.:THE MAGIC KINGDOM OF DISNEYLAND:.
"Keep your chin up; someday there will be happiness again."
~Robin Hood
.:The Happiest Place On Earth?:.
Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, there lived a family.
That's right — a family.
Okay, that doesn't narrow it down at all, I know. So what if I told you it was a family of vampires — is that better?
No?
How about a family of vegetarian vampires, a werewolf, and a half-human child, who all lived in the rainy town of Forks, Washington?
Still not specific enough?
Well, now you're just being stubborn!
And we have no room for your pickiness here because, you see, this family was going through a tough time. They were not in any danger; there was no war, no looming threats. By all accounts, they should finally be living their immortal lives in a relatively stress-free state, especially compared to how the past two years have treated them.
But things weren't so settled in yet for the Cullens.
Should I elaborate?
Let's start with the fact that it has been over a year and a half since unique little Renesmee was born and there was still one consequence that remained: Rosalie and Jacob's turbulent relationship.
It was driving the others mad!
At the moment, they were lucky that they could (nicely) ban Jacob from their home, asking him to stay at his own. Renesmee could visit the werewolf in La Push, then come back to Forks to spend time with Rosalie, and everything would be fine. There would be no death threats, no destruction, no bickering — there were complaints about smell, but that couldn't be helped — and the other Cullens wouldn't be driven crazy.
However, this could only last while living in Forks. What the family was anticipating, and what Rosalie was angrily sulking over, was what would happen once they moved (a time that was just around the corner). Rosalie couldn't imagine a Cullen house ever being pleasant to live in again, and that frustrated her, made her miserable to think that for the rest of eternity she wouldn't be comfortable in her own home. It's unfortunate the only way she knows how to express this unhappiness is through being vindictive, as you can imagine how that was fairing with the others in the household.
Jacob, for his part, was more annoyed than worried about the Rosalie situation, but he had other pressing matters to deal with. Like his pack. He was an alpha now, he had been for a good long while. He didn't want to abandon his four wolves, and, although the Cullens offered to support them as they lived in a house nearby wherever they moved, there was the issue that the wolves wondered if they were turning their backs on their tribe. And let's not forget Quil had an imprint to worry about.
Figuring this out just wasn't easy.
Accepting leaving Forks all together was downright unsettling for Bella.
After all that's happened, Bella found it difficult to part ways with the small, rainy town that indisputably became the Cullens' one true home. She knew it had to happen—she knew from the very beginning. But now that time had come and she wasn't as ready for it as she thought she would be. She was worried about Charlie, and Jacob's alpha duties, and Renesmee being separated from her grandfather and the pack (yes, Nessie loved them, too), and things were just so comfortable where they were that Bella couldn't imagine ruining it. Of course, they had to leave. She wasn't doing anything to stop it; she just worried (constantly) over the change.
Jasper had a change he was troubled with, too, and it had nothing to do with moving. But his first concern was Alice.
Alice was struggling with a certain frustration. You'd think nothing could break this vampire's bubbly spirit, but that would be a wrong assumption.
Ever been working on a project and then suddenly you just get…stuck? Your mind totally blanks and you have nothing but an unfinished sentence or picture? Or maybe you can't even manage that, and all you have is a blank canvas in front of you?
Alice certainly knew that feeling.
For the past two months she's been trying to find inspiration for her and Jasper's 50th Anniversary party, let alone outfits for it. She wanted this to be special; unlike anything else she's ever done. Usually the psychic was filled with ideas; yet, her wastebasket overflowed with crumpled sketches day after day, while their anniversary date drew closer. Alice didn't understand what was wrong with her. She never thought she'd ever be capable of getting designer's block!
Due to this, she became uncharacteristically depressed. And where she was unhappy, her husband wasn't far behind.
Jasper remained unaware as to what Alice was planning, but that didn't stop him from doing all he could for her. He didn't take lightly the fact that something was thwarting Alice's artistic flow. Anyone who has ever worked on something creative knows it's not fun being at a complete loss for inspiration. Jasper bought her magazines and books, took her to galleries, watched fashion shows on TV with her... But nothing seemed to help.
And through it all, Jasper was on a quest of his own. A mission to change.
