It's so weird going form one story where Bella and Edward hate each other, to one where they've been in love for a long time. But there's something that's been bugging me. When Jake came out in the last chapter, IT WAS NOT JACOB BLACK! Notice the adjectives I used to describe him: "He shook hands with a boy who had long, shaggy bronze hair. It was lighter than Edwards, though". Yeah, doesn't sound like the dark, long black-haired Native American we read about in Twilight. At all. And welcome, Lithuania, who has joined our story; as well as Wales, Philippines, Holland and Jamaica, who I forgot to mention earlier.

Missing Piece of the Puzzle

Chapter 26: Winter Ball

Wednesday, December 17

"Bella, that dress is gorgeous!" Esme gushed, truly happy about flowing attire.

"Are you sure? It doesn't make me look pale? …Paler?" I asked, uncertain of my skin tone applied to a lighter shade of creamed white. I was unable to get a full view of the beautiful dress, due to the fact my scars were visible on my arms, so I had to have them tucked under one-another against my stomach.

"Sweety, it looks stunning," she smiled sweetly, looking up at me from the leather couch.

The lady who was helping us pick our dresses came in. "Darling, you look beautiful." She smiled, her old, yet still pretty face, wrinkling around her mouth and under her eyes. She had a pearl necklace, a white button up shirt, and a black pencil skirt. Before you ask, yes, we're in one of those extremely expensive places where brides-to-be get their dresses at. Only, I'm not getting married.

I smiled at her, though I still had my arms crossed. "Thank you, Madam Louise."

Esme rose gracefully from her seat. "Bella Dear, we should get the dress." Madam Louise nodded.

I looked at myself in the mirror. "I don't know…It's not like Rose's dress." Rosalie's dress – which I saw yesterday – had no resemblance whatsoever. It was purple, flattering, and, well, nothing like this white one I had one.

"Dear, Rose's dress is purple. As Edward's date you must wear white," Else explained.

"Why?"

"He's Carlisle's son, so as his date, you must wear white. The closest relative's to the doctors at the Ball wear white, as do their dates. Alice is taking Jasper, and he's going to wear white as well. Though he's been to the Ball many times, I'm more than sure he's used to it."

"Oh."

I didn't realize it was a meaning or something special to wear white at the ball, I just thought the dress Esme was wearing was white because she liked it. The same for Alice. (I'm sorry, guys. I'm too lazy to explain the dresses. If you want, go to my page and get the link.) I sighed happily and stepped down from the higher platform. I turned around and looked at Esme, who looked like she wanted to cry.

"You know, Edward has only gone to one of the Ball's, and that time, we forced him on a date. It's going to be so good having the family all together," she smiled, holding back tears.

I stood their awkwardly. I wasn't part of the family, and I was just going as Edward's date. I didn't really know I was bringing a family together for a special event.

"Well," Esme wiped a tear. "Let's buy you that dress; go change and I'll wait for you up front."

I nodded, speechless (the dress was 370 dollars!), and changed back. Butterflies came to life in my stomach, and not because Esme was wasting so much money on me, but because tonight was the Ball. Did I mention it's eleven in the morning? I didn't? Yeah, it is! And the Ball is at seven, but Alice wants us to be 'fashionably late' so all of us, with the exception of Carlisle, Rose and the boys, will be there at seven thirty. That gives the girls nine hours to make me look presentable…not too bad. Except I think I ran out of that natural make-up thing – I didn't bother to learn the name, as long as it worked – that made my scars less noticeable. (Carlisle said that they weren't treated soon enough, and will always be there unless I get surgery.)

I hurried out of the changing room – Madam Louise already took my dress and put it in one of those bags so they wouldn't get wrinkled – tied my hair in a ponytail, and found Esme with a long, black bag. It almost liked like she was taking out the trash, but she still looked radiant, if it weren't for the tip of the hanger poking out at the top. Everything seemed unreal till that moment.

I was going to the Winter Ball. With Edward. Esme and Carlisle accepted me. I was doing great in school. The gang didn't bug me as much. I felt like I was floating as I reached Esme.

"Everything alright, Bella?" She asked worried, but still holding excitement on her voice.

"Perfect," I told her the truth.

She smiled knowingly, but didn't mention it as I took the dress inside the bag from her. Part of it was to help her, the other; I wanted to hold my dress.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

"Are you sure my hair looks okay like this?" I asked.

