Chapter Two - Party Preparations and Reunited Relations

"Isn't it a bit late to give out invitations? The party is tomorrow."

I invited everyone for lunch after I had settled back home, the jetlag really did a number on me and I tried to enjoy as much time in bed as possible without Alice's badgering. I had never experienced a birthday party so stressful, I swear that girl was going to give me grey hairs.

I finished handing out the invitations as Alice had requested with a shrug, "You would think so, but I'm just doing as I'm told." She was very cross when she found out I had completely forgotten about them before my little French rendezvous and demanded I rectify my mistake, even if it was pointless.

I began munching on my fries dryly as the others opened the invites. Addy, Kate and Sophie had their heads together admiring the pretty design. Aaron yawned into his milkshake while Grace opened the invite for the both of them.

Joe turned it over in his hand, "We have to RSVP?" He looked at me with narrowed-eyed amusement.

"Don't be stupid." I shoved more fries into my mouth.

"It says it right here at the bottom!"

"Fine, raise your hand if you're not coming," I said sarcastically. No one did. I rolled my eyes, "It's almost like I already knew that. Thanks for RSVPing guys."

Joe grinned, stealing some of my food.

"Can we bring a plus one?" Kate asked innocently.

"Do you have a plus one?" I asked exasperated.

"No. But I was hoping that if there was, Joe could bring his mystery friend and we could all meet her."

Joe scowled, "No. Keep your nose out."

Kate grinned slyly.

"There's a theme!" Addy exclaimed.

"What? No."

"Yes, there is!"

"I think I would know."

"Obviously not considering it says on this invitation you just gave us." Kate clicked her tongue.

"Eh?" I snatched the one from Joe ignoring his 'hey!' and let my eyes fly over the words.

Party Theme - Black and White

"You know," Aaron took a sip of his drink, "I'm beginning to think you didn't make these."

I scowled, as Joe said, "Really? What gave it away."

Before I could utter another word my phone rang in my coat pocket.

My scowl deepened as I saw who was calling and hurried to answer it.

"Hello, Alice," I said through gritted teeth.

"Yes there is a theme, you would know that if you listened to anything I said or read the invitation like you were asked to." She said it in a sing-song tone, not a care in the world for the annoyance in my voice.

Of course, Alice saw me get annoyed but I couldn't exactly tell the others that, "Alice." I forced a smile, "I'm glad you called. I've just found out that you planned this whole thing as a formal black-and-white event."

I saw the interest in the group grow as they began to pay close attention to my conversation.

Addy mouthed, 'ALICE CULLEN IS YOUR PARTY PLANNER!?"

I shooed her away, "Alice I don't think this crowd is very formal. It's a birthday party, not a wedding."

I could practically hear her eyes roll, "It can be casual Black and White. I just think a theme would be fun! None of us ever dress up !"

"Think there's a reason for that." I raised an eyebrow at all the faces leaning on hands watching me.

"Tell them I all say hi!"

"No."

"I'm going to meet them anyway."

"No."

"Boo. Boring."

"Yep. That's me."

"Listen, fine. Tell them it's dressy casual. I want everything to be perfect! I can lend the girls dresses if they like!"

"That's not happening."

"Share your friends with me," Alice whined and I leaned on my mouth to smother my laugh.

"I'll tell them, can you tell the others please."

Alice sighed dramatically, "Already have."

Of course, she had.

"Thank you."

"Yeah yeah. But just so you know, I will be around later to give you your outfit."

"Alice-"

"Bye!" She squeaked before hanging up the phone.

I groaned, stuffing the phone back into my pocket.

"It's dressy casual. Basically don't wear sweatpants or a stained shirt and you'll be fine."

Amused faces watched me, awaiting more.

"Just eat your fries and stop being nosey!" I pointed my food in their direction before devouring the rest of my meal.

When I entered the house, the first thing I noticed was the suitcase that sat by the entrance. I looked at them curiously as I closed the door behind me before the realisation hit me.

I squealed in delight. "Mom!" I called out.

Sally bounced down the stairs, "Hi Sweetheart. Everything okay?"

"Is Auntie Rachel here!" I looked behind her as though I was waiting for her to appear behind my mom.

My mom smiled, "Oh yes! Well, she got here while you were out but she wanted to take a spin around the place while she waited for you to get back."

"Oh." I said, deflating a bit, "Where'd she go?"

"Um…" My mom was thinking back, "I think she wanted to go to the Reservation. See the beaches at La Push."

"She does love a good beach, it's true." I mused.

"I'm sure she'll be back soon. I'm trying to decide where to put her. She said she's happy with the couch but…"

"I mean I'm sure I could stay over at someone else's for the week, I'm sure someone will take me in." I began rifting through the fridge, internally cheering as I pulled out a carton of chocolate milk.

"Oh honey, no I wouldn't ask you to do that." I saw her shift and narrowed my eyes.

I pursed my lips, a sly smile growing, "Oh I see. You have a sleepover of your own planned. Poor Bella."

