AN: Sorry for the long wait, guys! The holiday weekend was hectic and it's rather difficult to write while driving... plus add in seeing Eclipse twice and well, you get the idea.

Also, I know I said this chapter would start where the last one left off but … well, I changed my mind. I figured the plot needs to move forward a little bit and Bella's ribs need to heal so they can do other fun stuff. Don't worry – this chapter is quite citrusy. Hope this makes up for it!

I don't own Twilight, but I did invest some funds in the latest movie recently.

Ch 14

BPOV

I've never been a big fan of flying. It's not that I'm particularly scared of it, well maybe of the turbulence but that's about it. I think it's just the cramped seats, crying children and endless waiting for what's actually only an hour and a half long journey that bothers me. After all the security check ins and navigating parking garages it took half a day to make it from our home in Richmond to Emmett and Rosalie's house in NJ, just outside of Manhattan.

Of course I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about returning to New York. I know the police have told me that James never returned to his Brooklyn home and there's been no sightings of him in the City. Garrett's also confirmed this, saying that no one in the party scene have heard anything from him. However, James has a lot of friends in New York and knows how to lay low. It's unlikely I'll see him but I'm still a little worried about tomorrow night.

Tomorrow, after the obligatory 'tourist trap guide to New York' trip that I'm taking Edward on, we'll be meeting Garrett and Kate at a party. It's my first time seeing all these people since I left James. Most likely everyone will pretend like I never left but I know how they all abandoned me and sided with him, and I know what they'll be saying behind my back.

Why go back at all you ask? Good question. Edward seems to think it would be healthy for me to face my fears, especially since James is MIA and won't be showing up. Plus there is that small part of me that's excited about showing up with Edward. It's kind of like going to a high school reunion with you're really hot spouse and laughing at your unsuccessful former classmates.

Meanwhile I get to listen to Emmett tease Edward and I every chance he can get. We'd just arrived at their house after taking an excruciatingly expensive cab ride and were given none too subtle hints about the mile high club and keeping it down in the guest room so we don't wake the boys. Ugh.

As soon as Emmett got me away from Edward for a minute he turned from embarrassing to uber-sappy for some reason.

"I really missed you, Bells. It's not the same without you."

"Em, it's been a month since you moved and I talk to you almost every day, and video chat at least once a week!"

"Still... I miss my baby sis. And I'm worried about you being down in Richmond all by yourself, especially with that psycho on the loose."

"But I'm not all by myself. I have Edward, ya know." Emmett seemed to grimace a bit which was weird. I know he pulls the big brother act with Edward but I figured that over all he approved. "Is there something wrong with Edward all of a sudden?"

"No, nothing like that," he rushed to respond. "I know he's an okay guy and he'll look out for you. I'm actually really happy you found someone who treats you the way you deserve. I'm just worried that James is up to something and … well... I don't want anything happening to either one of you guys. If it weren't for this job..."

"Em, stop right there. I know you're worried about me and as my big brother that's kinda what you do, but Edward and I are fine. There's been no sign of James and while it is possible that he could come back, we'll just have to deal with that when the time comes. I'm not going to let that asshole make me live in fear and I'm certainly not going to let him affect your family or your livelihood."

"Maybe I should come with you guys tomorrow night. I've never been to one of these underground parties you're always talking about. It might be... uh, nice... like a new experience or something."

I tried to hold back my laugh but it burst through my lips anyway. Emmett at a trance party was something I never thought I'd see in my lifetime. Sure my brother is a fun guy, but more of a video games and trip to the zoo with the kids kind of person. I can't imagine that booming psychedelic music and black light décor would ever appeal to him.

"What? I can get down with peeps." This only made me laugh harder.

Edward joined us in the den after unpacking our luggage in our guest room. "What's so funny, love?" He smiled, obviously happy to see me so lighthearted after a day filled with anxiety.

"Emmett... party... peeps!" I was making no sense trying to talk and gasp for air in between guffaws.

"Bells here seems to think I would not fit in with her cool party friends. Whatever sis... I can fashizzle my nizzle elsewhere if I'm not wanted." He huffed, obviously hamming it up for sympathy points.

