DISCLAIMER: Stephenie Meyers owns these characters. We've only borrowed them for this story.

Chapter 11

Edward's POV

I was pretty happy with myself. Immature as that was, it got the desired affect--Her away from him. As soon as I reached the sidewalk my phone rang again…Alice again. Shit, she must have seen what I just did. I knew if I didn't pick up this time she'd kill me…

I answered curtly, "Yes Alice. What's up?"

Alice screamed into the phone, "Edward Cullen-you come home right now! I told you not to mess with him."

"Yes Alice you did, but you never said anything about their date. Besides, no one got hurt."

"Edward, you're being ridiculous. Please leave them alone. You win. You got what you wanted. They will be leaving the restaurant in 2 minutes."

"Alice, I have to make sure she gets home ok at least…Or maybe you can you see if he has anything planned? Will she be ok with him if I leave?"

"Of course, she will be ok, but Edward I'm not telling you one more thing. You come home now! Regardless of what you do, you will have to let her live her life. Unless, you're going to finally tell her you're back in town?" She sounded hopeful. I knew she was right about all this. I was behaving badly and no matter what I did I knew that Bella had a life now, and unless I was willing to come clean and give her the chance to choose, I would have to leave well enough alone. I hoped that whatever I did earlier would be enough to hold off any possible relationship he was trying to establish. "Fine Alice, I'm on my way."

I drove all the way home not even seeing the road. I was lost in my thoughts. I had to make a decision. I had to let Bella know I was here and ready for her to welcome me home and into her life once again. How do I get Bella to open her heart to me? How do I get her to forgive what I've done to her? But most importantly, does she even love me still? If she does, is it enough to forgive me? I'd HAVE to prove that I deserved her forgiveness. I knew that she still carried the pain from when I left her, especially because I wasn't here for her when Charlie passed away. She has to know that I was only protecting her and her family. I had no hand in what happened to Charlie, even if I was here, I may not have been able to prevent it. She has to know that. One thing for sure, I can't just show up expecting her to greet me with open arms. I would have to ease into it slowly.

Alice and Jasper were waiting for me when I walked into the house. "Hey guys, what's up? Jas, so good to see you" I walked over and hugged my brother. He returned the hug and a pat on the back.

"Edward. Good to see you too. Glad you finally came to your senses."

I heard Alice in the back of my mind. Her anger was still at the surface. "Oh don't give him credit for that yet Jas. You know what he's been up to since he got back. Hmmm, but I see that it may be coming to an end?" She looked at me questioningly; Knowing what I was already planning. "Edward, do you really think this is the best way? Why don't you just go see her and get it over with? I know she'll be angry at first, but I know she still loves you and she'll forgive you--eventually."

"Yes Alice, I'm sure. I have to earn her trust and her forgiveness. This is the only way I feel I can do that. Can you promise not to say anything to her for now, please?" I implored her not to say anything. I needed Bella to be unaware of my plans to get an untainted reaction from her.

"Yes, I promise. I won't tell her what you're planning…until you ask me to." She winked at me and started humming the battle hymn of the republic in her head.

"Um Alice, I'm guessing you don't want me to know what else is going on, so I'll just ask one question. Did she go home with him? I don't think I can take not knowing. Just give me something please." She stopped humming and let me see for myself. I immediately felt more at ease but I couldn't tell whether it was Jasper or just me knowing that Bella was now home and in her bed; Alone.