End of Chapter 26

"Merry Christmas, Edward," she said gazing up at me.

"Merry Christmas, Bella," I answered. Yep. Definitely one for the books.

Chapter 27: Have You Ever (BPOV)

After we were done with presents at the Cullen's Christmas morning, Renee, Phil, and I went to visit Charlie at the hospital. Renee wanted to thank Charlie for contacting them and convincing them to come. Renee and Phil drove separately to the hospital, so they could do a little tour of the area and visit some old friends while in town. I was planning on staying until six, and then joining everyone, including the Hales, at the for Christmas dinner.

I went into Charlie's room first, and asked if he would mind Renee and Phil coming in. Charlie and Renee had always gotten along. After all of this time, there was no animosity, and Charlie and Phil actually got along really well. I had a feeling, now that Charlie seemed to have someone new in his life, he was even more accepting than ever of his visitors.

We all sat around and talked and laughed for 30 minutes. Charlie and Phil chatted about spring training, and whom they thought would be looking good this year. Renee thanked Charlie for contacting her, and what a great time they were having. She effused about the Cullens, what a lovely family they were, and how she was so happy that we had found such great new friends. She even teased Charlie about branching out and becoming a people person in the end.

Charlie shook Phil's hand, and even accepted a hug from Renee before wishing them both a Merry Christmas. I told them I would see them later, hugging them both. Charlie and I waved together as they left the room.

I spent the next few hours telling Charlie all about Christmas morning at the Cullens, including details about the presents I had received. He laughed and smiled along with me as I told him about all of the kids waking up like we were 7 again, and making breakfast for everyone. Then I told him about my gift from Edward, and how I couldn't wait to play it for him when he got home. After lunch, we snuggled up with a few more Christmas cookies and 'A Christmas Story'. Charlie shooed me out after the movie, making me promise that I wouldn't come and visit the next two days, and use Renee's two days in town to visit with her. I did, but told him I would call.

So, for the next two days, Renee, Phil, and I visited with friends of theirs that they hadn't seen in years mixed with going to favorite eateries and sights around Forks and Seattle. We also joined the Cullens for another of Edward's performances during Renee and Phil's last night in town.

On the morning of the 28th, as Phil packed up their car with the help of the Cullen boys, Renee and I bundled up, and took off arm-in-arm for a walk together on the foot path weaved throughout the Cullen's property.

"So, my darling," Renee started in, "I see a lot has happened since Thanksgiving."

"It has," I exhaled and smiled at her.

"That boy loves you," she stated.

"And I love him, mom," I said looking her right in the eye, so she could see my sincerity.

"How serious have things gotten between you two," she asked giving me the serious mom voice.

"We've only kissed, mom," I told her.

"I know you are on birth control to regulate your period, but remember that it is not 100% effective, and things like antibiotics and decrease it's functionality," she rattled off.

"Mom! I'm not ready to have sex with Edward!" I admonished her. "There is so much going on with Charlie, and we just started dating!"

"I know, I just don't know when the next time I will see you face-to-face to have this conversation, so just let me do this," Renee said squeezing the arm that was linked with hers. "I know we have done this conversation before, but this is the first time I have seen that look on your face, baby girl. I've been in love like you are. I am in love like you are. Some day you will find yourself in a moment when it will feel right to express your love for Edward in a more physical way, and it is a wonderful experience Bella. One that should be with someone you love with all that you are, because it does make it better."

I was blushing furiously now, but I knew Renee had my best intensions at heart.

"Mom, when and if the time comes when I feel ready to make love with Edward, I will be safe, and it will be what it should be. I promise. I don't want to jeopardize either of our futures, nor do I take sex lightly. Satisfied?" I asked hoping we were done with this conversation.

"Yes," she said kissing the side of my head, and we spent the rest of the walk back to the Cullen house chatting about plans for the New Year, and when I might come and visit again. Renee said I could even bring Edward, if that was OK with his family. As we got closer to the driveway where Phil was throwing a football with Edward and Emmett, my eyes began to well up with tears. It hit me as our feet transitioned from the damp earth of the path to the crunch of the gravel on the driveway that my mother was leaving, and a sob escaped me.

"Shhh," Renee soothed as she turned and took me into a hug. "It won't be long until we are together again. I loved spending Christmas with you, Bella. I knew I was missing something all of those years, but never realized how much until now."

I continued to cry into her shoulder and tell her how much I was going to miss her, as I felt Phil's arms encircle us both.

"Time to get going, Nee," he said. "Bella, I am sure going to miss you, girl."

"I'll miss you, too, Phil," I said giving a weak smile. "You guys take care of each other."

"We will," Renee said. "I won't worry about whether you are being seen to, because you have a line of people around here waiting to take care of and love you, sweetheart, and that is truly a gift."

"I know it is," I said pulling her tightly into one last hug and giving her a kiss, before walking over to her side of the car with her. Once she was inside, I felt Edward walk up behind me and slide his hand into mine. I laced my fingers into his, and held tightly, as silent tears rolled down my face.

"I love you!" Renee called out the window. "You guys take care of each other."

