Hey everyone,

I finally get to publish a new story.

I had the idea for this story when I first started using this website. However, I couldn't find the right way to get the idea onto papaer. Now it seems to be flowing well.

To anone who has read one of my other stories. They will know that my spelling and grammar have always been under question. I try to make sure that everything is ok before I post it. However, I do have two beta's to help me. So a massive thank you to llcoolk95 and KrazyKreative. They both spend their time sorting out my mistakes.

Please review. I don't like setting review limits and I try not inforace them. So please review.

This story is AH, AU AND OOC.

I hope to post a new chapter every week.

If you have any ideas or suggestions to improve the story, then please feel free to PM me.

Hope you enjoy the story.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of the characters/ locations etc from the series.

Chapter 1-

Awards and disappointment

I bit down onto one of my newly manicured nails, nearly chipping the decorative layer of red nail varnish.

I was nervous. I had never done anything like this before. I was going to be way out of my comfort zone and there was no way I would blend in there. With the panic growing in my head, I began to chomp down on my nails harder, trying to relieve some of the stress.

I felt a hard slap on my arm, forcing me to remove my nails from my mouth.

"Ouch!" I shouted, while rubbing my arm. "What was that for?"

"Seriously, Bella? If you keep biting those nails I'm really going to hurt you." Ange exclaimed. The look on her face was priceless.

"You know you could have just told me to stop biting my nails instead of bruising me." I couldn't help but tease her. She got so worked up over nothing sometimes. Before she could think of some sarcastic response her phone rang. She gave me one more exasperated look before answering the call.

Angela Webber was my best friend and PA. It was her job to organise my daily schedule, get me to wherever I need to be on time, and assist me in picking out the right outfit for occasions like this. If I had my way I would be in jeans and converses, instead of the bright red, floor length, halter neck dress I was currently wearing.

My name is Isabella Swan or Bella to my family and friends. I was born in a small town called Forks, Washington. I am the daughter to Charlie and Renee. My parents met when they were in school. They fell in love and stupidly married as soon as they graduated. However, I guess married life began to scare Renee because only a year into their marriage my mother bailed. She ran from Forks and took me with her. We ended up in London, where my mum met Phil. After years of dating, they finally tied the knot and things started to settle down. You could see just by looking at them that they both really cared for the other. My mum still has the look of a love struck teenager and Phil practically worships the ground my mum walks on.

As my mum found the love of her life, I found mine. But mine was not a man.

It was acting.

I know when we are all young we all want to be famous, and live in a great big house etc. But to be perfectly honest, it was not the fame, the big house or the money that made me want to become an actor. I have never been a confident person; I always chose to avoid attention and just keep to myself. But I discovered acting allows you that escape; it allows you to be someone else for a while. Someone who is confident, sexy or strong. Someone who is everything you're not. I love it!

As you can imagine my acting career was very difficult to get off the ground and I had thought that maybe I would not be able to do it, but my mum never doubted me. She actively encouraged me, taking me to acting classes and auditions. I got a few roles in children's TV shows, but my first big role came when I was cast in a big budgeted movie. The constant need to re-shoot scenes, the endless running around and nonstop acting was like my own personal heaven.

From then on I never really had an issue in finding a role. I mostly worked the indie circuit; I found that smaller, independent films tend to have more emotional and deeper meaning. Not that I wasn't interested in high concept films, but independent films were my comfort zone.

My last film was called Winter's End. It was an independent film, about a girl struggling to keep herself and her sister alive after their parents abandoned them. However, the major difference with this independent film was that it caught on. By word of mouth, the film had become extremely successful, catapulting me straight into the lime light. I was a clumsy person and that kind of attention didn't help. The film had received endless nominations, including the best actress title. I had been nominated for the Golden Globes, BAFTA'S, Critics Choice Awards, People's choice awards etc. (I had lost out on all these awards to Hannah Frost or Tanya Denali). However, I had also received an Oscar nomination.

That nomination was the cause of my anxiety as The Kodak Theatre was my current destination. Tonight was the Academy Awards. There was going to be a lot of people and press there, and I was hoping and praying that I wouldn't fall over and face plant the floor. I felt like I was going to throw up.

Slowly I felt the car coming to a stop. My day dreaming had distracted me but now the nerves were setting back in with a force.

