Tripping The Prom Queen
Chapter 16: Dreaming
Author's Note: Finally! A moment we've all been waiting for! Although… nothing ever turns out quite as planned…
The song "Dreaming" belongs to the late Selena.
Thanks to emomusickid for the review! I'd love to hear more from the rest of you (hint! hint!)
Chapter 16: Dreaming
"He said what?" Alice told Bella.
It was the end of the school day and Alice and Bella were driving to work.
"Ali! You've already heard this, like ten times!"
"Because you've already told me this story, like ten times!" Alice laughed with her.
"I'm that bad, huh…"
"Yeah… And it's that good!" Alice grinned. "Luckily, we're on our way to the boutique… You need just the right outfit for this date!"
Alice parked her car and leaped out, bounding into Esme's. Bella smiled and followed.
My shopaholic friend is absolutely right!
"Luckily, we just got some great new stuff in!" Alice cooed. "I know they'll be something just right!"
The door shut behind them.
Esme was arranging a new display. She smiled warmly as she greeted the girls.
"Hi"
"Hi mom!"
"Hi, Ms. Brandon"
"So glad you're here!" Esme said. "How was your day!"
"Just great!" Alice replied. Bella just nodded.
"Good. I've got a ton of paperwork to do. You can finish this?"
"Of course!" Alice replied, her eager hands already rummaging through the bright silks.
"Excellent. Call me if things get too busy!"
Esme disappeared into the back room.
"She looks so happy!" Bella remarked.
"She is." Alice grinned smugly. "Thanks to the handsome and dashing Dr. Carlisle Cullen! They've been going out several times a week!"
"So it's getting serious."
"Yeah… She doesn't say anything, but I know."
"And you're okay with this?"
"Yeah…" Ali replied quietly. "I never really knew my father. He was never around much for me. So he probably wasn't there for her, either! "
"My mom deserves better than that! And Dr. Cullen seems to be someone who can give it to her. He's a great guy… Like his son!" Alice teased, adding.
"Hey… if they get married, your boyfriend will be my stepbrother!"
"It's our first date! Don't you think you're getting ahead of yourself?"
"Nope!" Alice replied smugly. "Not when you see what I've got in mind for you…"
However, before Alice could start thrusting clothes at Bella, three customers came into the store. The two girls rushed to take care of them. When those women left, bags in hand, more ladies arrived. The boutique was busy all afternoon and becoming quite popular not only with the women in Forks, but those from neighboring towns, and even a few from Seattle who drove in to stock up on high style at reasonable prices.
Finally, at around 6:30 PM, things started to slow down. Alice rang up her customer's purchases and sent her out the door. Bella was waiting on what appeared to be their last customers, two freshman girls from Forks High School, looking for Homecoming dresses.
"We are so voting for you!" the girls promised as Bella led them into the dressing rooms, a rack of dresses in tow.
Alone, Alice started flipping through the new garments. For once, nothing seemed right. She was still searching when Bella finished her sale and joined her.
"Nothing" Bella asked in disbelief.
"Not yet"
"Are you sure you aren't being too picky?" Bella replied, looking at the gorgeous silk tops that littered the counter.
"No. Not good enough."
"What about…" Bella said, picking up something from the bottom of the box. "I love it!"
"It's perfect!" Alice said. "Sexy , but still sweet"
"7:00" Esme announced, emerging from the back office. "Closing time!"
"Mom, we need a few minutes…" Alice pleaded, looking at Bella.
"Oh" Esme replied simply. She was curious, but not nosy.
"Can I tell her?" Alice mouthed.
"Can I stop you!" Bella laughed, not minding at all.
"Bella has a date with Edward Cullen Friday. "
"I gather this date is special." Esme smiled.
"Yes" Bella admitted, blushing.
"I understand. He's a wonderful young man."
Just like his father.
She walked to the front of the boutique, putting up the "closed" sign.
