AN: Hi readers! First of all i'd like to thank you all for reviewing for the last chapter. I'm glad you all liked it and found it as funny as i did. anyways here is the next chapter...its a bit long. Although i dont see a problem with the chapter myself some may not be thrilled by the fact i introduced a character thats well...you'll see. Also some may not be pleased with Bella's attitude or even edwards but i ask that you keep an open mind! Everything will be alright... Much love xoxox

PS: if you havent already looked at the dresses mentioned in this chapter check em out on my profile!

Chapter 40

"I have the boobies therefore I make the rules"

Bella's POV

Although I was immensely embarrassed by my dream and apparent vivid re-enactment of it last night Esme had calmed me down by telling me she often had sex dreams about Clive Owen yet she would tell Carlisle she was dreaming about him. I didn't feel so bad after that. That was not to say that Edward wasn't going to be in trouble. I looked at him over the table. He looked all cheerful, like he had weathered the storm without a scratch. I smiled and winked at him playfully. He wasn't going to know what hit him later on…

Carlisle had left the table early to get dressed and head out to his conference. He said he'd be back in the early afternoon so he could get ready with the rest of us for the award ceremony. We were to leave the house around five and make a grand entrance into the hall with Carlisle. That was just great. I prayed I didn't fall over in my shoes.

After helping Esme clean up the kitchen with everyone else, we all went our separate ways. Everyone would be leaving early tomorrow morning and Edward and I would have to drive them to the airport. The thought of everyone leaving all at once saddened me but I knew it had to happen at some point. Edward and I had our own lives to live.

While the rest of the Cullen gang went to start packing up their belongings I told Edward we needed to start unpacking ours. I insisted that he help me unpack first while I walked with him up the stairs. As soon as we entered my bedroom I shut the door and started to lay it on thick.

"Edward Cullen!" I began, getting his attention as he now turned around to face me. "Let's get one thing straight mister. There will be no more, I mean zero, sexual activity between us until your family is out of this house. And don't even tell me they don't suspect anything because they do and I know it. I will allow you to sleep in my bed still, provided you keep your hands to yourself and don't try to seduce me. You will not tempt me, you will not joke about sex, you will not touch me with the intent of doing anything overly sexual. Finally if I ever have a dream like that again you will wake me up. I don't care what you have to do. Pinch me, pour water on me, yell at me but you will find a way to wake me up as opposed to enjoying the show my friend" I huffed and then sat on the bed. "Do you understand Edward?" I questioned. He stared at me with wide eyes. Maybe I had overreacted just a little bit but I was tired of being embarrassed in front of his family. Really though, he had less that twenty-four hours to follow my rules. That was reasonable.

Edward nodded slowly before joining me on the bed.

"Sorry" he whispered in my ear. I felt all warm and tingly inside. I warned myself not to lose control. I was the rule maker. I was in control.

"Good" I said before patting his cheek gently and moving towards the boxes and suitcases that were strewn all over my room.

Edward and I spent the whole morning unpacking and organizing our stuff. We made lists of everything we needed to do while in Boston for school and all the things we might need to buy for the house. Toulouse decided to make an appearance while we were hanging clothes in Edward's closet. He trotted around our feet making it difficult for us to move. I nearly fell once but Edward caught me.

Soon enough Carlisle popped his head into Edward's room to say hello to us. His conference had gone well and he had gotten some Harvard memorabilia for us to hang in our rooms. I noticed that he had also purchased a shirt for himself that said "Harvard Dad" across the chest. He was very proud of Edward, especially for following in his footsteps. He left us alone to decorate our rooms and to catch up with Esme. We hung our Harvard decorations in our rooms before I decided it was my turn to make lunch and asked Edward to help me. We prepared sandwiches, salads, and soups for everyone. I made the girls formula for them so that Rose wouldn't have to worry. We also laid out food for Toulouse. I let Edward kiss my neck gently while I was cutting up some bread. I knew I shouldn't let him since I was suppose to be pissed at him but who could deny him. Eventually I pulled away and ran to the stairs to yell up at everyone that it was time to eat.

The Cullen's came flooding down and sat down in the kitchen. We ate in relative peace, no embarrassing stories or dreams to talk about at this meal. Alice had insisted that we hurry up and eat since we had so much to do before heading out the door for the ceremony. No one paid any attention to her though which warranted her grumpy attitude for awhile. While eating our dessert of cookies and coffee Alice laid down the game plan for us.

