A/N: I know. It's been a while. But I promised I wouldn't abandon this story, and I won't. Updates should come quicker between now and Christmas, I'm hoping, but we shall see…
Quick Announcement: I'm writing an outtake to Indecent Proposal as a donation to the compilation that's being prepared for 'fandomfightshurricanesandy dot com.' There are great authors donating stories, for just a small donation from you guys to the Red Cross to help victims of the storm. It's a cause near and dear to my heart, since I live in the affected area. We had minimal damage, but I know plenty of families who weren't as lucky. Go to the website above for more info on how to donate and get your compilation. More info on my profile.
A&A Chapters 26 through 31
Emmett's talk with Bella came punctually the next day, while they were out for an early morning run. He was honest with her about what he thought about Mike Newton, and said:
"You've always been very sensible, Bella, and I know you're not the type to fall in love just because you're being warned against it so I won't be afraid to be honest with you. Be careful, please. Newton doesn't strike me as the type of guy who knows what he wants right now, while you do. You have a plan, Bella, and it's a damn good one. It'll get you out of this godforsaken one horse town soon, so don't let yourself get involved with someone who would just mess with that plan. I've got nothing against Mike himself; he seems like an interesting dude and if he knew what the hell he wanted from life I'd say go for it. But you were meant for more than this crap, Bella."
"Jeez, Em, that was quite a speech."
"I hope you take it seriously."
"You don't need to worry about that. I'll be careful, and I'll make sure Mike is too." Bella winked sideways at her cousin while they ran side by side. "He won't be falling in love with me if I can help it."
"Bella, you're not taking this seriously."
Bella chuckled and stared at her feet guiltily. "I'm sorry, Emmett. Look, I promise I'll try. I'm not in love with Mike right now, you can be sure of that, though he is a great guy and really cute if you ask me, and if he happens to fall in love with me…but yeah, I see why that wouldn't be a good idea. That DAMNED Cullen! If he'd just given Mike his due inheritance we wouldn't be having this conversation right now, would we? Mike could've gone to medical school, his life would be on track and…" she sighed heavily, "But no, as it stands right now, I'd hate to disappoint you, though you can't deny that where there's true love, nothing can stand in its way, regardless of how nonsensical the relationship may be. So how can I promise to resist temptation if I am tempted? All that I can promise you right now, Emmett, is that I'm not in love, and I won't be in a hurry to get there. And when I'm in Mike's company, I will be careful. That's all I can promise."
Emmett gave his cousin a sidelong smirk. "You can also try not to have him over so much. At least, try not to remind your mom to ask him to stay over for dinner."
"Like I did the other day, you mean," Bella smiled wryly. "Okay, I get it. But honestly, he isn't usually here that often. It's been mainly for you that he's been invited over so much this week, so that you could have another guy around instead of just us girls – and dad. But I promise, Emmett, I'll use my head when it comes to Mike. I hope that's enough to satisfy you."
Emmett grinned indulgently at his little cousin, and playfully swatted her over the head. "It is, you little minx. Come on, I'm starving now. Let's go and have you make me a nice, huge breakfast."
Jake returned to Forks not long after Emmett and Alice left for New York, but this time he stayed with the Clearwaters, much to Renee's relief. Jake and Leah's relationship was pretty much cemented by the engagement ring he'd given her, and Renee was resigned to accept, if not be happy, for the couple. Now that they were engaged, Leah would be moving to Seattle with Jake. In the middle of the week, Leah and Jake came over for dinner before leaving for Seattle. Afterwards Bella and Leah had some time alone together.
"We're going to see each other just as much as before you know, Bella, since I'll be living in Seattle and you'll be starting your classes again."
"Yeah, I know." Bella chuckled, "I'll drop in on you as much as I can."
"I was actually kind of hoping, " Leah said sheepishly, "that you'd come stay with me for a few days around the holidays. Maybe for Thanksgiving?"
"I don't know…" Bella trailed off.
"Come on, Bella," Leah insisted, "I need my best friend there to help me baste my first turkey," she grinned.
Bella bit her lip, and though she really couldn't think of anything worse than spending Thanksgiving with Jake, she couldn't let Leah down. "Sure, Leah, I'll come stay with you for Thanksgiving."
