Chapter 3

Bella

Graduation came quickly after that. Finals had blurred by and my time was spent with Edward during school, we had gone back to sitting with his family again. He said that he could no longer stand listening in on the "putrid human filth" that some of my friends had on their minds. I'm not sure exactly what that means, but given the fact that I still get rejected anytime I try to be physical with Edward, I have a couple of guesses.

I still took a few short shifts at Newton's every week and got to see Mike there, but other than that my evenings were spent at the Cullen household where Alice would play Bella Barbie and Rosalie would sneer from afar. When I would be released from my torture via Alice, I'd be at home cooking for Charlie, always being watched by my vampire boyfriend.

I started to crave time alone again, but I didn't want to be picky, I already had to have the long put-off marriage conversation with Edward since he had once more begun to push me on the matter. And just as it was before, I still did not feel that marriage was right for me, or necessary for my relationship with Edward to evolve.

"Hello my love." Edward spoke, his voice drifting through the air between us like silk. He walked to me from behind and placed a chaste kiss on my cheek. "Are you ready to go? Everyone else is waiting to head out." He asked, giving me a once-over.

I didn't say anything in return. I just turned around, gave him a small smile and made my way out of the room and down the stairs as he followed quietly behind me. When I got to the last step I stumbled a bit, I prepared myself to twist an ankle or stub my toe, but Jasper was there to save me from my own clumsiness, and ultimately from embarrassing myself in a room full of perfect beings.

"Hello Bella." Carlisle smiled at me, and Esme rushed, at a human pace, in to hug me. "You look beautiful my dear." She complimented me. I blushed a deep red at all of the attention I was getting. I had a deep blue dress that came to just below my knees on and even a pair of silver kitten heels. Although they were short, I am positive that they were the cause of my stumble.

"Yes, of course Bella is always beautiful, but she just can't seem to get herself ready properly." Alice said, beginning to fuss with my hair. I blushed once more as everyone in the room let out a little chuckle and nod in agreement. Everyone except Charlie that is, he just gave me a look that I couldn't quite interpret. "I can't work here." Alice stated and the drug me off to the half bath on the first floor of my father's house to fix my hair. When she was done I looked in the mirror and frowned. I had styled my hair in an updo that I thought had looked great, but she had pulled it down and let it fall in a mass of curls. It was not what I had expected from her.

"It would have been too tempting for him." She said referring to Edward as she lightly tapped the pulse point on my neck and winked at me. She left the room and dramatically told the rest of the group that we were going to be late if we did not leave right away.

Edward grabbed my hand and started walking out the front door. I felt chills go through me body and I knew it had much more to do with Alice's statement than it did the chilled breeze in the air outside.

We made it to Forks High in more time than it usually took the Cullens due to the fact that Charlie Swan, Chief of Police was a part of the journey so they had to drive the speed limit for once.

We made our way to the gym, the back up for the ceremony if it was raining, which it was of course, and before I knew it I was surrounded by my friends and acquaintances, and dare I say nemesis. I was being pulled in different directions to take pictures with everyone. It was surreal, I was happy and smiling and being rushed and crowded by all different fellow students and even a few staff members, but everyone left Edward, Alice, and the rest of the Cullens alone. They just chatted amongst themselves, unaware of just how off they seemed from everyone else, just how inhuman they actually were.

Even though he was also being pulled into various conversations with different parents and staff members, the Chief of Police had noticed the Cullens predicament. He and I made eye contact briefly before I hastily looked away not wanting him to catch on to any of the secrets my eyes might hold. I felt stupid though, there is no way Charlie could ever guess what was truly going on, no matter how many strange occurrences he picked up on.

"Bella?" Edward asked as all of my friends had disappeared into the mass of other students to take more pictures together. I met his eyes to let him know that I was listening and he continued, " I have your cap and gown, you might want to put it on so your graduation is official."

I smiled and took the items from him before continuing to put them on. I thanked him and then there was an announcement calling all of the students to meet behind the makeshift stage. Edward, Alice, and I headed that way leaving the Cullen "kids" that graduated last year to sit with the parents.

Everyone was waiting in back still chattering excitedly, but much more quietly than they had before we were all rounded up and placed in alphabetical order. Forks had such a small graduation class that Jess and I were standing next to each other with no other "s" names between us.

"Can you believe this is really happening?" She exclaimed, nearly bouncing where she stood.

"You're right Jess, this just doesn't seem real yet." I agreed honestly.

Principal Greene spoke into the microphone and out to the crowd that was anxiously awaiting to hear the name of their child or loved one be called out and see them walk the stage to accept their diploma, which signaled that they were successful and ready to become adults in the real world. It was that moment that I truly realized how scary it was that I had to start making some big decisions that I hadn't even really thought about until this moment. It was also time to start making some big decisions that I have thought about I decided as I looked at Edward whose name was just called.

