Author Note: See I told you it wouldn't be a month before I updated, heh. Thanks for all of your fabulous reviews. You guys are the best!!

Thanks to my amazing beta Shwriteme. Who worked her magic on this chapter even when she was sick. You ROCK bb!

Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, Stephanie Meyer does.

BPOV

Sleigh bells ring are you listenin'

In the lane, snow is glistenin'

A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight

Walkin' in a winter wonderland

I drummed my fingers on the smooth leather of the steering wheel while singing at the top of my lungs, enjoying the rush that Christmas music always brought me. There was something special about this time of year. It may be clichéd and commercial but I loved it.

Being home only added to the joy of the season. Driving down Main Street which was lined with green, tinsel-shaped Christmas trees and silver snowflakes made me feel like I was sixteen all over again.

The garland wrapped streetlamps, fake sprayed snow in the windows, velvety red bows and evergreen boughs hung over doorways. Every year it was the same and every year I took it all in with a smile. If there was one holiday the little town of Forks could celebrate it was Christmas.

Despite my lifted spirits from being home, there was a small twinge of sadness lurking. Okay, so it was more like a medium-sized twinge of sadness. Just thinking about the reason made my heart ache.

I gripped the steering wheel, feeling the stitching under my finger tips and let my mind drift back to that night a week ago.

I had been settling in for a night of mindless reality TV and celebrity gossip shows when my phone had beeped, signaling a text. My heart thumped in my chest and I took a deep breath, silently saying a prayer that it was from Edward.

We'd been texting back and forth at random for the last three weeks. Although it was normally nothing of importance and it only happened every couple of days, I cherished every word. I even kept a few stored in my phone so I could re-read them whenever I wanted.

Most discussions started on the topic of the weather and always ended in a friendly manner. We never mentioned talking to each other on the phone and, as much as I wanted to, I was glad we didn't. Something about texting was easier--more impersonal--less nerve-wracking, and I found that I could be more daring with my comments. Not that I ever was very daring, but the thought had occurred to me.

That night's text started off the same as most of the others. Edward asked how the weather was in Phoenix. I replied with the typical sixty degrees and sunny. I waited for his normal 'here too' response and was surprised when I got something different.

I'm in Prague and its below freezing. Remind me never to come here in the winter again.

I stared at my phone for a minute, trying to figure out what he was doing in Prague. As if someone had heard my question a picture of Edward flashed across my TV screen. He was walking in an airport, keeping his head down, surrounded by tons of people. The host of the show went on to comment how Edward Cullen had landed in Prague to begin filming the much anticipated Paramount film that was due out the fall of this year.

After taking a minute to process the information, it hit me that I wouldn't be seeing him at Christmas. My heart sank and the devastation swept over me. I leaned back on my couch, dropping my head back and unsuccessfully tried to fight off tears. I was sad that I wouldn't see him but, even more than that, I was heartbroken that he hadn't told me. I'd hoped that after all the texting we'd been doing, that at least our friendship had grown enough for him to share little facts like that. Then again, he had just told me that he was in Prague. Was that his way of letting me know?

I wiped the moisture away from my eyes and responded to him. Not even thinking about what time it was there After all, he texted me first.

It will be that cold in Forks. So we'll both be freezing at Christmas.

I waited for his response, hoping that maybe he'd comment on the topic of Christmas.

I guess we will be. Christmas won't be the same this year.

I could feel his sadness through his words and immediately felt awful. Here I was upset that I wouldn't get a chance to see him and I hadn't stopped to consider the fact that his Christmas would be spent on set, with people that were not his family. I knew how much he cherished his family and the time he could be home with him and I was sure he was not too excited about being away for the holidays. I decided to change the topic a bit and instead asked him about Prague and how he liked it.

We continued to text back and forth a few times and I could feel the conversation coming to an end. Edward said goodbye and I typed in my typical I'll talk to you later but my fingers hovered over the send button. I suddenly realized that not only was I not going to see him in a week but that he was so busy filming his movie we may not even get a chance to text. I wanted to tell him that I'd miss him. That I desperately wished he was coming home for Christmas.

