Moonlight
Party Time
BellaPOV
Dinner took longer than I expected and I was itching to get back to the Cullens. My dress was in the car so I changed into it in The Lodge's bathrooms. It was a little chilly out so I had slipped in black stockings to wear under my dress. I slipped on my heels and walked out to met Charlie at the car.
It took him a couple of minutes to say good bye - it seemed like the whole town had converged on The Lodge tonight - but eventually he stumbled out, still yelling good byes over his shoulder.
" In a hurry Bells?" he chuckled. I just threw him a look.
" Oh I know, I know. You haven't seen Edward for two hours, oh the pain," he chortled. I hit his arm.
" Whatever you say Dad," I said sarcastically, " Maybe I just wanna see Jazz and Em?"
Charlie laughed, " Yeah you wanna see your brothers,"
" I do," I insisted.
" I know Bells. Tell them they must come around tomorrow,"
" Will do Daddy," I said as we pulled into the Cullen's winding driveway. I smiled as I took in the trees on either side of us. Alice had definitely had some fun with this party.
Every third tree on both sides was wound with light blue fairy lights leading the way to the house. Many kids from school had been invited and none of them had ever been to the Cullen mansion.
All week there had been rumors and stories flying about Edward's place. Luckily there were no Cullens left at school because some of the rumors were so far-fetched I think it would have dearly insulted them.
One of my favourites was that the Cullen house was haunted by the ghost of a soldier from the 1800's and that is why the Cullens came to school with bags under their eyes. I laughed for a good five minutes at that one.
This year I had gone back to hanging with Bec and the gang at lunch times and all week they had been questioning me about every part of the house. I thought Skye was going to have a heart attack when I told her that one wall was entirely made of glass.
Charlie looked at the lights and then back at me, " Alice," we said in unision. I grinned.
We followed the light highway all the way through the trees until they opened to the meadow that was the Cullen's front yard. I gaped at the sight in front of me.
The usual bare lawn had been turned into a scene from a fairytale. Meandering through the grass was a cobble stone pathway that wasn't there this morning. On either side, situated every metre or so, were lights that shone a deep blue. They reached up then curved like a swan's neck into the path. All over the grass, tea lights had been placed in a scattered array. Leading up the stairs were even more tea lights, creating a path. On the front door, two large blue daisies were hanging from the top corners.
" Woah," was all I could say.
" Double woah," Charlie muttered.
" Well I better go in," I said eyeing the front door with slight hesitation. What awaited me inside?
" Have fun Bells," Charlie chuckled. I kissed his cheek and hopped out of the cruiser. My heels sunk into the grass a little but I could still walk.
Charlie reversed and drove out of sight. I stared at the spot where he disappeared for a while before I realised I should get inside.
My heels click-clacked on the stones and up the steps. I reached the door and took a deep breath before entering.
Inside was almost as amazing as outside. It was like stepping into a club. A dance floor had been set up in the lounge and lounge chairs were set up around the endge of it. A huge stereo system took up nearly a whole wall. More blue lights were set up around the place and balloons hung from the ceiling. It was the perfect party.
" Wow Bella, don't you look grown up,"
I twirled to see Emmett descending the stairs.
" Hey Em," I grinned.
Emmett smiled and walked over to me at human speed. When he reached me he pulled me into a suffocating hug.
" Cant. Breathe," I stuttered out. He released me but pulled me over to one of the couches.
" So you're finally free from school aye," he laughed but there was a slight edge to it.
" Yes," I answered cautiously.
" Only 16 and ready for the real world,"
I narrowed my eyes slightly. Where was he going with this?
" What are you going to do in your human year?"
Ah I saw now.
" Probably stay here. Take each day as it comes I suppose," I replied, stretching out on the couch.
" Is that all? You only have one more year, as a human, to do the things you always wanted to do,"
" But I could still do them as a vampire,"
" It wouldn't be the same. Trust me I know. You will enjoy life as a vampire, I can just tell, but there are things you must do as a vampire," Emmett urged.
" Like what?"
" Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge! Remember we used to talk about that everyday. And throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain in Rome. And kiss someone under the Aurora Borealis! So many things Bella!"
