A/N: I would like to note that this chapter has NOT been Beta'd yet...I am waiting for her to get back to me but it seems to be taking longer than normal, so I am posting now. No slamming me on my grammer or poor dialogue! Lol, she helps me with that. Thanks to the over 1,000 visitors on this story!

MAKE SURE TO READ THE A/N AT THE BOTTOM!

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or The Bachelorette for heaven's sakes! Haha.

Out of the Box

Bella POV

Los Angeles, California
March 2009

During the weekend of signing the contract, I had set out to get exactly what I wanted in writing. It was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be, actually. Peter negotiated that I would get to voice my opinion on what gets aired, although, he made it clear I wouldn't get the final say.

Angela, a close friend of mine from college who was also a prominent lawyer in the Seattle area, had come to the meeting at the apartment to help ensure I got everything I needed in the contract without the foul of a scam. I told her she didn't have to come but she insisted, saying she would hate for something to happen where I was tricked or manipulated into something but was bound by a contract.

After going through a few more details and finer points, I made my final request. At first, Peter was reluctant because he didn't want me distracted while filming. After some persuasive words from Angela stating how it would boost my confidence to have some people to talk to, they agreed that Alice and Rosalie would attend to LA with me and stay in a condo near the mansion.

It had been a month since I contacted Peter with my decision to do the show. The details were all set in stone; there was no turning back. Sometimes I felt content and excited about my decision, while at other times I was nervous and questioning whether it was the right thing for me. I didn't want any regrets; thinking that way would definitely compel my mind to question my decision.

We were on the way to the office in LA where the producers and crew worked. Peter explained that I needed to go over the audition tapes and meet the crew to get accustomed to being on camera. There were many things that I had to get accustomed to before the show started filming, such as getting followed by cameramen almost 24/7.

A few minutes later, we arrived at the offices. The building was fairly big with all glass on the north wall; giving a perfect view of the city. The lobby was decorated in a modern adornment. White leather couches and glass tables sat to the left of the lobby. The right section adorned posters and photos from movies and TV shows that, I assumed, had won awards based on the certificates and plaques.

"Hi, my name is Bella Swan, I'm here to see Peter Simmons and James Michelson," I told the receptionist at the front desk of the lobby. Peter was the producer I had spoken with about the details of the show over the phone. He told me the other producer of the show, James, would be there to meet me also.

The receptionist typed something into the computer before speaking. "Ah, yes. Miss Swan, I will have someone come to escort you back. Make yourself comfortable."

"Thank you," I stated before walking over to where Rose and Alice sat looking at gossip magazines.

"I'm nervous," I choked out. I didn't really know where it came from, maybe the fact that I am bluntly honest whenever I get nervous or excited. Alice looked up with confusion written all over her face.

"Why? This is going to be so much fun," she exclaimed with a glint of excitement in her eyes.

"Because, Alice, this just feels weird. Sitting and watching a bunch of audition tapes of single men vying for attention just isn't how a normal person spends their weekend!"

"Oh pish posh, Bella. You should have recognized by now that we are not normal," Alice replied. She noticed my questioning gaze and continued. "What? Bella, being normal just stands with millions of other people in this society. Don't you want to be your own person? Plus, if you were so," she used air quotes, "normal, they wouldn't have picked you."

"Yeah, okay," I answered, dismissing the conversation. Alice was always the optimistic, stand-alone-in-a-crowd type—it was the last thing you would guess by a first impression; what with her designer clothes and perfect features. Yet, she liked being her own person; she didn't care about standing out in the crowd. Her confidence reflected into her attitude.

Me? I was the complete and total opposite. I wanted to be away from the crowds, the spotlight, and the attention. I guessed it was too late, the producers had told me that I would be at the center of almost all the filming we did. I just had to keep reminding myself, this was my attempt at stepping out of my comfort zone; my normal comfort zone. The reason I did this was so I could live my life spontaneously for once.

Peter walked into the lobby moments later with a tall blond man. He was very simple looking: symmetrical face, newly shaved, and combed hair. There was an aura he put off that set me the wrong way. I don't really know what it was, if it was anything at all. Maybe it was my nerves talking. Either way, he had an ominous presence. Very calm and collected but at the same time, intimidating and serious.

"Hello again, Bella! Glad you arrived safely," Peter greeted with a handshake. "This is James Michelson, our executive producer for the show."

"Hello, Bella. Pleasure to meet you." He seemed friendly enough, so I put my worries aside.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Michelson." I shook his hand for a second before introducing Alice and Rose. They greeted each other before Peter spoke again.

"Let's get moving, shall we? We have a lot of ground and information to cover while you are here."

We walked down the brightly lit hallway. Every few feet there were doors with various words written in cursive on the windows.

After a few moments, we stopped in front of a doorway at the end of the hall. Peter gestured me in; Rose, Alice, and Mr. Michelson followed suit.

