A/N: Thank you to everyone who reviewed! Pretty soon theres going to be more of a plot:O!
And lets face it. Everyone has done the bra thing Bella does at one point of another. Haha.
I had another snow day today, so im updating this for you, even though this is technically after school!
I'm also going through the proess of editing the previous chapters, making sure they're the same way and all correct.
Chapter Eighteen: Holly and the Ivy
I woke up in the middle of the night. I opened my eyes out of the anger of being awake. I stared up at my window and could see the red and green christmas lights softly shining through my curtains.
"Are you awake Bella?" I looked and Edward was leaning forward in my rocking chair. He had changed his clothes since we'd been at the dance. He was wearing a blue sweater. It made him look warm and cuddly. I saw then that my covers were at my ankles and the skirt of my dress was riding up nearly to my waist. I blushed and sat up in my bed.
"I'm sorry you had to leave the dance because of me," I whispered and I pulled on pyjama pants underneath the dress. Edward looked down to the floor, giving me a little bit of privacy.
"Don't worry about it," he replied. "I wouldn't want to be there without you." I pulled my shirt on over my head. He looked up as I slipped out of the dress from underneath it. The dress fell to the floor. He moved up and over to sit on the bed with me. "Did you think I'd just send you home in a taxi? Where ever you are I am." I smiled.
"I'm not done undressing, dear." Edward's mouth opened and closed. He was lost for words. I grinned and pulled my bra out of one sleeve of my shirt. His eyes widened and he tried not to look at it. He could be like a little kid sometimes.
"Are you sure you're done now?" he asked as I lay back down, pulling the blankets up to my chin. He lay down next to me and kissed my neck lightly.
"Yep," I replied. I looked up to kiss him quickly. "I love you." I wanted to say it as much as possible, just so he knew for sure that I did.
"I love you too," he whispered.
When I woke up, it was late in the day. The sun was shining in, you could say. I got up and stretched, feeling completely better. When I peeked out the window there were pretty, small snowflakes falling down. This was more like one of my after school specials. Charlie was downstairs listening to old Christmas songs while he wrapped presents.
"Morning Dad," I said. He looked up and smiled.
"How are you feeling today Bella?" he asked. I sat down by him and watched him wrap. There were already presents under the tree.
"Alot better, thanks. Are you going visiting today?" He nodded his head.
"It's Christmas Eve, so if I don't get them out tonight I don't get them out at all."
"Do you have to work today?" I asked. That would really suck. I always thought it was terrible to work on Christmas.
"I have to go in for a while," he said, looking at me sadly. "It shouldn't be too long, though." I looked over at all the brightly wrapped presents under the tree.
"Billy and Jacob dropped off a gift for you," he said. "And your Mom and Phil's came yesterday." Cool. Presents. My book and sweater that I'd gotten him were sitting there next to the gifts from his friends at work.
"I might go out later, if that's alright," I said, heading up to get dressed.
"Just be careful on the road," he called. I quickly changed into a pair of jeans and a red sweater. I pulled on a black zip up over it, pulling up the sleeves to reveal the long sleeves of red. I tied my hair into pigtails, limp ones that lay over my shoulders lazily. My bangs were still doing the mysterious thing.
I made my bed and hung up the Alice dress. I threw my dirty laundry into a basket and brought it downstairs to put on a load. While I was folding what was already there something broke its way into my thoughts.
What was I going to get Edward for Christmas...
I started to hyperventilate, a lot. I really had no clue. Maybe I could give him my favourite book? Ugh. Think Bella! He's over a hundred years old, he's definately read it already.
I ran back up to my room and searched around for anything I could give him that would have some sort of meaning. A picture? No... a lock of hair! That was just creepy. Then I stumbled across a CD Phil had helped me burn a while back. It was all of my favourite songs. This was it. It didn't matter that Edward wasn't completely fond of modern day music, these songs were good. I knew he'd like them.
I darted down the stairs again and picked up some of the wrapping paper and scissors. Upstairs I took a sheet of looseleaf and cut it to the size of the CD case. Its title was now Songs I like That You Should Too and on the back I'd quickly written down the song names and artists. I wrapped it neatly and plainly. It was one of those jobs that screamed 'oh-so-obviously a CD.' I wondered if sticking a giant bow on top would throw him off.
Once I was satisfied at my work Charlie was just leaving. It was around one. I walked around anxiously and cleaned where I could, tidying the living room, washing the dishes. When I changed over the laundry again there was a knock at the door. I went out to answer it, tidying the porch as I went. Charlie's Christmas songs were still playing and I wished they weren't.
