Disclaimer:
I do not own Twilight, nor do I own any of the music mentioned below, particularly, not any of the song lyrics quoted. All rights belong to the author, the song writers and the performers.
Author Notes
Kind of long notes here, but please don't skip them. Important note about the story, I felt I should address after concerns expressed in some reviews.
Thanks to my wonderful beta, Dooba. When I said I didn't think this chapter was alive, she helped me breathe life into it. I say it all the time, but I cannot do this without her. I also want to thank my prereaders, Divine Inspiration, Debbie, Shannon and now, also joining the group is PiedPiperOSIB. Chris gave me some great feedback on this chapter. You can thank him for Charlie's scene!
I need to give a special shout out to Drotuno. For those of you who have read her Angel Series, you will recognize one of her ideas. I discussed it with her in advance, and she knew I was going to do this. It was always one of my favorite moments in the series. I've augmented it a bit, as you'll see. Thanks bb! You know how much I love you and your stories! If you're not reading her stuff, please go check them all out. She is currently writing an AH story with lots of action and adventure!
The music in this chapter is something I thought about long and hard, agonized over and worried about greatly. Please pay special attention to the individual dedications when they come along. If you can, find the songs and listen. They are meaningful for these characters. And if you just want to hear something really hot, check out the Beatles version of Twist and Shout. John Lennon was never hotter than on that one!
After the last chapter, almost everyone commented on the future of Edward's and Bella's physical relationship. Though I have changed their personalities somewhat, this is still Edward Cullen, born in 1901, and he will not be jumping into sex with Bella. But, they are also teenagers, experiencing not only their first love, but the intensity of mating as well. They will have natural reactions to each other. So, this chapter might get a little spicy in a way I feel fits these characters and the story. Everyone on the team thought it was perfect, and I genuinely hope you all do as well. I'm nervous and look forward to your thoughts.
Also, this site's review reply function is broken. I've been trying to respond to reviews in PM's, so if you have them disabled, I won't be able to respond. Hopefully, the site will get everything fixed soon.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
For just a moment, as Edward pulled her into his arms and began to dance, Bella felt insecure and nervous. She'd always felt funny about dancing, particularly in front of other people. She loved the feeling of her body moving when dancing, but she couldn't see herself, couldn't see other people dance, so she worried that she might look ridiculous. Realistically, she knew there were blind athletes, blind dancers, hell even blind mountain climbers, but she wasn't any of those things.
But as she felt Edward's arms around her, felt him guiding her confidently, her insecurity faded away. There was no room for nerves when Edward was holding her in his strong arms. She knew he'd never let her look foolish, and she thought she could follow him, like that, anywhere, any time.
Bella loved the feeling of being held close in Edward's arms, as he twirled her across the floor. Dean Martin's mellow tones rang through the room as he sang of finding the love of his life at last.
"I can relate to this song," Edward said in her ear, kissing her neck softly, "For so many years, I thought I'd never find someone to love. Esme kept telling me there was someone out there for me, that I'd find her someday, but I had given up hope till you came into my life. I want you to know that every single minute of those years was worth it, if it meant I could find you. I wouldn't change anything."
He meant every word. As he held Bella against his body and softly sang along to the song, he knew the truth of everything he'd said. Bella was worth everything he'd had to go through till he found her.
Bella smiled up at him, happy tears shining in her eyes.
"I know I haven't waited 80-something years for you," she said, "But every day of my life I've been waiting for you. I've never felt like I truly belonged anywhere till you. I love you."
She raised up on her toes and kissed him. They stood still, just swaying to the music, kissing.
"Ok, you two," Emmett's boom broke into their perfect moment, "Enough of that for now. This is a party, and it's time to rock and roll! This song is for you, Bellarina."
Suddenly, the Beatles came blasting from the speakers.
"Well she was just 17, you know what I mean, and the way she looked was way beyond compare,
Now I'll never dance with another, since I saw her standing there."
Bella laughed and Edward began to move to the fast beat, dipping her on the ooo's, his cool hand splayed out on her bare back to hold her securely, and twirling her around till she was breathless and laughing.
As they danced, Bella and Edward drew closer to each other's bodies, till they were pressed together as closely as they could get. Bella ran her hands up and down his back, loving the feel of his muscles under his tux, moving up into his hair and tangling her fingers there. She never wanted to stop touching him. Part of her wanted to touch and explore all of him without his clothes, and she blushed as she thought of it.
Not ready for that quite yet, she thought, but oh I want to.
"You're blushing, love," Edward whispered into her ear, "What are you thinking?"
"I was just thinking how good it feels to be dancing with you like this," she whispered back.
"Yes, I love holding you against me this way," he murmured, "Do you know how heartbreakingly beautiful you are tonight?"
