Hannah
It had been a few weeks since moving into the apartment and I was really adjusting to living on my own, I had formed a routine. And I started up swimming at the school pool that was open to students and alumina, it was 930 am when I arrived and there was no one else swimming.
I was on my own and I rather liked it.
I found swimming to be a way to de stress, and I was glade and slightly relieved that I could continue as this form of relaxation here as I used to swim a lot back at home. It was no different this morning as my body glided thru the warm water, the chlorine made my skin tingle slightly from the warmth.
But it was invigorating to be in the water.
Usually I could clear my mind when I swam, forget about every thing for a few moments as I concentrated on breathing deeply and evenly between strokes, but not today.
My mind was thinking about the Cullen's, I had spent some time with the family over the past few weeks, due mainly in part for the love of baseball we all shared and we would play most afternoons in the cold it didn't bother us in any way.
I was just happy to play and most times I was the pitcher and usually the games would end on the count of my self being hurt in some way. But the Cullen's were always there to help me up, between us laughing at me of course.
Some times Alice and Edwards's parents would also visit and we would play at the school oval but it was more a bonding thing we all happen to enjoy.
Jasper and I had even started placing bets on how and when I would hurt my self and strangely enough he always knew.
The steam was coming of the pool as I swam thru glass like surface it was so calm. But it was kind of eerie in a way, but as I re entered the water again to start more laps I began to think.
Bella had invited me to the Annual Masked Charity Ball for the university, and I hadn't intended on going or even thought about it but they seemed so excited about going that I had caught there vibes. Alice had even lent me a beautiful floor length ball gown, it was in a pale green with a split along the side up to mid thigh the neck line was a v cut with halter ties around the neck.
It was just exquisite; I was slightly scared about wearing it. I was worried I would embarrass my self and fall over or trip, or worse.
As I touched the wall of the pool I could sense that some was watching me swim I decided that it was time for me to go. As I hoisted my self out the water, I could still feel I was being watched. But as I looked around I could see no one, but a person doing laps. I focused on them and they were not who I could feel.
I became nervous as I went to my bag and wrapped my self in a towel, "hello is any one there" there was no one as I looked around the stadium; I quickly began to pack up my bag and put my cloths back on.
This was becoming slightly odd.
I looked around nervously "your being silly Hannah" I told my self as I began to walk out into the cold just as the college swim team was entering the pool area.
I was being silly and I knew it. But even still I rode my bike home quickly as I could with out causing my self an injury. As I placed it in the verandah I started to become excited about this evening, it should be fun right?
As I entered the door I was welcomed by Alice. Bubbly as ever "are you ready to be transformed" I didn't know what to say I hadn't given much thought to what I was going to do, "um can I shower first?" she just laughed at me "well hurry then" as she pushed me up the stairs , for a tiny girl she was rather strong.
It took over six long hours for Alice's to pamper and groom me for the charity ball and as I looked at my reflection I couldn't believe it was me looking back "wow Alice, you are just amazing".
I was still amazed at my image it just wasn't me, who was in the mirror she was something completely different to me. I actually felt beautiful with my hair in long loose curls the top was pinned up off my face but still hang loosely,
"Here you will need this too" Alice handed me a pale green diamante mask that just covered my eyes; it was delicate as I played with it in my hands. Hmmm yes I forgot that part
"Thanks" I stood looking and kept looking at my self I felt like a princess, but at the same time I was one that didn't belong in this fantasy world. And I waited for my riches to become rags, just as they did for Cinderella.
I was starting to become excited As I arrived at the charity ball, but I was rather nervous as I hung onto jaspers arm with Alice on his other, he was smug with him self as we entered the hotel and walked across the marble flooring of the huge lobby and we went towards the grand ball room.
"Its not every day you make an entry with not one but two beautiful women" he was making me feel slightly calmer as we walked into the grand ball room.
Bella and Edward were already arrived and were here with his parents as they were members on the board of trustees and it was a family tradition they would attend and Alice also said that there older brother and his wife would be there as well. I was becoming nervous as we stood at the top the cascading stair case to the main floor.
I couldn't believe what I was looking down on it was beautiful.
the ceiling was draped in cream and pale gold chiffon, under Neath the material was thousands of sparkling tiny silver & gold lights they were twinkling like tiny stars in a beautiful galaxy then there was a giant chandelier hanging in the center of the room the floor was decorated in deep burgundies and gold it was beautiful.
"Jasper doesn't let me fall please" I was almost begging him as he smiled. It was comforting.
