To my readers: Thank you for sticking with me. I know I write short chapters, but I hope the content speaks for itself on how hard I work for you and the story I'm trying to tell. Enjoy, and I love and appreciate you all. xoxo
Chapter 8
The next morning came aggressively. I woke up at first light after thrashing for hours in a half-sleep. In my vague dreams I ran through the trees; I smelled the ocean and sand; I burned as the sun. I discovered my dark sheets covered in cold sweat. I sat up in my bed, but I wasn't ready to rise. Instead I remained there for a time, looking out my window at the tree just outside. The morning light changed and passed against its branches as the early morning slowly disappeared.
"This is the last morning I'll be Bella Swan in her bedroom." I had barely embraced that this was the last time I'd witness this simple, personal view when there was a knock on my door. Alice was here to pick me up.
Hours later, after a morning of relaxation and pampering (all directed by the unrelenting force that was my future sister-in-law), I was primped and polished. In my grey silk robe, I looked in the mirror to see the result of Alice's committed work.
The hour-long massage followed by a steamy bubble bath and manicure and pedicure had done magic. Even for my lack of sleep, I was rejuvenated, glowing with light and energy. My skin was bright and healthy. The delicate make up accentuated the size of my eyes and hid away whatever was left of the dark circles that had been with me for months. My hair was gently pulled back into braids and a fancy yet messy bun. I had to admit to myself, I looked beautiful. Even in my robe, I suddenly felt like a queen. My confident reflection beamed back at me. "I should treat myself like this more often."
"What do you think? Do you love it?" Alice had entered the room silently. "I tried not to stray too far from your style, but I thought this look fit your special day."
"I love it, Alice. You've really outdone yourself. That masseuse you hired took literal weight off of my shoulders," I smiled.
"I can tell, I don't know if I've ever seen you stand this straight," she said, pleased with her work. "You look absolutely breathtaking. Edward is going to want to whisk you off to the honeymoon immediately."
The honeymoon. We were flying off tonight after the reception on a private plane that Carlisle had reserved for us. Tonight. Little did my friends or family know that their send off would be our final farewell.
"Bella?" I guess I had been in my own thoughts for a bit too long. "Hey, it's about time we get your dress on," she coaxed.
"Yeah, let's do it," I gave her a reassuring smile.
After some wiggling, pulling, and fastening of what felt like a thousand buttons, the dress was on. It was silk and lace, the color of cream, with sleeves down to my wrists.
"Oh my god," Alice gasped. She looked like she was about to cry.
"Aw, Alice," I came to her with a hug.
"You're perfect," she said as we parted, with a tear in her eye, "and I'm just so excited for you to be my sister."
"We've…we've been sisters since the day we met, Alice. I can never thank you enough for all that you've done for me." I held onto her hand. I could never repay her for her warmth and kindness in welcoming me into this otherworldly family.
We stood there holding hands with smiles and tears when suddenly she sniffed the air harshly. With a look of disgust she let go of my hand and was quickly at the window.
"It smells like you have a visitor," she said, rolling her eyes. "You would think he'd have the decency to use the front door like a proper guest."
I rushed to her side by the window and looked out. Yards away, I could just make out tan skin in a white collared shirt walking through the trees. Jacob.
"He's not exactly a "proper guest"," I said mostly to myself. "I don't think he's here to stay," I said a little louder to Alice. She looked at him and then, hesitantly, to me.
"Make it quick," she said nodding her head, knowingly. "Everyone is ready for you."
She walked out the door as I slipped on my sneakers.
