36

After the very hectic afternoon of finding out that there were books and movies about the Wizarding hero, Harry Potter, followed by an evening wherein I had inadvertently revealed to Alice her history, meeting and catching up with Donna, and not to mention the embarrassing conversation I had with Edward about having sex or not, I was just about ready to collapse from the mental exhaustion of the day.

So, I was glad to spend my rest of the evening in my cottage with Edward, having fun and relaxing like we had no care in the world. When things got boring, I read to him some of the books I found in my study, explaining to him further the limitations of magic – it wasn't as easy as it sounded, no matter what Disney might say (frogs do not talk and turn to princes when kissed, nor does every piece of magic get done by exclaiming, "Bibbity, babbity, boo!").

When I grew tired and drowsy, Edward, ever the gentleman, offered to carry me to my bedroom and allowed me to settle before I was fully enveloped in the stillness of sleep. He had planned to read for the rest of the evening, but I had coaxed him to lie down next to me, above the covers both to avoid temptation and so that I could stay warm throughout the unusually chilly evening.

My sleep that night was very peaceful and relaxing, especially since Bella was gone for good. At intervals, however, I had dreamed of Clark's accusing eyes staring down at me, but I managed to fight him off. He did not deserve to be dreamt of, and he definitely did not deserve to be the object of my nightmares. I suppose it comforted me to know that Edward was by my side to guard me as I slept.

"Good morning, mon chéri," I greeted, smiling blissfully as I woke up to the wonderful sight of my boyfriend glittering under the early morning sun, its rays peaking through the curtains.

"Ah," Edward grinned crookedly, bending down to kiss me on the forehead. "It sure is a very good morning, indeed. I trust you had a great sleep, my love?"

"How could I not, when I had you as my dream catcher?" He laughed softly and bent down again, this time to capture my lips with his, but I held up a hand to deter him. "No kissing these lips," I pointed to my lips, "before I brush my teeth."

With mock annoyance, Edward agreed to my demand and kissed my cheek before he exited the room, presumably to prepare my breakfast. He really was too much; what did I ever do to warrant his love for me? I certainly did not deserve it. I'll repeat it again and again.

Sighing to myself, I lifted myself from my bed and dressed out of my nightgown. I already had a picture in my mind of what I wanted to wear, but the only problem was that I had no idea where that ruddy dress was. I swore I brought it with me when I moved here to Forks. The dress was a farewell gift from Lai Xing; we had exchanged gifts after the fashion runway that we worked on together had been a complete success.

"Isabella, are you decent?" asked Edward as he knocked on my bedroom door. I heard the distinct rattle of the plates and utensils clink against each other. Was my breakfast ready?

I glanced down at what I was currently wearing: a strapless, white Acromantula silk slip that ended mere inches from my derrière, and a pair of delicate white stockings that hung from the garters attached to my underwear. I frowned as I studied my reflection in the mirror, for I absolutely was not decent enough to be seen by my boyfriend – for propriety's sake – yet I wanted him to see me like this. It wasn't just the Veela in me, but the young woman whose advances were rebuffed just the night before.

Closing my eyes, I made my decision. I knew it was silly of me. Edward might not even understand my reason for this since he had made it clear last night that he had wanted me, but he had rejected me. There was a silly part of me that fed on that one rejection, planting the seeds of doubt in my mind.

"Yes, Edward," I called softly, burying my head back in the depths of my closet. "I'm decent. Come in."

The door opened and closed behind me, the wind gusting around the small room tickling the exposed skin of my legs. I did not shiver, though, and proceeded to look for that offending dress. I was sure I had packed it.

"Isabella?" Edward's voice was a pitch higher than normal, and I heard the loud jingle of the plates as he placed the tray of food on the bed. "What are you doing?"

I was smiling, enjoying his reaction to my appearance, but instead of turning around to face him, I dived deeper into my closet. By this time, I had found the pastel colored, floral patterned halter top dress that Lai Xing had gifted to me, but I couldn't bring myself to face Edward.

"I'm looking for a dress to wear," I answered as nonchalantly as I could. I made a show of examining each and every dress I passed, sometimes even taking one out of its hanger and pressing it against my body to check how it looked in the mirror. "What do you think?" I finally turned to face Edward, the chiffon dress in one hand, a black number in the other. "This one or this one…?"

