Alissa Swan

Part 41

We were at Charlie's, Bella's, and my house. I wasn't in the room at the time. At a picnic table, Charlie cleaned a fish with a big knife. Edward waited awkwardly near his Volvo, dressed in an elegant suit. But even calm Edward was unnerved by Charlie's glare. The front door opened and they looked up to see me, framed in the doorway in a stunning long dress. Edward was enchanted. I descended the steps with difficulty, due to my leg cast. Charlie edged out Edward to help me down.

"Alice lent me the dress," I said to Edward. "It was the only thing that would fit over my cast. Is it too...?"

"You're perfect..." He turned to Charlie. "I'll take good care of her, Chief." He moved to open the car door.

Charlie held me back. "I put new pepper spray in your bag," he said, so that Edward couldn't hear me.

"Dad," I said.

"...And... you look beautiful." He smiled.

I smiled back, then got in the car with Edward.

Edward's Volvo pulled up to this lovely inn. He helped me out of the car, and began to guide me through the dining room. Mr. Molina and other teachers were there. I noticed the back of a Redhead, mingling with the chaperones."

"I can't believe you're making me do this," I said to Edward.

He just grinned. Edward guided me around a corner to the prom.

There were gaming tables and roulette wheels. Guys in tuxes and girls in gowns gambled for prizes, danced and socialized.

"You really are trying to kill me," I said to Edward.

"Prom is an important rite of passage," he told me. "I don't want you to miss anything."

I couldn't be mad at him. I just shook my head affectionately. We continued into the prom. Several heads turned. I saw the dance floor, where a gap has formed. In the middle, two couples whirled gracefully. It was Alice and Jasper, Rosalie and Emmett, looking absolutely stunning.

Rosalie glanced over; indifference has replaced fury. But Alice waved brightly. I returned it with a smile.

Eric was at the turntables, making the room bounce. Next to him, Angela wore the headphones, flipping through a stack of vinyl. They nodded at me. I shot them a smile when a flashbulb got my attention.

Mike and Jessica stood in front of an Aston Martin cut-out. I caught their eyes. Mike did his best James Bond impersonation. Jessica posed like Pussy Galore.

Edward smirked, then turned to me. "Shall we?"

I laughed, then realized. "You're serious."

He didn't wait for an answer, more or less carried me to the dance floor, then placed my feet atop his own... and starts to move. I actually began to enjoy it.

"See? You're dancing."

"At prom."

As we danced, I felt his grace, his strength. I became thoughtful. Finally, I looked at him. "Edward... why did you save me?"

He gave me a questioning look.

"If you'd let the venom spread, I could've been like you by now."

He looked back at me, horrified. "You don't know what you're saying. You don't want this."

"I want you," I told him. "Always."

Edward looked at me, slightly angry. "I won't end your life for you."

"I'm dying anyway," I said. "Every minute, I get closer, older."

"That's how it's supposed to happen," he replied.

"Not the way Alice saw it," I said.

Edward gave me a sharp look.

I continued. "I heard her. She saw me like you."

Edward looked at me. "Her visions change, Alissa."

"Based on what someone decides. And I've decided."

He looked at me, angry. "Is that what you dream about? Becoming a monster?"

"I dream about being with you forever," I replied.

"You really want this?" Edward asked me.

"Yes."

He lowered his lips to my neck. On bite is all it would take. "You're ready right now?" he asked me.

"Yes," I repeated.

His lips hovered over my skin for a second. Then he pressed his lips to my throat. Not a bite. A kiss. He looked at me. "You're going to have a long and happy life with me. Isn't that enough?"

I finally smiled. "For now."

No one will surrender tonight. But I won't give in. I know what I want.