Okay, so I really really really sorry that it has taken me forever to update but it's just been so crazy at the moment. Wicked busy!!! But here it is, and there will be another on Friday and one on Monday. I can promise this because they're already written. This chapter was really crazy long and has been split into three chapters of which two are ready to be posted the third is nearly done. It's a little light-hearted compared to previous chaps and that's because we need to give Bella a little sanity time. It can't be all crazy all the time. But don't worry if you crave the drama there's loads to come.

Big thanks to my girls you know who you are!

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23/24. Party Girl

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BPOV

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Summary of the previous chapter: Jess has left Forks and Mike isn't talking to Bella and Bella's not talking to Jake. Bella has decided she has had enough of being the pathetically depressed and miserable girl whose life is falling apart. She has decided to go and have some fun with the girls and attend Tyler's party on Saturday night – she is going to be the old Bella, the one before James.

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Saturday Afternoon

"You are not going unless Jake is going with you and that is final!" Charlie bellowed at me as I threw my handbag on the kitchen table. Ever since I told Charlie I was going to Tyler Crowley's party tonight he has been insisting that I make up with Jake and take him with me. It was annoying! I didn't usually have to tell him exactly what my plans were, or even ask if I could go to these sorts of things. He used to trust me and my judgment. I couldn't fathom what I had done wrong to lose that with him.

"Why does he have to come?" I argued.

"Because in light of what happened to you the other week, I would prefer you took him with you to keep you safe," he bit back.

Ohhh, so it's not a trust issue. He's worried about you. Even though Charlie meant well, it still annoyed me. I didn't need Jake to baby me, and he was nearly two years younger than me for Christ's sake.

"Safe? Him trying to make out with me, even though I don't want him to, is safe?" I retorted.

"Bella, he is your best friend. So you had a misunderstanding? Big deal," he huffed, showing his annoyance at my inability to get past my best friend ruining our friendship because he lied to me and then couldn't keep his feelings in check.

"First of all, he was my best friend…was…past tense. And second, there was no misunderstanding I made my feelings clear; he just decided to ignore them," I snapped, folding my arms across my chest.

"Well you're not going unless he does," he sighed, taking a seat at the kitchen table. He picked up today's newspaper and started to read, signaling that the conversation was over. But I wasn't finished, I was stubborn and he knew that. I was going to Tyler's and he wasn't going to stop me.

"That's stupid, we aren't even talking anymore." I stomped my foot and then cringed when I realized how childish I just looked.

"I am well aware of that Isabella," he said not bothering to look up from the article he was reading, or pretending to read. I groaned when he used my first name, I hated being called that, it made me feel like a child. And that's exactly what he was doing; he was treating me like a child.

"Ugh, Dad! I get it, you like Jake, he was a good friend, but at the moment we are sort of having a fight and I would really appreciate it if you let us sort it out by ourselves. I will be safe at the party I'm going with Rose and Alice, so Emmett and Jasper will be there and so will Alice's brother Edward –" Hopefully, I added to myself.

"No Bella. Not until you put your petty differences aside and talk to Jake." I had to give it to him; Charlie rarely laid down the law like he was tonight. Usually he let me do what I wanted, knowing I wasn't stupid, but tonight he was really having a go at the whole 'parental' thing. It was a rarity for us to fight, but tonight I was playing the unreasonable, disobedient, argumentative, uncontrollable teenager thing to a tee.

I didn't even really want to go Tyler's that badly, but the fact I was told I couldn't, was making me want to. Yup I was definitely being a terrible teen.

Charlie was just as stubborn as I was and I knew that if I didn't do something drastic then he wasn't going to change his mind. Sneaking out wasn't an option, my father was the Chief of Police, and as soon as he noticed I was missing, the sooner he would turn up at Tyler's with his cruiser, lights blaring - the ultimate form of embarrassment. So I played a low shot.

"I just want to leave this house! IT'S DEPRESSING!" I yelled. Charlie dropped his paper to glare at me, but I didn't stop. "I get why mom left now," I said harshly. "It's like I'm a prisoner in my own home."