Edward hurriedly schooled his features to hide the initial surprise and the following hunger and lust, before plastering a thoughtful expression on his face and finally pointing at the halter dress.

"Wonderful," I exclaimed, slipping the dress on. Starting from my waist, the dress bloomed around me like how rose petals would around the stem, finally ending just above the knee. "I was hoping you'd choose this one." I walked over to Edward and pecked him on the cheek, before diving on my bed and taking a small bite of the still warm toast.

"What – uhm," Edward spluttered. He looked at me as I nibbled on the toast, taking a spoonful here and there from the berry filled porridge he made me. I satiated my thirst by taking generous gulps of pumpkin juice – Edward seemed to have found my secret stash in the refrigerator. I had told him last night that it was one of my favorite drinks.

I peeked at him every now and then, finding it very entertaining as he stared unabashedly at me. He was still standing as before, in the middle of the room.

"Edward?" I asked innocently. "What's wrong? Is there something on my face?" I made a show of summoning a small mirror towards me with my wand, and proceeded in studying my reflection.

"No," Edward rushed to say. "Your face is beautiful – you are beautiful, as always." He shook his head frantically and sat on the bed, oddly enough, at the farthest possible place. "Alice called while I was downstairs," he said, changing the topic. "She says she wanted you to come back to the house so that you can talk more. I told her you were eating and that we'll be there in about an hour's time."

I nodded. "Talk about what?" I asked after gulping down some more pumpkin juice. He really was spoiling me by preparing all of my meals. "Do you suppose she would want to learn about magic, now that she knows that she can, you know, use it? I'm a great learner and all, but I'm not confident of my proficiency in teaching."

"I'm not quite sure. She was using her 'I want to go shopping' tone of voice, so maybe it'll be about your clothes for the award ceremony." Edward reached and took my free hand. "When did you say again was the date you'd be leaving?"

"Well…" I poked my spoon around my half-empty bowl of porridge – or should I say half-full? "The Minister wants me to be in France some time next week, that much I can gather from his letter. I think he will be sending me an official invitation around Monday. Donna works fast, so she should be finishing her new dress designs sometime tomorrow, and then she would want me for the dress fittings by next week as well. Plus, I still have to stop by in England to visit Fleur. She's heavily pregnant, from what I've heard. I suppose I can shop for my dress robes in Diagon Alley, I hope they have Gladrag's there, and I heard that Madame Malkin's was a specialty for the English."

"What you said was informative, Isabella, but it didn't tell me what I wanted to know," Edward smirked. "I need to know the exact day you'd be leaving so that I can book a flight and go with you. Today is Friday, how about leaving tomorrow, perhaps Sunday if tomorrow's too early, and then I can spend the weekend touring Europe while you can be my exceptionally beautiful tour guide. How does that sound to you?"

My eyebrows rose to meet my hairline. "You plan on coming with me?"

"Only if you don't mind, of course," he said hastily, running a hand through his already disordered hair. My mind flashed back to the time that it was bright turquoise. Oh, that will be in my memory bank forever.

"Don't be silly," I admonished, unknowingly waving around the porridge splattered spoon around like a madwoman. "I don't mind you accompanying me. In fact, I would love it if you come. You might actually like Fleur, once you get past the pregnancy and the awful, hormone-driven mouth that comes with it."

"You want me to meet your cousin?" he asked, stunned.

Blushing, I stammered, "Well, yes. You do want to meet her, right? I mean, she's not that bad. Fleur's a great person, if not a tad temperamental once you get her going – a bit like me, Bree and Donna like that. I guess it's the Veela genes."

"I have nothing against Fleur," said Edward, again running a hand through his hair. "I'm just… surprised, really. Fleur would be the third person from your family that I would be meeting, fifth, if we consider young Tony and Penny. Essentially, I wasn't properly introduced to Bree seeing as you were unconscious at the time, but I suppose it doesn't matter much."

I smiled at the warmness coloring Edward's tone, and my smile turned into a grin when he mentioned the two adorable children that I had grown to love as family. I completely ignored his comment about Bree, seeing as I was still annoyed at her for telling Donna my whereabouts. I squeezed Edward's hand and finished my breakfast, all the while thinking of visiting the Thermopolis children before leaving for Europe.

