AN: Okay, well because I plan on having much occurring on Halloween, I'm going to have to split this day up into a few chapters. I do promise that should not interfere with the length of the chapters, and they should be pretty much the same as ever, but there's so much I want to put into this one awesome day of the year, that I can't possibly fit it all into one chapter. Hope you guys like what I've got so far, and thanks again to you awesome readers!
Midnight 1987: My oh my… sounded a bit Shakespearian in your review but I loved it! Very neat smilie face too. I feel as if I need to upgrade mine as well, but I suppose I'll just stick to those that I know. D Yay! Thanks again for your review. I reward you another happy face for being cool like that. D
Bright Green Eyes: Power to all Halloween lovers out there! It's my favorite holiday of the year as well, especially because I love to dress up and all that lovely jazz. Aww… I agree with you. Edward is so adorable. Man… I would cuddle him up for all eternity if given the chance, and I'm sure I'm not alone in that claim. I agree with the patience thing. I'm pretty impatient already, and I probably would have jumped off a cliff or something so he would change me by now. Maybe I'm just insanely in love or something. Not quite sure. Wow… I go off on way too many tangents. Anyways… thanks again for the lovely review. I always love hearing what you all have to say!
Angelalways17: Yuck for homework. Yeah… I'll be in that position in 2 weeks. Had to get all my classes today and fun for me… 10 text books! 10! I mean, I thought last year all the books were bad, but now I'm carrying about 2/3 my weight in hard bound books. Poo. Curse these AP classes. Haha. I would definitely go for the Edward clone idea. If ever you need someone to second that proposal to the national scientists of the US or something, just give me a call. Also, nice alliteration in the review. Lots of p's for sure! I think that's pretty dang awesome, as is your review!
Just A Little Bit Dramatic: Aw… thanks for continuing reading and promoting the story to your friends. Haha. Also glad you liked that line. I was going to end the chapter with Edward's line, but then I was thinking I should toss that one in, considering Bella has been driven to insanity by Zane always calling her that. It reminded me of something that an exasperated Bella would do driven by her sarcasm. Hope science went well. I'm not much of a fan of it, but eh… what can you do about it, I guess. No problem about the babbling. As I'm sure everyone knows by now, I'm one of the champions of babbling. Thanks for the review and the love!
Andie Wolf: Aw… glad to have someone understand how time-consuming those can get. I feel for you too. But serious talks sometimes makes the stories, so they have to be done. And I guess it's nice to know that despite all the fun and drama, there can be those little tender moments that might take a lot of time but are still worth it, I think, in the end. Thanks for the lovely words, and I hope you enjoy the rest of what I've got here!
Asquared91: Thanks! I'm very glad I will be able to update everyday too! It's so nice, since when I'm not writing, I'll randomly think of the story and what I want to do next and then I wish I had a computer in front of me to type away. Wow… I'm with you on the driving parents crazy with the picky eating. They never know what to cook. We're pretty monotonous when it comes to family meals, since we repeat many things over the week because of all the pickiness. I am sooooo unbelievably envious of you right now. Aw… New Moon! I have to wait for the 6th, and by then I'll be in school. Poo. But I won't mind, since I'm used to sleepless nights anyway, but I hope you enjoy it. There's basically no doubt that you won't, considering this whole series is awesome. Man… I'm dying to get my hands on my copy! Lucky lucky lucky!
Danamarin: Your feeling is pretty on the dot with the drama. Halloween, as awesome of a holiday as it is, is going to be pretty full of drama. Like I wrote above, there will be far too many things to write about that I'll have to split up the day into various chapters. But I do assure you that the chapter lengths shall still be just as long because of the full moon and the dressing up and Edward being there who I could ramble on endlessly about just because it's him, after all. Thanks for the review again. You're very awesome!
Chopperchick123: Yup, there is definitely going to be some action! Halloween is definitely the greatest, as is Edward, and all these lovely review but that's nothing new here! Thanks for the review once more! Hope you enjoy my Halloween edition of the story.
Rin09: Oh yeah… one of the scariest people ever. ;P It is definitely a relief to have Edward back. Besides, he's gorgeous and sexy and we all can't help but love him and celebrate when he returns. I think you went up on my scale of coolness by using the phrase "the world is just a little brighter". My oh my… I use that phrase A TON in school. And don't worry, but world is just as bright with them together. You're still pretty awesome, especially because you use one of my favorite phrases ever!
