I apologize for not updating as quick as I usually do. My grandpa had his knee replaced, so i've been helping him get back on his feet. Anyway, i'm in Bakersfield right now, and internet is a bet scarce. I was able to finally get a flashdrive and transfer this chapter onto another computer. Anywhos, here you go!

PS – again, thank you for all the wonderful reviews! And once this is over, I'll be sure to start on "New New Moon". Yes, the extra New was purposeful.

PSS – because someone asked: it's ancient lore that says that vampires cannot enter a dwelling unless invited inside. For those who still aren't sure, go and find the movie "Let the Right One In." It's a foreign vampire film, and it's FANTASTIC. One of my favorites.

Twenty Five: Cameras and Good News

Christmas had always been a funny affair for Bella. When she was younger, she did often get a little jealous of the large families who went to exotic places and whose children got a department store as presents. But as she got older, she found that spending the holiday with her mother – her father coming as well – was pleasing to her. The quiet nights of sitting at home, talking lightly to each other while sipping hot chocolate or egg nog was a scene that would bore most prepubescent and or adolescent persons, but Bella found it to be quite soothing. That year, she woke up on the 24th, finding herself thinking about it. It would be different to be spending the day in Forks, rather than Phoenix. But she guessed she was due for at least one white Christmas. With a yawn, she got out of bed and slipped to the floor, moving towards her closet. She was lazy this morning for some reason. Once she was dressed in the new sweater that Charlie insisted that she buy for the winter season, she made her way back out to her bedroom, wondering what she was going to do for the first half of her day. That was when she noticed something fluttering on the outside of her window. Her eyes turned over to the glass when she realized that a note was taped onto the other side of the pane, the wind picking up the corners of it. She recognized the hand writing. Moving over, she unlatched the window and moved her arm out, taking it from its spot. Pulling it in, she smiled as she read the lettering.

Good morning. Hope you slept well.

I'll be dropping by tonight. I have a

Christmas present for you. And Carlisle

wants me to tell you something, too. Don't

worry, you're not in any trouble. I wish I

could be there Christmas morning, but it's

going to be a clear day, and I don't think

they make a sunblock for vampires yet.

See you tonight,

Edward.

She let her fingers trail along the ink and then set the letter aside. Heaving a sigh, she flopped back to her bed, thinking. It had almost been a week since Alice's warning. Since then, Edward hadn't come by as often as he was before. Bella knew that he had things to do; he and the other Cullens were scouting the perimeters of Forks for the nomads, though the search hadn't been all that fruitful. She was glad that he would make time for her to visit that night. However, as she lay there, she realized that he was bringing her a present, and she had nothing to give him. Sitting up, she pulled out her phone and texted Jacob to see if he was doing anything that day. He replied that he wasn't, so she asked if he would accompany her to go shopping that afternoon. She had a good amount of spending money she kept in her drawer, so she wouldn't have to ask poor Charlie for any. He agreed and said that he'd come by to pick her up around lunch time. After that, Bella went downstairs to see her father.

Charlie was getting around quite well now, something that Bella was happy for. Bella had since been able to walk without a cane, and focused her free time helping him get around. He no longer needed anything to help him walk, and now only slightly limped. If he kept it up, he would be back to work by the end of January, which made him considerably happy. He wasn't complaining about being able to stay home and watch sports all day, but Charlie wasn't the type of person who liked to simply sit around and do nothing. He was already talking about what he would do when he got back to the precinct.

"Just be careful this go around," Bella warned as she brushed her hair in the bathroom. Charlie gave a deep throated chuckle.

"Sure, sure," he said lightly.

"I'm serious! I don't want to wake up one day and find your head on our door step. Who would pay my cell phone bill then?"

After a bit of a laugh between the two, Bella went out and explained that she'd be at Port Angeles for a few hours. He didn't have a problem with it, but told her to be home by eight. No sooner, no later. Bella agreed with a roll of her eyes and then went outside to wait for Jacob, her hand securely around her silver cross. It was only a couple of minutes before his black truck came into view. She hopped in with a bright smile and thanked him for the escort. She had conveniently neglected to tell him that she would be shopping for Edward. Something told her that he'd become a bit irritated if she had. As they drove, Bella asked what he'd be doing tomorrow. Jacob shrugged.

