~Beginning of Chapter One

I was walking in the woods, not sure where I was going. Everywhere I looked, there was darkness, or the infrequent low hisses that would erupt from somewhere in the distance. I ran. I ran harder and harder towards nowhere. There was a glow, a faint glow, in the distance. I felt tears streaming down my face, and running without sense.
There he was. Hugging her. Auburn hair, ashen face that gleamed in the sun, rosy full lips that concealed pearls of teeth. And those eyes, those perfect amethyst eyes that fluttered up and down, with long eyelashes. The fluttered up and down, timidly, giggling while he brushed back her hair. They looked abnormal, but were beautiful in a less obvious way. My eyes brimmed with tears.
~
I awoke, sweating and curled up in a ball. I felt inferior. There in the corner of the bed, Edward was perched, stone still, a piece of my hair intertwined in his fingers. Gently, he stroked my forehead, wiping the beads of sweat of my head. “Who is this perfect girl you ramble on and on in your dreams?”
I darted up and swept my hair to the side, trying to conceal my tears, my voice cracked, “No one. She’s no one….”
The cool shower awoke me, letting the shower’s water become her tears. She knew there was a perfect girl that he once loved, who was still out there. I wrapped the towel around my dripping body, and carefully chose my favorite silky blue blouse that Edward had complimented one too many times. I slipped on her jeans, and wrapped my damp hair in a towel.
Edward was still there, in a perfect position, only in his jeans. I sighed as his misty topaz eyes wandered around to her, piercing her with such intensity, she had to look away before she met his gaze again. The unusually sunny morning made him look paler than every, which worked for him. I snuggled up to his perfectly chiseled chest, and sighed. Edward spoke up after what seemed an eternity, “We have to make wedding plans, or shall we let Alice do it?” he chuckled at imaging the extravagance Alice would plan.
“The wedding.” Those two words held my future in place. “And after the wedding…hopefully…maybe…?” Edward sat up, holding her shoulders and facing me with force. “Bella, keep your options open. Try college first. But remember what Rosalie said to you.”
~

I spent the rest of the day with Alice. Or, I was supposed too. She prattled on about the location, date, and outfits. “I think the main color should be red, for the bridesmaids, strapless, blood red, and a red rose in the hair.” Bella tried to look as interested as she could manage. But her mind was fixed on the wedding, no matter if it was in the Buckingham Palace, or the McDonald’s parking yard, as long as it was with Edward.
Alice begged me to go to the mall with her, practically pleading. “No Alice. I refuse to go to the mall, it’s too busy.” Alice pouted, an irresistible mope. “Fine, we’ll go to my room, come upstairs!” Alice dragged her by her wrist, dragging her up the continuous flight of stairs. Bella sighed, knowing Alice’s closet is a mall of its own. She opened the door to a room as big as Bella’s bedroom, except full with clothes. From silky long camisoles, to Mexican dresses, full of color. “Pick one for the reception.” She ordered. There was no way that Alice’s small delicate curve, and her short figure could fit on my fragile and tall frame. Yet, when I slipped on a pale dress, it fit, just hitting below the ankles. Alice gasped. “Look at yourself, Bella. This is it.” I peered into the full length mirror, looking at myself. The white dress fit me correctly in the right places. It had a simple black velvet ribbon. I loved it. It loved me. Alice smiled, not the usual smile with the energetic hype, but with a caring, sensitive look. “Edward said that he hoped you’d choose that. It was Esme’s. It’s beautiful on you.”