Without thinking I erased my response and quickly typed in a new one.

Forks will miss you. With shaking hands I stared at the four simple words on my phone. You can do this Bella. After all it's just a simple text. Sure it may have a double meaning but he doesn't have to know that.

This was one of those moments where texting made me brave. I didn't have to worry about blushing scarlet or stumbling over my words or getting lost in Edward green eyes. I could just type a few words and press send. This I could do.

I took a deep breath, scrunched my eyes shut and pressed the send button. I knew I wouldn't get a response because Edward already said goodbye so I was surprised when I heard my phone beep a minute later. I bit down on my bottom lip and flipped it open.

I'll miss Forks.

I had fallen back on the couch and held the phone to my chest grinning ear to ear. I didn't know if his response had double meaning like mine had, but on that night I let myself believe it did.

I smiled at the memory as my fingers slipped along the steering wheel as I pulled into the grocery store parking lot. My phone started ringing and the sounds of Justin Timberlake competing with Bing Crosby made me laugh.

I flipped my phone open and held it to my ear with my shoulder, "Hey Alice," I said as I parked.

"Bella," she sang. "What time are you going to Esme's again?"

"Four o'clock. Why?"

"Oh, no reason, I was just wondering. I want to hear how it goes so make sure you call me afterwards."

"It's no big deal. It's just a book club," I reminded her.

"I know, but who knows maybe Esme will bring up Edward again. It can't hurt to get some inside information."

I laughed and shook my head. "I'm not trying to get inside information Alice. If Edward happens to come up when we're talking then he comes up. I'm going to feel awkward enough as it is. So I don't even want to think about attempting to get information about him."

"All I'm saying is that you should think about it."

Knowing that she wouldn't give up I decided to appease her. "We'll see, maybe I'll think of something to ask." I turned the key to the ignition and killed the engine, making the music sound louder.

"Track number four, Winter Wonderland," she said simply.

It only took me a second to register what she was saying. I didn't get a chance to respond before she started talking again.

"Number six is my favorite. And you know I'm proud of you for waiting until the week of Christmas to start listening to it. Although I'll always enjoy the Christmas in July, or should I say Christmas all summer," she said with a giggle.

"Hey! It wasn't all summer," I defended. "And it's not like I played it in the living room either. I only listened to it in my bedroom. You just happen to be way too interested in my musical preferences."

"I was just curious as to why you played Christmas music all year long. If you hadn't waited until after I read your book to tell me about Edward then I wouldn't have thought you had a weird Christmas music obsession."

"I know, I know." I sighed. "Now are you done making fun of me? I have some cranberry sauce to buy."

"Oh, that's right. Make sure you make it look pretty. A present is always better when it looks pretty."

"It's a basket of cans Alice, I'm not sure how pretty it can be, but I'll try." I assured, trying to appease her yet again.

"Okay. Good luck, and don't forget to call me later."

I said goodbye and flipped my phone shut, still laughing at Alice. I grabbed my purse and climbed out of the car, pulling my jacket up close around me as I walked toward the grocery store. The sky was dark grey and pressed down above with the threat of snow. I adjusted my scarf and fought off the cold shivers as I walked through the automatic doors.

I found myself smiling as I grabbed the little red basket and made my way to the canned fruit and vegetable aisle. After bumping into Edward here last time this aisle held nostalgia for me. I found the cranberry sauce and loaded as many cans as would fit into my basket. Pleased that I had enough I made my way back to the front of the store and checked out.

As soon as I stepped outside I noticed the snow begin to fall, large white blobs the size of cotton balls. I dropped my head to keep my face from getting wet and hurried to my car. With the bags in the trunk I got in and started the engine, flipping on the heat and holding my hands up to the vents to warm them.

