Title: Dance with Me
Rating: T
Summary: A major league baseball player with a bad rep needs to clean his image. He signs on to do a reality dance show. Will he clean his image and have the right kind of chemistry with his partner?
Disclaimer: Twilight belongs to Stephenie Meyer. I own nothing.
Comments: Based loosely on the reality t.v. show Dancing with the Stars.
Thank you, Candy!
Its the finals (still.)
May 28th 2008
Bella POV
You know that moment when you think 'it can't get better than this' but it totally does? Yeah, I was living that moment. I have only felt this good twice. The first time, when I won my first major competition, and the second time was when I won Dance X last season. Right now, Edward and I were hugging and jumping up and down. We'd just finished our freestyle, and we nailed it.
At this very moment it didn't matter to me if we won. We accomplished so much together and we had a lot fun and challenging times. I wouldn't have traded anything in the world for this.
To work so hard for something, and to be able to feel good about it was incredible. Edward wasn't a dancer, but he did his best and it all paid off. Our entire experience was once in a lifetime. These moments were the best I'd ever felt.
We made it to the judges, and thankfully all three of them loved it.
"That is a freestyle! It was cool, sexy, and exciting!"
"You two have such great chemistry, and I'm so glad you showcased what you've learned. This is what the show is all about."
"The best you've danced all season!"
Comments like that lifted me up to cloud nine. Edward and I were ecstatic. We walked hand in hand backstage. Once we stood on our marks, we smiled and then the show cut for a commercial. During the commercial break, Jared and Jessica were giving us hugs and everyone backstage was clapping. It was so good to have a close cast. We all got along, and we encouraged each other. Two minutes later, we went back on air. The judges gave us our scores. All perfect. I couldn't believe it!
"What? Are you sure?"
"Yes!" Edward cheered. He swung me around and held me tightly against his body.
"Oh, my god!" I screamed. "Ahhhh!"
I couldn't tell you what happened after that. All I knew was that Edward and I were finished dancing for the night. We got a perfect score on our freestyle and I couldn't be happier.
By the time the show ended, Edward and I were still high from the freestyle. We were fidgety and bouncy. I couldn't stop smiling.
Minutes before we had to do press, Edward and I said 'hello' to our families. This would be the first time Edward met my mom and dad. I was nervous because of the pictures. Although my parents hadn't seen them, they knew Edward and I were together, and I was pretty sure they'd know about the pictures by the end of the night. It was an unavoidable subject now.
Our families were allowed to go backstage in the red room. My parents had been here before, so they were making the rounds, saying 'hi' to all the crew and production members. I saw Alice and Rose walking towards us. The two of them looked absolutely glamorous. Alice had a hot pink dress and black peep toe heels. Rose was wearing a blood-red knee length wrap dress and strappy silver heels.
"Bella!" they cried. The enveloped me in their big hug.
"You two were fantastic tonight!"
"That was an awesome dance!"
"Thank you!"
"Hey, Bells."
I smiled, and turned to face my dad.
"Dad!"
I threw my arms around him and hugged him. My dad wasn't the most affectionate person. He loved me, he just wasn't very outgoing. He lightly hugged me back, but he was smiling.
"That was a great dance, Bells."
Dad wasn't being mean or sarcastic. Over the years, he and mom had seen me dance at various competitions. They were used to the 'outgoing' dance moves.
"Thank you!" I said. "Have you met everyone? Where's mom?"
"Bella!" My mom cried.
My mother was the totally opposite from my dad. She was outgoing and loud and yeah…
Mom gave me hug and kiss and then she said, "I just met Edward! He's such a doll! You've got yourself a great one."
I blushed in embarrassment. Speak louder, mother. I don't believe Access Hollywood heard you.
"Mom," I chided.
"Ooops, sorry!"
I rolled my eyes. "Glad you approve. Have you met his family?"
Edward and I had to get going; we had interviews, so we hastily made introductions amongst our families, and then we left them. I wasn't sure how I felt about leaving our families together. Both our parents weren't aware of our pictures yet, and I could only imagine how they'd take it once they found out.
Edward and I got our families together, and after exchanging pleasantries, we left them to talk amongst themselves.
I took Edward's hand and led him to the press line. Just as I predicted-the reporters praised us about our perfect score on our freestyle. They also whipped out the pictures and asked us what we were doing.
