Chapter 14

Disclaimer:

Sadly, I own nothing related to Twilight or The Commitments. I do, however, own the hopes and dreams of two little girls who may just grow up to get everything they ever wanted but never really thought they could have.

A special thanks to pre-readers byrd009, Luee Fishes, B and my fantastic beta blueeyedcherry.

Chapter Songs:

"Bed of Roses" Bon Jovi

"Something to Talk About" Bonnie Raitt

BPOV

It had been a long few days. Friday night, Edward and I were snuggled together on the couch at my place working on our lines. I couldn't believe that filming was starting soon. I certainly hoped that I was ready for what was about to happen to me.

"Hey, lovebirds," Alice said as she walked through the front door. "I come bearing pizza and beer." She smiled as she held up a giant box of pizza and a six-pack of beer.

"That sounds heavenly, Alice. Thank you," I said as I rolled my head around trying to pop my neck. I had been staring at the pages of the script for far too long.

"You okay, love?" Edward asked.

"My neck is just tight. Too much horrible posture today," I said as I went to the kitchen to grab us some dinner.

"I can help you with that tension later," Edward whispered in my ear as his magnificent hands rubbed my shoulders. I sighed.

"I am sure you can and will," I said as I turned and winked at him. I handed him a bottle of beer and a plate with a giant slice of pizza.

We took our food and sat on the loveseat. Edward kicked his feet up on the coffee table and moaned as he took his first bite of pizza.

"Oh my God. This pizza is outstanding. Where is it from, Alice?" Edward asked.

"It's from Koronet Pizza near Columbia University," Alice told him as she folded her slice of pizza in half to take a bite.

"What were you doing near Columbia, Alice?" I asked her.

"I went to order a little present for Jasper. I had to go in person to make sure it was just exactly what I wanted to get him." Her smiled filled her entire face at just the mention of Jasper's name. She grabbed the remote and put the TV on Entertainment Tonight.

"Gee, you're not excited to see him at all are you?" I joked, and she rolled her eyes at me.

"No, not at all, Bella," Alice smirked. "I can't believe I finally get to see him tomorrow night. It feels like forever since I've seen him. You're still going to help me with part of Jasper's special surprise tomorrow night, right?" She asked excitedly.

"Of course. I just wish you would tell me exactly what it is I am helping you with," I told her.

"I'll tell you tomorrow. I swear," she vowed. She became suddenly silent, which was odd for her. I looked at the television to see a picture of Double Vision on the screen.

"In music news, Emmett McCarty of Double Vision really got into the spirit of Chicago this week while his band was playing a concert there. In a well-received gesture, McCarty dyed his hair bright green in honor of the Irish community in Chicago. Bandmate Jasper Whitlock introduced McCarty as the Jolly Green Giant to the crowd, and they began to chant McCarty's new nickname during the show," reporter Mary Hart said. "More on Double Vision and breaking movie news after these commercials."

Edward spit out his beer after hearing that segment of the report. "That's the funniest damn thing I have ever heard," he laughed with Alice joining in.

"This little prank was a long time in coming," Alice giggled. "Jasper is hoping that Emmett has learned the error of his ways with his pranking lifestyle."

"I seriously doubt that. Emmett is likely plotting retribution as we speak," Edward said. "Emmett has to be the ultimate winner of everything. I think that stems from the fact that he loves being the center of attention, whether that attention is good or bad."

"Rumors are swirling that Double Vision frontman, Jasper Whitlock, is officially off the market. This news comes after a rather touching performance in Madison Square Garden, where he dedicated a song to someone who was very special to him. We have asked representatives for information on the latest buzz and at this time there has been no comment issued."

"Wow," Alice murmured. "Mary Hart was just talking about me." Before I could ask her how she felt about that, it was suddenly my turn to be on the verge of the media's scrutiny.

