BIG THANK YOU to all those that reviewed! I flove your reviews. Seriously. It's better than Mint Chocolate Chip icecream with that shell stuff on top...and that's saying a lot! Keep 'em coming!

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I'm giggling at my laptop. I can't WAIT to see what you think of this...

Run, Edward. That's what you're good at. He heard her voice in his head as he fulfilled her prophecy. He ran. Hard. Fast. He ran until he reached the steps of his home. Carlisle and Esme rushed outside, hearing his return.

"Edward, what's wrong?" Carlisle questioned, steadying Edward on his feet.

Edward just shook his head and wilted at Carlisle's feet. He sobbed openly, not caring about pretense or appearance. Esme knelt down beside him and tried to soothe him, but he rebuffed her comfort.

"I have to tell you the truth." His voice cracked as he struggled to form the words. "I lied, Carlisle. I lied to all of you. And most of all, I lied to Bella. I'm sorry, so sorry..."

He recounted the days after the birthday party, and Carlisle and Esme both listened quietly. Edward paused as he came to the day he told her he was leaving. Raising his head, he looked them in the eyes and confessed; he told them, word for word, how he'd effectively broken their adopted daughter's heart. He watched their expressions go from concerned to angry in a matter of minutes. Carlisle turned his back on Edward, pinching the bridge of his nose, and tried to regain his composure.

"You said she understood, Edward," Carlisle muttered through gritted teeth. Esme was buried in his chest, crying softly, her thoughts full of Bella and the pain she'd been through. "You said this would be best for her. I trusted you."

"I know! God, I know, and I'm ashamed of what I did." He stood up and walked inside, falling defeated on the couch. They both followed him, though not immediately. Edward knew they were having a hard time dealing with the fact that they had contributed to Bella's pain. He wanted to scream at them and pronounce this his guilt to carry, but rationally he knew that he'd brought them all into his lie...whether he meant to or not.

As they walked through the door, Carlisle embraced Esme and soothed her, leading her to the stairs. He kissed her sweetly on the forehead and ushered her up to their room. Step by step, he watched her go, and when he could see her no more, he bowed his head. He wanted to compose himself before he faced Edward. He needed to do it right this time.

Moving to sitting across from Edward, Carlisle spoke first. "Do you know what you've done, Edward? Do you know how damaging your words were?"

"I know," Edward said, telling them of his conversation with Bella, of how she'd made him relive that time from her point of view. He clutched his chest, repeating that he thought he knew how much it would hurt her, but he never imagined exactly what she'd feel. Then came the justification; it was the only way. Throughout the whole conversation, he did nothing but berate himself, castigate himself, and moan and groan about how horrible he felt.

When he finally stopped talking, Carlisle sighed. "Are you done now?"

"What?" Edward said, shocked at his blasé attitude.

"I asked if you were done," Carlisle repeated himself, this time adding a bit more yawn to his voice.

"Um, yes. I guess that's it. I can't just apologize...that's not enough! I'm a horrible, horrible..."

"Edward. Shut up." Carlisle trained his eyes on him and blocked his thoughts completely. At his words, Edward's mouth gaped and he stopped talking. Carlisle gave away nothing.

"We need to talk, man to man." Edward nodded, dumbly, and Carlisle sat back in his chair and sighed. "I've sat back and watched you all these years, and you seemed to mature, most likely with the help of the thoughts you heard as well how our family has extended itself. And I've been proud of you, of the control you have and the decisions you've made."

Edward didn't sit back, though. He was on edge, unsure of what Carlisle would say next. He wanted to yell, to be nervous, to be indignant and cry that this was none of his business, but the truth was Carlisle was the head of the coven...and his friend.

"But I have to tell you that you're wrong this time, Edward. And I can't sit back now because there are people involved who mean as much to me as you do. I agreed when you said you needed to leave. That was a mistake. I didn't want to interfere in your relationship with Bella, but I see now I should have."

Edward's hackles raised, his anger evident on his face, but Carlisle stayed calm and continued. "Even though you've seen the thoughts of people in love, like your brothers and sisters, there's nothing like experiencing it yourself. You suddenly have this other person who means more to you than your own life. You're torn between giving into everything that feels good, and trying to safeguard what you have...especially you. Your temperament is, well, different."

