Chapter 3:
Till Death Do Them Part

There was a loud sound that woke Hunter out of her deep slumber. She was still laid on the floor, her waist enveloped in the arms of Mason. They stayed up practically all night, drinking and making fun of the movies that came on.

Mason groaned loudly, "Make it stop." Hunter peeled her eyes open and instantly regretted it. The sunlight was extremely bright and it shined through the curtains. The loud sound stopped and she slowly sat up much to Mason's dismay.

It was then that she acknowledged the extreme headache she had. It pounded the sides of her head and made her feel sick. She couldn't recollect much from the night before, just how amazing the wine tasted. Glancing around the house, there was a huge mess. Clothes laid everywhere and the blankets were strewn about. There was even a little spilled wine on the floor.

She lightly pushed Mason off of her and she got onto her feet, letting the sheets slip away from her bare body. "Oh god." She groaned, the headache worsening as she stood up. She walked behind the couch and slipped into Mason's shirt. "Where the hell are my underwear?" She asked, suddenly feeling a bit dirty.

This was like a scene out of a movie. She couldn't help but feel disappointed at how drunk they got last night. "Over here." Mason called, waving the black cloth in the air like a flag. She frowned and ran over to him, snatching it from his hands. He smirked up at her and blew her a playful kiss, finding amusement in her crankiness.

The loud sound blared again and this time, they recognized it as her phone. Hunter rolled her eyes and strolled into the kitchen, grabbing her phone and flipping it open, "Hello?" She spoke.

"Where the hell are you?" Charlie's voice entered her ear. She immediately frowned and scratched the top of her head. 'What's got him so grumpy?' She thought to herself. "Uh, I'm home still. Why?"

"Do you know what time it is?" Charlie asked her.

Right then, her eyes widen and she sprinted back into the living room. Mason was now sitting up with his hands rubbing his face and the grandfather clock ticked loudly in her ears. It was nearly one in the afternoon. "Oh my god." She mumbled, slapping her forehead.

"Yeah. You were supposed to be here hours ago. The wedding starts at five. I think- look, everyone's been calling you all morning, I don't think Alice is too happy with you right now." Charlie explained, shuffling and voices passing him in the background.

Hunter whimpered and refrained from screaming. "Okay, I'm on my way. The show must go on so don't wait for me."

"Alright, be careful." Charlie told her before ending the call.

Hunter closed her phone before throwing it onto the couch aggressively, "Shit!" She yelled. Mason pulled on his boxers and got onto his own feet, his head pounding as well. "Shh, not so loud please."

"You have work in an hour, you know." Hunter told him while yanking the sheets off the floor. Mason's eyes widen in shock. He didn't even realize that they had overslept. The way the sun shined, it was easy for them to believe it was the early morning.

"I shouldn't have gotten the wine." He said sadly. Because of his antics, he made her late to her best friend's wedding. "I'm so sorry."

Hunter shrugged and bent down to pick up their clothes, "It's not your fault. I knew it was late." Mason caught his clothes when she tossed them to him and he didn't feel better at all. She was obviously annoyed and frantic.

He slid on his jeans and socks and grabbed his shoes. He stood there for a moment, watching her ball up the sheets and carry them over to the washing machine, a small smile on his face.

She turned around to face him and her eyebrows raise, "What?" Mason shook his head in response. "Do you want your shirt back?" She asked him.

He scanned her body seductively but he snapped out of it. "No, keep it. It looks better on you than me." Hunter frowned as he walked over to her. She was going to miss him and now that their time together has come to an end, it was hitting her worse than she thought.

Mason lifted her chin with his finger and he stared deeply into her eyes before he pressed their lips together. Her hand instantly grabbed onto his side and she could feel how sad he was. He pulled away and smiled at her, "Goodbye, amore."

"Bye." She whispered, tears quickly filling her eyes. This was hard. It didn't make her feel good to say goodbye, but at least this time, she got one.

He brushed her hair behind her ear and he pulled himself away from her. His shirtless body retreated out of her home and back into his, a new and unwanted feeling crawling onto him. He was lonely again.

