Tesco Porter 5 Forces

1. 5(+1) Porter‘s forces. | |The threat of substitutes | | |Food retail industry at first seems easy to substitute, but in truth the large markets are the ones who state the prices in the market, | | |thus for such large chains like Tesco the threat of substitutes is low as due to high demand it manages to offer high quality products at | | |low costs.Moreover, Tesco has already started to focus on opening express stores and this creates even more barriers for the substitutes | | |to enter the market. | | |The threat of entry | | |Tesco takes part among 15 largest world’s retailer chains’.There are a few factors which determine that the threat of a new entrant is | | |fairly low: | | |Due to economies of scale, Tesco offers goods at lower prices. For new entrants it is complicated to achieve this level of sales so that | | |selling at the same level of prices would become profitable.Therefore, a large investment is a necessity. | | |The access to supply and dis tribution channels is not complicated, but the demand of products is not high by new entrants and not all | | |products would be acquired at the same price as Tesco and other market’s leaders acquire. | | |Although, products are not differentiated in a food retail industry and therefore customer loyalty is not high. | |The power of buyers | | |Food retail industry is not differentiated, but standardized one which makes the customers tended to change from one brand to another as | | |switching costs are very low. Though, the buyers are not concentrated and every client is responsible for just a small amount of sales, | | |but Tesco still manages to win a large share of client’s by offering products at low costs. | |The power of suppliers | | |By ranking among the largest world’s retailer chain’s Tesco has enough control over suppliers. Tesco places large orders and takes an | | |important role in every supplier’s business this way at a certain lev el controlling the prices. Moving from one supplier to another is not| | |an expensive issue for Tesco, but the needs of clients should be also taken into consideration, which does not provide full access to | | |control the suppliers. | |Competitive rivalry | | |Taken into the consideration the worldwide market, Tesco has some competitors, including the discounters Aldi and Lidl and when it comes | | |the economic recession those retailers win the market share by offering goods at low prices when the quality of goods becomes not that | | |important for the customers. | |Similar size of the largest retailers and no differentiation of the products offered make the competition even more intense as customers | | |are switching between the brands easily. | | |Public authority power | | |Public authority role in this case plays a limited role.This can appear on certain products which can be not admitted in one or another | | |country but usually can be changed by another good. Although , public authorities are able to control the prices of products and set a cap,| | |but this will be valid for all the competitors and for a large retailer it this will not create any barriers. |

A reason why international diversification increases

International diversification can be understood as the expansion of a firm Into different countries and geographical regions. This expansion offers firms various advantages like the exploitation of opportunities aboard, economies of scale, sharing of core competencies, and learning. Learning is a key factor of the efficient development of new capabilities. Learning itself is fostered by diverse experiences. This shows the connection to International diversification, hence operating in diverse environments (countries/geographical regions) Increases the Intensity and frequency f events and Ideas to which a firm is exposed.Anyway, it Is questionable whether learning through diverse experiences leads ultimately to capabilities that increase profit of a international diversified firm. To assess this question I am going to emphasize a few arguments that support and contradict this statement. On the one hand, managers and workers who have experiences In diverse environments are more product ive than employees who don't have such experiences. This is mainly because these employees have a broader range of experiences and an spot and solve problems more easily than employees with a narrow view.Furthermore, an organization that operates in several countries has a wide range of subsidiaries from that it can learn. These subsidiaries provide access to a wide range of new ideas and new practices that give rise to innovation and lead to increased technological capabilities. In addition, firms which remain In their domestic country as well as In their mall Industry face similar threats and opportunities and develop ordinary methods to handle them. Thus, they have relatively narrow experiences and heir methods and capabilities also tend to be narrower because they face a limited set of challenges.These limitations won't affect the firm in the short term but I believe that it decreases the performance of the firm in the long run. On the other hand, firms that seek to enter a fore ign market tend to start with cultural close countries at first. As these firms become experienced, they begin to expand in cultural distant markets. Thus, many firms don't face such great learning opportunities because they prefer cultural close countries which are similar to their mom country.Furthermore, firms don't have to be internationally diversified to encounter learning opportunities. It is also possible to learn from foreign suppliers or foreign customers. Therefore, one crucial aspect Is how learning processes are Implemented and lived In organizations. This depends, among other things, on how the firm and its subsidiaries are organized. A firm that leads its subsidiaries/ geographical regions/product divisions as a strategic holding exploits less learning opportunities because it manages its subsidiaries just by financial indicators.In entrant, if a firm manages its subsidiaries as an operative holding it intervenes in the day-to-day business to seize synergies and learn ing opportunities. Hence, cross- border learning has to overcome organizational constrains. That international diversified firms face more possibilities to learn and develop new capabilities that increase profitability but this doesn't imply that they always outperform non international diversified firms. International diversified firms have to create settings that facilitate and nurture cross-border learning to exploit the diverse opportunities they face in foreign countries.

Succesful Entrepreneur

Choose any successful entrepreneur in Malaysia or outside Malaysia. Then explain why you choose he/she as a successful entrepreneur and relate it with entrepreneurial competencies. The person that i choose to be the great entreprenure that become the idol to me is Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary. He was a great man that motivate us with his success story that inspired and motivated throughout his success in business activities which can make us to be more discipline and working much harder to achieve their dream. That is just the beginning. Now let’s go personally about him. He’s a mysterious man. Where he does not like to show off the luxurious life. For your information, he is easy to get along with other people. He is not the type of people which love to collect luxury car. He has an old model of Proton Perdana and another one is 20 year’s old Mercedes which he used to use it from time to time. Tan Sri Syed Moktar Al-Bukhari is the entreprenure that is so kind and always make a charity work to help other people. He always donate his money and easily to help people especially the poor people and the orphan. Now we go to his background. He was born into a mid- low class family in north of peninsular Malaysia, whose house was without necessities and luxuries. His highest education was only until form five, and he never went to university. A whole lot of his knowledge and experience was gained through his own entrepreneurship experience during his youth time. Due in part his family's mediocre-to-poor background, Syed Mokhtar al Bukhary had to step into the working world in his early life, while pursuing his primary and secondary studies. Syed Mokhtar helped his mother planting and selling vegetables in the market and also selling roti canai. His numeric knowledge was used to help his father in doing daily book keeping. After finishing school, Syed Mokhtar helped his father in breeding cow business but only to see the business washed away by foot and mouth disease. Nevertheless, he took over the business and start over by selling meats. He then move on to packaging the meats and start selling them wholesale. His determination paid off and the business started to take off. what can we see he have become entreprenure when he was small. His idea to run the bussiness rom the small scale business approve that we cannot only depends on a large-scale business to determine the successfull , but depending on the way we done the business with the continuous quality to make sure the business doing well. Now he have prove to us that he can be the best and succesfull business man even he come from the mid low class family, with the determine and hardworking, he can become the great entrepreneur. Characteristic that should be possessed by successful entrepreneur in order to perform entrepreneurial functions effectively have a several factor. One of the factors is initiative. This characteristic has been show by him when he help his father in breeding cow business. He then become the businessman and start over to selling meat. He then move on to packaging the meats and start selling them wholesale. Because of his initiative he he has managed to expand its business to advance from time to time. Al- bukhary Foundation was established in March 1996 as a charitable act to help the poor, support the development of islamic art and culture and promote understanding between civilization. The main objective of Al- Bukhari Fondation is to promote brotherhood among muslims. This foundation is composed of two parts. One section carries out charitable work, while one part of the management of funds from any company in which Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar no interest in it. Until now, al-Bukhary Foundation spent more than RM300 million for religious activities, culture and education. In addition, Yayasan Al-Bukhary only finance poor students. Among the initiatives that are committed to finance poor Muslim students from around ASEAN to study in Malaysia. Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar has show some attitude that he is the person that always help people evenly he has no interest in it. In conclusion, he is the one who concern for high quality of work. As an entreprenure, he acts to do things that meet certain standards of excellence which gives him greater satisfaction. What we can see from his attitude is, he is the one of the successful â€Å"bumiputera† that become the excellence and great billionaire and the one who is then become the icon and idol to the Malaysian. Because of his constribution also, many people has been helped by his Yayasan Al –Bukhary can support they life to go on further and then become the person who is excellence like him.

Regeneration Policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Regeneration Policy - Essay Example Basically the urban spatial planning is provided by the local government and country planning system in order to use it optimum manner (Valler, Wood, & North, 2000). Urban spatial planning is regarded as integration of both the land use and transport planning in order to develop the area economically and socially. Thus spatial planning in urban areas is not a single tool, process and activity and it consists of urban renewal which would already lack in investment with fewer developments (Jessop, 1990). In fact it identifies strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats throughout the particular area and proposes how it can be developed with some distinctive approaches in order to address the desired objective. This report would concentrate on spatial planning in urban areas and would delineate a series of suggestions for the improvement of physical arrangements in existing urban area, thus obviating the need for occupy the strategic resources. The local government's current plan is to efficient use of lands in the urban areas which would goes beyond the traditional system of land use planning and integrate policies and regulations which has been necessitated by sustainable development and sustainable communities. Thus urban spatial planning assumes a very complex dimension against the backdrop of rising uncertainties in the external environment (Jessop, 2002). This report will have a strategic focus on the outcomes related to spatial planning in urban areas perspectives and will outline in good measure the type of accommodation that enhances the land use performance paradigm of the local government, while location, the role of planners and other variables have a very clear impact on the land use planning. A dynamic feature of this aspect of the urban spatial planning is the particular government's ability or inability to add value to existing land capability. Therefore it's the bounden duty of the urban planner to examine and adopt innovative land use techniques to achieve sustainable development including, community welfare and economic and social development (Midttun, 2005). Urban spatial planning can be identified as wider spectrum of activities, processes, tools and decisions which actively impacts on the urban renewal and rehabilitation. Thus it consist set of spatial planning activities along with different actors and agencies which would drive to the sustainable development in the area (Cochrane, 1991). In fact spatial planning in urban areas would not isolate from the public policies as well as it became as an important instrument to identify market failures, minimize the negative externalities and maximizing the positive externalities when providing the public goods and infrastructure facilities to the community.2.1. A regulationist approach in change in regeneration policyA regulationist approach is characterized by a system of rules and regulations that imposes certain constraints on the spatial planning process. For instance the British regulationist approach has many elements from regional planning bodies incorporated into it though the scope and its impact are less known due to the

