Tripping The Prom Queen

Chapter 13: Firsts, Part 2

Author's Note: Yes, another chapter! Seems like I'm on a roll! Woo-hoo!

Thanks to mittenz , for her comment about "naughty Bella"! I'm surprised that more of you didn't have something to say about that! I'd really like to hear your thoughts! Especially now, because… Bella's not the only one being naughty!

Well, tis the season! Who says you have to be either "naughty or nice"? Sometimes, it's the same thing… being bad can be pretty darn good!

But not always…

Happy New Year, everybody!


Chapter 13: Firsts, Part 2

Only a dream… Bella mused.

Reluctantly, she dragged herself out of bed.

That was… a first. My first time… with Edward Cullen.

Quickly, she dressed in her favorite sapphire blue sweater and dark jeans. Heading downstairs, she noted the loud snores emanating from beneath her father's closed door.

Still sleeping… Good!

She wasn't exactly in the mood for parental company right now. In the kitchen, she fixed herself a small bowl of cereal and an extra large mug of coffee. She had just taken her first grateful sip, when she glimpsed the neon yellow 911 Turbo pulling up outside.

Alice… This early?

Bella temporarily abandoned her food to open the door for her friend. Alice bounded inside.

"Thanks!" Alice said, slipping off her leather jacket. "Is that coffee I smell?"

"Come on in" Bella laughed, closing the door behind them. "What are you doing here this early?"

"Mmm!" Alice replied, ignoring her question, reaching instead for Bella's oversized cup and gulping down the toffee colored liquid.

"That's my coffee you're stealing!" Bella admonished her, taking a closer look at Alice. "Although, it looks like you need it more than I do."

"Maybe…" Alice smiled mysteriously.

Bella put aside her list of everything she needed to talk about. Clearly, something much more important had happened. Alice's eyes glowed as brightly as her smile, though there were dark circles around them.

She remained silent, pouring herself a fresh mug of coffee, and letting Alice's excitement escalate. Finally, the bubbly girl erupted.

"Bella, I did it!"

"Did what?" Bella asked, though she already knew. There was only one thing it could be.

"Jasper and I… took things to the next level."

"That's wonderful."

"Yes, it was!" Alice smiled dreamily.

"Just tell me you were safe."

"Yes. Of course! It was … wonderful. Everything I always knew it could be…"

"But I guess you'll find out all about that soon." Alice finished.

"I'm not having sex with Emmett!" Bella protested.

"Emmett? Who said anything about Emmett!" the smaller girl replied. "I was thinking about you and a certain bronze-haired guitar player. Making "beautiful music" together!"

"Edward?"

"Of course! Who else!" Alice grinned knowingly. "You two seemed pretty close yesterday. I'm just sorry we showed up when we did! We ruined it all!"

"No. You didn't ruin anything." Bella said, refilling Alice's cup and her own. "Nothing was going to happen."

"It didn't seem like that to me."

"Trust me. There's nothing going on."

"Well. We can certainly change that!

"No" Bella said firmly.

"But you two are so perfect together!" Alice protested. "You like him. I can tell."

"Yes" Bella confessed.

"And your face is all red." Alice continued. "Why? Were you having sexy dreams about him last night?"

"Alice!"

"OMG! You were!" she paused. "Were they really good?"

"Amazing…" Bella admitted. "Nothing like that has ever happened to me before."

"In dreams, or in reality?"

"Either…"

"The first time…" Alice smiled.

"Yes… The first time I dreamed of Edward Cullen…" Bella's voice was wistful.

"And it has to come true. And it will!"

"I don't think so." Bella said sadly. "This is one time I know you're wrong."

"I don't think so." Alice proclaimed. She was absolutely certain.

Bella and Edward… are meant to be. Destined to be together. No matter what!"

"I'm never wrong."

"There's a first time for everything." Bella laughed. "Speaking of… Tell me more about last night…"


There's a first time for everything… Emmett thought, picking up his pace as he continued his customary morning jog through the forest. Again, his mind was filled with Bella.

The first girl I ever went after who didn't just fall right into my arms… Can't believe she didn't say yes right away when I asked her to Homecoming!

But… she will. Of course she will! Just making me wait. Playing hard-to-get… But that's what I like about her!

She is my girl! She just doesn't know it yet!

I could really fall for someone like her…

That would be a first…

But it will happen! Who else is there?

