Disclaimer: Unfortunately I do not own Twilight or any of it's characters. Most people are quite aware of this, but could you imagine if I did...

So I'll keep this short, hope you like my story, I have a chronic updating issue that I am working on and I apologize for the severe tangents of no point whatsoever. Enjoy!

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The Bathroom of Awe Inducing Proportions

I force myself to look away from the clock. I know full well that the more you stare at the time the more it seems like it's purposely slowing down on you. Not that it could seem any slower.

I've been up since six o'clock on this particular Saturday morning. On my own free will too. Really it's all Edward's fault; I've found out since he's come back I can't sleep without him holding me.

It was just minutes after he left to go hunting that I was tossing and turning violently. Finally I decided to try and do something logical.Unfortunately I found out the hard way that while Edward's skin may be as cold as ice, trying to sleep with ice on me was just not the same.

When I woke up for real I decided to call the Cullen's and see who wasn't hunting today. Of course, right as I had picked up the phone, Charlie foiled my plans.

As seeing it was six o'clock on a Saturday morning he informed me the Cullen's were probably still asleep. He then helpfully suggested that I call at a more reasonable hour such as ten o'clock.

Yes, of course, the Cullen's were asleep.

All I could do was nod in agreement moodily and from that point on, the insanity took over. I'm not kidding either; I think I've been possessed for the last two hours and forty five minutes. I cleaned, everything, and I mean everything not once or twice but three times.

I cleaned with a feather duster.

Charlie realized I was going crazy eventually. I don't know what gave it away; possibly it was me dusting the television with a feather duster while he was trying to watch said television. What I think really did it though was when he walked into the kitchen.

I had all my math homework spread around me on the table and I was working on it, voluntarily. Charlie had dropped his plate and gawked at me. Then after reassessing the situation he told me I could call at nine o'clock.

I've got the phone next to me. I can call in fifteen minutes now.

I hope that all of them didn't leave. I really don't mind who is home, I get along well with them all now. Jasper and Rosalie were the only two that I was kind of awkward with anyways.

But all of the time I've spent around the Cullen house has helped Jasper a lot; he can be around me with only slight difficulty now. He's even taken to kissing me on the cheek every time he sees me.

I swear the first time he did it; I thought Edward was going to have a coronary, well if that's possible while not having a heart.

My time with Rosalie at first was really uncomfortable; neither of us was quite sure how to act. It was finally when someone brought up the debate of cookie monster's ability to see through his crazy googly eyes that we bonded.

I've got the phone in my hand and the number already dialed. Boring my eyes into the clock I attempt to make it move, only five more minutes. Come on clock, five minutes, just move! Forcing my eyes closed I take a few deep breaths and try to relax. When I open them again I read the time, nine o'clock.

I let out a high pitched squeal and push talk. The phone starts to ring, and I silently beg for someone to please pick up.

"Hello?" A gorgeous flowing voice meets my ears and I leap out of my chair in glee.

"Rosalie!" I jump around a couple of times before sitting back down.

To my surprise she squeals back just as excitedly "Bella! Finally, I swear this apparent sleep necessity that you have going on gets old pretty quick. I wanted to call earlier but Carlisle told me it was too early."

I snort, "Tell me about it. Charlie said the same thing to me but at least I could possibly be sleeping."

She laughs melodically, "So are you free today?"

I pretend to think for minute, "Well, I could clean the house for a fourth time today, I'm sure it's perfectly normal for the countertop to have those gouges in them from the scrubbing brush."

Rosalie's laughter increases at that, "So sorry to pull you away from that but I was wondering if you could help me out."

Frowning I wait for her to continue. What could Rosalie possibly need my help for? She, like Edward and the rest of the Cullen's seem to be unbelievably talented at everything. "Well there's a bake sale up at the hospital and I was wondering if you wanted to help me make some er...baked sale items for it."

Ah, of course, cooking. How could I forget the one thing that manages to frustrate all those silly vampires?

Well, except Esme and of recently Edward. I'm still bitter about Edward's new found cooking skills that clearly exceed my own. Now the only ability that I can hold over him is my being able to be so uncoordinated that I can trip while going up the stairs.

That's something I'm positive he will never be able to achieve.

"Sure Rose, I'd love to help. When can you pick me up?"

Right after I utter those words I wish I could take them back. It seems that whenever I ask that question it's a challenge to see how fast someone can drive to my house.

Suddenly I realize the phone line is dead, she's already on her way.

I get up and go to sit on the couch by Charlie. "Hey Dad, I'm going to the Cullen's for the day. Rosalie is picking me up and we're going to make some stuff for the bake sale up at the hospital."

Charlie looks at me relieved to see that I am no where near the vicinity of a feather duster or learning materials of the mathematical sort. "Ok Bells, have fun."

An abrupt knock on the door makes me jump up grabbing my jacket from the kitchen chair as I go. "Bye Dad! See you later!"

