The Fic Lab Prompt #16: You have no idea who I am, do you?

I think Alec is up to something. And I'm afraid I know what it is. Tonight is my birthday, the first one I've had since Alec and I started dating ten months ago. Alec promised me we'd just have a simple dinner date, but as we pull up to one of the most exclusive restaurants in town, I see a lot of cars in the parking lot that I recognize.

OK, I can deal with a group dinner, if that's what he really wants. I don't like big parties, he knows this. Or he should know this, I've told him multiple times. But sometimes I'm positive Alec never hears anything he doesn't want to hear.

I just decide to suck it up and try to enjoy the night as much as possible. I just hope my friends don't make a big production tonight.

As we walk into the restaurant, though, I see it's worse than I thought. Everyone in the restaurant is standing up yelling 'surprise'. I give my best attempt at a smile and give a quick wave to everyone.

And then I really take it all in. The decorations are so over the top. A large bouquet of red roses on every table, gold silk fabric wrapped around the back of every chair, a table filled with presents. And people, so many people I don't even recognize, all standing around as if I owe them something for showing up to my party. A party I didn't even want.

I'm on the verge of a panic attack when my eyes find Edward's. Thank god my best friend is here. He looks at me with an apologetic smile…or is that a cringe? He knows this is not how I'd want to spend my birthday, but I am glad he showed up anyway. He must have known this would freak me out.

"Alec, can I talk to you…in private?" I ask. I just need to get away from everyone staring at me right now.

Alec and I walk to the area near the coat check. It's as private as it's going to get in this restaurant.

"Who are all these people, Alec?"

"What do you mean? They're your friends, our friends, my parents. Oh, and my co-workers from the office…you've met them all before Bella, at the office party last June." I think Alec can tell I'm freaking out a bit, but he doesn't understand why. He doesn't get it, he doesn't get me.

"I told you I didn't want a party," I say with such determination that I surprise even myself. Alec startles at my tone.

"No one actually means that. They say it, but they don't mean it. It's fine, Bella. You get to be the center of attention tonight. You'll have fun, trust me."

"You really have no idea who I am, do you, Alec?" I ask incredulously.

Alec looks at me like I'm a stranger. I think this may be the first time he's really seeing me. Not the me he wants me to be , not the me he thinks he can turn me into, but the me that I truly am. And I realize that Alec and I are not compatible at all. We never have been.

"I'm sorry, Alec. I can't do this anymore. I know you put a lot of effort into tonight, I'm sure you meant well, but it's not meant for me."

I don't wait for his response as I head towards the door and walk out the restaurant. Once I'm outside on my own, the stress of tonight, the stress of my entire relationship with Alec, falls away. I feel like I can finally breathe again.

I turn when I hear someone coming out of the restaurant, knowing it's going to be Edward. He always looks out for me, making sure I am safe, making sure I'm happy. We have a connection deeper than I ever had with any of the guys I've dated. Edward is the one constant in my life and I've never been more grateful for his friendship than right now. He smiles, motions me to follow as he heads to his car, and opens the passenger side door.

"Get in, Swan. It's your birthday and I'm not letting you spend it alone."

I gladly accept his offer and climb in. I can't think of anything better than spending my birthday with my best friend.

"Where are we going?" I ask him.

"Guess," he says.

I just smile as we pull into Waylon's, our favorite bar just down the street from the restaurant. We have celebrated so many milestones over the years at Waylon's. Sometimes it was just us, sometimes it was with a small group of friends. But it was always Edward and me.

I go grab our favorite table in the corner as Edward goes to the bar and gets two beers. We toast to my birthday and start drinking. Edward stops at the one beer, because he is driving tonight, but next thing I know, I'm on my fourth beer, feeling a bit tipsy and complaining about my sad boyfriend history.

"They just don't get me, Edward. No one ever gets me," I whine. I can admit it, I'm at that drunk whiny stage. Edward just laughs, but in that sweet way he has of always making me feel comfortable. He's seen me like this many times before.

"You have a habit of picking the wrong guys, Bella. You keep picking the guys looking for a trophy wife. A trophy wife comes with certain expectations. And while I think you are beautiful enough to be a trophy wife, it's not who you are. You are wild flowers and picnic tables, not red roses and gold sashes."

"See, you get me, Edward. You've always understood me. I need a guy like you."

As I look at him, I notice what a pretty shade of green his eyes are. Have they always been that pretty? How have I not noticed that they were that pretty before?

"Your eyes are so pretty. Why didn't we ever get together, Edward? We fit, right?"

In the back of my mind, I think I might be embarrassed by this tomorrow. But tonight, I just have to ask. It seems so obvious now. Edward and I always have fit.

"That one's on you, Bella. You once said - and I quote - 'we have to remain just friends, Edward, because I love you too much to risk losing you'."

"I really said that? I don't remember."

I think back over all the years we've known each other and my beer muddled brain brings up a vague recollection saying that. We were still in high school, I think. That was so long ago.

"Yes, Bella, that is exactly what you said. And you broke my heart when you said it."

Edwards gives me a sad little pout before he starts smiling again. I can't tell if I really did break his heart or if he's just trying to make me feel guilty. I decide to turn the tables on that long ago thought of mine.

"I was stupid back then! You're the one who really knows me, Edward. We really know each other. You wouldn't try to change me. And there's nothing I wanna' change about you." I take a deep breath and let it out before I continue, gathering up my courage. "I think we should try it, Edward. We should try dating. What do you think?"

I may be drunk right now, but I feel so right about this decision. It's been Edward all along. I spent so many years trying to find the right someone, when the right someone was right next to me the whole time.

Edward leans over, kisses me on my cheek, holds my face by my chin and looks directly into my eyes.

"Let's see how you feel tomorrow when you're not drunk. If you still want to date me in the cold light of day, I'm all in," he says as he kisses the tip of my nose this time.

I know I'll still feel the same in the morning when I'm sober. I can't wait for tomorrow.