Chapter 4: Photos

We finally arrived home after a long twenty four hours of hunting. We made it back by the afternoon, so I decided I wanted to hit the shops to get what I needed for my little present to Edward. I was planning on getting our honeymoon photos printed and enlarged, and one photo in particular I had in mind to go in a small delicate frame by the side of our bed. It wasn't flashy or expensive, just something to remind us of the beginning of our new lives on Isle Esme.

As we walked through the front door, we greeted the family. They all looked chuffed to see us back home. I could tell Alice was plotting something by the evil pixie like look in her face, so I decided to blank out her scheming, and enjoy time in front of the television with Emmett, Rosalie and Edward. Carlisle was at work tying a few loose ends up. He had handed in his letter of resignation a week ago, and everybody was surprised to see his shock exit. Carlisle was a loved member of the hospital staff, and everybody, women in particular, were sad to see him leave. I think that deep down, Carlisle was also very sad to lave. Forks had embellished all our hearts with happiness, as our lives have all changed dramatically here.

After an hour of sitting on Edward's lap watching the television and chatting about our latest adventures, I decided it was time to go to the mall.

"I'm just going to pop out. I need to get a few things from the mall." I reassured, knowing that Edward will be desperate to come with me.

"Let me just change my top and I'll come with you." What a surprise. I knew Edward didn't want me going on my own. Of course I didn't want to be without him either, but surely an hour didn't make much difference to our everlasting existence.

"It's okay – I want to go on my own." I stated. I tried to hide all emotion from my face as I know that if he saw the slightest doubt on my face, he wouldn't let me go at all.

"Are you sure? I don't like the idea of you being on your own." I said with a stern look on his angelic face. It was hard to upset Edward, but wanting to be without him for a while was a definite emotion crusher.

"Honestly Edward! Let the girl do something on her own for a while. I'm sure she just wants to escape being baby sat for a few hours!" Alice chirped in. I'll have to tell her how grateful I am later for her help in getting out. I bet that she's seen what I'm planning to do, and that my little trip will go great. No nasty vampires will come and attack me today! I laughed thinking of how ironic that statement sounded.

"Yeah Eddie boy! Poor girl's probably sick of you!" Emmett shouted from across the room. Looks like everyone was seeing how protective Edward could be. I loved the little pet names that Emmett gave to Edward. They were so cute and honestly quite funny but they infuriated Edward.

"Fine but hurry back! I miss you already!" Edward exhaled, showing his undying need for my company. He really was adorable when he was sad.

"Yey! I get to dress Bella up!" Alice squealed like a four year old. Would she ever get over her addiction of 'Dress Up Bella'?

"Alice I'm only going to the mall!" I tried to reason with her, but it was of no use. She dragged me up the stairs and put her hand over my mouth so I couldn't complain. I felt like biting her hand but it would of only upset her. An upset pixie is worse that an addictive pixie.

When we were out of earshot of Edward, Alice finally released me from her grip and started bouncing up and down on the spot.

"You can take my car Bella!"

"You've never let anyone use your Porsche before. Why are you so determined to dress me up and put me in a fancy car? The Volvo will do just fine Alice."

"Nope it wont. So your taking my car and I get to play dress up and that's final!" God she is so annoying. I sighed, hard enough for her to hear and put on my special pouty face for moments like this.

"And not even that face will stop me!" Ugh! I was never going to win with Alice and that will probably remain permanent. What am I saying? Probably? Of course it would!

After an hour of dress up, I was finally ready to be allowed to the mall. I grabbed the camera from the draw which housed all of our honeymoon photos. Edward changed me a week into the four week break, so we had stacks of photos where I look amazing. Even if I say so myself, and that isn't like me. I remember feeling like I looked like I belong on Edward's arm, and not just an accessory he could just play with when he wanted. Many of the photos we took were on the beach where we used to lay in each others arms for hours on end. It's a feeling I will always treasure. Nothing compared to being encased by Edward's loving arms. Of course we took some real goofy pictures, but who doesn't?

I made my way down stairs in the ridiculous outfit that Alice had dressed me in. I could hardly walk in the heels that she put me in. The long grey top and leggings looked suitable I suppose, but I still looked more like a fashion mule than a shopper at a mall. I pulled on a baggy cardigan over the top and grabbed my handbag. As I walked into the living room, Edward's eyes were focused on me contently.

"I think I need to show Bella something upstairs." He said as he gazed over my well dressed form. I tried to hold back a smile, wanting also for Edward to take me upstairs.

"No you don't! I didn't spend an hour getting Bella ready for you just rip her clothes of the first time you see her." I chuckled at Alice's comments, knowing that there was no way I would be allowed back up stairs. Alice threw me her car keys and gave me a meaningful look.

"Look after my baby! Don't get too comfortable because I want her back!" Alice pre warned. Did she really think that I wouldn't give it her back?

"Don't worry Alice. I'll do my best to smash it up." With that, I kissed Edward and he prolonged our embrace by wrapping his arms around me.

"Please don't be too long. I don't think I'll cope just for an hour." He chuckled in between kisses. He kissed the tip of my nose and released me from his warm hands.

