Bella's POV

Waking up on Christmas morning felt like something out of a movie scene. Forks had been coated in snow for well over a month, making the town look like a picture you find on a winter postcard. I'd strung fairylights all around the house with Charlie, even in my room; the whole house was lit with festivity.

Waking up to sparkling lights and the snow was made only more perfect by waking up next to Edward. Sometimes I still felt the need to pinch myself; we were still together. He loved me.

"Morning," he whispered, gold eyes smouldering.

"Hi," I sighed happily, snuggling into his cold chest.

"Your father's going to come and knock in a few moments," Edward said, brushing my cheek with the back of his hand.

I smiled a little sadly at him. "See you later, I guess?"

"I can't wait," he said, face glowing. "I'll pick you up at six."

My stomach did a little flip. "Me either. I love you." I kissed him on the cheek, inhaling him in before he had to go.

"I love you," he said. "Merry Christmas, Bella."

"Merry Christmas, Edward."

Grudgingly, Edward untangled himself from me and left out the window, just as Charlie knocked on my door.

"Bells, you up?" The excitement in his voice was unmistakable.

"Yeah!" I called back. "I'll be down in a sec!"

"All right!"

I got up and got ready for the day. I took out a new red woolly jumper, patterned with white snowflakes and my comfiest jeans. I even threw on some snowflake socks.

"Happy Christmas, Bells!" Charlie exulted as I bounded through the living room door.

I gaped at the tall Christmas tree essentially covering one wall of the room. The glitzy tree was laden with presents underneath.

"Dad, what is all this?" I said in surprise, staring at the pile of gifts. Yesterday, there'd only been four boxes; two gifts for each of us. There had to be at least ten more there.

"Your mom is trying to make up for not being here," Charlie said, grinning from ear to ear. "Billy also came by."

"Billy was here?" I said in surprise. I hadn't seen the Blacks since the memorial for Jacob's mom.

Charlie nodded. "Yeah, he dropped off a couple of gifts."

"Oh, but I didn't get him anything," I said, feeling guilty.

Charlie waved a hand. "I put your name on the card."

"What did you get him?"

"Fishing gear and a case of beer."

"Figures," I chuckled.

"Come on then, let's open them!" Charlie said like an excited ten year old.

"I need to call mom first," I said, laughing.

"Ah, right. Okay, I'll go bring breakfast in here while you do that."

I nodded and headed for the phone while he went to the fridge. I called Renée; she picked up on the second ring.

"Bella!" she said, her voice thick with sleep. "Happy Christmas, baby!"

"Happy Christmas, m-mom." A lump suddenly swelled in my throat.

"Oh, honey. I know. I hate this."

I forced myself to take steadying breaths. Charlie looked around at the wrong time. His eyes grew wide with alarm.

"Did you open your presents?" Renée asked, sniffing.

"No, not yet. Wanted to call you first. Have you?"

"No, we just got up. I was going to call you before we did, too. I can't wait to open them."

"Me too. I hope you like them."

"Oh, honey, I know I'll love them."

Silence. The weight of our separation felt heavier today than it had ever felt.

"Well, I guess I'll let you get ready and stuff," I said. "Tell Phil I said merry Christmas."

"I miss you, Bella," Renée said, her voice wavering. "Call me after you open your presents okay? And tell Charlie from me too."

"Will do. Love you, mom."

"Love you, my little girl."

I hung up, my hands surprisingly shaky. I blinked fast as tears itched in my eyes.

"Bells," Charlie said quietly.

"Mom says happy Christmas," I said brightly, turning around with bravado.

Charlie looked at me sadly. "Bells, we don't have to do this right now. If you want to take ten—"

"No, I want to open my presents," I said cheerfully. "Come on!"

Charlie put out breakfast in the living room – store bought muffins and juice. We ate and unwrapped our presents as Christmas songs played in the background. It felt strange not opening presents with my mom in Phoenix, on the familiar purple carpet of our old house. But being with Charlie was just as good; although he was invariably a lot less bouncy than my mother.

I opened all of Renée's presents first. She had given me new clothes, a special hardcover edition of Wuthering Heights (a favourite of mine), make-up and a leather journal. Phil had supplied another album of one of his favourite rock bands with some baseball merchandise I'd have given to Charlie had it not been from his ex-wife's husband.

I looked over at him then, watching him unwrap the gift from mom. She'd supplied a fancy box of sweets–similar to what they gave each other year as a friendly ex-spouse gift. I watched him carefully but he seemed totally fine, which was comforting.

"Now, what's this?" Charlie said with a big smile, picking up my presents for him. One was big, the other smaller. He opened the big one first: a cookbook and a new shaving kit. Charlie guffawed and carefully put the cookbook aside.

