"Bella wake up," Alice shouted. She jumped on Bella's bed.
"Alice," Rosalie growled. Bella woke up startled. She scrambled out of her bed. She was still half asleep and didn't realize what was going on or who had just jumped onto her bed. It scared her. Rosalie pulled Bella into her arms. "It's okay Bella. It's just Alice."
Bella rubbed her eyes and yawned. "Alice?"
"It's me Bella," Alice confirmed. "Sorry. I didn't see you getting scared. But you need to get up and get ready. Today we are going shopping."
"Alice let her wake up," Rosalie growled at her. She warned Alice not to wake Bella up, especially not the way she had done it, and Alice did it anyway. Rosalie was not happy with her.
Alice climbed off Bella's bed. She was known for not listening and doing things she shouldn't but even she wasn't stupid enough to anger Rosalie further. "I'll go make breakfast for Bella."
"Are you okay?" Rosalie asked Bella.
"Yeah," Bella said rubbing her eyes. "Is Alice always like that first thing in the morning? What time is it anyway?"
"It's 8:30am," Rosalie told her. "And yes, Alice is always like this. It doesn't matter if its morning, day or night. We don't sleep and Alice tends to forget humans do need sleep. I tried to stop her. She wanted to wake you up at 5am." Bella's eyes widened in horror. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay," Bella mumbled leaning against Rosalie. "I'm still tired."
Rosalie stroked her hair. "Do you need to sleep some more? I can tell Alice to let you sleep in."
"No, I'll be fine," Bella said. It was too late. She was already awake.
Bella got out of bed and dug through her dresser for some clothes. She kissed Rosalie's cheek and headed to the bathroom. Bella showered as quickly as she could. Her hair was thrown into a pony tail and she managed to get dressed without hurting herself.
Alice had finished making breakfast by the time Bella got downstairs. Rosalie was sitting at the table, waiting for her. "Sit, eat," Alice said dropping a plate full of hash browns, bacon and eggs onto the table. Rosalie glared at her. "Please."
Bella sat down beside Rosalie and shook some salt on her hash browns and salt and pepper on top of her eggs. Alice placed a glass of milk on the table just as Bella stood up. She went to the fridge and grabbed some shredded cheese and ketchup.
Alice frowned. "Bella," she said. Bella looked at Alice. "Why do humans go through so much effort to cook good food when they turn around and put stuff on it to change the taste?"
Rosalie snorted and Bella stared at Alice. "Uh." She shifted in her spot. It was a question she never expected to hear, then again since Alice wasn't human she wouldn't really understand. "It's not really to change the taste," Bella tried to explain. "It's more to enhance the taste. Like eggs," she pointed to the eggs, "they're kind of bland and boring but cheese and pepper and salt makes it taste better."
Alice nodded. She still didn't understand but she was certain this would be one human thing she would never understand. Alice watched Bella eat while Rosalie and Bella discussed school and the bonfire. "Where are we going tonight?" Bella asked.
Rosalie shook her head. "Not telling Bella. It's a surprise." Bella pouted but Rosalie refused to cave, although it was difficult.
Even though it wasn't an official date Rosalie was treating it as such. She had everything planned. Dinner wherever Bella wanted to go. Because it was a school night they couldn't do too much but Rosalie had plans to correct that in the future. As far as dates went it was as normal as it could get.
Alice cleaned up with dishes as soon as Bella finished eating and then they left.
Rosalie drove them to Seattle. The drive to Seattle took three hours, if going the speed limit, versus an hour drive to Port Angeles but Rosalie had no desire to go back to Port Angeles and figure Bella wouldn't want to go either. Eventually Bella would need to confront her demons but today was not that day.
With Rosalie driving the three hour drive took half as long as it should have.
Rosalie pulled into a parking structure. It took Bella a minute to adjust to the lack of lighting. "Rose," Bella said hesitantly.
"Yes?" Rosalie said asked Alice bounced in her seat. She pulled into a parking spot Alice pointed out. The three got out of the car.
