GUESS WHAT

GUESS WHAT?! I HAVE NO HOMEWORK (for once) SO IM CUURENTLY SITTING IN MY SCHOOL LIBRARY TYPING THIS….FOR YOU!

And I have spent half the weekend writing it too.

Thanks to the people who sent in reviews and told me what they thought of 'EVER AFTER'.

Also, a special thank you to Karen for all her help with his chapter.

This chapter is set the following day after chapter 12.

Chapter 13: COULD THIS GET ANY WORSE?

I groaned in frustration as I made another attempt to wrestle into the small purple dress Alice had handed me. Item number seven of god knows how many others.

Today was Sunday and somehow Alice, Rosalie and Esme had dragged me out of the house for some torture time. Well, not literally but to me shopping was just as bad. What had they called it? Oh yeah- 'a girl's day out'…ugh!

Yesterday after breakfast and the other exciting events of the morning, the Cullen's and I settled down for a day of laughter, family, fun and madness (courtesy of Emmett).

I had spent the entire day in my pajamas. I couldn't remember the last time I did that. I don't even think I've done it before, and I hate to it admit it but…it was great!

The only downside was Edward. For most of the day he disappeared for hours on end and when he did return he would simply sit out of any activities we did and try to stay as far away from me as possible. Also, he would constantly be looking at me as if I held the answer to something, and he needed to know what it was.

Whenever I questioned one of the Cullen's about his sudden disappearances they would simply shake their heads and turn away, refusing to answer my question. I couldn't help but think that they were keeping something from me…

Finally I managed to get the dress on but the zipper was out of reach. Damn!

I walked out of the dressing room and straight towards Alice who wordlessly spun me around and did up the zipper.

I turned around to face her again, smoothing out the creases in the material.

"cute." She mused.

"Ugh, are you kidding me? That does nothing for her figure." I heard Rosalie's sharp voice come from behind Alice and saw her approaching us, Esme behind her.

"Esme?" they asked at the same time.

Their 'mother' smiled softly; "I think Bella should decide."

Returning her smile I turned my back towards them and looked at my reflection in the mirror that was hanging on the wall.

I didn't like it at all. I was extremely self conscious. The dress was purple and was pinched into ruffles around my chest and from my waist down. It had a satin belt just bellow my bust line and another satin band that went around my neck. The dress wasn't too short, it stopped just bellow my knee but what made me uncomfortable was the neckline. I felt claustrophobic, like I couldn't breathe properly, it felt like I was being strangled; and yes even though the dress was cute Rosalie was right- it did nothing for me. (A/N picture in profile)

Oh god. I thought. I'm starting to sound like them- fashion crazy and bittersweet…they're manipulating me!

"I-'I began but Alice cut me off.

"-Actually I don't like it anymore. Bella take it of. Try this on."

I turned around just as she threw a white piece of fabric at me. Clumsily I caught it and turned face her but she was already pushing me into the dressing room.

"Alice- wai- I-hey!" she had closed the door in my face leaving me with nothing to do but try on yet another dress.

Angrily I pulled of the outfit and I could swear I heard something tear, but ignoring it I slipped into the dress Alice had handed me and before exiting the dressing room, turned to face the mirror.

It was perfect. It was plain white, sleeveless and had a thick, black satin belt that wrapped around my torso and tied on the side in a bow. Again, the material around my chest was gathered and the dress ended in flowing waves just below my knee. Simple.

Cautiously I walked out of the room.

Alice who was talking to Esme turned and looked at me. She began to squeal in delight- jumping up and down and clapping her hands; "yes! This. Is the one! Rosalie come her…now!"

A confused looking Rosalie rounded the corner with a bunch of different colored dresses in her hands. When she saw me her usual blank face split into a huge grin and she dropped what she was holding and ran over towards me.

She spun me around so forcefully that I lost my balance and fell back onto the floor and unfortunately no one was there to catch me.

"Ouch…" I grumbled rubbing my back side.

"Bella get off the floor before you crease the dress!" Alice exclaimed.

I shot her daggers but she didn't seem to notice. She was having one of her 'visions'…god it felt weird saying that.

When she broke out of her trance she started to squeal…and jump…and clap her hands…oh when was this nightmare going to end?!

I had been keeping count. Over the past two hours she has done that dance thing 6 times.

"What now?" I muttered angrily, getting up off the floor. "A shoe sale?"

She turned to me her face alight with joy; "uh-huh!" she said still clapping her hands and bobbing slightly. She turned back to Rosalie; "and you Rosalie Hale are coming with me!" She grabbed her by the hand and hauled her out the door so fast that by the time I blinked they were gone.

"typical." I mumbled.

