Chapter 7: Christmas
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of it's characters.
Bella POV
I slowly woke up enjoying the peacefulness of the morning.
The baby was quiet inside of me with not so much as a movement and my parents were fighting. It really was a good morning. The only thing that could make it even better was if Edward's arms were wrapped around me.
I rolled out of bed when I heard two sets of footsteps walking around the house. I couldn't figure out why both my parents were home on a weekday.
Then I remembered it was Christmas, the one time of the year where my parents made an actual effort not to fight with each other.
I threw on the Pomona sweat shirt that Edward had given to me. It was extremely large and did a great job of hiding my growing stomach.
"Merry Christmas." I said making my parents aware of my presence.
"Merry Christmas." They said back.
I sat down on the couch and pulled the throw over myself. Though I still wasn't big and the sweatshirt hid most of my stomach I was still a little paranoid about them finding out.
My parents joined me by sitting around the tree.
"Here Bella this is from the two of us." My dad said handing me a card.
I took it from him with a puzzled look. It had been awhile since my parents worked together to get me something.
"Oh my gosh!" I gasped as I opened up the envelope revealing a check for two thousand dollars.
"We know it's not much since college is so expensive these days, but we figured it would help you in the beginning or at least buy some books." My dad explained.
"You guys really didn't have to I have some money in my college fund and there are scholarships…" I started.
I knew money was slim around the house. The salaries of a small town cop and a substitute teacher were not exactly the highest paid jobs.
"But we wanted to sweetheart. You're our only child and we want you to get the best education possible." My mom told me.
"Thank you so much." I cried.
I leaned over and gave each of them a hug.
I gave each of my parents their gifts. They were nothing elaborate just some new fishing stuff for my dad and new art pads for my mom.
Everything was running smoothly until I opened up one of my presents from my mom. It was a cookbook filled with low fat meals.
"I figured you could use some new inspiration for cooking. Honey you've seemed to be gaining a little bit of weight." My mom said pinching my rounder cheeks.
I self-consciously pulled the blanket up higher over myself hoping to hide more of my larger body.
"Don't listen to her Bells." My dad comforted. "I think you look great, you're practically glowing."
"Thanks dad." I said sheepishly.
As long as they didn't put two and two together I would be fine, I kept chanting in my head.
The rest of the morning went without any more incidents or mention of my weight.
While my dad cleaned up the boxes and wrapping paper my mom and I headed into the kitchen to make our traditional Christmas French toast.
As we worked together I couldn't help but wonder if I would get to do this with my child, whether it be the one in my stomach or one I may have in the future.
We all sat around the table enjoying breakfast. I really did cherish moments like this when my parents were not fighting. It reminded me of my childhood; back when I thought my parents had the perfect relationship.
Once we finished eating my parents cleaned up the dishes while I headed upstairs to get dressed. As tradition I always headed over to Edward's before we both went to Alice's.
"I'm out see you guys tomorrow." I called out to my parents as I made sure that I had all the presents.
Edward POV
Christmas morning at the Masen house was never exciting.
My mom would always hire someone to come and decorate the house. Then she and my dad would put my gifts under the tree before they went on their annual Christmas vacation leaving me alone.
I would wake up at whatever time I felt like and then open up my presents. Each year they seemed to get more elaborate then the last.
Afterwards I would clean myself and the room up taking as much time as possible. The more time I took the less time I would have to spend waiting for Bella.
I was pacing around the living room looking at the clock every now and again waiting for Bella to come.
Finally I heard the doorbell ring and I rushed to the door.
I pulled open the door and pulled Bella into my arms giving her a passionate kiss.
"Merry Christmas." Giving her another peck on the lips.
"Merry Christmas." She said back breathless.
"Come on let's get you inside." I said wrapping my arm around her and leading her into the house.
As Bella took off her coat I took her bag and placed it under the tree.
"I brought my French toast." She smiled.
I pulled out Tupperwarethat contained Bella's and her mom's Christmas tradition.
"I knew there was a reason I loved you." I joked.
"And here I thought it was because you knocked me up." Bella joked back.
I laughed along with her as I headed into the kitchen to grab a fork. Then I walked back into the living room and pulled Bella down onto the couch.
"You want some?" I offered her my fork.
"No thanks I had plenty at home." Bella said rubbing her stomach.
"Yes but you could always have more since you are now eating for two." I said placing my hand on hers.
"My mom noticed the weight gain." Bella sighed.
"She didn't figure it out yet… right?" I asked nervous.
"Luckily no. But she did give me a cook book filled with low fat meals."
I couldn't help but laugh at that.