~


I spent half the afternoon with Alice, listening her drone on happily about the location, time, dresses, and all the other tedious wedding plans. The other half she spent with Jake, on the reservation in La Push. We mostly just cherished our last moments, as Jake and Bella Swan. The next time we saw each other, more or likely, it would be Jacob and Bella Cullen. We just reminisced, thinking of all the fun times they had, since the time that I had arrived in Forks. That day I spent my evening with the care free Jacob, the one that I grew up with, when I was spending the summer at Charlie’s when I was little.
He dropped me off at the treaty line and then spoke up in his husky voice, “Bella, seriously think about what you are doing.” His voice showed a slight hint of joking, but it held a bit of strain. I stared into his eyes, which held no joke, only dead serious. “Bella, think.” As soon as I was about to step out, and retort what he said, a huge red jeep had appeared out of nowhere, giving me a spaz attack. I saw bulky Emmett saunter out of the car, as I was hyperventilating. “Hey Bells, why are you breathing like that? What did the dog do to you?” I could see his hands balling up into fists, veins popping out. “S’okay Emmett, I was just expecting Edward. Bye Jake.”
“Bye Bells, really think though. Think it through.”
I climbed into the passenger’s seat, strapping on the belt that felt like a thousand pounds on my abdomen.
If I thought Edward’s driving was crazy, I didn’t ride with Emmett. Even with the windows down, I felt a breeze of air, almost seeping through the slit that was in between the door and the car. “So, Emmett, why didn’t Edward pick me up?”
“Something came up. Something about Victoria.”
I perked up with fear at Victoria’s name. “But I thought she was dead-she is isn’t she? I mean I saw her head roll off!” I gagged at the image of those red masses of hair rolling into the forest.
“That’s what happened. But a lot of vampires were associated with Victoria. You hurt one, all attack.”
I sighed. No more of this. Not now. “Ugh. I wish we had never met James, Laurent, or Victoria.”
We pulled up at the massive house that I was once at only a mere three hours ago, working on the wedding plans. I saw Rosalie bound after the house. Her silky blonde hair was tied up in a tight bun, with strands flying awry. In spite of being in silky pajamas, she looked as if she could strut down the runway right this second. Emmett got out and held Rosalie in a three minute hug. I felt awkward as they were kissing passionately. Rosalie broke it and said, “I missed you.” Then she leaned against Emmett’s massive chest, and noticed me. Blushing a deep, crimson, “Ah-Sorry Bella. I didn’t see you!” She hugged her for a second, before joining hands with Emmett, and walking towards the back door.
As soon as I entered into the house that was filled with the scent of French vanilla, Edward was leaning against the wall. He made his way to me, and hugged me. Resting his chin in my hair, He said, “Sorry I didn’t pick you up, something came up.” We walked up to Edward’s room, his arm around my shoulder, mine stiffly to my side, not sure what to do with it. On the way we saw Carlisle and Esme in the study. Esme looked up and smiled at me with her dazzling, motherly smile. “Hullo Bella!” she came and embraced me, gently stroking my hair. “Two more weeks till the big day, my soon to be daughter-in-law.” I blushed a deep ruby, and nodded to Carlisle, who was engrossed in a book, Wuthering Heights, I smiled, my favorite book.
In Edward’s room the curtains were drawn, and he locked the door behind me. I pulled my hair out of my ponytail, curling up in a ball on his massive king sized bed. I had a flash of that perfect girl again. I sighed heavily, attracting Edward’s attention. I lied down, staring at the ceiling, almost letting a tear escape. Lying down beside me, he planted his cold hard lips against mine. “Two weeks.” The words escaped from my lips in mid-kiss. He pulled back from me, and stared at me, boring his eyes into mine. “Two weeks, only, Mrs. Bella Cullen.” I giggled at the name. Bella Cullen. “Have you told Charlie or Renee yet?”
Boy, Edward knew how to ruin a mood. Propping my head up with my elbow, I breathed deeply in and out, “I will tell them, eventually.” Edward raised his eyebrow, and messed up his bronze hair, “Knowing you, you’ll tell them when we’re having the reception.” I wrinkled my nose at him, my best comeback.
“My Bella…” he caressed my cheek with the back of his hand. “Let’s go tell Officer Swan.” I widened my hazel eyes, trying to make it irresistible, and I pouted. “Damn it, Bella. Stop trying to change my mind. We’re going.” I sighed, pulling his hand back, trying to be flirty. “Please. Edward?” Edward stared at me with his deep eyes. “Bella. We’re going now!” He dragged me to the front door, and literally threw me into the Volvo. I muttered under my breath for the millionth time, “Stupid, shiny, Volvo owner.” Edward rolled his eyes, hearing my rant.
The ride was unusually silent. While he was driving, with his right hand he placed it on top of mine. “Bells, you have to tell him. You just have to.” He looked at me with his deep, passionate eyes and I felt them pleading for apology. “Fine.” I muttered under my breath, unsatisfied with my ability to give in to him. “What happened?”
Edward looked at me with a perplexed look. “What what happened? I gave him my knowing look, and pulled in a deep breath, “Emmett said that he picked me up, because something came up. When I asked what, he said something about Victoria.” Edward’s eyes turned coal, and his hand was icy. “Damn it. He wasn’t supposed to tell you anything.” He turned his full attention to the road.”
“You have to tell me. You can’t keep it from me.”
“Bella, I’ll make you a deal,” Edward sighed, thinking everything over again, “If you tell your father, and your mother, I’ll tell you.” Smiling with satisfaction, I climbed out of the door as soon as we pulled into the house. Politely as every, he opened the door, and let me pass. “Hello Charlie!” I let my voice ring through the house. I found him lying down on the couch, watching ESPN. “Hey Bella. Edward.” He nodded towards Edward, in a gruff manner. “Hello Officer Swan. Hope you are having a nice evening.” Edward said with too much courtesy than Charlie deserved. “Dad, I have something to tell you, about Graduation.” He turned off the television and gave me all of his attention.
“Bells, what is it?” He seemed genuinely interested, in a parental way. Edward had wandered into the kitchen, to give us privacy. “Bella, what is it?” I could tell there was fear in his voice. He didn’t want it to be what he thought it was. “After graduation, you know me and Edward got accepted to the same college, right? Well, in two weeks, when graduation is over, Edward and I are-” I paused, maybe for too long, because then Charlie was looking at me, like I was sick. “Bells, what do Edward and you want to do? You are not being roommates!” I laughed, knowing that probably we were. “Edward and I are,” I stammered, “We’re getting…” Charlie cut me off. “You’re getting married aren’t you?” I was taken aback. Before I could tell him anything that would make him irritated, he interrupted me. “I suspected that.”
“How did you know?” I whispered barley audible. Charlie almost grimaced. “I know. You’re always around him, when he comes, your face is just so bright, almost like me and Rene-” he stopped himself before he thought of those days. “Although I don’t approve of you and him, but I will approve of this. Even though I know how this might turn out, who knows? Maybe,” he put his hand on my hair, smoothing it out, “it will work.” I smiled, and hugged him. “By the way,” he said to me, “I think I saw Edward leave.” I laughed to myself, knowing he will be upstairs in my room, like a statue by Michelangelo.
When I got upstairs, in my silk Victoria’s Secret pajamas that my mother had sent me after deliberate messaging, Edward was on my bed, still as stone. He eyed at my silky nightgown and said, “Going expensive aren’t we?” In the dim light, his hair almost looked auburn. Like that perfect girl. I needed to know if she was there. No, I knew she was there, I needed to know where she was, right now, this instant. Again I saw her giggling perfect piercing misty amethyst eyes.
“So now will you tell me about Victoria?” Edward caught my gaze wandering around his perfect features. “No. We agreed, Renee and Charlie.”
“I’ll tell Renee now.” I dialed the phone and told her, not wanting to wait on any side tracking. She seemed cool enough. Okay that was an underestimate, she was in hysterics of happiness. “Bells! You are already a women!” I held her into a short chat, implying that I would inform her more later.
“Fine.” I lied down in the bed, my head leaning against his cool chest. He was stroking my hair gently, and whispered in my ear, “Alice finished the plans already.” I widened my eyes in question. “Already? But she just got through interrogating me about the wedding this afternoon!” I was shocked. Edward chuckled in amusement, “You should’ve known. When Alice does something, she goes all out.”
“Fill me in on where we’re getting married, not that it matters.” He smiled serenely and murmured, “In the parking lot of Forks High…” I punched him playfully, not that it even bothered him, “I want to go as far away from High school as possible, especially after my graduation.”
“Okay, we’re getting married at the chapel, the one in Seattle. It is not too far, but it isn’t exactly at home. That’s what you wanted.” I smiled and stared at the gold engagement ring. It was simple yet elegant. It was a simple diamond set in gold. I looked up at him and kissed him softly on his icy lips. He murmured, “Bella, I love you.” Soon I was intertwined my fingers in his bronze hair. After about two seconds, he pulled me away, I knew it wouldn’t last. “Bella, Bella, you’ll be the death of me.” Almost instantaneously we kissed again. I loved him. It was obvious.

