Okay so I decided that I would continue this. I got the reviews and the alerts but in the end I wanted to do this.
Previously
"Goodnight Edward," she nodded to me and produced a key from her purse and unlocked the door, sliding inside and closing it behind her. I exchanged one last glance with her through the window. It was thick glass, the kind that distorts images, but even through it, she looked like an angel. My angel.
"Goodbye," she mouthed.
I smiled crookedly at her then turned and disappeared into the darkness.
I'll come back Bella. I promised. I'll see you again. My angel.
For the first time since I left my family twelve years ago, I was happy.
Bella POV
"And turn your head a little to the left," Jim ordered. "Cover your wrist in your hair."
I sighed slightly, twisting so I could hide the bandage around my wrist in the twisting locks of curled brown hair. At the turning of my shoulder, I had to adjust the dress again.
The satin dress I had draped around me was a midnight blue, 1920s style gown. It had a low V-neck with a diamond pin at the lowest point that gathered with a smooth band running under the bust. The halter straps, instead of tying behind my neck, crossed over each other and met the low rising waist.
I pulled the dress around me again then lay perfectly still my eyes staring dully off into the distance.
"Head a quarter inch to the right," Jim continued. "And perfect." With a blinding flash, he snapped the picture. "Now sit on the foot of the bed…"
I moved lightly, my thoughts drifting again to my savior. Edward Masen, I thought as the camera flashed again. I turned to cross my legs and gaze out over the room. I tried to remember everything his face, his voice, his scent.
"Hey Bella!" Linda called, snapping her fingers in my face. I blinked stunned. "Snap out of it. You've got a recording session in an hour and a press conference with your father and Senators ReAnne, Hatreckson, Newton and their son and daughters at four."
"Oh," I gasped, stunned. "I thought the press conference was next week!" Linda pulled me to my feet, dragging me along by my good wrist to the dressing rooms.
"That's why you have me," she sighed as she undid the buttons on the dress and helped me slide out of it. "Here." She thrust my jeans into my hand along with my silk black blouse. "Get dressed. Coffee?"
"No I'm fine thanks," I said.
There were three loud raps on the door.
Linda stuck her head around the corner, hissing at me to get changed and be quick about it. "Yes?" I heard her ask.
"There is a guest here for Bella," Landon, one of my secret service men whispered to her. His name is Edward Masen. Should I send him away?"
Edward! I thought, startled. I practically jumped into my clothes and raced to the door. I was about to leap into the hall, when Linda's hand caught me back and pulled me back into the room.
"You shirts on backwards," she answered my unasked question. With a quick tug, she fixed it and sent me out. "Be at the car in fifteen minutes."
"I will," I answered already half out the door. Mickey and Landon were station on either side of the door.
"In a hurry?" Mickey asked, sarcastically when I tripped over… well over nothing in my haste to get down the hall. I grinned impish up at him. Mickey and Landon had been in my secret service since before I could remember. They were in many ways like older brothers in the same ways that Linda was my mother.
"No," I lied. Landon took my proffered hand and helped me to my feet.
"He's waiting in the lobby," he said, smirking slightly. The expression somewhat lightened the intimidating appearance given by the shades and suit they always wore. As fun as they may be, I reminded myself. They would have no problem punching the living daylights out of anyone who came within spitting distance of me.
I shuddered at the memory, tapping my foot impatiently against the ground, waiting for the elevator.
Flashback
I was fourteen and was starring in my first concert.
