LPOV
"It's just dinner, Leah," Seth complained, as I threw another potential dress into his arms.
"I don't care. I don't want to show up looking like crap," I said, examining the pile in his arms.
That's a huge lie. I actually wouldn't mind showing up to the Cullen's house in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, but Alice would murder me. I can bet my life-savings that she already has a whole outfit, shoes, makeup and hair styling products laid out on a bed for me just in case I show up looking like a bum. Well, that, and Rosalie also texted me last night telling me to wear something sexy because the Cullens wanted to have a night out in Seattle. So of course I'm down to do that!
"Here," I said, grabbing the pile from him. "I'll take those."
I stepped into the fitting room and started separating the pile of dresses from "would wear" or "probably wouldn't wear." The "would wear" pile consisted of only 3 dresses and I didn't know which one to go with. I tried them each on and it still didn't help me make a decision. There is only one way to solve this dilemma. I pulled out my phone and dialed her number.
"I was wondering why my mind was starting to go a little blurry!" Alice laughed. "I should've known it was you!"
"The one and only," I laughed into the phone. Alice always took the chance to remind me that she couldn't see the future clearly when I was involved. Emmett and I used to purposely mess with her back in Alaska, it was hilarious! Even Jasper found it amusing!
"What can I help you with?" she chirped happily.
"I kind of need some fashion advice," I said quietly. Man, she was going to have a field day!
"You called the right person!" she practically screamed into the phone. I had to jerk my head away from the phone a couple of feet just to stop the ringing in my ears.
"Damn, can you be any louder? I can hear you just fine!" I growled.
"Sorry!" she laughed. Laughed! "I'm just happy you're finally coming to me instead of me having to force you!"
"I'm stuck between three dresses to wear tonight and I don't know which one to wear," I said, looking at the dresses longingly. Sure, they were a little short for the Washington weather but I had nice, long legs that would go perfectly with it, so why not?
"Send me pictures of each of them! Now! Bye!" And then she hung up.
I shoved the phone back into my pocket smiling at how over-enthusiastic my vampire friend was over petty things such as clothes.
I took 3 quick snapshots of each dress and sent them to Alice. A phone call from her came not even 10 seconds after I sent the pictures.
"Well what do you think?" I asked.
"It's too bad you can't wear them all at once, they're all really good dresses," she said sadly. "But I'd go with the little black dress, you can't go wrong with one of those." I could just picture her winking at the end of that sentence.
"Got it, thanks!"
"Oh, and wear those shoes that make you like 10 feet tall!" She laughed.
"Will do, Tink, see you tonight!" I laughed. I only seemed 10-feet tall because she was only a mere 5'0. The shoes she's referring to make me about adds about 5 inches to my 5'7" height, which would normally make me feel insecure because I'm towering basically over every other girl. But with Rosalie being 5'9" and rocking 5-inch heels all the damn time, I could care less.
"Bye, Lee!"
"Bye."
I picked all of the dresses up and placed them on the racks outside the fitting room. Except for the little black one, of course.
"Took you long enough," Seth said, sounding exasperated. "Who was that on the phone?"
"A friend of mine."
"Still not gonna give me any names?" he asked, sounding a bit dejected.
"Not yet," I smiled, linking my arms through his. "Good news. I found one."
"That one?" Seth asked with wide eyes. "You can't wear that!"
"Why not?" Well that was kind of offensive.
"That barely covers anything, Lee," he groaned. "Couldn't you pick a floor-length, long-sleeved, turtle-necked dress instead?"
"That sounds horrendous, Seth. Why the hell would I wear something like that?" God. The first thing that came to mind were those dresses the Amish women wear! I can't wear that! Alice would crucify me!
"Because the weather is freezing for people like you!" Seth huffed, glaring daggers at the dress in my arms.
"What do you mean people like me?" I asked, scowling at him.
His eyes widened and he opened and closed his mouth a couple of times, before he settled on shaking his head and sighing in defeat. "Nothing. I didn't mean anything by that. You're next in line."
I spent a good 3 hours getting ready for my dinner with the Cullens. Most of that time was spent trying to get my hair to curl the way Alice made it. I went for loose waves. I did my makeup, nothing to dramatic. Some eyeliner, some eye shadow, and mascara. The heels Alice suggested were already firmly sealed around my feet. I was ready to go. The only thing is I can hear more a lot of voices down stairs. Not good. I don't want to go downstairs and have everyone stare bewildered at me for wearing such an outfit in this dreadful weather.
Whatever. "Go hard or go home!" That was Emmett's motto, he used to chant it all the time and it unfortunately stuck on me.
I descended down the stairs and heard a gasp, followed by a wolf-whistle and a growl. I lifted my eyes off the floor and found Seth, Samuel, Jacob, and Jared gaping at me.
What the hell is Samuel doing here? Why does it seem like he's always here? Why haven't my parents or my brother done anything to get rid of him? Why are they all shirtless? Whatthefuck.
