Chapter 11

Carlisle POV

While I was sitting in my study, pondering over what to get my secret Santa for their present, my beautiful wife came in told me that I was 'needed' in our room. Without needing anymore encouragement, I took Esme's hand and let her lead me into our room. With a smile on my face, I sat on our bed and watched the beautiful woman in front of me slowly take off her jewelry and place them into the jewelry box that was on the vanity.

"Do you think everyone is ready for the holidays Esme?" I asked, untying my shoes.

She was brushing her long, caramel hair out and letting the curls fall gracefully around her shoulders, "Are you referring to our children or our guests?"

"Both I suppose." I answered, mostly meaning our children but I suppose an update on our 'extended family' would be nice as well.

Esme set down her brush and joined me on our bed, moving the shoes out of the way before sitting next to me. "I think that the children are ready to be on their holiday break." She answered, leaning her head on my shoulder, "And I have called everyone this week to see if they were all still planning on joining us this year. It's been so long since we've hosted at one of our homes."

I nodded in agreement; the Denali Coven, along with the American, European, and Romanian nomads are who we always spend Christmas with. Most of them I would consider family, like my dear friends Alistair and Eleazar. Or Jasper's old friend Peter. All of them are always welcomed into any of my homes with open arms as we would be welcomed into theirs as well.

"Do you think we should tell them about Margaret?" I whispered, turning to look at her, "About how she still is unaware of our true identities?" Esme looked like she was deep in thought about my question, and I could not blame her.

We were now stuck between a rock and a hard place with this situation: Margaret was a smart girl and would catch on eventually to what we really were, but I also had not informed anyone of the human currently staying with us who was unaware about all of these vampires coming to stay for the holidays. While this may cause a problem with some of the vampires who did not follow our lifestyle, I knew that they would all be able to make it through the holiday if they came fed.

Finally, she gave me her answer, "I don't think it would be wise to tell her about us Carlisle. She will return to her grandmother once Eileen is better and out of the hospital." Esme explained, "But, I think I will call everyone and let them know that she's staying with us for the holidays and to keep our secret a secret."

"That sounds like a wonderful plan darling." I answered, giving her a smile.

We sat in comfortable silence for a while, just looking at each other and taking in the beauty of the quiet night. "Do you think Edward and Margaret are meant for each other?" Esme whispered, breaking the silence.

It was my turn to ponder for a moment, "I think that Edward is much happier with Margaret than with Isabella." I began, giving her a minute to let that sink in, "However, I think that it might be too early to tell because of how young the human is."

"That's fair." My wife nodded, "I just want them to be happy, Carlisle." She confessed, wrapping her arms around my shoulders, "Just like the others are happy and how we are happy."

I placed a kiss on her forehead, "Mio amore, I am sure they are just as happy with each other as I am with you." I placed another kiss on her left cheek, "But, I would like to think that we are a little just a tiny bit 'happier' than they are," I placed a final kiss on her right cheek, "if you follow what I am hinting at."

She laughed, giving me a proper kiss, "I understood long ago Carlisle." I returned the favor, pulling her into my lap quickly and placing my hands onto her waist.

The two of us were becoming more and more intimate with each other when we heard some tossing and turning. We sat up quickly, knowing that it was Margaret in her room. "I'll go." I offered, giving her a kiss, "Keep the bed warm for me." With a wink, I made sure that I didn't look too disheveled and left the bedroom.

Quietly, I opened the guest bedroom door and saw the tiny human tossing around underneath the quilt. Her animals were on the floor by her side and face twisted into a frown. Carefully, I took a seat on the bed and began to rub her back gently, whispering comforting words to Margaret. Once I saw her features relax a little more, I stopped rubbing her back and stood from my seat on the bed. After gathering her little friends and making sure they were back on the bed, I placed a small kiss on her head and left without another sound.

When I returned to my room, Esme was still where I left her, keeping the bed warm.


Maggie POV

With ten days until Christmas, and four days until the Winter concert, I found myself in my usual spot next to Grandma Eileen's bed. Like usual, Edward was there to join me, and I was grateful for him today more than usual. Carlisle had to break some bad news earlier: that Grandma Eileen had some recent tests that did not come back so great. She wasn't improving, and actually failed some of them. Things weren't looking too bright in the future, but Dr. Cullen reassured me that just because a couple tests were not the best, doesn't mean I should not have faith in her still being able to recover. Edward agreed with his dad, telling me that some people need to get worse before they get better.

