The ballroom had been redecorated. Of course everything had been polished and dusted, but it had also been adorned with red and gold curtains. The velvet-seated chairs had been brushed adequately and the windows had been washed. Dozens of candelabras lit the ballroom, casting a flickering glow over the crowd of elegantly dressed men and women.
As Bella and Edward walked through the open double doors, they couldn't help but become slightly overwhelmed by the sheer number of people in the ballroom. Of course there were still enough room for dancing, but it was crowded.
"Oh, look!" a female voice said. "It's the star-crossed lovers."
Bella blushed as every head in the ballroom turned to look. Edward touched her arm reassuringly. She glanced up at him and was thankful for the small smile that tugged at his lips.
Edward could see that the people around them were slightly surprised that the pale mask was still positioned on his face.
"Your dress is so lovely, dear," a snowy-haired woman said kindly.
"Thank you," Bella replied. "Yours is very beautiful also."
Edward felt a warm hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Jasper beside him, his golden hair shining in the candle light. Alice had her arm looped through his, a radiant smile lighting her face.
"I am pleased to announce our stars of tonight's performance," Jasper said, addressing the crowd, "Bella Swan and Edward…Masen!" Jasper remembered the name that Edward had told him when they all went to lunch together.
Applause erupted in the ballroom, behind each pair of hands, a smiling face.
Pride grew in Edward's heart. His Opera had been a hit. It was more than he had ever hoped for. For the majority of his existence, he had been a composer. Music was his passion and now that an audience had finally heard and seen one of his Operas, it seemed more like a dream than reality. A smile spread over his face and the ladies in the crowd felt their heart speed a little. They looked upon the man that they had wept over, and he became a sort of icon in their eyes, a Romeo for their era.
Alice rushed to Bella's side, grinning, nearly hopping in her elegant gown.
"Bella, you were wonderful!" she cried. "I'venever seen you perform so well." Alice's eyes flickered to Edward who was now being held captive by a squat looking man that could talk for hours. She giggled a little. Mr Carol wouldn't let anyone go that hadn=E 2t heard the story of how the chandelier had fell nearly twenty years ago.
Her eyes returned to her best friend, the brunette with the voice of an angel. "I don't suppose that performing with your one true love had anything to do with that?"
Bella blushed a deep rose color and glanced at Edward. "It did help."
"Such a sad story, though," Alice mused, her voice more serious than it had been all evening. "But I have a feeling that this will help the Opera House. At least we're not going to go bankrupt anymore."
Bella nodded, agreeing. Suddenly, she saw Jacob and Leah in the crowd. She smiled as she watched Jake brush his hand lightly over Leah's jaw. Bella couldn't help the small bit of relief that she felt. Jacob was no longer pursuing her and that meant that she could be with Edward more now. Besides, Leah and Jacob looked genuinely happy together. It would be a shame for anything to spoil it.
"Have you heard anything I've said in the last few minutes?" Alice demanded.
Bella quickly looked towards the pixie-like girl beside her. "What?"
"Obviously not."
"Sorry, Alice, my thoughts were elsewhere."
Alice smiled and all was forgiven. "It's okay. I was20just saying that I had another dream last night. It was very, very strange. I dreamt that Jasper had red eyes! He wanted to make me take the Eternal Drink."
"The Eternal Drink? What is that?"
"I'm not sure."
Alice didn't know for sure, but she had an idea. She knew what Edward was – a Vampire – so what if this 'Eternal Drink' had something to do with his condition? What she didn't tell Bella about her dream was that seeing Jasper with red eyes and that shocking pale skin had sent butterflies through her. She hadn't been frightened, but when he had touched her neck, she felt herself leaning towards him, his touch like ice but only making her want to draw closer to those eyes that bored so deeply into hers. Glancing at Jasper now, Alice couldn't help but think about all the other times he'd touched her – without gloves with just the two of them around. She had seen his naked chest, his toned muscles. She remembered the dark line of hair that disappeared into his trousers and blushed.
"What's wrong, Alice?" Bella asked. "You look peaked."
Alice laughed, trying to shrug off her improper thoughts. "I'm fine. Don't worry. I think Edward has come to talk to you." She gestured to the male figure now st anding behind Bella.
"Hello, Bella. Care to dance?" His voice was smooth as water but infinitely sweeter. His hand pressed lightly against the small of Bella's back.
"Um…" she looked out at the dance floor where a reel was being played. It was an upbeat song and she didn't know if she would be any good at it. "I've never danced like that before," she finally admitted.
"There's nothing to it," he replied confidently. "It's all in the leading." His dazzling smile was irresistible.
She smiled in return, her heart beginning to flutter. "Alright. But you had better not let me fall," she added jokingly.
"I would never let you fall, Bella," he said solemnly. "If it makes you feel any better, I won't leave your side for the entire night."
