(29) Unforgettable

The elevator doors dinged open and we stepped into the lobby. All the men were waiting in their tuxes; I stared at Edward who looked more than godlike. I put my head down sheepishly feeling plain compared to the Cullen family. Everyone stood side by side and Edward appeared beside me. He breathed deeply and looked at me.

"You look absolutely stunning. You take my breath away." Edward murmured and kissed my hair.

"Thanks. You don't look too bad yourself." I mumbled and heard Edward's soft chuckle.

"Thank you." Edward replied politely and we turned to follow everyone. As we went through the lobby many guests turned to stare at the family. Their expressions were shock and awe. I was surprised that they would react so gregariously when actors and models frequented this hotel. It was kinda funny.

Emmett held the door to the SUV open for Esmee and Edward opened the passenger door for the rest of us. We took our same seats and Carlisle drove out of the circular driveway. We passed a busy street that I recognized as Hollywood Boulevard. There were so many people out it looked like a mini New York. We went up a hill towards the residential streets. Then I saw the sign. Hollywood Bowl. I stared at Edward in confusion and turned to Alice. She smiled brightly and shrugged her shoulders. Her fake attempt to tell me she knew nothing.

I still was clueless as to the surprise. We pulled into an empty lot. Empty lot? Wasn't the Hollywood Bowl a famous performing center? Were we the only ones?

Carlisle parked the car in the front of the entrance and a young woman stood by the door. We climbed out of the SUV heading towards the entrance.

"Welcome to the Hollywood Bowl. Please follow me." She said and invited us to trail behind her.

"Edward, what's going on?" I asked suspiciously.

"Oh, Bella isn't it wonderful." Alice announced and Jasper silently followed on her other side.

"It's divine." Esmee murmured and Carlisle took her hand as they walked in front of us. The walls held opera posters and pictures of singers. We walked to the terrace and stood overlooking the outdoor stadium. There was twinkling lights' decorating the face of the Bowl. In the center of the stadium was a table with a blood red cloth and votive candles. We walked down and Edward lifted me up so my feet barely touched the ground.

"Excellent." Emmett said and touched Rosalie by the arm.

"You've done a good job, Edward." Carlisle proclaimed.

"Yes, the staff got everything correct." Edward complimented.

A full string orchestra entered the stage and we took our seats. I stared in amazement as the men and women carried their instruments and sat in chairs that were provided for them. A full string orchestra for us? That was remarkable. Edward put his arm around me and pulled me beside him.

"This is so unbelievable." I gasped and smiled at Edward.

"I was afraid that you wouldn't like it." Edward said. "I know how you hate surprises!"

"Only because of the gifts. But your whole family is here and it's different. The best surprise I ever had." I pronounced.

A composition began and the instruments teemed to life. I sat back and heard the melody building as violins and flutes joined the music.

"This is Bach's badinerie with the string section." Edward whispered into my ear. The music was magnified by the acute sound system. The flutes were the dominant instrument that much I could tell. Then it ended and a familiar tune sounded.

I turned to Edward. "Debussy?" I asked.

Edward smiled and nodded. Claire de lune, the gentle melody wafted into my ears. The heartbreaking music had me teary eyed. I listened to the orchestra's perfect rendition. Edward closed his eyes and absorbed the music. Carlisle leaned his head in appreciation. The Cullen family sat perfectly still as the music increased. I was the only one looking at everyone's reactions and fidgeting in my chair.

I didn't want it to end.

The piece finished and we clapped. The orchestra tipped their instruments. The conductor invited Edward to the front stage. Edward grinned and turned to me.

"This is for you." He gently said and kissed me on the lips.

I stared in disbelief when he went to the stage. He sat at the piano at a raised podium. A soft light illuminated his skin. He began strumming the keys. He was playing my lullaby. The notes took on a breathtaking quality. Esmee gasped and smiled in appreciation at Edward's composition.

He played Esmee and Carlisle's song with the same flow and energy. Esmee put her hand over her heart and sobbed tearlessly. Carlisle clutched her hand and looked at his wife.

Alice put her arm around my shoulder and I stared at Edward. I couldn't look away it was spellbinding. I felt the magic in the air. He looked at me and winked. His perfect skin glittered in the lights. He played another song with a different tempo and only the violins joined him. The song was soft and playful. His hands flowed effortlessly over the piano and he stared into my eyes. It was the most thoughtful present anyone had ever given me.

I couldn't believe I was here listening to him play. He was crazy renting out the whole Hollywood Bowl. The enormous arena was eerily quiet only my deep breathes. I wiped a few tears from my eyes when he strung out the last chords and ended the song. We all clapped and Emmett whistled. Edward left the stage and came towards us. I put my arms out and he scooped me up. I laughed as he turned me around.

"That was beautiful. Thank you." I said.

"Your welcome." Edward murmured.

We walked out of the arena towards the SUV.

We piled in and drove through the night to the pier. I looked at Edward.

"We need to get Alice's Porsche." Edward explained.

"Oh." I said lamely.

Alice clapped happily. We parked in front of the car. It was parked on a banked cliff beyond the parking lot. Out of sight from the tow trucks.

Alice jumped out of the car. "Surprise!" She yelled at me.

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