-1Ch. 3
One Month Later
We arrived at the Seattle airport in the early morning. Despite the wonderful, perfect month we spent in the sun, I was still pretty pale. I didn't mind that much, Edwards pale skin was beautiful and so mine could be too. It felt almost weird to be without the sun again. The drive was peaceful and beautiful. I had come to love the green covering every inch of the state. After what seemed like an eternity we saw the quaint "Now Entering Forks" sign on the outside of town. Edward smiled and whispered what sounded like "Home." I was so excited to start our lives together in our brand new house. When we arrived home a feeling of comfort washed over me.
"You're back!" Alice came dancing out of the Cullen Family's main house. She had a huge smile on her face. "I knew you would love it. I'm glad Edward listened to me."
"Thank you Alice. I had the best time, although I could have stayed right here and been totally satisfied." In more than one sense of the word, but I knew I didn't need to go into detail.
"Well I enjoyed it for the both of us, so I'm still glad we went." Edward had our bags and was taking them in the house. "I'm so glad you found that island Alice. It really was perfect." she gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
" Well it was really nothing. Anyways, everyone is inside waiting for you Bella, they want to hear all about it so lets hurry!"
Some little part of me still couldn't believe this was real. I was finally part of this beautiful, perfect vampire family. Well mostly part of it. There was still one little difference that I was determined to change as soon as possible but Edward still was opposed to it. He thought the fact that I was mortal would be fine. The dream with the mirror haunted me constantly. I would not let myself get old and wrinkled while he stayed young and beautiful.
"Welcome back!" Emmet surrounded me in a huge bear hug. "I'm so glad you're officially part of our family." Even though I was used to Emmet being the size of a bear he still caught me off guard.
"Welcome back Bella. I hope your trip was lot of fun." Rosalie was starting to warm up just a little more each day. I knew it wasn't a personal reason she seemed so standoffish. I knew she wished she had the choice I had, and was going to make as soon as Edward would let me.
"Thanks Rosalie, it was. I've never had so much fun. Do you know where Carlisle is?" I looked around for my new dad.
"Right here, Bella." Carlisle, still looking like a model rather than a doctor, came strolling into the room. "I trust you enjoyed yourselves? Welcome home." He gave me a hug and then looked into my eyes. "No, its not time yet. I know I promised but we still have a few things to sort out. When the time is right, and if you still wish it, I will change you. But I think you would rather have Edward, am I correct?"
I sighed. "Yes. But you've heard him. We're at an impasse. Technically we shouldn't be any more but he still wants me to take my Plan B and go to college somewhere first. I don't see why I couldn't after but that's alright."
He looked at me and smiled. "Dear Bella. You are one extraordinary human. You always surprise me. But of course, if you still wish to go to college after your transformation then you may. Assuming, of course, we've got you under control by then." He gave a little wink then joined Esme in the kitchen.
It felt great to be back. Things would soon be back to normal, just Edward and I enjoying the time we could spend together. I decided to call Charlie and Renee just to let them know I would be back in town. After all they were still my parents. "Charlie, hi its me. We're back!" his voice sounded concerned
"Bella, good I'm glad your safe. I hope you had fun! Now I don't want to cause any problems but Jake has been calling a lot lately and.."
"Jake called? My Jake? Where is he? Is he okay? Where did he go? When did he get back?"
"Whoa, Bella, calm down he's ok, he got back about a week ago and he hasn't really said where he went. He wants to see you though."
"Oh, ok dad is he around La Push?"
"Actually he's sitting right here. If you'd like to come over."
"I'll be there in a minute." I hung up the phone. Finally. Jake was back. I knew I'd have to lay into him a little for leaving me like that without a call or a note or anything. I missed him so much. I also knew getting away from Edward for a little while could be difficult. "Edward, I'm going to my dads for a minute to say hi, okay?" I knew he heard me, he was coming in the back door.
"Okay bells, don't be gone too long. Are you sure you don't want a ride?" He wrapped his strong arms around me for a quick hug.
"No, I'm okay, I'll be back soon."
"Here are the keys to my Volvo, I didn't think you'd like to walk." he bent down to kiss me. My heart started racing and I flushed a deep red. I don't know whether it was because of his kiss or the fact that I was going to get to see Jake. I felt bad deceiving him, I really didn't want to lie but I knew he would never let me talk to Jake alone. I would just tell him when I got back.