Keeping Up Appearances, Girlfriends, and More
A/N: Well I'm getting more done than I thought would, so here you are and I think I deserve a present for updating so quickly. So all I ask is that you all review. Please please please, because I want feedback. I only got TWO reviews for the last chapter! I know a lot of people are reading according to my story's traffic! So I command thee to read (haha!) Enjoy!
Bella's POV
After being flung into Edward's arms, we ran at vampire speed to the house. I thought we were going to the garage to get Edward's Volvo, but he kept going and ran around to the front of the house. Parked in the front driveway was a very shiny, black limo. I looked at Edward in surprise.
"Really? You're not going to drive?" I was teasing him. He took it well, displaying his heartbreaking crooked smile across his face.
"Of course," he said as if it was obvious. "Why would I waste my time driving? I want to hold you—not just your hand." I jumped up and pecked him on the lips, grinning. He could be so dang sweet.
As I turned to get in the fancy vehicle, Edward grabbed my arm and spun me around. I bumped into his chest gently as he embraced me.
Then, he was kissing me. Not only was it sweet and loving, it was full of intense passion and longing.
As we broke apart, I sighed. He leaned his forehead against mine. "Finally," he said softly. "You are mine." I smiled and pulled him towards the limo.
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Edward's POV
As the limo made its way slowly down the serpentine path in the forest, I pulled my Bella towards me and wrapped my arms around her. She was so beautiful today. Of course, she was always beautiful, but something seemed different about her beauty today. She had a certain . . . aura about her. It was fascinating to me. I loved her so much. And though we had had the argument countless times, I still believed I loved her more. Not that I doubted her love of course. I just know human minds aren't capable of holding anything of such great capacity in their small minds.
That was a plus of Bella becoming one of us. Her mind will grow and be able to contain the same amount of love and also, I will be with my love for eternity. I no longer flinched at the idea of her becoming a vampire. I had taken the leap of acceptance and I came to terms with the fact that the only way we could be together forever is if she became a vampire.
I smiled at the odd turn my thoughts had taken and kissed my Bella's hair, breathing in her phenomenal scent. My head spun. Her effect on me never ceased.
"Edward," she whispered, almost sounding afraid of the driver hearing her.
"Yes, sweetheart? And you can talk as loud as you wish. Window to the driver's seat is soundproof unless I open it or use the intercom." She smiled sheepishly and turned around on my lap to face me, wrapping her arms around my neck. I groaned internally. She was driving me crazy.
"I just wanted to say something. It's dead silent in here…"
I chuckled. "Yes, it is rather quiet, isn't it? Well, I wanted to tell you, I'm glad this dress isn't huge."
She cocked her head in confusion and I felt my dead heart melt.
"Because then I couldn't do this." I grabbed her little roughly, making her plop on my lap facing me head on. Her legs straddled me and I leaned forward to kiss her softly. Before I knew it, the kiss deepened. It was an intense kiss—full of passion and longing. I pulled back, letting her breathe. Both of us were taking ragged breaths, though I didn't really need it.
Before long, we returned to the position of our lips crushed together. My right hand was at the small of her back and my left was entangled in her hair. Bella wasted no time, pressing her self against me and gripping my hair rather violently, but I honestly only felt a slight tug.
We only had minimal time left before we reached the reception hall, so I kept going. I let my tongue graze her lips until she opened her mouth. I proceeded with extra caution. I knew we had done this many times in the past week or so, but I didn't want to take any chances.
I tasted her breath as she sighed. And I nearly lost control. I kept from stiffening, knowing it would irk her. I pulled back a bit, knowing that the driver was just about to stop.
"We're here, Bella," I said softly, staring deeply into her eyes. I heard her heart nearly explode in her chest and she had a sharp intake of breath.
"Okay," she whispered with a nod." I sat her down on the seat so I could get out first. I held out my hand as I stood on the sidewalk. She took it, squeezing it with affection. As I shut the door to the limo, I bent down and kissed her behind her ear. I held her to my side as we walked up the steps and into the hotel where we were holding the reception.
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Alice's POV
After an announcement had been made about where to go for the reception, Jasper, Rosalie, Emmett, and I ran at top speed to the house. We piled into my Porsche and were off to Port Angeles.
