Chapter One

Bella's POV.

I awoke to the sun shining in on me through the window. I silently groaned to myself knowing that Edward would have already left before sun rise. Looking up at the clock I noticed that it was almost noon.

"Oh my God!!!", I screamed, jumping up and making a mad dash to the bathroom to start my morning routine. Graduation was tonight and here I was sleeping nearly the entire day away, with so much to do. I guess I thought Edward would have woken me up with plenty of time.

The warm water beating down on my tense muscles was very relaxing to my already stressful day. I mentally went over everything that I needed to do before tonight and shuddered to think about it. Alice was supposed to be coming over to help me get ready. Great.

I reluctantly stepped out of the shower to begin. After dressing in a light pair of jeans and a navy blue sweatshirt, I opened to the door to head back to my room.

"Ahhhhhhh!!", I yelled. "Alice! What are you doing here???", I asked catching my breath.

"Getting you ready for graduation, silly," she answered with a little smirk. Clearly she was amused with my near heart attack.

"I don't see what's funny," I scowled. Making her giggle even more.

I unwillingly let her pull me to my room to start the torture fest. I was surprised to see she already had a midnight blue sun dress laid out with a pair of matching heels. My eyes just about flew out of my head when I saw them. She sat me in my computer chair away from the mirror.

"Do you really want me to break my leg…again?" I squeaked.

"You'll be fine. Now lets get started, we have a lot to do and only a little bit of time." she replied.

Somehow, I couldn't help but think that there was something wrong with Alice. She wasn't her usually overly enthusiastic self. Something was definitely troubling her, which was very unusual. She rarely let anything get to her, or at least did a very good job of hiding her emotions. I was beginning to worry.

"Alice, are you alright? Seems like you have a lot on your mind?" I asked softly. As she began brushing through my tangles.

"No, I'm just stressing over your graduation tonight is all." she responded giving me a reassuring smile. That normally would have worked, but it didn't touch her eyes this time. She began blow-drying my hair, so I decided to let it go for now. Maybe her and Jasper got into a little tiff before she came over.

As Alice continued to work on my hair, I began to think about the events that are to take place later tonight. I had finally gotten Edward to agree to change me right after graduation. Everything was prepared, and Charlie thought I was going on a cruise to Alaska with Edward and his family as a graduation present. As nice as that would be, I am actually just going to be over at Edward's house, going through Hell and back. It will all be worth it in the end though. I'll have Edward for all of eternity.

"Alright, now lets get your make-up all done." Alice interrupted.

I only sighed, causing her to roll her eyes at my reaction. Looking up at the clock I realized it was nearly 2:45. Time really passes by when you day dream, I laughed to myself.

Having Alice right in front of me, reminded me of her unusual behavior. Her eyes still showed that she had something on her mind. She didn't even notice me studying her face, she must be deep in thought.

Nearly another two hours later, Alice had my hair and make-up complete, as well as dressed in the sun dress and death trap heals. It all seemed a waste to me, considering it would be covered up by my gown and cap, but Alice reminded me of after graduation. I would have gotten excited, but it seemed like Alice was trying to convince even herself. But of what?

I heard Charlie come through the front door and put his gun away before bounding up the stairs hurriedly. Knocking and then opening my door, my dad stepped in, only to stop in his tracks and his mouth drop.

"Bella! You look, um, great, you look great. I can't believe you're graduating. Well hey, I'm going to take a really quick shower and change then we can head over, alright?" Charlie explained.

"Sure dad, I'm just going to grab something to eat. I haven't eaten at all today." I replied.

As if on cue, Edward entered my room with a peanut butter sandwich. I was very excited to see him, he hadn't been there when I woke up and I had been occupied all day.

Charlie left to go take his shower. Edward handed me the sandwich and gave me a gentle kiss on the cheek.

"You look stunning, Bella." he complimented. I, of course, blushed a deep red.

"Thank you. You look very handsome yourself." I replied. Noticing he was in a deep blue, long sleeve, button-up dress shirt and black dress pants. I blushed as he caught my wandering eyes, but his smile only seemed half-hearted.

Edward then looked over to Alice and said, "We should be going, don't you think?"

"Yeah, it is time." she replied somewhat unwillingly. She stepped up to me and gave me a bone-crushing hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Good-luck." she whispered.

"I'll see you soon. It's not like I'm going away forever or something." I replied with a little giggle.

"Yeah…right." she responded. I could have swore I saw her eyes glossing over with invisible tears as she headed out of my room.

I looked up at Edward, who seemed to be avoiding my eyes.

"Edward?" I asked, worried. "What's wrong with you two?"

"We're just a little worried about tonight is all Bella. Don't fret, but I should be going. Good-luck my love. Don't be nervous." he replied shakily.

"Alright, but take your own advice, don't fret. Everything is going to be perfect." I said with a smile.

He only slightly smiled. Giving me another kiss on the cheek he turned to leave, pausing at the door to glance back, then he was gone. I heard his car pulling out of the drive-way just as Charlie came in.

"You ready Bells?" he asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be." I replied, setting my uneaten sandwich down. I wasn't hungry anymore.

The car ride to Forks High School was silent. Charlie probably thought that I was just nervous and left me to think. As we pulled up in the parking lot, I searched around for Edward's Volvo, but didn't find it. I was beginning to get nervous but decided that they were probably already inside.

Noticing my distress, Charlie asked, "Bella, you alright hunny?"

"Yea, I'm just getting really nervous." I lied.

We made our separate ways to out seats. I was still scanning the crowd for Edward or any sign of the Cullen's, but found nothing, when they began opening speeches.

When they started calling students to the stage to receive their diplomas, I noticed that they had skipped over Alice and Edward. Silently panicking, I began to come up with excuses. They must have had an emergency. I'll just go see them after I'm done here.

It was my turn to make my way to stage and receive my diploma. I surprisingly succeeded in getting to the stage without tripping. Charlie took pictures of me shaking hands with our principal and the I made my way back to my seat.

Nearly an hour and a half later, graduation was finally over. Everyone through their caps in the air and cheered, but all I wanted to do was get home so I could go to Edward's house.

Ignoring many people calling my name, Charlie and I climbed into his cruiser and headed for home. Once we got there, I went in and quickly took off the cap and gown.

"I'm going to head over to Edward's early, since we leave so early, I'll just spend the night with Alice. She wont mind." I called to Charlie already out the door.

He followed me out and said, "Alright Bells, well I'm really proud of you, have fun on the cruise and be careful." I waved back, pulling out of the drive-way.

I couldn't get over to their house fast enough. I will my tuck to go faster. A million things were running through my mind, but the worst was that they had left me again. But they wouldn't, they promised. I was going to join their family tonight. I vigorously worked to keep the tears from spilling from my eyes, but one managed to slide down my cheek.