Eyes Wide Shut
The first time I got to blindfold Bella, I was five, she was 7, and we were playing pin the tail on the donkey at my birthday party.
It was alright – I got to spin her around and around until she was dizzy and she almost pinned the tail to my nose.
The second time, it was when I finally finished refurbishing her truck – a new coat of paint, new seats, practically new motor, new everything. She squealed like only excited girls can (similar to 'fan-girl' mode, but not quite as high-pitched) and threw her arms around me, thanking me over and over again.
The third time, however, was the best.
The third time I got to blindfold Bella Swan, I was teaching her to dance.
"You have to trust me!" I told her.
"No blindfolds! I'll fall!"
"You're gonna fall without one anyway. Besides, it's better blindfolded."
She huffed but agreed.
And for a while, we just swayed to the crackly sound of the radio which was set to the Classic Channel.
I gently took off the blindfold, but Bella kept her eyes closed.
"Bells? You can open your eyes now."
"No I can't – it'll ruin the magic."
I shrugged and twirled us slowly.
"It's better like this, Jake," she explained, keeping her eyes shut firmly. "I keep the magic alive, with my eyes wide shut."
I kissed her cheek.
"Whatever you say Bells, whatever you say."