Leah's grin lit up her face. "Good. My parents and Seth will be coming down for the long weekend too, so we can all hang out together."
"Sounds wonderful," Bella smiled valiantly.
OOOOOOOOOO
Jake and Leah eventually left for Seattle and Bella began her senior year at the University. Once or twice a week, she and Leah would meet up for lunch or to just hang out for a while. Bella still couldn't get over Leah's choosing comfort over love though, and as much as she tried to feel for her friend what she had before, in her heart of hearts she couldn't help being disappointed for her, though Leah would always tell her of how much she was enjoying living in Seattle, in Madrona, and how helpful Senator De Volturi always was when she stopped by unannounced. And while Bella nodded at all her friends perceived happiness, she determined she'd have to wait for her Thanksgiving visit to get a real taste of it all for herself.
Now while Bella and Leah's relationship was still a bit strained, that was not the case between the two sisters. Alice and Bella called and kept in constant communication. Bella was relieved that Alice was living with Emmett, because though Alice tried her best to hide it, Bella could easily tell how much it hurt Alice that Jasper hadn't even tried to contact her once.
"He probably doesn't even know I'm here," Alice tried to justify one night, while on her cell phone with her sister.
"You told him your plans to go to F.I.T. when he was here over the summer."
"Maybe he thinks I changed my mind…" Alice trailed off. "I think…I think I'll stop by and pay Tanya and Irina a surprise visit tomorrow after classes. What do you think?"
Bella didn't think it was a good idea, but at the same time, she knew Alice wouldn't be able to rest easy until she did so.
"I think I wish I was there with you."
"I wish you were here with me too."
Unfortunately, when they spoke the following afternoon, Alice didn't have good news.
"I caught them just as they were on their way out. They said they had no idea I'd been in town this whole time, that they'd forgotten about my plans to attend F.I.T. I asked about Jasper, and they said they rarely see him; that he's usually out on the town with Edward. Rosalie was supposed to be having dinner with them, but we didn't get to talk much more since like I said, they'd been on their way out."
Bella had to restrain herself from uttering every curse in the book at this outcome, and though she didn't say it, so as not to hurt her sister any more, she was sure the sisters would never tell their cousin Jasper about Alice's visit.
The weeks passed, and though entertained by her cousin, a few new friends, and classes, Alice just could not get Jasper Whitlock out of her mind. She happened to bump into Tanya once more one day, but Tanya had been so cool and aloof that Alice finally had to accept the fact that the woman had absolutely no desire to maintain their summer friendship. She wrote her sister a pretty sad text about it:
I know you'd never say, 'I told you so,' to me, Bella, but I suppose you did tell me so. I still don't understand why she was so friendly with me back in Forks, but knowing me, if the same thing were to happen all over again, I would act exactly as I did the first time. You should've seen how quickly she wanted to leave that street corner when we bumped into each other! But don't worry, Bella, I don't plan to reach out to her anymore. I've learned my lesson. The only thing I can think of is that she wants to make sure her brother and I stay as far away as possible from each other, and I suppose you know the reason why. I get it now, though I still don't understand why she should be worried about he and I bumping into each other at all; I've been here for weeks and he hasn't even tried to get in contact with me, though he MUST know that I'm here. Tanya mentioned something about Jasper probably selling Netherfield, and I suppose that's for the best.
Say hi to Leah for me when you see her in a couple of weeks. Tell her I'll call her soon, but I've been so busy…
Have fun staying with them when you go. I'm sure Leah will do her best to make you comfortable. Miss you, sis.
Though Alice's text upset Bella, at the same time she was glad Alice finally saw Tanya and the rest of them for what they were. As for Jasper, her respect for him had eroded so badly that at this point she wouldn't even want Alice to meet up with him again. As punishment to him, she seriously hoped he would someday marry Rosalie Cullen, since by Mike's account the girl was a real piece of work and would probably make Jasper realize all he'd given up in Alice.
Emmett also sent her a text later that day.
Hey cuz, how are things going with that Newton dude? You haven't forgotten your promise, have you?
