Gradually, I began to spend time with the Cullens.

Carlisle began to tutor me and I studied a high school correspondence course daily. It was encouraging to know I would be able to graduate. Carlisle even gave me a variety of brochures from Ivy League schools and encouraged me to apply to college.

Alice and Jasper and I spent a lot of time together talking about their stories of transformation and their life before they joined the Cullens. I always felt calm when Jasper was around, but I knew it was because of his gift. He finally admitted to me that he was an empath...and Alice revealed that she had visions of the future.

As the months passed, the family began to mention Edward in conversation and I was told he was the third gifted member of the family - he could read minds.I was glad he wasn't with us. He wouldn't have liked to hear my thoughts about him. Apparently, he was no where to be found, and the only reason a search party had not been called for him was because Alice had a vision that he was alive. Looking for him would be pointless...he would return when he was ready they agreed.

I was very direct with everyone that I did not want to talk about Edward at all or hear any conversations about him. I knew it was a diva-like demand, but I was serious. On the rare occasion he was mentioned, I immediately left the room, no matter what we were doing, even if it was mid-sentence in a conversation. Thankfully, the family didn't argue with me and honored my request.

For a month during the summer, we had visitors. Carman, Eleazar, Tanya, Irnia and Kate were a vampire coven from Denali. They also followed the same diet as the Cullens, no humans, animals only, and were considered to be extended family.

I was warmly greeted by the Denali clan. "We're so happy to meet you," Eleazar said as he shook my hand. The others smiled and looked at me curiously.

"I wonder if she has a gift?" Kate asked.

I felt shy. As a human I didn't like meeting new people.

Carlisle glanced at me. "Bella, Eleazar has a talent for spotting and developing gifts," he explained. "Would you be interested in exploring the possibility?"

I shrugged. "Um, sure." I doubted that I had a gift, but it was an interesting idea.

"Has Edward returned yet?" Tanya asked. "I was so looking forward to seeing him again."

The family looked at me and then glared at Tanya. I didn't bolt out of the room, but I was very close to doing so.

Noticing the tension, Tanya asked, "Did I say something wrong? You all know that I favor him."

A weird feeling hit the pit of my stomach. Sort of like I had been punched...it was hard to figure out. I wondered if Tanya and Edward had some sort of understanding with each other.

"My sister is in love with Edward," Irnia joked, winking at me.

Tanya gave a seductive smile. "I don't know if it's love..." she laughed.

It was then, I fled. I tried to do so politely, since there were visitors. "Excuse me," I mumbled, and headed towards the staircase to make my way to the attic.

I heard Esme's explanation. "Bella doesn't like to talk about Edward...as you know he attacked her and she's still adjusting."

"If only he would return, and apologize, I think they would get along quite well," Carlisle added.

I rolled my eyes, as I plopped down on my chair in the attic. Poor Carlisle was too optomistic. An apology from Edward was not going to make things right between us. I secretly hoped I would never have to see him again as long as I existed.

An hour later, Emmett cajoled me out of the attic so he could show off in front of the visitors. As a newborn, I was very strong. Emmett was also very, very strong and liked to compete with me doing various challenges. Sometimes I beat him, but sometimes he beat me. Emmett loved competition almost much as he loved Rosalie. I was told while I would always be strong, my newborn strength gave me an advantage. So, I was eager to use it while I still had it.

The Denalis didn't mention Edward again and I enjoyed getting to know them better. Eleazar, Carman and I spent time together, exploring the possibility of me being gifted. He told me he detected something...although he wasn't sure what. He said I was difficult to read and that in itself might be a gift.

I found Irnia, Kate and Tanya extremely fascinating. They had lived for more than a thousand years and had the most interesting history together. Also, they took human men as lovers. I was shocked by this, but they were proud of it. When it was time for the Denali clan to leave, the women urged me to come visit them in Alaska.

"Please Bella," Tanya encouraged, kissing my cheek, "visit us any time...stay as long as you like."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Alice glare at Tanya. Even Carlisle and Esme exchanged worried looks. Were they jealous? Afraid I'd take up the offer?