"oh im sure I can handle that , shall we" I smiled as I hang onto his arm as we took each step one at a time I felt elegant as I descended the velvet covered stairs. People were watching us as we continued walking I started to feel at ease.
"Jasper there's Bella with Carlisle" I couldn't see any one in the crowd as they were all wearing masks it was very elegant but as we stood on the last step I was confident as I let go of jaspers arm and adjusted the dress and as I stepped off I stumbled only to fall into some one.
Luckily for me it was only Edward
"Hannah is you ok?" I began to blush "im sorry, but yes im fine, thank god you were there" he chuckled to him self
"your welcome you look amazing by the way" his compliments were kind like when your father would complement you as his daughter was growing up into a woman it was rather comforting
"Shall we join the others" he asked smoothly as he held his arm out for me to hold onto as he guided me thru the crowd
"Are you still nervous" he asked lightly,
I took in a breathe "actually no, I think I shall be fine, im only meeting more of your family" I laughed lightly at my lame joke,
"You remind me of Bella," he looked at me side ways as I thought why would he refer to me to be like Bella
"It's not a bad thing" he assured me with a smile.
I smiled to my self I was really liking this family and I was starting to feel like I did belong as a friend of there's, as we walked thru the crowed we stopped at a small group of people I recognized Alice in her dazzling black gown with the fish tail skirt, and jasper, but Bella was stunning in her corset bodice style gown with a slim fitting floor length skirt in a deep blood red, she was breath taking, beautiful I watched as she came to my side
"Oh Hannah you look gorgeous" she was radiating with love and pride, "as do you Bella" I told her sheepishly
"Hannah its good to see you again" Carlisle was leaning in and placing a kiss on my cheek,
"Carlisle, esme it's great to see you again, you missed an interesting base ball game yesterday" I told them and it was strange because I didn't hurt my self,
"Were sorry we missed it maybe next time we can re match" he was smiling sincerely I noticed the young woman that was standing with us looking disgusted in my presence. I could feel she wasn't too happy about my self joining the group or getting along with the family.
"Hannah this is rose, sorry you couldn't meet Emmett but he had some other commitments this evening" Carlisle told me as he was introducing me to her but she was cold towards me.
I stood and said my hello to her as politely as I could, but I was becoming rather flustered in the crowded room as it was filling with more people I needed some air.
"Would you please excuse me a moment" Bella was worried "are you okay" I tried to smile as best as I could
"Bella im just needing some air" she nodded in agreement to me as I walked thru the crowd I found a balcony and I walked out on to it. As I stood on the limestone steps I stood and looked out onto the hotel grounds.
As I walked out the double door archway I felt the cool air as it hit my skin. It was cold out side but it was refreshing and cooling, I was thank full for being here but I was thinking I should leave the party as I really didn't belong
"Are you enjoying yourself" I was interrupted by a males voice it was an alluring voice I turned to see him standing beside me
"It's rather crowded actually" he became uncomfortable
"Would you like me to leave you alone" he seemed rather nice
"No please stay, I only meant inside that's why I came out here" I was happy to talk to some one
"How about yourself" I asked as I lent onto the balcony he moved to my side and copied my stance then leaned in
"Im actually hiding too" he smiled it made his brown eyes sparkle with happiness; I looked him over as we stood.
"You don't seem very dressed up, but I actually like it, you pull it off well" my words were coming out my mouth like verbal vomit I couldn't stop.
but he just stood up straight and held his arms out to show off his out fit of black slacks that fit him perfectly then he was wearing a pale blue long sleeved shirt that had the sleeves rolled up just below his elbows, and a waist coat in the black color and matching tie as well. He looked amazing but his smile was just as beautiful it made is face light up but it also hid a secret. I knew it wasn't bad secret
"Im still wearing a mask aren't I" he was friendly and he made me laugh.
"So why are you hiding?" I asked him casually
"Im supposed to meet up with my family, but im not ready yet" he looked out to the grounds longingly.
I stood up and turned to face his side "would you like to take a walk then?" he smiled and gave me his arm to lead me down the stairs
"just a warning im not too good with stairs" he placed his free hand on my arm it was cold but it was cold out here but there was electricity sparking thru my arm as his hand rested there, and at that moment I knew I was safe
"I won't let you fall okay, promise" and I believed him.
Walking with him I felt the love running thru my veins, it pumped hard through. I could feel the hole in my soul closing with every moment I spent with him. It was a feeling I could not understand.
We walked through the gardens in silence it was peaceful and it was if words didn't need to be said as we were comfortable to just be walking together.
I felt like I was in a Jane Austin book walking in the moon light with a handsome gentle man.
