Just a Pretense
Chapter 15: Bonds
Author's Note: Okay, so I have finally broken my horrible guilt and ventured to write – or to complete anyway. Here's the excuse, I've been busy and also not allowed on so much. First I was wrapping presents then I had my formal – that's like the prom – and then, yes, not on the computer as well as not being able to think up anything for this chapter. This is probably the only time I'll ever try writing something like this. –sigh–

Some of the original AN: What is the origin of 'prom' anyway? Does it stand for something? And… Bella is 17 at the beginning of Twilight and in her 'Junior' year, so I am told. (Year 11) So that would mean she started school… late? I'll be a 'junior' next year, but I'll only turn 16 halfway through. And still getting mistaken for someone in the sixth grade! That's five years!

Haha, let's convey what I'm thinking with a quote. If this ends… badly… (that's the quote) … then don't blame me, 'cos I usually would never try anything like this. I really don't like this chapter and feel like I'm digging a hole for myself… sorry!!

Announcement! If noone's realised… actor for Edward was chosen! I think the choice was okay, but still a bit weird for me. Let's see how the movie turns out. xD

Disclaimer: Long overdue for a creative disclaimer… but I can't think of one. I own close to nothing, okay? That's all you need to know. Barely even this story anymore… it's running away from me!

--

Bella opened the package apprehensively and gasped as she took in the sight of the dress.

"I'm assuming you like it?" Edward asked amusedly.

"More than you think." Bella replied, positively glowing.

"How do you know what I think?" Edward teased. "Well, I'm glad you like it."

"But how can I wear it?" Bella asked, looking at him with a puzzled face. "I'm known here as Arthur. Are we doing something? Or going somewhere?"

"Well…" Edward began, thinking over what they had 'admitted' last night again, "I thought since you love me, we would do something."

Bella looked at him suspiciously. "That depends what it is…"

Edward seemed a little hesitant as he continued. "You know how dangerous this so-called mission of ours can be. I want something to leave behind of our… relationship in case something happens. I even got you this." Edward pulled something round out of his pocket. It flashed, sparkling with vibrant colours.

Bella's eyes widened as she took in the ring, stones and all. Edward was approaching now and bent down on one knee as Bella blushed, looking nervously away. How could she refuse? She knew she loved Edward and out of all her suitors so far, he was the only one she had such an … infatuation with and the only one she knew she would marry if he asked her – and he had. Or just about, anyway.

"Isabella Swan of Phoenix." Edward addressed her, "Will you marry me?"

Bella met his burning golden eyes and felt the strength of his passion and love in the force of his clear gaze. She gave one abrupt nod and with a smile, Edward slid the engagement ring onto her finger.

"Now, shall we prepare for the ceremony?"

"But – " Bella began.

"Don't worry, it will be a private ceremony and you can change when we get there."

"Dressed in royal blue for a … w-wedding ceremony?" Bella asked in puzzlement.

Edward laughed. "No, I actually have another dress for you as well." He grinned at her, "But you won't get to see it until we get there. A surprise for both of us." He nodded at the dress she held. "You can leave that one until later."

"Where did you hide it before I saw you?" Bella asked now, but Edward wasn't going to give up any of his secrets.

"Let's say it was another unexpected surprise."

She would have to leave it at that.

--

"Thank ye, kind sirs." The innkeeper thanked them as they mounted their horses and Edward passed down the money for their stay. "Please come again."

"'Course we will." Bella drawled in a low voice as they began to trot away. Edward laughed and Bella looked at him with a little surprise, a little astonished to see him so carefree.

"It wasn't a bad place." Edward rebutted. "I thought it was quite good, actually."

"I suppose so." Bella agreed with shrug. "Now where are we going?"

"Just a small church on the other side of town. Arrangements will have been made."

They had ridden quite a way now, galloping along the cobbled roads, people avoiding them hastily as they hurtled through. The church was growing larger by the second.

"Made by who?" Bella asked, frowning, picking up on the 'will have been'.

"Arthur!" A voice interrupted, shouting Bella's temporary name. Her eyes flicked to the front, seeing a familiar figure with dark hair accompanied by a tall man.

