AN: Hey! Thanks for reading my story. I've never written a fanfic before, so I hope this one turns out ok. My plan is to update with a new chapter every other day or so. But, as a college student, and with finals coming up, no promises. Feel free to review and let me know what you think, and if anyone is actually reading this story. Let me know if you see errors, (whether in punctuation, content, or just something that bugs you). I'm willing to take all the pointers you send my way. Don't have a "beta" so I'm trying to catch it all on my own. Anyways, Happy December, and Thanks for reading.

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight. I'm just borrowing their world for a while.


Ch. 1- Plans

It was the end of the longest day yet. Alice had traipsed me all over town running this or that errand. I had tried to remind her countless times that buying clothes for "Europe" was unnecessary, but she insisted that "Keeping up appearances was essential to being a Cullen." I had to give her that one, though the obscene amount of money she spent on clothes and accessories could keep a third world country afloat for a month. But whatever, that was Alice, my best friend, my future sister, and most conveniently, my fortune teller.

I sighed and settled into the cozy comfort of my bed, Edward would be here any minute, so I impatiently watched the window. The moment he arrived I was going to pepper him with questions about the upcoming weeks.

Tomorrow was the official "going-away" party for Alice, Edward, and me, the final evening for me to get my human goodbyes to all of my friends from dear old Forks high. According to our sleepy little town, (and Charlie and Renee as well), Edward and I had both been accepted for a year-long study abroad in Europe. It was designed with first year college students in mind, and encouraged outside relationships and foreign involvement to expand horizons. This meant that they allowed only email contact with people from back home, which would be perfect for where I'd be going. All of this was printed on the beautiful brochure Jasper had managed to "find" on line. When I had been accepted with a full scholarship, Charlie couldn't say no. So, the Cullens (Alice in particular) were hosting a going away party for Edward and I prior to our departure.

Next weekend, (just one week from today, Eek!), was the day Edward would finally be mine. We would be married next Saturday. I had made Alice promise to keep it small, family only, but I had allowed her some extravagances on decorations, wardrobes, and "necessities". I trusted her to "see" how far she'd be allowed to push it without my fury. I was sure this would be the wedding of the century in Forks, though I had insisted that it be the Cullens, the Denali coven, some from the La Push Pack, and my parents. I was hoping we'd keep the guest list pretty exclusive. I knew this was the day Edward had been waiting for, and I was looking forward to it too, but I just felt it was too special a moment to share with those who didn't understand our concept of forever. My parents understood as much as they could. And they both supported my decision to marry young, though it wasn't what they would have chosen for me, they trusted me to make decisions.

I was so lost in my thoughts, that I didn't notice Edward come in until his marble arms wrapped around me. I instantly felt myself relax in the arms of my personal Greek god.
"Hello Edward." I breathed, taking a deep breath of my favorite smell on earth.
"Hello My Bella," he whispered, always mindful of my sleeping father. I turned to face him, his eyes a warm honey color from his recent hunt.
"I see my sister didn't torture you too bad today," he smirked. "No," I replied," We decided to leave some at the mall for everyone else." I grimaced remembering Alice's exuberance.
"Edward, we need to speak about the upcoming weeks. I want to make sure I know what's going on."

"Yes, love, this weekend we have our going away party with school friends," He stifled a chuckle at my expression, "and then Saturday is the day I've been looking forward to for about the past hundred years." His perfect face was literally glowing whenever he mentioned our upcoming nuptials.
"And then it's off to New York for two weeks of pure wedded bliss right?" I squealed. I was thrilled with the place we had decided on for our honeymoon. I had never been to "the Big Apple" before and I could hardly contain myself I was so excited. I was looking forward to catching some Broadway shows, and yes, doing some shopping in the big fancy New York stores, (don't tell Alice!)
"Yes, my love, it's off to the Big Apple to show you a great time! I can't wait to show you all the sights. I've been visiting there since the 20's and it's been amazing to see the city spring up right before my eyes! I'm confident that I can show you a New York you've never seen before!"
"Edward honey, it's all a New York I've never seen before…" I interrupted. He just smiled and held me tighter. I couldn't wait for this week to go by.

Of course, after this week, and our trip, came the part I was most excited about. I was to be changed into a vampire, an equal to my Edward. The thing I had wanted since the moment I knew that I loved him. Edward, after many discussions, and much arguing, had finally resigned himself to the inevitability of my change, and now seemed to be almost looking forward to it. He still wanted me to wait a little longer to join him in immortality, but I was just ready to be with him forever. I knew the sacrifices would be painful, but I thought it would be well worth it in the end. As my "big brother" Emmett would say "No pain, no gain". I knew Edward wasn't completely sold on the idea of changing me so soon, but we had finally gotten beyond our "impasse" as he had called it once. Now it was only a matter of time until I was a Cullen in every sense of the word.

"Bella..? What are you thinking? You know it drives me crazy when you get that look."
I looked up at Edward and smiled. "I was just thinking of what the future holds for us. I love you. So much. More than you know, and I'm glad to be yours," I confessed. His eyes burned with the intensity he held only for me. He gently touched his lips to mine.

"And I love you my Bella. And the future will be perfect, as long as you are by my side. Now, bedtime for the human I think. Tomorrow is a big day with the party Alice has got planned, and I can't have you sleep deprived." He opened his arms for me to crawl in beside him, pressed a soft kiss to my lips, my jaw and my forehead, I snuggled in and settled into the sound of my lullaby, and within minutes was asleep.


Well, what do you think? I promise not to be one of those authors who leaves a million long authors notes every chapter, but I want to know if I should keep going. Anyone reading and interested? I'm going to try really hard to make this different from all the other stories out there, so hopefully it'll be worth the read. Thanks and Review :) Haley