21

The Hermit

Before they know it, Christmas is only a week away.

Bella feels like she is personally keeping UPS and FedEx in business with all the online shopping she's been doing. The deliveries are steadily pouring in, and she's also receiving Edward's packages while he's at work so the snow doesn't destroy anything.

When Edward informs her that he has plans to go actual shopping with Emmett, Bella makes a bold decision to see if Rose wants to hang out with her while he's gone.

They've talked a couple of times since their double date, and Bella feels comfortable with the idea of hanging out alone with Edward's sister.

Rose shows up five minutes after Edward kisses Bella goodbye, and she brings supplies.

Bella can understand the box of nail polish, but the massive fruit bouquet throws her off.

"You do know I have food, right?" She laughs.

"I know that. I stopped by an Edible Arrangements on my way here. I figure Ed buys you flowers all the time, so I brought you flower-shaped fruit. Gotta step up my game." Rose winks. "I'm just kidding. One of my relatives sent it us to congratulate us on the baby. I figured we could eat it and do each other's toes."

She proudly shows off her collection of nail polish, and Bella laughs, holds up one finger, and rushes up the stairs.

When she returns, she finds that Rose has parked herself on the couch and is shuffling through her box of polish while munching on a pineapple-shaped daisy. She looks up and almost spits the fruit out of her mouth.

"Holy shit! That's a lot of nail polish."

Bella puts the giant, clear caddy down on the table and opens it.

"I have a lot of free time, so I tend to change colors every couple of days. I buy them from different parts of the world." Bella points to every shelf of the caddy. "They're labeled. My favorites are from Spain though."

Rose looks through the collection, pulling out bottles and asking a million questions.

"I never got to do most of the normal girly shit when I was in school," Rose admits. "I was in special classes because of my dyslexia, so kids didn't exactly flock to me."

"I never got to do anything normal because I was bullied throughout most of my childhood and then in my teen years. We're sort of kindred spirits, you and I." Bella gives Rose a stern but playful look. "That doesn't mean I'm going to leave your brother and be a second mommy to your baby."

Rose laughs like a maniac.

"Anyway. We both missed out on the slumber party experience, so I think we should turn on a cheesy Christmas movie and paint each other's toes the same color, considering we're BFFs."

Bella wants to argue that Edward is her best friend, but she doesn't want to hurt Rose's feelings.

Instead, she shuffles through her collection of nail polish, pulling two different bottles out.

"Santa's Sleigh or Mistletoe Magic?" she asks, holding up a bottle of glittery red and a shimmering green.

Rose ponders.

"I think we should do one toe red, one toe green, and make it a pattern. We can coordinate, like when you end with red I'll start with green."

Bella nods and gets everything they'll need, including two bottles of sparkling water because Rose shouldn't have caffeine, and she doesn't want to drink Coke in front of her.

Both girls are tall, so they cram together on each end of the couch and put their feet in each other's laps. Bella chooses National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation that's been playing on repeat all day.

They talk over the movie as they pass the colors back and forth and destroy the fruit bouquet.

"So ... have you given any more thought about meeting our parents?"

"I've been thinking about it constantly," Bella admits.

"And?"

Before Bella can answer her, the house phone rings. She leans over the back of the couch to grab it.

"Hello?"

"Ugh. Bella. I've been calling your cell for ages. I was starting to get worried," Alice grumbles.

"I'm sorry, I must have left it upstairs when I was grabbing my nail polish. Is everything okay?"

"Yes ... no. Not really. Jasper's grandfather had a heart attack this morning. It's not looking good, so we're going to fly out to Texas as soon as we can find an open flight. They're already talking about funeral arrangements, so we're trying to get out there so Jasper can see him."

"That's terrible. I'm so sorry." Bella sniffs. "Is there anything I can do?"

"No. I just wanted to call and let you know what's happening. I'm not sure if we'll be back for Christmas."

"Don't worry about me, Alice. Everything will be fine. Let me know what's going on, and please be safe. Give Jasper my love."

Bella's grown close to Jasper over the years and knowing that he's in pain is hard for her.

"I will. I just hate the idea of leaving you alone on Christmas. What about our traditions?"

"Jasper's grandfather is more important than baking and decorating cookies, Ali. I'm sure I can manage to watch A Christmas Story five times in a row by myself. I'll be okay."

In seconds, Rose is flapping her hands in Bella's face.

"If you think for one second you're spending Christmas alone, you are sorely mistaken, woman," she says sternly. "If it comes down to it, I'll tell my family to go fuck themselves and come spend the day with you."

Bella puts one finger to her mouth.

"Who's that?"

"Rose. Edward's sister. She came over while the boys are shopping."

"Huh?" Alice sounds surprised. "I still feel bad. Should I just send Jasper by himself and stay with you?"

