So, I know people may think that I'm moving Edward and Bella's relationship a little quickly. I've put a lot of thought into that. Because the story is going to be more focused on them finding each other again then the actual budding of their relationship, I wanted to move it along quickly. They have known each other for years. Most of the story will be in Bella's POV with maybe a few times in Edward's. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter.
We arrived at the Ball to see that many people were already there. The Gardener's Ball was attended by anyone who was anyone in our city. It was held by the Beloff's, one of the richest families in Chicago. It was an annual ball. Last year, well, let's just say that it didn't go so well. Some twelve year old was running around the place with a drink and he slipped, spilling the drink all over Rose. Now of course Rose being Rose was completely mortified, but not as mortified as Alice who can't stand clothes being ruined, especially expensive ones. Alice was attempting to wipe out the stain from the dress the rest of the night as Rosalie just glared at the boy. He was so scared by Rosalie he hid behind his mother the rest of the night. The rest of the time I listened to Rosalie and Alice complain about the little boy. The night was ruined for all three of us. I am not sure why Alice wanted us to go this year, given the events of last year, but I have a feeling it was because she thought it would be a nice time to talk to Jasper about how she felt. So, here we were back at the Gardener's Ball standing by a nice table sipping some drinks.
I was a bundle of nerves, anticipating talking to Edward tonight. I really hope he will forgive me and let us move pass last night. I looked over at my two friends only to find Rose fidgeting with her purse and Alice twiddling her thumbs. I laughed out loud at this sight because these two girls were the most confident, poised people I know and it was a rare sight to seem them nervous. I wish I could document this moment. They both gave me frustrated looks.
"Nervous, are you?" I asked them.
"No, well more anxious. I'm excited to hopefully get things moving along, but on the other hand, how about if he doesn't feel the same way?" Rose said.
"I know my brother; he feels the same way. He will be over the moon." Rose smiled at what I said. I looked to Alice to begin to reassure her when I spotted her eyes glued to the door. I watched as her breath hitched. I looked over to Rose to see her do the same thing; that's when I decided to look to the door. I almost fainted.
Standing there was him in all his glory, Edward. His bronze hair was in the same tousled condition. He wore a satin, white shirt underneath a white vest and bow tie. He also wore a trimmed, black suit jacket paired with elegant black slacks. He looked so handsome. I felt my face begin to blush. His eyes met mine as he tapped Emmett and Jasper's shoulders and began to walk in out direction. That's when I noticed my brother and Jasper were even there with him.
"You, gentleman, are late." Rose said pointedly.
"I got carried away with Edward's new automobile. It's quite the contraption. It would be great fun to race it." Emmett responded enthusiastically. Rosalie and Emmett hadn't taken their eyes off each other. They were pretty much having a conversation with each other instead of all of us.
"Typical Emmett to get side tracked by cars." I said to no one in particular. Edward, Jasper, and Alice laughed. But, Rose and Emmett both turned and tried to defend him at the same time.
"Cars are very interesting machines and are easy to get distracted by."
"That is not typical of me!" Upon hearing Rosalie's attempt to defend him, he looked to her and smiled. She looked down and actually blushed! That doesn't happen with Rosalie. I rolled my eyes at them, while Alice squealed.
"Rosalie, would you like to dance?" Emmett asked, kissing her hand. Rosalie who was still red, and obviously was at loss for words, nodded softly. As Emmett whisked her away I turned to whisper to Alice, but she was already being pulled to the dance floor by Jasper. I smiled gently, but then realized who I was alone with. I felt my smile fall a little, and I nervously and slowly glanced up at Edward. He was looking towards Alice and Jasper as well.
"Um, Edward, I would really like to talk with you, if you wouldn't mind." He quickly looked to me and nodded. I wrapped my fingers around his and began to guide him to the back garden. How ironic that we were going to a garden again? I let go of his hand as we neared an apple tree. I lowered myself, carefully to the floor, and looked down to my fingers. I felt him sit down next to me and put a strand of loose hair behind my ear. I blushed as I felt his fingers gingerly touch my skin.
"You are so beautiful Bella." I looked up to him.
"No, I'm not; this is just an illusion. The make up and made-up hair over exaggerate everything."
"Bella, you don't see yourself clearly. You are the most beautiful creature I have ever laid eyes on. You could be wearing a rag and you would still be the most beautiful person in the room."
"No, I think that would be Rosalie."
"But, that assumption is wrong."
"Maybe to you."
"Well, that's true; I can't speak for the rest of the world. But in my eyes you are the most beautiful." I couldn't help but let a smile escape my lips. Once he saw this, he smiled triumphantly. The battle is over for now. "So, what is it that you wanted to discuss? If it's about last night, we can just forget about it; pretend it never happened. I value my friendship with you too much to let that get in the way of it.." He rambled on, until I put a finger to his lips.
"I really wanted you to kiss me."
"Wait, say that again."
I repeated hesitantly, "I..really wanted you to kiss me last night."
"Then why did you stop me?"
"Because Edward! I was afraid! I was afraid that if we did pursue it, then if thing turned out badly, our promise to each other and the rest of our friends would be ruined." A tear escaped my eyes at the possibility.
He looked at me for a moment before seeing the tear, and quickly wiping it away with his thumb. "Oh Bella! You were always so selfless. Did you hear what I just said? I value my friendship too much with you and our friends to ever lose it."
"But how about if it just gets so messy that we couldn't stand to be around each other? That wouldn't just ruin our relationship, but it would probably pay a huge toll on our friend's relationships too." He thought for a minute before responding.
"Bella, I care about you too much to ever let that happen. You are the only woman I will ever feel this way for. I can't imagine feeling this way about any other individual."
"You say that now, but you don't know. Maybe in a couple of years, you will feel differently."
"Sometimes risks are meant to be taken."
"Funny, that's what Rose and Alice said too."
"You talked to them?"
"Well yes. We were discussing their feelings for Emmett and Jasper."
"Ah. Well, they are right. Staying inside your comfort zone doesn't lead for a very interesting life. Would you be willing to take the chance with me Bella?"
"Edward. I care about you so much. More than you can possibly imagine. I can't imagine my life without you. If you promise me that no matter what happens. Whether we are separated or we have issues, we will always find a way back to each other?"
"I promise. I promise not just that, but also that I will always be with you. As long as your alive; I will be too."
I couldn't help but grin. I was too joyous for words. I could hardly contain my excitement. Seeing this, he began to smile too. I lost myself in his emerald eyes and was perfectly content. We seemed to be leaning closer and closer. His sweet breath was on my face.
"EDWARD! BELLA! They are serving dinner!" I looked to the doors to see Alice waving her hands frantically at us. He groaned and I sighed. He helped me up and I felt his hand on my waist as he guided me back into the room. We sat down next to Alice and Jasper who we could tell were holding hands under the table. Obviously that went well. Alice smirked at me and I smiled. I looked farther down the table to see Emmett placing a kiss on Rosalie's cheek. That must've gone well too. I smiled bigger knowing we were all together and would hopefully always be together. My fears from earlier seemed beyond silly. I should've known Edward, my Edward, would understand. Looking at his face, I realized he really was grown up. We all were. This was going to be the start of an amazing lifetime.
