Disclaimer: I am not Stephenie Meyer, and where I am using her characters names, their attitudes and behaviors are mine as is this story line. No copy right infractions are intended.

Chapter 10: Homeward Bound

EPOV

This morning, I feel very tired. I am sure the lack of sleep last night is a large contributor to that. I see my Mistress is still sleeping. Looking at the clock, I know that the alarm will go off in about twelve minutes. I quickly get up, and pick up my pallet from the floor. I then go to the foot of the bed and kneel. I feel her eyes on my skin as the alarm sounds, and the gooseflesh rises across my chest as I feel her eyes travel across my skin.

"Good morning, mo milis. Did you sleep well?" She questions, after turning off the alarm.

"Mistress, your submissive did not sleep well at all last night. He is sorry for disappointing you. All he did was toss and turn," I tell her.

"I think that we will forgo a workout today, and just have breakfast and a lazy day. I clearly need to take better care of you, mo milis. Get up and get into bed, I will be right back with a breakfast tray. We will eat in here this morning," she says as she gets out of bed.

I get into the bed and she tucks me in, placing a kiss upon my cheek. About twenty minutes later, my Mistress comes back with a large tray of food, and we share it. She feeds me bite after bite.

"Eat a little more, mo milis. Eating will help you get your strength back. When you are finished, we will take a nap. We have nothing major on the agenda today until five," she says.

"Mistress, what time are we leaving to head home?" I ask.

"We have a dinner reservation at five-thirty, and after dinner we will be homeward bound. Now, if you are full, we will rest," she says.

"Yes, Mistress, your submissive thanks you."

She gets up and takes the tray to the other room, and as she climbs back into bed, she pulls me into her arms. With my head on her chest and her fingers running through my hair, I finally relax enough to sleep.

RING…RING

RING…RING

"Hello," I hear my Mistress say into the phone. "Yes, that would be lovely. That will work well; our only plans are those dinner plans later. Yes, thank you. Of course and have fun, enjoy your day. Okay, we will be ready to leave at five, see you then. Thank you," she says. Hanging up the phone and seeing I am awake, she begins talking to me. "That was the driver, normal check out time is eleven and he is going to do some sight seeing. He wanted to be sure that he would not be needed until we are due to leave at five. Do you feel more rested now that you have gotten some sleep, mo milis?"

"Yes Mistress, your submissive feels so much better. Thank you, Mistress. You always make your submissive feel so cared for," I tell her.

"You're welcome, mo milis. It is my job as your Mistress to take care of you. You give me everything by submitting to me wholly, and wearing my collar. How about we get up and do a few things, since you are feeling better. Call the desk and remind them that we want lunch ready and served in thirty minutes. I am going to use the restroom, and I will be right back."

I watch her walk across the room and go into the bathroom. I pick up the phone and call the desk, checking on our lunch arrival. I get up and kneel next to the bathroom door. I need to use the restroom, but I will wait for permission to do so.

"Use the bathroom, and freshen up. Meet me for lunch in the dining room in twenty minutes. Your clothing will be on the bed, when you are out of the bathroom," my Mistress says as she walks out of the bathroom in her robe.

I quickly enter the bathroom, shower, and brush my teeth. I see that my robe is laying across the foot of the bed, as I enter back into the bedroom. I pick it up and put it on. Entering the dining room, I notice that our lunch is already on the table. I drop to my knees and kneel outside the door, waiting for my Mistress to tell me to enter. As she walks into the room and stands by the table, I notice she, too, is wearing her robe still.

"Very nice timing, mo daor, lunch just arrived. Get up and come sit with me at the table and eat."

I get up, walk to the table, and pull out her chair for her as she sits. I then sit and wait for my Mistress to remove the plate covers. Lunch is a light affair today, a small bowl of fresh fruit and turkey club sandwich.

"I know this is a light lunch, but tonight we will have a rather large supper. It is all pre-ordered, there will be quite the selection."

We eat in silence.

"Meet me in the bedroom. Kneel by the foot of the bed," she tells me.

My Mistress comes in the bedroom, removes her robe, and walks over to me. I have not removed the robe, because she has not told me to.

"Stand and remove the robe. Get on the bed, leaning against the pillows and headboard."

