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Chapter 5: Preparations

My mouth hung open at the beautiful dress before me. The elegant white gown was gorgeous. Alice had really outdone herself this time. I let go of Edward’s hand and walked around the manikin, eying the dress. It was perfect; it was everything I’d dreamt it would be. It was like Alice had stolen that part of my dreams and captured it in this one piece of fabric. “Do you like it?” Rosalie’s voice chimed in. I had not expected her to be part of this but even though our relationship was not as strong as mine and Alice’s, at least she did not hate me. It took me a minute to answer. I ran my fingers down the smooth satin bodice and along the back, fingering the little pearl buttons. It was strapless and met the ground; it would be impossible to see my shoes. I looked at Rosalie and nodded my head in appreciation, “Yes. It is very beautiful.” A soft smile spread across her features revealing a set of teeth the same remarkable white as the gown. Esme put her cool slender arm across my shoulder. “This is for your wedding.” She said.

My wedding? Hadn’t I already had it? Her statement confused me a little. I guess Alice could see that. She was standing next to Rosalie and Edward near the doorway; Edward didn’t seem the least bit surprised. Of course.
“I told you I was going to make it up to you, didn’t I?” Her eyes danced with excitement of the chance to plan another wedding. They flashed to Edward and his face was disapproving. When she turned back to me her eyes were glum.
“But this time” - her voice seemed slightly disappointed - “we’re going to do it your way.” I stood in silence for a moment, still in shock of the stunning dress that it took a moment for everything to sink in.

As I put the pieces together Esme removed her arm from my shoulders and turned to face Alice and the others. Her face was twisted in uncertain confusion. I realized she had misread my silence and reached out to grab her cold hand.
“Oh Esme, Alice! Everyone,” – I quickly curved my lips into an enthusiastic smile- “this is absolutely wonderful. I can’t express how much I appreciate this.” And it was the truth. My first attempt at a wedding was stolen from me, and now I had a second chance. Everyone’s expressions relaxed into smiles; I glanced at Edward, despite the grin his eyes filled with skepticism. I suppose he would wait till we were alone to ask me how I really felt.
Alice didn’t need any more explanations; she was at my side tugging at my too long sleeves towards the door.
“Come on! We don’t have much time to plan.” Her expression was ecstatic and her eyes were eager.
“When exactly is it?” I asked.
She smiled sheepishly. “The day after tomorrow.”
“Oh.” Was all I could say.
“I’m sorry it’s so soon.”
“No. Don’t be. The sooner the better.” I replied glancing at Edward. The skepticism was replaced with delight, his smile more brilliant than one thousand stars.
“Well, then, come on!” She tugged a little harder and we were almost out the door.
“Rosalie? Would you like to come?” I asked trying to ignore Alice’s pulling.
She hesitated for a moment, probably wondering if my invitation was sincere or if I was just trying to be polite. In all honesty, it was a bit of both.
“It would be my pleasure” she finally said with a grin.
“I will rescue you soon.” Edward’s teasing voice rang in my ears.
“I’ll be waiting.”
And then I was yanked from the room and down the steps towards the middle home. I had to remind Alice that not everyone was as fast as a speeding bullet and that she would have to slow down so I wouldn’t have a twisted ankle at my wedding. The last excuse seemed to do the trick. I suppose she was planning to put me in death traps again, and a twisted ankle would spoil that plan.

Alice didn’t waste any time when we reached her room. I plopped down on her bed; it seemed softer than the last time. Rosalie was perched gracefully on the chair near the chestnut vanity; even the mirror didn’t do her beauty justice. Alice was frantically running around the room, I heard her mutter something about fabrics and magazines and then she rushed out before I could decipher anymore. It was relatively awkward being in the same room alone with Rosalie. The last time that happened, she told me the grim tale of how she became a vampire and also tried to discourage me from my desire. However, that night I gained more respect for her and I believe that she began to accept me – as a human, not a vampire.

“Alice really gets into all this stuff.” She said teasingly.
I smiled. “Yeah, I know. But I don’t mind.” And it was true. I looked over to the manikin supporting my dress and wondered where they had gotten it. I hope that was not a rude question to ask.
“Rosalie?”
“Hmm?”
“Where did you guys get this dress so fast?”
She looked slightly embarrassed when she turned her head to face me. “Well, it was mine actually. I wore it when I married Emmett. I really hope you don’t mind that it’s a hand-me-down.”
“No, not at all. I absolutely love it. Thank you so much.” I said shocked, my eyes were baffled. This was very unexpected behavior from Rosalie. Maybe she was beginning to accept me as a vampire after all.

Alice bobbed back into the room carrying a handful of bridal magazines. “Ok. I think this is all of it."
Both Rosalie and I exchanged wary looks and Alice noticed.
“Oh come on. Try to have a little fun.” I was excited for the wedding, but not the wedding preparations. However, she was right; and fun was just what I needed.
“Didn’t Edward tell you that this is Bella’s wedding so you should let her have it how she wanted.” Rosalie accused.
“Yes” Alice sighed.
“And didn’t you agree to that?”
“Yes” Alice repeated in defeat. It was then that I realized why Edward had looked at her so disapprovingly earlier.
“Ok then.” Rosalie’s voice was triumphant. I guess she thought she was doing me a favor. And she was, but I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt of the fact that I would be depriving Alice of her fun.
“Alice. I would still enjoy your help.” I said cautiously. “And yours too.” I added looking at Rosalie. “I really don’t know the first thing about weddings.” A smile covered both Alice and Rosalie’s face. Both of them urged me to try on the gown. I was afraid it wouldn’t fit seeing as Rosalie is much more “gifted” in some areas than I am. Nevertheless, it clung to my every curve flawlessly except for one minor problem; it needed to be shortened about an inch. I looked at Rosalie when Alice had pointed that out. I didn’t want her to think I was ruining her dress. But her face was composed and her smile didn’t betray any sign of anger at this news. She just nodded her head in agreement and said she would get on it right away.