"Can I get some sunglasses?" Bella questioned biting her lip.
"Sure," Rosalie agreed, thrilled that Bella was actually asking for something.
"Oh boy," Alice said clapping her hands together.
"No Alice," Rosalie said immediately. "They're Bella's sunglasses so she will pick them out. You stay silent." Alice pouted but didn't say anything. "There's a Sunglass Hut around the corner. We can stop there first."
"But we have clothes shopping to do," Alice protested.
"Clothes shopping can wait a few minutes," Rosalie said firmly. "Bella will need the sunglasses when we walk around. Besides the sunglass store is closer than the clothing stores."
Rosalie led Bella to the Sunglass Hut. Alice decided to wait outside the shop. "Wow," Bella breathed looking around.
"Go ahead and look around," Rosalie prompted, gently pushing Bella further inside. Bella walked off to the right side of the shop. Rosalie grabbed her hand. "Those are men's sunglasses," Rosalie said gently.
Bella blushed and moved to the other side of the store. She browsed through the selection of sunglasses. Her eyes bugged out at the prices of the sunglasses. "Rose these cost over $100."
"Money is nothing Bella," Rosalie reminded her. "Pick what you want and don't worry about the cost."
"Fine," Bella agreed, not that she had much of a choice. She tried on several types of sunglasses but she didn't know what kind she wanted.
"Get these," Rosalie said handing Bella the pair of Ray Ban glasses. "They looked the best on you."
Bella chose them and tried her best not to focus on the $180 dollar price tag. Rosalie picked out a case for Bella and paid for the glasses. Rosalie tucked the case into her purse and handed the glasses over to Bella. She put them on just as they left the shop.
"Are we ready to shop for clothes?" Alice asked excitedly.
"No," Bella muttered under her breath.
Alice and Rosalie still heard. Rosalie laughed and Alice glared at her. "We won't be going to too many places thanks to Rosalie," Alice told her. "However, after the dress we still need shoes, jewelry and a proper handbag for you. Oh and I suppose you will need to eat at some point."
Rosalie rolled her eyes. "Bella, when you're hungry let us know and we will stop to eat. Right Alice?" Rosalie said staring at her sister.
"Right," Alice agreed. She closed her eyes for a second. After they got the dress Bella would be ready to eat and then they could finish their shopping. She was impressed with the dress Bella ended up buying. It looked good on her.
"Alice stop cheating," Rosalie growled. She didn't like that Alice could see Bella's outfit but she couldn't.
Alice grinned at Rosalie. Rosalie growled again and Bella grabbed Rosalie's hand. Bella had no idea what was going on but she didn't want them to fight. "Where are we going first?" Bella asked. They walked past several clothing stores.
"I know where you are buying your dress so I'm going to make it easy on you and skip all the other stores," Alice informed her. "But you can't complain about having to try on dresses here."
"But if you know what I'm wearing why do I have to try things on?" Bella asked.
Rosalie laughed. "It's a human experience," Alice said. "And you need to experience human things."
Alice led Rosalie and Bella to Guess. Bella didn't know much about clothing stores but she did know Guess was considered expensive. "Alice," Bella began.
"I can see you're about to protest and I can see myself winning this argument," Alice said before Bella could continue. "Jasper insists on paying for your outfit since he invited you."
Bella's protests died away. If Jasper wanted to pay because she was his date then she would allow it, not that she had much of a choice. "Fine," Bella sighed.
Alice grabbed several dresses off the rack, not including the one she knew Bella would end up buying. "Go try these on," Alice said pressing them into Bella's hands.
Bella didn't bother asking how Alice knew her size. "Um Alice, you're not going to be watching me change are you?" Bella asked uncomfortable at the thought.
"She better not," Rosalie muttered under her breath.
Alice glared at Rosalie. "Do you really think that lowly of me?" she whispered so Bella couldn't hear.
Rosalie looked at her sister. "No, sorry Alice," Rosalie said.
