The Big Day

                                    

                                          
POV Bella
                          
Rosalie tweaked one last strand into place. She stepped back and admired her work, beaming. 
                          
"W-o-w," she exclaimed, stretching the word out into three long syllables. 
                          
My dress was long, white, elegant, and absolutely perfect. It was almost as if it had been made for me. During the fittings previously with Edward, she had made him stay downstairs. She was so set on the fact that a groom should not see the dress before the wedding day, and I was pleased that she had kept to that. I wanted Edward to see this beautiful dress on me when I walked down.
                          
I turned my head sideways to see how she had done my hair all around. It was twisted up, nicely sophisticated but she still managed to make it look a bit messy with perfect strands of curls coming down on either side. I had never experimented with my hair like this before, and it looked absolutely stunning.
                          
"Alright, you're a genius," I complimented her, knowing she wouldn't leave until I did. I noticed my voice was hoarse and I needed some water.
                          
"I know," she beamed again. Then she frowned.
                          
"You don't sound so good. Thirsty?"
                          
I nodded. "Can you get me some water please?"
                          
"Sure." Alice left the humungous bathroom in her room, swinging the door shut behind her. She was back before it even shut all the way, and handed me a glass of water.
                          
"Thanks," I drained the glass.
                          
She took a long look at me. "Are you sure you're okay?"
                          
"Nervous..." I let my voice trail off, staring at my reflection in the mirror.
                          
Alice gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze and her voice was also gentle. "You look stunning. Edward is going to be blown away when he sees you. I know you're nervous now, but try to just enjoy tonight. It's your night and no one can take that away from you."
                          
I gave her a timid smile, and my eyes welled with tears as I looked at my soon to be sister-in-law. We were already like sisters anyway, but it was amazing being welcomed into the Cullen family with open arms. 
                          
"Thanks, Alice," I said, giving her a hug. She hugged me back and then smoothed out my dress.
                          
I cleared my throat. "Not to be rude...but do you mind if I have a minute alone?"
                          
She looked as if she really didn't want to leave but then she smiled at me and nodded. "Of course." She shut the door lightly behind her.
                          
I let my head fall into my hands. This was it. I was finally going to be Mrs. Isabella Marie Cullen. My throat suddenly felt dry again. I had no regrets saying yes to Edward, and now that I had gotten past my obstacle with my father, why was my stomach so tight? I think my father was right about this arranged marriage. I just wish that my mom was here. She always dreamt of my wearing the big white dress, I just want her to be here even for the embarrassing moments. Even when she tries to tell me what happens during honeymoons, like I didn't know already. God. I miss her. 
                          
I took a deep breath and raised my head. There were blotches of red across my cheeks and my eyes looked too hectic. I was breathing very hard, and I knew I needed to calm myself down. I stood up and went to the bathroom door and drooped to the floor. My dress was getting messed up, but at this moment I didn't care.
                          
There was a light tap on the door and it made me jump. As of this moment, I didn't want to see anyone right now. I just needed a few minutes to myself, and I was in no shape to talk to anyone. I didn't answer.
                          
"Bella?" I recognized Alice's voice. "I have your shoes."
                          
I suppressed a groan. The last thing I needed right now was Jessica spending some more time dressing me up. I remained silent.