Hello darlings!
Before I say anything else there was an obvious MISTAKE (Typo) last chapter and that was at the end when Bella is with Edward in bed and it says that Edward but his chest against her 'Bag'! I want to clear that up and say that it was MEANT to say BACK so I apologise for that now..!
I struggled like hell last chapter but this was surprisingly easier so I hope that I have got back in some people's good books. In this chapter I HAVE skipped maybe a couple of weeks of time but that's because I would end up writing 60 chapters if I put in EVERY detail so now as Bella wakes up in Edward's arms it is Xmas day although that was not how it was originally planned.
So thank you to my AMAZING reviewers once again:
*'Wendilii' – I laughed so hard when I read your note about your mum...Bless her :D YES I will gladly give you some ideas my lovely it's the least I could do for all the support you have given me...PM me anytime you like and we will have a little discussion. THAT note also goes to anyone else who needs a helping hand with their fanfics.
*Sylvia Cullen, ajayee, cullengirl08, TwilightFreak13, Raven Jadewolfe, laceycrazy08, kallamigk and imprintlove*
*'EllaJ 18' – SUCH a LOVELY review I cried when I read it....Thank you SO SO much!! However...My fanfic can WAIT! Work for uni/college is more important and I know that better than anyone so nose in those books and hand on that pen little missy..I am not having you fall behind because of me...LOVE.
The MAIN song for this chapter was: 'In my arms' – Plumb
But to get in the mood you may want to listen to ANY favourite xmas songs or songs that are EMOTIONAL because MY GOD you are going to need them at the end...!!
*~Bella~*
The overwhelming heat that had overtaken my body woke me up in the middle of the night...Edward still had his hold around me and it was impossible to wriggle out of it...I tried to peer over at the alarm clock to find that it was facing the opposite way to me...Damn.
I twisted my body around to face Edward who hadn't moved under my touch...I stroked his face ever so slightly and whispered into his ear.
"Edward?"
"Hmmm?" Edward moaned contently
"I'm really hot, Edward"
"You're what?"
"I need you to let go of me...I can't be in here...I am going to melt"
"No...Bella stay with me...Please stay with me?" Edward pleaded...I felt my emotions crumble ever so slightly at the fact that he had wanted me to stay with him...But the heat was too much.
"Edward, please?"
"I have waited too long for this, Bella" I couldn't tell if he was awake and choosing not to open his eyes or whether he was still asleep and speaking through his subconscious....I could feel the beads of sweat on my forehead and I elbowed him lightly to get him to let go of me....Of course I was unsuccessful...I then took matters into my own hands and slid underneath the duvet forcefully and out through the foot of the bed where Edward's feet were...He had instantly let go of me to turn his head to face the wall...It indicated to me, then that he was still asleep. I landed on my knees and ran my hands through my moist hair.
The cool air felt good on my skin....I had been somewhat grateful for the increasing heat in my body because I didn't want to have to face the look of the other members of my family when they found me and Edward in the same bed even though I would spend forever with him if it were possible....I have said that before haven't I?
I sighed a little sad at the fact that Edward hadn't been fully awake at this point...He was like me when he slept the dead couldn't wake him...Even if zombies had unexpectedly taken over the earth...I went out of his room quickly...If I had stayed I would have sat there and looked at him all night...I swear that Edward should be in some kind of painting that would be shown in a grand museum and only to the best paying customers....I would pay my good useless English money to go and see him but then again I was biased as hell. Also the fact that other people and possible other women would go and see him and I didn't want that!
I pulled my own duvet back and climbed in flinching at the coldness of my unused bed and curled myself up in a ball...Letting the rest of the night fall away slowly and peacefully.
(Next morning)
"Bella-Boo!" Emmett's voiced boomed though my ear...I groaned loudly and lifted my head off the pillow and opening my eyes...Emmett was staring back at me with a cheeky smile.
"Good morning little sis...Or should I say merry Christmas"! he exclaimed.
I sat up from the bed feeling the aches swimming through my body from my sleeping position in Edward's arms last night.
Emmett reached over and grabbed my waist and pulled me upwards to standing...Emmett had climbed onto the bed and stood in front of me...I couldn't help but laugh at him as I stood in front of him..He reached into his back pocket and held up something above his head...I had missed a glance due to the speed of his hand reaching upwards and so I then lifted up my gaze to his hand...His fingers were wrapped around a part of a plant or some sort.
"Emmett..What is that?"
"That.....THAT! That is mistletoe my darling Bella"
"Oh"
"Please tell me that you know what mistletoe is, don't you Bella?"
"I am sorry Emmett...No"
"Oh dear...Well now this moment will be a bit awkward"
"Why would it be awkward?"
"This little plant Bella is the stuff that most-aspiring couples dream of when it comes to Christmas"
"Huh?"
"It is in tradition that every two people who happen to be under this have to kiss"
"Oh...Well how do they kiss?"
Emmett chuckled with his arm raised and hand still holding the mistletoe.
"You are asking me how to kiss someone underneath the mistletoe?"
"Yes...I mean can anyone go under there and do they...You know...Have to kiss on the lips?"
"That depends on the person standing under it"
"So is all of THIS..." I began pointing up to the mistletoe above our heads "A way to get me to kiss you, Emmett?"
"Got it in one, Bella" Emmett said with a mischievous smirk...I rolled my eyes and leant over giving him a tender kiss on his cheek.
