Chapter 1 – Party
We stopped on the cozy, village-like porch of my house. Compared to Edward's, you could call what I live in a shack. I could feel the tension stiffen between us as Edward stared deeply into my eyes, making my heart melt like ice cream in someone's mouth. I'd never get used to his pure, gold eyes and his perfectly-chiseled face; and that's just the way my personal miracle liked it.
"You don't have to do this, you know. I promised you anything you wanted, no strings attached. If you want to be eternally damned right now, so be it. You don't have to marry me if it will make you unhappy," Edward softly whispered.
His beautiful voice sounded too sincere, and as my mother once stated, he looked like he'd jump in front of a bullet for me, just to make sure I was safe. As I stared into his eyes, I could see excitement, love, but also a hint of sadness and regret.
"I want to do this. There's nothing more that I want than to spend the rest of eternity with you, and the only proper way I can do that is by going through with this," I replied, gently.
I was still a bit scared, of course, but nothing could stop me from becoming a vampire now. I flinched at the word, even though I've used it many times before. I still couldn't fully picture myself as a blood-drinking monster, but that fast-approaching self-image of me was getting clearer in my mind every day.
Edward sighed, and his eyes softened. I could tell he would still go completely out of his way for me to forget about making any of the Cullens transform me into one of them, but I knew I was finally convincing him that me becoming a 'blood-sucker,' as Jacob called them, wouldn't be so bad.
Jacob. Excruciating pain hit me whenever I thought about him. Oh, how I missed him! I'd go to such lengths just to see his goofy, comical smile that I loved so much just once more. Regrettably, I told myself that wasn't possible without hurting him so much more than he'd ever deserve, no matter what he's ever done to me. He was right about how we'd be together if Edward didn't exist, but I'd never want anyone in this world half as much as I want Edward. My Edward.
There was so much more to Edward that met the eye, like his too-attractive personality. He was the most caring, generous, unselfish and kind person I've ever met, and I loved him with all my heart and more. I couldn't bear to lose him again. Ghastly memories of last fall still filled my head and unwillingly, I questioned the fact that Edward had really come back.
It was at that moment I felt something icy smooth against my hand. As I looked down to see what it was, one of Edward's hands wrapped around my fingers and the other one lightly cupped my chin and raised it.
"I love you, Bella Swan," he leaned in and gently kissed me. All my worries seemed like mere situations, and my nervousness was gone. I tried to make his sweet-tasting kiss last; but that never seemed to work.
As he pulled away, I laid my head against his stone-like chest and inhaled. It smelled better than any cologne I'd ever smelt, and any normal guys like Mike Newton would love to smell like that. Not that I'd had much experience with normal guys. Edward chuckled and led me inside.
He was still holding me by the time we walked through the front door. I could hear the TV as we strolled into the living room, where Charlie was sitting with his feet up in his usual chair. There must have been a good game tonight because Charlie didn't even look up as we swiftly entered. When the commercial started and Edward and I sat in the sofa across from him, he looked up at us with an uninterested smirk, clearly intended for my boyfriend.
"There's a seat over there, Edward," his voice was rough, as he pointed to the chair across the room, undoubtedly referring to the fact that I was sitting on his lap, but Edward didn't budge. I felt relieved; I hadn't wanted to leave his cold, comfortable lap.
"Actually, Charlie, we came by because Bella has something to tell you that I think you'd be quite interested in hearing," he smiled that crooked smile I loved as he set me up to be shot by Charlie.
"Bella?" Charlie turned to me. He looked worried, like a puppy when its owners gave it away. Almost sad, like he knew what I was going to say, and for some reason, I thought I felt his pain. I grimaced.
"Um, well. . . I don't think there's a right way of saying this, dad, so I'll just show you." I held up my hand, where my ring was located, and looked away, not wanting to see his expression.
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As I decided what to pack for Edward's and my one week road trip to Vegas, Edward appeared behind me; his smooth, tempting lips brushing my neck.
"That skirt would look lovely on you, Bella. But I'm sure you can do so much better. How about those ripped jeans?" he winked, and I couldn't help but giggle.
"Do you really think it's a good idea to have the ceremony alone and not let Alice or anybody else tag along? Because I think she's really bummed about only getting to host the after-party." I assumed, as I thoughtfully stared into space.
"Bella, don't worry about Alice. She'll be fine; she really will. It's bad enough we have to attend her party, now you want your whole wedding to be ruined?" he chuckled and sat on the edge of my bed, pulling me on top of him.
"I don't know, but it just seems like she has every right to watch that priest in the little drive-through window announce us officially husband and wife. But once you put it like that, her life doesn't seem so awful after all," I smiled. Leave it to Edward to convince me that Alice wasn't worth it.
"Good. Now, what do you say we head down to my place for a while? They all already know, thanks to Alice, but I haven't talked to them after they found out. Since Charlie took it rather well last night, I expect you're not grounded?" as he gave me the smile that could brighten up my darkest day, I couldn't reject the invitation. He knew Charlie didn't ground me, of course, although my dad was acting a bit quiet during breakfast; when Edward was sitting beside me at the table, might I mention?
I rolled my eyes, "Let's go, before I change my mind."
As we headed downstairs, something I wasn't used to doing with him since we'd taken my window most times, I noticed the note on the kitchen counter. I figured Charlie would be out fishing today, so I wasn't that worried about what the contents of it might say. I opened the beige paper and scanned over the printing.
Bella,
Gone to Billy's; will be back for dinner.
-Charlie
I stood there for a moment, staring at the note, unwillingly frozen.
