A/N: In a review of the last chapter, I was asked why I was doing this story a second time. The answer is this: I took the story down to edit. I don't plan on making major changes, unless the beta team I'm working with doesn't understand something. Little additions might be added to clarify the story.

A big thanks to two of Project Team Betas' betas, Lyta7 and Batgirl8968, for their help in editing this chapter.

I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Chapter 2 – Graduation Brunch and Ceremony

BPOV

I followed Charlie out of the building and never looked back. I knew if I glanced over my shoulder, I wouldn't want to leave. Living here the past two years was wonderful. My apartment was close enough to campus that I could walk and most of the time did unless the weather was bad. There were good and bad memories to be had in the apartment, mostly good — not that I cared to remember the bad.

Charlie opened the door of the waiting limo for me and I got in after handing my garment bag — which contained my cap, gown, and honor tassels — to the driver. Closing the door, Charlie walked around the car and climbed in next to me.

"Are you looking forward to living in Forks again?" he asked once we were on the road.

"Yes and no. I'm looking forward to the downtime while I figure out if teaching or working in the corporate world is for me. At the same time, I'm not sure how I'll handle things. I mean, Dad, it's a small town and if I run into…"

"No need to complete that sentence, Bells. I don't know what happened between you and Edward, and at this point I don't care. You made your decision and stuck by it all these years."

"But I wonder if I made the right choice." Turning, I stared out the window, silently thinking of the past, of Edward.

Charlie reminded quiet. He had never asked what happened. Never asked why I just up and left for Scotland without saying goodbye — well, he asked once and I refused to tell him.

Twenty minutes later, we pulled up outside the New Haven Country Club. One of the attendants opened the door and helped me out.

I was still silent as we walked up the stairs to the clubhouse. A voice from the podium pulled me from my contemplation. "Pleasure to see you again, Ms. Swan, and might I say you look lovely today."

"Thank you, Frank." Frank was an older gentleman, about the age of my grandfather, and was typically on duty when I came to the club for brunch. It was going to be hard not seeing him every Sunday.

"Your Grandfather was just seated, if you would just follow me."

Frank pulled my chair out for me when we reached the table. "Your server will be right with you," he told us before turning to head back to the podium. A few minutes later, he returned carrying a vase. "Ms. Swan, these beautiful red and yellow roses were just delivered for you."

I put the menu down.

"Who are they from?" Grandfather asked Frank as I took the roses, looking for the card.

"The delivery boy didn't know," Frank replied as he walked away.

I'd found and pulled out the card. "Bella, congratulations on your doctorate. Love, Esme and Carlisle," I read aloud for Grandfather and Charlie.

"That was nice of them," Grandfather said, as the waiter arrived and took our order.

I waited until the waiter was out of earshot and asked, "I wonder how they knew I'd be here."

"I might have mentioned it to Esme when she asked how you were," Charlie answered.

"You might have! Dad, either did or you didn't."

"You got me, Bells. I told her when she called to find out if I was coming to your graduation."

"Who else did you tell, Dad?" I asked through clenched teeth. I wasn't mad; it just dawned on me who the outfit I was wearing might be from.

"I didn't tell anyone else, I swear."

The waiter returned, at that moment, with our drinks. I turned to him as he placed my orange juice in front of me. "Is the bar open?"

"Yes, Ms. Swan, it is."

"Can I get a rum and coke?" I normally don't drink when I am going to be speaking in public, but I needed something to calm my sudden attack of nerves — no, not nerves, but fear.

"Right away, Ms. Swan," he said, walking away from the table.

Charlie and Grandfather both gave me a concerned look, but it was Grandfather that spoke up first. "Are you all right, Lass?"

"Quite fine, Grandfather; you know that I don't drink all that often, but I need something a little stronger than orange juice right now."

Charlie and Grandfather exchanged a look. "Does this have anything to do with Edward?" Charlie asked.

"No, not at all," I answered. It was a lie, and I knew it, but a little lie wouldn't hurt them.

"Here you go, Ms. Swan. Your meal should be out shortly."

"Thank you." Taking a much too large sip, I coughed slightly.

"Easy, Bells."

We fell silent. I had much to think about and I believe both knew, giving me the time I needed.

Admit it already. You made a mistake when you left. Left everyone — even yourself — in Forks. You miss the life you had then. You can get it all back. Just admit you were wrong.

I was still deep in thought when our food came, and remained silent even when the check was placed on the table. Grandfather snatched it up before Charlie or I even glanced at it. As we were leaving, Frank stopped me. "A little graduation present for you, Ms. Swan. I hope you like it."

I opened the small elongated box he handed me. Inside was a lovely pen and pencil set. "Thank you, Frank." I gave him a hug.