"Bella...It's your first Christmas you have to live a little!"
Emmett tugged my waist with one of his hands and forced me forwards as he planted his lips on top of mine...I pulled away from him giggling as he attacked my face and neck with wet kisses...He then had stepped off of the bed pulling me with him...Swinging me around as I made noises in between squeals and giggles.
"Emmett?" Alice called from the door as he stopped his spinning...Placing me down on my feet and both of us turning to look at Alice...I tried to control my breathing. "I don't think Bella asked Santa for one of your hugs Emmett...And what did I say to you about that mistletoe"?! Alice added as she pointed at the mistletoe on the floor.
Emmett shrugged "what can I say...Edward got some loving from Bella and I felt left out".
"Leave her alone....Esme needs you to run down to the store to get her some things..She is downstairs waiting for you" Alice said with her hands on her hips...I fought back a giggle.
"Aye Captain!" Emmett said with a salute...He placed one last kiss on my cheek and gave on to Alice as he left the room and down the stairs.
"Merry Christmas, Bella" Alice said with a smile.
"I am sorry, Alice...I completely forgot it was Christmas today...I didn't get you guys anything"
"Bella its fine...You are back home and you're well...That is better than any kind of present"
"Hows little Alice and Jazz junior doing?"
"I am starting to get morning sickness now but believe me I have had worse...Listen I came up here because in your wardrobe is another makeup bag only this time there are festive colours...It took me ages to get hold of some but I did and I wondered if you wanted me to do you up today"
"Of course, Alice" I said with an appreciative smile...Alice was so great at putting on makeup.
So I showered and did all I had to do before sitting down on the floor allowing Alice to spend as much time on me as she wanted...Never once complaining or moaning about what she was doing...Once she had finished I turned to look at her.
"Always so beautiful, Bella" Alice sang...I laughed nervously my blush making a long-awaited appearance on my cheeks "there that's all we needed" Alice added.
"So does Esme need help with the dinner and everything?" I asked
"No...She does all the cooking and if we are in her way then she will get more and more stressed...However we forgot to say to you that we are having a party here tonight at the house...Don't worry it is only a few members of family and Rosalie's mum and dad will be here and hopefully Jazz's mum will be here too"
"Wow so I will really meet the family today, then?"
Alice leaned over and stroked my hair "you have nothing to worry about, Bella...We all love you and it won't take much effort on your part...You are practically irresistible" she sang as I giggled leaning my hand into her face.
Our little moment was interrupted by the front doorbell...Alice looked out the door into the hall before turning back to me. "That'll be Jazz"
"Are you guys going out today?"
Alice let go of my face and packed up the rest of the makeup that was now sprawled out over my duvet and stood up to put them back in the wardrobe.
"We have a few things to pick up...Presents but apart from that we will come back and stay here....There is no way that Jazz is going to turn down a free party" Alice laughed and I smiled back.
"Alice...I don't want you to get me anything...-"
"You just stop right there Miss Swan" Alice turned abruptly closing the wardrobe door behind her he index finger was out and gesturing towards me. "You have done SO much for me in the last few months and I need to say thank you properly...You are not going to deprive me of saying thank you to you, are you"? Damn that fake pout and those puppy dog eyes to hell...They worked everytime!
"Okay fine but NOTHING expensive...I don't like the idea of you splashing out and for me to not reciprocate the favour"
"Well I think you have already given Emmett your reciprocation...I am sure that we will find something you can do for me" she teased with a cheeky grin...I rolled my eyes.
"Love you" Alice said as she blew me a kiss.
"Love you too" I replied watching her walk out of my door.
I exhaled and stood up stretching my legs out one by one to rid the numbness...I was about to walk into the bathroom when I heard someone clearing their throat...I turned to find Edward standing at my door still in his pyjamas...His hair messy from being asleep. I took a silent breath trying to calm the butterflies I got when he was always in my presence.
"Hello Edward" I said with a small smile...Edward burrowed his eyebrows and clenched his jaw.
"I woke up and you were gone..."
"Yes I know...I am sorry it's just that I was hot and well...I didn't want Emmett or Alice to come in this morning and find us"
"Why? I wouldn't have minded"
"I know you wouldn't have but it's the principle...I didn't want to leave"
"I didn't want you to, either"
"Yeah...But Edward brothers and sisters don't sleep together in the same bed...not in a normal day life"
"When have ANY of us been normal, Bella?" I laughed a little at his remark...He had a point but it wasn't enough.
"I'd like to think that I am somewhat normal"
"You're not, Bella...You're YOU and you show individuality that what makes you a great person"
"Thank you, you're not so bad yourself?" I teased
"Um...Thanks...I think?"
I laughed at his reaction and sat on my bed..."You have any plans today?"
"No...Family time like all Cullen Christmas's"
"Oh"
Edward released his hand from my bedroom door and walked over to sit beside me...He pulled his arm around my shoulder and I rested my head on his shoulder.
"Merry Christmas" Edward said and I smiled
"Merry Christmas to you, too" I said "I have already said to Alice that I haven't been able to get anyone anything-"
"Do you really think that we want presents from you, Bella....You have done enough for us already"
I lifted my head off of his shoulder and stood up from the bed...Looking out of the window.
"I haven't done that much...I would have done what any sister would have done" I said my back to Edward so that I couldn't see his expression.
"That's the thing, Bella....You are not like any sister" Edward replied.