"Okay listen up!" she began as she gulped down her coffee. Maybe giving her coffee wasn't a good idea after all. "It's almost two thirty and we're already behind schedule. I want all the girls to meet in Bella's room to get ready. All the boys meet in Edward's room. I'll do everyone's hair, yes even you Emmett" she said noticing Emmett's grunt. "I'll also do the girls makeup. I hope everyone has painted there toenails already because I have not allotted anytime for pedicures. Hop to it people!" she said as she jumped up from the table with a smile. Everyone just gawked at her.

"What?" she asked innocently. Everyone laughed before getting up. I loaded the dishwasher quickly with some help from Rose before walking upstairs with her. The guys were to be responsible for the little girls until we were ready to dress them. Alice dealt with us first. She straightened Esme's hair and pulled it back slightly with an elegant barrette. She curled Rose's hair into beautiful loose ringlets and also pulled some of her back out of her face. She placed rollers in my hair so I would have gentle, flowing waves. Her own hair was easy to do. She spiked it up a bit more than usual and sprayed liquid glitter throughout her locks. Alice then scurried off to do the boys hair. Esme, Rose and I chatted loosely while Alice was away. Suddenly there was a loud scream. We all rushed over to Edward's room.

"Emmett! What did you do with your real suit?" Alice screamed. We pushed our way into the room to see that there was a white suit lying on Edward's bed.

"I switched it for this one when you girls weren't looking. I didn't want to wear grey. I wanted to stand out!" he laughed. Everyone else except Alice and Rose laughed.

"Are you kidding me?" Rose asked as she approached Emmett. "I have to walk into the hall with you wearing that?" she huffed. I couldn't blame her. I'd feel awkward walking into this ceremony with Edward wearing a white suit too.

"No I'm not kidding anyone. This is what I'm wearing. End of story. I am a grown man you know. I make my own decisions" he said getting aggravated.

"Emmett I could very well kill you!" Alice shouted as she lunged for him. Of course he just scooped her up in his massive arms. Her body flailed around. Rose sighed and walked out of the room. She didn't have the energy to deal with the situation anymore. Emmett eventually placed Alice back on the floor and she calmed down. There was nothing she could do about the suit situation now. She fixed the guys hair and told them to get dressed. She placed Carlisle in charge of fixing everyone's ties. We hurried back to my room where Alice did our makeup with ease. I hollered over to Edward to bring Mimi and Sophie over to us so we could dress them. He strutted into the room wearing his dress shirt and tie with no pants and carrying the girls.

"What are you doing?" I asked with wide eyes as I scooped Mimi out of his arm.

"I'm delivering the girls…" he said, looking puzzled.

"And you didn't think to put any pants on?" I said while taking Sophie in my other arm.

"Well no actually I didn't. Does this break a rule?" he asked with a laugh.

"No but if you don't get out of here soon I'll rack it up to you seducing me. You do look quite hot…" I giggled before kissing his cheeks and pushing him out the door with my foot. I lay Mimi and Sophie on the bed for Rose to dress. They squirmed and cried for a bit not wanting to get all dressed up and frilly. I loved them more and more every day.

Alice was the first to emerge form the bathroom fully dressed. She looked stunning as usual in her silver dress. She was accustomed to dressing up so this was not a big deal for her. She rushed back over to Edward's room to see how the guys were making out. I helped Esme do up the back button of her dress before zipping up my own dress. I played with the girls while Esme helped Rose into her dress. When they emerged from the bathroom I was shocked at how beautiful Rose looked. Not that she didn't look beautiful always, but something was different. It was probably the curves she now had after having the girls. We slid our shoes on quickly once we heard Alice calling for us to come downstairs. We grabbed our clutches and threw our jewellery on. I decided not to carry either of my nieces down the stairs for I feared I'd fall and hurt them in these ridiculously high heels. I descended down the stairs with a huge smile on my face. Edward looked so handsome. He wore a grey suit with a teal dress shirt and silver tie. In fact everyone looked great. We'll Emmett was another story. He looked so out of place with his white suit, light blue dress shirt and black tie. At least everyone would be looking at him and not me I reasoned.

Edward kissed my forehead once I came to stand beside him. "You look beautiful Bella" he whispered in my ear.

"You don't look too shabby either…" I whispered back. Soon we were figuring out driving arrangements. The girl's car seats had already been installed in the Volvo and so Emmett would be driving it along with Rose. Carlisle would drive the Porsche with Esme, Jasper and Alice. I would drive my Aston Martin. Edward tried to convince me that I wasn't capable of driving with my heels on but what did he know? We all pulled out of the driveway with ease. We followed after Carlisle since he knew exactly where we were going. We drove as fast as possible once we realized we were late. The valets took our keys and admired my car for awhile before driving it away. We entered one of the halls on the Harvard campus. We were greeted by a chubby man who evidently was waiting for us.

