You guys melt my heart! Your reviews have been so lovely and I'm so grateful you've all stuck with me for so long! I hope this is yet another chapter which you'll love just as much!

In regards to the technical problems, I thought I'd give you a bit of an update: Unfortunately, it's been a bit of a struggle for the site to recognise the new updated date and from what I hear, the emails aren't always regularly sending out either. As a general rule I do my best to update within 6-7days of the last chapter. Usually six but on some occaisons it might be better! I hope it fixes soon though because I'm desperate for the feedback and want you guys to enjoy this story as much as I have!

Thank you so so so so much for your attention and I hope this one is just as enjoyable! I've loved it to pieces!

When the alarm goes off the next morning, despite the fact I haven't slept properly in about a week, I find that I respond to the sound easily. It doesn't irritate me, I'm not in a bad mood and though I'm wondering what possible trouble it'll will cause me later on—I'm more than happy to wake myself up.

He's settled on his side, seemingly lost into the abyss but his arms moves to turn it off and I realise he's doing well to respond so quickly. His hair is a funky mess, his fringe awkwardly angled and for the sake of ease, he lets it fall to his eyes. With forced effort, he pushes himself up, holding his balance determinedly and stretching his back so that the curve of his spine stands out through his t-shirt. He turns to where I'm lying, frowns and pushes the duvet towards me.

'Get some sleep.' He advises, softly treading out the room to have a shower.

I close my eyes momentarily, alerting myself awake when I realise it's suddenly seven thirty. He hasn't left yet because I can hear him pacing along downstairs. So I pull myself from the bed and use so much effort and vigour washing myself that my own perfume stings my nose. I hesitate with a towel, drying quickly before instead, buttoning on the same clothes from last night. He meets me at the bottom step, his eyebrow raised and his eyes tired. He raises a glass of juice out towards me.

'You should really get some rest.'

'I think I'm going to drop off that painting today.' I explain instead, letting the sweetness invade my tongue and liking it. 'I want to get it done with.'

He smirks famously, turning towards the piano. 'I was actually going to ask about that?'

'Please don't, I'm embarrassed enough as it is.' I grimace, looking down at him to find he's grinning, walking softly over to the piece and lifting it into view. I screw my face up.

'I kinda like it.'

'Oh shut-up.'

'Honestly, I do. It's different. You can hardly tell it's me.' He raises a blonde eyebrow, turning his face to the side to look at his painted doppelgänger.

'I can.'

He smiles, holding the painting by the edge, looking over it one more time before laying it aside to face me. His navy tie is looped over his collar, his damp hair combed from his face. I lean against the banister.

'Might I say you are looking radiant considering the lack of sleep?' He murmurs, watching my 'come hither' beckoning and moving towards it in his unbelievably sweet way.

'Flattery will get you nowhere, Carlisle.'

He hums, tall in front of me and twisting my plaited hair in his hand to look at it. He seems fascinated.

'Are you coming to baseball later?' I ask softly, my voice weighted with tiredness but my interest as alive as it always is with him infront of his eyes. He hesitates and reluctantly nods.

'I promised Emmett that I'd come this time. On the basis that I could make it.' He adds, correcting himself. 'I can't keep shrugging him off- he'll think I'm not interested.'

'Can't be having that.' I taunt, handing out the now empty glass to him.

He takes it, surprised when I tug him by the shirt collar towards me. With a quick but careful hand I pull up the collar, untying the knot of the tie to readjust it over his neck again. I can feel his eyes on me, curious and playful as he watches my hands.

'We're all meant to be staying at Alice's…' I say, still focused in crossing the longer side over the other and bringing it through the loop. He lifts his chin so that I have space to move and as he does so- I realise he's decided to shave for work. I drag a hand under where the shadow was, just incase I might be mistaken and smile, awkwardly. Now I'm sad.

'I'm working tomorrow...' He mentions, cautiously.

'I understand. I would cancel, too but I think I owe her a bit of attention. We barely spoke on Thursday.'

He hums again, blue eyes still trying to see my hands work away. I'm almost done now and so I tighten it comfortably against his throat.

'Thank you.' He says, touching the knot before grinning at me in a way that would deny his claims of a bad night's sleep. I lean towards him, over him, I guess from the extra two steps I have on his height, staring at his mouth as he speaks. 'Would you like me to stay?'

I pull away to stare with a raised eyebrow, deliberately refusing to answer. I couldn't, it was too selfish. Luckily, he sighs, amused and nods his head.

'I'll stay.' He surrenders breathily.

'You know she wouldn't have a problem-.' I spot him smirking at me and roll my eyes. 'I wouldn't mind if you wanted to stay at home.'

'I think I'd prefer company.' He replies, settling a hand against my jaw to pull my mouth against his.

It's a subdued kiss, quick and delivered but I suspect that's because the coffee machine goes off in the kitchen and he begrudgingly steps away to attend to it. I lower myself to the bottom step and then the floor, circling to the door frame and grinning deviously. He pours himself a coffee, looks to the time and offers me one. I shake my head.

'I suppose you know what day it is?' I purr, briefly unsure on Edward's whereabouts. He's not here which is all that matters.

I lean against the wood of the door frame, lifting my hip up so that the bottom of the shirt and the leg of his shorts ride up just slightly. He notices, taking a measured swallow of his coffee before shrugging.

'Saturday?' He offers.

'And in relation to the month?'

He grins, eyebrows heavy as he amuses himself in his private guess.

'The third Saturday of the month?' He assumes. I nod carefully pouting slightly with my legs en croise derriere while I hold onto the door. He looks at them quickly, shifting his gaze guiltily to me.

'You know what that means?' I urge huskily. He stands by the island, several steps away from me as if glued into his place. He shakes his head slowly.

'It's liberation day.' I inform him, pulling the bottom of the shirt so that the fabric shifts from the slight display of my shoulders to the immense display of my cleavage. His eyes fall unconsciously and he inhales, nervous, uncertain but captivated. 'It's been two weeks, Doctor Cullen. By your diagnosis; end of probation.'

'Probation?' He repeats abstractedly.

He's still staring hard because I've pushed my chest up and enslaved him to look at me, teased and taunted him with such a suggestion. I slowly brush my hand up from my stomach, deliberately sliding over my breast, my fingers teasing the opening of his shirt. He parts his lips as though he wants to say something, those blue sapphires still concerned with my every movement. My heart pounds, my breathing heavy as I carefully work my way inside to undo the button from beneath.

With a gasp, his coffee cup shatters over the tiles in a million pieces and he throws himself to the purpose of that rather than staring. I smoothly fix the button again, coming forward to help him but he halts me with a quivering hand.