The music picked up right where it left of and I sat back for a moment, enjoying the sound as it rang through my ears. I reached down to the center console and pulled out the little clear jewel CD case. There was a small two inch crack in the upper right corner and the sticker on the opposite side was worn and faded but I remember the day I got it like it was yesterday. I watched the snow swirl around outside and let my mind wander.

9 Years Ago

It had been the last day before Christmas break and the school had been alive with excitement. No one wanted to be in class and the snow falling outside made the desire to fool around even greater. I made sure to keep a low profile as I made my way to the next building hoping that Mike wouldn't try picking another snowball fight with Tyler around me, like he had earlier.

The cold wind whipped against my face. I bunched my hands up pulling the sleeves of my jacket down in attempt to keep warm. I had a feeling I was going to be late for class but didn't want to risk making a run for it. The last thing I needed was to slip on a patch of ice and spend my entire Christmas vacation in a cast.

"Stupid ice, stupid snow," I mumbled miserably.

What started off as a somewhat cheerful day had been squashed during my first period class. I knew it was stupid of me and I was probably over reacting but something seemed wrong with Edward. He was quiet and didn't say much to me all class period. Even when I tried drawing a funny picture of Mr. Banner as a frog complete with all properly marked anatomy, all I got was a crooked grin.

I tried to ignore the knots I felt as I thought about the reasons for his cold behavior. Did he not want to be my friend anymore? Did I say something to make him mad? I also tried to ignore the butterflies I felt when I thought about him.

Something had changed over the past few weeks. I found myself looking for him more in the hallways. I watched him at lunch as he talked with his brother Emmett and his friends. I tried to make it to first period class a little early because I knew that he'd be there and it would give me a few more minutes to talk to him. I was aware that I was doing all of these things but I wouldn't let myself think about why I did them.

I sat through my last period class attempting to get lost in the Spanish language and failed miserably. I stared at the wood patterned laminate surface of my desk and drew endless circles. Before I knew it class was over and it was time to leave. Who ever thought that tracing circles would help time fly by so quickly?

As I made my way to my locker I noticed a small group of people standing a few doors down. I immediately noticed the disheveled copper hair of one of the boys and the butterflies I'd been trying to ignore earlier came back. I was so focused on him that I barely noticed the other people that were with him. It took me a second to actually see who they were. Jessica was standing next to Mike who was talking to Tyler with a look of excitement on his face. Standing next to Tyler was Lauren and she was talking with Tanya.

I dropped my eyes down and made my way up to my locker quietly, not wanting to attract Mike. No matter what I did or said he still followed me around and asked me out every chance he got. It was getting more difficult to come up with excuses to say no.

Once at the safety of my locker I opened it and tried to hide behind its open door as I shoved my books in and grabbed a few that I needed over the holiday break. Just as I was finishing someone banged on the metal door. I jumped back, not being able to repress a squeal of shock, and quickly whirled around to face whoever it was that scared me.

"Sorry Bella didn't mean to scare ya," Mike said, laughing.

"Yeah sure you didn't. Anyone ever tell you it's not nice to sneak up on people?" I asked, slamming my locker shut and briefly glancing over at the group of people to see if Edward was still there. He was.

"I can't help it if you just don't notice things," Mike continued trying to hold my interest.

"I notice things, but in case you haven't noticed I'm not superman I can't see through metal." I smiled after making my comment knowing that it was one Edward would appreciate.

Mike must have thought I was smiling at him because he took it as a sign and took a step closer to me. My eyes again instinctively searched for Edward. This time he caught my eye and looked back and forth between Mike and me before turning his attention back to Tanya.

What is she talking to him about anyway?

"A group of us are heading over to the elementary school to go sledding and stuff. There is this great hill there. You wanna come?"

"Uhh," I faltered not really paying attention to Mike. I was still watching Edward as he talked to Tanya. She playfully swatted at his arm and it made my stomach churn.

What is wrong with me?

"Bella?" Mike asked again, trying to get my attention.

