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Chapter 4: Fighting Fate

As soon as Biology finished, I couldn't wait for the school day to end. But I should have known better– Rosalie was waiting for me in Gym.

"Why didn't you sit with us at lunch?" She whined, propping her hands on her hips. I looked at her for a moment, before bursting into laughter. "What?" Rosalie pouted. "I'm honestly just curious! It's not every day that someone sits alone with Edward. You see, he's more of a group type person. Before now, I hadn't seen him alone since the beginning of freshman year, where he got inducted into the Varsity track team," She continued while I changed.

"Track team, huh?" That would explain his screen name. Rosalie nodded before continuing.

"Even though he's a junior, he's the captain. But no one really cares, cause he's the fastest," She finished proudly.

"I didn't know you were really friends with him," I noted, watching my feet, trying very hard not to stumble.

"Tanya made me go to every track meet with her. And then she wouldn't even watch. She'd spend her time texting random guys," Rosalie responded. I tripped on my shoelace– how did I not see that one coming? From the floor, I stared at Rosalie.

"She was texting other guys?" I asked, in a mild state of shock. I should have known she was only dating Edward for his body.

"Yeah, I mean like, everyone has guy friends, but she would be all flirty with everyone. Edward was getting seriously fed up, I don't know why he stayed with her so long." She answered, shrugging. I nodded slowly.

"Hey Bella! Feeling better from yesterday?" A baby faced boy walked over to me. His hair was light blonde, and carefully spiked. His large blue eyes were not filled with concern, but some other emotion. I didn't bother to try and figure it out. I shrugged offhandedly, having not really heard what he said. "So listen, did you hear about the party tonight? It's supposed to be wicked awesome. Oh, I'm Mike by the way. Mike Newton," Mike extended his hand, a bright smile on his face.

"I'm Bella, but you probably already know that." Everyone seems to know my name. "I did hear about the party and I'm going with a few friends."

"Really? Awesome! I'll definitely find you there," Mike said enthusiastically. I just nodded, and he walked away, a new bounce in his step. Rosalie burst out laughing. I jumped slightly.

"Oh god, that was priceless. Promise me you'll dance with him, and make a fool of him," She kept laughing.

"Isn't that mean?" I shot at her, leaning against the wall. Hopefully, coach wouldn't notice me. "Anyways, I doubt I'll be dancing. I can't dance.

"Bella, you have to give things a try," Rosalie urged. "The whole male population is falling for you. Show them what you're made of!" She slapped me playfully on the arm. "And you never did tell me why you didn't sit with us at lunch..." Rosalie continued, pressing the matter. I sighed resignedly.

"I didn't want to get near Tanya and Lauren, and Edward was sitting alone." I replied simply. It wasn't the whole truth, but she didn't need to hear the details. I looked over at her, just in time to see something flash in her eyes.

"Oh. Okay. Well you know, they're not so bad. You just have to give them a chance," Rosalie said.

"Yes, of course I'll give them a chance, just because they hate me before I even get a chance to know them." My voice was dripping with sarcasm as I looked coldly at Rosalie. "Yes, because they definitely deserve a chance." Rosalie looked at me in shock. Coach blew her whistle sharply.

"Girls, get in the game!" She chucked a basketball at me. I ducked out of the way before I could cause damage to anyone, including myself. I watched the orange ball roll away, and I knew that Coach was giving me the evil eye. Rosalie walked away stiffly, and began to play. I sank to the ground, and buried my head in my hands.

The must be something wrong with me. I was pushing people away, and all they wanted was a friendship. Rosalie had welcomed me to Riverside, even though her best friend hated me with a passion. She simply asked me to rethink my feelings towards Tanya. Of course, I wouldn't do that, but did I have to hate Rosalie for being best friends with that bitch?

No. I didn't.

I continued to watch the games, mulling things over in my head. I would just have to apologize for snapping at her, and hope for the best.

"Rosalie?" I asked her quietly. We were the last two in the locker room, and she had just emerged from the changing area. She looked over at me.

"What Bella. Are you going to scream at me some more because I don't want my friends hating each other?" I winced, aware that she just called me her friend. Sighing, I responded.

