Bella was waltzing happily down the main street, hoping to catch a glimpse of her love's shiny bronzed hair. Suddenly she bumped into someone. Embarrased, she apologized for her clumsiness, and turned around to see that it was Enjolras. He was a friend of hers from back in school, and he was almost as handsome as Edward. Almost. If the vamps hadn't been exiled to the caverns, he would probably have been a rock star or something. He'd never be in a boyband, though, because he had too strong opinions about life and love and politics, so it would have had to be rock.

"What are you doing out here, so early in the morning?" Enjolras asked.

"I'm... looking for my dad," Bella lied. "I think he has gone to talk to Carlisle. Hopefully he won't stir any crap."

"It can't be easy for you, when everyone knows he used to be besties with Guillaume Noir," Enjolras said sympathetically. "Do you want to go to a cafe?"

"Sure," said Bella.

They went to a street cafe called Sang de la Vie, which means "Life's Blood". But that was really just a reference to the wicked strong coffee they served. You had to go to a bar if you wanted blood. Human blood was illegal, because it was cannibalism. René had helped pass that law. Bella was kind of proud of that.

Enjolras ordered a cappuchino, and Bella took a mocca latte. They sat and talked for an hour or so, and Bella asked all sorts of questions about the revolution. It wasn't just because she wanted to find out more about Edward. She really wanted to see the sunlight again, and wear cotton, so she was all for the revolution. Enjolras said that it had been nice to chat with her again like in the old days, but he had to go dig a tunnel. Bella quickly volunteered to help, because she hoped Edward would be at the dig site.

Unfortunately, he wasn't there, and Bella spent the entire morning carrying baskets full of rubble over to a large wagon. When the wagon was full, Emmett and some other big guys pulled it out to the back entrance to the caverns and dumped the rocks. It was a bit risky, because if they were caught outside, there would be an investigation and the plan would be ruined. But since the vampires were so fast, they could get it done in ten seconds.

Going home with an aching back, Bella reminded herself that she really wanted out of there, and working for a good cause was worth it. Suddenly she heard a sensual voice calling her name. It was Edward! She spun around, really embarrased that she looked even more ragged than she usually did. But Edward didn't seem to mind. He asked her if she wanted to come over to his place for a party on Friday night. Bella really wanted to say yes, but she didn't want to be the only person there wearing rags, and she explained the situation to him.

"Oh, don't worry about that," Edward said caringly, showing that he was a gentleman. "My dad is a doctor, he can give you something for your allergies. And rat cloth has improved a lot in the last couple of years. It comes in all types now. My sister Rosalie has some dresses you wouldn't believe isn't satin."

"Really?" Bella asked. She couldn't believe nobody had frickin told her about this.

"Really," he assured her. "You know what? I'll have Rosie and mom take you out shopping. You'll be the prettiest thing at the party!"

Bella blushed so hard she felt like a pomegrenade. "You are too kind to me!" she said.

"Psssh, don't think of it. My folks are filthy rich," said Edward.

Just then, Combeferre came down the road looking a bit angry.

"Where have you been all morning?" he asked, poking Edward with his finger angrily. "Your dad needs your help administrating the work on the escape tunnel!"

"I'm sorry, but I had a driving lesson," said Edward.

"Very well, now skidaddle. Your daddy wants to see you."

After Edward left, Bella went home again. She was so incredibly happy. Edward had called her beautiful, she was going to a party at his house, and she was going to be wearing pretty new clothes. And if only everyone worked hard, she might be sitting with him under a tree in the spring sunlight, their skin sparkling like diamonds. It sounded so glamorous she could hardly believe it.

René was not home yet. Cosette was moping in her room, and Charline was watching The Princess Bride in the TV den.

"Mom," Bella said, "I'm going to a party on Friday."

Charline looked a bit surprised. "Wearing what? It's not a naked party is it? You are WAY too young for that!"

"I'm 96!" Bella protested, but she knew it wasn't working. She was always going to be Charline's little girl who had to listen to her parents. That was one of the reasons being a teenaged vampire could suck a bit.

"But it's not a nude party. I've just discovered that someone can help me with my allergies! I can stop looking like I'm from a Charles Dickens' novel!"

"That's great news, darling!" said Charline. "Won't you go tell your sister about it? She's been sulking all day. It's probably about that boy."

Bella went into Cosette's room. She was sitting on her bed, and Bella could tell she had been crying a lot.

"Don't be sad, Cosette," she said. "Things are going to get so much better! Edward's dad can cure our allergy to clothes, and we are invited to a party! Marius is going to be floored when he sees you!"

Cosette looked up, tears still welling out of her eyes. "You think this is about Marius?" she asked.

"Well, yeah?"

"Well, it's not! Some of us have other things to worry about than silly little crushes!"

Bella felt worried, and she didn't like that feeling. "Then what is it about?" she asked.

"Oh Bella," Cosette sobbed, "Daddy is a traitor!"