(A/N: Hey guys. Sorry it's been a couple of weeks since I've updated. I'll tell you about it at the bottom.)
I shopped until I was blue in the face. Edward had to be the hardest person on Earth to shop for. I looked in all of the electronic stores for cds, movies, anything cool looking, but he already had it all. What do you get the man who has everything? I had no clue.
I figured that something homemade, something from the heart, would be my best bet. To get some ideas, I headed to the local thrift store. I stepped out of my old red Chevy and onto the black pavement. Snow had gathered on either side of the parking lot and I was thankful that I could see salt on the sidewalk; at least it wouldn't be slick. As I stepped through the old door of the store, a bell chimed acknowledging my entrance.
"Hello Bella dear. I haven't seen you in quite a while. How have you been?" the old owner, Gladys, asked. I'd gone to this thrift store ever since I could remember. She had always showed me the books she'd recently gotten in. Gladys was an elderly lady of around sixty-five, with silver hair that was always twisted into a bun. She had gained quite a few more wrinkles since my last visit.
"I've been good Gladys. I got home for Christmas break last week and thought I'd stop by and get some ideas for some gifts," I answered her.
"Oh? For whom?" Gladys queried.
"Umm, my, uh, boyfriend. We just started dating and I have no clue what to get him," Gladys was always an easy person to talk to. She put me in mind of what a grandmother would be like. After all, she probably was one.
"Oh my! You've got a beau? You'll have to bring him by and let me meet him. If he's captured your heart, I'm sure he's something else. Well, about the gift, I don't know what tell you. I haven't had to buy for a man in some time now. Sorry, I'm not much help," Gladys smiled with her false teeth as she talked of her deceased husband.
"I'll just have a look around. Thanks Gladys," I told her.
I started walking along a wall, the old wooden floor creaking under my weight. I saw the same things I had seen in the mall, just older: books, records, eight-tracks, tapes, movies. It seemed as though I wasn't going to find anything here either. I started to make my way towards the exit and stepped on my shoe lace. I flew forward with my arms in front of me, bracing myself. My left arm collided with a shelf, bringing some things to the floor with me. Finally, I landed with a thud.
"Ouch," I mumbled, pushing myself off the floor after making sure that no bones were broken.
When I got to my feet, I looked around me to check out the damage. It was then it caught my eye. The things that were on the shelf were sprawled across the scene of the crime. Among those items were books and notebooks. A brown, leather-bound notebook in particular, lay at my feet, waiting to be picked up. I did just that. I only opened to the middle of the book to see what could have been hiding inside. Blank sheets of paper, aged around the edges, with random lines of different widths came into view. This was a music journal. I had found the perfect gift.
I wanted to get him a new one though and have his name engraved on it. I thanked my lucky stars for my clumsiness, for once. I looked up in enough time to see Gladys making her way over to where I was.
"Are you alright Bella, honey?" she asked.
"I'm fine. I'm sorry about making a mess. But I think I found something. How much do you want for this?" I asked her with a wide smile spread across my face.
"Oh, that? You can have that honey, it's been sitting here for ages now. Go on and take it, I'll clean this mess up," Gladys informed.
"Thanks Gladys; you're the best," I said walking towards the exit with more caution now.
"I know it; I know it," she laughed.
I placed the journal in my bag and buckled my seatbelt. The heater of the truck was on its last legs and I hoped that by next winter, I would have my career started and paying on a new car. The trip home, or to Rose's and Jasper's, was uneventful. But as I pulled into the driveway, I noticed a big red Jeep and sleek silver Volvo parked behind one another. I instantly grew suspicious.
EPOV
I woke up every morning in the same manner: thinking of Bella. Granted I talked to her every day on the phone, and I saw her every other day. My mind never strayed from her, even in my sleep.
Christmas was one week away and the gift I got her came in the mail yesterday; I hoped she liked it.
I checked the clock to realize that I had a good night's rest and had slept a little late. I smiled at the reason for that. My dreams of Bella and I had consumed me and I never wanted them to end. I picked up my cell phone and dialed her home phone number, hoping I could see her today.
"Hello?" Rose answered.
"Hey Rosalie. Is Bella there?" I asked her.
"She got up early this morning to finish her Christmas shopping. She wouldn't even let me go with her. Did you need anything?" Rose replied.
"No, I was just wondering if I could come up and see her today," I sounded disappointed even to me.
"Well, you can still come over. She didn't sleep too well last night, so I'm sure she'd be glad to see you when she gets back. It'll be a nice surprise. Bring Emmett and Alice along too. We'll order some food and watch some movies," Rose started talking animatedly.
I had suggested that we take separate vehicles just in case someone wanted to leave before the others did. Much to my surprise, Emmett and Alice agreed. Alice rode with Emmett in his monstrous Jeep, so I had the ride to think about things.
Bella and I had been dating for a couple of weeks now and I knew already that I loved her. There would be no other person for me; but did she feel the same? Most of the time I felt the answer was yes. But I'd be the first to admit; I was scared of her reaction if I said those three words to her.
