Disclaimer: The characters of Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer.
All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The author (Emmamama88) is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. All other characters, and the original story of Love Rescue Me are the intellectual property of Emmamama88, copyright 2010.
**Here we are again. I think there are a few readers following this one. Some others may be waiting until V&V is complete to start. Good luck with that! Slow burn and all.
Just as V&V tells the story of Bella and her family, LRM will tell the story of Edward and his family. That's good news for all you Jasper and Alice fans.
Enjoy!
*******************************LRM*************************
Chapter 3 - Mixed Signals for The Fortunate Son
After I shut the door to my suite, I looked around. The room had lost all its color. It suddenly felt drab and lifeless, whereas moments before it was warm and inviting.
I grabbed my suitcase and started to pack my clothing. There was no way I was staying in this hotel tonight. I suddenly felt the need for human companionship, something I'd shied away from for years, even attempting to keep my family at arm's length much of the time.
I needed the feeling of 'home'. My decision was made, I would go to my parent's house a day early.
They would be thrilled.
Just then my phone rang.
Alice.
Hoping and praying that Jasper was successful at getting me invited tonight, I answered.
"Well? What did Jasper find out?" I barked into the phone.
"You know Edward, your phone manners are kind of poopie." I had to laugh at Alice. She shied away from using curse words. She would say them in a text message far more often than uttering them out loud. However, the words she replaced them with were straight out of the mind of a five year old.
"Sorry Alice. I'm just on edge." I told her.
"I kind of figured that. Mom and Dad are ecstatic that you're coming to stay tonight. And no, Jasper hasn't spoken with Rose yet. He tried but didn't get an answer, then his mother trapped him on the phone, he's been on there with her for one solid hour. She's supposed to be on a cruise, not calling her son so she can gossip about all their relatives. Why Colonel Whitlock hasn't strangled that woman in her sleep by now is beyond me."
I was pretty sure that Alice forgot I was still on the line as she ranted.
"Alice, why did you call?" I said, hoping she would focus.
"Oh yeah. Alright, I want you to wear the Gucci suit for dinner. No arguments."
"So you think I'll be going tonight?" I asked, hopefully.
"Of course Edward, I can see that clearly. It's just a matter of Jasper getting Rose to answer the phone. Truth be told, she probably shut it off while avoiding her mother's phone calls. Who could blame her?"
"Okay, well I'm going to finish packing my bag. You'll call me as soon as you know for sure?" I asked.
"As soon as Jazz speaks with Rose, I'll call you." She promised. "We'll come to pick you up, that way we can go straight to Mom and Dad's after dinner."
"Sounds good. Thanks Ali."
"You're welcome little brother." Responded the pixie.
I laid out the suit, and decided to go for a run on the treadmill while waiting for Alice's call.
I got waylaid by a couple of fans on the way to the fitness room. I was polite to them, stopping to pose for photos, then went on my way.
Upon returning to my rooms, I tried not to worry that Alice still hadn't called. After my shower, I picked up my phone to find a waiting text message.
Edward-
Dinner's all set. We'll be there in about an hour. Love you.
-Ali
I sent a quick text to Sidney informing him that I wouldn't be needing his services until the day after Christmas, and that I hoped he had a pleasant holiday.
Over an hour later, Alice, Jasper and I were sitting in my suite, listening to Christmas music.
Alice's choice, obviously.
I got up and walked to the window, gazing out at the Seattle skyline.
My life had become so confusing in the last twenty-four hours. Every time I tried to settle my mind, I would think about Bella Swan then my mouth would go dry, and my palms would start to sweat.
I was finding it hard to remember what it was like before she had invaded my every waking thought.
You are obsessed Edward. I think a visit to Dr. Gould may be in order. Soon.
I sighed and scrubbed my face with my hands. I was suddenly aware that Jasper had come to stand beside me.
"Edward, Alice clued me in to what she thinks is going on, but I'd like to hear it from you." He said quietly.
I looked at him as if I had no idea what he was talking about.
