Hogmanay, or New year's Eve, is huge in Scotland. Like, bigger than Christmas. It always has been-- in fact, the Scots didn't even celebrate Christmas for hundreds of years after the English started to celebrate it. This drabble is based on one of the biggest traditions in Scotland. So, I guess that makes it educational... sorry.

The song at the bottom is by Rabbie Burns, and has become huge worldwide. Unfortunately, most people hardly even know what it means. Hmph. Never mind. If you want a translation, drop a review or PM me-- I'll get back to you. And so, without further ado--

Happy Hogmanay. Have a good one, aye?

Date: 31st December. Hogmanay.

Character: Alice

Stimulus: Today

Her vision has come true. It's just like she saw yesterday. The bell tolls on the television, and the cheers of the crowd are loud as they're projected all around the room by state-of-the-art speakers.

But, apart from that, the room is silent.

Esme kisses Carlisle softly, and Emmett and Rose are wrapped together in a passionate embrace. Jasper kisses her cheek sweetly, and she smiles.

And then she gasps.

A second later, the doorbell rings. It's Edward. They all know it. With a sob, Esme runs to the door and throws it wide. He's standing there, of course. And in his hand, there's a parcel, which he passes to Esme with neither word nor smile.

She opens it slowly, and inside there's a bottle, some crumbling cheese and bread.

Esme doesn't understand, but Carlisle does. He's spent time in Scotland, after all. He pulls his son over the threshold and hugs him tightly, which Edward gently returns. The whole family is watching them, now, waiting for answers.

"First foot. He's the first foot over the door this year. He brings the food and whisky as offerings. It brings him luck for the next year."

With a tearless sob, Esme wraps her arms around Edward again, and the family relaxes slightly.

They all know that Edward needs luck. And a lot of it.

And there's a hand, my trusty fere, and gie's a hand o' thine!
And we'll tak a right gude-willie waught, for auld lang syne.
For auld lang syne, ma doe, for auld lang syne.
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet, for auld lang syne.