A/N: I changed something in chapter 26. When Charlie is explaining Bella's Aunt Jane's death, I switched it from him saying she was simply murdered to her throat being slit.
Chapter Song: Right There (Acoustic) by Ariana Grande
Homecoming came sooner than Bella had anticipated. Luckily, Esme and Alice did most of the work, even Rose helped though she was swamped with work and school. Bella couldn't help but be overwhelmed with gratitude with how generous and amazing those three women were.
She looked simple, yet elegant in a cream chiffon, shoulder wrap dress that stopped just above the knee. Again, she only wore the infinity necklace Edward gave her.
Edward opted for a dark vest suit instead of a tux with a light blue button up shirt, brown belt and white striped navy tie, sleeves rolled up to the elbows. He was gorgeous and was almost too much to look at. She really didn't understand how she ended up with him. And not just because of his good looks, though that was a nice bonus. But he himself was just...perfect. That was the only word that seemed close enough to describing him.
They'd decided to eat out alone this time at a fancier, privately owned restaurant she thought was way to expensive, but didn't say anything because she didn't want to hurt his feelings. Plus, it was nice to be pampered a little.
They sat in a secluded corner booth, sitting next to each other instead of across from one another.
They were so busy enjoying each other, they were almost late for the dance.
Honestly, Edward couldn't have cared less, even though he would've wasted money on their tickets. As long as he was with Bella, he was happy.
Alice bum rushed them in her short dress with a peacock design and liquor tracing her breath when they arrived. Edward and Bella looked at each other, both agreeing silently to keep an eye on her.
After taking and ordering a picture, they went in search of Angie and Ben. It was easy enough to find them, since they were with Kate who was singing loudly along with Lil Wayne and forcing Maggie to pop her booty. The two best friends went as each other's dates, causing a shit load of gossip they didn't give a damn about. Alice went stage, refusing a handful of suiters with evident disgust.
Maggie was dressed more formally in a white dress the same length as Bella's with black lace wrapping around her middle and running up and down her side, the top part circling around one shoulder with black strap stilettos while Kate wore a cherry sundress with beige strappy wedge heels.
Angela and Ben pulled Edward and Bella in for a group hug, both smiling ear to ear while they laughed at Kate and Maggie. Angela looked like Audrey Hepburn in a light pink tulle dress with a sheer top dotted with pearls, even her hair was in a high bun with a tiara. She wore contacts, so her thick eyeliner made her eyes seem even bigger. Ben's light beige suit with no tie or belt and open jacket was much simpler, but complimented her dress very well.
The group danced and just had a ball together, all losing track of time until Sue Clearwater took the stage to announce queen and king. Edward was on the panel. No shocker there. Bella being on it as well was to her though. Alice and Kate being on it wasn't a surprise either. Leah was obviously pissed that she wasn't, and Bella had to hide her smile while Alice threw her the bird from across the gym. Ben and Angela weren't on the panel either, which Bella thought was stupid since they were one of the cutest couples in school.
Mrs. Clearwater dragged on the reveal to the point of annoying—now Bella saw were Leah got it from—until Kate and Felix's names were called. Everyone clapped as voices hollered and cheered.
After crowns were placed on their heads, they took their dance. They had been friends, Felix was actually Maggie's ex's, Jared, best friend, which made things slightly awkward. But they were both troopers, smiling and laughing with each other though their bodies were tense and rather far apart.
Leah being Jared's date in a skintight, black strapless dress, pissed Kate off so much she looked close to exploding. Bella surely couldn't blame her and actually hoped Leah was stupid enough to get close to Maggie's pitbull. She wasn't. Bummer.
Maggie seemed to be over it, though she studiously didn't look at the new couple. She was much stronger than Bella could've been if she were in the same situation. Bella asked Edward to dance with Maggie just to get her mind off of it. It worked like a charm.
Kate hugged Bella after her and Felix parted. "Thanks, girl. You're the best."
Bella smiled, hugging her back. "No problem."
They turned to watch as Jacob Black tapped Edward's shoulder. She saw his mouth say, Can I cut in?
Kate, Alice and Bella blinked in shock at his spiffy self in a black button shirt and pants. Edward stared at him with an open mouth before smiling and twirling Maggie into his arms.
Maggie looked like she was in heaven as her and Jacob danced in a tighter circle than she and Edward, though their bodies were much closer.
Their dark features suited each other beautifully. They would make a fetching couple.
Edward walked to them, mouthing, What the fuck?
The three girls shrugged together before giggling and clapping with glee.
Jared looked spit raving mad to see Maggie pressed so closely to Jacob, who was ten times more attractive than him. That only had everyone laughing harder, even Edward.
Bella shrieked as he scooped her up and twirled her onto dance floor.
Alice bowed to Kate, offering a hand. Kate laughed before taking the hand to dance with the little pixie. They elected quite a few stares with how sensual their movements were.
Bella laughed at them while she leaned her head against Edward's chest as he lowered her to the ground.
Maggie caught her eye, looking worried that she'd be upset or something. Bella shook her head, smiling at them both with a thumbs up. They both seemed to relax with her okay as they gazed into each other's eyes as if they'd both just made the best discovery of their lives.
Ben and Angela danced circles around everyone, actually waltzing like they were fancy schmancy. Bella and Edward smiled at them before looking at the rest of their friends, loving that everyone was having a good time besides all the recent drama.
Jared and Leah were no where in site.
Good riddance, Bella thought as Edward pulled her in closer for an open mouthed kiss.
