Author's Note: Originally this was going to be a one shot, but I started writing and couldn't stop so now it'll be posted in three parts. I'm still working on the other story if anyone was wondering, but I needed a breather for a few days. Enjoy :)

Nice reviews are better than chocolate, unless maybe you're licking that chocolate off someone.

"Oh…That was so real"

"Ok, ok I'll go," I paused to think of my terms, "but if this turns into a Noah's ark thing and you guys pair off and leave me with Edward, so help me Alice…" I trailed off, unable to think of anything bad enough. She barely paid attention, distracted as she was by the effort involved with closing her suitcase. It was a vintage Louis Vuitton (I only know because she told me) that she was currently sitting on while struggling to lock shut.

"Yes, yes, we promise not to leave you two alone, God forbid you try and get along," she responded breathlessly. When her suitcase was finally closed she walked into my room and pulled my old black duffel out of my closet and unzipped it.

"What are you doing?" I stood in my doorway with my arms folded against my chest; I was going for a look of indignation.

"If I leave it to you, you'll pack nothing but sweatpants," she answered over her shoulder. She was going through my closet, looking a little disappointed. "It's too bad we're not the same size, you could just wear my things," she muttered to herself.

I gave up the fight; she was going to do what she wanted regardless. Ostensibly, Alice and Jasper had planned this Christmas getaway, although I knew it was mostly Alice's doing. We were a bit of a ragtag group this year. Jasper's parents had passed away years ago and he didn't really have any other family so she decided to gather all her friends that had nowhere to go this year and go to her mother's cabin. The group included the three of us plus our mutual friend Angela and her boyfriend Ben. And Edward.

Unfortunately.

It's not that we didn't get along per se; or even that I didn't like him. It's just that I'm pretty sure he couldn't stand me and I had no idea why. The irrationality of that drove me crazy. He was aloof to the point of rudeness; I always had this feeling that he thought he was better than me. That felt so childish to even think. But he was so cold toward me; I was constantly wondering what I'd done wrong. I really wasn't looking forward to feeling that way for this entire trip.

But there was no denying Alice's will and if she wanted me to go, I was going to go. It could be fun…or at least bearable.

"I thought we were just going to be hanging out in a cabin for a week, what do I need nice clothes for?" I walked in and plopped myself down on the bed, watching with curiosity as Alice put in my nicest pair of dark grey slacks and a fitted black cashmere sweater; it was incredibly soft and was cut in a deep V in the front.

"I wish you owned even one dress, but this will do. We're going to spend most of the time in the cabin, but town isn't that far away, we can go and check it out, have dinner. There's a really nice restaurant there that my mom always goes to." She grabbed my only heels, a pair of knee high black boots and stuffed them into my suitcase, then zipped it shut. "Try and have a good time, please. At least for Jasper, ok?"

I nodded. The holidays were a difficult time for him, up until this year he'd spent most of them alone. I didn't know much about his life before we all met, but I had a feeling it hadn't been easy. If it meant that I could make Jasper a little happier, I would put on my brave face gladly.

"Ok, get some rest. We're leaving at ten." With that, she glided out of the room. "G'night!" I heard her call out before she closed her door.

"Night, Alice," I called back. I pulled the bag off the bed and set it on the floor. I searched in my dresser until I found my favorite sweat pants and an old white t-shirt and put them on and got under the covers. Maybe Alice's enthusiasm was rubbing off on me because before I fell asleep I began to actually look forward to this little trip.

"Alice, it's 10:30," I was sitting at the island in our kitchen finishing up some yogurt.

"I know, I know! You can go on ahead if you want," she called from the bathroom. "The directions are on the counter," she added.

"Are you sure?" Normally, I would wait for her, but the weather report this morning didn't look promising. It looked as though a storm was going to sweep through the entire state by tonight and I was not looking forward to driving in those conditions. I stood up and threw my yogurt container away and grabbed the directions; they looked easy enough to follow. I could take the interstate almost the entire way.

"Yeah, go ahead," she appeared at the end of the hall, "I still need to go over to Jasper's and pick him and Edward up anyway. Angela and Ben are taking their own car. I know how much you want to ride in the back with Edward the whole way," she smirked.

I bit my lip; the drive was going to take about four hours and I wasn't sure if I wanted to make that all alone. But it was either that or sit by Edward all afternoon. "Ok, I'm heading out then."

I grabbed my coat, keys, and duffel and slipped on my old Converse. Alice came over and gave me a quick hug. "Drive safely; I'll call you when we're on the road."

"See ya soon Alice," I smiled and turned toward the door.

