I would like to say thank you for all the messages that I was sent during my illness and surgery it meant a lot to me.

I would like to especially thank Sue Gilreath, Annamarie Bedford, Sherry Neal, Wendy Matthew, Jan Breesmon and Kara JJ Adams for all their encouragement and prayers when I was really struggling.

Big hug to my brilliant beta Tiffany L Cullen for all her love and support. Also for holding the chapter ransom to make me rest. Love you Tiffany.

Also, a thank you to my new pre-readers, Laurie and Kellie for their hard work.

Chapter 10

Home for the holidays

Bella

Sitting in bed, I watched Edward getting ready to leave for his last lecture this semester.

"Edward, are you sure about this? I wish you had told your family about me before we go. You've only told them that you are bringing someone home for the holidays," I panicked.

"Sweetheart, they are going to love you just as much as I do," Edward said, hugging me.

"I have a bad feeling about this," I almost whispered.

"Darling, you spent last Christmas on campus alone. I hate the thought of you alone again while I'm only a few miles away. All I want is to be with you," Edward explained.

"Okay, but please don't leave me on my own. What day are we leaving?" I asked.

"We're going on December 23rd after you finish your shift at the library and coming back on January 2nd. That isn't so long, is it?" Edward smiled.

I had met Edward's dad once before; he didn't like me. Every time I spoke, he talked over me as though I wasn't there.

After a long goodbye at the door, with a stupid grin on my face, I made my way back to my room.

I stood in my closet looking at my pitiful selection of clothes. I know none of my clothes would be good enough to attend the New Year's Eve Celebrations at a country club.

Feeling discouraged, I walked across the hall to Rose's room.

Knocking on her door and waited for her to call me in.

"Come in Bella, I keep telling you, you don't have to knock," Rose said with a smile.

"I know that, but I really don't want to see Emmett's ass again," I said, pulling a face as I remembered that day well.

Rose had just finished packing her bag; she was catching the 7 pm flight to New York.

"Rose, can you help me pack my bag? I don't know what to take. Edward's family dresses formally for Christmas Dinner. His parents also attend a New Year's Eve party at a country club they belong to. Edward said we will be going as well."

"Go and get dressed, Bella. I know you hate shopping, but you're going to need to buy a couple of dresses," Rose said, pulling me into a hug.

"We're going to Twilight Boutique aren't we?" I asked.

"Of course, where else would we go?" Rose smiled.

Rose knew I didn't like big stores. She found this little shop tucked away in a quiet shopping area. They sold local designers range at reasonable prices.

It had started to snow so we pulled on our boots, coats, scarfs, hats and gloves.

For the next 20 minutes as we walked to Twilight, Rose talked me through which knife and forks go with which course, and what to avoid eating, knowing how clumsy I am. She also thought it would be best to stick to one glass of wine.

She even gave me some tips on how to be sarcastic, If Tanya or one of her minions say anything to me.

"Hi, Chelsea how are you?" Rose said as we walked into Twilight.

"Hi, Rose, Hi Bella, I'm good. What can I help you with?" Chelsea cheerfully asked.

"Bella is going to spend Christmas with her geek, they are going to a New Year's Eve party at a country club. She needs a dress for the party and also something to wear for a formal dinner," Rose said, winking at Bella.

"Come this way, Bella, let's see what we can find for you," Chelsea smiled, leading her to the rear of the shop. She began to pulling out dresses. Rose had disappeared to another part of the shop to see what she could find for Christmas day.

After 45 minutes and 17 dresses later, we found a dress which they said was perfect for the New Year's Eve party. It was a strapless, blue satin dress which clung to me like a second skin. It fell just below my knees and to quote Rose, 'Shows my tits off as well as my rocking body.' I felt undressed so I found a matching satin bolero.

I won the argument about the shoes. I bought a pair of dark blue kitten heel shoes, not the 4inch heels Rose tried to make me wear. I did find a cute clutch to complete the outfit.

Rose bought me a red cashmere sweater dress, which she matched with a wide black belt for me to wear for Christmas day. She called it an early Christmas present.

I was so glad when we were finally paid for our purchases. I hated shopping.

