Dear readers…I AM THE WORST FANFIC WRITER!!! I haven't updated in FOREVER and I apologize deeply for that. I was on vacation and just recently got back yesterday so I wrote all of this today. I'm warning you now…Edward is not in this chapter but he's coming back don't worry!!! THIS IS A BELLAxEDWARD FANFIC!! Again, I'm really sorry for the delay but here it is, chapter eight. Enjoy!

Chapter 8: First Night

I stared back at the girl looking at me in the mirror. She was beautiful. Her now long brown hair had been pinned up with elegant silver pins allowing some lose curls to cascade down the sides of her face framing it. A beautiful silk evening dress clung to her perfect curves making her rival even Rosalie's beauty. However when I looked into the mirror I no longer saw Bella. She was gone. I gave myself one more glance over before walking out of the room without a sound, and with the image burning in my head.

The world around me was tinted a dark shade of black by the limo's windows. I was to attend Lady Jessica's (sound familiar?) ball alone, as my 'coming out into society' ball. Ugh, this whole thing was so stupid. Here I was, sitting in the back of a limo, in a ridiculously expensive dress, going to so stranger's party. I thought to myself, but soon realized that that was Bella talking. I tried to think of what Lady Isabella would be thinking but all I could come up with was. Like, Oh my god! I'm like totally like going to a really fancy party! And look at my dress! Pretty sparkles… Okay, maybe it was going to take some time before finding my inner "Lady (Corny much? Lol sorry)."

After what seemed like forever the limo finally pulled up to a huge mansion a grand staircase leading up to it. Right in front of the staircase was several photographers, taking pictures. Several other limos were there too; each filled with ladies and gentlemen, all in their fancy, expensive eveningwear, parading around. I mentally braced myself before stepping out of the safety of the limo's tinted windows. Okay Isabella, you can do this. Just step out of the car, walk up there and mingle with people and you'll be fine. But whatever you do, do not act like Bella! The driver opened my door for me. I let out a breath and put my best foot forward, stepping out into the blinding light of the photographers. I started to cover my face, but realized that is what Bella would do and quickly placed them at my sides, dazzling the cameras with my vampire charm. This was one of my first lessons as a Lady. Don't over do it, because now, they were following me around, asking questions, and getting on my nerves.

"Who are you?" one of them asked, shoving a microphone in my face.

"Lady Isabella, a relative of Lord Aro's," I answered.

"Where are you from?" another reporter asked.

"England," I answered with no emotion. This was all part of my new cover and at times I felt like I was reciting a silly rule in school.

"Where is your escort?"

"My what?" I answered back confused.

"Your escort Lady Isabella. Where is he?" the reporter asked impatiently.

"And a while ago, didn't Lord Aro say that you were from Italy?"

"I don't have-," I started. "And England…" I started to answer but he questions were overwhelming and the fact that Aro did indeed say that I was from Italy was a threat to my cover.

"He's right here," a male voice answered in a British accent, standing besides me.

I looked up, bewildered to find none other than Brian Sullivan from my school in Alaska!

"Brian?! What are you doing-,"

"Oh! Prince Brian how lovely it is to see you again! How was your trip?" A blond haired reporter asked.

"Lovely thank you," he said, continuing to speak with that accent. "However, I'm afraid we'll have to talk later because I have a Lady to escort," he said with a charming smile and leading me up the stairs to the ballroom.

I allowed him to lead me, dazed and confused as I was. Why is he here? Prince? I thought he was from Italy! What is going on? These questions swirled inside my head like a fire, burning. When we finally got somewhere quite I pulled him aside into a dark corner where no one could see us.

"Can you please tell me what is going on?" I demanded.

That charming smile lit across his face and it wasn't until now that I realized he had freckles. I had to admit that he was quite cute, for a human, but I couldn't even think about that. Not after Edward.

"Calm down Bella, Aro sent me," he explain as if that would uncomplicated things.

"Aro?! How do you know him?" I demanded once again. "And why did they call you a Prince!?"

"Whoa, one at a time, please! Bella, you're a smart girl, don't you recognize me? I am the Prince of England. And that's how I know Aro. We're old friends," he explained to me as if he was explaining a basic 2 24 problem.

"You're the Prince of England?!" I asked unbelievingly.

"It's true, maybe if you hadn't spent the last half a century in solitude you would know that, now come on, we have a party to attend," he said, leading me away.

"WHAT?! How do you know about that!?" I demanded with more force than all he others.