Not bothering to throw on a coat for the weather, I led the way outside after feeding and saying goodbye to my pets and locked the door behind me. I grabbed Edward's arm tightly, making sure that I had a tight grip, else I'd Splinch either one of us and then we'd both be in trouble. Was it even possible to Splinch Edward's tough-as-steel skin?

I quickly apparated on the front doorstep of the Cullen household, opting over appearing right in the middle of the living room for two reasons: one, it was the polite way to do so; two, I wouldn't want to give Esme another heart attack.

"Argh," Edward groaned, clutching his stomach tightly. "I can't believe I found that pleasurable the first time. The experience was nauseating."

I gave him a once over to check that he had no missing body parts before answering. "Well, we were making out the first time, so it was understandable. I have a way with distracting people from the disgusting, stomach-churning aspects of Apparation like that."

"Oh, ha, ha," said Edward dryly, not laughing at all. "I never knew you had such a wonderful sense of humor." He groaned again and hurriedly sat himself on the ground, placing his head between his knees.

"Well, to keep things fair," I teased, "I never knew you had one either."

"Honestly, though, we are never going to do that again."

"You mean make out like it was nobody's business?" I sat down beside him and rubbed calming circles on his back. If Edward's stomach would've allowed me too, I would've rushed back to my cottage to retrieve a potion to alleviate the nausea, but then Edward had to be a vampire. I internally rolled my eyes.

Upon hearing Edward's musical laughter, I knew that I had succeeded in distracting him from his queasiness. I promptly stopped my internal ponderings and asked meekly, "Feeling better now?"

"Yes. Thank you, Isabella." I just smiled and stood back up, offering my hand to help him stand up as well, though I doubt he needed my help in that avenue. He eyed my hand warily. "However, I would continue feeling better if you promise me that you would never let me go through that again – apparation, was it?"

"Oh, Edward," I sighed and glanced heavenwards, trying in vain to hide my smile. "It's just Apparating. You'll get used to it one way or another, but if you insist, we can go the boring Muggle way: walking." I sneered as I said the word, acting all conceited as if walking was a chore.

"If you are that opposed to the idea," Edward quipped, taking my offered hand and went up to his feet, "then there must be another magical means of traveling, just like us boring Muggles have cars and bicycles."

"A bike, Edward?"

"Fine, motorbikes." He rolled his eyes, enjoying the bantering we were doing as much as I. "Happy now?"

"Only slightly," I retorted, pretending to be appeased. "Naturally, there are other means of magical transport, such as via Floo and portkey, but all of those are uncomfortable in their own way. Ask your siblings about how traveling by portkey went, if you must. The pull behind your navel and the feeling of weightlessness as you travel may as well be just as upsetting as having each and every molecule of your body separated, squashed through a couple of very thin, very long and twisting tubes, and then being placed back together, all the while making sure you do not leave any body parts behind… and your clothes, too."

I stopped speaking as an idea dawned on me. I was completely unaware of the look of sheer revulsion on Edward's face. "Nevertheless," I said, "there is an exception to every rule."

"Isabella?" Edward waved a hand in front of my face. I didn't see it, for I was far too distracted by the idea of riding a broom – and not just any broom, but my Nimbus Lightning, version two point five. It has been eons since I've last taken it out of its case. "Isabella, are you still with me? Everyone's calling for us to get inside already."

"What – oh," I zoned back to the present and saw Edward's worried face. It was still incredibly handsome, but worried. "Sorry, I was just –" I broke into a giggle and opened the door, stepping inside the house.

"You were just what?" asked Edward, following me indoors. "It's cruel of you to leave me hanging, very cruel."

"You and your insatiable curiosity," I cried, heaving a suffering sigh. "I don't know what I ever saw in you to deem you worthy of my loving care and attention." I grabbed the sleeve of his shirt and dragged him to the living room, where I had a feeling the entire Cullen clan was situated. I hadn't dubbed it as the favorite hangout place by the Cullens for no reason.

"I think it has something to do with my infallible charms and dashing good looks," said Edward, not missing a beat.

"Ooh," I nodded appreciatively. "I thought you were going to bring up my comment last night about being too damn kissable."

