Wow, so sorry for the delay. I'm not giving up-just juggling. I'm grateful for those who are sticking it out with me.

There's not a lot to say other than I'm really excited for where this is going. Once again, any suggestions or encouragement would be greatly appreciated. I want this to be a story that you love, not just one that you've read.

Let me know what you think! I've appreciated all the kind words and suggestions thus far. Enjoy the story!

Lot's of Love.

-A

Bella's Point of View

It felt weird to walk into the Seattle Times paper after all this time. For months, I had been living a completely different life, one that was out of the realm of possibility the last time I was here. I felt the eyes on me, but I held my head high for once instead of bellowing down onto the ground and trying to find a reason the see the my feet. I had more confidence in everything that I was doing now; I had a reason to keep moving. I had been questioning so much; about Ellie, about the future, about myself. But not anymore.

I passed by tables, seeing the silent hushed whispers. They all knew the sad story; I was the women who was dealing with a sick child. Somehow, just like in most cases, high school didn't always end just because they gave us diplomas. Instead, the students acted like adults while still having the same behavior which they learned in high school. There were still women who tried to sleep around with half the school and men who loved to try to get women to go out with them even if it meant hearing no everyday for a year, and there was still gossip. This time? About me.

Alissa, someone that actually worked well this others, walked up to me, "Hey Bella, how have you been?"

I gave her a smile, not one too big; but enough, "I've been good. How have things been here?"

"Well, you've missed a lot. We've been getting a lot of calls from locals about crime rates and it's been a bit bleak. You're lucky to be on the special events board because sometimes listing the crime rates are just a little too much to take. But how's Ellie?" She walked next to me through the large office, giving me something to focus on instead of the increasing amount of stairs.

"She's been good. We have recently gone to a family friend who is a doctor and he's been doing a lot. We didn't have a lot of hope, but I think things are looking up," I wanted to be happy at my words, but something about the people around me made me feel small and vulnerable. I tried to hang onto the confidence that I had when I walked in, but I felt it draining into the floor.

"Oh, that's good. Are you...planning on coming back?" She whispered lower, trying to keep our conversation slightly private. As much as she was doing a fantastic job of avoiding the stares, I knew she was aware of them.

I ran a hand through my hair, feeling stressed, "Well, I plan to eventually. Right now, I have to stay where I am. We are staying close to the doctor just in case the treatments aren't working and we need to act fast. I figured that I could just work events still and maybe start actually going to them instead of just basing it off of other people's notes. If Ellie feels up to it, of course."

"Right," she nodded her head and got onto the elevator with me, "But aren't you nervous about all that? I mean, I love your writing now...but I think it's lost the special touch that you used to have. Now I know your daughter's health is more important, but what if you took and editors position?"

I felt weird, alone in the elevator. People were oddly quiet as we walked through, which was something I wasn't used to. On most occasions, it was like a zoo. There was yelling and phone calls and people trying to get the latest news. If it wasn't related to the newspaper, there was often a lot of gossiping to fill in the void. A weird feeling crept into me, but I shook it off. I had always been an over thinker.

"Well," I began, my voice echoing in the elevator, "It sounds decent, but I really love actually getting to write. I think if I could just have a few more months to have get a handle on my life then I can go back to being the kind of reporter I was. And maybe keep doing more for the paper, I don't know. I just don't think an editing job is what I really want."

"Hmm," Alissa mumbled and she crossed her arms over her chest, "Well, I'm sure he'll be understanding. He's been pretty kind to you thus far."

"Yeah," I whispered, "He has."

I wrapped my arms around myself as the doors opened and she quickly walked out. Once again, eyes were on me and I walked to my destination. The door was black and the head of the paper sat behind it; Mr. Carter. He was kind in more cases, at least in the ones that had involved me. Unlike the rest of my coworkers, I tended to stay to myself and try my best to get my work done. I never asked a million questions about other people or brought an overabundance of complaints to his attention. I kept to myself and turned in my work. I hoped he remembered all those things.

I stopped at the door, taking a deep breath before gently knocking. Inside, I could hear the shuffle of paper and a quick sound of a drawer slamming, "Come in!"

I walked in, taking in the appearance of my boss. He was about twenty years older than me, but looked about forty years older. The stress of his job had done a number on him, but he wasn't the kind of man that was ever really calm about anything in life. He stacked up some papers on his desk before he glanced up at me, "Oh Bella! I wasn't expecting you back today."

I smiled softly, "I was in town for the weekend, so I figured that I could stop in and check in. I hope that it's okay?"