"Uh, hi…." I said.
"Leah…." Jacob breathed, moving closer to me. He had a far-away look in his eyes, like he was in a daze. "You're so beautiful."
And there goes my blood rushing directly to my cheeks where it's visible for everyone in the room to see. Since when does Jacob make me blush? It used to be the other way around! I actually felt butterflies fluttering in my stomach just by the way he was looking at me. When was the last time I felt that?
"Thanks, Jake," I said stupidly, smiling like an idiot.
"When will you be back?" Seth asked with a worried look on his face.
"I don't know. Late. Don't wait up."
"Okay," he nodded, but was looking at Jacob.
"Where are mom and dad?"
"Dad went fishing and mom's grocery shopping. I still hate your dress, by the way."
"I think it's great," Jared piped up, grinning. I grinned back. Jacob made that animalistic sound again and wrapped and arm around my waist. He pulled me tightly against him and I felt like I was in the safest place in the whole world.
Jared snorted and clapped Seth on the back.
"You look great, Lee-Leah," Sam said. He had a pained look on his face. Weird.
"Cool. Well, it's nearly 8, so I gotta get going! Be back later!" I gave Jacob a quick, tight hug, just because I wanted to be wrapped in his scent just one more time. I ruffled Seth's hair and bounded out the door with my keys in hand.
"I can give you a lift if you want," Jacob said, sounding hopeful.
"Nah, I got it. Thanks though," I grinned, before hopping into the car and speeding down the highway.
I looked at the address Edward texted me and realized this guy lived in the middle of the forest. Typical. Why would a coven of vampires live in a normal neighborhood? No, a better question is why would they invite me over for dinner if they don't eat? I wonder if they're just going to watch me eat the whole time. I freaking hope not! That would be beyond awkward – I would probably just fake not being hungry….but then Edward would be able to call me out on my lie….and so would Jasper…..Damn those guys with their freaky vampy powers!
I was almost in Forks, which means one of them will show up any minute – "Hey, Sacajawea!"
"Emmett!" I screamed, stomping on the brakes. Thank GOD no one was driving behind me! That would have been a bad accident. "You nearly gave me a heart attack!"
The guy was literally running next to my car at ease with the biggest grin stretched across his face. Anyone would have reacted the same way I did. It's not every day you see something like that.
"I had to get your attention somehow," he said laughing. He got into the passenger's seat and guided me to his "house." The place was even bigger than their mansion in Alaska. These vamps were loaded!
"Did you get a dog?" Emmett asked, sniffing me and the seats in my car.
"What? No, why?" I asked, giving him a 'what-the-hell' look.
"Just wondering," he shrugged. He was giving me a weird look. "Welcome to our home!"
Before I was even able to put the car park, Emmett had me in his arms giving me a bone-crushing hug. He was spinning around me wildly and laughing, declaring how he missed having a partner-in-crime. The rest of the Cullens were outside in an instant passing me around like a doll, each of them giving me tight hugs. All but one.
"Where's Edward?"
"Right here," Edward said, smiling that stupid crooked smile that was admittedly cute. He had a very timid-looking Bella Swan on his arm.
Do you think she'll be able to stand on her own long enough for you to get your sparkly butt over here and give me a big hug like you owe me?
I smirked at him as he gave me a stern look. His face eventually broke into a big smile and he flashed in front of me, engulfing me in his arms.
"I missed you so much!" he laughed loudly, holding me tightly against him.
"I bet you did," I teased. "I missed you too, BFF!" Don't even get me started on how I started talking in acronyms to Edward. I'll save that story for another time.
"We have lots to catch up on," he said, releasing his hold on me. I saw him make eye-contact with Emmett and nod.
"Hell yeah we do," I said. Things are kind of weird at home. I kind of need your help.
"Not a problem, Lee," he smiled and turned and gestured to Bella. "You've met Bella before."
"'Sup, Bella? Long time no see," I said, extending a hand. She just gaped at me then at Edward.
"You know about them?" she asked.
"Yeah," I laughed. "Funny story actually. Long, but hilarious as hell. I'm sure Edward will tell you." Because I don't have time to.
"Oh, of course," she smiled, blushing. "It's nice to see you again, Leah. You look great."
"Likewise, Swan," I grinned. I left the love-dovey couple and followed the rest of the Cullens to the dining hall.
"So what are we having tonight?" I grinned, taking a seat across from Edward. "Cougar? Lion? Grizzly bear?"
Bella's eyes were as big as plates and her jaw was on the ground. The rest of the Cullens laughed good-heartedly at my usual jab at their nature. Emmett's laugh was the loudest. As usual.
"Sorry to disappoint, but we've already ate. Looks like you and Bella will have to be forced to eat normal food," Edward joked.
Bella whipped her head around to face Edward so fast it was a wonder how it didn't snap off. She looked shocked to see Edward let loose and joke. If only she knew how funny her man was.