He rolled his eyes. "Come on Edward. You can't lie to us. You're the guy who doesn't socialize willingly. Dinner parties go against the grain, so you rarely attend them."
Jasper was right. Normally, I would loathe an evening like this.
He continued. "So, I want to hear from you why I had to beg my sister to get an invite for Hollywood's own resident hermit."
"I just need to be there tonight, it's not something I can really explain." I said quietly.
"I'm just concerned because you're not behaving like yourself, I hope.."
"Don't worry Jasper." I cut him off. "My personal issues have never interfered with my work, so your job is safe." I said curtly.
Jasper looked wounded. "Edward, that was unfair. You didn't even give me a chance to finish. I was going to say that I hope the changes I've witnessed since yesterday continue. Isabella Swan seems to be having a positive influence on you."
I felt a little bad for barking at him the way I did.
Jasper narrowed his eyes at me and continued. "But, evidently, it's going to take a while to curb your asshole tendencies."
Alice giggled from her spot on the sofa.
Jasper is right, I am an asshole. If I cared about Isabella, I'd leave her alone.
"I'm sorry man." I said as I sighed. "I'm just really confused about the way I'm feeling about everything right now."
Alice chimed in then. "Edward, I know you don't want to hear this but I believe that the proper word for what you are feeling is 'smitten'."
"Alice, I love you, but it's hard to take you seriously when you use words from Grandma Masen's vocabulary in your every day speech." I laughed.
"Shut up Edward. I can't help it that I spent so many summers with her. She was a great lady with fabulous style." She smiled, and then she stood. "Well chickens, I think it's time to hit the road. The Swan-Whitlock dinner party awaits!"
Isabella lived in a very nice apartment building and, as she had pointed out it was only a couple of blocks walk from the television station.
I still hope that she doesn't walk there by herself.
As we waited for someone to answer the door, I glanced across the hall.
That must be hers. Apartment 22B.
I turned back toward Alice and Jasper just as the door opened.
Rose greeted us, giving me a cool handshake, and led us into their expansive living room. I spied Isabella sitting on the sofa as a Christmas cartoon played on the video screen.
She was stunning. I thought she was beautiful before, but the blue dress that she was wearing contrasted with her skin tone perfectly. That coupled with her hair and beautiful facial features made her exquisite.
"You look lovely Isabella." I said quietly.
She seemed pleased to see me. I hoped that I wasn't misreading her.
Everyone turned to stare at who I assumed was Emmett. Now that I saw him, I remembered him vaguely from Alice and Jasper's wedding. He was seemingly engrossed in the cartoon.
Isabella, noticing where our attention had been drawn, explained that her brother could not break away from the cartoon until Frosty was able to achieve a happy ending.
We all laughed out loud. I laughed even harder when I thought about the Christmas video that Alice forced me to sit through every year.
What was that movie? Oh yes some cartoon about a nutcracker. I believe that Kiefer supplied one of the voices. I'll have to tell him about my sister's obsession next time I see him, I'm sure he'll be amused.
After the show, I got a chance to chat briefly with Emmett. He was a hell of a nice guy. I remembered Bella saying that he was a little crazy. Apart from the cartoon incident, he didn't exhibit any behavior outside of the norm, so I would have to take Bella's word for it.
I watched Bella as she chatted easily with Alice and Jasper. Every now and then she would catch my gaze and blush.
I love her blush.
When we sat down to dinner, I was thrilled to be seated next to Bella.
"So Bella, do you intend to stay in the Seattle area after graduation?" Alice asked her.
Alice was fishing.
"I'm pretty sure I'll stay in this area. Actually, I love to write, and was thinking about going into teaching because it would give me enough free time to pursue my writing."
"You could do that anywhere Bella. Do you love the cold weather so much that you haven't even thought of leaving? Or is it a young man keeping you in Seattle?" Alice asked with a grin.
I froze, gripping my fork so tightly that it hurt my fingers.