Hunter let out a deep breath before she zoomed away into her room to pack a bag she should've packed, days ago. She had no time for delays, she had a wedding to be at.

___

WELCOME TO FORKS!

The black car zoomed past the bright sign and continued down the road. Inside, Hunter sat in the driver's seat with white knuckles and tear stained cheeks. The entire ride there she couldn't stop stressing about getting to the wedding in time and what she'd say to everyone there.

Before leaving her home, she managed to shower and pack an extra bag of blood bags for herself. Not only did she have to resist pulling over and devouring them all, she had to change into her dress once she realized she didn't do so before leaving. All while being stuck in bumper to bumper traffic.
She has never been more miserable.

   "I need a drink." She muttered to herself before pulling into a gas station. She parked the car and immediately ran out of her car. Her shoes were lodged in the back seat underneath her duffle bag and she didn't have the time, nor the patience to grab them.

So she waltzed in the store barefoot and made her way to the back where the alcoholic beverages resided. It wasn't a great idea to intoxicate herself before the wedding she was almost late to but she needed it desperately. Otherwise, she was going to kill everyone inside of the store.

She pulled open the glass fridge door and plucked out not one, but three bottles. Two small smirnoff bottles and a big bottle of wine. She figured she could have the small ones to herself and the wine for her and Bella afterwards.

Nearly toppling over a stand of chips, she rushed over to the counter. The cashier stared at her unamused and she pulled her wallet out of her bra. "I'm gonna need to see some ID." He asked, not believing for a second that she was of age.

And of course she wasn't. She was eighteen but he didn't need to know that. She slapped her hands on the counter, "Listen, I have to get to my best friend's wedding in less than twenty minutes. I don't have time for this."

He stood there, scanning her body and realizing that she didn't even had shoes on. He raised his eyebrows and crossed his arms, "I'm gonna need to see some ID."

Hunter's eye twitched and the pace of her heart did not let up. She was running out of time and it was all because she couldn't handle being sober around the people she closed out. Realizing she had no other option, she reached into her wallet and slapped two twenty dollar bills on the counter.

He stared at them for a second, debating, before he cleared his throat. Her jaw clenched and she slapped down another twenty, sixty dollars. A smile spread onto his lips and he accepted the money. "Would you like a bag for those ma'am?"

Hunter huffed before smiling, "No thank you sir." She grabbed the bottles and ran out of the store. There was a couple just about to pass her car when they stopped to give her dirty looks. Her hair was a mess and the bottom of her feet picked up dirt as she carried full bottles of alcohol. "Yes?" She rudely asked them, yanking her car door open and entering it.

She dusted her feet off and glared at them as they walked away, a bit startled. "Can't get any worse than this." She muttered, shutting the car door and zooming out of the gas station.

The wedding will be taking place at the Cullen's home and that made her even more anxious. With the car humming as she zoomed down the roads, she could feel herself breaking down all over again.

   "You got this." She told herself between breaths.

The smell of the blood bags behind her were starting to waff into the front of the car and that worsened her emotional state. It was four- fifty three and the wedding would start in seven minutes. Each second that passed slowly stole the air from her lungs.

She told herself the name of the road the Cullen home was on repeatedly until she saw it. And when she did, her heart sunk into her stomach. It felt like she was free-falling as she turned into Woodcroft Avenue.

From the end of the road, she could see the very modern home and it made her queasy. She hoped Bella didn't stall the wedding for her and she hoped no one would notice her stumbling in. There were at least a few dozen cars parked all up and down the block, giving her even more anxiety.

She wished she came earlier. "Okay." She whispered, deciding to leave her car double parked near the front of the home. The rumble of the car came to a stop once she shut off the ignition and she sat there. The day she has been dreading was finally here. She was back in Forks. She couldn't halt the sun edging it's way into dusk and she couldn't rewind time, something she so badly wanted to do.

She twisted her body around and yanked her combat boots out from underneath the duffle bag. Her dress was intact and she had a nice black cardigan to lay ontop of it all. She's never been to a wedding, but she was sure this wasn't proper attire. She would just have to expect dirty and confused looks from people.