It's pretty self-explanatory.
I couldn't say that, so I said nothing. Edward however, answered.
"That's me and Bella," he said smiling.
"Doing…?"
Edward smiled sheepishly.
"Surely, you don't need me to spell it out for you." He looked directly at the camera and winked.
The reporter giggled. "Is that a confirmation? You two are together?"
"Well, yeah," Edward deadpanned. "We're here, standing together. So yeah, we're together."
Before the reporter could say anything else, I cut in.
"I'm extremely proud of Edward. He did so well tonight and I couldn't be happier with him."
Edward draped an arm around my shoulders and concluded, "Bella is the best teacher I could have asked for. She's taught me so much, and I'm very happy to have met her. We're going to be friends for life."
All the other interviews were basically the same. Everyone talked about our perfect score and brought up the pictures. Edward and I tried to down play it, but it wasn't working. The pictures spoke for themselves and there really was nothing we could do about it. We were coy and playful with our answers. We always praised one another because we were grateful for the experience of working together on the show. Our time on the show would end tomorrow and I was both dreading and anticipating it.
After our interviews, Alice came to collect us. She had a press badge so she was allowed to trail after us.
"How'd it go?" Edward asked her as soon as we were out of earshot.
"Everyone's getting along nicely," she replied. "I like your mom, Bella."
I smiled, "I'm sure she likes you too."
Alice laughed quietly, "She does. Anyways, I heard that the pictures got leaked. You guys handled it very well. Now what are you going to tell your parents?"
"Do we have to tell them?" I whined.
"Yes," Edward and Alice said together.
"I've got an idea!" Alice said. "Let's order in some Chinese and eat at Edward's house. We'll have everyone over and that'll give you guys the comfort of telling them in a private setting."
Edward and I agreed. Alice went to inform every one of our plans, and Edward and I went to our trailers to change our clothes.
I walked to my trailer and went to close the door, but someone suddenly pushed through it. I gave a loud cry, and jumped.
"Shh," Edward soothed. He closed the door and locked it. "Calm down, honey."
"Edward what's going on?"
My question wasn't answered.
Edward gently tugged at my arm and pulled me into his arms. In my dance heels I came up under his chin. Edward tilted my face to look up at him. He gave me this smile; the type of smile that made my insides melt and my heart beat fast. Edward's lips descended on mine. His kiss was hard and full of emotion. It was all of our pent up energy poured out in our kiss. All our frustration and anger at the media was conveyed in that kiss. I could feel his passion and it was turning me on. He gently pulled away, giving me lingering pecks. I almost cried when he wasn't kissing me, but then I melted when he started kissing along my collarbone. His lips were dangerously close to the edge of my bustier. When I felt his lips travel lower, I moaned because I didn't have the strength to tell him to stop. We'd never really gotten carried way, except that time at the studio with the pictures. Having him showering me with his passion and lust was almost too much to take. It was like I was on sensory overload. Too much too fast, but oh so good. As if reading my thoughts, Edward pulled away looking at me with a sheepish expression.
"Sorry," he said. "I got carried away."
I rolled my eyes at him. "I didn't mind."
He smiled, but shook his head. "I keep attacking you at the most inconvenient places."
I smirked, "You locked the door."
"True, but we need to get going. I can't bear to explain to everyone why we'd be late."
He had a point there. With a little adjusting, I regained my composure and led Edward to the door. Once he was gone, I grabbed my summer dress from the hanger and went to change out of my dance costume.
By the time I changed, and pulled my hair into a ponytail, Edward was already waiting for me. Since we took separate cars, I agreed to follow Edward to his place.
While I was driving, I ran through some of the likely scenarios our parents would perform once they found out about the pictures. I was embarrassed to a degree. Those pictures were intimate and private, but they also weren't that bad. Our clothes were still on, and you couldn't see Edward's face. Ugh. Not seeing Edward's face implied things. People could make it up for themselves what he was doing. Eww. I kind of felt dirty just thinking about that. I pushed those thoughts away and refocused on the show. Tomorrow was our last day. We'd find out who won. Of course I wished it was me and Edward, but it really didn't matter either way. Trophy or no trophy, I won a lot more than a reality dance competition.
When we pulled up to Edward's place, I took a deep breath and tired to calm myself. Everything would be okay. I hope.
