Authors Note- Hello everyone, sorry about lateness. As I said, follow me on Twitter, and you know what's going on in my life and what I am up to.
Disclaimer- S. Meyer owns all things Twilight.
December 15th
Friday
2006
BPOV
I was sitting on the living room couch in my pajama's, watching a movie as the snow swirled around in the cool Chicago air. It was a quiet night with Edward, our parents attending a fundraiser at the hospital. We had decided to keep out on this one and just sit infront of the television instead.
Halloween and Thanksgiving had came and went and the snow was now falling on the soggy, brown grass.
Our tickets to London had been purchased, which would be a fun nine hours and fourty five minute flight. I was definately not looking forward to it, along with the six hour time difference, but I was happy that I could see my grandparents, along with Edward's. We were leaving the twenty first at four o'clock, so we had to be ready after school, and that was the day we were let out for winter break.
My mother's mom had lost her husband before I was born, so she was going to stay with my other grandparents on Charlie's side. Grandma Elizabeth, or Granny Liz, was my mothers mom, and Grandpa Allen and Grandma Claire are my fathers parents.
Esme had her mother and father, Grandpa Edward and Grandma Giada. Carlisle only had his father left and he was Grandpa Carlisle, naming his son after him. All of our grandparents were wonderful people, and we were really close. I basically have six grandparents when I thought about it.
Tonight was the winter formal at the highschool, and naturally, Edward and I didn't have dates. Emmett jokingly suggested we just go together. I blushed and thought nothing of it.
Luke stopped texting me awhile ago. I really think that he was just not one to settle for just being friends. And for while I missed the friendship, but I just let it go and ignored the hurt that I felt. If he wasn't going to settle for just a friendship, then it didn't matter.
I still had yet to find a job, but I figured I would apply in the spring. I didn't have to pay bills except for my cell phone bill, but I would have to get insurance when I turned nineteen. And I would be in college by then so it would depend on where I ended up, and I would get a job out there.
" Whats next?"
My head snapped up to see the white end credits rolling down the black screen.
" Whatever you want." I answered, laying my head down on the pillow.
" Nu uh! You always fall asleep during movies!"
Bride of Chucky.
The bastard put on bride of Chucky, knowing that the girl next to him was terrified of Chucky ever since she was forced to watch it at midnight with Alice in freshmen year. I was forced by Alice's hand that was forcing me to sit down and 'watch the damn movie!'
I. Hate. Chucky.
Chucky. Is. Scary.
I had endured about three fourths of it until I fell asleep. Naturally I woke up from a nightmare, screaming when I saw that instead of her uncle, it was Edward inside of the box and was dead. Just when Chucky grabbed the lid and opened it, Edward woke me up.
" Oh my god. No don't open the trunk! NO! Nails, blood. NO!" I screamed
" Bella! Calm the fuck down and stop screaming!"
My mouth clamped shut and I looked around, seeing the blank television and the dark living room. I could hear the loud whistling of the wind outside and it made it all the more creepy. Edward hooked his arm under my knee's and an arm around my back.
He heaved me up in his arms and carried me upstairs.
" Sorry I made you watch that."
" Such an asshole."
I rested my head on his shoulder and I heard him open my bedroom door. He set me down gently on my bed, my body yearning to be close to his again. The door shut and I felt a sinking feeling, though it didn't last because the bed shifted and he crawled in next to me. I could feel his forehead against the back of my head, a hand hesitantly resting on my waist. Once my whole body relaxed he pulled me next to him, his front against my back.
Something inside of me make me think that he thought I was asleep. He didn't sleep close to me on purpose, it ended up that way. My insides sparked with lost hope.
I nestled my face into the soft pillow and took a deep breath.
December 21st
Leaving for London
Flight Time: 9 Hrs 45 Mins app.
Time of flight: 4:00pm
Time difference: 6 Hours
US time Arrival Would Have Been: 1:45AM
London Time arrival: 7:45 app
I rolled up my blanket and stuffed it into my carry on, grabbing my iPod, my cell and a book. My suitcase was already loaded into the taxi downstairs and I was just grabbing a few last minute stuff. I hadn't gotten a wink of sleep last night, sp I was basically sleeping through the finals, but I managed. I could sleep on the plane, we were flying first class.
Lazily, I got downstairs, making sure everything was off, and said goodbye to home until January fourth. I slipped into the taxi with both of my parents and the guy headed down to O' Hare airport. Carlisle, Esme and Edward were right behind us in another taxi.
