The sun was nearly over the horizon when we arrived. There weren t very many clouds in the sky, and I was relieved that Carlisle had parked in the garage. While I knew there couldn t be a human around for a few miles (otherwise Edward would have known), I still didn t like to be out in direct sunlight.
Edward and Carlisle grabbed our luggage and Esme, Nessie and I followed them into the house.
We can put your stuff in the cottage later, Carlisle said, I don t think we should delay the reunion much longer.
He cleared his throat.
Guess who s here! he announced.
Carlisle s loud voice was drowned out by a very feminine squeal I heard coming from upstairs, followed by the sound of rushing footsteps. Alice raced down the stairs, and I was surprised she didn t trip. She ran over to me and hugged me.
My sister! Alice squealed, Welcome back!
If I could breathe, I probably wouldn t be able to right now.
I don t know why you are so surprised, I gasped, You could probably see me coming.
No I couldn t! Alice said, releasing me from her bear hug, Did you forget? I can t see you with the little runt around. Speaking of
She turned to Nessie.
Well, she said, in a surprised tone, I guess I can t call you a little runt anymore, huh?
Nessie smiled.
Aw, she said, waving a dismissive hand, You ll still be my little runt no matter how tall you get. Where is Aunt Alice s hug?
Nessie walked over to Alice and hugged her.
Where s Jasper and the others? Edward asked.
I m coming, Jasper s familiar voice said above us, I would have been here sooner, but Alice pushed me out of the way when she heard you. Only because I let her, if I might add.
Hmmph! Alice hissed.
Where are Em and Rose? Edward asked, looking around.
Hunting, Jasper said, as he walked down the stairs, Moose, I think. They ve been gone for a couple hours. They ll probably be back soon. I told them to leave a few for you guys.
We hunted yesterday, I said.
Ooh! Alice said, How was it? I always hunted to hunt in the forests of New Hampshire. I heard some of the wildlife out there are feisty.
Nothing too bad, Edward said, Our little Nessie managed to tackle a bear cub by herself.
You did?! Alice asked Nessie, Good job!
Only because I didn t let her tackle a big one, I might add, I said, I thought it would be better if it was mother vs. mother bear.
Maybe next time Aunt Alice can take you to tackle your first large one, Alice suggested to Nessie.
We ll see about that, I said.
So what are your plans today? Carlisle asked.
Bella wanted to visit Jacob and Charlie, Edward said.
Of course, Carlisle said.
How have the mutts been lately? Edward asked.
No trouble at all, Esme said, I swear Billy is close to including your father in his Sunday sports parties, though.
I can t blame him, Carlisle said, He gets really lonely. You know, Bella, your father rarely goes to Billy s parties now. He only goes when Billy assures him that Jacob and his friends won t be there.
I sighed.
I ll talk to Charlie about that, I said.
While we are on the subject, Carlisle said to me, What else are you going to discuss with him? I mean, Nessie s changed so much since your father last saw her. You know your father s ability to keep his questions to himself might not stay solid for long. We can t afford for the Volturi to have another reason to come to Forks, you know.
Charlie knows Nessie is special, I said, echoing my husband s usual response when it came to that subject.
Of course he does, Carlisle said, But that isn t my only point. Before too long, your father is bound to notice that you aren t aging any more. You should see some of your old friends, Bella. Their teenager years are leaving them, both in years and appearance.
What do you want me to say, Carlisle? I asked, my temper rising a little, I have no explanation rather than the obvious one I have to keep to myself!
Bella, Edward said, frowning.
No, it s fine, Carlisle said, raising a hand to stop Edward, Bella just needs to realize that her father is a very smart man.
Of course I know that! I exclaimed, Do you know how hard it is for me to lie to my father? I can t give my father an honest explanation to any of his unspoken questions.
It s what we all have to face, Bella, Carlisle said, You are a very unusual vampire, Bella. You decided to become a vampire, even if it meant hurting your family. No, not physically, but emotionally. And yet, you still love your family and friends. You care enough that you want to be honest with them about your -- for no better term -- your condition. Bella, you carry a heavy burden because of your love for your human family and friends. After too long, even with your strength, you will find it hard to carry that burden.
