Hi, guys! I am /so/ sorry that this is so late! Between the holidays, family and work, I have been swamped. This chapter is a bit smaller than the others, but I hope you enjoy, nonetheless.

My mind had been racing since that night. The night that Edward told me he still loved me and was going to do anything in his power to make up for what he did. I felt weird. It had been a week and Rose's trip to Carlisle and Esme's cabin was coming up. Every night, I'd only thought about Edward and our conversation.

We hadn't spoken since that night and he made sure he wasn't home when I was. Was that part of him making it up to me? I didn't understand. Since, then, Alice and Jasper had come to speaking terms with Edward as well. Alice still gave him looks when she thought he wasn't looking. She made it a point to let me know that every time she did it.

Apparently, everyone else had forgiven him a long time ago, but they let me have my space. Five years was a damn long time to let me have my space. I had blown up on them about that. I felt so petty after all that. I had my number changed and created a new email for myself so no one could get in touch besides Rose and my parents. Isn't that what any other girl in my place would have done, though?

I never actually told him I was sorry, though. For leaving and not letting him explain. I needed to tell him and perhaps get my fix of his face. I'd been imagining him a lot lately. My heart had truly never let go of him, even though I felt I had been wronged. Since that was cleared up as a misunderstanding, now, I felt like we should try to be together again. He told me he loved me, so wouldn't that be something that he would be alright with?

These seemed to be the only thoughts I could muster through the last couple of days. Five years without the love of my life was hard enough as is. Trying to forget him was hard and though I had succeeded for the first year, being back in Seattle was stirring up all types of feelings and thoughts. I welcomed it, though. I wanted those memories and emotions. I wanted to remember what it was like when we were together, laughing and carefree.

I wanted that again. But I knew if I broached the subject with Edward, it would probably be the most awkward situation ever. We would start slow, of course. Get to know each other all over again. Five years can really change someone. Shit, even a year is sufficient enough for someone who wants change.

I blew out a sigh as I flopped back on my bed. Packing was stressful enough without Alice and Rose throwing every damn piece of clothing they wanted me to wear on the bed. I was ninety-five percent positive I was laying on a lingerie set. Now, please, tell me what the hell I needed that for? I wasn't looking to get laid on this trip. Not while Edward would be in the next room, anyway.

Actually, not at all. I didn't want to get laid by anyone else but him. Maybe it was just me being optimistic, but I tossed the lingerie into the suitcase, anyway.

"Alright, bitch. Get up. We don't have time for you to be lazy." Alice bounced into the room with a few more dresses on hangers.

I rolled my eyes and sat up, running a hand through my hair. As I glanced toward her, I caught sight of Edward walking up the stairs and heading into his room. Before I could even realize what I was doing, I stood and made my way across the room, heading for the door.

"Where the hell do you think you're going?"

"I'll be back, Ali. Promise," I muttered softly as I passed her, stepping into the hall and walking the short distance to Edward's room.

I came to a stop in front of the door and took a deep breath, unsure if I should or not. Well, you only live once. My hand balled into a fist as I gently knocked on the door. I wrung my fingers together nervously as my gaze hit the floor.

The door swung open and as my eyes moved upward, I realized Edward was half-naked. Well, he had basketball shorts on and that was it. This man had a fucking body. I felt the breath get knocked out of me as my gaze continued to move up his body. His abs were well-defined, and his biceps were way bigger than they were five years ago.

"Bella?" His voice was soft and his eyes were curious as his head tilted slightly.

I cleared my throat as I averted my gaze from his body, mentally cursing myself. He knew I was starting. His lips had that crooked smirk that I loved so damn much. I rolled my eyes and tried to think of something to say.

"Whatever, I've seen better," I mumbled. Then my voice got a touch louder. "I just realized that I never apologized to you for what I did."

His face had dropped a bit at my first comment, but he regained his composure and gave a slight nod.

"Bella, please, don't. You don't have to."

I shook my head just as quickly as his words left his lips.

"Edward, please. Let me. I'm sorry for just up and leaving like I did without you explaining. I was confused and hurt, and I just wanted to get away. I know it's not an excuse, but.."

I stopped suddenly as I felt him move closer, his hand resting on the back of my head. Edward leaned forward and pressed his lips against my forehead. My lips dropped open in slight surprise as I registered his kiss.

"Bella, my love. You have nothing to apologize for, I swear. You never have to. I love you too much to hold you at fault for anything."

He flashed his signature smile at me once more and released his hold on me, heading back into the room. As the door softly clicked with the lock sliding in place, I let out my breath in a whoosh.

Fuck. That really happened.

"Damn."

I whirled around to find Alice and Rose standing in front of my bedroom door, just watching us. I rolled my eyes and headed back into the room, not saying a word to the two stalkers.

I needed to process.

"Bella, that man loves you so much." Rose said as she sat in front of me.

I released a sigh as I leaned back against the headboard of the bed, closing my eyes.

"I can see it in his eyes, B. It's true." I opened my eyes as Alice spoke, narrowing them slightly.

"I thought you still hated him?"

She gave a shrug. "I just wish he had been smart about all that shit. Besides, he could have tried harder to get into contact with you."

"Yeah, but Rose or Emmett could have told me the truth, too."

I saw Rose's face fall and I reached out and grabbed her hand, squeezing gently.

"I understand why you didn't, okay? I still love you both dearly. That won't ever change."

Her lips pulled upwards into a smile as she pulled me into a hug.

"Awwwwww, I want in on this!" Alice exclaimed. She hopped on the bed, pushed clothes aside and enveloped us in her embrace.

We all laughed as we fell to the side, landing on Alice.

"Alright, bitches, we got to get ready. Come on." Rose sat up first, pulling me with her.

"Ready?" I quirked a brow. "For what?"

"We are going to that new club tonight, Eclipse."

I groaned and fell back on the bed, hiding my face in Alice's side.

Needless to say, I was forced into sitting in front of Rose's vanity as they both played Bella Barbie. I took the time to think about what Edward had said and I wondered if he was going tonight, too.

I closed my eyes and just imagined what it'd be like if Edward and I were still together all this time.

Leave me something.

xoxo