Hey guys. Sorry if this story is kind of awkwardly written; I think the first person P.O.V. is making it more difficult to write because I'm trying to make it too personal (if you know what I mean…?) And since my life is not even close to the main characters', it's somewhat difficult to dig into my emotions.

Hope you guys enjoy this chapter! If you have any tips for my writing or have any suggestions or questions, pm me. I would love to hear from you!

Summary of story:

Bella's mother committed suicide. Her father was abusive, but died in a drunk driving accident, cause her mom to commit suicide. She now lives with Spencer, but is having a hard time coping with everything. She has made two friends; Mary-Kate and Nate. They are having dinner with Spencer so that he can determine if Nate is "safe" enough to date his sister.

*At this moment in time, none of the team know Strauss has a child besides Bella.

Time: 5:00 pm; Thursday, September 5, 2013

A grin spreads upon my face as I find the perfect outfit to wear to dinner with Spencer and Nate.

Yesterday, I went shopping with Emily, Jayje, and Pen, and because they figured out that I had a date, they insisted on buying the entire mall. We bought everything from make-up to accessories to dresses and shoes.

Inside, I was secretly jumping for joy. Not that I'd tell them that. There's a voice inside my head that's telling me not to be happy, but for now I'm ignoring it.

When I lived in my old house, I didn't have a lot of money, food, or clothing. I didn't go shopping. At all.

When my step-dad was living with us, we were too terrified to leave the house. He didn't trust us, and one wrong move could kill us. It was easier to live without the things that I wanted. I learned to be content with what I had.

Every now and then, when it was a good day, he would bring us gifts. I got a caribou knitted scarf and a new pair of Nike shoes once.

Of course, with every gain comes a loss. Whenever we would make him mad after receiving the gifts, he would become furious. Some of those times were the worst he ever treated us. I mean, of course I tried to stop him from hurting her, but I could only do so much when he turned to me.

I still miss her. Every day, in fact. I miss her rosemary perfume, and her sweet, honey-suckle voice. Her eyes used to sparkle when she was with my dad—before he left and she re-married with Rob.

I'm trying to forgive her, hate her, love her, and punish her at the same time. I have so many conflicting emotions. I've reached the conclusion that our relationship was very confusing, but I know I still love her, deep down, even if I don't want to acknowledge it. She will always take a toll on my heart whether I like it or not.

I'm snapped back to reality when I hear my cell-phone ring with a text message. I see that it's Mary-Kate.

Mary-Kate: Hey gurl, good luck with your dinner date (; I'll be watching…

Bella: You better not! You know that Spencer is a genius. He'd catch onto your shenanigans in a heartbeat.

Mary-Kate: Oh fine. You're no fun. D: Have fun with your romance… Maybe you'll be lucky on your DATE tomorrow and end out making out in the middle of a movie theater.

Bella: Oh, stop. We'll see what happens as it goes. We're taking it slow as of now. I think, at least.

Mary-Kate: Won't be for long. Seeya at school later!

After I talk to her for a couple of minutes, I look back to the dress that is lying across my flower-budded bedspread.

A lilac colored knee-length dress stares back at me. Its fabric is bunched around the bust and gets tight around my hips before falling to a waterfall of ruffles. It's gorgeous. It's not too simple or extravagant; perfect for a time to impress a guy.

Before I moved here, I would never let anyone see this side of me. I've never thought of myself as "good-lucking" or "hot", so I never would have tried on anything like this. My tom boy side would take over. Yes, I wear make-up, but that's different. I don't have the confidence to go out without make-up because I'm self-conscious, and I don't wear dresses because I don't think my body is good enough to pull it off.

Everyone else seems to think I'm crazy though. JJ and Emily think I have the perfect "bod" as Derek calls it, and Garcia thinks my petite figure (I never thought of myself as thin…) can pull off anything.

Lately I've been growing closer to Derek; after he heard that I'd been in the BAU gym, he made himself make time for us to hang out. This weekend we're going to play basketball with all of the team, which is going to be hilarious, considering most of them never play basketball.

He also insists that I tell the team about this "date" after it happens. I think they're crazy, but I know they'll go to extreme measures to dig for gossip. Especially Pen.

As I'm pulling on the dress, I yank a pair of dull, grey heels onto my feet. I'm not a fan of sparkly silver or black, surprisingly as that may come across.

Right as I'm lightly curling my hair, applying mascara, and a frosted pink colored eyeshadow, I hear the doorbell ring. Oh shit, is it that time already?

I begin to slightly panic as I tidy my living quarters and perfect my appearance. Once I realize that my hair will not get any better than it is now, my heels clunk on the hardwood floor as I'm approaching the door.

(Nate POV)

Even though I know that this is not a date, I can't help but be nervous. My stomach flutters, my hands sweat, and my feet pace back and forth as I'm standing outside her apartment.

When I think of her, I forget everything. Her smile lights up my world. She's compassionate and caring. I know she's got hidden emotions, and I know she's had a hard life, but we'll come to that bridge when we have to. All I know is that I want her.

Her lilac scent.

Her sweet laugh.

Her dazzling eyes.

I can't stop thinking about her. I know I'm falling for her.

I know guys say that about every girl. I do, but she's different.

Bella's different, and I'm going to let her know that.

(Bella POV)

My hand shakes as I grasp the cold, hard metal and twist the doorknob.

There stands Nate. He's holding a dozen pink roses. Aw, he didn't…

My heart skips a beat when I see him holding those roses. The pink petals caress his hands as he waits to be invited into the house. Time stands still, and it feels like we're the only two people in the world.

Hey guys, sorry for the short chapter. It just seemed RIGHT to end it right here. And dramatic. I really felt that captivating the emotions would make the dinner all the more intense, romantic, and awkward at the same time. I really hope you guys liked this. Please let me know what you would like to see during the date!

By the way, I don't think this story is anywhere near done. At this rate, it's going to be 40 chapters long. I haven't had the twist happen yet. It will probably happen within the next five chapters. (:

Thanks for your time!