Now, I know this isn't your normal Twilight story/fanfiction...thing. I don't remember where I got the inspiration from. It's just something original that I thought of one day, and the idea grew and developed into something bigger. If you have anything to add, you can tell me. I'll see if I can fit it in to the story. THANKS!!!

Rain pelted his car as he drove home at the end of another day of work. The windshield wipers worked furious to sweep the drops that hit the front window, and the thunder rolled with a deafening boom. Pine trees, tall and strong as they were, swayed in the storm's gusts. The road was beginning to flood. Carlisle sighed deeply, one hand on the steering wheel while the other hung limply on his leg. He eased on the gas pedal as soon as the light turned to green, and he began to hum the chorus of "O Come All Ye Faithful". In four days it would be Christmas day, and hopefully Emmett wouldn't topple over the tree this year.

When he was nearing the edge of town, he spied something through the hard rain. It was black and white, and it was slowly making its way to an unknown destination with an obvious limp. Carlisle slowed down a bit and squinted. The limping figure was a Siberian Husky, not too small but not fully grown either. The doctor's compassionate nature kicked in, and he pulled the Mercedes to the side of the road and put it in park. After he stepped out, the rain roared in his ears, but he ignored the sound. The dog stopped and looked over its shoulder at the stranger. Carlisle gradually advanced towards the animal, hoping it wouldn't run off.

"It's okay, puppy," he said calmly. "I won't hurt you. It's all right."

As the canine's ice blue eyes met with his topaz ones, something sent a jolt through Carlisle's mind. It was like the dog was asking, "What do you want?" He took three more steps towards it.

"I'll help you," he told the Husky. The dog stayed rooted to the spot when he crouched down by it. "Come on. You shouldn't be out here in this weather."

Another shock went all the way through Carlisle whenever he scooped up the Husky, and he paused for only for a moment. Gingerly, he carried it to his car and put the soaking wet dog in the backseat where it wined once then rested its head on its front paws. The seat would dry. As the car began moving once more, the vampire pulled out his cell phone, pressed the number two, then talk. There were two rings before a familiar voice answered.

"Hello?" he heard his wife greet.

"Esme, it's me."

"Oh, Carlisle, are you on your way home?"

"Yes, but I have a little problem." He took a quick peek at the stationary dog.

A hint of panic entered Esme's voice. "What? Do you need help? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Esme. Don't worry about me," he chuckled. "Listen, tell the kids to go upstairs and distract themselves. They are not allowed to come back down unless I say so. In the meantime, gather a few towels. I'm going to need them. Also, get the fireplace going if it isn't yet."

"Carlisle, what is this all about?"

"Hmm… call it a surprise. I'll explain when I get home. See you soon."

With that, he hung up. Back at the house, Esme took a deep breath and placed the phone back on the holder. Let's see… kids, towels, and fireplace. Esme went into the den and found her "children" watching a Christmas special. Emmett and Alice were the main ones who loved to watch those kinds of things, and Rosalie and Jasper just stayed with their loved ones. Edward, who would usually be in his room listening to music or reading a book, was reclined in his chair actually watching the program.

"All right, everyone. Up to your rooms. Carlisle's orders," she stated.

"Shh, wait," Emmett said, waving his hand blindly at Esme. He then pointed at the television screen, which he had never taken his eyes off of. "This is almost over."

"No, Emmett, now." She grabbed the remote and clicked the button to turn the TV off. "Carlisle said to go up to your rooms, distract yourselves, and don't come down unless he says you can. Okay?"

"Why? Something wrong?" Alice questioned.

"He didn't tell me anything, Alice. It's best if you just do as he says."

Knowing their was no arguing with Esme, they all stood from their seats and exited the den.

As they headed up the stairs, Emmett asked, "So… what do you guys think this is all about?"

"No clue, but Esme was thinking about what Carlisle said," replied Edward.

"Which was?"

"He told her it was a surprise."

They had reached the top when Emmett clapped his hands together. "I know what it is."

"You do?" the rest questioned in unison.