"Bye Chelsea. Thanks for your help. Merry Christmas," I said as we were leaving the shop.

"Merry Christmas, both of you. Have fun," Chelsea said as she closed the door behind us.

We made our way home, stopping off at Spill the Beans for hot chocolate.

Once we got home, took my bag from the closet and started packing as Rose passed me things she thought I needed.

"If you wear your hair up in a messy bun, leaving some hair around your face. Edward will cream his pants," Rose smiled.

"Rose, he doesn't see me like that, "I blushed.

"You're telling me you've never had sex?" Rose asked total surprise.

"I'm a virgin. But it's no big deal. I know he is as well," I said, shyly.

"I didn't realize. But you sleep together all the time. Do you both have purity rings or something?" Rose seemed fascinated.

"No rings, Edward wants to save himself for his wedding day," I shrugged.

"And you're okay with that?" Rose asked.

"Yeah, if I want him, I will wait until he's ready," I said, trying to smile.

I wasn't going to tell her how insecure and unattractive it made me feel that Edward did not want to have sex with me.

"Okay," Rose said, looking concerned.

She never asked any more questions as we finished packing my bag, which I was grateful.

Rose left to go to the airport as Edward arrived. He brought a pizza with him, and we spent the night curled up on the sofa watching Elf.

The day we were leaving came around too quickly.

I was beginning to feel sick; I just didn't want to go. I didn't mind staying in my apartment on my own for the holidays.

Edward came into the apartment, smiled and pulled me into a hug, and kissed the top of my head.

"Everything will be okay, sweetheart. If anything makes you uncomfortable, we will leave and come home," Edward promised.

"Can we stop at a florist before we get there, please?" I asked.

I thought some flowers would be the best way to thank Mrs. Cullen for letting me stay.

Edward smiled "Of course we can, sweetheart."

He could still see how uncomfortable I was. He had met my Uncle Charlie, who didn't exactly make Edward comfortable. So it was only fair that I met his family.

We drove while listening to Christmas songs, with Edward holding my hand over the console.

He turned off the main road.

"Where are we going?" I asked as he turned down a quiet road.

"This is the driveway to our house, "Edward said with a smile.

It wasn't a house; it was a mansion. The garage was almost as big as my house back in Washington.

Edward parked in the garage next to several cars. I didn't know much about cars, but I could see they were all expensive and some of them were fast cars.

Edward's old Volvo looked out of place next to them.

"Edward, who do all of these cars belong to?" I asked.

I panicked thinking about all the other guests that were here. I couldn't deal with Tanya, not today.

"They belong to my family, sweetheart. This yellow Porsche belongs to my sister Alice," Edward pointed out to me.

"This Mercedes is what my father uses for work and this Ferrari is what he uses for leisure. The BMW is mom's work car and the Lexus is her leisure car. The Aston over there is mine. I'll take you out in it later," Edward said, as he kissed me.

I looked down biting my lip. Edward's family had money. That's why he always insisted on paying, why he never had to work. Emmett never mentioned this, he must have known.

Edward pulled the bags from the trunk. I followed him through what he called the mud room, then through the laundry room before we reached the entrance hall.

"Mom, we're home," Edward shouted, dropping the bags at our feet while slipping his arms around my waist.

"Edward, darling!" a woman, came rushing down the stairs.

Her hair and eyes were the same color as Edward; I knew this must be his mother. She stopped in front of us looking shocked.

"Mom, this is Bella, my girlfriend," Edward said, with the biggest smile on his face.

I extended my hand to shake hers. She just stood there looking at me. I lowered my hand and raised the flowers up with my other hand.

"These are for you, Mrs. Cullen; I didn't know what kind of flowers you liked," I said now shaking with nerves. I blushed, blinking back the tears. She wasn't going to take them; she obviously didn't want me here. Why had Edward done this to me? I just wanted to leave. I should have never allowed Edward to talk me into coming here.

Edward

I could see that Bella was being ignored, she had tears pooling in her eyes and was shaking. I was embarrassed after I had reassured her this wouldn't happen.

I took the flowers from Bella putting them on the hall table, kissing her nose while I held her close to me, hoping to calm her a little.

