Chapter 6 Part 1

Keep It Hidden

She spent the rest of the day anxiously waiting for Alice to come home, dealing with her school assignments and then deciding on cooking dinner in the meantime. Alice would be the key figure in this operation… First of all, Alice has to go with her. No way around it, there was no way she will go to that club alone. It was a weeknight though so that was somewhat a problem… Alice was always excited to go out and have fun during the weekends but school nights – not so much. She was too dedicated to her studies, so serious about her school projects that if you didn't know her you could accidentally take her for a CEO of some small trendy fashion brand. Some convincing might be in order and that means she will have to come up with an argument. That's where the problem number two lies. Alice was not supportive of Bella making any connection with Edward Cullen. So there could be no "I have to see Edward Cullen and make him fall in love with me" argument. She even warned her against it. Warned her… Bella stopped in the middle of her room. In all her musings and excitement to see him again, she absolutely forgot about those warnings. She didn't even ask one question about it during their lunch… Arrests? What kind of arrests? Surely nothing too crazy… Gambling? How much did he gamble away? Or was he hosting some underground casinos? There was something else Alice said, she couldn't remember. She then realized how much of a goner she was – she was aware of those things, red flags for sure, but her mind was going blank on those when she was around him. And even now, with those things back on the forefront of her mind she knew she would go and see him again anyway. She couldn't let him go just yet.

She decided to use the "masked ball" angle. It's not a common thing to be invited to; she's never been to one… That might work with Alice – she might get excited. Plus, supposedly it was a private event so Alice might be able to perfect her networking skills again, Bella thought. She'd try not to mention Edward but if Alice asks she would have to tell. Lying to Alice to support her little obsession was not something Bella wanted to do.

Alice still wasn't home, she always had some extra projects on the side, and so to pass the time Bella managed to learn all her lines for the new scene she was assigned in her acting class, finish the paper that was due on Friday; she then cooked a lovely dinner and even baked cookies and when she felt like she just might go crazy from all the waiting Alice finally came home.

"Oh my god, this smells amazing!" Alice exclaimed the moment she walked in. "Are we celebrating something?" she asked excitedly.

"Not really, I'm just in a really good mood," Bella said with a smile. She needed a perfect moment to bring that masked ball up. Timing had to be just right.

"Good mood, huh?" Alice said curiously trying to get Bella to elaborate. When she realized she's not going to explain she decided to move on. "You won't believe the day I had!"

Bella was all too happy to follow that topic of conversation for a while and so they chatted light-heartedly about school and work throughout their dinner. By the time they got to those cookies, she decided it is the time to bring this thing up. She took a deep breath, here we go…

She did her little prepared speech about this exciting invite she got, how she's never been to a masked ball in her entire life and how she is dying to go but her only problem is that she has nothing to wear, and well, she can not go alone. It was quite a monologue she performed. Alice was on the verge, she could tell. It looked like she wanted to go…

"Where is this thing anyway?" Alice asked after the news of their new possible adventure settled in.

Their dinner was over and Bella was washing the dishes. She stopped midway through washing her plate and after a second continued. She knew this question would come up at some point. She made sure her voice didn't give anything away.

"It's this club we've been to on Friday", she said in an even tone. "What was it called again?"

Alice was silent for a second.

"I believe it was called Eclipse," Alice said carefully. "And how did you get invited to that thing?"

Oh god…

"Why? You think you're the only one who can network and get invited to things? I meet people too, you know," Bella said praying Alice wouldn't pry. She was in an attack mode but she'd do just about anything to avoid bringing Edward up because she had a feeling Alice might back out.

"Of course you do. I didn't mean it like that!"

Bella didn't let her continue.

"I just really need your help, this is so exciting but there's no way I can pull it off without you. You always grill me for not going out enough and this is the most exciting event I've ever been invited to! For the first time ever I'm really dying to go, please Alice I need you there," she was a second away from full on begging when Alice stopped her.

"Ok, ok! You got me on board! Don't get so hyper – I was excited to go the moment you mentioned that it's a masked ball! Those things are beautiful! What should we wear…" Alice said more to herself, already in her 'designer' mode and sauntered off to her closet. Bella breathed out, she could finally relax now. She got her.

The rest of the evening Alice spent planning their outfits and creating their masks. Bella tried to help but after a couple of not so successful attempts Alice sent her away not to mess with the creative process. Bella took a hint and after a while, she was back in her room, on the inside window ledge with a cup of hot chocolate consumed with this new infatuation of hers all over again. Edward Cullen.

