Chapter 2
Edward and I walked to the kitchen to call Renee. I dialed and then heard my mom answer the phone, and I realized that I needed to deliver this news in person.
"Hi," my mom picked up.
"Hey Mom."
"BELLA!" she screamed into the receiver with excitement. At least she was excited
"Yeah, I just wanted to call to say that Edward and I would like to come down this weekend, if that is OK with you." Edward looked at me questioningly. I knew not to mention that we had news, since I knew what my mom's imagination would start to tell her.
"Oh, that's great! Of course you two are welcome!"
The flight had seemed to take forever as my anxiety had began to bubble over. Edward had tried to comfort me the whole time, but now, sitting at the table with my mother and Edward's inquisitive eyes on me, I wished I could still be on the plane.
As the tension in the room became almost too much to bear, I began.
"So Mom, guess what. Uh I, I mean Edward and I, have some news."
I saw her look up at me questioningly, and fearfully. "What is it?" She asked carefully.
"We're going to, um, get married," I said without looking up at her. I heard the intake of breath and prepared myself for the blow. Then, to my surprise, I heard a little whimper escape her lips.
"No, you, Bella, will not," she then stated firmly.
"Yes, Mom," I said with more acid than I meant, "I will."
"Then maybe I won't come." I felt Edward squeeze my hand in support from under the table. When I looked into his beautiful eyes, I felt a surge in confidence, and began to explain to my mom.
"Listen, Mom, I love you, and there is nothing that I would like more than for you to attend, but I will have a wedding with or without you there. Please, Mom, I want you to at least respect my decision."
"No, Bella, you're so young," she sobbed, "You don't know what you want. You can't want this."
I looked her square in the eye, knowing that this may be my only chance at convincing her. "I know this is what I want. I know that the only way I can be happy is to be happy with Edward. He is my world and my soul mate. I will love him for all of eternity. You saw what happened when we were apart," I felt Edward stiffen beside me, but continued, "You know I can't be without him. I know with every part of me that, so I intend to never let him go. Why wait then?"
She seemed slightly amazed by my response, and the emotion that was visible in my eyes and voice, so she turned her piercing gaze towards Edward.
"So, are you sure that this is what you want, Edward? Are you sure that this is what you'll want in twenty years?" she asked him.
"Of course it is. I cannot picture my life, or my future, without Bella, or the pain of such a thought might consume me. My love for your daughter is without limits, and I know that she is far too good for me. Still, she wants me, nonetheless, and I need her to survive. I know that my choice is the right one."
She seemed startled by both of us, then let out one final wail.
"Bella, I'm so sorry. I'm sure this is my fault; I should have done something differently. Though, now I see that I cannot change your mind, the damage is too great. I hope that you two really will be together for the rest of your lives, and not regret this choice. For now, I guess I consent to the marriage and I'll come to the wedding."
"Thank you," I breathed.