Into You
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Twilight characters or anything Twilight related.
Alright you guys, now that we believe that there will be no more drama after that eventful award show, let's enjoy some peace and nice moments for Bella and Edward… I hope.
Chapter 29 – They Shine For You
It's true
Look how they shine for you
Look how they shine for you
Look how they shine for
Look how they shine for you
Look how they shine for you
Look how they shine
Look at the stars
Look how they shine for you
And all the things that you do
~ Coldplay
Edward's POV
May is here and for once, most days here in Forks we get sun making things a bit warm. And that's rare since it's known to be the coldest city of Washington. Being known is something you're clearly recognizable. It can be many things coming from good or bad or where you come from or what you do. And what you do can leave you quite the impression. But the grass is green, it gets warm for spring sports, and people would go outside for fresh air. I admit, I miss being back in Forks. You know what they say, there's no place like home.
I had a great time being in L.A. We got to see the sights in the city, went to the beach, I even got to the chance to see some behind the scenes of Bella and Jacob working on their set for the sequel for To All The Boys movie. Who knew being in L.A. would be so amazing? And who knew the results of what could happen.
News really broke out of the after party that happened after the Billboard Music Awards. Rider was the main attraction over me being the usual center of attention and Jacob for when he beat Rider's ass big time thus making the media create some scandals about him. Jacob didn't seem fazed about it and just let it be. Rider on the other hand is a different story. After Rider was escorted out of the party, he was thrown in jail for trespassing and assault on Bella, even if it was unintentional. She healed okay for a few days but Rider's face is broken caused by Jacob. I think that's the least of his complaints because the minute he got bailed out, Charlie's lawyer, J. Jenks came in and filed a restraining order on Rider to stay away from Bella for the next three years. He must never contact her or be near her along with never to be in the same event she's in or else go back to jail and be fined for violation. Either way, his reputation is long gone as he is completely the most hated man for assaulting America's Princess. All of Rider's fans have abandoned him and Bella's fans are preparing to fight Rider into getting him to leave Bella alone. That's her fans for ya.
As for how he got into the party when he wasn't even invited, Rider apparently paid a prostitute to seduce the security to distract him so that Rider can get through and things seem to work okay for him until I came and stopped him. So yeah, Rider's in for a long one and at least now he's out of our life for good.
There is one thing that got me curious about Rider. The rumors of his drug abuse continue to rise based on his actions which seem evidentially enough for everyone who follows the web, but according to Charlie and J., Rider showed no signs of drugs when taken into custody. No trace at all when tested. So why was he there harassing Bella and claiming that she loves him and every bullshit he makes that resulted him into not thinking where he ended up hitting Bella? Well he's a complete clown and a big dumbass. That's what we all believe… except Bella. She on the other hand claims that something's not right.
Flashback
Takes place after the incident at the after party
"I'm telling you, that has to be it!" Bella said.
"Love, I think you're blowing this way out of proportion." I said to her firmly.
"No I'm not! It's not a coincidence! My mother had something to do with this!" Bella said.
"Bells, I think Rider did more that your black eye. OW!" Emmett cried when Rosalie smacked his head.
"What Emmett is trying to say is that I don't think Renee has anything to do with Rider showing up at the party." Rosalie said to Bella.
"And what makes you say that?!" Bella snapped only to wince from her black eye just as Sue placed an bag of ice on her.
"I mean come on Bella, why would Renee send Rider to come try and steal you from Edward in the first place?" Victoria asked.
"Gee, I don't know, maybe because she's retaliating against me for firing her as my manager so she's doing everything she can by making my life a living hell?" Bella said sarcastically.
"And that involves sending Rider into getting you to go out with him?" Jacob asked, giving her a weird look.
"Yes!" Bella said like it was that obvious.
"Look Bella, I get where you're going with it, but I don't think you're making any sense." Alice said. "Rider didn't sound like he wanted to blackmail you into going out with him like when he made that scandal back when he confronted you and I there. He just sounded like the Rider we all know back when we used to work with him on set where he was persistent on asking you out until he crossed numerous lines."
"Yeah, I don't see how getting you to go out with him would be part of Renee's plot to come after you." Jasper said.
"She's probably taking some legal action against me since she was my manager that she made me sign when I was like five or younger to make her take control over everything." Bella said, waving her arms around wildly as we just stared at her.
"She doesn't." Charlie said, coming into the living room.
"And why do you believe so?" Bella asked him with a huff.
"Because I spoke with the head of the police department who had Rider in custody." Charlie explained." They had him tested before he got put behind bars. Though I know he'll get bailed out tonight. Not before J. has something for him." He commented before he shook his head. "Anyway, the police ran through the process after taking his fingerprints and mugshot, and he wasn't drunk or showed signs of any drug use. I ask them to know if he showed any history of drug abuse in the last few months as the media believed him to be on and they said nothing in his results was he on drugs. Though he did recommend that Rider should be put into a psychiatric hold."
"Why?" I asked in confusion.
"The same reason of why Rider just showed up and proclaimed his belief about him and Bella, he's bat-crap crazy." Charlie stated as all us minus Bella agreed that statement immediately. "He stated that he had no idea what we were talking about when we asked who sent him there and he said that all he cared about was getting Bella to be his. Bottom line is, Renee has nothing to do with Rider tonight, and she certainly wouldn't be able to take action against you, Bella. When I went through the divorce process with her, both of our lawyers went over the shares and there were no paper work that involves her rights as your manager. And the way I see it, she doesn't own anything from you Bella since all your earnings from your career went through your account. Not once has she touched it. And she certainly wouldn't have access to it now that Reyna changed things since becoming your manager. So Renee wouldn't be doing this sort of thing to get back at you."
