A/N: Yay! An update! I am SO sorry this took so long. Partly it was because of the site being down and partly because I've started an internship. But I'll try to be better at updating.

Thank you! To everyone who has been reviewing and adding me to your alerts, etc. It means so much to me. Special shout outs to…

Truehazel: As always your reviews make my day.

VampySlayerBiteMeIfuDare: Thank you SO much for your review! Especially since you said you don't usually leave them. I was very touched and inspired by what you said so I dedicate this chapter to you.

Okay, on with the story. And if you care I was listening to Dido while writing it.

Coming Home

By

Zana

Bella bounded back through the recently broken window and sailed directly into Alice's arms. The two embraced warmly and Bella whispered proclamations of her love for her new "sister". Eventually Alice pulled back holding Bella at arms length directing her attention to the space behind her. Edward was standing there trying to look angry but not fooling anyone.

"Never bet against Alice." Chimed Alice with a wink of her eye towards Edward. Everyone in the room chuckled and Edward's anger seemed to deflate. The laughter drew Bella's attention towards Carlisle who was still seated near the bed and suddenly guilt washed over her.

"Carlisle, I'm so sorry about the window."

"Bella it's okay." He said rising from the chair and approaching her. "Of all the damage you could have done a broken window is hardly a concern. And speaking of concerns, how are you feeling?" He began looking her over with the eye of a doctor as he said this.

"I feel fine. I feel good actually."

"The hunger?" he inquired.

She paused briefly as if in thought. "It's there but it doesn't feel bad. Not the way I expected it to."

When she focused back on Carlisle he was staring at her eyes intently and a slight grin tugged at his lips.

"What?" she asked, cocking her head.

"Your eyes." He spoke with a hint of wonder.

Edward approached her and grasped her arm turning her slightly towards him. He gasped and ran his hand along her cheek. "They look like a sunset Bella. A beautiful sunset." If she could have blushed she would have.

"Okay enough of this sappy shit! Bella wanna go rumble? It's about time I can actually play with you. You owe me for that food fight."

"Emmett!" snapped Esme. "Language." She chided.

"I seem to recall you starting that fight Emmett." Edward said smoothly.

"Only because you were about to go postal on the Forks High student body."

"Yeah well, you couldn't hear what they were thinking."

They continued bickering like this for awhile until eventually every one of the Cullens had embraced Bella welcoming her fully to the family. Bella took a rain check on the wrestling match with Emmett and she was currently settled in the living room across from Jasper and Alice with Edward's arms wrapped tightly around her. "Don't think I've forgotten Bella. We have unfinished business." He whispered into her ear. She shivered slightly at his promise both in fear and anticipation. But at the moment there were still more questions to be answered.

Before it could even be spoken Alice answered. "I have no idea. I don't see anything." She shrugged an apology. Bella looked from one face to the other in confusion. "He wanted to know if you have any special abilities. I'm sorry Bella but I just don't see anything."

"It's okay Alice. You have nothing to apologize for."

Bella's face clouded over and Jasper left his place from the couch and knelt beside her grasping her hand. If she could have cried she would have. "Your Dad." He whispered with sympathy and she nodded. She began to feel waves of calm wash over her but she stopped him. "Jasper it's okay. I need to feel this. Thank you though." And she squeezed his hand.

Carlisle came in at that moment and sat in the chair nearest her while Jasper returned to his seat next to Alice. "Bella I hope you don't mind but I've gone ahead and put your house on the market. Edward told us that you didn't want to go back there and honestly we all thought you would be rather…incoherent…for quite awhile before being able to address these issues."

"I understand Carlisle and Edward was right. This is my home now." Edward held her closer and nuzzled her hair as she spoke those words.

"We did leave your things as we were unsure of what you would want to keep." Carlisle continued.

"Thank you. I should go there." And she began to stand. Edward held onto her. "You don't need to go right now love." He looked pained.

"But I do. The sooner I wrap up that part of my life the sooner I can fully live this one."

"Bella I've set up a room for you." Alice said jumping up from the couch. "I know you'll be sharing Edward's room but you need somewhere to keep your clothes." She grabbed Bella's hand and raced them upstairs.

The room was beautiful. It was set in warm russet tones with a single floor lamp by a comfy chair. There were bookshelves filled with classics and reproductions of works by Monet, Van Gogh and Waterhouse hanging on the walls. At least she thought they were reproductions. But one frame in particular caught her eye. It was a simple black frame with gold trim and in the center there was a lock of hair, her hair, tied with a delicate blue ribbon. Beneath it the following words were inscribed:

"Forever shall never be long enough."

Edward's arms wrapped around her and she spun round capturing his lips in her own. She pulled back looking at him with all the love she could muster. Slowly she traced her fingers down the side of his neck to the spot where she bit him and toyed lightly with the skin there. "I'm sorry." She said, looking up at him with worry.

"Don't be. I'm not. But you will pay for it." He replied with his crooked smile and he leaned in for another passionate kiss. Bella was swept up in it but vaguely knew she had come up here for a reason. She tried in vain to voice it. "Edward…I…should…go…" each word interrupted by his lips on hers.

"No. Stay Bella. I need you." He said in between fervent kisses.

That was all the encouragement she needed. The next few hours were spent in each other's arms. There was no punishment. No frenzy. No haste. They had all the time in the world. Each kiss, each caress, each lingering touch was an expression of their love for each other. They explored the newness of each other memorizing every sigh and gasp and shudder until they were calling out each other's names not caring who heard.

The aftermath of death would be for another day. Today was a celebration of new life and the beginning of an eternity.