I got out of the car and met Edward in the front. He looked solemn. Edward knew the severity of our situation and I was glad he was sensitive enough to feel some remorse over the picture scandal. It wasn't entirely his fault though. I could've told him to stop and those damn paparazzi shouldn't have taken them!
"I'm so sorry," he breathed. "Bella, you can't imagine how awful I feel right now. I'm sorry for this whole mess."
"Shh," I said. "We're in this together, remember?"
He gave me a small smile, "Yeah, I know. My parents love you; I just hope your parents won't kill me."
"Well, my dad might try, but since he knows it'll sadden me to see you die, he'll spare you."
"Not helping, Bella!"
I laughed. "Let's do this."
He took my hand in his, and together we walked up to his front door. The door was open because everyone was here already. As soon as we stepped foot in the foyer, we heard voices. Alice and our mothers were laughing.
"When he did that back flip off of the judges table I nearly screamed."
That was Alice's voice. She wasn't talking about Edward. She was talking about Jared. I had to snicker. Alice was a Jared fangirl.
"That was pretty cool wasn't it?" Edward commented, interrupting their conversation.
"Ahhhh!" Alice screamed. "You're here!"
Edward looked shocked. "This is my house. Where else would I be?"
Emmett and Jasper laughed.
"Sorry," Alice amended. "You scared me."
"Sorry," I parroted.
"Good. Now that's everyone here we can eat!"
Rose and Jasper grabbed the plates and utensils. After everything was set out, we all sat around Edward's long dining room table and began to eat. Conversation revolved around introductions and our dances. Mom and dad seemed to get along well with Edward's family.
Just when I'd forgotten all about the photos Edward cleared his throat and nudged me.
"Bella and I need to tell you something."
"Oh my god!"
"I knew it!"
"When's the baby!"
"What?!?" I cried. "What baby?"
Alice, Jasper, Emmett and Rose all burst out laughing.
"Oh my goodness!" Alice exclaimed. "They think Bella's pregnant!"
"I'm not!" I shouted. "We just wanted to tell you guys that there are some pictures of me and Edward. We're caught embracing and it looks… anyways that's all. I'm not pregnant!"
I looked at Edward and he was stifling a laugh. I glared at him and poked him in the ribs.
"What?" he said feigning innocence?
"This is not funny!" I hissed.
"Yes, it is," he said. "Come on! If you don't laugh, you'll cry. And believe me you don't want to cry."
That was true. If I didn't keep it lighthearted then I'd end up bawling. I couldn't afford to be so emotional not right now. We had the show to finish up and then we'd be going to New York.
"You're lucky they're relived we're not having a baby. Otherwise my dad would beat the shit out of you for the picture," I whispered.
Edward's grin disappeared. "Okay, point taken."
My dad and Carlisle were surprised over the pictures, but Carlisle had seen worse photos of Edward in the past, so he didn't give us a hard time. Dad however was giving Edward the stink eye. Edward didn't cower away, but he did shudder a little. Eventually, Dad let up and he accepted Edward. In reality, he liked Edward very much because Edward was one of his favorite baseball players. When Edward and Jasper began talking about the Mariners and the Angels, my dad, Carlisle and Emmett began talking about sports. At that time the girls and I took our cue and moved into the kitchen to make coffee.
***
May 29th 2008
After getting my hair and makeup done, I went back to my trailer to hang out with the girls. Alice, Rose, Esme and Mom were all having lunch in my trailer.
"Which one is mine?" I asked.
Mom handed me a wrapped sandwich.
"It's the philly cheese steak."
I hummed in appreciation.
"Yummy."
I sat down next to Alice and Rose on the little couch. The five of us had a talkative lunch. Everyone was guessing the final results. Of course we all wanted Edward to win, but there was some good competition. Various online pools had Jared and Edward neck to neck. I knew Jared was talented, he had Edward became friends and I was happy about that. Honestly, I wouldn't have minded if we lost; just getting this far made Edward a winner in my eyes.
When we finished our lunch, we talked about Edward's upcoming schedule. Tonight, win or lose, we'd board a red eye flight to New York and spend a few days there doing press. We'd get back to Los Angeles in June and then I had a week of rehearsals before going on tour. Edward would be on tour with me for a week or so, and then he'd come back home and get into shape for baseball. I still didn't know where he planned on going. He told me he made his decision, but he hadn't signed any papers yet because it was still too early to do that.