Bella just stood there as she held her ice pack against her eye. She looks as if she wanted to say something to back about Rider and Renee, even though it seemed clear about the facts.
"Look love," I said to Bella before she could back up her claim. "I get you're upset but I think they're right. I don't see how Renee could involve Rider into this, especially since she threw him under the bus when you exposed him for that scandal on live television and she saved herself by putting all the blame on Rider. Nothing would make sense of why she would send Rider there tonight."
"I fired my mother for how she treated my life as if it were hers and she treated you beneath her, and tried to get in between us of our relationship, and yet now you're defending her?! I thought you would understand me, Edward! But I guess not!" Bella snapped as she threw her ice pack down hard and stormed out of the living room leaving everyone in shock, while I was stunned… and hurt.
"Don't take it personally, Edward." Reyna said to me. "I think Bella's still having a hard time getting over with how things went between her and her mom. That's probably why she believes Renee pulled some strings on Rider." She then patted my arm. "Give her some space. She'll come around." She said and left the room. Jacob gave me a firm squeeze on my shoulder before he and the others left and went home leaving me alone with Charlie and Sue.
"Guess you now know how Bella felt at that hospital." Charlie said to me gently before he patted my back and he and Sue went upstairs as I sighed.
End Of Flashback
Thankfully, Bella came into my room that same night and apologize for how she acted and we made up. That was pretty much our first fight which thankfully didn't last too long. So things have settled down and Rider's reputation has been tarnished and his life as we all know it is over. Bella and I had good time together in L.A., and now, being back home in Forks, I got only a few weeks of school before graduation. The school year is winding down. While the underclassmen were focusing on finals, us seniors were eager to graduate.
"Hello, earth to Edward!"
"Huh?" I said when Heidi was snapping her fingers at my face.
"Gosh, what is with you these days, Edward? Being in Bella-land again?" Heidi teased while shaking her head as I turned a bit red.
"Sorry, what did you say?" I asked.
"Well we were going to ask how far were you on the assignment for Banner's class, but we see we didn't have to ask." Angela said, stifling a giggle as I looked down to see I barely made much progress on the homework that's due tomorrow. Of course the day I returned to school, I get more homework just when I turned in all my other assignments to my teachers. Not that I'm using it as an edge, but can't a guy catch a break being back from L.A.? Right now, I'm in my room with Heidi and Angela who are doing homework with me tonight.
"Honestly Edward, you and Bella having been calling, texting, DMing, Face Timing and interacted a lot on social media from this long distance relationship. What more than you guys do?" Heidi asked.
"Well it's more PG than what you and Demetri be doing." I chuckled.
"Did he tell you what we did on Sunday?!" Heidi said to me fiercely causing me to flinch when she held her pen at my face, though I was confused.
"Uh, no?" I said more like in a question.
Heidi took a deep breath and set her pen down. "Never mind." She said. I don't wanna know. I thought. But seriously, between Heidi and Jane, it's always a battle between who's scary.
"Okay, I should probably get going." Angela said as she closed her notebook. "Ben should be off work from his job and he said he'll come by for dinner.
Heidi and I turned to each other, giving out that look as Angela was packing up her things. Let's just say that getting some homework done wasn't the only reason why they came over.
"See you two at school tomorrow." Angela said before she left my room as we said goodbye to her.
"I'll call it a night as well." Heidi said as she got up. "Later Edward."
I said goodbye to Heidi as she left my room. As soon as I hear both her and Angela's car leave, I looked at the clock seeing that it was seven thirty causing me to sigh. At least I have some time to get this assignment done. Just as I got and sat my books and paperwork back on my desk, my phone rang and I looked to see Bella calling to Face Time causing me to grin.
"Hey love," I said with a smile as I saw Bella's face on screen. "I wasn't expecting you to call me. Not that I'm complaining about it." I said as Bella mentioned she had to do a film session tonight for To All The Boys sequel.
"We had to cancel for tonight." Bella said. "The house we were filming in had a gas leak so we had to leave and wait until we hear about when it's safe to go back and work there. So it ended a bit early." She shrugged with a small smile.
"Sorry that got in the way of things." I said.
"Yeah, we really need to get things going since the production is way behind with the scandal last year and everything." Bella said with a sigh.
"So what else is new?" I asked.
"I think you should tell me." Bella said, causing me to be confused. "Why didn't you tell me about your guys' prom?"
Fuck! I thought as I saw the hurt in Bella's face. I had a nervous look on my face as I ran a hand through my hair.
"W-Who told you about that?" I asked.
"Jessica asked Alice who told me." Bella answered. God dammit Jessica! I told her specially not to say anything about it to Bella and her friends. Her and that big mouth of hers. "How come I just hear about you not planning on asking me to prom because you're not planning to go?"
"Love, please don't take any of this the wrong way." I said to her gently. "It's not that I'm embarrassed to go with you or anything or that I don't want to go with you, but prom is like two weeks away. And you got filming going on. Not to mention working on your new music and everything along with interviews coming up. I didn't want to get in the way of your busy schedule."
"I can work on my music anytime, and they can reschedule my interviews and for filming." Bella said.
"But you guys already had to push back on filming because of Rider and the media last year and the production has already been behind as of now I heard. I don't want to be the reason why filming is delayed all because I wanted to take you to prom and I don't want your fans to hate more because of it." I said.
"My fans don't hate you," Bella defended causing me to raise an eyebrow since I know some of her fans including nonfans are still talking about me in ways that are not at all sincere. "Not now at least."
"Still, I don't want something like prom to get in the way of your career where you have to spend a lot of time finding a dress and get ready and such. Not to mention when you will get here in Forks from L.A." I said to her firmly.
