So, first off, I have to say how Sorry I am for being MIA for like three weeks. But, things have been insanely hectic around here. Hopefully you all enjoy!!

Thanks so much to my eight reviewers. You're all amazing!

I have to give a special shout out to Kelly Anne because it was her birthday like a week ago...so happy birthday and this chapter is for you (sorry, it's late..lol) AND also to the amazing LP23 who's let me bounce ideas off of her for like two weeks!


Chapter 29: Getting Ready

~The night of nights, tonight, let's dance. On the night of nights, you know we're gonna do it right. It's gonna be a night to remember. It's gonna be the night to last forever.~

It had been two very interesting months.

It was the second week in May now. Graduation was only a few weeks away.

It all was starting to feel surreal these days.

Especially after we got those fateful English papers back.

And, wouldn't you know it, I got a better grade than Jasper.

I was thrilled, for about a minute before he casually shrugged and said "I didn't really put much effort into it."

But, I had passed. And I was going to graduate!

About two or three weeks ago, the entire school was on spring break. I thought I would just get to hang out at home for a week, getting to enjoy the much needed Jasper/Natalia time.

Alas, Alice and Rosalie had completely something else in store for me.

We were to go to Los Angeles for three days. To go shopping for prom of course.

Because, according to Alice, we had to be the four best dressed girls there…so much so that we would even upstage the prom queen.

And it was a very interesting three days:

She said four but, only the three of us went.

"Oh, well Bella isn't really into shopping. She has wisely entrusted Alice and I to pick her out the perfect dress." Rosalie had told me as we waited to board the plane. "But, that sort of takes the fun out of everything. Oh well, that's my sister for you." She shrugged and returned her attention to her magazine.

We were soon on the plane and arrived at our destination within a few hours. For it being April, it was oddly overcast the entire time were there. Which, was a good thing…being as both Alice and Rosalie couldn't run around if it was sunny.

The first day wasn't too bad. We spent most of it shopping for shoes.

"Call me crazy Alice but, I thought you were supposed to buy your shoes after you have the dress?"

"Nonsense Natalia. I know what I'm doing. Here, try these on." She handed me a box with a pair of black heels. They fit perfectly.

"See, those will look amazing with whatever dress you get." Her eyes just sparkled at the thought of dress shopping.

We returned back to the hotel early that night and, after eating something, I spent the rest of the night talking to Jasper. We were on the phone well into the early hours of the morning.

"You should get some sleep, you sound tired."

"I don't know if I can. I mean, you aren't here with me. And I can't very well cuddle up with Rosalie." I joked.

"I see. Well, I suppose you can imagine me there with you, running my hands through your hair, planting small kisses on your face as you begin to drift off…"

"Jasper, stop…" I laughed nervously as both girls looked over at me as he continued explaining our 'nightly routine.' "They can hear you."

"So? There's nothing wrong with the things we do."

"Yes, yes I know but, it's just awkward."

"Nonsense. But, you do need to get some rest. So, just lie down and relax. I'll be there in your dreams."

"Someone sounds rather confident." I teased him.

"Just get some sleep darlin'." He laughed. "I'll talk to you later. Love you."

"Love you too." I yawned before snapping the phone shut.

Within minutes, I was fast asleep. The thought of Jasper being in my dreams was enough to get me to sleep.

The following day was, for lack of a better word, intense.

Never in my life had I tried on so many dresses nor visited so many stores.

And, not just any stores. Every store we went into was high end, offering nothing but the best according to Alice.

Some places even offered us champagne as we shopped. Rosalie and Alice gracefully declined and they made sure I followed suit. But, after the fifth store, I was beginning to think that a little alcohol would be good.

"Absolutely not Natalia!" Alice scolded me "I cannot allow that to happen. I promised your brother AND parents that I would take care of you." She steered me away from the champagne and literally pushed me into a dressing room.

"Here, drink this and just wait." She laughed, handing me a bottle of water as she ran off and joined Rosalie.

