There are no excuses. I'm so sorry, everyone. I meant to update three weeks ago, when school started, but everything went calm and lazy to chaotic and busy.

As a way to apologize, here is the longest chapter ever :)

Enjoy and please take the time to review :) I'd like it :)

Btdubs, Edward and Bella action along with Blake and Bella action, just like I promised :)


It had been four weeks. Each day of my life was filled with friends and family. After school, I would go over to the Cullens house and spend the day with them until it was time for dinner. At that time, I would leave and make supper for Charlie, a man who had taken a place in my heart. On the weekends, I would go "camping" with my human friends, whose parents were more than happy to let them spend the weekend with me, due to the fact I was apparently a good influence and also because I lived with the Chief of Police. My life was finally getting back on track. I was back to the person I prided myself in being in. It seems that my mistake, of letting people in too much, was the best mistake of my life. Without it, I wouldn't know how much agony I had caused myself and people dear to me.

I was finally beginning to like school as well. After a few days, Mrs. Lockson had taken a liking to me. We would joke around before, during, and after class for a few minutes. She wasn't a teacher, she was a friend. Plus, the lessons she taught were amazing. Although I already knew what she was teaching, I learned something new every day. Whether it was something about the world, about me, or someone else.

Edward didn't give up. He didn't give up at all. In fact, every day, he would ride with me in my car and we would listen to music while he played twenty questions with me, asked me out on a date, stared at me, asked me out on a date, talked about music, asked me out on a date, or…. asked me out on a date.

I didn't know how I felt towards him. Slowly, Blake and Edward made their way into my head. I couldn't let them go. I couldn't forget that beautiful smile of Blake's, but I couldn't forget that crooked grin of Edward's that had me in a daze every time. It was amazing how I still loved Blake, even after all these years. It's strange how hard it is, choosing between two people. While Edward was extremely irritating in his constant pleadings for a day out with me, he had become my best friend. My confidant. I constantly would say how I was falling in love with him, but I don't know if I truly mean it. When I thought I was in love with him before…I was wrong. But now, I know how it feels like, and I am definite that the feelings I am experiencing because of him are making me slowly love him.

Being a teenager for all of eternity, I have to say, is terrible. My mind is always thinking like a hormone-controlled adolescent…even though I don't have hormones anymore. I think. It is so hard to grow up when you are stuck in the body of a sixteen year old for…well, forever. I don't even know if people expect me to grow up. I was always told I was born middle aged. But I was also told that when I let myself go, I really let myself go. Me acting my age was foreign concept to many people. Sometimes, I feel like I'm split between two people. The sixteen year old me, the girl who I am stuck being forever, or the girl whose body stopped aging, but her mind didn't. I don't know who I am, which teenager does? Unfortunately for me, being a teenager forever means that I'm stuck in that stage for a quite a while. I just have to figure out how to move on.

I can't stop thinking about them. They are in my head all the time. I remember many wonderful moments with my dear, sweet Blake. When I reminisce in them, I feel like the sixteen year old me. When I am with Edward, I feel like the girl whose body has simply gotten lost in time. But sometimes, the roles switch over. There are times in which Edward makes me be a vulnerable sixteen year old human again and times in which Blake would treat me more like someone his own age rather than a little girl. What I have to figure out is which boy makes me feel both without overbearing me. Which one of them balances me out? Which one is my best friend and which one is the one I am destined to be with?


Three Weeks Ago – Thursday, April 1st, 2010

"That sounds hilarious! I can't believe that actually happened!" Bella exclaimed, laughing hard at the story Mrs. Lockson was telling her.

"It's true!" She exclaimed. "Some boy played a prank on him. I still can't believe he got stuck to his plane seat." She shook her head, gasping for air while laughing hard.

Bella laughed even more. "He," gasp, "delayed the," giggle, "entire flight." Bella gasped for air one more time before going into a fit of laughter. While throwing her head back, she was able to get a glimpse of the clock. Realizing that the Cullens were probably waiting for he outside, she clutched her stomach, pretending that it hurt due to the laughter for her teacher's sake, and stood up. She giggled again. "Thank you so much for the story. I'd love to stay and talk more, but my friends are waiting for me outside."

Mrs. Lockson stood up and gave Bella a hug. "Don't forget your backpack, dear." She said, handing Bella her bag. "And feel free to drop in any time. It's nice to meet a person I can have an actual conversation with." She sniffed out a laugh. "It's hard to find people like that, especially in a high school."

Bella hugged the woman back. "I might just take you up on that offer, Mrs. Lockson." She let go and put her bag on her back. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Sweetheart, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Livi?" Livi reprimanded. "When you say Mrs. Lockson I feel so old…"

Bella smiled. "Alright, Livi, are you happy now?"

The teacher grinned. "Very," she said cheekily. "Now, shoo! Your friends are waiting for you! Don't let me hold you up." She walked to her desk and sat down.

"Bye." Bella waved goodbye and left the room. She finally reached the parking lot and put her bag in her car. Right as she was about to get in, the whole Cullen crew showed up. "Hey, ya'll. I was just about to drive to your house."

