Chapter 19 – Reunited Again
On the morning of the wedding, Alice picked me up very early. She had to do my hair, nails, makeup and get me in my dress, without messing up any of those. While Alice dressed me, I heard the other guests arriving. I was nervous; I was the only human here. I knew not all the guests were vegetarians, but I was assured that they would not hurt me. When I was finally done, I looked at myself in Alice's mirror. I couldn't believe that the beautiful, statuesque person looking back at me was me. Most of my hair was pinned up in tight curls and the rest was straightened and hung over my shoulder. Alice beamed, "Wait until you see how I dress you for the prom." I looked back at her with wide eyes, "Kidding. I'm going to get dressed and you check on Esme." I looked back at my surprising reflection. Only Alice could make me this beautiful. I looked like I could stand with her and not feel like I didn't belong. My skin was cream colored and my lips were glistening. I went out to the hall to find Esme. Walking to her room, I saw several women coming out of another room. Three of them were blond and the other was a brunette. They all had golden eyes like the Cullens. Three of them smiled, while one blond stared at me. Rosalie was behind them, "Tanya, Carmen, Irina, Kate, this is Bella."
The strawberry blond looked at Rosalie, "This is her?" Rosalie nodded. Edward came down the stairs, "Bella." I looked at him. He looked more than breath-taking in his tuxedo. He took my hand, "You look ravishing." I smiled and blushed, "Thank you." He held my face, stared into my eyes and smiled, "Hopefully Alice will be getting married again, so you can look this beautiful soon." My blush deepened, "Then ask her." "Wow, Edward, just completely ignore us." Edward looked at the four inhumanely beautiful vampires, "I'm sorry. Hello ladies." All of them smiled, but the strawberry blond's smile was insincere. Her eyes fell on me and it was scathing. Edward squeezed my hand, "I'm sorry. Bella, this is Kate," he gestured to one of the blond vampires, with long, straight hair, "Irina" she had silver blond short hair, "Tanya" she was the strawberry blond and "Carmen," the one with dark hair. Kate smiled, "So, we finally meet the human that stole Edward's heart." Kate took my hand, "It's wonderful to finally meet you, Bella." She looked at Edward, "I see why you were upset. I really don't want to see you like that again. But you're with her again and that's all that matters."
My smile flattered a bit, but Edward's face didn't feign from the proud smile he wore. "Alice says it is almost time. Bella, you should go find Esme." "I will. Excuse me." I walked past all of the female vampires and I could feel all their eyes on me. I had known they were the clan from Denali, but that was the extent of it. Was Tanya like Rosalie? Upset that a human knew their family's secret?
So, that is the human that made Carlisle and the others come to us. Well… she's cute. I watched as Tanya descended the stairs with her sisters. Her thoughts practically spat venom at Bella. If she were a man, I would have fought him. Carmen stood with me, "She is beautiful, Edward. I do hope you reconsider changing her." I looked at Carmen and she was sincere. "I know how you feel about that, Edward, but her time is fleeting." Carmen went downstairs and out the back to the wedding. Emmett and Jasper met me at the bottom of the stairs, "Are the girls ready yet or do we need another month?" Rosalie, Alice and Bella descended the stairs in their matching blue gowns, "We're right here, Em." All of them held their bouquets. The wedding march began and we took our positions. Rosalie and Emmett walked outside and down the aisle. I took Bella's hand, "Don't worry, you'll be fine." She looked up at me with shocked eyes. I could tell she was nervous about walking down the aisle by how quickly her heart raced. She smiled and so did I as we walked down the aisle. I tried not to entertain this thought; of me and Bella walking down the aisle to the altar. I knew it wasn't our wedding, but I was glad to have her on my arm. Our walk was slow, but it ended so soon. I had to release her hand, as she went to stand by Rosalie. Alice and Jasper were next and everyone stood as Carlisle and Esme walked down the aisle.
The ceremony went by quickly. My eyes were focused on Bella. She looked amazing in her gown. Her skin was glowing underneath the lights. Another thing that made me happy was that, today, I didn't have to share her with that wolf. Her smile was blinding. Look at the way he's looking at her. He'll never look at me like that. I tried to ignore Tanya's thoughts. Soon, Esme and Carlisle were declared husband and wife again. They walked back down the aisle and I anxiously took Bella's hand around my arm. The wedding proceeded into the reception. Carlisle and Esme had their first dance and it was a family tradition that we joined them on the dance floor. Normally, I would stand out, but now I didn't have to. Bella watched as Rosalie and Emmett danced their way onto the floor. "Bella, shall we?" She looked up at me, "Do I have to stand on your feet this time?" I smiled, "Only if you want to." I held her close and we danced with my family. The three couples danced in a large circle around Carlisle and Esme. In this moment, our family was complete.
