'The Life we Shared'
Prologue: December 31, 2033
The day began as it usually did for Bella and Garrett, lying naked in bed, with Bella comfortably snuggled up to Garrett's side. They found themselves in New York City on this particular day, ready to celebrate New Year's with Carlisle and Esme. It marked Bella's first time witnessing the famous New York City Ball Drop in Times Square, and she eagerly looked forward to the experience. Their accommodations were in one of New York City's most luxurious hotels, situated on one of the top floors. As Bella gazed towards the window, she noticed the first glimmer of sunlight peeking through the drawn curtains, casting a warm glow above their naked bodies.
Bella was conscious of the approaching start of their day, but the irresistible allure of Garrett's physique captivated her, as it always did. Raising her head from its repose on his chest, she leaned forward to meet his lips in a tender, affectionate kiss. In perfect synchronization, her left hand lowered and embarked on a deliberate and gentle stroking motion, coaxing him towards a state of undeniable firmness. Garrett, attuned to her touch, swiftly responded, becoming hard as a rock in her delicate hand. The sensation of his erect member nestled in her hand filled Bella with a delightful sense of pleasure and anticipation.
Finally, she released her grip and gracefully slid over, positioning herself on top of him, straddling his waist. Just as she was about to lower herself onto him, she skillfully employed her shield to draw open the curtains above their bed. The magnificent panorama of the New York City skyline unfolded before her, with the sun hanging low in the sky, casting its radiant rays directly on her. The resplendent sunlight illuminated Bella's body, causing it to sparkle like a myriad of diamonds. With a tender yet deliberate motion, she lowered herself onto Garrett, embarking on a slow and passionate rhythm, relishing in the exquisite sensations that enveloped her.
She glanced down at Garrett, and the sight of the radiant smile on his face was all she needed to confirm his profound appreciation for the captivating view of his beloved mate astride him. The sun's gentle embrace bathed the room, causing Bella's luminous body to reflect its rays and casting a mesmerizing pattern throughout the room.
They maintained a steady, slow pace for a blissful 20 minutes, savoring every intimate moment. As their pleasure intensified, Bella's hips began to move more eagerly, guiding them towards the edge. With each motion, she raised and lowered her pelvis, creating an exquisite friction that sent waves of pleasure through their bodies.
Their lips locked in a passionate kiss, their mouths hungry for each other. Bella's movements became more urgent, seeking deeper connection and intense sensations. They remained intertwined, their bodies fused together in a perfect rhythm, consumed by desire.
Bella pressed her breasts against Garrett's chest, their bodies molded together, lost in the intoxicating heat of the moment. The tension built, and their bodies reached the peak of pleasure together. They climaxed in unison, sharing in the overwhelming waves of ecstasy that washed over them.
Afterwards, they remained connected, while they explored each other's mouths, their tongues dancing in a fiery tango. The world around them faded away as they basked in the warmth of their shared love and contentment.
Finally, Bella reluctantly untangled herself from Garrett's embrace, aware of the time constraints imposed by their meeting downstairs with Carlisle and Esme. Taking his hand, she led him towards the bathroom, their destination clear.
Inside the steam-filled shower, the warm water cascaded over their entwined bodies, cleansing away the remnants of their earlier connection. With tender care, they washed each other, their hands moving in a synchronized rhythm. Garrett gently massaged shampoo into Bella's hair, his fingers gliding through the strands. The scent of the shower gel mingled with the steam, creating a soothing atmosphere.
Aware of their time constraints, their movements were efficient yet filled with unspoken longing. There was a shared understanding that their physical desires would have to wait for another time. They focused on the simple pleasure of being together, enjoying the warmth of the water and the closeness they shared.
Once their bodies were rinsed and refreshed, they stepped out of the shower, their skin glistening with droplets of water. Toweling off, they exchanged brief glances and gentle smiles, a silent affirmation of their love and commitment. They readied themselves to face the day, which Bella hoped would be a memorable one.
Around 8:00 AM, Bella and Garrett made their way down to the lobby of the hotel, where they spotted Carlisle and Esme waiting for them in the lounge.
