A/N: First of all, thanks for the wishes, I'm recovering well now, and feel awesometastic!

Second, please vote for this fic in the Indie Twific awards (if you think it deserves).

LINK - given in my profile (The voting closes on 13th July midnight EST.)

NOTE: Jasper's accent reading - Basically, just keep this in mind, Yorkshire accent deletes the letter 'H'. So, if someone says something that has 'H' in it, then he removes 'H' from it all together.

EXAMPLE: human= 'uman; help= 'elp; hell= 'ell; have= 'ave ...and so on.

Just remember one thing, 'H' is always replaced by an apostrophe. Then you can read the accent without any problem.

And without much ado, here's the next chapter…

This is so bizarre. Edward never faltered… I could feel 'er emotions clearly, then…

I wonder what it means for Edward to not hear someone's thoughts. This is the first time… Perhaps, there is some irregularity in Isabella's brain.

If this is what keeps him happy, then I don't want to get in the way… I just wanted to stay close.

But my visions were all clear, Bella was clear. I never had a problem… then why Edward?

Edward tried to ignore the curious thoughts of his vampire family. Some of these thoughts were too loud, and hence, harder to ignore. Excluding Esme, all the thoughts were centred around his mind reading ability, particularly, its failure. Edward didn't want to discuss this matter. He had told the rest as much, but unintentionally, their thoughts drifted toward this topic now and then.

"Just stop it," he hissed, "don't you all have anything else to think about?"

Another influx of thoughts flooded his brain, filled with apologies this time.

A few minutes passed, wherein all the vampires in the manor tried to distract their thoughts away from Edward.

Edward? Alice tentatively tried to reach him, fearing his wrath.

He didn't reply, knowing full well that if he did, everyone would train their ears to this conversation.

I wanted to talk to you, Alice edged forward with her thoughts, regarding Rosalie.

Edward almost snapped the wooden edge of the window he was standing at. Anger boiled inside him, and instantly, he flashed across the hall and out of the manor.

Edward, wait! Alice tried to follow him, but he was too fast for her. You can still hear me, I know that. Please listen to me…

Edward didn't respond. He flitted about the forest, in hope of finding peace. This was the worst part of having others in his house; he had become practically homeless. He couldn't stay in the manor for long, because all the thoughts floating around the house disturbed him. This was one of the reasons behind his cruel decision to make his family leave the manor. Peace of mind was precious to Edward, and he wanted it back, without having to run off from his own home.

When the mental ramblings from Alice faded and finally ceased, Edward stopped.

It had started to rain, but it didn't bother him. He knew—through Alice's visions—that by evening, the rains would vanish. He looked above at the heavens, feeling the light drizzle on his face, as cold as his skin. It helped in calming him.

Despite the rain, the cloudy sky was beginning to lighten. The sun was slowly rising, hidden behind the clouds. The day was beginning, albeit, languorously. It was the day Edward had waited for with much anticipation… the day of his wedding. He was trying to keep his temper even, but his verbal confrontation with Rosalie had made him tetchy.

Oh Edward!

Edward's head snapped up at the sound of Rosalie's voice. He was surprised—a rarity—to hear from her, for she had expressed her wish to leave.

"What are you doing here, Rosalie?" he growled in the direction from where her thoughts came. He was furious, so much that he uprooted a tree from beside him.

Don't you run away, Edward. I cometh in peace.

With great effort, Edward pulled himself back from the red haze of rage. He had to remind himself of Isabella and her frail humanity, which didn't stand a chance against his temper.

"I'm not the one to run away, Rose," his voice became cold and even, sans the growling. "Your peace is immaterial. If you dare say one putrid word about Bella—"

"Halt please, Edward. Your diatribe is tiresome!" Rosalie came into view from behind the thick coppice, her expression guarded.

"I don't have the patience for your foolish mental vitriol either," he snapped, "why have you come back?"

"To apologize," she muttered.

"You think I would believe that?" The venom in his voice made her flinch, but she smiled nonetheless.

"You probably should, Edward," she said with fake sweetness, which Edward caught immediately.

Rosalie took a few hesitant steps in his direction, and he stiffened. "Stay back, I don't want Emmett to lose his mate."

She raised her hands, a gesture to let Edward know that she wasn't interested in a fight.