"Go ahead. Take all the time you need."
It turned out that Bella didn't need very much time at all. What she had chosen fit perfectly and she loved it. Sliding the new clothes into a bag, she thanked Esme, left the boutique and headed home.
Esme is sooo great about this!
I just hope… Dad is just as understanding and nice when he meets Edward…
The rest of the week passed quickly. Edward was very attentive, and he and Bella had lunch together every day, usually sitting with Alice and Jasper. The website drama disappeared, as if it never happened.
Bella waited for their date with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.
I can't believe this is really happening.
Her feelings were apparent when she slept. Edward continued to figure prominently in her dreams, every night.
Finally, it was Friday evening. As planned, Edward arrived at her house promptly at 7:00. Chief Swan answered the door.
"Chief Swan" Edward greeted him respectfully.
"Edward" Bella's father replied. "She'll be down in a minute."
Nervously, Edward stood in the hallway. Charlie returned to his seat at the dining room table, where he had been cleaning and polishing his gun. He did not say a word to Edward, but his message was clear.
Upstairs, Bella heard him arrive. While she knew other girls, including Rosalie and Alice always kept their dates waiting, she also knew she couldn't do that.
Not when my Dad's down there… With a gun!
She snatched up her purse and headed downstairs. Instinctively, Edward turned and watched as she descended the stairs.
Wow… Just… Wow!
Bella wore a violet blue, silk wrap top with lace trim at the hem and the base of the V-neckline, which dipped just low enough to be enticing. Dark skinny jeans and black boots completed the outfit.
She fixated equally on him. Clad in his black jeans, grayT-shirt and black blazer, he already looked like a rock star. His messy copper hair and bedroom eyes perfected his look.
Soft, sensuous eyes that locked on hers, making her heart pound and her pulse race.
Eyes that lured her closer and closer.
"Hi" Edward said breathlessly when she reached him.
"Hi"
"You look beautiful." he whispered softly, almost shyly.
"Thanks… So do you."
Bella removed her leather jacket from the coat closet. Chivalrously, Edward took it and held it for her and she slipped it on.
Her father hadn't said a single word. But Bella knew he saw … and heard… everything.
"I'm leaving Dad."
"Have fun"
"Thanks"
Edward took her hand and led her to his car, opening the door for her and then closing it, before getting in himself. Seated next to her, he turned to stare at her again.
"You're doing it again, you know."
"Doing what?" Bella replied nervously.
"Dazzling me"
"I… do that?"
"Yes" Edward said seriously. "You've been doing that for a long time, Isabella Swan."
"No" Bella protested softly. "That's not me…"
That's you.
"Yes, it is."
"No…" Bella stammered. "That's you. Tonight, when you sing."
"I hope it goes well." Edward replied modestly. "But let's not talk about that now… I want to know all about you… Favorite color?"
"It depends on my mood. "
"Tonight?"
"Emerald green"
The color of your eyes
Favorite gemstone?
For the entire drive, Edward kept questioning Bella. She kept protesting.
"You can't possibly want to know all this about me."
"Why not?"
"I don't want to bore you."
"Bella, you are anything but boring!"
"Ok" Bella conceded. "But on the way home…"
"Yes?"
"My turn to ask all the questions.
"If you want." Edward smiled. It was obvious that Bella was as interested in him as he was in her.
Tonight… is going to be so special…
Just like I always dreamed.
The ride to Seattle passed quickly. Edward pulled onto a side road, parking behind a non-descript, one-story beige building.
"We're here."
"This is it?" Bella asked, surprised. "It looks like a warehouse."
"It was." Edward replied as they walked towards the front door. "Tonight, it's Twilight's first gig."
"You're going to be amazing!" Bella told him. "Are you nervous?"
"Not so much now… I'm used to performing."
"I know."
"But I will be later."
"You're going to be great." Bella reassured him. Her faith buoyed Edward's confidence.
