A/N: Christ. This is the longest chapter so far. My apology, I suppose, for not being able to update. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Characters belong to the frigginawesome Stephenie Meyer. I'm just playing with them =]

Chapter Five: Practice Makes Perfect

So sweet I can hardly speak
Due to such trauma in my teeth
But your body language is telling me that you're worth the pain

So weak I can hardly keep
Shakey legs, holdin' up my feet
But your body language is telling me that I'm not to blame

Practice makes perfect
Practice makes perfect sense

I've become what a mother wouldn't want in a son
And I have done a few things I regret

But practice makes perfect
Practice makes perfect sense
To me.

Wake up at first light, hearing you calling out
For your criminal clothing
that fled the scene
upon being ripped free
Conversation ensued
And I want to do so many things to you
Sip after sip
You insist you're a hit
Sip after sip
Yeah, I swear I can feel it

Practice makes perfect
Practice makes perfect sense

I've become what a mother wouldn't want in a son
And I have done a few things I regret
I've become what a mother wouldn't want in a son
And I have done what a mother wouldn't want
What a mother wouldn't want in a son

Practice makes perfect
Practice makes perfect sense
Practice makes perfect
Practice makes perfect sense

I've become what a mother wouldn't want in a son
And I have done a few things I regret
I've become what a mother wouldn't want in a son
And I have done what a mother wouldn't want
What a mother wouldn't want in a son

Practice makes perfect
Practice makes perfect sense
Practice makes perfect
Practice makes perfect sense
To me.

Practice Makes Perfect by Cute Is What We Aim For

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EPOV

What. The. Fuck.

That just about sums up my life right now. Those three little words.

What the fuck was Rosalie thinking?

What the fuck is James's problem?

What the fuck is Jasper doing getting close to Bella?

What the fuck is Bella doing getting involved in other people's problems?

But most of all.

What the fuck was going through my own head when I yelled at Bella like that? And why the fuck did I want to just shove her up against the wall and kiss her senseless? Bella was a guest. Off limits to me, off limits to Jasper. Off limits to all the entertainment staff, but it was perfectly alright for the college boys to touch her. I got an intense rush of fury in my veins just thinking about it. I knew those boys. I used to be one of those boys. To them, women were not actual human beings. They were objects for amusement. If James even thought about Bella…

I calmed myself down. It was too early to be this mad. James will stay the fuck away from Bella and my cousin. I'll make sure of it personally.

I got out of bed grudgingly. Life was too fucked up right now. I didn't want to go out those doors and face it. Shaking my head, I headed towards the bathroom. I stripped and stepped into the shower, with the water temperature turned all the way up. I would need to be as relaxed as possible if I was going to deal with Rosalie today. She didn't need my attitude, no matter how much of hers she gave me. Jazz and I needed to protect her.

I didn't necessarily agree with her having an abortion, but what other option did we have? I didn't care if I had to pull all of my measly savings out of the bank, which I would probably have to do. I would help her in any way I could, now that I could think straight. But still…Rose had always wanted a baby. I was afraid she was throwing a dream away, but she was right. We didn't have the funds or resources for a baby. We didn't even have a real, solid, permanent residence. I still hadn't figured out where we would go after here. I still had a little under six weeks, but with this matter, it wouldn't do to procrastinate. I needed to find a place to live, and soon.

I sighed and turned off the shower. My muscles had relaxed, but only slightly. I was still a bit tense. Sometimes I myself wondered why I didn't just pick up and call my mom…tell her how I was doing, ask her how I was doing. We were pretty close. I still remember the look on Esme's face when we left.

"Edward, sweetheart, please…don't leave," she pleaded, tears streaming down her face with her hands on my shoulders. I looked away, knowing that if I looked into her eyes, I would stay. I would stay indefinitely.

"No, mom. Dad needs to learn how to forgive. I just…I need to get away," I said tersely. She sobbed and threw herself into my arms.

"He'll get better, I'm sure he will. Please, son don't leave. Don't kill a part of me," she begged, but sounded defeated and hopeless. I shook my head once more, squeezing her one last time.

"I'll try to call you when we get to wherever it is that we're going, but I can't make any promises. Don't expect anything." She sobbed harder and just clutched onto my shirt harder, even as I tried to pull away. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Jasper looking at us sympathetically, while Rosalie's face held guilt and anger simultaneously. Anger directed at me, I'm sure. I'm not sure how we'll be able to do this, my temper and her tenacity, but she and Jasper refused to stay behind.

"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine, I promise," I kissed the top of her head and finally pulled away. Her face held heart break, and she truly looked to be dying. I'm not sure I'd ever forgive myself for doing this to my mother. I was too angry at my father to really give a shit what he felt right now as he sat in his study, avoiding me.