"Of course, of course. Sit down," he gestured at the chair and took off his glasses to clean. That was the one thing he always did; cleaned his glasses about a million times a day. I thought it to be a way for him to combat a slight small talk anxiety, but it was just a theory.

"So, how's things?" He raised an eyebrow at me and I knew what he meant.

I took a deep breath, "Well, we are starting a new treatment for Ellie. It's up in the air at this point because the last one ended up not working out so well. We have lots of hope though...I think this one might be it."

"Okay, well, I'm wishing you the best. As I know everyone else is," he cleared his throat and slid on his glasses before shifting back in his chair, "Now, what do you see happening with you here?"

I felt the bad feelings itching at the back of my throat, "Oh, well I was hoping to continue to do this. I love doing the events and reading about it all keeps me in good spirits. I'm hoping that after all of this, I can come back and really start getting back into the intense writing. And maybe, if treatments are doing well, Ellie and I can make it out to certain events and-"

"But how long will that be?" His tone was serious and it took the words right out of my mouth. I felt the silence in the room as I looked at him, seeing nothing but the man that gave me a chance. However, I knew he was also the man who was running a paper.

"Mr. Carter...I really don't have a good time line right now. I'm hoping soon, but I can't promise," I felt my stomach tighten and I just wanted to go home.

"I understand that, but I also have a paper to run. I have many other eager reporters who want the spot you have and don't understand why I'm not giving them. We've read your stories, and under the circumstances that you are under, I can forgive them for sometimes lacking the right kind of flavor. However, I don't know how much longer I can ignore the pleas of the other young men and women who are willing to go out and find a good story during an event; not just what's plain to the eye. You haven't been to an actual event in so long, I just don't see how this can go on," he looked older again and I cringed at his words, feeling shame pressing on my shoulders.

I had made it so long on my own. I had gotten my life together and adopted a child while holding up a fairly decent job. I worked hard to be published every week and to be able to take many days off with my child. Had I lost that somewhere? Did the transition into being with the Cullens change the way my writing was being seen? Where had I messed up? Even with the option of commuting, it was nearly impossible. Ellie wasn't feeling good on some days and how was I suppose to leave? Sure, the Cullen's were there, but I was her mother. How had it gotten so far?

"I understand, but I'm telling you that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and if you could just bear with me-"

"I've done that. I've waited while you've been in another town taking notes from other reporters who were there for it. You're writing is practically plagiarism of the thought and I've put up with it as long as I can. I've been sending other reporters out there, having them write paper just in case yours in a complete replicate of some local paper. Bella, I just don't think this position is something you are truly capable of managing. Now, I'm not saying never, but right now it's just not in the cards. I'm going to have to remove you from your position," He didn't have to worry about small talk, so he looked me dead in the eye and I felt a dread coat me. I wanted to turn around and cry, but that was not what a professional women did.

"Sir, I know this has been complicated, but I can work harder. I'll try to get out there more and really get a good-"

"Bella,"

"No, I really think that I can do it if you give me a chan-"

"Bella."

"Please, Mr. Carter, I can do this. I just need to rearrange a few thing and then I'll b-"

"Isabella Swan. I think it's better if you focus on your current situation. It's human to not be able to juggle the stress of so much, it shouldn't come as a surprise. In a few months, if circumstances change, feel free to come back in here and talk to me about resuming a position. But right now, I think it'd be better if you left this company and focussed on your personal life. It's just too much of a distraction," his words felt like a steel knife cutting into the stupid bubble of hope I had kept hidden in my chest for the last few weeks.

Words hardly meant anything, but I babbled anyway, "What about editing? Is there any editing positions that are opened? Alissa mentioned them when we walked in and maybe that would be more doable?"

"I just offered Alissa the new editing position and she said yes," his tone had gone sympathetic and I felt frantic, knowing that I had already lost a battle.

I stared at him, my mouth slightly opened as I felt my one true source of pride fade away. All the work of staying up late even when I was dead on my feet was for nothing. My writing had become less than ordinary, edging on nothing. My knees were weak and I wanted to slide down under his desk and never come out. No wonder other people were staring, they had already heard the latest news regarding poor Isabella.

"So my position was already...?" I asked in a whisper and Mr. Carter nodded slowly, shifting in his chair.

"We just gave it away this morning. We were going to call you in for a meeting this afternoon, but you showed up before we even had the chance to contact you," he leaned forward in his chair, looking right at me, "Bella, this is nothing against you. You are doing everything a mother should, but we don't need a mother around here. We need a reporter. And you haven't been one recently."

