Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, I'm just using it's world for my story. I do however own Ella, Adrian and anything else you don't recognise as being part of Twilight.

AN: I apologise that this is a day late. Seems the norm for me to get the chapters up on a Friday now! I will however try to get them up on Thursday's as promised. I am now dog sitting until the middle of next week so if the next chapter is late that is why. I loved writing this chapter, hope you enjoy reading it ~ Hannah

Chapter Fifteen – Certainly Unexpected

Though the thrill of being ask to the dance by Edward carried my happiness for many days, it was actually attending the ball that sent my happiness skyrocketing.

It was funny to me to think of how much my life had changed for the better since we moved in with Dad. I knew that I always had the ability to be this ridiculously happy but with Renee in the picture I'd never been given a chance. Renee was not a bad person generally she was just a bad person when it came to me. For whatever reason Renee had an issue with me and I'd long since given up wondering why. Now I was content to live in the moment and know that whatever happened in my life, my Dad would be there to catch me if I fell.

Speaking of Dad, he seemed to have gained a mystery date for the Halloween Ball. Though he wouldn't tell Bella or I who it was, he did get a bit red in the face when we questioned him. I wasn't as obviously curious as my sister. As long as Dad was happy then I was too. I was perfectly content to let Dad live his life as I knew he'd let me know of any changes when he was ready.

Bella was not so patient. She liked to know everything then and now. Hence why she was chasing the 'what is Adrian hiding' theory.

Anyway I certainly don't need to be thinking about Bella, Dad or Adrian right now. The girls were getting ready at the Cullen house. This was a big deal because Angela had even seen the Cullen house before. The Cullen's were still very private, respected and mysterious people in Forks and though Angela would never sink to their level, they would be respected by some of their peers by garnering entry to The Cullen's home.

I left Bella to it in terms of getting ready. She had picked her outfit out herself and was more than capable of dressing herself. I was actually quite surprised she was even dressing up as with the exception of the renaissance fair, Bella didn't exactly 'do' dressing up. Perhaps Forks was helping Bella change as well. Bella was not getting ready with the rest of us as Adrian was picking her up from home.

I had refused to get ready first. I wanted to see the masterpieces I'd outlined in the flesh and help with the girl's makeup first.

Alice looked like a small china doll. The costume I'd envisioned for her really did her justice. The off the shoulder top helped to extend her shoulders and neck. The belt that clinched her waist in really showed off her figure and the heels she wore helped her gain some height. Her hair had been styled to reflect 1920s flapper era. I started on Alice's makeup first. I covered her face in white makeup first, then outlined a skull mouth on her lips and painted her nose black. From her lips I painted out black vines that extended to her ears and added red vine leaves. I outlined her eyes with red eyeshadow and extended that shadow up over her eyebrows. I jazzed the eyes up with stick on red gems that I used to line the circle around her eyes. Next I drew a red line like an 'M' above her eyebrows and in the space left for her forehead, I created a spider's web. Alice looked stunning.

Rose's makeup was made of more colour. After the white paint base, I added the usual black lines to make a skull mouth and painted her nose black. I then drew a spider's web on her forehead that was similar to Alice's except that at the bottom of the web I'd drawn a key hole. I painted very thin black lines across her face and attached turquoise leaves to them. I added a flower to her chin and painted it the same turquoise colour. I drew large circles around her eyes and eyebrows and again painted them with turquoise paint and then outlined the circles with turquoise gems. The only word I could think of when looking at Rose in her costume was 'ethereal'

I'd done things right with Angela's costume for she looked fully confident in it. I knew if I had designed it but an inch shorter, her demeanour would be much different. Angela's make up was similar to Alice's in that it was quite dark and striking. After applying white makeup to her face, I outlined her lips with black makeup so it looked like a skull smile and did the same to the skin visible below her fringe. After painting her nose black, I added some blusher onto her cheeks and with a thin brush painted on some creative black lines around the blush. Lastly for her eyes, I first outlined them with a circle of black paint, and then rimmed that paint with red – making the red look like flower petals.

