Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. I wish I did.
Chapter Thirteen
I leaned my head against the frame of the Hale's window as I watched the snow fall. It was falling slowly and there were a million thoughts running through my head as I watched each snowflake hit the ground. They were now sticking.
It wasn't long until we'll have to face our doom. Everything about it though was bittersweet. I had everything I wanted, but I was about to lose it all.
Right now we were all currently spending the most anticipated and happiest time of the year in fear. Maybe we needed some cheer during this dark period of our lives, but at the same time I don't want to associate gifts, love, family, and Santa Claus with death, immortal children, and creepy vampires.
I feel a big hand gently grab one of my shoulders. I look from behind to see Emmett grinning at me. I give him a half of a smile as I turn around so I can face him.
"Hey," I greeted him.
"Why the dull face, Belle?" He asked me, his tone teasing. "It's Christmas! Turn that frown upside down!"
I chuckle at him before I replied, "I'm just thinking."
"About what?"
"Everything," I respond.
"As in everything, do you mean the battle?" He asked me quietly. I nod as I turn to look out the window again.
"I just feel...everything is finally so perfect and-"
"And it's all going to come crashing down because we're all headed towards our doom?" he said. I nod at his statement and sigh.
I look over Emmett's shoulder to see my daughter and the rest of my family laughing with the rest of the Hales and wolf pack. They all just looked so happy.
I know Renesmee and Jacob exchanged gifts already. Renesmee was stressing out about what to get him at first, but in the end she got him something he needed for his car. In return he gave Renesmee a Quileute promise bracelet. Alice gushed at this, thinking it was the most adorable thing in the world, but Edward and Jasper got into protective uncle and daddy mode. I, on the other hand, was just glad to see someone love my daughter. Even though I'm not very thrilled about Jacob imprinting on her, I know he was going to protect her with his life while I faced my death.
"Emmett, I just got you and Edward back. I don't want to lose you guys again," I said, my voice breaking into a dry sob.
"Belle, come here," He said as he pulled me into a bear hug. I dry sobbed as I held tight to my big brother. He rubbed my back as we both hugged for the longest time.
"You are my family. You'll always be my baby sister, no matter what. I'm not going to let anything happen to you or anyone else in this family," Emmett told me softly as we pulled away.
"And you'll always be my brother. I'm going to protect you and this family...No one can ever take your place. Not even Edward," I said, smiling up at him. He chuckles as he swirls me around.
"Maybe one day I can walk you down the aisle and dance with you at your wedding," Emmett mused as we swayed back and forth.
"Maybe." I sighed as I went to rest my head on his shoulder.
"Reminds you of our little dances?" Emmett asked me softly. I nod, chuckling.
When I was little Emmett would always dance with me. I remember when I was ten and he was sixteen he use to put me on his feet and swirl me around to some of our old records. Mama would laugh and Daddy would always steal the next dance.
"How could I forget," I said, my voice was cracking by now. If I could cry tears right now, I would.
"Hey, I got you a present," he said into my ear.
"You didn't have-"
"Belle, I insist. After all you gave me that Titans Jersey," he said, giving me one of his infamous puppy dog looks. "Please? It's Christmas!"
"Emmett, the puppy dog look doesn't work on me," I said with a smug smile.
"Oh, come on, Belle! It's the freaking holiday season! Enlighten me here!"
"Fine." I sighed as he handed me the small little box. I go to open it up to see it's a new wooden charm for my necklace. It was a small little star and carved on it read Family Always. I felt my the venom pool up in my eyes as I looked up at my brother.
"Thanks, Em. It's beautiful," I said, my voice cracking.
"No problem, Belle." He goes to gently place it on with the others on my necklace. I touch it briefly and smile as he hooks the necklace back together. When he was done I latched onto my brother again and buried my face into the crook of his neck. Emmett's arms engulfed me as we both hugged for the longest time. That was until I heard someone clear their throat.
I turn around to see Edward and Rosalie. The two were both smiling at us.
"Is is okay that we break up the moment?" Rosalie asked us.
"It's fine," I said, smiling, as I headed over to Edward's side and Emmett to Rosalie's.
"Let's enjoy Christmas. This could be our last one, so let's make it count," Rosalie announced. She tugged Emmett towards the living room while I held hands with Edward as we slowly walked to where the others were.
