So I finally got around to the side series! If you have anything you wanted to see if the story that I didn't put in there then I can put here.
This chapter is Amber's first Christmas with the Cullens. It's December 25th, 2002. The winter of her freshman year of high school.
This is before Amber found out about their secret or she and Jasper started dating!
Amber woke up and smiled, looking at the date on her phone. It was finally Christmas. She didn't really go overboard with the holiday, but she liked being able to spend the morning with her father. Her mom and father used to be crazy about it and it made her feel nostalgic to still celebrate the holiday. Amber cleaned up but kept her pajamas on, starting breakfast. Just as the coffee finished brewing Charlie walked into the kitchen, in his own pajamas as well. They just happened to be the set Amber bought him the year before for Christmas. They were a dark green with a police logo on the front.
Amber turned to him and signed her greeting before hugging him. Good morning! Merry Christmas!
Charlie smiled as he hugged her back, kissing the top of her head. "Good morning Amber. Merry Christmas." He fixed himself a cup of coffee, sitting down.
Amber sat their plates down, having fixed pancakes and sausage for breakfast. She sipped at her milk as she ate, just cherishing the mellow mood in the house. After they had finished Amber practically dragged Charlie into the living room, setting him down on the couch.
Charlie sipped at his coffee, chuckling softly. "Okay, we can open them now."
Amber went over to their little pre-lit, fake tree they bought their first Christmas together. There weren't a ton of presents underneath the tree but that was fine with them. They only really bought for each other, and they made sure they both didn't go overboard. Amber brought all of Charlie's gifts to him, sitting in the floor beside her own.
Charlie motioned to her first, smiling as he sipped at his coffee again. "You first."
Amber rolled her eyes at him before opening the smallest gift first. It was a new book in her favorite series that just came out. She grinned and hugged it, signing thank you to Charlie.
Charlie nodded his head before opening the bigger, rectangle shaped present she got him. He tore the paper away, tossing it in the pile Amber created. He lifted up the shoe box and smiled seeing the new work boots she had gotten him, in the right size and fit he liked. "Thank you, Amber, I needed a new pair."
Amber grinned at him. I know! Now open the other rectangle.
Charlie did as she requested, chuckling softly again. "Okay, okay." He opened the box and smiled, lifting out a new work jacket that matched his boots. The inside was lined with fleece so he wouldn't get cold. "Thank you, Amber, it's great."
Amber smiled happily before she opened the rest of hers, loving all the books she got from her father. She died when she got the new winter, athletic outfit he got her. Charlie loved the new blanket and mug she got him as well. It was a cheesy world's best father mug but he still loved it.
After Charlie cleaned up their mess they relaxed on the couch. Amber was against one end of the couch, her legs on the coffee table with a blanket on top of her. Charlie was on the opposite side in the same position, another blanket on top of him. Charlie was on his second cup of coffee while Amber was on her second cup of hot chocolate. They were watching a cliché horror movie until Charlie had to go to work.
Amber looked down when her phone buzzed in her lap. She looked and smiled, reading the text she got from Jasper.
Jasper: I know you mentioned Charlie having to work today. Do you want to come over for a while? Esme really wants you to come over and open your presents.
Alice: I know you're coming over so wear that dark green sweater I bought you last month!
Amber turned to her father, tapping his knee to get his attention. Esme wants me to come over in a while, is that okay?
Charlie looked at his watch, nodding his head. "Yeah that should be fine. Just let me drop you off, I don't want you to drive in all this snow. I'll pick you up or they can drop you off this evening." He got up and kissed her head. "I'll get ready, it's almost time for my shift anyways."
Amber smiled and went to her room, putting on the sweater Alice bought her. It was tight but not in an uncomfortable way. It was really warm as well which was good because it was very cold outside. She put on some black, fleece-lined leggings and some brown winter boots. She let her hair down, watching it curl around her shoulders. She sprayed on some perfume before she pulled on her winter coat. She grabbed her tote bag with the Cullen's presents in them before waiting on Charlie.
