Author's Note: I would like to take this time to thank everyone that reviewed the last chapter. I would also like to apologize for taking so long to update. I am a senior and the last two months have been rather hectic. So, once again, I am sorry. Once school is finished, I should have more time to update. I hope you don't hate me…

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. It all belongs to Stephenie Meyer. I could never claim the world and characters she has created. I am just having a little bit of fun with them. However, should she like to hand over Edward, I would certainly not object.


Chapter II: New Girl in Town

Now that Miss Swan had joined all her well wishers, the party was in full swing. Well, as full swing as any party ever got in Naperville. Drinks were in almost every hand. Servants were walking around the guests in their station clothing with trays of assorted food. Laughter was echoing in the high-ceiling room. Everyone was enjoying themselves…almost everyone.

Edward sighed as he mechanically moved onto another 'party' piece. It was lively and fake but it kept the audience happy. He kept his eyes adverted whenever possible but it was becoming more and more difficult. He seemed to be drawn to Miss Swan. Among all the people in the room, he could pick her out within a second. His eyes seemed to shift to her position even though she had moved. It was rather annoying…and worrisome.

Isabella Swan moved about the room on her father's arm. If Edward had not noticed before, he certainly noticed now. She was not a very graceful person. It seemed as though she had the incredible ability to stumble over everything and nothing. Her own two feet seemed to be her biggest obstacle.

However, the more he watched her, the more he began to believe it was mostly due to nerves. Even as she greeted her 'friends' from school, the look of awkwardness she possessed never left her face. But she was still beautiful even with the worry lines in the corner of her eyes. She seemed the lighten up a little when her father left her near Michael Newton but it never fully left.

As she talked with her peers, she laughed and talked the way a good hostess should. She engaged the others in conversation the way that was acceptable in their society. And yet, it did not seem like she belonged there. To Edward, he felt like he was looking at someone who was merely playing dress up. She was not comfortable with the style of life she was now living. He could imagine her in clothes less intricate, less sophisticated. He could see in her in (much needed) flatter shoes that were less of a challenge for her. He could her silken hair tumbling down her shoulders in thick waves as opposed to the tight bun and curls it was in now. He could see her truly carrying on, not watching her every move so as not to make a faux pas that would ruin her reputation in the small, rule-abiding town.

But that was the way things were in Naperville. Everyone acted in the same fashion because that was what was expected. Yet, somehow, she stood out from the others that were playing along. She was the one that seemed better than the game….

He sighed again, stretching his fingers over the keys. This was slowly becoming worse than biology in the boredom department. He had never been this uneasy while playing the piano.

Suddenly, as he switched songs once again, Isabella's head picked up and she looked over at him. Their eyes locked; brown on green. There was something in her eyes as she looked at him. It was as if she was smiling. But Edward could not decide on what it was exactly. It was like she was closed off from him. He could not read her the way he read everyone else. Like how he could tell that, at that moment, Michael was frustrated and angry that she was not paying attention to him. Like how he could tell Ben Dawson was thinking about Angela Webber. Like how he could tell that Jessica Stanley was comparing her looks to Isabella's. Like how he could tell that Mary Alice was behind him and feeling very smug.

He broke eye contact with Isabella and looked down at the keys as Mary Alice took a seat next to him. She placed two champagne glasses on the top of the piano. He did not need to look at her to tell that she was smiling. She was feeling triumphant. She had been right. But then again, she was always right. He did not understand why she always got so excited.

"So, I see that you have set your sights on Miss Isabella Swan," she said, unable to keep the smile out of her voice. Edward risked a quick look in her direction before looking back at the keys. Smug was the only word for it.

"Oh, hush up, Mary Alice. You don't know what you are talking about."

She laughed lightly. "Of course, I do, Edward. And, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you are in her sights as well."

Involuntarily, Edward looked up and his eyes immediately fell on Isabella once again. She smiled gently before turning back to Michael, who was competing for her attention. That simple smile held some kind of power. Edward was sure of it. He wanted to will her to turn around just so he could see it again. He could feel the faster beat of his heart from the slight encounter. It was something so minor that it made no sense. But, still, he could not help it.

