Lucas and I walked inside with Charlie following close on our heels. "So, what's going on between the two of you? Bells you're being all distant and stuff…" Charlie said, making his way into the kitchen and then out into the living room where we were now sitting down on the floor. Lucas laughed and I shook my head in dismay.

"What are you suggesting?" Lucas asked after a short pause. Charlie shrugged, "Well, I just think if the two of you are a couple, then I should at least be notified before you surprise me with grandkids." he said, coughing to cover up his nervousness.

I burst out into laughter, keeling over on the couch next to Lucas, who was laughing with me as well. "NO, dad. Oh wow, no we aren't -" I said, but Lucas jumped in, "Anything but friends… I promise." he said, coughing and sitting up, his hands resting on his knees. He stood up and punched Charlie in the arm, I got up as well, "Don't worry dad, I promise I will call you 10 minutes before I give birth to notify you of grandkids." I said, smiling and hoping that he knew I was just kidding with him. It was drafty in the halls which meant it would be a long, cold night upstairs.

After I was dressed and ready for bed, I sat in the center of my bed, laying back with my phone in hand, staring out the window. It felt as if I were being watched, but I couldn't quite pinpoint the direction at which the feeling came. I closed my eyes and laid there for a while, at least until Lucas came in, tossing his stuff on the chair.

"You okay, love?" he asked, sitting on the bed next to me. I rolled over onto my side and smiled at him, "I'm fine, just tired is all. Talk to you in the morning?" I asked as I slid over and covered myself with the heavy down comforter my mom and Phil had gotten me for Christmas a few years ago. He nodded and turned the light out.

I could barely sleep that night, I tossed and turned constantly. I am truly surprised that I didn't wake Lucas, or maybe if I did, he just didn't acknowledge the fact that I did… who knows? Slowly, I got up and made my way to my laptop. I hadn't talked to my mom in forever, or at least that's what it seemed like. I popped open my email and sure as day, there was an email from her…

Bella, How are you? How is the new school? I'm sorry I haven't kept in touch, but Phil's been sick lately and I've been taking care. Don't worry, he is better now and back to almost normal. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years. I hope to see you soon, but you know how that works. I started a new job, well new job same skills required. Guess what it is? You got it, I'm a TEACHER! Isn't that so exciting? Anyways, I'm babbling now honey, talk to you soon.

Love Mom…

Mom, I'm fine, life here is different and school sure as heck is different than it is in Phoenix. The kids here are different, but nice enough and the academics are definitely new to me. But I'm managing. Aw, I'm sorry to hear about Phil. I hope everything is alright and it's good to hear that he is doing better. Happy Holidays to you guys as well. I got a Christmas present early this year, guess what it was? Yeah, Lucas came to stay for my vacation. It's really fun and Charlie seems to be okay with it. We're having a huge party today/tonight. I'm cooking and I met a guy, yes a guy. His name is Edward and he is amazingly sweet. We had like a two hour make-out session yesterday, which was different. I figured you would get stoked about something like that. I will have more details for you once I know more. But I've got to cut this short because Lucas is awake now and I've got to hit up the grocery store soon before everything is gone.

Much Love, Isabella…

I got up from the computer desk and stretched, jumping on top of Lucas who was snoring lightly. "WAKE! UP!" I said, jumping up and down on the bed as he bounced lightly. I was sure that I had waken him up when I jumped on top, but maybe he was just truly a deep sleeper. But before I could notice any difference, he grabbed my ankle and pulled me down, I fell hard and hit my head on the wall.

I broke out into a fit of laughter as he held his body overtop of me and smiled. He kissed my forehead and I stared up into his eyes. I don't know what happened next and I certainly don't know WHY it happened. He lowered his face closer to mine and brushed my lips with his ever so gently. My eyes closed and he pulled away from me abruptly and I sat up. "I'm sorry, I don't know what happened.. " he babbled, moving from the bed to the chair. I sat there and stared at him. "Don't worry about it, we just got caught up in the moment is all…" I said, getting up and brushing his arm as I left the room.