Edward's anger got the best of him. "Carlisle, this is..."

"This is the truth, Edward. This is how it is. This is what you can't see. You're so blinded by your right and wrong, your superiority complex, but at the same time you see yourself as so vile and repulsive. You are your own worst enemy."

Edward stood and began to pace. Carlisle sighed "Sit down. Please."

Edward shook his head and continued to walk. "No. May I leave, please?"

"No, you may not. Sit down." Edward snarled, but Carlisle didn't relent. "Sit."

Edward sat, and Carlisle chuckled. "Women are...complicated. Even knowing their thoughts, Edward, you don't really know them. They change their minds, they sometimes don't even know their minds, and what they say isn't always what they mean. You think it a curse you can't hear Bella's thoughts. To me, it seems like a blessing. You don't need the complication of hearing what she's thinking."

Carlisle scooted up to the edge of the couch and leaned towards Edward. Though he knew Edward was angry, he also knew he would listen. Edward, at times, thought that he had all the answer, but at this moment Carlisle knew Edward realized he was in over his head.

"Do you see Bella as your equal?" Carlisle asked.

"No, Carlisle, she's so much better than me. She's stronger and more compassionate and giving. She's so pure." His eyes widened as he talked of Bella and her saintly qualities. Carlisle chuckled, and Edward furrowed his brow. "What's so funny?"

"You know she's human, don't you? She has flaws, and she'll make mistakes. You don't have exclusive rights to being wrong."

"I know that." Edward's irritation rose again, unsure of what Carlisle was implying. Carlisle, however, just laughed again, shrugging.

"It doesn't seem to me like you do know that. You've taken Bella, this fallible person, and made her into some kind of saint. You treat her as if she's made of porcelain, like she's to be sheltered away from the world at all costs. It's quite ridiculous, if you ask me. I understand protecting her, but for God's sake, Edward, let her stand on her own two feet."

Edward started to speak, but Carlisle held up his hand. "I'm not done. And just so you know, these aren't just my opinions. These are observations from the entire family. And honestly, I didn't hear one thing I disagreed with from any of them. We all want this to work, Edward. Not just for you, but for Bella. She deserves to be happy, and you're going to do everything in your power to make her happy starting with listening your family."

Edward threw his hands up and tossed himself back against the couch. "What is this, some kind of intervention?"

"You can call it that, if you want." Carlisle ignored his tantrum and continued. "As I was saying, you need to let Bella make her own decisions, Edward. She's a smart, capable young woman with a maturity that's beyond her years. Everyone around you sees that, even her parents, but you refuse to accept it. You keep things from her, leave her out of important decisions, and all you accomplish is making her angry. Can't you see that?"

"I'm just trying to..."

"...keep her safe - I know, Edward. But do you see your brothers or me act that way with our mates? Do you think because we don't, we don't care about their safety?" Edward shook his head, defeated. "That's right. You know we care greatly for their safety and their well being. But we've learned, unlike you, that both hinge on trust. I trust that should Esme feel something is outside her ability she'll come to me. I trust that she's smart enough not to put herself in harms way, and I trust she can take care of herself should she happen to find herself in harms way. And do you know what? She's never broken that trust."

"But Esme is..." Edward tried to get a word in edgewise, but failed again as Carlisle anticipated his argument.

"...one of us? Why, yes she is, Edward. And Bella could be too if you'd let her make that decision for herself. If you'd have listened to her and put aside your own ideals and fears, you would have heard that she wanted nothing more than to be like you and be with you for eternity." Carlisle could see murder in Edward's eyes and felt disappointed. "See, Edward? At the mere mention of her change, you become indignant! I understand your logic, but you refuse to see past logic and onto truth. Bella is your mate. She was made for you, just as you are. That is not a bad thing, no matter what you think."

"You have no right, Carlisle," Edward growled.

"I have every right, Edward! As head of this coven, as someone close to Bella, and as your friend, I have every right to tell you these things!" Carlisle's fist made contact with the table, and Edward backed down. Just as quickly as his anger flared, though, sadness took over. "I should have done this long ago, but I see the error of my ways now, and I'm sorry for where it's gotten us. I'm sorry I didn't counsel you better."