I shook my head a little and focused on the conversation in front of me. "I'm not sure Mike. I have a bunch of stuff to get done." I silently rejoiced that I did actually have an excuse. My mom made sure to remind me at least a hundred times that she needed my help after school.

"Come on," he said, leaning forward and placing his arm up on the lockers, blocking my current view. "It's gonna be fun."

"You know, maybe some other time. Like over the holiday break or something. Today just really isn't a good day."

"Alright," he shrugged. "I'll give you a call over the break then. Maybe we can go out for a movie or something?"

I didn't get a chance to respond before the rest of the group started yelling that they were ready to leave. I watched as they all started for the double doors at the end of the hall. Edward glanced back at me briefly and I smiled, hoping that his mood had improved since first period. He grinned back at me and turned to say something to the group. Jessica craned her neck around and give me a little eyebrow wiggle. She didn't say anything but simply nodded her head and latched her arm with Tanya's as they walked outside.

I felt slightly ridiculous for just standing in the middle of the hallway so I started walking. I didn't get very far before Edward reached me.

"Hey, are you coming sledding?" he asked, looking over at me. One thing I liked about talking with Edward was that we were pretty much the same height. I never had to strain my neck to look at him. It was nice.

"I can't, my mom needs help at home. You?"

"Yeah, I'm going. Emmett's been talking about it all week. I guess a bunch of the guys from the team are going and they mentioned it to some other people…" he waved his hand back and forth. "Pretty soon it turned into this big thing."

"Sounds fun."

"If Emmett has any say in how the day turns out it will be fun. He loves building these ramps out of the snow, makes for great lift off." Edward eyes were alive with excitement and I couldn't help but smile back at him, pleased that his spirits had improved.

"See, it's probably a good thing I'm not going. Anything that involves ramps and flying through the air would most definitely land me in the hospital."

"You wouldn't have to go on the ramps. You could just stick to the ground."

"I know. But even then my chances of injury are high. I've only been sledding once. Well it was actually ice blocking but it's the same-"

"Ice blocking?" he asked, cutting me off and standing still.

"Uh-huh." I nodded.

"What is that?"

"In Phoenix it's hot, so we don't get snow." I stated the obvious earning a laugh from Edward. "So," I continued "we go sledding on blocks of ice."

"Blocks of ice?"

"Yep, you can either buy them or make your own. You sit on the block of ice and since it's so hot it slides really easily down the hill. It's like the reverse of sledding…kind of…but a little different I guess." I knew I sounded stupid so I tried figuring out an easier way of explaining it so it didn't sound so dumb.

Edward cut me off before I could say anything. "That sounds awesome! Man, I'm gonna have to tell Emmett about that," he said grinning. "I don't think you realize the new world you may have just opened up for us."

I felt my cheeks blush red and I dropped my head laughing, relieved that he didn't think I was nuts for sliding down hills on blocks of ice.

"Just don't blame me if someone gets hurt. I broke my wrist the last time I tried it."

"Really?" he said, looking down at my hand.

"Distal radius fracture. I had to wear a cast for six weeks." I held up my left hand and turned it over a few times.

"Okay, I'll make sure to tell Emmett no ramps when we try ice blocking. Not having any snow to break the fall might make it a little worse."

"Good idea."

We both stood silent for a moment. I wondered if he was going to say anything or if I should. This is stupid Bella just talk. He's your friend, you always talk to him.

I internally rolled my eyes at myself and opened my mouth to say something when Edward spoke up.

"Hey, I have something for you."

"You do?" I asked, taken of guard. I wasn't expecting that. My heart instantly accelerated and I took a shallow breath, trying to hide the onset of nerves.

He dropped his back pack from his shoulder and placed it on the ground. Kneeling down on one knee he started digging through it as he spoke. "After our conversation earlier this week I decided you had to have this."

"And what conversation is this? We have a lot of them Edward." I teased, hoping that my shaky voice wasn't noticeable.