Plate Tectonics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Plate Tectonics - Essay Example This paper explores both Wegener's theory and Plate Tectonic Theory, explaining how the Earth's land masses move and the construction and destruction of the Earth's crust and the features of plate tectonics as understood today. Plate Tectonics In 1911, Alfred Wegener (1880-1930), a German geophysicist, was intrigued to explain similarities in fossils of plants and animals found on either side of the Atlantic . Scientific thinking of the time was that continents were joined by land bridges that were now submerged by the ocean. However, Wegener also noticed the similar shapes of the coastlines of the continents and similar geology that supported his theory of continental drift. He postulated that these land masses may have been joined together at one time and that the original land mass, called ‘Pangaea’ (after the Greek for ‘all of the Earth’) has broken up and drifted apart . Wegener found evidence to support his theory of continental drift. He noticed that land masses fitted together with adjacent land masses. He also found signs of glaciation on the plains of Africa and coal deposits, usually associated with tropical areas, found near the North Pole. He also found fossils of exactly the same prehistoric species located in the same areas if the land masses were joined together, see Figure 1. . Figure 1: Locations of spread of fossils across continents before they broke up . Wegener did not fully explain what caused continental drift. He suggested two hypotheses, one that continents moved due to the forces associated with the rotation of the Earth and a second, which suggested continents moved due to tidal attraction of the Sun and Moon . However, both of these forces were too weak. These hypotheses were ridiculed by other scientists because no answer could be provided to explain how continental masses move . The original theory of continental drift was discredited, helped along by the growing anti-German feeling in the 1910s and 1920s and Wegener’s lack of scientific knowledge of geology . Wegener’s principle of continental drift was discredited but it did pave the way for scientists to explore why parts of the Earth’s surface have moved over time . Paleomagnetic studies, which measured the Earth's past magnetic field, found that the magnetic North Pole seemed to wander around the Earth over time . Evidence from seismometers, originally installed to monitor nuclear testing by the 1960s, found that geological phenomenon, such as volcanoes and earthquakes, were mostly found along the edges of tectonic plates . In addition, scientists found that rock crystals in certain rocks varied from normal to reversed polarity depending on when the rock was formed and solidified . These patterns mirrored themselves either side of the mid-oceanic ridge in the middle of ocean basins and rock samples were older the farther from the mid-oceanic ridge . All this evidence answered the problem Wegener was unable to; that solid continental and oceanic plates of the Earth’s crust, or lithosphere, ‘float’ on molten viscous rock called the asthenosphere, which forms the basis of Plate Tectonics Theory . Based on the Plate Tectonics Theory, plates adjacent to one another must move. Plates can move apart (forming a divergence plate boundary), together (forming a convergent plate boundary) or slide or grate against each other (creating a transform fault boundary) . A diverging plate

YouTube Video Sharing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

YouTube Video Sharing - Essay Example YouTube.com has been the leader in Internet video search. This video entertainment site has been in operation for only a year but it has already become the most favorite video-sharing site, dislodging News Corp.'s MySpace, Yahoo, Microsoft's MSN, Google and AOL. This is the very reason why the onset You Tube, the very processes and legal aspects related to video sharing through You Tube is worth studying. Youtube serves as a quick entertainment break especially for viewers who have broadband connections at work or home. Youtube, whose original creators were students, however, is mostly popular among teens. It is said that more 100 million videos-usually short, homemade, comic videos created by users--are being seen on Youtubue every day. The record high was reported in June when an estimated 2.5 billion videos were watched on this site. Next to video lovers, online video advertisers, for sure, are the ones who are excited about the popularity of Youtube and other online video sites nowadays. With Youtube, the potential for online video advertising has become bigger. It was reported that online advertisements were the fastest-growing part of the $521-billion advertising market last year. Hence, web articles and peer reviewed journals published written and published from the year 2000 to the present are the most useful resources that can be acquired when writing about this topic. This is because You Tube was established along with the booming information technology and widespread use of internet, hence the coming of the 21st century will be the best possible years to looks for. The Form and the Medium Since a single click to see a video on Youtube can easily be counted, it also has become easier for companies to exactly track how many people are interested in their product. This, plus the fact that content providers and marketers could get instant recognition around the globe when they advertise their products online, is what attracts advertisers to put their money on online video advertising. Seeing the potential for increasing its revenues in Internet ads, web search leader Google Inc. recently bought Youtube for $1.65 billion in stock. This is so far the biggest price paid for a consumer-generated media site. Analysts said the acquisition would help Google compete in video search, an area where it has been weak. US Internet search giant Yahoo Inc., meanwhile, recently launched a video-sharing service in a move to capitalize on the trend being blazed by YouTube. The new video service's design is similar to that of Youtube, only that it has the capability to stream video which users can link their favorite footage to personal Web pages. This paper would try to compare the different video sharing facilities presented in the internet - such as the You tube, the Google and the Yahoo movies/video sharing. This will try to analyze the different factors why these forms of media are now becoming one of the most popular channel to advertise and/or market a product or service and equally powerful in disseminating information to. More so, in lieu of my final essay related to advertising, I will try to conceptualize different video advertisements (ranging from 1-5) for a varied number of products and services. These video ad concepts will have to be align with the effective and affective advertisements concepts (which will also be studied). Relevance to the Discipline The success of Youtube has been mired with controversies. For one, Youtube and other

Literature For Children Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Literature For Children - Essay Example He knows when to make a change in the story and perfectly used it to his credit. Slowly his writing's changed to the dark side as against the usual happy endings. In those days William Thackeray was Charles Dickens' rival. His works used to have more of a satirical view and depicts situations of a middle class favour. Hardy's literary work used to show the plight of the rural life and sorrow and bitterness of the English countryside. Though many writes came into picture with their works but they contained unnecessary plots and only were meant to lure the audience to just read those books so that they can become famous overnight, which eventually drew flak. Since most of the children like fairy tales the authors used to write books on those perceptions. The authors used to imbibe super powers to their characters and produce them as saviours who fight the evil and prevail the truth. As compared to adult literature the authors used more fictitious characters that never cheat and abide by what they say. Where in adult literature all the tricks and dirty plots were used and change the plot when and where they wanted. But it isn't like in children's literature; they are soft like Peter Pan, adventurous like Huckleberry Finn and as curious as Alice in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. One thing that always worked for the authors was to depict the story in pictorial view. They used art as a tool to make the story more enjoyable so that child of any age can understand the story and imagine their heroes in total graphical art. According to Anderson, "Even after children learn to read, illustrations continue to aid to their comprehension. Among the many components of a child's visual world, book illustrations are a beautiful medium through which to learn about their world" (p 47). 20th Century Literature As 20th century came by, the children's literature was becoming more and more popular. Early 20th century writers used science and adventure as their tools to fascinate the young hearts. Books like Charlotte Webb and Stuart Little by E. B. White were instant hits and liked by children. At the end of the 20th century the children' literature became a big boom in the literary business sector. Novels like Harry Potter and Narnia became so much popular that the brand is now worth Billions of Dollars in international market. J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series has achieved the biggest success ever by any book in children literature. They are not only popular among children even the adult literary critics praise them as one of the greatest and successful work in literary world. Now children literary works are giving a stiff competition to the adult literary world. Bullying and racial harassment were the most dreaded things that most of the children experienced in the pre and post Victorian period even now it still exists. The major reasons to start bullying and racial abusing depends on the characters surrounding the respective environment (like parents, neighbours, etc.,), children will face the immediate effect since they are the immediate guardians to the children, if not this parents or teachers at school whoever are close to the children with respect to time get to influence them. Human beings develop or grow by observing the surroundings and so they are called as social animals. The madness of depression is the antithesis of violence. It is a storm indeed, but a storm

The Buying Patterns of the Consumers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Buying Patterns of the Consumers - Essay Example When flaws in this approach became apparent, during the mid-1990s, the focus shifted towards product orientation, which urged the marketers to spend all their resources in perfecting the quality of their products. The next ideology shift during the late 1970s brought the selling orientation, which preached the idea that in order to ensure sales and profits, companies should follow highly aggressive sales strategies (Lancaster & Massingham, 2010, p. 20).   Nevertheless, all these ideologies were stepping stones in allowing marketers to come up with the marketing innovation, which puts customers at the top of everything which the motto, â€Å"a customer is always right†. Marketing approach urges marketers and companies not to engage in â€Å"hunting† but â€Å"gardening†. Marketers agree that â€Å"make and sell† strategy is extremely short-sighted and today, in order to succeed, companies need to follow a â€Å"sense and respond† strategy. Organisations should not put in all their efforts to find the right customers for their products, but the focus should be on finding the right products for your customers (Solomon, 2006, p. 370).   More importantly, in order to find right products for your customers, you first need to have a thorough understanding of the needs and wants of your customers. Only when businesses have the proper knowledge about the buying patterns of their consumers, they can sustain their revenues and ensure that they rank high in terms of customer satisfaction.

