December 2017

"Hey, Bella," Angela announced as she slid into one of the empty seats beside Bella in the library during lunch hour. "My mom needs to take the twins to the doctor after school. I hate to do this, but is there any way I can get a lift with you to ballet?"

Bella looked up and gave her friend a smile. "If you're okay hanging out while I work with the tot class, sure," she offered in return. As much as Bella loved dancing itself, she found a different but equal enjoyment from working with the junior company the previous season, and had asked Esme about helping with some of the younger kids as well. Besides her own personal enjoyment, the additional classes would look great on her applications next year to various dance programs around the country. If she wanted to get into the Ailey School, she needed a competitive application beyond her list of lead roles. Thankfully, Esme was more than happy to accept the help, even with the tension between her and Edward over the last few months. While Bella was increasing her time at the studio, Edward had dropped out of dance altogether, struggling to balance it with his AP classes, track and field, and jazz band. The idea of being the Juliet to his Romeo this year had excited her. Instead, he left, leaving Jacob to win the male lead.

"I can do that!" Angela agreed. "I can get some homework done in the lounge. Or I can help you."

"I was planning on playing dance games with them," Bella suggested. "It'll be nice having a partner taller than my knees."

"I miss dance games! You've got a deal!" Angela held out her hand to shake. "Should I just meet you after sixth period?"

"Sounds good. I'm meeting up with Alice in the parking lot. See you there?"

"You bet!" Angela nodded as the bell rang. "See you then!"

Bella quickly packed her bag and headed to AP English - the only class she still shared with Edward "Five AP Credits" Cullen. As she entered the room, she saw Edward already seated in the second row with two of his AP friends flanking him on either side - Eric Yorkie, and the one who he was in deep conversation with, Tanya Denali. Tanya had transferred to Ballard from a private school in Alaska, and only seemed to want to associate with those she deemed worthy. Handsome track star and a stack of AP credits made Edward worthy. For whatever reason, Bella wasn't. So, instead of taking a seat near Edward, she went to the back corner near Ben Cheney.

"Okay, class!" Mr. Berty called the class to attention as soon as he entered. "I know you're used to the week before Christmas being easy, but you're AP students now, and this course is worth college credit." He placed a stack of papers on the desks of the first row with the expectation the front row would pass them back. "Instead, you'll have today to complete the personal progress assessment. When you get them back tomorrow, I'd like you to work in pairs to assess the areas you can improve. You may begin once you have your paper."

Bella rolled her eyes. Leave it to the only teacher pushing them through the last week to make it as easy for himself as possible. Thankfully, the passage was brief, and the progress check was one question, so she had enough time to read it carefully and double check her answer before the bell rang and she had time to pack everything before heading to Lifetime Fitness, AKA Yoga. If someone had told Freshman Bella she would take a physical education course by choice, she would have thought you were crazy, but Yoga was extremely helpful for ballet. Plus, she needed a one semester course to balance Intro to Theatre in the new year.

"How did you guys do?" Eric asked as he and his friends packed up on the other side of the room.

"I felt pretty good about it," Tanya shrugged, shoving the book into her bag. "It wasn't as hard as the calculus progress check this morning."

"They don't compare," Edward interjected, throwing the straps over his arms. "This was one open-ended question. History, calculus and bio were longer and more specific. I'm curious how Spanish will be."

As Bella left the room, she didn't acknowledge the trio, but their conversation surprised her. Here she was complaining about Berty and one progress check before the break, and Edward was dealing with five. And she knew from Ben that the track team was still training for the spring. Maybe she had been quick to judge him for dropping ballet.

"Bella! Wait up!" Edward called as he ran after her in the hallway with Eric and Tanya close behind.

"Hey, what's up?" She offered him a friendly smile after having her recent revelation.

"You're driving Alice to ballet after school, right? Any way you could drive her home after as well? Mom said she needed to stay late, and Tan wanted to come over to go over our calculus check."

Behind him, Tanya shot Bella a suggestive wink, killing all of Bella's good feelings. "No, sorry," she replied shortly.

"Come on, it's the only time we have a quiet house. It'll make my life way easier," he whined. Was this guy serious? After everything they'd been through, had their relationship boiled down to him begging her to help him… what, hook up?

"If you actually paid attention to what was going on beyond your little bubble, you'd know that your mom's staying late to work with me and Jacob. It seems my new partner isn't as comfortable with lifts," she bit back before turning to storm off down the hall for Yoga.

Thankfully, those fifty minutes did wonders, and even after another fifty minutes of probability and statistics, she was still in a good mood while she waited out by the old Focus. When Emmett and Rosalie got a car together, he offered her their mom's old sedan. And hey, a free car beats no car.

"Bella!" Jacob called with a bright smile as he approached her in the parking lot. "How's the day been, loca?"

"Just a normal day at Ballard High," she shrugged, watching him swap his backpack with a black helmet inside his motorcycle. "My dad would kill me if I drove one of those."