"The one about Christmas classics and the who's version of White Christmas is better."

"Ohhh, that conversation," I smiled, remembering it with perfect clarity. I was a fan of Karen Carpenters version because my mother was a huge fan and that's who I grew up listening to. And Edward insisted that Bing Crosby's was the best, because well "he's Bing" had been his reason.

"I took it upon myself to put together a few of the best classics that everyone should have." He stood up and held out a plastic CD case. There was a small red bow in the corner that was smashed-- no doubt from being in his bag all day-- and underneath it was a little sticker tag. I took it from his hands and read the label. It said, To Bella, From Edward, just a few classics.

"Thank you," I said looking up at him, feeling my heart soar.

"No problem." He grinned. "What type of friend would I be if I let you walk around in the dark when it came to something as important as Christmas music?"

"Yes, what type of friend would you be if you let that happen?" I said in mock horror.

Out of nowhere I heard a loud booming voice yelling Edward's name. The two of us turned around in the direction of the sound just as Emmett walked around the corner.

"Hey! You ready to go?" He asked walking over to us, ruffling Edwards's hair. If I didn't know any better I'd think that's why his hair was always so messy.

"Yeah I'm coming." He said, leaning his head to the side and away from Emmett's hands.

"Hi Bella." Emmett gave me a wide grin and punched my shoulder lightly, making me stumble back a bit. It wasn't hard but I wasn't prepared for it either and my center of balance was never good. "Oops, didn't mean to knock you over." He apologized.

"It's okay, I wasn't prepared is all," I said, blushing. He chuckled quietly and started walking backwards towards the door, still facing us. "I'll meet you in the car Ed."

He was gone just as quick as he came and Edward and I were left standing alone once again.

"You better get going; I don't want to make you late. Thanks again for the CD."

"You're sure you don't want to come?" he asked with raised eyebrows, his face looking excited.

"Maybe next time."

"Alright, I won't forget that." He held his finger up and pointed at me as he started walking backwards, just as his brother had. "Merry Christmas Bella."

"Merry Christmas Edward."

He spun around and pushed the glass door open. The air rushed through and blew his hair making it stand up even more. He looked around for a second before spotting Emmett's car and took off down the steps.

Walking over to the door I had watched him climb in and drive away. I'd held the CD case against my chest and even through its plastic cover I could feel my heart racing.

Present Day

The sound of my cell phone ringing brought my eyes in focus and I noticed the snow was now coming down heavier and had started to coat the cars around me. I sat forward dropping the CD case away from my chest not even realizing that I held it there, just like in my memories.

I looked around, briefly forgetting what I was about to do when my phone rang again. I quickly fumbled through my purse and flipped it open, not even checking who it was.

"Bella? It's Esme."

"Hi, how's it going?"

"Everything's great. But I was calling because I wanted to know if it would be a problem for you to come a little earlier than we discussed?"

"Sure, what time do you want me there?"

"Would two o'clock be alright?"

I eyed the clock on the dashboard, mentally counting how soon that was. It only gave me an hour but that was more then enough time to put together the basket and grab a bite to eat.

"Two o'clock sounds great Esme."

"Oh good, I was hoping it wouldn't be a problem. I'll see you then, dear."

I said goodbye and hung up the phone, tossing it on the empty seat beside me. Putting the car in gear I pulled out of the parking lot just as Big Crosby's White Christmas started to play. I turned the volume up and sang along with a smile

An hour later I pulled up in front of the Cullen house, fighting off a vicious attack of butterflies. There didn't seem to be any other cars in the street so that helped a little. I wasn't too nervous about answering questions about my book--after all I've done it more times than I could count. But the combination of walking into a room with all eyes on me and seeing Esme for the first time, knowing what she knew, would be too much.

You can do this Bella. It's just another book club meeting. I continued to give myself a silent pep talk as I climbed out of the car. I grabbed the large basket, complete with ribbon, from the back seat and, as I walked to the front door, realized how stupid I must look. I mean, who gives a giant basket full of cranberry sauce to the father of the guy you're in love with?

