Dirty Dancing Chapter Six: Watch Me Shine, a twilight fanfic

A/N: Girl power songs. You gotta love 'em.

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

Chapter Six: Watch Me Shine

Ooh.. I'm not
You average type Of girl
I'm gonna show the world the strength in me
That sometimes they can't see
I'm about to switch my style
And soon things may get wild
But I will prove I can conquer anything
So from my head to toe I'm taking full control
I'll make it on my own
This time
(Better watch me shine)

Better watch out
Going for the knockout
And I won't stop
Till I'm on top now
Not gonna give up
Until I get what's mine
Better check that I'm about to upset
And I'm hot now
So you better step back
I'm taking over
So watch me shine

So Get ready
Here I come
Until the job is done
No time to waste
There's nothing stopping me
Oh
But you don't hear me though
So now it's time to show
I'll prove I'm gonna be the best I can be
So from my head to toe
My mind body and soul
I'm taking full control
This time

Bet you don't think I can take it
But my mind and body are strong
Bet you don't think I can make it
It won't take long
Bet you don't think I can take it
But my mind and body are strong
Bet you don't think I can make it
It won't take long
Now watch me shine...

Better watch out
Going for the knockout
And I won't stop
Till I'm on top now
Not gonna give up
Until I get what's mine
(Until I get what's mine...)
Better check that I'm about to upset
And I'm hot now
So you better step back
I'm taking over
So watch me shine
Watch me...
Watch me shine...
Watch me

Watch Me Shine by Joanna Pacitti.

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BPOV

I laid in bed that night, feeling more smug than anyone had the right to. Tomorrow morning, after breakfast, was my first rehearsal with Edward for the Crowley show. Apparently, he and Rose would go to the Crowley, another hotel just in town, and perform one night out of the entire summer. Since that night happened to fall on the same night that Jasper had gotten Rosalie the appointment, Rosalie would be unable to dance with Edward. When Jasper and Rosalie came up with the brilliant idea that I should fill in, I was as against it as Edward. I could barely walk in flip flops and they wanted me to do a dance with spins and leaps? Surely they must have been out of their minds. But I found myself getting angry the more he objected. He was positive that I wouldn't be able to do something behind my parent's back, that I was spineless. After his last refusal, I knew that I was determined to show him. I wanted to show him that I could do it, that I had some courage in me.

So the next morning, we ate breakfast peacefully. Halfway through breakfast, my bladder decided that it was full. I excused myself from the table and walked quickly to the bathroom. Rosalie was in there as well, and we greeted each other pleasantly. We had a casual conversation as I peed, and normally I would have been uncomfortable, but this summer was having an effect on me. Anyway, after I came out, Rosalie had a pensive look on her face. She had told me earlier that she didn't know what she was going to do with the appointment and the performance. She looked at me in the mirror and her lips formed a smile, growing by the second. When she squealed excitedly and came to me to grab my hands, I was already confused. She explained her plan to me, and I immediately became just as excited, but a little weary. I was only forty percent sure that it would work, but by the end of the night, I made a resolution to never doubt Rosalie again.

I pushed my hips into Jasper's a little more, feeling a response. He sighed into my ear. I giggled at his response.

"Jesus Bella, we're acting, remember?" he reminds me, slightly out of breath.

"The more provocative, the more believable," I counter easily. He sighs again and we keep moving together. Rosalie had assured me that she would bring Edward to the staff ballroom that night. That was where I was currently. Dirty dancing with Jasper. I loved that while his body responded, we would definitely laugh about this tomorrow. Maybe not even then. We'd laugh later tonight. Our friendship was like that. We were progressively getting closer and I was glad to finally have a real, dependable, trustworthy friend. Jasper was definitely all of those. We kept dancing for the next two songs until we heard the commotion that usually signaled Edward and Rosalie's arrival. We didn't stop, just continued dancing. I was getting more and more nervous. I could feel them getting closer. When they finally got into view, I got even more into character. I knew Jasper did the same. His hands tightened their grip on my hips and he pulled me even closer. I turned my face towards him as I grinded myself on him. He looked at me too, both of us with hooded eyes. I didn't dare look at Edward or Rosalie. All I could do was pray that this would work.

It did.

"Bella? Jasper?" Rosalie called, supposedly bringing us out of a trance. We broke our gaze and looked at her. I put some shock on my face, and broke apart from Jasper. I made a look of mortification appear on my face. I didn't need to look at Jasper to know he was doing the same. My eyes flickered over to Edward, and at that moment, my confidence surged through my body.

He looked furious. Murderous. And this time, I knew it wasn't directed at me.

Because he wasn't looking at me. He was giving Jasper the most horrifying death glare anyone could muster. If looks could kill at that moment, Jasper would not only have been a dead man. He would've been dead, resurrected, then killed again. All the while he glared at Jasper and I stared at him, with my now sheepish face, I wondered why he was so angry. It really wasn't that serious. We were just dancing, hardly even at that. It was all an act…

"Edward," Jasper greeted smoothly. What? How could he be so calm when Edward looked ready to pull out a knife on him?

"Jazz," he growled. His teeth were clenched together tightly. I briefly feared that he would break them.