Hazardous Material Management and Hazard Communication Essay - 11

Hazardous Material Management and Hazard Communication - Essay Example ords namely â€Å"DANGER† and â€Å"WARNING.† â€Å"DANGER† identifies chemicals that present a greater and immediate hazard to the worker whereas â€Å"WARNING† a chemical that represents a lesser degree of hazard. There can be only one signal word on the label. For multiple hazards, only the more severe signal word will appear on the label (Sullivan, 2009). In the case of acute toxicity, oral chemicals that are lethal or toxic when ingested require the â€Å"DANGER† signal word appear on their label of the container. On the other hand, those chemicals that are not harmful if ingested get the signal word â€Å"WARNING†. In addition, in the case of eye and skin irritation or corrosion, those chemicals that are classified as corrosive to the eye or skin are indicated â€Å"DANGER† on them. Whereas the same materials that only irritate the skin or the eye are marked â€Å"WARNING. â€Å" (Ta, Mokhtar, Mohd Mokhtar, Ismail, & Abu Yazid, 2010) Hazard statements also correlate with signal words. Standardized hazard statements, such as â€Å"Extremely Flammable Liquid† or â€Å"Fatal if swallowed† appear on labels that have the â€Å"DANGER† signal word. On the other hand, the labels bearing the â€Å"WARNING â€Å" word tend to have less alarming hazard statements such as â€Å"combustible liquid† or â€Å"Harmful if Swallowed†. This reflects some of the many applications of the two words used as signal words (Dalvie, Rother, & London, 2014). Dalvie, M. A., Rother, H. A., & London, L. (2014). Chemical hazard communication comprehensibility in South Africa: Safety implications for the adoption of the globally harmonised system of classification and labelling of chemicals. Safety Science, 61, 51–58. Ta, G. C., Mokhtar, M. Bin, Mohd Mokhtar, H. A. Bin, Ismail, A. Bin, & Abu Yazid, M. F. B. H. (2010). Analysis of the comprehensibility of chemical hazard communication tools at the industrial workplace. Industrial Health, 48,

Malcolm X and the United States' Civil Right Movement Term Paper

Malcolm X and the United States' Civil Right Movement - Term Paper Example Malcolm is considered as of the greatest and most influential black American in the history of America. At the age of twenty, Malcolm X was imprisoned where he joined Nation of Islam. After his parole in the year 1952, Malcolm rose to be one of the leaders of the Nation Muslims. Several years afterwards, he became a controversial figure in the public domain. However, disillusionment with Nation of Muslims in the year 1964 made him leave the nation match the same year. Later in 1964, he founded the African American unity organization and the Muslim Mosque, Inc. Malcolm believed that one day America would change in the way the whites treated the blacks. During his leadership tenure in the Nation Islam, Malcolm as the organization’s spokesperson, preached or taught black American supremacy and advocated for separation between the white and the black Americans. However, in his teachings, Malcolm contrasted the principles of civil right movement that emphasized on integration among Americans. Since 1952 when he joined the Nation of Islam until 1964 when he left the organization, Malcolm promoted the teachings of the Nation Islam (Walsh7). In his teachings, he emphasized that blacks were the original people of the entire world, and the white race belonged to the devils. In almost all of his speeches, he emphasized that the blacks or the white people were inferior to the black people, and the demise of the white people was imminent(Levy 98). Malcolm X immensely advocated for a complete separation of the African American from the white Americans, despite The Civil Right Movement’s fight against racial segregation. Malcolm had proposed separation of the black Americans to their own country. He considered the move as an interim measure that should be taken against the white until they could return to Africa (Cone 1). In addition, he rejected the nonviolence strategy that has put in play by the civil right movement. Instead, he advocated for self-defense amo ng the African Americans, and asked, them to use any necessary means and measures that were within their reach (Levy 99). His speeches were highly influential especially among the African American audients who lived in the western and northern cities. Notably, these groups were tired of the empty promises. They were ever being told to wait for justice, respect, freedom, and equality (Walsh 9). Therefore, the majority of African Americans felt that Malcolm was articulating their complaints and grievances in a better way than the strategies and moves that were being taken by civil right movement. Many of the white Americans among other blacks were perplexed with Malcolm’s ideals as well as the things he was saying. The Nation of Islam and Malcolm were later described as black supremacists, hatemongers, violence seekers and they were as well considered a threat to race relation improvement. The Civil rights organization afterwards dismissed the Nation of Islam and Malcolm becaus e of being irresponsible extremists where were not concerned with the welfare of the African Americans. Furthermore, Malcolm was accused of anti-Semitism (Cone 1). On the other hand, Malcolm equally criticized the civil right movement and described its leadership as a â€Å"stooge† that has been established by the whites. He as well described Martin Luther King, Jr. as being a â€Å"chump†. Additionally, he was opposed with the march that took place in 1963 and termed it "the farce on Washington". Malcolm claimed that he did not know why the black America

Discuss how three or more important symbols add to your understanding of Of Mice and Men Essay Example for Free

Discuss how three or more important symbols add to your understanding of Of Mice and Men Essay In Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck portrays messages to the reader through various techniques, including the vivid animal imagery presented throughout the novella, most notably in Chapters 1 and 6. However, his most potent form of message conveying is through his use of symbolism. Interweaving light imagery and exercising characters as symbols into the text furthers the development of integral themes and plotlines throughout the turbulent story. From the deep and green Salinas River to the right hand that had held the gun, Steinbecks utilization of symbols contributes to the readers overall appreciation of the chaotic book, highlighting recurring themes such as loneliness. As was stated in the introduction, Steinbeck employs characters as symbols. The most familiar example of this is old Candy. Candy is a significant figure in Of Mice and Men, due to the likenesses between him and George. I aint much good with ony one handthats why they give me a job swampin, Candy explains to George. As a swamper, this is all Candy has left. In 1930s America, a worker who could not work to his full potential, especially during the time of the Depression, would be replaced- Candys ultimate fear. Thats why he wants to cook and tend the chickens and hoe the garden some on Lennie and Georges land. Candy can lead a safe life, not having to worry about being canned. Candys stumped wrist is a result of an accident on the ranch. Candy is a prime example of being caught in the Migrant Workers Cycle- moving to one job, before leaving and moving somewhere else. A link can therefore be established with George, and Lennie, who appear to have been traveling around working before the time of Of Mice and Men. This is another case of the cyclic nature of the novella, and a reflection of the American way of life in the 1930s. Another example of Candys symbolic nature is with his ancient dog. This [Candy and his dog] is the first relationship in the novella to be broken, with the final bond, George and Lennie, being destroyed at the climax. No, he said softly. No, I couldn do that. I had im too long,' explains Candy in Chapter 3, referring to the idea of killing his dog. This is very similar to George who, despite knowing Lennie will only cause grief to him and those around him, does not want to hurt him, because he too has been with his companion for a long time. Candy explains that, I been around him so much I never notice how he stinks, while George earlier says, but you get used to goin around with a guy an you cant get rid of him.'- Another likeness between the two. George has his own dog, Lennie, who follows George around, maintaining silence in conversations and growing increasingly dependent on a master. During the novella, the recurrence of loneliness, and speculating at a lonesome finale, is ever present, especially in the form of playing cards. The bunkhouse is often the scene of the games, with George the dealer. This is significant, as George frequently exclaims his desire to be alone, If I was alone I could live so easy. However, solitude is Georges enemy, and he is fearful at the prospect of living alone. This is projected through his card playing, Slim sat downacross from GeorgeHe studied the solitaire hand that was upside-down to him. Inadvertently, George has dealt a game of solitaire- a single player game, an insinuation at the conclusion of the story, when George ultimately kills his companion. A similar event arises when Candys dog is led by Carlson to be shot. Anybody like to play a little euchre?' asks George. The key theme of loneliness is being forced away by George, who refuses to be alone, opting to ask the group to play cards. The constant reminding of impending solitude, and its effects, enable the reader to understand and fully interpret the inevitability of what is to come. Hands play a vital role in the symbolism of Of Mice and Men. There are various references to the hands of men, building up to the climatic noting, right hand that had held the gun. Despite the assortment of quotes in relation to hands, each has its own meaning. Georges right hand is the killing hand that seals his isolation in the world. Candys lack of a hand, accompanied by persistent referencing to his handicap, Candy stood in the doorway scratching his bald wrist, provides a stark reminder of the perils of working in 1930s America, stressing the importance of staying healthy. If an illness or injury affected the work rate of a person, they were often removed from their job- a brusque feature of Capitalism. The contextual relevance expands the fluency of the text for the reader, as the framework for the 1930s American society is commonly paralleled with the novella. With regards to Curley, his gloves fulla Vaseline, which hes keepin soft for his wife. This is one of many sexual references regarding Curleys wife, who regularly symbolizes the contextual attraction of whorehouses and prostitutes to the migrant workers. As stated above, Curleys wifes character is sharply familiarized with prostitutes and the brothels of the 1930s American society. Her flirtatious nature is met with an everlasting disapproval from the workers on the ranch Candy thinks, Curleys marrieda tart, who, got the eye, referring to her engaging character. However, in a letter to Miss Luce, the actress who plays Curleys wife in the play version of the text, Steinbeck explains, She is a nice, kind girl and not a floozy. According to Steinbeck, she is a little starved. She knows utterly nothing about sex except the mass of misinformation girls tell one another. From this, we can deduce that Curleys wife isnt a Looloo, and she isnt likely to be found in Old Susys Place, but due to the fact Curley and her have not consummated their marriage, she feels an object to men no man has considered her as anything except a girl to try to make. Curleys wife, Steinbeck explains, is a nice person, and knows the only way men will notice her is if she is desirable. In Of Mice and Men, Curleys wife experiences loneliness, due to neglect from Curley, and she confesses this to Lennie, Aint I got a right to talk to nobody?' Since no one has tried talking to her, Curleys wife has not proved to be anything more than a floozy, which explains the unpleasant behaviour towards her. It is interesting that, when Candy calls her a tart, there is a pause, as if to suggest caution. Further along in the conversation, Candy asks, You wont tell Curley nothing I said? This implies that Candy is afraid Curley will learn of what he has been saying, as the ranch is the only work hell ever acquire, due to his old age and handicap. The threat of Curleys wife to the workers intimidates them to the point of obeying her. Steinbecks pointed description of how Curleys wife flagrantly flirts with the other workers is a repetition of the theme, which he has earlier shown, using the brothels and his showing of the women who work in them as being mere objects. It is almost as if Curleys wife believes that the only way to get by in life is to be like those women in the brothel, and to offer herself as an object. This is the case in Chapter 4, when Crooks coldly exclaims, You got no right comin in a coloured mans room. Curleys wife uses her position as the boss sons wife, and her contextual superiority over the Negro to threaten him, I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it aint even funny. This is threatening to Crooks, as one simple cry of Rape will result in a lynching. Curleys wife also knows that, despite the harmful comments made by the men on the ranch, she holds a distinct advantage over them Curleys pretty handy. Curley could beat the worker, and get them fired, due to his position as the bo ss son. All but two of the workers fear Curley Slim, Slimwas scowlingYou lay offa me,' and Carlson Ill kick your god-damn head off.' Curleys wife, therefore, can target the remainder of the men, and flirt with them, to further her position. This goes horribly wrong when she begins to pursue Lennie. Firstly, she re-establishes her coyness through Lennies dream, Well if thats all you want, I might get a couple rabbits myself.' Then, in the barn house, she looks, closely at Lennie to see whether she was impressing him, another instance where she is trying to leave her mark on a worker. Curleys wife seals her own fate by exclaiming, Mine [Hair] is soft and finefeel right here.' This is the last stage of Curleys wifes seduction physical contact. She has seen for herself that Lennie likes to pet things, and she foolishly bids Lennie to stroke her hair, knowing full well he will. Lennie strokes too hard, and she flops like a fish. Steinbeck purposefully repeats this simile, as this has been used when Lennie crushes Curleys hand. This shared simile between the married couple suggests similar characteristics between the two most notably the volatile tempers of the two, Whats the matter with me? she cried. As the novella was written in 1930s America, the contextual content would be ever-present. However, coming off of the Depression, the American Dream had been damaged. This is highlighted by Curleys wife, I never got that letter, referring to her failed career as an actress. He says he was gonna put me in the movies. Says I was a natural. This is a prime example of the American Dream a nobody becoming a somebody. However, as with the Depression and many lives in America, this Dream was shattered So I married Curley, almost as if she married him to anger her mother, I always thought my ol lady stole it.' Curleys wife can be classed as the Depression itself the ender of dreams. The Depression ended the American Dream (Curleys wifes dream), as well as other peoples in Of Mice and Men, Curleys wife also ends Lennie and Georges dream, by enticing Lennie, which led to her death, and the end of the Dream. Putting this into reality, these small symbolizations, such as Curleys wife ending Lennie and Georges dream, enhances the understanding of the novel, as the main contextual features are evidently clear, assisted by Steinbecks geographical knowledge of the area Steinbeck was raised in the California area, and he worked on a farm the descriptions of the landscape would therefore be accurate, blurring the line between fact and fiction. One of the most effective symbols that Steinbeck employs to the novel is that of animal imagery. Throughout the novel, Lennie is likened to a bear, due to numerous references, sloping shoulders; and he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws. The bear-like stance of Lennie suggests his ferocity and power aid him, but he is clumsy, and prone to attack, a true reflection of Lennies character. In the opening and final chapters in the novella, the moods are very different, yet similar. The evocative beginnings to each chapter contain repetition of the deep green pool of the Salinas River, whilst both being disrupted by man. The most significant part about these openings is the disposition of the disturbance in Chapter 1, the rabbits hurried noiselessly for cover, whilst in Chapter 6, Lennies intrusion is as silent as a creeping bear moves, yet another reference to his bear-like stature. However, the most potent form of animal imagery is when it is used in a prefigurative sense. In Chapter 1, A stilted heron laboured up into the air and pounded down-river. In Chapter 6, the heron reappears, A silent head and beak lanced down and plucked it out by the head, andswallowed the little snake. This is a foreshadowing of the events to follow, where George shoots Lennie in the back of the head. Steinbecks manipulation of his short story permits him to substitute ordinary characters and plots with complex, contextual symbolism. This is used to great effect, and enhances the readers understanding of the text, which allows a broader knowledge of both the book and the milieu in which it was written.