So that is why you were so hell-bent on marrying her? Because you can't read her mind?

"Enough, Rose!"

"I was just curious, Edward." She shrugged. "Now that I understand, your obsession for her seems quite reasonable."

Edward grimaced at her words. "I don't need your approval. Besides, it changes nothing. You aren't welcome here anymore."

"I can understand that. But why are you punishing the rest of the family for what I said?" she asked, arching her eyebrows in mock surprise.

"Your vanity is has not limits," Edward laughed darkly. "It has nothing to do with what you said. Others were annoying me in their own ways. I don't like infringement in my private life."

What did I ever do to you, Edward? Alice's thoughts suddenly sprang up in his head, catching him off guard.

Edward smacked his head with his hands, frustrated at the intrusion again. "Alice, do you want me to send you away before the wedding?"

Rosalie smiled smugly, as Alice jumped next to her from a nearby tree branch. "You cannot do that; the wedding will not be completed without me."

"You aren't needed to complete the ceremonies, Alice." Edward could see the stance that both Alice and Rosalie held; it was clear that this conversation was premeditated. Then, as Rosalie caught up with his inspection, her thoughts faltered and gave him the evidence that proved his suspicions right.

"So you made Rosalie apologise to me, thinking that I would change my mind and let you stay," Edward spoke through his teeth. His anger had now reached a plateau; he wanted to hold on to it and not boil over again.

Alice looked accusingly at Rosalie, who shrugged and moved away from her.

"You may leave now, Rose. I believe that's the best for you under these circumstances," Edward said, closing the distance between him and Alice in a flash.

Rosalie made a disgusted face at him. "I did what I could," she told Alice, as she retreated into the thicket.

Alice turned her head away from Rosalie to face Edward, her expression ridden with guilt.

"Alice," he said, more calmly now, as Rosalie had left. "What shall I say to make you understand? I'm not banishing you for all of eternity. You should understand the reason behind this decision."

"But, Edward, I love her too, in my own way," she stated fervently.

Edward almost twitched at her words, feeling an odd emotion course through him. He composed himself quickly, for fear that Alice may notice. "You can visit us," he said coolly, "whenever you feel like seeing her. Bella and I are getting married today, Alice. She will need some time to settle down with me. I don't want any disturbances during this time."

Alice's eyes narrowed to slits. "I'm not a petulant child, Edward," she said, jabbing a finger into his chest. "I understand that. I'm not pining away for Bella, either. What really is bothering me is her general safety around you."

"I won't slip," he retorted heatedly. "Stop talking to me as if I'm a newborn."

"My visions tell me something else," she said defiantly. "At least, someone should be here to warn you of your slipping control."

"I'd rather you stay away."

"But what if my visions come true? Who is going to stop you then?" She repeated her visions in her head to restate her point.

"I'm saying this for the last time, Alice, I will make sure that Bella is safe." He glared at her, offended by her accusations.

"I don't know how to say this, Edward, but please be careful when you are… with her." The images inside Alice's head made him cringe, but he understood what she was trying to convey.

"I won't hurt her, Alice," he said softly, "I'm not a savage."

Alice gave him a reluctant smile. I want you to be happy, Edward, for I've seen you suffer. "It is indeed very selfish of us, to just bother about you and ignore Bella's wellbeing. Yet, we are only supporting you because Carlisle and Esme have faith in you. That even though you have killed many a sentient creatures, there is still a shred of humanity left inside of you."

Feeling uncomfortable with her words, Edward tried to interrupt her, but she silenced him with her finger.

"Our nature doesn't allow us to be close to humans, but it isn't wholly impossible. Carlisle and Esme, perhaps, have more faith in you than any of us. Just don't let that faith die, Edward…"

Edward sighed; he had nothing to say. Alice's words had shaken him up.

"And I apologise for being intrusive. I just wanted to help, to keep their hopes unbroken," she whispered, her eyes anxious.

"I…" Edward hesitated, feeling the weight of others' expectations. "I do understand that, but we—Bella and I—need some privacy now. Even though you might not want to intervene, your thoughts find a way to disturb me."

She nodded. "Carlisle is of a similar view. He wants all of us to settle down in Port Angeles. That way, we would be close enough to visit you often, but far enough not to disturb you."

