A/n: sorry this took so long. i was in the middle of writing this chapter and i kept coming up with more story ideas and i just had to write them down before i forgot them. So, after i finish My Way Home Is Through You and do the epilogue for this story, i'll start posting the new ones. as of right now, i have three new stories in the works. i'm going to continue working on them so that i have a bit written and more steady plotlines before i post them.

thank you to everyone. you're more amazing than i could have ever imagined. i don't understand why you like my stories so much, but thank you for liking them anyway. your reviews make me so happy. you have no idea.


There was an annoying buzzing in my ear. It sounded a lot like someone was talking, but I felt like I was under water and the person sounded a hell of a lot like the teacher from Charlie Brown. I groaned and snuggled closer to Edward.

Wait.

Edward?

What now?

My eyes shot open and I bolted upright. Or at least I tried to. I could only get so far. Edward's arms were still securely around my middle and it didn't give me much room to move.

"Attention, ladies and gentlemen," a voice bellowed through the air. Oh god, could it get any louder? I sighed unhappily and fell back on top of Edward. I was surprised he hadn't woken up; he must be a freakishly deep sleeper then.

The voice tried again to get the attention of every single person in the vicinity. Must be important, then.

I sat up as much as possible and stared Edward in the face. My cell phone was still in my left hand, so I opened it up and the beam of light almost blinded me for a second. Even that didn't seem to wake him up.

I rolled my eyes. Okay, different tactic.

"Edward," I whispered close to his ear. He stirred slightly, but not enough for him to be awake. "Edward," I whispered again, a little more urgently. A small smile flashed across his face, but he didn't open his eyes. I lifted my free hand and smacked him lightly across the face.

His eyes shot wide open and I smiled triumphantly. "That was completely unnecessary," he whispered, attempting to be mad, but I could tell he wasn't.

"Yes it was," I said, raising my voice to normal volume.

The voice rang through the air again.

"Alright already, we're listening!" Alice yelled, clearly angry. I didn't even want to begin to think about what this speaker was interrupting her from.

There was silence once again, and then someone cleared their throat. It seemed to echo as loudly as possible.

"As all of you know, we've lost power to the entire facility," the voice said. "We do have a back up generator. Unfortunately we've been having some trouble getting it started, but it looks like we'll have it up and running within the next forty minutes or so. On behalf of everyone at the Seattle Tacoma International Airport, we would like to apologize for any inconvenience and we will try to make things more comfortable for you as the night progresses."

There was a burst of talking as soon as whoever was speaking finished. Murmurs and whispers filled the air and I felt like I was back in high school in the busy cafeteria and no one would shut up so everyone just talked louder and louder until everyone was eventually yelling. It wasn't quite to yelling volume, yet, but it was only a matter of time.

"I say we just leave the lights off," I stated, thinking that I wanted to go back to sleep. I was so tired.

Emmett agreed. "I like it with the lights off," he said. "It's better in the dark, anyway."

I couldn't help myself, if I had the opportunity, I was going to take it. "That's what she said," I said quickly and loud enough for everyone to hear.

It took a few moments for my words to sink in, but soon Jasper and Edward were practically falling over from laughter. Rosalie and Alice were trying so hard to keep it in, but they finally exploded and laughed with everyone else. Even Carlisle and Esme were laughing, though they were trying to be modest and hid it as best they could.

I could tell that Emmett was glaring at me. Even in the dark I could feel it.

I shrugged for good measure. "Sorry Emmett, I had to."

"I'm going to get you back. One of these days; mark my words." His voice was full of venom, but I honestly couldn't take him seriously. Did he truly believe I would be scared of his revenge? He probably did.

Once we calmed down, I leaned back, relaxing when I came into contact with Edward's chest. "What time is it?" I asked, whispering in his ear so he could hear me.

He lifted my hand and pressed a random button on my phone so the backlight would activate again. I blushed; I'd completely forgotten I was holding that.

"It's four twenty-six," Edward said as his lips brushed up against my ear. I fought with everything in me to suppress the shudder I knew was coming. Apparently I could fight hard enough because Edward chuckled lightly and wrapped his arms around my middle, bringing me ever closer to him, but still not close enough.

"Sorry to interrupt again," the voice said. "I've just received word from the National Weather Service, and it looks like the storm is coming to an end. We will not be able to get any planes off the ground for at least forty-eight hours, but the roads will be opened up soon and you'll be able to go home or find a hotel room for the remainder of your stay. SeaTac cannot personally compensate every one of you, but the airlines are in the process of talking to all the hotels in the area. We'll update you further as we get news."

I sighed happily. I would be able to go home soon. Oh thank god. Images of me in my nice warm bed were conjured in my mind, and then suddenly, I wasn't there alone. Of all things for me to being thinking about and my mind still goes to the gutter. God, I was worse than a teenager.

"Ugh," Rosalie groaned. "I do not want to stay in a hotel room. I hate hotels." It must be rough for her, then, I realized. Didn't being a model entail lots of travel and hotels?