"I don't have to sit here and..." Edward went to stand, but Carlisle was in front of him in a second.

"You do have to sit here and listen, Edward, because I had to take a call from my drunk, broken daughter and listen to her torture herself over lies! Your voice sent her into shock, Edward! I had to listen to her sob and retch into the phone. If I had to listen to that, you have to listen to me!"

Edward sat back, stunned, and Carlisle walked slowly to his seat. They were silent for a while, both taking time to collect their thoughts. Edward's mind was whirling and spinning, unsure and indignant. He knew he was wrong. Hell, he knew it firsthand now; Bella made sure of that. But his intentions were good...weren't they? Edward hung his head. No. And the more he thought about it, the the more he realized how twisted and ugly his intentions had truly been.

Carlisle could see Edward coming to grips with his words right before his eyes. It was difficult to watch him struggle and hurt but necessary all the same. At times he'd shift this way or that, even standing to walk the length of the living room once, but his fingers would always end up buried in his hair, his face downcast and tortured. Carlisle wanted to give him time, to let him think, but there was more to be said.

"She needs you, Edward. I'm not saying it will be easy or comfortable, but you've made this situation what it is, and only you can fix it. And she doesn't need your apologies and groveling. God knows we've all had enough of both of those. No offense, of course, but there are times in life when you just have to take it standing." Carlisle chuckled, feeling bad for the dismissive way he spoke of Edward's emotions, but it was useless to pander to him. "She really gave it to you, didn't she?"

"Yeah, she did." Even Edward couldn't contain the smirk that broke along his lips. As if it was something dirty, he wiped it from his face and returned to his solemn appearance. "She still loves me, Carlisle."

"I suspect she does," Carlisle said, "And you're worthy of that love, Edward, even though you've made a mistake. You still deserve to be happy; you still deserve her."

Edward shook his head, unable to bear his words. He'd never felt worthy of Isabella's love, her care, or anything else about her. He saw it as a miracle bestowed upon him, a lowly being, and his charge was to protect and preserve that love at all cost. Now, everything seemed shattered. He wasn't quite sure how things had gotten so twisted.

Edward was deep in thought until Carlisle's voice pulled him out. "Did you hear me, Edward?"

He shook his head. "No, sorry, Carlisle."

"I said she needs assurance, Edward. She needs to know you're not afraid of her anger or hurt. She needs to know you've changed, that you understand, and that you'll never leave again. It's going to be an uphill battle, but I believe in you both. And I know you're not going to like this..."

"What have I liked so far?" Edward spat.

"Not much, I'm sure," Carlisle concurred. "Physical touch is the most powerful thing we've been gifted with as sentient beings. A touch can convey so many things. I should have shown more faith in you from the beginning, and after Phoenix, we should have sat down and talked again, but the past is the past. My point is you shouldn't be afraid of it. You'd sooner rip off your own arm than hurt Bella. I'm positive of it. Not only is she your mate, but she's your singer. You value her at a basic level."

"Is that supposed to make me feel better? So, I won't kill her because I want her blood too much?" His voice held a hint of anger, but Carlisle was glad to hear an acceptance there as well.

"No, Edward. Stop twisting my words." Exasperated, Carlisle changed tactics. "Nevermind the mechanics; what I'm saying if you're hesitant to touch her again, you'll lose her. I'm not saying sex will fix things between you, but a fearless touch, a firm kiss, will show her you're serious. And, when the time is right, you make love to your mate. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Sighing, and mentally exhausted, Edward just nodded. "Please, Carlisle. I need to think. May I go?"

Carlisle nodded and Edward made his way slowly up the stairs to his bedroom. Carlisle smiled to himself, please with the conversation as a whole. Edward seemed receptive at the end, and he only hoped he'd give his thoughts serious consideration.

"Esme?" Carlisle called.

She met him at the bottom of the stairs. "Yes, dear?"

"Care to hunt with me, Ciao?" Carlisle walked slowly towards her, drinking in her form. His eyes never tired of her, and his body always yearned for her. She smiled and closed the gap between them. Their lips met reverently, almost chastely, as he captured her sigh with his mouth.

