A/N: Look.. I am a day early! I have to give a bit of a warning with this chapter- it may get a bit cheesey, but at the end I'll explain! Much love to PisceanPal23, my beta, you have been rock solid.. THANKS! My heartfelt appreciation goes out to all my reviewers and readers! You seriously make me smile. Here was the chapter I longed to write.. I hope you like it!

I do not own Twilight- if I did I wouldn't be working in a cube farm.

Quiet Contemplations

Having a vampire mind meant that I could process several things at once. Like now; I was able to truly appreciate the reality that Bella was alive. Ever since she bounded into my arms in the Plaza, it never really had time to sink in. It was an abstract concept, one that I had to wait to examine and come to terms with. But here she was; warm, soft and smelling heavenly. I was elated and overwhelmed, but she was in my arms and I never wanted her to leave.

But, because of my vampire mind, I could process the horror along with the joy. As we scrambled behind Demetri to leave the chamber room behind, he led us to the waiting area where Gianna sat behind her desk.

"Do not leave until dark." He then rushed back to the waiting banquet.

But what my mind was focused on was Bella and the fact that sobs were being ripped out of her chest to the point that she sounded hysterical. The worst thing of all, I had no idea how to comfort her. Did she want me to hold her, could I kiss her? What words would ever be adequate enough to express my deepest sorrow and regret over what she witnessed? There was a time when I knew her better than I knew myself, but that was before. Before all my revelations and epiphanies that ripped away everything I thought I knew. Now, I was clueless as to what to do.

"Are you alright?" Oh my god that was lame, but it was all I could do at that moment, I was immobile. I pulled her closer to me, hoping that would help.

"You'd better make her sit before she falls. She's going to pieces." Alice broke me out of my stunned state. She was right, I had to focus on her and doing something was better than doing nothing.

Keeping her close, I pulled her towards the couches farthest away from Gianna. The wailing noises were getting louder and her entire body was shaking uncontrollably. I was afraid my stone arms would do more harm than good.

"Shh, Bella, shh." I rubbed her arms in a soothing manner and kept crooning in her ear. I wasn't sure if she even heard it. I didn't care; I would do whatever it took to calm her down.

"I think she's having hysterics. Maybe you should slap her." Alice's idea was less than ideal and I threw her a withering glare. What? You got to do something. It's getting out of control.

"It's all right, you're safe, it's all right." I just kept reassuring her that she was going to be ok, that everything was going to be fine. I wrapped her up in the cloak that Aro had placed on my shoulders. I knew it was wrong, but I wanted to hold her as close as possible, I needed to feel her. I wanted to talk to her, tell her so many things, but this was not the time or place.

How could I even begin to tell her how sorry I was, how much I loved her, and that I never stopped loving her? There were no words that could begin to describe the depth of my regret. So I would focus on what was happening right now. I would leave the future to the future. I needed to be content with what I knew I had. For now, that was her, in my arms, and she needed me.

"All those people," she wailed. I knew what she was talking about; I knew that it weighed on her mind.

"I know." What else could I say? She was right, it was repulsive, reprehensible.

"It's so horrible." She sobbed, as her cries slowly died down.

"Yes, it is. I wish you hadn't had to see that." This was what I was trying to shield her from, the true horrors and realities of our world. There were far more vampires like the ones in this castle than like me. She laid her head on my chest and I swear I could feel my heart mending.

"Is there anything I can get you?" While Gianna was trying to be helpful and it was part of her duties to look out for guests, I resented her intrusion. Could she not see this was not the time or place for her 'help'?

"No," I brushed her off briskly. She nodded and quickly went back to her desk.

Seconds after she left Bella looked up at me, "Does she know what's going on here?" There was an anger to her words, but I could not place why she felt that way.

"Yes. She knows everything." I tried to keep the contempt out of my voice.

"Does she know they're going to kill her someday?" Again, there was a mixture of anger and indignation and I was clueless as to what she was thinking or feeling.

"She knows it's a possibility. She's hoping they'll decide to keep her." I tried to hide the disgust at what she wanted. Did she even know what she would be giving up? What does she see as a possible benefit to being turned?

