Disclaimer: Don't own Twilight. At All. No copyright infringement intended btw.

Chapter 13

"Preparations!"

The manors are abuzz with work. I am left alone finally in my room, and I silently look out to the forest. I could hear chatter of excitements and of commands. And if I were to come down, I'd be greeted with congratulations. But I have to reserve my energy for tonight's event.

All day I have thought of him. I have tried to avoid it, cried for it, and yet it would not leave me be. It must be my punishment for committing such crime. I never imagined once to break a heart as I am sure I have. But I have no choice. I am breaking two hearts, his and mine.

All day I have practiced to smile, to act. My mother knew me enough to leave me alone, to only send food up to my bedroom.

But at last it is time, and I sigh. With a heart that weighs as a boulder, I drag myself up.

"Isabella, dear, are you prepared?" Came my mother's voice.

I shook my head, silent tears escaping. A death sentence. A crime punishable by a life term. I closed my eyes one last time, and the last time I would pray to the Heavens, to my God, for a Saviour, someone to take me from her. Any way out. But mothers proved stronger than soldiers, as I found myself escorted down the stairs. And society more cohesive than justice and freedom. For I found myself thrown into the court room.

I see myself watched, judged by other people.

"Smile."

It's all I could do not to cry, to fight, to collapse. I let my instincts guide every action I take, every false move. I am hidden by a mask, a skill mastered through time.

As a response, they try to cover their inquiring looks with smiles and salutes. My saving grace is that the man I am to be wed is in the farthest corner from me, out of sight from people.

Fork to glass, a clattering. Someone seeks attention. All eyes turn to the head of the scheme, Mr. Mallory.

Hldding up his wine glass, he announces, " A toast, in honor of my son, James Mallory and to Miss Isabella Swan!"

Father, springs up as well. "To my daughter and my son-in-law to be," drawing in a deep breath he exhales, "may you have many joys and blessings in your life, and forget the turbulous times past. If ever you are to cross a rocky road, filled of rumours and blocks, I hope you would learn to get through, climb or jump through them together and be able to be with each other in the moonlight as husband and wife. Many blessings for you indeed."

The moonlight struck me, and my hands curled around the cutlery. With everyone preoccupied, I gulp down my glass, needing soothe and comfort.

"Everyone, the dancing, following desert, would be back at the hall," Mrs. Mallory announces.

I am the last to dance with slow reluctance. As I enter the hall, someone taps my shoulder. I turn.

My eyes could hardly believe it.

"May I have this dance?" He asks in a low, sad voice that rips through my heart.

But I smile, "Of course."

Hand in hand we walk to the center, with everyone close, watching. The violin starts, and I hear less of the bass and the louder instruments.

"I.." How could I try to explain? How. . . How could he understand? I never meant this to happen! Never dreamed in my life! Please, believe me. No sound come out, and my mouth feels dry. It makes me all wish to cry. I can not express anything, I feel helpless... A dam can only last so long, especially when it has experienced many turbulent storms in a short while. It becomes overwhelmed, and the water drop by drop, sprinkle by sprinkle, spurts out, releases.

"Shhshhh..." He soothes, his arms around me drew closer, tighter. But one will find it hard to stop, once started. Tears fall into his gloved hand, that has reached to my eyes.

Cry with me....

This may well be our last dance, our last embrace, but I couldn't let go. Not when it was too painful. At that moment, I tried not to think about the many regrets, about the consequences, the heartache. How will I survive?

I detect sadness hidden in his eyes, but understanding, as well.

And finally, as everyone expects, the music stops into a slow, low, sweet and melancholy end. A finale. With that, we both straighten, and move backwards in a uniformed unison, a connection of heart. Our love might have been short, with little time to know each other, but I still feel very well the pull of heartache, of duty.

I courtesy, he bows.

And that's all.

Too quick, too short! Not enough time. . . Go back, go back!

Ignoring the looks of both of my mothers, I rush to the back, I rush to the yard. No one must find me there. Rushing out, I looked sideways, surprised to see apair of eyes, that seemed familliar with malice. Lauren looked away. No doubt her eyes held loathe.

Perfect. The moon is hiding as well as the stars. I am alone. No light can find me in this cloak of darkness, where I hide. Where I can cry. In a wall, my back slides down to the ground, and I have but to cry. Sobs errupt from far deep, and it comes with force.

"That was quite a dance with your partner, my dear..."


A/N: Alright, alright. I know. I'm sorry. I had A MAJOR writers block that was finally broken this afternoon. To add to my list of excuses, I was out for a month without access to fanfiction. So there. I had vacation. And then after I had homework. Tons to make up for that holiday. Sigh. I would like to continue this chapter, but I REALLY need sleep. As well as other things. I hope it satisfies you, at least to the point where you can forgive my absence. That long.

Please, pretty pretty please, review!