"You need to stop being so nice to me"
"It is Christmas and if everyone has an excuse to enjoy themselves then it is today"
"Well I will have to use that excuse for everyone's behaviour today...Tomorrow we can go back to normal"
"Indeed we will"
"Knock, knock" I looked over at the bedroom door and saw Rosalie standing there waving at me.
"Hi Rose" I said...Not used to the amount of people that were coming in and out of my bedroom.
"Excuse me, Edward but I need some girly time with Bella" Rose said looking over at Edward...Edward held both his hands up in surrender and smiled...Obliging Rose's request and walking out of the room. Rose tapped his shoulder as he walked in the hallway and stepped in my room to close the door behind her.
"I came to apologise for my boyfriend's behaviour...I am afraid that he gets a little over-excited at Christmas" I gestured to the bed and Rose walked over and sat on it.
"Honestly, Rose...It's not an issue...I have had worse Christmas's and as horrible as this may sound I have never felt so much at home than I have right now"
Rose smiled "That's good...Anyway I came in here to speak to you about something however before I do that I need to give you present from me and Emmett"
"Rose-"
Rose lifted her hand to stop me "No objections, Bella...We only hope that you like it" she then stood up and took something out of her back pocket...pulling out a medium-sized rectangular shaped present with gold and silver sparkling wrapping paper she held it out to me...I gave her a disapproving look before opening the paper carefully to find a blue velvet box in its place...I opened the lid and exclaimed uncontrollably my hand shooting to my mouth whilst the other held the box in place.
"It's an Opal...It's the birthstone for October...It's your birthstone, Bella" Rose said...I looked up at her my mouth in a wide 'O' shape.
"Rose...This is too much...I can't imagine how much this must have cost you"!
"Money is irrelevant Bella unless you have people to spend it on...I also give you this as a little peace offering...I wasn't very nice to you when I first met you and I regret not having you in my life sooner...Let's just say I was captured under your spell as well when you came here, Bella"
"It's beautiful..I have only ever really owned one necklace in my life and that was a locket my mum gave me...It broke after one of her episodes and I never really got it fixed but this is amazing Rose" I put the box on my chest of drawers and pulled Rose in a hug.
"Thank you so much!"
"You're very welcome" she replied patting my back
We pulled apart and I went back over to the chest of drawers picking up the box I opened a drawer and put the box in.
"Whoa little missy...You can't be given jewellery and not want to wear it"
I turned to face her "I am sorry...I don't want to break or lose it"
"You won't...I trust you..Come here" she leant over patted the floor with her hand I took the box back out and sat on the floor lifting my hand with the box in it up behind my head...Rose took it and opened the lid.
"Can you lift your hair up for me, Bella?"
"Sure" I said grabbing my hair with both my hands and lifting it to the top of my head...Rose put the necklace around my neck and clasped it quickly at the back.
"It's a shame your ears are not pierced, Bella...There were matching studs"
"My mum never allowed me to have 'holes' on my body as she called them...Any way it never did me any harm not having them done...I do not have to worry about it then"
"Good point...Well I was wondering if Mike was going to come to the party tonight...Esme is working out numbers and she asked me to ask both you and Edward whether you will be inviting Mike and Jess"
"Um..Rose, I am not with Mike anymore"
"What?!"
"We broke up...Well I broke up with him"
"Why?"
"I didn't want him to see me in Sandgrove like that...I looked and felt horrible and the only way I would feel a little better was when you, Emmett, Alice, Jasper or Edward came to see me"
"I am sorry, Bella" Rose put both her hands on my shoulders.
"Don't worry about it, Rose...It was my choice...I just hope he isn't too upset with me"
"He will get over it, Bella...Men tend to get over these things better than us girls do"
"I wouldn't know"
"We will have to make sure you have extra fun tonight with us tonight, then"!
"I would have fun doing nothing all day as long as I am here at home"
"Do you know whether Edward is inviting Jess?"
"No...You will have to ask him"
"Ok well I will see you downstairs in a minute"
"Ok thank you again, Rose"
*~Alice~*
Jazz and I were lying hand in hand on my bed looking up at the ceiling.
"Think about it...Next Christmas we will have our baby joining the party"
I giggled in excitement...The morning sickness was undoubtedly bearable especially when I had a life growing inside of me that belonged to both myself and Jasper.
"I know...It sounds so strange..We will be parents"
"I can't wait, Alice...I don't care what sex the baby is, either...It is half-mine and I will love him or her unconditionally with all my heart" I turned to my side and threw my arm around his stomach he kissed my head lovingly.
"I am scared Jasper" I admitted resting my cheek on his stomach.
Jasper stroked my hair..."I know you are baby...We will get through it and I will always love you, Alice and I would never leave you on your own with our child"
"I love you too Jasper" I said as we continued to live in our own love bubble.
*~Rosalie~*
"Esme" I called into the kitchen from the living room.
"Yes"? She replied coming out wiping both her hands on a hand towel.
"Sorry for interrupting but I have spoken to both Edward and Bella and they have said that they will not be inviting Mike or Jess"
"Oh...Is there any particular reason why?"
"No...They both said that they want to spend the day with the family"
"Isn't that sweet...Well thank you, Rose...Emmett has gone out to the store to get me a few things he will be back soon"
Bless Esme for trying to make me feel better for being by myself...I didn't have the heart to say to her that Emmett always told me where he was and that now this far into our relationship I didn't miss him as much as I had used to.