After a couple of hours, Edward and I left the hospital, making sure to tell Carlisle that we were heading out before leaving hand in hand. We planned on going secret Santa shopping today, with only a few more days until the holidays. The drive was nice, Christmas music playing over the speakers in the car.

Edward took us to the outdoor mall where we had gotten our Fall picture clothes. "Do you have any clue what you're getting your person?" I asked, holding tightly to his hand as we moved through the busy lines. I really didn't want to get lost in the crowds that were also doing their Christmas shopping as well.

"Not a clue." He admitted, leading the way to the department store, "It's hard to find something without being predictable." Edward explained.

I nodded my head, "Yeah, I'm lost too. I mean, what do you get someone who already has everything they could ever want?" I asked, a sigh escaping my mouth.

The Junior let go of my hand to open the store's door for me, "I'm sure you'll find something good. It's the thought that counts, right?"

"I guess so." I sighed again, grabbing his hand once we entered the store, "Alright, let's have a game plan here." I began firmly, looking at the time on my phone, "It's three now. Let's meet back here by the North entrance in an hour." I said, looking for an answer in his face.

He smiled, giving me a nod, "Sounds good to me." He gave me a small kiss on the cheek before letting go of my hand, "Good luck."

I smiled back, blush coming to my cheeks. "You too!" With a small wave, I made my way towards the women's section of the store.

Rosalie was going to be a struggle, not only for what to buy her, but that she wouldn't be satisfied with anything that I could get her. Clothes were not on the table at all, not trusting myself to pick anything out for her. Neither were books because I had zero clue what she would like to read, or even if she liked reading.

After shaking these negatives thoughts from my head, I found myself walking with some new-found determination in my step and I ended up finding myself in front of the jewelry counter. An older woman was standing behind the counter, a kind look on her face, "Is there anything I can help you with today dear?" she asked, adjusting the small chain around her neck.

"Yes, actually." I said, biting my bottom lip a little nervous, "I have a fifty-dollar limit for a secret Santa thing and need to find something for my…friend." I explained, choosing my words carefully, "I'm really lost at what to get for her."

She gave me a smile, "I'm sure we can find you something to purchase. Now, what does she like?"

That was the million-dollar question. Rosalie was the person I knew the least out of everyone, and now I was stuck finding something for her. "Well, she does really love her boyfriend."

The store employee's eyes seemed to light up at that information, "A boyfriend…do you know his birthday?" She asked, motioning for me to follow her to the other side of the counter.

"I could ask his brother." I said, pulling out my phone to text Edward and ask him when Emmett's birthday was, "What did you have in mind?"

She stopped by a glass case, taking out some keys to unlock it, "A birthstone necklace." The older woman explained, taking out a couple of colorful necklaces, "So that she has a little piece of him, even when they're not together."

A smile formed on my face, "That's a great idea! I said, looking over the stones that she was laying out on top of the counter. My phone buzzes, Edward getting back to me with an answer, "He was born in July." I answered, thanking God that the pianist got back to me quickly.

"Then ruby it is." The employee said, holding up the necklace for me to inspect in the light, "Rubies are very valuable in Asia, and is a symbol of passion, protection and prosperity." She enlightened me.

It was on a silver chain and the gem was in an oval shape connected by the chain, "It's perfect!" I said, taking the delicate necklace into my hand, "How much is it?" I asked, setting down the necklace.

She took it back, "Forty-dollars, and I will even wrap it for you free of charge."

"That's perfect." I smiled, following her to the register.

The woman rung it up, "So, any more shopping you need to do?" She asked when I handed her my cash.

I bit my lip, "Well, I do have this new…person…in my life that I don't know what to get them."

"A boyfriend?" The elderly woman asked, pulling out some wrapping paper to wrap the tiny box.

That was where I was unsure. Edward and I had gone on another date to the music store, just looking over some old records and buying a couple, but we both still counted it as a date. "I think so." I admitted, looking at her hands wrapping instead of her face, "I'm not sure if it's official, but he deserves a gift." I did feel like I needed to have something to get Edward, even if it was just for a friend. He has done so much more me while I had been staying with the Cullen family that I could never ask for.