My mother went beat red and stuttered over her words, "What- No! I never said that. I don't know what you mean-"

"Uh-huh." I took a swing from my drink, "Well if you ever decide to know what I mean, you have my permission. Enjoy the sleepover across the road." I rose my chocolate milk in a salute and started up the stairs, intending to nap for a few hours.

Of course, as soon as I opened the bedroom door I let out a sigh and leaned against the doorframe.

"Hello Alice," I muttered quietly so my mother wouldn't hear. The small girl sat cross-legged on my bed grinning.

"Finally! I've been waiting here for ages!"

"Well, that's not true is it?"

"No, but I enjoy saying it."

"Can't you give me like two minutes of peace?" I blinked at her sweetly.

She rolled her eyes amused and jumped gracefully from the bed, "I'm only here for a minute, don't worry." She moved to the desk and patted a pile which I assumed was my outfit.

"Make sure to wear this tomorrow, it matches Jaspers." She winked.

"Right well, considering we're going to have to pretend we barely interact tomorrow, matching might not be the best idea."

"Oh shush, no one will know."

"Uh-huh."

She looked hesitant for a minute, then reached for something. It was the box Jasper's pocket watch was in. I watched her curiously as she removed it from the box and held it up.

"I added a chain to it," She said as she showed me the simple chain which matched the bronze of the watch. "I thought this way you could wear it if you want."

I took it from her and looked it over. I smiled. Slipping the chain over my neck I admired the watch as it lay in the middle of my chest. "Thank you, Alice, I can't believe I didn't think of that."

She beamed, "You're welcome! Oh, I'm so excited for tomorrow!"

"More excited than me I reckon."

Ignoring me she continued, "I can't wait to meet your friends!"

I made an exasperated noise, "Yep I've been hearing something along those lines from everyone it seems."

"I think you're just worried we'll all like them better than you," She teased, moving to the window and pulling it open.

I scowled, "More like I'm worried about a few vampires killing someone in my living room."

"You don't have to worry about that!" She said climbing through the frame, "If you read the invites properly, you'd know that the party is at ours! See you tomorrow!" And then she disappeared, leaving me staring wide-eyed out the window.

It was not long after Alice had left that I heard the front door close and voices float up the stairs. Scrambling away from my concept art, I thundered down the stairs, sliding to a stop in my aunt's arms.

"Hey, there kid, you in a hurry?" She grinned cheekily, arms wrapping tightly around me. After a moment, she pulled away and held me at arm's length, "Let me get a good look at you. Twenty-Four! Where have the years gone?" She said it wistfully.

Rachel Miller was much the same as the last time I saw her, a few years ago. If anything she almost looked a bit younger, more youthful. Tall, dark, and oh-so similar to my father. She was in her late thirties now if I remembered right, and maybe that's why I could relate to her more. Younger than her siblings and unmarried. Free.

"Uh! Excuse me," I grasped her arms, "Have you turned into a gym person? Where did these muscles come from?"

She laughed loudly, "Dear niece, a lot has changed." She held my face in her hands, "You look just like him." She smiled warmly, a hint of sadness at what was lost. I gripped one of her hands, almost blushing at the compliment. "And your mother of course."

Rachel turned to look at Sally who watched the reunion with a smile of melancholy.

"That tends to happen when two people make a baby," I quipped lightly, smothering a grin.

Rachel turned back to me and faked a gag, "Don't remind me. Kids are the worst."

It was over a warm cup of coffee that I asked, "Did you find your way around then? See any nice beaches."

Rachel hummed, waving away the question "Hmm? Oh yes, I decided to take a drive about the place, and get my bearings."

"You're keen. Not like it takes long to do so, the place is tiny." I rolled my eyes, smirking.

"And yet," Rachel pointed a finger at me, "You're still here. I would have thought you'd have run from this place a few weeks after you got here."

"Trust me, we all thought the same thing." My mom piped up from behind her coffee mug.

"What can I say? I like to keep you all on your toes." I shrugged dramatically, before leaning forward, "So, tell me where you've been all these years!"

My aunt laughed at my childlike eagerness and engaged with my questions. I was frustrated at her vagueness and worried at the blink and you'll miss it haunted look behind her eyes. She was the same as she always had been… and yet… something was different. Changed.

Perhaps I was just older now, wiser about the ways in which life can make us suffer, and marks us like a bruise that never entirely fades.

The conversation moved on to something lighter, and I revelled in the embarrassment of my mother as I informed Rachel of the growing relationship with Charlie, and beamed as I discussed my friends and Bella.

"Your mom was telling me that you're doing art again?"

"Well, yes. I've got a job as a concept artist for architecture. I'm only new at it so I'm not very good yet, but I'm getting there."

"That's amazing! I didn't think somewhere like Forks would have a company like that."

"I suppose it's not really a company. One of the women in town has her own business and she's taken me on."

"That's kind of her," Rachel smiled warmly, patting my hand, "Not that you don't deserve it. About time someone notices how talented you are."

I flushed, pleased by the compliments and took a sip from my mug, "Yes, well. You'll be able to meet my 'boss' tomorrow, the party is being hosted at their house."

