IX: Edward the Festive

By Miss. Bra


This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone."
~ Taylor Caldwell (1900-1985), English novelist.

I didn't think it to be possible for Carlisle to have a day that he didn't have to work, but I actually found it! He didn't work from the 24th until the 26th of December and now I remembered why I didn't like him home anymore. Carlisle Cullen, thoughts and all, was utterly annoying.

Would she like the yellow wrapping paper or the lemon wrapping paper?

"So are you two together yet?" I asked absentmindedly, putting a small ball on the Christmas tree I had picked up yesterday.

"Keep your voice down, Edward!" Carlisle hissed from the fireplace where he was wrapping his gifts. He had finished mine and placed it under the tree. He was finishing off Esme's now. Christmas was never a shock for me. I always knew what I would get and sometimes that bothered me.

I had gotten a good notion that Esme and Carlisle had gotten together. With all the smiles and touches that they had been giving each other lately and, of course, the way she usually always confided to him now. They were almost constantly hugging, or grinning, or chatting softly. Well, whenever Carlisle was home, that was. Which, as I thought about it was not that often. "So you're not!" I groaned, falling back onto the floorboards. "Damn it Carlisle, just ask her, would you!?"

"I'll do it when I want to, Edward," Carlisle scowled me, "Please, Edward, mind your own business."

I frowned. "I live in the same house, I have to endure it and I think it is my business as much as it is yours."

"Carlisle!" I roared at him as soon as Esme was out of ear shot. "You did a stupid thing today!"

He frowned and pushed past me in the doorway, stepping into the lounge room and collapsing into the chair. "I know Edward, let's not talk about it."

"I want to know why," I seethed. "Why in the name of all things holy did you even think about taking her out on the town. Do you know how old she is, Carlisle, she is three months old! Three months!"

"I am quite aware of that, Edward," Carlisle replied with a seething tone I had never heard. I knew that he was killing himself on the inside, which he knew now the consequences of his actions and he was utterly disgusted in himself.

"But Edward," He sighed, "You should have seen the look on her face when I said where we were going… She was absolutely thrilled."

I grumbled. I shouldn't have told him what I said, but the whole situation was getting annoying and was really un-needed. "She's happy if she only gets to spend a second with you Carlisle," I replied, "You're never home." And then I turned and stalked out the room, leaving Carlisle to his thoughts.

'Edward… I'm sorry…'

No, I wasn't going to let the bad memories fog over Christmas. I was going to make it the best Christmas ever, for all of us.

Esme was up bathing at that moment and came down, patting her hair dry, hanging her towel over the fire place. "Merry Christmas, boys," She grinned, placing her gifts under the Christmas tree that I was decorating.

"Merry Christmas, Esme," I replied as she stood up and pressed her lips to my forehead. I wrapped my arms around her body and hugged her.

"I love you, Edward," She murmured against me.

"I love you too, Esme, help me decorate the tree, would you?" I said, letting go of her, pointing to a box of new decorations Carlisle had bought a week before.

She didn't hug me…

I shot the sulking Carlisle a look.

Sorry, son, I didn't mean for you to hear that…

"Merry Christmas, Carlisle," Esme grinned as she stepped over to my father and wrapped her small arms around his frame. I grinned as Carlisle jumped for joy in his head. It was the small things with Esme that made my father happy.

"Merry Christmas, Esme," He replied.

"Esme!" I called, holding up the golden star in my hands. "Will you put the star on top this year?"

Esme smiled as she took the star gently in my hands. All the gifts were under the tree, each addressed to each other. The tree was high and decorated accordingly and the fire was going, the hearth decorated in coloured paper and glitter.

Slowly, Esme reached up to the top of the pine tree and balanced the golden star on top. "Merry Christmas, everyone," She breathed, coming back.

I waited a moment for them to stop smiling at the golden ornate on the top of the tree. I waited another second. Both of them were keen to stay standing next to each other, just staring in silence. That, of course, I couldn't have.

"Alright!" I announced, moving over to sit under the Christmas tree. The sun was coming up in the morning, and like any other person on the earth, I was secretly, selfishly loved presents. "Present time!"

Esme laughed softly at my childishness and moved over to sit by Carlisle on the lounge. "Alright, Edward, hand them out," She grinned.

I took out Carlisle's first, a small box wrapped in blue paper with a tag clearly written 'CARLISLE' on it. He grinned at me as he received it. "Thank you son." I leant down to hug my adoptive father and he gave me a hearty pat on the back. "Even though I am an obnoxious, bratty seventeen-year-old, I still love you with everything I have, Dad."

"Thank you, Edward," He smiled back at me. Slowly, carefully, he took the paper between his fingers and opened it. "Oh, Edward, really, you shouldn't have!" Carlisle grinned, pulling out the new medical text book he had so wanted for the last two months. "I thought you said I worked too much, Edward!"

