I do not own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does. I don't own A Christmas Carol either. Charles Dickens does.

CH 3 Edward's Past (BPOV)

I don't remember blinking, but one second I was in my room, the next I was in a fancy room in a different house. I wrapped my arms around my waist to support myself. I wasn't sure how I could handle this without being a weepy mess. I was looking forward and not looking forward, to seeing Edward at the same time.

"Where are we? These are some fancy digs," Emmett said as he glanced around. I looked around to the furniture. It looked brand new, but looked from a previous era.

"We are in Edward's parent's house," Carlisle answered.

I was curious on the year.

Suddenly, there was a screech, then a battle cry as a cat came scurrying into the room, claws clicking on the wooden floor, with a young boy chasing after it. I stumbled backwards to avoid a collision and a pair of arms caught me. Both forms ran through a startled looking Emmett, who was apparently caught off guard.

"That's just freaky, we're like ghosts now." He turned.

The arms that caught me steadied me then let go.

"Thank you," I turned to see Jasper standing behind me.

"You're welcome," he nodded.

We both turned back to the scene.
"Edward Anthony, stop chasing the cat." I heard someone coming into the room. I recognized Elizabeth from earlier tonight.

"That's sweet. Eddie, is already stalking the felines at the tender age of…er, how old is he?" Emmett looked at Carlisle.

Carlisle looked to be analyzing Edward from where he was. Edward's hair was lighter then in current time. He had piercing green eyes. His small rounded cheeks still had a baby look to him.

"I would say he is about four," Carlisle surmised.

Edward paused in the middle of the room. He turned to his mother with his hands behind his back. He was wearing a little suit, he looked so cute. I felt the hole on my heart clench and throb. I felt my eyes water as I watched the scene.

"Young man, what have I told you about chasing the cat?" His mother stood with her hands on hips.

"You told me to leave the cat be or he might scratch me." He gave her an angelic smile. Emmett and Jasper both snorted in laughter.

"Then why are you chasing him," she sighed in exasperation.

"I wanted to give him his Christmas present," Edward answered sweetly.

My first thoughts were how sweet that was. I glanced back at Edward as he was pulling a fish that would rival Charlie's catch from his inner jacket pocket. My mouth dropped open in shock.

Emmett and Jasper exploded into laughter and even Carlisle was chuckling lightly.

"Merciful Heavens," Elizabeth clutched her chest in shock. She closed her eyes and appeared to either be praying or counting. She spoke with her eyes closed. "Edward, please return the fish to the Cook in the kitchen. That is not something the cat can eat."

"Yes, Ma'am," Edward pouted as he ran off.

"Walk, do not run." She called after him with a sigh. "Must he run everywhere," she spoke to herself.

"Now that present was just fishy," Emmett snickered. "Oh come on that was funny." He looked around and noticed none of us were laughing.

"No it wasn't." Jasper shook his head.

"Bella, didn't you think it was funny?" Emmett was pouting.

"I thought it was sweet that he tried to give the cat a Christmas present." I admitted with a shrug.

"No, my joke," Emmett sighed in frustration.

"You told a joke?" I bit my lip trying to think back what he said before.

"My sentiments exactly." Jasper snickered, but he gave me an odd look.

I heard footsteps and saw Edward enter back into the room more carefully. This time he was carrying a tray with cookies and a glass of milk.

"Maria gave me this for Santa. She also said there was something for you." Edward handed her a note.

"You can put Santa's goodies on the table by the tree." Elizabeth unfolded the note and started to read it.

Edward did as he was told, then knelt by the tree. I looked at the tree. It was lavishly decorated with colored balls and ribbons. There were also candles lit on the tree instead of lights. There were more presents then I have ever seen under the tree.

Elizabeth refolded the note with a sigh.

She went over and sat on the sofa. Edward looked up and noticed her on the couch looking upset. He got up and went to sit next to her on the couch. He gave his mother a kiss on the cheek.

"Is Father going to be late, again," Edward asked, but it sounded more like a statement.

"Yes, he will not make it back until tomorrow." She ruffled his hair a bit. "Time for another hair cut," and he scowled trying to duck away.