"I'm a firsthand witness, Edward. Bella can certainly move," Jasper said, smug as hell. I didn't think it was possible, but Edward looked angrier after he said that. Almost like he didn't want Jasper to know how well I could dance. I almost snorted. Almost. Me, Bella Swan, klutz extraordinaire, dancing.

"I can see that," he said through his teeth. My small worry for them got a fraction larger.

"I think if she can pull that off, she can dance the tango," Rosalie piped up confidently. Edward stood there, motionless.

"I'm willing to learn," I offered, trying to get a reaction out of him. He turned his gaze onto me for the first time that night. I almost wished he didn't.

Almost.

The force of those green eyes was heart stopping. Did he really not know what kind of effect he had on me? If he did, would he stop being such an ass? I doubted it. The more time I spent around him, the more I was convinced that he truly was a jerk. He kept his penetrating stare on me, as if he was pushing his way inside my mind. He wanted to know how strong I was, if I could take whatever he would throw at me.

I absolutely was.

He must have found what he was looking for because he abruptly pulled his eyes away from mine. He looked at Rosalie and nodded, defeated. She squealed with success and pulled me into a hug. I hugged her back gleefully. Jasper came to us and wrapped his arms around the both of us.

The rest of the night was spent perfecting the plan. For the next six days, Edward and I were to rehearse for at least three hours each day. He and Rosalie would teach me the tango they had originally planned to perform at the Crowley. On the night of the performance, that following Friday, I would get Alice to cover for me. We would have to leave right before dinner and my parents would want to know why I wasn't at the table. It took thirty minutes to get to the Crowley. Edward would drive us and I would change in the car. Jasper would then take Rosalie to the doctor for her appointment. She would do the procedure, then come back to the resort as soon as possible. While they did that, Edward and I would perform the dance at the Crowley, then come back immediately after.

And we'd be in the clear.

I would remain friends with Rosalie and Jasper. It was likely that I'd never have to spend another minute around Edward again. I'd never have to talk to, or argue with him again…or see his gorgeous green eyes…or feel his touch…

I shook my head to rid myself of those thoughts. They wouldn't do me any good. He had already made his distaste for me quite known. I shouldn't think about him like this. We would spend the necessary three hours with each other for the next six days, and that would be the extent of our relationship. I found myself sad as I realized this. That's all I would get with the most beautiful man I had ever met?

I told myself not to feel this way. It was silly, really. He certainly didn't. If anything, he was dreading the next eighteen hours he would have to spend with me. I'm sure he could think of things he'd much rather do.

And he made me angry, too.

Because so what if he didn't want to spend time with me? The least he could do was act grateful that I was doing this for him. I didn't even know him, but I was saving his ass and he couldn't even act like he appreciated it. Douche. I decided at that moment that if he was going to be frigid with me, then I could do the same. Fight fire with fire. Or in this case, ice with ice. I wouldn't just stand there and take it. I'd snarl right back at him. He needed a huge dose of his own damn medicine. I would make sure that I was the one to give it to him. I'd teach him a lesson.

A lesson.

Tomorrow was my rehearsal-slash-lesson of the tango. Thinking about it made me nervous, even though I felt smug that he fell for our trick. That left anxiety for the actual rehearsal. I didn't know how to dance. He'd probably lash out at me even more when he experienced my inexperience first hand. I wanted so badly to be a jerk to him, but that didn't take away the nervousness I felt at being exposed tomorrow.

Not wanting to be tired for the first lesson tomorrow, I rolled over uneasily and shut my eyes, begging for sleep to take me.

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I woke up the next morning, feeling tired despite my early night. My attempts at sleep were futile. It took hours of tossing and turning for me to finally fall asleep. I had listened to Alice's deep breathing enviously. She never had any trouble sleeping.

Just as I kicked the covers off, I heard her stir next to me. She sat up, her hair ruffled, and yawned. Shaking her head, she lifted her covers off of her and got up much quicker than I could at this time in the morning. I hated that she was a morning person, especially on family vacations like these when we had to share rooms. I sighed and got up, kind of irritated that she got to the bathroom before me. Alice took her showers in the morning and I took mine at night. I waited patiently in the arm chair for her to finish. When she did, I hurried into the bathroom to brush my teeth. I did, and before I knew it, I was looking into my closet for something to wear.

And I realized I had a dilemma.

I had never danced before. Alice had taken lessons when she was younger. Her sense of equilibrium came from Renée, not Charlie. She was graceful, like a gazelle. I was clumsy like a duck. I bit my lip as I searched my closet hopelessly. What does one wear to a dance rehearsal? I heard Alice scoff at me from her vanity.

"Bella, what are you doing?"

"Looking for something to wear," I muttered, embarrassed. Worrying incessantly about looks was her thing, not mine.

"Oh dear, what will it be? A sensible pair of shorts with a sensible t shirt or a sensible pair of jeans with another sensible t shirt? I see the problem," Alice said, very sarcastically. Everything was backwards today. I was usually the one making the snarky comments. I scowled, and finally picked out a white tank top and some jean shorts. I decided to wear my plain white Keds, figuring that if I was supposed to wear special shoes, he or Rosalie would have some for me. Maybe I should go shopping again. I finished dressing, brushed my hair, and waited impatiently for Alice to finish getting ready. She already had her clothes picked out, and she was putting some finishing touches on her hair. Alice was surprisingly quick to get ready, yet still looked perfect all the time. I wondered how she managed that.

