A/N: SO as always I don't own Twilight and I never will, I do own this plot thought

Chapter one - someone else

Bella's POV

It was that time of year again, the time were tinsel hung from the walls and fire places, where lights twinkled everywhere you turned, and snow fell on the ground covering everything like a white blanket, Christmas eve, it was my favourite time of year. Or it used to be anyway.

"Hey Bells," I slowly turned then to smile at my dad as he walked in to the front room, smiling as I placed the last gift under the tree. "Been doing that all day?" he kicked off his shoes before throwing himself on the sofa.

"Yeah, just finished," I brushed off my knees as I stood feeling the dull ache that indicated just how long I was sitting on the floor for.

"Looks great, take it you're seeing Edward tonight?" I wanted to roll my eyes, it didn't matter how much Edward apologised for leaving me, or how many times he tried to converse with my dad over fishing or football, nothing would get him back on 'team Edward'.

"No actually, he and Carlisle are out of town visiting family until tomorrow, I am going to stay with Alice and Rose tonight though, they have a girls night planned." I was getting better at lying; since Edward came back it was like that's all I was doing, lying to both my friends and my family.

"Oh, good," I knew what those words meant, I wasn't an idiot they meant that he was going to phone either the hospital to check if the story was true, or he was going to phone Esme, someone who my dad believed could never tell a lie.

"Yeah," I nodded as I left the room and up to my bedroom already hearing him pick up the phone - throwing myself on my bed as I covered my face with my hands. I hated lying to my dad I hated how every time I wanted to see the Cullen's I had to lie but since he left and Charlie was left to pick up the pieces of my broken heart he hated when I saw him, especially when he believed I'd let him back into my life without even a question but that wasn't true, I hadn't forgiven Edward, I hadn't forgiven him for leaving me alone in those woods, hadn't forgiven him for telling me how worthless I was. In all honesty I wasn't even sure I loved him anymore, just knowing I loved his family and when they left that was the ache I felt, not for him but for them.

I felt my eyes drift closed then, feeling the weight of the past few months weigh down on me, I was debating a nap when my phone buzzing told me differently

Busy planning for tonight, Jasper will be picking you up, don't worry I checked and nothing will happen you're safe with him :) -A

I giggled then as I felt a smile light my face whilst imagining the look on Edwards face when he realised that Jasper would be picking me up, he still didn't trust the blonde around me which made it harder for me to get to know him, and there was so much I wanted to learn. I was just about to text and ask her about the times when I felt it vibrate in my hands once more.

An hour, wear something warm and not what you are now, that red dress on the fourth hanger would be great! But remember tights it's going to be cold. -A

Sighing I stood from the bed as I made my way over to the bathroom. I hated when Alice would decide what I wore, I was planning on wearing the dress but that wasn't the point, I wanted the option on what I wore every day, instead I would receive either a text or a phone call which would then end with her telling me what she thought would look good on me that day.

I shook it off though as I brushed my hair remembering when I used to love Christmas, used to love getting dressed up and looking pretty, but now? Well now Christmas didn't excite me as much as it should have. Still, I was going to try. So I took the straighteners that were still in the box and worked on my hair until it was straight, back combing it a little to give it a little bounce. Then I did something I have only ever done twice, I took out my make-up and applied a little mascara, and eyeliner on both the lids of my eyes and the bottom, the smallest bit of foundation, no blush everyone knew I wouldn't need it and finally I put on a smallest amount of pale pink lip gloss smiling as looked myself over feeling the slightest bit Christmassy.

Checking the time I realised I had only ten minutes before Jasper would be here.

I pulled the dress of the hangers as I slipped on a clean pair of underwear, before pulling the dress over my head, I had no time to check my appearance once more as I pulled on my tights and grabbed my small ankle boots putting them on before running down the stairs as I grabbing my bag just as there was a knock on the door.

"I'll get it," I shouted as I ran to try and beat my dad to it, glancing in the living room realising I didn't have to worry as his eyes were fixed on the telly, guess he'd already confirmed my story.