"Come," he said. And with that, they left the house, and dear Edward, in peace.

~*WiITY*~

Bella cracked open her eyes, accosted by the morning light, to find she was alone. There was no one by her bed, no one in the chair by the window, and the window itself was closed. She couldn't figure out how she felt about this. On one hand, she was glad he'd stayed away...far away. But, a tiny part of her, a part which was getting bigger by the minute, ached for him. She groaned and wiped the small tears on her cheeks. She could chalk those up to sleepy eyes.

Carlisle had requested she stay home today and rest, which she complied with easily. She just had to make a quick call to Newton's and ask them to get someone to cover her shift. She pawed, bleary eyed, at the nightstand for her cell phone, and when she had it in hand, she flipped the lid. She had a message.

Hey. Sry ur sick. Gt well. Got ur shift covrd. Sry abt the party. ~Mike.

Rolling her eyes, she forcefully shoved the phone under her pillow and pulled the covers up over her head. Maybe the world would go away.

She knew she didn't have a chance at that when her phone beeped with another incoming text.

Bella, I hope you're feeling better. May we talk when you're up and around? ~Edward.

Leave it to Mr. Perfect to text with proper grammar.

"No," she said, aloud, knowing he wouldn't hear her, and stuffed the phone away again.

It beeped.

I know you're scared and probably mad. I understand. Please, just let me explain. ~Edward.

Bella jolted out of bed and bumped her elbow on the corner of her nightstand. "Shit!" she yelled.

When her phone beeped this time, she almost threw it across the room.

Are you alright? ~Edward

"YES! I'm FINE," she yelled.

...and it beeped again.

I'm sorry I startled you. ~Edward.

"Shut UP, Edward!" she yelled again.

...and again.

Okay. ~Edward.

Bella growled and flung herself out of bed with a thud. She wrapped her robe tightly around her and headed slowly, but loudly, down the stairs. She needed to calm down. She needed to think. She needed...so many things. Right now, though, she'd settle for a cup of jasmine tea. She filled a mug, popped it in the microwave and waited, and as soon as she dropped the teabag in the steaming water, she felt better. The smell wafted through her entire body, eliciting calm and bringing rightness to the world for a moment.

Edward heeded her warning, not texting again for the remainder of the morning. Bella sat at the table until her cup felt cool in her hands and only a few sips remained. She had no tea leaves to read at the bottom of her cup, no Professor Sybill Trelawney to divine her future, so she was winging it this time. Correction, when wasn't she winging it. She hadn't had a mainline to the future since Alice left.

Alice, she thought.

A twinge of hurt still flared in her heart at the thought of her...what was she now? Could she say former best friend? Was she still her best friend? Did best friends leave each other behind without a word? Bella didn't know the answer to those questions. In fact, the more she thought about it, the more upset it made her. She'd have to talk to Edward, to Carlisle and Esme, and eventually the entire family...even Rosalie. Her heart fluttered in her chest and she rested her head on the table.

Then she heard a beep.

Are you alright, Bella? Breathe deep. ~Edward

Instead of yelling at him, she gave into her racing thoughts and cried. It had been too long since she'd let herself feel the hurt. And it wasn't just Edward's absence she felt...it was all of them. She used to tell herself that her "family" had died, and that her feelings were just grief, as she tried to trick herself into moving on. It didn't work. But today, she honestly felt as if she were grieving the loss she refused to feel almost a year ago.

She felt a hand on her back, and she knew it was him. "Go away, Edward," she blubbered, not bothering to raise her head.

"I want to be here for you," he said, soothing her with his touch. She sighed, amazed that after everything, he was all she needed. His presence alone could work miracles. Her tears slowed and the throb in her chest lessened as his hand moved slowly in large circles. He placed his other hand over hers and gave a reassuring squeeze. "I'll never go anywhere again."

"Don't say that. Not now."

"It's the truth, Bella. I know apologies fall short, and nothing will make you believe me except time, so I'm here." He rubbed his thumb across the top of her hand without hesitation.