Pandora-69: I will definitely keep them coming. I hope you continue to like what you read. Thanks for the review!
Liz: Of course I'll continue. I love that you love it! Thanks for the sweet review!
11. Halloween Beginnings
Charlie couldn't believe that I was going to be wearing a ball gown on Halloween. When I descended the staircase, my hair half back, the epitome of the classic Belle, he put his rented movie on pause to gape. Maybe some of the enchantment of the fairy tale had taken over because I didn't stumble down the staircase, falling on my face, as I had originally imagined that I would.
"That dress is really nice," he complimented, reaching for the camera on the table. "Ready for some pictures?"
"Maybe we should wait for Edward to…" my words were cut off when the doorbell rang right on cue.
"He always knows exactly when to come knocking," Charlie remarked before he opened the door.
"Yeah, I know." I shrugged, not knowing what else I could possibly do to respond. "It's like he has superhuman senses that make him do these things."
"Bella…" Edward let out a breath when he saw me. "You look…"
"See, I told you that she'd found the perfect outfit." Alice beamed, pushing Edward aside to walk in. "You know, if I didn't know who you were already, I might have suspected you had walked straight out of the story."
"It's what I feel like," I admitted. "Except in this story, there's no beast."
"I'm thinking there is," Edward said, moving forward and twirling me around once. "You just managed to tame the beast."
"I just helped him become the handsome prince he always was…"
"Okay, now you guys really do sound like you stepped out of a fairy tale," Alice rolled her eyes, dragging in Jasper.
"You guys ready for more pictures?" we were already posing before Charlie had held up his camera. "Okay, this time I won't take so many."
"It's alright. We don't mind." Alice leaned back in Jasper's arms, a wax apple pressed against painted red lips.
"Of course you don't mind," Jasper remarked. "You would do this for a living if you had the chance."
"Really, you should." I told Alice. "There's no doubt that you already look like a supermodel."
"I can't," Alice shook her head, but continued posing. "You can't be a covergirl forever, you know."
"Oh," immediately I understood her meaning.
When Charlie had used up a roll of film, we said our goodbyes and headed through the door. In a gallant effort, Edward's hands were placed on my waist, lifting me up and twirling me around once before placing me on the ground. I wonder why he had never done that before.
"So is there a reason why you decided to kidnap me so early in the day?" I inquired. "It's not even dark yet."
"Well, our transportation is not the most advanced." Edward motioned me to turn around and see for myself. "I doubt this can go over one hundred."
Instead of a large limo parked in front of Charlie's house, a carriage awaited us, two white horses drawn at the front. At the front of the carriage, Carlisle and Esme sat, dressed like a king and queen. I guess I shouldn't have suspected they were kidding when they said that vampires love Halloween. They sure didn't hold back any.
"Okay, so I thought the carriage was too Cinderella." Alice commented when we moved inside the circular carriage. "But the last time I checked, I didn't see Snow White or Belle trekking across the town with a horse and carriage."
"It does look like something from Cinderella," I agreed. "But it will definitely make an entrance."
"I don't even know why we bother anymore to try and fit in," Alice said, looking out the small windows of the doors. "Especially when we do things like this."
"No need to worry about it today," even Jasper had relaxed as he draped an arm around Alice. "It's Halloween."
"Well, I doubt many people can say that they rode to Jessica's ball via two white steeds." I said. "It makes more of a statement than a limo by far."
"I don't think I'll ever get tired of dressing up like this," Alice sighed, content from where she sat.
"That's a good thing," I laughed. "Considering you'll be doing this forever."
"I hope they have enough costumes for that."
Amongst all of our laughing, we had failed to notice that the carriage had came to a stop. Edward was the first to open the door and lean out, asking Carlisle why the sudden lack of movement. It was so easy to forget that the Cullen's were a family, that I was shocked to hear Edward sounding like a teen aggravated that the trip to a dance was delayed.
"We heard something," Carlisle stood now in front of the door, his head tilted upward. "I think it was a howl."
"It's too early for anything," Edward said, and Carlisle nodded.
"Still, I think it would be safer if I checked it out."
Carlisle disappeared in the instant, a blurring figure being lost in the forest that was parallel to the road. Edward frowned, obviously disappointed that his evening plans were not falling exactly into order. Alice merely shrugged, opening up her side of the door and pulling Jasper out.
"You know, as much as I think this carriage is completely perfect for the theme, it is pretty cramped in there." She stretched out her legs, looking in. "You going to join us outside, Bella, or would you rather be a sardine?"
