Disclaimer: Twilight is not mine.
WARNING: This story does NOT have a beta. All mistakes are my own. This story is also not perfect and I never claimed it to be.
Check out my blog: scribbledwordsblog. wordpress. com (remove spaces)
A/N: I'm back from my holiday! I went to San Antonio Bay in Ibiza and it was amazing and I would go back tomorrow if I could but then I wouldn't be able to write this then would I? –wink- (p.s sorry for the delay things at home got crazy)
"We need to do this again." Alice said, looking at Bella expectantly.
Bella found herself agreeing without feeling any more nerves, "Sure anytime."
She clearly said the right thing as Alice's pixie face lit up and she flashed her a brilliant smile. "Fabulous!"
Alice had hugged her so tightly that Bella felt like her insides were being crushed but she said nothing. It was nice to be held by someone other than Edward and Alice was so small that she fit just underneath her chin slightly. She had patted Alice's back awkwardly before she released her.
Bella had then remembered she needed to ask Alice something and shifted uncomfortably. "Alice...I was just wondering…" she trailed off and Alice looked at her curiously.
"What?" She asked.
"I mean I know I'm going as Edward's date to your wedding but obviously he's going to be busy and everything so I was hoping I could bring a friend with me so I'm not on my own." Bella said quickly.
Alice had laughed at her nervous expression, "Of course that's fine you won't know anyone so it makes sense."
Bella had breathed out in relief, "Thank you so much."
When she had made the short walk home and collapsed onto her small sofa, bags in tow on either side of her, Bella felt content and sighed. Her feet ached and she kicked off her pumps. She had no idea how some of the women down there wore such heels walking around all day. After her short phone call with Edward she had brought the top after a persistent Alice kept on and on about how gorgeous it looked. She had also splashed out on a new pair of jeans which she did not feel guilty for.
Bella felt her phone buzz in her bag and she quickly pulled it out to see she had a text from Edward.
You home? x – E
Yeah just got in 5 mins x – B
Did you have a good time? x – E
I did actually. It was nice x – B
Would you be mad if I said I told you so? :P – E
You just did (: - B
I'm always right! x – E
Yeah, you were in this case x – B
From the sounds of it, Alice loves you if her texts are anything to go by x – E
Really? x – B
Yep. She's already talking about the next trip x – E
Hopefully not anytime soon. My feet kill! x – B
Did you wear flats? x – E
Yep! x – B
Wow, you must have done a lot of walking! x – E
That's an understatement… x – B
Should never expect anything less from my little sister! :P – E
I won't anymore! Feel like I've had a workout x – B
Better get used to it (: Stuck with us! x – E
Oh really? x – B
Yep! Suck it up honey (: x – E
Righhttttttt… x – B
Hey! We was just saying how I'm always right, don't go back on that now! x – E
Ok ok Mr Right! x – B
Seriously? That's going to my nickname? x – E
No it was pretty crap. First thing that popped into my head! x – B
Disappointed! x – E
Bella couldn't help but smile to herself. She loved how she was able to have playful banter with Edward. It was funny to think a couple of months ago she could barely form a sentence without being formal and cold. Now, joking with him came naturally to her.
I'll make it up to you x – B
How? (: x – E
I'll be the perfect date at the wedding x – B
I'm sure you will be (: x – E
I asked Alice if I could bring Angela with me x – B
And? x – E
She said that it would be fine x – B
Now you have to come, can't back out at the last minute! x – E
I won't! Right I'm going to go in the shower and straight to bed! x – B
Sounds like a good idea x – E
Need my beauty sleep x – B
Your beautiful enough already x – E
I had a feeling you was going to say that x- B
You love it x – E
Maybe I do just a little bit :P x – B
I think a lot…. x – E
Ok byeee going shower x – B
Good job at changing the subject :P x – E
I don't know what you mean x – B
Hmm, go in the shower! x – E
I'm going I'm going x – B
Bella could not help but sigh when the warm water hit her skin and aching muscles. Who knew shopping could be so tiring? She rubbed her calves to ease the tension before stepping out and wrapping a fluffy towel around her. The mirror above the sink was steamed up so she rubbed a hand across to see her face staring back. She had been surprised at her reflection in the shop today. She looked like a completely different person. Her eyes seemed brighter and she looked more youthful and relaxed rather than tense. When she eventually got into bed she was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
Bella was back in the shop on Monday and Marcus seemed to be in a good mood which was infectious. It had been a quiet morning so she was able to sort out what had been left over the weekend. Some people had donated their unwanted books so she filed them in the right genre alphabetically and slashed the price. She was walking back to the front desk when Angela stepped through the door.
