Breaking Dawn

Chapter One: A New Story

"Do we have to tell him Edward? He's going to kill me," I said exasperated. I trembled as we neared my house. Edward looked at me, his eyes full of amusement.

"It'll be okay Bella, don't worry," he assured in his musical voice. I grew calm, and sank back into the car seat, toying with the ring. The car rolled smoothly past the trees, reminding me of how Jacob and I would always be outside, together… Just the two of us, having the time of our lives, now, he was gone.

Gone.

I gasped in my seat, trying to swallow down the tears that were coming up. "God, I can't do this," I breathed.

Edward gently placed his hand on top of mine, his eyes never leaving mine. "Shh Bella, it's alright. I'll always be here for you." He kissed my forehead, "Don't worry."

I breathed in and out slowly, and decided to ask him the question that had been bothering me for days. "Where's…. Jacob?"

His knuckles grew white, "I don't know. But wherever he is, I'm sure he's fine." There was a disturbing edge to his voice. "Bella…"

"Yes?" I asked. "You can tell me anything you know?"

"This might upset you…." he whispered.

I put my head against his cold, smooth shoulder. "You can never upset me Edward." I sighed happily. "We're getting married…." These words still shocked me, even though I had said them countless times.

Edward smiled, "Yes… I must be the luckiest vampire…man… in the world." He parked the car smoothly in front of my house.

"We're getting married," I whispered, my voice cracking. "I need some time!" I panicked.

"Bella," he took my shoulders into his hands, "It'll be okay. He'll understand."

My voice cracked, "Eventually."

Edward cracked a grin, "Eventually," he agreed.

With this thought, I stepped out of the car, my hands shaking. Edward, however, looked perfectly at ease, his hands in his pocket, and his hair blowing casually into his face.

Breathe

Edward was too perfect, too gorgeous, too beyond description. I couldn't believe that he fell in love with me… an extremely clumsy girl. As if he had read my thoughts, he took my right hand, kissed it softly, reassuring me that I was the one. When I rang the doorbell, immediately stepping an arms distance away from him. He chuckled, his eyes twinkling.

Charlie opened the door, his eyes frowning in dislike at seeing Edward. Edward merely ignored this, and greeted him.

"Good evening."

Charlie grunted, "Hmph. Come on in Edward," he said grumpily. Edward waited for me to go inside, and then stepped into the house. Who said that chivalry was dead?

I hid the ring behind my back, frightened at what might happen.

"Dad?" I asked meekly. "There's something… important…that I want to tell you."

He widened his eyes in suspicion. "You aren't pregnant are you?" His eyes flickered between Edward and me.

I laughed nervously. "No, dad. I-"

"I asked your daughter's hand in marriage, Charlie," Edward interrupted. He took the hand hidden behind my back. "I love her, and I want to spend the rest of," he looked at me, admiration in his eyes, "My life…with her. I should have asked for your permission first, but I love her too much. I came here, today, to ask for your blessing. It wouldn't feel complete without you."

Charlie burst into loud guffaws. "Hah! You're kidding right?"

I looked blankly at him. "Not really…"

His laughter stopped abruptly. "Oh."

"I know that you think Edward isn't right for me…. But I still love him and I want to…also spend my life with him." I gave him the most adorable look that I could muster. "Please, dad?"

Charlie's eyes softened, "I'll. I'll… I'll…. Think about it."

"Thanks dad."

"Just…think about what you're going to do."

"I did dad, and I am going to do this. I know it's the right thing."

He scratched his head, taking deep breaths. "If you know that it's the right thing….then I can't do anything about it. I hope it goes well with you two," Charlie said, unsure of his words. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to watch some…television. Get my mind off of things."

"The televisions in here dad!" I yelled after him. He mumbled something incoherent and I heard him stomp noisily upstairs.

Edward took me into his arms, "I told you not to worry." He gently kissed the top of my forehead.

"I feel perfectly safe with you," I said happily, kissing him lightly. "I'm glad that you asked Edward, but I still think that I'm way too young for this…"

He sighed, "If you want to wait, we will. I don't want to pressure you into anything, Bella."

"I know."

I closed my eyes, leaned against him, feeling finally at peace. I wished that this feeling could last…but somehow, I knew it wouldn't.

It never did.