We met up with our parents in the living room of the cabin and the four of us made our way to breakfast, much like every other morning. Breakfast passed uneventfully and we parted ways until lunch. Alice pulled me to the side once we were out of our parents' eyesights.

"Bella, I have a date with James. Will you be alright on your own?" she asked worriedly. I had a spasm of irritation. James, today? Why?

"Oh, sure, yeah I'll be fine," I answered unconsciously. She threw me a dazzling smile, gave me a brief hug, then skipped off to find James, or so I presumed. I rolled my eyes and started to walk to the dance studio that Rosalie had instructed me to go to the night before. I stumbled along the uneven path to a studio that was not used for lessons. It was hidden, a little away from the main house. No one would find us there. I saw that the lights were on, and I hoped I didn't make them wait too long. I finally made it to the door, panting. It was all uphill to get to this small shack. A steep hill. I knocked on the door and waited.

Rosalie opened the door. When she saw me, she smiled. I smiled back, still slightly out of breath. She moved so that I could walk into the studio. I could tell it was unused. There were cobwebs in the corners and nearly every surface was covered with dust. Edward stood on the other side of the room, facing the window at the back of the little building. Rosalie dragged me to him.

"Edward, Bella's here," she informed him. He sighed and turned around. He didn't look mad, or even annoyed. He just…was. His face was completely neutral. Better than angry, I supposed.

"Okay. Rosalie and I will just show you how the dance is supposed to look and we'll go from there," he said apathetically. I nodded and went to stand to the side. There was an old boom box on a table in the corner. He went over, pressed play, then came back to Rosalie. They started with Rosalie's back to Edward, him standing with an arm wrapped around her waist. The music started slow, and his other hand moved up from her thigh to her rib cage. Her hand followed his. The music picked up and she grabbed the hand that was wrapped around her waist. She spun out, and the dance began. I thought had seen the tango before, but that was nothing compared to this tango. Edward and Rosalie style.

Their movements were sharp, not as fluid as they normally were. They moved sensually and I could feel the passion in the room. Their twirls and lifts were perfectly timed and executed. This wasn't just dancing. This was poetry written with the human body. I felt a wave of apprehension. They wanted me to do that?

And suddenly I wasn't so sure I could do this anymore. There was no way Edward and I could ever look as good as he did with Rosalie. I tripped so much the floor and I were practically best friends. How could I possibly dance like that?

Rosalie must have seen the apprehension on my face as they ended the dance because she smiled encouragingly at me.

"You'll be fine. Edward is a great partner, and we'll make sure that you don't go up on that stage without knowing this dance in your sleep," she said soothingly. I gulped, nodding.

"Hm, I thought you said you could do this," Edward said arrogantly.

And I remembered my decision. I held my head up higher and looked at him challengingly.

"I can," I said, just as arrogant as him. He arched an eyebrow, before going to turn the boom box off.

"We'll practice without music first. I'll teach you the whole dance then we'll add the music in three days. That should give us plenty of time to teach you," he said distractedly. I nodded.

"Alright, so we'll start with the first eight count. It's easy enough, we're just standing still for the first four. Let's get you stretched first," he motioned for me to come over and I did. My heart fluttered at the thought of him 'getting me stretched'. He'd have to touch me, wouldn't he?

It took fifteen minutes to get my muscles properly stretched and warmed up. We began with the first eight count, like he said. It was almost as easy as he said.

"It's not that fucking hard. Spin back into me and place your hand in mine," he growled. I huffed, annoyed, and looked at him.

"I told you I don't have that much experience. Learn to be patient," I spat at him. His frown deepened.

"Learn how to fucking balance yourself," he fired back. I rolled my eyes and told him to shut up and continue. He did…for a little bit.

"Would you at least try to stop tripping? Watching where you're going helps. A lot," he said sarcastically. I resisted the urge to slap him.

"Why don't you stop taking breaks to bitch and just continue? I'll get it, alright?"

He scoffed.

"Not likely, from what I can tell. You are the worst fucking klutz I've ever met. Walking is a very elementary skill, place one foot in front of the other. You can't even do that right," he sneered.

"Maybe if I had a decent teacher, I'd be able to do this right."

"The teacher can only do so much. The student has to meet him halfway. If the student is incompetent, there's not much else the teacher can do."

"I'm not incompetent."

"Then why can't you get this simple turn down?"

"I haven't been dancing as long as you."

"Try harder."

"I'm doing the best I can."

"You're pathetic."

"You're an asshole."

We were both in each other's faces by now. Our breathing was heavy and our faces were set in anger. I heard Rosalie sigh, but it sounded far way to me. All I could concentrate was him. He succeeded better than anyone ever had in making me want to be violent.

"You're both wasting time. Get over your petty differences and get to work. Edward stop bitching, Bella stop provoking him. Got it?" Rosalie said, with a sneer in her voice as well. She was scary. There would be serious consequences for us if we didn't do what she asked. I knew she just had to be even worse now because of her pregnancy. Her hormones were probably crazy right now. I shook my head and looked back at Edward. He was looking away.

