A/N- Hello, dear readers.

Meet the Mate results are out! My entry didn't win, but it was well-received and I'm very grateful for all the reviews! It's up on my profile now, along with the promise of its continuation ;) I'm working on it, and will do more once this one is finished. In case you were wondering, Start Over will have around 18 chapters, plus an epilogue. So, we're not too far from the end now.

Dazzled Eyes22 and Melissa help me make this pretty. Thank you, ladies :)

Now, go ahead! Happy reading!

CHAPTER 13

I knocked at the door to Bella's bedroom. "We've got to go, Bella."

"One second!"

It was the night of Rosalie's party. Bella had been very enthusiastic at the time when Emmett had invited her, but since this morning, she had become nervous about going.

"What if they don't like me?"

She'd asked me that question about ten times today.

Since neither of us was sure about how or when we were going to talk to our parents- well, my parents, and Charlie- about our relationship, meeting the friends was the next important step.

Or so I had been informed.

I reminded Bella constantly that she had already met Emmett and Jasper, and they had liked her instantly, so there was nothing to worry about. When I said that, she would relax for a while, and the next moment, she'd start fretting about Rosalie's reaction.

Bella's close friends included Alice, Jacob and Angela. I was now well acquainted with the first two, and I'd met Angela twice when I'd headed over to Bella's school on my break, to have lunch with her.

Angela was a nice girl, maybe a little shy and on the quieter side, but kind. She seemed to match Bella's personality perfectly, while Alice was the polar opposite. Despite the differences, the three girls had gelled together quite well and were thick as thieves.

Alice was notoriously absent when I arrived to pick up Bella. It puzzled me, because she had been very excited about this night. She had accompanied Bella on the shopping expedition for her dress for this party and promised to help her with her make-up. However, I hadn't seen her tonight, and that struck me a little strange. I deliberated over asking Bella about it.

All thoughts flew from my mind when the door finally opened and the breathtaking vision that was my girlfriend stepped out.

She was dressed in a thin-strapped, ink blue dress that reached up to her knees and hugged her curves to perfection. Her hair was twisted up in some sort of an intricate design that I couldn't name, with a few lustrous locks framing her heart-shaped face. Her eyelids were shaded and her long lashes cast little shadows over her skin when she blinked.

"Well?" she asked. She spoke, but my brain didn't register the sound, instead focusing on the light pink sheen on her lips which made them look even fuller and sparked in me a strong desire to ravish them.

"Edward?" she said softly, while I stood dumbly in front of her, gaping like a fish.

I swallowed thickly, finally locating my voice. "You look stunning, Bella. I can't even… I don't have words to describe just how beautiful you are."

A rosy blush spread across her face and made her look more perfect, if that was even possible.

"Thank you," she said with a shy, but genuinely happy smile playing at her lips.

"Shall we?" I asked mainly to distract myself. If I kissed her now, we would definitely not make it to the club on time.

Bella took a moment to put on her heels, and then we were off.

I asked her about Alice in the car, and she frowned slightly. "She just said that she had somewhere to be. I asked, but she wouldn't tell me anything else. She did leave me precise instructions about how I was supposed to do my hair and make-up. She's been a little secretive since she came back from her parents', but I let it go, thinking that it must have been some family matter and she'd tell me if she wanted me to know. Now, I don't know."

I took her hand. "Maybe you could talk to her tomorrow."

"Yeah, I'll give it a shot."

A few minutes later, we arrived at Eclipse and I handed over the keys to the valet, who eyed my car with unrestrained glee.

Bella laughed at the discomfort on my face. "Your little baby will be just fine, Edward. Let's go."

We walked in, hand in hand. Rosalie knew the manager, so, like Em had assured me, we had no problem in getting past the bouncers. The music was loud, but not overly so and the lighting muted. On our right was the huge dance floor, with pulsing lights and gyrating bodies. I lead Bella over to the booths on the other side, separated from the bar and the dance floor by glass doors, since that was where Emmett had told me we would be convening.

I spotted him pretty quickly, his large hand waving at us wildly from the corner booth in the last row.