"It's funny how I'm always right about things," Mary Alice went on, taking a sip of champagne and sending out one of her haughty vibes so strong, Edward could practically taste it. He wanted to smack her. It was times like these that he wondered why he was her friend. But, really, he knew why. He could not really be mad at her. Mary Alice was Mary Alice, after all. His best friend that had some…issues.

"Oh, yes." Edward agreed sarcastically. "Terribly witty."

Mary Alice laughed again, her brown hair bouncing around her face. "I know. Sometimes it's difficult…."

She looked over at Isabella herself. She examined her closely, as if searching for something. "She is very beautiful. This is something special about her, I suppose. I mean, if she can manage to set your heart aflutter…." She broke off, laughter pealing from her lips once again. Edward merely shook his head and waited for her to continue. "I do think it is time that I went and introduced myself, don't you? I am sure she has heard all about my unseemly family by now. Jessica the Snob doesn't waste time, does she?"

He was shocked. She usually did not mention the rumors that circulated around town. So, Edward settled for shaking his head once again. "No, she does not. However, I would like to think that even Jessica would have the propriety not to start spreading the false rumors already, Mary Alice." He looked over at Jessica, who, at that exact moment, allowed her creamy calf to slip through the slit in her violet designer gown. "Then again, maybe not. Hopefully, however, Miss Swan has enough sense not to believe such a falsehood."

Mary Alice laughed once again as she set her empty glass down on the piano. "Oh yes. Because everyone else in this town has had that much sense." She stood walked across the room, turning a few heads in the process. She was wearing a silky yellow gown, the color quite out of season for most of the women's taste. But Mary Alice had never been one those to do things by the book.

She walked over to the crowd that was surrounding the dear Miss Swan and maneuvered her way into the throng quite gracefully and without an ounce of trouble. She gently tapped Isabella on the back and stuck out her slim hand for a hand shake. Mary Alice was not one for the typical curtsy. Isabella immediately responded with her own hand to which some of those in her party seemed to find appalling.

The two young women carried on a conversation, the others quite forgotten. Isabella seemed to transform within a moment of talking to Mary Alice. She seemed to relax. They carried on like old friends, laughing about one thing or another. After some time, Mary Alice glanced over at Edward with a small smile. Isabella, playing right into her hand, looked over as well and once again caught Edward's attention. They held eye contact with each other as Edward once again tried to read her. But, just as last time, he was at a loss. It was troubling when the thoughts of others were easy to come by, even without eye contact.

As Isabella, Mary Alice, and the swarm of students made their way around the room, Isabella continued to watch Edward from where he sat. He would smile at her, to which she would blush and look away.

"Oh, you are playing beautifully this evening, Edward," a sickly sweet voice said from behind him.

Edward rolled his eyes to the heavens before turning to the woman standing over him. Jessica Stanley, in all her glory, slid in next to him on the bench. She moved as close was possible for him to remain playing and that seemed to take all of her almost nonexistent will power.

"Hello, Jessica," Edward said, wishing he had not been raised to be polite to leeches. "You look lovely this evening."

Jessica giggled, a sound that clashed horribly with the tranquil notes that were issuing from the piano. Edward did his best not to wince but Jessica did not seem to notice. "Well, thank you, Eddie. You look rather handsome yourself."

Edward bowed his head in acknowledgement, doing his best to ignore the horrendous nickname that she insisted on calling him. He sighed as he had to reach past her body to reach a few higher notes. She giggled once again. Edward rolled his eyes once more. The act caused his glance to rest on Isabella once again. She herself seemed to be laughing. So he was discovered. She smiled at him, and with a slight shake of her head, she returned her attention to Mary Alice, but watched him out of the corner of her eye.

Jessica looked over his shoulder to see who had stolen him away from her. She let out an undignified huff of agitation. She crossed her arms over her chest, an action sure to wrinkle the dress that probably cost more than the ex-Mrs. Swan's piano.

"Have you had the pleasure to meet Miss Swan?" she asked, knowing full well that he had not. When he admitted as much to her, she merely shrugged and tossed her long, flowing black hair over her shoulder. She did this often around him, thinking that it would throw the scent of her perfume his way. It did, but it only left him wishing he could gag. "Well, you are at no great loss. True, she seems rather pretty. But, she is really just a plain sort girl in a beautiful dress. She stumbles around, in her walk and conversation. She seems fake, if you ask me."

