AN: Okay everyone, I've returned! Thank you for all of your well wishes on my trip. It was great! I'm sorry I wasn't able to update Friday, but here it is now. Thanks for all of the great reviews and many of you liked the twist at the end, so that's good! Enough of my blabbering, here's Chapter 10!

Scrubs

Bella's POV

The rest of the week had gone pretty fast as I returned to work Monday. I was actually starting to feel normal again, but I wasn't allowed any exercise, or 'physical activity' as Edward put it. What he said the other day was so sexy… but I can't be thinking these thoughts. I try.

It was Friday, and the Christmas banquet was tomorrow. Alice was coming over so we can go shopping as Jasper was taking her. Truth be told, I actually needed to go. The banquet called for a formal gown, which I didn't own since my cousin's wedding. Also, I would be going with Edward. Up until now, I never felt that conscious around men about how I dress. I mean, I dressed decently, thanks to Alice, but I never really went overboard like many girls tend to do. My mom liked to keep it simple, yet elegant, and I guess I got that from her.

I heard the doorbell ring just as I put my shoes on. I opened it to reveal a very excited looking Alice, how she always is before a shopping trip.

"Hi, Alice," I said with a smile.

"Hey Bella!" she said while hugging me tightly. I was used to this, but after a few seconds she let go and looked at me with an apologetic face. "Sorry Bella, I forgot you just has surgery."

"Alice, that was two weeks ago. Can you please stop treating me like I'm pregnant?" I said. "I get enough of that already from my mom. And, she's two thousand miles away!"

Alice giggled. "Okay Bella," she said. "I got it. No more treating Bella like she's pregnant."

We laughed. "Let's go," I said while locking the door behind me.

When we reached the city, Alice and I went to some stores that she recommended. When we got to the Vera Wang store, I immediately fell in love with a gorgeous red gown. It was a halter v-neck with a red satin sash that goes around the waist. Simple and elegant, it was perfect. I looked around for Alice to show her before I bought it.

"Bella!" I heard her say.

"Alice, look what I found," I said with a smile.

"Oh Bella, that's perfect! What do you think of this?" she asked while holding up a black gown, also a halter that had a silver sequin design under the bust and at the bottom of the gown.

"That's beautiful, Alice," I said. "You'll look wonderful in it."

We checked out and Alice said we needed shoes and accessories. Reluctantly, I did what she said. After all, she is the one who owns a fashion boutique and knows everything about style.

We went to Bloomingdales to look for shoes and purses. Alice found a pair of strapped silver heels standing at about five inches tall with a very modern and contemporary silver clutch. It basically screamed Alice. I chose something a little more modest, a pair of three inch black heels and an elegant red velvet clutch with a pretty rhinestone design at the top.

It was already 7 when we finished shopping, so I Alice and I went to dinner at Olive Garden. Christmas being a few days away, the shops everywhere around the city were packed. Luckily, Alice and I did our shopping a few weeks ago.

"I hope the banquet isn't going to be really boring with a bunch of doctors talking about medical stuff," Alice said while we were waiting for our food, sipping a diet coke.

I giggled. "Alice, of course there will be doctors talking, it is the hospital that is hosting the banquet."

"Oh, well I just hope it doesn't get too boring," she said.

"Me too," I agreed.

The next morning, I went for a shower and ate my breakfast along with the medicine I was supposed to take as orders from Dr. Lee after my surgery. I cleaned up my condo a bit, trying to pass the time and finished up some work from the hospital.

By the time I was done, it was already 5, and Edward was picking me up at 6:30. I laid my dress out on my bed and brought my black lace bra and panties up me in the bathroom. I washed my hair with my strawberry shampoo and used my freesia body wash.

I tied my hair in my towel and got my robe on after wearing my undergarments, not wanting to get my dress wet. I dried my hair and curled it and then put some light makeup on. I put some smoky eye shadow on with a light red lipstick and thin mascara. After my hair and makeup was done, I proceeded to put on my dress. When I looked in the mirror, I saw that the dress fit me perfectly, and I actually looked pretty.

It was already 6:15, and so I grabbed my clutch, putting my lipstick, wallet, cell phone and house keys in it, and wore my shoes. After a quick mirror check, I heard the doorbell ring at exactly 6:30. When I got to the door, I took a deep breath and opened it.

And there Edward stood, looking as gorgeous as ever in his black slacks, white button up and black tie. And he looked even more like a male model with him holding his suit jacket over his shoulder with a finger. And yet, he looked so natural, I bet if someone took a picture right now, it would automatically be put into a magazine. I think I'm going to faint.

"Hey Edward," I said, smiling.

"Hello, Bella," he said as he brought my hand to his lips and gently kissed it. "You look stunning." And you look sexy, I thought.

I blushed at his compliment, me being me. "Thanks, Edward. I can't even begin to tell you how good you look. You belong in a magazine," I said.

He chuckled. "Are you ready?" he asked.

"Yup," I said, while getting my coat and clutch and taking his hand.

We arrived at The Ritz-Carlton a few minutes later. When we entered the banquet hall, I was astounded at how beautiful it was. Everything was exquisite, and well-furnished. People were talking animatedly and eating appetizers at the reserved tables we were supposed to sit at, while others were standing, meeting others.

"My mother would appreciate this," Edward said in my ear.

I giggled. "I certainly do," I said.

