Please review! Disclaimer- S Meyer owns all the characters and locations.

Chapter Ten: Second Attempt

Alice

A silver Volvo pulled hastily into the driveway of a grand, beautiful yet secluded house. It parked in its designated place in the garage. Out stepped a young male with golden eyes and pale, white skin. His name was Edward Cullen. As he walked slowly towards the house, knowing that it was empty except for one, he glanced upwards at the sky. The weather was overcast and cloudy but he could see the sun right above him. It was midday. He entered the house and was delighted to be met by a woman who had similar attributes. Esme Cullen gave her adopted son a welcoming hug.

I snapped out of the vision. Jasper was already asking me what I had seen.

"Edward will be home at around midday." I told him.

I didn't get a chance to say anything more when the door to my bedroom was flung open. Emmett practically charged in, already full of high spirits. Rosalie entered behind him.

"Did I hear right?" Emmett shouted in his big, booming voice. "Edward's coming home today? Soon?"

"Yes." I answered, simple and to the point. "With a vampire's hearing, Emmett, it would be difficult to hear wrong."

Emmett and Jasper laughed.

We rode in Rosalie's flashy convertible to school. We all knew that this would probably be the last time in a while that this would happen. I did not need my husband's emotional gift to see that Rosalie was not very happy about this fact. I sighed. There wasn't much she could do about it.

Jasper took my hand and we started to head in the direction of the front of the school. I was skipping slightly; I was happy for two really huge reasons. One, Edward would be coming home today and make the Cullen house feel right again. Two, I would see Bella as we had Government together in first period. Naturally, Jasper was feeling all of my elation.

We arrived at our table in the cafeteria. I noticed that Bella wasn't here yet. A quick search into the future told me that she was on her way, having merely encountered a spot of unexpected traffic. I chuckled internally. How traffic could affect anybody in a region like Forks, I had no idea.

When the bell rang, I went to Government alone and took the table where Bella and I now sat. I was amused as she rushed in, only just making it on time. Momentarily exhausted, Bella flopped straight down into the seat next to me.

"Bad traffic." she panted as a way of explanation.

"I understand."

Edward

I hadn't taken anything with me to Denali, so there was nothing really to take back home. Eleazer had given me a couple of his shirts; I was grateful not to return to my family in clothes dripping with blood. It would not leave a very good impression.

I farewelled and thanked them for the final time.

I was in no hurry but still found it necessary to drive quickly. Beyond doubt, Alice had informed the family of my decision to be back today. The question was, would they all be there waiting for me?

Truthfully, I didn't want them all to be there. I didn't want to feel all their disappointing thoughts in one mangled lot.

My drive was serene. I crossed the through the Canadian borders into Washington. Soon enough, I had arrived at Forks and was able to breathe in the familiar scents of the town and local wildlife. I was driving quickly on the road where my home was located. I made the turn into the driveway a sharp, hasty one; as a result, the wheels made a squeaking sound. Edward's here. I could hear Esme's joyful thought from inside the house. She was so motherly and forgiving; how I could have ever deserted her and Carlisle during a rebellious period in my youth?

I got out of the car and closed the garage door behind me. Glancing at the sky, I realised that it was approximately noon. I had arrived sooner that I had intended.

I was walking at a slow, human pace to the front door. I didn't need to knock. Next moment, the door had been flung open and I had been pulled into a hug.

Things haven't been right without you here. Esme was thinking. Honestly, we need somebody who plays the piano better than I do. I felt the guilt rise in my head. The least I could do was apologise.

"I'm sorry Esme." I said truthfully. "I couldn't help myself and then there appeared to be no other option available."

I knew that she forgave me. It was all over her mind and her body.

The question remained to be; could the others?

Carlisle

I had arranged for Doctor Snow to replace me when I decided to leave early. Alice had already informed that Edward was back and I really wanted to see my adopted son again. It may have been just six days; but, it felt like a month, maybe two since Edward had disappeared.

I parked my lovely Mercedes and noted that Edward's Volvo was back. That was an excellent sign.

I took a deep breath (even though such a thing wasn't necessary for one of my kind) and stepped inside the house.

"He's upstairs in his room" Alice mouthed at me, winking.

I made my way upstairs and towards Edward's room. He had the best view where the natural landscape was a beauty and where the sun would create vibrant patterns in the sky. He would have known of my coming; he would have heard my approach with both his ears and mind. However, it still felt right to knock.

The door swung open immediately.

"Carlisle." he said. "I'm sorry."

I didn't blame him. I told him that in my thoughts. It was in his eyes that were still filled with self disappointment and no doubt explanations of one of my not-so-pleasant lectures. I wasn't in the mood; having Edward back was good enough for me.

"I know that you are strong enough to handle Bella." I said calmly and slowly. "All you need is a second attempt."

Edward nodded.

Bella

"This dinner is really good." Charlie complemented me as we ate the beef casserole that I had made.

"Thanks Charlie." I said. "But it is the new cookbook that you should be complementing, not me."

My father laughed but it was clear that he truly believed that I was the hero of the meal. Well, I guess that was the outcome of years dining at restaurants; appreciating a home cook became too easy. I retreated into my room and logged onto the computer. The internet connection was slow; I drummed my fingers along the edge of my desk as I waited for my email to load up.

The first two were from my mother. Renee may be happy and having fun with her new boyfriend but she was still willing to know about what was going on in my life. I smiled and composed a quick reply. The next two emails were from Jessica and Mike. Jessica had written a long, repetitive narrative about her shopping adventure last night. To me, it sounded rather boring but I replied in a few sentences anyway. Mike's email was far more interesting.

Hey Bella!

This Saturday, would you like to ride with me? It's either that or Lee's mini van and believe me; there's always an unpleasant fish smell in that vehicle. We're meeting outside my parents' hardware store. You know where it is right Bella? Anyway, see you at school tomorrow!

Mike.

Charlie loved fish but I had not inherited the same passion. In my opinion, fish were merely animals that lived in the sea and were able to swim. So, I was more than happy to go with Mike.

Hi Mike.

I've never really liked fish. I think Charlie likes fish a little too much though. So yeah, I'll go in your car. Of course I know where the shop is. Remember? I went there on Sunday, courtesy of Charlie in order to get these random tools.

Bella.

I clicked 'Send' before logging out and shutting the computer down. I decided to go to bed early.

Tomorrow was a new day.