"Hey, guys," Bella greeted them with a smile. "I hope we didn't keep you waiting for too long."
"Not at all," Esme replied warmly. "We just arrived a few minutes ago. Are you both ready to go? I'm excited to walk through Central Park in the sunlight. I think it will be a lot of fun."
"Sure are. Let's go see what you've been missing," Bella replied playfully, her laughter filling the air.
Their hotel, conveniently located just across the entrance to Central Park, made for a short walk. However, they knew that the park itself was vast, offering an array of sights and experiences to explore. Bella couldn't help but wish that more of the Cullens could have joined them for the New Year's Eve celebration. But she understood that everyone had their own plans.
Edward and his girlfriend Kiyoko were immersed in the festivities in Tokyo, while Alice and Jasper were enjoying the celebrations in Houston with Peter and Charlotte. Rosalie and Emmett, on the other hand, had stayed in Boston, the Cullens current place of residence. Emmett, pursuing his studies at Boston University in computer programming, had been invited by some friends to celebrate locally, and Rosalie happily accompanied him.
As they strolled through the park, basking in the serene beauty of the crisp December day, Bella's thoughts wandered to past New Year's celebrations. She couldn't help but wonder how Garrett and the Cullens had spent those moments in years gone by. While Bella herself had been a vampire for just over a decade now, the others had been living for well over a century. Carlisle and Garrett, in particular, much longer then that.
"Can you guys share some of your other New Year's experiences?" Bella inquired curiously. "What did you all do for the year 2000?"
Carlisle was the first to respond, his voice filled with reminiscence. "We didn't do anything particularly extravagant for the year 2000. With all the buzz about the Y2K computer bug causing potential chaos, we decided to stay home. At that time, our home was in Montana."
Esme joined in, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Emmett, being his playful self, set off some fireworks behind the house at midnight. One of them misfired, flew in the wrong direction, and ended up breaking through a second-story window, causing a small fire. Thankfully, we were quick to extinguish it."
Laughter erupted among the group as they visualized the comical mishap.
Bella, wrapping her arms around Garrett, turned her attention to him. "And what about you, Garrett? How did you celebrate the year 2000?"
A smile illuminated Garrett's face as he reminisced about that day decades ago. "Funny enough, I actually spent that new years right here in New York City. I celebrated it with Randell, an American nomad whom you haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet."
"It can be surreal to think about the vastness of your experiences," Bella mused, her curiosity piqued. "I wasn't even born until a few years after the year 2000. I'm curious, what were your New Year's celebrations like back in 1900?" She leaned in, eager to delve deeper into the stories of her beloved mate and her extraordinary family.
"I was just a young child of five years old back then, so I don't have any real memories of that time," Esme replied with a kind smile. "My family was never well off, so I hazzard to guess we ever ventured out to any special places for New Year's."
Carlisle chimed in, reflecting on his own past. "In 1900, I was on my own, working as a doctor during the nights at a Virginia hospital. New Years celebrations weren't as common back then as they are today. The iconic New York City Ball Drop didn't start until 1907, if my recollection serves me right."
Bella listened intently, fascinated by the glimpses into their lives from a bygone era. She marveled at the different paths that had led them all to this present moment, united as a family. She turned to Garrett to learn what he had been up to on that night so long ago.
"I was actually aboard a cargo ship, halfway between Europe and the United States," Garrett shared, reminiscing about his adventurous past. "I had been traveling through Asia and Europe for the past couple of decades and was finally making my way back home. I recall, to celebrate the arrival of the new year, when my pocket watch struck midnight, I ate one of the deck hands. But fear not, I recall he had a rather shifty look about him, and well... I was quite famished at the time," he confessed with a mischievous grin.
Bella couldn't help but laugh silently, finding it amusing, and, well, she couldn't really mourn the untimely passing of a man who had met his fate over a century ago. The whims of vampires had left a tapestry of peculiar and sometimes unsettling stories that had etched themselves into her consciousness.