"We know." Edward tapped his temple, indicating his ability.

"It doesn't work on me, stupid." Bella slapped the back of his head, smirking at the painful groan from Edward following soon after.

"You don't have to rub it in my face, you know." Edward grumbled. He looked sideways and look at Alice for a while in confusion. Suddenly, a bright smile lit up his face and Bella couldn't help but stare.

She couldn't help it. She had made a promise to herself that she wouldn't get close to Edward Cullen. She couldn't. Not after last time. I was an idiot, that's what I was. Going on and on about those stupid muscles, and those eyes, and that hair….

Bella was shaken out of her thoughts with the sound of a door slamming. Her car door slamming. She peeked in through the window and saw Edward going through her CD's.

"I like your collection. Very similar to mine." Edward noted. "I don't know many people who share the same likes and dislikes with me in music."

"What are you doing in my car?" Bella demanded, ignoring his comments on her music. She quickly sat down and snatched the CD's for him, putting them back in their proper place. She turned to look at him and put her arms on her chest, glaring at him.

"I felt like riding with you." Edward said nonchalantly, leaning back into the leather chair. "Is that a problem?"

"Yes, it is."

"How so?" Edward asked. "Please…explain."

Bella opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She tried again and the same thing happened. "Well…for one, you are a redhead." She said randomly. She mentally hit herself. That's the best you could come up with? He's a redhead? Idiot.

Edward looked at her strangely. He reached over and grabbed a few pieces of her hair. "Last time I checked, I'm not the only person with red hair in the car." He retaliated.

Bella cleared her throat and leaned back, tucking in her loose pieces of hair. "I'm just partially one while you are a full time redhead."

"Technically," he clarified, "I have reddish brown hair. So I am partially one as well."

"That doesn't help your point at all." Bella stated, blinking twice. "Anyway, we're late anyway, so you can ride with me."

Edward smiled his crooked smile at her. "Thanks," he told her. He held her gaze for another second before looking forward. Bella just sat there, looking his way. Noticing this, Edward laughed. "Aren't you going to drive?" He jokingly asked.

Bella gulped. "Right." She put her hands on the wheel. "I'm in the driving seat…" She said. "So I should drive."

Edward smirked in her direction. "Really? I had no idea." He said sarcastically.

Bella gave him a blank look before driving out of the parking lot and to Edward's house. On the way there, it was quiet and peaceful, the only noise between them was the soft sound of Debussy playing from the speakers.

"So what do you want to do today?" Edward asked out of the blue. "Yesterday, you destroyed Esme's flowers, covered Jasper in mud, and went hunting." He reminded her. "How about we do something less…destructive?"

Not turning her eyes from the rode, Bella said, "How is hunting destructive?"

"It is to the animal."

"Right." She stated, not knowing what else to say. "Any ideas?"

"Not particularly." Edward put his arms between his head. "Something in the house would be nice, though." He said lazily. "I'm not in the mood for much moving."

"You're acting strange." Bella quirked her mouth to the side and turned her head to the side. "You're more…relaxed."

"So?" Edward wondered.

"You're never relaxed." Bella's eyes narrowed in suspicion.

Edwared merely smiled. "Maybe I've found a reason to be." He looked out the window. "We're here." He opened the door and dashed around the car, opening Bella's door for her. "Milady," he swept his hand in a bow and bent down slightly.

Bella chuckled at his antics and ruffled his hair. "Thank you, kind sir."

Edward straightened up and held out his arm. "Shall we continue to the house, miss?"

Bella put her arm on his elbow. "We shall." In silence, they walked up the long driveway towards the Cullen house. Bella took in the fresh air and the chirping of the birds with a smile. One of the few wonderful things about Forks was the forest that was in it. It was truly beautiful with the tall trees and wildlife.

"Just for the record," Edward said as he opened up the door to his house, "I am not a little boy. So please don't ruffle my hair again."

Bella held in a laugh as she ruffled my hair. "I guess you're a little boy, then."

Edward narrowed his eyes at her. "I am not a little boy." He grumbled towards her.

Bella scoffed. "I agree. You're very little." She winked in his direction.

Edward's mouth opened at her comment. "I am not little. I'll have you know that I'm very big."

"Sure you are." Bella smirked. She walked to the sofa and flopped down on it, which was nothing new as she did it every day. "What are we going to do, Edward?" She asked. "I'm bored."

Edward walked over to her and lifted her head so he could sit down. He put her head on his lap. "We just got here, Bella." He said, exasperated. "I'm sure we have plenty of time to think of what to do."

"No we don't!" Bella exclaimed. "It's Thursday! We have homework to finish and stuff to do." She pointed out.

Edward looked at her, confused. "Since when do you care about homework?"

Bella shrugged. "I don't."

"Then why…" Edward trailed off. "Never mind, I shouldn't ask." He shook his head. "Plus, no school tomorrow."

Bella sat up in surprise. "Since when?!"

Edward put both his hands on her shoulders and pushed Bella back down. "All the teachers in Washington are required to go to a conference in Spokane. It's staff learning day for everybody." He explained.

