Recap: By now, Edward had stopped shaking. He said up straight and I caught a glimpse at the Edward we all know and love. "Do you think she'll accept me back? I know she misses me now but its just because I left her. I've been suck a fool Rose, a huge fool. There's a huge chance that I've truly broken her heart and she won't love me back," he said. I looked at him, really looked at him. "Feel Edward, feel. You'll know if she's closed you out forever." Edward closed his eyes and when they opened, he instantly smiled. I knew then that she hadn't shut him out. "She still loves me," he whispered. The excitement on his face made me smile with hope. "Then what are you waiting for?" I asked. One second he was sitting next to me and the next, he threw the car door open and was running so fast he was invisible. He left and just as I was about go to the Denali's to call and tell everyone, Edward appeared and kissed my cheek. "Thank you so much Rose. You saved me," he looked into my eyes with so much gratitude, I looked away feeling shy. He took off again and was invisible once more. I thought really hard at Alice and by the feeling in my gut, I could tell she got the vision. The vision was me standing in the sun. I only said two words, so simple but never more important. The words I said were, "He's coming."
Alice's P.O.V
This waiting will eat me alive, I thought as I sat on my bed. This was worse than blocking visions of Jasper proposing. This was worse than blocking visions every Christmas, New Year, and even after every screw up with the various couples in the house. And I wasn't even blocking them! I just can't see her unless she deliberately lowered her shield. I got up and decided to do something productive. I left my room to go organize everyone's closets. Unfortunately, that was done in 45 minutes. I walked down the stairs at a human pace as I heard Carlisle, Jasper, Emmett and the wolves talking the dining room. To be perfectly honest, I have no idea where they all came from. One minute they weren't here and in the next, they were. I've been strangely unobservant due to the fact that I was worried about Bella. I stopped mid-step to listen for her heartbeat, and calmed when I heard the slow beat. I sighed sadly and walked down the remaining stairs. When Edward was around, her heartbeat was usually faster, asleep or otherwise. Even when he was just in the room. Jasper appeared in front of me. He opened his arms and I walked into them for a hug. He held me tightly and slightly rocked us back and forth. "Why do you feel so discouraged?" he asked me, concern on his face. I looked upstairs and he sighed. "Don't worry, everything will be fine. We just have to have patience." I looked up at him in awe, amazed that he could make me feel better with just a few words. He winked at me and smiled, tapping his forehead like I usually do. I grabbed his hand and we walked into the dining room together. Everyone was sitting down at the table together talking like normal people do. I watched Carlisle run a hand through his hair and smile a small smile. "So Sam, how does the whole shifting situation work exactly?" he asked. Sam thought for a second before replying, "It's just a certain mindset. The first shift is always scary, more so if you have no idea what's happening like I did. But when you shift on your own, it's a lot easier. You just have to think of your wolf. Naturally, the image comes to you and all you have to do is focus. Become your wolf, ya know?" Sam finished with a small smile and shrugged. Carlisle looked on in fascination. "That's amazing," Carlisle said. He was about to say more when the thing I've been waiting for happened. I heard myself gasp as the vision came to me. It was Rosalie, looking beautiful in the sunlight. There was a faint shine to her skin that made her look angelic. She seemed to lock eyes with me and smiled, saying "He's coming." When I snapped out of the vision, Jasper was in front of me with a smile. I could see worry in his eyes so he was probably smiling because of my emotions. "What is it Alice?" I heard Carlisle say, coming to stand next to Jasper. I giggled and whispered, "He's coming home." Everyone heard it and started smiling. Someone started cheering but I quickly turned to shush him. "Bella's sleeping!" He blushed and mumbled a sorry, Carlisle went to sit at the head of the table and Jasper pulled me into his lap so we could sit together. "So what now Alice?" Sam asked. I smiled and looked upstairs. "Now, we wait," I stated.
