Chapter 10
Solitude

(Bella's PoV)

It was very silent for a little while as we made our way into Forks. We passed the police station and I stared at it, even as it became further down the road. I wondered if my father was there, doing what he did best, or if he had taken a few days off after hearing the false news about me.

Oh, how I wanted to find him and tell him I was safe. I just knew what he was going through at the moment. It was probably similar to the the depression I was going through when I thought Edward had left me forever. I wondered if Charlie had called my mother yet and told her the news. I kind of hoped he hadn't. Jacksonville was a lot closer to Atlanta, Georgia, and I could just imagine my mother driving up there in an attempt to see me. That wasn't the only flaw in Carlisle's plan. What would happen, and I knew it would happen, when my father called the CDC and realized I wasn't there? Then I suddenly realized the answer. Carlisle probably had convinced the CDC to lie to my father. All he would have to do was give them a hearty donation.

I felt Edward squeeze my hand. I turned and smiled to him.

"Happy to be back in Forks?" he asked.

I nodded silently. I turned to look back out the window just as we passed Forks High School. It had seemed like forever since I had stepped into those hallways for the first time. Forever since I had met Edward that first fateful day. I smiled to myself as I remembered when I thought he had hated my very existence. I turned briefly back to Edward, and I knew he was probably thinking the same thing I was. I wondered if he was also thinking what our lives would be like if I had never come to Forks in the first place. It was definitely strange to think about.

I sighed as I looked at all the familiar spots in Forks. Would I have any memory of my experiences here when I became a vampire? I didn't just want to remember my times with Edward. There was a lot I never wanted to forget. My father, for just one example. If there was a chance I would never see him again, I never wanted to forget his face. I never wanted to forget the faces of my friends either. Jessica... Eric... Jacob.

Jacob. I had briefly forgotten that I was going to call him. I would wait until we got home, until after the commotion of our happy return had washed away. I wanted my call to Jacob to be a private one, especially if it was to discuss the future between myself, the Cullens and Jacob's pack. I sighed softly, wondering what I was going to say to him. What could I say to him to convince his pack that I was not in danger? That this was one human who did not qualify as a part of the treaty set down between the Quileutes and the Cullens so long ago? It was my choice to become a vampire. I was not a helpless human who didn't have any say in her fate. I had made my decision long ago.

I looked out the window again in time to realize we were on the street that was the most familiar to me. My old house was near. What were we doing here? Just as I was about to voice my thoughts, we passed by the house, but didn't stop. The police car was in the driveway, and there was another car. I wondered who the car had belonged to, then I remembered the discussion earlier. It was obvious that car belonged to Sue Clearwater. I looked at Edward, and he just smiled at me.

"Carlisle just thought you'd want to see your old house one last time," he said.

Carlisle looked at him in the rear-view mirror.

"Before you turn, I mean," Edward said, quickly.

"It was a very nice gesture," I said. "Thank you, Carlisle."

"My pleasure," Carlisle said, with a smile.

He then looked at Edward. Edward sighed and shook his head, then looked out the window. Apparently I was missing out on something between Edward and my father-in-law. I would probably find out what it was later, so I decided not to follow it any further.

A short while later, we arrived in the driveway of the Cullen home. I was finally back home. I had only been gone for a few days, but missed it so much. As soon as the car parked in the garage, Edward chuckled. I raised an eyebrow at him.

"Oh, just a fair warning," he said to me, "It seems everyone is very excited to welcome us home."

"Everyone?" I asked, thinking about my blonde sister-in-law.

"Rosalie missed us just as much as the rest of them," Edward said, stepping out of the car.

"Probably you more than me," I muttered.

Edward chuckled harder. He helped me out of the car, and we made our way inside. As soon as we walked through the front door, I heard footsteps rush down the stairs.

"Finally!" Alice said, with a squeal, "We've been waiting forever."

"I'm sure you've been keeping an eye on us all the way home," Edward said, hugging his sister.

"And giving us her own commentary for every bit of it," Jasper said, walking up to us.

Alice rolled her eyes.

"I assumed you've already been told about our excitement over the past couple of days," Jasper said.

"Carlisle explained it on the way home," Bella said.

"Have you seen anything else since then?" Edward asked, "When you were not vision-stalking us?"

"Haven't seen an arrival date," Alice said, "If that is what you mean?"

"And what are we going to do if she's here before I turn?" I asked.

Edward, Alice and Carlisle all exchanged glances.

"We still have time," Jasper said, "Besides, we have our very own alert system right here."

Alice grinned.

"So, Carlisle," she said, "You better had not told them about our surprise. Because, if so, I swear to --"

"Relax, Alice," Edward said, "Bella knows nothing about it."

Alice growled softly at Edward.

"You know, Edward," she said, "It's extremely difficult to keep secrets from you."

Edward laughed.

"What surprise are you talking about?" I asked, curiously.

"Let's just say," Esme said, "We've been quite busy while you were on your honeymoon."

"I only hope you two were busy as well," Emmett's voice called from the living room.

