A quick note to my amazing readers: HOLY SHIT IN A BUCKET THIS CHAPTER IS LONG! Here's why:
I am on a quest for longer chapters! This is very good news for you. You get more story in less time. XD
This is partly because I get very anxious, and I want to get my new chapters out there as soon as I can, so that my lovely readers (that would be you) could read it. And then review.
However, I expect more reviews for longer chapters. As in, longer chapter = lots of reviews; short chapter = few reviews. Understand?
stageglitter1- thank you so much! I feel very honored. :)
RoGueSurfer- THank you THank you!
Blue Moiraine Sedai- I can't tell if you will seriously harm me if I don't follow your instructions...BUT I WILL tell you that I think you will enjoy the story...eventually. Perhaps.
Lovelyshakirababe- Yeah, I thought that too many ideas about death and dealing with grief would make my story a major downer, which it isn't necessarily supposed to be. I hope you enjoy the banter of this chapter between Edward and Bella (In the...3rd section ), and the major fluffiness.
On with the fun! Oh, and please pardon my vulgar English!
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Bright Side Of The Road (AKA best song ever. Period. End O' Story...I call it the "Happy Song", in case you were curious. ...I bet you were...and NOW YOU KNOW! :O)
It had now been a month since Edward Sr.'s funeral. I smiled up at the May sun, grateful for the complete return of warmth to the weather. I was dressed in a light blue dress, sitting next to the vibrantly colored flowers in Edward's back yard.
I played with Topaz, Edward's puppy that had grown substantially in the past few weeks. Topaz licked my hands, tickling my skin, and making me giggle.
"Topaz, you are the most precious dog in the world!" I exclaimed, holding topaz in front of my face, looking into her large, brown eyes.
Topaz wagged her tail and licked the tip of my nose.
I grimaced and wiped my hand over my face, removing the dog's wet kiss from my face. "It's alright, Topaz. I still love you."
Topaz scurried away from me, spotting a bird in the corner of the yard. She lifted her front paw, her tail sticking out directly behind her, as she watched the bird motionlessly. The bird flew a foot or so to the left, and topaz began to chase the poor creature.
Unfortunately, Topaz hadn't been used to her larger paws yet, so she tripped over her paws in the midst of her running. She rolled to the side, landing in the flowers, getting dirt over her previously shiny coat.
I laughed at the dog's pathetic attempt to chase the bird and lifted Topaz into my arms. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you take after my lack of gracefulness," I sung to the puppy.
I heard a smooth voice chuckle behind me. "I leave you for thirty minutes and you revert to singing to animals."
I grinned at the man behind me, kissing him on the lips. "What can I say, Edward? Your absence takes a toll on my sanity."
Edward laughed and kissed my forehead. "We should get going. If we don't get going soon, my mother will recruit us for helping her with chores." He frowned at the thought.
I smiled and brushed off my skirt, ridding it of dust. "Alright then. Lead the way."
Edward smiled and took my hand, walking us to the street. We discussed our plans for the summer. Edward would be turning seventeen in a little more than a month, and Renee's wedding would take place in soon after that, giving me a lot to plan.
I would be my mother's maid of honor, so while she frolicked with Phillip, Edward would assist me in visiting bakeries and dress shops. I smiled at the man next to me, who was leading us to a park.
A small stream ran through the river, and large trees with vibrant green leaves provided ample shade. Edward sat on a bench, pulling me down next to him.
I rested my head on the side of his chest, extending my legs to the side to create a more comfortable position. I gazed out at the children who played games in the grassy center of the park.
I then noticed Edward shift a little bit, as if her was uncomfortable. I immediately sat up straight, looking into his green eyes. "Is everything okay, Edward?" I asked, concerned by his sudden shift in attitude.
"Yes, Bella. Everything is fine, I simply…" He trailed off, looking at his hands, seeming at a loss of words. He breathed in a deep breath, focusing his gaze on me.
"I just wanted you to know how much I love you, Bella." This was surprising. I already knew that he loved me. He told me everyday, as much as he possibly could, which I repeated back to him every time.
"And I love you, too, Edward. Was that it?" I smiled, looking at his bronze hair, which blew lightly in the breeze.