I was extremely pale today, it was kind of scary. So much has happened in my life since moving to Forks and then to Seattle for school. Guys have played a huge part in my life… well huge compared to back when I lived in Phoenix. I ran my fingers through my hair and sighed as I peeled my clothes off and jumped into the shower. I adjusted the temperature of the water while I stood underneath it. The icy cold water shocked my body and then the steaming hot seemed to unthaw my now frozen joints and muscles.

Standing there for what seemed like forever allowed my mind to wander into distant thoughts that I hadn't let myself ponder upon in a while. Almost slipped out of the shower when I heard the knocking on the door. "Bella? Are you almost finished? We need to get started… and you have a text message from… well from that Edward guy I think." Lucas said as I reached for the knob. "I'm coming, I'm coming. And thanks, the bathroom is all yours…" I said, making my way down the cold, drafty hallway in a towel.

I closed the door and skipped over to my bedside table where my phone was flashing…

MasochisticCullen,E: Bella, Good Morning. What's up?

BellaMuses: Nothing really, just getting out of the shower, about to head out to the store for some last minute dinner things, why? What's up?

MasochisticCullen,E: Same, except we're ordering take out for our Christmas festivities this year. Which works, for us, I mean, lol. But I was wondering if it would be okay if I stopped by with Alice later on today to drop off our gifts?

BellaMuses: Um, sure, that sounds pretty good to me. We're having a bunch of people over from the La Push area. A bunch of friends of Charlie's I guess, but Lucas and I could spare some time to hang out with you guys, if that's alright with you?

MasochisticCullen,E: Sure, it doesn't really matter to me. But I was kind of hoping for a little more "Private" time with you. I miss you, and that sounds crazy because I told you that we should just stay friends… but I'm afraid I'm breaking all of the rules now…

BellaMuses: I see, well I don't really know what to say to that, except for the fact that I miss you too. But I'll talk to you later, just let me know what time you plan on stopping by, that way I can sneak out and meet you guys J

MasochisticCullen,E: Works for me, Be safe Bella…

I figured that since it was cold outside and I was just going out shopping, that I didn't really need to look all extravagant. I would save that for later or whatever. I pulled on my favorite sweatpants and a Blue October hoodie that was given to me a few years ago for my birthday. I thought it was perfect for today's activities, so I yanked my hair up into a sloppy ponytail bun as Lucas made his way into the bedroom. He obviously thought the same thing because he was dressed in sweats and a Notre Dame hoodie.

"Wow, great minds think alike." I said, laughing and pulling my legs up into the chair with me while he sat down putting socks on. He nodded, "Yeah, I guess they do. So what foods are you going to cook for tonight?" he asked, leaning back on his elbows.

I shrugged because I honestly didn't know, "Lucas, about earlier… I'm not mad at you and I hope you aren't mad at me either. I just didn't know what to say OR do. It just shocked me is all, I mean you're like my best friend…" I said, turning away so that he couldn't see the tears that were burning in my eyes.

"I know that I'm your best friend, otherwise I don't think that I would be here sweetie. But I do literally think it was that we were both caught up in the moment and didn't really expect or know what to do. I love you, just not in THAT sort of way, no offense." he said, laughing as I kicked him in the shin.

"I know, and I don't really love you that way either, all though I did a few years ago. Hmm, that was a weird time in my life. But now, we're just friends, and I couldn't be happier than I am right now. But we should probably get going, Edward and his sister Alice want to come over later. Are you okay with that?" I asked, getting up with my purse and cell phone in hand. He shrugged, which I just left at a "I don't care" sort of stand point.

I walked, well skipped down the stairs faster than I should have because when I reached the bottom I lost my balance and tripped into the side of the wall, which hurt but I decided it was better to pretend it didn't happen, for my dignity's sake. "Dad, is there anything that they really like? That they don't like? Any special recommendations or requests?" I asked, walking around the hallway and into the kitchen.

"Uh, no not really Bells. They are pretty down to earth people, so anything you make would be stupendous. Don't worry, and I'll handle the drinks and everything else, you just get drinks for you two and the kids from La Push as well. There's about 250 in the cash jar, there's your money to fund all of this." he said, smiling up at me from his cup of coffee and the newspaper.

