A Fresh Start

The Eve

Author's Note: I own nothing. I just like to play with the characters that were created by Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.

Also, thank you for those of who have commented and offered well-wishes in my difficult time. It means a lot to me. Writing these stories has been my strength (as silly as that sounds) and has grounded me.

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. It means so much to me. More than you can imagine. These stories (this one in particular) are my babies and I adore the reviews and comments I receive. Much, much love to ALL of you!

Chapter 30: The Eve

"Bella, I'm going to the grocery store! Where's the list you made?" Edward called up to me.

"On the counter, near the fridge," I yelled back. "Can you also pick up some decaf coffee too?"

"Anything else?"

"I don't think so. I'll text you if I remember anymore."

"I'll be back soon, love. I love you," Edward shouted.

"Oh, before you leave...can you get me gas for my car?" I asked as I sprinted to the kitchen.

Edward dangled my keys with a smirk. "Already on it, Bells," he said with a wink. "Half hour, hour tops. Love you."

"Love you, too," I said, standing on my tip toes kissing his soft lips. Edward grabbed my list and darted out the door. It was Christmas Eve and we were hosting our friends and family. I forgot several things and I made a list for Edward to get. He had worked an overnight shift and just got woke up from a brief nap. I felt bad that he wasn't really going to get very much sleep, but he insisted that we host Christmas Eve. We had this beautiful home and it was a shame to not share it with our families and friends. Alice, Jasper, Rose, Emmett, Jake, Ren, Angela and Ben were all coming over tonight for our party. I spent most of the morning scouring the house, making sure that everything was clean and sparkling. Edward was snoozing as I was cleaning. He told me to wake him up after two hours. He'd be fine for our party. I arched a brow in disbelief.

However, the dragging, exhausted man who walked in the door at 7:30 this morning was a different man at 10 after his nap. He had a spring in his step and his eyes had more life.

It had been a few days since the Christmas Ball. Edward was worried about me and my mental well-being. I scheduled an appointment with Michele and we agreed that I should meet with her more often until I get this feeling of inadequacy out of my system. Aro's words really cut me to the quick. I know that they weren't true, but I still absorbed them. I also apologized to Edward for my bitchy outburst. He said that he understood. I didn't negate the fact that I was colossal, mega bitch to him. Edward also apologized for his behavior, even though it was unnecessary. He let his professional mind overwhelm his emotional connection to me. He didn't realize how much I needed him to help me forget what Aro did to me. I explained to him that he was right. If he had attempted to make love to me, I probably wouldn't have been able to handle it.

While Edward was out at the store, I made several dishes that could be stored in the refrigerator. I also diced up some veggies and the cheese and sausage platter. I was nearly done when I looked at the clock. It was almost three and everyone was coming around five. When I asked Edward what he wanted for Christmas Eve, he was pretty flexible. I decided to keep it simple and made lasagna. I also made some homemade Italian gravy and meatballs. I was putting some finishing touches on the shrimp platter when Edward came in with his hands full with several bags.

"I swear, people are dumb," he grumbled. "Like insanely stupid. How hard is it to move your god damned cart out of the way when you're looking at something? And then when you need to get to where the cart is and you move it, they go fucking ape shit. Merry fucking Christmas to you, too, asshole."