Chapter One: Break Them In
For the next three days, I visited the Cullens to help Alice with the flowers. Using my magic, I cultivated trees and flowers alike. She chose white wisteria, which cascaded down the trees beautifully, creating a breathtaking sight. I had also spent the past three days watching Bella try to break into the high heels that Alice had picked out to match her dress. They were truly beautiful.
Alice directed me to a nearby tree that lacked wisteria, standing tall and bare among its adorned counterparts. I positioned myself in front of it, feeling the magic course through me. "Crescere arbor," the incantation flowed effortlessly from my lips. As the first syllable left my mouth, wisteria began to blossom and cascade down the tree, the delicate white flowers aligning perfectly with the others, creating a seamless, enchanting display.
"Beautiful!" Alice exclaimed, suddenly appearing beside me. I turned my attention to her, a smile spreading across my lips. "Thank you for the help," she continued, taking my hands in hers. "I hope to plan your and Emmett's wedding too," she added unexpectedly, making me laugh. It came out as a snort, as I hadn't anticipated her saying such a thing.
"Alice, I think we're a long way from that," I remarked, laughter punctuating my words. "Besides, my focus is on Bella's day," I said, the laughter fading from my voice. I wanted her day to be perfect, just as Alice did. "Her day needs to be perfect."
"It will be," Alice assured me with a smile, and a gentle squeeze of my hands, and I believed her. Bella's day would be perfect.
"Did you need me for anything else?" I asked, glancing around the Cullens' backyard. It had transformed significantly, despite the crates and boxes still scattered about. By tomorrow, it would become a vision of perfection.
"You've done a wonderful job," Alice exclaimed, releasing her grip on my hands. "Bella's here," she announced before darting off towards the back entrance of the house. I watched as she swiftly ascended the steps and disappeared inside.
Suddenly, large hands snaked their way around my waist and across my stomach. Soft kisses were pressed against my neck, and I instinctively inclined it slightly, giving him better access. I felt him press himself against my back, his hard body moulding perfectly against mine. I traced my fingers over his, marvelling at the contrast between his large, strong hands and my smaller ones.
"Hey, beautiful," he whispered into my ear, the tickle of his lips brushing against my skin. Though he had no breath, his words alone sent shivers down my spine. "Missed me?" he asked, pressing his lips against my supple skin. I couldn't help but let out a soft, small moan, though I knew it would be heard by everyone.
"Clingy much," I remarked playfully, a smile spreading across my face. But before I could react, he swiftly spun me around in one fluid motion, causing me to face him and let out a squeal of surprise. My hands instinctively reached out to steady myself, landing on his chest for support.
"You love it," he replied, his tone deepening slightly. His hands found my waist, pulling me even closer to him until there was no space between us. My heart raced against my chest as I smiled up at him, anticipation coursing through me. Then, he leaned down and captured my lips in a kiss, sending a wave of warmth and electricity through my body.
The sound of our lips moving together echoed in my ears, creating a sweet symphony, before he pulled away, ending the kiss. As always, I found myself wanting more.
"I heard what Alice said," he remarked, chuckling briefly at her words.
I shook my head in amusement. "I think everyone did," I replied, sharing a chuckle of my own. "She must be seeing way into the future," I emphasized, placing particular emphasis on 'way' to indicate that she was seeing decades into the future.
Emmett's smile dimmed if only for a fleeting moment, revealing an emotion I hadn't fully witnessed in him before. But it vanished too quickly for me to discern. He leaned down and kissed me once again, but this time it was brief, and then he released my waist. I could hear Alice and Bella entering the range of my hearing.
I spun on my heels, my arms falling back to my sides, as I spotted Bella and Alice on the porch, just before the steps. Bella smiled and waved at me, and I walked eagerly towards her. In a matter of seconds, I was up those steps, enveloping my friend in a tight, warm hug.
"There's the blushing bride!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement. She chuckled softly into my ear, and I reluctantly released her from the hug. "Take those shoes off, missy," I ordered, wagging my finger playfully. She just laughed in response, her amusement infectious, and Alice joined in with a giggle.
Bella obediently kicked off her shoes as instructed, and Alice handed her the heels she had collected while returning with Bella. With practised ease, Bella swiftly slipped them on, and I offered my arm for her to lean on as she adjusted to the new height. Once she was ready, I lowered my arm, and she took tentative steps forward. The clatter of her heels echoed against the stone foundation as she walked.
As Bella began to walk, she scraped her foot across the stone, struggling to adjust to the height and the unfamiliar sensation of the heels. With one final scrape, she made me cringe at the noise, the sound sending shivers down my spine. I couldn't help but wonder how much more intense the sound must have been for Alice and the others, considering their heightened senses.
