Piece of the Puzzle Chapter 1, a twilight fanfic

Piece of the Puzzle

Disclaimer: The amazingly talented Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight. I don't, I am just writing about them.

Chapter 1: Reunited

Isabella Swan, age 18, was found today in the Olympic range just north of Forks,

Washington after a massive search effort was called by her father Chief of Police

Charles (Charlie) Swan when he found out that his daughter was missing. Miss

Swan is currently at Portland General Hospital in critical condition.

Esme's hands were shaking violently after she opened the manila envelope that arrived in the mail and read the news clipping that was dated from fifteen years ago. Along with that clipping was another clipping that was dated two days after the first. That tiny piece of paper was the announcement of funeral arrangements for Isabella Swan. Giving out a low moan of horror and agony and unable to grasp what she had read, Esme collapsed into a heap on the floor of the foyer, shuddering uncontrollably, leaving the remainder of the articles and notes to scatter on the floor around her.

CARPOV

Coming into our beautifully remodeled Victorian home I found my wife in a pathetic state. The look on her face was one of utter devastation and disbelief. I immediately gathered my mate in my arms to calm her all the while trying to find out what had caused my love so much pain. "Shhh, my love. I'm here what happened? What is wrong?" Then I saw two articles and the envelope that they came in as well as a number of items scattered on the floor when she had collapsed. Grabbing them quickly I put them back in the envelope and pulled her into my arms and carried her upstairs to our bedroom suite. "I'm calling the rest of the family in, I will be back shortly." I said as I made sure that she was as comfortable as possible.

I turned and walked out of their room and headed to my office pulling out my cell phone. Dialing the first number I prayed that he would answer for once. "Edward, there has been a development, I need you home." I said tersely in my eldest son's voicemail. Hanging up I wondered how long it would take for Alice to call. She and Jasper were currently in Paris enjoying a break from their school schedules and taking in the latest fashions trends. Rose and Emmet were in Africa on yet another honeymoon so I knew that I wouldn't hear from them for a while yet.

Sighing I put the cell phone down and pulled the envelope out to begin to try to figure out the mystery that caused my beloved mate to be in such a catatonic state. As leader of the largest vegetarian coven it was not only my duty to protect my "family" from all harm but my own personal feelings of responsibility that drove me. All but one of my "children" still remained home. My guilt at leaving her behind at my sons insistence remained just as strong today as it did the day we had left the tiny town we had found her in. But that was another subject that I did not want to visit while Esme was so distraught. My cell phone rang as I began to open the package; looking at the caller Id I saw that it was Alice.

"Carlisle do not open the envelope yet! Let Edward do it when he is home. It is for him any way." Her clear soprano voice rang out through the receiver, "He will be arriving in fifteen minutes and we will be there tomorrow. Don't leave until we arrive, I am trying to reach Em and Rose right now. She is gonna need all of us." Alice stated cryptically as I put the packet back down on the mahogany desk.

I knew that Alice's gift was extremely subjective however when it came to matters of the families wellbeing she was rarely wrong. "What is happening Alice? What does this letter have to do with us? What did you see?" I asked, hoping for a little clarity in the events that the coven will be dealing with.

Her laughter pealed out reminding me of the last time that I had heard her sounding so happy. I smiled softly allowing myself to relive the scene. During Christmas time while the family was still living in Forks; there was an unusually strong snow storm that kept everyone home from school and work. The Cullen's and Bella enjoyed a day of fun with an epic snow ball battle. It all started out when Emmet drove his monster jeep over to pick up Bella for school and Edward and she both proceeded to pummel him with a barrage of snowballs. Then when they had reached the school they were told to go back home due to the amount of snow that was forecasted to fall during the day. Bella had called Charlie to tell him that she would be staying over at the house with them during the storm to which prompted a lengthy call between me and her dad to assure him that both Esme and myself will be there. That day was so enjoyable for the whole family. I never had seen Esme laugh as much as she did just by watching how the rest of the family gain up on Edward and Bella then when the couple retaliated on the rest of us she was torn by worry for her human daughter and awe that she wasn't phased in the least by the fact that she was totally outmatched in strength by the seven vampires that was currently engaged in the battle of the snowballs.

