“I'll Be Home For Christmas,” was playing softly through the speakers.

I'lllll be hooooome for Christmas.

Youuuu can count onnnn meeeeee.

Please, have snow, and mistletoeeeee,

And presentssss onnn the treeeeee.

I heard Edward let out a loud sigh. I found him sitting on the bottom stair with his head in his hands.

“Please, tell me what's going on.” I pleaded with him.

“It's just—it's this song.” he said, looking up at me now, his topaz eyes burning with an unknown hurt.

I'lllll be hoooome for Chrissstmas

If onnnlyyyy innn my dreamsssss.

“What about it? Yes, it's kind of sad, but why are you so hurt by it?” I asked, trying to understand.

“Two reasons. One, a long time ago, one a bit more recent.” he started, finally opening up to me.

I sat down on the floor cross-legged, listening to his story.

Please have snowwwww and mistletoeeeee,

and presentssss onnn the treeeeee.

“Back in my rebellious stage, I would promise the same thing to Carlisle. Every year. 'I'll be home for Christmas,' I'd say, but I didn't go home. I kept not going home until finally, I realized I needed this home. It took me seven years to realize that. That year, I really did come home for Christmas.” he explained.
“I'm sure Carlisle understands. I mean, one, you were a turned into a perpetual teenager, there's bound to be rebellion, but two, you came back. That's what matters.” I said, taking hold of his hand in mine.

He looked down at it before continuing on.

If onnnnnnlyyyyyyy innnnn myyyyyy dreamsssssssssssss.

The song ended and an orchestra version of “O, Christmas Tree,” started playing. I didn't pay attention to it.

“The more recent one hurts more.” he said, visibly wincing at the memory.

“It's okay. I understand. I'm here for you. How recent?” I said, rubbing his hand soothingly.

“Last Christmas.” he said.

It immediately clicked. The Christmas after I met him. The Christmas after her left me. It hurt to think about it, but then I reminded myself that he was here. He was back and he was mine. Forever. I nodded for him to go on.

“After I left you, I kept debating on whether you really were better off or not. I tried staying with the Denali clan, but left after a while. Once I was in South America, tracking Victoria, it was getting near Christmas time. I would hear Christmas music everywhere. It haunted me, knowing I wasn't there to be able spend it with you. To punish myself, I didn't even spend it with my family. 'Why should I be happy?' I would think.” he stopped, obviously wondering if he had said too much.