You see, the war-ravaged vampire had been taken aback by Bella's control over her newborn urges, specifically regarding thirst. Everything he knew was questioned; everything about himself was challenged. He eventually came to the conclusion that he needed a more positive outlook. He always knew a good attitude usually produced better results, but he never applied it to himself. He changed that. Forcing himself to be optimistic, he ventured into the city more frequently, rather than hiding at the house — he accompanied Esme to the market, joined Bella and Edward on their trips to the library, took Renesmee to the park, went shopping with Alice and Rosalie, and sometimes he even dared a visit to Carlisle at the hospital. He never told anyone what he was doing, why he was getting out of the house more, but it had become obvious with time, and, although nobody said anything, Jasper could feel their silent encouragement.
It all seemed to be paying off, Jasper thought, when he realized he was getting better. Then, one ill-fated day he got too confident and ended up almost attacking an innocent person in town. If it hadn't been for Alice seeing it, and her and Edward intervening just in time, he would have slipped. The thought tore at Jasper, crushed his spirit. Even now, two weeks after the almost-kill, he couldn't shake off the shame. He was working so hard… why was it not enough? Was there something wrong with him? Was he just that weak?
Poor Jasper felt hopeless.
He wasn't the only one.
The patriarch of the family was up to his neck in work at the hospital, and it had everything to do with an ill, fourteen-year-old boy. The child had opened up to Carlisle unexpectedly and the vampire doctor had grown fond of him because of it, promising that he'd find out what was wrong with him. That was the problem — nobody could figure out what was wrong with the boy, just that he was sick. Now, time was running out. Not because the boy was dying — though, certainly it was a possibility — but time was dwindling fast due the Cullens moving day. Carlisle only had a couple weeks left at the hospital. Maybe if he'd found some type of clue, some sign as to what the kid had, then he'd feel less stressed. But he had absolutely no idea. He was worried, spending all his free time researching and studying, and neglecting his loved ones as a result.
Esme was beginning to get lonely. She didn't mind her solitude so much compared to how it saddened her to see so many of her family fraught with anxiety over issues they had to solve alone. All she could do for them was be there when needed. At least Edward and Renesmee kept her company. Emmett would've been, too, if he hadn't been so busy trying to comfort Rosalie.
No, the Cullens, like any family, would never have it perfect. They were as dysfunctional as to be expected, and the world would continue to bring new things into their lives. But, also like any family, they needed a break. They were focused so greatly on their troubles that they were preventing themselves from overcoming and achieving their goals. They were overdoing it, messing up, and losing hope.
It wasn't good.
And, so...
One early morning, at the break of dawn, the Cullens were returning home from a slow, unexciting hunting trip when Edward stepped forward to block anyone from entering the house.
"What is it, Edward?" Carlisle asked, automatically worried that something was wrong. He'd do his best to help Edward, whatever it was.
"There's nothing wrong with me," Edward said. "It's all of you."
Now, I know what you're thinking: There's nothing wrong with Edward? There's always something wrong with that moody, broody vampire!
Well, for once, much to his relief as well as his family's, Edward was quite content with his existence. Things were finally looking up for him. Except for what plagued him now: this concern for his family.
"I'm perfectly fine; happy even. It is really an amazing feeling having nothing weighing me down or making me anxious. Things worked out and I found faith..." Edward sighed. "The problem is most of you have lost yours." His stare turned firm and unforgiving. "After all we've been through together and endured, we should have the strongest sense of hope in our dreams. Instead, we're struggling over our individual problems, and some are so trivial and petty that it makes them all the more frustrating to you, because you know they're trivial and petty and still can't get past it. I can see how worn-out and dull you're all becoming as you fight yourselves."
"What are you getting at?" Rosalie snapped impatiently. She wasn't about to sit through his cryptic riddles. It just sounded like he was complaining, to her.
"We're taking a vacation," Edward announced.
Everyone stared at him.
"This weekend, starting today," he continued, hearing the doubt in their minds. "Everything's already planned. In fact, Alice already packed your suitcases."
Alice grinned guiltily when six pairs of yellow eyes landed on her.
"What do you mean we're going on vacation?" Bella questioned.
"Edward thought of it." Alice shrugged. "It sounded fun, and I've never been..."
Carlisle started to protest.
"Edward, the hospital—"
"I've already called them, Carlisle."
"That is not what I am saying. My patient is counting on me to be there—"
"You already have the weekend off," Edward reminded him gently.
It was true. When Edward had called, Dr. Snow told him they'd already given Carlisle this weekend off a few days ago because he'd been at the hospital nonstop and they felt the young doctor needed rest. Edward realized that his father must have forgotten.
Carlisle frowned, rubbing his temple as he suddenly remembered that conversation. Edward sighed again.
