You Didn't Have Me At Hello

A/N Do not own it…boo hoo hoo

Chapter 6 – The Mission

Bella POV

After that night, life was a little better, but hectic. I felt different – like a large load has been lifted off my shoulder. Mom and I started to shop for furniture and household stuff I was going to need at the apartment. The paperwork for the apartment was quickly processed and by February 2nd, I was starting to get furniture delivered. I left the light color that had been painted. It made the apartment look fresh and alive. Sometimes that is needed especially since it rains so much in Seattle. During this time, Mum and I shopped for a wardrobe since I had only brought the necessary items. Mum was so good to me. We laughed a lot and we just simply enjoyed each other's company. We didn't know when we would see each other, but I knew that I could call on her anytime.

During this week, I started on helping out with the ball. The ball was going to be actually on Saturday, February 14th. It was held in the ballroom on the 56th floor of Carlisle's building. The decorations and menu were taken care by Esme. Rosalie and Alice took care of the staff and other details. Lauren was in charge of the entertainment for that evening. The Cullen family was all in charge of getting the invitations advertised and to bring in donations but due to this year's economy, they weren't as successful. What they didn't know is that I knew many people – a lot of people. I had made many connections over my years on this earth, not only with the help of my parents, but on my own in school and in my years of volunteer service.

Mom and Esme were taking care of getting my apartment decorated on February 2nd while I headed for the meeting at SLR with the rest of the Cullen clan. Though I wasn't still officially on the payroll, I played my part. I decided to wear my black wool suit, tight blood red turtleneck, and stiletto boots. I wore my hair up in a curly messy ponytail and decided to wear a little more makeup that usual. This was going to be a power meeting of the minds and had a feeling that I needed to have my game on. Esme had advised me on her status and told me to call her if we needed anything from her.

As I waited for the car service to arrive, I hadn't realized that I needed to purchase a car. Shit, I didn't think of that. I had already spent way too much money and I didn't want to take anymore from mum and dad. They really have been a darling. Maybe I could talk to Jacob and he could help me find a place to get a used car. I didn't mind. I really didn't need a new car. As usual, his cell phone goes to voicemail. "Good morning Jacob, listen, call me when you get a chance. I am going to be at SLR today, so if you can find me. I will be at Carlisle office. I have a favor to ask."

The ride was only 20 minutes away but I was getting nervous. It was different how I had to deal with the Cullens recently – in a personal nature, but now it is a meeting in their business environment. Again – their business and their reputation. I arrived and security provided me with the necessary security ids and badges right there and then so when I officially started on February 17th, I would not have any problems. I took the elevator to the 60th floor to be met by Carlisle's secretary, Jessica. "Good morning, Ms. Denali. I'm Jessica, Dr. Cullen's Administrative Assistant." I shook her hand, "Hello Jessica, please call me Bella." She smiled, "Well, Dr. Cullen is waiting for you in his office. Please follow me." As we walked down the hall, I felt like every one was staring at me. I didn't know what type of reputation I had here as of yet, but I knew people were curious.

As I entered his office, Carlisle's face lightened up, "Bella, please come in." He welcomed me in with a hug. "How are you doing today?" I smiled since he always made me feel so loved, like my dad, "I am doing well. A little nervous though." He laughed, "Why my dear? I have every confidence in you." He held my hand and reassured me all will be well. His office was huge, and when I say huge, I mean HUGE. He had a beautiful cherry wood desk that contained a few pictures of his family and was brimming with some pending paperwork. His laptop was opened. The office contained huge massive windows that faced the Pacific Ocean. It gave a calming effect. He led me to a round table where some of the family was sitting already. "Hello everyone." Alice enthusiastically came to me and gave me her hand, "Hi Bella. You look so beautiful." I had to blush. It was still weird getting that type of compliment from the Hales." "Thank you Alice. You look very pretty yourself." She really did. She looked so youthful, so vibrant. I adored her free spirit and it showed the way she dressed. She had much more youthful clothes than I would ever wear and her hair was a dark brown, short and funky. Her makeup was more daring than I would ever wear, but I enjoyed it. She led me to sit next to her and Rosalie gave me a hug as well. "Well Bella, you look like you are ready for today." I smiled – what did that mean. "Well, I hope so. I hope I can pull this off."