'Stay there,' he warns, softly. 'You haven't got shoes on.'

'Its fine, Carlisle, let me help.'

'It's my fault-.' I carefully step towards him, avoiding the ceramic shards. He sighs, pushing out a flat hand to stop me. 'I don't want you to hurt yourself.' He says, but I've already bent down to gather some of the larger pieces. 'Es.'

'Don't worry.' I insist, instructing him to pass me the broom from the other side of the room. He moves quickly, a threat of a blush on his cheeks as I lean on my knees to swipe the fragments towards me. 'You've got work. Go. Make sure you're ready.'

I can feel his gaze on my back, most probably caught by how I am intentionally pushing my ass out in a suggestive manner. He tries to say something, maybe in protest, it gets caught in his throat. While I empty the shards of the cup into a dustbin, he stays uncharacteristically quiet. I suck in a breath, turn to him with a teasing eyebrow and lean out my hip a little more. He doesn't move but his eyes enlarge.

'Not checking me out, are you, Doctor Cullen?'

with a playful and teasing growl, a guttural yet sweet sound, he sweeps me up from the floor, waiting until I'm stood on unbalanced toes to scoop his arm underneath my knees. I gasp carelessly, drawing on the back of his hair to pull him close to me.

He seats me on the island so that my feet dangle above the floor and traps himself beneath the gap my legs grant him. Though he stands so innocently reserved, he tackles my inflamed mouth with his, a hand securing mine in his hair and laying a warm palm over my knuckles to tighten the grip. The right hand he softly moves against my shoulder blades to work our movements together. Those lips drive furiously against mine, starved. I lean back and though he hesitates, he follows.

Laying me gently against the marble, he concedes to my movements. He allows me to draw him closer, our torsos pressed together as my knees embed themselves in his hips. His aftershave sends my hands crazy, his coffee breath so fierce with mine that he's shocked when I slide a citrus tongue against his lower lip. He almost whimpers, matching my movements with his own need and striving for the attention of my tongue. Though when I award it to him, he crumbles into me; desperate, as I always am, for more.

This time, rather than drag himself away, I promote his departure and with tightly closed eyes, he wittingly steps back.

'You have work…' I whisper apologetically, softening the edge of my hand to a caress rather than a yearn and resting my forehead on his slick one. He nods, breathless before I stroke his cheek. Then, he shivers, grips harder onto the edge of the table before exhaling musically. 'Are you okay?'

'Give me a moment?' He begs, sweetly and he grins so widely that his chuckle is softened. That will never stop being the most glorious phrase from his mouth.

'I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself….' I confide, shyly but his smile is still fresh on his face. He relaxes his shoulders, moving so we're no longer touching and opens his eyes, a dark midnight blue made darker with his excitement. 'You look good in a suit.'

'You look good in my shirt.' He compliments, eyeing the attire carefully. 'And my boxers.'

'You think that's good, you should see me when-'

'Es.' He interrupts, eyebrows knitting, lips pressed together. 'Please. I'm still settling down.' He makes a show of touching his heart as if he meant that and not what we both know he meant. He chuckles again, kissing my nose before stepping away to lean against the worktop as though resting from a work out.

I can't help it, my eyes fall to his pants, staring at his zip, wondering what it could've been just to- just.

'It's rude to stare.' He teases, winking at me when he catches my expression. I feel myself grow warm and biting my lip, I look away. 'Oh, sure. Blush at that and not the fact that you inspired this whole-.'

'You were staring at me?' I return, grinning. He rubs the bottom half of his face, shying away pink cheeks.

'You're right, I guess I did. I'm sorry...'

'Don't be.' I announce smugly.

'I tried not to?' He atones, desperately trying to appease the situation and his guilt. It's unnecessary so I grin.

'I know, hon, I provoked you.' My eyes briefly catch the clock and sad, I nod to it. He groans again. 'I'm sorry but you've got to go.'

'What are you up to, today? Will I see you later?'

'The painting first. Babysitting today and tomorrow. I thought I might go into town with Serena? Maybe look for something to wear for next Saturday.' I raise my eyebrows playfully, grinning at him but his smile is just the same. 'Alice is working, too so she can help out.'

'Can I call?'

'Depends what kind of phone call you're wanting.' I tease, winking at him again. Chuckling, he smirks, turning away to hide his eyes.

'Not that kind.'

'Shame.'

'Indeed.' He mutters and with another sigh, he heaves himself off the side and looks guiltily at the floor.

'I'll get that, don't worry about it.'

'I'm really sorry. I wasn't thinking when-' He stops himself. 'I really appreciate it. Thank you.' He finalises instead, scratching his forehead with a knuckle and leaning towards me. 'Will I see you at home?'

I shake my head. 'I'll probably catch a lift up with Alice. Emmett's got the place booked for seven so I'll meet you there.'

He nods again, hair slipping, lips moving, eyes gazing. I look to the clock. 'You better go. You don't want to be late.'

'I'll see you tonight.' he promises. I straighten his tie again and grin, pushing into his chest a little to get him to move. He presses his lips to mine, sweet, thoughtful and deliberately without suggestion though his hand lingers at my rib cage.

'Carlisle!' I warn him. 'Go!'

'I'm going.' He says absently, matching my smile.

His feet turn to go, hesitate and then he leans towards me again, his eyebrows raised in hope. I deliberately whine, laughing as I pull his face to mine and kiss him properly. I'm deliberate, I'm charming and though there's passion there, I ensure it's guarded.

He scrunches up his nose.

'Leave before I kick you out. You've got patients to look after!' I remind him, laughing again when he struggles to get moving. With a gentle sigh he nods his head, whispers goodbye and hurriedly grabs his bag, closing the door gently and leaving me quite alone.

Yoga is easy to cope with today on the fact that I've come to an earlier class. I have a good session, stretching out all those imperfect areas and loving every inch of them for once. I could see what they did to him. How utterly he valued looking at them, how guilty he fell to his graces and how sweetly he tried to forgive them.

Mrs Walderman is delighted to see me on her doorstep at eleven, earlier than expected and quickly does what she can to pass her kids off to me while she rushes on out to work. She's a hot-shot psychiatrist somewhere in the middle of the city and won't be finished till later. The kids are in fairly good moods and Serena is happy to confess all that's happened in her crazy week. Including a kiss behind the bike shed and the class clown in the eye of her affections. Though I'm shuddering, I do my best to encourage her school work instead. There's homework that she's complaining about and so while her brother naps, I try to talk over it with her. But it's languages and I'm rubbish at those. So, once I've signed the painting off at college and been left with a phone number, I decide to take them into town.