"No I won't be spying," Alice told Bella. "But that doesn't mean you can get out of trying those on. Now go." Bella stalked off to the changing rooms. Rosalie followed her and stood outside the door while Bella tried on the first dress. "Rosalie you boarding on creepy stalker now."
Rosalie glared at her. "I am not Edward," Rosalie snapped.
Alice held up her hands. "I didn't say anything about you being like him. I said your actions are getting stalker like. She'll be okay. We can hear everything in this store. It doesn't matter if you are right outside this door or across the store."
Rosalie pushed away from the wall and walked toward the dresses. "I know. Being here with all these people worries me."
Alice put her hand over Rosalie's. "She's fine Rose. I don't see anything bad happening. She'll be safe."
Alice and Rosalie made their way back to the changing room just as Bella stepped out. Bella had her arms crossed over her chest. She wasn't a fan of the dress. She felt too exposed. "What do you think?" she asked the vampires. It was her way of asking Alice whether or not this would be the dress they bought.
"Spin around," Alice requested. Since Rosalie refused to allow Alice to dress Bella up she was going to enjoy this while she could.
"Bella are you uncomfortable?" Rosalie asked. Bella nodded. "Which part is bothering you?"
"It's too low cut and too short," Bella said honestly.
Alice slipped into the dressing room and grabbed two of the dresses that were similar to the one Bella was wearing. "Go ahead and try on the other one," Alice told her. "I took the similar ones out."
Bella sighed in relief and rushed back inside of the dressing room. "Thanks," Rosalie said following Alice to the racks so they could put the dresses back.
"I'm not trying to torture her Rosalie," Alice said sticking the first dress on the rack.
"Torture no but you do tend to go overboard," Rosalie pointed out.
"I know," Alice said. "I'm trying. It's just… I don't remember anything of my human life and I want Bella to get all those experiences I don't remember, experiences I may not have gotten myself. You know as well as I do that she most likely will be changed. I don't want her to regret it just as much as you don't."
"Do you see her being changed?" Rosalie asked.
Alice sighed. "My visions keep changing. She hasn't made a decision. The visions I do see are decisions made by others, namely you."
"Me?" Rosalie choked. "Do I…?"
Alice nodded. "Every vision I've had that involves you changing her is because she's dying. It's the only reason you change her," Alice assured her. "My other visions about Bella involve her remaining human. Since she hasn't decided I can't see a future where she is intentionally changed."
"What do you mean it's the only reason I change her?" Rosalie asked. She didn't like the way Alice worded that. It made it sound like Alice had visions where others had changed Bella and she didn't like it.
"I've had a few visions where either myself, Emmett, Jasper or even Peter have changed her," Alice admitted. They walked back to the dressing rooms.
Rosalie was horrified. "Peter?" Alice, Emmett and even Jasper should could understand but Peter? Why would he change her? Bella didn't even know him.
"He was the only one available," Alice explained. "From what I've seen they will be friends in the future. All variations of my visions confirm that."
Bella walked out of the dressing room. "What do you think?" Bella asked. She spun around to give them a better view of the dress.
Rosalie shook her head. "That dress is ugly," she said wrinkling her nose in disgust.
Bella sighed in relief. "Thank God. I hate it too," Bella confessed.
Alice laughed. "Go change into the next one Bella," she instructed.
Bella went back into the changing room. "She's decided to try on the dress we'll end of getting for her," Alice announced. "She really is beautiful."
"Alice you better not be watching her change," Rosalie warned.
"Of course I'm not watching her," Alice said rolling her eyes. "She was still dressed when she picked it out. You really need to work on your jealousy Rosalie. Jasper can't handle all those emotions all the time."
Rosalie cursed under her breath. "Is she happy with the dress?" Rosalie asked. "Or is she just picking one she thinks we will like?"
"She likes the dress Rosalie," Alice promised. "The only problem she has with it is the price, even though she knows Jasper wants to pay for it."
Bella walked out of the dressing room a few minutes later and Rosalie gasped. Alice was right. Bella was beautiful. "Told you so," Alice said smugly.
