A/N: I'd like you to know that I was shoveling today while feeling like death! And my mom told me that both of my brothers and I talked in our sleep since we were little. The other day she heard me say three things while I was asleep, like really clearly, but the only one she remembered was: "Really??!!" I think that's awesome. I'm Bella, basically. No haha. So please remember that the dresses Bella and Alice are wearing in this chapter are in my profile. And, I've also picked out my cast for Twilight/ this story :D I like my people.
HOLY 200 REVIEWS BATMAN!!!
you guys rock!
The beginning of this chapter was NOT meant to be like a part from New Moon, I came up with this and then remembered New Moon after and was kicking myself. Seriously though, this really does set up basically what's going to happen in the story, so if you're smart you'll keep in mind what's happening here and remember it, maybe you'll even figure it out!
Oh yeah, AND this title is meant to be like the Fallout Boy song.
Chapter Seventeen: Dance, Dance
I woke up feeling like death. The clock told me it was five am. I couldn't see Edward anywhere and I didn't care in the slightest. I took off running like a bullet, falling onto my knees in front of the toilet, just before my supper came spilling out.
And came out... and came out...
When my stomach felt a little better, my head was aching terribly. I knew I had a fever, I'd broken into a sweat but I was shivering. I fell onto the cool tile floor next to the toilet, making sure any exposed part of my skin was touching it.
Charlie entered an hour and a half later. The movement it took for me to look up to him made my tummy mad. I went head first into the toilet bowl, again. Charlie grimaced and turned away. I coughed as I caught my bereath and wiped my mouth with toilet paper.
"I guess you caught a flu from being in the snow for the first time..." he said nervously. "What can I get you?"
"Water," I croaked, my head knocking against the tile again.
Charlie diappeared and returned a few minutes later with a large glass of water, two white pills and a blanket.
"I'll take it you don't want to go to move," He draped the blanket over my legs. "This will make you feel better. I'll call the school. When you can get up you can lie down downstairs." I barely smiled at him and just watched him go. I fell asleep again and woke up an hour later when I heard him leaving. My stomach felt considerably better than the first time I'd woken up this morning. I used the bathtub as a crutch to help me up. I moved into my room to pull on the knit sweater I'd worn yesterday. The pills Charlie gave me helped me break my fever. Now I was in a cold sweat, shivering uncontrollably.
I stumbled down the stairs, my body was very weak. I put the blanket on my head, wearing it like a cape. I flopped onto the couch, pulling my legs up underneath the blanket. I created a lovely room to look out of at the TV.
At 8 o'clock my stomach felt fine, I was no longer freezing cold, but my throat was sore and my nose was running. I stuffed a tissue in my nostrils to keep from having to constantly wipe my nose. I'd also brought a garbage can next to the couch in case my stomach decided to try anymore acrobatics.
I was falling asleep while watching Saved by the Bell when I heard the door open. For about a second I thought that it might be Charlie coming home to check up on me, but he hadn't been gone that long and it wasn't really like him to do such a thing. Then I heard him.
"Bella?" he called, he was scared.
"Edward?!" I moaned. I looked out of the small space I had allowed and saw him come running around the corner. He saw me and darted over, kneeling by the couch to look at me.
"What's wrong?" Are you alright?" I smiled weakly at him.
"I've got the flu," I said. God. I sounded like one of those women with a really deep voice who you could tell smoked everyday of her life because of how hoarse she sounds. He smiled sympathetically and kissed my forehead.
"Is there anything I can make you?" he asked.
"Hot chocolate." Edward laughed and moved out of my field of view. After a while I heard the kettle whistling and soon after he came back with a steamy mug of cocoa, marshmallows included.
"Thank you," I whispered. The liquid was hot and soothed my throat. Edward sat at the other end of the couch, pulling an afghan over my legs.
"I shouldn't have let you out in the snow yesterday," Edward mumbled. I could tell he was blaming himself but I just really wanted him to be happy.
"It's not your fault Edward," I propped myself up slightly to look at him. "I had it coming. Living in the sun seventeen years and then jumping in the snow. It was bound to happen." Edward looked down at me and smiled. Then he looked away quickly. He was trying not to laugh but it wasn't working. "Why are you laughing?" He laughed even louder then at my stupidity. He wiped and hand under my nose and snuck a look at me, bursting into more giggles. My stomach lurched again and I leaned over to the grabage can.
