Chapter 13 – Honeymoon
We flew to New York City, where Edward arranged for a car to pick us up. When we arrived, Edward and I drove to the house he rented for our honeymoon. When we arrived, a young lady, who Edward said would be the maid of the house, met us outside. "Hello Mr. & Mrs. Cullen, my name is Ingrid." Edward helped me out of the car and took me up in his arms to carry me over the threshold. He didn't let me down while the Ingrid showed us the entire house, finishing with the master bedroom.
In the room, there was a large golden covered bed. After putting me on my feet in the room, Edward dismissed the maid for the rest of the night. "Don't worry; I've explained to her that we wouldn't be requiring much of her services, so we will be alone." I laughed nervously, "Perfect." In this moment, a shot of panic ran through me. I was alone in the house, with my husband. This was our honeymoon, in the house, where we would consummate our marriage.
Edward caressed my cheek and I looked up at him. He kissed my lips and pulled me closer into him. I have never done this before and neither had he. "I'll be right back." He darted from the room and came back with our suitcases. Trying my best to stay composed; I went into my bag and selected the nightgown I had chosen for this night. "I'll be right back," leaving him in the room. I went to the powder room to change.
The nightgown was a white satin, form fitting gown that hung to my ankles. I took a deep breath, while putting on my matching robe. Knowing it was all in my head, my hand trembled as I took off my earrings and bracelet. My reflection in the mirror was the beautiful woman, in white silk, but she was nervous. My mouth moved, not letting the words come out, "Don't be a coward. Do not be a coward."
Heading for the door, I changed my mind and left the robe. It fell off of my body and I stepped into the bedroom. There were several lit candles, adding the light scent of smoke to the room. Edward stood by the window, staring out the glass. He was just wearing satin pajama pants. He leaned his arm against the glass, with his forehead against his arm. He was as nervous as I was. He turned his head slowly toward me and smiled. His golden eyes melted away my fears. He held out his hand for me and I went over to him.
Edward held my hands and pressed his lips to mine. Moving swiftly, I was up in his arms. Edward stood still for a moment, then walked across the room. He lowered me onto the bed, without breaking our kiss. My arms wound around his neck as he lowered himself next to me. It was strange to think that my cheeks should be turning red in this moment. Edward pulled back and looked into my eyes, "I love you, Mrs. Cullen." I smiled at my new name, "I love you too." He kissed me again.
We stayed in New York City for a month. There was so much to do here. I was still wary walking around, afraid that we may run into my parents or someone who I may know from Rochester. Edward monitored the minds of the people around us. Neither one of us could be recognized.
When it was time for us to leave for our next destination, Edward had to pay extra for the damage done to the house. From the destroyed headboards, to the deep scratches in the floors and broken couch, Edward had to pay for all of it. When the owner came to survey the house, his heart skipped a beat seeing all the damage. He was ready to yell at Edward for doing this to his property. That's when I came into the room. The man had all but forgotten Edward when I came down the stairs. I wore a pink satin dress, that hugged my waist. "Perfect timing," he whispered to me. Edward introduced me proudly to Mr. Bradley and flashed my dazzling smile at him, "We are sorry sir for the damages," I glanced around the room, but all his did was stare, "but this was our honeymoon."
My voice was light and sweet. I knew this particular smile weakened Edward, so this human stood no chance against it. The poor man simply nodded and left after Edward handed him the money. The both of us laughed at the human's reactions. "He checked his pulse when he left," Edward informed me.
After New York City, Edward took me to Chicago. This was where he was from. While exploring the city, Edward showed me where he and his family lived and the hospital where Carlisle found him. The hospital was nothing but a decrepit building now. It was closed down after the Spanish influenza epidemic. Edward and I snuck into the building, pulling away the wooden planks across the doorway. "This was where Carlisle found me," we stood in a room with rows of old beds. The mattresses were molding and rats were scurrying in the walls. The file cabinets were in disarray. Some closed shut from rust and age.