He pulled her tighter against him, running his hands up her back, feeling the bare skin and thrilling at the touch. Her skin was so soft, like silk under his fingers, and he wanted more, to touch more, to see more. Her hair was up, and he wanted to pull out the pins holding it there and watch it tumble down around her and to rake his fingers through it.
Mine, he thought, she's mine, and I want so much more. I want everything.
But he knew the time was not yet right for everything. He wanted to honor and love Bella with all the respect he could give her, and that did not include doing everything his body craved tonight in his family home, on his couch, or even in her room. When the time came, he wanted it to be special and romantic, and he wanted to be married. An outdated notion, perhaps, but it was how he was raised.
Bella and Edward danced together for the first few songs, but then Emmett wanted a turn.
"Come on, Bella, let me show you how it's done," Emmett laughed, spinning her away from Edward.
It was a fast song, and Emmett picked her up and spun around, swinging her.
"Um, Teddy," Bella gasped, "I'm going to get dizzy."
He laughed, swung her one more time, and then returned her to Edward.
"Are you alright?" Edward asked, concerned, "Are you dizzy?"
"Just a little," she answered, "Let me just sit a minute. Can I have some water?"
"Actually, Esme is about to come in and tell you that dinner is ready," Edward said, "May I escort you to the dining room, Miss Swan?"
He offered his arm, which she took, smiling up at him.
"Thank you, sir, I would be delighted to accompany you to the dining room," she giggled.
"We decided to do just a little dancing in the beginning," Esme explained as Bella took her seat at the table, "Then you can have your dinner, and the dancing can resume afterward."
The table was set formally, with a white table cloth, beautifully decorated with china and silver. The water goblet and wine glass were crystal, and they sparkled in the soft light of the dining room.
Bella ran her hands over everything and smiled.
"It's lovely, Esme," she said, "But you didn't have to do all this just for me."
"Of course we did, dear," Esme stopped to hug her, "This is your prom, and it's the first prom my children have really looked forward to. I wanted everything to be perfect and beautiful for all of you. This does include a nice formal dinner for you."
Everyone gathered around the table to sit with Bella as she ate.
"You know, under other circumstances," Bella laughed, "This could be intimidating, eating a fancy meal all by myself, being surrounded by vampires, staring at me as I eat."
Everyone joined in her laughter.
"Do you sense that we are all staring at you?" Jasper asked.
"Yeah, kind of," she laughed, "It's hard not to feel the intense looks of seven people all aimed at you!"
"Does it make you uncomfortable?" Esme asked, never wanting Bella to feel less than at ease with them.
"No, it doesn't, not at all," Bella assured her.
"I promised Charlie lots of pictures," Esme said, "Come on everyone, gather in close."
She took several pictures of them all together.
The meal consisted of baked chicken in a white wine sauce with rice and vegetables, accompanied by a soft dinner roll. She had ice water to drink and her one glass of champagne.
"Champagne, Esme?" she asked, surprised, "Does Dad know about this?"
"I asked his permission," Esme assured her, "This night is supposed to be very special, and I wanted you to be able to toast it, safely with us. If my children were human, I would allow them an occasional glass of wine under my roof and with my supervision. Your father agreed, provided nobody would be driving and that it was only one glass. Of course, he thinks everyone is having champagne; he doesn't realize you are the only one eating or drinking here tonight."
Bella sipped at the champagne slowly. The bubbles felt funny on her tongue, and the taste wasn't anything she'd want to try again in a hurry. She decided it must be an acquired taste, and she wasn't really interested in acquiring it, particularly not with her own plans for the future.
"You're making a funny face, love," Edward said, "Do you not like the champagne?"
"It's different," she answered, trying to be polite, "But I don't think it's really for me."
Carlisle moved the glass.
"Bella, never eat or drink anything here to be polite," he said, placing his hand on her shoulder, "If you don't like the champagne, do not drink it. From what I've heard, it is an acquired taste. Here, have more ice water instead. I think we also have some sparkling cider, if you'd like to try that."
"Oh, I like the sparkling cider," she said.
Carlisle went to the kitchen and returned with a fresh goblet filled with the sparkling cider.
"Is everything else alright?" Esme asked.
"Everything is delicious," Bella said, "You are an amazing cook, for someone who doesn't eat human food."
"Thank you," Esme smiled, "Carlisle and I have something else to tell you. We've already spoken to your father for permission, and Edward has nearly succeeded in pulling out his hair—an impossibility for a vampire—with his eagerness to tell you about this. I made him promise to wait till tonight, so Carlisle and I could invite you."
She laughed, tousling Edward's hair.
"What is it?" Bella asked, "Not more champagne?"
Carlisle chuckled.
"No, not champagne," he answered, "We'd like you to join us for a family vacation this summer. We own an island off the coast of Brazil. I bought it for Esme some years ago. We like to go there in the summer, because it's completely private, and we can be ourselves, not worrying about being seen in the sun, move at vampire speed, swim for hours, whatever we need. It's just a place we like to go to relax. We are planning a month there in July, and we would love to have you come with us. Charlie has already agreed."
