Fail.Fail. Fail. FAIL.

I apologize to all you people who are asking for an update. I deserve the word 'Asshole' written on my forehead. I have been so busy. It's crazy. My advice to everyone who is in 10 grade or younger, get left back. Being a junior SUCKS. Horribly. And me being the stupid little know it all, had to take multiple AP and honors classes. Not to mention I think I'm failing college Spanish. Ugh! Whatever.

I'm going to try much harder to get more updates out, and more frequent. I guess I lost inspiration, but now I found it. And now I'm holding onto it for dear life. I hope you wonderful peoples trust me.

Disclaimer man: I own plenty of Twilight merchandise, but I do not own the rights to the actual thing. Depressing, really. The things I would do if I owned Edward Cullen…


Chapter 13: Experience

Bella – POV

"Which color is better? Pearl blue or choral sky?" Alice asked me holding up two bottles of nail polish that, to me, looked exactly alike.

"The blue one." I said flipping through a magazine as I was getting my much unnecessary pedicure.

"Pearl or choral?" Alice pushed. She glared at me and held the little bottles up higher so I could get a better view.

"Alice, they both look exactly alike…" She looked at me with pleading eyes. The kind of eyes no one could resist. Unwillingly, I gave in. "Ugh! Fine, I pick the choral." No use trying to use common sense with Alice, so I'm sure she wouldn't mind me picking one at random.

"Thank you!" She said in a sing song voice, and skipping happily to the other side of the salon.

This was the part of the day that I secretly dreaded. I'm one of those types that hate getting pampered and prettied up for pretty much anything. Part of me wants to skip this whole party altogether, but another part of me is begging to see Edward again tonight.

I think one side is pulling harder. Much harder.

I swear I have turned into a love sick middle school kid, waiting to see her new boy crush in the lunch room. But he isn't a crush. He is my date for tonight. The thought alone made me all giddy inside. And somehow it caused me to anticipate the party tonight with excitement. Sighing, I turned my attention back to the magazine, but not really focusing on the printed words.

The invites were finished, and I didn't dare ask Alice about the whole Tanya thing. I wouldn't want to bug her with stupid things that most likely I am making up. But what if it was her? And what would she do if she saw me with Edward? I don't even want to think about it. I would most certainly not be pretty.

I need to stop thinking about the worst, or I'll turn into a party pooper. And honestly, I don't want to trouble Alice with my intense thinking expressions. I'll push off my troubles till I get home, I'm sure Stewie wouldn't mind if I sulked a little before I have a good time, no matter how ridiculous that sounds.

I flipped the page on my magazine and began to skim through it, not really caring what was written on the page. The time passed by and soon, the lady was done with my toes, and now they had to dry. Was this ever going to end? One thing I inherited from my mom is her impatience.

I groaned as I sat next to Alice in front of the nail dryers.

"Oh, come on Bella. It's not that long. See? Three minutes and you're done. Can I see your design?" I pulled out my foot from the dryer and wiggled my toes. "Oh, they are so cute! Ashley always does a great job."

"Yeah…so after this we leave?" I inquired.

"Silly Bella!" Alice laughed loudly. "We still have our hair!"

I inaudibly groaned and turned my attention out the window. This was going to be a long, long day. But at least I have something to look forward to tonight. A certain little tune sung by Alice and I popped into my mind.

Edward, the latte boy.

-&-&-&-

Edward – POV

"Edward, will you just relax…or just get a new shirt? That shirt is a just a plain failure."

Seth was lounging on my black leather couch, eating out of a bag of Doritos, as I kept fidgeting with the collar on my shirt. It would not just stay flat down. I pushed it down again, but the collar was a defect. Maybe he was right, get a new shirt.

I began to unbutton my shirt as I turned back to my closet. I pulled out a new shirt and replaced the other one with it. I smoothed out the collar to my liking, and took one look at myself in the mirror. I turned around and looked back at my best friend.

"How do I look?"

Seth looked me over once, and then got a humorous expression on his face. "Edward, man, those pants are way to short."

