Persuasion: Chapter Five

I was back again. The dirt walls were around me as I sat in the mud, watching the horrible events unfold around me. The men ran and ducked as shells and explosives rang out around us in deafening bangs. The clouds were dark grey and blocked out the ever-needed sun making it even darker in the trenches. I ran forwards, pushing my way past everyone. I had to find Papa before it was too late, maybe I could save him. Maybe he would hear me before he sacrificed himself. Everyone was yelling and shouting orders at each other as they ran past me again, like I wasnt there. But I didnt mind that, I had to find Papa before the order was given. As I ran I saw many of the men sitting against the walls of mud praying or looking at pictures of their family. I wondered if Papa was among those men but thats when I stopped dead. He was in the exact same place I dreamed before, except it wasnt Papa. Sitting in the mud, reloading his gun in a hurry was Edward Masen. He was breathing heavily; the air cold and making his breath come out in small clouds. His green eyes, still as soft as the last time I saw him, were darting around as he stared at all the other men around him. He was dirty and muddy, his auburn hair hidden under the green helmet as he stood up. Edward! I cried as he turned away from me, gripping on to the ladder on the mud wall along with the rest of the men. No! Edward! Look at me! But he didnt hear me over the whistle. He pulled himself out of the trench and right into no mans land. I knew I was too late to save him. NO! EDWARD! I tossed and turned against the sheets, my body freezing cold as I whimpered his name. Calm down Bella, Mrs. Masens voice told me from very far away. I started to breathe heavily as my eyes opened. The room was quiet other than my gasping and the rain pattering outside. The warm glow of the lamp didnt calm me down, as it should have. I was in the Masens guestroom, Mrs. Masen sitting on the bed beside me and wiping my sweating forehead with a cool cloth. But I was so cold! I panicked when I saw it was just the two of us. Wheres, wheres Edward? I gasped, sitting up as my head spun. Why is he not here? Where - Shh, Mrs. Masen crooned as she gently pushed me back down. Calm down. But hes hurt! I cried, close to hysteria. No, she said. Hes fine Bella, hes fine. Now close your eyes and relax. No, I whimpered as my eyes closed again. Edward. Ive got him! I heard Edwards out of breath voice. I opened my eyes again but she had put the cloth over them so all I saw was black. There were quick footsteps until I felt cool fingers against my head. How long has she been like this? a methodical voice asked I cringed against the sheets.

A few minutes, Mrs. Masen answered, concern deep in her voice. She was fine a few hours ago. There was silence where only my whimpering was heard as the doctors hand touched my forehead. Bella? I heard the doctor ask. Bella, my name Dr. Cullen. Can you tell me how youre feeling right now? Cold, I managed to shiver out. So cold. Well? Mrs. Masen asked and I heard the doctor stand out of the crouch he was in. Shes got the chills, he answered promptly. And? she pressed. Just keep her cool, he answered. What about the shouting shes been doing? she asked. Hallucinations, nightmares, he said. Whatever you would like to call it. Shes lost in her dreams. Just keep her like this. Call on me again when you need me. Yes Dr. Cullen, thank you, Mrs. Masen said and I heard him walk out the room. Edward, I whimpered. Im right here Bella, I heard his voice as he came closer. I reached out for him and felt his warm hand close around mine. I sighed contentedly before forcing my eyes open to look at him, the cloth gone. His face was just a few inches from mine, his emerald eyes painted in worry. He was kneeling beside the bed, holding my hand in both of his as he stared at me. I smiled and his mouth turned up the slightest in response. Hi, I murmured with my smile. He laughed shortly as my eyes traced over his features again. His bronze hair was dripping wet from the rain, which was still pouring outside, and his forehead was creased anxiously. Youre all wet, I said in a husky voice as I raised my hand to brush back his wet hair. He laughed again and leaned slightly in to my touch. You didnt run for me did you? I asked with a smile. I needed that run, he said with a grin. It woke me up. Well then your welcome, I said and we both laughed as he brought my hand he was holding up to his face, placing against his cheek. I told you sticking your head out in the rain was a bad idea, he joked. Im feeling much better, I answered, wiping the raindrops from his face. His green eyes closed as I rubbed my thumb across his cheek. You dont know how glad I am to hear that, he answered keeping his eyes shut.

