Chapter 10: Party

B POV

"Get off him!" I yell trying to separate both of Jacob's attackers.

Just as I'm about to grab at Laurent, a hand grabs mine and pulls me away violently. I slam into the ground and grapple at the dirt as someone jumps on me, straddling my back. A sharp tug at my hair causes me to scream out.

"You will watch this," she purrs in my ear. I struggle more but she has her knee in the back of my upper arm and pain lances through my body making it feel like if I struggle anymore it will break my arm.

I focus on Jacob. Laurent and James have somehow managed to get him up on his feet. Laurent is pinning his arms behind his back and blood is running from Jacob's lip.

James turns to look at me, a gleam of sinister hate in his eyes. He winks at me then turns back to Jacob. He swings back to deliver a punch to his face. But before his fist can connect with Jacob another body is slamming into him, knocking him to the ground.

Victoria and Laurent are momentarily stunned allowing Jacob to twist away and head butt Laurent. He leaps at Victoria and yanks her off me, discarding her to the side like a rag doll.

"You okay Bells?" He asks as he helps me pull myself up.

"I think so," I answer quickly dusting off the dirt.

Jacob nods and turns back to the fight now in full swing going on between James and my other defender. He taps the other guy on the shoulder letting him know he's there. The guy seems to have it handled. One hand is tangled in James' shirt collar; the other is a fist in the air. He gets right up into his face less than a centimeter away.

"Don't EVER touch her AGAIN." He hisses through clenched teeth. I recognize the voice, but not the tone or emotion in it. "Do you HEAR me?" James' head rolls back as he faints.

Edward pushes himself up to stand above James. He kicks James' foot to make sure he's not faking it. However telling from the dark stain quickly forming on James' pant leg you can tell he's not.

Edward turns back around and looks at me. He takes a deep breath and steps toward me. "You okay?" His voice is calm and lined with worry and an edge of protectiveness.

"Yeah," I bite my lip. "Thank you so much you two." I look at Jacob as he steps back at us from where Laurent was just laying before he took off running.

"No prob!" Jake does the head nod thing guys do at Edward. "Hey man!" He greets. "You good?"

"Yeah I'm excellent."

Edward puts his hand out. Jacob grabs it. Thinking they would let go I'm a little surprised when they do some sort of secret handshake that only the two of them know.

"How's your arm?" Edward asks. "It'd be a shame if Laurent did any permanent damage to it. I want to make sure you're in top form next we play you. I can't prove to you we're better on a fluke." He jokes as he punches Jake in his throwing arm.

"It's fine" Jake laughs, "I don't think next time is going to be an issue. Just another rerun of tonight."

A confused look is plastered across my face, I'm sure. Wow, Jacob and Edward are friends?

Edward chuckles at the look of disbelief on my face. "Jacob and I met this last summer at football camp. We were roommates and played on the same team."

"Undefeated the entire summer!" Jake fist pumps. "Guess that also applies to punk ass rednecks too. Thanks by the way."

"Anytime!" Edward scoffs. "So, Jake. What are you up to tonight?"

We all turn around as James groans from a few feet away. Victoria has lifted his head into her lap. I thought she had run away but apparently she just ran off to get a jacket. Her eyes snap to Edward's.

"Don't think you're untouchable Cullen." she warns. "You may have had this dog's back-up. Next time it won't happen again."

"If I didn't believe in not hitting girls, your ass would be laid out right now." Jacob snaps. "So shut your mouth before I sick Bella on you."

"As soon as the creep wakes up," Edward warns, "Get lost."

"Anyway," Jake turns back. "What were you saying?"

"Oh," Edward shakes his head to clear it. "Well, we're having a party over at our house if you're interested."

"Oh man! Cullen parties are the best! I wish I could go but Sam is having a team only party that we all agreed to go to!" He whines.

"I understand." Edward shrugs. "Maybe next time."

"Sure sure!" Jake nods. "Right now I gotta go though. Quil and Embry are waiting at my car for a ride."

"Yeah!" Edward puts his fist out. "I gotta give Bella a ride over to the party." Jake freezes as his fist bumps Edward's. He looks at me and his eyes get wide.