The room was fairly small, lit by the sunshine through the window on the east wall. A large flat screen television hung on the wall above a bookshelf filled with jewel cases. After closer inspection I realized the cases were labeled by names; men's names to be exact.

"What are those?" I asked incredulously. I looked over to find Rose and Alice with confused expressions crossing their face also.

"Those are the audition tapes we have narrowed down for you to choose from. There are about a hundred or so. You might want to get comfortable…it could take you a while." Peter smiled at me and my friends. "We will be in the office down the hall; it's not hard to miss. I will leave the door open if you need anything, come and get me. I'll have Cynthia bring you some snacks and beverages. Is there anything else you need?"

I scoffed. "No, this is more than enough. Thank you."

He walked out the door, Mr. Michelson silently following behind him, leaving me to my selection process.

"Well? Let's get started. This is going to be so fun!" Alice walked over to where the DVD's were stacked and started looking through them, mumbling and laughing at the names of some of the men.

"Rose, Bella, come look at some of these! There is one guy here from Iceland," Alice exclaimed, obviously more excited about this process than I was at the moment.

I groaned loudly to show my discomfort. Rose wandered over to investigate scoffed at my meager response to them.

While walking around examining the room and waiting for them to finish their investigation, I took notice of my surroundings. The white walls held photos of the past men and women on the show, and I couldn't help but notice the beauty in everyone. All the men had sculpted jaw line, bright eyes, soft hair; the works. The women were all dressed in beautiful ball gowns and cocktail dresses, showing off their perfect skin. Their hair flowed in short and long lengths, and their long legs and perfect hair, eyes, and lips attracted much attention.

I felt inferior to them.

Why me? I kept coming back to that same question. Suddenly, the feeling of dread washed over me.

I don't belong here. I didn't belong anywhere near there. What was I thinking? This has to be some sort of joke, candid camera style.

I expected Peter Funt to jump out from behind some hidden door and sing the show's jingle.

I pushed those thoughts aside, knowing they would get me nowhere. That didn't mean they still didn't lurk in the back of my mind, ready to jump at a sign of weakness.

As I walked around the room trying to distract myself, I saw a large black leather couch and a twin loveseat adjacent to it. They encircled a glass table that held a vase full of flowers, a few magazines, and a remote. I assumed the remote went to the TV so I sat down on the couch and grabbed the remote.

"Okay ladies, you can ogle their names later, we have auditions to watch," I said to Alice and Rose reluctantly.

"Okay Bella, before we do this, we have to have a little chat. Best friends to best friends." Alice looked at me seriously. They walked over to where I was sitting on the couch and each sat on one side of me.

Rose put her hand on my shoulder and sighed. "Bella, you need to accept this--"

"Well, technically she already did…" Alice pointed out.

"Whatever." Rose rolled her eyes at Alice's technicality. "Anyways, you need to just enjoy it and let loose. Stop doubting and questioning yourself…it's not gonna get you anywhere--"

"And it's just going to ruin this for you."

"Could you stop?" Rose looked at Alice obviously annoyed.

"What," Alice asked feigning innocence. Whatever Alice, you know you can't pull that one on Rose.

"Uh--" I started to speak but Rose beat me to the punch.

"Interrupting me! I'm trying to have a heart-to-heart moment here with Bella," Rose turned and pointed at me "Which is a rarity so listen up…"

I kept my face in a tight line, not exposing my annoyance but also not faking politeness either.

"You need to understand that if you don't step out of the box and live your life to its fullest you are going to look back in fifty years and regret not doing something different.

"By choosing to do this show, you not only stepped out of the box, you," she paused, a thoughtful expression adorning her face, "jumped…leaped...flew out of that box, Bella! Okay, this is where it gets tricky." She tapped her temple for emphasis and winked. "Now that you are out of that box, you have to stay out. You can't go back to that box. By wallowing in your own self pity, Bella, you just drag yourself closer to your comfort zone, aka the box. Do you hear me? Do. Not. Screw. This. Up. You will regret it."

I sat there in front of Rose shocked, trying to process her words and tone. Alice looked about as mortified as I probably did. Rosalie never did the serious talk thing. She said it just 'didn't work for her reputation', whatever that meant. When she did get down-to-business, she didn't hold back. I knew Rose meant well, but I was so overwhelmed with everything that had happened in the past few months, I couldn't help it.

I cried.

No, not just a single-tear-streaming-down-your-face cry; but a full on sobbing, chocking, tingly-in-the-face, puffy red-eye cry. Pathetic, I know.

Throughout my sob-fest I heard Rose mumble a few profanities as she proceeded to apologize, "Bella…shit… I- uh, I'm Sorry. I…"

I took a few deep breaths to clear my head before I replied. "No. No…It's…I'm okay. It's not really what you said…everything has happened so fast and I'm just really overwhelmed…sorry, I didn't mean to break down on you guys."

"What's wrong?" Alice asked with genuine concern.