Stages of Social Transformation Essay Example for Free

Stages of Social Transformation Essay Communications drives everything and influences everyone. Society, organizations and individual transformation (change) happens as the result of communications. Nothing changes unless the who, what, why, when, where and how is communicated. Wall Street moves based on the communication of information. Organizations move based on what is communicated internally and externally. Religion moves people based on the communications and agreement of religious doctrines. People are influenced by communications and the subsequent actions create transformation of relationships, markets and the entire economy. Stages of Social Transformation Social media influences group dynamics because of the reach and influence of communications. We are all connected to â€Å"the human network group† which has become self aggregated into sub groups of interest and affinity. These â€Å"groups† are learning, sharing, collaborating and aiming at ways to make progress. Each individual and organization goes through â€Å"stages† that are all necessary and inevitable in order for them to grow into all things social, to face up to challenges, to tackle problems, to find solutions, to plan work and life, and to achieve individual and collective objectives. The stages are: 1. Forming: In the first stages of â€Å"social groups†, the forming of the group takes place. The individual’s or organizational behavior is driven by the need to participate in the markets of conversations. When people begin to discover â€Å"social media† the first stage reflects learning, excitement as well as confusion. Trying to decide or discover who, what, where, when, how and why can seem overwhelming. Whether individually or organizationally the task at hand is learning about the different uses of social media and the implications. The forming stage of any group is important because, in this stage,the groups learning curve is influence by those they choose to associate with or follow for the purposes of learning. Those that jump in without learning stumble and fall. 2. Storming: Every group will next enter the storming stage in which different ideas compete for consideration. The group addresses issues such as how social media can create or find solutions to relevant problems. Arguments on what ideas are the best and references to who to follow for the best information or knowledge ensue. In some cases storming can be resolved quickly. In others, the group never leaves this stage. The maturity and knowledge inventory of group members usually determines whether the group will ever move out of this stage. Group leadership and intervention of new knowledge is needed to move a group to the next stage. The storming stage is necessary to the growth of a group. It can be contentious, unpleasant and even painful to members of the group who are averse to conflict. This phase can become destructive to the group and will lower motivation if allowed to get out of control. Some groups will never develop past this stage. 3.  Norming: The groups knowledge grows and they come to a mutual plan for use of social media and how to accomplish the plan. In this stage, all group members knowledge domain grows and the group begins to comprehend ways it which social media can be used to accomplish specific objectives. The group obtains a â€Å"common† perspective on the systemic nature of social media and the group members influence grows outside and inside organizations. 4. Performing: Some groups reach the performing stage. These groups are able to create meaningful and significant change using social technology as the means to create innovation.  Performing groups are motivated and leverage what they are learning to create new knowledge. The competency of these groups grows as the groups knowledge expands. These groups rely on the â€Å"wisdom of crowds† and their own creativity to advance their thinking. The group seeks innovative ideas aimed at solving existing problems and/or creating new markets from the collective intelligence gained from â€Å"wisdom and creativity†. They understand that social media are channels to learn, engage and share with markets, groups and crowds. 5.  Transformation: Even the most high-performing groups will revert to earlier stages in certain circumstances. Many long-standing groups go through these cycles many times as they react to changing developments. Those that reach the transformation stages are the groups who create meaningful and significant change that positively impacts the entire human network. These groups are philosophically connected and grounded in a common set of principles that guide everything they think and do. Reflect on the history of mankind and you’ll recognize â€Å"groups† that changed our world.

