Into You
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Twilight characters or anything Twilight related.
So everyone had a good time at Renesmee's birthday party. Now let's see how fun Bella's will be! :)
Chapter 6 – We Own The Night
May our hearts be full like our drinks tonight
May we sing and dance 'till we lose our minds
We are only young if we seize the night
Tonight we own the night
Tonight we own the night
~ The Wanted
Edward's POV
I walked up to the big mirror in my room and examined myself currently wearing just jeans and a black shirt. I moved my head forward for a better look and patted my hair down, only for it to be sprung back up like it was before.
"That's just great." I said to myself sarcastically. "It's just what I needed; my hair looks like a fucking mane, my shirt is all wrinkled, and I got a zit the size of Kansas." I said moving my hair out of the way to see that little shit resting on my forehead.
"Well, no one's going to really notice it." I jumped and screamed, turning around from hearing my dad's voice who is standing by door; leaning against it with his arms folded and a smirk on his face. When the hell did he get here?
"Uh, how long were you standing there?" I asked, covering my forehead that has the zit.
"Long enough to see you pacing back and forth before you realized you had your pants inside out and I had to step out before resuming to watch where you left out." Carlisle chuckled causing me to roll my eyes.
"Is there any reason why you decided to come here other than walking by?" I asked as Carlisle welcomed himself in my room and sat in my desk chair.
"Well, I wanted to remind you about the party tonight." Carlisle said, sounding serious, but with a hint of playfulness. "I want you to be careful and have fun, but I also want you and your friends to keep an eye on your sister."
"Dad, you know I've been keeping a good eye on Renesmee and she turned out just fine." I said.
"I know you do." Carlisle said, and then whispered, "But your mother is the one who brings me the message." He said causing me us both to snigger.
"I heard that Carlisle!" Esme called causing us both to jump.
"Fuck, it's scary how she does that." Carlisle said as I chuckled at his facial expression. "Anyway, you wanna tell me what has you riled up? I haven't seen you this nervous since your first game as a starter freshmen year."
"I don't know, I just have no clue what to wear for the party." I said running my hands through my hair as I looked at the few clothes that were on my bed.
This party is a huge deal today because it's Bella's birthday. And it's not just any birthday party, it's a party where all of Bella's friends are here along with her parents who are all famous! And yet, she and the cast of Rainbow Garden invited me, Nessie and my friends to come. I still find it hard to believe something like this is happening because… I mean… come on! We're not famous celebrities or household names like Bella and the others. So the fact that we're going to her party is making me nervous as hell here! I mean, I don't even know what to dress for fuck's sakes!
"The hell do you mean you don't know what to wear?" Carlisle asked with a raised eyebrow as he got up and walked over to my closet and opened it. "You got a closet full of clothes." He said showing me the display. "You even got some from your grandma Elizabeth that you haven't worn a month ago for your birthday. Which she forgot that was three months ago for a woman her age." He added.
"I know but none of them fits for tonight. I mean, they do but I meant… they're just not right for the occasion." I sighed.
"And what occasion is that?" Carlisle asked.
"It's Bella's birthday." I answered like it was that obvious.
"Yes, but why do you care so much about your appearance? It's not like you guys are attending a ball." Carlisle chuckled.
"Funny." I snorted. "It's just, well… this is Bella's party, and her friends are gonna be there. You know, friends who are… famous." I said.
"Your point? I mean, did Bella ever tell you what to dress for her party?" Carlisle asked with a shrug.
"She said to dress casual." I answered.
"Then dress how you usually dress when you and your friends go out on weekend." Carlisle said like it was that simple.
"And what's your idea of casual with people who are some bodies?" I asked.
"What do you kids wear these days?"
"Dad!" I groaned. He is seriously not helping me one fucking bit.
Carlisle just chuckled. "Son, just because you're invited to a party filled with A-list celebrities, doesn't mean you have to dress like one." He pointed out.
"I know but, I just don't wanna feel like… the odd one out since I'm not like them." I said.
"And what does that make your friends?" Carlisle asked. "Let's not forget that you will be like them one day if you get into the NFL."
"Yeah. Maybe." I said, my eyes looking down as the subject came into my mind since last night.
"Now, you wanna tell me what's really troubling you? Because something tells me you're doing more than dress to impress people." Carlisle asked.
"It's… complicated." I said. I looked up when I heard my father moved and sat back down on my desk chair, offering me to sit on the bed, which I did.
"We got time while your mother is getting your sister all dressed up." He said. I sighed, not knowing how to explain it. So I might as well get to the point.
I took a deep breath and let it out.
