Stephenie has it all. I just decided to play with her characters and add some of mine. I don't own anything you might recognize.
THANK YOU, GUYS! I never expected so many reviews or story Alerts/Favorites or hits. You are great! This is seriously my only story to receive such feedback!
Go check my pre-reader/beta's new story (it's a collab): http:/www(.)fanfiction(.)net/s/7734130/1/His_Cimmerian_View. Thank you for all the support, honey!
This is my FB name: Cherry Bellazza Callen. There are pictures on my profile.
PS: I made a group on FB: http:/www(.)facebook(.)com/groups/274198112656668/
I'll keep a new updating schedule. Mondays and Fridays!
Christmas time in March...:))) Enjoy!
On Christmas Eve, Edward should have left with the team to go to Los Angeles, but he didn't. He decided to take an early flight on Christmas morning just to be with me that night and give me whatever surprise he had.
"What should I wear? Give me a hint," I pleaded him.
"Something warm, but not too warm. And comfortable shoes," he answered with a wide grin.
I decided to put on a pair of jeans and a sweater, along with my boots. I couldn't wait to see where he was taking me.
"Is this okay?" I wondered, going to the living room.
"Perfect. Let's go."
Once in the car, we were heading dangerously close to the airport. Had he lost his mind? I couldn't fly! But I bit my tongue and decided to remind him of that if he went straight to the airport. I shouldn't have worried because he took a left before we could continue down the road that led to the airport. There were a lot of cars on the streets we were passing and I didn't remember this area to be so populated. After another turn, I realized where we were.
Allstate Arena.
Though, I had no idea what we were doing there until a poster grabbed my attention. I gasped before turning to Edward with wide eyes.
"Really?" I squealed. He was taking me to a Bon Jovi concert.
"Happy Christmas," he whispered, leaning to kiss me.
"Oh my God!" My smile was hurting my cheeks and my heart was beating wildly in my chest. "I love you so much!"
"I love you too. I'm going to endure the Blond Dude for you," he joked.
"Oh, Edward!" I wrapped my arms around his neck, pressing my lips to his. "You have no idea how much I wanted this."
"I have a pretty good idea how much. I know how much you love to listen to him. Let's go inside."
It took us about fifteen minutes to get inside and find our seats. We were really early, but I knew why he decided to arrive early. He didn't want to get in with the crowd. When I realized we had seats, I knew he had paid a great deal for the tickets.
"I couldn't have you stand all through the concert. You're pregnant," he reasoned. "Besides, I love to spoil you."
"Thank you," I whispered, accepting this too easily, but I knew that he was right.
In the opening sang a band I hadn't heard of but they had good voices. Though, I couldn't wait to see Bon Jovi.
"Oh, no! You should have told me where you were taking me!" I moaned when I saw a guy to my left with a camera. I didn't have one.
"I wanted it to be a surprise, Bella."
"I want to take pictures. My phone has a good camera, but not that good," I told him, feeling quite upset over such a small thing.
"Do you think I would have brought you here without a camera? You'd have probably murdered me in my sleep," he said teasingly, digging in his backpack. "Ta-da!" Edward put the small camera in my hands.
I leaned on my tiptoes and kissed him for what felt like the thousandth time that night.
When everyone started cheering, we turned our attention to the stage and despite myself, I squealed loudly. I was seeing Bon Jovi. Everyone was clapping and yelling. I never thought I'd be like those crazy fan girls…like the ones I saw on YouTube from old recordings of The Beatles or Elvis concerts, even Bon Jovi's. I was acting exactly like them.
Edward wrapped his arms around me, standing behind me. His lips were on my neck as his hands were around my stomach, hugging me tightly to his chest. In that second, I could almost feel his love engulfing me. Craning my neck and wrapping a hand in his hair, I kissing him deeply and hungrily.
Funny and fitting, the first song was I Got the Girl. Edward chuckled, squeezing me tightly. I knew that I wouldn't be able to talk for a few days, but I sang loudly, every song, along with Jon. Even Edward hummed along a few of them.