If vampires could cry, a waterfall of tears would be coming down my face. Carlisle was exactly right, and yet the thought of it angered me. I felt my hands shaking, and I knew I had to get out of the room.
We need to take our things to the cottage, I said, making an excuse to leave, Come, Nessie.
I picked up mine and Nessie s luggage and walked out the back door.
Are you okay, Mommy? Nessie asked.
I smiled. The soothing sound of my daughter s voice calmed me down a good measure.
I am now, I said.
Want to race to the cottage? Nessie asked, innocence ringing through her voice.
Do you remember where it is? I asked her.
Nessie nodded.
On go, I said, Three two one!
Nessie sped off.
I didn t say go! I called after her, I ll get you!
I heard my daughter s laughter, as I sped off toward her and the cottage. She beat me by half-a-stride.
I won! Nessie said.
No fair, I said, I was carrying luggage.
That never stopped you before, a familiar voice said.
I turned. Emmett and Rosalie walked out from behind the far wall of the cottage.
Welcome, home, sis, Rosalie said, Hey, Nessie!
Nessie ran over to Rosalie and hugged her.
Oh my, you are getting big, Rosalie commented, You know, if you tried very hard, I think you could beat Uncle Emmett in an arm wrestling match.
Only because, Emmett said, I would be too worried I would hurt her.
Gives her the advantage, Rosalie said, then turned to Nessie, Remember, Nessie, you always need to find the advantage in your foe. Right?
Nessie nodded. I then heard a silent whoosh only inhuman ears could hear.
Now, now, Edward s voice rang behind me, I believe my daughter is a little young for some of your pointers, Rose.
Little brother! Emmett boomed, walking over to Edward, and grasping him in a bear hug.
Catch any moose? Edward asked.
I see Jasper told you about our adventure, Emmett said, Yes, actually. We only captured one, but it must have been -- what, Rose? Ten hands high?
Seven, Rosalie corrected him, Emmett exaggerates too much.
Only one moose this time? Edward asked, Surely there were more?
Not too many, Rosalie said, I was just as surprised as you are. Usually we can get a large herd. The one we nailed was the biggest one there, and even then there were less than half-a-dozen.
Is that uncommon? I asked.
We can usually find a good herd around this time of the year, Rosalie said, It s common to find at least twenty in a herd. That is why we went for moose. I thought we were in for a good meal.
Where would they go? I asked, Would they have migrated south?
If that s true, Emmett said, It must be really far south then.
Strange, Edward commented.
We ll worry about that later, Rosalie said, From the looks of it, you probably want to get yourselves settled in. Must have been a long trip.
Yeah, I said.
We ll see you guys back up at the house then, Rosalie said.
With that, Rosalie and Emmett sped off toward the house. Edward, Nessie and I walked into the cottage. There wasn t a spot of dust anywhere. It looked exactly like we had left it.
Esme must have cleaned, Edward said, looking around.
Nessie ran toward her room.
No running in the house, Nessie! I called after her, We don t want to break any of Grandma Esme s things, do we?
I got a bigger bed! Nessie exclaimed, Come see!
Must be one of Nessie s birthday presents Esme told me about, Edward said, as he and I walked toward Nessie s room.
Sure enough, the newest addition to the small room was a large single-sized brass bed. Brass knobs were on the tip of the four corners. The brass had been polished, and almost sparkled in the daylight.
I wondered where that bed went too, Edward said.
What? I asked.
Esme s had it in her possession for a very long time, Edward explained, Then after a while, it vanished. I thought it got destroyed. I guess not.
You hear that, Nessie? I said to my daughter, This is a very old bed. I don t want to even hear you try to jump on it.
Nessie pouted. Edward laughed and I followed him into our bedroom.
So what do you think happened to the moose population? I asked him.
Hmm? Edward said, Oh. They probably just migrated, like you said. Nothing to worry about.
I nodded, but I wasn t too sure. Had the large animals decided to just move on, or was there another explanation?