As I looked up I saw Mrs. Masen closing the door with one last smile at me. As soon as the door closed I turned my attention back to caressing Edwards cheek. Did I scare you? I asked in a whisper. He chuckled as his emerald eyes opened again, sparkling in the dim light. More than youll ever know, he muttered with a smile. I sighed again and closed my own eyes slowly. Well you dont have to worry anymore, I said. Im all better. As I said the last word a shiver went through my body. Not quite, he contradicted. I frowned. Suddenly I felt his hand on my face, brushing my sweaty bangs back. He placed his palm against the side of my face, sighing in relief. I dont think I ever ran as fast as I did today, he laughed. Mmm, I murmured savouring the feeling of his warm hand on my face. I could feel the tingles coming again. Bella, he started in a hesitant voice. Hmm? I managed to ask. What were you dreaming about? My eyes opened at this question and we locked eyes again. Behind the haze of emerald there was true worry followed by deep curiosity. He desperately wanted to know what I was thinking about. I sighed and looked away, finding it hard to think while I was drowning in the pools of green. Should I tell him what I was really dreaming about? That I was dreaming about him going off to war and dying? That I tried to save him and failed? That I cared too much about him to let him go? Would that sound weird? I couldnt think of how he would react to those last words. But we were so close to kissing only hours before. I still remembered feeling his breath on my open lips and looking deep into his soft emerald eyes, his warm hands on my face. The way my heartbeat accelerated. As the picture came back into my mind I noticed I detail I hadnt thought about. Behind the softness of green I could have sworn I saw the spark of lust. Did he really want me the same way I wanted him? Could that even be possible? I wanted so much to believe that he did but I couldnt say I was right. Bella, his voice snapped me out of my thoughts. You dont have to answer if you dont want to. No, I answered in a sigh as I turned my eyes back to his. I want to answer. He stared at me for a moment as I took a deep breath. I had to say it but I was afraid of how he would react to it. I dont think I could bear seeing disgust in his eyes. It was about you, I said slowly, looking up at the ceiling. What about me? he asked, puzzled.

It was like I was there, I whispered. I could see them all. Where? Overseas, I muttered. I was right there on the battlefield. It all looked so real, Edward. I squeezed his hand as the thoughts came back to me. The dream I had when I first came here, I started again after a moment of silence. Was about my Papa. I was there, in the dug outs when I saw him. I took a sharp breath, keeping the tears back. He rubbed my hand soothingly as I went on. I tried to yell at him. I tried to save him but it was too late. I keep thinking thats how he actually died. We were never told how he died, we just knew he did. I dont know if my mind is playing tricks on me or I have some sort of power or something, Im not sure. I knew this probably sounded insane to him. Go on, he answered in a low voice. I took another deep breath and continued on telling my crazy minded story. Then, when I went to sleep today it changed. I was still in the battlefield but instead of seeing my Papa I saw you. We were both silent again and I could feel myself cracking. The tears were soon to follow. I got so scared. I said and I realised I was whispering again. I saw you there, fighting and I was so afraid it was true. Like I was having a premonition and this was what would really happen. I shut my eyes as the tears welled over, rolling down the sides of my face. I turned my head towards him but kept my eyes closed as I took a few deep breaths. I dont know what to think anymore, Edward. I whispered. We were both silent as I tried to catch my breath. I was unstable and uneven; even he would realise that. My eyes flickered open to see him looking away, his brows furrowed as he thought. Edward, I murmured and he looked up at me again. Tell me why you left. Left? he asked lowly. It took me a bit to work up the courage to ask my question. Why didnt you kiss me? He stared into my eyes, which were probably glittering with tears. Id done the worst thing possible. I shouldnt have asked him that. Id ruined any chance I had now. It wasnt right, he whispered and my breath caught. I let my eyes close as I pressed my lips together to hold in the sobs. I knew I was right. He didnt want me the same way I wanted him. I was stupid for even thinking that, for even bringing it up. Id set myself up for disaster, which had just made its appearance in my life. Bella, he murmured. Please dont cry. You havent heard me out.

