A/N: Okay, so I know I have been MIA for the past few weeks. Let me first start by explaining myself. For those of you who didn't already know, I am a fifth grade teacher. I teach math and science in the state of Florida. In FL, we test both of those subject thanks to a little thing called "no child left behind". My bosses have been riding me pretty hard about getting better test scores from my students this year. I have always considered myself a good teacher, but these principals are relentless and give me sooooo much stress I swear I'm going to develop health issues if they don't back the f… off. Anyway, long story very short, we have been running full steam ahead each day working on creating "awesome" lessons to engage and teach my students so they can master their tests, I mean skills. (can you tell I don't like tests!)

Plus, add the holidays to my schedule and I swear it's amazing I haven't landed in the hospital. My parents came down to visit me and my brother for Thanksgiving. It was nice to see them, especially since I only get to see them 5 times a year. I love and miss my family back in Pennsylvania, but I know that my life is better here in sunny Florida. Currently, I'm sitting with a MASSIVE stack of papers beside me, just waiting to be graded and sorted. I have three tests from my two math classes to grade, plus I have to write lesson plans and gather materials for next week.

To top that all off, Thursday night is my students' Christmas performance at school. As their teacher, I'm responsible for helping everything run smoothly. I have to keep telling myself to breathe, because I just don't seem to have enough hours in the day to get done what NEEDS to be done. I barely even get to read any of my stories, let alone find the time to write mine. I am planning on going to school the 19th, say 'happy holidays' to my kids and then spend the weekend locked up in my apartment with my computer either reading or writing chapters. I hope to catch up on the 30 email alerts currently in my inbox.

I don't return to school until January 5, so hopefully I can make up for my lack of updates by updating every other day or daily depending upon my schedule and time allowances over break. Thank you all for your messages of encouragement, and I hope this short chapter is enough to tide you over until I can update again. (which I hope is soon)

DISCLAIMER: I am not Stephenie Meyer, but I really really wish I were. I would have loved being in the same movie as Kellan Lutz and Robert Pattinson. (I may have had to sneak into a few more scenes, especially with the vamps present). Speaking of which, I've seen the movie four times, and I would love to see it again this weekend - Kellan can be my monkey man anytime he wants.

BPOV

That first few weeks of school passed in a blur. I barely got to see my boyfriend during school hours. I was beginning to dread going to certain classes, like Spanish and Geometry. Jacob and I had English together and he always whispered jokes to me while our boring teacher would drone on about some literary device. I usually wouldn't mind this, but this teacher's voice was like listening to nails on a chalkboard.

It was already well into October and I could barely remember the last time Edward and I had spent an evening alone, just the two of us. I pulled Rose and Alice aside one day after school to conceive a plan that would give Edward and I a chance to reconnect.

"Oh boy! We have to have a party!" Alice was practically bouncing out of her chair and onto the floor.

Rose and I looked at her with total confusion shown on our faces. After looking at Alice for a moment or two, we looked at each other to determine what this little, crazy pixie could possibly be thinking.

"Alice," I sighed… "I honestly don't follow what you're thinking. What does a party, which would typically include a lot of other people, have to do with helping me and Edward reconnect." I wanted to add that I wanted to form a plan that involved me and Edward, and possibly a locked bedroom door where no one could interrupt us, but I knew that my cheeks wouldn't be able to take that admittance.

"Don't you see Bella. Halloween is just two weeks away. And it's the only night you can dress up in a sexy outfit and NO ONE can criticize you or call you a slut. Edward will be practically begging you to escape into his room. Or a hotel room. Or even a hallway closet that can be barricaded. We'll get you dolled up and have him drooling before any of the guests have a chance to distract him." Alice had this evil glint in her eye, and I was about to object to any costume that included too much skin, but I knew it was pointless to try to argue with this girl.

"Fine, but can you promise me ONE thing?" I was willing to get down on my knees to make sure she agreed to my one plea.

"I will consider it." Rose and Alice were smirking at each other, which meant my plea may just be in vain.

"Can you please at least help me find a costume that won't make my face look like a tomato as I wear it. I don't want a costume that makes me blush so I can't think straight." I practically buried my head so they couldn't see how red it was getting.

"Trust us, Bella." Rose and Alice winked at each other. And I knew I was in trouble. I just prayed that whatever they came up with wasn't too risqué. I would seriously have trouble getting Charlie to ever let me out of the house if they didn't tone it down a little. But on the other hand, I would have Edward practically begging me to let his hands touch everywhere on my body, and that was enough motivation to let Alice come up with the perfect costume.

A/N: Please read and review. And include in your review what type of costume you think Bella should be dressed in. I have a few ideas, but i would love your input. much love!