Edward smirked and leaned in for a kiss. "You are amazing, you know that?" And then his lips were on mine.

We stood there in the corridor, battling each other for dominance and not really caring that Edward's family was close by and could hear us. We were so lost in each other that we didn't see Emmett coming from behind me before too late, and he had me over his shoulders and was running like a hell-bent fool towards the living room.

"Emmett Cullen," I shouted, banging my fists on Emmett's broad back, "you put me be back down right this instant or I swear I will magic your manhood away and give it to a more deserving man who lost his due to an unfortunate, not to mention traumatic, testicle accident!"

Once I finished yelling my threat for all the world to hear, Emmett dropped me in the sofa, hands raised up in the air in surrender. He was backing away slowly, eyes wide and wary.

"Whoa, hold on there, Isabella," he said, voice shaking from the glare I was sending him. From behind him, I saw everybody in various degrees of glee, some cleverly hidden, as was in Carlisle's, Esme's and Edward's case, and some… not, as were Alice's, Rosalie's and Jasper's. "You can't do that," Emmett pleaded, half-hysterical. "It's impossible, right, removing a major organ like that?"

"Oh, it's not a major organ for you, I assure you," I threatened. "I think you can endure the rest of your immortal life without it." In an instant, my wand was in my hand and it was pointing at the one named Emmett. I carefully got to my feet and started advancing.

"But I don't think I will," piped in Rosalie, a hint of a smile playing on her full red lips. "Emmett," she addressed her husband. "Apologize to Isabella now, and Isabella?" She turned to me. "Put that weapon away. It's nice to see my brother acting like a silly, lovesick teenager instead of the broody vampire he had been for the better part of the past century, but the two of your were in your own little bubble in the hallway. You had to have seen that coming."

Rosalie's eyes were twinkling in hilarity, and it somehow surprised me that she was looking at me that way. She wasn't glaring or scowling at me. It seemed she was treating me like any other member of her family.

Wow.

"I might have," I muttered quietly, mostly to myself though I knew everyone heard me. I distracted myself from Rosalie's knowing look and the rest's still gleeful expressions by sheathing my wand back in its holster, still hidden in my dragon hide boots. I sat down on the only available seat (the sofa I was dumped on was now occupied by Alice and Jasper), which happened to be a recliner.

"Isabella…?"

I turned to the person who said my name. "Yes, Rosalie?" I replied, struggling to keep the astonishment from my tone.

"I never got the chance to tell you yesterday, but…" she cast a fleeting look at Esme, who motioned for her to keep going. "I think you're hair is nice. It's nice to have a fellow blonde around who is not a male – sorry Jasper, Carlisle." The two men nodded in understanding. "It is your natural shade, I presume?"

"Thank you and yes, it is," I said sincerely, blushing softly at her compliment. "I was actually thinking of changing it back to brown since it's less conspicuous that way."

"Oh, well, whatever you decide on, blonde or brunette, don't let my silly opinion get in the way."

I twisted to face Edward, who had settled himself comfortably on one of the recliner's arms, and looked at him inquisitively. "Mon chéri, what do you think: blonde or brunette?"

Edward thought for a moment before deciding on his answer. "Whichever you prefer, love," he said and he swept down to kiss my forehead.

I laughed and swatted him away. "Nice answer, but it's not much help, I'm afraid."

"I'd love to help, but I, unlike my brothers before me, do not want to be in your bad side. You look exceptionally breathtaking as a blonde and I am not complaining at all. On the other hand…" He twirled a curl around his index finger. "I have this thing for brunettes," he confessed. "The first thing I had noticed on your first day at school was how the light bounced off each and every strand of your brown hair, highlighting the light chestnuts and the dark reds."

"Brown hair it is, then," I announced, resolute of my decision.

"It's sickeningly sweet, isn't it, watching them act like that," Emmett said in a stage whisper to Jasper, who happened to be all the way across the room. Jasper only nodded in response and tactfully kept his mouth shut, because Emmett's particular comment earned him two slaps: one from Rosalie on the back of his head, and the other from Esme on his shoulder. He would've received a third from me, but he was out of my reach.

Shaking my head at the family bonding, I turned to Alice and engaged her to conversation. "Say Alice, what was the reason you wanted me here today?"