"No. I just wanted to say I'm sorry for what I said before. I didn't mean to go off on you like that, but Tanya hates me so much, and the only reason is because Edward talked to me."

"Bella don't you get it? She's jealous. Jealous like every other girl in the school, with the exception of Alice. Why? You can ask her for yourself. Bella, even I'm jealous of you. You should see the way guys look at you when you walk by– it's like you're our own little celebrity. They all want you Bella. Obviously, you're too stubborn to see yourself clearly." Rosalie crossed her arms in finality, and waited for me to respond. I was speechless. The person who she had just described couldn't be me, because I knew I wasn't pretty. My eyes were plain old brown, and wide set. My creamy ivory skin didn't have freckles, and my lips were unproportionate to my narrow jaw and pointed chin. My hair was limp and straight, and dark brown. I was slender, but not muscular. Who in their right mind would consider me beautiful?

I knew the answer to that question, but I wouldn't admit it to myself.

"Okay..." I whispered, finally finding my voice. Rosalie smiled weakly, and we started back towards the dorms. I vaguely noticed violently pink posters on the walls.

"Miss Swan?" The person behind the desk stopped me before I could enter the elevator. "You have received a complaint from your roommate, and she requests that you move out." My jaw dropped. Tanya was trying to kick me out of my room.

"I think you have it wrong, sir. You see, Tanya was the one who was hooking up with her boyfriend on my bed," I replied, my anger flaring up at once.

"You don't have to move out, actually. She didn't have an excuse for why she was complaining," The man behind the counter continued. I simply nodded, preferring to deal with this problem later. Rosalie and I continued to my dorm. She plopped down on my desk, kicking off her flip flops.

"Yeah, go on and make yourself comfortable, buddy," I chuckled, withdrawing my copy of Wuthering Heights. Rosalie drifted over to sit next to me.

"So, for the party tonight, I have the perfect dress that you can borrow, it will look so nice on you," She started hesitantly. I rolled my eyes.

"Maybe. Can you pass me my laptop?" Rosalie obliged, and I booted it up. I opened up iTunes, and Viva la Vida started playing.

"Oh my god, I love this song!" She squealed, grabbing Tanya's hairbrush.

"I used to rule the world. Seas would rise when I gave the word," As she sang, she grabbed my wrist and dragged me off the bed. She ran over to grab my hair brush, and tossed it towards me. I bent down to snatch it, and Alice burst into the room, singing the next phrase.

"I used to roll the dice, feel the fear in my enemy's eyes," She danced around in circles, her voice like a chorus of wind chimes. I giggled.

"One minute I held the key. Next the walls were closed on me. And I discovered that my castles stand, Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand." I sang, my voice was nothing compared to Rosalie's and Alice's, but I didn't care. I was having too much fun.

"I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing, Roman Cavalry choirs are singing. Be my mirror, my sword and shield, My missionaries in a foreign field. For some reason I can't explain, Once you go there was never, Never an honest word. And that was when I ruled the world!" We chorused, dancing wildly. We continued this until the song ended, and I collapsed on my bed in a fit of laughter. There was someone applauding from the doorway, and I immediately sat up, feeling self conscious.

Of course, Edward would come to my room at the most embarrassing moment in my life.

"Oh God," I murmured, blushing furiously.

"Hi Edward!" Alice greeted brightly, springing over to him, and clapping him on the back. Since when was Alice all buddy-buddy with Edward?

Since the garden.

"Rosalie, can I see that dress you were thinking of letting me borrow?" I asked, desperate for an escape. Rosalie shook her head.

"After dinner I'll show you. What song is on next?" She asked quickly, leaping onto my bed, and checking my laptop. I shot Edward a furtive look, and caught him staring at me. He chuckled, crossing the room to sit next to me on the bed.

"Looks like the party is already happening," I mumbled. Edward heard, and laughed musically. A small grin crept across my face as he tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. He unclipped my girly bow, and tossed it back on Tanya's desk. His soft hand glided from behind my ear down my jawline to the base of my neck, sliding down my shoulder and arm until it reached my hand in my lap. I bit my lip to keep from saying something I would regret in the morning. His emerald eyes were darker than I had ever seen them, burning with emotion. He was leaning forward slightly, waiting for me to close the distance.