Charlie came down not long after, fixing his new coat. He was also wearing his new boots, smiling at Amber. "Ready to go, kiddo?"
Amber nodded, pulling her jacket closed around her neck. Yeah. Amber put the bag in the backseat, getting up front quickly. Charlie got in as well, turning the heat up a little before driving towards the town line. He turned down the driveway, surprised at how it wasn't bad. It looked like someone had plowed the whole driveway. And that was surprising considering it wasn't a short one. Charlie parked in front of the door, getting out.
Charlie was going to get Amber's bag but Carlisle was already there. He was dressed in a nice looking black, winter coat and black slacks. A bit of a red dress shirt was visible. "Let me get that you two."
Amber smiled at him, shutting the door behind her. Thank you, but I could have gotten that.
Charlie walked behind the two as Carlisle escorted them to the door. "Did you have your sons plow your driveway?"
Carlisle chuckled softly as she let them inside, taking his jacket off as he did. Their home was at a very comfortable temperature, from Esme's pushing. "Esme ordered Emmett and Edward help Jasper. She was worried you would be driving yourself, Amber."
Amber smiled softly, touched at how much trouble they went through for her. My dad was worried about me driving.
Charlie patted some snow off of his coat, gently kissing the top of Amber's head. "And I have to get to work anyways, so it wasn't a big deal." He gently shook Carlisle's hand, smiling. "I wish I could stay but duty calls. I'll come by to get her after my shift."
Carlisle shook his hand before shaking his head. "I'll have Emmett drive her home in his Jeep. Don't worry Charlie, we'll take care of her."
Charlie smiled softly before nodding, heading back to his car and leaving. "Okay, see you later kiddo."
Amber took her coat off, Carlisle hanging it up for her. Where is everyone?
"Esme, Emmett and Rose are in the kitchen cooking. The others are in the living room."
Carlisle walked with her to the living room, setting her bag down beside their gigantic tree. It was so tall that the star on top barely fit. The tree itself was a beautiful spruce tree, freshly cut. The whole room smelled wonderful because of it. There were a ton of soft, sparkly white lights spread across neatly. There were tinsel and little glass ornaments spread throughout as well. At the bottom was a soft white rug, the tons of presents laid out underneath the tree.
Then she noticed the others. Edward was in a dark blue dress shirt and black slacks. He was softly playing a Christmas tune on his piano, the noise drifting throughout the whole house. It added to the whole atmosphere. The large windows spread throughout the home revealed the snow falling lazily to the ground, it was breathtaking.
Jasper was in a dark green dress shirt, black slacks and black dress shoes. His was was curly, probably scrunched. Alice was beside him in a dark red and white dress. She was wearing white flats and her hair was pulled back with little clear snowflake clips.
Alice skipped over to her, pulling her into a hug. "You look so cute! I knew it would look good on you." She winked at her before grinning. "I'm so glad you came."
Jasper came up to her, gently brushing some more snow from her hair. "Me too. Would you like something to drink?"
Amber smiled softly and nodded. Hot chocolate? It's my favorite thing to drink on Christmas.
Jasper smiled and nodded, "Sure.. Peppermint, Dark chocolate, milk, Mexican?"
Amber laughed silently before signing to him. Peppermint is fine, thank you. Amber walked over to Edward and smiled at him. Your playing sounds amazing.
Edward smiled softly, thanking her. "What's your favorite song?"
Amber hummed softly as she thought about it. Simply having a Wonderful Christmas Time.
Edward smiled and began playing the song on the piano, not missing a single key. "I like this one too.."
Jasper popped up beside her, handing her a tall glass of hot chocolate. "Here you go. Esme said the food's almost done. Then afterwards we can open up the gifts.."
Amber nodded, sipping at her drink. Does she need any help?
Emmett walked in at that time, Rosalie following him. "Nope! She's just letting everything cool and setting the table. She's picky." Emmett was in a light blue dress shirt that matched Rosalie's outfit.