Bella looks Rose in the eye as she answers her sister. "No, Ali. Be there for him. It sounds like he's going to need you." She takes a deep breath. "I'm going to spend Christmas with Edward's family. His parents are coming down for the holiday, and he really wants me to meet them."

Rose is bouncing in her seat, careful not to smudge the polish on Bella's toes.

"Really? Wow, Bella. Just wow. Have you talked to Zafrina lately?"

"No. We have an appointment a week after New Year's. Why?"

"I just ... You're making so much progress that it's kind of making my head spin. She's going to be so happy with you. I gotta go. Jasper found a flight, so I need to pack. I'll call you as soon as I know what's going on. Please pray for our travels and his grandfather."

Bella fights the urge to roll her eyes. "I love you, Ali. I'll see you when you get back."

They hang up, and Rose practically jumps across the couch and tackles Bella.

"Yes! I don't have to spend Christmas bored as shit. I'm so fucking happy." She cries.

"I need to make another call before we get back to our pedicures," Bella tells her. She goes to the kitchen and calls Edward.

When he picks up, it sounds like he's in the middle of a mosh pit. "Hey, Sugar. Is everything okay?"

"Well, Alice called me. She and Jasper have to fly out to Texas tonight. His grandfather isn't doing too well, and they probably won't make it back for Christmas," she tells him.

"So. Rose and Emmett can entertain my parents, and I'll spend the day with you. I'll pick up some mistletoe on my way home," he jokes.

"Actually, I was thinking. Do you think your parents would mind spending the holiday here at my house?"

"Sorry, babe. I don't think I heard you right. It's a fucking madhouse. Emmett got punched in the nose helping me fight over the last ... I can't tell you. But did you just say you want my parents to come to your house for Christmas?"

"Please be careful. No gift is worth your safety, and I prefer you in one piece. I have to say I'm not really surprised Emmett got hurt. Rose is still here. We're giving each other pedicures and watching movies." Bella says.

"And my parents?"

"You heard me right, Honey. I did say that I want to meet your parents and host Christmas at my house. If that's okay?"

It's suddenly a lot quieter than it was.

"Sorry. I wanted to be able to hear you clearly, so I stepped into the changing room. I'm probably going to get some weird looks when I leave but whatever. I fucking love you. We're almost finished here, so wrap it up with Rosalie. I want you all to myself when I get home."

"I love you too. Bye, Honey."

When Bella returns, Rose is already packing everything up and sporting a big smile.

"Just so you know we're totally sticking to the traditions you have with your sister. I'm not the best at baking, but Ed can help you with that part. I'm not the greatest artist either, but I love decorating cookies. My mom is a hobbyist, and she always loves a good project. Dad will help you eat them. He's a doctor, so he doesn't get much time off. He'll probably get shit faced on eggnog with Emmett and watch 'A Christmas Story' a hundred times.

"We could make dinner together if you want. I mean, I know you and Ed like doing that kind of stuff together, but I can help out. I'm so freaking excited. But don't worry. I'll make sure Mom doesn't overwhelm you. Edward and I will have her on her best behavior. I promise."

Bella can feel the nerves start to set in. "Rose. Breathe," she says calmly.

"Yeah. The fetus requires oxygen and all that. Sorry. I just really love you, not joking about wanting to bone you or anything. I truly see you as the sister I always wanted and never got. Instead, I got stuck with Ed."

"Hey, I'm pretty thankful you got Edward." Bella laughs. "I would love to plan Christmas day with you after I've talked to him. I need to prepare myself for this. I know Edward's talked about my ... issues a little. This is going to be a big step, and on January seventh, I will have gone without seeing my therapist for three months. I've made a lot of progress without her. I'd really like to make it to the seventh, and that won't happen if I can't get through Christmas."

"Of course. Of course. Talk to Ed and call me tomorrow so we can plan a menu and ... I just like talking to you, so we can just bullshit if you want."

Bella laughs. "I enjoy talking to you too. Thank you for being patient with me, Rose. I really appreciate it. I'm not used to having people in my corner."

"I'd kill for you. Seriously. Now give me a hug and walk me out. I don't want to be here when Ed gets home. He's been away from you for so long he's probably going to attack you at the door."

Bella blushes, but at the same time, she's hoping that will happen.

She walks Rose all the way to her car, which is parked in the spot at the end of the walkway, to make sure she gets there accident free.

And then she goes inside and waits for her boyfriend to come home to her.

o.O. .o.O.o

When Edward enters her house, he pockets his key, shrugs out of his jacket, and calls for her. "Sugar?"

Bella smiles, snuggling down into the couch cushions and waits for him to find her.

Her plans are foiled when her cell phone starts ringing. Her hand shoots out and snatches it off of the coffee table. "Hello?" she whispers.

"Why are you hiding on the couch? And why are we whispering?" Edward whispers.