I heard the Cullens politely clapping as Edward and Alice were both called. I realized that it must really not be a big deal to them because they have only done this a hundred times or more. It crossed my mind for the first time, why didn't they just say they were homeschooled? They don't interact with the population very much anyways…

I didn't realize how long I had been lost in my thoughts, because it was already my turn. Don't trip, don't trip, don't trip I prayed like a mantra as I walked across the stage and when I took my diploma from Mr. Greene my dad, my mom, Phil, and Emmet were all hooting and hollering which caused me to blush. I took my seat and spaced out again. I hadn't seen my mom and Phil before the ceremony so they must have snuck in late, typical Renee. I was glad that they were here though. I was filled with joy, but there was still a piece missing I thought sadly. Billy and Jacob had not come. Last I knew they had been planning on coming, but I guess I should have realized that plans had changed. I suppose I was just holding on to some hope that Jake would have gotten over whatever had him so angry with me those weeks ago. Considering I still hadn't heard from him, and he and his father did not show up today, I knew that we would never be the same as we once were. I would now see him as a jerk who broke my heart instead of my own personal sunshine.

Once everyone had been called and had taken our seats it was time for the valedictorian to make a speech. It blew my mind though. I had been so distracted by Edward and my double human/vampire/supernatural world life that I had no idea that my best human friend was the one giving the speech today. I felt really guilty because now we will be half-way across the country from each other.

"Has it ever occurred to you that Graduation day is a bit like looking into a kaleidoscope? It's full of pictures jumbled together all of which together make up your life. There are the images of your growing years with your family and friends. Then there are the pictures of your student activities, the classmates you met and, finally, the wonderful excitement of today your graduation day. The pictures of your future are very vague because, of course, none of us knows what the future holds." Angela began her speech, and it was a graduation speech, so I know that it's sort of the point, but I felt like she was speaking directly to me. There was so much that was going to change for me, and something's are going to change in a way that I never could predict.

"From now on we will be taking our talents and beliefs with us wherever we go .If we have learned anything it is that we have to be adaptable. ready to take chances and go different routes. These days we have to be able to cope with the changes life throws our way." I listened as Ange continued.

"That's the challenge before us and it is one that we will all meet in our different ways. Some of us will want to stay at home, others to travel the four corners of the earth. But whatever we do, wherever we go, we will remember today as the start of our journey. Finally, I would like to wish my fellow graduates, fellow graduates now that has a nice ring to it doesn't it? I would like to wish them health and happiness in the future and the satisfaction of knowing that whatever they do they will do it well, and they will prosper." She finished.

I had tears in my eyes that I didn't allow myself to shed, but as I looked to Jessica at my side, her eyes were all welled up as well. "We did it." She sniffled as she looked at me and shrugged. I just smiled and hugged her.

After the ceremony my parents, Phil, Edward, and I went to the diner for a celebratory dinner before the graduation party that would be held at the Cullen mansion for all the curious and excited Forks graduates. I was a little annoyed that Edward had come with my and my family instead of going to celebrate with his family. Not that they would celebrate much, but what did I know?

"So Bella, Edward, are you going to move in together now that high school is over?" my mom asked. I blushed as Charlie whipped his head up from his food to hit Edward and I with a piercing glare as his face turned red in potential anger.

"Uh well no mom." I stuttered, embarrassed. This made Charlie seem to calm down a bit. But then Edward spoke up and made things even worse. "Actually, I have asked Bella for her hand in marriage." Edward stated confidently.

Charlie's face immediately turned an even darker shade of red than it had been before and he wore a deep frown, causing the stress wrinkles near his jaw become more prominent.

"Oh my." Was all Renee said at first. My face was aflame and the peas on my plate were suddenly very interesting. That's when the waiter showed up and refilled our glasses and left to get the check. I was thankful for the small gesture that took the focus off of me for just a moment but soon I was back to being the center of attention.

"Well you both are very young, but Edward, Bella, congratulations. As long as you are happy, that is all that matters to Phil, your father, and I. Right gentlemen?" Mom demanded as she looked at Charlie who still sat silently. Phil just nodded and said, "Of course."

After we all finished eating and Phil had paid for everyone's bill, which Charlie would normally object to, but did not this time, we all went our separate ways. Edward and I were on our way to the Cullen homestead to prepare for a "spectacular evening" as Alice had put it.

The short car ride in Edward's silver Volvo was quiet as I silently stewed in my anger with him. I don't think I had ever been so angry with him before now. When he parked the car, he made his way over to open the door for me, but I already had it open and was tumbling out all on my own. I didn't want to talk to him right now.

"Beeelllaaaaa!" Alice called excitedly as she sprang forward and hugged me. "Time to get ready!" she exclaimed.

