A.N.- - -I know my excuses are getting old but I couldn't get out this chapter like wanted to and school has been very crazy. My coach died recently so I had to take a break and then I kept getting writers block but you don't really need to know all of my problems. . .i am so sorry for the long wait but I will offer something else to. . .
Disclaimer- - -I sadly do not own the Twilight series the wonderful Stephenie Meyer does but this plot is all mine. . .
This chapter is dedicated to TurCha, twilightobsessed12, sprinter1, YukiYumena
Thank you all for reading and I hope you enjoy. . .
Flashback to last chapter-
He looked terrifying yet completely gorgeous. He was a vampire.
"Edward I love your mask but I cannot help but be curious to know why you chose to be dressed as a terrible monster. Vampires drink human blood to survive and kill so they can keep living. Why would anyone want to wear a mask of that?" I asked, always curious to know more.
"That is true Bella but my thinking is that vampires are somewhat romantic. They are not terrible monsters but they seem to be tortured souls. Think about it, what it would be like to everyday never be able to be close to a person because you thirsted for everyone's blood. You could feel love but never share love. That is why I chose to wear a vampire mask, to give respect to the idea of lovers never being together." Edward said after a moment of thinking, being very serious.
"That is a very interesting opinion about vampires, I would never have thought of them like that. It is a very good mask for you. I love it, now I feel like my mask is not very good." I replied. Everyone else looked as impressed as I felt when I heard what Edward said. He was so intelligent.
Alice and Rosalie were traveling with Jasper, Edward, and I to the masquerade and would meet their parents before entering together. Everyone piled up into Alice's carriage and Thomas took us to the Masquerade Ball. As soon as we arrived, we saw many other wealthy families all dressed in simple gowns and animal masks. I felt nervous and wondered if we would fit in. Charlie was waiting for Jasper and I at the entrance. Alice caught up with her parents and walked into the Masquerade Ball. Rosalie rushed over to her parents and Emmett. Edward followed silently behind Jasper and I. His mother was performing tonight and was already inside of the Newton house.
The wealthy Stephan Newton and his wife Charlotte owned stores that supplied the Navy with supplies for long times on the road. They had one son, Michael Newton, who was a habitual flirt and always let his hands wander when dancing. Michael Newton thought of himself as a prize and that every young woman wanted to bear his children. He was very similar to his best friend Jacob Black. In fact, they had the same personality only different names and faces.
Charlie was wearing his usual white shirt, black vest, black puff tie, black trousers, and black overcoat with tails. He had on a black top hat and a simple black mask that covered his eyes only. He was a stranger. When Charlie saw me, his eyes widened and then he shook his head as if he did not believe his eyes. "Isabella, you look wonderful. Absolutely lovely, you look beautiful, so much like your mother. Nevertheless, you look like yourself at the same time. Jasper, you look very handsome indeed, you are such a wonderful young man. I am so proud that you two are my children." I shook my head annoyed and touched at the same time, I hated when Charlie used my full name but I was moved by what he said.
Edward cleared his throat and said, "Good evening, Mr. Swan. I hope that you had a pleasant day." Charlie only nodded curtly and motioned for us to follow him. At the top of the grand staircase, we were announced to the rest of the guests. Rosalie, her parents, and Emmett were at the front of the line, followed by Emmett's parents, then Alice and her parents, then us.
"Admiral Damon Hale, Mrs. Damon Hale, their daughter Miss Rosalie Hale, and Mr. Emmett Cullen." They walked down the staircase gracefully.
"Dr. Carlisle Cullen, Mrs. Carlisle Cullen."
"Mr. Nicholas Brandon, Mrs. Nicholas Brandon, and their daughter Miss Marie Alice Brandon."
Finally, we were up and as we were getting ready to be announced, I grabbed Charlie and Jasper's arms and whispered urgently, "DON'T LET ME FALL!" They nodded their heads while Edward chuckled slightly.
"Lord Charles William Swan, his son and daughter Lord Jasper Swan and Lady Isabella Marie Swan. And Mr. Edward Anthony Masen." We started walking slowly down the stairs and everyone in the room had their eyes on us. I heard people whispering and many people looked shocked. Like Charlie's first reaction to seeing me, they thought my mother had returned, but only for a short moment. I made it to the bottom of the stairs and Charlie left to go mingle with his wealthy friends. Jasper, Edward, and I went along to mingle with the guests too. We first went to go thank the Newton's for inviting us. Mr. Newton was wearing a simple white mask that covered half of his face and Mrs. Newton was wearing a yellow bird mask, it was a mask that one held up with a stick on the side.