"I love you," Esme whispered as I turned away from her. I nodded, and I knew that she knew what it meant. It meant that I loved her just as much as she loved me. Jasper and Rosalie each went up to give her a farewell hug. Rosalie looked completely bored and apathetic as she hugged her. She masked her emotions well. Jasper held her cheek in his hand and I could tell he was doing what he did best- calm. With that simple touch, he was calming her. Telling her that everything would be okay.

They shuffled out of the door after me. We piled into my Volvo, our belongings already loaded. Jasper sat in the passenger and Rosalie in the back. On our way out of town, I played Debussy, thinking it would calm me. It didn't do a good enough job of drowning out Rosalie's muffled sobs and hiccups. I looked in my rearview mirror and saw her tearstained face. I grimaced. It was at that moment that I vowed to never allow something to happen to Jasper or Rosalie because they decided to follow me. They didn't deserve to suffer.

I quickly ran a hand through my hair, messing it up even more, if that was possible. I was already dressed and waiting for Jazz to come and get me. I didn't have to wait long. In two short minutes, there was a rap on my door. I answered it fast and we left, silently.

Until he decided to break it.

"So…what's up with you and Bella?" he asked, all nonchalant and acting completely ignorant. I felt my face contort into a scowl as I thought about the question.

"What about her?" I figured he couldn't make much out of that response. The truth was, I didn't know 'what was up' with Bella and I. One night I wanted to ravage her completely, the next I thought she was a naïve, meddlesome little girl. Now…I'm not so sure. I'm still a little annoyed at the fact that she wants in on our business, but I couldn't say I disliked her. I didn't know her well enough.

"Why'd you yell at her the other night?"

I didn't hesitate in telling him the truth. Jazz had that effect on people as well. You couldn't help but tell Jazz the truth.

"She was sticking her nose where it doesn't belong."

"She was only trying to help, Edward," he defended. I held myself back from scoffing.

"Don't defend her, Jasper. I've seen how buddy-buddy you two have become," I saw him grimace out of the corner of my eye, but didn't say anything about it, "and you need to stop. She's a guest, she's off limits," I ended strictly.

"I'm not attracted to her in that way, Edward. We're just that; buddies. Really, Edward, she only has good intentions She's a really nice girl and she genuinely likes to help people. You didn't have to lash out at her like you did."

I couldn't find it in me to snap back at him, so I simply shook my head and muttered 'whatever'. Who was he to lecture me on how to act with guests? I'd probably only see her around the camp from now on, and just glimpses at that most likely. I knew my limits. I wouldn't become friends with someone who was untouchable. I just hoped Jasper followed my example before he got us fired.

Coming from the guy who had a…graphic dream starring Miss Bella not even twenty four hours after you met her.

We finally reached the stupid cafeteria and went in, getting in line immediately. I wasn't really in the mood for some long, drawn-out breakfast. I wanted a quick meal and to get to work, to get my mind off of Bella. Among other things.

Thankfully, most of the staff wasn't up yet so we were able to move through the short line quickly. We got our food and sat down in a table in the back. It hadn't been long after we dug in that we heard a tray clank down onto the table. I looked up, already knowing who it was, but I had to look anyway. Rosalie looked awful, and that was saying something. Rosalie never looked anything less than beautiful. She had more make up on than usual to try and look a little more normal, but it wasn't doing a very good job, to be frank. Her skin was unhealthily pale and there were huge bags under her eyes, courtesy of a bad night's sleep. She gave us a tiny ghost of a smile and sat down.

"How are you?" Jazz asked caringly. She gave him another ghost smile.

"I feel kinda sick, but that's just the way things are," she responded sadly. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, shielding her from everyone. I looked back down to my breakfast, getting lost in my thoughts again for a while before Emmett decided to sit with us. I grunted in greeting, and I heard everyone else do something similar.

Breakfast, like I had hoped, was a quick affair, with us soon departing to start our jobs. Never had I been more glad to start work.

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I collapsed onto the table, exhausted. I had overworked myself today, teaching at least ten different people the cha-cha, the salsa, the mambo, and whatever the hell they wanted. Everyone else looked at me as my eyes drooped and my head nearly fell into my food. Jasper grimaced, he knew exactly what I had done. Working extra hard always seemed to take my mind off of things. Rosalie looked at me nervously. I was never happy when I was tired, and dancing when tired made things worse. I gave her the most genuine smile I could muster at the moment, and she visibly relaxed. We had ballroom duty tonight, and the last thing she needed was a jerk partner.

