.:The Happiest Place on Earth:.
"No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing the dreams that you wish will come true.
Don't let your heart be filled with sorrow, for all you know tomorrow the dreams that you wish will come true."
~Cinderella
Stuck in line for Thunder Mountain, the Cullens watched in a second of helplessness as the clouds slowly started to part and the light from the now setting sun began to illuminate the area. Not prepared for this unexpected occurrence of sunlight, and not having a plan for it, the family glanced around them and at each other with widening eyes. Quickly, they slipped on their jackets and threw the hoods over their heads. They shoved their hands in their pockets, while their brains continued to reel, struggling to find a more solid way to avoid exposure.
All of this happened in seconds too fast for a mere human to comprehend.
Then, suddenly, Alice jumped on Emmett's back so she was in clear view of all the surrounding humans. Pointing to the right, she shouted as loud as she could, "LOOK! VAMPIRE MICKEY!"
As every human head turned to the right to see what the small, spiky-haired girl was talking about, the Cullens bolted left. Those gullible humans didn't even know what hit 'em.
However, the Cullens, with their not-so-inconspicuous running—bent over, covering as much of themselves as they could—had to dodge bodies, sunlight, and ignore all the funny looks people were giving them all through Frontierland, a place with minimal shade. The vampires didn't stop until they had scurried their way into the shops that connected to Adventureland (a land that was a treasure trove of trees and protection from the sun). It was a miracle that they got away safely, without breaking any vampire rules.
"Whew. Now that was one adventure I could have done without," Emmett was muttering as the Cullens stopped in a quiet corner of the store they found themselves in.
"And one miracle that I won't be taking for granted," Jasper added.
As the family relaxed, Jacob and Renesmee—both of whom followed the others at a slower pace, neither one having reason to hide—entered the store.
"I don't see what the big deal is," Jacob was saying to Nessie. "There was no need to leave in a panic. The guests would have loved to meet Tinker Bell's family."
"That's hilarious, Jake," Bella mumbled, shaking her hood off.
Jacob snickered. "Seriously, Bells. They would have written your skin off as some strange Disney effect. I mean, we've seen the yeti, skeleton pirates, ghosts, robots, and a genuine talking trashcan! Not to mention every crack and corner of this place already sparkles — you'd fit right in."
"And yet, somehow, I can't imagine the Volturi seeing it in the same light. I doubt an Imagineer could imagine the Volturi seeing it in the same light!"
"We made it — that's all that matters," Edward said.
"Barely," Rosalie grumbled. "That was much too close for my liking. We have to be more alert."
"Don't worry, the sun is setting," Alice said.
Rosalie gave her a look. "I was talking about the rest of our weekend here."
"We will be fine," Carlisle assured. "We learned our lesson. There is no need to dwell on what-ifs."
"What do we do now, though?" Nessie asked, a subtle frown in her voice. She didn't know what could possibly be fun to do in the next hour or so if they had to stay indoors.
"Well..." Carlisle paused as he thought. "We have time to spare, clearly. So why don't we head on over to Main Street and explore the shops?"
"LOLLIPOP!" Nessie cried out in glee, suddenly remembering the sweet treat she had seen at the beginning of the day. Edward and Bella hushed her when other shoppers glanced in their direction, but the two smiled, taking that as a confirmation to agree to Carlisle's suggestion.
"Why didn't I think of that?" Alice said. "It is the perfect time to go shopping."
"That hardly means much, coming from someone who thinks any time is the perfect time to go shopping," Jasper murmured to Esme, who bit back a laugh.
Concentrating on staying in the shade, the Cullens wound their way on the edges of Adventureland and into the Main Street Emporium. They looked around there for a while... for a long while, as all the shops down the lane were connected. The buying opportunities never seemed to end! Alice had dragged Jasper off immediately in her excitement, and the family knew there wouldn't be an opportunity to see those two until it was time to leave the stores, so they didn't even try to catch up.
