AN: Before we jump in – just a shout out to DelilahLovett – BATgirl extraordinaire who hooked us up with 2 excellent BAT icons. You rock girlie!!

VIP - And make sure you read the note at the end!!!

Now – for the important story stuff: there is quite a line forming to kick a certain father into the next century…but don't rush to judgment just yet.

As usual, not ours. But HM4 does own wellies, and PM has been thinking about getting some.

Chapter 13: Offense

Digging for the Truth

I used to be such a sucker for these big charity galas. Three things typically happened. First, I wore a tux. And I am aware that I do that very well. That led to the second thing . . . the woman I was with inevitably found herself swept away by the elegance of the evening. She would sit a little closer, touch me a little more often to stake her claim. She would work very hard to make me happy after a night like that. The third was that plenty of pictures showed up the next day. And they were the right kind of photos. Good publicity for CI, for the charity, and for me, quite honestly.

I usually had a few new phone numbers of debutantes, models or actresses come across my desk after one of these events.

For obvious reasons, I was not looking forward to this one. I was still in defensive mode. I wanted to do more to protect Bella, to keep her safe. There was no way that this kind of event would allow me to do that. Bella was more of an offensive player. But I didn't think she fully understood what she was getting herself into. I knew I had to do a better job of preparing her this time, considering my previous failed attempts.

My father remained unrelenting in is his disapproval. Emmett said he refused to discuss any it with him as well. Emmett wasn't particularly forthcoming with information himself. I got the feeling he and Rose were really trying to distance themselves from the family conflict.

My mother called me a few days after the office fiasco. She was cordial, and I could sense her own internal conflict throughout the conversation. I learned my "us vs. them" philosophy from my parents. They had perfected it. Neither would publicly critique the other. But his unwavering anger was wearing on her.

She revealed a few cracks near the end of the conversation.

"Did I hear correctly from Emmett that you and Bella will be attending the CI event at the Met this year?"

"You did."

"I'm pleased to hear it. Does Bella need anything? I assume she is unprepared for such an occasion." I didn't like the way it came off. Her tone was nice, but it referenced Bella's lack of formal wear.

"We've got it covered, Mother," I snapped back.

"Edward, the offer was sincere." She was quiet for a moment. "I loved hearing you play last month. And I've missed your smile." I didn't have a response to that. What could I say? I was touched, but I felt snarky, and if I'd said anything, I might have come down hard on dad, so I told her to have a nice day and that I would talk to her soon.

"Just remember I am here to help if you need me," she added before disconnecting.

On the side, I was putting pieces together to figure out the leak. I had done a full court press on Jess last week. She was on my mind from the moment Tanya pointedly looked at me and said, "Tiffany's Edward?" Still I didn't believe Jess would be that stupid, so I hadn't immediately hit her up. Also, this time, the leak was clearly more internal at CI given the nature of some information that was getting out there. Then again, given her history, I had to see what I could get out of her.

She claimed to know nothing about the current situation. As I was leaving though, she dropped one little bomb, "Mr. Cullen, in my experience, you never have to look very far to find people willing to sell you out."

"Why don't you tell me more about this experience?" She looked down at her desk fumbling with papers.

"It was really more an expression than actually having personal experience. It's just a hunch, Mr. Cullen."

Though we were done for the day, I had a feeling Jess was implying more than a hunch. I would find a way to come at her from a different angle.

On my way back to my office from visiting Jess, I got a call from Jasper.

"Hey Edward, how's everything going on your end? I haven't heard from you for a few days."

"We're still playing it as safe as possible. Keeping quiet."

"I suppose that's the best policy. You are going to the Met right?"

"We are, grudgingly."

"I think it'll work out. Might even be fun. Safety in numbers, right? Plus, Bella will have a friend there."

I had heard about the instant chemistry between Jasper and Bella's friend Alice. I had yet to meet the elusive Alice, but she had clearly done a number of Jasper.

"Can't explain it, Edward. She's just. Wow."

"I think I understand that feeling better than you know."

"I have to admit, so far you are surprising me with Bella, but I stand by my warning. You know she's doing a lot to fit in. She's completely exposed right now. It wouldn't take much to break her."

Oddly, this time, there was no anger in my response. I knew exactly how I felt about Bella, and even if no one else had confidence in me, she did. I knew that his concerns fell on two levels. First everything with my family and the press literally had her on display. That made a person exponentially vulnerable. And of course, she was also exposed to me. I chose to ignore that dig.