Philosophy And Personal Identity Philosophy Essay

Philosophy And Personal Identity Philosophy Essay Personal identity starts at the moment of conception, within time personal identity can change or not change. The change in identity differs in many instances by causes of psychological, physical or environmental changes in the person life. As life progresses in time people tend to change their views on many issues and identity is involved with those issues. Day to day activities also play an important role on a persons present or prior identity by being exposed to different elements encountered within their mind while operating in these activities. The mind is the most important influential part of a person to establish their identity thru time present or future. The identity is very important for the well being of a person in their everyday life, at work, and even with their relaintionships. When it comes to philosophy Personal Identity is a very broad and extensive topic, many philosopher have their own views on the issue. On the other hand my personal choice for this paper has to be a very well known philosopher by the name of John Locke who was one of the greatest in Europe in the late 1600s and early 1700s until his death. John Locker was born into the stage in Europe which was called the Enlightenment in which he helped find the identity of Thomas Jefferson to the idea of the Declaration Of Independence by stating this men are endowed with certain inalienable rights, and that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. With these words stated by Thomas Jefferson, John Locke began his successful thrill of Philosophy and the issue of Personal Identity. As Locke explains his version of Personal Identity he explains it in a higher power and often relies on faith, as opposed to science, to aid him in his major life decisions by using his personal identity. John Lockes views on personal identity are set out in the selection, Of Identity and Diversity, taken from his Essay Concerning Human Understanding. In this essay he talks about humans are able to understand by applying his theories and ideas. John Locke had his heart of personal identity in Section 9 of his essay in which he states his idea of a person is that of a thinking, intelligent (rational) being with consciousness of itself (self-consciousness). The notion of a thinking intelligent being amounts to this.While John Locke had his opinion and theories on personal identity other philosophers do too.In reference Identity is very complex and it has no set definition everyone agrees on. Sarup (1996) talks about identity by using the example of a passport. This may include a photograph of the person as well as other details including nationality, a persons full name and date-of-birth. While a passport is a form of identity it does not express who you are as a pers on. It shows you who you are so that you can be recognized in a bureaucratic sense (Sarup, 1996). Sarup the author states that identity is to do with who one thinks one is, what one believes and what one does. While Kidd another author believes that identity relates to how we think about ourselves as people, how we think about other people around us and what we think others think of us. In other words, the ability to figure out (Kidd, 2002)who we are as a person. Kidd the other author states that we are shaped by our culture, and we shape it and perpetuate in it in our day-to-day lives. Although culture and identity are often linked they are, in fact, different in many ways than one . With culture representing the macro pattern- the bigger picture- and identity representing the smaller more micro meanings we have as individuals ( Kidd, 2002, p.7). In my personal identity I have experienced many facets within my 25 years of living in this earth.My personal identity has been developing each minute of the day,as well as days on and in years.In my readings and research I personally coincide with authors who state that personal identity is divided by two subsets.These two subsets are characterized by experience and learning.On the contrary to Lockes beliefs I feel these two subsets characterize my personal identitys growth.According to Wenger, identity can be seen as a negotiated experience, which is developed through engagement in practice in which gives us certain experiences of participation and what our communities pay attention to makes us as participants (Wenger, 1998). Identity in practice is defined socially not merely because it is believed in a social discourse of the self and of social categories, but also because it is produced as a lived experience of participation in the specific communities (Wenger, 1998, p.151). Learning is a very crucial item people should encounter because it benefits us in the long run when it comes to our daily lives and personal encounters and relaintionships.The many things ive learned thru out my years has set out to my advantage and my personal identity .While working for different companies and organizations my personal identity has differed in each setting because I had a different role in each one.Having different roles in each of my jobs,my personal identity had to change in time in order for my tenure their to be successful and keep up with the rest of the laborers.According to the author Wenger A sense of a learning trajectory gives us ways of sorting out what matters and what does not, what contributes to identity and what remains marginal (Wenger, 1998, p.155). When we speak of ones personal identity we speak as what makes us the person that we are.Our identity consists of what makes us unique and different as an individual and from others.According to Locke personal identity does not involve the body at all,the person could be involved by his soul.If such would occur Locke suggested that the person could be transferred by his own soul.However personal identity to Locke cannot be equated with the identity of a thinking substance either because the identity doesnt follow the identity of the soul ,but follows the set of individual thoughts it contains.Here is an excerpt of one Lockes essay where he states the personal identity would follow the thoughts themselves, and not the thinking substance. Let any one reflect upon himself,and conclude,that he has in himself an immaterial Spirit,which is that which thinks in him,and in the constant change of his body keeps him the same;and is that which he calls himself: Let him also suppose it to be the same soul,that was in Nestor or Thersites, at the Siege Of Troy.But he,now having no consciousness of any of the Actions either of Nestor or Thersites,does,or can he,conceive himself the same person with either of them? Can he be concerned in either of their actions?Attribute them to himself, or think them his own more than the actions of any other man,that ever existed?But let him once find himself conscious of any of the actions of Nestor,he then finds himself the same person with Nestor.(Section 15).Since we know and read that Locke rejects that the identity of a person is the identity of an immaterial substance or soul.For Locke at every moment you could have a different soul,thoughts,or a different thinker and still have the same person see.(Section 25) Another rejection by Locke is the idea the the identity of a man is needed for the identity of the person.It wouldnt be necessary since you could have the same person in two different beings as he states in the Prince and the Cobbler story. For should the soul of a prince,carrying with it the consciousness of the princes past life,enter and inform the body of a cobbler,as soon as deserted by his own soul,everyone sees he would be the same person with the prince.(Section 15). For Locke personal identity is not enough if it doesnt include the identity of consciousness.According to Locke consciousness is the ideas that a soul entertains,not in the soul that entertains them.The most important part of consciousness is memory,since memory can remember the actions and experiences of some past person,from the perspective of that person,then one thereby qualifies as identical with that person.To Locke he describes personal identity as a forensic notion.(Section 26).While most philosophers and philosophy get confused with his identity of consciousness Locke statedFor since consciousness always accompanies thinking,and it is that which makes every one to be what he calls self,and thereby distinguishes himself from all other thinking things:in this along consists consists personal identity and as far as this consciousness can be extended backwards to any past action or thought,so far reaches the identity of that person;it is the same self now it was then;and it is b y the same self with this present one that now reflects on it,that that action was done.(Section 9). Overtime John Locke has been criticized by his theories and his way of thinking by fellow philosophers and other entities.Thomas Reid has a view that is similar to Descartes in which a person who is a simple indivisible substance that has no temporal or spatial parts.Thomas Reid states that My personal identity implies the continued existence of that indivisible thing which I can myself.Whatever this self may be,it is something which thinks,and deliberates,and resolves,and acts and suffers.I am not thought,I am not action, I am not action,I am not feeling;I am something that thinks,and acts and suffers.My thoughts,and actions,and feelings change every moment;they have no continues,but a successive,existence that self or I,to which they belong,is permanent,and has the same relation to all the succeeding thoughts,actions,and feelings which I call mine. Reid argues that memory is the evidence for personal identity,but not the basis of personal identity.Reid developed several arguments w hich go against John Lockes memory is the basis of personal identity.The four main arguments that Reide goes against Locke are: The Duplication problem which states one person may be identity with more than one person. The Brave Soldier Paradox which a man may be ,and at the same time not be,the person that did a particular action. The problem of removing reward punishment and responsibility. The minor objection that confuses consciousness with memory.

Helen Keller Essay -- Story of My Life

Helen Keller Helen Keller was an American author who lived to educate and inspire others to become the most unique author of her time. She was a gifted woman who had exceptional writing abilities. She utilized simplistic style to correspond with all varieties of people. She wrote to inspire people and to help disabled people achieve their goals. Her writing style was full of many types of diction, syntactic devices, and patterns of imagery to exemplify her life chronicle. Keller used an unadorned tone with superb expressions and descriptions. Helen Adams Keller was born in the small town of Tuscumbia, Alabama in 1880. When she was nineteen months old she was diagnosed with scarlet fever, which left her blind and deaf for the rest of her life. When she was a child she was put under the care of Anne Sullivan, and she would become her life long friend and companion. Sullivan began to teach her by writing with her finger, the name of objects into her hand. Keller began to learn very rapidly. She started to write very quickly using a ruler to guide her sentences. She learned how to read Braille and then to speak. In 1900, Keller went to Radcliffe College and graduated with honors. She lectured around the world about her life experiences and met many famous people such as Mark Twain. She was an extraordinary woman and one of the most recognized people in history. Helen Keller shows herself as a well educated, persevering, and eager woman. She brought her success through her education, which she was taught at a young age. Keller learned her thirty new words the same day she learned her first. Next, she presented a very strong personality. In her early years Keller states, â€Å"†¦although I find it difficult, I s... ...m her birth and follows on by each of her accomplishments. She wrote her story just how her life happened, she included all of her inspirations and the people that helped her fulfil her goals. Helen Keller wrote her life story as a tool for other people to learn from. She was plagued by disabilities that she had to overcome. Her story is wonderful and her achievements are amazing. Keller let nothing stop her from meeting famous people, to traveling all over the world to talk to people and inspire them. She did many things that even people with no disadvantages couldn’t accomplish. Bibliography Keller, Helen Adams Story of My Life. New York, New York: Bantam Books, June 1990 Herrmann, Dorothy â€Å"Helen Keller.† Famous Women 1990. Yahoo. http://www.charlotte.com/services/books/0920review.htm Microsoft Encarta 97 Microsoft Corporation, 1993-1996

Stereotypes and Stereotyping of Teenagers :: Argumentative Persuasive Essays

Stereotyping of Teenagers One might think we live in an age where discriminations have been cut to a bare minimum, as far as addressing them goes. Gender discrimination, racism, and discrimination towards the disabled and less fortunate have been acknowledged, dealt with, and handled. Our children are taught to take care of the elderly, help the poor, and to stare at people with disabilities. The mentally handicapped, homeless people, and foreign men and women are given jobs. Yes, one might definitely think we live in a time where peaceful equality is at its best. Then why can't I; a normal, average intelligence, respectful teenage girl, be accepted? One would think that if we can accept the poor, disabled, foreign, and homeless people regardless of race, religion, or gender; accepting a person who just chooses to dress and look differently would be easy. As I have found, such is not the case. Discrimination towards teenagers, especially the ones who chose to dress differently, is a problem. It is a problem that goes very often un-addressed. There are plenty of stereotypes, but I believe the one that is believed the most is what the stereotypical teenage "freak" is. Constantly people assume, just by looking at me, a lot of different things. I was surprised to find the number of people who just figured I was into drugs. I couldn't believe it. Apparently, because I choose to dress differently, I must be trashed all the time. However, such is not the case. Police assume we are trouble makers. I have been stopped countless times, sworn at, and threatened by arrest, for simply standing on a street corner or holding a skateboard. Meanwhile, a handful of preppy teens stand by, doing the same thing, yet not getting a word towards them. We are assumed to be on drugs and trouble makers, as well as Satanists, witches, and that we're depressed. I speak from experience. Judging based merely on an assumption wasn't just back in the days of the Salem witch hunts. Not only do people form these opinions, they also act upon them. Getting a job is horrible. I can be the most respectful, responsible person in the world, but unfortunately my eyebrow ring is "offensive". Its pathetic! Businesses will hire Mexicans and Asians who can hardly speak English, just so they are "politically correct". But apparently I don't count. I'll be walking behind a girl with a handicap, and a mother will scold her child for staring, but when I am passed, Mother stares along with Child. Am I somehow less than human? Do people think I don't notice?

Philosophy of Teaching Essay -- Teachers Education Essays

Philosophy of Teaching Children are not required to have real jobs, but they are required to attend school everyday. A teacher’s job is to show children how to make special use of their time and value their educational opportunities. Students do not get paid for their eight a.m. to three p.m. job, but they will be rewarded for the work that they put in. Teachers will only be truly happy and successful if they are dedicated to working hard and providing a positive attitude for their students. The real reward will be the success of their students and the growth of their knowledge of the world around them. I have observed that becoming a teacher is different from training or studying for any other job. Teachers bring their work home with them, both literally and figuratively. All teachers need to bring home papers to grade and lesson plans to work on; yet, becoming a real teacher means taking the job more seriously. Teachers are mentors who tackle little problems that a particular student faces. Teachers deal with the challenges of making lessons fun, creative, and effective. Being a compassionate, caring teacher is a difficult task because educators only have limited time to really make an impact on their students. Most classes only last about forty minutes each day. However, a teacher can make a lifelong impact on the students if he or she devotes energy and creativity for the benefit of the students. I do not think that there is any one teacher who is perf...