No, Emmett, I haven't forgotten. It might make you happy to know that Mike seems to be over his semi-infatuation with me, and is now dating some girl from his school. I've heard she's nice, as well as loaded. Can't really blame him for his change of mind though, can I? I, for one, will be off to New York in a few months anyway, and let's be honest; a well-to-do girl will help him reach his goals a lot quicker than I would. But don't worry, I can't really say I've been hurt by Mike's new love interest. Matter of fact, I've done a good job of comforting myself by telling myself that he must've been really sad to have to let me go. Honestly, I wish him the best.
Well, I can't say I'm sorry that his eyes have roamed elsewhere, though I hope you really weren't too disappointed, Emmett responded.
**Chuckles** I didn't think you would be sorry. All this has convinced me, Emmett, that I've never really been in love, because had I been, had I felt that passion and electricity you supposedly feel when in love, I'm pretty sure I'd hate Mike's guts right now and wish him to the deepest pits of hell. But I don't. Jessica and Lauren were more hurt by Mike's abrupt departure from our every day lives than I was. But they're young and stupid and don't understand that relationships need more than attraction and love to flourish.
It was an interesting observation on Bella's part. Unfortunately, she failed to realize that it was an observation that could've been made in Leah's case also.
OOOOOOOOOO
Summer faded away, and with the Fall the days grew cooler in Forks. With Alice gone and the only other female companionship in her home being her mother and two cousins, Bella found that she was actually looking forward to the long Thanksgiving weekend and the four days she'd be spending in Madrona with her friend. Even seeing Jake again didn't sound so bad.
Bella bumped into Mike at her uncle's McDonald's in Seattle, a couple of days before Thanksgiving.
"So I hear you'll be spending Turkey Day in Madrona," Mike said.
Bella nodded. "I'm visiting Leah."
"You know to expect a few unannounced visits and unsolicited advice from the Senator, right?" Mike teased with a raised brow.
"I've more or less deciphered that," Bella chuckled.
"Well, just hold your own. Don't let her bully you, and you should be just fine," he assured her.
Bella nodded again, watching Mike carefully. Despite their love affair, which died before it ever really even began, she held no grudge against Mike. They were both so alike in personality, and she was sure their opinions would continue to coincide, regardless of who he was ever in a relationship with. And as they said goodbye, Bella was convinced that she would always think of Mike as the perfect model of a great guy.
On the busiest travel day of the year, stuck in bumper to bumper, non-moving traffic, Bella texted her cousin Emmett. She was disappointed to learn that Alice still hadn't gotten over her heartbreak, and at this point could only hope that with the holidays approaching, she'd soon be able to get Jasper off of her mind.
I've got an idea for how to get Alice's mind on happier things, Emmett texted.
What is it?
Why don't you take a trip to New York over your Christmas break and stay with us for a couple of weeks?
Em, you know I can't afford that right now.
If you can manage your ticket here, I'll pay for your return ticket. It'll be my Christmas present to you. We can visit all the sights, Bella. New York State in the winter is beautiful.
Bella bit her lip, her heart beating out a disjointed rhythm.
Are you sure?
Hell yes! Come on. The three of us will have a friggin' blast!
Emmett, you've just made my holiday! We'll have a great time and get Alice out of this funk! What are boy problems in the face of all the wonders of New York City?
So it was decided. Bella would be visiting New York City over her Christmas break.
OOOOOOOOOOO
The rest of the ride to Seattle didn't seem so bad after Bella's text convo with Emmett. She'd be seeing Alice soon and would help her forget Jasper.
Madrona was a pretty if somewhat slopey little neighborhood bounded by Lake Washington on the east. When she arrived at Jake's home, she was happy to see that it overlooked the lake and that Madrona Beach Park was just a hop, skip and a jump from the house. It would be a perfect spot for her morning jogs.
Leah and Jake were both waiting by the door, and Bella couldn't help but being extremely happy that she'd come after the greeting she received from Leah. From Jake she received exactly the pompous greeting she would've expected, as well as the overinflated pride at welcoming her to his 'humble' abode. When showing her through the admittedly pretty house, Bella noted how he demanded her full attention, as if showcasing for her all she'd missed out on by turning him down. And whenever he said something to embarrass himself, which was unfortunately pretty often, Bella noted how Leah would simply turn a deaf ear to it.