"No, that wasn't it. I love you with all of my heart, every inch of my soul," He stood up from the bench, holding my gaze the whole time.
"I want to spend forever with you. I want to live a long life, filled with happiness, with you by my side, then when we pass on, I want our souls to meet in heaven," his eyes held such a passionate look; I couldn't possibly turn away to hide the tears that were appearing in the corner of my eyes.
"Bella," he stated, kneeling on his left knee, holding my hands with his own. "Will you marry me?"
I couldn't find my voice. I wanted to say "of course" or anything that would vocalize my answer of "yes". I did the only thing I could do at that moment; I nodded softly, kissing the man in front of me with as much passion as I could muster.
Tears that ran happily down my face were rubbed away by Edward's long fingers when we pulled away. He beamed at me, smiling the most beautiful smile I had ever seen.
"Thank you," he whispered, kissing my softly on the lips. He reached into his pocket, revealing a small, black box.
I gasped, and then looked at Edward. He grinned crookedly at my reaction, and then slowly opened the box, exposing an expensive symbol for our love.
I grabbed the box, to get a closer look at the ring. It sat in a setting of white satin, so I removed the ring carefully.
The ring was white gold with a large diamond in the center. Intricate designs in white gold swirled up the band to surround the diamond. Looking closely, I noticed that the webs of swirls were lined with small diamonds.
I placed the ring on my ring finger, admiring the perfect fit and the appearance of the ring on my finger. I gazed at Edward, a smile growing on both of our faces.
"It's breath taking, Edward. Absolutely beautiful," I whispered.
Edward grinned at me, and then captured me in another kiss.
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Dreamin'
Edward and I rushed back to his house to tell Elizabeth the news. We practically ran the entire way back. Both Edward and I, I noticed, held wide smiles on our faces the whole time.
When we arrived at Edward's home, Edward opened the door with great force, desperate to get into the house. "Mother!" He called, grinning the entire time.
"Elizabeth!" I echoed, my grin almost identical to his.
Shuffling upstairs was heard, before we could see Elizabeth walk down the stairs. He held a picture frame in one hand, a cloth in the other, and I could see that she had been working on her housework, dusting off the pictures.
"Yes, dears?" She smiled, still focused on her current task.
"Mother, Bella and I are engaged!" Edward's excitement was not concealed well in his voice at all. Elizabeth dropped both the cloth and the frame at once, causing the frame to crack.
She rushed to our sides, kissing both of our cheeks. "That is fantastic!" She cried, hugging both of us. The directed her gaze at Edward, a slight glare in her eyes. "It's about time, son. Honestly, poor Bella must have felt like she was waiting for a lifetime!"
Edward ducked his head in a jesting manner. "Sorry, mother."
Elizabeth smiled at him, and lifted up his chin. "No sense worrying about the past. Now cheer up! You two are getting married!"
She squealed in excitement, and motioned for us to sit on a couch in the sitting room. We agreed, and Edward held my hand as we sat side by side on the same couch I met his parents on.
Elizabeth sat in a chair directly across from us, leaning slightly forward with her arms on her thighs. "So, when is the ceremony going to be?"
Edward looked down at me, a signal that if I had a suggestion I should say it then. "Um, perhaps if we waited until both Edward and I were seventeen, at least. I believe we could handle marriage as seventeen year olds, perhaps after I turn eighteen?"
Edward agreed, and Elizabeth stood up. "Oh, dears!" She exclaimed happily. "Getting married in a few months, at least four, to be exact. Oh, how exciting!"
Edward and I nodded; we were enjoying the happiness this has brought the Masen family and myself. The next task we had to complete was to tell Renee. I hoped she would accept Edward, not for his money, but for his personality. That she could accept him for who he is, just as the Masens had done for myself.
I looked at Edward, the internal struggle of whether to leave now, or stay with Elizabeth, showed on my face. Edward recognized the look I gave him and stood up.
"I'm sorry, mother, but we must tell Bella's family. I will see you later tonight," he said calmly in his silky voice, while his mother rand to his side and kissed his cheek.
"Be safe," she cautioned, and smiled down at me. "Goodbye Isabella."
