My work is starting to pile up nowadays. I managed to finish this chapter finally between the breaks I have from my every piling up stacks of reports. Even my niece is starting to complain that I haven't been able to spend enough time with her. Well, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter!

ps - The slower you read, the better it is. Before you know it, the next update will be ready!

Disclaimer - Don't own Twilight.

Playlist - Change by Sugababes

Look out for the A/N later in the story for this one!

It's the Change

Bella's POV

"Bella!" Alice called down the hallways the next day.

I had just finished English Literature and I was struggling with the pile of novels Mr. Ellis had just informed me I would need to master if I wanted to get through my finals in a breeze. It came as a shock to me, considering that most of the novels he told me to browse through were all different than the previous ones I did back in boarding school.

"Hey," I acknowledged, as I tried to wobble my way towards my locker, maneuvering through the lunch crowd.

"Need some help?"

I threw her an annoyed look. "No, I'm actually a big fan of breaking my back from all this over carrying."

Alice blinked. "That was a joke right?"

I yelled, "Alice, my arms are about to snap!"

"Right, Right!" and she quickly took the weight off my shoulders as she took away some books for me.

Just then, I heard Angela calling out to me from behind, "Bella! Hey, Ms. Tanner wants to see you right now. Something about your Geography essay you handed up last class."

"Yikes…" I muttered.

"Nah, I think you did really well. She normally never sees students after classes like this unless they did something really, really good. The definite 'in-trouble' ones are normally humiliated during the lesson," Angela said bitterly.

Then, she caught a sight of Alice beside me and greeted shyly, "Hi, Alice."

When I reached my locker and began to fiddle with my lock combination, Alice bounded up and down on her spot. "Hey, guess what?!"

"I don't think I offered to guess anything," I teased as I dumped all of my books into my locker.

She rolled her eyes as she handed me the rest of my books. "We're planning on holding Edward's celebration tomorrow!"

"Weren't you all having it on Saturday? The day of his actual birthday?"

"Yeah, but I thought it would be more fun to have it on Friday. If we do it on Friday we can use the grand hall till one in the morning! That would give us enough time for the grand finale which is the performance and the cake. We've already bought this huge cake for him to blow out the candles at sharp midnight. And when Edward goes to sleep after the party, he wakes up the next morning and it's still his birthday! Isn't that great?!"

I laughed, slamming my locker shut. "Okay, sounds good to me."

"Everyone's invited!"

"Err…define 'everyone'."

"The entire school."

"That includes even Jacob Black and his two friends, if you were wondering," Alice added.

Angela gave me a light punch on my shoulder, "Aw, come on, Bella. It's Edward. Who wouldn't want to go to Prince Charming's biggest event of the year?"

"You guys do this every year?" I asked, surprised.

"Nope. We did once when he turned ten, and then one for Rosalie and Tanya when they turned sweet sixteen. Emmett, Jazz and I aren't really big fans of having parties."

She grinned widely, "But we are great fans of being the organizers!"

I shook my head. "Figures."

Alice pouted, "Not fair. It's not our fault that they accept out invitations. They could always not come if they don't want to, but everyone just shows up anyway."

I rolled my eyes, "Obviously. All six of you are like the walking Teen Vogues of this school."

I slapped Angela a high five before she said, "I gotta go. Ben is waiting for me to go to the library with him today. I'll see you tomorrow!"

As Angela waded her way through the crowds, Alice frowned, "But the only thing is, Tanya just found out that her flight has been scheduled to eleven, tomorrow night. So, Rosalie will be leaving half way during the party with her to the airport."

I thought for a moment. "Aren't all of you planning to go off to the airport with her? I mean, she is leaving and you probably won't be seeing her for a very long time."

Alice sighed. "Yeah, but there isn't enough room in the car. Rosalie's car can only take about most of Tanya, Irina and Kate's luggage. That includes all four of them as well."

She folded her arms, "She doesn't want all of us to come anyway. She didn't want to spoil all our fun or something…"

"Why can't they all of you take two cabs there?"

