DISCLAIMER: The characters do not belong to me…they are all the creations of the wonderful Stephenie Meyer. All are human.
Finding a Tree
I had been anxious most of the day. Being away from Bella, after having confessed our love for each other, was nearly unbearable. All I wanted to do was be at home, holding her close.
I'd be lying if I didn't say a small part of me also wanted to make sure it was true. I wanted nothing more than for Bella to love me the way I loved her. But that nagging voice in the back of my mind kept asking me how someone so perfect could love me. I knew it was my fear making me doubt her. But as Alice had told me, Bella was nothing like the girl who had hurt me.
I knew I needed to let go of the past, especially if I wanted a future with Bella. But how do you go about forgetting something so painful? How do you erase the ways in which it changed your life, your very beliefs?
Maybe Alice had been right … maybe all it took was to stop being afraid and to open up to the right person. That person was Bella. She would never hurt me. She had told me she wouldn't and every ounce of me knew she was telling the truth.
These thoughts were important, but so was the test in front of me. It took all of my control to make myself focus on my final. I tried not to rush through it, but I was still the first to finish. I made myself go over it twice. The last thing I needed was to mess up on my final. Carlisle would use it as an excuse to take charge of my academic career.
I turned in my test and left quickly. On the drive home, my thoughts turned to Carlisle once again. My father loved me and wanted me happy, but he also believed he knew the best way to accomplish that. He wanted me to be a doctor like him. I just wanted to play music. I knew I needed to speak with him about these things, but I wanted to wait until after Christmas.
As I finally made my way up our winding driveway, I breathed a sigh of relief. I would be seeing Bella in just a few seconds. I turned off the car and opened the door. I heard the front door open and looked up to see Bella running towards me.
"Edward!" she cried as she landed in my arms, hugging me tightly.
I leaned down and buried my face against her neck. "Thank you for the warm welcome."
"I missed you," she whispered.
"I missed you, too," I said, lifting my head and kissing her softly. "I love you, Bella."
She smiled and her brown eyes were alight with joy. "I love you, Edward."
"Bella!" Alice called from the porch. "Get back in here! We aren't done yet!"
Bella chuckled as she grabbed my shirt and pulled herself tighter to me. "The Holiday Sprite is an evil work enforcer. She just needs a whip to complete the ensemble."
A laugh burst from my chest as we walked toward the house. Alice gave me a puzzled look. I'm sure she was dieing to know what I was laughing about, but I shook my head at her. I would not put Bella in shopping danger. It was Alice's favorite form of revenge.
"How was your final, brother dear?" Alice asked, smiling at the way I was holding on to Bella.
"I believe I did rather well. The instructor didn't cover as much material as he said he would. I have one final left and then I am done with this semester." I looked around the living room, admiring Alice and Bella's hard work. "It looks very festive, Alice."
"Just wait until we get the tree!" Alice chirped, rubbing her hands together. "I think I may have actually outdone Esme this year."
"Speaking of her …" I stared at Alice, willing her to know what I was talking about in case our mother was home.
"She went down to Port Angeles for the day. Something about an important function," Alice said.
"Should we use this opportunity to pick up her gift?" I asked.
Alice placed her fingers against her forehead and closed her eyes. She opened them and smiled at me. "I have foreseen we will do that while getting the tree."
"Of course," I chuckled. "You are the Great Ali."
"Anyone want to let me in on the conversation?" Bella was smiling as she watched us.
I resisted the urge to cover her beautiful face with kisses. While we would both enjoy it, I knew it would also embarrass her with Alice standing right next to us. I just smiled instead.
"When I was young, Alice tried to convince me she could see the future. She even made a poster for her door, calling herself the Great Ali. She had a little table set up, complete with crystal ball. The purple turban was a bit much though."
"I don't do anything halfway, little brother." Alice poked me in the chest with her finger. "You, of all people, should know that."
"I do," I chuckled, pushing her hand away.
"So, Great Ali," Bella said. "Tell me my future."
Alice took Bella's hand into hers and traced the lines of her palm. "I see a great love in your future. I see you being very happy and successful. I see a big family with two kids of your own, a big house, and a Volvo and Porsche Cayenne. Oh, and two sisters-in-law, who force you to shop until you drop!"