Whenever he sang a hit, I yelled along with everyone else, and when Blaze of Glory started, kind of jumped only to have Edward restrain me with a raised eyebrow.
When he got to the few covers he always sang, I started a bet with Edward, whether or not he'd sing the Christmas songs. I knew I was going to win. It was Christmas.
I knew the cover he was singing and I couldn't believe I was there to hear him live singing it. Crazy by Patsy Cline. And just to actually make my tears fall, he started In These Arms right after he finished it.
I turned to Edward, burrowing my face in his sweater as rocked us in place. "Here," he murmured, offering me Kleenex. He was prepared knowing the human fountain was going to cry at the concert.
Then came Blue Christmas and just as I wiping the last of my tears, a fresh round appeared in my eyes.
"I'm going to miss you," I whispered, hugging Edward.
"If I could not go, you know that I'd stay with you."
When the song ended, the lights on the stage went down. Of course, he was saving Always for an encore. Everyone clapped, cheered, yelled.
The lights came back on and after thanking us and telling us how great we were, he sang Superman Tonight. After that came Dry County then Always. It felt a thousand times better than a few summers ago when I danced on it with Edward. This time, with Bon Jovi singing and us dancing slowly, it felt surreal.
After saying good night, the lights went down again.
"See? No Christmas song," Edward murmured in my ear.
"What was Blue Christmas?" I questioned him. "But wait. He's coming back. Everyone is shouting."
"Then let's shout too," he joked, putting his fingers in his mouth and whistling loudly. When I gave him an amused look, he winked, whistling again.
With such public, of course, Bon Jovi returned. He was with Ritchie by his side. I could tell they were talking about the crazy audience.
When I heard the first few notes, I gasped, realizing just then that he hadn't sung Bed of Roses. Until that second. Once the song was over, every member wished us a very Merry Christmas because it was already past midnight, then after a few moments, Jon said something about hoping everyone being together on that day. I knew what was coming. Please Come Home for Christmas.
All through the song, I squeezed Edward's hand in mine, while I sang alone with Bon Jovi. By the end of the song, I was choking on my tears and Edward brought me to his side, kissing my forehead. We didn't need words.
Then it was over. For real. Edward thought it was better if we sat down and waited for most of the crowd to leave before leaving too. He was too paranoid, but I agreed with him, plopping on his lap. We made out for at least fifteen minutes, when I looked around and realized there were only a few other people that had lingered like us.
On the way to the exit, I saw someone just in the shadow of the bleachers talking with someone else. Only when we approached I realize who was that person, and I couldn't have suppressed my reaction even if I tried.
"Holy shit!" I screeched, clutching to Edward's arm, my eyes trained on the man in front of me. The minutes that passed were a blur and I hated that. I always lost myself in such moments. But I had Jon Bon Jovi and Ritchie Sambora in front of me.
Edward, the ever prepared guy, extracted a small notepad and a ball point pen from his backpack.
"B-b-bella," I stuttered my name.
"Nah, just her," Edward dismissed the question of his name.
To make them even more perfect, Ritchie called the other guys to sign for me. They must have realized I was some lunatic. I couldn't even talk.
Then I got a group picture with them, I insisted Edward come to be there too then, I finally said something decent. I wanted a picture alone with Jon Bon Jovi. He agreed.
I was dying a slow and pleasurable death. My legs were shaking, my stomach was doing flip flops and my heart was beating wildly.
After thanking everyone and whishing them a Merry Christmas – thanks to Edward because my brain had turn to mush and evaporated – we went outside. The parking lot was almost empty. Edward stopped to look through the backpack for something when I jumped on his back, hugging him around the neck and yelling.
"Bella, are you insane?" he asked surprised.
"Oh!" I squeaked. "I love you!"
"Shh." He started walking to the car, keeping his arm around my back in case I dissolved. "One reason I told you to wait was this. I knew there was a strong possibility to bump into one of them," he whispered. "If I'd known you'd turn into a squealing fan girl, I would have left with everyone."