"Aw, Em no... I'd love for you to come. It's just... well you'd have to wear something other than the standard polo and khaki's, ya know. It sort of screams 'Narc!'" Both sets of eyes widened a bit in response. Okay, maybe I didn't really explain these parties too well to them.

"There's going to be DRUGS at this thing? No – no way is my little sister going to a drug orgy. Not going to happen."

"Relax Em. It's not a psychedelic trance party without psychedelic drugs... kinda comes with the territory. But don't worry, I don't do that stuff anymore. I'm just going to say hi to some people and leave."

Now it was Edward's turn to chime in, "Anymore?" Yeah so maybe I didn't really talk to him about the drugs. I figured after the party he'd probably know if he didn't figure it out from what I'd mentioned about James. He didn't sound judgmental, just curious so I answered truthfully.

"When I first met James I'd never tried any of that stuff. He never mentioned it for the first 6 months we were together. Then he started singing the praises of trying 'new experiences' and 'expanding your mind.' After a while I got curious, especially after going to parties and seeing so many other people doing … things. They looked like they were having fun so I figured it couldn't hurt. I never really liked drinking so I thought maybe this would be another way for me to open up and relax at parties."

I took a moment to look at the boys and both looked concerned but urged me to continue.

"The first time I tried E, I mean 'ecstasy' it was just James and me alone in his apartment. We just talked and snuggled for hours – totally harmless. So after that good experience I went on to try other things like acid and mushrooms and some designer psychedelics … foxy, 2CI, GHB... stuff like that. It was always whatever James handed me. Sometimes I wouldn't even know what it was until it hit. I know it sounds really irresponsible of me but at the time I trusted James so much. He'd never hurt me at that point and I figured he knew best.

"Before I knew it, what had started as once every few months turned into two or three nights a week. There was always some major social function to attend – some big festival or a friend of a friend's rooftop party – and there was always something that we needed to celebrate for whatever reason. Finally it got to the point where I'd go days before coming down to reality and I started to forget who I really was anymore. That's when things started getting worse.

"By the time I figured out I had a problem I was in so deep it took some willpower to detox, but I did it. I don't think anything I was doing was actually chemically addictive, just habit forming. I was smart enough to avoid ketamine."

Edward looked at me with a curious expression, I'd assumed he would know what it was. "Animal tranquilizers? Who uses ketamine recreationally?"

"Oh it's very popular in the scene. Lots of people trip off it because it's a dissociative. You can take it and literally fall into a black hole and it's like you no longer exist. It's the ultimate escape from reality. I was smart enough to know that it's highly addictive, not to mention I saw what it did to the people who did get really addicted. I'd say it's more insidious than heroin."

"Have you taken any street drugs since you got on your lupus medication?" Edward, always the doctor, was asking the questions now. Emmett just sat dumbfounded on the couch. I think it was a bit of a shock to find out his little sister used to be a junkie.

"No, that's actually what helped me get clean. I knew I couldn't mix the two so when I got diagnosed I had to stop even the casual usage I'd been doing. If anything I have Lupus to thank for a lot of things."

Emmett stood up and started pacing. "I really don't like the idea of you going to this party tomorrow, Bells. If dad was still alive..."

"Well he's not, okay. And I'm a big girl now. I am fully capable of attending a party where drugs are present without partaking in any. I was doing it for months before I left James. Edward will be with me the whole time. Besides this isn't an after school special. No one's going to try to trick me into taking anything."

What surprised me next was Edward stepping up to my defense. "Emmett it's okay. Bella is right. She's a grown woman and is obvious capable of taking care of herself. I will be there as well if she needs me but I think this is an important step for her. She needs to move on from the lifestyle she had up here and the best way to do that is to face her past head on so she can move past it."

–

Emmett begrudgingly agreed but decided to bow out on the party himself which I think was for the best. Now Edward and I are standing outside the DUMBO, Brooklyn warehouse trying to look inconspicuous while waiting for Garrett and Kate's arrival. I wanted to walk in with them in case the reaction to my presence is a bad one. Garrett thinks I'm overreacting but I'd feel safer knowing I have a couple other people there to vouge for me.