A few weeks ago, I was scared shitless about where he'd end up going. If he left LA I would have followed him, but now whether or not he leaves or stays, I'd remain here. I had to. I was still under contract and I liked it here. Long distance relationships are difficult, but I promised myself I wouldn't think about that until I really had to.
The girls and I made plans to go out next week. I'd have rehearsal, but spending time with Alice and Rose was always fun.
As the day dragged on, the girls and moms had to leave and go back to the studio. Alice and Jasper were the only ones with a press pass since they worked for Edward. After the show, they'd be trailing after us during our interviews. I was glad they'd be following us around. After yesterday's press interviews I needed Alice for moral support.
I was backstage with Jessica. She and I were chit-chatting when our partners arrived. Edward and Jared were laughing and talking animatedly. I smiled; it was nice to see Edward so relaxed. Usually, he was sweating bullets before the results show. Now that we've come to the end, I knew he felt content. He did everything I asked for and more. He accomplished so much and I was very proud of him. We had the same feelings-win or lose we would both go home happy.
"Hey," Edward said kissing me on the lips. The kiss caught me by surprise. Edward never kissed me in front of anyone backstage, except the makeup lady.
Jared chuckled. "I see those pictures aren't hurting you."
Edward grinned mischievously. "What pictures?"
I rolled my eyes. "Enough."
"Sorry," they both laughed.
Jessica shook her head. "You guys are being annoying."
I laughed. "She's right."
A stage manager informed us that we were going live, so we all lined up and took our places.
The results show was fun. All the past contestants and their partners were back to dance again. They showed pre-taped segments of the final three contestants and when they showed Edward's I had to really hold it together. Seeing our last taping and us talking about each other, was too much. I was either going to cry or laugh. I preferred to laugh, but the camera was on me and I didn't want the general public to see me laugh out loud for no apparent reason.
Of course the producers dragged the show on. We had a commercial break every 6-7 minutes. The final three couples were all backstage for the majority of the show. At the last hour we had one last shot to dance. We'd be dancing our favorite dance and for Edward it was the Paso Doble. I found it odd that he chose the Paso. When I asked him why he chose it he answered:
"Because it was the toughest dance for me; it reminds me how hard I had to work. It also symbolizes our relationship-from here on out, it's going to be the toughest time being apart. And I want you to remember all the hard work we put into our dances, so that you can put the same hard work into our relationship."
Edward and I danced second. When we got out there, I gave him a hug. We took our positions and when the music started we fell into an easy step. Edward and I left everything out on the dance floor. We gave it our all and were rewarded with our last perfect final score.
As the night wore on, there were more perfect scores given to Jared and Jessica. We really were neck to neck. When the elimination process started, we took our places on the stage. Garret and Kate came in third. After their final comments, the dramatic music started and the winner was about to be announced.
Edward stood behind me with both his arms holding me tight against his body. The camera was on us, but we really didn't care. I could feel Edward leaning forward against me and when his lips ghosted over my cheek I nearly fell. I was nervous about the results. Edward was nervous too and he was getting impatient. I heard the crowd cheer, but they still hadn't called out the winner. Time wore on, and it was like a million years passed before they started speaking. I knew they were addressing Edward and Jared, but I couldn't make out what they were saying. When we're they going to announce the name?
"Edward and Isabella!"
Thanks for sticking with me. I wanted to get this chapter out sooner, but RL has been difficult. I won't bore you with the details. I've just been really busy.
Did they win? Lol I think you can figure that out for yourself.
Okay, I have been posting this story on the TWC Library. I have to say: I like that site. It is easier to work with than I originally thought. The story chapters are not all in paosted yet, but I'll get to that soon enough. If you read the story on that site, you'll notice I changed the dates. I use the 2009 calendar year because frankly its already 2010 so why not. I have a favor to ask of my readers now: (if you're still reading this AN, then thank you!) is anyone of you willing to beta for me? I'm in need of another pair of beta skills. Please? And if you don't, can you refer me to someone? Please and thank you!
Oh yeah, for those who celebrate it: Happy Easter. It's still Sunday here on the West Coast. ;)
Till next time.
Tina