"And I cannot wait!" My mother said with a grin, "I've never seen it, but from what Clara has told me it's massive! I couldn't even imagine living in a house like that."

Rachel narrowed her eyes in amusement and said, "Are you planning on marrying into a rich family?" She asked sarcastically.

"Are you really living your best life if you don't marry a rich man, murder him and open a farm?"

"Unfortunately for her, her boss is married to a rich man. A doctor too…" My mom said dryly.

Not the only rich man in that family mother…

"Is he handsome?" Rachel asked us and we answered at once, no hesitation needed.

"Oh, Yeah."

"Uh-huh."

I sighed loudly over my breakfast bowl the next. Rachel sat across from me, not even attempting to hide her grin.

"So uh…" She pointed her spoon at me, "When did you get time to do all that."

I scowled, itching at the tight curlers in my head, "...I was just so excited to start getting ready at the crack of dawn."

Alice had taken it upon herself to disturb me from my birthday morning sleep to prep my hair for an event that wasn't happening for many many hours.

I was not impressed.

Rachel tilted her head, "You live such an exciting life these days."

"Not how I would describe it." I shoved some cereal into my mouth. That's a lie, but best not to tell her that, "So what's your plan today?"

"Until this evening?" She shrugged, "Haven't really thought about it. Might just hang out here; eat food, watch TV, exist."

"My three favourite things to do."

She snorted into her coffee, mulling over her next words, "You know, everyone's been asking about you. Think they miss that face of yours up in Canada."

I scratched my chin, "Yeah, that's my bad. There's been a lot happening since I got here, I kind of forgot to keep in touch."

"Nah, they aren't pissed or anything, just miss you is all."

"Yeah…" I trailed off contemplating. It really had been a while since I thought about Canada and what I left behind up there.

Rachel was watching me carefully, mouth twisting slightly, "You know, after your birthday I plan on heading back up north for a while if you wanna come with me for a bit?"

"Oh!" I blinked, "Well…"

"Just think about it," She threw me a half smile, "It's pretty last minute so it might not suit this time. See what happens."

"Yeah, okay. I don't see why I couldn't get the time off to go up. And it would be nice to spend some time with you properly." I nodded, itching the rollers in my head.

"You'll ruin them if you do that," Rachel quipped.

"Shut up." I groaned, forcing my hands away from my head.

The rest of the day was spent enjoying birthday wishes and opening cards. My mom had made a small cake just for me which I scoffed down far too quickly.

I ended up at The Cullen's before any of the others, (Bella was coming with Charlie, my mom and Rachel, and my overly eager friends would all come together) as Rosalie insisted on getting me ready. I had to suppress a laugh at how hard the Cullens were trying to impress.

The house was decorated perfectly with banners and balloons littering the place, all done by Alice of course. Esme had pulled out all the stops in regard to the food. She had been practising for the last few weeks and now a platter of party foods and cakes were lain out on tables in the living room.

Each Cullen looked as good as ever of course, and I rolled my eyes, groaning inwardly at how much gawking is going to take place by the humans entering the building. Edward had smirked at this which made me scowl.

"Everyone on your best behaviour okay?" I stood in the middle of the living room with my hands on my hips. I pointed to each of the Cullen kids, "I will be watching you all carefully."

"Or what," Emmett said, throwing himself down on the sofa and turning on the TV.

"Or there will be consequences…" I trailed off at the highly amused looks that were aimed at me, "... which will come from Esme."

"Trust me," Esme beamed, "I've been over this with them."

"Multiple times," Rosalie rolled her eyes.

"For the last few weeks," Jasper added, watching me carefully. I tried not to blush.

We had stolen a few moments when there was a bit of quiet in the house, knowing the rest of the night we would have to act as nothing more than friendly.

"Good then." I clapped my hands nervously, biting my lip, and looking away from him. I was envious of Edward and Bella who I knew would get to act as lovey-dovey as they wanted. Edward threw me a grin, ruffling my hair as he passed me.

"DO NOT TOUCH HER HAIR." Rosalie screeched, causing Edward to snicker as he slinked off.

I jumped as a cool hand caressed my face. Jasper brought his thumb to my bottom lip and pulled in from beneath my teeth. I knew I flushed as red as a tomato and pulled away.

"Jasper!" I scolded him, looking around to make sure no one was watching us.

"What!" He asked innocently, but he couldn't keep the wolfish grin from growing. "You've nothing to worry about. Would you just enjoy your birthday please?" He fingered the pocket watch that lay around my neck.

I pouted, the heat in my cheeks fading slightly. "Fine, but you better behave yourself tonight."

"What consequences will I face if I don't?" He said casually.

"Jasper!" I hit him lightly, smothering a giggle.

I heard someone make a disgusted noise, though I wasn't sure if it was Edward or Rosalie.

"They're coming!" Alice squealed excitedly, rushing to the window to look at the car coming up the drive.

I took a deep breath and moved to greet my guests.

This was going to be a long night.