Alice made a face, "It's Rose and Tanya. I don't think that would be even a question to ask them."

"Ah, okay. Sounds…reasonable, I guess."

"We'll still be in contact. It's not like it's a forever goodbye. Gosh, Bella. She's only in Seattle. We can visit her any day if we wanted to," Alice shook her head.

I shrugged and Alice tapped her nose, thinking. "I just hope Rose can make it back in time. She drives extremely slowly at times to take care of her convertible. Hopefully she can get her ass back here by midnight, right before Edward blows the candles out."

"Pray for no complications on the way then," I joked.

"Now that you mentioned complications, what's happening between you and Edward now?" Alice batted her eyelashes at me.

"What's there to tell?"

"I don't know. He seems to be in startling good moods nowadays. He saw you this morning at your locker with Angela and his face looked like he's just hit the jackpot on the Super Bowl!"

I blushed, "Maybe he did."

"Did something happen yesterday?"

"Err…"

"He kissed you!"

"Alice!"

Alice began to teasingly stroke an imaginary beard. "I see, I see. I should have predicted this. Very interesting. At least you both have responded finally. You both were killing me with the cat and mouse game that kept both of your feelings at bay."

I could only smile like an idiot.

Suddenly, Alice's eyed me up and down suspiciously, "I wonder what your closet looks like…"

I gasped, "Don't you dare."

"What? What? I didn't say anything!" but her eyes were twinkling slyly more than ever.

"I know what you're thinking!"

"Don't you want to look presentable for your husband?" Alice pointed out, still looking thoughtfully at my plain t-shirt and faded jeans.

When Alice said 'husband', it gave me this surge of light hearted waves flowing inside me. And it wasn't because I was hesitant. It was because I was so happy, for the first time, I really felt sincerely joyful.

I grimaced, "No, no. I am not joking!"

Alice chuckled again, "I think you're late to meet Ms. Tanner."

I was fuming, "Don't try anything funny, Alice. I'm warning you. I will kill you, understand? I will, alright? I will!"

Alice's eyes widened innocently, "You wouldn't."

I turned around in frustration and began to walk towards the Geography room. I tried to ignore the fact that I still could hear Alice laughing and scheming evilly about what sort of unbelievably expensive clothes she was going to get for me for tomorrow night.

Edward's POV

"How is everything coming along with Bella?" Elizabeth asked during dinner that night.

"Good."

But Caroline caught me grinning gleefully and she grunted, "A little too well for my liking, perhaps?"

I immediately wiped the smile off from face.

"I hope this doesn't affect your up coming finals, Edward. Don't make me regret giving you the benefit of the doubt by letting you meet her earlier. Or even allowing her to share this house with you."

I played with my food. It was strange how it was easier to stay calmer nowadays. Think about Bella and those beautiful soft brown eyes, that silky hair, those luscious lips…My head was swimming. I saw Elizabeth smiling from the corner of my eyes and I couldn't help but smile to myself too.

"It's a good question though. When is Bella moving over?" Elizabeth asked.

I paused. "I'm not sure. She said she would consider for sometime this week."

After dinner, Elizabeth came over to me in the kitchen as I was stacking up the plates for Louise to clean.

"So, I'm taking that you've settled everything already?"

I thought for a second before nodding, "Sort of."

"How about Bella? Is she handling this well?"

"I don't know," I admitted. "But I'm going to be with her every step of the way till she sees that she can have complete trust in me."

Elizabeth nodded encouragingly, "There's nothing more important then a good solid trust for a base."

As I walked up the steps to my room, I took out my phone from my pocket and began to dial her number. I didn't manage to see her at school for the entire time today. I shook my head in amusement as I heard Bella's caller ring tone that Alice helped her put earlier, singing, "How do you know everything I'm about to say? Am I that obvious? And if it's written on my face...I hope it never goes away... yeah…"

"Yes, Mr. Masen?" that sweet voice teasingly answered.

"Hi there. You didn't think I would forget about you today, did you?" I laughed, closing my bed room door and began to pace around my room aimlessly.