She climbs on the bed and straddles me. Her hands are rubbing the back of my neck and shoulders. My moan hums out of my throat, as my body basks in her attention. I worry that she will be upset, as I bite my lower lip. Her fingertips trails down my cheeks, pulling my lip free then, they continue across my jaw and down my neck. The feel of her touch makes me hard, but the scent of her arousal makes my body crave hers.

"You may make noise, if you so desire, mo daor, but do not cum without permission."

Scratching her nails across my skin, her mouth comes down hard on mine. Sucking my bottom lip into her mouth, she lightly bites down on the soft flesh. The moan that escapes my throat sounds more like a growl from a predator. One of her hands fists into my hair yanking my head back, and exposing my neck to the assault her mouth is lavishing on me. As she kisses, licks, and bites her way down my neck and shoulders, my moaning becomes louder. She must have enjoyed the noises; she moves back up and starts all over. As her tongue moves from my ear and along my jaw, my cock twitches. When I moan out again, she crashes her mouth against mine and sucks my tongue into her mouth. Her hands come out of my hair and scratches their way down my sides. She is moving her body back as her mouth travels to my chest. She starts sucking my nipples and chest. I feel her teeth as she bites the left nipple while pinching the right one hard with her fingers. The strangled moan I make brings her mouth back to mine. Deeply kissing me again, she is grinding her pelvis onto my lap.

I can feel the dampness of my Mistress against my bare legs. With her hands buried in my hair again, she arches her back, putting her breasts closer to my face.

"Use your mouth on my breasts and nipples. Show your Mistress how much you want her. No hands yet, just your mouth."

I suck the right nipple into my mouth, as she lets out a growl of her own. I move to her left nipple, sucking it into my mouth, hearing more growling. I move back and forth between her breasts, licking and sucking each hard nipple into my mouth. Using my teeth, I lightly tug on the rings that are pierced through her hardened flesh. The noises she is making makes my cock twitch, driving me to continue my ravishing of her breasts. With her hands in my hair, she tugs and pulls until she has rolled us over. She is now flat on her back, and I am hovering over her. I am holding my weight on my hands and knees. Continuing to lick and suck her hard nipples, and soft breasts.

"Lower…mo daor," she pants. "Make your Mistress cum with your mouth."

I trail my mouth down her flat firm stomach, dipping my tongue into her belly button. I graze my teeth across her hip bones, and place an open mouth kiss on her mound. I lightly rub my chin on her swollen clit, and add a little pressure when I feel her body react. I think using the five o'clock shadow lightly on her clit is arousing her more. Each light brush of my chin on her clit is making her moan out louder. As I move lower slowly, savoring each second my mouth is on her, I continue to lick and suck her flesh. I can feel the hard metal bar under my lower lip, I flick my tongue down to hit it. My Mistress is shaking with her release, as I flick her clit and bar with my tongue. With my mouth completely on the top of the bar, I suck it into my mouth and pull it gently to give her more pleasure. As she moans out, I release it and quickly flick her clit with my tongue. I move lower and press my face tightly against her, as I thrust my tongue as deep as I can into her. My face is flat against her skin, my nose pulling and pushing on the bar, as I thrust my tongue in and out of her tight opening. As she screams out, squirt after squirt of her essence drips off my chin. I continue fucking her with my mouth, I could do this all day long. I am changing the things I do and driving her towards orgasm after orgasm. As long as she is letting me please her with my mouth, that is where my mouth will be.

"Stop, move back up here, and lie on your back. I will be right back. Do not move," she orders.

As she moves to get up, I quickly move to where she told me. I hear her go out of the room, and a few minutes later, I hear her come back in.

"I am going to put this cock ring on you. I am going to fuck you. This will be hard and fast," she tells me as she grips my cock with her small hand, and snaps the restrictive ring into place. "That big cock is going to feel so good, inside my wet pussy. Do not cum without permission. Remember your safe words, if you need them."

As she straddles me with her back to my face, she lowers her body down on mine. As she sinks deeply onto my throbbing cock, we both moan. She is so tight, and wet. I can feel her walls already pulsing on my cock. My Mistress is in the throes of another orgasm.

"Put your hands on my hips, now. Do not stop fucking me, use your hips and hands. Don't you dare cum yet," she orders.

