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Fifty Years Later

My human memories have long since faded, for the most part. If it wasn't for the plethora of home videos and pictures, I would have forgotten a lot about my life before I became a vampire. I find myself experiencing a lot of déjà vu and have to think long and hard to realize where the sensation came from.

I'm riding the ass of a clunker in front of us, trying to get past them on the on ramp so I can get to the vamp lane and drive as fast as I want. It isn't until I've passed the angry mortal, holding up one middle finger, that I remember the times when I would curse bloodsuckers for their aggressive driving. How angry I'd be when they all but ran me off the road in order to get around. I quickly tap the breaks, but it's already too late. The red and blue lights follow me to the shoulder of the vamp lane and a soft chuckle from the passenger seat has me glaring.

"I told you to slow down, my love," Bella teases and pulls the registration and insurance information out of the glove compartment.

Officer Clearwater doesn't recognize me, but in the hazy memory of my past, I recall him being the very same deputy who pulled over the shiny red car all those years ago. Our interaction is brief. He scolds me for my careless driving and gives me a hefty fine, warning me to cool it around the mortals.

"Some people aren't indestructible, Mr. Cullen. Try to remember that."

"Yes, sir."

My wife doesn't even try to hide her laughter as he returns to his car, and I pull back onto the road.

"Shut up."

"Yes, sir." She imitates my deep voice, and I fight the urge to smile.

The drive is comfortable and we make good time, considering we only have to stop for gas. As we get closer to Washington, Bella insists on driving because I got pulled over for speeding twice. What can I say? I have a lead foot, and I'm excited to see my girls.

It's been a year since we've all been able to get together in one place at the same time. Alice and Jasper have been busy living their lives and making names for themselves in Italy, helping the government for the past twenty-eight years. Real life superheroes, minus the capes and tights, fighting crime with their abilities. As a psychic and an empath, they do a lot of good. We visit them often, but it's their turn to come to us this year.

Angela and Ben don't have the luxury of traveling whenever and wherever they want, but my oldest wouldn't change a thing. We're all meeting up at the massive orphanage she and her husband own and run.

After twelve years, Angela finally decided it was time for her to suffer the three-day burn, and ever the overachiever, she acclimated in less than a year. She still wanted to leave her mark on the world, and so far, she's doing a damn good job.

If anything, vampirism exacerbated her kind heart and Cheney's Children's Home is her way of changing the world. Since vampires aren't allowed to adopt, yet, something she and Renee are working on, they foster hundreds of orphans in hopes of finding their families. Angela's social work is also her downfall. She's extremely picky about where her babies go, and over the years, a lot of the kids who go through their home have ended up staying.

She and Renee are trying to work out the logistics of vampires being allowed to adopt, but the process could potentially take years. Since we've all got unlimited time on our hands, she and Ben are happy to foster until then.

Bella and I have a lot of "grandchildren", and we try to make Christmas special for the little ones without families.

Our SUV is loaded down with presents, and I've joined in on the Swan's insane generosity. Now that my fifty-year contract with V.C. is over, we're planning on staying in Washington to help expand CCH.

Angela and Ben just purchased an old office building they're hoping to turn into one giant home because they've already outgrown five other places.

Alice calls the second we make it to town.

"You're almost here."

Bella rolls her eyes. "Yeah, Allie."

"Good. 'Cause if I have to hear 'where are Mom Mom and Pop Pop?' one more time, I'm going to lose my mind. These rugrats are very excited to see you guys."

"We just have to stop for some last-minute things—"

"Yeah, I saw you forgot some stuff, so I sent Jasper and Ben out. Angela just wants you guys to get here. She's excited to see you."

"Just Rabbit?"

"Well, I mean, I've kind of missed y'all too. So hurry up and don't run over the pothole on Center Street."

She hangs up, and Bella grabs my hand.

"Are you happy, Mr. Cullen?"

I kiss her palm.

"The happiest, Mrs. Cullen."

The End