"May I open one of my presents now, please?" Edward asked politely.

"Yes, you may." Elizabeth smiled as Edward slid off the sofa again and hurried to the tree. He grabbed a box and ripped the paper off. He opened the lid and pulled out a ball and new glove.

"Thank you!" Edward's green eyes were all a glow.

"You will need to thank your father. He bought the present. I am sure this spring your father will love to take you to the park and teach you to play." Elizabeth smiled, but Edward's faltered. "Don't look so sad. I am sure he will keep his promise."

I noticed the smiles didn't make it to either of theirs eyes. My broken heart went out to Edward. His father seemed like he was already letting him down when he was this young.

Edward

The scene went dark suddenly and it relit to a dark room, only a small bedside lamp was lit. The room was fairly bare except for a pendent over the bed for a school, a dresser and a desk that had books and papers on it. The room was so cold and empty feeling.

"Is this some sort of private school? Because Edward never made it to college when he was human, right?" Jasper asked scanning the room.

"I remember him mentioning that his parents sent him to private school for a time," I said softly.

"The calendar says it 1913 so Edward would be twelve." Carlisle stood by the desk. The door opened and Edward stormed in looking upset. His hair had darkened to the bronze color. He was carrying a box and flung it onto his bed. It went through Emmett before hitting the bed.

"I'm starting to think he is doing that purpose," Emmett muttered.

"Why don't you just move? You should be fast enough to avoid it?" Jasper rolled his eyes before leaning against the wall behind Edward's head as Edward ripped opened the letter to read it.

"Jasper, I'm not sure you should be invading Edward's privacy," Carlisle admonished him.

"We are here to learn more about him. Unless, he reads this out loud, we might have to do some investigating ourselves," Jasper answered. As he was reading he started to frown.

"Well, then," Carlisle prompted.

"It's from his mother. She was apologizing for being away with his father at Christmas. The business he has to attend to, is taking longer then expected and he needs her to stay with him. Edward has to stay at the school since no one will be at the house. She sent him some presents and promises to make it up to him," Jasper summarized.

"He is all by himself at Christmas." I felt tears come to my eyes.

Poor Edward, he was still just a kid. Did his parents really think that presents would make him feel better?

"Poor kid, I don't blame him for being so pissed off." Emmett grimaced.

"Merry Christmas to me." Edward balled the paper and tossed it into the basket. He grabbed the book off his desk and settled to read it on his bed.

Edward

The room went dark and then relit to a brightly lit dining room. Edward was seated in the middle of a long table dressed in a suit complete with vest and tie. He was no longer a little boy; in fact he looked to be close to the age before he was turned. He was devastatingly handsome even as a human. It made me realize even if Edward was human I was still paled in comparison.

Jasper cleared his throat. I looked at him and he shook his head as if he disagreed. I turned back to the table and avoided looking at Edward.

His mother was at one end of the table wearing a fine deep green gown that matched her eyes. She had a smile on her face. At the other end of the table was a man that had to be Edward's father. The facial features were strong in similarity. He was looking at the paper at the table.

"Mr. Masen, can that wait to later? This is our Christmas meal," Elizabeth asked sweetly.

"Yes, dear," He answered folding the paper. He took another bite of dinner before his gaze landed on Edward.

"So son, how is school?" he inquired.

"School is fine," Edward mumbled frowning a bit.

"I talked to the Dean, he says you're getting mostly As, except for that A- in Calculus. What happened there?" His father continued.

"He's upset over an A- minus, harsh." Emmett shook his head.

"From what I have known, Edward's father was always hard on him," Carlisle sighed.

"There was one test that was not my best, since I was sick during it." Edward shrugged.

"Hmm, perhaps I can see if you could retake it. Will this affect you graduating this year?" His father looked worried.

"Wait. Is Edward even seventeen, yet? He seems to be a little young to be out of high school," Jasper asked.

"His birthday was June 20th," I answered.

"So he is sixteen right now, right?" he looked at me, then Carlisle.

"Yes, this appears to be the Christmas just before I changed him." Carlisle nodded.

"No, worries, Father. I will graduate early to your plans," he replied bitterly.

