Chapter One

I woke up with a dreadful headache. Staying up until five am on a school night is not a good idea, even if it is with Edward, the love of my life, my existence. The one night I should have been having an early night in preparation for an English exam the next day, and I choose to spend it cuddling up to Edward through the night talking about life. It's all right for him; he doesn't need to sleep at all. I on the other hand, do. So you can imagine my mood when I have to wake up at 7am after only two hours sleep, to much protest over Edward's pokes and kisses trying to wake me up.

He really needs to learn a new method, because when he kisses me its more likely to send me to sleep than wake me up. At least it wakes up my heart. I laugh quietly to myself, thinking about the hours we spent last night, having mini disagreements over the silliest of things. Like my decision to become a vampire, even though we'd already settled this idea a long time ago.

Edward, who has been a vampire for well over 80years, for some reason doesn't think it a good idea for me to become one, even though it would mean me spending eternity in his arms.
I get dressed in a hurry, thinking about the weather outside; heavily snowing, and how my truck is going to manage getting to school without having an accident. Even though I had at least an hour to get ready, I knew from experience that my klutziness didn't get any better when in a hurry.

I look at Edward lying casually on my bed, a statue even Madame Tussaud's would be jealous of, while I, looking like a wreck, get dressed and packed for school.
I noticed that nearly all of my popular clothes were in the wash. How convenient. I find a pair of blue jeans that look about a day old. I decided these would be okay to wear, along with a grey sweater that hadn't been washed in, I don't want to think how long. How dirty must I look? I glare at Edward, knowing full well it was his fault I'm like this today.

Edward must have seen something amusing on my face, or else he was laughing to himself how much of a mess I looked, because he suddenly smirked and raised his eyebrows and then after much of my glaring, finally spoke.

“You... look... lovely, by the way.” he said in his charming, but sometimes irritatingly, over the top voice, which he obviously used to try and soften me. Now though, it wasn't working.
I glare at him some more.

“What did I do wrong?” he asked innocently. Sometimes I wonder if he realises how..., well, I cant think of a word right now.

“You know full well what you've done” I said through gritted teeth, packing my books into my school bag and marching out of my bedroom. Edward followed me, laughing.

I stopped at the top of the stairs, trying to adjust my balance before going downstairs, when I got to the bottom, Edward stood behind me and puts his arms around my waist and I find cold air blowing the hair around my ear, giving me a shiver I'd had way too often, I should be used to it by now.

“Please tell me what I've done wrong?” he whispered smoothly in my right ear, giving me goose-bumps, although that could well have been the weather, it was very cold. Forks always was, during November anyway, unless we had a miracle day with sun.

I blushed. Now was not a good time to be trying to dazzle me, especially when I had to get my head together for a test.
I walked to the kitchen, a white light glaring at me through the window ahead of me. I opened the top cupboard and pulled out cereal, along with a bowl from the pile of washed up dishes, and milk from the fridge. I could feel eyes burning a whole in my back, so I turned my head briefly to the left to find Edward sitting in the chair that so often had Charlie's company. Somehow, Edward didn't quite look right, not in this kitchen, he's far too beautiful to be in a house this dull.
“What are you staring at?” I asked casually. Wondering if the weather was going to stop soon and actually show some sun. Then came to a decision; nope that was never going to happen.
“Hmm?” he replied, as though id pulled him out of some fantasy. I thought I was the only one who had those.

“I said, what are you staring at?. I can feel you staring at me, as if I don't feel self-conscious enough as it is.” I repeated, turning around to sit down at the kitchen table, scoffing down the small bowl of corn flake cereal. I really should learn to eat slower.

“Oh I'm sorry honey. I was.. thinking about stuff.” he said with a trace of guilt in his voice.
I pondered on the words “thinking” and “stuff”. Anything to do with thinking, stuff and Edward's mind involved, wasn't a good sign. In fact, there was usually something happening that I wasn't going to like. And like now, my mind decides to make matters worse than they are.
Damn imagination!

I responded calmly whilst finishing my breakfast and getting up from the chair to quickly wash the bowl. I look up at the clock to check i have enough time. Its half past 7. I have half an hour. Drat!
“You and thinking never go well. Tell me what's going on please? Before I find a way of making a big thing out of it. And can you tell me on the way to school please? because I'm in a hurry.” I said, rushing towards the front door grabbing my bag off the floor by the stairs.

