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Chapter 14
Bella's POV
Valentine's Day has always seemed to me as an egotistical day for people in a relationship. I have never understood why there's a day to celebrate love. Shouldn't love be commemorated every single day? But those thoughts changed now that I'm in a relationship. And I couldn't ask more of Edward; he's the perfect boyfriend. I'm not saying that because I have a vast experience with boyfriends but quite the opposite. He's my first and hopefully only boyfriend. So I compare him with my friend's boyfriends. Needless to say he has beaten all the records.
Edward promised me a big surprise for Valentine's Day. I tried to pry Edward's sister Alice to get a clue on what he's planning to do but she has been resilient about it. I know she's having a hard time keeping the secret, so I decided to stop her suffering and just wait. Mike has invited Jessica to a romantic dinner at Vezzavio's, which sounds very cliché but I couldn't wait more from them. They cover every aspect of what a couple should do. Eric and Angela are the opposite. They break all the standards of a liaison. Angela asked Eric for a date and that's how they became a couple. Every aspect of their relationship is very interesting to say the least. Today is not the exception. They are going to dive in La Push. It wouldn't sound crazy if it wasn't because the water is freezing at this time of the year. They assured me they are using special apparel for the occasion. I just had to smile and wish them the best. I'm not the only one wondering what the special surprise is. My group of friends is as curious as me.
I must confess Jessica and Mike weren't as happy as Angela and Eric about my relation with Edward. In fact, I could swear they were almost mad. I knew Mike had had feelings for me in the past, and I thought he was happy with Jessica. I put aside their hostility as I had done with most of the school. It seemed like almost the entire student body at Forks High School was shocked to know Edward and I were an official couple. The leader of those students is Rosalie Hale. She has made it very clear she dislikes me. And her resentment has increased now that Edward is my boyfriend. I knew she was interested in Edward as every girl in the school. Edward has been shunning every mischievous move Rosalie has thrown against me. I was starting to lose my patience but her attacks have decreased considerably. Her attention is now focus on a new senior student called Emmett. He's all muscles and charm. He's remarkably funny, a facet I haven't seen in Rosalie. I feel bad for Alice, she hasn't been as cheerful as I remembered her being. Edward told me she was sad because she had broken up with her boyfriend. Their relationship didn't cope well with the distance. I'm sure Alice will find a boyfriend in no time. She's very attractive and chirpy so I cross my fingers for her.
After an excruciating day at school, I'm on my way home. I've decided to pack Edward's gift in a gift box. I can't wait to see his face when he opens it. I take a shower and start prepping myself for the big night. Since the incident, my parents have changed. They are more permissive and they are caring and loving. It wasn't hard to get my curfew extended for the occasion.
I'm wearing black pants and a blue shirt. I decided to wear Grandma Masen's earrings. They match with everything, but I only wear them for special events. I'm curling my hair to create soft waves. I apply eye shadow in a palette of blue and black mascara. I add some soft pink blush to my cheeks and a reddish lipstick on my lips. I usually don't wear makeup, but I sure enjoy girly moments like this. I like to look good for Edward, and he doesn't seem to mind my lack of makeup on a daily basis. This should be a surprise for him. I gather my coat and my purse containing Edward's present. I can't wait to see his face when he opens his gift. I got him a Classical Music Collection subscription for his iPod. I know how much he loves classical so it's worth every penny. I spend most of my savings for his present; but I can't always get back to work and make more money. The value of my present can't even compete with the earrings. Edward has assured me they are hand-me-downs of his great great-grandmother and they couldn't cost a lot of money. I just couldn't believe they weren't expensive so I researched and found out a similar set of earrings and they are quite expensive. I had never imagined expending thousands of dollars in a piece of jewelry. I feel guilty. I could feed a small village with their value, but I could never give them away. I know how important they are for Edward and his family.
There's a knock on the front door and I head to check who it is. Looking through the peep hole I can't believe my eyes. Edward is striking; he's wearing formal attire. Black pants and a matching jacket, a white shirt and a beautiful blue and gray tie. I had never seen him in suits and he makes my mouth water. His hair is combed smoothly to the right; its copper tones resemble a halo over his head. In a way he is my angel; he saved me from myself. I open the door and Edward surprises me with a bouquet of fresh lilies and daffodils. I thank him for the flowers and let him in, I head toward the kitchen and hunt for a vase to put the flowers. Then we head to Edward's car. Inside Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata is playing in the speakers, the soothing notes ease my nerves and I relax.
