You Belong With Me: Chapter 9

Chapter Nine: The Ball

“Oh. My. Cullen.” I said as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I wasn't even sure that it was me who I was staring at. She was beautiful. From her head to her toes she looked like royalty.

“Don't be so surprised, Bella.” Alice shook her head at me.

“You guys are miracle workers.” I told them, still staring at my reflection.

“Bella, all we did was polish you up. You are the one who has the beauty to make it work.” Rose told me. I was in too much shock to argue with her. I could not believe that it was my refection in the mirror.

My hair was pulled out of my face and put in a smooth, sleek, layered bun on the top of my head. Rose had sprayed some special hairspray on it so it was sparkling slightly. Then the put a small crown at the base of it. It wasn't a fake plastic one; it was made of real diamonds. I hadn't asked what the price was.

They had done my makeup perfectly. It made my skin look very nice and smooth in a way. My eyelashes were even longer and my lips were a creamy red. Alice had put an intricate, yet simple, pattern on the side of my face with sparkley powder.

My shoes were clear platform stilettos. They were held on my a simple strap over my foot and a band around my ankle.

I had incredible jewelry. Rose had told me that they were Esme's and she had let them borrow them. I had small, diamond earrings on. In the right light they sparkled lightly. Resting around my neck was a diamond necklace. It was on a small, golden chain. On the end was a diamond that hung just over the neckline of my dress.

On my wrist was the bracelet that Edward had given me for my fourteenth birthday. The chain was made of real gold. A real diamond heart hung off of one of the chain links. It was my favorite piece of jewelry but it was too fancy to wear casually.

My dress...there were no words to describe my dress. It was beautiful. It was made of a white fabric. The top was a strapless sweetheart neckline. It was kind of bunched together. The waist was made of a slightly different fabric and it hugged my curves.

The skirt started at my hips and was a very poofy, floor-length skirt. It shot out from me and ended about two to three feet from my body at all angles.

“I thought I told you guys that I didn't want to be Cinderella.” I teased them.

“Ha ha ha. Very funny Bella.” Rose said sarcastically. “Besides, since when do we ever listen to you?”

“That's true.” I laughed.

“Now, for the finishing touch...” Alice trailed of as she put a mask over my eyes. It just covered my eyes and the area around it. It was made out of white lace. It completed the look perfectly.

“Thank you guys!” I exclaimed as I hugged them.

“You're welcome.” They told me. “Now you have to tell us if you like our costumes.”

Alice was wearing a very fancy southern bell costume. Jasper had always been obsessed with cowboys and the south ever since he could talk. When he was fourteen he stayed in Texas for ten months; it was part of an exchange program. When he had gotten back he had a very deep southern accent. Alice just loved it. You could still hear it in his voice if you listened close enough or when he wanted to talk in it.

Her costume was a made of a silk, red fabric. The top had a slight sweetheart neckline. The sleeves went off of her shoulders. The very top, like the neckline and sleeves, had a few layers of loose fabric. It hugged her body until the middle of her stomach wear a thick,black strip of fabric went over the red fabric.

Right after the black fabric ended, the huge skirt started. It ended three to four feet away from her body at all angles. It had one of those cage things under it so it would stay like that. Her shoes were simple black flats.

She had put very long hair extensions in so that her hair, that usually fell to her chin, fell to the middle of her back. She had put them in tight curls and then pinned them up on the top of her head. A few loose hairs framed her face. The curls were held up with a red ribbon tied in a bow.  She was wearing a mask like mine but it was made out of red and black fabric.

Rose was going to the party as an angel. For a top she was wearing a pink shirt with a scoop neck and long sleeves. For a bottom she was wearing a pink mini skirt that went to the middle of her thighs.

Over her shirt was a long vest, made out of a thin, yet firm, material, that went to her knees; it wasn't made for you to button it up or anything like that. Connected to the vest thing were large wings. For shoes she wore pink, knee high, five inch boots.

She had straightened her hair so it fell perfectly straight down her back. She was wearing a pink mask like mine and Alice's. Her makeup was pink lip gloss, pink eyeshadow, and rosie cheeks.

