Disclaimer: SM owns all, I just dream about it. (Thats where it all started right?)

BPOV

"Edward, this is too much, I can't possibly accept all this." I looked over at Edward with a bewildered expression, as the man from the security company continued to install a hidden camera in the alcove of the condo. "I'll be alright, I promise, this really isn't necessary." I placed my hands on my hips, trying to convey my stand but Edward just looked at me and smiled.

"Bella, come here." Edward pulled me inside and shut the front door behind him. "I know how much you value being able to take care of yourself, but I care about you, and it would kill me to see you hurt. Please, please let me do this, if only for my piece of mind. Especially after the way things went at the police station. I really need to know you're okay. Besides, it will help keep you, Rose and Alice more secure." Edward placed his hand on my cheek, his eyes pleading for me to give in gracefully.

"Okay," I said, wearily. "But only on one condition: I'm paying for it." Edward opened his mouth to interrupt and I held up my hand. "I mean it, Edward. there's no wiggle room here and I'm only letting you do this because of the stunt Jared pulled at the police station. It's obvious that he and Victoria will do whatever it takes to make sure James is not held responsible."

"Are you not the least bit worried that James will hurt you Bella? I mean, your car, it's in pieces. That man has some serious anger issues and I'd rather not see them taken out on your face."

I walked into the living room and sat down on the couch, Alice was in the other room getting ready for our shopping trip. It was killing her to know what was going on, but I had gotten home so late last night and asked her to be patient. I let her know that I would explain everything to her and Rose over lunch. We were meeting at the bar as it was Rose's turn to do day shift today. Part of our stock of liquor had gone missing from the back store room and I spent the better part of the evening trying to track it down, which caused me to get backed up on my normal Sunday busy work. I did not get home until well after midnight. Edward showed up at ten to pick me up and instead of leaving as I insisted he stuck around and waited for me to finish, which was quite hard because as I sat at my desk attempting to finish inventory reports, all I could think of was us on my desk in some very compromising positions. It was something I would definitely have to revisit later.

"Look, James has done this before, maybe not to my car, but this is not in the least abnormal for him." I saw an incredulous look cross Edward's features; I imagined he was wondering why in the world I was treating this so nonchalantly.

"Are you serious? He's done this before?" Edward started pacing, his mouth opening and closing silently as if he had no idea what to say next. Suddenly he turned around and blurted out, "You're staying with me, Bella, I won't have this. There is no telling what he'll do next."

I shook my head, "No."

"No?"

"That's right, no. I won't let him rule me anymore. I know you think I'm crazy but he's never physically hurt me before. I told you, this isn't new for him; he gets a kick out of destroying what's mine. It's another reason I never brought my piano home when we were married. All I came with when I moved in here were some clothes and bathroom items. I had nothing. I never allowed myself to get attached to anything, because he destroyed it all at some time or another. But, he never once ever hit me. That's why I know he still won't. He enjoys the violence of everything - I think it's the shock value - but he could never stand to be called a wife beater. Trust me, I tried. For years I looked for any other excuse to leave but he never did it. James very much knows what he's doing."

"You tried to get him to hit you? Bella, that's insane!"

"You have no idea what someone in my position would do to get out of a situation like that when you see no other option. I was too afraid to just walk, but if he hit me, well, to me it gave me complete justification. When all was said and done though, walking is exactly what I did. I may have left with nothing of material value, but I still had my pride intact and I knew that no matter what, I did the right thing. I had nothing to regret." I smiled at him wanting to change the subject. I put my arms around his neck, pulling him face closer to me. "Let's not talk about that anymore though. I can think of much better things to do with your mouth."

"God, woman, you have no idea what you do to me."

I looked down at Edward's pants and saw the bulge tenting. Before I could stop myself, my word vomit ensued, "Oh, I think I have a pretty good idea, and you'll get no objections from me."

Seeing no other way out I did the only thing left to do: I leaned forward the rest of the way and kissed him, soft and sweet and with all the passion I could muster. I reached down with one hand and started rubbing up and down Edward's leg, getting closer and closer to his cock. This man was making me into a sexual fiend. Whereas I had never before had the desire to pursue James this way in a sexual nature, I had the opposite reaction with Edward. I supposed that's what being normal felt like. Finally.

