Celebrations

     As we started up the aisle, two things caught my eye. First, as we stopped to hug first Charlie, Renee’ & Phil, and then Edward’s family. I gasped to see two additional vampires sitting behind the Cullens! Two females, so beautiful, they almost rivaled Rosalie, almost. The first had a stunningly symmetrical face, with strawberry blond hair, that seemed to shimmer even though she did not move. Her features were delicate, and reminded me of an angel. The second was taller, thinner, less curvaceous, but nonetheless lovely. She had long Chestnut hair which reached down her back past her waist. She definitely had an otherworldly quality about her. They smiled quickly as I looked at them, but let their smiles retreat before my eyes left them. Next, as we passed the last row of benches I saw a familiar face. At first, I couldn’t place the young woman. Then as we passed her and our eyes met, I was filled with fear and confusion. It was Gianna, the beautiful human receptionist from the castle at Volterra! She smiled sweetly, her hazel green eyes sparkling behind her fashion model lashes; still human I thought. I almost stopped but Edward kept a firm grasp on my arm urging me forward to the room where the photographers were waiting. The last thing I had on my mind was taking pictures, but Edward said,

“I will explain after the pictures, but we have to leave some kind of memento for Charlie and Renee right?”

I acquiesced without complaint, but I had a feeling of foreboding.

     While the pictures were being taken, the guests filtered into the tent outside to await our arrival. After we finished with the last of the 100’s of poses on Alice’s fantasy wedding picture list, Edward and I went upstairs to his room, to take a breather. Seeing the suspicious fearful look in my eyes, Edward took me into his arms and held me for a long while. When I was perceivably calmer, he let me go and sat on the couch with me.

“So, he said slyly, how does it feel to be a Cullen?”

I crossed my arms and with a hint of sarcasm said, “Feels like old times.”