Bella walked over to Alice and Rosalie and spun around. The dress she was wearing was a black knit that went down mid-thigh. It was strapless and a V neck but didn't expose too much skin so Bella was comfortable in it. "What do you think?" Bella asked Rosalie.
"You're beautiful Bella," Rosalie said honestly. "What do you think?"
"I like it," Bella admitted. "It's one hundred dollars though."
"But you like it?" Rosalie asked. Bella nodded. "Then you're getting it."
Bella changed back into her clothes and handed the dress to Rosalie. "Thank you Rosalie," Bella said. Bella turned to Alice. "Can you thank Jasper too?"
"Sure Bella," Alice agreed.
Rosalie paid for the dress and took the bag from the cashier. "Are you hungry Bella? Do you want to eat first or do some more shopping?"
"I wouldn't mind eating," Bella said honestly. "If that's okay."
"It's fine," Alice said. "I already knew you would want to eat." already knew you would want to eat." Is there anything in particular you want?"
Bella thought about it for a minute. "Cheeseburger," she decided.
Alice led Bella and Rosalie to a popular burger joint. It was the weekend so it was fairly busy. Alice disappeared into the restaurant to order food for Bella while Rosalie and Bella found a table outside in the shade.
A man bumped into Bella as they navigated through the tables. "Sorry," the man muttered.
Bella tensed up. "It's okay Bella," Rosalie whispered in Bella's ear. "You're okay. It was just an accident. He didn't hurt you."
Rosalie pulled Bella into a chair. Bella leaned against Rosalie. Her cool body was helping Bella stay calm.
Alice came back with Bella's food, a cheeseburger, curly fries and chocolate shake. "She's doing better," Alice whispered to Rosalie. "It was just a panic attack." Alice winced.
"Just a panic attack," Rosalie hissed.
"That's not what I meant Rosalie," Alice said. "Just keep holding onto her and she'll start feeling more like herself by the time she finishes eating."
Sure enough by the time Bella finished eating she was no longer leaning against Rosalie. Alice grabbed Bella's trash and moved to throw it away. "Are you feeling well enough to finish shopping?" Rosalie asked gently.
"Do I have a choice?" Bella countered.
"You do," Alice told her. "I may be a little pushy but I won't force you to do something that makes you uncomfortable."
Bella blushed in embarrassment. She felt guilty for thinking badly of Alice. Alice stiffened. "Go on Alice," Rosalie encouraged. "We'll meet you at the next store."
"What's wrong?" Bella asked as Alice got up and walked away quicker than any human could move.
"Blushing makes your scent stronger as the blood is closer to the surface," Rosalie explained. "Alice couldn't handle it. Not with all these other humans around too. She's gone to get some fresh air."
"Oh, I'm…"
"Don't say you're sorry," Rosalie interrupted. "It's not your fault nor is it something you can control. Alice understands that and she doesn't blame you. I'm sure she could have handled it but it's better safe than sorry."
The time spent shopping for shoes took just as much time as when they were at the dress store. Thankfully it didn't take too long for them to find accessories for Bella, mainly because Alice knew Bella didn't want to wear too much.
Alice sped back to Forks. Two hours later Alice pulled into the driveway. Rosalie moved to get out of the car so she could help Bella with her things but Alice stopped her. "I want to talk to her and you don't get to listen. Rosalie," Alice said as Rosalie got into the driver's seat. Alice grabbed the bags from the trunk. "Send Emmett over with the Xbox." Alice closed her eyes for a second. "Send Jasper too."
"Alright," Rosalie agreed. "I'll be back at 7 Bella."
Alice carried Bella's things up to her room. "Bella relax," Alice said. "You're overthinking tonight. Rosalie doesn't care what you wear."
"I know," Bella muttered. "But what if I'm not good enough and she realizes that and leaves?"
Alice sat on Bella's bed and patted the spot beside her. "Bella, vampires mate for life. She will never leave you. She can't leave you. Do you remember what she told you? This doesn't have to be a date if you don't want it to be. So why don't you stop putting so much pressure on yourself?"
