A/N: Thank you all for the reviews, I am still amazed at how many are just finding this story and putting me on their alerts! This chapter is dedicated to two separate people. The first half in Bella's POV is for eclipselover. The second part in Edward's POV came from Hassina. Enjoy and happy reading!
The Crystal Palace
Bella's POV:
After the Space Mountain incident, I was ready to have my feet firmly planted on the ground. So when the guys offered to take Macy on the Buzz Lightyear ride, I gladly accepted Alice's invitation to go looking through the giftshops. Edward let go of my hand after giving me a quick peck on the cheek. It almost looked like he was sorry to let me go. My friends and I began to walk toward the giftshop that ran off the exit of the Alien Attack. I glanced over at Rose, who was keeping a close eye on Macy and Emmett.
"Rose, he will take care good of her," I said as I opened the door. The cold air hitting our faces was a welcome relief to the Florida afternoon heat.
"That's not what I am worried about," Rose lifted up a baseball hat and turned it around in her hands, deep in thought.
"Is this not the cutest thing?" Alice walked over to us, holding a glass Christmas ornament of Buzz flying.
I just nodded and then returned my attention to Rose. I could tell Alice automatically felt rejected by the down cast eyes she gave me. "Alice, Rose is worried."
Alice looked over to her friend, "Why?"
"I am afraid that she is getting too attached to him and that he will hurt her," Rose admitted, giving us a sad smile.
"Are you afraid that he will hurt her or that he will hurt you?" Alice asked, putting the ornament back. We followed her around the store while she picked up a few random items.
Rose shrugged her shoulders, "maybe a little of both."
I placed my hand lightly on her shoulder, "Rose, I know it is hard, but you do need to open your heart up some. I see the three of you together and it just makes my heart burst for how well it is for you."
"Perfect!" Alice screeched out at us, making our heads snap up to look at her. She was holding a shirt what appeared to be totally black. But looking closer, you could see where stars would glow in the dark; printed across the chest was the phrase: I got stuck on Space Mountain.
Both Rose and I could not help but laugh at how true it was.
"You're right, Alice," Rose said between wiping her tears, "I think that is probably the best shirt yet."
Pleased with her shirt, Alice picked up a couple of more in all different sizes and then proceeded over to the cash register.
"It is already getting late," Rose looked at the Mickey hands floating above the counter, "What should we do for dinner?"
"Would you like for us to have these sent to your room?" The young woman asked Alice as she finished paying.
"Excuse me?" Alice asked.
"Are you staying here at one of our resorts?"
"Yes," Alice looked over to Rose and me; we just shrugged our shoulders.
"We can have your items sent to your room, free of charge."
"Oh my God! No one at any of the last fifty stores I have been in said anything about that!" Alice dug into her wallet and pulled out the room key and then pointed over to the baby stroller that we were pushing, "Can you have all of that sent to this room?" Alice handed over her room key. The woman just looked at our stroller of overflowing bags.
"Um, sure." She looked at the mound and then walked over to us, "They will be in your room this evening."
"Great!" Alice's voice had a little extra chirp to it.
We were just about to head out the door when I remembered a question that I had wanted to ask.
"Where would you recommend for dinner?" I asked the salesclerk, picking up one of the paper maps.
The woman thought for a second and then broke out in a huge grin. "The Crystal Palace. It is perfect if you have children with you, or if you just happen to like Pooh characters. I would make reservations, though; it can be a long wait if you just show up. There is a house phone over on the far wall."
I went ahead and walked over to the phone to make the reservations, along with some special instructions. I figured it would help Rose open her heart and let her know that we were all there for her; every last one of us.
We walked back out into the scorching heat just as the guys and Macy were exiting the Buzz Lightyear ride. Rose's face lit up when she saw Macy and Emmett walking hand in hand, but I could still see a certain sadness in her eyes.
"Did you two have fun?" Rose asked as she walked up to them.
I could not help but smile as Macy's face opened up into a huge smile, "Yes, we did and I won!"
Rose ruffled up Macy's hair, "That's my girl. Now come on. Alice, Bella and I made some special dinner reservations."
I saw Emmett rub down his stomach, "Good, 'cause I am hungry."
"Well, good thing it is all you can eat then," Rose smiled.
I looked over their shoulder, trying to find Edward, and relief went across my face as he and Jasper were walking over to Alice and me.
"Miss me?" Edward whispered into my ear. My heart began to race as I felt his warm breath down my neck.
I swallowed hard before answering, "You know, I might need to think about it for a second."
Edward looked flabbergasted by my answer and began to walk away. I quickly grabbed his hand.
