A/N: thanks for all the reviews guys. You all rock. And to those who sent me private messages, I promise ill answer soon.

Disclaimer: I currently own a slightly defective wireless router that is making it very difficult to get online, but I don t own twilight

I walked down the stairs slowly, grateful that vampires couldn't get puffy eyes. I already looked enough like a mess as it was. I wandered into the living room, where the rest of my family was currently stationed. Even Abraham was home, which was unusual. Normally he remained at the office much later than this. Everyone looked nervous, a feeling of tension stifling the air. Something was going on. I was still too much in a haze of self-torment to muster up enough interest to wonder what it was. The way I was feeling now, I didn't care about anything.

Macy motioned to come sit next to her on the couch.

"How are you?" she asked as I sat down and laid my head on her shoulder.

"I'm fine," I sighed.

"I was calling your phone, you know. You didn't answer." Worry laced her voice.

Shit. I'd forgotten about the phone. "Um," I started, feeling embarrassed. "I threw it out the window." I braced myself, waiting for Macy to yell at me.

Instead she merely nodded as if this was perfectly logical and not the result of an irrational temper tantrum. "Did you bother to open said window before you did?"

"Not really."

She sighed. "OK, we'll get you a new phone this weekend. I'll go buy it. You don't have to come; I doubt you really want to deal with it. And Lucian and Micah can fix the window tomorrow. You know, it's his room too. You should have at least opened the window."

"I know. I wasn't thinking. And thanks Mace."

She pulled away to look at me smiling, and then turned serious. "Bella, what's wrong?" Now the entire family turned to look at me. "We all heard you crying. I haven't heard you cry like that in years. I wanted to go to you, but I remember how well you took that before." I remembered my early years as a vampire. She was right. Every time she had tried to comfort me I had nearly bitten her head off.

I grimaced in pain. "Edward's back."

Lucian growled, and Macy looked horrified. "What? When? How? That bastard!"

"He's came to the school today. Apparently, he and his family just moved here." I couldn't help the resent that colored my tone. I hated that he and his family were here. I had grown very territorial over the years, thanks to Aston, and in a way this felt like a slap in the face.

"Oh Bella, I'm so sorry! That must have been awful." Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears for my pain. I truly did love Macy. She cared so much about everyone else in her life, feeling his or her pain as if it were hers. Then she stopped suddenly and looked panicked. "Those were the vampires we met today."

I nodded, not understanding her anxiety. "I would assume so."

Macy bit her lip. "Bella, you have to understand! I didn't know! I'm so sorry."

"For what?"

"We met them today. I didn't know it was the family who left you. So I kind of…" she trailed off, looking down.

Micah finished her sentence. "She invited them over so we could meet properly and set agreements."

I was horrified. "YOU WHAT?"I jumped off the couch, ready to run but not knowing where I was going, so I just towered over her. "Macy how could you?"

She didn't look at me, continuing to stare at the ground. "I didn't know! If I had I wouldn't have talked to them! I would have ripped them apart, you know that! Please, Bella you have to believe me!" She looked at me now, her eyes pleading. She looked like a little girl who had just flushed her mother's wedding ring down the toilet without meaning to.

"I don't care that you didn't know!" I shouted at her. "You should have waited! Talked to me! Talked to Abraham! Didn't you think that maybe the new vegetarian vampires might be the same ones who destroyed my heart? You saw the condition I was in when they left! Didn't that leave an impression on you? How could you be so irresponsible?"

Abraham interrupted quietly. "Bella."

I turned swiftly towards him, ready to begin yelling again. I knew it was wrong to do so, but I couldn't help myself. I was enraged by the situation, and my family was the closest target. But Abraham stopped me with a hand. "Macy didn't know, Bella. You know her. She was merely trying to be friendly. Your sister is very kindhearted, and she wanted to make new friends. We don't have many outside of this family."

I knew he was right, but it did nothing to lessen my rage. But I couldn't yell at my family. Slowly my anger towards my family dissipated. This wasn't their fault. This was all still on Edward.

I growled. "When are they coming?" I managed to bite out.

"Soon. In a few hours." This time it was Aston that spoke up.

