A/N: Here it is faithful followers of the Project and all newcomers. For all newcomers this story is the sequel to my other story The Project, I recommend reading it first, but this story can stand alone.

I must thank my betas Halojones and Tracey for helping me get this chapter up and running.

Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns any Twilight characters that may appear in this story. The remainder is my original work. Copyright 2008 by the author writing under the pen name, OliviaJane. No copying or reproduction of this work is permitted without my express written authorization.

Check out my Profile for the swimsuits links for this chapter. They make for great visuals. I had to divide this chapter into two parts, it was getting really long, over 19 pages in Word. Don't forget: Read and Review. :)

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Bella's Birthday Party

Edward and I had been officially going out for a week now. We were almost inseparable since the day of the hike. Wherever we went our hands were always intertwined. I was still on cloud nine and had no intention of coming down anytime soon.

My seventeenth birthday was only four days away and I was hoping and praying no one would make a big deal about it. I didn't want Edward feeling obligated to get me something when our relationship was so new. My biggest problem would be reigning in Alice. She thrives on party planning. It was in her genes she insisted. Her proof being that her mother was an amazing wedding coordinator. My anxiety about it was brought to the forefront as Alice spoke.

"Bella? Do you know what day Thursday is?" She asked as if I didn't know.

"Yeah, September 13th," I replied nonchalantly.

"I know that!" She scolded. "I meant it's your birthday, silly."

"No big deal, Alice. I'd really rather no one made a big fuss about it. I don't want Edward to feel obligated that he needs to get me a gift." I said almost pleading for her to understand.

"No big deal? Are crazy? It's your SEVENTEENTH birthday Bella. You can't seriously think we're not doing something big. You know this isn't a birthday I can let slid. " She said incredulously.

"Please, Alice. Just this once. I promise you can go all out next year, no whining or complaining. I'lldo whatever you want. I'll even wear whatever you want. Please, just no party this year," I begged.

"I'll have to think about it. I don't know if I'll let this go," She said,giving in just a little too easy for my liking. I had a feeling she already had something planned and it was big and there was nothing I could do or say to get out of it.

"Thanks," I said without much feeling. "Hey, why don't you just get everyone to come over to my house Thursday. My mom is making my favorite dinner, fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, and green beans. And we'll top that off with her dreamy cherry-chip cake slathered with a healthy layer of butter cream frosting topped with a large scooped of homemade strawberry ice e on, you know how much you love that cake. This year let's do this my way. For my sake?" I continued begging.

"Actually that doesn't sound half bad. What time should I have everyone there?" She asked.

I was really nervous now. 'Not half bad?' Who did she think she was talking to? She rarely ever agreed with my ideas. Something was definitely up. Crap!

"6 o'clock sharp. Be there or be square. And oh, NO gifts," I laughed, my nervousness very evident in my stupid remark.

"Fine, 6 o'clock and no gifts," she said sighing as she rolled her eyes at me.

My birthday had gone off without a hitch. It had all gone as Alice had promise. No surprises, no elaborate theme, and no presents. It was just as I had wished. It was now Saturday and I was expecting Alice and Rosalie any minute. They were picking me up and we were heading over to the Cullen house to hangout for the day. I had only been there once in the four weeks I had known Edward. Their house was amazing-like a piece of art. Esme had painstakingly restored the late 19th century home to its original grandeur. It was three stories and had one of those amazing wrap around porches. The interior was bright and open with a modern feel. I hadn't had a chance to explore it much on my first visit, but I was quite impressed just seeing the first floor. As you entered, you were standing in a large communal living area. It was obvious several walls had been removed to create this large open room. To the left the floor was raised and on the platform sat Edward's glorious grand piano, which I still had not had the pleasure of hearing him play. Maybe today I would get that wish.

Right on queue I heard Alice's bubbly voice resonating from down stairs. She called up to me, "Come Bella, shake a leg. They're expecting us promptly at one."

If I could say one thing about Alice and Rose, it was that they were always punctual. They, like myself, had no tolerance for those who were habitually late.

I headed down stairs as I grabbed my bag with a change of clothes, swimsuit, and towel. Alice had informed me these were the bare necessities for our fun filled day.