Bella paled at my words, "She wants to be one of them?" I looked at her trying to decide if she just meant the Volturi or vampires in general. I nodded to her question.

She shuddered delicately, "How can she want that?" Her voice ended on a whisper. "How can she watch those people file through to that hideous room and want to be a part of that?"

A part of me knew that she was talking about the Volturi and their diet and how they acquire food, that she preferred the Cullen diet. But there was another part that wondered if she finally saw too much horror connected to my world and no longer wanted to be a part of it. Would that mean I would have to give her up? Would this reunion be only a fleeting thing before we parted ways again? My stomach clenched at the idea of being away from her. I knew I was not that strong to force myself to leave. She would have to tell me to go. It was the only way.

I had no answer for her, so we simply stared at each other. I looked deep into her eyes and got lost. Slowly I could feel all the shattered pieces that fell away come back. One by one I was being repaired. I would always see the fault lines that made up my new appearance. They would be the emotional scars I would carry with me into eternity. But I would do so, if it meant that I could stay with the beautiful creature in my arms. She was the one who glued me slowly back together, and she almost made me forget.

I watched as her eyes took me in. They wondered over my nose, my lips, and my hair. I wanted to hope that meant she would eventually forgive me for the stack of lies I piled at her feet in September. I wanted to talk to her. To being my apologies, but Alice stopped me short.

Now is not the time Edward. She has been through so much and she is running on little sleep. Once she has slept, it will go better. I arched my eyebrows at her, silently asking her if she knew how things would turn out. Sadly, she did not know. Sorry, it's all murky. I think there are some things that Bella needs to decide first.

Panic set in. Had she moved on? Was there someone waiting for her when we got back? If so, why did she come to save me? Did that mean she still loved me? The endless questions swirled in my head and there was too much room for it all. I was floundering, looking for a way to save my sanity when Bella cried out.

"Oh, Edward."

"What's wrong?" I searched her, looking for clues to her distress.

She wrapped her warm, frail arms around my neck and buried her face in my chest. "Is it really sick for me to be happy right now?" Her voice cracked with the heavy emotions she was feeling. I felt it too, the relief, the joy that we were just here, together.

I crushed her to me, the emotion finally overwhelming me and I just needed to feel her. I needed her heart to beat against my chest, I needed her warmth to soothe me, I needed scent to wash over me and mark me as hers. "I know exactly what you mean. But we have lots of reasons to be happy. For one, we're alive."

"Yes," she nodded, "that's a good one."

"And together." There I said it out loud.

But all she did was nod. No response, no enthusiastic reply, just a nod. No wanting to dwell on it and let negative thoughts mar this time with her, I continued on. "And, with any luck, we'll still be alive tomorrow."

"Hopefully," she carefully replied. But I heard the hesitation. Did she think that some unknown problem would surface? Did she not trust me or my judgment? I couldn't fault her if she felt that way. I had earned that; I needed to regain her trust in me, in us.

"The outlook is quite good," Alice interjected, and I was swept up in her visions of her reunion with Jasper. It was sweet and poignant. I knew I had no right to hope that once we got all our issues out in the open and I was able to apologize, that our reunion would be as tender. I ached with a deep yearning for ours to be as loving as Alice saw hers.

Like two magnets, drawn to each other, Bella and I slowly turned from Alice to look at each other once again. I could feel that pull, the one that I felt from the first moment I laid eyes on her, drawing me closer and closer. Looking at her, I wondered how I ever let her go. Where did I find the strength and resolve to abandon this glorious woman? My body tingled with her nearness. Breathing deeply I let her scent wash over me and amazed me that it had little effect.

Oh, I felt the burn, but it wasn't as strong, or as potent. It was like a back ground burn, easily dismissed and nowhere as consuming as it had been. The monster in me was nowhere to be found, he was securely locked up and not a rattle could be heard. I revelled in this new knowledge. I took another deep inhale and found that there was nothing. No pain, no overwhelming thirst, no excess of venom. I could simply enjoy the beauty that was Bella's unique scent and it was incredible.