"I'll do what I can to protect her, but it's good to know you've got her back as well." He was right. There was safety in numbers, and we needed the support.

Bella continued to surprise me. And by now the fact that she surprised me shouldn't actually be surprising. Everything about her was unexpected. Currently, her primary concern was public perception of her. So, her focus was on appearance and understanding the customs. We had enlisted all the help we could. Tanya and Alice volunteered to assist with the vanity elements. Bella was handling the Tanya issue well, but they had yet to spend any time alone. I had concerns when Tanya offered, but she was actually the perfect person, and she'd been nothing but loyal.

I think Bella was more nervous about the dress itself than the potential of spending time one on one with Tanya.

"I definitely don't need to end up on a "worst dressed list" in addition to everything else."

"Do you know where you're shopping yet?"

"I was going to try some vintage shops in the village."

"Bella, you aren't seriously worried about cost are you? You wouldn't need this dress if it weren't for me. And if you are concerned about how they will perceive you, then this is one time you have to play the game their way."

"I don't even know where to begin, Edward."

"I rather like you in Ralph," I said while sliding my hand on the collar of the shirt she was wearing. She'd confiscated it from the first day, and it had become her standard wardrobe at my apartment now.

"You just like trying to get me out of Ralph," she teased. It wasn't inaccurate, but her comment did set a plan in motion.

I gave Tanya a call the next day.

"Hey Edward, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I'm calling to see if I might influence the designer choice for your shopping expedition."

"I thought Bella didn't want designer."

"I think I may have convinced her otherwise, but I'm also hoping you might be influential there."

"I can try. What are you thinking?"

"Ralph Lauren."

"Any particular reason?"

"It's an inside joke."

"What are you up to?"

"Believe me, Bella will understand."

"I'll see what I can do. You know your mom has been begging me to be involved. She could actually be very useful on this. Would you mind if I called her?"

"Whatever works." I was hoping that no matter what happened that night, a dress by Ralph would be a reminder of our island of what it felt like when it was just the two of us.

Playing Dress Up with the Girls

The day that I had gone to CI to see Edward had been a huge fiasco. It was bad enough that Edward's father formed an incorrect assumption which fueled yet more anger. But the whole media debacle had launched me smack dab into the limelight. Apparently I was the first woman who managed to keep Edward around for more than a few weeks. And they had a field day with my wellies. One column had actually called out my 'eccentric, original style' as a 'breath of fresh air.'

Alice and I just about died over that one. Original style, me? Right.

Edward tried to make light of it, jokingly calling it the 'mystique of the boots.' Unfortunately, having the press watch me didn't create the same thrill as Edward's idealized fascination. They were everywhere, constantly dissecting, always observing. I came out of the pharmacy one day to find a horde of them waiting. My purchase was already safely stored inside my bag. The last thing I needed was for the press to out my brand preference in birth control pills.

I could just see that headline "Bella Swan, a Girl for All Sesonale's."

That attention, combined with the scrutiny that I would be under at the Met had me on pins and needles. Usually, I could care less about fitting in. But just this one time, I needed to. Conforming is scary.

Tanya had been a godsend. She'd been coaching me on the types of people we would meet, what polite conversation was acceptable, and most importantly, the skeletons in their closets, so I would know what landmines to avoid. I had a hard time keeping a straight face. It seems the more money you had, the worse your judgment was. Some of the stories had best seller written all over them.

But the issue of what to wear still loomed. Edward could see how worried I was about finding something appropriate, and offered to take me shopping, but it didn't feel right. More of the kept woman feeling creeping in. Alice was chomping at the bit to help out, but we were talking big time here. Off the rack wasn't going to cut it.

This meant that she was just as far out of her league as I was. We did some research, and found a few vintage shops in the Village that might have something appropriate. We had agreed to meet up after work to make a run at those first. If we didn't have any luck we would re-evaluate options.

But instead of meeting her in the village, I found Alice sitting in the back of the Mercedes when Demetri picked me up. Tanya was in the car too.

"What are you doing here?" I asked Tanya as I climbed in the car. "And more importantly, how do you even know each other?"

"Oh come on, Bella. How do you think we would know each other?" Alice teased. "As for the what, we need to find you something to wear to the Met, don't we?'

"'We' tiny woman?" I shot back.

"Yep, we. You are hopeless when it comes to this stuff, and will need all the help you can get. Tanya is running the show, so why not ask her."

Tanya held her hand up from the front seat. "Ask me no questions, I'll tell you no lies."

"Why do I have a feeling that someone put you up to playing stylist?"

