As each day draws to a close, I get more anxious. Well to be honest, I don't know how to feel! Was Edward right about me not being prepared for this whole new turning point in my life? Even if I did change my mind, I would feel so guilty turning back. Why? Well to see all the happiness and excitement in their faces just kills me when I try to bring the subject up. So what can I do? I will not lose my Edward again…
"But why?" I pleaded. "Can't I just wear your shoes? They look fit for a bride!"
"You're talking nonsense! They are so last year!" Alice argued. "You will come shopping with me for shoes whether you like it or not!"
"But" I begged.
"No buts", she replied curtly. I saw Edward leaning against the wall laughing at our battle. Why does he have to be so distracting?
"What if I-"
"No ifs. I'm holding you hostage until we go" she retorted. There had to be a way out of this mess. Surely?
Suddenly my eyes lit up. "Oh, so we can go but we don't have to shoes?" I asked hopefully. She looked at me disapprovingly.
"I guess that's a no then." I muttered. This was harder than I though it would be. An awkward silence followed.
"Alice" he called. His smooth, velvet voice melted my heart. "Let me take care of this."
Alice left us alone, I looked up at Edwards's too perfect face, and as soon as I did I knew it was a mistake. My heart started to thump faster and louder. I could no longer think logically.
"Bella, why don't you want to go?"
"The truth?" he nodded and rolled his eyes, "well, firstly, it would mean I'm away from you. Second, it won't be a quick trip it will be a really long all day thing, and third, well, I'm guessing Alice is planning on spending loads of money on me, and you know I don't want that."
He leaned closer to me, his breath made me feel dizzy, my thoughts, arguments, and all reason were all gone.
"There's nothing to be worried about Bella, I'll tell her not to keep you out all day, and not to spend loads of money on you."
"Still, I'll be away from you." He sighed
He brushed his lips against my collar bone.
"Bella please." I shook my head not trusting my self to speak.
His lips brushed mine.
"Come on Bella, Alice really wants to take you shopping, please Bella, for me." I gave in.
"Fine." He kissed me; he pressed his hard, cold lips against mine. My heart beat even faster and I started to feel light headed and faint. I felt Edwards lips curve up into a smile, and he released me. I panted, hands on my knees.
"Why?"
"Why what? What did I do?"
"Why do you have to keep taking advantage of my weakness?" he laughed.
Alice walked in at that moment.
"Thank-you Edward!" she exclaimed, delighted.
Three hours, of being dragged from shop to shop trying to find accessories for my wedding, had passed. I started to wonder if Alice would ever tire out!
Suddenly she interrupted my thoughts.
"I have one more shop I want to show you." She said. I sighed.
"But you've said that a millions times already!" I whined like a five year old. Once again, Alice gave me a disapproving look. I was used to it. It was her way of persuading me. "I'm begging you. Can't we just go home? My legs ache and I'm tired." I pleaded, knowing it was no use.
"I promise you, this is the last shop. I have something special I want to show you."
"Fine." I mumbled under my breath. Soon we came to an abrupt halt.
We were standing in front of a tall, white washed building decorated with flowers and medieval style windows. I gasped. It looked like a fairytale castle, from a story book.
"Well, it's not exactly a shop; it's a friend's house. It's a private business. They make bridal wear and accessories. I always have a keen eye out for a pair of great shoes. I just want to show them to you," she paused, "Bella? Bella? Are you still with me? Breathe Bella!" it took me a few moments to realize I was standing as still as a statue.
"Oh, sorry." I said, when I snapped out of my trance.
"Shall we go in?" she asked. I slowly nodded; Alice walked a few steps forward, opened the door, and held it open for me. I walked inside and gasped. Alice soon rushed to my side and took a firm grip on my shoulders.
"Are you okay?" she asked in a worried tone. I actually couldn't speak. There were endless rows of fairytale dresses. They were all sorted by color and it looked as if someone had poured their paint pallet on to the dresses. They were magnificent. I followed a row of dresses until I saw something glinting n the sun. I stopped mesmerized. It felt as if my heart skipped a beat.
Propped up on a shelf, there was a pair of shoes. They were white pumps made from the silkiest satin. White ribbons were cross-crossing from the tip of the shoe and up the leg, just like on my dress. From that moment I decided they were.
I wanted to walk over to them and try them on, but I couldn't. I physically couldn't move, I was frozen on the spot, a statue like Edward sometimes was. A shrill voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Bella? Bella? You're doing it again. Bella? Breathe, Bella?" it took a few seconds for me to register who it was; Alice. I tried to keep my breathing constant, but it wasn't working.
"Urmm…Bella? Hello? Is anyone there?" she tapped me head, "Speak to me…Oh no…I'd better call Edward…" she trailed off. I consciously grabbed her wrist when I heard his name.
"No." I whispered. I pointed to my shoes. I turned to face her. The edges of her lips curved into a smile.
"Oh, is that it? You look like you've seen a ghost! Come one let's go and see them then!" she paced ahead of me, dragging me along by the hand. I sat down on a near by seat, whilst Alice carefully lifted the off the shelf. She placed them down beside my feet. I quickly slid my shoes off and put them on.
"Wow," she gasped," they're a perfect fit! Just walk up and down over there." She pointed to an empty space. I got up slowly and sauntered over to the space. I was enjoying the moment. They were nearly mine. I ran back to Alice.
"Do you want them?" I nodded enthusiastically. "Let's buy them then."
"Thank-you so much! I love them!"
"Okay, I'll go and pay. Sit here and wait for me." Alice took the shoes off my feet and bolted to the counter. She was back within a second holding a bag.
"Wow that was quick."
"Oh, well, my friend's a vampire."
"Well that explains it!" she grinned at me and I grinned back. "Come on, I want to show Edward my shoes."
"Sure!" she replied and we both ran back to her car, but I stopped abruptly, I stood there pondering.
"But Alice, you've forgotten something."
"I never forget anything Bella!" she said smiling at me, "but go on."
"You said you wanted to show me something special."
Alice smiled. "You already have it!"
"What do you mean? I don't understand." I answered in a puzzled tone. I watched as her gaze dropped down to the bag I was holding. "Oh…but how?" I was still confused. Alice decided to put me out of my misery and explain.
"They were the shoes which Edward's mum designed. This was the last pair made. Edward always wanted you to have them for the wedding, but he didn't want to pressure you into buying them.
"I was so surprised that you chose these shoes, out of the millions you could have chosen, and then they were a perfect fit! I couldn't believe that either. You're really lucky Bella!" I was so surprised; things like this always surprised me. I didn't know what to say or how to react. All I could do was gasp, I felt pathetic.
"Wow…I really don't know what to say." I admitted after I got my breathing back to normal.
"Well, it doesn't matter…how about we go and show Edward, and you can spend some time together. I know that neither of you like being separated from each other." She opened the car door and I clambered in. Alice took her seat and placed her hands on the steering wheel.
"Let's go" she turned to look at me. I smiled and she pushed her foot on the accelerator.
