Twilight forever.

"Good morning sleepy head! It really is amazing that you can do that. I tried, but failed. Although, this reminds me of the way it first was, watching you sleep at night. The only problem is, it's not as fun anymore, because you don't talk in your sleep. Bella? Are you listening?" I heard every word that Edward said, but I didn't want him to stop talking, so I kept my eyes closed. I think he figured it out because I felt his lips grazing my cheek. When they reached my ear, he blew ever so gently. I couldn't stand it, and I started to giggle. "Ha, you are awake you silly, beautiful, wife of mine!" He wrapped his arms around me and turned us over a couple times in the bed. It's a good thing the bed was so large. I finally opened my eyes to look into his perfect face. His tawny eyes were filled with love.

"Merry Christmas. I have a little something for you, if you don't mind." He was holding a little black box in his hand. It wasn't the typical square velvety jewelry box, it was a rather plain, rectangular box. I had no idea what it could be. I took it and opened it slowly. Inside was a bright and shiny silver key.

I pecked his cheek and said, "Thank you, I can't wait to drive it." He rolled his eyes realizing I just saw the car in his head. It was the new Volvo C70 in steel blue. It was a sport coupe convertible with a retractable hardtop. It was cute. I could hardly wait to go for a drive later. As I continued to read his thoughts, I started to shake my head in unbelief. He just couldn't seem to get over his obsessive need to protect me. He chose the car for speed and color, but he was also impressed with the improved rollover protection system, and the door mounted inflatable curtains. "What? You don't trust my driving, yet?" I teased.

"You never know, you aren't the typical vampire, you know!" He was teasing me now. He got out of the bed and pulled me up into his arms. "Let's go visit Charlie!" I didn't argue with that. We were dressed in a flash and headed downstairs. I was surprised to see everyone sitting around the Christmas tree. They all looked up and wished us a Merry Christmas. Alice jumped up and came over and kissed me on the cheek. We joined our hands and started bouncing with excitement, like giddy children.

"Before we go to the hospital, we have a few gifts to open here." Alice was pulling me towards the couch in front of the tree. I looked at Edward with the sudden realization that I didn't do any Christmas shopping for the family. I was so embarrassed. I was shocked when he just smiled at me. I could hear him thinking, "calm down, it will be alright."

Alice announced, recognizing the look on my face, "Don't worry, we know what you will give us and we love it!" I let out an audible sigh and shook my head feeling unworthy of their constant acceptance of my failings. Edward slipped under me as I sat down, so I landed in his lap. I wrapped one arm around his neck. This was going to be the best Christmas ever.

I drove to the hospital in my brand new car. I was really hoping we wouldn't see anyone we knew. I was a little more comfortable accepting gifts from Edward, but not so much that I wanted to flaunt it. When we pulled in to the hospital parking lot, I shouldn't have been surprised that anyone within viewing distance was staring at this incredibly cool car. I rushed to park and hurried inside. Alice and Jasper rode with us. Carlisle also drove, bringing the others. Carlisle entered the room first to check on Charlie and announce that he had visitors. When we all entered, I could see Charlie was surprised. Although, with Jasper there, I could feel that Charlie was really pleased with what he saw. Edward helped me see that Charlie was filled with gratitude for the family I now belonged to. He could see Edward's constant attention paid to me. He saw how everyone lovingly, and playfully, supported each other. He was also thinking what a strikingly beautiful family we were. It was exactly how I saw it in the vision. We were happy and having a great time.

Charlie, of course, loved his new laptop and was grateful that we'd be able to keep in touch better, and more often. Carlisle gave him a sleek silver phone, like the ones we each had. Alice quickly explained some of the games she put on the laptop. I shouldn't have been surprised at how excited he was about that, he was a boy, after all. Edward told him about the wireless connection in the house. He also explained about coffee houses and bookstores that offered Wi-Fi. Charlie seemed really intrigued by this new technology. When all the gifts were opened or explained, Carlisle announced that we should probably let Charlie get some rest. Everyone said their goodbyes and left the room. I told Edward to give me a minute to say goodbye.

"You see that you don't have to worry about me anymore, don't you?" I asked Charlie. He smiled and lifted his hand up to my face.

"I am your father, I will always worry about you. But you are right, I won't have to worry as much. You're... growing up faster than I thought you would. Hey, I saw your report card. Not bad. Keep it up." I hope he didn't see the look that crossed my face. I made a promise to myself right then that I would go to school and learn all those things that I apparently already studied. I thought of something that might cheer him up.

"If this next semester goes well, Edward and I are thinking of transferring to Dartmouth. Did I tell you we were both accepted there? Edward is considering the Medical Program. I'm not certain what I will do yet, but I have time. What do you think?" I could see from his expression that he was thrilled with the idea of his daughter going to an Ivy League school.

"That would be wonderful, Bella. You can do it. You have... more confidence than I've seen before. It's good. Renee will be thrilled too. I guess you'll be a little closer to her side of the country if you do go to Dartmouth. I hope you'll still come back to visit me."

"You can count on it. I love Forks. We'll come visit more often than you'd probably like. Besides, Carlisle and Esme will be here, too." I knew it was time to go. Charlie's eyelids were getting heavier.

"One more thing, Bella, were your eyes always that color?" He seemed half conscious when he asked.

I hesitated briefly, then said "contacts, dad." I hated to lie, but I panicked.

Then I saw a slight smile appear on his face as he half mumbled, "I've heard of married couples starting to look alike, but don't you think you're taking it to extremes?" He was chuckling as he said it. If only he knew how much I was like Edward. The physical appearance was just the tip of the iceberg.

"I love you dad. We'll be around a few more days, then it's back to school. Merry Christmas. Sleep well." I kissed his forehead. He was already out. Leaving Forks this time wouldn't be so hard. I knew we would be back to visit.

I walked out of the hospital, happier than I've ever been. This was definitely the best Christmas ever. Edward was holding my hand. He turned to me and said "So, we're going to Dartmouth, are we?" He was smiling so brilliantly, it mesmerized me. I was so distracted by his beauty that I didn't notice how dark it had become while we were in the hospital. When we got to the car, Alice announced that a huge thunderstorm was headed this way. We all looked at each other with bright, excited eyes.

"Let's play ball!" I yelled. We all jumped in the car and headed for the field. I was looking forward to playing. I no longer had to stand on the sidelines. I was one of them now.

The End.

Look for the sequel: Mutiny