"Only the best thing that could happen to our family ever! Now get ready because Edward is not going to be very happy and he will definitely go off the deep end emotionally. DO NOT let him leave the house at all! I will explain all when we get home tomorrow. Tell Esme not to over react to what she read. I have to go and get on our flight." Alice trilled, I could hear her telling the driver to just drop them off at the entrance of the airport. Knowing Alice that meant that all of their belongings will be shipped separately. "Just keep him busy Carlisle and remember what I said. We will see you tomorrow morning." She said then hung up leaving me wondering what information was so important in that unassuming yellow envelope. Heaving another unnecessary sigh I returned the cell phone back to its holder on my hip and grabbed a medical journal to read and distract my inner voice from Edward.

While reading about the occurrences of skin cancer in the twentieth century Edwards's car came to a screeching halt in front of the house. A fraction of a second later he was standing in front of my desk with a frown on his face. I allowed myself to think of how he never smiled anymore or even tried to interact with the rest of the family since that horrible day. His grimace spread to encompass the remainder of his facial expressions.

"I got your message as well as one from Alice, Carlisle. Would you kindly tell me what in the name of all that is holy is going on and why is Esme muttering about a letter and saying 'she's gone'?" He glared at me visibly upset about what Esme's was mumbling mentally.

"I was told to let you open this by Alice and I was also told that you are not to leave this house until Alice arrives home tomorrow morning. She told me it is extremely important for the family that you do not leave. Now do I have your cooperation?" I asked bluntly, mentally pleading for him to do what Alice asked, as I pointed to the envelope that was sitting next to the bronze statue of the Eiffel tower that Esme had purchased for me when we visited France during our last vacation.

~~~O~~~

BPOV

In a small cabin deep in the woods on the outskirts of Vancouver, Canada a petite girl with long thick mahogany hair was curled up reading a tattered copy of one of Jane Austen's novels. Her facial expression showed her intense concentration on the story in front of her. She was totally wrapped up in the story ignoring the activity in the small house.

"Hey B! We're leaving now! Are you sure you don't want to come along? It will be a lot of fun!" Britney hollered down the hallway to the tiny room that served as the library for the three girls that lived in the house.

"Yeah right! Like shopping and dealing with a bunch of adolescent hormonal boys sounds like my cup of tea Brit! Thanks but I will pass! Been there done that girl. I will not go back to that scene again!" I yelled back at her rolling my eyes at her insistence to get me to go out with her and Kerry. I didn't feel the need to assimilate with the population that was in the general vicinity like the two girls that I live with. I was personally happy hanging in the background and letting life go on past me.

Britney Tyson, eighteen going on to two hundred years, an admitted succubus with a penchant for the African American male persuasion. She was the partier of this mismatched trio. She reminded me of Alice in a Rosalie body. Clothes and boys were her passion and she shared her story freely with me when I was introduced to her. She exuded confidence and self assurance and she was a good friend.

Kerry Wilton, nineteen and some hundred odd years old, my best friend and confidant. She is the holder of all of my agony and sorrow. She knows all about my past and she is a wellspring for comfort and stability. She saved me from an eternity of horror that I was trying to deal with after the attack that left me lost and drifting in a sea of pain and uncertainty. She is my soul sister like one other was. The one that left me alone to face my loss and the feeling of being totally abandoned by my true love. She totally understood my feelings and never pushed me to make any decision concerning my past. I don't see any reason in which to make any either. He will never come back and there will be no fairytale reunion for me, Isabella Swan.

"Seriously girls go on and have fun. I have a date with Mr. Darcy and I plan on going hunting as well. So shoo I will be fine." I tell the girls as they walk out the door. Not really noticing the looks that pass between the two, I turn back to my book hoping to lose myself again in Ms. Austen's writing.

Memories once again flood my mind as I hear my house mates footsteps fade in the distance. Ugh! Why can't he leave me alone! Will I be forever tormented by the image of his smile and laughter? Our love was intense and all encompassing, totally eclipsing every single memory that I had of my past. So much so that I can barely remember what my life was before I met him and his family. I knew that I was an ugly duckling in the community and really had no social life in either Forks or in Phoenix. Not that really bothered me. I really don't like to draw attention to myself. I am a loner and I don't regret it at all. I have come to the conclusion that it was for the best that he left me. I was so totally out of his league and I never could be good enough for him, even now after all this time and after all that has happened. I know that I will love him forever and no one will ever own my heart like he does no matter if my love for him will remain unrequited for all eternity. He has his version of the world and well, mine would never fit with his. I would rather live alone than subject him and his amazing family to someone who is as low classed as I am. They deserve so much better and so does he.

