Chapter 21

BPOV

Christmas was a day away and I was done with all of my shopping. It was daunting having to buy for more people but I wouldn't have it any other way. Edward was of course the hardest to shop for. I ultimately got him items to pertain to his new career choice. I got him a personalized "Mr. Cullen" name plate for when he became a teacher, and hell if he didn't we can just use it to role play because for some reason picturing Edward as a teacher was beyond sexy. It seemed lame, but I liked it. I also got him a nice leather overnight bag, he was jealous of mine and always complained of using an old gym bag and lastly I planned an overnight trip to Portland where he could use said overnight bag. So seeing as it is the night before Christmas I had to ban Edward from my apartment while I finished wrapping gifts. I was only interrupted by the sound of my cell phone.

"Hello?"

"Hey Bella, its Alice, what are you up to?"

"Oh hey Alice, I am just wrapping gifts, where are you calling from, I don't recognize the number?"

"Oh I didn't even think of that, this is Jasper's phone, anyway we were all going to go over to my mom and dad's to watch movies, and eat. I wanted to know if you and Edward were in."

"I'd love to, and I can call Edward and ask, he's not here."

"Shocking, where is he? You're almost always together."

"To be honest, I am not sure, but I had to dismiss him for a bit while I wrap gifts. I didn't want him peaking."

"Smart, he wouldn't have been able to help himself."

"Yup. So what time are you guys meeting there?

Alice paused and I heard the phone shuffling.

"We are thinking around 8:30 tonight, it's going on 7 now. Is that enough time?"

"That should be fine, I am just about finished. I'll call Edward, and we'll be over."

"Sweet! See you guys soon, don't be ashamed to bring my gift, I won't mind."

"Yeah yeah, I bet you won't.

With Alice off the phone, I finished wrapping the present in my hand before I picked it up to call Edward. I only had 2 more gifts to go and I would be done.

When I called Edward it rang for almost 5 times when he finally picked up.

"Hey Love, are you all done wrapping?"

"Hey, yes and no. I have two more to go but I finished all of your gifts. So if you wanted to come on back, you have my consent."

Edward chuckled over the phone and then there was a pause, I could hear quiet murmurs and some other background noise, but I had no idea where he was.

"Edward where are you and what is that noise?"

"Oh I am just out and about, people are walking around me."

His voice sounded strained, I was starting to panic before Edward interrupted me.

"Well if you're done then I'll start making my way back to you."

"That sounds good, but I also called to see if you wanted to watch movie's at your mom's place. Everyone will be there and we can hang out."

"Yup, that sounds good, so I'll meet you at your place and we'll head over together?"

"Yeah, so when should I expect you?"

"I got pretty far while I was walking so maybe 20 minutes or so?"

"Okay be safe and I'll see you soon."

A seemingly normal conversation, and yet it made me feel weird. It was as if my spidey sense was tingling. However Christmas is tomorrow, maybe it's a last minute gift. It that conceited to think. I could give him a taste of his own medicine, and harass him about it until he cracks. I toyed with that idea while I finished up. Roughly twenty minutes later I heard Edward's keys in the door, I had already settled in the living room, so I could see him walk in.

"Honey I'm home."

Deciding to go with the harassment plan, I jumped off the couch and in to his arms.

"So what'd you buy me? What'd you buy me?" I was laughing to myself but stopped when I saw Edward wince. I immediately got out of his grasp.

"Edward, what's wrong? I hurt you. I am so sorry what happened? Where does it hurt?"

All laughter was gone from my voice and I was worried.

"It's nothing love you just caught me off guard is all. I'm fine." He tried to laugh it off but I wasn't having it.

"Nothing my ass, you were in pain and you better tell me what's going on?"

"Bella, it's nothing wrong. I was just surprised."

Edward looked at me, trying to persuade me to let it go. He would tell me if he is injured right?

"If you say so. But I know something is up. If you don't tell me soon, it's going to be worse if I should find out by myself."

"You have nothing to worry about, I am injury free. Now may I kiss you, you've kept me away almost all day."