Bella was silent as she was processing everything I said. "But… what about you? You can't miss prom. It's a once in a lifetime event." She said sadly.
I didn't say anything. "It won't be fun without you." I said. "But it's fine. It's just a dance, and who knows, I'll have all the chances to have a dance with you in the future." A future with Bella, … I want that with her.
"Are you sure you don't want to go together? I can't convince you any other way?" Bella asked.
"Even if you did, I don't want to cause difficulties with the filming, breaching your contract to miss a few days to come here. I don't want to be in the way of it." I said.
"Edward, you're never in the way," Bella assured me. "But I get it since you brought up a good point. The director has really been stressed lately trying to get everything done before the deadline. Add that his wife is pregnant and is due anytime now. It really puts a lot of stress on us." She sighed.
"So… you're not mad?" I asked nervously. Bella sounded like she really wanted to come and now I feel like an ass for not giving at least a try to ask her.
"I'm a little hurt that you never planned on asking me, but I see you had your good reasons, so I understand." Bella said softly. "But, I think you should go to prom at least for yourself. Go with your friends, if you need a date, that's fine with me. Just as long as there's no funny business going on." She lightly teased.
"Yeah, no thanks. I don't want to go through another shit storm of a scandal." I said causing Bella to laugh making me roll my eyes. "But I don't know about going to prom now."
"It's like I said, it's a once in a lifetime event. You don't want to look back and regret not going." Bella said. "Go and have fun with your friends. Or at least think about it."
Now I was silent until I finally spoke. "Okay, I'll think about it." I said earning a small smile from Bella as we continued talking before we hung up and I got back on my homework for tonight.
Being in school, nothing has changed. Other than Mike was expelled and has not been seen or heard of other than when he came to my house, drunk. Besides that, it's been the same. School is coming around the corner to an end and students are looking forward to summer vacation. As for us seniors, we are counting down to graduation meaning our teachers are pushing us for finals and getting everything we needed in order to graduate. I'm not worried since my grades are good and I met all the requirements to do so meaning my future is set, especially that I get to play college football pursuing my dreams of being in NFL since UW had to make up for what their staff member did trying to blacklist me from playing.
Things have settled in my life now. Laurent is literally paying for what he did writing that false article about me and I get the chance to fulfil my dream. Plus the people who have been a major pain my ass this pass year such as Rider and Mike are out of my life for good. And, no offense to Bella and Charlie, Renee as well. Though no one has heard from her since the divorce, I think it's better that way. The less I know, the better. Who knows what's going on or if she's even okay.
Back to the topic of school and the year coming to an end, with that approaching, one main event is happening and the students of Forks High are excited about it; prom. The one event of the school year for the seniors last dance in high school. Of course they're allowed to ask out the underclassmen or guests from other schools. Already they were getting approvals from the principal in doing so and tickets are already starting to go on sale. Many of the girls are going over on dresses, dinner and renting out limos or other transportation to the dance which will be at the Great Wolf Lodge. The boys are trying to find tuxedos to put on and have to deal with finding a date to prom and that involves asking them out in a creative way.
Ben asked Angela out to prom that night when she left my house. She came home to her room filled with balloons where Ben was hiding under with a sign that reads out asking her to prom which she accepts happily. That's one pair in our group that's going together, now to know what the status is on the rest of us.
After much persuasion from them, I decided to go to prom with my friends even if Bella can't come. Jessica agreed to come with me as my date since she's head of the prom committee and being so busy handling the event, it would be a lot easier for her having me as her date than wait on a guy to ask her and juggling on handling prom and getting ready for prom itself. So yeah, of course people are talking about me not taking Bella to prom whether once again thinking there's trouble in paradise or thinking I'm seeing another girl. That part was squashed after some people pointed out seeing the photos of Jessica with me and my friends at the Billboard Music Awards since people are a bit narrow minded and focusing on finding dirt on me. I guess there are some people who believe in Laurent. But hey, that's what you get being the center of attention being Bella's boyfriend I guess.
"So I'm thinking that when we're done with workout after school, you guys could hit me up on the whole tuxedo thing." Demetri said as he, Ben, Seth and I were walking in the hallways together Thursday morning before school as everyone else was just chilling before it starts.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"For prom." Demetri answered simply.
"You're really going for it?" Ben asked in surprised.
"The hell is that supposed to mean?" Demetri asked in offense.
"Well, giving your dating history and your efforts when it comes to dates, we would expect that you would just don't care since you never attended any of the dances." Ben stated causing me and Seth to snicker.
"Okay for the record, Heidi never wanted to go to homecoming because she didn't want to effortlessly upstage anyone for homecoming queen." Demetri explained. "But anyway, I figure since the after party at the award shows, I'd… like to go with her again and dance with her. So that's why I'm going to ask her to go to prom with me."
"And how are you going to do that?" Seth asked.
"Better than what you're going to do when you ask Jane." Demetri commented, pointing out Seth's shirt that reads out "Seth + Jane = Prom!" he made himself.
"Hey, this took like hours to make this shirt and a lot of t-shirts to redo it." Seth defended.
"Whatever, my idea to ask Heidi to prom is going to wow her big time!" Demetri stated.
"Oh, so you're going to wow her just like how you first serenaded her at her place into asking her out?" I asked with a smirk as Ben and Seth sniggered remembering how Demetri came to her house one night and sang a song to her by the bedroom window in hopes of asking her out which resulted in getting pies thrown at him by her sisters even though Heidi founded romantic and the two have been dating since.
"Yeah, I can't believe you recorded that the whole time." Demetri frowned causing us to laugh at him. "And the fact that you showed that video to Bella and the others when we were in L.A.!"
