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Chapter 32

Esme POV

"Will you adopt me?"

I held my breath. Was she ready? Was she really willing to join our family? The answer was clear in her eyes- yes she was.
"Of course!" I gasped and Bella smiled. I pried her out of the group hug, only to grab her in my own embrace.
"Of course, of course, of course." I sighed.
"Thank you … mom." I beamed. I swear I could explode from happiness. How long I have waited to hear her say those words… Now my dream could finally become reality.
"Esme, let me embrace our daughter." Carlisle said amused and as soon as I released her, his arms were around Bella.
"Welcome to the family." He whispered then let her go. She was smiling playfully.
"So what, is nobody else planning to crush me in a hug?" She joked and of course Emmett had to go and scoop her up.
"Let me down Emmett!" She squealed after he started spinning her. He set her down carefully on her feet, but she stumbled into Edward who wrapped his arm around her shoulders to steady her. I smiled tenderly at them and Edward quickly dropped his arm.

"You should have a different name though…" Alice mused and I knew why. Alice has already seen Bella and Edward together; they couldn't have the same name.
"How about Bob?" Emmett asked seriously. Bella burst out laughing.
"A last name, dumbo!" Alice protested.
"Oh…" Emmett looked slightly embarrassed.
"Caine?" I suggested, it started with a C…
"Molina"
"Taylor"
"Pierce"
"Sheldon"
"Jones"
"Bryant"
We all shot random ideas and Bella remained silent.
"Why is it so complicated?" She eventually asked. "Won't it make the adoption messy to completely change my name?"
"We can manage it." My husband assured her.
"Swan is fine." She whispered and I looked at her concerned.
"Are you sure?" Edward asked gently.
"Well, to be honest, it's better than all your names." She smiled but then became pensive. "Besides, I never got to know Charlie Swan." She looked up and then reached for the back of her neck. "I have worse reminders anyway." She smiled sadly and I nodded without a word. Bella was particularly sensitive about that scar- not that I blame her.

Bella was convinced that she was going to be haunted for the rest of her life, but she still fought anyway. I don't think you could find any other mother in the world who is as proud of her daughter as I am of Bella.

Bella POV

I was thrilled that I was truly going to become part of the family. I could see that they were too and it seemed that Jasper was unintentionally giving off waves of joy.
"Jasper, dude! If I smile any wider, my jaw is going to break!" Emmett complained while smiling like an idiot- it was a funny sight.
"Sorry." Jasper mumbled.
"No, keep going Jazz. I want to see this." I teased.
"You'll regret this if it actually happens." Emmett threatened.
"Nah, I'm good. Besides, a broken jaw doesn't hurt that much." I joked. I had blurted out the last part without thinking and saw their eyes narrow minimally.

"Anyway, what are we doing today?" I asked and Alice's face suddenly brightened.
"Oh don't worry, the whole day is booked." She said mischievously.
"Alice," I warned, suspicion colouring my tone.
"Well first, we need to get your adoption papers signed and then we are going to celebrate."
"Celebrate how?" I asked- there was more to it.
"Oh you're really no fun! Brighten up Bella, because we are going shopping!" She said joyfully and I backed away a step, making me hit Edward's chest. I shook my head in dread; there was more than one thing wrong with this plan. First of all, just shopping with the pixie is dangerous, but most importantly, I have been isolated ever since I have arrived from the hospital. I met about four people and they were policemen! I couldn't do this! I couldn't go in public with so many strangers!

"Calm down Bella, you don't have to go." Edward murmured.
"No Edward. She does have to go. I have seen it- everything will be fine. You need to go out and buy new clothes!" Alice said firmly and I turned around so that my face was in Edward's chest.
"Fine." I mumbled against him. As long as I could stay with Edward, I would be fine.
"You'll have fun, just wait and see." Alice said reassuringly.
"When are we leaving?" Rose asked.
"About an hour. Come on Bella, I'm choosing your outfit today." I groaned and trailed behind Alice and Rose.
"Resistance is futile." I muttered sarcastically and everybody chuckled except Alice and Rose.
"Your damn right!" Emmett agreed.

"Carlisle, if you set up the papers now, they will be ready by the time we arrive. Go ahead, we will meet you there." Alice dismissed Carlisle and I smirked at how she had the power over him sometimes.
"If I were you, I would stop looking so smug and brace yourself for what is to come." Jasper whispered in my ear. I looked at him pleadingly.
"Oh no, I am not getting involved!" He said while looking at a threatening Alice.
"Wimp." I muttered but then gave a defeated pout.
"Edward, make sure it doesn't go over an hour." I said seriously.
"Yes Ma'am." He chuckled and I rolled my eyes before accepting my fate and heading towards the torture chamber; Alice's room.