For the first time, I really looked at Bella, and I was speechless. Never had I seen her look as worn and thin. Her skin was beyond pale, it was almost sickly, she had lost weight that she did not need to lose and her normally shiny hair was lank and lacked it normal array of colors. But when I finally let myself look at her eyes, I had to school my face. The fathomless brown eyes I loved were so shaded. I saw pain, sadness and a bone weary exhaustion that I never wanted to see again.

I softly traced the dark circles under eyes, "You look so tired." I am so sorry if I did that, love. So very sorry. I wanted to kiss away the pain, the loneliness I saw there, but I knew it was too soon and I could not stomach a rejection right now.

"And you look thirsty." She mimicked me by studying my eyes. I wasn't sure what color they would be. I think it has been close to a month since I fed properly. But I could not summon up a thirsty need in my body. I was perfectly calm.

"It's nothing."

"Are you sure? I could sit with Alice." I noticed the tightening of her face when she made her suggestion. She did not want to be apart, not just yet. But she was holding back, there was something that she was holding in reserve and I was bound to figure it out. I wanted my Bella back and I would settle for no less.

"Don't be ridiculous." I wasn't about to let her go to hunt, that could wait. "I've never been in better control of that side of my nature than right now."

While that may be true, Edward, you look like hell. Do you want to hunt before we board the plane? I moved my eyes up and then down, indicating that I would not be hunting while we were still in Italy. I would wait until we were home.

While Bella and I simply stared at each other, Alice began talking about getting home. Alice decided that once we were outside the city walls, she would steal a car to get us to the airport in Florence. I agreed that would be the best option. She began to make calls and within a few minutes we had three seats being held for us. We were assuming that once the sun set we would be allowed to leave. Alice had us on the first flight that was leaving at night.

The whole time we were making plans, I never let my grip on Bella lessen. I needed to feel her; I still had a hard time believing that she was really alive. I still had no solid grasp on what actually happened. I knew that she did jump off the cliff, but was not real sure what happened after that. I made a note to ask Alice and have her tell me mentally once we were on the plane. I did not want to be distracted by the story and I had a feeling that it was going to be an uncomfortable one.

Out of the blue, Alice spoke, "What was all that talk about singers?"

"La tua cantante."

"Yes, that." Her voice was a bit confused, she had never heard the term, but I had heard it in passing from Carlisle.

I did not want to show how much that term affected me around Bella, I did not want to add any pressure that she may be feeling in regards to our relationship. "They have a name for someone who smells the way Bella does to me. They call her my singer- because her blood sings to me." What I didn't want to tell her was that it was rare for a vampire to let their singer live.

Alice laughed. That's just one more thing to add to your already complicated relationship with her. But, it's got to mean something that you have resisted her and fell in love with her, right? I rolled my eyes at her, but I wondered if she wasn't partially correct. Did the fact that she was my singer mean anything more, now that I am in love with her, that she is my mate? It would be something I would want to discuss with my father at a later point.

Now, I would focus on the here and now; concentrate on making sure that they will let us leave the city walls, and even the country. I wouldn't feel completely at ease until we were in the air. Even then I may not fully relax. My priority was to get Bella out of here and back home to Washington, where she belonged.

I watched Bella as she gazed at me and tried to decipher the multitude of emotions I saw. I was unnerved that I couldn't see much. It was like she was holding everything back; keeping me from seeing whatever it was she was feeling. Problem was I didn't want her to hold back, I wanted to see it, no matter what she was feeling. It scared me that she was quiet and reserved, much more than Bella ever was with me. It was like I was seeing my biggest fear manifest, much like that night in the attic when it all became crystal clear- when I realized I may have broken Bella. Looking at her now, I could see there could be a case made that I had done just that.

I tried to lull her into sleep; I could see the heavy droop in her eyes and the weariness in her body. But she fighting it and I had no idea why. Sleep would afford her the ability to escape the nightmare we were in, a way to recharge her emotional and physical needs. I was selfish in that I wanted to hear what her mind would tell me. In the months apart hearing her sleep ramblings was one of the things I missed the most. It was the only chance I had at hearing her unfiltered thoughts. It was the first way that I truly knew she loved me. But stubbornly Bella was fighting sleep and as much as I wanted to be upset by it, I said nothing. I did not think I had that I had the privilege to air my concerns.