"So what is this plan of yours? Does it involve a jumbotron and a voice recording of Heidi saying yes?" I joked.
"No," Demetri said. "I made dinner reservations at the sushi restaurant Heidi and I always go on date night. There, I talked to the staff into making a big plate of sushi spelling out the words. We're going to order the usual, they bring out the plate, that's where I'll ask her to prom, and –"
"And that's where Heidi pours soy sauce all over your head!" Ben said eagerly in a tone that says, "Right?" causing me and Seth to laugh while Demetri frowns as we turned a corner. There, we saw Alec who has his locker open, but just stood there with his head down.
"Alec?" I called as we came up to him causing Alec to jump as he turned to us.
"Oh, hey guys." He said, closing his locker.
"You okay?" I asked, giving him a weird look.
"Yeah, you know me. I'm good." Alec said.
"You sure? You looked a bit spaced out." I said.
"You mean like Demetri?" Ben, Seth and Demetri said causing Seth and Ben to look at Demetri for how he spoke with them when it was a joke about him.
"Dude, you guys are so predictable." He said to them.
"So what's up, man?" Seth asked Alec.
"It's nothing." Alec said, shaking his head.
"Alec, you're making this obvious for us. What's got you down?" Ben asked.
"You'll laugh." Alec sighed, with his head down causing us to be confused.
"We're not going to laugh." Ben said.
"Well that's just what you say, and then what happens later, you laugh." Alec said, turning away from us.
"Come on, Alec, you can tell us anything. We won't laugh." I assured him. Wait a minute. I thought as I turned my head looking at Demetri with a frown on my face. "I won't laugh." I clarified causing Demetri to be confused about it.
Alec sighed as he turned to face us. "Okay," He took a deep breath and just spit it out. "I… I don't have a date for prom." That there, cause us to look at Alec as if he was being ridiculous. That was it? I thought as we smiled.
"Ah dude, why didn't you say so?" Demetri said happily. "It's no problem! I can set you up with one." He said as he pulled his phone and appeared to be looking at his contact list. "Let's see, what's your preference? Brunette? Blonde? Red head? Or if you like bubblegum pink, we can get one of the girls from the cosplay club to slap on a wig for you!" He said excitedly, causing Seth, Ben and I to frown at Demetri's way of helping a guy out.
"I don't want to go with just any girl, I… have a girl I want to ask." Alec said.
"Who?"
Alec said something, but it was a mutter.
"I'm sorry, what?" Ben said.
"I wanted to ask… Tanya." Alec said causing me to be surprised.
"Tanya? My cousin Tanya?" I asked earning a nod from Alec. "Is that what's bothering you? You think I'd have a problem with you going to prom with my cousin?"
"No it's not that. A little, but…," Alex sighed heavily. "It's just, Tanya wouldn't want to go with me. She's… beautiful."
"Well you're not wrong. OW!" Demetri cried when I smacked the back of his head. "What the fuck?!" He asked me.
"One, that's my cousin dumbass, and two, Heidi told me to do that every time you're being a dumbass forgetting you have a girlfriend." I said in annoyance and then turned to Alec. "Alec, I don't have a problem with you asking my cousin to prom. And I'm sure she would love to go with you."
"Compared to other guys in school who have been asking her to prom as well." Alec commented.
"And did she say yes to any of them?" I asked with a raised eyebrow while Alec didn't say anything. "Plus, you know those guys are only asking her because they are still giving her the special treatment for the bad welcome she received because of that stupid article so there's no way she would go with them."
"He's right, just ask her to prom. It's not like it'll be a date or anything." Ben said and that's when Alec's face turned a bit red. Oh boy, let's focus on Alec getting to go with my cousin to prom first, then we'll handle the rest later. "My point is, don't be thinking so much and just wait for it. Prom is next weekend. There's only little time and you don't want to take a girl out as a last resort."
"Yeah man," Seth said as he came over to Alec's side with his arm over his shoulder. "Take it from the guy who went through a lot to ask your sister out. Just do what the heart tells you to do. The worse that could happen is her saying no. Plus, it's hard for her to say so since you were part of a state championship team."
Alec was silent. "… But… I don't know how I'm going to ask her." He said.
"Dude, you don't really have to be that creative to ask someone to prom." Ben said. "Yesterday, I went to see Angela and the yearbook committee and saw Eric asked Katie to prom just by straight up asking her with roses in his hands and she said yes."
"Maybe because the nerd didn't want to sound desperate even though he is. OW!" Demetri cried when Ben smacked his head causing me to roll my eyes. That's when I saw them.
"Look, there's Tanya right now." I pointed out and Alec turned to see Tanya walking up to her locker with two boys who are holding her books and bags while a girl was holding a notebook in her hands. "Go and ask Tanya to prom. You can tell her you want to go just as friends if that's what she wants."
Alec looked like he was sweating considering that he's being pressured to ask my cousin out. But then, his face slowly turned to determination. "Okay, I will." He said confidently and started making his way over to Tanya.
"You got this, man!" Seth said.
"Yeah!" Ben said once Alec was out of earshot. "So we're going to make fun of him regardless if she said yes?" He asked the others.
"Of course we're going to make fun of him regardless if she said yes." Demetri said with a scoff like it was that obvious causing me to roll my eyes.
We all watched as Alec approached Tanya, who had her back to him.
"I wonder what he's going to say." Ben said.
"I wonder how he's going to say it." Demetri said.
"I don't know, I can't hear the conversation from this distance." Seth said as he was craning his neck over to try and hear as Tanya turned to Alec. "I wonder what they're saying."
