Bella's Last Christmas Wish

Disclaimer: All characters and copyright belong to Stephanie Meyer

Thanks for reading and leaving reviews! Not been a good week nothing like a tooth abscess to dampen the creative ideas! Hope you enjoy the next chapter.

Chapter 4

Edward had unwillingly left me alone so he could leave the island to hunt. He had left it as long as he could but it had been days since he fed and nothing on the island would relieve his thirst, he needed larger prey, he needed a mammal. He tried to hide his pain but his black eyes had betrayed how thirsty he really was and he was now on his way to the mainland. He promised me he would be back before dawn and we would do something wonderful together tomorrow,

I lay under the shade of the palm trees as a warm breeze blew in from the sea. Slowly I had come to realise that I had run out of choices for my life. I moved the sea shells I had collected across the palm of my hand and stared out to sea. My only option now was to be "turned" by Edward on our return home. I did not want to say goodbye to family and friends for ever and if I'm honest I did not want to give up my humanity but there was no other choice. I needed the protection of the Cullen's.

The reality of my situation had finally come home to roost and it gripped me in terror. Firstly the Volturi expected me to be changed full stop. If I did not become a vampire Demetri would not stop hunting until he found me and either killed me or turned me depending on the whim of Aro. Secondly without doubt they would kill Charlie and Renee. Thirdly they would come with a large force including Jayne and Alec. I felt revolution sweep through me as in my mind I could see them advancing on Forks. I also knew that Jacob and the pack would attack to protect La Push and the fight would end in their own destruction.

So there it was… become a vampire or everyone I ever loved or cared about would die. Before I came to Forks I had never given much thought to how I would die, though I'd had reason enough over the last year - but I would never have imagined that it would end like this. How ironic that the last time I had been at this cross road James had been the hopeful executioner.

Once again the ball was in my court, that by being changed by Edward and preventing the Volturi from attacking Forks, no one else would have to die because of me. At least the loss of my humanity would not be in vain after all I thought, as I felt a tear fall silently down my cheek. I could not and would not let anyone else die in my place. I had got myself in this position, no one to blame but me.

I threw the shells down angrily and stomped back up the beach to the house. Well I thought to myself as I brushed away the tears. I had better get on with it then, start making plans for my future my…change. I also needed to see Charlie again, to have a proper goodbye. I had to do that I owed him. In fact I needed one last get together with everyone before my human time was up. I needed to get off this island and if I was not to hurt Edward too much I needed a plan and I think I had one.

When I reached the house I grabbed my cell phone and dialled Jacobs's number. He did not answer. I then phoned Charlie who answered almost immediately " Hi ya kiddo, how are you" came the warm tones of my father's voice.

"Hi dad I said "I've got something I need to ask you"

I must have been crying in my sleep because Edward woke me when he had reached over and wiped the tears away.

"What is it my love" he crooned why do you cry?

"It's ok Edward" I lied. "It's just a dream that's all".

Edward frowned "I wish I knew what was going on in that pretty little head of yours love" he whispered and traced his cold fingers across my cheek. It felt so good when he took me in his arms and kissed me again. I had missed his cold embrace whilst he was gone and my fevered body betrayed me yet again, it clung onto him in appreciation and more than a hint of desperation!.

Edward immediately began to back off, the alarm bells for his boundaries going off loudly, but I clung on letting his wonderful aroma wash over me and I wanted more. I needed to taste him, I needed to be loved by him, I wanted his body now. My tongue greedily licked his neck and my breathing became harsh.

Edward with ease unwound my fingers and pushed my arms down to my sides. He laughed nervously as he saw me pout. "Bella love" he crooned "We agreed did we not that I would not make love to you until you have been changed" and with inhuman speed he darted to the other side of the room."

I watched as his eyes returned to their soft honey tones and although he did not breathe his chest began to slow in response. I had pushed him closer to the edge and his vampire instincts had responded. I sat up with a start and the tears began to fall again. What is it with me? I had just been rejected by my own husband but I was also sad because I was so, so relieved Edward had stopped it from going any further.