The guy parked on the curb and popped the trunk, we retrieved our things and headed inside. I was literally about to drop when we got to baggage. My dad put the stuff on the conveyor belt and we went to the terminal. The lady checked over the tickets and passports before letting us through to the plane. Before that, security had us take our shoes off, look through our carry-ons and go through that before getting on.
Edward and I, My father and my mother ,and Esme and Carlisle were sitting next to eachother in groups on the seats. I dropped into my seat by the window, digging in my bag sleepily for my blanket.
Edward chuckled " Bella, stop, let me."
I reclined my seat and pushed up the armrest, not even asking Edward if I could. He handed me my blanket and got a pillow from the attendant that asked if we needed one. I laid back, shifting around to get comfortable.
Edward turned on the small television, it was playing Little Miss Sunshine. He looked over at me, rubbed my arm gently with his hand and I was asleep within minutes.
" Bella, time to get up."
I moaned, rolling on my side.
" Come on, Bella. The plane is getting ready to land.
The whole nine hours and fourty five minutes I had slept. Right through the whole entire flight, and I was still completely exhausted. Sleeping on a plane really wasn't that comfortable, but I was as tired as hell that I would of slept on hard concrete.
I sat up in my seat, rubbing my eyes and smoothing my crazy hair down. I ended up just throwing it up in a bun and calling it a day. Edward helped me stuff my blanket back in and helped me recline the seat back up.
" We will be landing in London Heathrow Airport at seven fourty eight. Keep your seatbelts on until we have safely landed. Thank you."
Edward switched off the television and looked over at me.
" Nice nap?" he asked.
" I'm still so tired."
He chuckled " Well, you will get to sleep longer once you get home."
Home. I smiled at the thought.
" I've really missed it here. It's been two long years."
" So have I." he agreed.
Once the plane safely landed we stood from our seats and stepped off the plane. There was no snow, but it was still cold. It wasn't very often that it snowed out here, which was a good thing for me. I looked at my surroundings, seeing familar tall buildings and the airport. Which is one of the worlds busiest airports.
We got our baggage and waited outside. Since my fathers parents had a bigger house, we were all staying there together. Grandpa Allen was picking us up because he was the only early riser in the family.
He appeared in his car, white hair and pale blue eyes, looking like he wanted to leap out of the car. Grandpa Allen opened and slammed the door, standing infront of us with a huge smile.
" Well, if it isn't the Cullens and Swans, hmm." he said, british accent as thick as ever.
He, me being his ultimate favorite, gave me a huge hug, squeezing me.
" Your getting old, Isabella."
" Not as old as you Grandpa." I teased as he hugged his son.
" Hey dad." my father greeted.
He embraced every single one of us and we squished into his small car. I was basically sitting in Esme's lap, she just smiled like it was nothing. We drove past all of the familar hotels and resturaunts until we were in London City also known as 'The City'. We drove into my grandmothers neighborhood, and when we pulled into the familar driveway, I saw the other cars park, signalling the other grandparents arrival.
My father and Carlisle stayed to get all the luggage while we went in to see them all. My granny Liz came forward and hugged me.
"Oh, darling, you are getting so big!" she exclaimed.
" Hey, Granny."
" And listen to that accent, hasn't faded a bit."
My grandmother really wasn't that old. She had my mother in her early twenties, as did my mother, so she was only in her late sixties, along with my grandfather and all of the other grandparents. Grandpa Carlisle was the only one who was in his seventies, he was seventy three.
He hugged me next and then I was passed onto Grandpa Edward, Grandma Giada and Grandma Claire. Alot of grandparents. When Carlisle and my father came in they greeted their parents and the others before taking the stuff upstairs. I walked into the guest room with the huge king sized bed that I was sharing with Edward. Carlisle and Esme were right across the hall and my parents were at the end of the hall. Grandpa Allen and Grandma Claire's bedroom next to Carlisle and Esme's room.
Edward and I put our clothes in the drawers and I put my stuff in the bathroom. Once I was mostly unpacked I grabbed my pillow and blanket from my suitcase, I had to have my pillow with me everywhere, and set it over the other pillows. I crawled under the soft, chenille blanket. Edward laid on the other side, kicking his shoes off and getting under.
The time change wasn't really that bad because I slept on the plane and only wanted about an hour or two of more sleep, so I would be up around ten which was when I got up on weekends back in the States.
As I thought, I awoke at ten, but Edward was still dead to the world. I took a shower and dressed in different clothes before heading downstairs.
" How are you feeling, dear?" Grandma Giada asked.