She gave me a puzzling look when we heard someone clearing her voice. It was Lauren and I knew Alice and Rosalie didn't like that when I saw their sour faces. Rosalie stated, "Bella, I hope you remember Lauren. Lauren, this is Isabella Denali, our new Director of the Research Labs." As I shook her hand she answered rather rudely, "Yes, Rose, I am not stupid. I remember meeting Isabella. Nice to see you again." I nodded. That was rather crude. Emmett and Jasper came over and placed a kiss on my cheek and asked how the move was going. Edward hadn't arrived yet. I was explaining to them what my mum and Esme were doing. Lauren looked bored, which I wasn't surprised. I knew something was up her ass. I thought maybe she didn't get any from Edward the night before. I giggled to myself. Alice noticed, "What's so funny Bella?" I gave her a look to notice Lauren and she just humphed and was about to say something when Carlisle and Edward came in. Edward sat across from me and for the first time said something to me "Welcome to the team, Isabella." I nodded and firmly replied, "Thank you Edward." Carlisle then started on the meeting.

"As you all know we are in a critical point with the ball. It is only a week away and we have only sold ½ of the tickets we had planned to sell. What are the chances that we can sell more?" Everyone was looking around and I decided it is all or nothing. '"Well Carlisle, I already have a few calls in already and I have convinced many acquaintances to join us for this ball. The tickets will be purchased by tonight. I have a few more to calls in to some other friends and they should be contacting me shortly." Emmett asked, "Bella, how many do you think will be sold by tonight." "I believe that we should have at least a total of 75% of the tickets sold. I am trying to get a couple of contact numbers now, but it is becoming a little difficult." Rose chimed in "Is there anything we can help you with?" I smiled, "Not really but if I do need some help, I will ask you all. Right now it is just a waiting game." They all laughed, but then Lauren had to interrupt, "Well, I don't want to be rude or anything, but what type of people are you inviting? This ball is has always been considered a society event and well, you aren't from that part of that world." Carlisle scolded her, "Lauren!" I was calm. I knew I wasn't part of the "rich" society, but she didn't know and had no clue of my status among my colleagues and friends. "That's ok Carlisle, I agree with Lauren, I am not part of your society, but I have worked very hard to be where I am at now. As well, I have called in many favors from my father's friends. All I know is that I have a lot of babysitting jobs I will be on when they come and visit Seattle." Alice and Rose laughed. "I kind of figured that someone would not have trusted my judgement or taste, I have made a list of the people that have decided to purchase tickets and will be attending and those who I still have calls in." I each gave them the list. The list was a who's who of actresses and actors from China, Austrailia, India, England, Ireland, and the states. I had done a lot of charitable work in my years with mum and dad and have made friends with many. As well, many CEO's and CFO's of several international companies had agreed to attend the ball. Some of the actors that had agreed to attend were Eva Longoria and her husband Tony, Hilary Duff, Michelle Lee, Jackie Chan, Ralph Fiennes, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin, Marcia Cross, Uma Thurman, Ben Stiller and many more. Alice was reading and gasped, "Are you trying to tell me that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie might attend?" I laughed "They really are trying to come. I think it depends on the flight schedule since they are currently in Europe." Carlisle smiled, "Great work Bella. I can't believe you did this so quickly." "Well don't worry Carlisle, it has been my pleasure. It gave me a chance to catch up with them too. I have kind of ignored them for a bit, and some were getting a little worried. Angie especially since I am very close to Maddox and Pax. By the way, all of them will be surpassing the ticket price by threefold and will be extending extra contributions during the ball."

Jasper gasped, "You are kidding right?" I nodded that the answer was no, when my Blackberry rang. "Excuse me, I really need to take this." Carlisle nodded ok and I just strolled towards his desk. I was talking for a few minutes as they all watched me smile and laughed. Once I was done, I sat back down. I didn't want to say who it was, but I would later only to Carlisle. Carlisle then continued, "Well, Lauren, has the entertainment been finalized?" She was squimished in her seat.

Carlisle POV

I knew I did the right thing bringing over Bella. She is a dynamo. I had heard that her philanthropic work was extensive and extremely successful. If this is just an example on how she work, I could only imagine how she is with her real work in the lab. I have to make a mental note to get her not to be much of a workaholic. Lauren pissed me off today. I will meet her and Edward to find out their attitude towards Bella. It is un-call for. "So Lauren, do you have an answer?" "Well, Carlisle, it is getting a little difficult, since it is Valentine's Day and it is a Saturday…" I couldn't believe this shit. She had only one responsibility and she states she is part of the "society" "What?!!! What do you mean?" Edward chimed in, "Dad, she had tried but we weren't sure that we were actually going to have this event. Now it is going to be rather expensive to do this as we speak." I had to get up and walk a little before I literally killed Lauren. "Excuse me, Carlisle, what are you actually looking for as entertainment?" Bella didn't want to step on people toes, so that is why I could barely hear her. "I'm sorry, what is your question? She was worried, "Well, do you prefer a DJ, band, singer?"