" But - "
" Just think about it,"
Emmett kissed my forehead and stood up. He was at the top of the stairs before I could blink.
I rolled my eyes and stood up from the couch. The party should be starting soon. Where was everybody?
" They are just coming down now,"
Edward.
" I thought you couldn't read my mind?" I spun the face my love.
" No, but I can read your face," he smiled and took me into his arms, " That is truly, a beautiful dress Isabella,"
I smiled as I rested my head against his chest, " Why thank you Mr. Cullen,"
Edward chuckled and i could feel it vibrate in his chest, " You're welcome Miss Swan,"
I grinned and turned in his arms. I raised up onto my tip tops and pressed my lips to his marble ones.
Edward put one hand on the back of my head and the other pressed into my back. I laced my fingers through his hair.
And then we both pulled back at the same time. It was sweet, short and perfect.
" Congratulations ma belle,"
" Keep it G rated please!" Maggie giggled from the stairs.
" Maggie!" I yelled and ran at the little girl. She laughed her silvery laugh and hugged me tight.
" Hey there Bella!" she smiled.
" How are you? Did you get back to your coven?" I gushed, pulling her over to the couch. Edward grinned and went into the kitchen.
Maggie laughed, " Woah, slow down Bella. I am great and yes I did get back to Siobhan and Liam. It was marvellous to see them!"
" That's great," I smiled.
We talked some more. For about twenty minutes before Alice came bustling down the stairs.
" Party time," she announced.
Jasper, Rosalie, Emmett, Edward, Carlisle, Esme and the Denali clan all trooped down the stairs.
" Where's Ben?" I asked.
" Ah, sorry Bella, Ben and I are going to disappear while this party is on. Too much of a temptation. But we will come back once the humans have gone home okay?" Maggie said, standing up. I nodded in understanding.
" Ready Bella?" Jazz asked, coming to my side as Alice and Rosalie rushed around checking everything thing.
" Yeah I guess," I laughed. Jasper grinned taking my hand.
Five minutes later, the door bell rang.
Alice squealed. Carlisle rolled his eyes and went and opened the door.
" Welcome," he said grandly.
It was Bec and Ella. I grinned, squeezed Jasper's hand and went forward to greet them.
After three more groups arrived we decided to just leave the front door open. I was a gracious hostess, chatting to all my guests. But I stuck with my group for the most part. And, of course, Edward.
At about 11, Jasper disappeared, the smell too much for him. Alice stayed for a little bit but I could tell she was desperate to see him so I sent her off, telling her to check on him for me. Both of them weren't seen again all night.
It was a great party and everyone really enjoyed themselves. Skye and Summer were dancing the whole night and when they left they were carrying their shoes. Bec, Ella and Sydney were the last ones to leave.
It was three o' clock when I finally hugged them good bye and closed the front door.
I turned my back on the door and sunk to the floor, " Phew,"
Edward chuckled and slide onto the floor beside me, " How was that my love?"
" Exhausting but nice. It was great to celebrate," I grinned.
" So, you have a whole year ahead of you to do whatever you want to do. What are you gonna do?" he asked.
" Right now, I don't know," I replied, " And that is fine with me,"
***** (Two weeks later)
" Where are my sunnies?" I called, down the stairs.
" Where you left them?" Charlie replied.
" Helpful," I replied scathingly and continued packing my bag.
" They are in your school bag,"
Alice slide through my window, " Need some help packing?" she asked.
" Yes please," i said gratefully. I sat on my bed and Alice took over.
After my graduation party, Maggie, Benjamin and the Denali's had stayed for about four days before going off again. Jasper and Emmett had spent alot of time over here at Charlie and Dad was loving it.
Tomorrow, they were both "off home". That's what Charlie thought. But really we were all going on a huge holiday. It was my idea. It had grown from Emmett's suggestions on what to do during my human year.
We were going on a trip around the world. Carlisle had gotten time off and we were leaving for our first stop tomorrow. Los Angeles.
From there our trip went as thus.
One week in LA, then off to Mexico. We were only staying there for two nights because of the restless southern clans.
Followed by Cuba for one night and then the Bahamas for one week. Alice had been searching and she had found a lagoon that was far enough away from humans for them all to go outside during the day and not get noticed.
