Chapter 35- This Moment
"Again!" Jasper commanded. I quickly launched myself at him. Jasper dodged me as I clutched his legs forcefully. In a quick instance Jasper hit the ground as I pinned him down. "Impressive." Jasper smiled. My head cocked to the right as faint steps approached us. I smiled widely as Edward became visible. I released Jasper and held Edward's hand. "Hey, you." I greeted. Edward kissed me passionately while Jasper cleared his throat.
I could feel Edward's smile as he reluctantly pulled away. "Here for a progress report? " I teased. Edward looked in his brother direction. "Her reflexes are superb and strength wise, she can take Heidi on." Jasper stated. "See nothing to worry about." I smiled triumphantly. Edward forced a smile but it didn't reach his golden eyes. "You don't think I can do it." I released his hand as I took a stride back. "Bella. She's evil." "I can do this but I need you to believe in me." I pleaded. Edward grabbed my hands as his expression became apologetic. "I have always doubted you, but you always prove me wrong." He caressed my face softly. Leaving a trail of sparks behind.
I kissed him gently. "Let's go for a run." He smiled. "Edward." Alice interrupted. Edward's face quickly change. "Charlie is here." He stated. My eyes opened widely knowing I could kill him in a blink of an eye. "Bella. Stay out of sight. I'll tell him your away." "No." I blurted out. "He needs to see me. Charlie wont stop." I informed him. "I'll bring the contacts." Edward offered. I stared at him in disbelief. "You've always been stubborn. As a Vampire that hasn't changed." He chuckled. I smiled as Edward left. "Ok. Bella, don't sit so straight its not normal. Remember to exhale and inhale so it seems like you're breathing. Move extremely cautious. Don't move too fast." Alice stated.
Edward returned with the contacts in hand. I applied the brown contacts hoping it covered my red eyes. "Are you ready?" "Slouch, imitate breathing and don't move quickly. Got it." My voice trembled slightly. Edward grabbed my hand as we walked toward the living room. "Bella." Charlie threw his arms around me. "Hey, Dad." Charlie pulled away as he stared at me intently. "You're different." "Some changes had to be made." I vaguely admitted. "I'll give you two some privacy." Edward kissed my forehead as he reluctantly left me.
Charlie sat on the couch his eyes never leaving me. I slowly sat across from him. "Jacob told me you were extremely sick. I haven't slept well since that conversation." "Dad. I promise I'm fine. I was sick but I got better." I smiled. "You don't look like yourself." He persisted. "It's probably the dress." I giggled. Charlie cocked his head to the side. My laugh sounded just as angelic as the Cullens. "You look more like them." I felt a twinge of nervousness as Charlie was closing in on the truth.
"You trust me don't you?" Charlie nodded. "The changes were necessary." I smiled slightly. "I'm just happy to see you kiddo." Charlie's voice cracked. I hadn't even thought how hurt he would be from not seeing or speaking to me. "It was a very long month. I initially thought it was because you didn't like Julia." Charlie confessed. The truth was Charlie was never alone. I had watched him from a distance. "Dad. I am so sorry you felt that way. How is Julia?" "She went to see her parents for two weeks." "Why didn't you go with her?" I asked curiously. "I didn't want to leave without seeing you." I felt a wave of guilt wash over me. "You should have gone. When does she get back?" "Tomorrow."
My head quickly jerked to the left. Someone was approaching and they weren't human. I stood up in a panic. "Bells. What is it?" Charlie asked. Edward walked in with Alice and Jasper close behind. "Is Carlisle on his way?" I asked Edward hoping he'd get my hidden message. "No." Alice replied blankly. "Dad, you need to leave now." I demanded. "Bells. What's going on?" "Chief Swan, it's in your best interest if you leave now." Edward insisted. Charlie gripped my arms and instantly released me. "Your ice cold." Charlie said in disbelief. "Dad, its not safe for you here. Leave now." I pleaded. "Is it safe for you?" He shot back.
"I'll protect her." Edward promised. "Like you always protect her?" Charlie snickered. "All I know is since the day she met you, she has been hurt. Both physically and emotionally." "Dad. Now is not the time. I promise to explain everything later." "Will you?" Charlie asked doubtful. I felt guilty about keeping secrets from him. But it was completely necessary. "It's too late." Alice gasped. I pulled Charlie behind me and raised my arms protectively. "Perhaps he should go upstairs?" Alice suggested. "I won't leave him alone." I hissed.