I opened the door to the faces of five vampires. I was stunned. They all walked in and I just stared at them wide eyes as they passed. Carlisle, Esme, Alice and even Jasper. At the end was Edward. He came up smilling and kissed me as soon as he could. He pulled the door out of my hand and closed it behind him.
"We came to visit you on Christmas!" he said matter-of-factly.
"I was going to visit you..." I said quietly.
"Well we beat you to it!" Alice said from the foot of the stairs. "Your room is still really great, Bella." I smiled and sat down in a chiar. Edward lifted me out and placed me on his lap.
"We brought you presents!" Alice added happily. My eyes widened.
"Presents? You guys didn't have to, I don't have anything for you!" Esme smiled and shook her head.
"We don't usually celebrate Christmas, dear. Let us spoil you."
"Alright." The boys chuckled as I was passed a box from Alice. I tore off the beautiful wrapping. The box said Victoria's Secret. I wasn't sure if I should let Edward see what was in it.
"This is from Esme and I," Alice chirped. I opened it up to find a silky, lacey babydoll. One I never would've bought in a million years. I was supposed to wear this to sleep? Sort of? I looked up wide eyed to see Alice grinning like a mad woman. Edward took in a deep breath from behind me.
"Mmm, when do we get to try that on?" he whispered in my ear. I blushed so badly I thought something might rupture. I quickly dropped the box to the floor.
Edward chuckled softly and I nervously cleared my throat. "This is from Jasper and I," Carlisle said as he passed me a present. I noticed that Jasper was sitting as far away as possible. He smiled at me but I imagined he was trying to be on his best behaviour.
"Thank you," I murmured. Carlisle just grinned at me. I ripped off the paper, ribbons and bows to come face to face with an old, leather bound book.
"It's an original copy of Jane Austin's work," Carlisle explained. My jaw fell off its hinges. "I'd heard that you were a fan. And, since I was around in that time, I was sure to have a copy."
"Oh thank you so much!" I said, throwing my arms around him and Esme. I looked to Jasper but he merely raised a hand and laughed a little.
"It's okay, I get the point." Alice was staring out the window and smiling.
"It's still snowing a little," she murmured. We all turned to her. "Pretty." She looked down at Jasper and then both of them grinned.
"We bet we can build a snowman faster than you two," Jasper directed to Carlisle and Esme.
Carlisle nodded. "Alright then, let's see who can." The four raced to the door and around to the backyard. I ran over to the window and peered out at them. They were quickly creating large snowballs for the body. I giggled, watching them run around was unusual and amusing.
"I have something for you," Edward whispered in my ear. I yelped and jumped, turning to face him. He had me pinned between the window and him... again. There was no escape for me, though I really didn't mind. Edward leaned in and kissed me. I tried to behave but he is an absolutely gorgeous boy... man... vampire! That's the one.
Edward reluctantly pulled away from me and presented a present from behind his back. It screamed 'oh-so-obviously a CD' and the giant bow on top didn't throw me off at all. I let out a loud laugh and Edward looked at me confusedly. I ran over to the kitchen counter and picked up my gift for him. I passed it to him and took mine, giggling. Edward laughed too when he saw what I'd given him.
"I wonder what it is?" he asked sarcastically.
"Yeah, I was going to put a bow on top, so you surely wouldn't be able to tell what it was... but... I didn't." Edward laughed. It was a beautiful musical sound.
"I wasn't going to, but Emmett got it before I left." I nodded my head in understanding. Emmett was quite a character. I motioned for us to both open the gifts. Because this was Edward's gift I didn't want to completely rip it to shreds. But when my attempts to save the paper went nowhere I wound up ripping it off anyway.
It was a CD (surprise surprise). The cover was snow white with small blue swirls that I'm sure formed some sort of picture. Then I noticed in the bottom right corner were the elegantly written words 'I Love You.' My eyes teared up. I opened the case and saw a plain CD. On the back of the cover were the words 'For my love, Bella. Edward.' On the back of the case was Edward's name on the top and a list of about ten songs and their length. I noticed two that were called. Esme and Your Lullaby. I smiled at it. It was the last song on the CD. I wiped a tear that was threatening to escape.
I looked up to see Edward grinning at the back of the cover. He was chuckling softly to himself. I put my arm around him and leaned in to look at it as well.
