You didn't have me at hello
A/N Thanks for the wonderful reviews. I just love you all. You give me more power to write more. So here it goes.
Chapter 7
February 14th The Ball - Part 2
Edward POV
I woke up this morning somewhat thrilled about today. First, today was the ball and I was hoping and praying that everything was going to go well. Bella was doing such a great job with this ball. I would notice her eyes would light up as she talked to my dad on any updates. She was shy on requesting any new but dad as always took it as a grain of salt. I was somewhat agitated too because I didn't know who Bella was bringing as a date. I don't and can't understand why I was feeling jealous. Bella is a beautiful woman and any man would be extremely lucky to just be associated with her. Anyway, I have to stop thinking about her that way.
I didn't get anything for Lauren today. I know she is going to bitch about it, but you know I don't really care. I want to sit down with my brothers and sisters and see how I should go about breaking up our engagement. I really can't stand her anymore. As well, there is just something not right with her, like she is hiding something from me. Anyway, if she protests on any gifts, I have the excuse that I have been busy with work and the ball.
Dad asked me to check on the decorations and everything else for today. It's around 10:30, they should be busy working now. As I go into the ball room, I am amazed at how this room had been transformed. The huge windows were covered with very sheet red curtains. Tiny crystals were being hung with invisible wires from the ceiling to give the effect of stars. The stage had already been set with red and black materials and the instruments were being set by, I assume, Harry Connick's band mates. The tables were all covered with red and black linens and the flower arrangements were different on each table. I found our coordinator, Angela and we discussed last minute details. "Edward, really everything has been taken care of. Bella came up here twice already. She will probably be here later." I smiled because I knew she was already taken care of stuff, "Angela, twice?" Angela laughed. "The first time she just wanted to see if everything was going well. The second time was a surprise. She brought back fresh coffee and treats for all us. She is so sweet. Oh by the way Edward, I know her word is ok, but she requested that dinner be sent to Sam and Laurent downstairs." I nodded to her that it would be ok.
Harry Connick, Alicia Keys and Michael Buble were walking towards us. "Excuse us, Angela, just wanted to know if it wouldn't be too much trouble to rehearse a bit?" "No Harry. That would be fine. Harry, Alice and Michael, this is Edward Cullen. Edward – Harry Connick Jr. Alicia Keys and Michael Buble." I shook each of their hands. "Thank you so much for doing this." Harry smiled, "Not a problem man. We would do anything for Isabella." Alicia smiled, "Yeah, she has always been there for me, how couldn't I be there for her at least one." Michael smiled too, "Besides, I can't wait to take her out on a dance. That's if Emma let's me." We all laughed. We chatted a bit and I asked them how they knew Bella. They told me how they met her through charitable works and how each of them had become friends with Bella. They did emphasized that they usually kept in touch through emails but no matter what, Bella was there for them at any moment in time. They left to start rehearsal and I went to my parent's place to let dad know of everything was going.
After going through paperwork and emails at work, it was time to start getting ready. I was in the shower when Lauren showed up. I was shocked at what she was wearing when I got out the shower. I considered the dress to be really ugly. It just didn't suit her. I remember that Lauren came by after the girls' shopping expedition and told me everything that had happened. She claimed that Bella was just a bitch and didn't want to try everything and anything on the store. I took that bit of news to heart, that meant, Bella had the "balls" so to speak to stand up to the mighty pixie of Alice. Lauren continued to criticize all the dresses especially that of Bella and she couldn't believe how Alice and Rose advise her not to take the dress she was wearing now. Well, I guess Lauren doesn't listen, because the dress is UGLY.
I got all cleaned up and started to get dress. I was wondering what Bella would be wearing tonight. It has to be something spectacular. Probably it was going to be full of crystals or something – maybe gaudy. I hope not. So far the times that I have seen Bella, she has dressed very classy, very elegant and she made it look so sexy.
God, stop thinking about her.
As I was putting some cologne on, Lauren yelled that we should meet at Bella's apartment since everyone was there. I took one last look and I looked pretty good and we took off to Bella's apartment. I definitely wanted to see how she had decorated the apartment. As I opened the door, I quietly gasped at how Bella looked. She was simply a vision of beauty. As I quickly admired what she was wearing, I was kicking myself thinking she would be wearing something gaudy. She was an example of style and sophistication. Even though she was "explaining" to Alice that she didn't need a date, she was so classy doing it.
Wait she doesn't have a date. YES! That means she is available for a couple of dances. YES!
