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!"