Edward scolded her, "Why do you want to solve that problem too?" I couldn't believe he just said that. I could see the faces of the rest and they were shocked too, including Bella but she got pissed, "Listen Edward. I don't know what your problem is with me, but deal with it. I have put out my neck and MY REPUTATION so my colleagues and friends come out and support this cause. I am not going to let someone ruin the night because they couldn't find entertainment. Secondly, I was talking to your father not you." Damn, she told him off.

Alice calmed Bella down "Bella, you have already done a lot of work and well,…" Bella's phone rumbled again, "Carlisle I have someone who can help us right now." We didn't know who it was, "If he agrees, can we conference him in?" I nodded yes. She smiled and pointed to me and started to talk on the phone, "Hi. I know, I know. How is Jill? The kids? Great, yeah I know, I miss you too. Listen, can I call you back. I have the group here and I want to conference you in…great let me call you in 2 seconds." She hung up the cell phone and used the landline and got this person in two shakes.

Person: "Hello?"

Bella: "Hi Harry. Again, thanks again for calling me back so soon!"

Harry: "Anything for you Isabella. You know you are one of my favorite peeps. When are you coming down to help out us?"

Bella: Well, how about Memorial Day weekend? I might be able to fly down. I just moved to Seattle and well, I have to see with the job and all. Listen hon, I have the committee here. So let me do a little intro, Carlisle, Rosalie, Alice, Lauren, Edward, Jasper and Emmett, on the phone is one of the greatest musicians in my lifetime, Harry Connick Jr. Harry, these are my new colleagues here in Seattle"

Harry: Since I can't see you, I can't say nice to meet you yet, but nice to hear you all!

Everyone: Hi Harry!

Everyone mouthed WOW!!

Bella: Harry, so before I ask you another favor, what is your answer on the ball?

Harry: Jill and I would love to be there. We are actually going to be in Cali for Jill's shoot and I have some business. We are actually bringing the kids and they want to see you badly.

Bella: That is so great. You know I love your kids. Ok, so here is the thing, we lost our entertainment. Do you think you can bring the big band and help us out. PLEASEEEEE!

Harry: What type of music?

Carlisle: (I was so excited since I loved his music) This is Carlisle Cullen. Any type of music Mr. Connick would be great. We are huge fans.

Harry: (He chuckled) First, I should be more respectful and address you Dr. Cullen. I know of all the fine work you have done over the years. Second, please call me Harry.

Bella: Alright, hon, stop schmoozing my boss. What's your answer?

Harry: Anything for you babe, but that means you are going to cook dinner for us on Sunday?

Bella: (laughed loudly) You know I love to cook for you. You will be able to see Liam and Tanya too.

Harry: Really! That is so great! I haven't seen them for the longest time.

Bella: They are going to be thrilled. Listen, send me all the things you need, how many are coming and I will make sure all the hotel rooms for the band will be taking care of. As well, anything you need, you know my number. Let me know when you will be in, so we can arrange some time for rehearsals. And Harry…

Harry: Yes, Isabella

Bella: Thanks! I owe you.

Harry: Not a problem my Bella. Listen, just one thing…

Bella: Yeah?

Harry: What ya cooking on Sunday.

Bella: (she smiled) Anything you want….

Harry: Cool! How about some Paella..

Bella: Alright. I will see you soon and thanks Harry.

Harry: Nice to meet you all and I will see you soon. By Bells, big hugs!

He hung up. Now I was truly amazed.

Alice POV

WOW! Bella is a little powerhouse. I was so happy she placed Edward in his place. He has been off his rocker lately. Bella started to speak, "Carlisle, if it is ok with you and the family, I would like to see if two more entertainers might think of coming. I don't think it would be fair to have Harry sing all night. I know he likes to dance with Jill and mingle with his friends. I would say a DJ, but I think this crowd is not for a DJ." Carlisle answered, "Like who?"

Within 45 minutes of conference calls, we had Alicia Keys and Michael Buble agree to come and volunteer their talent. They both wanted to sing with Harry for the longest, so it would be a great opportunity. Rose and I were amazed at Bella. The best part was that she didn't think she did a great thing. It's all for charity. During the conversations though, I did see that she made a list of things she needed to do prior to February 15th since she was not only going to cook for Harry now, but for Alicia and Michael. "Well, I guess since I am having a get together at the apartment, I hope you all could join" We agreed but not without volunteering food and services. She got a little peeved about that but she had to deal.