"Okay, let's go even further back. Carlisle, what about New Year's in the year 1700?" Bella asked, her curiosity never ending.
"Well, during that time, I was staying with the Volturi, and while they had many celebrations, they weren't exactly what we consider New Year's. Aro, Marcus, and Caius hailed from ancient Greece, and their culture had very different customs and beliefs compared to today's standards," Carlisle explained.
Bella had engaged in countless conversations with Marcus and Aro over the years, delving into their experiences from thousands of years ago. They had shared with her how vastly different life was back then. Bella couldn't help but imagine the incredible stories they could tell.
Garrett's voice broke through Bella's contemplation, bringing her back to the present. "While the past is undeniably intriguing, let's shift our focus to the present for a moment. How about a visit to the Central Park Zoo?" he suggested.
"That sounds like a lot of fun," Bella replied, her smile widening. She playfully turned to Carlisle, adding with a teasing tone, "And remember, Carlisle, no snacking on the zoo animals. I saw your eyes following that horse with the policeman on it earlier. Exercise some self-restraint, will you?" Bella and Esme burst into laughter, sharing the lighthearted moment.
Carlisle joined in the laughter, his eyes twinkling. "I promise I'll do my best, Bella," he assured her, his smile warm and genuine.
They had a great time exploring the zoo and marveling at the various animals. As they strolled through the animal attractions, they came across machines scattered throughout the zoo. These machines were designed to create colorful animal shapes by pressing hot plastic into injection molds. Bella found herself captivated by the process, eagerly inserting a dollar each time and watching as the molten plastic transformed into a vibrant creature. Carefully retrieving the freshly formed animal, still warm to the touch, she couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. She remembered doing this same thing when she was a young girl when she visited a zoo in California with her father, Charlie. Bella delighted in giving the animals to the children they encountered while exploring the exhibits, bringing smiles to their faces.
As they were about to leave the zoo later in the day, Bella's phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, she saw that it was her mom. A smile formed on her face as she answered the call.
"Hi, Mom," Bella greeted warmly.
"Hi, sweetheart. I just wanted to wish you a happy New Year," Renee's voice came through the phone.
"Thank you, Mom! Happy New Year to you and Phil too! How are you and Phil celebrating New Year's?" Bella inquired.
"We're actually on our way to Georgia right now to celebrate with Phil's parents. They're getting up there in age and prefer not to travel long distances anymore," Renee explained.
"That sounds lovely. I hope you and Phil have a wonderful time," Bella replied, a hint of happiness in her voice.
"What about you, honey? Do you and Garrett have any special plans?" Renee inquired.
"Yes, we're in New York City right now with some friends. We're going to watch the ball drop at Times Square," Bella replied, her voice filled with excitement.
"Oh, that sounds like fun! I hope you have a fantastic time. Just make sure to use the bathroom before you go. I've heard horror stories of people having nowhere to go once they're there," Renee cautioned.
"Thanks for the tip, Mom. I'll be sure to let Garrett know," Bella said, glancing up at Garrett, who had a smile on his face, finding Renee's advice amusing as he often did.
"Before I let you go, honey, I wanted to let you know that Phil and I absolutely loved your piece on Egypt. The story you told about the pyramids was amazing, and the photos were stunning. You truly have a talent for writing. How is that novel you mentioned to me going?" Renee praised.
"Thank you so much. Our time in Egypt was incredible. As for the novel, it's progressing well. I'm taking my time with it and letting the story unfold naturally. Once I finish, I'll start looking for a publisher," Bella replied.
"I'm eagerly looking forward to reading it someday. I'll let you get back to Garrett now. Love you, honey," Renee said warmly.
"Love you too, Mom," Bella reciprocated before they both hung up.