Jacob and Nessie were engrossed in the candy and bakery departments. There were so many chocolates, lollipops, marshmallow rice crispies, cinnamon churros, cupcakes, sugar cookies, caramel popcorn, and a whole assortment of other delicious treats that they couldn't be swayed to leave. The others assumed that they'd tire eventually and head over to the toys, so they left them there.
The wandering Cullens didn't have to worry about staying distracted while they waited, either. The buildings lined up and down Main Street were packed with goodies, and sometimes the family went across the street to the Disney Art Gallery, the jewelry store, and the shop that was filled with shimmering crystal figurines of all different shapes and sizes; Rosalie spent most of her time there, and she helped Carlisle pick out something special for Esme.
Meanwhile, Esme was with Bella by the numerous hat racks. There were hundreds of Mickey Ears, Goofy Ears, Princess tiaras, pirate hats, and hats representing specific characters. Emmett came up to them, wearing a black and white wig that sprouted in different directions.
"Bella, darling!"
"Oh, hey, Cruella," Bella greeted him with a smile. "How are you?"
"Miserable, darling, as usual. Perfectly wretched!"
They laughed, and then continued trying on hats, pretending to be various characters, taking pictures, and perfectly quoting humorous parts from a character's respective movie. The best acting was done when Edward joined them, putting on Woody's cowboy hat and reciting the "You are a TOY!" scene from Toy Story; Emmett had put on Buzz Lightyear wings to do Buzz's dialogue.
"You are a sad strange little man," he told Edward. "You have my pity. Farewell!"
Bella and Esme couldn't stop laughing as Emmett walked away, trying to maneuver through the crowd nonchalantly while his wings kept getting him stuck.
An hour passed, and the Cullens were still exploring the huge stores, picking out souveniers for themselves and items they might like to give as presents. Edward and Bella alone ended up buying gifts for everyone back home — a magnet of Mickey fishing for Charlie, a 'Just Married' Mickey & Minnie picture frame for Sam and Emily, a stuffed Stitch for Leah, a Lion King pen for Seth, a princess snow globe for Claire (Quil would appreciate that), and other various items for the friends and family they have on the reservation. Even the Denali's would be retrieving Disney gifts; although, their true present would probably be the amusement they get just from picturing their Cullen cousins strolling about Disneyland.
Some time later, just outside the stores' main entrance, Esme and Rosalie were talking about how the show Fantasmic! was going to be starting soon.
"We should probably find the others and head on over or we won't find a good seat," Esme was saying. "Our group is pretty big, too."
"Oh!" Rosalie caught sight of Emmett, Jacob, and Nessie walking inside. She called to them and waved them over. "Emmett! Ness! Come here!"
"Auntie Rose, look what Jake got me!" Nessie skipped over while pulling out something from the large bag in her hand. It was a big Pluto pillow. She hugged it. "Isn't it cute?"
"Aww, it sure is. Adorable. I might have to steal it from you it's so cute." Nessie giggled when Rosalie made an attempt to snatch it, but instead began tickling her.
"Have you seen any of the others?" Esme asked Emmett and Jacob.
"Not really," Jacob answered. "Is it time to go?" He noted for the first time that the sun had completely set.
"Yes. We need to head over to the Fantasmic viewing area."
"Mommy and Daddy were this way," Nessie announced happily. She pointed, and then started running in the direction. "I'll go get them!"
"Renesmee, wait!" Esme hurried to follow after her granddaughter so the little girl wouldn't be lost.
"I think I saw Alice flitting about on this end," Emmett said, heading the other way. "Wait here," he told the other two.
Rosalie huffed silently as she watched them all run off. She was more than a little ticked at having to wait for everybody with Jacob. Didn't Emmett say he would be by her side, living out any adventure, or annoyance, that came her way? He wasn't supposed to run off and leave her alone with the culprit himself!
"So, Blondie..." Jacob started.