"Um, dad, that's a lot of money. I don't know if that's-" I was starting to say, but Lucas cut me off and finished, "Very generous of you, we're about to head out for the day." he ended up saying, cutting his eyes at me when Charlie wasn't looking.

"Yeah, what he said. Anyways, Edward and Alice Cullen plan on stopping by a little later, so if I'm not around, we'll be outside or whatever. Call my cell if you need anything else." I said, walking out of the kitchen before Charlie could comment on my plans for later on. But of course, being a father, he caught up quickly to put his two cents worth in, "Bells, isn't that Edmund boy a little old for you?" he said, seeming honestly worried.

Sighing, I turned to face him, "No, we're in the same grade and honestly dad, he's like the most polite and gentleman like guy I think you have ever met, no offense Lucas." I said, smiling over at him while he put a pout face on. "Alright, but have fun, and invite them in for a while, the more the merrier." he said, grabbing his coat off the wall. I bent down to put my shoes on along with Lucas.

"I don't think that will be necessary, they are spending it with their family and they are only coming over for a little while. BUT if it will make you feel better, I'll invite them in, just to be the best hostess." I said, laughing as I walked out the door. He brushed his hand across my back and made his way to his police cruiser, he was being generous enough to let us use his other "special occasion" car.

It was an upgrade from the police cruiser, but it was still nothing out of the ordinary, just a regular black sedan. But it did the job, and it was good on gas. The grocery store was the only place around here that actually reminded me of home. The bright lights and shelves stacked high with foods from everywhere, well, they were a generic reminder of what home was like. Until my mom met Phil, I was the one who cooked because she often liked to experiment with the food itself and more often than not, the food she served was way beyond edible.

"So, where do we start?" Lucas asked, grabbing a cart and walking up next to me. I shrugged, "Maybe the meat section? At least then we can see what they offer and form ideas around that." I said, bumping his shoulder. He smiled down at me and my heart melted. We had had one of the most awkward experiences that friends could ever be involved with, and yet we made it out alive and back to normal in record time.

"Oh, we could do chicken? Ham? No turkey, we don't want everyone falling asleep and Thanksgiving wasn't that long ago." I said, stopping and staring at the meats that were displayed in front of me. Lucas reached forward and grabbed a ham and some chicken breasts. "How's about we do both? You know, that way they have a choice and it's not just set and stone?" he suggested, juggling them in his hands. I laughed and nodded, "Actually, that's not a half bad idea. Wow, you are smart… sometimes." I said, dodging his punch and skipping ahead of him.

"Okay, so we're doing baked chicken with mashed potatoes, green been casserole, French bread, orange-cranberry relish, sweet potatoes-your mom's recipe, and a delightful salad, correct?" I asked, Lucas nodded and made his way to the snacks isle. "Maybe we should get like some chips, flavored popcorns, and cookies? Because I'm pretty sure they will be here way before dinner's even remotely finished and a good hostess never lets her guests go hungry." he said, laughing.

We grabbed two of those tin cans of the flavored popcorn, you know, the ones with like cheddar, regular, and the all time favorite of caramel, along with some pretzels (which I secretly planned to drizzle chocolate over) and a bunch of sodas. I suggested that we should get some sparkling cider juice, the stuff that comes in the wine bottles, but are for kids.

Finally, after about two and a half hours of shopping, we made it back home. Charlie, Billy, Jacob, and Lucas helped me carry the groceries inside the house. Lucas and I started immediately on the main food dishes. After a little visiting with Charlie, Jacob came back into the kitchen and helped Lucas prepare the side dishes, wrapping tin foil over them until the were ready to go into the oven in a few hours. We shoved everything we could into the refrigerator for later. Moving onto the hors d'oeuvres. I figured that chocolate covered pretzels would fit more into the holiday and Lucas was right, all teens and kids loved junk foods so the chips would satisfy them. I also picked up a veggie platter which the adults would enjoy a little more, if not, it would just be left over for some other time for Charlie.

"So, Bella, are you excited about the holidays this year?" Jacob asked, while I sat at the sink washing the last of dishes with Lucas. I shrugged, "I guess, it's just different than what I'm used to, you know? What about you?" I asked, he was a simple boy. Very easy to talk to and he had an easy spirit. "No, not really. The holidays sort of suck now a days. But this year is different, so maybe it will be a change in the memory of horrible Christmas' past." he said laughing. Lucas and I joined in, there was a soft knock at the door, and I jumped.