"Of course, I missed you." I stood up on my toes and gave him a deep kiss. He wrapped his arms around my waist and lifted me off the ground. It felt like it was our first kiss. Sparks ran through my body and I let out a deep sigh as he placed me gently back on my feet.
"So what next?" He asked me, running his hand through my hair.
"We decided to go get some food," I told him and took his hand to walk over to the rest of the group.
"Where at?" Jasper had his arms wrapped around my pixie friend's waist, resting his head on her head.
"The Crystal Palace," I said and began to lead the way back through Tomorrowland, "We have reservations for seven."
"What?" Emmett stopped in his tracks, "That is at least a good thirty minutes away. I think we should go another ride."
"Emmett, it takes at least thirty minutes to wait in line," Rose began to explain, "We might be lucky to make it back to Main Street in thirty minutes."
"Not if we ride that." Emmett point up over our heads as we saw the transit train go over our heads, "And look, there's no lines. Please, pretty please."
"Emmett, you did not just grovel, did you?" I asked as he looked all of the girls in the eyes.
"I can do puppy dog eyes, too. Wanna see?"
"No, that's okay," I turned to go up the escalator that took us to the top of Tomorrowland Transit.
Emmett was right about one thing, there were absolutely no lines; we were automatically directed into the moving cars. I curled up against Edward as we circled around the outside of Tomorrowland and then found myself back inside Space Mountain. I shuddered as I felt the coolness of the mountain.
I looked in front of us as Macy pointed everything out to us. She seemed to really be enjoying this smooth sailing ride.
I just continued to rest my head on Edward's chest, enjoying the way his hands slid through my thick hair. He began to hum and my eyes started to grow heavy. I must have ended up falling asleep on the ten minute ride because all I could feel was Edward's breath in my ear as he tried to wake me up.
I rubbed my eyes as we circled back to the starting point and climbed out, and then looked down at my watch.
"We really need to head over to the Palace for dinner."
Alice and Jasper took the lead back to Main Street. I thought I heard Edward groan when he realized that we were walking back to where all the shopping had taken place earlier. But then he just stopped.
"What's wrong?" I asked him.
"What happened to all of your bags that were in the stroller?" He asked, pointing to the now almost empty stroller.
"Oh," Alice clapped with excitement as she told them that they had their bags delivered back to the room. By the way she explained it, you would have thought that they had just invented apple pie. "Is that not the most awesome thing you all have ever heard of?"
Emmett began to jump up and down with the same enthusiasm, mocking Alice. Edward and I just started laughing as Alice stood with her legs spread and her arms across her chest.
Jasper went to her and placed an arm on her shoulder, glaring at Emmett, who was now rubbing his arm from where Rose had smacked him.
"Yes, Alice that is the best news. And just think, Emmett, now we will not have to carry all of those bags back to the hotel."
Emmett immediately stopped laughing when he realized that Jasper was right. They would have had their arms full of bags had we not found out about the service.
Edward took hold of my hand and I leaned in to him as we continued to walk. I hadn't realized just how hungry I was until I began to smell all the wonderful scents of food coming from the Palace. I smiled as we entered the beautiful glass rooms. It was airy and open; it was perfect.
"Welcome to The Crystal Palace," A hostess greeted us in a deep southern accent, "You have reservations?"
"Yes, the name is Swan." I said as she looked up the name and smiled. I knew exactly why she was smiling. I looked down to where Macy was still standing in awe of the huge front room that laid open to us.
"Look!" Macy started to bounce on the ball of her feet, "It's Winnie the Pooh!"
Alice dug into her backpack and pulled out the camera and Macy's autograph book, "You better get busy then."
Rose, Emmett, and Macy went and walked over to Winnie the Pooh to have her picture taken.
"Edward Masen?" a shrilly voice called out through one of the main tables that lined to our left.
I turned to look at Edward and then to the girl that was walking over to us. Not sure what to think, I looked over at Alice, who seemed to also be watching as the girl came right up to Edward and gave him a kiss on his cheek. Alice looked like she could have spit nails.
I felt Edward tense up as the girl kissed him, and then step back away from her. He put his hand on my waist and pulled me closer. I let a small smile cross my lips as I realized that Edward had chosen me.
Edward's POV:
I let my eyes follow Emmett as he went with Rose and Macy to have their picture taken with Pooh. I could not help but smile at how hard Emmett was trying to stay on his best behavior. I shook my head slightly, thinking he would probably do just about anything to not sleep on the sofa. If Rose told him to kiss Pooh's ass, he would probably do it. I noticed that Jasper was shaking his head as well, and could not help but wonder if he was thinking the same thing I was.