I pulled open the door then and smiled as Jasper stood waiting for me, his hands behind his back, his eyes glowing a bright gold and a smile on his face.

"Hello Bella, ready to go?" the smallest hint of his southern accent slipping through.

"Yeah, just let me grab my coat," I turned as I picked up the bag of presents for the family as well as my thick winters coat. "Hey dad I'm heading out, I'll see you tomorrow night," without turning he sent me a wave, a have fun and I left.

"Here let me take that," he held out his hand to take the bag and I smiled in appreciation. I was so glad dad had already de-iced the pathway as I walked towards Jaspers car with ease, smiling once more as he opened the passenger's door for me before placing my bags into the boot.

"Ready?" he asked as he slid into the front seat, smiling as he started the car.

"Sure, but you're making it sound like I'm heading towards danger." I laughed as I settled into the soft leather seat.

"Well, I know what Alice has planned for us all," it was his turn to laugh as my face dropped. "Don't look so scared Bella, I-we won't let anything happen to you, promise." in an instant I felt a wave of calm sweep over me and I relaxed further, maybe tonight wouldn't be so bad, god only knows what Alice has planned but I knew it'd be okay.

"Thank you Jasper," I knew it was him making me feel so calm but I didn't care. I sighed then as I relaxed even further, feeling the heat of the car surround me, I was about to turn it down a little until I realised something. "Huh."

"What?" He glanced my way.

"Don't all you Cullen's like to go fast?" he was actually going the speed limit, something I wasn't used when being in a car with any of them.

"You don't like it when we go to fast so why would I make you uncomfortable?" he shrugged like it wasn't a big deal and yet to me it was everything. "By the way I forgot to mention, you look beautiful." I felt my heart flutter a little at his words, and for the first time in, I can't even remember how long I felt genuinely happy. "It's been a long time since I felt that emotion from you Bella, it's nice to see I can make you feel that way." I didn't look at him as I felt my cheeks warm and the colour return, I was right with the blush and not wearing it, it already felt like I was red as tomato.

We stayed silent for a little while then as we both stared out of the front window, I wanted to keep him talking, wanted to get to know him a little better in the short time we had alone, I wasn't even sure when that would next happen.

"So how come Alice sent you to pick me up?" I saw from the corner of my eye his smile drop a little and knew I needed to backtrack. "Don't get me wrong Jasper I'm really glad you did, I mean we never get to talk and this is really nice, I was just wondering why? I mean Edward doesn't like it when we're in the same room and yet to be alone in a car? Isn't this difficult for you?" I knew I was rambling but this whole situation had me confused.

"Difficult for me?"

"I mean Edward always warns me that you don't like being in the same room as me because you're not in control, I was just wondering what makes this so different?" I watched as his hand began to grip tighter on the steering wheel and his eyes flash black momentarily.

"He says I'm not in control around you?" his voice turned dark.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to upset you, I was just curious." I turned away from him as I felt guilt fill me, I knew I shouldn't have mentioned anything but it was something that always hurt my feeling, feeling like when I was there he couldn't because I made it so hard for him, then my birthday happened.

"Bella?" I felt the car slow down a little as he pulled over to the side of the road before stopping it completely, "Bella look at me please?" I sighed as I turned towards him, seeing that he was more in control, his eyes were back to the honey gold I was used to instead of the black that sent a chill down me. "you shouldn't have to apologise cause there's nothing to be sorry about, that isn't the reason at all, it's just, how can I explain this?" it was his turn to sigh, "before your birthday it was hard for me a little I'll admit but they warned me away, told me you were afraid of me, I wouldn't have done anything I promise you that but it was best for me to stay away as not to tempt me, but then your birthday happened and things changed, it is a lot easier for me to be around you, I want to be around you so I volunteered tonight, not only for us to get to know each other a little better but for me to apologise for what happened in September."

I just sat staring at him as he gazed back; I was shocked, why had they warned him away from me and tell him I was afraid of him? Suddenly anger filled me, a deep and powerful anger that had even him move back.

"I'm sorry Bella, would you like me to call someone to come get you?" I heard a sadness in his voice that spiked my anger higher, he thought I was mad at him.

