Ch. 28: Home

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight

Thank you to Jennde who beta'd this chapter. She really came through for me!


The week of Bella's birthday passed uneventfully.

Bella went to class, worked or studied during the day, while I studied for the GED, practiced the songs for her birthday, and worked.

At night we would cuddled up in bed, and talk about our days. I would leave out the part about her birthday songs, of course. It was nice to talk and touch after being away from each other.

Of course, there was the occasionally deviation.

On Tuesday, I went, and bought Bella a tangible birthday gift. I figured she'd appreciate something she could hold, as well as my songs.

On Wednesday, Bella missed her morning classes, and I didn't practice the songs or study. We spent a very productive morning between the bed and shower.

I smiled as I remembered that particular shower excursion, but I was brought out of it just as quickly by a smack on my head.

"You're supposed to be helping me, you know this, right?" Emmett asked sarcastically as he motioned to the crates of beer on the floor.

I rolled my eyes, and stood up. I did not want to be here. It was Thursday night, well, that was wrong, it was actually early Friday morning. Apparently, we had to take care of some things before we all took the weekend off for Bella's birthday.

My thoughts were still in the shower, and my body was rebelling against me, when we heard a soft knock on the front door.

Emmett went to answered it as I lugged some boxes behind the bar, and started filling the coolers under it.

"Are you sure you don't mind, Emmett?" I heard his voice before I saw him. Carlisle was drenched, and walked sluggishly behind Em.

"Yeah, man. We're just cleaning up and stocking. You can sit in here."

"Thank you. I wouldn't normally ask, but it's raining really hard, and I saw the light on."

Emmett shrugged. "It's really not a problem, Carlisle."

Emmett had started speaking with Carlisle a lot the last week. I found it odd that he had never tried to talk to him before, but I knew Carlisle probably kept to himself, and hoped that Em wouldn't kick him out the bar.

Carlisle sat in one of the chairs and took off his shoes, as Emmett walked behind the bar and started helping me load the beer.

"Did I tell you that I have to quit next semester?" he asked quietly.

"Umm, no. Why do you have to do that?"

He laughed sarcastically and said, "Apparently, since I'm student-teaching, I can't keep a job. I have to focus solely on that. I will be teaching classes all day, staying after school to coach, then coming home and planning for the next day." He sounded agitated. "Basically, I'll have a job, but I won't be getting paid."

"That's stupid. How are you going to pay rent or buy groceries?" I moved to the next set of boxes.

"Rosie is still working, so we have that, but I'm going to have to take out a loan to finish paying for next semester. Whatever doesn't get put toward school, I'll use that for the semester's living expenses."

We worked in silence for a while, each of us thinking about the changes that were about to take place when Em spoke again.

"I knew I couldn't do this forever. I graduate in May, and then I'll try and find a coaching job. It's just….," He paused. "I'll miss it. I've worked here for four years, and I guess I'm a little afraid of growing up. You know, getting a real job."

I smiled at him. "I know what you mean. It's sad to think I came in at the tail-end of all of this. I would have loved to have spent that time with you guys here."

They were growing up and moving on, and so was I. I might not have been at this bar for that long, but I had been in too many bars over the years. It was time for me to grow up too.

"Well, know that we've had our Oprah time, I guess we should start putting out ads for bartenders. You'll be starting classes after we graduate so you won't be able to work as much. I guess it's time."

I nodded. I was planning on taking my GED soon, and enrolling next fall, at the latest, for in college. I had finally decided to major in music. I knew that I would love to reach kids like me, those students who didn't have a great home life, and give them an outlet. To show them they were worth something. I wanted that.

Plus, Bella and I would have summers off together. That was a big perk.

"I could do it." Our heads shot up to look at Carlisle, who was sitting straight up in his chair. "I know all about mixing drinks, and bartending. I actually worked at a bar for a few years. I would like the opportunity to apply," he finished softly.

Emmett cocked his eyebrow at Carlisle. "You want to take over for me, old man? Do you have a place to stay?"

"I think it's a great idea," I said before Carlisle responded. "I think that's a really great idea." I stressed to Emmett.

It was just time for us to mature, face our futures, and for Carlisle it was time to accept his past, and attempt to move forward.

"Emmett, I can understand that you wouldn't want to hire me, but I'd appreciate the chance. I won't be able to afford a place to stay until after that first paycheck, then I'll be living someplace."