Fuck. I don't know what I'll do if she reveals she has a boyfriend. I'm not ready for my heart to be ripped from my chest.
"No. No young man keeping me here, and I actually hate the cold. The only good thing about this time of the year is Christmas. After that, I'll be living every day anxiously waiting for Spring to arrive. My favorite day of the year is when I see the first tulip in bloom."
At the mention of no boyfriend, my heart faltered in its rhythm.
Could my luck actually be turning?
I also made a mental note of her love for tulips.
I had to struggle to keep the elation from bubbling to the surface. I managed to pull my mouth in such a way, that I'm sure it looked like a grimace.
"Well, during Spring break, you could always come to California and stay with me and Jazz. We would have a great time, I could show you around the area." She said as she practically bounced in her seat. "We could go shopping!"
Alice is fucking brilliant! She is the best sister ever.
"Wow that's so generous of you Alice, thanks." It sounded as if Isabella was going to try to get out of the offer.
No! Alice work your magic.
"Bella, did Alice just invite you to California for spring break?" Rose asked.
"Yes" Bella did not look happy. Why would she dislike us? She barely knows us.
Exactly Edward. Maybe she's figured out that you're a stalker.
Rose seemed to settle the matter, and Alice went on to discuss clothing.
I tuned out of the conversation, happy just to gaze at Beautiful Bella.
All of a sudden Bella got a frightened look on her face.
What was Alice telling her? What did I miss?
"Oh posh Bella, you obviously don't see yourself clearly. You are a very stunning young woman. Believe me, I know these things, it's what I do."
That seemed harmless, and completely truthful.
"You have no idea Alice. Bella actually thinks she's plain. Can you imagine?" Rose answered.
Appalling. So Isabella suffers from low self-esteem. I'm surprised I didn't notice this, seeing as how I've watched her obsessively every moment that we've been together.
Bella excused herself, to use the bathroom I supposed.
Rose turned to Alice. "A trip to California is exactly what that girl needs Alice. She's entirely too reclusive." Rose said.
"Babe, Bella isn't comfortable around a lot of people that she doesn't know." Emmett defended.
So she's reclusive like me. Add that to Rosalie referring to her as 'fragile' yesterday, and this just gets more and more troubling. I hope there's not something tragic in her past that has caused this.
I was suddenly filled with hatred for anyone or anything that may have caused harm to Isabella.
"Well she knows us now Emmett. There's nothing for her to be nervous about. We'll look after her." Alice grinned triumphantly.
"Darlin' just don't push Bella too much. A vacation is supposed to be relaxing." Jasper added.
Just then, Isabella reappeared and took her seat at the table.
Jasper, ever the gentleman, complimented her cooking and Bella beamed.
After dessert, we retired to the living room. Now was my chance to have a real conversation with Bella.
I forgot that anyone else was in the room as I gazed at the enchanting creature beside me. I found myself needing to tell her just how lovely she was.
"I find it curious Bella that you can easily accept compliments about your cooking, but not about your appearance." I told her. "Alice is right though, you don't see yourself very clearly. You have natural beauty, a rare thing these days."
And the blush returns. You are so lovely, you take my breath away.
"Don't get me wrong" I added, "I find your attitude quite refreshing. You would understand if you had to deal with the vast number of conceited, arrogant and plastic people that I have to on a daily basis."
Dear God, I despise them.
"Most of them don't have any reason to be conceited. Their looks are rarely natural, and their personalities are sufficient enough to destroy the illusion of any outward beauty."
And they all think I'm a prick, so I guess we're even.
"Wow, is it that bad?" she questioned.
"Worse. In my REAL life, not the one you see in magazines that is, I try to surround myself with those people that can work in the system, but haven't been corrupted by it."
Alice, Jasper, Jane, Alec, Christopher, and to some extent Felix.
"But enough of Hollywood, I don't want to think about it during Christmas."
I want to talk about you, beautiful.
She informed me that she, Emmett and Rose would be leaving tomorrow to spend Christmas with her father, and return on Saturday.