I pulled Edward's lips to mine, and all earlier turmoil gone. He had this crazy ability to make the world melt away. Whether or no it was for the best remained to be seen, but I could get lost in him.

"MMmm, we should get ready to go." Edward mumbled.

"What if I changed my mind and now I just want to take you to my bedroom." I replied.

"I'd say as tempting as that sounds we already made a commitment."

I was shocked. Edward turning down a chance at lovin'? Not even offering to make it a quickie. Something is going on.

"Okay, that's it, what is going on? Something is up because you are not acting yourself, did something happen."

"No, no. It's just we already said we were going to my parent's house and I don't want to keep them waiting."

"We still have like almost a half hour 'til we need to be there, come with me and let's make use of that time."

"Or, we could show up earlier and help get things set up?"

"Set up? Its movies and popcorn, I'm sure they can handle it."

I tried to go in for another kiss; pulling Edward towards me, when he abruptly grabbed my shoulders to stop me.

"Come on, let's just head over now."

So now I can't even kiss him. Something is going on.

"Yeah, ok, just let me grab my coat." I tried not to sound defeated but something was unsettling.

"Bella, don't worry, everything is fine. Let's just go and enjoy some movies and snacks." Edward gave me a quick kiss and sent me on my way. Suddenly I was in no mood to watch movies. I wanted to sit in my room and pout. I wanted to brainstorm all the reasons for Edward's odd behavior. Instead I grabbed a jacket from the closet and got ready to leave.

"Ready?"

"Yup, let's go." I couldn't shake my thoughts.

"Hey, I swear to you, everything is fine. Please don't be sad."

"I know. I'm fine. Let's go."

The ride over was fairly quiet. Edward tried to make small talk, but I wouldn't bite. I answered with one or two word answers.

"We're here." I hadn't realized it; I was so lost in my thoughts.

I had brought all the gifts to give to everyone. I'd figured I'd save myself the trouble of having to do it tomorrow when we all had dinner. Even Charlie was going to make the drive down and meet Edward's parents. When we entered the house I gently set the gifts by the tree in the front sitting area and was about to head to the kitchen when Edward grabbed my wrist.

"Come with me, I refuse to spend the whole night with a mopey Bella."

"I'm not mopey, just had some things on my mind. I'm fine."

"Nope, come with me."

Edward led me down the hallway passing the kitchen, pulling me into the music room.

"Are you going to play for me?"

"Yes, my love I am. I intended to this for you tomorrow, seeing as it is Christmas, but now is just as good a time as any."

He sat me in a chair by the piano. I made myself comfortable while he composed himself. Then he began to play. What I heard left me stunned and awestruck. It was a beautiful melody, slow moving, passionate and fun. I watched while Edward's hand glided effortlessly over the keys. I wanted to be fully immersed in the music but my mind couldn't help but try and figure out the song. I had never heard it. Too soon it was over, and Edward paused as the last note rang out.

"Why are you crying? Did you not like it.?"

"Oh Edward, I loved it. I want to hear it over and over again." I didn't even realize I was crying until Edward said something to me.

"I'm glad, because I actually made you a cd of it, along with some of my other favorites."

Out of then air it seemed Edward produced a cd. Bella was written across the cover in Edward's beautiful handwriting. The inside flap held the song lists, but what made my breathe stop is when I saw my name again. This time it was Bella's lullaby.

"I composed that song for you Bella, its how I feel about you."

"You wrote a song for me." I barely whispered.

"It wasn't hard, you inspire so much in me, and I love you so much. So much Bella."

I pounced on him, kissing him.

"Wait, there's one more thing." Edward started to take off his shirt, following his trend I started to take mine off too.

"Bella, leave your shirt on. That will come later."

I couldn't help but blush at assuming the wrong thing. When Edward's shirt came off I saw what looked like a bandage wrapped around his arm.

"YOU DID GET HURT! Edward, why did you lie?"