Rosalie was wearing a light blue sweater, leggings and blue heels. Her hair was pulled back and twisted into a bun. She looked gorgeous like always. "Oh shush." She smiled at Amber and complimented her outfit. "You look really nice, Amber."
Amber blushed softly, feeling really happy from all their attention. Thank you. You look beautiful, Rosalie.
Esme walked inside the room, wiping her hands on a snowflake printed towel. "I hope you're hungry Amber, because I made a lot." Esme was in a deep red dress, red heels and her hair was braided loosely against her shoulder. She looked just as beautiful as the others.
Amber smiled and nodded, having not eaten since that morning. Definitely.
Esme meant it when she said she fixed a lot. She had made turkey, ham, stuffing, casseroles, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, rolls and tons of desserts were lined on the counter waiting. Amber had ate two plates full, not really noticing how the others sneakily cleaned their own plates while she wasn't looking.
Alice waited until it looked like Amber wasn't so miserable from being full before grabbing her. "Come on, it's presents time!" She gently held her hand and dragged her into the living room.
Amber laughed silently as she was plopped onto the couch, Alice sorting the gifts for everyone. Jasper sat beside her since Amber was on the edge. She smiled at him, wondering on how he managed to wear the same color she was planning on wearing. She then looked at Alice and realized Alice told her to wear this sweater for a reason. She couldn't help but find that amusing.
The others filed in just as Alice finished their pile, turning to Amber's bag. "Do you want me to pass these out for you?"
Amber nodded as she picked up a small box, seeing that it was from Esme. Yes please, everyone's names are on them.
Esme spoke up when Alice sat down, smiling at Amber. "How about you go first since you're the guest?"
Amber shyly opened her presents, glad they weren't so extravagantly wrapped. Esme had gotten her a beautiful golden bracelet. There were two strands of gold that twisted around her wrist and were shaped like vines. Then in the middle where they inter-crossed was a beautiful golden flower blooming. Amber turned to her and put it on, loving it. It's beautiful, Esme. I love it!
Emmett leaned forward, grinning at her. "Open mine and Rose's!"
Amber smiled softly before she opened theirs. She smiled at seeing a CD case with a bunch of CD's already in it. She liked most of them but others she had never heard of before. Thank you both, I'll have to listen to these over break!
Carlisle had gotten her a first aid kit, joking about her being a clutz. She had laughed and teased him back she gave him most of his business. Alice had gotten her a couple of new outfits and shoes, telling her she would love them all, which she did. Edward had gotten her a new hoodie and some athletic pants, with help from Alice. Amber had gotten Alice a cute scarf and matching boot socks she had seen online. She had gotten Rosalie a beautiful hair clip she had seen from the same store. She had gotten Esme a new cookbook and cute apron. She had gotten Carlisle a new book on new medical procedures and trials. She had gotten Emmett new accessories for his Jeep. Amber had also gotten Edward some new sheet music for harder songs for the piano, which he seemed to really appreciate.
Amber smiled as the others began opening their own gifts. That was until Jasper handed Amber a small, heavy package.
Jasper smiled down at her, "I saw this one day and thought about you.."
Amber opened the box and saw it was a book of the history of the civil war. It was a huge book with a leather backing, and it looked very old but still in good condition. She leaned over and hugged him gently, very touched. Thank you!
Jasper smiled and nodded, glad he could get her a gift she loved. "You're welcome.." Amber then placed the gift she got him in his hands, smiling happily. Jasper opened the gift bag and smiled softly. It seemed to be a home made blanket with the Texas outline stitched in the middle. It also had Houston starred on the map, where he was born. It also had the major battles of the Civil War marked. He turned to her and gently hugged her. "Thank you, Amber. I love it. Did you do this yourself?"
Amber nodded softly, leaning back after he did. Seth's mom helped me. I couldn't find anything for you, and I know you already have a ton of books. So I thought this would be better.. I'm glad you like it.
Jasper smiled happily at her, gently tracing his fingers over where she stitched her signature in the corner. "It's very sweet, thank you Amber."
Amber smiled and looked around at the room, feeling really happy. You're very welcome.. You're all my friends.