"I… I think I'm in love with Bella." I admitted. Finding out about the fact that I'm indeed in love with America's princess was a lot for me to process. I hardly slept last night, not just because I had the best night of my life hanging with Bella at Nessie's party, but the fact of how I realized about my feelings to Bella. I never told my friends about this because mainly, they would never let this down how they think Bella and I are meant to be, leading them to be right about me being into Bella. Besides, how can I tell them when I'm not even remotely sure that I am in love with Bella who's… different compare to me.
"I thought so."
"Huh?!" I thought looking at my father in bewilderment. Was I that obvious? And I thought I'm the only one who can read people, but I can see where I get that skill from.
"I suspected that you like Bella not in a fan boy kind of way." Carlisle smiled. "You treated her not as a celebrity in your presence, you and she talked about anything but her fame, and what's more, you looked at her as if she was the only thing that mattered to you, the same look I had when I fell for your mother."
"Um, dad, there's a difference between me and Bella, and you and mom. Out of the four of us, one of them is famous." I pointed out.
"Did Bella ever treated you like a celebrity, or someone beneath her?" Carlisle asked.
"Well, no." I answered.
"Then I don't see why it sounds like you have a problem that you have true feelings for Bella. I mean, all you're being right now is being friends with her, am I correct?" I nodded my head. "Then continue being friends with her. That way that friendship will grow into something more when she see past what your relationship is with her. At least give it a try. The worse that could happen is that she says no."
I guess my father does bring up a good point. The least I can do is build a friendship with Bella which is already off to a good start based on the events of last week. It's not like I'm gonna go to the party and tell her, "Hey Bella, Happy Birthday! I wanna say that, I'm in love with you." Yeah, like I'm gonna do that. I'm not going to make things awkward for Bella on her special day. No, I'm just gonna go there, wish Bella a happy birthday, hang out with her and her friends, meet Charlie and have a good time. That's it. I'll take it from there.
"Alright, now that I got you out of your nerves, go get dress while I need to get ready to soften your mother for what she heard." Carlisle said getting up as he had that look in his eyes and I immediately, regrettably, know what it is.
"Oh dad, come on!" I said as Carlisle laughed and left my room. I mean seriously, I did not need to have that in my head. I thought as I shook my head from the idea and got up resuming to what I was doing before my dad came in.
A few minutes later, I was dressed up wearing black jeans and a blue jean jacket over my long sleeve grey shirt. My hair can survive a few hours tonight not being able to be tamed. I came downstairs into the living room where my parents are taking a few pictures of Nessie wearing a dark blue dress wearing the bow full of diamonds Victoria got her. It wasn't long until I heard the honk outside indicating that my friends are here and ready.
"Time to go." I smiled as I picked up the bag containing Bella's present.
"Alright, have fun you two." Carlisle said as he put Nessie's jacket on her.
"Be safe," Esme said kissing us both. "And keep an eye on your sister. She's your responsibility now."
"Got it mom." I said causing her to raise an eyebrow. "Really, I got it. Come on, Ness." I said before mom could respond as I took my sister's hand and we walked out the door saying goodbye to our parents. We got inside Demetri's car joined by Heidi and Jessica with Ben, Angela, Alec, Jane and Seth in Alec's car and drove to Seattle.
The ride was a bit longer than the concert, but not as bad as we arrived at 10 Degrees around six. The place was well popular due to the fact that many people go here to party at night and get their drinks on, and the fact that many people were lining up to get in, says it. My friends and I were lucky enough to find parking spots.
"Jesus Christ," Seth said when we all got out of the car and looked around. "This place is packed!"
"What did you expect? This is Bella Swan we're talking about that actually invited us here." Heidi said.
"The fact that we're here and others from school aren't, especially Mike, is totes cool!" Jessica said excitedly. That there, made me feel smug; having to hang out with Bella and being invited to her party makes me really wanna rub it in on Mike's face… when he hears about it that is. Just not from me.
"Please don't tell me we have to wait in line to get in." Demetri groaned seeing the long ass line up ahead, where dozens of people are, waiting to get in.
"Yeah, by the time we get in there, the party will be over by one in the morning." Jane said looking like she's ready for a fight. And that's a chance I'm not wanting to risk.
"Not necessary." I said hinting out about Jane. "Bella told me that we can cut up front and let them know since we're on the list."
"Then what the hell are we waiting for?" Demetri said, excitedly.
"Demetri," Nessie said holding up her hand.
"Oh god dammit!" Demetri said giving my sister two dollars for it. "We better not be babysitting her the whole night." He said to me.
"You and Heidi can get wasted without getting caught." I teased. "I got her." I said. After all, I'm hoping to just hang with Bella and I'm sure Nessie does as well.
"Works for me." Demetri said as we all walked pass the line outside of the ropes where everyone else is, heading up to the front where a big burly muscular security guard was guarding the entrance just as two others tossed one guy out. Hard.