I ate dinner without joining in the conversation. As soon as I was done, I got up and dumped my tray. I slowly walked to the dance studio, looking forward to having it to myself until Rosalie got there. We needed to practice the last eight count of the dance before we went on tonight. Rosalie was still having a little trouble with the very last turn. She constantly got dizzy. Now that I knew the reason, I wouldn't 'lash out at her' as I had done before.

I turned the light on in the dark studio, squinting against the sudden bright lights. This had become my place. I never in my life thought I would be dancing for a living. Life does has its surprises. When I was younger, I wanted nothing more than to become a doctor, just like my dad. I would sneak into his study and play with his bag while he was downstairs, watching television with my mother. As I got older, I stopped playing with the stethoscope and started playing the piano. When I was fifteen, I realized, in my music theory class, that this was what I wanted to do. This was what I was meant to do. Medicine held the appeal of pleasing my father, but music had the appeal of truly pleasing me. Humans are selfish creatures. I wanted my happiness. My parents had always told me that they would support me with whatever I'd choose. They seriously broke that promise two years ago. At least, my father did.

That was neither here nor there, I thought as Rosalie walked into the room. I cleared my mind and let myself focus on the music as I led Rose around the room, twirling in circles. I could tell she was already a little dizzy, but she was stubborn. She wouldn't stop, as worried as I was about this job. She couldn't dance if she was pregnant. Although, if she got an abortion, I was not sure how long it would take before she could resume her usual physical activities. Hopefully not too long. She was the best dancer on the entire staff, I needed her for ballroom duty, and she was frequently requested for lessons.

She finally perfected the last turn, just ten minutes before we were due in the main ballroom. She held onto my arm as we made our way to the main house. The closer we got, the more I could hear Emmett's band. They sounded good tonight. Originally, I was thinking of maybe using my music skills to our advantage, when we were just starting out on our own. Rosalie had been dancing since she was barely able to walk. She taught Jasper and I how to dance, thought I admittedly did a much better job than my other cousin. We were good enough to get hired here, and this was a good paycheck, not to mention the very generous tips. We wouldn't be stupid enough to let this go.

We stood outside, calming ourselves before we went out there. Rosalie took big, deep breaths, and I just counted to fifty in my head. We saw our circle clearing up in the dance floor, and took our cue. Walking out into the middle of the floor, I saw Bella. She was dancing with our boss's son, Mike. I resisted the severe urge to vomit. Everyone around here knew how…distasteful he could be. He had ridiculously bad table manners, he was selfish, and he just didn't have any game whatsoever. When it came to the opposite sex, Mike Newton was clueless. He was like a clingy little puppy. Bella looked uncomfortable with him. I noticed her trying to catch my gaze, and I immediately turned away. I needed to focus.

Our song started, and so did we. I spun Rosalie all around our clearing, being gentler than I normally was. I didn't want her to get dizzy or sick. When I lifted her, I did it more carefully, but judging by the applause, it was still great. We moved fluidly together. Growing up with each other did that to us. We knew each other too well, we were just in synch with each other. It was kind of sad that the only person I was slightly in touch with was my cousin. I just didn't have enough time to connect with other people. I always had something to do, whether it was finding a job, keeping a job, finding a place to live…the usual. I wanted this to end, soon. Rosalie and Jasper just didn't deserve to live like this anymore. I wanted them to be happy.

We ended our number to tremendous applause, again, as we did a risky, but crowd-pleasing lift. She smiled when I let her down, but I could see through it. She felt sick. I let her take a few deep breaths to compose herself before I began to dance with the guests. It seemed to work. She began dancing with them as well. While I was dancing with old Mrs. Hatfield, I couldn't help but let my glance slip to find Bella. I saw her grimacing as she danced…er, well tried to dance with Mike. I hid my smirk; it was too amusing to watch them.

But nauseating on the same time.

I couldn't help the flare of anger as she danced with my boss's foul son. He was ignorant, selfish, and undeserving of Bella's time or attention.

I barely contained my growl. What the hell was wrong with me? She didn't belong with him, but she most certainly didn't belong with me. If he wasn't good enough for her, I was worse. I didn't have any status. I could have it if I wanted, but regaining it involved speaking to my parents, and I wasn't quite ready for that. Even though I wanted to badly to just apologize to Esme. I hated that I made her suffer. I couldn't imagine what type of what type of person would hurt someone as amazing as Esme, but I suppose I didn't have to imagine. I saw him every time I looked in the mirror.

After about another hour of dancing with all the guests, Rosalie and I finally retreated to the staff only side of the resort. We argued all the way over there, of course. She needed rest, but she insisted on going to the staff ballroom tonight. Typical, stubborn Rosalie.

