beauty and it can get rather annoying. You must know I was always going to ask you it's just I was trying to find the right way to do it. Seems like this is it, a crowded carpark where everyone can stare at us and judge."

"Edward what are you talking about? You're doing that thing again where you mumble without reason."

"Will you go to the Halloween dance with me?"

"As friend's right?"

My heart sunk.

"I'm new at this but I feel things I haven't felt before. Let's not say we're going as friends but let's not put a definitive label on things. Can't we just explore the possibility of something in-between?"

Edward hadn't given me a direct answer but he'd given more than I hoped for and had actually summed up my own feelings in his own. I cherished the friendship I had with Edward but I also felt more than friendship towards him. I didn't know how much I felt towards him and didn't want to jump right in and declare us 'boyfriend and girlfriend'. I was more than content to see how things went as long as he was. I wouldn't be the answer others would want but as I didn't care for what others thought outside my small friendship group, I didn't really care.

Feeling brave and bold for once in my life I took a chance.

"Of course I'll go to the dance with you."

His eyes were intense while mine were determined. Leaning forward I brushed my lips against his cool cheek. It was but a moment, a simple caress before I pulled away again but I could tell it had affected him. Walking toward Bella, Alice and Angela I could tell they'd witnessed our interaction as had half the school. I walked away with them and left Edward to the gossips of the courtyard.

Up Next: Chapter Fifteen – Certainly Unexpected