When I first had ideas for this story rolling around in my brain, I had all sorts of things I thought I wanted to try. I didn't write all of it chronologically and had to bridge scenes and plot lines together. I even thought at one point that adding other points-of-view was an interesting idea. I soon discovered that it made the story disjointed and hard to follow. These are POVs from David and Brady that I decided to cut.

David's thoughts regarding Bella, their relationship, and the Cullens, who he had just greeted at his home after the cooking lesson.

David

I made my way back to the kitchen, allowing Bella a few minutes to say her final goodbyes to her students. I loved it when she used my kitchen for her cooking classes. I was a bit hesitant when she first asked me, but her students were respectful of my home, so I didn't mind. Plus, having Bella's leftovers in my fridge was a great bonus. She was an amazing cook. I had always dreamed that the mother of my children would be. I ladled the soup in a bowl and set the microwave for two minutes. The kitchen still smelled of bread, and my mouth watered. I was hungry. Cutting two slices from the still warm loaf, I listened as the front door closed and headlights flashed through the front window. The microwave timer dinged, and I removed the bowl, listening to Bella softly saying something to Jase. He made a sound of protest, and I knew exactly what that meant. She was having him pack up to go home. I ran my spoon through the thick broth, blowing off the steam. I carefully sipped the hot liquid, appreciating the rich flavor.

I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed Bella would not be staying tonight, but honestly, I expected it. She had always been upfront with me regarding her views on intimacy, and it was something I respected. Things might have been different had Jase not been in the picture, but it was something I planned to rectify as soon as possible.

I had the ring, her father's blessing, and a plan. The trip to Washington last weekend went so much better than I could have ever expected. I met Bella's father and step-mother at a quaint Italian restaurant in Port Angeles. We talked for a good couple of hours. It was my intent to formally meet Bella's family and state my intentions regarding my future with her, and by extension, Jase as well. I was very impressed by Charlie's down-to-earth sensibilities. He was very much the small-town cop as he interrogated me. He made it known that any man with plans regarding his daughter better damn well be worthy of her, and better be prepared to deal with the consequences should any harm, physical or otherwise, come to her. I smiled as I remembered Charlie's stoic countenance and the spark in his eye as he verbalized the thinly veiled warning. He was a loving father who cared for his family. I could see where Bella's determination came from. I couldn't blame him or expect anything less.

Interestingly, he also made it known that Bella had suffered pain with relationships, and because of that, my love and intent better be sincere. I clearly remembered the anger in his eyes as he alluded to one particular situation. Bella didn't talk much about her past relationships. Sure, I knew about the few college men she had dated, and she frequently talked about Jacob and the importance of his friendship in her life. I loved that she had such wonderful friends back home who cared so much about her. But this was different. The angry stoicism and faraway look in Charlie's eye as he talked told me much more than he was willing to say. She had been hurt. Horribly. It had changed her in permanent ways. Was this why she was so reluctant to commit? Why she had such a hard time letting me in? I couldn't imagine what kind of sick bastard could hurt such a kind, sweet girl. However, I couldn't help but be grateful to him, whoever he was. The suffering and changes he wrought on her molded her into the strong, determined woman I loved.

I understood Charlie's concern, but it was unfounded. I loved Bella and wanted to create a family with her. I would give her time to work through her insecurities, helping where I could. As soon as I was sure she loved me, I would propose.

It tugged at my heart a bit as I remembered Charlie's softer side. He held Sue's hand under the table as he smiled and told me stories of Bella's childhood. I was charmed. She was a sweet kid, and it was easy to see how loved she was. I was sorry she wasn't with us at the time to see her blush, giving her dad soft admonitions as he spilled her past embarrassments to her future husband. How I was looking forward to visits with her family!

And then, there was the discussion regarding Jason. I knew all about Bella's brother and the circumstances that led to her guardianship of him. He was a great kid, and it was obvious how much he was adored by his Grandpa Charlie and Grandma Sue. Being a father to Jase as well as my own future children was something I was very much looking forward to.

Bella smiled as she made her way into the kitchen and leaned against the counter next to me. She looked into my mostly-empty bowl.

"A bit hungry tonight?"

I waggled my eyebrows. "You have no idea."

She giggled. "We better head out. We have school tomorrow, and lots of planning and packing to do for the holiday weekend. Will we see you before then?"