"It's called isle Esme," Alice chimed in, "Carlisle actually gave it to Esme for an anniversary present."
"Wow! You own an island?" she was stunned for a moment, "Of course I'd like to go with you. I don't think I could bear it if you all left for a month. It isn't even just Edward, you know. I'd miss all of you so much."
"I don't think any of us would want to go if you couldn't come with us," Esme said, "That includes Carlisle and me. We love you like one of our own, and our family vacation would not be complete without you."
"Can Charlie afford the plane ticket?" Bella asked.
"No plane ticket necessary," Edward replied, "We own a private plane and several of us have pilot's licenses. We own the island, so no hotel bills either."
Bella felt a little overwhelmed. She knew the Cullens were very rich. How could they not be, with a mind reader and future seer around? But the idea that they actually owned an island and a plane brought it all home to her more definitely than ever before. Charlie was a cop in a small town, and though his salary allowed them to live without worry, it was nothing like the Cullens. Yet, the Cullens never acted as if they were better than Charlie or anyone else. They seemed comfortable with what they had, comfortable enough to enjoy it, but they didn't really flaunt it all. They loved her and welcomed her openly with all their hearts, and this meant more to Bella than all the money in the world. She told herself the love and acceptance were the things that mattered, and that feeling intimidated or somehow less because of the wealth was ridiculous.
"Count me in," Bella said, "I can hardly wait!"
Alice clapped her hands.
"Oh, Bella, it's going to be so fun!" she cried, "The island is beautiful. The water is really warm, so you'll be comfortable. We need to find you some light weight sun dresses and a new bathing suit or two—"
She broke off as everyone started laughing.
Charlie was driving in his cruiser, watching out for drunk drivers. There always were a couple on the night of the high school prom. He was thankful that Bella was safely at the Cullens instead of participating in the school event. She'd looked so beautiful and happy earlier that evening, and he hoped every minute of the night was special for her.
He realized he was near the turn off to the Cullen home and thought he would stop by to see his girl. Esme had invited him, and though he'd refused initially, now that he was in the neighborhood, he thought he could stop just for a minute.
Before he could reach the turn off, he saw a car parked on the side of the road, the windows all steamy. He didn't have to guess what this could mean. It was another inevitable fact of Prom night, kids parking and making out in cars, sometimes, even more than just making out. Charlie sighed and pulled up behind the car. It was the Newton boy's car, he noticed, as he exited his vehicle and headed toward the driver's side of the other car.
He shined his flashlight in the driver's window and saw Mike just crawling into the back seat, where Jessica Stanley waited, blouse unbuttoned. Both teens jumped in alarm, and Jessica frantically tried to cover herself.
"Hi kids," Charlie said, "You know you shouldn't be here, don't you?"
"Um, hi, Chief Swan," Mike giggled, "We were just talking, you know, nothing else."
"Sure you were," Charlie said, "This car reeks of alcohol. Have you been driving under the influence?"
"Actually, that's one of the reasons we stopped," Jessica said, "I didn't want him to drive anymore."
"Ok, kids, I'm going to drive you both to the station and call your parents. Get in the cruiser. I'll arrange for your car to be towed."
Grumbling and embarrassed, Mike and Jessica got out of his car and moved to the police cruiser.
"I'm just gonna stop by the Cullens for a minute to see Bella," Charlie told them, turning down the long almost hidden driveway.
In the Cullen house, Esme started to ask Bella a question, but Edward spoke before she could.
"Oh, Charlie's coming," he said, "He just turned down our road."
As if on cue, Jasper, Esme and Carlisle stood up to clear the table at lightning speed.
"What, is he ok?" Bella asked worriedly. She heard the Cullens move around her and guessed they were making sure Charlie would not suspect anything if he saw the table just set for one.
"Yes, he just wanted to see you, to see if you're having a good time."
Edward began to laugh.
"What's so funny?"
"He's got Mike and Jessica in the car," Edward explained, "He picked them up parking and a little drunk."
Everyone snickered.
"Oh, this is going to be fun!" Alice danced over to the door and opened it, just as Charlie got out of his car.
Around Bella, Jasper, Esme and Carlisle sat down as if nothing had happened.
"Hey Charlie, come on in," Alice sang.
"I can only stay for a minute," he answered, "I just wanted to see Bells."
"She's in the dining room," Alice smiled and opened the door wide.
"I can only stay a minute," Charlie said, walking in, "I've got a couple kids I need to take to the station."
Bella rose from the table and hugged her dad.
"I'm so glad you stopped by," she said, "It makes the night perfect!"
"Wow, everything looks so beautiful," Charlie said, "Are you having a good time?"
"The best time," Bella assured him.