"Oh my god Bella, I can't believe you don't have Check Yes, Juliet on you iTunes. You're seriously missing– oh..." Alice cut her off with a meaningful look. But it was too late, for mine and Edward's bubble had popped. "I'm so sorry... so, can I buy it for you?" Rosalie asked hesitantly, regret etched in her beautiful voice.

"Sure," I replied, my voice cracking. It was irritating, how the fates didn't want Edward and I kissing. A few minutes later, Check Yes, Juliet was blasting from my speakers, and Rosalie was singing at the top of her voice, drowning out the actual song.

"Come on guys, sing!" Alice joined her, but I remained silent. "Bella, Edward! I know both of you can sing!" I shook my head, and Edward just stared blankly at Rosalie.

"Is she drunk?" He whispered in my ear. I giggled, shrugging.

"I never know these things. Rosalie has gotten pretty unpredictable lately." I responded, watching Rosalie and Alice sing.

"Kind of like you?" Edward asked. He was looking at me again.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," I said lightly, giving his hand a squeeze.

"That. Yesterday you were calling me names, and you hated me so much. Today, we've almost kissed twice, and you're holding my hand." He held up our entwined fingers, causing my blush to deepen. And the fact that his voice was low, alluring, and velvety rolling off his tongue. I considered withdrawing my hand, but I was too complacent in this position.

"You guys, we should get dinner." It was four thirty. "We need time to get ready for the party!" Alice exclaimed, jumping up and down. I nodded, reluctantly tearing my gaze from Edward.

I pushed my food around my plate, not at all hungry. I was too nervous about the party. Edward looked at me curiously, and I just shook my head. I rested my elbows on the table, something I wouldn't ordinarily do, and put my head in my hands. Someone's hand was on my back, rubbing soothing circles into my tense muscles. I was so sure I was going to trip at some point during this party, and everyone would make fun of me. I would make sure I wasn't wearing death traps on my feet.

All too soon, I heard the scraping of chairs, announcing our departure. I stood up, and the hand on my back slipped into mine. I glanced up at Edward, and a sheepish smile graced his perfect features. I smiled weakly back, as we started back to the dorms.

Edward let go of my hand on the third floor, and he was about to exit the elevator when he turned back to me.

"See you at seven," He reminded me with a wink, before continuing to his room. Alice and Rosalie waited for the elevator doors to close before the interrogation started.

"You're going with Edward? I so knew it. Pay up, Rose." Alice held out her hand, and Rosalie stuck out her tongue.

"I don't have any money on me." We exited the elevator, and Alice clung to my wrist so I was forced to follow them to their room. "Oh, and we're playing Bella Bratz by the way."

"Bratz? I'm sorry, but I would definitely rather her be a Barbie doll. Bratz are so overrated," Alice countered.

"You guys bet money that I would go to the party with Edward?" I asked, amazed. Alice looked at me like I was mental.

"Of course. You guys definitely have something– he's never looked at anyone like that before. Especially not Tanya." It was Rosalie who answered, and Alice shuddered to add effect. I couldn't help but let a giggle escape. "Okay, so it's time to get you ready!" They cheered in unison. I sighed resignedly, and sat in Alice's desk chair, preparing for torture.

It was much worse than I had expected. They tugged and pulled on every lock of my hair, singing loudly to Spice Girls. But after an hour, it was over. My hair was gently curled– I didn't know it could do that– and swept into a hair band just below the hollow of my ear. A few strands framed my face, which wasn't made up very much. Alice had lightly applied gold eyeshadow and mascara. I had to admit, I didn't look half bad.

That's when Alice showed me a pair of shoes.

