If you have questions and are confused, signing in when you review is the best way for me to reply to you.

To GUEST from the previous chapter: The girlfriend is Kate the Jane thing was a name mix-up with 'Isabella', my other story. Edward also did not tell Bella everything that happened that night the first time.

Also, yes his mother did call at Thanksgiving. When he says they haven't spoken in years, he means that they have not spoken properly. He doesn't necessarily consider yelling and hanging up on his mother as "speaking" to his parents. He hasn't had a normal and rational talk with them in years.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of Stephenie Meyer. This is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of Twilight. No copyright infringement is intended.

I wanted to get this to you before I left for vacation, so it is not pre-read.

Check out my new story, The Way Home (Description below).

Chapter 24

"This is nice," Edward said with a smile as he and Bella sat on Alice and Jasper's back Patio. They had turned in early the night before and were now enjoying the remnants of their breakfast. Jasper had run to the hardware store and Alice had excused herself and headed inside.

"Yeah," Bella said quietly. They were in a place that provided complete relaxation for them as a new couple. There was no negativity looming over their heads. However, her mind would often drift back to Alice's words from the previous day. She knew her maturity surpassed what was needed for this relationship, but she still wanted to be confident that neither she nor Edward would get hurt. She knew another step needed to be taken in order to ensure that.

Edward placed his hand on her thigh, stroking softly. "Is something wrong?"

"No. Why?" She gave his hand a light squeeze of reassurance.

"You've been very quiet since last night. It feels like something might be bothering you."

"I'm just thinking," she said, not wanting to worry him with the conversation she had with Alice. It was supposed to be a relaxing weekend get-together with friends. With Edward's temper, she knew telling him would be best left for when they returned to the cabin in Washington. "Between my family issues and school, I have a lot on my mind. Christmas is also coming up so I have to figure out gifts and all that as well. I usually go all out."

"All out huh?"

"Yep," she answered. "Christmas used to be great sometimes. My Dad and I loved the holidays."

"Yeah, you told me about that." A small smile formed on his lips.

She felt a pang of grief. She wished things were better in her family life. "What were the holiday's like when you were growing up?" she asked, wanting to focus on learning about him instead.

A hint of sadness crossed his face. She knew he missed his family, but pain, stubbornness and pride were keeping them apart. "It was great. Our house used to be like a winter wonderland. My parents would go all out."

"That sounds absolutely amazing."

"I suppose I should start thinking about what I should get you, since it's clouding your mind. It's been a while since I had to think about things like Christmas presents."

"Well we're making new memories together." She rested her head on his shoulder with a contented smile. She wanted them to be like this forever. "I like being with you. Sometimes I wish I didn't have to leave."

"I know," he sighed. "Unfortunately our lives are more complicated than that."

She leaned up, placing a kiss on his stubbly jaw. He had taken to shaving more often now that they were together. "At least we're spending Christmas together." She ran a hand through the hair at the nape of his neck. "Plus I'll be able to spend a few nights with you during the week. Mom will just think I'm at Charles' place."

Edward grimaced.

"What is it?" She stopped her ministrations.

He let out a heavy sigh. "I still feel like I'm corrupting you. I'm selfish and I like having you around and I feel guilty because I don't even feel bad that you are lying to your parents because of me. Isn't that terrible?"

"Nope," she said. "I already told you. I like this "Corruption". I'm not doing anything I don't want to do. I haven't felt this happy or relaxed in months. I'd hate to go back to the way things were before you." She kissed his jaw again, slowly dragging her lips toward his. "So, I'll be over Tuesday after school and we can do that thing from last night again."

He raised a brow at that. "Really?" he asked in a husky tone as his hand began to travel up her thigh towards the top of her pants. "You liked that?"

"Uh huh," she said throatily. "I didn't even think that was possible."

"Maybe later I can show you something else that you would think is impossible."

Before Bella could articulate a response the patio door swung open alerting them of Alice's presence. Edward's hand stopped it's movement and they both sat a little straighter.

