I was still me, or at least I thought I was. Yes. It definitely was still me. Ratty hair, dryish skin. Plain brown eyes. But this dress. Today I had learned that I was born to wear vintage Galliano.

"Oh my. You don't like it. Bella, that's ok. We can put you in something else. There's a Gucci gown that's small enough somewhere around here, I just have to-"

"No, don't. I like this one. Very much. Do you think we could go out and show Edward? I'd like to wear it if it's alright with him."

"Bella, he's going to swallow his tongue. I can guarantee you that if this is the gown you like, this is the one that will go home with you."

Blushing like this had to be illegal, but I did feel like a princess wearing this. The gown had a sweetheart neckline and a zipper at the back. Angela had been right. The midnight blue fabric against my skin emphasized how pale I was, but in a way that made me look almost enchanting, not sick. I touched the belt at my waist. It was shiny.

"Hand stitched Swarovski crystals with a mother of peal center. We do have a tailor that can remove the belt if you'd prefer it without."

It's like she was reading my mind.

"No. I should wear it the way it was made, right?"

"Bella, Mr. Cullen has made it more than clear that you have complete control here. With or without the belt, the choice is up to you. He's only allowing himself final approval to make sure you're dressed properly for some of the more conservative benefactors. You look like a knock out."

"Right. I suppose we should go and show him then."

"I've been told that Ms. Alice Cullen will choose your accessories, and that probably means a pair of Zanotti's or Choo's."

She may as well have been speaking French.

"Sorry. I should explain."

I'm sure the relief I felt crossed my features. For me, dressed up meant a nice pair of Levi jeans.

"They're both designers, known mostly for their high heels. They'll add some inches to your height, and you should have an easier time with the dress so that you don't trip or get caught up in the fabric."

I nodded as her and I gathered the excess fabric from the gown into our arms. I hoped he liked what he saw.

As we neared the mirrored area where Edward and Emmett were waiting, I could hear a bit of their conversation.

"I just hope she doesn't change her mind after going to this thing. These are dreadfully boring and she'll be the youngest person there."

"Short stack can handle herself. She's different from the others."

Others? I'd try and remember to ask Edward about that later. Slowly and steadily Angela and I walked toward the platform. It's almost as if the two of them hadn't even registered our presence.

"She is different, I can tell that much already, but I'm willing to bet the first time I spend the night at the office we'll have it out. It always goes that way. I'm a workaholic and need to spend more time at, etcetera."

"You haven't even gone there with each other. Why don't you focus on getting her to like you first?"

Dropping the fabric and putting her fingers to her lips, Angela let a wolf whistle loud enough to raise the dead.

"Guys. We're shoppin' here! She came out to show you this. The least you can do is look!"

I made a mental note to buy Angela coffee sometime soon. She was nice and seemed patient, but knew how to be assertive when necessary.

"Short stack, I know I was kidding before, but you do look really nice. Rosie and Alice are gonna like this one."

Edward still hadn't spoken.

"Mr. Cullen, is the neckline too low? Are there alterations I need to discuss with the tailor?"

"Webber, who chose this gown?"

Silence. I couldn't make myself speak. Angela looked afraid, and maybe slightly sick.

"I chose the gown with Bella in mind. I thought the color contrast would look nice and there aren't many people that can pull off a Galliano original that aren't super models. I just thought-"

"With Bella's permission, we'll take this. And any others you'd like to recommend, sight unseen. We trust your judgement."

Before I could speak, Edward was up and on his feet in front of me.

"Isabella, I think you look stunning. Do you like it? The gown I mean."

"I do. Is it formal enough?"

"Bella it's perfect. You'll be the the Belle of the ball tomorrow evening. I'll need to be sure to keep you close. Do you trust Ms. Webber's judgment, or would you like to try on more things?"

"Angela is great. I trust her."

With a deep breath and nod of his head, whatever Edward and I had just been doing was over.

"Ms. Webber, I trust you've taken her measurements?"

"Yes Mr. Cullen. I'll be sending over the supporting undergarments and gown by courier this afternoon."

"Wonderful. In addition to the gown, Isabella will need clothing for school, cocktail dresses, underwear, shoes, etcetera."

"I'll pull what I can, but it may be tomorrow before I can have everything delivered."

"Get it done today. Let Kenneth know that you're completing this project for me and that I've incentivized you properly."

"Extra incentive isn't necessary, Bella was a joy."

"I'm sure she was, however I believe in paying people for their time and effort. I'll leave a bonus with Kenneth for you. In case he forgets, the Cullen's now take priority due to Stanley's indiscretions. Isabella, if you'll get changed, I'd like to take you for some lunch now."

Gently, Angela helped me down from the platform and back to the dressing room.

"I'm glad everyone's happy with the gown. If you'd like to see more pieces or try something else on, he'll wait. He may seem hard, but Mr. Cullen is a fair man."

"No, he's right. you did a great job with this, and I like you much better than Jessica. Maybe when you come by tomorrow to deliver everything we can grab a coffee, unless you have to get back here."

"Coffee sounds great. Let me unzip you and I'll leave you alone to get dressed."

Changing back into my clothes, I carried my coat out of the dressing room and into the mirrored seating area. This time, Edward and Emmett weren't talking, and Edward seemed distracted or lost in thought. Registering my presence, Edward stood to help me into my coat. Turning to shake Angela's hand, he donned his own scarf and it looked like we ready to go.

"Ms. Webber, we appreciate your assistance this afternoon. You've been invaluable."

"The pleasure was all mine, Mr. Cullen. Bella, see you tomorrow."

We walked out of the building and towards the car. Once everyone was settled, Edward turned to me.

"What did she mean by that Isabella."

"Mean by what? Oh! I asked her for coffee after tomorrow's delivery. I'm hoping that's alright."

"I'll have to go into the office to sign some documents, but I'll be sure to leave you a card and keys to the cars."

"Edward, I don't have a license."

"Then we'll get you a driver and work on the license later. For today, I hope you don't mind. I was able to get us a private table at 'The Girl and the Goat'. I think you'll enjoy the food."

I had no idea what he was talking about, but I was starting to suspect that there wasn't much with Edward I wouldn't enjoy.