I looked to see Renesmee was snuggled into Jacob's lap. She placed a Santa hat on his head and the two were laughing.
"I know he'll protect her," Edward whispered in my ear, seeing that I was looking at our daughter and Jacob. "Whatever happens, Jacob is going to protect her."
"I know." I sigh as I go to lean my head against Edward's chest. He plants a kiss on the top of my head as he begins to run his fingers through my hair.
"At least we have today," He said.
"Yeah." I agree. We head over to the nearby couch where he takes a seat on it and I take a seat on the armrest next to him.
"I have a present for you," he whispered in my ear.
"Really? You didn't have to," I mummer. "I don't need presents."
"Bella, I had to get one for you. I love you and this is just a small gesture to show how much I do," He said as he got out a tiny box.
"Fine, well I have yours then," I said. I go to hand him the present I got him the other day when Rosalie, Alice, and I took the girls shopping as a way to get their minds cleared from all the craziness that's about to happen.
"You open yours first, please," I said to him, looking at him with a little pout. He sighed, giving in, and went to open the present. When he saw what it was he smiled.
Edward carefully goes to lift a framed photo of him, Renesmee, and I up out of the box and out into the open.
"It's our first family photo," I said to him softly as I place a hand on one of his shoulders.
"Yeah, it is." He goes to touch my hand and leans his forehead into mine. I go to kiss his lips gently, before pulling away. "Thank you."
"Your welcome," I told him.
"Now open yours," he exclaimed like a little kid. I chuckle as I carefully unwrap the delicate paper. When I saw what it was I gasped and felt the venom pool in my eyes, once again.
Inside was a silver band that had the words My Reason engraved on it. Edward goes to cup my face with one hand and gently puts the ring on my finger.
"Isabella, you're my reason to fight. You and Renesmee are my reasons for living. You are the reasons why I'm never going to give up. You're the reason why I'm happy. The two of you are my everything," he whispered to me.
"Oh, Edward." I was lost for words.
I don't know if it's even possible for me to love anyone as much as I loved Edward. My love for him is endless.
In thanks I latch onto Edward and hug tight to him. His arms wrap around me and pull me closer towards him. He holds me so that I'm curled up on his lap, snuggled in his arms.
Why did this Christmas have to be so perfect?
I felt a flash go off and turn to see Alice with a camera, taking a picture of my moment with Edward. I roll my eyes as she grins at me.
"Merry Christmas?"
I laugh as I get off of Edward's lap so I could pull my sister into a hug.
After that we exchange some more presents among one another. For Emalie I got her the Little House on the Prairie Books, I got Jasper a bunch of Civil War books he doesn't have yet, I got a gift card to Macy's for Alice since she's hard to pick clothes out for, I got Rosalie a nice little photo album, and now I just have to give Renesmee her gift. I know Edward ended up giving her an MP3 filled with a bunch of music the two of them like.
I also know that Rose and Emmett got Emalie a little charm bracelet. On it were charms that resembled things they loved about her and this family. The cutest one was of a little heart that read I'll Always Protect You.
I take out the locket I got Renesmee. It was a big golden locket with a delicate pattern on the front. Inside it read More Than My Own Life in French with the picture of the three of us.
I wanted to give this to her at the right moment. I wanted it to be at a time when we're both alone.
The Christmas party finally ended and it was late at night. We were back at the Cullen home now. Emalie was sleeping, the wolves were home, and the rest of us needed to either hunt or get some 'rest' before the confrontation with the Volturi. I was full from the hunt I went on with Edward and Renesmee on Christmas Eve, so I was refreshed and ready to go. I'll probably go once more the day before the battle.
Renesmee was currently sitting on the nearby window ledge as she watched the snow fall. She looked so peaceful, but I could see the distress on her face. I just want her to be happy.
"Hey, baby," I greet her. She turns around to the sound of my voice and smiles automatically.
"Hi, Momma."
I go to sit down with her on the bench and, like a small child, Renesmee crawls closer to me. I pull her into my arms and hold her close.
"This was one of the best Christmases ever, you have to admit," She whispered as she went to touch the window with a warm hand.
"Yeah, it was," I agree.