"No. No! Absolutely not. I'm not wearing those death traps. They don't even match anything. No, I'm not wearing them." I declared indignantly. Alice pouted, but it wasn't going to work. I was not wearing lavender pumps with bows on the heels. She was being ridiculous. "No, Alice. Rosalie, can I please see my dress." Rosalie obliged, trotting over to her closet, and pulling out a sleeveless dark teal dress. There was a thick stripe of cloud blue on the bottom, with black flowers printed over it. The straps were wide, and made of black velvet, meeting together at the sternum with a lavender and teal design. It was empire waist with a pink, black and blue diagonally striped design a/n picture on site. I gasped– it was absolutely beautiful, but I didn't know if I could pull it off.

"Just put it on, Bella." Rosalie rolled her eyes, shoving the dress towards me. I took it gently, and meandered towards the bathroom. Once in a stall, I unclothed in a dreamlike state. I pulled the cotton dress softly over my head, then situated it on my body. I returned to Alice's and Rosalie's room, still in a trance.

"Oh my God Bella, you look so... well, let's just say a certain brother of mine won't be able to keep his hands off of you," Alice giggled, and I snapped out of my dreamlike state.

"What did you say? Brother? I didn't know you had a brother!" I exclaimed, feeling my nerves bubbling to the surface. Alice looked flustered.

"Oh yeah... about that. I was going to tell you sooner, but the topic never came up. So, Edward is kind of my brother. His parents, Carlisle and Esme, adopted me fifteen years ago, as my parents died. They never made me change my name to Cullen though, so I just kept it as Brandon, and... yeah. So no you know," She shrugged, and made for the closet. I snatched her wrist, whirling her around to face me.

"I can't like Edward if he's your brother! What if something happens between us, and it ruins everything? Or vise versa? I don't know if I could deal with that!" I leaned against the wall, and sunk to the floor. Rosalie stared at us like we had serious issues. I couldn't break down. I could feel a full on panic attack coming.

"Bella, don't worry. If anything happens between you two, I won't drop you. The only way things would go wrong is if you start hating me because of my relation to him. Even though technically, I'm not related to him. I just live in the same house as him. Our town is even rainier than this, I can't begin to comprehend. We just moved from Alaska to Forks, and then we get sent here I mean honestly, precipitation enough?" Alice was babbling, trying to calm me down. But I had stopped listening when she said Forks. We just moved from Alaska to Forks...

"Forks? As in Forks, Washington? As in two hours or so from here?" My breath was ragged. Alice nodded.

"Why? You seem... I don't know. Why does it matter I live in the dreariest town in the world?" She peered curiously. Rosalie was watching the whole exchange quietly from her bed.

"I'm from Forks as well. I've been acquainted with a Dr. Cullen, but I didn't know he was the same. So you're saying you and Edward live in Forks as well?" Alice squealed excitedly, wrapping her arms excitedly around me.

"Yes that's him!" She exclaimed after releasing me from her death grip. "We can visit home together! This is so exciting!" I nodded slightly, my breathing returning to normal.

"Now, finish getting ready Alice. Rosalie and I have been waiting very patiently," I tapped the top of my wrist as if it were the face of a watch. Alice whipped her head around, staring at the digital clock. It read six forty five.

"Bella we're finishing up in your room, cause of Edward and everything. Oh my God, I can't believe you're going to a party with my brother!" Alice grabbed her cosmetics, and danced out of the room. Rosalie and I exchanged an exasperated glance, before following Alice.

Everyone was finally ready three minutes before Edward was due to arrive. I was staring at myself in the full length mirror, my thoughts going a mile a minute. Who would be there? Will there be alcohol? I hope not, I don't want to get drunk and make a fool out of myself. Would I trip? That thought was inevitable. I knew it would happen, even though I was wearing a pair of flats rather than death traps Alice preferred to call "pumps." What would Edward think?

"I never saw you as the vain type, Bella," A velvety voice interrupted my thoughts, and I looked quickly towards the source. My neck cricked, and I grunted uncomfortably, rubbing the spot. Edward chuckled, and loped gracefully over to me. His viridescent eyes bore into mine, and I could feel the heat rushing to my cheeks. It was then that he chose to look at the rest of me, and I felt a rush of pleasure as his jaw dropped. Apparently, he had been too engrossed in my eyes to notice my dress.