"Bella, I am happy to say that today you can wear jeans! No more skirts, because today, you can take your leg brace off!" Alice announced gleefully and I tried not to show enthusiasm- I really was happy to get it off.

Alice went to choose my outfit while Rose started on my hair and make-up. Rose curled my hair carefully, making sure to obtain even, flawless ringlets. She then tired up the first layer so that no hair would go in my face but some still hung on my shoulders. By this point, Alice exited the mall she calls closet with a pair of light grey jeans and a navy blue long sleeved blouse. It clung to my arms and shoulders but had a wide elastic at the empire line, letting the rest of the fabric flow elegantly to my hips. The jeans fit perfectly, highlighting the few curves I had. Alice was actually sensible as she chose a pair of blue flats- I would be ale to walk.

"There." Alice said satisfied. "Okay, now close your eyes." I obediently shut them. I was growing impatient as they applied light make-up to my face.
"Edward, how long has it been?" I called.
"They still have five minutes." Came an amused voice. I grumbled to myself.
"Oh stop being grumpy, we're finished." Rose chided playfully. I hopped up and headed towards the door, but Alice's tiny hands held me back.
"Hey! You can at least look at our creation." I sighed and turned around reluctantly to look in the mirror. I was planning to catch a glance and walk away, but my reflection caught me off-guard. I actually looked decent. The clothes and hair hid all my scars and the make-up gave me a smooth complexion. It was very natural with a hint of eyeliner and lip-gloss. Rose and Alice looked smug at my dumbstruck expression.

"It looks nice, thank you." I mumbled, not wanting to give them too much satisfaction. I then slipped out of the door without another word as I bumped into Edward. He laughed.
"I was just coming to save-" He said while steadying me, but cut short when he took in my appearance. He was staring at me as I had been moments before. Why wouldn't he look away already? I flushed pink, he seemed to notice and cleared his throat.
"Yes, um, I was coming to pull you out of Alice's clutches."
"Oh, thanks." My face was still stained pink.
"Ready to go?"
"Yes." I said hurriedly, glad we had passed the awkward moment.

"We will be taking my car while Rose and Alice go in the BMW."
"Why two cars?"
"Shopping space." My face fell.
"Oh." He started laughing.
"What?!"
"Your face! It's only shopping." He reminded me.
"Shopping with Alice."
"Touché." He smiled and I caught my breath.
"Come on, let's go." He said pulling me towards the garage.

Once in the car, my knee started bouncing nervously. After all, I was just about to fully enter the Cullen family. I wasn't nervous about living in a house full of vampires, I was worried of being left alone… again. I did trust the Cullens, but this issue would not be swatted aside by a simple promise, no matter how honest it was.
"There's no reason to be nervous." Edward said softly.
"I thoughts Jasper was the one who could read emotions."
"Well, it's fairly obvious." He said while glancing at my tense posture.
"Oh."
"What is it that worries you?" He asked, looking at me in the eyes and ignoring the road.
"I am ready to join the family, and I do want to, its just that, just that-" I sighed frustrated. Edward waited patiently while I gathered my thoughts.
"Where would I go if you left?" I finally blurted out and his eyes hardened.
"We would never-" He began heatedly but I interrupted him.
"I want to believe that, but I just can't." I said sadly as I looked at my feet.
"Will you ever trust me?" He asked just as sad and I whirled around to face him in shock.
"I do trust you." I love you! I added in my thoughts.
"It's different, I can't explain, but I can say that I trust you more than anyone." I said, sincerity marking my words. Joy lit up his eyes."
"I will never leave you Bella." I simply nodded.

When we arrived, Edward flashed to my side to open the door.
"Edward! Somebody could have seen!" I protested as he helped me out.
"You look really beautiful Bella." He said with a gentle smile, completely ignoring me. I gulped as my heart rate picked up.
"Thank you. Now stop avoiding the subject. You could have been caught!" I tried to blow off the compliment; I couldn't let my heart hope.
"I'm not avoiding the subject." He frowned slightly, then smiled once again. "Besides, you didn't even see me." He smirked, smug.
"Why are you always right?" I groaned.
"You wouldn't have me any other way." No I wouldn't, he's perfect…
"Come on, we don't want to be late." He took my hand and we headed to the building.