Leaves snapped as they were crushed by footsteps, coming closer and closer. Footsteps that were faster, lighter and somehow surer than his own. Footsteps he knew as well as his own.

"Edward"

"Hey…" Edward replied cooly.

What the hell is up with him? Lately, he's been acting like such a…

"Dude" Emmett said, increasing his pace. With no difficulty at all, Edward kept up.

"Nice seeing you yesterday." Edward said. "First time you ever showed up at my band practice."

"I told you, I would." Emmett replied testily.

"Yeah, it took you long enough!"

"I've been busy. Sports. Working out." Em told him, knowing how feeble his explanation sounded. "I've just been real busy."

"Too busy for Bella" Edward sneered, running even faster. "You couldn't even be there for her when she needed someone."

"Bella didn't need me!" Emmett snapped. "She had you! Seems like you're always there to rescue her!"

"What exactly are you saying?"

"Bella's my girl! Hands off!"

"Really?" Edward smirked. "Seems to me that's for her to decide. And it seems like she hasn't!"

"She has." Emmett insisted. "She's going to Homecoming with me."

"She is?"

"Yeah. So, hands off!" Em paused, then continued. "You always wanted everything I had. But you can't have her."

Emmett had meant to say this lightly, teasingly. However, his words sliced into Edward like a razor.

"You aren't even good enough for her!" Edward yelled, stopping directly in front of his cousin and blocking his path.

"You've messed around with half the girls in school!"

"Yeah! So what!"

"You are incapable of a serious relationship! Of monogamy! Of loving anyone but yourself! And that's what she deserves!"

"You're wrong!" Emmett retorted. "And I'll prove it!"

"You sound really convincing!" Edward sniped sarcastically.

"Dude, I suggest you get lost right now."

"What are you going to do about it?

Emmett's bulky fist flew through the air. However, Edward was too fast for it, ducking agilely. Emmett recovered quickly, shoving Edward down to the ground.

Edward scrambled and within a split second, was back on his feet. The two adversaries stared hatefully into each others' eyes.

What the hell are we doing… Edward wondered. We've never fought before. Not like this!

WTF… Emmett froze. I've never seen Edward like this. He's never tried to fight me… He knows he can't win…

He won't!

"You care about her too." Emmett said softly.

"Yes."

Emmett nodded.

"I'm sorry."

"What does that mean?" Edward asked belligerently. However, he already knew.

"You're saying, you're going to keep dating her?"

"Yes." Emmett replied. "It's what we both want."

"Is it?"

"Yes. So, if you really care about her, you'll stay out of it. If you want her to be happy."

"I do." Edward said soberly. "And that's why…"

"Yes?"

"I'm not giving up. Because you're wrong."

Wrong about her… Wrong for her…

"Am I?" Emmett laughed cockily.

My cousin… sure has balls. No one else would dare to say that to me!

I could mess him up right now. But it would give me more pleasure to prove him wrong!

When Bella chooses me over him! Which she already has!

"We'll see."

"Yes. We will." Edward answered calmly. "Then I guess there's nothing more to say."

He turned and tore through the forest.


That was a first… Edward mused, slowing his pace, but not by much.

The first time I wanted to kick Emmett's ass…

And…

The first time… I dreamed about Bella Swan… Loving me… Wanting me… Naked in my arms…

And then… I woke up.

Alone.

Edward's lungs burned. Reluctantly, he slowed his pace as he thought about his cousin. Emmett's brawny good looks and gregarious personality ensured that he was always the center of attention. The one everyone noticed first. In their family… and outside of it. To call him popular was an understatement. Girls always fell for Emmett. There had never been anyone he wanted that he couldn't get.

It had never bothered Edward before. He never envied Emmett. But he had never wanted any girl Emmett had.

She's beautiful… But there's so much more to her than that! She's smart, warm and sensitive… Does he even notice any of that!

She's so special… Just right for me. Not Emmett…

She needs someone … with more depth.

And I've waited a long time for someone like her…

If Em wants a fight… He'll get one!

I'm not giving up that easily…

I can't!


Rosalie Hale emerged from her shinny silver BMW. Placing one six inch Jimmy Choo stiletto boot in front of the other, she sauntered into the school.

Her trademark proud, insouciant strut easily masked the unease she now felt. Golden hair floated over her shoulders as she made her way down the halls.

No calls. Not one!