"I figured you'd come and find me, but you cheated. I'm whispering because I was hoping you wouldn't find me yet. I don't know why you're whispering." Bella laughs.

"Well, I found you. Why are you hiding?"

"Because I wanted to surprise you. Come to me, Honey."

Bella hangs up and tosses her phone back onto the table before striking the pose she's been practicing since Rose left.

She's hoping it'll come off as sexy when Edward's head pops over the back of the couch, goofy grin in all its glory. It quickly turns into a lust-filled gaze as he takes in her state.

Bella spent some time on her appearance after Rose left. She curled her hair, put some lip gloss on, and slipped into a pretty dress and nothing else besides a pair of panties. She's laying on the couch, her hair splayed all around her head with her legs folded in such a way. She knows he can see her Christmas-themed panties from where he's standing. The glazed look in his eyes make her feel brave.

"Kick off your shoes and come cuddle with me, Honey."

He obviously doesn't need to be told twice. Edward vaults over the back of the couch and lands on Bella, immediately finding her lips and slipping a hand over her breast. "No bra?" he asks against her mouth.

"Didn't think you'd mind if I went without. I could go put one on, if you prefer?" She tries to push him away.

"Don't you fucking dare, Sugar."

Bella slips her tongue into his mouth, grabbing his hair and tugging it gently. She knows it'll get a reaction.

He presses that reaction against her thigh, and she moans.

"I don't think I'm ready for that quite yet," she admits.

He starts to pull away, but she wraps her legs around him.

"Wait. I'm not ready ... to go all the way. But I'm interested in something I never got the chance to experience."

"Yeah?" he asks weakly. "What experience are we talking about?"

She sees that he's trying hard to maintain control.

"I've never dry humped my boyfriend on a couch before. Well, technically, I've never dry humped anyone anywhere before." She uses her hold on his hair to pull him down for another passionate kiss.

At the same time, her legs bring him down until he's pressed up against her, right where she wants him most.

They both groan.

He's as hard as steel, pressing against his zipper.

It's almost embarrassing how wet she is.

"Fuck, Sugar." Edward groans into her neck and thrusts against her heat.

"Hmm. Keep doing that," she whispers, licking the place behind his ear.

It does something to him.

Suddenly their position has changed. Edward's laying on the couch with Bella straddling his lap.

She shakes her head. Negativity clouds over her lust-filled thoughts. She's starting to lose her bravado. "I'm too heavy."

"The fuck you are. You're just right." He pulls the dress up over her hips and grips her bare skin. "You never got to experience this, so I want you to be in control. I'm yours, Sugar. Just do what makes you feel good."

He lifts his hips, his erection hitting her just right, making her moan loudly.

"You feel so good against me," Edward tells her, guiding her hips until she starts moving.

Bella's head falls back in pleasure as she works herself over him.

"You're so wet. I can feel it. One day soon, I'll taste you. I can't wait."

Bella's moan echoes off the walls at his words, and an unfamiliar feeling starts to grow deep in her belly.

"I bet you taste sweet, Sugar." His hands trail up underneath her dress until they find her bare breasts.

"Edward." She groans, her movements start to grow erratic.

She's looking for something. She doesn't know what it is, but she just knows it's going to be spectacular.

"Bella," he grits out, rubbing his thumbs over her sensitive nipples.

She feels something inside her snap, her entire body locking up, shaking as she lets out a long moan and rides out the feeling because she never wants it to end.

"Sugar." Edward thrusts one more time and stills.

Not caring if she's too heavy or that she's squashing him, Bella collapses, snuggling into Edward's chest.

"That. Was. Amazing." She pants.

"Fucking amazing." Edward breathes.

His hands are still under her dress but are now splayed across her bare back.

"I've never ... I don't know."

"You've never had an orgasm?"

Bella looks up at him, completely confused.

"That's what that was?"

Edward's smile is a mile wide. "Yes. And I can't wait to give you many more." He nuzzles her neck, biting the soft flesh. "But I really need to change my pants."

"Was I that wet?" Bella asks in horror.

Edward laughs. "No, Sugar. I mean you were definitely wet, but I also had an orgasm, and I'm a sticky mess."

She smiles a goofy smile. "Me too. Meet me back here in ten? I'll order a pizza."

"I fucking love you."

"I can't wait to tell you that I love fucking you," Bella says honestly, smacking him on the ass as he walks by.

"One orgasm and I've created a monster. Not that I'm complaining." He kisses her softly before running next door.

Bella cleans herself up and stares at her reflection.

The girl in the mirror's cheeks are flushed, and her eyes hooded. Bella reaches out to touch the reflection, making sure that she isn't looking at someone else.

Their hands meet and they both smile.

This is real. Bella never pictured herself where she is right now.

She hears the front door open.

"Sugar! I'm home!"

She laughs and meets him at the bottom of the stairs.

"You're a dork."

"Your dork."

"Damn straight."