I took a breath and waited for him to continue keeping my eyes closed. It wasnt right for me to kiss you, he said slowly. You were broken inside. I couldnt take advantage of you like that. But you wouldnt have taken advantage of me, I replied. But it wasnt the time, Bella, he said. You were still grieving, you still are. Its not right for me to do what I was doing. I opened my eyes again to see him staring at me, his green eyes making my bones melt. You heard what people have said, he went on. More men are killed than those that return. I cant do that to you. I wont hurt you like that. I reached forward and touched his face lightly with my fingertips. But you dont have to go, I whispered. You could stay here. Stay here with your family and me. He sighed and shook his head, looking away. I took a deep breath and turned his face so he was looking at me again. Ill wait for you, I murmured. He smiled a small smile at me. You dont know that yet, he answered. But I do! I insisted. Edward, I will. He hushed me then, putting a finger to my lips to silence me. Youve argued enough for tonight, I said, stretching up to turn off the light. Wait! I cried, holding on to his hand, desperately. Dont leave me. I wont, he promised as the room went dark. But I knew he was still there. I felt him lean in and kiss the top of my head before sitting back and stroking my hair softly. Sleep Bella, he murmured, almost apart of the darkness. Ill be right here. I took the hand I was still holding and brought it up to my face, kissing the back of it lightly before closing my eyes and snuggling closer to the sheets. Persuasion: Chapter Six

He kept his promise and stayed with me the whole night through making sure I had no more nightmares. I awoke to find him still sitting by the bed, his head lying beside my arm as he slept. I watched him for a moment, the way his back rose and fell as he breathed and how hed flinch in his dreams. I wanted to touch him again. I wanted to run my hand through his bronze hair and see if hed wake up or not. But I resisted temptation and instead waited for him to wake up.

I was still too sick to get out of bed the next day so Mrs. Masen provided me with books to read for the time being. Edward offered to sit and talk with me but I couldnt keep him cooped up inside all day, that was selfish. I sent him on his way after his mother stepped in, asking him to pick up a few ingredients for her. She sat with me for a moment when he was gone, talking. Did he apologise to you? I asked her as she sat down. For the other night. Yes, she said with a nod. I came to check on you two while you were sleeping and he said his apologies. Thank you. Thank me for what? I asked in surprise. For buttering him up like that, she said with a chuckle. He wouldnt have done it unless you had prodded him to. Proud young fool. She shook her head. We were silent again as she pulled out something she was knitting and I put my head back, staring at the ceiling. I was tracing the lines with my eyes until she spoke again in a causal manner. I told him. Hmm? I asked, turning on to my side to look at her. I told Edward what you said last night, she continued. You were having a nightmare she looked up at me And all you said was his name. I watched her as she smiled. She looked away, back to knitting as she went on. He tried to hide it from me but I could see that look in his eye. Ive seen it too, I murmured, looking back at the ceiling. I knew you would, she answered and we were silent again. I let what she had said flow through me. At first I was confused at what she had said. But then I understood. She really had seen what I had seen. I wanted to see it again, as soon as possible. I didnt have to wait long. It seemed I had fallen asleep because my eyes opened to a dark room, the curtains drawn and the light off. I turned my head slightly to the side and there he was, sitting in the same place he had the night before. He smiled at me and I couldnt help my lips form a smile. When did you get in? I asked as I reached out and found his hand. A few minutes ago, he said with a smile that made my heart stop beating for a moment. I took a breath and it restarted again as he chuckled. And you came up here? I irked. To spend time with bed ridden Bella? He shrugged and smiled wickedly. Its a good way to spend an afternoon. He stayed with me for the rest of the evening until nightfall when I pressed him to go to his bed. He would get to be so tired sitting here while I slept.