I sat in the large dressing room, staring back at my reflection.

How it was possible that the most handsome guy that's ever graced this earth ended up falling for me was still something of a mystery to me.

"Ok! We're back!" Alice bounced into the dressing me, causing me to jump slightly. "And just look!" she hung dresses up around the room.

"Oh, there's no way!" I choked, staring at the selection of dresses Alice and Rosalie had gathered for me in a matter of minutes.

"And why not missy? These are high end designers we're talking about!" Alice glared at me, her face in shock.

"Yea, that's nice…but I refuse to wear something that's going to make me look…well, look like a slut to put it nicely."

"Oh, Natalia…but you would look so pretty in one of these dresses…and I'm sure Jasper will just go gaga over one." Alice smiled…such a sly smile on that's pixie's face. She was up to no good I knew it.

"And you're sure I won't look too exposed?"

"Of course not! Here, I'm pretty sure you're going to love this one…" she took the dress off the hanger and made me try it on. True to her word, I immediately fell in love with it.

"Oh, this one is perfect." I looked at myself in the mirror.

"Jasper is going to absolutely fall over himself when he sees you." Alice giggled.

"It's more likely that I'll trip over my own two feet before he does." I frowned. That would just be what I needed, to fall flat on my face. I would just have to be extra careful when the time came.

But, I was pretty certain that this dress was the one.

And, within a few hours, everyone had their dress.

Thank God.

And now here we were. It was Friday and the day before prom.

I couldn't help but be nervous and excited at the same time.

I mean, I had gone to a few school functions here and there with either friends or…boyfriends but, this time it was different.

First off, I'd be going with a group of vampires who without a doubt would look like movie stars. And second, I'd be going with, and I don't care how cliché it sounds, the man of my dreams.

As excited as I was, there was also a tiny part of that wondered about Jasper's quick acceptance to just go to the dance with me. Yes, I know there was the whole 'not being able to say no' issue. But, if he really didn't want to go, he could've suggested something else for the two us to do and I would've gone with him anywhere.

But, he agreed a little too quick.

"Oh, will you stop worrying about it." I said to myself. I needed to stop looking for drama when there wasn't any.

I had the house to myself again this afternoon after school. Alice and Esme were off looking for piece of furniture, Carlisle was at work and Edward was with Bella.

Which, it was completely fine with me. It was nice to be alone once in awhile.

Well, it just gave me the excuse to dance around the house and cook.

I changed out of what I had worn to school and put on an old t-shirt and a pair of shorts. Well, according to my brother, they weren't real shorts. He said they left me 'too exposed'. There was no one in the house at the moment so I could wear them without worrying about him scolding me.

I threw my hair up in a ponytail and started to boil some water. While I waited, I turned on the stereo in the living room and popped in one of the Cds I had made.

The first track that came on had me immediately dancing. And, for the first time, I actually paid attention to the lyrics and laughed. Who knew that a simple pop song would suddenly remind me of Jasper.

I'm out the door, it's automatic, simple babe

(You know you wanna give it to me)

I'm like a fire, bottle bustin', in your face

(I know you wanna give to me)

So tired of ya being up in my space

(Watcha gonna do with it)

How much more could I take

I'm tired of privates driving

Need a general that ain't weak

When I shut the door leaving with my bag

Hit the scene in my new wagon

Bet he gon' wish he knew

The type of fun I'm gettin into

Peek a boo, he good

Doin' things you wish you could

He's not talkin', he's just walkin'

Like them city boys from New York

This time I need a soldier

A really bad ass soldier

That know how to take, take care of me

I'm so damn glad that's over

This time I need a soldier

I'm sick of toy soldiers

A boy that knows how to take care of me

Won't be just coming over

I don't want no more

Toy soldiers (Break me off)

I'm simply sick and tired of those

Toy soldiers (Break me off)

I want it more than ever now

I realize that they ain't listenin'

Like a princess supposed to get it

That's why I'm dusting off my fitted

Coming back looking delicious

Yes I know they wanna kiss me

Now I hold them at attention

'Cause new Britney's on a mission

This time I need a Soldier

A really bad ass soldier

That know how to take, take care of me

I'm so damn glad that's over

This time I need a soldier

I'm sick of toy soldiers

A boy that knows how to take care of me

Won't be just coming over

"Hah, toy soldiers." I laughed some more to myself and turned my attention to water that was now boiling.