Alice choked out a laugh.

"Emmett!" Edward growled.

"Come on, Bella!" Alice said, noticing my blushing pink cheeks, "We have a little ways to go."

Alice led me through the living room and toward the back door. Edward followed us and as Alice led me out the back door, I heard what sounded like a fist hitting marble. I assumed that Edward had hit Emmett.

"Damn, that hurt!" Emmett said.

"You deserved it," Edward said.

I grinned. I was right.

"Now, Bella," Alice said, "Are you going to keep your eyes closed, or am I going to have to blindfold you?"

"Ask Edward," Emmett called from inside the house, "I bet he has one!"

I heard a low growl from Edward.

"Edward, ignore him," Alice said, "Besides, if Bella is going to get through the forest without injury while she keeps her eyes closed, you are going to have to carry her. I don't think I have to tell you where we're going."

Edward went to his knees and I climbed onto his back. I laid my head onto his shoulders and closed my eyes. If Alice hadn't asked me to close my eyes, I probably would have done so anyway. Being carried by Edward as he ran very fast always made me feel sick.

For the next few minutes, all I felt was the wind around me, and then it finally stopped as Edward slowed to a stop.

"We're here!" Alice said, "Bella, keep your eyes closed for just a little bit longer. Edward, keep your comments to yourself. This is a surprise for her."

Edward took my hand and pulled me a little farther through the forest.

"Careful," Edward said, "Careful now. Just a couple more steps. Here we are."

I felt Alice's cool hands cup over my face.

"No peeking until I say so!" Alice said.

"Alice, I think she can look at it now," Edward said.

"Yes, you've kept the secret quite well," I said.

Alice chuckled and removed her hands. I opened my eyes and gasped.

There, nestled into the forest was a tiny stone cottage. It belonged here so absolutely that it seemed as if it must have grown from the rock, a natural formation. Honeysuckle climbed up one wall like a lattice, winding all the way up and over the thick wooden shingles. Late summer roses bloomed in a handkerchief-sized garden under the dark, deep-set windows. There was a little path of flat stones, amethyst in the night, that led up to the quaint arched wooden door.

"Well," Alice said, softly, "What do you think?"

I tried to speak, but no words came out.

"Esme thought we might like our own little place for a while," Edward said, "But she didn't want us anywhere too far away. This place has been out here for a while, just crumbling away through the years. She renovated it herself."

I tried to speak, but my mouth kept opening and closing like a fish.

"Do you like it?" Alice asked.

She looked a little downhearted from my delayed response.

"I can't believe you gave me a house!" I said.

"Us," Edward corrected, "And it's no more than a cottage. I think a house implies more legroom."

"Hey," I whispered to him, "No dissing the house!"

"You like it?" Alice asked.

I shook my head.

"Love it?" Alice asked.

I nodded.

Alice gave out a little squeal. "Oh, I can't wait to tell Esme!"

She turned to head back to the house.

"Aren't you coming in?" I asked.

"I'll just let you and Edward take a private tour," she said, with a wink.

"Alice, you're worse than Emmett sometimes," Edward said.

Alice chuckled. She then threw the cottage key to Edward and ran off back toward the house. I raised an eyebrow.

"I feel bad," I said.

"What?" Edward asked, "About the cottage?"

"No," I said, "But... Alice didn't have to stay away from us. Now I feel guilty."

"Bella," Edward chuckled, "Nobody thinks you are being unreasonable."

"Then," I said, "What?"

"Their other gift was alone time for us," Edward said, "That's why the house is so far out here."

The way he said it sent shivers to my spine.

"That's not it, is it?" I asked.

"What?" Edward asked.

"This is all for me," I said, looking at the cottage, "For – for when I go through my changes."

"Bella," Edward said, "You're being way too over-dramatic. What do you think Esme would say if she heard you? She gave this cottage to us."

I didn't respond. Edward sighed.

"If it makes you happy," he said, "You are wrong about your assumptions. Carlisle wouldn't want you too far away when you go through your transformation."

"But he wants me away from the public, doesn't he?" I asked. "That's why we're out here in the forest."

"Bella, you're being unreasonable about this," Edward said, with a sigh. "You should be happy!"

"I am," I said, looking at the cottage.

"Then no more discussion about this," Edward said, walking over to me. "Be happy. You are far too mopey for a human."

"At least I won't be human for much longer," I said.

Edward took me by the hand and led me to the door. He then suddenly ducked down and yanked me into his arms.

"Hey!" I said, chuckling.

"Thresholds are part of my job description," he said.

He unlocked the door and pushed it open, then led me into the house. He let me stand on my own two feet, so to take a better look.

The cottage room was something from a fairy tale. The floor was a crazy quilt of smooth, flat stones. The low ceiling had long exposed beams that someone as tall as Jacob would surely knock his head on. The walls were warm wood in some places, stone mosaics in others. The beehive fireplace in the corner held the remains of a slow flickering fire. It was driftwood burning there—the low flames were blue and green from the salt.