"There you are!" Alice exclaimed when we entered. "The lawyer has been waiting for ages!"
"Alice, I do not qualify five minuets as 'ages'." Edward said calmly.
"Wait, lawyer?" I asked confused.
"Yes, just to confirm some things." She waved her hand dismissively as she dragged me into another room.
"Ah, Isabella Swan." A man said as he stood to shake my hand. I forced my feet forward and tried not to wince at his firm, yet friendly grip.
"Nice to meet you." I said in almost a whisper.
"You too dear. Well, I am just here to tell you a few things and then you may proceed with the adoption." He smiled. "So, about Charlie's will," He started and I froze. Charlie had a will?
"He has a will?" I asked shakily and Edward came to my side for support.
"No. That's why I am here. As his only living relative, everything lawfully goes to you. Although, the house is pretty much all that is left."
"Oh." It didn't seem appropriate but I was just shocked.

"Thank you." Edward spoke for me. The lawyer nodded and gave a smile in my direction before walking out the door. Carlisle came up to me,
"You ready to join the family? He asked.
"Uh-huh" I muttered, still dazed. Everything was going to fast, I faltered, but Edward caught me and kept me upright.
"Bella?" Edward asked concerned.

"I need to sit down." I whispered weakly and he lowered me gently to the floor. Carlisle and Edward looked at me worried.
"Just overwhelming." I assured them.
"Come on Bella! Sign the papers and then we can go shopping!" Alice urged and Edward glared at her but she came next to me with a pen in hand.
"That simple?" I asked.
"Yep." I looked at the paper hesitantly before reaching for the pen and slowly signing it.
"Welcome to the family!" Alice squealed while everybody gave me 'welcome' hugs.
"Okay, now shopping!" Rose and Alice said in unison.
"All good things must come to an end." Edward whispered in my ear and I smiled.

At first, it really wasn't that bad- I was surprised, pleasantly so. We went to a few book stores and only about two clothing stores. Edward stayed by my side and prevented anybody getting too close. We then had lunch, or I had lunch. It was after eating that the nightmare began.
"Okay, no boys for the rest of the day. Girl time now." Rose smirked and I was terrified.
"I guess I'll see you guys later then…" I trailed off uncertainly.
"Hopefully." Emmett said seriously.
"Don't worry about it honey, Esme will be there to control them." Jasper soothed but Esme looked guilty.
"Actually, Carlisle and I are going to let you kids have fun."
"Nooooo!" I wailed dramatically.
"Sorry." She mouthed.
"We'll stay in the mall then, just in case." Edward said.
"Come on guys, we're not that bad!" Alice pouted.
"You can stay, but you better not follow us!" Rose warned.
"Deal."
"Okay, okay, let's go!" I said exasperated.

"Eager are we?" Alice looked smug.
"Yes," Her face lit up "For it to be over." I finished and the boys laughed while Alice scowled and dragged me to the first of many shops.

Rose and Alice stayed by my side at all times which was both good and bad. Good, they were my bodyguard and stopped anybody from approaching me. Bad, I could never get a break from shopping. They were reasonable with what they were buying; most of the stuff hid my scars and the rest I would simply refuse to wear. However, I did not agree with how much they were buying; I now understood why we needed two cars.

After a few hours, I finally decided to speak up.
"Guys. If you expect the human to keep going, you must feed it." I reminded them. I hadn't eaten much at lunch and there was a Krispy Kreme a few stores away.
"But Bella!" Alice whined. "We were just about to try these on!" She gestured to the items of clothing. Rose looked at me and put hers down."
"I'll come." She offered and I shook my head.
"It's fine, I don't mind going alone, I saw some doughnuts a minute away."
"Are you sure?"
"Ye, could I just borrow a bit of money?"
"Oh yes, here." Alice handed me twenty dollars.
"Alice, I don't need twenty dollars to buy a doughnut!" I exclaimed as if she was crazy.
"Buy a few, we aren't finished here." I sighed defeated.
"I'll be right back." I mumbled before exiting the shop.