The blonde gritted her teeth. Already, just hearing him speak to her, her temper was rising; it was like a habit. "My name is Rosalie, mutt. Rose-a-lee. The nickname is getting old."
"Huh. No hypocrisy there, right?"
Rosalie didn't respond. She didn't care. She just wanted the others to come back, and to come back quick.
Jacob, on the other hand, was curious about something.
"Okay, so do you think lowering the suspension and installing a high-performance brake kit would be a good modification to Bella's Ferrari. I mean, I took a look at the thing and I think it would be better for Bella, and Nessie, who seems to like it better than her mother does and will want it when she's old enough, if it was tweaked here and there. I don't know what the manufacturers were doing, but it seems to have a so-so engine response for a Ferrari — like a Pontiac Solstice or something. And if Nessie's gonna be driving it someday, I want the smoothest ride with the most control, you know?"
At that, Rosalie just couldn't not respond.
"First off, a Solstice has a 2.0-liter turbo, which may not seem impressive, but it transmits a commendable 260 bhp and 260 lb-ft of torque, so the engine response is much more than so-so. Turbo lag is minimal, and the 0-60 acceleration of 5.5 seconds is decent. Overall, the Solstice's performance doesn't redefine class, but it's plenty entertaining.
"As for the Ferrari, revising it would be a wise idea — I've done it with all our cars, so it's not a new concept. Removing any unnecessary weight and including an aerodynamic rear-wing/front-splitter combination would improve its speed. Kind of in the way a Corvette works, even though a Corvette's two-valve, push-rod design lacks the mesmerizing workings of Edward's Vanquish or Alice's Porsche, both of which I have worked on thoroughly; however, we wouldn't have to worry about that with the Ferrari. I would also cross-drill the brake rotors and the Active Handling traction control — it'll maximize driving and control at any speed. And I suppose a self-leveling air suspension would keep the car moving smoothly and quietly. As for Bella's odd preferences, there's not much I can do for her, as it will always be a Ferrari and the driving experience should remain invigorating."
There was a moment of awed silence.
"Dang, you really do know your cars." Jacob didn't understand half of that.
Rosalie smirked to herself, always happy to show off a little bit.
"And I thought I was good," Jacob continued, "building mine the way I did..."
Taken by surprise, Rosalie's eyes flickered to the werewolf automatically. She hesitated, but finally asked, "You built your car?" Sure, it looked like a piece of junk, but she could easily tell it ran nicely, so she had wondered who he had taken it to for the fix up. Apparently, he'd done it himself.
"From scratch." Jacob smiled proudly.
Rosalie wasn't about to admit she was impressed, him being only 18-years-old and having no formal education.
"You built your car from scratch, yet you can't even polish the thing?" she said instead.
Jacob rolled his eyes and scoffed. "I couldn't care less how pretty it looks."
They stood in silence again, Rosalie silently pleading for the others to hurry up, while another part of her mind was speculating, reluctantly, about the possibilities Jacob offered in the future. In a couple decades his skill would improve, and then what? If she liked him... Which she doesn't! But, she thought, that if she did, then together they would be unstoppable.
Jacob was thinking the same, equally skeptical and somewhat unwilling to accept it. But he couldn't deny it, either.
Finally, they saw the rest of the Cullens coming around the corner, squeezing through racks of merchandise as they laughed about something (apparently they had joined up). But before Rosalie could go greet them, Jacob said, "You know, Blondie, I don't really get you... but I'm glad you're around."
Rosalie turned, shocked and more than a little suspicious. When he didn't go on, she sneered, "Is this another one of your jokes? Because it is certainly in bad taste."
Jacob snorted. "Were all my other jokes in good taste?"
She gave him that one.
"I'm actually trying to be serious for once," he said. "You could appreciate it a tiny bit more." He ran his fingers through his hair, messing it up. "All I'm saying is you're really good at taking care of Nessie — understanding what she wants and what she likes... I sure as heck don't see the appeal, but she loves you."
