Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews. Ya'll really make my day!
DISCLAIMER: Stephenie Meyer, along with Little, Brown and Company, owns all the rights to the Twilight Saga. I own nothing and profit nothing from this story.
The day of my actual birthday started out the same as any other. Well, almost. Charlie insisted on giving me a camera from him and a scrapbook sent from Renée. I begrudgingly accepted the gifts and left for school. I had to quickly hush Alice once I arrived at school before she blew my cover. I went through the daily motions and finally the last bell rang. Edward had dazzled Mrs. Newton into giving me the night off from work.
Edward and I spent the first part of the evening watching the original Romeo and Juliet for our English class. I knew that I didn't need to watch it, I knew the story backward and forward, but I insisted we watch it anyway. Really, I was avoiding. I was avoiding the party that Alice had planned. I was avoiding having to actually talk to Edward. I was avoiding life. I was in some serious denial. And the worst part was that I knew I was in denial and still ignored it. Here I had the most perfect man imaginable speaking all of Romeo's line in my ear and I was thinking of another guy. Sam had made me enjoy celebrating my birthday, while I avoided celebrating with the Cullen's. Sam created an entire day of simplicity and fun. Who knew what Alice would have planned? Edward brought me back to the current reality as he talked of envying Romeo and the ease of human suicide. I couldn't believe my ears when he said that he considered provoking the Volturi when he thought I was dead because of James.
"Edward, how could you even entertain that thought?"
"I won't live without you, Bella."
"That's stupid, Edward. You lived ninety years without me and you'll live many without me."
"Without you?" he asked confused
"Sure, after I die." I thought that was pretty obvious.
"Bella, I thought you wanted to be changed." I froze and then looked down confused. I hadn't realized that I planned to stay human. I never made the conscious decision; it just sort of snuck up on me. But after some thought, I become conscious of the fact that I no longer wanted to be changed. When did that happen?
"I did, but I guess I'm not so sure anymore."
"Can I ask what changed your mind? Not that I mind, you know I want you to stay human."
"Honestly, I don't know. I didn't even know that I wanted to stay human until just now. I haven't given it much thought lately, and I didn't realize that I changed my mind."
"Oh, well, whatever it is, I'm thankful."
"But the point is, Edward, that when I die, you can't off yourself. That would kill your family. You can't be that selfish, Edward. They need you."
"But I need you."
"Please, Edward, think if the roles were reversed. Would you want me to end my life if you died?"
"No," he said firmly.
"Exactly, so I want no overdramatic suicides, okay?"
"As you wish, Love."
Soon enough the movie ended and I reluctantly went up stairs to get ready for my party at the Cullen's house. Then, Edward dragged me to the truck. The car ride was quiet; Edward looked to be in a thinking mood. I didn't try to start up a conversation. Things were still a bit tense between us. The day after I go to La Push is always the worst. I refused to tell him what Sam and I did on Sunday for my birthday. I just didn't feel that Edward needed to know every detail of my life. Pulling into the drive, he voiced some concern.
"Please be a good sport tonight. This is the first real birthday we've gotten to celebrate in a really long time. Everyone is very excited."
"Everyone?"
"Yes, Emmett and Rosalie came back from their trip to observe this day with you tonight."
"Oh, wow, they didn't need to do that."
"No, but they wanted to. Like I said this is an exciting thing for all of us. If you plan to stay human, then you should get used to making a big event of your birthday."
"I'll be good, then." Edward raised an eyebrow. "I will, I promise."
We went inside and I was immediately grabbed into a tight hug.
"Bella! Did you miss me? I missed you my little favorite human."
"Yeah, Emmett, I missed my big bear. It has been pretty quiet around here. Come to think of it, it was actually kind of nice."
"Hey, hey, hey. That's not very nice, Bella. So, what is this I hear that you are hanging out with dogs in my absence?"
"He can turn into a wolf and he is my friend. So, you will just have to get over it now because it won't be changing any time soon."
"Okay, okay. I guess I should listen now that you are officially an adult. So, what is it like to be a cougar? You know those are Eddie here's favorite to hunt."
"A cougar," I asked confused and slightly afraid of the answer.
"You know, you are now dating a younger man. Like Demi Moore. That is hott."
"Emmett," Edward said warningly.
"You guys are no fun around here. I'll be back in a minute. You, little one, better be ready to party when I get back."
"Yeah, sure, Emmett." I looked all around at the decorations. Pink petals covered nearly every surface that wasn't covered by white candles. I saw some potential fire hazards there, but I assumed that in a house full of vampires, that they could put the fire out in only a second. Edward walked us over to the couch in the living room.
"So, how was your day?" Esme asked bring me a glass of Coke.
"It was like any other day."
"Did you like your gifts from Charlie and Renée?" Alice chirped.
"Yeah, they were cool. A camera could come in handy. I brought it with me."
"Great, hand it over."
"Alice, I hate being in pictures."
"Today is an important day whether you want to admit or not, and we need documentation." Alice snapped a few photos. I needed to change the topic of focus.
"So, what are we doing tonight?"
"Well, I have a few things planned, but first is dinner."
So, I sat down at the very little used dining room table. Esme had prepared a wonderful dinner. She roasted a rack of lamb with fondant potatoes and English peas. I wasn't that hungry but I ate as much as I could. The thought was sweet, but I hated eating with any of the Cullen's around. It felt very uncomfortable eating in front of seven people who didn't eat. Thankfully, they at least kept the conversation going. Rose and Emmett talked about their travels. I finished and Edward took my plate to the kitchen. The rest of us went into the living room.