Holding her hips as she instructed, I find an easy rhythm. Thrusting up, and pushing her hips down on me. My Mistress is shaking through her climax, and has dropped her body down on me. I let out a moan that is a mixture of intense pleasure and built up lust. Lying back against my chest, the angle is intense. I continue to thrust into her and roll her hips to meet my thrusts.

"Mistress…please Mistress, may your sub…submissive cum? Please," I beg her.

"Not yet, mo daor, you can hold off a little more. Stop your movements, I will show you how to control it more. I will help you learn more pleasure," she says.

As her body stills and she sits up slightly, she turns, arching her body as she does. She places one hand flat on my chest, bending her knees up and placing her feet flat on the bed. Slowly she starts thrusting, this is a new angle, and it feels amazing. With her using my chest and her legs, the downward thrusts become harder. I am moaning out to her how good it feels.

"Mistress, may your submissive please cum?" I ask her.

"No, mo daor, you have not yet made me cum like this. You may cum after I do," she says as she continues to thrust her tight pussy down on me.

"Mistress, you feel so good. Your submissive needs to cum."

"Not yet."

"Oh…Mistress, please Mistress."

"Not yet, you can hold it."

"Yes, Mistress, your submissive can hold it. Your submissive wants to please you."

My Mistress' thrusts get harder and faster, and I feel her climax as it hits, her walls are milking my thick cock. As she thrusts down hard and as deep as she can, she screams out, "I want you to cum now!"

With my pulsing cock buried deep inside of her, I feel the ribbons of cum squirt out of me. The orgasm is so intense, and my Mistress is lying flat on my chest. After a short time, she rolls off of me, but cuddles into my side.

"I think we both need another nap," she whispers.

As she cuddles into my side and draws my arm around her, I can see the gooseflesh on her skin.

"Mistress, may your submissive pull up the covers?"

"Yes, that would be nice, mo milis."

I cover us both and lay back where I am, her hand quickly pulls my arm back around her. As I hold her, I think to myself how lucky I am. I drift off to sleep with a big smile on my face.

I wake to the alarm going off at four, this time I am alone in the room. I notice a note on the pillow next to me. Picking it up, I read it.

submissive~

I want you to shower and change into the outfit

I set out for you. All of my clothing is packed,

however you have to pack your own clothing.

Pack up both bathrooms and the playroom.

I already cleaned everything from last night

and this morning. Ring the front desk when

you are done, they will bring the luggage down.

I have your journal with me. You will meet me

at the car in one hour. Don't keep me waiting,

that would not be wise.

Mistress~

Looking at the clock, I see that I have used five of my minutes, reading and rereading the note. It is hard to decipher her tone by reading the note. It does seem odd compared to her normal disposition. I am worried that she has read the journal and is unhappy with me. Taking a deep breath, I get up and quickly shower and dress. Packing up all of the bath stuff and my clothes is easy, and already taken care of. Entering the playroom, I can see that she did indeed have it completely cleaned. All of the toys are washed and sitting on towels, where I assume she placed them to dry.

Picking up the red feeldoe, I feel the twitch in my groin remembering how well my Mistress used this on me. The feel of her thrusting it into my ass, is one of the most erotic things I have experienced. The feel of her flesh against my skin without a harness, is amazing. I love being at her mercy, and I love the feel of her touch. I love her, I just flat out love her. I finish packing up the playroom, and have about fifteen minutes to spare when I am all done. I call down to the front desk, and they send up the bellhop. He takes all the cases, and I do a quick double check and make sure we have left nothing behind. I go down to the front desk to settle the bill and turn in the keycards.

"Mr. Cullen, the bill is settled, thank you for staying at the Chicago Four Seasons," the woman behind the counter tells me.

"Thank you," I tell her, as I turn to head outside.

I see the car and as I approach it, the driver gets out and opens the door for me.

"Edward, you're right on time as always," my Mistress says briskly to me as the door closes.

"Thank you, Mistress," I tell her.

"Turn and face away from me, now. I am going to remove the collar, we are going to have dinner before we leave Chicago to head for home. Do you have any questions?" She asks as she turns her body toward me and starts to reach for the collar.

"Mistress, your submissive does not have any questions for you. Your submissive does want to thank you for taking such wonderful care of him," I tell her, as she removes the collar.

"Thank you for serving me. We are going to have supper. It will take about twenty minutes to get there from here. I am sure that the meal will be to your standards, as I said earlier the menu is already selected. I arranged this meal after I knew the dates we would be here," she says.

