Ch 1
UNEXPECTED
I closed my eyes and let myself wander. Drown into the happiness that I was feeling. Tomorrow, Edward would be mine and I would be his. For forever.
I was running and then I saw it. A man. An ordinary man. Nothing special. And nothing that would normally stun me. No. what stunned me was the wings the man had. Shadows. I stood there and watched in awe as those wings opened and stretched to their greatest span. The sight was magnificent.
"Bella, wake up honey" I heard my mom coax. "Can't afford to oversleep today"
I opened my eyes and saw my mom sitting next to my bed. A glance at the nightstand told me that today I was getting married. To my Edward.
"Bella!" I heard a chirpy voice call me. I groaned. Alice. Alice walked into the room in her ballerina stance.
"Come on Bella. We are already late." Alice said.
I sighed and got out of my bed. I had given up long since fighting Alice and her fashionistaness.
As soon as I brushed and took my shower, I was shoved into the red convertible Alice had brought to drive me to the Cullens. I was to be dressed at the Cullen's under Alice's command. My mom took the passenger seat. Charlie was already at the Cullen's, preparing to give my hand to Edward. As happy as I was, I could not shake the feeling that something was going to happen. I shrugged the feeling considering it nervousness. How wrong had I been!
As soon as we reached the Cullens. I noticed the décor. It was beautiful. Everything was flawless. There was a scent of vanilla, hyacinth, and freesia, orange, chocolate and something I couldn't quite place lingering in the air. The theme of the wedding was on my ring. The ring my Edward gave to me. My eyes were searching for Edward. As if she could read my mind, Alice said, "Don't look for him. He's not here. It's an old tradition. The bride and groom can't see each other on the day of the wedding."
I moaned something and followed Alice to her bedroom. The whole room was filled with clothes and cosmetics. I was stripped down immediately by Alice. After what felt like ages, Alice was finally done and called Renee and Esme to the room. My mom looked at me and practically gaped whereas Esme just flashed me a brilliant smile. I looked at mom who had tears in her eyes.
"You look beautiful, honey" she said.
"You spoil me, mom" I said truthfully. No matter how I looked, I would always be the most beautiful to her.
Dad entered on that precise moment. He honestly gaped on me. Maybe it was my imagination but for a second, I could've sworn that I saw tears in his eyes.
"It's time." He said in almost a grim voice.
He offered me his hand and I took it and started walking.
God! I felt pissed. Maybe it was a bad idea having Alice as my bridesmaid. I was bound to look clumsy beside her. The march was too slow. I concentrated on it anyways. It was as if I couldn't feel my legs. I entered the aisle and everybody gaped. Alice put me in clothes, didn't she? Or was it just an illusion. I looked down to check. Sure enough, I was wearing clothes. I tried to ignore the gaping and focus on Edward. Edward looked perfect. Flawless in each sense of word. Glorious. His expression was unreadable. But that wasn't what bothered me. What bothered me was that he wasn't even looking at me. In fact, he was staring glassily in the guests. I ran my eyes to follow his gaze. That's when I saw her. A beautiful young woman. Perfect. Just like Edward. She was wearing a pale pink dress which went perfectly with her skin. Her eyes were golden which matched that of Edward. She was a strawberry blonde. I noticed Edward's expression as he stared at her. That's when I knew it was over. Though his face remained stoic, Edward's eyes told the real story. That was Tanya, I realized. Edward's love. The way he looked at her made it all clear. The love was practically dripping from his eyes.
He seemed to realize something and his attention snapped to me. By that time I had reached the end (Literally and metaphorically). Edward offered me his hand. I took it. He wasn't looking me in the eye. The preacher started the vows. I barely heard them. It took a long time when finally, my time arrived. I felt tears pool in my eyes. I knew my decision. I took a deep breath and spoke in a whisper, barely trusting my voice, "No".
There was quiet. I looked up and saw Edward. Shock and horrification took the possession of his face. Then he looked to me and his shock was replaced by sadness but then something happened. Tanya collapsed. She fainted. And Edward ran towards her. I ran after him. Edward's face betrayed just one emotion-worry. He took Tanya's head in his lap and cradled her. Everybody else was there in a heartbeat. Their expression was a mix of shock, worry and horrification. Tanya opened her eyes.
"Edward" she croaked
I saw Edward take a sigh of relief and then he crushed his lips to hers. Their kiss was long and I felt sick to the core. Sure, I wanted to see him happy but that didn't mean I wanted to see their tongue bath.
Edward seem to realize I was there and turned towards me.
"Bella…I didn't mean to.." he trailed as I cut him off.
"It's okay Edward. I wish you both a happy life." I said.
I lifted my gown and ran for all I was worth. Before anyone could realize what was going on, I was in the parking lot getting into Edward's Volvo. I sighed when I saw the keys in the ignition. I thanked my rarely lucky stars and drove the Volvo. Speed going beyond 120 miles per hours. All I could see was an endless road in front of me and I knew there was no going back. My life was chosen for me.