Nothing belongs to me, well the plot does and the OCs, but everything else belongs to the wonderful Stephenie Meyer and I am not her and I am making NO money with this story.

Chapter 13

God, I love Christmas.

The Cullen's house was really beautiful and the Christmas decoration was awesome. It was classy and tasteful. I knew many houses that looked like bad advertisements for Christmas decoration. Urgh. Sometimes less is more. But the best part of the house was the tree. It was huge and was decorated with beautiful ornaments.

I was already loving this Christmas. And Esme and Carlisle, they didn't want me to call them Mr. and Mrs. Cullen, were friendly and very welcoming. It felt like we were a huge family. Which we were, kind of. And the greeting and introductions went smoother than I had guessed.

Okay, dad had looked at Edward like he wanted to harm him but he was polite. And he hadn't dragged him somewhere to threaten him or worse. I was really glad that dad was behaving himself.

At least for now. I knew I had to watch him over the next few days. I was lucky that Bree and Sue were helping me keeping him in check.

After Edward and I had brought out stuff upstairs, Esme had the dinner ready and we devoured a delicious roast beef with vegetables and croquettes. I had to admit that Esme was a great cook. I think I eat more than any other person at the table. But I was pregnant. This was the one time where a woman could eat as much as she wanted without having a guilty conscience. And I intended to use the excuse for all it was worth.

By the time we started cleaning I thought I could roll. It wasn't a nice feeling but everything had tasted sooo good. And I couldn't stop. It was good that no one was saying anything about it. Besides Bree. But she knew when to stop. She was a woman and my sister after all.

I was more than happy then we retreated to the living-room and sat on the really comfortable couches. Esme had brewed tea and coffee, which was the perfect way to end our evening.

"So, Bella, how are you feeling? I remember that my pregnancy with Edward wasn't all that great. I think the only time I wasn't nauseous was when I was eating. I gained over 40 pounds", Esme said after we had sat for a few minutes.

"40 pounds? Oh god. I hope that I won't gain that much. But at the moment I feel good. I'm no longer feeling unwell and I can eat nearly everything and I don't react bad to certain smells. Thank god for that. Oh, before I forget it I have new pictures from the baby. Do you want to see?"

It seemed that that was something they all wanted to do. Everyone was looking at me like I was Santa Claus. I knew that they would want to see the new ultrasound pictures so I made one for Esme and Carlisle and one for my crazy family. Oh and and for Bree. She might act like she wouldn't want her own picture, being cool and all that rot, but I knew she was a big softie inside. And so I reached for my purse, pulled the pictures out and handed them to them.

"Oh, Carlisle!", Esme cooed as she looked at my little baby. "Doesn't it look cute. Oh. Bella, you just have to see Edward's baby book and my pregnancy journal. Wait, I'm going to get it." Edward had turned an unhealthy shade of green-red and as soon as Esme stood up he tried to stop her.

"Mom, you don't have to get them. I'm sure that we're all tired and want to go to bed really soon." He looked a little panicked which made me want to see these books even more. And I wasn't the only one.

"No, I'm not tired at all", Bree said with a naughty smile on her smile. "And would just love to see your books. I'm sure that they would be really helpful for Bella, too."

"Yes, Bree is right. I'm sure that would be helpful", dad added. The look that he threw Edward was positively evil.

Before Edward could say anything else Esme was already making her way to the stairs. He seemed to have realised that he couldn't stop her and let his head drop in his hands and groaned.

"Poor Edward", Bree cooed. "Don't worry. We won't laugh. ..Much. I promise I won't tell my friends what I will see in the next few minutes." It looked like she was nearly laughing but was keeping it in.

"Every person has to deal with embarrassing childhood stories at one point. I will enjoy them that's for sure", my dad said and looked very happy.

"Does that mean that we'll be seeing baby pictures of Bella anytime soon?", Edward asked who now looked better and a little bit eager. Traitor.

A "Maybe" was dad's only response before Esme came back with three thick scrap books.