"I hope so."
"Bella!" Alice called, waving to her from a small table right in front of the stage. "You're here!"
They headed up front. Bella could see that the table had a white card on it.
RESERVED.
"For you" Edward explained, pulling out the chair next to Alice's. Bella sat down. There were two other girls, slightly older, also seated at the table.
"This is Sulpica and Dora. Aro and Cauis's girlfriends."
"Hi" Sulpica said stiffly. The other girl just nodded. They quickly resumed their conversation, ignoring Alice and Bella.
"Nice" Alice whispered.
"Edward…" Jasper motioned to him from his position onstage.
"I have to get ready." Edward told Bella. "You'll be okay?"
"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"
Edward curled his lip. He couldn't explain why, but he suddenly had a bad feeling about tonight. Maybe it was the sight of more students from Forks entering the club, including James and Laurent.
Just nerves…
"You'll be great." Bella smiled at him, making his fear dissipate. "Break a leg."
"Thanks"
Edward leaped onto the stage. Bella watched, as he worked with Aro, Cauis, Marcus and Jasper, arranging and testing their equipment.
"I'm so excited!" Alice squealed. "This is going to be so amazing!"
"You sound like a groupie already!" Bella teased, as Edward stood behind the microphone for the sound check.
"Testing… One, two, three."
Edward sung a few lines.
"He's got a great voice…" Alice murmured suggestively, to an enthralled Bella. "And I bet that's not all he does that's great…"
"Alice!"
"Are you talking about me again!" a booming voice laughed.
"No, Emmett." Alice grinned.
"You're so vain. Think every girl's always talking about you." Bella quipped.
"Only because they usually are." Emmett bragged good-naturedly. "You girls seem to have the best seats in the house. May I join you?"
"If you want." Bella replied, pleased.
At least, he isn't mad at me.
"Great. And to show my appreciation, let me get you some drinks."
"I think our drinks are on the house." Alice replied knowingly.
"At least, let me bring them to the table for you. What's your pleasure?"
"Diet Coke" Bella smiled.
"Ginger Ale for me" Alice added.
"Coming right up!"
While Emmett made his way towards the bar, Victoria's car sped down the roads of Forks.
Best night ever!
Can't wait for the "entertainment" to start! And I don't mean music!
As planned, she picked Jessica up first.
"What do you think?" the voluptuous brunette asked, twirling around in her skimpy black minidress.
"It's totally hot! Edward won't be able to resist you!"
"Are you sure?" Jess asked, sliding into the back seat of the car. "Isn't he, like, kind of seeing Bella? They've been together at school a lot lately."
"So what?" Victoria snorted. "Why would he choose her if he can have you?"
"I… guess."
"Tonight" Victoria promised. "Finally, it's your turn."
Lauren joined them next, dressed in an equally revealing outfit. She sat in the car, next to her BFF, calmly reassuring Jessica that Edward would be all over her.
A few more turns, and the car stopped again, at Rosalie's house. The tall blonde's attire was far more conservative, a silky black blouse and jeans. Yet, she still contrived to look ten times more beautiful, even in her simple outfit.
"What are you two dressed up for?" she snorted, sliding into the shotgun seat.
"Um, to pick up hot guys!" Lauren told her.
"Just remember…" Rosalie cautioned. "Lots of guys buy stuff. Just because it's cheap!"
"You're saying we're cheap?"
"If the price fits…" Rosalie said nastily. "You look like prostitutes!"
"You want to know what I think?" Jessica replied.
"That would be impossible. Because you don't think."
"Now, you're calling us stupid…"
"Ladies…" Victoria interrupted. "Let's not fight. I'm sure none of us mean any of this."
"Don't we?" Rosalie snapped.
I did… I'm so sick of these stupid girls. Why am I with these airheads?
Because… You don't have anyone else!
Not anymore…
"We're going to have fun tonight!" Victoria said gaily, ominously. "And… we should get the party started right now!"