I got a lot to say to you
Yeah, I got a lot to say
I noticed your eyes are always glued to me
Keeping them here
And it makes no sense at all
They taped over your mouth
Scribbled out the truth with their lies
You little spies
They taped over your mouth
Scribbled out the truth with their lies
You little spies
Crush, crush, crush
Crush, crush, crush
(Two, three, four)
Nothing compares to
A quiet evening alone
Just the one, two
I was just counting this
That never happens
I guess I'm dreamin again
Let's be more than this now
If you want to play it like a game
Well, come one, come on, let's play
'Cause I'd rather waste my life pretending
Than have to forget you for one whole minute
They taped over your mouth
Scribbled out the truth with their lies
You little spies
They taped over your mouth
Scribbled out the truth with their lies
You little spies
Crush, crush, crush
Crush, crush, crush
(Two, three, four)
Nothing compares to
A quiet evening alone
Just the one, two
I was just counting on
That never happens
I guess I'm dreaming again
Let's be more than this now
Rock and roll, hey
Don't you know, baby
We're all alone now
I need something to sing about
Rock and roll, hey
Don't you know, baby
We're all alone now
I need something to sing about
Rock and roll, hey
Don't you know, baby
We're all alone now
Give me something to sing about
Nothing compares to
A quiet evening alone
Just the one, two
I was just counting on
That was never happens
I guess I'm dreaming again
Let's be more than
No, oh
Nothing compares to
A quiet evening alone
Just the one, two
I was just counting on
That never happens
I guess I'm dreaming again
Let's be more than
More than this
"Thank you everyone for being such a good crowd tonight," I called over the screaming and cheering of the crowd. I waved and ran off the stage laughing and smiling to everyone.
Linda met me just off stage. A wide grin had spread across her face; tears were streaming down her cheeks. "That was great Bella," she cried. She threw her arms around my neck. "I'm so proud of you!"
I changed and then went to meet Mickey, Landon, and John. Max had gone to get the car. I had convinced them to wait for me at the doors and come get me if I took longer than fifteen.
I was walking down the hall when someone's hand locked around my wrist.
"Wait!" the voice urged.
I turned to face a man, much older than me, in a ratty black coat and torn jeans.
"I'm sorry I really have to go," I said as kindly as I could. He scared me.
"Please just one minute," he begged.
"She said she has to go," Landon's voice came from behind me. It was ice cold, professional, a voice he only used when needed.
I had only ever heard that voice once before. I was seven and my father had taken me to the carnival. I had seen a cotton candy stand and had run to it. Then when I went back to find my father he was gone. I spent what seemed like hours curled in a ball behind the wall of a candy shop, crying. Landon had found me like that and lectured me on why it was so important that I stay close to him and the others.
When the hand didn't disappear from around my wrist, Landon swung an arm up and around his neck and with one swift jerk, knocked him to the ground, unconscious.
End Flashback
I almost slammed into the elevator doors when they didn't open quickly enough. And I fell.
My feet flew out from under me as I slipped over, what was again, nothing. I squeezed my eyes shut preparing for the ground to come up and hit me. But it didn't come. Instead a pair of ice-cold arms wrapped around my waist, catching me.
I opened my eyes slowly, turning roofily to thank Mickey who was always the one to catch me ever since I was little.
"Edward!" I gasped.
Edward chuckled softly. His velvet voice was even better than I remembered.
"Hello," he whispered, setting me on my feet again.
"I thought you said I wouldn't see you again," I said, crossing my arms, trying to maintain the little dignity I had left.
"I said I didn't think so but I guess, I couldn't stay away from you," Edward smiled, his eyes smoldering. His beauty momentarily stunned me before I realized something.
"Your eyes," I blurted out. "They're red." And indeed they were a dark burgundy, almost black but with a tint of blood red in them.
His smile vanished, wiped clean from his face. "I know."
I blushed, turning away. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…"
"It's nothing," Edward assured me. "Where are you going after this?" he changed the subject.
I raised my eyebrows at him but went with it. "I have a recording session then a press conference four with some senators, my father, and some other senates teens. The conference should end about five thirty then I have the evening off. Why?"
"I was wondering if you would like to join me for dinner tonight," he said bluntly, locking gazes with me.
I was momentarily breathless. "Uh sure," I stuttered.
"I'll pick you up at seven then," he decided. "Until then."
"Until seven," I agreed.
Edward smiled his heart breaking crooked smile then he vanished. The door swung shut behind him.
"Bella we should go," John urged.
"I know just a…" my sentence trailed off as a wave of exhaustion rolled through me. I staggered slightly, falling into chair behind me.
