world we created, paul lahote

Chapter 31

In the weeks following the fight, life had begun to simmer down into its predictable, mundane pace once more. However, along with the Cullens' departure, a solemn atmosphere followed as those around mourned the loss of Bella Swan. The news of her death hit Charlie the hardest, the man struggling to find his footing once he'd been told the news. It was as if his meaning in life had been stolen and now he was stumbling around blindly.

Goodness, he could still hear Renee's wails of agony when she heard the news. They were haunting and Charlie won't ever forget it.

A funeral was held to bring closure to Bella's parents. It was a sombre affair filled with tears and heavy hearts as the community mourned the loss of one of their residents. It was better to believe she was dead, Lucia concluded. It was better than knowing your daughter chose a life of immortality with her new family while discarding the one she'd always known.

Lucia had been by Charlie's side throughout it all, helping him back to his feet after everything. But, she wasn't needed for long when Charlie met a beautiful woman by the name of Susan Fitzgerald, a doctor who'd taken Calisle's position once he'd left. Charlie found in her what he'd longed for since Renee had left; someone who loved him wholeheartedly as he did them.

Now, as Christmas time approached, happiness was cast across the community, ready to celebrate the jolly holiday. Homes were decorated with festive decorations, and the air was perpetually filled with Christmas carols. It was a happy time, and to let that time go to waste would be downright sinful.

Lucia had taken it upon herself to decorate as Paul wasn't fussy about the holiday. Garlands of holly and ivy drape across the mantel where a warm fire was lit, crackling within the hearth. Christmas lights twinkle cheerfully from where they were hung, casting a warm glow within the home that contrasts the chill that lingered outside. The tree was beautifully decorated and a few presents sat beneath it, ready to be opened the following morning.

Paul never really decorated his cabin in the past and spent his Christmas with Emily and Sam as he had no one else to celebrate it with. Now, with Lucia in his life, he could say he was happier than he'd ever been during this holiday. It was very entertaining for him to distract Lucia whenever he became engrossed in decorating with playful kisses that elicited sweet giggles from her.

Now, with decorating out of the way, Paul had Lucia's undivided attention which he enjoyed most ardently. He pulled her close, tucking her in his hold as he pressed kisses across her face, causing her to laugh, happy with the affection she received. However, she was much too fidgety for his liking as she half-heatedly attempted to wriggle out of his hold. Her smile was warm and her eyes danced with mirth.

"Paul, let me go! I want to give you your gift," she said, still giggling. His hold was strong but gentle as always. She found it difficult to escape him, really, her boyfriend was far too distracting for her to focus on the task at hand.

He nipped at her earlobe, a playful grin spreading across his face. "Can't it wait till morning? I'd rather unwrap you instead."

"It's Christmas Eve! I'm too excited to wait," she insisted. Summoning her inner strength, she gave a great shove and managed to slip from his arms and got up from the couch.

In all truth, Paul had let her slip away, knowing she wouldn't settle down until she gave his gift to him. She retrieved his perfectly wrapped gift from beneath the tree and made her way back to him, settling beside him once more. She hands it to him with a beaming smile, his brow raised in curiosity.

"Go on, open it!" She urged, practically bouncing with anticipation. The was a hint of shyness in her tone, her cheeks flushed with a blend of excitement and bashfulness.