The sound of a throat clearing across the room stopped Edward and I from almost molesting each other in the living room with God and everyone around to walk in at any moment.

"Bella, have you ever heard of the term, 'get a room'?" Alice asked with a smirk on her face.

"Actually, Alice I have and I have one here as a matter a fact, but I rather thought you wanted to go shopping? We can cancel." Teasing Alice was a favorite past time of mine and it was such a rare occasion that I ever got to pull one on her, but she left that one wide open and I just had to say it. I looked over at Edward, whose face was one of complete astonishment.

"Bella, please cancel your shopping trip, please?" It was priceless; Alice was gaping at my teasing and Edward was turned on by it. I laughed, completely enjoying myself.

"Edward, if I don't go shopping then I'll have nothing to wear to your charity function on Friday. I mean, if that will suffice, then..." I gave him another teasing look. It was nice to be able to feel this good, especially after all the bull shit we had been through in the past few days. I guess this is what it felt like to be loved and to really be able to count on your friends. It was a feeling I never wanted to give up.

"Actually, I think that's a perfect solution. Wear nothing. We will have to put your outfit, or lack thereof, to use in a different manner. I'll just call and make my excuses now." Edward actually reached for the phone he had clipped to his belt. I reached down with my hand and covered his.

"Hold on there Casanova, I'm rather looking forward to getting all dressed up," and seeing you all dressed up. "Maybe some other time?" I raised my eyebrows suggestively, enjoying our bantering.

"Ugh! Bella, seriously?" Alice said laughing. "Can we go now, please before your sex talk makes me vomit?" Alice made a gagging sound and stumble past us.

I giggled, winking at Edward. "Sure Alice, we can go."

"You'll be okay here, with the installation guy? I can stay if you need me to." I looked at Edward, feeling a bit better about the security system. I mean he did have my best interest at heart. Eventually he would learn tat I could stand on my own two feet. That I needed to be able to take care of myself. We were still so new, and there was a lot we still had to learn about one another. It would happen and I had patience for it.

"Yes, go. I'll be fine. Go get your dress so you can look absolutely spectacular on Friday. Do I get to see it before then?"

"Nope! No peeking." I dug in my purse, looking for the spare key we were leaving with Edward so he could lock up.

"Bella?" I paused from my search to look up at Edward. He was holding up the key I was looking for. "Urgh, I don't know where my head is these days. I already gave it to you."

"I hope it's where I think it is," Edward said smiling, as I kissed him good-bye.

"Oh, it is," I paused, giving him a grin "right where it needs to be."

********

We got to the bar just after 1PM. Rose grabbed her purse and hurried us back out the door, yelling behind her. "Don't screw up this time Jake! I'm counting on you!"

"Umm, Rose? What was that all about? I thought we were grabbing food here? Don't you have to work?" Most times Rose was a work horse, but occasionally, she surprised even me. Today was one of those days.

"If you think there is A) any way I am going to let you dish about what happened in that station just over lunch you are crazy, especially when I know you and twinkle toes over here will keep talking about it, and B) let you and Alice pick out that dress without my expert opinion, you are out of your mind. Besides, Jake still owes me from the Jam Fest incident. He's still paying penance."

I laughed, I couldn't help it. I was still sore at Jake over the hard time he had given me about Edward, and he had yet to really apologize. In my book, texting did NOT count. "He didn't look too happy."

"Of course not! I told him Mike was coming in to help him later. You know how he feels about Mike." Rose's eyes twinkled and she gave me a sly grin. "I love stirring people up."

We decided PF Chang's was in order today, and all ordered an appetizer each to share, and a big bowl of egg drop soup. Once we had all served ourselves Rose looked at me pointedly and said, "Spill it Bella. I know if it were anything good, you would have said something by now. So what did that slime ball Jared do?"

"Okay, I'll give you the quick and dirty and then just let you read the report. I got them to make me a copy." I took a deep breath as I braced myself for the fury that was about to come. I had already known this was going to happen. It took me two hours on Sunday to calm Edward down enough that he wouldn't go storming over to James' house to beat the shit out of him. I'm sure everyone at the bar thought I was having sex in my office rather than trying to keep the peace. By the time I had him calmed down, I was on my desk with my legs wrapped around his waist, holding his face in my hands, telling him we would figure it all out and not to worry. We had a tentative solution worked out before he'd gone home that night. James wasn't the only ones with friends in low places, it seemed.

