Thank you so much to Romania is Fluffy for editing this chapter, and for the great advice. There will be an epilouge after this, and that is the end. Thanks to all those who reviewed and favorited this story. Please keep reviewing!!!!
Chapter 7: BPOV Sunday Morning
My eyes fluttered open. The front door was creaking open, and I saw Alice stick her head in, wearing yesterday's clothes.
I smirked at her, and stretched. I fell asleep on the couch last night, not wanting to get up.
"Well, lookie here. Alice finally came home. I wonder what she did last night? Hmm…" It takes a lot to make Alice blush, but there it was. She looked really happy, so I couldn't say anything bad. "Have you eaten?"
"No, how about you cook, and I'll get our stuff ready for today, okay?"
I nodded, and she went into the bedroom. I could hear her singing in there, something she never does. I made waffles, and put them on a plate. I ate two of them, and Alice came in, eating three.
Once we were done, she dragged me into the bathroom. It was Bella-Barbie Time!
'Joy of the ages' I thought sarcastically.
Alice spent the day, pulling on my hair until it was pulled back in a tight pony tail, with a rose clip on the elastic band. She then forced me into a black dress, with a square neck line and tank top style. It went down to my knees, so Alice put on black stockings on me. Then she dragged me back to the bathroom, where she did my make up, all water proof. It was a dark grey, almost charcoal. Alice called it smoky eyes, and then she applied water proof mascara, and some lip gloss.
"Perfect!" She exclaimed.
"Alice, you spent all day on me, and now you only have forty five minutes to get ready." I knew Alice; she takes about an hour, or more to get ready.
"Don't worry, Bella, we'll be on time."
Alice did her jet black hair down, slightly curled at the end, and a red clip holding her bangs back. Then she stepped into a black dress that had a rounded neck line, but was also a tank top style. Hers had red roses along the front, which went down to her ankles. Her make up was the same as mine. She gave me a pair of black shoes, and ordered for me to put them on.
"Alice, these have a three inch heel!" I said, shocked.
"Bella if you don't put those shoes on right now I'll find you something even higher..." Alice threatened... Although, it was with a lighthearted tone, so she could have been bluffing... But I wasn't going to risk it.
"Okay okay!" I put them on carefully. Alice already had a pair of black heels on. I stood, trying to remain balanced and up right. I can do this! I told myself.
Alice gave me my black, corduroy coat, and she put on hers. We had five minutes to spare.
"Told ya so!" Alice sang at me. I sighed; I knew I should have known better. It's Alice!
We left at three thirty, and arrived at the church ten minutes later. Inside a man and a woman, both dressed in black, greeted us. I signed the guest book on the first line, and grabbed a remembrance card. On the front was a fishing pole and Charlie Swan written in an elaborate font, and I felt a lump rise in my throat.
Inside it said the usual; birthday, death day. The inscription said "Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day. ~Author Unknown".
The man led Alice and I to the front pew. I greeted some of the people already there, an old neighbor, a few people from high school.
In the front there was a table with two bouquets of flowers, and a picture of Charlie. He was smiling, and holding a fishing pole in one hand, and a tiny fish in the other.
As four o'clock drew near, more and more people filled the room. Many came up to me, telling me stories of my father. I saw Edward enter, and he smiled at me, and took a seat in the third row. When the preacher stood up front, everyone took their seats quickly, and he began.
"We are here today, gathered by the loss of a loved one. Charlie Swan died of internal bleeding Friday, December 12, 2008. He was only forty years old, and leaves behind one daughter, Bella Swan… But we are not here to mourn, but more to celebrate, for Charlie lived… God has promised us that we would make it to the other side, but he never promised there would be smooth sailing… No matter how long we try to convince ourselves that we are ready, we never truly are ready to let go of someone we love… it makes a huge impact on a person's life when they leave, but only because they were there. They were there to give advice, to comfort, and to love… that is why when they leave, they leave a handprint on your heart. Charlie lives not in our past, but in our future, when we meet again in heaven, where he will be waiting on the dock, fishing pole in hand, say 'Where have you been? You missed the big ones!'. Let us pray…" The church bowed their heads, and the preacher gave the prayer. I had started to cry silently near the beginning of the preachers speech, and I could hear others sniffling behind me. Even Alice was crying slightly.
The preacher bid us all good bye, and we walked in a huge crowd out to the cemetery. Everyone took their turn standing in front of his headstone, some placing flowers on the ground. Alice and I were the last to get up there. I read the headstone, fresh tears welling up in my eyes.