"Um," Alice began, meeting Bella's gaze with understanding. She knew Bella was still struggling to break into the shoes. "You just have to break them in," Alice responded with enthusiasm, offering reassurance.
"I've been breaking them in," Bella began her gaze briefly dropping to her feet before returning to Alice. "For three days," she continued, her tone indicating the effort she had put into it. "Can I just go barefoot?" Bella offered, causing both Alice and me to stare at her in disbelief. It seemed absurd to even suggest such a thing.
"No, absolutely not," Alice replied swiftly, her tone leaving no room for negotiation. It was clear she was a little offended by the suggestion.
"Just thinking it's a little much, you know?" Bella began, her voice hesitant. "The dress and the shoes," she continued, her gaze drifting out to the backyard, taking in the abundance of flowers, crates, and other decorations. "And all of this," she added, gesturing with her gaze to the elaborate setup around us.
Just then, Jasper and Carlisle passed by, each carrying long logs sliced in half with branches serving as the back panel. They effortlessly held them on their shoulders, walking with ease as if the benches weighed nothing at all.
"No, it's exactly enough," Alice stated, turning her gaze back to Bella with unwavering confidence. "Tomorrow will be perfect," she assured Bella with her ever-present smile, which was infectious.
"Where do you want them, boss?" Emmett's voice rang through the air, drawing my attention to him. I saw him carrying a very large and long log on his shoulder, similar to Jasper and Carlisle, with no signs of sweat or struggle under the weight.
"On either side of the aisle," Alice stated cheerfully, her eyes following Emmett's movements as she pointed out the placement. My eyes lingered on him, and as if sensing my gaze, he lowered one hand, effortlessly balancing the log on his shoulder with just one hand, subtly showing off his strength.
"What aisle?" Rosalie questioned; her arms wrapped around a shorter but thicker log. Like the others, she had no trouble lifting and holding it.
"Does no one have vision?" Alice demanded, descending down the steps to take charge of the situation. I couldn't help but chuckle at her response, amused by her determination, as I watched her go.
"I think a wedding planner job is in her future," I remarked, casting a glance at Bella, who chuckled softly at my joke. "Apparently, she wants to plan mine and Emmett's wedding," I continued, noticing Bella's eyes widen in surprise as she kicked off her heels. "Don't worry. It's not happening anytime soon," I reassured her before she could voice her thoughts.
"Thank you for being here with me," Bella announced, genuine gratitude evident in her words as she expressed her appreciation for my presence.
"What are best friends for?" I remarked, returning her smile warmly. She maintained her smile as she leaned down to put on her regular shoes.
I folded my arms, allowing my gaze to roam across the enchanting scene before me. Imagining everything completed and set up, I envisioned this backyard transformed into a fairy tale dream. Breathing in deeply, I savoured the scent of the flowers carried on the pine-scented wind, letting the aroma fill my senses.
"You, go home and get lots of beauty sleep," Alice's voice pierced my mind, snapping me back to reality. "That's an order," she declared, attempting to sound authoritative but her underlying sweetness was evident.
"Okay," Bella responded, nodding in agreement with Alice's directive. I turned my attention to them and watched as they shared a hug before pulling away. "You coming with?" Bella turned her attention to me.
"I'm going to stay to help some more," I explained, turning to face Alice, who had also spun around to look at me. "Then I'm still coming to yours tonight," I added, reminding her of our agreement made a few days ago that I would stay over the night before her big day. She nodded in understanding, confirming our plan once again.
"I'll see you tonight," Bella said, stepping forward and enveloping me in a tight embrace. But it ended swiftly as she unclasped her arms from around me. I watched Bella walk away, her figure gradually disappearing down the side of the house. Turning my attention back to Alice, I noticed her crouching down to retrieve the heels from the ground.
"Put me in, coach," I playfully remarked, eliciting a chuckle from Alice at my choice of words.
I followed Alice's orders diligently, attending to every detail with precision and dedication. However, as the hours flew by, exhaustion began to set in, and my body grew weary and achy. Unlike the vampires, I was mortal and in need of food and rest. Despite the physical strain, I continued to contribute to my best friend's wedding with unwavering commitment.
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I returned home to shower and change, feeling the need to freshen up after a long day of wedding preparations. I quickly gathered my bag, making sure to include some comfortable pyjamas and my Grimoire. I kind of wanted the opportunity to perform a spell or two for the bride-to-be, anything she wanted.
I exited the car, slamming the door shut and locking it. Then, I made my way around the car and headed towards Bella's house. I walked up the steps and entered the house, knowing Charlie was at work and Bella was home alone. Edward was undoubtedly here too. Softly closing the door behind me, I headed to the staircase and glided up it, reaching the top in seconds. I turned to Bella's bedroom door, twisted the knob, and pushed it open.