It felt like he didn't want to invite her at first. She was suppressing this thought all day long but now that she took care of getting Alice on board and that stress factor was gone, she had to be honest with herself. He sounded hesitant when he was inviting her. Why? If he didn't want her there he wouldn't have invited her, she was sure. He didn't strike her as a people pleaser. He almost didn't invite her. That stung… Why did he change his mind? And also, this weird goodbye he gave her. It almost felt like he was trying to memorize her in detail. The way he looked at her was just too… Ugh, she couldn't decipher it yet. Why was he so cryptic? And why didn't he kiss her? The moment was perfect… Was he not interested in her like that? But then, he did invite her, she reminded herself.

She stopped breathing for a second – what if he invited her out of pity? What a dreadful thought! What if she was looking at him with puppy dog eyes and he felt bad for not inviting her? That thought made her want to puke. No. Can't be. She's not a pity case. She couldn't think like that if she wanted to have any confidence with her tomorrow. She needed to steer her thoughts in the opposite direction.

He did want her, he was the one seducing her that night in the club, he was the one who sought her out, who sent Jasper… He picked her up from her school, he made an effort to find out where that school was! The more she was chanting those things to herself the more confident she got. No, he didn't invite her out of pity. He wanted her company. All these recent events are the proof of that. He came up with the apology lunch after all! Not her. She will not let her self-doubt ruin tomorrow for her. She went to sleep that night with her anxiety somewhat dulled down.

The next day passed in a blur. Bella had several classes starting early in the morning, then a rehearsal from 3 to 6 pm. Alice found out that the event starts at 10 in the evening so Bella had to be home no later than 7 for the final fitting. She tried to pay maximum attention in the class but was pretty useless that day, her mind wandering off to the upcoming evening every other minute. She got herself together for the rehearsal though. She dove in into her character and hasn't thought of Edward Cullen, not once. Well, maybe just once.

When she finally got home Alice started to work her magic. The dress was beautiful. She looked like a muse. The color was somewhere between beige and gold. The silhouette was simple – it was beautiful long strapless dress that accented her tiny waist and gave her body a beautiful hourglass shape. Another layer of fabric was probably chiffon and that's what gave the dress this dreamlike quality. It was flowing down her body like water, hugging her and overlapping at her waist – she did look like a nymph that just came out of some magic forest. She never felt more feminine in her entire life; she couldn't believe her own reflection in the mirror. Alice was a genius! The mask fit the dress perfectly. It was this champagne color, with a gold flower on the side and some feathers attached to it.

"You're very fortunate I had a dress already!" Alice said, while adjusting final details on Bella, "I had this little paid project last summer – music video for this indie band, the budget was low but I managed and kept the dress after. The model was pretty much your exact size. There was no way I could've made something from scratch overnight; I did the masks though!" she said all business-like. "Ok, done! Give me a little twirl," she said with a smile, looking proud of her work.

Bella giggled and twirled a couple of times – she felt giddy from excitement. She was happy. She felt like a Cinderella getting ready for the ball… Cinderella – how silly.

"Alice, I don't know what I'd do without you," Bella said, suddenly feeling overwhelmed with how lucky she is to have met Alice, "thank you… I don't tell you that enough but I'm so grateful I met a friend like you," she looked down suddenly feeling shy. One day she hoped she'll be able to express her feelings freely.

"Don't even start that now, your eyes gonna get puffy!" Alice said with a warm smile. "When you're going to get Oscar or Tony or whatever it is theatre actors get, promise I'll be your plus one," Alice winked at her and went to her room to change into her dress. "And you're going to wear a dress by me to the ceremony!" she added quickly before shutting the door.

Bella laughed. Of course, she thought, no question there – Alice will always be her personal designer.

She did her makeup and hair without any help, which in a way she was proud of. What a change over the course of one year, not even, she thought. A year ago she would not have a clue about what to do. At 10 pm they were both ready and looking stunning. Alice was wearing a beautiful dark blue dress and a gorgeous black mask – the outfit was somehow making her teeny tiny form look witchy and dangerous. They looked each other over and started laughing, both of them for some reason feeling nervous and excited at the same time.

"Let's go," said Alice, for the first time sounding timid. Bella was surprised; she's never seen her friend losing her bulletproof confidence.

They arrived at the club around 10:30 and went straight for the door host, not waiting in line. Bella wasn't sure about their boldness but it worked, they again turned out to be on a VIP list and were escorted inside without any wait. The event was mostly held in the grand ballroom with the second floor being open to the public as well. It looked like the third floor and the rooftop were closed off tonight, maybe because this event was private therefore there was not that many people to fill all the floors, or maybe due to the temperature drop – it was indeed really chilly outside. Bella felt a little pang of sadness she won't be able to enjoy the rooftop tonight. She really liked this rooftop last time she was here.

