I didn't move. I didn't breathe. I didn't do anything. All I wanted do was scream these questions out of my mouth: Why are you guys here?! What are you doing here, Edward?! Why?! Why, why, why?!

But I never opened my mouth.

"Bella?" Charlie called. "Bella, it's okay. I know they're not going to hurt you. They just want to talk."

I turned to him with wide eyes. I felt like crying, and maybe even…dying. But I didn't want to show weakness.

"Bella?" a beautiful, tinkling voice said.

I looked at her. She's still pixie-like and beautiful and graceful as I remembered. Alice walked cautiously over to me. Then she opened her arms for a…hug. Hugs are physical contact. Her arms will touch me. Touching…me…

I was panicking inside. Really panicking. My heart felt like bursting out of my chest.

Then I felt her cold, skinny arms wrap around me. I froze. I didn't hug her back. I felt like a statue. I almost laughed at that when the person who's hugging me is the statue. She let go of me with hurt eyes—it hurt me badly to see that. I took a couple of steps back—that made her pain look even more apparent. She wouldn't understand.

Alice smiled a dazzling smile, although there was a lot of hurt and sadness in her eyes. "Hi, Bella," she said softly. "I missed you."

I gulped, and tried to smile, but it was a fake smile. "H—hi, Alice," I greeted back, my voice quivering. I knew I was going to cry. I missed my best friend—my crazy, shopaholic best friend.

"How are you?" I could tell she wanted to ask more than that.

"Um…" I could never answer that question or else I would be bawling. Every time people ask that question, it reminds of that night. But I had to answer to remain inconspicuous. "I'm…fine," I finally said.

"Oh," she said, but she knew I was lying. She stayed standing, just looking at me.

Next, Emmett came up. He was about to hug me but stopped. Apparently, Alice had a vision about what might happen, and spoke in a very low tone to tell Emmett; I saw her lips moving. Emmett stood next to Alice and grinned at me.

"Hey, Bella," he greeted. "Missed ya."

He's still goofy, and as big as ever. "Hi, Emmett. Missed you, too."

"Hello, Bella dear," I heard Esme greet.

I looked at her. "Hi, Esme. It's good to see you."

"You, too." She smiled warmly. "You're still as beautiful as ever."

I blushed. "Th-thanks."

"Hello, Bella," Carlisle greeted. "It's nice to see you again."

"Hi, Carlisle. It's nice to see you again, too," I said.

"Hi, Bella," Rosalie greeted warmly.

I was stunned. Rosalie Hale just greeted me without glares or the cold shoulder, but a warm 'hi'?

"Hi…R-Rosalie," I stuttered.

She gave me a beautiful smile.

"Hello, Bella," Jasper greeted next. He smiled at me, but he looked guilty for some reason—probably from my birthday. I forgave him a long time ago.

I smiled a little for his sake. "Hi, Jasper."

All that was left was Edward. He was looking out the window. He looked like he was arguing with someone. Then he sighed, and looked at me. I almost gasped. I could never forget how gorgeous he looked, even though I saw him in school earlier. He stared into my eyes, locking the gaze. Then he smiled his perfect crooked grin.

"Hello, Bella," his velvety, musical voice greeted.

I blushed, and took a deep breath. I greeted back, "Hi…Edward." I tried to smile at him, but it was a fake smile, like how I tried to smile at Alice. He saw that, and frowned.

Then it was silent. All of the Cullens were looking at me—even my dad. I hate attention. Didn't they know that? Was I a display or something? Are they expecting me to say something?

I turned to my dad. "I'm…going to do my homework," I lied. I didn't have any. "There's some leftovers in the fridge from yesterday. That is, if you want me to cook something else." As long as I am not the center of attention, I added mentally.

He scrutinized my face for a moment, and then replied, "It's okay, Bella. You go do your homework."

I went upstairs shaking. I dumped my bag on the ground, and fell on the bed. The tears unleashed. Why are they here? I thought to myself again. Why?

I stood up from my bed, and wiped my tears on my jacket. I walked towards the door and opened it carefully. I walked about five stairs down, and then sat on one of the steps. I strained my ears to listen to what they were talking about. The Cullens would know, but not my dad.