I hear him shout back, "Bye Bella!" as I pull the door open to see Rosalie grinning at me widely. I grin back and close the door, pulling my jacket on as we walk to her car.

I slide in and put my seatbelt on; her eyes are sparkling as she starts the engine. "Onto the local everyday grocery store!"

By the time it takes me to blink we're already at the store.

I sigh in slight exasperation muttering under my breath about the speed limit and vampire thrill seekers while unbuckling the seat belt I had put on not even two minutes ago.

Rosalie hears my muttering and just smirks and links arms with me. "So Bella, what do you want to make? I'm not quite sure how this whole thing works exactly."

We enter the store and the bright artificial light blinds us welcomingly. "Well I was thinking cupcakes and rice krispy treats. They're pretty straightforward and easy to make. You won't have a hard time learning how to."

She seems relieved, "Good. Emmett has been mocking me about my inability to even make toast so I'm hoping I can prove him wrong."

I get a cart and grab a few packets of cupcake holders as we pass them. We continue on with Rose staring at everything in amazement. It's as if she's expecting to have to use the cart to run over everything before we use it to make sure it's actually not alive.

However amusing that parallel would be to the way she normally eats I would have to say no for that one. I don't think the eggs would fare to well.

Once we get to the cupcake mixes I narrow it down to chocolate and funfetti and hold the two up to Rose. She silently points to the funfetti and I drop it into the cart.

After a minute I decide we might need some extra ingredients, just in case, and drop an extra one in. "Ok so we still need milk, oil, eggs, butter, Rice Krispies and marshmallows." I'm met with a blank stare.

I shake my head, "Nevermind." I turn down another aisle and grab an excess of the milk, eggs, butter and oil. I decide to send Rose off to find the marshmallows. "They say marshmallows right on the bag. They're white and puffy looking and they're kind of shaped like a growth stunted cylinder."

She mock salutes me and trails off to find them. I drop the Rice Krispies in the cart when I hear a loud "AHA!" a couple aisles down.

As I begin to amble in that direction I happen to see Lauren and that girl whose name I never remember. I am positive I've managed to wound her in gym though; actually it's happened multiple times. The most recent was during the beginning of our golf unit.

When I swung the club back it slipped through my fingers and flew behind me to hit her in the jaw. Oddly enough she wasn't too thrilled about the situation.

Well, I think I'll just refer to her as Gladys, she seems like a Gladys to me.

I try to back up as slowly as I can without them noticing me. I can be stealthy. I can make a hasty exit, I can do this.

Sadly my cart doesn't seem to be thinking along the same lines as me, it lets out a painful squelching noise causing Lauren and Gladys to look up at me.

I wince inwardly and pretend that I hadn't been just trying to avoid them. "Oh, hi guys."

Lauren gives me a barely concealed dirty look, "Bella! How're you?"

I shrug, "Fine and you?"

She condescendingly responds, "Great actually. We're just getting some stuff for the bake sale today. I'm a great baker; the hospital always really appreciates my help."

I look around uncertainly, ok what am I supposed to say to that? Congratulations?

Thankfully Rose appears at my side out of nowhere. "Sorry to interrupt but Bella, this is a matter of utmost urgency."

She holds up two brands of marshmallows; personally I'm proud she managed to find any at all. "Do we get regular or jet puffed?"

I gaze at her wide eyed, "There is no competition between the two. Obviously jet puffed."

She drops the jet puff bags into the cart along with the rest of our purchases and then turns to Lauren and Gladys. They're both staring at her in awe. I don't suppose they've ever been this close to her or have heard her speak before.

Finally Lauren takes in the contents of our cart and realizes we're making baked goods as well. "So you guys are making stuff for the bake sale too?"

Rose smiles devilishly at me but says in a disarming voice, "Yes, we are. My father said that it would be a big help if we made something actually edible unlike the products they normally get every year."

If I was completely unattached from this situation and just so happened to be narrating I would say 'commence with outraged pause'. "Well, we should be going. Perhaps we'll see you later, have fun with your baking."

Leaving Lauren and Gladys gaping in indignation we hurriedly get in the check out line and laugh at the expressions on their faces. I put our items on the mini conveyer belt as Rose swiftly steps around me and passes the employee, an awkward teenage boy, a fifty. "Paper, and keep the change."

Shooting him an astonishing smile she nearly makes the boy have a panic attack. While Edward may not be fully aware of his effect on people Rose most definitely is.

As she swoops up the bag and we leave I shoot her a glare, "I could have paid for that you know. I do have a job."

She rolls her eyes, "Bella, you're doing me a favor; I'm not going to make you pay for the goods."

We both start to chuckle at the use of the word goods. "I feel like I'm engaging in an illegal drug exchange."

She winks at me, "No, it's something much worse. You're teaching me how to cook."

I clamber back into the car and we arrive at the Cullen's in an impossibly short amount of time, no real surprise there. I can't help but be stunned by how beautiful their house is every time I see it.