"I love you, too!" I said back. "Call me when you get home to Casper."

"We will. Bye!" she yelled as Phil backed up to turn around.

I pulled Edward's hand that I was holding, and wrapped that arm around my stomach, still clutching tight. I held myself in his embrace feeling like a small child who wanted to run after her mother. Instead I stood clutching my now, and waving to my past as it drove away.

I stood there with Edward after she drove out of sight, afraid to move, as my body shook with a feeling of loss. Edward just silently held me and stroked my hair with his free hand, and whispered how much he loved me into my ear. I eventually eased my grasp on his hand, and turned, wrapping my arms around his waist, holding him close. I knew I would see my mom again soon, but having her around for the last couple of days made me realize how much I missed her.

"Can I drive you in to the hospital today?" Edward asked then.

"I can do it, plus, I don't want you to be bored waiting for me all day," I said.

"Actually, I was going to meet my dad for lunch, and then hit the music store in town," he said pushing my hair out of my tear stained face. "Plus, I wouldn't mind a little quiet time alone with my beautiful girlfriend, even if it is just for a car ride."

"Well, how can I say no to an offer like that," I said smiling up at him.

Edward bent down then, and kissed me softly. My body relaxed into the kiss, and it progressed in a sensuous crescendo of intensity. Edward pulled me close to him with his arms wrapped around my lower back. My hands were deep in the rich locks of hair on the back of his head. Finally, our kiss broke apart as I began to giggle.

"Is my kissing amusing, Ms. Swan? You are going to give me a complex," Edward pouted.

"No!" I laughed again. "I just thought of the conversation Renee and I had while we were on our walk. It was THE talk."

"Wha…OH!" he said in recognition.

"Yeah…that talk," I said blushing again as I remembered what she had said.

"And that kiss just now made you think about this talk?" He said with a smirk crossing his face, as he raised his one eyebrow at me.

"Edward Cullen," I fake chided. "What would your mother say?"

"What would I say about what, dear?" Esme said walking out the door towards her car.

"Nothing, mother," Edward said quickly, coughing to cover up his discomfort and nudging me in the side knocking me off balance. "Where are you off to?"

"I am helping Maddie with the arrangements for the New Year's party," she said waving as she got into the car. Maddie was Mrs. Whitlock, and we all had plans to go there for their annual New Year's Eve party. Edward and I waved good-bye to Esme before I gathered my things, and we climbed into the Volvo and headed to Port Angeles.

A day later, Alice and Rosalie had insisted that I go dress shopping with them for New Years. We drove into Port Angeles in the morning of the 29th, and headed for a little dress shop that Alice had found. I managed to remain an observer at first, watching Alice and Rosalie eye the racks like falcons looking for prey amongst the bushes. They came out dress after dress checking themselves out in the three-way mirror outside of the dressing rooms, and asking for the opinion of the other two. When they had finally narrowed their choices down, I could hide no longer. They both went to the racks pulling dresses for me to try on.

Two hours later, we all had dresses and shoes for the party. I was excited about what I had found, and was eager for Edward to see me in it. I waved to the girls, as they continued on with the shopping day, and I left to head to the hospital. When I opened the door of Charlie's room, I was met with the happy smile of not only my dad, but Carlisle, too.

"How was shopping?" Carlisle asked. "Successful?"

"Yes," I answered plopping down in the chair next to Charlie's bed, "and exhausting."

"Now you know why I have work to catch up on, whenever shopping comes up at home," he said with a wink. "So, I was just getting ready to tell your dad, that I have some good news. You can go home tomorrow, Charlie."

"What?" We both said together looking at each other with smiles on our faces.

"Yep," Carlisle said looking at his chart once more. "You're are healed up, eating well, everything looks in order for you to check out tomorrow after you do some paper work."

I jumped up then, and hugged Charlie, and then hugged Carlisle. They both laughed.

"There is so much to do!" I said suddenly. "I need to get home and clean the house, and do some grocery shopping. Craving anything?"

"Oh yeah," Charlie said. "I'm sure you have a pad of paper and pen in that purse, let me at it."

"Now, one thing I do want you to do once you get home, Charlie, is to start getting some daily exercise," Carlisle said. "Just take a walk in the afternoon, or in the evening with Bella. It will help your surgery incisions heal, and it will help you battle fatigue later. Remember, we need to get you in good shape again, so you are ready to take on that final round of chemo in March."

"We can do that," I answered and smiled at Charlie.

"I wish you didn't have to do the second round of chemo, Charlie, but we need to finish up the trial as we agreed," Carlisle said.

"No problem, doc," Charlie nodded, and then he coughed, looking awkward. "Thanks for letting Bella stay with your family these past few weeks."

"It was truly our pleasure, Charlie," Carlisle nodded and smiled at me. "You and Renee have raised a wonderful young woman."

"Thanks," Charlie smiled and tried not to dismiss the compliment like he usually does.

"So, Bella," Carlisle said with a reluctant smile. "I guess I won't be seeing you tonight."