There, I saw Bella and Edward wrapped in an embrace, kissing each other tenderly. Anyone could see they were deeply in love.
Before I could say a word, a whistle echoed through the air, and I knew exactly who it belonged to. My attention shifted to the open window as I walked over and peered out, spotting Emmett and Jasper below, play fighting with one another.
As if sensing my presence, his eyes darted up to the window, instantly widening with happiness at the sight of me. He probably caught my scent. I can still recall when he told me what I smelled like to him. The mere thought made my heart flutter as he flashed me that boyish smile—the one that never failed to melt me every time I saw it.
"Come on! Let's go!" Emmett's voice boomed up to the window. Suddenly, Emmett leaped from the ground, attaching himself to the exterior of the window, Our faces were only inches apart, our lips barely brushing together.
"Send him out, Bella, or we're coming in after him," Emmett declared, his gaze never leaving mine. His deep golden eyes locked onto my green ones, making me feel both weak and special all at once. I hated how he could do that to me. "Hi," he greeted, his tone softening as a smirk curved his lips.
"Hi," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper as I felt my cheeks grow warmer under his gaze. The intensity of his eyes made me blush even more. Before I could say another word, he leaned forward and pressed his lips against mine. The touch of his lips was soft yet electrifying. I welcomed the kiss, pushing it deeper as my hands instinctively moved to his shoulders. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat echoing the growing feelings I had for him. Every kiss seemed to pull me further into the depths of my emotions, and I could feel myself falling for him more and more with each passing moment.
Our lips parted, leaving me breathless as I stared into his eyes. I could hear Bella and Edward talking in the background, but my attention was solely on Emmett. His hand reached out, while the other remained securely holding onto the side of the house. He found a loose strand of my hair and gently tucked it behind my ear, the tender gesture making my knees weak for a moment.
"Be good," I warned him playfully, leaning into his touch as he caressed my cheek.
"I'll try," he replied with a deep, brief chuckle. I couldn't help but smile at his response. His lingering, cold touch left my cheek as he released his grip on the side of the house and dropped gracefully to the ground. He did it with such effortless ease that I couldn't help but be mesmerized.
I turned away from the window and made my way over to Bella's bed. The house creaked, and another voice echoed in the room. "Don't worry, Bella, we'll give him back in plenty of time," Jasper said before dropping down from the window.
"Okay, go," Bella began, gently pushing Edward toward the window. "Before they break my house," she finished with a silent chuckle.
"Let's go! Let's go!" Emmett shouted up again, urging Edward to move. Edward paused, looking back at Bella before heading to the window.
"I'll meet you at the altar," Edward said lovingly, his eyes filled with adoration.
"I'll be the one in white," Bella replied, a tender smile spreading across her face. I turned around and watched as Edward climbed through the window and dropped gracefully to the ground. Bella walked over to the window to look down at them. Even from where I stood, I could hear their laughter blending together. Their joyous tones mixed into one before a brief, enthusiastic "whoo" echoed through the air.
Bella lingered at the window, before she turned her attention to me, her arms wrapping around herself.
"That boy is smitten, as my Grams would say," I remarked with a laugh, which made Bella chuckle softly as she walked over to the bed. "You have true love there, Bella," I continued as we both settled onto the edge of the bed.
"Says you," she replied, giving me a knowing look. "Edward says Emmett can't stop talking about you and thinking about you," Bella added, making me blush at the mere thought of Emmett having me constantly on his mind.
"I really do like him," I admitted to Bella, my eyes locking onto hers. But then my mind wandered to the thoughts I had locked away at the back of my mind. I considered the possible future with him, knowing I wouldn't give up my witch heritage to become a vampire. I would have about eighty years with him, while he remained exactly as he is now. I would grow old and wrinkly.
Bella clearly noticed as my once bright expression turned sombre, the weight of those thoughts clouding my mind.
"You said I could ask for a spell?" Bella asked, shifting the conversation. I brought my gaze back to her and forced a smile, nodding my head. "Then show me something magical," she added with a hint of excitement in her voice.
I couldn't help but chuckle at her comment, and shifted myself up to the top of the bed, as she got the gesture and followed suit. We both lay on our backs and stared up at the ceiling.
"Preitori speculo," I mumbled the incantation into the air, and the room suddenly darkened as the lights switched off. The ceiling above us began to fade as if transforming into a pane of glass. The moon appeared, hanging brilliantly in the sky, while stars twinkled down at us. I could instantly tell Bella was in awe of what I had done.
My hand found hers beside me, and we both held on tightly. Without turning to face each other, we stared up through the enchanted ceiling, watching as the night sky unfolded its wonders above us. My once-locked-away thoughts now flooded my mind, tormenting me, and I found myself unable to push them back any longer.
The future seemed uncertain, and I trembled at the thought of where it might lead me...
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