Carlisle's P.O.V
I smiled to myself as I heard the news I'd been waiting to hear for quite some time. My first born son was coming back. My little girl, my angel would finally be happy again. I imagined Edward coming through the door right this second. But, instead of the overwhelming joy I expected, I felt anger and anticipation. I realized that while I did want him to come home, I wanted to pay him back for the pain he put my Bella through. Maybe after he came and saw Bella. Or maybe before.I looked at Alice to see that she had a slightly evil smile on her face that no doubt mirrored my own. "After Carlisle, so he can see Bella first, see what he's done up close." Alice said. I guess she saw in a vision so I nodded to her. I was about to ask a question about his return when I heard a little voice say, "Daddy." I whipped around to see Bella standing in the kitchen, holding her arms out to me. I walked over and picked her up, nearly crying when she wrapped her arms around my neck for a hug. "Hello sweetie, how are you? What do you need?" As she leaned back to look at me, I noticed a remarkable difference in her. She seemed to have this light in her eyes that she had lost before, almost as if her heart knew Edward was coming back to her. "Daddy, I'm hungry. Can I have soup?" Bella asked, whispering. I nodded but frowned. "Why are you whispering?" I asked her. "My voice hurts," she answered. I thought back to the one other time she had whispered, besides when she first got here. That was when her growth spurts were over. I frowned slightly and looked her over, not noticing any new growth to her body. "Are you going to have a new growth spurt?" I asked her. She nodded and smiled at all of us. I heard all the wolve's heartbeats speed up and sighed, amazed at the bond they shared with Bella. This was one of the many times I had wished to have Edward's power. I can only imagine how intricate this bond was, since there were so many wolves. I pondered that for a few moments until I heard Seth ask, "What do you mean by growth spurt?" I motioned for him to sit down.
"As we all know, Bella is not a normal human girl," I started. Seth interrupted by saying, "She's the most extraordinary girl ever!" I smiled at him in agreement. "And in more ways than one. Bella is an extremely advanced child. I can only use the term child loosely since her intelligence surpasses that of any child! We don't know much about her past other than her mother was an abusive woman and to save her, her father placed her in the forest by our house. We've never met him before but he somehow knew we were there and that we would find her. And since Bella has been here, she's had a growth spurt. And not in just height or weight. She also changes in age. Her hair gets longer, her limbs grow longer, everything. And we've no way to tell what age she'll be next." By the time I finished, all the wolves had gathered around the table and Bella had climbed into my lap. It felt good to have her in my arms again. I had to cherish these moments because who knew when she would suddenly be too big to sit with me this way. Bella lifter her head from my chest and asked, "Where's mommy?" I thought of Esme and briefly remembered her telling me she was getting food. "She went out for food," I replied. Bella nodded and looked over to Sam. He automatically grinned at her and she smiled. "Where's Emily?" Bella asked. "At home," he answered. She sighed quietly and Sam went into panic mode. "Why, what's wrong? Are you hurting again? Should I get Emily back to help?" With his constant questioning, he ran to Bella and lifted both her arms, her legs and her hair. Bella blushed and giggled. And it was that giggle that changed everyone's mood, mine included. That giggle seemed to lift the fog we were all in. I felt my heart relax at her laughter. I couldn't help but want to hear it again. So without warning, I scooped my now smiling little girl and tickled her until she was gasping for air. "Daddy!" she said through her laughter, her cheeks the brilliant pink I had come to love fiercely. I wrapped my a around her and hugged her to my chest while I looked into Sam's eyes. Words could not convey the relief and gratitude I felt in that moment. He smiled back at me and nodded at me in understanding. Bella hugged me back and sighed. "I love you daddy," she whispered, squeezing me as tight as her arms could. I kissed her head and replied, "I love you too angel." Just then, Esme walked into the house. "Honey, can you wake Bella up so we can try to get her to eat something?" I looked at Bella who was looking excitedly towards the living room for sight of Esme. "Let's go surprise Mommy," I whispered and Bella nodded, eyes sparkling. "What do you think Bella would like dear?" I asked her. Esme, who was so out of it at the moment, couldn't hear Bella's heartbeat. "Soup mommy!" Bella exclaimed, smiling. Esme froze before slowly turning around. I could see she felt as though this were a mirage or something of the sort. Understandably so, seeing as Bella has been either comatose or have an emotional break down. Bella was suddenly shy so she hid behind me and peaked out, just showing her eyes and blushing cheeks. "Hi mommy," she said quietly with a smile in her voice. And then Esme broke out of her shock. One second Bella was in my arms, and the next she was in Esme's being rocked the way she was when she was smaller. "My little girl is smiling," she whispered to herself before she giggled and spun around, Bella laughing all the while. When they had stopped spinning, it almost looked like both their faces were a glowing pink. Esme was laughing along with Bella, and it made my heart want to sing. Bella pulled back and placed her forehead gently against Esme's, smiling that dimpled smile that they both possessed. It was then that I realized I had both my girls back. And hopefully here to stay.