I slapped the back of his head before hugging him again. "Thank you. I can never repay for this."
"You already have. You're carrying our child and will give birth to it in a few months. What other gift do I need from you?" he asked seriously, helping me in the passenger seat.
I grinned, feeling tears spring into my eyes. He always knew what to say. He always had an answer for everything, which was quite annoying some times. Not now, though.
"Remember what you just said when I'm going to threaten your life and Toto while I give birth," I teased him as he slid behind the wheel.
Edward cringed visibly and a hand covered Toto making me laugh.
"Don't worry. Dorothy will miss him too much. I'd never harm Toto," I said seriously, biting my lip until I tasted blood. I must not laugh.
Edward stopped trying to find the ignition, dropping the key to the floor. "Did you just call your pussy Dorothy?" he whispered.
"Maybe?" I shrugged.
I made the mistake to meet his amused green eyes. We burst in rancorous laughter and my sides were hurting by the time I stopped laughing.
Retrieving the key and starting the engine, he backed slowly before starting to drive home.
"Just so you know, I'll never leave that down. It's too fucking funny," he told me at one red light.
Relaxing in the seat, I realized how tired I was. I couldn't find a good retort so I just kept my mouth shut, closing my eyes too and thinking of the unforgettable night I had just had.
When I woke up, I was in bed and the sheet next to me was freezing. That meant Edward had left.
A tear rolled down my nose as I realized I hadn't said goodbye. I always told him goodbye and good luck. As I rolled around to grab the packet of paper tissues, I found a piece of paper on the nightstand. Wiping my eyes, I leaned against the pillows and started reading.
Holy fuck…I have about two minutes to write this. I'm late.
I'm sorry I left you sleeping, but I couldn't wake you up. Don't be upset you didn't get to kiss me goodbye. I did it for you…kissed you, I mean.
The backpack is on the couch. I know you want to look at the pictures. Try not to cheat on me with a picture. I'd be really hurt.
Toto might bite Dorothy. Just saying.
Love you more than you'll ever know. Take care of you. Both of you.
Edward
PS: Outside is freezing (possibly under 5 degrees). I came back to grab my gloves.
PSS (or is it PPS? whatever): If Toto freezes and dies, it was a pleasure to meet Dorothy. ;)
I burst in laughter. He was insane. And what had been in his head to leave without gloves?
I should have been awake and make sure he was bundled up. I didn't want him to get sick.
Checking the hour and counting back to make sure I wasn't disturbing him, I went in search of my phone to call Edward. It was really cold, he was right. I got sidetracked as I put some woolen socks and a thick sweater on me. My phone was on the coffee table.
After I pressed Edward's number, I turned the AC on hot air. My hands were already shaking and I had no idea how to work with the central heating.
When he didn't answer; I left him a message on the voicemail telling him to call me back or he'd return to a Cryogen Bella.
After making a yummy invention for breakfast, I sat cross-legged on the couch and opened my laptop. While the photos and few movies we had made transferred to my laptop, I munched on my food. For a first, there was no one around to point out the weird combination I was eating.
I opened the movies first and got excited, remembering how beautiful it had been. When they finished, I opened the pictures and let them on slideshow until I got to the one Edward had taken of me and Jon. I knew I'd never hear the end of it, but couldn't help myself and make it the background. For over two years, I had kept a picture of Edward as my wallpaper. It had been one of the best, and he even liked it – one reason I was allowed to keep it there.
I was admiring my new background when Always blared from my phone. With a stupid grin on my face, I answered.
"Hi, Edward!"
"Hi, love. I just got to the arena for the last practice."
"Oh, I won't keep you for long," I promised.
"What did you need? And what the hell is Cryogen?"
"You don't know?" I asked stupefied. "It's when someone freezes and science people are going to find them after years. You know, like the mammoths," I explained with a laugh.
"Mammoths," he mumbled. "Wait, are you cold? Isn't the heating working?" he asked worried.