"Hey Honey!" she said before giving Bella a quick hug.
"Hi, what are you doing here?" Bella asked out of interest.
"It's my lunch break so I thought I would pop over and see what's been going on."
"Shopping went well with Alice." Bella said as she sat behind the till in case any customers wanted to purchase anything.
"That's good. You get on then?" Angela asked balancing two coffees in her hand. "Oh I got you one of these as well on the way."
"Thanks," Bella accepted the drink gratefully "Yeah it seems like it."
Angela looked around the book shop, "Seems busy in here today."
Bella nodded, "Yeah, it's lunchtime though. Oh by the way I asked Alice if you could come to the wedding with me."
"And?" Angela leaned forward eagerly.
"She said it would be fine."
Angela put her hand up to Bella, which she slowly hit back giving her a high five, "I told you!"
"So you are going to be my date then?" Bella joked.
Angela fluttered her eyelashes, "Obviously. We are going to make such a beautiful couple."
Bella rolled her eyes, "For sure."
"So, text me the details ok? Then we can get ready together."
"Will do."
Angela then frowned and looked at Bella, "Wait so if we are going to be a couple, who's the man in this relationship?"
Bella hit her playfully on the arm before Angela laughed loudly as she left with Bella shaking her head.
-xoxo-
The rest of the week passed quickly and before Bella knew it Saturday morning had appeared; the day of the wedding. She had got up earlier then she needed to because of the nerves that had been fluttering around her stomach. Edward had sent her a good morning text along with how busy everybody was trying to get ready for the afternoon ceremony. Angela was coming round just before lunchtime to get ready and Bella would be lying if she said she wasn't happy that her best friend was coming with her.
"You're wearing blue obviously." Angela said rolling her eyes half an hour after she arrived.
"Right obviously." Bella said jokingly.
"It suits your skin tone, trust me!"
It was nice to spend some girl on girl time with Angela as they both got ready for the afternoon. Bella received a couple of texts off Edward throughout the day which calmed her nerves. Angela curled her hair and helped her out with applying makeup. Before Bella knew it they were both ready.
We going to start out soon x – B
Ok, I'll see you in a bit x – E
Angela had pre-booked a taxi to drop the two of them off at the church so there was no hassle and they were soon sitting in the back on their way.
"You feeling alright?" Angela asked.
"I'm still nervous but I think I'll be ok once I see him." Bella said truthfully.
"I'm here with you so it's going to be fine, don't worry about it."
It was not long before the taxi pulled up in front of the church and they both got out onto the pavement. There was loads of people all dressed up hanging around outside the church laughing, talking and kissing each other on the cheeks. Angela and Bella managed to get through the crowd and take a seat in one of the nearly full pews halfway to the front. They had a decent view and they could see a photographer was going around and taking pictures of the guests before the ceremony.
Bella clasped her hands in her lap to stop them shaking and bite her lip out of habit. She couldn't see Edward anywhere so she assumed he was with the other usher's since he was the best man. She couldn't believe that she was actually here and that she had originally declined the invitation to attend as his date. Sitting here was a huge shock and a pleasant surprise.
The inside of the church started to get more packed and the priest finally appeared ready to start the ceremony. A man walked down the aisle, presumably the groom Jasper as he took his position at the front. He looked vaguely familiar but Bella couldn't place where she knew him from so she dismissed it. A hush came over the inside of the church as people stopped talking in the pews. The entrance at the back opened and everyone automatically turned including Bella.