"You better believe it. I promised Jase a ball game before you leave, so how about Tuesday evening? I'll even bring pizza."

"Sounds good." She turned to me and snaked her arms around my middle. I put the bowl down and returned her embrace.

"Thanks again for letting us use your kitchen. Everything went well tonight."

"You keep stocking my fridge with your cooking, and you can use my kitchen anytime you want." Permanently, if I have my way. Something was still niggling at me, though.

"It was interesting to see Dr. Cullen's kids here. I didn't know they were taking your class."

It didn't escape me that Bella had stiffened a bit. "Yeah, it was a bit of a surprise. I guess there were a few cancellations, so they were able to get in last minute."

There was just something about the Cullens that bothered me. Especially Edward. The way he looked at Bella made my skin crawl. It was like he was a starving man, looking at his favorite lunch. Watching him dance with Bella at the benefit was more than I could take. Pressed up against her, and his hands roaming along her back and shoulders. Some nerve! Normally, I would laugh off student crushes, but this was different. I just couldn't put my finger on it or shake the feeling that there was some sort of understanding between them. With him there was no typical teenage awkwardness. He looked like a kid, but there was something very old about his eyes. Being around him was very uncomfortable.

"Well, do you have your things together? Let me help you get everything out to the car."

I grabbed Bella's bags and headed out the front door with her key. I buckled Jason into his booster seat and smiled as I mussed his hair.

"Take care of Bella tonight, buddy."

"Okay."

Soon I would be taking care of them both on a much more permanent basis. I gently pulled Bella against her car door and moved my hands up her arms and placed them on either side of her neck. I loved to kiss her. She was far more sensual than any other woman I had ever known. All too soon, I released her and watched as she slid into her seat and buckled the belt. Wishing her a heartfelt goodnight, she pulled out and headed down the street. I sighed as her car turned the corner. The uneasiness was still there.

Brady's thoughts regarding Bella. This takes place in chapter 10 as he follows Bella out to the cliffs during dessert at Billy's house.

Amazing – Saving Abel

Brady

She was perfection personified into the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. I'll never forget how amazing she was back when I was just starting to phase. Her strength and beauty had only grown through the years. Yeah, I had it bad. I took the guys' teasing in stride, because keeping my dirty mind to myself wasn't working. How could I? There was truly nothing I wanted more than to have Bella by my side, on my arm, and under me every night. I knew the age difference freaked her out, but really, how much would that matter considering how much we could share?

It was tough keeping my hands to myself. I wanted to touch her, in any way I could. I really had to keep myself locked down and in check; I didn't want to frighten her. I was very aware of how much I'd changed in the last few years, and I would be lying if I didn't admit that I scared myself sometimes. Phasing released the most incredible feeling of raw power I could imagine. The strength, the speed, even the freaky mind-communication thing was a lot for anyone to take, but to unleash that kind of wild power into a teenage kid was intense. The new pups were a pain, but I had to smile because I was that little pain in the ass only a few years ago.

Looking over at them now, laughing and flexing their muscles for giggling girls made me roll my eyes. They were just starting out and had no idea. Being under obligation to protect the tribe was no picnic. Extended patrols meant going days without sleep. Making up homework and school absences sucked, too. The exhaustion and frustration could bring anyone down, not to mention the mind invasion. Having everyone be privy to your private business was the worst. But yeah, even I had to admit that as much as juggling the life of a wolf sucked, riding the high after a successful "dispatch" made it all worthwhile. Every single one of these guys would be celebrating for the next few days.

I knew Bella wouldn't be celebrating with me. I wasn't stupid. A woman that beautiful had someone, and of course she did. Some doctor back East, or something. That was fine. Most of these guys dismissed my feelings, thinking it was only the most pathetic crush in history or "puppy love" as Paul gleefully taunted. Har-de-har.

Like any of that mattered. What these yahoos didn't realize is that crushes, fantasies and even verbalized feelings and intentions don't mean a damned thing. It's what you do that matters. Take that bloodsucking prick for instance. Oh, yeah, I know about him. While these morons are running around on all fours shooting their mouths off, I'm hanging back, listening. Paying attention. Reading through Jake's memories these last few years was a revelation. I almost couldn't believe the broken, haunted zombie in his mind was once my beautiful Bella. He did that to her. It only spoke of her will and resilience that she's made a success of her life. She is even more beautiful inside than out, and that is saying a lot.

