REPOST of the original story with edits. New stuff coming in about 10 chapters!

DISCLAIMER: Stephenie Meyer owns these characters, but I own what they do in this story!


EPOV

I didn't want to let her go, but I knew I had to. I could still feel the warmth of her skin on my lips from when I kissed her forehead. I still can't believe I did that, but she didn't pull away immediately, so maybe it wasn't such a bad thing. Besides, I felt protective of her, so I wanted her to feel that as well.

I was still watching her walk away when she turned. The fact that she had turned gave me hope. I gave a small wave to her and as she walked out the doors, I turned back to Alice and Esme.

"Edward," Esme's calm and sweet voice was comforting.

"Esme," Her smile faltered slightly as I replied, but quickly slid back into place as she glanced over my shoulder, presumably where Bella had just exited.

"I hear from Alice that there are new developments in your life," she politely said as I internally groaned at Alice. I nodded quickly and came forward to give Esme a hug. "It's so good to see you," she whispered into my ear as she gripped me tightly.

"You too," I said quietly. I know our relationship wasn't exactly the strongest out there, but she had been there for me, even when I didn't want her to be.

"Let's go home," I voiced to the two both of the women around me while picking up mine and Alice's bag. Esme and Alice gripped each other again as I followed them out of the airport. We made it to the parking lot without much trouble and I placed the bags in the trunk when Esme popped it open.

"Esme, would you like me to drive?" I wanted to make sure I offered in case she was tired. I didn't want her driving if she was. After my nap on the plane, I wasn't anywhere near tired and I had too many thoughts running through my head which would prevent me from being sleepy at the wheel.

"Thanks honey, but I'm good. You and Alice just hop in and we'll be home in no time," she assured me while patting my shoulder lightly.

I let Alice join her up front while I squeezed into the back seat. I didn't really mind as I could stretch out fully once inside. After everyone was buckled in, I let my thoughts roam as we drove away from the terminal. The two women up front chatted quietly for a short amount of time, leaving me alone. That was short lived.

"So, Edward," Alice began. This wouldn't be good. "Have you told her how you feel yet?"

The back of my head rested against the window behind Esme and was able to look at Alice fully. Her eyes were shining as if she were privy to a secret I didn't know about. I wish she would just come out with what she was thinking, or if there was a way I could see into her mind for a few minutes, I would take that.

"Alice…" I sneered, wishing she would just shut up.

"Edward…" she mocked.

"Have you told who what?" Esme asked too sweetly. She wanted to be privy to this conversation as well. This was not what I needed right now. I hadn't fully figured out anything and these two were asking for answers I didn't have.

"I wanted to know if our dear Edward here had told Bella Swan that he was in love with her."

WHAT?!

"What the hell are you on, Alice? I'm not in love with Bella!" Wow, defensive much, Ed. I felt a punch to my stomach as I said those words out loud. I couldn't be in love with her.

"Right," she sarcastically quipped back.

"Who's Bella Swan?" Esme asked. "Is that the woman you were standing with at the airport? Why does her name sound familiar to me?" I groaned while Alice laughed out loud.

"Oh, you'll love this. She's Isabella Swan, the author that is getting really big right now. She does those modern classic stories."

"Oh, yes. She's wonderful. I've read a few of her books!"

"Well," Alice continued. "She's Edward's partner for the show! And ever since they met over a week ago, he's been head over heels for her!"

"No, I haven't, Alice. Geez, why can't you grow up?! Sure, Bella is attractive and she's great and everything, but she doesn't see me like that so stop trying to start something where there's nothing to start."

A relationship with Bella wouldn't go anywhere, unfortunately, no matter my feelings.

Fine. I'll admit it, now. Yes, I have feelings for Bella Swan. I was getting more frustrated just thinking about it and Alice was driving me nuts.

"Just, butt out, Alice!" I snarled at her.

"Edward, be nice to your sister!" Esme called to me in the back seat.

"But she's the one who started it," I pouted.

"Did not!" Alice cried.

"Oh, please!" Esme huffed. "If I hadn't been there when both of you were born all those years ago, I'd say you were both way younger than you really are because that's how you are acting! Now, stop it, both of you. This is ridiculous!"

I sank lower in my seat at Esme's words. She didn't usually get confrontational, as it wasn't in her nature to be a fighter, but a lover instead. However, when she gets mad…you better watch out for Mama Bear.