The Twilight Saga 4: Breaking Dawn 4. GESTURE

The wedding flowed into the reception party smoothly – proof of Alice's flawless planning. It was just twilight over the river; the ceremony had lasted exactly the right amount of time, allowing the sun to set behind the trees. The lights in the trees glimmered as Edward led me through the glass back doors, making the white flowers glow. There were another ten thousand flowers out here, serving as a fragrant, airy tent over the dance floor set up on the grass under two of the ancient cedars. Things slowed down, relaxed as the mellow August evening surrounded us. The little crowd spread out under the soft shine of the twinkle lights, and we were greeted again by the friends we'd just embraced. There was time to talk now, to laugh. â€Å"Congrats, guys,† Seth Clearwater told us, ducking his head under the edge of a flower garland. His mother, Sue, was tight by his side, eyeing the guests with wary intensity. Her face was thin and fierce, an expression that was accented by her short, severe hairstyle; it was as short as her daughter Leah's – I wondered if she'd cut it the same way in a show of solidarity. Billy Black, on Seth's other side, was not as tense as Sue. When I looked at Jacob's father, I always felt like I was seeing two people rather than just one. There was the old man in the wheelchair with the lined face and the white smile that everyone else saw. And then there was the direct descendant of a long line of powerful, magical chieftains, cloaked in the authority he'd been born with. Though the magic had – in the absence of a catalyst – skipped his generation, Billy was still a part of the power and the legend. It flowed straight through him. It flowed to his son, the heir to the magic, who had turned his back on it. That left Sam Uley to act as the chief of legends and magic now___ Billy seemed oddly at ease considering the company and the event – his black eyes sparkled like he'd just gotten some good news. I was impressed by his composure. This wedding must have seemed a very bad thing, the worst thing that could happen to his best friend's daughter, in Billy's eyes. I knew it wasn't easy for him to restrain his feelings, considering the challenge this event foreshadowed to the ancient treaty between the Cullens and the Quileutes – the treaty that prohibited the Cullens from ever creating another vampire. The wolves knew a breach was coming, but the Cullens had no idea how they would react. Before the alliance, it would have meant an immediate attack. A war. But now that they knew each other better, would there be forgiveness instead? As if in response to that thought, Seth leaned toward Edward, arms extended. Edward returned the hug with his free arm. I saw Sue shudder delicately. â€Å"It's good to see things work out for you, man,† Seth said. â€Å"I'm happy for you.† â€Å"Thank you, Seth. That means a lot to me.† Edward pulled away from Seth and looked at Sue and Billy. â€Å"Thank you, as well. For letting Seth come. For supporting Bella today.† â€Å"You're welcome,† Billy said in his deep, gravelly voice, and I was surprised at the optimism in his tone. Perhaps a stronger truce was on the horizon. A bit of a line was forming, so Seth waved goodbye and wheeled Billy toward the food. Sue kept one hand on each of them. Angela and Ben were the next to claim us, followed by Angela's parents and then Mike and Jessica – who were, to my surprise, holding hands. I hadn't heard that they were together again. That was nice. Behind my human friends were my new cousins-in-law, the Denali vampire clan. I realized I was holding my breath as the vampire in front – Tanya, I assumed from the strawberry tint in her blond curls – reached out to embrace Edward. Next to her, three other vampires with golden eyes stared at me with open curiosity. One woman had long, pale blond hair, straight as corn silk. The other woman and the man beside her were both black-haired, with a hint of an olive tone to their chalky complexions. And they were all four so beautiful that it made my stomach hurt. Tanya was still holding Edward. â€Å"Ah, Edward,† she said. â€Å"I've missed you.† Edward chuckled and deftly maneuvered out of the hug, placing his hand lightly on her shoulder and stepping back, as if to get a better look at her. â€Å"It's been too long, Tanya. You look well.† â€Å"So do you.† â€Å"Let me introduce you to my wife.† It was the first time Edward had said that word since it was officially true; he seemed like he would explode with satisfaction saying it now. The Denalis all laughed lightly in response. â€Å"Tanya, this is my Bella.† Tanya was every bit as lovely as my worst nightmares had predicted. She eyed me with a look that was much more speculative than it was resigned, and then reached out to take my hand. â€Å"Welcome to the family, Bella.† She smiled, a little rueful. â€Å"We consider ourselves Carlisle's extended family, and I am sorry about the, er, recent incident when we did not behave as such. We should have met you sooner. Can you forgive us?† â€Å"Of course,† I said breathlessly. â€Å"It's so nice to meet you.† â€Å"The Cullens are all evened up in numbers now. Perhaps it will be our turn next, eh, Kate?† She grinned at the blonde. â€Å"Keep the dream alive,† Kate said with a roll of her golden eyes. She took my hand from Tanya's and squeezed it gently. â€Å"Welcome, Bella.† The dark-haired woman put her hand on top of Kate's. â€Å"I'm Carmen, this is Eleazar. We're all so very pleased to finally meet you.† â€Å"M-me, too,† I stuttered. Tanya glanced at the people waiting behind her – Charlie's deputy, Mark, and his wife. Their eyes were huge as they took in the Denali clan. â€Å"We'll get to know each other later. We'll have eons of time for that!† Tanya laughed as she and her family moved on. All the standard traditions were kept. I was blinded by flashbulbs as we held the knife over a spectacular cake – too grand, I thought, for our relatively intimate group of friends and family. We took turns shoving cake in each other's faces; Edward manfully swallowed his portion as I watched in disbelief. I threw my bouquet with atypical skill, right into Angela's surprised hands. Emmett and Jasper howled with laughter at my blush while Edward removed my borrowed garter – which I'd shimmied down nearly to my ankle – verycarefully with his teeth. With a quick wink at me, he shot it straight into Mike Newton's face. And when the music started, Edward pulled me into his arms for the customary first dance; I went willingly, despite my fear of dancing – especially dancing in front of an audience – just happy to have him holding me. He did all the work, and I twirled effortlessly under the glow of a canopy of lights and the bright flashes from the cameras. â€Å"Enjoying the party, Mrs. Cullen?† he whispered in my ear. I laughed. â€Å"That will take a while to get used to.† â€Å"We have a while,† he reminded me, his voice exultant, and he leaned down to kiss me while we danced. Cameras clicked feverishly. The music changed, and Charlie tapped on Edward's shoulder. It wasn't nearly as easy to dance with Charlie. He was no better at it than I was, so we moved safely from side to side in a tiny square formation. Edward and Esme spun around us like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. â€Å"I'm going to miss you at home, Bella. I'm already lonely.† I spoke through a tight throat, trying to make a joke of it. â€Å"I feel just horrible, leaving you to cook for yourself – it's practically criminal negligence. You could arrest me.† He grinned. â€Å"I suppose I'll survive the food. Just call me whenever you can.† â€Å"I promise.† It seemed like I danced with everyone. It was good to see all my old friends, but I really wanted to be with Edward more than anything else. I was happy when he finally cut in, just half a minute after a new dance started. â€Å"Still not that fond of Mike, eh?† I commented as Edward whirled me away from him. â€Å"Not when I have to listen to his thoughts. He's lucky I didn't kick him out. Or worse.† â€Å"Yeah, right.† â€Å"Have you had a chance to look at yourself?† â€Å"Urn. No, I guess not. Why?† â€Å"Then I suppose you don't realize how utterly, heart-breakingly beautiful you are tonight. I'm not surprised Mike's having difficulty with improper thoughts about a married woman. I am disappointed that Alice didn't make sure you were forced to look in a mirror.† â€Å"You are very biased, you know.† He sighed and then paused and turned me around to face the house. The wall of glass reflected the party back like a long mirror. Edward pointed to the couple in the mirror directly across from us. â€Å"Biased, am I?† I caught just a glimpse of Edward's reflection – a perfect duplicate of his perfect face – with a dark-haired beauty at his side. Her skin was cream and roses, her eyes were huge with excitement and framed with thick lashes. The narrow sheath of the shimmering white dress flared out subtly at the train almost like an inverted calla lily, cut so skillfully that her body looked elegant and graceful – while it was motionless, at least. Before I could blink and make the beauty turn back into me, Edward suddenly stiffened and turned automatically in the other direction, as if someone had called his name. â€Å"Oh!† he said. His brow furrowed for an instant and then smoothed out just as quickly. Suddenly, he was smiling a brilliant smile. â€Å"What is it?† I asked. â€Å"A surprise wedding gift.† â€Å"Huh?† He didn't answer; he just started dancing again, spinning me the opposite way we'd been headed before, away from the lights and then into the deep swath of night that ringed the luminous dance floor. He didn't pause until we reached the dark side of one of the huge cedars. Then Edward looked straight into the blackest shadow. â€Å"Thank you,† Edward said to the darkness. â€Å"This is very†¦ kind of you.† â€Å"Kind is my middle name,† a husky familiar voice answered from the black night. â€Å"Can i cut in?† My hand flew up to my throat, and if Edward hadn't been holding me I would have collapsed. â€Å"Jacob!† I choked as soon as I could breathe. â€Å"Jacob!† â€Å"Hey there, Bells.† I stumbled toward the sound of his voice. Edward kept his grip under my elbow until another set of strong hands caught me in the darkness. The heat from Jacob's skin burned right through the thin satin dress as he pulled me close. He made no effort to dance; he just hugged me while I buried my face in his chest. He leaned down to press his cheek to the top of my head. â€Å"Rosalie won't forgive me if she doesn't get her official turn on the dance floor,† Edward murmured, and I knew he was leaving us, giving me a gift of his own – this moment with Jacob. â€Å"Oh, Jacob.† I was crying now; I couldn't get the words out clearly. â€Å"Thank you.† â€Å"Stop blubbering,Bella. You'll ruin your dress. It's just me.† â€Å"Just? Oh, Jake! Everything is perfect now.† Hesnorted. â€Å"Yeah – the party can start. The best man finally made it.† â€Å"Now everyone I love is here.† I felthis lips brush my hair. â€Å"SorryI'm late, honey.† â€Å"I'm just so happy you came!† â€Å"That was the idea.