"She's right. We need to rehearse," I said calmly. Edward muttered something under his breath, but I didn't catch it. I'm not sure I wanted to. It probably wasn't anything nice.

It took another hour for me to get the turn done. Edward stayed silent, but I could see his annoyance was growing exponentially. When I finally got the turn down, he looked so relieved, it looked like he had just peed. That was the only part of the first eight count I was having trouble with.

For the next three hours, he would teach me another eight count, then we'd put what we had so far together once I had one down. It took a while to get them down. I wasn't a dancer, I wasn't lithe or flexible. He refused to do any lifts, stating that those needed separate practice. By the end of the three hours, I had mastered four eight counts, was sweaty, and failed to get a word out of Edward. When we were done, he nodded tersely at me before leaving the room without saying anything. I turned to Rosalie, just a little distressed.

"I'm sorry about him. Edward's wound up very tight. He hasn't had a real chance to relax in the past…oh, two or three years," she joked lightly. I cracked a grin and she mirrored it.

"Bella…I'd also like to apologize for my own behavior the first time you saw me. I was a real jerk, and I see now that you were only trying to help. I actually don't know what I'd do now if it weren't for you. Thank you," she said sincerely.

"Oh Rose," I murmured before hugging her fiercely. She hugged me back just as tight and we stayed there for a few minutes, just embracing and silent. We broke apart and she chuckled.

"Do you forgive me?" she asked, with a genuinely worried look in her eye. I shook my head and giggled.

"There's nothing to forgive. If I were in the same situation, I'm sure I would have reacted the same, if not worse. It's fine, really," I assured her with a grin.

"No," she disagreed, "you wouldn't have. You're too good a person, Bella. I'm sure you would have kept calm. I seriously don't know what I did to deserve a friend as great as you, but I'm sure as hell glad you're in my life now. Jazz is too," she told me. I blushed and looked away. I was glad it escaped her notice that I didn't mention anything about forgiving Edward. It would take some serious groveling from him for me to forgive his behavior.

"Lunch?" I suggested. She agreed, but looked slightly green when I mentioned the meal. My face turned into one of understanding.

"Morning sickness?" She nodded.

"Okay. Well, we should go anyway. We don't really have anything to do here," I looked around. The unused dance studio seemed vast and empty without Edward. She nodded, and we left. We parted ways once we were down the hill. She walked away to the cafeteria where the staff had lunch and I went to the main dining hall. I wondered how it went with Alice and James.

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RPOV

Walking away from Bella, I couldn't help but think about Edward's mood today. I hoped he wouldn't be pissy for the rest of the day. Customers wouldn't like that. He was really being a fucking jerk to Bella. Wasn't he the least bit grateful that she was helping us out like this? I would talk some sense into him later.

I walked into the cafeteria a few minutes later, scanning the room for him or Jazz. Neither of them were here. Strange, I thought. They were boys. They were usually here long before me. I got in line and took a small lunch, feeling a little sick. I hated this part of being pregnant. The morning sickness was unbearable. I heard some women didn't get it as bad, and I had always hoped to be one of those women. Of course, I wasn't.

I did another quick scan of the room, looking for an open table. I didn't feel like sitting with my fellow employees today. I saw Emmett sitting by himself at a table in the corner of the room. I smiled and made my way over.

"Mind if I sit here?" I asked as I came up to his table unnoticed. He was concentrated on his rather large lunch. He glanced up at me, then did a double take.

"Of course," he gestured towards the empty chair with a sweet smile. I sat down and began to pick at my lunch.

"How are you?" he asked pleasantly. I shrugged my shoulders.

"Hm. Alright. Could be better," I answered honestly. He nodded, and took another bite.

"How about you?" I asked, actually a little curious. I didn't talk to Emmett that much. It was really a shame, the guy was like sex on legs. He smiled again.

"Oh you know, just the usual, cheerful me," he answered, and I saw his dimples. If I was a sucker for anything, it was dimples. Especially his. They endeared me to him so much. There was such a childlike quality about this grown man in front of me, but he was no child. He was a grown man, and my body definitely seemed to register that whenever I was near him.

"Glad to hear that. The world could use cheering," I told him. He nodded thoughtfully.

"It seems to me like lately, you could use a lot of cheering. Is there something wrong? You don't have to tell me, of course, but if there is, I'd like more than anything to help. You have a friend in me whenever you'd like, Rosalie," he reached across the table and took my small hand into both of his large, manly hands. I reveled in the warmth they offered, and the slight protection. Who wouldn't feel safe around this massive bear of a man?

I pursed my lips as I considered his offer. Could I tell him? I knew him enough to know that he was indeed a good person, but now enough to tell if I could really trust him. This secret could cost me my job. Edward, Jasper, and me. We were a package deal. If I left, they'd leave with me. It worked the same with all of us. We wouldn't stay anywhere if it meant that we had to be separated. We were all we had currently.