"I know." Rosalie simply agreed, thinking this whole conversation was just impossible. Edward had told her that she needed to start accepting that the dog would be a part of their family...forever. She had scowled at that then, and she was still disgusted now, but she knew that Renesmee came first. Rosalie adored that little girl, and—as Rosalie grudgingly admits—so does the flea bag.
"Of course, you're also really fun and easy to irritate," Jacob continued smugly. "The outlook is bright in regards to me outsmarting you for eternity."
Rosalie rolled her eyes. "Don't push your luck with me, Jacob Black. Renesmee's protection over you only holds so far. Do not forget which one of us has to sleep some time."
She walked away, leaving him with that.
Jacob just laughed. He couldn't believe he was actually enjoying the blonde leech's presence right now. And besides, he figured some ground was covered — she did call him by his name, after all.
"Whatever you say...Rose-a-lee," he called after her, laughing again and shaking his head.
They both knew where the other stood, of course — directly opposite from each other. But, deep down, they were grateful that at least Renesmee wasn't the only interest they seemed to share, and that was promising for the sake of everyone's sanity.
Relieved and eager, Rosalie went and met her family halfway. Amusement crept in when she saw all the bags they carried, and she smiled slightly when she noticed that Jasper carried the most, for it was clear they weren't his.
"Jeez, Alice, have you finished? Are you certain you've got everything? Why don't you buy the giant plastic Mickey while you're here?"
Alice turned thoughtful as she contemplated that. "Do you think our hotel room is big enough?"
Jasper chuckled. "Please. She doesn't need anyone giving her ideas."
"That's not what I remember. I thought Shorty was out of inspiration," Jacob said as he walked up. His words reminded the Cullens of Alice's depression, and they turned to her, worried that the reminder would ruin her good mood.
But Alice wasn't at all phased. In fact, she brightened up.
"I have plenty of inspiration, thank you very much."
"Really?" Jasper wondered, eyes hopeful. It would be wonderful to know that Alice's block was cleared, that she would be back to her carefree, joyful self even after they returned home.
"Really!" Alice chirped. "Just wait until you all see! The surprise is going to be..." She took a second to search for the right word. "Magical!"
"What surprise?" Jasper asked.
"A surprising surprise!"
Alice's secrecy had everyone smirking, for they had an idea that a certain upcoming anniversary was going to have a very...magical theme. Jasper, too, finally caught on to what Alice had been struggling over recently.
"Alright," he said easily. "I do love surprises..."
He started leading the family toward the viewing area for Fantasmic.
"Especially surprises that involve our anniversary."
"Jasper Whitlock!" Alice cried, outrage. "You better not know what you're talking about!"
Her rambling about him keeping his mouth shut and being clueless lasted all the way to Rivers of America. As the family followed, they couldn't help but join Jasper in his laughter.
OoOoOoO
It was almost 9pm and the Cullens had found seats directly in the center of Rivers of America. It would give them the best view in the house for the show. Across the waterway, the tavern and tall trees from Tom Sawyer Island acted as the backdrop.
Nessie was staring intently ahead, waiting impatiently for the show to start. She kept doing her own countdown, but whenever she reached '1' nothing would happen... until it did.
"Welcome to Fantasmic!" the female narrator's voice rung in the air.
"Yay, the show is starting!" Nessie whisper-cried, sitting straighter in Edward's lap.
"It's about time," Jacob said. (Of course, they'd only been waiting for fifteen minutes.)
"Tonight, our friend and host Mickey Mouse uses his vivid imagination to create magical imagery for all to enjoy. Nothing is more wonderful than the imagination, for in a moment, you can experience a beautiful fantasy or an exciting adventure.
"But beware: nothing is more powerful than the imagination, for it can also expand your greatest fears into an overwhelming nightmare!"
Jacob nodded. "So true."
"We don't need your commentary," Rosalie shot at him.