Heaving a sigh I put my book down and head outside into the twilight lit forest to go and track down my meal. I wasn't really thirsty but I would rather err on the side of caution because I would never know if Brit would be bringing one of her play toys home. Loneliness gripped me in a vice grip knocking me almost to my knees. I will never be able to have him in my life and I refuse to go searching for him like a love sick teenage child. He will never see me grovel at his feet begging for him to take me back into his life. I am stronger than that and I will not embarrass his family or my companions like that. I will control my emotions and to hell with his high morals. His distractions were more important than I could ever be as all of these years proved. I have managed to conquer my newborn bloodlust faster than any other newborn and I will not allow anyone to knock me off of my hard won control center.

BRPOV

"I don't like deceiving B Kerry. She won't be very forgiving of us if she knew what we are doing." I muttered under my breath as we waited in the airport for the final arrival.

"Listen, you know as well as I do, Bella has pride and is so totally selfless that she would never go looking for her true family because she thinks that she would be a burden to them not to mention the actions that he did would drive that deep into her self-consciousness. I have never seen a vampire die from a broken heart but we promised Marcus that she would not suffer the same fate as he is." Kerry hissed at me low enough so that the humans walking past us would think that she was humming to herself while waiting for someone.

"Still, sending that newspaper clipping and the rest to her family was wrong and totally misleading. What if her mate believes that she is dead! What you did was rash and irresponsible and when Bella finds out the truth of what you did I wouldn't be surprised if she doesn't try to rip your head off." I replied as the humans on the plane began to disembark and walk toward the baggage claim area. I raised my head as I felt the presents of the four vampires that were on the flight. "They're here." I said flatly. My tone of voice showing Kerry exactly how I felt about forcing Bella's past on her. Disapproval was radiating off of me in intense waves causing Jasper to hiss and tense in response to my emotions. "Shit, I forgot that one of them was an empath. Um… yeah. Sorry about that." I said ashamed of my lack of control in front of my sister's family. I felt a wave of calm wash over me and dispel the feelings of embarrassment and the slight touch of fear that I was dealing with in meeting the powerful Cullen family.

A slender woman with caramel colored hair left the side of a stunning blonde haired male and approached Kerry and I with a look of desperate entreating on her face. "I am Esme and I want to know one thing and one thing only. Where is my daughter? Where is Bella?"

EPOV

After I had gotten over the initial shock of the contents of that envelope I immediately called Alice to find out what information that she had come up with then I called J. Jenks in Seattle to arrange for our home in Vancouver to be opened up and the utilities turned on and to find out what information that he might be able to come up with about Bella's sisters before we land in Vancouver. All through that night I paced the floors mentally kicking myself for letting my fears for Bella's safety keep me away from her. The hole that was born in my chest that horrible day in September all those years ago never healed and I never truly realized how empty my life was without her in it. Alice really ripped into me when Jasper and she showed up at home the next morning.

Edward you are the consummate ass! After all these years I was hoping that you would have come to your senses regarding Bella! I did what you asked and tried not to look for her but well, take a look at what she is like now! The vision that she showed me was shocking to say the least. Bella was sitting in a window seat in a tiny room surrounded with books and a ray of sunlight broke through the grey cloud cover caressing her figure. Her thick mahogany hair gleamed with health and the red streaks looked to be more pronounced. Her head turned like she was going to respond to an unknown speaker and my breath caught as the sunlight caused tiny sparkles of light to shimmer from her skin. She was a vampire! Her face looked like burnished porcelain and her eyes glowed vibrant golden amber. I had always thought that she was exquisite as a human but as a vampire her beauty was totally ethereal. Her expression turned from expectant to one that held longing and a deep sadness and grief in a fraction of a second.

Do you see anything that you might know firsthand, like every time you look in the mirror, you insensitive ass! This is one of the possible outcomes that will happen if you don't get your over thinking ass in gear and go get your girl! Her next vision had me flying from the room to get into the car yelling to the rest of the family to meet me in Vancouver. I couldn't let that vision happen to her. Not that I have a chance to finally get her back. Just remember Edward, you will have to do a shitload of pleading just to have her talk to you and remember your knees serve yet another purpose other than helping you to walk and run. She has not forgotten and she has grown very reclusive thanks to you and your moronic actions. You might end up losing a limb before all is said and done. I am kinda hoping that she hands your ass to you personally for what you have done to her and the family.