But that didn't matter now. Now, I sat here with the sweetest man I had ever met, debating on whether or not to tell him my biggest secret. I looked into his hazel eyes, searching for any indication that he was being sincere and honest, like Bella. I could see her every emotion in her eyes, she was so easy to read. Emmett was slightly harder, but not so much that I couldn't read what was in his eyes. There it was, clear as the sky on a sunny day. He was trustworthy. I could tell him everything, and he wouldn't judge me. He was perfect. Again, why couldn't I have done it with him? He didn't seem like the type to reject his baby. I just knew he wasn't.

"Let's take a walk," I suggested. He nodded in agreement and stood up, offering his hand to me. I took it, and he pulled me up gently, as if he knew my secret was pretty physical. I smiled in thanks to him, he smiled back, dimples and all. He threw both of our lunch trays away before leading me outside. We took the path that would lead us to the lake. About five minutes into the walk, he spoke.

"So…what is it?"

I sighed. I wasn't looking forward to this. If I was wrong? If he judged me? What would I do? I didn't want to lose Emmett. He would make a great friend. Please, please don't let him judge me.

"Well…it all started at the beginning of the summer. When I arrived here with Edward and Jasper, I wasn't excited or anything. We've already worked here a couple summers. I thought it would be the same staff as always and it'd just be another summer. My second day here, I met the waiter, James," he scowled when I said, or rather, spat his name. I continued anyway.

"We talked for about two weeks, we became friends. I thought that was all he wanted, though I couldn't deny an attraction to him. I don't normally go for blonds, because my brother is one, but he was handsome…sweet…caring…and a good actor," I said bitterly. I saw him make a fist with his left hand.

"He convinced me that all he wanted was friendship, and I guess I was okay with that. Our…mine, Edward, and Jasper's circumstances don't allow for commitment. It had been such a long time since…well, that doesn't matter now.

"For about two weeks, we talked and got closer. He made me feel good, like I was something…special. He acted like he cared about me, like he maybe even loved me. He made me think that the only reason that he didn't want to be in a relationship was because he didn't want to ruin what we had. I feel…so stupid now," I sniffed and wiped my tears, embarrassed that I had let them slip in front of Emmett. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and pulled me closer to him. The gesture made me grin.

"Anyway, one night he came with me to the staff ballroom right after Edward and I had ballroom duty. Edward was exhausted, he had overworked himself that night. He wasn't there or else I definitely wouldn't have been able to be with James. Edward feels like he's responsible for Jasper and I because it was his idea to leave home. He doesn't allow us to be in relationships because we're traveling so much…it's just the three of us most of the time. Jasper wasn't there that night either. I danced in a dark corner with him. I don't know how much time we spent dancing, but by no means was it innocent. Our hands were all over each other, building the already present frustration. After a while, he just suggested we go to his room…I agreed," I had to stop. I was sobbing by then. Emmett pulled me into a bone crushing bear hug, letting me cry it all out on his shirt. Here was a guy who really cared. Two angelic friends at once? Is that my compensation for my…situation? I'll never complain again…

I broke away from him, needing to tell him the rest of my story. It felt ridiculously good to get it out.

"I'm sure you can figure out where it went from there. That went on for two nights, before we just stopped talking. I got bitter after that, realizing he was just playing with me. No one had ever done that before. I thought that because I was pretty, everyone would worship me, would be too scared to be mean to me. I was so wrong, Emmett.

"About two weeks later, the symptoms began. I was tired all the time, I still am. I got constant headaches, I was dizzy, and the morning sickness was unbearable. My period was a week late, and I knew I had to go into town. I snuck away one night when I didn't have ballroom duty and went to the pharmacy. I bought a pregnancy test and took it the next morning. I'm pregnant with James's child. When I told him, he laughed. He refuses to believe that this baby is his…and I thought I was royally screwed. I have no means of supporting a child, I don't even have money for an abortion. I could never give my baby up for adoption, Emmett. My biggest dream since my parents died was to have babies and never abandon them. I don't blame my parents of course, it was an accident, but still…I missed having a mom. My Aunt Esme and Uncle Carlisle were so good to me, but I still missed my own parents. I know Jasper does too. I wanted my own babies to love…and now that I have what I want it, I have to throw it away," I started sobbing again, knowing that I wouldn't be able to continue.

We had stopped walking, and he steered me over to a bench. He gently sat me down and hugged me again. I rested my head on his chest, my tears from before now cold on his shirt. I felt so guilty for sharing my burden with Emmett...I hope he doesn't run…I want him to stay.

"Rosalie…I am damn mad that that happened to you. You're right, someone as beautiful as you doesn't deserve to be treated like that. It's not just physical beauty, Rose, it's on the inside too, I know it is. I should just…I should kill that bastard for doing this to you," he finished angrily. I shook my head, horrified.

"No, Emmett. The best thing is to just let him be. I don't want anything to do with him ever again, and I don't want you to go near him either. He won't play fair. He could get us fired, he's a little college boy, Ron loves them. If James badmouths either of us to Ron, we'll be let go within the hour. We need to stay away from him, you too," I warned him. He sighed, but nodded.

"Rose…what are you going to do about the baby?" he asked timidly after a moment's silence. I grimaced.

"Weren't you listening? I have to let it go. I'm going to abort it," answered monotonously. I didn't like to talk about this. I didn't care that it was the best thing, the thought of killing my baby...

His voice brought me back to reality.

"But…are you sure? You said you always wanted a baby…if you really want it, I'm sure you can make it work. Think about it."