It was furnished in eclectic pieces, not one of them matching another, but harmonious just the same. One chair seemed vaguely medieval, while a low ottoman by the fire was more contemporary and the stocked bookshelf against the far window reminded me of movies set in Italy. Somehow each piece fit together with the others like a big three-dimensional puzzle. There were a few paintings on the walls that I recognized—some of my very favorites from the big house. They all seemed to belong here in this little cottage.

"I'm sure your dying to see your closet," Edward said, "Or at least I'll tell Alice that you were. Just to make her happy."

"Should I be afraid?" I asked, grinning.

"From what I saw in her head?" Edward replied, "Terrified."

Edward led me toward the end of a narrow hallway, and led me into the only room that was there.

"Here's our room," Edward said, "Apparently Esme designed it just like the bedroom on Isle Esme. She thought we might like it that way."

The bed was huge and white, with clouds of gossamer floating down from the canopy to the floor. The pale wood floor matched the other room, and now I grasped that it was precisely the color of a pristine beach. The walls were that almost-white-blue of a brilliant sunny day, and the back wall had big glass doors that opened into a little hidden garden. Climbing roses and a small round pond, smooth as a mirror and edged with shiny stones. A tiny, calm ocean for us.

"Wow," I said.

"I know," Edward said. "Oh, and the closet is through those double doors. I should warn you. It is bigger than this room."

I walked over to the doors and opened them. A part of me was shocked, while the rest of me wanted to destroy Alice. It'd be just like her to do this to me. I knew, somewhere in this pile of fabric was a new mess of french lingerie.

As I looked around, I suddenly remembered something I had been meaning to do.

"Do you like it?" Edward asked me.

"Yes," I said, "Can I get a little privacy... erm, I mean... some human moments?"

I thought Edward would see right through me. But... then again... he couldn't read my mind.

"I'm sure this is all so sudden for you," Edward said, with a grin, "I'm going to go check up on the family. I'll be back very shortly. I promise."

"Take your time," I said.

Edward smiled and rushed out of the cottage. The curtains behind the bed swept in the wind that followed him.

"Hopefully this place gets good reception," I said, reaching for the pocket of my jeans.

I took out my cell-phone and dialed Jacob's number.

"Hello?" Jacob's voice said, after a couple seconds.

I was quite surprised. His voice sounded almost mean.

"Who is it?" Jacob asked. "Is it you, Cullen?"

I was speechless for a moment. Since when did he call me by my new last name?

"If you're calling me on Bella's phone to apologize to me," Jacob said, "You are too late! You're going to pay for what you did. Do you hear me?"

My eyes went wide. Jacob thought he was talking to Edward.

"Jake," I said in a gasp, "It's me. Bella."

"Bella?" Jacob asked, "No. It can't be. You're okay?"

I sighed. He thought I would be changed by now.

"I'm still human, Jake," I said, "For now."

"B-but you're okay?" Jacob asked.

"Last time I checked, yeah!" I said.

"B-but," Jacob stammered. "Charlie – my father said –"

I then completely realized what he was going on about.

"You've been talking to my father, haven't you?" I said, "Jake. Everything my father believes about my condition is a lie. I'm not in Atlanta. I don't have some rare South American disease."

"Oh," Jacob said.

"My father had to believe that," I said, "Because I – I might not see him for a while."

"Oh," Jacob said again.

"Jacob," I said, "I'm okay."

Jacob went silent.

"Jacob?" I asked. "What's wrong?"

"I-I think I did something wrong," Jacob said.

"What did you do?" I asked.

"You must understand, Bella," Jacob said, "I thought you were dead. I thought that bloodsucker did something to you."

"Jacob?" I asked, and my voice sounded fearful, "What did you do?"

"I messed up," Jacob said. "It's been hectic over here the past few days, Bella. Long story short, I'm the Alpha."

"What?" I asked, "What happened to Sam?"

"Nothing," Jacob said, "I'm just the Alpha. It was always meant to be me."

"Well... congratulations!" I said.

"Bella, you don't understand!" Jacob said, "I messed up! I thought you were gone. I-I gave the okay for the Elders to put the treaty into action."

My eyes went wide. I totally understood now.

"Jacob," I whispered. "You didn't."

"I'm sorry, Bella," Jacob said, "The Cullens and the Quileutes are now at war."

I snapped the phone shut. I couldn't hear any more. What had Jacob done? I had to get back to the Cullen house. They had to know what was going on. Suddenly, I heard a whooshing sound. I sighed, relieved. Edward had returned. I ran out of the closet, and out into the hall.

"Edward!" I said, running down the hall, "Something's happ – ah!"

What I saw took my breath away. It wasn't Edward standing in my new living room. What I saw was the short, blonde, pale figure of someone from my past.

"Hello, Bella," Jane said, "I've come to check up on you."

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Cliffhanger! Whew, the ending even took my breath away!

So I decided to put the cottage into the story this early. I know the cottage's description is similar to the one in Breaking Dawn, but it was so lovely, I didn't want to change it much.

Hope you loved the chapter! Feedback would be awesome!