"Edward took me in yesterday around 5PM. I actually thought I had gotten lucky because the detective that came up front to get us was Detective Lauren Mallory. Out of all the people James worked with, she seemed to be the one with the level head on her shoulders. Unfortunately when I went in with Edward this was not the case. Guys, you should have seen the look she gave me. If looks could kill..." Rose looked at me like she was trying so hard not to press me to talk faster. I knew it was killing her but I needed to get it all out, even the mundane part. Alice of course was sitting patiently, hands resting on the table, waiting for what I had to say next. I took a bite of my lettuce wrap, swallowed and then continued.

"I restated to her that I wanted to press formal charges on James for the damage to my vehicle and trespassing in my home. Now mind you, Edward is standing next to me the entire time, holding my hand. The looks I was getting from her and the other officers were NOT good. So what she said to me next did not take me completely by surprise, although I thought Edward was going to blow a gasket."

Rose could not hold it in any longer, she burst out, "Oh, come ON Bella just TELL US!!!!"

"Okay," I said holding my hands up. "Basically what she told me was that I had no grounds to file charges on James. According the officer of record's report, they responded to the call and determined that although my car was indeed completely destroyed, they could find no evidence that it could possibly have been James-"

Rose stood up knocking her chair into the back of the chair behind her, effectively upsetting the patron that was eating at that table. "WHAT!! Why that low down, rotten, mother fucking son-of-a-BITCH!" I looked over at the gentleman, apologizing profusely and tried my best to get Rose to sit back down so I could finish my story.

"Rose," Alice hissed, "please sit back down."

"Yes, please Rose," I added, "at least let me finish before you get all upset. It's okay. I promise." Reluctantly Rose took her seat, turned around in her chair and using her charming smile, apologized to the man behind us.

Before we knew it, she had him saying he was sorry for having his chair to close to hers. "Sorry Bella, you know how I get and, well James and his cronies just get me all worked up. Especially when I know they're jacking us around. Go ahead, finish."

I took another deep breath and continued, "So, to make matters worse, it was also insinuated that the damage could have been self inflicted, saying that in his opinion we collaborated on the story because of my personal relationship with the accused." I could see the blood boiling by the color of Rose's face; Alice was sitting there stock still, white as a ghost. For the first time in my life, I had rendered her speechless.

"Bella," Alice spoke up in a soft voice, "We have video, don't they know that? I mean we have proof, even if Jared DID claim not to have found any evidence, we have the video. You can't hide that."

"I know Alice, and I turned in the copy Rose brought me. You know how they are, losing things, shuffling things around in the system. Why do you think James got away with everything he has already? Just read the report, that was just the bones of it. And please Rose, stay calm, getting angry again will not do anyone any good right now. We all need to be level headed if we are going to bring him down."

Alice glanced up from the report I had handed her, "What do you mean bring him down, Bella?" She stared at me for a moment as a smirk spread across my face.

"I told you two I was done being the victim right?"

"Yeah, but-"

"Alice, just wait; after calming Edward down yesterday, we got to talking. First, we came to the conclusion that it was necessary to hire a lawyer; second we decided to also, if the lawyer doesn't do it himself, hire a PI."

Alice and Rose just stared at me with their mouths hanging wide open and I looked back at them with a grin on my face. "What? Is it all that surprising?"

"Well, yes and no," Rose said once she was able to pick her jaw up off the table. "I mean, it's not like we don't have faith I you Bella, but you've always just ignored things and taken the easy way out. I guess hearing you commit out loud that you're taking a stand just took me by surprise. That's all."

"I'm not the same person I was six months ago, Rose, and you two are just going to have to get used to it." I smiled proudly at Rose.

Alice was beaming at my conviction. She raised her hand in the air and with the biggest smile I had ever seen hollered out, "Waiter, check please!"

