.:THE MAGIC KINGDOM OF DISNEYLAND:.
"Keep your chin up; someday there will be happiness again."
~Robin Hood
.:The Happiest Place On Earth?:.
Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, there lived a family.
That's right — a family.
Okay, that didn't narrow it down at all, I know. So what if I told you it was a family of vampires — was that better?
No?
How about a family of golden-eyed vampires, a werewolf, and a half-human, half-vampire child, who all lived in the rainy town of Forks, Washington?
Still not specific enough?
Well, now you're just being stubborn! And we have no room for your pickiness here because, you see, this family was going through a tough time. They were not in any danger; there was no war, no looming threats. By all accounts, they should finally be living their immortal lives in a relatively stress-free state, especially compared to how the past two years have treated them.
But things were not so settled in yet for the Cullens.
Let us start with the fact that it had been over a year and a half since unique, little Renesmee Carlie was born and there was still one consequence that remained: Rosalie and Jacob's turbulent relationship.
It was driving the others mad!
At the moment, they were lucky that they could (nicely) ban Jacob from their home, asking him to stay at his own house. Renesmee could visit the werewolf in La Push, then come back to Forks to spend time with Rosalie, and everything would be fine. There would be no death threats, no destruction, no bickering — there were complaints about smell, but that couldn't be helped — and the other Cullens wouldn't be driven crazy.
However, this arrangement could only last while living in Forks. What the family was anticipating, and what Rosalie was angrily sulking over, was what would happen once they moved, a time that was just around the corner. Rosalie couldn't imagine a Cullen house ever being pleasant to live in again, and that frustrated her, made her miserable to think that for the rest of eternity she wouldn't be comfortable in her own home. It was unfortunate that the only way she knew how to express this unhappiness was by being vindictive. As you could imagine, it was hardly fairing well with the others in the household.
Jacob, for is part, was more annoyed than worried about the Rosalie situation, but he had other pressing matter to deal with. Like his pack. He was an Alpha now. He had been for a good longwhile. He didn't want to abandon his four wolves and, although the Cullens offered to support them as they lived in a house nearby wherever they moved, there was the issue that the wolves wondered if they were turning their backs on their tribe. And they couldn't forget Quil had an imprint to worry about.
Figuring out the details just wasn't easy.
Accepting leaving Forks altogether was downright unsettling for Bella.
After everything that had happened, Bella found it difficult to part ways with the small, rainy town that indisputably became her true home. She knew it had to happen - she knew from the very beginning. But now that the time had come, she wasn't as ready for it as she thought she would be. She was worried about Charlie, and Jacob's duties, and Renesmee being separated from her grandfather and from the pack (yes, Nessie loved them, too), and things were just so comfortable where they were that Bella couldn't imagine ruining it. Of course, they had to leave. She wasn't doing anything to stop it; she merely worried (constantly) about the change.
Jasper had a change he was trouble with, too, and it had nothing to do with moving. But his first concern was Alice.
Alice was struggling with a certain frustration. You would think nothing could break this vamipre's bubbly spirit,but the assumption was inaccurate.
Have you ever been working tirelessly on a project, and then suddenly you just got...stuck? Your mind totally blanked and you had nothing but an unfinished sentence or incomplete picture? Or maybe you couldn't even manage that, staring at a blank canvas in front of you?
Alice certainly knew that feeling.
For the past two months she'd been trying to find inspiration for her and Jasper's 50th Anniversary party, let alone outfits for it. She had spent the last few years focused on everyone else, Edward and Bella and their daughter especially, and this time she wanted it all about her mate. She needed it to be extra special. Unlike anything she'd ever done before. Usually, the psychic was filled with an endless trove of ideas; yet, her wastebasket overflowed with crumpled sketches day after day, while their anniversary date drew closer. Alice did not understand what was wrong with her. She never thought she'd be capable of suffering designer's block!
Due to this, she had become uncharacteristically depressed. And where she was unhappy, her husband wasn't far behind.
Jasper remained unware as to what Alice was planning, but that didn't stop him from doing all he could for her. He didn't take lightly the fact that something was thwarting Alice's artistic flow. He bought her magazines and books, too her to galleries, watched fashion shows on TV with her... But nothing seemed to help. And through it all, Jasper was on a quest of his own.
A mission to change.