"Esme?" Alice asked quietly. "Can I tell you a little more about why I'm completely founded in Edward's feelings for Bella?" I could see Esme look at me in the rearview mirror. I growled because I knew she was going to cave. I looked away, rolling my eyes, and let Alice say what she wanted to say. Esme must have nodded.

"Ok, so here's the thing." Alice adjusted in her seat like she was mounting a defense in a courtroom. "You know how closed off Edward is." I scoffed but stayed silent. "Well, she has been breaking down his walls and bringing him out of his shell. He's been caring more about her as a person, instead of just someone he's been stuck with, which is a first." Ok, I don't only think of my partners as someone I've been stuck with per say. Alice continued.

"AND you should have seen the two of them on the plane! They were so adorable with each other and I think they would have even kissed if it weren't for that bitch of a flight attendant." I was about to interject but Esme beat me to it.

"Mary Alice! Watch your language!" Esme reprimanded.

Well, I wasn't going to call out her language but more about what she had said about a possible kiss. That wasn't going to happen, was it? Would it have? Damn!

"Sorry, Esme." Alice sounded anything but contrite. "Anyway, the two of them fell asleep leaning on each other, sharing earphones and everything. It was completely adorable. I even got a picture!"

I'm sorry…WHAT!? What picture?!

I looked at Alice and then to Esme in the mirror, and they were both smiling broadly.

"And, you saw the two of them interact at baggage claim. I told you there was something going on." She was practically squealing as she turned from Esme to face me. "She absolutely has feelings for you too, Edward! I know it. You should see the looks she gives you when you aren't watching her, which I'll admit is rare since you hardly take your eyes off her."

I felt my face become hot and I was grateful for the night sky. I knew Alice was right. I did usually catch myself just watching Bella.

"But, I think this is the best part," Alice started talking to Esme again. "You probably know her, or at least know of her, from before she got famous!"

I could see the wheels turning in Esme's head as she tried to figure out where she would have known Bella from. The recognition came slowly, but when it did, it was fierce and it lit up her eyes.

"Isabella Swan?! The police chief's daughter?! Oh my goodness, it must be. I remember Charlie mentioning his daughter doing well and was writing, but I never made the connection. She was so quiet when she was living in town. She never caused any trouble or anything, but I remember Carlisle coming home plenty of times saying how Charlie's daughter had been into the ER yet again." She laughed in recollection, but my eyes widened. I knew Bella was clumsy, but she had been to the hospital? How many times? Were they serious injuries? She was fragile.

Alice must have seen my panic while I was having my internal struggle. I felt her eyes on me when I looked up at her.

"Are you worried about her, Edward?"

I nodded glumly, not wanting to admit, but it was the truth. I felt the air leave my lungs as I wondered if she had made it home safely. I didn't know how far from the airport she lived. I didn't know where she was right at this moment and I felt the walls of the car caving in on me.

Alice had started to rummage through her bag but I didn't realize it until she turned back to me with a scrap piece of paper between her fingers.

"What's that?" I asked.

"It's Bella's cell number. I got it from Angela. I was shocked when she mentioned that you and Bella hadn't exchanged numbers yet and decided to remedy that for you. Call her. See if she got home ok." She held it out just in front of her, knowing that if I wanted it I would have to really reach for it. "I know you want to."

I huffed, then pushed myself off the door to snatch the paper from her hands. She quickly turned around as if to give me privacy.

I looked at the number and pulled out my cell from my pocket. My fingers were moving of their own accord and pressing send before my brain had caught up. I could hear the phone ringing. I quickly glanced at my watch and saw it was almost 10:30pm. What if she wasn't home yet? What if…

I heard Bella's voice, but it was her voicemail. My breath caught as I heard the recording and quickly it was my turn to speak as the loud beep sounded in my ear.

"Hey Bella. It's Edward. Um, I was just checking to see if you had gotten home ok. But you haven't answered, so you probably aren't home yet…Oh shit!"

"Edward! Language!" Esme interrupted me.

"Sorry, Esme. I'm sorry, Bella. I meant to say, oh crap, I hope I'm not waking you. Hopefully if you are home, you are asleep and I didn't wake you when the phone rang. Um, I shouldn't be calling so late. Alright, enough rambling. I just wanted to see if you were ok…if you, uh, got home ok….um, so, here is my cell number if you need me," I spouted off the number and kept the word vomit going. "But I'm sure you're fine….right? Right. Anyway, give me a call if you want to get together in Forks. You'll probably be busy. Right…anyway, I'll talk to you later. Sorry about this message. Good night, Bella. Or good morning, depending on when you get this. Um, yeah. Bye."