Then he opened the smaller gift. I watched him anxiously as he unwrapped it. It wasn't much but it hopefully conveyed how much I loved him.

"Bella," Charlie said in a shocked voice. He looked at me, eyes wide. "How did you get this?"

"Mom had some old pictures," I said sheepishly.

Charlie stared back down at the gift in his hands: a framed photograph of baby me and him our first and only Christmas day (before mom had left him). Charlie and I had always celebrated together on the 26th—without mom.

"In honour of second Christmas together," I explained. "Do you like it?"

Charlie seemed to have not heard me: he was just staring at the photo.

"Dad?" I said hesitantly.

Charlie looked up; his eyes were watering. "I love it, Bells," he said croakily. "Best gift I've ever gotten is you."

My own eyes teared. It was only natural that we shared a hug on this festive day. For once it didn't feel awkward to hug my dad. That wasn't reason to let it last longer than ten seconds though.

"Time to open yours," Charlie said as we drew apart.

I obliged and picked up the first box from him. I tore off purple wrapping paper and yanked the box open, excitement bubbling through my fingertips.

A pale lilac blanket stared back at me.

"Oh, dad," I breathed. "You didn't."

I pulled out the blanket – my baby blanket – and found it was actually now wrapped around feathers. He'd turned my baby blanket into a duvet.

"For when you go to college," Charlie said. "That way if you get homesick, well, you have a piece of home with you and a readymade hug."

I looked at him with tears in my eyes. "Dad, this is perfect. Thank you. I love it."

Charlie smiled, his brown eyes crinkling around the edges. "Glad to hear it, Bells."

The second smaller box from him held a silver earrings, studded with sapphires. "Dad, how much did you spend?" I demanded, staring agape at the box.

Charlie shrugged, still smiling.

"You shouldn't have."

"It's Christmas, Bella. Suck it up."

"Thank you," I said sincerely, touching the jewels gently. "Jeez."

"Open the rest of them," Charlie said eagerly.

I only had two boxes left. I took a bite of a blueberry muffin as I reached for one of the last two boxes, multitasking like a professional. I unwrapped the next box, covered with green Christmassy paper. It was small; seemed like jewellery.

Out fell a small velvet box. I could feel Charlie watching curiously as I opened it. A silver bracelet was revealed with a small pendant; a miniature wolf. It was carved out of wood delicately; a true piece of art.

"Wow," I murmured appreciatively. "Who's this from?" I wondered aloud.

"There's a note sticking out," Charlie said.

I looked beneath the wrapping and found a small card stuck to the underside. I opened it:

Happy Christmas, Bella

Jacob x

"Who's it from?" Charlie asked.

I looked at him in confusion. "Jacob."

Charlie looked surprised. "Wow. That was… that's sure nice of him."

"Unexpected might be a better term," I said. "Unnecessary is another."

Charlie grimaced. "Maybe he's just trying to make amends."

"Yeah, maybe," I said grudgingly. I shut the box and put it aside, my liking for it suddenly thinning.

"Last one," Charlie said, nodding at the final gift.

I picked it up apprehensively. There was a tag attached with my name on, written in very familiar writing. I relaxed instantly, excitement resurfacing.

Underneath the delicately wrapped paper was an old book. But not just any book.

Persuasion

By the author of 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Sense and Sensibility' &c.

LONDON

JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE-STREET

1818

"Oh. My. God."

"What is it?" Charlie asked. "A book?"

"Not just any book," I said, touching the fragile cover page. "This is like one of the first copies of Austen's Persuasion. Holy crow. Oh, my god…" I was mesmerised. I couldn't believe what was in my hands.

"Who's it from?" Charlie enquired, coming over to have a look. "Wow, that thing looks ancient."

"It's from my, uh, boyfriend," I said, reddening at the cheeks.

Charlie chuckled. "At some point you're going to have to tell me his name."

I smiled awkwardly. "Sure. One day."

Charlie rolled his eyes. "All right, let's get the movies started."

Charlie and I spent the rest of the morning watching Home Alone 1 & 2, pigging out with all the good holiday food required on such a day. It was a great morning; the house smelled of warm baked goods, cinnamon and chocolate in particular floating through the air. Charlie wanted to help me make lunch but he tended to do more damage than good so he stayed safely on the sofa. We ate in front of the TV like it was pyjama day and for once, it felt really good to just hang out with my dad at home. Of course, I couldn't wait to see Edward later but this was nice. I spent so much of my spare time with Edward, I forgot what it was like to just be on my own or with someone other than him.