"Bella?" I could hear Linda calling my name through the pounding of blood in my ears.
"Bella let's get going," her hand was on my elbow, guiding me to the limo at the door.
I could feel my four service men following behind me as Linda shoved me into the back seat and slid in behind me.
I waited for the roaring to stop and the exhaustion to fade before answering her. "Yeah Lind sorry." I looked up into her blue eyes. Her lips were pursed, her face worried.
"It's getting worse isn't it?" she asked quietly, slowly, as if she were afraid to know the answer.
"It feels like it," I answered just as slowly. "I just… I just don't know."
"You need to tell your father," Linda urged me.
I shook my head. "There's a lot going on right now, what with the election and all. This would just add another thing to his plate and that's the last thing he needs. After everything settles down with a new president then I'll tell him.
She looked at me, half disbelieving half disapproving. "Bella this is your life on the line. You are the only family he has left. I'm sure that your father would give up everything to assure your health."
"Yes Linda that's the problem," I sighed. "My father would give up everything. The public needs him to be a steady leader. And the doctors say I've got till eighteen, twenty if I'm lucky. I'm still sixteen. There's still time."
"Don't wait until it's too late," she warned. "I've been your manager since you were eight and you… well you're one of my best friends." Linda smiled at me. "I've seen you through a lot. And I want to see you to a good happy wedding."
I smiled too. "Yes mother," I teased. In many it was true. Linda was my mother in all but blood. My real mother, Renee, died two years before I started modeling. Linda picked my up from school, kept my schedule, made sure I had my lunch before dropping me off every morning. Especially when…
"We're late Bella!" Linda cried exasperatedly. "Couldn't your mystery man make a date with you when we aren't on a tight schedule?"
The limo lurched to a halt outside of the studio. "Come on!"
Linda practically shoved me out of the limo into the flashing camera lights and reporters.
"Ms. Swan where were you last night?" someone asked.
"Ms. Swan is it true you were stalked last night?" another asked.
And a third waved a mike at my face. "Ms. Swan who was the man you were talking to at the modeling studio?"
"Ms. Swan will not be making any comments today thank you," Linda said firmly, grabbing hold of my upper arm and pulling me through the crowd. I bent my head to avoid the flashing lights of the cameras, shielding my eyes with one hand.
"Bella?" A warm hand rested on my shoulder.
I jumped, startled, looking up into Mickey's worried eyes green. "You okay?" he asked.
I shook my head trying to clear it but they somewhat misinterpreted it.
"Come on." I felt hands under my arms lifting me, until, "No, no, I'm fine. There's just a lot going on I guess."
I shrugged away from their helping hands and fled through the halls.
My recording team and band were already in the studio warming up.
"You're late Bella," Carey chided, wagging a finger at me.
"Yeah, yeah I know," I sighed pulling off my sweater and hanging it on the hook. I grabbed mic. Without turning my head, "Ready, go," I ordered.
It's true; we're all a little insane.
But it's so clear,
Now that I'm unchained.
Fear is only in our minds,
Taking over all the time.
Fear is only in our minds but it's taking over all the time.
You poor sweet innocent thing.
Dry your eyes and testify.
You know you live to break me. Don't deny.
Sweet sacrifice.
One day I'm gonna forget your name,
And one sweet day, you're gonna drown in my lost pain.
Fear is only in our minds,
Taking over all the time.
Fear is only in our minds but it's taking over all the time.
You poor sweet innocent thing.
Dry your eyes and testify.
And oh you love to hate me don't you, honey?
I'm your sacrifice.
(I dream in darkness
I sleep to die,
Erase the silence,
Erase my life,
Our burning ashes
Blacken the day,
A world of nothingness,
Blow me away.)
Do you wonder why you hate?
Are you still too weak to survive your mistakes?
You poor sweet innocent thing.
Dry your eyes and testify.
You know you live to break me.
Don't deny.
Sweet sacrifice.
I waited for the music to taper off before standing and exiting my recording booth. I tried to keep it casual but apparently it was obvious when I leaned against the wall. My eyes closed and I sighed involuntarily.