"It will work if I knew how to turn it on," I pointed out,
"It's on, Bella. I turned it on low this morning. Sorry."
"So what do I have to do? Is there a knob or something?" I wondered, making my way to the device.
"Yes, turn it to your right how much do you want. Did you like my note? Could you read it? I've never written so horrible in my life."
"You were in a hurry. I got it. Though, I'm worried about Toto," I joked.
"He's fine, don't worry."
I turned the knob toward the red part, finally happy I was going to be warm. "Oh, Dorothy's waiting to keep him warm," I said seductively, feeling a blush creeping on my neck and face.
"Stop saying shit like that. I'm gonna hop on the first plane back if you keep that up," Edward moaned.
"Is that a promise or a threat?" I teased him, sitting back on the couch and stopping the AC.
"Bella, I have to focus on this game. If you keep saying such things…I'm gonna think of… uh, I won't think at all. Toto will think. He'll take over my body," Edward said seriously. "Hi. Yeah, I'm late. I know," he muttered to someone on the other side of the line. "Bella, I'll call you after the game."
"I'll be watching you," I said and only after the words were out I realized how that sounded.
Edward chuckled. "Great, because that didn't sound creepy at all. I'll leave you to go back to drooling over your photos. See? I'm such an understanding husband."
I snorted. "Focus on the game. Good luck!"
"Thank you. I love you."
"Me too." I was about to hang up when I remembered it. "Oh! And… Are you still there?" I asked worried.
"Yes, I'm here," he answered laughing.
"Happy Christmas."
"Happy Christmas to you too, my love. Now, I really have to go."
"Good bye and lots of luck tonight."
"Bye."
I lazed around the whole day, answering my phone and even giving a few calls myself. When five in the afternoon was only half an hour away, I went to prepare my late lunch. I couldn't miss Edward's game.
After standing in the middle of the kitchen for five minutes, wondering what to eat, I started opening cupboards and fridge compartments to see what would catch my eye. I found some leftover turkey and made myself a nice sandwich, taking it with me to the TV. Just as I was making myself comfortable on the couch, the doorbell rang.
The first thought was that the insane boy had come back, but I dismissed it immediately.
I unlocked and opened the door to come face to face with a shriveling Sylvia. She rushed inside past me, sneezing loudly.
"H-hi."
"Hey. What's up?" I asked.
"B-br-rought food," she stuttered.
"I'll make you some tea. Go to the living room," I invited her. She took her boots and coat off reluctantly, leaving her scarf, hat and gloves on.
"It's freezing out there!" she reasoned.
I prepared the tea quickly then rushed back as I heard the teams being introduced.
"Is there a reason why you visited?" I asked, offering her the cup.
"Wanted to catch up."
"Sylvia," I moaned, knowing there was an ulterior motive. "Just say you didn't want to be alone on Christmas."
"It's not that. If you must know, the power is out in my area. I wanted to see the game and hoped your central heating was working," she blurted out.
We watched as the teams stepped into the arena and only after the whistle that announced the start of the game, I turned to her.
"That must suck," I mumbled.
"You have no idea. It's one thing to not have TV, but the block is old and there are no radiators…only the central heating that…doesn't work. I decided to finally come here when I started sneezing."
I looked sadly at her, realizing that even if we were friends, she was still reluctant to disturb us.
"Since when?" I asked, glancing at the screen when the commentator shouted that the Bulls had scored.
"Last night…or early this morning, however you want to put it. I lit a few candles and read for a while, but I got bored then…realized how cold it was," she explained. "I'm really sorry."
"It's okay. You know you're welcomed here whenever," I told her softly, taking her freezing hand in mine. "You hungry?" I added, realizing my sandwich was on the table.
"I stopped by the deli close to my flat and bought a few things."
I sighed, nodding. "Why didn't you say anything when I called you earlier?"
"Bella, drop it. Let's watch the game."
The Lakers scored and were leading. Sylvia shouted, clapping.