"I'm not going to be here for it," I said, shaking my head. "I refuse."

Micah broke in gently. "Bella you have to. If you leave now, you'll be running away. You've already done that once today. If you do it again, what kind of message will that send? I know you want to be brave. You've told me that enough times. I know if I ever saw Emily again, I'd want to leave too. But you are stronger than me. You always have been. You can do this. You have to."

"No, I whispered. "Please, don't make me." I couldn't see them. Not in my home, my one safe place. I didn't want that memory. I wasn't ready for this. Today had started like any other day but it had all fell apart the moment I saw Edward.

"No one is going to make you do anything, Bella," Abraham said gently. "But I do think you need to see them. You've been hurting for so long. Maybe this will bring you closure."

I felt like the room was closing in on me. "I have to…I have to leave. I'm going to hunt."

Lucian spoke up for the first time. "I'll come with you." He said standing up.

I shook my head. "No, I want to go alone. I need to think. Besides, you need to be here for when they come. You need to meet them."

He sat back down, looking disappointed and concerned.

Abraham nodded. "Of course, Bella, we understand. I hope you will be here when they visit, but we will not hold it against you if you are not."

I nodded without looking at him, blindly heading for the door. I tore out of the house desperately trying to escape my thoughts.

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EPOV

When I finally arrived home, no one asked where I had been, but they still seemed as if they had been waiting for me. They were all huddled in the kitchen as I entered.

"That look in her eyes," Alice was murmuring. "She hates us. She hates me. I don't understand. This is not the same Bella." Her voice cracked on the last word.

Esme's thoughts were tortured. Oh my poor Bella. This is awful. We never should have left her. My daughter hates me. I winced. Her pain was palpable. I had done this to her.I had done this to all of them.

Carlisle's thoughts were equally pained. Oh Bella, how could we let this happen?

Jasper was still stunned by the feelings of hate that had come from Bella and was visibly shaken. Rosalie was irritated, not understanding why Bella would be so hateful. If she only knew...

Emmett was surprised and hurt, but being Emmett he was still optimistic. You know, Edward, he thought to me. Things could still work out. You just need to talk to her.

I sighed. I had already tried to talk to her. She hadn't wanted to hear it. I don't know how that was going to change.

Only Mira seemed confused by the proceedings. Her thoughts were a little unsympathetic. So Bella hates us. What's the big deal? Everyone can't like you. Her thoughts followed a familiar strain of hers that I was beginning to find a little exhausting, and I wondered at her ability to truly care about anything. She said she lived in the moment but was she able to do so because she didn't feel things very deeply? I felt a little sick at the thought, wondering how I could ever have thought she was similar to Bella. Mira was a nice girl, but now she just seemed…heartless, the same way she had been when I asked if she missed her family. I had been with her for years, but I still didn't really understand her.

Alice began speaking again. "Edward, after you left, we met her family. We talked for a few minutes, but it was difficult with so many humans around. The little red haired girl suggested we come over tonight."

I sat up straight. "Why didn't you tell me about this earlier?"

Alice shrugged and glared at me. "in case you didn't notice, Edward," she spat. ":But this is hard for me too. I have a lot on my mind."

I just glared back. A lot on her mind? I wished she could for once see into my head. Then she would know what having a lot on the mind meant.

"Can you at least see anything?" I begged, hoping for at least some glimmer of hope. "How will this end?"

Alice shook her head, seeming frustrated. "I can't see anything. I see meeting the O'Shannons, but that's it. When it comes to Bella, all it all goes black. I don't understand this."

I growled in frustration. The most important thing I needed to know was the one thing I wasn't able to. I felt completely helpless.

"When are we going?" I asked, turning to Carlisle.

"In a few hours," he answered. I growled. I wanted to go now. I wanted to see Bella.

"Why are we waiting? We should be there now. Is it so horrible, the idea of seeing her?"

Carlisle frowned in disapproval of my words. "Edward, stop it. You know it's not like that. We're all desperate to see Bella."

Then why are we not over there?" I shouted. I had an excuse to see her. I didn't want to take my time.