Our footsteps echoed through the empty halls. Both of us had to step lightly, not wanting to cause more damage. I ventured into a doctor's office that was stacked with records. Looking through them, I found Edward's medical records. This was also the hospital he was also born in. "Edward Anthony Masen II. Born on Thursday June 20, 1901 at 4:15am," I read his record. He laughed seeing his infant footprints on one of the documents, "I think I'll keep this." His footprints were tucked safely in my purse.
Looking at the information from the influenza outbreak, one of his doctors wrote about Edward's condition. He was so far gone when he was admitted; they didn't believe he would survive. I looked at my husband and saw how wrong they were. Edward sat on a particular bed. He didn't move as I walked over to him, "This is where my mother died. This is where she begged Carlisle to save my life." He stood up slowly, "She knew something was different about Carlisle, somehow. She just knew he was more than what he seemed."
He looked back at me and smiled, "And she was right. I don't think she knew exactly what she was getting me into, but she got her final wish. I'm alive and well." This was the first time Edward admitted that he was alive. He extended his hand to me, "Let's go." He didn't talk much about the hospital for the rest of our time in Chicago.
After another two weeks, Edward and I flew to Paris. Paris was the most beautiful city I'd ever seen. There were strings of twinkle lights along each building. The display windows were filled with the latest fashions. They caught my attention very quickly. I was very fortunate that Edward had the patience of a saint. He didn't rush me or make me feel so rushed when I looked through the rows and displays of clothes. As a gesture, he bought gowns for Rosalie and Esme and mailed them back home.
I came across the French's recent medical books and sent them with the dresses. That would be a wonderful read for Carlisle. Our honeymoon seemed to strength on forever. After Paris, Edward and I flew back to Niagara Falls. He bought us a house there, his wedding present to me. "I promised we would live as a married couple and so we shall." We lived in our new home as every married couple did.
We lived in our home for a year and calling Esme on a very regular basis. In no time, I had our home decorated and immaculately cleaned. This was my first home, being a wife and I didn't disappoint. Edward began practicing law and I was a house wife. When Edward came home, his eyes widened seeing the home already furnished and organized. I came out the kitchen door, carrying our new silver serving tray. It wouldn't be used, but it was a lovely showpiece. "Bella," Edward was shocked, "the house looks wonderful." I smiled brightly, glad that he was happy with the house.
For Christmas, Edward took me to see my favorite ballet, The Nutcracker. The music was wonderful and the dancing was hypnotizing. I watched the dancers pirouette and prance across the stage. "How did you like the ballet?" Edward asked, while wrapping my stole around my shoulders. Esme had sent it from Appalachia. "It was lovely. I haven't seen the Nutcracker in years." Almost every evening, Edward and I sat by the famous falls, watching the water rush into the deep pool below. The spray of the water was very cool, especially in the winter air.
One evening, while Edward was hunting, I was home alone. I was sitting by the fireplace, while reading. The flames distracted me from my book. The flames licked at the small grains of wood, turning them into ash. The dance of the flames held my interest, when someone screamed. I dashed to the window to find the source of the terrified sound. Down on the street, someone was running, then rounded the corner that I knew led to a dark, dead-end. That was where the screams were coming from. It was a young lady and she was being pursued.
The scene was so familiar; the night Rosalie and I were attacked. Without thinking, I darted out of the window and ran across the rooftops, following the pursuit below. A large man was standing over the young girl as she cowered on the ground, "Please, leave me alone." The poor girl reminded me of Rosalie, with the look of terror on her face. The man reached down and ripped off her jacket. She cried out, trying to push him away.
Seeing this, my fist dug into the stone edge of the building. Remembering all my fury and rage from that night, I took a stone and threw it at the pursuer's head. It hit him in the back of his neck. He groaned and looked around, wondering if they were alone. My body hurled itself off the building and landed in the shadows, a few feet away from them. "Where did you come from?" I ignored the man as I helped the girl up, "Run home now!" I did this, not letting her see my face. She cried her 'thank you' as she ran away.
My teeth bared as my body turned to the pursuer. He glared at me, then he saw my sharp teeth. "You think you're a big strong man, because you can take on a smaller creature than you. Try taking me on." The pursuer stepped back, "Oh come on. Prove you're a man." With that, a growl ripped through my teeth and he ran in the opposite direction.