"Are the powers of Mickey's incredible imagination strong enough and bright enough to withstand the evil forces that invade Mickey's dream? You are about to find out. For we now invite you to join Mickey, and experience Fantasmic!...a journey beyond your wildest imagination."
The lights all around them began to fade out, while a magical sound started fading in; it grew louder and louder, gradually, as two beams of swirling white lights rose from the stage, shining over the audience.
Then, suddenly, Mickey Mouse was there on stage, all suited up!
"Mickey!" Nessie cheered, along with the kids from other families around her.
"He sure cleans up nicely, doesn't he, dear?" Esme joked with Alice, who laughed and said she approved of his attire.
Mickey then started directing a water show on the river. It was colors and music and fountains and magic all pressed together. The Cullens watched, intrigued and enchanted.
Water projection screens soon activated, and a sequence from the Sorcerer's Apprentice was played, much to Edward's enjoyment. Nessie smiled up at him when she saw it, knowing her father would love it.
As Mickey directed the waves to splash, real waves were created on the river; and as he conducted shooting stars, fireworks shot up out of the water, dazzling.
The entire show was full of amazing things, while the scenes that were being projected onto the water screen continued to change.
First, Mickey's imagination took them to the jungle, where a 100-foot-long snake made its way across the island with beams of light firing from its eyes, and King Louie and groups of neon monkeys danced on floats across the river stage. When the floats had gone, the music and lights changed and, abruptly, animated elephants appeared onscreen.
From Dumbo, the show transitioned to Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, and Monstro the Whale, who splashed waves at the audience. Nessie ducked between her parents as the mist hit them. Alice grinned triumphantly when she had hid behind Emmett and Jacob, for she didn't get wet this time.
As the story progressed, Mickey began to notice that his dream was becoming...darker.
Out of nowhere, a cannon fired, startling the Cullens. A pirate ship was headed their way: Captain Hook's, to be more exact. And of course, an epic battle of Hook versus Peter Pan ensued — accompanied by the Wendy and the crew. A crocodile followed closely behind the ship, the sound of a ticking clock emanating from its stomach. (Captain Hook wasn't fond of that detail.) At the end, Emmett and Nessie began chanting 'Hook is a codfish! Hook is a codfish!'
"Who knew Disney promoted name calling," Emmett muttered suddenly, interrupting his own chanting.
Once the pirate ship had sailed away, Captain Hook flailing about, the water began to glow an enchanting purple, and three floats had arrived, carrying Ariel and Prince Eric, Belle and the Beast (formally known as Prince Adam), and Snow White and her prince. Each pairing had their moment in the spotlight, dancing to a medley of their signature song, accompanied by lights and water effects. It was such a sweet sequence. The Cullens weren't even aware that they had inched closer to their significant other while watching.
But, just as quickly as the romantic scene came, it ended.
This time, the villains had arrived, starting with the Evil Queen calling for her magic mirror, which told her that three princesses were fairer than she, and that "in Mickey's imagination, beauty and love will always survive."
The Evil Queen—who Nessie mumbled should go back behind that curtain in Fantasyland and stay there—cast a spell and summoned the forces of evil to transform Mickey's dream into a "nightmare fantasmic."
As the Cullens watched, mouths hanging open as they became thoroughly engaged in what was happening, a burst of flames announced that Maleficent had arrived. The evil sorceress then faced off against Mickey Mouse, rising high into the air. Onscreen, she transformed into a dragon. When the water screen dispersed, everyone gasped as they saw that very dragon now physically on the stage, roaring into the night sky, baring its teeth at Mickey. It blew fire from its mouth onto the river, and the fire spread all across it, burning brightly just feet away from the innocent audience. Nessie was astonished that a fire could even spread on water, but she realized it was a magical dragon, so its fire must be the same. (Duh.) And she suddenly understood all too clearly that the imagination really could be used for bad.
Mickey Mouse, with a rush of determination, raised his head and said, "I don't think so. This is my dream!"