"Nearly did."

"So, what time do you want me to pick you up tomorrow?"

"Err…tomorrow morning to classes you mean?"

I chuckled, "I was actually referring for the party in the evening but tomorrow morning is fine too."

"Well, Alice said she wanted to pick me up…"

"Yeah, I know that. I just didn't want you to be walking there so just checking."

"So, why'd you ask this question then?"

"I thought maybe you'd like to spend as much time as possible with Jacob during this time."

She sounded surprised. "Why?"

"Well, considering you will be moving over to be with me soon, don't you want to have some quality time with Jacob before you leave his house?"

I could tell she was taken back by my offer as she didn't answer immediately.

"You would allow me to do that?"

It was my turn to be surprised. "Why shouldn't I? He's your friend too and I don't want to be the thorn between you and his friendship. I'll just stay out of the way if you want to be with him for now."

"Wow. I don't know what to say…"

"Speechless?"

"Yeah."

I laughed, "Why? Do you want me to be possessive instead?"

"I wouldn't hate it…" she challenged.

I arched an eyebrow. "You know what they say. Be careful what you wish for, Bella, because you just might get it. I can be very possessive if I want to be."

But then I shook my head quickly before I went off the point. "Honestly, the point is that, I want you to know that I'm fine with anything you want. As long as it makes you happy, I'm all for it too," and I pulled a face silently before adding. "Just as long as it doesn't involve anything with Jacob Black doing anything to annoy the crap out of me again. That, you better approach with caution."

I figured my supposedly 'threatening' voice sounded very seductive when Bella began to make funny noises in the background. With the noise she was making, I began to imagine her actually on her bed, fidgeting around uncomfortably. I grinned to myself when I heard her laugh nervously. I knew she was blushing and it made my grin even wider as I imagined what her face probably looked like right now. Maybe I should see how far I can take this. It was pretty fun.

"I've got limits too and you can be the first one to push it. Be my guest. I dare you…" I said coyly.

Bella suddenly cleared her throat, "Any moment now I'm going to come running over with my bags to your house. And the next thing I will do is take up that offer but I will be the one to annoy you, not Jake. It sounds like a great way to kill time."

"Really? Are we on for that then?"

"No!" Bella quickly answered, realizing that she would lose anyway.

I laughed loudly, "Alright. I'll be a little busy tomorrow, got a lot of errands to run for Mrs. Colby. I kinda promised her I'd do some things for her. I won't be coming down for lunch either because I'm going to be helping Jasper and Emmett set up the Hall for the night."

"Sure."

So, um – I've got some Calculus things for tomorrow to finish up. I'll see you tomorrow at school alright?"

"Me too. I've got some things to do for English Literature tomorrow as well."

But before I could say my goodnight to her, she suddenly said, "Edward, are you sure about the whole Jake thing? I really appreciate that you would allow me to be with him, but…I'll miss being with you."

I chuckled softly, "Same here. Don't worry. It's only a few more days before you'll be coming over, right? You better grab as much time as possible and savor it. Once you're in my house, I'll become that possessive guy that you can only imagine in your dreams."

Bella sighed, "Edward?"

"Yeah?"

"You do dazzle me, by the way."

Bella's POV

I held my arms up defensively. "No!"

Friday night had just begun and it was an hour before the party. Alice had already arrived sharply on time to help me get ready for what I was going to be wearing. She showed up looking stunning as usual, with spaghetti strapped silver dress that fit her perfectly, showing off her petite curves.

She had just described the top she bought me as a dark brown halter neck top with gathers at the end. The black denim skirt she picked for me must have been the shortest wear material I would ever come to own if I accepted it, which of course I wasn't going to that easily.

Alice continued her treachery as she whipped out another paper bag from behind her and brought out a gold shoe box. "Yes! This was definitely not easy to get. Tanya and Rose had their greedy little eyes on this baby for months."

Alice smiled to herself as she tapped lightly against the pair of stunning silver stilettos. "It all comes down to long patience and non-spendthrift ethics."