Alice was chatting with Renee in her usual animated way. She was such a morning person, no-make that an anytime person. It didn't matter what time of day it was, she was always bright and cheery. She was just a naturally happy person. Rose stood silently listening to their chatter, but seemed more concerned with the condition of her nails.

"Hey Alice. Hey, Rose. So what's on the agenda for today," I inquired.

"Nothings set in stone. It will all depend on the weather. Movies and indoor games if it's rainy. If it's not then maybe some backyard volleyball. They also have that eighteen seater hot tub, hence the need for your swimsuit," she said giving me a wink. "Whatever we do were going to have loads of fun, you can count on that."

"Not too much fun," Renee pretended to tease, but in truth she was very serious.

She always knows the right time to embarrass me into submission. "Geez, mom. We're just going to be a group of friends hanging out have a little fun. That's all."

"Hey, I was a teenager once. I know what a little fun can sometimes leads to. Just behave and be safe," she instructed.

Good Lord, this was not the conversation I wanted to have with her right now. "Point taken Mom. We promise to behave and be safe," I agreed and Alice nodded trying to hide her smirk.

"No, need to worry about us Renee. We're good girls and we plan to stay that way," Rose threw in for good measure, throwing a wink my way. That Rose could be devious. She was truly a bad girl stuck in a good girls body just itching to get out. She just hadn't found the right guy to draw it out of her yet. I had a feeling that Emmett Cullen was just the right guy for the job, I laughed internally to myself.

This seemed to appease Renee.

We arrived at the Cullen house right at one. The boys were standing on the porch waiting and came to greet us as soon as Rosalie had the car in park. They opened the doors and took our hands helping us out. Of course, they were all rewarded for this very gentlemanly act with a hug and tender kiss. This had all worked out so perfectly. Three great friends with three perfect boyfriends. No one was left to feel like the fifth wheel.

Edward took my hand and we followed the others into the house. Once insideI stopped abruptly and my mouth just about hit the floor. The room was filled with pink and green balloons and party streamers hanging from everything. Over the fireplace hung a large banner announcing, "Happy Birthday Bella!"

"What's going on?" I demanded.

They were all chuckling at my reaction. Edward moved in and wrapped his arms around me and whispered in my ear. "Bella," his voice distracting me from my agitation. "We wanted to give you an amazing birthday and you wouldn't have let us do it any other way than to surprise you. Please, let us have our fun in spoiling you for the day," he gave me that puppy dog look he knows I could not deny.

"O.K." I relented. "What's done is done. I may as well let you indulge me JUST THIS ONCE," I stressed.

He slid his hand up to the back of my neck and drew me in for an amazing kiss. Really, I'd agree to just about anything if he kept doing this.

He pulled back and I opened my eyes remembering we had an audience. I blushed furiously. Alice and Rose smirked and the guys chuckled.

"First things first," Alice said pulling me away from Edward. "We must get ready. All the other guest will be arriving in just under an hour."

"Other guest? What other guest? Alice, this is taking it a little to far. Seriously. Who did you invite?" I asked as we made our way up the stairs.

"Oh, you know. The usuals. Angela and Ben, Mike and Jessica, Tyler, Eric and his new girlfriend Jane. Oh, they're so adorable together," she mused. "And last but not least, the Quilaute boys, Jacob, Embry, and Quil. I figured with them and Emmett this party was sure to fun."

I shook my head; Embry and Quil could be just as big a jokester as Emmett. No telling what trouble they could roust. With Jacob there was also sure to be good times. We had been good friends since we were very young. His father Billy was one of dad's regular fishing buddies. They spent time just about every weekend depleting the local river of their most highly prized fish.

Alice led us into a large room with a large picture window that took up almost the entire back wall. From this window you could see over the entire back lawn. Through the trees you could just make out the river in the background with the mountains rising in the distance. The room was painted light beige. Their was an over size black chair and automan that sat facing the window. The large bed was covered with a black comforter with black, beige, and red accent pillows. There were endless shelves of CDs that hung over what look to be a very expensive, very high tech stereo system.

"WOW," Rosalie said as her eyes scanned the room. "Whose room is this?"

