A/N: Okay. Most of this chapter was based on a role play I had participated in. Also, I've made Jacob look a little better in this chapter, all for Mary. Aaaaaaand… I met Stephenie Meyer a few nights ago! Yeah, I was so excited! I gave her my username on fan fiction, so… yeah! xD

4. Graduation

"Hey! Over here Edward!" Who was that? I craned my head over the crowd to look for where the voice was coming from. It was none other than Shelly. Edward stood only feet away from her, and was heading her way.

"Hey!" Shelly crooned as Edward took her into his arms as he had so often embraced me. It was definitely not a friendly embrace, but rather a romantic one. I could feel my jaw drop as this all happened. What the hell? Edward was my boyfriend, not Shelly's! Only in her dreams was Edward her boyfriend. Then my jaw dropped again. His lips, those cold, flawless lips, were pressed against Shelly's.

"No!" I cried out as I shot up from the covers of my bed. It was a dream, nothing more than a dream! I glanced around my dull, pale yellow room. Nothing was different, yet the dream had felt so real. I could still here the bustling of the crowd, and I could still picture Edward with Shelly. A small shudder ran through my frail body, which was tangled up in the sheets.

"What is it, Bella?" Edward was there in an instant and he quickly pulled me out of bed and cradled me in his arms as he rocked gently on the old rocking chair. I hurriedly wrapped my arms around his neck, and buried my face in his thin cotton t-shirt. The heady smell radiating off of him calmed my nerves, and just the hold he had on me made me sure that Edward was still mine.

"Bad dream," I muttered into his shoulder. My eyes were squeezed shut, and I was breathing too deeply.

"What happened?" He asked. I could here the frown in his voice.

"You and Shelly…"I stuttered off, fuming again. Edward, on the other hand, found it humorous, and let out a few soft, chuckling laughs.

"Really, Bella, do you think that would ever happen?" He asked. I glanced up at him, and his eyes were sparkling.

"No," I mumbled under my breath. I knew it was impossible, but dreams felt so real to me now. "At least Jacob wasn't-" I stopped as I noticed his face grow rigid. "Sorry," I muttered under my breath as I stifled a yawn.

Edward quickly stood, and set me down on the floor. "Do you need a minute?" He asked as he glanced from my toiletries to the door. I nodded unthinkingly, grabbed the bag, and fled to the bathroom.

In ten minutes, I was back in the bedroom. My hair was still soaking wet, but it would dry eventually. I had pulled on a pair of worn blue jeans, a plain white t-shirt, and I was still bare foot. But Edward wasn't in the bedroom.

Looking around warily, I crept to the stairs and looked down into the kitchen. Ah, that was where he'd gone. He was sitting at the table, and seemed to be deep in thought. His liquid gold eyes were brooding, and his brow was furrowed. With quick, quiet steps, I silently snuck down and into the kitchen. In the briefest second, Edward's eyes flicked up to meet mine, and a small smile parted his lips.

"I thought you would have announced yourself by falling down the stairs," He told me with a few small chuckles. I only scoffed and plodded over to the fridge rather ungracefully.

"I'm not that klutzy!" I complained as I pulled open the fridge and glanced inside. "I'm not hungry," I told Edward quickly as I shut the door and walked over to sit across from him. I rested my elbows on the table and my chin in my hands and stared straight at him.

"Well, that's a shame," He told me as he stood and walked over to the fridge. I just gaped. He was so beautiful, it boggled my mind. Dazzled again, I quickly shook my head and watched as he pulled two eggs and some milk from the fridge. I just watched skeptically as he fried up the eggs, and then set them on a plate before me, along with a fork.

"But I'm not hungry," I pointed out slowly as I grabbed the fork and pushed the food around my plate.

Edward rolled his eyes. "Just, eat it, okay?" He said with a small smile as he took his seat.

I did as he said, and dug into the food. It was wonderful, but so was everything else about Edward, right? Shaking my head, I glanced up at the vampire sitting in front of me. "So, what have you been thinking about so much these last few days?" I asked him quickly as I finished off the eggs.