There's nothing which captures their interest as much as I would've liked. Not the toy or the book store or even the park so once I've checked to make sure I haven't missed a phone call from the children's mother, we head for lunch.

Serena is still talking about her 'boyfriend' which even though annoyed me at first, I end up finding sweet after. She's not loved up, which I'm exceptionally proud of but she is giggly and I'm rather enjoying her chatter. Her baby brother over the course of a few hours has slowly turned even quietier which is why I keep an eye on him. They're both eating ice creams when my phone goes off again. I'm just about to ignore it when a loopy smile appears on my face.

'I almost thought you'd forgotten,' I say honestly, watching the children yet listening earnestly to hear his cheery laugh.

'I'm hurt by the suggestion.'

'I was convinced I'd frightened you off. Maybe sent your tail into a spin?' I tease and I love how funny he apparently finds the suggestion.

'I don't know what you'd like me to reply to that.' He says jovially. I laugh in the same tone that your mother does when she's on the phone and sewing at the same time.

'So has anything in particular happened since you left my good graces?' I ask, humbled.

'Two guesses,' he says simply.

'You've called to see how my submission went?'

You can hear him smile. 'How did it go?'

I shrug even though he can't see it. 'Alright, I hope. I'll find out in the next few days.'

It isn't that simple realistically, it's just something I'd rather explain face-to-face. That way I get the joy of his excessive compliments.

'Good luck, not that you will need it. One more guess.'

'Hmmm.' I push a napkin along to the children who are coated in their dessert. Both of them and they look cute. 'Might it be something to do with Father Cullen?'

'Ding, ding, ding!' He sings. 'You've won a prize!'

'Enlighten me.'

'He wanted to confirm about dinner Saturday, but he's asked for us to come even earlier.'

'No.' I say firmly, laughing when he sighs down the receiver.

'That's what I said- he's insisting on it if I want funding for this new neonatal unit. Already, he's managed to blackmail me into doing things I'm already doing!'

'That really sucks.'

'I know, poor me.' He says dramatically. I know it's coming and bite my lip in anticipation. 'Es?'

'Doctor Cullen.' I murmur back, mimicking the same tone, though elongating the sound in mine. Serena looks briefly concerned.

'Would you mind attending dinner with me a little earlier next week?'

'I would mind.' I tell him.

'Please.' He sings softly, stretching out the 'e' sound.

'You want me to go with you, earlier than expected, to spend even longer with your Nutjob of a father?' Shit, I forgot about the kids. Serena looks up, giggling at the term. Luckily Johnathan is too young to notice. Ooops.

'That would be the intention…'

'Why?! Make Edward go instead.'

'He is going. Besides, you might as well come, too. You'll just be waiting around to meet us, otherwise?'

He plays a good game.

'What's the point in asking if my attending is obligatory?' I ask

'I was being polite.'

'Sure you were. When is he expecting us?'

'Two...'

'Two?!' I repeat, astounded. 'Carlisle, that's longer than a night shift!'

'I know, I know. It's weird...' It's more than weird, it's excessively insane. So I wait for him to beg again. Which he does without prompt. 'Please?'

'Why do you need me that early?' I complain, fiddling with the straw of my drink.

'Moral support?' He suggests.

'HA!'

'To keep my spirits up? To help me remember my big speech?'

'You have to do a speech, here aswell?' I assumed that was just an Alaska thing.

'Two.' He corrects.

I can't help but react to this. The younger of the children is begging for my attention, showing me sticky hands and a messy face. I manage to free a wet wipe with a free hand and clean up the stickiness but he's still irritable and admittedly, more quiet than normal. I'm just praying he's not ill.

'Why have you written two speeches?' I ask, trying not to sound as condescending as it naturally does.

'One for the fundraising… one for him.'

'You've written him a speech?' The phone is pressed up to my ear by my shoulder and out the corner of my eye, I can see Serena watching. I chuckle slightly and grin at her so that she mimics me from across the table, pouting deliberately and flicking her hair back. I'm staring a little at her chipped nail varnish then my own with a sigh. Though I'd never seen myself as a fashion icon, I couldn't deny the influence I was at risk of shredding.

'More like a line of argument? So I remember my points. I'll show you sometime.' He's so nervous, bless him. Though I'm suddenly nervous over what is there to argue about... or at least why he feels the need to prepare so thoroughly?

'Carlisle, you'll be fine.' I've done it again…I've said his name with the same amount of love you'd give a partner...maybe more so.

'Still, I'd like to be prepared.' Not enough judging by this morning and now I'm thrilled again. The same rising excitement in my gut.

I shake my head as if I'm fixing my hair, waiting for the inappropriate thoughts to subside. Sighing theatrically: 'Fiiiine, I'll go with you!'

'Thank you.' He sings, speaking louder so that the kids wonder who is on the phone. I show Serena the screen to stop her from chewing my ear off and smile when she greets him loudly, as polite as always, making me feel even more like that 'adult figure' she assumes of us.

'Send my greetings?' He asks, chuckling musically in response to her interview of questions.

'Of course. Are you on lunch?'

'Not for long, I've got a meeting to attend in a minute.'

'Should I let you go?' I offer, selflessly wish for him to say no.

'Tell me about your day first.'

My smile grows larger.

'I'm eating ice cream.' I brag, laughing along with the kids as they proudly show off their empty bowls. 'But I think we might head back into town for a bit. Serena has a school party coming up and needs a dress.' I wonder if he can hear my sarcasm. His chuckle assures me he can.

'Are you still planning on getting one, too?'

'I'm thinking of wearing a pantsuit.' I think this is meant to be a joke but it comes out like a tease. 'You know, defeat the stereotype and all that.'

'You couldn't be a part of the stereotype even if you wanted, too.' He says charmingly and I genuinely have to think for a moment to tell whether it's a compliment or not.

'Is that a challenge, Doctor Cullen?'

'If you would like it to be.' If I keep smiling like this I'm going to forget how to scowl. What is wrong with me today?! 'I'd better go.' He says quickly. 'Matron is on my back and I'm already running late.'

'Well that's a position I've never heard of…' I murmur, keeping my voice all husky and suggestive. He laughs jovially, probably combing his hair back like he normally does to show off.

'Do I actually have something over the famous Miss Platt?'

'That's for me to know.' I whisper, sounding more and more like a telephone sex operator and hating myself for it. All I need to do is add a few groans and whines again and I could charge him….

'Well, My Dear-. Urm, I would try not to worry about it to much and ring back if the symptoms worsen.'

'I'll have you know, two weeks later and I'm fine and dandy, Doctor Cullen.'

'Yes, yes of course. I will make a note of it and contact you about it at a nearer date?'