"That's awfully specific," Bella laughed, pulling her hand away. "So when do I find this great love?"
"You already did," Alice said with a wink. She danced off to the kitchen without waiting for Bella's reply.
Bella stood next to me as still as a statue. I gave her a moment, wondering what was running through her mind. Did she not think our love was great? Did she not want a family in her future?
"Bella, are you okay?" I asked.
She nodded her head slowly. I walked her over to the couch and sat her down.
"She can't really see the future, you know."
"I know," Bella whispered, staring at her hands. "But it would be nice if she could … and was right."
My heart swelled at the possibilities of her statement. But before I could tell her my own thoughts, the front door swung open. Emmett and Jasper walked in arguing, with Rosalie in tow.
"I'm telling you it could never happen that way in real life," Jasper insisted. His face was red and I wondered just how long they'd been at each other.
"How do you know?" Emmett argued. "Were you there during the Civil War?"
"No, but I've read everything there is on it," Jasper defended. "The submarine they called 'David' was not built like a typical submarine. The word 'torpedo' had a very loose meaning at that time. The submarine was mainly used as a ramming mechanism against ships. It is nothing like the ones in 'Hunt for Red October'."
"Would you both stop?" Rosalie begged. She dropped onto the loveseat and put her hands over her face. "You've been arguing since halfway through the movie. That's been over three hours! Enough!"
"Sorry, Rose," Emmett said. He sat next to her and gently pulled her hands away. He hugged her and kissed her cheek. "I guess we got out of hand there."
"Sorry," Jasper sighed, sitting down next to me on the sofa. "The Civil War just happens to be a passion of mine."
"I could tell," Bella remarked as she grinned at Jasper. He returned her smile.
"Jazzy!" Alice screamed as she ran over and jumped on top of him. "I've missed you today!" She wrapped her little arms around him and kissed him thoroughly.
It was almost enough to make me blush, but I had seen it enough times to have gotten over it. Apparently, Bella wasn't as immune. Her cheeks were a crimson red as she stared up at the ceiling. I did my best not to laugh as I pulled her into a hug, trying to comfort her.
"Alice, the house looks great," Rosalie said as she surveyed the room.
Alice broke away from Jazz and smiled. "There's still plenty to do! But first! We have to pick up Esme's gift and get a tree. We should get going!"
"Let's take my jeep and we can all ride together. The tree will fit on top perfectly too," Emmett said.
Bella and Alice ran over to the coat closet and pulled out their jackets. We all walked outside together toward Emmett's jeep. It was a monstrosity, but perfect for off-roading. Emmett had taken Jasper and I a few times.
I waited patiently for Bella to pull herself into the back. I smiled as I realized the wheels were nearly waist high to her. My musing was interrupted when Bella started falling backwards.
Without any conscious thought, I reached out to keep her from hitting the ground. I hoisted her safely into the jeep. It was then that I realized I'd just had my hands on Bella's bottom.
I choked and coughed, trying not to turn red. My mother had always taught me to be respectful and that there were certain places you just didn't put your hands. What was Bella going to think?
Emmett's booming laughter sounded right behind me, making me cringe. Had he seen it? I figured it was best to act cool in case he hadn't.
He clapped me hard on the back and said, "Get in the jeep, Eddie!"
"What happened to my one month of not having that nickname?" I asked.
Emmett leaned close and whispered, "You just hand your hands on my baby sister's ass. I can call you whatever I want."
I gulped and looked up at him, hoping he wasn't going to humiliate me.
He laughed again. "Just get in, Edward!"
My nerves were now shot. Did Emmett think that was going too far? Was he going to say something to Bella? He was my friend, and I knew it was silly to be worried about him beating me up… But he was also her big brother. Why couldn't Bella have had a brother a little less capable of beating the crap out of me?
Bella leaned close to me. "So what was Emmett telling you? You looked a little green."
"Nothing much," I shrugged.
I was embarrassed enough, without admitting my fear of Emmett to Bella. She kept staring at me. The glint in her eyes made me feel like she knew what had happened and what I was thinking.
Bella leaned up and put her lips at my ear. "He saw you help me in, didn't he?"
I could only nod.
"Don't worry. I didn't mind."
