A/N: Okay so this is the chapter that wasn't supposed to be written. I wrote it last night after I decided to continue the story. I wrote it really late, so I'm sorry if it isn't very good. I was really tired. =) So, enjoy!

Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns all the characters.

Chapter 4

"Bella!" Alice yelled from the doorway. "Oh, it's so good to see you! I've missed you!"

I laughed. "I've missed you, too, Alice."

Edward wrapped his arm around my waist as we got up from the couch. We walked towards the doorway, where his family was standing. Esme and Carlisle were just beaming at me, and the obvious change in their son.

"Oh, Bella, we really did miss you. I must say that life wasn't as funny and unbalanced without you and your klutziness," laughed Emmett, who was standing behind a stone faced Rosalie.

"Wow, thanks." I rolled my eyes and Edward laughed from beside me.

We all walked into the Denali's living room and sat on the various sofas. It was nice that they were giving the Cullen's and myself a bit of privacy.

On the couch, I leaned into Edward's embrace. There was no other way to describe what we were doing... we were cuddling. Like a normal couple.

It struck me that the others were doing the same with their own partner. The feeling of love and happiness must be infectious.

The silence in the room wasn't awkward. I wasn't being treated differently and no one asked any uncomfortable questions. It was nice.

Though the silence wasn't awkward, after a while, I felt the need to break it.

"So what has everyone been doing these past few months?"

Carlisle spoke first. "Well, we've had a residence in upstate New York. I have been working at the local hospital and Esme was recently renovating and redecorating an old bed and breakfast from the 1700's."

I smiled. That's what Carlisle and Esme liked doing best.

Emmett spoke next. "Well Rosalie and I went on another honeymoon around Europe. We actually just returned last week."

I nodded. "What about you Alice. And you Jasper?"

"Well Jazz and I were just taking classes at Cornell. Repetitive, but it was nice and easy," said Alice with a smile.

I laughed. "Of course."

Everyone else laughed too, at the thought of yet another semester at school. It was easy conversation, and I needed that.

Alice suddenly spoke. "So, Edward, what have you been doing. You never told anyone."

All eyes turned to Edward. I twisted in his arms to face him, to gauge his reaction.

Edward looked slightly uncomfortable, and maybe a little embarrassed. Maybe at not being with the family? Letting me become a zombie in actions?

"Well, I was tracking Victoria. I wasn't very good at it. I tracked her all over the south and into South America, but I lost her." He hung his head. "I was tracking her to protect you Bella. I didn't want her to come near you."

I was speechless. I didn't know what to say. Edward really loved me, loved me so much, that he would leave his family and hunt a lethal vampire. All to make me safe. To protect me.

"Wow. Edward, I don't know what to say. That's... just... wow." I didn't know what o say, so I just leaned into him, placing my lips softly on his for a moment. Emmett wolf whistled.

Edward and I pulled apart. For the first time since arriving, Jasper spoke.

"Bella, I am so sorry for what happened at your birthday, I-" Before he could finish, I cut him off.

"Jasper it's okay. Everything happens for a reason." As I said this, I realized how true it was. There were numerous situations that this applied to in my life.

"You're right," Edward whispered in my ear. "Very right."

The day wore on, and the Cullen's and I sat around and talked. For dinner, Edward took me to a simple, casual restaurant. It was nothing expensive. Just relaxing and peaceful, no stress. Even, after all this time, Edward still knew me too well.

After my delicious dinner of a grilled chicken salad, Edward and I drove back to the Denali's. Immediately upon returning, Alice pulled me aside into a separate room, away from everyone.

"Bella, what exactly happened when we left Forks?"

I winced. Even though Edward and I were reunited, thinking about the time he was away still caused great pain. And this was not the first time I've been asked about the subject of the Cullen's leaving.

"Alice, I can't even remember," I said, tears falling. "It was like I wasn't there. I was a shell. A zombie. I didn't do anything. I didn't eat, read, listen to music. Nothing! It was so hard, believing for three months, that nothing mattered and no one I loved cared about me anymore. That the reason for everything was gone! I had nightmares every damn night!" I was full out sobbing now.

Alice was silent, her lovely face full of shock and horror. "Bella, I'm so sorry. We didn't know leaving would have this effect. Edward said it would best. If I had known... I was trying to help Jasper at the time...."

I took a deep breath. "It's okay Alice. I understand. Edward didn't hear that did he? I don't think that would help anything."

Alice shook her head. "No, he is out talking with Carlisle." She then grinned. "We're going back to Forks!"

Ok so I am not very happy with this chapter. I am not sure why. Sorry if it was terrible, I was really tired when I wrote this but, I did for you guys =) There will be one more chapter. I may get it posted today. If not, I am not sure when, but know that it is coming. =)

Review please!!!!!!!!!! =)