It literally looked as if the house was a vampire lair. Their were cobwebs everywhere! I could see the dust roaming free, covering every aspect of the house. If it weren't for the array of familiar scents, I would've thought they'd all up and left.
"Holy." Renesmee gasped when she caught up with me. "What happened to this place!"
I couldn't even conjure up an explanation for this mess. I sniffed, and was relieved when I didn't smell two particular scents. This would just make this visit all the more easier.
"They're probably out hunting. We should just wait until they come back." I said, and Renesmee nodded. She was still in awe of the way the house looked, and I took this time to scope out the rest of the house.
Each room looked exactly the same as the living room. Dust, dirt, and cobwebs covering every single area. I dared myself to go in his room, and to my surprise, I didn't break down. I held my chin up high, and knew I could do this. The room was empty. Just like they packed up and went their own way.
Good. I was somewhat glad the Cullens kicked them out. Unless they chose to leave. Whichever was fine with me.
I heard the noises of footsteps approaching. I actually heard Renesmee hiss. I laughed.
"Ness, relax. It's the Cullens." I reassured.
"Oh." She said, and her growling stopped.
The steps slowed, and I knew whichever Cullen it was, they were very confused, if not cautious. You'd think they would recognize my scent. But they probably never thought I would come back. And they didn't know Renesmee's full vampire scent...
The downstairs door flung open, and I heard a growl. It was male. Oh, heck no. This better not be Edward. Whoever it was, I was not about to let them pose a threat to my daughter. I was downstairs in an instant, growling ten times louder than they did.
Jasper immediately stopped, and straightened up from his crouch. It took me a while to realize that he wasn't a threat, and I released my fighting stance as soon as I could think straight.
"Jasper." I breathed, shocked. He nodded sharply.
"Yes. Bella?" He asked. Well, yeah.
"Yeah." I said, like it should have been obvious. "Sorry." I quickly apologized. He nodded quickly, again.
"It's fine." He spoke, and paused a bit. "What are you doing here?" It came out more harsher than he probably intended it to, but he didn't say anything.
"I realized it wasn't fair to keep Renesmee away from you guys. And she missed you." I finished, and he flinched. I realized I didn't say I missed them. "I did too." I added, softly. I swear I saw him smile, but it disappeared just as quickly as it had come. He cleared his throat.
"Oh, well, um. The rest should be back soon." He announced, and went to walk outside. What, no welcome back? Did the whole family move on from me? From us? I died inside at the thought.
I sighed. I looked at Renesmee, and she seemed hurt. He didn't even acknowledge her!
"Baby, it's okay. For one, he probably don't recognize you. And, two, he's obviously still in pain. He was with Alice for at least a century more than I was with Edward. His pain will naturally last longer. I'm not even sure I'm quite alight yet myself." I said, the last part I whispered. She came and hugged me.
"Screw him, Mom. Screw them both. They obviously didn't deserve such amazing people as you two." She soothed, and kissed my cheek. I swear, sometimes I feel the roles are reversed with us. It seems as she always comforting me, not the other way around, as it should be.
We were so engrossed in out little moment, we didn't even hear the others approach.
"Woah! Sweet momma, what do we have here?" Boomed someone. Emmett. That automatically made me smile.
"Emmett!" I yelled. And ran over to hug him.
"Bellllaaa! Where have you been my whole life!" He mock-sang. I giggled, and slapped him on the arm.
"Hiding! Now put me down." I ordered, playfully. He did so, and bowed down, like I was a queen.
"Oh, yes, great and mighty queen." That made me laugh harder. Man, I've missed his goofyness. Just then another pair of stone arms wrapped around me.
"Bella!" Cried Rose. I almost forgot our new friendship! I gladly hugged her back. It seems as I'll be needing a great friend.
"Rose! Oh gosh, I've missed you so much!" I exclaimed back. She laughed, and released me just in time for another pair of arms to squish me.
"Bella! Oh, my sweet child. I am so glad you came back here." Esme dry-sobbed. I cried right along with her. I sure did miss her. She was the closest thing I had to a mother now.
"Esme, I've missed you too. I love you, I love you all!" I said, and Carlisle came and joined the hug along with Esme.
"Bella. I am so glad to have you back. We all really have missed you so much. Welcome back, sweet Bella." He said, and I swear I heard his voice crack. If I could have tears I would be soaked in them.
"You guys, I didn't realize how much I've missed you." I smiled through broken sobs. Renesmee! "And, did you notice your other guest?" I asked, smiling. Rose and Esme were already hugging and cooing to her. Then Carlisle and Emmett were next. It was so funny to see that. But I was so overwhelmed with joy at being back with my family.
"Wheres Jake?" Renesmee asked. I almost forgot how Jacob imprinted on her. These last three years must have been devastating for him. I was so caught up in my selfish attempt to escape, that I didn't even put into consideration the feelings of my loved ones.
"We don't know." Carlisle said, softly. "He never came back after..." He trailed off. I bit my lip, and looked down. Here comes the conversation I was hoping to avoid. And so soon! "Bella." Carlisle began.
"I know, I know. I've had time to heal. And, time doesn't heal wounds. Especially when you have forever." I explained. They all looked like they could cry for me if they could. Even Emmett was serious! That was something! "You guys, I really don't hold anything against you all. Why would I? I love you all just the same. Well, most of you all." I made that last part clear. They all nodded understandingly.
"So..." I began. "Where are they?" I asked, wanting and not wanting to hear the answer at the same time.
"Well, when I got back, I knew something was wrong from the start. Then I took in Jasper's expression, and he told me the whole thing. I guess I kind of lost it and demanded they leave." Esme said, sheepishly. And just when I thought I couldn't love her anymore. I beamed.
"Really?" She nodded. "But I don't want to be the reason I tore your family apart." I said, feeling guilty.
"Nonsense." Rose injected. "They are the ones who did it. They brought it upon themselves, and they deserved to be kicked out. They'll never know the pain they cause you and Jasper, and I quite frankly don't think they even care. And I will be forever angry about that." She stated, and I could see her eyes growing black. My dead heart swelled hearing them take up for Jasper and I. Speaking of Jasper, where was he?
"How's Jasper?" I asked.
"He's better." Emmett said. "He talks now. He hardly even acknowledged us the first year. We couldn't blame him, though. And we tried to help. But hasn't smiled since. Not even a hint of one."
Well, that was odd. He smiled at me earlier. Well, it wasn't a big one, but I could still pick it out. I let myself smile at that.
"What?" Rose asked. I looked up at her, and then I would've been blushing if I was human.
"Nothing." I said quickly. And smiled, probably too innocently. She narrowed her eyes, but then smiled.
"I'm just glad to see you're smiling." She said. Me too.
"I wont say I still don't love him. I'll always love him, in a way. But, I can honestly say I am definitely not in love with him. And I wont ever take him back. I don't even know if I'll ever be able to even look at him again. Or her." I added. They all nodded in agreement.
"Well, lets get off this downing topic, and lets have some fun!" Emmett yelled. We all rejoiced with him, and I was content. I didn't want to go back to Minnesota now, I don't know if I could leave my family, now. I couldn't put them in such pain again. Me and Renesmee would have to get our cars, though...
At that moment, Jasper walked in, and joined us. He smiled at me, and looked like he was ready to have some fun with us.
Everyone looked shocked, but I could tell they were relieved to have a small part of their son and brother back.
And to be truthful, I was too.