Stubborn and tenacious as she was, she was clever. I had to give her that. As she was arguing with me, she steered me to the staff ballroom. I didn't notice until we were right in front of the double doors, and she had stopped arguing. She smirked at me, pushed the doors open, and we walked inside.

Numerous cheers and catcalls greeted us. I felt a lopsided smile make its way onto my face. I wanted to forget about my problems for a night. Tonight would be great. I made sure Rosalie was safe before heading to the refreshment table in the back. I needed a beer, stat. I could make out Jasper's form the closer I got. He was talking to a brunette, smiling. Jasper and Rosalie may have been young when their parents died and they had to make the move from Texas to Washington, but Jasper somehow managed to retain his southern drawl. That accent and his southern gentlemanliness earned him more women than I could count. He glanced up and saw me. His smile fell a little before he forced it back, full on. When I was within earshot, I recognized the voice of the brunette he was talking to.

"…I don't know Jasper…I really hope she doesn't reject this…I just want to help. Do you think she'll take it?" Bella asked Jasper worriedly. Who was she talking about? What was she talking about.

"Just try, Bella. The worst she can say is no. My sister has always been a really good judge of character. Her mind was clouded the other night. You're a good person, she'll see that," Jazz assured her soothingly.

Rosalie? She was on about that again?

I clenched my jaw. Why couldn't she just mind her own damn business? I wasn't about to let an outsider hurt Rosalie or Jasper. They've been warned by the boss and by me, multiple times, that they needn't get involved with the guests in any sort of way. This was blatantly ignoring an important rule. This could get us fired. Why didn't he see that? And why was he telling her that Rosalie would accept her help? Rosalie was immensely proud. I doubt she would even consider taking whatever Bella was offering, no matter how much it would 'help'.

I kept staring at her unnoticed while she carried on her conversation with Jasper. The more I stared, the more I thought. My beer bottle was in my hand, unopened and quickly getting warm. I realized that I could be annoyed with her all I wanted, but that still didn't change the other problem she gave me.

She drove me fucking insane.

I was severely annoyed at her, but also severely attracted to her. There I stood, mentally lecturing Jasper on relations with the guests, while I myself was having an inner conflict about this beautiful brunette. Half the time I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and shake the naivety out of her, and her true intentions. The other half, I wanted to drag her to my room and make her scream my name in ecstasy. Over and over again, all night long, forever. I doubted I would ever get bored of her. Life had certainly become more interesting since her family arrived at camp, there was no denying that. I felt myself being drawn to her, and I was trying so hard to hang on. I didn't need this. Who was she, but a silly little girl who thought she could get rid of all the bad in the world? She was a good two or three years younger than me. She belonged to my old world, a world which I wasn't ready to return to. No. I needed to stop my thoughts about her. I could treat her just like anyone else. That's what she was- just another person. A mystery person. Someone I couldn't quite figure out. I would, though. I'm sure one conversation would tell me she was like all the other females of her world- egotistical, vain, and fake. Of that I was sure.

I made my decision, and walked over to join them.

"Hey Jazz," I murmured. He nodded in return, taking a swig of his beer.

"Bella."

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Earlier that day.

BPOV

I skipped happily away from the golf course. I could barely hold in my squeals and shrieks of excitement. I got the money. I would be able to help, and I wouldn't take no for an answer. She would take the money and she'd see my intentions were good.

Even after imagining the look on her face when she saw the money, I couldn't help but wonder if this would make us friends. Would she think I was buying her friendship? I halted my steps and nearly groaned. Dear God, I hoped she wouldn't think that. I wanted us to be friends, real friends. If she was anything like her brother, we would get along. I had a feeling that underneath the hard exterior, Rosalie was just as sweet and caring as Jasper.

Their cousin on the other hand…

I stopped my thoughts right there. The last thing I needed on my mind was Edward. That was sure to get me in a bad mood. I kept walking, with an extra spring in my step, towards Alice's croquet game with the little boy. I found them, apparently just starting another game. It was comical to see someone of Alice's size playing a game with someone who was even smaller than her. Two tiny people. I giggled as I walked up to them.

"Hey, how's the game going?" I asked.

"Great!" the little boy answered. I smiled endearingly at him. Alice looked up at me and grinned. 'What's his name?' I mouthed at her. 'Mattie' she mouthed back. I nodded and waited patiently for their game to end, thinking maybe I could join them next. They finished, with Mattie winning for, according to him, the second time. He was immensely proud of himself and I wanted to give him a reward. It wasn't every day that a young boy beat a girl twice his age at croquet.