"I hope" a quiet deep voice whispered in my ear, practically making me scream in terror "you weren't calling me a toy soldier."

After taking a few moments to calm down my heart rate, I turned around quickly and glared at him.

"Just what exactly are you trying to do? Kill me?"

"I was just making a simple observation." He shrugged.

"You are anything but." I blushed slightly "how the heck did you get in here anyways?"

"The back door."

"It was open?"

"No."

"Well I'm glad to see that my boyfriend can pick a lock instead of just ringing the doorbell."

"What fun would it be if I simply ran the doorbell? If not, I wouldn't have been able to watch you dance." He leaned in and kissed my forehead quickly when he felt me growing irritated with him.

I didn't really like people sneaking up on me.

"What are you cooking?" he peered over my shoulder when I didn't answer him right away "It smells…interesting."

"Mac and cheese." I turned back around and began to work. As if it was the most amazing thing in the world.

"You aren't really mad at me are you?" he leaned against the counter, looking over at me as I stirred the food, trying to avoid eye contact with him.

"You know I don't like being surprised like that."

"When I heard the music, I knew it was too good a chance to pass up. You don't normally dance around me." He explained, even throwing in a small pout in there.

Did he think that was going to win me over?

"I wouldn't call that dancing Jasper. Clearly you need to learn a thing or two." I replied slyly, finally looking at him.

"I already told you, I'm not a good dancer."

"Well, no time like the present to learn right?"

"Natalia, I don't think I should." He looked down at the ground. I didn't need to be an empath to know he was feeling a bit disappointed in himself.

"Don't worry, I'll teach you!" the idea hit me and I grabbed his hand and took him into the living room.

"But your food." He tried to distract me.

"It'll be fine when I come back. Now come on, this is much more important."

"Why must you submit me to this?"

"It's called payback." I winked and let go of his hand. "Now, I know I said that it doesn't matter that you're not a good dancer. But, you have to have at least some rhythm right?" I let go of his hand and walked to the stereo.

"I highly doubt it."

"But, you have danced before…" I stopped and looked back at him "right?"

"Not in a very long time I'm afraid. Rosalie's always been the dancer in the family. She loves it. The last time I actually danced I was still human. So, I believe that the style of dancing has changed since then."

"Nonsense. Well, not when it comes to slow, love songs." I turned back of the stereo, changing the track number. "wait, maybe I should go change." I glanced down my appearance, suddenly remembering I wasn't really dressed in a proper manner.

"Oh no you don't." he took hold of my hands "If you're going to force me to dance, you can at least make it entertaining." He smiled slyly.

"It's a little embarrassing though."

"But you have such nice legs." He teased, wrapping both arms around me tightly.

"Alright lover boy." I pulled away from him slightly "Let's get you dancing."

"But what if I'm no good?"

"Just listen to the lyrics." I kissed his cheek quickly before the music began.

Take my hand, take a breath
Pull me close and take one step
Keep your eyes locked on mine,
And let the music be your guide

And he did just that. He tentatively took one of my hands in his while I motioned for him to wrap the other around my waist.

"Just go with it." I whispered "It's just me and you here." I encouraged him.

Won't you promise me (now won't you promise me, that you'll never forget)
We'll keep dancing (to keep dancing) wherever we go next

It's like catching lightning the chances of finding someone like you
It's one in a million, the chances of feeling the way we do
And with every step together, we just keep on getting better
So can I have this dance (can I have this dance)
Can I have this dance

Take my hand, I'll take the lead
And every turn will be safe with me
Don't be afraid, afraid to fall
You know I'll catch you threw it all

And then things seemed to click for him and he began to move with much ease and no more apprehension.