"My plans?" His father looked agitated.

"Yes, your plans. The one where I graduate early then go to law school to join you at the firm," Edward answered a little snarky.

"Watch your tone. You have better plans? You would be a fool to think you could play that piano for a living. You will never make a living at it. How would you support a family?" His father dropped his fork with a clang.

"Actually, I was thinking of joining the war," Edward answered.

"Absolutely not." His mother looked panicked. "Tell him no."

"Of course, the answer is no. He is too young to enlist. You are going to school and that is final," His father said firmly.

Edward glared down at his plate.

Elizabeth looked over at him and smiled.

"Come now, Edward. Maybe it is time you should find yourself a young lady. Then you will see that the path your father has for you is right."

Edward glanced up, he look over at his mother and gave her a gentle smile.

"Mother, there are no girls here that I am interested in," Edward answered.

"If you get to know them you might change your mind," his mother insisted.

"Mother, I know that you have my best interests at heart. However, I have met most of the young ladies here. I know what they are like. Most of the young ladies around here are more interested in our family's money and status, than they are in me. I'd rather wait to find someone who is less superficial. Someone, who would want me for who I am. Someone that can carry on an intelligent conversation. Not some flighty girl that giggles incessantly while calling me 'Eddie'," Edward gruffly. "I am not going to lead someone on that I have no interest in. It would not be fair to her."

I felt the eyes of the other three give me pointed looks. This was said over ninety years ago, he could have changed his mind. I wished I could believe that it was true. I turned my gaze to the carpet.

"I will agree on you with that, son. You have plenty of time to court a young lady, later. You should focus on your studies, first." His father nodded.

Edward's face looked solemn, but didn't say anything. Elizabeth looked a bit disappointed.

"If we are done eating, join me in the parlor." His father placed his napkin down and stood. He walked over to Elizabeth's chair and pulled it out for her. Edward followed behind; going to the room we were saw Edward first when he was a little boy.

After everyone was seated Edward senior reached into his pocket and pulled out a black velvet box. He handed it to Elizabeth. Elizabeth smiled at him taking it and opening it.

I could see from my spot that it was a pearl necklace.

"The necklace is beautiful." She smiled up at her husband. They exchanged a look and you could see the love sparkling in their eyes. Edward's father had the same crooked smile that Edward did.

After a moment, they seemed to remember Edward was in the room. His father looked at Edward and reached into his pocket again.

"Merry Christmas, son." He tossed a set of keys to Edward.

Edward caught them single handedly. He looked at them, then back at his father.

"What are these for?" Edward asked looking at the keys in his hand.

"For your car. I know that I am hard on you, but I am proud of how hard you have been working at school. This gift is an award for you accomplishment. Not many young boys your age have cars. But I thought you might need it to travel to campus or even to come home on weekends to visit with your mother. I know she misses you when you are away."

"Thank you, Father and Mother." Edward's eyes were wide with excitement and had a pleased grin on his face.

The first real smile I think I have seen on him.

I wondered if Edward's father's way of showing his affection was by giving gifts. Maybe that is why Edward seemed he needed to buy me gifts all the time. He was trying to show his affection to me, like the way he was taught.

"May I, see the car now?" he asked.

"You may, your car is outside, next to mine." His father nodded.

Edward jumped up from his seat and hurried from the room. His father gave Elizabeth a peck on the cheek before getting up to follow.

"Cool, let's see what type of car his old man got him." Emmett turned to follow them.

Edward

The scene went dark and we reappeared again outside.

"Awww, man" Emmett whined. We had reappeared in an ally in the back of building. A few feet from us Edward was pacing.

Jasper watched him carefully then turned to Carlisle.

"Are we sure she should be watching this?" he asked.

"Excuse me?" I looked at him sharply. Who was he to censure what I watch. "There's a reason for me to be here to see this," I told him feeling very annoyed.

"So it's during Eddie's rogue period, Bells can handle it. I doubt they will show him attacking anyone." Emmett shrugged.