† I glanced toward the guests, but I couldn't see through the dancers to the spot where I'd last seen Jacob's father. I didn't know if he'd stayed. â€Å"DoesBilly know you're here?† As soon as I asked, I knew that he must have – it was the only way to explain his uplifted expression before. â€Å"I'm sure Sam's told him. I'll go see him when†¦ when the party's over.† â€Å"He'll beso glad you're home.† Jacob pulled back a little bit and straightened up.He left one hand on the small of my back and grabbed my right hand with the other. He cradled our hands to his chest; I could feel his heart beat under my palm, and I guessed that he hadn't placed my hand there accidentally. â€Å"I don't know if I get more than just this one dance,† he said, and he began pulling me around in a slow circle that didn't match the tempo of the music coming from behind us. â€Å"I'd better make the best of it.† We moved to the rhythm of his heart under my hand. â€Å"I'm glad Icame,† Jacob said quietly after a moment. â€Å"I didn't think I would be. But it's good to see you†¦ one more time. Not as sad as I'd thought it would be.† â€Å"I don't want you to feel sad.† â€Å"I know that. And I didn't come tonight to make you feel guilty.† â€Å"No – it makes me very happy that you came. It's the best gift you could have given me.† He laughed. â€Å"That's good, because I didn't have time to stop for a real present.† My eyes were adjusting, and I could see his face now, higher up than I expected. Was it possible that he was still growing? He had to be closer to seven feet than to six. It was a relief to see his familiar features again after all this time – his deep-set eyes shadowed under his shaggy black brows, his high cheekbones, his full lips stretched over his bright teeth in the sarcastic smile that matched his tone. His eyes were tight around the edges – careful; I could see that he was being very careful tonight. He was doing all he could to make me happy, to not slip and show how much this cost him. I'd never done anything good enough to deserve a friend like Jacob. â€Å"When did you decide to come back?† â€Å"Consciously or subconsciously?† He took a deep breath before he answered his own question. â€Å"I don't really know. I guess I've been wandering back this direction for a while, and maybe it's because I was headed here. But it wasn't until this morning that I really started running. I didn't know if I could make it.† He laughed. â€Å"You wouldn't believe how weird this feels – walking around on two legs again. And clothes! And then it's more bizarre because it feels weird. I didn't expect that. I'm out of practice with the whole human thing.† We revolved steadily. â€Å"It would have been a shame to miss seeing you like this, though. That's worth the trip right there. You look unbelievable, Bella. So beautiful.† â€Å"Alice invested a lot of time in me today. The dark helps, too.† â€Å"It's not so dark for me, you know.† â€Å"Right.† Werewolf senses. It was easy to forget all the things he could do, he seemed so human. Especially right now. â€Å"You cut your hair,† I noted. â€Å"Yeah. Easier, you know. Thought I'd better take advantage of the hands.† â€Å"It looks good,† I lied. He snorted. â€Å"Right. I did it myself, with rusty kitchen shears.† He grinned widely for a moment, and then his smile faded. His expression turned serious. â€Å"Are you happy, Bella?† â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"Okay.† I felt his shoulders shrug. â€Å"That's the main thing, I guess.† â€Å"How are you, Jacob? Really?† â€Å"I'm fine, Bella, really. You don't need to worry about me anymore. You can stop bugging Seth.† â€Å"I'm not just bugging him because of you. I like Seth.† â€Å"He's a good kid. Better company than some. I tell you, if I could get rid of the voices in my head, being a wolf would be about perfect.† I laughed at the way it sounded. â€Å"Yeah, I can't get mine to shut up, either.† â€Å"In your case, that would mean you're insane. Of course, I already knew that you were insane,† he teased. â€Å"Thanks.† â€Å"Insanity is probably easier than sharing a pack mind. Crazy people's voices don't send babysitters to watch them.† â€Å"Huh?† â€Å"Sam's out there. And some of the others. Just in case, you know.† â€Å"In case of what?† â€Å"In case I can't keep it together, something like that. In case I decide to trash the party.† He flashed a quick smile at what was probably an appealing thought to him. â€Å"But I'm not here to ruin your wedding, Bella. I'm here to .. .† He trailed off. â€Å"To make it perfect.† â€Å"That's a tall order.† â€Å"Good thing you're so tall.† He groaned at my bad joke and then sighed. â€Å"I'm just here to be your friend. Your best friend, one last time.† â€Å"Sam should give you more credit.† â€Å"Well, maybe I'm being oversensitive. Maybe they'd be here anyway, to keep an eye on Seth. There are a lot of vampires here. Seth doesn't take that as seriously as he should.† â€Å"Seth knows that he's not in any danger. He understands the Cullens better than Sam does.† â€Å"Sure, sure,† Jacob said, making peace before it could turn into a fight. It was strange to have him being the diplomat. â€Å"Sorry about those voices,† I said. â€Å"Wish I could make it better.† In so many ways. â€Å"It's not that bad. I'm just whining a little.† â€Å"You're†¦ happy?† â€Å"Close enough. But enough about me. You're the star today.† He chuckled. â€Å"I bet you're just loving that. Center of attention.† â€Å"Yeah. Can't get enough attention.† He laughed and then stared over my head. With pursed lips, he studied the shimmering glow of the reception party, the graceful whirl of the dancers, the fluttering petals falling from the garlands; I looked with him. It all seemed very distant from this black, quiet space. Almost like watching the white flurries swirling inside a snow globe. â€Å"I'll give them this much,† he said. â€Å"They know how to throw a party.† â€Å"Alice is an unstoppable force of nature.† He sighed. â€Å"Song's over. Do you think 1 get another one? Or is that asking too much?† I tightened my hand around his. â€Å"You can have as many dances as you want.† He laughed. â€Å"That would be interesting. I think I'd better stick with two, though. Don't want to start talk.† We turned in another circle. â€Å"You'd think I'd be used to telling you goodbye by now,† he murmured. I tried to swallow the lump in my throat, but I couldn't force it down. Jacob looked at me and frowned. He wiped his fingers across my cheek, catching the tears there. â€Å"You're not supposed to be the one crying, Bella.† â€Å"Everyone cries at weddings,† I said thickly. â€Å"This is what you want, right?† â€Å"Right.† â€Å"Then smile.† I tried. He laughed at my grimace. Tm going to try to remember you like this. Pretend that†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"That what?That I died?† He clenched his teeth. He was struggling with himself – with his decision to make his presence here a gift and not a judgment. I could guess what he wanted to say. â€Å"No,† he finally answered. â€Å"But I'll see you this way in my head. Pink cheeks. Heartbeat. Two left feet. All of that.† I deliberately stomped on his foot as hard as I could. He smiled. â€Å"That's my girl.† He started to say something else and then snapped his mouth closed. Struggling again, teeth gritted against the words he didn't want to say. My relationship with Jacob used to be so easy. Natural as breathing. But since Edward had come back into my life, it was a constant strain. Because – in Jacob's eyes – by choosing Edward, I was choosing a fate that was worse than death, or at least equivalent to it. â€Å"What is it, Jake? Just tell me. You can tell me anything.† â€Å"I – I†¦ I don't have anything to tell you.† â€Å"Oh please. Spit it out.† â€Å"It's true.It's not†¦ it's – it's a question. It's something I want you to tell me† â€Å"Ask me.† He struggled for another minute and then exhaled. â€Å"I shouldn't. It doesn't matter. I'm just morbidly curious.† Because I knew him so well, I understood. â€Å"It's not tonight, Jacob,† I whispered. Jacob was even more obsessed with my humanity than Edward. He treasured every one of my heartbeats, knowing that they were numbered. â€Å"Oh,† he said, trying to smother his relief. â€Å"Oh.† A new song started playing, but he didn't notice the change this time. â€Å"When?† he whispered. â€Å"I don't know for sure. A week or two, maybe.† His voice changed, took on a defensive, mocking edge. â€Å"What's the holdup?† â€Å"I just didn't want to spend my honeymoon writhing in pain.† â€Å"You'd rather spend it how? Playing checkers? Ha ha.† â€Å"Very funny.† â€Å"Kidding, Bells. But, honestly, I don't see the point. You can't have a real honeymoon with your vampire, so why go through the motions? Call a spade a spade. This isn't the first time you've put this off. That's a good thing, though,† he said, suddenly earnest. â€Å"Don't be embarrassed about it.† â€Å"I'm not putting anything off,† I snapped. â€Å"And yes I can have a real honeymoon! I can do anything I want! Butt out!† He stopped our slow circling abruptly. For a moment, I wondered if he'd finally noticed the music change, and I scrambled in my head for a way to patch up our little tiff before he said goodbye to me. We shouldn't part on this note. And then his eyes bulged wide with a strange kind of confused horror. â€Å"What?† he gasped. â€Å"What did you say?† â€Å"About what†¦ ? Jake? What's wrong?† â€Å"What do you mean? Have a real honeymoon? While you're still human? Are you kidding? That's a sick joke, Bella!† I glared at him. â€Å"I said butt out, Jake. This is so not your business. I shouldn't have†¦ we shouldn't even be talking about this. It's private – â€Å" His enormous hands gripped the tops of my arms, wrapping all the way around, fingers overlapping. â€Å"Ow, Jake! Let go!† He shook me. â€Å"Bella! Have you lost your mind? You can't be that stupid! Tell me you're joking!† He shook me again. His hands, tight as tourniquets, were quivering, sending vibrations deep into my bones. â€Å"Jake – stop!† The darkness was suddenly very crowded. â€Å"Take your hands off her!† Edward's voice was cold as ice, sharp as razors. Behind Jacob, there was a low snarl from the black night, and then another, overlapping the first. â€Å"Jake, bro, back away,† I heard Seth Clearwater urge. â€Å"You're losing it.† Jacob seemed frozen as he was, his horrified eyes wide and staring. â€Å"You'll hurt her,† Seth whispered. â€Å"Let her go.† â€Å"Now!† Edward snarled. Jacob's hands dropped to his sides, and the sudden gush of blood through my waiting veins was almost painful. Before I could register more than that, cold hands replaced the hot ones, and the air was suddenly whooshing past me. I blinked, and I was on my feet a half dozen feet away from where I'd been standing. Edward was tensed in front of me. There were two enormous wolves braced between him and Jacob, but they did not seem aggressive to me. More like they were trying to prevent the fight. And Seth – gangly, fifteen-year-old Seth – had his long arms around Jacob's shaking body, and he was tugging him away. If Jacob phased with Seth so close†¦ â€Å"C'mon, Jake. Let's go.