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Knowing Nessie really wanted to see him, Edward and I decided to visit Jacob before we visited Charlie. Besides, I still wasn t ready for the possible questions that came my way. Jacob, of course, would be more welcoming. So around noon, Edward, Nessie and I took one of Edward s cars that he had kept in Forks and drove to La Push. I wanted to surprise Jacob, so I didn t call him to expect us. I half-expected him to not be at his house.
But when we arrived, and I honked the horn, Jacob was the one to open the door. He walked outside and I couldn t help but notice that he had grown at least a few more inches.
When is he going to stop growing? I heard Edward mutter, as we stepped out of the car.
Hey Jake! I exclaimed, waving at my best friend.
Bells! Jacob said, Nessie!
Jakey! Nessie exclaimed, running toward him.
Jakey? Edward mouthed to me.
I shrugged.
When did you guys get here? Jacob asked.
Around seven this morning, I answered, Where s Billy?
Inside, Jacob said, nodding to his house, I wouldn t bother him. Seahawks are losing and he is a little err mad.
I laughed.
How is the pack? I asked, Sam, Seth, and everyone?
Ah, yes Sam, he said, slowly.
What s wrong? I asked, afraid of the tone of his voice.
Sam and Emily moved away, Jacob said, softly, A few months ago. They re somewhere in Wyoming, I think. I don t know why. They haven t bothered to write in a while. Anyway, I am the new Alpha of the whole pack.
As it always should have been, I said, with a smile.
I felt a tinge of sadness for Sam and Emily just up and moving, but that was all. Out of all of the pack, Sam Uley was my least favorite. I wouldn t tell anyone, but I was happy to see him out of La Push.
How is everyone? I asked.
Great, I said, Though I think Leah has found her imprint.
What?! I said, surprised.
Out of everyone in the pack, I had least expected Leah to find her imprint.
This was only recently, Jacob said, Only don t mention it to her. She s a little confused at the moment. I don t know. A few days ago, we had a bonfire and Leah brought a guest. She said she met him at the mall, and a few minutes later I realized she only had eyes for him.
And, Edward said, How does er he --
Louis, Jacob said.
How does Louis feel? Edward corrected himself.
As far as I can tell, Jacob said, Louis is madly in love with her.
And does he know? I asked, You know -- about your pack s -- err -- furry little problem?
Edward laughed at the term.
I don t know, to be honest, Jacob said, ignoring Edward, That is why I said she is a little confused. She doesn t know whether to reveal her secret.
How does Seth feel about it? I asked.
He couldn t be happier for his sister, Jacob said.
Maybe I should meet this Louis, Edward said, I m sure a quick trip through his mind would reveal what he knows.
Would that be wise? I asked, even though I was happy that Edward offered to help, I mean shouldn t Leah talk to him herself?
What do you think, Jacob? Edward asked, You re her Alpha.
Give her a few days, Jacob said, I will observe Leah s actions. If something gets suspicious, I will decide what to do then. So, Bella, have you talked to your father since you been here?
No, I said, shaking my head, That is our next destination.
Ah, Jacob said.
Why? I asked.
He s been avoiding me, Jacob said, sadly, And I think I know why. Only, he won t let me talk to him, and he won t talk about me to Billy. If Billy mention s my name, Charlie hangs up the phone.
I sighed.
I ll talk to him about you, I promised him, He ll listen to me.
Thank you, Bells, Jacob said, I really would hate to be an enemy of the Forks sheriff, you know?
I nodded.
Speaking of, Edward said, Perhaps we shouldn t delay our visit with Charlie any longer.
What? Nessie said, frowning, We have to leave already?
We ll visit again, Nessie, I said, I promise. Besides, don t you want to see Grampa?
Nessie nodded eagerly.
You go see your Grampa, Nessie, Jacob said, kneeling down to her, We ll see each other soon. Can I get a hug?
I heard a low growl from Edward as our daughter hugged Jacob.
Time to go, I said.
Bye Jakey! Nessie said.
Goodbye, Jacob said, before looking up at me, See you later, Bella. Welcome back. You too, Edward.
Edward waved quickly. I smiled and retreated into the car. Nessie was still waving goodbye to Jacob as we backed down the road.
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We made a beeline for my old house in Forks. I looked up at the sky and was happy to see that clouds were covering it.