Pointing his sword at Maleficent's dragon form, sparks of lightning and color shot from it. The dragon screamed, along with all the villains who had appeared, and, with one final burst of fire and light, the enemies were destroyed.
Everything went black, except for small white lights that twinkled all over the stage.
Tinker Bell appeared then, and flicked her wand in her signature way. She fled as the Mark Twain Riverboat started crossing the water, piloted by a black and white Mickey Mouse, dressed in attire from Steamboat Willie. Nearly fifty Disney characters were dancing on the ship, waving to the audience as they passed. From Ariel to Belle, to Minnie Mouse and Pluto and Donald and Goofy, to Cinderella and Aurora, to Alice and the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit, to Woody and Buzz Lightyear! So many favorite and adored characters in one place, celebrating Mickey's dream and the success of prevailing over the evil forces.
In a flash of light, Mickey appeared on top of the tavern as Sorcerer Mickey—red robe, blue wizard hat—and conducted laser beams, fireworks, and other lighting effects that spanned the length of the river stage. It was bright, colorful, magical, entertaining... Until suddenly, Mickey disappeared in a puff of smoke and re-appeared center stage, resuming his normal attire. The audience gasped in amazement.
"Some imagination, huh?" Mickey said, laughing, before disappearing once again, while a final burst of fire and water waved around. And then everything ended in a boom of green fireworks that shot up high into the sky.
The Cullens cheered, whistled, and clapped with everyone else. Even minutes after the the show had ended, the excitement in the air was still palpable; the Cullens welcomed the enthusiasm all around them with open arms, for they were now headed off to find a spot in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle to watch the fireworks show. Nessie didn't even care that her feet were aching slightly or that her eyes were beginning to get tired. She especially didn't find it in her for that to matter when her family reached the glowing castle.
If the castle had seemed enchanting earlier in the day, it was ten times as magical now, lit up at night.
It came to life even further when the fireworks started. Nessie couldn't believe such magic was possible. But how could she or anyone deny it when it was right in front of their eyes. From the shooting stars, to the music, to the different sequences in the show that made them laugh or cry (always happily), from the strange fireworks, such as happy faces, hearts, stars, blocks, rockets, and the spinning sparklers on the castle, to the appearances of Tinker Bell and Dumbo flying over their heads, it was the perfect way to end a day full of fun and magic. And it was nice to be reminded in such a wonderful way that any wish is possible; all it takes is a little courage to set it free.
The Cullens continued to stare up at the smoky sky even after the fireworks finale was over, still dazzled and impressed by the show.
When the guests in the park began to clear out, Alice said there was one place they should go before they left. She led her curious family down a quiet path on the right side of the castle. As the rest of the park became a low background noise, the Cullens entered an enchanted area where a small pond and fountain rested. The fountain was beautifully carved with Snow White at the top and the seven dwarfs surrounding her. The water from it cascaded into the pond.
"Wow, it's beautiful," Bella said, admiring the scenery.
"It's the only place I actually had a clear vision of." Alice took Jasper's hand as she spoke and walked him over to the edge. She climbed up the side of the fence, as there were no cast members at this time of the night, in this secluded place, to tell her it was against the rules, and she swung her legs over the railing to sit down. Jasper wrapped his arms around her waist.
Taking the hint and following their lead, Rosalie and Emmett wandered off farther along the fence, as did Carlisle and Esme. Jacob found his own spot, leaned on the railing and gazed up at the full moon, thinking of how much fun he had today and all the hope he felt toward the future. The feeling was mutual throughout the family.
Renesmee was about to climb up on the railing like her aunt, but Bella steered her another way. Nessie turned to see her father standing by Snow White's wishing well, just off to the side of the pond. He held two pennies in his hand — one for his daughter and one for his wife.
Nessie ran over to him, took her penny, and peered inside the stone well. All of the other coins that had been thrown in were sparkling in the light of the moon. Snow White's voice echoed up the walls; she was singing, "I'm wishing for the one I love to find me..." Nessie smiled when she heard her grandma humming it a few feet away, locked in Carlisle's arms.