"This used to be my dad's, so I'm sure he's okay with it," Jacob laughed, tying up his long hair. "I fixed it up myself."

"Really?" she asked, shocked. "That's impressive."

"Yeah, well, if football and ballet don't work out for me, mechanic's a good fallback. You should let me take you for a ride on this."

Bella felt a knot in her stomach that came whenever Jacob suggested hanging out. "And get caught by my FBI dad? Pass!" she tittered nervously.

"Just think about it." He shoved the helmet onto his head and started up the engine. "See you at the studio later!" With a wave, he pulled out of the parking lot, only to reveal Edward and Tanya getting into his Volvo on the other side of the parking lot. So much for her good mood.

She avoided being too negative on the ride to the dance studio, so Angela and Alice were clueless about what was going on when the three of them arrived. "Hello, girls," Esme greeted them with a smile as they put down their bags. "Alice, can you help with tot check in? I just need to speak with Bella in my office."

"Sure, mom," Alice agreed, grabbing the clipboard from her mother before bouncing over to the door while Bella followed Esme. What could it be? Did Edward call to complain about her being bitchy earlier? No, that couldn't be it. Esme was smiling as they took a seat on the white sofa in her office.

"Is everything okay?" Bella asked nervously, biting her lip.

"Everything's great, dear!" Esme enthused. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I just wanted to share the good news." She grabbed a packet from the coffee table in front of them with the grin plastered on her face. "I just heard from the PNW Youth Program. They would be thrilled to offer you a spot in their summer program."

Bella's jaw dropped as she accepted the packet from Esme. The Pacific Northwest Ballet was one of the best companies on the west coast, and to be accepted into their summer youth program was an amazing honor. It also included being cast in an ensemble role for one of their productions next year. "I don't know what to say," Bella breathed out in shock. "This means I won't be able to dance for you after R and J."

"I know I'll miss having you in the company, but this is tremendous! Oh, Bella, I'm so proud of you! You worked so hard!" Esme gushed as she hugged the younger girl. "I know things have been uncomfortable recently, but you deserve this so much. I couldn't be happier for you."

"Thanks, Esme," Bella blushed at the pride in her instructor and de facto aunt's voice. "I need to talk to my folks about this, but I can't believe it."

"Well, believe it!" Esme giggled. "And I promise, we'll be right there to watch your debut with them next year, cheering you on." Instead of harping on who we comprised, Bella thanked Esme once more before heading to the change room, where she and Angela squealed in celebration quickly before heading out to work with the tots.

Bella spent her time in the studio on a high with the news, as if the rest of the day didn't exist. It was like she was floating on cloud nine while playing games with the pre-schoolers, all the way through her rehearsal with the senior company of the Capulet's party. Of course, all good things must end. Her end was during the work with Esme and Jacob in their pas de deux.

"Let's try to get that lift a bit more fluid, Jacob," Esme directed as she paused the playback and Jacob returned her to the ground. "It feels choppy in the turn."

"Hi, mom," Edward announced as he entered the studio, glaring at Jacob's hand around Bella's waist. "Is Alice ready?"

"Here I am!" Alice bubbled as she floated out from the dressing room. "See you later, mom! Bye, Jake! Bye, Bella! Congratulations!" She waved at the pair as they said goodbye.

"Congratulations? For what?" Edward asked, following his sister out.

It was like Edward had sucked all of Bella's good vibes out of the room, which put a damper on the rest of the rehearsal. After another thirty minutes, Esme decided they'd work on it more in the new year, and encouraged the two to get together during the break before heading back to her office.

"So, PNW," Jacob said as they grabbed their water bottles. "You must be thrilled."

"Yeah, I mean as long as my parents sign off on it, it'll be great." Bella threw her bottle back in her bag and grabbed her hoodie.

"I can't see them saying no," Jake laughed. "This is huge!"

"It also means an enormous commitment during my senior year," she explained. "It'll take a lot of my time."

"Well, then you should enjoy junior year," Jacob stated. "Are you going to the Winter Ball on Friday?"

Bella shook her head. "No date. I've never been to a school dance stag."

"It's not that bad," he shrugged. "But if it's an issue, go with me. I'll even borrow my dad's car so your dad doesn't freak out with you on the bike."

Bella let out a loud laugh. "I don't know, Jake… can I think about it?"

"Sure, sure," he promised and threw his bag back on his shoulder. "Why don't we talk about this tomorrow at during lunch?"

"Sounds good. I'm usually in the caf with Ang and Ben."

"I guess I can leave the haven of the gym one day," he winked. "See you tomorrow, Bells."

Tanya sauntered into AP History the next morning and took her usual seat. "Good morning, Edward," she cooed, pulling him from his reading in front of him.

"Oh, hey, morning," he replied distractedly. "Good night?"