She watched him for his reply. He sighed and looked over at her. "Now Jessica, do you really think that your opinion of her is fair? You only just met the girl. Maybe she's nervous."

Jessica let out a humorless laugh. "Oh, please, Edward. I can spot a fake from a mile away and I'm not just talking of designer dresses. Isabella Swan is not the real thing."

Edward shook his head. If that was true, then her radar most be going off continuously. Jessica Stanley was the model of fake.

"And the way everyone is following her around, it's ridiculous! It's like they're dogs on short leashes." She laughed boomed out once again as she glared over at the crowd that surrounded her enemy. Edward could just feel the jealousy radiating off of her.

But Jessica was not one to be unsettled for too long. After all, she had hold of Edward. Her mood shifted dramatically and she turned to Edward with a smile on her face. He could practically hear the ding that accompanied an idea going off in her head. She threw an arm around his own, causing his playing to stop in the middle of a scale. "Oh, Edward. Wouldn't it be simply fantastic if we had a duet? You could play and I would sing. You know we still haven't had the pleasure yet and I'm dying to sing with you! Oh, please, Eddie?"

Edward carefully tore himself from her grip. He put on a polite smile for her convenience. "Well, it would be…something, Jessica. However, this is Miss Swan's party. Therefore, it would not be entirely proper to take the spotlight, would it?"

Jessica pouted. "Oh, what's one song, Eddie? I'm certain she wouldn't mind. Besides, if she wanted the spotlight so much, she would have taken it by now. Everyone is simply dying to hear me sing. They've been saying so all night. Why deprive them any longer?" She put on what he was sure she thought was a seductive and pleasant smile. However, it only looked like a snake waiting for its prey.

Yes, let's hear you sing, Jessica. That way, everyone can say you are responsible for killing the music as well as their hearing.

Edward shook his head. "Not tonight, I'm afraid, Jessica. Maybe some other time." Like when Hell freezes over.

Jessica pouted once again. "You said that at Christmas, complaining of a sprained wrist. And here you sit, denying me again. I am beginning to think you don't want to play with me."

Edward wanted to laugh in her face right there. It had taken the girl a full two years to finally come to the conclusion that he himself had been trying to get across. Nevertheless, he settled for shaking his head, hoping that the action would effectively placate her for the time being.

It did.

Jessica settled for chatting his ear off for the next ten minutes as he played. He nodded when it seemed it appropriate but allowed himself to fall completely into the music. He was so absorbed (and doing his best to block out everything around him), that he failed to notice that they had been joined by Mary Alice and Miss Swan herself.

When Mary Alice tapped him on the shoulder and he jumped, he turned around to yell at her only to be distracted by looking up at Miss Swan. She was even more breathtaking close up. She smiled down at him with a silent beauty. Edward felt nothing coming from her like the others. Mary Alice's smugness had returned and Jessica's rage of jealousy had returned with full force. But from Miss Isabella Swan, nothing. She was like a sculpture or rather an angel of Michel Angelo's.

Edward stood up and bowed slightly in front of Miss Swan, still mystified by the lack of any thought coming from her.

Mary Alice smiled brightly. "Isabella, this is the town's musical genius and my best friend, Edward Masen. He attends Stoker as well. Edward, this is Miss Isabella Swan. She has wanted to meet the wonderful musician all night."

Isabella blushed slightly and she stuck out her slim, white hand towards Edward. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Edward."

Edward gently took her hand in his. It was so slight that he feared that the smallest amount of pressure would break it. He carefully brought it to his lips. He placed a tender, chaste kiss on the back of her hand. "The pleasure is all mine, Miss Swan."

She laughed. It was the most musical thing Edward had ever heard. The music that he played could not even compare to the sound that came from her mouth. It was as though some great musician, or rather, an angel, created the most beautiful sound and sent it to Earth in the form of her voice. "Please, call me Isabella. 'Miss Swan' is far too informal." She laughed again. Edward could listen to it all day.