Lucas eyed me as I dried my hands off and went to answer it, on my way, I fixed my hair in the mirror and placed a smile on my face. I pulled the door open slowly, hoping I didn't look like a complete idiot and that I didn't have water spots on my shirt from washing dishes. "Hello." Edward said, as soon as I was out from behind the door. Alice stood next to him, beaming. I smiled back and she reached out and hugged me. "How are you guys? Would you like to come inside?" I asked, loud enough so that Charlie could hear.

"Uh, no -" Edward began, but Alice smacked his arm, "Sure, Bella. We would love to. It is a little cold out here…" she said, twirling past me into the hallway. I took her jacket and then Edward took them from me, placing the on the banister away from the other jackets. I was going to move them upstairs, but he placed a gift in my hand. I smiled up at him, but his face broke my heart. He glared down at me, his eyes were darker than the last time I had seen him, I though it might have been the lighting but when he stepped into the kitchen, they were even darker. I tried my best to steer my eyes away from him, trying my best to not cry and let him see how hurt I was.

"Bella, it smells lovely in here! You must be the best cook I have known, because I cant really cook… so we mostly smell smoke and nonsense." she said, laughing her high pitched laugh. Until now, I hadn't realized what she was wearing, but now as I looked closer, she was wearing dark fitted slacks with a brilliant red blouse with a black belt wrapped around her stomach. She had black pearls on and vibrant red stilettos on as well. "Alice, your outfit is amazing! You look so beautiful," I said, secretly envying her beauty.

She looked down at herself and waved a hand dismissively in the air, "This old outfit? Pleaaase Bella, this is just something I threw together, but thank you!" she said smiling brightly at me. I shook my head, "Edward, you look nice too…" I said, not wanting to be rude, although I had every right TO be rude to him. But he did buy me a gift. I glanced down at my sweats and hoodie and immediately felt ashamed. "Um, if you would excuse me for a moment or two. I think I should go change…" I said, blushing a little in the face. I felt Lucas staring at me and then I heard his laughter next to me as he looked at my face. I punched him in his stomach, stopping him laughter.

"Shut up, Lucas." I said, walking past Alice, making my way over to pass Edward near the doorway, but he caught my arm. "Bella, can I talk to you for a moment… in private?" he asked quietly. I tried to avoid his eyes, but he lowered his eyes to my level, forcing me to look at him. I gave in, and his eyes were still dark, but I could see the remorse in them. I nodded slightly, leading him up the stairs to my bedroom. I closed the door slightly, but still leaving it cracked so that we weren't totally alone.

"You look beautiful…" he said, smirking at me. I felt my cheeks grow extremely hot and I looked away. "You don't have to lie to me, I look like I've been slaving around in the kitchen all day." I said, gesturing with my hands to my sweats and hoodie. He shook his head, chuckling quietly under his breath. I liked being alone with him, in a sort of care free state like now. But right now, I was growing agitated by the moment, and the fact that I could practically feel my heart beating out of my chest whenever I looked at him or he talked to me or even looked at me, wasn't helping the situation either.

"I wanted to talk to you, alone, because… well… I was thinking a lot today. About you and me. After what happened a few days ago, well I thought that, no correction, I know it would be best for me to just leave you alone and be somewhat friends with you, but you see, I cant. I haven't been able to stop thinking about you at all and I worry about you, constantly. It's become some sort of a nuisance. But that's not a bad thing, I've never felt this way before… so it's all new to me…" I sat down in the chair near my bay window and listened to him. He sat on the edge of my bed, it was weird. I had dreamt of him sitting there, thought about it, but now that I was actually seeing it, he made my room look like a shack. He was so beautiful that everything he was near looked bland and so extremely ordinary that it was truly painful.

"I see, well what does this all mean? I mean one minute you want to be friends then the next you aren't sure and honestly, it's really giving me whiplash; you know, being told one thing and then another and then having it start all over again. So what are you trying to tell me?" I asked, my voice getting higher due to the pent up frustration finally escaping. He laughed, shaking his head and looking at me, his eyes boring into mine.