We were all dressed up in costumes because we were going to a masquerade ball/costume party. It was going to be in the Cullen's, well I guess it was also our now, enormousness ballroom. Everybody from Forks High was coming.

“You guys look fabulous, as usual.” I told them.

“We know.” They said in unison.

“By the way, Bella, Edward will totally love your costume.” Alice told me.

“Oh...about that...” I trailed off, embarrassed.

“What?” Rose asked hesitantly.

“Edward kind of thinks that I'm not coming.” I mumbled.

“Bella! The party is here! How does he not think that your not coming?” Rose demanded.

“Because, up to this morning, I wasn't coming. A few days ago I told Edward that I wasn't coming; that I would just go see a movie in Port Angeles. You guys just barely convinced me to go.” I admitted.

“OMG, Bella! This is perfect. Now you can ask him how he feels about you without him knowing that it's you.” Alice said.

“I am doing no such thing.” I told them.

“Just do something to get him to realize that he belongs with you.” Rose said.

“No!” I insisted. “I am not going to even approach him.” They were about to say something but Emmett cut them off.

“Guys! Everyone is here! Come on down!” He called up the stairs.

“We're coming!” Alice called down the stairs.

“Do you want to enter with us?” Rose asked as we exited Alice's room. We had all been living at the Cullen's house-our house-for about two or three weeks.

“No. I know how long you guys have been looking forward to entering with Emmett and Jasper.” I told them. “I'll go alone.”

“Only if your sure.” Alice said.

“I am don't worry.” I said as we entered the guest room where Emmett and Jasper were waiting. Emmett was a Jedi and jasper was a cowboy; the guys didn't wear masks. They were nearly speechless when they saw Rose and Alice. It was so funny to see Emmett speechless. Even Rose laughed a little.

“You okay, cowboy?” Alice asked Jasper.

“Yeah, I have you. Why wouldn't I be okay?” He finally said, walking towards her and lightly kissing her cheek.

“Emmett? Are you okay?” Rose asked. He just nodded then kissed her.

“Well, guys, what do you think of Bella's costume?” Alice asked. They both tore their eyes away from Alice and Rose and looked over to me.

“Bella...you look very nice.” Jasper said, not knowing how to put it.

“Y-yeah. Um...you look very nice and like Cinderella. Edward will totally be drooling when he sees  you.”

“Thanks.” I said, ignoring the Edward comment. “Did you really recognize me that easily?”  

“No, but Alice told us that it was you and then we could tell.” Jasper said.

“Guys, Edward doesn't know that shes coming.” Alice told them why and her little plan, pouting when she told the part where I said no.

“Bella, it would be a good time to tell him.” Emmett said.

“But I won't.” I shrugged. They didn't push it anymore because it was time for their grand entrance.

“Bella, are you coming?” Rose asked as they all walked out of the room and to the huge, double door to the ballroom.

“You guys can have your grand entrance. I'll just wait until no one is paying attention.” I told them. They all agreed. I looked around the guest room, not wanting to sit so I wouldn't wrinkle the skirt to my dress. After ten minutes of chickening out I decided to go to the party.

I walked to the double doors and then took the few necessary steps to reach the top of the grand staircase. I hesitated walking down the stairs because I didn't want to twist my ankle in my death traps, or as Alice called them, stilettos.

One person saw me and then another person did. Soon, everyone was staring at me. I blushed and began walking down the staircase, holding the skirt of my dress up so I wouldn't trip on it. As I walked through the crowd of people they all made a pathway, still staring. I heard whispers like “Is she new?” “She's beautiful.” “Who is she?” No one even recognized me, thanks to the mask.

I didn't really know what to do so I walked to the food table and got a water bottle. Even though I was just leaning against a wall, holding an unopened water bottle. It was kind of weird. I wasn't used to anyone staring at me, unless I had just insulted the jocks or something like that.

“Edward! Dance with me!” I heard Tanya over the music. I looked over and my breath caught in my throat. Edward was leaning against a wall, talking to Tanya, who was dressed as a cheerleader. He was dressed as Prince Charming. His hair was pushed out of his face and he looked so nice.