I cannot help but feel as if she is being stand offish with me, and her tone seems almost cold and callus. I really am worried now, I have been thinking over and over about her leaving our hotel room with my journal. I have a bad feeling about the way that she is behaving, and I hope that she is going to talk to me about it.

As we drive over to the restaurant, she remains silent. I feel myself worrying more and more. Her silence is deafening, and I am really starting to fret.

Arriving at the restaurant, the driver pulls to the front door to let us out.

"Don't frown, Edward, it is unbecoming. I am sure that you will like the menu."

"Ma'am, I am sure that the menu will be superb, you selected it."

I hear the way that she lets out an 'hmpf' sound as the driver approaches the car door. The door opens for us to exit the car, and I get out first and offer my hand to help her out of the car. She takes my hand and exits the car, but drops my hand as soon as she is out. Entering the restaurant, I open the door for her, then when sitting I pull out her chair. I do all the things my mother always told me I should do for ladies. I enjoy the dinner, but cannot get past the feeling that there is something really wrong. I can tell that something is different with my Mistress, she has never been this closed off before. I hope that everything will be okay.

BPOV

I hear the sound of his breathing become slower, and I know that getting him to nap again is best for him. I heard him all night tossing and turning. He clearly has a lot on his mind. I sure hope he talks to me about it soon; I want to put an end to his problem. I told him that he should journal what his issue is and we could discuss it on the way home. I lay here thinking about how deeply seated into my life he has become over the past several weeks. Charlotte is right when she said he is perfectly suited for me. I do feel things for him, but it scares me to relinquish any sort of control. I am not sure what I am going to do. I just hope that Edward is a patient man, because right now I cannot handle more than a Domme-submissive relationship.

I fear losing myself in a relationship; I cannot let any man ever have that power over me again. The only man, who has ever been so involved in my life, is Mike. The things that he did to me, not only broke my heart, but crushed my self-esteem. I have never felt so rejected, and used. I think the thing that hurt me the most is that he cheated and ruined my trust. Just remembering the things that Mike did to me, builds the walls solidly back up around my heart. I always feel myself shutting down, when I think about Mike. I decide to get up and make use of my anger over my thoughts of Mike.

I decide to clean up the playroom and all the toys, maybe get some stuff packed. I grab a bottle of water from the fridge and head to the playroom. I wash all the toys, thinking about how I had used them the past few days. Using the paddle to punish Edward, I felt so strong after that scene. The first night here was extremely intense for me. I had never experienced a submissive going into subspace before. Thinking back to the scene, makes me wet. I can almost feel the rolling pleasure of the orgasm, just from the memory. I cannot imagine how Edward and I will be able to talk about it, without me straddling his lap in the car. Having the toys cleaned, I sit them out on towels to dry, and I go into the dressing room next.

I pack all of my clothes and sit out his outfit for tonight. I sit out my outfit and decide to go take a shower. After my shower, I put on the fluffy hotel robe, before making my way out to the living room. I glance at the desk and see his journal sitting there. I pick it up and go to the sofa to sit.

I open the journal and read about the past week, reading the entry from our previous weekend first. Reading his words is always erotic, and I am aroused by his writings. The sheer intensity from his words cause my lady bits tingle. Again, I am damp, so much for the shower I took. His words are better than porn. I enjoy reading about the start of our trip here, the road trip here through his eyes. The writing about the first night here, and the way he enjoys being dominated. He writes about being collared and the subspace he experienced. The writing covers the day that we spent being tourists, and our spa day we shared. The punishment, and his thoughts of how disappointing me made him feel. He included how sharing this time with me, makes it more special. I am surprised by his thoughts of others at the dinner and the awards. He comments that all the guys are drooling with their eyes on me. I am surprised by his possessiveness. I continue reading. Some things I read shocked me, but most of it arouses me more. I get to the page where he wrote in the journal last night. As I start to read, I love that he recaps our entire trip. I am enthralled by his words, then I get to where he feels he is failing me, I gasp. He thinks he loves me, he says he is scared. He may be scared, but there is no way, he is as terrified as I am right now. This cannot be happening. Not now, why is he doing this?

Doesn't he understand what this is going to do to me? To us? I shiver, as I feel the darkness take over my heart.

