Dressing Windows

Nothing from the Twilight Series or Ms. Meyers works belong to me!

EPOV

When I arrived home Alice launched herself at me the moment I was in the door.

"I'm disappointed I couldn't help with picking out Bella's costume. That would have been fun and Roxanne could use my help, you know I would have been a real asset in getting her what she needs," she pouted while the smile never left her eyes. She was excited. It wasn't just the costume for Bella it was the whole idea of me revealing myself to Bella again. She knew it was just a matter of time and she would have her friend back.

Smiling I continued walking to the couch and sat down, "Alice you need to temper your enthusiasm, the anticipation would kill you if you weren't already dead." I teased.

Very nearly dancing she stepped over to the couch and sat beside me. "Well the items you cleverly planted will work out well." She said knowingly. "They're just enough to do the trick, but subtle enough so she won't drive herself crazy." She was smiling proudly. Alice always loved a good plan and ours had no chance of failure. I had much more confidence knowing now Bella still loved me.

"We'll go hunt, I just want to tell Jasper where we're going? Would you mind if he came along?" she asked as she walked to the stairs, looking back over her shoulder.

Nodding in agreement I sat on the couch with a grin on my face. I haven't felt this elated in a year, the monster within me was slowly getting under control. My urges concerning Bella were much more related to the love I felt for her as opposed to my natural instincts. Staying by her this afternoon still stirred the thirst within me, but my love was overwhelmingly stronger. I was becoming accustomed to her smell again, the wonderful way it aroused the human emotions inside me.

I frowned as I realized what a fool I had been this past year, the only thing that mattered was Bella. She was the only reason for my existence to have any meaning. Watching from the sidelines would never be enough, she loved me and I loved her. We would find a way to make this work, as absurd as a situation as it was…a vampire and human in love, we would make it work.

Alice and Jasper's thoughts awakened me from my reflection, they were ready to hunt and I was anxious to discuss the next steps. It was good Jasper would join us; his male insight would benefit me greatly. Alice was great at providing Bella's perspective, but Jasper could help me understand more of my feelings as a man.

This evening couldn't pass fast enough; I was growing impatient to have all the pieces fall into place.

The next day Alice and I were settled on campus, I was going over the final instructions with her before heading to find Bella. "Edward, I know what I'm doing. Please stop nagging me with questions on this. I'll call you later and let you know how everything turns out, but based on what I can see it will go as planned. Now you should leave before you ruin everything." She smiled brightly at me.

Walking slowly away I wanted to stay to witness this moment for myself, but knew in my heart that Alice had it under control. I was torn, this moment was crucial in our plan, yet being with Bella was always the most persistent longing in me. Running at a human pace to my car, I started it and headed towards North Country Books. Bella's workday was to begin shortly, Jasper had called to let me know her last class had let out and he would meet me on Church Street.

As I stood in the shadows across the street, I saw her approaching the door of the store and smiled. She looked lovely, her face held a trace of frustration and I wagered it was due to the cast currently on her arm. I recognized the look from over a year ago when she had to wear the cast on her leg. Jasper approached from the opposite side of the street as soon as Bella entered the store.

"Is Alice in position?" he asked as he watched my face staring at the store.

Nodding my head I continued watching the storefront before turning to him and asking, "So did she have a good day so far?"

"Uneventful, just one troublesome spot. That boy from her house ran into her when she was crossing campus," he shook his head before continuing. "I don't like the feelings emanating from him Edward. He's entirely too possessive and threatening, that boy needs to be dealt with." His face showed concern and I turned back to the store quickly before looking back at him.

"What happened?" I asked him sternly. This distraction was unwelcome and one I couldn't afford to get out of hand before I met with Bella face to face. After her accident he seemed to put things in perspective, now he was back to being a threat, not for long though.

"Nothing serious, he just approached Bella and I could feel her tension immediately. He asked if he could help with her backpack as she walked to her next class. She brushed him off gracefully as only Bella can do. The incident itself was harmless; it's his feelings that trouble me. Maybe we should watch him as well, perhaps Rosalie could help?" he suggested.

"No, I told you he's mine. We'll have Alice keep an eye on the situation, just in case. I can't afford to have this distract me, but I will deal with him once Bella knows I'm back." The anger inside me was building and I needed to calm down quickly. This boy would be handled, there was no doubt in my mind about that, there were other pressing matters that needed tending first.

Shrugging he said, "Okay, but I think Rose would really enjoy playing a while with the boy," he smiled. At this thought I smiled as well, Rose could certainly have a good time with that task. Like a cat playing with a mouse, she would drive him into complete and utter terror. That was not the way I wanted him dealt with though. He needed to know that Bella was taken and not by Ian, someone much more opposing, someone who would rip him apart in mere seconds. That was my responsibility and I would enjoy it much more after telling Bella how much I loved her.