"Even though everything is going down hill in a few days," Renesmee murmured.
"I know it looks bleak, but try to think positive," I told her. "There's always a bright side."
"I guess." She shrugged, turning her head so she was facing the snow again.
"Hey, baby...this is my present. I know I probably should have given it to you earlier, but I felt like a moment like this would be the perfect time to give this to you," I whisper to my daughter as I hand her the locket.
"I thought you'd never give me a present," Renesmee teased as she playfully nudged me. I chuckle as I hand it to her. She slowly opens it and automatically marvels at it's beauty.
"It's beautiful mom, thank you."
"Open it," I tell her. She does as she is told and when she does, tears start to form in her eyes.
"Renesmee, I know you're an adult but tomorrow if I tell you to run with Jacob, Seth, and Emalie, I want you to. You need to protect Emalie and Jake will protect you. You need to promise me that whatever happens, I want you to live your life for me. I want you to make a family with Jacob. I want you to love him with every ounce in your body. I want you to live a long and happy life with him for the rest of eternity. Promise me?" I tell her sternly. "Promise me?"
"Yes. Yes, I promise." Renesmee chokes on a sob and nods tearfully. Seconds later I get impacted with a hug. I rock her for a bit until she cried herself out. Edward came moments later and we pulled him into the hug as well. His large arms wrapped around my small frame and Renesmee's smaller one.
"Can I sleep with you tonight?" She asked me in a quiet voice. "Like when I was little? With Dad, too?"
"Sure dear," I told her softly, stroking her hair.
Edward scooped her up by the legs and carried her bridal style. She hugged onto his neck as we slowly climbed up the stairs. The house was quiet except for the sounds of our graceful footsteps as we approached Edward's room. He placed her on the bed and I went to tuck her in like she was little again. She curled up as Edward got on one side of her and I got on the other.
I stretched my hand out to Edward from across the bed and he took mine in his. It fit with mine like a glove.
"I love you, Momma," Renesmee said to me softly.
"I love you too angel, more than my own life," I told her. She nods and then looks towards Edward.
"I love you too, Daddy. I'm sorry we didn't have enough time," She said.
"It's fine. I love you too Renesmee...I just want you to know that you and your mother are everything to me. I have nothing without you two."
Renesmee smiles tiredly as she gives him a peck on the cheek before turning back to me and giving me one as well.
Soon Renesmee's breaths got even and the whole room was silent.
"I love you, Edward. For the rest of Forever," I whispered to him as I squeezed his hand.
"I know. I love you too...Forever," He said softly.
That night Edward and I stayed with a sleeping Renesmee, and we wouldn't leave her side until she woke up. In fact she would sleep with us for the next few days until the Volturi came.
The next couple of days went by like a blur. Everyone was getting prepared. There was too much to do to just enjoy the last few days that could be our very last.
Then the morning finally approached.
Everyone and everything was quiet that day. The mood felt like a funeral. A funeral that would never end.
My stomach ached as I looked at Renesmee. She looked like a beautiful young woman ready to face the world.
I had placed in her backpack everything important, along with a letter for her and a stack of a thousand dollars. She was dressed in a gray winter coat and jeans. Her hair was up and I could tell she was sad. She was scared that it was going to come to our parting.
I take her hand in mine as I headed out to where Edward was. He smiled sadly at me before he took Renesmee's free hand and we headed towards our fate.
We all traveled as a pack. The vampires went first as we waited on the snowy field. The wolves were behind us, ready to fight. Emalie looked a bit scared as she clung to Rosalie's legs. My sister in law was in a protective stance in front of Emalie while Emmett stood by her side. I take a spot next to them with Renesmee and Edward. Esme, Carlisle, Alice, and Jasper took spots next to us as well as we waited.
That's when black cloaks appeared and began to glide on the snow white ground.
A/N: Thoughts? Did you guys like it? This is where it gets big! I know, left it on a cliffhanger once again. Mwhahahaha ;) We're so close to getting to some vampire kick butt action! Also, did you like their christmas? Emotional Bella? The gifts? The BellaxEdward moments or the EmmettxBella moments?! Please tell me :) Anyway that's all I have to say today.
Well I hope you like it. Please review, be on the lookout for more updates, and you guys rock :)