"Edward we will go over there at the time we were asked. If we arrive early, it could set the whole relationship off on a bad note. Bella isn't the only person in that coven. We have to build connections with the whole family. We will be living with them, and can't afford animosity."

I sighed, knowing he was right. "Fine. Tell me when we can leave. I'll be upstairs."
Without a glance back I left the kitchen, heading to my room. I entered my bedroom, turned on Debussy as loud as my sensitive ears could handle, and flung myself onto my bed. Bella's scent still lingered in the room. Now I knew I hadn't been losing my mind when I thought I had smelled it. For some reason, she had been here. I wondered if it had been because it seemed like my old room in Forks. The thought gave me hope.

I gave myself up to memories of Bella. Not of those today, that would have been too painful. Instead, I remembered the good times. The first time she told me she loved me. The way it had felt to kiss her, fighting the bloodlust yet completely exhilarated to be touching her. The way she had looked at prom. I concentrated on the happy memories. If I remembered the bad, I wasn't sure I could have managed to get out of bed, even to see her. I wouldn't have the strength.

So I thought of Bella, allowing the classical strains of music so soothe me. Soon I would see her, and maybe have the chance to regain my lost love.

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BPOV

I gave my mind over to the hunt. I wasn't yet ready to make a decision as to whether or not I had the strength to see my old family. I hated them. They had left me. If they hadn't wanted me they shouldn't have pretended. I would have blamed it on the fact that they couldn't stay interested long in any human because they were vampires, but I knew that wasn't the case. Just look at Katie. She was human, and yet I, a vampire, genuinely cared about her and would miss her terribly when I left. I had said Edward had developed the skill of pretending to care, but where had he learned it? Was it possible that his family had taught him that art? It was possible. None of them had loved me and yet seemed so genuine. Who knows? Maybe they had cared a little, but after the episodes with James and Jasper they had gotten tired of trying to protect me. The thought hurt. I had thought they loved me. If they had, they would have suffered through my inconvenience. That's what love was about. You put up with the good times and the bad. You don't just stop loving someone.

After my fourth kill, I sat against a tree, lost in thought. I needed to make a decision. What did I want? Honestly, what I wanted most was to go back in time and never have met any of them. I could have grown old and died, oblivious to the pain that I had barely escaped. Life would have been easier. But with the situation as it was, I knew no matter how badly I wanted to run away and not see them, my pride was stronger. I wanted to look them in the eye and show them that they didn't affect me. I sighed. I guess my mind was made up then.

I made my way back to the house quickly, proud that I only shattered one tree in the process. As I walked in, I was relieved to see that the Cullens still hadn't arrived. I hadn't wanted to walk in on them.

Everyone was still in the living room, and the air of tension hadn't disappeared. I realized they must be nervous. Meeting another large coven was certainly a dangerous situation, even if they shared our eating habits. And given their knowledge of my history with this coven, it was understandable that they were wary.

Lucian was the first to speak to me. He came to me and took my hand in his. "Are you ok?" He whispered softly. His eyes were concerned. "If you're not up to this, it's ok. No one will think any less of you."

I shook my head. "No, I have to do this. Abraham is right. If I ever want to move on, I need to confront my demons."

With that Lucian smiled, his eyes smoldering. "Well in that case, I can't wait to get this over with."

I looked away, feeling uncomfortable. Suddenly a small had was tugging at my arm, wrenching me away from Lucian.

Macy was tugging me up the stairs. "If you're going to have to see them," she stated as she dragged me along, "you are going to at least look nice."

"Macy, it doesn't matter how I look. They don't want me. If they didn't want me when I was human, I don't want them when I'm a vampire."

She stopped on the stairs. "Bella don't you get it? The look is part of the whole staying strong thing. If you look like hell, they're going to see what them being around does to you. You want to make a statement? Well I'm going to make sure you do."

I sighed, shaking my head, but I allowed the tiny girl to pull me to my room. If it made her happy…At least it took my mind off my nervousness and dread.

Macy was right in a way. As she played Bella Barbie, I felt stronger. When I gazed in the mirror, I gasped. I had never looked more beautiful. Everything was perfect; the makeup, the hair the outfit, everything. I had never been so perfect. This was not the reflection of someone who was worth leaving. Looking at myself in the mirror I felt a confidence I had never had before. But the fire in my eyes gave it away. I didn't look like I was going to meet a new family. I looked like I was going into battle.

