Chapter Sixteen

Bella

I ached all over when I woke up and groaned as I crawled out of bed but after a shower, which was fun with a cast on my arm, I felt a little better. That is until I tried to dress. I couldn't bend because of the strapping around my ribs and sat on the edge of the bed wondering if it would be OK to go downstairs in a robe.

There was a tapping on the door and Rose popped her head in.

"I wondered if you might like some help getting dressed."

I was so relieved I could have kissed her, "Thank you. I thought I might have to spend the day up here."

With a bright smile, Rose helped me pull on a sweater and then looked at my jeans. "I should have put a bit more thought into packing for you. I don't think we'll get those over your bandages. Just a minute, I've got a long skirt you can borrow."

"Thanks again. I feel so helpless."

She was back in a minute with a long corded skirt which went well with my red sweater.

"Let's see." She walked around me, "Brilliant. I'll just brush your hair for you and we can join the others."

As she brushed my hair I watched her in the mirror.

"I don't think I thanked you for coming to my rescue last night."

"You did and it was our pleasure. Actually, I'm glad we have a few minutes alone together. I wanted to apologize for the way I treated you in Forks. I just didn't want to see you waste your life on Edward. He wasn't worth it. I never disliked you, Bella."

I smiled, "I'll take your word for that. I'm glad we met up again."

"Me too."

"Let's hope it's just the beginning of a very long friendship."

She glanced at me warily but I think she knew what I was referring to.

Downstairs I found breakfast waiting, along with Jasper.

"Esme and Emmett send their apologies, they went to collect Carlisle from the airport."

I sat and ate breakfast while Jasper and Rose argued over the best Christmas film of all time.

Rose turned to me as arbiter, "Well let's ask Bella. What's your favorite?"

I swallowed down my last bite of toast and thought about it, "It's A Wonderful Life I guess. I used to watch it with my dad when I spent Christmas with him. Which reminds me, could I use the phone? I really need to talk to Renee before she sends out a search party."

"Sure. You can use mine. We couldn't find yours last night."

"Thanks."

They disappeared outside explaining they had to put up the twinkle lights and giant inflatable figures that Emmett had brought back with him from their latest trip and I dialled Renee's number hoping at the same time that she might be busy.

"Hello?"

"Mom, it's me."

"Bella! Where have you been? I've been worried sick. Patrick said that you had an accident yesterday and then you just disappeared. What were you thinking of? He sounded worried sick and then I got another garbled message. He wanted to know if you had any connections in the underworld. Perhaps you can explain where you are and why he should be kidnapped and threatened by 'friends' of yours?"

I took a deep breath then wished I hadn't as my ribs complained loudly. I had no idea what Patrick was talking about although I could imagine two people who might be responsible if he had been threatened.

"I'm sorry. I think he was exaggerating. Did he tell you he was responsible for the accident?"

There was a short troubled silence, "Well, no."

"Did he tell you that I was the one who ended up in the E.R?"

"He said he insisted that you go to the hospital to be checked out. He told me you had a few bruises and bumps. I don't suppose you'll be skiing but a rest at the chalet will do you good. Then Patrick said you two would fly to Boston for the New Year. He said you'd have some news for us too. I'm so excited, Bella."

She was unbelievable!

"Mom, Patrick and I are through. He must have forgotten to tell you that and my bumps and bruises are some fractured ribs, a broken wrist and a deep gash in my leg. That must have been the news he was keeping for you."

That quietened her for a moment.

"Really? Why wouldn't he have told me? Are you OK? Where are you, Bella? Should I fly out?"

"No, I'm fine mom. I'm staying with friends but I won't be flying to Boston with or without Patrick. I'm sorry."

"Which friends? I didn't know you had any friends apart from those you and Patrick shared."

There was a short pause and then she groaned, "You're with them again aren't you? The Cullens. Oh, Bella. You finally had someone who cared about you and now you're giving him up for that family. They ruined your life once. Are you going to allow them to do it again? I knew I should have come to Phoenix the moment you mentioned that name. Call Patrick right away. For God's sake use some common sense girl."

"Mom, I only rang to tell you that I'm OK. I'm spending Christmas with Esme and Carlisle. You should know that Patrick isn't the paragon of virtue you seem to think he is. You disliked Edward because he was so controlling, well, news flash, Patrick was just the same and I'm sick of being told what to do and of being taken for granted. I'll call you on New Year's. Merry Christmas to you and Phil. I have to go now. Bye, mom."