"I'm sorry, it's rude of me." I said trying to stop the laughter. I opted to shove another piece of French toast in my mouth.
"No it's okay. I just forget how observant my mom is sometimes." Bella sighed.
"Why don't we open presents?" I suggested. I didn't like seeing Bella upset.
Bella nodded her head and grabbed a wrapped package from her bag.
"Merry Christmas." She smiled handing me the gift.
I carefully tore open the wrapping paper to reveal a while box. I opened the lid and saw some sort of book.
"It's a memory book." Bella told me as I took it out of the box. "Alice and my mom helped me pick out the pictures and other memories…"
I cut her off by pulling her into a kiss.
"Thank you it's perfect." I said pulling away.
"I'm glad you like it." Bella said after a moment.
I started to flip through the pages of the book. They were filled with tons of pages from the old pool parties we used to have at Alice's back at middle school to mine and Bella's official first date. Even our first ultrasound picture was in there.
"Now it's my turn." I smiled reaching under the tree to get my gift.
Bella took the box from my hands and opened it up.
"It's beautiful Edward." Bella gasped as she opened up the velvet box.
Nestled inside was a silver ring with a heart that had a diamond in the middle.
"Let me put it on you." I said taking the box and placing it on her right ring finger. I gave it a small kiss once it was in place. "No matter where we end up and I mean all three of us." I emphasized by placing my hand on her stomach. "We will always be in each other's hearts."
"Thank you." Bella cried and threw her arms around me.
I pulled her in close and allowed her to cry into my shoulder.
Though we still hadn't made the final decision, it looked as if we would be giving the baby up for adoption. We didn't want to, but we wanted the best for our child and we weren't sure if we could do that right now.
Bella and I spent the rest of our afternoon curled up on my couch in front of the fire. We were just enjoying the moment and the peacefulness of Christmas.
Once the sun started to set we decided it was time to head over to Alice's house.
I made sure that Bella was bundled up and that we had all our stuff before we headed out.
We always went over to Alice's Christmas night. Her parents were always off at some party leaving the house to ourselves.
We would exchange gifts and just stay up all night eating cookies and watching old Christmas movies.
It didn't take us long to get to Alice's. Of course Jasper's car was already there. He and Alice had their own Christmas traditions just like Bella and I did.
"Hey guys!" Alice exclaimed opening the door.
She quickly ushered us inside and lead us into the living room where Jasper was waiting for us.
I sat down on the couch opposite of Jasper with Bella sat by my side.
"Presents time!" Alice cheered handing package to both Bella and I.
It's just like Alice to want to get straight down to presents.
After we finished unwrapping presents we headed downstairs to where Alice's TV was. There was already a plate of cookies waiting for us on the table along with milk and eggnog.
We used to have some sort of alcohol on the table, but since Bella wasn't able to drink we agreed that we would also not drink so she wouldn't feel bad or left out.
Alice put in the first movie in before heading over to sit down next to Jasper.
I pulled Bella in close to me and threw a blanket over us. I placed my hand over her stomach when I felt something move.
"Was that what I think it was?" I asked moving my hand around trying feel it again.
Bella nodded her head; there were tears in her eyes.
"What is it?" Alice asked curiously.
"I felt the baby kick." I said excited as the baby kicked yet again.
"It's his Christmas present to you." Bella decided.
I nodded my head and pulled away the blanket so I could see Bella's stomach.
"Thank you little baby for giving me one of the best gifts ever." I said into her stomach and gave it a kiss. "Just remember no matter what happens mommy and I will always love you."
I looked up and saw Bella looking down at me crying.
I pulled the blanket back over her stomach and pulled her into my arms.
Though she hated to admit it, this pregnancy was taking a lot out of Bella and it wasn't just because we were teenagers and keeping it a secret. The weight of having to make the decision on what to do with our baby was the hardest and most important one we will ever make.
But for now that was still off in the future. I kissed Bella on the head letting her know that everything would be okay.
She curled back onto my chest and turned towards the TV.
Alice hit play on the remote control and the movie started.
With the thoughts of the future pushed to the side we were able to enjoy our Christmas tradition. Just as four friends enjoying the moment and not worrying about anything else other then what movie to watch next.
It really was a magical Christmas.
A/N: End of chapter 7. I need to thank my amazing beta, luv2beloved, for reading over this chapter for me.
Once again I have nothing to say, lol. But please review and tell me what you think of the chapter. And maybe some theories of what you think is going to happen to Bella and Edward. We're coming close to an end to the flash back chapters so you'll learn soon enough. But I would love to hear what you think is going to happen.
Happy New Year to you all. I hope you have a great night and a great 2010!
Next Chapter: New Year