"See anything you like?" I asked. He put his arm around my waist and pulled me even closer to him.
"You have very good taste," he commented. "But... The Backstreet Boys?" I giggled.
"It's a catchy song," was my arguement.
"I'm glad in your choice of songs by The Cranberries. Especially this one." He pointed to the last song on the CD. It was I Love You. I looked up at him.
"Yeah well... It's only the truth." He grinned and kissed me. It was a sweet, short kiss and I desperately wanted it to continue.
"I wish you hadn't gotten me a gift," I mumbled. "But I really do love it." I went and and took out the Christmas songs and put on my lullaby. I sat down in the chair and closed my eyes as I listened to it. Edward lifted me up and lay down on the couch, me on top of him. I looked up into his beautiful ochre eyes. Then I noticed there were strings and a rhythm section playing along with the usual piano.
"Ooh it's all fancy now," I said softly. Edward laughed and began rubbing my back.
"That's what I was working on when you came over last night."
"I see," I wrapped my arms around his waist as tightly as I could. I pushed myself up and quickly kissed his cheek. He smiled and lifted my face up with one finger under my chin and kissed my lips. It was then that Alice tapped at the window and called for us to go outside.
Edward made sure I was bundled up warm and tight. In the backyard two enormous snowmen had been erected. They consisted of the standard three ball body, but practically all the snow in the background was gone. Both snowmen were perfect. Completely in proportion to each part of their bodies, and actually round. Their faces had been created of stones from who knows where and they had perfectly shaped branches for arms.
"Wow," was the only word I could find. Edward nodded to agree with me. Esme and Carlisle stood next to theirs proudly. Alice and Jasper looked theirs over before exchanging high fives and a hug.
"So, who was finished first?" I asked. Both groups grew silent.
"Well..." Alice began. Obviously she, and no one else had paid too much attention.
"I'm almost certain that they did," Esme spoke up. Carlisle nodded and put his arm around Esme as they began to walk down the driveway. Alice clapped happily and jumped on Jasper, knocking him into the snow. Both of them laughed loudly and rolled around, lightly kissing one another. I smiled to see them acting so carefree and took Edwards hand before realizing it. I'd never notice how cute those two looked together.
Edward was chuckling behind me.
"What?" I asked, turning to face him.
He looked at me surprised like he'd been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. "Carlisle's thoughts. They... let Alice and Jasper win. They actually finished first." I laughed with him before jumping on him, making him fall into the snow. Then I jumped up and ran away as fast as possible in winter boots.
Edward's hand were around my waist in seconds. he swung me around him and had his nose hidden underneath my ear, making my heart have its own little moment.
"Come over and visit with us for a while," he whispered. I nodded and took his hand as we walked to his car. Carlisle and Esme sat in front and I barely saw Jasper and Alice race ahead in a blur.
We arrived at the big, white house quickly. In the daylight their home almost completely faded into the snow. But, the dark evergreens in the surrounding woods made it stand out in the foreground.
Edward let me inside and in the middle of the open floor plan was a gigantic tree, covered in red and gold decorations. It looked like something out of a designer magazine.
"Whatever happened to 'we don't celebrate Christmas?'" I asked jokingly.
Edward looked away innocently. "Like Esme said, we wanted to spoil you." He turned back to me and flashed a breath taking smile.
"Okay... I guess." Edward leaned forward and gave me a quick kiss before we went upstairs to his room. He put the CD I'd given him into his intimidating system. The first song came on and I felt embarrassed. This was my music he was listening to now. I sat down and played with the ends of my sweater. the first song was Stay Together For The Kids by Blink 182. The song had always been one of my favourites, ever since I had been young and just starting to enjoy music. It was only years after that I'd even learned it was about divorce and then I felt completely different when listening to it. Edward stared out the glass wall for a while, listening to the words. He obviously knew the meaning right away. He wasn't slow like me.
The song came to an end and The Long and Winding Road by The Beatles started to play. Edward turned back to me and his eyes seemed very happy. My head was resting on the back of his couch and I felt my eyes drooping tiredly. It was ridiculous, really. I shouldn't be tired at all. Lately I'd been ready for a nap any time. Edward sat next to me.
"I love you," he whispered without having a reason to say it, besides the simple fact that he did. I found myself reaching up to touch his cheek. His cold skin felt so flawless underneath my hand. It was hard and he closed his eyes and leaned into my hand.