Imagine my surprise when we stumbled across his fresh scent on tonight's patrol. Having him assist in the dispatch may have been fine for Sam, and worked to accomplish the goal, but still, the bloodsucker had to pay. I was determined to be the one to do it. No one hurts someone as pure as Bella and gets away with it.

I was putting my feelings into action. Doing something about it and showing Bella and the others what it means to be in love. Having that bloodsucker around meant trouble. Maybe not for the general public, with him being "vegetarian" and all, but definitely to Bella. He may have dismissed my feelings like the others, but I know. He can't stay away from her. Which means I can't, either. Whatever his intentions, he'll have to go through me. The immediate danger may have been eliminated, but the danger he poses could be far worse. I'll be continuing my patrols in a very select area starting tonight.

This chapter was fun to write, but I realized that it didn't add much to the story, so I decided to cut it. I originally had Edward and Bella's talk about gratefulness before this trip to NY instead of on Christmas Day, which is why Bella is trying so hard not to complain about Alice's extravagance. I try to avoid plot inconsistencies, but this one just didn't work out. All the French translations comes direct from Google translate. Apologies to French-speaking readers.

Just Dance – Lady Ga Ga

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper

"I have the most amazing weekend planned, Bella!" Of that I had no doubt. Alice was so excited she practically vibrated in her seat. She had finally coerced me into this trip over the course of weeks. I relented partly to get her off my back, but mostly to hit up FAO Schwartz for Jase's Christmas presents. She knew exactly what she was doing when she put that idea in my head. Sure, I could have ordered everything online, as was my usual M.O., but I also needed to look for gifts for the Cullen women. It was difficult for me to find the perfect item unless I could see it with my own eyes. I was definitely an "I'll know it when I see it" kind of girl.

I was a simple shopper. I jotted down ideas toward the beginning of the season and stuck to my list. I had already found lovely sweaters for the Cullen men, which Alice had approved. The Cullen women were a bit tougher to shop for, although Alice did her best to reassure me.

"We've got a reservation at the Waldorf Astoria!" Alice gushed. I had never been, of course, but the level of luxury and accompanying price were legendary. I fought the impulse to roll my eyes. Alice side-eyed me.

"What, Swan, no objection?"

"That's right, Alice, no objection." I had to giggle a bit as her mouth fell open.

"Not that I'm complaining, or anything, but this isn't like you. You hate it when we spend too much money. What's up?" Alice said.

"Nothing's 'up' Alice, I just know that gift giving is a huge thing for all of you, and the huge price tag just goes along with it. To object to such generosity would only make me ungrateful." Alice was stunned.

"Wow, Bella. It's amazing to see how much you've matured these last few years." The glint was back in her eye. "And, it's good to know you won't be objecting to all I have planned."

"Watch it, Alice. I still have limits, you know."

With an evil grin, Alice pushed her Louboutin to the floor and with a war cry that would make a Mohican proud, we shot like a bullet up the interstate. Alice maneuvered around the rush hour traffic like an Indy pro, only slowing down through speed traps. We still made it to the 5th Avenue shopping district in half the time.

After handing the keys to a dazed valet, Alice threaded her arm through mine and we made our way past high-end designer shops to a non-descript old oak door with etched glass panels. Every word was scrolled in curly, sweeping script and it was all in French. The very chic little boutique had its hours posted on the door. The shop had closed fifteen minutes before.

"Alice, they're closed." I said.

"I know, but the shopkeeper knows me well and was more than happy to stay open late just for us." I should have expected something like that. The tiny bell tinkled as we walked through the door, and a very thin, very chic middle-aged woman shrieked in delight. She spoke in slightly broken English with a very thick French accent.

"Alice! J'ai été ravi d'entendre que vous étiez à venir! J'ai mis de côté quelques merveilleux design originaux pour votre visite. (Alice! I was thrilled to hear you were coming! I've set aside some wonderful design originals just for your visit.)

Of course, Alice responded back in flawless French. "Merci, Monique. J'ai hâte de les voir! Mais, nous sommes ici principalement pour trouver quelque chose de très chic pour mon ami. Elle a parfois besoin d'un peu d'orientation, vous voyez. (Thank you, Monique. I can't wait to see them! But we are here mainly to find something very chic for my friend. She sometimes needs a bit of guidance, you see.)