I looked out the window as the car pulled just off the red carpet, where a small covered area allowed people to exit their cars without being seen.

"You ready Bells?" Ange asked, clearly meaning it in a rhetorical way.

"No." That was pretty much the only thing I could breathe out.

"Tough. So suck it up and smile." Bossy Angela had disappeared and my best friend was talking to me now. "You'll be fine Bells. You are an amazing actress." She kissed my cheek gently before opening the car door and climbing out.

Taking one last deep breath. I squared my shoulders, shuffled towards the door and climbed out the car.

As I expected from the Oscars, the crowds were huge. Photographers and press on one side of the red carpet, fans on the other. The thought that I was going to have to talk to almost every member of the press made me feel sick. The red carpet was 500 metres long, that was a lot of walking to do in five inch heels and a dress with a train. I groaned at the thought of it.

"Please don't let me fall over." I was talking to myself mostly but hoping that someone up there heard my prayer.

"I won't let you fall ma'am." I turned at the sound of the voice. The guy standing in front of me was huge. He had to be on steroids or something.

"Bells, this is Felix. He's your security for the red carpet." Since when did I need security?

"Nice to meet you." I said to the huge guy, who smiled back pleasantly.

"Okay Bella. Down the red carpet, photos, autographs followed by interviews. Then into the theatre. You will be seated once you're in there. Both Felix and I will be behind you every step of the way and before you ask I won't allow them to ask you any personal questions."

"Thanks Ange." She nodded at me before turning to talk to a woman with black hair. While I went back to chewing on my nails.

"You okay miss?" Felix asked.

"I'm okay. Just a little nervous, that's all."

"Your first time to the Oscars?" It wasn't a question.

"Is it that obvious?" I laughed at the thought of even trying to blend in here.

"Not really ma'am. You just seem uncomfortable. Can I just say, me and my wife are both big fans; we hope you win tonight."

"Thank you so much." Before Felix and I had a chance to exchange anymore words Angela was back.

"Alright, Bella, let's go."

With her hand on my lower back pushing me forward, I took my first step directly onto the red carpet. As soon as I came into view the noise increased. The screams and shouts of the crowds grew and the cameras started flashing in a frenzy.

I smiled for endless photos, twirling and posing, desperately trying not to trip on the train of this bloody dress. There was close to one hundred photographers and they all wanted their own archive of photos. After ten minutes I had decided that I had had enough and sooner than planned moved on to the next part of the carpet. Felix laughing behind me.

The next part of the carpet was my favourite. Fans. I made sure I signed every single thing that was shoved at me. As much as I hate the press attention that come with this job, I completely adore my fans. I owe so much to them, so I always make time to sign a poster or pose for a photo with them. Unfortunately, Angela had to practically drag me away because it was time to move on.

The Press line. Most of them were respectful and asked questions about the film or my dress. However, there are always those who push it. I found myself biting the inside of my lip to stop myself screaming at some of the questions they tried to ask. However, true to her word, Angela would pull me away the second they brought up my personal life.

I let out a long sigh of relief as we finally walked through the doors of the Kodak theatre.

"That was draining. I could lay down on the floor and sleep."

"I wouldn't advise that ma'am." Felix chuckled next to me.

"I guess not." I could literally imagine myself laying on the floor and everyone around looking at me like I was crazy. The image brought a smile to my face.

The image disappeared as soon as a blonde woman stepped into my line of vision. She was tallish, her blonde hair tied up into a tight bun and she was wearing a plain black dress.

"Hello Miss Swan. Would you please accompany me to your seat?"

"She knows who I am?" I asked Felix who at this point was laughing freely. Angela smiled briefly before settling back into her professional mode.

"Of course she does Bella. She is one of the event ushers."

"Oh, okay then. Yes of course." I said to the blonde woman. "Thank you Felix."

"You're more than welcome Miss Swan." He smiled back before leaving the theatre to re-enter the red carpet. Poor guy, he was going to have to do that all again.

I turned my attention to the blonde woman who was well on her way across the theatre. I hitched up my dress and walked as fast as possible to catch up with her, Angela following in my wake.

As I got to my seat, I thanked the woman before she ran off. However before I could move to sit down, I felt the whole of my dress tighten and tug against my body as I tried to walk forward. Someone was standing on my dress. I turned to point it out politely to whoever it was.

