Thanksgiving at Forks
Carlisle, Esme, Zelda, and Salvador were just blurs of motion. They had finished building the Cullen house months ago. Now, they were busy preparing all the rooms for when the Masens would be visiting in a few weeks. Zelda was sewing curtains and bedding. Salvador was hanging artwork and finishing up some paintings he had been working on. Carlisle was moving furniture whenever Esme asked for it to be relocated.
They would be building more furniture tonight, so the children would all have a bed to sleep in. Mattresses had already been ordered, and were expected to arrive in a few days time. Zelda and Esme would be planning meals for the Masens, using a cookbook they had purchased at the local store. They had to prepare a big meal to celebrate Thanksgiving, so they spent quite a bit of time studying the recipes, and making lists of the ingredients they needed to purchase.
Carlisle and Salvador would be hunting for the meat, using human weapons, so they were practicing with them whenever they had the chance. Their vampire hunting had already been noticed by the Quilleutes, and a treaty with the tribe had been established. This time, the Quilleute history would pass down a different set of vampire names to be remembered. Their boundaries had been established, and the four vampires were careful to observe them. They didn't want to have any bad feelings with the Quilleutes when the Masens arrived for their visit.
Esme looked at the large sitting room with a critical eye. Cocking her head to the side, she said, "Carlisle, do you think that everyone will fit comfortably here?" Carlisle counted off the Masens and added the four vampires to the total, then looked around at the seating. Nodding, he replied, "Yes. Of course, we will need to make sure the humans are all placed close to the fireplace." Esme agreed, and asked him to move a few of the chairs a bit. Finally satisfied with the setup, they moved into the dining room.
The table and chairs had room for everyone to sit together comfortably. Carlisle asked Zelda and Salvador to come into the dining room, and have a seat, so they could discuss how they would handle the Thanksgiving meal. They reminded each other about how they would pretend to eat and drink. Esme had the most recent experience as a human, so she provided the most helpful advice with this.
Since they had spent the better part of four years in Forks, secluded on the Cullen property, they had gotten out of the habit of following human mannerisms. So, they reviewed how they should be talking slower, walking slower, blinking occasionally, and pretending to breathe. Once again, Esme was the best teacher for these things.
Satisfied with their preparation, the vampires decided to test themselves by making a visit into town, so they could observe humans, and make themselves at ease in their company again. This was especially important for Zelda and Salvador, since they were the newest to the animal diet. Carlisle would be watching over Salvador, and Esme would take care of Zelda. After going to the general store, and purchasing some items, they placed them in the car, then they all went together to the small cinema. They enjoyed the film, and laughed together as they went back to their vehicle.
Pleased with their successful venture, they drove back to the Cullen home. As they drove, they passed by one of the Quilleute tribe. Slowing to a leisurely human driving speed, they carefully nodded a greeting to the native, who sneered begrudgingly in their direction. Passing by, they all breathed a huge sigh of relief, then continued their drive.
"I hope that things stay amiable while the Masens are here," said Zelda. The rest of the vampires agreed.
When they arrived home, everyone helped to carry in their purchases, then got back to work on their individual projects. Trees were felled, wood was prepared for building materials, and furniture was built. By morning, their were beds in every room, ready for mattresses and bedding. Carlisle decided that they should also make some desks and chairs, so this project was soon underway.
In the midst of felling some trees, they heard a group of elk running by, so they all decided to take a break for hunting. Careful to observe their property boundaries, they all got their fill of animal blood, then buried the carcasses. Satisfied with their meal, they returned to work. Weeks went by, and soon it was almost time for the Masens to arrive.
Zelda and Esme drove into town again, to purchase the ice and perishable foods they would be needing. Carlisle and Salvador remained behind to chop firewood and build a fire in each of the four fireplaces throughout the home. Soon, the entire house was warm and toasty, ready for the Masens to enter and relax.
When Zelda and Esme returned with the ice and food, Carlisle and Salvador went into the woods to hunt for a wild turkey, using human weapons. As they were walking back to the house, they discovered the Masens all waiting for them in the large sitting room. Edward was standing at the large fireplace, warming his hands. Jack, Zack and Betty were gathered together playing a board game on the floor, teaching Esme and Zelda how to play Monopoly. Bella was on the sofa, cuddling with the twin girls, watching the fire, and smiling at Edward.
As soon as the door opened, the older children all ran to hug Carlisle and Salvador. Bella and Edward called out their greetings, and hugs were shared all around. Jack and Zack were highly interested in the wild turkey that the men carried in, asking all about the hunt. Edward joined in this discussion, saying that he would be glad to take the boys hunting while they were visiting in Forks.