Driving at speeds that would get a human in jail if not prison on my way to reach Vancouver a new fear worms its way into my heart. What if she has moved on and doesn't want anything to do with me? What could I possibly tell her to make up for fifteen years of abandonment and loneliness? Finally I realize that nothing less than the truth will do and pray that she will be willing to listen to me. She deserves the world and I want to be the one to give her that. The other question that is burning in my mind as the miles fly by is who turned her and what happened? Rage started to build in my chest at the thought of some other vampire touching my Bella, wait… my Bella? If she wishes to be mine again. Either way she decides I will never be apart from her again.

~~O~~

ESPOV

My beautiful girl, my newest daughter I cannot wait to grab you and hold you tight and never let you go. Poor Bella, to have to go through that agony of being an outcast from her family and friends. Well that will never happen again. You are family and if Edward can't understand that you are part of this family then that is his issue. I love you child and I will never abandon you.

"How long have you two and Bella been coven mates and what happened to her? Why did she not try to contact us?" I asked the tall blonde girl called Britney as we walk toward the doors of the airport. She glanced at her sister hesitantly, while looking around to make sure that the group was not being noticed. Her sister nodded quickly motioning to the parking lot that held the rental cars that we had arranged for our transportation.

"Please forgive us for not seeming like we don't want to answer your questions but, Bella's gift will let her know if we are telling anything about her. I can answer only general questions about us but that is all. I'm truly sorry for this." Brit replied softly after a few seconds trying to compose her response.

The other woman who was called Kerry turned to look at us square in the eyes while her sister moved a few paces closer to her. "Before I say anything I need to know something. Which one of you is Edward?"

BPOV

The forest was silent and the life that normally abounded in it had long left scurrying to their hiding spots when I entered and began my hunt but I paid no attention to the lesser life sounds that wouldn't even begin to slake the thirst that started to grow once I decided to hunt. The animals knew that a premier predator prowled in their midst and to be spotted by that predator meant sure death. At times I hated this part of my existence but I have become resigned to it, preferring to hunt alone and far away from the other hunting grounds that Brit and Kerry use. Running to my chosen site I stopped briefly in awe at the beauty that I beheld in tonight sky. The aurora borealis was doing its beautiful dance across the night sky. Colors brilliantly cascaded down from the heavens in gentle waves like that of the oceans tides. Ribbons of fire from the sky making me think that if I could just jump high enough I might be able to grab one and take it home with me as a reminder of beauty in what I have come to call a colorless life.

Looking back I now can think of my change and the events that led up to it without much fear or rage but the sorrow that I still carry for my human family will always remain. I miss them so much but since I am officially dead to them I have nothing to go back for. Jake told me never to return when he saw me climb out of the grave barely an hour old and he then informed Sam and the pack of the emergence of a newborn and who that newborn was. At least Sam treated me with a little more kindness than my former best friend did. He escorted me to the border of Canada and wished me luck but warned me not to return until I had gained control of the raging bloodlust that I suffered from. He promised to take care of Charlie and Renee as much as he could and he would make sure that my killer was found and destroyed.

Turning my thoughts away from the past I began to smell the air for any scents of prey for my meal. I found one and heard its heart beat loud and thick as it began to make its way down a tree about a mile away from me from the west. Venom started to pool in my mouth as I quickly tracked the lumbering beast. A large brown bear is a rare find this late in the season and as I was preparing for my leap I froze noticing the movement behind it. Two cubs bounded up to its mother and were starting to play with her. Entranced I watched the family frolic in the night as a new scent drifted my way. Another vampire was nearby also hunting. Who it was I had no clue, the scent was too faint for identification. I hadn't heard of any new vegetarians moving into the area. Still whoever it was would have to know that this was my hunting range and was protected by both myself and my coven. A low growl began in my chest as I shifted in my perch ready to intercept the intruder should he or she come to close to the bruin family. The irony of the scenario played out in my head; here I am a predator protecting what was going to be my prey. Then I see a flicker of motion and I leap to defend the family.

I threw myself at the lone vampire with the loud crash of boulders crashing against one another. Growling and hissing I find myself launched in the air from being thrown by my opponent. Oh hell no! "I am not gonna let you tear that family apart." I hiss as I twist my body in the air and land on a nearby rock coiled and ready to fly at the stranger. "These are my hunting grounds; you will go elsewhere to hunt and do not harm any humans or you will have my coven to deal with." I spat as I spotted the intruder in a tree fifty yards away from where I was. "Well what are you…" I couldn't even get the rest of my sentence out when I felt myself once again being launched into the air in a sudden attack. Ok now I am pissed, I gave a fair warning and it was ignored.