I quickly hung up the phone.

"Woooooow, way to get flustered, Edward. Yeah, you don't have any feelings towards her." Sarcastic little imp!

"Keep your mouth shut, Alice." I wasn't in the mood.

"Both of you!" Esme yelled at us….again. She quickly turned on a CD she had in the car. I recognized it as the opera Madame Butterfly.

Alice huffed, not really liking opera and hunkered down into her seat and scrolled through her phone. I appreciated the music. Esme had gotten me into opera when I was younger, explaining that there were many ways of expressing emotion. Music was one of those ways, and I always took it to heart.

We were all silent for the next two hours. Alice had passed out about an hour ago. We were almost all the way through Madame Butterfly and the music had calmed my thoughts to a dull roar. Bella was in the forefront of my mind still but I had spent the last two hours sifting through my feelings. I needed to figure this out, completely.

Would I be opposed to a relationship with her? Um, definitely not! She was perfect. Well, just about…she still couldn't walk in a straight line without falling over, but she was still perfect in my eyes. But really, what could she want with me? I'm sure she's got plenty of intellectuals hanging around her back in Seattle.

I'm not saying I'm dumb. Quite the opposite. I had my choices of colleges when I graduated high school. I even graduated early. I was smart, but I didn't feel college was right for me at the time. So when the opportunity presented itself to get the hell out of dodge and make some decent money, I jumped at the chance. But I did want to go back and get my degree in something.

That was another dilemma. What would I major in? I had no idea. But I wanted to go back, and now Bella had become a big reason to do so. If I was honest with myself, I knew I wanted to impress her, and if not her, then hopefully someone down the line who would want me.

But I was clear in my decision. I wanted Bella. As a friend, for sure. As more, hopefully. I wanted her to want me too, but I wanted her to make that decision on her own. I wouldn't push her or force her or coerce her. She was better than that. But I would be here, waiting for her. I hoped she would see it, but if it wasn't meant to be…well, I didn't want to think about that. She was the most amazing girl I had ever known and if I let her get away, I was not as smart as I thought I was.

"Edward?" Esme's soft voice carried over the music enough for me to hear her but not enough to wake Alice in the front seat.

I looked up at her in the rearview mirror.

"Penny for your thoughts?" she asked.

"I'm just thinking about a lot of things."

"About Bella?" I didn't have to look at her to know she was smiling. But the difference in her smile and Alice's was that Alice had the 'I told you so' smile whereas Esme's was more the 'I'm so happy for you' kind.

"Yes and no. I was thinking about her a little bit, but I was also thinking about other things as well."

"Like?" I didn't want to tell her about going back to school because I wanted to be sure of everything first.

"I don't want to say anything until I have things figured out first, but I promise to let you know as soon as I do," I said genuinely. I know she would be thrilled at my idea, but I didn't want to get her hopes up if it didn't work out. She nodded.

"So, was Alice right?" she voiced a question again.

"About what exactly?" Alice had been correct in much of what she said tonight, but I needed Esme to narrow it down.

"Your feelings for Bella." I sighed.

"I'm not in love with Bella," I started and I could see the glimmer in Esme's eyes fade. I had to continue. I had to say it out loud. "But I know I'm falling for her," I finished quietly.

Esme left it at that, which I was grateful for, but that damn pixie perked up, looked at me, laid her head back down and closed her eyes again. I could have sworn she mouthed 'told you so' to me.

I smiled slightly, even despite my annoyance with her, and closed my own eyes. I wasn't tired, but this was how I could see Bella clearly. Esme switched the music and I heard the lesser known opera of L'amour de Loin. Love from Afar. The musical eight ball strikes again.

The rest of the drive home passed quickly and I soon enough found myself dragging my ass up to my room as I collapsed on my bed.

The next morning I woke and had to get my bearings. I wasn't in California anymore. I looked around the room and saw everything in the same place as I had left it years before. The empty shelves that used to house my books, movies and CDs remained empty, but my desk still had the remains of school assignments on it.

I glanced outside my window and saw the sun shining through, a rarity in Forks. I just felt that today was going to be a good day. I pulled my body from my bed and quickly took a shower. Once I was fully dressed, I headed downstairs to grab some breakfast and see who else was around.