Because Forks was so small, Port Angeles was the closest to a reception hall. Edward and Bella took a limo, so I knew that with my speed of a hundred fifty miles per hour would put us about forty-five minutes ahead of the newly weds. I wanted everything to be perfect for the reception. Bella had assisted in picking out details such as the place settings, the food served, and such, but all of the major stuff had been my doing. We had a fantastic and expensive live band, a monstrous cake, breath taking décor, and many other things Bella would have likely killed me about, had she known. As I zoomed around at vampire speed – no humans were present at my request – Jasper tried frantically to calm me. However, he was far from succeeding. I was so jazzed (no pun intended) that I couldn't contain myself. I was emmitting a constant squeel so high pitched that only dogs (and vampires of course) would be able to hear it. Thankfully, my wonderful dress Bella and I had picked out left plenty of leg room to run at my super speed. (Picture of Alice and Angela's bridesmaid dresses on my profile!)
About ten minutes before everyone started arriving, the band walked out of a holding room down the hall. Rose and Emmett, who had been setting the buffett with the mounds of food, took care of getting the band to their set by a window that over looked the gorgeous town. In about an hour it would begin to get dark and the brilliant lights of the city would illuminate the horizon.
When I heard the ound of tires on pavement, I danced to the window. I felt like I was about to burst with excitement as I stared down at my sister and brother.
I shrieked and jumped up and down so fast, that Jas had to hold me from behind to quiet me. I remembered the humans in the room and shut up quickly as I walked as fast as humanly possible to the wide doors that opened into the stunning room.
I saw her reaction before she even entered. In short, Bella would be floored (not literally).
Rose's POV (That's right, I'm doing another pov!!!)
Emmett and I stood by the band waiting for Bella. Although I didn't fully support her decision of immortality, I was trying. The more I was round her, I realized the draw that my family felt towards her. She was so sweet and pure. I smiled as big as I could (I really was happy they were finally married).
Bella came in clinging tightly to Edward. He had his head hanging, kissing her head as she giggled. They were so cute together. They had a mix of Alice and Jazz and me and Em. I felt my dead heart swell a bit and had an epiphany.
I cared for Bella. I truly loved her like I did Alice. Regardless of her decision to be a vampre, I felt the need to protect her from anything. She was a part of our family now, and I accepted. With open arms.
I sqeezed Emmett's hand reassuringly and waited with baited breath for Bella to see the room she was in.
(A/N: I know the different POV's are short, but I just wanted to give you a taste and let you decide whether you want me to give different POVs or just stick with Bella's and occassionally Edward's.)
Bella's POV
As we ascended in the elevator, Edward stood behind me and snaked his arms around my middle. He kissed my neck sofly once. I heaved a deep contented sigh. I couldn't believe we were actually married.
We stepped out of the elevator and walked down the short hallway to the reception hall. I had not been here yet, but naturally, Alice had assured me that the place was perfect. I took her word for it, wanting minimal contact with the wedding plans. I mostly spent my free time with Edward.
Presently, my mind didn't have much time to wander, as we had already arrived at our destination. Edward pulled me through the doorway, me clinging tightly to his side.
Oh, my . . . My jaw practically fell to the floor. I think Alice had officially outdone herself and would never be capable of more. And this is Alice we're talking about here . . .
I was baffled. That thought was the understatement of the year. I couldn't even accurately describe how I felt. It looked like it was out of a fairytale. Most of everything was white. The tables, chairs, table clothes, napkins, plates, everything. It was all a pristine white that looked wonderful. The chairs had beautiful bows made of a brownish-purple teule (pronounced: tool) that gave a wonderful color accent. (Pictures on Profile)
I walked forward for a closer look at the table. I remembered picking out the table settings and such, but everything else was Alice's doing. The center pieces (made of flowers) stood tall, so you could see across the table. (Pictures on profile) Daisies, roses, lilies, and green plants. Everything was so simple, yet so amazing. So…me.
I ran over to Alice, dragging Edward along behind me. I flung my arms around her petite frame and bruised myself in the process.
"Oh, Alice!!! It's wonderful! I can't even begin to thank you enough. I will owe you for eternity!"
She looked at me in the eyes very seriously. "Yes, you will." Then she burst out laughing as did, Jazz, Edward, and I. Just then I noticed Rose and Em standing by a live band. "Oh! Alice, a live band? Wow…" (A/N: keep in mind that the "live band" is actually a jazz band. Not a rock band…)
I promptly ran over to my other new brother and sister. I went for Rosalie first, knowing I'd probably get hurt even worse with Emmett than I did Alice. Rosalie embraced me sweetly and mumbled in my ear. "I love you, Bella. You are an amazing sister. And I respect you decision and have come to terms with it. I hope you're blissfully happy." She smiled timidly at me, but warmth radiated from her despite her frigid temperature. I felt unneccessary tears form at the corners of my eyes.