A loud yell of rage burst out of me as I twisted once again to free my arms from the attacker when the vampires scent washed over me. I froze and landed on my back with the attackers arms wrapped around my torso like a protective cage as we rolled on the forest floor. Memories flooded my mind as I struggled to get free of his hold. It couldn't be him, he left me alone and hurting. He didn't want me anymore because I was human and no good for him.

Oh my god, it is him; I would know that scent anywhere. But why is he here now? What does he want?

"Edward let me go." I snarled at him still struggling to break his hold, wishing that I still had my newborn strength. I felt his arms tighten as he put his head close to my ear and whispered in that seductive velvet voice that to this day haunts my memories.

EPOV

"Never again." I say as I nuzzle her neck inhaling the sweet scent of strawberries and freesia that is pure Bella while tightening my grip around her chest and holding her arms tight to her body. She stiffened in my grasp as she gathered herself to attempt to push me away.

"I made that mistake once before and I will never do that again. I am so sorry love." I purred in her ear trying to calm her outrage. "No matter where you go my mate I always will be there with you even if you send me away I will still follow. I wish I wasn't such a blind overprotective ass all those years ago. I hurt you and I cannot even begin to repay the massive debt that I owe to you for each and every tear that I caused to fall and every cry that left your lips due to horrible lies that I told you that day, all the pain that you suffered and the agony of the change only to wake up alone and with no one to turn to for answers for your questions. I am going to make it up to you for the rest of eternity if you will let me my love, my eternal sun, my life, my forever mate." I whisper to her as I feel the tension slowly drain away from her limbs allowing me to feel a tiny burgeoning of hope begin to grow deep in my chest.

I loosen my grasp slightly to allow her the choice of leaving my embrace if she chose to all the while mentally pleading for her to stay in my arms where her body felt so right pressed tight against my chest. Looking down at my beloved I marveled at the strength that she possessed as a vampire. What a fool I was to think that she would lose her soul if she became like me. Her soul shined through everything that she does. Her capacity to love the one being that wanted to kill her at their first meeting spoke volumes of the spirit that she has. Suddenly I realize that because of her unconditional love for me she actually saved me from being the soulless monster that I said that I was because she allowed me to love her in return. It was because of her that I was actually able to experience the redeeming feeling of loving someone in return.

"I can also never repay you for the gift that you have given me Bella. You have shown me that because of the love that you had for me I could actually love you just as much with every part of the soul that you have reawakened in me. I no longer have any doubts that I have a soul, because you have showed me that I do indeed possess one. Bella love, if you were still human I would say the same to you. I don't care that you are no longer human, I only wish that I was the one to change you."

When I said the last statement Bella gave a tiny gasp and went rigid in my arms. She then spun around and took a long look at me. Her eyes were blazing with a fire that I have never seen before and the intensity of that gaze made my mind swim with longing and confusion. Oh how I wish I could hear what she was thinking!

BPOV

Do I dare to believe in him once more and let him in to my life again? Does he truly mean what he just said or was it just words to placate me? I have no way of knowing without Kerry being nearby. Her gift was really useful but I rarely make use of it because we live so far away from the general populace. Vancouver was a nice city and easily traveled should we require anything but as a general rule we did not mix with the humans that lived there. Not that we have a problem with bloodlust but because we protect our isolation.

I narrowed my eyes at Edward just to let him know that I will not tolerate any false information. I did not yet know what to think of his sudden appearance in my life and I wasn't too sure that I welcomed it. I was confused and slightly pissed and for a vampire that is not the best scenario to be in.

"I assume that you are not alone here in my area so, I guess I should be hospitable to the rest of your family. You may come to my home but don't expect me to be overly gracious. You all have a lot of explaining to do so you might as well be comfortable while you all do it." I turned back around and easily removed his arms from around my shoulder and stepped back so I could lead him to my home. "Oh and Edward? I haven't forgiven you for leaving me… yet."

While running back my mind couldn't help think about what he had said just a few short minutes ago. Did he truly wish that he was the one to have changed me and if so what caused his change of heart regarding my mortality? He admitted that he lied to me when he left and that it was because he thought he was protecting me. Ha protecting me! How little did he know that no more than a few months after the family left I was attacked and left for dead? To tell the truth if it wasn't for all of the stories that I had listened to while we were together I would have given away the existence of the vampire race during the final moments of my transformation. It took every ounce of self control that I possessed to remain still as the funeral took place and my coffin was placed in the ground.