"…been feeling so…distant. I didn't know what to do, and I'm her father," I heard Charlie saying sadly. It broke my heart. "She was being herself again when Jacob Black became close friends with her. But then…I don't know what happened. She stopped hanging out with him. I asked her why and she replied that he didn't want her to be friends with him anymore. I asked Billy about it, but he told me that Jacob doesn't tell him a thing." What a lie, I thought. "Then something terrible happened to her. I'm sorry, but I can't tell you what happened to her. It's…just too painful to explain. And if I told you…I would remember that tragic…time…" He was sobbing now.

"We understand, Charlie," I heard Carlisle say kindly.

"Thank you," he sniffled. "Bella started to act worse than how she was before she was friends with Jacob. It's a good thing her friends still talk to her—or at least that's what I think. Bella wouldn't make anybody touch"—his voice broke around that word—"her. If they did, she would cringe. Whenever she comes home, she just says that she'll cook later or do her homework. She stays in her bedroom. I wanted her to go to her mother, but she threw a tantrum. I've never seen her so mad."

I wanted to see their reactions, but I was supposed to be doing my homework. I feel so dirty on eavesdropping them.

"Charlie," Carlisle said, "I know what happened to Bella."

I froze. Well, of course he knew. He's a doctor; he knows the effects that will happen to me. I was scared at how Edward would react since he probably read his mine. But he doesn't care about me anymore. I bet he was forced to come here, and act all…caring towards me.

"Y-you do?" Charlie asked, sniffling. "What can I do, Doctor Cullen?"

"You need to make someone talk to her. She's traumatized, Charlie. When did this…night happen?"

"Um, weeks ago, I think."

Three weeks, five days and counting, I corrected internally.

"Hmm… Charlie, you need to make Bella talk to someone. She can't stay like this," Carlisle said. "If she stays like this, things could happen…"

"What do you mean?"

"Bella's not only traumatized, she's…depressed, or perhaps something much worse than that."

"I don't understand."

"If Bella stays like this—depressed and traumatized—her subconscious will make her do things. Suicide."

I was crying while I listened. I wouldn't kill myself. I always thought about it, but never really wanted to. That would kill everyone.

Charlie gasped out loud. "No. Doctor Cullen, please help Bella!" he shouted pleadingly.

"I will," he said in a sure voice. "Charlie…like I said before, Bella needs to talk to someone, or let all her feelings out to someone. She needs to let her feelings out. It's bad to keep it all in—bad for her subconscious and health."

"You want me to take her to counseling?" Charlie sounded aghast. "She would get mad! She's stubborn, Doctor."

"No, that's not what I meant. Bella needs answers from a certain someone."

Oh, no… He's not going to make me talk to Ed—

"You want Edward to talk to her?" Charlie growled.

"It's for the best. Edward's leaving made Bella in pain—badly. The same thing happened to Edward." I blinked shocked. Edward was depressed? "He didn't stay with the family. He locked himself in his room. He wasn't there for the holidays, either. He truly missed her, but we had to leave, Charlie. Please, understand that. It wasn't his fault." I wasn't even sure if Carlisle was lying or not. I felt bad just thinking that. "We didn't want to leave Bella. She's family." I almost cried at that. "She's a miracle in our life, especially to Edward."

"I know," Charlie sighed. "It's not your fault, neither is it yours, Edward."

"It's still my fault," Edward disagreed. "I broke her heart." Why does Edward care so much?

"It's not your fault, Edward. It was nobody's fault. Carlisle, I'll consider your suggestion."

"Okay. Well, we have to go now. It is a school night." Carlisle chuckled.

"Oh. Right. Sorry for holding your kids back. By the way, aren't you three supposed to be in college?" Charlie asked.

"They wanted to go back to Forks and see Bella," Esme answered. "They really missed her."

"Oh. Well, then, bye. Drive safely," Charlie said. Don't count on that, Charlie.

I heard more goodbyes, and I was about to go in my room when Edward said something.

"Um, Chief Swan?" Edward called.

"Yes, Edward?"

"Sorry for doing this to your daughter—I never meant to hurt her feelings that bad. I didn't want to do that to her. It was a blasphemy to me. I hope I can help her be her old self again—if she'll allow me." Will I allow him?