"Don't tell Edward, but I can't be a Bulls' fan when Lakers is there. Kobe's amazing." She sighed dreamily.
"Just say you're happy you don't have to bake," I teased her.
"That too."
Edward got to score only three points, but by the end, the score was 109 to 87 for the Lakers. There were a few interviews and their comments were fair play.
We kept talking and she admitted in a small voice that the long hours at the hospital made her take back an old habit she used to have in high school. I gave her a questioning look, not understanding. She told me that she started smoking and that everyone was and she didn't really want to but on a coffee break, a cigarette went really well. I pursed my lips but didn't say anything. She knew it wasn't good, but she still did it.
When I decided to head to bed, realizing Edward was caught up in other stuff and wasn't likely to call me, my phone rang.
"Great timing," Sylvia snickered, giving me the phone.
"Night," I whispered, carrying the phone with me to the bedroom.
Lounging on the bed, under the covers, I put the phone to my ear. "Hello?"
"Me too, me fucking too. Hi, Bella," he answered. "No, but it was funny to see you ran in the wall." Edward laughed.
"Uh, are you talking to me?" I wondered confused.
"Sorry. I'm having too much fun with watching Kyle admiring his newly acquitted bump on the forehead. So, did you watch?"
"Of course I did! I even had company," I explained.
"Let me guess? Sylvia brought a cake earlier. Sorry to disappoint," he chuckled.
"It was she, but no cake. The lights are down at her place, and there's no heat either."
"Ouch. She's staying over?"
"Yep. When are you leaving?" I asked worried, hoping he'd get some sleep tonight.
"I think we're going there, sleep for a while then practice and the game. I hafta to go," he said hurried after he explained of the sleeping arrangements.
"Okay, be careful. I love you."
"I will. Love you too."
After the game with Golden State Warriors, Edward came home for a day, only to leave again for his game with Sacramento Kings.
But when he was back, on twenty-seventh, I made sure to give him his present. It was lame and the only thing I could think of. A kit for cleaning his guitar and a leather bracelet knowing he had mentioned he always wanted one. But it wasn't any leather bracelet, I had bought two – one for each of us – and had someone write our names on them. The script was beautiful and delicate, barely visible, unless you knew what to look for.
Edward had been speechless for at least three minutes then he had gathered me in his arms, carried me to the bed and made love with me. Afterwards, he mentioned a present of his own. He had bought me a set of gloves, hat and scarf from LA. They were black and soft and I loved them.
On New Year he was home and after long arguments on what to do, we decided to accept Liz's invitation when Sylvia canceled our plans on having dinner together because she was called at work. Liz was all too happy to have us there since we couldn't make it for Christmas dinner, not like I had felt like going alone and celebrating when Edward was away.
We watched the fireworks from their balcony and I even took a sip of bubbled wine. Ed insisted we slept there because it was really late when we decided to go back home, and that who knows who we'd bump into at that hour. Edward rolled his eyes but agreed to stay over.
We were on the couch, watching some New Year show when I felt it. I had no idea what happened, but it had come from inside me. My hand went to my right side as I gasped.
"Are you okay?" Edward asked panicked.
"What happened?" Liz asked, coming to sit on my other side.
"Uh, I have no idea. It was like…" I'd been kicked from the inside, I finished in my head. Then my eyes widened. "It moved!" I shouted, managing to wake Ed who had dozed off in the armchair.
"What moved?" Edward asked concerned, his hand rubbing my stomach.
"The baby moved," I explained as I burst in tears and hugged him tightly.
"So early? Are you sure?"
"It's something normal, honey. It moves for the first time around five months along then, later in the pregnancy," Liz explained. I remembered reading about that.
Of course, I had been a mess the whole night and Edward ended up taking me to his old room to calm me. The baby moving had been the best gift for the New Year's night.
I think I'll post one of those much promised outtakes soon. I'll give a shout-out on FB when I do. I have one during the pregnancy in EPOV. I think it's about time I share. It's been in my PC for months...
Leave me your thoughts on the chapter. :)