I knew if I hadn't cut the call short Renee and I would have argued and I didn't have enough energy for that. As it was I felt tired, stiff and the pain in my leg was making me miserable. All I needed was a lesson in humility from her.

I limped over to the window to watch Rose and Jasper putting the twinkle lights around the front of the house. It certainly helped that they could jump into the trees and walk along the roof without worrying about falling.

I couldn't help smiling at the inflatables. Emmett must have bought up the entire store! There was Santa, an entire herd of reindeer, a snowman, a giant robin, a dinosaur wearing a Santa hat, penguins, and a few others I couldn't see clearly. I was pretty sure the house would be visible from space once everything was switched on.

Seeing me watching them Rose and Jasper waved and she beckoned him inside. I was glad, I didn't want to be alone after the words I'd just exchanged with Renee. Yeah, Bella, you tell yourself that. You're just glad that Jasper is coming in to be with you.

"It's a shame we won't get any snow. Emmett loves making snowmen."

"Would there be room out there for more?"

Jasper grinned and it took my breath away, he was so handsome. How had I missed that before? I guess my eyes had been fixed firmly on Edward at the time. Sure Edward had a beautiful face but it was an ethereal beauty, a boy's good looks. Jasper had a more mature look about him. He had lived, fought in a war and seen a lot since becoming a vampire. Edward had seen nothing. He was a boy when Carlisle changed him and had remained a boy ever since. It wasn't his fault but it certainly showed once you compared the two.

Realizing that he was watching me I blushed. Thank goodness he couldn't read my mind!

"So, how did your call go?"

I sighed, "About as well as I expected. Patrick got in first with his version and complained that I had some of my underworld friends pay him a visit. What did you do to him?"

His look of total innocence told me all I needed to know.

"Anyway, she's not happy."

"Do you want to spend Christmas with your mom? We might be able to get you to Boston if…"

"NO." Realizing that I had overemphasized the word I blushed even more. "Sorry. No, I'd rather be here."

As he smiled again I could tell that he'd been worried about my answer. Did he want me to be here as much as I wanted to be?

"Sorry. I must have sounded desperate there."

He shook his head and took my hand, "Actually, I was relieved to hear that. I didn't want you to go. I'd like a chance to spend some time with you."

I grinned, "I thought you'd spent the last few years with me?"

He grimaced, "You make it sound creepy. What I mean is that I'd like to spend some time in your company and to be honest, I think you might have found it difficult to get out of the house. I'm not the only one who wants you to stay."

I took a deep breath, "Maybe, but you are the one whose wish matters to me."

He gazed into my eyes and I felt my heart skip a beat.

"Bella…"

Before he could finish the sentence there was a noise at the door and I realized that the others were back with Carlisle.

"Later," Jasper whispered and squeezed my hand before getting up to greet the arrivals.

I found myself overwhelmed by Carlisle's kindness and concern for me as he checked my leg while apologizing for the hurt the family had caused me back in Forks.

"I'm truly sorry that I allowed myself to be persuaded by Edward's words. I was wrong and I'm so glad that Jasper refused to be bound by my stricture against watching over you. Esme turned out to be the wiser of us and the more compassionate. I must take a lesson from her."

He finished dressing my leg and smiled, "You'll be fine, although I fear that's going to leave a scar."

"I'm still upright and breathing so I'll take it as a win. And thank you, Carlisle. I think I should have realized that Edward and I would never work. I'm just glad things turned out OK in the end. Esme told me that he's married."

Carlisle raised an eyebrow, "Is that all she told you?"

I smiled, "Yes, but I understand she's not keen on his wife."

He sighed, "I think the feeling is mutual. Luckily they live in Rome most of the time."

"Don't you miss Edward? You were very close."

"We were, yes, but I've finally realized that he has his life to lead. I have Esme and I intend to spend a lot more time worrying about her in the future. But enough about me, I understand you are our guest of honor for Christmas. You may live to regret that decision. Emmett has only gotten worse as you may have noticed. We appear to be surrounded by half the world's supply of plastic in various guises."

I laughed, "That's fine by me. I'm actually looking forward to the festive season now."

Esme tapped the door and looked in, "Carlisle, have you finished yet?"

"I think so, why?"

"Then will you please speak to Emmett? He's hired some snow machines and I think he intends to bury the house and us with it."

Carlisle glanced at me and we both burst out laughing.