"Yippee for you! Now allow me to just wear my -"

"Good God, Bella. That moldy sweater with a hooded, tank top and faded jeans of yours is going to kill me. You're not going to go anywhere near the campus if you are going in that!"

"Please! I don't want to wear what you got me!"

"Why not?!" and it was Alice's turn to fume.

"Because, I would look like a complete idiot wearing that. You know I don't look as a good as you and the rest," I shook my head.

"Nonsense. Come on, just try it. And if I really think you look horrible in it, then you can choose whatever you want to wear. I have a very good fashion sense so I'm pretty critical."

I snorted as I snatched the paper bag from her, "One try, and that will be it."

I could hear her clapping her hands together excitedly just as I slammed my toilet door closed. I had taken my shower earlier so the floor was still rather damp. I carefully removed my shorts and tattered shirt and placed it on my sink counter. I slipped into the brown top, tying the two strings securely together. Then, I pulled the black skirt up my legs, resting it on my hips. It was amazing how Alice knew my size so well. They fit perfectly. I began to fiddle nervously with the skirt, pulling it down as low as it would go, so that it wouldn't look too short.

It was scary because I looked so different. Not only that, I thought the outfit was pretty nice.

"Bella, just come out. I want to see it!" Alice called loudly, knocking on the door.

As I slowly opened the door, I heard Alice squealing, "Yay!"

I frowned. "Can I not wear the heels?"

"Don't tell me you've never worn a pair before," Alice groaned.

"I have. Just that only once – well, I feel a bit strange. What if I get nervous and fall flat on my face in front of everyone. And even worse, in front of Edward!"

"Ugh, you won't! Have confidence, Bella. Besides, I happen to know that Edward loves you just the way you are. Which includes whatever that you wear, he'll always still want you."

I blushed. "Exactly my point. I don't see a reason why I need to wear all this then!"

"Except that, okay? It's never too late to learn now. To start, you can begin by walking out the front door in these."

I sighed and slipped them on, fastening the straps properly. I stood up and began to wobble my way across the room to get my phone and purse. Alice began to bounce around, helping me grab my pins and hair bands to style it.

"You know what I think would look good? A half ponytail!" Alice decided, running the comb through my hair.

I shrugged, "Whatever you want."

When she was done, I stared at myself in the mirror. I had to admit that the hairstyle was quite good. Even I liked it, although I would never tell that Alice. Who knew what the consequence of that was going to be? Alice began to whistle as she placed some pins in my hair to securely fasten my strands of locks that were coming off so that it wouldn't fall into my face.

"Let's go!" Alice grabbed her own things and started bounding out of my room.

"Alice, this is crazy!" I pleaded, holding the railings of the staircase, walking as slow as possible down.

"When you're part of us, crazy is just daily basis," Alice laughed, opening the main door to reveal her amazingly expensive ride waiting outside for us.

And then there is a point in your life when you realize that if you were to ever arrive to a party in a flashy yellow Porsche that is driven by one of the most well known student in school, it pays to actually look different so nobody would recognize you. I didn't know how nervous I actually was until I saw the crowds of people around the hallways. Then, when I entered the Grand Hall to see the entire place dark with strobe lights; it hit me like a wave that wiped out surfers.

"Bella!" Rosalie called as she saw me.

She was greeting everyone who was entering the doors and her face lit up when she saw me. She immediately came over. I took in the gorgeous outfit she was wearing which was a gorgeous slim cut strapless black dress.

"Glad you could make it!" she yelled over the loudly blasted music.

"Thanks! Good to see you too!" I shouted back.

"I'll find you later! I'm going to find Jazz!" Alice informed me before pushing her way through the sea of people.

I nibbled my lip nervously as I stared at the amount of people inside. Suddenly, before I could take a step further, I felt a tap on my back and I turned around to stare in the face of a blonde figure.

"Mike?"

"Bella! Hey! You look different!"

"Err, thanks!"

I fidgeted uncomfortably when Tyler soon showed up behind Mike. "Bella!? Wow, is that you?"