Usually, her phone rang incessantly, with unending messages from her friends and admirers. Jessica alone could be relied upon for at least ten texts a night.

Nothing! What the hell is up with everyone!

You'd think I actually was in jail!

Curious students watched every step she took. This did not faze her; she barely noticed them. Rosalie was quite used to being stared at.

However, she was not used to being ignored.

She stopped in front of her locker.

Where the hell are they?

Jessica, Lauren and Victoria always hung around her locker, waiting for her. No matter how late she was. Like loyal subjects awaiting the arrival of their Queen.

Which I still am!

She threw her coat and unnecessary books inside, slamming the metal door shut. Quickly, she rounded the corner to her first period class.

Victoria sat primly at her own desk. Next to her, one on either side, were Jessica and Lauren, eagerly hanging on her every word.

"So, at the end of her routine, Lauren does her tumbling run. Round-off, double back handspring, back flip. Then, Jessica, can you cradle out?

"You know I can!" Jess oozed.

"Excellent"

"Ahem" Rosalie coughed, sliding languidly down into her own chair.

"Oh… hi" Jessica sputtered nervously. Lauren just nodded. Victoria was silent.

"What are you doing?" Rose asked, locking her eyes on Victoria's.

"Just working out some ideas for the squad." the other girl replied guilelessly.

Who the hell does she think she is?

"I realize you're new here." Rosalie announced condescendingly. "But I do the choreography for the squad. All of it."

"Yeah. And that's why all our routines look exactly alike!" Lauren snorted.

"So boring." Jess added.

"What did you say?"

"Um… nothing!"

"I'm the captain. I'm in charge here. And I can have all of you replaced, just like that!"

"You wouldn't really do that?" Jessica asked nervously.

"In a split second."

"You sure you want to go there? We're the best you've got." Lauren protested.

"You know I will." Rose threatened.

I don't take crap from anyone.

"Hey…" Victoria suddenly interjected. "This is coming out all wrong!"

You got that right! Rosalie thought.

"We just put together a few ideas. Since you didn't show up yesterday."

"You know why!"

I sure do. Victoria thought triumphantly. And you ain't seen nothing yet…

"We were sooo worried about you." Lauren said.

"Yeah" Jessica echoed obediently.

Yeah! I'll just bet you were…

"Is everything okay?"Jessica asked.

"Perfect"

"Good… Cause we really like this new routine Victoria put together…"

Yeah… I'll just bet you do!

"It's just one routine." Victoria said, with saccharine sweetness. "You'll like it too! You'll see!"

"I will." Rosalie warned them. "And then I'll decide."

"Of course you will."

The bell rang, ending their discussion. At the last minute, Bella rushed in. With her was a smaller girl that Rosalie had barely noticed.

That new girl… Alice somebody?

"Good morning, Forks students!" Principal Garrett's voice boomed over the intercom. "Here are your morning announcements…"

Boring!

Rosalie, like most of the students in the room, expertly tuned him out.

Bella… Bella! This is all her fault! Emmett, being taken to jail… more crap from my parents… and now even from the dimwits on my squad…

How can I get back at her for everything she's done to me!

It's got to be something really embarrassing… Something that will make Emmett lose all interest in her… Make it so no boy will go near her…

That won't be easy…

And no one can ever find out that it was me…

"And the nominees for Homecoming Queen are…"

Rosalie snapped to attention. So did everyone else.

"Rosalie Hale!"

The class erupted in applause so loud, it reverberated throughout the room. They could barely hear the name of the second nominee.

"Isabella Swan!"

No… Bella gasped. That can't be!

"Bella!" Alice squealed. "OMG!"

"And Victoria Waterstone!" Principal Garrett finished, before signing off.

"We need to find you the most amazing dress ever!" Alice cooed. "And shoes! I'm texting my mom right now!"

"You most certainly are not!" their English teacher, Mr. Mason scolded, snatching the phone from her tiny hands.

"Sorry, Mr. Mason." Alice said sincerely. "Forgot where I was…"

The teacher nodded. He had grown used to her uncontrollable enthusiasm.

"Ok. But you can have this back after class. Now, let's get back to our discussion of King Lear...

Bella's mind drifted. She had more pressing matters to think about. Not the Homecoming Queen nomination, which she quickly dismissed.

That was nice… And totally unexpected! I wonder who would nominate me?

But it doesn't matter! I have no chance of winning! Rose has won all the beauty and popularity contests since elementary school. That's how it should be!