I turned my gaze back to Edward and walked a few steps forward to see him better. Edward looked to be the Adonis that I knew. Only his eyes were a deep orangey/red. He also appeared to be in agony. I hoped Emmett was right that I didn't have to see him attack anyone. I shifted closer to Carlisle in case I needed to hide my eyes quickly.

"This scene wouldn't show anything disturbing," Carlisle spoke up. "I remember this day clearly."

All most as soon as the words where out of his mouth, then the back door of the building opened and out walked Carlisle with a medical bag in hand. Edward turned to greet him.

"Dang, Carlisle, you haven't aged a day," Emmett commented.

"Thanks." Carlisle smiled dryly.

Jasper gave Emmett an incredulous look.

"What?" Emmett looked back at him.

Jasper just shook his head. "This is going to be a long night," Jasper sighed, turning back to the scene.

"Carlisle," Edward's musical voice spoke up, and I felt the edges of my hole tingled.

I clutched my arms around me tighter.

"Edward, it's good to see you. Merry Christmas." Carlisle smiled, he looked happy to see Edward.

"Merry Christmas. How have you and Esme been?" Edward appeared nervous.

"We are doing well. You should stop by, Esme misses you." Carlisle smiled.

"I will." Edward nodded running his hand through his hair.

"Edward, son, is there something troubling you?" Carlisle asked.

"I have come to offer you an apology for the way I left and for thinking that you were fighting against what I thought was natural for a vampire. I thought I could justify it with hunting those that hurt others. But now it seems like I have been playing God with people's lives and I do not like it. I decided to go back to the alternative lifestyle that you have adapted." Edward's head was bowed.

"I'm proud of you, Edward. It takes a big man to admit that he was wrong. I'm happy that you decided to turn your life around. Does this mean you will be coming home?" Carlisle gave him a gentle smile.

"You would allow me to come back?" Edward's eyes widened in surprise.

"Of course. You will always have a place in my home. Just because you chose to go out to find these things out on your own, does not mean I would turn my back on you. It was a lesson on life that you needed to learn for yourself, I understand that. I'm proud that you have found the right path for you, and committed to the decision on your own; that means more than just following a path because I told you to." Carlisle placed his hand on his shoulder.

"Awww, that's so touching," Emmett mocked as he hit his chest with his fist in fake emotion.

"Stop being an idiot." Jasper smacked the back of his head.

"Boys," Carlisle sighed closing his eyes.

"That was nice of you to say that to him. I think he was beating himself up over it." I looked at Carlisle.

"Thank you. Most often, I think Edward was always harder on himself than even his father. I wanted him to feel better about himself and not think that he was the monster that he believes himself to be.

"He's not a monster. He has never been a monster," I whispered softly.

"Not even during his rogue period?" Jasper questioned.

"No. Even then he was going after murders and rapists. If he didn't take those lives, any of those people could have become so much worse and killed even more. Edward saved more lives than killed, if you asked me," I defended my beliefs.

"Calm down. It was just a question. I wasn't sure you knew about that side of him. He doesn't like to talk about it much. I'm glad he told you himself," Jasper said soothingly.

"Then as long as you will have me, I would like to come back. I am tired of being by myself, I would enjoy some company." Edward gave Carlisle a man hug.

"I know that Esme would be excited to see you. You'll make her Christmas. Come, I'll show you where we are staying." Carlisle wrapped his arm around him and led him from the ally.

Edward

The scene change once again and we were in their home in Forks. I instantly cringed when I was flooded with both happy and unhappy memories.

The last time I was here, was the night of my birthday. My eyes took in the lavish decorations that had to be the work of Alice. There were bows and garland everywhere. As well as the tallest tree I have ever seen inside someone's house. There were even stockings hung by the fireplace with there names on them. Not surprisingly the tree overflowed with presents. Even more presents then in previous scenes.

The room was empty of all people. I heard a noise and looked up a stack of presents with legs came walking down. For the first time I felt like laughing a little

"Can you even see?" I smirked looking over at Jasper.

"How did you know it was me?" he snickered.

"The packages, has Alice wrapped them all over it, and the figure is way too tall to be her." Speak of the devil or I should say pixie, she skipped down the stairs and floated over to help Jasper's past self.