Confused by what he said, I looked down and sure enough my ankles were seen just below the hem line. I looked back at Seth and glared.

"Why didn't you tell me that before?" I asked.

"I wanted to see how long it would take for you to notice a breeze on your ankles." He said with a deep chuckle. I picked up one of my sneakers and chucked it at him. It ended up hitting him on the arm.

"Ouch!...Look, I have some dressy clothes next door from my cousin's wedding. Let me go next door and get them. We're practically the same size. No worries." He said as he sat up, and began to walk toward my front door.

I crashed on the couch just where Seth was just sitting. I pinched the bridge of my nose and sighed. "Thanks."

"No problem man."

I heard the door close and I laid down and made myself comfortable while I wait. I don't have the slightest idea why I am so nervous. I suppose it could be that this is the first 'super' party I've been to in a long time. Honestly I have no idea what to expect. All I know is that when it comes to Alice Brandon, she does not hold back.

But maybe that's not what has my nerves jumping around…I think it's much more than that. It must be the beautiful woman that I have the great pleasure of escorting tonight. Bella Swan.

The thought of her smile brought a smile of my own to my face, easing me. It was so hard to believe how much I am hooked on her. It still amazes me that there is some kind of force pulling me toward her. She was almost like a drug to me.

I desperately wanted to make tonight to be sort of special. Although, it would be hard for us to spend alone time together. I knew well that Alice will have her party packed with the Manhattan elite. And from what I know about Bella, she isn't used to ostentatious parties like the one that would be happening this evening, so I want to make sure that she has the best time she could possibly have tonight.

Before my thoughts progressed any further, Seth walked in through the door and dropped a pair of folded pants on top me. "This should be better." He said.

I grabbed the clothes and quickly changed in my bedroom. This time the pants were a smidge too long, but I rolled them up twice, and they had a perfect fit. I exited my bedroom and modeled the pants for Seth.

"I feel like such a girl right now." He said with a look of disgust. "Seriously? What are we doing?"

"Picking an outfit that would be suitable for tonight?"

"My point exactly." He said. We both ended up laughing very loudly. Afterwards, I looked myself over in the mirror once again. My hair was in its usual untidy state. I slid my hands through it trying to smooth it out. It didn't work, so I left it like it was.

"I guess I'm ready to go." I said, glancing at the clock. It was too early to be ready. I let out a deep sigh. This was going to be a long, long day.

Unless I did something about it.

"So, when are you picking Bella up?' Seth asked from his previous place on the couch.

I paced a couple times, back and forth, thinking. "I'm not sure…But I was hoping she can be ready early. I want to take her someplace before the party."

"Where would you take her?" He questioned.

I took a seat on the chair adjacent from the couch. "I don't know. I want to spend some time with her, you know before the crazy party. But I have two problems. One, who knows how long Alice is keeping her captive, and two, I have no idea where I even could take her." I gave Seth a pleading glance, for a little assistance.

"Why don't you just take her…around the city? Edward, I don't know!"

I thought for another second. "Where would you take a girl?"

"Uhh…around the city? Maybe the park-"

"The park! That's perfect!" I jumped up from the chair and frantically searched around for my phone. I found it sitting on an end table and flipped it open, scrolling to find the number. Once found, I decided to send a text message incase she was busy. After pressing the send button, I sat back down on the chair near Seth.

"Who did you just text? Bella?" He asked, beginning to flip through channels on my television.

"Yeah. I asked her if she could be done early, and that I wanted to take her somewhere before the party." I said, letting my head fall back against the chair.

"So, you going to take her to the park?" He asked. I simply nodded my head. My phone vibrated in my pocket, and I opened to find a new text. I smiled.

"What'd she say?"

I read the text message over, making sure I didn't read it wrong. "She said she asked Alice, and Alice said sure. I have to pick her up in a half an hour at her apartment."

"Good. You got what you want. Now I'm going to go get what I want." Seth said, getting off my couch.

"And what is that?"

"Food. You need to do some shopping your house is empty." He complained, while opening my front door.