"And here they are! The Cullen's!" he boomed before shaking Carlisle's hand. They chit chatted for awhile before turning back to us.

"So!" the man began "You all know the drill I'm sure. You walk in and sit at the front table. The name cards will direct you where to sit" he explained before throwing open two large white doors. At least a hundred faces were on us now. Esme and Carlisle took the lead, followed by Emmett, Rose and the girls, then Alice and Jasper. Edward and I were last in line. He held my hand tightly in his. Someone announced us and we all walked in. I really had no idea it would be so formal. I felt like I was walking into Rose and Emmett's reception again. I reminded myself to stand up straight and not fall over. Everyone clapped as we walked further into the hall. I prayed we'd reach the table soon.

Edward held out my chair for me as I sat where the nametag told me to. I had Emmett on one side of me and Edward on the other. Great. Now everyone would be looking directly at me. Edward rubbed my back, noticing my worried expression. The MC began to speak again. He welcomed everyone, especially Carlisle. He explained why we were all there. They were honouring all the work Carlisle had done in the field of cardiology and the fact that he had donated a generous amount of money to the university to build the medical centre. They gave a brief history of Carlisle's life and his accomplishments before presenting him with an award that appeared to be made of crystal. It was now Carlisle's turn to address the crowd. He approached the podium with Mimi in his arms. She had fallen asleep. Carlisle always had that effect on her.

"I'd like to thank you all for coming to this event and celebrating this award with myself and my family" he began. "I recognize quite a few of your faces and I am quite honoured to be in the presence of some of the greatest physicians and surgeons this country has to offer. As you may notice there are some new additions to my family…" he said while pointing to his tiny granddaughter that rested in his arms. The crowd laughed. "I am now a proud grandparent of stunning twin girls. You may also be asking who this beautiful girl is that is sitting next to my youngest son" he said. I blushed furiously. Why was he talking about me? Everyone was looking but at least they were smiling. Emmett leaned over to whisper in my ear.

"He did this for Rose and Jasper too…don't worry" he chuckled. I smiled awkwardly and nodded. Carlisle continued to speak. "This is Bella, my son's long time girlfriend. She'll be attending Harvard with my son in just a few days actually". Everyone cheered, supporting Harvard. This just made me blush even more. "The reason I bring up my family is that they are the reason for everything I do. Every decision I make, every dollar I spend, every extra shift I work, every thought I have involves my family. With the encouragement of my wife, Esme, I decided that I'd like to give back to the school that gave me so much. That is why I donated money to build and fund the medical clinic here on campus. I know it will help many and that brings me great joy. I am also greatly honoured to be recognized for my work in the medical field. My goal in life is to try and better the lives of as many people as possible and I will continue to strive to fulfill this dream to the best of my ability. Once again I thank your support and encouragement" he concluded. Everyone clapped again and whistled. While walking back to his chair Carlisle squeezed my shoulder and kissed my cheek quickly. I then realized that he was very proud to have me as a part of his family and I was honoured to be a part of his. Edward followed his father's lead and kissed me gently.

Dinner came and went quickly. I must have shaken at least seventy five people's hands all before I dug into my dessert. Lots of people stopped to talk to me and Edward about our studies and our excitement about starting at Harvard soon. Of course my nieces stole the show. Rose was getting worried when everyone started to touch them but they were just admiring how pretty they looked in their dresses. As we were about to leave the table and head back home I heard someone calling Edward's name.

"Edward!" the girl yelled again. I turned around to see who it was. I didn't recognize the girl. Soon Alice was at my side whispering to me.

"Oh boy. That's Tanya. She's a snob if I ever met one. She thinks she's perfect for Edward. Her dad is some hot shot plastic surgeon. But don't you worry, I have your back" she explained right before Tanya approached us. Alice had my back? What for? Edward was now facing Tanya, his hands instinctively wrapping around my waist. I snuggled close to him.

"Hello Tanya" he said coolly

"Edward it's so good to see you! You look amazing by the way…" she said while reaching for the lapel of his suit. I just about lost my composure. Alice's hand slapped hers away.

"I'd back off Tanya…" she warned

"Oh Alice. How nice to see that you're here. Is that loser you call your boyfriend here too? Oh what's his name again? I know its something stupid…" Tanya laughed. I felt rage build up in me. How could she be saying that about Jasper? I stepped forward trying to wrench myself my Edward's grasp but he refused to let me go.