"Oh! One more thing," she dug through her purse and pulled out some cash. She took a breath, "since you'll probably get there first would you mind getting some food for the house? You'll have to pass through town before you get there anyway."

"That's fine, anything in particular you want?"

"Wine," she grinned.

I chuckled, "anything else?"

"That should do it, thanks Bella." She gave me a peck on the cheek. "Call when you get there, ok? We should only be maybe an hour behind you."

"Ok," I stuck the money in my purse and picked up my duffel to leave.

By the time I was out of town the clouds had blotted out the sky completely. It hadn't started snowing, but it was close. I was suddenly grateful for the snow tires on my car.

The first hour of the drive was uneventful; my favorite radio station had become static twenty minutes prior so I stuck in a cd and was singing along to it, something I'd never do in the presence of another human. It had started to snow by the second half of the drive; it seemed I had made it out just in time.

I took out my phone to call Alice and tell her about the weather but it didn't have any service. I tossed it on the seat next to me; chances are she already knew anyway.

By the time I made it to town to buy groceries, the snow was falling hard. The wind was picking up so I pulled my coat tighter around myself and walked as fast as I could manage into the store. Inside it was warm and I liked it immediately. I grabbed a cart and walked the aisles. I wasn't sure what to get, so I picked up things for dinners I could make; I got ingredients for a roast, lasagna, and a few other meals. I also picked up the requisite junk food and a few breakfast items. The last stop was for alcohol. I really didn't know what I was looking for so I went by which wine bottles had the nicest labels. I picked up four bottles of two different kinds, some beer for the guys, and ingredients for margaritas, Alice's favorite. I paid for the groceries and pushed the cart outside; I was glad I found a parking spot up front. The wind was whipping through the town now, blowing snow into my face. I wished I'd put my hair up.

I stuffed the bags into the backseat, put the cart away, and then jumped inside the car. I hadn't put gloves on and now my hands were going numb. I maneuvered gingerly out of the parking lot and back onto the interstate. It was another twenty minute drive to Alice's cabin and the weather had officially gotten bad. I tried calling her again, but it rolled to voicemail. I left her a message saying I was almost there and to be careful.

Once I thought I was closer to the house, I pulled out Alice's directions. There was a turn off onto an unpaved road coming up; I saw the sign for it after another couple minutes of driving about twenty five miles per hour and turned onto it. The road was thick with snow and curved deep into the forest; I wondered how far back this place was. There was a fork after about a mile and I took the left side, it felt like it was getting dark even though it was only a little after three o'clock. Between the snow and the wind blowing it into the air, I could barely see in front of me anymore. I had my hands braced tightly on the wheel and I was suddenly grateful there were no drop-offs on either side of me should I lose control. I turned off the music to better concentrate and now I could hear the howling of the wind.

After another few minutes I came upon the house. This was supposed to be a cabin? I thought for a minute I'd gotten the directions wrong, but there weren't any other houses in the area, it had to be this one. It was huge, two levels with what looked like a loft for a third floor, with a big porch; it looked like a cabin on steroids. There were no other cars parked near it, not that I'd really been expecting any. It looked like there was a garage a few yards away from it and back a little ways so I pulled in there, unsure if I could actually open it to park inside. I got out of the car and stepped into the snow; it went up almost to my knees. I was soaked and freezing instantly. I trudged over to the garage and made it about four feet before I tripped, throwing my hands out in front of me to catch myself. They sunk into the deep snow along with most of the rest of my body. I got up and made it the rest of the way to the garage…locked. I tried to remember why I'd agreed to come here and then on top of that, why I'd agreed to drive myself. I got back in my car; I was going to park as close to the front door as possible. I started it and threw it into reverse; it wouldn't budge. I put it into drive, still nothing. Crap.

The snow level was almost visibly rising at this point so I knew I needed to get inside fast. I reached into the back and grabbed my duffel and the bags of groceries, struggling to hold it all so I wouldn't have to make a second trip. Then I stuck the car keys and directions in the pocket of my sweatshirt and grabbed the house key Alice had given me. Very, very slowly I made my way over to the house which sat about ten yards to my right. I came around to the front and stomped my feet on the porch trying to shake some of the snow off of them. It had seeped into my shoes and melted, there was a gross squishing feeling every time I took a step. Without putting anything down, I unlocked the door and practically flung myself inside.