I traced my steps back to Krispy Kreme and walked up to the counter. I groaned, why did it have to be a young male employee? I took a deep breath.
"Hello, how may I help you?" The guy said, eyeing my chest.
"Two original glazed." I said quickly, not worrying about being polite since he obviously wasn't.
"Three dollars." He said with a sleazy grin. I reached to hand him the bill and he brushed my arm as he took the money, I snatched my arm back. Come on, deep breaths Bella, deep breaths…
"Here you go." He said while handing me the small bag. I turned to leave, but he ran around the counter to stand in front of me.
"Hey, my name is Dan." He said offering his hand.
"Sorry, I have to go." I mumbled and tried to walk pass him but he blocked me. My heart rate started to increase.
"Let me go."
"Not until you give me your number." He flirted. Adrenaline was pulsing through me as I side-stepped him. As I Passed, he grabbed my arm. It wasn't rough and for any other teenager, it would be a simple touch, but I could feel my mind reeling back to those terrible days.
"Let her go!" An angry voice reached my ears as I drowned in flashbacks. The presence on my arm vanished, but the memories didn't. Someone led me out of the shop.

"Please don't hurt me." I whimpered.
"Bella, it's Edward. He's gone." Edward shook me slightly as I pushed back the images in my mind.
"Sorry." I muttered after a minute.
"No, I'm sorry. I should have been there earlier." He brought me to a bench and we sat together.
"I am a freak! I can't even go out in public!" I moaned.
"Bella, stop. This wasn't your fault. Anybody would have felt uncomfortable with that- that" He said angrily.
"Boy?" I offered.
"I was more going along the lines of jerk." He smiles at me.

"Can we go home?" I pleaded and he nodded.
"The girls already know." He said and brought me to his Volvo which was already packed with shopping bags. I raised my eyebrow at him and he shrugged.
"She can see the future after all."

"I'm sorry you were left alone." He said after a few moments of silence.
"Don't be, I chose to go alone." I said calmly but he just shook his head in frustration.
"Do you want to go out tonight?" He suddenly asked. I looked at him carefully and he seemed nervous.
"Sure." I said, a smile lighting up my face.
"Alice is going to dress you again." He chuckled.
"What?! Twice in one day and shopping! That's just unfair." I complained.
"Well, she warned me there was nothing we could do to stop her." I groaned.
"For once, I want to win a battle against her." I moaned.
"You're lucky you didn't have to go shopping until now."
"Not true! I was victim of online shopping!"
"I'm sorry, but I really can't do anything."
"Fine." I seemed to be giving in a lot today…

Surprisingly, everybody arrived home before us.
"You actually let them beat you?" I asked amazed.
"I was stalling your torture."
"Oh thanks." I sighed and as soon as I opened the door, Alice grabbed me and carried me upstairs.
"Boys, bring the bags in- thanks!" Alice called before turning to me
"I'm sorry-" She began.
"No, enough. It was my fault and I'm fine now." I sighed. "Can you just forget it happened?" I begged and she appraised me for a while.
"You took soooo long to het here!" She said, re-gaining her energy.
"I wonder why." I muttered.
"I wouldn't be mean if I were you. You are in her hands." Rose said wisely.
"What?! You're not helping?" Usually she could slightly tame the beast.
"Nope, spending some time with my husband." She replied grinning.
"Darn you." She just giggled before gracefully skipping out.

"Alice, only two conditions and then I'll go quietly."
"Okay." She said warily.

"Promise?" She hesitated.
"Yes, I promise." She finally said.
"Has to hide my scars and no heels." She pursed her lips for a few seconds.
"I can work with that." She concluded.

"Good." I said and just let her work her magic. I closed my eyes while she re-did my hair and make-up.
"Go get changed." She eventually said while handing me a beautiful dress of the same colour of the blouse I had been wearing.
"You can wear the same shoes as before." I nodded and looked in awe at the dress. It was knee-length and simple. Not revealing, yet breath-taking.
"Why so fancy?" I asked.
"Oh, you'll see." She winked. I shrugged and walked into the bathroom. My make-up was slightly more pronounced now as Alice gave me a mixture of blue and white eye-shadow. My hair was still curly, but Alice had fashioned it into an intricate bun with a few strands of hair coming out at the neck to cover my scar. I slipped on the dress followed by a black cardigan to cover my shoulders and arms. I walked out and Alice looked proud.
"Perfect." She said satisfied.

We walked downstairs together and Edward was waiting at the bottom, looking very handsome.
"You ready to go?" He asked and realisation suddenly dawned on me.
"Aren't the others coming?" I squeaked. He shook his head smiling. Alice smirked at me.
"Have fun!" She exclaimed, pushing us out the door. I walked to Edward's car slowly.
"Where are we going?" I asked.
"It's a surprise." I frowned slightly and he laughed, but honestly, I couldn't be upset with him. I love him.

And for some unknown reason, it felt like change was in the air.

Wo! Okay, now this is the longest chapter so far =) I hope you enjoyed it! Next chapter will be in EPOV. So stay tuned!