I need to get the fuck out of here. I need to escape; I need to get out of here right now. I set the alarm for four. I quickly write a note to him, place it on the pillow. I get dressed in the clothes I set out for myself. I make my escape, taking his journal with me. I leave the room, not sure where I am going to go yet. Downstairs in the lobby, I notice the sign for the hotel's garden area. Walking around the small garden area outside the hotel, I find a bench. I sit down, opening the journal at the very beginning, and read it again. This is a new journal, starting shortly after he became my submissive. I bought it for him, and I love the feel of the soft leather cover. The scent of the journal reminds me of Edward. Reading through his writings, both when he is collared and not. He always directs his collared entries to Mistress, and non collared entries are directed to no one. I can see now where his entries changed to more intimate writings, especially when I am the subject. The more I read, the more I feel myself shutting down. As I go through the words he shared, I feel the walls around my heart build higher and thicker. I really like Edward, and a part of me does care for him and love him. I just do not ever see myself being able to give him that part. I know I can be his domme, but anything else I just can't allow. I need to shut off those feelings, and just be his Mistress.

'It's not him, it's me' YEP… it feels as cliché as it sounds.

Glancing at my watch, I see it is already shortly after four. I decide to go back into the main lobby and take care of business. The driver is there with the car already, and I know that Edward will be down soon. I pay the bill, making sure that none of the room time, food, or amenities are charged to Edward's card. I thank them and go to wait in the car. The bellhop brings out the luggage, and the driver helps get it stowed in the trunk of the car. I see Edward approaching the car, and I steel myself to be indifferent. We do not share much for communication on the way to our planned dinner. I remove his collar as soon as he gets in the car. I make it clear by my tone of voice, I would rather not talk. I can tell that my attitude is upsetting to him.

Dinner is lovely to look at, but I cannot say much about the taste. I give all the right compliments, and do my best to eat. Edward is very quiet, and he seems to be very worried. I know that I am to blame, but I have to protect myself at all costs. Edward is a complete gentleman as always, opening my door, pulling out my chair, and standing, when I excuse myself to use the restroom. I feel terrible for being so cold; I know I am hurting him right now. I still have not decided how to handle this conversation we have to have. Five hours in the car with him is going to be hard enough, but the elephant in the car with us, will surely choke us both.

Leaving Chicago is bittersweet, the road trip home will be hell, and now that we are seated in the car on the way home, there is nothing else to do, except talk.

"Edward, we will now discuss our collared time together the past few days. Wednesday was truly an experience for me. I have never had a submissive go into sub space before. What are your feelings about the experience?"

"Ma'am, I never thought it was possible for a male sub to go into sub space like that. I mean I had heard of it before, but it seems all the reading I have done on the matter all revolves around female submissives. I have never felt something so euphoric, and thinking of it now, makes my body react in ways that are shocking. I feel almost as if I could cum without contact with the remembrance and thoughts. I mean, like all typical men, I have had wet dreams, but this is like being awake and having a wet dream."

"Are you telling me that you have had a release without my permission?" I ask in a very strong Domme voice.

"No, Ma'am. Your submissive has not had any release, other than those you have allowed for him to have. Your submissive is sorry for not being clear in what he was describing."

"What do you think was the pushing point for you during that scene that pushed you into sub space?" I could feel the acid of my tone eating away at me.

"I honestly do not know, Ma'am. Everything you were doing to your submissive was sending him into a complete frenzy. Your submissive feels as if he was there and completely into the scene, yet somehow far off. Then the desire, pleasure, and erotica kind of swirled together, and the domination sent him over the edge. At least that is your submissive's theory," he says.

I could tell he was trying his best to move the conversation back into a more relaxed mood. I couldn't let that happen, so I continued to keep the same brisk domineering tone.

"That is a very interesting theory, and I plan to discuss that with Peter. I know he has experience with the happenings of sub space. I am interested to hear his ideas on the matter. Does it bother you, that I intend to speak to Peter about a scene we shared?"

"No, Ma'am. Your submissive trusts his Mistress, to always protect him and his best interests. Your submissive also trusts Master Peter," he says.

"That is very wise of you, Master Peter is worthy of trust. There is a play party coming up, planned for two weeks after the New Year. I know it is on a Thursday night, and Thursday is not a normal collaring day, but I want us to attend. I want you there, as my collared submissive. Attending parties was not on your hard limit list. I will be attending. You will join me, correct?" I asked wanting to sound indifferent.