"Can I get you anything to eat or drink, Charlie?" Esme offered.
"No, thank you, I really need to go. I just wanted to check in with my girl."
Charlie took in the beautifully decorated table, noting that the Cullens must just have finished eating. The table was almost empty, except for a crystal pitcher with ice water and a lone glass next to it.
"I'd better get going," he said, "Need to get those kids to the station and call their parents."
Bella and Edward walked to the door with him. From where they sat in the cruiser, Mike and Jessica saw Edward and Bella. Mike felt himself go hot with desire and jealousy. Bella Swan looked incredible, and she should be his, he thought. Bella had shot him down and humiliated him at school, but he still wanted her. She was the most interesting and exciting girl he had seen. It must just be the Cullen money and everything. After all, Edward Cullen and his oh so perfect family were really out of everyone else's league in this small nowhere town, including Bella's.
Jessica felt a flash of sorrow. Here she was, all dressed up, with a drunken date, heading for the police station, while there stood Bella, beautiful and confident, wrapped securely in the arms of the most handsome boy Jess had ever seen. It wasn't fair, she thought. Was she fated always to lead this small town life, with this small town boy, while Bella Swan, someone Jess had considered a nobody due to her blindness, walked away with the prize. Even Jessica could see tonight, that Bella and Edward were meant to be together, and that wherever they were headed, this small town could never contain them.
Charlie hugged Bella, kissed her cheek and shook Edward's hand.
"Enjoy the rest of the evening," he said, "I'm so glad to have you here and safe."
He ran down the stairs and out to his cruiser, driving away, thankful he didn't have to worry about his daughter ending up like the two kids in the back.
After they heard Charlie drive away, they all returned to the dining room.
"Ok, back to where we were before. Are you finished with your dinner, Bella?" Esme asked. "I am sorry, but we had to clear the table so that Charlie wouldn't notice you were the only one who had eaten."
"Yes, it was all so good, but I'm so full," Bella answered, "Let me help you with the dishes."
"No, absolutely not," Esme said, "This is your night, and you're not doing housework of any kind."
"We men are going to take care of the clean up," Carlisle said, "Actually, it's all done, except your dishes, Bella. We'll do them later. Don't worry."
"Now, ladies, if you would please make your way to the seats we've placed near the piano," Jasper invited, "We have prepared a surprise for you."
"Of course, it probably isn't much of a surprise to the Pixie," Emmett teased, "But hopefully, she hasn't spilled the beans to the rest of you."
"I've tried not to see all the details," Alice said, "So, I don't know everything you've planned."
The girls sat down, as the four Cullen men gathered by the piano, Edward taking his seat on the bench.
"Welcome to the first ever performance of the Cullens," Carlisle said, "We have prepared and rehearsed a special show just for you ladies and for this special evening."
"I wanted to call our group Vampire, or Vegetarian Vamps," Emmett said, "But I was overruled."
"Be quiet now," Jasper hissed, "The show has started."
"We are going to sing a couple songs as a group," Edward explained, "And each of us has a special song to sing to his lady."
He began to play a swinging beat, and they broke into Nat King Cole's L O V E. Each guy took a line of the verse, and then they sang harmony together for the rest. Jasper, then Edward, then Emmett, then Carlisle sang:
"L is for the way you look at me,
O is for the only one I see,
V is very very, extra ordinary,
E is even more than anyone that you adore can love"
Then together for the chorus:
"Is all that I can give to you,
Love is more than just a game for two,
Two in love can make it, take my heart and please don't break it,
Love was meant for you and me."
When the song was finished, the women cheered and clapped.
"Oh my, I never dreamed Carlisle would participate in this," Esme's squeal rivaled Alice's.
Bella beamed with delight over the concert. She was impressed with the quality of their performance. They all had beautiful voices, and when they started singing harmony together, she thought she might just melt into a puddle.
"I feel like I could swoon from that!" Alice said.
"You can't swoon," Rose pointed out the obvious, "You're a vampire. But I know what you mean. That was incredible."
"We aren't finished, ladies," Jasper admonished, "If you could all please take your seats. The concert shall continue, with Mr. Emmett McCarty singing John Lennon's Woman."
"This is dedicated to my Rosie," Emmett said, "She puts up with all my craziness, my mistakes, the ridiculous things I say and do. There's a line in this song, that says, woman, I know you understand, the little child inside your man, and I know my woman does truly understand that part of me, and every part of me. I love you, Rosie."
Rose wished she could cry the kind of happy tears she saw in Bella's eyes. She was so deeply moved by Emmett's sweet words and by the song he had chosen to sing to her. Her man was often silly, but deep inside, his heart was serious and loyal beyond what she could even have dreamt to hope for in a mate. She was so thankful she'd found him that fateful day so long ago.