"Hey," Bella smiled. "Feeling alright?"

"Yeah. Morning sickness," she groaned. "I can't wait until that is over. My friend Carmen just got over her morning sickness. Hopefully it's the worst part of this pregnancy. I think Rose might be the next one to get pregnant because everything happens in threes." She turned to Bella with a playful smile. "I hope you're not in too much of a rush to have kids. The process can be…challenging at times."

"Believe me," Bella snorted. She and Edward were being more than careful. "I am in no rush. I'm not getting pregnant any time soon."

"I still can't believe you and Jasper are finally going to be parents," Edward laughed. "I can't wait to meet this kid. A combination of the two of you will be something to think about."

"Hopefully he or she takes my good looks," Alice said with a playful giggle.

"It won't matter to me either way," Edward said, gesturing to his unfocused eyes. Alice met Bella's eyes with a sad smile. "I'll love her no matter who she looks like. But from what I remember of Jasper, I think the kid might be better off with your looks."

"My ears are ringing," Jasper yelled from inside the house. "Who's talking about me?" he asked, as he appeared in the doorway.

"We were just talking about how much prettier Alice is compared to you," Edward said with a chuckle. "I'm taking her word for it."

Jasper shrugged, a smile spreading across his handsome face. "No argument there."

The rest of the weekend went by smoothly. Jasper and Alice showed Bella around the city. They visited a few of their favorite spots, including a Jazz bar Edward and Jasper frequented in the past. It brought back memories of a time when Edward was grumpier and they were just getting to know each other. It felt wonderful having friends that were a couple. It made their relationship feel even more real and mature to Bella. She knew major changes would definitely be occurring for them in the near future.

~VC~

The days passed by quickly and before they knew it, it was Christmas day. Bella had spent the past three days with Edward while her mother was away with Phillip. During that time she thought long and hard about what to get Edward. She ended up purchasing a braille talking watch, but it wasn't enough. She wanted to give him something else. Something she couldn't buy from a store.

They exchanged gifts first thing in the morning and Bella received a beautiful necklace from Edward as well as a leather journal for her writing. Shadow received a new harness.

She also picked out a gift for her father, sending it to him via mail. She hoped that someday things could be better between them and she could understand him better. She sent him a text message wishing him a happy holiday season.

She spent the rest of the day trying not to spoil his second present. Keeping his hands off of her was not an easy feat. Since they were having a white Christmas, they ended up playing in the snow outside. After three snowmen, multiple snow angels and a snowball fight Edward was surprisingly good at, the headed inside for hot chocolate.

Later that evening, she told him she was going to prepare his second gift and he was to come and find it in his room in exactly ten minutes. When he entered his bedroom, he would be met with an unforgettable surprise.

"You can't see it, but I have a very large red bow wrapped around me," Bella said, in what she hoped was a sexy voice. "And I'm not wearing anything else."

"Really?" he raised his brow with a smirk.

"Merry Christmas Edward."

He groaned in response, pulling off his shirt and unbuttoning his pants. "Merry Christmas to you too." He approached the bed, crawling slowly to where she lay in the middle with her legs crossed and a shiny red bow around her waist. He stopped when he hovered over her and was careful to make as little contact as possible.

"Hi," she grinned.

"So, is this my Christmas gift?"

"I've been thinking about what else I should get you for a while and I finally came up with something I knew you would love to have. It's a gift I know you will fully appreciate."

"You." He slowly began to pepper light kisses along her neck and jaw.

"Yes," she sighed. "I want you to have me. All of me."

His erection was pressing between her legs as his lips moved across her body. He lifted his hand, resting it on top of the bow. "You weren't lying."

"What kind of present would I be if I don't have a bow?"

He slowly moved his hands over every part of her body, trying to create a mental visualization of his gift. He moved a hand up to slowly caressed the red bow. "Well I intend to fully enjoy this gift. My beautiful little minx. I'll put every part to good use." He found the end of the bow and tugged lightly until it came apart. He slowly dragged his hand upwards until it came to rest on her breast. His fingers began to knead gently. "You have no idea how happy you make me."

