In, out. In, out. In, out. That's it. Just breath. Relax. It's not like we're there yet.
"We're here!" Alice squeals in my ear. Holy shit. Thanks, Alice. Not helping here. Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god. I start to breath very quickly. "Bella, just relax okay? Trust me, you're not going to trip, muck up your vows or laugh in the middle of the ceremony ok? You'll be just fine." Surprisingly, Alice says this a harsh tone, like a teacher or a parent telling off a child. I nod my head in fear, shrinking a little from the way she's towering over me. She turns suddenly, and gets out of the car. She then helps me get out, which is a mean feat. This dress is so poofy it's hard to sit at all.
"Did Leah pick up Elizabeth alright?" I ask Alice. I was adamant about leaving before Leah got there to bring her here, but Alice was insistent. We called her, and she said she was literally two minutes away, so I very, very reluctantly left the house.
"Yes, she did. They should be here by now. We went a slower way. By my request of course." I stare at her blankly.
"Why?" I ask, confused.
"So you would be fashionably late of course! It's a tradition every bride should stick to," Alice says in her matter-of-fact tone. I roll my eyes for the hundredth time today. I turn around to face where I am going, and gasp at the sight. I hadn't seen the set-up for the ceremony, only the reception. It was beautiful. It was a massive circus tent, pink and purple striped. It was set up in a grassy field, with wildflowers scattered around everywhere. I could see a little bit inside; it had rows and rows of chairs lined up in curved lines, lining a stage-like alter with ribbons and flowers around it. Alice pulled me sharply from my poised spot.
"No! He'll see you!" I knew immediately that she meant Edward. If I had stretched my head a bit further, I probably would have seen him. Oh well. I take a deep breath. Faint music starts to play. I recognise it as Teenage Dream by Katy Perry. Which is kind of awkward, since she's here… Anyway, it's a very appropriate song for the occasion. Then I freak out because the that's the song I walk down the isle to, and therefore my cue. Eeeek. I make a funny little noise that kind of sounds like a whimper. Alice rubs my shoulder.
"It's time," she says excitedly. "Now, I'll go first. Count to ten and follow me. And please be careful." I nod at her instructions. She walks through the door of the tent. I see her walk down the long isle as I count to ten in my head. I then follow her. I step through; it is even more beautiful than I imagined. Flowers and ribbons everywhere. I look to the front, and don't take my eyes off the bronze-haired boy standing there with a massive grin on his face. I grin back. I pass Leah and Elizabeth, who are sitting on the end seat. Elizabeth is surprisingly awake. I smile and wave at her. I turn my eyes back to Edward, who thankfully, I have almost reached. When I do reach him, I take his hand immediately. I have a moment of despair when I realise my father should have been there to walk me down the isle. But I don't despair for very long, because, in truth, he deserves to be where he is.
I turn to face Edward. The pastor smiles at us both.
"Ready to begin?" he says in a quiet voice. We nod. He turns his radio microphone on, which is clipped on his collar.
"Dearly beloved. We are gathered here today to celebrate the coming together of this man, and this woman in holy matrimony. We are…" I tune out for a moment to stare at Edward. I always got lost in his eyes; I find it hard to concentrate on anything else when I do. The pastor's voice seems to blur as I stare at my soon-to-be-husband. Very soon actually. Then Edward suddenly says 'I do'. Crap, better pay attention.
"Do you, Elizabeth Marie Swan, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? In sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," I say in a shaky voice. I can feel the tears coming already. Edward rubs my hand in comfort. The pastor asks Jacob for the rings. Jacob pats his coat, looking for them, fumbling around in his pockets. He gives the audience a panicked look. He looks around to see if he's dropped them .Edward is giving him a death glare, which I smirk at. Then, Jacob goes up to Edward a appears to look behind his ear. The audience laughs when I does the classic 'it's behind your ear' trick, and produces the rings. I laugh too. Trust Jacob to be dong magic tricks in a time like this. Edward punches him on the shoulder, to which the audience also laughs at.
We put the rings on each other's fingers (with some effort, I might add), and grin. We look to the pastor who is also smiling.
"I now pronounce this couple husband and wife! Edward, you may kiss your bride!"
Edward grabs my waist almost violently and pulls me into a passionate kiss. I melt into his form. I hear everyone cheer and clap. I pull away, short of breath, to see his gorgeous face. He's truly mine. We turn to our audience, grinning from ear to ear.
