Edward was glad that the loading of the Gulfstream was finally done. In spite of the fact that both houses were stocked and furnished with the necessities for a comfortable existence, there were always the items that five people needed to take with them for a six-month stay in another country: electronics, favorite clothes, official documents, etc. And besides stowing the carry-on luggage, there were all the other things to take care of for the trans-continental flight. The crew was competent but Edward liked to double-check, mainly for his own peace of mind. Carlisle always offered to help but it was easier for Edward to do it alone and leave Carlisle to the myriad details of closing up the house. So although Rosalie and Jasper were already in Punta Arenas getting the house down there ready, meaning there would be only five of them on the jet, all the arrangements took the better part of a day.

So everything was ready for an early takeoff the next morning. In years past this would have been the exciting time of the trip for Edward – the anticipation of the flight (in spite of its 18 hour plus length), of seeing old friends, of enjoying the Chilean wilderness again. But it was different this year. The preparations were burdensome and the eagerness for change was absent.

Edward wondered how long they would continue making these semi-annul sojourns, always running from summer, spending half the year in extreme southern winter and half the year in extreme northern winter. While humanity longed for daylight and warmth, those of Edward's tribe were unfazed by the cold and shunned the sun.

He knew the cause of his malaise and as much as he knew he was doing the right thing, there were still the doubts. And the longing. Even though he'd just seen Bella yesterday, the yearning began as soon as they finished their kiss and grew with every step she took away from him. As she drove off, the ache inside him grew until he thought it might become a wendigo, taking on a life of its own.

He tried to console himself, alternating between thoughts of coming back to visit her, paying for her to visit him, or simply waiting until September when he and his family would make the trip back. Almost impossible to do was the idea of forgetting her – their relationship was wrong on so many levels and it would be best if she found someone else, someone like her. But he didn't want that.

The next morning the ride to Fairbanks International was quiet. His family knew what he was going through, even if they disapproved. They all boarded the plane with minimal conversation and settled into their seats, everyone with his or her own form of distraction – books, music, movies. Edward took a window seat so as to be able to see the last of the land where his love lived.

After the preflight requirements were done, the Gulfstream taxied to the runway. With minimal traffic this early the engines quickly advanced to full power as their takeoff roll began. Edward stared out the window, forehead to pane, and looked for where Bella's house would be. He had to find a way to make it work, he just had to. Six months was not that long a time.

As these feelings roiled in his head, he spotted the place where he knew she lived. Picturing her sleeping in her bed, he directed his thoughts to her dreams.

"I love you, Bella."