"Very thoughtful of him." Edward felt a pang of guilt as he thought about Carlisle, but he repressed it at once.

"There is still one thing that's irking me," Alice said cautiously, taking a step back to put some distance between them.

He waited for her to continue.

Why is she immune to your mind reading?

"I really don't have the answer for that query. I'm as enlightened as you are," he answered with a groan of frustration.

Alice tilted her head and rubbed her chin in thought. "Perhaps," she said after a minute of mulling over, "she was made for you. Because she is the only person who wouldn't disturb you in your head, and you won't banish her." She smirked at him.

"I would like to believe that…" Edward gave her a tight smile, his mind wandering off to Isabella.

"Now, I think we should head back home," Alice said, placing her hand on his shoulder. "There are things that I need to take care of, and you need to be there as well. After all, it's your wedding day." That made him laugh, a bit nervously.

He nodded and then offered his hand to her, which she playfully slapped away. They flitted back to the manor together, to prepare for the grand day.

As evening approached, Edward grew progressively more restless. The cause of his unease hadn't gone away, as he had assumed. Rosalie and Emmett were still hovering around the manor as willing partakers in the wedding.

Edward paced in front of the fireplace, his eyes locked on Rosalie, who was ignoring him on purpose. She was sharing her ideas with Esme, to help her with the final flower arrangement.

Jasper was quick to respond to Edward's oscillating emotions. Alice asked them to leave, but they wanted to stay. Rosalie and Emmett want to see your wedding, and Alice assures that nothing will go wrong. Besides, people will notice if they aren't present, as they are a part of our family . So, to keep up pretences…

"Very articulately put, Jasper." Edward shook his head in exasperation. "I'm tired of trying to control everything. So now, I'll tell you keep an eye on things," he muttered, pointing at Rosalie in a covert manner.

Esme is doing that…

Edward, don't worry, Esme's voice overlapped Jasper's as she responded to Edward. I'll make sure that she doesn't spoil this evening.

"Thank you," Edward whispered with gratitude. "Now, where is Alice?"

"With your 'uman doll," Jasper rolled his eyes, "dressing up the grand bride. She'll return once the bride is ready, and you know that it will take long."

Edward exhaled slowly, and gave Jasper a curt nod.

"You need Alice's assistance?" Jasper exclaimed in faux surprise, to rile Edward.

"Do I not? Everybody needs her assistance," Edward replied sarcastically. "The world cannot possibly function without her."

Jasper chortled at Edward and then sighed in agreement, "Aye, Alice is like a sun."

"A tiny one," Edward quipped, courting smirk.

Jasper laughed again. "I wish you'd say this on 'er face."

"Keep waiting with bated breath."

"I can do that." Jasper winked. Did you actually need Alice? I can in inform 'er if such is the matter, he asked on a more serious note.

"No…" Edward shook his head. "Let her be."

He then excused himself and escaped into the confines of his room, to prepare himself for the wedding. Now, all his thoughts were concentrated on thing only—the wedding. In about an hour, he was going to meet Isabella …at the altar. He was pleased with the prospect.

Isabella sat compliantly at the dressing table, while Angela and Alice whirled about her. Alice was braiding Isabella's hair while Angela took care of her accessories.

"Angela, Alice, please… you're making me anxious," she complained. "Calm down, or else I'll lose my marbles."

"It's almost time, Issy, we cannot slow down," Angela said, hurrying past her. She then turned towards Alice and extended her hand. "Give the choker to me."

Alice indicated to the settee positioned to her left, her hands never leaving Isabella's hair.

"Choker?" Isabella wiggled her head to see what Angela and Alice were up to, but Alice turned her head back towards the mirror.

"Bella, please be still," Alice scolded her.

"Your bridal jewellery," Angela replied, flashing the piece in front of Isabella. "A gift from the bridegroom."

Isabella observed the pearl-lined band as Angela curled it around her neck.

"Sapphire…" she whispered as she stared at central jewel of the choker, fitted into its oval clasp. Edward had done exactly what he had said. Isabella blushed furiously at the memory.

"Yes, sapphire," Alice sighed, her lips twitching ever so slightly. Isabella scrunched her brows in confusion, mulling Alice's strange response. But Alice's neutral expression didn't give her any clues.

