DISCLAIMER: The characters in this story belong to Stephenie Meyer, excluding Marie and Jonathan.

Chapter 2: Introductions (Bella's POV)

Our carriage pulled up outside of the home of Carlisle and Esme Cullen. The Cullens were prominent society hosts and long standing friends of all of our families. Esme was always introducing us to young gentlemen she thought would make fine husbands for us three. So far, none of these suitors had made an impression.

Alice, Rosalie, and I alighted from our carriage and proceeded inside to the ballroom. When we reached the ballroom, Alice pointed across the room.

"Look," Alice said. "There's Carlisle and Esme. We should go say hello." Nodding, Alice, Rosalie, and I made our way across the ballroom to greet our hosts.

Esme spotted us first. "Alice, Rosalie, Isabella!" she called to us. (Author's Note: Bella only goes by Bella in private. In society, she's Isabella.) As we reached her side, she embraced each of us in turn, before stepping back and appraising our appearances. "You all look lovely, girls," she said after a few moments.

"As do you, Esme," I said as Alice and Rosalie nodded in agreement. Her caramel-colored hair was done up in a style that complimented her heart-shaped face. Her lilac dress drew even more emphasis to her beauty.

"Thank you, girls." Esme smiled as a handsome blond man in a gray suit came to stand by Esme's side.

"Alice, Rosalie, Isabella," Carlisle greeted us.

"Carlisle," Rosalie responded, embracing him.

"Thank you for inviting us, Carlisle," Alice said as she too embraced Carlisle. "You too, Esme."

"This is a wonderful party, Carlisle." I stepped forward and embraced the man whom I looked at as a second father. He and Esme were always seeing to it that Alice, Rosalie, and I were well cared for, outfitted in nice clothes, and had plenty of suitors to choose from. "You and Esme have out done yourselves."

"Thank you, my dears," Carlisle said, looking the tiniest bit flustered. He glanced around the crowded ballroom before turning his attention back to us. "Now ladies, I assume Esme has already informed you that we have some friends we would like you to meet, yes?" We nodded. "Excellent. Unfortunately, our friends are not here yet."

"No matter, we will wait with you until they arrive," said Rosalie. Alice and I nodded in agreement.

"Absolutely not," Esme said. Carlisle nodded.

"Esme's right," he said. "Go enjoy the party. Either Esme or I will come find you when our friends arrive." Seeing that there was no point in discussing the matter further, Alice, Rosalie, and I turned and began making our way through the crowd.

"Look," Alice said. "There's Jessica, Lauren, and Angela. Let's go talk to them." Drifting through the crowd, we reached our friends, exchanged hellos, and began to talk. We were so engaged in our conversation that we didn't notice the trio of young men who stood nearby until Angela, Jessica, and Lauren excused themselves and the young men seized the opportunity to talk to Alice, Rosalie, and I.

"Excuse us, ladies," said one of the three men. "Allow me to introduce myself and my companions. My name is Mike Newton. This," he gestured to the man on his right, "is Tyler Crowley, and this," he gestured to the man on his other side, "is Eric Yorkie."

"We're pleased to meet you," Rosalie said coolly. They might have thought she was being sincere, but I knew better. The tone of voice Rosalie was using was the one she reserved for unpleasant situations where it was crucial to seem polite. Apparently, Rosalie thought this one qualified. On my other side, Alice was scanning the crowd inconspicuously, trying to find a way for us to escape.

"Would you ladies like to dance?" Mike asked. He, Eric, and Tyler each held out their hand. Rosalie, Alice, and I subtly exchanged worried looks. Fortunately, the appearance of Esme saved us from having to answer.

"There you are girls!" Esme said. "The friends Carlisle and I wanted to introduce you to have arrived. Come, come, we must not keep them waiting. Oh, excuse me, Mr. Newton, Mr. Crowley, Mr. Yorkie. I hope I'm not interrupting," said Esme as she noticed that Mike, Eric, and Tyler were standing next to us.

Rosalie turned to Mike, Eric, and Tyler. "I'm afraid we're going to have to decline your offer to dance, gentlemen," she said. Without another word, we turned and followed Esme through the crowd. Esme led us towards Carlisle, who was conversing with a trio of gentlemen. When Carlisle spotted Esme, Alice, Rosalie, and I, he smiled.

"Oh, good, Esme, you found them," Carlisle said. "Mr. Masen, Mr. Whitlock, Mr. McCarty, allow me to introduce to you Miss Swan, Miss Brandon, and Miss Hale."

The three gentlemen turned to face us and collectively, Alice, Rosalie, and I gasped.

Bit of a cliff hanger here, as if you couldn't figure out who the three guys are. Hope you're enjoying the story so far. The next chapter will be up just as soon as I get five reviews. So if you want chapter 3, I suggest you review. I'd really appreciate the feedback.

xoxoxoxo, TwilightTeen212