When she didn't respond, he knelt down beside her and pulled her to himself. Tucking her head beneath his chin, he cradled her and marveled at the warmth of her skin. She stiffened at first, but he didn't relent, stroking her hair and letting the silence break over them both.

His scent was all around her, and the coolness of his touch seemed to cool the burning need she'd struggled with since he left. "I've missed you so much."

"And I you," he whispered.

*WiITY*

Morning slipped into afternoon and they sat, Edward on the floor with a serene Bella in his lap, neither moving much. They both finally felt whole. Edward heard her breathing even out as she gave herself over to sleep once more, and with the most careful movements, he brought them both to bed. Removing her robe, he groaned when he saw the small tank top and shorts she wore.

He stretched out beside her and she immediately drew close to him, fisting the lapel of his shirt and burying her face in his chest. He remembered Carlisle's words and drew her closer still until there was no space between them. She felt soft and pliable in his arms. Breathing deep, he concentrated on her heartbeat. It was even and strong, bringing his world into focus. She was here. She was his.

He knew the time would come when they'd have to talk. Words would become weapons; truth would become a curse. But right then, with Bella wrapped securely in his arms again, he couldn't fear what was to come. He couldn't find it in himself to feel anything but unadulterated joy. Her warm breath gently kissed his cheek like a lover. He felt forever in those tender breaths, saw her in every facet of life...even after life. Yes, Rose was right. He wouldn't simply say yes to her request, should she ask...he'd beg. Prostrate, he'd plead for an eternity with her.

Charlie's cruiser turned down the street. Edward heard it roll onto the rocky drive, and in minutes, Charlie was in the house. He hollered for Bella once, twice, and then picked something up and headed upstairs. Edward stiffened. Charlie's thoughts were unclear, but he was on alert. Edward slowly moved himself away from Bella, though she fought to keep him close, until he was finally standing in front of her bed. Just then, the door opened quietly and Edward was face to face with the barrel of a shot gun.

Charlie locked and loaded in one swift movement and grinned. "Start moving."

Edward moved quietly out of the room, so as not to wake Bella up, and was followed down the stairs with Charlie and the shotgun at his back. He was afraid, but not for normal reasons. The shotgun was intimidating, and Edward knew Charlie well enough to realize he wouldn't shoot him, but the impending conversation with Bella's father was what he feared.

As they reached the table, Charlie nudged him with the barrel. "Sit." Never taking his eyes off Edward, Charlie walked to the fridge, grabbed a beer, and then laid the shotgun on the table as took a seat across from him. He didn't bother clicking the safety on. "What the hell were you doing in my daughter's room?"

"I came to see her, and while we were talking, she fell asleep. I'd just put her back in bed."

Charlie gritted his teeth at the thought of Edward touching his daughter enough to tuck her in. He was seeing red. "You have some fucking nerve, don't you, boy? You come into my home without asking me? Who the hell do you think you are?"

Edward stuttered. "I'm sorry, Sir. I should have asked you first. I apologize."

"You're damn right you should have asked me." Charlie cracked the top of the beer and sucked the foam. He'd need a beer - well, probably more than one - to get through this. "Where's your car?"

"Carlisle dropped me off on his way to the hospital, Sir. I'm supposed to call him when I'm ready to be picked up." Edward's lie fell effortlessly off his tongue and he grimaced. No wonder Bella had believed him. His lying abilities were second to none. He made himself a mental note to talk to her about that.

"Well, you got an answer for everything, don't you, son?" Charlie swigged the beer hard. "Are you gay?"

Edward smirked. "No, Sir, I'm not."

"Well, you know, with that pretty hair of yours and those stylish clothes, I just had to ask. Maybe you thought you couldn't give up the boys to be with Bella. I wouldn't want you leading her on again." Charlie laughed, disappointed he didn't get much of a rise out of Edward. "So tell me, why are you here?"

Edward started to answer, but Charlie cut him off. "And don't give me that bullshit about making 'amends' to Bella. You screwed her over and didn't look back. What's got you here again, huh? Didn't finish the job the first time? Looking to stroke your ego again, right? You're a sick fuck. I bet you get off on jerkin' girls around."

Edward's shoulders stiffened, and he held himself in his chair by sheer will. "Respectfully, Sir, there's nothing truthful in that statement. I'm..."