Jasper's P.O.V
Alice and I quietly crept upstairs and got some clothes ready for Bella. Alice had guessed that after she eats, her change might possibly take place. She'd like it to happen before Edward comes back. But since we have no way of timing it, we'll just have to hope. I smiled to myself as I sat on Bella's bed, and thought of how the mood suddenly lifted once Bella laughed. It will never cease to amaze me how tightly she has us all wound around her fingers. I looked at Alice seconds after Bella's laugh to watch her posture relax and slump slightly, something completely un-Alice. But then again, she was wound pretty tightly with her worry for Bella's well being. She turned around and looked at me with a bright smile, her eyes twinkling. "She's back," Alice said with an underlying squeal in her tone. I smiled at her and laughed because her emotions were incredibly high and filled with glee. She seemed to sense that and took some deep breaths. "Thank you sweetheart," I said. She nodded happily and picked out two outfits. One was a pretty blue sundress that I was sure Bella would love. The other was a pair of sweatpants and a blue shirt, for her to wear to bed. "I've decided to keep her happy with the outfits for now. She'll want me to dress her up when she's seventeen. I can feel it!" Alice said, rubbing her hands together in a evil way. I laughed and shook my head. "C'mon, let's go see Bella. The wolves her hogging her," I said as I got off of her bed. We flashed downstairs to see Bella hugging Esme and smiling. Bella saw me from over Esme's shoulder and it warmed my heart to see her face light up. Esme glanced back and smiled, setting Bella down so she could run to me. I dropped to my knees as she ran to me with her arms open. As she hugged me, she s into my embrace. I hugged her, happy to see her but I was also intrigued by something. I was watching Carlisle from the corner of my eye, and seeing him nod as though he confirmed a suspicion made me want to know what was going on. I pulled back from Bella and kissed her cheek, which caused her to blush. "Alice wants a hug too," I whispered, pointing to her. She pulled away from me, feeling excited but I could sense some underlying reluctance. I walked over to Carlisle and raised an eyebrow in question. He smiled and nodded to the kitchen, running and scooping up Esme's things she got from the super market. I followed him into the kitchen and we began putting everything away. "So, tell me what you were thinking," I murmured to Carlisle. He took some things out for Bella's soup and started to speak. "I have a theory as to why Bella was so excited to see you. Besides the fact that she loves you." I leaned against the counter and motioned for him to continue. "I believe Bella was so happy to see you because you're similar to Edward. Don't get me wrong, she's always excited to see you. But more so now than ever. Her subconscious has put you in the role of Edward because she needs someone in his place. I can't fill it since I'm her father figure. Emmett can't since he's, well, Emmett. And none of the wolves can because they are the farthest thing from Edward next to the girls. So naturally, it has to be you." I exhaled a sigh and ran a hand through my hair. I felt a burst of amusement from Carlisle and I raised an eyebrow at him, causing him to chuckle. "Even your mannerisms are like his," he said. I chuckled before nodding in agreement. I had picked up quite a lot for Edward. I realized I had dazed during our conversation when I saw that he has set out carrots, steaks, onions, potatoes, numerous stocks of celery and about seven cubes of beef flavoring. Carlisle smiled at me, looking the 23 year old he was turned as. "Let's make Bella the best soup she's ever had!" he exclaimed. We high five each other and set to work on slowly chopping vegetables the way we saw Esme do it numerous times. Quil and Seth came into the kitchen and helped us chop. It was yet another moment of working together for Bella, the angel who brought us all together.