“Hold up Bella!” Edward grabbed be from behind and turned me around to face him. He kissed me softly on the lips, using the moment of weakness to take my bag out of my hand and put it on the floor. He suddenly stopped kissing, with a smirk on his face.
“Why the rush?” he says with his amazing crooked smile.
I'm baffled. I swear he does this on purpose.
I struggled to find coherent words after my moment of glory.
“I..I.. I have a..test.” I stuttered, slightly dizzy still from his kiss.
I go to pick up my bag again, but Edward beats me to it. He's already got it over his shoulder, and no crane strong enough would be able to prize that bag from his arms!

“First off,” his right hand stroked my face as if it was velvet. “We have a test, an English test to be exact, and secondly, did you forget that I can drive faster than you,” he grinned teasingly, now brushing his lips over my throat, sending tingles down my spine, which I swear he can see. “and third off..” Edward opened the front door “have you seen the weather lately” he points at the ground outside, which looks like it has about 6inches of snow. “somehow, I don't think the school is going to be open today, in-fact, I can bet all of my money on it” he smirked, obviously feeling triumphant over knowing I'm not going anywhere today.
I stared up at him in wonder, eyebrows furrowed “Alice been at the weather station again has she?” I questioned him with a hint of sarcasm.
He looked at me with pure bemusement on his face.
“Well that and the fact she can tell the future. Did you hit your head as well as hardly sleep last night?” he said, definitely testing my patience.

“So I,” I had to think about this, I'm still tired “don't have school today?”
I must sound so stupid.
“No.” he corrected “you don't have school today. But you do tomorrow, unfortunately” and he smiled his crooked smile yet again. Wow, he is really on the ball today.

I was confused. If I didn't have school, then why didn't Edward just say so when I was getting up this morning.

“If we don't have school today, then why did you let me get up in the first place?” I questioned him, getting irritated. Today wasn't starting out so well.
“I, wanted to see your reaction I suppose. You always look so...sexy, when you're messy.” he chuckled and i gave up, I stalked back up stairs and closed my bedroom door without letting him in.

I half laughed to myself. He was such a tease. Although, I guess I at least have time to practice for the test now. Maybe I should let him in, he'd soon find another way in anyway, like the window for example. That second I heard a breeze drift in through the window behind me, and I knew straight away who it was. I didn't turn to see him, I was too annoyed.

“Don't expect me to talk to you, because I won't” I muttered, even if I'd whispered, he'd be able to hear me.

There was silence for a for a minute. At first I thought he'd left, but then I felt his cold fingers on my cheeks, releasing me from my moment of fury. It didn't take the annoyance away completely though. He laughed.

“What's so funny?” I scowled. Edward's so beautiful, I don't know how anyone could be angry with him, but I kept on trying. He didn't deserve to be let off just yet.
He kissed me on the cheek. “Has anyone told you, you're even more adorable when you're angry, and even more so when I know you can't stay angry” he breathed.
I stared at the bedroom door, scowling into thin air.
I didn't speak.



“Oh don't be like that!” he moaned “It wasn't that bad. I didn't expect you to be so enthusiastic for a test anyway. Usually it takes ages for you to get ready. I was hoping for a bit of time to tease.” he spoke so smoothly, with his right hand caressing my cheek and down my neck, that I couldn't help but turn to look at him.
“I just don't like having mini jokes played on me so early on a morning. Especially when I only had two hours sleep last night, no thanks to you.”

He seemed understand that I wasn't in the mood for teasing anymore, because he sat up straight and was silent for a moment, which felt like forever.

“So what have you got planned for today? Since we don't have school.” I asked, attempted to push the past morning behind us. I looked at my clock by the bed side lamp. It was coming up to 8am.

He considered that for a moment. “I was thinking, we could go to my place, and help Alice with some decorations she's putting up for,” he coughed “thanksgiving”
Edward shifted position slightly, although this didn't seem to bother me. Something that did bother me however, was something he just mentioned. Something about thanksgiving.
I blinked.
“You..celebrate..thanksgiving?” I said through laughter.
Edward didn't seem to find this funny. I found it hilarious. How hypocritical could the Cullen's get?
He put on a serious face, but hiding a smirk, I could tell.
“Well of course we do, why shouldn't we? Don't you celebrate thanksgiving?”
He sounded so serious, I think he really meant it.
“Well, yes, I do. But.. I just didn't expect your family to do the same thing, that's all. You caught me off guard.” I said, rather confused by his behaviour.

Not meaning to sound mean against vampires, but to me, I wondered what exactly they had to be thankful for. Other than the family itself, they weren't exactly lucky. I mean, they're dead, to put it bluntly. They have the thirst to kill people. I suddenly realised that I would be the same soon enough. I suddenly felt guilty for thinking this.