It was gorgeous. Everything inside was made from a warm, pale honey colored wood; even in the dim light it seemed to give off a candlelit glow. I appeared to be in the entryway; around the corner on the right was a bright open kitchen with a large dining table next to it. I put the groceries down and stuck the perishable things in the fridge, then put everything else in a cabinet except the wine. I didn't see a wine rack anywhere so I left the bottles on the counter. I slipped off my shoes and set them down near the front door to dry and dug through my bag until I found a pair of socks. Slipping them on, I went to explore the rest of the house. I felt a little soggy, but was quickly warming up. The kitchen opened up to a living room; it had big fireplace against one wall, there were also big windows that looked outside and into the forest. I walked down the hallway and came across the den at the back of the house; it housed a large L shaped couch and a television. Through a pair of double doors I found the stairs. I thought about going and claiming a bedroom, but figured I had plenty of time for that. Upstairs was another full bathroom and two bedrooms, one had a long window seat and I mentally reserved it as my own. It would be the perfect spot to read in.

Back downstairs I grabbed my bag and carried it into the living room; I found a firebox and went to work putting logs into the fireplace. Once it was started, I opened up my bag and pulled out a dry pair of dark flannel pants and a long sleeved white shirt. I took my shirt off and tossed it into one of the plastic bags I'd saved and then did the same with my pants. I'd seen what was probably a laundry room down the hall near the bathroom and made a note to toss my soaked clothes in the dryer.

"Bella?"

I froze, my head covered by my shirt. Quickly I pulled my head through so I could tell who it was, though I didn't have to, I'd recognize that voice anywhere. First came the unpleasant surprised feeling, then the embarrassment; I had no pants on. I put them on faster than I thought possible before looking at him. He was turned around, facing the hallway.

"Edward…what are you doing here?" Ok, kind of stupid.

"I was invited." He turned back toward me cautiously. He wore jeans and no shoes; I guessed his were drying next to mine. He had on black socks and a black long sleeved shirt with no jacket. His duffel bag was slung over his shoulder. "I'm surprised you made it in that car of yours," he smirked.

What was his problem? I tried to remember anything even remotely rude I'd ever said to him, but came up empty. "My car worked just fine."

"I hope you weren't planning on using it anytime soon."

I gave him a questioning look.

"It's buried in snow; I don't think they're running plows along these back roads either." He shrugged as if it didn't matter to him. "Have you picked a room?"

"Yeah, upstairs, the one with the window seat, there's one across the hall on the other side of the kitchen and another one next to mine. I don't know what's in the loft." I sat down on the couch while Edward went to the downstairs bedroom; he didn't even want to be on the same floor as me. I leaned against the arm of the couch and pulled a book out of my bag. Before I could open it I realized that I'd forgotten to call Alice when I got here. I sat up, trying to remember where I put my phone. "Oh." It was still in the car. I was reluctant to leave the warmth of the fire, but I didn't want to knock on Edward's door to see if he had his phone with him. I searched around my bag but the only other shoes were my boots and a pair of flats; I sighed and went to the front door to put my wet shoes back on. I wrapped my jacket tightly around myself and put the hood up; preparing to go out in what was definitely a blizzard.

"I wouldn't do that," I heard Edward's voice behind me.

"And why not?"

"Have you looked outside? It's nice in here and I really don't want to have to go out there and dig you out of the snow later." He grinned crookedly; I hated that stupid, cocky smile. "What do you need? I'll get it for you."

"I left my phone in the car."

"You can use mine if you want."

I hesitated, "ok…thanks." We both stood there a couple of yards from each other; it reminded me of one of those old western movies. Finally, I walked toward him; he chuckled under his breath. Edward handed me his cell phone and I opened it to call Alice. She picked up on the first ring. "Alice?"

"Oh thank God! I've been trying to call you for hours!...Is this Edward's phone?"

"Nevermind that, are you guys on your way? I just got here."

"No, the roads are all closed; we had to turn around. Angela and Ben were right behind us, I'm so sorry, Bella. We're going to try and make it out tomorrow if the weather is any better. I'm assuming Edward is there?"

"Yes," I bit my lip; this was just perfect.

"Well, we'll get out there as soon as we can, ok? And Bella, Edward's a really nice guy; you should give him a chance. He's just standoffish at first; he'll loosen up if you talk to him."

I huffed a laugh, "yeah, alright."

"I'll call you tomorrow; where's your phone?"

"Still in my car which is buried in the snow right now."

"Oh, well I'll call you on this phone then, be nice Bella!" We said goodbye and I hung up, handing the phone back to Edward.

"Did they make it?"

"No, the roads are closed so they had to turn around. She said they'd try to leave tomorrow." I made my way back to my spot on the couch and stretched out, opening up my book. After a while I heard the television in the den come on and I relaxed further.

I didn't know how to make conversation with him. He made me feel, not exactly uncomfortable, just off balance somehow. I couldn't string together coherent thoughts when I was around him.

