-Homecoming-
Saying goodbye to Charlie was like forgetting you coat at a party, going back to get it, and saying goodbye to everyone all over again. It was awkward. I gathered my belongings and put some fish out to thaw.
"Ok I'm leaving now. I put some fish out so you can make yourself some dinner." I threw a quick glance in his direction. He was sitting in his favorite chair, a blank expression covered his face.
"Are you ok…?" I asked, with a hint of concern in my voice.
"Sorry Bells." Id grown used to the name. "…I just cant believe that your leaving for good." His sadness jabbed at my heart. Or lack there of.
"I'm just moving in with the Cullen's Ch-" I stopped myself. "-Dad." I corrected.
"I know…just be safe out there." He smiled. The wrinkles on his cheeks and forehead becoming more apparent.
"I will dad." I said. "I promise." With that I was out the door. Edward was waiting for me in the driveway.
"You travel light." He said with that half smile that always made me melt.
"What all does a vampire need?" I shot back. He caught the sarcasm in my tone and let out a roar of laughter.
"Lets go, the others are waiting. Alice is especially excited to see you, well the new you I should say." He opened the trunk of the Volvo and loaded in my bags. I got in and put on my seatbelt.
"You don't need that anymore." He said with a smirk.
"Old habit." I said as I waved out the window at Charlie.
Edward drove at human speed until we were safely out of Charlie's sight.. I would miss him, Charlie that is, even though I would still see him from time to time I'm sure. Edward must have known what I was thinking.
"Its better this way Bella." He said with a serious tone.
"I know." I said. "…I just wish he could know." If I was able to cry then at this point my eyes would have been wet. Edward caught onto this rather quickly.
"I know." He said with a soft tone. He placed his hand on mine and for the first time I realized that he didn't feel as cold to me as he had before my change.
"What?" He asked. He must have seen my expression change when he touched me.
"Nothing." I played it cool so as to spare being laughed at.
In what seemed like only a ten minuet drive, we were already pulling onto the long and winding road to his, I mean our, house. After rounding the final curve , the Cullen family home came into sight. Its bright white façade providing a sharp contrast against its murky green surroundings. It was beautiful in every aspect.
"Here we are." Edward said as the car came to a stop. "Are you ready?" He asked.
"Yes….I am." I answered. He smiled at me as we got out of the Volvo.
"Welcome home." He said as he took my hand in his.
I looked up at the house and let out a sigh of relief, accompanied by a smile.
I was home, and I looked forward to what was to come in my long and happy life with the Cullen's…and most importantly, Edward.