I can't believe it. I actually just got married. Wow.
Everyone is cheering and clapping. I turn to Alice, who to my surprise is crying. I hug her tight.
"Look at you, my baby sister," she whispers in my ear. I smile, feeling the tears drip down my cheek. Alice wipes them away quickly. "And that, my dear is why I applied water proof make-up," she says teasingly. I laugh and hug her again.
We sign the register to the sounds of a children's choir, who sound beautiful. They sing 'The Lord is My Sheppard', one of my favourites. Alice's doing of course. After that was done, we start to walk down the isle.
Jacob gives me a big bear hug. I also punch him on the arm for the ring stunt.
"It was funny. Admit it, you laughed," he chuckled.
"I'm looking forward to your speech," I giggle. Jacob, being the best man, has to make a speech at the reception, and knowing him, it's going to be hilarious. He grins at me.
Edward and I slowly start to make our way down the isle, hugging people and sharing tears as we move through. Elisa gives me a massive hug and a kiss on the cheek, telling me how beautiful I look. I tell her that it's thanks to Alice.
"Darling, I've done your make-up for three years, and I can tell you that it's not the make-up that makes you beautiful," she tells me with tears in her eyes. Edward squeezes my hand; his way of saying 'I told you so'.
I hug many different people; my arms are getting tired. We finally get to the door of the tent, and I catch a familiar blonde woman out of the corner of my eye. I flinch at the sight of her.
Jessica, in all her glory, is standing near the door of the tent. Edward sees her a short while after I do. He glares at her. As she walks toward us I instinctively move towards Edward.
"Don't you think you've ruined our lives enough? Or couldn't you resist ruining the happiest day of our lives too?" Edward growls at her.
"I'm not here to cause trouble," she says, her head slightly bowed.
"To hell you aren't!" Edward shouts. People are starting to look now.
"I… came to apologise…" she stammers. I stare at her in shock. She was giving up. "I realise now that there's no point in fighting anymore. You're married. That's proof enough for me that you truly do love her…" she says to Edward. Edward has the same expression I do; shock. "I really did ruin your lives to some degree, and I am so, so sorry for that." Yes, she did. Even though it sort of was a blessing in disguise.
"Bella," she looks to me. "hold on to him. Don't ever let him go, or take him for granted, like I did. He's the best person you will ever meet." I nod, still in shock. "If there's anything I can do to make it up to you, even though there probably isn't, apart from going away and never coming back, let me know. I would do anything." She sighs. "I guess I'll go now. And… I really am sorry." She bows her head, and I can see tears on her cheek. Without thinking, I walk towards her. I can feel Edward's eyes on my back as I cautiously wrap my arms around her tiny frame, and give her a hug. Everyone stares open mouthed at me, including Jessica.
I was expecting her to shrug me off. But to my surprise, she hugs me back.
"I forgive you," I whisper to her. She then hugs me tighter.
A truce then. What I always wanted. Deep down, I know she's a nice person. And I'm sure we could be friends in the future.
I break away, to meet her smiling face. I take her hand and lead her towards the door.
"You're very welcome to join the reception, if you would like…?" I ask her. She nods, still crying. I'm sure my eyes are red as well. I lead her towards a car which is going to the restaurant. Edward takes my hand again.
"You are amazing," he says plainly, kissing my forehead. I grin up at him.
"What you give, you get in return," I say to him.
"Indeed Mrs. Cullen, indeed," he agrees, grinning.
"Wow, way to turn an enemy into a friend, Bella. Trust you to do that on your wedding day," Alice says, rolling her eyes. I smile at her. I can't stop smiling today.
And for a bloody good reason. Mrs. Cullen… I get could used to that.
Hey hey :)
Well, this story is coming to a close. The next chapter will be the last.
But never fear! You have convinced me to write a sequel! Yay :D
It will be about a thirteen year old Elizabeth, and her bringing up in Australia. Bella and Edward have hid her mother's past, so she doesn't know how famous her mum really is. She has a fantastic singing voice of course. She eventually finds out about Bella, and a long string of fights ensue. Along the way she meets Seth, who she gradually falls in love with. I can't help it, I'm such a romantic :D
That's the basic outline, I haven't started writing yet…
Next chapter, Jacob's speech ;)