CHAPTER 22

The Mall.

"Edward...what are we doing here?" I asked, knowing full well Alice would be popping up shortly.

"Bella!! You need clothes. Duh!!" Alice came running up to us with Rosalie follwing closely.

Jasper and Emmet made their appearances shortly.

"Alice, please. I don't need anything more from you guys. I think I have enough clothes...we can just get them from Ch-charlie's." I ended the sentence in a whisper. I hate having to say his name.

"Bella...NO! I'm getting you new clothes no matter what. I just thought you might like to have some say in what I buy, and besides you have to try stuff on!!"

"Okay Alice. I guess...are the guys staying with us?" I held on to Edwards hand, hoping he would be.

"Who's gonna carry our bags?! Come on! The mall closes in only 8 hours!!"

She was more excited than a kid in a candy store who ws just told he could have whateer he wanted!

"Only 8 hours?" I whispered close to Edwards ear, hoping Alice wouldn't hear and be offended.

They all heard me and laughed. Emmets boom soaring above the rest.

"You'll get used to it. Alice lives to shop." Rosalie told me.

We went into more stores than I've been in in my entire life. I tried to refuse. The prices were astronomical, but Alice never ceeded. I gave up after about 2 hours. Edward said it was for the best.

After every shop one of theboys ran the bags back to the car. I think they didn't want me to see how much they actually bought!

I closed my eyes each time Alice payed. I was afraid to look. Edward waited patiently by my side, and no matter what I was wearing said I looked beautiful. I have a feeling I could've been wearing a burlap sac and he would've commented on my supposeed beauty.

"Attention shoppers. The mall will be closing in 15 minutes. Thank you for shooping at Pork Angeles mall. Have a wonderful evening!"

I looked at my watch stunned. It was almost 9:00!!

"Okay, time to go I guess...we can always shop online at home, and were coming back this weekend!!"

I couldn't stifle my groan, but smiled at Alice and gave her a hug when she frowned.

"It's just I think you've spent more on me today than anyone else in my entire lifetime...combined!! I don't want you guys spending your money on me. I can't pay you back!"

"Bella...I see the future. Stock market?! Do you honestly think money is a problem for us?? Let me buy you stuff. It makes me happy. Please? For me?" She gave me a pouty look. I couldn't say no.

"Okay Alice."

We all left the mall, and said goodbye to everyone else. Edward and I got into the Volo and when I thought we were going back to his home he turned into another parking lot.

"...Edward. What's up?"

He just looked at me and got out to open my door.

We were going inside some place, but it was too dark for me to see clearly. When we got inside I noticed it was a restaurant.

"OH! Food!"

"Yes Bella...food for the human!"

We sat down and began talking more about ourselves. Only when my food came did I realize how truly hungry I was.

"I guess shopping with Alice burned up all my calories from lunch! I'm starving!!"

After I was finished Edward got a to go box, but didn't tell me what was in it.

He paid for the bill without even looking at it. I didn't even want to know. We went back to his car, and he opened the door for me. We drove home in comfortable silence, the radio playing Debussy.