"Are you going to make a wish, too, Daddy?"
"Yes. I think I will." Edward pulled a third penny from his wallet, and looked into the well, too. He, Bella, and Renesmee stared into it, watching the water glisten, and listening as it sloshed against the well, along with the trickling of the fountain behind them.
Making their wishes, Renesmee and Bella dropped their pennies into the water. Edward's penny quickly followed, and they watched as the ripples that they had created slowly faded away.
Edward placed an arm around them both, trapping them to his side. After a moment of contentment, he asked, "So what did you wish for?"
Bella and Nessie looked up at him simultaneously. "I can't tell you!"
Edward looked offended. "Why not?"
"Because it won't come true!"
"All wishes come true regardless of who you tell, as long as you truly believe in it. Don't you know?" he countered. Then added, "I'll tell you mine."
"Okay then, what did you wish for?" Bella asked.
Edward looked at her for a moment, not speaking. Then he leaned in slowly and captured her lips with his. Nessie looked away with a little giggle as a different kind of fireworks erupted. Bella was vaguely surprised that no matter how many times she's kissed Edward, the sparks never faded or failed to excite her. She instinctively put her arms around him and responded to the kiss, opening her mouth to meet his.
When their kiss didn't break up, Nessie decided to intervene.
"Where's my kiss, Daddy?"
The couple's lips curved upward at their daughter, while they heard the rest of their family laugh lightly. Edward turned to her, apologizing. He leaned down and kissed her humourously overly-puckered lips.
"Thank you very much." She gave a sweet smile.
Edward was about to stand back up when Nessie threw her arms around him. Pictures upon pictures ran through his head at that moment, bright and colorful and, above all, they were visions of all the joy Nessie had experienced that day — becoming a princess, pulling the sword from the stone, going on adventures to everywhere!
Edward chuckled and relaxed in his daughter's embrace, hugging her back.
She then showed him that she had figured out, somewhere in the day, that this trip had been thought of and planned by him. She was thanking him. The last picture shown was of Edward holding the pennies in his hand by the wishing well, and it came with one clear thought.
I love you, Daddy.
Edward's arms tightened around her. "As I love you, sweetheart. Always."
Bella was having trouble controlling her emotions, while the scene in front of her played out. The two brought her into a group hug, and they stayed like that for a couple minutes, simply appreciating what they had.
"Edward?"
"Yes?"
"Why would you wish for me when you already have me?" Bella asked, thinking of the kiss.
Edward flashed her a dazzling smile. "I didn't wish for you, love. My wish was for your and Renesmee's happiness and safety. But you have the tendency to distract me from my train of thought." His smile widened when Bella made a face, her expression one of doubt. "Now tell me what you wished for."
"Nessie first," Bella said, turning to the girl in question. "Sweetie, what did you wish for?"
The rest of the family started gathering back together, migrating over to the wishing well.
"Well, it was very hard to choose, Momma. I wanted to wish for the Volturi to be nice, for Grandpa's patient to be cured, for Aunt Alice and Uncle Jasper to have the best Anniversary, for Aunt Rose and Jake to see in each other what I see in them, for Jake's pack to be happy no matter if they choose to move with us or not, for Grandpa Charlie and Sue to get married and live happily ever after, and, most of all, for me to be with you guys forever and ever because being with you makes my heart super happy..." She smiled shyly, and they stared back at her lovingly.
"There was so much I wanted to wish for and not enough pennies, so I just chose the first thing that came to my head."
"And what was that?"
"A trampoline." She beamed proudly.
The family burst into laughter.
"You wished for a trampoline?" Emmett guffawed.
Nessie's brow furrowed and her bottom lip stuck out. "What's wrong with that? I really want one."
"That is an awesome wish, Ness," Jacob managed to say through is chortling.