"It seems my diplomatic skills are needed, Bella. As long as you rest that leg you'll be OK and I think I can guarantee you'll be doing that with the whole family watching over you."

I limped back into the lounge to see Rose watching Emmett and one of his snowmachines through the window.

"I despair of him sometimes. As far as Emmett is concerned it isn't Christmas unless everywhere is white. It would have been cheaper to fly to Alaska!"

Looking out I saw Carlisle remonstrating with Emmett who was busy filling a large box with liquid.

"He isn't really going to spray the whole house is he?"

Rose snorted, "No, of course not. Emmett thinks bigger. He intends to spray the house, the grounds, and anyone who comes close. Look."

Turning back to the window I saw he had turned the machine on Carlisle who was slowly disappearing in a whiteout.

Rose sank onto the couch beside me, "So, what did you and my brother talk about while I was busy?"

I shrugged, "Nothing. At least nothing important."

She sighed and put a hand gently on my knee, "Bella, Jasper is a little slow sometimes. You do know that he's crazy about you?"

I felt my cheeks begin to burn, "I...he hasn't said as much."

"Well, do you like him?"

"Of course, I like all of you."

She rolled her eyes, "What is it with you two? A simple yes would have sufficed. If one of you doesn't make the first move soon I'm going to hang a huge banner down the stairs popping the question. It's Christmas, Bella. A time for magic and romance. Just tell him how you feel."

"So, you wouldn't be against me dating your brother? Only I remember the last time."

She laughed, "I explained that. I'd be thrilled and I know Esme would be over the moon."

I smiled, "Then I guess I'll have to try to get him alone."

"Great. I know, we're going to midnight mass, a family tradition. You can't go, not with that leg. It must be very painful."

"Actually it's feeling a lot bett…" I saw the exasperated look on her face and hastily changed my mind, "No, you're right. It's quite stiff and sore."

The frown turned to a smile, "Then I must make sure you have company while we're out. Leave it to me."

"You're enjoying this aren't you?"

She beamed, "Loving it. Romance at Christmas is my favorite mood. I'll get some mistletoe hung up too. I might even get Emmett to catch me under it if I'm lucky."

It was my turn to snort, "Emmett doesn't need any excuse. He's crazy about you, Rose."

She grinned tossing her long blonde hair over one shoulder, "I know, but it's still fun to be courted."

Carlisle came in at that moment and we both burst out laughing. He was partially covered in fake snow which was slowly evaporating in the heat.

"I have told Emmett that the machine won't give him snow on the ground, only a snowfall but as he's bought three of the machines and enough fluid to last 24/7 for the next 7 days I have given in gracefully and I have to admit it does look realistic."

Looking out the window it did look like snow was falling although the sun did rather spoil the magic.

"I did however persuade him to switch it off until it gets dark. Next, he'll be checking that Santa can get down the chimney!"

I could imagine Emmett doing just that and Rose smiled indulgently, "Do you remember the year he left out cookies and milk for Santa and Jasper arranged sooty footprints from the fire to the tree and back?"

"Yes, and Esme was not happy. It was a new carpet if memory serves me."

And then Emmett had to follow the cookie crumbs across the roof to find his presents."

They both laughed, "Jasper had left him a note telling Emmett that he was on the naughty list along with an empty plate and glass."

"I remember," Esme had joined us, "And the fight they had in my dining room with those guns with the foam bullets. That table was an antique!"

"In Emmett's defence, Jasper had hidden all the batteries for his remote control cars."

I must have looked shocked because Rose shook her head, "I don't think Bella believes us."

"It's not that. I just find it hard to imagine Jasper acting like that."

Esme snorted, "You mean acting like a five year old? Oh, Bella, don't be fooled by that angelic expression. They have me tearing my hair out at times."

Jasper as a playful brother? I just couldn't imagine it. When he'd been with Alice he had always seemed so reserved and quiet.

"Just wait, Bella. You think it's all peace and goodwill to man here in the Cullen house. You're in for a bit of a shock."

Jasper and Emmett appeared then bickering quietly and Esme and I went to the kitchen to get me something to eat.

I was amazed to see the cupboards full of food.

"Well, I couldn't see you go without your Christmas dinner and everyone came up with ideas of things you might like. I wasn't sure about the baked goldfish s'mores. You can blame Emmett for those."

"I'll never eat all this."

"Oh the refrigerator's full too, but don't worry. We'll donate anything left over to a food bank."

I was glad to hear that. There was enough food here to feed a small nation!