I took this chance to examine what he was wearing. This was a first-- I had never before looked anywhere except his face, sometimes his muscular arms, and on occasion, his feet. I had a habit of looking down when embarrassed-- who didn't? He looked exquisite in a pair of khakis, simple, black Converse, and a dark leather jacket. I found myself mentally taking off his jacket to see what was underneath. I scolded myself, before looking back up at his face. His eyes were still glued to my body.

"Like what you see?" I teased, clasping my hands behind my back, and rocking on my heels. Alice and Rosalie tittered. I looked hesitantly towards them.

"Where are you guys meeting Jasper and Emmett?" My voice was quiet, but I was sure they heard me.

"We're meeting them in the reception area." Alice replied immediately. I nodded slightly, and Edward offered me his hand. I timidly took it, and Alice squealed. My blush deepened as Rosalie led us from the room.

"Where is the party anyways?" I asked Edward once we were outside, and Rosalie and Alice were distracted by Jasper and Emmett.

"Erin Teague's house," He smiled at me, melting away all my fear. "It's not far, but we'll have to drive. If you haven't noticed, it's quite cold. I should have reminded you to bring a jacket." Edward's smile twisted into a frown. I wanted to assure him that I would be fine, I wanted to make him feel okay. But a breeze whipped at my ivory skin, causing me to shiver. He grew more worried. "We'll be at Emmett's car in less than half a minute," He vowed, snaking an arm around my shoulders, drawing me closer to him. He chafed my arm, and I leaned into his chest. I could hear his heartbeat pick up, matching mine. I smiled, closing my eyes for a moment as I reveled in his honey and sun scent as well as his heartbeat. I unconsciously took a deep breath in, my lips parting.

"Looks like someone has found a hobby," His velvety voice was teasing. My eyes snapped open and glared at him.

"Thanks for ruining the moment, buddy." I snapped. He withdrew his arm, and shoved his hands into his pockets. I wanted to apologize, to take his arm and wrap it around me again, but I knew that there was no chance of that happening.

Edward helped me into Emmett's Jeep– the tires alone reached my waist. I had no idea how Alice planned to clamber in. I had to squeeze into the seat between Alice and Edward. I sighed deeply, staring out the windshield as the car rumbled to life. I could feel Edward's gaze on me, but he wasn't forward as usual. I folded my hands in my lap, flicking my gaze to them. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Edward's hand reach for mine for a moment, then clasp to the other firmly as he thought better of the idea. I sighed again, looking up at the roof of the car. My hand, like Edward's was itching for company, which resulted in my squeezing my hands together so tightly, I was unsure if I would be unable to separate them. Alice was watching us intently, waiting for something to happen. But I was very confident that if anything would happen– not that it would, because honestly, Edward couldn't feel the same way about me as I did for him– it would not be in the middle of a car with his adopted sister and three best friends.

After about fifteen minutes, we reached the girl's enormous house. It was a pale beige color, with large, white columns gracing the front porch. Square patches of bright yellow rose up in three rows, before a dark roof slanted to a point. A wrought iron gate contained the bright green grass, which was littered with candles. One could just make out a pool in the back, as well as fellow party-goers. I felt myself stiffen as Edward gracefully exited the vehicle, and extended his hand to help me do the same. I took a deep breath, and took his hand, leaping down from the height. I stumbled, and was unable to right myself. But my luck returned as Edward's pale, muscular arms wrapped themselves around my waist, and kept my face a safe distance from the ground. I turned to face him, murmuring "Thank you for saving me again." He shook his head lightly, pulling me into the clutches of his enticing aroma. I closed my eyes, mindlessly wrapping my arms around his shoulders, and giving him a light squeeze. He chuckled, his sweet breath tickling my pink cheeks.

Reluctantly, it seemed, Edward pulled away. I was about to protest when I noticed the others staring at us with wide eyes. This caused my blush to deepen to an unsightly maroon. He chuckled again, firmly taking my hand. I took a deep breath, and took a step towards the house. Edward hesitated, before whispering something in my ear.

"You look so lovely when you blush."

Author's Note: Alas, I couldn't put the party in this chapter, because I have big plans for it. And so, I test your patience. Review please, mes amis!