"You callin' me a liar, boy?" Charlie barked, standing up and steeling his gaze right through Edward's head.

"No, Sir, I'd never do that. I just feel you've misread my intentions." Edward ran his hand coarsely through his hair. This explanation would not be easy. "You see..."

"I don't 'misread intentions'." Charlie pushed his chair in and stood behind it, clutching tightly to the back. "You? Here? It's not gonna happen, Cullen. Ever. Let me tell you how it's going to be."

"Chief Swan, if you'll just let me..." Edward tried again to get a word in edgewise.

Charlie walked behind Edward and leaned firmly against the table on Edward's left side. "Did I ask you to speak? No. And if I want to hear something come out of that pretty mouth, I'll tell you what to say" Edward nodded, so Charlie continued. "Now, here's what's going to happen. You're going to make your amends, whatever the hell that means, and give my daughter some fucking closure. Then, you're going to be a good Cullen and go off to some expensive, Ivy League college and let her get the hell on with her life. You got me?"

Edward fumed. His fingernails dug into the palms of his hands, and the cool facade he kept on his face was not without effort. Finally, he whispered, "I won't do that, Sir."

Charlie leaned down a bit, as if to hear him better. "What was that? Did I hear you say, 'Yes, Sir'?"

Edward's mind cataloged the million ways he could kill Charlie Swan and make it look accidental. His jaw ached to take the last remnants of Charlie's life for what he was ordering him to do. He calmed his baser instincts by reminding himself that this man was a part of Bella. He'd had a hand in creating her, and therefore a part of him was inside her. If he loved Bella, he loved Charlie by proxy. At least that was the train of thought he was trying to ride. But the closer Charlie came to his face, the more agitated Edward became.

"No, Sir. I said I won't do that," Edward repeated again.

Charlie bent down more, this time turning his face towards Edward until they were almost nose to nose. "I'm sorry, I don't think I heard you right. Please repeat your answer one more time."

Edward, unable to contain his rage, yelled, "No! I won't do that! I love her! I left because I thought without me she could have a life, a future, and not be tied down. I wanted more for her. But I was wrong! God, I was so wrong." He thrust his head in his hands and cried as he heard fast footfalls racing down the stairs.

Bella hit the last stair just as Charlie was straightening up over Edward. Bella took one look at Edward, at Charlie, and at the shotgun on the table. "Dad? What's going on?"

Charlie, shocked and angry, lashed out at Bella. "Go back upstairs. You shouldn't even be up! The boy and I were just having a talk. Weren't we, Edward?"

Edward raised his head, heartbreak written all over his face, and before he had a chance to respond. Bella took charge. "Edward, go home."

Charlie smirked and started to walk towards Bella, eager to comfort and console her, but he never got that far.

"Don't even touch me. In the living room...now." Bella spoke directly at Charlie. Taken aback, he tried to protest, but she stopped him. "No, Dad. Not here."

Charlie reluctantly turned around and stalked to the living room, leaving Bella and Edward in the kitchen. Edward never took his eyes off Bella, pain and confusion swirling behind his golden eyes.

"Go home, Edward. I need to talk to Charlie. " Bella rubbed her forehead, still clearing the sleep from her eyes. When she looked up, Edward was right in front of her. Startled, she stepped back and his face fell. "Look, we'll talk, okay? Soon. Just...I'm sorry. Let me deal with Charlie, okay?"

Edward nodded. "I understand. Take as much time as you need."

"Thanks," she said, turning away from him.

Edward watched her turn, and fear welled up in his chest. In haste, he reached out and captured her arm in his hand. Bella spun around, stunned, but Edward could tell she'd felt it. Their touch always did things - good things - to him, and he needed to know if it still did to her. In an intimate gesture, he let his fingertips slide down her arm until he held her hand delicately in his. Bringing it to his mouth, he kissed it slowly, lingering a bit longer than necessary. A blush rose from her chest and filled her smiling cheeks, and Edward's heart sang. Having all he needed to sustain him until their next conversation, he walked out the door and ran full speed home.

A/N - So, I have another fuckawesome teaser if you'll grace me with your reviews! *EEP!* I can't wait!