What happened next was a whirlwind of ohs and aws and dozens of baby pictures. The best were the pictures of a naked Edward on the carpet. His butt was just so round and cute that you had the insane desire to bite it. Which Esme had done a lot. We laughed and cooed a lot while Edward was trying to disappear into the couch. His face was really read and he kept muttering about psychological damage and erectile dysfunction. I really didn't know what his problem was. The pictures weren't that bad. But I wasn't eager for dad to bring out my own baby pictures. And I knew that's hypocritical.

Two hours later, after we knew everything about Esme's pregnancy and Edward's early childhood, we decided that it was time to get some sleep. We said goodnight and went to our respective rooms. It was good that the Cullen's had such a huge house otherwise there wouldn't have been enough room for us all. I was already anticipating the next morning when we would open our presents.

As I turned to ask Edward something I realised that he wasn't in the room. And neither was my father. I would dad had behaved himself too well.

Sneaky old man.

I caught Sue's eyes. She had also noticed that both men were missing and gave me an exasperated look. Without hesitation I went to the kitchen. I hoped they were in there, otherwise I had to assume that my father had followed Edward to the bathroom. And then I would have some words with the chief.

"...you know, I've made quiet a few friends since I became a cop. I even have some friends in Chicago. They are really friendly and have been helpful in the past", said my father in a quiet and nonchalante voice. It was obvious that he was trying to intimidate and/or threaten Edward. In a way it was really nice that dad wanted to protect me but I was an adult and could threaten my own men.

I opened the door and put both hands on my hips. My father, who had seen me already, looked a little sheepish. I was sure that he'd hoped that I wouldn't notice anything. Well, bad luck, Chief.

"Da-ad. Sue is waiting for you."

"Sure, Bella. Have a good night, baby. Edward." The look dad gave Edward said more than a thousand words. Edward looked like he was sweating and trying to hide it.

Men!

"Come on, Edward. I wanted to ask you something", I said and led Edward up the stairs. Once we arrived at the room Bree and I would be sleeping in, I gave him a kiss and wished him sweet dreams.

"Didn't you want to ask me something?", he asked and looked quiet confused.

"No", I giggled. "I was just saving you from my father. Give him contra. Otherwise he'll just continue to bully you."

Edward looked like I was crazy but I didn't give him the opportunity to reply before I closed the door.

TBM

I knew it was early. Far to early to be woken up by a hyperactive teen.

"Bella. Bella, wake up. It's Christmas. Time to open the presents."

Bree was jumping on my bed and the movement was doing awful things to my stomach.

Oh no!

"Bree! If you don't stop this nonsense right now, I'll be seeing my dinner again. And I'll make you clean it. Okay?"

That threat was enough to stop her immediately. Thank you, Jesus. Barfing was not the first thing I wanted to to on Christmas morning.

"Sorry, Bella. I forgot. Everyone is already up. Edward said to let you sleep but it's after 9. I have been up for two hours and now I want to open my presents. Please?", Bree said and looked so miserable that I had to smile.

"Okay, I'm up. Give me ten minutes and then I'll be down. Now leave, me alone."

"YAY!" And then she was gone. Just like that.

As promised I was down ten minutes later, wearing my favorite pyjama. It was too big for me and made out of satin, but I loved it. And Bree had told the truth. The whole house was already up and waiting in the living-room. There were mugs with coffee and hot chocolate on the table. Hmm. And there was whipped cream and marshmallows.

Christmas was saved.

"Merry Christmas, Bella" came from nearly every person in the room. Edward stayed quiet as he stood up and came to me. He hugged me, gave me a kiss on my forehead and whispered, "Merry Christmas, to you two." I was very emotional this morning it seemed because I teared up immediately. God, he was so sweet sometimes.

After we sat down he put his arm around me and laid his hand over our baby.

"Okay, it's present time. Me first!", Bree said and dived under the tree to reach one of her presents. After she was done she handed everyone their presents. The first one I opened was for me and Edward and was a gift certificate for a photo shoot in Chicago.