The woman, Monique, gave me a very critical once-over. "Oui, oui, je vois ce que vous voulez dire. J'ai exactement ce que vous cherchez. Venez avec moi. (Yes, yes, I see what you mean. I have just what you're looking for. Come with me.)

Monique was a no-nonsense woman who quickly got down to business. I spent the next hour in a whirlwind. Monique's young assistant, Claudette, fell all over herself running various outfits from the back room while Alice dressed and undressed me. I was self-conscious as she took in every square inch of my form in 360-degree mirrors while pinching and tweaking each garment in various places around my body.

Everyone spoke in French, and I gave up after five minutes trying to understand what was going on. The few times I dared to offer an opinion, I would get a scowl from Monique while Claudette simply shook her head. Message received. I found it much easier to keep my mouth shut and just turn myself over.

As the whirlwind wound down, the changing rooms looked like a twister had swept through. Various garments were slung over every surface and hung over every hook, corner and over the top of the wall railings. Shoes and boxes littered the floor. Alice happily skipped up to the counter with a gigantic pile of one-of-a-kind designer garments. Monique patted a few wisps of hair that had escaped her low bun and rung everything up. I didn't even want to know how much it all cost - half of my house, no doubt. Despite the damage in the dressing room, Claudette had a huge smile as she began organizing the mess. I wouldn't be surprised if her commission would completely pay off her college loans.

The little bell tinkled again as we made our way back to the valet parking. Alice had arranged for everything to be delivered to our hotel room. Of course.

"I can't believe that mess. We've only been in the city for an hour, and I'm already exhausted," I said.

"We had to go to Monique's first thing, but we'll get checked in right away and have room service bring you dinner. How does that sound?" It sounded pretty awesome.

We pulled up to the front of the hotel where the doorman opened the car door and offered his hand. Another wide-eyed valet instantly appeared and drove off in Alice's Porsche. We made our way inside, and I stopped and stared at the palatial lobby while Alice made her way to the check-in desk.

I had never seen such opulence in my life. There were floor-to-ceiling blue windows directly in front of me, and various levels and layers of the most decadent gold, cream and blue décor. Alice was soon leading me by the arm to the elevators as a snappy porter in a very crisp uniform loaded our luggage onto a trolley. I stumbled off onto the 14th floor and into the most opulent room I'd ever laid eyes on. The room was all dark cherry paneling with rich red, cream and gold drapes over the floor-to-ceiling windows. A large fireplace with cherry moldings and a marble mantle anchored the enormous living room. Period furniture was arranged in several conversational groupings. All I could do was stare like the proverbial country bumpkin while Alice said something to the porter. The door gently closed, and I turned to look at her.

"This is the presidential suite, isn't it?" I said. Alice decided to play coy.

"Would you be upset if it was?"

"I can't even, Alice. Really?"

"I debated whether or not to do this, Bella, but then I realized something. This is what my family would have done anyway if you had been with us or not. I know it seems pretentious, but we Cullens insist on only the best of everything."

She looked directly at me. "We have the money to do so, Bella, and if you want to be a part of this family you really should try to get used to it."

I closed my eyes and heaved another deep sigh. I hated to admit it, but she was right. The Cullens did have money, heaven only knew how much, and they had always done things this way. It was wrong of me to insist they do things differently just because I was now a part of that. Or trying to be, anyway.

Alice squealed and grabbed my hand. "We're at the Waldorf-Astoria, Bella! I haven't been here in a few decades." Her gaze spun across the room. "C'mon, let's see what the beds and bathrooms look like!"

The master bedroom was decorated in lush blue and yellow. The huge bed looked like a giant white cloud with mounds of feather pillows and comforters. There was another sitting arrangement including a chair and desk. Directly across was an antique cherry credenza juxtaposed against the enormous flat-screen TV hanging above it.

Just when I thought things couldn't get any more outrageous, I peeked into the master bathroom. White marble tiled the walls and floor. One wall featured a white marble double sink with a huge framed mirror that covered nearly the entire wall.