"How did you…"

"I read Mr. Green's mind. He forgot to tell everybody, but all the students will be receiving voicemails and emails by the end of the day today." He told her.

"So we have a whole day and tomorrow to do anything we want, huh." Bella stated. "Edward, go on the Internet and look for things to do." She sat up and commanded.

"But, Bella," Edward argued. "It isn't that easy."

Bella held up a hand. "No buts, Edward. Now go!" She got off the sofa and pushed him until he relented.

"Fine, fine, woman!" He shouted. "I'll do it." He ran upstairs and got his laptop. "What are you going to do?"

Bella squealed. "There is this show I found on this TV show, Nickelodeon, called Spongebob Squarepants." She told him excitedly. "It's about this sponge, Spongebob Squarepants. It's so interesting, Edward. There is a starfish named Patrick and a squid named Squidward. Oh! There is also this crab, Mr. Krabbs, who is Spongebob and Squidward's boss at this restaurant called The Krusty Krab. He also has a daughter, Pearl, who is a whale and—"

"Wait, wait, wait," Edward interrupted, "how does a crab have a whale for a daughter?" He asked. He wasn't interested in this so-called show at all, but he was quite curious….

"I honestly have no idea. But this show is so cool!" She shrieked. "Did I mention that Spongebob lives in a pineapple and Patrick lives under a rock? Squidward plays the clarinet, but I've got to say he is quite awful." She rambled.

Edward shook his head from her antics. "I think you've gone crazy, Bella."

Bella ignored him and continued to yammer. "Oh my gosh. I just had the greatest revelation." She said, hanging upside down on the sofa.

Edward sighed. "Which is…?"

"Your name is Edward. His name is Squidward." Bella affirmed. "You play the piano, he plays the clarinet. He thinks he is extremely good looking, and you think you are extremely good looking…" Bella went on and on with this list of hers. "And finally, you both have big noses."

"Yup," Edward muttered, "definitely crazy." He narrowed his eyes and looked around. "I don't have a big nose, Bella!" He argued. He wasn't getting anywhere with Bella or any activities happening near Forks.

"Yes you do." Bella sang from beside him.

"No, I don't." Edward turned so he was facing her. "I have a nice nose."

Bella smiled sweetly. "I never said it wasn't nice." She leaned over and gently kissed the tip of his nose. "In fact, it is a very nice nose." Before Edward could say or do anything, she pushed off the sofa and danced around the living room. "Have you found anything?" She asked from across the room.

"Umm…" Edward's eyes raked over the contents on his laptop. "I think there is a carnival near a beach in Port Angeles starting in an hour. We could go there." He suggested. It seemed like fun. By the time they would reach Port Angeles, it would be sunset, so there would be no problems regarding the sun.

"Perfect!" Bella beamed. She rushed across the room and sat down on the coffee table in front of him. "I've never been to a carnival before! Do I have to wear something specific?"

"I don't…think so?" Edward replied, his answer being more of a question than something definite. "I've never been to one either."

"Hmm…." Bella mumbled before her eyes lit up. "Oh! I remember!" She exclaimed. "There was this movie I once watched, I think it was called the Notebook. There was this scene, when the guy sees the girl he falls in love with the first time. She was wearing a dress! So…I guess girls wear dresses to carnivals." Bella told him. "So I shall wear a dress."

The weather in Forks and cities around it had been quite nice this week. It was strange because for the last few weeks, there had been a terrible snowstorm raging through out the state.

Edward shook his head. "Bella, you don't have to dress up…."

"But I must, Edward!" Bella told him. "I wouldn't want to look like an idiot…" She trailed off.

"Why are you so nervous?" Edward inquired.

Bella looked taken aback at this question. "I-I'm not nervous." She scoffed. "I…I'm not."

Without thinking, Edward reached over and put his hands on Bella's waist. For a moment, his hands shook. He wasn't sure if he should take them off or keep them on, but before he did the first option, he spoke. "There is no reason to be nervous, Bella." He said, reassuring her.

Bella's lips rolled inwards into her mouth. "I'm not nervous, Edward. I just…I want to look good…" Bella huffed and put her hands on her waist, right on top of Edward's. She made no move to take them off, though. "Don't I have the right to look good, Edward?" She patronized.

Edward opened and closed his mouth several times in shock before responding. "Of course you do, I just—"

"Just what, Edward." Bella glared down at him mockingly, but he didn't catch her amused tone.

"I—I…" Edward trailed off. "Never mind," he sighed in defeat. "Just…get ready."

Bella scrunched her face. "So now you think you're the boss of me?" She yanked Edward's hands off her waist and tried not to laugh. His reaction to her was hilarious. She would have thought that he knew a thing or two about women since he lived with three, but he was clueless.

Edward stammered. "I, no, I…I don't. I was just…." He stopped in the middle of his stuttering and said, "I'm sorry?"

Bella bent down and patted his cheek twice. "Now you've got it." She smiled. "I'll just run really quickly to my house and get ready there. I'll be back in like…five minutes."

Edward was extremely confused now. He had never experienced such mood swings from anybody, much less Bella, who now days seemed to have a tight control over her emotions. "Um…okay?" He said, not knowing anything else to say.