I started back to my job as I waited for Emmett to make a decision. I knew it was all his choice, but if he was on board with Carlisle getting this job, then Jasper would agree, too.

"Why not?" Emmett finally broke the silence finally. "You can start tomorrow night, if you want to. I won't be here to watch you, but it's pretty hard to mess this up." Carlisle let out a stuttered breath as

Em continued, "The office in the back has a couch, you can sleep there, and I'm sure Alice will have some clean clothes for tomorrow."

"Thank you." Carlisle's shoulders slumped as he put his head on the table.

"Sure, man. When I finish here I'll show you where everything is at."

I didn't say anything.

There was no telling how long he'd lived on the street, or how long he'd been without work. I'd never asked, and honestly, I didn't know if he'd tell me. Maybe one day, but certainly not now.

We finished cleaning, and stocking about forty-five minutes later. Emmett explained the tab system, the cash register, and where all the extra liquor was if he ran out, then he led Carlisle into the office, and showed him where he'd be staying for the next month.

It was still pouring outside, and we were drenched by the time we got to the apartment complex.

When we got into the elevator, I turned to Em.

"You really think you'll hire Carlisle?"

He just smiled. "I've watched that man for years, and I've always wanted to help him. He just didn't want my help yet. Honestly, I think he's gotten better since you've been around. I don't really know why."

The doors slid open, and I gave Em a quick wave before stepping out, and walking to the apartment.

To my surprise, Bella was sitting up on the couch. I noticed quickly that she was hunched over her computer with books scattered all around her. It was kind of cute.

"All nighter?" I asked as I started stripping out of my clothes.

She never turned to look at me as I walked down the hall. It just proved that she was in a groove, and I knew I wouldn't be able to shake her out it.

I came back a couple of minutes later in my pajama pants, and sat beside her on the couch.

"It's my own fault. I should have had this done a week ago, but I kept putting it off." She brushed her hair back and looked at me. "Can you make me coffee? I need to finish this tonight if we're going to have a nice weekend."

I leaned in and kissed her. It was meant to be short and sweet, but deepened quickly. Soon she was pushing my shoulders, and trying to move from underneath me.

"Coffee. You are not helping."

I stood up, and went into the kitchen, laughing.

"I'd say I'm sorry, but you and I both know that is a complete lie."

I got everything started for the coffee, and walked back to the living room.

"You know, when you're suffering from procrastinating on an assignment next year, like I am right now, I'm going to parade around in lingerie. That will show you."

I blinked a few times as I tried to get the image out my mind.

"That will definitely show me. In fact, I think if that's your idea of punishment, then go the bedroom now, and change. I've been completely naughty today," I said as seriously as possible.

"You are such a pervert." She giggled, and started to type again.

"Absolutely, if it's concerning you and sexy, see through, lacey things I am. My intentions are completely dishonorable." I gave her a big grin.

Bella snorted the said, "Don't let the Chief hear you say that. He'll string you up by the boys."

I shook my head, and went into the kitchen to fix Bella her sugary coffee, and coming back to sit by her again. The rest of the night was a blur. I was pretty sure that I fell asleep a few times, but I'd always wake up if Bella went to the bathroom or kitchen.

Somehow we ended up cuddled together on the couch the next morning.

We had decided earlier that week that Bella and I were spending the day together, and that night we would start her birthday celebration.

Night one, we were all going to a class on making sushi.

I thought this was really awesome, and much more welcome than a trip to a club.

Bella was brushing her teeth before we started the day when I came up behind her.

"So, did Emmett tell you he has to quit the bar next semester?"

She looked confused, and then said, "So do I. It's my student-teaching semester, too. I completely forgot."

"So it'll just be me then." I was disappointed by the thought of not having Bella around.

"How could I forget that? Oh, God, I won't have money for rent! Or utilities, or food!" she huffed.

"Stupid fucking rules," she muttered as the wiped her mouth off. "I'll have to take out a loan."

I wrapped my arms around her and whispered, "I'll be working." I cleared my throat and spoke louder, "I'll support us next semester."

"I can't let you do that, Edward. This is my apartment." Her eyes met mine the mirror.

I was a little hurt, but pressed on.

"No, this is our apartment." She looked slightly annoyed by my statement, but I continued. "One day, I'll be in school, and not able to work, and you'll support me all by yourself. Let me do this now."

