All characters belong to Stephenie Meyer

NOTE- I'm still looking for a co-author if anyone is interested let me know.

I bit my thumbnail nervously as I waited my turn to exit the plane. I was going to find an ATM machine as soon as I was off. I need the cash for a cab. I was too young to rent a car. It was the only was I was going to get to my mother's house.

Everyone seemed to be walking in slow motion. As soon as my feet hit the tiled floor of the airport I was off. Luck was still on my side it would seem; I found an ATM machine only a few yards away. Once I gathered the cash I needed I began sprinting towards the baggage claim area. I knew that just beyond would be the exits and a plethora of taxis waiting.

I managed to only stumbled a few times, and run into one unfortunate businessman, before I finally saw the escalators leading down to the baggage claim area. I quickly jumped on and waited impatiently for the motorized staircase to bring me to where I wanted to be.

I tapped my foot impatiently as my mind raced. Just as the person in front of me reached the end I looked up and my eyes grew wide with what I saw in front of me.

My stomach dropped and I suddenly felt queasy.

There standing with his arms crossed grinning like the Cheshire cat was Emmett flanked on either side by Carlisle and Jasper.

I froze.

I considered, briefly, running back up the escalator, but to what? I couldn't go back to my gate. I needed to be here. There was no way to escape them now. By the grin on Emmett's face I knew there was no escape.

My shoulders slumped as I covered my face with my hands. I could feel people pushing me out of their way as they tried to get around me. The tears were already starting to build.

I failed.

There was no way I was going to be able to get to my mother now.

I didn't walk up to them. Instead, I chose to walk towards a small grouping of chairs and sit down. Slowly the tears slid down my face. I paced my elbows on my knees and kept my hands covering my face as I let the tears fall.

How did this happen? How could I have failed? Had it all been for nothing?

Time passed, and still I sat still as the tears continued to fall relentlessly. They had yet to approach me, though I knew they were close by watching.

Eventually I felt someone sit down beside me. Still I did not look up.

"Bella," I heard Carlisle start in a gentle voice. "Your mother is safe. As soon as Alice had her vision of the Tracker coming here we came down. She's not even home."

I shot my head up and stared at him with wide eyes. "What do you mean?" I asked in a hoarse voice.

"Relax. She's not here. We're not sure where she is exactly, but we are certain she hasn't been home for a little while now."

My mind raced as I tried to figure out where she could be. Then it clicked. That's right she wasn't home. She was in Florida with Phil. He was trying out for a shortstop position for the Sidewinders.

This news should have calmed me, but I couldn't shake the feeling of unease I still felt.

"Can I use your phone Carlisle?" I needed to check on her.

He pursed his lips. "Who do you need to call?"

"I remembered where my mother is. I just want to check on her. I want to make sure she's safe." I stared at him with pleading eyes as he decided. "Please?"

He reached into his pocket and produced a small silver phone. "Be brief."

I grabbed the phone and began dialing. There was no answer. I began dialing a different number.

I pang of guilt washed through me as the person on the other line answered.

"Hey dad."

"Bella, how are you honey? Where are you? Are you safe?"

"I'm fine dad. I called to see if you'd heard from mom at all." I was not ready to answer his questions and mine were far more important.

He sighed. "Yeah. She's pretty upset and worried. Things aren't going too well in Florida with Phil, and…well…with you gone…they'll most likely be back in Arizona by the end of the week."

My heart sank. "Are you sure? I mean I'm perfectly fine on my own. Her going to Arizona won't change my mind about needing time to think. She should really stay." I said more for myself.

"I guess she wants to be there in case you show up. She's pretty sure that's where you're headed." He answered softly.

"I'm not headed anywhere dad. She should stay where she is." I took a deep breath, closing my eyes, and let it out slowly. "I gotta go. I love you. I promise to call again soon."

"Be safe Bells, and please come home where ever that may be for you…just go home."

I swallowed hard. "Bye."

I saw Carlisle extend his hand for his phone, but I wasn't done yet. I called my mother again and this time I left a message.

"Mom, it's me Bella. I'm fine. Don't worry." I assured her right away. "I just wanted to tell you to please stay where you are for now. There's nothing you can do for me if you fly home. Call me before you make any decisions." I hesitated realizing I didn't have a number to give her and saw a piece of paper suddenly appear in my lap. I quickly raddled off the digits and told her I loved her before hanging up.

I felt better knowing I had done just about everything I could. I gave Carlisle a small smile as I passed the phone back to him. He gave me a warm smile in return.

"What now?"

"We have a hotel room close by. Edward and Alice will arrive within the next few hours. We'll wait for them there."

I cringed at the mention of Edward's name. I wanted to see him more than anything, but I could only guess at how upset he was with me.

"Is he very mad?" I asked in a small voice.

I heard a deep chuckle from close by and looked up to see Emmett laughing.

"He's just worried. He cares deeply for you." Carlisle said as he placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

"Still wouldn't want to be her where Edward arrives." I heard Emmett mumble just loud enough for me to hear.

I grimaced and then sighed. I knew once Edward arrived I wouldn't be able to move without him right by my side. This would most likely be my last chance.

"Can we make one stop before we go to the hotel?"

"Trying to escape again?" Emmett asked his eyes dancing with mirth as he grinned wickedly at me. It sounded like a challenge, as if he wanted me to try.

"No." I looked down at my hands, blushing slightly. "I just want to stop by my mother's house really quick. Just to make sure…to see for myself…" I trailed off as I prepared myself for their rejection.

I started to grow increasingly nervous as the minutes passed.

"If it will make you feel better. I don't really see the harm in it with the three of us there to look after you."

My face lit up and, unthinkingly I threw my arms around Carlisle in a big hug. "Thank you."

He was tense for an instant before he returned my gesture. I quickly let go as I felt my checks explode with heat. I could hear Emmett chuckling.

"Sorry."

"It's quite alright." Carlisle smiled. "Well let's go. I'm not sure Edward will be all too happy about this detour, so we better get it done with before he lands."

I was more than ready to get going again. This may not have been how I envisioned things happening, but that was fine by me. I was still able to ensure the safety of my mother, and that was what mattered most to me.

Jasper drove with Emmett in the front with him. Carlisle sat in the back with me. I was glad Jasper was driving. He hadn't spoken much to me and I was more leery of him than the others.

I didn't waste anytime once we arrived. As soon as the car was parked I was out and jogging towards the front door. I knew where my mother kept the spare key, and was inside within seconds.

I was home.

Somehow that phrase didn't feel right anymore. It was strange. For so many months all I dreamt about was being home again, and yet here I was yearning for a different place. A place that was wet and too green. A place where I belonged. A place where my heart would always be.

Carlisle and Emmett stayed by my side as I went from room to room. Jasper stayed outside as he surveyed the perimeter for dangers.

She really wasn't there. I breathed a sigh of relief as I entered the last room, my room. It looked exactly the same as when I left. I ran my hand across my dresser as I looked around. I half expected her to have turned it into some sort of guest room by now. I opened a few drawers and found my clothes still inside. Having nothing of my own with me I decided to grab some items to change into.

I reached under my bed and easily found an old duffle bag I had hidden there long ago. I filled the bag as quickly as I could.

"Do you mind?" I asked holding up a change of clothes.

They both nodded and promptly left the room leaving the door slightly ajar. I quickly changed into fresh clothing. It was amazing how much better I felt with just that simple change.

There was a notebook lying on top of my dresser and I decided to leave my mother a note just in case she returned before calling me. I basically repeated the same things to her that I had on the phone and left it on the kitchen counter as we left her house.

I felt so relieved as we drove away.

There was nothing left to do now, except wait.