Chapter Nine – Prom Night

I meant to update this morning but me being me, I had left all homework to literally the last minute and had to scribble some semblance of work.

Disclaimer – I don't own Twilight. I do own Alessandria, Steven (who's gone now), Lance, anyone else you don't recognise and a fire extinguisher for any flames you may send my way.

Sandy POV

The weeks passed. The exams were over and I was feeling confident about them, especially History thanks to my exceedingly handsome and patient tutor who was the subject of all my daydreams (and actual dreams). The night of the Leavers Prom arrived and Rosalie and Alice convinced me to let them help me get ready. It hadn't taken much convincing, really. Even though Alice wasn't allowed to attend because she was a year twelve, she was exceptionally eager to help me get ready and that's how I found myself in a black leather swivel chair and not allowed to look in the mirror. Rosalie, ever the perfectionist, had helped me dye my hair back to its natural chocolate brown three days previously and she'd curled it tightly, pinning half of it up and leaving the other half down. Around a full can of hairspray had been applied to make sure that it stayed firm and curly all night long (and probably for a whole month if I was gross enough not to wash my hair). Alice had stepped up and done what she did best: my make-up. She'd skilfully applied silver eye shadow to my eyelids and outlined my eyes with a line of eyeliner I was certain would stay for around twenty four hours. Thick lashes, thanks to almost a full tube of mascara (ok, maybe not that much), framed my hazel eyes that I'd stopped complaining about after Jasper admitted to adoring them. Alice had also applied a light layer of incredible foundation to make my face less shiny and cover the dark shadows under my eyes that I never seemed to get rid of. She had completed my look with outlined lips and pale pink lip gloss.

"Oh Alice," I breathed happily, gazing in the mirror in awe. She was truly a miracle worker. "Thank you." She beamed so widely I feared her cheeks would disappear.

"You're welcome," she cheered and handed me the white garment bag that held my dress within it. I hadn't been allowed to see it, merely try it on (blindfolded, I should add) to check that it fitted satisfactorily. Alice made me close my eyes – "carefully, don't ruin your make-up!" – and strip down to my strapless lacy blue bra and matching knickers so she could dress me and I wouldn't see the end result before she deemed it appropriate. I carefully stepped into the dress with Alice's careful instruction and assistance and I felt her lace me up tightly but not so tightly that I couldn't breathe.

"Wow, Sandy, you look fantastic!" Rose squealed. I smiled wryly in the direction I hoped she was in.

"I wouldn't know," I complained sarcastically and Alice gave a tinkling laugh that made mine sound like a lawn mower and led me away somewhere.

"Now, you can open your eyes," she announced and I did as told. I gasped as I looked in the large golden framed mirror that could only belong to Rosalie. The dress was exactly as I designed it, no alterations whatsoever. Alice had placed a thin diamond choker around my neck and a matching bracelet on my wrist. I stepped into my sparkly, strappy silver heels (that I was pretty sure were Jimmy Choo's) and Alice pronounced me done. Then I caught sight of Rosalie in the mirror and I felt myself sag with my self esteem. She looked absolutely stunning in the dress with one of her pale, perfect legs peeking out from the slit in a shiny black pair of Louboutins. Her perfect blonde hair was straight and pinned loosely to hang elegantly down her back. I was jealous and she seemed to notice.

"Sandy, don't bother about me. Nobody will be comparing us and you look gorgeous. Jasper is going to love it." It didn't make me feel completely better but it helped marginally.

"Now let's go downstairs for pictures!" Alice cried excitedly. Rosalie and I shared an amused look but followed the bouncing girl nonetheless. Taking a deep breath, I rounded the corner after Rosalie and descended the spiral staircase as carefully as possible (the shoes were not easy to manoeuvre in). When I reached the bottom, I finally looked at Jasper and his gaze was settled into his special look just for me. With that one glance, my thoughts of Rosalie looking like a goddess completely disappeared and my self-esteem issues flew out of the window because he made me feel like a goddess. He smiled slightly as his hand extended towards me and I took it instantly, not really noticing the colder temperature anymore. He pulled me close and we posed for many, many pictures. Rosalie and Emmett opted for very . . . provocative poses and lots of kissing whereas Jasper and I just shook our heads and chose the more civilised and elegant route. Esme, Alice and Nessie all working together and each provided with a camera made a devious and scary team. Esme assured us she'd have every single photo ready for when we got back (Rose had talked me into a sleepover and, like the makeover, it hadn't taken much convincing). Jasper placed a hand on my lower back and led me outside to where Rosalie and Emmett already were. And they were standing next to a sleek black Aston Martin Vanquish. I whistled appreciatively and broke away from Jasper to approach the car.

"Who needs a limo when you can have one of these babies?" I asked rhetorically, running my hand lovingly along the glossy paint job of the exterior. Rosalie and Emmett laughed as they got into the back of the car, closing the door behind them. I made to get in but Jasper approached quickly and pinned me gently against the car. I raised an eyebrow daringly.

"You look beautiful, Alessandria," he whispered lovingly and I blushed.

"You look gorgeous yourself." And he did. His classic black tux and white shirt was offset with a stunning royal blue tie that matched my dress (Alice had obviously told him – I'd kill her later) and he was always dashingly handsome anyway. He leaned in tentatively and placed a chaste kiss on my lips.