"Excuse me but you're…" I lost my words as soon as my eyes made contact with the person. I was shocked at who it was.

Edward Masen stood before me.

He was gorgeous. Even more handsome in real life. His golden brown hair was messy as always. His deep green eyes staring directly into mine.

"Ma'am?" His voice was soft and smooth like honey. "Is everything ok?"

I'm sure there was something I was meant to be asking him. When he raised an eyebrow at me, my brain kicked back into gear.

"Oh yes. You're on my dress." I breathed out. Edward looked down, an apologetic look gracing his face. He removed his foot from my dress before looking back at my face.

"Oh my gosh. I'm so sorry, Isabella." That took me by surprise.

"You know who I am?" Edward just flashed a breath-taking smile at me; suddenly it was very hot in here.

"Of course I do. I'm Edward Masen." He said holding out his hand for mine.

"I know who you are. It's a pleasure to meet you." I said placing my hand in his.

"The pleasure is all mine, Isabella." I was thinking he was going to continue to shake my hand, but instead he lifted my hand to his lips and gently kissed it. As soon as he did a flash went off somewhere in the room and Angela appeared at my side.

"Bella, you should sit down. They're going to start soon." Her hand resting on my back again.

"Yes of course." I mumbled, agreeing to whatever she had just said, my eyes not moving from Edward.

"Good luck tonight Isabella." Edward smiled at me, finally letting go of my hand.

"You too Edward." I managed to get out before Angela pulled me away and pushed me down into my seat. Finally it felt like I could breathe normally again.

"What was all that about?"

"Nothing. He accidentally stood on my dress. That's all." Angela narrowed her eyes at me but let the subject drop.

The awards got underway. Presenting was Mark and Lucy Adams, four-time presenters of the Oscars. My attention completely focused on the ceremony. I watched as actors and directors walked onto the stage to accept their awards. I was slowly waiting for the award I was nominated for. It was the second-to-last award, and by the time it had come around I was ready to leave.

"Now everyone, we have the award for best actress in a leading role, and here to present it is a star in her own right. Please welcome last year's recipient of this award, Natalie Law." A loud round of applause followed Lucy's words.

Natalie walked onto the stage, holding a golden envelope in one hand and an Academy Award in the other. She came to a stop in front of the microphone, waited for the applause to die before she began talking.

"Ladies and Gentleman. It's my honour this evening to present the nominees for best performance by an actress in a leading role. This award has been previously won by Sandra Bullock, Helen Mirren, Meryl Streep and Kate Winslet, just to name a few, are all great stars who are happy to be called best actress. We have five remarkable women who have been nominated for this award. Here are this year's nominees for best performance by an actress in a leading role."

My breathing was now becoming troubled. I just wanted to get this over with.

"Hannah Frost from A Kiss from Hell, Sara Kindleman from Hole, Tanya Denali from It Never Ends, Michelle Evans from Blue Moon and Isabella Swan from Winter's End."

After each name was read, a small clip of the film was played into the theatre, followed by applause. By this point there was a camera on all five of the actresses nominated, so I tried my best to look like I wasn't scared senseless.

"And the Oscar goes to…"

At this point I had stopped breathing altogether. This was it. In reality I knew I wasn't going to win, I never expected to. However, I knew who I wanted to win and who I didn't want to win. I was seriously anxious. However, I kept a small smile on my face fully aware that a camera was directly on me.

"Hannah Frost." As soon as the words had left Natalie's mouth I was on my feet with everyone else clapping for Hannah as she wobbled up onto the stage. She looked beautiful in an off-shoulder dress that hugged her baby bump. The happiness in her eyes made her glow.

I was beyond happy that she won. If Tanya Denali had won it would have been a whole different story.

XOXOXOXOXOXOX

"Do we really have to go to the after party?" I was moaning like a child as Ange pushed a red cocktail dress and red ballet flats at me.

"Yes, we do. Now go get changed." I took the clothes from her hands before walking into the private room and closing the door. In all honesty I was a little upset that I hadn't won. Don't get me wrong, I was more than happy that Hannah won - I had seen A kiss from Hell, and she really deserved that award. But I couldn't help but feel a little put down. Right now all I wanted to do was go home, climb into bed with a box of chocolates and watch Grease.

