Breaking Dawn

Chapter 6: I Hear the Bells

I stepped into the Cullen's house with Alice, unsure of what I was about to see. The surroundings washed over me as I finally realized something.

I was going to be married.

I was going to be turned.

Bella Swan would no longer exist. Instead, she would become an integral part of the Cullen family. The vampire family. I smiled, a little scared for what was ahead.

"Do you like it?" Alice asked.

My eyes traveled over the vibrant yellows of the room, contrasted against the pale pink and white colors of the room. Ribbons were tied elegantly to every door and light. White petals were scattered on the floor. Candles were placed in a carefully formed path on the floor. Elegant, wooden, and cushioned pews were placed on both sides of the path. I stepped onto the path, a little hesitant.

"I'm supposed to walk on this candle path?"

"Of course."

"But I am accident prone! What if I kick one over and cause a fire?"

Alice rolled her eyes, "Relax Bella! Nothing will happen!"

"But why the sudden rush to get married? Shouldn't you have asked me first?" I asked, bitter. "You should have warned me!"

She pranced over to the other side and moved the candles around. "I was excited! If you get married, you can become a vampire! Plus, I was already planning this for months."

I sighed. "Alright then…"

I shuffled around Alice's room, my mind wrapped in thoughts. Her room was deadly silent, the perfect place for me and my thoughts.

I was getting married right now. Alice was getting the wedding dress ready. And I was waiting in her room so I could be her mannequin.

Where was Jacob in all of this?

My thoughts eased dangerously back to Jacob. Finally, I stopped walking, and then fell onto the bed.

Knock. Knock.

I quickly got up and looked at the door. "Alice?" I opened the door and looked cautiously outside and saw nothing there. Slightly confused, I closed the door again.

Knock.

I spun around, looking at the room. A shadow flitted across the curtain which covered the entrance to the balcony. My heart caught in my throat. Who was it?

"Edward? You know its bad luck to see the bride before the wedding," I shouted. The shadow didn't answer. Scared, I grabbed one of the thin lamps on Alice's drawer. "Who's there?" I edged closer to the curtains, my hand stretched out. "I'm armed!" Finally, I closed my eyes then gathered enough courage to enter the balcony. Blindly, I began to hit the air around me.

"Jesus Bella! Stop hitting me!"

I kept my eyes closed, convinced that I was dreaming. "No, it can't be. I'm dreaming."

"Open your eyes Bella. You're not dreaming."

There it was again.

The voice.

I let the warmness wash over me, a smile formed on my face. "I am dreaming. I can't wake up." I felt his warm hands grasp my cheek gently, leaving me shivering in happiness. Finally, I opened my eyes. "Jacob."

He smiled at me, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "That's my name isn't it? I'm sorry I scared you. But really? Hitting me with a lamp?"

I blushed. "Sorry about that."

"It's alright. It didn't hurt at all."

I grumbled slightly, and folded my arms. "It should have." Suddenly, the sadness that had surrounded me evolved into anger. "Where were you? I was worried sick about you!"

Jacob wrapped me in his arms, shielding me from the cold air. "I'm sorry Bella. I just needed time to think. Alone, by myself, without the thoughts of my fellow werewolves…" We stood there in silence, enjoying each others company. "Are you really going to marry him?"

"Yes."

"Do you love him?"
"Yes, I do. I love him so much."

He pushed me away and looked down at the ground. "I love you too Bella. I could be your sunlight. He can't. How can you let him hurt you again?"

I stepped next to him and slipped my fingers into his. "He won't."

"Bella! Open the door; I have your wedding dress!" Alice called.

Jacob stiffened. "I have to go."

He climbed over the railing of the balcony and paused at the tug of his shirt. "Jacob, don't go. Stay."

"I can't watch you toss away your life for someone who hurt you. Please, let me go."

I slipped my grasp on him and watched hopelessly as he climbed onto the tree. "Bye Jacob."

Jacob managed to smile at me, "If he ever hurts you, I will always be here, waiting. You'll never be alone."

"Bella! Are you in there?" Alice asked again.

I ignored her, and watched Jacob step into the darkness, until he completely disappeared. Finally, I walked back inside and opened the door for Alice.

"Hey, sorry about that."

Alice ran a thumb down my cheek and wiped away the tears. "Why are you crying?" Her nose crinkled. "Gosh, Bella, not to be rude or anything, but you smell horrible!" She gasped as soon as she said this, "Jacob was here wasn't he?"

I nodded sadly. Alice took my hand and walked me to the bed. "I'm alright, really Alice."

"We could postpone it. Relax another day."

I shook my head, "No, I'm ready."

Alice kissed me on the forehead. "You're so brave Bella and you're going to love your dress!"

I looked at the white sheet covering the dress, horrified. "It's not too frilly is it?"

"Of course not, silly."

I walked over to the dress, and uncovered it. The sheet came off of it and revealed a beautiful and pure white dress. There were no frills or flowers on it, just a simple V-neck. Even though it was simple, it seemed to exert elegance and beauty. I played around with the silky quality of it then slipped it on, enjoying the satin feel.

"You look gorgeous Bella!"

"Thanks," I said, embarrassed. She set me down onto a chair and quickly fashioned my hair into elegant curls. Finally, after a while, she reached out for my hand.

"Ready Bella?"

I sighed and slipped one look at myself in the mirror. I was completely transformed into something I've never looked like before. I hoped Edward would like it…

"Ready."