"Oh, Isabella, darling," Jessica said, standing up and coming between Edward and Isabella. She took hold of her arm and smiled with what he supposed was to be kindness. Edward turned away at the sight, hoping the Isabella would not be stupid enough to fall for it. "Edward and I were just talking of his playing. I suggested that-."

Edward, however, took this moment to cut her off. "Maybe there should be a duet?" He took a seat at the bench once again and motioned for Isabella to join him. Jessica, in shock and rage at his obvious attention to Isabella, loosened her grip and allowed her to join him. She settled for standing behind the two with Mary Alice, glaring at their heads.

Isabella sat down next to him and smiled. "A duet, Mr. Masen?"

"Edward," he corrected. "Yes. Perhaps you could honor all of your well-wishers with a song? I know you don't play but perhaps you sing. I will be obliged to accompany you. I doubt you can come up with a song I don't know." He was bragging, he knew it. But he found that he could not help it. Besides, he had her laughing and that was good enough for him.

"I'm afraid I will do no such thing."

"Why not?" he questioned.

She laughed again, looking away from him for a moment. When she turned back to him, the blush that his questioning caused was still evident on her handsome features. "Because I don't sing. I would not want to subject anyone to that particular form of torture."

Edward laughed himself. He highly doubted that anyone who could make laughter sound like a full symphony could have a horrible singing voice. However, he resolved not to push her. "Very well. How about a request? My gift to you."

She smiled. A blush of rose covered her cheeks once again. She looked down at her hands in her lap that were fidgeting with the expensive fabric of her dress. "Could you play the song you were playing in school today? During lunch?" she muttered, seemingly embarrassed that she was admitting that she had heard him.

Edward chose to ignore her embarrassment and the huff that Jessica let out behind him. He also chose to ignore the laughter that Mary Alice was trying to hold in. Instead, he started to play. He watched the smile grow over Isabella's face. He knew that he impressed her by not looking at the keys. She started to laugh.

"It's called "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven. It's one of my mother's favorites." He commented.

She nodded, watching his fingers dance across the ivory keys. "I can understand why."

Edward smiled at her. There was something about her that he just wanted to reach out and touch her. He wanted to be closer to her. But he had a feeling that close would never be close enough. He was simply entranced by her. The way she laughed like the tinkling of bells. The way she held herself around him; so poised, yet so comfortable. The way her brown hair bounced. The way her eyes seemed to light up when she looked into his. The way her blush appeared on her cheeks. The way she made him want to move away from the piano.

In all his life, there was never anything that he wanted more than his music. His parents practically had to pull him away with every force imaginable when he was young. Before now, music was the only thing that seemed to hold any significance. It was made him go through the day. But now that Miss Isabella Swan was sitting in front of him, he felt that she could mean more. He felt that he could give up music for her. She seemed to bring her own to the mix. That was enough for him.

As he finished the song, he smiled at her. She smiled back, the blush remaining on her cheeks. He drew out the last few notes, trying to make her smile last as long as possible. When he was done, he allowed his hands to slowly slip off the keys and into his lap. Isabella began to clap and was followed by those that accompanied her to the piano.

"That was…exquisite," Isabella complimented when she was done clapping. "I don't believe I've ever heard anything quite like it. You truly have a gift."

Edward bowed his head as though he was embarrassed by her praise. Really, he could listen to her go on forever.

"Thank you. I appreciate that. However, I am sure that I am not the first pianist you've had the pleasure of hearing."

She shook her head. "You are correct in that assumption. However, I haven't heard anyone play like that. You really become…consumed by the music."

Edward laughed. "Well, believe me, Isabella, that was nothing."

"Oh, yes. I must agree. He seems rather distracted tonight," Mary Alice commented, laughter threaded through her voice. Isabella blushed and ducked her head, Edward glared at her, and Jessica stomped off with a huff. Mary Alice took the chance to walk away as well, her eyes never leaving the couple.

When Isabella chanced a glance up at Edward, he was staring down at her with a smile. She laughed and smiled back, looking at the piano. She made a motion to it to which Edward laughed. "Again? My, I'm beginning to feel a little used."