I tried to remain focused on moving my feet in time with Edward. I tried not to think about all the eyes that were on us. It helped to focus on Edward's arms around me, but that was harmful. It felt nice to be in his arms again. The dance ended and he walked with me off the dance floor. After the dance, the party began. The other guest began dancing and Esme and Carlisle went off to greet their guests. Edward remained by my side and his hand was on my waist. He held me closer when the crimson-eyed guests looked at me. I was still concerned that I was the only human at the wedding. Emmett came behind us, "Edward, it's my turn to dance with Bella." "Emmett, no.." I cut him off, "Just be good." Emmett whirled me around the floor. If his arm weren't so secure around me, Emmett would have thrown me across the floor. I saw Tanya looking at me, as Edward stepped in. My heart raced, as she watched us whirl on the dance floor. Before the next dance started, I had to get away from those eyes. "I'll be right back." I went into the house and straight for Alice's room.
I had to grip the sink counter and exhaled deeply. "Bella, she won't hurt you." I felt Alice holding my shoulder and making me sit in the dainty seat in front of the vanity. "Alice, why is Tanya looking at me like that?" She was brushing the bit of my hair that hung over my shoulder. "Well, Tanya cares about Edward." She looked into the mirror staring at me until I got what she meant. "Oh, and she's….." She nodded, "Jealous, yes. Tanya has never met a man that never gave into her whiles. When we met them, she was instantly attracted to Edward. Being the only single man among us, she thought he was an easy target. But he's turned her down, time and time again, but always in a gentlemanly manner. But she doesn't give up. She genuinely cares about Edward and wants to be with him." "So, Rosalie was intended for him and he wasn't interested. He met Tanya and he wasn't interested in her. Why is that?" "Because I prefer brunettes." I turned to see Edward leaning in the doorway. Alice grimaced, "She deserved to know." Edward looked at Alice, "I should have been the one to tell her." I stood up, "Don't be mad at her, please. I was concerned why Tanya looked like she wanted to kill me." He sighed, "Tanya will not harm you." I made a face, "Ok, but if looks could kill….." He smiled, "Let's get back to the party." Alice walked ahead of us, "I can't wait to get my hands on my gift." "Gift?" Alice looked back at me, "It's a tradition. Whenever Carlisle and Esme get married, they give gifts to all their children. I've seen what we're all getting and I love mine. They'll be calling us soon to see them. I'm so excited."
Outside in the reception, Esme was dancing with a dark haired vampire. Edward told me he was Eleazar, the only male member of the Denali clan. Carlisle was dancing with Carmen and Jasper was dancing with Rosalie. Alice and I talked with each other and she was practically bouncing. Esme looked over at us. She patted Carlisle's arm and they left the dance floor. "All right, Alice. Let's go." Alice practically sprinted ahead of Esme, but Jasper caught her arm. "Bella, come with us." Esme took my hand and we walked to the garage. Esme left me to stand by Alice and Jasper. Edward stood by me and Emmett and Rosalie was on his other side. Carlisle stood with Esme and they looked at us. "We wanted to do this early, because Alice is about to explode. It's time for all of you to receive your gifts from us." Carlisle and Esme smiled. I thought it was sweet that they were such a close family and they still included me in their traditions. I was anxious for Alice. I wanted her to have he gift too. Carlisle began, "Emmett and Rosalie, we give you this…" He pressed the button for the first garage door to open. Inside was a large black pickup truck. I recognized the Chevy logo on the grill. Emmett howled, "A GMC Topkick C4500! No way!" Rosalie beamed, "A Maserati GranSport Spyder!" The second garage door opened, "Alice and Jasper, these are for you." Alice was holding my hand and it was starting to hurt. "Alice," I whispered through my teeth. She released my hand as the door opened to a bright yellow sports car. She screamed in excitement, "My Porsche." Next to the Porsche was a sleek silver motorcycle, with the word "Suzuki" was painted on it. "Jasper took a liking to motorcycles after he found out you were riding them," Edward explained in my ear.