"Thank you so much, Rosalie. It means so much to me, you have no idea."
Next I hugged Emmett. As much of a teddy bear as he was, he was just so hard. Harder than any of the other Cullens.
He slapped my butt and said, "Good to have you sis!" I rolled my eyes and Edward glared at him. Before anything else could happen, the guests began to arrive.
First my mother appeared on the arm of Phil. I still couldn't get over the dress Alice had found for her. It fit my mother perfectly. It looked excellent. (Picture on profile.)
Next was Charlie and Sue. Since we had invited all of the werewolves (no joke) to the wedding, Sue automatically came with Seth and Leah. Sue was in a lovely two piece dress and Charlie in a suit that Alice had measured herself, so it fit perfectly. He looked . . . dashing. That was the best word for it. I was happy that Charlie had offered to escort her. After Harry's death a few months back, both of them had a hard time with it. They seemed to balance each other out. If one was down, the other brought them back up. I wondered if anything would ever come of it.
My father approached and gave both Edward and myself a hug. He had been so accepting lately. It meant a lot. It was hard for him still, when he thought of those awful months when Edward was gone and I was nothing more than an empty shell. But the times where it crossed his mind were few and far between.
Sue embraced me softly and went with Charlie to go take there seats at the head table next to Renee and Phil.
More people came in, dropping presents on the large table just inside the door. The pile was becoming quite large, and I would have felt uncomfortable, but I didn't have time. There was always someone to talk to, some one to thank, to greet. Edward and I could barely have a conversation together.
Soon, the steady flow of people slowed to stop. That's when we decided to start the dinner. By now, it was nearly seven o'clock. As we took our spots at the head table between Renee and Esme, Alice walked to a mike stand by the band. She had to stand on her toes to reach, and everyone laughed. She announced it was time to eat and for everyone to take as much as they please. There was plenty.
Alice had thought of everything. Rather than Edward and I going through the buffett, a server brought plates to us. I laughed out loud a little when I saw Edward's plate. I shook my head. Of course, appearances were everything.
The portions he was given were rather small, close to the amount on my plate. He very strategically began the process of "eating." It was something all the Cullens had mastered by now. Toss food with fork past side of face. Food falls behind back into hand. Hand disinigrates food into pure dust. Repeat until food is gone.
I giggled a bit and Edward grinned at me. He knew looked funny from my point of view.
After dinner, I had to go to the bathroom. I got up and was about to retrieve Alice to help me (my dress was kind of awkward in a bathroom stall without someone's help). (A/N: Bella's Dress on profile!!!!!) Before I could do as much as take a step, I saw a tall figure and a shorter one come into the reception hall. I turned my head fully to see who had joined us so late. I felt like the wind had been knocked out of me.
It was Jacob. And on his arm was a beautiful russett-skinned girl of about eighteen years of age.
The shock hit me like a ton of bricks. He was with someone? Why hadn't he told me this the other day when he came back? Had this happened while he was away? Or when he came back? (A/N: I assure you, none of these questions indicate Bella "loving" Jacob. She is merely confused and concerned for her best friend.)
I felt Edward stiffen slightly out of reflex. I looked down at him frantically, hoping to make him calm down. But he was already calm. In fact, he looked a bit amused. I rolled my eyes. Leave it to the mind reader…
He stood and we walked over to where Jacob and the mystery girl stood by the table, setting down a wrapped box.
"Hey, Jake!" I said excitedly.
"Hey, Bells," Jacob responded, kissing me lightly on the cheek. It meant nothing anymore. Just a small gesture between friends. "Hello, Edward." Jacob stuck out his hand and Edward reciprocated.
"Hello, Jacob."
"So…who is this?" I asked rather bluntly, curiosity seeping through my voice. I was not able to wait much longer.
"This…" Jacob paused to give a loving look to the girl next to him, "is Michelle." (A/N: I don't know where that name came from. It literally just popped into my head screaming: "USE MICHELLE!" lol)
I stuck out my hand to meet Michelle's. "It's very nice to meet you, Michelle. Jacob has told us oh-so-much about you!" I said with thick sarcasm.
Jake, Edward, and even Michelle laughed.
"Sorry, Bells. I just thought my . . . erm, sudden reappearance the other day didn't need any more, uh, drama." He finished awkwardly.