~


I was in Study Hall, my last period in school. I long anticipated these last two minutes of grade school. In five more days, I wouldn’t be regular Bella Swan. That is why I loved today. Almost the only reason. Then it was becoming a vampire. I heard the bell ring. All of a sudden, all the seniors had burst out of the school, rejoicing the last melancholy rings of the school bell. Edward was waiting outside the door. In one swift movement he took my Calculus II books and said, “Happy Graduation.”
That night was the Graduation itself. Alice had also dragged me again to her closet to pick out more clothes. She was wearing a lime green strapless J. Crew dress with her white boots. I could feel her energy flowing through her clothes in a bright, energetic form. I chose a maroon short sleeved dress. It had a black lace weaved in and out, and a crimson red brooch that Alice felt had matched the occasion. Frankly, I didn’t see the point, considering the dresses would be covered with polyester blue gowns. Alice had teased her hair even more, so it looked even prettier, which was ideal for her, bright and crazy. Somehow she had managed to let me let her put my hair in loose bun, pulling out strands and curling them with a curling iron. We slipped on shoes and headed out of my house. Charlie was driving us, and he was waiting in the car. When we entered, Charlie said, “You girls look even more beautiful than ever.” We rode to school, reminiscing about how we started hated school. Of course, Alice made hers up on the spot. When she said it in her whimsical voice, it sounded like a beautiful novel that was tied evenly. Whereas mine just sounded like a boring narrative of my school career.
The school’s miniature auditorium looked massive with all the parents, siblings, and friends swarming in it. The class was on the stage, all in blue gowns and blue hats. Only Alice had painted hers green, but nobody obliged. After the principal said the names of the graduating class, there was a chorus of, “Yes!” and “Congrats!” and then there was a rainfall of blue caps, yellow tassels, and one green one. Edward was still in his graduation clothes at the after party. He seemed to be in a daze, staring at the clock. “Edward?” I sighed, coming out more a question. He smiled gently at me, but still seemed transfixed at the clock. I asked, “What’s wrong?” I placed my hand on his shoulder, almost on my tip-toes. “It’s just that, five days.” I smiled. Five days till the wedding. Five days until Mrs. Edward Cullen. I was about to respond, but then Rosalie came in, wearing a midnight halter dress, and a gardenia in her hair. “Come inside! In the halls it isn’t fun!” She dragged them inside towards the blaring music, and bright flashes of color.


~ End of Chapter One