Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, etc... or Runaway Bride.
It is an odd feeling, discovering that you're not as truly plain as you thought. I mean, I'd never considered myself hideous, but never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I was anything near beautiful. So, I felt strange looking in the mirror and thinking I was actually kind of… pretty. My ivory-white dress had straps that hung off my shoulders, and a tight bodice that accentuated my smaller chest. It flared out at my hips, falling to the floor just enough to hide my ballet flats without causing me to trip. It was a beautiful gown, simple and elegant, with lace trimming the bodice and bottom; and I had never felt as pretty as I had this very moment, as I prepared to walk down the aisle. Alice had put my hair up in curls, and had pinned tiny white and purple flowers into the mass. My makeup was light, natural, and I felt a bit guilty that I'd suspected Alice would do anything I'd hate. Overall, it was almost old-fashioned and completely perfect for me. My eyes glistened and my lips parted.
"I'm pretty," I said, trying the words out. "I'm…pretty," I marveled.
"You're beautiful, Bella."
I jumped at Charlie's voice, behind me.
"You scared me. Is it time?"
He nodded and linked my arm in his. The music began, Claire de Lune, and Rosalie walked out with Emmett. I'd been so happy when she'd agreed to be my bridesmaid. Alice, my maid of honor, walked out with Jasper next. Of course, her visions had completely ruined the notion of asking her. She knew, and asked herself. I knew that even on my wedding day I couldn't compare to my soon-to-be sisters, but I didn't dwell on that. Today was not the day to feel unworthy. People say that a woman's wedding day is supposed to be one of the times she looked most beautiful, and if this was as good as I would get in my human life, then I didn't want to ruin it by moping.
The bridal march should have played next, but instead, we had chosen to play my lullaby. Its presence would help to calm my nerves, as well as personalize the moment. I wasn't one for tradition.
I kept my eyes on Edward as I made my way, afraid that if I looked at the guests in attendance I'd lose my courage and run. And I was not going to be known as the Runaway Bride. I'd leave that to Julia Roberts.
I finally reached the alter, surprised that I hadn't tripped, and the ceremony began. I'd heard people talk about the feelings of anxiousness, sometimes even dread, that they experienced. But all I could think was 'oh please, hurry up before I change my mind'. I really did want to marry Edward. Truly, I did. I was just scared out of my mind. After all, marriage had never been a good thing in my family.
Finally, it ended, and I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding; I was Mrs. Edward Cullen. Bella Cullen. I smiled as I mused on how long it had taken me to become a part of this family. Too long.
Our reception was short, as I kept trying to sneak away. I hated the attention, especially the dancing. But I made it through, for Charlie and Renee. They deserved to remember me in happy times, as they would soon lose me forever. This was about them. And then I got to go home. Home. And Edward took me up to our room and whispered what I'd been wondering all day.
"You're beautiful, Bella."
And the look in his eyes made me believe that I was, at least to him. And his opinion was the only one that mattered, really. Today, I could admit, I was beautiful.
Just don't expect me to say the same tomorrow.
Well, what did ya think? Reviews, anyone??