The gift was wrapping in silver wrapping, patterned with snowflakes. "If I were you," she began, "then I would choose something from the heart. You can never go wrong with a meaningful present." With a wink, she handed me the wrapped gift.

"Thank you again for all your help today." I smiled, taking the present.

I still had about twenty minutes to walk back to the meeting spot, and I used that time to think about what I would get Edward. It was hard to think of something even though I knew him the best. Music would be too obvious in my mind, and again, I did not have any sense of fashion in my bones to find him clothes. But, clothes gave me a good idea: cufflinks. I knew that Edward didn't really tend to wear something like that every day, but the cufflinks were my dad's. He had gotten them on his wedding day from his dad, so I knew that they were important. Edward was that important to me too, so that's what I decided to give him. I could picture where they were in my house in Grandma Eileen's jewelry case.

When I arrived, Edward was already there, sitting on a bench and playing on his phone. "Find what you were looking for?" I asked, causing him to look up from his phone.

"Yes ma'am." He smiled, holding the small bag in his hand, "And I see you did as well."

Edward gestured to the tiny gift in my hands, "Thankfully." I answered, taking his free hand, "I really hope I chose right." I confessed, letting him lead me back to the car.

0

When we got home after shopping, Edward suggested that we practice in front of an audience so that someone other than us could hear if it sounded good.

So, that was why I was following behind Emmett and Jasper who were carrying up kitchen chairs into the music room to make a 'stage' for them to sit and watch. "I feel like this is so exclusive." Emmett joked, making his way to the room, "First listen of the talented duo: Mag and Ed!"

"It's nothing impressive." I warned, sitting down at the piano's bench, "I think I bring Edward's talent down."

Jasper set down his chairs next to where Emmett placed his, "Don't say that Margaret." He began, taking a seat in his chair, "You both have been practicing for weeks now, you both know the piece my heart. There's not a chance it can sound bad."

Almost instantly when he said his comforting words, I felt a wave of calmness come over me. Even though I was still worried that they wouldn't think I was nearly as good as Edward, I had some small confidence put into me.

Soon, Edward and the others joined us upstairs in the music room and took their seats. "Ready?" Edward asked, sitting next to me. He placed the piece on the stand in front of us and placed a small kiss on my head. I nodded, trying to calm my shaking hands by placing them into my lap and taking a deep breath. "We're going to be fine." He said, placing his hands on the keys.

After a moment, I placed my hands on the keys as well. Giving my partner a nod, we began the piece with a good tempo. I focused on my hands, the notes, and Edward next to me. Slowly, it was almost like it was just the two of us in the room. I noted a smile was on my partner's face as we got further into the song, and I let one form on mine too. Fingers flying across the keys with practiced certainty, I knew that we were crushing this song.

Finally, the last notes were played and the song was over just like that. Applause filled the room, which had both of us turn around and look at the audience who just watched us play. Everyone was standing on their feet, smiles on their faces.

"Bravo!" Esme and Carlisle were cheering, proud smiles on their faces. Emmett was standing on his chair, whistling by using his fingers very loudly. Jasper and Alice were also clapping with enthusiasm, their own grins shining brightly. Even Rosalie looked impressed at how well we did.

Edward took a dramatic bow, causing everyone to laugh. He gestured to me, giving me an applause as well. "Take a bow Maggie." My partner smiled, motivating me to bow.

I did dramatically, choosing a curtsy instead. They all stopped clapping and walked over, "Did you really think it was that good?" I asked, wanting the true opinion.

"It was beautiful!" Esme said, giving the both of us a hug, "So beautiful, that I want the two of you to be in charge of the music for the Christmas Eve party!"

Edward just chuckled, "I'm honored to keep my job mom, and happy to have a partner this year as well."

He wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him. "I'm honored too Esme, I just need to practice my classics now."

That caused some laughs, "Can request Frosty the Snowman?" Emmett asked, messing up my hair in a teasing way, "Or Rudolph?"

I nodded, pulling myself away from him to save my poor head, "Only if you sing-a-long to all of them!" I agreed, giving him a wink.

"And you'll need a new outfit for the concert. Both of you do." Alice said, seriousness on her face. "I'm thinking red and green coordination: green for Mag and red for Ed."