I nodded, trying to hold back my tears and pure panic, "I understand. I'm sorry."

"No need for that, but we do have your last check in the main office if you'd like to pick it up," and just like that, it was over. I was fired. I was done. And it had been over before I even had the chance to fight for it.

I stood up and slipped out, feeling my eyes glue to the ground and the last shred of confidence fall to pieces. I walked through the hall again, feeling the eyes of my ex coworkers glued to me. I glanced over, seeing Alissa sitting on a desk smirking at me. I remembered how many times people told me that being in journalism could be a ruthless place. Charlie had been worried that I couldn't handle such a competition; to be so aggressive. And he was right.

"Hope your daughter gets better!" Alissa yelled, but I ignored her and disappeared down the elevator. I told myself to hold it together, just a little bit longer. Just until no one could see me.

I rushed out in a way that I hoped didn't seem so much like rushing. My eyes were beginning to brim with tears and I felt so much more vulnerable than I had in a long time. Just when things were starting to seem somewhat decent, the universe decided to prove me absolutely wrong. I swept out the doors and hurried down the narrow sidewalk. My lungs were burning as I choked back a sob, rushing to get into my car. As I slammed the door, I began to sob uncontrollably, my chest trembling as the noises ripped through it.

I covered my face, trying to sink into my hands and disappear. I had let myself lose what I had built, which was something I always promised myself I wouldn't do. I thought I could manage a fairytale and real life and I ended up getting my face smashed into the ground unforgivably. I let my head rest on the steering wheel as whimpers left my lips and tears slid down my face. I felt the cool of the car sinking into my clothes, but I couldn't talk myself into lifting my head, starting the car, and going back to pick up Ellie from Charlie's. I just laid there, feeling like a useless muppet in this horribly unfair life. How was I going to pay for the medical bills? As is, I was going to be easily in debt the rest of my life from the last few years of hospital visits; how was I going to make it? I couldn't become a burden to my father or the Cullen's.

I felt buzzing and I realized that my thigh had been vibrating for a while now. I managed to lift my head enough to see Edward's name blinking across the screen. As I glanced at all the missed calls, Alice had tried several times as well. I sighed, knowing that they probably already knew and the shame once again filled me and I laid my head on the steering wheel, but held the phone up to my ear to call him back. I knew if I didn't respond soon, one of them would be running like hell towards here.

"Bella!" Alice's voice boomed in my ear and the sound of my own name made me want to drown all over again. I sighed at the word and muttered, "Yeah?"

"Bella, are you okay? Where are you? You shouldn't be driving," Alice began spewing words and I shook my head against the steering wheel as tears trailed their way down my face and onto my lap.

I heard Edward faintly ask for the phone and a part of me wanted to hang up just so that I wouldn't have to face him. I couldn't stand the thought of him being ashamed of me. I felt so weak and small without the loss of carrying my own weight. Now, I was no much like nothing. I heard a shift on the other side of the phone and Edward's breathless voice said, "Oh thank God, you answered."

I went to open my mouth but a whimper came out instead and I clamped my hand over my mouth. Another round of sobs tried to rip out of my mouth and I gritted my teeth as it shook my core.

"Bella? Baby? Hey, hey, shh. It's okay. It's going to be okay. Just calm down, take a few deep breaths okay? Listen to me, it's going to be okay," I wanted to be soothed by his voice, but I felt so stupid and alone and afraid. I wanted to never have to face him again even though I knew I would crave his face when I was gone. Then I thought of Ellie and how ashamed she would be when she grew up and found out her mother lost her job because of stupidity and another sob shot out my mouth and this time I couldn't hold it back.

But this time, I started blubbering, "Edward, I got fired. I don't have a job and I've never felt so stupid and alone. How could I do this to myself? How could I do this to Ellie? I don't know what to do, " I hiccuped before continuing in a watery voice, "I'm so ashamed of myself and you should be, too. I'm so worthless. I lost what I worked so hard for. I lost it all."

He sighed and grunted, "God, I wish I was next to you right now because you need to be held. Bella...love, it's going to be okay. And you didn't do anything wrong, you took care of your child which is what any good mother would do. And Bella, you're a damn amazing mother. I've never seen someone fight so hard for something they loved, but that's always been you. You just have to see it that way, Bella. She's your biggest love, your most important aspect of this life, and that should always come after your job. You've done nothing wrong. You're not worthless, you're a priceless mother who everyone wishes they could have."