I smiled " Better. But Edward is still dead asleep upstairs."
She chuckled " Of course. That boy was the sleeper as a baby. He was the angel and you were the devil. Complimented eachother nonetheless."
I smiled and went into the kitchen, where Grandma Giada was cooking an Italian dish as usual. I sat and talked with everyone for awhile until Granny Liz served our lunch and we got to eating. Edward stumbled downstairs, only wearing boxers.
Grandma Giada, Grandma Claire and Granny Liz gasped.
" Boy, have some decency and put on some clothes! You are a british gentlemen, not an American hobknocker!" Granny Liz exclaimed.
He rubbed his eyes and went to the fridge, grabbing a Ribena Juice Drink. He chugged it down and threw it in the trash when he finished. Then he proceeded to burp and then sit down, everybody staring at him. Esme slapped his arm as hard as she could and he yelped.
" Hey!"
" Don't you 'hey' me! That was very unproper in the presence of ladies!"
I choked a laugh and swallowed more pasta, taking a drink from my glass of water.
" What do you find so amusing?" Grandpa Allen asked.
" Nothing." I murmured into my glass.
" She thinks this behavior from him is funny!" he exclaimed with a laugh.
Grandpa Edward patted Edward's back. It was an awkward thought... They both looked alot alike, Grandpa Edward was just like a last sixty version of Edward.
" It's okay, kid."
Edward laughed, grabbing a fork and taking pasta from my plate, shoveling the spoonful into his awaiting mouth.
" Hey! Get your own food if you are hungry. Or I'll beat your white a-"
My mother gave me a pointed look as did my father.
"Nothing." I continued, looking down at my plate.
We finished up our lunch and cleaned up our dishes.
The day was mostly spent lazing around, but at seven thirty I asked Edward if he wanted to go get some Fish and Chips with me. We slipped on our jackets, shoes and headed outside. I could still remember the turns and street names. It had only been two years, I would surprised if I forgot.
As we turned a right on another street I heard a familar voice behind me.
" Well, if it isn't the British twins, Isabella Swan and Edward Cullen."
We turned around and were met with the familar faces of Abigal Libersin and Allen Whitmoore. They were previous friends when we lived here.
" Hey, guys. Good to see you."
Abby bounced towards us, her curly blonde hair boucing with her. She embraced me in a hug whilst Edward greeted Allen.
" Nice to see you both. Have you been well?" Edward asked.
" Yes." they said in usion
" Well, we were just heading over to get some Fish and Chips..."
" Okay, well catch you later."
They walked past us, linking hands and leaning into eachother. Edward looked at me and I stared back at them.
" Your together?" I shouted.
Allen turned around, smiling at me brilliantly " Yeah. Thought you and Edward over here would be together by now also."
When we were kids Abby could not stand to be in Allen's presence. He would pull her hair and push her around. When she was fourteen it was even worse when he teased her to the point of tears. I stayed rooted in my spot as they walked away together.
" That's odd." Edward stated, walking down the sidewalk. I sprinted until I was beside him, walking at the same pace. When I saw the familar building I jogged inside, the delicious scents washing over me.
" Bella! Edward!" I heard a familar british man yell from behind the counter.
We walked up to the counter, smiling at Michael. He was a early fourty year old man and he opened this place with his brother about ten years ago. They had the best Fish and Chips in the whole UK.
" Two orders of the usual."
He grabbed a newspaper cone, filling it with the beer batter cod and chips, and or, fries. Once he handed us the hot food in the paper I grabbed for it. Devouring a peice of the fish.
" That hits the spot."
" Later, Michael!" Edward shouted.
" Hey! You come back here. Hows it going in America?"
I smiled " Good, everything is great. Maybe you should come sometime and find yourself a piece of arm candy."
He scoffed " America is just a place where all the obese people live."
My mouth dropped " Hey! Look at the gut you carry around."
" Touche, Isabella."
I smacked his arm playfully, heading towards the door. Edward took my elbow, leading me out.
" You two kids be safe out there. It's getting dark."
" I'll take care of her." Edward shouted, closing the door.
Christmas Day
" Edward wait until after we eat dinner to open your presents." Esme scolded.
He was pacing around the bright Christmas tree, staring at the presents. Edward still acted like a six year old on Christmas each year. All of us ladies were in the kitchen helping with the huge dinner that was to be prepared.
" But, mom!" he whined.
" Edward, can you come here and help me set the table?" I asked.