'Your decision' he thought instead of speaking. 'I'll be at home if you need me.' With that he left my side heading home.

I crossed the street in order to be closer to Bella and the store. As I looked into the window I witnessed her sitting on a chair by a table that hadn't been there on my previous visits. Her boss wasn't in the immediate area, so I just gazed in the window watching my love as she struggled with sorting through books one armed. Chuckling slightly as I could see the frustration building in her face.

Stepping back into the corner of the bookstore and the adjoining store, I listened carefully to see if I could hear her boss's thoughts. I needed to focus; thoughts of Bella always distracted me. I heard his thoughts as he began approaching Bella, 'I don't know why she seemed so upset when I asked her to merchandise the window? I thought it would be a nice change of pace and something she could easily manage with one arm.'

"Bella," he said to get her attention. "If you don't want to dress the window, I'll do it. My intent was to give you a task that could be easily managed with one arm."

"No, I'm fine. Are you sure you want to put all these books in the window?" she questioned him.

"Yes, one of my better customers suggested it after seeing my display over there. Apparently interest is increasing on this subject." His statement finished in a questioning tone. 'Halloween brings out different interests…'

I heard Bella standing at that moment and I made my way to the other side of the store to get another look through the window. Her boss was helping her to carry a pile of books to just below the window and I pulled back quickly and crossed the street.

Bella climbed into the window and began setting up the books into a display complete with Halloween decorations. It took her about 2 hours to complete her task and she stepped out of the window and came out the door shortly to survey her work. Shrugging her shoulders she walked back inside. I hurried over to see the result of her efforts. I had to bite back the laugh that threatened to expose me; there in the window was an assortment of books…the subject matter all related. Vampires! This had to be the work of Alice; she had to be behind this stunt.

Just then my cell phone vibrated, opening the phone I moved quickly back to my position across the street. Laughing I answered, "Hello Alice. Nice touch!"

Her melodic laugh came through the phone, "I thought you would like that. It's my surprise to you. I stopped in yesterday and suggested that a window display on vampires was sure to draw in customers." She was still laughing. "He, of course, couldn't resist my recommendation."

"Don't you think perhaps that's taking it a bit too far? You could be tipping our hand too soon." I stated as I began to worry this might be making it too obvious to Bella.

"No, I checked. Don't worry; she just thinks it's a strange coincidence. As our plan progresses though she's going to put all the pieces together; our Bella is too perceptive to not see our role in this." She said still chuckling.

"Well how did your assignment go? Are we still on schedule?" I asked beginning to get anxious. Alice's role today was critical to moving forward, if she failed the whole plan would need to be revised, not something I wanted to consider. The thought of having to change our tactics made me apprehensive, the sooner our plans fell into place the sooner Bella would know how much I loved her.

"We're on, she was great Edward. She wants to meet you, in fact she'd like to speak with you right now, I think she has a few choice things to say." She giggled. "I told her I was calling you to come help with my car, are you ready?" she asked nervously.

Thinking briefly before answering, I looked up to see Ian walking down the sidewalk. "I'll be there shortly, where are you?" I asked.

"We're inside the Student Center, don't make it too fast…she thinks you're at home. And Edward, as much as I love your impeccable taste in attire you should look a little disheveled. Remember you're a mess!" she stressed.

"It will be my most impressive performance Alice." I said while watching Ian enter the store. "Let me just have Emmett come watch over Bella, I'll be right there." Hanging up I dialed Emmett and asked him to come.

While I was waiting my thoughts went over the task Alice had just achieved. She was to sit outside the Student Center waiting for Roxanne. Her performance was to appear inconsolable, crying deeply. With our knowledge of Roxanne's nature, we knew she wouldn't be able to resist a crying young woman. Once Roxanne approached to comfort her, Alice would begin protesting how silly she was. Explaining it was a combination of things hitting her all at once, she was having car trouble but mostly her tears were for her brother who was severely depressed. She would spin the tale, although she probably didn't have too much spinning to do considering my behavior this past year.

Our goal was to let Roxanne know how miserable I was without Bella and how it was destroying our family. If Alice and I were correct, Roxanne wouldn't be able to resist attempting to soothe Alice's mind.

Emmett arrived and I instructed him that he was to stay close to Ian and Bella, if they came anywhere near the Student Center he needed to alert us immediately. He winked and said, "No problem, I'll make sure they steer clear."

"Emmett, it's important you don't pull any stunts. I need to know you won't do anything, this is too important." I lectured.

"I've got your back Edward, go take care of business. I promise nothing will happen." He shoved me slightly towards the direction of my car. I glanced over my shoulder as I walked away, my nerves were unraveling, putting this much faith in Emmett's unpredictable nature was a strain.