"Good evening, Mr. Newton, Mrs. Newton, Mr. Newton. This is a very grand ball and I would just like to thank you on behalf of my family on inviting us. We are very grateful." Jasper said in his serious voice and then he complimented the Newton's on their choice of masks. They shared a couple more minutes of small talk and then suddenly Michael asked me a question.
"Bella that is a lovely dress I must say. Later this evening will you honor me with a dance?" he asked in a cocky voice. Oh crap, I thought. I needed and excuse and I looked to Jasper out of the side of my eye for help. He mouthed Charlie.
"I am terrible sorry Michael but I am not sure which dance I will be promising to my father and brother. I would not want to promise you a dance then have to break it. I am very sorry." I said as innocently as I could, and cast my eyes down to avoid being caught in my lie. Michael looked very disappointed and Jasper finally was able to get us away from the Newton's.
"Bella, I cannot believe you lied so well to Michael Newton. That was a very good performance. Congratulations Bella. I am proud of you." Jasper said while pulling Edward and me out to the balcony. The view was wonderful and it was a cool night but not enough to need a cloak. The sky was clear and many different colors, I loved twilight, it was the end of the day and the start of the night, a mix of two things at once.
I was starring at the sky when Edward asked, "Why did you not want to dance with Michael?"
"Well, Edward Michael Newton is cocky and thinks every girl is after him. He is perverted and is always lusting after all women. Whenever he dances with me, he has a tendency to let his hands wander and slip lower than proper. He disgusts me and I really do not like him," I explained. Edward looked angry suddenly and asked if I dance with Michael often. I shook my head and Edward calmed down as fast as he got angry.
"Jasper, Bella, sometimes I do not know why you bring me to these balls. Everyone here hates me and thinks I do not belong. Even your father does not think I should be here. I hate causing problems for you. Why do you insist on bringing me here?" Edward said frustrated and saddened. I knew it was hard for him to be around all these snobby rich people because they treated him like nothing and frowned at Jasper and I for welcoming him.
"Edward, listen. I know you think that you do not like being ignored by these snobby rich people but listen to me, you are lucky. You do not have to pretend to enjoy small talk and suffer through hours of fake laughter and pointless conversations. Who cares what they think." Jasper said trying to cheer Edward up. Edward mumbled something incoherent and looked back into the ballroom at the wealthy people. Jasper looked at me and I nodded. I knew what I needed to say.
"Edward. Look at me Edward." He reluctantly looked up to meet my eyes. "Edward, you are part of our family and deserve to be at these balls. You have done so much more for me and my family than almost all of the snobs out in that ballroom. You deserve to be here more than most of them. You have saved me in one of the darkest times in my life and have helped me through the toughest problems. You are like a brother to Jasper and are one of my closest friends. Who cares what anyone else thinks, screw him or her. You are part of this family and the Swan family was invited. Please do not worry about any of the things you just said. You do not cause any problems for us and my father is always bitter, ignore him. Please, for Jasper and I." I said trying to get him to understand, his green orbs searching my brown ones.
Finally, he seemed to understand. Edward nodded and said, "Okay, I guess you are right. Just let me know if you ever change your mind."
Before I could argue with him Jasper said, "We should probably be getting back inside."
We entered the ballroom once again and were greeted by Lauren Mallory and Jessica Stanley. They loathed me and were completely infatuated with Jasper. They saw him as a prize to be won and that they deserved him. Jessica Stanley had a gray gown that was very simple but drastically tight. She had on a simple gray mask that covered only her eyes that was held up by a stick on one side. Lauren Mallory wore a pale pink, almost transparent, gown that was cut severely low, showing a lot of skin, and barely covering her cleavage. She wore an ugly silver and white butterfly mask that covered only her eyes, she also held her mask up on a stick on one side. They had their hair pulled back into simple buns and as soon as they saw me their cold eyes narrowed.
"Jasper, Edward, and Bella. It is a lovely surprise to see you all here. Do you ever go any place apart?" Jessica asked, laughing in her high voice.