Apparently I do.

I rolled my eyes at myself and propped the basket on my hip so I could ring the doorbell. Moments later I could hear footsteps behind the door and it swung open.

"Hello there, Bella." Carlisle said with a smile reminiscent of his son's.

I felt my cheeks get warm as I grinned back. "Hi Dr. Cullen."

"Please, call me Carlisle." He took a step back and motioned with his hand for me to enter.

"Thanks." I said taking an awkward step over the threshold, making sure to watch my footing. "This is for you. Merry Christmas." I held the basket out in front of me.

"For me?" His face was confused but he took the basket from my hands anyway. He looked at the contents and back up at me silently asking why I'd just given him a basket of cans.

"When I saw Edward over Thanksgiving at the grocery store I got the last can of cranberry sauce, remember? I did promise him I'd make it up to you." I laughed.

"That's right." He quickly remembered. "Thank you. I know who'll be eating cranberry sauce with Christmas dinner." He grinned and held the basket up.

"You always have cranberry sauce with Christmas dinner." Esme said as she walked into the foyer.

"I do. But it's not always canned and you know that's my favorite."

"A reason of which I still don't understand," she said, shaking her head.

"I think it must be a guy thing," I added, "My dad loves it too."

"He must have good taste," Carlisle said over his shoulder as he walked off. "Thanks again Bella!" he called.

"No problem!" I yelled back, not nearly as loud.

I looked at Esme and noticed she was watching me with a smile. I suddenly felt very nervous and wondered if she was going to start asking questions about my book, questions that I had a feeling she was dying to ask before everyone else arrived.

"I'm just finishing up a few batches of cookies, why don't you come into the kitchen and we'll chat."

Chat. Right, we'll chat. More like she'll ask how long I've been in love with her son and I'll fumble my through an explanation.

Without another word she turned around and walked in the direction of the kitchen. I followed close behind her, taking in the house around me and searching for traces of Edward anywhere.

The smell of fresh baked cookies permeated the house and it smelled just as it had the last time I was here. Esme must really enjoy baking. Maybe my mother could take a class from her.

"It smells great," I said once we made it to the kitchen.

"I love to bake. And when the boys are home I can't make cookies fast enough. Between the two of them they could polish off an entire batch in the matter of minutes."

"Why am I not surprised?"

"Because you've seen the size of Emmett," she answered. "Although, I'd bet you'd be surprised to hear that Edward can almost out eat Emmett, in the cookie department at least."

"Really?"

"If they're peanut butter chocolate chunk then yes." She looked up at me. "Those are his favorite."

The smile on her face told me she was offering this fact on purpose. She wanted me to know his favorite and made an effort to tell me. I did my best to hide the blush that warmed my cheeks and offered a slight smile as a thank you.

The timer of the oven went off signaling another batch was done and in a few quick movements Esme had them out on the counter and started moving them to a cooling rack.

I felt useless just standing there so I offered to help scoop out some more batter.

"Umm…actually," she looked up at the clock and back at me. "Why don't you take over here, and I'll scoop out the dough."

"Sure." I shrugged, glad to be of some help.

We spent the next few minutes talking about random things. She told me about learning to bake and how it wasn't something she was good at when she and Carlisle first got married. Apparently his mother was a fabulous baker and she taught Esme everything she knew. I found myself completely engrossed in the stories about her family. I might have known Edward in high school, but I didn't know everything about his family and this glimpse, even though small, was wonderful.

I was so engrossed in our conversation that I didn't notice the time passing until I saw Esme look up at the clock again. Out of habit I turned my head to see the time and was shocked to see that almost a half hour had passed. People were supposed to have arrived a while ago and I couldn't understand what was keeping them. Just as I was about to ask Esme if we should call them the phone rang.

"Could you get that sweetheart, my hands are a little messy," she said, smiling and holding up her hands.