Four-fifty seven. It was now or never.

Letting out one last deep breath, she reached over for the two bottles of vodka and slipped out of her car. She could hear the chatter from the backyard, the way everyone was so excited, it made her anxious. She twisted off the harsh cap and downed one bottle without stopping. She didn't have time to savor the burning cherry flavored drink.

Tossing the empty one in the dumpster, she popped open the other one. Before taking a sip, she raised the bottle in the air, saluting the happy couple in silence. She was nervous to see Edward again. The last time they spoke, she left him on the side of the road with conflicting feelings stirring in her gut. Feelings she forgot about until now.

The smirnoff was already taking affect once she made it to the back of the house. The makeshift alter was absolutely beautiful. It suited the surroundings perfectly, like it was meant to be there. Hunter shamelessly sipped on the bottle in her hand, scanning the crowd in search for anyone she knew. It was odd, being on the outside of things. Everyone was probably inside, talking and having a good time. It was like she was the new girl all over again.

   "Hunter." She twirled around at the sound of her name and she found Rosalie approaching her. The blonde had an unusual smile on her face but she didn't bother questioning it. Rosalie enveloped her into a hug and Hunter reciprocated. She was happy to find someone she actually knew. "Hey."

   "I'm glad you're here. Bella was worried that you wouldn't show." Rosalie told her, pulling away from the hug. Hunter nodded and sheepishly held onto the bottle that Rosalie immediately noticed.

   "So I've heard. I was worried I wouldn't make it in time." Hunter replied, desperately wanting to chug the rest of the liquor. Everyone looked perfect, dressed for the occasion with smiles. Everyone looked happy. She was too, but only for Bella. Everything else was an ocean she was slowly drowning in.

   "She'll be happy to see you." Rosalie whispered once the crowd fell silent. It was time. Hunter inhaled sharply and let Rosalie take her hand. She was guided off to the side and to the front of the rows. Her eyes lift off the ground and she's met with eyes that knock the wind out of her.

Why was she so surprised? He was the groom, of course he'd be up front. Her senses were sloshing as was her body. She was drunk, but his eyes alone made her feel sober. "You have some explaining to do." Alice's sharp tone gained her attention and she turned her face. "You're lucky it's about to start and give me that." She snatched the bottle out of her hands and hid it underneath her chair.

Hunter sent her apologetic eyes before she sat down beside her. She wasn't the one getting married yet there she was, nerves wracked and all. She could feel him staring at her but she ignored it. She had to. "Good to see you Hunter." Jasper greeted her from the opposite side of Alice. She sent him a warm smile and nodded, following everyone out of their seats.

The world seemed sloppy to her, but that was just her drunk mind approaching. She couldn't even stand straight without Rosalie holding her upright, it was embarrassing and she was starting to regret stopping for the liquor. She didn't want these people to paint her as a spiraling alcoholic, even though she somewhat was.

Her eyes adjusted and she could see Charlie enter her vision. He walked down the isle, with Bella on his arm. Hunter let out a sigh of amazement. She was breathtaking. How she imagined Bella to look, is what she was seeing walk down the isle.

Bella nervously glanced at all the people who were there to support her, and she couldn't help but feel like this was a dream. Getting married at eighteen was something she never imagined for herself, but when she looked at Edward and she saw his smile, she knew she wasn't making a mistake. Her eyes lift away from her soon to be husband and she looked over to Alice, who was silently telling her to smile.

A small closed mouth one appeared but it quickly transformed into a bigger one when she found her best friend waving at her. She exhaled with relief and continued her way down the isle. Now she felt complete.

Charlie kissed her forehead and held up her hand for Edward to take. Hunter pursed her lips as the couple connected and moved up the steps to the priest. Rosalie rubbed her back soothingly before softly pulling her down to sit. She didn't understand why Rosalie was being so friendly all of a sudden, the two never really got along. But she chose not to dwell on it too much.

"Ladies and gentlemen." The priest began, a bright smile on his face at the sight of the happy couple. "We are gathered here on this glorious day to witness the union of Edward Cullen and Bella Swan. Please repeat after me." He told Edward.