"I'm not going to wear this? But I'm dressed all nice…" I said, disappointed that I would have to go through another round of Bella Barbie before the party I didn't really even want to be at.

"Of course, silly. You can't wear a graduation dress to a formal party." she told me as if it was common sense before she dragged me up the stairs and into her bedroom. She closed the door and began to rifle through her closet. She made a mess as she moved around the room in a vampiric blur before me. Finally she stilled, holding a single dress. "Ah hah! I've found the one!" She left no room for argument and the next moment I was standing in front of the mirror wearing the dress that she had picked out for me as she touched up my makeup from earlier in the day to make it a more evening appropriate look.

I stood in front of the mirror and even I had to admit that I looked good. I was really wearing a skirt and top combo. The top was white and cropped. It was sleeveless and had an embroidery design on the sides in a deep red. The skirt was high-waisted and left about an inch of my pale skin peeking out between it and the top. The skirt was also a deep red and was light and flowy.

I actually felt beautiful for once, but that feeling didn't last long because then Alice was standing beside me wearing a gorgeous, low cut purple gown that showed off her figure perfectly. Alice looked like a cross between a pixie and a goddess. I couldn't help but compare myself to her, and truthfully, there was no comparison at all.

Edward knocked on the door to announce his arrival and as he walked into the room Alice made a quick exit. Edward was dressed in a black and white suit and tie with his copper hair styled to look perfectly messy. His eyes were a bright gold and he looked inhumanly perfect.

"You look stunning." He told me. His eyes looked me up and down. I could tell that there was more that he wanted to say. "But Bella, you are showing far too much skin to be appropriate." He finished.

I felt my face burst into flames as I heated up with anger. I had just seen myself in the mirror and there was only one strip of skin showing and it really was not all that provocative. Even if it had been inappropriate, it was not up to him.

"I think I look just fine." I told him.

Edward just shook his head as if I was the one being ridiculous. I sat on the edge of the bed and decided that now, while everyone was down stairs, entertained, and unlikely to interrupt us, it was time to finally talk about things. I patted the bed next to me to indicate that I wanted Edward to sit with me.

"We need to talk." I began. Edwards eyes were cold and sharp as he looked at me, and I had the feeling that he knew what was coming. "I love you… but I don't want to get married." I could tell that he wanted to take over the conversation already, so I spoke quickly before he could cut in. "I'm just not ready and it isn't what I want. I need you to understand that. I also need you to understand that you cannot keep speaking for me. I am a person with my own wants and needs and you can't control that." I finished, relieved that I had said my peace.

"Bella. This is silly. You love me, and you want to be changed into a vampire! I don't understand why you would want to spend eternity with me, but you don't want to be married to me!" He nearly yelled at me. It was a surprise, he was always so calm and smooth. I didn't know what to do with his anger and my frustration. I wasn't even sure I wanted to spend eternity with him anymore!

I needed to calm down and I needed to think about what I had just thought. I repeated it in my head… I don't know that I want to spend eternity with Edward anymore. This was the thought that got me to continue in a calmer, more collected voice. "No. I don't want to get married, and I don't think that it matters if you understand or not, you should respect how I feel."

Edward just sighed unnecessarily and then the room was silent. We could hear the thumping from the party music that played below us and we could hear a steady stream of chatter from all the party guests, but inside this single room no one spoke a word.

"Ok." Edward said finally. "Ok. I give up, we will remain unmarried. But you have to promise me something…" He trailed off. I nodded genuinely curious as to what he would say and feeling like a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders now that I was not going to be pressured to get married. "We go to college together, and you take those four years to really think about what you want in terms of our relationship and for marriage." He looked at me expectantly.

I took a moment to think. The room was quiet again as I decided my future.

"I'm not going to Dartmouth." I said with finality. I sealed the deal, I was about to go to college with Edward and give him four more years of my life. It was a good thing really, I love him so much, and maybe now that this marriage thing has been settled, he will be less controlling.

"Where would you like to go?" He asked as he smiled, happy that we were able to come to a compromise.

"I still need to do some thinking, but somewhere close so I can be near Charlie if he needs me, you know while I am still human, and now that I've gotten used to it, I love Washington anyways." I told him.

"What about Evergreen in Olympia?" He asked me. I thought about it, it would definitely be a unique degree and quality too. It was also only about three hours away from Forks, and there would be plenty of small jobs I could work while I was there to take off some of the financial burden off of going to college. "Evergreen State College." I said as I slowly nodded. I liked the sound of that.

"Now that that is settled, are you ready to go to our party my love?" He asked. I nodded once more as he helped me stand and we made our way down the stairs and into the crowd of hopeful graduates.

Author's note:

this is where I found parts of Angela's graduation speech /graduation-speech-examples

this is the dress I imagine Bella wearing for the graduation party . .

As always, reviews are always appreciated and I especially look forward to constructive comments and when you have ideas for the story!