I laughed. "Well…blame Paul."

"I always do!"

-&-&-&-

Bella – POV

The text message from Edward made me anticipate this evening much more than I already did. And the timing was magnificent. The stylist had just finished my hair about a minute or two before my phone vibrated.

I asked Alice if it was okay if I could just skip the hour long make-up applying to go with Edward. We compromised on letting the stylist just giving me some eyeliner and lip gloss, and then I can go. She was very reluctant to let me go, but it was the latte boy who was asking, and he is not easily ignored.

Alice, then, had one of her cars pick me up. It amazes me how she always has someone ready for her whenever she needs it. I suppose that's just the way Alice is. Also, her driver was prepared with the dress that Alice bought me for tonight's occasion. I still haven't seen what it looks like.

The driver dropped me off in front of my building. I thanked the driver then climbed the never ending stairs to my apartment. I gently laid the covered dress on my futon and unzipped it. I gasped as I stared at the midnight blue, strapless silk chiffon dress that lay before me. It was gorgeous. It was a flowing dress with oversized sequins embroidered around the bust. The material felt so smooth and fragile. Alice must have spent a fortune. And honestly, I will be trying my very best not to ruin it.

It ended up fitting perfectly. It came down to just below my thigh, at first I thought it was a bit too short, but that nervousness warred off the longer I spent in the dress. Alice had written a note, and left it in the dress bag, instructing which shoes to wear. And much to my enjoyment, they had a very low heel. And the color, of course, matched perfectly to the dress.

The shoes were a little difficult to walk in. I haven't worn heels in years because of my discomfort. But I'm hoping that they will become easier as the night goes on. I'd much rather not be tripping over myself while I'm with Edward. That would be embarrassing.

I glanced in the mirror once more, fixing my dress and hair. I barely even recognized myself. Well, I remembered my face, but not my attire. I felt so different and weird, in a good way, in this outfit. I smiled at my reflection.

A few minutes later, a knock was heard. I panicked and checked the mirror to make sure I looked okay. Answering the door my mouth hung open in shock. There Edward stood looking more like a male model than anything. He wore black dress pants that were rolled up at the ends, a white collared shirt, and a black suit jacket, and a black tie. I felt completely inadequate standing near him. I closed my mouth before he noticed me staring at him, and smiled. He smiled back…crookedly.

"You look beautiful." He said.

"So do you." I blurted out, and then regretted it. "I mean, you look very handsome." Nice save, Bella.

"Why thank you." He said, reaching for my hand. "You ready to go?" He asked. I simply nodded, and he led me downstairs to the waiting cab. He opened the door for me and I scooted into the back of the cab. However, on the seat was a very random loaf of bread. I sat down, and picked up the bread, about to ask what it is doing there, but Edward took it from my hands and set in down on the seat beside him.

"Central Park South." He said to the driver. I looked at him in confusion, and then referred to the loaf of bread. He looked at me, smiling. "What do you expect we feed the ducks without this bread?" He asked.

"Feeding ducks? Edward, I am way too overdressed for that. What if something happens to my dress? Alice will never let me hear the end of it!" As I was ranting on he held up his hand, directing me to stop.

"Don't worry, Bella. I promise nothing will ruin you or your dress tonight." He said. I truly believed him.

The cab ride wasn't too long. We arrived in a matter of minutes. Edward helped me out of the cab, and we walked hand in hand to the pond. We stopped on the grass, and I was mentally applauding myself for not tripping on the grass. There was a grouping of ducks swimming around the pond. Edward held out the bread for me to take a piece. I broke a slice into smaller pieces and watched the ducks as they attacked them.

Edward chuckled as he mimicked my movements. His laughter was contagious, and I giggled too. "Who knew someone could get so much joy throwing bread at animals."

He smiled at me, "I'm not sure, but I am glad you are enjoying yourself."

"Yeah, you saved me from two extra hours of beauty torture." I added, throwing more bread into the water.

