Author's Note: Sorry this one took a little longer than usual. My editor and I had some technical issues but it's here now.
I went in my room and slammed the door shut. My tantrums never lasted long – a bubble bath and some loud, angry music and I would be back to normal – but I was like a hurricane while I was angry. I switched my stereo on and dropped my bag on the bed as I headed into the bathroom.
I turned the water on in the bathtub and let it fill while I stripped and pulled my hair up in a messy bun. The steam rising from the water and the music was already calming me and I smiled as I stepped into the bathtub and immersed myself in its water. The warmth transferred to my icy skin and relaxed me like nothing else could. I saw that the tub was close to overflowing and used my foot to turn off the water. I heard a distinct knock on the bedroom door. I could only think of one person who would interrupt me while I was calming down.
"Come in!" I said. I hopped out as fast as I could and closed the door to the bathroom before I heard door open and then close followed by light footsteps. I went back into the tub and continued relaxing.
"How was your first day?" Father asked. I heard the creaking of the bed as he sat down and wondered why he bothered asking. He knows everything that happens to me even before I do.
"Dull," I answered. I heard his trademark chuckle again.
"That is to be expected," he stated. "Your birthday is in two weeks, is it not?" I was used to his sudden shifts in topic and wasn't surprised that he brought up my birthday. He never forgets, even after all these years.
"Yes it is," I agreed. There was a moment of silence before he spoke again.
"I expect you will have a party like you always do," he said, already knowing the answer. I have had a party every year and not once has it been my idea. Evelyn loved celebrations. She insisted that I have the parties because the occasion serves as a perfect excuse for our large coven that is usually scattered all over the world. There aren't many things that bring vampires together.
"I guess so," I sighed.
My father, however, got very sad around this time of the year. My birthday was also the same day that my mother had died. He tried very hard to keep it hidden and he was able to fool everyone but me. He was really the only reason I went through with Evelyn's party plans. I sang at the party every year because I knew he loved my singing; it was one of the many ways I most resembled my mother.
"You will attend school tomorrow," he said. He phrased it like a question, but I knew it wasn't. I sighed, knowing that I couldn't refuse now; this just wasn't the time of year to argue with him. I didn't want to add insult to injury. I wonder if that was why he had changed the subject in the first place.
"I will," I whispered softly, but I was sure he could hear me. I heard another creak from the bed and then the door opening and closing again.
My father never stopped loving my mother and I knew he thought of her every day. Will I ever find someone who loved me the same way as he loved her? I was beginning to doubt that I would. I shook myself out of these thoughts as I unplugged the drain and watched the water spiral down it.
I got out of the tub and wrapped a towel around my body. I opened the bathroom door and stepped toward the closet to find something to wear. I grabbed a pair of white shorts, a pink top and the necessary undergarments and went back into the bathroom to get dressed.
I had just finished cleaning my mess in the bathroom when I heard another knock on my door. It was fast and excited so it could only be Evelyn.
"Let yourself in," I yelled, picking up the towel and throwing it into the laundry basket.
"Bella?" she asked.
"I'm in the bathroom," I answered, running a brush through my hair. She was at the door a second later, wearing a new outfit and a huge smile.
"So you are okay now?" she questioned. I nodded and she continued timidly. "Edward was here a moment ago," she informed me.
"Who let him in?" I asked, more curious than angry.
"Your dad," she answered. The brush dropped out of my hand and landed on the floor with a loud clack.
"What happened then?" I asked, trying to calm myself. Why didn't he mention anything to me? I fumed silently as I reached down and retrieved the brush, placing it on the counter.
"He invited him up to his office and they were in there for exactly ten minutes," Evelyn reported. "And then Edward left." I turned, walked out of the bathroom and turned off the stereo with my right toe, not feeling like bending down.
"Do you know what they talked about?" I asked, trying to appear indifferent. Evelyn shook her head and I collapsed onto the bed. There was a long moment of silence.
"I was wondering what song you were going to sing this year on your birthday. I wanted to start working on everything," she said, finally breaking the silence.
"I haven't decided yet," I answered truthfully. "I'll tell you when I think of something." Evelyn was my official choreographer slash designer. Her designs and organizational skills were what made every party a success.
"Okay," she replied happily. "I was thinking we should have a costume party this year." I nodded encouragingly and she continued planning. "And I have the perfect idea for your dress!" Knowing her, it – and I – would look stunning.
"Do you have invitations made already?" I asked. She looked at me curiously and nodded; usually I never even bothered asking.
"Are you inviting Edward," I asked, closing my eyes. She jumped on the bed and it bounced causing my eyes to fly open again.
"Do you think I should?" I shrugged and she gasped. "That's a great idea!" She screamed giddily. I grabbed her and put my hand over her mouth to quiet her.
"Don't get any ideas! I am just being polite here," I hissed. She nodded furiously and I released her.
"I'll go give it to him right away!" she said, jumping off the bed and was out the door before I could protest.
"I meant tomorrow not today!" I shouted after her.
I sighed and lay back down. I guess that today or tomorrow makes no difference. I closed the door Evelyn had left open when she ran out as I walked over to my window. I swung it open and watched as the sun began to sink slowly below the tree line and the sky turned darker and darker.
What had Edward and Father been talking about?
Author's Note: Don't forget to review even though you all have done very well with that already.