We go inside and I set everything down on the kitchen counter. Rose and I gaze at each other apprehensively. "So, you ready?"

She shrugs nervously, "I guess so."

I grin, "Don't worry; it's really not that hard. Let's start with the cupcakes." I pull my hair back into a pony tail to get it out of the way. "You might want to put your hair up, just so you don't get any in the food."

She nods and sweeps her hair up as well, yet when she does it looks like a scene out of a shampoo commercial. I start opening and closing the cabinets figuring out where all the bowls and utensils are.

I go to the sink and motion for Rose to come wash her hands as well. We do so in complete silence and then I get out a mixing bowl, cupcake baking trays, a few measuring cups and to my slight horror the mix master.

I was hoping they didn't have one, but since they do I suppose I should use it. I really do hate mix masters.

Rose sees my expression and looks at the mix master in confusion, "What? Is there something wrong with that thing?"

I shake my head, "No it's not that it's just I don't really like using mix masters. They creep me out."

She picks it up and inspects it from different angles but gives up after finding nothing wrong with it. At the moment that is. When I put those blades in and start the thing is when my problem with the device starts.

I open the cupcake mix and pull the little pre-ripped line and dump the mix into the bowl. Rosalie watches in fascination and I grin, "Ok, come here, I'll teach you how to crack an egg."

She comes and stands next to me as I gently hand her an egg. "Alright, you have to be careful with these because they are extremely fragile. Even more than me and I know how hard it is to be careful with me."

She holds the egg warily and waits for the rest of my instructions. "I find the easiest way to crack an egg is to tap on the edge of a counter."

I demonstrate the way to hold the egg and the how to tap it on the counter. "Then you pull the two halves that you've got from hitting it on the counter and let the white and the yolk fall into the bowl. Try not to let the egg shell get in with it."

I go through the directions one more time and then actually crack an egg for her so she can see what it looks like put in action.

Following my motions exactly she cracks an egg perfectly. I shriek excitedly and throw my arms around her, "I'm so proud of you!" She hugs me back beaming insanely.

Rose then gives me a bow, "It's all thanks to you. Isabella Marie Swan, egg cracker extraordinaire."

We both start snickering and then get back to cooking. After a long and very explanatory experience we finally get to the point where we need to use the mix master.

I cringe the whole time as I put the blades in and start the mixing. Rose watches in mesmerized horror as the humming increases and starts shaking so hard that I nearly drop it. "I will admit I thought you were crazy at first, but that thing is creepy."

I nod in agreement but don't dare to take my eyes off of the mixer. After I have achieved a smooth, blended batter I grab the cupcake holders and the trays. "Alright so put the little holders in the trays and then we fill them up three fourths of the way."

With the slight help of Rose's superhuman speed the cupcakes are all ready and put in the oven before I can even stop the mix master. I sigh once again and then we both turn to the oven, staring as the batter begins to bubble up.

After a few riveting minutes of that Rose turns to me "What happens next?"

I shrug, "We wait. The batter has to cook."

She looks back at the batter and begins to whine, "But it's so slow! Can't we bump up the heat just a little?"

"No. That never works. It will just lead to a lot of problems, don't even think about it." I'm ready to stand guard in front of the oven to protect it from Rose's impatient wrath.

That's when a sudden urge in my lower abdomen acts up. Uh-oh, I have to go to the bathroom.

Why of all times do I have to go right now? I couldn't go at some point when Rose didn't have a chance of burning down the kitchen?

Of course not, who am I kidding. I start fidgeting and then give up, my bladder is abnormally small. Fine, I'll just go to the bathroom.

Stupid human weakness.

"Rose, I have to go the bathroom. I'll be right back and don't touch the oven, at all. Don't even look at it until I get back."

She widens her eyes at me innocently and convincingly repeats, "I won't touch the oven, at all."

I glare at her suspiciously as I make my way to the bathroom stopping suddenly and turning around at random times to see if she's done anything. Every time all I'm met with is Rose smiling harmlessly with her hands clasped in front of her.

Finally she rolls her eyes at me, "Relax Bella, just go to the bathroom."

As I start to close the door I leave a little portion open to watch and see her staring at me in amusement. "You know I can see you Bella."

I glare and then close the door the whole way and quickly relieve my bladder. I shove my hands under the faucet and try to pump the soap on my hands as quickly as I can.

Due to me being, well me, the soap sprays out at an odd angle, more specifically into my eye.

Letting out a pained yelp I try to splash water in my eye but I keep unwillingly closing it. I clench my eye shut in hopes that the pain will pass and it does, slightly.

Oh no, the oven! I wrench the door open and shriek, yet again. I can't see! There's a deep, hazy smoke everywhere I look.

"I'M GOING BLIND" I scream loudly in hysterics. Then I abruptly realize that I can smell this smoke too. Wait a minute, that sneaky little...she touched the oven.

"ROSE!"

I strain my ears and hear a frantic fluttering noise. "Bella! The cupcakes are on fire!"