"Probably just a family dinner," he said simply. "I'm going to try and sneak away for a couple of hours to come and visit."

"Well if you do," said Bella, "you'd better not look today. That means I have to find you a present, too."

Jacob waved it aside. "Nah. You don't have to get me anything."

"Sure I do!" she said eagerly. "We've been friends for what... twelve years now?"

"Twelve and a half," Jacob corrected with a smile. "But yeah. I guess you're right. Then I'll have to get you something too." He frowned. "But I won't be leaving you alone in a shop. I just won't look at what you buy."

A gentle smile came to Bella's face. Leaning over, she pat his hand. "I know. Thanks."

When they got to the little strip of stores, Jacob parked in the lot by a clothing outlet, the two getting out of the truck. Beneath their feet, snow crunched, Bella's nose tingling with the frosty air. It was quite busy, and the two had to maneuver in and out of crowds just to get from one side of the shop to another. They hurried inside, Bella looking about. She didn't think she should be getting Edward something to wear, but they might have something interesting there, like a man's necklace or something of the like. But after striking out, they hopped another store and gazed around the merchandise. This went on for a bit, until they landed in a quaint little shop at the very end of the street. It was a souvenir shop mainly for tourists, but she still had yet to find Edward a gift. She had already bought a present for Jacob and Charlie, but could not find a gift suitable for Edward. Then again, what could she get a vampire for Christmas? Short of stealing a transfusion pack from the hospital, she could think of nothing. Jacob eyed her, his own purchases hiding in a bag that he held by his side.

"What exactly are you looking for?" he asked. Bella shrugged, mumbling something generic. She didn't want to arouse his anger at mentioning Edward; it had been such a fun day for the two of them, that saying his name might ruin it. That's when her eyes landed on something, causing her to think one word: Perfect.

Hurrying over, she picked up a little snow globe that sat on the shelf. The base was made to look like a mound of snow, a few pine trees sticking out around the glass. Inside was a miniature model of the old saw mill, back in its days of glory. She touched the glass and found that it had a song to it as well. She twisted it, letting the little box play with in it. It was a sweet, haunting little tune, swaying back and forth as the metallic notes were played. She smiled brightly to herself. Yes, this would be the one. Checking its price, she found that it wasn't all that expensive, either. So, she got in line and bought the thing, glad it came in its own little box. She also grabbed some wrapping paper as well. Jacob frowned in curiosity, watching as she was given the bag.

"So, are you hungry?" she asked, the two heading out of the store. "I was thinking we could go and get some pizza or something. Maybe even stop by the diner here for a hamburger? Or maybe – ?"

"Is that thing for Cullen?"

Bella blinked, the sudden question making her heart jump. She turned to look at him, putting on a weak smile. "Well... yes. He said he had a present for me tonight, so... I thought I'd get him something, too."

Jacob looked away, furrowing his brow. He almost looked as though he were pouting. "What do you see in that guy?" he asked, hands in his pockets.

"Huh?" This question more confused her then anything. "Well... um..." She shook her head. "What do you mean, Jacob?" He didn't reply. So, she decided best to answer him. "He's... not perfect, I know. Not at all perfect. But... he's really gentle when he wants to be. And... well I guess he just – " She stopped abruptly when Jacob's steely eyes flashed towards her. Bella could see them become silver. He moved forward, firmly taking her arm, though not enough to hurt her.

"Bella, you're being stupid," he began. Almost pleadingly. "Chris practically yanked your heart out and here you are already jumping into another relationship."

Bella scowled, her face becoming hot. That made her sound cheap... or slutty. She yanked her arm away. "It's not like I threw myself at him," she argued. "Besides... it really just sort of happened. It's not like he asked me out or something."

"Why are you so eager to have your heart broken again?" Jacob asked.