"Have a safe trip back home," he said, a twinkle — not normally there — in his old eyes. I hugged him again. I was going to miss him.

The limo was waiting when we walked out the door. Waving off the driver, Charlie opened the door for me. Grandfather got in right after me, sitting across from me. I noticed we had a moment alone, as Charlie was speaking to the driver. "Lass, are you sure you are fine?"

"Yes, Grandfather. I'm perfectly fine."

"What happened after your high school graduation?" he asked suddenly. "You never told me."

"I don't want to talk about it. It's in the past now and that's where it's going to stay." How had Grandfather known that you were thinking about high school graduation?

"You know, as well as I, that the past always comes back to haunt you."

"I know, but I can always pray that this stays in the past where it belongs."

"I hope you're right." He gave me a dubious look. "So, have you given any thought to the request your cousin made?" he asked as Charlie got in.

"I have, Grandfather, and I think I'm going to be his model. I know his designs are great and so does the fashion world or he wouldn't be the top Italian designer. And the magazine that wants to do a story on him… it's an opportunity he shouldn't pass up."

"Too bad he didn't like any of the models the magazine typically uses."

"Yes, there is that, but luckily they agreed to let him pick the models. Do you know when the magazine wants to do the shoot?"

"Ian wants to do it sometime in December — at his villa in Umbria — but the magazine wants to do it sooner."

"The location would be great in December."

"He has asked me to accompany you. Would that be a problem?"

"Not at all, Grandfather; all the companies that I've interviewed with so far understand I will be travelling out of the country in December and know I'm willing to work remotely during that time."

"Have you narrowed down your list?" Charlie asked.

"National Linguistics is near the top of my list, but I'm not sure I'd be happy with them. Then there is also Forks High School and Seattle University."

"Whoa, Bells, you never told me you interviewed with the high school."

"I did. The principal and head of foreign language department flew here to interview me. Working at the high school would be wonderful and I'd have summers to do research and to finish writing my book on the dead languages."

"When would you have to let your finalist know your answer?" Grandfather asked, missing the look of disbelief Charlie gave me.

I think Charlie knew what route I was going to take. "The high school and university by the middle of July. National Linguistics told me I could take as much time I as needed."

"You're leaning more towards the high school, aren't you," Grandfather stated rather than asked.

"Yes," I said simply.

We had arrived at the auditorium and after helping me out, the driver handed me my garment bag. "See you two after the ceremony."

I walked away with the feeling of being watched, but attributed it to the families of the other PhD students looking at me as I walked by. I entered the staging area and checked-in. I was told that I would be the first student in line behind the faculty and would sit on the stage.

I took out my phone and made a quick call to Ian. His voicemail picked up. "Hey Ian, it's Bella; just called to tell you I'll be your model. Send me an email or call me with the details. My phone will be off for the next couple of hours, so if you don't get me, leave a message. Love you. Bye."

EPOV

I was watching from a distance as Bella got out of the limo. She looked lovely as always; I was pleased she was wearing the outfit I left her earlier. I snapped another quick picture of her before she took the bag.

Once she was out of sight, I joined my co-conspirators, Malcolm and Charlie.

"Does she know that I'm here?" I asked.

"No, Edward. She doesn't. Though I believe she suspects you sent the outfit. Did you?" Malcolm asked, extending his hand to indicate the direction Bella had left in, and raising a brow at me.

"I did."

"Were the roses really from Esme and Carlisle?" Charlie asked.

"What roses?"

"That answers my question."

I got out my phone and called Esme. "Hello, Edward," she greeted.

"Hello," I said in return. "Did you send Bella roses?" She of course knew I was at Bella's graduation, as I had been to all her graduations.

"Yes, of course I did. You left before I could tell you that we were. This is a big accomplishment for her. Have you spoken to her yet?"

"You know she won't speak to me. When Charlie called me up last week, he said she still doesn't even talk about me." I ran my hand through my hair. I still didn't know what I'd done.

"She'll come around. Alice has seen that much."

"But Alice hasn't seen when."

"Just continue to be patient, Edward."

"I'd better go," I said, hanging up. Frustration was creeping into my voice and it wouldn't fare well for me to lash out at Esme. Carlisle would have my head.

Looking at Charlie, I silently asked if there was any change and he shook his head.

"She's going to tell Ian yes, Edward," Malcolm told me as we started towards the auditorium.

"Then I'll call Ian tonight and let him know I will too." We went our separate ways. I would love to sit with them, but it was too risky. I'd have to remain in the shadows so Bella wouldn't see me. I was just reaching the shadowy far corner when my phone rang. "Alice, what did you see?"

"Well, hello to you too, Edward. I didn't see anything happening to her, but I talked to Bella earlier."

"How is she?"