The children then all began asking when dinner would be ready. So, Bella jumped up from her seat, and went into the kitchen to help Esme and Zelda. When the meal was ready, everyone gathered around the table to eat. The following day would be Thanksgiving, so they just had simple sandwiches and soup tonight. When everyone had eaten, they all worked together to clean up the dishes. There were no servants in the Cullen household, but the work was easy with so many helpers.
Before sending the children to bed, Edward told everyone to put on their warm clothes. He wanted to take a walk around the property, then drive to town, so they could see Forks. When everyone was bundled up, they stepped outside, then looked up at the Cullen house. Carlisle then told them how they had designed and built the house, using local wood and stone. It was a large, two story log cabin, with shuttered windows, and bark shingles on the roof. It fit in very well with the wooded environment.
The boys wanted to investigate the forest, but Edward told them to wait until tomorrow, and they would go with weapons in hand. He didn't want to take the women and children into the forest this late in the day. The boys smirked, then agreed to wait. Gathering everyone into their vehicles, they drove into town. Bella and Edward were wide eyed, absorbing how Forks looked at this time in history. There were only dirt roads, and log cabins, with very limited supplies available in the local general store. It was quite different from the Forks they remembered.
By the time they arrived back, it was very dark. Since there was no electricity this far in the wilderness, they had to use gas lamps and flashlights. The vampires would surreptitiously watch over the lamps during the night, making sure there were no fires in the house. Water for baths would need to be heated over the wood fire cook-stove the next day, so everyone just dressed for bed and climbed under their blankets. Soon, the Masen children were snoring peacefully, while Edward and Bella snuggled together for a romantic time together in their room. When the Masens were all asleep, the four vampires went to work preparing everything for the Thanksgiving celebration the following day.
The next morning, the children were the first to wake, jumping on their beds excitedly, and demanding breakfast. Bella and Edward struggled out of their bed, then went downstairs to make pancakes and bacon. Esme and Zelda had prepared baths for the children, so each of them took turns getting clean and dressed. While the children ate, Edward and Bella had their turn in the warm bathwater. By then, all the Masens were fed, clean, dressed, and ready to celebrate the holiday. Edward and Bella wanted to see the beach, so they gathered the children, and left the four vampires behind to prepare the Thanksgiving feast.
Edward was especially looking forward to this venture, because he had never seen the prohibited parts of Forks before. Bella was delighted to share La Push with Edward and the children. They all ran around to see the fish, water, seashells and other sights, laughing and teasing each other. Edward came to stand by Bella, with his arm around her shoulders. The sun was shining bright, creating lovely colors in the clouds all around them. Leaning down to her ear, Edward whispered, "It took several years, but here we are. I'm finally with you at La Push. You asked me to come here with you right after we met, remember?" Bella giggled, then turned to look up at her husband, with tears in her eyes. "Yes, Edward...we finally made it!"
After letting the children play for a while, Edward called out for them to gather together again, so they could go back home for their feast with the Cullens. Climbing into the car, Jack showed his mom the large conch shell he had found. Zack told her about the turtles he had seen, and wished that he could have one of them. Betty talked on and on about all the beautiful birds she had seen and heard. Ella Rae and Annabelle just wanted to get back to Granny Esme and Papa Carlisle.
When they pulled up to the Cullen house, they saw smoke rising from the chimneys, and smelled the tasty turkey. Everyone ran inside and took their seats around the table, ready to enjoy the meal. Carlisle asked everyone to bow their heads, and hold hands around the table. When everyone was finally quiet, he offered thanks for their meal, as well as for the blessings they had all enjoyed that year. Everyone said, "Amen" then they dove into the food. The meal was wonderful, and everyone could feel the love they all felt for one another. It was such a great day - and they were happy to be sharing it together in Forks.
Christmas Preparations
Now that Thanksgiving was over, the Masens all joined in to help decorate the Cullen home for Christmas. The boys and men went into the woods to find the perfect tree, while the girls and women stayed in the house to make the decorations. They strung popcorn and berries together, and used yarn and other craft supplies in creative ways. Bella taught Annabelle and Ella Rae how to make "God's eyes" with sticks and yarn. Betty was painting designs on paper, then cutting them out. Salvador remained behind with the ladies to help with the artistic endeavors.
When the men and boys returned with the tree, they all worked together to build a stand with pieces of lumber. It was very basic, but it worked. There was no way to water the tree, so they just planned on enjoying it as long as it would last. When the tree was secure, everyone gathered around to hang up the decorations the ladies and children had made. Jack and Zack wanted to make some as well, so Salvador took them aside to be creative for a while. Since the tree was a fire hazard, they decided to forgo the addition of candles. Instead, they placed candles on the windowsills, decorating them with holly leaves and berries, and tying them together with colorful ribbon.