"And stay out!" One guard said as that guy laid there on the ground, groaning in pain. Yikes.
"If you're not on the list, you're not permitted to enter and that's final!" The other one said, and he and other guard walked back inside.
"Well at least we won't end up like him." Alec said as we went up to the guard leaving that guy groaning all night on the concrete.
"Can I help you?" The guard asked us and I looked at his name tag that reads "Kirby."
"We're here for the party." I said. "Bella Swan invited us."
"Name?" Kirby asked pulling out the clipboard and looked at it.
"Edward Cullen. My friends and sister are with me." I said hoping that's good enough clearance.
Kirby was flipping through pages on the clipboard for what felt like hours instead of thirty seconds until he finally put it away saying, "Sorry, you're not on the list."
At those words, everything just stopped around me. It felt like dead silent. It was almost as if I had something in my chest where it was holding something very valuable until it slips unexpectedly. Surely I heard him wrong, but based on his body behavior where he had his arms folded and his expression through his sunglasses, he's dead serious.
"What the fuck do you mean he's not on the list?!" Jessica said in disbelief.
"He's not on the list." Kirby answered like it was that obvious.
"You can't be fucking serious!" Heidi snapped.
"A-A-Are you sure? Did you double check?" I asked Kirby hopefully, more like I was pleading. I just can't have this night ruined just because I wasn't allowed in all because I wasn't on the list. This doesn't make any sense. Bella said I was on the list. Alice told me so. And she said my friends and Nessie can come. Nessie. I can't have this night ruined for her. She was beyond excited to be here and the look on her face that we weren't allowed in, I can't allowed to see that.
"There was no name by Cullen or Edward on it. Now leave or go to the back of the line if you want to get in." Kirby said.
"The hell we are!" Demetri said angrily.
"We didn't come all this way just to be denied when we are sure that Bella invited us!" Ben yelled.
"Why don't you grab that clipboard again and tell us that you're wrong and we really are on the list!" Alec demanded.
"I already checked it twice and he's not on the list. Now please leave before I call security." Kirby stated standing his ground.
"Oh I'll give you something to secure about!" Jane snapped as Seth, having that look that said "Shit!," came in just in time to grab Jane and lift her up from jumping on Kirby as she was wrestling in the air to break free as Angela stepped in.
"Look, there must be a mistake here. Can't you just call Bella so that she can let you know that she did invited us?" Angela asked Kirby kindly.
Kirby just stood there until he lifted his collar of his shirt. "Do you read me?" There was a pause. "Yeah, I got a group of people who cut up front stating that Ms. Swan invited them to her party." Another pause. "Alright, bring her over." He let go and looked at us. "She'll be right over shortly.
"Finally." Ben said as the rest of us were relieved of how the situation will be handled thanks to Bella when she gets over here.
However, it wasn't Bella that came over, but a woman with medium length brown hair with looks that are similar to Bella's, wearing a dark purple dress that seems… too much. Those black high heels were a bit too high on her while she had gold bracelets dangling on her wrists.
"What is going on here?" She demanded.
"It's Renee!" Seth said in shock. I can tell my friends feel a bit okay that if Bella's mom's okay with us being here, everything will be fine. That and the fact that one of the best actresses is present. Although based on how I'm reading Renee, I suspected differently.
"These people here claimed to be invited to your daughter's party, but they're not on the list." Kirby explained and Renee turned to us.
"Well, you heard him. You're not on the list, that means you're not invited. Is that so hard for you to understand? Now shoo." She said it like it was that easy.
"Excuse me?!" Jane said as Seth held on to her when she was about to let loose and not in a Bella's song way.
"You're joking right?! How can you say it like that?!" Jessica asked in disbelief.
"Renee, your daughter invited us here. We're friends of Bella." Angela said.
"Why would my daughter invite you guys to her party? And why would she be friends with you?" Renee asked in disgust with her arms folded causing my blood to begin boiling.
"And what's wrong with us being her friends?" I asked, my teeth grinding.
"And you are?" Renee asked me with a raised eyebrow.
"Edward Cullen, I'm the one Bella invited. She said my name is on the list." I said.
"I don't know what you're talking about. Bella told me she invited a good friend who I added on the list. She didn't say anything about you." Renee said causing my jaws to clench. She's lying. I'm not buying one bit of her bullshit! Bella called me a good friend which made me happy, a motivation for me to not back down without a fight.
"Listen Mrs. Swan, Bella and I are indeed friends. So call your daughter to come over here so she can tell you!" I demanded.