"If you guys would just shut up, I could tell you!" I hissed in annoyance causing them to shut up. Though even so, I can't hear anything over this crowd. I shook my head and turned where I was surprised to see suddenly when that girl pulled Alec aside and pulled out a measuring tape and was measuring his shoulders and arms and everywhere of his body while Tanya was happily talking to him all while Alec was surprised and confused as well. I couldn't hear what was going on, but whatever Tanya said, made Alec become baffled until that girl was done measuring Alec. Tanya then waved goodbye to Alec causing him to slowly to turn back. "Shit, act cool! Act cool!"
All of us scrambled around to try and act natural. I leaned against the lockers and pulled out my phone pretending to be texting. Well, not really since I got a text from Bella. She sent me a picture of a selfie where she is holding a bouquet of flowers I sent her while she is on set for her movie. I smiled as I responded.
You made my day! :) This is definitely going to be my new wallpaper! – Edward
"Dammit!" Demetri said and I looked up where Seth was drinking from the water fountain and I saw Demetri and Ben playing rock paper scissors where Ben held out paper which beats out Demetri's rock.
"Dude, your so predictable." Ben said. I shook my head and turned to see Alec walking over to us, looking completely dazed.
"Well, what did she say?" I asked as we all looked at him anxiously. "What happened?"
Alec didn't say anything until he slowly smiled. "I didn't even give her a chance to say no." He said causing us to be confused.
Okay, I don't know what happened back there, but I take that as in my cousin has a date to the prom with one of my best friends.
"Is that a good omen when I ask Jane?" Seth asked.
Over a week went by in a blur and my week felt pretty normal with school and my social life. By now, almost everyone in high school is going to prom and have dates. Well everyone but Lauren since the scandal she made at school that resulted in one of the teachers put in jail and her being forced to act like a mother since she's pregnant. My friends and I were set on who's going with who and what our group will be. Ben and Angela, Demetri and Heidi, Seth and Jane, Alec and Tanya and myself with Jessica. We made plannings on meeting up at the Capitol Hall where all the students go to take pictures before going to the dance. Then we will all car pool to dinner before attending the dance.
During those times, I would still talk to Bella thanks to technology where we talk about anything other than prom. The more we do, the more I think about how life would be if Bella was just an ordinary girl with no fame or title on her. Then we could be like any other couple in school where I would take her to prom as my date. Should I really be going with someone who isn't Bella? I'm sure I wouldn't be the only person who would miss prom other than being forced to not go. Prom just wouldn't be the same without Bella. I miss her so much more than ever. I wish I could take but I didn't want to get in the way of her career. That's why I originally didn't want to go. But Bella encouraged me to go even if I'm not taking her and my friends want me to come as well since this is the last school dance we will all have together as a group. Why is long distance relationship so complicated? Am I regretting what I did?
It was early Saturday afternoon and I am in my bathroom making my hair look decent for tonight. Once I was done, I took a look at myself wearing a light blue dress shirt tucked into my black pants with a dark blue tie which thankfully I did it successfully. Looks good enough for me. I thought. I left the bathroom and grabbed my phone and wallet from my desk before taking my tuxedo jacket and left my room, heading downstairs where my parents and Renesmee are waiting for me.
"Oh Edward!" Esme gushed as she came up and looked at me closely. "You look so handsome! And you actually shaved!"
"Well after constant nagging from you, I figure I freshen up for tonight since the night is young." I teased adding a chuckle causing my mom to lightly slap my chest.
Carlisle came over and smiled, patting my shoulder. "The night is young for you, son. You'll be dressing up like this in the future with college and playing in the NFL."
"If I make it there that is." I pointed out.
"I have no doubt about it." Carlisle smiled as he lightly thumped my back.
"I like your outfit, Edward!" Renesmee said. "I wish Bella was here. I wanna see you two go together."
"Me too, sis." I smiled as I got down on her level. "But you have to understand that Bella is busy being a star so we have to respect her and her career. Okay?"
"Okay!" Renesmee smiled.
My mother sighed. "I can't believe you were so selfless on not taking Bella to prom. I think I raised you too well, sweetheart."
I raised an eyebrow at her. "You wanted me to be a delinquent?" I asked.
Esme shook her head. "No silly, I just meant that you're too kind putting Bella's career first before your happiness." She said.
"I am happy for her, mom." I said.
"Edward, I know you better than that." Esme said. "A mother knows her child better than anymore."
"Ahem." Carlisle said, clearing his throat indicating on himself causing my mom to roll her eyes.
"My point is, I can see right through you, Edward." Esme said to me. "I know you want this night to be special only if Bella was here. I get that you had your reasons but was it worth sacrificing your happiness for Bella's career?"
That struck me there as I had my head down, just looking at my feet wearing socks.
"I thought so." Esme said causing me to sigh.
"Look, it's too late now." I said. "Bella won't have the time to hop her jet plane and find a dress to wear before tonight so it's already done. Let's just get going."
"If you say so, son." Carlisle said to me softly. "You just have fun tonight."
I nodded my head. "Um, can you take a picture of me? I want to send a picture to Bella." I said, holding out my phone. At least Bella will have something of me tonight while she's doing an interview on the late night show.
"Of course." Esme said as she took my phone and snapped a picture of me once I had my tuxedo on. "There, perfect!" She said as she handed me my phone. "I already sent the picture to Bella." She smiled causing me to chuckle. "Alright, let's get going."
She and my dad took Renesmee out the door with my dad taking the car keys in his hand. That's when I got message from Bella causing me to look at it.