Esme and Alice sighed. "Yes, Bella," Alice rolled her eyes as she placed an ivory flower in my hair.

Esme shook her head at her adopted daughters' behavior. "You look lovely, Dear."

I smiled at her through the mirror. "Never as beautiful as you, Esme."

She bit down on her lip and smiled. "Well, we'll ask Edward that later."

Alice let out a laugh and stepped down from the stool – she couldn't reach the very top of my head without a little help. "Alright, Bella, you're all done. And it's time to make our grand entrance!"

Esme giggled. "Breath, Alice."

Alice skipped over to the door – usually her spiky hair would bounce up and down, but since she cut it and her spikes were calmer, it swished from side to side. Esme and I shared a look before we followed her out.

The Winter Ball was held at an expensive hotel, in the ballroom, obviously, and we got ready in one of the rooms we were renting out for the day. As we exited the luxury suite, we were met with a wide opening of a stairway. Esme, as Carlisle's wife, was up front, then Alice, as their daughter, then me. Both of them glided down the stairs, their hands gracefully running over the railing. After practicing all day my poise, I did my best not to trip over my dress. The live orchestra continued to play, everyone stopped dancing, talking, and all eyes were on us. My blush bloomed, as I expected – it was inevitable – but I mostly kept my gaze on Alice head. About halfway down, I gathered up the courage to look out at the people. So many eyes and faces, and they were not looking at Esme or Alice, but they were all looking at me. I assume they've never seen me before, nor heard of the 'new arrival'. I took in a shaky breath, then something caught my eye.

The most handsome man in the face of the universe was smiling at me. (No, not Carlisle, Jasper, or Emmett, though they come pretty close.) I smiled back at Edward, glad I found him and the best distraction from the people staring at me. I miraculously reached the ballroom floor, and found my hand being raised by Edward, just as Jasper and Carlisle took Alice and Esme's. At the same time, almost in sync, they kissed the knuckles of our hands gently, never breaking eye contact.

I was on cloud-nine.

Edward and them lead us to the center of the floor, where more people gathered up, and we began dancing. Now, this is me we're talking about – do you really think I'd dance in public without a little help first? Of course not. Rosalie and Emmett taught me how to dance for this, though, of course, Emmett was also willing to teach me how to rebel or do the Soulja Boy, Rose made him stick to slow dance. They were surprising light on their feet together.

After Edward twirled me, and spun me around, people clapped and I was glad to be sitting down safely.

"Really, I think it was her," I heard Emmett whisper behind me as they walked back to our table, which was covered with white cloth and white pedals. The guys were getting us drinks, and I suspiciously tried to tune in. I'm a girl! We love gossip.

"Edward, her dad is a brain surgeon, it's not impossible to run into her at the hospital's Ball," Jasper helped Emmett.

"Look," Edward spoke harshly, still in a whisper. "I don't care. Just…try to avoid her or not get near her, okay?"

As they returned next to their dates, I saw Em and Jasper nod. "Try to avoid who?" I asked when they sat down.

Everyone stared at me, and I lowered myself into my chair. "N-no one, Bella." Edward tried to smile as he handed me my drink, but it didn't reach his eyes.

Emmett rolled his eyes, and we all looked at him. "Come on, Eddie, just tell her; I'm sure Bella is mature enough to handle double F."

Rose and Alice burst out laughing. "She's here?" Alice exclaimed.

Jasper nodded slightly, a small smile forming at his lips. Rosalie gaped at them. "Ohmehgawd, Alice, we have to look for her!" Alice nodded eagerly and began searching the room at all directions.

"Stop, stop!" Edward warned, making sure no one saw. "Please, you're attracting attention."

"What? You don't want Bella to know about Fugly-Face?" Rosalie teased, Emmett smiling wide.

Edward rolled his eyes. "Helga no longer holds interest for me. And I'm sure Bella wouldn't care anyway."

"Now, with a name like that, you just know she's ugly." Emmett shuddered. I gasped. His eyes widened. "No! Not the name Bella, the name Helga. No, no, you have a pretty name. It means beautiful in German, right?"

Everyone groaned and shook their heads.

"Umm, can someone please fill me in?" I felt left out.

Edward sighed. "Nothing to worry about, lo-"

"Edward is too embarrassed about a girl he once had feelings for, right, Romeo?" Alice smiled happily at her cousin.

Edward glared at her.