Next to the sinks was the level walk-in shower surrounded in white marble and featured a rainfall showerhead, and no less than eight power nozzles lining the walls. Situated neatly in the corner was a small, plush make-up seat and mirror. I nearly drooled at the Jacuzzi tub sitting square in the center of the room. The wall opposite was a giant fireplace that was divided between the bathroom and living space on the other side.

The one small door I assumed led to a discreet water closet, and the enormous door next to that was a giant walk-in closet straight out of a showroom, with enough space to clothe the entire cast of Cirque du Soleil. One small corner shelf in the closet boasted a smaller-proportioned, but still state-of-the-art cappuccino maker with all the supplies and fixings.

Just the bathroom itself had about the same square footage as my entire house including the garage. It took me a few minutes to take it all in. It had everything but a TV.

"Check this out, Bella," Alice said. She moved over to the sink counter and clicked a button. A chirpy newscaster was informing me of the week's weather right through the mirror.

"The TV is set in the space behind the mirror. Handy for when you're brushing your teeth in the morning, huh?" She casually threw this out there as if she saw this little bit of brilliance every day. Maybe she had, but I was still in country bumpkin mode, and I still had yet to see the rest of the suite.

There were four smaller but still plush bedrooms, each with a sitting arrangement and bathroom. There was a kitchen, dining room, conference and entertainment room. The large gathering room even had a grand piano to the right of sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows, displaying breathtaking views of the city, and of the Empire State Building in particular.

"Ok, Bella, when you've picked your jaw off the floor, go grab a shower," Alice chuckled, "I'm going to order you some dinner, then we're going to get gorgeous!"

I must have had a confused look on my face, because she rolled her eyes and added, "I've made plans for us to go out, Bella. Just a BFF girl's night." She stopped bouncing long enough to notice my confusion.

"It's just a nightclub," she said, "I figure we could have a few drinks, dance a bit and unwind. It'll be fun." I had my doubts.

Alice shooed me into the bathroom, and I have to admit she didn't have to prod too hard. The open shelving beneath the sinks had piles of thick, white towels. I grabbed one and inhaled. It smelled like peaches. Turning on the power nozzles sent me into orbit. I vaguely remembered running the peach scented shampoo and soap over my body but was reluctant to move until Alice started pounding on the door.

"Get out, Bella, your dinner is getting cold!" Grumbling, I toweled off and slid on the fluffy white robe hanging on the back of the door. I noticed that our clothing from Monique's had arrived and Alice was hanging dozens of garment bags with padded hangers from the rolling rack to the closet. There were three stacks of long flat boxes sitting on the massive square leather tufted seat that took up the center of the closet floor.

My dinner was sitting on the desk and I peeked under the domes to find a roasted chicken breast, watercress salad and parker house roll. Everything was garnished perfectly and even the butter was molded into a perfect little round rosette. I swiped my finger across the top to find it tasted faintly of honey. Yum. I uncovered the last small dome to find a small slice of dark chocolate cake with fudge sauce and fresh raspberries. Picking that up, I took a bite and made my way over to the boxes.

Each stack was tied together with billowing blue silk ribbons. There was a dainty silver charm hanging from each bow with "Monique's" engraved in swirling script. Just as I was about to ask, Alice came over and started to disassemble the first stack.

"Here, Bella, put these on. Your outfit is over on the bed."

I took the box and opened the top. Nestled inside was the most delicate strapless bra and panty set I had ever seen. It was all lavender lace with dark plum silk edging. The barely-there thong sat below the bra, each secured in place on the padded back with discreet brass pins. The bra had tissue wadded in the cups to hold their shape. The labels and tags were all in French. I looked up at Alice with wide eyes and unasked questions. Alice zipped to my side.

"When did you have time to buy these?"

"While you were in the dressing room, Bella."

"How do I know they'll fit?"

"It'll fit, Bella, trust me."

"I really don't know, Alice."

"It's not too much, Bella. Remember what we talked about."

"I've never worn anything remotely like this."

"I know, Bella, but it's okay to have beautiful things. Besides, you simply can't wear these incredible clothes with stretched out bras and granny panties." That got a chuckle out of me.

Remember to be grateful.

"Thank you, Alice. Really." Alice continued to hang clothes. "You're welcome, but you'll soon see that they're just as much for that brother of mine as for you." That got my eyebrows moving up. Alice tossed a smirk over her shoulder.