"It's not you I'm mad at Jasper, it's them, I mean I've never been afraid of you, never, so why would they say that? Every time I would try and talk to you Edward would tell me you weren't in control and for me to not make it harder for you. As for my birthday you have nothing to apologise for it wasn't your fault," he turned away and I felt a small amount of shame hit me, he was projecting, "Jasper?" I reached out and placed my hand on his arm, as shocked passed through me at the electric I felt, the sharp tingles that sent chills up my arms, not only that but he wasn't as cold as the other's he wasn't warm but he wasn't an uncomfortable cold either, I shook that off though as I needed to say what was on my mind, "I don't blame you for what happened, it wasn't your fault, you fight with your hunger, you all do and yet you have a gift that makes you feel what everyone else was, so when you have your own hunger to deal with and then five other vampire's hunger to fight against plus someone who desires my blood more than anything it is hard for you to control it, so I don't blame you, I'm actually proud of you." he did turn towards me then, "you thought against the hunger of six other vampires, I have no doubt in my mind that if you wanted to break free from Carlisle and Emmett you would have, but you didn't you fought against your hunger and I'm so proud of you for that." He beamed as he took my hand, gripping it tightly in his as he stared in to my eyes.

"Thank you Bella, Edward was right, you are observant and thank you for trusting me, you don't know how much that means to me." I think I did know, not one of the Cullen's had faith in him, not even his mate, it just led me further to believe that maybe Alice wasn't meant for him, but what would I know? My mate was someone who could leave me and not look back.

"We should go, they're all expecting us," and with that he started up the car once more pulling into the lane while we stared out of the window again.

I could feel a sort of tension fill the car as he continued to drive I could also feel a sense of ease that came with it, this was the first time Jasper and I had spoken properly, I mean there was the time when we were on the run from James but Alice was always there watching and waiting so our conversations were always guarded but now, now I knew everything was about to change.

"So what is it we're actually doing tonight?" I wondered aloud as we turned into the drive.

"I am under strict instructions not to tell you, but I'm not even sure of the extent of it myself," he laughed and I couldn't help but smile at the sound, he had such an attractive laugh, could a laugh be attractive? I had no clue all I knew was that his was.

He stopped the car then as we both climbed out, he didn't insist like Edward did that I wait for him to open my door, he let me climb out myself and collected the bags as together we approached the stairs and as soon we reached the door it flew open and Edward was stood there.

"Thank god your okay," he held me as he checked me over as Jasper walked past us with a roll of his eyes and a snarl on his lips, "I was so worried something may have happened but you're okay," he pulled me in for a hug and I shivered as his cold body pressed against me.

"Of course I'm okay," I said annoyed as we walked further into the house, "what do you think happened? You're worrying about nothing Edward, you should trust Jasper more" he didn't answer as we rounded the corner to see the family all stood waiting with a smile on their faces, I smiled in return as I felt a appreciation reach me.

"Happy Christmas eve Bella!" Alice bounced forward as she pulled me into a tight hug, "Ready for tonight?" Her excitement was contagious as I nodded eagerly, feeling my Christmas spirit spike a little at the thought.

"Sure," I walked back to where Edward was stood, "so what're we doing?" I hated surprises, they all knew this and yet insisted on it happening.

"Alice has been on the computer none stop for two days now looking up everything to do with Christmas, I hope you got a good night sleep love cause we may be up for a while." Edward whispered in my ear, it still didn't answer my question. But instead of commenting on it I looked towards her noticing that she and Jasper were stood away from one another, strange.

"Don't worry Bella, come on, we have so much to do!" she almost squealed as she raced forward and began to pull me out the door. I went reluctantly as we walk around to the garage.

"We're driving?" I was surprised, normally when it's this cold Edward doesn't let me out, and yet snow was something I loved, loved the sun more, but still loved the beauty of the snow.

"Yep, now you with Edward, Emmett and Rose and Esme, Carlisle, you with Jasper and I in his. you know where we're meeting let's go!" we all climbed into the cars as we buckled in, Edward was driving with Rose beside him, Emmett and I were in the back which Emmett had insisted on.