She simply laughed at me. "I have to find something to wear too. Now sit back and enjoy the ride."

We spent our time in the car listening to Alice gush over Jasper. Tanya was a wealth of stories, having known both Jasper and Edward since they were in elementary school. I only half listened as I watched out the window.

We were on Fifth Avenue, but well past all the stores.

"Tanya, I thought we were dealing with what to wear. We've passed everything."

She smiled widely, not looking back. "The joy of being with the Cullens, Bella, is that everyone comes to you."

The car pulled up in front of a gorgeous brownstone ten blocks north of Edward's apartment. Tanya was immediately out of the car, with Alice close behind. The black lacquered front door opened, and a large, olive skinned man greeted us with a large smile.

"Tanya, so lovely to see you. Everything is set up in the solarium."

"Thank you, Laurent."

Tanya led us through the interior of the brownstone. The décor was breathtaking. Warm colors, beautiful works of art and antiques were scattered throughout the first floor. I was about to ask Tanya where we were, when we entered a beautiful, bright room filled with rolling racks weighted down with white garment bags. In the center was a large, low table set with trays holding cheese, fruit, chocolate and champagne flutes. Two wine stands stood discreetly to the side with opened bottles of Veuve Cliquot on ice.

"I like the way you work, Tanya." Alice quipped as she flopped down in a chair. "I will never be able to shop like the hoi polloi again."

"You must be Alice. Tanya's description didn't do you justice."

I spun to see Esme Cullen standing in the doorway, holding a champagne flute. She breezed into the room, and kissed Tanya on both cheeks. Then she turned to give me a quick hug.

"I hope you don't mind, Bella. We thought this might be easier for you. That way you don't have to worry about prying eyes or less than discreet sales associates. Plus, we can have a few drinks while we shop."

I was floored. This must be Edward's parent's house. Why was his mother going out of her way to help? The last time that I saw her was a month ago in Southampton, and while she had indicated that she was not adverse to me, the fact that she would be actively helpful was still surprising.

My eyes darted back to Tanya. She was smiling, and gave me a small wink of reassurance.

I wonder if Edward had any clue that this was going on.

"Come on, let's see what we have." Esme announced.

A woman who I didn't recognize began to unzip garment bags. Tanya settled into a chair with a glass of champagne. Esme handed me one as well.

"Thank you for having everything sent over Esme; it does make this infinitely easier," Tanya enthused. "I had called to arrange for a private showing, but they were giving me a bit of attitude. I didn't want to mention Edward for fear of it leaking out."

"Carlisle would say it's the Cullen name, but I just called Ricky. She and Ralph are wonderful friends, and were more than happy to help out."

Ralph. I wasn't incredibly versed in fashion, but there was only one Ralph that I knew of. He happened to make men's dress shirts.

"I'm sorry, where did you say this was from?"

Esme gave me a small smile, like she was in on a secret. "I didn't, but it's the Ralph Lauren Collection."

I immediately felt my face turn warm. Edward was pulling the strings on this somewhere. If he told his mother why he was so gung ho on this particular designer, I would tie him up with that damn shirt, torture him slowly and enjoy every minute of it.

Alice started laughing. "Ohhh, look at how red she is! I know that face, there's a story there! What is it about Ralph Lauren that gets you all flustered Bella?"

I drained my glass and reached for a bottle from one of the stands. "I think I am going to need more of this."

Tanya and Alice both laughed as I filled my flute to the brim. Esme held out her flute as well.

"Since you are pouring, top me off too please." She darted her eyes quickly to Alice and Tanya, then whispered under her breath, "He always was a sneaky little shit, Bella. If you only knew the things he got up to when he was little."

A model walked into the room in the first dress, ending the opportunity for conversation.

We spent the evening at our own private fashion show. A publicist had accompanied the dresses, and personally narrated the detail on each fabulous creation. They were all amazing. Esme immediately bonded with Alice, charmed by her enthusiasm and fascination in the neighbor's dirty laundry. Tanya led the conversation like a master diplomat, teeing up questions and throwing in anecdotes all while keeping the champagne flowing. Esme never re-engaged in the sidebar commentary she had started.

By eight we were all relatively tipsy and giggling like teenagers. I'd never had a large group of female friends and this was the first true 'girls bonding' type of event in my life. Now I understood why everyone raved about them. There were only two more dresses to view, and I was surprised to say, I would be sad to see the evening end.