"This is Edwards room," she turned and grinned widely at me.

I was speechless. It was amazing. Nothing you'd of expect from a teenage boy.

"Yep, I should have guessed. Sophisticated just like him," Rose said. "I'm sure Emmett is the complete opposite. I can only imagine that it is the epitome of a jock," she mused.

"I'll show you later," Alice giggled. "Right now we have to get down to business." She went over to the closet and came back with a bag. She pulled out two one-piece swimsuits. She handed me a deep blue one and Rose a vibrant red one. "I took the boys shopping and had them pick these out for you guys," she smiled triumphantly.

"Alice," I whined. "What if I don't look like he pictured I would when he picked it out? You tend to set your expectations of me way too high," I sighed as I plopped on the bed.

Alice rolled her eyes at me as she and Rosalie came and sat on either side of me. "Bella, relax. That boy is so head of over heels for you, you could be wearing a potato sack and he still think you were the most beautiful thing on earth," Rose said trying to reassure me.

I knew her words were true. It was just hard for me to believe that someone would ever find me, plain old Bella beautiful. I think my biggest problem was admitting to myself that I could possibly be beautiful. I have to be or why on earth would Edward ever choose me. He was model perfect and I was far from it. There I go again. My lack of self-confidence shining through at the moment.

Alice pulled me up and pushed me towards the bathroom. "Go changed. And not another complaint. Do you hear me missy?" She chided.

After slipping the swimsuit on. I stood and inspected myself in front of the large mirror. To be honest I didn't look half bad. I'd have to give it to Alice she really did have an eye for fashion and everything she ever got me fit perfectly. I'm sure she selected several suits she thought that would look great on me and then let Edward make the final pick. I was feeling a little more confident after seeing it on. It was really a beauty suit. The material was solid blue on the bottom and the top portion was covered with white polka dots and tied around the neck. It had a white sash around the waist. It was a rather modest pick for Alice and I loved it.

I quickly pulled my hair up into a high ponytail and I walk out of the bathroom. Alice's face radiated glee as soon as she saw me. "You're going to knock his socks of girl. I can't wait to see his reaction."

Alice and Rosalie quickly changed. Their suits were not near as modest as mine. Rose's suit fit her personality perfectly. It was red and covered medium size white hearts. Alice's had black and white stripes that angled inward. They both looked amazing. Alice began to bounce at the anticipation of seeing the boy's reaction.

"So, what do you think Bella," Rose inquired as Alice handed us coordinating wraps that went perfectly with our swimsuits. Rosalie's barely reached her knee. Alice's hit just below the knee and mine nearly reached my ankle.

"I love it! Why I ever doubted Alice is beyond me. I should know better than to bet against Alice. Just my insecurities getting the better of me I guess. Thanks, Alice," I said with a confident smile. "By the way. What's up with one-piece swimsuits? You never let us have one-piece suits."

She giggled. "It's a requirement for the party. I put it on all the invites. You see our brilliant Emmett thought I be great fun to have a Slip-n-Slide party." She jumped up and down clapping her hands. Rose grinned wide eyed with excitement.

This should be a lot of fun. We hadn't been on a Slip-n-Slide in years. The Cullen's back yard was perfect for it. It gently sloped downward towards the river. I'm sure the boys were going to make complete fools of themselves. Maybe this birthday party wouldn't be that bad after all. Fun times were about to be had today. I giggled to myself.

We made our way down the hall to the stairs. There at the bottom the boys sat on the couch playing video games waiting patiently for us.

Alice cleared her throat to get their attention. "Hey, boys. Been waiting long," she teased. Their heads immediately turned towards us and they quickly rose from the couch.

"So, what do you think," she asked as they made their way towards the bottom of the stairs?

"Not half bad from where I'm, standing," Emmett said grinning madly as he eyed Rosalie.

"Stunning as always my dear," Jasper beckoned for Alice to make her way down the stairs to him.

Edward stood speechless. I barely caught him mumbling, "She's a vision."

Emmett chuckled at his reaction. I blushed, but my heart swelled with pure joy at his reaction. He sure knew how to make me feel like Cinderella going to the ball.