"I did," I replied. "But obviously your work makes you happy." There was, obviously, something else that made him happy, but I hadn't figured out a way to make it a gift for Christmas. Esme with a bow! I chuckled.

"Thank you, son," He grinned, setting the text book aside.

It was Esme's turn; so once again, I dipped under the tree until I found a package that was clearly marked "ESME" in the dark blue paper. I retrieved it and set it on her lap, giving her a swift peck across the cheek.

How come it's so easy for him to do it? Would I get the same reaction if I did it?

I pushed Carlisle's thoughts to the back of my head as I watched Esme open her present. I smiled at the sudden gasp she gave as she opened the present.

"Oh, Edward! It's lovely!" She gasped, holding the obsidian statue in her hands, being careful not to break it.

"I made it myself," I grinned. The statue, reflected in perfect obsidian, one which the colours danced off, was of a beautiful woman, one that was remarkably similar to Esme, a taller man, that resembled Carlisle in his figure and a boy, a young adult, me. I leant up to point to each one. "That one is you," I murmured. She giggled.

"She is much too beautiful to be me," She replied.

"Nonsense, Esme," I mock scowled, moving to the next person. "That one is Carlisle," I grinned, flicking my eyes up to him. "And that one is me."

"It's lovely, Edward, thank you," She grinned.

"Yes, son," Carlisle said, "You handy work is remarkable. Well done."

Esme hopped up this time, putting her statue to the side and crawling underneath the tree. "My turn!" She announced, fishing out her two gifts that I had gotten on a day out to Ashland. "Now, I know I wasn't allowed out of the house, but I think I did a pretty good job. Carlisle's first." She balanced herself on her knees as she slid the present over his knee. Again they embraced and again I rolled my eyes. I had to do something about this.

Carlisle opened the present, and again, revealing a small box from the jewelers. He grinned as he lifted the small lid, revealing the smallest of necklaces holding a small singular pendant. It was adorned with the smallest of diamonds that I had personally made. And, as he turned it over, his smile faded only for a moment and his eyebrows creased only the slightest as he read the inscription on the back.

Quod hic ego servo totus of meus specialis

"And here I keep all of my secrets," He whispered, touching the silver shell softly. "Oh Esme, thank you."

To look at me, I was perfectly serene. But, as I look back now at my mental state, I was a love-struck teenage girl watching a movie, totally captivated in the couple and when I felt the right moment came I raised my hands in the air, bawled them into fists and yelled: "KISS, KISS, KISS!"

"I'm glad you like it," She replied. "Alright, Edward's turn!"

Esme slid the present across my leg, the present I had bought myself, the present I already knew about. "Thanks, Esme," I grinned, ripping off the paper, revealing the 300 page thick book of classical piano compositions. "Just what I wanted."

Carlisle got up this time and Esme moved back to her seat. He took the remaining two presents out from under the Christmas tree and balanced each on his knee. "For Edward, my son," He handed it to me, the small, flimsy present. "But you have to wait until you open it." And then he handed his present to Esme. "I was at loss for what to get you, but I hope you find it suitable."

I let Esme opened hers first, as instructed and watched her face light up as she opened the small parcel. "Oh Carlisle, I love them!" She announced, shuffling through the books that Carlisle had given her. I scanned the titles: A complication of Shakespeare's sonnets, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, Moby Dick by Herman Melville, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, Wuthering Heightsby Emily Brontë and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. "Thank you so much! They're just what I wanted!"

I was glad she was going to be entertained now, but I really wanted to know what my gift from Carlisle was. He seemed to read my anticipation and said, "Alright, Edward, now it's your go."

I tore the wrapping paper open, only to reveal another piece of paper with Carlisle's distinctive handwriting on it. Go to your room, Edward.

I got up, unable to hide my smile across my face as Carlisle ushered Esme to follow. My door was shut, so I flung it open quickly, stepping inside. I had to give credit where credit was due; I didn't know what was lurking in my room. Carlisle had kept his thoughts guarded well for once and it was rather thrilling to have something as a surprise.

"Merry Christmas, Edward," He grinned as I spotted the gramophone sitting beside my bed.

"Oh, Carlisle!" I cried, leaping over to it. "That is amazing!"

"I got you some classical albums," Esme replied from his side. "I'm so happy you like it, Edward."

"Thanks Dad," I grinned, "And Esme."

"You're welcome."

Something felt so wrong about the "Dad and Esme" part. It didn't sit right with me. "Mum and Dad" however, sat very well.


And so we sat down in the lounge now, my new gramophone crackling, brining to life the very best of Bach into the Christmas midday. Esme sat next to Carlisle, who I knew would love nothing more than to swing his arm around her shoulder and bring her in close.