"Okay, basically," Jasper waved his hands at us, making us get up and huddle over the table, except Edward. "Double F is Fugly-Face, and Fugly-Face is Helga, who Edward was once, for some reason, attracted to."

"I was not attracted to her!" Edward jumped in, quite literally. "And can you please stop talking all lawyer-y? It's getting on my nerves."

Then, someone cleared their throat, bringing us down to out seats immediately. We all looked up and saw Carlisle and Esme with another couple. "Kids, I'm sure you all remember Mr. and Mrs. Oller." The boys shook hands with Mr. Oller, a middle-aged man, and sat back down.

"And who is this young beauty?" Mr. Oller asked, looking down at me.

I blushed, got up and stretched my hand out to him. "Bella Swan, pleasure to meet you, Mr. Oller." Wow, where did that come from? I blushed, again, in embarrassment.

He smiled kindly at me. "Ah, yes, I've heard nothing but good things about you from Carlisle here." Carlisle winked at me as he whispered something in Esme's ear. I smiled at both of them. "This is my wife, Mrs. Oller." He introduced me.

I smiled at her, too. "Nice to meet you." Mrs. Oller had cold, blue eyes, graying blonde hair, and wearing a white suit that hugged her too tight for her own good. She looked like she could win the World Record for many face lifts. I felt like Mrs. Oller could read into my soul as she looked back at me with those eyes.

She looked me over with a disgusted face. "Humph."

Mr. Oller slightly shook his head.

Mrs. Oller ignored me and her husband as she walked to Edward, pushing me out of her way. "Edward, sweetheart, how are you? I see you didn't get a chance to invite my little Helga to the Ball this year, what a shame. You two haven't kept in touch at all. I always ask Carlisle or Esme to get you two on a date, but they never seem to answer." She threw daggers as Esme, Carlisle and me, never giving Edward a chance to talk. "Anyhow, Helga is here tonight, and she's more than excited to see you. Helga!" All of us, including Mr. Oller, jumped back at her loud voice.

Edward and Esme looked scared; Emmett and Alice looked like they were ready for a good laugh; Rosalie and Jasper were frantically looking all over the room for Helga; Carlisle looked like he wanted to say something; Mr. Oller looked like he wanted to die; and Mrs. Oller looked like she was queen of the world.

Suddenly, I heard a high heels clamping down hard on the tile floor quickly. "Ma!" An annoying, high-pitched voice squeaked. I turned around, causing my dress to sway, and saw a girl with bleach blonde hair wobbling over to us. "Ma! Uh, what is it? Can't you see I was, like, te-Eddie!" Her annoying voice screamed. "A-huh, a-huh," she laughed as she clamped past me, running to Edward.

Edward got up quickly, making sure to keep the white covered chair in between them. "Helga, uh, hi, long time so see, eh?" He smiled politely.

"A-huh, a-huh, ya!" She smiled, trying to sound cute. It must be pretty hard when you sound like a squeaky toy… Helga spun around, holding up her too tight dress. Like mother like daughter… Just like her mom, it showed off her curves in the wrong places. "Look, I lost weight!"

"Thank God," Emmett muttered. Esme gave him a warning look, but a smile was on her lips.

"And I dyed my hair. I'm a blonde now!" Helga cheered. "Also, also, I took this therapy for speech thingy, and now my voice isn't deep no more!"

"Don't you mean, my voice isn't deep, anymore?" I corrected. Obviously, she took speech therapy for the wrong reasons.

Everyone stayed quiet, staring at me eye-wide. Helga turned around to look at me, noticing me for the first time. She put a manicured hand on her round waist. "No, I'm talking about my hair, not yours. And you are?"

I raised my eyebrow at her. This girl doesn't eve know me, and she's giving me attitude? See, it's girls like these that get me pissed. I smiled innocently and walked towards Edward, grabbing his hand in both of mine. Helga's eyes (which had contacts; no way her eyes were naturally purple) widened and her jaw fell. Mrs. Oller got red as heck and I could already see the smoke coming out of her ears. Everybody else looked at me carefully, scared to see Helga's reaction.

"I'm Bella, Edward's girlfriend." I said proudly, leaning up to kiss Edward's cheek. He started to smile at me, shaking his head at my bravery.

"Helga!" Mrs. Oller yelled. "Come here at once; we're leaving."

Helga crossed her arms over her chest, gave me one last dirty look, and stomped off with her mother, taking off her hair as she did-

What!