"That's okay, Esme...I need to go and speak to Jasper about Alice's present anyway"
"Ok" Esme said with a sweet smile before turning round and walking back into the kitchen.
*~Alice~*
I took the opportunity to go and speak to Edward before Jasper and I went out to get everyone's presents...I walked down the stairs from my room leaving Jasper in there and went into Edward's room...He was standing in front of his wardrobe which was open in only his towel wrapped around his waist.
"A VERY merry Christmas to you, little bro" I cheered out causing Edward to turn abruptly and hold his towel to stop it from falling.
"Alice would you like to knock next time?"
"No..Sorry I live in this house, too Edward"
"Fine have a seat" Edward grabbed some clothes from his wardrobe and held them in one of his hands. I sat on the bed looking over at him.
"You are not going to wear that outfit to the party tonight are you?"
Edward looked at the clothes "why not?"
"Edward have you learnt ANYTHING from having yours truly as a sister?" I exclaimed in horror.
"Clearly not" he answered sarcastically.
"Why don't you wear that purple shirt Esme got you last year?"
"Alice...I don't like purple"
"It's Christmas and you would do well to negotiate with me as I am about to get your present"
"You think that you can win me over with a present for a bribe?"
"No...But I know what you really want, Edward....WHO you really want and I can always make that known to everyone else"
Edward grunted and threw the shirt that he had on his arm back into the wardrobe..The other hand still fixed tightly on his towel.
"Have you been working out little bro?" I asked him as I studied his physical form...It was impressive even if he was my brother.
"Jacob showed me to work some weights but it's no big deal" he answered as he went into the bathroom without another word as I smiled in victory.
After about fifteen minutes Edward came back out again wearing the shirt...I nodded at him.
"So the reason why I am in here is...Are you going to tell Bella how you feel about her tonight?"
"What? No Alice of course I am not"
"Are you EVER going to tell her?"
"I will find the right time"
"Yeah the twelfth-of-never, right?"
"It doesn't matter if I told her or if I didn't"
"I have a good feeling about this, Edward...The two of you have practically been inseperate since she joined our family"
"You are forgetting the amount of times I have let her down"
"People are allowed to make mistakes, Edward"
"Not when they make promises that they can't keep"
"You can't let that stop you, Edward"
"Alice I cannot bear my soul to Bella because you have one of your inklings...As much as I might want to i don't want to scare her away...I want her as a sister, Alice and if my telling her how I feel risks our relationship as brother and sister forever then it is not worth it"
"Okay I won't keep on at you but do you promise to think about it, Edward"
"Why?"
"Edward you have never really been happy in your life...Which you have admitted it to me more than one occasion in the past...Just trust me and think about telling her, please?" I pleaded.
"Okay Alice...I will"
I stood up and kissed him on the cheek and left his room.
Edward just HAD to get with Bella....He just HAD to!
*~Bella~*
"Merry Christmas, Dad"
I walked in Carlisle's office to find him taking down some lights from the wall at the back of his office by the large open window.
"Hi Bella...Merry Christmas" he said between heavy breaths.
"Do you need a hand?"
"Ah that would be great, Bella thank you" Carlisle answered appreciatively...I walked over to him and stood up on his desk chair and pulled the lights down from the opposite side.
"Heaven knows I love my wife but I have said that I do not want to have the decorations for this time of year all over my office" he complained and I smiled.
The trail fell down off of the wall and landed on the floor between myself and Carlisle..I stepped down carefully off the chair with the lights still in my hand.
"Thank you, Bella" Carlisle wrapped the lights up quickly and held them over his arms "I am glad you are here actually...Me and Esme need to give something to you"
All these presents...I would have to do some major catching up next year!
Carlisle took my hand tightly in his and led me out of his office and back to the living room...He sat me down on one of the sofas and went into the kitchen.
I sat there twiddling my thumbs in my lap when Esme and Carlisle came back out
"Good morning Bella darling..Merry Christmas" Esme greeted me "I am sorry I haven't seen you so far today dinner's been taking a lot out of me"
"Usually she puts the decorations up in here but it's nice to see it plain for a change" Carlisle remarked.
"It's not plain....There is a Christmas tree...You can't forget that" Esme replied..."anyway we have this to give you Bella" Esme moved to the small door to the cupboard on the other side of the stairs...She came back with a large box and placed it in front of me on the coffee table.
"Mum..Dad...Really it's-" I started
"All of you have one...When I say all of you I mean you, Rose and Alice...Esme shopped for them with your contrasting tastes and personal styles in mind...That's right isn't it" Carlisle asked shooting a confused look at Esme who merely giggled.
"We have been planning this party since January and well...I brought two but had to go out and get yours when I heard that you were joining us"
"Okay" I said "shall I open it now?"
"Of course...I want to see your face" Esme beamed...I undid the large ribbon around the box and pulled up the white lid...I pushed the tissue paper apart in half inside the box and saw a purple colour hidden in the confines of the rest of the paper. I looked up at Carlisle and Esme.
"Take it out, Bella" Carlisle said with an assuring smile...I pulled the fabric out carefully and stood up...Esme stood up with me and took the material from me and let go of it....It was a dress. I gawked at the mix of purple red and pink colours in sections on the dress as well as the glistening sequins on the front in the chest area...Before I realised what Esme and Carlisle had given me I had began to cry.