Waving my arms in front of me wildly I attempt to follow her voice. "Where are you?"

Right after I ask there's a cold hand tugging me to where, through the smoke I can see flames rising.

We both look at each other horrified, Rose starts to wave her hands furiously at the fire and I realize that's the noise I heard earlier. "If the kitchen burns down Esme will literally kill me!"

"Well, I told you not to touch the oven!!"

"I didn't. The oven mitts did!!"

I groan in exasperation. Reaching back for the counter I grope around till I find the faucet. With a slight sigh of relief which only causes me to start coughing I pull the extendable attachment up.

Turning to the fire I push the lever back and watch as a reassuring flow of water shoots out and extinguishes the fire.

An even thicker cloud of smoke billows out of the oven and engulfs the room.

Rose reaches for me to make sure I'm still standing when we are joined by another member of the Cullen family.

"What's going on? Is everyone alright?" A smooth voice full of concern cuts across the kitchen. Through the haze I can just make out Carlisle's anxious face.

Rose and I exchange a sheepish glance.

She takes a deep breath "Well, Bella had to go to the bathroom and even though she warned me not to I bumped the heat up on the oven so the cupcakes would cook faster and well..."

Carlisle lifts an eyebrow at Rosalie and sighs, "At least you're both alright, and Esme's kitchen for that matter. Now Rose, please don't be offended but I think I'd prefer to have Bella finish up this cooking endeavor."

Rose sighs dramatically and looks down sullenly.

I turn to Carlisle, "She really was doing a good job, until the whole oven ordeal. You should see her crack an egg."

Carlisle eyes the remnants of the cupcakes that at this moment are a charred pile of ashes in the cooking tray. Shaking his head in incredulity and muttering under his breath he pulls out a camera and snaps a picture.

He just smiles at our puzzled expressions, "I don't think anyone else will believe me when I tell them the kitchen was almost burnt down. I'm getting evidence to prove it."

Rose glowers at this, "Great, now they have hard copy proof of my disability in the kitchen. And what, Edward's mind reading ability and the fact that Alice could have possibly seen this already isn't enough?"

I go over to the windows and open them to let the smoke filter out of the kitchen. Trying to distract Rose I turn to Carlisle, "What time do you want us to come by the hospital?"

He pauses for a moment, "I would say if you could come around ten thirty it would be good. The first drop off time is never too busy and then you two can get on with the rest of your day."

My eye twitches involuntarily in pain as I nod at Carlisle's response.

Stupid eyeball, I thought it was fine by now.

The smoke is clearing out pretty quickly and I can start to see the kitchen once again. At least I know I'm not going blind, at the moment.

So after Carlisle examines my eye and determines for sure that I will not go blind he gives me some eye drops and I get back to cooking. I knew those extra ingredients would be useful.

I finish the cupcakes and the rice krispy treats with little to no trouble. This was mainly due to Rose sitting sulkily at the kitchen table.

I keep debating whether or not I should bring up the oven incident but I can't help but ask "So how much exactly was a little bit when bumping up the oven temperature?"

Wincing Rose mumbles back, "About five fifty."

At first I can't even speak I just stare at her open mouthed and then decide to let the subject drop. After I package up the food I go and sit beside her.

I glance over her shoulder to see the list she's making, all of the things she needs to plan out for her wedding reception.

Since Rose and Emmett had gotten "married" while they were away it was somehow deemed necessary to have a wedding reception here. That was to include me in the celebrations, naturally, or so say the Cullen's.

It turns out that there was much more involved in planning a wedding reception than I ever realized.

Rose wants to make this twenty eighth wedding reception particularly special because it's my first involvement in their matrimonial happenings. So basically I've discovered from Jasper that she's even more frenzied over the plans than normal.

Edward has been spending an unusually large amount of time in my closet to avoid these wedding reception plans of Rosalie's.

I'm actually pretty surprised that she hasn't harassed me into going shopping today. I've been meaning to ask but I don't want to remind her. Curiosity eventually gets the best of me and I blurt out, "So why aren't we shopping today?"

She looks up from the list with an amused smile, "Eager to?"

I shrug, "We have an entire day with no plans after the bake sale. I figured shopping would be a priority for you."

With a martyred expression she lays down her pen, "I swore on my platinum VISA to Alice that I wouldn't take you shopping without her."

Ever since they found out I didn't have an objection to shopping for an actual purpose it's been slightly ridiculous. They drag me out to go shopping on the most irrelevant holidays and call it an acceptable reason.

I do consider Rosalie's wedding reception a good reason though and I am looking forward to go shopping, a little. I only have a problem with the budget or lack thereof that seems to be on these shopping sprees with the Cullen's.

They have bought me clothes that are more expensive than what our taxes were back in Phoenix.

Rose turns to the list and then looks back up with her nose wrinkled. "Bella, do you prefer mashed potatoes or baked potatoes?"