I smiled at her as we left to visit my mother with our news.
-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_
Edward and I walked up to my front door, and I carefully opened the door. I walked inside, searching for my mother.
"Renee?" I called, unsure of her whereabouts. "Mother?"
Renee, leading Phillip's hand to meet us in the entryway, smiled at me. "Isabella. I thought you would be with Edward all day?"
I gestured to Edward. "I am. We have some important news to tell you," I grinned up at Edward, who smiled down at me.
Renee gasped. "You aren't pregnant, are you? I swear, Isabella, sometimes I think that a wild pack of dogs raised you. You-" (AN: heehee...pack...)
"MOTHER!" I raised my voice, cutting her off. I blushed at what she believed our news to be. If only Edward and I had been together in that fashion, we only kissed in our relationship, as was proper for most romances.
Edward took my hand, in a reassuring gesture. "Ms. Swan," he began, trying to direct my mother's attention to himself. "Isabella and I are engaged."
Renee smiled widely and rushed to my side, looking at my hand that held the ring. "Oh, this ring is divine! Phillip! Come look at her gorgeous ring!" Phillip grunted and stood next to his fiancé.
"Congratulations, Isabella and Edward. That is quite a ring you have there." He offered, before sitting back in the chair.
Edward smiled at him. "Thank you sir." He leaned over to kiss my cheek. "Bella, you must excuse me, but I have to return home."
I nodded and waved as I let him out of the house. When I shut the door, Renee hurried to my side. "Oh, Isabella! I knew you would marry him! I knew it from the very first time you went to supper with him!"
I remembered that day very well, where I hid in my closet crying over the harsh words Renee said about Edward, suggesting that I marry him for the money. I grunted and stormed up to my room, lying down on my bed.
I gazed down at my ring, daydreaming about what the future would bring for my fiancé and myself.
I imagined our wedding day, both of us slightly more mature. I stood at the alter with my bronze haired god, who was dressed elegantly in a tuxedo. I wore a classic white dress; the same one Renee had worn with her wedding to Charlie all those years ago.
I dreamt of Edward and my first child, a young boy with my brown hair and his father's green eyes. Our second child, who was a girl, with Edward's bronze hair and my brown eyes, looked at me smiling and saying "Mama". She looked like Elizabeth would have as a child, except for the eye color.
I continued to imagine various paths for our future, drifting asleep eventually.
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Father Of Mine (Not many songs I could think of to fit this chapter, so I decided to position the section around Edward's Gift.)
Edward and I were sitting in my room. My head was rested on Edward's stomach, with both of our backs against the bed, completely satisfied. Edward's fingers brushed through my hair as we sat talking. The small action was becoming second nature to him.
"Edward?" I sighed, turning over to face him. He smiled down at me, perfectly at ease.
"Yes?" He answered, mimicking my questioning sigh.
I grinned at him. "You know, your birthday is in a two weeks…" My voice trailed on, waiting for Edward's reaction. I couldn't get him to talk about his birthday at all in the past few weeks. His answer to any comment was always the sweet, yet annoying, "I don't need anything. I have everything I need," and then he'd kiss me.
He groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose, one of his many nervous habits. "Bella, I've told you a million times by now-"
"You don't need anything when you have me. Yes, I know Edward." I smiled, finishing his now cliché phrase.
He leaned down and kissed my lips softly. "But of course, Bella! How could I possibly ask for anything else?"
I groaned, rolling over completely, so my stomach now rested on the bed, my head tilted to the side on Edward's chest so that I could see his face. "But what about when my birthday approaches this fall? Won't you wish to get me something?"
Edward nodded, appearing as though the answer was obvious. "Yes I will. But this is completely different."
I grimace, sitting up so I could look at Edward eye to eye. "That's my point exactly! Why can you get gifts for me, when I cannot get anything for you?"
Edward rolled his green eyes, smirking at me. "So is this what our conversation is about? Do you wish to bring politics, such as women's rights, into every conversation we have?"
I nodded, smiling. "Men shouldn't be able to shower women with gifts, and then reject the women's gifts stubbornly." I added, teasingly poking his chest with every word to my last phrase.