I looked at my former best friend and tears came to my eyes. I have missed her almost as much as Edward.

"She misses you, too," Jasper told me softly.

"Why didn't she say good-bye?" Tears stung my eyes.

"She wanted to, but Edward told her it would be best not to," Jasper answered hesitantly.

"That wasn't his decision to make," I hissed angrily.

Who was he to make that decision for her or me? I suddenly wondered where the others were, again.

"When it comes to each others mates, we respect their request, no matter how asinine," Emmett answered.

I snorted. I wasn't Edward's true mate though. I cut Jasper off before he could speak.

"Where are the others? No offense, but why are you three here instead any of the others?" I glared at Jasper. He looked surprise by my outburst but quickly made his face blank.

"I said, before I'm not sure." Jasper shrugged not really meeting my eyes.

"Bullshit," I called his bluff.

His eyes widen again. I regretted being rude, but I hated being lied to.

"Wow, Bella, I didn't know you had it in you." Emmett snickered.

I ignored him and kept my eyes on Jasper. "Did Alice tell you not to say anything?" I asked. I wouldn't make him betray his word to her, but he knew more then he was saying.

"Not, exactly, she just wasn't sure how well any of this would go over. And after how you were when we first saw you, I thought it was best left unsaid." He was still being cryptic.

I wondered what he was thinking that would upset me

"So they are with Edward?" I whispered, pieces clicking together in my head.

He nodded. He paused and seemed to be having an internal debate about something. He looked at me and gave me a grim smile.

"You might as well know that Edward and the girls are on a similar journey," Jasper admitted with a sigh.

I paused as this news sets in.

"Are you saying that they are going through my life?" I felt slightly panicked.

"Aww man, I'm in the wrong group." Emmett pouted.

"Are you okay?" Jasper looked at me.

I didn't answer. What was the purpose of Edward seeing my pathetic life? Would it just prove that he dodged the bullet?

"Bella?" Carlisle called to me sounding concerned.

"It's time!" Alice squealed loudly, directing the focus back to her.

I noticed most of the others had flittered to the room. For the first time, I saw Esme, I have missed her too. She was more of a mother figure to me then Renée. I wished I could hug them all. Well, maybe not Rosalie. Oh no, Jasper said the girls were with him. That means Rosalie was seeing how pathetic I was too. As if the golden hair goddess needed more proof that she was better than me.

"Edward!" Alice yelled making even me cringe.

"Alice, was it necessary to yell," Esme scolded her gently.

"I'm sorry I'm just excited." Alice was bouncing up and down.

Edward made it to the bottom of the stairs.

"And I'm sure they heard your excitement all over Forks." Edward rolled his eyes as he reached the bottom of the steps. He looked so handsome in the burgundy sweater with the sleeve pushed up his muscular arms. The arms that once made me feel loved and secure.

"Relax, my presents are already under the tree. And before you ask, yes they are all in order" Edward slipped his hands into his pockets.

"You have an order of how you put presents under the tree?" I asked.

"Yes." All three answered at once rolling their eyes. I opened my mouth but before I could comment that was a little OCD, they spoke in unison again. "Alice." As if that was all the explanation that I needed.

Then again, maybe that is the explanation I needed.

I watched as the other couples cuddled together and everyone started exchanging gifts. Poor Edward seemed the odd man out again. His face seemed solemn as he tried to keep his attention diverted from the displays of affection. The worse couple was Emmett and Rosalie; they were making me feel uncomfortable. I felt bad for Edward. He seemed lonesome, even in the middle of his family. I wished I could hug him, or that I was enough to have made him happy.

"It seems we should have been more aware how we were flaunting our relationships in front of him. It explains his depression even more, seeing it this way. We are all ignoring him, and making him feel as if he was the intruder." Jasper observed.

"You couldn't feel that from him before?" I asked.

"I felt his depression, but I was wrapped up in everyone else's joy that I considered him unreasonable at times. But looking at it like this, I can see that I can't blame him." Jasper looked regretful.

"I guess we should have been more mindful. He never said anything, so I didn't think it bothered him." Carlisle frowned.

"Probably because he knew that you weren't doing it on purpose," I said softly.