"Nothing…" They stared at me incredulously so I elaborated. "I just…this," I motioned around the room at large, "is a bit overwhelming and I think it all really hit me just now."

"Bella, I really didn't mean to hurt your feelings…" Rose rubbed my back while speaking in a soothing tone; a complete one-eighty from the moment we just had.

"No…you really didn't. Actually, you're right. I need to get over my fears and enjoy this while it lasts." I was surprised at my own revelation. I didn't think it would be that easy to submit myself to this fully. I think that cry really did a number on me.

"So—," Rose started speaking.

"So let's watch some auditions," Alice interrupted with a smile, trying to decrease the tension in the room and drop the subject.

Alice ran over to the shelf and grabbed the first one audition tape. After starting the DVD, she ran over to the couch where Rose and I had gotten comfortable.

"So who is lucky bachelor number one?" I asked while staring at the opening titles of the DVD player.

"His name is…" Alice picked up the box off of the table and looked at the front that had his name on it. "Jonathan Geary."

"Well, Jonathan, let's see if you're my one and only," I joked.

A tall blond man with curly hair showed up on screen, a guitar in his hand. He seemed to be at some sort of bar. He sat down on the stool on stage and looked at the camera with a bright smile.

"Hey! My name's Jonathan but you can call me Jon. I live and breathe music…it's my whole life. Actually, I sometimes even sleep here in the back room—"

"No way." Rose had grabbed the remote and paused the audition, leaving Jon mid-sentence.

"Yeah, he's cute…but clearly not what you want. You don't need to come second to his music," Alice confirmed.

"Next," I replied with a laugh because they were evidently correct.

Alice put the next few DVD's in but none of the men in them seemed to interest me and it was obvious Rose and Alice weren't the least bit impressed.

"Okay, this one ought to be hilarious. Whose real name is…Tom Sawyer? This has to be some sort of joke." Rose laughed while slipping the DVD in.

We were on around the twentieth audition and had only yet to choose any. Tom Sawyer turned out to be his real name—or so it seemed—and he was a big, fat no.

In the next several dozen auditions we found a lot of guys we all seemed to like.

My first choice's name was Bobby. He had short brown curly hair and brown eyes. He was fairly tall and lean but not too skinny. He worked as a bartender and in his spare time played golf and poker. He seemed sweet and I actually kind of liked the idea of him bartending…it was hot.

His audition went into our 'Yes's' pile we had started. Technically, it wasn't a pile though because his audition was the only one in it at that point.

The next was a guy named Wes. He also put off the rocker vibe—he was wearing a vintage rolling stones tee and ripped jeans, albeit he was a bit more intense than Bobby. Bobby was more of a clubbing bad-boy while Wes was more of the garage band bad-boy. It seemed like it came natural to him.

The first thing I noticed about him was his blue eyes and jet black hair. He wasn't as toned as Bobby or some of the other 'No's' but he was still in shape.

I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a major turn on. It freaked me out a little bit because they weren't my usual type. Although that was the case, Alice said I needed to branch out there and "sample a little bit of each flavor". Her words, not mine.

The next few guys were very All-American looking. There was Michael, a blonde hair, blue eyed break-dance instructor. And then there was Caleb, a brown haired guy with a buzz-cut and hazel eyes. He worked as a teacher in middle school, which I found very attractive. The next was Jonas, whom I liked but Alice and Rose didn't approve. He was a little on the short side with some seriously geeky glasses. But other than that he was a very sweet man and I thought he deserved a chance like anybody else. Who knows, we could be soul mates…well, Soul mates? Probably not, but I wanted some variety.

One audition we watched showed a man wearing elephant ears and singing the alphabet backwards…I suggested we called the men in white.

"He seriously needs to get a life…and maybe some vocal lessons," Rose had commented.

My personal favorite thus far was Jake. He was a commercial pilot with blonde hair and the brightest smile. I loved his personality and his casual demeanor. He seemed like a very sweet man. That one was not a hard decision. That goes in the 'Yes' pile.

The next guy I chose after a few bad-eggs was named Reid. He was a very southern boy, with traditional values and seemed to really admire his family. He was also very good-looking…which was a definite bonus. Can't I have my cake and eat it too?

I only ended up choosing eight because Peter had told me that he had a few auditions left to come in either online or via the mail. I told him he was welcome to choose the last two. Peter was a great guy and I trusted him to pick someone good for me. I also thought it was be fun to have the surprise factor for some part of the show.

Hopefully I could expect good surprises in my future. I can only hope.

READ THIS:

A/N: Thank you for reading! Let me know what you think (AKA review) because I seriously want to know if you like where this is going, etc. Also, if my dialogue seems to be correct, I have a problem with that. So if you review, (I know that there are over 1,000 visitors to this story already!) I will send you a preview to the next chapter, which should be out SOON because it's almost finished. It's my Beta I am waiting on, I swear!