She sat down again and I could only stare at her. Once again, I was left speechless by her saying something completely unexpected. She grinned at me then turned her attention to Alice. I found myself wishing I could read her mind. I would have asked her what she was thinking, but we were surrounded by eavesdroppers.
"So what's the gift that we're picking up for your mom?" Bella asked.
I had been so lost in my thoughts that I hadn't realized she was looking at me again. I smiled, running a hand through her silky chocolate hair. "Alice and I sat for a painting."
"Esme will love it!" Bella chirped.
"How do you know? You haven't seen it yet?" I asked.
"Because it's Esme and she loves pictures," Bella shrugged.
"That's what I said," Alice cried, slapping my shoulder. "So, Bella, are you done with your Christmas shopping?"
"I haven't actually started," Bella admitted.
"BELLA!" Alice and Rose shrieked.
"Bella Swan! It is December 22nd! How could you not have shopped yet?" Alice fussed with her hands on her hips.
"I hate shopping," Bella replied, her cheeks turning red.
"We are going tomorrow, young lady," Alice ordered. "We will not leave until you have gifts for everyone on your list."
"Good," Bella laughed. "It's a really short list!"
"How many people do you have on your list?" Alice asked.
Bella bit her lip and wrinkled her nose. "Nine."
"Nine!" Alice cried. "That's it!"
"Alice," I hissed. I knew why Bella only had nine people. I couldn't believe my sister didn't know! She always seemed to know everything!
Bella tugged at her shirt. "Just nine. I don't know that many people."
Alice pulled Bella into a tight hug. "I'm sorry. That was really insensitive of me. I just figured someone as sweet and funny as you are would have tons of friends. Forgive me?"
Bella nodded her head slowly.
"Would you please let me take you shopping and help you get your gifts?" Alice asked with a friendly smile. I was shocked! Alice never asked for permission to drag someone shopping.
Bella smiled brightly and kissed Alice's cheek. "It's your duty as my friend to help me, right?"
"Certainly!" Alice chuckled. "So, who are the nine? I want to start coming up with ideas."
"Well, there's you and Jasper, Emmett and Rosalie, Esme and Carlisle, Angela and her boyfriend Ben, and Edward," Bella replied, counting off with her fingers.
Alice squealed and hugged Bella again. "We're going to have so much fun tomorrow!"
As soon as Alice let go, I pulled Bella into my arms. I leaned down and whispered to her, "Alice didn't mean anything. She just … she gets too excited sometimes. Are you okay?"
She nodded her head, but I could feel the tension in her shoulders as I held her. I decided to try and make her laugh.
"It's very brave of you to agree to Christmas shop with Alice. She's worse on holidays."
Bella chuckled and her little frame shook against mine.
I felt Bella deserved a little surprise for putting up with my big sister. "I'll have to give you one of your gifts early."
She turned to face me, her eyes wide, pulling me close to keep us from being overheard. "Okay, Tutor-boy! First of all, what do you mean one of my gifts? How many are there? And why do you have gifts for me? Secondly, what did you get that you need to give me just because I'll be shopping with Alice?"
I smiled at her frustrated expression. She was adorable! I knew it would take a little convincing, but I wanted her to have this gift. I kissed the tip of her nose and her breathing changed, letting me know I had her attention.
"I said one of your gifts because I got you a few little things. I'm not telling you the exact number. I have gifts for you because I wanted to get them for you. And you'll just have to wait to find out what your first gift will be."
"No way!" Bella hissed, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
I leaned closer and brushed my lips against hers. "Please, Bella. Please let me do this for you. It is Christmas after all."
"I … I don't know …" Bella whispered.
I kissed her softly then pulled away. Her eyes were closed and her face had relaxed. I grinned, confident I would win out over her fear of surprises.
"Please, Bella."
"Just this once, but do not make it a habit," Bella said as she opened her eyes and glared at me.
I smiled crookedly and kissed her forehead. She sighed and leaned into my side, hugging me tightly. I was ecstatic she had relented so easily!
I rested my head on hers and wrapped my arms around her. She fit perfectly against me. Everything about Bella was perfect. I took a deep breath, smelling her strawberry shampoo. I closed my eyes and let my mind drift, picturing her reactions to her gifts. I was sure I would be completely wrong, but I hoped she would like them.