I swapped the long evening dress for a short cocktail dress and finally took my aching feet out of the heels and replaced them with the flats. Well at least if I had to go I would be a little more comfortable. I exited the room, handing Angela my award attire. She took one look at my face and professional Angela was gone again. My best friend replacing her.

"We don't have to stay long, ok? We just have to show our face for fifteen minutes and then we can leave."

"Promise?" I asked with so much enthusiasm she actually laughed.

"Yes Bella, I promise. Now come on."

The after party was being held in an exclusive hotel across the road. For the second time tonight I was forced to stand in front of photographers while they took endless pictures. However, we skipped the press line and walked straight into the party.

Not looking where I was going, I walked straight into someone's back.

"Oh, I'm sorry." I apologized as the guy turned to look at me.

"We have got to stop meeting like this." Edward laughed. His eyes shining brightly.

"Edward." I said as a greeting.

"Hello again Isabella. You look stunning." I blushed at his compliment.

"Bella, and thank you" I automatically corrected him.

"I'm sorry?" He asked. Confusion in his voice.

"Call me Bella. Everyone does." I said, shrugging my shoulders.

"Ok, Bella. Whatever you prefer." He smiled at me before taking my hand and leading me over to a sofa.

"Can I get you something to drink?"

"Water would be fine." I said, sitting down.

"Water?" Disbelief was evident in his voice.

"I have to be up early tomorrow. I won't be staying long." I was kind of changing my mind about leaving so soon.

"Come on, one glass of champagne before you go. To celebrate." He didn't need to beg; he could have asked me to go outside and flash the press and I would have done it.

"Okay then. One glass." I agreed. Edward smiled at me once again, causing my heart rate to increase even more. He grabbed two glasses of champagne, handing one to me. I sipped it gently. Moet. I recognized the taste.

"Congratulations on your award." I said after a moment of silence.

"Thank you Bella. I just wish I could say the same thing to you." I shrugged.

"It doesn't matter. Hannah deserved to win." Edward nodded his head.

"My money was still on you, though."

"Maybe another year." I doubted I would have the opportunity to achieve an Oscar again. Never the less I smiled at Edward.

We stayed there for a few hours, just talking about our careers, people would like to work with, which flavour ice cream we preferred. I liked talking to him. It was easy and carefree. No strain or forced conversation. Everything flowed between us easily.

Of course, that didn't last long. Tanya Denali came strutting across the room, her dress swaying with her hips. She sat down next to Edward, completely ignoring me.

"Hello Eddie." Her voice was slurred. Someone had been drinking too much.

"Tanya, this is Isabella." Edward introduced me.

Clearly she didn't want to know. She looked me up and down before forcing a smile on her face. I wasn't fooled - I flashed fake smiles for the cameras all the time I know what a forced smile looks like. Plus I was more than happy to recuperate her.

"Nice to meet you." I said, trying to be civil.

"Wish I could say the same." Ok, this girl is going down. She turned to Edward "Eddie would you like to dance?"

"Erm…no thank you Tanya. I'm talking to Bella."

Her gaze turned on me, giving me a very pissed off look. I knew when I wasn't wanted. I was unwilling to spend any more time in her company, but it looked like she wasn't planning on going anywhere for a while. Edward looked seriously uncomfortable with her smothering. He tried to push her away and she just held on tighter. Like an octopus.

Could this situation be more awkward? I scanned the room looking for Ange. I spotted her talking to a guy across the room. Sensing my gaze she looked at me. I nodded my head towards the exit and she nodded her head, before returning her attention to the guy.

Now to get away from Miss cling-on.

"It's okay, Edward. I have to go now anyway. But thank you for the champagne and company."

"No Bella. Don't go yet." Disappointment gathered on his face, his voice turning sombre.

"Yeah Bella. Don't leave on my account." She said, trying to sit on Edwards lap. I rolled my eyes, ignoring her and returned my attention to Edward.

"I have to. It was lovely to meet you. Congratulations again." I turned on the spot and walked towards the exit, where Ange met me.

We said nothing to each other as we climbed into the car and drove home.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of the characters/ locations etc from the series.

Please review! All reviews help to encourage me to write more.

A massive thank you to llcoolk95 and KrazyKreative, who helped edit this chapter.

xxx Red as a Rose xxx