"Bella! It's so good to see you again!" Out of nowhere a pair of arms were encircling me and I was squished into an overly eager hug. Pushing back slightly I was able to see it was a very happy Kate, eyes and smile wide while chewing gum quickly. Ah yes, she has reason to be happy to see me.

"Kate, Garrett, you guys decide to start the party early?" I snickered, knowing it was probably Kate's idea. She was big into dropping E at the pre-party then usually some acid at the big event followed by more E at the after party. A combination that would probably land me in the hospital or at least give me a wicked hangover.

Garrett smiled even wider, pulling Kate to his side and fixing his glasses which were slightly askew, probably from running to catch up with his girlfriend. "You want guys want some? I got some great Molly from Ben." I stopped him right there. I knew neither Edward nor I would partake and Garrett was never known for being discreet. If I let him continue half of Brooklyn would know exactly where to procure the best drugs.

"Thanks but we're good." Then I realized in the moment I'd forgotten my manners. "Hey guys, this is Edward... Edward, this is Garrett and Kate." Edward held out his hand for shaking but in his current state, Garrett was in the mood for hugs.

"Group hug" was shouted and I was suddenly pulled in again by Kate into one big mush of sweaty happy limbs. What I'd give to know what Edward was thinking right now.

I dragged him into the party once we all got our bearings and went through the obligatory stamp and coat check process before ending up in the main room of the party. It was an old abandoned warehouse that someone rented for the weekend. So many people think we just break in to buildings to throw parties but that's laughable. The reason why we get away with so much is because as much as possible is done by the books.

We stopped by the bar and I got a red party cup filled with only coke and Edward got a water bottle. Sometimes you can get alcohol but it increased the risk of being shut down immensely so most parties were BYOB.

A group of girls I used to call friends approached us all giggling incessantly. I'm starting to wonder if there was a sudden influx of ecstasy or Molly (another name for the drug) because you usually don't see this many giddy people at a trance party.

"It's SOOOO good to see you again Bella. I heard what happened and I was like SOOO upset. Are you okay? Do you need to talk?"

What? Now I'm curious. I know James' has been spreading lies about me but I didn't think there would be any worthy of sympathy.

"Thanks Bree but uh... I'm okay. What exactly did you hear?" The gaggle all started their giggling again and I had a bad feeling. Maybe I shouldn't have asked.

"James told us how you got sick and had to go to that … facility... and that's why you haven't been back. Well, until now." She looked over at Edward and feigned sincerity. "Are you her doctor? We're all so glad she could come out. And without the straight jacket and everything." With the last like she broke down and laughed out loud. Her flock of inebriated half wits followed her as she left us standing there with mouths ajar.

"He told them you went insane?" Edward's fists were balled and I swear I could see steam coming out of his ears. "I don't know what's worse – James or the assholes you used to call friends."

"Ah, don't let Bree bother you. She was always a snob. I doubt anyone else here has the balls to say anything to my face. Plus, if she's dumb enough to actually believe that asshole's lies then I'm lucky to no longer have her in my life."

"I was right." Edward's eyes took on a strange look, almost like pride.

"Right about what?"

"You are stronger. And I think this experience is good for you. You can finally put all these mean spirited people behind you."

"Well not ALL of them are bad. I mean Garrett and Kate..."

"Are very nice but also a bad influence. You won't ever be able to emotionally mature around people like them."

I just shrugged and kept moving. I guess he was right but it's kind of sad to admit it. Maybe it's time I branch out and make more friends in Richmond.

We walked through the crowd someone pushed in between us breaking the hold I had on Edward's hand. It was rather rude but not totally surprising in a crowd this size. I was startled by the jostle for a moment until I realized the person had bright red hair and her standard party attire – green fairy wings.

Victoria.