"In other news, fans waiting to see Edward Cullen and Kate Turner on the big screen will be waiting indefinitely. Aro Churchill, director of Cullen's newest film, Innocence, has announced that Turner has left the project due to personal reasons. The project has not been postponed due to the casting issue. 'Despite Turner's departure from Innocence, we have found an actress who is stepping in to take the part of the love interest. While she is new to acting, the chemistry that she and Cullen have is undeniably perfect," Churchill told us in an interview earlier today. While he wouldn't tell us the name of the new co-star, a source tells us that she will be making her acting debut. Cullen also has a first with this film. He is not only one of the main producers, but also the writer of the screenplay, which focuses on a character who is wrongly accused of a crime he didn't commit. The only person on his side is his shy neighbor. Once we have more news on the production and the lucky lady who will be joining Cullen on screen, we will let you know," Hart concluded.

"Bella, this is so incredible. You made it on Entertainment Tonight! I made it on Entertainment Tonight too!" Alice nearly screeched with her unrestrained excitement.

"Al, they didn't even say my name or yours," I said lightly. I knew there was nothing that would likely pop her bubble of excitement.

"That doesn't matter. They were still talking about us. Jasper and I are together, and the whole world is going to know soon. They are going to know about both of you too! I'm so excited for you and this incredible opportunity that you have. Will I get to come to the set and watch some of the filming?" Alice asked.

"You are more than welcome to come by and visit, Alice. Just let me know a date, and I will get you on the guest list," Edward told her.

"Thank you, Edward. I can't wait to watch! The way you two are when you are together, you'll be lucky if the film isn't burned from the scorching heat of your chemistry," Alice chirped.

"Alice—" I began only for her to literally be saved by the bell of her cell phone ringing. That could only be one person.

"Jasper!" She said as she answered the phone. "I just saw you on TV," Alice said as she went to her bedroom and shut the door to continue the conversation.

"She's one of the most, if not the most, exuberant people I've ever met," Edward said as he finished off his pizza.

"Alice definitely has a bubbly personality. I think that's what I love most about her," I admitted as I put my plate down and curled into his side. He kissed the top of my head and pulled me even closer.

"Was it my imagination or did you tense up a little bit when the reporter started talking about the movie?"

"It wasn't your imagination, Edward," I admitted quietly. "You know that I haven't had much of a relationship with either of my parents. My mother thrives on attention. I'm really worried she may cause problems for us once she finds out about the movie— and about us."

"What do you think your mother would do, love?" Edward asked.

"Honestly, Edward, I don't think there is anything she wouldn't do for the right guy or for money. For the right price, she would say or do anything," I added. I suddenly got the chills as an ominous feeling filled me with worry. I didn't know what was going to happen, but it was not going to be good.

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APOV

"You just saw me on TV, huh?" Jasper asked.

"Yes, I did. I also got to see your colorful handiwork," I chuckled. "The look on the Jolly Green Giant's face was absolutely priceless. You did a fantastic job with payback, baby," I told him.

"Well, my love, I am not one to brag, but I did finally make him pay for the constant torture of his pranks," he said.

"I am sure he did pay," I told him. "What time are you going to be here tomorrow?"

"I'm going to leave directly after the show. I should be on the plane by 11 p.m. and be in New York City by a little after midnight. I can't wait to have you in my arms again, Alice."

"I can't wait to be in your arms again, Jasper," I declared. "The things that I have planned for you will totally blow your mind."

"Damn, Alice. Don't say stuff like that. It makes me want to blow off the concert tonight just come and be with now you instead."

"A little over 24 hours," I said. "If I can wait that long, I have faith that you can too." I heard him sigh on the other end of the line. "Oh, I forgot to tell you. They talked about Edward's movie today. Sound like my bestie is going to be in the limelight soon."

"How do you think that Bella will handle it?" Jasper asked.

"Bella is one of the strongest people I know, however, she doesn't realize the strength that she possesses. It will be amazing watching this experience bring out the real Bella that she can finally see for herself."

"It sounds like you know your best friend as well as you know yourself, baby," Jasper told me. "How do you think that you will react once the media gets your name? It is only a matter of time before they find out."

"Are you ready for the entire world to know that we are together?" I held my breath as I waited for his answer to my question.