Jasper then asked, "Well it almost 1pm. Bella, do you have any lunch plans?" She nodded no and we all decided to go to this seafood restaurant we were regulars too. I was surprised that Lauren and Edward came. We had taken our coats and were waiting for the elevator when someone yelled "Bella Boo." All of a sudden Bella's smile grew so wide. It was Jacob. He grabbed her and hugged her so tightly. "Oh Bella. How are you?" She quietly sad "Good. How is Leah? Jakey? Billy?" They chatted a little. "Bella, I got your message and I will call you tonight. I think I know what you need." She replied, "Thank Jacob. I should be home around 6. Call me when you can." He gave her a bigger hug and said to have fun. I knew that hug. That hug was a comforting hug. I knew Jacob still didn't trust us especially with Bella. "So, Bella, what's the favor you need? Maybe we can help." She smiled "It's not a big deal Alice. Really – I owe him, he owes me. Actually, I owe some babysitting service too." Emmett laughed, "Wow you must be a great babysitter Bella." I saw her smile, "Yeah, my mom left me a lot babysitting with Steve and…" Then she stopped. I knew she realized that she didn't want to speak about her past. Carlisle came to her, "So are you ready for the ball Bella?"

Edward POV

Why am I being such a jerk? Oh yea, because I AM A JERK. I still remember Isabella Swan. I remembered her since we were in kindergarden. I always felt something special for her but I always went with the crowd. I knew that the things we were doing to bad, very bad, but I had too. I couldn't be different. I still can't explain it. I always thought she was so pretty. She had those eyes that would express so much and that beautiful hair.

I remember that day I called her the C word. I need to prove to my friends that she was nothing to me. They had caught me staring at her one day. That was the only word I could think of that could hurt her the most. After I said it, it hurt me so much. Why was I like this?

Then when I saw her, my God, my heart started back up. She is so beautiful. She still has that beautiful, thick long hair. She still has those beautiful expressive eyes. But now, she had beautiful flawless skin, delicate facial features, a beautiful and genuine smile. Even though she was tiny, she had a knockout body. Her curves were in the right places and she just had the perfect little tight ass. She was just perfect. She had a great laugh and was so elegant. How I wish things were different? I can't even talk to her. More, I can't stand Lauren anymore. I had actually fell out of love of Lauren a long time ago. There was something that I didn't trust but I had already asked her to get married. I knew my family hated her. I actually needed to sit down with Alice and Jasper and see how I could break this off.

We all sat down at a private table at the restaurant. Bella sat next to Dad to discuss if they needed extra security for the guests. "Well Carlisle, I have talked to them and they had informed me that they were bringing their own security. I guess the only thing we could do to me really kind is to provide these men and women with dinner. I understand that if we would hired our own security, it would be a little to expensive. This is a private affair and well, since there is security in the building, I don't forsee any problems." She had everything covered, meanwhile blonde bitch of Lauren couldn't even handle the entertainment.

We all continued to chat and my family asked Bella on what she liked to cook and how long had it been since she ski boarded. Emmett had to ask, "So, what do you do for Harry?" I saw her laugh. " Well, Emmett, you know that Harry is from New Orleans? Well, when Katrina hit, I was in the states. I work a lot with Habitat for Humanity and well that is how I help with Harry. We are trying to get more homes built for those who can't afford it. Actually that is how Brad and Angie got really close. Brad has a foundation helping build "green" homes in New Orleans. I try to help them by raising funds and getting the word out to other investors and philathropists." Emmett was impressed as we all were.

I was wondering if Bella was going to have a date for the ball. I would love to take her, but I think that would kind of be WRONG since I had my fiancé sitting right next to me. Rosalie then asked, "So Bella, did you get the dress yet?" She nodded no. "So why don't us girls go out. Tanya and Esme can come too." I know that when Rose me us girls, she wasn't including Lauren. Bella surprisingly said ok, but made a rule, not a whole day thing. She liked shopping but could only take so much at a time.

Yes she had a backbone and had no problem defending it.

February 6th

Esme POV

Tanya and Bella agreed to meet us at the Westlake Shopping Center. It contained several couture places including Saks Fifth Avenue. The only problem was Lauren joined us. I can't stand this woman. I had heard how she answered Bella. I really don't know what is wrong with Edward. I had heard he wasn't pleasant with Bella either. We were all walking to Chanel first and Bella made the announcement, "Ladies, I do not try dresses on if I don't like them." I knew Alice didn't like that. "Come on Bella, that is the best part of shopping." Tanya added, "Sorry Alice. If you want a grumpy and MAD Bella, don't argue on this." We all laughed.