At a ball or any social event including dancing, it was considered improper for a woman to dance three or more dances with the same man. Rumors would begin and those were often more deadly to a lady than a dagger. Married couples were included in this rule, although the man was allowed to kiss his wife on the cheek, nothing more. But Bella danced multiple times with Edward. The crowd in the ballroom still thought of them as the doomed lovers so they thought that the ill-fated coupl e should be allowed more time together than was usual. The women sighed as they stared into the masked face of their new Romeo, whispering behind fans that if he wanted to visit their bed in the night then they wouldn't mind.
More than once, Edward was asked why he still wore the mask. He simply replied that he enjoyed his character, Maclichi, so much that he decided to play him all night. The men thought this was ridiculous but the women, however, felt that it was sort of mysterious.
"Excuse me," a female voice interrupted. Bella and Edward were drinking thin glasses of champagne when a small girl came up to them. It was the girl that had played the younger version of Abby. "May I dance with you?" she asked Edward.
Instead of laughing as other men might do, or scolding the child for interrupting an adult conversation, he squatted down so that he was on her eye level. His face was serious, but his eyes danced. "I would be honored, fair Elizabeth, if I could dance with you."
She nodded once, business like, and took his hand, leading her out onto the dance floor. The dancing couples made room for the girl no older than 9 and her dance partner. Elizabeth was very serious as she looked up at Edward. He lifted her onto his feet so he could maneuver them around the floor.
Bella smiled, watching them. He was so good with children, so kind and gentle. She wondered what it would be like to have her own children someday, but that would never happen for her. Instead of the sadness that she expected from that thought, she was fine with it. If she didn't have children, due to the fact that she was going to be immortal soon – she hoped – then that would okay. As long as she had Edward.
Elizabeth laughed brightly as Edward suddenly swung her up into the air. Bella could almost hear the collective sigh of the women in the room. Every female was aware of Edward's charm, his masculinity, and his way with children. She had no doubt that if he hadn't been so engrossed with her the entire evening, that countless ladies would have lined up to dance with him.
"Thank you, Edward, it was a delight." Elizabeth said smiling, a small blush on her face.
"It was a very strong delight, Ms. Elizabeth." Edward said, kissing Elizabeth's small hand, and she nodded her head.
"Come, Elizabeth, let's go see the desert table." A boy her age walked up, and she smiled.
"Be polite, William. William, this is Edward. Edward, this is William, my boyfriend." Elizabeth said boyfriend with such innocence, her eyes looking over at Bella. "This is William, Bella. William, this is Bella." Elizabeth said smiling over. William smiled and he was a chubby boy, he had bright red hair and orange freckles.
"See you soon, fair Elizabeth." Edward said as he took Bella's hand and swung her to the floor.
"That was nice of you." Bella observed. Edward smiled and looked down at their feet.
"I see it as trying to make up for what I am." Edward said shrugging.
Bella shook her head, and she didn't understand. "You've done nothing wrong, Edward." Bella disagreed.
"At least you believe that." Edward paused, "that is all that matters." Edward kissed Bella's forehead and they danced to a slow song that sounded like one of the most romantic things Bella ever heard.
"Guess what." Edward whispered into Bella's ear.
Bella pulled her head back and looked into Edward's eyes "What?"
"Jacob is about to propose to Leah Clearwater." Edward said, Bella's face became big and her eyes wide.
"Your serious?"
"I never lie, dear Bella. He's there, thinking about it as we speak, look." Edward said moving his head to the side to show Jacob standing there, his chin rested on Leah's head, and they were dancing, he looked confused about something, his hair was recently cut, and he sighed and pulled apart from Leah.
"Shall we listen?" Edward asked. Bella nodded her head. They danced closer, and they saw Jacob get down on one knee.
"I know it's so soon, Leah, and I know that we don't know a lot about each other. But I know your name, I know your favorites, I know your dislikes, and I know your family. I know you're intelligent and you're a great actress, and that you're like no other. Please, Leah Clearwater, will you marry me?" Jacob asked. Leah's hands went to her heart, and her eyes watered up.
"I.. I.. doe... am I.." Leah stuttered, trying to think of an answer. Bella leaned in and whispered into her ear.
"Say yes."
"I mean, yes. YES! Jacob, I will marry you!" Leah said smiling. Her eyes filled with tears, "I wish my father was here to see this." She whispered to herself.
Apparently, when Leah was still a teenager, and Seth, the leading tenor and her little brother, was a child. Her mother is a sweetheart named Sue and she's with a couple friends there. It's a rumor that she's friends with Jake's parents, and that Billy will be moving out here to keep her company. Jacob pulled out a box and put a stunning ring onto her finger.
"I didn't spend a nickel on it, I swear, it was my mother's." Jacob said. The ring had a huge diamond.
"I know, I love it, I love you." Leah said hugging Jacob on the floor, Jacob had a smile on his face. His white teeth showing brightly against the two's russet skin. "Where's Seth, he has to know." Leah said wiping way the tears with the back of her hand, she was still looking at her left hand, smiling.