Edward was the first to walk through with a beautiful young woman by his side. Her arm was linked through his and her perfect white teeth were on show as she smiled. She was the complete opposite to Bella. She was tall with strawberry blonde hair and immaculately groomed. In Bella's eyes she was perfect and she assumed that since Edward was the best man this woman was the Maid of Honour. It was natural for them to walk down the aisle together first but she could not help but feel a stab of jealously and insecurity. As if he knew what she was thinking, Edward caught Bella's eye and shot her a quick wink which she automatically began to blush at. The woman on Edward's arm flashed her a brief look then turned her attention back to the front, her hand gripping Edward's forearm.
Angela nudged Bella's arm gently and leaned her head closer, "Who is that?" She whispered.
"I have no idea." Bella whispered back and continued to keep her eye on them as they got towards the front and separated on each side of the altar.
Edward looked even more handsome in his suit so it was no wonder that Bella caught the blonde woman looking at him appreciatively up and down. Bella felt her hand clench tightly in her lap and she breathed out slowly. She was so busy focusing on Edward and the woman she did not notice the other bridesmaids walk up the aisle the same way. The room became quiet again as soft music began to play and Alice appeared with Carlisle at her side.
There was no denying how beautiful she looked as she seemed to glide down the aisle effortlessly. She had a simple diamond flower in her hair and had opted for a short dress rather than the traditional long princess gown which would have swamped her tiny frame.
Carlisle and Alice eventually got to the end of the aisle where Carlisle held her tight and kissed the side of her head before letting her go to Jasper who was beaming. They held each other's hand as they faced Priest who began the ceremony.
Bella listened tentatively as Alice and Jasper said their vows to each other which were tender. She swore that her eyes started to tear up a bit but she quickly blinked them away. Couple of months ago she hated the thought of weddings let alone attending one. She had not cried for years and suddenly she was attending one trying to stop herself from getting emotional. She also could not stop staring at Edward. It was hard to believe that this man was hers and wanted to be with her. The only thing that was dampening her mood was the blonde woman who was not being subtle about her feelings towards him. Bella couldn't help but wonder if Edward knew or had even noticed as he had not looked at this woman once. However, Edward did occasionally meet her eye and give her a small smile which made her flush again with embarrassment and giddiness.
"I do." Alice said smiling before offering her hand so the ring could be slipped onto her finger.
The priest looked at Alice and Jasper before speaking, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Jasper you may now kiss the bride."
Everyone clapped and cheered as Jasper dipped Alice to kiss her. Bella looked at Angela who also had a smile on her face and was glad to share the experience with her. She looked at Edward again and beamed at her because the corners of her mouth wouldn't go down.
"How was that for you?" Angela asked as they made their way to the reception.
"Honestly, it was pretty good." Bella said as they followed the rest of the crowd. She hadn't been able to talk to Edward properly yet and she was getting slightly nervous again about seeing Esme and Carlisle.
"Of course it was!" Angela laughed and grabbed Bella's hand tightly pulling her along.
The rest of the wedding was going to be held in the posh hotel that was not far from the church. Luckily Bella and Angela had been placed on the same table together along with some other guests whereas Edward and the rest of the family were on the head table.
"Everyone, I'd like to introduce Mr and Mrs Whitlock!"
Bella and Angela stood up with the rest of the guests and clapped whilst Alice and Jasper took their seats with the rest of the family.
"She looks beautiful don't you think?" Angela asked as they sat back down again.
Bella nodded, "Yeah she does."
Their table was not that far from Edward and the Cullen family so Bella had a good view of the rest of the room. She saw that the blonde woman was seated with two other women who also had the same traits. Bella assumed they were her sisters as they were equally beautiful.
Bella felt her phone buzz in her handbag so she quickly got it out and saw Edward had texted her.
You doing ok? x – E
Yeah I'm fine x – B
I'll come see you after we've had food ok? x – E
Take your time x – B
"Was that Edward?" Angela watched as Bella locked her phone and put it away again.
"Yeah, he's going to come over when the courses have been finished." Bella explained.
Whilst the waiters dished out the courses, Angela made small talk with the rest of the people they were sharing the table with. Bella didn't say anything but she was happy to sit there and listen as her friend socialised. That was probably one part of her that would never change.