"Wow. Didn't picture you as the party type Bella. Too shy and reserved. What have you done to her Cullen?" He appraises. I punch him in the arm.

"Sicked Alice on her." Edward returns. I punch him in the arm too, give him my best angry glare, then turn to walk to the car. "Umm, Bella." Edward stops me. "Car is that way." He points over his shoulder as my blush explodes.

"That's awesome!" Jake splutters bending over and slapping his knee in amusement. "And the dramatic exit award goes to Isabella Swan." I stomp back the way Edward was pointing.

"See ya Jake!" Edward waves as he turns to walk with me.

"Bella," he grabs my forearm to stop me and looks into my eyes, piercing holes into my soul again. "Are you sure you're okay?" He whispers.

"Yes." I reaffirm. "I'm just glad you and Jake didn't get hurt. I knew I should have just waited under the light."

Thanks to me Jacob and Edward could have gotten seriously injured. I would never be able to live down letting two of the area's best football players get injured to the point of not being able to play.

"You could have just told Alice that I'd meet you on bleachers under the spotlights." He offers. "I don't mind walking an extra hundred yards or so in order to escort you to the car. Especially with dickheads like James around."

"Let's just go," I wave him off. "I'd hate to be late for my first after game party." I mock trying to shove all the fear in my voice to the back of my head.

"Okay." He surrenders and walks me to his car.

E POV

I hit the unlock button and pop the hatch before we arrive at my Subaru WRX Hatchback. Bella walks around to the passenger side.

I dump my stuff, slam the rear door and run around to her side before she can reach the door. I open the door for her and watch her hesitate. She looks up at me and bites her lip. I hate how she does that, she has such pretty lips and when she bites them she distorts the perfect bow.

She quietly thanks me as she slides in and buckles. I close her door lightly and breathe a sigh of relief. Relief that she's safely in my car instead of walking around in the dark.

I couldn't be more thankful to Jacob, had he not been there I don't know what I would've come across. I shiver more in response to that thought then the weather.

I hop into the driver's side as she flips the visor mirror closed and the visor back into position.

"Anymore dirt on my face?" She asks directing her face toward me.

"Yeah," I reach out and brush a little off of her forehead. I grab a twig and piece of grass out of her hair too. Her face is so soft, her hair so silky. I don't want to move my hand away, but I don't want to graduate to creeper status either. I start the ignition and take off.

"So?" I break the silence, "What did ya think of the game?"

"It was actually more fun then I think I've had in a long time." She says as she unfolds her arms and relaxes a bit more.

"Good!" Is all I can say. Is she serious? High school is supposed to be all about having fun, if this has been her only taste of it then she must have had a worse time in Phoenix then I had originally thought.

We turn onto the highway that leads to my house. The silence is kind of awkward. I know I should say something I just can't think of what.

"Rose is nice." She saves me from having to think of something. "I don't know what I was expecting her to be like, maybe more like Tanya."

"Yeah," I agree. "Rose is nice when she wants to be, but if you get on her bad side...you better look out." I whistle remembering the time I played a prank on her that involved her car, saran wrap, sticky notes and window markers.

"I get that vibe too. Like she could be just as bad if not worse than Tanya, but only if provoked." She adds.

"Pretty much." I grimace. We pull off onto the private road that leads to our house. It's pretty hidden by the dense vegetation which is why people have difficulties finding the place. We come around the bend and the house comes into view.

Every time I look at my house I'm filled with this feeling of safety and warmth. I think of all the times I had come around this same bend and seen this home, a glowing beacon radiating love. Beat the hell out of what I could only imagine my house looking like had Carlisle and my mom not met.

Bella lets out a small gasp as she takes in the abode. The white pillars out front, the wraparound porch, the double front doors, the myriad of windows lighting the three-story building.

I pull up to the detached garage and park under the basketball hoop that had been installed when I was eight.

I quickly hop out and run around the side as Bella unclips her seatbelt. I open the door again and wait for her to exit. She steps out and I shut the door quietly. I leave my stuff in the car, I can grab it later.

"Welcome to the Cullen Cottage," I pronounce.