I felt a part of me warm up from his words, but the other half was still breaking, "Edward, how am I going to do this? How am I going to make it?"

"When I said I was in, it means I'm in. As far as I'm concerned, Elena is partially my daughter, too. God, Bella, I want her to be. I've never felt something so strong or honest in my entire life. I've been scared that I wouldn't be good enough, but I feel like I could be if it meant you and Ellie being a part of my life. Bella, you are everything good in my life. And this is a bump in the road for you and I know it probably makes you feel sick to your stomach. But now you can focus on your daughter; you're beautiful daughter that looks up at you like you are the sun, earth, and moon. And you are. And it's never been defined by your work, in fact, she sometimes hates the sound of the keys typing because she knows that you are busy. Bella, it's going to be okay. We are gong to be okay," I could practically feel his arms around me, and I knew his words were almost as good as his arms. Almost.

I sniffed and rubbed my eyes, "I'm beginning to think this is real."

"That what is real?"

"This,"

"This? As in?"

"This as in us. You and I,"

"Well, it is real," he chuckled and I felt an actual smile cross my face and sighed into my hand, feeling like I could sleep for ten years.

"I want to go home," I whispered and opened my eyes to look at the filled parking lot. One that I no longer works in. I tried to ignore my pessimistic thoughts.

"Are you going back to your house?" he asked and I almost forgot that I had a house, but I knew I had to go back there. He didn't realize I meant him. I wanted to go back to us.

I laughed lightly, "Edward, I meant I wanted to come home to you, but I should go back to the house and grab some stuff and stay the night. Just in case someone thinks we've died in there."

He sighed and I could practically see him rubbing his face, "The Denali's are leaving soon. I can come to you tonight? We can talk about some things? And I can see Ellie?"

I smiled at his hopeful tone and couldn't do anything but give in, "That actually sounds like the only thing I really need. And Ellie misses you so much. She asked where you were this morning and was so disappointed when I said we wouldn't see you until tomorrow."

"Then, I guess I'll have to be there to see my girls," he still sounded worried and I straightened up in my seat, pushing my hair back and taking a deep breath.

I sniffed and sighed, "So, the visits coming to an end?"

"Yeah," he sounded super casual about everything, "It's time. We visited and had a good time, even managed to get in a game of baseball. Now it's time for us to go our separate ways. We are family, but we live a bit differently still."

"Hmm," my voice was raspy and I cleared it, "Well, I'm glad it went well."

"Me too," he sighed, "Well, I'm going to go play nice for a couple more hours and then I will be on my way to see you two. How was Charlie this morning?"

I remembered his eagerness to have time with Ellie, but nothing out of the ordinary, "He was normal. He was just the same when it came to the subject of you. I don't know if it was anything you should worry about. I think he's happy. Also, he's not always the kind of person to jump to conclusion outside the normal band of serial killers and thieves. I think we're okay. You haven't done anything out of the ordinary."

"I guess," he sounded unsure but seemed to brush it off, "Well, go be with your little girl and I'll see you later. I love you, sweetheart. We'll get through everything."

"I know. I love you, too," I whispered and set my phone down. I took a few breaths, running a hand through my hair. It felt so weird to not be able to just walk into the building and go back into my little desk. Even though I had been distracted, I had loved my time writing. I loved be able to get lost in the words and try to describe places in a way that caught people's attention. Even though I would keep going and be okay; I had a new goal forming in the back of my head as I started my car and backed out of my parking spot.

I would be happy, even if it nearly killed me.

Edward's Point of view

"Do you think if I threw a basketball from a plane hard, it could burst out of the thing that covers our Earth?" Emmett asked Jasper, who rolled his eyes at him.

"You mean the ozone layer?" Jasper asked, giving Emmett an incredulous look. Emmett shrugged his shoulders and from what I could tell, he really didn't know.

"You've been alive for how long? And to high school how many times? And you have no idea?" Alice rolled her eyes and walked up to take Jasper's hand. I envied them and wished I could be running back to Seattle at full speed.

Emmett huffed, "Well, I don't really need the information. I mean, what can I do? Carlisle is the only one who seems to have it figured out, but honestly? Me as a doctor?"

We all shook our heads at him and Tanya and Kate joined into the conversation, Tanya looking him up and down, which didn't leave Rosalie's mind for a solid second, "Are you kidding me? We could do so much; just don't use your name."

"Where's the fun in that?" Emmett sighed and Rosalie snaked an arm around his waist, which he casually returned. For once, their thoughts were relatively clean considering they were touching and we were in a large open forest. We were walking away from a very intense final game of baseball, since a storm had wandered into our region. We were finally parting and I could run back to my real home.