"I did. I've thought about this for a while. The appointment is made, and I've already got the money," I smiled thinking about Bella. I had to do something about the way Edward treated her. She gave us kindness of the purest kind, and Edward would have to do the same. She already forgave me, but it didn't slip past me that she didn't forgive Edward when I apologized for him. He'd have to apologize himself.

I looked up at Emmett, and he was shaking his head, still looking like he was about to disagree.

"Alright. It's your decision. I just…well, it'd make me happy to see you happy. You don't seem like you're too thrilled about your decision," he said, looking at me appraisingly. I shifted uncomfortably under his gaze.

"I can't say I'm happy about it, but it's the only choice I have," I repeated. He nodded. We got up and started to walk to the studio again, where I had my next lesson. It was silent, but comfortable. Emmett usually said what was going through his mind, so I was relieved that he didn't have anything else to say. That meant that there was nothing bad going through his mind. I might just get to keep him.

We got to the studio much too soon for my liking. He walked me up the steps and turned to me, my hand on the doorknob.

"Rose, thank you for confiding in me. Your secret is safe with me. If you ever need anyone to talk to, I'm here. I'll be a real friend," he promised. I smiled and couldn't help but notice how he said friend. Almost like he didn't want to say it. Was there something wrong? Did he not want to be friends?

Would he leave?

He grinned at me, and I nearly sighed at seeing his dimples again. Before I knew what he was doing, he leaned in and pecked me on the cheek. My heart skipped a beat, then came back full force. He left without saying goodbye. I entered the studio in a daze, touching my cheek where his lips had just been. What did I do to deserve this?

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EPOV

I ran back to my cabin after the rehearsal, more confused than ever. I hardly paid attention to where my feet carried me, only knowing that I needed to be alone with my thoughts. When I stood in front of my cabin door, I realized I had forgotten to go to lunch, but it didn't matter. My appetite was long gone. I opened the door quickly and rushed inside. I threw myself on my bed, more glad than ever that I actually had a bed right now.

I settled my right arm behind me and my left on my stomach, immediately relaxing. Teaching Bella to dance was a difficult task. She had trouble walking across a flat, clear surface, how the hell was I going to teach her to dance the tango? She stumbled over herself, she didn't spot, so obviously she got dizzy. That's why she couldn't get the simple turn down. There's no science to dancing. If she moved half as good as she was last night with Jasper, then maybe she wouldn't have a problem.

I groaned as I thought of last night. I was known for my temper, and surprisingly I kept it under control last night…barely. I'd never been that angry. I had been so ready to rip Jasper's throat out for touching her. Just the thought of his hands on her…of any man's hands on her…I couldn't handle it. Last night was too much. It was easy to get me to agree to anything in that state. I couldn't concentrate on much else except the fact that she was too close to Jasper.

I saw red. Red I saw. It didn't matter how the fuck you said it, but that was what it was like. I was blinded by fury. I don't know where the hell this possessive side came from, but it did and it confused the shit out of me.

Rosalie and I had walked into the staff ballroom with the same old applause as always. We walked to the back where we knew Jasper would be waiting. I thought I knew, anyway. We were about five steps from the refreshment table when I first spotted her. I could distinguish her mahogany hair quite easily. It was full, shiny, and so fucking luscious. I just wanted to run my hands through the strands all day. If I could get that one wish, I'd die a very happy man. The closer we got, the more I recognized her partner for the night and the more…furious I became. He was blond. He was tall. He looked an awful lot like someone I knew very well.

Jasper.

What happened to only liking her as a 'buddy'? 'Buddies don't touch each other like that. His hands were tight on her hips and they were turned towards each other, seemingly lost in their own world. The lust was unmistakable in his eyes as well as hers. They looked about ready to grab a broom closet and fuck each other senseless. My hands were shaking, and my gaze was trained on them. I wanted to rip them apart and scream at her that if anyone were going to take her to a broom closet, it would be me. She would probably bite her lip the way she did…

Fuck.

Here I was, thinking about yelling at her, and I was getting hard. This was too ridiculous. It took me at least five minutes before I realized that the man I had so desperately wanted to kill for laying his hands on Bella was none other than my cousin. Someone I had vowed to protect, not harm. I knew I must have been giving him some look, and he just stood there, calm as could be. How did he do that? He didn't even know what I was feeling. He had to have been curious. I had never given any sort of inclination that I had liked Bella even a little bit. On the contrary, my behavior towards her had been deplorable up until that point. She could frustrate me more than anyone, but she could also get me off in just a few seconds. Was it her virginal appeal? I doubted it. I'd had virgins before. They weren't that special. Something told me she would be. Something told me she definitely wouldn't be too tight…she'd be perfect…hot, wet…

Damnit.

And so goes the vicious cycle. Mad at her one minute, wanting her the next. It was slowly but surely driving me insane. I needed to find balance, and soon. My heart felt like it was on a roller coaster. It would combust if I didn't find some way to end it. Jealousy should be an extreme sport.

I was so angry at myself for being jealous. If I felt like that when she didn't even belong to me, what the hell happened to men with women who actually did belong to them? I shuddered to think about it. If Bella were actually mine, I wouldn't have hesitated to beat the living shit out of Jasper, over and over again. And then again for good measure. Then, I would have fucking dragged Bella back to my room and explain to her that she was mine…and then punish her real good.

