Chapter Fifty Seven

Jasper

I saw Alice and Bella walking back and knew something was wrong, Alice was supporting Bella so I flew down the steps to take her in my arms

"She said she's feeling dizzy so I brought her straight back. I think its excitement myself. I told her we'll talk again when she's rested."

I took her upstairs and lay her on the bed

"You OK Bella? What's wrong?"

She looked at me with panic in her eyes

"I can't cope with Alice, Jazz. She's driving me crazy. Now she wants a double wedding her and Jake and us. She's going on about guest lists and four tier cakes"

I stroked her face

"Hush, its OK Bella. You don't have to do anything you don't want to. Its our wedding, we do it your way".

I held her close and rocked her gently and slowly she started to relax into my body, her arms around my neck and her face in mine. I felt her muscles loosen and knew she'd fallen asleep so once she was settled I went back down to sort things out. From the stairs I heard the conversation between Alice, Jake and Charlotte

Charlotte

I was furious with Alice Cullen because it was obvious Bella was very unhappy with Alice coming in and taking over, just like that.

"Alice, I think Bella is more reserved than you. She wants a quiet ceremony without all the fuss".

"No, she'll be fine once it's all organised for her. All she has to do is turn up on the day and walk down the aisle. I'll make sure she looks stunning. I know just the people for her dress, hair and make up. She'll be fine"

"That doesn't sound like Bells" Jake put in.

"Jake this is women's business. You and Jasper only have to do your stag night thing and turn up in suits, its easy".

"Suits? You want me dressed like a penguin?"

It is traditional for a wedding. I think the hats are optional, although..."

"No hats, no penguin outfits" he was firm in his resolve.

"Oh really? Do you want to ruin the most important day of her life? It wont kill you to dress up just for once. I'm sure Jasper will for Bella"

I was about to make myself known when Charlotte piped up in my defence,

"I don't think so Alice. The Major in white tie and tails doesn't really sound right. I don't think Bella wants all that fuss either. Why don't you go arrange your own wedding and leave us to help Bella with hers".

"I don't want to appear rude Charlotte, but you aren't exactly the height of elegance and Bella should at least have someone helping her who understands fashion and good taste".

I knew what was coming next but I stayed put,

"You listen to me Alice Cullen. Bella doesn't need dressing up like a doll to be happy on her wedding day. Why don't you go back to Forks and sort yourself out. You've caused enough damage here for a lifetime. Bella doesn't need a friend like you".

I heard footsteps and a shriek before Jake's voice cut through everything,

"Hey, it might be a good idea if you two cooled off and asked Bells what she wants when she's rested. I know she's not into crowds or dressing up so Charlotte may be right"

"Oh yes you stick up for her. I suppose you wish it was you walking down the aisle with Bella"

There was a stupefied silence then,

"Alice that's stupid. You know I love you. I don't care about anyone else. Come here"

It was obvious he was comforting Alice and Charlotte stalked through to look at me still standing on the bottom step,

"I'm warning you Major. You get rid of that interfering hell cat before I punch her on that pretty little nose of hers"

She threw the door back so violently that it broke two panes of glass. I decided discretion was best and went back upstairs. When Bella woke up we'd talk about the situation.

Alice

I knew what was best for Bella as I had all along, but the others would insist on sticking their beaks in where they weren't wanted. All I needed to do was talk to Bella alone but I guessed Jasper would be upstairs with her so I'd have to bide my time. As for that Charlotte, well she was only one level removed from a cave dweller. Looking at the way she dressed she had absolutely no idea how to arrange a wedding let alone a reception. Poor Jake got the rough edge of my tongue but I would make it up to him later. He thought he knew Bella but none of them did. She just needed a guiding hand from me to make things perfect, shed got the Major, all she needed now was to reel him in. Although I knew they'd been meant for each other and their futures were entwined I did wonder how she would acclimatize to his world. She was such an innocent and he was just the opposite. I loved Jake and I knew he was crazy about me but I couldn't help but wonder what it would have been like if he'd decided differently in Philadelphia. Would we have mated instead? No, I tried every way but it all lead to he and Bella, so be it.

Jake

I had no idea where that comment about Bella and I had come from. I'd never seen anyone after Alice. She was my world and I would do anything to make her happy. It looked as if Bella and Jasper had the same kind of relationship so why would she think otherwise? I still wasn't sure about this double wedding idea. I'd wanted us to be married on the Res but that was out of the question, a leech on Quileute land! I still hoped Billy and Harry might come although I had my doubts, they weren't happy at all with the way things had turned out. It was going to be interesting at the least.

When Bella came down later she looked pale and tired but managed a smile as Jasper helped her to the couch and sat with her.

"Jake I'm going to have to speak to Alice about this idea of hers"

I looked at him and nodded,

"Yeah I thought you might have to. I take it Bella doesn't want a lot of fuss?"

Bella shook her head and I saw her bottom lip tremble

I went over and knelt before her, taking her hands in mine

"Hey Bells no ones going to force you to do anything. We'll just tell Alice.."

"Tell me what?"

Alice had just come back into the room. She'd been on her phone for the past hour doing God knew what.

"Oh Bella you're awake, good. Now I've spoken to Antonia and she has a couple of vacancies if we can fly over in the next week. Its going to be tight but she said under the circumstances she could have dresses ready in six weeks. Would that be an OK time scale for you?"

I took Alice's hands and dragged her to the chair, pushing her down.

"Alice. I don't think Bella's ready for this kind of thing"

"Of course she isn't, that's why I'm doing it for her. All she has to do is choose the material and trim that she likes and I'll do the rest for her. That's OK isn't it Bella?"

We both looked at Bella's white face.

"Oh God you're going to need some make up if you don't want to look like the bride of Frankenstein Bella. Cheer up you're getting married, not going to a funeral"