"Cottage? It's more like a castle." She scoffs still staring up at the house in awe.

"Well," I tilt my head, "We're more humble than that."

I beckon her to follow me into the house, she follows willingly. I open the right front door and let her walk through first.

I watch her face as she takes in the foyer. Her eyes trace up one side of the staircase and back down the other. The Cullen portrait hangs on the wall in front of us. Her eyes land on the portrait and grow to the size of saucers.

"Gorgeous," she whispers. "Everyone in your family belongs in fashion magazines." She claps a hand over her mouth like she didn't mean to say it.

"Why thank you." I laugh. "Come with me, the party is in the basement."

I lead her to the door to the right of the stairs and into the kitchen. Everything is warm wood, granite and sleek metal. The walls are painted a warm red color, Tuscan sunset I think mom had boasted when she had finally decided. Mom stands up from putting something in the oven and turns around.

"Edward!" She croons as she comes over and gives me a hug. "Good job tonight honey. You did so well! Carlisle and I couldn't stop cheering you on when you scored that touchdown." I hug her and kiss her cheek.

"Thanks mom," My turn to blush at the motherly affection she has lavished upon me in front of Bella. I turn and gesture to Bella. "Mom, this is Bella Swan. Chief Swan's daughter."

"Oh Bella dear!" Mom claps her hands to her face. "I didn't even see you there! Welcome! Welcome! Is there anything I can get you? Drinks are down in the basement and I'll be bringing pizza pockets and wings down shortly."

"No thank you Mrs. Cullen." She answers biting that lip of hers again but soon relinquishing it to say, "Your home is so beautiful. I can't stop gawking."

"Oops," I chuckle. "You found her sweet spot."

Mom tosses me a stern look, which is basically as powerful as a mouse trying to stare a cat down. Then her face warms and she turns back to Bella. "Please call me Esme and thank you so much dear. I designed it myself."

"You did?" Bella gapes. "Wow! Well, you did a fantastic job. I couldn't imagine a better color to offset the grain of the wood." Oh hell, if I didn't drag her away soon mom was going to claim her and I'd never see her again.

"Well," I interrupt mom's imminent interception, "We better get downstairs before the party starts to get lame."

"Oh?" Mom's face falls minutely. "Well we can talk later Bella. I'll give you a tour later if you'd like."

"Oh yes!" Bella nods enthusiastically. "I'd love that!"

"Oh goodie," Mom claps, "I'll see you later dears. Have fun!"

I lead her to the door on the other side of the kitchen. The music blasts us when I open the door. She takes the stairs and I follow her down.

"First door on your right," I direct her. She grabs the handle and pushes the door open slowly. I don't know what she was expecting but she pauses and catches her breath. I push my hand against the door and pry it the rest of the way open, peaking my head around Bella.

"Edward's here!" Emmett booms. "Get over here man! We can do some two on two ping pong!"

"Bella," I tap her on the shoulder. She jumps a little then shuffles over to let me in. "Ok, I dibs Bella on my team." She looks up at me, a question in her eyes. "Come on, we can take these guys." I motion to Emmett and Kyle.

Jasper is shuffling Andrew and Shay at pool. Kate, Irina and Tanya are standing back with drinks in their hands giggling. Rose and Alice haven't shown up yet.

"Where's Alice and Rose?" I ask. I hope they show up soon because I don't feel comfortable having Bella here with the Three Slutketeers alone.

"We're right here!" Alice chimes as she descends the stairs, dressed in her regular clothes again. "Oh Bella, hi! Holy crap Edward, what happened to your jacket?" I look down, there's dirt all over my letterman's jacket.

"Oh," I shrug. "I fell down."

"You fell down?" Alice asks sarcastically. "YOU fell down?"

"No he didn't." Bella shakes her head. "He made James faint and piss himself."

"He did?" She asks Bella a look of surprise on her face. "You did? Why'd you do that?"

"'Cause James was trying to mug your keys off me." Bella answers curtly.

"Oh my Gosh Bella! I'm so sorry!" She pulls Bella in for a hug, Bella looks at me, a look of desperation in her eyes as Alice squeezes her too hard. "I shouldn't have sent you out there alone! I wasn't even thinking!"