As we were saying our hellos to dad and Liam, that is when I heard Tanya explaining how Bella is to Alice. She doesn't have a boyfriend, she doesn't sleep around, she really hasn't been kissed. How can that be? She is a beautiful woman. I can't imagine being 24 years old and never been kissed. She takes love seriously. Wow, so many women at her age doesn't take love seriously. They go play the field just like most men. Now I am more intrigued with Bella, but my question is will she be able to surpass the past to give me a chance.
Get this idea out of your head. You still need to get rid of Lauren!
This is going to be tough night.
Emmett POV
I was so excited for tonight. Rosalie and I have talked a lot about Bella. We both felt really terrible on what we were before. Rose really liked her. They were slowly getting to know each other, but Rose did admit that Bella still had her walls up. I wouldn't blame her after all the shit we put her through and with her parents and brother's death. I have been a chicken shit and never apologize, but I talked it out with Rose and we both agreed that tonight would be a great night to apologize. I didn't know how to though, until Bella revealed that she did not have a date for tonight. Rose then whispered in my ear that I should attempt to take her for a dance and apologize then. I was determined to let Bella know that I really wanted to be her friend, and maybe one day her "big brother". I felt like she has never had that someone who protected her and I would take that job in a heartbeat. I mean, she is a powerhouse, but at times, I could see in her eyes that she was timid and needed to be protected. I hope she can see that in me.
When we went to the ballroom, I was stunned at all the work our family had put in. Then I noticed all the people. Wow, Bella knew a lot of people. She made a lot of connections in her short years on this earth. I was in awe of the people were here tonight, but my mind was to catch dynamo Bella and ask her to dance with me. Harry is not someone I listen to, but his music was ok. After a few dances with Rose, we rested as I was looking for Bella.
I saw her walked away from one end to the another making sure every one was ok. She chatted with a few and promised a chat later to others. Well, finally, she saw us and came by too see if we were ok. That's when Harry started to talk. "The next song isn't mine, but I tend to sing it to my friend since she has the most beautiful eyes in this world. As always, you know who you are. You carry my family's heart with you." It was Van Morrison's Brown Eyed Girl. It was my opportunity. "Bella, would you mind giving this big oaf the pleasure of this dance." She looked at Rose for approval and Rose nodded. Bella took my hand and I led her to the middle of the dance floor. It was being played a little slower than usual. As we were dancing, I started to talk in her ear. "Bella, I know I am big stupid man who puts his foot in his mouth a lot of times, but from the bottom of my heart, I am so sorry about what I did to you in the past. I hope you can forgive me and allow me in your heart as a friend and even later as your big brother. I swear that I will hurt anyone that tries to hurt you." All of a sudden I felt her just get a little closer to be more in a hug. She was so tiny in my arms. She whispered back, "Thank you Emmett. I would like that but one day at a time ok? And yes I forgive you." I picked her up in a bear hug. "Thank you Bella. I hope you will never regret this."
Edward POV
What the hell? Emmett is dancing with Bella and he is hugging her. He must of apologized. I knew he was going to take longer to do so. It is harder for him to get the right words out sometimes. Once the song was done, she disappeared again. I think she was crying. I don't like it when she cries and she shouldn't be today. Everyone has been raving the party. Time flies through and well, Lauren is already a little tipsy. Man, I need a break from this woman. Maybe she will feel bad and go home.
Dinner started shortly and Esme did such a wonderful time with the menu. I noticed that Bella was being the good hostess and making sure everyone was ok. I didn't see her eat anything though. She was supposed to sit with us. Liam was looking for her too, "Has anyone seen Bella?" Tanya was worried too, "She really needs to eat. She hasn't eaten all day." Rose chimed in "I just saw her talking by Harry's table. I can go get her." Then Bella started to come by. "Sorry, everyone. How the food?" Tanya was worried "Honey, please eat something. You are just going to faint." Bella smiled to her mom, "Sure mum, I am starving anyway." We were all chatting away. Bella had taken probably about 5 bites when Angela came to Liam and whispered something in his ear.
Liam excused himself and left with Angela. I just noticed him shaking hands and hugging two men and a woman. Then dad's phone went off and he read his text. Dad got up and went over to Bella and covered her eyes. "Bella, don't fight it. Your dad has a surprise for you." Bella stayed quiet as Liam brought over the three people he was just speaking too. Alice and Rosalie gasped and dropped their forks. Jasper and Emmett mouths opened. Lauren was in shock. Then Carlisle let Bella see and she was so surprised. "Oh my god. Daddy how did you do this?" She walked quickly to the woman to embrace her in her arms, then the first man hugged her tightly and the third man picked her up in her arms, held her tightly and placed kisses on her neck. I didn't like that shit.