'Carlisle?' I ask confused but his hums in the affirmative to prove my suspicions and pulling the phone away, I laugh a little more. 'Can it be assumed you're in trouble?'

'Consider this my official confirmation.' He says formally then a little more thoroughly: 'I'll be in contact.'

'I'll see you at seven, then?' I say, with no intention of closing the line.

'I can't thank you enough for your time, Madam.'

'Perhaps you can?' I mock him, laughing even more when he clears his throat. The kids are uninterested. 'Happy liberation day?' I add, biting into my lip. I can imagine him red, uncomfortable and struggling for a reply with a perfect smirk on his face.

'Indeed.'

'Bye then?' I say, quietly.

'Goodbye…' There's another pause as I try again not to laugh so brazenly. He waits but doesn't hang up so I wait, too. For a good thirty seconds.

'Carlisle?'

'Okay- she's gone.' He explains, laughing. 'What is it with you making every phone call R-rated?'

'I better go,' I sigh, recovering from my chuckles. 'The kids-.'

'Typical.' He laughs. 'What I wouldn't give for-.' He stops, clearing his throat loudly again and putting on that same phone tone. 'A moment to thank you for your co-operation.'

'I'm hanging up, you Loser.'

'The spring can be especially hard for some people and I completely empathise-.'

I physically can't speak because I'm laughing so much. So I don't hold myself to the conversation for fear I won't return from it. Instead I quickly press the end call button.

After lunch, we head into Alice's place of work to see what might be on offer and better, in budget. One of her co-workers, a guy with a hugely flamboyant hair-do and even more lively makeup, dotes on Johnathan and even though the poor kid looks to me in horror at first, he slowly relaxes and enjoys the attention. So with him occupied, we turn to Serena.

Alice finally comes out from the back of the shop, sees me and squeals with delight. She hugs me tightly around the arms, maybe because she's as eager as I am to forget the other night and after asking about my head, bounds into conversation with my neighbour.

'Is it disco or posh?' She asks the blonde girl, listening as if her 'client' is the most important thing in the room. You have to love that about her. Alice always has a way of making you feel particularly important.

'Disco.'

'Themed or not?' Continues Alice.

'No theme,' answers Serena.

'Are you looking to stand out or did you want something similar to what everyone else is wearing?'

And that's how it continues. So I take a seat on the sofa, sit with the crazy guy and Johnathan, read a bit of Spot Goes to the Park to a sleepy, to a fidgeting young one while Alice shows Serena Narnia. With them both distracted then, in that the smaller of the two is getting sleepy, I look through one of the posh rails to the side. The shop is a nice quaint little thing. Not a brand name and not full of particularly well-known designers though definitely full with some of the nicest material with the most extravagant prices you could ever picture. I know what I want, something black. Conservative, simple and cheap in price but not in style. But nothing is catching my attention.

'Need a little help there, hunny?' The assistant offers, hand drumming on the rail. I jump away from it as if it's a live snake and I'm the elephant accommodating it. I hate it when people give me pet names but smile sweetly at Will.

'Just browsing.' I say, like everyone does when one of the sales assistants hounds you with their attention.

'Well…if you need my help…?'

I continue pushing the coat hangers to the left, reading the material, the colours, the fabric and more importantly, the price. These were the only things within my budget… And you could tell why. Ick.

'What do you think?' Alice asks, throwing back the curtain to one of the cubicles and revealing the eleven year old in a 50's inspired blue and gold dress. As much as I hate to admit it, she looks gorgeous and very grown-up.

'Very nice, very girly.' I compliment, nodding in agreement. With Will's encouragement, the baby claps his hands together.

'Cute isn't it.' Alice agrees happily. 'You're going to have so much fun at your disco.'

Serena is loving the attention and flicks her hair back knowingly so that she's imitating some TV model. We laugh, beaming at her joy, Johnathan leaning tiredly on my leg as he fiddles with my shoelaces

'Is that everything?' She asks, beaming proudly at her choice, looking more like a French fashion designer every day.

This is when I start to really hate sales assistants;

'Your friend was just looking at the dresses on the rack...' Will says slowly, and I just know that from behind my head, he's doing that haughty pout. Don't roll your eyes.

Alice grins knowingly. 'Oh you were? What for?'

Don't say anything.

'Just browsing?'

She raises her perfectly drawn eyebrows. 'Esme, you don't just browse in a shop like this.'

'There's kind of…' Shut up, Esme. 'A ball thing next Saturday...?'

And just like Christmas, she lights up. 'Wait- It's a ball?!'

Part of me wonders if she's waiting to laugh her ass off at me. I know I would but she's so comfortable with the situation, she's hardly pissed that I've informed her so late. To be fair, I didn't know till yesterday. She can't hold anything against me. I nod slowly, cautious but she's on me in a second, dragging me through to the bigger selection of dresses at the back. I quietly whine.

'Like an expensive 'invitations-only' ball?!' She asks excitedly. I grimace before nodding again. Then I lose her to reality. She goes on an immediate flair, throwing dresses my way, singing this, singing that like we're in a musical. I just stare behind her. That was quick.

'Long or short? Is it like an aged one? Cocktail dresses or ball gowns? Like-'

'Alice.' As if she's listening.

'Saturday?! You guys don't give me much time do you?!' She chides playfully, flinging more shit at me and clapping her hands together.

'Alice.' I repeat, louder.

'You could go all glam!'

'Alice?' Finally. She looks at me, all smiles and hopes pausing for fear I'm going to trash her happiness.

'What?!' She demands quickly. I can't believe I find myself saying it so I don't say it, I just nod my head behind her, questioningly. It's like the perfect red dress moment. Quite literally.

'What about that one?' I ask, eyes locked into the same space of the room as it had been when I walked in here.

I always wear black, especially with dresses, so the fact this has caught my eye is uncharacteristic. She turns so fast that her gelled spikes sway in time to her skirt.

'That one?!' She asks ludicrously, as if I've just asked to go in my birthday suit.

'What's wrong with it?' I reply, frowning a little. Please don't be the price... When she turns back, I see she's grinning with a bright coloured lipstick pout. Thank fuck.

'It's not the sort you wear a bra with.' She tells me once I'm in the little changing room in my smalls. I sigh and take off the bra to which she jumps back from.

'What?' I say grumpily when she gives me an alarmed face.

'You nearly took me out then. Blimey, give me a bit of warning.' She laughs then, rolling the dress up into a circle and pulling it over my head though I am more than hesitant. It's one thing seeing the dress on the shelf, another thing to have it stretched over the fat of my thighs and stomach.

It's a comment that since a week ago could go either way. Because of the joys that were this morning I think I'm going to appreciate it. Though it quickly comes to our attention that it's my tits which will be the problem if anything… though everything else is just fiiiine. I look kinda good.