Then we were heading south to Brazil for four nights. That concluded our Americas side of the trip.
A long plane ride from Brazil and we were next headed to South Africa for one week. We would travel there so we hadn't book any hotels to stay at. From there we were going to Madagascar for one night and then north Spain.
We were staying in Spain for four nights before heading to Alice's most awaited country of France. We were staying there for two weeks before getting the train to England. After travelling around Great Britain and Ireland for one week we were off to Italy but only in certain parts and only for four days.
Then north to Germany for three nights before heading north again to Sweden where we were staying for five nights.
South again to Turkey for two nights then north to Russia for three nights and then again south to India with a one night stop over in Pakistan.
After one week in India it was north to China for another week before east to Japan for two nights.
Heading south, we were going to Thailand for a week then three nights in the Phillipines then one week travelling the islands of Indonesia.
We would then fly south to New Zealand and spending two weeks on a road trip all over the two islands.
A long plane flight west to Australia, landing in Perth. After three nights there it was a five hour plane ride to Melbourne for a three night shopping extravaganza according to Alice and Rose and then a road trip up to Sydney for four nights before flying north to Queensland for one week.
From Brisbane we were then going on a two week cruise to New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tuvalu and Tonga before finishing back in Brisbane.
Flying north west, we were then going to land in Hawaii from four nights before flying north to Canada. After spending a week with the Denali's it was south the Miami for two nights.
North to Chicago for two nights (Edward was taking me around his birth town) before flying back down to Dallas for two nights. Then north west to Las Vegas for two nights (Alice had gotten a fake ID for me and Jasper. They already had theirs) before flying back home.
The whole trip would take about six and a half months approximately. I hadn't looked at our return date.
I was over estatic and had been jumping with joy ever since the Cullens had booked the trip last week after our visitors had left. It had taken one whole day just to plane our trip.
" There, finished," Alice said, standing proudly infront of three suitcases. I stared in shock. Where had she gotten the other two suitcases? Alice misread my shock.
" Don't worry, I have five suitcases and Rosalie has six. We will be sure to find you more outfits in our collection.
" Five suitcases?" I asked, aghast.
" Yes, I know. I cut down. Our last world trip I took eight," Alice said, quite proudly. I just stared at her.
" Oh and I nearly forgot. Here," she said handing me my sunglasses.
I smiled, " Thanks,"
The sound of Edward's Volvo pulled into the driveway. He was here to take my suitcases to the Cullens as we were leaving for LA at four in the morning. Four!
Alice and I got the suitcases downstairs, Alice "stumbling" to fool Charlie.
Edward and Alice loaded them as I said good bye to Charlie.
" Be careful Bella," he said as I sat next to him on the couch.
" I will Daddy, I promise," I giggled.
" Please tell me again why you aren't going straight to college?"
" Because I want to see the world,"
" Right,"
" I'll miss you Dad,"
" I'll miss you too honey. Six months is a long time,"
" I know, but I promise to write and call all the time," I smiled, standing up. It was time to go.
" Here before you go," Charlie hurried into the kitchen and I could hear him bustling around in there.
Soon, he was back.
" Close your eyes," he instructed. I did as I was told and something cold was pressed into my hands.
I opened them and then started to cry.
It was Renesmee and my gold rings that Grandpa Swan had given us when we were born. One said Isabella Marie Swan 13 September 1994 and the other said Renesmee Carlie Swan 13 September 1994. They were a single band that twisted on both sides just before joining in a heart with our birthstone in the top corner.
" They are for luck on your journey," Dad said quietly, brushing my tears away.
" Thank you Daddy," I whispered before taking off my chain and threading the rings onto it, " I'll keep them safe,"
Charlie kissed my forehead, hugged me tight before letting me go and I rushed outside, brushing off my tears.
I got into the car and Alice and Edward just smiled slightly and we were off.
When we got to the Cullens, Jasper hugged me tight. Alice must have texted him what happened.
It was an early night for me that night but all too soon Edward was shaking me awake.
I groaned loudly and shook him off.
Edward chuckled, " It's time to go love,"
Sleep fell away and I bounded out of bed.
LA! Here we come.