The next hour was spent rummaging through the mountainous piles of bridal wear magazines. The bridesmaid dresses were hard for us to agree upon. I liked the simple spaghetti strap turquoise dress with a satin bow on the back. Alice and Rosalie had other ideas. They had ganged up on me and decided they both liked the blood red halter that cut off just below the knee; it was quite similar to the dress Alice had chosen before. I decided to give in without a fight; besides, I was not the one who had to wear it. That was the only minor disagreement we had, everything else had run smoothly. They simply sat there taking notes and meeting my every need.
“Well, I think that’s it.” Alice said. “This is so exciting.” All three of us exchanged giddy smiles. This last hour had made me eager for the wedding, and not just the marrying Edward part. Though I would probably never admit this to Edward, I was actually anticipating the experience of a normal human wedding. He had always been keen on me getting in as many human experiences as I could.

Just then a knock came from the door. I quickly whipped my head around to see who it was, though I already knew the answer. But before my eyes even met the door, he was already by my side, his face inches from mine.
“I told you I would save you.” He whispered, his sweet breath paralyzing me temporarily.
He picked me up in his arms and carried me swiftly from the room.
“Thank you.” I finally managed to say. He chuckled.
When we reached the safety of the backyard he set me down on my feet and took my hand in his. We were silent for a while, walking hand in hand through the shaded trees. Sometimes we would come across a sunny patch of light where the trees failed to cover and Edward’s skin glistened more beautiful than the stars.

“So how was it with Alice and Rosalie?” Edward asked, breaking the silence.
“Fun” I summed it up in one word, I didn’t know what else to say.
He stopped walking to look at me, his eyes filled with skepticism.
“Are you sure? I told Alice not to push you and that it was your-“
“It was fun.” I cut him off. “I enjoyed spending time with them. And Alice behaved herself, so don’t get mad at her.” I smiled. He turned his head from me to look into the woods.
“I’m so sorry Bella.” He said suddenly, his voice was strained. He tried to release my hand but I only gripped it tighter.
“What for?” I demanded a little more strongly than necessary.
He still didn’t look at me when he answered. “For everything. I’m sorry that I couldn’t stop him. I’ve never felt so weak. Please forgive me.” I realized what he was talking about. With my free hand I reached out to touch his face and turned it towards me.
“There is nothing to forgive.” I whispered. His arms wrapped around me crushing me to his stone chest. We stood like that for a moment not saying anything.

I still had questions and I guess now would be a good time.
“Edward?”
“Hmm?”
I reluctantly pulled away from him so I could read his face. His smile was forced and shame filled his eyes. Maybe now was not a good time, but I had to know.
“Why was it Emmett that rescued me from Jacob and not you?” The word rescue was hard to say. I didn’t like to think of it was a rescue mission, but there was no other way to put it; and that is indeed what Emmett had done.
He let out a dark chuckle.
“Easy. I didn’t think I would be able to restrain from not killing him. I told Emmett not to do too much harm but also not to withhold from teaching him a lesson.”
Oh. I should have known that.
“He didn’t hurt him too much did he?” He calmly asked. His voice was steady but I could here the burning curiosity behind the question. If Emmett had accidentally killed Jake, it would be no upset to him.
“No.” I didn’t mention that Jake had been thrown mercilessly off the side of a cliff. He just nodded, half in approval and half in disappointment. I decided to change the subject. I didn’t like when he was like this.

“So, who will be at the wedding?” We began walking again, his fingers intertwined with mine. It was very short notice to invite people, and in reality I didn’t really want a crowd. The Cullens and Charlie and Renee would be enough.
“Whomever you would like to be there.” He smiled. “We have already taken the liberty of inviting Charlie and Renee, I hope you don’t mind.” His voice was a little worried about asking them without my permission.
“Of course I don’t mind.” It saved me the pain of hearing their worried voices, although I would have to face them sooner or later. I don’t know how I would explain what had happened, but at least I had a couple days to get my story straight.
Edward had noticed my worried expression.
“Don’t worry love. Everything will be alright.” His words soothed my nerves. He kissed me on the forehead making his way down my cheek and eventually met my lips. Even now, when I have kissed him over a thousand times, the world seemed to not exist.
I hated it when he stopped. “Bella” –his eyes flashed to mine-“ I don’t think I can wait.”
It took me a minute to grasp what he was talking about. “Edward. You have to. As I’ve told you before, I will not risk your soul.” I couldn’t believe I was actually telling him this; I had wanted this more than anything, but the chance for that was getting closer. And I impatiently waited for that day, now just hours away. He let out a loud sigh and led me back to the house where I had just been saved from.

Alice and Jasper were sitting on the couch talking, but immediately reduced to fast whispers when she noticed me.
Edward had gone stiff at my side.
“What is it?” My voice was anxious. His sudden mood change and expression was scaring me. What was wrong? Had Alice seen something?
“It’s nothing.” He replied. His face was calm and composed but a hint of malice escaped from his eyes. I knew what Alice had seen. Who else could it have been? Every nerve in my body went numb and I could think of only one name. The Volturi. I knew it was only a matter of time before they came, but to have them now? I wondered when exactly they were planning to pay us a visit. Hopefully after the wedding, maybe they would show up right after Edward and I had escaped. Yes, this is what I hoped. But suddenly I felt a wave of calm rush through me, courtesy of Jasper. I could remember what I was worried about but not why I was worried about it. I welcomed the sudden serenity with open arms knowing that when I was alone later, he would not be there to protect me from my haunting thoughts.