"Charlie thinks it would be better if he stay away from me for a while. He doesn't want his emotions to erupt." Edward proclaimed, with a sigh.
My dad must have been better at hiding his feelings than I thought. I figured his speechless facade had meant he was actually considering the idea of me marrying Edward. Unfortunately, I was misguided. Usually, Billy just came over here since the Blacks' house was too small to be relatively comfy, so I figured something was up.
After a while, I convinced myself it would be easier if I gave up trying to please Charlie with Edward. My boyfriend was perfect, amazing at every single thing in the world. I suppose it was right to let go of the fact that my dad was one of the only people who didn't see that. One of the only people whose opinion about Edward mattered to me.
"Let's have some fun, shall we?" I could tell Edward was trying to cheer me up, and once he smiled, it worked. I jumped on his back and before I knew it, we were out of the front door, with sunlight in my eyes. I hadn't noticed the weather today, but I was hoping he'd take me to the meadow afterwards.
Many things had changed the past year, but not this. As I tightly shut my eyes, I could feel the warm sun I missed so much on my face, and the untamed wind messing up my tangled, brown locks. I pulled my head tighter into Edward's neck and thought of the day he proposed to me.
We had stood in his room; he had called me by my full name and asked me to marry him. I replied in one simple word: Yes.
Then I thought of the day Alice showed me my dress for which she thought would be my wedding. I was excited and happy I was letting her plan it, but once me and Edward talked it over, we both knew we weren't too pleased. The two of us broke it down for her gently, but she hadn't taken it well. We were left without a choice but to let her plan the after-party, and she felt a bit better.
"Bella? Are you asleep?" Edward whispered.
I raised my head and looked around. We were in front of the Cullens' beautiful white mansion, visibly superior to my so-called house.
"No, I'm fine. Just thinking," I replied, dazed.
"You're not going to tell me about what, are you?" Edward's gaze fell.
"Our wedding, actually," I smiled, which looked like brought his mood up.
"Shall we get this over with?" He chuckled and lowered me from his back. I merely nodded as his hand slid into mine and I took it, never willing to part.
As Edward opened the door and we stepped in, we both opened our mouths in shock.
"CONGRATULATIONS!" six of the seven Cullens screamed.
A big red banner with pink hearts reading 'EDWARD BELLA' hung on the wall in front of us, there were streamers everywhere and Esme was holding a delicious looking cake.
"Aw, Alice! You didn't!" I cried, angry.
"It wasn't Alice, it was all of us. We know how much you hate parties, Bella, but since we're not allowed going to your wedding; we thought we'd plan a little pre-party before your after-party!" Emmett grinned, clearly enjoying himself.
As Alice ran up to hug me with everyone else behind her, I noticed her flash a look at Edward. Parties usually made me uncomfortable, but this made me feel even sicker to my stomach. I could tell something was wrong.
"Cake, Bella?" Carlisle called out with a warm smile.
"This is all for me? Thank you all so much, but it's really not that big of a deal." I tried to catch Edward's gaze, but he just smiled and kept his eyes forward.
"Nonsense, Bella. You deserve this more than anything! It's not every day you get married! Come into the dining room, we've got presents!" Esme put her arm around me and separated me from Edward as we strode out of the room.
As I glanced back, I could see Edward and Alice staring at each other, with horrified looks on their faces.
"How could this be, Alice?! I thought you said the chances of Bella reconsidering her sick decision of becoming a vampire were greater than that happening?!" I thought I caught Edward silently scream at Alice in panic.
I wanted so desperately to reach out to him and to ask him what was wrong, but Esme dragged me away with a cheerful and probably fake grin on her face.
The afternoon seemed to drag on and on. I couldn't believe opening a couple presents could take this long! Alice and Jasper had gotten us a digital camera to take pictures in Vegas since they wouldn't see (everyone but Alice, at least, wouldn't), Rosalie and Jasper had gotten us both a day at the spa before the wedding so we could, as Rosalie stated, 'look our best in the car when we get married,' and the present I was most against: a black convertible Lamborghini from Esme and Carlisle, so 'your car can measure up to your looks, Bella.' Which I knew was a total lie.
Thankfully, when we finished the whole gathering, it was still sunny, and Edward suggested we spend the day laying on our meadow. I automatically agreed.
As he ran, something didn't feel right. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but there was something bothering Edward. It was the way he cut through the trees; like he was rushing and almost ignoring the fact that if he lost focus we'd both be dead. Well one of us, at least.
I could do nothing about this but pull my weak arms around him as tight as I could, and wait for the unusual ride to be over.
The moment I felt Edward slowed down; I popped my head up and studied our beautiful surroundings. We were in the forest; very green as usual, only a normal person's walking distance to our meadow now.
I couldn't contain my curiosity, but I felt it was best to start small.
"That party was kind of fun. Even by my standards," I was hoping he wouldn't catch my lie. He didn't seem to notice.
"I'm glad you liked it. You're not still mad about the gifts, are you?" a distant frown was painted across his perfect face, like he didn't really care for the answer.
"The camera and spa tickets are okay I guess, since we are getting married, but I still think the car is too much. Way too much," I whispered the last part, not wanting to bring his mood down even more. Not that I'd really mind what we were driving as long as I had Edward beside me the whole time.
"Listen, Bella, do you mind if we delay our wedding for a bit, just until Alice and I get things cleared up?" his expression was serious, and he looked down at the crumpled grass.
I sighed, "What did Alice tell you today?" I eyed him, suspiciously.
"I was kind of hoping you hadn't noticed, but I'm not going to lie to you. Forks won't be safe the following couple of weeks."
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-AnaCullen♥.