"thank you sweetie,: I told Macy. "I look wonderful."

She merely smiled smugly and motioned me out the door.

Lucian gasped when we made our way into the living room to rejoin the family.

"Bella, you look beautiful." His eyes looked me up and down and I was suddenly very away of how short my skirt was. He had a look in his eyes I wasn't ready to relate to, and the scent of his lust was overpowering to me. I prayed the rest of my family didn't notice. Somehow I think they did. Abraham looked uncomfortable and Macy seemed like she was trying not to laugh. I would have blushed if it were possible but managed to mutter "thanks."

Quickly I changed the subject. "So, how long do we have until they get here?"

Abraham opened his mouth to speak but a knock on the door interrupted him.

(A/N: so I was really tempted to end the chapter like that, but I figured it was just too mean. I'm really tired again, and I can't promise quality from hereon in, but just bear with me please.)

Macy grimaced. "Guess I better get that," she said. She left the room. I resisted the urge to sit down. No. I would take this standing up. I would show no sign of weakness. Aston and Lucian seemed to sense my nervousness and in a flash were flanking me. We stood in the farthest corner of the room, tense and ready (or in my case, trying to tell myself I was ready). I grabbed Lucian's hand in my fear. He merely squeezed it in support. Micah looked concerned and wary. Only Abraham seemed unfazed.

I heard Macy open the door. "Hello,"' I heard her say. "Won't you please come in?" In that moment I loved her more than ever. She was taking the very situation seriously, understanding that these people had left me and left the O'Shannons to pick up the pieces. She was not her usual chirpy self. Instead, she seemed almost cold and hostile, yet impeccably polite.

And then they were there all seven of them, plus one small girl I had never met. My dim human memories had not done them justice. They were so beautiful it made my heart ache, Stay strong, Bella. Stay strong.

A voice interrupted my inner chant. "Carlisle!"

I watched in amazement as Abraham went to embrace Carlisle in surprised happiness. What the hell was going on?

"You…know him?" Micah asked incredulously. I couldn't believe it either. Suddenly I felt like I had lost someone on my side. I had thought this was them against us, but now Abraham was clasping Carlisle in a hug. Traitor.

Abraham turned to look at us. "I knew Carlisle many years ago. In fact, he's the reason you all, well most of you, have the feeding habits you do. He convinced me to turn to animals.

Son of a bitch, now they were all looking at the good doctor like he was some sort of savior. I felt like my own family was betraying me.

Aston, bless him, was the first to recover from the awe. He snorted. "Glad everyone knows each other then. Good to know we have something in common with the people that broke Bella's heart." With that, my family, excluding Abraham, shook themselves and returned to their hostility. An uncomfortable silence ensued.

Alice was the first to break it. "Hello Bella," she said softly. I refused to return the sentiment, just glaring at her across the 20 feet of space between us.

Carlisle coughed uncomfortably and then spoke. "Bella, I wish I could say it was good to see you but given your sentiments toward us, I think you would find me insincere." I smiled at him without humor. You got that right.

He continued. "I was hoping you could tell me one thing at least. What happened? How did you become like this?"

"It's none of your damn business!" I snapped at him. Out of the corner of my eye saw Edward look up sharply, but I couldn't understand his look without analyzing it. To do that I would have to actually look at him, something I had refused to do since he had entered my home.

Esme spoke then. "Please Bella, honey, talk to us. We love you. You're my daughter!" I couldn't help the wince of pain that came across my face. No matter how angry I was with the Cullens, I couldn't make myself hate Esme. She had always been like a mother to me, a closer connection than I had ever felt with Renee. I had loved my biological mother dearly, but I had always felt responsible for her. With Esme I had finally been able to allow myself to feel a mother's love and be able to be taken care of. Even when she lied to me outright, I couldn't hate her. I may not be her daughter, but she would always be my mother. Even so, I remained stubbornly silent, looking away from her and focusing my gaze on section of carpet.