"Damn," I said in mock disappointment, "I was hoping I'd be feasting on Bambi…..or thumper."
"Aww, do you have to use Disney characters? They're so cute and innocent," Alice whined.
"Cruella DeVille?" I asked, mimicking her tone. She stuck her tongue out at me and I winked in response.
"No but really, what are we having? I'm starving!"
"I made a bit of everything," Esme smiled warmly at me, "I wasn't sure what you were in the mood for so I made enough to feed a nation."
"Oh my gahhhd, Esme," I nearly drooled. "You're the best, thank you!"
"No, thank you! Having you and Bella over gives me the chance to actually use the kitchen."
"Well in that case, you can expect to see my face around here a lot more," I joked.
"We'd love that!" Carlisle beamed. Man, this guy is just too nice. I need to hear him swear, at least once!
"Seriously, Bella, you should change into something a little more slutty," I said, eyeing her knee-length, loose dress, in disdain. I was starting to feel like Alice and that's horrifying!
"She doesn't need to wear anything revealing if she doesn't want to," Edward growled, shielding Bella's body from the rest of us. I rolled my eyes. Will she at least dance?
He shook his head.
Will she drink?
Another no.
Does she do anything?
That earned me a glare and I laughed. Messing with Edward was almost as fun as messing with Jasper's emotions. But Jasper's actually on the dance floor dancing his ass off, along with Alice, Rosalie, and Emmett.
"Well I give up. I'm gonna hit the floor." I turned on my heel and joined the rest of the Cullens dancing smoothly to "Feel So Close" by Calvin Harris. [a/n: italics in quotes are lyrics.]
"I feel so close to you right now."
I swayed my hips to the rhythm of the music and grinned at Alice, who winked at me and threw her arms around Jaspers neck.
"It's a force field."
I turned and saw Rosalie and Emmett swaying to the music just like I was, except they literally looked like they were about to jump each other right here on the dance floor.
"I wear my heart upon my sleeve like a big deal."
I felt two cold arms snake around my waist and sway to the music with me. I knew who it was instantly. He grabbed my hand and spun me around to face him. He was grinning. I smirked at him.
"Couldn't resist?"
"You're love pours down on me, surrounds me like a waterfall."
I put my arms around his neck and closed my eyes, feeling the music. This shit was good. I was really digging it! Techno-y, but good. It works for the club. And apparently it's good enough for Edward to get up on the dance floor as well.
"I invited you, I had to at least get one dance in," he said through the blaring music.
"And there's no stopping us right now."
I looked him directly in the eyes and grinned. He was a smooth dancer, anyone with eyes could see that. All the vampires were, to be honest. They made dancing to club music look elegant and seductive at the same time! He was smiling widely at me.
"How about we do our catching up now?"
"I feel so close to you right now."
I threw my head back and my arms were in the air dancing to the quickened pace of the music. Edward was in front of me, with his arms around my waist again, grinning and dancing.
"What? Here?"
"Here," he nodded.
"Just read my mind while I dance," I said, moving my hips wildly in tune with the rhythm.
"I know everything, but I'd like to hear how it from you."
"But I'm dancing," I whined. I stopped dancing and pouted. Yes, pouted. He ruined a good moment, of course I can pout!
He laughed. "Come on, Leah." He led be back to our seats, who were currently being guarded by wide-eyed Bella.
"Fine. I need to vent about my family keeping secrets from me and my brother joining Samuel's cult."
Edward gave me a sympathetic look before taking a seat next to me.
"What? That's it? You're not even going to ask me why things are weird around La Push?"
"No," he shook his head. "Not my business."
"You know something," I narrowed my eyes at him. Edward never kept secrets from me. He was always honest with me and I with him. Secrecy and lies were never a part of our friendship.
"Yes, I do. But it really isn't my secret to tell, Lee," he sounded frustrated. He threw a look at Bella who sat frozen in place with a scared look on her face.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean if anyone should be telling you anything, it's them. You're right, they're hiding something from you – all of them. But I can't be the one to tell you, they have to."
"But why?" I was close to begging. I needed answers. I didn't want to live on a Rez where everyone knew something I didn't.
"It's the honorable thing to do, Leah," he smiled sadly. Bella let out an audible breath of relief.
"What if they don't tell me?"
"Then they're all idiots," Rosalie snorted, taking a seat beside me.
"Trust me," Emmett said, taking the open seat next to Edward, "When you get back, you'll find out real soon."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because you smell like us," Emmett winked. "Now let's get going, it's almost past your curfew!"
a/n: Hey readers! What'd you think of this chapter? Please review and let me know your thoughts! Also, if any of you were wondering about the dress Leah work in this chapter, I have a link for you all to see the little black dress: ?BR=f21&Category=dress_little-black-dresses&ProductID=2025101108&VariantID=