Hunter's fingers fumbled around each other nervously. She desperately wanted to grab the bottle back from Alice but she knew there'd be hell to follow. She was anxious, afraid, and extremely hungry. Even the warm sun didn't make her happy like it always did.

"I, Edward Cullen take you, Bella Swan."

Her bottom lip slid between her teeth listening to the words being spoken. She was jealous. She was entirely jealous. She had no one anymore. The person she wanted forever is dead and he is never coming back. After everything, she couldn't protect him. The one job she had and she failed.

At least, that's what she's been telling herself. She was angry. Edward had lied to Bella for months. Even if he got over her during this summer, it was still a huge secret to keep.

"To have and to hold. For better or for worse. For richer, for poorer."

Hunter let out a hushed breath. A cool breeze brushed past them all and she found herself lulling backwards. She was sweating and the need to feed was growing. "Are you hot?" She asked Alice who only shook her head in response. Hunter sat back in her seat and remained silent. This was no doubt some sort of panic attack she was having.

"In sickness and in health. To love and to cherish. As long as we both shall live." The couple stared only at one another, not daring to look away for one second. This was it, they were one. "I do." They said happily before sealing the deal with a kiss.

Everyone erupted into claps and cheers, some with tears streaming down their cheeks. The loud sounds sounded far away to Hunter. With her eyes glued to her trembling hands in her lap, all she wanted to do was go back home. No, all she wanted was blood.

Once everyone stood up she fell back to reality and followed suit. It was time for the reception and she wanted to get out of her dress badly. "Can I change out of this?" She asked Alice. The shorter vampire turned abruptly with her answer written all over her face. Hunter pursed her lips and held her hands up, not wanting to start anything. At this point, she knew better than to mess with Alice's vision.

However, once Jasper escorted her away, she quickly reached under the seat and retrieved her bottle. Her body was aching but the alcohol would subside that pain. She swigged a sip and swallowed it quickly, hoping that no one saw her.

___

The party was in full swing. The music was not too loud but not too quiet, a wide selection of drinks were offered, and everyone was happy. Hunter strayed behind, indulging one too many champagne glasses. She managed to converse with her high school friends, Jessica, Mike, Eric, and Angela. They had a lot to say and she was grateful for the distraction. They seemed less annoying than usual but she figured that was because her judgement was lowered.

Alice has been trying to find her for at least an hour but she managed to dodge her. She knew there was some sort of lecture awaiting her but she had no intentions of listening. She loved Alice but she wasn't going to let her control her decisions.

Hunter swallowed the rest of the bubbly alcohol and left the glass on the table. She rubbed at her watery eyes and cringed at her breath. Her throat burned and she was already starting to feel tomorrow's hangover.

"Hunter." It was Bella and she startled her. Hunter flinched and nearly toppled over. Her hand gripped onto the table and she managed to knock down two full glasses onto the woodland floor. "Shit." She muttered before covering her mouth.

She glanced up and felt her stomach twist with embarrassment. Bella and Edward stood before her.
"I'm so- so sorry." She slurred. She frowned for a few seconds before a smile spread onto her lips. "Congratulations!" She squealed, practically falling into Bella's arms.

The human grunted in surprise but giggled and reciprocated the sloppy hug. It felt good to see Hunter again, regardless if she was piss-drunk. "Thank you. You have no idea how happy I am to see you."

Hunter pulled back a bit before pressing a kiss onto Bella's cheek, "Oh my god, you're freakin' married! Holy crap. This means I can't have you to myself anymore." Edward covered his mouth in amusement at the scene unfolding before him. Hunter was completely desensitized to her mind.

Bella pouted and brushed Hunter's messy strands out of her face, "You'll always have me around. You know? Especially now. We'll be together literally forever."

"You mean that?" Hunter asked childishly. Her eyes were filled with tears but she wasn't sad at all. The smell of her body was burning her nose. Bella nodded vigorously, letting out a laugh, "Of course I mean that."

"How much did you have to drink?" Edward asked her. Hunter rolled her eyes and held her arms out, "Does it matter? What're you gonna do, arrest me?"