Edward's P.O.V
This is the worst thing I've ever done, I thought to myself as I ran through the snow. Worse than killing humans when I rebelled against Carlisle. I ran at the speed of light, nearly faster than that. I need to see her, to hold her, to beg her forgiveness. I could see the ground changing from snow to water and I marveled for a second at the fact that I could run on water. I'm sure Bella would love to see this 'If she even forgives you, you idiot' my mind thought instantly. I sighed, feeling my eyes pool with tears that won't fall. If she doesn't forgive me, I'm not sure what I will do. I need her in my life, she's everything to me. It was incredibly selfish to run away from everyone instead of listening and talking everything out. I felt a harder surface beneath my feet and realized I was back on regular land. I'll definitely have to try running on water again. With Bella, if she'll let me. If she doesn't hate me with everything her. I know she still loves me, but that doesn't mean she won't be angry or upset with me. I encourage her to be! I've done a horrible thing and have hurt her deeply. I've never felt so nervous about something in all my years. I stopped for a second to catch my breath so to speak. I stopped and remained statue still, taking deep breaths to calm myself. I should hunt before I get there. I have the strangest feeling that I'll need all the strength I can get before I reach my destination. I stop breathing and listen deeply. About fourteen miles South of me, I hear a nice heard of surprisingly healthy mountain lions. How'd they get to this cold climate? Nonetheless, luck is on my side. I began running towards my prey and let my anxiety take the back burner. My mind slowly formed into that of a hunter and I was lost to the world from there.
Esme's P.O.V
As I watched Bella hug Alice, I smiled. She was nearly back to the girl she'd become after we got her here with us. But there was something missing. I could see she was smiling and worlds happier than she'd been the previous day but she wasn't quite right. She was missing the light that gleamed from within her. I looked around and when I caught the eyes of Sam, I nodded towards the porch and watched him come towards me. We walked outside together and I immediately asked, "What happened while I was gone?" He sighed before answering "A vision was sent to Alice that Edward is currently on his way home." I sucked in a breath and smiled at the thought. But it was immediately ruined by the angered thoughts in my mind. I glanced away before looking back at Sam. He had the same dark look in his eyes that I was sure I did. Edward would see Bella and make her happy again. And then, he'd pay for what he's done. In what way, I'm not quite sure. Emotionally? Physically? Mentally? Decisions, decisions. I took a deep breath and looked at the forest. "I wonder when he'll get here?" I thought aloud. Sam chuckled darkly before muttering, "I can't wait." I threw him a dark grin of my own before shaking my head. "Time to get back into Mommy Mode, wouldn't want to frighten Bella would I?" I said. Sam immediately cleared his face of any dark intent towards Edward and smiled a genuine smile. "Right, let's go see our girl," Sam said happily as he held the door for me. I giggled and walked through. I smelled something cooking so I walked straight to the kitchen. Imagine my surprise when I see them all not only working together but doing it well and not burning down my beloved kitchen. Carlisle was standing by the stove, cooking thin strips of steak in one pan and vegetables in another. Jasper was making a beef broth from a homemade cook book he'd had from his human years, courtesy of his Southern life. Quil and Embry were making a cake and icing of some sort . It was amusing seeing four men in my kitchen in matching aprons, and very amusing seeing my precious husband wearing Bella's little apron that only fit over his shirt and barely that. I pressed my lips together to contain my laughter but Sam's bubbled out which offset my own. My laughter was so hard I was bent at the waist and holding onto Sam for support out of habit from my human days.