I didn't want to do it and immediately I felt sick, but he had left me no choice. The last sentence was the same as the one my mother had uttered when she had walked out his front door all those years ago. I had hit below the belt and I had hit hard.

"You don't mean that." He shook his head, looking like a hurt, crumpled old man, for the entire world to see. I wanted to give in, tell him I was sorry that I didn't mean it. But I couldn't, I didn't want to stay here tonight, I wanted to get out. I needed to be a normal teen for once, I needed the fun.

"The hell I don't!" I continued.

"Bella…"

"Maybe I will take mom up on her offer," I spat. Charlie stared at me wounded. He knew that since now Renee and Phil had settled in one place, she had offered me a room if I wanted to go live with them. I hadn't ever dreamed of going. I still hadn't forgiven her and I knew Charlie knew that, but still he was a little insecure about it.

I grabbed my stuff off the table and the keys to my truck as I knew he wouldn't stop me now. I had played dirty and I felt really bad about it but I wanted to go. For my sanity, I needed to go out and be with the girls and just have fun. Without looking back I made my way to the truck. Mentally I saw the look of fear in his eyes, and I knew that if I looked back and saw it for real I would crumple to the floor, so I didn't.

…

Rosalie didn't hesitate in handing me a drink as soon as I entered her room; and I didn't hesitate in downing it in one go. Her and Alice were already halfway sloshed when I arrived and I wanted to catch up. I hated when others were drunk and I was sober.

"Whoa, easy girl," she giggled when I handed her my empty glass. "What's the occasion?"

"I just had a fight with Charlie and I said some things I shouldn't have," I sighed sadly. I was feeling ridiculously guilty; Charlie had only meant to be caring when he told me I couldn't go. He was worried about me, but I went and acted like a spoiled little brat. Rose waved her hand at me and handed me another drink.

"Forget about it girlie, we have all been there. Tonight is about having fun and getting our party on, so no pooping on it, okay?"

"Yep," I smiled half-heartedly, taking a sip of my new drink. It was delicious, vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice and cranberry-if I wasn't mistaken. Typical Rose, she loved her sex on the beach - literally. I giggled to myself at thought and could tell that I was already feeling the effects of the alcoholic mix. I was a real lightweight.

Alice and Rose were staring at me incredulously.

"Maybe you should slow down," Alice laughed, snatching my drink, downing it in one go.

"Hey!" I cried. "That was mine."

"Now, now," she said shaking her head. "I don't want you so drunk that you scare my brother off!" My mouth all but hit the floor at her words and I felt all my blood rush to my face.

"E-E-Edward is just…" I stammered, unable to finish the sentence.

"I knew it," she squealed, clapping her hands together, bouncing around like room like an annoying small child.

"Knew what?" I questioned, trying to act oblivious.

"Oh come on Bella," Rose chirped in. "You are as red as a tomato. You like Edward don't you?"

I shrugged nonchalantly trying to play it cool, but failing miserably. They both erupted in a fit of giggles at my lack of acting skills and I couldn't help but smile and giggle with them, it felt good.

"Ok, so now that that's all settled, let's get ready and make ourselves look good for our men," Rose announced, grabbing us all another drink. I clutched mine to my chest protectively and evil eyed Alice so she wouldn't get any ideas. She just shook her head and we both cracked up laughing again, nearly spilling the drinks.

Rosalie ignored us, walking into her large closet; she came back out with an armful of dresses in various shapes and colors and dumped them on the bed. They looked expensive and some of them still had tags on. Alice squealed again causing me to block my ears as she dove into the clothes gushing at designer names I had never heard of, she picked out three different dresses and began to methodically undress herself and change in front of us. I turned away embarrassed slightly at her lack of modesty.

"Oh don't be a prude Bella," she scowled at my reaction. "And try something on!" I looked doubtfully at the beautiful dresses in front of me; I wasn't really a dress person. Rose looked at me thoughtfully while I picked up different dresses carefully, then dropped them on the bed when I saw how much they cost or how short they were. She shook her head and smiled before she left Alice and me alone as she re-entered the closet.