"I know what you mean," Alice agreed. "They're awful. And knowing the airlines, we'll get stuck in a Motel 6 or something."

Complaints started coming from everyone except three: Carlisle, Esme and me. We were the only ones in the group who lived in the area and could go home after the roads were opened up. Well, Esme might have to stay on the mainland for a few days before the ferries started up again, but I was sure she could just go the long way and take one of the bridges across to the island.

I didn't want all my new found friends to be stuck up in hotel rooms while I was home in my own bed. I would feel too guilty, especially since I had a fold out couch and a guest room. I could easily fit six of us. All eight if I really wanted to, but since Carlisle was just up the street, I was pretty sure he would want to go home. And if Esme wanted, he could take her and she could stay there.

Everyone was still moaning and groaning about the possibility of their staying at crappy hotels when I finally came to my senses. "Hey guys," I interrupted, speaking softly.

"Yes Bella?" Jasper asked as everyone got quiet.

"If you don't mind a crappy sofa bed and a guest room, you can stay at my place until the airport opens again," I suggested.

Alice clapped her hands excitedly. "Sleep over!" She sounded just like someone straight out of a chick flick. Everyone laughed, but it didn't deter her from her happiness. I could almost see her brain coming up with scenarios on what we could do to pass the time.

"That's a fantastic idea, Bella," Carlisle said, smiling warmly at me, although it looked kind of creepy in the limited light. "I have an extra room in my apartment, also. Esme can stay with me if she'd like."

"Thank you," she said sincerely. "I don't trust myself driving across those bridges, and I know the ferries never run when it snows."

Rosalie jumped up from her seat and stole me away from Edward. She hugged me tight. "You're the best, Bella. I can't thank you enough."

"It's no problem. I'd feel guilty anyway if you had to stay in some hotel downtown when I have plenty of room." I was trying my best to keep a certain level of nonchalance, but in reality I was so happy they accepted my offer.

When Rosalie finally let me, I sat back down and almost immediately I felt Edward pull me close. I could feel his hesitance at first, but when I didn't resist, his confidence grew and soon I was practically lying on top of him again. It felt weird, being this close to him so early in the relationship (if that's what you could call it), but I rationalized everything according to the situation. We were stranded. It was normal human behavior to couple off in times like these. Support systems, stuff like that.

God, I loved justification.

- - - - -

No one ended up going to sleep (if they were asleep before, that is), because about forty minutes later (just as that mysterious voice told us) the lights were back on, and so was the heater. I'd never been more grateful for central heating and a renewed sense of depth perception.

It took me a while to get used to the light again. I think I had my face buried in Edwards shoulder for about five minutes before I dared to peek again. I rubbed my eyes, trying to wake myself up a little more and make them adjust a little faster.

"You look like you just woke up," Edward commented, chuckling lightly. "It's adorable."

I tried my best to glare, but when I caught Edward's eyes, I couldn't seem to look away. He was instantly forgiven. I pulled away from him and stretched and then stood up.

I finally got a good look at Carlisle and Esme. They were older, but not old enough to be my parents or anything. I'd say mid or late thirties if I had to. Carlisle looked kind of like one of those models you would see in GQ. He had blond hair that was almost on the verge of being white, but not quite. His face had that mature look to it, like he'd seen his fair share of stressful days without getting wrinkles. And his eyes were blue, but they had a slight green tint to them. He was definitely attractive. When I looked at him, though, I saw the pretty face and that was it. I didn't get the feeling in the pit of my stomach like I did when I looked at Edward.

Esme was beautiful, that was for sure. She was softer, though, in a more feminine, old fashioned kind of way. She reminded me of those old movie stars like Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn. Esme had that elegance about her that I could only dream about. She had a head of wavy caramel colored hair that looked like it was one of a kind. She was tall, even sitting down, but I didn't think she measured up to Rosalie. It was her posture that made her as tall as she was. Esme's eyes were a light brown, almost gold.

While Carlisle and Esme were definitely handsome on their own, when you put them together it was almost astounding. They complimented each other without having to do anything. And if I didn't know any better, I would have assumed they were married already. They were that perfect.

"I need coffee," Rosalie groaned from the side of me. I snapped to attention and realized I'd probably been outright staring at Carlisle and Esme for a pretty long time. I tried to keep my blush down, but I didn't think I could do it.

"I concur," Edward said, standing up and taking my hand in his. I smiled involuntarily.

Everyone got up and we all moseyed on over to the nearest Starbucks (which just so happened to be about fifty feet away). Thankfully we got there just before the morning rush so we didn't have to wait long to get our drinks. A few of us, including me, were hungry again so we go pastries and bagels and breakfast foods galore. We ended up with so much that all eight of us ate something. No use having all that food go to waste.

We didn't spend much time in the actual coffee shop because there wasn't enough room, so we went back to our little hangout and settled back down. I sat next to Edward and draped my legs across his lap so I was somewhat closer to him.