When we'd gotten ourselves together and straightened up, they were all staring at us. "Don't you boys look adorable in my aprons!" I exclaimed. The wolves blushed at the compliment, Jasper chuckled and Carlisle threw a wink my way. "Thank you sweetheart," Carlisle said as he turned off the steak pan and mo to make way for Jasper's broth. I looked around to see if anything needed cleaning or help or something but could find nothing. Carlisle saw this and smiled as he walked over to me. "Esme go sit and relax or something. There's nothing here you can help us with." I pouted as he kissed my cheek and went back to cooking. Sam walked with me and we went to sit in the living room. "Not knowing what to do with your free time, huh? Why don't we call my Emily. Bella asked about her and I'm sure she'd love to meet you," Sam suggested. I turned to look at him. "What is she to you?" I asked. "My mate," he answered instantly. I nodded as he took out his cell phone. It rang for a few seconds before someone picked up. A lovely voice said, "Sammy, I've missed you." His smile was instant at her words. "I miss you too Emily," he replied with a grin. He was about to say something else when she took a sharp breath before saying, "Oh goodness, is everything alright? How's Bella? What's going on with her?" Sam had a shocked expression before a smile took over his face, bright against his skin tone. "Relax, she's fine. She asked about you actually. Would you like to come see her? The Cullen's would also like to meet you and thank you for your help with Bella," he said the last part with gratitude from not only us but from himself. I could hear her blush through the phone. "I didn't really do anything to help," she said modestly. I smiled t Sam and asked to talk to her. He smiled and handed me the phone. "Hello, Emily. I'm Esme Cullen, Bella's mother. I'd really like to meet you to thank you for what you did. If it hadn't been for you, who knows what could've happened to Bella," I said. "O-oh, it was really nothing Mrs. Cullen. But yes, I'd be delighted to come over," Emily said. I smiled and thanked her before handing the phone back to Sam. I went into the glanced at the kitchen to find them putting the final touches on everything but the cake which still hadn't been made. "Guys, no cake?" I asked as I walked in. "We're waiting until Bella's growth spurt is over," Jasper drawled. I smiled and nodded before looking at the love of my life. He was leaning against the counter looking at me. He smiled when he caught my eyes and asked, "How about we go hunting?" I smiled and nodded. He came and picked me up, throwing me over his shoulder. He spun us around and I laughed, wrapping my arms around his hips out of habit. Things I've kept since I was human I suppose. He took us outside and gently put me down. "I'll race you," I said before darting off. His laughter rang out behind me before he starting running too. As I ran, I couldn't help but smile. Bella's happiness had somehow linked with our own, and if Bella was happy then all was well.
Rosalie P.O.V.
I listened for Edward's steps but he was running so fast his feet didn't touch the floor. I sighed and stood completely still to enjoy this moment. Perfect silence, no people talking or staring. I love the attention but it's nice to have a moment of silence. I got back into the car and drove to the Denali's house. They were standing in front of the house waiting for me. The moment I stopped the car they were around me, asking me what was going on. With a sigh, I leaned back onto the hood of my car and began explaining. I knew these people loved Bella almost as much as us because of the emotions I saw on their faces. Sorrow at Bella's pain, surprise and amazement at our new kinship with the wolves, anger and frustration at Edward's stupidity and relief at his decision to return. I say they almost love her as much as we do because no one will love her like us. When I was finished, it was silent for a second. "Well, at least he was smart enough to go back. But I pity him a bit," Carmen said. I smiled for one second and they smiled back at me. Only, our smiled were filled with amusement and anger. Edward would indeed pay for what he's done. "Would you like to come back with me?" I asked, already knowing the answer. Kate smiled before saying, "Just let me go lock up!" They all went inside to grab somethings while I waited by the car. I didn't see how they could live out here with all this snow. We live in the rain but at least it's warm sometimes. Even though we aren't affected by the weather, this snow would drive me insane! The Denali's came back out and got into the car. "Well, let's go!" Kate exclaimed. I smiled at them, feeling excited to show them my newly found gift. "We won't be driving exactly," I said. Irina looked at me, "Are we running then?" I smiled and shook my head. I got into the car and asked everyone to buckle their seat belts. "Where are you going with this?" Carmen asked amused. Eleazar just smiled excitedly at me. "I need all of you to picture the Cullen Residence," I said. I could feel when they had the picture in their minds. I smiled as my power flared to life. The girls laughed in excitement while Eleazar congratulated me. A strong wind picked up and although my eyes were closed, I could feel us traveling to my home. I opened my eyes to see we were indeed traveling at an amazing speed. The snow was flaring up behind us. I saw Edward up ahead and knew it'd take him forever to get home compared to us. He was just finishing up a polar bear when I thought, 'Edward, hop onto the car! You're taking too long!' He looked up confused before looking behind him. He scrunched up his face before preparing to jump.