I shrugged. "Depends. I could be just someone that looks like the person you are referring to."

When Mike was pulled away by Jessica, Tyler grinned. "Wunna go in and dance?"

Someone help me! The last thing I need is to look like a complete idiot on the dance floor! I thought helplessly.

"Come on. Just one dance with me?" Tyler asked again.

Before I could shake my head, I felt another arm touching me. But this time, I had two hands gently grasping around my two arms. Now who could this be? I wondered, annoyed.

But my heart rocketed when I heard that velvety voice. "There you are."

Edward looked up pleasantly to Tyler, "Sorry, but I think she'd already been booked for the whole night."

Tyler quickly nodded and stumbled out a careless response. "Yeah sure. Sorry, Edward. I forgot she is your girlfriend."

When Tyler walked away, Edward turned me around to face me and gave me an enormous wink. "How's that for possessive?"

I sighed. "Perfect."

Edward was looking amazing as usual. His hair was styled to perfection, falling into his eyes just the way I liked it. He smelt so good that I felt like just holding on to him and never letting go so I could savour the moment. His navy shirt and black jeans were daring me to just stare at how incredible it looked on him.

"That was just a little taste of it. You've only just dipped your foot in the pool."

Suddenly, Edward's eyes looked at me up and down, narrowing as he got to the length of my skirt. He whistled and shook his head, clearly amused. His eyes were widening playfully.

"Nice."

"Very funny. I know I look really different."

He laughed. "Let me guess, Alice right?"

I nodded. "I'm not complaining though. I really appreciate everything she did for me. It's so hard to be mad at her anyway."

He ran his hands through my hair again sending tingles up my spine. "I'm not complaining either. Thirsty? Let's get you a drink."

With his hand in mine, he led me through the crowd which I tried so hard to ignore the amount of people staring as usual. I loved the way how with him by my side always made me feel everything was going to be fine. At the refreshments table, I was surprised to see Tanya serving the drinks. She merely just smiled slightly and nodded and me when she saw us.

Then, I saw Angela sitting by the sides of the hall on a chair, talking to Jessica.

"Edward, I'm going to talk to Angela awhile, alright?"

"Sure. Don't go away too long," and he brushed his finger lightly on my cheek.

"Bella! You made it!" Angela called as I made my way over.

"Hey, where's Ben?"

"He's talking with Mike and Tyler somewhere else. I've already had a dance with him!" and she looked over my shoulder to see Edward talking to other people and she grinned, "And you? Have you danced with him yet?"

I shook my head quickly. "No way am I hitting the dance floor. I'm going to look like a cow with three legs."

"Interesting way of putting it, Bella. Now, how's about just grabbing him to the dance floor? Your boy can sure bust a move. During last year's prom, Lauren asked him to dance and gosh, you should have seen it."

I pulled a chair to sit next to Angela. "I'm sure it must have been good, knowing him."

"Well, all we gotta do now is just enjoy the night. Everyone's looking forward to the performance tonight by all three of them, Emmett, Jasper and Edward!"

"Really?" But I suppose it wasn't a big shocker.

"Yeah, apparently Edward is singing for the first time. Jasper came around telling everyone that Edward will be singing so that if everyone were to cheer for Edward to do it, he couldn't refuse. Something along those lines, if I heard correctly."

I couldn't hide my smile any longer. "Edward singing. That's going to be the cherry of my night."

Sorry I won't be there. It would be too awkward for me. Will be over at Quil's with Embry. See you when you get back. You can tell me all about it then.

Jacob

I shut my phone and placed it back in my pocket. I stared at my watch while sipping my juice. The hall was so dark that I had to narrow my eyes to see it properly.

"It just turned ten, Bella," Alice told me.

"Just checking. I really want to watch the performance. What time is it happening?"

"Half past eleven, just before we get the cake out."

I watched Angela and Ben slow dance and began to imagine what it would be like for me and Edward to have one slow dance. I felt bad because I've been trying to steer off Edward from asking me to dance so I kept changing the subject if I felt it coming. But I suppose he could sense it too since I caught him giving me a funny look at times.