"Oh God!" I yelled. I realized then that I still had the tissue shoved up my nose. I pulled it out and let it drop, grabbing another to wipe underneath. Edward burst out into more laughter and I glared at him before breaking into a large fit of dry coughing. Edward smiled and bent over, supporting his weight with his forearms. He was basically lying on top of me, his nose was barely touching mine.
"Still, I shouldn't have let you get sick."
"You can't kiss me!" I said abruptly, placing two fingers on his cool lips. I could see his frustration. "I'm sick, I don't want you to get sick," I said playfully. Edward rolled his eyes and smiled. I took my fingers away and let him kiss me. Edward lay down to my side and let me rest there with him. I fell asleep after a little while of Edward singing in my ear. He was humming my lullaby, a sound I hadn't heard in years.
I woke up and the television was still on, I couldn't feel Edward near me and I didn't see him anywhere. I pulled on long slippers and walked around the house, the afghan draped on my shoulders.
"Edward?" I called. I was feeling considerably better, but not knowing where he was was making me nervous. I went into the kitchen and tied my hair in a sloppy ponytail. I made some chicken broth to help feel better. It was after two pm. I sat down to the table and ate quietly, waiting for any sound of him.
I heard a car pull up and stared at the door, waiting to see who would come in. Edward opened the door carrying a large and beautiful bouquet of flowers. When he saw me he came up smiling and kissed my cheek. He placed the flowers in front of me and smiled widely.
"For you, from everyone and me, they're all hoping you get well soon," he said happily.
"Your family?" I asked in amazement. "Wow... that's so sweet, thank you!" I then noticed a bag in his hand. "Where did you get this anyway?"
"I took a ride to Port Angeles, I got a movie for you to watch too. I think it's better than reruns of shows from the eighties, don't you?" He dropped the movie in front of me. Horror. How lovely. "And look, I got you a popsicle!"
"Yay! ... you went to port Angeles for a popsicle?" Edward laughed at me and went to put on the movie.
"No, Bella, I picked that up here." I giggled.
"Oh, good!" I kissed his cheek and jumped onto his back.
"I take it your feeling better? You seem awfully hyper."
"No, it's just all the cough syrup." He laughed again. "Thank you for taking care of me, I'm alright now. I'm sorry you missed school."
"Don't worry, I've only done it five times." I laughed and rested my head on his lap while the opening credits rolled across the screen. I was very glad it was actually scary, not gory, or I would have been running for the bathroom.
"So Bella, are you all better now?" he asked when the movie was over.
"Yeah," I said truthfully. "I think I'm all better now."
"Good, then you're still going dancing with me, right?" he asked. I groande and buried my face in his shirt.
"I guess... just, don't make me dance too much," I begged.
"That's not a problem," he whispered. "I won't keep you too late either."
"Good," I said. Edward smiled.
"Alice is going to come get you at seven, but I have to leave now." I frowned. "Carlie will be home soon," he warned.
Sighing, I said; "What time is it now?"
"Almost six," he said, pulling on his coat. "I'll see you later." I kissed him softly and watched him form the door as he left. I went upstairs to take a shower. I pulled on a pair of jeans and a plain white long-sleeved shirt.
When I went back downstairs Charlie was already home. "Oh hey Bella! How are you feeling?" I could tell he was referring to my little display in the bathroom.
"I'm feeling completely fine now, thanks." I sat down and watched him eat a sandwich. "Dad, I actually was wondering if I could go out to a dance tonight. I was invited by my friend. I won't be out too late, I don't want to push it."
"Sure Bella, I guess. That's great you're making friends at school already." I smiled this was going well. "Who's your friend?"
My stomach jumped. "Alice Cullen," I said. "I met her a few years ago, remember?" Charlie nodded his head in acknowledgement. I didn't know what else to do so I went upstairs and started up to computer, deciding to write a letter to Renée.
