I have been reading through some earlier chapters and cringed at some of the wording and errors. I have to admit that my writing is not the best. Lol. Anyway, for those who have read till now, thank you and kudos to you. Hope you are all doing well. As always, enjoy or not. Cheers.

Quote: "My imagination functions much better when I don't have to speak to people." – Patricia Highsmith

Disclaimer: All characters of Twilight belong Stephenie Meyer. In no way do I own them. Only the character that I invented, Adaline, belongs to me.

Chapter 19

The following weeks passed with me using the Cullens as a buffer to avoid the student population and with my dear sister and Eddy playing hide and seek. Joy. It was quite annoying to witness really.

On another note, I had finally succeeded in having a small conversation with Edward. I concisely and politely made him aware of my point of view and that I would not tolerate certain behaviour from him. Here's to hoping that his brain assimilated my words.

Having gone through all this drama, you would think that life would give you a break. But no. The subject of a dance party arose and swept the attention of all the students. That was all they were talking about now. Oh, and it was girl's choice.

So I had taken to hiding like a rat in an obscure corner of the library. The reason? Well I had noticed the…. zealous stares of the boys as soon as any girl walked by. No seriously, it was getting too creepy.

There were two types of groups. The first one would form groups at every corner of the school and stare with hope in their eyes as soon as a girl passes by. Some more courageous ones would even go to a girl and shyly ask if she would ask him to the dance. I could deal with the 'hope'group. Hope is good.

But the second group, the ones with desperate, cocky, self-entitled and fanatical stares, were disturbing. It was as if getting invited was a life or death matter for them. Or pride. I kid you not. It was that ridiculous. Those were the ones that would trail after the girl all day long until the girl asks him to go to the dance. The cocky ones would come up to a girl and demand that she asks him because he was the best 'catch'.

Needless to say, after witnessing one such case in person, I made myself as rare as possible. I could deal with the first group, those ones were okay and would understand when you gently refuse them. The other group on the other hand…..I pray to merlin that they stay farrrrrrr away from me. Very far away; for their own good. No way was I letting some douche come up to me and talk to me as if I did not have any brain cells or think that I was someone they could demand things from. Nope, absolutely not happening.

So far, I had succeeded in avoiding getting asked if I would invite someone. Which I was absolutely not doing. I was not even going to attend it. I had attended one back in Phoenix, you know, just to try it and absolutely regretted it. Some girls in my class had formed a small group because they couldn't be bothered with finding a partner, so I went with them.

It was absolutely boring and a complete waste of my time. The decoration was awful, the music was yuck, the food was meh and the dancing, if you could even call it that, was well…Let's just say that the teachers on duty that night had to go break 'enthusiatic' couples on the dance floor every few minutes. Poor them. No way was I going through that again.

Bella was not going either, from what she told me. She said she was going to find an excuse to give others. Come to think of it, she has been behaving weirdly ever since she came back from her last trip to La Push. Well, maybe Mike made another bad attempt at flirting?

Anyway, she has been wanting to go to Port Angeles to buy some books, so I asked her if I could go with her because I needed some clothing items. We were supposed to go this weekend. She was going to do her own thing while I did mine. All we had to do now was let our father know and get his approval.

It was now Thursday and the bell had just rang to announce the end of school. I quickly made my way to my locker then went to Bella's so we could go together. There was less chance of people stopping us that way. The school dance was getting nearer and some were really getting desperate.

So, here I was, walking to the car at the end of school, minding my own business when I nearly collided with a guy. I looked up from my mobile, said sorry then went to walk around him to continue on my merry way.

It was when the guy blocked my way again that I finally looked up properly. Bella had signaled for me to continue on when Eric had stopped her earlier. So I had no buffer now.

I removed my earbuds and raised an eyebrow, " Is there a reason why you are blocking my way? "

I took one good look at his face and groaned internally, 'Oh sweet merlin. It's a cocky guy. And one that I don't even know. Seriously boy, I have never seen you before so couldn't you have stopped some other girl?Merlin give me strength.'

Cocky dude: "Hey Adaline, right?"