"Umm, sure." I nodded, feeling a little uncomfortable answering the phone is someone else's house. I walked over to the built in desk and picked up the receiver, glancing at Esme one last time for her assurance that it was okay.

"Hello, Cullen residence," I said in an almost whisper.

"Bella?"

His velvety smooth voice went straight through me and my heart skipped.

"Edward?" I asked, even though I already knew it was him. No one else's voice could make my body tingly and my heart erratic with a single word.

"Yeah it's me. What are you doing answering the phone at my parents house?"

"I umm…I was here and I brought some cranberry sauce and umm…baking cookies."

"Cranberry sauce?" he asked confused.

"For your dad. I said I'd give him some, remember?" I felt my cheeks get hot. I already felt like an idiot and I was not planning on having to explain it to Edward.

"Oh, that's right. That's really nice of you. I'm sure he loves it." He was silent for a minute and I was contemplating banging my head on the wall in front of me out of frustration. I am an idiot.

"So, you're baking cookies with my mom?" His voice sounded happy and excited and I felt relieved that he didn't think I was as idiotic as I felt.

"No. I mean yes. I am, just until everyone gets here." I knew I wasn't making any sense but my words kept getting jumbled. I took a calming breath and gathered my thoughts before speaking again. "I'm talking to your mom's book club. They chose my book and since your mom knew I'd be home for Christmas she asked if I'd be willing to come to their meeting. I got here a little early and she was baking so I'm helping."

"You're making me jealous talking about my mom's cookies. I can't believe I don't get any this Christmas."

"I'll make sure to eat plenty on your behalf." I teased, slowly feeling the nerves settle. "And I'm sure whatever I don't finish Emmett will take care of."

"Hey no fair. I don't want to hear that. You not only get to be home for Christmas, but you get my mom's baking." I knew he was just playing along but I could honestly hear the longing in his voice.

"Alright, I'm sorry. I'll stop talking about it."

"Good," He paused. "What kind is she making anyway?"

I laughed out loud and plopped down in the seat. "I thought you didn't want to hear it?"

"Well now that you told me about it I can't just stop thinking about it. At least I can imagine what they'd taste like."

"I don't know Edward. I don't want to make this even harder on you." I giggled slipping right back into playful mode.

"Bella-"

"No, I'm being kind." I said cutting him off. "You don't want to feel homesick and the last thing I'd want to do is tell you she made your favorite."

"My favorite?"

"Peanut butter chocolate chunk, your Grandma Cullen's recipe." I smiled at using my new found bit of knowledge.

"Ugh, now you're really trying to kill me."

I almost responded but I noticed Esme step up beside me. I looked up at her smiling face.

"Tell him to check the package I sent him. He should have got it today," she said.

"What did my mom just say?"

"She told me to tell you to check the package she sent you."

He didn't say anything but I could hear faint mumbles, papers shuffling and items being shifted around. I took his moment of silence to hand the phone over to Esme.

"Here." I said holding out the phone now that her hands were clean.

"No, no you keep talking I have some things to get ready before everyone gets here."

"Shouldn't they be here already?" I whispered covering the receiver with my hand.

"They'll be here at four. You have plenty of time to talk." She gave me a quick wink and I froze. My jaw dropped and I had nothing to say. Somehow Esme planned this. I'm not sure how or when, but she did. She spun around, grabbed a small plate of cookies off the counter and placed them in front of me before walking out of the kitchen, leaving me alone.

The sound of Edward's voice coming from the phone woke me out of my shock.

"I'm sorry what?" I asked, not hearing what he'd just said.

"I said, tell my mom thanks. She sent me some cookies." I could hear the smile in his voice.

"I'll tell her."

"So," he mumbled as he ate, what I assumed was the cookies, "how have things been?"

I picked up a cookie and took a bite. "Pretty good. It feels great to be home again, even though I was just here. A change of scenery always helps inspire new stories; at least it does for me."

"Really? Why is that?"

