BPOV
As usual Edward woke me up the next morning for the start of another week of school. He kissed me softly until I was awake. I whined when he stopped and he chuckled, "You are becoming very predictable in the mornings Bella." He murmured.
I hugged him to me tightly, "You're the best alarm clock ever," I muttered into his chest.
I could hear the grin in his voice as he answered, "That's good to know love."
I could hear something different in his voice, so I sat up and looked into his golden eyes worriedly. "Edward, what's wrong?"
He looked away from me for a second, sighing. "Alice sees a few nomads passing through sometime this week," he explained, "So I will probably be a little overprotective of you until they're gone."
I frowned, "Edward, I can take care of myself. I have a shield remember," I reminded him.
"I know," he replied quietly, "But I can't help wanting to protect you Bella, it's in my nature."
I let it go for now, annoyed at his over protectiveness, but secretly happy at the same time. I knew firsthand how overprotective vampires could be- even Felix and Demetri, who I constantly beat in fights, still seemed to have an overpowering urge to protect me. I figured it was probably a vampire thing.
He left me soon after so that I could get ready, promising to meet me at school; today was the first day that I would be driving my new car to school.
I drove into the school parking lot, smoothly pulling in next to Edward's Volvo. By the time I turned my car off Edward was already opening my door for me. He helped me out before grabbing my bag and slinging it on his back. We walked hand in hand towards the rest of the Cullens, ignoring all the stares I was getting with my new car. Apparently it wasn't as inconspicuous as I'd thought.
By the time lunch came around the whole school knew I had a new car- one of the disadvantages of being in a small school where any change was big news. When Emmett joined our table he looked incredibly amused. "So I hear that you're sleeping with Edward and he bought you the car as a sort of payment Bella," Emmett chuckled. Beside me Edward growled.
"Actually," Jasper cut in, "I heard that the two of you got married, and the car was Bella's wedding gift from Edward," he mentioned.
"I like that rumour better," Edward muttered.
I grinned, "Good to know you'd prefer me to be your wife rather than your whore." Being raised by vampire,s I had adopted a lot of traditional values and beliefs, and I fully intended on marrying Edward after high school if he proposed. I was simply hoping that he had kept his 1900's views on marriage and would propose soon. Of course, if he didn't, I wasn't above adopting a few 21st century views and proposing myself. I already knew I wanted to spend eternity with him, and I didn't see any reasons why we should wait to get married- although I knew a lot of people would disapprove, or think I was pregnant.
One of the biggest things currently standing in my way was the fact that I wasn't eighteen yet- but that wouldn't be a problem in a few months. I had to admit though, that another reason I wanted to marry within the next year or two was so that I could experience my wedding as a human, and have my parents there. I wanted Charlie to be able to walk me down the aisle, and I knew that in a couple of years I would be a vampire, and it would be impossible for me to have contact with him after that. Of course, I knew my mother's views on marriage were completely different from my own. After her disastrous early marriage to Charlie, she was a great advocate for not getting married until your thirties. I was not looking forward to having to tell her I would be getting married before that- which I would if I had my way.
The conversation dwindled after that, with Edward assuring me that I should never even think about calling myself a whore.
During gym that afternoon I managed to inform Jessica that my truck had been smashed up when a tree fell onto it during the storm last week, and that I had been forced to buy a new car. I knew that as the gossip queen of the school she was bound to start spreading the news, and I hoped that the speculations would stop once people were informed of the truth.
They didn't, but over the week they did at least die down a little. At least when I called Volterra to give them an update they were sympathetic. They were also pleased with how well the Cullens had taken me revealing my gift to them. "If only other vampires would take the news like that," Marcus muttered. "Carlisle always was a compassionate, open minded man."
"Yes," Aro agreed, "I think, given how well they've handled things so far, we should start considering inviting them to Volterra soon to officially meet our princess, and explain everything to them."
"Really?" I asked hopefully, "I won't have to keep hiding it from them?"
"Yes," Caius agreed, "Maybe on your next break we could arrange something."
"Thank you guys so much." I said gratefully. I was overjoyed with the prospect of having no secrets from the Cullens.
Demetri and Felix of course, got a kick out of me throwing Emmett through a glass window. They roared with laughter, "I'll bet he was shocked," Felix said, "I remember how I felt the first time you threw me into a wall."
I snickered, "Well you shouldn't have called me cute."
"I wish we'd been there to see it though," Demetri said wistfully, "I would have loved to have seen their reactions."
I chuckled at that, before launching into a conversation with Santiago about my new car. "Nice choice Bella," he complimented me, "I've taught you well princess," he said proudly.
"Thanks Santi," I said, thankful that he couldn't see me blushing through the phone at his compliment.