"You don't need it anyway." He said. I looked at him with disbelief. Disbelief in that this kind of guy actually exists, and that I can call him mine. I can call him mine, right?

The bread was gone, and Edward escorted me to a nearby vacant bench. We had a perfect view of the lake, and the New York City skyline. The sun was beginning to set and the sky was covered in clouds of different shades of pinks and oranges. We had a comfortable silence, staring at the setting sun. But now I had something bothering me, and it would not go away.

"Edward, can I ask you a question." I should make sure, just incase I start having an overactive imagination.

"Anything." He said.

"Are we…umm…" I paused. "dating?"

He looked at me, confused. I knew it was a dumb question, and I was fool enough to ask it. But instead of telling me how much of an idiot I was, he grinned.

"Do you want to be dating me?" He asked, with one eyebrow raised.

Oh, I see how it is. He was going to just kid around with me. I scooted closer to him. "I don't know…I'm sure there are plenty other attractive guys that can get me free coffee…"

His forehead creased. "Really? But none of those other guys get the pleasure of escorting you to an exclusive party tonight, are they?"

"No, I don't believe so."

He chuckled, ending our little game. He cupped my face in his hands, they were a little cold, but their contact with my skin felt like I was on fire. "Bella," He said before pressing his lips gently to mine. My heart began to race, and I felt like I was about to faint right then. Thank god I didn't. Much to my dismay, he pulled away and removed his hands from my face. He pulled my hands into his, and intertwined our fingers together. "Maybe I should do this the right way." He paused for a moment, before talking again. "Bella, would you like to be my girlfriend?"

I smiled and looked down at our hands. He was so amazing in everyway. There could only be one answer to that question. I looked back up into his vibrant emerald eyes and locked a gaze with him. "Of course, Edward."

He looked relieved, although I wouldn't understand why. Who could say no to him? He was pretty much perfect in every way. I didn't deserve him one bit. But, I'm selfish, and if he wants me to be his girlfriend then who am I to say no?

"Good, because I was not going to take 'no' for an answer" He said giving me a chaste kiss. And I doubted he would.

-&-

We didn't spend much longer at the park. The sun was almost totally out of the sky, and the party was going to start soon. Neither of us wanted to feel the wrath of Alice.

We grabbed a cab, thanks to Edward ability to pull of the 'cab-calling-whistle', and he helped me into the back.

"Hey, you said you had a car…so where do you keep it?" I asked, as the driver pulled into the traffic.

"It's in Somers at my family's house. Like I said, I'd rather walk and do cabs, it's easier."

"Doesn't that end up costing a lot?" I questioned.

"Kind of, but I mostly walk. That's why I got a job close to my apartment." He smiled. I smiled back at him. "I'll have to take you to meet Carlisle and Esme one day. They'll love you. I know they will."

Meeting his parents hasn't ever crossed my mind since we met. Sure he says they will love me, but how sure can he be? What if they end up hating me? He saw the worry in my face, and stroked my hand gently to comfort me.

"Don't worry about it, my Bella." He assured. "They will love you." He repeated.

I nodded in agreement, but my mind was farthest from agreeing with him. I decided to drop the subject there. I was on my way to a party. There was no need to dampen the mood.

"Excited?" I asked.

"As long as you are by my side, I will have the best time of my life tonight." He kissed my cheek.

The rest of the cab was spent in comfortable silence. The cab pulled up to the curb on the venue. Edward helped me out of the cab, and he led me up the concrete steps that led to the main entrance.

The entire place looked so different from this morning. Everything was in its place, the DJ was already playing music, the strobe lights were on, and the bartenders were getting everything ready. On the railings in the balcony were neon colored twinkle lights that snaked around them. The staff was walking around with platters of finger foods and drinks. Not many people have arrived yet, but I know the guest list was very long. I looked around in amazement. This graciously beat every party I've ever been to.

"Bella!" I looked to where my name was being shouted and Alice was sprinting towards me. Her hair was curled in little ringlets, and she was dressed in a silver silk dress that fit her perfectly. She looked gorgeous. "Oh Bella! You're here!" She said, loudly. Then Jasper came behind her, pulled her into a sweet embrace and kissed her head. I almost felt like I was intruding. "Jasper, you remember Bella?"

