Chapter Four: Receptions

Alice had really gone all out. The foyer of the Cullen’s house was sparkling with endless strands of twinkling fairy lights, wrapped around the columns and stair rails. Colorful arrays of flowers were sitting in vases filled with water. Crowds of people were mingling with glasses of champagne for the adults and sodas for the younger ones. Angela detached herself from one of the crowds, shyly tapping Bella’s shoulder. Bella spun around, surprised to be interrupted from smiling at Edward, her… husband. She smiled when she met Angela’s eyes.
“Hey Angela! I’m so glad you came! Are you having a good time?” Bella gushed, trying to play the good hostess.
“Yeah, Bella, the wedding was beautiful! I just wanted to say congrats- I’m really happy for you!”  Angela smiled, and gave Bella a quick hug. Angela spotted Alice and went toward her to talk. She and Alice had really bonded recently; they were more alike than Bella had ever thought.
The deejay dimmed the lights, and focused a spotlight on Edward and Bella, turning on slower music. He spoke into the microphone,
“Okay, happy newlyweds, time for your dance!”
The crowd clapped and chanted for them to dance. Bella started turning tomato red, thinking of all the possible ways of embarrassment about to come. Edward smiled reassuringly, and then whispered in her ear. “Don’t worry, love, leave it to me…” He took her hand and led her onto the cleared space on the dance floor. He took her in his arms, and discreetly set her on his toes, only a little so no one would guess. It was exactly like prom night. They glided across the floor; Edward’s dancing skills were amazing. Soon, the gaggles broke into couples, and the dance floor was filled with twirling dresses and black tuxes.

Rosalie was standing in the corner when Jacob found her. She intimidated a lot of people, and thought staying out of the way was best for the wedding, for now. When she saw Jacob elbowing his way through the dancing crowd, she thought about moving away and hiding, especially when the werewolf stench hit. But, for some reason, she couldn’t move away.
“Uh, hi. Um, I’m Jacob. I haven’t seen you around… um… what’s your name?” Jacob stammered, nervous and shy, so out of character. Rosalie smiled a little. “Hi Jacob. I’m Rosalie Hale, or Cullen to you. You’re one of the werewolves.” Jacob blushed, and took her hand, led her off to a different room near the foyer. Surprising herself,  Rosalie let herself be led. Something was wrong, weird…. And, before she knew it, she was being kissed by Jacob, and… she was kissing back! The smell disappeared, and her head went blank.

Emmett was prowling around the room, trying to find his Rose. He didn’t like being away from her. Not seeing her anywhere on the foyer, he found Edward.
“Hey, Edward, have you heard Rosalie anywhere?”
Edward furrowed his brow, listening. Then, his eyes popped open, a shocked expression on his face. Emmett noticed the sudden change of expression.
“What? Edward, What?!?”
Edward shook his head, still in shock. “Emmett, you should probably see for yourself.  She’s in the dining room.” Emmett turned on his heal and ran for the dining room, suspicion from Edwards’ reluctance clouding his mind.  He opened the door carefully, didn’t want to scare her… but then, only anger. Rosalie and the puppy were kissing on the table, holding each other.
“Rose! ROSE!” Emmett screamed in horror. “ROSE, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?”
Rosalie broke away in shock. “Emmett, I…” but she didn’t finish her sentence. Emmett rushed toward Jacob, knocking him off the table. “HOW…” Emmett punched Jacob hard in the face. “DARE…” Emmett punched him again. “YOU?!?!” Emmett threw Jacob across the room, knocking a dent in the wall. Jacob gasped, not fighting back. Emmett, breathing hard, looked over at Rosalie, who was cowering in the corner of the room. His face softening, he took her hand and led her out of the room, but his eyes never left their cold, hard stare. She was glad Emmett was there, but she couldn’t help looking back at the broken and hurt Jacob, and she couldn’t stop her heart from hurting with him.