The last garage door opened, "Edward, Bella, these are for you." My brow furrowed; why was I getting a gift? I saw two cars, both dark blue. On the left was a sleek sports car and I recognized the Jaguar logo on it. On the right, was an SUV with the Audi logo on the grill. The others went for their gifts, but I stood still. Esme held my hand, "Don't you like it?" "Esme, w… I mean…" I sighed. "I know you can say 'no' to Edward and Alice, but you're not saying no to me. It's our fault this one is after you and we should have been there that night on the road." I blinked, "Esme, this isn't your fault. It's Victoria's." She sighed and looked back to Carlisle, who came to stand with us. "Bella, we want you to have this. We give gifts to our children and you're still our daughter." I closed my eyes and looked at the truck that waited for me. "Charlie is going to have a heart attack." I sighed and smiled, "Thank you. You really didn't have to do this." Bright lights flashed on and I closed my eyes. "Alice, you are not taking that car right now. We have to get back to the wedding." The lights cut off, "Please Esme?"
I went to get a better look at my new car. The passenger door opened, "Do you like it?" I smiled, "You had nothing to do with this?" Edward sighed, "Not one bit." "Ok, everyone, back to the reception," Carlisle ordered. Edward helped me out of the car and all of us went back to the party. Alice was walking the slowest, pouting like a child. "Come on, Alice. Soon, you'll be driving it up the coast," Edward took Alice's hand. She smiled feebly. "Alice, what kind of Porsche is that?" She sighed, "Turbo 911." I looked up at Edward and he smiled, "It's one of the fastest Porsches made so far." Back at the reception, Edward whirled me on the dance floor and we stayed there for hours. "I hope you don't mind, but I requested our song." I looked up at Edward in confusion. A new song began and I recognized it as the song Edward and I danced to at the prom. I smiled, "Oh, our song."
"Edward, shouldn't you get Bella home?" Emmett suggested, "It's way past her bedtime." I scowled, "What are you talking about?" His smile was smug, "It's 4:30 in the morning." My eyes widened, "You're not serious." Alice was dancing with Emmett, "Charlie isn't home, Bella. Stay." "Alice, if she wants to go, she can. But it would be nice if you stayed." I looked up at Edward. "I don't feel tired, so I'll stay." With that, Edward whirled me away from his brother and sister. "You must be hungry?" I blinked, starting to feel the fatigue come on. "Why did Emmett say anything?" He smiled, "I'll take you home." He walked me off the dance floor and went to put my belongings in my new car. "Hello Bella." I turned to look at a blond vampire man, with crimson eyes. He was tall with a muscular build, nowhere near Emmett's build. Looking at his face, he wasn't much older than me when he was changed. Next to him was a younger girl, with short black hair, with the same eyes. He smiled at me, "I've heard so much about you." Before I answered, he looked away, "I'm sorry, but we must go. I hope to see you soon." The couple left as abruptly as they came. I sighed; my fatigue was starting to take strong hold on me. "Bella?" Edward guided me to Carlisle and Esme, who hugged me, "We'll be gone for a week. Please stay out of trouble." I was too tired to comment, so I nodded.
Edward walked me to the garage, past Tanya and Kate. He held my waist. "Goodbye Bella. I hope to see you again soon." I smiled at Kate, but I refused to look at Tanya. In my periphery, I saw she just nodded. Edward drove me home. The house was quiet and still as we walked up to the door. "Did you enjoy yourself?" I smiled, "That was the most beautiful wedding I've ever seen." He smiled, "I'll leave you alone. I know you have to get ready for bed." I smiled. He stepped closer to me and opened the door, "Good night, Bella." "Good night." I went upstairs, into my bedroom. I hadn't realize that I was faced with a dilemma. My window opened and I gasped, "It's just me. You forgot this in the car." I took my bag from him, "Thanks." "Was something wrong?" I made a face, "I don't know how to get out of this dress," I giggled and he smiled my favorite crooked smile. I turned away from him and he was standing behind me. I felt the zipper on the back of the dress open, "Alice had it intricately made." I turned and looked up, "Thank you." We stared at each other. He leaned closer to me and I didn't back away. Our lips met and my arms went around his neck. Edward's arms were wrapped around me, lifting me off the floor. Once again, my lips molded to his and my body melted into him. I felt the pins being removed and my hair fell down. His hand tangled in my hair.
He groaned under our kiss, holding me tighter. My feet met the floor again. One of my straps fell off my shoulder. I had almost forgotten my dress was open, until I felt his cool finger on the skin of my back. A part of my mind was screaming at me to stop and another part was yelling at the other part to shut up. His lips parted mine and his tongue plunged into my mouth. My body ached for this, for so long. My arms tightened around him and his body stiffened. Air whooshed past me and I fell on the bed, gasping. Edward was by my window, "I'm sorry." We looked at each other. I looked away and got off the bed, "So am I," I responded breathlessly. I left my room and leaned against my door. What just happened in the room was over the line. What was I doing?