The place looked even more grandiose than she remembered, maybe the fact that everyone was wearing a beautiful costume added to the feel of it. They got rid of their coats at the coat check and started towards the bar.

Bella was mesmerized – everyone was so beautiful, masks were creating this air of mystery. More people were arriving; the place was gradually filling up. They were walking through the crowd towards the bar and Bella tried to spot Edward in those tall masked strangers she was passing by but so far no luck. They ordered a couple of apple martinis.

"Wow," Alice said overlooking the room. Bella couldn't believe Alice was short for words – that never happened before.

"I know," Bella said. "Maybe we should try the second floor first? The balcony? Observe everybody for a second?" she was pretty much overwhelmed. Is this how rich people spend Tuesday nights? She needed a second to adjust…

"Good idea!" Alice quickly looked at the second level that was this balcony wrapping around the grand ballroom. "Let's go," she said quickly.

When they got to the second floor they both breathed out. There were just a few people here. Who would've thought that the amount of wealth and privilege the room seemed to ooze would intimidate them both? They started to observe people on the main floor. Alice was talking about clothes. Apparently, she recognized most of the dresses and all of them were from the newest collections by Oscar de la Renta, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen and so on. No wonder Alice got quiet.

"It's like a red carpet for Met Gala or something," she was sounding really nervous now. "I think our dresses are like the only two that are made by an unknown designer and were not featured during the last New York Fashion Week," Alice's voice was getting anxious.

"Calm down," Bella smiled. This was officially the first time she was soothing her friend and not the other way around. "We look gorgeous and these dresses you made are absolutely dream-like. You'll see! You'll be getting compliments all night I'm sure! Soon your works will be featured on that fashion week thingy," Bella finished with all seriousness.

"Fashion Week thingy?" she giggled. "You really think so?"

"I have no doubt," Bella said with absolute conviction. "Alice Brandon, you will build your empire, you'll see."

Alice bounced up and down a couple of times and hugged Bella. The crisis was averted, she was back to being her bubbly self.

"Ok, do you want to try to mingle or do you want to stay here for a while?" Alice started. "Did you spot that mystery person that invited you?"

"Not yet…" Bella said looking back down and trying to figure out if Edward was there.

"Let's go back down, we could use another drink anyway," Alice suggested.

Indeed, Bella thought.

They went downstairs and headed towards the bar. The floor was more crowded now so to get to the bar turned out to be a struggle. She was passing by these groups of people when suddenly she felt it – she felt his presence before she even saw him. She turned her head and there he was, about 30 feet away, wearing a devil mask, talking to a group of five. Mask or not, she felt like her body would recognize him anywhere; she had no doubt it was him. He stopped midsentence and looked in her direction, he was just as aware of her as she was of him. Their eyes met for a second and she stopped breathing. He was taking her in, his eyes moved down her body slowly and then back up. That look paired with the devil mask he was wearing was making him look absolutely deviant and making her heart rate speed up tenfold. She expected him to come up to her but instead, when his eyes landed back on hers he just gave her a nod. She returned the gesture. She was surprised by this sudden aloofness and then she saw some redhead come up to him and attach herself to his arm. He didn't shake her off. Was she his date? Slowly he turned back to his group and continued the conversation. Bella was surprised, to say the least; she didn't expect his reaction to be so cool. She continued towards the bar trying to get her scrambled emotions in check. Why in the world did he invite her?! She thought they were both aware of this attraction existing between them. She also had a plus one as he told her but it never even occurred to her to bring a date instead of her best friend. What is this? She was flabbergasted. She reached the bar where Alice was already paying for their drinks.

"What took you so long? I looked back and you weren't here all of a sudden. Did you run into someone you know?" Alice asked.

"Something like that," Bella said trying to hide the disappointment she felt.

"Are you ok?" Alice asked seeming more concerned. "You look like someone just killed your puppy or something".

Oh wow, she really needed to get herself together.

"No-no, I'm fine," she said putting a tight smile on right away. She could tell Alice wasn't buying it. "It's just these shoes, they're killing me…"

"Ouch, that bad huh? I think I have a Band-Aid, you want it?" Alice started going through her purse.

"No, not yet, maybe I just need to get used to them, I barely ever wore this pair," Bella was turning into Pinocchio, these shoes were as comfortable as a pair of heels could ever be.

"Well, let me know if you'll need it! I got you," Alice said with a smile. "Oh look, there's Jasper!" Alice nodded towards one of the tables.