'How much is-'

'Never mind that!' She shushes. She takes my hair down for me so that the curls wave down my shoulders, flicking at the ends and styling them to how she expects them to lay.

I almost forget who I'm looking at when in the mirror.

The dress is a bold red, more a dark than a burnt-orange. An old style 1940s red. The material itself is tight fitting and sticks to all my curves beautifully, highlighting where I've lost some weight though making my thighs and my hips look gorgeously voluptuous. The rest of the material from the hips is pulled in tightly, ending short at the middle of my calf making me look classier than ever.

That's not my favourite bit of the dress. My favourite bit is the detail. It has straps that aren't designed to go higher than the top of my bust and swing below my collar bone. It's made of a gentle lace, made to look like a sleeve of red roses and they curl around the top of my arms, flowing around the balcony of my chest before meeting together to form a plunging cleavage. I surprise myself by looking hot as hell and I'm flattered enough that Alice's beaming smile agrees.

'Can you see how beautiful you look?' She sighs, fiddling with the flowers by the bottom of my neck. For once I take the compliment well and shift my hair a little in the mirror to suit how I might want to wear it. 'The colour is gorgeous on your skin.'

'I never wear red.' I reply, turning to check out my ass. Nice, very nice. This dress is a winner. She sees the twist at my hips and rolling her eyes, nods in agreement.

'Exactly.' She says happily, pulling up the front a little but otherwise looking very pleased with herself. 'You'll have to wear boob tape. Just to keep it from slipping but it'll look smoking still.'

She indicates via her reflection on where the tape would go but adds that if I struggle, I'll only have to call. It doesn't strike clear to me how well versed she is on the details of the event. I do not think to ask as to why she doesn't offer her make up skills, or her assistance in pulling the thing on come next week. I simply ignore these factors and watch next Saturday's image dream itself into my attention.

'Thanks, Sweet.'

'You could do a Hollywood glam?' She suggests, the tape measure hanging around her front like a scarf. 'Curl your hair really softly, red lip, winged eyeliner?'

She's getting ahead of herself a little but I'm too pleased to be irked. I just grin proudly and agree, testing the act of walking and being unexpectedly surprised by the ease. The material though snug isn't uncomfortable.

'Heels?'

Shamelessly, I'm thinking about Cullen's height. He's not overly tall but he is taller than me, way taller…

'I just might?' I pout in the mirror and have to remind myself to stop flirting with myself. She squeals excitedly again.

'Are you thinking red stiletto or silver?'

'Silver will stand out…' I say softly, the words forming a sound of a complaint on my lips. I rarely wear heels and rarer than that, I even think about going near stilettos. In the mirror, I see her wink.

'Exactly.'

'Maybe a slight bit of silver then… But don't go crazy.'

She pops out for barely two seconds and returns with glittered platforms on a stiletto heel; basically death traps. But holy fuck they make my legs look great.

'They're comfortable?' I realise, turning my foot out on the side and balancing to see the thick safety of the shoe at least on ball of my feet. She grins and nods watching the way I twist and turn my ankle in the mirror.

In all honesty, I was trying to envision the look on his face if I tore into the bedroom wearing just the shoes. Worse, I wore the shoes and his shirt and nothing underneath. Worse still, I lean the the heel into his diaphragm, not too hard, kick him to the corner of the bed and leave him drooling.

'I know!' She agrees, showing me her leg. 'I have like six pairs!'

Trust Alice. I spend several moments appreciating her talent and her eye, and angling myself in the mirror. I'm a lot more clean looking than when I wear one of his T-shirts and the shape is more flattering without being slutty. It's a suggestive yet reserved design. I love that. It's so appropriate.

'You look so great!' She sighs, hands together, looking at me like a mom would watch her child go to prom. Though I have a feeling she won't approve of my date. Perfect then.

'Just... be careful…' She whispers, eyeing the dress in the mirror. I look to her and bite my lip, knowing full well I've fallen too soon. It's going to be a price well out my comfort zone.

'Do you think it's too much?' I ask, smoothing my sides. She shakes her head, mouth closed, eyes panning down.

'Just… You don't want to lead anyone on…'

And there was me thinking she genuinely meant the price. Apparently just the style.

'Alice?' I sing as a warning, tilting my head. She breathes in, rolling her eyes slightly.

'Carlisle phoned.' She explains, looking at the dress fondly.

My mouth falls open, my cheeks lighting up though I really don't want them to. Since when did Alice have a conversation with Carlisle without jumping down my throat? She seems weirdly quiet. Well I guess this would explain her good mood then?

'Why did he phone?' I ask cautiously. She shrugs, offering a placid smile as she fiddles with my hair.

'To catch up? Mention about the evening... apologise for being unable to get the rest of us tickets?'

'He did?' I ask, surprised. How sweet of him.

'He promised to explain tonight but said he's likely to be late...' She says, softly. I nod absently thinking of the dress, his response perhaps. 'I know how much he dislikes his father, Esme.' She mutters, carefully. 'Please… You don't want to make a bad impression for him?'

Excuse me?!

'Thanks.' I say loudly. She sighs, feigning relief but still looks a little white. She nudges my arm.

'Just be careful...And make sure you find the cutest person there and bring him home with you!'

'I promise.' I reply with a sly grin.

Besides, probation officially ends tonight. I have a free vagina tomorrow and I have the full intention of using it. If it wasn't for being round Alice's- I'd use it tonight. Though that wouldn't have stopped me before. The thought of making the suggestion to Carlisle has me laughing again and despite her rudeness, I'm happy enough to just ignore the over-concern for one night.

After all, she was one of my best friends and despite her reservation... I knew she meant well. Particularly for Cullen. She was trying to look out for him and that meant more to me then how annoying she could be.

'Hey Alice?' She's smiling at my outfit, proud of the way it makes me proud of my assets…and right now they're definitely assets.

'I have the perfect set of silver earrings if you want to wear them, too?' She offers, still holding that light smile, her eyes glittering.

'That would be great-. Alice?'

'You're just going to look so gorgeous!' She promises, grinning at me.

'Earth to Alice?!'

'Whaat?'

'Have you got any ties in this colour?' I pull out the material to indicate my thought process.

'Sure!'

She gives me a discount like I ask, because let's face it, she's Alice and she's dependable. She bags up our stuff, tells me she loves me and reminds me not to be an asshole but as I push my card towards her she pushes it back.

'Dude, I haven't got cash?' I say, tapping the front. That and if I use a debit card I don't have to see how much it is- it's a perfect way to shut myself up. She rolls her eyes, her thick eyelashes fluttering.