As I neared my house I could smell the presence of four different vampires in addition to Kerry and Britney. I didn't feel all that charitable to my coven mates right now so I didn't bother announce my arrival as I prepared to enter the main room being followed closely by Edward. No sooner than I had a foot in the door I was met by a tiny whirlwind, Alice. The force that she hit me with would have been enough to cause internal injuries to a human but to a fellow vampire it was just an enthusiastic embrace. Still it was strong enough to knock me flat on my back while she remained like she was glued to me.

KPOV

The Cullen family was everything that Bella had said that they were; polite, respectful and honest in their dealings with humans and vampires alike. I have never met a coven with as much integrity as they had. I could tell by using my gift that they truly missed Bella and they were determined to bring her back to the family once again. The matriarch of the coven, or family, was totally beside herself with worry and burned with a desire to have her daughter home once more. I felt a twinge of jealousy regarding her ease of being accepted in to such a caring family.

Before Bella had come and invited me and Britney to stay with her at her home we were wandering and was lost in a world that seemed so overwhelming to the two of us. The three of us became close friends and we had begun to slowly integrate with the residents of Vancouver by our opening a small book store at the edge of the city. We have managed to pull a lot of business from the middle class citizens and some of the upper class as well. Bella dealt with her customers in a fair and polite manner and her open, friendly attitude marked her as a truly rare person in the world of the supernatural. Every so often she would receive visitors from her former hometown of Forks, WA and she made sure to reassure them that she was happy where she was and that she had no intention of returning. The only time she wanted to return was when she had received news that her father was killed in a gang shooting in Port Angeles. It took her over a year to return to some semblance of normal from the grief that she suffered.

I knew that Bella would be upset with me for contacting her family but I couldn't stand seeing her wasting away from loneliness. She told us that she was happy that she has us to talk to and that she was content but we both could tell that she truly wasn't. Now that her human family was no longer in danger I felt it was time for her to be reunited with her true family. She may be my leader but I couldn't stand the thought of us losing her to the isolation that she was determined to cloak herself in. I cared too much for her to let that happen. I had told Britney about what I did only after I had to make her promise not to say anything to Bella and after I had mailed off the letter and was surprised by my carefree sisters' reaction. She almost had a complete melt down. She was terrified that the Cullen's would take Bella away and leave us alone again. She was also worried about what would happen if the eldest son, Edward would reject Bella yet again. After I had gotten in touch with Alice Cullen I knew that Brit's fear of the possible rejection was totally unfounded. I however was worried about how Bella would react to having them all here. Alice had told me that there would be some tense moments between Edward and Bella, but all would work out.

While waiting for Bella's return the Cullen family, Britney and I had covered a lot of ground on what she had done since she came to be a business owner. Alice was like a child that had eaten too much candy and was itching to see what kind of clothes that Bella wore to work. So Brit gave Alice the tour of our home and came back looking like someone had handed her an unexpected present. "Bella is so gonna hate me when she comes home. Alice is currently going through her closet and then is going to burn the offending items. I might have to go into hiding. I have never seen anyone go as crazy over clothes as that little pixie does. I think I just might have to hide for more than a year." Brit chuckled as she came back in to the lounge room shaking her head. Knowing full well how much Bella hated having her clothing messed with and what Alice was doing was equal to invading Bella's private living space. I knew that Bella tried to respect our privacy and expected the same courtesy from us. I tried to engage the rest of the Cullen's in conversation however Esme was determined to know everything that had happened to her since they had left Forks.

"That is for Bella to share with you. I cannot tell you due to the bond that I share with her, she would know instantly and I will not risk breaking that connection. She is the leader of this coven and I will not disobey her injunction." I responded curtly regretting the tone of my voice immediately after my words left my lips but I could see that Carlisle nod in understanding. "I am sorry but please you must understand she is all that Brit and I have. It would destroy us if we were to lose her. She has given us so much more than a sense of normalcy; she has given us hope and the urge to make our lives better." I stated hoping that Carlisle could hear the plea that was in the message.

Alice came back into the lounge grinning like a Cheshire cat. "Bella is definitely doing better with her choice of clothing but she still needs my help. We are going to have so much fun getting her wardrobe up to date. But I am really going to have fun updating Britney's and yours." She exclaimed while looking at us.

