Hey guys! Sorry for the wait. We're slowly but surely getting there ;)

Hope its ok; it's a long one this week…

Thanks for reading and for the comments, always appreciate it =]

Chapter 12:

"Wakey wakey little sis!"

I groaned at the sudden intrusion, "Go awaaay", sticking my head far into my pillow; hoping he would get the message.

"No chance! You're officially an adult now! Time to celebrate!" I felt a big flat hand spread out across the expanse of my back.

"I've been an adult since the age of two Emmett. What's changed?" I turned my head on the pillow to face him, peering at him through tired eyes.

"A lot's changed!" he displayed far too much enthusiasm for this time of morning. Clearly there was more to this than meets the eye. "It's been made official now! And you know what that means don't you!?" he grinned at me, a glint in his eye. I frowned, failing to see how anything positive could come out of being an adult.

Of course I failed to view adulthood in the same way that my bachelor-loving brother did, who then placed a large glass bottle on my bedside table.

I read the words, 'Cinzano Bianco' as I screwed my face up at him in confusion.

"I thought I'd start you out on something easy. Splash some lemonade in there and voila! … We'll hit the hard stuff later on" his face was a picture of mischief, I managed a weak laugh in return.

"Emmett!" I heard my dads warning tone mix with laughter as he appeared at my bedroom doorway.

"What?" he asked innocently. "She knows I'm only teasing! I'll help her drink it" he smirked back at me. And I flung a rather uncoordinated arm out towards him.

"How about you get to work you goofball" said Charlie, playfully punching his sons bicep.

"Yeah yeah, I'm going" he said with a smile, leaning down to place a kiss on my forehead, before leaving an envelope on my pillow beside my head. "Happy Birthday beautiful! Please try and enjoy your day. A smile would suffice," he grinned back at me lovingly. "I'll catch you later dad! Watch how you go, yeah" he added.

I gave him a nod and a small smile, before I watched him walk away. "Oh yeah, and Alice called, she'll be over any minute. Better put your party hat on!" he winked at me, grinning wildly before disappearing around the corner.

Dragging my sleepy body upwards, I sat into an upright position. Great. I best get a hold of that scarpered birthday spirit for when Alice turns up; or all hell would break loose. She often took it personally when I failed to display much interest in my own birthday.

"So how's my little girl doing on her 18th birthday? Feel any different?" my dad said as he took a seat beside me, picking up one of my childhood cuddly toys and holding it tight.

"Actually" my shoulders rose and fell as I took a long breath, "I feel like I want to be 17 again".

He smiled at me, amused, "Yeah, don't we all" his eyes widened and his eyebrows rose.

"Here" he presented me with my first present. "Happy Birthday Bellz" he said as he handed over the box.

I immediately sensed his level of caution, which only added to my intrigue.

Tearing the wrapping paper open, I was left with a small blue box; the words, 'Swarovski' written on the top. Opening the box I saw the most stunning crystal red pendant sparkling up at me. It was carved into an apple shape, and it was attached by a slick black cord. It really was beautiful, showcasing the most vibrant colours of red and green crystal I had ever seen.

"You like it?"

I laughed a little, gobsmacked, "Are you kidding!?" I gasped, my eyes transfixed on the pendant before me. "I love it! … I'm never going to take it off" I beamed, removing it from the box and putting it on.

He smiled back through his relief. "Glad to hear it …And now to something a little more practical" he said as he handed me a silver camera. This one wasn't wrapped, and I'm guessing the people at Swarovski wrapped the previous one… Charlie was all fingers and thumbs when it came to wrapping presents.

"You bought me a camera?" I asked through my ever growing smile. I guess this birthday wasn't turning out to be so bad after all.

"Well I thought since I can't be there tonight, maybe you could take some photos for when I get back. Show me how much fun you had… bout time you had a camera of your own. Cant keep relying on that phone of yours".