"It's okay." Bella pats Alice's back. "Jacob and Edward stopped them."

Alice pulls back immediately and looks Bella in the eye. "Jacob Black?" she asks incredulously.

"The one and only." Bella bobs her head.

"Wow," Alice lets Bella's arms go, a look of pride on her face. "Two guys to defend you. Good work!" She praises. Bella's beautiful blush creeps back onto her face.

"Okay," Rose interrupts pushing Alice into the game room. "Enough of that. Let's get this party started!"

She winks at Bella as she walks past, Bella gives her a look filled with gratuity and relaxes. What was that about? Since when does Rosalie step in on Bella's behalf? I make a mental note to talk to Rose about it later.

"I say we get some Karaoke going!" Alice squeals in delight.

"I got one better," Emmett chuckles, "I say we crack out some Rock Band!"

I beckon to Bella to follow and lead her to the theatre room on the other side of the game room. We all walk in and take seats. There's bean bag, gamer chairs and some old movie theatre style seats that mom fixed up and made mobile so that we could move them if need be.

The wall has been fitted with a screen and a projector hangs from the ceiling. Emmett heads over to the case where the DVD player, Xbox 360 and Wii are set up. He starts up the Wii as Jazz and I drag out the guitars and drum set.

Soon the room is filled with Rock Band songs as people take turns playing guitar, drums and singing. I give up the drum sticks to Shay and head over to where Bella, Emmett and Rose are sitting. I crash into a beanbag chair as I catch-up to the conversation.

"You should have seen me Bella! I was wrecking the freshmen! Nobody was safe in the wake of Em-C-Hammer!" He uses his nickname he earned at the talent show last year when, on a dare, he was forced to get up and do the embarrassing dance.

Bella's tinkling laughter is quiet but easily identifiable and makes me smile in response.

"It was awesome! You totally earned a spot in the record books for starting that." Bella's blush spreads over her creamy complexion again. Emmett's dumb, doesn't he realize how unnoticed she wants to be?

"Umm, excuse me," I interrupt. "I think you're forgetting who threw the first applesauce." I point to myself in a proud way.

"Yeah whatever." Emmett waves me off, "You were defending Bella from..." he points over to Tanya who is screeching into the microphone at a decibel level that would hurt a dogs ears. "However, no matter how indirectly Tanya ended up with pudding on her chest, Bella was the catalyst, the first domino in the line, the first lit match in the matchbox. Had she not moved to Forks we wouldn't have a memory to look back on." Bella's blush gets deeper red as she fumbles around with her fingers.

"Well," Rose interjects, "I'm glad Bella moved here if for no reason but for some balance. She's a good little addition to our group. She's got friends here." Bella looks up at Rose after that and smiles a knowing smile. Rose grabs her hand to reassure her.

The song finishes up and Alice stands up. "I think it's time to start a movie!" Alice delightfully announces.

"Which movie?" Emmett asks. "'Cause I ain't watching some chick flick like The Notebook again!"

"Aww, Emmett." Jazz coos. "Just because you teared up a little isn't a reason to hate that movie."

"Shut up!" Emmett grunts. "I was not crying! I had a popcorn kernel in my eye." A round of chuckles goes around the room.

More beanbag chairs are pulled out of the closet and set up. Alice skips to the wall of DVD's at the back of the room.

"Good Lord," Bella breathes as she watches Alice grab a movie. "You could open your own video rental store."

"Yeah," I answer. "Gotta love Pawn stores. That's where we get most of our DVD's. I mean why pay ten or twenty bucks for a movie at Wal-Mart when you can get the same movie for 2.99 at Pawn 1?"

"Oh," Bella shrugs, "Yeah, that makes sense. Good idea."

"Mom's idea," I answer. "She's the one who can make money go a long way."

The lights dim as the movie starts. Rose sits on Emmett's lap, Alice on Jasper's, Irina cuddles up to Shay and Kate up to Andrew. Kyle makes a move to get closer to Tanya, but she glares at him and he backs off. Bella is sitting in her own beanbag chair next to me.

"Want a drink?" I whisper to her.

"Umm, what is there?" she asks.