Edward suddenly stood up and started clinking his glass to get everyone's attention. Bella had completely forgotten that he would have to make a speech since he was the best man. A hush fell over the room as everyone gave Edward their full attention.
"Hello everyone…I'm not usually good at public speeches but for my sister I will give it my best shot. See, when Alice first met Jasper she said to me the same day that she knew she was going to marry him. Don't ask me how but I've never seen my sister so determined and so sure about something that I could not believe her. And she was right because today we are celebrating the start of their commitment to each other. I'm not sure how Jasper felt the day he met my sister but I guess to see him now sitting next to her probably says it all. I only hope that I'll have what they have one day because I'm definitely envious. Alice went after what she wanted and I think that should be a lesson to us all…to take chances and to not wait. So I'd like everyone to raise their glasses….to Alice and Jasper."
Edward raised his glass and everyone followed suit. Bella could feel her heart pounding and her eyes glisten as she processed the speech that Edward had made.
"Cheer's everyone!" Edward said loudly and before he sipped his glass he looked straight at Bella.
Bella raised her glass back along with Angela and drained the rest of it quickly. She caught Edward's eye and blushed before promptly sitting back down with everyone else. The empty plates and glasses were taken away from the tables promptly before Alice and Jasper made their way over to cut the wedding cake together. Bella watched as they posed for pictures for the photographer and family members. They truly made a beautiful couple, perfectly matched. She watched as they had their first dance and observed how they looked at each other constantly.
A warm hand landed on her waist suddenly and soft lips were at her ear, "You doing ok?"
Bella instantly knew by his voice that it was Edward and relaxed immediately into his hand which he tightened gently pulling her closer.
She turned her head slightly so it was tilted towards Edwards, "Yeah I'm fine," she whispered.
"Glad you came?" He asked quietly.
"I am actually it's been good so far." Bella admitted as she continued to watch Alice and Jasper dance.
Edward's other hand landed on her waist and Bella automatically leaned back into his hold, "Dance with me?"
Bella turned her head towards him with surprise and apprehension written all over her face, "Oh no…I can't dance."
"Didn't you know it's the man who leads?" Edward said with a smirk.
Bella raised her eyebrow at him, "Of course."
"Well, you have nothing to worry about then." Edward smiled and held out his hand.
Bella looked at his hand hesitantly.
"Trust me."
Bella met Edward's eyes that were pleading with her, whether he knew it or not it was what swayed her in the end. She placed her hand in his and he gently pulled her to the dance floor. Alice winked at her and smiled reassuringly which Bella returned uneasily. She felt sick and didn't like how everyone was watching.
"Just look at me." Edward said as he placed one hand on her waist and the other holding her hand gently.
They just swayed from side to side slowly with Bella doing what Edward had told her and just keeping her focus on him and not the rest of the wedding party.
"You look beautiful." Edward said smiling down at her and Bella blushed.
"Thanks, you don't look too bad yourself." Bella joked.
Edward tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear, "I'm really glad you're here."
"Me too."
"Besides I'd rather dance with you instead of anyone else." Edward winked at her.
"Oh really?" Bella said in mock surprise.
Edward pressed his forehead against her own, "Yeah." He whispered and she giggled in response.
"It's a good job I'm here then." Bella teased.
They continued to dance slowly as more couples joined the dance floor. Bella leaned her head on Edward's chest eventually as he held her tight as they swayed from side to side. She felt warmth in her chest and she felt her mouth smile as she listened to Edward's heartbeat. She felt safe and cared for in his arms and there was no other place she would rather be. Bella was having some sort of epiphany as she realised that she could not imagine not having Edward in her life anymore and the thought of losing him made her stomach twist nervously and her heart pound. The song eventually ended and Edward led her off the dance floor back to where Angela was chatting to some people.
"Angela, I'm Edward Cullen it's nice to finally meet you." Edward said politely holding out his hand which Angela shook enthusiastically.
"Edward, I've heard so much about you from Bella." She said cheerfully.
"Likewise."
Angela quickly glanced at Bella before returning her attention to Edward, "I hope she has said nice things about me, I am her best friend after all."
"Don't worry she speaks highly in your favour."
Angela smiled and laid a hand on Bella's arm, "That's my girl."