"I am not bringing my daughter into your childish behavior." Renee snapped putting her foot down. "If you're not on the list, you can't come in. And even if you were on the list, what kind of people are you to be around Bella? You don't look like you came from a photo shoot or finished filming so there's no way Bella just randomly met you and became friends."
"Look, how Bella and I became friends isn't something for you to judge!" I snapped. "Now I'm asking you for the last time, to call Bella to let us in!"
"And I'm telling you, no! I am not letting in people like you to associate with my daughter or any of us! Now you have five seconds to leave now before I call security." Renee said to me.
"You –"
"What is going on here?" We all looked and saw Bella and Alice standing in confusion by the entrance as people in line were screaming for them when they caught sight of the two. But what really got my attention was the little girl that was holding Bella's hand causing me to do a double take as I looked down being in complete shock. How did I not noticed my sister left my side?!
"Renesmee!" I said as I was about to rush over to her, only to be stopped and picked up easily by the waist. "Hey!"
"You are trespassing and attempting to assault Ms. Swan!" Kirby said as he held me up.
"But that's my sister!" I said trying to get Kirby to let me go.
"Hey, let him go!" Alec said as he, and the boys along with Jane came at Kirby.
"Nobody messing with my best friend but me!" Demetri said grabbing Kirby's arm as Jane jumped on Kirby's back while Ben and Alec held Kirby's other arm while Seth tries to help Demetri into getting Kirby to let me down as I was trying to break free.
"I need all units up front! I repeat! All units up front!" Kirby said trying to reach his collar as I was trying to break free.
"Call the police! Get these people out of here!" Renee demanded as my friends and I continue with the fight with Kirby.
"Stop!" Bella demanded as she came over to us. "Put Edward down Kirby!" Kirby just stood there and stared at Bella. "NOW!" Kirby slowly did so as I was gently placed on the ground as my friends let go of Kirby and backed away. "Now can someone explain to me what is going on here?"
"These people are trying to crash your party." Renee explained to Bella pointing at me. "And what is that little brat doing here?" She asked pointing at Renesmee who hid behind Alice's leg.
"Watch it! That's my little sister you're talking to!" I snapped at Renee for having the fucking nerve to insult my baby sister that way.
"Mom, these are my friends. I invited them here. Remember? I came to Edward's house yesterday to celebrate his sister's birthday. I told you about Edward after he found Fluff." Bella explained to Renee as if her mother made a huge mistake.
"These people? I thought you were talking about Rider which was why I invited him." Renee said. Bella had that look that said "What the hell is she even talking about?" as she turned to me.
"Edward, what is going on?" She asked me.
"Bella, they wouldn't let us in because you didn't put us on the list." I explained hoping there was a misunderstanding to all of this mess.
"What are you even talking about? Of course you're on the list." Bella said like it wasn't making any sense.
"Well, security and your mother thought otherwise." I said looking at Renee who looked like she was fuming.
Bella just closed her eyes as she gave out an exasperated sigh. She was muttering something, but I couldn't make out the words. She looked as if she was trying to control her temper from letting out.
"I am so sorry about that. I assure you and your friends that whatever they said is not true." She said causing me to smile at truth. Bella then turned to Kirby. "Kirby, let them in."
"But Ms. Swan, they're not on the list." Kirby stated.
"I invited them Kirby. Therefore, they can come in." Bella said.
"But Ms. Swan –"
"God dammit Kirby! You either let my friends in now or so help me, I swear to god, when my father hears why I'm not having a good time at my party, you'll not only be fired, but you'll also end up working at a senior center as their security guard. And not the sweet, happy place senior center, the ones where all the old ladies will not hesitate to pinch your ass that will leave a mark so big, that their nails will remain stuck there!" Bella snapped with her hands on her hips as she stared at Kirby with fire in her eyes. And I thought Jane was scary.
Kirby just stood there staring at Bella only this time, I see him looking like he was struck hard from Bella's threat. That's when he unhooked one of the ropes quickly and opened up a pathway.
"Welcome to 10 Degrees!" He said immediately as he moved aside for us to go through. "Sorry about the misunderstanding. Please enjoy yourselves."
"Gladly." Jessica said with pleasure as she walked passed him.
"Don't mind if we do!" Jane said as she took Seth's hand.
"Was that so hard now?" Demetri smirked as he patted Kirby's cheek before taking Heidi's hand before they walked in together.
"Thank you." Angela smiled, with a hint of glee as she and Ben walked inside.
"Don't hurt yourself big guy." Alec said patting Kirby's shoulder before he walked in leaving me out here with Bella and her mother.
"Again, I am so sorry about this Edward." Bella said with her head down. Why is she apologizing? She wasn't the one who uninvited me. She wasn't the one who try to throw me out into the streets. Therefore, she has nothing to apologize for.
