(Stephenie Meyer is the sole owner of these characters. We just love them so much we had to borrow them)

Chapter 12

Coming Home

Edward's POV

I couldn't believe I was going to Anchorage. If it wasn't for Esme and Carlisle, I don't think I could bear a whole night of celebrating love. I had spent the last year escaping that, or anything that resembled that; immersing myself in things most people don't even know exist. But I thought this diversion would be good for me. I was actually looking forward to seeing my family, especially Emmett, I missed him the most.

Kate flashed the lights from the car behind me, urging me to move faster. Faster? I was already pushing 140 mph. On the road we were on, speeding up wasn't going to be easy since part of it was turning to dirt at any moment. I should have just run there, it probably would have been easier. Then I wouldn't have had to put up with the mindless ramblings of Tanya's dirty thoughts, but she insisted on riding with me. She really just doesn't get that I'm not interested in her. Which I guess, in her defense, I understand. She is to most men, extremely beautiful with her tall lean frame and strawberry blonde hair. Not too much unlike Rosalie, although even Rose is lovelier in her own way.

As we pulled up the drive I noticed all the cars. Tanya commented sarcastically, "I thought it was going to be a small party?" I responded with a surprised look, "You don't really know my sister Alice that well after all do you?' I started to laugh and realized that I was being assaulted by Alice. "We'd better hurry. I hear her thoughts and she'll kill me if we're late."

As I walked through the door a variety of scents attacked me at once. The one disadvantage to having humans at our parties; all the food and perfume smells permeate the room and are sometimes revolting to a vampire. I noticed a scent mingled with the others; something I knew the instant it hit my throat and started to burn. Bella's scent. Bella is here? Was I going mad? Then I searched the room to read Rosalie's thoughts and then I saw her. She was here. My beautiful Bella. I don't understand, how did she get here? My heart felt like it would leap out of my chest if it could beat.

She saw me. Her eyes met mine and the next thing I knew, she was turning away and I was getting slapped in the head. Ow! "What are you doing here Edward!"

"What?! Alice! What are you talking about…you invited me!"

"I meant what are you doing here so fast. I didn't see you coming for at least an hour. I needed time to warn Bella about your arrival. What made you speed up?"

"I'm sorry? I need to explain why I got here earlier than you expected… all so you could warn Bella?"

"Yes, Edward, especially since you decided to come accompanied! She said in a very irritated voice looking at Tanya.

"I'm not sure who should be mad at who here Alice?" Then she looked at me with her usual pixie smile and jumped into my arms and hugged me.

"Oh Edward, I've missed you so much. I am so glad you're home."

It was like dealing with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I lifted her down, "Alice, I'm not home. I'm only visiting. But can you please explain to me how Bella got here and what is going on?"

Alice filled me in, at lighting speed, on the events from the last couple of weeks; how Carlisle got Bella in his class and how they have all been spending time with her. I have to say it felt like a betrayal that my family would keep this secret from me all this time. But then again, I can't blame them. I refused to answer any of their calls; and they were doing it for selfish reasons-they loved her too. Keeping away from Bella was what I wanted…but only for her own safety. NOT because I didn't want her.

Tanya was holding to my arm tightly. Alice and I were having one of our 'private' conversations. Then a flash came across- she noticed that Bella misunderstood my entrance with Tanya. I had to act quickly. I politely removed her arm and she looked at me with smoldering eyes, "Don't leave me all by my lonesome Edward."

"I'm sorry Tanya I have to take care of something…I'll be right back." I ran toward the kitchen and I saw Emmett speaking with Bella and putting his arm around her. Bella-there with Emmett? I hope he's just comforting her? What did she say?!

"Bella? Bella, Oh my god. What are you doing here?"

Emmett stood up with Bella still in his arm. Bella looked up at me with tears filling her eyes, then she ran out the back door into the yard. I looked at Emmett and he held his hand up. "Don't look at me bro, this is your mess to fix."

I nodded and quickly followed her outside. I approached her slowly…all the while her scent was burning my senses into a frenzy. I haven't had this feeling in so long…I had forgotten how much it affected me and how much I missed it; how much I missed her.