"I'm saying that, I want to break all of the rules. I might as well, I'm going to hell anyways and why not start living my life right now…" he said, standing up and walking over to me. He ran his fingers across my cheek, all the way to my chin, lifting it with his index finger. I placed my hand on his, it was smooth-smoother than my own and freezing. He wrapped his hand around mine and pulled me to my feet, never taking his eyes off me. I felt like I was in a trance, like the girls in those sappy romance movies where they finally get the guy of their dreams and they just stand there- it was like an out of body experience.

He wrapped his arm around my waist and brought mine up around his neck; I had to stand on my tippy toes, that's how tall he actually was and how extremely short my 5"4 actually was. He bent his head slowly down and in a moments notice, his cool lips touched mine, it was a magical feeling. Like first kisses feel in the cartoons with the fireworks and trumpets playing. Well it literally felt like this, my lips burned with passion against his. I ran my fingers through his hair while he pulled me closer to his body. He moaned, deep within his chest and I laughed, like the dork I am. He laughed with me and pulled away slowly.

"So, what exactly does this make us, Edward?" I asked, still wrapped in his arms, staring up at him. He watched my face for a few minutes, my heart finally slowing, and then he looked away for a brief second and back to me. "Well, I guess it would make us a couple, you know… the whole boy and girl thing. That is, only if you want it as well…" he said, lifting his hand from my waist and running a finger across my lips, touching my nose gently. I smiled and nodded, "That, I would definitely like."

With that said, he lowered his lips to mine for a brief second and then he pulled away. "Wow, this was easier than I thought it would be. I was afraid you would just hate me because of my mood when I walked into your home. I am truly sorry about that. Alice and I just had an argument before we got here, but it's all better now." he said, quietly. I nodded and bit down gently on my bottom lip, holding back a smile. He stroked my cheek again slowly and then turned to walk away.

"Wait, where are you going?" I asked, a little frantic and it was too obvious. He laughed and held up his hands, "I didn't think you were the type of girl to take her clothes off early on in the relationship…" he said, laughing but then he saw that I wasn't laughing and kind of coughed to cover it up. "Relax, Bella. I was just going to let you change. I'll be waiting outside of the door… promise." he said, winking at me. I smiled slightly and felt my face blush again as he closed the door. I exhaled loudly and went to my closet, searching for something that Alice would approve of and that Edward would absolutely love.

I finally decided on my favorite blue blouse and a pair of fitted black dress pants along with my favorite patent leather ballet flats and Grandma Swan's turquoise ring and matching necklace. I ended up taking my hair down and tousling my hair gently, just breaking the curls up and letting my hair fall off my shoulders. I touched my face up with a smidge of makeup and finished it all off with a spritz of love spell, that my mother had gotten me from Victoria Secret a few months before I decided I was going to live with Charlie.

I opened the door to see Edward leaning against the wall in the shadows. I smiled at him when he looked up at me. He pulled his body away from the wall and grabbed my hand. He laced his fingers through mine and led me down the stairs. "You look absolutely stunning… I love that blue on you, by the way." he said, bringing my hand up and kissing my fingers. I blushed in the stairway and tried to calm myself before we walked into the kitchen.

Lucas sat at the kitchen table with Alice and Jacob. They were playing cards and it looked like Alice was winning, which I could tell by Lucas' face that he wasn't very happy. Lucas was an amazing card player and to add to the hurt of losing, he was losing to a girl. "Lucas, it's okay, you can still kick my butt in cards, if that makes you feel a little better." I said, smiling at him. He looked up and his eyes roamed down to my hand, of course it was the one that was being held gently inside of Edward's.

"Yeah, I guess that is a good thing. So, you guys want to join in or what? I'm pretty sure my butt needs a break or it'll be bruised for life at the rate she's winning." he said, as we all began to laugh. Alice looked back at me and her eyes roamed around my outfit with almost approving eyes. "Bella! You look absolutely adorable in that outfit. I give you kudos for your fashion taste." she said, giggling and tossing me a quick wink before turning back to her game.