"Running again," Kevin called. "Verse three is too fast."
Three hours later
I smoothed my black pencil skirt, straightened my emerald blouse and slid my black heels on before stepping gracefully from the limo. (A/N. Bella is going to be like me. Graceful and light on her feet until she falls flat on her face.)
The doors swung open automatically, allowing me, John, Mickey, Max, and Landon entrance.
The press conference was, as I predicted, the most boring part of my day. I had my cell-phone open under the table and was playing a game of I SPY with my secret service.
I spy something gay. I texted. (A/N. No offense meant to any of you who are gay.)
The kid, Michael. Landon replied in a flash.
That obvious huh? I wrote back. I heard a choked back laugh from behind me that was poorly disguised as a cough.
Cullen's House
Alice POV
I sighed again, my head flopping over to lean to the other side. "Check mate," I said flatly, moving my queen three spaces to left.
Emmett shrugged and stood up, "See ya later."
I nodded once and he left. The cold leather had no soothing qualities for my icy neck. "Oh Edward," I whispered softly. "Edward, Edward, Edward. What have you done?"
An electric shock ran through my small body and I sighed again, allowing the vision to overcome me.
Vision
White flowers overflowed in a silver arch under which Edward stood. He was wearing a sleek black suit and his messy bronze hair was, well, it was messy. But his face. That was truly a sight. Maybe the whole reason for this vision. I thought. To see him happy. Not happy, happy but really true happiness. His face was positively glowing with suppressed happiness.
Then the music started up. A wedding march. My gaze flickered again to find myself at the left-hand side. Made of honor. I regarded to myself.
Down the isle walked a beautiful woman no older than 17. Long locks of chocolate brown curls were piled up on her head, cascading down her back, covered by a thin, antique lace veil. She had a heart-shaped face, with slightly pouted pink lips turned up in the happiest smile her face could support. Her eyes were a warm brown. She was human. Yet her face too was alight with ecstasy, her eyes locked with my dear brothers. But there was something wrong with her. A sickly heir to her. Underneath the articulately done makeup and what must have been expensive veil, her face seemed drawn and ill. Her eyes, so cheerful and joyous, were dulled with pain and laborious strain. She was dying.
End Vision
I sat bolt upright, loosing an audible gasp. Jasper was at my side in a flash, his arms winding protectively around my waist, the rest of our family surrounding us.
"What's wrong Alice?" he murmured in my ear, rubbing soothing circles on my back. "What did you see?"
I shook my head slightly, a wide grin spreading across my face. "Nothing's wrong. No nothing's wrong at all Jasper. It's perfect! It's so perfect!" I pressed my lips to his shocked ones and leapt from his arms, dancing wildly around the room.
Emmett's hands caught my arms forcing me to stop. "What's so perfect Alice?" he asked steadily.
I gazed up at him, still smiling. "Edward is getting married!" I shrieked, throwing my arms around his neck in the hugest hug my small body could muster.
I'm sorry it took me forever to update. I just needed time to relax and time for myself a bit. Ever since I started fanfiction, I've been so busy updating and replying to reviews to just lay down and stare at the stars. Plus school has started up and I've gotten sick. I'm actually still sick and that's why I'm not at school.
I know, not the most interesting chapter, but I had to put a little more on who Bella really was, with the touch of Edward, which makes it all perfect. But I tried to put a little thing or two to keep your attention. Don't worry. Next chapter will be the date and I hate the very clichéd, dinner and go home date. I have so much planned for this story I just can't write fast enough. My mind is like this huge filing cabinet. Literally. If I want to remember something, I go to my head and open this huge mental file. I can even see the file in my head and in it there is everything. It's really, really cool. There's so much for the next chapter but please keep in mind I do have another story that right now is top priority because it was my first. Depending on reviews, I will decide which story is second priority between Drowning in Death and Promise me Something. Drowning in Death was my second story up but I never leave a story unfinished. No matter what this one will have an update by Christmas.
I love you all so much for reading my story. Sorry again for the slow chapter.
Sea of Topaz