'I did say Carlisle phoned?' She replies, leaning on the corner of the table like that explains everything?

'What's that supposed to mean?' I ask, now back in my jeans and shitty top. Serena is parading the bag with her dress in and Will is making faces to the kid resting sleepily on my shoulder. She rolls her eyes.

'He's got it covered.' She dismisses, fighting the smile on her mouth. 'He said that if you complained I'd have to wish you happy birthday.'

'It's four months till my birthday? I denounce, glaring. She shakes her head, clearly not as interested in this topic of conversation as she was with the outfit.

'It's probably just a thank you for attending with him.'

'Can you please just let me pay for my own clothes? Regardless of the gesture.' Particularly because I can't tell if I am furious with him or overwhelmed from the flattery.

She shakes her head. 'It's gone through.' I think she means the transaction but I'm not happy. Shifting the snoozing kid a little further from my poty mouth, I whisper a tense 'What?' She shrugs her slender shoulders.

'Well, what about the shoes?!'

'He asked to cover those, too.'

'Alice! These shoes are expensive. Refund him. Now!' If the shoes were at least forty dollars, there's no way in hell I'm letting him cover the total outfit. Fuck that.

'I promised Esme. If you have a problem, take it up with him!'

Damn right I will.

I groan loudly, apologising to Serena when she complains of boredom and push my card back on the table. 'And the extras?'

Finally she changes her expression. 'Oh, I forgot about that!'

'That comes out of-'

'I know!' She says irritably, taking my card and showing me the machine. She waits untill I'm done to tell me off. 'You can't have a go when you've done the same thing.'

'I didn't buy an outfit, I bought-'

'Okay, okay. I get the picture.' She complains, loudly. 'I finish at six, don't be late?'

'I'll see you later, Alice.' I say, trying not to frown when I say goodbye. With a slight air of rebellion, I hug her as a thank you while she says her goodbyes to my company.

Mrs Walderman is over the moon when we return with a dress for Serena and her son asleep on my shoulder. She's even more over the moon that she managed to finish the report on her psychopath and pays me extremely well again. My quit-my-job fund is building quickly and wishing them a good evening, I promise to see them tomorrow.

The rest of the evening alone flies by and soon enough I'm in Alice's car being driven to the stadium, silently listening to her speech about classes. Emmett is tapping his foot impatiently when we park up next to his jeep, thick arms folded across his college jersey. He really shouldn't be complaining. We're only three minutes late.

'What time do you call this?!' He complains, looking at us with a freckled face of disgust. It's even funnier when you think about the fact that Emmett is always late.

'Calm it, Em. We're here now.' I say, slamming the door shut.

Blondie looks like she belongs in the major leagues and I kinda hate her for it. But at least once we make our way into the open field, Jasper is his usual self. So I go help him redraw the floor and put out the bases.

'How are things going?' He says playfully, doing the eyebrow thing. Ha.

'Leave me alone, you totally told Alice on me the other day and now she's convinced I'm trying to sleep with him.'

He laughs loudly enough that I want to hit him.

'Well, you did kind of corrupt him.'

I shrug, and look back to the open doors of the stadium to where Carlisle has just arrived with Edward and Bella. He's so sweet, his hair unruly and his expression pale but he's chatting with Alice and it's making me nervous.

'Kind of?' I admit facing Jasper again. He snorts and throws the chalk at me to meet him on the other side.

Before I can stop it, a huge groan comes from my chest. Like a cry of frustration. The cowboy gives me a funny look before laughing, chucking another bit of chalk to me and instructing where to start. Emmett's still complaining about something behind my head so while he has the attention of at least Bella, who initially made her way over to offer her greetings, I escape further afield to change into sneakers.

It's pathetic but it's getting later meaning I'm tired now and have to bend my leg against the wall to tie them. Once both feet are throbbing from the tension, I stand back, satisfied.

'Gotcha!'

I go to leap in surprise except the thick arms wrapped around my stomach stop me. He spins me twice, his friendly laughter in my ear and his plum cologne in my hair before carefully placing me back to the floor where my feet take a cautious step. Swoon.

'And what was that for?' I say excitedly really, really trying not to grin. His arms are fucking gorgeous and he is fucking gorgeous and I'm only human and I am a stupid, foolish human who knows he has a body under that shirt carved from the Gods. He's looking breathless but super cute in his plain white T-shirt and shorts.

As typical, he grins, running a hand through his hair as though it's a deliberate excuse to show off his hot as fuck biceps. I smooth my plait down, pulling it over my shoulder.

'How was work?' I ask quietly once we're hidden behind the shield of Edward's complaints and Bella's defences to do with her shit truck. I'm quickly informed that they've been playfully bickering since the car ride. I think that was Edward's bad attempt to flirt ...

'Yeah, it was good. I did sutures all morning which was a bit repetitive except later I was allowed to go and 'research' for my speech.'

I smile. 'Does that mean hang out at the kids ward?'

'I've got pen marks all over my jacket but it was worth it. All of them are doing so well.'

It kind makes me sad that Cullen hasn't got any younger siblings to dote on. Especially because he finds so much reward and so much joy in making them better.

'That's sweet.' Though I'm desperate to see this jacket all of a sudden. 'As for the pen, I might be able to help you with the laundry.'

'Ask the expert, hmm?' he teases, nose scrunched at the bridge as he starts to walk me, incredibly slowly, towards the mass of people.

'Naturally.'

I feel his laugh echo on my left shoulder and though we've been keeping a simple pace, when he calls my name, my chin moving to face him, he stays tood on the spot.

'Es, I've...' he hesitates and then rubs the back of his neck as though shy. 'Well, I've had some good news.'

'Oh?' I say, cautiously. He waits for his courage to return, lets it eat on his lips before craning his neck to talk distinctly between ourselves.

'Maddison reckons he can bump up my training a few years.' He's talking quietly now, clearly doesn't want Edward to overhear or anyone for that matter but they're in a cluster around Emmett, passing around T-shirts and talking.

'Meaning?' I ask slowly. A slight smile steals his mouth, a very slight one.

'It means that by the end of the year, I could already be looking into applying for the residency programme.'

'You're joking!' I gasp, reaching out to stop him. His beautiful grin takes up his face, more noticeable than his exhaustion.

'He's going to speak to a few of the hospital wardens, see what he can do. He says it would mean taking about eight more exams but if I pass them all…'

'Carlisle, you're kidding?!'

He finally shows me those jewelled eyes and shakes his head, the smile growing.

'I'm trying not to get my hopes up in case they say no or even worse, I fail. It's just so surreal.'