The couple bit back their laughter. "No, I was just-"

"I didn't do it officer! It was them!" She yelled, pointing at the drinks playfully, "They told me to drink them. I was seduced."

Her body moved around aimlessly and she found herself getting dizzy. Bella finally let out her suppressed laughter, "Oh my god, I have to get Charlie. Keep an eye on her." She told her husband before she fled.

Edward watched her go and he felt his heart drop to his stomach. The entire summer, he didn't get over her one bit. He kept worrying about her and finding the courage to call her, but he didn't. He tried to distract himself in hopes for his feelings to disappear and it worked. But the second he saw her again, everything came flooding back.

"She's gonna go get him so they could laugh at me." Hunter pouted, still spinning around. "Are you gonna laugh too?" She asked. Edward just stared at her as if she was an angel. It didn't feel real to see her standing right in front of him, it felt like years since he last saw her rather than months.

Hunter gasped as her foot tripped over the other and she went falling to the ground. But of course, she was captured in the cold embrace of Edward. He held her up steadily and she finally relaxed. "I would never laugh at you." He told her in a hushed voice.

The world stopped spinning around for her and her eyes focused. It was like his voice alone sobered her up. Her eyes dance with his for a few seconds as she got onto her feet and stood up straight. She opened her mouth to speak but no words released, all she could think about was how fast her heart was pumping. "You're married." Was all she managed to choke up.

His hands slide off her arms and he watched her eyes water all over again, just like they did when she left. He nodded reluctantly, feeling the world around them disappear, "Yeah."

   "Glad you made it." Charlie cheered, cutting off their staring contest and earning a false smile from Hunter. She was glad to see him, but the interaction she just had knocked her emotions off course. "Good to see you Charlie." She told him before being pulled into a hug

Bella rejoined Edward's side and Hunter couldn't help but look away. "Alright, let's go find you a seat." Charlie told Hunter with a chuckle. They all retreat back to their table, Bella and Edward's seat at the head of the table.

   "You can sit next to me." Carlisle beamed, ushering at the extra plating beside him. Hunter nodded and started to make her way around the table.

   "Excuse me? Is this on? Hello?" Emmett spoke into the microphone. Everyone fell silent and Hunter grew anxious again. "I'd like to propose a toast to my new sister. Bella, I hope you've gotten enough sleep these last eighteen years cause you won't be getting anymore for a while."

There were some chuckles, mostly from the Cullen's who understood the joke. Others, like Hunter, uncomfortably squirmed in their seat. As more speeches went on, Hunter gnawed at the inside of her cheek. Her gums ached as usual and she couldn't ignore the stinging sensation.

That was until Edward went up to speak.

   "It's extraordinary too meet someone who you can bare your soul to. And who will accept you for who you are." He started, eyeing the ground for a while before he scanned the audience.

Hunter leaned back in her seat and listened. She understood that feeling, she had that feeling. It seemed like it was just yesterday she was laying in the back of Winston's shiny black truck with him, talking about how long it'd take to count the stars or who owed who breakfast. But all it was, was a memory.

   "I've been waiting, what seems like a very long time, to get beyond what I am. And with Bella, I feel like I can finally begin." Edward's eyes land on Hunter for a few seconds. Her arms cross over her chest and she could feel her eyes welling up with tears. It was good to know that Bella found her soulmate, to know that she was happy and loved. But deep down, she felt sick to think about that.

   "So I'd like to propose a toast to my beautiful bride. No measure of time with you will be long enough. But let's start with forever."

Champagne glasses clinked together for what felt like the tenth time. Taking this distraction, Hunter wiped a stray tear off her face and slipped out of her seat. She was hungry and since she couldn't kill anyone here, she had to run back to her car and help herself.

She couldn't understand why Edward's words were affecting her so much. She could see by the way he looked at her, that he did not let go of his feelings for her. That alone made her feel guilty for never telling Bella.

Once she was out of sight, she sped back to her car and hopped in. She inhaled and felt her anxiety disperse. She was away from prying eyes and questions.

She was alone.