"So, this thing with you and the human? It's real?" Tanya walked up beside me and Esme immediately walked up on my other side, trying to seem casual.

I don't quite trust her with you. Don't mind me, Esme's voice echoed and I didn't acknowledge, but I knew she knew I was aware of her voice. I nodded my head at Tanya, watching her mind as well as Esme's, trying to stay from any bad blood.

"The human? You mean Bella?" I emphasized her name, "Yeah, it's the same as before. I won't be leaving this time. As far as I am concerned, I will be there for her until she throws me," Or before you throw her away for me, Tanya's mind sounded like it was about to snap and I fought rolling my eyes, "Tanya, you know as well as anyone, we are friends and family. But Bella is the one. I'm sorry."

Tanya crossed her arms over her chest, never taking rejection the very best out of all of us, "I just don't know how you can trust her. I mean, I'm all for not hurting the humans or even living amongst them, but being with one? Full time? Not just for fun? It doesn't make sense."

"From the past," Jasper cut in, glancing back at us as Alice and him kept their arms swinging like happy lovers, "Edward was never one to make the most sense. But this time, it does make sense."

I smiled and Jasper nodded slightly before turning back to his love, them quickly dissolving into a conversation of where they wanted to visit next in the world. It was a fight between Brazil and Australia, but Alice already knew she was likely to win.

"And she has a kid," her voice sounded distant and I snapped my head towards her, mentally digging into her brain to listen for even the hint of malice, "That's a lot of baggage, especially for a bachelor."

"It's not baggage when you are inviting it in and have no reason to dread it. I love her daughter and she's never had a father. Bella has raised her to be an amazing little girl and I can't help but hope that they will both let me be there for the rest," I was laying out my heart, which I didn't mind as long as she got the message.

"But it's a kid, Edward. It's not a puppy that you can ignore. I mean, even if you did love her and all that jazz, what about the whole...honeymoon stage of a relationship. When are you getting to have any of the real fun?" Tanya flashed her eyes up at mine and I saw a glimpse of her fantasy, which was my own secret hormonal teenage fantasy, but her face instead of Bella. Which made mine turn into a nightmare. I had to fight the cringe.

"Yes, it's a child. And what we do with our time is our business, but we figure it out. Just like a normal human relationship when there is a child involved. It's no different," I was becoming defensive, wanting to keep Tanya out of the information of the life I was beginning to live. I didn't want her anywhere near it.

"I just don't understand," I felt everyone around us mentally groan, including Tanya's clan. I wanted to just yell at her to shut up and move on, but I didn't want to ruin anything that I had already ruined once before. Although Tanya made me want to shove my head into a blender, I didn't want to cause bad blood where it wasn't necessary. This was one of the places that didn't even matter, "I mean, why don't you just find someone more practical for you? I mean, she's a human and a mother. Plus, I mean, she can't be that good in all the other departments if whoever the dad was left her sorry ass."

That did it, I turned towards her just as she went to grab at my face to pull it to hers, but I ducked out of the way. I had so many words boiling at my lips, but a hand pushed me clear out of the way, sending me crushing into Carlisle's chest, who managed to catch me. Esme stood in front of Tanya, seeming to have been lit on fire. I could see her mind practically on fire as she felt her own mothering instincts take flight at Tanya's harsh words. As I looked around, everyone, including Rosalie, was feeling the same need to protect Bella's name.

Esme stood under Tanya's chin, but her eyes looked down at Esme like she was the more frightening entity to ever walk this Earth. Kate, Irina, and Carmen all stared, equally interested in what was going to happen as the rest of us, "Listen here, sweetheart. I've dealt with a lot from you the last how many years, with you practically raping my son at every chance that has even slightly caught your attention. And for years, I have bit my tongue because I thought that maybe he would be in need of happiness, but let me tell you something. I would never have been excited for you to be with my son, with you running off with any guy who bats a damn lash at you. Now, I would love for you to be a part of this family and this beautiful connection that we have all been able to maintain in this life, but if you dare speak of my daughter, Bella, again in that vulgar, disgusting way; I will make life hell every time you dare set foot in my boundaries. Edward is my son and he deserves to be happy after all of this time, so I'd very much appreciate if you backed the fuck off."

Everyone was silent and Emmett's mind was bouncing around because of Esme saying the F word. Did you hear her! That was epic! Holy shit!