Oh no mountains too high enough, oceans too wide
'Cause together or not, our dance won't stop
Let it rain, let it pour
What we have is worth fighting for
You know I believe, that we were meant to be

It's like catching lightning the chances of finding someone like you (like you)
It's one in a million, the chances of feeling the way we do (way we do)
And with every step together, we just keep on getting better
So can I have this dance (can I have this dance)
Can I have this dance

"See, you'll be like a pro tomorrow night!" I praised him when the song was over

"Do you know how to do the tango by any chance?" he asked.

"Yes, why?" that was sort an odd question.

"Maybe you can teach me?"

"But, I don't think there'll be time to tango at prom…" I stopped and narrowed my eyes at him. "I can't believe you almost got me there!" I said sarcastically.

Of course Jasper would know that tango involves some very provocative moments…and personally, I don't think I want to be subjected to that kind of torture. Not to say that it wouldn't be….amazing.

"Another day maybe?" he shrugged, a bit disappointed but a bit smug at the same time. He could obviously sense my reaction to the thought of us doing that dance.

"Yea, another day when I'm completely dressed. Now, let's go. I'm starving." I looped my arm through his and we went back to the kitchen and spent the remainder of the afternoon talking about tomorrow and other random things.

And, it was such a relief to see Jasper actually calm and cool about the whole dancing thing. It made me forget completely that he had scared me half to death earlier.

What can I say? I was a sucker when it came to him. One half smile and I was a goner.


The big day was finally here.

To be honest, I wasn't that nervous about it. I was just planning on having some fun. It was the last big event before graduation. And, after this summer, it would be time for me to leave my family for a year.

So, tonight was all about having some fun with all the people I loved (and then some).

The day started out bright and early with Alice bouncing inside my room to wake me up, telling me that we were going to Salon Alice.

"Where?" I looked at her, still half asleep. She was literally pulling me out of the bed and pushing me into the bathroom.

"Me silly." She pointed at herself. "I'm pretty skilled when it comes to doing people's nails. And Rosalie is the master of makeup and believe it or not, Bella is quite the talented hair stylist."

"Oh." I yawned "That's nice. How much time do I have?"

"About thirty minutes. Edward's already gone. He'll be over with Jasper and Emmett all day until I allow them back into the house."

"Why can I see Jasper?" I semi-pouted. "This is just prom Alice, not a wedding."

"And let the surprise be ruined!" she shook her head "no way. Now, get in the shower, they'll be here by the time you're done."

"Whatever you say." I shut the door behind me and locked it.

Six hours, five different hairstyles, and three nail colors later, I was all set.

"I hope my hair doesn't fall out." I touched the side of my scalp gently. Bella may be talented but, she's rough.

"Oh, but look how gorgeous it came out." She defended herself. She was right there. My hair was all swept up, curled and held in place with a dozen pins.

"I think it's time to put on these dresses." Alice suggested.

All our dresses were pretty amazing.

Alice wore a purple pinup dress that looked perfect on her petite form.

Rosalie had chosen a dark blue gown that had a very revealing back to it with beading. And she owned it.

Bella's dress was yellow. It wasn't as revealing as Rosalie's but it she still looked stunning. It was simple and classic. Like Bella herself.

And then there was my dress. Oh, how I loved my dress. It was baby blue, with the top having aqua and gold sequins, and there were layers of tulle. Oh yea, and it just so happened to stop a few inches above my knee.

We were all in the midst of getting dressed when the doorbell rang. Looking around at the three girls, we all held the same look of curiosity.

"I don't think it's any of the boys." I made my way down the stairs to the front door. I opened it and stood here for a moment, a bit confused.

"Um, hi."

"What are you doing here? Dressed like that?" I glanced over at his attire. Oh, he was definitely going somewhere. Question was, where was he going and with who?