I laughed lightly. "It's okay, Jake. I understand. I was just confused."
"So," Edward broke in, "where did you meet?" I rolled my eyes. As if he didn't already know.
"Well when I was…away, I ran north to Canada and found another tight knit tribe like the Quileute. Michelle lived there."
His voice sounded love struck and his voice had an interesting definitive tone to it.
"Oh my gosh!" I exclaimed with a small squeak. Comprehension dawned on my face. "You imprinted?!" I half-whispered with another small squeal. I couldn't tell if it was a happy squeal or not. I guess I was just stunned. I never thought it would happen to him.
Edward and Jacob chuckled lightly. Michelle looked at me and smiled giving a slight nod to show me I was right and also confirming my unasked question of whether or not she knew everything.
"Jealous?" Jacob taunted sarcastically.
I glared at him. Slapping his shoulder I said, "Well you're one for news."
"Sorry, Bells."
"It's okay. I'm really happy for you Jake." I hugged him tightly around the waist, just like the old days. "Go enjoy yourselves," I said. "Seth is bopping around here somewhere, as is the rest of the pack. And Sue is with Charlie."
Jacob gave me a knowing look and I snickered. I waved as they walked toward the crowd of tables and people.
Alice was by my side in an instant. Uh-oh, I thought. My first feat in this dress. Going to the bathroom.
Edward's POV
I couldn't wait much longer. Bella had been gone for almost ten minutes. I hated being away from her for any length of time. But now that we were married—my dead heart skipped—it just got worse.
I was also very excited about our first dance. Naturally, I had made Bella dance with me several times, but it was nothing compared to this. This had symbolic meaning and I just wanted to hold her close. Alice had consulted me about the song. I already knew what I had wanted from the beginning. It was perhaps the most cliché and overused song for weddings, but it described us to a tee. From my point of view at least. But from what I got from Alice, Bella had chosen a song of her own as well. So we would be dancing twice tonight. Then she would have a dance with her father and I with my mother. Then I with her mother and her with my father.
The song we had chosen for the family dances, was "Slipping Through My Fingers" by Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried. It was perfect for her. (A/N: Please go listen to that song. It is perfect for Bella leaving her family behind.)
After an eternity it seemed, Bella and Alice returned. I looked at Alice and she immediately understood. She went to the mike stand again, causing the guests to giggle quietly once more. She glared at them, which only made them laugh harder.
Finally, I thought. It's time. I took Bella by the hand and led her to the dance floor. I felt the heat of her blush and smiled reassuringly towards her.
"Without further ado, Edward and Bella Cullen will have their first dance as a married couple. There will be two songs. The first is Edward's choice, later will be Bella's choice. In between is the dance with the parents. Here is Bella and Edward dancing to "At Last" by Etta James. (A/N: In Memory of Etta James. May God rest her soul.) Everyone awed, but no one would realize the true significance of song and how accurate it really was. But I didn't care what they thought. My eyes were for Bella, and Bella only. I brought her close to me and we began to twirl to the music, both perfectly in synch with each other. I kissed her softly. She was practically glowing.
At last, my love has come along. My lonely days are over.
I could almost hear the dawning of comprehension as she listened to the words with new meaning. I saw a lone tear streak down her faces. I wiped it away and we continued to glide across the dance floor.
A/N: Okay, Okay, I know, I know, I know. I stopped at a wretched place. But I really wanted to get this out to you tonight. I'm stuck on what to use for Bella's song, so I decided to write it in the next chapter (it will be a short one). The weather is bad enough, we may get out of school tomorrow, so maybe I'll have time. Any suggestions for songs or anything else is welcome! PLEASE check out the pix I put on the profile of all the dresses and reception hall.
So how did you like it? I tried Edward's POV for the first time (and the others). I hope I stayed true and did well. Let me know what you think! I'm always eager for any opinions! Just so you all know the plan: I'm doing three more chapters. This one was the reception. The next is the honeymoon, the following being the change, and finally a bit of after the change (explaining her "talent" and other intriguing ideas I have!).
Btw, I get lots of hits, but almost no reviews. So any feedback at all is great. So pleeeeeeease review! It means a lot and last time I only got two.:(
Twilightgrl61692 is one of my friends and we are tossing around an idea to do a story together! (Check out her stories: Sisters and the sequel: Raising Cullen!) So after this story I will be collaborating with her and most likely brainstorming for the sequel….hmm. Review! Wow that was quite the others note…
Hugs all around! x0xDrumMajorx0x