"Esme...It's gorgeous" I choked out
"See that look....Priceless" Carlisle added and I smiled at him
"We would like you to wear this tonight at the party Bella...Alice knows what she is doing already for your look and we will have our first family picture to hang on the wall above the fireplace over there...It will be official then that you are here with us to stay" Esme explained and I sighed in shock.
"I don't know what to say" I exclaimed...I carefully took the dress from Esme and put it back in the box before throwing my arms around her.
"Thank you" I said to Esme and kissed her on the cheek. I then did the same with Carlisle.
"You're welcome, Bella" they each said almost at the same time.
"I love you both"
"We love you too" they said as Esme pinched my cheek playfully before walking back into the kitchen...Carlisle remained on the sofa.
"Are you nervous about having another party here, Bella"? he asked me.
"No" I replied confidently "I should be...But I am not. You're all my family now and it's Christmas" I added. "I am going to go and hang this up so it doesn't crease"
I picked up the box in my arms.
"MOM I'VE GOT IT ALL!" Emmett boomed as he stepped through the front door...As if right on cue Rosalie came running down the stairs and followed Emmett into the kitchen..I smiled at them both as I made my way back up to my room.
I hung my dress up on a hanger and put it in the wardrobe trailing my fingers through the light material before closing the door...This was certainly going to be a Christmas to remember!
I was walked into the bathroom making sure that my legs were going to be free of all hair and that my skin was properly going to be scrubbed down when I took the second shower of the day...I was stopped however by Emmett...He didn't have to say anything as by this point..As silly as it sounded I almost knew the footsteps of all the members of my family so that I knew who was coming and going each day and who would be coming into my room.
"Yes, Emmett?" I called out to him before stepping back out of the bathroom
"How did you know it was me?" He asked
"Call it a hunch" I said
"I came to tell you that we will not be having dinner as a family tonight but have a spread out at the party...Is that okay?"
"Emmett I have NEVER had a family dinner...I wouldn't know the difference so it all sounds great" I said walking towards him "oh and by the way I have something to give you...To say thank you for my present" I said pointing my finger at the necklace around my neck.
Before Emmett could say anything I put my mouth on his and gave him an 'open-mouthed' tender in the words of Edward. It lasted for about a minute before I broke away from him shooting him my own attempt at a cheeky smile.
"Well..." Emmett cleared his throat as I fought not to laugh "You're welcome" he said before walking back out of my room in a dazed state.
I laughed out loud before going into the bathroom and relaxing before the big night tonight.
*~Alice~*
(Early evening)
I spun around in my chocolate dress that Esme had got me for this occasion...I also placed my hands on my tummy where the bump was only beginning to show ever so slightly turning to the side to gaze at my tummy in the mirror. Jasper wrapped his arms around me and placed his hands on my tummy as well as I leaned into his neck and he rocked us slowly from side to side.
"You look so beautiful, Alice" Jasper said as he kissed my cheek...I spun my head to the side to face his cheek however he had turned his head at the same time and we were now gazing in each other's eyes I smiled and kissed him lightly on the lips.
"You know Edward won't like having to be matched with Bella on colour"
"We are all matching so why can't they?"
"They are not together"
"Well Rose told me that Mike and Jessica won't be here so rather than the two of them being the odd ones out..."
"Okay sweetie but if he throws his dummy out of the pram then I am not getting the blame"
"Don't worry he won't" I chimed releasing Jasper's hold on me. "You go and check on Edward and Emmett whilst I go and sort out Bella...Can you ask Rosalie if you see her to come down to Bella's room please?"
"Yes sweetheart" He kissed me passionately again before making his way up to Emmett's room...I looked in the mirror and twirled round once watching the bottom of my dress flow around with me before skipping out to of my room to Bella's.
*~Bella~*
I deliberately hadn't touched my hair from washing it in the shower...I dried myself off as much as I possibly could to get into my dress...It had been a struggle but I had managed to get it on fully...my hair was still wrapped up as I took the necklace that I had taken off before going into the shower and placing it back into its box in my chest of drawers.
"Okay let's get busy!" Alice sang skipping though my room.
"Wow Alice you look beautiful" And she did....Her dress was a rich chocolate colour and fitted tightly around her slightly plump stomach...her hair was down and bounced up and down amazingly around her swan-like neck as she moved.
"Thank you....You will look amazing too when I have finished with you" she sang.
*~Emmett~*
"Eddie boy...Don't you look spruce" I gasped as Edward came into my room...Jasper turned to give ma an approving look from the corner of my eye.
"This is all your girlfriend's fault" Edward said to Jasper...Who merely put his hands up.
"Alice is an unstoppable force I am afraid...That's why I love her" Jasper replied
"Yeah, yeah...Well there are some people who have already arrived downstairs" Edward said
"Trust women to spend longer getting ready so that they do not have to do the whole sticky meet and greet business" I said with a huff.
"So does anyone have any ideas about what Bella is wearing tonight?"
"Why do you ask, Edward?" I teased.
"No reason"
"The dress is under wraps if you'll excuse the pun and we know nothing about it and Rose and Alice haven't told us either" Jasper added.
"So I wonder what Ms Stanley will be wearing for you tonight Edward?" I teased.
"She won't be coming"
"Why?" I asked
"I broke up with her"
Jasper and I were silent as we allowed the words to sink in.
"Sorry Edward that's harsh" Jasper said.
"It's no big deal"
"That would explain the fat lip a week ago" I acknowledged as Edward nodded once in response.
