Bella's POV

"Really, Alice?" I asked, looking down at the scented, blue, frilly invitation in my hands. "A party?"

"Yup," she said, nodding. "I've wanted to have one for a while. I was just waiting for the right occasion."

I sighed. "So what is the occasion?"

"I got tired of waiting," she answered shrugging.

It was Friday and me and Alice were sitting on the porch outside the cafeteria. The rest of her family were hunting until tonight and school had just ended. I had just found out about a party that Alice was hosting tomorrow night and I was resisting the urge to throw up. She knew how much I hated parties.

"You'll be there, right?" she asked hopefully.

"I don't know, Alice," I said softly, fingering one of the ribbons on the paper. "You know how I feel about parties…"

As I trailed off I heard her groan. "I wasn't asking you, Bella. I was telling you. You will be there. End of discussion."

I sighed and nodded, knowing that if I started an argument I'd only end up losing. I might as well give in and save myself the fuss and drama.

"As long as Edward's there so I don't get bored…or have to socialize." Edward had a knack for being intimidating.

"Great! See you there!" she said as I retreated to my truck to go home.

I didn't know why I had decided to go home so early. Charlie wasn't going to be here this entire weekend, away on police business, and so I had no-one to cook for. But I was tired and needed a hot bath. That always seemed to calm me down these days.

The drive was painfully long and as the water ran in the bath I drew a little in my notepad. Another thing that I'd started enjoying. I never really knew how well I could draw…well, sketch. As it turns out I'm pretty good at it.
Edward didn't know. Nobody did. And that was fine, considering the only things I usually sketch are my thoughts or feelings. And some were kind of embarrassing.

I put down the pad and turned off the water, getting into the bath slowly. The water was steaming hot, but that's how I liked it. it relaxes me. I sighed.
I loved this.
Just me, alone, in a bath.
It was soothing.
I mean, don't get me wrong. I love Edward and Charlie and Alice and everyone, but sometimes I just like to be alone. Who doesn't?
It gives me space to think. Mainly about things I couldn't think about with anyone else.

I know what you're thinking. It's your thoughts…why would you be afraid to think in front of people? It's not like they can hear me.
Well, Edward always wants to know what I'm thinking since he can't read my mind. It's sweet but…some things should just be kept to yourself.
Charlie is a great dad but things get kind of awkward between us when I open up to him.
And Alice is so chirpy I can barely get a word in. Which is fine with me.

I smiled and let myself sink deeper into the water. I'd been in here for almost half an hour and the water was beginning to get cold.
Then, as if on cue, I heard a knock on the bathroom door.

"Bella," I heard Edward say from behind the door, "are you alright in there?"

I groaned and got out of the bath, covering myself with a towel. "Yeah. Why wouldn't I be?"

"I've been here for twenty minutes and I haven't heard a sound from you. I got concerned."

I opened the door swiftly and smiled when I saw him leaning against the doorframe.

"Concerned?" I asked, pulling him into a hug.

"Yes. When you didn't come out after the first fifteen minutes I started worrying that you'd drowned."

I giggled. "Well, as you can see, I'm as alive as ever."

"Yes," he said, nodding. "And I cannot begin to tell you how happy that makes me."

I smiled as he lowered his lips to mine softly.
We stood in one another's arms for a minute then I released him and started walking towards my room, realizing that I was still naked.
Edward followed me into the room but stood with his back to the doorway while I changed. I wouldn't have been comfortable with anyone else doing this but I trusted Edward. With all my heart.

"I'm done," I said once I was fully dressed in my boxer shorts and tube top. It was a hot night.

"Great," he said, lying on the bed.

I giggled as he patted the spot next to him, gesturing for me to join him. I shook my head and picked the towel up from where it lay on the floor.

"I have to put this back in the bath-"

Before I could finish my sentence, the towel was out of my hands and a slight breeze took over the room. Not even a second later, he was standing in front of me, the towel most likely placed back on the rail perfectly, and pulled me onto the bed with him.
I landed on top of him, laughing so hard I couldn't breathe. And I felt the familiar vibrations of his chest tickling me, causing me to laugh even harder.

Once we had both calmed down and were snuggled up together under the covers, I decided to bring up the party.

"So, I'm assuming you know about Alice's little get-together tomorrow night," I started.

He chuckled. "Yes. And am I wrong in assuming that I would be escorting you?" he asked, playing with my hair.

I groaned. "Do we have to go? I mean, we could just stay home and do more of this," I said, turning around and gently pecking him on the lips.

"As much as I like this, and believe me I do," he said, "Alice made me promise to bring you."

I groaned before I could help myself and I heard him chuckle.

"Don't worry," he said, nuzzling into my neck. "It won't be so bad, trust me."

"I do," I responded quickly, "with all my heart."

And after sharing one last kiss, I yawned and snuggled into his chest and fell asleep, dreading the following night. But knowing that it will be alright as long as Edward never left my side.