"I love you too," and then I attempted to give his unruly hair some kind of order by running my fingers through it and tucking it in places behind his ears. After it all he just looked funny. He grinned at me when he saw me covering my mouth to hide a smile and laugh. And, in the end I just wound up snorting loudly.
Edward shook his head, letting his bronze locks fall all over the place again. Beautiful. He leaned over me and stradled me, forcing me to lie down before his pushed me down. He was almost lying on top of me, his weight was supported by his arms and legs and his body was nearly touching mine. My eyes involuntarily closed and then I realized I may not open them again.
"Bella?"
"Mmm?"
"How can you love me?" he asked.
"Easy," I replied. "You're just so darn cute." I reached up and pinched his cheek, like the crazy fat Aunts with lots of makeup do to you when you're little. (Except when I did it it was basically holding the apples of his cheeks and shaking his head back and forth.)
"Bella..." he complained, laying his body on mine. I did hear a few airy laughs at the same time.
"I don't know how to explain," I whispered, trying to keep my breathing semi-regular as he kissed my neck and collar bone. "My whole life I was never on the same page with anyone, no one really clicked, or completely understood me." I opened my eyes to see him staring down at me. "When I met you it all sort of made sense. You're the only person I've ever felt like this for."
Edward smiled and bent down to give me a swift kiss. "Why do you love me?" I asked. "I'm only a human."
"You are the most amazing woman I've ever met in quite a long time," he began. He seemed a little confused that I didn't understand why he should love me. "It's not only that you're amazingly delicious. You're the only person who I think can understand me, and can help me when I need it. That, and your absolutely gorgeous." He then resumed his kissing.
I snorted. "I'm nothing compared to a vampire." Edward let out a playful growl and I giggled.
"I still can't understand how you're not afraid of me..." I slid out from underneath him and walked across the room. He was lying on the couch looking sad and lonely.
"I'm supposed to be afraid?" I asked, trying to sound clueless. "But you're just like a big fluffy kitten!" I moved back towards the couch and Edward had a look on his face, one I couldn't exactly decipher.
"A kitten," he scoffed, sounding offended. "My dear, you obviously have no idea what I am."
"Edward..." I warned; he was flexing his back legs, ready to pounce. I clenched my eyes shut and my body tensed. I felt him grab me and we landed back on the couch. I opened my eyes to find myself lying on top of him. He held one of my hands and the other was wrapped around my waist.
"Now... what were you saying?" he asked. I sighed and rolled my eyes up at him.
"You're a terrifying, hideous monster." It was thick with sarcasm. I knew he didn't believe a word. I never meant it.
"That's much better,' he murmured. We lay there listening to the CD, discussing the pros and cons of each song. When it was over we both let out a sigh.
"EDWARD!" Alice scremed, although it was very unnecessary. "GET DOWN HERE NOW PLEASE." Edward groaned and we sat up. He gave me a quick kiss and took my hand, leading me down the stairs. All of the Cullens were gathered around his piano.
"Let's sing carols!" Alice squealed, pulling me away from Edward. He sat down at the piano, opening a book of Christmas carols and began playing. All of the Cullens began to sing. They sounded like a chorus of angels. I sang along with them softly, paling in comparison to their voices. We sang throughout the afternoon, having a good laugh everytime Emmett went for a solo. By the time we finished Rosalie didn't seem as surly, and everyone was in a lighthearted mood. I glanced out the window and there was no light anywhere in the sky.
"I should probably get home now, Charlie might be back," I said to Edward. He nodded and we left for his car. He drove me home and we talked happily about the songs we'd been singing. Edward pulled into my driveway and waited for me to climb out. I undid my seatbelt and stared up at the meager lights Charlie had hung. When we'd left the Cullens' house I'd seen their lights. The roof was covered in net lights and multi-coloured icicle lights hung off the ends. The colours against the white of the house made it shine brightly and beautifully. The trunks of the trees were covered in white lights and coloured lights hung in orderly fashion from the branches. It looked beautiful. I looked over to Edward and he had been staring at me. We both leaned over to kiss.
"I'll see you later," he whispered. I smiled as I climbed out of the car. When I got back inside Charlie was sitting and watching sports news.
"Hey," he called. "I guess you did go out." I nodded and sat next to him.
"Did you have a good time today?" I asked. Charlie nodded happily. He turned on a Christmas movie, one I'd watched since I was little. We sat there with each other and watched, eventually making old fashioned popcorn and Charlie even broke out some eggnog.