"I was asked to meet my date here." He laughed.

"Your date?"

"Oh, you're here!" Alice came running down the stairs, running straight into his arms. To which he embraced her quickly before pulling away.

"Did I miss something here?" I frowned "Do you two even know one another?"

"Oh Natalia." Alice sighed "We're just going as friends."

"Friends huh?" I eyed her. She didn't fool me one bit. I may be human but I'm still a girl. I know that look Alice was giving right now. It signified anything but friendship.

"I don't think she believes us." He teased Alice and she shot him a warning glare. "I'm just saying sweetheart, maybe we should just tell her?"

"Tell me what?" I glanced down quickly. Their hands were interlocked with one another and he was gazing down at her lovingly. "What's going on here?"

"Oh, fine." Alice sighed in defeat "Natalia, please understand that I didn't tell you in the first place because I was afraid that you would get mad at me. I mean, after everything that happened…" she trailed off, stopping when she saw I knew what she meant now.

"But how? When? How can the two of you even be in the same room with one another?"

"For about two weeks. One night out in the woods. And, it's a work in progress." She smiled, answering all my questions.

"Two weeks. How have you been able to hide this from them for so long? Your thoughts and your scent would be a dead giveaway wouldn't they?"

"I'm pretty sneaky when I want to be Natalia." She laughed "My thoughts are on anything but him while I'm the same vicinity as Edward or even Bella. And, as for the other thing…well, let's just say I've learned to clean up rather quickly."

"And you're okay with this?" I glanced up back at him. "Doesn't this go against everything…" he cut me off before I could finish.

"Let's put it this way, I couldn't say no even if I wanted to."

"Aw, Jake, you're too sweet!" she turned and wrapped her arms around his waist and a bright smile formed on his face as the two looked at one another.

"Well, as long as the two of are happy, who am I to judge?" I shrugged. This wasn't my business. This was between the two of them.

I was going to say something else but, I felt a little uncomfortable standing there all the sudden. As if I was intruding on some private moment.

"Well, I'm going to go upstairs." I backed away from them slightly and made my way back up the stairs.

"See, I knew she would understand." I heard him whisper to Alice.

"We might as well have told her everything though." She scolded him gently "Not like it matters, they're all going to know soon enough." I heard a bit of nervousness in her voice.

Know what? I turned on my heel and looked back down at them. And then it hit me as I watched the two of them interact. A very familiar feeling washed over me and I just smiled and shook my head.

"How crazy." I turned away and made my way back into the bedroom to finish getting dressed.

Alice came back twenty minutes later. Just in time to help me finish zipping up my dress.

"Where's your date?" I joked, looking behind her.

"Natalia, shush." She nudged me.

"Ow Alice, I was just kidding." I rubbed my shoulder.

"He's downstairs. And the boys will be here in about two minutes. God, I'm so nervous." She took a sharp intake of breath when he heard the door open downstairs.

"About?"

"Your brother and Jasper aren't exactly fond of Jake." She frowned.

"They aren't fond of anyone who even looks in my direction." I rolled my eyes. "Don't worry Alice, they won't tell you anything. At least, I hope so." I hugged her quickly, trying to calm her down.

"Come on." She grabbed my hand "let's go." She smiled as we made our way downstairs. Bella and Rosalie had already gone downstairs. And, by the sound of Emmett's whistles, I knew he loved Rosalie's dress.

"Please don't fall." I whispered to myself as I took the first step.

"What did you do to my little sister!?" Edward just about shrieked as I came down the stairs.

"Hey, I did her hair…" Bella pushed him playfully.

"Oh, you look so pretty honey." Esme sighed.

"Yes, very pretty." Carlisle smiled. But, his face was a little concerned.

"What in god's name is she wearing??" my brother started up again.

But, my brother's complaints were barely audible as I reached the bottom of the stairs, my eyes searching for him.