The other guys sang quiet harmony in the background, sounding beautiful in their parts, but never overpowering Emmett's solo. When they finished, the girls were silent for a moment, almost too moved to react. Then they applauded, and Rose jumped into Emmett's arms.
"You big old oaf, I love you so much!" she sobbed tearlessly, "Thank you, Emmett. That was beautiful."
Emmett kissed her soundly, grinning from ear to ear.
"All for you, Rosie," he said.
Jasper stepped forward then, and Emmett stepped back beside Carlisle.
"My song is called If There Hadn't Been You," he said, "You all know my history, and if you don't know it, my Alice saved me. God only knows where I'd be without her. This is by a country singer named Billy Dean."
Jasper reached behind him to pick up a guitar and began to play. As he sang, Edward joined him with quiet harmony, letting Jasper's solo shine.
"A man filled with doubt, down and out and so alone,
A ship tossed and turned, lost and yearning for a home,
A survivor barely surviving, not really sure of his next move,
All of this, I would have been, if there hadn't been you.
A man filled with hope, who finally knows where he belongs,
A heart filled with love more than enough to keep it strong
A life that's alive again, no longer afraid to face the truth,
All of this I would have missed if there hadn't been you.
If there hadn't been you, where would I be?
If there hadn't been you here for me,
I made it through times I never would have made it through,
If there hadn't been you on my side, you in my life,
All my dreams would still be dreams,
If there hadn't been you."
Tears poured down Bella's cheeks. Knowing what she did of Jasper's life before Alice, the words were so appropriate. She couldn't imagine the anguish he had suffered before Alice had come bouncing into his world bringing the joy he needed.
Alice sat perfectly still, too moved to speak, too moved to squeal or bounce in her usual way. When Jasper finished, he walked over to her and knelt in front of her.
"I wish I could have written that song, darlin'," he said, "Because every word of it is true about me and all you gave me when you came into my life. Thank you."
"Oh, Jazzy!" Alice cried, launching herself into his arms.
When everyone had calmed down, Edward took the guitar Jasper had been using, and moving closer to where Bella was sitting, he began to speak.
"I looked a long time, trying to find a song to say exactly what I wanted, but nothing really seemed right. My Bella, you have changed my life, every bit as much as Alice did for Jasper, in different ways. The only thing I can do in response to all the joy you give me everyday, is just to love you in return, with all of my heart and soul. I was thinking about that, listening to all kinds of music, and I found this song by an artist named Collin Raye. It's called All I Can Do is love You."
He strummed the guitar softly, and with the other men joining him in harmony, he began to sing.
"It's simple, so easy,
Something bout your gentle way that frees me.
I feel it; all I can do is love you.
This one thing, I'm sure of,
Nothing's sweeter in this world than your love,
I'm certain, all I can do is love you.
All of my dreams are yours,
Those distant shores of love at last have found me,
Best way I can explain is there's hope again,
And you're the light surrounding me.
My lifetime, I'll prove it,
Cause baby when it gets right down to it,
I can't help it, all I can do is love you.
Like warm sun in winter,
Unexpected was this sweet surrender,
I now know, all I can do is love you,
Forever, all I can do is love you."
The song ended on a soft chord. Edward put the guitar down and moved to Bella, taking her in his arms.
"I mean every word of that song," he whispered to her, "You are everything to me, sweet girl."
Bella couldn't speak, because she was crying too hard, but she returned his embrace with as much strength as she could, burrowing her face into his shoulder.
"Nobody has ever done anything like that for me before," she said, "Thank you, Edward, it was so beautiful! I wish we had a recording of that."
"We do have a recording," he told her, "We are videoing this, so you can all have a copy."
"You boys are amazing," Esme sighed, "Where have you been practicing?"
"Oh, we've found time," Carlisle smiled, "We've practiced when you've all been out, practiced in the garage, on some of those all men hunting trips."
"Oh, you rascals, I love you all," Esme laughed.
"We still have two more numbers," Edward said, releasing Bella and returning to the piano, "Please take your seats again, and let me introduce, Carlisle Cullen."
The girls whistled and cheered.
"Carlisle?" Esme breathed.
"You didn't think I'd leave you out, did you, beloved?" he answered, "Esme and I have danced to this song many times. It is one of her favorites, and it fits so much of what I would want to say to my dear wife and partner. This is Unforgettable, by Nat King Cole."
When the final notes of the song died away, the women came to their feet, applauding wildly. Rose whistled shrilly, and the other three cheered as loudly as they could. Then they all rushed forward to embrace their partners.
"Wait, ladies," Emmett laughed, "Much as we are all thrilled by your enthusiastic reception, we have one final number to perform for you this fine evening."
They returned to their seats, and Carlisle announced the last song.
"This is in honor of all of you beautiful girls," he said, "And in tribute and recognition of how beautiful you all are, not just tonight, all dressed up as you are, but every day."