Go, I ordered after a small argument. I cant have a nice day when youre moping around because of sleep deprivation. He sighed before shaking his head and standing up. Fine, Ill go, he said. But I expect you to feel better tomorrow. His face was serious but his eyes gleamed with amusement as I grinned at him. Ill try, I promised. Then, just like the night before, he leaned down and pressed his lips to my forehead. The room spun as he walked out leaving me to my dreams. I awoke the next morning feeling a whole lot better. The shivers and aches I had had the day before had ceased and I was finally able to get out of bed, wobbling slightly but holding my balance. Mrs. Masen was glad to see me up and about as she helped me into my new dress. This one makes you look so pretty, she sighed as she tied a white ribbon around my waist, leaving a perfect bow on the back. She brushed my hair through for me and put in a matching hair band to finish the complete look. I looked at myself in the mirror as she grinned; looking pleased with her work. Thank you, I said with a smile. I dont know if I would have had the strength to do it all myself. My pleasure, dear, she said. I held her steady arm as we walked down the stairs and into the kitchen. She tossed me an apple to eat since I felt a little blue still and eating too much after being sick wasnt smart. It only took me a moment to finish my breakfast since I was ravenous after a whole night without food. All done, I announced. Are you coming? I heard Edwards voice from the hall. I skipped past Mrs. Masen who was still smiling and into the hall where Edward waited, leaning against the door with his arms folded across his chest and a mischievous smile on his lips. His eyes took me in for a moment before he shrugged away from the wall. Youre looking lovely today, he said with a grin and I blushed. Where are we going today? I asked, moving on to another subject before my face went too red. Main Street, he announced. There is a market going on. Sounds like fun! I said with a smile. He grinned at me again before holding out his arm. I took it eagerly, holding on to him tightly. Just to help you keep your balance, he explained although I saw that wicked glint in his emerald eyes again. Have a nice day, Mrs. Masen called to us as we walked down the street.

It was a nicer day than it had been before. The sun was shining through the clouds and brightening up the whole street. How far is it? I asked, as we turned the corner. Not far, he assured me. Just around the next corner, actually. And he was right, as always. We turned the corner on Second Street and came to the crowded market. Booths on either side were selling their products with bright colours and loud callings. There was clothing and food and jewellery and many other exciting things all down the entire street, which had been cut off for the festivities. My face was bright and expectant as we passed the many different peoples and shops. There was so much put into one, and so many people. It could have been the whole population of Chicago here! Wow! I breathed as we walked. Washington had markets but never at this magnitude. Chicago must have had a lot more people packed into one city than my hometown did. Thats when I noticed it. One of the brightly coloured booths on the street was selling records. I pulled Edward over to it and stared at the large music selection. So many different bands, some that I had heard of and others that I hadnt. Oh! I cried with excitement as I picked up one of the records. Clair de Lune! Edward was surprised. You know Debussy? I nodded as I turned the record over and over in my hands. My mother used to have this one. It was my favourite. I played it all the time until I broke our phonograph. I shrugged before blushing as he laughed. I put it down, sighing before continuing on down the street, still holding his arm tightly. We were passing a jewelry booth when someone called out my name. Bella! a husky voice called as I turned around, surprised. Jacob! I said when I saw who it was. It was the boy who had helped me get to Chicago. One of the nice ones who I met on the trains days ago. He was still as tall as a remembered him and his long dark hair covered his russet skin. Some of the people around us winced away when they got near him which I had no idea why. His dark eyes were excited as he smiled wide at me. Then his gaze drifted to Edward standing beside me. Oh! I said. Um, Jacob this is Edward Masen, Im staying with him and his family. And Edward this is Jacob Black. He was one of the boys who helped me get here. I looked up at Edward to see his emerald eyes slightly narrowed as he stared at Jacob, his facial features solemn. Jacob was the same way. They nodded shortly to each other before Jake looked at me again. Its good to see you again Bells, he said, using the nickname he had given me on the train ride. It feels like forever since we last talked. Howve you been out here?

Pretty good, I admitted with a shrug. I was a bit sick but Im better now. Yeah, Jacob said as his eyes took me in. You look really good. I felt Edwards arm tightened slightly around mine. Errthanks Jake, I muttered, blushing as he grinned. Im sorry to say Jacob, Edwards velvet voice, low and dark. But we must be going. Good to meet your acquaintance. Bella? Oh! I said looking up at him and nodding. Yes. We have to go. Im sorry Jake. Its been good talking to you. And you too, Jake said with a fallen face. Some other time. Sure, I said before Edward tugged me away. Bye! Bye Bells, Jacob muttered before the crowd covered him. Edward walked quickly, keeping my arm tight in his until we were a fair distance away from Jacob. He sighed and slowed down until we were browsing the shops again. I didnt say anything about his mysterious attitude towards Jake. Was it jealously or was he trying to protect me or something? I wasnt sure and I wasnt about to ruin the day and bring it up. I stopped at a small jewelry booth when the shining of a ring caught my eye. It was very pretty and reminded me of my mothers ring from Papa. Except the stone in the middle was emerald and it reminded me of Edwards eyes. I sighed and we moved on to the next shop. After a few hours we finished the whole street and meandered home, still arm in arm, talking about what we had seen today. I found it interesting, I admitted as we walked up the steps. You found tripping over a gutter interesting? he asked with a raised brow before opening the door and letting me pass. Not that part! I cried, blushing a deep red. It wasnt my fault anyway. I tripped over one of the kids footballs. Is that right? he chuckled. I thought you said you caught your toe on the grate? I blushed again. I might have done both, I muttered as he laughed, letting go of my arm. If youll excuse me, he said backing out the door again. Where are you going? I asked, sad that he was leaving me but curious as to where he was going. I forgot to pick something up, he said with a grin and a wink. Ill be back. He then turned and shut the door behind him. I sighed and crossed my arms before walking into the kitchen where Mrs. Masen was cleaning.