"Well, Miss Stanley, as you know I have to make sure no harm comes to our dear Lord and Lady Swan." Edward said matter-of-factly.
"Well, doesn't Lady Isabella look so adorable, just like a little girl? I have not seen anyone dress as a fairy tale princess since I was 7 years of age. She does look so sweet and innocent, doesn't she Jessica dear." Lauren said in her nasally voice. I felt a blush color my pale cheeks. She was insulting me while still being proper about it, the little wrench. Before I could retort with an insult back at her Edward intervened.
"You know Miss Mallory I was just speaking about you to Jasper about how you and Miss Stanley are so unlike Bella." Edward said in a seductive voice, both Jessica and Lauren smiled at his words. "You both chose such boring, ordinary mask. Neither of you are afraid to wear the same mask as five other young women. I have seen at least three other girls here tonight that had butterfly masks. I so admire your ability to not care if you match someone else. It is so refreshing." Lauren and Jessica turned as red as a lobster.
"You know Edward, Jessica and I were wondering how you can afford to get such fine things for being middle class. I mean considering your mother is a singer and no one knows what your father does. Do you still depend on the Swans to pay for everything? I guess you are somewhat of a pet to them. I wonder if you would even be here without the connections of your friends. I think it is truly amazing how much you can achieve by gaining off the Swans. I applauded you." Lauren said, recovering first. My jaw dropped open; she just insulted not only him, but also his mother, his father, and was called Jasper and my pet. I could do so many things to her. Before I could retaliate, Jasper beat me to it.
"Really Miss Mallory, I had no idea you and Miss Stanley were so popular at the country club. I was asking Michael Newton who he was considering entering a courtship with and he said maybe one of you. I inquired why to his choice and he replied that you two would never bother him with marital responsibilities and would please him every single night and he would not have to pay you. I must say that you both seem like you will marry better than my sister ever will and cannot wait to see whom you end up with and how many times you will please him. I am truly very curious." Jasper said being completely serious. I could see the humor deep within his eyes and then the most amazing thing happened. Jessica Stanley and Lauren Mallory were both speechless. Jasper, Edward, and I strolled off to let them recover.
Soon, it was time to eat. I was seated in between Jacob Black and Edward. As if it was not awkward, enough Michael Newton was seated right across from me. We all sat down in the Newton's extremely large dining hall. Our first course was a simple salad. While everyone around me was chatting, I sat quietly chewing my food. It shocked me when I felt Jacob Black suddenly tap my arm.
I looked up and was met by his cold dark eyes. He was wearing all black pants and a white shirt. His vest was a silvery white and he had on white gloves. He had on a white silk puff tie and a black top hat on. He had on a full-face mask that was like the face of a skull, it was disturbing and bloodcurdling. Jacob Black was death.
I wanted to hurt him for all those years ago, instead I asked, "Yes, Mr. Black. Would like something?"
He smiled and said in a cocky tone, "Miss Swan, it is a pleasure to see you again. It has been too long. I was wondering if you would perhaps grant my request to a dance later this evening." I was just too shocked to speak for a brief moment. He looked like he expected me to feel as if I had one some kind of prize.
"Actually, Mr. Black I unfortunately can't promise you a dance. I am unsure when my brother and father will dance with me so it would be rude to promise you a dance and not be able to keep good on it."
"Oh, well that is such a shame to hear. I was looking forward to a dance with you very much. Why don't we just ask your father right now so there will be no confusion?" Jacob said a little annoyed but still just as cocky. Before I could stop him from asking Charlie Jacob said, "Lord Swan, I was just requesting a dance with your charming daughter when she denied me. She says she does not know when you will or your son will request her as a partner. Do you have any ideas as to what I should do?"
Charlie looked shocked for a moment then regained his posture and said, "Well Jacob, I really can't tell you when my son is going to ask my daughter to dance with him but I will probably ask to dance the quadrille with her. Any other dance you are free to ask her too after Jasper has chosen a dance with her." I mentally cursed Charlie and faked a smile of enthusiasm when Jacob looked at me. I think he saw through it.
