Christmas with the Masens

The Masens were so pleased to finally make it back home to Rochester, after their long train journey from Washington State. The children all helped to carry in their luggage, then settled into their rooms to rest for a while. Edward and Bella spoke to the household staff, to make sure that everything had gone well while they were away. Then, Bella spent some time with the cook to discuss plans for the upcoming Christmas meals.

Edward noticed that the house was quiet, with all the children occupied in their rooms, so he stepped into the front parlor to speak with Salvador for a while. Zelda played some simple Christmas carols on the piano. About an hour later, Bella came in to join them in the parlor, settling down beside Edward. He wrapped his long arm around her shoulder, pulling her in close, and nuzzling her ear and neck. Giggling, Bella snuggled in closer to her husband, and kissed his cheek.

Standing up, Salvador went over to Zelda, and pulled her away from the piano, saying, "I think that's our cue to go for a walk, my dear." He winked at Edward, then led Zelda out the front door, with his hand on the small of her back. When the two vampires had left the house, Edward leaned in close to his wife, and proceeded to kiss her senseless.

"Tired?" Edward asked. "Yes," said Bella, "I wish I wasn't though. I want to make love to you, Edward. It's been so long since we've had time alone." Edward lowered his head to look into Bella's eyes. "I know, Bella love," he sighed, "How about we go to bed, and see how much energy we can stir up together?" Smiling, Bella nodded, and followed her husband to their bed. The next hour was peaceful, as Edward and Bella shared slow, passionate intercourse together, kissing deeply and stroking their bodies. "I love you, Edward," Bella moaned. "Bella, I'm yours forever, my love," Edward promised.

Christmas was still a few days away, and the Masens were busy wrapping presents, hiding them, and going to parties. The house had been decorated by the household staff, with colorful electric lights shining everywhere. It was quite a different display from what the children had seen in Forks at the Cullen home. One day, the family took a ride in a horse drawn sleigh, to look at Christmas lights and decorations all over Rochester. While riding, they sang carols and joked around together. When they got back home, Zack pulled his father aside to ask him a question.

"Dad?" he asked, "Would it be okay if I go over to visit my friend Joey Mullis?" Edward raised his eyebrows, and looked down at his son with a smirk. "Isn't that Samantha's brother?" Zack looked down, with his arms behind his back, shuffling his feet nervously, then answered, "Yeah, that's right." Edward didn't want to embarrass his son further, so he held back his smile, and said, "That's fine son. But, you should call ahead of time, to make sure they are receptive to your visit." Zack took a big breath, and sighed, saying, "Thanks Dad", then he ran into the house to make the call.

When Zack came back outside, he was surprised to see the horse and sleigh were still in front of the house, with his parents sitting in the back. Edward stood up, and said, "Hop aboard son. Let's go and pick up your friends for a ride." Laughing out loud, Zack jumped up beside them, and Edward nodded for the driver to move along.

The Mullis family was thrilled to see the horse and sleigh pull up at their house, and they all ran outside. Edward told them to get on the sleigh, and soon all of them were enjoying a ride around their neighborhood. Zack was sitting beside Samantha, glowing with a huge smile. She smiled right back, and bumped shoulders with him. Zack was bashful, but really wanted to show her some kind of affection, so he quickly turned his head and kissed her cheek. Samantha breathed in with surprise, then pulled her hand up to cover her cheek, while her face flushed red. Giggling, she smiled again, and lowered her lashes in embarrassment.

Zack was thrilled with her response, and whispered, "Samantha, you look really pretty today." She glowed from his praise, twirling one of her fingers in a lock of her red hair, and said, "Thank you, Zack. You look very handsome." Zack puffed out his chest with pride, while his face split into a huge grin. "I got you a Christmas present," he said, and handed her the tiny package he had been keeping in his pocket. Opening her eyes wide, Samantha took the package, and opened it carefully. Inside, she found a pretty bracelet, with colorful beads and a silver heart. "Oh Zack, it's beautiful!" she exclaimed. Holding out her hand, she asked Zack to help her put it on.

Samantha's father had seen the two youngsters, and cleared his throat menacingly. "Master Masen, did you just give my daughter a piece of jewelry as a present?" Zack gulped, with eyes open wide, and looked fearfully at Mr. Mullis, replying, "Yes sir, I did." Mr. Mullis squinted his eyes, looking closely at Zack, waited a few seconds, then finally relaxed his face into a grudging smile. "That was very kind of you, boy. Samantha, be sure to tell Zack thank you for his kindness." She proceeded to offer her quiet appreciation, then turned toward Zack to give him a secret wink that her father could not see.

Zack was giddy with pleasure from her show of affection, and had quite a bit of trouble breathing. Swallowing loudly, he blushed, cleared his throat, then offered her a sheepish grin. Giggling, Samantha fingered her new bracelet, then sighed while biting her lower lip. The two young sweethearts were so nervous in front of their family. But it was obvious to everyone that they really seemed to care for one another.

When the sleigh arrived back at the Mullis home, Edward helped everyone dismount, then told the Mullis family farewell. Zack waved goodbye to his friend Joey, and smiled wide at Samantha as she stepped away to her home. Sighing dreamily, he turned to face forward in his seat, glowing with a dreamy expression. Bella suppressed her silent giggles, and smiled at her husband. The two youngsters were just so adorable. Zack didn't say a word as they rode home, keeping his secret thoughts to himself.