Bella turned in my arms, and placed a small kiss on my neck.

"Okay. We'll do it. I still might have to take out a small one. We'll see how it goes."

She kissed my neck again, and walked out.

Our day was filled with odd shops and laughter. It reminded me of our time together when we were just starting out, before I ran, before I met Charlie or Renee, before I realized that staying was the only real option for me.

As we walked back home, I told Bella about Carlisle's new job.

"That's awesome. I think this will definitely turn things around for him."

"Me too."

"You know, I think he really likes being around us. It'll be nice to have him there."

I smiled. It would be nice. I figured that he needed us more than anyone could imagine.

That night we stood with our friends and attempted to make sushi.

First, we were introduced the materials: sticky, white rice and nori sheets to roll the sushi with. That was fun, but the night took an unexpected turn when the actually fish was brought out.

The only one of us who'd never eaten sushi before was Emmett, and as the teacher started slicing pieces of fish, and explaining technique, Emmett threw up. All of us gapped at him, as he, loudly , threw up his dinner. A mortified Rose helped him out of the classroom, and one of the assistant teachers carefully placed the trashcan in a closet.

I laughed so hard that I had to excuse myself to the hall.

After the class, Alice, Jasper, Bella, and I went out to a bar. We talked; thankfully none of them got drunk.

I was planning on tomorrow being very special, and I really didn't want to wake up to a hung-over Bella.

As we walked into our apartment, Bella leaned against me, and whispered a very delicious proposition into my ear.

I wanted to be well rested, but with that one sentence, I ran for the bedroom with Bella tossed over my shoulder.


I woke up the next morning with Bella wrapped around me.

I chuckled lowly as I sat up, and saw my "punishment" strewn across the floor. Lingerie was a very, very good punishment. I had started to make plans to misbehave later, when Bella mumbled, "Good morning."

"Happy Birthday, Ballerina." I kissed her forehead. "I've got a special present for the birthday girl."

I heard Bella groan as I slid out of bed.

"Tell me you didn't spend a lot. All I got you for your birthday was a cheesecake." Her face was still planted firmly in her pillow.

"It wasn't that much, I promise." I jumped, and landed back on the bed. "I love your cheesecake, by the way. It was a wonderful birthday present."

Bella scooted up, and rested against the headboard. She smiled at me as she took the present from my hand.

"I don't normally like my birthday, but it's really great this year." She started to tear the paper. "Did I ever tell you have much I love to tear open presents?"

I just watched quietly as she destroyed the brightly colored purple paper. I was so nervous about this gift.

As she lifted the lid off the small square box, I held my breath.

"It's so pretty," she breathed. That little exhale of breath from her filled my lungs back up.

"Really, you like it?"

She held it in front of us.

It was a delicate, silver multi-chain necklace. There were three separate strands of silver, and attached to each one was a different charm. The top chain had a music note, the middle chain held a feather quill, and the third chain held a crystal heart.

I cleared my throat. "The top charm is me, obviously, and the middle is you. I know you want to write one day, plus I'm sure all your favorite books were written with that type of pen, and the last charm is us. I tried to get something I knew you'd wear." I let myself trail off as I watched the emotions play across her face.

"I love it. I think this is really the best gift I've ever gotten. I mean, this trumps the one year Charlie got me a fish." My smile really couldn't be contained at this point. "You laugh, but that was a good year for me."

"Let me put it on you," I said excitedly.

She nodded, and handed it to me.

As I clasped the necklace at the back of her neck, I was taken aback at how surreal this was. If one year ago someone had told me that I would be here, with someone I loved, celebrating a birthday, I would have flipped them off.

I smoothed a hand down Bella's back, and she turned to face me.

Her hand was soft against my jaw as she leaned down to kiss me.

"I love you, Bella," I gasped as she pulled back.

"I love you. I think this is really the best birthday ever. I like waking up with you."

"I like that, too."

I got out of bed again, and started for the door. Bella rose up too, and I turned quickly, and said,

"Not a chance, I've got something else."

She fell back against the sheets, and that's when it really hit me that we were both still naked.

I shook off my embarrassment as I remembered I jumped on the bed, and I ran into the kitchen.

There, sitting on the counter, was the one thing Alice had been in charge of this morning.

Birthday cake.

It was small and circular, just enough for two people.

I grabbed it, and lit the two candles on top. When the twenty-two was burning, I got found two forks and headed back into the bedroom.

