A/N: Thanks to team Shiffy.

I'm featuring on A Different Forest today. If you would like to head on over there and check out my interview it would be much appreciated. x

Chapter 19

"I thought you might like to borrow something to wear," Alice said, as she led me into her bedroom. I looked down at the floral display of dresses on her bed. They were all so bright, so colorful, and so not black. Was she expecting me to wear one of them? "I can't get any use out of them, but I thought you might as well." Apparently she was.

"I uh, dunno." I felt uncomfortable at the thought of wearing a dress, never mind something that so bright and attention seeking. I liked my dark colors. They made me invisible to most people, well to everyone except Edward.

"I'm sure Edward won't be able to take his eyes off you in one of these," Alice said, picking up a pink dress, completely oblivious to my discomfort.

In the end, I took one of her dresses so that she would leave me alone, but I had no intention of wearing it. If I was honest, the dress scared me. I felt like if I wore it I would be putting myself out there, opening myself up for criticism and rejection and I just wasn't willing to do that. Instead, I opted to wear black leggings and a vest top. It was nothing special, but I felt comfortable in it and that was the main thing.

God knows that I needed comfort right now. My stomach was doing somersaults at the thought of dinner and the four of us being together, in some sort of double date. Would it be awkward? Would it put a strain on our relationships?

There was a knock at the door. I glanced up from my book and shouted for whoever it was to enter. Alice popped her head in the door two seconds later. "Edward's here," she said, before taking in my appearance. "What happened to the dress?" she asked, walking into the room, her face full of disappointment.

I shrugged. "It didn't fit."

"I can go and get another if you want?"

I shook my head. "No, it's okay. I don't want to keep Edward waiting." That was another lie. I think I would happily keep Edward waiting right now, but I would rather face him, than a dress. I stood up and brushed past Alice. "Are you coming?" I asked, leaving no room for argument.

"Sure," she smiled.