"I think I'll make a statement and not follow the crowd."
"Oh no you don't," Edward pulled me into his arms and carried me outside.
Esme turned from where she sat holding the reigns and smiled. Apparently someone had turned on a sound system for the carriage. I doubt that Cinderella could boast about an upgrade like that for her own set of wheels. Melodic classical songs filled the atmosphere, making everyone relax, and Edward's tenseness to fade.
"How about we practice some dancing before the ball?" Edward asked, already beginning the steps. "We don't want to stumble in front of the crowd tonight."
"I don't know," I grinned. "I'm not sure even a whole day's worth of practice can save you from tripping tonight."
"Really?" he raised an eyebrow and twirled me, lifting me up again and making me feel weightless. "You sure about that?"
"Well…" I tried to mimic his eyebrows and prayed I didn't look like I had down syndrome. "Maybe I need another lift to convince me."
"That could be arranged," I was airborne was more and leaned forward to kiss him.
Even amidst all of the worry of the full moon and the angry glares I knew we would receive at Jessica's for just being ourselves, I could smile in contentment, being held in Edward's arms. We grinned against each other's mouths as I was pressed against his chest, my feet still off the ground. If this was how Cinderella did it with Prince Charming, I wouldn't mind the old-fashioned wagons that did not have the luxury of electricity. A small sacrifice for a bit of romantic gallantry that made me more breathless than I always was when I was with Edward.
"I think I could get used to this," I said when he placed me back on the ground. "Even if I'm dragging half my weight in fabric right now."
"It looks good on you," he leaned forward, kissing my forehead and sweeping some hair out of my face. "Belle… Bella… so beautiful."
"Hey, I'm trying not to get a big head." I jested. "If arrogance plagues me, I'm going to forget that I'm only a mere mortal."
It really was amazing how great Edward looked in his navy blue overcoat. How the Cullen's always managed to find the right things would never cease to bemuse me. Maybe they were the permanent members of E-bay or something because I doubt many other places would carry an exact replica as the suit that the Beast wore during the infamous dance he shared with Belle.
"Bella, you're staring." Edward observed. "Your date up to par with your standards?"
"He exceeds them more so each day," I replied, wrapping my arms around him. "It's so good to have you back, Edward."
"Maybe I should leave more often," Edward responded. "That way I get a welcoming like this every other day."
"Don't you dare."
"No, being away kills me as much as it kills you."
"If only that were true…"
"Bella…" Edward's voice was warning.
"I know, I won't bring it up." I batted my eyes at him. "No need to when this night is already perfect."
"I wish my girl was as appreciative," Jasper grumbled as Alice argued about which dance they should do. "I already graduated from high school. You'd think she'd let me escape these things by now."
"Hey, it's not like you're exactly overflowing with thankfulness yourself." Alice stomped on his food and he growled. "Just a bit crabby. You're not the one who took a bite out of the poisonous apple."
"Maybe I should have just let you sleep for all eternity."
"At least that would have saved me from an eternity of your nagging."
"It's kind of hard to imagine you all as teenagers sometimes," I giggled as their bickering continued. "You all seem so ageless to me."
"Perhaps that's because we kinda are ageless?" Edward teased. "Even after a hundred years, we can still be juvenile, you know."
"I want the Viennese Waltz," Alice demanded. "If you want to salsa, you can go find yourself a new partner."
"Fine," Jasper frowned. "But only if we can do some West Coast Swing when we're done."
"About time they came to a resolution," I whispered to Edward.
"I don't even know why you bother with hushed tones, Bella." Alice hollered, already waltzing across the dirt and grass. "We're vampires. We hear everything!"
"Well then, it's surprising you can hear anything between you're bickering."
"I think we've just been insulted by a human," Jasper declared. "What should we do with her?"
"How about I pretend she's my apple?" Alice suggested.
"A big, juicy apple?"
"Be careful," I warned, clutching my throat in dramatics. "I'm poisonous."
"Oh, so that's what happened to Edward." Alice smirked at Edward. "A bit of poison in your system?"
"Be love poison for the heart?" he held out a hand in a Shakespearian declaration. "I thinketh so."
"Okay, we'll stop the teasing." Alice answered. "Just promise never to do that again."
"Forever?"
"At least for the next few centuries or so."