Brit gave out an excited squeal whereas I just rolled my eyes. Bella and I had the same aversion to all things related to what Brit and apparently Alice considered being one of the best things in our eternal existence, shopping… ugh. "Great. That sounds like fun, I guess." Alice shot me a look that I interpreted as one of practiced impatience with my lack of enthusiasm. I could tell that Brit and Alice would get along famously when it came to all things dealing with shopping. They were already planning extensive shopping trips when Alice's head snapped towards the door and when it opened she ran and tackled Bella before she could even get one foot securely in the door. I saw a flash of bronze and heard a muffled curse from Bella.

EPOV

Following Bella through the woods I had time to think of the best way to convince her of the sincerity of my apology. The old me would have just acted like nothing was wrong after the apology was given and would have continued to make decisions regarding her without giving her a chance to voice her opinions. But I knew that would be the wrong thing to do. So that option was out, this left me in uncharted territory in regards to how to repair our relationship.

I could tell that she was thinking extremely hard and once again like countless times before I wished I could tell what she was thinking about. Her mind was just as impenetrable to me now as it was when she was human. I knew that she doubted my feelings for her and she was upset at our abandonment of her. I will take any form of relationship that I can get and till she feels secure enough to be a couple again I will just have to prove to her that I will not be leaving her again.

My mind kept running over every single word that she had said before I forced the family to leave Forks and knowing now what Alice had told me about how Bella has adapted I knew it was going to take me quite a while before I can win my loves trust back. I will let her know that every minute of every day I was consumed with the agony of being away from her and only now did my heart feel whole again. She is my mate and I cannot lose her again. If I did I know that I will not survive. I cannot go back to that dark lifeless existence that I was in for fifteen years not now that I know that she is alive and hasn't been happy. Now that I have finally realized that she is my mate I felt a swell of love and adoration for her more intense than I have ever felt before. I cannot be away from her. She is my world and my reason for existing. Suddenly I understood how Bella felt about me while she was still human. She had chosen me as her life partner and I callously threw her love away. I told her that I didn't want her, that she was not good enough for me. Oh God no! How will I ever ease the pain that I caused her? She must think that I had thought that she was nothing more than a distraction for me. I winced at the vivid memory of her face as I uttered those words that broke her spirit. No wonder she was so reclusive. She probably was thinking that I was only here because I had found out that she was a vampire now and thus good enough for me now. If I want to have her back in my life I am going to have to somehow prove to her that it doesn't matter to me if she is a vampire now, I still love her with every fiber of my being.

We approached her cabin and I could tell that Alice was her usual self. Planning major shopping trips and quickly she informed me that Bella's coven mates were very protective of her and that I was to go slowly with them. I saw what the two girls looked like and was immediately reassured that there were no males in the coven. Huh, jealous much Edward? Now you have nothing to worry about. I can tell that she is confused and angry but she is willing to listen. Jasper silently remarked testing the emotional air around Bella. The next thing that I knew Bella was opening up the front door and getting ready to walk in when she went flying backwards only to land on the pathway with Alice firmly attached to her. Go away now Edward, she is mine for a while now. Let me apologize now. She needs some girl time with Esme and I. Alice quickly sent to me while hugging her hard.

ESPOV

I was right behind Alice when she flew out the door and flattened Bella. I really could care less how it looked to the rest of the family as I joined the two girls on the ground. This was my missing daughter and I was not about to let her go without a fight.

"Oh Bella! Why didn't you come find us? We are your family! I am so sorry for what we did. If I would have known I would have never left you. Please tell me that you forgive me? Honey I love you so much, no matter if you are a vampire now or not. You are still my daughter and you always will be a member of this family." I blurted out not able to keep my remorse hidden from her and I had to let her know that she is still my daughter. It was time for Edward to know how his arbitrary decision affected us as a family. I normally wouldn't pass judgment on anyone but this concerned not only the beautiful girl that Alice and I were holding but the whole family as well.

"What Edward did to you was the worst thing that could be done to us. Once we had left it was like the life and joy was banished from us all. Carlisle was beside himself with trying to keep our family together. Rosalie and Emmet left to go to Africa and they wouldn't tell us when they would be returning. Alice and Jasper left to go to Paris and they just came home when we had received that letter about you. I was afraid to say anything to Edward for fear of losing him again. It was like he had left and his body only remained. The whole house was depressed and darkened. I had no urge to decorate or design at all." I told her as Alice finally allowed her to get up off of the ground. I then pulled her into my arms in a fierce hug. "Come on I need to get away from here for a bit and Alice is dying to buy something. Besides I want to know everything that had happened to you."