This was good to know.
She then asked about my Christmas, and I admitted that I hadn't been home for Christmas in two years.
Last year I'd spent most of December on a press tour for 'September Ends', and spent Christmas Day in Chicago with my grandfather and some aunts, uncles and various cousins.
She questioned why I was here tonight instead of spending the evening with my parents.
"Well, they had to attend a charity event tonight."
"Oh."
"And, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see you again before Monday." I answered truthfully.
I couldn't help but chuckle at her look of surprise.
I admitted that I would be staying at my parents' home for the next couple of nights, and then attempted to explain that I only stayed in a hotel to protect them from the intrusions of the paparazzi. I didn't reveal that this was only part of the reason.
There's no point telling her that I have been closed off emotionally to everyone for almost seven years. I've done everything I can to push my family away, thank God I wasn't successful.
The next words out of Isabella's mouth almost caused me to despair of ever having a chance to be close to her.
"Edward"
"Hmm?" I asked, wondering where her curious mind would lead her next.
"Why aren't you spending Christmas with your girlfriend?"
Damn it. Tanya. I had forgotten she even existed.
These were the words that my subconscious had dreaded. This was the reason that I'd had a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach all day.
I noticed that the room grew quiet, and everyone's gaze was trained on me. There was no way to answer that question fully, at least not to the extent that would satisfy someone like Rosalie. The ugly truth was something I couldn't share today, if ever. My hands were tied, there were other people that would be harmed if I were reckless and spoke out of turn.
For the moment, I could only give a partial explanation. I knew that it would sound cryptic, but it couldn't be helped.
Why have I made my life so complicated?
It was suddenly difficult to speak. "Suffice it to say Bella that things aren't always what they seem. Hollywood survives by creating illusion."
In other words, they lie, lie, and lie some more just to make a buck.
Alice looked at me sympathetically and mentioned the late hour. That was our cue to leave.
There were goodbyes and Christmas wishes, but I zoned out. As we made our way downstairs, and to the car, I couldn't help the feelings of dread and despair that were beginning to cloud my mind.
I felt a small warm hand touch my arm. "Edward, it's going to work out." Alice said in a small voice as I looked up and into her eyes. "Please believe me Edward. Bella is going to give you a chance. Have faith."
She seemed so sure of her words. Could I believe them?
I now regretted making the decision to go to my parents'. I wanted nothing more than to escape to my hotel suite and wallow in self pity. And probably drink.
It felt as if the first thing I'd wanted in seven years. The first thing I'd really ever wanted was slipping away from me. I didn't know how to stop it. I couldn't reveal everything to Isabella. Not yet.
I leaned my head back against the seat of the car and sighed. "I am so fucked." I muttered aloud to no one in particular.
It was quiet for a while until Jasper finally spoke. "Look Edward, I don't want to be the one to tell you what to do." He spoke seriously. "But it seems like someone has to."
I closed my eyes and waited for him to speak.
"Look at it this way. You've got three days next week to get to know Bella. Spend those three days finding out if she's someone you'd maybe want to have a serious relationship with. If she is, then tell her as much about your situation as you can, as much as you are able to confide at this point."
I thought about what Jasper had said. It made perfect sense. If these feelings I had for Isabella turned out to be some weird temporary fixation I should figure that out after spending three days with her.
If they were something more, something deeper, as I suspected, I'd have to tell her everything. Granted I'd need to go back to California and clean up my mess first, but after that, I would keep nothing from Isabella.
It was strange how that thought comforted me.
"Thanks Jasper. I think that's exactly what I'm going to do." I was compelled to see where all this would lead me.
I had a feeling I was in for a wild ride.
"We both wish you'd never agreed to all that crazy shit Edward. Alice always told you it would come back to haunt you." Jasper added.
I couldn't argue with him about anything he'd said tonight. I was responsible for my own mess, I needed to fix it.
Mom and Dad hadn't made it home by the time we arrived. I was glad, not being up to the line of questioning my mother was sure to throw at me.