Edward mockingly gasped. "You think I'm stubborn, Isabella?"
I giggled and nodded, hopping off of my bed. "You are the most stubborn man I know, Edward Anthony Masen." My arms were placed on my hips, a teasing glint in my eyes.
Edward got off of the bed as well, watching me in good humor. His arms were crossed in front of his chest, a crooked grin on his face. "But... you love me all the same."
I ran to his side, swatting his arm playfully. "Of course I do. Now tell me what you want for your birthday!"
Edward looked thoughtful. "What do I want?" He murmured to himself. He looked at me a few moments later with a smile on his face. "I know something you can bring me that will not cost you a dime. Everybody wins."
I sat on the bed, eager to hear what his idea was. I knew he hadn't wanted me to "waste" my money on him. This idea would fit both of our criteria for a gift…
"I want, no, I need you to give me your father's approval of our engagement. That way, our marriage could be proper; your father would know of our marriage, so he could walk you down the aisle."
I grinned at Edward, truly in love with his idea. "I suppose you won't let me pay for the train ticket, will you?"
Edward smirked his crooked smile, shaking his head. I grumbled, mumbling incomprehensible curses. This only made Edward's smile grow. "I said it wouldn't cost you a dime, didn't I?"
That man was crafty.
Edward stood up, appearing deep in thought. "I suppose you'd have to leave soon so your father could arrive by my birthday…"
I looked at Edward, finally understanding why he wanted my father's approval. I had only met his father for such a short time, and I was given his approval. I was accepted into his family almost immediately. Perhaps Edward also wished for me to honor the time I had with my father. Having lost his, perhaps he knew how much I needed a father figure. Phillip was hardly what I would consider an adequate father.
I smiled at Edward, a new appreciation for his idea. "Anytime you get the tickets, I'll be ready. Sooner would be better, that way I could see you that much sooner."
He grinned at me, capturing my lips in a chaste kiss. "Thank you, love."
I blushed, beaming at him. I truly appreciated his names for me; he was the only person I would even consider letting call me 'Bella' or 'love'.
Edward lifted up my chin. "I will really miss that blush of yours when you leave."
I looked at the clock to the side of my room. "Perhaps we should go tell the mothers, and then go to the train station to see when the next train leaves."
Edward nodded in agreement. "Perhaps we should tell your mother first. I have the faint suspicion that she will be slower to accept our idea than my mother."
I smiled, and led him downstairs. "Renee," I called, hoping she was still in the house. "Mother?"
Renee scurried to the living room, appearing as though she was just sleeping. Her bun was askew, her eyes dusted with tiredness, and her movements slower than normal.
"Excuse us, mother, but Edward would like to ask your permission for something." I smiled as I pushed Edward slightly forward, him frightened by the prospect of asking my mother. I didn't blame him; my mother could be quite terrifying.
"Ms. Swan," He cleared his throat, looking at me with a slight glare. "For my birthday, Isabella would like to visit her father and bring him back to Chicago. We would both love his approval of our marriage."
My mother frowned at Edward with a strange glint in her eye. "Why don't you both travel?" I honestly hadn't thought of this idea.
"Well, Ms. Swan, I would love for Mr. Swan to meet my mother as well. And we can't all travel out of Chicago; that would leave no one at my house to prepare for the party my mother and her friends have begun to plan," he calmly explained.
Renee tilted her head to the side, considering the idea. "I suppose you may go, Isabella. I expect you to be back by next week; the party is in two weeks, is it not?"
Edward nodded. "It's in two weeks, ma'am."
Renee bobbed her head the slightest bit, pursing her mouth with her hand on her chin. "That will be fine, then. Isabella, the last time I checked, your father lived in Dallas, in an attempt to free himself from the North and clusters of cities."
I smiled. That sounded exactly like Charlie; he had always loathed the city life. That is the main reason why he left us; he did not want for Renee to live in Chicago for her new job as teacher. However, I found it amusing how he ended up in another city for his job.
"Thank you, mother. Edward, will you check with your mother and find the time when the next train leaves? I need to gather my belongings in a trunk," I asked, still excited that my mother allowed me to go on this visit.