She took one hand off the steering wheel and snapped open her black handbag, revealing the silver flask inside.
"Great!" Jessica enthused. Some liquid courage was just what she needed right now.
"Let's party!"
"Here you go, ladies"
Emmett placed two more frosted glasses in front of Alice and Bella. He had been a perfect gentleman all night, keeping the cold drinks coming and making them both laugh with his easy charm and good humor. Bella was relieved he was still being so nice to her. His company helped pass the time, although it grew harder and harder to sustain a conversation. As the small room quickly filled, the noise levels increased proportionately.
Finally, the lights dimmed and a spotlight hit the empty stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen… Club Volturi is pleased to present… Twilight!"
"Yeah!" Emmett cheered loudly.
Aro, Caius, Marcus, and Jasper took the stage. Bella barely noticed them, waiting for the entrance of the person who mattered most to her.
Edward strode confidently to the microphone, greeting the crowd.
"How are we all doing tonight!"
The audience roared.
"Great!" he said. "Let's get things started!"
Where does it hurt…
Please tell me, cause I understand..
"That's your song!" Alice squealed, grabbing Bella's arm.
"He didn't tell me it was going to be first!" Bella blushed.
"Well, why not?" Alice answered. "It's great!"
"And apparently we're not the only ones who think so!"
For once, Alice wasn't exaggerating. She didn't need to. It was apparent from their first song that "Twilight" was a hit.
The band segued through their playlist. Bella had heard them practice each song before, but admired how smoothly the songs worked together, one flowing easily and naturally into the next.
Mostly, she admired Edward.
He's so talented… So handsome… He looks as if he was born for this!
I thought there was no way… Someone like that could want me.
Yet… Here I am.
"And now, I'd like to share our newest song with you." Edward announced. "I just wrote this for someone very special…"
"She knows who she is."
The band broke out in a sweet , sinuous melody, as Edward crooned.
"Late at night when all the world is sleeping."
"I stay up and think of you."
"And I wish on a star"
"That somewhere you are…"
"Thinking of me, too"
"Cause I'm dreaming… of you tonight."
"Till tomorrow… I'll be holding you tight…."
"And there's nowhere in this world I'd rather be…"
"Bella!" Alice twittered.
She didn't hear her. Since he introduced the song, Bella heard only Edward. It was as if no one else was in the crowded club except for the two of them. She just sat, motionless, and completely enchanted.
Though he outwardly appeared composed, Edward's heart raced and his pulse pounded. It took all the discipline he could muster to work the crowd and not just stare at his Bella.
All this time… I've waited for her…
Wondered how she felt about me…
And now… I know.
I'm so lucky!
"Bella" Alice whispered to her friend. "You're so lucky."
Bella couldn't reply. Her head swam dizzily. She understood now why people in love did crazy things. She just wanted to run and throw herself into Edward's arms.
I can't… It would ruin his show.
Later…
"I'll get us some more drinks." Emmett muttered distractedly. He couldn't believe what he was seeing.
Edward and Bella… There's something special there…
Something that could last… forever!
Bella and I don't have that… Never will.
He headed back towards the bar.
"Hey, there" the curvy blonde waitress smiled. She had been flirting with him all night. Emmett had flirted back, but more out of instinct than genuine interest.
He had still held out hopes of a chance with Bella.
Until now…
"Hey, there yourself." Emmett replied, smiling wider than he had the last times. "What's a hot girl like you doing in a place like this?"
"Waiting for a guy like you…"
While Emmett worked on the bartender, "Twilight" finished its first set.
"We'll be back later!" Edward announced, slipping backstage.
"It's hot in here!" Alice remarked, wiping her forehead with a napkin.
"It is…" Bella replied, distractedly.
"And Emmett never came back with our drinks! Wonder where he went? "
"Dunno…" Bella murmured. She felt as if she were floating.
