Chapter 1

The annual invitation to the Cullen Christmas Dinner arrived one week prior to the stipulated date. It was meant to give the kids enough time to prepare everything they needed and as a reminder of what had become a family obligation. Although, everyone crossed days in their calendars once December came in. It was something unforgettable; memorable.

The guests were the usual: Alice and her boyfriend Jasper, who came home all the way from Austin every year; Emmett and Rosalie who lived nearby in Port Angeles; and also a few friends and relatives. Charlie and his new wife Sue would be coming by this year before they attended the usual bonfire at The Reservation. The Stanley's would probably swing by to wish their merry Christmases, because they had always been friendly neighbors.

Oh! And let's not forget Edward and Bella, who would travel from New York. They had been roommates since they moved to attend the same college; they didn't have the best of relationships but they tolerated each other, so it was enough for the parents.

The invitations this year where a bit different; when in past years it had been a standard printed card, this year it held a beautiful picture Esme had found in the attic along with other stuff from Edward's old room. She'd found old books, a love letter or two and even a few prohibited magazines, but the picture was what had grabbed her attention. It had been taken in that old football field where the boys liked to practice, the girls, Rose and Alice had pom-pons in their hands like the good cheerleaders they were. But Bella on the other hand… that girl looked sweaty and a bit disheveled and if Esme had to guess, she had probably been playing along with the boy's team.

Emmet was in the middle with one arm around Alice and the other one around Rosie. Bella stood by Rose and Edward had casually swung his arm around her shoulders while his other hand made a peace sign. Esme found it hilarious that Edward and Bella shared that embrace and if anyone saw the picture they'd had guess they probably were a lovely young couple. But she knew better, those two were like cat and dog and a small prank would so be worth it. So she printed dozens of invitations, sent them and waited for the phone call.

It was December nineteenth when the dreaded phone call came. Esme picked the phone and answered with the usual greeting even if her "mother" senses told her in advance who would be calling.

"Oh, cut it out with the bullshit Esme, we both know what this is about." Said a very angry Bella, who had just found out about her face being in every Christmas card the Cullen's had sent.

Esme, with her motherly voice asked pretending to be confused what the whole scandal was about.

"You know very well about certain picture you printed and sent to every relative and acquaintance!"

"Oh! Darling! That old thing? Isn't it beautiful? With a little photoshop the guy at the QuickPhoto made it look fantastic!"

"That's beside the point. You know damn well that I don't like that particular photo, that's why it was hidden. I'd even thrown it away!" In fact, there was a story behind that photo that still made her heart hurt a little bit. She didn't want to be reminded.

"But Bella, you know you are like a daughter to me and it meant a lot to have such a meaningful message to share these days of festivities! And it doesn't hurt that both you and Edward look so cute together! Let a mother have her fantasy please!" Esme braced herself for the next answer.

"Fantasy? What kind of fantasy are you thinking about?"

"I want my song to bring home a girl Bella." Her voice went softer somewhat in dreamland.

"He's bringing me home this Christmas." Bella grumbled already giving up.

"I knew you'd understand. I love you darling." The phone call ended but Esme could hear clearly the laughter of his son in the background. Oh, that kid. He'd always liked to annoy poor little Bella. If only he used his powers for good…

So yes, hate me... I wrote this with zero inspiration for my other stories. I was sort of melancholic about Christmas and all... Going away for the holidays and leaving my family behind and all that (again).

I got into the trend: Short story. Short Chapters. Updates once or twice a day. (depends on the response I get, I'm a little insecure xD)