After displaying every inch of the house, Jake insisted on taking a walk down to the Park, which Bella didn't mind one bit. Once again, Jake was extremely helpful in pointing out practically every tree and shrub in the park and describing them all to the last leaf, and when they came upon a small clearing between a couple of trees that afforded a view of the Madison Park neighborhood not too far away, Jake was quick to point out the roof of Senator De Volturi's house, which was vaguely visible through the trees.
"Senator De Volturi invites us over for dinner at least twice a week, doesn't she, Leah?" Jake gushed.
"Yes, she does," Leah agreed.
"She's actually home for the Thanksgiving holiday, which leads to a surprise Leah and I have for you," Jake said with undisguised excitement, putting an arm around a stiff Leah. "We will actually be having Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow at the Senator's home!"
It took Bella a few seconds to figure out that she was supposed to jump for joy at this bit of news.
"Oh. That's great!" she finally said, trying to work up the enthusiasm she knew was expected of her at this announcement.
OOOOOOOOOO
Thanksgiving morning, Bella woke up early and took advantage of the still sleeping household to sneak off to the pretty park on the waterfront that Jake had showed them the afternoon before. The park had a wooded hillside that sloped down to the grassy beach and swimming area, which was closed now for the season. But the jogging path along Lake Washington was absolutely perfect, and the morning's fog simply added to the picturesque feature of the park.
As Bella jogged through the park, headphones in ears, she thought through to that afternoon's upcoming dinner at Senator De Volturi's home. She couldn't honestly say she was looking forward to meeting the woman or her daughter, based on everything she'd heard about them, both from Mike and from Jake himself. What's more, her connection as aunt to Edward Cullen, a man she'd sworn to despise for eternity, made her acquaintance all the more undesirable. She was working up her courage to endure the upcoming dinner when out of the corner of her eye, she thought she saw something; a quick shadow, a tall, familiar figure, an unusual head of hair.
But when she looked up, there was no one there, just a huge tree with some meager sunlight shining over it.
Suddenly Edward's face popped into her mind, the way he'd looked at the Netherfield Ball, months ago; the wry grin, the sparkling eyes, strong arms around her waist, her arms around his strong shoulders. She felt that strange fluttering in her belly, the one she'd felt while dancing in his arms that night.
But determined to hate the man with her dying breath, she shook her head quickly and dispelled his image like the dreary fog just starting to lift around her, and picking up her legs and speed, forced her thoughts to something else.
OOOOOOOOOO
As Bella approached Jake and Leah's house, she saw Leah standing at the end of the driveway, speaking to someone in a long, black stretch limo. Bella slowed down. As she got closer, she could see through the limo's open windows a woman with a perfectly done up bun talking to Leah, as well as a younger woman sitting next to her, staring blankly out the window. The younger woman looked bored and expressionless, and not very healthy. Before she could reach them, the limo pulled off.
"Oh, Bella!" Leah cried when she looked up and saw Bella approaching. "You just missed the Senator and her daughter! They stopped by to make sure we weren't late for dinner this afternoon. They say they'll be serving promptly at two."
"The senator had to drive over here in her limo to tell us that? Hasn't the woman heard of phones? Or email?"
"The Senator has a habit of stopping by unexpectedly when she has something she needs to tell us."
"Mm." Bella pursed her lips. "Good to see our taxes are going to such good use. So the younger woman was her daughter, Heidi, then?"
"Yes."
"Mm," Bella remarked again. "She seemed like a bored and sullen type of girl. She should do nicely for a man like him."
"What are you talking about, Bella?"
"Nothing."
OOOOOOOOOO
Jake was in a nervous tizzy while his guests finished preparing themselves for Thanksgiving dinner at the Senator's house.
He knocked hurriedly on Bella's guest room door while she finished applying her mascara.
"Bella, don't worry so much about what to wear. I promise you, the Senator won't look down on you just because you aren't fancy enough."
Bella rolled her eyes. "Thanks, Jake. I'll keep that in mind." She was wearing a pretty yet simple red belted, black a-line dress that Alice always told her made her look sexy yet elegant. She'd paired it with a pair of black leather knee-length boots. It would have to do for dinner with the Senator.