"Kyle will be awaiting your call", Esme explained, as the photo shoot was a gift from her and Carlisle. "You should go to him at the beginning of the third trimester. So that you have a beautiful belly. I expect a picture of you three, just so you know."

I laughed as I answered, "I thought as much. Thank you. It's an amazing gift. I'm sure that it'll be a great memory." Edward was also very happy about the gift. He smiled and gave his mother a kiss.

I was very happy with my gifts. Dad and Sue had given me the housecoat that I had wanted for a few months now but it had been a little too expensive and a few books. Christmas was just not perfect without a few new books. Bree had given me an erotic novel. "Not that you will need it with Mr Hot-and-Dirty around." I promised her that I would get my revenge for that. But my favorite gift had been Edward's. It was a Trollbeads bracelet with beautiful beads. After he helped me putting it on he explained the different pendants.

"This one here is a pregnant woman for our little miracle, a B for your name, the autumn bead for your birthday, a winter bead for our first Christmas together and a few glass beads. Do you like it.?"

How could he ask me something like this? Of course I loved it. He put so much thought into my gift and I loved the different meanings of the beads. My thanks were therefore very exuberant.

"Thank you, Edward. I love my bracelet", I whispered as showered his face with kisses. It didn't take long before Edward started kissing me in return. It was a shame that the clearing of a throat interrupted our moment.

"I'm sure that Bella is very thankful for her present but you do have an audience, you know?" Of course it was my father who had destroyed our happy moment. Sue threw dad an exasperated look, Bree was laughing discreetly and Esme and Carlisle were holding hands and looked very happy.

"Okay, before Bella and Edward start doing unspeakable things we should start with the breakfast", Bree suggested after she had gotten her laughter under control and we all agreed.

It was the most perfect Christmas ever.

TBM

We spent the rest of the day at home and watched some movies or read our new books. After tea we went outside for a walk. Everything was white. It looked like a winter-wonder-land. I hoped that dad had forgotten about my promise to call mom but he hadn't. And so I called René, while Bree was listening. She hoped that the call would be highly entertaining and no amount of threating or pleading could change her mind. I feared that she was right. My mother was a very eccentric person. Sex and men were a very important part of her live. Oh and her social life. I hoped against hope that she would stay calm.

Yeah, and I would be a even-tempered pregnant woman.

She answered after the third ring. "Hello?"

"Merry Christmas, mom. How are you doing?"

"Bella, Merry Christmas to you too. I'm doing fine. Phil and I are lying at the pool sunbathing. We have great weather. And what are you doing? Why didn't you come here?", my mother asked. She couldn't understand how I could live where it wasn't constantly warm and sunny.

"I'm in Forks. I need snow for Christmas, you know that. What did you get for Christmas?" It was always a good strategy to ask about her life to get her into a good mood. She was slightly self-absorbed.

"I got the most wonderful gifts from Phil. He signed us up for a tantra course and bought me sexy underwear. Isn't it nice of him? And my friends and I will visit a pole dancing course. How cool is that?" There were quiet a few things that I didn't want to know about my mother. Details about her sexual life were part of that list.

"As we are already at the topic, how is your sex-life coming along? You should really visit us here. I could introduce you to some nice and attractive men. You need someone in your life, honey." Oh God, no. That would be a disaster! Which woman wanted her mother to fix her up with someone. Not me that's for sure.

"No, mom. You don't need to become active. I've met someone a few months ago. He is a..."

"WHAT!", mom yelled. "You met a man and haven't told me yet. Really, Bella, I thought we're friends." No, mom, we are mother and daughter as it should be. "Now tell me everything about him. Is he good looking? Does he have a good job? And have you had sex with him yet?" What the fuck was wrong with her?

Bree was biting her fist to stop her from laughing out loud. My attempt to glare her into silence was not very affective. What kind of people do I keep around? There must be something wrong with me.