Somehow, I had managed to fall asleep while holding her. The next thing I was aware of was my sister laughing and gently tugging on my hair.
"Wake up, sleepy-heads!" Alice giggled. "We have a tree to get!"
I stretched my back over the seat as Bella sat up, rubbing her eyes. "What about Esme's gift?" I asked.
"I let you sleep through that," Alice said. "You've already seen it anyway."
"Where are the others?" Bella asked.
"I didn't want to have you wake up with them all laughing," Alice answered.
"Thanks, Alice!" Bella said, hugging her tightly. "I would have been permanently red."
"I know," Alice chuckled. "So come repay me by helping me pick the perfect tree!"
"Okay!" Bella giggled. She grabbed my hand and pulled me across the seat and out of the jeep.
"Hey, look!" Emmett called out across the lot. "Sleeping Beauty and Beast are up!"
Bella blushed furiously and hid her face against me. There was a loud popping sound. I looked up to see Rosalie glaring while Emmett rubbed the back of his head.
"I think Rose considers you family, Bella. She just smacked Emmett for teasing you," I whispered.
Bella looked up at me with such a sad, hopeful expression that it made my heart ache for her. "You think?"
It dawned on me that this beautiful woman had been alone, with only Emmett, for far too long. She was having trouble accepting so many people at once into her fragile heart.
"Hey, Rose!" I called, waving to her.
"What are you doing?" Bella hissed.
"Do you trust me?" I asked, cupping her face in my hands.
She nodded. "Completely."
"Then be patient."
"What's up, Edward?" Rosalie asked as she approached. She smiled at Bella and pulled her into a one-armed hug right away. Just what I had hoped for.
"I was just wondering why you smacked Emmett," I said.
Rose smiled and hugged Bella a little tighter. "Because he was making fun of my friend, Bella, here." Rose looked into Bella's face and continued, "He may be your brother, but you're my friend, and I won't put up with anyone giving you crap." She looked up at me and winked. "And that goes double for Edward here. You let me know if he crosses the line with you for even a second."
Bella nodded and smiled. Rose kissed her forehead then walked back over to Emmett and our friends
I pulled Bella against me, wanting her to feel my love in our embrace. "Do you see now?" I asked. "Do you understand how remarkable you are? We all crave your company, Bella. You are beautiful in mind, body and spirit. We all see that."
She hugged me tighter, sniffling against my shirt. "Thank you, Edward. I do feel better."
"Perfect!" I chuckled. "That was the intent. Now, most beautiful woman who is my very beautiful girlfriend, let's go pick out a tree."
"Smooth move, Tutor-boy!" Bella pushed away from away, smiling brightly. "That was twice in one sentence."
"I meant it last night when I told you I would work it into as many conversations as possible," I said, taking her hand in mine. I lifted our twined hands and kissed the back of hers.
"Trees are over here!" Alice sang, bouncing around while holding Jazz's hand.
Bella and I laughed as we jogged over to them.
Alice forced us all to go down every single aisle, sometimes twice, to find the exact perfect tree for the living room. Bella was the one to find the tree worthy of Alice's critical praise. Emmett, Jasper, and I wrestled the ten foot pine tree over to the jeep and secured it to the roof. The girls all clapped and whistled for us when we finally got the last bungee cord secured. We climbed into the jeep and headed home.
My father pulled into the driveway directly in front of us. He helped us get the tree down and into the house while the girls yelled out lefts and rights to keep us from damaging the tree. We finally got it into the stand and into the corner Alice wanted it in. We were met with another round of applause for our hard work.
I was also met with a very enthusiastic Bella as she jumped into my arms and kissed me sweetly. I pulled her tightly to me, forgetting anyone else in the world existed. There was only Bella and her love for me. I was once again amazed she felt this way for me, and very grateful to have her in my life.
"Hey!" Emmett yelled. Bella and I both jumped. "I might be okay with you two dating, but I do not want to see my little sister making out in front of me."
Bella smiled wickedly at Emmett. "Don't be a prude, brother bear." She turned to me and grabbed my shirt collar, pulling me against her lips again. I faintly heard Jasper whistling and Alice and Rosalie laughing, but I was more focused on the wonderfully soft lips pressed to mine.