"I'm sorry Edward" I called to him," I don't know what came over me". Before I could utter another word he was stood in front of me kissing me softly. "Bella I love you so much but we must wait until your change. You know that this is the safe option and I have sworn to protect you always" he moaned, as his lips found mine again, his golden eyes scorching under his thick eyelashes.

My tears began to fall and I sobbed "oh Edward"

"What is it my love, please tell me" he begged.

"Perhaps I'm just homesick" I mumbled "but I need to see Charlie again and….and I would like to spend one last Christmas with him" I finished the sentence in a whisper and waited for Edwards reaction.

He looked at me in a serene way "Of course Bella, if that makes you happy I will arrange to leave the island as soon as I can get fights booked" he smiled at me but the smile did not reach his eyes.

The next day Edward was quiet and I knew he was hurt that I wanted to leave the island. I decided that I would surprise him with some good news as we lay under the swaying palms watching the wave's crash upon the sand. The sunlight was lighting Edwards's skin with millions of rainbows and I marvelled at his beauty. His golden eyes watched me as I traced a finger across his skin, just as I had done in our special meadow when we both realised the power of love, after all I was still alive!

"Edward" I said and looked him in the eyes "I have another request to make"

He looked at me with concern but tried fruitlessly to look enthusiastic. "Ha" I thought who could blame him. It was only a few hours ago that I had asked to end our honeymoon early to get back to Forks.

"Edward" I went on "I really want to go to college do you think it's too late?"

Edwards head snapped up in response to my question. He certainly was not expecting that one I gleefully thought to myself.

"Really love, you really want to go to college?" his voice betraying his delight. He grabbed both my hands and pulled me up into a standing position "Oh Bella you are going to love college, I've already taken the liberty of buying a house there just in case you know…" He smiled and cocked his head to one side like a naughty little boy who had accidently spoilt the surprise.

"Yes Edward I really do" I laughed back at him but what about the date for my change I frowned

"Don't worry about that" he smiled "We will sort out the details later when we return to Forks. In fact this could work in our favour as you will have an excuse not to see everyone for a while" Edward looked so happy I was pleased I had made the suggestion.

"We are really going to college?" Edward repeated in awe as he swung me round and round.

Yes my darling husband we are!" I replied.

Two days later we landed back at Seattle Airport and I was soon settled back in the Cullen's lounge a smirking Emmett waiting his chance to mention the honeymoon. Honestly I thought to myself all that is ever on Emmett's mind is smut, sport and more smut. No wonder Rosalie always looked moody. I giggled to myself with that image in mind and immediately drew Emmett's unwanted attention.

"What have you been doing to my little sister Edward, look she's spaced and out giggling to herself. Did you frighten her in the bedroom naughty boy" and he wagged his finger as he spoke.

Edward was not amused. He stiffened and immediately suggested we go outside for a walk.

"Oh yes I see" called Emmett as we left "Want alone time again Edward? Need more practice, maybe a manual from Carlisle's library? You must need it as seeing you returned early from your honeymoon you obviously did not get the main prize my dear brother. Hey Jasper" he called "I think we still have two virgins in the house" We could still hear his big bellowing laugh as we reached the edge of the forest.

"Sorry about that love" Edward smiled as he touched my cheek. "Come climb on my back and I will run like we used to" he laughed.

I eagerly clambered onto his back and Edward ran full pelt into the forest. It was divine to be running again and I tucked my chin into his neck and breathed in his wonderful aroma. We ran for ages through the undergrowth watching small creatures dart out of the way and flustered birds swoop high up into the sky. We came to a crashing halt just as the sound of the wolves howls reached my human ears.

"Bella, oh no"" whispered Edward, "What have I done, how could I have been so stupid?"

As I looked ahead five wolves pushed through the encroaching trees, snapping and growling.

"I've run into their territory, I'm sorry Bella" Edward sighed, then suddenly a fierce growl ripped through his chest, slipping into a crouch, he prepared to defend me.