"I'll just take Bella to the guest room, then we'll go and see Alice," I told my mother.

"Wouldn't she be more comfortable down the hall near the kitchen," Esme replied.

"Absolutely not!" I glared at her. I was so pissed that my mother was going to put Bella in the room where the help slept.

"Come on sweetheart, I'll show you to your room," I tried to make her feel more welcome.

I thought about giving her the room next to mine so she would be close to me, as she was obviously not comfortable. I knew there was no way they would let us sleep together like we usually do. This would have given my father an excuse to cause a fuss.

I carried both our bags upstairs.

"You will be in the room next to Alice; my room is on the next floor up. I'll show it to you later," I said trying to smile.

"Edward, can you drop me off at the bus stop? I think it would be best if I go home," Bella's voice was quivering.

Putting the bags down, I pulled Bella into my arms and held her tight.

"Let's put your bag in your room. Then we can go and see Alice. We will see how you feel after that," I said.

Picking up the bags again, I took Bella to her room. Opening the door, I put her bag next to the bed, leaving mine at her door.

Taking her hand, I lead her out of the door.

I knocked on Alice's bedroom door. Unlike Alice, I respected her privacy.

"You're home, Geek, I've missed you. Where's the friend you've brought home? Is he hot? "She started to jump up and down.

"This is my Bella; she's my girlfriend. This jumping bean here, sweetheart, is my pixie sister Alice," Edward beamed.

"You have a girl with you? My big geek brother has a girlfriend? How come I didn't know about this?" Alice asked, looking shocked.

"I've had a girlfriend for the past year. I met Bella at the library the first year of medical school. We had a misunderstanding when we first met. It took a while for us to speak to each other again, then months before I asked her to be my girlfriend." I said, smiling at Bella holding her against me.

"You're both geeks, aren't you?" Alice laughed.

"Yes, and we are proud of it." I laughed, kissing Bella on her nose.

She pushed her face into my chest, then looked up at me; we both kissed.

"My brother is in love," Alice sang

Bella and I started laughing and nodding our heads.

I intertwined my fingers with Bella's, "It's going to be okay, sweetheart," I tried to reassure her.

"Come on, let's go downstairs. I want to know all about my soon to be sister-in-law," Alice beamed. Alice linked arms with Bella, and the three of us went downstairs. We walked into the kitchen, laughing.

"Mom, have you met Bella? She's Edward's girlfriend. Can you believe he kept that quiet?" Alice laughed.

"No, I can't. Tell me about yourself. It seems my son has been keeping secrets," Esme said, angrily.

"My name is Isabella Swan, but my friends call me Bella. I'm four years younger than Edward.

I'm from Port Townsend, which is in Washington State.

I was raised by my grandparents. My parents died in a car crash when I was three years old, and I don't remember them.

My Grandpa died just before I came to U of C.

My Uncle Charlie is the Chief of Police in Forks, Washington. Besides my Gran he's the only living relative I have," Bella told her as I nervously twisted my fingers.

I smiled at her, as I got us both a bottle of water from the refrigerator. I kissed her as I gave her a bottle.

"Are you going to get her a glass, Edward? We don't all live in a barn." Esme said, gritting her teeth. As she turned and left the kitchen.

Carlisle POV

Esme walked into my office looking bewildered.

"Carlisle dear, it appears Edward's friend is a young girl," Esme said, in shock.

"What? Did he bring her as just a friend or as a girlfriend?" I asked Esme.

"It appears they are dating and have been together for some time. Alice was right; he had a girlfriend when he attended the gala," Esme said, utterly bewildered. "We are going to have to tell the Denali's that he is no longer single. Poor Tanya will be so disappointed."

We will say nothing of the kind, Esme, he will be going to the New Year's Eve party and announcing his engagement to Tanya as planned," I told Esme, firmly.

"I can't see how, he has a serious girlfriend, Carlisle. What can we do? We can't make him leave her, he's so happy." Esme seemed confused.

"Yes we can, and we will. I think I may have met her before at the library when I visited him a few months ago. I asked around and everyone seems to think she is only with him for his money and social standing. She's nothing but a gold digging whore. Where are they?" I asked. "You haven't allocated her a room have you? She will not be staying."