"Ma'am, your submissive would be pleased to attend the party with you, and be collared. May your submissive ask a few questions regarding that party and the expectations?"

"You may always ask questions about expectations. I would never lead you blindly into any situation where it was outside the privacy of my playroom. As your Domme, it is my job to make sure that you are completely taken care of, and that I follow all of the rules and limits set forth in our contract. Need I remind you that if you are collared, you are submitting to me?"

"No, Ma'am, your submissive understands his place when he is submitting himself to you. Yes, Ma'am, you have always answered my questions. Your submissive thanks you," he replies.

"There is a Halloween party coming up, however I felt that it would be best, if we not attend a party until you have submitted to me for a little longer. I am glad I made that choice," I say in a bitchy tone.

Glancing at my watch, I see it is already after nine, so far so good. We have managed to talk a lot, yet not discuss the one thing I wish we could avoid. I know it is wrong of me to not talk to him about the journal. I just really want a chance to talk to Peter, and maybe my old therapist, too. I am really afraid I will hurt him, and I do realize how hard it is for him to admit his feelings for me. I know that Edward has been treated very poorly in the past not only in vanilla relationships, but in the lifestyle as well. I do not want to hurt him, but I cannot say 'I love you' back to him. This has to remain a Domination/submission relationship only. I have to find a way.

"Edward, I have had a wonderful time these past few days. The spa treatment was extraordinary, and I thank you for asking me to join you in Chicago."

"Thank you, Ma'am, I would not have wanted to share this time with anyone else."

I take in a sharp breath, and I know he can feel my reaction to his words. I really need to talk to him about this, but I don't want to hurt him. As sadistic as it sounds, I want him and I feel as though I need him, but it has to be on my terms only.

"Edward, I want you to hear me out, and I will answer any questions that you may have afterward," I demand in my Domme voice.

He nods in recognition.

"I read the whole journal, as I suspect you already know. I am flattered by the words that you wrote. I, however, need you to understand for me, I am only your Domme. I think of you as nothing more than my submissive. I wish to continue our BDSM relationship, but that is all there is. Do you understand?" I ask, as internally my mind is screaming and chanting at me, 'Liar, Liar, pants on fire.'

"Yes, Ma'am," he says in a barely audible voice.

"Do you wish to continue submitting to me?" I ask him.

"Yes, Ma'am," he says again.

"Here is your journal, Edward, I would like it if you would please write for me again. I would like for you to share your thoughts on exactly what a submissive relationship is. I want you to feel free to write anything and everything you want. This request is completely and totally a free zone, as long as it is honest you may write it. Is there anything else that you want to share or that we need to discuss?" I ask him.

"No, Ma'am," he says.

"Look there, Edward, the Cedar Rapids exit. We will both be back at our own homes, in just about thirty minutes. The ride home always seems shorter coming home, than the drive to get wherever you're going. Do you have a busy week planned?" I ask making small talk, trying to lighten the mood, I just set in stone.

"No big plans, Ma'am, I think I may take tomorrow off of work."

"Well, I hope that your week goes by smoothly. I have court a few days this week, but nothing crazy. I suppose I will have a lot of calls to catch up on. I believe that the driver is dropping me off first," I say.

"Yes, Ma'am, that was what we had decided," he replies.

"Do you need for me to have him drop you first, Edward?"

"No, Ma'am, I would rather make sure that you get home safely."

"Edward, I am a big girl and capable of riding in a car by myself." Giving him a raised brow, as I let the words bite out.

"Yes, Ma'am, sorry to have offended you, Ma'am," he returns in a cold voice.

We sit in silence from there on out. Ten minutes later, we are arriving at the gate. The driver rolls up, and I push the power window button to lower the rear window-making sure that the guard at the gate can see me.

"Hello, Ms. Swan. I have a few deliveries for you here. Would you like them now, or I can have them brought to the door during shift change?"

"I will take them now, Felix, thank you for collecting them for me."

"You're welcome, Ms. Swan, I am afraid that the flowers did not hold up too well out here. The card is still there, and there was a gentleman here earlier with a note as well. Here you go," he says as he hands me a basket of flowers and two envelopes.