One aspect of my phone call was not received as happily as the other news. When I mentioned that Alice had seen nomads passing through the area I could hear them all tense up. "Be very careful Bella," Aro warned, "Remember that your blood smells particularly sweet to vampires. In all likelihood, if they come across you they will try to eat you."
I groaned. I would have to smell tempting to vampires. "I know Uncle Aro, don't worry, I can take care of myself." I assured him.
"We didn't train you for thirteen years for nothing," Demetri stated.
Saturday morning I found myself driving to the Cullen's early. It was Alice's fault of course- she had insisted that I be there early in the morning so that she had all day to get me ready for the Spring Dance tonight- which didn't start until 6pm. Personally, I hated the primping process. I may love shopping, but I just didn't have the patience to sit still for hours on end while my hair and makeup was done. This was why I had originally planned to spend most of my morning alone with Edward, before heading over to the Cullen's house in the afternoon to get ready. Unfortunately, Alice had seen my plan and after begging, pleading and pouting at me hadn't worked, she had called Charlie. Charlie had been charmed into betraying me, and I had left the house this morning disgruntled, and muttering, "Betrayed by my own father," indignantly.
Charlie had chuckled, "Go on Bells, let Alice have her fun, and have a good time at the dance tonight." I had driven off in a huff, annoyed that Alice had foiled my plans.
The minute I stepped out of my car in front of the Cullen mansion I was engulfed in Edward's arms. I sighed happily. "Alice is setting everything up in her room and doing last minute alterations to the dresses," he informed me, "So you have a little time before she steals you away." I grinned, happy for even a few minutes less of Barbie time.
"We could just stay like this," I murmured, content in his arms.
He chuckled, "As much as I would love to, Jasper wants to play a game of Battleships with you, seeing as you were so good at Chess," he said, picking me up and cradling me in his arms as he carried me inside.
Jasper was already waiting, Battleships already set up on the table. Emmett was lounging nearby, obviously wanting to watch the game. Esme came in from the kitchen beaming. "Hi Bella," she said, rushing to hug me as soon as Edward put me down. "I baked you some cookies," she informed me, handing me a plateful of chocolate chip.
I grinned at her, "Thanks Esme, these look delicious."
She smiled at me, "You're welcome Bella. It's nice to finally use the kitchen."
I settled down in front of the table, opposite Jasper. "You're going to lose," I informed him confidently.
He grinned, "I doubt that darlin'," he drawled, his eyes taking on a competitive light.
We placed our pieces on our separate boards, staring warily at each other. Edward joined Emmett on the lounge, looking on with interest. "You can start first," I offered Jasper, "You're going to need it."
"No I won't," he said cockily, "But I was raised to never contradict a lady, so A5," he started.
"Miss," I answered, "F7," I asked.
"Miss," he cocked his eyebrow at me, "C4."
I groaned, "Hit," I muttered reluctantly. Jasper broke out in a triumphant grin. We continued playing and he quickly sunk a few of my ships. In return I found and sunk some of his. Soon both of us were down to one ship each- neither of us had found the smallest ship.
I glared at Jasper, trying to psyche him out so that I would win. He smiled at me belligerently. Both of us had used a lot of different tactics during the game, but having been informed of Jasper's empathic talent, I decided that it was time to try using it against him. I tried feeling fearful, hoping it would project onto him, but in return I felt my own fear amplify as Jasper burst out laughing, "I've got to give you credit for trying Bella, but that won't work on me," he grinned. Edward laughed quietly behind us.
I huffed angrily, my fear all gone. I grabbed a cookie off my plate and took a bite as I considered my options. I suddenly began thinking of pain. I imagined myself loosing Edward, and felt pain wash over me. In front of me Jasper winced in utter agony. "Bella, please stop, you're making me want to go jump off a cliff in despair," he pleaded.
I smirked, "I thought you said it wouldn't work," I informed him. I felt a little guilty though, so I stopped projecting pain at him. He made his move, and I hoped I had distracted him enough that he would make the wrong move. He didn't, "D4."
I cursed, "Hit," I said reluctantly.
In one more move he had won. I grinned in resignation, holding my hand out, "Well done Jazz," I said shaking his hand.
"Thank you for the game Bella," he grinned at me in triumph.
Emmett bounded off the lounge and pushed Jasper aside. "My turn," he announced, settling himself into Jasper's place and setting up his ships.
I shrugged and grinned, "If you really want to lose Emmett, be my guest."
He shook his head, "No way, I'm definitely going to beat you this time," he said adamantly.
I smirked. I figured that it was time to rack up a few more points against Emmett, and I wasn't above cheating to get them.
We started the game, and I let a shield invisibly slip over Emmett's board, feeling for the placement of his ships. "A1," I said confidently.
His self-assured grin failed. "Hit," he said grudgingly.
He missed on his go and it was my turn again. Yet again I unfailingly picked the right one. "Hit."