Carlisle's posture was calm and he seemed to agree with her as he brushed the grass that had caught on my back, Hey, no one can stop Mama Bear.

I felt pride fill my chest as Tanya simply nodded, her own mind having gone quiet. I sighed in contentment as her vulgar thought of us together left her mind completely. Thank God for Esme. I kept a smile from forming on her lips as she nodded and whispered, "I understand."

"I thought you would," Esme sternly said and turned towards me, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek before resuming her position by Carlisle. I glanced over at Alice who was spaced out, having a vision of all of them quietly leaving, on decently good terms. Finally.

"Well, there truly is never a dull moment when we all get together, but on that note, we should get going. We have our own business to attend to when we get back. And maybe we'll build a filter," Carmen's eyes snapped to Tanya's, who glanced down as Kate came to her side. I wanted to celebrate, but I practiced my own filter as the goodbyes began to commence.

Despite Esme nearly ripping Tanya's head clear off her head, everyone seemed content to say goodbye and leave on good terms. Kate and Carmen mentally apologized, which I shrugged to and acted as if it hadn't effected me. Inside, a very immature was whooping and putting Esme on the highest pedestal. Everyone was in a good mood in the group, except Tanya, who made sure to avoid hugging Esme for fear of being even more immensely threatened and embarrassed. Esme seemed to notice too, causing a small smile to form on the corner of her lips.

As they ran off into the distance, finally letting us all relax. Everyone's shoulders seemed to hunch and relax as we molded back into the easiness that came with just being with the family. Emmett walked right over to Esme, a look of focus and determination on his face. His mind was blank, so I watched him with curiosity with the rest of the family.

"Mom, that was...the most amazing damn thing I've everything. No, no! The most amazing FUCKING thing I've ever heard! Damn, Ma!" He scooped her up and swung her around, causing the rest of us to laugh. Alice hopped over next to me and patted my arm.

"See? It wasn't that bad," I snorted at her words and nudged her over with my arm. She laughed and shrugged her shoulders, "Hey, even I didn't see that one coming. Esme acted on her emotions for once."

Esme chuckled and I wrapped an arm around her, hugging her into my side. She wrapped an arm around me before speaking, "Oh I couldn't stand one more question from her little mouth. She thinks she's a gift to this world, but her only true gift to us would have been her shutting up."

"Ouch, Mama!"Emmett whooped and caused us all to laugh. Rosalie even looked pleased as she watched Emmett's cerebration dance. Rose glanced back and nodded her head in approval at Esme, "Not too bad, and that's coming from the worst of us all."

Esme giggled and looked around at all of us, Oh this is too perfect, "What can I say? No one says anything bad about my family."

I looked down at her, feeling the meaning behind her words. She had said it again and again, never really getting it fully into my brain, but now it felt so much more real. It was possible for them to be a part of the family and any complications that were thrown at us, we would handle. I was so tired of fighting that part of me, letting the fear that was in the back of my mind take full control. I sighed and felt happiness, the most genuine happiness I'd ever felt fill me.

"Hey Edward?"Alice's words cut me out of my thoughts, "Why did you ask Bella about Charlie earlier? Is her okay?"

I remembered his oddness the night before, the way he seemed to know more about the Cullen supposed history than I would have liked. His thoughts weren't specific, but I felt he knew there was something off. The women on the phone had sounded hesitant, like she didn't want to give away too much but also didn't want to leave him defenseless. Remarkably, he had defended me, insisting that I was nothing more than a simple teenager of the past and was reuniting with his daughter. However, I knew the power of love and how easily it could push you towards an opinion.

"He seems to be in a relationship with a women off the reserves. I don't know how involved they are, but I've been keeping my eyes on it. I don't know if she'd tell him the legends or if he would even believe her if she did. I just want to keep an eye on it," I tried to sound casual, but in the back of my mind I was racing for an explanation for such an insistent legend of us, only vaguely telling the trust from a unbiased side.

"I don't think we have anything to worry about. Charlie has always been a smart man, even when it wasn't necessarily to our advantage. He knows most of us very well and if he tries to confront any of us about it, we'll deal with it. I don't see anything negative at this moment, but I'll keep watch," she smiled.

"I'm sure," I nodded, but mentally promised to keep my attention high if there were any phone calls shared between Charlie and Bella while I was around, which would soon be all the time once we were united and back together. I felt my excitement for the rest of the evening flourish and I wondered if it was too soon to speed off and into the distance. I glanced around at the family and then at the sky, noting how it was now very dark and the fact had completely left my brain. Although we had all been walking through the forest, now casually making our way back to the house, Bella was probably getting Ellie dinner and soon be preparing for bed. I could run fast, but I wanted some time with both of them before the time for sleep.