We came down the stairs and made our way to our men. Edward was still dazed. I slid my hands around his neck and kissed his cheek saying, "Earth to Edward."

He shook his head and stared deep into my eyes. His grin grew wide across his face and he chuckled at himself. The next thing I knew I was being swept off my feet and carried out onto the back patio, I giggled the whole way.

Edward placed me on my feet and I made my way over to the railing. On the back lawn they had set up four Slip-n-Slides. Edward stood beside me gauging my reaction. I laughed.

"So, what do you think," he probed.

"I was thinking I hope Alice remembered her video camera because there are sure to be some very funny things happening here today. She'll probably get something worthy of an award from 'America's Funniest Video'. It would also be good for blackmail should somebody doing something really outrageous. With this bunch coming no telling what that might be," I grinned at the thought.

Edward chuckled. "Don't worry. Alice has the camera and a backup battery ready to go."

Our attention was drawn towards the house by the chatter of new voices. I assumed that some of the guests had begun to arrive.

"Bella, how's it hanging?" Jacob smirked as he, Quill, and Embry came outside. He pulled me in and gave me a quick hug. "You must be Edward," he said as he stuck out his hand. "I hear you've stole me girl's heart," he kidded.

"You quit that, Jake," I scolded. "He's only kidding Edward. There's never been ANYTHING between Jacob and me except that of a sister and a brother," I said glaring at Jacob. My relationship with Edward was still very new and I did not want him to get the impression that I was keeping things from him.

Jacob, Quil, and Embry began lightly chuckling that quickly erupted into full-blown laughter. I gave Quil a playful shove, which surprising knocked him off balance causing him to fall into Quil and Jacob. They all fell in a heap at our feet.

"Dang, Bella, can't take a joke?" He grinned mischievously. "Forgive me Edward, but in all seriousness Bella and I are very much brother and sister. We just don't share any of the same genes," he said eyeing me with that very recognizable sunny expression of his.

"That's alright Jacob I get it. Plus Bella's already told me a lot about you. How your father's are old friends that spend a lot of time fishing together. I even suggested we all get together with them one weekend and tag along," Edwards said making conversation.

"Fishing?" Jacob chuckled. "Apparently she didn't go into detail about just how much she LOVES fishing," he said sarcastically.

"I've had enough. I'll leave you boys to poke your fun at me in private. I'm going to see who else has shown up," I left them standing there deep in conversation. I could hear Jacob indulging Edward about all the mishaps on those lovely fishing trips. Edward seemed quite amused to learn of this side of me.

When I entered the house I notice that all the other invites had arrived including one not mentioned by Alice or Rosalie. What on earth was Lauren Mallory doing at MY party? I made eye contact with Rosalie and gave a slight head nod towards Lauren. She shrugged and looked absolutely disgusted with her presence. What would possess this girl to attend a party for someone she clearly showed absolute disdain for? She had to go because this was really putting a damper on my mood. I needed to pull Alice aside. We'd have to come up with a plan rid ourselves of this swine.

I went over to where the group was gathered and greet everyone with pleasantries. I suggested they head out to the patio and make themselves comfortable. I took a hold of Alice's arm and gestured for Rosalie to follow as we made our way into the kitchen.

"Alice for the love of God, please tell me you did not invite that hussy to my party," I said taking deep breaths trying to remain calm. This girl had never had a nice word for me and I had unfortunately known her since kindergarten. She had always gone out of her way to be mean to me. If you looked up bully in the Webster's dictionary you'd see a single name, Lauren Mallory. I had no intention of being in her presence even one minute longer than necessary. To be honest, if I never saw her again it would be to soon. She had to go and they were going to help me get rid of her.

"Calm down Bella. Listen," Rosalie said with assurance motioning for Alice and I to move in closer. "I got the perfect idea on how we can shoo this girl right out of here and entertain the boys while were at it," she grinned deviously. "What is she wearing?" Rose asked us trying to see if we'd catch on.

Alice and I looked at each other searching our minds. We smiled brightly turn our attention back to Rosalie.