Okay things were now going to be a bit different...Jasper and I had known that Bella was wearing the same colour as Bella and I had a feeling that it may not go down well.
Christmas may not be so jolly this year and we may have to be prepared for an argument.
*~Edward~*
(Late evening)
I never felt so much like an idiot standing in the living room with Jasper and Emmett waiting on the girls to come down...Emmett had occupied himself with a can of beer and Jasper with a bottle of bud...I was on orange juice feeling the nerves in the pit of my stomach knowing that I was going to see Bella in another party outfit.
Bella had looked SO beautiful at my birthday even though I had never realised it until now because an idiot like me only knows how he truly feels when it is all too late...I couldn't imagine how she would look tonight...Bella had the gift that most girls our ages didn't have and that was the fact that she was naturally beautiful and had flawless skin...She was lucky and I was lucky to have her in my life I just wished that I would have found out how much I loved her sooner then maybe Jess and Mike would have never came on the scene and now I wouldn't have the awkwardness of being the only single one in the ENTIRE party...!
Every member of our family were spaced out both inside and outside the house and doing their own mingling...Family get- togethers were never a very entertaining event because everyone preferred to mingle with their own choices of company but we were lucky to have the three girls to make an euql number of people close in age.
I eagerly awaited their arrival.
*~Rosalie~*
"PERFECT" I sang to Alice as we did the last finishing touches on Bella.
"Do you want to see what you look like?" Alice chimed to Bella.
"No...I trust you and besides if I see myself then I am going to cry and remove your fabulous work" Bella replied.
"So are you ready to go?" I said to Alice and Rose they looked at each other and smiled before nodding towards me.
I led the way down the stairs holding Alice's hand behind me and she was holding Bella who we saved till last. The three boys looked up at us as we came down the stairs...Emmett smiled at me and walked over to give me a kiss as I released Alice when my heels touched the floor of the living room. I walked over to the side of the room...I needed to see Edward's face when he saw Bella...I knew the look a man or a woman gave to the person they secretly fancied. Jasper grabbed Alice's hand and led her towards myself and Emmett wrapping his arms around her once they were still...We watched Edward and then watched the stairs.
This was the moment of truth....
Bella's heels were visible on the steps as it trailed upwards from her shoes to her legs, to her dress and to her head last...She smiled a little nervously at Edward. I looked at Edward....OH YES!
Edward had the look that I had been waiting for...I knew that look better than anyone...He loved Bella and whether he knew it or not I couldn't determine.
I smiled over at Alice who nodded giving me an 'I told you so' expression on her face it was true I hadn't believed her to begin with but now it was staring at me right in the face.
That was love in its purest forms and if I wasn't worried about my appearance I would have cried for them both...I wrapped my arms behind Emmett's neck as he bent down to kiss the side of my neck.
Bella and Edward were meant to be....But I couldn't get involved...It needed to be all from them.
*~Bella~*
"Hello Edward" I greeted him as he stood in front of me in the living room...I barely noticed the party that was going on around us...There was only him and there was only ever going to be him. I took his hand that he had held out to me and stepped down off the stairs completely...I took a moment to look at his clothes freezing when I saw the colour of his shirt.
"We match" Edward said stealing the words from my mouth I smiled and shook my head.
"What?" Edward asked.
"Alice!"
"At any normal time I would be mad at her but as of right now I can't believe that I have someone so beautiful on my arm tonight...You look stunning, Bella"
I smiled "Thank you...I like that colour on you" I said pointing to his shirt he chuckled a little and wrapped his hand around mine and placed them at his side.
He led me around to various people and members of his family to make sure that I knew everyone...I had seen some of them before but it was still nice to see them again...I followed him willingly...I would follow him forever.
Edward walked with me into the kitchen and poured me a drink when we had finished seeing everyone and also getting a few shocked looks from our parents...He held the glass of soft drink out to me.
"Thank you" I said taking a sip from my glass
"Anything for you Bella" he answered and I lowered my head feeling a little embarrassed.
"BELLA!"
"Yes, Alice" I shouted before she had even entered the room.
"I almost forgot to give you your presents" she grabbed my arm and took out two boxes from behind her back...I handed my glass to Edward who took it from me and opened one of the boxes...I took out two pieces of what looked like a mix between card and paper.
"They're airplane tickets...Two First class seats back to London and a return whenever you want to go back to your roots until July next year" Alice explained and before I could hug her she gestured to the other box...I put the tickets on the kitchen table and opened the next one.
I knew what this present was...The title of 'Wuthering Heights' gave it away however this wasn't a usual paper or soft back book you got from the shops.
"Alice-"
"It's a first edition...There is probably around three left in the world" Alice stated...I touched the front cover in awe...My favourite book and it was RARE. I carefully put the book next to the tickets on the table.
"There is one more thing!"
"Alice-"
"I have managed to get you a job...It's a waitressing position in one of the Port Angeles chain of restaurants...I have sorted everything and it is yours if and when you want it" she finished...I choked back my emotion.
"Can you excuse me for a minute?" I asked Alice and she smiled and moved out the way...I didn't know where I was heading...instead of turning the corner to go up the stairs I opened the front door and stepped out to the air outside allowing the sobs to completely break through now I was in private and on my own.
*~Edward~*
"Is she alright, Alice?" Bella had made a swift exit from the kitchen and the house as I had heard the front door close...I looked at my sister who was still standing in front of me.
"She's fine, Edward....Just overwhelmed..Go and find her, Edward she will need you"
"Is this a trick?"
