I'm in a cab on the way to the Cullen's for Christmas dinner.

It's more than I can afford, but the buses aren't running.

When I went through my closet looking for something to wear, I realized the only dressy thing I owned was the dress I wore to my moms funeral.

I was able to find a sweater dress though on clearance at a little shop I always go by on my way to and from work.

It's grey with a pattern around the neck. I think it looks nice with my black tights and flats.

I try to relax and take deep breaths as I get closer and closer to the address Rosalie gave me.

I can't help but notice but as the longer we drive, the more the houses become bigger and bigger.

A few minutes later, the driver pulls up to a big beige house littered with white lights Christmas lights with those light up deer in the front yard.

I cringe as I pay the cab fare and step out into the cold San Francisco air.

Steeling my nerves once more, I walk up the stairs and ring the doorbell.

An older woman answers the door.

She instantly reminds me of June Cleaver, right down to her pearl necklace.

"Hi, I'm Bella."

"Bella!" She exclaims. "Oh, good. We've been expecting you. I'm Esme, come in!"

I follow her inside where she takes my coat from me and hangs it up on a coat rack.

"Rose is here, along with everyone else."

"I'm sorry," I say. "Am I late?"

"Oh, no, dear. We're just having eggnog. Can I get you a glass?"

"Yes, please."

We go to the kitchen first where she pours me a cup of eggnog and then I follow her to the living room.

Everyone is sitting around, chatting.

Everyone including Jessica, who is sitting between Edward and another guy.

Rosalie is talking to another older man who I assume is Carlisle, Esme's husband. When she sees me, she jumps up from her seat and over to me.

"Bella! You made it!" She throws her arms around me in a hug. I can smell the alcohol on her breath.

"Yeah, I'm here," I confirm, half hugging, half patting her on the back.

"Let me introduce you to to everyone," she says, releasing her hold on me and turning back to everyone.

"You already met Esme, that's Carlisle, her husband, then you know Edward, of course. That's Jessica, Edward's brought her," Rosalie gives me a look then, trying to tell me something. I'm just confused.

"We've meet," Jessica pipes up, smiling. "It's good to see you again. You didn't happen to bring any cupcakes with you, did you?"

"No," I tell her. "Not today."

"Anyways," Rose continues, "lastly, that's my wonderful ex-husband, Emmett."

"Pleasure to meet you, Bella." The way Emmett says my name flirtatiously. I look over at Rose to check her reaction and she just rolls her eyes and looks annoyed.

I hear a timer ding from the kitchen and Esme, either oblivious to the sudden slight tension on the room or choosing to ignore it, gets up from where she was sitting and rushes to the kitchen.

Rosalie leads me to sit back down besides her and I take a sip of my drink.

I scrunch my face up before quickly relaxing it again. It's spiked.

Rosalie takes notice of my action and nudges me in the side, then raises her glass up to clink with mine.

"Cheers," she mouths.

I feel like someone is watching me, a burning gaze to the top of my head.

When I look up I expect to see Jessica glaring daggers at me.

But it's not.

It's Edward.

And there's nothing contemptuous in his look.

I want to thank Tropical Sorbet who put up with me while every few minutes I would bug and ask her for her opinion or help with something. She's awesome. Are you reading Edroar? If not, you should be.

See you tomorrow morning!