Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or its characters. I own the plot of this, though. Disney, Aeropostale, Billabong and Auntie Anne's are not mine. Boo. --

Author's Note: OHMYWORD. I am so sorry for the delay! I've been so uninspired and busy lately that I couldn't think of anything to write. Classes are about to start soon, too, so sorry in advance for more delays. I hope you enjoy this chapter. :) Shoutouts to Kimi, Arya & Sisterchua.

Thank you to Snow92 & RikuMaster for the story/author alert and/or favorite story/author add! I love Angie-Ange, June Afternoon, rayeman25, Nymphadora Cullen, Straw Hat Melody, Edwards Lover 17, akina nakamori & the3rdbronte because they sent in lovely reviews! :D

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Chapter 17

Almost half an hour passed before we decided to get up and roam the mall. Edward helped me pick out goodies for my cousins. We ended up choosing a green-and-white Billabong tote for thirteen-year-old Stephie and a yellow Aeropostale monkey shirt for ten-year-old Zoe.

"So, when are you leaving again?" he asked me as we exited a shop.
"Tomorrow," I answered, pressing my lips together to hold back my laughter as he cast me a puppy-dog pout look.
"And when are you returning?" he asked.
"Friday, maybe," I smiled at him.
"And I really can't come?" he said in a voice that was nearly impossible to resist. Nearly.
"Oh, come on," I grinned sweetly at him. "Give me a chance to miss you."

He stood there. He seemed to be contemplating the double meaning of what I just said. I laughed and continued walking, leaving behind a perplexed-looking Edward. A few moments later, he caught up with me and eyed me suspiciously.

"I wonder where the others are," I thought out loud.
"Meh," he chuckled. "Who knows?"
"What do you want to do now?" I inquired.
"Let's just look around."

We walked around more, window shopping on every floor. Every so often, one of us would see something that would catch our eye, then, we'd enter a shop. We passed by the Disney store and had fun trying out too-small character costumes.

"You'd make a hot Ariel," I laughed as he tried on Ariel's purple shells.
"Thank you," he said as he mimicked a female seductive smile.
"Oh my word," I gasped as I walked briskly to the pile of stuffed toys on sale. "I want that!"
"Which?" Edward asked as he walked towards me.
"This one!" I said, showing him a stuffed Lilo's voodoo doll.
"I'll buy it for you," he grinned. I stared at him. I was about to start an argument when he cut me off with a mean glare. "Don't you even dare protest."
"'kay," I said, smiling.

He seemed to be pleased that I gave in without a fight. He headed for the counter at the back of the shop to pay. While he had his back turned against me, I searched for another stuffed toy. I found the perfect one and hurriedly paid for it at the counter located at the other end of the store. I asked for a gift tag and jotted down a note. I quickly hid the package inside another paper bag. Not a minute too soon, Edward approached me and we left the store.

"Time out from shopping?" he asked, pointing to an Auntie Anne's nearby.
I nodded and then added, "When I'm with you, I swear I'm gonna gain so much weight."

He laughed and I rolled my eyes. As we walked towards Auntie Anne's, we noticed that Alice, Jasper, Emmett and Rosalie were there, too. Behind them was a huge pile of shopping bags. They spotted us and started waving. Edward pulled a table nearby and connected it to their tables. He then headed for the counter to buy food.

"So everyone can read each other's minds, now?" Alice laughed.
"We stopped to grab a bite and we saw the other two here," Jasper explained.
"Now, you and Edward are here," Emmett added with a laugh.
"We're vampires and we could smell each other, right?" Edward snickered as he set down a tray containing a couple of pretzels and two cups of lemonade.

Everyone laughed at that inside joke, of course. We consumed the pretzels while Alice, Rosalie and I compared purchases and Jasper, Emmett and Edward talked about a Boston Red Sox batter Manny Ramirez scoring five hundred home runs. After our snack, we decided to head home.

"Hey," I said to Edward as we walked out of the Cullen's place to my car. "This is for you."
"What is it?" he asked, taking the plastic bag I handed him.
"See for yourself," I said as he found the gift tag and opened it. He read out loud, "It's 'cause you make the real one look like a fish."

He opened the plastic bag and took out an Ariel doll. We both laughed out loud.

"Like it?" I teased.
"Love it," he smiled. "Thanks – for this and for today."
"Thanks, too. I had fun," I beamed then took out my Lilo's voodoo doll and waved it at him. "I love this, too."

We took a step each forward at the same time. I hugged him and he returned it by embracing my waist. We stood in that position for a few moments then finally parted. I got in my car and he shut the door for me.

"Have fun, okay?" he smiled as he ruffled my hair. "Be safe."
"Yes, sir," I grinned. "You take care of yourself when I'm gone."

He nodded and with a last glance, I sped off.