You see, the war-ravaged vampire had been taken aback by Bella's control over her newborn urges, specifically regarding thirst. Everything he knew was questioned; everything about himself was challenged. He eventually came to the conclusion that he needed a more positive outlook. He always knew a good attitude usually produced better results, but he never applied it to himself. Now, he was trying to change that. To right his mistakes. Forcing himself to be optimistic, he ventured into the city more frequently, rather than hiding at the house where he was comfortable. He accompanied Esme to the market; joined Edward and Bella on their trips to the library; took Renesmee to the park with Emmett; went shopping with Alice and Rosalie; and sometimes he even dared a visit to Carlisle at the hospital. He never told anyone what he was doing, why he was getting out of the house more, but it had become obvious with time and, although nobody said anything, Jasper could feel their silent encouragement.
It all seemed to be paying off, Jasper had thought, when he realized he was getting better. Then, one ill-fated day, he got too confident and ended up almost attacking an innocent person in town. If it hadn't been for Alice seeing it, and her and Edward intervening just in time, he would have had red eyes right now. The thought tore at Jasper, crushed his spirit. Even now, three weeks after the almost-kill, he couldn't shake off the same. He was working so hard... Why was it not enough? Was there something wrong with him? Was he just that weak?
Poor Jasper felt hopeless.
He wasn't the only one.
The patriarch of the family was up to his neck in work at the hospital, and it had everything to do with an ill, fourteen-year-old boy. The child had opened up to Carlisle unexpectedly, and the vampire doctor had grown fond of him because of it, promising that he would find out what was infecting the child. That was the problem - nobody could figure out what was wrong with the boy, just that he was sick. Now, time was running out. Not because the boy was dying - though, certainly it was a possibility - but rather the Cullens' moving day was fast approaching. Carlisle only had a couple more weeks left at the hospital. Maybe if he had found some clue, some similar trait to another disease, some sign as to what the child had, then Carlisle would feel a little less stressed. But in his century-old mind, Carlisle had absolutely nothing. His worry meant all his free time was spent researching and studying, which ultimately meant neglecting his loved ones as a result.
Esme was beginning to get lonely. She hardly minded her solitude so much compared to how it saddened her to see so many of her family fraught with anxiety over issues they had to solve alone. All she could do for them was be there when needed, as a silent companion or a discussing confidante. She had to remind herself that at least Edward and Renesmee kept her company. Emmett would have been, too, had he not been so busy trying to comfort Rosalie.
No, the Cullens, like any family, would never have it perfect. They were as dysfunctional as to be expected, and the world would continued to bring new hardships into their lives. But, also like any family, they needed a break. They were focused so greatly on their troubles that they were preventing themselves from overcoming them and achieving their goals. By overdoing it, they were making mistakes and losing hope.
It wasn't good.
And so...
One early morning, at the break of dawn, the Cullens were returning home from slow, unexciting hunting trip when Edward stepped forward to block anyone from entering the house.
"What is it, Edward?" Carlisle asked, automatically worried that something was wrong. He'd do his best to help Edward, whatever it was.
"There is nothing wrong with me," Edward said. "It's all of you."
Now, I know what you're thinking: There's nothing wrong with Edward? There's always something wrong with that moody, broody vampire!
Well, for once, much to his relief as well as his family's, Edward was quite content with his existence. Things were finally looking up for him. Except for what plagued him now: this concern for his family.
"I am perfectly fine. Happy even. For the first time in forever, I can understand what it's like to have nothing heavy weighing me down. Worries have worked out, and I found faith..." Edward sighed. His stared turned firm and unforgiving. "The problem is most of you have lost yours. After all we have been through together, through all we've endured, we should have the strongest sense of hope in whatever our dreams are. Instead, we're struggling over individual problems, and some are so trivial and petty that it makes them all the more frustrating to you because you know they're trivial and petty and still can't get past it. I can see how worn-out and dull you're all becoming as you fight yourselves."
"What are you getting at?" Rosalie snapped impatiently. She wasn't about to sit through his cryptic riddles. It just sounded like he was complaining, to her.
"We're taking a vacation," Edward announced.
Everyone stared at him.
"This weekend, starting today," he continued, hearing the doubt in their minds. "Everything's already planned. In fact, Alice already packed your suitcases."
Alice grinned guiltily when six pairs of yellow eyes landed on her.
"What do you mean we're going on vacation?" Bella questioned.
"Edward thought of it." Alice shrugged. "It sounded fun, and I've never been..."
Carlisle started to protest.
"Edward, the hospital—"
"I've already called them, Carlisle."
"That is not what I am saying. My patient is counting on me to be there—"
"You already have the weekend off," Edward reminded him gently.
It was true. When Edward had called, Dr. Snow told him they'd already given Carlisle this weekend off a few days ago because he'd been at the hospital nonstop and they felt the young doctor needed rest. Edward realized that his father must have forgotten.