You look very handsome! Have a good time! (: - Bella
We got inside my dad's car as he drove us to the Capitol Hall where a lot of students are gathering to take some photos. I met up with my friends and their dates with their family. We exchanged corsages and boutonnieres before we had our pictures taken by our families as they took it of us as a group before splitting it up by dates and just boys and just girls. We sent some of the pictures to Bella and her friends for them to see, sharing our night experience for them since I'm sure that though they had prom, it was for their TV show.
My friends and I said goodbye to our families as we carpooled to the restaurant to have good meal. After that, we got back into our rides and drove to the Great Wolf Lodge where the night is about to happen.
"We're here!" Alec said as we pulled into the parking lot.
"Alright, let's get this party started!" Demetri said as he took Heidi's hand.
"Oh boy." She said as if she has a bad feeling about this.
We got out of the cars and lined up with everyone else who has arrived as we entered the building. We handed them our tickets before they gave us wrist bands to be sure no one came in uninvited. The doors were propped opened as we walked in. Lights were off with borrowed Christmas lights stapled to the walls and up the ceilings. The banner that reads the theme, "A Night To Remember" was painted in blue and silver as a lot of arts and crafts of stars and balloons were shown and the entire wall to make it look like the night sky was displayed while a disco ball was spinning as music was being played. A fountain was put in the center while against the sides were the snacks and the drinks were laid out as tables were spread around while the dance floor was opened for students to dance.
My friends and I decided to go take our customary pictures. Thankfully, we were the first ones. The photographer allowed us to take a group photo together. After that, we took turns with the couple photos. After everyone had their turn, Jessica and I were up next. We made it look like we were going to prom together, but not in a way as in we're into each other. Even if I wasn't with Bella, Jessica and I are nothing more than friends.
Bella. I wish she was here to take a picture with me. Then we could dance together to the music, being lost in each other's eyes all night. Too bad she's not here.
After our pictures was taken, we returned to where the dance is at and everyone is already filling in on the dance floor so my friends and I joined them as we danced to the music. We spent the next couple of minutes dancing to the song until we decided to catch our breath so we sat down at a table and just chat while drinking punch that we got. We watched as students were now grinding against each other. Thank god my friends and I got away at the exact moment. Imagine another scandal comes to mind coming from another student thinking he or she's getting anything by reporting to media and taking a picture of me dancing with Jessica.
That part, wasn't what made me frown. It was the fact about imagining how dancing would be like with Bella. It's hard to get her out of my head. Why should I?
Time goes by and nothing eventful happened at the dance. Other than hearing a girl screeching at a boy for accidently spilling punch all over her dress, another girl causing a scene with her now then-boyfriend after he was caught kissing another girl and Tyler attempting to do a backflip during a song which resulted him landing flat on his back and bruising his coccyx. Ouch. While everyone was scattered around either on the dance floor or just hanging around and talking to one another, having fun, I on the other hand wasn't as I was sitting at a table since after the first time I went on the dance floor with my friends. I can see Angela and Ben, and Seth with Jane as they were slow dancing to a song. Alec and Tanya were there too and I saw the two sharing their first kiss together. Heidi and Demetri were nowhere to be seen though I'm guessing I know what they're up too. And meanwhile, Jessica was with the DJ and one of the faculties who came as a chaperone as they were talking over about how things were running. I just sat and watch as everyone was having a good time with one another, including the couples (even those who came as friends). All of them look so happy and enjoying the special moment together. The sight of seeing this makes my heart clench as I was taking it all in, deep in thoughts of my own.
It's official, I am a complete ass. I regret my actions of not even trying to ask Bella to come to prom even if I knew what the outcome would be. Bella was no doubt hurt that I didn't plan to take her to prom and now I'm paying the consequences for my action. Even though I have a date tonight, I'm all alone. She's probably mad at me this whole time. I noticed I felt a tear leaking out of me and I quickly wiped it off as I shook my head before getting up. I started walking, not bothering to look at people I'm passing by as I was heading towards the exit. I just went around the fountain when Jessica called out for me.
"Wait, Edward, where are you going?" She asked, coming up to me as I turned my head for her. "Hang on, are you leaving?" She asked me in surprised.
"Yeah, I'm calling it a night." I said.
"What?! You can't leave! Prom is not over yet!" Jessica said.
"I've been here long enough. Look, I had a great time dancing with you, Jessica, but this ain't cutting it for me." I said apologetically since I feel bad for ruining her night.
"But how will you get home? You're not walking, are you?" Jessica asked.
"I'll call an Uber." I said and just started walking towards the exit, my head down as I sighed sadly.
"No!" Jessica stopped me by grabbing my hand as I remained stood on the spot. "You can't leave now! I mean, they're going to announce prom king and queen soon. What if it's you?"
"I doubt I'll be given that title." I said. "Look, I really have to go." And hopefully get home where I'll call Bella, hoping she'll forgive me for what I did. I gently got Jessica to let go of me as I started walking towards the exit, still looking down.
"No, don't go, Edward!" Jessica said as she caught up to me. "You can't just leave without letting the others know, or when everyone else is still here. You don't want to be the first one to leave. Please, just stay!" She said causing me to snap as I stopped.
"Why?!" I asked as I turned around and faced Jessica, going up to her. "Give me one good reason why I should stay?" I said as if I was challenging her.
Jessica just stood there and looked like she was struggling on what to say. I guess that's it. She's got nothing. Before I could say or do anything, Jessica's expression changed as she grabbed my shoulders and turned me around. "That!" She said and all I did was froze as everything I was thinking of were completely erased at what I'm seeing.
There she was, coming through the propped opened doors, wearing a deep blue dress that clung to her skin, exposing her shoulders as it fell gracefully and sheer down her arms to fold at her wrists. The body of the dress was gathered in an asymmetric line that gave shape of her subtle hourglass figure. She was slowly walking towards me in stiletto heels as her hair was made into curls, making her look beautiful than ever.