"Hey Mattie," I called out to him. He whipped around curiously. I smiled and he smiled back.

"Would you like to come get a popsicle with me?" I asked in a cheery voice, sounding hopeful. His eyes lit up and he nodded enthusiastically. Alice laughed, as did I. I held out my hand for him to take, and he did. We walked together to the concession stand, swinging our hands. A great happiness filled my body from head to toe. I lived to see other people happy. I just made Mattie a very happy little boy, and that was enough to make my good mood even better. We made it to the concession stand. I recognized the woman who worked there. She was the fiery red head who was dancing with Victoria that night I went to the staff ballroom. She was also the one who filled in for Rosalie two nights ago.

"Hello, I'm Victoria, what can I do for you?" she asked, her high voice sounding slightly like nails scratching a chalkboard. I fought against the need to wince.

"Yes, I'd like a grape popsicle. Mattie?"

"Blue!"
"And a blue one for this handsome guy right here," I smoothed his hair down affectionately. He looked up to face me, smiling from ear to ear. This kid was beautiful. All kids were, but something about him in particular endeared me to him. His eyes were a gorgeous mix of green and blue, his hair a light, reddish brown, not quite bronze like…anyway, he was an adorable kid. I had always felt awkward around smaller children. I didn't feel that natural mother instinct around them. Instead, I felt a need to stay away, and I'm positive they felt the same. Children were loud, dirty, and obnoxious. I never saw myself with children. Mattie took that awkwardness away. It was impossible to feel like that around him. He made me want a child of my own, just to be able to look at something beautiful that I created with someone I loved. If my kid was half as adorable as Mattie, I would be beyond content. Of course to me, my child would be beautiful even if it looked like a sea monkey. I paid for our popsicles, and Victoria handed them to us. We went to a shady spot under the tree and sat down. Alice stayed a little closer to the sun, wanting to feel the warmth. It was slightly chilly under the tree. I felt I had to get to know Mattie a little more.

"Mattie, where are you parents?" I asked curiously. He shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't know. I think my daddy is playing cards with friends and my mommy is getting a dance lesson," he answered, acting as if the fact that his parents weren't around didn't affect him. I was hit with a wave of sadness, because I knew that it may not affect him now that his parents thought he was still young enough to need a nanny, but when he had outgrown babysitters, what would happen? Mattie would realize what kind of parents he had. I probably didn't have the right to judge them. I hardly knew anything about them, but what kind of parents would let their kids roam around, unsupervised(unless I was wrong about the nanny thing), a big resort like this one.

"They just let you do whatever you want? By yourself?" I asked, trying to keep the incredulity out of my voice. He shook his head.

"My nanny is at the lake," he answered. I nodded. I was right. They were nanny parents.

"How old are you?"

"Seven. How old are you?"

"Eighteen."

"Wow! You're a teenager!" he exclaimed excitedly. I laughed and nodded. He blushed then ducked his head down. I placed my finger under his chin and tilted his head up towards me.

"What is it?"

"You're…you're big. Why do you want to be friends with a little kid like me? Do you like me?" he asked hopefully. I bit my lip, close to tears. It was just too cute.

"Of course I like you. I think you're a nice, handsome, adorable boy. I'd love to be friends with you, if you'd like," I offered. His eyes lit up again, sparkling. How could a sweet boy like him have such rotten parents? I wanted to tell him that he deserved better, but how could I say that to a seven year old? I didn't want to be the reason that sparkle disappeared from his eyes. On the contrary, I loved putting it there.

"Yeah!" he answered. I giggled.

"Okay, friends," I extended my hand out for him to shake it. He took my hand and shook it. We quickly finished our popsicles. I remembered Alice and turned to look at her. Her eyes looked wet, but she turned her face away as soon as she saw me looking at her. I shrugged it off and decided to bring Mattie back to his nanny.

"Mattie, Alice and I have to go back to our cabin. Can I take you back to your nanny?" His face fell. I instantly felt guilty for doing that, but I had to get this kid back to his nanny.

"Okay. Will we play again?"

"Of course we will. We're friends, remember?" I said as I stood up, brushing the back of my shorts off. I held my hand out to him to help him up. He took it and didn't let go as we started to talk back to the lake. We found his nanny quickly. She was sitting on one of the lounge chairs, reading a Spanish magazine. I walked him to her, and she looked up to see me.

"Yes?" she asked, her English heavily accented. I pushed Mattie forward a bit.

"We just played a game of croquet and I decided to walk him back," I explained. She smiled at me and nodded. She motioned for me to wait with her finger. She placed Mattie in the sand and got him started on a sandcastle. He looked to be quite concentrated. She walked to me and asked me to sit. I did, and so did Alice, both of us utterly confused by now.