I gave a bland 'uh huh'. At this point, you would have been blind not to notice that I did not want to talk to you. Guess he was because he continued.

"So you know about the dance, right? Heard you haven't invited anyone yet, so how about you invite me?" He finished with a wink.

I cringed openly at his wink, "Sorry but no. Thank you, but I am not interested in the dance and I am not going. Go try your luck with someone else, please. I wish you luck. On that note, bye."

I went to walk around him,again when he blocked my way…again.

I took a deep breath, 'Calm down Adaline. It's okay. Maybe he'll understand the second time?'

Cocky dude: "Oh come on! You can't not go! I promise that you'll have a good time if you go with me. How about it babe?"

For brief seconds I felt my world go silent, 'Did I hear it wrong? Did that dude just call me babe? I must have heard it wrong, right?...'

My face lost all trace of politeness and I asked him in a cold voice, "what did you just call me right now?"

The cocky dude lost his smile and took a step back, " sorry, sorry, sorry it just came out. I didn't mean to call you babe. Don't take it to heart."

I took a menacing step towards him, "Listen to me well. Are you listening?"

He nodded his head and gulped.

"Firstly, when I say no, I mean NO. Capiche? If you don't, go look it up in a dictionary. Secondly, you are no one to tell me what I can and can't do. That right belongs to my parents. And you are not them. If I don't want to go to the dance, I won't. Full stop. I am a big girl with a functioning brain, so I can make my own decisions for myself. Lastly, I don't care what you call your friends or other girls in your circle, but don't you ever, EVER, dare call me babe again. In fact don't ever dare speak to me again. Carve that in your itty bitty little brain. Now, did you understand what I just said or do you want me to make a little diagram for you?" I finished a sarcastic smile on my face.

The dude finally got the message. He quickly shook his head said a small 'sorry' and ran away. I stared at his back as he did so. I broke my stare when I heard a big bear laughing raucously from across the parking lot.

I looked just in time to see Rosalie smack Emmett at the back of his head. I shook my head at them and made my way into the car. Bella came in after a few minutes and started the car.

"That guy wanted you to ask him to the dance? I saw him run away." Bella asked as she came to a stop behind Edward's car.

"Don't remind me about it. Some people just don't understand the meaning of the word NO. Why are they asking anyway? It's the girl's choice. If a girl doesn't ask anyone it logically means that they don't want to go with anyone." I said tiredly.

Just as I finished saying that, someone knocked on Bella's window. We both turned our heads and saw Tyler standing there.

Bella rolled her window down as far as she could, "sorry Tyler. We are stuck behind Cullen."

I glanced at said car and found Edward looking in his side mirror. I gave a bland look and thought to myself, 'Joy. He is entertaining himself at Bella's expense.'

Tyler: "Oh no problem, it's cool. I just wanted to take the opportunity to ask you if you would ask me to the dance."

Bella: "Sorry Tyler, I am going not going to the dance. I already told Eric."

Tyler: "Yea he told me. I thought you were just letting him down gently."

I looked at him incredulously. To my horror, he turned to me and asked, "How about you Adaline?"

I gaped at him, "Excuse me, do you think that this is a McDonald's drive-through? What am I?! The side chips to the burger?! How about my foot meeting your face? Just go away, please."

Tyler put his hands up in surrender and walked away. Bella and I faced forward to find the Cullens watching as if this was an entertaining play. Emmett was even doing his best to hold his laughter. Edward on the other hand was openly laughing.

That angered Bella and she pressed on the accelerator. I think she really wanted to crush Edward's volvo at that moment. Dear Eddy sensed the danger and we watched as he quickly drove away after a last laugh.

That night at dinner Bella told me that Jessica had proposed we go to Port Angeles with her and the others.

I shrugged at her, " That's okay. I am still taking my car though. I don't want to be stuck like sardines in a can. Oh forgot to ask, dad may we go to Port Angeles this weekend? I need some new clothes for the cold weather."

Dad looked up incredulously from his plate, "Bella is shopping too?!"