"This is so great!" I can't remember a time when I'd received such thoughtful presents. I usually ended up with clothes, shoes and makeup, thanks to Alice's input on the matter, whilst Emmett tended to stick to vouchers, it was, after all, the safest option for someone who held very little imagination. Well, aside from that one bizarre moment in time when he'd rocked up with my truck for the first time; he stumped us all with that one! That was a one off though, and I smiled down fondly at the envelope he'd left me on my pillow. "I love them all" I grinned as I took hold of the envelope and held it in my lap.

And then his smile suddenly wavered. "I really am sorry about tonight Bellz. I wish there was something I could do, but…"

"It's ok. Really. I understand" I smiled back sympathetically.

"I know you do, I just feel rotten about it" he shrugged. "But I'm glad you're still going! I bet you wouldn't want you big loser of a dad cramping your style anyway. You go have fun Bellz, if anyone deserves it, you do".

"Thanks dad" I smiled sadly, unable to prevent the tiny tear as it trickled down my cheek, whilst I leant forward and hugged him tight. I'd decided not to inform him of the details regarding my company for the night. It wasn't that I wanted to keep him in the dark about my friendship with Edward, but the fact that it was a guy who I was going with, would've meant raised eyebrows and unnecessary fatherly concern.

He would've only jumped to conclusions, and I'd never hear the end of it. He'd be calling me every two seconds… and on top of the embarrassment factor of having to explain all of the phone calls to Edward, in a way a part of me wanted to keep my friendship with Edward a secret, just for the moment. We were suddenly starting to become pretty close. I was seeing a side of him I never knew existed. It needed to be explored, and I was hoping I could do that by myself…

…………………………….

I stood at my floor length mirror, staring at my reflection as I twirled on the spot, the new dress that Alice had bought me floating just above my knees.

"Am I good, or what!?" approved a delighted Alice, from where she sat on my bed all smug and self righteous.

"It is beautiful". I said with slight disbelief, as I held the skirt of the dress at one side, before glancing down towards my pasty legs. "Just wish my legs didn't look like milk bottles".

"Oh please, do you have so little faith in me" she looked at me disapprovingly, before digging into her bag and pulling out a pair of lightly tanned tights. "I'm way ahead of you on that one sister" she threw the pack of tights in my direction. I caught them between my slippery fingers, as my dad re-appeared at my doorway. "Well I'm off Bellz" he said, before he noticed my new ensemble. "Wow, don't you look beautiful" I watched his eyes soften as I turned my head to look at him. "Nice work Ali".

"Thanks" we both said in unison, before giggling.

"Anyway, I best get going". He said as he walked forward to give me a hug. "You have a good night, alright. And listen, you maybe 18 now, but you make sure that friend of yours looks after you!" I didn't fail to notice Alice's head twitch at the mention of the 'friend'.

"No probs. Just drive safely and text us when you get there" I ordered him. And then he was gone. And I barely had time to process my sadness in seeing him leave, before Alice was right on my case…

"And what friend might your father be speaking of exactly?" she asked me with wide and inquisitive eyes, and I knew I'd never get out of this one. I sighed a lengthy exhale, as I turned back to face the mirror. So much for my birthday night with Edward being kept a secret.

"If Charlie's not going with you, and Emmett's busy, that only leaves our small group of friends. And well, you know how I feel about Disney shows. Jasper would probably fall asleep half way through, and Angie and Ben have a night of babysitting ahead of them. I think that's everyone" she mock mused for a moment. "Oh wait no, of course, who am I forgetting!?" she grinned at me, suddenly looking a little psychotic.

"Alice, don't!" I warned her as I stepped away from the mirror and pulled open my closet of clothes.

"So it's true then!?" she beamed, her voice reaching ridiculous heights. "You really are going with Edward!?"

"Keep your voice down!" I demanded, rushing to my door to push it to, even though I was very aware my dad was already half way down the drive by now. "Yes, fine. I am going with Edward. But no, it's not a date and no I'm not telling Emmett or my dad. They'll only jump to conclusions and then I'll never hear the end of it".