Alice snorted, "Oh, I'm making your mind up for you. Go!"

The family laughed in unison and I decided not to argue. I loved them all, but it didn't feel quite complete without Bella and Ellie here, "Okay," I laughed and took off, hearing them all snicker as I used the force of my legs to shoot me like a bullet through the forest. I felt the speed that I was managing as I swept across the forage. Any animal near me was now quickly fleeing, hearing the wind that was trailing behind me as I ignored them and aimed towards me only real goal. My only real home. My Bella.

I tried to imagine how it would have all worked out if the universe didn't practically force us back together. Would she have forgiven me as I begged for her forgiveness? Would the family been able to stand me if she had truly rejected me? How could I have survived if she had banished me from her presence? I would never have known Ellie and the very thought made me cringe and burst forward with another round of excitement. I knew their address, memorized and etched it into my mind. I had planned a route during the long nights when everyone wouldn't stop talking and Tanya wouldn't stop staring. Her thoughts had left me so disgusted that I had to call Bella multiple times to calm me or else I would have done something regrettable.

I felt time ticking as I hurried along the way, avoiding any over populated areas in hopes I could speed passed unnoticed. I wondered what her neighborhood and home looked like. I had never imagined Bella outside of Forks, living on her own and making her own life. Not that I had thought she couldn't do it, which I knew she could without a doubt; I had just never allowed myself to think of her moving on. In my worst days, I would destroy myself with images of her being so happy and in love with another man. Although her happiness brought me immense joy, I just couldn't help feel the complete agony of another man's arms wrapped around her. There was no man good enough in my eyes out there for her, not even myself. She would argue, like she always did, but I just couldn't see it through her eyes.

Just the thought of the two of them, making a small house for themselves. Their mornings were probably so simple, just the two of them making breakfast and playing throughout the day. Bella had been a working women, going off to work and coming home quickly to be reunited with her daughter. I hoped that she would be able to see through all of the trouble with work, to see herself as everyone else did. I understood her boss, though I didn't agree with the timing. It would be hard to keep someone employed while they were off battling something that didn't have a clear cut time frame. Even if she would deny it until she was blue in the face, she needed to focus on Ellie. Work would always be there...and we hoped Ellie would be able to say the same thing soon.

I rounded into neighborhood she lived in, slowly my pace to a casual jog. I think I had planned to make a quick exit, considering my apparel seemed appropriate for any young man who was taking a run as the sun disappeared. I already felt closer to her and I could faintly catch her scent in the wind. Her neighborhood was so friendly, varies homes decorated to mimic the fall season that was upon us. I knew Bella didn't want to admit it, but her birthday was around the corner and we were sure to celebrate it. I smiled to myself before walking up to the small home that belonged to Bella. It was simple, just like I imagined it. And inside, I could hear Ellie's feet walking along the tile. There was a faint smell of food being cooked and I knew I was arriving just before dinner. I had never been to Bella's home, one that was purely hers and no one else's. I felt my breath catch in my throat as I took the steps up and stood at her door. Bella's sweet voice hummed and I couldn't imagine a better welcoming gift. I tentatively knocked on the door and listened for the reaction.

"Mommy! Someone's at the door!" Ellie's voice boomed through the house and I chuckled.

Bella made her way towards where Ellie was, based on the sound of her feet, and I could see Bella leaning down to her playing in Ellie's mind, "Do you know who I think that is?"

Instantly, my face crossed Ellie's mind and my heart broke into a million pieces. It took everything in me not to break the door down and scoop her right up and into my arms, "Is it Edward?!"

Bella giggled and I shivered at the sound, "I think it is!"

"Edward!" And then Ellie was running towards the door, grabbing the knob, and nearly ripping the door open. She may be small, but she was a tough one. The door opened and there she was, the little girl who had stolen a vampire's heart right out of his chest. Just like her mother. I smiled wide as she quickly dove into me, her little arms reaching up just as I leaned down to pick her up. It felt right to have her near me, to be able to ensure her safety, and to know that she was healthy with my own eyes.

"I missed you!" She yelled into my ear and I hugged her tight, gently swaying her from side to side.

"And I missed you!" I grinned at her and Bella was smiling in the doorway, easily filling me with a completeness that I hadn't had since leaving them.