"I love you, Alice. I would love to start and end each show shouting, 'I'm in love with Alice Brandon. She's my soulmate. I'm going to spend the rest of my life with her, making her as happy as she has made me.'" I let my breath out in a whoosh. The sound of his voice uttering those words caused my heart to overflow. This man couldn't be anymore perfect for me. "As much as I would love to do that, I want to keep you to myself a little while longer. I know that we won't have much more time before the media mongers begin to tell the world everything we do and when. I want to enjoy the calm before the public storm that will surely find a way to take what we have and twisted it in some way to sell magazines."

"I feel the same way," I said shyly. "I'm afraid of what will happen with our little bubble bursts, and others come crowding into this ideal world that we've made with each other. I know it's likely to happen sooner rather than later, but I want this time for us to get to know absolutely everything about each other before everyone else decides they want our world as a part of theirs."

"We can talk about it this weekend. Once we're ready, I'll talk to my publicist, and we can select a reputable magazine to do an interview with to tell the world our story."

"Jasper, people would never believe that we met just by literally running into each other," I said.

"Baby, stranger things have happened in this industry. Trust me," he said tenderly.

"Oh, I most certainly do trust you. I trust you to be completely surprised with the gift that I've arranged for you tomorrow," I said in my most sultry tone.

"I wish I could jump through this phone and get my gift right now," Jasper said eagerly. I heard bustling on the other end of the line. "Alice, I'm sorry. I've got to go. The Jolly Green Giant is demanding my attention right now."

"That's okay," I said unable to hold back the sadness in my voice. I hated losing any time I had with Jasper, whether it was on the phone or in person.

"You will have my undivided attention for a day and a half," Jasper said lustfully. "I love you Alice Brandon. You're my soulmate. I'm going to spend the rest of my life with you, making you as happy as you have made me," he added, making me laugh by repeating almost word for word what he'd uttered earlier.

"Now if you would only say that in front of the thousands of adoring fans awaiting you tonight," I said jokingly. "I love you too. You're my soulmate, as well. I will spend every moment of my life making you as insanely content as you've made me." Jasper's chuckle warmed my heart completely.

"Good night, my only love," Jasper said sweetly. "Until tomorrow."

"Until tomorrow," I repeated and hung up the phone with a sigh. Tomorrow most definitely could not get here soon enough for either of us.

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The next morning I went to the spa for a little pampering. As I dodged the crowded pedestrian-filled sidewalks on my way to pick up the most important part of Jasper's surprise, my phone buzzed in my purse.

"Hi, baby," I said cheerfully.

"Back at ya, hot stuff," Emmett bellowed.

"Hey, Emmett," I said. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your call?"

"Well, I've got some news about Jasper," he said solemnly, causing my heart to pound ferociously in my chest.

"What's wrong?" I whispered as I leaned against the wall of the nearest building for support.

"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Jasper's not going to be able to make it this weekend after all," Emmett told me calmly.

My heart plunged, and I fought back tears as the thought of spending more time away from him began to sink in.

"Why can't he make it?" I asked roughly, as the unshed tears made it nearly impossible for me to speak.

"Why?" Emmett said boisterously. "Because I have locked his sorry ass in the tour bus indefinitely for destroying the incredible awesomeness known as the most handsome, debonair Emmett McCarty, the most popular and most gorgeous heartthrob of all ages. He turned me into a cartoon character and struck me where it hurt the most so I decided to get him where it would hurt the most."

"Emmett, I am going to kick your ass!" I heard Jasper shout on the other end of the line. "Give me the phone now!"

"No way, no day, Mr. Hair Destroyer," Emmett taunted back childishly.

"Emmett!" Jasper growled.

"Give him the phone right this minute before I make my way to where you are. You will regret ever taking your next breath if you don't," I hissed menacingly.

"Gee, Alice," Emmett pouted. "You don't have to be so mean to me." I could even picture Emmett slouching from the reprimand I gave him. He really was nothing but very large, very loud and sometimes, well more often than not, very obnoxious.

"Alice," Jasper said breathlessly. "He is full of shit, baby. I am still coming tonight. Unless I get arrested for murdering my bandmate that is."

"Don't hurt him, yet," I said. "I will help you make sure that he pays for what he did to me." I sniffled and wiped away the tears that slipped down my face.