Bella: "No, I am going to give Jessica and co advice and to look for a few books."

Dad looked as if all was right in the world again and I let out a snort. Bella kicked me under the table and I rolled my eyes at her.

Charlie: "Okay, both of you be careful and have your pepper spray with you. I'll leave some money for you."

I quickly said, "that's not necessary dad. Thank you though. We have the money that we saved."

Bella nodded, "yes we've saved quite a bit through the years. We don't go out much or buy things often, so it accumulated."

Charlie: "Okay then. Just let me know if you need anything and have your phones on you. Don't return too late."

We both nodded and continued with our dinner.

A little later that night, I received a call from Carlisle while I was doing an assignment. I quickly answered his call, "Good evening Carlisle."

Carlisle: " Good evening Adaline. I heard you had a very… entertaining day?"

I clicked my tongue, "those gossiping hens told you everything?"

Carlisle chuckled at the other end, "Yes they did. I was told someone treated you as side chips?"

Adaline: "Ha ha ha. Yes, laugh it up."

Carlisle: " No laughing, promise. Really it was quite rude of him. You are no side chips."

"Thank you." I replied pompously.

Carlisle snorted, "You are welcome. The other one was scared away?"

Adaline: "Hmph. Didn't your children tell you every detail already?"

Carlisle: "They did. Emmett said that you always provide good entertainment. He claimed it was funny and scary at the same time."

I leaned back on my chair with a grimace, "Indeed, that is my life purpose; to provide entertainment for your children. Who did that boy think he was to call me babe anyway? Just thinking about it again makes me go 'Yuck'!"

Carlisle: "I take it that you are extremely aversed to that term."

Adaline: "I am! Absolutely hate it! That and baby too. Even worse when some guy I don't know calls me that. Just thinking about it makes me want to break into hives."

Carlisle: "Luckily for you, I don't think that anyone is going to have the courage to come ask you again. Are you not going because you dislike dancing?"

Adaline: "I certainly hope so! And no, that is not the reason I am not going. I do enjoy it occasionally, with the right person. It's just that the last dance I went to was not enjoyable. So I just won't bother this time. I am simply not interested. Enough about me now. How about you? How was your day?"

Carlisle: "Mine was quite calm today. All of my patients are doing quite well and there has been no major cases. Thank you for enquiring. May I ask what your plans are for this weekend?"

Adaline: "Yes, you may. I am going with Bella and her friends to Port Angeles. They are going shopping for their dresses. I'll let them do their thing while I browse a few shops and meet back with them afterwards."

Carlisle: "Please do be careful. Port Angeles is not as safe as Forks. Try to stay on the main streets, they are safer. If you need anything, you may give me a call."

I chuckled: "I will, don't worry. And thank you for the offer."

Carlisle: " It's my pleasure. I won't take more of your time. You must have other things to do. I, myself, have to go take the night shift in a few."

Adaline: "You are not bothering me, no worries. I was just working on an assignment that is due for next week. Aren't you supposed to be on the day shift this week?"

Carlisle: "I am. I am doing this as a favour for a colleague. He had a family emergency."

Adaline: "You better go then. Rest well later. Good night Carlisle."

He chuckled, "I will. Good night Adaline. May you have sweet dreams."

I grinned, "Thank you. Byebye."

With that I hung up and concentrated on finishing this assignment so that I could have the weekend free.

The awaited day for the trip had finally arrived. We hit the road mid-afternoon and quickly reached Port Angeles. I was currently following Jessica's car to the parking lot.

"Thank merlin I brought my umbrella. It can be used as a self defence item too." I muttered.

Bella was frowning at the heavy clouds next to me, "I should have brought one too. Do you think it'll rain?"

I shrugged, "Who knows? By the way, did you bring your pepper spray?"

Bella nodded, "yes it's in my bag."

I parked behind Jessica and turned the off the car, "good. Make sure to keep it on you and be careful. I'll meet you in front of the boutique after I've finished. Stick to the main streets, okay?"

Bella opened the door, "I will don't worry. See you later."