Mom,
Yesterday it was snowing like crazy! School was even cancelled. It was pretty cool. I went out shoveling and my friend Edward (remember the pictures?) came over to help me. Today I woke up really early really sick. I didn't go to school. But, I took care of myself, I'm all better now. Tonight I'm going with Alice to the christmas dance. I won't push it, no dancing for me. Charlie brought home a christmas tree, too. Like, a REAL one. He cut it down himself. I decorated it. It loks pretty good, I must admit.
I miss you, love you, talk to you later.
Bella.
P.S. CHARLIE BOUGHT ME A CAR!
I turned off the computer and stretched out of my bed. I heard a car horn outside. My clock was glowing 7:13. I rushed fown the stiars, gave Charlie a hug and ran out into the car with Alice.
"Are you feeling okay Bella?" she aked immediately as we pulled out.
"I'm fine now, Alice. Just... not so sure about this dancing thing." Oh I wish I'd put up a fight... or something.
Alice just giggled. "Don't worry about it, we're not going to make you dance too much." Then she grinned. "But I am going to make you look amazing."
We pulled up to the big white house and I was once again amazed by it. I wasn't given much time to stare though, as Alice hurried me inside. She ran up the stairs and I really didn't knwo why, but left me in the living room. I turned around slowly and saw Carlisle and Esme looking up at me curously.
"Hi," I said stupidly. They both laughed a little and welcomed me.
"I heard you were sick this morning, Bella. Are you sure you're feeling better now?" Carlisle asked. That was sweet of him to worry about me.
"I was really badly sick early this morning, but I've been resting and drinking lots. I'm feeling as good as new now." Carlisle smiled and nodded.
"That's good you're taking care of yourself," he said. Esme stood up and brought me into a hug.
"I'm so glad you're back dear. Edward seems more like himself and we're all so happy to see you!" I smiled and kissed her cheek.
"I'm very happy to be back!" I replied. Esme sat back down and opened her book. I sat down across from the two, feeling very awkward.
Edward walked into the room, staring at papers he was holding and making little marks with a pen. He was heading for the staircase when he looked up slowly from his paper and turned to the room to look at the three of us.
He, himself, looked stuning to say the least. He had obviously just showered. His hair was in tiny little clumps and ruffled in front of his eyes. He was wearing dark jeans and black dress shoes, topping it off with a black dress shirt that had a small white pinstripe. The dark colors with his skin made him look more godlike than ever before.
"Hi," I said breathlessly. When he saw me a smile lit up his face and he forgot all about where he was going to turn and walk to me. He bent down and gave me a kiss. I was very concious of his parents watching us. He took my hand and stood me up.
"I'm glad you're here," he said quietly. We heard some kind of squeaking from Esme. She was holding her hand to her mouth and looked about ready to cry. "Are you okay, Mom?"
She stood up and gave him a quick hug. "I just... you're so happy again. It makes me happy to see you like this." Assuming from what she was saying, Edward was really upset while I had been gone. Did I have the same kind of effect onhim that he had on me? Whenever he wasn't around I felt like half of myself was missing. I smiled to myself and wrapped my arms around him, resting my head on his chest. He kissed my hair and put his arms around me, placing his head on top of mine.
Carlisle stood up and put his arm around Esme. He gave me a quick grin before they left the room.
"Edward!" Alice suddenly screamed. She ran down the stairs and slapped his hands. He jumped away in pain. He looked at her confusedly, his mouth dropped. Alice grabbed my hand and began pulling me away. I looked back at Edward who was just staring at Alice appalled and confused. Then I saw the papers in his were a music score.
Alice brought me into her room and locked the door. Lying neatly on her bed were two dresses. She quickly pulled up one and instucted me to change into it. I went into her bathroom and changed quickly. The dress she gave me had a plunging neckline, but to make up for it it came down to my knees and actually had some sort of a sleeve. It was red and black plaid, made of silk and velvet. It was very Christmassy and I guess I did look nice in it.
I went back into Alice's room and she had changed into a very tight, strapless, emerald green dress with a short, flared skirt and black mesh that peeked out from underneath. She threw a pair of black, round-toed pumps at me. The heels weren't too high, I might not kill myself in them. I grimaced at Alice's. They were intimidating strappy, silver centimeter stiletto heels. I couldn't figure out how she wasn't falling out of them.