"I gave her the room where the hired help sleep. But Edward insisted she have one of the guest rooms," Esme said.

"Just leave it to me, alright dear," I said, as I squeezed Esme's hand.

I walked across the hall to the kitchen.

Edward

"Hello son, I thought you would have come to my office when you arrived? I would have liked to be introduced to this person you brought into my home," Carlisle said, coldly.

"Sorry dad, I didn't know you were home. You're usually at the hospital until late on Tuesdays. Dad, this is my girlfriend, Bella. Bella, sweetheart, this is my dad, Dr. Carlisle Cullen," I smiled.

Bella held her hand out, but I could see dad had no intentions in shaking it.

Bella dropped her hand. She looked down at the floor and bit her bottom lip; I could see she was going to cry.

"Well, Isabella, you can call me Dr. Cullen. I think I remember you from that library when I went to see my son." Carlisle said, sternly.

"Daddy, don't be horrible to Bella; I think it's cool that Edward has a girlfriend," Alice said shocked.

"Is there a reason the room we offered you was not good enough?" Carlisle snarled at Bella.

"I think you know exactly why," Edward replied.

"Come on, sweetheart, let me show you around," I held out my hand to Bella.

I looked over my shoulder and glared at my father.

How could he do this to Bella? This is why I have never brought her before. Getting our coats from the closet, I held it for her while Bella slipped her arms in.

I pulled her towards me by the collar of her coat, squeezing her tight.

"I love you, Smudge, so much." I kissed her.

I heard someone laughing; I looked up over Bella's head to see Alice, smiling while putting both her thumbs up.

Shaking my head at her, I slipped on my coat.

Holding Bella's hand, I took her on a tour of the estate, neither of us speaking.

I stopped abruptly.

"Look, Bella, I have never seen my parents act like this before. I'm shocked at their behavior," I told Bella.

"I've never felt good enough for you. I have said that so many times. I just didn't realize how far apart we were until I saw all of this," Bella said, as she waved her hands around.

"All of this isn't who I am. This estate belonged to my grandparents; it was left to my mom. Yes, I was raised here in a small house over there. Let me show you," I told Bella.

I took her hand as we walked in silence across the lawn which was only lit by the Christmas lights on the house.

"My dad doesn't come from money. His parents were comfortable, Grandpa was an assistant bank manager and Grandma was a teacher. During dad's pre-med years, he actually worked his way through school. He managed to get a full scholarship to attend medical school. When my mother finished her internship in interior design, my Grandpa Masen gave her the money to start her business," I tried to explain.

"This is where I lived. My grandparents used it initially for the staff. My parents couldn't afford to buy a house when they got married. My grandfather gave them this place because he didn't want my mom to have to make do with somewhere rented. I was actually born in here." I told Bella holding her tight, "I'm still your Bear. The geek you fell in love with, Bella. Please believe me sweetheart; you're my life. Don't leave me because of all this." I pleaded.

"Okay," Bella said, quietly.

We walked back to the house in silence. I was trying to work out how to put her mind at ease, and why where my parents acting like this.

I took Bella's coat. After kissing her, we started walking up the stairs to unpack our bags.

"Edward, can you come to my office?" Carlisle shouted.

"You go up; I'll be there in a few minutes," I said, as I kissed her again.

I turned and headed for the office.

"Son, sit down. You will listen to your mother and me. We know what is going on here," Carlisle said, steepling his fingers while sitting behind his desk.

"You brought this girl into my house from goodness knows where. We know nothing about her background or her breeding. She doesn't fit into this family. She's not from money. When did the gold digging whore find out about your money?"

"Dad, please stop calling her that. She is most definitely not a whore. She doesn't know about my trust fund, my shares in Masen's or the house I was left. None of my friends do," I said, quietly.

"That innocent act she puts on, biting her lip because she's shy, doesn't go far with me. I've seen all the tricks in the book, and that, son, is a slut looking to make a fast buck." Carlisle shouted, slammed his fist down on a table.

"Dad, she is the kindest, most gentle, loving, forgiving, trustworthy person I have ever met. She would rather sacrifice her own feelings than hurt me," I looked sternly at both of my parents.