I watched as Bella catch up to them and waved at them when they looked at me. They waved back before going inside a hot-pink shop.

'Interesting colour choice…' I thought bemusedly to myself

I shook my head amusedly as I finally got out of the car. I safely locked the door before crossing the street to search the shops that had caught my attention.

'It's been a while since I bought new clothes. The selection here is way better than what Forks ! Here is the underwear shop. Great,I needed some new ones.'

I pushed the door open and was greeted by the sales lady, "Hi, may I help you."

I smiled at her, "Hello. I am good thank you."

She smiled back, "Okay. If you need any help,don't hesitate to ask."

"I will. Thank you." I replied before looking starting to look for underwear in my size.

I quickly found two sets that I liked. One in black and one in peachy nude colour. I took two different sizes before going into the changing room. I had a feeling that my bra was getting a little too small for me lately.

'I hope that it is just my imagination and that they did not get bigger.'

I took off my top and bra and tried the black one in my normal size.

"Hmm I really the style of this one. But they seem a little squished…Okay be honest to yourself Adaline; they are a lot squished." I muttered to myself.

I took it off and tried on the one that was one size bigger. It was much more comfortable and fit me better. I twisted left and right before groaning, "Nooooo, I was right! They did get bigger! Now I'll have to replace all my bras. Great."

I quickly tried the peachy nude one in the bigger size and liked it too. I put back my clothes, picked up the underwear and got out of the cabin. The sale attendant came to me, "did you make your choice?"

"Yes, I'll be taking both of these in this size." I replied while giving her the items.

"Okay I'll keep them at the front. Is that all or are you browsing for more." She asked.

"I'll be browsing for more. I have to, they got bigger." I told her with a groan.

"Ah I completely understand. I had throw away all of mine away too when they got bigger. My heart hurt when I thought of all the money I spent on these bras, only to have to throw them away." She said sympathetically. "I'll leave you to your browsing. Take your time. I'll return the ones that don't fit to their places, don't you worry about that. Give them here."

"Thank you." I said gratefully.

I rummaged through the bras and found another three pieces that I liked. I took them and brought them at the front.

The sales lady smile at me, "finished?"

I nodded, "Yes I am done."

"You won't try these ones?" She asked as scanned the items.

Adaline: "They'll fit, so no need."

She packed all my purchase in a bag and I paid her.

"Thank you for visiting our shop!" She said as she returned my change.

I smiled, "thank you for your help. Goodbye."

With that I turned and walked out of the shop.

'Now all I have to get are a few coats and sweaters.' I thought as I walked towards a shop across the road.

It was getting dark when I made my way to my car. I unlocked the door and put all my bags in the backseat. I closed the door and locked it before making my way to Angela who was waiting outside the shop.

"Hey. Are you all finished?" I asked while peering through the window.

Angela looked at me worriedly, "Adaline! Is Bella not with you?"

I looked at her in surprise, "No she stayed with you. She told me she was going to buy some books. So I thought that you would go together then come wait for me back here…She went on her own and is not back yet?!"

Angela shook her head, " She has been gone for a while now. I told her to wait for us to go with her but she refused. She said that she wouldn't take long and that she had knew the way. But the sun has nearly gone down and she is still not here. I knew I should have insisted on going with her!"

I quickly took out my phone and dialled her number. No one answered. I hanged up and hurriedly told Angela, "You stay here with Jessica and I'll go look for her."

Angela grabbed my arm, "Maybe I should go with you?"

I shook my head, "No you better stay here in case she comes back. In which direction did she go?"

She pointed me the way. I tightened my hold on my umbrella and started walking quickly in the direction she indicated.

"Be careful!" I heard her say behind me.

"I will." I yelled back.

I had been walking for more than ten minutes and still no sight of her.

'Bella, where the hell are you?!'

I tried her phone again while looking into the dark alleys. I stopped cold when I heard a phone ringing a little further away. I listened attentively before quickly running in the direction where the sound was coming from.

I reached a dingy alley and felt my blood boil as I saw a group of guys surrounding Bella. I threw my phone in my purse, grabbed my pepper pray and made my way towards them. I made sure not to make any noise and signaled to Bella to remain silent when she noticed me.