With saying that we dragged her to the car and took off to the shopping district in Vancouver, leaving behind our mates and her two coven members. Bella didn't talk a whole lot on the drive to the mall she just looked out the window at the passing landscape. The little crease that was between her eyes at the juncture of her nose and brow was in evidence telling me that she was thinking hard. Alice kept up a running commentary of what she saw during her time in Paris trying to distract Bella and dispel the awkward silence that permeated the car. I was thinking of how to brighten the atmosphere of her house.

BPOV

Wow, that is all I can say. Esme was never one to have verbal diarrhea but she definitely had a case of it today. I was totally stunned about her revelations on how the family felt about moving away from me. I always thought that they would just go about their existence just like Edward had said that afternoon in the woods, and forget about me, but now I see it was the farthest thing from the truth. Now I feel guilty for not contacting the Cullen's after I had learned to control my bloodlust. However, would I have been ready to face Edward again after what he had told me? I am a coward. I can and will forgive the family for following Edward's lead but as for him, well that remains to be seen. My coven will need to know that I have no plans on leaving them alone and I will not be living with the Cullen's in the foreseeable future. My killer was still alive as far as I knew and I cannot abandon my responsibilities to the residents of Vancouver until he is destroyed once and for all. They need to know what happened after they left so that way if the Volturi show up at least they will have somewhat of an idea of going on. This definitely was not going to be easy.

"You all need to know what happened to me after you left. I'm sorry that Kerry and Brit couldn't fill you in but, that was to protect me from discovery. I am being hunted by my creator." I said quietly effectively destroying the silence that had fallen. Alice turned in her seat to look back at me, anxiety and concern written all over her pixie like face. Esme stiffened and hissed at the threat that I am facing alone while keeping her concentration on the road that stretched out in front of us.

"It was two months after you all had left and I was an emotional train wreck. Charlie was threatening to send me to Renee in Jacksonville when something inside of me snapped. I guess it was then I realized that I had to live for my dad and mom. I believed that you would not be coming back for me and that I would never see Edward again. That was enough to destroy me but after remembering the words that Edward had said, well let's say that when he left me he ripped my heart out and left it lying on the forest floor. It was like I had a huge hole where my heart was and nothing could heal it, nothing short of the miracle of my love coming back to me that is. I still went to school and I had enough credits to graduate early so I did that. I couldn't face my friends anymore they all knew the emotional agony I was in and they tried to help but I shut them out. I wasn't about to let anyone back in. I was terrified of being hurt again. I began hallucinating about Edward. It was like if I was doing something that he would consider reckless, my subconscious would bring his image and his voice in front of my vision and he would yell at me for what he would consider an unnecessary risk." I saw Esme shoot a horrified glance at Alice who winced like she was slapped. I looked away and trained my gaze back on the scenery that continued to flash by.

"I was hiking in the forest looking for our meadow on that day when I was attacked. It happened so fast that I never had a chance to cry out or to defend myself. Then the Quileute wolves found me, Quil Attera and Jacob Black to be exact. They didn't know that I had been bitten because there was so much blood everywhere on me. Not to mention my creator made the bite look like I had punctured my arm on a branch as I fell. Jacob took me to the hospital and called Charlie to let him know that he had found me. Well I was beginning the transformation process and while I was burning I made a conscious decision in my head. I will not make my change the nail in the coffin as it were to the population of Forks. I would not betray the trust that you had given me by sharing your secret and reveal the presents of vampires in the human world. So I stayed silent, how I managed that I have no idea. After my heart stopped beating I was buried. It took all of my self control not to jump up out of that coffin and attack the mourners that came to the funeral. I managed and after the coffin was placed in the ground I worked my way free. Jacob had seen me emerge from my grave and immediately called the pack for back up. Sam Uley who is the pack Alfa ordered the rest of the wolves to stand down saying that I posed no threat to the population of Forks or the other communities even though I was a newborn. He and Jake escorted me to the border and Sam told me not to come back until I had myself under total control. Every so often I would get a visit from one of the pack to let me know how Charlie and Renee were doing. Then I got the news of Charlie's death. Once again I lost what grip on my sanity I had managed to gain." While I was telling my tale I noticed that we were getting close to the mall so I gave a small grimace knowing that I couldn't finish telling it until we were alone in the car again.