"Thank you for playing with him. There are not many kids here to play with him. I cannot always keep him entertained. I think he gets tired of Go Fish," she laughed as she finished. Alice and I smiled at her.

"He's cute. I'll gladly come and play with him again. We're friends now," I told her. She smiled at me gratefully.

"Thank you, again. He is an only child and he just doesn't interact well with other children his age. I am afraid his parents not being with him is not having a good effect on him." I nodded in understanding. I looked next to me at Alice, and she was watching Mattie play. He did look alone, in his own little world.

Alice and I were never close, but at that moment, I knew we were both thinking the same thing. We would bring him out of his loneliness. We'd show him what it was like to have friends, real friends. I vowed to myself to make that happen this vacation. I knew Alice was doing the same thing. We said our goodbyes to Mattie, promising him another game of croquet.

On our way back to the cabin, Alice chatted nonstop about her games with Mattie. She had taken to him as quickly as I did. She absolutely adored him.

"Oh, Bella he's too cute. He's too nice of a kid to be left alone like that. I want him to make friends…I don't know, I kind of want something better for him," she said sadly. I nodded in agreement.

When we got back to our cabin, she decided to touch up her manicure while I decided to read a bit. She went over to her nightstand and took out her nail kit. I walked over to mine and picked out my trusty full works of Jane Austen. I settled into the armchair in our room, feeling the silence of an afternoon in with Alice. I opened the book to Emma and began to read.

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As promised, daddy had the money for me by dinner. He gave it to me discreetly, without letting my mother or Alice see. I thanked him quietly and ran into my room. I put it in the pocket of my suitcase, making a mental note to remember it when I went to dinner tonight. At around nine o'clock, I'd fake a headache and run over to the staff's quarters, find Rosalie, and give her the money. Hopefully, she'd take it, and see me, the real me. I prayed to every god that it would happen. That we would become friends. I knew she needed one, and I was willing to be that friend.

When it was time to get ready for dinner, I chose one of the dresses that Alice had bought for me on our shopping excursion, which happened to have pockets. I placed the money in there and made sure that there was no suspicious bulge. Perfect.

The four of us made our way to dinner, my father and I in the front, discussing politics as always, with Alice and my mother bringing up the rear. We made it to the main house fairly quickly, but were right on time. We took our usual table and waited for James to come. It wasn't a long wait. I swear, he had Alice radar or something. He was at our table almost instantly. He took our orders, and made sure to flirt with Alice while taking hers. I looked at my fork longingly, wishing I could just stick it in his eye. I wanted him away from my sister. Maybe if he couldn't see her, he'd stay away. One can only hope.

We ate dinner in casual conversation, all in light moods. We exchanged small banter and laughed. I lived for these moments. I loved to spend a good time with my family. My everything. Everyone looked happy tonight. I really doubted anything could ruin my mood, even James. He came back frequently to talk to Alice. For the most part, I ignored it tonight. I would get to that soon, but until then, I would monitor their relationship to make sure it didn't go far past flirting. Not past flirting at all, desirably, but you can't always get what you want.

Mike joined us half way through dinner, sitting next to me. Again. I wasn't mean or rude to him, but really, it doesn't take too much to realize that a girl is not interested in you. I was careful around him. The last thing I wanted was for him to get ideas. Once we finished dinner, we made our way to the ballroom. It seemed fuller to me tonight. More people were dancing tonight than usual.

The band conductor started a faster paced song, and Mike and I stumbled our way around the dance floor. I must have done something in my past life to deserve this. After a few more dances, stumbles, trips, and steps on his feet, I saw what I had been expecting, dreading, and anxiously awaiting all night. A space cleared in the middle of the dance floor for the dancers. The band conductor had finished changing his sheets, and was about to begin.

The music came on and out come Edward and Rosalie. They moved as flawlessly as they did the first night I saw them. Their dance tonight was not something I had seen before. I assumed it was new. I wondered who choreographed for them, or if perhaps they did themselves. Either way, I think they could've had the worst choreographer in the history of dance, and still made the routines look heavenly. They were just that in tune with each other. On their own they were both excellent dancers, but together they were untouchable. The fact that they both looked like angels just made it that much more inhuman, more god-like.

I was staring, hoping that I might catch Edward's gaze and see something, anything in his eyes. I thought I saw him look at me for a second, but he had looked away before I could look too closely. I sighed, dejected. Well, if I couldn't make any progress with Edward, I could try Rosalie. She was the one who needed my help and friendship, not Edward. I could deal without having to interact with him. Even if I didn't necessarily want things to be that way.