When I reached them, I took aim and bashed one guy ruthlessly in the back of the head with my umbrella. Don't underestimate that umbrella, it's main frame was made of thick metal, so it hurt like hell when I struck him.

The first guy went down with a scream. As the others turned around, I quickly sprayed all their eyes with pepper spray before hitting them with the umbrella. One guy tried to grab for me so I pushed him with the pointy end of the umbrella by his stomach before bashing his head.

He went down with one hand on his stomach and one one his head. I did not stop bashing them and sprayed some more pepper spray on those that were trying to open their eyes to run away.

"You bastards think you can just attack a defenceless girl like that! Huh?!" I yelled while kicking the most aggressive one in the gonads. He yelled and clutched his private parts.

"It hurts, right? Good! I hope your thing doesn't work ever again, you detritus!" I said and kicked him one more time in his face.

Bella grabbed my arm and tugged me away from them, "Enough Adaline! Let's just get out of here."

One guy got up and quickly stumbled away while yelling, "That chick is crazy!"

"Come back here bastard! I'll show you crazy!" I yelled.

Bella hugged my arm tighter, "Let's go!"

She quickly tugged me away and I stumbled after her.

"Come back here you bitch!" I heard someone yell behind me.

I gripped my umbrella and glanced back only to see Rosalie's back. I stopped cold and gaped at her incredulously.

Bella looked at me annoyed, "why did you …." Her words trailed off as she followed my gaze.

"What is she doing here?"I whispered.

I heard an enraged growl before hearing Rosalie say, "Back off!"

She then proceeded to push the guy with one hand, causing him to collide heavily with the wall. The guy groaned painfully but still tried to right himself. He looked at Rosalie with terror in his eyes and quickly stumbled away to put some distance between them. I think he would have run away already if he wasn't in so much pain.

Just at this time, a volvo quickly drove inside the alley and drifted to a stop just before us. Edward opened the door and growled, "Get in!"

Bella quickly obtemperated and got in the front seat. She shut the door and yelled, "Adaline get inside!"

I glanced back at Rosalie and she nodded towards the car.

"You going to be okay on your own?" I asked her worriedly and she nodded.

"Don't worry about me. I'll be okay. I have to take care of something so go with Edward." Rosalie said aloud.

I let out a 'be careful' before quickly opening the back door and diving inside. As soon as the door was closed, Edward floored the accelerator and left the alley like a madman.

I looked out of the window and tried to calm down. Right now my heart was beating so fast that it could literally beat out of my chest. And Edward's driving speed was not helping at all.

Leaning my head back, I closed my eyes and took deep breaths in order to calm down. Little by little, I felt myself gradually calm down from the Adrenaline high as I listened to the conversation going on at the front.

I was starting to feel like a third wheel when Edward suddenly asked Bella to tell him something to distract him from going back and 'taking care' of those guys.

Bella: "Uhhh I am going to run over Tyler with my truck at school?"

Edward let out a stiff chuckled, "Why?"

"Because he's been saying to everybody that he'll going to the dance with both Swan sisters!" Bella said angrily.

I nearly choked on my next deep breath as I heard that, "he said what?!"

I opened my eyes and looked incredulously at Bella.

Bella turned in her seat to face me, "Yea Angela and Jessica told me about it earlier. Can you believe it?"

"That boy is deader than dead when I see him next time!" I exclaimed angrily

Bella and I turned to look at Edward as we heard the steering wheel creak. He had a constipated look on his face.

"Edward." I called out cautiously.

He looked at me through the rear view mirror so I continued, "Calm down please. Stop thinking about those guys; they are not worth it. I would be grateful if you could avoid giving me the displeasure of telling Carlisle that his son went all Jack the Ripper because of us. Okay?"

He took a deep breath and nodded. I gave him a smile before saying, "Now, could you please concentrate on the road?!"

Bella continued, "Yea and where are you even taking us? Angela and Jessica are still waiting for us!"

"I forgot about them." I muttered under my breath.