"Are you enjoying the walk?" he asked as I smiled at him
"Im having more fun walking with you in silence then, standing in a crowded room where no one can hear what you say," he smiled at my comment.
"I am too, but we should head back soon, then may I have a dance with you" I was reluctant to head back just yet as I looked at the path
"How about you dance with me here" at least if I fell over there was only one person to whiteness rather than hundreds,
"very well then my lady" as he held me in the waltz position, I was becoming rather nervous in his arms it was not a bad feeling but more that he was effecting my body in a way I had never imagined.
He began to move our bodies around the moon lit path, I was in my own little fantasy world. But was brought back to reality when I heard a bang above us I looked up to see gold fire works lighting up the black sky. It cast a glow over my stranger
"Tradition is when they let of the fire works you are to kiss your partner that you are dancing with that is the reason behind the wearing of masks" he was whispering to me as I looked into his golden brown eyes.
there was something comforting about this young man I felt at peace, I swallowed the lump that had formed in my throat as the handsome stranger lent in a brushed his cold lips against mine and held them there for a moment, lingering longer than necessary I felt my myself push into him. I held my breath as I couldn't breath let alone even try to think of breathing as we touched , when we pulled apart I must have looked dazed "are you ok" he was concerned for me, I blushed but I was glade that in the moon light he wasn't able to see it "im fine, really shall we head back im sure my friends will be worried about me" I was hesitant about going back I really wanted to stay here, but I was ready to go home as this night could not become any more perfect.
but as we re entered the ball room it was if I had never left, it was still full of people, I paused and turned to him "I enjoyed spending time with you, enjoy your evening" I told the young man and we parted ways but he grabbed my hand lightly "I hope to see you again" his eyes locked onto mine as he kissed my hand ever so lightly.
as I made my way through the crowd I spotted Alice and jasper, I started to get dizzy and I knew it was time to go home, as I approached them "Hannah we have you been?" she was happy and having fun "Alice I think I may head home now" she didn't object or protest in any way and I left the Cullen's dancing the night away.
As I stood in my bedroom dressed in simple not so elegant pajamas, I kept thinking about those brown eyes on the stranger from the party, he had taken my breathe away and as I sat on the window ledge of my window and looked out to the night sky I watched the full moon peeking thru the clouds that were formed in the sky.
But strangely enough I still felt as if he was with me still, I thought about his kiss, it was like a fire thru my lips I could still feel it and even though we were both freezing cold I felt the fire inside me too.
I couldn't believe I could feel anything like it, but I didn't even know his name and I knew nothing about him, but I felt I knew every thing about him and I also knew I would never see him again as we didn't know what we each looked like.
But I had the memory and that was enough for me, for know at least.
Emmett:
As I walked thru the gardens of the hotel I was nervous, I wanted to see Hannah more than any thing but I had previously told my parents and wife that I would rather go hunting before meeting bellas sister so I was careful to make sure I was in enough distance away from them to not feel my presence. But my brother Edward walked with me around the gardens, telling me it would be fine "what if she does not like me" I asked him nervously "Emmett, Hannah is not like any thing I have met, she is so caring of others and her heart and mind are so pure, never a negative thought crosses her mind" his kind words made my heart ache more to see her, "are they here yet?" I asked once again he listened and smiled "she is here, she is hoping jasper wont let her fall" I looked amused "you have to watch her Emmett, she is just like Bella" Edward tapped my shoulder before he left "ill see you when your ready big man, remember she loves you too, if not more" I watched him walk away 'how could she love me more Edward I've waited 18 years for this moment' I stayed where I stood trying to think of what to say to her.
Edward was the only one that knew of my feelings towards his wife's sister, Alice only saw what would happen, she didn't hear my mind think of her every moment of every day.
And as I walked up the stairs onto the balcony I saw her standing there all alone. I felt as if it was fate but I had every intention of going and introducing my self to her but then I realized she would know about rose, and I wasn't ready to do that. But Hannah was a kind hearted woman and the closer I got to her the more I wanted her to know the real me, not what I put up to every one.
My façade to the world, for once I wanted to be me.