"Sit here," Alice instructed, pointing me to a chair in front of a large, antique vanity. Alice began brushing my hair, pulling at tangles and knots. I clenched my eyes shut against my scalp being ripped off my head. After a while the brush went through smoothly. She then pulled out a can of hairspray and a curling iron. She would lightly spray my hair and go through it with the iron, leaving uniform, wavy curlings tumbling over my back. She parted my bangs to the side so they fell over my forehead and one eye in a way she called "sexy and mysterious."
Alice then spun me around on the stool I was perched upon, causing me to nearly fall over. She gave me nearly blood red lips and a smoky eyes with dark liner. When I looked at the finished product in the mirror I gasped. I was beautiful! I felt like I might be up to par with Rosalie and Alice. But then again, that was wishful thinking on my part. The thought of me resembling those two brought up the idea of life as a vampire.
My immediate thought was Edward. I could then be his equal, no more carefully laid boundaries. And, with the immortality thing, we could be together forever. I wouldn't have to grow old and die while he lived on, yound and seventeen forever. I then scoffed. I thought it was a good idea. Let's see me try and convince anyone else.
Alice suddenly grabbed my hand, making me jump out of my train of thought. She had quickly flipped out the ends of her hair and put on some silver eye liner.
"Come on, the dance is starting soon!" she exclaimed. I grinned at her excitement. We reached the top of the stairs when she let out a loud "AHEM!" Rosalie came to her side. She looked stunning, especially next to me. Rosalie was wearing a fluttering dark blue dres with small starps. Her light blonde hair was piled onto her head with corkscrew curls.
Carlisle, Esme, Emmett and Jasper had gathered at the foot of the stairs. They stared up at the three of us and smiled. Jasper was wearing a black dress shirt with a snow white tie. He held out a hand when Alice descended to meet him. Emmett was wearing black dress pants and a dark red shirt, of which he left the first few buttons open. Rosalie glided down the stairs into his arms.
I started to make my way down when Edward entered and my heart stopped. Why was he so beautiful? I'm not complaining or anything, but is it so good for my health?! He had only added a black blazer to his outfit, but he was just so gorgeous. When he saw me he stopped dead in his tracks and stared open mouthed at me. I grinned and blushed as I walked to him.
He held me close to him by my waist and grinned down to me. "You look absolutely beautiful," and then he gave me a great big kiss, right in front of his entire family. That was received by loud hooting from Emmett, giggles from Esme, an "Awww..." from Alice and chuckles from Carlisle and Jasper. Rosalie was shooting kinves at me with her eyes. It was scary.
"Come on you guys! I don't want to be late!" Alice persisted. We all went outside. Edward, Alice, Jasper and I took Carlisle's Mercedes while Rosalie and Emmett climbed into her BMW.
The school was packed. Everyone trying their best with nice cars, I guess. We walked over to the gym. There were flashing lights, Christmas lights, and red and green flood light, but nothing too over the top. Silver snowflakes hung around the gym. Also, a few tiny trees were placed in corners and walls.
As soon as we walked in I felt sick again. Nothing like walking into a germ infested population of teenagers after throwing up all morning. My legs got weak again, and I was leaning heavily on Edward.
"Bella?" he asked. "Are you sure you're feeling alright?" He was so sweeet. He sat me down on the stage and stared at me carefully. I then noticed he was standing in between my legs. I thanked Alice once again that the dress was not too revealing.
"I'm okay, Edward, I just don't think I can handle this for too long. No fast dancing for me at least." He grinned mischeviously.
"I'm expecting every single slow dance then." I grimaced.
"I mentioned I can't dance already, right?" I really wish I wasn't here.
"Yes, and I already mentioned I could!" He was smiling so happily, there was no way I was getting out of this. Edward simply turned around and I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, leaving my head on them too. He turned to kiss my cheek and I kissed his. Then I saw Jessica and Lauren 'dancing' by us. They seemed to be trying too hard. They stared, all-too obviously at Edward. But he was leaning back and staring up at me.
Then, I saw Mike. Once he made eye contact he came running and smiling. I dropped my gaze and very carefully studied a button on Edward's shirt. I even poked at it a little with my finger. Edward noticed what I was trying to avoid, I heard a small growl. I looked at him in astonishment. His expression turned innocent and he looked away sheepishly. But, as Mike approached, he turned back to look at him angrily.
