after a long time, another chapter! i was pleased that this story got 50 reviews in total, but i know you could do better. please please read and review. give this story a chance.

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13. Conversations and Reunions

Everyone was happy because for the first time in years, Marcus was determined. I couldn't blame them for being worried about him. I couldn't blame Marcus for not showing determination or a little effoty in life. He had lost the reason of his living. I knew how he felt.

We talked a bit about the plans. They would be informing us right away about the present happenings back in home and we would keep in touch with them. More like Alice and Rose keeping in touch with their lovers. I would talk to my family and Jasper every once in a while, but not Edward.

Having closure with Edward was still a big no for me. I just got my life back. I was just healed. After three years of living in pain and agony, who wants to have their heart broken again? None, right? Call me stubborn for not giving us a second chance, but guilt was still eating me up. Everytime I get lost in those emerald orbs, it reminds me of what happened, of what I've done.

"Bella. Can I talk to you for a while?" Marcus asked hesitantly. He noticed I was lost in my thoughts. I nodded and followed him in his office.

His office looked the same. His desk was glass in rectanglar shape, his blinds white and open, so he could see the employees working outside. The carpet was black, walls are while, and the metal cabinet was black. Everything was white and black. At the corner of his desk, I saw a picture similar to what Heidi owns. Their whole family with goofy grins in heir faces. I took it, and looked at it closely.

"I missed those times." He arranged the blinds a little. "I missed the time when they're still here, when everyone's happy. I remembered one Christmas, when you visited here with them and the others." He pointed Alice and Rose who were talking to the other girls.

"You had so much fun. You could actually feel love around." He chuckled. I looked at him and saw his eyes become watery. "I.. I miss her." He choked back a sob. "I love her. I thought I could live without her. I tried to move on." He looked at me straight in the eye with his gray eyes and saw the pain he's trying to mask.

"I understand." I looked down. I didn't want to look at him. I was shocked when he suddenly hugged me, like I was his own child.

"Bella. You don't have to hide it dear." He whispered. I could hear the concern in his voice.

"Maybe I love him. I fell in love with him. It was stupid." I wiped my tears for a millionth time.

"Falling in love isn't stupid dear." He took the his family picture from where I've laid it. "You didn't know it was coming until it's too late. Bella, don't be hesitant in falling in love with him because deep within his heart, he loves you too." For the first time in years, I saw Marcus smile a true smile. On that point, I could see the guy Didyme fell in love with. The guy to whom she gave her heart.

'His heart will never forget the feelings.' He once said. Maybe he's right.

"Marcus?" I called.

"Yes?"

"Tell me how you told her that you love her. I want to know the story." I pleaded.

"Of course dear." He smiled again. His smile was contagious, just like Didyme's.

"You know that Aro and Didyme were siblings right?" I nodded. "Well. Aro was supportive and likes me for her sister, so I tried. It's like magic. I never thought she'd like me. She's one beautiful lady, and I could never ask for more. Didyme would always be the perfect one for me." I giggled at him. He sounded like a lovestruck teenager. I didn't notice him laugh with me. We didn't notice the door open.

"Oh my. Is Marcus laughing?" Aro asked in disbelief.

"No Aro. He's actually giggling." He smiled at that, but his eyes were full of worry.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"It seems that they tracked down the secret house." I gulped as my eyes widened. "They attacked, but the guys escaped. Don't worry. They're leaving and coming here." No! I'm not yet prepared! My mind yelled. "Emmett and Jasper were fine. Just a bruise. Edward sprained his arm. We'll welcome them in a while. They wanted to arrive here ASAP." He went out quickly, avoiding eye contact. I looked at Marcus. He squeezed my shoulder a little.

"He'll be fine. Spend some time with him. It'll help." He advised. I nodded, absorbing the recent events. What kind of luck do I have?

-----

"Mary Alice Cullen. Is this really necessary?" I groaned. Alice let me wear a blue tank top, denim mini skirt with matching blue flipflops. Alice wore a purple shirt and white short 'shorts' with matching purple flipflops. Rose was in a red spaghetti strapped top with black loose half-pants and red flipflops. In a few minutes, they would arrive. I would see him again. I didn't realize Iw as hyperventilating until Alice put a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"Bella breathe. You can face him. I know you can." She assured me with a smile. I took a deep breath and tried to control myself. I didn't have to worry. Everything would pass by smoothly.

I was pacing back and forth every now and then. I was so anxious. This is ridiculous Bella. It's not like you committed something big. You're just meeting Edward, and it's done. I repeated again and again in my head. I didn't notice the private jet arrive until I was pulled in a big crushing bear hug.

"Belly. I miss you!" My brother greeted. I tried to breathe, but I couldn't.

"Emmett!" Rose smacked her at the back of his head. "Put Bella down. Can't you see you're about to kill her?" She scolded while my brother pouted as he put me down. I laughed a little on their exchange, but I felt like someone was boring hole on my back. I turned around to see a real life Adonis staring at me.

Edward had a sling on his left arm. He was wearing a fitted black shirt and loose jeans with black converse that made him look great. The color contrasted his skin. His bronze hair was in its usual disarray, and his eyes showed happiness, longing, uncertainty, and sadness. I closed my eyes, and when I opened them, he's directly in front of me.

"Edward." I gave him a big smile and a warm hug. As if nothing happened to us. As if we're the only ones here, standing alone. He awkwardly hugged me back because of the sling, but I still felt the warmth and spark.

"Bella." He said my name like a lullaby or something. I liked the way he did that.

"I missed you." I confessed, not caring about my red cheeks.

"I missed you too. Don't leave again without telling me. I'm so worried. And I'm so sorry." He said sincerely. I looked in his eyes and stole a kiss on his cheek.

"I'm sorry too." I leaned closer to him again. "Welcome home."

"This is definitely home." I lifted my head from his shoulder. I didn't notice the closeness that made up lips touch accidentally.