Bella had moved under the covers again, and she smiled as she saw what I was holding.

"Now that is a sight to see, Edward. Are you sure the necklace was my gift?"

I walked towards the bed. "What are you talking about?"

"Well, there's a very attractive naked man in my bedroom holding a birthday cake. This is kind of what women dream about for the birthday celebrations." She smirked.

"Now who's the pervert, Ballerina?" I set the cake down on the side table and scooted under the covers with her. When I was situated, I reached for the cake, and started singing happy birthday to her. Once the candles were blown out, I sat them on the table and gave her a fork.

Bella moaned loudly as she took the first bite. "So good. Where did you get it?"

I cleared my throat, "Umm, Alice was in charge."

We ate in relative silence after that, and when we finished the small cake, Bella turned to me.

"You totally beat the birthday with the fish." She leaned against my shoulder and placed a sweet kiss on my neck. "I can't imagine life without you. Will you play something for me?"

I leaned down, and breathed in her scent.

"You'll never have to be without me. As for playing, I can't right now. We've got to meet the rest of the group soon. Shower time."

Bella huffed, but got up, and walked to the bathroom. When I heard the door click shut, I ran my hand through my hair.

I was nervous, and slightly frightened about tonight.

I kept repeating to myself as I got dressed that tonight would be great.

It would be perfect.


The afternoon passed quickly.

We went to an art studio for a photography exhibit. Apparently, Bella and Rose could use attendance to the event as a bonus for one of the classes they were in. It was a quiet place, and it helped me calm my nerves.

I walked around, and looked at all the pictures. There were lots of landscapes, and photos of the Sound. My favorite was a picture of the water when the sun was setting, and the sky was so many different shades of pinks and reds. It was beautiful. There was a lookout point that it was taken from, and I briefly played with the idea of getting married there one day, when the sky looked just like that.

Afterward, we went and ate at the Mexican restaurant that Bella and I had eaten at the previous weekend. This time Bella did have a margarita, but I passed.

Sober. I needed to be one-hundred percent sober for this evening.

As we started our walk toward the apartment complex, Emmett put our plan in motion.

"Hey, you guys want to stop by the bar? I want to make sure that Carlisle is all right."

Everyone agreed, and we decided to catch a cab to the bar. When we arrived, the place was pretty full, but Carlisle was managing fine. I gave him a small wave, and moved with Bella into the crowd.

Emmett went to talk to him, while we all grabbed a table close to the stage. There was a band playing tonight, but they weren't well known, so the usual college crowd was absent. This made things a little easier for me.

Finally, Emmett joined us a few minutes later, and I took that as my cue to leave.

"I'll be right back." I pointed to the restroom sign, and Bella nodded before continuing her conversation with Alice.

I walked into the office, and took a few deep breaths before I grabbed my guitar.

"We're going to take a short break, but we'll be back," the lead singer told his barely attentive crowd. Shit, I knew how that felt, but he was doing what he loved, so it didn't matter if half of them weren't paying attention.

I looked, and saw Bella deep in conversation with Rose this time, and walked on stage. I had managed to adjust the microphone, and get the chair in place with Bella still not noticing.

I cleared my throat and spoke, "Today is a very special day." Bella's head snapped up, and she looked up at me, her eyebrows scrunched in confusion. "Today is my Ballerina's birthday."

I saw Bella put her hand to her mouth.

"The band has been kind enough to indulge me for a few minutes, and to let me give Bella her other gifts." I started strumming quietly as I finished my speech. "Before you, there was nothing. I mean that. I had no friends or family. I was a person people met a few times, but then forgot. I was never the guy that someone would choose."

That led me into my first song. I closed my eyes through most of it, but on the last part I opened them and looked at Bella.

Her eyes were watery as I sang to her.

I wish I could tell you just how I'm hurt
Pinpoint the location it's in another universe
when I close my eyes
I see a fire so plain
..and my crossed-out name
I see a crossed-out name
I see a crossed-out name

I finished, and the crowd clapped and cheered, but I just stared my Bella. She wasn't crying, but she looked close to it.

"Then I met you, and it was scary, and amazing, and made me feel like I was drowning. I wanted you to love me. I wanted to be good enough for you. The whole time I was with you I wanted to be closer to you, and be a part of your story, a part of you life."

I began the second song, and I saw Bella smile at me as I started. I knew she had wanted me to play this song for her for the longest time. She loved it.