It was then that Rosalie interjected angrily. "You know, Bella, I knew there was always a reason I didn't like you. With everything you have done to this family and to Edward you still have the nerve to treat us like this! We did everything for you, and how do you repay us? By ripping this family apart and hurting us all. I wish you had died in the forest! You deserve it!"

I looked at her, shocked. A snarl ripped through the air. With a start, I realized that it had not come from me, but Macy. Pretty, innocent, tiny little Macy was crouched in a defensive stance, a sneer marring her features. In this moment, she looked every bit the terrifying vampire, something I had never seen before.

"You bitch!" she growled. "How dare you? Do you have any idea what he put her through? He left her in the forest, telling her he didn't love her, leaving her to die, and you still have the nerve to blame her? You should be blaming yourselves. She told me you were all heartless, but even then I couldn't imagine this level of insensitivity. You all left her, and we were the ones who were there to pick up the pieces. When you abandoned her, she was helpless and alone. Do you have any idea how lucky she was to find us? Do you have any idea how long it took for her to even leave her room to hunt? You left her as a shell, a lifeless thing, sobbing at night for her lost love and the family that had abandoned her! We saved her, when you all were too busy with yourselves to give a damn. We helped her survive. You all destroyed her. And now you can't understand why she isn't your biggest fan. You stupid, conceited, self-absorbed little bitch! I hope you burn in hell!"

A stunned silence fell upon us all after Macy's speech. I wanted to cry in gratitude. She had said all the things to them I had wished I had the courage to.

Alice's eyes were wide. "What?" she breathed. There was a long pause, and then she turned to Edward. "Is this true?"

Finally I looked at him, unsure of what was happening. He looked tortured. "I can explain," he said frantically.

Rosalie looked at me calmly and spoke, cutting Edward off. "Bella," she said steadily. "I am so sorry for what I just said. I had no idea that you didn't deserve it. Please forgive me." With that, she stalked towards Edward, and without a moment's hesitation, slapped him so hard he flew across the room, landing in heap. I still had no idea what was going on.

"You bastard," she ground out. "You fucking bastard. All this time you let us believe she left you. You let us think that she was this heartless bitch who didn't want you. And all this time you've been lying to us. You know something funny? I actually felt sorry for you, the poor sap who had his heart broken by a human! But all along it was you who destroyed our family. You broke her heart. She loved you, you asshole. And you left her. You ruined her life and you ruined our family! You selfish, arrogant prick! You don't deserve her, Edward. You don't deserve this family." She looked like she wanted to hit him again, but Emmett pulled her away, his eyes hard.

"Come on babe. You don't need to do this here."

Rosalie turned to me. "Bella, I am so sorry. I didn't know." Again she was apologizing to me.

I barely acknowledged her. I was in a daze. He told them…I left him. He wanted them to leave me. It wasn't enough that he was leaving me, he had to take my family too. I felt weak, like my knees were about to give out under me. I sank to the couch, fresh new wounds ripping my soul apart.

Alice's eyes were still wide. "The day we left...." she whispered, looking at Edward. "You told me Bella had left you the day before. You said you wanted to go for a walk and you wanted to be alone. You told me not to look into your future. You…you didn't want me to see you leaving Bella. Edward…how could you? She was my best friend."

"Alice, I…" Edward sounded strangled. I cut him off.

"Alice, I said softly. She whipped her head back to me. "I'm so sorry I growled at you before." I gulped, trying not to cry. "I didn't know, " I whispered.

Suddenly she was in my arms, kneeling in front of the couch. I couldn't hold back the tears any longer. We sat there holding each other, our sobs wracking our bodies. I don't know how long we stayed like that, it could have been hours, it could have been minutes, it could have been hours, it could have been days. I didn't care. All that mattered was that I had my best friend back. A part of me that had felt so wretched inside was finally healing.

"So…you still love me?" I managed to choke.

That brought a fresh wrack of sobbing from both of us. "Of course, Bella, You're my best friend. I never stopped."

We began to cry again, both mourning the time we had lost and celebrating that we finally had each other back.

Eventually we became aware that there were still people around us. Alice pulled away, but only to sit next to me on the couch, holding my hand. I clutched it gratefully. Even if she had wanted to let go, I was refusing. I had spent so much time being angry with Alice, with the rest of this family. I wasn't losing any possible connection with them now.