So in that state, I agreed to have Bella as my partner, because I had to agree…she could move. The way she grinded and thrusted on Jasper was nothing less than erotic. Today at the rehearsal, Rosalie and I were waiting for about five minutes before she arrived. She obviously had trouble coming up the steep hill because when she came in, she was breathing harder than usual. I tried to avoid looking at her as long as possible, knowing that when I did, being civil would be that much harder. I'd want to kiss her even more breathless than she already was, and that desire would make me be an asshole, because I had to channel that energy somehow. I knew what was off limits to me. She was, and I couldn't develop any sort of relationship with her. Rose and Jasper were foolish to do so. After this summer, we'd probably never see her again.

So when Rosalie announced her arrival, I stupidly turned around. I saw her…and I had to fight to keep my emotionless expression. I needed to keep my cool here. We would be dancing the tango, the closest of all dances. I needed to focus on the steps, not her. I hardly did anything to acknowledge her being there. Rosalie and I first showed her the dance, then I helped her get stretched. I showed her how, wanting to touch her as least as possible. That wouldn't work wonders for my self control. When she was warmed up as much as necessary, I began teaching her the first eight count. After she finally got a fucking balance on herself, she did alright. She did fall a lot, and I knew she'd have bruises the next day. I wanted to at least hate that little bit about her, her unfailing clumsiness. But I couldn't even do that. In fact, I found it pretty fucking adorable. I wanted to catch her every time she fell and protect her small body from any type of harm.

And I tried so hard to avoid thinking about the part where we were actually touching, but I couldn't. The tango was a sensual dance. I would have to touch her provocatively. I did just that this morning, and thinking about it, I almost came. Right there, no stimulation from my hand or otherwise. Just my thoughts. This was lust like I had never before experienced. This was blinding, rendering me incapable of functioning. If she knew that I was having these sort of thoughts about her, she'd probably whine to her daddy, and he'd pay Chuck Norris to roundhouse kick my ass. She didn't want me, and I sure as hell had to get her out of my head.

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The rest of my day wasn't as brutal as yesterday. I took things easy today, or at least the guests did. There weren't that many lessons to teach. Rosalie taught more than I did. I hurried to dinner with much more energy than I did last night, and starving. Skipping lunch was stupid. When I got there, I piled the food on my plate. I had already spotted Rosalie, Jasper, and Emmett so I hurried over to their table when I was done getting my food. I sat down quickly and immediately started shoveling food into my mouth. I heard Jazz laugh beside me, but I could give a rat's ass.

Dinner was better that night. Emmett was cracking jokes like his usual self, with Jazz and I assisting every once in a while. Rosalie laughed, and I liked that. She needed to relax, now more than ever. I hoped she would get a hint and give Emmett a chance. There's a guy that just might be good enough for her. She seemed at ease around him. They could at least be friends.

I relaxed that night, surrounded by my family and friends. I could feel the summer getting better. Rosalie would take care of her predicament, thought admittedly not the way I wanted her to go about it, and Bella…well, Bella was doing something major for us. I'd have to hold onto that knowledge tomorrow as I fought to not be a jackass. Tomorrow, I'd be at least civil. I'd treat her like a human being, and not like a pest. We'd do this, Rosalie would abort, and we'd be done. Over. I'd never have to feel the frustration that accompanies Bella ever again. She would move on and marry a doctor, like her dad. She'd be a socialite wife and she'd be happy. Me…I didn't know what was going to happen to me. My life was too unstable.

I was thankful that Carmen and Eleazar had ballroom duty tonight, not me or Rosalie. I could go back to my retreat, my own quiet place in this camp. I hadn't been there in ages, and I desperately needed it right now. I could only go so long without music before I almost shot myself. Dinner passed by quicker, yet slower. Quicker because I was having fun, slower because we were talking, and that didn't leave too much attention to actually eat. When we finally did finish, we parted ways. Rosalie was going to go and soak in her bathtub, Emmett had to work, and so did Jasper. I left first, heading down the path that lead to the staff only section.

About five minutes after leaving, I came to the fork in the road. The right led to the staff only section, and the left took me to the small building that the band used to practice.

I let myself in, the old door creaking. The room was dark, the only light was filtering in through the window, courtesy of the full moon. I quietly made my way around the instruments and to the old baby grand piano by the window. The light was enough to allow me to play. Emmett had caught me in here once, and he said I could play whenever I wanted. I thanked him profusely. He was a musician, he had to know what not playing could do to someone.