Next, they hung a pine garland on the stairway and fireplace mantel. After all their work was done inside the house, they all gathered at the dining room table to create two large wreaths for the front doors. When these were complete, and the men had hung them up, everyone then came outdoors, to see how they looked. The ladies then decided that there should be garland on the outside of the windows as well, so everyone went to work on this as well. By the time they finished all their work, there was not a scrap of ribbon, fabric, yarn, or string left in the house. But, it was worth it...the house was beautiful!
The weather had taken a turn for the worse, and snow was falling outside. The children were so excited to see it coming down. Wrapped up in their coats, mittens, hats, and scarves, they all came outside to play in the snow. When the sun began to disappear, Edward told them to all come back in and warm up before dinner. The Cullens and Masens all gathered in the dining room, and consumed a warm tasty meal together. It had been a busy, fun day, and the humans were all ready to collapse in their rooms.
Christmas was still a week away, and the Masens needed to get back home to New York. After packing all their luggage, they loaded the cars, then gathered back inside to share tearful farewells with Carlisle and Esme. Salvador and Zelda had decided to come to New York with the Masens. Before they departed, everyone went to the Christmas tree to open their gifts together. Cries of excitement filled the home, as the children opened their packages to discover new toys, books, and clothes. It was such a happy time for everyone, and they hated for their visit to end. But, the transportation schedule was not flexible, so they had to leave. Edward had chosen a train journey home, instead of flying, so they could watch the world go by as they traveled home. Also, he was a bit concerned about flying his family in an airplane in the wintry weather. Carlisle and Esme handed out roomy cloth bags for the children to carry their new gifts home on the train.
Annabelle and Ella Rae had never been on a train before, so their eyes were big as saucers as they climbed aboard. The Masens had an entire sleeping car all to themselves, since there were so many of them traveling together. When everyone was loaded in, they all moved into the dining car, so they could enjoy their meal together. After eating, Jack and Zack ran off to explore the rest of the train. They ran from car to car, getting to know the people on board, and asking the workers questions about how the train operated. Edward and Salvador joined in when the boys came through their car.
Bella and Zelda kept the three girls occupied. They played with dolls, had a tea party, read books, and brushed the girls hair. Betty wanted to learn to knit, so Zelda was showing her how to make a simple scarf. When Betty was comfortable with her stitches, the twin girls sat on either side of her, to watch her work. Betty was proud of learning, and smiled with each stitch she made. When she finished a row of stitches, she would concentrate very hard, switching to the other needle, her tongue held between her lips.
Eventually, the girls heard their father's voice, as the men and boys were approaching the doorway to their car. "Quick! Hide it, Betty!" said Ella Rae. Betty's eyes flew open wide, as she rolled up her knitting, and stuffed it inside the bag at her feet. She wanted to give the scarf to her daddy for Christmas, as a surprise. Bella smiled, watching her daughters keep their little secret. Edward moved over to her, caressing her hair, and kissing her cheek, "What was all the excitement about?" She gently shook her head, "Ah nothing. The girls are just happy that you are back." He chuckled, raised his eyebrows, and smirked, saying, "Really?" Then, he walked over to cuddle with his girls, looking at Bella over the top of their heads.
Bella was filled with love and warmth, watching her husband with their three daughters. "Oh, Edward," she whispered under her breath, "I am so happy to have you in my life." He couldn't hear what she was saying, but he sensed the flavor of her sentiment. He blew her a kiss, and winked sweetly. "Mom," said Zack, interrupting her quiet moment of bliss, "When will we be getting back home? I hope we make it back before Christmas. I want to buy a couple gifts there before it's too late." Bella turned to her son, and assured him that he would have plenty of time. Squeezing her brows together, she asked him, "Do you have plans with your friends this year?"
Zack blushed a bright pink, and closed his lips together tight. Shaking his head, he shrugged his shoulders and stepped away. Bella giggled and turned to look at Zelda. Zelda hummed, "Oh my...it seems that Zack has a secret crush. Am I right?" Bella raised one eyebrow, and looked at Zelda a little more closely. "Aunt Zelda...when Edward was a vampire, he could read minds. You wouldn't happen to have that ability as well, would you?" Zelda's eyes opened wide, then she finally collapsed into a fit of giggles. "Oh dear...Bella, you've found me out." Laughing loud, Bella called out for Edward to join them. As he approached, Bella pulled him down to whisper in his ear. He looked over at Zelda, shaking his head, and wagging his finger at her. "Shame on you, Aunt Zelda. You should have told me before now."
So, as it turned out, mind reading was apparently a Masen family trait. Now that Edward knew he had shared this ability with his aunt, he felt even closer to her. He and Bella were glad to be bringing Aunt Zelda home now. She would be VERY helpful with knowing how to deal with their teenage boys. Poor Zack and Jack had no idea. Things were going to be exciting and fun at the Masen home. Edward and Bella laughed again, tossing their heads back with glee.