Bella gave him a quick smile and dashed out the door, leaving him down. He leaned back against the couch, casting the laptop aside and ran his hand over his face and hair. To say he was puzzled was an understatement. How can anybody go from talking about Squidbob or Spongeward to being sweet, then excited, then nervous, and not to forget demanding…and after that sweet again? He thought to himself. Women. In a short moment, Edward's eyes widened. He was going to a carnival…with Bella…who was getting ready…for the carnival…and was excited…about going to the carnival…with Edward…she was nervous…and excited…and getting ready…and was going to the carnival…with Edward…

Oh my gosh, I have a date with Bella Evenson.


Bella giggled. They had finally reached the carnival. Bella had talked so much throughout the ride, mostly asking him whether they were there yet. It was more of a test for Edward than anything else. Bella wanted to see how he would react to her childish behavior. To Bella's surprise, he was rather sweet about it and often tried to get her mind occupied by talking about common interests.

Currently, they were in the parking lot. Edward had just parked and was stepping outside. Bella was about to open her door before Edward appeared in front of it, opening it for her.

Bella smiled and stepped out of the car, accepting his extended hand. "Why thank you, sir." She said in a faux British accent.

"It was my pleasure, madam." Edward replied back with a smile and an accent as well. He closed the door and they walked to the entrance of the carnival together. As Bella was about to pay, Edward stopped her. "What are you doing?" He asked her.

"Paying for my ticket…" Bella said, confused. She gave him a strange look before turning to the man in the booth. "How much for unlimited rides?"

"Twenty bucks."

Bella reached into her pocket to get the money out, but when she looked back up with the money in hand, the man in the booth was already giving out two tickets to the pair. "Edward." She said angrily. "You didn't have to pay for me." She told him.

"I know I didn't have to pay for you." He said to her. He handed held out her arm and put the wristband on it. "But I wanted to." He flashed her a quick grin and walked into the carnival with her.

"I'll pay you back." Bella crossed her arms over her chest. "Promise."

"Bella," Edward reprimanded. "No you won't. Besides, it was only twenty dollars per ticket. That's barely anything."

"Still."

"I'm going to ignore you now." Edward looked down at her. "What do you want to do?"

Instead of answering his question, Bella ran towards a game booth. She gave the guy inside some money and he handed her a ball. Edward ran in her direction and saw that she was about to throw the ball at the stack of glasses.

"Five bucks that you won't be able to knock them down." Edward bet.

"You doubt my skills?" Bella gasped. "Your on."

Edward snickered inside his head. The angrier the Bella, the worse she would do. Edward already had an idea as to how this would play out.

Bella pulled back the arm holding the ball and threw it forward with amazing speed. She was expecting the glasses to break, but the exact opposite happened. The ball was so fast and precise that it had gone through a glass, not breaking it, but leaving a hole in it. It went through a teddy bear on a shelf and through the tent as well.

Edward knew this would happen. Luckily, the boy in charge of the booth was preoccupied with another group of people.

"You owe my five dollars, Bella." Edward laughed. He held his hand out and Bella begrudgingly gave him the money. Edward made a mental note to sneak it back into her purse during the evening. He grabbed another ball in front of them. "Let me show you how it's done." He said cockily. He threw the ball, not nearly as fast as Bella's, but with good aim. The ball hit all the bottles, causing them to fall to the ground. "See?"

Bella glared at him and scrunched her nose. "Amateur." She mumbled.

Edward chuckled. "What do you want? We can take anything." He asked her.

Bella's eyes lit up. "You'll let me have it?!" She exclaimed. Edward nodded and she pointed towards the giant bear. "I want that one, please." She said to the man. He went over and handed it to her. "Thank you." She smiled and walked out the booth with Edward. She hugged the bear close to her chest. It was huge and white colored. It held a big, red heart in its arms and Bella thought it was adorable. "Thank you, Edward."

"No need to thank me. I just wanted you to keep it so you never forget how terrible you are at this game." He told her, holding back laughter.

"Take that back." Bella growled mockingly.

"Or what?" Edward taunted. "You'll attack me? Oh no, I'm so scared."

"You better run." Bella narrowed her eyes. "You're dead." She lunged towards him and he stepped back, snorting when laughter left his mouth.

He started running, sniggering as Bella chased him. They both ran in human speed, but that didn't spoil their fun.

XXX

"Thanks, Edward." Bella said as they walked to Charlie's porch together. "I had fun today."

Edward beamed. "I'm glad." He told her. "I had fun today, too. We should do it again some time." He offered at the end.

"I'd love that, actually." Bella smiled at him. She reached in for a hug, which he wholeheartedly returned. The hug lasted longer than most and they only separated when they saw a light turn on from the window.

Edward leaned forward and gingerly kissed Bella's cheek. He was about to say something, but the door opened. They both turned around and were met with Charlie's shocked face. He looked at Edward, then at Bella, and back at Edward.

"What's going on here?" Charlie inquired. He crossed his arms over his chest and Edward noticed how similar he looked to Bella when he did that even though they weren't related.