Suddenly, Rosalie came over and waved for Alice to come to her so they could talk in private. From the corner of my eye, I could see Rosalie looking very frustrated as Alice's face was twisted into a cross between shock and disapproval. I began to wonder what was going on as they began to argue by whispering fiercely in each others ears.

Then, Rosalie finally came over to me and said, "Bella, Edward wants to see you right now. He's outside the hall. It's a little noisy in here."

I nodded. "Okay."

A/N – Insert the playlist song here for a better effect.

When I walked out to see a very grave looking Edward standing by the wall, I knew something had already gone. I saw Tanya walking away down the hallway towards the main doors leading out to the car park. Edward immediately walked over to me and took my two hands in his.

"Bella, did you enjoy yourself tonight?"

I nodded. "Of course. I'm happy whenever you're with me."

When he didn't continue, I sighed. "Just tell me what's going on, Edward. I promise not to judge you…"

He looked at me intently. "Tanya wants me to send her and her two sisters to the airport instead of Rosalie."

The minute he said that, that's when I knew all attempts to stay afloat had just sunk to the bottom miserably. But why? I shouldn't be so controlling over Edward. He gave me my space for Jacob, so now it's my turn to do him the favour. He had been friends with Tanya for so long. Why refuse this one simple request now? He wasn't going to be seeing her for a long time after this. Besides, before this I even encouraged Alice to go and see Tanya off to Seattle.

His eyes bore into mine. "Would you mind if I did this? It's the least I can do for her right now as a friend."

But that's different. This time it's just Edward and her only. Anything could happen, the other part of me said sternly.

"Okay…" I agreed softly, looking down at the buttons on his shirt instead.

I didn't want him to go or leave. I wanted him to be with me right here and let Rosalie send her instead. It reminded me of what I thought of myself to be before. A true monster – a selfish, cruel being that would hurt people in order to get what they wanted.

Edward lifted my hands and brought my arms up to rest on his shoulders while his hands went behind my back, clasping me to him gently. I closed my eyes and tightened my arms around his neck, pulling myself closer to him.

"I'll be back so soon that you won't even have time to miss me…" he murmured into my hair.

It seemed to quickly when he finally let go of me and kissed my cheek gently before he walked down the hallway after Tanya. Before he walked out the doors, he turned around to flash me my favourite crooked smile. I could only stare like a fool, looking at him already slipping away from me. I leaned against the wall and slid down gently till I was sitting on the floor.

And before I knew it, Alice had already appeared just as I hoped, sitting right next to me on the marble floor.

"You alright?"

I just nodded slowly. "I know what you'll say. I'm thinking too much. He will be coming back. But why am I feeling like this? It's so stupid…"

Alice shook her head," No, you have the right to feel this way. I wouldn't like it if I knew Jazz was going to be going off with another girl, even for a short while. Especially when I know that she has interest in him. Besides, Edward is your fiancé. If you don't feel anything, then that's bad news!"

Then she gave me a gentle smile, "Why you are feeling this way? I think it's because you're in love with him. I'm surprised you can't figure it out yet, considering you already know that though."

She patted me reassuringly. "He'll be back in time, don't worry..."

But if that was true, why were my doubts growing every minute I sat there?

I thought that was a pretty spot on lyrics and meaning for Bella at that exact moment. Beautiful song! Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter:)

Regarding the POLL - I received alot of PMs regarding some people can't vote because they want a preview of each of them before they will vote. Well, it all depends on how free I am to see if I could actually write a preview for each story. Though I highly doubt I can, I will try within all my power to do so :)

So READ and REVIEW and VOTE for an UPDATE! The POLL closes at the end of the week!

ps - I posted up a picture of the Grand Hall on my profile. Now, I just took the first picture that came on my search results so don't flame me or anything for using it. That's the closest I could find that looks fitting for the Grand Hall in my head:) I can't post any character's outfit because I believe it is nicer for everyone to have their own idea!