"And here are the earrings." Angela slipped the oval earrings into Isabella's lobes and turned her face so that she could admire them better. "Here's hoping that you like this set."

"It is pretty, very pretty." A hint of a frown clouded Isabella's face as her fingers traced the pearls. These fancy gifts only reminded her of her uncle's financial strain.

"Get used to the baubles, Bella," Alice said wryly, "My brother thinks that it's the only way to please a lady."

"Hmm…" Isabella's stomach twisted in a knot as she thought about her would-be husband. It was unfamiliar territory for her. If there was anything that could frighten Isabella out of her wits, it was the unknown.

"Now, what are thinking about?" Angela tapped Isabella's shoulder, looking concerned.

Isabella swallowed loudly, for her mouth felt dry. "I was wondering," she mumbled hoarsely, "why are you and Alice the only ones to help me here?"

Angela was quick to answer back, "Because we want to, and we didn't trust anyone else with the task." Her eyes narrowed as they drifted towards Isabella's shaking hands. "Issy, what were you actually thinking?"

Isabella laughed nervously, thinking about something else that would satisfy Angela. She, at that moment, thought of Charles. "Where is Uncle?" she asked with renewed anxiety. "I haven't seen him since last night, when he left me at your home. He told me he was leaving for Port Angeles, why has he not returned yet?"

"He… will return," Angela answered, her face looking guilty.

"Do you know something about his trip, which you'd like to share with me, perhaps?" Isabella eyed Angela suspiciously.

Angela fidgeted under Isabella's insistent gaze. "He will tell you himself."

"He will be home soon, Bella, don't you worry," Alice reassured Isabella.

"How—" Isabella stopped midsentence, as she caught Charles's reflection in the mirror.

"Issy?" he called from the door, "Is the old man allowed inside?"

"Uncle!" Isabella stood up, uncaring of Alice's hands still holding her hair. Alice let her go immediately.

Isabella rushed to Charles, feeling a desperate need to be with him, as though he would fade away if she blinked. "Where have you been? I was waiting for you since morning." She caught him in a tight hug, noticing that he was already dressed for the wedding.

"I had a few errands to run, Issy," Charles said, as Isabella hid her face in his chest.

"What errand?" she asked, trying to sound casual, but her voice almost broke at the end of the sentence.

Charles took hold of her shoulders and eased her back to make her face him. "This thing right here," he mumbled softly, and then took out a white box from his pocket. "A gift for you…"

"What is this, Uncle?" Isabella looked at the box with surprised eyes.

"Something old and something blue," he replied, opening the box to show its contents.

Inside the box were two silver hair combs. Dark blue sapphires were clustered into intricate floral shapes atop the teeth.

Isabella stared at the combs for a long time, silent and contemplative.

"They were your Grandma Swan's. She had given them to your Aunt Clara… and now, they're yours," Charles said, handing her the white box. "I had gone to Port Angeles to get them polished."

Alice came up from behind her and took the box from her shaky hands. She retrieved the combs and slid them into Isabella's hair under the edge of the thick braids.

On the verge of tears, Isabella held Charles's hands and peered into his eyes. "Thank you, Uncle… for everything."

"I should be the one to say thank you, Issy. You gave me the chance to be your father." He kissed her on the forehead and patted her shoulders affectionately. "You look beautiful… like the angel you are."

The answering smile from Isabella had melancholy hidden behind it. She didn't want to leave her uncle, but she had no choice but do so.

"Bella, it's time," Alice prompted from behind.

A tiny tear trickled down Isabella's cheek as she moved away from Charles. She gave a reluctant nod to Alice and Angela, to advance toward the Masen Residence.

Isabella drew in a slow breath and closed her eyes, willing herself to remain calm. She didn't want to fall apart, not in front of her uncle. She knew that Charles would not be able endure that. She had vowed to herself that she'd not let anything hurt Charles. Hence, she steeled herself for the ceremony.

Angela and Alice quickly covered their heads under a short veil that matched their rose coloured gowns. They covered Isabella's head with the white tulle veil and accompanied her to the manor, along with Charles.