They finished their dance to thunderous applause from the larger-than-average crowd today. I saw Edward wait a few moments before starting to dance with the guests. I shook my head and turned back to Mike. He smiled at me, looking way too much like his father. We continued to dance.

As I danced the last few songs with Mike, I got the distinct feeling that someone was watching me. I looked around, paranoid, but found no one. I shook slightly. I inconspicuously looked at my watch and noticed the time. It was nearly nine o'clock.

"Hey, Mike? I kind of have a headache and this noise isn't really helping. I think I'll go back to my cabin," I lied. I tried to make my voice sound tired and weak. He nodded and let me go. I walked away from him, feeling bad for just leaving, but I had to. As I left, I couldn't help but scan the crowd for Edward or Rosalie. I couldn't find either of them. Figuring they probably already left, I exited the ballroom, went out the back door, and began on the path to the staff quarters.

I was now familiar with the way, the fork in the path, and the moss covered sign. It took me a little less than ten minutes to get to the staff section. I was impatient to begin my plan with Rosalie. I passed the sign and entered the staff section. I looked around, trying to make sense of the numbering system. Rosalie's cabin was odd numbered, so it would be on the right. I had asked a staff member earlier which one was hers, and she told me, albeit reluctantly. I offered to pay her to keep it a secret, but she wouldn't take my money. I soon found it, but saw that the lights were off. Asleep? No, she couldn't shower that quickly. I'd imagine she'd shower after sweating from dancing. It couldn't hurt to knock, I supposed. I jogged up to her small porch and knocked on her wooden door.

Nothing.

I tried again, harder.

Nothing.

I gave up, not wanting to waste anymore time. I got down from her porch and made my way to the staff ballroom. Maybe I could find Jasper. I had yet to tell him my plan, and the closer I got to Rosalie, the more I lost my nerve. Maybe it was better to just stay away and mind my own business. No, of course not. I didn't really think that. I was simply nervous.

I finally reached the staff ballroom. I heard the loud music coming from inside. I shyly opened a door and poked my head into the room. I was prepared this time. Everyone was doing that type of dancing that I had witnessed my first time here. They actually looked like they were having fun. Thinking it would do me no good to just have my head in the room, without even a good view in order to scan the crowd for Jasper, I walked my whole body into the room.

No one looked at me this time. I walked towards the back, figuring Jasper would be at the refreshment table. He didn't seem like the dancing type to me. I maneuvered my way around the moving bodies and spotted his honey blond hair. I walked up to his back and tapped his shoulder. He turned around with a confused look on his face. He saw me and smiled. I smiled back and gave him a hug.

"What are you doing here?" he shouted over the music.

"You know what I told you earlier? About how I'd tell you why I asked all those questions? I went to Rosalie's cabin, but I guess she was asleep. I thought I'd come here and tell you what I had planned."

"Cool. So what is it?"

"I got the money for the appointment."

At first, I wasn't sure he heard me. He just had a blank look on his face. I almost began to panic when his face stayed like that for what felt like an eternity. Gradually, his face turned into one of disbelief.

"I…just…how?"

I smirked.

"I have my ways. But I just…I thought that maybe this would show Rosalie that I really do care," I said, suddenly unsure of myself. He nodded.

"You just speak the truth, darlin'. She'll be able to tell, believe me," he said. I bit my lip uneasily.

"I'm just worried about her taking this the wrong way. I don't want her to think that I'm trying to buy her friendship or anything…I don't know Jasper…I really hope she doesn't reject this…I just want to help…Do you think she'll take it?"

"Just try, Bella. The worst she can say is no. My sister has always been a good judge of character. Her mind was clouded the other night. You're a good person, she'll see that," he assured me. I shrugged, hoping he was right. A figure approached Jasper from the right. My eyes glimpsed at the stranger, and I gulped.

"Hey Jazz," he muttered. Jasper inclined his head slightly and took a drink. Edward turned his attention to me.

"Bella," he said. I'm sure I must've looked flabbergasted. Now he's civil? Is he bipolar? Before I could say something in return, I saw another figure approaching us. A perfect, blond one at that.

"Jazz, could you hand me a bottle of water? I'm burning up." She didn't seem to notice me as she stood there. I bit my lip again, not sure how to approach her. Edward peered down at me from his beer. I felt as though I was being x-rayed. His gaze was penetrating and I got the feeling that he knew what I was thinking. Rosalie followed his gaze and her eyes finally landed on me. I looked back at her timidly and very guarded. Her gaze was almost as bad as Edward's, except hers was calculating, not knowing. I refused to look away. That would be like admitting defeat. Finally she looked away.