"No...I am just trying to help my sister" she answered and I obliged the request and made my way out to Bella through the front door.
Please god...I hope she is okay!
*~Bella~*
(Songs for this part of the chapter were – 'You belong to me' – Kate Rusby
'Your love' – Michelle Wright and Jim Brickman)
I stepped outside into the freezing air...Goosebumps instantly surfacing my skin as I paced around breathing in the air although I had no idea what I was doing or what had come over me....Alice had given me the best presents of all and I have never felt so lucky to have the Cullens' in my life...To think that I could have gone through my whole life without knowing them would probably tear me to shreds.
"Bella"? I looked over at the direction of our front door and saw Carlisle standing there...I shrugged at him as he walked over to me "I am sorry if this is not your kind of scene, Bella... I saw you come out here just now...Would you like me to stay here with you...Or did you want to talk about it"?
"No...It's not that Carlisle I just need to be on my own for a moment" I said throwing him a smile.
"Okay well here" Carlisle took his coat off from around his shoulders and handed it to me "you will freeze out here" I took the coat. Carlisle gave me a kiss on the forehead and quickly went back to join the others in the house. I smelled in Carlisle's scent from his coat as I walked further away from the front of our house...I walked around the side of the house where I had last been with Jasper on Edward's birthday...Only this time I walked past the bench that we had sat on and carried on to enter the large garden...I stepped over to the open greenery minding my heels and the bottom of my dress as I went.
The garden was beautifully decorated...No doubt it was both Alice and Esme's creation...Green and red fairy lights surrounded every tree and the full crystal moon was shining onto the grass...I stood in the middle of the garden looking up at the sky...Allowing myself to think about other things besides how good Edward had looked in formal wear...I couldn't imagine how he would look in a tux... How could someone so beautiful be so confused about who he was? He could have ANY girl he wanted and probably with the snap of his fingers and yet he still seemed troubled about his life and where it was going...I would help him if I could but if he didn't know anything about where he wanted to go then how was I going to be of any help anyway.
I stretched out my feet in the confines of my heels...I reached down and undid them from both of my feet... as my now bare feet squelched underneath the wetness of the grass I breathed in and out slowly...I didn't know how long I would be able to keep my feelings for Edward inside...I so desperately wanted to tell him and as a result tonight there were moments when I had to bit the inside of my mouth just to stop me from spewing all.
"Bella?" I gasped quietly as Edward's voice rang through the silent air...I exhaled deeply as I turned to face him. "Bella...What is it?"
I shrugged and the threatening tears that had done me such an annoyance for the past how many weeks prickled at my eyes...Edward strode towards me taking hold of my shoulders...I bowed my head and sunk into his chest the tears now making the great escape down my face...Why was it that the majority of the time I spent with Edward I had always ended up being the one crying.
"What is it little sis?" Edward soothed as he ran his fingers through my hair at the top of my head...His touch sending tingles through my whole body.
Alice and her amazing presents seemed so far away again and I had almost forgotten why I had come out here in the first place...I WANTED to tell Edward I loved him...Would it be so wrong? I just didn't know if I was a risk-taker.
"I can't tell you, Edward"
"Please Bella....I want to help you...This isn't anything to do with Mike is it?"
"How could it be when I am not with him anymore" Edward's hand suddenly stilled as I had finished talking... He grabbed both my shoulders and pulled me away from his chest...A shocked look on his face.
"What did you say, Bella?"
"I said that-" I broke off suddenly realising that I had never told Edward about Mike...Jesus Christ!
"Tell me, Bella"
"I broke up with Mike" I confessed lamely...It had already slipped out and there was no point denying it now.
"Did he upset you, Bella?" Edward's nostrils flared up and the sudden feeling of panic hit my lower abdomen.
"No...No I broke it off...I didn't want him to go through having to see me in hospital...I broke up with him the time he came into my room one day and you were in there"
"Oh Christ, Bella" Edward walked past me and went further into the garden in front of me...I turned.
"What's wrong, Edward?"
"I wish you would have told me, Bella...I would have been there for you"
"You can't be there for me all the time, Edward"
"I should be there all the time, Bella....I want to be there all the time" Edward twisted his body back round...His eyes were fresh with tears I went back over to him and grabbed his hand.
"Edward...Tell me what's wrong?" I pleaded.
"I am not with Jessica anymore" he confessed...Oh my good god! I brought my hand to my mouth.
"I'm sorry Edward...I didn't know"
"Do you want to know why I broke up with her, Bella?"
I caressed his hand gently "No...Not if you do not want to tell me"
"I want to tell you...I need to say something now otherwise I will go mad"
"Okay well maybe if we sat-" I began
"I don't need to sit down, Bella" he broke me off and I nodded for him to continue.
"You see, I have always wanted to have Jessica...It seems like for the last two years every thought of mine belonged to her and every dream I would dream would also be hers...She was the girl I desired above all else, Bella"
"I didn't know that, Edward"
"You wouldn't....Now, however things are different"
"What do you mean, Edward...You have found someone else?" Oh no please no...PLEASE say he is single....Please!
"You could say that.."
I let go of his hand and took a few steps back clearing my throat...I can feel the tears again, stop crying Bella you will ruin everything....stop now before he catches on. "That's great, Edward"
"Bella I don't think that you understand" Edward seemed to be struggling to find words...I stayed still and kept my mouth shut hoping that my silence would make this a little easier for him.
