~ Forks, Washington - July 21, 2004 ~

I passed the "Welcome to Forks" sign in my Mercedes SUV and drove through the heart of the town I would be calling home. After Josie's funeral I decided it was time to reunite with my family. I may not have found my mate, but it was time I stopped running away from the people that loved and supported me. Being with them was never the problem. I was the problem. I needed to grow up. Like the seventeen year old I was…and still am…I needed to experience my life before I could appreciate being with my family. The desire to find myself was just as important as finding my mate. I couldn't say I was delighted that I failed at one of those goals, but I am glad I succeeded in finding the Edward Cullen I could happily live with. I also realized that I no longer needed to go out into the world to find my mate. I had faith, which was amazing for me, that when the fates want me to find my other half, she will come into my life. In some respects I am glad I hadn't found her yet. I don't think the old me would've been a very good companion. Now that I no longer loathed my existence, I have allowed myself to see that when I meet her, I will be able focus on us as a couple and not worry that I am unworthy of receiving the gift of her affections.

After passing the high school, I drove towards our family's new house. When we last lived in this area during the 1930s it was further south, almost halfway to Hoquiam. However about twenty years ago, Esme found a remote house, with plenty of land, north of Forks on the Sul Duc River. My family had been planning on moving here for the past couple of years, but Alice persuaded them to wait. In fact, they would not be moving out here for another six or seven weeks. The plan, according to Alice, was for me to arrive first and get things settled at the house, then the family would join me just before school started in the fall. Esme had selected this property, not only for its remote location, but because it also had a small cottage situated about a five hundred yards from the main house. Over the past year, the primary residence had been renovated from afar by Esme, but only necessary structural work had been done on the cottage. Despite my desire to be with my family, I still needed some separation. There were still three highly amorous vampire couples in the family, and although I would be able to register their thoughts from the cottage, the distance would make it more bearable.

Between now and when school started, I would undertake the renovations of the cottage myself. Esme had forwarded me a set of building plans that Alice said I should follow. I would be able to make some changes, but Alice had been very specific that certain aspects of Esme's design be maintained. Truth be told, I was looking forward to the work, if for no other reason than to pass the time.

About a half mile before I got to the turnoff for our house, I passed a police cruiser. The officer's thoughts of fishing were faint and almost dream like, which they may have been. About halfway down the long road to our house, I again caught the thoughts of the police officer. He wasn't asleep. In fact, he was now following me down our private road. He was concerned that I was trespassing.

A few moments after I parked the car, the cruiser pulled in behind me. The officer sat in his car sizing me up. His thoughts were very quiet and bit muddled. At first I had wondered if he was a bit slow, but after a couple of seconds I realized that his mental voice was just very soft. I would have to watch out for this officer, as I would not hear his thoughts until he was close by.

The officer doubled checked that his pistol was on his belt, but also that the trigger safety and retaining strap were engaged before he exited his car.

"Hey there," he called out to me. "What business do you have here on this property?"

An image of Carlisle and Esme flashed in his mind. I could tell by his uniform, his name badge, and his thoughts that he was Charles Swan, the Police Chief of Forks. Plus, Esme had told me about Chief Swan and his distinctive mustache, or "porn-stache" as Emmett called it. I tried not focus on Emmett's comments, because if I did, I would end up with a silly grin on my face, which the Chief probably wouldn't like.

"Hello! You must be Chief Swan," I answered calmly as I approach him with my hand extended. "I'm Edward Cullen, Carlisle and Esme's adopted son. They told me I might see you around town." The Chief shook my hand and he noticed it was cool to the touch, but he did not dwell on it. I could tell that he already knew why I was at the house, but I figured I would make small talk with him anyway. "I'm here early to start getting the house setup while my family finishes up back east."

"Oh, well I'm glad to meet you, Edward. Welcome to Forks. Dr. Cullen did mention one of his sons would be by soon, but I just assumed you'd be older. How old are you anyway?"

"I turned seventeen last month, sir."

"That's a bit young to be allowed to live on your own, isn't it? Especially, when your family is across the country."

I could read in the Chief's thoughts that he was concerned I was out here early so I could go wild and be a nuisance. There was also some concern for my safety as well.

"Well, I am of age here in Washington," I replied before Chief Swan interrupted by holding up his hand.

"Actually, you're not. Seventeen is the age of consent, not the age of majority, and the age of consent has nothing to do with it, Edward. Unless you are granted emancipation in this state, it's the age of majority, which is eighteen, that matters with regards to residency issues."

The Chief's mind was quick and intelligent. He knew his statutes inside and out. I paused for a moment, which for him must have seemed like I was shocked and taken back by his words. In actuality, I was wondering why Alice never saw this in a vision. I could've had my identification made to say I was eighteen instead. Plus, that would have saved me another year of high school. Before I could rebut, he continued.

"I don't like the idea of a young guy like you living alone out here so far out of town. However, I may be willing to overlook the minority status of your age, if you promise me that you won't cause any problems, and that you will try to be safe. These woods can be dangerous if you aren't careful."

The Chief liked the idea that he would have something over me. It actually made him more comfortable with the situation as it justified him stopping by unannounced to check up on me.

"Let me assure you, Chief, that I have no desire to cause you any problems. Carlisle and Esme are expecting me to have this place ready before school starts in September, so I expect to be busy. Plus, I'm pretty comfortable in the forest, and if need be, I can take care of myself. But I do appreciate your concern."

Before the Chief could answer, his radio chirped and a voice could be heard asking for him. Charlie used the handset to tell the caller he would be right with them before turning back to me.

"Well, I have to cut this short." Charlie handed me a business card. "Here are my numbers should you need anything, however if you have an emergency just call 9-1-1." Charlie got in his cruiser and started it up before he leaned his head out of the open driver's side window. "I'm keeping you to your promise to not cause any problems, and just remember, you'll never know when I might stop by and check up on you."

"No problem, Chief Swan. Stop by anytime." I answered before he drove away.