What if Royce had been unsuccessful on the dark street that night? What if Rosalie had actually married him?

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This is my version of how it could have gone for Rosalie, a character created by Stephanie Meyer.

Chapter 7: Performances

I was seated at a table with my parents, Royce's parents, and Vera and her husband. I watched Vera with unconcealed jealousy. Her husband was not an overly handsome man. Not the kind of man you would pick from a crowd or who would garner a second glance. But I was glancing now. He adored Vera. You could see it as he kept his arm around her protectively, or when he stole a kiss, or took her hand. And she was so happy! They would never have the money or status I now had, but their life would be infinitely more satisfying. Fresh tears erupted and my stomach turned.

Vera was watching me too. I hadn't noticed.

"What's wrong, honey?" she asked with genuine concern in her voice.

I couldn't tell her. She had been a true friend to me all my life, and I had taken that for granted too. I may have even used her along the line because I thought I looked so much more beautiful standing next to her. But I could now see hers was a deep and quiet beauty. She would be beautiful even when she was 90. And loved. Raymond's love was not dependent on appearance. I grimaced.

"Nothing is wrong … I'm just nervous." I whispered.

I eyed Royce who was speaking with Felix in a corner. No doubt plotting. I managed a smile. Vera looked into my eyes for a very long time.

"Are you sure? You seem … not yourself."

She was right. I felt like I'd aged a decade since that Monday night I jabbered about my wedding plans only five short days ago. The egotistical Rose was gone now. I was fractured, no longer whole. I didn't recognize myself.

But I knew I had to play my role, with everyone, even Vera who knew me better than anyone else. I spoke softly so only she could hear. It also helped shroud the catch in my throat.

"It'll be the wedding night soon … my hands are so shaky, Vera, I don't know … " I let the words trail.

She smiled timidly as she comprehended my pretended meaning. She put her arm around my neck and spoke in an even more hushed tone.

"I was nervous too" she giggled "but Royce will be good to you, Rosalie, he would never hurt you."

I hugged her. I fought tears and steeled my nerves. I knew this next performance might be the most difficult. We pulled away and I smiled demurely.

"I know. You saw how weak I got today from just his kiss."

She patted my hand supportively. I was again grateful for the long sleeves.

Royce and Felix were plotting. The torment would continue. When it was time to retrieve the garter, he would reach way up her leg. He knew it would make her embarrassed and uncomfortable. He even knew it would make both sets of parents uncomfortable. He didn't care. She was his now, he could do whatever he wanted.

After the pretenses had all been tended to, they would fly to the Grand Canyon and stay at a secluded hotel on the South Rim. All arrangements had been made by one of the mindless employees at the Bank. They would catch a Boeing B247 in New York. They would have to make several stops along the way, but it was the most efficient and certainly the most prestigious way to travel. Money was a beautiful thing.

When they arrived at the Grand Canyon airport, one of his father's flunkies would be waiting with a car. He had left the rest of the plans vague to everyone, insinuating a quiet and private stay. No one even questioned similar plans made for Felix.

Occasionally they would look over at Rose, quietly speaking with her friend Vera. She had no idea what was coming.

I thought the ordeal was over. The orchestra was winding down, we had cut the cake, thrown the bouquet and, despite my discomfort, Royce had reached way up my leg to retrieve the garter. He put it in his teeth for a brief moment and then threw it into the crowd. Of course Felix caught it; Royce had aimed it at him. My eyes betrayed me. My mother actually "saw" things clearly for a moment. Could I catch her eye and plead silently to save me? But as quickly as the lurid thought crossed her mind, it was gone, replaced by dollar signs no doubt. I was bought and paid for after all.

With all the wedding folklore attended too, I thought the make-believe was over. Not quite. Royce, ever looking for the spotlight, athletically hopped onto the altar and asked for everyone's attention.

With his most magnificent smile he put one hand out to me "Rosalie Hale King …" he smiled and raised his eyebrows as he mugged for the crowd "… would you join me on this altar one last time?"

He dazzled us all. I had no choice. I faked up again and allowed him to lift me to the stage. I managed a credible swoon that even Vera believed.

Royce put his arm around me, kissed me on the lips, and turned to the crowd again.

"Would you believe," he bellowed, "that my dear wife has not even asked about the honeymoon? My sweet, innocent wife did not seem to know that a grand trip was in her future!"

He eyed the crowd, invoking claps and jeers, Felix playing it up most eagerly.

"Well, my bride and I will be spending a week at the Grand Canyon; a beautiful and secluded destination. How romantic!"

I was shocked. He was right; a honeymoon destination had never crossed my mind.

The Grand Canyon. The blood drained to my feet. I had to get away. I had to get away now! I hadn't packed for a honeymoon. I'd tell mother and father that I had to go pack then I would disappear. Yes. That was my only chance. I had to disappear.

Royce swung me up in his arms "Rosalie, I will love you until you die!"

He kissed me and with feigned affection I kissed him back, 'until you die' repeating in my mind. I was flushed with embarrassment at this public display as he set me back on my feet. He jumped off the stage and lifted his face to mine.

"Join me, Rosalie King?" He begged, already knowing I had no choice. I bent toward him and he easily lifted me into his arms and carried me to the mansion.

We passed my parents. They were crying and clapping. Of course. They'd married their daughter off to the most handsome and rich man in the area. They would reap this benefit for years to come. We also passed Felix. He licked his lips again as his eyes wandered over my body, helpless in Royce's arms. I went limp.

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