"Bella, the only conclusions they'll jump to, are the right ones" she looked at me stupidly.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I said as I turned to face her.

"It's supposed to mean, they'll just be pleased to know you're finally going on a date".

"What!? What are you talking about?" I laughed gobsmacked. "Don't you listen; I believe I said this wasn't a date. He's just helping me out so I won't have two wasted tickets. He's being a good friend, that's all".

"Oh come on B, it has date written all over it" she waved me off as she rolled her eyes.

"Erm, no it doesn't, and don't ever call me that again!" I glared at her, pointing my finger.

"But…."

I silenced her then with my hand. "See this!" I picked up her favourite makeup bag from where she'd left it lying recklessly on my bed.

Big mistake Alice; you will eventually learn…

"Now if you don't drop this conversation right now, then I'm going to drop the contents of your makeup bag, right out the window" I threatened her as I walked over towards the windowsill. "Make your choice and make it quick".

"Y..you wouldn't" she spoke sheepishly.

"Oh wouldn't I" I smiled, unlocking the window latch to slide my hand through. The cold air immediately hitting me. But it was all worth it.

"Wait! Fine, I'll drop it" she winced as I leant the bag further out the window, dangling it from near demolition. "I'm sorry. I'm done now. I won't mention it again," her little face was mortified, I almost felt sorry for her. This reminded me of the time she'd accidently 'misplaced' the left earring to one of her favourite sets. Well, misplaced, meaning I'd hidden it from her.

A punishment she had well and truly deserved might I add. Following an entire morning of her rabbiting on about my choice of outfit being more of a fashion disaster than a fashion sense, I decided to teach her a lesson. I returned the earring some five days later, saying I just so happened to stumble across it. She'd never been so thankful, and due to my good graciousness and overall brilliant-best-friendedness, I earned an entire week of fashion-freedom, in which she swore she wouldn't make a single comment about my hair or clothing for an entire seven days. A promise she kept, much to my surprise. I guess she really loved that set of earrings.

"Good, glad to hear it" I smiled feeling pleased with myself, bringing it back inside the room before throwing it onto her lap. She hugged it to her chest protectively from then on, whilst I returned to the bathroom to change my clothes ready for school; a slight spring in my step as I went.

…………………………………..

(12pm – Lunch time)

I stood near the canteen entrance, waiting nervously by myself; my teeth gnawing away at my lip. A habit I struggled to combat when I was this on-edge. In my hand I held onto a thin piece of string, it was attached to a ridiculously large balloon that said '18 Today!' in big colourful block letters. That was thanks to Alice of course, who had oh so kindly chosen to wait until school to give it to me; which meant it would accompany me for the entire day of school. I swear she hated me or something.

My eyes glanced towards the large clock situated on the far corner of the canteen wall. It had already ticked to 3 minutes past the hour and there was still no sign of my friends.

I was quickly becoming aware of how much attention I was drawing. I'd noticed a few smirks and raised eyebrows as people strolled past me…that was no doubt the consequence of this stupid pink balloon hanging over my head. To say I felt like an idiot was an understatement. And being a person who shied away from any kind of public awareness, I was pretty peeved at the knowledge that I now stuck out like a sore thumb. I took another glance around, contemplating an exit to the restrooms in order to escape, but not long after I was finally put out of my misery…

"Looking for someone?" his voice hummed in my ear, he felt so close I shivered; my entire body practically swelling up through a sudden burst of heat. It'd felt like ages since I'd last seen him, the last time being in the music block, as I'd watched him play. And the knowledge that I would be spending my entire evening with him tonight had me tingling with anticipation. Any thought of embarrassment quickly disappeared.

"Nope. No one in particular" I lied, turning to him with a smile – secretly knowing that the majority of my days now consisted of me searching for him - before I was quickly overcome with awkwardness, I cringed as I watched his eyes take a glance at my balloon with interest.