********

Four shops later, I remembered why I hated shopping so much. Alice and Rose dragged me to store after store looking for the perfect dress, the one that would knock Edward's socks off. I thought back, wondering how he was doing. I knew he was busy and had taken a lot of time out of his schedule to help me deal with my shit. I hoped he wouldn't begin to resent me for it, and my problems. I was a lot of baggage to take on, and I knew it. I was standing in the dressing room of the 5th store when my thoughts were interrupted by Alice banging on the door. I had no idea how long she had been standing there while I was zoning.

"Bella! What in the world are you doing in there? Wait! Never mind, I don't want to know. Just take the dress and try it on." She tossed the dress over the top of the door. This one was pink and reminded me of Pepto Bismol for some reason. Oh yeah, wait, that's because it IS the color of Pepto Bismol.

"Alice, there is no way I am going to wear this for Edward; I'd rather go in my nightgown. Do you want me to think of the Pepto commercial all night long, or him?" I was being overly dramatic and I knew it, but come on, it was pink for goodness sake.

"Alice?"

"Wait Bella, I'm thinking, weighing the options." I could hear the sarcasm dripping from her words.

"Alice! I am NOT wearing Pepto pink! Take it back." I threw the monstrosity of a dress back over the door and waited for my next selection from hell.

After trying on three more dresses, and deeming all of them not worthy, we made our way over to Nordstrom. This was our last hope. If the dress couldn't be found here, I was going in a potato sack. Okay, so maybe I was exaggerating a bit, but I wanted it to be perfect. For once in my life I wanted to look spectacular for someone. I wanted to knock him on his ass and leave him speechless. I wanted him looking at me all night wondering if I was going to let him take me home with him. I smiled as we walked into the department store, again, lost in my own thoughts.

"What are you smiling at?" Rose asked, smiling back at me. "You look like the cat that just got the canary."

I looked at her for a moment, not wanting to just blurt everything that was on my mind, but dying to share what I was feeling. "I'm just…. Rose, even with all that is going on….all that has happened…I'm so happy with what I have with both of you, with Edward, everything. I know things are still tough and are a complete mess, but even with all that I still have you guys and I've learned so much in the past six months and I have all of you to thank."

"Oh! Alice squealed, "Are we gonna have a girl moment? I think we're gonna have a girl moment!"

"Alice," Rose replied," .."

"No, I'm not," she huffed, "I'm just so excited. I mean Bella's right, it's been the shit around here, but through it all, look what has been accomplished. Bella divorced the psycho, gained a ton of confidence, met Edward, who by the way is completely in love with you, AND you are in the position to really take James down for good. What's not to get excited about?!" Alice was practicality bouncing up and down in the middle of the walkway.

"Wait! Stop, hold on a second. In love with me? Are you crazy? We just started seeing each other, how could he possibly be in love with me? And for that matter what man would be crazy enough to love me with all my difficulties?" I laid it all out there, finally said it, what was really on my mind. "I mean, sure, everything is all good now, but what happens when the knight in shining armor syndrome wears off? What then?"

"You know Bells, you really don't give yourself enough credit, and I happen to agree with Alice. Have you paid any attention to the way that man looks at you? I mean, sure, he wants you, you can see that from a mile away, but have you seen him when he really looks at you? Darling, that's love, plain and simple. He may not know it yet and you may be blind to it, but we see it. Hell Bella, it's the same look you give him." Rose started walking again, entering the store and making her way to the evening gowns.

I gasped, "Rose! I do NOT." Did I? No, surely not. I mean I really liked him, but I wasn't ready for love. Besides the last man whom I loved tore my heart out. I still had a ways to go before I claimed love.

"Better face the facts Bella, it's love." Alice made her profession with a proud smirk and dashed after Rose, who was already pilfering through gowns.

"Bella," Rose said loudly across the store, just go on to the dressing room, "We'll bring you whatever we find for you to try on."

"Fine, evil step mother," I muttered under my breath as I walked into the dressing room area and selected the stall with the largest space to maneuver in. I undressed down to my undergarments and waited for the onslaught of dresses to arrive.