She heard Jake knocking on the other guest room doors with similar remarks.
They took the short drive over to the Senator's house, which took all of forty-five seconds and Bella pointed out that it would've been no more than a ten minute walk.
"But the Senator wanted us there at two p.m., sharp, and walking would've made us over five minutes late," Jake explained as if Bella's comment had been inane.
Bella looked down at her lap and rolled her eyes again.
As they approached the Senator's house, Jake made sure to point out all the fineries, the number of windows on the mansion, how long and circular the driveway was, what good wood the door was made out of, etc.
Bella noticed a few cars on the circular driveway. Her eyes narrowed when they fell upon a black Audi that looked somewhat familiar…
"Come on, Bella! Hurry up!" Jake called out, waving her up the stairs.
Bella sighed.
From the entrance hall, they followed the maid into a large sitting room where the Senator and her daughter Heidi awaited.
"Jacob, you're late," the Senator barked as soon as they were all shown in, without sparing anyone in the party a glance. "I said two on the dot and it is now two oh three."
"I'm so sorry, Senator," Jacob apologized profusely. "Our friend Bella seemed to be transfixed with the cars in the driveway."
"Hmm." The Senator pursed her lips and let her eyes rake over every one. She was a tall and distinguished looking woman, wearing an expensive looking, custom-tailored burgundy pant suit. Her hair was up in a tight and unforgiving bun, and she wore more than her fair share of make-up. As far as Bella could tell, she looked as if she'd once been rather pretty, but age and lack of smiling had taken its toll.
Jake made all the introductions, and from just the ninety seconds that she'd been in the Senator's presence, Bella could tell that everything that Mike had once said about the Senator was most certainly true.
After studying the Senator, Bella turned her eyes to the daughter standing next to her. She was not an ugly girl, but it was true that she was very sickly looking. Her skin was pale and she was extremely thin, but unlike her mother, she didn't appear to have that arrogant stance to her, rather she looked anxious and uncomfortable.
Bella was still studying Heidi when someone – male - cleared his voice, just a few feet from her. She instinctively turned towards the sound…
…and was startled to see none other than Edward Cullen, eyes intently on her, looking as physically perfect as ever.
"Bella." He gave her a lop-sided grin that for some reason made Bella's heart jump. She was too surprised to respond right away.
"Edward." She finally greeted him with obvious confusion. "What are you doing here?"
"Senator De Volturi is my aunt. My cousin and I flew down to have Thanksgiving dinner with her and Heidi. And with you, it seems." His mouth seemed to twitch with something resembling humor.
Once again, Bella was too befuddled to respond. So instead, they simply held each other's gaze.
"Bella, is it?" someone next to Edward said. Bella blinked and noticed that there was another young guy standing next to Edward; tall, with dark hair and eyes and handsome - though she had to admit nowhere near as so as the bronze-haired man next to him.
"Yes."
The gentleman put his hand out to her, and Bella met it with her own.
"Hi. Edward seems to have forgotten his manners so I'll have to introduce myself. I'm Peter, Edward's cousin."
"Nice to meet you," Bella chuckled.
"Very nice to meet you," Peter grinned appreciatively.
"Miss Swan," the Senator addressed her formally, "do you know my nephew, Edward?"
Bella found that she had to struggle to tear her eyes off of Edward. His gaze had her locked in.
"Uhm…yes, Senator." She forced her attention to the woman. "We met in Forks, where I live."
"Forks?" the Senator asked, seeming annoyed and perplexed all at once. "What in the world were you doing up in Forks, Edward?"
Like Bella, Edward seemed to struggle to turn his attention away from her and towards his aunt.
"I spent the summer there with Jasper, remember, aunt? I mentioned it to you."
"Oh, yes," the Senator nodded, looking between Edward and Bella warily. "You did mention it."
OOOOOOOOOO
The dinner that was served was the fanciest Thanksgiving dinner that Bella could admit to ever having been a part of. The turkey was huge and looked like it belonged on the cover of one of those cooking magazines. Every holiday side imaginable made an appearance, and though she didn't know much about wine, it was pretty obvious by the taste that whatever vintage had been served was probably the best around.