We both went to bed after the movie, feeling sleepy enough to not be too excited while we were in bed. I made sure to bring the babydoll Alice and Esme had given me upstairs, so that Charlie wouldn't see it. I crawled into bed, a small bit of excitement setting in for Christmas day. Edward came into my room a little while after and showered me with kisses. I giggled. He was in a good mood.
"Why are you so happy?" I asked. He laughed quietly.
"It's almost Christmas!" I laughed at him. "Santa's coming!"
"Stop it!" I whined. "Santa's not real!" Edward gasped, his face appalled. We both laughed at his reaction then and he lay down next to me. I buried my face in his chest as he did in my hair and fell asleep peacefully.
I woke up amazingly early, seven o'clock early. It was still dark outside, just how I liked my Christmas mornings. I rean into Charlie's room and screamed that it was Christmas before running down the stairs.
He came down laughing. He'd never experienced his own little kid at Christmas. I was definately giving him this one. I gasped at every gift he opened and gave an exaggerated: "Waaaaoooooooowww!" Charlie laughed at me like I was a regulare comedian. I felt really good to be making him laugh. Billy and Jacob had given me accesories for my car and all the good cleaning things I'd need for it. Phil had sent me a CD of his favourite band (it never screamed oh-so-obviously a CD. He was smart enough to put it in a different box). He also sent me a gift certificate for clothes. Mom had sent me more gift certificates and a new digital camera. Charlie gave me a photo album, in addition to the fact that he'd gotten me a car.
It was a great morning and when I started making waffles for our breakfast there was a knock at our door. Charlie went to answer it and I listened carefully.
"Good morning!" Charlie called to them. I could hear them come in and Charlie ushered them through. I peered over my shoulder but had to turn back to the pancakes just as they came in. "Bella! Look who came to visit." I took the pancakes out of the pan and turned around. There were Carlisle, Esme, Edward and Alice. They were all smiling at me like they knew something I never.
"H-hi!" I said nervously. I was standing in front of them in my old pyjamas. "Merry Christmas!" They all wished us a Merry Christmas. Esme placed a jug of somethign on the counter.
"I made eggnog for you two! Just feeling in the holiday spirit I suppose!" Charlie smiled and took it to place in the fridge.
"Thank you very much!" he exclaimed. I could tell he was getting worked up over the pretty girls. I noticed Edward was eyeing me, but we were both trying to be careful in front of dear old Dad. Charlie showed Carlisle and Esme around the house while Alice peeked at the presents under the tree. I turned back to make more pancakes. I felt Edward when he came up and placed his cool lips on my neck.
"Merry Christmas," he whispered. I smiled and thanked him, turning back to kiss him softly. When we heard our parents coming back we quickly snapped out of it standing upstaright and innocent.
"Will you be staying for a while?" Charlie asked. He at least had been smart enough to get dressed when I'd started making breakfast. Carlisle shook his head.
"We'd love to but we only dropped by for a short while. Alice wanted to see Bella today." Charlie nodded and Alice grinned. Edward gave me a look that seemed to read She wasn't the only one. I giggled a little and waved to them as they left. Charlie and I sat down to our breakfst, thoroughly enjoying our first Christmas together.
A/N: I have a big fluffy kitten. Except shes not Edward. And she's not big :S haha I hope you enjoy and I shall start writing the next chapter immediately!
Surprisingly, this chapter is shorter than the last two! It took me the longest to write and type!
A picture of the babydoll is in my profile :3 because its fun haha
And, just for fun:
(theres nothing to new because this is supposed to be the end of 2004, remember? If anything IS past that date, then woops. I dont care haha)
SONGS I LIKE THAT YOU SHOULD TOO.
Stay together for the kids - Blink 182
The Long and Winding Road - The Beatles
Red Sky - Thrice
Zombie - The Cranberries
Torn - Natalie Imbruglia
Don't Speak - No Doubt
I Just want you to know - The Backstreet Boys
Psychobabble - Frou Frou
Mad World - Gary Jules
Electric Blue Eyes - The Cranberries
The Tide - The Spill Canvas
Crooked Teeth - Death Cab For Cutie
Oh me, Oh my - Imogen Heap
Norwegian Wood - The Beatles
Andy You're A Star - The Killers
The Dutch Courage - The Spill Canvas
The Moment I Said It - Imogen Heap
Cheers Darlin' - Damien Rice
I Love You - The Cranberries
Thank you all! and please review! Eggnog is the best.