"Hey, handsome," she whispered, gently ushering us through the door. The house was slightly messy, toys laying around and Bella's bags sitting on the side table by the door. However, it looked just like a home was supposed to. It looked lived in, but I could tell they hadn't been home for long. There was still dust on the table and some cobwebs building up, which Bella couldn't stand to have in her home. I smiled down at her, trying to convey my love for her life.

"Are you staying?" Ellie asked and I nodded my head before she wiggled down and pulled me towards her pile of toys. And once again, it felt so right. I sat with Ellie and played with her, catching up and strengthening our bond as Bella hummed in the kitchen while cooking dinner. It was like a glimpse into a life I never imagined I would have, but only ever dreamed of. I knew that I couldn't eat dinner with them or fall asleep next to them, but I was here and they were with me. What more could I ask for?

The night went by, too fast. I wanted to bask in the simplicity of it just being the three of us. Although I could hear the neighbors and their thoughts, it felt like we were really a family living on our own. Right then, I decided that if all went well and we got a chance at the happily ever after that I seemed to be hungrily chasing after, we would have to have a home just for us. I craved this. I wanted this more than anything, to be a family with the two women who brought a new light to everyday.

Ellie drifted off to sleep quickly, drool already showing up at the corner of her mouth which I wiped away before Bella and I left her room. We cleaned up and laid on the couch, her head on my chest and Romeo and Juliet playing on the television. It felt like we were completely different people than the people who sat and watched the movie for a school project all those years ago just before her birthday. Now, she laid across my chest and her blood wasn't screaming at me, a little girl slept while having dreams of us dancing in her dreams, and I was not going anywhere. I couldn't wrap my head around.

"This feels cliché," Bella mumbled before reaching for the remote. I watched her start fishing through the channels and raised an eyebrow at her.

"You find Romeo and Juliet to be a cliché now? Pardon me, but I think I'm with the wrong Bella?" I asked her and she rolled her eyes at me, before gently pecking my lips.

"Well, just this situation," she shook her head, "Ten years ago we were sitting in my family room watching this and I don't want to watch it now. It reminds me of what happened afterwards and the story isn't all that interesting anymore. I grew up from that."

I twirled a strand of her dark chocolate hair in my fingers as she continued to fish through the channels and I cleared my throat, "So you don't believe in the true love thing?"

She snorted and gently smacked my chest, causing a smirk to etch its way onto my lips, "Of course I believe in true love. I just don't believe you should kill yourself over it. Sure, being away from you was...the worst thing ever. But there is so much life out there to live and miracles that can still happen. I mean, if I would have killed myself, where would Ellie be? Would someone have adopted her that would put up with her being sick or even afford it? It's just bigger than just being in love at thirteen."

She was right and I had learned the hard way, "I understand." I reached up to gently brush my lips against hers, holding her closer at the thought of her being gone. I couldn't imagine a world without the two of them together and happy.

"But I do love you. There's no doubt there," she blushed slightly and I felt my heart pick up at the words that I would never dare tire of. I knew what it was like to live without them and I wouldn't. I couldn't.

"I love you. So much it seems impossible," I leaned closer to her, trying to kiss her again. However, her lips formed into a smile and I nearly kissed her teeth.

"Isn't that a cliché?" She asked and giggled as I glared at her before flipping us over so I towered over her. She looked so tiny under me, but so fierce. Even though I knew that I could easily hurt her, she almost seemed like she could destroy me. And the thing was, she could. She had the most power over me than anyone one object on this planet, which was perfectly alright with me.

"I like to be a little cliché with you," I smiled and moved us around, spooning her as she turned her back to me, allowing me easy access to the hair I loved to play with. My fingers got lost in the waves, feeling the softness and sweet perfume of her melt over me. If it weren't for the impossibility of it, I would say I was nearly dosing off from just the simple act.

As I continued, Bella's breaths slowed and I reached over to click off the television. I knew I could carry her to the bed, but I decided to stay close to her on the couch. It felt so right to have her right up against my chest, nothing keeping us from each other. She didn't shiver as she cleverly wore a hoodie and sweater and I wrapped my arms around her. She sighed in contentment and wiggled closer, causing me to close my eyes as I felt her drift off into dreamland. I envied her, but I wouldn't want to miss seeing her sleep.

So I held her as the night shifted around, all sounds at a still. And there, Bella slept quietly, a murmur slipping out of her lips occasionally and her daughter slept peacefully in the room down the hall. And there, I closed my eyes for the first time in a long time, feeling more at peace than ever before. Feeling more whole.

If only it could last.