Again the room was filled with silence. If possible, the tension had increased tenfold as one by one we all turned to Edward.

He began to sob, trying to come towards me. Jasper stopped him with a had on his arm and a glare in his eyes. I could tell they were holding some type of mental communication, and that Edward wanted to ignore it.

"Bella," he choked. "I'm so-"

"No!" Alice cut him off. "You betrayed her. You betrayed us. You have no right to speak!" Suddenly she crossed the room and slapped him across the face the way Rosalie had, just not as hard. This time he didn't fly across the room but was merely forced back a couple steps. I knew in the back of my mind she hadn't done it to hurt him physically. Even as furious as she was, she wouldn't inflict physical harm. That, however, did not mean she was averse to inflicting a mental blow that was well deserved.

"Alice!" Esme exclaimed.

"No!" Alice cried again. "Esme, I love you dearly, but don't try to defend him! Rosalie was right! He is the reason our family has been so unhappy for the last 70 years! It wasn't enough that he left her! He tricked the rest of us into leaving her too!" With that, she whirled around, heading towards me.

"Come on Bella," she said, grabbing my hand. "We're getting out of here. I can't stand to be in the same room as him. You probably have the same feeling.

Lucian spoke. "Bella, why don't you take her to our room? You guys can get away for a bit, but if we need you you'll be close."

At the words "our room," Edward had let out a growl. I glared, wanting to punch him. I knew what he thought of that phrase and it infuriated me. He didn't want me, so what did it matter if he thought I had a mate? Apparently even if the bastard didn't want me he still thought I belonged to him.

I nodded and headed to the stairs with Alice. Macy made a move to follow but I stopped her. I let go of Alice's hand and wrapped Macy in an embrace.

"Thank you," I whispered in her ear, too softy for anyone else to hear. "You are my true hero. Never forget that because I wont. I can never repay you for defending me the way you did. But now, you need to stay here. You need to listen to them and learn and talk. I need someone who will give me the honest story of what has happened when I leave. Please Macy, do this last thing for me."

She pulled away, looking as if she wanted to cry. But then she nodded and took a deep breath. "I understand. I love you Bella."

I love you too, sweetie." I managed. I needed to get out of here soon. "remember what I said. "

She gave me a slight smile that didn't quite reach her eyes but returned to her original spot against the wall.

Alice stood patiently waiting and I grabbed her hand again. As we made our way out of the room I stopped one last time when I reached the Cullens.

"I'm glad I got to see you again," I said with a shy smile. "I'm sorry I was so rude before. I didn't know the circumstances. I would love to see you all again if you don't mind. Well, I'd love to see the six of you at least."

"Hell yeah!" Emmett exploded with a grin. Rosalie rolled her eyes at him but then smiled at me. "Bella, we would love to see you again. I know I've hated you for so long, but it was only because this asshole over here," she gestured with a glare towards Edward, "lied to us. I want to start over. Whenever you want, just know that I'm there to talk." I was shocked. The Rosalie I had known had hated me. I guess what they say is true. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Huh.

I smiled back at her regardless. "Thanks Rose. I just might take you up on that." I turned to the rest of the family. "Well…good night" I said awkwardly."I'm sure I'll see you soon. Oh and Edward?"

He looked at me, a strange expression in his eyes. "Glad to see you've traded up," I said, looking meaningfully at the small brunette he stood next too.

With that I grabbed Alice's hand again and led her upstairs to my room, immeasurably grateful that I had had the strength to turn my back on him for the second time in one day.

A/N: OK this is a very rough draft, but I promised you an update. Chances are I'll be fixing this chapter like the last one. But I don't think I caught up on sleep last night and its late and I am aching for my bed. So I will probably be posting this chapter again tomorrow along with my new one.

Remember. 6 or seven reviews and you get an update. I hope no one minds that. And livsmom and tink3rb311ar3b31, I will reply to your messages soon. Right now tomorrows legacy needs sleep. She's still recovering. And tink3rb311ar3b31, I promise I will review your story. Im not ignoring it.

But for now, sleep.