"You're right," Bella whispered. "Does she know?"
"No," Alice said honestly. "I know you don't want her to know. Do you want some help finding something to wear?"
"Please," Bella said. She had gone through her closet and dresser three times each and still couldn't find something to wear for tonight.
Alice went straight to Bella's closet and pulled out a pair of jeans and then dug a nice shirt out of Bella's dresser. "Wear these," Alice said setting the clothes next to Bella.
"Thanks Alice," Bella said grabbing the clothes.
"Anytime Bella." She looked toward the window. "Emmett and Jasper are almost here. They'll keep you company until Rosalie comes."
Alice left as soon as Emmett and Jasper appeared. "Hey Bells," Emmett greeted cheerfully. He waved the Xbox around. In his other hand was all the cords they needed. "We brought games."
Jasper was carrying about a dozen Xbox games. "Relax Bella," he said gently.
Bella led Emmett to the living room so he could set up the Xbox. Jasper sat the games down and Emmett got to work. "Pick your poison Bella," Emmett said standing up. It took him less than a minute to attach the Xbox.
Bella flipped through the games. She had never heard of any of these. There was Call of Duty, Halo, Grand Theft Auto IV, Assassin's Creed, and Project Gotham Racing, among others. "Emmett's favorite is Call of Duty but I would recommend this one first." Jasper grabbed Project Gotham Racing. "With this you can get used to the controller and playing games. Then you can advance to something more difficult."
Bella took Jasper's advice and played the racing game first. Emmett set everything up and then went and sat in Charlie's recliner while Bella and Jasper sat on the couch. Jasper gave Bella helpful advice on how to play, including what each button did, and Emmett spent the time trying to tell her what to do. At first Bella tried to follow his directions but eventually got fed up and did her own thing.
Finally it was time for Bella to get ready for her non-date with Rosalie. She handed the controller to Emmett and made her way upstairs. She grabbed the clothes Alice picked out and headed to the bathroom.
Rosalie stood outside of Bella's house. She wanted tonight to be perfect for Bella, just like a real date even if it wasn't a real date, which was why she was picking Bella up. She didn't have any flowers or chocolate as she knew Bella didn't like gifts.
She rang the doorbell and waited. Charlie was in La Push, apparently there was some game on, and wouldn't be back until late. That meant Rosalie didn't have to worry about him asking questions Bella wasn't ready to answer.
She expected Bella to open the door but instead found Jasper. "She'll be down in a minute," Jasper said as a greeting.
"Is she nervous?" Rosalie asked.
"A little," Jasper said honestly. "She's actually doing better than I thought."
"Did Alice try to get her to dress up?" Rosalie asked. She had spent the time hunting and didn't know what Alice was up to.
"She help Bella pick something out before we arrived," he replied. "She looks good," Jasper added when he felt Rosalie's curiosity. Rosalie growled. "You know I didn't mean anything by it."
"Yes I know," Rosalie said taking a deep breath. "Sorry."
"It's okay. You're doing remarkably well," he complimented. "I don't think any of us would be able to remain as calm as you." He paused. "Peter and Charlotte are coming to visit."
Rosalie tensed up. She loved Peter and Charlotte but they didn't have the best control and she didn't want them scaring Bella. "I don't know about that Jazz."
"I explained the situation and they will be on their best behavior. You know how Peter feels about this." Rosalie nodded. Peter's mother and sisters were raped, tortured and murdered he fled with Charlotte. "You're welcome to talk to Peter before he sees Bella, or tell them to stay away," Jasper informed her.
Rosalie sighed. "I'll talk to Bella and see what she thinks," Rosalie decided. She heard Bella rummaging around upstairs. "Is there any news on Edward?"
"Alice is still having trouble seeing him," Jasper said honestly. "I'm certain he knows how to get around her visons and is using it against her."
"Be honest Jasper. How likely is he to go after Bella?" Rosalie asked.