Just at this time, Edward's phone rang. He glanced at the screen before immediately answering. He was talking so low that we couldn't hear what he was saying.

'Didn't I just tell him to concentrate on the road? He is driving at more than 100 km/hr with one hand…And why does he keep glancing at me? Oh whatever. Too tired to care.'

I let out a big breath before pinning Bella with my stare, "Now, Isabella Marie Swan, could you please tell me how you found yourself in a remote alley with those trash? Didn't I ask you to stick to the main streets? I also told you to take one of the girls with you because you are directionally challenged. Do you realise what could have happened if I hadn't found you as soon as I did? And for merlin's sake, is your pepper spray merely for decoration?!"

Bella shrinked down and grimaced, "I just didn't want to bother…"

I cut her off, "Oh bullshit! Angela told me she offered to go with you! If she didn't want to, she wouldn't have offered! She was waiting outside for you with panick all over her face! I think she was even ready to call the police! And you could have called me to accompany you. You know that I wouldn't have minded. I know you Isabella, so you can keep the dumb excuses to yourself. There is something in that bookshop that you didn't want anyone to find you buying. In not wanting to 'bother' anyone, something horrible nearly occurred! What would I have told dad if I didn't arrive in time?" I finished in a broken whisper.

She looked down with red eyes, "Sorry."

I broke my stare and sighed, "…I am glad that you are safe. Just, please, avoid any dubious alleys in the future."

With that said I let my head fall back and closed my eyes for a few minutes. A little later, I came out of my doze as I felt the car come to a stop. At some point, Edward had turned the car around and drove back to Port Angeles. We were currently parked in front of a restaurant.

Seems like we came just in time as Angela and co were currently coming out of it. I watched as Edward got out of the car and come to the other side to open Bella's door. He gave me a thin smile as Bella quickly scrambled out and closed the door.

'I have not forgotten about the thing you don't want anyone to know you bought Bella. After the nightmare we just went through, don't think that I'll let you get away easily.' I thought glumly as I watched them walk towards the others.

I tiredly watched the play going on outside while debating on whether I should get out or not. The others were unaware of my presence as the windows were tinted and no light was on inside the car.

'Edward must have found a good excuse.' I thought as I watched Angela smile in relief and with a hint of giddiness.

She said one last thing to Edward and Bella before forcefully tugging a reluctant Jessica towards her car. The latter would have continued to smile stupidly at Edward if she had not opened her door and practically stuffed her inside. Angela gave a last wave before quickly getting into the car.

As they were driving away, Jessica quickly put her head outside and yelled, "Bye Edward! Bye Bella!"

Unbidden, a short laugh came out of my mouth at that spectacle before promptly getting stuck in my throat as a black Mercedes came into view. It smoothly made a turn before coming to a stop behind the volvo.

Carlisle alighted from the car and nodded towards Edward who returned his nod before quietly taking Bella into the restaurant. I dumbly watched their back disappear into the restaurant before jumping in shock as I felt a cold hand touch mine. I turned dazedly to look at Carlisle.

'I didn't even hear him open the door.'

He took one look at my face before getting inside and lifting me onto his lap. He then proceeded to hug me carefully.

"Oh Adaline, you have no idea how worried I was when I heard what happened! I am so glad that you are okay! " He said in his soothing voice while combing his fingers through my hair.

I burrowed my face in his chest, hugged his neck tightly and breathed in his comforting scent. His presence was like a balm to my frayed nerves.

He kissed my head before asking, "Did they hurt you anywhere? Are you okay? Edward assured me that you were okay but I had to make sure for myself."

I shook my head, "No they didn't. On the contrary, I was the one who hurt them. And I am okay. Tired, angry and a little muddle-headed but okay."

He laid his chin on my head and let out a breath of relief, "I can deal with all these."

We stayed like this for a good while before I reluctantly spoke, "What time is it?"

Carlisle switched on the light in the car and checked his mobile, "It's 19:30 right now."

I tightened my hold around his neck and groaned. Carlisle's chuckle made me realise that I was still sitting on him. I felt my face warm up and tried to scoot back into my seat. A cold arm around my waist prevented me from doing so.