"It's fine Bella." I said causing Bella to look up to see me give her a smile of reassurance. "Shall we go in?" I asked offering a hand.
"You go ahead. I need to have a word with my mother." Bella said, directing at Renee as she turned giving her a glare while Renee stood there, still fuming while looking at me as it I corrupted Bella into something.
"Come on, Edward." Alice said coming over and took my hand leading me inside where she took Renesmee's hand and led us to the party. As she did, I turned my head to see Bella walking into a room with Renee on her tail. I got a bad feeling that all hell is about to break loose. And I couldn't help but feel responsible for the cause of it.
Alice stopped us when we reached the entrance to the main party. "I'm so sorry about what happened Edward." She said as she let go of our hands. "Renee is really a piece of work. I should've known she was gonna pull something like this." She said, rubbing her fingers in circles on the sides of her temples.
"Alice, it's fine. Really." I assured her. But then I caught something. "What do you mean Renee was gonna pull something?"
Alice gave out a sigh. "Well, I don't think it was intentional, but I guess when Bella and I told Renee we invited you and your family and friends to come here, she must have misinterpret about you being Bella's "good friend" and thought she was referring to one of our former costars, Rider." She explained while her face cringed at the name, as did mine.
Rider Daniels is one of Bella's costars in Rainbow Garden who played a recurring character from season 2 to four of the series playing Evelyn's love interest and later boyfriend. He's pretty much the teen heartthrob, the Justin Bieber of the show who many girls blindly admired. I never like him on the show or in real life, and the reason why is how he ended up leaving during season 4 of the show.
According to Rider's agent and himself through an interview, Rider, and the executives of the show, "mutually agreed" that Rider will leave his role from the show to pursue other interests in his career and that they wish him the best. However, according to Jessica, after going through much research, the reason why Rider left the series was because he was fired due to complaints from the stars, mostly Bella, about his behavior on set… and on Bella.
Rider has a history of dating his costars and has a pleasure of kissing them on set, even those who are in relationships that pretty much damaged the relationships between their love ones. Rider is pretty much like Mike, but better looking to be honest, and goes after any hot girl and doesn't give up until he succeeds and then dumps them as if they were nothing. To say Rider has a liking to Bella is an understatement. He enjoys playing the boyfriend of Bella's character and enjoys kissing her, which pisses me off on how he would treat Bella that way. Rider always tries to ask her out, but Bella turns him down. However Rider doesn't take no for an answer. He kept pestering her to go out with him and even go too far to cross the line touching her in ways that is inappropriate.
Thankfully with help from Bella's costars and the executives of the show, mostly because Bella is America's princess, they immediately fired Rider from the show and his character was written off the show where three episodes since Rider last appeared, Evelyn revealed that they broke up off screen.
And now Rider's here on Bella's birthday party where it seems I might have some competition to deal with tonight.
"So Renee invited Rider and not me." I said to be sure and Alice nodded her head.
"Yeah, she's being blind at how Rider was acting towards Bella and states that he's "not a bad guy" and hopes those two end up together becoming a powerhouse couple. If we haven't got out there earlier when your sister told us what happened, you and your friends would probably end up in jail with no bail coming from Renee." Alice said.
"Speaking of which," I said and turned to my sister. "What were you doing with Bella and Alice?"
"I had to get them since that man wouldn't let us in. So I snuck pass him while you guys were arguing." Nessie said shyly.
"Renesmee, you know you can't run off like that without adult super vision. You could've gotten lost." I said sternly.
"I'm sorry." Nessie said as I saw her lips tremble. Ah fuck, I hate being hard on my sister.
"Oh don't be mad at her, Edward." Alice said waving it off with a smile. "What matters now is that you're here. So how about we all have a good time in there?"
"Sounds fun." I said as we were let into the place where the party is happening.
The place was loud and dark with nothing but streaming colorful lights dancing around to the beat of the sound. It was placed with many people here. Some were stars I recognized while many others were random people who I assumed are friends of Bella and her costars. Some were dressed casual while others decided to go more stylish, probably to end up on the cover of OK Magazine or something. There was a fountain with a swan in the middle and on the stage where the DJ was playing the music, was a photo of Bella, pretty much to honor her day.
"Do I know how to throw a good party or what?" Alice smiled.
"It's… something." I said, not sure how to form the words without telling Alice it seems to be too much for Bella.
"There he is!" A voice boomed and Emmett came out of nowhere and flung his arm on my shoulders. "I was wondering when you would get here!" He smiled as Rosalie, Jasper, Jacob and Victoria came over to us. Nessie got excited as she ran over to hug Jacob which he returned with smile.
"Hey Ness." He said and turned to me. "Glad you were able to make it inside. Your sister told us what happened when she snuck in here."