Hello, dear, she said as I walked in and sat down in one of the chairs by the door. How was your day? It was great! I said with a grin. We went to every booth. So many different things going on all at once. Did you know there was a circus there as well? They brought their tigers; you know the cats with the stripes? They were really beautiful although I was sad they had to be caged up like that. Well it sounds like a banner day, she chuckled, turning around to face me. And then we met an old friend of mine, Jacob, I said. Jacob? she asked in surprise. Yes, I answered. He was one of the boys that helped me get here on the train. I havent seen him in days. Hmm, is that so? she murmured. Mmhmm, I said as I nodded. Wheres Edward now? she asked. He said he forgot to pick something up, I said, shaking my head in confusion. I dont what hes doing but he had that look in his eye. She laughed and turned around to wipe the tables again. I waited as patiently as I could but jumped up when I heard the door open. I was ready to stomp in there and give him whats what when Mrs. Masens voice was heard. Sit, she commanded. Wait a moment. I sat down and crossed my arms, waiting. There was a moment of silence before he appeared in the kitchen door to the dining room. Bella, he said with that excited glint in his eye again. Would you come with me for a moment? Yes, I said, confused as Mrs. Masen nodded and I walked into the dining room. He walked towards the phonograph before lightly letting the needle drop on to the record. As soon as the first piano notes started I knew what it was. My eyes widened as I listened to Claude Debussys Clair de Lune. The same record I had picked up in the market that afternoon. He smiled at me as I stared at him in wide surprise. Do you like it? he asked as I grinned. Yes! I cried. Before I knew what I was doing I ran over to him and threw my arms around his neck and into a hug. He laughed as he caught me, stumbling slightly as I fell into him. Thank you, I murmured on his shoulder.

Youre welcome, he chuckled. If I knew youd like it this much I would have played it for you myself. I pulled away to look him straight in the face, about to say a snarky comment but thats when I caught his eye. His emerald eyes were soft and his face so close. My heartbeat sped up again as we stared at each other wordlessly, the soft piano in the background. Slowly our faces closed distance between each other, hesitating when I felt his breath on my lips again. This is the closest we had ever been. Our foreheads almost touched as we stared into each others eyes. Then it happened. His lips were soft against mine and moved in perfect harmony together. It was like I was half a puzzle and he was my other half. I was finally complete when our lips met. This was a whole new feeling I had never felt as we kissed. It was like I never wanted to let go, like Id stand here forever kissing him and letting him hold me. To feel his hands on my back and to let my own hands run through his bronze hair was like some kind of heaven. My lips parted slightly and I could feel his breath in my mouth as my head started to spin. We both pulled away out of necessity, needing to breathe. I still held on to him, laying my head hesitantly against his chest and closing my eyes as my lungs re-fueled with oxygen. His hands rubbed up and down my back making my skin tingle as he placed his cheek against my hair, breathing just as heavily as I was. I still wanted to stand here forever, just to be in his arms. Persuasion: Chapter Seven