By the time Rose had returned Alice had dressed herself in a cute sexy little black dress and a pair of nude heels, she looked gorgeous. Rose gave her an approving nod and Alice rushed into Rose's bathroom to do her hair and makeup. Rose then turned to me and handed me numerous tops, shorts and skirts.

"Try these on," she said. "I know you don't like dresses, but you still have to make an effort if you're coming out with us." She then undressed and tried on a beautiful flirty colorful halter dress. It was a multitude of colors that made her bright blue eyes stand out. She looked amazing, as always, which kind of made me depressed, there really wasn't much point in trying to look beautiful when Rose was around. She left me to try on various clothes she had brought out and went to join Alice in the bathroom.

Eventually I settled on a silky blue singlet that was heavily detailed with fancy beading and a black miniskirt which was longer than both Alice's and Rose's dresses. Alice returned from the bathroom her short pixy hair molded to perfection and her makeup dark and sexy. She frowned slightly at what I was wearing and then muttered something about how it would have to do. She then proceeded, without asking me, to curl my hair and apply makeup. When Rose returned I almost ripped off all my clothes to put back on my trusty jeans and baggy top. She looked amazing, her beautiful golden hair was half tied up and the rest flowed and curled down her back, her makeup was lighter than Alice's and complimented the colors of her dress, she was simply stunning, so much so that it made me feel ridiculous for even trying.

"Argh! What's the point?" I moaned, throwing my hands in the air.

"What?" Alice and Rose asked in unison.

"Look at you two," I said waving my hands toward each of them. "Look at me," I continued, indicting with my arms my plainness.

"Don't be silly Bella, you look gorgeous, look at what Alice has done with you," Rose growled. I frowned at the absurdity of it but went to check out the mirror anyway and was slightly surprised. Alice hadn't done half bad, considering what she had to work with. My long brown, usually plain straight hair was curled loosely around my face, and my makeup was dark like Alice's, but not as strong. I had to admit I didn't look half bad.

"Try these on," Alice ordered chucking a pair of blue strappy heels in my direction that matched my top. I started at her incredulously and began to object-me and heels was never a good combination-but Alice just waved her hand at me, angrily indicating not to argue.

"They aren't too high and if you can't wear them you can change." She left the room again while Rose proceeded to attach the tortuous shoes to my feet.

"So about Edward…" Rose started, as she buckled the shoes.

I looked at her quizzingly and waited for her to continue, not sure what she was getting at.

"Look Bella, I know he likes you, something Emmett said, and Alice hinted at. I want you to know he is a nice guy and I don't want you doing what you usually do with guys…you know… go out with them for a week and then ditch them," Rose looked up at me raising an eyebrow.

"Hey I'm no slut," I defended. Sure some of what she was saying was true, but the way she said it made its sound really bad. She shook her head at my response.

"I didn't mean you were a slut, Bella. I just know you. You have a habit of going out with any guy that likes you just to make them happy. And then you get tired of them and try to avoid them or get Jess to dump them for you. I only want you to date or whatever you want to do with that Greek god brother of Alice's, if you want to. Not if he does and not because everyone thinks you should," she explained as she finished with the shoes and sat down next to me.

I nodded. I knew what she was getting at. I did have a nasty routine of dating any guy that asks. It happened with Mike, before he was with Jess, Tyler, Eric and even James. They all hounded me until I gave in and none of them, besides James, had lasted longer than a week. Usually I hurt them more than if I had just denied them, especially Eric who went as far as to say I was user and had played him. The thing is I had a problem saying no to them. I hated letting people down, so I always got myself into more of a mess by allowing them to take me out on a date, getting their hopes up.

"I know Rose, it's not like that. He's different," I muttered looking down at my drink. "I feel something with him, I feel safe. He is a good guy and I know that, I don't want to hurt him. I know I've only just broken up with James, but I can't help it, I do like him."

"That's good," she smiled warmly at me and rubbed my shoulders. "I just want you to be happy…because I know you haven't been in a while." I smiled politely back at her, trying to reassure her that I was okay, that everything was going to be okay.