"Of course," said the largest vampire, "it's a Christmas present for all of us!"

"Oh, like all the time on TV!" exclaimed Alice, her face lighting up like the Christmas tree.

Rosalie interjected, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Wait… what?"

"You see it all the time."

"The father is on his way home," Emmett began.

"The mother send all the kids to their rooms," added Alice.

"When he comes home, it's always some gift that hadn't been wrapped yet."

"They wrap it while the kids are preoccupied with something else."

"And come Christmas morning… ta-dah!"

"It's a big surprise that all the kids enjoy!"

Edward, Jasper, and Rosalie looked at each other for a moment then back to Alice and Emmett, who both wore very confident smiles on their faces.

"Well… there's only one way to find out," said Jasper before smirking once then looking at Alice.

The others got the message, and they too, stared at their psychic sister. Alice concentated hard. She saw the presents they were already going to get, but it was nothing new since she had seen them before. In her vision, Carlisle disappeared into the kitchen and came out with a long piece of blue material that was attached to something. After that, the vision cut off. Alice turned to meet the eyes of everyone and shrugged.

"Whatever it is," she began, "it's about--" she held her hand palm down, right by her waist "--this big."

Since Alice couldn't see it, there was no use in trying to sneak a peek because Carlisle was sure to find out. They all dispersed to find whatever they could to distract them until Carlisle gave them the okay. But yet, they all couldn't help but feel a bit anxious whenever the black Mercedes pulled into the garage.

When Carlisle got out of his vehicle, Esme was instantly at his side with towels in her arms. Her eyes were worried yet curious simultaneously. He shushed her gently then opened the back door, and she gasped sharply. The Husky opened its eyes, never lifting its head, and whimpered quietly. Once Carlisle had spread one towel on the floor, he picked up the dog and set it back down on the material. Carlisle kept his voice low as he spoke:

"Surprise."

"Oh, Carlisle," Esme whispered. "She's beautiful."

"She sure is. I found her all alone on the side of the road."

The woman knelt down beside the trembling creature. "Hmm… no collar, no tags. Maybe she might be micro-chipped."

"We'll see. I'll take her to the veterinarian after the holidays are over."

"But… what if she doesn't belong to anyone?"

Their eyes met, and Carlisle saw the pleading in his wife's eyes. No, they just couldn't. Oh, but Esme did want this dog ever so much.

"Aww, Esme, no. We couldn't keep her."

Esme stroked the dog's head lovingly. "But look at her. She's an absolute sweetheart."

"No, we can't. What if—"

"I'm sure no one will think of that."

"But if someone can't control themselves—"

"You just have to trust them."

"I will not torture my family, Esme. Not you, not the kids."

"Please. Can't we just try for a few days if she doesn't belong to someone?"

Esme cradled the husky's head in her arms. Its tail began to wag ever so slightly. Carlisle sighed and put a hand to his temple. Esme was hooked; it was puppy love at first sight. There was no trying to take the dog away now.

"All right. We'll try," admitted Carlisle.

His wife smiled then took another towel and started drying the dog. It top coat helped to repel some of the water, but it was utterly drenched. Carlisle was surprised that the animal hadn't tried to shake the water off yet. It was like it knew what Esme was trying to do. Then, making sure they referred to it in its correct sexual category, he checked the dog's gender. Yes, Esme had been right; it was a female. Once the Husky was partially dry, Esme wrapped her in new towels and held her in her arms.

"Come on, baby," she crooned. "Let's go get you all warmed up."

Without wasting a moment, she brought the dog into the den and laid her right in front of the fireplace. The Husky let out a contented sigh, closed her eyes, and fell into a slumber. Meanwhile, Esme softly ran the last towel over its fur. She found herself humming a soft lullaby as she watched the animal's chest inflate and deflate with ever breath it took. Carefully, the woman leaned over it and pressed her cheek to the beast's furry one.

Well, that's it for chapter one. Leave me a review telling me what you think. No flames. Constructive critisism would be nice. Once again, thanks a bunch to take time to read!