Jasper sighed. "From what I can feel he doesn't want to hurt her. He truly believes they're meant to be and you're corrupting her. He's more likely to hurt her by trying to 'save her', I mean look what happened in Port Angeles," Rosalie growled, "and honestly," he continued ignoring Rosalie's reaction, "it's possible she will get killed in the process. You need to be prepared for what may happen."
"You think I will have to change her," Rosalie realized. "I can't do that Jasper."
"I know you have the control for it. You said so yourself, you can't hurt her," Jasper pointed out. "But that's not what's bothering you."
"She doesn't want this," Rosalie said. "And I will not force this life on her, not like Carlisle did me. I can't stand her resenting me for eternity. I won't do it Jasper."
"Calm down Rosalie," Jasper said pushing as much calm toward her as he could. "I'm not saying you will need to do it. I'm simply telling you to be ready for that possibility. If something happens… I won't allow you to waste away because you're too damn stubborn to change her if necessary. I'm telling you now if she is in a life or death situation and you won't change her, I will."
Rosalie stared at him. She had never heard Jasper be so forceful. "Jasper, I appreciate that but even if that was to happen you don't have the control for it."
"Alice has been helping me practice," Jasper admitted. "I know animals are different than people but it's a start."
Rosalie sighed. "If it comes to it I will change her myself. I appreciate the thought Jazz and it's good that you're getting control and I hope you keep working on it because I hate seeing you in pain after you slip, but I can't let anyone change her other than me. The thought of someone else's venom in her veins…" Rosalie shook her head. "I'll do it."
"Good," Jasper said. "Because when it comes down to it, I think Bella would rather have you do it than me. Actually I don't think that, I know she would rather have you change her. As for her resenting you, I don't think that's possible."
Bella walked downstairs effectively ending Rosalie and Jasper's conversation. "You look beautiful Bella."
Bella blushed. "Thanks."
"Are you ready to go?" Rosalie asked.
"I am," Bella confirmed.
Jasper stopped Bella before she could leave the house. "Relax Bella," he muttered. "There's no need to be nervous. Rose already thinks you're perfect."
"I'll try," Bella promised, though it was easier said than done.
Rosalie led Bella to her car. She held the door open and shut it once Bella was comfortable inside. "Where would you like to eat?" Rosalie asked.
"I don't care," Bella said. Bella noticed Rosalie staring at her. "How about Chinese food?"
"Sounds good," Rosalie said. It didn't matter where they went. The human food would be repulsive to Rosalie either way. But this was about Bella and she would suffer through eating human food just to give Bella a sense of normalcy.
"You don't have to eat with me," Bella said. "I know you guys aren't fond of human food."
"You're right. We're not fond of human food but that doesn't mean we can't eat human food. Besides I want to," Rosalie added.
"If you're sure," Bella said. Bella glanced at Rosalie. "Can I ask you something?"
"You can ask me anything," Rosalie assured her.
"What happens when you eat food?" Bella asked. "I mean I know you can eat but if your heart doesn't beat then that means your other organs probably don't work either."
Rosalie laughed. "You know Emmett asked the same thing after he was turned. It's true. None of our major organs work. It's the main reason we dislike eating, other than the taste. You see our venom dissolves the food. The more we chew something the faster it dissolves but until the food dissolves it sits in our stomachs and is a bit uncomfortable."
Bella wrinkled her nose. "That's rather gross."
"It is a bit gross," Rosalie agreed. She pulled onto the highway. "Bella, do you mind going to Port Angeles? There's a Chinese restaurant there that received high ratings."
Bella tensed up at the thought. She knew sooner or later she would have to go back to Port Angeles but she was hoping for later. Actually she was kind of hoping she would never have to go back.
"Bella," Rosalie called softly. She pulled over so she could focus her attention on her mate. "You haven't said anything. We don't have to do this. I would never force you to go."
"I know," Bella said. She took a deep breath. "I want to go but…"
"But?" Rosalie pressed.
"Stay close to me," Bella said softly.