"So you got to ride with the Major, did he scare you?" he asked as soon as the car started and we sped towards wherever we were going.

"The Major?" I was confused.

"Emmett," Edward warned from the front seat and as I turned forward I saw Rose shake her head and roll her eyes, at Edward or Emmett I wasn't sure, all I was sure about was I was curious about who they were talking about, but before I could ask anything more Edward changed the subject. "So I was the one who thought of this part, I hope you enjoy it Bella, I would have ran but with the weather being this way I don't want you to be cold, although we may have to run a little, I'm sorry."

"Okay," I hated running with Edward but I was a little excited to see what was planned.

We stayed silent then as the car began to slow before pulling to a standstill, "we're running from here," I nodded as I climbed out of the car, before walking towards Edward who swept me into his arms and onto his back. "Ready?"

Without waiting for a reply he began to run, moving through trees as I fought the tears in my eyes as the cold assaulted my face, but before the pain could get unbearable we stopped and I was set on my feet with a kiss on the head.

I stepped back as I turned around to inspect my surroundings we were at a lake, a frozen beautiful lake that was surrounded by trees covered in snow and icicles, it was magical.

"Yay you're here, skates on," I turned to see the rest of the family approach us with huge smiles on their faces, I couldn't help but smile too as I remembered the times when I was little and would used to skate with my mum.

I was thrown a pair of ice-skates so I pulled of a shoe at a time as I leant against the car.

"Want me to wait for you"? Edward asked as he stood beside me with his skates already on staring towards the lake.

"That's okay, you go ahead." I knew if I would have asked for him to wait he would have moaned or perhaps rushed me so that he could get on the ice sooner. I hated when he did things like that so it was easier sending him away then having him stay.

Again he kissed the top of my head before running towards the ice, landing on it with a graceful leap. Great, my mind moaned, something else he's better at than I am.

I tried not to place my feet on the floor as I stepped into my boots, bending down and tying the laces before wobbling towards the lake.

I stood to the side as I watched as the family skated, doing leaps and twirls that had me smiling, I could skate and I could skate well but the way they did it had me a little envious.

"Just going to stand there or are you coming?" my eyes snapped towards Rose as she approached, holding out her hand to help me onto the ice, an act which surprised me.

"Thank you," she nodded as she skated towards Emmet, who grabbed her hand before he twirled her.

"Hey, need help doing this?" Edward approached and I wanted to slap him, just because I couldn't walk without falling didn't mean I couldn't do anything.

"No thank you, I used to do this with my mum," I shrugged as I just stood there.

"Oh, well if you need me," he held out his hand before Alice called to him, "Race you Eddie!" he turned to me and I gestured towards her, watching as they both flew away in a flash.

I began to move my feet as I moved forward, my hands behind my back as I closed my eyes for a moment, I used to love Christmas and there's moments like these that I still did, but there was also times where I didn't anymore, since meeting Edward my holiday spirit began to disappear.

"Penny for your thoughts?" I almost slipped as a voice sounded beside me, my eyes snapping open as I held out my hands and prepared for the fall that never came. "Sorry," I looked up to see Jasper had caught me.

"Don't worry was in my own world," I smiled as we moved at the same speed, him beside me.

"What were you thinking, I could feel your joy and then despair from way over there?"

"I was just thinking about when I did this as a child and used to love Christmas."

"Used to?"

"Things change," I shrugged.

He was silent for a moment, "you're really good at this, I'm surprised, it normally takes all your concentration to walk without falling on a flat surface." I scowled at him, "you're not the only one who's observant."

"Yeah well when you do this for years it easier," I proved my point by spinning on the spot.

"Very good," he beamed with pride, "want to see what it feels like to do this as a vampire?" I stopped where I was as I turned fully towards him.

"What do you mean?"

"I remember doing this as a human; it was one of my favourite things to do with my sister."

"I didn't know you had a sister," I interrupted him.

"There are a lot of things you don't know about me but there's time." I nodded, "anyway when I was turned the first time I decided to skate it was like I was flying, it was incredible."