Edward was silent.
“I'm sorry” I move in close to him and he wraps his arms around me, I feel the cold suddenly hit my nervous system, I try and hide it. “I mean, its great you all celebrate. I'm sure Alice has a whale of a time, with the decorations, although, why you need decorations, I do not know.” I sit up and look into his eyes curiously. “Hang on, most families have a meal together too as part of the day. What do you do? I mean, surely you don't cook?” I raised my eyebrows and watched his expression change from serious to his crooked smile.

It clicked.
“Ooh I see. Yes, that's definitely more fun. Why wait for a butcher to kill an animal, when you can just go out and get it yourself” I giggled quietly. I could hear Edward trying to hide a laugh, then giving in, he laughs musically, and iI shut up, feeling outdone.

“So you up for it?” he continues, batting his eyelids at me.
I gave in.
“Yes, okay, I will come to your house. But I don't want to be dragged into anything stupid. I already feel inadequate as it is around you lot.” I laughed, nudging him in the stomach, and then I had to rub my elbow. That hurt.


Edward stood up suddenly and pulled me up carefully, minding his strength.
He opened the bedroom door and went downstairs, leaving me wondering what was going on.
“So.. I guess we're going now, huh?” I called down.
I heard a “of course” float up the stairs.


. . .

The day was turning out a lot better than I'd expected. We'd arrived at the Cullen's and the way I was expecting their house to be decorated, it really wasn't that bad, for Alice.
There were only a few strings of confetti scattered around the house and a few balloons hanging from different points on the ceiling. It was however, more decorated for a party, than thanksgiving, and I was starting to wonder if Edward was hiding something else. Then I double checked in my mental calendar for any birthdays or special events to do with me that I may have missed. Nope, my birthday was in September, and I didn't even want to think about that for now.

I found Alice hanging up on the wall by the kitchen entrance, what looked to be a turtle, but I'm almost positive that can't be right. I hope.
“Hey Alice” I said as i walked in to see Alice and Jasper fiddling with the decoration by the kitchen door, much to Jasper's annoyance. Still, he put on a cheerful expression just for Alice. The things we'd do for love.

Alice turns around to see me. I didn't notice before as she had her back to me, but I saw Alice was wearing a small lilac dress with a halter-neck, showing off her amazingly white skin and her harsh bone structure. From this angle, she didn't seem angelic, more like, rock and roll chick.

“Oh hey Bella” she said in her musical voice only given to angels, I'm sure.
“How are you?” she asks after a few seconds of me staring at how amazing she looks, as well as Jasper, who was wearing a black tshirt with dark blue golf trousers. I swear, they could be wearing ripped clothes, and I'd still think they were beautiful. How jealous I was of them.
“I'm well thank you Alice, although, your dear brother didn't really help my mood this morning” I said, turning to look at Edward who was busy chatting to Carlisle.

“Yes, well, I am sorry about that. Edward never learns does he?” she said, then giggled at the memory, no doubt.
“I hear you all celebrate Thanksgiving,” I said whilst looking at the decorations along the ceiling.
Jasper chirped up. “Oh yes, we have always done so. Just because of our..life's...doesn't mean to say we can't celebrate the family we have become” he said, a hint of a smile on his face.

I nodded in agreement and then walked in the kitchen to find Esme and Rosalie whispering about something. Whatever it was, must have been private, because as soon as they sensed my presence, they stopped.
“Oh hi Bella, how are you?” Rosalie said, her voice going up an octave, then she gave me a hug. I still have trouble knowing what to say to her. Everything about Rosalie says 'divine' and everything about me says 'dull' so how could I possibly say anything intelligent?
“Hi Rosalie and Esme, I'm...okay thank you, and you?” I asked while hovering beside them, feeling like I'm a spoon they hadn't put away in the drawer.

Both Rosalie and Esme stood still then, as if what I said offended them.
“I'm perfect, thank you Bella” Rosalie replied and then looked at Esme, biting her lip.
“I'm very well, thank you dear. Why don't you go and say hello to Carlisle, I'm sure he'd be very glad to see you again” Esme said softly. Discreetly trying to get me out of the kitchen.
I decided it was best to leave them, so I turned around and walked into the living room to Edward who was still talking to Carlisle.
I put my arms around Edward's solid waist and he replied by kissing my forehead.
“Hey” said Edward, looking at me with his melting eyes.
I leaned into his chest while he had his arms around me. I was rather aware of Carlisle still standing opposite us, but he didn't seem uncomfortable, unlike me.