"Calm down. His name is Edward and yes, he is incredible handsome and really intelligent. And he has a... well his job is not ordinary. He plays football for the Chicago Bears. In fac..."

"OH MY GOD" That's it, I'm deaf. I'm sure that the others heard her downstairs. Bree has tears streaming down her face because she is laughing so hard and smothering herself with a pillow to keep quiet. Oh chock on it, will you. "You are seeing Edward Cullen? Oh Bella. I knew that you would meet someone special someday. And Cecilia was showing off because her daughter was dating some top lawyer. Hah! Your boyfriend is so much better. And I'm so happy for y.." I had to stop her before she began contacting all her gossiping friends.

"MOM! Please listen to me. Edward and I want to keep it quiet. He likes to keep his private life well ..private and you know that I absolutely hate attention. And mom, please try to stay calm now, there is another reason why we want to keep our relationship hidden for now. Well..I...uhm...I'm pregnant."

That's it. It's out now. I've told her. Why do I have a feeling, that I'm going regr..

"AAAAAH!"

What the fuck! I had dropped my phone in shock and even Bree had stopped her antics. She was looking at the phone like it was a bomb. Before mom could do something I would regret, I put the phone back to my ear.

"Mom, stay calm please. I know it's a lot to take in but please don't tell anyone other than Phil. It would be hor.."

"Phil! PHIL! Bella is pregnant. I have to go to Maria. I've got to tell her. My daughter. Pregnant with Edward Cullen's baby. I'm so happy." I knew that she had put the phone away because I could hear her walking away.

NO no no!

"MOM! PLEASE COME BACK!", I yelled into the phone. This was not happening. Please.

"Bella? Here is Phil. René has just left. Congratulations, by the way. Do you want her to call you back?", Phil asked.

"Yes, please. Bye." I didn't wait for a reply.

I couldn't believe that it had gone that out of control. By tomorrow morning someone would have told the wrong person.

"A HA haha. Oh my fucking God. That was better than any sitcom I've ever seen. You should see your face", Bree laughed. She was rolling over the floor. Completely out of control.

I'm happy that someone can laugh about it.

TBM

Over the next few days I was nearly obsessed about finding out if there were any news about Edward. He had found my mothers reaction quiet hilarious at first but after dad and I had explained that René wouldn't know how to be subtle even if her life depended on it and that all of her friends were terrible gossips, he didn't find it funny anymore.

Even though Edward loved attention he'd his limits. Pictures, autographs and questions were okay after games, practice, shoots or events. But he didn't want to be harassed when he was out buying toilet paper. And most of the time people let him be. But you didn't need to be a genius to know that if there would be even the smallest hint about a new relationship or a baby, then his privacy wouldn't mean shit.

But so far there weren't any news. And I calmed down. Edward was really talented in dealing with my freak-out.

He has a very talented mouth. And hands...

The rest of our holiday was relaxing. We spent time with our family and visited friends. Dad, to everyones surprise, started to get along really well with Edward. Sue had told me that he had been impressed with my Christmas gift and seeing us together had diminished his fears. And sooner than we wanted it was time to leave. We made plans for the families to visit us in Chicago and promised to call at least once a week.

Everything was fine...until we left the terminal.

At first I thought that something had happened because there were so many people. But then I realised that these people were reporter and paparazzi and fans. I thought that they were waiting for some celebrity. And I was right.

They were waiting for a celebrity. I'd just forgotten that Edward was one of them.

But I remembered that little bit of information as soon as they saw us and started yelling questions and taking photos like crazy.

"Edward! Look here."

"Edward, is it true? Are you taken and expecting your first child?"

"Is that her? Please, ma'am, look here."

"Miss, when did you meet..."

Oh my fucking GOD!

Happy New Year. I hope you had great holidays.

Here is chapter 13. I hope you liked René. She is crazy. Isn't she?

Well, the cat is out of the bag. Let's see how they'll handle it.

Please review.

Love, Nini