"Like I said Isabella, Aro and I go way back," he said simply and led me off the ballroom to 'mingle.' Too confused to argue, I followed him and together we explained to people that Lady Isabella had simply moved from Italy to England where I met the Prince. Finally I was acquainted with Lady Jessica and her fiancé Lord Michael. Does anyone see the irony in this? I thought to myself. Jessica was a tall and slim woman. She had wispy blond hair and a very strong nose tat was faced a little too high up if you asked me. She prattled on about the food and the clothing the other ladies wore. Mostly they were complaints and hurtful gossip so I let it breeze through my head. Then there was Lord Michael. He had red hair and green eyes that seemed to be looking elsewhere than at his fiancé at times. Elsewhere meaning the other ladies and occasionally me. He bragged to us about his possessions and his wealth. Oh god, those two were perfect for each other… When Brian (who had been accompanying me this whole time) and I finally could not stand there chatter anymore we excused ourselves and Brian convinced me to go dancing. I have to say, Brian was excellent company, and very charming. While on the dance floor, amidst all the other dancers in their lovely dresses and suits, I could help but think about prom night with Edward. Of course that led to me thinking about my very own Prince, and if he was thinking about me too.

After a couple of dancers with Brian, we found ourselves outside the ballroom and on one of the balconies overlooking the gardens. We stood there together, looking at the moon with neither one of us saying anything. I was starting to like Brian. He reminded me so much of Edward, even though I knew Bella could never replace him. It was strange. Ever since I met him that first day of school, I did feel something, and he was so nice to me. However until now, it seemed like a trust I had with him. But now, after spending the day with the Prince himself, I was starting to think that maybe Lady Isabella could let him in, but as a friend only.

"So Prince Brian," I started. "Is that accent of yours real?"

"Of course it is, I was just hiding it in Alaska. Could you imagine if word got out about me there? Yikes!"

"Why were you in Alaska?" I asked.

He sighed and looked down at his feet for a second.

"Aro sent me to keep an eye on you," he said finally.

"Oh…" was all I said. "So that day in Advanced Chemistry you were just trying to get close to me right?"

"No! Bella I came over to sit with you because I wanted to. Heck, I didn't even know who you were until you told me your name. I'm actually really glad that I took it because now I've met you," he said, with a kindness in his eyes.

I smiled back and looked back towards the moon, before looking at him again.

"I'm really glad I've met you too Brian, now, let's stop with this cheesiness and take a walk in the gardens," I said, moving away from the edge of the balcony. "Come on!" I laughed, and my new friend and I disappear into the green lush gardens, till it was time to go home.

By the time I got back to the Volturi castle, it was early morning and I collapsed on my bed exhausted, basically ripping my dress off and climbing into my PJ's in a half conscious manner before collapsing on my bed. I was too tired to dream, even though I was sure I had an image of Brian and Edward flashed in my head once or twice.

By the time I woke up the sun was high in the sky, indicating that it was noon. I stretched out on my bed and yawned, happy that Jane had not disturbed me again. I put on some jeans and a t-shirt before heading downstairs for breakfast. I quickly made myself a bagel and ate alone in silence before my cell phone rang. I hurried to pick it up.

"Hello?"

"Hey Bella, it's Brian."

"Oh, hey Brian what's up?" I asked casually, taking another bite of my bagel and sitting back down on the chair.

"Nothing much…I was just wondering if you would like to do something with me today," he asked in his amazing British accent.

"Oh sure…what did you have in mind?"

"Just a little sight seeing on horseback. It's the only real way to take in nature's beauty. Sound good?" he asked.

"Sure, sounds great, I just hope you can keep up with me," I said jokingly, even though there was truth behind those words. A long time ago Aro had taught me how to ride, and quite well actually.

"I don't think that'll be a problem," he answered back. "Pick you up in an hour?"

"Sure sounds good, she you then," I replied and hung up the phone. I ran up to my room and started digging around for my britches. Ugh, come on they've got to be here…

"Looking for these?" Jane asked casually, holding up my beige britches.

"Yes!" I replied in relief, jumping up to get them.

"Hold on there not so fast," Jane answered. "First you've got to tell me where you are going."

"I'm going with Brian to do some sight seeing okay? No give me the pants Jane!" I demanded.

"Prince Brian!?" she asked shocked. "A.K.A. the guy that has never had a girlfriend or been in a relationship with?"

"Yeah, sure whatever…" I replied tiredly, reaching for my pants that Jane kept away from me.

"Oh my god! I have to tell the others! Here, take you pants," she said throwing them at me and running off. "Have fun Lady Isabella!" she called back, and disappeared down the staircase.

I merely rolled my eyes and returned to the room, closing it was a thud and locking it to keep anymore little Jane's out.

