Good evening! Are you all ready for Christmas?

Today will be the day I remember for the rest of my life.

I heard Isabella laugh. It was so gentle, almost like a ladylike snort, and it was so beautiful. I could be a total mush and say it, "lit up my world," et cetera… but it didn't, because it lit up everything. It will be one of the fondest memories I look back on. The moment she laughed, I looked over and saw her as she was meant to be. A young, happy girl.

We watched the DVD and then she all but pleaded to watch it again, saying she loved all the characters. After a crappy lunch of snack foods and fizzy drinks, I relented, overdramatically, and put the DVD on again.

Doesn't she know that I will do anything for her now?

It was so good to see her smile and settling into her freedom. While Isabella seemed a little more relaxed around me, I didn't know if she had resigned herself to the situation, or if she was starting to trust me. At last.

The more she watched the DVD, the more I watched her. Her face showed very little stress and her eyes were almost alive. It was remarkable.

The rest of our day went quietly, and the family left us to it. That is until Mom and Dad brought us dinner. Isabella gratefully sat up in bed and let Mom put the tray on her lap.

"Thank you," she said kindly with a small smile.

Dad, on the other hand, waited over by the door with mine. I chuckled slightly as I stood up and walked over to him.

"Is she okay?" he asked, worry etched in his features. Ever the dad and Doctor.

"No, she's not, but she'll get there. She's just started her period, and it's knocked her for six," I answered and took the tray from him. "Thanks."

His head dipped once in a brief nod. "That would fit in with the stresses she's had to endure. Her body will take time to find its right pattern. Do you know if this her first?" He asked sadly while looking at me as if he wanted to question me more.

"As far as I can gather, it's not her first. I'm just wondering how she coped before us," I replied.

He would have to wait for any more information, though. I didn't have much myself.

"Just get Edward to call us if you want any more," Mom said kissing the top of Isabella's head and then they left the room.

We were alone again.

Isabella ate all the pasta Mom brought her but refused any more when I offered her some from my own plate. Once I took her plate away, she became restless and fidgety on the bed. Although I asked what was wrong, she wouldn't tell me.

"Isabella, I can only help you if you open up and tell me, sweetheart. I can't do much if I have to guess." She had to know I cared.

"I feel funny," she whispered and hung her head.

"In what way?" As nice as it would be to read her mind, I couldn't; she would have to tell me. It was fantastic she was starting to talk a little and be more open, but it still wasn't enough. I felt useless half the time which was frustrating.

"Down there." Her voice was strained.

And then it made sense. Of course!

"You need to change your pad?" I asked carefully.

She just shrugged. I smiled sadly and stood from the bed then held out my hand to her. She took it slowly, almost resigned to what was going to happen next. While I led her to the bathroom, she kept her head bowed.

"Just keep your eyes closed, okay?" I said gently, and she blushed profusely. "Isabella, please don't feel embarrassed. This is a part of life, and it's perfectly natural," I explained reaching for a new pad.

A few minutes later she had a clean pad in place, the used one discarded in the trash. Washing my hands, I thought briefly about having Mom talk to Isabella about which feminine products to use. Maybe tampons would work better for her. And she wouldn't have to look directly at the blood to change them. I hope.

We went back into the bedroom and decided on another film to watch.

...

It was dark outside, and the screen on the TV was blue, a low humming emitting from it. We must have fallen asleep, I thought. Considering moving from the bed and going into my own room, I had a slight problem. Isabella was sound asleep on my chest.

Seeing her fingers latched onto my robe made me smile. At least she was asleep. I just hoped her dreams were peaceful. I drifted back off to sleep with a small smile playing on my lips. We would get her through the bad times.

I promised her and myself.

...

The following morning found myself precariously balanced on the edge of the bed. She was taking up most of the bed and had taken all the covers.

The sight had me fit to be tied, and I couldn't stop laughing. Isabella woke up and wouldn't stop apologising. It was sweet, but I told her not to worry. She wasn't any worse than Emmett when we went camping. That man needed a tent of his own, and I told her as much. She smiled and then giggled. It was just the smallest of sounds, but we were getting somewhere. Finally.

I got her cleaned up and dressed pretty quickly, and after I'd gotten myself sorted too, we made our way downstairs.

Mom had breakfast on the table already. She gave Isabella a sweet smile when she sat down, which Isabella returned. Everything was going okay until the others came into the room. Isabella froze. It was clear pure fear had ripped through her by the way her hand tightened on mine in a death grip. I didn't know if it was because of the noise or the people, but I had to do something.

"Isabella, look at me, sweetheart," I whispered.

She turned her head slowly to face me, her body shaking once more.

"It's just my other family members, Remember, I told you about them?" I said gently and stroked her cheek.

She leaned her head into my touch as her eyes fluttered closed.

"Isabella? Isabella!"

There is a serious reason for Bella's reaction. You'll find out in the next chapter. Edward also has a little 'set-to' with Esme. Can you guess why?