"Ohh, Bella! I almost forgot to tell you, I saw the most hysterical picture of Jasper and Edward when they were kids." Alice gushed. "I was over at Jasper's, and there was a picture of two kids standing on the beach with the most awful…"

"…Hair!" Tanya and Esme chimed in. Tanya dissolved into a fit of giggles as Esme set down her flute. She left the room, and came back a moment later holding a silver frame.

"Do you mean this one?" She asked as she held the photo out to Alice.

"YES!"

Tanya continued to laugh. "I take the blame for that one. I really didn't think it would turn out that bad."

Esme sat down on the arm of my chair, and held the picture up for me to see.

"They were thirteen, and decided that they needed more help to look like they spent the summer at the beach. Given that neither of them could tan to save their lives, they went the hair route. Our darling Tanya here," Tanya held up her hand in acknowledgement, "Doused them both in Sun-In."

The photo must have been taken on the beach at Southampton. The outline of the house was faint in the background. Edward and Jasper stood in the sand, their arms thrown around each others' necks. Jasper's hair was almost pure white. Edward's hair was …orange.

"Emmett dubbed him Carrot Top. It drove him crazy. He wanted to shave his head, but I wouldn't let him cut it all off." Esme was laughing at the memory. "I was horrified, of course. His beautiful hair was absolutely destroyed. But it was fun to see him not be perfect for once."

I never thought I would say it, but I was actually starting to like Esme Cullen.

"Bella! That's it! That's the one you have to get!" Alice squealed.

The model had entered the room in a simple ivory silk sheath. It had an asymmetrical neckline that was almost Grecian in its cut, with one strap draping high on the shoulder, the other cutting around the upper arm. I immediately thought of Edward's comment about me being his personal goddess of peace. What better way to reinforce the concept as we ran the proverbial gauntlet?

Esme reached over and squeezed my hand. "We are going to be in the Egyptian wing. It would be perfect."

I studied the dress a bit more. I did love it, but this whole thing was just so…surreal. Designer dresses being modeled specifically for me while I drank expensive champagne with my best friend, my boyfriend's former faux fiancé, and his mother. It felt like an episode of Sex in the City, done Bridget Jones style.

"Let's see the last one. Right now, that is the front runner."

We continued to talk and laugh well after the dress review was complete, fueled by more champagne. I chose the ivory silk. Alice and Tanya both selected dresses as well. We were starting to wind down when my cell phone chirped.

I excused myself to answer. "Hello, Carrot Top."

Edward groaned as Tanya and Alice dissolved into giggles.

"Why can't Tanya keep her mouth shut? I should have known she would tell you that story."

"Actually, blame Alice. Although your mother did bring out photographic evidence."

There was silence on the line.

"Where are you?"

"At your parent's house with Tanya and Alice. Your mom has been plying us with drinks. I think everyone is hoping I'll consume enough to tell them why I turned bright red when I found out I'd be wearing Ralph Lauren."

He actually snorted. "I knew they would come through. Did you tell them why Ralph is so near and dear to your heart?"

"Mine or yours? And no, I didn't. But your mom was threatening to send for more champagne. She is intent on breaking me down, and dare I say it, she's more insistent than you are."

"So you'll come back with a champagne buzz. Hmmm. I could be having a little fun tonight."

"Watch it, Cullen. You may have been pulling the strings tonight, but I've got your number." We both laughed. He was right, and he knew it.

"Come home soon, okay? I love you."

"Yes, Dear." I simpered. Maybe I was more buzzed than I realized. "I love you too."

When I disconnected I looked up to see three curious faces. Tanya and Alice were fighting back smirks. Esme had an expression on her face I couldn't quite read.

We decided to wrap up the evening soon after that. Our measurements were taken, and fittings were scheduled.

Esme walked us to the door, where Demitri waited to take us home.

"Bella?" She stopped me before I could leave. "Listen, I know that this hasn't been easy on you. I…well…there are a lot of things that I should probably say, but nothing will make up for what you have been through in the last month."

She hesitated for a long moment, as if debating how to proceed.

"I apologize for the way I acted when you came to Southampton. You have to understand my position. We've seen a lot of women come through Edward's life. Some of them with less than noble intentions."

She paused for a moment, collecting her thoughts.

"I love Edward with all my heart. He has so much to offer, but he's closed himself off for so long. All because of some, well…" She broke off again. "That day that he played for you in the music room. I haven't seen him smile like that in years. Thank you for bringing that part of him back to life."

I was at a loss. This evening kept throwing one curve ball at me after another.