The day was coming to an end, with stars just beginning to appear in the sky. Edward held Bella close beside him, while Zack stayed close on his other side. They were all covered up with a thick plaid blanket, while wisps of white revealed their breaths escaping into the cold night air. When they got home, Zack ran inside to get some carrots from the kitchen, then he brought them out for the horses. Edward paid the driver, told him goodbye, then walked inside with his arm around his son's shoulder. "You handled your first outing with Samantha very well, my boy. Always remember to be a gentleman, and respect her," he instructed. Zack nodded his head, saying, "Thanks Dad. I'll do my best."

On the day before Christmas, Edward had to work for a while at the hospital. While he was away, Bella gathered all her children together in the main landing upstairs. "Kids, each of you needs to look through your room, and choose 5 toys to give to charity. Tonight, we will be going to take toys to the church for those less fortunate than ourselves. Remember that several families in the area have been hit hard by the Depression. So, be sure to choose special toys that will be appreciated. Be generous, children, because Santa is bringing new toys to you tonight."

After some complaining, the kids all went to do as they were told. When they made their choices, they brought them out to Bella, and she looked them over to make sure they were presentable. Next, they gathered together all the toys, placed them in large boxes, and carried them out to the car. Bella and Zelda took the girls in one car, while Salvador took the boys in the other. When they got to the church, everyone got out to help carry in the toys. Then they all went to work helping to organize all the donations that had been brought in by other families in the area.

There was a meal being prepared for the night, so Bella stopped in the kitchen, to see if they needed any help. There was still a lot to do, so Bella called home, and asked the Masen cook to come and work for the event. In the meantime, Bella, Zelda and Betty helped chop vegetables. Ella Rae and Annabelle were put to task, placing flowers and silverware on the tables. Zack, Jack, and Salvador were busy setting up tables and chairs.

When everything looked ready for the event, the Masens all got back in their cars and went home. Next, Salvador drove the maid to the church, so she could help with the meal preparation and serving. The Masens would have a simple meal, served by the rest of the household staff.

Edward arrived home from work, kissed Bella affectionately, then hugged each of his kids as they took their seats in the dining room. After eating their meal, the family gathered in the front parlor, to listen to Edward as he read The Night Before Christmas. The children were all wide eyed with excitement, anticipating Santa's visit. When the story was finished, the girls went to the kitchen to find some cookies to put on a plate for Santa. Jack filled a glass with milk, and Zack found some sugar cubes for the reindeer.

Everything was set out by the fireplace, in front of the Christmas tree. Soft music was playing on the radio, and candles glimmered all around the room. It was so lovely. The kids all came to stand by their parents, and naturally settled into their embrace. Edward started singing "Silent Night", and all the rest of them joined in. Bella's eyes filled with tears, as she enjoyed her family's celebration together. Edward kissed the side of her head, humming the angelic tune of the season quietly in her ear.

Christmas morning dawned bright and clear, with the Masen children all wide awake and excited to see what Santa had brought to them overnight. There were so many new toys and games for each of them. New bikes for Jack and Zack. New dolls for the girls. But best of all...a puppy! They decided to name him Sparky. He was excited to meet everyone, and hopped from person to person, licking and nipping them all. Edward showed everyone how to feed the puppy, and where he would be sleeping. Sparky was definitely a hit with everyone.

When the kids were finished seeing what Santa had brought them, Edward took a seat on the sofa, pulling Bella down on his lap. She giggled, and snuggled in close to him, as they watched their children enjoying their new toys. Edward then called out, "How about someone passing out those presents that are under the tree?" Jack volunteered for the task, and was soon calling out names and carrying gifts around the room.

Aunt Zelda got a new sewing basket, filled with colorful threads and accessories. She loved to work embroidery projects, so this gift was perfect for her. She was thrilled with it. Salvador got a box full of new oil paints and paintbrushes, and was very appreciative. The kids all got new clothes, books, and candy. Bella got some pretty hairbows from her girls, and a nice fluffy robe from Jack and Zack. Edward got a fishing hat from the boys, and a pipe from the girls. "Girls, I don't smoke," said Edward with his eyebrows pulled in tight. "We know...but we want you to, because the tobacco smells so good!" said Betty. Bella and Edward laughed so hard at this, and Edward said that he would try it sometime, just for them.

Sparky was jumping up and down, playing with all the discarded wrapping paper. This was causing quite a bit of commotion, so Bella told the kids to pick up all the loose paper, and carry their gifts to their rooms. When the kids had all disappeared upstairs with their treasures, Bella stepped over to the tree, reached behind it, and pulled out a gift she had hidden there for Edward. "What's that?" he asked. "Open it, and find out," she answered.

Tearing away the paper, and opening the box, Edward gasped. "Bella! Where did you get this?" She smiled, and said, "Carlisle helped me put it all together. I've been hiding it for almost a year. I hope you like it." Edward beamed, "Like it? I LOVE it!" Edward reached in and pulled out a framed photograph of the Chicago White Sox team, with personal autographs on each image. There were also some signed baseballs, a signed glove, and a White Sox uniform and hat, in Edward's size, with "Masen" on the back of the shirt. Laughing with glee, he trembled all over, then pulled Bella in for huge hug. "Wow, babe. What a perfect gift!"

Bella smiled again, then said, "I can't wait to see you in that uniform, honey. I'm going to be drooling over you, I'm sure." Rubbing noses, they then kissed each other affectionately. Edward sighed, and said, "Well, it's time for your gift now. But, it's not really ready to open yet. Anyway...you'll understand it soon." Reaching in his pocket, he pulled out an envelope and handed it to her.

Opening the envelope, Bella's eyebrows came together in confusion, "I don't understand, Edward. What does TIME mean?" Edward's face became very serious, and he said, "I've been working with Salvador on a plan for you...for us. We're going on a time travel journey again. To the future."