All this Bella observed quietly, for two main reasons.
One: her friend Leah had turned into a total airhead in the presence of the Senator. She could honestly be accused of kissing as much senatorial ass as her soon-to-be-husband was doing.
Two: She'd been seated between Leah on her left, and Edward on her right, and was so ultra-physically aware of his presence that for some strange reason she was finding it hard to swallow her delicious food.
So while everyone oohed and ahhed over every little thing the Senator did and said, Bella simply tried to keep her utensils from falling out of her shaky hands.
It was her hate for him, that's what it was.
This is what she kept telling herself, and on the third try of attempting to convince herself of this fact, the gentleman on her right spoke up.
"So how have you been these past few months, Bella?"
Bella, who'd been about to stick a piece of turkey in her mouth just to give herself something to do, set her fork down and turned to him with a forced smile.
"I've been well, thanks. And you?"
"Not too bad," he answered, but there was something sardonic in his tone.
Bella nodded, and tried to turn her attention back to her turkey.
"And your family? I hope they're all well."
Bella set her fork down again.
"They're doing as well as can be expected, thank you."
"Good. That's good," Edward breathed.
They each turned back to their food. Bella chewed her moist turkey slowly, trying to savor every last morsel, but the question was on the tip of her tongue, and after two minutes, she couldn't hold it back any longer.
"My sister Alice has been in New York for the past couple of months. Have you happened to see her, by any chance?"
Now, Bella knew that he and Alice had never crossed paths while in New York City, but she simply wanted to see his reaction at the mention of New York and her sister; to see if his expression betrayed any knowledge of all that had occurred, or not occurred, between Alice and his friend.
It was Edward's turn to set down his utensils. He seemed to have a hard time swallowing before turning to her with an answer.
"No, I can't say I've had the pleasure. But New York City is a heavily populated place."
"Yes, so I've heard," Bella answered.
OOOOOOOOOO
Peter was a Lieutenant in the Army, on leave for the holiday. He was extremely friendly and charismatic and kept the entire group entertained once dinner had ended and they'd moved on to the living room. He'd been quick to take a seat next to Bella, and she couldn't help laughing and laughing at his stories. Being stationed in the Middle East, Bella was sure his heartbreaking stories must outnumber the humorous ones, but he seemed to have the sort of personality that could only look at the bright side. After a while, his conversation appeared to be only for her.
It was at this point that Bella noticed that the Senator's eyes kept turning her way, narrowing much the same way her other nephew's eyes kept turning her way too.
"What is it that you're talking about over there, Peter?" she demanded after a short while. "What are you telling Miss Swan? Let me hear the conversation."
"We're comparing our tastes in music," Peter replied to his aunt.
"Ah, music," the Senator nodded. "There is absolutely no one in this country with more appreciation of music than I. Had I ever learned to play an instrument, I would've been great at it. So would have Heidi, had her health permitted it."
"I'm afraid the type of music you're referring to, and the type Bella and I were talking about, are completely different," Peter grinned, a mischievous grin on his lips.
Bella tried not to laugh, even as she glanced at Edward and saw him scowling her way.
"Music is music," the Senator replied coolly. "Tell me, Edward, how is Rosalie doing at Juilliard?"
"She's doing very well," Edward responded with obvious pride.
"Of course she is," the Senator confirmed. "She is related to me. We always excel at everything we try. Miss Swan, do you play any instruments?"
Bella startled at being addressed by the Senator. She'd been largely ignored by her throughout the evening.
"I play the piano a little."
"There's no such thing as playing a little. Do you play or don't you?"
"I do," Bella responded as tersely as the Senator had inquired.
The Senator eyes seemed to grow at being answered so shortly.
"Why don't you play for us now?" she asked. "Entertain us." It was a command more than a request.
Never having been one to back down when she knew she was being challenged, Bella sighed quietly and moved towards the piano at the end of the room. Peter followed her happily, moving a chair close to her.
She played well enough, and after listening to half a song, the Senator turned away from her and gave her attention back to her nephew. Peter and Bella shared an amused chuckle.