"Thanks, Edward. But I'm still keeping an eye on you," Charlie warned.

"I'll keep that in mind, sir. Goodnight, and I hope Bella gets a good sleep, too. Sorry again, sir. Bye." I heard the door close.

Charlie sighed, and that was my cue to go.

-x-

I woke up. I was so glad it was Saturday. I didn't have any nightmares, or a dream. Well, that was rare, I thought. I mostly had nightmares of…things.

I got off my bed, and stretched—I heard my bones popping. I shivered; it was cold. I was only wearing a blue tank top and black shorts. I looked out the window, and stifled a groan. It was raining.

I went to the bathroom, and stifled a groan again. I looked worse than Medusa. I brushed roughly through my hair, brushed my teeth, and washed my face.

I ran down the stairs, and as always, tripped on the last step.

"Bella?!" Charlie shouted from the kitchen. He ran towards me. He didn't pick me up like before, but I could tell he wanted to. "You okay?!"

I nodded against the floor. I picked myself up. I was okay. It's a good thing I wasn't anemic.

"Um…I bought waffles…if you want," he said.

I nodded again, and went to the kitchen.

"Bella, I have to go to the station," Charlie said behind me. "Could you, um, keep the guests company?"

I froze. What?

I turned to look at him. I raised an eyebrow.

"The Cullens are here again. They want to talk to you—alone. You have to do this, Bella. Please." He was right; I needed to do this.

I sighed resignedly and nodded.

He smiled at me. "Thanks, Bella, you're doing well. Well, I got to go." And with that, he left, making me alone with seven, beautiful vampires in my house, in the living room, just a couple of feet away.

I grabbed the bag that says "Spoon's Café" and opened the bag. The waffles smelled pretty good. I took a waffle out of and began nibbling on it. When I turned around, I saw Alice there standing.

"Hey," she greeted.

"Hi, Alice," I greeted back.

"So, how have you been the last few months?" she asked casually, hopping onto the counter.

"Terrible."

She smiled sadly at me. "I'm sorry. I didn't know that our leaving would really…hit you—figuratively speaking of course."

I laughed softly. Yes, people, I, Bella Swan, have finally laughed—a real laugh. "It's all right. Are the others there?"

She nodded. "Yup. See, you should remain this way—laughing and smiling."

"Yeah…," I trailed off. "So, um, how are you?"

"Horrible and bored to death. Life's not the same without you, Bells."

I blushed. "Same here, Alice."

Alice started to examine my body. My blush became redder.

"Alice, what are you doing?" I felt exposed.

"Have you been eating lately?"

"Uh…" I held up my waffle.

She sighed. "Bella, you're so thin! It's not right! You don't have to be Carlisle to know that. I'm going to fatten you up, even if it means I have to watch you gorge down those repulsive smelling junk."

"You're staying here?" I asked eagerly.

She grinned at me. "Of course. We're not going to make the same mistake again."

"We're?"

"Yes, we're. That means Edward belongs in the 'we're' category." She smiled slightly. "He missed you, you know."

I ignored that last sentence. "And you know that he's a vampire with bat hearing, right?" I was actually interacting like how I always did.

"I know." Then she groaned. "Bella's not going to bite, guys."

In a second, the rest of the Cullen family was in front of me, keeping their distance.

Alice giggled. "We have got to catch up, Bella!" At least someone was acting normal, I thought. "I'll buy you lots and lots of clothes!"

"Alice, no," I whined. I could see Edward staring at me.

"Geez, Bella, you're still like that? Shopping isn't that bad." She shook her head at me.

"Only when it's with you."

Emmett chuckled. "That's so true, Bells!"

Rosalie whacked him on the head.

"Rose, ouch! She's Bella, not some lost puppy. It's like all of you guys are scared of her."

"Bella, dear, why aren't you eating breakfast?" Esme asked.

I looked at the abandoned waffle I was eating. "I'm not hungry," I replied.

"You have to eat something, dear. Want me to make you something?" Her voice was kind as always.

I shook my head. "It's fine, Esme. Thanks for the offer."

"Fill your stomach with something, Bella," Carlisle said in a professional voice. "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day."

I smiled, and began eating my waffle again. They all stared at me.