Jacob stood in the corner snacking on some pretzels that we had decided to leave plain. I smiled at him, "You okay? You can sit down or whatever. Our home is yours, you should know that." I said, as Charlie came walking into the room. He was in an exuberant mood, which was nice to see for a change. "Wow, Bells, it smells great in here, it's starting to seep into the rest of the house…" he said, but stopped when he saw Edward and Alice.

He quickly smiled, "Well Hello there, you two. Didn't know you were here yet." he reached a hand out to Edward who shook it and smiled, "Hello, Chief Swan." and Alice stood and gave him a hug. She was so graceful, and then quickly sat back down and continued to whoop Lucas' ass in cards.

"Jacob, your father needs you in there…" he said, slowly eyeing me and Edward and then Alice and Lucas. Once Jacob was out of the room, he turned toward me, "Bells, so um, when did you two happen?" he asked, his face serious and stern, the perfect fathers' face. I ran my fingers through my hair once and shrugged, "Recently, not too long ago actually." I said, smiling at him. Edward smiled down at me and then at Charlie. "Don't worry Chief Swan, I promise to be a perfect gentleman with her." he said, his voice innocent and cool.

Charlie kicked into father-police mode and eyed him skeptically, but then smiled and hit Edward on the arm, "I hope so, I'd hate to have to hurt you for hurting her…" he said, laughing. It was so embarrassing that I covered my face and had to look away. Charlie attempted to give me a noogy, but I ducked out of the way, dropping Edward's hand and ducking over by Lucas. "Dad, stop… please…" I begged, as he kissed me on the cheek and walked out into the living room again.

Everyone sat and laughed at me, so of course I blushed again one after another. I was embarrassed but completely at ease that Charlie had approved of Edward and I, even though it was an extremely weird way to do it. I bet he had been drinking, but who cares? He was having fun and he was happy. Edward had moved over onto the bench at the kitchen table. He patted the seat next to him and I joined him, picking up a bowl of chocolate covered pretzels and setting them down on the table. Jacob came back in and sat between Lucas and Alice, picking up his hand of cards.

I was actually winning in the card game, for once. Edward and Alice eventually got me out and they went up against each other while Jacob watched and Lucas helped me get dinner out and ready for people to serve themselves. Alice squealed in delight when Edward slammed his cards down, laughing with her. "I told you that you wouldn't and couldn't beat me." she said, gathering the cards together and putting them neatly on a shelf.

"Whatever, you cheat and I will let you win… but just this once, so don't get used to the feeling." he replied. I heard Jacob laugh and then he got up to answer Billy's calling. I didn't hear Edward come up behind us, but when I turned around he was there and I jumped, almost dropping the casserole in my hands. He helped steady it and took it from me, placing it on the table.

"Bella, we should be heading back home. Lucas, here, I got this for you. Well Alice and I, we would have felt horrible coming here and not getting you something, we hope you accept and enjoy it." he said, handing Lucas a tower of boxes, perfectly wrapped into a tower with a bow on top. "Gee, thanks, even though you didn't have to, I mean we barely know each other. But thanks, a lot." he said, shaking Edward's hand and accepting Alice's hug.

"Bella, why don't you walk them out," Lucas said, winking, "I can handle this, and besides, I know you want to wish them, and by them, I mean Edward, a Merry Christmas and everything." I elbowed him and followed behind Edward, who was following Alice out. She grabbed their coats and handed him his. Putting his coat on quickly, he opened the door and let Alice out, turning back to me. "I had fun tonight, I was actually surprised at how unbelievably cool Lucas is and everything." he said, taking my hands in his.

I nodded, looking like a retard, staring at him, "Yeah, he is a really good friend. I'm glad you guys got along. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, please, tell the rest of your family I wish them the best as well." I said, smiling back at Alice as she waved. He nodded and ducked his head to my level, pressing his lips gently against mine. It was the sweetest of kisses, they were like nothing I had ever experienced in my life before. I brought my hands up to his chest as he opened his jacket and wrapped it around me. He was freezing, but it was a sweet gesture. I shivered and he began to pull away. I kept my eyes closed and tried to pull him back to me but he just laughed and unwrapped my arms from him.

