Thanks everyone who took the time to let me know how they're feelin' about the story so far. I'm so glad you guys are enjoying this! A few of you were a bit wary of giving Marie a second chance… very understandable. Many of you were happy about them starting over, though, and I'm very glad about that.

Banner for this story can be found on my profile page.
Once again, I do not own Twilight.

P.S. Those of you interested in my Oneshot Inked Inc., well, it's now a Twoshot!

Song Rec: Somewhere I Belong by Linkin Park

"So why did you really come here?" I ask, sipping my beer. Charlie had left just minutes before, informing us that he had a long day at work tomorrow.

While he was getting ready to leave, I gave him and Marie their time for a private goodbye by excusing myself to the restroom.

Okay, I eavesdropped. Big fucking deal, anyone else in my place would've done the same thing.

Don't judge. Their goodbye was... heartwarming to say the least. It was full of apologies, tears, hugs, and promises. Promises of visits, long talks, and love. I cried. So did they.

Marie's silent for a second as she mulls over my question. "Two reasons." she takes a sip of her tea. No booze for her tonight. "One... I just... Wanted to see you. I knew you'd quite possibly scream at me and call the cops but, I needed to see you again. I don't think I ever realized how much I missed you until I saw you that night..."

"I can understand that." Because really I can. It's why I confronted her outside the bar awhile back. Because I needed to see her, to see that she actually still existed. "Reason two?"

"Edward."

Oh. Edward.

I had almost pushed him out of my mind completely for the time being. "Oh."

"Yeah." she sips her tea awkwardly. "He's a good guy." Really? I hadn't noticed. I have to bite my tongue to stop those spiteful words that are just begging to come tumbling out. "And the note you left him this morning..." she continues. "I don't think I've ever seen someone so heartbroken." she thinks about it for a second, "Well, someone so heartbroken that wasn't like that because of me." She grimaces.

"Hey," I warn. "We're done talking about all the depressing." reminding her of out earlier agreement with Charlie to hash everything out Saturday at lunch. Yep, she was coming too. It may be just a tad awkward with Sue there and all... But hey, I'm just considering it payback for seeing her boobies earlier.

She half smiles. "Anyway. The note thing? Didn't go over well."

How did she even know about that? "Charlie said Edward was here when he arrived." I add and she nods.

"He came here right after he read your note. I think it was around eleven maybe." She sighs. "He called me, absolutely freaking the fuck out."

"I don't know why it bothered him so much." I say, hearing the bitterness in my voice.

"What do you mean?"

"He's in love. Told me himself." I tell her simply, attempting nonchalance, when relly I'm three second from breaking down inside. "And I refuse to be around that." I focus my attention on picking at the label of my beer bottle.

She looks at me carefully. "You have no idea do you? I guess some things never change, you still can't see what's right in front of you."

And now I'm just fucking pissed. "What the hell's that supposed to mean?"

She shakes her head furiously, "I just meant… Just promise me you won't push him away. Give him a chance, please." she glances briefly at the clock on the wall. "Shit!" she jumps up and takes one last sip of her tea. "I'm late! Shit." she stares at me. "I need to go."

"I realize that; what with the cursing and all." I tease her, attempting to lighten the mood; all the while mulling over what she's said. I can't see what's in front of me? I call bullshit.

She blushes; looking so much like she used to as a little girl. I missed this, us just… talking. Granted, there are so many things we still need to talk about… So many things. But I've yet to regret deciding to repair our relationship. I've gotten a taste of the old us in the past few hours and… I miss it. Is it irrational? For me to want to build a relationship with her? Maybe. But I want it. I want to have a sister again.

"What are you late for?" I ask.

"Something," she tells me distractedly while fiddling with her phone. Keeping secrets already? "You'll find out soon enough." she sends me a cryptic smile. And then she's standing by the door, staring at me seriously. "Bella, I..." and she stops.

"I'm glad you came tonight." I interrupt, finishing her thought. She smiles brightly. "I really am. I didn't think I'd ever say that, but… yeah. I just did."

Her grin widens and… Damn we look alike. It's almost like looking in a mirror.

"Maybe we could get together this week?" she looks hopeful and I nod. "Lunch or something."

"Let me know when and where."

"I'll do that." she opens the door and pauses, seeming to debate something with herself. Before I know it, her arms are wrapped around me and she's whispering in my ear. "Thank you so much, Bella."

And then she's gone. And I feel... Happy. That we're getting along, not that she's gone. I'm happier than I have been in a long time.

Everyone deserves a second chance; even Marie.

So here we are... Lemme know how you're feelin' :) And as always, thanks for reading!