Chapter 2
Disclaimer: Once again I own absolutely nothing. All the characters and such in this piece belong to the incredibly talented Stephenie Meyer! I am simply a dedicated fan who is impatiently awaiting the arrival of Breaking Dawn.
I stared dejectedly out the window, counting the crystal raindrops as they slowly trickled down the frigid glass. I peeled my eyes away from the window as I glanced curiously at the dashboard. The speedometer was slowly inching its way past one hundred miles, however it did not seem like we were going that fast at all. My sharp eyes, noticed every minuscule detail in the landscape as we raced by. I sighed as we passed a loan farmhouse, my throat tightening and my mouth flowing with excess saliva as I caught the faint scent of fresh human blood. My fingers clenched around Edward's hand, resting lightly in my lap, as I resisted the impulse to dash from the car and attack the unsuspecting humans.
"Only another thirty minutes," Edward murmured softly, as he pressed down gently on the gas. The speedometer crawled passed one hundred and twenty miles an hour, as Edward's thumb rubbed soothing circles in my palm.
"It gets easier with time," he promised, his concerned eyes focused on my face. He had been repeating this phrase continuously each time we passed an inhabited dwelling, as though he were trying to convince himself as well as me. We had only been on the road for perhaps an hour and yet it seemed like an eternity. Each time we passed any living creature, the familiar symptoms of what I now recognized as thirst, would overwhelm me.
"I know," I said through stiff lips. The Volvo continued down the rain slicked pavement at break-neck speed, as I tried to gain control of my unfamiliar body. As I glanced out the window again, my unnecessary breath caught in my throat. Jacob's face stared accusingly at me from the telephone pole where his Missing flyer was carefully stapled. I knew that Charlie had posted them all around the nearby area, yet I had not been prepared to face them out here in quite literally, the middle of nowhere. A surge of guilt rushed through me as Jake's face faded into the distance. I tried to regain what little self control I had by keeping my breathing even and my face calm, hoping Edward wouldn't notice anything amiss. I tried hard not to think about him, but my traitor thoughts constantly flitted to Jacob. With a pang, I realized Jake's photo would not be taped to any telephone poles, if not for me. I sighed miserably as I thought about the last time I had seen my best friend. Even though our wedding had taken place only one month ago, the day that would be forever etched into my memory, felt more like a recollection from someone else's life. Which I guess in a way, it was. Unable to erase my guilt, I allowed my unclouded memories to engulf my attention, as I tried not to think about the burning ache scorching my throat, or the pain slowly eating away my heart.
I gazed only at Edward as I slowly walked down the aisle, my white gown trailing behind me, as I clutched Charlie's arm.
"Breathe Bella," I reminded myself, "Just don't trip." As I finally reached Edward, I wobbled slightly, my knees buckling beneath me. Always ready, Edward smoothly caught my arm and steadied me. I smiled gratefully at him, as my breathing accelerated. His smoldering eyes were ecstatic as he looked me carefully up and down. Emmett, our best man, stood slightly behind Edward, looking intimidating yet handsome in his navy blue suit. Our eyes met and he grinned, winking inconspicuously. I felt suddenly calm, all anxiety forgotten and threw an appreciative glance at Jasper. He ducked his head, acknowledging my silent thanks, before focusing his attention on the small pixie-like angel who stood behind me. Taking a deep breath I turned toward the priest and nodded slightly to let him know I was ready. Edward gently squeezed my hand as my heart gave a small squeeze of its own. In that instant I knew that I was truly ready. The young priest had a clear, beautiful voice; however it was unable to hold my attention for more than a few moments. After all, it was really only beautiful for a human. I stared intently at the pretty blue and white flower arrangements Alice had placed artistically around the small church. Everything was perfect. Alice had planned a spectacular wedding and she had managed the impossible. Everything was elegant and simple, nothing was even slightly overboard.
"Edward Anthony Cullen. Do you take Isabella Marie Swan to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do," Edward answered his velvet voice soft. I looked into his smoldering eyes, as I answered the priest's similar question.
"I do." I whispered, unable to tear my eyes away from his golden gaze.
Edward snaked his arm around my waist as he pulled me closer. Our lips met for a brief moment, the small kiss sweet, and filled with passion. Before I was able to regulate my breathing, Edward swept me off my feet and proceeded down the aisle, slowly retracing my earlier steps.
"I now present you Mr. and Mrs. Cullen," I was dimly aware of the preacher's voice, as I glimpsed russet skin and tousled dark hair. I froze as our eyes met. I glanced at his hard guarded face and hard eyes, barely noticing Quil and Embry looking uneasy as they flanked his side. My brain scrambled for something to say but before I even got the chance to open my mouth they were already melting into the crowd. Every cell in my body screamed at me to race after him, to make things right between us, but it was at that moment that I noticed Edward's tense arms locked around my body. I looked up at his anguished expression, as I mentally kicked myself. How could I even think about going to Jacob on my wedding day!
"I didn't think he would come…" Edward whispered quietly, his eyes focused on something above my head.
"Hey," I murmured, placing my left hand on his marble cheek, "It doesn't matter, I'm not going anywhere."
He looked down at me, his liquid eyes boring into mine.
"Aw, come on," I said, attempting humor, "It's our wedding day, let's celebrate!" My voice sounded false even to my ears, however for once he did not seem to notice my lie.
His eyes brightened, and he smiled my favourite crooked smile.
"You're right," he said, "This is the happiest day of my life and I will not spend it worrying over Jacob Black!" He set me gently on my feet, as I glanced around surprised to find us already on the dance floor set up outside behind the church. Edward bowed slightly at the waist, offering me his hand.
"May I have this dance, ma'am?" he asked with the cadence of an earlier century, his eyes mocking. I groaned, as I slowly placed my hand in his.