This was another issue Rose never had to deal with before. Since none of them need to eat, human food that is, they've never needed any. But as seeing how I need food that's launched her into realm where she is utterly clueless. "I'd prefer baked."

She marks that down on the paper and takes a critical look out the window. "You do think the reception will be fine here don't you?"

I stop to see if she's actually serious. "Rose", I start slowly, "You're completely insane if you think you'll find a more perfect place to have your wedding reception."

She smiles gratefully reassured by my obvious support of the location. I glance at the clock and jump up, "Oh! We'd better get going; we should be at the hospital in five minutes!"

Rose rolls her eyes as she grabs the baked items and gets into the car using vampire speed. I stumble in after, "Right, I always seem to forget about that."

The car slides smoothly into a parking spot at the hospital and I stack the items together while turning to Rose, "You are taking partial credit for these you know."

She cocks her head looking at me hesitantly, "Why? I didn't really help. In fact, I delayed the process by nearly burning down the kitchen."

We make our way up to the main doors, "So? After that outstanding performance at the grocery store you have to have at least partial credit in making these."

A wicked grin lights up her features as we make our way to a table set up for the bake sale. Rose nudges me gently in the ribs and I look up confused.

She makes a swift head jerk to the right and I casually turn to see what she's talking about. Of course, I should have known really. Lauren and Gladys are here as well.

I place our items on the table and a middle-aged friendly looking woman smiles at the two of us pleasantly. "Hello there, thanks for participating in the bake sale. If you have a minute or two we're just waiting for Dr. Cullen."

At this point Carlisle strides cheerfully up to the table. "Rose! Bella! I'm honored you tore yourself away from the wedding reception plans to come by."

Rose shoots him a mock glare, "For that you might stab you just might find yourself wearing a top hat."

Carlisle meets my eyes and we both start coughing to disguise our laughter.

I clarify to her, "Rose, that's not really a punishment, I once found a top hat in one of your linen closets and Carlisle put it on willingly. He looked pretty good too; no mockery was able to happen. Emmett of course was very disappointed."

Carlisle smiles fondly at the memory, "That was a good day. But Emmett was only disappointed because he had seen Jasper in the bowler hat beforehand."

I frantically make the cutting motion across my throat so that Carlisle would stop talking. Jasper had made each of us swear to never mention the bowler hat again.

The hat had been too small and he couldn't get it off. His head and face were squashed in making him look like a chipmunk who survived being run over by a semi-truck. When Emmett had finally managed to cut it off of him he accidentally got a chunk of Jasper's hair as well.

Much laughter occurred that day; I laughed so hard that I had stomach pain for at least a week afterwards. Although I have to admit, if it was possible for Emmett to die from lack of oxygen he most definitely would have.

Carlisle sees me then cringes slightly and nods in agreement to my reminder.

Rose surveys us oddly, "Well, now that I'm thinking about it, maybe all the men should wear top hats."

Edward probably wouldn't like that. I tried to buy him a top hat once but he refused, much to my chagrin.

He said it brought back repressed memories of when he was young and tried on his father's top hat but it got stuck and he almost suffocated.

Perhaps the Cullen's should just stay away from poorly fitting hats.

The older woman had been politely pretending to not be listening to our conversation but Lauren and Gladys were staring at us in astonishment. Their jealously is obvious as Carlisle talks to us so openly.

It's really not his fault he's so good-looking. I'm beginning to feel a bond with Esme on this matter; we need to take forceful action against the ogling of others.

Turning to them Carlisle smiles brightly, "I really can't thank you enough for participating in the first drop off for the bake sale. This is a tremendous help to the hospital and we all appreciate it very much." Lauren sends a triumphant smirk at us.

Rose rolls her eyes, "So Carlisle did you take a look at what we brought?"

He picks up the boxes and inspects them carefully. Impressed by the fact that we managed to actually get them here in a recognizable form he nods approvingly. "These are excellent, great job. Well, I've got to get back to work I'll stop by the house again later."

With that he wanders back over to the main desk and asks the nurses where he should be sent off to.

Rose is choking next to me from trying not to outright laugh at Lauren. She's awfully put out by the fact that Carlisle didn't compliment her baking. Too bad she doesn't know the only reason he complimented ours was because he thought we wouldn't have anything.

I bite my lip and take an exaggerated cough when Lauren turns full on to me. Ok, do not laugh in her face. I repeat, do not laugh in her face.

My mouth twitches into a smile and I fake yawn to cover up my face.

Rose grabs my arm, "Well, this has been lovely. Let's get back to the house; I want to show you something Emmett installed."

I flinch, "Please tell me it's not the game system." Emmett is just slightly obsessed with a Mario race cart game. That's just fine normally because he dominates the game.

But last time...I swear it was a fluke, I won. He was so shocked he threw his controller and it demolished the game system to a smoldering heap of plastic.

Rose pushes the hospital doors open, "Well, he installed that again too but I'm talking about something else."

We get in the car once again and arrive at the Cullen's just as the sun is starting to peek out from behind the clouds. Rose waits impatiently for me to undo my seat beat and reach the front door.