We reached them and he stood immediately with outstretched arms. Completely ignoring me, he reached out to embrace Bella.

"So happy to see you here, Bellie! Thanks for coming."

Bella laughed and replied in kind, while Rosalie stepped forward to hug me.

"Happy birthday, Rose." I kissed her cheek and handed her our present- a bracelet that Bella had helped me pick out.

When Emmett released her, Bella held out a hand to greet Rosalie.

"So, you're the one I've been hearing so much about, huh?" She looked at Bella speculatively and shook her hand.

"I guess I am," she said. "It's nice to meet you, Rosalie. Happy birthday." Her voice was sure and confident as she placed her hand back in mine.

"You're serious about this? About Edward?" Rose asked her. "He's been hurt badly in the past and being his friend, I have no intention of sitting by and watching it happen again. I hope you are aware of the struggles that might arise for you simply because of your age difference. Are you ready to face them and not balk at the first sight of trouble?"

My God! Rosalie McCarty could never be accused of mincing her words.

I would have stepped in, but Bella's swift glance toward me made it clear that she wanted to handle this on her own.

I watched as Bella's shoulders straightened and she faced Rosalie with no hint of her previous nervousness visible on her features. "What we have is nobody's business but our own. That said, I'm pleased to see that Edward has such protective and supportive friends. I know I'm young, but, I have seen enough in life to know that when you… care for someone, life doesn't automatically turn into a fairy tale. Relationships need work, but with the way I feel for Edward, I am willing and even eager to do that work. I know he's been hurt before; I've seen exactly how lost he had been after the divorce. I've learnt that a promise to never hurt someone is practically impossible to keep. All you can do is try your best to make them happy and if you flounder, you apologize, support each other and move on, together." She gave me a tender smile and I returned it proudly.

Rosalie eyed us carefully for another tense moment, and then, I watched in shock as she reached out to embrace Bella, as though they were long lost friends. They whispered back and forth for a few seconds and pulled away with huge smiles on their faces, while I was still staring at them in surprise.

Rosalie saw my expression and raised an eyebrow. "What?"

She knew exactly what. Rosalie was not one to trust someone or let them into her life easily, and yet, she had immediately welcomed Bella with open arms.

Pun intended.

Hell, the first time I met her, I had to be content with a handshake and a few cursory, polite words.

"Stop looking at me like that, Edward. Anyone who can make you loosen up and act all giddy and smitten is a winner in my book." She winked at Bella, who giggled. "I think we'll be good friends, Bella. I've heard a lot about you from my husband and I look forward to getting to know more about you."

Bella smiled. "I'd like that."

As we sat, I asked Emmett, "Jasper's not here yet?"

"No, but he told me he's on his way. Oh, and get this, he's bringing a date," he said pointedly.

My eyes widened. "A date? Maria?"

"No. At least, I don't think it's her. Otherwise, he would have said her name, right?"

"I guess."

"Why is that so surprising?" Bella asked me. I opened my mouth to answer her, but as if on cue, I heard Jasper's voice.

"Happy birthday, Rosalie!" he bellowed and we all turned.

My eyes widened and my mouth fell open when I saw the woman on his arm. I heard Bella's gasp as she, too, registered what I was seeing and it shattered my hope that I was dreaming.

Or possibly delusional.

"Alice?"

"Hey, Bella, Edward!" She grinned, and then turned to introduce herself to Rosalie and Emmett.

I watched Jasper's face for any indication of what the hell he was doing. Emmett seemed to be thinking along the same lines as he glanced at me while Alice greeted Rosalie.

"What are you doing here?" Bella voiced my thoughts, as they settled down across the table from us. "What's going on?"

"Well, Jasper and I, we're dating," Alice stated, looking over at him with an adoring smile. "We started chatting when he texted me over Christmas break, that led to more talking and we started seeing each other once I came back."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Bella frowned slightly.

"Oh, Bella, I'm sorry. We just wanted it to be a surprise! Isn't it a good one?" she beamed. "When Emmett told Jasper about this party, we thought it was the perfect time to tell all of you, together."