The three of them looked amazing in their costumes and their dates would surely be pleased. Rose was of course going with Emmett and Alice with Jasper but Angela was going with Tyler. Ben unfortunately was away with his family and I had a sneaky suspicion that Ben would have been Angela's original choice for the ball.

Next it was my turn and I was fully prepared to paint my own face but Alice got her hand in first and informed me in her scary determined voice that I was to 'sit back, relax, close my eyes and let her work her magic', so I did.

I was already sitting in my costume and had to admit that both Esme and Rose did a fantastic job with the sketches I had given them. The outfits that we were all wearing were much better than anything I could have imagined. The material used was so soft as well, and I couldn't stop running my hands along the material and marvelling at the finished product. It was rather therapeutic having someone else do my makeup for me, though I'll admit I was a little apprehensive knowing that it was Alice doing my makeup. Alice could be wonderful or she could be devious depending on how she'd seen the future and how much she wanted to meddle with it.

When she had finally finished and allowed me to look at the finished product, I couldn't help but be excited by what she'd done. My face was by far the most colourful of us all. After the usual white pain, skull lips and painted black nose had been achieved, it seemed that Alice had gone for the most colourful 'day of the dead' makeup she could manage. On my chin she'd painted a red rose. On the space between my eyebrows a red heart had been drawn. On the side of my forehead and down the sides of my cheeks, thin black creative lines had been drawn. Each had swirls and curls and were perfectly symmetrical on both sides. My eyes started with black shadow and eyeliner. The next colour was pink followed by blue. Each colour of eyeshadow came out in a sweeping motion to make the circle bigger. She'd essentially made my eyes big flowers. My eyebrows were completely hidden beneath the blue eyeshadow and paint. The petals of the flower were yellow, outlined with green and tipped with red.

Simply put my face looked stunning.

It was time now to meet the boys who had been getting dressed in another part of the house. Tyler was probably in his element as I know he'd been asked to help with the male costumes. Everyone looked very stunning in their costumes but I'll admit that from the moment I set foot in the room my eyes were drawn to Edward and I saw no other.

He looked stunning. He looked beyond stunning. Like a god of old. I don't think I'd even seen someone look so fine and no this wasn't my teenage hormones talking!

In comparison to my costume, Edward's was very simple. He was wearing a black suit with a red tie. There was a red flower in the lapel of his suit jacket. His makeup matched mine and while some boys would hate to be wearing makeup like a girl, Edward didn't care and pulled the look off effortlessly.

Only half his face had makeup on it. His nose, cheeks and above were painted but the lower part of his face was normal. His nose had been painted black and his eyes had been painted exactly like mine except that there were no flower petals. There were swirling vines of black covering the entirety of his forehead. I didn't think my gaze would waver from him this entire night.

When he offered me his arm I practically melted on the floor but managed to keep myself together. We were heading to the ball in three cars. Alice and Jasper were going with Carlisle and Esme while Angela and Tyler were going with Rose and Emmett. That left Edward and I in a car to ourselves. Somehow I think Alice planned this but I wasn't complaining. In this instance I didn't want to be separated from Edward.

The school gym hall was decked out like something from a movie. It was like the committee organising it had tried to fit as much colour and as much Halloween horror film references in as possible. The result wasn't as disastrous as it sounded and the hall actually looked pretty great. There was a buffet service in one corner and tables lined the edges. The main dancefloor was in the middle and there was a 'haunted maze' in the school courtyard that you could try your luck finding the centre of.

I could already see so many people I recognised and a whole lot more that I didn't. Some of the other costumes out there were fantastic and I knew there would be a costume competition and subsequent winner. Everyone was entered and I secretly hoped that one of our 'day of the dead' costumes won.

Edward didn't give me time to think of what to do as he immediately swept me onto the dancefloor. We waltzed together around the floor space and I wasn't the only one who was surprised by our choice of dance. Not many people knew that I knew how to dance the waltz and I'm sure this was a shock to them.

