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I walked down the street, flanked by Alice and Emmet, trying to ignore everyone else around me. "People are staring." I said through my teeth, readjusting my large sunglasses and staring down at the ground.
"They always stare." Alice responded, her eyes red and her voice monotone. "They always have."
I shook my head, trying to stay calm. But thanks to the slew of people trying to take pictures of me and get an interview with Edward Cullen's fiancé.
Was I still to be considered his fiancé? I had tied myself to him in nearly every way possible, but now that he was gone, I had no idea what was happening to me or to my life. "But this is different. Edward is the one they'd stare at, not me. I'm no one." I protested, dodging a reporter.
"You were his." Emmet said quietly, making even more tears pool in my eyes. Seeing my discomfort, Emmet pulled me into his arms and we walked, our heads ducked, down the street. "They're used to you, that's all."
"They shouldn't be." I said hotly. We turned a corner and were immediately hit by a wall of paparazzi.
This was the worst part. These people just had no regard for my privacy…I wasn't being given the space I needed to grieve and try to come to terms with things. I hadn't wanted to go out today, but Alice, Esme, and Carlisle had to plan Edward's funeral, and they insisted that I make the majority of the decisions. Emmet had come along with us for support. But now that we were walking back to the waiting car, the peace was interrupted.
"Have any arrangements been made for the funeral?"
"Has the body been released?"
"How are you doing?"
"Alice! How are you coping with your brother's death?"
"Vultures." Emmet hissed, yanking both Alice and I to the end of the street, were our car was parked. "We can't go three blocks without them mobbing us. It's sick." He rubbed his eyes, which were no doubt stinging with the combination of tears and camera flashes. "How did you put up with all of this?" I thought for a minute, to the first time I had encountered the paparazzi.
Flashback- Going Public:
"I can't believe you talked me into this." I whispered, inhaling deeply. Edward laughed and patted my knee.
"You'll do fine, love. Everyone is a bit nervous the first time they do this." He assured me, craning his neck to look out the limo's window. "We're almost there."
"Do I look alright?" I asked, running my hands over the dress Alice had selected for me. It was icy blue, with a halter collar and a keyhole opening. The long skirt was pleated, with a beaded waist, and it hit right above the floor in the stilettos Alice forced me into.
Edward looked me over for a minute, his eyes playful, a smile tugging at his soft, tender lips.
"I told you earlier, and I'll tell you again." Edward said seriously, taking my hand. "You look beautiful." I blushed and Edward ran his hands over his own suit. "Now what about me? Do I look alright?" I could tell he was teasing me.
One of the best things about my relationship with Edward was that although we were both very serious about each other, we were still playful as well. "Hmmm…..you look…..handsome. I think every girl here will be jealous of me." I said honestly, knowing how many female fans he had.
He smiled sweetly and squeezed my hand. "It's not like they're going to tear you apart, love." Edward said grimly. "But some of them will be screaming their displeasure in me having a date." I felt a little woozy suddenly, and Edward rubbed my shoulder gently.
"You shouldn't have brought me to the movie premiere." I managed. "Screaming teens? Crazed fans? They will rip me to shreds. Maybe this isn't the best place to….'go public'."
Edward narrowed his eyes at me, shaking his head. "They've been speculating for weeks, Bella. Everyone knows we're dating, and I promise it won't be that big of a deal." Edward said as the car came to a stop. "Now, are you coming with me, or should I have the driver take you back home?" He held out his hand and I looked at it for a second, taking a deep breath.
I just wanted to be with him. "I'm coming with you." I managed, and the car door swung open. Edward kissed me, got out of the car, and then turned to help me out. The initial impact was terrifying. Flashing camera's, swarming reporters, screaming fans; it was a huge, terrifying rush.
"Just smile, beautiful." Edward whispered in my ear before leading me down the red carpet.
It seemed impossibly long, and I was suddenly so aware of all the energy, voices, and people around us. Staring at us.
"Over here, Edward!"
"Look right here!"
"Who are you wearing?"
"Who is your date?"
People were screaming in our faces, and it was all I could do not to run away. Edward's grip around my waist was the only thing keeping me from bolting.
"How do you do this?" I whispered in his ear, and he pulled me tighter to his side.
"Practice." He whispered back. "It gets better, I promise."
"You think I'll be doing this again?" I asked in shock.
Edward looked down at me, rolling his eyes playfully. "Of course! You are my girlfriend now, Miss Swan. It's your obligation to come with me." He teased, kissing my temple. More cameras went off and Edward clenched his jaw. "That's going to be all over the tabloids. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have kissed you."
Was he crazy? He thought I wouldn't like him kissing me? I had never really been in PDA, but I really like it with Edward. I want people to know that he's mine. "I like when you kiss me." I said coyly, arching my neck so I could kiss whisper in his ear. "Can you really kiss me? Or would that make you uncomfortable?"
Edward grinned at me, his green eyes sparkling brightly as we shuffled to the side slightly and more cameras went off. "I would love to kiss you. But aren't you worried about-"
"Shut up and kiss me, pretty boy. I don't care about anyone else, I just want you to kiss me." I whispered, and without hesitation, Edward captured my lips in a sweet, tender, open mouthed kiss. More and more screams arose, and I even heard some cries. Reporters screamed their questions, and camera flashes nearly blinded me.
"I shouldn't have done that." Edward murmured once our lips broke apart. "Now they'll be all over you."
"I don't care." I said stubbornly, even though I did.
He smiled again, knowingly, and tapped my nose with his index finger. "Yes you do." He smiled. "But I'll protect you. Forever."
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A/N: I will update again ASAP. Bella's dress is available on my profile under "Without You" Extras, as well as her engagement ring.
Xoxo- Melodyella aka Mellie