Edward's brow furrowed, and a small frown replaced the smile on his lips. "Well, you remember Vince?" He asked me as he eyed the now empty plate. I nodded, and he continued. "There's just, something different about him," Edward shrugged and pressed the tips of his fingers together.

I scoffed. "That's it?" I asked him. This brought my favorite crooked smile to his face, and his mood lightened.

"Yes, Bella, that's it," He told me, his voice soft and melodic. The smile remained on his lips as she stood and placed the dish into the sink, than quietly strode over to my side. "Are you ready to go?" He asked as he pulled me up from the chair. I immediately panicked.

"Go where?" I asked quickly, my eyes wide. He'd said nothing of having any plans today! I was sure of it, for I could remember what he'd told me last night, and how he'd asked me what I'd like to do.

"You have an appointment with Alice in about…" here Edward checked the clock on the wall. I noticed that he never seemed to wear a wrist watch. "10 minutes," He told me with a genuine smile.

I paled considerably at this. Alice treated me like her own personal Barbie doll. It was graduation, and she was bound to go full out tonight. I let out an audible groan as Edward frivolously pulled me to the door. "Do I have to go?" I whined quietly as he opened the door, allowing me to leave the house into the brisk, humid morning air.

"Considering that you don't have a dress over here, or make up, I would say yes," Edward told me with a small snort. I only rolled my eyes as he offered a hand to help me onto his back. I quickly clambered on and clamped my legs around his waist, and my arms around his neck. I rested my chin on his well-muscled shoulder, and waited for him to take off.

In less than a second, we were speeding through the forest. No longer did I have to bury my eyes in Edward's shoulder; I could now face the world like a man, well, in my case woman, and watch the green blur of trees as we quickly passed them by.

After running for about 2 minutes, Edward threw himself into a halt in front of the large Cullen house. I immediately loosened my grip around his neck, then my legs and slid off of his back. Luckily, I landed on my feet, so there were no worries about Edward snickering at me as we silently wound our way up to the door hand in hand. Before we could get through, though, we were immediately sabotaged by an over-excited Alice.

"Good morning, Bella, Edward." Alice nodded to us in turn, her large, shimmering gold eyes meeting mine before she grabbed my hand and hurriedly dragged me up the stairs and into her bedroom. As usual, the room was neat and tidy. The walls were lined with shelves of odds and ends ranging from small perfume bottles, to large, intricate carvings of marble. Without being told, I instinctively plopped down onto a small stool in front of a large vanity.

"Really, Alice!" I complained, a scoff on my face as Alice pulled out a box of curlers and a bottle of hair spray. "I don't want to be made up!" I complained sourly as she quickly brushed through my tangled brown locks. Once my hair was totally and completely tangle free, she quickly sprayed some fragrant liquid onto my hair.

In about a half an hour, my fuzzy brown tresses had been transformed into sleek, perfectly spiraling curls. I gently fingered one of the shining locks between my pale fingers. A scoff embodied my pale face as Alice then pulled out a bag of cosmetics. My scoff immediately deepened.

"Alice, you know I hate make up!" I complained as she pulled out different shades of eye shadow, lipstick and blush. Eyeliner and mascara (both a midnight black) were quickly added to the pile as Alice began the long process.

It was like I was the blank canvas, and Alice was the artist. Her perfectly sculpted, pale hands could easily transform my plain face into a thing of beauty almost as lovely as she was. Wait, that was completely emphasized. I could never look half as beautiful as Edward, Alice, or any other member of the Cullen-Hale family.

Finally, about an hour later, I was allowed to stand. My legs felt cramped, and my whole body seemed tense.

"Now for the dress!" Alice laughed happily. Like most high schools, Forks followed the strict graduation dress code: blue gowns and black hats. But that didn't mean you couldn't look good underneath. At least, not to Alice. The dress she held up for me nearly made me choke on my own tongue. It was nothing I could pull off, even for a night out on the city, as all the seniors were planning to do after graduation and the dance.