The manor was already bustling with guests. Alice had invited almost everyone from Forks Prairie. A profusion of white and rose-pink abounded in the flower arrangements, adorning doorways, balustrades, and windows.

"Bella, you don't have to worry, we have taken care of everything," Alice whispered in Isabella's ear, as they prepared for their grand entrance. "Edward is waiting at the altar; you just have to walk up to him."

Isabella nodded, while staring straight ahead. Alice then moved behind, and let Charles hold her hand.

The bridal processional began as soon as the music started flowing from the hall. Isabella's heart thudded in her chest, but she tried to look impassive, for Charles's sake. Her hands clutched her chatelaine tightly, as though it would fall off any moment.

Upon reaching the altar, Charles gave her hand in Edward's, and thus, the ceremony began…

For Isabella, the ceremony passed in a state of limbo. She followed every word and performed her part rather mechanically. Fearing an impending fit of hysteria, she had closed her thought process on purpose, lest everyone became a witness of her panicked state. As a result, she hardly looked at Edward. The only thing she noticed was that he wearing dark blue, nothing else registered in her mind. But the self imposed miasma vanished the moment Edward lifted her veil. It was her body's natural reaction to him.

He held her face in his hands and softly pressed his cool lips to hers. He withdrew himself quickly, but it was enough to jolt her every nerve.

Edward gazed at Isabella in admiration, as the clergyman declared them man and wife. Isabella was now his legitimate wife, and thought pleased Edward immensely. Even as everyone else rushed to congratulate them, his eyes remained on Isabella only. He was fixated on her, and nothing could move him enough to take his eyes off her.

His dead heart had almost thumped back to life when he had first caught a glimpse of her in Angela's mind. Her soft perfection had always enthralled him, but she looked even more appealing to him on this day, dressed as his bride.

Ah, I feel completely enamoured by 'er, Edward, Jasper interrupted Edward's appreciation of Isabella, and I feel something else as well, something unmentionable. Please curb yourself, dear brother…

Edward scowled at Jasper, clearly not amused by his jibe. He shrugged and moved away from Edward, as the guests crowded around him.

Soon after, it was time for the wedding reception. Tables for the guests and the bridal party were arranged in the front lawns of the manor. All the vampires, including Edward, didn't like this part of their human pretence. Food didn't taste very appetizing to them; it tasted like dirt.

Can we leave now? I really don't think I can follow the eating etiquette here. Emmett looked panicked as he watched the trays filled with food.

Then, there were the three wedding cakes—one elaborate cake for the guests, and two smaller ones for the bride and groom.

Edward made a face at Alice, for she had been thorough in her wedding arrangements, down to the cakes.

I think I can throw the food behind the 'edging plant in the corner, thought Jasper, already cringing from the smell of food. What are you going to do with your food and cake, Edward?

"Eat it, I think," Edward replied with a straight face, keeping his voice too low for the humans to hear. "I'm being watched here, very carefully."

Good luck with that, brother, I admire your valour. Jasper's mouth twitched into a smirk, but he straightened himself soon, fearing a backlash from Edward.

Angela, the maid of honour, along with Alice, took care of the guests, while Isabella sat beside Edward at their table.

She's not eating much, take care of her, Esme prompted Edward from the far end. Humans need nourishment more than our kind.

Edward turned towards Isabella and looked into her eyes. "You aren't eating anything, why is that?" he asked softly.

"I am… I am," she replied in a stunted manner, her voice quivering slightly.

He watched her closely, as she nibbled on. Her eyes then drifted to his plate, and she asked him the same question, "Why aren't you eating?"

Edward could hear the laughter from Emmett and Jasper as he stuffed his mouth with food and cake.

Alice smiled at him, letting him know through her thoughts that she was proud of him.

Edward then prompted Isabella to eat some more. She refused vehemently, but he served her another helping of cake nonetheless.

Stuffing the pig before slaughter? Rosalie sniggered at Edward from across the table, careful not to catch any human eye.

Edward stiffened at her words, his fingers coiling around his fork.

I'm sure you will find your next victim without much trouble… if this arrangement doesn't work.

Edward tried not to react to Rosalie's taunts; they were surrounded by humans, and he didn't want them to witness his reaction.

Let's make a wager on Bella's life, shecontinued, paying no heed to Edward's rising anger, if she lives through the first fortnight of her marriage, then I won't visit to you for a century.