It was difficult to get sleep that night. I rolled around restlessly in my bed, craving to be held again. I wanted to have his arms around me just like we had been in that perfect moment only hours before. What I would give to have Edward right beside me, holding me in the encasing of his protective arms. I sighed and rolled over again, going over the last few hours in my head. All I could do was rest my head against his chest and listen as his heartbeat slowed, keeping the same rhythm as mine. I kept my eyes closed and tightened my grip around his neck as his lips pressed against my hair. The room spun as I took another deep breath. The piano continued softly in the background as we swayed slowly, his chin resting on my head. We both looked up when the front door opened and Mr. Masens voice was heard. I didnt want to but this was not the place to find a proper young woman in. Holding on to a man at that close a distance was not right. I stepped back from him, biting my lip and looking at my feet. I could still taste his lips on mine and I savoured the feeling until I heard him chuckle. I looked up under my lashes to see him grinning down at me. He put a finger under my chin; my skin tingled, and tilted my face up to stare into his green eyes again. They were still soft and I had the craving to reach up and touch his cheek. I crushed my fists to my sides as he smiled crookedly at me, my heartbeat spluttered in my chest. He leaned in and placed a small kiss on my lips once, I savoured it again and had the feeling to wrap my arms around his neck but I stopped myself. He pulled away quickly, brushing his fingers against my cheek once before leaving the room. I sighed before falling into the sofa, rolling my head back as I closed my eyes. That was like an addiction. Like I was in pain and it had ceased. Like I was broken and he had put me back together again. My heart still fluttered, uneven, in my chest as I tried to catch my breath.

Edward had some sort of effect on a woman. Or was it just me that felt that way? I was sure I had never blushed as much as I had here then any other time in my life. My cheeks were literally painted pink. But that kiss just blew my mind, and not figuratively. I could feel my heart beat all the way down to my fingers, they were pumping alive with blood. Okay, good. So it wasnt only my brain that was jumbled, it was my whole body. My skin tingled as I thought of the feeling of his body pressed against mine. Our hearts tune the exact same. Was he just as exhilarated about this experience as I was? He seemed so cool about it. I sighed again and lifted my head up just as the music ended, the last note ringing in the air. I could hear Mr and Mrs. Masen in the kitchen together although I was too flustered to figure out what they were talking about. I hoped Mrs. Masen hadnt seen what we were doing. Would she approve of it? Would her husband approve? I may as well start packing my bags now because there was no way they would want Edward to be involved with a lowly girl like me. No money, no status, nothing at all. It seemed my fairy tale wouldnt come true but what I wouldnt give just have him near me again. Was this what love really felt like? Bella, dear, Mrs. Masens voice made me jump as she poked her head in from the kitchen. Dinners ready. Yyes, I stuttered, wondering if Id ever get control of my shaking voice again. I stood; stumbling slightly before walking to the table that I just noticed was already set up. Mrs. Masen must have just worked while I sat dumbfounded on the sofa. I stumbled again but was caught by a pair of steady arms. Careful now, his velvet voice whispered in my ear and I shivered. We dont want you falling, do we? I laughed breathlessly as he held me for a moment. I could feel his breath on my neck and I swallowed nervously. He must have heard my flying heartbeat because he laughed before letting me stand on my own. I kept my balance as he pulled out the chair next to his for me. I smiled, playing along as I sat down, eyeing him with my nose in the air. Thank you, I said in a proper voice, unable to keep the smile off my face. I saw him grin before sitting down beside me. Mrs. Masen walked into the room, her husband right behind her, with a plate of meat and vegetables. Your father picked up lamb today, she said as she put the plate down on the table. Isnt that good? Edward grinned as both our eyes flickered over to each other and away. Thats good, he answered. I like lamb. I stifled a giggle as I caught his eyes, sparkling with amusement. Mrs. Masen didnt seem to notice or she didnt want to mention anything. Mr. Masen was stuck into the newspaper again so he couldnt notice our playful motions towards each other. My stomach was already full of butterflies so I couldnt do anything but play with my food. I looked up under my eyelashes at Edward again to see him looking away but still smiling. Wanting to be playful again I lifted my hand and casually put it beside his on the table. I could feel the electricity passing between us at the closeness of our skin. That was a bad idea. I had the craving to move my hand over just a little bit, just touch his.

