Once again, I'm leaving for Indiana tomorrow morning bright and early and won't have my internet connection back until Sunday night.
I shouldn't be here. I shouldn't have to be sitting here at my dead fiancée's 'memorial'. But I am.
It has only been a week since the accident, and every day gets harder. I almost lost it when I heard about the memorial service being held at the Staples Center, but Alice and Emmet prompted me to attend. So I'm sitting here in the front row, listening to people eulogize my fiancée. I squeezed my eyes shut and gripped the edge of my seat, refusing to cry in front of thousands of fans and press.
"And now, Edward's girlfriend would like to say something." I stood on shaky legs, mentally cursing Alice for making me wear stilettos. Jasper, noticing my discomfort, got up and helped me up the stairs to the stage; making sure I was steady before rejoining Alice.
"As you all know, Edward and I got engaged two days before the accident." I said in a strong voice, playing with my engagement ring. "I couldn't wait to start my life with him, and I was ready for our life together to take off." It was getting harder to speak. "Edward was such an amazing, sensitive person. He loved his career and he loved his fans. He was the best man any woman could ever hope for." I choked out, pausing to wipe away my tears. "And he was my everything." I managed before breaking down in tears. Emmet made his way up to me and helped me off the stage, kissing my forehead and whispering words of encouragement.
It wasn't Edward's death I want to remember. It's his life I never want to forget.
Flashback- Nerves:
"I still don't see why he wants to do this." I blabbed as Alice did my makeup. "We've only gone on one date, and he wants me to meet the parents?" Alice rolled her eyes and continued to apply my makeup.
"Please, Bella. You and I both know that was more than a date." She scoffed. "Edward couldn't stop talking about you last night. Here's your dress." She extracted a black silk gown from a garment bag and held it out to me. "It drove me crazy." She added.
"What did?" I asked; distracted as I stripped down and pulled the dress on over my head.
"Edward talking about you last night!" Alice stomped her foot, exasperated. "He wouldn't shut up. Said something about being mad at me for not introducing the two of you earlier." I couldn't contain the smile that spread across my lips, and Alice squealed. "You like him too!" She exclaimed, hopping up and down.
"Obviously, Alice. I've agreed to meet his parents after one date." I pointed out.
"Yeah, but you wouldn't admit it earlier." Alice huffed, stepping back to examine her handiwork on me. "You look perfect." She sighed, and then checked her watch. "And Edward will be here in ten minutes." She pecked my cheek. "I'll see you at my parent's house!" She called over her shoulder as she left the room.
I tried to take deep breaths as I sat on the edge of my bed, waiting for Edward to show up. I couldn't believe this was actually happening.
I was going out with Edward Cullen, who was arguably one of Hollywood's hottest and most sought after guys. He wanted me to meet his parents, and he, apparently, couldn't stop talking about me.
A good sign, right?
It wasn't long before Edward showed up and whisked me into his car, not taking his eyes off me. Usually, the attention would make me extremely uncomfortable, but not with Edward. Everything felt so….right and natural with him. It was like I had known him for years.
"Bella, I don't want you to worry." Edward was saying, softly stroking my hand. "My parents are extremely excited to meet you and are very welcoming people."
"Good." I breathed. "I was really nervous earlier." I admitted, and Edward chuckled.
"Earlier? Not now?" He questioned, his eyes darting from the road to my face.
"It's easier now." I explained, embarrassed. "Because I'm with you now." I added, and Edward's face lit up.
"We're here." He said softly, nodding to a towering apartment building.
"Your parents live here?" I asked, craning my neck. "In an apartment building? Isn't it hard for you to visit them? Don't they get mobbed by paparazzi and reporters?" Edward shrugged and took my arm, escorting me into the lobby.
"I suppose they do sometimes. But they don't mind." He explained, pressing the button for the elevator. "And the people in this building are very understanding. They aren't like the crazy fans you see everywhere. They're excited to see me, but they don't go crazy." He elaborated once the elevator arrived. Three teenager girls exited the elevator, gawking at Edward but not causing a scene.
"Case and point." Edward murmured as we stepped into the now empty elevator. "My parents live in the penthouse." He said conversationally.
"Wow." I sighed, resting my head against his arm. "I bet it's beautiful." Edward was staring at me now, a strangely peaceful smile on his face.
"It's not much." He shrugged, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Nothing compared to you, anyway." He added, making me blush tomato red.
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A/N: When I get back, the next chapter will be Bella meeting the parents, and Edward meeting hers. I had to stop this chapter here; it's past midnight and I'm exhausted.
Xoxo- Melodyella aka Mellie