'That's fantastic!' I whisper, reaching out instinctively to crush him into a hug. He hesitates, looking at me, then across the field and back to me where I'm looking at my feet. He grins, laughing shyly before taking the risk to wink at me. It's well-played and sends my heart into over drive though I have to force a distance between us 'That's brilliant, Hon! You should be so proud.'

'He'll be there on Saturday. He says he's going to speak to a few people but he thinks I've got a good chance.'

'Jesus Christ, a surgeon already?!'

'In training.' He corrects, chuckling. I want to kiss him. I want to throw my pride on to him and snog him as passionately as possible, I want to scream the news to the team and have them parade him up on stoic shoulders. I'm not going to do that. I can't.

'Are we telling anyone?' I ask, lowering my voice as we wander closer to the group. Notice how I say we- it was an accident but I still feel a part of it now.

He shakes his head. 'Not until I pass the exams...'

'Do you need any help?' I can't study for shit and even worse than that, studying in a group is my downfall.

'From the girl who couldn't pronounce antibiotic?' he says smugly, smirking in his typical way.

'Yeah alright, it was written with a bunch of other crazy Latin stuff. How was I meant to know it was talking about the general thing and not a specific medicine?'

'Because it said antibiotic.'

'I wouldn't piss me off, Cullen. I'm mad at you.' I warn him, forcing a glare onto my face because it's not naturally coming.

'What? Why?' Though he looks more amused than ever.

'You know why. You bought-'

'You're welcome.' He interrupts, his grin even more cheeky and his expression more exhausted. That's the only excuse he's having. I'm still mad.

'Consult me next time?' I ask, slightly moody about the ordeal but still so utterly complimented by it.

'Kind of defeats the point of a surprise.' He argues, catching my blank expression and grinning even wider- now I'm smiling, dammit!

I roll my eyes and push him but he wraps a hand around my wrist so I stumble towards him, giving him the excuse to lay his hands on my arms and steady me again. I hate myself for leaning into him.

'Thank you...' I mouth toughly, head tilted to be sure no one else can read my lips. He's beaming at me.

'Can I see it?'

I shake my head.

'How come?' He's pouting now, confused but still endangering our 'platonic' impression with how close he's standing next to me. I make a conscious choice to step away though I regret it instantaneously.

'It might be my liberation day, Hon, but no way in hell is it yours.'

He shudders a little, fighting hard to ignore it as he battles with the wide grin on his face. Before we both come under the fire of suspicion, I step well away from him and look cautiously to the group in front, an argument has broken out. So I turn to him once, raise his cocky smile with my own and wink. We avoid speaking to each other directly for a good twenty minutes after, mainly because we're both too busy fighting the smiles on our cheeks even though we should be working harder to fly under the radar, I'm wrapped so tightly around him that I'm surprised no one has noticed.

'It's not blondes against 'others' is it?' I complain to the cluster of people. 'Emmett, get original will you?'

Cullen grins as he stands next to Edward, listening to Jasper mutter something in his ear before rolling his eyes in agreement.

'It is but we've got Alice. You've got Bella.' Rose says smugly, stretching out her hamstring like a sports advert.

I almost wince but think about the repercussions of doing so... I look to my left where Bella is smiling apologetically at me but because of my good mood – and my insane sleep deprivation, I just laugh and link my arm in hers.

'Good- it means you're on the modest side.'

I have to deliberately avoid looking at Emmett so as not to shoot myself in the foot.

'I'd debate that.' Edward says playfully, shoving Carlisle back to his team where he saunters off like a professional walker. Those calves…..Mmm. What is with this guy's smile?! Just looking at it, I'd be happy to take him down. Take him down several times in fact. And in several positions...

'Esme! Get your ass over here!' Emmett yells impatiently and I have to shove away the bad plans again because that's all I want to think about.

Even Edward's got his game face on. Which is great because I want to win. So we go through our game plan. Which for Bella is just hit and run, for us (who actually don't mind getting dirty) means thinking about Alice's pitches, where we want to bat and where we want to stand depending on whose batting etc.

After a quick Rock, Paper, Scissors between Em and Cullen, the two sports' fans, we're batting first and as he turns to run out to second base, he gives me his playful smirk. Oh no you don't. So I shoot him a grin and turn back to Bella acting as innocent as she looks, a new-born Bambi on stilts. Bella bats first because Alice's pitches get harder to return the further along in the game. Meaning that if she tries, she might actually hit the damn thing-.

Nope.

No she didn't.

See, we're standing in a very big empty college stadium. There's grass and dirt on the soles on our feet, there's a glorious chilly wind nipping at our noses and there's that glorious smell of determination and fun. Bella is hating it. And she's wasting our $20.

'Hey Bells,' Em says softly. You can read the jealousy on Edwards face just from one nickname. 'Why don't you go sit on a bench or something?'

I know Emmett's sounding like a total dickhead but he really is the competitive type. Hence why we're always on the same team otherwise I'd never be able to cope with being friends again let alone loosing.

'Em, come on.' I say, trying to rescue her but she seems perfectly content, if not pleased, to do as he asks. And he has got a point. He wraps a heavy arm on her shoulders.

'Just- just umpire for a bit, yeah?'

She nods excitedly and starts to take her seat before I grab her by the elbow and indicate the boys.

'It's not actually a shit job. The boys can be total cheaters.'

'False!' Emmett yells from where e stands at a distance, apparently predicting my advice. Jasper is sniggering, Alice is giggling to Rosalie and even with a 'player' down- if you could call her that-we're going to beat them. So with her on the bench, we can actually play a game.

I'm up next, Alice is grinning- I don't know why- and takes an over-dramatic cat leap on her back leg to throw me a fast one. I swing the bat, hit the ball and run flat out. For a moment, it looks like Jasper's got the ball, but he and Rosalie manage to both miss. I keep pushing my feet into the grass, losing my grip the faster I run.

Cullen's coming in from the other side since he's just caught the ball off of Rose and then we're both racing to the nearest base until we come colliding into one another. Even though we're both grinning, breathing loudly, our whites shirted in dust and black soil, we both immediately look to Bella who is debating. Fucking debating. I was totally in- Don't you dare!

'Urm.'

I literally just shared trade secrets with the girl, come on!

'Come on, Bella!' Emmett yells from home.

'I guess that was in?' She says nervously, looking to me for reassurance. I make no secret of my celebration and point my tongue towards the Saint over my thigh.

'Guess?' Cullen says, still locking me to the floor despite me trying to shove him off. My shoves are pathetic, I love having him around my legs.

'Yeah? Yeah. It was in- you're still in.' she confirms delicately.

'See. In!' I brag to Cullen who is very deliberately pushing his shoulder into me in a way that's messing with my hormones. 'Get off me, Loser!'