Bella contemplated her novel, which served as a reflection of her own journey. The narrative focused on a young woman, whose transformative stages loosely paralleled Bella's personal experiences. Within the story, the protagonist embarked on a remarkable transformation, evolving from a quiet and introverted loner into a vibrant and outgoing young woman during her college years. Bella's intention was to craft a tale that showcased personal growth, shedding light on the challenges, triumphs, and self-discovery that unfolded along the character's path. In this particular story, Bella had intentionally omitted any supernatural elements, aiming for a narrative that would resonate with a broader audience. Ultimately, Bella's aspiration was for her novel to empower young girls, encouraging them to break free from any restraints and embrace the boundless possibilities that life has to offer.
They made their way from Central Park to Times Square, eager to secure a prime spot for the ball drop. As they strolled along, Bella's thoughts wandered to her and Garrett's memorable adventures in Egypt. It had been an enchanting experience, filled with captivating moments and the unexpected meeting with some Egyptian vampires.
Bella and Garrett swiftly formed a good friendship with Benjamin and Tia, and together, they embarked on captivating expeditions to the ancient pyramids, delving deep into the rich history of Egypt. While Bella had initially acquired knowledge of Egyptian Hieroglyphics from Marcus, it was Amun, the creator of Benjamin and Tia, who revealed even more profound insights. As the most ancient vampire Bella had encountered, surpassing even the age of the Volturi rulers, Amun generously shared fragments of his immense wisdom, granting her a glimpse into the enigmatic secrets of ancient Egypt.
Amun's age surpassed the remarkable milestone of 5000 years, leaving Bella in awe of the wealth of knowledge he possessed about ancient Egypt. The mere thought of hearing his tales from five millennia ago ignited an insatiable curiosity within her. She longed for Amun to document these stories, stripping away the vampire elements so that they could be shared with a wider audience. However, Bella understood that Amun maintained a guarded disposition towards outsiders, and requiring considerable time to even establish trust with her and Garrett.
A tinge of sadness washed over her as the realization settled in, accepting that the prospect of Amun sharing his extraordinary accounts with humans was highly unlikely.
As twilight settled over New York, the city's radiant lights and the mesmerizing glow of countless billboards illuminated Times Square, preventing darkness from taking hold. The bustling crowd swelled to an immense size, flooding every inch of the iconic landmark. The sheer mass of people seemed to stretch endlessly, leaving little room for movement or solitude. However, Bella remained unperturbed by the surrounding commotion. Even if hunger had struck, her unwavering self-control ensured it had no power over her. Besides, she had recently satisfied her thirst. With a serene demeanor, she and Garrett stood shoulder to shoulder, their arms intertwined, quietly observing the vibrant spectacle of revelers before them.
Meanwhile, Carlisle had hurried to assist a woman who had taken ill. With Esme by his side, they joined forces with the EMTs to ensure the person received the necessary care. Carlisle reassured Bella and Garrett that they would return in time for the much-anticipated ball drop.
Amidst the pulsating energy and the collective anticipation of the crowd, Bella and Garrett sought solace in their intimate connection, finding comfort and warmth in each other's presence. Their gazes swept across the kaleidoscope of faces, witnessing a mosaic of emotions and excitement. Laughter, cheers, and animated conversations filled the air, creating an electric atmosphere. Time seemed suspended as the minutes ticked away, drawing closer to the climactic moment when the descending ball would mark the beginning of a new year.
Bella watched as some teenagers climbed up the scaffolding on a nearby building. Their actions seemed dangerous, and Bella couldn't help but think they were not the brightest kids. Suddenly, one of them slipped and fell backward off the scaffolding, plummeting towards the ground which was a good 25-foot drop. Without moving a muscle, Bella placed her shield under the idiot, allowing him to fall but then slowing his speed greatly just before he hit the ground, ensuring he wouldn't sustain serious injuries. To anyone witnessing the incident, it would appear only as a miraculous escape from harm. Bella looked up and saw Garrett smiling down at her.
"What?" Bella said, shrugging her shoulders.
"I didn't see a thing," Garrett said, flashing a smile as he gently guided Bella to another spot to watch the revelers, eagerly awaiting the ball drop.
