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Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.

Chapter 18: Together for Christmas

Epov

It's 11:30pm, Christmas Eve. It really looks as though Bella and I won't be together for Christmas. Hopefully it won't be too awkward tomorrow. Her family – including Charlie – is coming over to mine for dinner.

Walking around my room is all I seem to do these days. The only person's company I crave is Bella's, and well, we're aren't exactly on good terms at this moment in time. I really hoped that we could have at least been friends but it seems she doesn't want that. Maybe with time she'll start talking to me again. Maybe later she'll want to be friends.

I don't want that. I want to be so much more than just friends. I love her so much. I want to hold her all the time and kiss her beautiful red lips. I had hoped someday I could call her my wife.

I look around my room and my gaze lands on the little velvet box on my bed. Bella's gift. I hadn't actually spent anything on it but the sentimental value was great.

I glance at the clock. 11:35pm. I could make it to Bella's in time. Hopefully she'll still be awake.

I need to give her this gift.

I grab my coat and her present.

"You go, Edward!" Alice calls as I walk out the door. She can probably guess where I'm going.

Bpov

These past few days have been hell. Since the day I tried talking to Edward, I've been avoiding him. Hoping to avoid any awkward silences between us.

Tomorrow is going to be horrible. Everyone will be aware of the tension between us, and it'll ruin the day for everyone.

I've spent the past few days moping around in my room, thinking of different situations where I was a lot braver and actually talked to Edward about what happened. But like I said, those were daydreams.

I look sadly around my room and my eyes land on his present, sticking out of the top drawer of my bedside table.

The clock reads 11:45pm. Could I get over there in time and give him his gift? I know since we're not together anymore that I really shouldn't bother but I really need to give it to him. I need to see him. I need to tell him how I feel.

No. I can't just go over there and tell him I love him. I'm most likely the last person he wants to see.

Yes, I can. I don't know where this sudden courage is coming from but I'll take it while it's there.

There's always the possibility that he could laugh and slam the door in my face, but there's also the possibility that he could actually love me back. No matter how slim the chance is of that happening, it still gave me a boost.

I grabbed my coat and opened the door.

Edward.

He's here. He's actually here. My Adonis is standing right here on my doorstep.

I gaze up at him and sigh.

I've missed him so much.

His eyes pierce mine, and I see many emotions in them – hurt, sadness, relief, longing, and . . . is it possible? Love?

I stare right back at him. I long to run into his arms and never let him let me go. I long to run my hands through his silky bronze hair. All I can manage to do right now is gaze into his beautiful green eyes.

We stand there for what felt like a lifetime, but was really only a few minutes. I don't know.

He finally drops his eyes and breaks the silence.

"Bella," his velvety voice whispers. How I've missed that sound. "Bella, I . . . um . . . I needed to give you this. I know we're not . . ." he trails off.

I continue to gaze at his beautiful pained face. I still can't believe that he's here.

He looks around him. At everything but me.

He looks up, and I follow his gaze.

Mistletoe.

Suddenly his lips are on mine, and I'm melting against him. All the longing, desire, and love I've felt over the past few days pour into that kiss. My fingers cling to his hair, pulling him closer to me. His arms tighten around my waist.

I'm never letting him go again. I've seen what it's like to lose him, and it's not an experience I ever wish to repeat. He's my other half. Losing him is like losing a piece of myself.

We pull away for air, and I look at the clock.

12:01am – together for Christmas.

"Edward, I love you, so much. I'm sorry for what I said. I was drunk, and I promise I'll never, ever drink again. I love you."

I looked at him and he didn't reply.

He kissed my forehead.

"Bella, I've missed you . . ." He kissed my cheek. "Too . . ." He kissed my other cheek. "And . . ." He kissed my right hand, not once breaking eye contact. "I . . ." He kissed my left hand. "I love you, too." He kissed my lips.

I can't help but smile goofily at him. This is the best Christmas ever! Edward and I are together and he loves me. Inside I'm jumping with happiness and excitement. I feel like screaming.

I then remember the reason I was heading out the door in the first place.

"Edward. I have your gift with me. So ... erm ... here I guess." I hand him his gift. "Sorry. I didn't get to wrap it."

He looks at the gift I bought him. It's a leather bound book filled with his music compositions.

"Bella, it's perfect. Thank you so much." He holds me against him and kisses my forehead.

"I asked Alice to copy your music and I got a friend of mine to make them into a book. There's room in the back to add more music."

"It's really great, Bella. I love it. Now it's time for your gift. Close your eyes and put out your hands."

I do as he tells me. He places a small velvet box in my hand. I open my eyes. It's a ring-box.

I open it, and inside is the most beautiful ring I've ever seen. It's a thin, gold ring with diamonds arranged in a circle. In the centre is a bright emerald stone, the exact color of Edward's eyes.

"Edward. Is this . . .?" I asked. "Are you . . .?"

"No, Bella." He laughed. "I think we're far too young for that to happen. It belonged to my mother. When she died, she gave it to Esme and told her to keep it for me. I was to give it to one I love."

"Thank you, Edward. It's beautiful. I'll be honored to wear it."

"I do have a reason for giving it to you. It's not an engagement ring . . . yet. Bella when I think about the future, it's with you by my side, always. So, this is a promise ring that someday we will get married. Do you promise me that?" he asked nervously.

"I do."

A/N Pretty short but they're back together so don't complain lol. I'll try and make the next one longer. I've got the last of my exams tomorrow and then I'm on my holidays. Thank goodness.

To those of you who read Wasted Time, I'll be starting the sequel pretty soon.

Nollaig Shona díobh go leor (Merry Christmas to you all.)

Helen =]