I quickly made a plan to tell her on Christmas day, after I had given her all I got her. Before I knew it, we were pulling into the Hale's driveway. Emmett pulled in behind me and we shuffled out of the vehicles. Jasper had the door open already, beckoning Alice to him. Emmett walked past Alice and Jasper's embrace and into the house where Rosalie was waiting for him.
"Hey baby," he greeted.
"Hey!" Rose smiled widely.
Everyone had their significant other next to them, cuddling up to them, except for me. My better half was out shopping her heart out for others; and I couldn't wait to see her, to hold her like Jasper was Alice and kiss her like Emmett was Rosalie. She couldn't get there quick enough for my liking.
"What does everybody like on their pizza? I'm buying," I half-yelled to get everyone's attention.
"Mushrooms…Ham…Cheese…Sausage," was their answer.
"Can I just order a supreme pizza without the anchovies?" I asked another question, hoping to satisfy everyone.
"Sure!"
I placed the order and went to sit on the couch in front of the television. Flipping through the channels, I saw that nothing held an interest for me. I wanted to see Bella. Thankfully, I heard a roaring engine and a car door slam shut. I ran to the door, swinging it wide open and I saw the most beautiful creature on the planet. I had to rush out and greet her for fear I may internally combust with the love I held for the woman I so intently stared at.
BPOV
I stepped out of the truck and slammed the door shut. Having my boyfriend over as I hid what would be something like his Christmas present wasn't what I had in mind. After I took the first step towards the house, I saw the door swing wide open and there stood my own personal Adonis. Our eyes locked together and he rushed out to meet me, a wide smile on his face.
When he caught up to me, he swept me up, twirling me around in a circle, kissing whatever his lips landed on. Edward slowly put me down and planted a soft yet passionate kiss on my lips.
"I've missed you too," I laughed when he broke the kiss.
"You don't realize how much I missed you. I had to sit on your couch and watch Alice and Jasper cuddle while Emmett and Rose made out. I was all alone right in the middle of it. Your beautiful face showed up not a moment too soon," Edward responded.
I heard another vehicle pull into the driveway behind us and automatically turned to see who it was.
"Right on time," Edward whispered.
He walked to the window of the unknown car and pulled some money out of his pocket. It suddenly clicked when the driver of the car lifted a big box to Edward that he had ordered pizza.
"Let's get inside before we freeze to death," Edward said as he strolled by me with a pizza box in hand.
We made it inside and I hadn't realized how cold my face had gotten in the short time I was outside until the warmth of the house stung my cheeks. I greeted everyone and followed Edward into the kitchen. He looked like he was right at home here with the rest of us. I was glad I got him to come over a few days before and that I had given him the grand tour of the house.
"I hope you like a lot of toppings. I got a supreme to please everyone," Edward said as he opened the box, revealing the cheesy gloriousness.
"I do," I replied, grabbing a slice as I sat down at the table.
Edward mimicked my actions and came to sit beside me. I noticed that he sat as close to me as possible; I wasn't going to complain. I had missed him horribly.
"So, what did you do today?" He asked as the others came in to grab a slice of pizza.
"I got my Christmas shopping almost finished," I answered as everyone stole glances my way.
"I didn't see you bring any bags in," Rosalie said with a confused look on her face.
"I said I almost have it finished. I got an idea or two that I need to work on," I told her, trying not to give anything away.
She nodded her head and grabbed a couple of slices, putting them on a foam plate and walked back out to the living room with Emmett following her. Only his plate carried many more slices.
"We're all going to watch a movie in the living room, if you want to join us," Alice spoke with a smile on her face.
"What movie?" I asked her.
"Don't know yet. We were all going to decide when you got here. So come on!" Alice chimed. The way she walked out of the kitchen looked like she was dancing.
We all got settled onto the couch and Jasper started flipping through the on-demand channels, looking for a movie worthy of watching. After the boys shot down the chick flicks like "The Notebook" or "Pretty Woman" and we girls shot down the "Rocky" and "Scar Face" movies, we settled upon "Shallow Hal".
Edward sat on one end of the couch while I snuggled into his side, his arm wrapping around me like a blanket. Every time that Edward laughed, I could feel the vibrations coming from his chest. It gave me a peaceful feeling to be here in his arms, like this was how it was always meant to be. That peaceful feeling pulled me into unconsciousness and I fell asleep on Edward's shoulder.
I had a dream. It wasn't a bad one either; like most of mine are. I was dressed in a white gown, my hair curled and fixed. I held a bouquet of flowers; daisies and other wild flowers. This was my wedding; I just knew it. And if my gut wasn't enough to prove it, doors opened and I heard music flowing, signaling me to start walking. At the end of the room, I saw Edward dressed in a black-on-black tuxedo. He was the most handsome I had ever seen him at that moment. In a flash, I was with Edward, my hands in his. I looked up into those deep emeralds and the only thing I could say was "I love you."