"Yeah, I was about to give that guard a major a… butt kicking for not letting you in claiming you're not on the list!" Victoria said, letting out a noise of frustration.
"When Rider and his entourage showed up, unannounced thanking Bella to believe she invited him, and then Nessie came without you, we thought something was up." Rosalie said, shaking her head.
"You guys okay now? Security is not at all friendly for something like this." Jasper said, patting my back.
"It's fine. No harm, no foul. Wait," I said, panicking remembering the present for Bella that I stuffed it in my jacket and looked inside giving out a sigh of relief that it's still in one piece from the hassle.
"Here, I'll take that." Alice said, taking my gift. "You go make yourselves comfortable like your friends over there and have fun." She said as I can see Seth and Jane dancing together with Ben and Angela while Alec and Jessica were enjoying the food, talking to some people. Demetri and Heidi were nowhere to be seen and I got a feeling what they're up to. "Now go on, you and everyone else enjoy the party like none of what happened out there has happened. Jasper, walk with me." Jasper smiled taking her hand as they walked together to put away my present for Bella.
"Come on Ness, wanna see that fountain?" Jacob asked. Nessie nodded her head eagerly as Jacob led her to the fountain where Jacob's girlfriend was waiting just as a new song came on.
"Ooh, Emmett, I wanna dance to this one!" Rosalie said taking his arm and tugged him to go with her.
"Not gonna argue with her!" Emmett smiled and went with Rosalie to the dance floor leaving me alone with Victoria.
"How about I keep you company on the dance floor until Bella gets back?" Victoria said giving me a playful wink. Before I could respond however, her eyes widened. "Oh shit! I gotta run! I was never here if he asked!" And without warning she took off and I turned to see who she was talking about, but shrugged it off and decided to hit the buffet.
Once I grabbed a can of coke, I looked at the table of my options filled with all sorts of food; ribs, chicken wings, eggrolls, pasta, shrimps, roasted pork, salads and a lot of desserts including the big cake with Bella's face on it. What got my attention was the big fish I'm seeing. Unlike most of the foods that were eaten, the fish remained untouched, and it's not because of how the face gives me the creeps. I leaned towards it and gave a whiff.
"Oh fuck!" I said in disgust, pulling back as I covered my nose with my free hand as I set my drink down. Bella is a A-list celebrity and yet she couldn't hire someone who can cook fish?
"I agree with you, I'm not even sure that is fish." A voice said. I turned around and nearly fainted at the man in front of me; wearing just faded jeans and light brown long sleeve shirt with a black jacket, his brown hair that is usual curly was straighten out.
"Oh my god!" I nearly cried out as I regain myself from falling.
"Easy boy, I wasn't trying to rat you out or anything, just wanna give you a heads up." Charlie chuckled as he took a sip of his glass of champagne.
"N-No! It's not that! Y-You're Charlie Swan!" I stammered.
"Well, sure, last time I checked." Charlie said, taking a good look of himself down and then back up, shrugging it off.
"You don't understand sir, I'm a huge fan! I've seen all your movies and even Jump Force! You're a living legend!" I said.
"Oh… well, I wouldn't call myself that," Charlie said as he turned his head to look away. "Just doing my job and everything." He then turned to me. "You know about the show I used to star in?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
"How could I not? I loved every film you were in since Jump Force. That series is my all-time favorite show." I said.
"Well thank you." Charlie said as he sip his champagne again. "I don't think I've seen you before."
"Well, no sir, Bella actually invited me and my friends here. We only met since her concert in Seattle." I stuttered.
Charlie looked at me and then had a raised eyebrow as he snapped his finger and pointed at me. "You're Edward, right?"
"Yeah?" I said slowly more in a form of question. I nearly fainted again that he knows who I am but still, if Renee was that cold towards me, I don't know how Charlie is gonna react.
"Damn!" Charlie broke into a big smile as he took my hand and shook it eagerly. "It's great to finally meet you young man!" He said causing me to be surprised. Totally unexpected here.
"Uh… you too?" I said.
"Bella wouldn't stop talking about you since your football game." Charlie said, happily. "From what I heard, you got serious skills as a quarterback. You trying out for the NFL?"
"Y-Yeah, that's my dream. I mean I will be studying there to obtain a degree in marketing." I said.
"Going all big as a player and a businessman I see huh." Charlie said. "The NFL is a serious business apart from being a game."
"Well, I do want to have a fall back in case things don't work out in football, but I do like to be involved in it in some way." I said.
Charlie just smiled as he handed his empty glass to the waiter who came by with a plate of drinks and took another champagne in his hand. "So how do you think the Seahawks will do this year?" He asked as I was just surprised at how I'm actually having a conversation with my favorite actor of all time.