Dinner continued, next came a vegetable stew. The food was pleasant and I was being the perfect proper lady and not saying a word unless spoken to. I caught Jacob Black looking at me from time to time. Every time I caught Jacob though, he did not look away embarrassed, he simply gave me, what he thought was a seductive smile. I turned away repulsed, but giving him a slight nod. Charlie and Billy Black kept glancing at Jacob and me. However, what was extremely odd was that Edward kept giving me the same frustrated, strange look that he seemed to be showing a lot recently. I excused myself to the ladies' room right before the duck. Alice and Rosalie followed me.
"Bella, what is the matter. You look as if you've jus found out that your favorite book has been lost," Rosalie said. You could always leave it to Rosalie to be blunt.
"Well, my father decided he was going to pick out which dance is his so now I am available to dance with not only Jacob Black, ugh, but also his obnoxious wingman, Michael Newton!" I said, as I let out my disgust. Both Alice and Rosalie made looks of disgust at hearing Michael Newton's name.
"Bella, trust me, you will not have to dance with Michael Newton. Nevertheless, I do not know what to tell you about Jacob. I think it could end quickly." Alice said as if she were commenting on the weather. Alice seemed to be sure so we washed our hands and returned to the table. We sat and finished eating the duck and then finally came the desert. We had treacle pudding, it was especially delicious.
Then, we left the Newton's dining hall and back into the ballroom.
As soon as we reentered, I went back to Jasper and Edward. We began to mingle again amongst the boring chatter of the higher-class conversation.
I zoned in and out of the mindless babble. I tried to look like I was paying attention but never really was.
After each conversation they would always say, "My, my Lady Swan, Lord Swan you too are growing into such fine young adults. When will you two enter a courtship?" The answer was always the same old, when the time comes.
Edward was always asked the same question, "So, Mr. Cullen, I hear your mother is singing tonight, how interesting." Edward tried to look cheerful and was very successful at it. Finally, the music was starting and of course, it was the quadrille first.
Charlie came to my said and asked, "My dear Bella, may I have this dance?" I answered, "Yes, father."
I was as clumsy on the dance floor as I was walking. Charlie held me tightly trying not to let me fall, stumble, or trip. While we danced Charlie and I made "small talk" and tried to look like we were have a great time. Suddenly, Charlie said, "Bella, you know I have missed your mothers these last 8 years but I am really proud of how much a proper, lovely young lady you have become." I was overcome with emotion, Charlie never expressed him feeling like that before.
I blushed and mumbled, "Thank you father." We finished our dance and Charlie walked me over to Jasper and Edward. Jasper looked at me as if he knew exactly what I was feeling. Edward looked at Jasper and me questioningly but just shook his head and gave up. He was used to this sort of connection between us. After Charlie left to go socialize with the other men in the parlor and have a drink I realized something.
If Jasper never asked me to dance, Jacob could never dance with me after Jasper had danced with me . . . I smiled and wondered if he would go along with my plan. I turned to Edward to tell him of my epiphany but he was looking past me. I looked to Jasper for some assistance but he was looking the same way as Edward. I turned around and saw Emmett Cullen in the middle of the dance floor. I already knew what was going on but clearly only Alice and I were in on the secret. I heard Emmett silence the room as if he was going to give a speech. Everyone now was looking at him.
Emmett was dressed in the same tuxedo as Jasper only his vest was a silver-grayish. His mask only covered his eyes and the part that covered his eyes was all black but the part near his forehead was silver and on either side of the mask was a silver horn. He was a devil.
"Good evening everyone. I apologize for interrupting your conversations but I would like to have Miss Rosalie Hale join me please." Emmett said, waiting for Rosalie to join him. She walked over gracefully and stood elegantly by his side. She smiled at him and looked curious. Then, Emmett did something no one expected, he got down on one knee and said softer, "Rosalie, I love you with all my heart. I will always take care of you and I would be honored to have your hand in marriage."
Rosalie, although she already knew that their engagement would be made public tonight, smiled and got tear-eyed and said a joyful, "Oh, Emmett of course I will. Nothing would please me more." Everyone cheered and clapped. I caught Rosalie's eye and smiled secretly. When I turned back around Jasper and Edward were looking at me trying to ask something.
"Yes, do you have something you wish to ask?" I asked them both, truly curious to know why they were staring at me that way. Edward cleared his throat and looked back to Emmett and Rosalie. "Bella, did you already know about Miss Hale and Mr. Cullen's engagement, because you don't see extremely surprised."