Edward's lips found hers, his tongue assaulting hers with a burning passion. She felt his fingers at her entrance feeling her arousal. His hand at her breast became rougher and he brought his lips to her breast, sucking a pebbled nipple into his mouth. His touch was rough and filled with contained desperation.

She felt like screaming. Every time they came together, she was filled with unbridled passion. She could hardly ever think straight and had to rely solely on the desperation and desire that drove her. When they finally connected, she wanted to remain with him as a permanent part of her forever.

He gripped her hips hard, bucking into her while lightly biting down on her neck. Her back arched and her body lifted slightly from the bed. She let out a loud moan smiling up at him through hooded eyes, enjoying everything he was doing to her. She knew she would barely be able to walk properly in the morning. This was a gift they would both be enjoying. She couldn't think of a better way to spend her night. She wondered how she could top this gift when his birthday came around.

~VC~

Bella received a phone call from her mother the next morning.

"Merry Christmas baby," Renée sang. She almost sounded drunk. "Sorry I didn't call yesterday. Phillip and I were so busy. He gave me the most amazing gift. It was wonderful. How are things? Did you and Charles enjoy yourselves?"

"We did," Bella answered. "It was an amazing day. I don't think I'll ever forget it." She winced as she sat down across from Edward to have a late breakfast. Every move she made reminded her of what occurred the night before.

"That's great," Renée said. "That explains why he texted me yesterday to wish me a merry Christmas. I'm glad you guys had a great time."

Bella's heart sped up at Renée's revelation. "He texted you?" she croaked. Her mouth had gone dry.

"I think someday soon we might be in a place where we can be amicable. It won't happen tomorrow, but we'll get there. I know it. Your father used to be different. I don't know what happened."

"Did you text him back?"

"Yes," she answered. "I wished him the same. I should have asked about you. It would have been a great way to…you know."

"Yeah," Bella said, clearing her throat. "Give it time, though. There's no need to rush. We all need time to heal, so we should let things progress naturally. Even though it might be at a slower pace than we want."

"Wow," Renée said. "You were always so mature. I wish you could hear how smart and level-headed you sound."

Bella pressed her palm against her forehead. She felt dizzy. "Yeah."

"Anyway, I should go see where Phillip went. That man disappears so quickly, I can barely keep up. See you in two days sweetheart. I love you."

"Love you too."

"Are you okay?" Edward asked. "You sounded a little…panicked."

"You heard that?" she asked, with a frustrated groan. She always managed to give herself away. "I hope she didn't notice. Though I doubt it. She was probably too preoccupied with Phillip."

"What is it?"

"My dad texted her yesterday." Bella explained. "She thinks I'm on good terms with him, so she actually considered talking to him. She almost asked about me. He more than likely drunk texted her, but she wouldn't think that because I have her convinced that everything is fine."

"But in actuality, he probably hates you," he said.

"Not probably. He despises me. I'm nothing but a disappointment. Always have been and always will be."

Edward shook his head sadly.

"I keep feeling like everything is going to blow up in my face and it is a very scary feeling. Part of me wants everything out in the open and another part is terrified," she explained. "Legally, I don't even have to live with either of them, but it's still terrifying. They're my parents. And I guess I've gotten too used to lying to them."

"I understand exactly what you mean," Edward said solemnly. "We'll figure this out, but some things have to change first. I think it might help if you tell your mother."

Thanks for reading!

Please review! I'd like to know what you think.

Also, check out my new story The Way Home for a backpacking adventure in Europe with Bella. She meets some interesting people along the way.

I am really enjoying writing this story. I hope people enjoy reading it as much as I love writing it.

The Way Home

Summary: Strikhedonia (n.) The pleasure of being able to say "to hell with it".

The summer 1978 nine-year old Bella Swan and her family were driving on the English countryside when they picked up a pair of backpackers. Eleven years later Bella finds herself on a backpacking adventure of her own. Join Bella in adventurous story of self-discovery and finding love in unexpected places.