Bella stuttered. "Um…Charlie, this is Edward Cullen." She pointed to Edward. "And Edward, this is Charlie."

Edward held out a hand. "Nice to meet you, Chief Swan."

Charlie looked at the hand and narrowed his eyes. He kept his arms crossed over his chest. "Did you take Bella out on a date?" He asked bluntly.

Bella's eyes widened and she quickly went over to Charlie's side. Grabbing his arm, she said, "Well, today has been a great day. It was nice hanging out with you, Edward, but we really must go. Bye!" She dragged Charlie inside and closed the door.

Edward could hear Bella reprimanding Charlie over what he did and he quietly snickered. Oh, Bella. He thought affectionately. He turned around to leave, but heard the door open. Before he knew it, Bella kissed him on the cheek. She whispered him a goodbye and said she'll see him next week. She ran back inside and left Edward standing out there with his hand touching the spot where Bella kissed him.


Volturi Castle—77 years ago. June 21, 1933

XXX

Dear Guest,

You are cordially invited to the centennial Volturi Summer Solstice Ball, an event held on the day of June 21st. For humans, it is a day of enjoyment and adventure in the open world, but for vampires, it is a day of keeping in the shadows. We hold this ball every one hundred years not only to unite our kind in peace and harmony, but also to celebrate our very existence instead of hiding it. We would be honored if you could take the time to come and mingle with vampires from all around the world and experience new things.

Sincerely,

The Volturi Coven

XXX

The whole castle was bursting with excitement. There were vampires everywhere, speaking animatedly and accomplishing tasks. The hallways were littered with furniture and objects while the walls were stripped of paintings and color. The entire place was a mess and it gave Bella a headache, an unfortunate pain in the head experienced by a human. Somehow, it had transferred from the human, to the young vampire.

Her eye twitched in annoyance as she stomped pass the decorators and the females in her coven holding clipboards. She couldn't take it anymore. It was too much for her. "Aro!" She screamed in annoyance. "What the hell is going on?!" She was gone for a mission and this is what happened. The castle got a makeover.

A man with long black hair and hazy red eyes stood up from his throne, which happened to be in the middle of the three thrones situated in the room. "Bella, dear," he said affectionately. "You're back." He held his arms out for a hug, but was rewarded with a glare instead.

"I asked, " Bella paused for a moment, "what is going on?"

"Don't talk to him like that, young lady." A light blonde haired man demanded from the throne. "He is older than you and is above you. Talk to him with respect."

Bella waved her hand in the air. "Yeah, yeah, Caius. Hi to you, too." She looked at Aro in the face. "What is this?"

Aro smiled at the young girl in front of him. I shouldn't send her on so many missions. He thought. She is gaining more human habits. "Every one hundred years, we hold a ball." Aro explained. "Vampires from all over world come and join each other for a night of festivities. It is a night of excitement and celebration of our lives." Aro clapped merrily.

A door opened from behind Bella. She turned around and was met with the sight of her best friend, Andrew. It's Blake now. She thought to herself. You need to get in the habit of saying Blake. Blake. Blake. Blake.

"You left me stranded at the airport, honey." Blake reprimanded as he wrapped his arms around her waist and gave her a hug. "We were supposed to come together."

Bella hugged him back. "Shut up." She said. "I did not leave you stranded. It's not my fault my car is much faster than yours."

Blake laughed instead of arguing. "Oh, and don't believe the crap that Aro says about the ball. We just have the ball to show those vampires whose boss." He shrugged. "Night of festivities and excitement. Bullshit. Aro is just messing with you."

Bella turned around in Blake's arms to glare over at the leader of their coven and all the vampires in the world. Under anyone else's glare, Aro Volturi would have had them executed or reprimanded for such disrespect, but since it was coming from Bella, he simply ignored it and smiled back innocently, hoping to avoid another lecture.

"Is it formal?" She muttered. She wasn't a big fan of parties…or dresses.

"Yes, dear." Aro answered, sitting back on his throne. "Here in the Volturi, we dress to impress, as the humans say. We are always the best dressed and we hope you live up to that expectation." He smiled at her again. It reminded Bella of her father's smile. Sweet and true, but always hiding something. "You are an extraordinary young woman, Bella. It is time to show the world who you are."

Blake gently spun Bella around so that she was facing him. He stepped back and grabbed her hands, holding them softly in his. "He's right, you know?" He told her. "You are beautiful, Isabella Volturi. Stop hiding behind those hideous glasses." He made no move to take them off, so he continued. "And stop hiding behind my pants and shirts." You are better than that. Being a vampire, you are already breathtaking. But in addition to that, you are Bella. Not only are you lovely on the outside, but in the inside too and everyone knows that. If you make it a point to show everyone your character, then why do you hide your beauty?" He slightly shook Bella's hands. "I want to see the Bella I grew up with again. What happened to her?"