"Yes, definitely." Bella smiled back, while Em, Rose and I nodded slightly, and exchanged concerned glances.

Jasper was ignoring all of us, choosing to focus only on Alice and Bella. That was fine, for now. He would most certainly not be able to ignore me when I caught him alone tomorrow.

The waitress arrived to take our orders, and I shot a surprised look at Bella when she asked for a beer. She winked and shrugged.

Rose saw our little exchange and cheered, "The girl deserves to have a little fun, Edward!"

"I didn't say anything!" I scowled. I didn't like the way she said that. She made it sound like I was about to prohibit Bella from drinking, and that was completely untrue. I'd been surprised, that was all.

"Hey." Bella took my hand and squeezed it. "I know you didn't mean anything by it." She turned to Rose with a smile. "He just hasn't seen me drink before. I certainly don't make a habit of it. I've had beer just a few times before at some parties Alice emotionally blackmailed me into attending. Just because I'm a straight A student doesn't mean I can't have a little fun. Right, Rose?"

"Hell yeah! I'm beginning to like you more and more, Bella." She held out a hand for Bella to clap. When Rose tried to apologize to me, I waved her off with a smile. I realized that she didn't mean to hurt me with her comments. It just ticked me off for a minute.

The girls kept the conversation flowing, talking about their areas of interest, as well as about Rosalie's job as an accountant in a major corporate firm. Emmett and Jasper also chimed in occasionally, while I tried to comment as and when required. I was only half-focused on that conversation. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched Jasper and Alice interact throughout dinner.

They seemed… normal. They talked to the rest of us, as well as shared some whispers with each other. Alice appeared happy, while Jasper… I'd say that he looked a little uncomfortable. He put on a good show for her with all his smiles, but I could read the signs, the most important one being that he wouldn't meet my eyes. Just once, our gazes locked, but he looked away quickly.

I couldn't for the life of me figure out Jasper's game here.

Why was he doing this?

Did he really like Alice? Was he willing to change for her, and give up his old ways?

Why keep it a secret, then?

Or did he consider her the same as all the other girls he slept with and forgot?

Bella's hand on my thigh brought me back to the present and I realized that the waitress was clearing our dishes.

"Are you okay, Edward?" she whispered to me, concern evident in her eyes and her features.

I inhaled deeply, resolving to stop letting this matter ruin our time together. Bella had been so excited about this night, and I couldn't let my concerns about Jasper overshadow her happiness.

I squeezed her hand. "I'm fine."

"Are you sure? You've been so quiet," she murmured. "You can tell me if something is bothering you. You know that, right?"

I leaned in to place a lingering kiss on her cheek. "Yes, I know that and I will tell you, but not now. Right now, we're here to enjoy ourselves and that's exactly what we're going to do. I'm sorry I worried you, baby."

"I'll hold you to it," she warned and I nodded, pecking her lips.

"That's enough, you two! Or do I need to get you a room?" Rosalie's voice was stern, but she was wearing a mischievous grin. "C'mon, Bella, Alice. Let's hit the floor."

Bella looked a little nervous, but she took Rosalie's outstretched hand and rose. I smiled at her encouragingly.

Alice turned to Jasper, biting her lip. "You coming?" she asked. I had never seen her act like this. Her tone exuded coyness, while her expression was flirty.

"Hell yeah," he replied in a gruff voice.

I stood to let Bella pass. "I'm looking forward to watching you," I whispered against the shell of her ear, enjoying the flushed state of her cheeks.

As soon as they were out of hearing range, Emmett turned to me. "What the hell was that?"

"I have no idea," I muttered. "I can only hope that he is serious about her."

"Tell me about it. She's not like his usual conquests. Plus, with her friendship with Bella, this could end up being a major clusterfuck for you. I mean, that's not a girl you just fuck and forget. That girl is a keeper."

"I know that." I sighed. "We'll see, Em."

I craned my head, trying to look for Bella but we were too far from the dance floor to catch a glimpse. So, I stood up and walked toward the front with Emmett.