"Well, actually I did know, Rosalie told Alice and me earlier today. I was not supposed to tell anyone. Isn't it so wonderful for them, we should go congratulate them." I said. They both nodded and followed me.
"Rosalie Emmett I am so delighted to hear your good news, you two will make a very happy couple. I can see that you love each other very much and you will make each other extremely happy. Emmett I am ever so glad that Rosalie has found someone as wonderful as you to share her life with. I know you will balance her out and protect her from everything. She is very lucky to have discovered you." I told Emmett, Rosalie just started at Emmett lost in her own world.
Emmett just laughed his booming laugh and replied, "Thank you Bella but I think I am the lucky one to have found Rosie here, have you every seen someone as wonderful and beautiful as her. She is a goddess. I thank the man who allowed me to meet her and now I discover by some miracle that she loves me too. Life is good. Nevertheless, it means a lot to me knowing that you think so much of me; you are one of her best friends."
Emmett then gave me a big bear hug, I couldn't breathe and finally managed to say, "Emmett. . . . . . .can't. . . . .breathe. . ." He just laughed some more and set me down. As I took a deep breathe to make up for the ones lost I got a little dizzy and started to fall back, Jasper steadied me and everyone laughed including me. Then, music started playing again and I remembered my epiphany.
"Jasper, can I talk to you alone, please." We excused ourselves and went again to the balcony.
Jasper looked concerned and said, "Bella, are you alright, you seem very tense and anxious. "
"Well, I need to ask you to do me a small favor, would you please not ask me to dance, that way Jacob Black or Michael Newton can ask me to dance?" I asked pleading with my eyes. Jasper looked unsure and stared at me deeply; I tried to communicate with him silently that he needed to do this.
Finally, he sighed and said, "Fine, Bella I will not ask you to dance but if father complains, you can explain." I nodded and threw my arms around my brother. He hugged me back and I gave him one last squeeze before stepping away and turning red. Edward chuckled and I turned another shade of red.
"I am sorry Jasper that was highly inappropriate of me. Please forgive me brother." I said looking down, then I heard a chuckle and looked up to see it had come from Jasper.
"Bella, don't worry about it, you are my sister, I could care less. So what, you gave me hug in public, so what. I don't really care, come here and give your brother a hug." He said in his low voice with a smile in his eyes. I then gave him another big hug. Edward cleared his throat and said, "We should be getting back inside." He was used to Jasper and I having private conversations he could not understand.
As soon as we got inside the ballroom, again I bumped into none other than Michael Newton. I shuddered internally as he put his hands on my waist to steady me. I looked up to thank him when he asked, "Well hello again Bella. What a pleasant surprise, I was just coming to ask you to dance with me."
"Oh, Michael I am terrible sorry but I can not, my brother Jasper has not asked for a dance yet." I said trying to fake some disappointment. He just looked at me then at Jasper to see if this was true, Jasper gave a half nod to show that it was the truth.
"Very well then, Bella I will wait. If you will please excuse me." He said looking annoyed and slightly hostile. As soon as he walked away, I let out a sigh of relief. Maybe he would not come back, I thought. Then I laughed at myself because I knew he would be.
"Bella, I don't know if this plan is going to work, if Jasper doesn't ask you to dance, people might start asking questions or go to Charlie." Edward said, with a calculating look in his eyes. I knew he was right and just nodded mutely. Before I could say anything, Jasper said he needed to ask another person to dance at least for his reputation. He left Edward and me watching everyone else dance and I wished I could be as graceful as they were.
"Bella, why do you just refuse to dance with Jacob Black or Michael Newton if they ask you? Why do you go through so much to avoid them?" Edward asked looked frustrated.
Tell me what you think???? I tried to get it out perfect for all my fans who've waited so long. . .Also, if you want to see any of the outfits described go to my profile for the links. . .
The new challenge is to see if you can tell me what this quote is from. . .(hint-it's a book)
"I don't care if her father's Adolph Hitler." Deborah's voice, never soft, rang out clearly from downstairs.
Whoever can tell me what that quote is from will get a preview of the next chapter and will get the next chapter dedicated to them. And I will also start advertising other stories so you can tell me stories to read and I will read them and give a shout out to them.
ttfn
beautiful-bella