And he does so with a disbelieving shake of his head. 'You were out and you know it.'

I scoff and push him gently with the round edge of my bat. 'Just because you know you're going to lose.'

'Guys! We've only got another hour in the place!'

We turn to Em's yelling, I dust off my knees and return to my team. Emmett slings an arm around my shoulder and grins but he's actually whispering to me through clenched teeth and admittedly, looking rather sadistic as he does it.

'Hey Es?'

'What?' I say, laughing. He turns us around with our backs to Edward.

'I don't care if that is your Flatmate, if there is anyway you can use your womanly charms- for the sake of the team-'

I almost laugh. 'You want me to cheat?'

'Noooo!'

We turn quickly to see Edward hit the ball with a shattering smack and sprint across the space. It's got to be a home run- though Cullen is determined and runs almost as fast. The look of determination is so hot and so focused that I'm almost tempted to accuse him of showing off. Unless of course he's using the last of his exhaustion to make up for his loss of a running routine these past few days.

'No, but if someone happens to be distracted-'

'Got it.' I say quickly, discarding of my jacket so I'm just in my shirt. I really am sweating already but Em clearly thinks I'm getting a head start and gives me two thumbs up. I roll my eyes.

Emmett's bats are far better than mine and Edward's but then we're faster than he is. The sound of the ball splitting my ears rattles around the stadium and in his fastest jog, he makes it back round no complaint.

We have three more runs each and just as Emmett's asked, when batting, I take a particular effort to squat a little, giving the Lycra that perfect balance of firm desire without being overtly flirty. And guess who was right?

Even Jasper is slow in his reactions but that's only because he's trying to understand my motive…which means Rosalie is left to go leaping for the ball with a miss. I get a full run the first time because Cullen's too distracted to cover his base properly. By the next one, he's predicted the batting and my cheating and Jasper grabs both flights, first with trouble and the last with ease. Bella is almost asleep on the bench, reading through her dog-eared book like the nerd she is and Edward is captivated. My cheeks are inflamed with the rush of the wind, hot blood is coursing through my veins and my hamstrings are killing me.

So I'm pretty relieved when we swap to the pitching side.

Rosalie is actually a really- really- great player and the moment she bats, I nearly fucking fall over from pure speed at which her ball is hit. Alice is pitching for us too, to make it fair, though I don't trust her. Jasper's slight tap and sprint has us running about like an unorganised mess but Edward catches him out in the last second, both slamming into each other.

And my pretty little Saint is still smirking.

'Alice, curve it to the left.' I hush behind her ear as I quickly jog back to my own place. She wrinkles her nose (still testing out her code work theory) though I just roll my eyes and nod.

'Es, that's cheating.' Edward says disapprovingly though he's sharing my wicked smile.

'How is it?' I demand, eyebrow raised.

'He's right handed.'

'Only technically. I bet he's slightly ambidextrous!' Well… if he's taught himself to masturbate with his left hand than I believe it's only fair to challenge him.

'No he's not.'

'Edward, did you want to win or not?!'

He rolls his eyes. But his jaw drops open when, with an awkward startled realisation; Cullen manages to flick the angle of his bat and return the ball further up the field.

See! I fucking knew it.

Edward quickly scrambles backwards to grab the ball, clashing with Emmett who manages to throw it my way where I'm just about the tap the base when a hand grabs the back of my thigh, dragging me down as we go sliding to the mud, my weight hard onto him.

'Shit, Hon- are you okay?!'

He's doing that painful groaning laugh again the one that reeks of revenge. He gives a weak thumbs up and grins. I grin back, relieved, the ends of my hair tickling his face as I lean over him.

'That was total cheating by the way.' I murmur under my breath, shyly. 'You grabbed my leg.'

'Oh yeah? What about the batting to the left?!' He breathes heavily and lets me help him back to his feet, roughing up the back of his hair where his skull collided with the cement base. He wobbles a bit, maybe because he's still laughing, but reassures the crowd that he's fine.

'That was totally a foul.' I say to Bella when she appears up by Alice's side. Cullen stretches his leg, where he's apparently caught a painful strike of cramp and tentatively takes a step onto the foot though his face is scrunched up. I'm staying close by in case the bad leg loses its balance though he's reluctant to give into me. Bella shrugs.

'Come on, Bella. I did just fall over?' Says Cullen, offering a friendly smile.

'I guess-'

'Don't fall for it, it's his own fault he tripped!'

But she does fall for it- mainly because he has to sit out for the last bit- and awards him three runs- three! And he didn't complete one! We're having enough trouble keeping up with Rose let alone this! Lucky for us, Alice is being biased….and making it difficult for her boyfriend to hit the ball. So we win, a nice twenty four to twenty three runs.

Emmett is overbearingly proud, promises to buy everyone a drink and gives Rosalie a woozy snog for winning. Cullen is still limping a bit and lets me help him hobble back to the car lot...until Alice insists Jasper takes over.

'See, that's the thing with you being the pitcher- you both won and lost.' I tell her. She loops and arm round mine slowing us down to a slower walk taking small little even steps like we're walking down an aisle.

'Es?'

Incoming, prepare yourself.

So I stop walking to look at her, halting in the middle of the stadium. Jasper is in front, bases in one arm, bats in the other and Emmett's hoisted Cullen into a piggy back though he's protesting loudly against it. His cheeks are as pink as mine but he suits them better than I do.

'Be careful-'

'Alice- nothing is going on!'

Much.

'I never said there was!' She defends, hardly putting much effort in to convince me. 'All I was saying was be careful... and maybe stop flirting so blatantly if you didn't want me to comment?'

'He totally fouled me!' I say quickly, feeling myself panic a little more.

'I know.' She sings.

'Girl. Just…eurrghhh. I thought you liked hanging out with Cullen!'

'I do.' She defends with a smile. 'Look, you're less of a slag already. You know we're meeting up and you've still worn ugly sweatpants.' Lycra sweatpants though I'm not going to correct her.

'I don't get it- you're not hounding me about Edward? And I spend as much time with him?' Practically….almost….maybe?

'Yes because Edward's got a girlfriend and knows what sex is!' She retorts, I'm too busy hiding from Carlisle's dark eyes to realise she's talking to me. And that the girlfriend term is clearly a joke.

As for Edward- I have no fucking clue what his relationship status is right now so I'm staying out of that comment and hurriedly busy myself in Bella's enthusiasm for her book rather than the Pixie's constant questioning. One thing she's right about- I need to stop. I can't keep looking at him in front of everyone. It'll cause too many questions. Which is the same lesson which goes out of my mind the moment I catch him grinning at me. Me.