LAST CHAPTER! **yes, it's that short**


Chapter 14

New Year's Eve

Our families decided that New Year's Eve should be spent at the Cullens since they had space to accommodate a small party. The Hales (Jasper and Rose's family) were there. Alice's family was there. And my family was there.

I'm more nervous about seeing Edward today. I haven't seen him since the camp. I think Emmett and my dad told him to stay away. But, yeah, he hasn't come to visit me since.

I greet everyone with a smile. A new year is coming along, I should reconcile with my past and start fresh. Since it's now more or less clear with me and Edward, I feel like I deserve a good start again.

I went to the kitchen to help out. I decided I should help Esme cut up the fruits for dessert. I took an apple and started my job. It was pretty quiet. I didn't know what to tell Esme, to be honest. I didn't know up to what extent she knew.

"Bella?" she called out softly.

"Yes, Esme?"

"I don't know what happened between you and my son, for that I am sorry. I'm sorry on behalf of my son and what he did to you. I just want you to know that I love you like you were my own and should you need...motherly advice, I would gladly give it to you," she holds my face lightly and looks at me sincerely. I see Edward's eyes in her.

"Thanks, Esme," I smile and hug her. A few tears fall down her face.

"Oh," she dabs the corner of her eyes, "I have to clean this up," she chuckles as she turns around to go the washroom.

I was back to chopping the fruits when Edward comes in the kitchen and searches the fridge for a drink.

"Hey," he greets me with a small smile. He takes a beer bottle and pops it open.

"Hey, yourself," I reply.

He leans on the fridge and watches me slice up the fruits. "When do you leave for New York?" he asks.

I count and tell him, "In a week. Why?"

"Will you go out to dinner with me?"

I stop whatever I'm doing and look at him. I want to know if he's serious.

It takes me a few seconds to take in what he just asked. "Are you serious?" I try to sound in disbelief but I couldn't hide the smile in my voice.

"Yeah," he shrugs and runs his free hand through his hair.

"Um...okay," I tell him.

"So that's a yes?" he asks hopefully.

"Yeah," I said as I nod my head, smiling brightly.

Dinner started soon right after. Everyone seems happy. Even Edward looks to be in a better disposition. I enjoy the meal and the champagne and for once, thankful that I came home for the holidays.

The countdown has started and the couples have started pairing up. I pull my coat tighter around me as I walk out into the backyard watching the fireworks go off in the sky.

3...

I smile to a new year.

2...

I can't wait for that date with Edward.

1...

I hope for a good year.

Happy New Year!

A kiss on the cheek and I turn around to see green eyes staring brightly at me. I pull him to me and hug him tight, "God, I missed you!"

"I missed you, too, Bella. Happy New Year!"