"Oh well, girls will be girls." The gentle voice startled me and I twisted around to see a smiling Esme- I had completely forgotten she was here! She seemed to notice my gaze and when she caught my eye her smile widened; "Bella, you really do look beautiful in that dress." She said softly.

"Thank you." I replied. "So I gather we're buying it then?"

"Yes. Go and get change and I'll pay for it."

"What?!" her offer troubled me. "No- please Esme you don't have to pay I can"

But like Alice she cut me off. You know what they say- like mother like daughter. (A/N yeah, I know it's meant to be 'like father like son' but I twisted it…clever huh? P)

"- Bella don't be silly. It's the least I could do. All these years you have kept Alice company and even when she told you about our…secret you still accepted her and now you accept our family. I haven't known you properly for long Bella but you already feel like a daughter to me."

I was awe struck but somehow I managed to get out; "Thank you Esme."

She nodded and I took that as a queue to get out of there, so I did. I spun on my heel and ran into the dressing room as fast as I could before I burst into tears of joy.

Slowly I pulled off the dress and got changed into my own clothes again. I walked out of the dressing room, handed Esme the dress and followed her up to the check out. While I waited for her to pay I reflected on what she had said to me.

Never in my life has someone said something to me that was so heartfelt. And I know this may seem a little selfish but for once I had wanted it to be about me. For people to look up to me. For them to care for me. And now little by little it was finally happening.

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When Alice and Rosalie crashed though the Cullen's front door both Emmett and Jasper jumped up to greet them. Even Carlisle rose to give Esme a sweet peck on the cheek.

I on the other hand was left to stand awkwardly beside the piano watching everybody.

Unexpected, I felt a cool hand on my shoulder and spun to see Edward standing behind me. I was so used to not seeing him anywhere that it felt weird to suddenly see him after a day of what seemed like a game of 'avoid Bella.'

"So, how was your 'girl day'?" he asked somewhat teasingly.

"It was…interesting." I replied.

"Bella I was just wondering if-"he started but Alice being Alice interrupted.

"Bella time to get ready!"

I turned toward her; "Get ready for what?" I asked.

"Well tonight of course." She responded, coming towards me. She smiled at Edward and began to pull me up the stairs.

"Whoa. Hold up there girl- tonight?" I pulled my arm away from her and looked at her questioningly.

"Yes. Tonight." She was starting to get irritated; "we're all going out to dinner…together." She dumbed it out for me.

"Yeah thanks, mom. I think I get the concept now." I replied with a sarcastic remark which earned me one of Alice's famous tongue pokes. I shook my head and chuckled, following her up the stairs.

Before I knew what was going on she had led me into her room and locked the door behind her. I looked up at her horror struck and saw both her and Rosalie coming towards me- a hair drier in each of their hands.

My eyes, if possible, widened even more and just as I opened my mouth to scream the girls pushed me into a chair they had set up and put on the hair driers. The loud sounds drowned out anything I tried to say but I distinctly heard Rosalie over the hum of the machine; "Bella, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. Please behave unless-"

"-unless you want to be strapped down!" Alice finished off cheerfully.

After that I shut up and sat there patiently however even the slightest tug on my head set me on edge and I had to restrain myself from screaming out.

Sound dramatic? Well as I said- to me its pure torture…

XxXxXxXxXxX

"Done." I heard Rosalie sigh.

Finally, after what? Two hours? They were finished. Over the past 120 minutes they had been doing my hair, make-up, getting me into my clothes, touching up my make-up, re-doing my hair, making sure my dress had no creases in it…need I say more? And I being the best friend I was sat quietly through it all. Not yelling or chucking a tantrum- I know, it doesn't sound like the same Bella does it?

"About time!" I said. I jumped up and ran over towards the mirror that was hanging on the wall.

The person looking back at me was a complete stranger. She was wearing the same white dress that I had bought earlier that day but she wasn't me. She couldn't be, she looked too…I don't know. Different.

The white dress seemed to hug her curves better than it did mine earlier in the mall. The white material contrasted beautifully with her pale skin and made her look like she was glowing. Her hair was up; pinned back loosely off her face and gave everyone a perfect view of her big brown eyes and her luscious full lips. Her make- up was just right. A soft shiny gloss on her lips and a light shade of brown eye shadow framed her eyes. Her jewelry was simple-beaded black ear rings and a thin beaded bracelet around her wrist. Her shoes were tall and were made of clear plastic at the base. They tied across the top of her foot and around her ankle in thick black ribbon. Accompanied with her outfit was a plain black trench coat. All in all she looked…beautiful? (A/N picture of the whole outfit in profile- jewelry, hair, make-up dress…u get the point.)

Surely this girl wasn't me? I moved my hand and she moved with me. I smiled and she smiled back.