Finally she grabs me around the waist and tosses my over her shoulder while racing up to her room

She dives into her closet and starts searching through the clothes at an alarming pace. "This is going to be great! I've always wanted to do this but it's never felt like the right time."

Emerging from the depths she comes out beaming while holding up two dresses. They're both obscenely expensive dresses and they're stunning.

Rose gives me an airy yellow dress that feels like it can slide straight through my hand. "What are we doing with these?"

Shooting me an exasperated look she sighs, "Putting them on." With that she's already got her dress on, a beautiful lavender one made of some flowing material.

I carefully put mine on as well and twirl around admiring the color. Rose smiles happily, "Isn't that just the most perfect shade of yellow you've ever seen? Alright come on I've got to show you this, it's amazing."

With that she tugs me along into the adjoining bathroom. I've definitely never been in here before. I become stock still in amazement. The bathroom is massive; it's probably larger than half of the Fork's high school classrooms.

I catch sight of my reflection, eyes huge taking in the room. Rose darts to in what most bathrooms would be considered a bathtub. In this bathroom it's a small swimming pool.

Waving me over, she points to a control panel on the edge of the pool. "Look! Emmett installed these heaters so the warm water never runs out. It's amazing, not that you can't feel warmth, but for us it's pretty amazing."

She starts running the water and the bath/pool fills up gradually. Once it almost reaches the top Rose shuts off the water and pushes one of the buttons from the panel.

Smiling brightly she looks at me expectantly, "Come on!"

Then she swiftly slides into the water, with her dress on. I stare at her and then the water and back to her, "What have you done with Rosalie?"

She slips under the water and then smiles blissfully, "Ha-ha, very funny. I did make sure these dresses wouldn't get water damage do you think I've lost it completely? Now get it."

Still eyeing her suspiciously I sit on the edge of the tub and glide into the water with caution. I dunk my head under and can't help but smile as well.

The water is pleasantly warm, not too hot but not too cold, and I can float on my back with Rose doing so as well and still not hit the sides.

She loops her arms through mine as we float, we're just suspended in the water linked together quietly enjoying the serene atmosphere. After a while I close my eyes and take a deep breath, this peace and contentment seems surreal.

Eventually Rose breaks the silence, "Bella, I just don't understand."

I smile slightly, "You know if you were any clearer I would actually understand what you're asking me about."

She laughs and continues, "Why would you want to give up being human? If you stay human Edward will still love you and so will we. Why would you ever want to become a vampire by choice? You'd have to leave your mother and father, and never be able to eat normal food again, or sleep or stay in the sunlight with it reflecting off you normally."

She falls quiet and then in a whisper that I can barely hear murmurs, "Or have children."

I frown. Of course I've thought about everything she's listed off and even more of the parts of being human that I'll miss.

"It's not as simple a decision on my part as I make it. I do want to be a vampire and I remind Edward frequently. I don't like to show any hesitation in my choice because Edward will stop me. All of those things you listed I've spent hours worrying about. I can't even think about having to leave Charlie alone and my mother off without me.

I hate blood. It makes me sick to even think about me having to hunt. I can't imagine not sleeping but I know that I'll probably miss that the most; and losing the ability to just walk into the sunlight without having to worry and a having children. I've thought about that a lot..."

Rose waits for me to continue I clench my eyes shut regretting telling her my fears. Edward is going to find out.

He can't back out on me now. I'm so close. I have to prove to her and Edward why I want this, why there is no other way.

"I do have those regrets but the alternative is basically no option for me. I will gladly give up all of those things to have Edward. I want to be with him and you all forever. There is no way I will live without him. There is no way I even can live without him.

The difficult part is it's not as if we have a long time to debate this. If I'm not changed soon I'm going to be older than him than I'll ever want to be and for all eternity too. I'm already legal, something Edward will never be."

Once she sees I'm pausing she cuts in, "But won't you regret it? You have the power; you're cutting your life short by your own choice. I'm not saying I'm not grateful for being kept well undead. If I wasn't I would never have met Emmett, or the rest of my family but I had no choice.

I was dying and I was saved in a way I suppose. I wish so badly I could have children, I don't like to think about how much pain Esme had to go through in her human life losing her child."

She waits for me to respond and I'm slightly relieved that this one is easy for me to answer. The humiliation level however is quite high. "I do like children. I suppose it would be nice to have them but I never could."

Puzzled for a moment Rose asks, "As in you physically can't bear children?"

I blush as I answer her but I know what I'm saying is the truth, "No. As in the only one that I would ever want to have children with can't." This subject makes me uncomfortable.

Everyone always teases us, well occasionally me but mostly Edward about his limitations on our physical relationship.

Especially since I'm eighteen now Emmett likes to point out that I will be having, well. Holy crow, I can't even say it in my own thoughts I'm so embarrassed.

I'll just put it into Emmett's terms exactly, 'I'll be doing the dirty deed with a minor'.