"I'll get him." Jasper volunteered.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
After telling everyone at the ball of the engagement, the couples began to dwindle, and they all left all together except for Aro and his brothers, who were talking to Jasper.
"We could use you, your wife, even Emmett and his wife in our company." Aro said smiling, his smile lighting up the whole room almost.
"Thank you for the offer, but we honestly aren't considering it." Jasper said smiling, being a perfect gentlemen wasn't always his style. He liked to be pronounced and rebuke anyone who thought better.
"I see, well, I wish you would. However, I'm sure you wont." Aro said looking down, "But if you ever do, here is my card." Aro said slipping a gold leaf laced piece of yellow paper, which held information.
"Thank you, have a nice evening, Volturi brothers." Jasper said waving them off. Jasper turned to Alice once they had left and laughed at them to her.
"Those morons, do they honestly think I'd ever put our company in that much jeopardy? Why, people will be so afraid to come to us if we were so much as linked to the Volturi in business." Jasper said, Alice laughed too, and scrunched her pixie nose up.
"Yes, indeed." Alice said. She looked tired. For the first time in years, she looked worn out.
"Alice, dear, what's wrong?" Jasper asked. He looked around, nobody but them were left in the ball room.
"I've got to tell you something, Jasper. Sit." Alice said leading him to a chair.
"You're not changing your mind about the wedding, are you?"
"No, no. That is a silly thought." Alice said setting down beside him, clasping her golden gloved hands to her legs.
"What is it, darlin?"
"I've been having these dreams, and every time your eyes are blood-red and you're offering me the 'Eternal Drink'. Jasper, do you intend on us becoming Vampires?" Alice asked. She shook her head. "I've been trying to translate this dream so much, and when I think I've got it figured out something throws me for a loop. You know, we're married in these dreams. You're my husband. And I feel the feelings, I'm not afraid, but these dreams. Jasper, they're frightening." Alice said rambling.
"Calm, darlin, start from the beginning." Jasper said holding her hands together with his.
"I had a dream, about you saying - "
"Yes, yes, but what have you been trying to figure out about it?" Jasper interrupted.
"You're going to turn me into a Vampire, aren't you? Do you want to be a Vampire? Like Peter, and Charlotte, and my Grama and Grampa?" Alice inquired all at the same time.
"Alice these premonitions you're getting are... bound to happen. Yes." Jasper said being very, very calm...
"I... We'll live forever, Jasper. Our friends will die and we'll stay. It will be ago nizing." Alice said looking down.
"You'll have Bella, dear, we're not loosing anything except for mortality." Jasper tried to explain it to her.
"I... I need to think, Jasper, this is important... I... Let's leave." Alice said getting up, her face flushed and she grasped her head in agony.
"Are you alright?" Jasper inquired.
"I've got a headache."
"Don't get all worked up over this, Alice."
"How can I not?! I used to know what things were going to happen. I used to know how they were going to turn out. I can't figure this out, Jasper. Help me to figure this out, help me to calm down. Do not tell me this is nothing to worry about. Damnit, Jasper, I'm scared! I'm unsure, and it scares me!" Alice said crying, Jasper held her for what seemed like hours, but it turned out to be minutes. Jasper dried her tears.
"All better, Darlin?"
"A little." Alice paused, "stay the night. Edward does all the time, in Bella's room. Rosalie shouldn't mind." Alice said hugging herself to Jasper.
"If you like." Jasper said, Alice nodded her head to his chest.
"I like, I love, I want." Alice said smiling up at Jasper, he held her closer, and breathed in the scent that was purely Alice.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Next week is Alice's and Jasper's wedding..." Bella mused, Edward looked down at her as her head lay on his chest. They were in her room, it was warm, and Bella was cuddled up to her cold Edward.
"Yes." Edward gulped.
"Will we wait until I'm changed?" Bella asked, Edward looked down and sighed, he didn't want to talk about this tonight.
"Yes."
"Why?" She asked, her eyes briging curious looks.
"On wedding nights you become intimate.. Bella, I'm not able to become intimate with you, even kissing you is painful. It's like somebody is raming a hot coal down my throat, like swallowing hot coals, just like Portia in Julius Caesar." Edward paused, "it's not that I don't want you to experience this as a human Bella, it's that I can't let you." Edward said looking down.
"Why is that?"
"I'll bite you. I will drink your blood and I wont stop, Bella. I'm not strong enough." Edward said, Bella looked down and didn't say a word. She couldn't. She was dumb-founded.
"I see. Then there is no hope. Not until I've become a Vampire." Bella said looking down at their hands which conected together.
"I'm sorry." Edward said.
"At least I'll have you all there. All of my friends, family. It'll be great. Oh, I'll be able to meet your parents!" Bella said smiling up at him. Edward laughed and nodded his head yes.
"That you will." Edward said, he looked down at Bella and felt so full of love. "Sleep, love. We've got a big day tomorrow." Edward said as he read everyone's mind around him. They were all focased on the turning and Alice's wedding and Rosalie's birthday, which was two days before Alice's wedding.