"Who do you think gave me his credit card?" My face instantly flamed just as my cell phone chirped. As promised, Jase was making his nightly call.

"Hey, bud! How is everything going?"

"Bella! I'm having so much fun! Me and Emmett and Jasper have been playing Legos all day! We ate lunch at Burger King and had ice cream!" Jase was becoming difficult to understand as he grew more and more excited. It was as if he couldn't get his words out fast enough. After a few minutes of him speed-talking through his day, he passed the phone to Edward.

"Hello, love. I trust you and Alice are enjoying yourselves?" Edward said.

"Very much so. Alice got to have her Barbie-Bella dress-up fun, and I get to wear this incredible, extremely over-priced French underwear. I understand they are gifts from a gentleman with discriminating, if not slightly scandalous taste. I hope to meet him soon, as I have much to thank him for. Any idea who it could be?" Edward's voice came down a few octaves and I could picture his dark, heated eyes.

"I may have an idea. I also may know how you can thank him. You do realize this rascal is not, in fact, altruistic in the least?"

"Is that so?"

"Quite. My resources inform me that this person does expect full recompense."

"Interesting. Perhaps I should send it all back, knowing that there are dubious strings." Edward dropped the coy banter immediately.

"Please keep them. True, they are as much for me as you, but I figure this way, we both get to enjoy them."

My face flushed again, and I know he could hear the hitch in my voice. It was astounding the things this man could do to me with just his voice, and over the phone, no less.

"Well, since you put it that way."

"I'm so glad you're enjoying yourself. I miss you terribly, but I know you and Alice both have looked forward to this for a while. I want you to have a good time and feel refreshed when you get back."

"So far, so good. Things are ok with Jase? He sure sounded over-excited. Please tell me all this activity isn't exhausting him."

"No need to worry, love. We did have an exciting morning, but Emmett carried Jase on his shoulders the entire time. As soon as we got back, he took his medication and laid down for a nap. He ate most of his dinner and he and Emmett have been busy playing with their new Lego sets most of the evening. He's having a great time, Bella, and Esme and Rosalie are enjoying their temporary "mommy" roles, too. It's all good."

I was worried that Jase would be anxious and troubled without me there, and here he was having the time of his life. A huge weight lifted off my shoulders.

"I'm relieved to hear that. Thank you, Edward for taking such good care of him, and for making this weekend possible. And also, you know, for my new underwear." His low chuckle vibrated across the line.

"You can thank me good and proper when you get back, Bella. See you in a few days." We hung up and I immediately got to working on my dinner. It was getting cold, but still tasted amazing.

I looked over my body in the full-length mirror. I had never expected the lacy underwear to feel so comfortable. I was surprised to see the bra and panty set had done amazing things to my body. I slipped on the sequined mini black skirt and red stretchy halter-top Alice had set on the bed. It was daring, over-the-top and far more revealing than I would have picked for myself, but I had to admit, with some dark red lipstick, I looked pretty hot. Alice caught me twirling in the mirror and gave me a whistle.

"It's a good thing Edward isn't here. There is no way he would let you out of this hotel room looking like that." I glanced over and took notice of the tight, dark jeans and six-inch stilettos that looked incredible on her petite frame.

"I don't blame him, Alice, half this outfit is missing."

"You look hot, girl, and we are going out for a good time! Besides, Edward trusts me to keep you safe." I looked at the other pair of stilettos she had dangling from her dainty finger.

"I hope you're prepared to keep me safe from myself, Alice. If you're expecting me to wear those shoes, we may be spending the evening in the emergency room."

Alice rolled her eyes as she slid on a fitted cropped leather jacket, grabbed her beaded clutch, and we were making our way out the door.

The front door of the club, Lavo, had a line that snaked around the building and down the block. I could feel the bass thumping from the front seat of the car. The valet left to park Alice's Porsche, and the bouncer guarding the front door didn't even glance at his clipboard. With a nod, we were in ahead of the line, amid jeers from the women and gawking looks from the men.

The entire room was alive. Everything was moving, pulsating and thumping. Alice led me to an empty alcove where the "reserved for Cullen" placard was resting on the table. Alice disappeared momentarily and then returned with two very colorful drinks.

I had hardly touched my lips to the rim when Alice grabbed me by the arm and insisted we get out into the floor. I followed her lead, so I soon found myself swaying, bumping and grinding with the mass of moving and sweating humanity on the dance floor.

