Fortunately, Jessica was so disappointed in my decision to go to Alice's party that she avoided me the entire next day. This was good because I was so nervous and jumpy, I wouldn't have been able to plaster on my typical fake smile. In Biology, Edward noticed something was wrong and gave me a wide berth. Intuitive Alice also knew something was up and she pestered me until I finally admitted that I had no idea what to wear and I was sure my somewhat nerdy, overly casual wardrobe wouldn't cut it. Alice said that she would consult with Rosalie and make sure that I had a suitable outfit before it was time to leave. Rosalie would be on hair and make-up duty. I tried to argue that Rosalie had much better things to do, but Alice insisted.

I walked out of school with Alice as usual but today, she took an oddly long route to Rosalie's car. Before I caught on to her plan, we were passing Emmett's behemoth Jeep. Emmett boomed a hello at us and Edward gave me a small wave, saying, "I'll see you later, Bella." I turned bright red and made a choking sound as a response. Alice dragged me away before I could embarrass myself any further.

The tension was thick on the ride home, but I was too excited to pay any attention to Jessica. Rosalie dropped us off at home, then sped off. I tried to relax with a book, but I couldn't stop watching the clock. After dinner, Rosalie returned home and gave me my Alice-approved wardrobe. She told me to meet her in her room in five minutes. The outfit from Alice included a really cute shirt and a jean skirt that was far too short. Luckily she had also included leggings and flats.

Rosalie's room really suited her and was decorated like I would decorate my room if I didn't have to share with the poster nazi. I shyly told her I liked her room, then asked about the car posters and calendars. As she started to curl my hair, Rosalie told me how her mother's father had taught her everything she knew about cars. Emmett owned a run-down classic Mustang and she was helping him restore it. She talked with animation that I hadn't known she was capable of, and I didn't even notice when she moved on to do my make-up. She announced that I was finished and I turned to the mirror. I didn't recognize myself. The new me had shiny, soft curls and smoky eyes. I turned to Rosalie in silent awe and she grinned at me. We made our way downstairs, where Mom told us to have fun and John glowered. "Be home by midnight!" he growled.

Rosalie started to huff, but Mom jumped in. "Bella, Alice's mother called earlier and said that you girls would be staying at her house after the party is over. If you want to spend the day with Alice tomorrow, call and let me know, okay?"

I nodded and Mom ignored John's spluttering. Rosalie blinked at my mother in surprise, so I grabbed her arm and hauled her out the door before anything else could be said.

The drive to the Cullen house was longer than I expected. We were headed in the direction I took when I visited my dad, and we had almost made it to Forks when Rosalie turned off the main highway onto a side road surrounded by trees and nothing else. After a few minutes of nothing, we turned up a gravel drive and continued on for a few more minutes of nothing. Suddenly the trees parted and the largest house I had ever seen appeared. It was almost entirely windows and you could see inside quite clearly.

I stumbled behind Rosalie into the house. She had been here many times and entered without knocking. Jasper, Alice, and Emmett were assembled in the living room. Emmett's parents welcomed us warmly. They were both very good-looking and quite a bit younger than I expected.

Rosalie asked when we would be leaving, and Emmett replied, "His highness has yet to grace us with his presence. He hasn't achieved that "just rolled out of bed" look yet." Everyone chuckled. He turned and shouted up the stairs. "Yo Edward! Get your ass in gear! The ladies are here!" He waggled his eyebrows at us.

Edward thundered down the stairs, looking better than ever. His eyes immediately found mine and he smirked at me. I dropped my eyes shyly, following everyone out the back door to the garage.

Alice, of course, took charge. "Jazzy and I will ride with Emmett and Rose. Bella, are you okay with Edward?"

My eyes shot up and I gaped at her as Edward grabbed my hand. He towed me across the room and handed me something. A helmet. For his motorcycle. On which I would be riding behind him, my entire body plastered to his. My heart began to race.