I found my dress immediately. It was a black, formal spaghetti cocktail dress with small hints of red. It accentuated my waistline, which I knew Carlisle would love to wrap his arms around.

Next, Tanya found her dress at Donna Karan. It was a beautiful periwinkle empire gown. It looked beautiful on her. As she stated, it would allow her to dance all night with Liam.

Alice and Rosalie found theirs in Saks. Alice found a Vera Wang Strapless Brocade dress with a beautiful red flower. It looked beautiful on her – youthful. Rosalie found the BCBG Banded Satin Mini dress that hugged every single curve.

Lauren found this hideous almost toga dress. We didn't like it, but she did and we didn't argue anymore.

Bella, as everyone was looking found her dress. It was Sue Wong Lace Trim Silk Cocktail dress. It was a low v neck laced front and it hit right above the knee. She just looked beautiful.

We continue to shop for shoes, purses and light jackets. We were really all having fun. It was the first time I had seen Bella smile so much. She was finally wearing comfortable clothes, but she was so elegant in them. She just wore black jeans, black turtleneck, her leather jacket and converse sneakers. I was amazed that she looked so beautiful in anything she wore. Her smile was from ear to ear and I loved to ear her talking and teasing Rose and Alice. Lauren tried to part take in their conversation, but always got mad if no one was paying full attention.

Carlisle called me around 1 to invite us to lunch and we agreed to meet him and the boys at Yama, a fantastic sushi place. When we got there, they had already gotten there and were sitting. They had already ordered beers. We knew something was up. Bella was so happy to see her father. "Daddy, I missed you." He hugged her and I saw he gave her such a tender kiss. They knew that their days together were ending and Bella's face was showing that she was going to miss her parents. We all said our greetings and sat down. Bella feeling a little sad, sat between to her dad and Carlisle.

As we settled, Carlisle ordered red and white wine and a whole bunch of different types of sushi, hand rolls and dishes. We noticed that all the men were smiling. Alice couldn't stand it. "Ok, what gives." Carlisle waited until the wine was served. "Well, we have fantastic news. We sold all the tickets for the ball. We have also made more out of these tickets than any other year." We cheered. It was great news. "You all did great work, but I must give my personal thanks to Bella. Thank you for helping us out so much with this. I think we would have had to cancel this ball if it wasn't for you." Bella blushed as Carlisle gave her a hug.

We were all chatting away on how our shopping trip was and how much fun we had. Jasper asked a question to Bella, "Bella, I noticed that you have been getting around town by using cabs. If you need to find a good deal for a car, I know a great place." Bella smiled "Thanks Jasper, but I have my car. It's almost done. It probably will be done in two more weeks." Liam and Tanya didn't know this. "What kind of car dear?" asked Liam and Tanya was more worried, "Sweety, we could have gotten you the car. Why didn't you tell us?" Bella's face changed, she was worried in offending her parents, "Mum Dad, you have gotten me so much. I didn't want to load more drawbacks for me moving here. I talked to Jacob. He has a side business of fixing old cars. We had talked about it and he has for me a 1967 Ford Mustang renovated and almost ready for me to go." Liam was surprised, "But honey…". Bella interrupted "Dad, I know you would have given me the world, but you already done so. Besides, I didn't get it for free. I paid for it and this also helps out Jacob. I mean, he struggles a lot and this way, I killed two birds with one stone." Liam just looked at his daughter. "How did I get so lucky in getting such a wonderful and sensitive daughter like you?" He kissed her cheek. "You know mum and I are going to miss you so much…" Bella started tearing. "Dad, please…" She got up and excused her from the table. Liam and Tanya followed her. They only had one more week here. They were leaving on Monday, February 16th early in the morning. I know Bella has been opening a little more with my kids, but I know it's because her parents were with her. We didn't know if it would change once they were back home.

Lauren had to say something to destroy our mood, "I don't get it. Is Bella just a daddy's girl? She should be happy to get rid of her parents." That was the last straw for me. "Lauren, can you please shut up! My god, why are you such a bitch. I guess you never loved your parents. I guess you never loved anyone. I really have to think twice if you really LOVE MY SON!!!" I was pissed. Jasper and Emmett mouthed to me "Go Mom!"

She is just a bitch.