With a sigh he came forward. I handed him the place mats and I grabbed plates for twelve. I set the plates down as he set the mats down. We went all around the big glass table until we went to retreive utensils. I grabbed forks and he grabbed knifes, my father setting down napkins as we placed the silverwear down. We served drinks on the table and then Edward went to go back and moan about the gifts.
" No, no. Go get me some sour cream and butter from the fridge."
"Bella," he sighed.
" Do. It."
Without a word he went to the fridge.
" Little Isabella still has him wrapped around her little finger." Grandma Claire said, smiling.
I grabbed the soften potatoes and had Edward scoop a few spoonfuls of sour cream, and a stick of butter in the pot. I mashed it all together until it was nice and smooth, then added salt and pepper, stirring it in. I set it on the table just as Grandpa Carlisle was putting the candied sweet potatoes.
" Are you okay, sweetie?" he asked.
I looked up at him " Yeah, I'm fine. Why?"
" You just looked a little down is all."
" I'm good, no worries."
We finished filling the table, all of the dishes placed in certain area. There was Turkey, Ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans and cranberries. I took my seat next to my mother and Edward, loading my plate up with a generous amount of food.
All of us shared easy conversation throughout dinner until finally we cleaned up and put the leftovers in containers. Edward was boucing off the walls, shuffling all of us into the living room. There was a film playing on the television as we all settled.
" Boy, you need patience." Granny Liz complained.
" Yeah, okay. Can I hand out the presents?" he asked Esme.
" Sure, sweetheart." she answered with an eye roll.
I leaned against the ledge on the fireplace as Edward handed out the gifts. I had a huge stack of little boxes and a few flat things. I had a medium sized box from Carlisle and Esme and a few others from my parents.
Once everything was handed out I opened the presents from my grandparents. I got alot of pound from them, and they usually got us money so we could get our own things. I got American Bills and Pound half and half from each grandparent.
I had around nine hundred dollars in dollar bills, and around the same amount in pound. I gave them all a hug, thanking them for all the money. Next, I grabbed the present that Carlisle and Esme had gotten me.
Inside of the box was a very expensive looking Nikon camera. My silver digital camera that I bought when I was thirteen was a hunk of nothing compared to this. Slowly I picked it up, examining it, it was a beautiful camera and very handy.
" Wow, this is just awesome. Thank you, so much. This must of been a fortune." I raved, hugging Esme and then Carlisle.
" It's nothing, Bella. Money doesn't matter."
Edward was digging through all of his gifts, ripping the paper off like a mad man while I took my sweet time. I went to the pile from my parents, they had gotten me a few books, CD's and movies that I wanted. As I got older it was harder to pick what I wanted, but I was happy with my gifts from them, they also liked what I had given then.
I threw out all of my wrapping paper and sat down next to Edward, who handed me a small box. I slid his gifts over in his direction. Slowly he ripped off the red paper, revealing the game console.
"Seriously...Yeah, I knew there was a reason why I called you my best friend."
He lifted the Xbox 360 box to stand and then grabbed the three games that I had gotten him. Halo 2, Bioshock and Call of Duty 3. Edward hugged me tightly and I went to open my gift from him. When I opened it up, I saw the light blue/teal box.
" Edward.." I started.
" Just open it."
I untied the smashed down ribbon and opened he box, seeing a white gold pendant with diamonds twisted into a ornate design. It was hanging on a black twist cord with a chain clasp.
It was an absolutely beautiful necklace. There was an intake of breath around the room as I took it out of the box. Slowly I handed it to Edward, sweeping my hair aside. He clasped it around my neck and I touched the shiny diamonds.
We both stood and embraced eachother tightly.
" Thank you," I whispered in his ear.
He kissed the side of my head " Your very welcome."
I let him go after a moment, not wanting to hold on for too long. We cleaned up the living room and everybody headed to bed a little early. Tired from all the eating and exciting events. I walked up the stairs, carrying my things.
After setting them on the dresser I shut the bedroom door upon hearing talking in the hallway. I sighed and went into the bathroom, washing my face and brushing my teeth. After slipping my pony-tail off, my sweater came next, along with my jeans. I grabbed a pair of boxer shorts and a long sleeved black shirt. As I flipped the switch, Edward had entered the room. He set his things down and I lifted up the thick comforter, climbing into the bed and relaxing under the cool sheets.
I heard him moving around in the bathroom before he came out, laying on the opposite side of bed as I. My hand reached up to grasp my necklace, and soon I fell into a deep sleep.
Authors Note- I couldn't bring out my big guns this chapter. Yes, I have big guns coming up next chapter. Prepare yourselfs, you have until Tuesday.