The drinks flowed freely. If I wasn't drinking Alice's, or mine, hopeful men (and some women) sent a few over. The last thing I remembered was losing my balance and the very nice, but surprised man I was dancing next to caught me. I almost landed on his shoes. Alice stepped in and announced we were heading back.

I recognized the old Patty Duke song Alice was softly trilling somewhere from another room. Of course, the consequences of last evening's indulgences wouldn't have affected her in the least. I tried to roll my eyes, but it hurt too much.

Alice suddenly swooped in and smiled brightly while handing me four aspirin and a bottle of water. She was way too perky, and the room suddenly seemed way too bright.

She, thankfully, pulled the blackout curtain over the huge window, cutting the stabbing morning light to a tolerable level. "You have ten minutes to get into the bathroom and start getting ready if we are to stick to the schedule," she exclaimed with too much enthusiasm.

I groaned.

"C'mon, grumpy, you'll feel much better after those pills kick in and we get some breakfast in you," she said. I groaned again.

"Don't make me carry you in there, Bella." There was a bit of bite in that comment, and I knew she would do it. We had a full day on the line.

"Okay, okay!" She could make me get up and move, but she couldn't make me be happy about it. I did have to admit that migraine aside, the shower was heavenly. Alice dressed me in a very stylish but comfortable dress pants, black boots and a gorgeous dark green cashmere cable-knit sweater. I don't know why I had ever thought that comfort had to mean shabby. Alice was skilled at putting my outfits together in a way that complimented me and were very comfortable. I vowed right there to stop fighting her on the fashion issue as well.

"OOOOOH, Bella! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Alice was jumping up and down so fast I could hardly keep my eyes on her. Of course, she would have seen that decision. I quickly tried to find some levity.

"That doesn't mean you have carte blanche, Alice. You still need to reign it in."

"Yes, yes, I know. Have faith in me, Bella." I was going to do my best.

I was feeling marginally better as we took off in the Porsche and Alice deftly turned into a McDonald's drive-thru. I looked over at her in surprise.

"You need the sugar and grease, Bella. I understand that it helps with hangovers." Who knew Alice was an expert in fast-food cures? I couldn't argue that she was right, of course. After scarfing down the large fries and coke, I began to feel human again.

After the valet took off in the Porsche, the doorman smiled and welcomed Alice by name. I had actually expected that. A personal shopper met us with mugs of steaming coffee. A small domed plate held delectable little scones and tiny pots of currant jam. I breathed in the heavenly aroma and took a sip. The scones were amazing. If the personal shopper was disgusted by my display of gluttony, she didn't show it. She smiled brightly and introduced herself.

"You must be Bella," she smiled and held out her hand, "I'm Jennifer, and I'm going to be working with you today." I fingered the linen napkin, trying to discreetly wipe off jam. I said hello and wondered if I had seeds stuck in my teeth. The fact that she didn't flinch or laugh put me at ease.

After the introductions, Alice smoothed down her skirt and announced she was leaving to do her own shopping. I was about to protest and had hardly opened my mouth when she interrupted.

"It's ok, Bella. I thought you might be more comfortable with a professional – someone outside the family, that is – to help you." I was still confused. "Look, I'm excited you've relented enough to give me more freedom, but I don't want to be overbearing. Jennifer is very knowledgeable, and you'll like her. Now go, so I can get your Christmas gift!" Well then.

Jennifer was great. She listened to my ideas, helped me through my options, and was respectful of my budget. In the end, I found three lovely scarves for the Cullen women. The one I picked for Esme was especially lovely. I was told that the designer, Hermes, was a must for any fashionable woman, and because it was on sale, the deep discount barely squeaked within my budget. Jennifer even gift-wrapped everything. I looked at my watch, and I was surprised that several hours had passed. I thanked Jennifer and decided to do a bit of exploring on my own before Alice came to find me.

For someone used to shopping at discount stores, the prices were just beyond ridiculous. I had most fashion staples in my closet already, but I couldn't help trying on some gorgeous new tops and skirts. I fell back on my roommate's advice and picked out several outfits to try on. I had been in the dressing room for only a few minutes when I heard Alice waltz in. She slid into the stall with me and eyed my choices.