"Alice, take Charlie upstairs into Carlise's office. Lock the doors and stay hidden. When you see an opportunity leave." Edward instructed. I turned around to face Charlie. "I love you, Dad." I hugged him tightly. "I love you too, kiddo. No matter who you are." Charlie smiled. If I were still human I'd be crying my eyes out. Alice kissed Jasper passionately. Charlie followed Alice upstairs. "Where are the others?" I asked terrified. "They should be here any second." Edward gripped my hand as we awaited for Heidi and her army. Jasper positioned himself right besides me. I gave him a quick smile.
The front door flew open breaking off the hinges. "Ah. What a surprise. No matter how many times I try to kill you, here you stand before me. Did our dearest Edward save you?" She laughed cynically. Four other vampires appeared behind her. "I'm afraid I've brought guest. I hope that isn't a problem." " I don't blame you for stalling." I stepped forward releasing Edward's hand. "Stalling?" "I wouldn't want to die right away either. So I think its wonderful that you bought yourself time with these "guest" as you put it." I smiled widely.
Heidi grew enraged as Edward and Jasper chuckled. "You think yourself a God. Truth is you are nothing but a vampire with low self esteem and no ambitions." Heidi snarled as she sprung forward. I quickly dodged as the other vampires lunged themselves at me. Jasper tackled two of them while Edward pushed me back. I landed on my feet knowing I had to focus on Heidi. I ran in her direction with extreme force. Heidi threw her arms out defensively. I tackled Heidi as we went out the window. The glass shattered around us as we hit the ground.
Heidi kicked me off as she regained her balance. "You will cease to exist." Heidi growled through her teeth. "Bring it." I ducked as Heidi threw a punch. I caught her arm in mid air and knocked her back. "I see you've had training." She snarled. My head jerked to the side as Jasper and Edward stood behind me. I smiled happily knowing they were ok. "Well seems those guests of mine were not much of a challenge. Perhaps Felix and his soldiers can pick up the slack." Felix pinned Edward down while five vampires dressed in red cloaks circled Jasper and me. A loud roar ripped through the forest striking fear into Heidi's army.
I grinned as Jacob and the Wolf pack attacked the red robe demons. Heidi screamed in frustration. Jasper attended to Edward. "Heidi!" Her mouth curled up showing me her teeth. I charged pinning her into the ground. I wrapped my hands around her throat. "You are done interfering in my life. "Kill me and Charlie dies." She choked out. "What?" "Right now as we speak Julia has led Charlie away from the house and into the forest." I shook my head in disbelief. Heidi stared behind me. I jerked my head back seeing Alice fall to the floor. Jasper helped her up as she nodded in my direction.
I let go as I stepped back distraught. The wolves had finished off the soldiers and Felix remained restraint by Edward. Heidi stood up as she dusted off her red dress. "Now that I have everyone's attention. Julia is awaiting my orders. I'd be very careful sweet Bella." "What do you want?" I growled. "I want Edward by my side. But I know that will never happen with you being alive and all. Aro has agreed to give me my own city if I bring him my beloved and the physic." "Heidi, have them release me." Felix chuckled. She simply shrugged in response.
The anger inside me began to boil. I gripped Felix's head and ripped it off. A growl escaped my lips as I tossed the head by Heidi's feet. "Now Bella, what are we going to do about you?" She cocked her head to the side. "How do I know you'll keep Charlie alive if we agree to your terms?" "You'll just have to trust me." I glanced over at Edward hoping he could just for this moment read my mind. I cautiously stepped closer and extended my hand. Heidi smiled victoriously as she closed the distance. "You were always weak as a human. I knew as a vampire you would be no different." "You mistake my kindness for weakness." I whispered in her ear.
Heidi froze as Edward ran in our direction. I latched my fingers around her neck as Edward tackled into her. I pulled her head in the opposite direction. Her body lifelessly fell to the ground as I held her head in my hands. "You did it." Jasper shouted excitedly. "Bella. You can let go now." Edward said concerned. "I killed her." I said in shock. Edward removed the head from my hands and tossed it toward Jasper. He wrapped his arms securely around me, as the events slowly started to sink in. "Bells. What about Charlie?" Jacob asked.
"I'm ok, Jake." Charlie announced. He stepped out of the woods with Julia in hand cuffs. "Dad." I smiled. Edward stepped aside. I ran into my father's arms feeling relieved. "I don't understand." Jacob intervened. "Alice had a vision that Julia would lead Charlie away and kill him. Alice warned Charlie knowing he'd be able to stop her. I just needed Alice to give me the ok that he was safe." "When Alice nodded." Jasper remarked. "I was only stalling till Charlie was close enough."