I took a sip of my caramel macchiato and basked in the glory that was espresso and caramel all in one. Yeah, I was addicted, I knew, but that didn't mean I was going to stop.

Edward absently ran his hand along my leg, drifting from knee to ankle in a never ending cycle. I tried so hard not to pay attention to what he was doing (after all, he probably didn't even realize it himself), but just having him touch me was sending my heart into overdrive. The caffeine running through my system wasn't helping, either. I was bound to have a heart attack, I just knew it.

I reached over and grabbed Edward's wrist, ceasing his motion. He looked at me, confused for a second and then he gave me a bright, knowing smile.

"Sorry," he said, his eyes teasing me.

"Uh huh," I glared as thoroughly as possible, but it wasn't working.

He shook my hand off his wrist and then grabbed it again, twining my fingers in his. It made me blush, and I tried to hide it, but Edward caught it anyway. He lifted out hands and ran one of his fingers along the length of my cheekbone, causing me to blush even deeper.

"Stop it," I hissed, turning my head away and focusing once again on my coffee. Edward just laughed and let me try to ignore him.

- - - - -

It was almost six-thirty in the morning when the Department of Transportation and the National Weather Service deemed the roads safe to drive on. Thank God. I was way too giddy for my own good.

We made our way down to baggage claim to get Carlisle and Esme's things. The rest of us only had carry-on luggage, so we were lucky in that aspect. It didn't take us long to get their bags since they were on the same flight and we didn't have to look for much.

As the eight of us made our way to the long-term parking garage, I realized that I didn't have room to fit everyone. "Um, guys," I said a little hesitantly. "I only have room for five in my car."

"I have mine," Esme said, walking up beside me with Carlisle in tow. I couldn't help but admire how cute they looked together.

"And I have my car, too," Carlisle added.

"Jasper, Edward and I can go with Bella," Alice piped in, happy as ever. "And Rosalie and Emmett can go with Esme or Carlisle and we'll caravan over to Bella's."

We all looked at each other, silently agreeing to the plan. Well, that was easier than I thought it would be.

Carlisle, Esme and I were all parked on opposite ends of the garage, so before long we went our separate ways. But not before emphasizing that my apartment was the place to meet. It felt kind of weird knowing my house was the rendezvous point. I almost started imagining us as international spies on the run or something.

"Oh, this is going to be so much fun!" Alice exclaimed, distracting me. She was practically jumping up and down as we approached my car. I wanted to tell her to get a chill pill or something. This girl was way too happy and it was way too early for me to deal with it. It didn't help matters that I'd only had about an hours worth of sleep in the past two days.

"This is it," I said, pointing to the Volvo XC-90 on our left.

Edward laughed as he helped me get everyone's things into the back of the car.

"What?" I asked, suddenly self conscious about my vehicle. It wasn't that bad, was it?

"Nothing," Edward replied, shaking his head. He was still smiling, though, and I wanted to know what he was thinking.

I rolled my eyes and headed for the drivers seat. "No, seriously, what is it?" I tried again, hoping to coax the answer out of him.

Edward laughed again and slid into the passenger seat. We waited for Alice and Jasper to get situated and then we were off.

Edward still hadn't answered me. "Come on," I urged. I took a hand off the steering wheel and poked him in the arm. He grabbed it as I pulled away and held it in his own. Drive Bella, I told myself, trying to keep the butterflies in my stomach from taking over.

"It's nothing bad," he explained, rubbing his thumb across the back of my hand. "I just think it's funny that I drive a Volvo, too."

I smiled wide and maneuvered my way through the parking lot. "Oh," I said simply and left it at that.

Half an hour later we trudged our way up to my apartment. My building had an elevator, thank god, but the exhaustion was finally getting to me and I was about ready to pass out then and there. I was practically leaning all my weight on Edward, though he didn't seem to mind all that much.

The elevator dinged for the fourth floor and the door slid open. I groaned; this meant I'd have to move again. Edward gently pulled me out of the elevator and into the hall and let me lead the way. I walked slowly to the last door on the left and put my key into the lock.

"Well guys," I announced, opening the door and practically falling over. "Welcome to my humble abode."

I waited for everyone to get inside and then closed the door behind them. "Wait," I said, confused. I did a quick head count. "Where are Carlisle and Esme?"

Rosalie laughed and leaned against Emmett. She looked like she was about to fall asleep, too. "Carlisle dropped us off and went to his place with Esme. They said they'd be over tonight or tomorrow, depending on when we wake up and are coherent again."

I nodded my head lazily. "Make yourselves at home. Do whatever." I started walking toward my bedroom. "Guest bedroom is the first door on the right, bathroom is the first door on the left. I am going to sleep. Do not wake me up."

I heard a few grunts of acknowledgment but ignored them. I was seriously dead on my feet.

Edward followed me, close behind, though I didn't mind. I was actually hoping he would.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked, closing my bedroom door behind him.

I shook my head and mumbled something that didn't even make sense to me. I kicked off my shoes and I was gone before I even hit the pillow.

Fin.