"Too late!" Jasper exclaimed. "Emmett, you are the worst scum imaginable. Prepare to die! You made Alice cry you ass!"

I heard grumbling and thuds on the other end of the phone.

"I'm sorry," Emmett said contritely. "It was all meant in fun, and the last thing I would ever want to do is make you cry. Can you ever forgive me?" I could picture his big, puppy-dog eyed expression on the other end of the phone. I knew that he didn't mean to hurt me. Emmett enjoyed having fun at other people's expense, but never maliciously.

"I forgive you, Emmett. This time," I said with just a tinge of forcefulness. "But," I paused for effect. I wanted him to be full of a little trepidation. "I reserve the right to kick your ass myself if you ever do anything that hurts me or Jasper. Got it."

"Got it," Emmett nearly whimpered.

"Good. Put Jasper on the phone now please," I said sweetly.

Jasper laughed as he picked up the phone. "I don't know what you said to him, but Emmett most certainly just moped away with his tail between his legs."

"He doesn't like to be chastised, does he?"

"No, Alice. He doesn't. I've got to get back to rehearsal. I'll see you tonight." The sultry promise in his voice made me shiver with excitement and anticipation.

"Until tonight, my love," I murmured.

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It didn't take much coercing on my part to get Bella to stay at Edward's for the next couple of days so Jasper and I could have this much-needed alone time.

I asked her to help me with something to prepare me for Jasper's arrival.

"Alice, I'm a little worried about what you want me to do. I have seen that look on your face before, and it didn't mean the best for me the last time I saw it," Bella told me nervously. "Wait, why is there an almost overpowering scent of roses wafting from your room."

"It's too much?" I questioned frantically. "Tonight has to be perfect!"

"Relax," she demanded. "I'm sure that everything will be fine."

"I hope so," I admitted as I tried to take her advice and calm down. "Now, here's what I need you to do." I began to explain exactly how I needed her help. When I was finished, I was met with silence and a blushing Bella.

"You want me to do what?" Bella exclaimed. "I don't need to see all of that. I love you, Alice, but—"

"Bella, it's your turn to relax. I will cover as much of myself up as I can. I just need you to cover up what I miss. Pretty please," I begged and batted my eyelashes at her.

"God, the things I let you talk me into," Bella moaned as she rested her forehead in the palm of her hand.

"Yay!" I said giddily, clapping my hands.

About 30 minutes later, we were finished. We timed it perfectly because I heard a knock on the door as Bella prepared to leave for the night.

"She's all yours, Jasper," Bella told him. "Alice is in her room waiting for you."

"See you later, Bella," Jasper told her. I heard the front door close and took a deep breath. I just hoped that Jasper liked the surprise I had in store for him.

I heard a gasp and looked up into his hazel eyes at my doorway. I was spread out on my bed before him wearing nothing but red rose petals.

"Alice," he whispered huskily as he approached the bed. His hunger was evident from the look in his eyes. Not only did that gaze tell me that he liked what he saw, but that he promised to make tonight a night that neither of us would forget anytime soon.

A/N: If you want a chance to read exactly how Jasper turned Emmett into the Jolly Green Giant, donate to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy at fandomfightshurricanesandy . blogspot . com Donations will be accepted until January 15.

No lemon this chapter, but plenty of pent up sexual frustration. Do you think that Bella's worry will come true? How will Bella and Alice handle the media and the paparazzi when they are "found out"? Edward and Bella still haven't admitted any feelings out loud. Who will pour their heart out first?

All of twidictedbyrd's stories can be read at FF, The Writer's Coffee Shop and on Archive of Our Own under the same author name.

FYI: Jasper's band, Double Vision, is envisioned like the band The Commitments. If you haven't listened to their music, you are missing out :D.

Follow twidictedbyrd on twitter for status updates and sometimes just general perviness lol.

Thanks for reading. Please review and let me know what you think.

Are you ready for Madame President Cougarella? Check out my newest story, Power Play: Bella has every detail of her life planned out. Edward Cullen is not in those plans. Edward just got his dream job. Now he has plans to land something a little more difficult, his much older boss, President of the United States Bella Swan-Newton. White House Intern Edward will show her that age is only just a number.