Edward nodded, waving goodbye to us. I immediately marched up the stairs to my bedroom, scooping a few dresses and other clothing items in my large, brown trunk.
I ventured to my bathroom, placing my toiletries in a small bag that would be placed in my trunk. I then stepped towards my bookshelf, deciding which books to bring on my travels. I decided on a few Jane Austen novels, and tossed them into the trunk.
I sat in my vanity, searching for a necklace chain to place my ring on. I had heard from my mother's gossiping friends that muggers searched for women, mainly those who displayed their jewels proudly, as their targets. I discovered a long, delicate silver chain and smiled to myself at the small victory. I took off the gorgeous ring that Edward gave to me and strung it on the chain, tucking the chain under the neckline of my dress. I grinned at my craftiness.
I heard a soft knock on the doorframe of my room. I turned around to find Edward smiling at me. His smile vanished when he discovered my ring was absent.
"Bella, did you lose it? I don't mind if-"
I stopped his worries with a gentle kiss, reaching into my dress to reveal the chain. I smiled at my fiancé, "I would never lose it. This is simply a travel precaution."
Edward grinned, and grabbed my trunk from my bed. "My mother mentioned that there was a train that leaves in about an hour for Dallas."
I nodded, following him down the stairs. I gave Renee a large hug, while she began to tear up. "Don't worry, mother. I will see you again in a week."
She nodded, and told us goodbye as we left the house, placing the trunk in Edward's automobile. Edward opened the door for me, helping me get into the automobile safely.
He then let himself into the other side of the car. "I will miss you, Bella Swan." He said softly as he drove to the train station.
I smiled at him and kissed him on the cheek. "And I will miss you, Edward Masen. With all of my heart."
Edward smirked at me as he parked on the side of the road. He let me out of the automobile, carrying my trunk for me.
We walked up to the ticket booth, holding hands the entire way. "One round trip ticket to Dallas," his voice smoothly called to the man who stood behind the booth, who was struggling to hear him.
"Dallas, you say?" He asked, an Italian accent prominent in his voice.
Edward nodded, handing a sum of money to the man, who in turn, handed Edward two tickets.
"The pink one is for the trip back. Have a safe visit," The man shouted over the sounds of the train.
I grabbed the handle of my trunk and the tickets in one hand, tears forming in my eyes.
Edward leaned down, and kissed my lips softly. "Don't worry, Bella. I will see you in a week! You do have money, don't you?"
I nodded, remembering the pouch I placed in my trunk, filled with money I had saved for the past few years. I smiled at Edward's kindness and kissed him once more.
Edward held me close, capturing me in a hug, before I walked onto the train. I waved goodbye to him as the train began to lurch forward, carrying me towards my father.
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I sat in a section with an old man sitting across from me. He held a newspaper to his face, his eyes barely visible over the top of the page. He had bushy white eyebrows, and from what I could gather, a rather large nose. I sighed, averting my gaze from the man, and pulling out Emma.
After a page or so of reading, I heard the old man clear his throat. I looked up from the book, at the man.
"I asked you a question, Missy," his rough voice said. All voices I heard now were compared to the velvet voice of my Edward. There was absolutely no resemblance between the two voices.
"Excuse me, sir?" I asked timidly, unsure of if he was talking to myself.
"Yes, you. Your name?" He asked impatiently. With the paper removed from his face, I noticed the large white mustache that hung above his upper lip.
"I-isabella, sir." I responded politely, trying to muster up the courage to speak. This man had an edge to him that frightened me.
"Ah. Isabella. My name is Richard. Pleasure to meet your acquaintance," he held his hand over the small table that separated us, a southern accent present in his words.
I shook his hand, which was very large and had rough skin. "Pleased to meet you."
"So, Isabella. What brings you to Texas?" He questioned, seeming only interested in the conversation because he had nothing else to do.
"I've come to meet my father and bring him back to Chicago."
"That's nice. Do you see your old man much?" He asked, sticking his large nose further into my personal information.
"No, sir. It is just a visit." With that, I reopened my book, trying to find the page where the Richard interrupted me.
I found the page, but found myself too tired to actually read. I set the book to my side, making sure to mark my page, and fell asleep.