"This is why you need a break. It will help. Trust me."
"I agree with Edward," Esme said, looking around at her tired family. "I think what we all need is a few days to clear our heads. That way we can tackle things with a fresh perspective when we get home."
"Like that'll help any," Jasper muttered, almost to himself. Rosalie grumbled her agreement.
Edward frowned at them. "This is exactly what I'm talking about." He paused, a wistful expression crossing his face. "I know your thoughts, and I know better than anyone what it feels like to be stuck, lost, and afraid. I can see that, secretly, you have all lost hope that the future can produce any more miracles. In your eyes, the enchantment of the world is dimming; the only place you still see it is through Renesmee. We live in a world where mythical creatures are real, but we just don't feel the magic of it, the fantasy. But you are about to discover that it still exists for us!"
Alice and Esme were smiling, while Edward's words sparked curiosity and intrigue in the others (though confusion remained).
"I'm up for anything," Emmett said suddenly. No need to give a speech, bro. "When are we leaving?"
"As soon as Jacob and Renesmee wake up," Edward answered.
"Where are we going?" Bella asked. There was a tinge of wariness in her voice — she really didn't feel like going anywhere when their departure from Forks was already so close.
Edward smiled at her. "Only the happiest place on earth."
"Chuck E. Cheese?"
Alice laughed. "Silly, Bella. We're going to Disneyland!"
"Disneyland?" Bella and Rosalie repeated skeptically.
"That is a wonderful idea!" Esme gasped, more enthusiastic now. "Remember when we went, Carlisle?"
"December of 1955. It had barely opened that year." Carlisle's face softened at the memory.
"It was so much fun, even back then when it had only a few attractions."
"It was fun. I'm sure it's very different now, of course."
"It's probably better!" Esme wrapped her arms around her husband's waist. "I'd like to go again, this time sharing the experience with the kids. Renesmee will simply adore it! You know how she loves her fairytales."
The front door opened and Edward moved to the side as Jacob appeared, yawning. "Yeah, there's a strong imagination on that kid," he said, rubbing his eyes. "But, uh, what are we talking about?"
"We're going to Disneyland," Emmett told him.
Jacob perked up. "Nessie loves Disney! She always makes my dad watch Pocahontas with her because she says his voice reminds her of the chief." He laughed.
"They do say everyone needs to visit Disneyland at least once in their life," Jasper said, beginning to accept the trip. The fact that Alice was looking happier when she wasn't thinking about her designs was helping to persuade him. Not to mention that everyone who was cynical about this trip at first was starting to sway at the thought of Renesmee's reaction when she finds out she's going to Disneyland; that in itself was enough to fully win over Rosalie and Bella.
"Renesmee's favorite movies do include Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid," Rosalie murmured.
"Her and Edward are always watching the Fantasia movies back at our cottage," Bella offered. Edward smiled. He always respected Disney's masterful ability to tell stories through music.
"There's also that new California Adventure addition..." Carlisle mused.
"That settles it," Esme concluded joyfully. "We're going to Disneyland for the weekend."
"Of course we are — I already bought our tickets and reserved hotel rooms," Edward said with a sly grin.
Jacob looked around at them all, a thought occurring to him. "You know, this is all good and everything, but...the park's in Southern California."
The Cullens stared at him.
"What's your point?" Emmett finally asked.
Jake lifted an eyebrow. "It's sunny there," he said slowly.
Alice smirked. "It does have its overcast days, you know? Edward and I picked this weekend because I saw that some clouds were on the move down south, near the coast..." She winked and skipped past the werewolf, into the house. "Nessie will be awake in...fifteen minutes," she informed over her shoulder.
The Cullens went inside to change clothes and load their suitcases into the cars.
As Emmett helped Rosalie with her bags, he smirked and said, "I bet me and Buzz Lightyear can win a fight against Jasper and Indiana Jones."
Rosalie groaned. "Don't make me regret this trip."
OoOoOoO
Mad Hatter: "Would you like a little more tea?"
Alice: "Well, I haven't had any yet, so I can't very well take more."
March Hare: "Ah, you mean you can't very well take less."
Mad Hatter: "Yes. You can always take more than nothing."
Fun Fact: Do you know who was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1901, and later caught the Spanish Influenza? If you said Walt Disney, you'd be right! (Of course, if you said Edward you'd be right, too...)
I thought this story idea was fun... That's all there is to it! So hopefully you enjoy the trip to Disneyland with the Cullen family. :]