"Alice… no," I managed to choke out. I could nearly feel my eyes budging from their sockets.

Alice scoffed at me. "Maybe it is too much," She mumbled as she replaced the skimpy black dress to look for something more conservative. She emerged from the large closet carrying a navy blue dress. I wrinkled my nose in distaste, but she didn't seem to care. "It's the best I've got," She told me brightly, her eyes glistening as she handed the dress over to me. Letting out a sigh of defeat, I watched as Alice hurriedly danced out of the room, allowing me to change in peace away from watchful eyes. I struggled to pull on the navy blue mass, and finally I managed. The dress was soft and silky, and, thankfully, there were no sparkles or glitter. The blue silk was plain, with only a few pieces of lace around my waist.

"It looks good!" Alice squealed as she re-entered the room with a pair of white stilettos in her hand. "Sit down," Alice commanded and pointed to the stool.

I quickly and ungracefully plopped back down onto the stool, and obediently held out one skinny leg. Alice quickly fastened on one shoe, then the other, and then stood.

"Edward's waiting for you downstairs," She told me with a small smile.

I nodded absently as my pointer finger gently traced the green emerald on my ring. With rigid, unsteady steps, I shakily started down the stairs. The heels made the trip all the worse. Suddenly, with the blink of an eye, Edward was there. His cool fingers silently brushed across the dipping neckline of the dress, sending shivers down my spine.

"That's my favorite color on you. It really off-sets your skin," He told me in a quiet, seemingly delighted voice. I just smiled slightly in return. A hot flush was already spreading through my cheeks as his hand dropped to encase my own hand in an iron hard grip.

Taking a deep breath, my own eyes wandered up to inspect Edward's own attire. He was wearing a white button-up shirt, and underneath was a plain white t-shirt. A pair of black slacks hung from his hips, and a pair of black loafers were upon his feet.

I hadn't realized that we had stopped until Edward dropped my hand. With lazy strides, he quietly sauntered over to one of the crème colored couches and dropped down onto it languidly. With expectant eyes, Edward glanced over at me. I only smiled in return.

"Sorry, but I can't walk," I explained to Edward as I carefully stuck out my foot and grasped the banister. His reply was only to shake his head and stand.

"What are we going to do with you, Bella?" Edward asked as he gently scooped me up into his arms.

I shook my head. "Maybe, if you turned me…" I trailed off suggestively.

Edward's face hardened for a second, and I thought he was going to put me back down. But then, his face lightened, and he adopted his old teasing nature. As if I was light as a feather, Edward dropped me onto the couch.

"Hey! Watch the dress!" I teased in mock anger as I gently smoothed out the silky material.

"If I should watch anything, it's those heels. They are sharp as knives," Edward grabbed one of the shoes, which were as thin as his thumb. I held my skirt in place as he dropped my foot and pulled me a bit closer.

"Let's keep it PG-13 in here, guys," came the gruff voice of Emmett from across the room. I nearly jumped out of my skin as the hulking figure that was Emmett quickly bounded into the room. Edward rolled his eyes in response, and Emmett chuckled deeply. Soon following Emmett was his beautiful wife, Rosalie.

"Please, Emmett. I haven't been married at least five times," Edward joked with a roll of his eyes.

"Hmmm, you might be right about that, but… do I spy a ring on Bella's finger?" In a flash, Emmett was standing beside me, and both of his large hands held mine in an iron grasp. Rosalie was, as well, peeking at the ring over Emmett's shoulder.

"Nice," Rosalie said in surprise, her eyebrows raised. "Did you pick that, Edward?" She asked in disbelief. Edward shook his head in response.

"Bella picked it, all on her own," Edward informed the couple as he gently took Bella's hand from Emmett's. "Are you two coming to the graduation?" Edward asked casually as he pressed my warm hand to up against his cold cheek.