"Hey Bella!" Mike said over the loud music. "How've you been? I missed you in school today." I saw Mike's eyes nervously darting back to Edwards. I couldn't really understand why he was here. The way we were sitting should've been reason enough to stay away, or suspect soething between us at least.
"Oh I'm a lot better now," I was starting to get tired of saying this. "Thanks for your concern." I didn't want to be too mean, but I also wanted him to leave. Edward on the other hand was letting up. He looked like something dead and rotting had walked up to us. Then, the song changed, turned into a slow dance. The awkward single friends came over to the stage to sit down, while the couples put their arms around each other and woblled back and forth, calling it dancing. Then I saw the Cullens, moving across the floor like celebrities. Rosalie's dress was billowing around her and Alice moved so well with Jasper. The other people on the floor cleared out a space in the middle for them. My stomach felt sick. I certainly hoped that wasn't what Edward was planning on doing with me.
"Oh," Mike said when the music had changed. "Bella, do you want to uh... dance with me?" My eyes widened. Um... hello? Did he see who I was with? How the guy I was with was standing up between my legs and looking at him very angrily.
"Actually Mike," Edward began, saving me. "Bella has already agreed to dance with me tonight." Mike's face dropped.
"Okay... well maybe some other time." He waved and ran across the gym to find someone else to ask. I sighed in relief. Edward turned around and smiled at me warmly. He shrugged out of his blazer and stretched.
"Ready?" he asked. I groaned.
"I was hoping you were joking," I mumbled. He laughed at me.
"Not a chance," he reached into his jacket pocket "I got you something," he added. I saw him pull out a small plastic box. Inside was a small white corsage made of white roses and baby's breath. So thats why he went to Port Angeles. I smiled at him as he slipped it onto my wrist.
"Aw, you're so cheesy!" I said, putting my arms around his neck and kissing his lips. He quickly lifted me off the stage. I moaned in protest as he led me out to the middle of the gym. "I really can't dance!" I tried again. He just gave me the crooked smile I thought was so beautiful and lifted me onto his feet. I blushed badly. He placed one of my hands on his shoulder and put his on my waist.
"This is just until you get used to it," he whispered. I sighed and tried not to fall off.
"I feel like a little kid," I laughed.
"Then what does that make me?" he whispered in my ear, sending shivers throughout my entire body.
"Let's see, that would make you the perverted old man." Edward thought for a moment before letting out a small chuckled.
"That seems about right." I laughed loudly at him. Maybe he was trying to make me feel less sick.
When the song ended Edward led me back over to the stage. Alice came over to chatter with me and Edward stared out over the crowd.
"Honey," I said, leaning down to whisper in his ear. "Why don't you go and dance with your family? I don't want you ruining your fun by staying here with me all night."
He looked up at me and frowned. "I'm enjoying my time with you," he explained. Alice gave him a shove.
"Go dance, Edward! Let Bella and I talk!" He sighed and quickly kissed my cheek before running out to find his siblings. Alice and I both laughed when we saw him and Emmett dancing a bit like bad hip-hop stars in music videos. (Imagine booty pops and party boys.) Rosalie and Jasper were clutching their stomachs from laughing so hard. I couldn't help but laugh myself. It seemed so unusual for two people like them to act that way. They both stopped and looked at each other. They laughed and shook their heads and walked to the side.
"Bella," Alice began, pushing herself onto the stage. "Do you love my brother?"
I turned to her. I didn't understand. "Of course I do, with all my heart." She rested her head on my shoulder. "I really believe that he's the only one for me." Alice smiled.
"What would you be willing to give for him?" she asked quietly. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to answer that. It made me think again of becoming a vampire.
"Anything," I replied. Alice giggled and sat up to stare in my eyes. "Why Alice? Did you see anything?" She winked and skipped back through the dance floor. "Alice!" I called, but she wasn't listening. I ran out after her but lost her in the crowd.
The song ended and another slow one began. I cried out of frustration but began coughing all over again. I felt a cool hand take mine. I spun around in surprise. Edward was standing there smiling at me.
"I'm glad I didn't have to drag you back here again," he said, pulling me up in his arms.