I don't know how long I read for before I was asleep; between the warmth of the fire and exhaustion from my nerve wracking drive it probably wasn't long. When I woke up there was a blanket over me that I hadn't put there and the fire was still going strong. I couldn't hear the television anymore. I kept the blanket around me and stood up; I had no idea what time it was, but it was getting dark outside. I went into the kitchen and looked at the time on the microwave; it was just after five o'clock.

I decided to get started on dinner; I pulled out the ingredients for lasagna and got started. It occurred to me that Edward was nowhere to be seen, but I assumed he was in his room and tried to forget about him.

The water for the noodles was just starting to boil when the front door opened. Several things went through my head at once – was Alice playing a trick on me and they're really here? Is some backwoods psycho coming to kill me? Is the wind so strong it blew the door open? It was Edward of course; I could hear him take off his jacket and shake it outside, then he shut the door and let his shoes thump noisily on the floor. "Your car is in the garage now." He set my keys back down where I'd left them on the counter.

"Oh," it caught me off guard. "Thanks, you didn't have to do that. How did you get it open? The garage was locked."

He opened his hand to show me another, smaller key. "It was in that drawer next to the oven." He walked over and put it back, then looked at what I was making. I stirred the ground beef and tried not to pay too much attention. "Do you need any help?" He raised his sleeves a little way up his forearms.

Edward's sudden kindness was confusing me. First the blanket, then the car, and now he wants to help me cook dinner? Alice told me to be nice, I could do this. "No that's ok." Or maybe not, I looked up at him and his expression was a little deflated. "I'd appreciate the company though." I smiled; there, that wasn't so hard. He did that crooked smile thing again; it wasn't bad, now that I didn't get the feeling he was making fun of me. He leaned on the counter next to me.

"So…lasagna?"

I chuckled, "yes. Is that ok?"

"Yeah, that would actually really hit the spot."

We were quiet again as I continued to cook. After a bit I turned on the oven and pulled out some sauce for the meat. "Still want to help?"

"Sure."

"Can you shred some cheese? The mozzarella, and parmesan, and go ahead and take out the container of ricotta." I took out the grater for him and set it on the counter; we worked side by side without talking. I had no idea what to say. So, why don't you like me? Why are you being so nice now?

Edward helped me layer the lasagna and then I put it in the oven. We both walked over to the couch to wait; I didn't know about him, but I was feeling particularly awkward. I noticed a deck of cards had been tossed onto the coffee table. "They were in the drawer with the garage key," he said about the cards. "Want to play something?"

"Ok," I followed his lead and sat on the floor on the opposite side of the table. We decided on gin. He won the first hand in three turns; he won the second in four. The game seemed to relax us both and we started talking. I learned he was a graduate student studying English literature; he was an army brat and had traveled all over the world by the time he graduated from high school. He also wanted to be a college professor. I could practically see him letting his guard down; it was nice. "Oh, thank you for the blanket, by the way."

He kept his eyes on his cards, but smiled. "I thought you could use it."

"Gin."

He laughed, "it's about time. Is that three games to one?"

"Oh hush, I think dinner is ready." I got up and checked, then pulled the food out of the oven. I got plates and silverware while Edward looked at the wine bottles.

"You got a lot of alcohol," he commented.

"I thought there'd be more of us."

"Hmm, this is a good one, want a glass?" He went in search of wine glasses.

"Uh, sure." I dished the food onto plates and waited for Edward to pour the wine. We sat down at the dining table; I felt a little too close to him for comfort. He made idle conversation while we ate, asking me random questions about my life. Eventually we settled on a topic we could both talk about, Alice and Jasper.

Once we were finished eating, Edward helped me clean up despite my protests and then we sat in the den to watch a movie. It was an old Christmas movie with Cary Grant, I smiled, "I love this movie."

"Me too," he got up and grabbed my blanket from where I left it in the kitchen and gave it to me. I wrapped myself up in it and got comfortable; there was about a foot between us. He rested his arm along the back of the couch and I was acutely aware that I was in the space underneath it.

We watched another old Christmas movie after that, but I dozed off about halfway through it. When I was waking up, I could feel Edward's fingertips on my face. They felt soft as they smoothed some hair away from my face. It scared me how good it felt and I sat upright and slid away from him. He looked surprised and something else, embarrassed? It was like I'd caught him doing something wrong. "You fell asleep."

"Yeah," I ran a hand through my hair and stood up. "I should go to bed."

Edward stood up, "ok, good night then."

"Good night," I walked quickly up the stairs.

What was happening?