"Hurry up or get a room!" Emmett yelled from within the car. That was funny, I suspected he was doing the exact same thing but more pornographically with Rosalie in there.

"I know which one I'd prefer. But I think that would be kind of inappropriate. Plus, I really want to go to prom," I joked grudgingly. Jasper smiled in a sort of stunned way, kissed my nose affectionately and went around to the driver's side in that exceptionally graceful way of his. I slid into the comfortable leather passenger's seat and we took off towards the hotel where the prom would be held.

JSJSJSJSJS

Prom was almost over but the electrifying atmosphere remained. The hotel ballroom looked fit for a coronation, although less floral and more 'teenage party zone'. Various coloured lights spun dizzily around the room, bodies continued to gyrate on the dance floor dressed in a multitude of styles, colours and makes and music blasted loudly through the strategically placed speakers. Large round tables in one side of the room had been used for dinner but were ignored by the majority when the music began unless they had sore feet from too high heels (like me). Jasper had been teaching me various forms of dancing all night: tango, foxtrot and waltz. I was stood on the edge of the dance floor, watching Emmett spin Rosalie around like she weighed nothing more than a toothpick, clutching a glass of coke (no alcohol for me – it did funny things to me) when the music changed and the last song of the night came on. It was my favourite song: 'How do I live without you?' by Leann Rimes.

"Hey beautiful, will you do me the honour of dancing with me?" said a low, sultry voice in my ear. I giggled and placed my glass on the table behind me, turning around to face my handsome boyfriend.

"Of course I will," I said and he led me carefully to the dance floor. His arms wrapped slowly around my waist, pulling me gently into him at the same time my own arms wounds around his neck and my fingers played with his hair. I saw Lance dancing with his boyfriend nearby. We shared a brief wink then paid attention to our partners. Jasper and I swayed gently as the lyrics of the song swam smoothly through the air.

How do I live without you?

I want to know

How do I breathe without you?

If you ever go?

Jasper pulled me tightly against him and I sighed in contentment against his neck. Never in my life had I imagined anything could be so perfect but being with Jasper had thrown my doubts out of the window. There was something about having someone you trusted completely, that you knew everything about and who knew everything about you that made the mind settle and the heart race. Jasper was everything to me and I couldn't doubt my feelings were returned as he rested his cheek against the top of my head. Sadly, all good things come to an end and the music ended, lights springing to life around the room. I pulled away from Jasper just enough to look up into his deep topaz eyes, only to find him looking down at me with adoration clearly in his expression. My own facial features quickly morphed to accommodate the same look and he lowered his lips to mine in a sweet and gentle kiss. I loved Jasper's kisses but we never went any further than simple pecks or brushes. But I never complained about it, at least to Jasper. Rosalie's response to my anxieties had been to roll her eyes and tell me that I had to be patient. Jasper held my hand loosely and proceeded to lead me out of the emptying ballroom to the car where Rosalie and Emmett were once again waiting but this time they were snogging heavily.

"Now who needs to get a room?" I mocked teasingly and they pulled apart with identical smirks.

"Sorry Sandy," Rose apologised then got into the back seat, Emmett following quickly. I shared an amused look with Jasper before getting into the passenger's seat once more and Jasper drove us home.

Jasper POV

We'd decided we were going to tell her. She had every single right to know and the secret was killing everyone, not just me. We all knew the danger we were putting her in but Sandy was growing suspicious. It wasn't enough to make her ask questions but soon it would be and we needed to tell her. Every member of the family was gathered in the living area, those of us who had been to prom having changed. Sandy was wearing white pyjama bottoms and a baby pink spaghetti strapped tank top with angel wings on the back and fluffy silver boot slippers on her feet. Her make-up remained perfectly intact along with her hair (which I was certain would hold through a lot considering the amount of hairspray Rosalie had used on it). Her face was alight with happiness as she studied the pictures Esme had printed when we were away. Naturally, Sandy looked stunning in each and every one - serene happiness being the primary expression on her face. Edward, Bella, Emmett, Alice and Sylvester were all staring at me imploringly; slight desperation clouding their emotions as they silently urged me to speak. And I did.

"Sandy, we need to tell you something." I watched in dismay as her cheerful laughter stopped abruptly upon hearing my serious tone. She looked around with a small frown at each of my family members, confusion colouring her emotions as she saw my mood reflected in all of them.

"What's wrong?" she asked in a somewhat squeaky voice, worry taking precedent over her feelings. Her hand shot out rapidly to hold mine rather tightly (for a human anyway).

"Sandy, there is something very important that you need to know about us," Carlisle began. Nobody who didn't know him as well as his family did would see that his calm demeanour was a facade. Apparently Sandy could see through it too.

"Just spit it out," she said in a high pitched tone. She was now filled to the brink with terrified nerves. I wondered what she'd feel when the truth came out. I took a deep, unnecessary breath.

"We're vampires." Her emotions went blank. And then the fear set in.

Next update on Sunday morning!

Preview:

I toppled off the couch and shuffled backwards, standing eventually. I was shaking violently and Jasper looked like he was in pain.

Love Bianca :) x