Bella's heart had been heavy in the days leading up to Christmas. The lack of communication from Edward had her mind spinning with worry. She had not had a response from him for several days now, and he had missed their scheduled Video call. The last time they had spoken, Edward told Bella he still hadn't heard about his schedule, but he was still sure that he would be granted it this year.
She tried to tell herself that he was just busy, that the holiday season must be chaotic on the ship. But each day that passed without a word from him made it harder to ignore the gnawing anxiety in her chest, so she threw herself into her work, using her last days at school before the break to keep her mind occupied, but it was difficult not to let her thoughts drift to him, wondering where he was and if he was safe.
It was the last day of school before the holiday break, and Bella was trying to keep up the festive spirit for her students. They were all excited, chattering about their plans for Christmas, and she did her best to join in, even as her thoughts kept returning to Edward. The classroom was buzzing with activity as the students worked on their holiday crafts, laughter and joy filling the air.
Bella was just about to help one of her students with their project when there was a knock on the classroom door. She wasn't expecting anyone, so she walked over, puzzled, and pulled the door open.
What she saw took her breath away.
Standing there, tall and proud in his Navy uniform, was Edward, a wide grin spreading across his face. His copper hair was a bit tousled, and he looked a little tired, but the happiness in his eyes was unmistakable. Beside him on the floor was his large duffle bag, evidence that he had come straight to her as soon as he could.
For a moment, Bella was too stunned to move. Her heart skipped a beat, and she wondered if she was dreaming. But then Edward spoke, his voice warm and full of affection.
"Hello, love," he said, his smile growing as he took in the sight of her.
The sound of his voice snapped Bella out of her shock. She let out a squeal of pure joy and flung herself into his arms, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. Edward laughed, catching her with ease, lifting her off her feet and holding her close as she kissed him, pouring all her relief and happiness into that kiss. The world around them seemed to fade away for a moment, leaving just the two of them.
But the students, who had been busy with their crafts, were quick to notice what was happening. They rushed to the door, crowding around to see what was going on. As they caught sight of Bella and Edward kissing, a chorus of giggles and playful "ewws" filled the room. A few of the kids pretended to be grossed out, while others just giggled excitedly at the scene.
Bella pulled back from the kiss, her face flushed with happiness as she looked into Edward's eyes. "I can't believe you're here," she whispered, her voice full of emotion.
Edward smiled, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "I couldn't let Christmas go by without seeing you," he said softly. "I wanted it to be a surprise."
Bella's eyes sparkled with tears of joy. "You definitely succeeded."
The students were still buzzing with excitement, and Bella turned to them, her smile wide and bright. "Class, this is Edward," she introduced him, her voice filled with pride. "He's the Navy officer, that we have been sending all the letters and pictures too"
The students, still brimming with curiosity, greeted Edward with a mixture of awe and excitement. A few of the bolder ones started asking him questions about what it was like to be in the Navy, while others just stared up at him with wide eyes. Edward answered their questions with a smile, his heart warmed by their enthusiasm.
One little girl raised her hand shyly. "Did you come all the way just to see Miss Bella?" she asked, her eyes wide with wonder.
Edward nodded, his gaze never leaving Bella's. "I did," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "She's very special to me."
Bella's heart swelled with love as she looked at Edward, feeling overwhelmed by how much he meant to her. The students, sensing the deep connection between their teacher and this Navy officer, smiled and giggled amongst themselves, whispering excitedly.
The rest of the school day flew by in a blur of joy and excitement. Edward stayed for a while, talking with the students and helping out with their crafts. They loved having him there, and Bella couldn't stop smiling, still in disbelief that he was really there with her.
When the final bell rang and the students began to leave, each one gave Edward a high-five and a hug to Bella before they headed out the door, wishing him and Bella a Merry Christmas. As the last student left, the classroom fell quiet, and Bella turned to Edward, her heart full.
"I still can't believe you're here," she repeated, stepping closer to him.
Edward wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "I promised you I'd be here for Christmas," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "And I always keep my promises."
Bella sighed contentedly, resting her head against his chest. "I was so worried when I didn't hear from you," she admitted softly. "But having you here now… it's the best Christmas gift I could have ever asked for."
Edward smiled, holding her tightly. "I'm sorry about that. I missed you, Bella. More than words can say. But I'm here now, and we're going to make the most of every moment we have together."
They stood there in the quiet classroom, holding each other close, knowing that this Christmas would be one they would never forget. The joy of being reunited after so much time apart, the love that had grown stronger despite the distance—it all made this moment even more special.
As they finally pulled apart, Edward picked up his duffle bag and slung it over his shoulder. "So, Miss Bella," he said with a playful grin, "what's the plan for the holidays?"
Bella laughed, feeling lighter and happier than she had in weeks. "Well, Mr. Navy Officer," she teased back, "I think we should start by heading home. I've got a Christmas tree that needs to be finished decorating, and it just so happens that I have the perfect person to help me with it."
Edward chuckled, taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. "Lead the way, love."
And with that, they walked out of the school together, hand in hand, ready to begin their holiday together. Bella couldn't stop smiling, knowing that this Christmas would be the start of many more to come, each one filled with love, laughter, and the joy of being together.
Bella led Edward to her blue Toyota Prius, parked just outside the school. She smiled at the sight of her familiar little car, feeling a sense of normalcy wash over her after the whirlwind of emotions she had experienced that day.
Edward chuckled softly as he approached the car, his hand still wrapped around Bella's. He hadn't seen her car before, as they had used his rental when he was here last. "Cute," he remarked, glancing at the car with an amused smile.
Bella playfully narrowed her eyes at him, pretending to be offended. "Hey, it's perfect for me," she protested with a grin. "It's a good little car—reliable, fuel-efficient, and it's got personality."
Edward's smile widened as he saw the twinkle of mischief in her eyes. "I'm only teasing, love," he said gently, brushing his thumb across the back of her hand. "It suits you—practical, but with a lot of charm."
Bella's heart warmed at his words, and she squeezed his hand before letting go to open the driver's side door. "Well, I'm glad you approve," she said with a smile, sliding into the driver's seat. Edward followed suit, getting into the passenger side with ease and tossing his duffle bag into the back seat.
As Bella started the engine, the car hummed to life, and she felt a sense of contentment wash over her. Having Edward by her side, sitting in her car, felt so wonderfully normal, as if he had always been a part of her life, even though he had been away for so long.
She glanced over at him as she pulled out of the parking lot, catching the way he looked at her, his eyes filled with warmth and affection. "So, where first? home or somewhere else you'd like to go?" she asked, her voice light as she tried to keep her excitement in check.
Edward leaned back in his seat, his gaze never leaving her. "Anywhere with you is where I want to be," he said softly, his tone sincere.
Bella felt her heart skip a beat at his words, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Well, in that case," she said with a smile, "let's go home. We've got that tree to decorate and a holiday to celebrate."
Edward grinned, reaching out to place a hand on her knee as they drove off, the holiday lights beginning to twinkle along the streets as the sun set in the distance. The drive home was filled with easy conversation, holiday music turned down low on the radio and comfortable silence, both of them simply enjoying the presence of the other.
When they finally arrived at Bella's apartment, she parked the Prius in her spot, and turned to Edward, a wide smile on her face. "Welcome home," she said, her voice full of warmth.
Edward leaned over, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. "It feels good to be home," he murmured, his lips lingering against her skin for a moment before he pulled back.
They both got out of the car, Edward grabbing his duffle bag from the back seat, and walked up to the apartment together. Bella's heart swelled with happiness as she unlocked the door, knowing that this was just the beginning of a holiday filled with love and memories that they would cherish for years to come.