VISIT TO THE MUSEUM

-(Edward and Bella have a special date night.)-

"Impasse", muttered Edward. He had lost count of the times Bella had rejected his marriage proposal. So frustrating. This was his heart's desire: to have Bella united with him in life, as his partner - his wife. There were so many things he wanted to give her. So many experiences he wanted to share with her. Marriage would open the doors to a full, happy life for them both.

Bella's stubborn streak was the fortress that blocked out his dream. Her idea of happiness was limited by her teenage views on life. "MATRIMONY" was her bitter interpretation of marriage. Unlike most girls, she had no dreams of walking down an aisle in a wedding gown. In fact, she didn't like the idea of marriage at all. Her only dream was to become a vampire, just like Edward, so they could be together forever - wedding bells unnecessary.

"So...like I said...impasse", Edward groaned. Bella pursed her lips, hunched her shoulders, and glared into his eyes - unwilling to change her mind. Edward wilted with the letdown. He would just have to hold onto his mother's wedding ring for a while longer.

He knew the ring would fit Bella perfectly. One night, as she slept in his arms, he used a tiny cotton string to measure around her ring finger. The following day, he took the measurement to his jeweler, to have the ring properly sized. All that was left now was to get her to wear it. His heart longed for the day when the diamonds would glisten on his true love's hand.

But Bella had heard too many horror stories about marriage. She wanted no part with the institution. Her own parents' failed union had wreaked havoc in her life, as well as theirs. Also, right now she was only 18 years old - much too young to even consider getting wed. "People will think that I'm pregnant!" she had exclaimed.

Same argument - different day.

Since they couldn't reach an agreement, they decided to distract themselves with a night out. Maybe a movie? A visit to the art museum? A walk in their meadow? The meadow was their usual outing, because they could be alone with each other in a special way. Moonlight overhead at night, sunny skies during the day.

The sunny days were especially nice, since Edward couldn't be out in the sun in public. His sparkly vampire skin reflected the sun in dynamic, exciting brilliance - much too flashy for common folk to witness. Bella was fascinated with his prismatic light show - touching his arms and hands - looking closely at the colorful facets of his marble flesh.

But, today was not sunny at all. So, they chose to go to the museum. They both appreciated intelligent pursuits: art, music, literature, science, and other subjects. They could talk easily about so many things. Every day, Bella learned something new from Edward. His experiences over the past hundred years had imbued him with wisdom and patience, shaping him into a fascinating man. She just couldn't get enough of him.

Of course, Edward couldn't get enough of Bella either - for different reasons. He'd spent those hundred years ignoring matters of the heart. Much to his surprise, this frail teenage girl awakened numerous hidden passions in his stone heart - igniting long dead human emotions in a powerful way.

When they first met, attraction pulled them together, surprising them both. As they tested the attraction with gentle touches, the fire swiftly caught, with no indication of dying away. Tender kisses, gentle caresses, and worshipful gazes were now their usual way of connecting. They were careful to not let things get out of hand, though. But this was becoming much more difficult each day.

Tonight, the museum offered a distraction from their passion, as well as their "impasse". Holding hands, they slowly wandered the museum halls, enjoying the works of art they discovered.

Time Quandary by Plesarrio was one work that got both of their attention. Images from times past, as well as modern day were all melded together in the composition - bringing to mind their own time-stretched relationship. Edward was intrigued by the accuracy of the 1920 details in the work, and Bella thought the modern elements were right on track with today.

"I've never heard of Plesarrio", said Edward, wondering how he could have missed this talented artist. Intrigued, he looked in the museum guidebook, to find more about the artist. "Funny...there's nothing here about Plessario". Pulling out his cell phone, he searched online to see what he could learn. "No results" flashed on the screen, and he was flummoxed. "He must be a very new artist", he surmised.

As they continued their tour of the museum, their hands stayed connected. Bella was beginning to tire of the displays, when her stomach groaned loudly. Edward's eyebrows furrowed, "Sorry Bella, love. I should have realized it was dinner time." Squeezing her hand, he led them to the exit of the building.

On their way out, Edward spoke to a museum guide, asking about the new artist named Plesarrio. "Who? I've never heard of that artist," answered the guide. Strange... But, Bella was hungry, so Edward decided to look into it another day.

"What's your preference tonight, love? Cheeseburger? Pizza? Hotdogs?"

"I think I'm in the mood for Italian tonight. I haven't had pasta in ages," Bella swooned. Her mouth watered at the thought of spaghetti with marinara sauce, and soft breadsticks.

"Your wish is my command", proclaimed Edward, opening the door of his Volvo, and guiding her into her seat. Since no one else was in the parking lot, he zipped around to the driver's side in a flash, and they were soon gliding to their destination in record time.

"You know...everything about you is 100 - your age AND your driving speed," teased Bella. "You really should be more careful."

"My woman is hungry. This calls for expedience!" Edward grinned. Rolling her eyes, Bella smiled in response, as another groan issued from her empty belly.

Soon, they arrived at Bellisimo's Italian Bistro, where they were promptly seated at a table for two. Linen tablecloths, candlelight, and roses adorned each table, creating a lovely romantic atmosphere. Edward relaxed in the surroundings, proud to be seated with the most beautiful girl in the room. Bella blushed with embarrassment as he lifted her hand to gently kiss her fingertips...one at a time, dazzling her with his amber gaze. "Oh Edward...I do love you so much," she cooed.

Enamored, he gently smiled, then charmed her with a slow wink of his right eye. He was soon rewarded with her energetic heartbeats, and another glorious blush of her cheeks. "Bella dear...you will be my undoing. I'm sure of it," he sighed.

Soon, the spaghetti arrived, and Bella's attention was focused on twirling pasta with her fork, then dousing it with sauce. Edward was entertained with the performance, wondering how simple carbohydrates could provide enough nutrition for his girl. "Are you sure that's satisfying? It looks like a strange food to me."

"I wouldn't be too critical, if I were you," replied Bella sarcastically. "I've heard of some of your strange wildlife entrees from your brother Emmett. Didn't you try to eat a kangaroo once?"

"It wasn't my fault it was the only thing we could find in the outback. I thought we would starve when we visited Australia," laughed Edward.

As Bella finished her pasta, her hunger satisfied, she turned her attention back to her favorite subject: Edward. Holding his hand in hers, she carried his palm to her face, then breathed in his honey/lilac essence. "Yum," she sighed, "Dessert." Placing his palm over her mouth, she tentatively sneaked out her tongue, tracing tiny swirls along his lifeline, watching his eyes to see his reaction.

"Oh God...Bella...MARRY ME!" he groaned.