Then, in perfect harmony, they began to sing, the Way You Look Tonight.
When the show was over, the women hugged and thanked all the guys, and then everyone went back to dancing.
Bella was amazed by the range of music, as they continued to dance. It seemed every era of music was represented, from the 30's to present, and almost any genre. She heard the Beatles, Elvis, Sinatra, The Rolling Stones, some Disco and contemporary artists such as Lady Gaga. There was even some country music for Jasper, and Bella discovered that when she listened to the words, she liked most of it.
Bella danced with everyone. She found Carlisle to be smooth and elegant in his dancing. Emmett was lively and boisterous. Jasper turned on some George Strait and Asleep at the Wheel and taught her to do some Texas Swing. She had never had so much fun in her life. The best part was always when she was dancing with Edward.
Jasper felt as if he might overflow with happiness from all the joy filling the room. Alice had never been so completely happy before. He knew this was because of Bella, because Alice finally had that best friend for whom she had longed, and Jasper would have done anything for Bella because of it.
"You're so happy tonight, darlin'," he said during a dance.
"I don't know why we never thought of doing this before," she replied, "It is so much fun."
"I think we never did it before, because Edward was alone," Jasper said, "None of us would have wanted to have such a romantic group evening and have him be on the sidelines, as he so often was in the past."
"You're right about that," she sighed, "Everything has changed since Bella came into our lives. She seems to complete this family in wonderful ways."
"As long as you are always as happy as you have been lately," he said, kissing her, "I want for nothing more in my life."
Carlisle and Esme waltzed together and watched their children.
"Look at our family, beloved," Esme said, "We are complete at last."
"I was just thinking the same thing," he replied, "All those many years I spent alone, longing for companionship. I wanted so much more than a coven; I wanted this, a family."
"I know you did, and you have it now."
"When I first changed Edward," he continued, "I never allowed myself to dream this could ever happen. Then you came along, and Rose, and the rest. We waited a long time for our Bella, but now I, you and I, have the family we both wanted so much."
She nodded, and they kissed, losing themselves in each other.
Rose and Alice grabbed Bella and began to dance with her.
"I don't need to ask if you're having fun," Alice said, "You're positively glowing with so much fun!"
"You've come so far since we first met you," Rose added, "You seemed like you didn't know your place in the world in those early days, but now, you seem to have found your footing. And damn, girl, you look so hot tonight! I'm so proud."
The girls laughed and hugged each other.
"I know it's not right for me to say things like I've finally found where I belong since I found Edward," Bella began more seriously, "A woman doesn't need a man to complete her or make her life right in some way. But I don't know any other way to describe it. With Edward, and with all of you, I am the Bella I always knew inside, but never quite knew how to bring out in front. Does that make sense?"
"Of course it does," Rose said, "All your life, you've taken care of your mother, or your father. You've never been just a kid or just a teenage girl. You've always had to fight for acceptance, too, because of your blindness. Now, you have your mate, and you have a big family full of people who love and accept you as you are. It's bound to make you feel more confident and more complete."
"Don't discount the mate thing either," Alice said, "When a vampire finds his or her mate, they feel that sense of completion and belonging, too. It's part of how we know we've found our mates. You're human, but remember, Esme felt it for Carlisle the first time they met when she was only 16."
"And Emmett says he felt it, the first time he saw me," Rose said, "But as he was being mauled by a bear at the time, I'm not sure he really knows that for sure. But it's possible. So, I agree with Alice that the mate thing also adds to these feelings for you."
Emmett came over to them and picked up Rose.
"Enough of this serious talk you three," he laughed, "Come and dance with me, Rosie. You've been away too long. Come on, everybody, let's twist!"
"Do you know how to twist?" Edward asked, returning to Bella.
"No, I've never learned that one," she answered.
He moved behind her, pulling her body against him. Slowly, he slid his hands down her body to her hips.
"Now, when the music starts," he breathed into her ear, "I'm going to teach you how to twist."
He kissed the back of her neck, moving down to her back. She shivered with desire as his hands and his mouth created fire in her belly and made her want something more.
"Start the song," Edward told Emmett.
Again, the sound of the Beatles burst from the speakers with Twist and Shout, and Edward began to move. He held Bella's hips, twisting her body with his. Their bodies were flush against each other, and as they moved, the sexual tension and desire grew between them. Every twist of her hips caused Bella's body to brush against his groin, and Edward thought he might just die from the pleasure the sensations evoked in him. He knew she must feel his hardness; they were too close together for her not to feel it. He was embarrassed and thought he should be ashamed to let a girl know he was having that reaction, but for this moment, he just wanted to enjoy the feeling of holding his love and being turned on like any other 17-year-old boy would be.
