AN: The Man's watching! Work! Shh...don't tell! Thanks for the reviews...you guys RAWK!

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DISCLAIMER: I OWN NUTHIN!

That´s What Little Girls Are Made Of...

Chapter Ninety-Five

BPOV

"Izzy," Edward yelled impatiently from the base of the stairs. "Get your ass down here, girl, we´re going to be late! And I refuse to sit anywhere in the back, not when my girl is graduating Valedictorian!" he yelled smugly.

I nearly threw up at his words.

Shit, did he have to remind me!

"Damn, Baby Girl, what's taking you so long?" he bellowed again. "You´re beautiful, Izzy, let´s go!" Edward leaned on the last word like a petulant child.

"Keep your fucking shorts on, Cullen," I snapped back, knowing that he would try and reprimand me for my foul mouth later.

Of course, I knew it was all a ruse, secretly, he thought I was badass for having such a potty mouth.

It wasn't like we had far to drive anyway.

Besides, technically, I didn't have to be in line outside the auditorium for another forty-five minutes.

So, taking a minute, I gave myself another once over. "You can do this, Swan," I said, picking up the leather portfolio that contained my speech. "Edward will be there, and everybody else that truly mattered is up there watching." After giving myself a quick pep talk, I took a few deep breaths in an effort to keep my tears at bay, grabbed my things, and headed out the door.

Alice, Jasper, Rosalie, and Emmett, as much as they wanted to, couldn't make it for my graduation. As a matter-of-fact, I insisted that they not come. So much of their lives have been put on the backburner to tend to Edward's and my needs these last few months that I couldn't in good conscience let them miss another day of school or work.

Especially, Rose, Emmett, and Alice, they all had thriving businesses that needed their attention. But, that didn't stop my girls from pampering me, even from thousands of miles away. The guys promised to celebrate with me when I got to Chicago. I couldn't wait to see what Emmett had up his sleeve.

Stopping at the top of the stairs, I smoothed out the invisible wrinkles in my dress, feeling a bit self-conscience.

I didn't like being the center of attention, and this dress and these shoes were definitely not helping with that.

I was convinced that my sisters hated me!

Alice refused to let me wear jeans and a T-shirt under my gown. When Edward – the traitor – told her what I was planning, I had to sit through an hour-long lecture about fashion do's and don'ts!

Yeah, after that, I would have worn a leather corset and thong set if she wanted me to!

Needless to say, to me, what she actually did send wasn't much better than the corset idea.

Alice, God love her, sent me a lacy cobalt blue, Stella McCartney dress. It was long-sleeved with a peek-a-boo nude lining and a mini-length hem, definitely, not what the good people of Forks were used to at graduation.

And Rose, bless her beautiful heart, thought it would be a good idea to pair it with matching Barbara Bui pumps that were quite intimidating. I found myself staring at them often over the past week.

Edward gave me by far the best gift. I was treated to the works at the spa in Port Angeles this morning, so to finish off my look, I was wearing minimal make-up and what the stylist called an effortless ponytail.

I'd never admit this to anybody, but I looked damn hot if I do say so myself.

And I do!

A throat clearing, reminded me that I had an audience. Looking up slowly, I chewed on my bottom lip, nervously awaiting Edward's approval. I needed it more than I was ever willing to admit.

Time seem to stop as he stood there with his mouth open and unmoving. For what seemed like hours, but in reality was no more than a few minutes. Edward just stared at me, like he was truly seeing me for the first time.

Was I imagining things, seeing what I wanted to see, or was that desire and lust I saw shining in his hooded green eyes?

Shaking off those foolish thoughts, I descended the stairs, making sure to cautiously take one step at a time. With my luck, I´d end up in the hospital with a broken neck, and Eric Yorkie would end up addressing the class.

Just as my feet came together on the last step, Edward brought a bouquet of pink roses from behind his back. Handing them to me, he leaned in and gave me a sweet kiss on the cheek. "Congratulations, Little Girl, I´m so proud of you." Helping me down, Edward took my hand and gave me a twirl. "Bella, you look absolutely beautiful. Our parents would be so proud of the young woman you´ve become." Tears sprang to my eyes at the mention of our parents.

"Thanks," I mumbled over the lump in my throat. "Enough of the heavy," I said, letting out a shaky laugh. "Let´s get this over with."

Despite my ever-increasing nerves, my speech went off without a hitch. By the time I tossed my ugly, mustard-colored cap in the air, I was feeling a bit more confident.

Ignoring all the whispers and stares of the small-minded people of Forks, I leapt into Edward´s waiting arms and squealed as he showered me with kisses. "You did it, Baby Girl," he whispered softly in my ear. "Now let´s get out of here." Setting me on my feet, he took me by the hand and led me from the building.

Dinner was amazing, and the company, more so. I couldn´t stop the perma-grin that was plastered across my face when Edward presented me with the graduation charm for my bracelet. It was a bittersweet moment. The charm made my bracelet complete, and, it made me feel a bit nostalgic. The charms had always been our thing, all our major milestones, and even some not so major were represented by the tiny noisemakers on my wrist.

Edward even let me have a glass of champagne at dinner.

Yeah, the best night ever!

And if I had my way, it would only get better.

Keep those reviews coming! I love every one of them! If I get lots of love, I'll give you more later tonight!

Krazi

xoxo