Actually, Tanya was talking to me. He was looking at me. It wasn't like most boys who were looking at me, with lust in their eyes. He was looking at me with confusion in his eyes, like he was trying to figure out who I was. I immediately looked away. By this time, most people had stopped staring.

“Hey Cinderella.” I heard someone say. “Or should I say Cinder-Bella.” I turned around and saw Jacob staring at me. He was dressed as a football player...some imagination...

“W-what do you mean?” I asked.

“I saw you walking into a guest room with Alice and Rose. They called you Bella.” He explained. “ I pretty much figured it out for myself by that time. Besides, only you would come alone. No other girl in the school would do that. Well, one as pretty as you.” He trailed off.

“Was that an attempt at flirting?” I asked.

“Yeah. You flirt with me.”

“Since when?” I demanded.

“Since your little dance off with Tanya.”

“I insulted you the whole time. I never flirted with you.” I said, disgusted by the thought.

“Oh...” He trailed off, looking uncomfortable.

“By the way,” I began, smirking at his costume. “I still stand by what I said that day. They are tights, not pants.”

“That hurts.”

“Well,” I said, looking in Edward's direction. “Life's about hurt.” Jacob followed my line of vision and saw Edward. Jacob's eyes lit up in understanding.

“You like him.” He stated.

“W-what? Of course not! That's crazy.”

“You can't lie that well, can you?”

“I. Do. Not. Like. Him.” I insisted.

“Hey look, I won't say anything. Under one condition. You become my girlfriend.” He stated.

“You wish.” I said as began walking away. Once I got away I leaned against another wall, fuming.

“Are you okay?” A velvet voice asked me. I looked over and saw Edward leaning against the wall like me.

“No.” I said, not even trying to hide it.

“What's wrong?” He asked.

“Jacob Black is living.” I muttered. He laughed at that and moved closer to me.

“That is a problem.” He chuckled. “Do I know you?”

“N-no. I'm fairly new to Forks.” I lied.

“Oh. Well, welcome. I hope that you're liking it so far. It can be pretty rainy here, but we find things to do.” Edward was always welcoming without flirting like most guys.

“Thank you.” I said, slightly smiling.

“You remind me of someone I know.” He stated suddenly.

“O-oh, really? Who would that be?” I asked.

“My best friend, Bella.”

“Tell me more about her.” I said, honestly wondering what he thought of me.

“There is no word to describe her. Bella is just...just Bella. She is really kind and sweet and pure. She doesn't care what most people think about her, only what her friends and family do. She isn't afraid to tell anyone anything, yet she holds back so she doesn't hurt anyone. She is very beautiful, though she doesn't think so...” He trailed off, deep in thought.

“You seem like you really like her.” I said, smiling to myself.

“Yeah. We're really close. We have known each other for forever.” He said, smiling. “Hey, do you want to dance?”

“What about that girl you were with earlier?”

“She ran off somewhere. I'm sure she won't mind, as long as we're only friends.”

“That would be nice.” He took my gloved hand in his and lead me to the middle dance floor. I didn't know the song, but it was beautiful. We were in the middle of the song when Edward suddenly stopped and stared straight ahead, pain in his eyes. I turned around, confused, and saw something that made me want to kill.

Tanya and Jacob were dancing together. Actually, they were standing still while playing tonsil hockey. Edward cleared his throat and Tanya saw him. Right when their eyes made contact she began screaming and pushing Jacob away from her.

“How could you kiss me like that?!” She screeched. “I have a boyfriend!”

“I couldn't resist...” Jacob trailed off, confused, until he saw Edward; a smirk pulled across his face at Edward's look of pain. The song had ended and everyone was staring at us. I could see Alice, Rose, Emmett, and Jasper making their was through the crowd until they got to the front.

“Edward,” Tanya said as she walked up to him. “he kissed me! I swear on my life. He asked me to dance and I said yes to be nice and then he randomly started kissing me!”

Edward just stood there for a moment, the pain still evident in his eyes, though confusion was also there.

“Tanya,” He finally said. “let's get away from this mongrel.”