"Edward. I wanted to apologize for earlier. I was just scared that Bella would be in danger. But you've helped her find herself and have made my daughter extremely happy. Thank you son." Charlie announced. Edward smiled as he pulled Charlie in for a hug. "Did we miss the fight?" Emmett asked crushed. "You did." I giggled. "Bella, I am so sorry. We should have been here." Carlisle apologized. "It's ok. It worked out perfectly." I responded truthfully.
"We called Jacob." Rosalie added. "I better take Julia down to the station." "I'm going to tell everyone what you are." Julia threatened. I walked over and stared into her eyes. "Who's going to believe you?" "They'll throw her in the nut house." Emmett chuckled. "Dad, I." I stopped mid sentence not knowing where to start. "All I need to know is that your ok and safe. Everything else is irrelevant." Charlie smiled.
The cruiser drove away into the distant. "Wait. Bella, killed Felix and Heidi? Way to go little sister." Emmett hugged me and spun me around. I punched his arm playfully causing him to flinch. Everyone laughed as we headed inside. "Sorry about the window." I said bashfully. "I wanted to redecorate anyway." Emse winked. "How about we head back to our house." Edward offered. "I'd say see you there." I bit his bottom lip and darted toward our house. When I reached the door Edward wrapped his arms around my waist. "Your really taking advantage of your newborn powers." He smiled his crooked smile. I pulled Edward inside as the door closed behind us. I ripped his clothes off with my teeth.
He lifted me up as I wrapped my legs around his waist. Edward rushed me into the bedroom. Our bodies pressed against one another as my tongue danced behind his lips. We fell onto the mattress breaking the bed frame in half. Edward slipped off my clothes as I straddled him. Before continuing I closed my eyes and concentrated. "Bella. What's." Edward stop mid sentence. I went back to the first time I ever saw Edward. I thought about how he made me feel. I flashed him all the feeling and images throughout the last two years.
Edward gasped as I ended it with this moment. "How did you do that?" "When I was training with Jasper, he expressed the possibility of me being a shield." "Of course." Edward agreed. "I was going to tell you but then my Dad showed up and well you know the rest. "I've always dreamt of reading your thoughts and seeing the world as you do. And now I have. Can we do that again?" "We have all eternity." I kissed his lips softly as his hands ran up and down my thighs. Edward flipped us putting himself on top. Our lips met once again as the passion took us.
Eight Months Later
"Bella. You look amazing." Angela complimented. "Thank you. Not bad yourself." Angela blushed as she continued walking. "There you are. Charlie is losing it." Alice sighed. I followed my father's distress heart beat. "Bells. There you are!" "So they keep saying." I giggled. "What's the problem?" "I specifically told the carter to serve a hundred people. They only have enough food for Eighty." Charlie stressed. "We don't eat. But I thought you only had sixty guests?" "Have you met Jacob and his pack of savages?" Charlie snickered. "Good point." Alice agreed.
"Let me handle the food . Go finish getting ready." I said sternly. Charlie sighed as he dashed out of the room. I stood silently contemplating on how to handle the situation. "Where's the Carter?" "He's at the reception hall." Alice answered. "Ok. Stay with Charlie and keep him calm. If he asks I'm on the phone with the Catering company." I explained. "Where are you going?" "I'm going to practice my power of persuasion." I smiled.
I locked the doors to the Volvo as I made my way inside. My hair was curly and pinned back by a silver clip. My red strapless dress ended two inches above my knee, with a slit on the right leg. I entered the hall gracefully as my golden eyes scanned the area. I flipped my hair back as I spotted the Chef. "Excuse me." "Not now." He spat as he turned to face me. "Please excuse Miss. I did not mean to come off hostile. How can I be of assistance?" He smiled widely. He scanned me from head to toe. "My father is getting married in just a few minutes. He informed me that he had ordered enough food for a hundred people. But it seems that the company only supplied enough for eighty." I sweetly explained.
"Yes. I tried to explain to your uh Father. When we last spoke he was extremely conflicted about how many people he wanted to feed. So I took the liberty of calling the venue and finding out that approximately Sixty people would be attending. So I made food for eighty people." He nervously replied. "So there's nothing you can do to help ease my dilemma?" I asked seductively. I gazed into his brown eyes causing his heart to beat rapidly. "Well I uh. I guess I could make more food." He mumbled bashfully. "Super. I appreciate your help." I smiled sincerely.