The song that was playing was in a woman's voice. I didn't recognize it, but the rhythmic beat was good, perfect for dancing.

I finally found Bella. She and Rosalie were almost at the edge of the dance floor. The way Rose moved, I could tell that she was completely lost in the music. Her hands ran through her long, blond hair as she rotated her hips to the pulsing rhythm.

"Hot damn," Emmett muttered, before making a beeline for his wife.

I couldn't focus on them any longer, since my eyes were drawn to the dark haired beauty right beside them. Bella was not moving as freely as Rose, but her eyes were closed and she slowly swayed her body in sync with the beat. My legs moved forward of their own accord, dragging me toward her as though she was a magnet.

I pushed past the throngs of people until I was right behind her. My hands encircled her slender waist, turning her around and bringing her flush to my body. Her eyes snapped open with a gasp, but she relaxed and smiled when she realized it was me.

Her arms came up to wrap around my neck, pulling my head down to meet her lips in a sensual kiss. Her fingers tangled in my hair as her tongue stroked my lip and I gladly opened my mouth to her. All the while, her body slithered and swayed in my arms, in tandem with the music, while I tasted and explored every inch of her mouth. My hands dipped below the small of her back, and I pulled her closer to me, until there wasn't even a hairsbreadth of space between us.

When getting some air into our lungs became absolutely necessary, we broke apart. The song morphed into another one, this new one much slower. Bella gave me a lazy smile, before resting her head against my chest. I tightened my arms around her, burying my face in her hair and breathing in the scent of her, while moving us gently from side to side.

Her soft hands combed through my hair and stroked the back of my neck as she moved seductively against me, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. When she turned around and pressed her back to my chest, I pushed the locks of hair that had come astray from her knot, to one side and pressed my lips to her neck. I could feel the thrumming of her pulse under my lips and sucked lightly on her sweet skin, while she moaned and tilted her neck to give me more access. I took the opportunity to place more soft kisses, along the dip of her shoulder and up to the lobe of her ear.

"God, you're beautiful," I whispered, against her skin. "So beautiful."

She turned around slowly and stood up on her toes to press a slow, loving kiss to my lips. "I-" She paused for a beat. "I'm so glad we found each other, Edward. Being with you... it's more than I could ever have imagined."

"You're everything I have ever wanted," I whispered. Leaning down, I kissed her forehead and sent up a silent prayer, thanking whatever higher powers there might be for sending Bella back into my life.

It was an hour later that we made our way out of the club. Rose and Alice were two very happy drunks. Not wanting to spoil the good mood, I didn't bring up the conversation with Jasper, putting it off until tomorrow.

On the way back, Bella asked me once again about what had been bothering me during dinner and I hesitated for a moment, but eventually ended up telling her everything.

"So, you think- you think Jasper is lying to Alice?" she asked me, worried for her friend.

"I don't know," I muttered. "I am not sure, Bella. Maybe he really has changed, or wants to change. We should give him the benefit of the doubt here."

She eyed me speculatively for a few seconds, and sighed. "Okay, fine. I won't say anything to Alice right now, but you have to promise me that you'll talk to him soon. If he's- If he doesn't-"

"I promise. I'll talk to him and make sure he knows that he can't hurt Alice. Just give me time till tomorrow."

"Okay." She breathed deeply. "Who knows, maybe he has told her everything about his past… habits. Maybe she knows and they've decided to give this a chance. Maybe he really is trying to change."

Only one question nagged at me.

If everything Bella said were true, why would they keep it a secret for all this time?

I didn't believe the "surprise" bullshit. Not for a second.

Out loud, I just said, "I hope so, Bella. I hope so."

A/N- Kudos to Eliza41 and dreamiedreamer for guessing the upcoming twist right :) I'm a little relieved that everyone else didn't see it coming, lol! Or maybe you did?

What do you think about Rosalie? And A and J- what's up with them? Last but not the least, what about the little dirty dancing for our favorite couple?

Hope you have a relaxing weekend!

Until next time.

~ForeverRobssesed