Slowly I turned to face Alice and Rosalie shaking my head in incredulity; "A-Are you sure this is me?" I know it sounded stupid but I looked nothing like myself.

Alice threw her head back and laughed. Even Rosalie chimed in- their laughter sounding like a chorus of bells.

"Of course it's you Bella. Who else would it be?" Alice asked.

"I don't know." I replied sheepishly "It's just..." I let myself trail off shaking my head.

"Girls! Pictures before we leave." Esme's voice traveled up to us from downstairs.

"Pictures?" I asked in disbelief. "Can this get any worse?!"

Taking my arm once more Alice lead me out the door; "Be careful what you say Bella. You may just jinx yourself." She said.

"Yeah, sure. You'll jinx yourself blah, blah, blah. Well I'm sorry to brake it too you Alice but-" I instantly stopped mumbling to myself when I noticed that we had reached the bottom of the staircase and that Alice had let go of my arm to go talk to Jasper. Also, Edward was starring at me from across the room where he was leaning on his piano.

Slowly he straightened himself and began to walk towards me. When he reached me he took my hand in his and kissed it tenderly, never moving his eyes from my face. I'm sure I was blushing.

He straightened and I took note of what he was wearing; A black button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Black jeans and leather shoes. We were matching. (A/N outfit in profile) I looked over at Alice and found her looking at us, a huge smile plastered on her face. I shot her an accusing look and she simply shook her head and turned back to jasper.

It was then that I noticed what Alice was wearing. And Rosalie.

Alice was in a plain black halter neck dress that had small white poker dots on it. It ended just above her knee and complimented her small frame well.

Rosalie was in a red balloon dress. The material around her chest was ruffled and underneath her bust line was a thick band of lace liked material. The dress was made of satin and had thin spaghetti straps. It too, like Alice's dress ended just bellow the knee and it complimented Rosalie's pale skin marvelously. (A/N both dresses in profile.)

Comparing myself to the Cullen's I was a like a bare canvas that was hung in a room surrounded by a group of amazing, beautiful master pieces. I was nothing. Empty. Invisible. Just plain old Bella.

"Bella?" Edward's voice was husky.

"Yes?" I asked turning to look at him again.

"You…you look amazing." He breathed.

I was caught off guard by his sudden compliment. Not ever in my life has a male complimented me (unless Charlie counted). And even so, it wasn't every day a man called a woman beautiful. I was sure I had already blushed at least three different shades of red.

Did Edward Cullen feel things towards me? Because at this moment in time I was pretty sure I felt emotions towards him …

EPOV

I looked up and saw Alice, Rosalie and Bella descend the stairs. Instantly nothing else mattered but the gorgeous angel in front of me.

Bella looked incredible. The dress she was wearing seemed to be made for her and hugged her curves perfectly. Her heeled shoes made her taller and If I were to stand by her she would almost be eye level with me.

She seemed to be angry about something and I could hear her mumbling incoherently to herself. A light flush brushed her skin making her look even more beautiful.

I stood up straight and advanced towards her. When I reached her I took her small hand in mine and kissed it softly- never losing eye contact with her.

As I straightened she seemed to take in my appearance and then those of the others surrounding us. She appeared to be calculating something and her eye brow was creased slightly and she looked absolutely adorable.

"Bella?" I asked, my voice sounding lower than I intended.

"Yes?" she asked turning to face me again.

"You…you look amazing." I murmured. There I said it, now she knew.

Looking up at her she looked utterly awestruck and her face turned a bright red.

Slowly I reached up and caressed her cheek with the back of my hand. Her eyes rose to meet mine and she looked confused and happy at the same time.

I felt a sudden surge of emotion towards this girl and I didn't know what it was. I looked down at her lips and she looked down at mine. Slowly we began to lean into each other and just when our lips were about to touch Emmett's booming voice interrupted; "photo time!" (A/N sorry guys- not quite yet…soon but)

Bella and I jumped apart. I had completely forgotten that the rest of the family was there and we turned to face them, huddling in for a group photo.

Ever time we had some kind of outing Esme liked to take photos. our family wasn't usually together at the same time. I spent most of my time at college and Emmett and Rosalie frequently went on vacations. So when we were together as a group Esme took out the camera and took some photo. She would then develop them and we'd all get a copy of them.

We all huddled together and Esme set the timer on the camera, the flash went off and then the couples prepared for their photos.

When everyone had had their photos taken Esme called Bella and I forward. I was sure Bella felt just as uncomfortable as I did.

We awkwardly stood next to each other waiting for the picture to be taken.

"No. you can't take a picture like that. Get in closer." I heard Alice's perky voice come somewhere from behind Esme.