"No, if it is alright with you dad, I would like stay and home and get things ready there," I asked looking at my dad.

"I think you should be fine for one night," he said smiling and brushing his hand down the side of my head.

Carlisle left then, and Charlie and I got to work on our grocery list. We decided the easiest way for us to eat a little healthier was to have a fruit and/or veggie tray constantly stocked in the fridge, so just as easily as Charlie could grab a bag of chips, he could grab the tray. As a reward, I promised I would put some of grandma Swan's classics on the list of meals for the next week.

When we were done, I packed up our list, and headed back to Forks. When I reached the Cullen's, I ran up to the door, and let myself in, as I had grown accustomed to doing over the last two weeks.

"Edward," I called out.

"Up here," he yelled back from the vicinity of his room. I dashed up the stairs, finding him sitting at his desk. The look on my face must have confused him, because he stood up quickly from his seat at his piano. I ran to him, and leapt into his arms.

"My dad gets to come home tomorrow!" I said pulling back, looking up into his face. I watched as the face that was masking my glee, slipped, before recovering into a forced smile.

"That's great, Bella," he said hugging me, but I can feel the tension in his muscles deceiving the emotion he was trying to convey to me. "So, this is your last night in Chez Cullen."

"Actually, I am going to stay at home tonight," I said softly, and I could feel his body slump in disappointment. "I'm sorry, Edward. I need to clean, get groceries, and do some laundry."

He pushed gently away from me then, and walked back over and sat down at his keyboard, and started playing softly, not looking at me.

"Edward?" I asked confused at this cold treatment.

"You better go pack up your stuff," he said not looking at me, but continuing to play.

"Do you want to come with me to the store?" I asked hopefully.

"No, I have some stuff I need to get done around here," he said coldly. "I'll call you later or something."

I stood there for several moments shocked. Finally, he looked up and gave me a 'what?' look. I could feel my eyes narrow, and then just turned toward the guest room to pack up my things with my aching heart as company.

I didn't even say good-bye to Edward when I left. I didn't get to say good-bye to anyone, because everyone was out of the house for the day. I just left a lonely note on the kitchen island thanking everyone for their hospitality, and how I would miss them. I looked back up at the house before climbing into my truck, my heart aching so bad that it was choking the tears that refused to fall.

I went to the grocery story, stocking up on all those things a house goes void of when no one is living there for two weeks. Driving home, my hurt at Edward's behavior began to turn to anger. I found myself muttering phrases like 'selfish son of a bitch' and 'jackass' as I unloaded the groceries from my truck. Once I got the groceries put away, I loaded my iPhone onto my dock and began blaring my angry music throughout the house.

I scrubbed the bathroom, vacuumed, and dusted like a woman possessed. I realized that I must look like Joan Crawford in 'Mommy Dearest' scrubbing the bathroom, but I could care less. I sang out with my sassy girl rockers until the house was spotless, the beds were all re-made, and trays of fruit and vegetables sat ready to eat in the fridge.

I showered washing off the grime of cleaning all day before climbing into my bed that evening, grabbing my phone off of the nightstand.

"Hello," Edward answered in a resigned fashion.

"Hi," I replied. We sat there in silence for a few moments, neither of us wanting to be the first to speak.

"Did you get the house clean?" Edward finally asked.

"I did. I also made up some fruit and vegetable trays, so Charlie has some healthy snack alternatives."

"That nice," Edward said shortly.

"What, Edward?" I snapped.

"What? What?! You left without saying good-bye, Bella. You're here for two weeks, and then you just leave with nothing but a generic note for the family?"

"Nobody was home, except someone who was treating me like a jerk!" I retorted.

"Oh…I'm a jerk now."

"At the moment, yes! I had to come home to get my house ready for my dad. Who is coming home after being in the hospital for two weeks!"

"Nice, already jumping to using the 'my daddy has cancer' card, I see."

I gasped.

"What did you just say?" I asked coldly.

"Bella, we are both upset let's just take some time to cool down and gain perspective."

"I think I have," I said swallowing trying to push my heart out of my throat and back down into my chest.

"What does that mean?" Edward snapped.

"I think we do need some time," I softly whispered. "Why don't you give me a few days to get Charlie settled, and I will call you."

"Whatever, Bella. Do what you've gotta do? Good night."

With that there was a click, and dead air. I pulled the phone from my ear, staring at the cold piece of metal in my hand with wide eyes. Stunned, I set the phone down on the nightstand, and clicked off my light.

"Good night," I whispered softly to no one.

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A/N: It's been too long since I have said it, but a big thanks once again to roxymar. Her sharing her experiences with being a teenage girl helping her single father through cancer really helped this story get the momentum it needed to be what it is today.

Also, a HUGE thanks to everyone who is reading and reviewing this story! I am so close to 1000 reviews! Everyone, send me a little love, and help me get there! It might just mean an extra chapter for you guys this week!

The contest I am a judge for, "Love for the Unloved". Come over and write up some loving for your favorite B-list Twilight characters! Profile is here: http://www(DOT)fanfiction(DOT)net/~lovefortheunloved