“Why, hello Bella” said Carlisle, smiling widely at me, and thought I saw a look at Edward, but it was over so quickly.
“Hi Carlisle. How are you?” I asked politely. Carlisle seemed to be wearing a smart blue polo shirt and black pants, seemingly to show off his fine complexion.
I answered quickly. “Uh I'm fine thank you, do you mind if I take Edward away for just a second?” I asked while standing straight and smiling wryly.
Carlisle eyed Edward briefly, obviously checking if everything was alright.
“Of course Bella. He's all yours” he answered, smiling coyly at Edward. Sometimes I wish that I could hear others minds too.
We walked over to the back door near where Emmett was standing, oblivious to our arrival, and I turned to speak to Edward.
He spoke first.
“What's the matter Bella?” he asked, brushing a loose hair from my eye. The cold really did send a shiver down my spine.
“Nothing, nothing. Erm, although, I did wonder why you and Carlisle looked so serious, and also,” I looked around to check neither Rosalie nor Esme were in ear shot. “I wondered if you knew what was going between Rosalie and Esme. It's just, when I went in the kitchen to say hello, they looked like they were having a heated discussion over something, and well, when I spoke to them, they quickly tried to send me away. Although, politely, I might add” I tried to look calm, but something inside of me felt uneasy.

Edward stood still, I wondered if he was even paying attention. Then he just took my face in his hand and whispered.
“Bella, honey, don't go worrying over silly things, that aren't worth worrying over.” he smiled.
I raised my eyebrows.
“So, there is something to worry about, or are you just humouring me? Or am I just being stupid and jumping to the wrong conclusions, as usual?”
He chuckled lightly.
“Rosalie and Esme are just discussing Thanksgiving and if its worth all the fuss...and, they were discussing what to get you for christmas.” he said all this so quickly, my head began to spin.
“Christmas?” I blurted out, slightly too loud given the hearing abilities they all had.
I started again.
“Christmas? You know full well I don't like accepting gifts, birthdays or christmas, or any holiday event.” I said quietly, trying not to attract attention.
Too late.
“What's up Bella?” Emmett called from by the piano, and he then proceeded to grin and walk towards me and Edward.
I folded my arms in protest. I knew full well Emmett was in on this. Especially if Rosalie was.
I had a permanent scowl on my face.
“Everything is fine thank you very much for your concern.” I spat.
Then I tried not to be so rude.
”Edward and I were just discussing something,” I gave Edward a quick look, and he could see I wasn't going to let it go. “weren't we?”
Edward turned to Emmett, raising one eyebrow.
“Yes, nothing to worry about here Emmett. Just two people having a, conversation.” I think I saw a quick wink then, but I couldn't be sure.
“Okay Bro, but if she gives you any hassle,” Emmett gave Edward a quick wink then “you just let me know alright” he then smiled in my direction and winked.
Edward just laughed and said “okay Emmett, I will, don't you worry.”

I turned on Edward again.
“But christmas is weeks away, why would you all be planning now?”
He calmly rested his hands on mine, and then guided me to the kitchen where Rosalie and Esme were still hard in discussion.
As soon as we stepped in the kitchen door way, both Esme and Rosalie looked up, smiling.
Edward spoke first.
“Hello, Bella was just wondering what you both were discussing, and I'm afraid I had to tell her.” he turned his head to look at my expression. I was still mad.
Rosalie scowled at him.
“Oh that's just great. Thanks Edward, so much for your top secret attitude.” she said sarcastically.
Edward instantly went all defensive.
“Well, I couldn't just let Bella think you were discussing something worse than you were. Although, Bella doesn't feel its a good subject either” he said, taking a look at me, still holding my hand.

Esme then walked across the kitchen and hugged me softly, trying not to use too much strength, as she knew it wouldn't do me any good. As in, her strength could kill me. I gulped.
“No no, it's fine, really.” I looked up to Edward and then back to Esme and Rosalie. “I just, I'm not a huge, fan of ... presents.” I looked at the floor, feeling ashamed.

Just then Alice flitted past us, and went to stand by Rosalie, she smiled at me.
“Hey Bella” she giggled at the obvious awkward tension, and then Jasper must have felt the same, because I soon relaxed.
I nodded.
“Hey Bella, again” said Jasper, gliding past Edward's side to stand by Alice and a small smile appeared on his face, pleased with his efforts in changing the mood.
“H-hey” I stuttered.
Edward straightened out and smiled.
“Okay, so, we're going to go for a little bit.” he looked at me and then back to the others “because this little one is getting all worked up over absolutely nothing and so it's best if we don't, give her anything more to over dramatise with.” he smiled at his family, a hint of laughter around the edges, and they all smiled back, obviously not needing to say a word.

I on the other hand was a bit, bemused, to say the least. Who said I was over dramatising things? How can me saying I didn't want any presents for christmas, be classed as drama?