"Stay." He whispered in my ear.

Feeling his breath on my ear made me shiver. I lifted my head to look at him only to find that his eyes were completely dark. Even though his expression was strained, he still tried to give me a smile. I shifted my body and cupped his cheek, "You okay?" I whispered.

He chuckled incredulously and asked quietly, "Shouldn't I be the one asking you that?"

Adaline whispered back, "You already did. Now, answer me please."

He swallowed before replying, "I am okay. Angry but okay."

I slid my hand to the back of his head and pulled it towards my neck. He allowed me to do so and burrowed his face in my neck.

"Now take deep breaths." I said while patting his head.

He, surprisingly, started laughing at that.

"What are you laughing at?" I asked.

He shook his head and continued to chuckle.

Adaline: "Do you feel better?"

"A little." He whispered in my neck.

I choked down the gasp that wanted to come out and thought to myself, 'Sweet baby jesus, that made me feel things that is not appropriate to feel at this moment.'

I cleared my throat, "That's good… Uhhh should we go join Edward and Bella now?"

He laughed again and lifted his head to look me in the eyes, "Maybe."

His eyes were still dark but at least his features were not strained anymore. But still I asked, "Better?"

He nodded with a smile, "Better."

I returned his smile before trying to get off his lap once again. This time, he graciously allowed me to do. I scooted towards the door and reached for the handle. Just as I was about to open the door, Carlisle suddenly called out Edward's name in a stern voice.

I turned to look at him in confusion but he just shook his head and said, " You were right. We better go join your sister and Edward before the latter digs a deeper pit for himself."

With that said, he got out of the car and quickly came around to open my door. He gallantly offered me his hand and I graciously accepted it.

"Thank you." I said as he closed the door behind me.

"You are welcome." He replied with a smile.

He glanced at me before swiftly removing his coat, "It is quite cold tonight and your clothes have suffered some damage. Please, allow me to lend you my coat. "

I blinked at him before looking down at my shirt. It really had a tear in it.

He opened his coat and held it towards me, "May I?"

I nodded at him with a grateful smile and allowed him to help me into the coat.

"Thank you Carlisle. It seems like all I have been doing since I met you is thank you." I said with a sigh as I tightened his coat around me.

Carlisle gave me a cheeky grin, "I quite like it when you thank me. It gives me great delight to know that I have been of help to you. The fact that it gives me more blackmailing rights delights me even more."

I gaped incredulously at him before huffing jokingly, "That's it. No more thank you's from me."

I then proceeded to go around him and walk towards the restaurant.

He laughed before catching up with me, "Oh really? You won't thank you me anymore?"

I rolled my eyes at him, "No, I won't…."

My words trailed off as he held the door to the restaurant open for me. He raised an eyebrow at me and grinned mischievously.

I stopped and squinted my eyes at him, " There is no need to hold the door open for me. How about you go inside and I open the door by myself?"

His other eyebrow joined the other. He slowly shook his head and smirked at me.

My manners wouldn't allow me to get inside without thanking him and he knew it. We were at a standstill until a waiter cautiously came towards us, " Umm excuse me. Is there a problem with the door?"

We both turned to look at him and he shrunk his neck back like a turtle.

I gave the poor waiter a smile and passed by Carlisle to get inside, "Nothing is wrong. Thank you for enquiring."

I then turned to Carlisle with a big smile, "THANK YOU so much for holding the door for me Dr Cullen."

He coughed, clearly trying to hold in his laughter, before replying, "You are most welcome."

The waiter glanced at us weirdly before quickly scrambling away. I looked at his disappearing back before giving Carlisle a look, " See? Your ridiculousness scared the waiter away. Tsk tsk tsk."

Carlisle: "I dare say that we are both at fault here."

I rolled my eyes at him and turned to join Bella and Edward's table, "Come along now."

I heard a snort before I felt his hand around my waist, "At your orders Madam."

I could only shake my head and hide a smile at his playfulness as he guided me towards the table.