Carlisle emerged then amongst our laughter, fixing his crown when he stopped. Esme blew him a kiss and he bowed, telling us the carriage was safe for travel once more. Holding the door for us, he assisted Alice and me into the carriage, and soon we were moving again.
After hearing Alice's comment, I did notice how crammed we were. Our legs all entangled once another and it didn't help that the bulk of my gown filled up half the space. Pressed against Edward, I settled down, relaxing as his arms wrap enclosed around me. Sighing, I closed my eyes and listened to his breaths.
"Is she asleep?" I heard Jasper ask.
"No, if she was, you would hear her muttering." Edward answered.
"Really?" Jasper seemed interested. "Saying what exactly?"
"Edward…" I tried sounding half-asleep and hoped my nonexistent acting skills would somehow convince them of my theatrics. "I love you."
"Interesting," I could hear the laughter in his voice. "She almost has it as bad as you."
"Almost," Alice reinforced.
"I want forever…" I whispered the words, knowing they would still hear. "Just one bite."
"Oh, come on, Edward." I hadn't heard Jasper ever sound so playful. "Give the sleeping girl a dream come true."
"Maybe I will."
I felt his cold lips on my throat and tried my best not to shiver. I could hear my heart pounding already, and it didn't stop as his lips moved across my neck, brushing against the side next to my ear.
"Nice try, Bella." He whispered, and this time I shivered.
"Oh," I opened my eyes then and everyone laughed. "I guess I can at least say that I tried."
"It was almost convincing," Alice assured.
"Hey, don't promote what she's doing." Edward said. "Now don't you see why she's so tempting?"
"Yeah, I think I do." Even though Jasper said it with light-heartedness, I shivered by his words and felt Edward's arms lock more firmly around me. "Maybe I'll have a bite of her myself sometime."
"Only after me," Alice piped in. "Don't you think I deserve it, after all that I've done?"
"I guess it's the least I can do," I told her.
"Hey, no discussing eating my girlfriend without my permission." Edward said, looking at Jasper and Alice. "This is one meal I would prefer to share entirely with myself."
"A little bit selfish, Edward." I chastised blithely.
I wonder how many teenage girls can say that they jest openly with vampires about them having a feast over your body, and then I try to think of how many would find such a thing humorous. Maybe it was just me, but I joined in their laughter, giving into their jesting and helping them decide on whether to eat in moderation or just simply dig in as if it were Thanksgiving. Perhaps I really was the turkey, after all.
"Your admirers await you," Carlisle opened the door for us, holding out his hand and directing us out of the carriage. "I think you have made a substantial amount of attention from this entrance."
"I believe we have too," I agreed, seeing all the faces peaking over at us from the cars they emerged from.
"Wow!" a younger kid I had never seen before ran over to stare at the carriage. "Are those real horses?"
"Well, the mechanical, rocket-powered ones weren't available for the weekend, so we had to settle for the real thing." I told the girl and watched her eyes go wide.
"Hey, look!" she pointed now, drawing more of a crowd than before. "It's a real carriage, with real horses. Just like in the movies!"
"Gosh, Bella, could you guys make a bigger entrance?" Tyler stepped forward, with Lauren glowering behind a sea of heads in the back. He looked at our costumes and his eyes went just as wide. "How much did those clothes cost you? They look so real."
"I'm not sure. Way more than anything I could afford." I shrugged, not sure what to say when I knew I would never be wearing something like this without the Cullen credit of Alice to back me up. "But arriving to a friend's Halloween ball in a twenty pound dress after being crammed in a can of a carriage for the past two hours… that's priceless. I guess for those little things like that there's Mastercard."
"You'd make a great spokesperson," Tyler complimented, smiling now. "Maybe you should consider it, Bella."
"Maybe," Edward stepped in now, and I blushed, sensing his attitude towards Tyler. "But for now, she's my Beauty."
"And you are my Beast," I mumbled when the crowd had faded to enter Jessica's house. "I can't believe you were all grouchy with him. Maybe you are a beast."
"It's about time you realized it."
"Hey, maybe next time I'll just leave you in the castle with your rose."
"But then there would be no sweeping my Beauty off her feet."
"Good point," I smiled when he picked me up again and kissed me. I could feel Lauren's eyes burning holes in my back as she filed into the house.
"So, my Belle, are we ready for another night of dancing?" He asked, offering his arm before we walked through the front door.
"If you keep sweeping me off my feet like that," I told him, locking my arm with his and holding his hand. "How can I ever object?"