I do not profit from abusing Twilight characters.
Chapter 48
In the few weeks leading up to Bella and Edward's wedding, the ladies in Bella's life made it their duty to inform her of what to expect of her married life. Each conversation was as different as the ladies themselves and indicative of the men they shared their lives with.
Mrs. Cope, who conducted her talk in the kitchen while preparing dinner, much to the embarrassment of Bella, Maggie and Jenny. Her husband died young, having found his life's pleasure at the dining room table not in the marriage bed. She spoke of her martial relations in general cooking terms, kneading, stirring, sweating, and simmering, but never boiling over.
Esme was quite philosophical and romantic in her explanations, ever cautious and mindful of the fact that she was speaking about her son. She had wanted to speak to Bella as a mother however, her attempts were esoteric and vague, leaving Bella with more questions than answers. Questions that she would never raise if she were given her druthers.
Rosalie spoke of gentleness and anticipation. Having been fairly certain never to have achieved marriage or love, Rosalie was still quite romantic in her ways. She told Bella of the sweet, the tender, the cautious and the gentle. Soft beds and warm candle light helped paint a picture for Bella that was slightly out of focus.
Alice.
Alice was, in a word, blunt.
She held nothing back from her instruction to Bella. She used words Bella had never heard, hand gestures that frankly, frightened Bella. Jasper, it seemed, carried his commanding air into the bedroom. Alice loved every minute of it, her eyes full of secret knowledge and the smile on her face, smug and well satisfied.
Alice talked of explosive passion, of screams not sighs, of hands that held tightly and were used as extensions. She mentioned mouths, fingers and feet, an entire body experience. She spoke of places and positions, movements Bella did not think possible.
Bella left the conversation with Alice even more confused than before. She now felt a little fearful of Jasper and very fearful of Alice. The blush stayed on her cheeks for hours as she mulled over what she had been given.
The evening walk with Edward had become a routine, a way to talk freely and enjoy each other's company.
She could not bring herself to mention any of the talks she had received, knowing this topic was to be kept solely to women. The knowledge she now held coloured the way she looked at her man. She was intrigued, incredulous and a little apprehensive. She held his arm as they walked knowing that propriety and time restraints demanded an end to this activity a few days before they wed.
The cake was ready, the dress was ready, the decorations were ready, and goodness knows, the groom was ready. The bride, however, after all the unsolicited advice she had received was apprehensive. It took a conversation with the most unlikely person to set her mind at ease.
Mother Superior arrived three days before the wedding and fortunately the day after Bella's talk with Alice. Mother Superior had recognized the look of panic on Bella's face as one she had seen on bride's faces before. She took the girl aside and soothed her fears.
Mother Superior reminded Bella what was important. The person she was marrying, the life she was going to share, the family she would build.
She told Bella to organize the information she had been given, combine the elements and then ignore the advice she had received. Every marriage, every husband, and every wedding night was different. Bella was not any of these women and her experiences were hers alone. It was up to Bella to make of the occasion as she would. If she was tense and confused, the evening would be as well. If she were open and relaxed, calm and ready to explore then everything would be fine. Trust was a word that Mother Superior used most often.
Bella trusted Edward, she trusted how he cared for her, how he loved her.
Over several cups of tea Bella realized how silly she was to be afraid. It was one night in what she hoped to be a long life with a man she loved.
The calm serenity returned to Bella's eyes. She smiled and sighed, she knew that the ladies in her life meant well but it was the overload of information led to her panic.
Mother Superior was delighted to see the change come over the girl she so loved. From the time she came to live in the orphanage to now, Bella Swan was a new person. Mother Superior was happy to witness the transformation and glad to be a small part of it.
Bella slept well the night before her wedding, with nothing to trouble her mind, she dreamed of green eyes, soft kisses and happy families.
AN: Press your fancy clothes, the wedding is tomorrow.