Chapter 17

"Rare is the union of beauty and purity." –Juvenal.

Edward's POV

Today went better than what I've expected. Bella is happy, I'm happy, my family seemed to be pleased with her and Renée and Charlie looked like they accepted our relationship. I wish my grandma were alive to see us happy and give us her blessing. This day was full of surprises; I didn't know Bella was preserving herself for her husband, I was glad to hear her saying those words. It never crossed my mind that Bella feel the same way, especially with all the kissing and her being very passionate every time we are alone. Not that I hate it, but I didn't want her thinking we were heading to reckless sex.

I get home and plan to take a shower, but I'm stopped by my mom on my way. "So, tell me Sweet Pie, I want to hear all the details. Did she like the surprise? Did she cry? What was her reaction with the pendant?" My mom and Alice are the same, always prying for information.

"Sweetheart, what did I tell you about respecting your son's privacy?" Dad's always helping me with mom. "But go ahead son, I want to hear about your first Valentine's Day with Bella. She seems lovely." Never mind, it seems like my mom's curiosity has reached my dad.

"Alright everybody let him relax. He had a tough day, I'm sure all he wants to do is dream with Bella." Who would have thought that Alice will come to my rescue? "You'll tell me later, right?" She whispers as she walks by my side heading to the studio. I guess I was wrong; she wants all the details for herself.

"If you really want to know what happened. Bella and I had a lovely date. She loved the surprise as well as the pendant. She didn't want the pendant, but I insisted and she agreed to keep it. I'm driving her to school and she was sorry she fainted but glad to have known you." There, that summarizes everything without giving too much information.

"Awww, Edward. I'm so glad you found her. I love how she brings life to your eyes. I missed seeing you smile. She better keeps on doing what she's doing." My mom hugs me and kisses me goodnight. Dad just gives me a pat on my back and a nod.

I thought I was done with the questioning, but apparently I was wrong. Alice has rushed to my room and is waiting for me. "What is it Alice?" She looks at me with her 'I'm-your-baby-sister-aren't-you-going-to-tell-me- everything-that-is-there-to-know-about-your-date?' eyes. "Well, you know how I wished I had a date for Valentine's Day and you know how hard I kept the secret, so I deserve to know what happened, and I don't mean the condensed version you gave mom and dad. I mean, I want to know every single detail."

"Everything? Including all the grabbing and saliva we shared?" She makes a gesture about throwing up and I know what that means. She doesn't need the gaudy details, not that there're any.

"Not that type of details, though we both know you wouldn't do anything like that. Did you tell her about your purity oath, how did she react?"

"It's not an oath Alice. And for your information Bella intends to wait until marriage too. She loved grandma Masen's pendant and it was quite a nice surprise finding out that she's learning French. I offered my help for her French lessons. She definitely loved the food, so thank you for the research Alice, she definitely didn't expect that."

"I knew she'd appreciate the small details, I told you girls like that."

"Yes, you were right. Now, would you let me finish?" She gestures with her hand for me to keep talking. "After dinner, we danced under the moonlight. I sang part of the song in French, she was fascinated and we stayed close to each other in an eternal embrace."

"I thought you were going to say kiss. Didn't you kiss her?"

"Alice, do you really want to know that?" "

Yes, I want to know everything. Bella's my friend, but she isn't talkative, so I'm sure she won't give me the details and this is better than a soap opera."

"It's kind of creepy but anyway… No, I didn't kiss her, at least not there. We did kiss at the end of the date in her porch. I didn't want her to think the date was heading to sex so I try to avoid physical contact with her. It was hard for both of us; I didn't want her to feel like I didn't want her. So you could say we struggled, but succeeded in the end."

Alice hugs me and I see some tears falling down her cheek. "I'm really glad for you, I really am. It's nice seeing you happy. She's really a great girl, and I can see she loves you with all her heart. I foresight a happy life for you and Bella. You are made for each other." I hug her close to me. I know Alice is sometimes hard to understand, but she's the sweetest girl. I hope she finds her other half, she deserves it. "Alright, that's what happened tonight. Now, am I free to go?"

"Yes, you are. Just don't do any indecent there mister. I'll know if you do."

"ALICE!"

"I'm just kidding big bro. Do what you have to do."

"You're making me consider telling you more in the future."

"Hey! Forget it, alright? I'm just trying to make you laugh."

"Just keep those thoughts for yourself. Will you? Though, thinking it better, stop watching too many movies. Not all guys are the same." She nods and heads towards her room.

Finally, I'm left alone. Retelling the events of the night made me realize how much fun I had. I hadn't felt that way in a long time. I understand why my family is glad for this new me. I had no clue they could see thru me. I pretended to be fine, but apparently they didn't buy it. I take my clothes off and shower thoroughly. Then I dry my hair and body and get ready to sleep. As I turn off the bedside lamp, I receive a new message. I reach for the cell phone and proceed to read the message: I had a lovely time with you. I don't know how I'll beat it, which means I'll get to plan our next date. Soon, real soon. P.S. You're spoiling me.

I find myself grinning at the phone. I reply to her message: I'm glad you like it. Every minute without you makes me treasure the time I spend with you. I can't wait for tomorrow mon ciel.

I spend the night dreaming of Bella.

A/N: Thank you for your reviews, favorites and follows. They make me happy and encourage me to keep writing.