Alice lifted her head from Jasper's chest, smiled, and then sat on the ottoman in front of me. "Oh, besides the obvious as to ask if Edward had stopped being a prude? He did spend the night at your place, after all… alone." She wiggled her eyebrows impishly, laughing her bell-like laugh when I flushed a bright red.

I shared a brief look with Edward, and he nodded in agreement. Neither of us would ever relinquish the details of our night. Let the rest believe what they may. It was private topic, a topic that only Edward and I would be privy to. Besides, I don't plan on telling the entire world that I was a virgin. I had a reputation to uphold, so to speak.

"Oh, my God," yelled Emmett. "You guys Did It, didn't you?" He pointed at me bright red face, which I tried futilely to make disappear. Of all the times to lose control of my confidence, this had to be the time. "I mean," Emmett continued, despite the death glares Edward was sending to his direction. "You guys spent the night alone in your cottage, Isabella, and it was so clear how disturbed Jasper was last night when you guys left that the lust was coming from the pair you in waves! I can't believe it… After a hundred years, our Eddie's not a virgin anymore…!"

I was not sure if Emmett was joking around, teasing his brother, or perhaps really sincere with his shock. Whichever it was, I doubt Edward was going to get out of this situation alive – Esme was glaring at him disappointedly. From beside her, Carlisle was torn between amusement (this reminded me of how young Carlisle was physically) and concern. Just like any other parent in his situation (and a doctor at that), he was surprised to find that his teenage son was sexually active, and concerned if he was taking the proper protection.

And throughout all of this, Alice, Jasper and Rosalie were astounded, confused and disbelieving, respectively, as they conversed loudly with each other. I didn't know if I should be rolling on the floor laughing my socks off at the absurdity of the situation, or horrified that Emmett would come to such conclusions – didn't anyone have standards anymore? Either way, if I didn't do anything soon, Edward will never live it down as Esme scolded him for having sex before marriage.

"All right, that is enough," I demanded, standing to my feet and raising both hands to gather everyone's attention. When each and every set of eyes were on me, I carried on talking. I was the voice of reason, after all. "Emmett, Esme, Carlisle," I met each person's eyes as I said their name, "Rosalie, Jasper and Alice…" I placed both of my hands on my hips. "If you all respect your brother, son and long time companion, then I suggest you all quit this discussion. One is entitled to privacy, are they not? Isn't that why private lives are called just that: private?"

"But as Edward's mother," argued Esme, "I think I should know if my own son is sexually active."

Edward, along with his siblings and I, cringed at the term. There was something about adults using that term, and it irks, as far as I know, every teenager out there. Perhaps that was the very reason that term was coined.

"Well then," I said in a sweetly innocent voice, "I'm sure you know that both Emmett and Jasper are sexually active." The wives of the two men laughed, but they were quickly silenced by the glares Esme and I were sending them.

"Emmett and Jasper are happily married," Esme reasoned, a crease forming between her eyebrows. She blinked once and gasped. "Are you saying…?" Her gaze bounced from me to Edward and back.

I felt Edward's eyes on me, but I crossed my arms, unwavering. "What I'm saying is that Edward is a hundred and four years old, and should have the freedom of making his own decisions. It is up to him to decide if he should tell you every single detail of whatever is in his life, but I'm sure, as loving and caring as he is, he will tell you in his own time."

I looked behind me at Edward, and saw the warmth and love shining in his tawny eyes. He smiled and nodded appreciatively, telling me silently that he approved of what I just did. I approved of what I just did, too. I had managed to diffuse the situation while at the same time, not revealing one bit to anyone whether Edward and I had sex or not.

Smiling to myself, I congratulated myself for one nasty piece of misdirection, and sat back down. My smile turned into a frown when the pixie impersonator occupied most of my view. I did not like that evil smile on her pixie face. No, I did not like it one bit.

"So Isabella, can I take you shopping later?"

A/N: OMG, I am laughing right now. Isabella seems to be shouting at a lot of Cullens recently. First Alice, then Jasper, then Edward himself, followed by Emmett, and then Esme… Wow. Hey, at least she's slowly making friends with Rosalie! Hee hee. Lucky for Carlisle, he's had his turn already nearer to the beginning of the story.

=D