He chose again, "Miss."
"Hit."
"Miss."
"Hit,"
We continued with me smugly picking off every one of his battleships without fail, while Emmett continued to blindly guess where my pieces were.
I won. I smile smugly at Emmett, who looked flabbergasted and confused as he analysed the boards. Soon enough recognition dawned on his features. "You cheated!" he yelled, jumping up and pointing at me.
I just sat there staring at him with a huge grin on my face as I grabbed another cookie off my plate and chewed slowly. "Prove it," I taunted, secure in the knowledge that as I was the only one who could see my shield; there was no possible way for him to prove that I had cheated.
He frowned, speechless and annoyed. Behind him Rose laughed. "Well done Bella, it's not often someone can make Emmett speechless."
I grinned at her, getting up and stretching my legs. "Bella: 3, Emmett: 1," I declared.
Alice appeared at the top of the stairs. "Oh good, you're done. Rose, grab Bella, we've got to start getting ready." I peeked at the time as Rose picked me up. It wasn't even 10:30am yet and she wanted to start getting ready. I groaned as I was rushed up the stairs and placed in a chair situated in front of a large mirror in Alice's closet.
Rose and Alice got to work on me first, since it wouldn't take either of them half as long to get ready as it would me. We put on some music- and sang along as they did my hair and makeup before showing me the dress Alice had designed for me.
The sketches I had seen didn't do it justice. It was a deep violet coloured strapless dress that hugged my body before flaring out at my hips and reaching to my knees. It had silver beading on the bodice and the right side of the skirt, showing an intricate flower pattern. As I looked closely at the stitches I realised Alice had hand sown the beads herself. "Oh Alice it's beautiful," I gushed, "I almost don't want to wear it for fear that I'll ruin your beautiful design."
She growled at me. "No thinking like that Bella, I made it for you to wear, not look at." I nodded meekly and slipped it on. She disappeared for a second before reappearing with a pair of Rose's Jimmy Choo stilettos in the exact shade of the dress. "Here, put these on."
I strapped them onto my feet and stood up, turning to look at myself in the mirror. A dark eyed beauty looked back at me. "Wow, thanks guys, I look amazing," I said in appreciation.
They grinned, "Your welcome Bella," they said before turning to get themselves ready. I sat and watched, talking to them about Prom, which was coming up soon. Alice had already started designing our dresses for that too of course.
Eventually we were all set, except for jewellery. Alice and Rose lead me over to a chest full of antique jewellery. "Pick something to wear tonight Bella," Rose encouraged me.
I looked at them awkwardly. "Um, well I actually have my own jewellery guys. I inherited it from some rich relatives a while ago." I admitted. Their eyes widened with interest. "Edward!" I called softly, knowing he could hear me. "Could you get me the bag I left on the front seat of my car?"
There was soon a light knock on the door, and Alice floated over to answer it. She took the bag from Edward and slammed the door quickly in his face before I could catch a glimpse of him. "Uh Uh Edward," she chastised him. "I want you to get the full effect of Bella when we walk down the stairs together, not a moment sooner."
I heard him sigh softly in resignation from the other side of the door. Obviously he knew better than to cross Alice. Alice came back over, opening the small bag I had bought and pulling out the velvet jewellery cases. "So what have you got Bella?"
I opened the largest case, showing them the necklace- three strands of white gold, upon which hung a large pear shaped amethyst. Nestled intermittently along the chains were sparkling diamonds. "WOW" Alice breathed. "Esme, come look at this!" she called.
Esme was soon in the room, admiring the piece with Rose and Alice. I grabbed the next case and opened that as well, showing them a matching set of earrings; pear shaped amethysts with tiny chains hanging from them, studded with miniscule diamonds that glittered in the light. "Your jewellery is beautiful dear," Esme said, her voice awestruck.
I smiled, "Thank you Esme," I said as I revealed what was nestled in the last box. It was a delicate three chain bracelet, a miniature version of the necklace.
Once they finished admiring my jewellery- a birthday gift from Didyme when I had turned twelve, I carefully put it all on while Alice and Rose decided on what jewellery they were wearing.
Finally we were all ready, and much to my surprise, it was time to head downstairs to meet our partners.
We waited at the top of the stairs as Esme went down to prepare the guys for our entrance- Alice had insisted. When they were ready we lined up; me in the middle with Rose on my right and Alice on my left. Holding hands we descended the stairs. I knew we looked amazing. Beside me Rose was wearing a beautiful tight satin cocktail dress in ice blue. I showed off her killer body and the jewellery she was wearing, containing pale blue stones, drew attention to her graceful neck and platinum hair. Alice looked unbelievably pretty in a dress almost the complete opposite of Roses. It was pale pink, with straps and a floaty skirt that made her look like a fairy.
