"Houston?" I asked, raising my eyebrows when we reached the gate in Seattle.
"Just a stop along the way," he assured me with a grin.
I was tired as he dragged me through the terminals when we stopped at the international counter to check in for our next flight. "Rio de Janeiro?"
"Another stop." Ugh, what's up with these stupid stops? As you can tell I was a bit irritated and really wanted to know where we were going.
The flight to South America was long yet comfortable in first class. I slept most of the way, waking up every time I felt Edward's lips on mine. When we landed I expected us to get on another flight but instead we left the airport and he hailed a taxi and drove through the streets of Rio. I stared out the window as Edward spoke Portuguese to the taxicab driver. It continued through the streets before reaching the docks and stopping.
Edward led me to a small boat. It was smaller than the others, sleeker, obviously meant for speed. I watched him prepare the boat, amazed by how he was so skilled. I never remember him mentioning he was into boats; then again, he was perfect.
Speeding through the ocean I reviewed the geography in my head. As far as I could remember there wasn't much east of Brazil until you got to Africa.
We kept going for hours until I could not take it anymore. "Are we going much farther?"
Who knows how long we have been out and I think the sun was supposed to come up soon. "We're close, do you see it?"
I looked in front and could make out a black shape. When we finally reached it I saw a small Island filled with trees and clear water. "Bella, welcome to Isle Esme."
"Isle Esme?"
"A gift from Carlisle, she said we could borrow it."
A gift? An island as a gift? Now I see where Edward gets his generosity from. He placed the suitcases on the dock and turned back, smiling. He reached out for me but instead of taking my hand he pulled me right up in his arms. "Aren't you suppoed to wait for the threshold?"
He grinned. "I'm nothing if not thorough." I rolled my eyes but could not help but smile. He picked up the suitcases in one hand and walked us up the stone pathways when we were in front of a two house. I suddenly felt nervous as my heartbeat picked up.
I could feel Edward looking at me but I didn't dare look up. I could also hear his breath rigid; he too was nervous. He set the suitcases on the porch and opened the unlocked doors. He carried me through the house; it was beautiful. He finally set me down in one large white room with a canopy bed with white sheets. Most of the walls were glass as a French double door led out to a beach. "I'll…go get the luggage." He left me alone in the room.
The room was warm, stuffy. I felt like I was sweating but there were nothing. I heard Edward's soft steps as he came back in. "It's a little hot in here; I'll have to install an air conditioner."
"It feels fine." Not what was on my mind right now.
"I thought it would be easier, but I guess I do not have to worry about that do I?" He laughed a nervous laugh. I didn't know how to respond as I never have experienced this before. And now I was an Original; this was all new to me. "Before we do anything, how about a swim?" He suggested.
"Sounds nice."
"I'm sure you would like a minute or two, I'll wait outside." He brushed his lips along my throat and chuckled. "Don't take too long, Mrs. Cullen." He walked out the French doors, dropping his shirt.
The nervous feeling came back. Could I do this? I remember talking to Heather about this two nights after the battle.
"An Original's body is very sensitive. To have so much feeling can be overwhelming at first but it will be extraordinary pleasure." She said.
"But, what about him being a vampire?"
She thought about it. "Hmm, tricky, as no one has ever had this kind of relationship. I don't think it will hurt as Originals and vampires are almost equal in strength. I would say good luck, and tell me how it was?"
Opening up my suitcase I stared with horror at the skimpy bikini's Alice packed. So much lace. When I got back Alice and them were going to pay for this. I took a shower to calm myself but nothing seemed to help. I was too afraid to go out there, for Edward to see me like this. I loved him, I know I did but could I handle this?
"It is Edward out there though, your soul mate." I looked up as Isabella looked back at me. "Be strong Bella."
Nodding I wrapped myself in a towel and ran out there, not looking back.
He was out there, standing with his back against me as he stared up at the moon. Taking a deep breath I dropped the towel and walked out towards him, standing by him. He grabbed my hand and we both looked up at the moon. "It's beautiful."
"It's alright. But I would not call it beautiful, not with you standing here."
I smiled, staring up at him when I realized our skin were the same snow white color. I placed my hand on his chest. He became more nervous. "I don't know how it will be, but, if I hurt you, you have to tell me right away."
Smiling I laid my head on his chest. "Don't worry, we belong together." And it was true.
His arms wrapped around me. "Forever." He then slowly pulled us deeper in the water.