Alice is certain to have said something to Mom and Dad about Bella.
My sister has always been very discreet when dealing with the general public, but there were no secrets between her and Mother. They've always been more like best friends than Mother and daughter.
I thought about how I'd left things with Bella this evening. Having been so distraught about her 'girlfriend' question, I'd barely even said goodbye.
What must she think of me?
Knowing what I needed to do, I reached for my phone.
"How may I help you this evening Mr. Masen?" The concierge breathed.
"Yes, hello, I needed to get in touch with the hotel's florist."
"I can help you with that Mr. Masen." She answered coldly.
Jealously really doesn't become you Julia.
I sighed. "Be that as it may, I wish to speak with the florist anyway."
"Yes sir, I'll have him call your room as soon as possible."
"No, please have him call my cell. I won't be returning to the room for a couple of days."
"Oh, I see. I'll take care of that immediately sir." She said icily this time.
What the hell does it matter to you if I'm not sleeping in your precious hotel for a couple of nights.? I'm paying for the room regardless.
Then it dawned on me, Julia assumed that I was spending my evenings in the company of another woman. She'd probably even deduced that the flowers were for the same woman.
Good. Maybe now she'll keep a more professional distance.
The florist was in touch within minutes, and after being reassured that the flowers would remain fresh for many days, I placed my order.
There was something else I needed to do. "Are you at floral shop right now?" I asked.
"No Mr. Masen, I'm at home."
"How early will you be at the shop in the morning?"
"We don't open until 8am, but I'll be in there at six, don't worry I'll make sure your order is delivered by eight-thirty, even if I have to take it myself."
"That would be fine, but I'm coming in at seven-thirty. I'd like to see the flowers before they're delivered, and I'd like to personalize the card myself."
"Well, um, yes, of course sir, that would be fine. I'll see you then."
"Thank you, goodbye" I was so used to getting exactly what I wanted in L.A., that I'd forgotten my abrupt manner could be startling to those not used to dealing with me.
Feeling satisfied with my gesture toward Bella, I felt my nerves start to calm.
I took a shower and readied myself for bed.
After setting the alarm for the un-godly hour of six-thirty, I decided to send a quick text to Bella before going to sleep.
Bella-
Spending the evening with you brightened my holiday considerably.
-Edward
Hopefully she wouldn't think I was a complete jerk.
-V&V-
After dressing the next morning, I was anxious to get to the florist shop. I knew exactly what I wanted to write on the card.
I grabbed the keys to the Vanquish, but as I headed down the stairs, I was met at the bottom by my sister. She was dressed, and bundled up for the December temperatures, and she was holding two cups of coffee in travel mugs.
God Bless Alice.
"Care to tell me where we're going?" She asked.
"We?" I said, amused.
"I saw that if I let you go alone, you may just decide to stay at the hotel." She answered narrowing her eyes at me.
She knows me well. Too well.
"Just an errand." I smiled.
The tulips were beautiful, and I had no doubt that Isabella would be happy with them. My card was just impersonal enough to hide the fact that I'd become her own personal stalker.
Maybe.
Feeling Alice's gaze on me as we drove back to Mercer Island, I finally spoke. "Alright Alice, what's on your mind?"
"I was just thinking." She said, smiling.
"About?"
"About how much I like this new Edward. He's a lot more like the Edward I remember. I hope he stays around for good."
"Me too Alice." I agreed quietly.
-V&V-
Upon our arrival back to Mom and Dad's, everyone was waiting for us in the breakfast room.
Mom eyed me curiously as she sipped her morning coffee. "So Edward, what's she like?" I could feel the excitement coming off of her in waves. "I can't imagine that she'd be anything like her brother. He tends to suck all the air out of the room when he enters. Don't get me wrong, I really like Emmett."
I shook my head, looking at Alice. "You're unbelievable."
Alice just shrugged and grinned at me. "Too bad that we've been waiting years for this to happen Edward. Deal with it."