Edward trained his eyes on Isabella, to hold on to last shred of patience left in him. Isabella's warm chocolate eyes met his as he stared at her. Her eyes widened in response, and a soft gasp escaped her lips. He saw his own reflection in the brown irises, and was instantly repulsed.

He turned his face away from Isabella and tried to dilute his expression. But Rosalie's mental chatter was infuriating him. She was repeating the same revolting thoughts again and again.

What is the matter, Edward? Alice asked him suddenly, her thoughts merely reaching him over Rosalie's loud ones.

Edward didn't reply, he knew he would lose his façade of calmness if he did. He tried to remain composed until the wedding was over.

As the wedding dinner came to an end, the guests trickled out of the Masen Residence, leaving only close family and friends behind.

As the time for goodbyes came, Charles enveloped Isabella in his arms for a parting hug. Both had tears in their eyes. Angela came up behind Isabella to wish her goodbye. She waited patiently, as Charles whispered farewell to Isabella.

While Isabella said her goodbyes, Edward tried to rein his fury in. Alice asked Emmett to take Rosalie away, while Esme tried to calm Edward. Carlisle was silent, as he had been all through the wedding, and this also bothered Edward.

"We will take our leave now, Edward," Alice spoke in Edward's ear. "You'll have to carry her over the threshold, it's part of the ceremonies."

"I know that," he snapped, "Just keep that witch away."

"We have taken care of that." She gave a quick peck on his cheek and skipped away to bid farewell to the bride.

Isabella's vision was clouded by unshed tears as she said her goodbyes, but as soon as Charles and Angela left, they spilled over. Alice wiped them off and tried to comfort her, but she shook her head in defiance. She wasn't ready to share her grief yet.

The Cullens and Whitlocks soon gathered around the main door to take their leave. This confused Isabella, as she had expected them to stay at the manor. She didn't get enough time to dwell on the matter, as each one of them said goodbye and exited quickly.

Finally, the only people left behind were the attendants and housemaids, and newly wed couple.

Edward sent everyone away, and soon, Isabella found herself alone with him. Panic washed over her again as she saw him close the distance between them. The odd grimace still courted his face as he picked Isabella into his arms. She gasped, but didn't utter a single syllable of protest, as she knew about this ritual.

Edward carried her over the threshold and up the stairs with ease. Isabella wondered where he would stop, but couldn't muster enough courage to ask him.

Finally, Edward set her on her feet, next to his bedroom. Without a word, he opened his bedroom door and stepped inside, leaving the door ajar.

Isabella stared on, her hands gripping her gown tightly. She thought that she had gotten used to Edward and his strangeness, but now, she felt downright terrified of the man.

Edward roamed about his room, ignoring her altogether, as though she weren't standing there at the door. That made Isabella even more uncomfortable.

Then, Edward swiftly unbuttoned his blue tailcoat and threw it on the bed, followed by his waistcoat.

Isabella took a step back, quivering with dread and anticipation. Once again, the unknown made her shrink back.

Keeping his back towards her, Edward finally removed his shirt, letting it slip down his shoulders.

Isabella bit back a gasp of shock. The defined shoulders and marble-like musculature of Edward reminded her of the Greek gods in famous artworks. Still, her admiration didn't drown out her fear. She was still shaking, with beads of perspiration forming on her forehead.

Edward turned around to face her, his face hard and impassive. "Why are you still standing here?" he asked her coldly.

"I-I…" she stuttered nervously, "Where—"

"Go to your room, where else?" Edward waved towards his right. "The room next to mine is yours. Now go and change." His cold tone didn't change, and Isabella felt as though she had been slapped.

She turned and moved towards the next room, her eyes filled with tears again. Edward's odd mood change had disturbed her, but she didn't want him to see its effect on her.

Isabella closed the door forcefully behind her, feeling the hysteria creeping over her again. She didn't like Edward's behaviour one bit, but she knew she couldn't protest. He was her husband now, and she was trapped in this fortress with him. The security of her own room felt better than to share her space with him.

But the night was still young, and Isabella feared this long night. It was her wedding night, and she wasn't looking forward to spending it with Edward…

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^ the thread for Monster's Serenade