I never could with rose as every thing was about her self, and she only cared if it was a benefit for her in it. But with Hannah I knew she would be and equal to me, rather than us be separate lives. I watched her then took in a deep breathe and stepped closer
"Are you enjoying yourself" she looked at me, oh I had startled her as I spoke but she eased me as she smiled, it was beautiful to watch as her face lit up
"It's rather crowded actually" oh… my stomach turned, she was happy being alone I had taken her body language wrong as I must have crossed a line with her. I knew I should leave
"Would you like me to leave you alone" but as I went to leave she made a gesture to stay
"No please stay, I only meant inside that's why I came out here" I was relieved that she didn't mean my self and I walked to her side and lent over the rail as she was
"How about yourself" her voice was child like but not in a immature way but its tone was quiet, and I leaned into her to smell her beauty as I answered her honestly
"im actually hiding too" I spoke while smiling it was true I hadn't even told them, my family I was here only Edward knew , and it was safe with him. I could feel that she was staring at me and hiding it lousily
"You don't seem very dressed up, but I actually like it, you pull it off well" I wanted to laugh but I stood up to show my outfit
"Im still wearing a mask aren't I" I smiled my dazzling smile and it made her laugh
"So why are you hiding?" she seemed generally interested in conversing with me and I knew it was a step in the right direction
"im supposed to meet up with my family, but im not ready yet" I looked out to the grounds wishing I could be alone with her with out the chance of being caught, and in the corner of my eye I saw her stand and turn towards me,
"Would you like to take a walk then?" I couldn't help my self it was if she read my mind as I smiled and gave my arm to lead her down the stairs
"just a warning im not too good with stairs" she spoke ever so gently I placed my free hand on her arm ,it was cold to touch but that was probly due to the temperature out side because it was rather cold, but it felt right on her not that I was going to change her but other than the cold there was electricity sparking from our touch it was nothing like I had ever experienced in my whole existence and I knew she felt it too as her heart was racing in her body.
"I won't let you fall okay, promise"
We walked in silence and I was rather content in just listening to her heart beating as I listened to it gradually slow done
"Are you enjoying the walk?" I wanted to make sure she was okay
"im having more fun walking with you in silence then , standing in a crowded room where no one can here what you say," I knew the feeling as I was feeling the same thing.
"I am too, but we should head back soon, then may I have a dance with you" I was reluctant to head back just yet as I looked at the path but I had to make the offer available to her.
"how about you dance with me here" I realized she wasn't ready to head in just yet either "well then my lady" I pulled her body close to mine and into the waltz position, her body was small but it was if gravity didn't care because she fit perfectly in my arms. I actually became scared that holding her I wasn't going to be able to let her go again. And I didn't want to let her go I wanted to hold her close and have her with me forever.
But would she be as excepting as Bella was to Edward, would she love me for who I was or would she follow natural instinct and run away from me.
After what felt like not long enough the fire works started. And there was a tradition at these charities, the bang was just above us and it made Hannah jump slightly. I looked up to see gold fire works lighting up the black sky filling it with tiny stars, I leant into her
"tradition is when they let of the fire works you are to kiss your partner that you are dancing with that is the reason behind the wearing of masks" I was whispering to her as I slowly lent in and carefully brushed my lips against hers I felt her push into mine as neither of us was prepared to pull away , her heart was racing rather fast and I could see she wasn't breathing, I became concerned as I broke away slowly and as softly as I could "are you ok" she blushed and it made her face glow "im fine, really shall we head back im sure my friends will be worried about me" I was hesitant about going back I really wanted to stay here, but I had to face my family.
But they didn't know I was here so I would be able to sneak off and they would be none the wiser as we re entered the ball room it was full of people drinking there fancy wine and pretending to like the person that they were speaking to.
"I enjoyed spending time with you, enjoy your evening" she was saying and we reluctantly parted but before she was out of my grasped I grabbed her delicate hand, she stopped and turned to me with an expression of longing in her face.
"I hope to see you again" I watched her blush as I kissed her hand, taking in her flowery aroma then we parted ways and I watched as she went to Alice and jasper, then I walked back out side, and as if a sense of déjà vu I was running away from her again, and as I ran back to the Cullen house I couldn't wait to see her again.
I was in the spare room lifting some weights trying very hard to not think about Hannah, it was a dangerous attraction I was setting up in my life. when I heard a car arrive I became un settled I had been home not even half hour, but I wasn't ready to see every one just yet as I heard the door open I was hopping it wasn't rose.
but It was too quiet, there was no seeking of attention but as I stood in my gym room wiping off the sweat on my body I tuned into the noises around me and I heard the softness of foot steps in the room next to me Hannah was home. Meaning she would have left just after leaving me at the party.
I walked to the window that was next to hers and opened it quietly as I could as she wasn't aware I was even home let alone who I was and I sat on the ledge.
And even though I wasn't able to show her who I was just yet I felt close to her by sitting there, then I realized something I should have understood years and years ago.
What Edward was trying to tell me all along with his feelings for Bella, and in reality …
I was in series trouble.