An hour later I had been fully dressed in my riding apparel. From my black tall boots, to my beige britches, my light blue polo shirt, my Charles Owen helmet and my Hermes crop and gloves. I had to admit, something about being in my riding outfit made me feel…in control, even when I was on the ground. Just then I couldn't help but laughed at how ridiculous I was acting and quickly walked away from the mirror to wait for Brian downstairs. However just as I was coming down, the doorbell rang and one of the maids quickly answered it.

"Hello, is Lady Isabella here?" Brian asked very politely and princely.

"I'm right here!" I called, hurrying down the stairs.

Brian looked positively 'dashing' in his riding outfit. He looked very princely and very… British. He had about the same thing on as me, except his shirt was a pattern of light blue and green. We both smiled awkwardly when we realized that we matched.

"Ready?" he asked, his brown eyes were shining with excitement and I could instantly tell that he was just as excited as I was to get outdoors.

"Yeah, let's go," I said and followed him to the limo that was to take us back to his stable. After we had settled in the car nicely Brian started talking.

"I'm so glad I've met a girl like you, Bella. You're not like some of the other girls that would be running for the hills if they were to go on an all day trip on horseback. I really am glad to have a friend like you."

"Same here Brian," I replied back with a smile. "Just from last night I can tell that this whole royalty thing must be pretty lonely, being surrounded my all those mindless people all the time. Like Lady Jessica and Lord Michael!" I said laughing at the memory of them. "I'm really glad I met someone real like you too."

We both smiled and then moved on to the topic of preferred horse breeds and the trails that we were going to take until the limo came to a stop.

"So, we'll take the Silver Birch bridle path and then follow along the river until we hit Oak Ridge were we'll stop for a snack and then head back on Water's edge?" I said confirming out path.

Brian nodded and we both stepped out of the car, only to be bombarded with photographers, blinding me with there flashing lights. Brian instantly came to my side and together we tried to get through.

"Is it true that you two are dating?" One obnoxious looking reporter asked, shoving the microphone in my face.

"What?!" Brian and I answered back simultaneously. "No we're just friends," I explained, looking him straight in the eye and giving him a little vampire snarl to tell him that I was serious. He instantly shrank away and the other reporters took his spot.

"How long have you been 'just friends'?"

"Prince Brian, how come you have never had another Lady friend before? Why now, why her? Is she 'the one'?"

"What do you to have planned-."

"SHUT THE BLOODY HELL UP!" Brian roared at the top of his lungs, and took their stunned response as an advantage, and he and I made our way through at last.

Once we were safe inside, he took a deep breath and was composing himself again.

"I'm terribly sorry you had to see that, but they can be so annoying!"

I nodded in agreement and we set off again. The royal palace was huge and I've only seen the back of it. It took us fifteen minutes to walk to the stables, which were also quite grand with cobblestone and shiny wood. Brian led me through the barn and let me have first pick of the horses. I picked a dapple grey gelding thoroughbred, with a sweet face and kind eyes, but strongly built body. Brian chose a pure black Arabian stallion and we each tacked up our horses and hopped on. We stared at a walk first but then I gave Brian a mischievous smile and pressed my legs against my horse until we were at a full gallop. I screamed in delight and looked behind me to see Brian trailing after me, with the same mischievous smile I had on before plaster to his face.

"Am I going to fast for you Brian?" I called back to him.

"Not a chance!" He replied back, and suddenly I saw a flash of black before I realized that Brian was now ahead of my, laughing.

By the time we reached the end of the bridle path our horses were drenched in sweat from the work out and we dismounted and hand walked them along the river for a while, allowing them to cool off and drink.

We talked about the scenery and other various things like out favorites and a little bit of our backgrounds. Before we knew it we were at Oak's Ridge where we stopped to tie the horses up and Brian brought out a picnic basket from god knows where.

"Hungry?" he asked.

"Famished, thanks," I said, walking over to the basket but somehow managing to trip and fall on Brian, in a very awkward position.

"Sorry," I muttered, turning bright red, and seated myself opposite him on the blanket laid out.

"No need, I was just glad I was able to break your fall!" he replied back.

"Apple?"

"Sure, thanks," I said, taking a big bite out of it.

"So where did you learn to ride like that?" he asked.

"Aro taught me, during my half a century in solitude." I looked at him for a while before risking to say," You know don't you?"

"About your family?"

"Yes. You know how we're…'different'?"

"Yes," he replied back.

"How long have you known?" I asked.

"Since before you as a human. Bella…you should know that, I'm a vampire too."

Please review!!!! I know it was short and Edward wasn't in this one but I'm sorry!!!! He's coming later on though don't worry, and the is a BxE fanfic so chill people!!! Love you guys!

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