Bella's face scrunched up and she yanked her hands out of Blake's and fled the area, immediately going to her room. She threw herself on her bed and screamed into the pillow. Why couldn't everyone just leave her alone? All she wanted was to be human. Make no mistake, she loved being a vampire, but masquerading as a human made her feel closer to her old life, which was something she never wanted to let go of. She didn't want to let go of her parents and her friends. They were the only things that mattered to her.

But you've got a new family now. A chance at a new life. She thought. Not many people get second chances.

When Bella was officially initiated into the Volturi Clan, she was welcomed with opened arms. It had seemed that Blake had taken the courtesy to tell them all everyone about her. Bella was fine with that, though. This way, she didn't have to tell them anything herself. They had accepted her so easily without any explanation. Soon enough, Bella had done the same. She let herself go and became their family as much as they were to her. But a while after, Bella remembered her human family and friends. Feeling regret, she went into a sort of depression. That was when she made the decision to revert herself to her old life as much as possible.

Bella went back to her old wardrobe. She also bought brown contacts and fake glasses. She always kept her hair in a tight bun and every morning, she went on a slow, human run.

Bella knew that this wasn't right. Changes happen over time and this was one of the changes. She pulled her a pillow and rested her head on it. The question was whether she did it for her family or herself.

Why was Bella so afraid? Why couldn't she except the fact that she was different now? Her life was different now. She had been given another chance, and she wasn't willing to take it! She didn't have to forget her old family in order to be with her new one. They would always be with her. Not physically, of course, but the memories and good times would be. They would always be there, in her head.

Bella sat back up and tucked her knees into her chest. Her arms went around her legs and locked together in the front. Blake and Aro were right, this ball was a chance to show everyone who she truly was. But was she ready? Could she do it?

Bella stood up. "Yes, I can." She said to herself. She couldn't believe it had taken a few simple words from Blake and Aro to get her to her senses.

Bella looked at the clock on her wall and realized she had an hour to get ready. Was I really on the bed for three hours? She thought. She shook her head and raced to the closet. She threw clothes around everywhere, not finding a single dress she could wear to the ball. Since she was in the castle most of the time, she usually wore Blake's clothes because she thought that the stupid dresses were too damn annoying.

In an instant, her eyes lit up. Bella ran to the opposite end of the room and opened up an old trunk. It was filled with miscellaneous things from her human life. Reaching deep into it, her hand came in contact with a zipper and she immediately yanked it up. She took out the hanger and put the dress cover on her bed. Unzipping the cover, she whispered, "Perfect."

In a hurry, Bella put the dress on. Her mother, Lexi, had it specifically made for Bella as a birthday present. Lexi knew that Bella never wore dresses, but she also knew that Bella would need a dress one day. In case that day came any time soon, she got the dress made. After she got the dress on, Bella went to her vanity table. Slowly, she untied her bun and let her hair fall down to her waist. Bella's eyes widened in surprise, she had no idea how her hair looked like after her change until now.

Her hair had many more colors and was completely straight, even after being put in a bun all the time. Bella had side bangs and layers as well. After she got out of her shock, she applied makeup and made her hair before she walked back to her closet and pulled out her formal Volturi robe, which was black with a gold trim.

Bella noticed, as she put on the robe, that it highly complimented her dress. With some final touches, Bella put on her heels and raised the hood up, covering her face entirely.

Walking slowly, Bella made her way to the entrance. The large, carved wooden doors were closed, sealing her from the party below. The last time Bella had been in the ballroom was when she first joined the Volturi and was touring the castle, getting to know her way around it. From what she remembered, upon opening the doors, the person would be met with a railing several feet away. The space in between formed a walkway stretching from one side of the ballroom to the other. At the end at each side of the walkway was a staircase, allowing the person to be with his or her fellow guests. There were large windows on the walls that showed the massive Volturi garden and the small town of Volterra. It also showed the rolling hills that surrounded the province.

Bella rested her hand on the knob, but hesitated to twist it. It was her first time being in the presence of so many vampires. The only vampires she had ever met were the ones in the Volturi. She didn't know any others and at the moment, she was certain that she didn't want to. Some of the things they were talking about were just plain gruesome. Bella let go of the knob and took a step back. Unfortunately, she bumped into a wall, but suddenly got into a defensive stance remembering that it wasn't possible for a wall to be there.

"Alec?" She asked out loud as she straightened up. She looked at the man she considered a brother and noticed that he didn't look too different. He usually wore suits anyway. He was wearing his robe, but it wasn't closed off in the front and he wasn't wearing his hood unlike her.

Alec sighed. "Bella? What are you doing here?" He questioned. "Blake is on the other side of the doors, waiting for you in front of the stair case." He told her. Although Alec could not see Bella, he had reason to believe that she would surprise everyone at the ball. The Volturi with her change in dress and the rest of the vampires with her beauty, that is, if she chose to remove that darned robe of hers.

Bella fiddled around with her hands. Alec wasn't certain if she was looking down at the ground as well due to the hood, but it seemed like she was.

"I'm nervous." Bella stated, still playing with her fingers.

Alec stepped forward and took each of her hands and put them to her side. "Bella Volturi. Nervous? Who would have thought?" He chuckled sarcastically. "You have nothing to be nervous about. Go out there and have a blast. I promise it won't be too terrible." He smiled and guided her to the door. "I don't care if you're nervous. I will push you out there if I have to."

