Chapter 10 – Ready
In Dr. Perry's class, I showed myself as the best and the brightest. He spoke highly of me, but I had to guarantee my invitation to the benefit. "Dr. Perry?" knocking on his office door. "Bella. Come in." I stood at his desk, "What is this benefit I keep hearing about? If you don't mind me asking, I was very curious." He smiled, "The Clinton House Event. The school donates to the historical buildings and the house hosts the event. Only a few students are invited." I smiled, "Oh. Besides being invited, are there other ways for students to go?" He chuckled, "Buy the tickets, of course, but they're very expensive." Biting my lip, I looked up, "Dr. Perry." He looked at me and his shoulders slumped, "I want to go to the benefit. You will put my name on the list of student invitations." "Of course, Bella." Well, since I have his attention already, I smiled, "Oh and I need Dr. Cullen's address." He turned to his computer, clicked the mouse a few times and a paper came out of the printer. "Thank you, Dr. Perry. And you'll remember putting me on the list, because you have been really impressed with me, but you will not remember giving me Dr. Cullen's address." I left the office and read the address. They lived a little further north. After studying a map, I learned how to get to their house.
While contemplating on visiting them, I rethought that. I knew Alice wasn't looking for me, but she may see me coming to the house. I wanted to be a surprise for all of them. I knew Rosalie wouldn't care, but the rest of them would be happy. The benefit would be perfect. It was going to be this weekend. That didn't give me much time to prepare. I had to find a dress. First, I looked around town. It was like Port Angeles, except there was more than one dress shop. I may have to go further away to find my perfect dress. The irony here is I wished Alice already knew I was here, so she could help me. Going on the school websites, I looked up when Carlisle had his lectures. Contemplating it, I thought about sitting in on one of them. It would be nice to see Carlisle again, in a different setting than a hospital. I was interesting in seeing Carlisle as a teacher. I found his class and sat in the far back. I blocked the view of my face with a book.
"Tonight, we are discussing Ecosystem Disruption and Emerging Infectious Diseases." My smile grew watching Carlisle in this manner. He was fit to be a teacher. He had the knowledge to be a wonderful instructor, but he looked too young to be that educated. Looking over the students, I recognized two people. One had dark black hair, with a muscular build and the other had long golden hair. I couldn't say their names, risking the chance of them hearing me. I sat for most of the lecture. As it was dwindling down, I snuck away before he could notice. My excitement hadn't decreased. I decided to run again, but this time, I went south. Knowing them, they would go further into the mountains, heading north. Running into them would derail my plans. I wasn't making my plans definite, because Alice would see. The excitement erupted at the thought of seeing Alice again. My happiness was pushing me faster. I didn't realize how far I ran until I saw the lights of the city. Stopping, I was on the bank of the Hudson, looking at the Manhattan skyline. My eyes widened taking in the city. Looking at the dark water, I contemplated how fast I really was. Going back a few miles and charging forward, I ran straight through the water and was on the other side. I jumped up and down in enjoyment. This night was so wonderful for me.
The city was teeming with life. So much more life than I have ever experienced. My new senses were alive with every new sight, sound and smell. My feet pulled me forward. I took in all the buildings, the advertisements and the different languages I heard. I remained there for several hours. In a display window of a high-scale store, I saw the most beautiful dress. It was the perfect shade of blue. Edward loved me in blue. Looking at the mannequin, I knew this was the dress for me. Dawn was beginning to break in the east. I waited as the street began to fill with morning commuters. Waiting across the street, someone was finally opening the little shop. Moving quickly, I went over to her. "Hello." She jumped a bit, "Uhh, hello." I smiled, "I was wondering how much that dress in the window is?" She looked back at the dress, then to me, "You really like it?" "I love it. That shade of blue is gorgeous." She smiled, "Well, it's a bit pricey because its hand-made." I shook my head, "That shouldn't be a problem." The girl opened the door, "Then come on in and try it on before you make a finally decision."
Looking in the mirror, the dress looked glorious on me. The lower bodice and skirt was made of delicate deep blue silk. It hugged my hips as I walked perfectly. The upper bodice clung to my body, showing the curves of my chest. It was made of upper bodice was made of folded chiffon. The straps were thickly cut, and crossed along my back. "Here, try these with it." The salesgirl gave me a pair of silver shoes. They went with the dress perfectly. I knew how I wanted to where my hair. Looking at myself in the mirror, it seemed that this dress was made for me. "I'll take it." The salesgirl gave me the price of everything and it was a bit more than I thought. Looking at her with my compulsion, she reduced the price to where I was willing to spend. Leaving the shop, I headed to a secluded alley. It was darker enough for me to begin running. I ran so quickly, I passed the cars in the streets without much attention. I made it back to my house by noon. I could have taken public transportation, but that would have taken too long. I put the dress and shoes away. Shopping for my dress made my excitement only grow.
While reading, an errant thought hit me. What if he saw me and was unhappy with what I became? Edward wanted me to stay human. Would he be unhappy to see me this way? Would he have rather I stayed away and let him remember me as a human? I thought about Carlisle and Jasper's conversation. Edward recently returned home. How long was he away? He left me over a year ago, but how much of that year did he spend with his family? This was becoming painful to think about. What if Edward wouldn't like me like this? What if he preferred me weaker than him? As someone he could protect? But then, me being this way, it would make things easier. He wouldn't have to be so focused on not killing me. Going to my closet, I took out my blue blouse. The one that was his favorite. It was what I wore the night he saved me in Port Angeles. Holding the blouse, I laid on my bed and thought about him. My memories of Edward were murky, but I didn't forget him.
I thought about how his skin glowed in the meadow. The way his skin felt under my fingertips. How the texture was strong and smooth. The way his lips were on mine. My lips molded to his so easily. The bronze color of his hair. When they were pure honey, they were the most beautiful. I remembered listening to the air come and go in his chest as we lay in my small bed. The times we sat together on the leather couch in his bedroom and I would fall sleep in his arms.
Sitting up, I saw the sun was down. It was time for me to get ready. First, I curled my hair, then pinned my tight curls back. My hair was held with blue clips, which matched the dress. My hair fell over the straps of my dress. I wore a silver charm necklace my mother gave me for my last birthday. I tried to hold on the happiness I felt from this morning. Doubt was starting to creep into my mind. He wouldn't want to see me. Pulling up to the Clinton House, I gave my name and entered the hall. The room was crowed with people. Couples were twirling on the dance floor as I walked on the linoleum floor, which was decoratively designed over an indoor water feature. On the dance floor, I recognized the three graceful couples. Their skin as pale as I remembered them. With my new eyes, I really saw how beautiful they really are. My eyes wondered until they fell on the man I was searching for.