But it wasn't an experience I wanted forever. I went up to go get ready at five, taking Renée's handy gifts with me. Charlie was heading to La Push to see Billy and probably Jacob which I tried not to be irked about. I couldn't believe he'd actually given me a present. We hadn't spoken for almost two months. What on earth?

I drowned out my confusion with music and tried on the new clothes Renée had given. In the end, I settled on a silk emerald dress that fell just above my knees and paired it with black tights and a cardigan Renée had also sent along. It was winter after all and I didn't want to catch pneumonia on my way to the Cullen's house.

My stomach started to do more flips as time ticked closer to six. I tried to distract myself by applying makeup but my nerves were getting the better of me.

"Bells, I'm off!" Charlie called.

I left my room in my new get up (thank you, Renée) to say goodbye to Charlie. He looked at me in surprised. "Wow, someone's fancy."

I blushed. "Yeah."

"Well, have a nice night. Don't be too late, kid."

"I won't, dad. Enjoy yourself too."

"Will do," he said cheerfully and then he left.

No sooner had Charlie's car driven away, the doorbell rang. I couldn't get to the door fast enough.

I opened the door and there stood my own angel, carved out of the world's most beautiful jewels. Edward was dapper in a navy suit, his bronze hair messy as usual. I felt a small stab of envy: he was so effortlessly beautiful.

"Bella, you look perfect," Edward said, reaching for me.

We kissed, closing the space between our bodies. It felt so good to be in his arms; to have him around me again.

"Shall we go?" Edward murmured, drawing back.

I nodded. "Thank you for the gift, by the way! How the hell did you get it?"

Edward laughed and put his arm around me, leading us out of the house. I locked the door behind me and was whisked away to his car in the evening light.

"Carlisle has a whole library full of original editions," Edward said.

"Wow," I said. "That is so awesome."

"One of the perks of being a vampire," Edward smiled and started the car. We were soon flying out of town. It amazed me how even on icy roads Edward could drive well.

"So, is everybody at your house?" I asked.

Edward hesitated. "Well, actually, Jasper and Alice aren't."

My stomach sank a little. Did Jasper hate me? "Why?"

"Jasper's last living relative is dying. He wanted to see her so he and Alice left a few hours ago for Texas," Edward explained, a touch of sadness in his voice.

"I'm so sorry to hear that," I said.

Edward kissed my cheek. I wanted to close my eyes and lean into him but I had to get my hormones under check. We were on our way to meet his family.

"So it'll be just Esme, Carlisle, Rosalie and Emmet," Edward said, turning down a winding lane.

I smiled at him in what I hoped seem a confident way. He beamed back, his whole face aglow. I could practically see the excitement emanating from him.

We were driving through essentially pitch-black roads until suddenly, light streamed from ahead of us. I squinted into the distance, trying to make out where the light was coming from.

Edward took my hand as we sped towards the light which was beginning to grow. The beams of yellow began to morph into what soon became clear was a house. Only a huge house. And it was all made of glass.

I gaped as we drew to a stop in front of his house. "Where's the castle? The moat? The cobwebs and crocodile guard?"

Edward laughed. "Sorry to disappoint but you'll find we're very modern vampires here."

"Edward, this place is gorgeous," I breathed as he came around and opened my door. "It's like Cinderella's shoe blown up. I love it."

He smiled, a nervous edge creeping onto his face. "Ready?"

I nodded. He slipped his arm around my waist and led us up the stairs onto the porch.

I tried not to lose my cool as we walked into his house. It was a three-storey building with sophistication and glamour oozing out of it. We stepped into a white hallway, decorated with quirky ornaments that spoke of travelling all over the world. The touch of a designer's hand was visible. I shuddered to think how much money Edward's family had. This place looked more expensive than a palace and I was only in the foyer.

Edward led us into the house, taking me into a large living room where four impossibly beautiful people stood. I tried not to let my mouth drop.

Holy hell.

I had glimpsed them before that day at the mall but damn. Seeing the Cullens all in one room was blinding.

"Bella, I'd like to introduce you to my family," Edward said slightly nervously, squeezing my hand gently. "My mom, Esme."

A petite woman with caramel hair framing her perfectly chiselled round face smiled at me. Her golden eyes were warm and friendly. "It's so lovely to meet you at last, Bella," Esme said. Her voice sounded like a song.

I smiled back at her nervously. "It's nice to meet you too."

"Carlisle, who you've met already," Edward continued.

"Pleasure to see you again, Bella," Carlisle said, smiling warmly. The handsome blonde man really belonged on a movie screen.

I smiled back at him. "Thankfully without injury."

Everybody chuckled except for Rosalie, the heartbreakingly beautiful woman standing in the corner next to her dark-haired husband Emmet. She smiled instead, surveying me with curious eyes.

"And these are Emmet and Rosalie, my other siblings."