"No, I didn't. Just wait"

Edward started to slowly unwrap the bandaging, but upon further inspection it was just a dark saran wrap. Wait saran wrap. That was when I looked at Edward's arm again and saw the last thing I was expecting, and yet the thing that made so much sense.

"Is that…is that, Edward is that a tattoo?"

"For someone who is covered on one arm, you sound so unsure."

"Oh shut up. I know it is, but what is it doing on you?"

"Well, I wanted to get one, you knew that, and I wanted something that means a lot to me and nothing mean more to me than you."

I could already feel the tears in my eyes; I tried to wipe them so I could get a better look at his tattoo. On the inside of Edwards arm were music notes aligned across scale that led up to a cursive B on the end. I was already feeling so overwhelmed. I must have been silent too long, because Edward spoke up.

"The bar of music is the intro to your lullaby and then it forms into a B, here at the end, for Bella of course." Edward's voice trailed off towards the end.

"It's okay if you don't like it, but it is something that I will carry with me…"

"Please DO NOT mistake by silence for me not liking it, because Edward I love it, and it is by far the sweetest, most loving thing anyone has ever done for me. When did you do this? No, obviously today. How long have you've been planning this." By this time I completely lost it and the tears were falling freely.

"Don't cry, this is supposed to be a happy moment. A part of your Christmas gift."

"Oh these are happy tears, and honestly Edward, I love you. I love you so much, and this is the best Christmas gift I have ever received. I mean the song itself blew me away but knowing it's on you forever. Gah Edward, you have no idea what that means to me."

I stopped talking and let my actions speak for me. I climbed on Edward wrapping my legs around my waist. I peppered kisses all over his face and neck. Things turned heated pretty quickly and I wanted to be anywhere more private not an open music room.

"Edward, take me somewhere, anywhere, and let me show you how much I love my gifts."

"Yes that is a great idea."

Edward bent down with me still attached to his waist to pick up his discarded shirt and bandage. We walked or practically jogged up the stairs to Edward's old room. When we entered he set me down and turned to close and lock the door.

"I want you so bad Bella."

"Yes, oh yes take me please."

I reached to take of my shirt, and before I knew it Edward was naked and helping me with my clothes. I wanted to show him how much I appreciated his gifts but I was so caught up in how good he was making me feel.

"Bella lay down on the bed for me."

I didn't even think about it, I just walked to the bed.

He climbed on top of me; ever so slowly he pushed into me. There was no doubt in his mind that I would be ready for him. I was.

"Bella, I love you."

"I love you too. Thank you, I love you."

Edward continued with slow and hard thrusts, I could feel myself about orgasm but wanted Edward to finish with me.

"I'm so close, finish with me Edward, cum with me."

No response was needed but Edward picked up his pace. I started to feel him throbbing inside me.

"Yes that's it just like that, oh that feels so good."

"Shit Bella."

Just like that we came together, blissed out and sweaty. We lay panting lightly; Edward had yet to move from on top if me. I liked him there, and as much as I would have enjoyed some rough, animalist sex, making love to Edward was brilliant and beautiful. I'm not sure how long passed but at some point we lay on our sides while I examined Edward's tattoo.

"This is really beautiful Edward. I mean truly."

"Thank you Love, it's like you. Beautiful"

"No need to suck up Edward, I love it."

"You know I speak the truth so deal with it."

We lapsed into silence again, until something dawned on me and I looked at the time.

"Hey, it's almost 11 o clock, where is everyone?"

"Ha, I was wondering if you would bring that up. They are at Alice and Jasper's place. The get together was just a ruse so you wouldn't be suspicious about coming to my parent's house."

"What?"

"Yeah we planned it all, even down to the tattoo, I was looking for an excuse to make my appointment, but turns out I didn't need one because you ended up kicking me out anyway. It all worked out swimmingly if you ask me."

I was shocked and yet so relieved, I would have hated for them to all be downstairs knowing what was happening upstairs.

"Aren't you just so clever."

"Did you like your Christmas presents love?"

"Yes, they are wonderful. I love them."

"Then that's all that matters."

"Merry Christmas Edward."

"Merry Christmas Bella."