I mean I knew it was Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and George Clooney, but George had no right doing that to Bella. "How did you guys get here?" George smirked, "Well you see Bella, there are these fantastic things called planes and automobiles.." She smacked him hard. Her father chuckled "Well, Angie and Brad called me a day after they had told you they weren't coming that they were coming but wanted to surprise you. They also had asked about your date and well they brought George." Bella laughed, "So George, how much did they give you?" George laughed, "Well, sweetheart, the thing is you will be paying them back. You need to take care of Shiloh and Z." She bounced, "Yes, now I can spoil and conquer." Angie knew what she meant, "Oh no you don't little tinkerbell." Bella stopped laughing, "I apologize, I am being so rude. Angie, Brad and George, these are the Cullens. Carlisle, Esme, Jasper, Alice, Rosalie, Edward, Lauren. You remember my mum, Tanya."
It was an interesting dinner. We made room for them at the table and we all laughing and talking as we all ate. George sat next to Bella a little to close to her I thought.
Make a mental note to ask Bella on this on.
He is too old for her. What irks me is that he keeps stroking her arms and hands. WTF. Harry Connick comes back up and starts with a little talking. Then he brings out Alicia Keys to sing. Now that woman can sing. She starts with a few old songs. Lauren was kind of out it and I had no clue were she was or actually cared. I was standing were I could see the dance floor when Alicia started to do a rendition of Sweet Thing. I wonder where is Bella? This would be a great song to dance with her.
I will love you anyway
Even if you can not stay
I think you are the one for me
Here is where you want to be
I just want to satisfy 'ya
You're not mine and I can't deny it
Don't you hear me talkin' baby
Love me now or I'll go crazy
Then I see it, George is leading her to the dance floor to dance. Kill me now. They are too close dancing. Alice and Jasper are there too and I see them say something – something funny too because all four are snickering.
Whoa, Sweet thang
Don't 'ya know you're my everythang
Whoa, Sweet thang
Don't 'ya know you're my everythang
Yes you are
Now he is looking at her and saying something. WTF. Her mother just gave us this big speech about her being so "innocent". She doesn't look innocent here.
I wish you were my lover
But 'ya act so undercover
Love 'ya child my whole life long
Is be right or be wrong
I'm only what 'ya make me, baby
Don't walk away, don't be so shady
Don't want your mind, don't want your money
These words I say, they may sound funny but...
They are dancing too close. I guess Bella is really not what her mom thinks. Hmm, maybe she is a closet freak. Interesting, maybe I can keep Lauren and have Bella on the side. Interesting thought.
You are my heat, you are my fire
You make me weak with soft desire
Love 'ya child my whole life long
Is be right or be wrong
I just want to satisfy 'ya
'cause you're not mine, I can't deny it
Don't 'ya hear me talking baby
Love me now or I'll go crazy
Let me go find Lauren.
(You're my heat, you are my fire)
You're my fire
(You're not mine, I can't deny it)
I can't deny it
(Don't you hear me talking baby)
(Love me now or I'll go crazy)
I'll go crazy
(You're my heat, you are my fire)
You're my fire
(You're not mine, I can't deny it)
Can't deny
(Don't you hear me talking baby)
(love me now or I'll go crazy)
Hey
(You're my heat, you are my fire)
You're my fire
(You're not mine, I can't deny it)
'Cause you're my sweet thing, sweet thing
(Don't you hear me talkin' baby)
C'mon
(Love me now or I'll go crazy)
(You're my heat, you are my fire)
Hey
(You're not mine, I can't deny it)
Yeah, yeah, yeah
(Don't you hear me talking baby)
(Love me now or I'll go crazy)
Talk to me, talk to me baby
C'mon
'Cause you're my sweet thang
I don't care what you do to me
Oh no, no no, no, no
You're mine oh mine
The night is going to get worse huh.
Carlisle POV
The ball is has been really a success. There were more donations provided by the guests and they all raved the party, food and entertainment. Harry, Alicia and Michael really did a fantastic job. It was around 2am, once the final guests left. I saw my family sitting down looking exhausted. "Thanks everyone for a great night. You all did a wonderful job. Why don't we all go home and rest." Bella made a quick announcement, "Tomorrow dinner is at my place. Please be there around 6 ok?" We all agreed. It was an exhausting day. I can imagine Bella how tired she must be and she is still going to cook tomorrow. As well, it is going to be an emotional day for her – it her parents last day there. I hope all is going to go well tomorrow.
What I wonder is what the hell is wrong with Edward? He let Lauren get to drink so much that she was a mess and Edward was just staring in la la land looking at Bella. I am going to need to talk to him.