I turned back to Mom. "She's quiet." I thought about Bella. "She's beautiful, and very intelligent. There's just something about her that draws me in. I can't understand it, but I'm trying to figure it out." I said wistfully, more to myself than anyone else.
Alice and my mother wore matching awed expressions. "Oh come on, would you two cut it out." I barked.
They burst into laughter, soon joined by Jasper and Dad.
My father successfully changed the subject to last night's charity event, and how draining it had been to spend the entire evening rubbing elbows with the uber-wealthy.
"So how much were you able to squeeze out of the pompous fat cats of Seattle high society?" I asked smiling.
"We raised quite a bit. The dinner alone garnered a million, and the silent auction earned a couple hundred thousand more." Dad answered.
The three charities chosen by the Cullen Foundation to be awarded the proceeds of this year's events were a local homeless shelter, an organization that provided games and toys to hospitalized children, and a neighborhood association that ran a soup kitchen, providing two meals a day, six days a week for Seattle's needy.
"We're going to deliver part of the money to the soup kitchen today. They are in desperate need of it." My mother remarked.
This was the usual way that my family spent Christmas Eve. For us, it was never a day to sit around and relax, or to do that last minute shopping. It was a day that we spent doing for others.
Today I wouldn't be Edward Masen, movie star. Today I would be Edward Cullen, soup kitchen worker. I would be trading in my expensive suit for comfortable jeans, a sweatshirt and my favorite baseball cap. Alice wouldn't complain about my choice of clothing today, she would be dressed much the same.
My parents were both born into wealth. I believe one would have to do extensive research to find a time when the Cullens and the Masens didn't have money.
Because of this, my parents believed it our duty to give to those not as fortunate. We were expected to donate, not only monetarily, but of our time as well, so that we would never forget how blessed we truly were.
Not surprisingly, my mother's favorite saying was "There but for the grace of God, go I."
We were packing Mom's work van with boxes of things to drop at the homeless shelter. Mom sent me inside to get one more box which she'd stowed in my closet.
Just as I reached my room, my phone buzzed. I felt my stomach drop when I saw there was a text from Bella.
Edward-
I just wanted to thank you for the flowers, they were beyond beautiful.
-Bella
She liked the flowers. I knew I was grinning like a madman as I texted back.
Isabella-
I'm so glad you got them before you left. The florist assured me that they would stay fresh for several days. They can never compare to your loveliness, but I tried. How is your trip?
-E
By my calculations, she was probably only about an hour into her long drive to Forks.
E-
Let's just say that Emmett is more in touch with his inner child than usual. I'll be glad when we arrive.
-B
I chuckled, remembering how she said that Emmett was very childish. Alice hadn't started driving me crazy yet, but I knew it was only a matter of time.
B-
I understand. I love Alice dearly, but she too has never lost her childlike wonder….especially at Christmas.
-E
She's so easy to talk to, even in a text message.
E-
That's a lovely way to phrase it. In Emmett's case, it's more like he morphs into a 'pain in the ass' five year old.
-B
I laughed out loud at that. Just then, my call-waiting signaled an incoming call.
Why the hell is Alice calling me from the van?
B-
HaHa. Speak of the devil. Alice is calling. I have to go. Have a wonderful Christmas Bella. I'll see you soon.
-E
I waited for her response.
E-
You too. My best wishes to your family. See you after Christmas.
-B
I answered Alice's call. "What?" Slightly annoyed that she'd interrupted my conversation with Bella.
"Look you turdy bird, don't use that snotty tone with me. We're out here waiting to leave."
I laughed. "Sorry Alice. I got a text from Bella."
Why exactly did I just confess that?
"Thanking you for the flowers?" She asked.
"Now how did you know that?" I wondered.
"Because Bella has manners. It shows that you received a proper upbringing when you thank someone for a gift." She responded.
This thought didn't please me.
Was that the only reason she wanted to talk to me? Just to thank me?