Looks like rain, I said, happily.
Edward nodded. We arrived at my old house a short while later and parked in the driveway. We stepped out of the car and walked up to the door. I tapped lightly on it, afraid I would knock it down otherwise.
A moment later, the door opened and Charlie stood there.
My beautiful Bella! he said.
Hi, Daddy, I said, hugging him.
Come on in, he said, I want to get a good look at you.
It felt strange to be anxious in my old house. It was almost as if I was unwelcome by some powerful force. Without another thought, I followed Charlie into the living room.
Well, he said, I must say, you do look a little different. Though not by much.
I can t say the same for you, Dad, I said.
Charlie s hair had more grey spots than I remembered. A wrinkle or two had formed on his forehead.
So I m getting old, Charlie shrugged, And, there you are, Nessie! Come give your old Grampa a hug!
Nessie hugged Charlie.
How is my little granddaughter? Charlie asked, Oh well, not so little anymore, I see.
I heard the mixture of curiosity and questioning in his voice.
I guess it is just what I have to expect, Charlie said, from such a special little girl like you. Edward. How are you?
Wonderful as always, Chief Swan, Edward said, in his polite voice he always used around my father.
Sit down! Please! Charlie urged us, You must be exhausted.
It has already been a long day, I said, sitting down on the couch.
Nessie sat down with Charlie, and Edward sat next to me.
We visited Jacob, Dad, I said.
Charlie stared silently at me for a moment. I glanced over at Edward, and noticed that he was probably reading my father s mind.
How is he? Charlie finally asked with a very strained voice.
Better than ever, I said.
That s good, Charlie said.
Edward nudged me and I knew I needed to change the subject for a while. I would return to the subject of Jacob later.
So, Dad, I said, As we drove through Forks, I couldn t put my finger on something. I didn t know what it was, but it seems there is something different about this town.
I think I know what you mean, Charlie said, This town has grown in population since you left.
Really? I asked, a bit surprised at the news.
Yes, I said, By large numbers too. Ever since the serial murders in Seattle, more and more citizens have moved out of the big city. Many of them have moved to Forks and the surrounding towns.
Have you met any of them? Edward asked.
I m sheriff, Edward, Charlie said, I make sure I know everybody in this small town.
Anybody interesting? Edward asked.
I stared at Edward for a moment. Had he seen something in my father s mind that made him ask these questions?
Now that you mention it, Charlie said, There is one particular family. They are kind of similar to your family.
In what way? I asked.
I froze. Exactly how similar were they?
They are a big family, Charlie said, I haven t met everyone of them, but I wouldn t be surprised if they were bigger in size than your family, Edward. Their last name is Grayson, I think. I ve only met three of the family members. The father, Lyle, is an interesting individual. Well, to be honest, the whole family is interesting. If I didn t know any better, I d say they were afraid of the dark.
Excuse me? I muttered.
The only time I see Lyle and his family is during the day, Charlie said, Of course, it isn t like I am stalking them, so I m probably wrong. I probably just don t notice them during the night.
I sighed, relieved. Well, at least they weren t vampires. If they were, they would have stayed inside during the daylight.
These Graysons, Edward said, Where do they live?
Somewhere closer to La Push, I d say, Charlie said, Why do you ask?
My father didn t mention them to me, Edward said, I m just surprised. He s like you. He personally likes to know everyone around here.
Perhaps he hasn t met them, Charlie suggested.
Yes, Edward said, I should ask him.
Nessie, Charlie said, Are you a bit hungry? You must be. I bet you haven t had lunch yet.
Nessie nodded.
Come with me to the kitchen, Charlie said, I think if we look hard enough, we can find that left-over pizza.
Is it meat-lovers? Nessie asked.
You know, Charlie said, thoughtfully, I think it might be.
Nessie smiled and leapt up, then headed for the kitchen.
Quick one, isn t she? Charlie said to me, laughing, Wait for me, Nessie!
He stood up, and disappeared into the kitchen.
What is your fascination with the Graysons? I asked Edward silently.
I don t know yet, Edward said, Ask me again some other time.
I narrowed my eyebrows. Did my husband know something that he wasn t telling me?