Taking my time driving to the campus was a struggle even without my love for speed. I was apprehensive and needed to get there. Exiting my car, I pulled my shirt out of my pants, slouched my shoulders and hung my head. Walking slowly shuffling my feet, I entered the Student Center. This must be the performance of a lifetime, convincing Roxanne that Bella and I belonged to each other was critical.

Stopping in the doorway, I looked around the room. I saw them immediately, but made it appear it was an effort to find them. Alice waved at me, calling me forward. Shuffling over with my hands in my pockets, I asked in a monotone voice "Alice, where's your car? I'll stay while the tow truck comes; you can take mine. Let me have your keys?"

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Roxanne surveying me. At first her eyes registered my looks with the typical reaction of most females and then her eyes hardened and she sat still watching me carefully. I listened to her thoughts, 'Oh My God, Bella was right he's gorgeous. That's not the point; this is the jerk that destroyed her. Well, we'll just see how remorseful he is. From what Alice says, he's devastated and barely speaks to anyone. Maybe he's in worse shape than Bella, good he probably deserves it. She's at least going to school, working and trying to get on with life.'

"Edward, I'd like you to meet a new friend of mine," she gestured her hand to Roxanne. "She was kind enough to sit with me while I waited for you." She smiled at Roxanne, "Roxanne this is my brother Edward."

"Nice to meet you Edward, your sister and I were just getting to know each other. She was so upset about the car, she looked like she needed a friend." She said stiffly. She was still accessing me, waiting for something to assure her that I was right for Bella.

"That was nice of you, thanks. Alice has been a little distracted lately." I looked at Alice sympathetically. "Sorry Alice, I know you didn't need this. You can use my car as long as it takes to get yours back in running order. Well, I'll just call the tow company and wait by your car." Looking back at Roxanne I said, "Nice to meet you and thanks again."

I turned away after getting Alice's keys before Roxanne said, "Wait, sit for a minute. I want to tell you something Alice and I discovered." She said quickly before I could get too far. Smiling faintly before putting on my mask of despair, I turned back looking at her puzzled.

Looking from her to Alice and then back, "You…seem nice...and I don't want to appear rude, but I really would like to get home." I stuttered and forced a smile.

Alice jumped up and said, "No Edward, really take my chair. I'll get another, you should hear what Roxanne has to say." She walked away to get a chair while I sat and looked at Roxanne expectantly.

"Well, it really is my pleasure to meet you," she began as she sat back in her chair. "in talking with Alice it turns out we have a mutual friend. When she told me you were originally from Washington State and had just moved here, I thought of my roommate immediately. And then," she hesitated and looked at me piercingly. 'He really is handsome, I can see why Bella is having such a hard time forgetting him.'

Alice chimed in, "I hope you don't mind Edward, but I was just so upset I couldn't get control of my emotions. Roxanne was so kind, I just started pouring my troubles out and I may have mentioned your state of mind." She whispered the last part looking down at her hands. She really was doing a great job of performing, no wonder Roxanne was cooperating. Well, it would take both of us to make this convincing.

My face changed from a mask of bland interest to one of horror. "You did what?" I stood pushing back the chair, "This is my business. Leave me alone." I walked around her chair stomping towards the door.

"Stop, wait." Roxanne called out. "My roommate is Bella Swan!"

I stopped in my tracks and smiled at the door before turning back with a look of shock. Standing, staring at her as if my ears were deceiving me I said, "What did you just say?" I took a few small steps towards them.

"That's right Edward." Alice said as she beamed. "Please stay and listen. Please" she pleaded.

Walking back over I looked at Roxanne and said, "Bella…Bella's in Vermont?"

She bobbed her head up and down, "Yes and I think we should talk now, don't you?" 'I'm not about to let him near Bella for one second unless I find out more about him.'

I sat stiffly in the chair staring at the floor as if hearing this information for the first time. Looking back at her, she was smiling slightly. "What, how…Oh God." I stammered while sitting back in the chair and running my hands through my hair. "How is she?" I asked anxiously.

Roxanne sat back and smiled, "Well before I tell you about Bella, we should talk about you first. You see, I've grown very fond of Bella and I'll do everything to protect her. Based on what I know from Bella, you're the last person I want her to know is in town. So start telling me your story." 'Let's see how he explains himself, if he's really as remorseful as Alice says…then we'll have to find a way for them to get together again. Drake's going to kill me, but Bella really loves this guy and it's what she needs.'

'Edward, I think it's important that you use everything in your powers to convince her now. This is the point of no return.' Alice's thoughts came to me.

Moving my eyes slightly so only she could see, I acknowledged her thought. Turning to face Roxanne I said with as much defeat in my voice as I could convey, "What would you like to know?"

"Let's start with your reason for leaving her," she said smugly.