"It was fine," she casually shrugged, pulling her books from her bag. Truthfully, last night hadn't ended up like she hoped. Their study time had been just studying, and he had been in such a bad mood after picking up his sister that the evening was ruined. Oh well, Tanya could be patient. She wasn't just some gorgeous dumb blonde looking to hook up with the hottest guy in school. No, Tanya had big plans for her future. She wouldn't just be some man's trophy wife like Carmen, her daddy's current plaything. She wanted to be an equal part of a great power couple. Some people might think it's too early to think about such things, but why not get a head start when you meet a guy like Edward Cullen? Doctor Edward Cullen and Tanya Denali-Cullen… had an impressive ring to it. "Kate was going on about the Winter Ball on Friday. It seems Garrett Hanson asked her to be his date."

"Garrett? He's on the track team with me. Good guy, she'll have fun," Edward answered.

"Are you going to the Winter Ball?" She asked, already knowing the answer.

"Probably not," he shrugged. "I used to go to dances with Bella, but I haven't really talked to her much recently."

Right, Bella, the little dancer girl. She had proved to be a possible distraction for Edward and a wrench in Tanya's plans when she first met him. Thankfully, it hadn't been too hard to pull him away with talks of college application diversity. It seemed she could still be a problem in Tanya's plans. Thankfully, the best ace up her sleeve had fallen into her lap this morning. "Oh, I think she's going with Jacob Black."

"What?" Edward looked up at her. "Where did you hear that?"

Tanya shrugged lazily. "I heard her talking to Angela Webber and your sister about it." What she actually heard was Angela trying to convince her it was a good idea, and Alice begging Bella to be at her first high school dances, but Edward didn't need to know that. "Not that shocking. They seem pretty close."

"Yeah, close," Edward grumbled, remembering how Bella looked dancing with Jacob. And how that had been him for so many years. "Well, good for them."

"So, pick me up at six?" she asked sweetly.

"Oh, um, yeah, okay," he stuttered, wondering when he agreed.

Like so many dances before, Bella swiped on the last of her liquid lipstick before smoothing out the chiffon skirt of her short navy blue dress as she waited for her date. The only difference really was the date. When she had overheard Tanya gushing about Edward asking her to the Winter Ball, Bella couldn't explain the feeling inside her, but she didn't hesitate to accept Jacob's invitation right away. Thankfully, his dad let him borrow the Volkswagen Jetta, and he would be here any minute. Also, since her parents had already left for dinner with the Cullens and Emmett was safely in his University District apartment with Rosalie, she wouldn't have to worry about anyone sticking their nose in where it didn't belong.

"Coming!" she yelled when the doorbell pulled her away from her thoughts, and she threw lipstick and some powder into her purse before running downstairs. She took a deep, calming breath before throwing the door open to reveal Jacob in a navy suit.

"Bells, you look amazing!" He complimented her with a bright smile. "Ready to go?"

"Yeah, I just need my jacket." She grabbed her black peacoat from its hook before stepping outside and making her way to the Volkswagen.

"So, anything I should know about Ballard's Winter Ball?" He asked as he pulled out of the Swans' driveway. "Any weird traditions or drama?"

"It's like any other school dance," she laughed. "Although, there's a good chance Mike and Jessica will break up part way through."

"Yeah, but they break up once a week. It's nothing new," he answered jokingly.

"Just stay away from them and it'll be a good night," she answered. They spent the rest of the ride discussing other nuances of the school's dances, as well as their break schedules to get together to practice. When Bella hung out with Jacob, it was always light. Still, it felt like something was missing; something integral.

It felt like no time at all had passed and they were suddenly entering the decorated gymnasium with Havana on the sound system, and their classmates using the Latin beat as an excuse to rub all over each other. "Do you want to dance?" Jacob yelled over the speaker.

Bella was about to suggest getting a drink first until Alice bounced up to them with one of the other younger members of the ballet senior company in tow. "You're finally here! You know Jasper," she introduced even though they all danced together. "Come on, let's dance!"

"Maybe the next song," Bella finally got out. "How about we grab a drink first?"

Alice pouted, but agreed, and the four of them headed to the refreshment table where Edward was already standing with Tanya, looking like a Goddamn Barbie in her short red dress. "Bella, Jacob, good to see you," Edward nodded stiffly as Jake handed Bella a bottle of water from the table. "Having fun?"

"We just got here," Bella replied shortly, taking a sip. "Tanya, good to see you."

"I'm so happy you two made it!" She smiled brightly, very pleased with how the situation worked out.

"I need to get a picture of you guys!" Alice squealed, reaching for her phone.

"Alice, I don't think-" Edward started, but was quickly hushed by his sister.

"It's my first high school dance. I want to remember it." She glared at her brother until he rolled his eyes and agreed, wrapping an arm high on Tanya's waist as Bella and Jacob leaned into each other. "Perfect!" Alice bubbled once she snapped a photo.

"Eddie, I love this song!" Tanya simpered as the music changed to New Rules. "Come on, let's dance!" She pulled him out to the dance floor without another word, followed closely by Bella and Jacob who headed in the opposite direction to dance on their own - both couples oblivious to the quick crop Alice did on her phone to make the picture what she thought it should be.