I found the rough bumps of the train hard to sleep with, but I managed by imagining Edward play me one of his lovely songs. Just one week, and I could see him.
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EPOV :O
She's So High
I watched as the large, black train began to take Bella towards her father. I sincerely hoped she would find him; every person needs to spend time with their father, because you never know when they may pass on.
I sighed to myself, placing my hands in pant pockets, walking back to the automobile. I placed myself in the vehicle, turning onto the crowded streets of Chicago. Luckily, the Spanish Influenza outbreak has subsided in the recent weeks, lightening the workload of the doctors and nurses slightly.
Eventually, my thoughts drifted back to Bella. This wasn't unusual by any means; the majority of my thoughts contained something that related to the wonderful woman I am lucky enough to call my fiance.
I pulled into the driveway of my home, eager to return to my mother. She cared so much for Bella, lucky I could find a girl that loved me nearly as much as I loved her. I hopped over the white fence of our backyard, patting Topaz on the head as I made my way to the back door of our house.
I opened the door quietly, and let myself in. I found my mother knitting in the sitting room. I decided not to interrupt her work, so I ventured up to my room. About three months or so ago, my father and I purchased a piano for my room, so I could practice in privacy. We still kept our nicer piano downstairs, so that I could "play for company", as my mother called it.
I sat down at the upright piano, placing my hands gently on the ivory keys, thinking of what tune I should play. I couldn't decide on a composer, and no immediate song came to mind, so I decided to let mind drift, and allow my fingers create their own tune.
A melody in no way similar to the song I had composed for Bella all those weeks ago, the chords began to soothe my mind. I played a few different varieties of chords, accompanying them with the idle movement of my left hand, creating a balance for the two contrasting, yet harmonizing, parts.
I smiled, pleased with my work, and decided to check on my mother once more. "Edward?" she called, probably hearing my footsteps.
"Yes, mother?" I asked, sitting in a chair across from her.
"I was curious if Bella left the city alright." She questioned, her hands focused on her knitting.
"Yes, she got on the train safely. She has money for the trip, and arrives directly to Dallas, so she has no need to worry over switching routes." I stated to my mother, calming both of our nerves. Bella had become a large part of our family; I know that father would have enjoyed her, had he known her more...
"Well, that's good. I heard your new composition..." my mother trailed off, peering at me from her work, smiling.
I blushed, "Oh. Y-you did? Well," I began, struggling to compose myself, "how did you enjoy it?"
My mother's smile grew from the crooked grin I inherited to a wide smile that signaled that she truly enjoyed it. "It was splendid. Perhaps with a little bit of a mood change, you could play it at your party."
"Change the mood?" I questioned, curious to my mother's request.
"Oh, yes dear. I found it slightly melancholy for a party," she stated, her focus back on the two needles and yarn in her hands.
"I'll think about it. What do you plan on doing for my party?" I questioned, for this information had been kept a secret from both Bella and myself. My mother knew Bella and myself enough to know that Bella would tell me the idea, and if she didn't, I would do everything in my power to find out from her.
My mother smiled at my impatience. I had asked this question several times today. "It will be an event, containing several friends of yours from school. But do not try to ask them; they have been sworn to secrecy, Edward." She smirked at me, and returned once more to her knitting.
I groaned and got up from the chair. An event? At least that was a bit more information. I walked out the back door, sitting on the bench and playing with Topaz. Just one week until I could see Bella again.
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AN: So, I decided that while Bella is getting dear old dad, Edward could have his own little mini adventures. I hope I captured his character correctly!
For some reason I decided to have 4 song titles... Hmmm... I honestly don't remember why. Perhaps I was writing this story while listening to the songs... Perhaps I stayed home from school very sick and delusional, in which case I shouldn't have been on my computer...
I don't know if I've done this for this story yet, but I might as well:
Guess what, readers? I don't own Twilight! That's how I have the time to write this! Otherwise, you would be reading this story on (hypothetically) my website as an extra... But you aren't, and I do have the time (apparently) so BAM! I, twilightbystarlight, do not own Twilight, or anything else in the series.
Thank you for reading and please let me know what you think! Not about the disclaimer; about the chapter, if you don't mind :)