"O.K. here is what I see happening. We told all the girls to wear one-piece bathing suits so that they would not have a wardrobe malfunction while participating in any of Emmett's Slip-n-slide competitions. Of course being that she was not invited she did not receive this very important information and showed up wearing that very tiny two-piece string bikini. There is no way that thing will stay on. I know she chose it so that all the male eyes would be on her and they are sure to be. I say we get Emmett to get the races started and you; Bella being the birthday girl will get to choose who goes first. And I'm sure I know exactly who you'll pick," she smirked.

"I do believe you'd be correct if you did," I said confirming her thoughts.

"Well then, since were on the same page now on with the plan. There is no way that top will stay on and she's to stupid realize it. She'll just be thinking about how she will have all guys attention focused on her. Once that top comes off she'll be so embarrassed that she'll high tail it out of here and our goal will be accomplished."

We were all let out sinister laughs at this thought. Lauren was finally going to get what she had coming to her.

We linked arms skipped humming 'We're Off to See the Wizard' as we went outside to join the others with our excitement barely under control.

Alice went directly over to Emmett to get our little plan rolling. Rosalie and I went and sat innocently with the others. Luckily this was a party and any excitement we showed could be mistaken for that reason.

"Attention everyone," Emmett announced. "We all need to organize into teams of two. We're going to get the races started." He was nearly jumping at the thought of the competition. This was just so Emmett.

Everyone broke up into pairs mostly based on couples that came together. Rosalie decided to sit this one out so that Jacob could partner up with Emmett. Which didn't surprise me at all. I knew she'd be worried about breaking a nail or something. I was so glad that I didn't have a problem with vanity. It was decided that we would draw groups from a bowl to see which teams would be up against each other. We didn't want our evil plan to be obvious. Alice made sure that Lauren and Tyler's slip was on top so that when I drew out the names I would be sure to grab theirs first. The plan was all coming together nicely.

"Listen up everybody. If Bella draws your group, you need to remove all clothing except your swimsuit of course and make your way down to the starting line," she said pointing to a rope about fifteen feet back from the slides. I suggest that you hose yourself down first before Rosalie blows the whistle. Once the whistle is blown you need to get down the slide as fast as you can. It doesn't matter if you go feet first or head first, that's your decision. Any questions?" Alice instructed.

"The first groups up will be...Lauren and Tyler." How'd that happen? I giggled to myself. "The other group will be...Jacob and Emmett." It was all Alice, Rosalie, and myself could do to contain ourselves. We were hoping and praying the inevitable would occur. There was no way that girl could make it down that slide and keep that top on. N-o w-a-y!

Emmett and Jacob bounded off the patio. They were both dancing around like Rocky in that scene where he runs to the top of those stairs. They were something else. They settled themselves down and got into position. They were taking this way to seriously. It was as if this was some kind of Olympic sporting event. They had us all chanting their names and cheering them on.

Tyler too was ready to go. His partner however was still disrobing. For Pete's sake all she had to remove was a button up shirt she hadn't bother buttoning and a pair of low rise shorts. It was as if she was putting on some kind of strip show. Raunchy was the best way to describe it. She inched her shorts ever so slowly down her legs hiking her rear end up in the air in the direction of all the guys. Most of them took notice which of course made her very pleased. Guys could be such pigs. As soon as she had her shorts off I stood wide eye at her. Her swimsuit bottoms were even smaller than her top.

Good Lord, we only intended for her to lose her top not the whole suit, but after seeing those bottoms there was a good chance we'd be seeing her in all her glory this afternoon. Alice and Rose smirked as they turned to face me. No doubt having the same thoughts.

The skank, oops, I mean Lauren finally joined her partner after making a dramatic scene with the water hose. I do believe some of the guys had begun to drool. Did I say pigs? I meant to say was, guys could be such dogs.

Rosalie stepped up to the railing. Alice and I moved up and stood on either side of her. "On you mark - get set -" and then she blew the whistle. We all held our breath in anticipation of what had a very good chance of happening.

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A/N: Well there you have it. I left it a little cliffy to keep up the anticipation for the next chapter. How bad do you want it? Review and let me know your thoughts. How did I do? :)

Next Chapter: Bella's Birthday Party Part II