Alice came into the room and threw a dress over the top of the door. I grabbed it, not really paying attention to the detail, took it off the hanger, unzipped the back and slipped it on. I opened the door to the room so Alice could zip me up and turned to face the mirror. A wide grin spread across my face and I heard Alice squeal in delight. It was perfect. The first dress selected in the final store and Rose hit the nail right on the head. God must have heard my warning about the potato sack.

The dress was jade green with spaghetti straps and an embellished neckline. The bodice was pleated and it had a layered ruffled skirt that draped to the floor. The dress hugged me in all the right places and fell so easily off my body you would think it was tailored just for me. Looking at the color I was reminded again of Edward, his eyes, and I knew without a doubt I was going to have him drooling.

In the background, I faintly heard Alice on her phone calling Rose. "Rose, get in here, this is it! Now we need shoes, and accessories! Oh my god! Just wait until you see her. Edward's going to be panting at her feet I tell you. She's just beautiful." Alice hung up the phone and turned me to face her. There were tears in her eyes.

"Alice, honey, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" I was in a panic, in the middle of the Nordstrom dressing room, in an evening gown and I had no idea what to do. This was completely unlike Alice to just burst into tears. She was usually the bubbly one, always a smile plastered on her face, defusing the situations, not starting them.

"It's just, Bells, you look so beautiful and I'm so glad that we were actually able to even do this. For so long, we lost hope that you would ever be free of that bastard and, well, look at you now. It's a testament to everything we ever wanted for you. I'm just so damn proud, that's all."

I grabbed Alice and pulled her into a hug, "Alice, you know I never would have made it this far if it weren't for the two of you. There were so many times when I just wanted to quit, to say the hell with it, but I couldn't bear to disappoint you any longer. You, Rose, even myself." I pulled back, looking down at Alice. She looked so vulnerable standing in front of me, with now silent tears running down her face. I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye and saw Rose standing in the doorway. She had a look on her face that many people never got to see. It was soft, loving; all walls were down. The only other person I saw her show this side to was Emmett.

I reached out my hand to Rose. Standing in the middle of the dressing room, we had a moment, a profound and wonderful moment. "I really wanted the chance- let me rephrase that, deserve the chance - to make my life my own, to be happy. I have seen you both accomplish so much and do it in full glory of those you love. You have both taught me to be a better person, so, Alice, this isn't just a testament to me; it's one to all of us."

Turning back around I grabbed my purse and pulled out a tissue, handing it to Alice. "Here sweetie, dry your eyes and you and Rose go get me some fabulous shoes and accessories to go with this amazing dress. And when we're done here we are going out to celebrate."

Alice dabbed her eyes with the tissue and turned with Rose to leave. before they made it out of the doorway Rose turned to me. "Not that I'm complaining Bella, but what exactly are we celebrating?"

"You know in the 1800's when the debutantes had their coming out balls?"

"Yes," she said, sounding puzzled.

"Well, let's just call this charity event my coming out. Edward and I have been hanging out with you guys, we've been on a date, we are officially 'exclusive', but this is my first real public event in God only knows how long and the thought of attending it with Edward quite frankly makes me giddy. But, it's only been James, since, well since always really, so, being this public with someone other then him..."

"Got it!" Rose gave me a bright smile, "Okay, come on Alice, Debutante Bella needs her shoes and accessories. We have to finish making her fabulous." They dashed out the door as I sat down and fished my phone out of my purse. I was so happy and all I could think of was Edward and the upcoming ball. With a smile on my face I opened up the messenger on my phone and sent out a quick message to Edward.

E - In a dressing room trying on gowns and I can't stop thinking about U - B

No sooner then I put the phone down, it beeped at me, telling me there was an incoming message.

B- I can't stop thinking of U either, I wish we could have finished what we started on the couch this morning. BTW What RU wearing? - E

I laughed to myself. Damn that man was going to get me all worked up in the dressing room.

E - Oh, a little of this, and a little of that. I'll have to show you later. - B

I immediately got a return text.

B - When's later? - E

I laughed out loud and put my phone down, happier then I had been in years. Let him sit on that for a while. I had a ball to finish shopping for.

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JSYK, I also recently posted a o/s that has turned into a monster for me and will be continuing. Expect a new chapter sometime next week. Its called Double en Tundra. Please check it out and let me know what you think!! http://www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/5602482/1/Double_en_Tundra