"Alice—" Edward started to say.

"Can I hug you, again, Bella?" Alice asked, cutting off Edward.

I bit my lip, and started to look at the floor.

"Alice," Carlisle scolded. "Don't hug her. She's uncomfortable. You can't just pop that question at her."

"Sorry. I just want to hug my best friend, and feel her soft, warm human body on me." She smiled sheepishly.

"Oh, really?" Emmett said slyly.

Edward groaned. "Emmett, please. That's not what Alice meant, and you know that."

Rosalie whacked him again.

Esme scolded, "Emmett McCarthy Cullen! Stop thinking such obscene thoughts!"

"Don't think about Alice inappropriately, Emmett, or else I'll have your head—literally," Jasper threatened.

Emmett raised his hands, palms out. "Hey! No threats! You guys don't have to make a big deal out of this! Right, Bella?" He grinned at me.

"Don't drag Bella into your immaturity," Edward growled.

"Overprotective," Emmett chuckled.

"Guys—shut up!" Alice shouted.

"Alice!" Esme scolded.

"I mean, shut your traps! This is very rude! And you're doing this in front of poor Bella!" Alice looked at Esme. "You should be ashamed of them."

I giggled. I actually giggled! I'm going crazy here.

"She's enjoying this, though," Edward said, smiling at me.

I blushed.

"Do you want to go somewhere today, Bella?" Alice asked.

"I think I have work." I bit my waffle again.

"Call them and see!"

"Why don't you just tell me what they'll say?" I ate the last piece of my waffle.

She laughed. "Silly Bella. I want you to see for yourself, including others."

"Stop blocking me," Edward growled.

She stuck her tongue out at him.

I smiled at their brother and sister bond, and headed for the phone. They followed me. I dialed the number for Newton's Sporting Goods.

Ring, ring, ring—

"Hello?" Mike's voice asked.

"Hey, Mike," I greeted.

"Oh, Bella!" He seemed shocked; I was, too. "You seem happy today."

"Yeah… Listen, am I working today?" Please say no, please say no!

"Um…no." Yes! "It's pretty slow. I don't want you to be bored." Mike is a great friend, I'll tell you that.

I smiled. "Aw, thanks, Mike. I appreciate it."

"Bella, you seem awfully…you today," he noted.

I laughed. "Huh. I didn't know that," I said sarcastically.

"Okay, bye, Bella."

"Bye, Mike." I hung up the phone, and looked at Alice. "I'm not working."

She rolled her eyes. "I know that. Now…let's go…shopping!"

"She just woke up and had breakfast," Edward sighed.

"Fine then! You're coming Edward!" Alice grinned; it had a hint of mischievousness in it.

"What—"

Esme cut him off, "You need to spend time with Bella. Please?"

Edward looked at me, and then smiled. And I blushed yet again.

"Okay," he agreed.

Alice clapped her hands together. "Yes!"

-x-

"Alice, this is a lot," I commented on the huge bags surrounding Alice and Jasper's room.

"It's mostly yours," she giggled.

"I thought we only bought, like five bags!" I cried.

"Yeah, well, when you were doing your human stuff, I did some things—with the help of Edward! So, I'm not taking all of the blame!" she defended.

I rolled my eyes.

Edward…

"Go," Alice announced. "I already saw it."

I smiled at her. "Thanks, Alice." I knew in this kind of moment we would hug, but…

I walked toward Edward's room. I was about to raise my hand to knock, but I heard Edward say, "Come in." I slowly turned the knob, and went inside, shutting the door behind me.

There was Edward, lying down casually on his sofa. What a perfect picture…

I shifted nervously. "Can I…talk to you?"

He sat up and patted the spot next to him.

"Sure, Bella," he said softly, smiling at me.

I walked and sat next to him, keeping a distance between us.

I looked at him in the eyes and was immediately trapped.

Wow. I got a lot of reviews! Thanks so much. Sorry if I didn't update fast enough. My family has to use the computer, too. I know Bella is Bella already, but that's because the Cullens—Edward—are back. I won't tell you what happened to Bella; you have to find out in the later chapters. By the way, 'Spoon's Cafe' really is in Forks.

Please Review, and if you have any questions, please tell me. :)

Monica-san.