"I'm very impressed, Bella. For someone who grew up in only jeans and t-shirts, you did a great job here. I know I say it often, but I just can't get over how much you've grown up. Look at you! You're picking out fashionable outfits!"

She faked a sniff and sob. "I think I'm going to cry." I rolled my eyes.

"Alice, please. I still live in t-shirts and jeans, but just at home now. I have to be professional at work. Besides, all I really do is look at the mannequins. All the matching and coordinating have already been done. I find the clothes in my size, and that's it." This technique has saved me more times than I can count. I have been known to take clothing off mannequins, and hunt down the same shoes and accessories as well.

"Is this your old roommate's advice?" Alice was catching on. She nodded her approval.

I may have been done with most of my shopping, but Alice wasn't. We hit up Bloomingdale's and Barney's before I insisted on a break. Alice was still wound up tight and had to make herself sit down with me. She took me to a very nice café for lunch and she and I made plans for the last store of the day: FAO Schwartz. We saved it for last, and thankfully, I had a very detailed and specific list to hand to our personal shopper. The associate looked like a kid himself, but he was knowledgeable and had everything I needed in stock. I paid extra for the wrapping, but I considered it money well spent. Thank goodness Alice had arranged for everything to be shipped back, because there was no way a fraction of what we had purchased would fit in her Porsche.

We made it back to the hotel in time for dinner. I was exhausted, and my feet were killing me. I decided to order room service and took a long soak in the Jacuzzi tub. It was a tiring day, but I couldn't deny that it felt great to have Christmas basically done, and nothing could beat the excitement of Christmastime in the city.

Alice was feeling charitable the next morning and let me sleep in. After a scrumptious French toast and bacon breakfast, she informed me that we were spending the rest of the morning at the spa. I have never in my life spent money for such an extravagance, and I almost drew blood from biting my tongue so hard. She kept looking at me, expecting me to protest, I'm sure, but I was very proud of myself.

"I can't indulge in most of their services, unfortunately, but I can get my hair washed and styled. Maybe I'll get my nails painted, too," Alice said, "But you, my dear, are set up for the works." I was almost afraid to ask. I was wary.

"What exactly do 'the works' consist of?"

"Don't get mad, Bella, but Edward insisted that you spend all of one morning being pampered. He knew I would run you ragged, and he really wanted you to relax and just feel good for a while. Besides, you'll want to look good for our Broadway matinee." She looked like she was going to bust. "We're seeing Hamilton! Isn't that great?" It was. I couldn't think of a single thing wrong with that plan.

With a dainty smirk, Alice led me off, and before I knew it, I was sipping herbal tea while Mary, D'voni, and Mazie were plucking, waxing and buffing every inch of my body.

I was lying in a mud wrap with my hair up in a conditioning mask, my face slathered with green goop, the clichéd cucumber slices on my eyes when Alice came in wearing her own thick terry robe. She took a chair next to my table and showed me the blood red color on her nails. Her hair took me completely by surprise. She had once explained to me how a vampire's hair changes during the transformation. The color deepens, each strand smooths to the tip, and the scalp cements the follicles in. It will never grow and never fall out, but it left you pretty much stuck with what you had. I've seen her hair in many cute short styles, but the extensions she was rocking went past her shoulders, and it looked amazing. I did a double take, because I could hardly believe it was her.

"Wow!" Always eloquent, that's me. She was vibrating in her seat.

"I know! Jasper's going to love it!"

I cleaned off in a mineral shower and a very muscular masseuse named Stephen came in. I climbed up on the table and listened to cascading waterfalls and rain forest animals on a CD while every muscle in my body was massaged into a pile of goo. Alice stayed in her chair but was quiet while Stephen worked his magic.

Before I knew it, Mazie was working a mani/pedi while very flamboyantly gay Jorge was styling my hair and applying makeup. He was very entertaining telling outrageous stories of past clients and flirting with Stephen.

Soon, I was finished, and Alice ushered me back up to the room. I put on the outfit she had laid out and we went to find lunch. I had to admit, I felt incredible. I couldn't remember the last time I felt so pretty and relaxed. Alice checked us out of our hotel room, and we went to the show.

A/N: Well, that's it. Thank you all, my dear lovely readers, for your constructive criticism, praise, and encouragement. Posting my first story was an incredible experience, and it was because of you. Take good care of yourselves and stay safe!