Emmett watched with careful eyes as my hand was pressed against Edward's cheek. "I guess so; we weren't ever really invited…" Emmett trailed off, and Rosalie rolled her eyes.

"Well, I've officially invited you," I declared as Alice twirled into the room, followed by a serene, but genuinely happy-looking Jasper. Emmett chuckled to himself as Edward rolled his eyes and ushered me towards the car.

"Look, we've got to get to school. They have to hand out the caps and gowns still," Edward pointed out as he dragged me out the front door and to the Volvo. With calm fingers, Edward pulled the door open for me, and I quickly slid into the seat. In a flash, Edward was seated beside me, one hand folded over mine, the other starting up the soft engine and then caressing the steering wheel.

"What about Alice and Jasper?" I asked dumbly as we sped through the streets going impossibly fast. I made a point of not looking at the speedometer, and instead focusing on Edward's perfect features.

"They'll follow us. Don't worry, Bella. They're vampires as well, and they can easily take care of themselves," Edward chuckled as he looked over at me, his liquid gold eyes meeting my own large, brown ones. Damn, he was doing it again, dazzling me.

"You're dazzling me, again." I told him pointedly. That lovely crooked smile quickly pierced his angelic face, causing his flawless lips to turn up lopsidedly at the corners. Then he was gone. "Edward?" I cried, my eyes wide as I immediately grabbed the edges of my seat. Then the door clicked open, revealing Edward's bemused face.

"Calm down," he laughed as I immediately grabbed his hand and jumped out of the car. Separation anxiety didn't even begin to explain it. It was more of a fear of living with out Edward, ever since he'd left me a few months ago. Once again, we were inseparable, and I liked it that way.

Laughing happily, Edward helped me to stand in my heels, then let me go. "You've got to get used to walking in them." He pointed out as I took one shaking step forward. I continued on, finally reaching the side walk. By that time, I was walking almost normally, save the fact that I had to stare down at my feet to make sure there was nothing in the way. "See? Not so bad," Laughed Edward, who was now standing beside me, his hand in mine. I only scoffed and looked up at him.

"Yeah, well… you aren't wearing the shoes. Maybe Alice should stuff you into one of these dresses and a pair of these shoes some time!" My scoff deepened as we entered the gym, which was the largest part of the school. Already, most of our class was seated in blue caps and gowns. Edward instantly ushered me over to a closet where Jessica's mom and Mike's mom were handing out gowns and caps. Edward and I quickly exchanged glances before I walked over to Mrs. Newton, and Edward approached Mrs. Stanley.

"Hey, Bella!" Mrs. Newton smiled at me as she searched through racks for the gown labeled as mine. "How are you doing?" She asked in attempt to start conversation.

"I'm doing good," I told her truthfully as I watched her pick out the correct gown and then grab a cap. I inwardly cringed at the sight. My hair would be a complete mess now. "Thanks, Mrs. Newton!" I said with a small smile as the older woman handed me the garments. With out further ado, I turned and sped off towards Edward, clutching the gown and cap in my hands. As soon as I reached him, I placed the cap on his head, then pulled on the gown. He finished off the ensemble for me by plopping the cap onto my head.

"Thanks," I muttered sarcastically with a roll of my eyes. "Will you give me a minute? Human second" I held up a finger, and then quickly dashed off towards the women's bathroom. The bathroom was located in the girls' locker-room, so it was a rather long walk. I sped up the pace a bit, making sure to keep my eyes on the floor, and not trip over my own two feet. In seconds, I had entered the bathroom, which wasn't empty.

The feet I saw were distinctly masculine. A pair of dirty white sneakers protected the large feet. I immediately glanced up and nearly fell over, but Jacob Black caught me before I could fall. "Careful, Bella," he said in his husky voice. With one hand, Jacob reached back to lock the bathroom. I was literally trapped in there with him. I could feel the cold panic spreading from the tips of my toes all the way through my limbs to my head.

"Jake, What-" I was cut off as Jacob began his own speech.