"You look so pale. Are you ok?"
"Yes… I've got to find Edward."
"Yes you do." Alice smiled. "Go get him."
Bella stood up. As she did, her head pounded and her stomach twisted.
It really is… hot in here…
I don't feel so well…
She turned back towards Alice, but her friend was already gone.
To find Jasper…Backstage.
I'll go there, too…
Maybe, I'd better find a bathroom first…
She made her way down a dark, deserted hallway towards the back of the building.
Unaware that her every move was being observed…
Stealthily, James followed Bella. He would keep his promise to Victoria.
"You're sure you can handle this?" she had asked him earlier.
"It's done" he said confidently, watching when Emmett carried their glasses to the table.
So done…
Now Bella stumbled down the corridor, completely disoriented.
My turn… James thought drunkenly. Time to get a piece of that little tease!
And to get back at Cullen for that crap in the locker room!
I'm gonna enjoy this!
"Lost?" he said, stepping in front of Bella.
"No" she replied. "Just… looking for the bathroom."
"Down there." James replied, jerking a finger towards the dark end of the hallway.
"Thanks"
She hurried away. James had always made her uncomfortable. Tonight, he truly scared her.
He's drunk… Not just drunk… Something else…
Drugs…
Suddenly, she crashed into the wall. Muscular arms seized hers and pinned her there. She struggled, but could not get free.
"You really think you're getting away from me that easy?" James laughed.
"No! No!"
"Scream again!" James taunted. "I like it!"
Immediately, Bella was silent.
"Come on baby. Fight me!"
He pushed up against her.
Bella searched her groggy brain for the moves she learned in a self-defense class, Rosalie insisted they take three years ago.
Lift my leg… It's so heavy… But I have to!
Go!
Her knee jammed into his groin. James didn't even flinch.
"You think you can do that to me!" he scoffed, throwing her down to the ground.
"I like it rough. And so will you!"
"No!"
Now his body smothered hers. She couldn't move at all.
"Bella!"
Edward grabbed James's shoulders and yanked him off her. His fist rammed repeatedly into James smirking face. Blood spurted from his victim's nose and mouth.
"Edward… Stop it." Emmett insisted. "You'll kill him. Not that the bastard doesn't deserve it!"
"The police are on the way." Jasper said calmly.
He and Emmett took hold of James's limp, nearly lifeless body. Jasper looked at Edward, and nodded towards Bella, still curled up on the floor.
Immediately, Edward let go of James, who was hauled away by Emmett and Jasper. A nanosecond later, he sat at Bella's side.
She sat up and leaned against him.
"Are you okay?" he asked tenderly.
"I am… He didn't get a chance to do anything to me."
"He was going to." Edward replied. "I saw him. Saw the way he looked at you. Saw him follow you back here! I could hear the filthy, foul things he was thinking!"
Bella studied his taut, enraged face.
"He didn't hurt me."
" I could kill him." Edward told her. "Distract me. Please."
Bella's mouth curled.
Only one thing to do…
She placed her lips on his. Edward reached for her, sliding his arms around her and pulling her closer into a kiss that was tender, passionate, and completely perfect.
A kiss that lasted for several minutes. Finally, they broke apart.
"Wow…" Edward whispered, running a hand tenderly down the side of her face. "That was…"
Perfect.
"Yes…" Bella replied breathlessly.
"I've… wanted to do that for a long time."
"Me, too." Bella confessed.
"Come on" Edward said, standing up and reaching down to help Bella off the floor. "We'd better get back."
"You have another set to do." Bella murmured.
"Yes" Edward replied reluctantly.
And there are better places for this… For us… So much better.
"Later?" Bella whispered, echoing his racing thoughts.
"Yes, love. Yes."
Bella struggled to her feet. She still felt weak and shaky. Edward's arms tightened around her.
"Bella!"
With Edward's velvet voice reverberating in her mind, she blacked out.