"Thank you, Esme, it was great. So, did you have anything else planned, Alice?"
"Yes, well do you remember over the summer when you asked if we had any games and we didn't but we do now," Alice said cheerfully.
"What games?" I asked cautiously. This idea seemed too normal.
"I bought Monopoly, the clerk said it was a classic, and Pictionary, which looks fun, then there is Scrabble, which can help you prepare for the SAT's, and lastly Battle of the Sexes." This actually sounded like something I could enjoy.
"I don't think any of those will be very fair." Emmett griped as he reentered the house.
"What?" Alice asked annoyed.
"You can see ahead to know the answers or where the dice will roll, and Edward can pick the answers out of anyone's head. The two of you can cheat, just like you two do in any game. That is the reason that we have never owned any board games like these."
"Emmett, this is Bella's night, and we will play a game. You will participate enthusiastically and without anymore whining."
"Oh, I am so scared of the tiny pixie," Emmett said fake shivering. Alice's bottom lip was pushed out and her eyes were narrowed at the lovable giant.
"Rose," Alice said never looking away from Emmett.
"Just give in, you big lug. You know she won't give up."
"But babe, they cheat. And I hate losing."
"What if we play Pictionary or even Battle of the Sexes and Edward and Alice are on different teams. That way no team would have an advantage," I suggested.
"Then we would never have a winner because both teams would always get the question right," Jasper answered me.
"Oh," I said not seeing a way for this to work. Who knew it could be so difficult to play a silly board game.
"You just had to say something didn't you, Emmett. Now the night is ruined," Alice exclaimed dramatically.
"No, it's not. Let's just skip the games and move on to whatever you have planned next," I said trying to hide my dejectedness.
"Okay, then, it's time for cake!" Alice said as she bounced over to the table with a huge cake and a stack of plates.
"What's up with the mountain of cake and plates? We only need one plate and there is no way I can eat that much cake. You should have just gotten a cupcake or something small." It was such a waste of food. I didn't even have that big of a sweet tooth plus, I'd just had dinner.
"That's nonsense, Bella. You deserve a magnificent cake; even if you're the only one to enjoy it." I bet Sam would enjoy it with me. The thought escaped before I fully processed it. I shook it off and focused on the family I was with. Clearly, Alice didn't understand the concept of having anything other than the best.
"Alright, we'll what are the rest of you going to do while I eat?"
"We'll wait for you to finish and then we'll all do present time." I groaned. Neither part of that sentence sounded appealing.
"Can you guys not watch me eat again? That kind of freaks me out when you do." I hated when they all watched me eat. I felt like an animal on display at the zoo. Seriously, one meal of them watching me was enough for one day.
"Oh, well I guess, we can step out if that makes you more comfortable, Bella," Esme answered.
"You know what? Why don't we do gifts first and then I can take my slice up to Edward's room after we've finished."
"That sounds reasonable," Carlisle agreed.
"Okay, it's present time!" Alice chimed as she brought over a pile of presents. I was really only expecting to get one that came from all of them together.
"Alice," I whined.
"Edward and I did not spend any money on you as you requested. But the other family members did spend a little and you are going to graciously accept the presents that they so thoughtfully bought you." I rolled my eyes. I sometimes wondered how a house full of such drama queens could live peacefully together.
"Fine," I agreed.
"Great, here is the first one. It is from Emmett, Rosalie, and Jazz." I took it from her and ripped off the wrapping. I came to find a box with a bunch of numbers and electronic words.
"It's a working radio for the truck," Edward explained.
"And it's already installed," Emmett added with a wink. Great! "So, no taking it back, Bella."
"Thanks guys, really. I'm sure that Edward will really appreciate it." Everyone laughed and Alice handed me another perfectly wrapped present.
"This one is from Carlisle and Esme." I carefully tore threw the paper on the box. I uncovered a long, rectangular, white box. I opened it to see plane tickets to Jacksonville.
"Oh, wow. This is great. I've wanted to go see Renée for while. This is just so perfect. Thank you both so much." I was floored it was too much, but I knew better than to argue. I hugged them both.
"I am really wishing that I'd known that you could be so open and reasonable about accepting a gift. I would have bought you something."
"I didn't want you to get me anything."
"Well, this one is from Edward and me."
"I thought you just said that you didn't get me anything. That was the agreement."
"No, Love, we didn't buy you anything. Alice helped me to create something for you, but we didn't spend a penny."
"Okay then, hand it over, Alice." I opened the small present. "Ouch," I said as I felt the paper slice my finger. "Paper cut." Before I had time to register what was happening, I was flying through the air and landing on the table that held the cake. I screamed in pain as the glass plates broke around me, cutting into my arm. I shut my eyes tightly, willing the pain away. I felt a cold hand cradle my arm.
"You're okay, Bella. This doesn't look to be too bad." I heard Carlisle say in a calm, professional manner.
"What happened?" It took a second for him to answer me.
"Jasper's control lapsed when he smelled your blood. Edward tried to get you out of the way and pushed you too hard. Emmett and Edward took Jasper outside to get some fresh air. The girls needed to leave because of the blood."
"Oh." Of course my human nature would be to blame. I guess we would all need to get used to this since I decided to stay human.
"Don't start blaming yourself, Bella."
"You know me too well, Carlisle."
He picked me up bridal style and started to carry me to the kitchen, only to be stopped by a voice.