"His favourite sibling," Emmet said in a deep voice that spoke of his hugely muscled body. "Nice to meet you, Bella."

"Hello," Rosalie said in a musical voice.

Why did vampires all sound so mesmerising? Was there no limit to their beauty? So unfair.

"Hi," I replied, smiling as warmly as I could. I was starting to feel hot around the neck.

I noticed how none of them came forward to shake my hand like people usually did. I wondered if they were trying to not freak me out.

Edward put his arm around my waist, squeezing me comfortingly.

"Have you had a nice Christmas so far?" Esme asked tactfully.

"Yes, I have," I said gratefully. "How about you?"

"We've been waiting for you to arrive so we can open our presents," Emmet said, grinning.

"You d-didn't have to," I stammered, mortified. They'd waited for me?

Everybody laughed.

"He's lying, ignore him," Carlisle said smoothly.

"Oh," I said, feeling even hotter around the neck. I looked up at Edward, awkwardness emanating out of me in waves. I was so out of my depth.

"Shall I give you a tour of the rest of the house?" Edward said, seeming to read my mind for once.

"Sure," I said. I looked back at his family, wondering if they'd mind.

"We've made some food for you so just pop back down when you're done," Esme said happily.

"Thank you, that's really kind."

"We've been dying to use the kitchen for something; it's our pleasure," Carlisle said.

"He thinks he's a good cook," Emmet said, rolling his eyes.

"I know I am," Carlisle scoffed.

"All right, let's go," Edward laughed and suddenly we were out of the room.

I looked at him in surprise; he'd transported us upstairs in a blink.

"We don't have to hide here," he replied, answering my unasked question.

"Your family are really lovely," I said as we surveyed some paintings from the 1600s in the hallway. They looked like they belonged in a museum.

Edward smiled at me. "I'm glad you think so. You are having an okay time, right? This isn't weird?"

I shook my head. "I'm good. Just a bit nervous."

"Don't be, my parents already love you," he said, and he kissed the top of my head.

I wrapped my arms around him and held him, sighing contentedly against his chest. I just wanted to get lost in him. "I love you," I whispered.

Edward tilted my face up, leaning closer. His soft lips brushed against mine, building anticipation. My heart started to accelerate; my bones melting.

Edward smiled against my lips before he covered my mouth with his, softly kissing me. I never wanted him to let go.

Suddenly, Edward froze.

I opened my eyes in surprise. Edward wasn't looking at me, his eyes were seeing something else.

"Edward, are you okay?" I asked, alarmed by the shock on his face.

"We need to leave," he barely whispered, grabbing me around the waist and flying down the stairs. I tried not to have a panic attack as he ran with me in his arms, the world blurring around us when suddenly he stopped—Carlisle halted him.

"What is it?" Carlisle demanded.

Edward's lips barely moved as he spoke a name. "Tanya."

My blood went cold from the look on Edward's face.

"Get out of here," Esme said, a hard authority in her voice.

"What the hell?" Rosalie demanded, appearing out of nowhere with Emmet.

Emmet cracked his knuckles. "She's gonna get it. I'm ready."

"Wait," Rosalie snapped at him. "Where's Alice? Why didn't she see this?"

"Spur of the moment," Edward said through gritted teeth. "She'll call any second now."

"Edward, go!" Esme said, pushing him towards the door.

"Wait!" Rosalie said.

But she didn't say anymore. Instead, she was staring at Edward.

"No," he growled.

Rosalie sighed angrily but kept staring.

"Fine, okay, okay!" he relented as the rest of us watched in confusion.

"Come on, Bella. Let's get you home," Rosalie said, scooping me easily out of Edward's arms.

We were gone; out the door before I could blink. Cold air rushed at us as Rosalie put me into the car faster than I could count to three.

"What's going on?" I asked fearfully, snapping my belt on.

"We need to get you home," Rosalie said, throwing the car into gear. "Don't worry. Everything's going to be fine." The car screeched as Rosalie tore down their long driveway.

"Is it her? Is she coming for me?" I asked.

"No, well not if we get you out of here first. If anybody asks, you're my human best friend."

I let out a terrified breath. "Is she that bad?"

Rosalie gave me a grim look that answered my question.

And then suddenly the car screeched to a rapid halt, slamming me forward in my seat. A flash of pain whipped through my body, blurring my eyesight.

In the distance, I heard someone roar "No!"

I looked up and saw what, in ordinary circumstances, I might have thought to be an angel. A beautiful blond woman with dark eyes and that deadly white skin I knew oh so well was glaring at me through the windshield. Tanya.

"So you're the bitch that stole my man," she growled. Her nostrils flared. Death raged in her eyes.