"Back so soon, Bella?" she asked, not looking at me. I wasn't quite sure how to respond to that, but like Jasper said, I just needed to be honest.

"Um, yes. I wanted to have a word with you, actually," I said with much more confidence than I felt. She arched a perfectly plucked eyebrow at me, and I just continued to match her stare. She nodded and told me to follow her.

She led me into the corner of the room, where no one would hear us.

"Yes?"

I made my hands stop fidgeting, knowing that it was now or never.

"First of all, I'd like to apologize for intruding on such a private moment the other night. It wasn't my place at all. But I also came here because I want to help. I'm not doing this because I feel sorry for you," I added, seeing her mouth open. She crossed her arms and frowned, silently telling me to continue.

"It's just that…I've been raised to think that everyone counts and everyone deserves a chance. No one deserves what happened to you, Rosalie. It's just a part of me to help others before myself. If you'd give me a chance, I'd like to offer you my friendship. I'd also," I pulled the money out of my pocket, "like to help you in any way I can during this time."

I handed her the money and she took it, looking at me warily. She unfolded the bills and gasped. For a few minutes, her eyes darted between the money and me.

"Are you…some sort of angel? No one as nice as you could possibly live on this earth. Are you for real?" she asked incredulously. I nearly rolled my eyes at the irony. Here I was, thinking she was the angel.

"Look, I just…I just want to help, and be your friend. If you'll let me?" I asked hesitantly. She took a deep breath and looked at me.

"I'll owe you for the rest of my life," she said with a small laugh. My eyes widened and I shook my head furiously.

"Oh no, please. This is what friends do for each other. You don't owe me anything," I told her, trying my best to sound stern. She laughed anyway and hugged me. We walked back to the table, our arms around each other. I had the satisfaction of seeing Edward's eyes pop out of his head before he regained his neutral expression.

"Jasper, you can go ahead and make that appointment with the M.D.," Rosalie told him excitedly. Jasper grinned and gathered her in his arms. Edward shook his head.

"What about the Crowley? We have our performance there next week. You probably won't be in any condition to dance," Edward said, seemingly reminding Rosalie of something because her face fell.

"Oh, right," she said dejectedly. I panicked, looking back and forth between Rosalie, Edward, and Jasper.

"Well…can't someone else fill in?" I asked. Edward glared at me.

"No. Victoria is busy filling in for Rosalie, and Rosalie is the best dancer anyway. Everyone works around her," he sneered. I recoiled, not sure how to respond to that. Rosalie glared at Edward.

"Don't talk to my friend like that," she snarled at him. He raised an eyebrow at her.

"Friend?" he asked, but it sounded more like a scowl to me. Rosalie held her head high and nodded. Edward shook his head disapprovingly.

"You want to give up the gig for next year?" Edward asked. Rosalie sighed and shook her head. We all spent the next few moments in a tense silence before Jasper looked up, his face pensive.

"Hey…you're a good dancer, Edward. Rosalie isn't the only best dancer around here, you are. You can lead anybody. Why doesn't…why doesn't Bella do it?"

My jaw dropped.

"Jazz…no, really. I can barely do the waltz. I'm sure you can find someone else-"

Edward scoffed.

"She's right. She wouldn't be able to do it. She's too busy playing Simon Says. She wouldn't actually do anything for herself," Edward said icily, looking down at me as if I were something stuck on the bottom of his shoe. My temper flared. I couldn't do it? How did he know?

"Edward, Jasper has point. You're a strong partner, she has a week to learn the dance. She can do it. I saw her move the other night," she winked at me and I blushed crimson, "and she's not half bad. Edward, this could work."

Rosalie and Jasper looked as if I were the answer to all of their prayers. I shrunk back under all the attention. Edward was looking at me appraisingly.

"No."

My face contorted into a deep scowl. No? I'll show him.

A/N: Jeeze. That was long...I guess. Not too much action though. I won't go as far as saying it was a filler because something big did happen. The Mattie part was completely spontaneous. I already have a pretty good idea of how he will fit into the rest of the story though. It's altered things a bit, but for the better. On that note...

A General Note About the Rest of the Story: I'm not sure how many chapters this story will have. It's five so far, and there's still a lot to write. What I can say is that you can expect a sequel to this story. I'm not sure how long it'll take me to finish this one either. School doesn't leave much time for writing. I'll try to get the chapters to you guys as fast as possible. This one took a while because I had a baby case of writer's block. I still have to outline the next chapter before I begin writing it, and start the song search process, though I already have a few ideas.

Review darlings!