I turned back to Bella to give her my full attention while waiting for our table. Just then, I heard a voice that I could have gone forever without hearing and been happy.
"Edward Masen?" her shrilly voice came bounding through the open air of the restaurant. I immediately tensed when I saw her and then she had the gall to come up and kiss me on the cheek, like we were the best of friends.
When Lauren stepped away, I instinctively grabbed Bella and pulled her close. I was glad that she took her cue and planted her hand squarely on my chest. In my peripheral vision, I could see Alice and Jasper move slightly closer to us; it almost looked like Jasper was holding Alice back. It pleased me in a sense to know that my best friend and Alice saw this girl as a threat. If only they knew.
With my lips pursed tightly in a straight line, I nodded my head as any gentleman would. "Lauren," I said with very little emotion.
"My, is this not a pleasant surprise?" She stepped back and her eyes ran the full length of my body, "It's good to see that you have not changed much. What has it been? Ten years?"
My mind immediately flashed back to the last time I had seen Lauren. Our high school graduation. "Yes, that sounds about right."
As I saw Lauren's eyes move over to Bella to give her the once-over, my hand gripped more tightly on Bella's waist. Lauren stuck her hand out for Bella to shake. Bella's eyes, full of apprehension, came up to meet mine before she hesitantly placed her hand into Lauren's.
"Hi, I'm Lauren. Edward's ex-girlfriend." I could not help but cringe slightly at how she had emphasized the word 'girlfriend'. "And you are?"
"Bella," Bella smiled slightly, "I am Edward's current girlfriend."
Lauren smiled smugly, "Well, isn't that nice. It has been a pleasure seeing you again, Edward. Bella," She then turned on her heel and walked over to a table full of girls.
I loosened my grip and softened my stature after Lauren had sat down. Bella moved to stand in front of me; I could see the questions brewing in her mind.
"Who exactly was that?" Bella let a small hiss come from her lips.
"Exactly who she said she was. An ex-girlfriend."
The hostess came up to us then and I felt relieved that I did not have to go into the history of something that was never really all that important.
"Bella, believe me," Jasper said behind us as we walked to our table, "You really have nothing to worry about. Lauren and Edward have not been together since senior year."
I held the chair out for Bella as she slipped in, and then took my seat. I looked over to check on Emmett and saw that he was now giving Pooh a hug as Rose snapped a picture of him and Macy together.
"He and Macy had a talk," I said casually, taking a sip of my water. I knew that would get everyone's mind off of Lauren.
"They did?" Alice asked, turning in her chair to see where they were, "When? What about?"
"On the Buzz Lightyear ride." I gave them the gist of the conversation I had overheard between Macy and Emmett. I think Jasper was surprised that I had heard so much, but I reminded him that I had been sitting right next to them on the ride.
"You know, Rose is afraid that she and Macy are getting too attached to him," Bella spoke up after I had finished telling them everything.
"I can pretty much guarantee that he is not planning on going anywhere," Jasper said with a smile, "Emmett is convinced that before the week is over, he will have Rose's heart."
"Well, I know it will take a lot of convincing. She is beyond scared; she has never had anyone that loved her back."
I nodded in agreement with what Alice had just said, then looked up and saw that Rose, Macy, and Emmett were walking over to us. Macy was skipping to her own beat. The smile on her face was so big, I began to think it might be permanent. Emmett helped her into her seat and then sat down in the middle of Rose and Macy.
"Y'all haven't ordered any food yet?" Emmett asked, picking up his glass of water and finishing it in one gulp.
"It's a buffet," I explained, "Whenever we are ready, we just go and get what we want."
"Well then," Emmett slid up from his chair and walked straight over to the huge buffet table that sprawled out in front of him.
The rest of us soon followed behind him. After my plate was piled high, I went back to the table and saw that Bella appeared to be waiting for something.
"Hey, what's wrong?" I asked her. She nodded over to where Emmett and Macy were standing in line. "I don't understand."
"Just wait."
I unwrapped my fork and took a bite, looking over at Macy and Emmett every few minutes. I stole a glance at Bella, who had a small smile playing across her lips; she obviously had something planned.
"Bella, you look like the cat that swallowed the canary," Jasper said as he came back with Alice. I did a double take at Alice's plate; it looked like there was more food on it than on Jasper's.
Alice looked over at her friend and then followed her gaze, "Bella, what's going on?"
Bella's smile grew even bigger as someone in a Disney uniform caught her eye, and then nodded as the man walked over to where Macy and Emmett were standing. Rose was only a few feet away from them. I sat up a little straighter as I tried to tune in to the conversation.
"What are they talking about?" Jasper asked.