"Is that the best you have Tanya?" Alice chuckled while placing her hands on her hips.

"I was just making casual conversation Alice…." she smiled.

"That's enough now" Edward ordered. I was so glad he had intervened. I prayed we'd leave.

"Edward don't be so silly. We have lots to talk about. How about we go out back…" she started

"He'll do no such thing. I think its time you leave…" I said quite loudly. Tanya's gaze now met mine.

"So you're the girlfriend huh?" she laughed to herself. "You could do so much better…" she hinted to Edward. Alice had approached Tanya again but Edward's firm grasp pulled her back towards him.

"I have the best girlfriend in the world Tanya. I love her with my entire heart and I don't want anyone else. It's about time you realize that…" he spat. Edward never got mad like that.

"That's right. Now get to walking bitch…" Alice said quite calmly. Tanya didn't move but rather rolled her eyes.

"I bet I can please you more than that girl can…" she whispered getting closer to Edward while pointing to me. Edward pulled away. Fury built inside of me but Edward kept me planted. I remembered where I was. This event was for Carlisle. I couldn't make a scene as much as I wanted to.

"Don't you remember all the fun we had while our parents were at the conference in Miami?" Tanya said smugly. "He's really quite good…" she said with a smile in my direction. My heart dropped. I felt tears well up in my eyes. Alice stood beside me shaking her head. She tried to get closer to me but I curled up and wouldn't let her.

"Don't lie Tanya. I was no where near you in Miami. Don't falsify information for the sake of hurting me and my family" Edward hissed. Suddenly Emmett was standing in front of Edward and I.

"I suggest you leave girlie…like now" he shot.

"Oh well isn't it the great dumb hulk here to save the day…" Tanya chuckled. Emmett looked like he could have beat her into a pulp right then but Esme gracefully stepped in.

"Tanya, how nice to see that you are menacing my family again. You may not listen to my children when they ask you to leave but you will listen to me. I believe your father is waiting for you outside…" Esme hinted as she spun Tanya around by her shoulders and told her to walk. After some hesitation Tanya finally complied and walked off but not before she blew Edward a kiss. Edward muttered something under his breath before turning to pull me into his embrace.

"Was she really lying about Miami Edward? You have to tell me…" I whispered trying to hold back tears. Edward would never do that. He promised me he'd never been with anyone before except me.

"Total lie. She always does that Bella…" he comforted me. "Alice and Emmett were with me every minute in Miami. She just likes to start trouble" he said

"He's right Bells" Emmett interjected "She tried to convince Rose that I had cheated on her once…she's a fucking crazy bitch" he laughed trying to lighten the mode. I giggled slightly. Alice also reassured me that she was just a terrible person and then led me to find another piece of cake to eat. She knew food always made me feel better. She sat quietly in the corner with me while I ate. Soon she spoke.

"Edward loves you. There has never been anyone else Bells. Don't let that lunatic girl make you think otherwise. That's what she wants…" Alice explained

"I know…" I muttered as I shoved more cake into my mouth. "Aren't you mad about what she said about Jasper though?" I asked

"Of course not. She does that every time there is an event like this. I have better things to worry about…" she chirped before patting my hand that rested on the table and pointing to her engagement ring.

"I'm going to miss you Alice" I said once I finished my cake.

"Well I'm glad!" she quipped before rising from the table. "I'll miss you too" she said before pulling me into a hug. "Now let's get back to our men. What do you say?" she giggled.

We met up with the rest of the group that remained. Emmett had driven Rose and the girls home already. Esme insisted that she stay to make sure I was alright after the stunt Tanya pulled. I assured her that I was and that there was no need to worry about mine and Edward's relationship. Carlisle and Jasper made their way to the car with Esme and Alice close behind. Edward took my hand in his and kissed my palm.

"Do you want me to drive home?" he asked quietly as we reached the front doors of the hall. I nodded and handed him the keys from my purse. We drove home in silence. Although I trusted Edward with all my heart the Tanya thing ate at me.

When we reached the house Edward helped me out of the car. I kissed his family goodnight and walked to my room. Edward trailed nervously behind me. He stopped at the entrance of my bedroom and called my name. I turned to face him as I slid my shoes off.

"Do you want me to sleep in here tonight? If you don't want me to I understand Bella…" he began. I interrupted him with a sigh.