"That sounds perfect Alice!" Esme agreed, "I'm just so excited to see the whole concert myself!"

Her husband nodded as well, "You'll both make us very proud, showing your talents off to the whole school."


My whole body was shaking and I felt like I was going to throw up. Back stage, Edward and I stood in a small corner together in our new clothes. Edward had on a red gingham print dress shirt, a pair of black dress pants and black dress shoes. I was wearing a black turtleneck, a green skirt in gingham print with lace tights and black flats. My hair was pulled into a ballet bun and makeup was minimal.

But, even though I thought I looked very confident in my outfit, I was more worried than ever that this wasn't going to go as planned. First off, I was bummed out that Grandma Eileen couldn't be there to see me play for the first time in the concert. This was part of our Christmas traditions, and she was still gone. Then, I was just worried that I was going to mess up in general. I spent all morning practicing it again and again all by myself to make sure that I would know what keys to press and went to press them. But, it seemed like I would get more and more mixed up the more I practiced and couldn't get through it without one big fumble by the time we had to get ready to leave. So, on top of not perfecting the song before I went back, I had to worry about disappointing the Cullen's and Mr. Simmons because I didn't know how to play it anymore. I just could not calm myself down, and I think Edward could sense it.

"It's going to be fine Maggie." Edward said, placing a hand on my shoulder, "Try and take some deep breaths."

Slowly, I filled my lungs with air, and let the air back out just as slowly. "I don't want to disappoint you guys." I confessed, "I could not get it right all morning, and now we have to get out there and play in front of strangers."

He took me into his arms, holding me close, "You're going to be great. Just pretend that we're back in the music room at the upright piano."

I just took another deep breath, letting it out slowly once more. "Alright you two," Mr. Simmons said, causing me to pull out of Edward's embrace and face the older man, "you're on!"

"Yes sir." Edward answered when all I could do is nod as an answer.

He took me by the hand and the two of us walked onto the stage after we were introduced to be playing next. We sat at the familiar upright piano, with me closer to the audience. I kept my hands in my lap, signaling that I wasn't ready yet.

The lights on us were bright, but a smile creeped on my face when I saw the Cullen household in the middle of the crowd: Alice was holding up her phone to record the show, Jasper and Emmett both giving thumbs up to us while Rosalie was trying to pull his hand down, and Esme and Carlisle were waving with bright smiles.

With one more deep breath, I placed my hands on the keys next to Edward's and waited for him to begin.

Just like when we practiced in the music room for all of those weeks, or in the music room alone, Edward and I played the song beautifully. Our hands moved flawlessly over the ivory keys and smiles were on our faces. He seemed more playful this time, chuckling when our hands had to cross over a few times or that he would nudge me with his shoulder when I turned the page quickly. It was the best performance we ever played, and when it ended, the whole room filled with clapping people.

Edward gave me a large grin, "We did it!" I smiled back, "It's over!"

"And now we have to bow to our waiting audience." He informed me, standing up from the bench and offering me his hand.

I took it and let him lead me to the middle of the stage. We both bowed politely a couple of times, letting the audience get their applause out. After the third bow, we left the stage hand in hand and went back to where we were standing before.

We were both greeted by the Cullen/Hale gang, a large and colorful bouquet of flowers in Dr. Cullen's arms. "You both sounded beautiful!" Esme cried, wrapping us both into a tight hug, "I am so proud of you two!"

Dr. Cullen handed me the flowers once his wife let us go, a large smile on his face too, "As am I." He said, taking Esme to his side by wrapping an arm around her waist.

"We all are!" Alice chirped from Jasper's side, "You guys definitely got the loudest applause from everyone."

That made me smile, hiding my face away in the flowers I was given. "I'm proud of you too." A voice said, causing us all to turn around. There stood Mr. Simmons, a single white gardenia in his hand, "Both of you."

I took the flower from him and let him hug me tightly. "Thank you, Mr. Simmons. Thank you for trusting us enough to play for this concert. I know how much it means to you."

He let go, a large smile on his face, "I never doubted either of you. While this concert is extremely important to me, I know how important it is to you and Eileen as well. She would be very proud if she could have heard you play."

A couple of tears fell from my eyes, but my smile remained, "That's just what I needed to hear."