"I'll be right back." I yelled out to Edward as I rushed to follow her. I needed to ask her about James. From what Garrett last told me, Vicky was none-too-thrilled with him so maybe she'd give me some information that she might not be comfortable telling to a cop. I followed the red hair and green wings through the maze of partygoers until she finally disappeared all together behind the swell of the crowd. Oh well, maybe I can track her down a little later. Usually if you're looking for someone at a party the best thing to do is stay in one place and they'll come to you. Of course this logic is flawed because if everyone went by it no one would move and that would just be silly but I had to try something.

My theory proved true for Edward at least. As I stood there pondering how I'd find Victoria again and sipping on my coke, he showed up at my side.

"There you are!" He looked so relieved and I felt kind of bad leaving him like I did. "You would not believe some of the offers I received on my way to find you. There are some crazy things going on here." Yeah, tell me about it. I used to live it.

"Sorry about that. I saw Victoria, James' latest girlfriend and I wanted to see if I could talk to her but she got away." He looked concern but let it go. I'm fairly certain he knew I'd explain the details in a less crowded setting.

Suddenly the crowd was starting to get to me. I always had a small amount of social anxiety disorder, which is why I took so easily to drugs in the beginning. Crowds have a tendency to overwhelm me and can cause panic attacks if I'm not careful. I felt the room grow hotter and start to spin and I knew it was time to find a quiet secluded spot.

I dragged Edward to one of the many private rooms set up for "massages" and shut the door quickly. As soon as I looked into his eyes I felt all of that overwhelmed feeling channel into lust. Like if I only kissed him hard enough it would make the spinning stop. I grabbed his shirt and spun him until his back was against the door and I was on my tip toes thrusting my tongue down his throat.

My hands joined in on the fun and I began groping and tearing a buttons and cloth. The need to feel his skin became stronger by the minute. I was feeling unsteady and I needed his touch to ground me. A load groan escaped his mouth and it broke my train of thought if only for a moment.

Something's not right. I don't feel right.

"Bella, you are so beautiful."

And just like that I was snapped back into touching, groping, kissing. Each touch felt like a lightening bolt jolting through my body. It felt somehow familiar but I wasn't sure how. All I could think was MORE.

Before I knew what what happening I was on my knees before Edward. My hands tugged on his jeans releasing the buttons. In one smooth motion I pulled his pants and boxers to his ankles where he quickly stepped out of them. He was naked before me and all I had left on was a pair of jeans and my converse. I took in the beautiful sight of his erection and gasped. It certainly wasn't the first time I'd seen it but every time it took my breath away. Edward naked was a sight to behold but I couldn't concentrate on that. The world was getting hotter and swirlier by the minute. I needed more contact with my Edward.

My mouth encircled his head and he let out something similar to a growl in response. I began alternating between swirling my tongue and sucking, each stroke causing more delicious sounds until they became almost an echo in my ears. The heat began to swell around me as I fondled his balls with one hand and the base of his shaft with the other.

"Bella... I'm gonna come" Edward started pulling lightly at my hair but I could barely feel it or hear him for that matter. I was completely engrossed in the task at hand, or mouth rather, or both. It got so intense I had to lean forward and brace myself, trying in some vain attempt to get the world to stop moving. That's when I felt his thick warm fluid shoot down my throat. I happily swallowed, smiling at a job well done.

I went to try to stand but my legs were jelly. Too much heat. Why is it so damn hot? Edward was looking a lot less like Edward and a lot more like a big old blur which was pretty confusing. Did I just give a blur a blowjob. I laughed because that's pretty freaking funny. Then the blur in front of me moved and I fell back on something firm just as I gave in to the overwhelming sensations around me. I think I heard someone yell my name. Wow – never orgasmed from giving head before. That's gotta be a first right?

I smiled while the blackness encompassed me.

–

AN: I know – a cliffy. But I should be posting again on Saturday assuming I have an internet connection at the hotel I'm staying at in DC. July's a busy month, what can I say?

So what do you think happened to Bella? Did she:

A) get simply overwhelmed by Edward's awesome naked body and swoon?

B) suddenly have some kind of weird Lupus reaction and pass out?

C) somehow get sabotaged by someone at the party?

D) develop narcolepsy in the last 5 minutes

Review! I'll do my bestest to use your suggestions :) Thanks to all who are reading and enjoying this story!