Edward moved his hand under the table and cleared his throat so only I could hear. I looked over at him, slightly sad that he moved away. He raised a brow and gestured with his eyes downwards. I looked down to see his hand, open and waiting for mine. I smiled, looking away and placing mine in his as his fingers closed around mine. I felt a whole lot better as I giggled slightly, looking down at my plate. Dinner went by slowly but I marvelled in the way the spark between the two of us never faded during the hour. I still had the crazy craving to reach over and stoke his face, just once. I squeezed his hand, biting my lip and pushing that craving to the back of my mind. Finally Mrs. Masen stood and began to collect the plates. I sighed and let go of Edwards hand to help her, finding myself slightly incomplete. Walking into the kitchen I kept my mouth shut. Mrs. Masen didnt seem to want to say anything either. She just began washing the dishes, humming to herself. I stood there watching her, still a little dazed. She looked up at me with a frown. You look tired, dear, she said. You should run off to bed. But, you might need help, I pressed, not wanting to seem too eager to leave. No, no, she said shaking her head. Off you go. I shall see you in the morning. Good night, I called over my shoulder as walked slowly; trying to make myself look tired even though I was burning with energy. I pulled myself up the staircase and towards my room. The hall was dark and I found myself stumbling around trying to find my room. Before I could reach my door I felt his arms around my waist. I giggled, playfully fidgeting as he held me against his body, both our hearts speeding. I felt his lips graze against my neck and I couldnt help but giggled again, my cheeks warming. Stumbling Miss. Swan? he whispered against my jaw making me shiver. We dont want you falling again. His arms around my waist tightened. My breath was caught in my throat. The search for my voice was useless. He didnt give me enough time to even try. He spun me around to face him; his emerald eyes managing to smoulder even in the dark. I finally got to do what I wanted to do that whole hour. I reached my hand up and touched his cheek with my fingertips. There was a smirk playing on the edge of his lips as he stared at me, leaning into my touch. I stood on my tiptoes so our faces were only inches apart, smiling playfully at him. Dont be so rude Mr. Masen, I said. Seducing a proper young lady is forbidden. He grinned, his arms tightening around me again. Im finding it difficult to be proper, he murmured. He tilted his head down to kiss me. This one was just as good as our first, if that could even be possible. My heartbeat picked up at double speed again and I found my hands in his hair again. His lips were still warm and soft but they moved in an eager way that made me tremble. I wanted to hold him prisoner here but thats when we heard someones foot steps on the staircase. I pulled away from the kiss, pushing against his chest.

Go, I hissed as we both backed away from each other. It took all I had to close my door. I swallowed and sighed in relief as the footsteps faded. I felt the need to sneak across the hall but I knew that with my clumsiness Id probably trip or something. So instead I changed and climbed into bed, staring at the ceiling for hours until the drowsiness over took me and I faded into my dreams. The next morning I awoke to find the curtains open again and another dress on the bed. This woman was a lifesaver, I thought as I pulled on the blue dress. I spun around a few times, finding myself caring even more about what I looked like. I patted and primped my hair for over half an hour before I sighed and gave up, walking out the door. I shivered slightly when I passed the place we had stood together last night. One of those good memories I intended to keep stuck in my head. In the kitchen I found Mrs. Masen rolling out dough. What is that for? I asked, curious as I stood beside her. A pie, she said with a smile. I havent made one for a while. And with the many apples my husband brought home yesterday, I cant imagine another way to use them. Its Edwards favourite you know. She looked over at me as I blushed and looked away, picking up one of the apples from the basket on the table. I was sure my cheeks were as red as the skin. Oh, yes, I muttered quickly. Erm, where is Edward? I was trying to sound casual and failed at it, miserably. She smiled as she continued to roll the dough until it was flat. Emmett called around for him this morning, she said. His sister Alices doing, of course. She wanted Edward out the way for when she came over. Came over? I asked, disappointment deep in my voice when she said he was gone. Why is she coming over? She wanted to help you with something, she explained. What? I asked. She shrugged her shoulders but I knew she knew what it was. She was keeping secrets from me and I hated it. Well I shouldnt complain, I thought. Theres a rather large secret Im keeping from her. Just then there was a knock at the door. Thatll be Alice, she said, cleaning the flour off her hands. Could you let her in? Of course, I answered, putting the apple down and going to get the door. Alice was the same as always but her outfit had changed considerably. She was wearing a pale blue dress with a matching jacket. The dress fit her tiny figure perfectly and she had a matching sun hat. Bella! she giggled, pulling me into a hug. We match!