No… I thought. I must be going crazy again with a Bella problem. She can't be here, but she is!
My heart was thumping in my chest and my breathing wasn't normal. I couldn't process what was happening. And it surely isn't a dream as she finally came up to me. My heart felt like it had stopped.
"Hello Edward."
"Bella?!" I asked in complete shock.
Bella just giggle. "In the flesh." She smiled.
"But what are you – when did you – how did you – whe – wha –"
"Are you ever going to finish any of those sentences?" Bella said, giving out a laugh.
"But what are you doing here?" I asked. "I thought you were in L.A. doing that interview for the late night show."
Bella just smiled. "Well you see, last week, the director's wife had her water broke and was taken to the hospital so he had be there for his baby's birth and thankfully, his boss was really accommodating and decided to push back the date of the film so that he may have time to be with his family before he comes back and we can have time to get things done. Because of that, filming has been put on hold and my schedule has been given a lot of free time." She explained. "So Reyna made some rearrangements of all the interviews including tonight, and we packed our things, took a flight to Forks and here we are."
I was completely blown away as a smile crept on my face. I can't believe Bella is here, at prom. That's when I caught on about something.
"Wait, we?" I asked in confusion.
"Surprise!" Alice said happily, popping out from behind Bella causing me to jump.
"The cast of Rainbow Garden is in the house!" Emmett boomed as he appeared along with Rosalie, Jasper, Jacob and Victoria as they came over to me and Bella. All of them were dressed up. "What up my man! Did you miss us?" He said, thumping my back.
"What are you guys doing here?" I asked in surprised.
"What? You thought we were going to let Bella come here all by herself?" Rosalie teased.
"And miss out on this fun night?" Alice said.
"Yeah, there was no way we're going to miss prom night!" Emmett grinned.
"Exactly, this here is a lot better than how the producers set up prom on TV." Victoria smiled.
"Not to mention, that we all wanted to do that we never got the chance since being stars." Jasper said. "This is the night for once where we feel normal and actually have fun for once."
"And if we want to spend the night with anyone, we're glad that we get to spend it here with our Bella since she brought you into our lives." Jacob smiled. "For that, it's why we considered you a friend."
I smiled, feeling touched while appreciating how Bella's friends were willing to come here with her tonight. That's when something occurred to me. I turned around and saw my friends smiling at me.
"You guys knew about this, didn't you." I stated to them.
"Well, Jessica did. She told us while you were moping at that table tonight." Demetri chuckled, shaking his head. "But come on dude, we know you better than anyone."
"Yeah, the fact that you put Bella's career over your feelings, proves how idiotic you are." Jane teased.
"That's when Bella and her friends told me of their change of plans and we've been planning things all week, including on their dresses." Jessica explained. "I couldn't let you have prom without Bella."
"And besides, we get your intentions but you're too stubborn to admit about how you feel deep down." Angela smiled.
"We've seen how things were between the two of you going through this long distance relationship. It's probably why you two are the perfect couple." Ben said.
"But dude, I think it's crazy for what you did. We were willing to try to help you on getting Bella to come here in the first place." Seth said.
"Because in case you've forgotten, you're our friend. We just want you to be happy. Bella makes you happy." Heidi said.
"And we're willing to do anything for you, Edward. We know how much Bella means to you. Even when you tried to do what was right, we know it's what you really want that matters." Alec said.
I broke into the biggest smile on my face. "I fucking love you guys!" I said as my friends ran up to me for hugs. Don't know how grateful I am to have friends like them.
"Alright, now go and have some fun with your girl!" Demetri said after I hugged everyone. "Just don't do what I would do." He teased.
"Demetri!" Heidi growled at him in a warning tone. I laughed as I turned to see Bella and her friends waiting.
"She's all yours!" Emmett said as he and Jacob stepped aside and did a gesture as if they were presenting Bella to me.
"Bella, I know we're already here, but would you be my date to the prom?" I smiled, offering her my hand.
Bella smiled as she took my hand. "I'd love to." She said as I pulled her by my side, leading her to the dance floor still holding her hand. I could feel the eyes of the other students who noticed Bella's arrival and thankfully, they didn't cause a scene, getting in our way just to meet Bella.
A slow music started playing just as Bella and I made it to the center of the dance floor. Bella had her arms around my neck as I placed my hands on her waist, pulling her body close to mine. I just held her as we just danced to the song, being lost in each other's eyes.
"I didn't get the chance to mention that you look very beautiful tonight." I said causing Bella to blush.
"Thank you. I had a lot of help to look good." Bella smiled.
"I just can't believe you're here." I said.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world. And I most certainly wouldn't let you be at prom without me." Bella said causing me to chuckle.
"You are so stubborn, you know that?" I said. "But honestly, I'm glad you came would've been lonely had you not shown up."
"Hey, I wasn't going to let my career get in the way of our relationship. It didn't stop us then, it won't stop us now. And it certainly won't stop us in the future." Bella said.
A future… a future with Bella. My mind began to think about how life could be together once I graduate, with her soon going to college with me and then after that, when I make it into the NFL while Bella continues her career, what would that look like. Don't know, but I'm certain that my future will always be good as long as I have Bella.
"Hey, what are you thinking about?" Bella asked curiously.
I just smiled. "This." I leaned down and kissed Bella's lips causing her to follow. That right there, is true bliss to top off this moment. We broke apart and Bella and I didn't say anything as we just danced to the song, staring into each other's eyes. It was all I needed with her.
The song ended and Bella and I left the dance floor. I saw my friends dancing with their dates. Emmett and Rosalie, and Alice and Jasper were dancing together as well while Victoria stood by with Jessica watching us as we came over to them.