"I didn't want Jess anymore because I DID want someone else...Someone I probably can never have and someone I am so much in love with I barely know how to function anymore"
"Edward-"
"Bella...Please...I need to say this...GOD do I need to" he broke me off...I nodded closing my mouth.
"I am in love....With YOU, Bella"
I have officially died and gone to heaven...Oh can he be saying this to me after I had wanted him to do it for so long...Someone pinch me this MUST be a dream...It can't be real not for someone like me.
"I love you so much, Bella" Edward said closing the distance between us and placing his beautiful lips on my own...He moaned deeply as he opened my mouth with his...This IS real! I attacked his mouth with as much passion as I could as he wrapped his arms around my waist and I wrapped my arms around his shoulders our tongues dancing together in perfect harmony. I pulled my lips away from his after a few moments and backed away from him.
"Do you really mean it, Edward?"
"I have never been so serious about anything in my entire life Bella...You are who I want...You are my world and I would go to the ends of the earth for you if I had to...I need you to be mine, Bella"
I shed my tears heavily uncontrollably sobbing...Edward tried to come towards me again but I had walked away from his arms...What are you waiting for, Bella?!
"Bella...Please say something?" Edward pleaded from behind me...I crumbled...I couldn't deny him and I couldn't reject the desire I felt for him. I turned around and was silent as I got close to him again...Edward smoothed his hands across my cheeks and up to my ears..I sighed before looking straight into his eyes.
"I am in love with you too, Edward" I confessed with a beaming smile...He returned the smile his eyes dazzling through the moonlight.
"Will you be mine my beautiful, amazing Bella?" He asked me stroking my tears from my face.
"Yes" I said...Edward connected our mouths again...This time the two of us allowing ourselves to feel what we felt for each other...Letting our lips move where they wanted to and to get as close as possible to each other as we possibly could. I moaned into his mouth for the first time...I placed my hands on his chest.
Edward indulged every corner of my mouth setting my body on fire...He was everywhere and I couldn't get enough of him...His hands moved from my cheeks to either side of my neck tilting it upwards so that our lips disconnected however he continued his trail onto every angle of my neck his nose and mouth touching sensitive areas of mine...I kissed his head and put my fingers in his hair to draw him closer to me.
"You don't know how long I've waited to do this, Bella...You're so beautiful" Edward said against my neck his breath tickling my skin...I couldn't help the sigh that came out of me at his words...He sent them to my soul, my heart and every part of me possible.
"I love you...Edward I love you SO much" I sighed out through moans of contentment.
Edward kissed along my collarbone before going back to my lips...I opened my mouth wider for him this time as our tongues mashed together as if they had never been apart. I skimmed my hands away from his hair and dragged them up the sleeves on his arms feeling the warm skin underneath.
"Edward...Can you do something for me?" I said in between our kisses.
"I'd do anything for you, Bella...You only have to say sweetheart" He answered placing small kisses on both my top and bottom lip.
"Touch me, Edward..." Edward lifted his head and rested his eyes on to mine..I swallowed "Please?" I pleaded.
"I don't think that is a good idea-"
"Please?" I pleaded again breaking Edward off...I admired how he wanted to see if I was comfortable before doing this first but because this all seemed too much like a dream I wanted to have him near me as much as physically possible.
"Are you sure?" Edward whispered kissing my ear and the side of my head...My knees buckled slightly.
"Yes...I need to feel you, Edward" I whispered back...I was literally floating on air at this moment.
"Where Bella...Show me where?" He said his voice husky causing my heart to skip a beat. I took one of his hands...I still couldn't believe that I was about to do this...But it was Edward....It was all Edward...He made me feel this way and I doubted that no one else would ever come close if myself and Edward were to part...I guided his hand to the opening of my coat and pulled it inwards to graze across one of my covered breasts...I sighed at his touch automatically arching my back a little and raising my neck slightly...Edward took the opportunity to kiss my neck again...I removed my hand from his on my chest and entwined both of them in his hair again...He caressed my breast with his hand and snaking the other one around the back of my neck.
"I am so sorry for every time I have done you wrong, Bella" he whispered as he moved his hand down from my breast to stroke my stomach I shivered underneath his touch on a new area of my body.
"No apologies, Edward...I just want to be with you" I replied kissing him again attempting to show just what he was doing to me what he had been able to do to me since the first time I kissed him....The first kiss I had EVER shared with a guy.
"Always" Edward answered.
"I hope I am not interrupting anything" Edward and I flew our mouths apart and disconnected our entwined bodies to look around to the sound of the voice.
My heart soared into my throat as I swallowed loudly as I recognised who the person had been...It can't be...It couldn't be....But it WAS.
"Mum?" I asked genuinely shocked to my core.
"Hello Bella" she said with a smile.
I'm SORRY – Don't hate me.....! x
I am not very good at love scenes and I have only ever written ONE before so I decided that Edward would do it in a simple but perfect way for Bella...I hope my amazing readers like it too.
If there are mistakes or typos I am SO sorry I am suffering greatly from sleep prevention this week and so I am now going to have a sleep but because I love all of my readers I couldn't go without updating first....There probably will be mistakes but I will come back and edit this chapter when I have had some much-needed shut eye...I promise.
*Runs away and hides....BEFORE doing that I need to send my love to everyone reading AML...Okay now I can go...*
R+R.....PLEASE??? x x x x x
.S.
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