I was acutely aware of where Edward's hand was resting on my back and though I knew his hand to be cool it was practically burning a hole of heat through my dress. I couldn't take my eyes off Edward's face as we danced. I was entranced by him. We danced three more dances together before Edward moved me towards the buffet table. I could see he had a secret smirk upon his face and deduced that he was thinking something along the lines of 'must feed the human'.

Personally I found it remarkable how attentive he was. How he always knew what to do and what to say. I knew that this was him personally and not his ability to read minds now that I'd had that conversation with him. I was constantly surprised by how thoughtful he was.

Honestly how could I not fall for a guy like Edward? I was not fickle or overly girlish. I was not hasty in my actions or feelings. This was not a brief crush nor would it be a short romance.

I may not yet be an adult in the eyes of the law but I knew my mind and I knew my heart. I would not enter into anything without consulting those two factors first. I was content at this moment to simply be on Edward's arm and be the only female he gazed at with his intense gaze.

"Did I mention that you look simply stunning tonight?"

Though on the outside I was merely smiling at Edward, on the inside I was doing a very theatrical happy dance.

"You did not."

"Well, let me make some amends then. You look beautiful just like a Greek Goddess and your beauty shines brighter than any star in the sky."

I blushed. I knew he was being overly dramatic but that was still one of the nicest things that had even been said to me.

"If I look like a Greek Goddess then you must be a Greek God. You look magnificent and very handsome."

He bowed his head to me in the form of a bow.

I loved this side of Edward. The 'happy joking but intense underlining message' Edward.

"Thank you for agreeing to come as my date tonight."

"I could not say no Edward and you have made this night so special for me."

We danced a couple more dances and I even rested my head against his chest during a slow dance. As we danced I people watched those around us. I saw my Dad and his mystery woman though I couldn't work out who she was. I saw Angela and Tyler having some sort of 'worst dance' dance-off and finally I saw my sister.

I saw her dance with Adrian as they shared words. I saw my sister storm out in anger and felt my stomach drop. I would have gone to her if not for the steady hands that kept me in place.

"Don't go to her just yet. Give them a chance to work things out."

I nodded to Edward though I wasn't happy about leaving my sister to fend for herself when she was so obviously unhappy.

Edward however was proved right as no more than half an hour later Bella returned to the hall looking much happier and on the arm of Adrian once more. It was then that Ella noticed Bella was making a beeline towards her. This night was special for the both of us and I knew that Bella taking time to talk to me meant it was something important.

"Could I please borrow my sister for a moment?"

"Of course," came Edward's reply. "I shall wait with my siblings until your return."

Though I was reluctant to leave Edward I wanted to know what was happening with my sister. A short intense eye gaze between Edward and I played out and I hoped he got what I was trying to say. At any rate he smiled, squeezed my hand and let me go. Though he said he would wait with his siblings I didn't doubt that he would be far away should I need him.

Bella dragged me out of the hall with little regard to keeping my arm within its socket.

"Is something wrong? Did Adrian do something? Oh gosh, have you broken up?"

Bella kept yanking me as I kept asking her question after question about what was going on. It wasn't like Bella to be so secretive. Then again I was one to talk, I hadn't even told her about the Cullen's yet.

We reached a secluded spot in the carpark outside and Bella finally stopped pulling on my arm which I rubbed tenderly. Instead she put her hand over my mouth and I was so tempted to lick it like I did when I was younger. However, she obviously wanted to say something to me without me interrupting so I would try my best to stay quiet.

"I know Adrian's secret. He told me and it's nothing like I ever would have guessed."

Slowly she removed her hand from my mouth and looked at me expectedly.

"Well, what is it?"

"He's a fey."

"Like a fairy?"

Judging by Bella's face I'd clearly said something offensive.

"No, not fairies. Fairies are make believe but fey are real. There are two types of fey. Light-fey and dark-fey. Adrian is a full light-fey, in fact he is actually Prince of the light-fey. Tyler, his cousin is only a half-fey. The light-fey and dark-fey have been fighting for decades but all is quiet now. They live here in our world but also on the fey plain. Oh and they're immortal."

"So what does learning Adrian's secret mean for you?"

I was still trying to process the fact that a) Adrian wasn't human and b) there were other mythical creatures that were real.