"I don't know. I guess I see I different landscape and I think of a different way of life. My mind tends to conjure up all sorts of crazy things. My job is to turn those ideas into a story with a good plot."

"You make it sound so easy. I could never write a novel."

"And I could never be in movies. I don't know how you do it."

"My mind is good at conjuring up crazy things too." He laughed. "I just put myself in the place of the characters and their way of life."

"And what characters life are you putting yourself into now?"

"Christopher McDaniel. A young, brilliant Cryptologist who is hired by the government to analyze a code they can't break. What starts out as simple job turns into a rush against time and a fight for his life and thousands of others."

"That sounds pretty cool." I giggled quietly because of the deep "movie guy" voice he used.

"It's a great role so I'm excited. And Prague is beautiful, cold but beautiful."

"Tell me about your favorite parts so far. Have you had a chance to explore the city at all?"

I immediately heard the excitement in his voice. He went into full detail about all the great locations they've been filming. I learned all about the food, the culture and what he'd been doing for the past week or so. His schedule hadn't allotted him much down time but what little he had he tried to get out on his own and do some exploring.

I got lost in the sound of his voice. I know that I said texting was the way to go but after hearing his laugh and listening to him speak I was having second thoughts. I'd listen to him read a phone book if it meant hearing his soothing rich tone. I don't know how long we talked but eventually the subject came back to me. He wanted to hear about any upcoming projects I was working on and I clammed up, for obvious reasons.

"Um, not too much is going on right at the moment." I lied, biting down on my lip. I hopped he'd buy it.

"Bella," he said my name lightly and just hearing it sent another chill through me. "I know for a fact that's not true."

My eyebrows scrunched together. "What makes you say that?"

"Because Twilight Entertainment buying the rights to make a movie based on your book is a huge deal."

My breath caught and I almost dropped the phone. My throat constricted and I felt like I was going to vomit. I knew there were words floating around in my head but there was no chance I could put them together.

Did I tell him about it? No, no, no there is no way I could forget that. Oh no, oh no, oh no. This is not good, not good at all.

"I can't believe you didn't tell me about it at Thanksgiving." He went on to say and I still hadn't moved an inch. I couldn't even blink. I tried, hoping that maybe I'd open my eyes and find out this is all a horrible nightmare. No such luck.

"It's so exciting Bella."

"Uh-huh," I managed without closing my slack jaw.

He may have asked more questions but I wasn't aware of a thing he said. I could hear the ringing in my ears and for a second thought I might pass out. I forced my jaw shut and I swallowed. I wondered how he'd found out. He's in the business so maybe he came across the information somewhere. Then of course there was the other possibility. A possibility that Alice had even joked about years ago. A possibility that scared me more than I could even fathom, more than I could even wrap my brain around. Before I could stop myself from speaking the words tumbled out.

"How did you find out?"

"From my agent. He told me about it when I got back to LA after Thanksgiving. Although, I didn't know it was your book."

The first part of the question was already out of the way but I knew I had to follow up with the second half. Edward seemed to be waiting for me to speak; the other line was completely silent.

"Have you read the screenplay?" I tried to keep my tone light and carefree and I only hoped it sounded that way. I closed my eyes and braced for his response. If he read it then there was no doubt in my mind that he knew. My brain scrambled to come up with a reasonable explanation but I drew a blank. I was in a complete fog. I could hear the clock on the wall ticking as the seconds passed by before he spoke.

"No."

As soon as the word was out of his mouth I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I closed my eyes and let out the breath I'd been holding. I always knew that he'd find out eventually. Most likely after the movie was made. I planned on having those few months to prepare and plan what I would say to him. I wasn't ready to have that conversation just yet and for a second I thought I'd have to. I felt a surge of elation bubble up in my chest knowing that I'd have at least a few more months of stress free conversations with him. That was until he spoke again.

"I have it right here in my hands though. I was just going to sit down and read it."

Crap!

Ohhh, and so it begins.....

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the chapter!!