Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [152]
She held the key out for me, and I automatically gripped Renesmee more securely in my right arm so that I could open my left. Alice dropped the key into it.
Happy birthday! she squealed.
I rolled my eyes. No one starts counting on the actual day of birth, I reminded her. Your first birthday is at the year mark, Alice.
Her grin turned smug. Were not celebrating your vampire birthday. Yet. Its September thirteenth, Bella. Happy nineteenth birthday!
* * *
24. SURPRISE
No. No way! I shook my head fiercely and then shot a glance at the smug smile on my seventeen-year-old husbands face. No, this doesnt count. I stopped aging three days ago. I am eighteen forever.
Whatever, Alice said, dismissing my protest with a quick shrug. Were celebrating anyway, so suck it up.
I sighed. There was rarely a point to arguing with Alice.
Her grin got impossibly wider as she read the acquiescence in my eyes.
Are you ready to open your present? Alice sang.
Presents, Edward corrected, and he pulled another key-this one longer and silver with a less gaudy blue bow-from his pocket.
I struggled to keep from rolling my eyes. I knew immediately what this key was to-the after car. I wondered if I should feel excited. It seemed the vampire conversion hadnt given me any sudden interest in sports cars.
Mine first, Alice said, and then stuck her tongue out, foreseeing his answer.
Mine is closer.
But look at how shes dressed. Alices words were almost a moan. Its been killing me all day. That is clearly the priority.
My eyebrows pulled together as I wondered how a key could get me into new clothes. Had she gotten me a whole trunkful?
I know-Ill play you for it, Alice suggested. Rock, paper, scissors.
Jasper chuckled and Edward sighed.
Why you dont you just tell me who wins? Edward said wryly.
Alice beamed. I do. Excellent.
Its probably better that I wait for morning, anyway. Edward smiled crookedly at me and then nodded toward Jacob and Seth, who looked like they were crashed for the night; I wonder how long theyd stayed up this time. I think it might be more fun if Jacob was awake for the big reveal, dont you agree? So that someone there is able to express the right level of enthusiasm?
I grinned back. He knew me well.
Yay, Alice sang. Bella, give Ness-Renesmee to Rosalie.
Where does she usually sleep?
Alice shrugged. In Roses arms. Or Jacobs. Or Esmes. You get the picture. She has never been set down in her entire life. Shes going to be the most spoiled half-vampire in existence.
Edward laughed while Rosalie took Renesmee expertly in her arms. She is also the most unspoiled half- vampire in existence, Rosalie said. The beauty of being one of a kind.
Rosalie grinned at me, and I was glad to see that the new comradeship between us was still there in her smile. I hadnt been entirely sure it would last after Renesmees life was no longer tied to mine. But maybe we had fought together on the same side long enough that we would always be friends now. Id finally made the same choice she would have if shed been in my shoes. That seemed to have washed away her resentment for all my other choices.
Alice shoved the beribboned key in my hand, then grabbed my elbow and steered me toward the back door. Lets go, lets go, she trilled.
Is it outside?
Sort of, Alice said, pushing me forward.
Enjoy your gift, Rosalie said. Its from all of us. Esme especially.
Arent you coming, too? I realized that no one had moved.
Well give you a chance to appreciate it alone, Rosalie said. You can tell us about it later.
Emmett guffawed. Something about his laugh made me feel like blushing, though I wasnt sure why.
I realized that lots of things about me-like truly hating surprises, and not liking gifts in general much more-had not changed one bit. It was a relief and revelation to discover how much of my essential core traits had come with me into this new body.
I hadnt expected to be myself. I smiled widely.