Four
When I pull up to the house it's late afternoon. Snow flakes are falling and the wind is harsh.
I'd called Edward the second I got into the station and told him I wouldn't be needing his stupid driver. He apologised profusely. Told me he'd pay for a new driver, but we both knew I'd be waiting for hours for him to organise something. He'd sent me money for coffee and lunch. He'd told me he will make it up to me.
So I opted for a train and a taxi from the station once I got close to the house. There were delays, lots of people, lengthy lines and zero patience left from yours truly.
"Merry Christmas, Ma'am," the driver throws over his shoulder as I get out of the car.
"Merry isn't the word I'd use," I mutter.
When he pulls away I stand outside the house for a moment and contemplate calling him back. Then I remember Bella with that ring on her hand and tug my duffle bag further up my shoulder. I'm here for her. Only her. A couple of days. He'll pop that ring on her hand, I'll toast her and I'll be back in my apartment in a few days. Away from him.
The more I sat on it the more I felt sympathy. He'd fucked up. So incredibly royally that instead of his attempts to dig out he was digging further down. But then heartless Rose chases away any concern for him so I can cuss him out again.
"If she doesn't make me the maid of honour I'm fucking suing her," I say as I head toward the door, treading carefully across the snow.
Edward had convinced his family to opt for a holiday at a home an hour or so outside of the city. It was a cottage-style manor that was huge. It looks like something that belongs in a snow globe. Think Home Alone house but bigger. The Home Alone house if the dad had been a CEO.
"Holy shit," I whisper as I climb the porch steps.
Christmas decorations had been hung and lights strung. I press the door bell and pull my coat tighter around myself. It's got all the makings of a Hallmark Christmas movie set.
I'd spent the train trip defrosting from what Emmett had revealed in the car. But I wasn't ready to face him yet. As of right now, I was done. I couldn't even look at him.
He was hoping for sympathy, but he wasn't going to get it. I was fighting an inner war not to even feel it.
The door opens and a high-pitched scream greets me. My short, pixie of a best friend hard launches at me cuddling me tight. Coughing from the impact, I laugh and wrap my arms around her.
"You came," she squeals, "Yes! I can't wait for this Christmas with you!"
Her round stomach presses against me. Her pregnancy is difficult to hide now.
"How's my gorgeous god child?" I place a hand on her stomach.
"Don't let Bella hear you say that. Last time you argued until you were blue in the face," Alice taps my shoulder playfully.
"Is she kicking yet?" I ask.
"We don't know if it's a girl," She reminds me.
"I'm certain," I grin at her, "I've already purchased so many cute dresses."
"Well stop doing that," she rolls her eyes.
"You know I love babies," I giggle, "I can't help myself."
Well… most babies. Mainly the babies that haven't blindsided me.
Did she know her baby would be having a cousin? The chicken shit probably hasn't told them yet.
"Come in out of the cold," Alice tugs me inside, closing the door behind me, "Your room is upstairs. Edward insisted you get the best view so you could paint it for him."
"Of course he did," I dust the snow off my shoulder, "where is he? I need to hurt him."
"Downstairs in the den I think with the boys," Alice says, "Bella is helping my mother with dinner."
My room is comfy and spacious. The heating is a lovely and appreciated touch. It's as if the room is engulfing me in a massive cuddle. The view is incredible. It overlooked a stunning frozen lake with a dock, snow gathered upon the trees and grass around the garden. There was inspiration everywhere.
"My room is across the hall so we're neighbours," Alice moves to sit on my bed, "You can come paint my toes for me. I'm struggling to reach them."
"Has the sex hormones kicked in? Will I have to listen to that all night?" I scrunch my nose up dumping my bag by a chair near the window.
"Sorry my husband is a sex beast," she laughs.
"I mean it got you there in the first place didn't it," I tease.
"I can't say I didn't have fun," she winks at me, "now get your shit together and come downstairs. Mom made some hot cocoa with an alcoholic twist. I can't have one so you're going to have to drink it for me."
"Oh, I'll be drinking for the both of us, don't you worry," I fish a bottle of red wine from my bag, and then the second I packed.