Nessie scowled. "Why are you laughing at me, then? What's so funny? Get. Back. Here." She stomped off after everyone, for they were all walking back to the pond, still giggling.
"I suppose we know what to get her for her birthday, hmm?" Edward whispered in Bella's ear.
"Yeah," Bella smiled, shaking her head fondly. "I guess her wish makes sense — she's still a little girl regardless of anything else."
"Our little girl," Edward corrected.
Butterflies fluttered their way into Bella's stomach, reaching her heart, as she looked up at the man she'll love for eternity.
Edward began to lower his lips to hers again. This time, she met him halfway. This kiss was more passionate than the last, lasting a good five minutes, and Edward had to be the one to break away before he started something that would get them kicked out of the Magic Kingdom forever.
"I was thinking..." Bella said, once she was free and focused back on reality.
"Uh oh." Edward smirked. She ignored that.
"I was thinking that maybe we should live permanently with Carlisle and Esme when we move."
Edward frowned. "What's wrong with the way things are now?"
"Edward Cullen," Bella laughed, "don't tell me you're afraid of a little change!"
"No, no, of course not. I wouldn't even dream of it." Edward rolled his eyes for her sake, before grinning widely and kissing the side of her head. "Which reminds me, you never mentioned what you wished for."
"Well, there's no point in telling it now. How could I ever beat a trampoline?"
In the midst of their continuing laughter, Esme made her way up to them. After gladly accepting the hug Edward offered her, she pointed out Renesmee.
"As much as I don't want to leave, it might be that time. The little one is falling asleep over there."
Nessie was standing on her tiptoes, peeking over the edge of the fence to see the fountain, but she was rubbing her eyes sleepily. When she stopped, she wandered over to her parents, raising her arms up to Edward. He picked her up, and she placed her head on his shoulder. Taking Bella's hand with his free hand, Edward asked his family if they were ready, and started walking back toward Main Street, toward the front gates...and the exit. His family was reluctant to follow — nobody wanted to leave. Yet, with a bittersweet feeling, they knew all things had to eventually come to an end to make way for a new adventure.
Noticing how little people were left around the castle, Esme stopped the family for one last photo op with the castle. They took turns in pairs (Jacob joining Edward, Bella, and Nessie), and Sleeping Beauty's Castle glowed brightly with its magic. The pictures came out perfect. Each one was different—different couples, different smiles, different poses—yet the still photos had captured their diverse personalities while maintaining the most important fact. Amidst the amazing Sleeping Beauty's Castle background, each couple looked in love and incredibly happy. It's exactly what they all were. And it's exactly how it would always be.
When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
will come to you.
Esme smiled when looking at the picture on the camera, as Carlisle took her hand and she took his. She was pleased with how well things had turned out for her family. All the struggles they'd been facing, all the hardships they thought they would never conquer had come to a close. And they had succeeded! They had won. And they felt, deep down in their hearts, that together they always would win. Hasn't that been proven before, and then again? From Carlisle's early days of loneliness, to Bella's transformation and Renesmee's birth, they had triumphed over their obstacles because they had believed with all they had that things would work out, and they fought for it, even if it took years.
When your heart is in your dream
No request is too extreme
When you wish upon a star
as dreamers do.
Fate is kind
She brings to those who love,
The sweet fulfillment of
their secret longing.
Like a bolt out of the blue,
Fate steps in and sees you through.
When you wish upon a star
your dreams come true.
Side-by-side, the Cullens walked down the magically lit Main Street with soft smiles on their faces and warm contentment in their hearts, listening to Jiminy Cricket sing "When You Wish Upon A Star". And it was in that moment that they all realized something: Together they were an example that, with faith and love, dreams really do come true, and that Disneyland truly was...the happiest place on Earth.
THE END
I suppose it had to end somewhere, but I'm still kind of sad that it's over. I've had so much fun writing this story and I hope you've had just as much fun (or more) reading it. Hope the ending satisfies. And, of course, your reviews are so greatly appreciated. Thank you! -^_^-