Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of the characters… :(

Thank you so so so so so so so so much for reading and reviewing!! Many of you suggested writing this Epilogue and I must admit I was half thinking about it anyway. I couldn't resist!

I have just posted the first chapter of the 'Ali Story'; aka "Half Life."

Here is the link for anyone who may be interested: /s/4346563/1/HalfLife

A/N1: I haven't been able to come up with a special talent for Bella...if anyone has any suggestions I would love to hear them!! (xxx)

Seven years. I had only been gone seven years but it seemed like a lifetime. Ali was ten now. I leant closer to Edward as I watched her chattering happily to Emmett about something or other. The look in Emmett's eyes was obvious unadulterated adoration. And why not? He was effectively Ali's father. At least that's how Ali saw him.

Ali was nestled between her 'parents' on a comfortable leather couch. She looked so beautiful. Rosalie had her bronze hair in a French plait. She had flawless pale skin but there was a hint of pink on her cheeks. Her hazel eyes sparkled with the joy of being so close to her parents.

Emmett had eyes for no-one but Ali. He listened to her story as if it was the most interesting thing he had ever heard. Rosalie was watching me carefully; evaluating my every move and response. Did she feel threatened by my presence? Of course she did. I was standing in the way of her perfect family. On second thoughts I knew that was unfair. I knew that that wasn't how Rosalie felt but as I looked at the perfect family sitting in front of me I couldn't help but feel that she did.

"I'm going to go out" I muttered to no-one in particular. I couldn't look at that idyllic picture anymore. Ali was my daughter but I was now being forced to play the role of aunt as opposed to mother. That was hard.

"I'll come" Edward volunteered. We had barely been apart in seven years, except on the occasions that I sent him home to his family. As a result of this being away from him felt like an impossibility. But right now I needed space.

"No, you should stay with your family. I'll be back soon" I said as I faked an unconvincing smile. I had to make a conscious effort to slow down as I left the room. Ali didn't know that she was living in a house of vampires and it would not be helpful if I turned into a blur as I left the room in my haste to escape.

I went out to the forest and I ran. I ran until I felt the stress and tension fade away. Throughout the seven years exile I used to run to get rid of frustrations. There was a certain adrenaline that came with running this fast. And with the adrenaline came a release.

Once the hurt was gone I was able to focus my mind. I wanted nothing more than to go back and tell Ali that I was her mother not Rosalie. I wanted to hug her, I wanted to hold her close, I wanted to be her mother. But I knew that that wasn't what should happen. The look of sheer joy in Ali's eyes, the look of adoration in Emmett's and the look of protection in Rosalie's haunted me. They were a family and they were happy. I couldn't be the one to break that up. I would still be Ali's mother, I would just admire from afar; I would be 'Auntie Bella.' That was an incredibly difficult concept to comprehend. I felt like it was a demotion and whats more it broke my heart. All the same it was what's best for Ali and Ali was the number priority.

With that in mind I returned back to the Cullen's house. Meekly, I glided into the living room where I knew most of the Cullen's were to be found.

"Emmett, Rosalie, can I talk to you for a moment" I asked gently. Emmett and Rosalie followed me to the kitchen; Edward trailed them.

"First off, you guys have done an amazing job with Ali" I smiled. "She is incredibly beautiful and seems to be very happy. So I want to thank you so much, I couldn't have wished for anything better for my little girl."

Emmett nodded in acknowledgement. Pride flickered in his topaz eyes. Rosalie held my hand in hers as a means of comfort. She looked as if she was going to say something but I continued before she had a chance. It would be easier to say all this if I wasn't interrupted.

"I know that you are afraid that I am going to waltz back into Ali's life and try to take it over. And there is no need to deny it; I can see it in your eyes and body language. Its okay, I understand. But I am not going to interfere. Ali is happy with you two and you are fantastic parents. Therefore I propose that Ali is brought up believing that you are her parents. But I would also appreciate it if she wasn't told anything about vampires. She doesn't have to deal with that yet and I believe that it should remain that way. This is merely a suggestion. You are her parents and ultimately have the final decision…" I trailed off.

I couldn't go on anymore. This was too difficult. I concentrated solely on a small terracotta pot on the windowsill. In any other setting that pot would be regarded as something to admire. In this setting it was bizarrely out of place. I felt Edward's arms wrap themselves around me. Edward knew how difficult this was for me. I could feel that he was yearning to help me in some way. But he was powerless. As was I, in the grander scheme of things.

"Bella" Rosalie's voice chimed. "Ali is your daughter. She always has been and always will be. We will continue caring for her if you think that is what is best. But I just want to say, that from day one Ali has been a delight. I put that down to you Bella. You created the most wonderful human being I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. And I thank you most copiously for giving me the chance to act as her mother."

I met her Rosalie's stunning topaz eyes. The suppressed emotion in my eyes seemed to be enough of a reply for Rosalie.

"Mom" Ali called from the next room. I had to fight the natural urge to jump up and rush to her side. That was Rosalie's job now.

Rosalie dutifully moved to the door but she paused on the threshold.

"Oh and Bella, as far as Emmett and I are concerned you have the final decision on everything to do with Ali."

"Thank you" I whispered as I watched with a heavy heart Rosalie go to tend to my daughter. I guess 'Auntie Bella' would have to do for now.

Thank you sooooooo much!!

Hope you liked!

Xxx