Cautiously I wrapped my arm around Bella's waist and I felt her lean into me slightly. Then we heard a loud click and knew that the photo had been taken.

As we walked out t our cars I hear Bella ask; "do you show up in photos?"

I chuckled lightly; "Yes. Unless one of us has an unknown power to turn invisible."

"ok." She said and sped up her pace to catch up to Alice.

XxXxXxXxXxXx

BELLA'S POV:

When we entered the restaurant I had gasped with awe. It was very fancy and looked extremely expensive. Also, knowing that the Cullen's didn't eat proper food I felt uncomfortable knowing that the money they would be spending tonight would be for me.

Not long after we entered the restaurant our waiter arrived to show us to our table. I looked up only to notice that our server was no other than Mike Newton. I knew this was going to get worse. I thought.

We had reached our table and he carefully lay down menu's on the bench top. Up until now he hadn't noticed me. Maybe if I hide behind Edward he wouldn't see-

"Bella?" I heard mike call my name and instantly looked up. Hey, I can't help it! It's a reflex.

"Wow. Bella you look…wow." he sighed.

"Uh, hi Mike." I said.

"hey." He said absent mindedly. "Bella I was wondering if you wanted to go out with me?"

"Sorry Mike I can't. I'm really busy with school work" I said hoping shake him off.

"Ok then Maybe another time." He smiled slightly, turned and began walking away.

This boy just didn't take a hint. Time and time again I had said no to him and time and time again he had come back and asked me out.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Edward glaring at Mike but I ignored it. He couldn't possibly be protecting me or anything. I mean it wasn't like I was his girlfriend.

When we were all seated Alice turned to me; "That boy just doesn't take a hint does he?" she asked.

I giggled; "My thoughts exactly."

Suddenly a blonde woman of about 24 showed up beside or table and asked for our orders. Everyone in the Cullen family turned to look at me.

I hadn't even glanced at the menu. Quickly picking it up I ordered the first thing I saw; "Uh, I'll have the Chicken and Mushroom Risotto please."

"Sure, drink?"

"Um, just a coke please."

"Ok" she said in an overly sweet voice. She turned to Edward and battered her eyelashes at him; "And what will you be having?" she asked.

"Nothing thank you I'm fine." He said.

"Ok, just call me if you want anything." She leaned over the able and placed a small piece of paper on the table in front of Edward. With that said she turned and walked away, swaying her hips way too much I might add, with out even a backward glance at the rest of the Cullen's.

The rest of the Cullen family broke into conversation and I turned to Edward.

"Why do you do that?" I asked.

"Do what?"

"Dazzle people." I murmured.

He quirked one of his eye brows at me and leaning forward he whispered in my ear; "Do I dazzle you?"

I could feel his cool breath on my bare neck and I could smell his sweet smell.

He leaned back to look me in the eye and I smiled softly; "Frequently."

He chuckled and leaned forward to kiss my cheek. "Bella dear you have just given me the advantage over you."

"Oh?"

He simply shook his head and winked at me. Utterly confused I turned to look out the window and was I saw caught me off guard and I screamed slightly.

A pair of glowing crimson eyes were looking back at me. Through the darkness of the night I could just make out the hazy outline of a smiling woman.

Instantly I excused my self and rushed into the bathroom. I began to hyperventilate.

"oh god. Not here. Not now." I was murmuring to myself.

"Bella?" the voice startled me and I turned to face…Rosalie? She was the last person I expected to come to my aid.

"Bella, are you ok?"

"The- the eyes. I saw them two days ago and now I- who is she? What does she want? Edward. the ball. Eyes. Scared, so scared."

"shhh Bella, calm down." I felt her arms wrap around me as she pulled me in for a friendly hug.

As my breathing slowed she pulled away from me and wiped my cheek with her thum; "Oh look you've wrecked you make-up."

I didn't even realize I had been crying.

"Bella try again. what's wrong."

I took a deep breath; "Just now I saw a pair of scary red eyes. Two days ago before the ball I saw them and then something bad happened. I can't help but think someone's after me and something bad is going to happen tonight."

Rosalie looked like some one had just slapped her across the face; "Bella are you sure? You're absolutely positive you saw those eyes just then?"

"y-yes." I stuttered.

"Oh god." She turned on her heel and exited the bathroom.

"Rosalie?" I called after her.

From outside I heard a loud crash and panicked yelling, and then the lights went out.

It just got worse. I thought. What now?

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Ohhhh cliffy!

There you have it…I loved writing that chapter, it was too much fun. I hoped you liked it.

Please please please review!

Here's your riddle: a lorry attempted to drive under a low bridge but got caught underneath it. People stopped and tried to help the driver free the vehicle, but they couldn't push it either forwards of backwards- how did they eventually free his vehicle?

Krissy