"Orange soda, cream soda, root beer and coke or diet coke." I list.

"I'll take a cream soda." She answers.

I hop up and grab two cream sodas. I "accidentally" kick my bean bag closer to hers as I hand her the soda. I take a seat again, trying to push my bean bag toward hers with my momentum without flat out picking it up and moving it. It's all about subtlety.

The movie starts up, some documentary type beginning in night vision. "What movie is this?" I whisper loudly to Alice.

"Quarantine," she shushes me.

Scary movie. Great, maybe Bella will end up cuddling closer to me at the scary parts.

B POV

Alice undims the lights as the credits begin. Couples begin disentangling from each other and I uncurl myself from the fetal position and push off from Edward's bean bag. I had jumped so much during the movie that we were practically sharing bean bags now. He smiles at me as he hops up and holds out his hand to help me up.

"I guess I should get you home." Edward offers as I grab his hand.

A shock of static electricity from the bean bags shoots between us. I jump but don't let go. He just flashes that ridiculously good-looking smile at me.

"Oh Eddie!" Tanya comes over and grabs his forearm, effectively dislodging his hand from mine. "Could you please give me a ride home? Kate and Irina have to take Andrew, Shay and Kyle back to the field to get their cars."

"Oh," He looks from me to her. "Well I'm already giving Bella a ride home."

"That's okay." She coos. "You can drop her off and then take me home."

"Umm," Edward grapples. Obviously he'd rather take her home than me.

"That's fine." I say. "I probably live closer anyway."

"Good," Tanya nods. "It's decided then."

I scoot into the back seat as Tanya springs into the front. Edward gets in and then looks at Tanya, then back at me before winking. He reverses then shifts gears and heads back down the driveway.

Tanya feels the need to incessantly talk about the movie the whole way home. Saying how she thought it was so scary and that the way the director filmed it was fabulous. I start to count in my head how many times she says the word 'like' out of context.

"It was so like dark. You couldn't see any of the bad guys until they were like right on top of the camera. The part where she was like in the guy's attic and he was like rooting around in that desk or whatever. O-M-G! I was almost like peeing myself I was so scared." Five times in less than thirty seconds. We'd already been in the car for five minutes. I was going crazy.

We pull up to my house and before I can get my seatbelt off and the door open he's standing there, door already ajar. He'd done that four or five times tonight. It was sweet but getting a little annoying. I can open doors myself ya know, I thought at him.

I pull myself out of the car and head up the walk expecting him to get in his car and zoom off. He surprises me yet again.

"Thank you for coming Isabella." He smirks. "Sorry about the whole Tanya thing. I didn't know she would weasel her way into my car." We reach my door and I turn to look at him.

"Well thanks," I sigh. "For everything." I insinuate the coming to my defense thing.

"Absolutely no problem." He smiles.

I go to unlock the door to my house and he grabs my hand. He brings it to his lips and leaves a small kiss on my knuckles, meanwhile never letting his eyes fall from mine. I'm sure my whole face goes tomato red as he lets my hand go and I fumble with the keys.

I manage to get the door unlocked and open. I turn to wave goodbye and he hasn't moved a step. I look out at his car. Tanya is glaring daggers, her lips are moving like she's mumbling to herself. I put my head down as I shut the door.

"'Night Edward." I bid.

"Sweet dreams Isabella," he whispers.

I shut the door and lean against it. What was that? What was this whole night? Was I dreaming? I pinch myself. No, ow that hurt. I trudge up the stairs, Charlie's snoring on the couch, most likely where he waited until he fell asleep. I look up at the clock. It's 1:23. Wow, I didn't realize it was that late.

I change into my sweats as I ponder the night over again. Everything seems so surreal again. Admitting my life in Phoenix to Rose. Attending my first high school football game. Almost getting mugged by James. Being defended by Jacob and Edward. Meeting Edward's mom and seeing his home. Then finally the chaste kiss on the hand that I thought had gone extinct back in the early 1900's. I don't even recognize my life anymore. It's like day and night. Phoenix was one way and Forks is the complete opposite.

I toss and turn all night thinking and rethinking and over thinking everything.