Helga now had her bleach blonde hair in her hand, and her head…it was now covered in dirty looking brown hair, tangled and frizzy. It was a wig?

I looked up at Edward with alarmed eyes, who looked terrified by what he just saw. All of us, including Mr. Oller, Carlisle and Esme, stayed quiet. Finally Emmett interrupted the silence.

He got up, slamming his hand on the table, and looked down at Rose. "Please tell me you're not wearing a wig, too."

5 Hours Later

"-and he was so scared."

"That is not true!"

"So true! Bella, if you had seen the look on his-"

"Bite me."

Alice and Edward continued their family battle, messing around with stories of the past. So far I learned: Edward gave a difficult time when they were potty training him and didn't learn until he was six. On the first day of school when she was in middle and high school, teachers always asked Alice in a baby voice if she needed help finding her class – usually they thought she was, at the least, two years younger. Emmett was always picked on in elementary, so he entered football in middle school and got built up so fast, they always make him take tests to see if he's taking steroids. Rosalie had a huge country accent when she moved to Washington. People used to call Jasper a cowboy and would greet him, "Hey, Partner!", because of the way he used to dressed. Edward had his first kiss with a dog his aunt had – Rufus. Alice was really tall as a baby, but she started growing slower and slower at the age of seven. Edward was called Metal Mouth because he wore braces from seventh grade to ninth. Oh, and Emmett had a sex change done. Kidding!

"Now," the DJ said from his post, "is time for the father daughter dance. Each couple that comes out to floor raises five more dollars for the Save A Baby Girl foundation. Stay tuned for the mother son dance, benefitting Save A Baby Boy foundation."

I looked around sadly at all of the men – the fathers were usually the doctors in the family – with their young daughters. Some were my age, others were a bit older, some dance on their daddy's feet, and others were babies, carried in their dad's arms. I felt a huge pang of sadness rush over me as I gazed longingly at the couples. My eyes watered, but I quickly used the back of my hand to dry them. Thank Esme for the water-proof mascara she dabbed on me. But no matter how much force I used to pull away from the what's-supposed-to-be-happy sight, I couldn't, due to the mere fact I would never enjoy my own father daughter dance. At least, I completely doubt it. I've only ever dance with Charlie once but I was a baby, unable to stand, so he carried me. The only reason I even know this is because of all the home videos I've seen. But I don't know here they are anymore – I think Charlie burned any evidence of me being a baby, or us being a happy family, a long time ago when Renee left.

I felt a light tap on my right shoulder. I jumped up. "Careful, Isabella, it's just me." I looked up to see Carlisle smiling. No matter how much we still get along, I can not get used to – or like it – when he calls me Isabella. "I was just wondering if you'd like to dance." He put his hand out to me.

I stared incredulously up at him. He can't be serious? There's no possible he could be asking me to dance…during a father daughter dance. We're not even related!

"Wha-what about Alice?" I tripped over my words, trying to convince myself this was all happening in my head because of the longing of a real dad.

Carlisle chuckled under his breath. "Alice insisted she's had too many of these dances and dragged Rosalie off to the restroom with her-" I looked at our table. Now the only people sitting there were the guys. Each one of them carefully studying me and Carlisle. "so I thought I should ask you to come and dance. You haven't danced since you entered, and you seemed to have enjoyed yourself."

The thing is, I thought in my mind, I had fun dancing with Edward, not his father. And as if he read my mind, Carlisle added, "I'm just as good as a dancer as Edward – who do you think he learned it from? – I promise." He smiled happily at me and offered his hand to me again.

Panicking, I turned to the guys. Emmett winked, Jasper gave me two thumbs up, and Edward stared admiringly at his father. There was a certain glint of joy and happiness in Edwards beautiful eyes that I didn't want to see go away, so I took Carlisle's hand and he escorted me to the dance floor.

I'm about to have a father daughter dance…

I thin I felt a small tear run down to the corner of my eye. Once again, thank Esme for that mascara.

End of Chapter

Don't even THINK about telling me how horrible and short this chapter was (I'll fix all mistake later, I swear), or how I took 'forever' to update. It's called dealing with school, teachers, homework, friends, boyfriend, family, hospital bills, rushing to the emergency rooms, staying at the ICU, taking care of your mom, and basically, any other worst case scenario you can think of with my family. Just, please, be happy I updated the day of my mom's surgery.

Mayface