We had been sitting for almost three hours when I heard someone approach. I clutched Bella closer as Alice and I watched Alec approach. Bella noticed his vivid crimson eyes and cringed into my chest. I tried to keep my distain out of my eyes, but I knew I failed when he smirked at me. His thoughts were no better and he began to purposefully goad me.

Are you sure you would not share her as an after dinner desert? The laughter inside his head had me nauseous. How Carlisle was able to live with them for over a decade I'll never understand. I was completely repulsed by what was before me and what it stood for.

"You're free to leave now. We ask that you don't linger in the city."

"That won't be a problem." My tone was frosty and devoid of any emotion save for anger. Alec gave a slight nod of his head and then left the reception area.

Gianna's voice then rang out, "Follow the right hallway around the corner to the first set of elevators. The lobby is two floors down, and exits to the street. Goodbye, now." Her voice grated on me the longer she spoke. I wanted to shake her, to make her see that she was never going to be one of them. She was only waiting to die. But I knew without a doubt that she would never listen, she was convinced she could make them want her.

Idiot! Fool! I looked over at Alice and saw the absolutely withering glare she threw at Gianna. Obviously she felt the same way I did.

We made our way quickly to the street level, in a hurry to get out of Volterra as soon as possible. We did not want to give them any just cause to bring us back inside. Once outside, I watched as Bella looked back and felt the tiny shudder that coursed through her body. I pulled her closer, trying to lend as much support as I could.

I'll meet you outside the city walls. Let's be quick about it. I nodded to Alice and she slipped into the shadows on her way to find us a ride out of the city. As she left I saw the yellow Porsche she had stolen on their way here and hoped she could find something as suitable. I chuckled lowly, only Alice would think of fine German sport cars at a time like this.

Tucking Bella to me, we made our way through the crowded plaza. At this time of the day, the celebrators were mostly adult and they were hideously dressed. I saw more capes and fake, plastic vampire teeth than I care to admit. Out of the corner of my eye I watched as Bella soaked it all in. From her expressions, she was not quite sure what to make of it all.

"Ridiculous," I muttered to her, distain evident.

Bella looked over her shoulder and a look of panic crossed her face. "Where's Alice?" I could hear the fear and anxiety in her words. It pained me that she felt this way, and deep down I knew her panic was more than over Alice's sudden departure.

"She went to retrieve your bags from where she stashed them this morning."

"She's stealing car, too, isn't she?" There was a small hint of humor and it made me smile. Maybe there was hope for us after all.

"Not till we're outside."

We continued on and as we walked I realized how exhausted Bella looked and acted. From the brief information I gleamed from Alice, they had been traveling for almost a full day. Bella had to be utterly tired. Her body sagged more and more into me and by the time we reached the gates, I was half tempted to carry her everywhere. Not that I would mind, to have her in my arms, that is all I want right now. Nothing else matters if I had her to hold.

As we walked out of the city walls, Alice was already there in a late model Fiat. She shrugged when I looked at her. A Fiat is a long way from the Porsche of earlier today. I opened the door for Bella and motioned for her to get into the backseat and I followed right behind her. I wasn't leaving her side unless she told me so. That was my new vow to her.

Alice watched us get settled, "I'm sorry. There wasn't much to choose from." Her tone was sour and disappointed.

Smiling I responded, "It's fine, Alice. They can't all be 911 Turbos." I watched as she replayed driving in from the airport. It sure looked like a sweet ride. I was kind of jealous that I didn't get to experience it for myself.

"I may have to acquire one of those legally. It was fabulous." She ended on a dreamy sigh and I could not help but chuckle at her.

"I'll get you one for Christmas." It was the least I could do for her her seeing as she came out to save me and all. She beamed at me and I smiled right back. It felt good to be with her again, to be us once more. I knew that we still needed to talk and we were going to, just not now. I needed to focus on Bella and getting us back on track.

"Yellow," she reminded me and I gave her a short nod.