Rosalie grabbed her hand. "Always," Rosalie promised.
The rest of the car ride was quiet. Rosalie could sense Bella's nervousness and she wondered if she was doing the right thing bringing Bella to Port Angeles. Rosalie had studied many subjects over her long life, including medicine, math, marine biology and mechanical engineering, but psychology wasn't one of them.
Now she wondered if maybe she should have done psychology. Maybe she would be able to help her mate better. Her experience alone wasn't enough even if she wished it was. Bella needed real help but Rosalie couldn't force her to get it. Nor did she have the skills needed to help Bella herself.
She tapped the steering wheel. When she graduated high school, again, she was going to go to college and study psychology and she was going to go to medical school, again, so she could become a psychiatrist. Then she could help other women in similar situations.
"Rose, are you okay?" Bella asked.
Rosalie looked at Bella. "Fine," she replied. "Why do you ask?"
Bella put her hand over Rosalie's. "You're denting the steering wheel."
Rosalie relaxed her grip. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."
"You didn't scare me," Bella said honestly. Rosalie intertwined their fingers. "I was worried. What's wrong? And don't lie."
"I was thinking about everything," Rosalie admitted, slowing the car down to the speed limit. "I have several degrees including a medical degree and I can't do anything to help you. I hate it. I hate being so powerless."
"You are helping me," Bella whispered. "It's because of you that I'm alive and those men aren't. It's because of you that I can sleep at night. I feel safe with you. I feel like myself, like I'm not broken. So please, don't feel guilty or bad or whatever else you may be feeling."
Rosalie lifted the hand she was holding to her mouth and pressed a light kiss to the back of Bella's hand. "I promise I will try," she said softly. Rosalie sped up the car.
It was almost 8pm by the time Rosalie pulled into the parking lot of Dynasty. The parking lot was crowded despite the time. Rosalie pulled up to the spot Alice had told her about and waited a minute for the car to back out.
"How did you know that car would leave?" Bella asked.
"Having a psychic for a sister is very helpful," Rosalie commented. "She even got us reservations."
"She knew I would end up wanting to eat here," Bella realized. "Why didn't you just tell me we were coming here? Why didn't she?"
"For the same reason she didn't tell you which dress you were going to end up buying," Rosalie said turning to face Bella. "Her visions are subjective and while certain things like a dress or restaurant don't usually chance she does like to give you the chance to change your mind. She normally keeps visions like this to herself, or tells Jasper about them."
"Oh," Bella said. "That's kind of nice."
"It is," Rosalie agreed. "It would drive us all to insanity if Alice told us what we were going to wear or what we were going hunt. Some things are best left unsaid."
Rosalie got out of the car and walked over to the passenger side. She opened the door and held out her hand for Bella. Bella took Rosalie's hand and got out of the car. Rosalie shut the door and they headed to the front door.
"Are you okay?" Rosalie whispered in Bella's ear when they got inside the restaurant.
Bella tensed up. The entry of the restaurant was full of people standing around waiting for a table. She didn't like being so close to these strangers. Even with Rosalie by her side she still felt unsafe. "I'm fine," Bella lied.
"Bella. I may not have Jasper's gift but I can tell you're lying," Rosalie muttered. "Do you want to leave?"
"No, it's fine," Bella promised, not wanting to ruin their evening. She squeezed Rosalie's hand.
They approached the hostess and Rosalie gave the girl her name. Minutes later they were seated at a table in the corner of the restaurant. It was far enough away so they could talk and Bella wouldn't feel uncomfortable. Rosalie was sitting beside Bella as her scent calmed her.
The waiter approached. Rosalie and Bella sitting together caught him off guard and people generally sat across from each other. "I'm Greg," he introduced. "I'll be your server. What can I get you to drink?"
"Water," Rosalie requested.
"Coke," Bella said softly.
The waiter nodded and wrote it down. "I'll be right back with your drinks." He walked away without sparing them a second glance. Rosalie was grateful for that. She hated humans checking her out and she didn't think she would be able to handle someone checking out Bella.