Carlisle frowned, rubbing his temple as he suddenly remembered that conversation. Edward sighed again.
"This is why you need a break. It will help. Trust me."
"I agree with Edward," Esme said, looking around at her tired family. "I think what we all need is a few days to clear our heads. That way we can tackle things with a fresh perspective when we get home."
"Like that'll help any," Jasper muttered, almost to himself. Rosalie grumbled her agreement.
Edward frowned at them. "This is exactly what I'm talking about." He paused, a wistful expression crossing his face. "I know your thoughts, and I know better than anyone what it feels like to be stuck, lost, and afraid. I can see that, secretly, you have all lost hope that the future can produce any more miracles. In your eyes, the enchantment of the world is dimming; the only place you still see it is through Renesmee. We live in a world where mythical creatures are real, but we just don't feel the magic of it, the fantasy. But you are about to discover that it still exists for us!"
Alice and Esme were smiling, while Edward's words sparked curiosity and intrigue in the others (though confusion remained).
"I'm up for anything," Emmett said suddenly. No need to give a speech, bro. "When are we leaving?"
"As soon as Jacob and Renesmee wake up," Edward answered.
"Where are we going?" Bella asked. There was a tinge of wariness in her voice — she really didn't feel like going anywhere when their departure from Forks was already so close.
Edward smiled at her. "Only the happiest place on earth."
"Chuck E. Cheese?"
Alice laughed. "Silly, Bella. We're going to Disneyland!"
"Disneyland?" Bella and Rosalie repeated skeptically.
"That is a wonderful idea!" Esme gasped, more enthusiastic now. "Remember when we went, Carlisle?"
"December of 1955. It had barely opened that year." Carlisle's face softened at the memory.
"It was so much fun, even back then when it had only a few attractions. He happened to meet Walt Disney himself on Main Street."
"It was a fun experience. I'm sure it's very different now, of course."
Esme wrapped her arms around her husband's waist. " Probably better! I would like to go again, this time sharing the experience with the kids. We had the idea years ago, do you remember? And Ness will simply adore it! You know how she loves her fairytales."
The front door opened and Edward moved to the side as Jacob appeared, yawning. "Yeah, there's a strong imagination on that kid," he said, rubbing his eyes. "But, uh, what are we talking about?"
"We're going to Disneyland," Emmett told him.
Jacob perked up. "Nessie loves Disney! She always makes my dad watch Pocahontas with her because she says his voice reminds her of the chief." He laughed.
"They do say everyone needs to visit Disneyland at least once in their life," Jasper said, beginning to accept the trip. The fact that Alice was looking happier when she wasn't thinking about her designs was helping to persuade him. Not to mention that everyone who was cynical about this trip at first was starting to sway at the thought of Renesmee's reaction once she found out she was going to Disneyland; that in itself was enough to fully win over Rosalie and Bella.
"Ness's favorite movies do include Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid," Rosalie murmured.
"She and Edward have watched the Fantasia movies back at our cottage, probably, a thousand times by now," Bella offered. Edward smiled. He always respected Disney's masterful ability to tell stories through music.
"There is also that new California Adventure addition..." Carlisle mused.
"That settles it," Esme concluded joyfully. "We're going to Disneyland for the weekend."
"Of course we are — I already bought our tickets and reserved hotel rooms," Edward said with a sly grin.
Jacob looked around at them all, a thought occurring to him. "You know, this is all good and everything, but...the park's in southern California."
The Cullens stared at him.
"What's your point?" Emmett finally asked.
Jake lifted an eyebrow. "It's sunny there," he said slowly.
Alice smirked. "It does have its overcast days, you know? Edward and I picked this weekend because I saw that some clouds were on the move down south, near the coast..." She winked and skipped past the werewolf, into the house. "Nessie will be awake in...fifteen minutes," she informed over her shoulder.
The Cullens went inside to change clothes and load their suitcases into the cars.
As Emmett helped Rosalie with her bags, he smirked and said, "I bet me and Buzz Lightyear can win a fight against Jasper and Indiana Jones."
Rosalie groaned. "Don't make me regret this trip."
OoOoOoO
Mad Hatter: "Would you like a little more tea?"
Alice: "Well, I haven't had any yet, so I can't very well take more."
March Hare: "Ah, you mean you can't very well take less."
Mad Hatter: "Yes. You can always take more than nothing."
Fun Fact: Do you know who was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1901, and later caught the Spanish Influenza? If you said Walt Disney, you'd be right! (Of course, if you said Edward you'd be right, too...)
I thought this story idea was fun... That's all there is to it! So hopefully you enjoy the trip to Disneyland with the Cullen family. :]