If that's all there was to it, I'll take it. It was a start.
-V&V-
"Tell me we're not having ham tomorrow mother." I stated as we prepared another tray of dinner platters.
"No dear, we're having turkey." She said as she smiled.
I looked at the line of people waiting to be served. "There seem to be more this year than ever before." I said.
"Well, honey, it's been a hard year. A lot of people have lost their jobs. Some of these here today had a mortgage and two cars in their driveway this time last year. Now they don't know where their next meal is coming from." She replied with a quivering lip. "We do what we can."
I was involved with several charities. Granted, most of them wanted big name celebrities to be involved because they drew other big name celebrities and their money. Wanting to do more, I'd visited Aids patients in Africa and India, helped build houses in Louisiana, and done my part to bring attention to the plight of landmine survivors in Eastern Europe.
But seeing this much need in my own hometown was intensely personal. I noticed my father across the hall and signaled to him. He walked over, a stack of empty trays in his hands. "When we get back to the house, I'm writing a check." I told him in a quiet voice.
-V&V-
The work at the soup kitchen had been exhausting, but rewarding. A few people thought they recognized me, but I just played it off.
Hours later, back at my parent's house, I was showered and wearing the pajamas Alice had chosen for me. Flannel sleep pants and a solid green thermal shirt. She did this every Christmas Eve that we were together, so I acquiesced without too much argument.
"Alice, these pants are covered with photos of the Grinch, are you trying to tell me something?" I asked her playfully.
"Well, it does seem to fit your personality most of the time." She laughed.
I felt lucky compared to Jasper, she make that poor guy wear Winnie the Pooh Christmas pajamas, while she wore a matching set of Piglet duds.
How did she find Pooh bear in Jasper's size?
I must have looked amused because Jasper glared at me and mouthed 'Don't say one fucking thing'.
Which, of course made me laugh harder.
We were gathered in the family room per Alice's orders, to watch Christmas DVDs. The only ones missing were Mom and Dad. At that moment they walked in wearing matching Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer and Clarice pjs.
Yeah, Dad looks like a dork.
He glared at Alice and said. "At what point did you actually think that this" He gestured to his shirt and pants, " was a good idea Alice?"
"Whatever Dad. I think you look very festive." She said as Jasper and I laughed our asses off. "Besides, it's Christmas. You have to indulge me one day out of the year."
He sighed and took a seat next to my mother on the sofa. "What are we watching first dear?" Mom asked Alice.
"The Nutcracker Prince of course." Alice answered.
Of course.
After the movie, we opened our Christmas gifts.
Because we were all ridiculously wealthy, we'd decided years ago that we would put a fifty dollar limit on any gifts we purchased for each other. It actually made the gift-giving season a lot of fun.
Jasper and I always gave each other 'gag' gifts. This year, he gave me a bobble-head doll of myself. I gave him a big mouth singing bass wall plaque that I found on eBay.
Alice's face was priceless. She looked at the fish as if I'd just given Jasper a box full of elephant dung. "Jasper Whitlock, no where in our house will you ever find a place to display that. Do you understand me?"
Jasper looked disappointed.
I thought the fish was a joke, but maybe Jasper likes it a little too much.
Alice received the newest 'Holiday Barbie' to add to her collection. For Mom and Dad, I'd gotten them both books by their favorite authors. Hopefully to enjoy during their hard-earned, but rare, moments of leisure.
After our gift exchange, we drank hot cocoa, and everyone headed up to bed.
It was after one a.m. before I finally started to drift off to sleep. I thought about Isabella, silently wondering how she'd spent her Christmas Eve, and also wondering if I'd crossed her mind at all.
Why was it that I missed someone that I'd only met two days ago?
***************************A/N******************************
A/N Hopefully we all are getting to know the Cullen family a little better now. Stay tuned for the next chapter…you will not believe the nonsense that Edward gets up to on Christmas Day.
Next up Chap 4 of LRM, followed by next chap of V&V.
Let me know what you think please? Pretty please?