Esme gave me a gentle hug and kiss on the cheek. "I'll see you soon Bella. Please tell Edward that I'll be sending something to the office for him."

Not Taking Sides

Bella returned from my parent's house drunk and singing a very different tune about my mother.

"I just couldn't get over how gracious she was. A complete 180 from when we went to Southampton," she hiccupped and her hand flew to her mouth. "Damn champagne."

I couldn't help but laugh at her.

"As adorable as you are right now, we'll have to be sure to put a limit on how many glasses you can have the Met. Do not try to keep up with my mother when it comes to cocktails."

"It was just so much fun. We all laughed a lot. I would have never thought your mother had that in her."

"I think you would be surprised how much laughter there was in my house growing up. We weren't uptight all the time, Bella. The four of us used to play football on the beach for hours. Once we were teenagers, she wasn't able to knock us down. My mom's tried in vain for years to tackle Emmett. I still think she's plotting some way to bring him to his knees."

"I didn't mean to imply that you were. I mean, given that you and Emmett came out of that house, I knew there had to be some fun."

"So, I assume you found a dress? Tell me about it." I changed the subject. Happy times with my family were so few and far between these days; it ached to think about them.

"I can't describe it, and even if I could, I'd rather surprise you. Oh, before I forget, your mom said to tell you she would be sending something over to you this week."

"Any Idea what I should expect?"

"No, she didn't give any indication."

She was drunk enough that I saw her coming a mile away. Though I wasn't wearing a tie, she made a grab for my shirt. She lost her balance and stumbled, but I caught her.

"Oops." And she started giggling.

I put the conversation out of my mind entirely until a few days later when an insured delivery required my signature.

There were three items in the package: a jewelry box, a picture, and a note.

I went straight for the picture.

I'd never seen it before, at least not that I could remember. I must have been around fourteen or fifteen. It was taken in the Southampton music room. I was at the piano. There were about a dozen people littered around the room, hugging walls, on the settee, leaning against the piano. Many carried drinks or held plates with appetizers.

I couldn't remember the exact cocktail party; they were quite common. My mother often asked me to play. She rarely did herself because she thought that was too pretentious, but she could let me show off, at least until I turned eighteen.

The picture told a story, but it wasn't really about me or even the party. The lens had been focused on one person in the room. Even I, at the piano, appeared blurred. The only crisp individual was my father.

I stared at that picture for at least a half an hour. I couldn't put it down. It was the expression on his face. Recorded for eternity. It was pride. Genuine, deep pride. I'd seen it on his face when he talked about Emmett at Harvard. I didn't remember seeing it for me. I knew it was real because I was well aware of what fake pride looked like in his eyes.

A part of me wanted to jump into that picture and shake that man. "Why couldn't you just tell that boy sitting on the piano bench how you felt? Just once?"

But somehow knowing that he felt it at all was a good thing.

I knew my eyes were watering, but I would not shed tears over him right now.

I opened the box next. I recognized the earrings immediately. Each one held a teardrop shaped topaz which attached to a few diamond studded links. My father had given them to my mother on their twentieth wedding anniversary. They were actually fighting at the time, behind closed doors, of course. It was during a rough patch at CI, and his attention was entirely on the company for a while. He asked that they not have a party, which disappointed her, and she continued to put pressure on him, but he didn't back down.

Of course, when no party was planned, no invitations received, the society folks began to gossip. People assumed their marriage was on the rocks. For the first time, my parents' names actually showed up in a few gossip sections.

My mom was devastated. It was like she'd received a double whammy. The earrings were more than a consolation prize though. My father chose them because he thought they complemented her well, he said and because the diamond chains meant forever and the topaz was said to remove stagnant energy and promote forgiveness. With my mother practically a scholar in gemstone meaning, he did research to get the gift exactly right.

Now, my mother was loaning them to Bella. Forgiveness. Something I wanted so desperately from my father, I gave readily to my mother.

By the time I opened the note, my hands were shaking.

Edward,

Please tell Bella I thought these were a perfect choice for her, but if she chooses not to wear them, I will not be offended.

Not long ago, you sat at my dinner table and said, "Things aren't always what they appear."

You would be wise to remember that yourself. Appearances are often quite deceiving. He misses you too.

Love,

Mom

I folded the letter, and stuck it in the inside pocked of my jacket. I didn't know if I believed her, but she had my attention. He hadn't given me any reason to believe I was perceiving the situation incorrectly. But there was a time when he was consumed with pride for me. Was it possible some of it was still there?

