For All Eternity

I drew in a steadying, but unnecessary, breath as the car twisted its way through the trees and brush. The speed didn’t bother me, even as I watched the needle on the speedometer climb steadily toward the hundred mark. I vaguely wondered why the Cullens’ driving had upset me before – the car was hardly going fast enough for me now.

Edward reached over the armrest in between us and took my hand. I glanced over at him, knowing he missed the warmth my hand had once offered. He flashed an encouraging smile, however, dismissing the thought. I sighed and looked back out the window.

“Bella, I don’t see why you are so anxious.”

I looked back at him to find he was still not watching the road. This didn’t bother me, either. What bothered me was our destination.

I stared down at the ring on my hand, resting on the same finger Edward had slipped it on two weeks ago – when I officially dropped the name ‘Swan’ and became Isabella Cullen. It was strange to think about, being married. I tried not to think about it.

I glanced at Edward again, feeling his gaze burning the side of my face. Our topaz eyes met, and he immediately understood my worries. Understanding is not the same as agreeing, however.

“Bella, you know that they won’t feel any different about you. You’ll be treated the same as before.”

I raised an eyebrow, questioning that. He caught the expression and grinned.

“Well, mostly the same.”

I felt the corner of my mouth twitch with the beginnings of a smile. I turned away from him quickly – his happiness was contagious. I didn’t feel like smiling, not when I thought of what I was facing.

Edward and I had boarded the plane last night, thus ending our eventful honeymoon. He’d chosen a place with few people so we could go out during the day. The lack of humans became necessary the first three days, as the sounds of my pain would have alerted anyone within a five-mile radius.

I shivered as I remembered my three-day change from human to vampire. It had been worse than when James had bit me in Phoenix; flames of agony licking my entire body and rough screams ripping from my raw throat. Edward had been there, though. He had helped me through the days, helped me stay sane through the veil of anguish.