Oh, I said, realising we did as I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear shyly. We do. She giggled again and walked past me as I closed the door. Alice walked in a way that was different. Each foot in front of the other, her arms were swaying in the same motion. She walked right into the sitting room as I followed her. She spun around to face me, making me jump back in surprise at her appraising eyes. She dropped her purse on the sofa, stroking her chin softly as she looked at me. Hmm, she murmured. Um, Alice, I started. Whats going on? Why are you here? She didnt answer me. She instead turned towards the kitchen, shouting over her shoulder, Auntie? Hmm? Mrs. Masens voice came. Did you say Edward liked blue? she asked, turning back to me. Yes, she answered with a chuckle. Perfect! Alice chirped, throwing her hands in the air. Im sure I could design one! What? I cried. A what? A dress, silly, she said, waving her hand at me. A ball room dress of course. What? My eyes bugged out of their sockets. What ball room? What dress? My dance of course! she giggled. I host one every Easter. What? I asked as Mrs. Masen walked into the room. Alice walked up to me and around, taking in every shape and curve. I cowered, self conscious of her staring eyes. Blue, she murmured as she walked. Floor length, of course. Maybe I few rufflesmatching gloves. And the hair, the hair can be in a bun, Id like to see it up. Mrs. Masen! I cried. You cant be serious! She shrugged as Alice stopped in front of me. She grinned widely. Dont worry Bella, she assured me. Youll like it at the ball. But how can I come when I dont have a partner? I cried. Pssh! she silenced me. We all know whos going to ask you. Hell come around. Im just here to get you ready. But, I started but she hushed me. I went on anyway. I dont dance! You danced just fine, she said as she put her hands on her hips. Not in crowds! I cried. Dont worry, dear, Mrs. Masen assured me. Youll both do fine.

Alice went to her bag and pulled out a string. Something to measure with. I cowered away from her as she came towards me. Get away Alice, I hissed. Im not going, and thats final. Stop being so silly, Bella, she said, grabbing my arms and holding them out. Now stand still. I did as I was told but was mentally shouting at the little pixie. She took every measurement possible to take of a girl, Mrs. Masen writing all down. I got overly embarrassed as she called out my bust. Alice! I growled. Do you have to be so loud? She giggled. Sorry, she said as she spun it around my waist, ducking under my arms. Why did you have get him to leave? I muttered. Because this is supposed to be a surprise, she said with a grin. Trust me, Bella. Youll be sparkling when Im done with you. Hell be tripping over his feet. My heartbeat skipped at her words and I could already picture his smiling face. It felt like hours as she finished up. I believe it is complete! she said as she stood up. Thank you for letting me dress you Bella. Letting you, I huffed. Mrs. Masen handed her the paper with the measurements. Ill have the dress done by the ball, she said. Which I may point out is in a few weeks. I gulped as she turned to leave, waving over her shoulder. Ill see you soon! I sighed as finally reached the door. But I sat up immediately when I heard her talking to someone. Dont wait too long, cousin, she giggled before skipping down the steps. The door closed and Edward came into the room looking confused at what she had said. What was that about? he asked and I shook my head as Mrs. Masen walked over to him. Edward, dear, she said, taking his arm. May I speak with you for a moment? He looked over at me, as if asking for permission so I just nodded my head and they walked out the room. I put my head back and closed my eyes. What a mess I had got into. I could barely dance with them here, how was I supposed to dance with all those couples? Id probably trip over my heels and make us both look like complete morons. I moaned at that thought. Id ruin everything, like usual. Silly, clumsy Bella here to ruin Alices party. I took a deep breath and opened my eyes again. I smiled when I saw him leaning over me, a smirk on his face. Stressed? he asked with a raised brow. You have no idea, I muttered, sitting up and turning to face him. Did you know Alice plans to dress me now?

He chuckled. Thats Alice just being herself, he assured me with a crooked smile. My heart stopped beating. Breathe Bella. I did, turning pink in the process. Speaking of Alice. I have something to ask you. Mmmhm? I asked, in an almost dreamy state as he kneeled down so our faces were at the same level. Will you allow me to escort you to the Easter ball? he asked, his eyes doing that unfair smouldering thing again. There was nothing else I could do but say Yes, I answered and he grinned. He leaned in and kissed my forehead as my heart skipped a beat. We can suffer it together, he murmured against my skin. Easy for you to say.