“I’ll try,” Bella replied sarcastically.

Okay, enough… time for presents! Alice left Jaspers side and skipped toward Bella, a large smile prominent on her face.

She smells awfully good today, I better keep my distance, Jasper thought. I was grateful for him always making sure Bella was safe, even from himself. He directed a smile in her direction to ease any tension his space might cause her.

“Time to open presents,” Alice ordered. She grabbed Bella by the elbow, taking her from my arms. Instantly the cold returned reminding me of how my life was before her: dismal and gray. Bella had a slight smile on her face. Maybe she was having a good time after all?

“Alice, I know I told you I didn’t want anything…”

“But I didn’t listen,” Alice interrupted. She held out her gift with a smug smile. “Open it,” she demanded. She grabbed Bella’s camera and placed the silver box in its place. She’ll like it if she actually opens it, I can’t tell…she must still be deciding, Alice mused mentally. Excitement rolled off her. You didn’t have to have Jasper’s abilities to feel it.

I watched as many expressions flitted across Bella’s face. When her indecision faded she ripped the paper off.

She’ll love it! Alice realized when Bella began tearing the paper. I knew it!

When Bella finally got a good look at what was underneath all the wrapping paper her expression became mystified. She turned the box around in her hands, shaking it slightly. She gave up on figuring out the picture on the box and opened it. She stared into the empty box, “Um…thanks,” Bella said, puzzled by the now open but empty box.

Ha-ha, what an idiot, she doesn’t even know what it is. Rosalie thought smugly and wasn’t able to stop herself from letting a smile peak through her constant sneer.

Silly Bella, Alice thought.

Doesn’t she know anything about electronics? Does she even know what a TV is? Jasper thought and then a bellowing laugh came out of his lips. He couldn’t hold back the suspense any longer. “It’s a stereo for your truck,” he explained after no one else bothered to let her in on what it was. “Emmett’s installing it right now so that you don’t return it.” That was Jasper – to the point, no edging around the facts.