I could smell coffee, which smelt great, but I wasn't a fan of drinking it myself. The aroma that was dragging my feet forward was the hint of batter and cinnamon. This could be the best morning I've had in a long time if that meant what I thought it did. I could hear someone rustling through the paper and as I hit the bottom step I saw Esme sitting at the counter.

"Morning, honey. Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, thank you. What's for breakfast?" I asked hopefully.

"Edward, you are a grown man, you can get breakfast yourself." She didn't even look up from her paper. You've got to be kidding me?

She must have sensed that I was staring at her because she looked up and burst out laughing. I have a feeling my face was frozen in a state of shock. I knew what I smelled and she knew it too.

"Please, Esme…don't tease me," I begged.

"Oh, alright, they're in the oven staying warm," she said as I literally jumped over to the oven. I opened the door and it might as well have been the holy grail in there. There, on a round white plate was Esme's famous waffles. I could die a happy man now.

I pulled the plate out, switching it from hand to hand so as not to burn myself, and made my way back over to the counter, only to find Esme rummaging through the fridge and pulling out whipped cream and fresh strawberries.

I froze. Strawberries. Bella's hair smelled just like strawberries. How pathetic am I? I shook my head to clear my thoughts as she loaded up my waffles for me. She looked like she was going to say something, but I filled my mouth with the beautiful breakfast in front of me and moaned out loud. She smiled.

"Thank you," I sighed, but it came out more like a jumbled mess. She knew what I meant and smiled as she went back to her paper. I stood there hunched over the counter like a man with his last meal. It was ridiculous but I couldn't bear to sit and possibly be further away from the plate.

"Edward. Slow down, it's not going anywhere," Esme scolded. I swallowed and nodded.

"So, where is everyone?" I still hadn't seen Carlisle and the little pixie should have been bouncing around down here.

"Alice just left for Port Angeles to pick up Mike. I think she mentioned that he was her dance partner. Is that right?" I nodded, remembering that I had to help Alice out with him. Esme continued. "And Carlisle is at the hospital. One of the other doctors called in sick. He's hoping to only be there until lunch, but we'll see."

"Maybe I'll stop by the hospital and see if Carlisle wants to grab anything to eat," I said, thinking of when I could see him. I had missed him as well and due to how late we got in last night, he'd been asleep.

"You just inhaled those waffles, how can you think about food?" Esme was laughing at me. I looked down and realized my breakfast was gone. Damn. I just smiled at her.

"Hey, I'm a growing boy. Besides it's only nine, so I've got a few more hours before I will go see him and I'm sure my appetite will be back by then." I took my plate over to the sink and rinsed it off before placing it in the dishwasher. I turned around and watched Esme with the paper. She was an amazing woman and I was lucky to have her in my life. I wish we had a better relationship when I was younger, but I think she understood. She looked up at me when I didn't move and I smiled at her.

"I'm going to go see my baby," I said walking past her, but I quickly stopped and placed a kiss on her cheek. "Thank you again. The waffles were delicious. It's nice to be home," I finished in a whisper and walked to the living room.

I didn't have to look back to know that Esme was thrilled with what I had just said and done. I made her day and I knew it. I berated myself for taking this long to do something like that. I knew what I would need to do next, but that was still painful for me; hopefully soon.

I turned the corner in the living room and there was my baby: my beautiful baby grand piano. She was just as beautiful as ever. I hoped she was still tuned and ready for me, but I had a feeling Esme kept her in perfect condition.

I opened the lid to the keys and saw the toothy smile of the black and whites. Oh, how I've missed you! I sat down tentatively as if the bench wouldn't be used to my weight anymore. My fingers brushed against the keys and I applied the lightest pressure to hear the gorgeous tones of the hammers hitting each string.

Soon I was playing with gusto, testing out new melodies and playing with old ones. Before I knew it, it was almost noon. I had been playing the piano for almost three hours. I realized that if I wanted to catch Carlisle, I needed to go to the hospital now.

I ran back upstairs to my room to grab my wallet and keys. I hoped my car that I left here still ran. It was an older version of my Volvo I had back in California. It was my first car. Carlisle and Esme had gotten it for me when I turned sixteen. It had been a great car but it was getting up there in age. I know they only kept it around for when I came home and I knew they would keep it until it finally gave up the ghost.