"Apparently we're fated. Like soul mates or something."

"You're ok with that? I mean I know you're happy with Adrian but being with him forever? What about you being human?"

"I'll admit it's a little daunting but haven't I always wanted a fairy-tale romance? I'm still taking things in myself and I'm sure there is more that Adrian wants to tell me. I just wanted you to know as well. If/when I bond with Adrian I'll become immortal, that's just how it works."

"It just seems a little much."

"I understand. Look could you not tell the Cullen's about this? Adrian doesn't want them to know yet."

"What do the Cullen's have to do with anything?" I asked.

"I know what they are."

I knew my face looked panicked just as I knew my heart was beating wildly in my chest.

"Relax, I won't tell anyone. Adrian just wanted to inform me and I get why you didn't tell me. You always were good at keeping others secrets. I'm happy for you Ella, that you've found a family to fill the hole Renee left. Just don't forget about Dad and I ok?"

I found myself nodding for I couldn't find the words to say anything else. I felt like I should be angry and that I should lay down the ground rules for Bella. It didn't help that I knew next to nothing about these light-fey and dark-fey. If there was a war going on between the two of them did that mean Bella was in danger? I knew Adrian to be a truthful person so I didn't think he would have made all of this up. If he and Bella were 'mates' how did that process begin? How did Bella become immortal? Did she have any choice in the matter? What about children?

Oh god, what about Dad? Dad couldn't continue like this. I couldn't hide my secrets from Dad forever.

"I just wanted to tell you so you'd have time to think things through. I know I'll be doing the same and I want to be able to talk to you about things. I don't want any secrets between us. We're closer than sisters. You're my best friend Ella and I don't want to ever lose that."

Bella hugged me and I wrapped my arms tightly around her. Bella wasn't much of a hugger. She found physical displays of affection difficult just like Dad did but we both needed this. I think Bella realised how shell-shocked I was for I felt her guiding me back towards Edward and the Cullen's. I didn't hear the words that were exchanged between the two parties but I did feel Edward's arms come around me and protect me while I sorted out what was happening in my mind.

When I finally came to my senses, I found myself looking into the concerned eyes of Edward. Even then I couldn't focus just on him as I saw the rest of his family hovering in the background.

"Are you alright?"

I blinked as I tried to get my bearings and gather a response.

"Ella?"

"I'm fine. Bella just told me something I wasn't expecting."

"Is it bad?"

"No I think it's good actually. I mean, I'm not entirely sure but she seems happy and that's good right?"

Edward nodded.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Bella asked me not to. I'm really sorry. It's nothing against any of you or anything. She just wanted to keep me in the loop."

I snuggled deeper into Edward's embrace and never wanted the moment to end. Fortunately, the moment didn't and Edward tightened his grip on me. I was delighted to discover that I would remain in Edward's arms for the rest of the night.

Bella was out as usual with Adrian; I knew that even before I'd left my bedroom. Even though Bella had told me what was going on in her life I still felt a little like we were drifting apart. I'd have to talk to her about it thought. Above all else my relationship with Bella was most important to me and I wouldn't let anything tear it apart.

I was walking downstairs with a bit of a skip in my step and humming out loud to myself. My step faltered though when I entered the kitchen and saw my Father sitting down upon a kitchen chair and looking like his life had crumbled around him.

"Dad?" I whispered.

He didn't move but I saw his shoulders shake slightly with the intense emotion he was feeling. Something was clearly wrong with him and I didn't know what to do.

"Dad, what has happened?"

I stood before him now and I know he could see my feet from where he was looking at the floor. It surprised me when he reached out and grabbed my arms in his hands. He held on tightly, not tight enough to hurt but tight enough to stop me from going anywhere.

"I saw a monster."

"I don't understand you saw a what?"

"I went to visit Deano, you know he hasn't been himself lately. The farm was all busted up like some hurricane had passed through and there was this smell. God almighty it smelt so bad, like rotting flesh. I called out to Deano but he didn't answer. Then I heard movement but by now I was scared so I hid behind part of the barn and watched in secret."

"What did you see?"