With less than 10 minutes remaining until the ball drop, the atmosphere in the crowd reached a fever pitch. The infectious energy filled the air as jubilant voices merged into a chorus of celebration. Amidst the joyful atmosphere, Bella's gaze shifted to Carlisle and Esme, who had returned and were caught up in a passionate embrace, their love radiating in the midst of the festive ambiance.
Bella couldn't help but admire Carlisle as she witnessed him spring into action earlier, his natural instinct to help those in need shining through. It was evident that he had found his true calling in the medical field, and his genuine love for being a doctor was palpable over the past decade. Reflecting on her own career path, Bella pondered her current occupation as a travel magazine writer. While she enjoyed crafting articles about her travels, she couldn't deny that initially taking the job was primarily an excuse to explore the world alongside Garrett.
Bella was happy with her current job, yet a lingering feeling nagged at her: Was this what she truly wanted to pursue indefinitely? As an immortal, the possibilities stretched far and wide, and she could envision herself exploring a multitude of paths. With her thirtieth human birthday approaching in September, the idea took root that Bella Swan, soon to be Bella Stearns, should strive for something more meaningful in her existence.
Deep within her, an unspoken desire whispered its presence—Bella yearned to embark on a creative endeavor with Garrett, charting their own course as entrepreneurs. The allure of shaping their own destiny tugged at her heart. But the pressing question remained: What venture should they undertake?
As Bella's gaze shifted to Carlisle again, a wave of admiration washed over her, bringing to mind the countless experiences he had amassed over the centuries. The role of a doctor throughout the ages had exposed him to the remarkable progress of medical knowledge and the ever-evolving landscape of technology. His wealth of wisdom held untold stories waiting to be shared. This sparked a profound realization within Bella.
Contemplating further, she recognized the immense potential for vampires, in general, to weave captivating tales borne from their extensive lifetimes. They had witnessed history unfold, the rise and fall of empires, and the ever-shifting tapestry of human existence. Their reservoir of experiences was immeasurable. It was in this moment that Bella's vision started to form, a way to channel her passion and bring vampires' stories to light.
Immersed in her thoughts, Bella envisioned a venture where she and Garrett could assist vampires in publishing their stories, steering clear from the subject of vampirism itself. Whether it be historical accounts or fictional narratives, their aim would be to offer a platform for vampires to share their unique perspectives and experiences. It would be a valuable service, allowing vampires to preserve and tell their stories without having to directly engage with the human world.
As her mind raced, ideas flowed rapidly, forming a mosaic of possibilities. The concept of establishing a publishing firm ignited a spark within her, fueling her enthusiasm. She imagined the Volturi, with their extensive network and resources, as potential allies in realizing this vision. Furthermore, she envisioned like-minded vampires within their ranks who would be intrigued by the opportunity to collaborate.
With each passing moment, the idea grew more vivid in Bella's mind, and an infectious smile spread across her face. The prospect of bringing vampires' stories to the world felt like a purposeful and exhilarating endeavor, one that resonated deep within her soul.
As Bella immersed herself in her thoughts, Garrett playfully nudged her, pulling her back to the present moment. "You're going to miss it, Bella," he said, a smile dancing on his lips. "Make a resolution as the ball drops." His gaze shifted upward, joining the anticipation of the crowd as they awaited the grand finale.
Bella's gaze lifted to the mesmerizing sight of the sparkling ball dropping from the sky, while the countdown numbers displayed a mere five seconds remaining. Excitement coursed through her as time seemed to stand still in those fleeting moments. In that crystalline instant, she made a resolution to create a thriving publishing firm, a shared venture with Garrett by her side: Stearns & Swan Publishing. As the luminous "2034" sign illuminated the night sky, Bella's vision solidified in her mind. It was perfect.
With a smile, Garrett bent down and their lips met, igniting a passionate kiss that encapsulated their shared devotion. As they finally broke apart, a breathless moment passed between them.
Garrett's voice carried a hint of playfulness as he asked, "Did you make a good New Year's resolution, honey?"
Bella's smile radiated with confidence and excitement as she looked up at Garrett. "I sure did. Let's head back to the hotel. There's a lot we need to discuss."