"Alice!" Bella said in surprise, but also a little scared. If they had found them so easily, then others would have also been able to.

They rode up and dismounted, Alice and Bella hugging warmly and Edward and Jasper acknowledging each other.

"How did you find us?" Bella asked, genuinely puzzled and certainly worried.

Alice tapped her temple. "I saw that you would need me and Jazzy here to help you two set up. Besides," she added, grinning, "How can you leave me out of this?"

Bella smiled back. Of course, Alice was as good as family – the only she had now. Well… She looked over at Edward, besides him.

Jasper, who hadn't said anything up until that point ushered them inside. Bella and Edward both had to change and then everything else could proceed. Jasper dragged Edward off – not literally – and Alice tugged Bella into a room where her dress waited for her. Bella gasped at the sight of it.

"Isn't it pretty?" Alice asked, grinning in an evil sort of way at her.

"Yes?" Bella said apprehensively, wondering what Alice was planning.

Then Alice pounced on her.

--

"Thank you for your and Alice's assistance," Edward murmured to Jasper as they waited for the girls to emerge. "It is appreciated."

Jasper glanced sidelong at him, "Stop being so formal, my lord."

Edward smiled slightly and Jasper gave a nod at him.

"Alice would have come anyway. Those two are like sisters, and I can hardly let her go galloping off by herself."

Edward chuckled. "I'm beginning to think we should have made this a joint wedding."

Jasper flushed, caught off-guard as the door opened and Alice slipped out.

"No seeing the bride." She chided, "Off with the two of you. Go on. This won't be a normal wedding, but she'll still get her walk down the aisle."

She grabbed their arms and pulled them in the direction of the door. Only when they had gone to their 'places' did Alice return to the room to fetch Bella. The music which was played did not echo through the room and was played quietly, but Bella got her chance to walk down the aisle to stand next to Edward in front of the priest as Alice and Jasper, their only audience, looked on.

It was short, very short, but it sufficed and Bella wore the ring on her hand along with the engagement one, knowing that she and Edward now truly had a bond. Although she knew her other suitors, Jacob and Mike, would be furious, she only hoped they would understand in due course. She most regretted Jacob, who had always been kind to her, but she knew she had never really been the one for him. He would find his own true love one day.

Bella laughed as Alice threw some confetti over them and she tossed Alice – who was really the only one there to catch it – the bouquet, then Edward linked arms with her and drew her close.

"Let's go and find somewhere to eat now, shall we?"

--

Bella had changed into her blue dress now and ate with quite some gusto. Edward watched on with amusement, a plate of food in front of him but obviously unable to eat it. Jasper and Alice danced energetically in the small area in front of the musicians, having polished off their food at record speed already and returned as the song ended.

"Do we have to go soon?" Bella asked, finishing off her food.

"We need to complete our… mission, yes." Edward said carefully, with a sigh.

"Otherwise the thing would never get there." Alice grinned as she panted, exhausted from the dancing.

"Yes." Edward eyed her with more amusement as she collapsed into her chair. "Are you trying to kill her, Jasper?"

Jasper glared at him, also looking very tired. "That's her, not me. It's not my fault she exhausted herself."

Edward shook his head smiling wryly. Bella watched on as they continued to chat and Alice fell asleep at the table. She felt contented and happy. She reached for Edward's hand and he clasped hers.

Their bond now felt – and was – so real.

--

Author's Note (again?!): Random ending... Anyway, I shouldn't have used 'wedding' it should be 'betrothal' or something, but too late for that.

It may have been way too quickly you might say, however, this is just so they can claim to be together and since the journey is dangerous and all, they want to be able to have a bond in the event that one of them dies or something – not saying they will, 'course. Anyway… maybe I can explain this better later. Or I might rewrite this one day. I'm not going to carry on the marriage thing for now, this is just to acknowledge their relationship, if that made sense, and there will probably be another later anyway. Haha…

It's short (Noo!!), and I'm sorry, but I hope you will review. I have to admit I was very stuck over this chapter.

I made a slight mistake in the quote before; it was mean to be 'world of demons' not 'darkness'. But close enough, enough so that it still kind of works.

Gosh the ANs are longer than the story. I keep doing that. Sorry!