I sat wondering at the fire, thinking of the days that were to come for us. Whether they be hardships or not, who we would meet, what the years would bring for Carlisle, Esme and I.

The past three months I had shared with Esme had gone so quickly. I loved her as a person, inside and out- she was remarkably beautiful. I would have done anything for Esme at that point, she was so dear to me, and that feeling hasn't changed.

My eyes were wandering slowly around the room and it wasn't until Carlisle got up to kindle the fire that they suddenly fell on something left in the box. Something leafy and green.

"Esme," I said. She looked up.

"Yes, Edward?" She replied.

I pointed to the box. "Looks like I forgot to put up a decoration, would you put it up for me?" I asked innocently. Slowly, she rose, reaching into the box and picking up the small decoration.

"Where should I put it?" She asked, searching the walls with her eyes, biting her lip only slightly like she did when she was in deep concentration.

I got up then and pointed to the piece of string hanging down from the ceiling that I had secretly, purposely put there. "We always hang it there," I told her. Esme nodded and tied the plant to the string, letting it dangle just over her head.

It was at that point that Carlisle turned around from the now flaming fire, wondering what I was doing. As quick as lightening- I was always the fastest- I was behind Carlisle, two hands on his back.

"Edward, what are you doing? Uh!" He cried as I pushed him.

"Ah!"

"Edward!" Carlisle almost roared, catching Esme as he bumped into her. "What is the meaning of this?"

I grinned as I rocked back and forth on my toes. "My, oh my," I sung childishly. "Look who's under the mistletoe!"


I hope you liked this chapter. Sorry it's a little shorter.

Disclaimer- I don't own Twilight. Stephenie Meyer does.

Esmerela-Kaulitz-Cullen: Wait no more! I hope you have fingernails left and I'm glad your liking my story so much. Sorry about such a cliffhanger, but I'm sure you'll forgive me.

monkeymoo1129: Thanks for your review, glad you like the story.

aselin cullen: Thanks for the compliment and I'm glad you like my writing style. I'm glad you are enjoying the story so much and hope you liked this chapter. Thanks for your review. :D.

The Meeg: Thank you, The Meeg. I'm glad you think my writing is that good. :D.

Vanyali127: Whoops, lol. Oh well, that happens. Thanks for pointing that out for me. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please feel free to point out any little typos I may have slipped over.

Leucothea29: Carlisle does need to get his act together, I agree. Carlisle didn't really know what he was doing, he was just thinking about Esme (which Edward slams him for in the top of the chapter). He's really one minded when it comes to that sort of thing. Oh, lol! Maybe one day my story might get as long as that, maybe one day! Lol, really, really, really, really quick updates. That is definitely not going to happen, lol. I have to set out a good clunk of time just to answer all of these brilliant reviews now (not that I regret it, I LOVE reviews), so quick updates aren't going to happen. I usually let a good week between chapters, just to give people time to read it all and review. I'm glad you like the story so much and I have no doubt that you will LOVE this chapter.

ultraaviolett-x: LOL! Aww, thank you! I'm glad you are liking it so much and hope you really love this chapter. Thanks for your great review, I had a smile when I was reading it. :D

fallenangel315 : Yes, I thought I would add that to lighten the mood with Edward again. I liked it all too and I glad you didn't see the shop keeper coming. I didn't either, lol. XD. Hope you liked this chapter.

lia-finn : Oh, oh, would you like the kiss would you? Is that what you would like? Well, I'll have to see about that then, won't I? I agree, Carlisle is amazingly cute. If that made you wanting more then this chapter will just kill you.

Carlisle's favorite patient: Yes, that was one of my favourite lines too. I thought it was amazingly cute and really described thier 'love' life. Are you so dying for their kiss, lol? Almost as much as lia-finn? You two poor souls... I do feel for you at this moment. But... not enough to post it. Lol. Hope you enjoyed the chapter. x x. Oh, sorry, those are kisses... Whoops XP!

Caroline S. : Oh, I didnt think it was that much of a cliffhanger. I just didnt know where to end it all. I'm glad you liked it though and I hope you liked this chapter.

braceface freak: Aww, thanks for the compliment. I really like writing Edward, just when hes at this stage of his life. Very satirical, obnoxious and sarcastic. Fun, fun, fun!

EliseShaw: As we have talked about the slip of airconditioners before, lol. Dammit! Who knew they didn't have AC's back then... Darn... I hope I didn't slip up too much in this chapter and I hope you liked it. Thanks so much for your continual reviews on my work. Thank you.

CSI forever1: Glad you like it so much, I hope you liked this chapter. :D.

Yay! Thanks for everyone who reviewed, I love you all.

Now, non-reviewers (cause I know you're out there), even if it's just the smallest one-liner, share the love, tell me what you think, tell me why you keep coming back for more. I would oh so love to know.

Review!

Love

~Miss. Bra