"You know I would only say nice things." Bella said.
"That's what I like to hear." Angela grinned.
"Can I get you two some drinks?" Edward asked.
Bella nodded, "Yeah sure."
Edward touched her arm softly, "I'll be right back."
Both Angela and Bella watched as Edward made his way to the bar, only stopping to say hello to a couple of people.
Bella turned towards Angela nervously, "So, what do you think?"
"He's flipping gorgeous. You've definitely got yourself a catch there Bella!" Angela gushed.
"Do you think so?" Bella asked.
"Yeah! You two make such a good looking couple!"
Bella waved her off, "Yeah, yeah."
Angela mock glared at her, "I'm being serious."
Bella strained her head to find Edward through the crowd and saw him talking to the gorgeous blonde woman.
"He's with that woman." Bella said quietly.
"The Maid of Honour?" Angela asked trying to look as well.
"Yes, the one that kept looking at him." Bella couldn't help but feel sick as she looked at them together. It was seemingly harmless, they were not standing close together but the way the woman was looking at Edward made Bella uneasy.
"They obviously must know each other, don't worry about it." Angela said trying to reassure her.
"I know…it's just the way she looks at him." Bella said softly.
"Edward is with you ok? Trust that." Angela said sternly in Bella's ear.
Bella nodded silently and watched as Edward made his way back over with two champagne glasses for her and Angela.
"Here you are ladies." Edward said smiling.
Bella accepted the drink gratefully and took a big gulp to calm her nerves. "Thanks."
"Thanks for letting me come to the wedding Edward." Angela said kindly
"Oh no it's fine besides it's my sister who you should be thanking." Edward said with a chuckle.
"Everyone, the bride is ready for the bouquet toss so can the ladies please come to the floor." The DJ announced over the speaker.
Edward nudged Bella gently, "Go on."
Bella turned towards him confused, "I thought bouquet tosses is really only for single women?"
"It is, but they won't know that so go!" Edward winked and pushed her forwards.
"Come on Bella it will be fun." Angela said grabbing her hand.
Bella rolled her eyes and let Angela pull her, "Okay okay."
Bella and Angela joined the excitable girls and young women who had all gathered together in the centre of the floor with Alice standing with her bouquet ready to throw behind her. Angela somehow managed to drag Bella into the centre and only a few spaces away from the blonde woman who had also wanted to join in the fun.
"Ready girls!" Alice called to which girly screams were her reply.
"3….2…1!" The girls chanted and Alice threw the bouquet behind her to a dozen hands in the air ready to catch it.
Bella reached up along with Angela and was shocked and surprised to feel the bouquet land in her hands which she gripped tightly to her chest. She knew these girls could get nasty especially if they were desperate to get married.
"Oh my god Bella! You caught it!" Angela cried genuinely pleased for her whereas some girls begrudgingly congratulated her before walking back to their seats.
Bella caught the eye of the blonde woman that had been tormenting her all evening. She gave a small smile that did not reach her eyes and quickly looked Bella up and down.
"Lucky catch." She said with a glint in her and then walked away leaving Bella momentarily stunned.
"Bella, what did she say to you?" Angela said quietly in her ear.
Bella shook her head "Nothing," she replied as she continued to watch the back of the blonde woman's head.
Bella and Angela walked back to Edward who had been guarding their drinks and was beaming at Bella as she held the bouquet in her hands.
"Hey, look at who caught the bouquet!" Angela teased.
"I can see that." Edward said chuckling.
"I was just in the right place." Bella said modestly before placing the bouquet on the table next to her.
"I thought the rest of the girls were going to jump on you and demand the bouquet for their selves!" Angela cried.
"Just stab them with my heel." Bella joked and Edward smiled at her before handing back her half full champagne glass.
"Thirsty work catching a bouquet I tell you." Angela said before sipping her drink.
"Don't worry I'll keep your drinks topped up." Edward promised, "As long as your prepared to dance with me again Bella?"
Bella looked at him and blushed, "If you're lucky. I'm sure I can be persuaded."
"I'll hold you to that."
The chapter was getting a bit long so the wedding has been split into two chapters!