"Don't worry baby. I wont be too long. Anyway you have everybody else for company. I'm sure Emmett would like to be shown who's boss in and arm wrestling contest." We both looked over to Emmett to see why he hadn't replied to my remark. He was usually the first to argue his case and show off his brutal strength. As we looked over, we noticed him strewn across the sofa with his t-short pulled up. He had his fingers in his belly button, wriggling them about. Gross.

"Emmett!" Edward called, trying to get him to stop acting like a total imbecile. Granted, that would be hard.

"Huh? Oh." He looked down to his hand which was still inside his belly. He removed it when he noticed he had company. He had a very childish grin on his face. Poor Rose.

"I was just saying to Edward how you would like to be shown who's boss in an arm wrestling match. But knowing where you hand has just been, I think he would rather pass then touch your fingers." I commented on Emmett's recent disgusting habits. Edward chuckled and smacked by bum cheekily. I laughed hard and kissed Edward one last time. Regrettably, I pulled away and called goodbye over my shoulder. I made my way into the garage and unlocked Alice's car. I wonder why she wanted me to ride her car?

As I pulled out of the garage, I saw Edward standing alone at the back with a sad look on his face. Bless him. I would make sure I would be as quick as possible, and maybe pick him up something extra special to make his day. My mind was swimming in ideas.

The ride to the mall was short lived as I put my foot down on the free way. Alice had told me that there would be no police on the ride there, so I could really push Alice's Porsche forward. Before we had decided to move on, Alice wasn't allowed to drive her 'baby' around because it would stand out too much. But seen as though were moving now, she can ride it all she wants. Who cares what people think when we wont ever see them again?

I pulled up in a car space that was right outside the entrance. The engine purred to a stop and I exited the car with a struggle. Even with my new found grace, it was incredibly hard to get out of a car this low down. Especially without spreading my legs. I'm sure Edward would love to hear of me putting everything on display the first time I go out alone. I shook my head, put my bag on my shoulder and locked up the car. I already had masses of people staring at me because of the canary yellow machine that I've driven.

I walked over to the entrance, very slowly because of my shoes, and searched for the store that I needed. The photo store was on the second floor if I remember correctly from my hazy human days. It was hard to walk unnoticed amongst the humans as I stood out so clearly. I hated attention as much as in my human days. At least I wouldn't be noticed for killing a person in front of everybody. My super self control took care of that.

I finally reached the photo store and headed straight in the direction of the printing booths. I didn't want to get my photos printed out by someone behind the counter because are very special and close to my heart. My memories are personal, not something to be shard with somebody I don't even know. Also, if they see me and Edward sparkling like diamonds on every picture, they might end up a little worried.

I plugged the memory card in from the camera and began browsing through the photos on the touch screen. I wanted to print them all out and make a photo album out of them. I also wanted to blow up a few pictures and buy nice frames for them to put in our new room in Alaska. I wanted Alaska to feel like home as close as it could possibly get. To be honest, I didn't know where home was any more.

I printed all of the photos in standard size and picked a photo which I wanted enlarged. It was of me and Edward lying on the beach together. I was in an extremely skimpy black bikini and Edward in trunks. It was incredible. The sand was almost snow white, and the ice blue water was lapping at our feet. Our hair was wild and we both had a huge smile on our faces. It was a memory we both never wanted to forget.

As I waited for the hundreds of photos to print, I noticed an advertisement for a new product that they are selling. Wallpaper printed with your photograph on. It looked incredible. The advert wasn't too clear, so I decided to ask the shop worker for a better description.

"Excuse me miss. Is that right about the wallpaper?" The shop worker was a middle aged, overweight women who looked utterly bored behind the counter. I could tell that she smoked at least twenty cigarettes a day buy the harsh, ashy smell about her. Her hair needed cutting desperately and also colouring to it's former glory. She had really let herself go. Her uniform consisted of a blue blouse, black trousers and a name tag. Unfortunately, the blouse did nothing for her figure except show how bad it was. Christ! I was turning into Alice!

"Erm yeah I suppose so. Its $49.95 for a standard sized wall in a photo of your choice." She stated in a dim way. She really lacked enthusiasm.

"Can I order one then?" I questioned, with quite a sarcastic tone to my voice to get more personality out of her.

***

After receiving my photos and wallpaper, I decided to head to a shop which sold photo frames. I found just what I was looking for in a home ware shop just a few yards down. I immediately made my way to the photo frames and started assessing the pros and cons of each one. With my brain now on super fast mode, it only took me a few seconds to choice which one I liked the best. It was a twisted silver design which looked so elegant and classy. The silver vines danced beautifully around the glass front, and showed to have new buds at the end, waiting to blossom into full flowers. It would look perfect on Edward's bedside table. I also found the same photo frame but bigger to house my enlarged photo, and an album in the same design. The front cover of the album simply said one word: 'Forever'. After paying at the checkout with the ridiculous credit card Edward had given me when I was still human, I decided to head home. I was loaded with shopping bags, and really just wanted to get home to see Edward. It is surprising how much I miss him after only a few hours.