As I approached the final days of my newborn year, each member of the family began to drop subtle and not so subtle hints about wanting me to stay with them. One of Esme's many talents was being an architect, and as she designed the next house for the family, she made a point of asking my feedback for where I'd like my new bedroom - did I prefer the east or wide side of the house? Did I want a garden tub for my bathroom or only a shower? Emmett was planning a hunting trip during the summer and assigned me the responsibility of choosing the location. Rosalie wanted to go car shopping with me and was eager to customize whatever I chose. Jasper and Alice were the most direct, confronting me on the anniversary of me being changed.

"Are you staying or leaving?" Alice demanded. "You haven't decided yet, have you?"

I shook my head. "No, I haven't really thought about it."

Jasper raised an eyebrow. "I'm not a mind reader, but I know you have been thinking about it..."

Alice hugged me. "Bella, you're my sister. We love you! Please don't leave..."

After spending a year with the Cullens, they did feel like family. I had grown to love them, too. I didn't want to be anywhere but here, with them. However, there was one thing holding me back...one person...

"What are you reluctant about?" Jasper asked. "Please, talk to us."

I groaned. "Edward, okay? He's like one of the founding members of your family...but I hate him."

"You don't even know him," Alice pointed out.

"He tried to kill me!"

"Edward feels bad about that," Jasper replied.

I rolled my eyes. "From the stories I've heard about Edward, I've decided he's a melancholy, drama queen who is reckless and selfish. I don't think I could ever live with him. But, he was a member of this family before I joined you. He's probably stayed away because I'm here...and it's not fair for me to keep your brother from you."

"You don't hate him," Jasper disagreed with me.

"Don't tell me how I feel," I scowled at Jasper. He sent me a wave of remorse and I understood he meant it as an apology.

I sighed. "I'm sorry for snapping."

"This is how Edward felt when his bloodlust faded and realized what he had done to you."

My eyes widened. It was true remorse and regret...with a hint of self-condemnation. It unnerved me...I didn't expect it. It made me want to comfort the man who felt this way...

I frowned, not wanting Alice or Jasper to know my true reaction.

"I told you, he's a drama queen."

Storming outside, I didn't want to talk about Edward anymore. I felt like running, so I did. As a human, I was a complete klutz. It was nice to be graceful and athletic.

No one followed me, which was surprising, but I was glad to be alone.

Obediently, I remained on the property, as I promised Carlisle I would, running along the perimeter, enjoying the feeling of the wind blowing through my hair. What was I going to do?

I couldn't avoid this Edward forever. As much as I disliked the man I'd only met once, he belonged to the family. Maybe I could tolerate him...maybe...maybe not.

Suddenly, in the air, I detected a scent...not human and not animal...similiar to Carlisle, but different. The family told me of nomads, but I'd never met one. I tensed, but surprisingly didn't feel the urge to attack. In fact, I felt compelled...to find the one who had this scent.

The scent found me first.

It was Edward.

"Who are you?" he demanded. His eyes were dark black and he looked confused.

My eyes narrowed and I suppressed a growl.

"I'm Bella...the girl you tried to kill, remember?"

His mouth dropped open. "You're alive." It was a statement, but he was astonished.

I frowned, immediately irritated. Since I knew he was a mind reader, I blasted him with my thoughts.

"Technically, no. My heart no longer beats, thanks to you, idiot. I'm not alive...I'm undead. Didn't the family tell you about me? Or did you not care enough to listen?"

Edward stared at me, with no response.

"Hello? Can you hear me?"

Again, no response, only a wide eyed stare.

I rolled my eyes. Why did he have to look at me that way? It made me feel...weird. His eyes were black, obviously he was very thirsty...dangerously so. His clothes were torn and muddy. I wasn't afraid at all, but Edward looked very dangerous.

His stare was intimidating me. I felt my body relaxing under his gaze.

"You look hideous," I snapped, not wanting to be dazzled by Edward as I had been the night he attacked me. If a human was nearby, I had no doubt he would have drained them instantly. No one in the Cullen family ever allowed themselves to get that thirsty. Edward was so irresponsible.

He continued to stare at me, almost incapacitated.

"What are you doing here?" I demanded, with false confidence. I knew he had every right to be here...even more than me. Was this staring contest some sort of vampire challenge?

When he didn't immediately respond, I glared at him. I didn't want to fight, but I would.

Edward looked nervous.

"I came to visit your grave."