"You'll see." I looked at Bella, trying to figure out why she was being so tightlipped.
"Well, can you at least tell us who it involves?" Alice asked, turning in her chair.
"All three of them."
My mind began to go into overdrive as to what Bella could have planned in just a matter of an hour.
"Ladies and gentlemen, in this year of a million dreams, I am pleased to announce that we are in the process of granting a dream right now," A voice came through the loud speaker, "Is there a Macy Hale in the Palace?"
I looked over to where Macy was still standing; this time, the man was holding a microphone. Emmett turned around when he heard Macy's name being announced; Rose walked closer. They both looked like they were on guard just in case they would need to protect her.
"My name is Macy," Macy waved her hand in the air and everyone began to cheer.
I looked over to Bella, who was wiping a tear from her eye.
"What did you just do?" I leaned in closer to whisper in her ear.
"Shhh," Was the only response that I was given.
"Well, Macy, I have a very special guest that I would like you to meet." The lights dimmed and a spotlight was shining on the far corner. "She doesn't usually make very many visits here, but I called in a favor."
I could see Macy's eyes widen at the news that there was someone here that wanted to meet her. "She also has a special favor that she wants to ask of you. Are you ready to meet her?"
All Macy could do was nod. "Cinderella, can you come out and ask Macy your question?"
I looked over to Bella as she looked on and then saw Cinderella walk out. I could hear all the little girls in the restaurant oohing and aahing. I smiled over to the rest of us that were at the table, waiting to see what was going to happen. The only one that was in on it was Bella, but I had a feeling that it was going to be good. Especially if the wide smile that was already on Macy's face was anything to go by.
Macy's POV:
Emmett was helping me fill up my plate when someone tapped me on my shoulder. I turned around to see a man in a Disney uniform holding a microphone. I looked up to Emmett, who appeared to be of no help, and then down a ways to see Rose looking at me.
"Ladies and gentlemen, in this year of a million dreams, I am pleased to announce that we are in the process of granting a dream right now." A voice came through the loud speaker, "Is there a Macy Hale in the Palace?"
My hand shot up in the air at the sound of my name. I realized that the man was the one talking. My eyes narrowed, wondering whether something bad was going to happen. Or something really good. I hoped it was something good.
"Well, Macy, I have a very special guest that I would like you to meet." The lights dimmed and a spotlight was shining on the far corner. "She doesn't usually make very many visits here, but I called in a favor."
I looked around as it grew darker in the room and then my eyes went to the corner of the restaurant. Emmett and Rose were next to me and I think Emmett started to bounce in anticipation. I could not understand why he would be so excited.
"She also has a special favor that she wants to ask of you. Are you ready to meet her?"
All I could do was nod my head. "Cinderella, can you come out and ask Macy your question?"
My hands went straight to my mouth as I saw Cinderella walk out of the curtained room. She was wearing a beautiful blue dress that sparkled in the spotlight and her hair was up in a tight, blonde bun. She came right over to me and knelt down so that we could look each other in the eye. She was so beautiful; she reminded me a lot of Rose. I looked over to my sister for a moment and saw that she was crying.
"Hi, Macy. I heard you had a birthday a few days ago." Again, all I could do was nod. "I was looking for someone to help me tonight and your friend that almost has the same name as one of my best friends called and asked if I could put your name on my special guest list. You see, my Prince Charming called in sick today and I just cannot ride in my carriage all alone. Would you like to be my special princess tonight and ride in the Crystal Pumpkin with me during the parade?"
I started to wipe away the tears that were coming freely down my face. Cinderella wanted me to be in the parade with her? This was beyond anything I would have ever been able to dream up!
"You can bring one other person with you tonight. Do you know who you would want to ask?"
I looked over at my sister and then at Emmett. He looked like he was about to go crazy; his arm began to inch up ever so slightly. Then an idea occurred to me. I leaned in closer to Cinderella and whispered something in her ear. I knew I would need to fill Emmett in on what was going to happen, and I hoped that Rose would play her part. This just might be the way to convince Rose that Emmett loved her and that I wanted him to stay with us.
Cinderella looked over at Rose and Emmett for a moment and then back to me. "You sure?" She asked. I nodded.
"Okay, I will be seeing you again soon." She gave me a small hug and then walked back through the curtain.
I smiled as I walked to the table and could not stop smiling all through dinner.
"So what did you and Cinderella talk about?" Bella asked half way through.
"You will have to wait and see," I replied, then looked over at Emmett and winked. I think he had an idea of what I was thinking. Now, I just needed to get him alone. I looked at my watch; I only had an hour before I had to be at the parade.