But it didn't take long for Edward to excuse himself as soon as his aunt turned to speak to someone else. Carefully he made his way towards Bella, like a man attracted by a siren. Before Bella knew it, he was standing right in front of the piano, staring at her.
Bella immediately understood what he was trying to do.
She looked up at him with a wry grin.
"Are you trying to frighten me, Edward, by stalking all the way over here just to hear me play? But I will not be intimidated by you, regardless of how well your sister does play. It takes a lot more than that to frighten me. As a matter of fact, all your presence does is make me try even harder."
Edward snorted and looked down, seeming almost shy. "I won't contradict any of your statements, Bella, because I know you can't really believe that I'm trying to make you nervous. Besides, I think I know you well enough by now to know that you have a tendency to say things you don't really believe."
Bella laughed heartily at this description of herself, and turned to the Lieutenant . "Your cousin will paint a not so flattering picture of me if I let him, and he'll warn you not to believe a word I say. It's really bad luck for me to meet up with someone who knows me so well at a party where I was attempting to pass myself off as something I'm not. It's not very gentlemanly of you, Edward, to mention everything you learned of me back at Forks, and not very wise of you either if I may say, because it may tempt me to retaliate by doing the same."
"I'm not afraid of you," Edward grinned.
"Oh please tell me what you have to say of him," Peter pleaded. "I would love to know how Edward behaves himself in front of strangers."
Bella stared at Edward, who simply gazed at her with a smile.
"Very well, then," Bella responded to Peter, though keeping her eyes on Edward. "I'll tell you, but I warn you to prepare yourself because it's not pretty." Edward's grin widened. "The first time I met Edward was at a dance in my hometown of Forks, and do you know what Edward did at this dance? Absolutely nothing! He only danced twice, even though the girls far outnumbered the guys and I can personally vouch that there were girls who wanted to dance but didn't have a partner. Are you going to try to deny it, Edward?"
"No," he shook his head. "But at the time, I didn't have the honor of knowing anyone present beyond those whom I'd arrived with."
"Oh yes, and we all know a party is the worst place in the world to meet people," Bella teased.
"I'll admit I may have been wrong not to try to…mingle a bit more. But I've never been the type of person who could just strike up a conversation with someone I've never met."
Bella forced her eyes back to Peter. "Should we ask him," she asked Peter, "why this is the case? Why a man with his background and presence and situation in life has such a hard time conversing with strangers?"
"I can answer that question without asking him," Peter volunteered happily. "It's because he doesn't try."
"I don't have the talent," Edward said quickly, "that I see some people possess, of easily talking to people they've never met before. I can't join in the conversation, or appear interested in the topic as I so often see other people do."
"My fingers don't move over this instrument as easily or fluidly as I see so many other people's fingers do. They're not as quick, and don't produce the same beautiful tone that others do. But that's no one's fault but my own, because I simply don't practice enough."
Edward smiled indulgently. "You're right, Bella. And you've obviously practiced your art much better than I have mine. No one who's ever been granted the privilege of hearing you play could ever find anything wanting in your performance."
Bella was so taken aback by this obvious compliment that her fingers stopped moving over the piano. For a few moments she wondered if he was taunting her. But then the Senator interrupted them, and anything she may have started thinking quickly faded away.
"What are the three of you talking about over there?"
Bella quickly began playing again. But now she did feel inexplicably nervous, and her hands shook, making her playing sound slightly shaky in return. The Senator stood and stalked over to them, standing next to Darcy while Bella continued to play.
"Miss Swan plays decently enough I suppose, but nowhere near as well as she would have had she had a decent instructor to teach her. Her taste in music also seems to be…lacking," she went on, as if Bella couldn't hear every word she was saying. "Now Heidi has excellent taste in music, and she would've played the piano wonderfully had her health permitted it."
"I can't say how well Heidi would have played had she been…allowed," Edward answered solemnly, "but as for Bella's playing, I am thoroughly enjoying every bit of it."
Out of her periphery, Bella could see the way his aunt turned her head towards Edward; she could practically feel the cold chill of her gaze. The whole incident left her confused, but one thing at least was clear. Tanya would be happy to know that she had about as much chance to be the future Mrs. Cullen as Heidi seemed to have.
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A/N: Thoughts?
I'll try to update soon…