Jasper was wearing a phantom mask and some dark costume. It was hard to tell since he was sitting. There were three people at that table - Jasper, the other guy that Bella still didn't know but that was attached to Edward and Jasper at all times, wearing a raven mask that was currently off, and a blond she's never seen before. Her mask looked angelic, with a lot of intricate details and what looked like tiny gems and stones. Her whole outfit seemed angelic, but it was hard to tell because she was sitting between the boys. But for some reason, the energy about her didn't seem angelic at all, more like a wolf in sheep's clothing. Jasper noticed Bella and Alice, got up and headed towards them.

"Ladies," he said in his smooth honey voice. He reached out to kiss Alice's hand and then Bella's. "Pleasure as always" he smiled.

"How did you recognize us?" Alice asked in a flirty voice. "Isn't masked ball supposed to add mystery, we are wearing masks after all," she added with a smile.

"I would recognize you, ladies, anywhere, masks or not," he said with a smirk. What a smooth talker, Bella thought. "Would you like to join us?" he continued.

"Sure," Alice said before Bella could react.

Right now, after a very chill greeting from Edward, Bella wasn't sure she wanted to be anywhere near his little click of friends. Her emotions were all over the place.

They started towards the table. Jasper introduced them to his friends.

"This is my friend Emmett," Jasper said referring to the guy with the raven mask, "and this beauty is Rosalie," he pointed to the not-so-angelic blond. "Please ladies, sit down."

Bella ended up sitting between Alice and Emmett, which was not her first choice but she guessed it was better than to end up next to unfriendly blond that was sitting next to Emmett. Jasper was on the other side, next to Alice.

"So how's it going?" Jasper was trying for small talk to engage them and Bella inwardly cringed. Somehow sitting next to them she felt like a fish out of the water. To say she was out of her comfort zone was an understatement of the century. Thank God Alice was next to her.

"Pretty good, you know," Alice said with a smirk, "enjoying what seems to be a red carpet for the Oscar's. Who's private party is this anyway?" Bella could tell Alice was truly curious.

"Oh just this guy," Jasper said, "He's a wealthy old man, finance guy, who enjoys theatrics. He throws these things every year, this year we got lucky he chose our venue to host it", Jasper was trying to play it down or something, like he doesn't come from that same world, the world where you spend $10000 on an outfit to come out on a Tuesday night. It was all fake, Bella could tell - she could spot bad acting from a mile away. They were indeed the rich kids, she called it the very first time she saw them almost a year ago at that music venue.

"Impressive," Alice said, "I feel like I'm attending fashion week tonight, only with masks", she smiled.

"Probably something you've never experienced before, enjoy", Rosalie said to no one in particular.

Wow, Bella thought, what an "angel"...

"Actually I attended most of the shows of the New York fashion week in last 2 years, every single day of it, but I'm enjoying anyway, thank you for your concern ", Alice deadpanned.

Rosalie looked at Alice what seemed like a little impressed but covered it up right away. She was not happy, Bella could tell.

"Don't mind Rosalie", Jasper said, "she's a moody creature".

Rosalie was now sending daggers to Jasper - if looks could kill, Jasper would be bleeding out right now.

"But you two look beautiful," Jasper continued. A true diplomat.

"Where did you get your outfits? At a Macy's sale or something?" Rosalie said and Emmett snickered. What a douche, Bella thought.

"No-no, they're custom made", Alice said coldly. "So what do you guys do? Profession I mean," Alice took the lead and steered the conversation in a completely different direction, "or you just living off your parents' trust funds?" she said looking at Rosalie knowingly.

Rosalie flinched.

"I guess I need another drink," the blond pretty much spat out and got up heading towards the bar.

"I'm sorry, did I say something wrong? It was a joke," Alice said innocently.

"Don't worry about it," Jasper said looking somewhat uncomfortable.

"How did you get invited anyway?" Emmett asked, looking upset that Rosalie was rubbed the wrong way.

Jasper was sending daggers to him now, like that question was not supposed to be asked.

Bella was put on the spot but she was so annoyed by this privileged bs that she couldn't stop herself.

"Edward invited us," she said curtly taking a sip of her drink. Somehow that piece of information shut Emmett right up. Apparently, Edward was even more of an influence than Bella assumed. She did not miss Alice becoming stiff next to her. She sneaked a glance at her friend. There were a thousand questions in Alice's eyes but Bella brushed it off, she'll just have to deal with it tomorrow. She had to shut that guy up.

"And there he is by the way," Jasper said somewhat relieved.

Bella felt the dread inside her the moment she heard that and when she looked up, indeed, there he was. Edward Cullen himself, with the obnoxious redhead on his arm.

To be continued…

Author's Note:

With the holidays and going back to school it took me much longer than intended to put another chapter out but from now on the pace should be smoother. Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year:)