"Had fun?" Jacob smirked.
"Behave, Jake." Bella laughed.
"You two were too adorable out there. I swear I'm getting the urge to have a moment with you both to make it a night to remember." Victoria said, having a wicked look on her face.
"Okay seriously, you have got to reign it in for once!" Jacob said causing Bella to laugh while I felt a bit awkward of Victoria's "subtleness."
"Well I still would like a moment myself to be on the dance floor with someone so if you guys will excuse me." Victoria said and with that, she took off.
"So Jessica, since my best friend stole your date, how's about I accompany you on the dance floor?" Jacob asked.
"I'd love that!" Jessica smiled. "But first, I got to go and get ready." She took Jacob's hand and they both were gone leaving me and Bella alone.
"My friends." Bella said as if she was making a point.
"You have the best friends." I said, knowing how they all came here with Bella.
"And you have the best group of friends I've ever witnessed." Bella smiled.
"They love me and I'll always be there for them." I said. I then looked to see a group of girls a few feet away from us as they were staring where Bella and I stood. Looking at them closely, they looked a bit unsure as they watched us and I understood why.
"Hey," I called out to those girls causing them to have their full attention. "You guys want to meet Bella?" At those words, the girls could hardly believe it as they looked at each other and had excited looks on their faces as they came over to me and Bella.
I looked at Bella, making sure it was okay for her to meet her fans and she of course smiled as she planted a kiss on my cheek before turning to the girls. "Hi guys, it's so nice to meet you." She said, shaking the girls' hands while they couldn't believe it.
Slowly, most of the students gathered around to meet Bella. Because of it, I pulled Bella to a table for us to sit down as some of the students gathered to meet Bella. They were pleasant as they just ask her questions about us and then getting autographs and pictures. Bella was being humble about it as she was patient with every person she meets. She's truly amazing.
"Okay everybody," Jessica said, getting everyone's attention as we saw her on stage near the DJ booth with a microphone in her hands. "It's time to announce your guys' Prom King and Queen! I have the results here and you guys voted."
Bella and I got up and joined our friends as we joined everyone in listening on who won.
"Your prom queen is," Jessica opened the envelope, looked into it before saying it. "Heidi Valentina!"
There were cheers as we applauded for Heidi, who was shocked and burst into tears causing Demetri to give her a hug before she went up on stage where Jacob was there and placed the tiara on Heidi's head.
"There was no doubt my girl was going to win it." Demetri said as he applauded with us until it went silent.
"And your prom kind is," Jessica took a moment to read the envelope and broke into a big smile. "Edward Cullen!"
And there you have it. I thought over the applause. Was there any doubt tha – wait… wait what?! I thought going into complete shock. I won?! Me?! I just stood still even though everyone around me was clapping and cheering.
"Congratulations!" Bella squealed as she hugged me tight while I just remained shocked.
"Edward, get your ass up here!" Jessica said causing me to snap out of it and I walked across the dance floor and got up on stage where Jessica placed a crown on my head. Heidi and I turned to each other as we shared a hug while everyone continues clapping for us.
"Alright guys, clear the dance floor, time for the king and queen to share a dance." Jessica said.
My expression of shock mixed with happiness slowly changed as Heidi and I made it to the center of the dance floor and started slow dancing to a new song. This feels weird again. I thought. I'm dancing with a girl who is not Bella, only this time, she's right there watching me and Heidi with a sad look on her face. Why do I end up in these situations?
"Edward," I looked at Heidi who smiled. "Stay here." And like that, she let's go of me and walks away from the dance floor causing everyone to be curious and confused what's going on until we saw her come over to Bella who was surprised as Heidi pulls her to the dance floor, bringing her over to me. "It's only right." She said as she makes her way over to Demetri.
I smiled seeing what a great friend Heidi is as I turned to Bella who smiled as well.
"You look dashing, my king." She said as we started dancing to the song in each other's arms.
I just chuckled. "I don't know how is that possible." I said as I shook my head. "I was sure it was going to be Demetri."
"But they see you the way I do, so sweet, caring, and genuinely a good person. You treat everyone like myself and my friends equally." She said as she placed a hand on my face. "It's one of the reasons why I love you." She said to me softly.
"I love you too." I whispered back before her lips brushed against mine. We broke apart and Bella laid her head on my chest as we along with everyone here danced to the song that is being played as we enjoyed this moment to what truly is a night to remember.
How beautiful was that? A perfect way before we go to the last chapter! I hope you guys like this one! I mean, everything is looking right for Bella and Edward. Edward gets to fulfil his dreams, all the people who were a constant nuisances to them are out of the picture and got some karma, Bella is continuing her career while trying on the challenge of college, and most importantly, Bella and Edward remained strong in their relationship! And of course, all of their friends and family got their happiness as well!
Also, I received your guys' feedback about other platforms to try and share my stories. Archive of Our Own I just opened an account but it looks so… complex to know how to upload what so I'll work on that later on when this is done. I wanted to expand further because I don't how is doing. Not that it's dead or anything but I'm just curious now if people still reads there since it's been years now. I'll still be on it obvious until otherwise but I have StarsLibrary, but the problem there is that every time I copy and paste my work or even upload the files there, it comes out all weird with the highlighting everything I typed or giving out weird size fonts. Plus in my profile page there, if you hover over it, it claims to be linked but clicking it, leads back to my bio again only saying, sorry error occur and my stories are not there. Takes me numerous tries to make sure everything is cleared out. So yeah, you can see why I wanted to find more ways to share my stories than just one account. But I do appreciate you guys! Until then, see you in the next chapter! Please review.