"Of course. It's nice to see you Bella. You look beautiful." He said, snaking his arm around Alice's waist.

I blushed. "Thank you."

"And this is Bella's escort, Edward." Alice chimed in.

"Nice to meet you." Edward said, shaking Jasper's hand. Jasper nodded.

A large group of people walked into the club, and Alice tugged on Jasper's arm. "Oh! More people!" She said excitedly. "I'm going to catch up with you later, Bella. Enjoy the party." She kissed my cheek, and then skipped off to the new arrivers.

My eyes turned to the dance floor and I grimaced. Edward caught that. "Would you like to get a drink?" He asked.

"Sure." I said. I'd most likely do anything to keep me from dancing.

We walked up to the bar Edward ordered us two glasses of champagne. Figuring we might as well not get started with something stronger. We playfully toasted each other and took a drink. More people started coming in, and the dance floor became more and more popular.

"Would you like to dance?" Edward asked me, after we finished our drinks.

"Do we have to?" I whined.

"You danced with me on the boat, and that was a moving vehicle." He countered

Damn, he had me there. "Yeah, but that was just the two of us. And I have a feeling that this dancing is more vigorous. I'll be falling on my face within the first thirty seconds."

He laughed at me. "Silly Bella, do you honestly believe I will let you fall?"

I sighed. "Fine, if you really want to."

"I'm not forcing you Bella…if you really don't want to…" He looked at me with smoldering eyes. It was obvious that I was going to give in with him dazzling me like that!

"Let's go." I said, reluctantly. He smiled proudly and pulled me onto the dance floor. I didn't recognize the song playing, but a bunch of girls dancing around me seemed to know all of the words by heart. That made me feel so out of touch, but not as out of touch I felt when Edward starting mouthing the words along with the danceable beat.

"He's got two left feet and he bites my moves. I'm not gonna teach him how to dance, dance, dance, dance." I laughed as he guided me in dancing. Dancing with Edward is a hell of a lot less awkward then how I would normally dance.

The song changed once again and Edward knew the words to the next song. He moved my along to its rhythm, that was a little slower than the previous song. I felt like I was weightless in his arms. He made it so simple, just flowing to the music. Was there anything he wasn't good at?

That thought was followed by his velvet voice singing. "You won't be seventeen forever
And we can get away with this tonight."

"I wish I could be seventeen forever." I said. I wasn't sure how he heard me over the blaring music but he did.

"I wouldn't. If you were seventeen forever, think about all of the experiences you were be missing out on."

"I guess you're right." The conversation ended there, and I couldn't think of any other experiences I would need. I had Edward, and we were dancing, and I was not making an idiot of myself. Life couldn't get better.

The night progressed. Alice made a little speech, thanking everyone who came, and her and Jasper shared a slow dance, then everyone joined in. Edward let me stand on his feet while he moved around the dance floor. Soon after the music picked up the rhythm and I was once again surrounded by sweaty bodies dancing like this was the last dance of their life.

I must admit, I was having the best time ever. I was fully happy to be there. It was the most fun I've had in such a long time. And having my personal latte boy with me just made it worth so much more.

Alice came up to me at some point, dragging Emmett and a girl I didn't know with her. The girl was tall, blonde, and overall beautiful. My self-esteem dropped to the floor with just a look at her.

"Bella!" Alice gave me a hug. "Are you having fun?!"

"Yes, Alice." I shouted over the music. "This party is amazing."

"Hey Bella!" Emmett greeted.

"Hey Emmett." Edward and I said at the same time.

"Edward you remember Rosalie?" Emmett asked. Edward nodded, and then acknowledged Rosalie with a friendly nod. "Bella, this is my girlfriend, Rose."

"Nice to meet you." She said. I nodded and shook her hand. She seemed nice.

"We're going to go dance some more, catch up with you later, Bella!" Alice said. Edward pulled me back towards him and we continued dancing to the beat.