Isabella laughed. She was about to make what Edward was sure a witty reply when a hand came crashing down on her shoulder. The two looked up at the man standing over them. He was a short man with a thick mustache and thin hair. He was relatively slim in his suit that was undoubtedly made for him alone. He looked angry and in charge. It was not the first time that Edward had seen him with that look. Mr. Charles Swan could have quite a temper.

"Isabella, Dr. Cullen has just arrived and he would love to meet you."

Isabella reverted back to the uncomfortable stature she seemed to have lost when in Edward's presence. She was once again called on to be the perfect hostess. She nodded and stood up, taking her father's arm. She threw Edward once last tense smile and followed her father, who chose to throw him a scathing look not uncharacteristic of him.

Edward watched them approach a man in his late twenties to early thirties. He was very attractive, easily the best looking man in the room. He was dressed in his own fashionable suit. He had an air of control and calm around him. His features were relaxed and there was a charming smile on his face as he greeted Isabella. There was something about him that Edward could not quite place though. He was so unique, so handsome, so…unreal.

Edward shook his head and turned back to the piano. He was not surprised to see Mary Alice standing near him once again. She too was staring at the new arrival known as Dr. Cullen. She seemed disturbed in some way.

"Mary Alice?"

She looked down at him with a slight jump. She then put on a smile for his benefit. "Yes, Junior?"

"Are you alright?" he questioned, slightly concerned by the way she watched Dr. Cullen.

She smiled once again as she joined him on the bench. "Of course. Why should you think otherwise?"

Edward merely shook his head, too tired and preoccupied to engage in their usual antics. He began to play once again, not paying much attention to the music.

The night wore on, Edward playing and Mary Alice trying to lighten the mood. Isabella was once again attached to her father's hip as he guided her about the room for the rest of the night. She looked over at where he was seated numerous times with a small smile almost resembling that of an apology. He would simply smile back, ignoring the waves of jubilation that emitted from Mary Alice.

When most of the guests had retired, Edward called it quits. He and Mary Alice made their way to the hallway to gather their families' coats, engaging in a satirical conversation about the delights of the party as they usually did.

"Oh, it was quite lovely, was it not, Mr. Masen? I feel as though it was the best this year by far!" Mary Alice said, effectively keeping laughter from escaping her lips.

"Oh, I do concur, Miss Brandon. And not just because it is only February. The company was stimulating, the food to die for, and the music, well, it was simply top notch, don't you agree?" Edward said as he passed along her mother's wrap and her own gigantic gray coat that was sure to get the female population of Naperville talking. Mary Alice felt that it was her duty to give the simple minded women some sort of gossip.

"Indeed. It was rather remarkable. However, I must admit that I was disappointed at not having the pleasure of hearing the delightful Miss Stanley sing." At this point, not even Mary Alice could hold back a peal of laughter.

"We were only talking, father! I don't understand why you are acting this way." A voice said over Mary Alice's laughter. It was coming from a parlor off of the hallway that they were now in.

"Sounds like the charming Miss Isabella Swan is in distress. Who will be her knight in shining armor?" Mary Alice poked Edward in the ribs.

"I don't care what the two of you were doing. There are some things about Edward Masen that you do not know." Another voice answered, one that sounded remarkably like Mr. Swan's. The two teens looked at each other, aware that it was entirely improper of them to eavesdrop. However, Mary Alice was never one to play by the rules and Edward was obviously the topic of discussion and too intrigued to walk away.

"Then enlighten me. I was under the impression that this party was for my benefit. I was to get better acquainted with my peers, which I did. But now you are telling me that one with which I truly enjoyed talking to, I am not permitted to speak with again! Forgive me if I don't understand."

"I am your father. Is not that enough of a reason?"

There was a moment's silence. "Yes, I suppose it is. I understand that you are my legal guardian now. I am thankful that you have taken me in under such circumstances and I am aware that it cannot be easy for you. It is not easy for me. The thing is, father, that I will obey every rule you lay down. But I do feel that I deserve a reason for certain rules."

"I cannot give you a reason, Isabella. I will not."

"Then why was he invited? If he was not to be conversed with, then why was he in attendance?"

"First of all, it would have been a great dishonor on his parents, with whom I would like to remain on good terms with. Second, the boy is on his way to becoming a master pianist. No party is complete without some form of musical entertainment."

"Oh, I see. So…was he paid for his services this evening?"