The last verse was my whole message to her.

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you had the choice
You've made it now
Falling slowly sing your melody
I'll sing along

The chords died out, and that time the applause was quieter. I'm sure everyone had gotten the impression that I wasn't finished yet.

I didn't notice any of them; I only had eyes for Bella. Her cheeks were tinged pink, and her eyes were still shining with tears, but she looked happy.

"I told you things that no one else will ever know. I laid everything that I was out to you, and you took it. You held me, and loved me for it."

The third song started out really well considering that I had only been practicing it a week. I glanced at the bar, and saw Carlisle smiling widely at me.

He was proud of me.

I turned, and looked back at Bella.

Oh, got no reason, got not shame
Got no family I can blame
Just don't let me disappear
I'm 'a tell you everything

So tell me what you want to hear
Something that will light those ears
Sick of all the insinceres
So I'm gonna give all my secrets away

I took a deep breath as I finished, and prepared for the most difficult song of the evening, and the most heartfelt intro I was going to give.

"You loved what I was, Bella, but this next song is…" I gripped the neck of the guitar and stared at her. "I was lost, and alone, and before you that was enough. I was sure that it was who I was supposed to be. In one day, though, I changed. I ran into you, and I got a job here." I noticed that Bella had started to brush her cheeks lightly with her hand.

"I made a decision the night that I met you that I was going to change. I was in my motel room, and I knew that who I had been was nowhere near who I could be. I wrote this for you. It's not a real love song, I don't guess, but I realize now that probably the biggest act of love is understanding that the 'before yous' are what led me to you. You gave me a reason to fight to be different from the guy I was. I love you, Bella."

He never knew their names and never really cared
Lying to himself, he was never just a young kid scared
Living on his own with no one to hold on to
Nowhere to go and nothing to do
But lie awake and pray that one-day
Someone will come his way

All He knows are
Highways and broken hearts, late nights and old guitars
Wondering where you are, you're so far away

Staring through the walls of that motel room
Reflecting on his days, the route he's seemed to choose
Will good outshine bad, can he turn this thing around
Should he drop to his knees, just give up now
Begging for release in the night
Has he gone too far to fight?

I locked eyes with Bella, and she was smiling. Sure, she still had tears running down her checks, but she didn't look sad.

I stood up, as Bella got up, and walked to the stage. I had barely put my guitar down, when she wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me.

My hands were on the small of her back, pushing her to me, as I leaned deeper into the kiss. After

I heard Emmett whistling, I pulled back and gave Bella a big smile.

"That was wonderful. You are amazing," she whispered.

I put my guitar up, and Bella led me off the stage, and out of the bar. We didn't say goodbye to our friends or even wave. It was just us tonight.

I held her hand in mine as we walked down the sidewalk.

It was so familiar, and comforting. We'd done this before, and I let myself finally come to terms with the fact that we would do this again. We would walk home together. We would share our stories from the day with each other, we would hug, we would kiss, and we would make love.

Sometimes we would cry, be mad at each other, or even go to separate rooms to cool off from a fight.

One thing was certain, though, I would never leave. I would never walk out, and stay gone. I would love her for my entire life.

I stopped, and pulled her to me, gently brushing her hair back from her face.

"I met you right here."

Bella bit her lip and nodded.

"I fell in love with you, right here."

I saw her eyes well up again.

"One day, I'm going to marry you, and that's all going to happen because I met you right here."

She had tears again, and I wiped them away. Her hands were on my face then, softly brushing my own tears.

I brought my lips to hers, and kissed her with all the passion I had.

Bella leaned back from me and smiled.

"One day, I'll say yes."


A/N:

This is it. Thank you all for reading, and staying with me. This story has meant so much to me, and those of you that enjoyed it, and reviewed have been wonderful.

There will be an epilogue, and I already have it planned out in my mind, so it will be up, hopefully, in the next couple of days.

I hope that you liked this ending. I know it seems like their story is just starting, and it is, but this story was about Edward and him finding his way, and accepting a future he didn't think he could have. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this chapter. Even if you've never reviewed before, I'd really enjoy seeing if you liked the ending.

Thank you again.

Songs from this chapter are:

Crossed out Name—Ryan Adams

Falling Slowly—Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova

Secrets—OneRepublic (Acoustic)

Highways & Broken Hearts—The Eli Young Band