I let him get away for a distance, before catching him around the neck with my arm. He pulled at my arm, the same way Maxwell did. Leaning closer to him, I whispered in his ear, "I hate men like you. I will make sure you never hurt another girl again." He began to beg for his life, but I wasn't merciful. My arm flexed and the bones in his neck crunched under my strength. His lifeless body fell to the ground. I watched him for a moment, remembering Maxwell and Royce this way. Lifting the corpse, I carried the body to the Falls and threw it into the dark water. The water consumed the body and it was gone from my sight.
I ran home, hoping Edward wasn't back yet. Inside the house, I was glad to see he hadn't returned. The night's events ran through my mind. I killed another man. Edward would be so disappointed with me. But I had to do it. I had to help that girl. If there was anyone like me the night Rosalie and I were attacked, I would have hoped that they would have intervened. "Bella," Edward's voice shocked me out of my thoughts. I remained unmoving in front of the fire. I couldn't face him. There was no blood on me, just a facial expression I didn't want him to see. My hand covered my eye, ashamed of what I've done. "What's wrong?"
I looked away from him, but he pulled my face to his, "What is it?" I exhaled and closed my eyes, "I just killed a man." Edward didn't say anything. I was too much of a coward to open my eyes, but forced myself to look at him. "What happened?" his voice was calm. "I heard a girl screaming, so I went to see what was happening. She was being chased by a man and he had her on the ground. It was just like the night Rose and I were attacked. Edward, I'm sorry, but I had to. I wasn't thinking." The words poured out like water, "I broke his neck and threw his body over the Falls. I know I shouldn't have interfered, but I couldn't let what happened to me and Rose happen to her."
Edward exhaled and pulled my into a standing position, "Did the girl see you?" I shook my head, "No, I didn't let her." Then he did something I wasn't expecting, he smiled at me. "Don't be upset, Bella. You did the right thing." He pulled me into a tight hug, "I've killed people before for the same reason you just did. I know it doesn't make it right, but I understand why." He kissed my hair, "Thanks to you, that girl is at home safely."
My arms tightened around him, hugging in return, "Are you sure you're not mad at me?" Edward kissed my cheek, "No, I'm proud of you." Edward was sincere in what he said. His arms curved underneath my legs and he carried me to our bedroom.
After a long discussion, Edward and I decided to go back to Appalachia. We missed our family. It was wonderful living as a married couple, but I miss having my best friend close by. Having her states away felt wrong. While Edward went to his office to resign, I started packing up our clothes. Edward decided to keep the house, in case we returned to the area. The house would stay furnished. We would just have everything covered with large drop cloths to repel dust.
We drove back to Virginia. He let me drive half the way. He fought a smile the whole time, "I'm not used to a woman driving. You're doing surprisingly well." I punched his shoulder, a little miffed, "Men aren't the best drivers." We debated the topic for the drive over two states. A live wire ran through me, seeing the familiar trees. When we arrived at the house, no one was home. Edward parked the car in the trees and we went inside. Their scents were very strong outside, so they just left. Edward and I went to our bedroom, which now had a large bed, courtesy of Esme. I began to unpack while Edward went to his piano. He began playing my lullaby.
The soft white sheet on the bed was beautiful. The frame was made of pure oak, with hand carvings on the headboard. My habits of cleaning were still strong, as I began dusting the living room and arranging more flowers in the vases. "Bella, we're home now. I'm sure Esme's already handled everything." I laughed and began organizing the book on the bookshelf, "Call it an 'old habit.' I'm just cleaning between cleanings." While he played, the sound of a car sounded as it approached the house. The song change to Esme's Favorite.
Someone gasped outside and Esme rushed through the front door, followed by Rosalie and Carlisle. Esme darted across the room and hugged us. I hugged Rosalie and Carlisle. "When did you get here?" "Just an hour ago." It was so good to be home. I enjoyed mine and Edward's time alone, but I was happy to be home with my family.