I yelled goodbye to Esme and nearly ran over Alice and Mike as I headed out the front door. I didn't stay for the formalities, just rushed by mentioning Carlisle's name and hopped in the car.

The road into the main part of Forks was embedded in my head. I wasn't paying attention much and as I pulled into the hospital parking lot, I didn't realize how quickly I had gotten there.

Jumping out, I headed through the sliding glass doors of the ER. I nearly had a receptionist stop me, but I moved past her quickly. I maneuvered through the maze of hallways until I reached the plaque I was looking for: C. Cullen.

I knocked and waited for the 'come in.'

"Carlisle," I breathed as I opened the door. He sat behind his mahogany desk surrounded by all of his medical journals. There was one time I thought I wanted to be a doctor, but I realized I just looked up to Carlisle. There was no drive to study medicine, although Carlisle had been adamant that I would do well in the field.

"Edward, my boy. How are you?" He quickly got up, placed a file folder on his desk and walked around to meet me. He quickly grabbed my hand to shake it and pulled me into one of those awkward man hugs, but this was Carlisle. I chuckled as I hugged him back.

"I'm pretty good. Yourself?" He moved back around his desk and gestured for me to sit in one of the chairs in front of it.

"Not bad. Still working, although you know how much Esme dislikes the number of hours I work. I'm sorry I wasn't up when you all arrived home last night as well as being absent this morning." I stopped him. This was the Carlisle I knew. Working so much because he cared so much. It was his nature to be so nurturing.

"Don't worry about it. I understand, but that's why I'm here. I wanted to see if you were free to grab some lunch and catch up. I don't know how much I'll be around, since Alice needs help with her dancing partner for the show."

"Ah, yes. Esme mentioned that to me before I left this morning. She also brought up an interesting side note about you…and your new dance partner." Well, he certainly didn't waste time there.

"I see. And what did she say?"

"Not much, since I was in a hurry, but basically that this woman was doing you a world of good. I'm honestly glad to hear this Edward. We just want what's best for you and that can't be to keep everything bottled up inside. She also might have mentioned that there could be a future with this one." He winked at me and appeared to be genuinely happy for me.

"She didn't mention who it was?" He shook his head as his phone rang. He apologized as he answered it. I wasn't paying too much attention, until his voice picked up in volume.

"Well, I'll be damned. Yes, send her to room 1918 and I'll see her immediately." He quickly hung up and I wondered if everything was alright.

"Edward, would you do me a favor? Can you take these files down to the receptionist at the front desk and then meet me in room 1918? I've got a very familiar patient down there that's gotten injured, yet again. I need to work on her and then we can head to lunch, ok?"

I nodded my head and grabbed the stack of files from his desk. We walked in opposite directions and I found myself at the front desk. I had to hold back a wince as the woman looked at me like she wanted to detach her jaw and swallow me whole. I practically ran back to 1918.

I could hear Carlisle laughing through the door and him asking the usual questions: does it hurt, where, etc. When he got to 'how did it happen' I wasn't prepared for what I heard.

"I was being my typical clumsy self, as usual. I had just gotten in from the long drive and I was hungry, so I began to make lunch. I must have let my thoughts wander off on me and got careless with the knife. Sounds like the usual for me, right Dr. Cullen?"

I knew that voice!

I didn't bother knocking, I just barged in. Carlisle was blocking my view but I was willing to bet I knew who was sitting on the exam table in front of him.

"Ah, Edward. Meet my favorite clumsy patient, Bella." He stepped aside and my shocked face must have matched hers. "Bella, this is my son, Edward."

I took in her features fully. She still looked beautiful, although her t-shirt had some blood on it and she had a fairly nasty cut on her left palm. Her big brown eyes just bore right through me as she was just as shocked to see me as I was to see her.

"Hi, Edward," she said meekly as I saw her flush scarlet. I wanted to run my finger down her cheek to see how warm she was, but I held back. I felt my body leaning forward though. It wanted to get close to her whether I liked it or not.

"Bella," I sighed. "What have you done to yourself?" Before she could answer, Carlisle spoke up.

"Do you two know each other?" he asked, looking between us both. Bella simply nodded.

"As a matter of fact, yes. Carlisle, meet me dancing partner." I motioned back to Bella, the way Carlisle had motioned to her when I walked in the room.

"Oh," he said simply and then it all clicked for him. "Ohhhhhh!" It was my turn to simply nod.


Thanks for reading. Still more reposting to come. Let me know what you think!