"Well, the rookie wide receiver looks promising, considering he's rumored to be a big steal. And with a new coach for offense and the offensive line, I believe they got a chance to return to the playoffs, and hopefully to the Super Bowl." I said.
"It was about time they fired that damn Bevell." Charlie said shaking his head. "He uses the same old tactic every game. He makes Russell and the others too predictable."
"Yeah, his style reminds me too much of my backup quarterback." I said.
Charlie and I continued having an actual conversation involving football along with getting to know one another. Well, I know a lot about him, he's actually wanting to get to know me. I just can't believe I'm talking to Charlie in person. This is just unbelievable.
"Oh hey Edward," I turned, and my heart did another back flip seeing Bella coming over. "I see you met my dad."
"You can say that Bells," Charlie said patting my shoulder. "I told him about the fish and he nearly fainted seeing me." He chuckled causing to feel embarrassed for Bella to hear that.
"Well that's nice." Bella giggled.
"So is everything okay Bella, with you and mother I mean?" I asked.
Bella chewed the bottom of her lip. "Yeah, everything's alright." She said with a smile, but it wasn't that convincing.
"What happened with you and your mom?" Charlie asked, his smile completely vanished and is now replaced with concern.
"Nothing, it's no big deal." Bella waved it off, but Charlie wouldn't have it as he gave her a glare. "Okay," She sighed. "Mom kind of… okay, she never put Edward on the list and instead put Rider on there as she believed I mentioned him as a good friend. It caused a problem when Edward and his friends arrived."
"Son of a bitch," I heard Charlie muttered before he sat his drink down. "Excuse me."
"No daddy, please, don't worry about it, it's nothing." Bella pleaded when Charlie walked passed her only for her to grab his arm.
"Bella, that woman nearly ruined your birthday by not inviting your friend to the party at all and instead invited that grade A-douche bag who is already causing trouble with the female guests. Just let me handle this." Charlie said with a stern expression. Bella reluctantly let go as Charlie walked away as she sighed.
"You okay Bella?" I asked.
"He always does this." Bella said before turning to me. "Every time there's a problem around me, he always go and fixes it like it's a big deal. He did the same thing when I told him how Rider was harassing me on set and got him fired from the show."
"He's just looking out for you." I said.
"I know he is, but all of that brings so much attention around me, and I don't do that well with attention whenever there's a problem of mine." Bella said sadly.
"Even so, your father is only doing this because he loves you Bella." I said.
"At least he understands." Bella said bitterly.
"Your mother doesn't?" I asked.
"Renee is too blind to see through Rider." Bella said and then, "Rider is pretty cute, right? You should date him. Why are you avoiding Rider? He's trying to ask you out? You two would be the most popular couple in Hollywood. That will send your fame high. How could you have Rider fired? What did he ever do to you? What is this about him harassing you? He's a sweet boy, he wouldn't do that." She said in a voice that sounds a lot like Renee until she stops. "Ugh! She really thinks Rider and I are meant to be but she and most people who ship us from the show don't get it that I don't see Rider that way, nor do I think of him as a friend. He's nothing but a self centered, narcissistic, shallow asshole who only cares about fame and looks!" She said.
"Why is she so hung up about trying to get you two together?" I asked.
"Like I said, it would be good publicity for us according to her, our fame would make headlines." Bella sighed as she turned to me. "As if I cared about fame or money."
"Your mother sure is the opposite of your father." I commented. They say opposites attracts but do likes attract that's the question.
"Renee acts more like my manager than a mom." Bella said bitterly.
"Your mom's your manager?" I asked surprised. I knew that Renee helped out a lot on Bella's career, but I didn't know she was her manager. I guess Jessica missed that bit.
"She's been my manager since I was kid starting out into acting." Bella explained. "She always goes to great lengths to land me in starring roles and films so that I can follow hers and Charlie's footsteps. My father didn't push it at all but Renee, she was pushing it. She tries to audition me in roles that didn't fit me at all. She wanted us to star in our own reality show. When I was sixteen, she tried to land me in modeling in outfits that were not my style. Not to mention I don't feel comfortable flaunting myself out like that. And just a few days ago, I hear Renee on the phone trying to get me on part of the Victoria Secret's runway show. I am not walking in front of people in – … never mind." She said turning away.
I just stood in silence to what I'm hearing. I knew Bella isn't just a celebrity, that she is just like me and everyone, but I had no idea her life felt… controlled. How could Renee treats Bella that way? How could she treat her life as if… it's Renee's? Isn't Bella's career, hers alone and what choices she has is her decision to make? I had no idea Bella was having it rough. And I thought I didn't like Renee before, but this is worse. What does Charlie even see in Renee?