It was nearing eleven, and the party was still pumping. But I was completely parched. I asked Edward if we could take a drink break. He nodded and led the two of us off the dance floor. The first level bar was packed, so Edward led us to the upstairs one where it was less crowded. Edward ordered himself a beer, I didn't know what to get so he got me a Sex on the Beach. Surprisingly I liked it. Normally I wasn't an alcohol person.

While we were searching for a place to sit, I saw the face of the last person who I ever wanted to see, ever. The blonde head of Tanya.

So my assumptions were right. This was the thing I was dreading most all day. I convinced myself that it wasn't her name on that list, but it just so happens that it was. And to top it off, I was here with Edward, my boyfriend, and her ex-boyfriend. I don't need anyone to tell me that she was most likely going to start some much unnecessary drama if she knew.

I don't think Edward saw her because he simply pulled out a chair for me at one of the small available tables. The music wasn't as loud up here, and there was a thumping feeling in my ears. I sneakily turned around and looked to see if Tanya was still there. She wasn't. I was hoping with all my might that she didn't see me. Edward must have noticed my discomfort.

"You alright?" He asked, well, more like shouted. He scooted closer to me so we wouldn't have to scream across the table.

"I'm…fine. I'm just a little tired. Plus, it's hot in here." I stated. I better not worry him with my troubles. If I could avoid the problem, I will.

"Would you like to step outside for some fresh air?"

"Sure." I said.

He pushed through the crowd, dragging me behind him. We got outside and cool air of the night was very refreshing. I leaned on Edward and exhaled. I had to believe that everything would be fine. He was here, with me. What could go wrong?

"Edward? Is that you?"

That.

That is what could go wrong.

"Hello Tanya." He said. He didn't sound pleased by her being here. But there she was. She was wearing a very skimpy looking blood red dress, her hair in an up-do with blonde waves sticking out. She wasn't nearly as attractive as Rosalie, but she still had her own quality, no matter how skanky it was.

"You here alone?" She asked. I've heard of 'dumb-blonde' but was she freaking blind?

"No," Edward said with some pride. "I'm here with my date, Bella." He pulled me closer to him in a protective sort of way. It gave me some ease.

"So what? Is she your little girlfriend or something?"

"Actually yes, she is." Edward said, getting protective again. I felt like a child, that couldn't open her mouth and stand up for herself. But that's just the kind of person I am.

Tanya turned her attention away from Edward to glare at me. "I should have known someone like her would be a man-stealer."

I stepped away from Edward and took a step towards Tanya. "I am not a man-stealer." I defended. Usually I'd never stand up for myself like this, but she was pushing the limit.

"Oh, I believe you are, bitch."

The spat the last word with venom in her voice. I couldn't sense Edward tensing up and stepping toward me, but I ignored him. I don't know what came over me; I took another step toward Tanya, and gave her a little push. I hated violence, but this was really getting me going.

She regained her balance, and then eyed me with hatred. She sauntered forward in a fast motion and gave me a push.

It was just my luck that I was standing near the stairs. I saw Edward reach forward to grab me, but it happened too quick. I felt myself falling backwards, and never touching the ground. I reached my hands out to find anything to grab a hold onto, but nothing was there. I sucked in a breath and squeezed my eyes shut.

I felt my head hit the edge of a step; it hurt so badly. Before I could register anything else I could feel myself losing consciousness.

And then everything was black.

This was one experience I could have lived without.

I love throwing people down stairs (in stories) it's so much fun! …ish.

Twilight DVD comes out FIVE DAYS before my birthday. Happy birthday to ME! Muahaha!

Poor Bella. I hope you all liked that chapter. Over 5,000 w0rds. New record. I'm very proud. I'm sorry if there were muchos mistakes. I was kind if rushing-ish to get this out to you peeps.

So…thoughts? Ideas? Complaints? Praise?

Send me a review!

They'll make me so happy. And trust me, you guys want me to be happy. Gq2m. (Giggling quietly to myself)