When I showed Bella the earrings, she practically screamed.

"Oh my god, Edward. They're gorgeous. These must be worth a fortune."

I lifted my shoulders. I had a hunch, but Bella didn't need to know.

"They're Tiffany's right?"

"They usually are."

"No way! I cannot wear something this valuable!" She had the box in front of her, touching the earrings lightly.

"Bella, she wanted you to wear them. They are a peace offering on more than one level."

And I told her to the story of how my mother came to possess them.

"Edward, your dad will recognize these."

"Yes, he definitely will." And I couldn't hide my smile. My mother played this very well.

"What is she telling him?"

"She's not taking sides." Or then again, maybe she was. This was a public statement, and it was unusual for her go that route. Either she thought she could handle my dad's reaction, or she thought his reaction would surprise her. I hoped she was right.

Open Mouth, Insert Foot

My dress fitting was the Monday before the event. I had arranged to meet Tanya at Ralph Lauren at six pm. I was nervous, and wanted the moral support of someone who lived with this type of activity on a regular basis. I couldn't help but have mental flashes of the bitchy sales ladies in Pretty Woman. Tanya was going to be my Richard Gere, and fend off the sharks.

Wonder if they would let us order pizza.

When I walked into the building, sales people were falling all over themselves to be 'helpful.' It brought the fishbowl feeling back full force. I took a deep breath, and followed a woman towards a fitting suite. I can do this, I chanted to myself. I can do this. It's no different than being fitted for a bridesmaids dress.

Then again, I'd never done that either.

Tanya was waiting for me, having just finished. She handed me a shopping bag.

"Here you go. Can't play Cinderella without the shoes."

"You are having way too much fun with this, but thank you." I called to her as I began to shed my clothes. "I do have to thank you, Tanya. I was worried that this would be awkward for both of us, given the history that you and Edward have."

It was an innocent enough statement in my mind, but as soon as it was out, I regretted how it sounded. Before I could say anything more, one of the seamstresses entered the room to help me slip into the dress and assess the fit. She was a funny little Russian woman, who clucked over me, telling me that I should consume nothing but water between now and Saturday, and should consider 'getting bigger boobs.' If I hadn't been so focused on what I had said to Tanya, it would have been funny.

The publicist came in at one point to make sure everything was going acceptably. She gasped when she saw me.

"It's like it was made for you. Promise me you won't run away from the photographers, because you make that dress. A publicity shot of you in that would be worth a year of advertising."

I discounted her statement. Everyone seemed to have an angle these days. I wonder if they realized that there was a live, breathing girl underneath the image they chose to see. Who knew that fame or notoriety could be so isolating?

Once the fitting was complete and the seamstress had departed, I immediately launched in with an apology.

"I am so sorry. I didn't mean for that to sound the way it did…"

"Bella, it's okay. Edward is like a brother to me, always has been. We took advantage of the situation and used that friendship to confuse a lot of people. It hurt people then; don't let it hurt you now."

Her statement confused me, but she immediately shifted discussion to her dress, Alice and Jasper, anything but Edward. After a while, I resigned myself to the fact that she wasn't going to return to the topic, and let it go.

We had only discussed his relationship with Tanya once, the day that the photos of our snowball fight had hit. What had Edward said, rumors of an engagement that were never true?

Was there more to it than that?

EN: Well now, who would have thunk that hanging and partying with Esme could be so much fun? Still questioning Carlisle? Looks as though there might be just a wee bit more to things than we are seeing, eh? Both from Carlisle and from the faux engagement.

Pics of the dresses they viewed and the earrings on the thread. Come play with the BATgirls – they do a great job of finding the angles and calling things out!

We had a little fun this weekend, and did an April Fool's Day BAT parody. We were going to post it today, then post the real chapter thirteen, but ran out of time to tweak it. So here's our deal:

Want to see the parody (in all its silly goodness – Mel Brooks would be proud) – hit that little review button and leave some love. You'll get an April Fool's Day fix of BAT in return.

Here is a mini tease for you to get you intrigued:

He let me out on the corner, and I told him to come back in about 15 minutes. I checked out the window first, and then I slipped inside. I moved quickly, hoping no one would recognize me.

I walked to the back of the store, only stopping to ogle the engagement rings for a second.

"Have you picked one out already?" a sweet voice asked.

"But of course. What self respecting woman hasn't?" I countered.

"Morning Bella. What's up?"

"Hey Jess, I really just stopped in to say hi." I said while giving my old friend a big hug.

Want more? Leave some love!