"Show me," I wasn't sure what processed me to say what I did, if it was Edward I would have said no but the way Jasper looked at me with the excitement that he was I couldn't stop myself.

"Here," he held his hand towards me as I stepped closer, lifting me up he placed me with my back towards him and me staring forward. I felt the worry creep up on me then, "don't worry Bella, I won't let you go."

"I was actually worried that the blades on my skates would hurt you," he laughed then and I smiled feeling my fears melt away as he wrapped his arms around me,

"Ready?"

"Do it," I shouted as he began to move, his pace starting slow before picking up in speed, getting faster and faster until he was full speed.

"Open your eyes Bella!" he called and I did, fighting against the cold wind as I did so, but when my eyes were used to the sting I gasped. He was right, this was so different and so much more! I could see a white blur all around me, I knew that being a vampire would be different and that they could see everything as clearly as I would if I was stood still, but now I loved all of this!

"Do you trust me?" I heard him whisper in my ears and I didn't even need to think about it as I nodded my head. I felt his arms move as he slowly let me go whilst continuing to move at a rapid speed, placing me on the floor so that I was moving at vampire speed without any help.

It was incredible! I'd always wondered what it would be like to be a vampire and have the speed that they did and now I knew and I wanted it more than anything, the freeness that you felt was such a rush! I closed my eyes for just a second then as I spread my arms wide, laughing at the wind that pushed against me, but once I opened my eyes again I saw that I was approaching a tree and that I wasn't slowing down. Fear filled me as I drew closer and closer, I knew I was going to crash, but once I neared it I felt arms wrap around me and pull me towards the side, us both crashing in the snow as I tried to catch my breath and slow my breathing.

"Are you okay? I should have stopped you sooner, you were just having that much fun I didn't want you to lose that smile or that feeling." Jasper spoke my ear.

"I loved that, I am sad that I had to stop but thank you for catching me." we stood then as we faced each other.

"I'm glad you liked it and it actually worked, it was something I've been thinking about showing you for the past few weeks."

"Bet Edward didn't like that," I whispered as I saw the family approach.

"What happened? Bella are you okay, you didn't fall did you?" I rolled my eyes once more.

"No I didn't fall," I huffed as his eyes snapped towards Jasper.

"You did what? I thought I told you absolutely not!" he snarled as he moved closer to him obviously reading what just happened in Jasper's mind.

"She wanted to try it Edward, you can't wrap her in cotton wool all the time you know, and it was her choice."

"She should never have had the choice, you should have just left her to skate alone and not tried to do anything with her that could cause her harm!" he yelled and that was about the time I'd had enough.

"Edward just shut up, I wanted to do it and Jasper wouldn't let anything happen to me, I am completely fine, you have nothing to worry about." I shouted right back as he took a step towards me now, "I'm fine." I repeated a little calmer.

He stared at me once more and I stood my ground staring right back, after what seemed like forever he huffed. "Fine, just don't do it again, you know I only want you to be safe."

I nodded my head as I glanced at Jasper trying to send him as much regret that I could, and as soon as Edward turned towards the rest of them I turned to him, moving my lips and forming two words, I'm sorry, watching as he gave me a small smile and shrug.

"Come on I think Bella needs to get home and out of the cold." I was actually alright but knowing I was in enough trouble as it was I nodded my head and took his hand letting him guide me towards the car. "Rose will you get in the back with Emmett, I want to keep an eye on Bella, god only knows what she'll do if I turn around for even a minute." My anger once again peeked as I slid into the passenger's seat and crossed my arms, feeling his icy hand on my leg as we drove towards the house and I found myself wishing I was in the other car sitting beside someone else.

A/N: So I thought I'd write a Christmas story that may lead on till after Christmas and new year, it's something I've been thinking about doing for the past few years but this year I just decided I might as well since Christmas is my favourite time of year, yep I am one of them, people call me Elf because if you've seen the film and met me you'd understand.

Anyway as always I am dyslexic so spelling and grammar are something I struggle with but I do hope you liked it.

Anyway let me know and until next time,

Jess

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