Bella gasped. "You wouldn't."

Alec smiled wickedly and said, "Oh, I would."

Bella clenched her jaw from within her hood and nodded. "Fine. I'll go out." She stood in front of the door with her chest puffed out. I can do this. I can do this, she chanted in her head. All you have to do is go out there, walk down the staircase with good 'ole Blake and mingle. That's it.

"As you wish," was all Alec said as he twisted the knob and pushed open the doors.

Bella was met with a sudden bright light. The source was from a gigantic crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. As Bella stepped forward, she realized that she remembered right. The ballroom looked exactly how she thought it would, except for a few changes, of course. The curtains had been changed for the ball, now being a subtle gold color instead of the usual blood red. In front of the windows were long tables with glasses filled with blood in them. At the corner was a table for the animal blood drinkers, but Bella was the only one here. She knew that the Denalis wouldn't come because of bad history between them and the Volturi. Bella had wanted to meet the Cullens, but was told they could not make for a reason she bothered not to remember.

"Bella?" Alec said from behind her. "You might want to step out. You're kind of looking like a fool." He muttered.

Bella's eyes widened slightly. "Right, right," she said. She stepped out of the shadows and into the brilliant light. She looked to her right and saw that Blake was waiting for her in front of the staircase, just like Alec said.

Bella gulped as she took in his appearance. Blake was wearing a black suit with and a tie that matched the color of her dress. On his right arm was an expensive looking watch. His hair had been gelled to perfection, now sporting a quiff instead of the usual messiness.

Is it hot in here? She thought. Blake looked…she was speechless. She couldn't think, she couldn't talk…all she could do is stare.

Bella walked towards Blake and extended her hand towards his, forgetting that she was still wearing her robes. She felt her breath quicken as Blake went behind her. She could feel his minty breath on her neck even through the robes.

Bella reached to take off her robes, but Blake stopped her, whispering, "Let me help you take it off," in a seductive tone that made her body tingle all over. Blake and Bella were not together, but they acted like they were with the soft touches and whispers that went between them. Everyone in the castle believed they would join as one at one point.

He reached his arms around her, landing on right under her bust before moving down to her waist and unbuttoning the first button. His hands slowly moved over her, undoing each button before reaching her breast. He took his hands off immediately and instead of laying them flat, not wanting to overstep any boundaries. He quickly tore off the last button, causing the robe to widen and split. The arms of her robe slipped from her and the only thing left on was the hood.

Bella's head leaned back onto Blake shoulders as his soft hands ran over her stomach. Not only did she feel safe in his arms, she felt a sort of adrenaline rush go through her body as his fingers unfastened the buttons. Each time he did, a small spark crept up on Bella in addition, making her mind haze over and her body complying and going in the direction of his hands, wanting him to never stop. She had felt this way only once—the day of her change. He had kissed her with such hurry, but so much passion. She knew it was to distract her, but that distraction turned into so much more.

Blake put his head on her shoulder. "Ready?" He said to her. Bella gave a quick nod and he gingerly removed the hood from her head, causing the robe to fall to the floor. He turned her around and took a step back to appraise her.

He could not believe what he was seeing. Bella looked absolutely wonderful. She was wearing a long, dark blue strapless dress that shimmered slightly under the lights. Behind the dress, were a sparkling fabric and was pinned loosely on each side of her back before gracefully falling down and trailing behind her. Her hair was tied, as usual, but in a different style. A French braid from the side of her head trailed off into a messy side bun. It had appeared that Bella had slightly curled her hair to give it some texture for the hairstyle. There were tendrils of hair falling down from random spots of the braid, but Blake loved that. It made the look more…Bella-like. A beautiful diamond necklace adorned her neck and on her wrist was a simple silver clasp with a rose in the middle. Her long, lithe fingers were clasped together, but Blake was able to make out a ring on her right hand with the Volturi crest on it.

"Blake?" Bella asked nervously.

Blake shook from his ogling and smiled at her now confused face. "I'm sorry," he said. "You just look so…beautiful. I can't take my eyes off of you." He was speechless. He couldn't possibly fathom the vision of the woman in front of him. He couldn't take his eyes off of her and only a single thought, a single word, was reoccurring in his mind. Bella.

A small smile crept up on Bella. "Thanks," she replied. If she were human, she would be blushing right now.

Blake straightened up, but never took his eyes off the exquisite woman. He held out his elbow for her. "Shall we?"

Bella smiled enchantingly and put her hand in the crook of his elbow. "We shall."

Blake made a move to walk down the staircase, but Bella stayed where she was, a frightful expression on her face. Blake was aware of the fact that she was afraid, and as much as he didn't want to, he decided he would use his power to make her relax a little.

"Mia Bella," he put his mouth on her ear and whispered. "Everything will be fine." He could almost feel Bella's eyes cloud over. His power was not a mental one, but a physical one, so it affected her. It didn't affect her as well as it did on others, but it still left an impression.

Bella licked her lips and muttered, "Did you just use your power on me?"