I think I turned all the possible shades of red ever known to the world after that comment.

I can tell Rose is trying to hold back a response on that subject to not ruin the serious topic. "Bella, I'm glad you've managed to for some reason or another fall in love with my brother."

I smile, "I'm glad too."

After that we both stay silent for a moment or two and then Rose starts telling me all sorts of stories about the Cullen's lives before I met them.

I don't know how long we were in there but I knew that this was simply too good of a time to end. Finishing up a tale involving Emmett and a rather angry store clerk Rose suddenly announces, "Bella, I think this should be our thing."

My forehead wrinkles, "What do you mean?"

"Well, you know like the meadow. That's your and Edward's place. I would say this is our place but as seeing it's mine and Emmett's bathroom that doesn't quite work."

I start laughing and accidentally dunk my head under causing me to start coughing. "I agree."

Amidst my choking the door opens and Carlisle walks in a few steps and stops, surveying us with disbelief. Rose and I gaze up at him as he slowly pulls out the camera and takes another picture.

"Carlisle! Would you stop taking pictures, while Rose is remarkably photogenic I am not so fortunate."

He smiles down at us, "Actually that picture is excellent, both of you look quite lovely with the water and the dresses, it's a nice shot."

Taking a seat on the counter he notices how I've begun to wrinkle, "Have you two been in here since you left the hospital?"

Rose shrugs, "More or less. Why? Jealous you can't wear a dress and come to join us? I bet I could find one that fits you."

With an exaggerated sigh Carlisle shakes his head mournfully, "If I had the time I would but I must be leaving soon. I was just asking because if you have that means you've spent over two hours in here."

I absorb that with a slight shock, it's only felt like a couple minutes. With a pleased smile Carlisle leans back against the mirror, "I'm glad Edward was wrong about you two."

Rose narrows her eyes, "What did he say?"

Carlisle rolls his eyes at her, "He was worried that you two would never get along as well as Bella gets along with everyone else."

I close my eyes trying to think about that. Edward has never mentioned anything like that to me before. "I'm not sure if I should take that as an insult or a compliment."

Rose laughs at me, "For my part it's meant as an insult that I'm positive of. He probably didn't expect me to be able to relate to you since I'm so selfish."

I'm about to object when Carlisle interjects, "Well it doesn't matter anyways. You've proved him wrong. You two get along like old kooky retiree's who've known each other since they were born and witnessed important events together, like the creation of massage chairs."

Hearing that analogy Rose and I can't help but unlink our arms and sit up to stare at him.

That's probably one of the worst analogy's I've heard in my life. And believe me; I've heard some bad analogies.

Renee always tried to make them work but coming from the woman who rhymed crowbar and clown car for a poem about her life, it never really could work.

Rose just shakes her head in evident shame, "You really need to work on that."

Carlisle gives her an affronted look and hops off the counter, "Well I should be getting back to the hospital now, where I'm actually appreciated."

Rose scoffs at him, "The nurses only go along with you because they find you attractive."

Carlisle frowns, "No they don't."

Rose eyes him skeptically, "I'll bet that if you take Edward along with you some time they'll be thinking 'that was terrible, just smile and nod, he can say whatever he wants looking like that'."

Carlisle gives us both one last frown and then leaves the room in a huff. I lift my hand and wince at my wrinkled skin.

This just brings back that nightmare from my birthday. My shuddering makes Rose stare at me intently, "Let's get out. I want to talk about some more plans for the reception."

She tugs my hand and pulls me out of the tub, our dresses send a cascade of water across the floor and I almost fall flat on my face. Rose catches my arm and sits me down on the counter, "I'll be back, don't move."

In a blinding flurry of motion the water is cleaned up, Rose is standing in front of me already changed and is holding out dry clothes for me. I put on my jeans and pull the t-shirt over my head shivering from the contrast in temperatures coming from the water into the air.

Pulling the plug out Rose lets the water drain and tosses me a floor length jacket of some furry material. I push my arms through the sleeves and tie it shut snuggling into the warmth, "What is this?"

Rose grins at me, "Buffalo. Quite warm isn't it?"

I inspect the jacket closely and find it odd to be wearing an extinct animal that I've seen roaming around pleasant open fields in my history books.

We make our way down the stairs and to the couch where Rose pulls out her list and starts reading through it again. "So, I've finally decided, after many hours of thought. You, Alice and Esme will be wearing purple, I'm not quite sure of the exact dresses yet but I'm definitely leaning towards a Victorian, corset, petticoat sort of theme."

I just nod and flip through one of the bridal magazine's that Rose has lying around. She's been debating on our dresses for months now, and let's not bring up her dress. As seeing she has done this many times before she knows which style she likes best and for what season and you get the drift.

The Victorian theme seems to be an idea she's been bringing up a lot lately. Hopefully she'll just make a decision already and let us go on from there. Rose just keeps on going about dresses and I'm mostly tuning her out, reading about how to choose the correct train length for your gown when something she says catches my attention.