His smile widened, if it were possible, and he sad it back. His voice was so velvety and rich sounding to the extent that if I never heard another thing on this earth besides his voice, I would die happy.
All too soon, things started to disappear. I knew what was going on. I had dreamed enough to know when I was waking up. I usually welcomed the blackness of everything disappearing, but not this time. I never wanted to wake up from this joyful moment.
"Bella? Bella, wake up. You're dreaming again," I heard his voice once more. That gave me the encouragement I needed to pry my eyes open.
I wasn't disappointed with what I saw either. Edward's face was mere inches from my own, those green orbs looking down upon me intently. It was then I noticed that I was lying in my bed and Edward was with me. How did this happen?
He saw the question in my eyes and smiled that crooked grin I had come to love so much.
"I was going to leave as soon as I put you in bed. But you told me to stay. I hope that was okay," he said.
"Thank you," I answered him. I wasn't ready for him to leave me just then.
"For what?" He questioned curiously.
"For staying. It was the best sleep I've had in a while," I told him, my cheeks blushing against my will.
"Anything for you, my Bella," he whispered. I loved the way he said that, my Bella. He claimed me as his and I wouldn't have it any other way.
He rolled off to lie on his back, the crooked grin still in place.
"What?" I asked him. He was thinking about something.
"Did you know that you talk in your sleep?" he said, looking over at me.
"What did I say?" I groaned. It was hard to tell what would come out of my mouth while I slept.
"Just that you loved me," he said.
Oh God. Had I just scared him off by saying that? He wasn't running away and he seemed pleased with what I had said. I figured I'd just go with the flow.
"You already knew that," I said trying to look annoyed.
"Yeah, but it's nice to hear just the same," he retorted.
I sighed and threw the back of my hand over my eyes, letting my embarrassment show. He grabbed that hand and pulled it away from my face and to his lips. He kissed it once, gazing intently into my eyes. He put it down and scooted my body to where we hugged up next to each other face to face.
"I love you too," he whispered.
His lips met mine and the kiss quickly deepened. They massaged against my own and soon I felt his tongue slither between his lips and brush up against mine. It ran along the outside of my top lip and didn't relinquish until I obliged and opened my mouth. His tongue slid in and I couldn't stop the moan that emerged from the feelings that erupted. It caressed my own tongue and the two danced together for the first time. My fingers threaded through his bronze locks while his hands cupped my neck and cheek. We continued this way only breaking apart to catch a breath. After it had slowed down, we were both breathless and he left me to pant while he busied himself with kissing across my jaw and down my neck; finally stopping at my collarbone.
"You should sleep; and I should go. It's getting too late," Edward spoke, his voice airy as he tried to catch his breath.
"Please stay. You'd worry me being out on the road this late and it's supposed to get slick tonight. Please?" I begged.
He considered his options for a moment before reaching inside his jeans pocket and pulling out his cell phone.
"Alice? Yeah, I'm fine. Listen, I'm staying over at Bella's tonight. She's afraid the roads might be slick and I don't want to worry her. Just tell mom where I'm at so she won't worry too. I love you too Alice. Bye," I listened to his conversation.
He snapped the phone shut and laid it on the night stand beside him.
"Alice and Emmett went home already?" I questioned wondering why they left.
"Yeah they left a couple of hours ago. I stayed up here with you after you asked me to stay. They came up here and told me they were leaving and I said I'd be home after a while. I wanted to tell you goodnight. I guess I drifted off to sleep and woke up to you talking and that's when you said that you loved me. I couldn't leave after that. I just couldn't bring myself to do it until I told you how I felt," He got up and started for the door.
"Wait! Where are you going?" I asked afraid he was leaving after all.
"Relax; I'm just going to ask Jasper if I can borrow some sleep clothes. I'll be right back," he chuckled.
I relaxed a bit at knowing he was going to be here with me and not on the icy roads of Forks. Edward came back into the room wearing a t-shirt and flannel pajama pants. He pulled me up against his body once more and kissed me fully and lovingly on the lips.
"Goodnight Bella. Sweet dreams," He whispered softly.
"Goodnight Edward. I love you," I told him.
"And I love you as well," He wrapped his arms around my waist and put his face in my hair, inhaling the scent.
We fell asleep like this, spooning one another. It was by far the best night's sleep I had ever received. And I had Edward to thank for that; him and his love put me at rest. A rest I hadn't seen or felt in years.
(A/N: I'm terribly sorry for not updating sooner. I have had exams, quizzes, and papers galore to turn in. I can't wait until Christmas break is actually here.
Anyways, how'd you like the chapter? They finally told each other their feelings. Was it too soon or did they wait too long? What did you guys think about what Bella MAY be getting Edward for Christmas? What do you all think he got her? Thank you to one of my reviewers, Ida Sofie, for the mall idea! It helped! If you guys have suggestions or have anything you'd like to see happen in the story, tell me! I've been known to use some ideas. With that being said, I'd appreciate the reviews. Thank you TwilightFan4Life for betaing this story. We both know this chapter needed it! Until next time!
-Shanbug07)