I know right away, that the card is from Mike, I know his sloppy ass handwriting anywhere. I glance up at Edward, and I can tell he is angry. I know it is best to say nothing at all. The last thing I want is to fight with him. Pulling into my drive, the driver opens my door, and Edward opens his.

"I will help you with your bags, Ma'am," Edward says.

"Thank you," I say as I grab the basket and my purse. I hand the driver an envelope with five hundred dollars in it, and thank him for all of his services. I start up the steps to go inside, and once I get inside, I see Edward coming back down the steps. He must have taken the cases upstairs for me.

"Thank you, Edward, for carrying the cases, and for taking them up for me."

"Are those from who I think they are?" He asks pointing at the basket of flowers and the envelopes the guard gave me.

"Well, I am not sure who you mean, and I am sure that it is not any of your business who I get cards or flowers from."

The silence is deafening. With a quick nod, Edward exits the house and gets into the car. I know he is mad, but he has no right to question anything. Now I am pissed off, too.

I am so damn angry right now. I pick up the flowers and throw them straight into the trash barrel in the kitchen. I do not know why, but I have to read the damn notes.

Bellsy~

Don't worry, I forgive you for your temper tantrum.

I hope these flowers bring a smile to your face.

I love you, I have always loved you.

Mikey~

Just reading the card from the flowers, about makes me vomit. Is this jackass serious? I mean really! Then there is the letter that is date stamped at the guard house when it was dropped off, from tonight at seven. I have to open it, because I may need to get an order of protection. If he really thinks he stands a chance in hell with me, he is clearly crazy.

My dearest Bellsy~

I love you, and I forgive your bad behavior. I know it was just the shock of not seeing me,

that caused you to act the way that you did. I was really mad about the water, but I again

know it was just the shock. I know how it must have been so exciting and overwhelming to

be with me again. I promise you that this time, I will not leave you. You are my forever

princess, and I will always be your knight in shining armor. I will call you at work on Monday,

if I do not hear from you tonight. I will be working just two buildings down from your office,

so we can have lunch together a lot too. I just love you, and I am so happy we are back to

being the way we should be.

Yours always,

Mikey~

'WHAT. THE. FUCK?'

As I stand here shaking my head, I realize for the first time in a very long time, that I really need a drink. Walking over to the hardly used wet bar, I pour myself a rather healthy sized bourbon and drink it down. I refill my glass and walk over to the sofa and sit. My mind keeps going over all the shit I had dished to me today. I do not understand how my life can be so great one minute, and falling to shambles the next. Today is for sure one of the crappiest days in a very long time. Seeing the blinking light on the answering machine, I get up and make my way to it. I am not sure I want to hear all these messages, but I press the button anyway.

The first sixteen calls are from Mike and I delete them before he can get much more than 'hi' out of his mouth. The last call is a woman's voice.

"Hello, Isabella, this is Esme Cullen. I know that you and Edward are heading out of town, but I wanted to call to leave you a message. I wanted to say thanks for joining us for lunch. It was so lovely to have met you. I remembered that you mentioned not traveling for the holidays, and not having any living family when we talked the other day, and I know that Thanksgiving is more than a month away, but Carlisle and I would like to invite you to share the day with us. Please say that you will join us. I will call you on Tuesday, as we talked about, to make arrangements to meet for lunch. You are so lovely. Thank you for helping Edward find his smile again. Bye for now, dear."

Change that 'what the fuck' to 'fuck my life!'

A really special thank you to my wonderful and talented BETA: Cullen Confection

YOU ROCK MY SOCKS!

Thanks to my pre-readers:

Jess2002

And

ButterflyBetty

YOU LADIES ARE THE BOMB!

This story will have between five and seven chapters more to it, more if I make shorter chapters...(somewhere around another 35-40,000 word count.) Things will be aggravating for a short time, because Isabella is in turmoil. I am a HEA h00r so please bear with me. My goal is to remain on schedule, so the next post will be in 2 weeks…maybe sooner (if I write shorter chapters).

Thanks to all the loyal readers and reviewers out there, as always if you review you will get a teaser from the next chapter...I am starting to work on the chapter today so I will have a teaser to send out. As always teasers are subject to change. Let me know what you think…Pretty please with sugar on top and a side scoop of my yummy Edward tied to a bench.

Peace…TAT~