As I walked to the entrance, I noticed a very classy lingerie shop to my right. Hmmm – why not? I'm sure Edward would very much appreciate it tonight. I walked in the shop to find an abundance of lace and silk displayed everywhere. What would he like? I spotted a simple but sexy black lace bra and matching panties which would look stunning against by pale skin. They had a similar red one next to it which I bet he would like even more. Now I was stuck on which set to get. The black one screamed elegance and beauty, where as the red one said passionate and raunchy.

I decided to get both.

Hell, they probably wont even last five minutes anyway with Edward ripping them off tonight. My phone buzzed as a sign that I had received a new text message. I took it out of my bag to find that it was off Alice. I opened it up to find:

'Good Choices. Edward has already seen and is ecstatic right now. Please come home soon to keep him under control! Hehe. Oh and by the way, you will be shocked in a few minutes. You'll see why I dressed you up and let you drive my baby.
Alice xxx'

Shocked? Why would I be shocked? Trying to work out what Alice had meant, I took my items to the till and paid for them once again on the extravagant credit card. I walked out of the shop, pretending to struggle with all my shopping bags just to seem normal. Just then, I noticed Mike, Tyler, Eric and Lauren from Forks High School. Great. Just great.

"Bella! Wow! What a surprise to see you here!" Mike exclaimed. Clearly he hasn't gotten over his little fantasies which involve me and him together in some way. Surely a wedding band on my finger would have stopped him, but apparently not.

"Yeah. Hey Mike." I said half heartedly. The others weren't far behind him, and they soon caught up.

"So where's Edward?" Mike questioned. I could tell by his voice that he really wanted me to tell him that were not together any more. Hah! Far from it.

"He's just at home helping pack everything up. Were moving back up to Alaska in a few days." I said, trying to get rid of everybody as quick as possible. Lauren's death glares really just made me laugh mentally.

"Oh right. I guess we wont see you again then. Here let me help you with your bags. What have you been buying?"

"Thanks Mike. I've just been organising a surprise for Edward." Mike looked down to the lingerie bag that I had in my hands. He eyes immediately looked let down as he took in what I meant buy surprise. I gave him a smile and handed him some bags which he offered to carry.

"So how are you?" We began to walk towards where the car was parked. Honestly, I felt quite sorry for Mike. Obviously things hadn't worked out with Jessica, and he looked as sad as I have ever seen him.

"I'm okay I guess. I'm still working at my parents place."

"Oh. Haven't you got plans for college?" I asked, surprised to see that he was giving up everything.

"No. My mom's ill so I'm working extra shifts at the shop." Now I felt really guilty for being so happy. Mike was obviously having a hard time at the moment.

"I'm sorry to hear that Mike. Look, I'll still be in town for a few days so maybe we could meet up? Here's my number. Phone me if you want to go out." Maybe it would be nice to see him one last time.

We arrived at my car and Mike's face said it all. I could tell he was feeling a range of emotions. They included happiness to see me and the car, sad because of learning that I was still with Edward, worried because of his mother and so on. I loaded the bags in the back and asked Mike if he needed a ride anywhere. Tyler, Eric and Lauren had walked off minutes ago in their own direction. Poor Mike.

"Sure. Thanks Bella. I'm needed back at the store in an hour."

"The store it is." I sat in the car and watched Mike struggle to get in so low. Edward would have loved to have seen that. I put the key in the engine, pulled out of the parking lot and entered the free way. I had to turn the music down because of Mike's human ears and soon he began to chat happily about himself. I was never much a fan of talking. I added the occasional head nod and "yeah" here and there, but apart from that, I didn't talk much. Mike was too astonished by the speed at which I was driving to from any interesting conversation. I swear he couldn't keep his eyes off my left hand the whole time it was wrapped around the steering wheel.

We soon arrived at Newton's Olympic Outfitters, and I pulled over on the side.

"It was nice to see you again Mike." I said, trying to draw our meeting to a close so I could get back home into Edward's welcoming arms.

"Yeah and you Bella. I'll miss you, you know."

"Thanks Mike. I'll miss you too."

"I've gotta say though, you look really happy. Plus you look amazing as well. I guess a month on a private island did wonders for you." He looked me up and down, noticing my new vampire changes. If Edward were here, I'm sure he would have been close to ripping Mike's head off with his lustrous thoughts.

"Thanks. Call me before I leave. I bet Edward would love to see you again." I called as he exited the car and walked away. Edward would have a right laugh seeing Mike again.

"Bye Bella. Hope Edward enjoys his surprise tonight." He shouted, even though I could have heard him if he whispered. Mike wasn't to know.

I made my way back home after another eventful day. Now I understand why Alice was all funny with me earlier. She wanted me to show off in front of Mike and show him how happy I was. I didn't need a flashy sports car and a designer outfit to tell him that. I was beaming.

A/N: Wow that was a long one! Thank you to everyone who reviewed my last chapter! It really does brighten up my day to see so many reviews. So how did you like this chapter? It's taken me all day to write, so please review and tell me what you think of it. I may not update for a few days, so please tell me what you want to happen in the next chapters. Also a big thanks to Cheese Fan who has given me some great ideas to work with!
Katie x
P.S PLEASE REVIEW!!!