…

We arrived at Tyler's fashionably late and I rolled my eyes as everyone turned to stare at us as we entered. Girls and guys alike were openly gaping at us, well mostly at Rose and Alice, but I couldn't help but notice a few of the stares were saved for me. I didn't like it, I hated when people stared at me-it caused me to feel incredibly nervous and usually resulted in me doing something typically clumsy.

I shouldn't have allowed them to dress me like this, I thought bitterly when I caught Eric and Tyler along with some of their other buddies staring at my bare legs and nudging one another. I felt cheap. The only person I wanted to take notice of me tonight was Edward and even then I didn't really want him to look at me the way they were. I pulled uncomfortably on the hem of my short skirt and felt Rose's hand slap mine away.

"Leave the mini alone Bella," she growled, as we entered the Crowley's house.

I searched the crowd of people as we made our way over to a makeshift bar that was set up in Tyler's living room, looking for that unmistakable bronze head. Alice ordered us some tequila shots and some Red bull chasers and I downed them quickly, choking a little as the alcohol burned my throat making me feel a little nauseated, I closed my eyes and breathed through my nose willing the nausea to pass.

"Well don't you ladies look devastatingly beautiful tonight," an unmistakable southern drawl stated. I opened my eyes to see Jasper had approached us, and even though he had complimented us, all he only had eyes for Alice.

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EPOV

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"Dude," Emmett let out a low whistle of appreciation as the girls arrived together hand in hand. "Isn't this just your wildest dreams come true? Three beautiful ladies all touching one another."

"Emmett," Jazz and I groaned collectively.

"What?" he asked innocently. "Wouldn't you love to have all three of them at once? I mean Jesus look at them." He had a point the three girls did look amazing, especially Bella, she was breathtaking and the mere sight of her had my heart hammering.

"Em, that's my sister your including in your fantasy and Edward's too, so no I don't think we are thinking along the same lines as you," Jazz snapped, obviously not happy that his sister's boyfriend was talking about her and her friends that way.

Emmett shrugged, unfazed by Jaspers sudden coldness in attitude. "I'm just saying, you have to appreciate the way our girls look tonight Jasper, and even Bella's looking rather fine," Emmett added staring pointedly at me. Jasper shook his head in clear disapproval at Emmett's obvious hint. I sighed; Jasper still didn't want me anywhere near Bella even though she was no longer with that douchebag.

"I'm sorry Edward," Jasper said. "But even though they aren't together, I wouldn't push James if I were you. He's pretty possessive."

"She doesn't belong to him and I can handle myself," I said dismissively, taking a swig from my beer as I stared at Bella, drinking in her flawless beauty and smirking at the way she managed to still look sexy as she stumbled into the house in those heels, what was she thinking? Heels - really?

"Edward," Jasper warned looking over to where my attention was diverted; the girls had made their way over to the bar. "Don't start trouble."

"Back off Jasper," I snapped. His attitude was really starting to irritate me, I knew he was only trying to look out for us but it was getting tiring. What was even more annoying, as his worry was unfounded, Bella didn't want anything to do with me, and had flatly denied me the other day at school. She had turned away from me when I had tried to kiss her, and then had taken off in that tool, Jacob Black's, car. She had even lied to me about being with James still, when she clearly wasn't. I had been wrong about her, she didn't feel what I felt, and I had been deluding myself.

"Whatever," Jasper said angrily, as he left Emmet and I and made his way over to the girls who were now doing shots. I almost cried out when Bella threw her head back seductively showing off her bare neck, as she downed her shot. She wasn't even aware of what she was doing to me, or the other sorry saps that stared after her. She was achingly beautiful and I had to turn away rubbing my face tiredly as I willed her from my thoughts.

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So not too exciting I know. And I remember promising a kiss, and originally it was in this chap, but it got soo long I decided to chop it into three since it was around 20,000+ words. So you need to review to get the next chapters faster to get those kisses!! (yes I mean kisses as in plural.) And remember Eddies gonna find out about that prick James.

So please review. I work for them :)