a/n Please note that all WitFit entries are unedited. No beta. I don't own Twilight.
***This is after chapter 17, Advice, a few days after Edward got to New York.
Word Prompt: Family
Plot Generator—Idea Completion: Merry Christmas!
An idea or concept is presented. Follow where it leads you.
"You need some help?"
I paused on the steps, balancing the box on my knee, to see Emmett walking towards me.
"We've got that, Mr. Cullen," one of the movers coming out of the door said. My mom had found a company that helps you move and unpack within days and hired them for my transition.
"Thanks," I said, handing him the box. "What are you doing here," I called back to Emmett, grinning when he crushed me in his hug.
"We came in a day early. Figured you'd need some help but mom said she had that covered."
"Yeah, you should see the place." I led him up the stairs to my corner unit on the first floor. "Where's Rose?"
"Mom kidnapped her and EJ to go shopping or something."
"God," I groaned. "She's determined to have the place fully furnished and lived in by the end of the week."
The door was open from the moving crew and we stepped inside, almost tripping over empty boxes.
"This is nice, E," Emmett said as he checked out the main room, flopping on the plastic covered couch. "I don't know how we're all fitting in here for Christmas though."
"I know," I said, joining him. "Mom insists it'll be fine but said she's working on reservations for dinner somewhere."
"For everyone?"
"Everyone."
He looked at me a beat and didn't have to say anything. He was concerned but I was determined.
"Renee and Charlie are on board and gave their blessing for my plan."
"I know."
"And I'm going to talk to Bella before she knows everyone is here."
"I know."
"It's going to be fine. More than fine," I said emphatically.
"I'm just looking out for you, E. You know that. This is more than a grand gesture."
"You think she's going to think it's too much," I panicked slightly.
"When she gets over the shock of it all, I think she's going to appreciate what you've done."
I didn't want her to just appreciate what I was doing.
"Mr. Cullen, we're done with everything but the plastic you're sitting on."
I got up to tip the crew and see them out, letting them know I'd take care of the couch. My mood had soured a bit from thinking about Emmett's hesitancy. I wanted everything to work out so badly that I didn't give myself the option of failure or even pondered it. I went back inside my apartment and Emmett was removing the plastic from the couch.
"There's a cool courtyard I can access from the kitchen," I said, changing the subject.
"E…"
"Only the first floor units in the back have their own door to it," I continued, walking towards the kitchen.
I heard Emmett behind me as I unlocked the door. "E…"
"I have a plan, Emmett," I said, turning around.
"I know."
"It's going to work out." I quieted my misplaced anger and said under my breath, "It has to."
Emmett clapped my shoulder before walking out to the courtyard. "I know."
We didn't stay outside long because even with our coats still on, it was freezing. The sun had already passed over for the day. We went back inside to warm up and have a beer. My kitchen was fully stocked and I couldn't love a meddling mother more. I finished my tour, showing Emmett the bedroom and bath.
"So does mom have a plan for a tree too?"
"Mmhm," I said, sipping my beer. "We're going tomorrow after dad gets in and settled. He's on a red eye after work."
He nodded his approval and finished his beer. "Let's go."
"Where," I asked, downing my beer.
"I'm taking you to eat. Well, you're going to tell me where we should go and then I'm buying."
"I'm not really sure what's around here yet." I grabbed my beanie and gloves from the kitchen counter.
"We'll figure something out." Emmett was waiting by the door but stopped me from leaving. "You know I love you and I only want you to have the happiness you deserve, right?"
I shoved him out the door, my heart swelling with love for my brother, my family and the future I was going to fight for.
"I know."