Blake pursed his lips, which were still next to her ear and murmured, "Yes…and did it work?" Bella nodded in response and Blake smiled. He kissed the skin underneath her ear and then kissed her lobe. "Let it work to its fullest this time." Bella nodded once again and put her head on his shoulder once again.

"Relax."

The words caressed Bella with their soft waves. She let them run through her and she could feel her body and mind start to relax. It also helped that Blake was nuzzling her neck, his nose near her pulse, which was her weakest and most sensitive spot and was running one of his hands up and down her arm. She kept her shield away from his power, making sure that it would work on her. Soon enough, she couldn't even remember why she was nervous. She leaned her head further on Blake's shoulder and a serene smile subdued her nervousness.

Blake put his hand on Bella's back and straightened her up. He got his free hand and used his pointer and middle finger to lift her head up from her chin. She looked at him with hooded eyes as he removed his hand from her back bent his arm, using his other hand to place her hand back on the crook of his elbow.

The couple slowly descended the staircase, not once looking at the scene in front of them, but instead in each other's eyes. They didn't know that the entire audience was discreetly looking at them from the moment Bella stepped out. They didn't know that during their moments of intimate stares and embraces, everyone was watching them.

Bella's smile got wider as she paid more attention to his eyes once her own eyes cleared up once more. Blake preferred to drink human blood, but was slowly switching over to animal blood. He still had a glass of human blood once every week, though, so that he wouldn't be in bloodlust all the time. Nevertheless, Bella appreciated his efforts. She usually ignored the fact that her family killed humans to survive knowing that there was an alternative option, but she couldn't blame them. If she were human, and she had the option of eating chocolate cake all the time and everyday, she would.

Blake gazed into Bella's golden eyes, noticing the small specks of brown, green, gold, and a hint of violet. He had never seen a vampire with any other color but gold or red in their eyes. Bella was truly magnificent in that way. She was unique, inside and out, and Blake knew that he was tremendously lucky to have her as a companion and hopefully one day…a lover.

They had finally reached the end of the staircase. Vampires in all shapes and sizes were scattered around the room, all wearing formal wear and carrying a glass of blood. Everyone was mingling and seemed to be having a great time. Soft music played in the background and Bella saw that they had set up a space in the middle of the ballroom for everyone to dance.

Blake led the young woman to the rest of the Volturi, who at the moment were talking amongst themselves.

Demetri looked up from his spot and his eyes widened in shock and surprise. "Bella?" He said incredulously. "…Holy crap you're hot."

Chuckles reverberated from the group, but they each nodded a little in agreement.

Bella laughed nervously. "Yeah, it's me alright."

Blake wrapped his arm around her waist. "Doesn't she look breathtaking?" He spoke to his comrades.

Aro stepped up from the side of his wife and grabbed Bella into a hug. "She does, indeed."

The group talked to a while, never letting Bella forget how amazing she looked. The group of talented individuals separated after an hour of talking to meet with the other covens and nomads. Bella and Blake, however, made their way to the table with animal blood.

Blake leaned against the table, Bella's hand in his left hand and a glass of blood on his right. "Are you enjoying yourself, my dear?" He asked her.

Bella smiled from behind the glass of blood. "I am, surprisingly."

Blake smiled as well and pulled her closer to him. "Well, I'm glad." He gulped down the glass and set it down on the table. "Would you like to dance with me, milady?"

"You know I don't like to dance, Blake." She glared at him. He knew it very well that she didn't…even though she was very good at it.

"I didn't want to have to do this." Blake warned.

"Do what?" Bella inquired. Her eyes widened in realization. "You wouldn't. Don't."

A sly smirk came up on Blake's face as he held up Bella's hand in front of him. "Will you," he murmured, kissing her hand, "dance with me?"

Bella's jaw tightened as she tried to fight off Blake's power. "I…uh…UGH FINE." She exclaimed in frustration. "I'll dance with you." She glowered at him. "I hate it when you use your power." She paused. "And stop being all…all…"

"Being all…what?"

"You!" She screamed, gaining the momentary attention of all the vampires before they turned back to talk to their colleagues.

Blake leaned forward and kissed her cheek. "You know you love it." He kept the deathly smirk on his face as they walked towards the dance floor. He twirled her around one time before he pulled her to him, the both of them already in perfect form.

The music started and they both glided across the floor, immersed in their own world. The only thing Bella could see was Blake. The rest of the world was a blur around them. They were moving slowly, but each minute felt a second to them.

Blake watched as they both danced to the melody, Bella's gold eyes sparkled from in front of him and her smile threw him off. It was soft and gentle, but the most beautiful thing in the world. Bella's dress, although not seeming like it, floating across the room with them, creating an affect that looked like they were gliding on water. It didn't even seem like they were dancing. It felt more like flying. Blake couldn't be any happier. Being with Bella was all he ever wanted.


I hope you enjoyed! Please review and offer me your feedback. It would be so sweet :) I'm taking honors chemistry and I swear I failed my test, I'd love it if guys could make me feel a little better by putting in a review :) But if you don't want to...then it's fine :)