"Edward, Tanya called last night." Rose turned to him; she had a devilish glint to her eyes.

My chest clenched at the thought of the no doubtedly gorgeous vampire that wanted Edward.

"Did she? How is she and the others?" Edward sounded bored.

"They are good. She has been asking about you. Why don't you give her a chance, rather then be so mopey and ruining everyone else's good mood." She sneered.

"Bitch," I mumbled as I narrowed my eyes at her.

Jasper snickered at my comment. I glanced quickly at Emmett, realizing I just insulted his mate. He was frowning but it wasn't me he was looking at.

"I didn't mean to ruin anyone's good time. I will leave if that will make things better." Edward's eyes fell as he moved to get up.

"No, you can't leave on Christmas." Esme looked upset.

"Well, I'm not about to change my mind about Tanya just to be with someone. That isn't right," Edward sighed in frustration.

"Of course, not, dear. You deserve better then someone with questionable morals anyways." Esme reached over and patted his hand.

"I agree with Esme. Tanya is only interested, because you refused her. You are a game to her, nothing else. I don't want my brother hurt that way." Alice glared at Rose. I saw her lose focus for a minute.

"Who is that?" Edward's interest peeked as he eyed the pixie. Alice looked at him then shrugged.

"I think that is Chief Swan's daughter. She will be transferring in January. She is going to draw a lot of attention at the High School in a few weeks," Alice answered.

"Good, maybe that will draw the attention from us being the newbies." Jasper nodded.

"Yeah, just wonderful. I can't tell you how much I loved being stared at by millions of people." I huffed.

"Technically, only three hundred and fifty-seven," Emmett pointed out.

I stuck my tongue out at him. "You know what I meant. Alice, saw me almost as soon as I made my decision?" I turned to Jasper.

"She did, but she didn't know what it had meant yet," Jasper answered.

"Edward, will you please play the piano for us," Alice was asking him in full puppy dog pout mode.

"Any requests?" he asked standing. He issued a glare to Emmett. "I am not playing that."
Edward swiftly moved to the piano and started playing.

I unconsciously moved to his side as he played, "I am Dreaming of a White Christmas".I missed his playing. I could have sat and listened to him play for hours.

I looked up at the end of the song to realize the others had left the room without so much a word or at least none that I heard. Edward sighed as he continued to play.

"I guess after this we will be moving to the present," Carlisle spoke up.

I froze. I wasn't ready to see Edward's 'distractions'. It was going to hurt to see him if he was happy.

I felt some calming waves hit me, I glanced at Jasper.

"Does anyone know where Edward even disappeared to?" Emmett asked, his voice sounded off.

"He isn't with you guys?" I asked.

I saw them all exchange looks.

"No, he's not. We are not sure where he went. He left the rest of us soon after Forks. He hasn't talked to any of us." Carlisle spoke sadly. I sat there in shock. It didn't make sense. Where in the world did Edward go?

A/N: Poor Edward always the odd man out and a little lonely. A mixture of both Human and vampire scenes because they seem to make sense for Edward. Not only to see him but the difference in the family style. I hope the difference between the father styles came through.

Elizabeth addressed Mr. Masen formally because it was the proper way in those times. May seem odd, but things were so much more structured in those days.

Up next we hit the present. Note the present will happen as if the spirits have not intervened. Edward and the girls will see Bella's present first. Any guess how that will go over when Edward sees Bella in zombie form? But will be enough to send him running back? Or will he think he wrecked her too much?

Remember Edward doesn't know that Bella is on a similar journey, yet.

Thank You For All Reviews!

Preview:

"Bells, I am home," He called but there was no response. He sighed heavily as took his gun off his belt. Instead of hanging it up like I was use to seeing he took the gun and locked it in the drawer. His thoughts were spotty I caught something of him afraid of Bella using his gun. Why would she need a gun, is she in trouble? I followed quickly behind Charlie as he entered the kitchen. My breath caught in my throat as I saw Bella.

"Oh my God. Is she sick? What is wrong with her," Alice was right behind me sounding frantic.

Oh Bella, sweetheart. Esme sounded worried as she looked into the kitchen.