Another moment's pause preceded her question. Mary Alice looked at Edward. He shook his head in astonishment. "Well…no, he was not. But-."

"Then, it seems to me, father, that you treating him quite unfairly. You used him for his talents."

"Well…yes. Yes, it seems as though I did. But this does not change the matter, Isabella. You are not to speak with the boy unless it is out of civility. You are not to engage in companionship with him or Miss Brandon."

"Then I must demand a reason for the two that you mentioned seemed to be the only ones present tonight with more sense than would fit in the eye of a needle!"

Mary Alice had to cover her mouth at that point for fear of them hearing her hysterical laughter.

"Now, Isabella, that is quite out of line!"

"Is not what you are doing also 'quite out of line'?"

"I am the father."

"A reason, please."

"You will not have one. That reason is between Mr. Masen, Miss Brandon, and myself. You are forbidden from asking them."

"Fine, then. I do hope you're happy with the way you are acting."

Mary Alice then pulled Edward from the door and out into the entrance hall. She pulled him into a corner away from the guests that were waiting to leave.

"Hey. You alright?" she asked, looking into his eyes.

"He nodded, a smile on his face, one that clearly read of irony. "Yes. Shouldn't I be asking you that too? You were pigeon holed as well?"

Mary Alice laughed, shaking her head. "True. However, I don't look at the girl in question like she's the greatest thing I've ever seen."

Edward laughed as well. "I don't look at her like she's the greatest thing I've ever seen!"

"Right. Of course."

"Shut up, Brandon."

Mary Alice just laughed again, slipping into her coat. "Seriously though. Does it bother you?"

Edward shrugged, putting on his own coat. "Well, only because it is due to something so insignificant. We both know that the incident that he is referring to is ridiculous."

"Very true." She looked up at him with a smile. "Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow at that wonderful place they call school?"

Edward nodded, walking with her to where their parents stood by the door. "Certainly. Lord knows that I would hate to miss a day."

She laughed brightly as she handed her mother her shawl. Edward did the same, helping his mother as his father shrugged into his own coat.

"Did you two have a nice evening?" Mrs. Brandon asked as they started out the door.

"Oh, yes. Delightful." Mary Alice laughed, throwing her arms up in the air.

"Enchanting."

"Two thumps up."

"Mary Alice! Edward!" Mrs. Masen reproved them in a harsh whisper. "Some sense of decorum would be nice."

Edward laughed as Mary Alice scoffed. "Only if they show some first!"

Mrs. Brandon lifted her purse and smacked her daughter in the back of the head with it. Mary Alice let out a cry as she was pushed towards their car. She turned back and waved at Edward. "Lovely evening, Junior! We should get together soon! Very soon! Cocktails and what not!" She received another smack for her comments to which she replied, "How very uncalled for. Only joking!"

The Masen's climbed into their own car. Mrs. Masen settled herself into the passenger seat, before looking back at her son. She smiled at him warmly.

"So, how did you find Miss Swan, Edward? She seemed like a charming girl." She smiled a little bigger, eyeing her son as if searching for an answer.

Edward shrugged, trying to appear as if he could care less. "Yes, she seemed nice enough. Well mannered, reasonably attractive, excellent hostess."

"Did the two of you get on?" Mrs. Masen prodded, hoping for more information than what he was providing her with.

"Yes, I suppose. I don't believe we'll be fast friends, mother." He sighed and looked out the window. His mother took the hint and started to talk with her husband about the interior of the Swan mansion.

Once they got home, Edward quickly retreated to the basement and to his second and less valuable piano. He sat down in front of it and simply stared at the keys. It was a beautiful instrument to be sure, but not as nice as his or even the ex-Mrs. Swan's. He placed his fingers on the keys but did not begin to play. He just continued to stare at the piano for no urge to play came to his fingertips.

After an hour of sitting in the same fashion, he relaxed and pushed the bench away from the piano. He shook his head as he moved towards the stairs. With a last look at the instrument, he turned off the light and went to bed.


Well, there is the second chapter.

Yes, I know. You all must hate me. But, in my defense, it has been a crazy few months. Being a senior sucks! Lol.

Anyway, review. It's what I live for.