I sat down, lifting the dust cover and placing my hands on the ivory keys. I warmed up playing Chopsticks and Happy Birthday. Once my fingers felt the keys, they knew what to do. It didn't take too much to get my fingers loose and ready to play. I then played an old composition written for my mother, Esme. I remembered when I first played it for her. She got tears in her eyes and she just silently mouthed 'thank you'. Next I played Rosalie's song. She, needing attention, was insanely jealous when I wrote a song for Esme and not her, my 'bestest cousin'. I wasn't too bothered, I loved any excuse to compose. She adored it and even choreographed her own dance to it. She was an amazing ballerina. That was part of the reason she resented me so much for making her leave in the middle of her senior year at Forks City School for the Arts. She was in her last year, majoring in dance. Esme and Carlisle were constantly told that Rosalie was the best student they had seen in ages. Julliard had even showed an interest in her. There were scouts from that school at her last performance. I remembered how nervous she was right before. We all had to assure her multiple times that she would do fine. She did, of course. Better than fine. She danced beautifully. Julliard had contacted her a week later, telling her that she needed to audition to go there. Rosalie was ecstatic. We had left home a week after the call. Rosalie did nothing but hiss and snarl at me for the first month and a half. So close to a dream of hers, then I ripped it away. It ate away at me nearly every time I saw her pirouette or leap.

Her song drifted to an end, and I had run out of things to play. About to leave, I got a vague melody in my head. Very vague, and definitely not something I had heard somewhere else. I tested a few keys, to see which one it would sound best in. D major sounded about right. I played the first couple of notes, before it just disappeared. Frustrated, I shut the dust cover with a growl and walked out of that room.

The melody was melancholy, and in serious need of some harmony. I figured I'd worry about it later. I had time. Though I really wasn't sure where my inspiration had come from. It couldn't be from Rosalie. Something like that would have been instantaneous and I would have gotten the song out in one sitting. That didn't happen, meaning whatever inspired it was still going on, and developing. I ran a hair through my hand, trying to think of anything that could have made me want to write such a sad, soft song. I came up with nothing.

I sprinted back to my room, trying to tire myself out so that I'd get to sleep fast tonight. It worked. When I got to my cabin, I took a hot shower, relaxing myself even further. After I dried myself off and went through the rest of my bedtime routing, I collapsed on my bed much like I had earlier. I was asleep within minutes.

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The next morning, I woke up just on time to get ready for breakfast. I hurried my morning routine, knowing that Jazz would be here soon so we could go eat. My morning shower lasted barely ten minutes. I brushed my teeth and attempted to tame my hair simultaneously. It never got any better than it did when I woke up, so I just left it alone, too much in a hurry to do anything else.

Jazz came to my door at the usual time and we walked to breakfast. Rosalie met us halfway with Emmett, and the four of us made our way to the cafeteria. By the time we got there, there was only one table left.

"Divide and conquer?" Jazz suggested. The rest of us agreed. Rosalie and Jazz went to claim that table, and Emmett came with me to get breakfast. We got enough food for the four of us and headed back to the table. Jazz and Rose were chatting animatedly, but stopped when I got to the table. I gave them a suspicious look. They just avoided my eye and helped themselves to the food. I shrugged it off as nothing important and took my seat. Breakfast passed much like dinner had last night, casual and cheery. I could see the color returning to Rose's cheeks, and I was eternally grateful to Emmett for that. He added the laughter to the table.

Rose and I left breakfast together. We held a conversation for a full five minutes without arguing in what was probably the first time in years. We got there before Bella again, and I was prepared to wait a few minutes. She arrived earlier than she had yesterday. I was facing her this time.

She was a vision again. Her shirt was modest, but tempting, as well as her shorts.

We stretched for a bit today, then reviewed what she had learnt yesterday morning. She had it perfected, and I suspected that she had practiced between then and now. Today, we moved on to the next couple eight counts, the second of which included a dip. She didn't have too much trouble with it, but she did fall on her ass a couple times. I had to take several deep breaths so that I wouldn't yell at her. My civil, yet not quite friendly behavior seemed to confuse her. She was a little distracted, and I needed her to focus. I tried not to think about her too much, and just concentrate on the dance, but it didn't work. Having her body this close to mine was too much temptation. I prayed that I wouldn't get a noticeable reaction. That would surely send her running far away from me.

An hour and a half and three eight counts later, we decided to take a break. She lifted the bottom of her shirt, twisted it, and tucked it into the front. This pulled her shirt down and exposed her smooth, taut stomach. I had to muffle my fucking groan as she did that. Too much skin, too much skin!

And then I decided to play it cool. I playfully leered at her, watching her squirm under my gaze. Good. The break didn't last very long, due to my need to explore this new exposed skin. I made sure to let my hand linger on her a little longer than necessary. She was breathing more heavily, and I knew I was having an effect on her. Yeah, payback's a bitch. I hope she dreams about me tonight, writhing in bed.

I dipped her once more, enjoying very much the swell of her breasts in my face.

A/N: Sex. Seriously. A lot. hahahaha. This was definitely interesting to write. Not that much longer than the last, but still. You probably won't be hearing from me til Friday. Exams start then and I get home at like...twelve. So I'll have a little more time. I hope you liked the Rose&Emmett bit. I really wanted to do that. I've already done the bitch Rosalie part, so I decided that in this chapter, I wanted to show her more human side. Next chapter, we'll get an update on Alice...maybe some Alice&Jasper in the near future? WHO WANTS IT? God knows I do...well, not so much as it as much as I want him...it with him...GKADFKLASDKLFJASDLJF. Anyway...I hope you like the fact that I updated at a decent hour tonight...haha it's like eight thirty eight on the east coast. w00t GO ME!! lol have fun at school for those of you who return tomorrow!

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