I had to bite my lip so that I wouldn't scream as loud as I could. Edward actually saw Tanya making out with Jacob and he still wanted to be with her. As much as I tried to stop myself, and as much as I said I would not do this, I couldn't stop myself from forming one sentence with two little words.

“She's lying.” I said in a quiet voice. Edward and Tanya turned towards me; Edward looked confused and a little angry and Tanya looked livid. Everyone else was confused, except for Emmett, Jasper, Rose, and Alice; they looked angry at Jacob and Tanya...and Edward for falling for Tanya's little act.

“How would you know?” Tanya sneered. “You don't even know Edward.”

“Yeah, you said that you were new.” Edward stated, his voice hard and cold, his eyes colder then ever.

“I know you  better then anyone in this room.” I said, getting more confidence.

“I've only known you for less than ten minutes.” Edward stated.

“I've known you since birth, Edward.”

“How?” Tanya sneered again.

“Because,” I said as I took my mask off, “I'm his best friend.”

The crowd around us gasped in shock. Alice, Jasper, Rose, and Emmett gave me reassuring looks. Edward had a look of pure shock on his face and Tanya was just staring at me, glaring while still being surprised.

“And I will always know him better than you.” I finished.

“How could you lie to him like that?” Tanya asked, getting in my face. “You're just jealous of our love!”

“What love?” I laughed. “Has he ever told you that he loved you?”

“W-well n-no, but we don't need words, right Eddie?” She turned to Edward, who was still in shock.

“B-Bella?” He asked.

“Yeah.” I whispered.

“Edward! Don't you love me?” Tanya asked.

“Um...well...about that...” I bit my lip so I would smirk.

“Well, he doesn't love you either.” Tanya turned to me, glaring. I tried not to look hurt.

“I'm his best friend. Why would he love me?” I murmured, looking right past her and to Edward's face. “Why would I care if he loves me or not.”

Everyone was still quiet, just watching, yet I couldn't stop myself from saying one more thing. “Why do I care that he doesn't love me? Why do I care?”

“What do you mean, Bella?” Edward asked.

“Are you seriously that blind? I used to think that you saw everything.” I said as I laughed without humor.

“What do you mean?” He repeated.

“If you could see that I'm the one who understands you. Been here all along so why can't you see? You belong with me.” I sang quietly.

“That songs for me?” Edward asked.

“Yes.” I said quietly.

“You said that it wasn't for anyone.” He whispered.

“Because I knew that this would happen if I did. You would just stand there, and do nothing. That's all you ever do now.” I said, tears filling my eyes.

“That's not true.” He said.

“Yes it is, Edward. Ever since you started dating Tanya, you've changed. You treat your parents like they're pieces of trash whenever you don't get your way. You don't stick up for anyone. Alice, Rose, Jasper, Emmett...me. You've changed, and it hasn't been for the better; don't try to deny it.” I said, holding back the tears.

“And right now, all you're doing is staring at me like you always do. I can't take this anymore.” I said as I turned away from him.  Before I could walk away I felt Edward's fingers wrap around my arm.

“You can't take what?” He asked when I turned to face him.

“I can't take having to know that I'm in love with you while always knowing that you don't feel that way about me. I have been here the whole time, so why can't you see? I'm the one who understands you. I would never cheat on you and you still choose her. I just can't take it anymore!” I exclaimed.

I pulled my arm out of his grasp and ran through the crowd. I nearly sprinted up the stairs. I had five more steps left when I tripped, twisting my ankle in the process. I ignored the pain and got up to continue running. I passed Esme in the hall and breezed past her, ignoring her question of what was wrong.

I ran through the many halls, not looking to see where I was going. I ran down a flight of stairs when i came to it and ran through another hall. There was a door and I opened it, realizing that it was the back door. I ran through it and was in the huge back yard. I slammed the door shut and leaned against the wall it was connected to.

I fell to the lightly wet ground, of course it had to be raining, not caring that my dress, hair, and makeup was now getting ruined. It was then when I let the tears out. I wrapped my arms around my ribcage to hold myself together as I finally let the tears fall down my cheeks and let the sobs wrack through my body.