I still have no idea where we're heading, but we are driving thru a familiar path. We are now in the posh side of Forks. The streets are full of cars and the upscale restaurants are jammed, so we're having a fine dinner. That sounds good; I mean I've never eaten in a classy venue. I just wondered where we're going to park; it seems like there's not an empty space at all. Edward seems oblivious and continues to drive along the street. To my surprise we left behind the upscale side of Forks and we continue straight ahead. Minutes later Edward pulls his cell phone out of his pocket and announces our arrival in a few minutes. I wonder who he called and where we are. I've never been in this part of the city. Edward helps me out of the car; he looks content by the look of my face. I'm in awe. The place is surrounded by trees and flowers; I could swear it's a replica of the Secret Garden. I feel like in a fairy tale, except that this feels so real. The smell of the nature is wonderful. There's a small white wooden bridge ahead of us, I see water passing underneath. Clumsy as always I trip on my way to the bridge. Luckily, Edward was holding my hand and grabs me across my waist before falling down. We are face to face and I can hear my heart fluttering along Edward's. I feel my cheeks betraying me, turning scarlet red in a split second. Edward gives me a peck on the forehead and we keep our way.
After walking for some minutes, Edward announces we are getting closer. The sun is starting to set and the sky is now a mix of orange and pink. Edward instructs me to keep my eyes closed and he guides me some steps then he let me open my eyes. We are surrounded by a canopy of flowers, there's a small table and two chairs; one in front of the other. Edward politely moves the chair so I can sit down, then he sits. The table contains a beautiful crystal candelabra and matching goblets, two white placemats each one set with a beautiful china service and sparkling silverware. Edward directs my attention to the sky which is now a striking purple, the last sunrays are dissipating in the horizon. I can't imagine a better Valentine's Day.
A waiter pass a plate of white and black truffles, needless to say they tasted delicious. I tried to do something I've seen in movies. I grabbed one truffle and stretched my arm across the table and fed it to Edward. He liked my idea and proceeded to feed me one, it actually tasted better than the previous one; maybe is just my imagination. Then the garçon returns to retrieve the dishes and serves us an asian mandarin sad, that's one of my favorites; the sesame dressing is delicious. Edward and I exchange glances during dinner, he looks great in candlelight. The dinner follows with the main dish, chicken cordon bleu. It smells wonderful, and tastes the same. Edward's gaze is penetrating; the yellow flames of the candles intensify it. I feel like he can see beyond me. I realize at that moment that he hasn't kissed me today. My lips are burning with desire; so far he has just hugged me and gave me a peck on the forehead. I've never thought I was going to be so desperate for a boy. I used to repel couples kissing in public. I didn't understand what the urge was of some girls to have a boyfriend; I found it senseless. But now I understand it and I treasure every moment with my beau. I thank him for the lovely evening and he tells me the night's still young. Our server comes and gathers our dishes. Edward asks him for more sparkling water and for the dessert. I'm beyond full, I don't think I could eat more. I politely tell him that I just want more water less the dessert. Edward insists to at least try some of the dessert, I hesitate; but seeing his pleading eyes I give up. I recognized the dessert as it's being set on the table, crème brulee; my appetite is back. It's like if Edward had retrieved a list of my favorite food; I love every single dish.
Out of nowhere a melody starts playing, Edward asks me to dance with him. I feel color leaving my face. I'm petrified of dancing; I'm such a klutz. I have no ear-feet coordination whatsoever. "B… but I can't dance. I'll smash your toe or something." "I'll guide you the entire song. Please Bella, it's only a song." There he goes again with his begging eyes, I can't say no to them. "Ok, but only one song, promise?" "Yes, I promise it'll be just one song." We head outside the canopy and we are now covered by the twinkling stars and the deep blue sky. I don't recognize the lyrics to the song; I don't even know the language, but it's a lovely melody. Suddenly Edward starts singing the song; I recognize some French words. "Et dans tes yeux, mes yeux, plonger, traverser l'océan. Poser enfin la main sur toi. Et dans tes bras, mes bras, tomber, emportée par l'élan. Laisser enfin glisser mes doigts. On aura le ciel. Un peu des anges, les ailes, on s'envole toi et moi." I've always loved Edward's voice. French speaking Edward melts my heart. He's fluent; I've forgotten he lived in France for many years. We continue dancing thru the song, Edward keeps singing close to my ear. My skin shivers by the proximity of his mouth to my ear. He's just making me suffer; teasing me the entire song. My stomach quivers, I can't resist the temptation of kissing him. Finally the song ends and Edward and I are still embracing.
A/N: I don't own the song in this chapter. Song: "On aura le ciel" sang by: Sofia Mestari. Lyrics by: Pierre Legay, Benoît Heinrich.
Translation for the French lyrics: "And in your eyes, my eyes, we dive across the ocean. Finally place my hands on you. And in your arms, my arms fall, carried by the moment. Finally let my fingers. We have the sky. A little angel, wings, we fly you and me."
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