Just then, a beaming Alice with a smiling Jasper came up to us. "Hey Bella, hey Edward!" Alice said. We said hi to Jasper also. Edward and him were talking quietly on the side.

"Bella, you look hot!" Alice said a little too loud for my liking. Some people turned and stares at us, while I blushed.

"Alice!" I said. "Not so loud."

"Sorry, but you look really good," she said.

"Thanks, you look lovely as always," I said.

Just then, Alice turned to Edward and said, "Edward! Is that a Giorgio Armani suit?!"

I looked at Edward who looked completely confused and adorable. "Uh… I have no idea, Alice."

I just had to giggle at how clueless he was. Not that I new any better. He just looked so cute.

"Here, give me your suit jacket," Alice said.

"Okay?" Edward took his suit jacket off and gave it to Alice.

"Oh my gosh! This is an original!" Alice said, trying to contain her excitement. Edward gave her baffled look like any other guy would do.

I just had to start laughing at their interaction. It was hilarious watching little pixie Alice take charge of Edward like that. Poor Jasper.

"Excuse me, everyone," I heard Mr. Cheney at the podium with the microphone. "If you would all get situated, we would like to start the program."

Edward and I were at a table with Alice, Jasper, Angela, and her new boyfriend, Ben. Unfortunately, we also had Tanya and her date, a tall man with brown hair and blue eyes named Sean. He is a cardiologist for adults on the top floor of the hospital.

After Mr. Cheney was done talking, which I had to admit was quite boring, but I politely listened anyway, we were free to talk and dinner was served. I went and talked to some of the senior doctors and asked them some questions about medicine.

I was talking to Alice during dinner when Sean asked me from across the table, "So Bella, where do you live?" Kind of a weird question to ask when making small talk, don't you think? Shouldn't he be like, what are you specializing in?

"In a condo downtown," I said, trying not to give out too much information. He may be a stalker for all I know.

I hear Alice snicker next to me, and I smiled. She knew what I was doing. I looked over to see Edward looking very uncomfortable next to Tanya, as she was leaning towards him and talking some rubbish. (LOL) I stifled a laugh. Just then, live music began to play by the orchestra and I saw people heading to the dance floor. This was my cue to head to the bathroom. Just as I was about to get up, I heard Edward say, "Bella?"

I turned around, only to be met by those gorgeous green eyes. "May I have this dance?"

I can't say no. Especially not to Edward. "Are you sure Edward? I mean, I don't want to break your feet."

He chuckled. "It's all in the leading." (How many times have you heard that line?)

"Okay," I smiled and took his hand. I really haven't ballroom danced before, so I wasn't sure how to really do this. I wrapped my arms around his neck, while he rested his arms around my waist. Edward is a fabulous dancer, and it turned out I wasn't that bad either. If I was with someone else, then I probably would have bruised them a lot by now. But being here, dancing with Edward, just felt right.

When the music died down, we went back to the table. "Edward, you are a great dancer," I said.

"That's because I had a wonderful partner like you," he gave me a dazzling smile.

I noticed that the place was getting very crowded, and we barely could hear each other. "Bella, do you want to go for a walk?" Edward asked.

"Sure," I smiled and took his hand.

We walked down a snow covered path by Central Park that had an ice covered lake and beautiful Christmas lights everywhere. We were still holding hands comfortably, and that's when I decided to ask him. "Edward, what are we? I mean, status-wise?" I asked. I know it was kind of dumb, but I needed to know.

"That's up to you, Bella," he said. "What do you think we are?"

"Well, at this moment, I guess we are good friends, who make each other laugh, kiss occasionally, and can trust each other," I said with a small laugh.

He laughed too. "Bella, I kind of find the whole boyfriend-girlfriend fiasco a little… I don't know… a little-

"-cheesy?" I cut him off. (not my opinions)

He nodded. "I feel the same way Edward," I said.

"Well then, I was wondering if you would want to start a serious relationship with me, just not call it boyfriend-girlfriend," he said with a small laugh.

I giggled. "I would love to, Edward," I said and then gave him a loving hug. I pulled away, itching to kiss him. Just then, he pulled me gently towards him and crashed his lips to mine. I kissed him passionately, tangling my hands in his hair. I felt his tongue brush across my bottom lip, and I parted my mouth. As good as this felt, I had to come up for air, as did Edward.

"I think I'm going to have trouble containing myself at work," he said, still breathless.

"Same goes for me," I said, dazed.

We walked back to the banquet hall, and I noticed that many people were starting to leave. We said bye to our friends, and headed out to Edward's car, holding hands. When we reached the door to my condo, I unlocked it and turned to Edward.

"Thanks Edward, I had a great time," I said.

"No need to thank me," he said. "I wouldn't have had a good time if you weren't there."

"You are perhaps the sweetest guy I have ever met, my Giorgio Armani model," I whispered in his ear. "Not to mention the sexiest." My goodness, where did all of this boldness come from?

"Bella, you have no idea what you do to me," he said in a husky voice while kissing along my neck and jaw line, but not touching my lips. Just as he was about to kiss me, he leaned away. WHAT?!

"Now we're even," he said with a smirk. My jaw fell open. Literally. How could he do this? Ugh.

But then he did the unexpected. He pulled me towards him once again and kissed me like earlier in the night. "Goodnight, my beauty," he said.

I was speechless.

AN: So what do you think? Sorry for the late update, but I hope you like it! I need at least 20 reviews to go on! They motivate me. And check out my profile for clothes!