And then, as if just stepping out of one of Alice's fashion magazines, he appeared in front of me…looking as delicious as a slice of apple pie.

"Looks like I won't be the only one having a hard time keeping their thoughts under control." Jasper said smoothly and I just about fainted from the intensity of his stare.

He was not so discreetly eying me from head to toe. When he came back to meet my gaze, there was an interesting look on his face.

"What? You don't like it?"

"Out of all the dresses, this is the one you picked?"

"What's wrong with it?"

"Because," he pulled me closer "Now people really won't be able to keep their eyes off of you. And I'm going a little insane just standing here staring at you."

"And what about you? You're looking quite sexy tonight. The girls will be all over you…" it was my turn to take him in.

He was wearing typical prom wear; Black tux, white shirt and a tie. But, so help me God, he looked anything but typical. Almost like he was channeling old Hollywood (Cary Grant anyone??). Talk about oozing sex appeal.

I know Alice said that my outfit was supposed to make him fall over but, let's just say I was having a hard time standing on my own two feet right now. And, it had nothing to do with the high heels either.

"Darlin'" he leaned down "there's only one girl I want all over me…" he whispered in my ear and my eyes slid shut as I felt the impact of his words.

Jasper Hale was such a womanizer…is is even legal for someone to look that good!

"Alright, that's enough Natalia." My brother's scolding voice broke the moment between the two of us.

"Party pooper." I smirked and turned to face them all. I was pretty surprised that Jasper wasn't freaking out that Jacob was in the same room. Perhaps he was completely oblivious because of this amazing dress I was wearing.

I looked over around the room, glancing over how everyone else looked. The other three guys definitely looked amazing but, there was no comparison. I would have the sexiest date hands down.

"Um, Natalia?" I hand tapped my shoulder gently I turned back around. "I forgot I got you this."

"What?"

"What did Alice call it? A croissant?" he looked over at me.

"Why would you bring me a…" I stopped when it hit me and I about fell over with laughter. "I think you meant corsage?" I finally managed out after calming down.

"Yes, that." He smirked "here, give me your hand." He took it and helped me put it on.

"Oh, don't look at me like that." I giggled some more "You have to admit, that was pretty funny."

"No it wasn't."

"Oh yes it was. And it was utterly cute as well."

"If you say so." He shrugged but his frown soon faded when I gave him an 'I'm sorry' kiss on the cheek.

"Let's get going you guys." Alice tugged on Jacob's hand, pulling him up with ease and they made their way out the door.

Poor guy, he never stood a chance.

I watched as the rest of them left, all looking utterly calm and beautiful.

"Well, Miss Cullen, shall we join them?" my attention was brought back to Jasper and I turned to look back at him.

"Of course." I took his hand and we walked outside to where his car was. Always the gentlemen, he held the door open for me so that I could get in.

"Are you excited?" he took my hand in his as he started the car and drove off.

"Actually I am. I mean I will have the hottest date there." I said a bit proudly.

"According to you." He laughed.

"Well, I'm not changing my mind. It's not my fault you showed up looking so delicious." I mentally slapped myself when I said that.

"Delicious huh? Well, as long as you don't try and devour me we should be fine."

"You never know." I whispered more so to myself than to him.

We finally got to the school where prom was being held.

He helped me out, dropped his car off and was back at my side in an instant.

"Are you ready?" I squeezed his hand as we made our way towards everything.

"Just." He sighed "Don't leave my side okay?"

"Okay."

The music was loud and you could feel the excitement you walked in.

Oh, this was definitely going to be a night to remember.


I apologize for having to cut it off but as you could see, this was getting a tad bit too long. So, next chapter is going to be the actual prom!

What did you guys think? How about Alice's date huh?? What else..oh, the songs used were "Toy Soilder" by Britney Spears and "Can I Have this Dance?" from High School Musical 3. I know, I know..but that song fit so perfectly!

Ohh, and I posted the link so you can see the prom dresses. It took me FOREVER to find them.

Reviews=LOVE and a preview.