"Bella, behave. My sister is watching, and Lucas is too. He wants to make sure I'm not getting ahead of myself I am sure of." he said quietly, touching his lips to mine once more. I pouted when he pulled away, "Okay, well have a safe drive home." I said, sounding more glum than ever before. "Don't worry, we will see each other again soon, Bella. You be safe and have fun." he said, kissing me again and then turning, half running to his car. He was in and out of my driveway in a matter of seconds, and in about 30 seconds all together, he was gone… out of site.

I sat and stared out into the darkness, after his car. I said to be safe, so he drives like a maniac anyways, even though the roads are horrible and extremely icy. I turned to go back in the house a while later because I was freezing and could no longer feel my feet. "Wow, that was some car. I'll have to ask him about it sometime. Maybe he'll let me drive it too." Lucas said, sitting at the table, eating slowly with Jacob. I laughed, "Yeah, I don't see why not. His car is cool, but I don't see what the big deal is about… it's just a car." I said, while I fixed a plate of food for myself.

Mr. and Mrs. Clearwater came into the kitchen to get seconds I presumed, and as they complimented profusely on my cooking, I smiled and thanked them, even though I was secretly thinking about Edward and his kisses. I wasn't that hungry so I mostly picked at the food on my plate and joined into the conversation whenever it was necessary. Jacob was hilarious, he was really good at impressions of the kids that he went to school with, like I said before, he had a free spirit and was a true people person. "Bella, breathe, geesh! It was just a joke!" he said, I couldn't stop laughing and I was clenching my stomach. Lucas and Jacob were laughing at me and I was laughing at them.

It was a great night, I got a guy who I had been crushing on since the first day I arrived in the drown out state a few months ago, we had great food, good people, lots of laughs and stories, and it was sad when the night finally came to an end. "Bella!" everyone cheered when I walked into the living room, all I could do was laugh and walk over to Charlie. I hugged him tight and said hell to people as I passed them. They all thanked me and put little gifts and such underneath our tree, and I helped Charlie pass out gifts back to them. It was a wonderful night, full of giving, love, friendship, and life.

When the last guest left, I sighed against Lucas' shoulder and we collapsed onto the couch. I closed my eyes and I stretched out next to him, he did the same, letting me rest my head on his chest. I heard Charlie come into the living room and I heard the chair give way as he sat down. "Bells?" he asked, but I couldn't ask. Lucas did though, "I think she's gone, Charlie. But if you need something, I can do it…" he offered, shifting a little underneath my weight.

"No, no. I can just tell her in the morning. You know, she did an amazing job. Both of you did, and I'm truly grateful for you two, truly am. And honestly, I'm glad she found someone good like the Cullen boy, better than that sorry excuse for a boy, Tyler… Taylor, whatever his name was." Charlie said, laughing. Lucas joined in and rubbed my back in slow, soothing, gentle circles.

"Thanks Charlie, but you just have good friends. They were wonderful guests and that kid Jacob, well he was a real help and was really cool. I enjoyed hanging out with him, even though he's quite a bit younger than me. But thanks for letting me come and visit Bella, it's different not living near her, and it was a true pleasure being able to see her. Thank you." he said. They talked for a while, but I came in and out of consciousness too much to really know what was real and what wasn't.

I don't remember going up to bed, but I woke up with Lucas' arm around my waist and the sun shining brightly in through my window. He was snoring lightly beside me, so I rolled gently and quietly out of bed, tip-toeing quietly towards the door. "Merry Christmas, Bella…" he said. I turned back towards him, he had a big smile on his face. I smiled back, "Merry Christmas to you too." I said back, slipping out of the room. I heard Charlie snoring loudly next door, so I knew he was deep in sleep. I peed and brushed my teeth good. I checked my face, I had some color, but I looked different. I looked happy, which was a change for me. Especially with the way things have been dealt to me lately.

I ran back to my room and jumped onto the bed, knocking Lucas onto his side of the bed. "Good Morning, love." I said, smiling at him. He laughed, "Good Morning to you too. How did you sleep?" he asked, rolling onto his side. I rolled my eyes up toward the ceiling and fell backwards, "I slept amazingly well. How's about you?" I asked, eyeing him slowly. He shrugged, "On and off really. But it was restful enough."