Once we were near him, I opened the sunroof and he jumped in between Kate and Carmen. He was barely in the car for a minute when Irina slapped him in the head the way I'd slap Emmett. I could hear her telling him how much of an idiot he was when I also saw Emmett. He shouted my name in confusion and I couldn't help but giggle at him. "Hop in," I said loudly. He, unlike Edward, merely trusted my words and hopped in as if he did it all the time. He landed on Edward and I heard him grunt and Emmett chuckled in triumph. "Well hello there you piece of shit!" Emmett exclaimed. Edward groaned in annoyance. I listened to them bicker as I sent Alice another vision to gather everyone together. I could sense that she got it as we were closing in on Forks. It surprised me that no one could see a large piece of metal flying in the air. Then again, we do move to fast for humans to see. But a car, really? I smiled through my musings and tensed slightly as we stopped in front of the house. The wolves were all outside with Bella, running around and playing together. Emily was sitting with Bella on the her lap, stroking her hair and speaking softly to her. At first she was nodding off but I saw her spine tense up as she looked at the car. Emily looked down at her before following her gaze. She looked right pass me to Edward, and I had to be thankful she wasn't wolf because she looked furious. She tried to take Bella inside but she squirmed off her lap and stood on the stairs. The change in her appearance was astounding. Her hair was shiny, her skin its beautiful pink, her eyes were back to life. She was wearing blue sweat pants and a sky blue shirt, Edward's favorite color on her. Her eyes flew pass me and straight to Edward, who was stock straight staring ahead. We all got out of the car while he stayed inside. "You can't hide forever. You either get out or I'm sure someone will drag you out." I said. Edward sighed and began getting out. We all went to stand behind Bella and watch what would happen.
Edward got out of the car to run to Bella but imagine our surprise when her force field blocked him and he flew back. Bella's face was completely calm but the fire in her eyes blazed bright. Edward's sorrow didn't seem to affect her, but neither did hers when he left. "Bella please, I'm so flipping sorry," Edward said as he stopped just short of the barrier she put between them. Her bottom lip trembled and her eyes watered before she spoke. "You hurt me Edward. You left me. Why would you leave me? You're my special one, but you left me behind. Just like they did. You said you wouldn't leave me. I missed you so much, I was hurting so badly because of you. You didn't even stop to listen to me. If you would've listened we could have avoided this. But you were too selfish and didn't think about anyone else. But now you'll have to deal with it. I won't forgive you until you've earned it. You'll always be my Edward, I'll always love you. But I need time to heal the hurt you caused." Throughout her speech, she cried. I didn't need to be Jasper to feel both relief and pain rolling off of her. Edward dropped to his knees and Bella dropped the barrier. She walked down the stairs and went to kiss his cheek. "See you later," she said quietly. She ran to Carlisle, who appeared at the beginning of her speech, and he swooped her up before hugging her and handing her to Emily who went inside with her. She closed the door behind her and we all looked at Edward. Bella had left Edward to the wolves quite literally as well as the rest of us. And I'm sure he was about to get just what he deserved.
Thank you for reading!