Bella's body felt flushed from the proximity of Edward's body. She had thought she'd felt desire before, but it was nothing like this. Between the raw sexuality of John Lennon's voice, then Edward's body moving against her, his hands gripping her, she thought she could burst into flames. Her body reacted, and she felt the heat between her legs. She felt embarrassed and wondered if the vampires could smell that she was turned on, but for this night, this moment, she just wanted to revel in all the new feelings. She could feel that Edward was experiencing the same thing, as she felt him hard against her, not needing an explanation of what the hardness was.
Edward in turn could tell that Bella was having the same reaction to him as he was having to her. Her pulse was rapid and her breathing was shallow, almost uneven. He felt a slight tension in her body, as if she was waiting for something, and he definitely felt how she tried to press herself against him as much as possible. He basked in the heat that was radiating off her.
"Wow, look at them," Jasper whispered to Alice, "The lust in this room just blew off the scale."
"We're all going to benefit from that tonight," Alice laughed, "All of us but Edward and Bella. Though they might venture a little farther tonight than they usually do."
The song ended, and Edward spun Bella around to face him.
"You are incredible," he told her, "You are beautiful and sexy, and everything I've ever wanted."
He kissed her passionately, and Bella returned the kiss with equal passion, pressing her body against him, wanting to feel that hardness again.
Things began to wind down around midnight, and Emmett announced the last song.
"Ok, everyone, get your partner and prepare for a nice romantic slow one for the final dance," he said quietly.
The song started, and Elvis Presley's voice sang about how he couldn't help falling in love.
Edward pulled Bella into his arms again, and together they swayed sweetly to the music, Edward singing the song to her softly. With the last note, he kissed her.
"I love you, my Bella," he said.
"I love you, my Edward," she answered.
The rest of the family hugged and kissed each other. Then they all went around hugging everyone. Bella couldn't thank them all often enough. She had no words strong enough to tell them what this evening had meant to her. She hugged Carlisle and Esme last.
"Thank you both so much," she cried, "This has been the best night of my life."
"You're most welcome, dear," Esme said, kissing her cheek, "We are so happy you enjoyed it."
"And I'm glad you both participated with us," Bella added, "Carlisle, your singing was incredible."
He kissed the top of her head.
"Why thank you, if I decide I'm bored with being a doctor, perhaps I could become a famous crooner."
Bella laughed and hugged him one more time.
"Come, love, let's go upstairs," Edward said.
"Goodnight everyone," Bella called.
Edward took her hand and led her up the stairs to her room. He closed the door behind them and took her into his arms.
"I want to tell you again, how very beautiful you are tonight," he murmured, "You are the most exquisite being God ever created. Sometimes, I still almost can't believe that you are mine."
"I feel the same way about you," she answered, "Of all the women in the world, vampire or human, I'm the one you want. It amazes me still, but I'm so happy it's true."
"Let's have one more dance, just you and me," he said.
She nodded, and he went to the stereo and started the song he'd had queued up all evening.
"This is I've Had the Time of my Life, from the movie Dirty Dancing," he told her, "It says everything I want to say to you about tonight."
He sang the words to her, as he began to move with her around the room. He dipped her, sliding her body slowly and sensuously down his, raising her up just as slowly. His hands slid down her back, just barely reaching under the fabric of her dress, stopping just above her rear. He slid his hands back up and around to her sides, moving down to her hips, then up, just grazing the outside of her breasts. He kissed her, his tongue tentatively seeking entrance into her mouth, shyly touching hers.
His hands went to her hair, pulling out the pins that held it, as he'd wanted to do all night. He watched it fall around her shoulders and nearly gasped at the feeling it aroused in him. He tangled his hands in her hair, pulling it slightly, kissing her neck.
Bella moaned softly. Her hands followed a similar path to his, sliding down his back, reaching up under his jacket, to get closer to his skin. Nervously, she pulled on his shirt, untucking it, and moved her hands under the fabric to feel his bare skin. Her tongue tangled with his, and their kisses became heated and desperate.
They moaned into each other's mouths, pressing against each other, hands continuing to explore, as the song continued. They weren't dancing now, just standing together, bodies swaying, kissing and touching, each of them thrilled and excited.
"You're beautiful, Edward," she whispered, "I love how your skin feels. I love your muscles, and how safe I feel in your arms. I love you."
"You are the beautiful one," he said, "You make me feel alive. I can almost feel my pulse pounding."
He slid his hands over her dress, up to her breasts and very gently explored them, still outside her clothes.
"Mmmm," she gasped, "Oh, Edward, that feels so good!"
Edward pressed against her, letting her feel how much he wanted her. She moaned at the sensation, and Edward nearly lost control. He wanted her, and he wanted her now. Something deep and primal rose in him, demanding he take what was his.
Bella had begun kissing him again, her tongue meeting his, her breaths panting with desire.
"Stop, Bella, stop," he cried, stepping back.
She froze, remembering what he'd made her promise about stopping.