"Don't be silly. You can stay…" I said as I tried to undo the zipper of my dress. I fiddled with it for awhile, getting frustrated. Edward's cool hands slipped over my shoulder and undid the zipper slowly. He held the dress for me as I slipped out of it as gracefully as possible. He laid it on a chair near the bed for me while I slipped into a large t-shirt. I slid into my bed, just wanting this day to end. Edward got undressed carefully, trying not to be too loud. Once he had stripped down to his boxers he got into bed with me. I don't think there had ever been so much silence between us before. I could sense him debating if he should try and pull me close to him. I rolled over and snuggled myself in his arms. His tension eased as I nuzzled my nose against his bare chest.

"You know I love you Bella, with all my heart. There will never be anyone else…" he whispered as he held me.

"I know" I whispered back feeling tears form in my eyes.

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Edward had fallen asleep quickly. I on the other hand had millions of thoughts racing through my head and couldn't sleep. I freed myself from Edward's grasp without waking him. I grabbed my laptop from my desk and tip toed out of the room and downstairs. I sat at the bar in the kitchen and tried to figure out how to get connected to the internet. After minutes of typing in random passwords I figured it out. I emailed Charlie telling him about what had happened recently. I had called him every night when the rest of the Cullen's weren't paying attention. The truth was that I really missed him. Once I had finished typing and closed my laptop lid I heard footsteps.

"Couldn't sleep huh?" Rose asked as she sat in the bar stool next to me and folded her hands. I shook my head.

"What are you doing up?" I asked her.

"Couldn't sleep either. I was worried about you…" she said. I gave her a weird confused look.

"Emmett told me about what happened earlier this evening…" she explained looking at me.

"Oh" I whispered avoiding her gaze. She was quiet for along time before speaking again.

"I can tell that it hurt you…" she said while reaching for my face. Rose's motherly instincts had kicked in. There was no fooling her but I was going to try.

"I'm fine…" I whispered back trying to keep my voice steady.

"No one knows you better than I do Bella…." She reminded me, trying to get me to confess to my bluff. She was right. No one knew me better than her, not even Edward or my father. Rose knew everything there was to know about me.

"I'll get over this…" I said trying to avoid the conversation entirely.

"Tell me what happened…" she said as she shifted in her seat.

"I thought Emmett told you everything…" I huffed.

"Men edit" she quipped with a smile. I sighed, giving in. I spilled my guts to Rose telling her everything Tanya had said and how it made me feel. I wasn't upset at all with Edward. I was just hurt by what Tanya had said. Rose listened patiently, rubbing my hands gently every once and awhile. I tried to remain as composed as possible, wiping my tears occasionally.

"Do you trust Edward?" Rose asked quietly once I had finished sobbing and telling her what had happened.

"With everything I have…" I whispered

"Do you love him?"

"You know I do Rose…" I cried

"Do you hate Tanya?"

"Yes" I growled, not understanding where she was going with this. What was with the quick fire questions?

"Good because Edward does too…along with the rest of this family" she laughed. Leave it to Rose to take a heavy topic and make it funny. I giggled with a slight sniffle before I hit her arm playfully.

"Seriously though Bella that's all that matters…trust and love. With them you can survive all things…" she said with a wink. I sat silently with a slight smile on my face.

"You're going to be alright kiddo. Don't ever give this idea to my children but we'll get even with that bitch one day" she giggled while pulling me close to her for a hug. She rested her forehead on mine, her eyes staring straight into mine.

"Love ya Bella Swan Cullen" she whispered. It was always her personal joke to add Cullen to the end of my name. She said it made her feel like we were actually sisters. She couldn't wait for the day when it was officially my name and she could call me her sister in law, although it would be a very loose connection.

"Love you Rose Cullen" I whispered back. Suddenly we heard the babies crying.

"Guess that's my cue" she sighed as she lifted her head off of mine. "You'll be alright down here?" she asked over her shoulder before leaving the room. I nodded. Rose scampered away quickly to tend to her daughters. I let my head rest on my laptop now. I was glad Rose had come to comfort me. I really needed it. I then had a feeling like someone was looking over my shoulder. I lifted my head slowly to discover Edward was standing right behind me.

"Hi" I whispered as he took a seat next to me.

'Hi" he whispered back.

"Did the girls crying wake you up?" I asked, wondering why he was down here.

"That and some hushed voices down here…" he explained.

"Sorry" I said while frowning slightly.

"Don't be" he said "I wanted to talk to you about Tanya actually…". I placed my index finger over his lips to hush him.

"We don't need to talk about her. I trust you. I love you. That's all that matters…"