"What?" Bella became even more embarrassed – and even more angry. She felt like she did when Alice had paid her a visit. "Who says he's going to break my heart? Besides, you make it seem like I'm some idiot air head. I can handle myself, thanks!" Spinning on her heel, she stormed off towards the truck. Jacob caught up behind her.

"But why him?" he pressed. "Why Edward Cullen?"

"I don't need to verify myself with you," she replied hotly. If he was going to act like this, she wasn't about to play along. Jacob jumped in front of her, hands on her shoulders. "Let me go!" she snapped.

"There are so many other guys out there!" he said urgently. "Guys that won't use you... Guys who are alive for one."

"He isn't technically dead," Bella sniffed. "Besides, what do you know? What guys?"

He opened his mouth, and then closed it again. Through his copper skin, Bella could see his cheeks start to flush, though not dramatically. He turned his face down, his hands slowly leaving her shoulders. Revelation hit her like a brick wall. Suddenly, she felt horrible for making him tag along without so much as a reason why. She felt as though she was using him with no regards to his own feelings. She gripped her bags to her chest and looked away. Why couldn't she tell before? And now that she could... what would become of their friendship? Would things be awkward between them now? Bella closed her eyes and took a breath. Reaching forward, she took his hand. He looked up slightly.

"Let's go," she suggested. He looked off to the side and then took a step forward, gripping her hand with both of his own.

"Look... I don't want you to feel weird around me after this," he said sincerely. "Really... I still want to be your friend. It's just that... Well I've liked you for a while now. But I figured I never really had a chance, you being in Phoenix and all. But in any case... If it comes down to it, I'd rather just be your friend." He paused and took his hands away. "I hope that's ok..."

There was a silence between the two. The wind whisked past Bella's ear, playing with her hair. Parts of her exposed skin were starting to get numb, her feet already half frozen. She looked down to the items in her plastic bag and then looked up to Jacob. Two years younger then her, and he was already so mature. Any other teen boy would stomp his feet and demand. But not Jacob. A warm smile came to her face. She moved forward and hugged him around the chest. He hesitated, but soon hugged her back. Pulling away, she playfully slapped his shoulder.

"Well come on," she said, suddenly in light spirits. "Let's get me home. If I had any balls, they'd freeze off." Jacob couldn't help but laugh and nodded. Back to their usual friendship, they both headed to the truck, getting in. Bella was never so glad to feel hot air.

Once they reached home, they split ways, Bella heading towards her home. It was almost eight, just as she'd been told to do. She had convinced Jacob to stop by and grab a bite to eat before they got back to Forks. It killed enough time to where she arrived at home just at the time her father had instructed her to arrive at. When she walked in the front door, she had quite the surprise waiting for her.

"BABY!"

Before she knew what was going on, her mother had flung herself at Bella, gripping her neck in a strong hug. Bella blinked, stunned for a moment, before she broke into a wide smile and hugged her back. Renee pulled away, her slim hands cupping Bella's cheeks. "Oh honey! It's so good to see you! I've missed you so much, sweet heart!" After another hug and a couple of kisses, Bella was led into the living room, where Phil and Charlie were sitting and talking. Phil did indeed have the physique of a ball player. Tall and built, he had a firm chest and strong arms, his set jaw covered with a light row of sandy hair, matching what was atop his head. He and Charlie had just been discussing baseball when Charlie spotted his daughter, giving her a bright smile.

"Surprised?" he asked lightly.

"Yeah!" said Bella, her smile still huge. "You should have told me, Dad! I only bought presents for you and a couple of my friends."

"Oh that's alright, hun," said Renee. "We got in this afternoon." Renee's face practically was glowing with happiness. It made Bella feel good to finally see her mother smile like that.

"Hey there, Bella," said Phil with a polite nod. "How's Washington treating you?"

"I've gotten used to it," she replied, Renee heading over to sit beside her new man.

"Oh!" said Renee suddenly. "You'll never guess, Bells." She held up her left hand, a diamond shimmering off the left ring finger. "Phil proposed a week ago!"