"Fine, I guess. I put a little guilt trip on her for not sending me an announcement and she blew it off as if it was too hard for her."

"Too hard for her?" I asked, a little baffled. Being where I was at the moment was hard. How was it hard for Bella to send an announcement to her best friend. It didn't make any sense, unless she missed me.

"Yes, she said that a couple of times, especially when I asked her to come to Forks for a visit."

"Alice, are you trying to tell me she's…"

"She's not over you."

"Did she say that?" I didn't want to get my hopes up.

"Just be careful. Don't let her see you." Alice didn't answer me. I'd let it slide. She had been putting up with me for six years, so I owed her more than a few.

"I know, Alice. The ceremony is just about to begin."

"Ok. Edward, one more thing, I saw her calling Ian and telling him she's in."

"Malcolm let me know what she was planning on doing. Thanks."

BPOV

The music began and the faculty started to move. I waited until the usher next to me motioned for me to go. Walking in, I couldn't help but look around, and for a moment I caught someone's eye. Edward? Before I could tell if it was him I was pushed lightly from behind and continued on towards the stage. Climbing the ramp, I stood next to one of my professors, still scanning the crowd. I found Charlie and Grandfather easily, but couldn't find Edward. It must have been nerves, I told myself, or my imagination. Or worse, your magic.

I listened to the opening remarks and before long I was introduced.

"It is my pleasure to introduce the Valedictorian and the youngest PhD graduate in the history of Yale, Ms. Isabella Swan — well, maybe I should address her as Dr. Swan." A laugh erupted from the graduates and guests. "Before I turn the podium over to Dr. Swan, let me tell you a little about her time here at Yale. She has been a student here at Yale for six years. She joined us in 2218 and graduated after two years with a double Bachelor's degree in Linguistics and Music with a minor in Humanities. Two years later, she earned her Master's degree in Linguistics and today she graduates summa cum laude from the Linguistics Doctorate program. She has surpassed all of her professors' expectations. She leaves us with several offers from some very prestigious companies and teaching offers from around the world. Dr. Swan, the graduating class and invited guests are yours to address."

"Thank you, Dr. Baines, for the wonderful introduction," I said after shaking his hand. I took the podium and looked down at the notes I had prepared.

"President Stevens, Trustees, Faculty members, family, friends and fellow graduates, Henry W. Longfellow said 'The talent of success is nothing more than doing what you can do, well.' Profound, is it not?

"Fellow graduates, today we will receive our degrees in the fields that 'we can do, well'. Let us now step out into the world and continue 'doing what we can do, well'. I don't know what my future holds, but I plan on using my talent to succeed to its fullest.

"Congratulations Class of 2224."

Applause erupted as I headed back to my seat. As I turned, I saw a single flash go off in the back row. I furrowed my brow. Who?

As soon as the exiting march was over, I started making my way to the designated meeting place. I was stopped along the way by some of the other graduates and friends for pictures. After making them promise to send me a digital copy, I continued on my way. Grandfather and Charlie were both waiting for me with Esme and Carlisle.

I started, giving Charlie a questioning look. He shrugged his shoulders as Esme gave me a huge hug. Perhaps it was one of them who took the picture. "We wouldn't miss this for the world, Bella," she whispered in my ear.

I was still shocked and I didn't know what to say. My experience told me I should just stay quiet.

"Hand me that camera, Charlie," Esme said. "I'll take some pictures of you and Bella."

Finally finding my voice, I said, "Esme, you really don't have to."

"Why, don't be silly, Bella. I know you would love to have a picture of you and your dad together."

I could never argue with Esme, so I relented and let her take picture after picture. It wasn't until five minutes had passed that I noticed that Carlisle had another camera and was taking pictures as well. Before I could even ask him anything, Esme said, "Let me get a few pictures of you alone."

By the time she was done, my feet were killing me.

"We had best hit the road, Bells. It's a long drive to your new place."

"I know. Esme, Carlisle, thanks for coming and it was nice seeing you," I said, giving them both a hug. "And thanks for the roses."

"Thanks for not asking us to leave," Carlisle whispered in my ear when I hugged him.

I gave him a brief smile before walking away with Charlie and Grandfather. I kicked off my shoes as soon as I was in the limo. Charlie was shifting through the pictures on his camera. "How are they?"

"Really good; I'll put them on a CD for you and you can print what you want to display."

"Thanks. Wake me when we get to the base," I said with a yawn.

A/N: Both of Lyta7 and Batgirl8968 liked this chapter. Lyta7 mentioned this chapter brings up a lot of questions; I hope that the chapters to come, start answering those questions. What questions do you have? What did you think? Let me know in a review. Oh, I have enabled anonymous reviews, so don't be afraid to leave one.