I was thankful when he continued to talk. "So I hear congratulations is in order!?" he asked me, much to my confusion. "You've been on this earth a whole 18 years now. I'm told that's a big deal, or, something" he shrugged a little; rather blasé.

"Yeah … thanks," I couldn't help but smile at him, feeling a little more relaxed. "It doesn't really feel like a big deal though. In fact if I didn't have Alice bouncing around me every two seconds handing out party gifts, I'd think it was just another day". I said, suddenly hoping that hadn't come out as ungrateful as it had sounded.

"Well its not. And you should try and enjoy it" he said, and my heart sank a little at the thought of letting everyone down. "I try too" I said softly, my face falling.

He stared at me intently for what felt like forever, and I wondered if I'd offended him in some way, he looked so thoughtful as his eyes searched my face for something I couldn't quite put my finger on, before his seriousness seemed to disappear, his smile then making a welcome return. "Well I guess I've got my work cut out for me tonight then, huh?" he smirked. But I struggled to smile back. Thankfully it wasn't long after that Alice, Jasper, Ben and Angie all appeared at my side.

"Nice balloon" Jasper commented, giving it a tap as it hung above my head like a black cloud.

"Isn't it great!? I love it!" beamed an ecstatic Alice as she proudly admired the balloon. "So how's your day going anyway? Having fun!?" she looked at me with an expectant smile. And it was so hard to stay mad at her, especially knowing how much she cared about me.

"Sure, if you fail to take into account the misfortune of having double History all morning".

"Oh that's just a minor glitch Bella" she waved it off. "But just think about all those presents" she grinned delighted, clapping her hands together, as Jasper wrapped an arm around her neck to hug her into his side.

I briefly mused over her ability to see light in every possible thing, she was rather extraordinary actually. Because where I would wallow in the misery that was History class, Alice would be spending her time re-playing the happier moments in her head.

I wished I could be more like her if I'm honest…

As we all turned to head for a table (a downpour of unexpected rain meant we'd have to suffer an hour of eating in-doors amongst our fellow students), I felt as Alice tugged at my arm, pulling me back.

"Look, I know I said I wouldn't mention it for the rest of the day, but…".

"Alice, pleeease" I moaned my warning at her through gritted teeth.

"This is the last thing, I promise!" she clasped her hands together in a prayer-like manner, practically hopping on the spot as she said it. I huffed, knowing there was no way around it, as I waited for her to speak. "Will you promise you'll wear that dress tonight?"

"What are you crazy! It's like a cocktail dress. I'll look way out of place". We both tried our best to keep our voices down, not wanting to draw attention.

"No you won't. It's your birthday. You're entitled to dress up. It is your night after all". I sighed, not having the energy to argue. "Please, just, consider it at least".

I gave her a feeble nod to end it. And she thankfully let it go. But the last thing I wanted to face tonight was another string of embarrassment. I didn't want to get all dressed up and fancy, only to have Edward rock up in jeans and a t-shirt.

And surely dressing up would only raise the dating issue!?…I didn't want things getting awkward again. And I didn't want him thinking I thought it was a date. Because I'm certain its not. I'm 99.1% certain in fact, that he's only doing this to be a good friend. And despite my longing for something more, I would gladly push it aside to strengthen our friendship. I only hoped I could keep my hormones in check…

A/N: I thought the pendant would be quite appropriate for Bella's birthday. I had one for Christmas last year, and its sooo beautiful … It always reminds me of Twilight when I wear it xD

So this chapter wasn't overly eventful, but it needed to be done. The next few chapters will be much more exciting though, and strictly Edward and Bella central! ;)

I should also say that chapters may be a little less frequent, as I had a family incident this week which has meant some major family-life adjustment. But I will keep writing, as it's a chance for some escapism =] ... I'm also working on something else. Eeek! Which couldn't be more different to this one! So once I've got some chapters under my belt, I'll consider posting :)

Please comment, they make me happy :)