I wrapped myself around his chest and breathed in his beautiful scent. "Yeah..."
"Is something wrong?" he asked. I laid my ear against his chest and could only heart his breathing, in and out. The coolness of his body made me feel better.
"I'm not feeling so great," I murmured. "But, I think I'll manage." Edward stopped and leaned back to look at me. He placed a cool hand on my cheek and it felt so good. Much better than my burning skin.
"You do feel warmer than before, do you want me to take you home?" I shook my head. I stepped off his feet and took his hand. I led him into the dance he'd begun, showing him that I picked up. He smiled and then took back the lead. When the song finished he brought me back to the stage. I leaned on it, letting it support all my weight. I had a cold sweat again and my legs felt weak. The heat in my face had gone, but I was coughing badly.
"Come on," Edward said seriously. "I'm bringing you home." I nodded and took his hand. Edward waved to his family and I hurried him outside. Once we got out I felt much better. I leaned against the brick wall of the fym and took in deep breaths of the cold winter air. It was such a relief to breathe and not have it catch in my throat. A reliefe to stop coughing.
"Wheres your coat?" Edward asked, his velvety voice breaking the wintery silence. I notice then that my teeth were chattering and I was holding my freezing arms. I looked up at him from underneath my bangs that were covering one eye.
"I forgot it," I said. I hoped I looked sexy and mysterious like Alice had said, I felt like crap. I must've looked liked something as Edward's eyes seemed to glaze over when he saw me. He tok a second before walking over, putting his blazer around my shoulders. I leaned onto him and closed my eyes. He was holding me with one arm, having him so close felt good. I sighed heavily. When I opened my eyes again Edawrd was looking at me worriedly. I smiled warmly to reassure him. He gave me the crooked smile, the one I liked the best and then bent down to give me a kiss. We both turned to look up at a bright, full moon. The night was clear but the light shining down was so bright, we could hardly see any stars.
"Lets get you home," Edward said finally. I nodded sleepily and Edward picked me up, carrying me into his car. He played soft, classical music while we drove and didn't say a word. He carried me up to the door again and I reached down to open it. My legs were weak and my head ached. My neck was starting to pain from just supporting my head.
When Edward walked through the living room Charlie saw me in his arms and jumped up in shock and fright.
"What hapened? What's wrong with her? Why are you here?" Charlie began the Spanish Inquisition. Ugh. No one suspects the Spanish Inquisition.
"Dad..." I moaned groggily. Edward shushed me quietly. The sound was soothing to my aching head.
"Chief Swan, Bella wasn't feeling well again and I didn't want my sister to have to leave, so I offered to bring her home. She's tired and her legs are weak, so I'm bringing her in," Edward was good at fast fabrication of stories.
He made his way to my room without any directions from Charlie or myself. He very gently laid me down on my bed. He passed my pyjamas to me and lightly kissed my forehead. "Charlie's gone to get you some more medicine, I'll see you later." He winked at me and started to leave. I sleepily blew a kiss to him. He smiled and pretended to catch it.
I heard Charlie thank Edward and pologize. Edward said it was no problem at all and they exchanged goodnights. Charlie came back up the stairs and passed me a glass of water and two of the same white pills. He waited until I'd taken them both before leaving the glass on my night table and pulling the blanket over me. I was much too tired to change into my pyjamas.
After a while my nose stopped liking me and I had to breathe through my mouth. Edward crawled in next to me and kissed my neck lightly.
"Goodnight," I murmured.
"Merry Christmas," he whispered.
A/N: This is the longest chapter in the entire story so far, believe it or not. unless I can't read numbers correctly... So there she is. Is it not awesome that this is the seventeenth chapter, being updated on my seventeenth birhtday:D And, this date in Twilight was the day that Bella was in the car accident (January 25th) I feel really bad about writing christmas stuff a month after christmas, but whatever. its my story!! And, if anyone has watched the Monty Python TV show, they should get the Spanish Inquisition thing. I thought it was funny. I'm sorry for any spelling mistakes. I think I'm turning dyslexic. When I was typing up what was written, I remembered parts that I had supposedly written, but they weren't on the paper.
Did everyone download the songs I suggested? ( aren't they pretty...) hhaaha...
Review please! ...For my birthday?!