† â€Å"I'll kill you,† Jacob said, his voice so choked with rage that it was low as a whisper. His eyes, focused on Edward, burned with fury. â€Å"I'll kill you myself! I'll do it now!† He shuddered convulsively. The biggest wolf, the black one, growled sharply. â€Å"Seth, get out of the way,† Edward hissed. Seth tugged on Jacob again. Jacob was so bewildered with rage that Seth was able to yank him a few feet farther back. â€Å"Don't do it, Jake. Walk away. C'mon.† Sam – the bigger wolf, the black one – joined Seth then. He put his massive head against Jacob's chest and shoved. The three of them – Seth towing, Jake trembling, Sam pushing – disappeared swiftly into the darkness. The other wolf stared after them. I wasn't sure, in the weak light, about the color of his fur – chocolate brown, maybe? Was it Quil, then? Tm sorry,† I whispered to the wolf. â€Å"It'sall right now,Bella,† Edward murmured. The wolf looked at Edward. His gaze was not friendly. Edward gave him one cold nod.The wolf huffed and then turned to follow the others, vanishing as they had. â€Å"All right,† Edward said to himself, and then he looked at me. â€Å"Let's get back.† â€Å"But Jake – â€Å" â€Å"Sam has him in hand. He's gone.† â€Å"Edward, I'm so sorry. Iwas stupid – â€Å" â€Å"You did nothing wrong – â€Å" â€Å"I have such a big mouth! Why would I†¦ I shouldn't have let him get to me like that. What was I thinking?† â€Å"Don't worry.† He touched my face. â€Å"We need to get back to the reception before someone notices our absence.† I shook my head, trying to reorient myself. Before someone noticed? Had anyone missed that? Then, as I thought about it, I realized the confrontation that had seemed so catastrophic to me had, in reality, been very quiet and short here in the shadows. â€Å"Give me two seconds,† I pleaded. My insides were chaotic with panic and grief, but that didn't matter – only the outside mattered right now. Putting on a good show was something I knew I had to master. â€Å"My dress?† â€Å"You look fine. Not a hair out of place.† I took two deep breaths. â€Å"Okay. Let's go.† He put his arms around me and led me back to the light. When we passed under the twinkle lights, he spun me gently onto the dance floor. We melted in with the other dancers as if our dance had never been interrupted. I glanced around at the guests, butno one seemed shocked or frightened. Only the very palest faces there showed any signs of stress, and they hid it well. Jasper and Emmett were on the edge of the floor, close together, and I guessed that they had been nearby during the confrontation. â€Å"Are you – â€Å" Tm fine,† I promised. â€Å"I can't believe I did that. What's wrong with me?† â€Å"Nothing is wrong with you† I'd been so glad to see Jacob here. I knew the sacrifice it had taken him. And then I'd ruined it, turned his gift into a disaster. I should be quarantined. But my idiocy would not ruin anything else tonight. I would put this away, shove it in a drawer and lock it up to deal with later. There would be plenty of time to flagellate myself for this, and nothing I could do now would help. â€Å"It's over,† I said. â€Å"Let's not think of it again tonight.† I expected a quick agreement from Edward, but he was silent. â€Å"Edward?† He closed his eyes and touched his forehead to mine. â€Å"Jacob is right,† he whispered. â€Å"What am I thinking?† â€Å"He is not.† I tried to keep my face smooth for the watching crowd of friends. â€Å"Jacob is way too prejudiced to see anything clearly.† He mumbled something low that sounded almost like â€Å"should let him kill me for even thinking †¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Stop it,† I said fiercely. I grabbed his face in my hands and waited until he opened his eyes. â€Å"You and me. That's the only thing that matters. The only thing you're allowed to think about now. Do you hear me?† â€Å"Yes,† he sighed. â€Å"Forget Jacob came.† I could do that. I would 60 that. â€Å"For me. Promise that you'll let this go.† He stared into my eyes for a moment before answering. â€Å"I promise.† â€Å"Thank you. Edward, I'm not afraid.† â€Å"I am,† he whispered. â€Å"Don't be.† I took deep breath and smiled. â€Å"By the way, I love you.† He smiled just a little in return. â€Å"That's why we're here.† â€Å"You're monopolizing the bride,† Emmett said, coming up behind Edward's shoulder. â€Å"Let me dance with my little sister. This could be my last chance to make her blush.† He laughed loudly, as unaffected as he usually was by any serious atmosphere. It turned out there were actually lots of people I hadn't danced with yet, and that gave me a chance to truly compose and resolve myself. When Edward claimed me again, I found that the Jacob-drawer was shut nice and tight. As he wrapped his arms around me, I was able to unearth my earlier sense of joy, my certainty that everything in my life was in the right place tonight. I smiled and laid my head against his chest. His arms tightened. â€Å"I could get used to this,† I said. â€Å"Don't tell me you've gotten over your dancing issues?† â€Å"Dancing isn't so bad – with you. But I was thinking more of this,† – and I pressed myself to him even tighter – â€Å"of never having to let you go.† â€Å"Never,† he promised, and he leaned down to kiss me. It was a serious kind of kiss – intense, slow but building†¦. I'd pretty much forgotten where I was when I heard Alice call, â€Å"Bella! It's time!† I felt a brief flicker of irritation with my new sister for the interruption. Edward ignored her; his lips were hard against mine, more urgent than before. My heart broke into a sprint and my palms were slick against his marble neck. â€Å"Do you want to miss your plane?† Alice demanded, right next to me now. â€Å"I'm sure you'll have a lovely honeymoon camped out in the airport waiting for another flight.† Edward turned his face slightly to murmur, â€Å"Go away, Alice,† and then pressed his lips to mine again. â€Å"Bella, do you want to wear that dress on the airplane?† she demanded. I wasn't really paying much attention. At the moment, I simply didn't care. Alice growled quietly. â€Å"I'll tell her where you're taking her, Edward. So help me, I will.† He froze. Then he lifted his face from mine and glared at his favorite sister. â€Å"You're awfully small to be so hugelyirritating.† â€Å"I didn't pick out the perfect going-away dress to have it wasted,† she snapped back, taking my hand. â€Å"Come with me, Bella.† I tugged against her hold, stretching up on my toes to kiss him one more time. She jerked my arm impatiently, hauling me away from him. There were a few chuckles from the watching guests. I gave up then and let her lead me into the empty house. She looked annoyed. â€Å"Sorry, Alice,† I apologized. â€Å"I don't blame you, Bella.† She sighed. â€Å"You don't seem to be able help yourself.† I giggled at her martyred expression, and she scowled. â€Å"Thank you, Alice. It was the most beautiful wedding anyone ever had,† I told her earnestly. â€Å"Everything was exactly right. You're the best, smartest, most talented sister in the whole world.† That thawed her out; she smiled a huge smile. â€Å"I'm glad you liked it.† Renee and Esme were waiting upstairs. The three of them quickly had me out of my dress and into Alice's deep blue going-away ensemble. I was grateful when someone pulled the pins out of my hair and let it fall loose down my back, wavy from the braids, saving me from a hairpin headache later. My mother's tears streamed without a break the entire time. â€Å"I'll call you when I know where I'm going,† I promised as I hugged her goodbye. I knew the honeymoon secret was probably driving her crazy; my mother hated secrets, unless she was in on them. â€Å"I'll tell you as soon as she's safely away,† Alice outdid me, smirking at my wounded expression. How unfair, for me to be the last to know. â€Å"You have to visit me and Phil very, very soon. It's your turn to go south – see the sun for once,† Renee said. â€Å"It didn't rain today,† I reminded her, avoiding her request â€Å"A miracle.† â€Å"Everything's ready,† Alice said. â€Å"Your suitcases are in the car – Jasper's bringing it around.† She pulled me back toward the stairs with Renee following, still halfway embracing me. â€Å"I love you, Mom,† I whispered as we descended. Tm so glad you have Phil. Take care of each other.† â€Å"I love you, too, Bella, honey.† â€Å"Goodbye, Mom. I love you,† I said again, my throat thick. Edward was waiting at the bottom of the stairs. I took his outstretched hand but leaned away, scanning the little crowd that was waiting to see us off. â€Å"Dad?† I asked, my eyes searching. â€Å"Over here,† Edward murmured. He pulled me through the guests; they made a pathway for us. We found Charlie leaning awkwardly against the wall behind everyone else, looking a little like he was hiding. The red rims around his eyes explained why. â€Å"Oh, Dad!† I hugged him around the waist, tears streaming again – I was crying so much tonight. He patted my back. â€Å"There, now. You don't want to miss your plane.† It was hard to talk about love with Charlie – we were so much alike, always reverting to trivial things to avoid embarrassing emotional displays. But this was no time for being self-conscious. â€Å"I love you forever, Dad,† I told him. â€Å"Don't forget that.† â€Å"You, too, Bells. Always have, always will.† I kissed his cheek at the same time that he kissed mine. â€Å"Call me,† he said. â€Å"Soon,† I promised, knowing this was all I could promise. Just a phone call. My father and my mother could not be allowed to see me again; I would be too different, and much, much too dangerous. â€Å"Go on, then,† he said gruffly. â€Å"Don't want to be late.† The guests made another aisle for us. Edward pulled me close to his side as we made our escape. â€Å"Are you ready?† he asked. â€Å"I am,† I said, and I knew that it was true. Everyone applauded when Edward kissed me on the doorstep. Then he rushed me to the car as the rice storm began. Most of it went wide, but someone, probably Emmett, threw with uncanny precision, and I caught a lot of the ricochets off Edward's back. The car was decorated with more flowers that trailed in streamers along its length, and long gossamer ribbons that were tied to a dozen shoes – designer shoes that looked brand-new – dangling behind the bumper. Edward shielded me from the rice while I climbed in, and then he was in and we were speeding away as I waved out the window and called â€Å"I love you† to the porch, where my families waved back. The last image I registered was one of my parents. Phil had both arms wrapped tenderly around Renee. She had one arm tight around his waist but had her free hand reached out to hold Charlie's. So many different kinds of love, harmonious in this one moment. It seemed a very hopeful picture to me. Edward squeezed my hand. â€Å"I love you,† he said. I leaned my head against his arm. ‘That's why we're here,† I quoted him. He kissed my hair. As we turned onto the black highway and Edward really hit the accelerator, I heard a noise over the purr of the engine, coming from the forest behind us. If I could hear it, then he certainly could. But he said nothing as the sound slowly faded in the distance. I said nothing, either. The piercing, heartbroken howling grew fainter and then disappeared entirely.