"Maybe you can save me a dance?" He asked hopeful. "I don't think my husband would be pleased." I giggled. I quickly headed back toward the ceremony. "Bella. Where have you been?" Jasper questioned. "I was taking care of a few errands." I shrugged. "Bella Cullen. Very impressive." Alice approved. I lost my focus as Edward became visible. My human eyes had done him no justice. Edward was more beautiful then I had ever thought possible.
Edward kissed my lips leaving me disoriented. "Are you ok?" Jasper asked concerned. "That's just the side effects of Edward." I stated. "I'll take your word." Jasper chuckled. "Seducing men to get what you want. New hobby?" Edward teased. "I just wanted Charlie to be happy. And I wanted to test my seduction powers. Perks of being a vampire." "Bella. You've always had the power of seduction. You just never gave yourself credit." I smiled shyly as we made our way inside.
The ceremony was beautiful and emotional. I would have cried, but again being a vampire has its perks. I stood up as everyone awaited my speech. "Dad. We have been through a lot these past years. But we've stucked together and made it. I have been extremely blessed to have you as a Father. Sue, you have been the cause for my Father's happiness. And slightly better singing voice." I paused as everyone laughed. "I would like to welcome Sue to the family, there are no refunds." The crowd chuckled. "Raise your glasses as we welcome Mr. and Mrs Swan." Everyone cheered as we sipped our champagne. The DJ blasted music as people made their way to the dance floor.
"Bells. How did you do it?" "I simply had a chat with the Chef." I responded innocently. "They made enough food for A Hundred and Fifty people. I only had to pay for Eighty plates." Charlie said astonished. I smiled as Sue pulled Charlie toward the dance floor. "Bella." Renesme hugged me tightly. "Hey. Enjoying the wedding?" "Most definitely. Actually im jotting down notes." She hinted. "Notes?" I asked puzzled. "We're engaged!" She shouted excitedly. "Congratulations." "Jacob proposed last night. We wanted to wait till after the wedding." Edward stood by my side. "I'm getting married." She repeated just as happily. "Congratulations." Edward kissed her cheek.
Jacob smiled weakly as Renesme gripped his hand for support. I knew Jacob was afraid of my reaction. "Congratulations. Jake." I smiled. Jacob's eyes lit up as he locked me in a bear hug. "I was so afraid you would disapprove." He confessed. "Jake. You deserve to be happy. Besides I know you'll protect her." "Now that everyone is here." Renesme looked at Jacob expectantly. "Edward. I know we've had our differences. But it would mean a lot to me if." Jacob broke off mid sentence as he began to sweat profusely. "Would you be my best man?" Jacob blurted out.
"It would be my honor." Edward answered truthfully. "Bella. Would you be my maid of honor?" "Of course." I hugged my cousin as she sobbed quietly. "I'm so happy." She declared. I took a moment as I looked around the room. The Cullen's were dancing and socializing. Charlie and Sue were laughing as they attempted the Cupid Shuffle. At this very moment everything was perfect. I knew I didn't have to worry about Charlie anymore, Sue would take great care of him.
"Bella." Renesme pulled me out of my thoughts. "So I was kinda hoping for some advice." "Sure." "When you told Charlie about being engaged. How did you do it without him murdering the soon to be groom?" I giggled as I cautiously thought about my response. "I just told him and did a lot of praying." I revealed. "It's a good thing their supernatural." She whispered. "That does help." Renesme had moved in with Charlie when my aunt got sick. Which was three weeks after my wedding. Renesme and Jacob were inseparable after the imprint. When Jacob and I told her the truth about what we were. She took the news fairly well for a human.
"Care to dance?" Edward extended his hand as I accepted without hesitation. We swayed to the music as I rested my head on his chest. "I love you." He cooed in my ear. "I love you too." I held him closer as the music continued to flood the room. "I almost can't grasp the fact that I get to spend forever with you." "You have all of eternity to wrap your head around it." Edward sweetly replied. He rested the side of his face on the top of my head. I closed my eyes and this time I lingered with every memory. Even through the darkest of thoughts. I knew he wanted to know the good and the bad. Our feet moved idly as I allowed him inside my mind. "The day we met, you brought me to life. Thank you." Edward cupped my face as he stared into my golden eyes.
"And thank you. For showing me the power of love." Our lips met eagerly as my memories continued playing in his head.
The End
A/N: Hope you enjoyed the story =) It's been my pleasure.