Rosalie opened the menu and picked out the first thing she saw. Bella took more time scanning the menu. "Are you nervous about your test tomorrow?" Rosalie asked when Bella sat the menu down.
The waiter returned with their drinks and the girls ordered.
"A little," Bella admitted, twirling the straw wrapper around. "Jasper's tutoring helped a lot."
"There's no one better when it comes to the civil war," Rosalie said. She had been jealous when she first heard that Bella asked Jasper for help studying for a test. But when she found out it was for history she let it go since Jasper was the best.
Their food arrived and Rosalie stared at the plate. "You don't have to eat it," Bella told her.
Rosalie ignored Bella, scooped up a forkful of fried rice and shoved it in her mouth. She chewed until there was nothing left to chew and swallowed. She managed to keep from shuddering at the taste.
She looked up and saw Bella staring at her with her mouth hanging open. Despite Rosalie's instance that she was going to eat human food Bella still never expected Rosalie to go through with it. "Close your mouth or you'll catch flies," Rosalie teased.
Bella's jaw snapped shut. "Sorry, I'm just surprised you actually ate food." Rosalie took a bite of the orange chicken.
"I told you I would," Rosalie reminded her. Bella began eating. "Bella is there something bothering you? Alice mentioned you wanted to talk about something but she wouldn't tell me what out of respect for your privacy."
"I'm worried about the exhibit opening," Bella confessed. "It's not Jasper. I'm not afraid of him or anything. It's just… I'm worried about being away from you, worried I won't be able to handle it and I don't want to ruin the night for Jasper."
"Jasper will understand," Rosalie promised her. "If you want I can stay close by and if you need me Alice will let me know."
Bella shook her head. "You shouldn't have to spend your evening standing around in case I need you," she said. "It's not fair to you."
"Oh Bella," Rosalie said holding her hand. "I would happily spend the entire evening close by on the off chance you need me. I would do anything to make sure you were safe and comfortable."
Bella leaned against Rosalie. The thought of having her close by was reassuring but she still felt selfish.
Rosalie didn't press the subject. She would speak to Alice and if there was a need for her to be close by then she would go. If Alice was sure Bella will be okay on her own then Rosalie would stay home.
Rosalie felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She pulled her phone out and found a text from Alice.
She'll struggle a little but will be okay with Jasper.
Rosalie tucked her phone away. That was good enough for her.
The rest of the dinner was spent making small talk. Rosalie told Bella stories of her, Jasper, Alice and Emmett over the years, including the time Emmett and Jasper had destroyed a house wrestling and Esme made them rebuild it.
Bella also learned of Rosalie's love for cars. Bella had offered to help her rebuild a car but Rosalie only agreed if Bella got to keep the car. Bella agreed because she knew it would make Rosalie happy but she didn't plan on actually using the car.
By the time they got back to Bella's home it was after close to ten. Charlie was still out but Bella knew he would be home soon.
Bella and Rosalie stood on the porch. "Are you going to stay tonight?" Bella asked nervously.
"Do you want me to?" Rosalie countered. She was sure she knew the answer but she wanted to hear it from Bella.
"Yes," Bella said with a nod.
"Then I'll stay," Rosalie told her.
Rosalie wasn't sure why Bella wasn't opening the door. In all honesty it felt like a real date with both of them standing around unsure what to do.
Nothing could have prepared Rosalie for what happened next. She wasn't even sure Alice would have seen it. Bella stepped toward Rosalie and bit her lip. She stood on her tippy toes and lightly pressed her lips against Rosalie's.
The kiss ended almost as soon as it began and Rosalie was stunned. Her body instantly reacted to the kiss and Rosalie had to fight her instinct to claim her mate.
Bella was surprised by her own actions. She never planned on kissing Rosalie. She wasn't even sure she wanted to kiss Rosalie but it felt right. Plus that small smile on Rosalie's face made it worth it.
After a few minutes of standing there and looking at each other Bella finally turned around and unlocked the front door.