"Edward, of course, she knows you're a multi-millionaire. She probably targeted you in that library. I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't get that job just to gain your trust." Esme said.

"She would never. I love Bella and intend to marry her," I told them, "So you better get used to it."

"I don't think so, son; I'm not going to allow that. She is leaving today, and you will never bring her back here again. She's not welcome," Carlisle shouted.

"Edward, sweetheart, Tanya is a beautiful girl who is a better choice for you. She moves in our circle; she understands how to act. You've always got on well with her. You even went as her date to a few of those dances. You are more compatible with her than that girl; I just want you to be happy," Esme told me.

"But mom, I am happy. I have never met anyone like my Bella; I love her," I said, with a big smile on my face. "I don't know what Tanya has been telling you, but I haven't taken her out on a date or to any dance. I knew she was going to cause me problems when I saw the way she looked at me when I came out of that restaurant when I first took Bella out. Why are you both doing this to me?"

"But you can do a lot better than that girl. She isn't in our class; she is beneath us. I saw Carmen at the country club, Tanya has just come home from doing charity work with children in the third world." Esme continued to say.

"Please don't tell me you believe that. She's too selfish to do charity work. You would never find her in any third world country. They don't have a five-star hotel or a mall. So please don't fall for that lie," I sighed.

Ignoring what I said, they continued.

"Son, we tried to understand why you went to the University of Chicago in the first place. You won't be able to get a top job after you graduate from that school. You were accepted into five Ivy League schools. You're a fool, Edward." Carlisle laughed.

"I've told you before why I chose to go to U of C. When Grandpa was ill, I wanted to be able to spend time with him. I still miss him. I also like the fact that people there don't know who I am or realize I have money. I've been treated like an ordinary person," I said, looking towards the floor.

"What do mean an ordinary person?" Carlisle sternly asked.

"All those socialites you want me to date, and possibly marry, want my money. They don't like me for being Edward Cullen, medical student, and a total geek. No, they see Edward Cullen, multi-millionaire, filling up their piggy bank. Those girls don't or won't work; they will just sit back and do nothing but shop, go for drinks, and screw their tennis coach. Not only that, they treated me like shit in high school," I tried to calm myself.

"Edward, there is no need for that language. That was long ago; these girls have grown up now, just like you have." Esme said as she looked down her nose at me.

"Mom, give Bella a chance. Spend some time with her; you will love her, I promise." I pleaded. "This is exactly why I haven't brought her home before. I knew you would act like this. I just hoped you wouldn't. Bella doesn't know about my money, the shares or even the house Grandpa left me. Money means nothing to her, she has never questioned anything; she loves me, Edward Cullen, her library geek. We are perfectly matched," I got up and left the room.

I wanted Bella, as she always calmed me.

"Edward, we haven't finished speaking to you. Do not walk away from us," Esme shouted after me.

"The Denali's are coming to the house for cocktails before we go to the country club for the New Year's Eve party. You will be nice to Tanya this time. She is better suited for you. Once you get that girl away from here, we can get back on track. Is that understood?" Esme shouted from the door.

I rubbed my face. "That's not going to happen, mom. I love Bella, I will not do anything to hurt her again. I've done that twice already, all because of Tanya. I'm not losing her because of you. I'm a grown man, not an insecure teenager. Bella gives me my confidence, she believes in me." I told my mother.

I was shocked to see Bella sat on the bottom step, with her coat on and her bag beside her.

Bella was crying. Her face was flushed; her eyes were red and puffy. The tissue she held was completely wet.

My heart felt like it was going to break.

"You heard them, didn't you?" I asked.

"Yes, can you take me to the bus stop? I just want to go home. I don't belong here," Bella said, with a tear falling from her eyes.

"I'm coming with you. I need to get something out of my mother's office and my bag. I'll be a few minutes," I said, angrily.

I slipped into my mother's office and took something from the safe which belonged to me. Taking the steps two at a time, I grabbed my bag from my room and my coat from the closet. I held my hand out for Bella. I was so thankful when she took it.

We were in the car and gone before anyone knew we had left.

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