As we slowly made our way downstairs I looked at the three guys all waiting at the bottom, corsages in hand. All of their jaws had dropped as they each stared at their mate. My eyes locked with Edwards, and I saw the love and adoration in them as I neared him. In his suit he looked like a Greek god- my own personal Adonis.
We finally got reached our mates and let go of each other, my eyes never leaving Edward's. He picked up my hand, placing a soft kiss on it as he place the corsage just above my Volturi cuff. "You look beautiful Love," he informed me softly.
I smiled up at him, "Well you look pretty good yourself Edward."
Unbeknownst to me, Esme was flitting around snapping photos. Eventually she managed to attract our attention, and we posed for more pictures as she happily snapped away. Carlisle came to stand behind her. He smiled, "You all look stunning," he informed us. "Have fun tonight."
We thanked him and headed out. Once outside Edward lead me to his Vanquish. At my raised eyebrow he explained, "I like to take it out for special occasions." I grinned at him and got in. We followed the others in Rose's BMW to the school. The dance was being held in the gym.
When we arrived there were quite a few kids in the parking lot, and their jaws dropped when they saw Edward's car. "Well the other students have certainly noticed that the Cullen's have arrived," I commented as Edward helped me out of the car.
He grinned, "Well when you have a girlfriend as beautiful as you, it's reasonable to want to show her off." I rolled my eyes, leaning into Edward as we made our way into the gym with the rest of the Cullen family.
Alice, Rose and I stood to the side as the guys bought our tickets, checking out the brightly decorated room. Alice scrunched her nose slightly, "I could have done better," she muttered.
"Maybe you should offer to decorate for prom then," I suggested.
Her face lit up, "Oh Bella, what a wonderful idea. It will be so much fun," she gushed before lapsed into silence as she mulled over ideas for her new project.
I scanned the room for Angela, and was happy to see her chatting to Ben, who I knew she had a crush on. I also noticed that most of the guys in the room now had their eyes trained on the three of us, desire obvious in their eyes.
Edward wrapped his arms around me possessively, glaring at the boys, a silent rumble going through his chest. I leaned back into him, "I take it their thoughts aren't exactly pure?" I whispered.
"No," he answered, "Most of them are undressing you three in their minds right now." I shuddered in disgust. Turning, I pulled Edward's face down and kissed him passionately.
When I eventually broke away I looked up at Edward's amused expression. "I take it that their thoughts are a little disappointed now?" I asked.
He grinned and nodded, before leading me onto the dance floor. Most of the songs were fairly fast, but the rhythm was suitable for Latin dances. Thanks to Renata, I was well equipped, and it seemed that in the last century of his life Edward had become a fine dancer as well. Soon we were twisting elegantly around each other. The other Cullens joined us, and students automatically made room for them on the dance floor.
After I ended one dance with a move Heidi had insisted I learn, consisting of me wrapping both legs around Edward's waist as he dipped me in a slow circle, Emmett whistled at me. "Wow Bella, you've got some skills." I grinned at him and shrugged. "How can you look so smooth and sexy on the dance floor in Rose's three inch heels, and yet you manage to trip over your own feet and wear two trays of food?" he asked.
I glared at him for bringing up the incident again, then I shrugged, "I'm just talented like that I guess," I replied loftily.
Behind me Jasper chuckled, "Well may I have this dance with you then little lady?" he asked in a southern drawl.
I grinned at him, "Why of course you may kind sir," I said in my best southern belle accent as I took his hand.
Alice grabbed Edward and twirled him away from us. For the rest of the night we traded partners, and I found that for such a large vampire, Emmett was almost as graceful as Jasper and Edward on the dance floor. Somehow though, whenever slow songs were playing I always ended back in Edward's comforting arms.
Of course, the dance eventually came to an end, and we reluctantly headed home. I was somewhat relieved that by spending the whole night with wither Edward, Emmett or Jasper, I had avoided being asked to dance by Mike, Tyler Eric, or anyone else.
All in all it was an excellent night, and when Edward kissed me goodbye on my doorstep when he delivered me home, I was perfectly content and bursting with happiness. "Goodnight my love," he whispered as I let myself in.
Charlie was waiting for me inside. He cast an appraising look over me, his expression turning proud as he took it in. "You look beautiful Bells," he observed, "Did you enjoy yourself?"
I grinned, "It was great Dad." I said happily.
"That's good, Esme rang and promised me pictures." He mentioned, "You had better send some to your mum, you know she's going to want tons."
I grimaced, knowing my mother's tendency to be overexcited by the littlest things. No doubt once she saw Edward's photo she would be gushing over him and interrogating me about him every chance she got. "Yeah Dad, I'll remember to send her a few." I assured him.
We talked for a little longer before I went up to bed, perfectly satisfied with my life.