"I'm sorry," Bella said turning back to me. "You shouldn't be hearing me ranting about my mom on my birthday." She said as I saw her eyes were red from what I'm guessing from tears.
"No Bella, it's fine. You're just upset with your mother, that's all." I said as I pulled her to my side and controlled myself from going too far. "But you're right about one thing, it's your birthday and you should be celebrating with the people who are here for you."
"I guess." Bella said as she wiped her eyes and looked at me and then hugged me close to her. Fuck. I thought as I can smell her scent again. "Thank you Edward, for listening to me, and for coming here."
"Of course Bella. I'm glad I came." I said as I slowly wrapped my arms around her. Oh god, she feels so good in my arms. Add the scent and it's pure heaven. The only thing that would be perfect, I was almost tempted to do so when –
"Bella, is everything – oh!" Bella and I let go and turned to see Alice and Jasper coming over to us until they stopped and saw us in a position. "Did we interrupted something?"
"N-No," Bella said quickly as she faced Alice. "We were just… talking. That's all."
"Okay," Alice said, looking at us closely. Fuck! Act cool. Act cool! "Well we came to tell you that it's time for presents and what's missing is you. Now come on!" She said taking Bella's hand and dragged her away so quickly before Bella could say a word. Way to end the moment. I thought.
"Is she always this energetic when she isn't playing her character on the show?" I asked Jasper.
"She was like this before she even knew what her character was gonna be." Jasper chuckled as he led me to the place where most people, including mine and Bella's friends and Nessie are to see Bella open her presents. Charlie and Renee were there as well; Charlie was smiling while shedding a tear while Renee just stood there with her arms folded with a huff. "Why do you think we call her the little pixie? She has unlimited amount of energy."
"That would explain her Instagram on last year's Halloween where she was dressed as Tinkerbell." I said.
"Oh yeah, she looked super cute in it." Jasper said with a smile as we saw Alice placing a tiara on Bella's head as they announced the time for her to open presents.
Bella received a lot presents that involves shoes, outfits, designer bags, jewelry, books and lots of other things from her friends and family. When she got to mine, I was nervous for what she'll see. Compare mine to everyone else's gifts, I feel like a cheapskate that I didn't think of something better for Bella. She opened the bag and pulled out in curiosity as she brought out three CDs. Bella looked at the titles in amazement as she looked around.
"Who gave me this?" She asked. That's when something drop on my foot.
"OW!" I cried and turned to Jane with a glare. "OW!" I cried from the whack to my head and before I could react, I felt a push going forward until I realized I was like ten feet away from Bella where she and everyone else is watching me.
"Edward?"
"Um, yeah?"
"You got this for me?" Bella asked as she came a bit closer to me.
"Y-Yeah." I answered nervous. "Well, actually, I… compose them from my piano."
"You did?" Bella said with a shock look on her face. I slowly nodded my head. That's when without warning, Bella rushed in and flung her around my neck taking me by surprise.
"That's so amazing. Thank you so much Edward!" She said.
"You're welcome Bella." I said as she let go and I saw her smiling big making me feel relieved that she liked my gift. "Happy Birthday."
For the rest of the night, the party went on uneventfully. There were games and pictures taking at the photo booth where Bella's friends, mine and along with Nessie took together. Music was played and I was somehow the only one dancing with Bella which made this night perfect. Although I couldn't tell her how I feel about her, what matters to me is to build a friendship with Bella, and it already started out right. It's all I can do but be there for her. That's what friends do, and I'm hoping Bella will feel the same about me.
By eleven o'clock, it was time for us to go and Nessie was already out like a light when Jacob brought her over to me in his arms.
"I think she should be in bed by now." He said when he placed my sister in my arms.
"I guess so." I said sadly as Jacob lightly ruffled Nessie's hair and said goodbye to me before heading back to Lizzie. Soon Bella's friends came to say goodbye as my friends told me that they'll be in the car and left.
"Thanks again for coming Edward. I hope you had a good time." Bella said.
"I sure did." I smiled as Bella did the same. "I guess I'll see you around."
"Yeah. See you. Bye Edward."
"Bye Bella." I said and slowly walked away before I was out of the party and then out of the building where Kirby lets me out as people were still lining up to get in. I soon met up with my friends and got Nessie secured in her seat before we drove off, heading home. Throughout the drive, my mind was thinking about Bella and the moment we had tonight. I only hope we can do this again someday. Maybe in the future.
Hello everyone! That sure was a fun party at Bella's don't you think? I hope everyone is being safe with quarantine going on. You guys are probably handling it better than me. Lol. Anyway, the next chapter may take some time in advance since this one took a lot of work and my job got my hands full and all. So just a heads up. Please review.