"Did you bring clothes?" she smirks.
"Umm like three days worth. I don't plan to be here longer than I need to be," I say.
"What about New Years?" her face drops.
"I don't want to be around... people," I shake my head.
"You don't want to be around Emmett," she corrects.
"Basically what I said," I place my wine down and move to sit on the chair by the window, "I just want to be here for Bella. She really wanted to make sure I was okay for Christmas. After she's satisfied I want to be at home in my apartment with Chinese food and a sexy Tinder match."
"We can get you Tinder matches here," she motions with her hand flippantly, "it could be like a Christmas movie. Those corny ones that Netflix releases every year."
"Is my life that tragic?" I hit my head back into the chair.
"No. Your life is that sexy," she smirks, "you don't even need Tinder. You could have any guy you want."
"Would you like to go look at the proof downstairs to show that's untrue," I narrow my eyes at her.
"Nope. I've glared at it enough today," she stands, "he's felt the wrath of pregnant angry Alice. If you don't want the same I'd get your ass down to that kitchen for your boozy cocoa."
"Fine," I laugh.
"No more buying baby clothes," she points at me as she exits the room.
"You'll never stop me," I shout after her, with a evil chuckle.
Four cocoas.
That's how many I've had when I sit in Bella's lap and wrap my arms around her neck. They're fucking delicious. Esme had tried to slow me down but I'd just stolen sips from Bella. I'd outsmarted bartenders in New York for years - I wasn't a fair match for her.
"Shit," she laughs, "you're drunk."
"No. No, you're too sober," I giggle, "have more."
She shakes her head as I hold my cup up to her face.
"No because I don't want to wake up hungover on Christmas Day," she holds her hand over my cup, stopping my path to her mouth.
"Oh, that's easy. You just drink more," I shrug.
Bella looks helplessly over at her boyfriend who's watching her from the pool table, grinning at our interaction. The girls had wanted to come and cosy up in the den where there was a pool table, large TV and comfortable lounge… oh and Emmett. Ugh.
Carlisle and Esme had disappeared after dinner for couple time.
Ew. Couples.
I'd gathered no one knew about the disgusting, large, ugly skeleton hiding in his closet. Because everyone seemed pleased with him. Minus me. He'd been quiet, never directing conversation at me. Barely looking in my direction.
"It's sound logic," Edward shrugs chalking his pool stick.
"When did you become a doctor?" Bella scoffs.
"Right now," I answer, "he's one because I said he's one."
"That's how you become a doctor? Not years of med school?" She looks at me.
"That way is for losers," I sip my drink.
"Or for the ones who'll save you during medical emergencies," she rolls her eyes.
"Don't roll your eyes at me," I gasp loudly, "young lady!"
"Sorry mother," she laughs, "maybe you should go to bed?"
"As if you're sending me to my room for having fun," I shake my head, cuddling into her more.
We're snuggled on the couch. Our friendship affection had been something Edward had adjusted to quickly. There were mornings I'd kicked him out of bed with Bella so I could cry with her. She was my soulmate. I relied on her to breathe most days.
When he said it was weird I'd played him an episode of Grey's Anatomy when Christina and Meredith did the same thing. He'd tried to say that was weird too… but it's Bella's favourite show. So either way, he was backed into a corner.
I'm a genius and I don't care if anyone disagrees.
"I propose you do it," she smirks.
"Propose," I scoff, "I'm so fucking sick of proposals."
Edward stills. Looking at me as if I'd shot him. But he's safe. My asshole mind and mouth have a completely different target.
"Huh?" Bella laughs, unaware of her boyfriend's reaction.
"Ask Emmett," I stand, throwing back the last of my drink, "He knows all about proposing."
A pool ball crashes off the table, his aim compromised by my bitchy mouth. Everyone's silent, shock ricocheting around the room.
"Emmett?" Alice looks at him shocked.
I don't flinch when he throws his stick on the table, storming away from the room. It wouldn't be the first time.
"I'm going to bed," I mutter out.
"Rose. No, wait," Bella tries to grab for me.
Thanks for reading.