"Charlie Swan
April 13, 1968- December 12, 2008.
Beloved Father, and friend."
Alice wrapped her arm around my shoulder, and we walked back to the church where the reception was being held. I wiped the tears away from my face, determined not to let them see me cry.
The room was buzzing with conversations. I heard Emmett talking from across the room. I made my way around, people telling me that they're sorry for my loss. I told them it was okay, and moved on. I went from group to group, the same old thing. Some people left, while my father's closest friends stayed longer.
By five, only about ten people were left. I was catching up with Emmett, and his wife Rosalie, Alice was talking with Jasper near by, and Edward was near the back of the church. The Clearwaters left, Harry and Sue giving me a hug. I offered them one of the bouquets, which Sue immediately took. Billy Black had wanted the photo, so I gave it to him, since I already had a house full of them.
I excused my self, and headed to the bathroom. Alice looked at me, wondering where I was going, so I gave her a reassuring smile.
The bathrooms were small, only two stalls, and two sinks. I did my business, and stepped outside to wash my hands, only to be confronted with the last person in the world I'd ever want to see again.
Lauren.
Her eyes were dark as she looked at me, a wicked smile on her face. "Well, hello, Bella. It's been too long don't you think?" She said, her voice a sneer.
"Excuse me Lauren." I asked, trying to get past, but she blocked the pathway.
"No no, your going to listen, and listen well. I've told you once, and you didn't listen. Edward is mine, as he always has been. So stay away from him."
"Fine Lauren, just move." She smiled at me again, evil written all over her face. When she was behind me, I stopped and said, "Wait, you know what? No, Lauren, I don't have to listen to you. I didn't in high school, and I sure as hell won't now. You ruined my life, and Edward's." My fist clenched together into tight balls as I continued, "So now, I'm going to do what I should have done three years ago." I drew my hand up and punched her perfect nose.
She sat there whining as I washed my hands. I didn't give her a second glance as I walked out the door. I didn't go to the main room though, but stood in the hallway.
It all made sense now. Edward never cheated on me; it was just Lauren and her lies. She wanted Edward, and I was in the way, so she had to break both mine, and Edward's hearts.
A huge smile broke out on my face. So maybe he still loves me!
I walked back to where Alice and the group was. Emmett and Rosalie were saying good bye, Lillian was asleep in Emmett's arms. The others must have left while I was in the bathroom. All that was left was Jasper, Edward, Alice, and I. I wanted to stay a little bit longer, so Jasper offered to drive Alice home.
"But Alice, I told you before that I refuse to drive that car!" I said.
"I'll drive you home," Edward's velvety voice said. Of all the times I've heard him say that, it still made my heart soar.
"Okay." I said, feeling a slight blush in my cheeks. Edward reached his hand toward my face, and my heart picked up speed. I didn't notice when Alice and Jasper left, all that existed was Edward, like it had been before.
"When are you leaving?" He asked, pushing some loose hair behind my ear.
"Tomorrow night, after the will reading."
"So soon?"
" I have work Edward. Don't tell me that you don't have a job?"
"I have one, but it allows me to take a vacation when ever I please.'
"And what do you do Edward?" I said, breaking his gaze and walking towards the door.
"I write music for movies."
"Wow, really? That's awesome. What else is new with you?"
"Nothing really. I eat, sleep, write music, and every moment of every day I hope that you will come back."
I stopped walking, and turned to where Edward was standing. He took two long strides to my side, standing close to me.
"I never stopped loving you, you know? I always hoped that you would come home. It broke my heart when you left, and it felt like you just ripped out my heart and took it with you to San Francisco. I tried to act normal for my parents, but I never gave up wishing." Tears had formed in my eyes, blurring my vision a bit. When one overflowed, Edward wiped it away with his thumb. His palm now cupped my cheek, and he looked deeply into my eyes. It felt like a hummingbird had gotten trapped in my chest, frantic to get out, its wings beating rapidly.
Edward leaned down a bit, now at my eye level, looked into my eyes, asking permission, then his lips were on mine. It was the same spark, same electricity between us. The kiss deepened, and I began to get dizzy. My hands went to his shaggy bronze hair, knotting my fingers. His arms wrapped around my waist pulling me closer. I hadn't felt this way since I was eighteen.
When we finally broke off for air, I stood in his arms, safer than I've ever been. I never wanted to let go. The wind was blowing all around us, leaves blown up into the air.
"I love you." I whispered.
"I love you too, Bella. More than anything in the world." Edward replied before his lips were on mine again.
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