"And I mean you of course know how difficult he is to get gifts for."

I stare at her uncomprehendingly, "Why are you getting Edward a gift? Is this some weird vampire tradition? When it's your reception you get everyone else gifts?"

It's her turn to look at me blankly then realization dawns on her. Well I'm glad it's dawned on someone since I have no clue what's going on. "He didn't tell you?"

I roll my eyes, "Obviously. Tell me what?"

"Edward's birthday is next week." Her eyes stay on my face as she waits for my reaction.

The magazine slips out of my fingers, "What?"

She stays silent trying to gauge my expression and figure out what I'm going to do next.

Edward's birthday is next week and he didn't tell me. I can't believe that little sneak! I have no clue what to get him. He has everything he could possibly ever want; I mean, oh wait just a second.

Mr. Cullen doesn't own a bed.

This is perfect! I'll get him a bed, it'll make me happy and that makes him happy for some reason and sleep is one of the things Edward misses most. Who cares if I'll only actually sleep in it for a few months? I fully expect him to lie there with my when I'm changed and just pretend.

That's the perfect gift, I just can't tell anyone till the last minute when I drag them mattress shopping with me otherwise he'll figure it out ahead of time.

Rose sees that I've mellowed out and only then does she start talking again. "I can't believe he didn't tell you."

I pick up the magazine from its unceremonious place on the ground, "Me either. I'll be speaking to him about that when he returns. By the way if you can't find him when you're planning for the reception he's most likely in my closet."

She grins evilly at me, "I was wondering where he was hiding."

We both fall silent once again as we flip through Rose's alarmingly tall stack of bridal magazines. We hit the halfway mark when we're interrupted by Carlisle entering the room.

Rose waggles her eyebrows as he sits across from us and announces to him, "So I've decided. The men's attire will include top hats and frock coats."

Carlisle smiles brightly, "That's fine with me. I can't wait to see you trying to fit Emmett into a frock coat though."

We all snicker at that thought. Then I realize that Carlisle didn't leave the house yet. "Why are you still here?"

"I can tell I'm so wanted here. But they don't need me yet so I caught up on some reading. Now Bella, did Edward really not tell you about his birthday?"

I glower, of course he heard that. He waves dismissively at my expression, "It's alright just have Rose make a cake from him, and it'll be punishment enough."

I quickly turn my laugh into a fake sneeze as Rose shoots him a glare.

Tossing one of the magazines over to him I give him an encouraging smile which I'm sure looks maniacal, "Join us Carlisle."

He gives me a worried glance and slowly pages through the magazine with Rose and me scrutinizing him as he does so. Carlisle has joined the dark side, or well the pro-wedding reception planning side at least.

After a few moments of silence expect for the page shuffling Rose and Carlisle lift their heads and turn expectantly to the front door. It swings open within seconds and the other members of the Cullen family trail into the room.

Alice looks at us her eyes shining and the first thing out of her mouth is, "Are they really going to wear top hats and frock coats?"

You just have to love Alice.

Jasper, Emmett and Edward fearfully eye Rose's cheerful expression. "Oh yes, they are. And by the way Edward I know where to find you now."

I watch Edward's beautiful face fall into a grimace as his eyes flit over and narrow in on me. I give him a sunny smile, "So Edward I heard some interesting news today."

Edward's expression quickly changes from suspicion to dread as he reads Carlisle and Rose's thoughts on our earlier conversations.

Trying to look especially innocent he gazes at me wide eyed attempting to dazzle me. "Really, and what is that?"

I glare at him darkly. He thinks he can wiggle his way out of this way, not this time. "You didn't tell me your birthday was in a week."

He eyes me carefully, "I was going to tell you..."

Jasper cuts in from leaning against the door frame, "No you weren't."

Edward flinches as I cross my arms and turn to Rose and ignore him, "Can we go shopping now since Alice and Esme are back? Edward had best get on his work for the reception, what is it again exactly?"

He scoffs at me thinking I'm bluffing, "There's no way you actually want to go shopping."

Poor Edward, I don't think he realizes I actually am excited to go shopping for once.

I keep my eyes on Rose and she looks from me to Edward, a menacing smile appearing on her angelic face. "Have fun with the decorations while we're shopping Edward."

She shoves a pile of magazines full of streamers and napkin holder type items at him. "And you better choose wisely."

With that I hop off the couch and give Edward a peck on the cheek as I pass by shrugging off the buffalo coat and pulling on my normal one.

Alice, Esme and Rose follow after me and my smile becomes infectious to them.

Then I utter a sentence I only thought I would ever say willingly under excruciating torture, "Let's go shopping!"

---

So that's the first chapter, I hope you liked it because I had a splendid time writing it. I'm going to try really hard to get the next chapter up within a reasonable time, so bear with me. Leave a review if you want and if you don't that's just dandy too. I'll just delude myself into thinking I have people reading my story but not reviewing it.