"Something had cornered Deano. They had the strength to hold him up by his throat. He looked petrified yet I didn't move from my spot. No person should be able to do that. I was looking at the back of the attacker but even I saw what he did next. He bit Deano, actually bit him. Right on his jugular and he drank and drank until Deano's life had disappeared. Ella I felt so terrible to have witness Deano's death and not done a thing about it but this person wasn't human. Ella they drank Deano's blood."

"Vampire," I muttered.

"You don't think me crazy?"

I shook my head.

"I have to make a phone call; it'll be alright Dad you'll see."

Dad didn't stop me from moving away. It wasn't natural to see him like this. I wanted to take away the image I knew he'd seen but I could not. I'd often thought about how Dad would find out about Vampires but it was never this way. Finding my phone, I dialled the number I needed.

"Edward."

"Don't worry, Alice is on her way now with Carlisle and Jasper. I'm following with Rose, Emmett and Esme."

"Everyone's coming? You don't think that will be a bit overwhelming?"

"Everything will be fine. Don't worry."

He hung up and I was left with the silence that had filled the house. I didn't know what to do. I needed to tell Bella. So I phoned her next.

"Hey Ella what's up?"

"Dad saw a vampire kill his friend Deano. He's in shock. He's upset. The Cullen's are coming over to help out. I just wanted to let you know."

"Ok. I'll come home soon then. I'll pick up his favourite for dinner."

Once I'd ended the phone call with Bella and had returned to the kitchen, I heard the knock at the door.

I welcomed the Cullen's into my home and waited for the 'everything will be fine' moment to arrive.

"Charlie, can you hear me? It's me Doctor Carlisle Cullen. Your daughter Ella called us to explain things to you."

I didn't really want to hear the Cullen's explain to my dad about Vampires. I didn't know if that talk including mentioning that they were also vampires or not. When Edward and the rest of the Cullen's appeared, Edward skilfully took me to my room without anyone noticing.

We cuddled on my bed. It was innocent and yet I needed his embrace like I needed water to live. I needed the safety and the comfort his embrace gave me.

"It'll be alright. They will explain everything."

"I know. I just wish Dad didn't find out about vampires like this. He'll want to help organise Deano's funeral but I know my Dad and I know the guilt he carries. How will he be able to handle that when he thinks he should have done something to help rather than just watch his friend die?"

"Ella everything will work out. Alice has seen what will come to pass and though it doesn't seem like it now things will get better."

"You said the future can change, that Alice's visions aren't always correct."

"That's true but there are certain things that are set in stone. This is one of them, your Father isn't going anywhere. We'll keep him safe and he'll be with you and Bella for many years to come."

"You really mean that?"

"Of course."

Again I realised I didn't want the moment to end. I didn't want to lose the comfort of Edward's embrace. Edward said that vampires were cool to the touch but I really didn't feel that right now. I just felt like I was home.

"Alice says we can go downstairs now. We're leaving but I'll come back later."

I nodded as Edward held my hand and walked downstairs with me.

Dad was up and standing by the front door. He was smiling and shaking Carlisle's hand in thanks. I got one last look at Edward before the Cullen's were gone from our home.

"So Vampires huh?"

I smiled at Dad and his attempt at humour in this difficult situation.

"You aren't mad that I didn't tell you? Or that I'm friends with them?"

"No of course not."

"You're taking this rather well."

"Just like you did I imagine."

"Well we had always thought it to be a possibility."

"Just makes you think what else is out there."

I nodded, "Bella knows about the Cullen's but no one else does. It's dangerous for us to know. They have these leaders who monitor the vampire world."

"Would these leaders kill you?"

"I don't know maybe but then I could just as easily be killed by a car."

"Just keep yourself safe Kiddo, that's all I ask. You got any problems you tell me. I'm still the Chief of Police here," he chuckled.

"Thanks Dad."

"That doesn't mean I'm not going to now go and google the hell out of vampires just so I can be prepared."

"You know you're the best Dad in the whole world."

"Stop, you're embarrassing me."

Up Next: Chapter Sixteen – Don't Witches Go to Hogwarts?