"Look, Bella. I don't have much time to talk to you. Edward knows I am here, and he's bound to be mad at me. I don't want to fight him but-"

"Then leave, Jake!" I cried in exasperation. We both new how quickly Edward's temperature would rise when he smelled Jacob's presence.

"No, I need to warn you!" Jacob insisted quickly. "Bella, she's still out there!" That was all Jacob got out, for, at that same moment, there was the sound of metal on metal. Edward had arrived. Flinching, I rushed to open the door. "No! We still have time," Jacob insisted. "Bella, you have to know!" He warned me.

"Jake, please! Open the door!" I cried as I attempted to rip my arm from his iron-hard grip. But Jake didn't have to open the door, because at that second, Edward burst through the door, shattering it from its hinges.

"Let her go," Edward commanded in a calm, soft voice. I knew he was angry, it was obvious. Jacob immediately dropped my arm, and stalked out, his eyes hard. I could tell he was trying not to make things worse.

"Calm down, Edward," I soothed as Jacob immediately fled through the door and out of the gym. Edward's face immediately turned to hard stone as he gently cupped my face in his hands.

"He didn't hurt you?" he asked immediately, his eyes blazing with anger, fear and annoyance.

I shook my head. "No, he was just trying to warn me!" I told Edward quickly, my eyes meeting his. "Now, c'mon, we've got to get back in time for the ceremony!" I forced a small smile, causing Edward's face to immediately calm.

"You're right," He told me softly as he quickly planted a cold kiss on my forehead.

------------------------------------------------------

"Okay, dad, enough pictures!" I laughed as Charlie managed to snap another picture of me and Edward embracing after the long, tedious graduation ceremony. I had shed my cap and gown, and was now showing off the midnight blue dress and a head full of ringlets. Edward had, as well, shed the graduation attire, and was beaming beside me. Only I knew that the smile was because I was fulfilling my duty as a human.

Suddenly, the annoying crackle of feed-back echoed through the room, causing guests and graduates alike to cringe. "Okay, parents, its time to set up for the dance!" The announcement rang through the room, causing people to wince once more. Immediately, Edward and I moved out of the way as parents begrudgingly folded up chairs and dragged in long tables.

But that was the worst of my problems at the time, because there, pushing through the crowd was Shelly, followed by her faithful friends. I groaned noisily, getting Edward's attention. "Oh great," Edward mumbled under his breath as Shelly reached us.

"Hey Edward, Bella!" Shelly beamed happily at us as we awkwardly stood there, hand in hand.

Edward nodded, and I spoke up. "Hey, Shelly, I didn't know you were coming," I said in a falsely happy voice. My eyes quickly scanned over the group, then immediately turned back to Edward. Now, standing beside him were all of his siblings. My grin immediately widened. "Shelly, these are Edward's brothers and sisters. Alice Cullen, Jasper Hale, Emmett Cullen, and Rosalie Hale," Each waved in turn, and allowed a small smile, except Rosalie. Her model-like face stayed immobile as she took in Shelly's appearance. I didn't have to be able to read minds to tell what she thought about Shelly, the disgust squirmed on her face.

Shelly returned the many smiles, then turned to Edward. "So, are you staying for the dance?" She asked him in a hopeful voice. Despite her discovery of our engagement, Shelly still seemed to think she had a chance with Edward. Edward glanced at me, but I merely shrugged.

"We might stay for a little while," Edward informed Shelly as he gently took my hand and lead me out to the dance floor. Like always, I stepped up onto his feet, and laid my head on his shoulder. Edward immediately began the twirling dance not worrying that no one else seemed interested in dancing at the moment.

A/N: I also have some bad news for you Shelly Lovers: I think, THINK she will leave in the next chapter, or have already left. Yes, sad. –tear tear- But she is such a hassle, and I am quite sick of her. xDDD Buuuuuuut.. the plot will definitely thicken in chapter five, as well as having a few well-delivered lines from Emmett! xD