Her breaths came in pants, and her heart was pounding from excitement. She did not feel afraid of Edward. She stood where she was, letting them both calm down, waiting for him to be able to come back to her.
Edward took a deep breath, willing his body to calm down, locking his control and shoving his overwhelming desire behind that control. He was ashamed of how nearly he'd forgotten everything he was in his need for Bella. Had he frightened her? Would she want to end their relationship? He was terrified of losing her all because he couldn't control his body.
He took another deep breath, and then he looked up to see her smiling face. She looked calm and happy, not frightened, not running away. He strode back to her and took her gently into his arms.
"I'm so sorry, Bella," he said, "But thank you for remembering what we discussed."
She reached up and stroked his cheek softly.
"Ssh, my Edward, you have nothing to apologize for," she whispered.
"But I nearly lost control," he protested, "I almost couldn't stop. And I don't know if I would have stopped just at taking you, in the typical physical sense. What if—what if I'd bitten you?"
"But you didn't," she replied, still stroking his cheek, "You didn't take me in any way. You stopped yourself. You were strong enough to stop, and I was strong enough to stop when you asked me to. I'm your mate, and you can't hurt me. Something in you will always prevent you from doing that."
He sighed and rested his forehead against hers.
"You are so wonderful," he said, "I love you for understanding me so well, for accepting me, and who I am. I would never want to hurt you. It would kill me if I ever did."
"You never will, not physically."
"I hope you are right," he sighed again.
"I'll always remember to stop when you say stop," she promised, "But Edward, I want you to know, I don't regret anything that happened tonight, not anything. It was perfect, wonderful."
He kissed her tenderly. He kissed her lips and her eyes and hugged her.
"Truly, I can't bring myself to regret it either," he admitted, "How can I regret being close to you? You felt amazing in my arms, touching you was like nothing I could have even imagined. I can't regret anything that happens between us."
"I'm glad to hear that," she said, "As long as we don't hurt each other—ok, so I can't hurt you physically, but there are other ways to hurt someone—as long as we always talk about it, and as long as everything is mutual, we'd only ruin it if we regretted it."
"I agree with you, my love."
They kissed again, and then Bella went to get ready for bed.
When he heard the water turn on in Bella's bathroom, Emmett called up from his room, just loud enough for the vampires to hear.
"Thanks little brother, thanks for the lust you two have been giving off tonight!"
Edward growled.
"I'm proud of you, son," Carlisle said, "You handled yourself very well tonight, in every moment. Trust yourself, and trust Bella. Together, you two are going to make it."
"Thank you," Edward whispered fervently.
Bella came back and climbed into bed, snuggling under the covers. She yawned.
"Tired? It's been quite the night," Edward said.
He lay beside her, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her.
"Mmm. The best night of my life," she answered.
"The best night of my life as well. Sleep now, sweet girl. I'll be here beside you all night."
In their room, Carlisle and Esme smiled at each other.
"He's come so far," Esme said.
"Yes, he has. Bella has saved him I think."
"I think they've saved each other," Esme answered.
"I believe you are right," Carlisle agreed, "I was so proud of him tonight, so proud of them both. She has made such a change in this whole family. She will be a stunning vampire someday I think."
"Do you think he will change her?"
"I don't see how he could not change her," Carlisle said, "If they want to be together, she will have to be changed someday. When the time comes, we'll support them, as we have done for all the others."
"Would the change restore her sight?" Esme asked.
"I expect it would, as I've never seen any damage it can't heal, provided the heart can continue beating," he said, "I don't believe Bella is even thinking that way now. She's thinking about being changed, but not about the vision. When she's ready we can discuss it with her."
Upstairs, Edward was humming Bella's lullaby, thinking over the night, considering what he'd heard Carlisle and Esme discussing. There's time to discuss everything, he thought.
"I love you, Bella," he whispered to the girl sleeping in his arms, "There is nothing I won't do for you."
He kissed her hair, letting his mind remember every detail of the Prom, happier and more content than he'd ever been.
Author end notes
Seeing Bella is up for a number of awards in the Sunflower Awards. If you feel so inclined, please go and vote for the story, or for some of the other great stories.
www dot thesunflowerawards dot blogspot dot com
It's also been nominated for some Avant Garde awards, and I'm overwhelmed and beyond thrilled.
Thank you to everyone for supporting this story, for reviewing, sharing your thoughts and feelings and spreading the word. I would love to take you all out for dinner and drinks to thank you!
Recs
This is who I Am, by pattyrose
Edward Cullen, successful business exec/playboy/all around bad boy. Bella Swan, divorced mom/graphic artist/unwilling to trust her heart to the likes of someone like Edward again. Will she give him a chance? Does he even deserve one? AH, AU ExB.
http:/www dot fanfiction dot net/s/5980177/1/This_Is_Who_I_Am_A_Twilight_Fanfic