"That's great!" said Bella kindly, sitting beside her father. Charlie nodded in agreement.

"I'm happy for you both," he said, shaking Phil's hand good-naturedly. "Do you have a date yet?"

"Not yet," said Renee jubilantly. "But we were thinking about a spring wedding. You might be pulled from school, Bella. Though I don't think you would mind." She turned her sprightly face towards Charlie. "Now all we have to is find you someone."

Charlie laughed and shook his head. "Ah, no. Don't you go play match maker, miss. I'm perfectly fine with this girl here." He put a hand on Bella's shoulder, hugging her with one arm.

After an hour and forty five minutes of talking, Bella excused herself to her room, explaining that she was tired and she already ate before getting there. She wanted to spend more time with her mom, yes, but she didn't want to not be there when Edward showed up. She set her things beside her bed and went to the window, opening it. She stuck her head out, looking around. "Edward?" she called in a rough whisper. "Edward...!"

"Down here."

Bella turned her eyes directly below her. Edward was laying on the side of the house as though he was resting on a bed top, a hand beneath his head. He had a brown box beneath his arm, eyes closed as though he were sleeping. They opened and shot to her, a smile curling on his lips. After inviting him in, he crawled up to the window and slipped inward, closing the pane behind him.

"I heard your mom inside," he said. "Glad to see her again?"

"Yeah," said Bella honestly, offering him a seat on her bed. "She's getting married again. Or did you hear that too?" She smiled and sat beside him. "How long were you waiting?"

"Oh not too long," said Edward nonchalantly. "An hour. Maybe a little more." He laughed at Bella's guilt ridden face. "Oh relax. I was only there for ten minutes."

Bella pushed his shoulder and shook her head. "So what did Carlisle want me to hear?"

"Ah. Well it seems as though the nomads have moved on."

"Are you sure?" she asked.

"Yup. Rosalie couldn't feel anyone other then us all this week. Usually she gets feelings that someone else is here. They might have headed up into Canada. Well, that's what Carlisle thinks, anyway."

"Well that's good!" said Bella happily. "No more being monitored then!"

"Awe," said Edward, leaning forward to kiss her cheek. "What? Did you not like me as a bodyguard?"

She giggled, pushing him away. "Quit that," she said playfully. "I just don't like being watched twenty four seven is all." She then put her hands on her knees, leaning into him. "So what's in the box?" she asked eagerly. He grinned and put it into her lap.

"You mentioned once that you were interested in photography, right?" She nodded and opened the brown paper, prying the lid off. She gasped, realizing what was inside.

"Oh wow!" She pulled out a professional looking camera, the chic, silver frame pleasantly cold in her hands. An owner's manual and USB cord sat beneath it, her own reflection smiling back at her in the blank, digital screen. She turned to him, eyes shimmering. "Oh thank you!" She hugged him tightly. "But... God, this must have been expensive..."

"Yeah, because vampires really need money," he said in a joking voice. "Relax. It's your Christmas present. I'm just glad you like it."

"I love it!" Bella turned it on, the brand name burning brightly in powder blue lettering. After playing around with the settings a bit, she shut it off and put it away. "Well... I have a present for you, too." She leaned over and pulled out the snow globe. "It's... not as nice and I wasn't able to wrap it." She put it into his hands. He opened the box, taking it out and examining it. Bella suddenly felt self conscious of her gift. "I couldn't think of anything for you to use... um... so yeah..." She stopped as his cold lips gently pressed up against hers. Pulling back, he smiled kindly.

"I love it," he said, mimicking her words. "Really... I do." He kissed her again and then looked at her clock. "Well I should be going. We hunt tonight."

Bella nodded, walking him to the window. "Merry Christmas, Edward."

He opened it and perched atop the ledge. "Merry Christmas, Bella..." With that, he hopped out, practically flying through the dark sky.

This was perhaps the best Christmas of Bella's life.

Well here you are. I guess this isn't much of a "filler" because of Jacob's confession and the update with the nomads... anywho! Keep those reviews a-flowin!

~T.