Let her win! I really don't want to! It's just… not me!

Bella took deep breaths, trying to contain her nervousness. Besides her upcoming Calculus test, she had other things to worry about and to do that day.

I have to tell Emmett that I can't go to the dance with him. It wouldn't be fair, not now…

I hope he isn't too upset. I don't want to hurt him.

Edward would hate me…

And I'm going to talk to Rosalie. Whatever else has happened between us, I know she didn't trash my locker! It isn't fair for her to be blamed for this! I'm going to tell her that! Tell my father too!

Then, maybe, she'll finally be honest with me! Tell me why she's treating me like crap!

It won't fix everything! Because… I know I don't deserve that!

Just like she doesn't deserve to be treated like a common criminal!

Still… I can try to make things better. End this stupid fight!

And… if I'm not dating Emmett, she really has no reason to be mad at me anymore!

"Bella!" Mr. Mason called.

She hadn't heard a word he said.

"Um… what was the question again?"

Her classmates tittered. Before Mr. Mason could repeat himself, the bell rang.

"Don't forget… Your essays are due tomorrow!" he announced, as the class rushed for the door.

Alice's diminutive fingers seized Bella's wrist.

"You were like a million miles away! Not that I blame you! That class was beyond boring! And you have more interesting things to think about!"

"Congratulations, Bella! Mike Newton hollered.

"You've got my vote!" Tyler Crowley promised.

"Mine, too!" Mike echoed.

"And mine" Eric added.

"You've got a fan club!" Alice smiled. "You're going to win!"

"No" Bella protested. "I'm not. "

"Not Rosalie again?"

"She always wins these things."

"Well, not this time!"

"No" Bella replied. "And it doesn't matter."

"I think that you underestimate yourself…" Alice insisted. "And Jacob will think so, too!"

"If he ever talks to me again…" Bella mused.

That's something else I have to do… Someone else I have to make things right with.

"You will."

"I hope so." Bella whispered. "But first… "

Bella planned to speak with Rosalie at the first possible opportunity, which was mid-morning break. She knew exactly where to find her, at the end of the "Senior" Quad, where she always held court.

Taking a deep breath, she headed down the long hallway, Alice trailing behind her for moral support.

There she is!

With Victoria, Jessica and Lauren…

Her stomach twisted.

You knew they'd be here. It doesn't matter. Just do it!

Rosalie was looking in a mirror. Removing a golden tube from her purse, she swiped on a coat of lip gloss, before lifting her head and saying.

"So. I'll look at those ideas. During practice. Today."

"You'll love them." Victoria promised.

"I'll see." Rosalie said haughtily, as Bella approached. Her cerulean blue eyes widened.

"What do you want?"

"We're going to talk." Bella announced.

"I have no interest in anything you could possibly say. " Rose replied, as their classmates crowded around them.

She probably wants to beg my forgiveness. Which is so not happening! Especially not now!

"Shouldn't you at least listen for one minute before deciding that?' Bella snapped back.

"Considering it's you, I don't think so!"

"Well, you are going to listen anyway!" Bella said angrily.

I'm so sick of this!

"I am?" Rosalie raised one perfect eyebrow. Despite herself, she was intrigued.

Who is this? When did mousy little Bella grow a backbone!

This could be interesting! For a little while, anyway!

"Go"

"I know you didn't touch my locker." Bella began.

"Oh, do you?"

"Yes. And I'm going to tell my father that."

"Go on. Tell your Daddy anything you want." Rosalie mocked. "Like it matters. I don't need your help!"

"Maybe you do." Bella continued. "You could go to jail."

"I'm not going anywhere!" Rose proclaimed confidently. "Go away"

"I'm trying to make things right here…"

"You are?" Rosalie said, suddenly changing her tone. "Well, I guess I can understand that!"

"Let's just stop fighting okay?" Bella said. "It's stupid. "

"It is."

"It is… What? Did she just agree with me?"

"Someone could really get hurt."

"Yes" Rosalie said placidly, thinking.

Yes. You.

"So? We're good?" Bella asked.

"Perfect" Rose replied. "I'll see you around."

Bella quickly turned away, before anyone could see her smile and began walking back towards Alice.

"Bella?"

She swiveled, surprised. Rosalie had something else to say.

"Good luck with the Homecoming Queen Contest… I really hope you win...