"Did I keep you up? I'm so sorry…." I said, my mood plummeting a little. He shook his head, "No, no you didn't keep me up. You actually slept all the way through without any weird conversations. I was surprised, actually." he teased, tickling my side. "Oh you jerk!" I said, putting my icy cold feet on his legs. He laughed and pushed me away. "I was thinking that I would make breakfast for Charlie, although it's about noon. Maybe we'll just eat some left over food and then bag the rest up and take it to like the homeless shelter or whatever. Give it back to the people who came over last night." I said, thinking out loud to myself.

I felt him shrug, "It works, Charlie wont eat all of that and I stuffed myself yesterday, so maybe giving it away is a really good idea." he said, stretching, "But someone kept calling you this morning… I think it might have been Edward, but I'm not sure." he finished, getting out of bed and walking down the hall. I reached over for my phone, my mom had called… six times. Gosh mom, I'm safe, I'm with dad for peace sakes. I sat up and dialed her number, of course she cant leave a voicemail or anything. She picked up, frantic, on the first ring.

Mom: Bella! Bella are you alright? I haven't heard from you in like forever and it's Christmas and almost one…

Bella: Mom, calm down. I'm alright and yes, I know it's Christmas, but we had a party with a bunch of friends last night and it ended really late. I was tired, I'm sorry for sleeping and worrying you. Merry Christmas to you and Phil, hope you have a great day.

Mom: This is like, no laughing matter Bella, I was worried and you're hundreds of miles away. But how are you? How's school? How's your father?

Bella: I'm alright and school is going to be a little better. I broke up with Tyler, he was a "sorry excuse for a boy" as dad put it, and he was cheating on me. But I'm alright, I'm strong. I learned that from you. Dad's alright and Lucas is Lucas. We are having a lot of fun, although I'm not looking forward to him going back home soon. I will miss him like crazy. But what's new for you guys?

Mom: Oh honey, that's horrible. I'm sorry you had to have that happen, but when one fails, another will prosper. You're beautiful and will find another guy, one who is better than that Tyler fellow. But nothing is really new with us, just living life I guess. It's different without you here, almost too quiet. Well, quieter than usual. But Phil might have a new job, his coach says that if he keeps progressing like he is now, he just might make it to the pros in a few years.

Bella: Mom, that's great, that's truly great. And honestly, I have found a new guy. Edward, that's his name. I've liked him since I first started school in Seattle and wow, I mean he is g o r g e o u s! Like nothing you've ever seen before, and I think it's official now, well as of last night that is. But Lucas and I plan on spending the day packing away food to give out and spending Christmas with dad for a while before heading out. I will talk to you soon, and you should check your email more often because I did send you a reply. I love you both bunches and miss you all dearly. Talk to you soon. Bye.

She's always worrying, but can I blame her? I am extremely accident prone, but still, that's just a little over the top for me. "Who called?" Lucas asked as he made his way back into the room. "My mom, gosh, she worries all the time. She was worried because I didn't call her today and it's almost one o'clock. How crazy is that? But they both said hello and Merry Christmas to us all." I stretched out and threw on my hoodie again and Lucas threw on some sweats and a hoodie as well. I hugged him tight and went out into the hall towards Charlie's room. I opened the door slowly and walked in, making sure to be extra quiet.

I'm pretty sure Charlie wasn't used to having people home for the holidays, but this year, well it would be different. Being that we slept in half the day, I figured I'd resort back to my inner child and wake him up. "MERRY CHRISTMAS!" Lucas and I shouted from the foot of his bed. Charlie jumped up and reached for his gun, but I jumped on the bed, grabbing his hand before he could reach his night table. "Dad, dad it's okay. It's just us.. Relax, everything's okay." I said, scooting up next to him, trying to hold back my laugh. He shook his head in disappointment and rolled back onto the bed. "You nearly gave me a heart attack…" he said, trying to slow his breathing. I just laughed as Lucas raised an eyebrow at him, "Yeah? I'm pretty sure you would have died from fear rather than a heart attack, you should have seen the look on your face…" he said, walking out of the bedroom. I shook my head and helped him up out of bed, making our way downstairs.