Turning back to Bella and the cloak I had wrapped her in, "You can sleep now, Bella. It's over." I whispered gently to her. I was worried about the effects of lack of sleep and all the stress from the last day or so.

"I don't want to sleep. I'm not tired." She was lying and I knew it. It was getting easier and easier to read her.

Bending low to murmur in her ear, "Try." She stubbornly shook her head no and I could not suppress the sigh of frustration. Why was she being difficult? What was going on with her?

"You're still just as stubborn." There was no reply and the rest of the drive was spent in silence. Even Alice was unusually quiet. Her thoughts were quite focused on her reunion with Jasper and the move back to Forks. Those were the two things she was looking forward to the most.

When we arrived at the airport in Florence, there was a flurry of activity. Alice went to get me some clothes and I was immensely grateful. Bella went off to do her human moments and Alice checked us in and made sure the family knew we were on our way home. Before Bella returned I cornered Alice.

"When we are in the air, I want whole story, Alice. I need to understand what happened." I was pleading, but I did not care. I could sense that there was something going on inside Bella's head and it was keeping her from me. I wanted to know why she came for me. If it was because she loved me, then I had hope that things were going to be ok. If it was out of some other feeling, well, I wanted to be prepared for the idea she may have moved on.

Alice looked at me closely and I was sure she saw my desperation. She nodded once, "Ok, but you better keep it together. You may not like what you hear or see." With that, she went to our gate leaving me to wait for Bella.

Less than fifteen minutes later we were on the plane to Rome which was a rather short ride and in another hour we were on route to Atlanta. The whole time I watched Bella as she fought to stay awake. I tried to rack my brain as to the reason why, but came up empty. I knew it was serious when she asked for some caffeinated pop.

"Bella," I warned her with a sharp look. I could not help it. She became jittery and hyped up when she drank pop.

"I don't want to sleep." She hurried on in a rush. "If I close my eyes now, I'll see things I don't want to see. I'll have nightmares." There was nothing I could say to that. Guilt and shame overwhelmed me at the idea that all we went through could cause nightmares. I did not want that, I wanted my sweet, sleep talking Bella. I wanted everything to be back to normal, even though it never would.

Once Alice was done speaking to Jasper, reassuring him that she was indeed fine and was never hurt in anyway, she began her tale. She explained the vision, even replaying it for me. I watched as she flew to Forks in a whirlwind of fear and panic. I listened as she described seeing Bella walking in the door smelling like a wet dog. I inwardly cringed as I took in Bella's haggard appearance even then. No longer could I assume it was because of fast paced trip half way across the world. It was just another clue to the idea that Bella suffered when I was gone.

Alice went on to explain about Jacob and how he pulled her out of the water and her theory that she didn't see him as he was a werewolf. I tried very hard to contain the snarl that was threatening to erupt. Bella… with a wolf, and young one at that! I was livid. Before I could get too upset, Alice continued her tale telling me that the wolves had several run-ins with Victoria. I nearly lost it then. All my tracking and searching had been in vain. When I went to Rio, Victoria must have backtracked and went to Forks. In an attempt to soothe myself, I began to stroke the sensitive skin on Bella's wrist, feeling her pulse beneath my fingers reminded me of what was important. The fact that she was alive and with me was all I needed.

She finished her tale with her call to Rose and the plan for Bella to come to Italy with her. She replayed Bella's response to Alice's vision of me. I was simultaneously overjoyed at Bella's frantic need to get to me. But there were a few things she said that set me on edge. Not wanting to dwell on it, I focused on Bella.

Several times it appeared as if Bella wanted to speak, I could see the questions swimming in her eyes. But each time she came close, she bit down and I her eyes became guarded. Everything about her was guarded. We were both touching each other, staring intently, but I could feel her holding back. The Bella I knew and remembered would display exuberance and unbridled joy. Her touches would be bold and sure, now they were shy, timid, and almost fearful.

So I tried my best to show my reassurance, my love for her. I stroked her everywhere I could reach. I placed feather soft kisses on her face, her wrists and even her hair. I desperately wanted to kiss her lips, to feel their warm softness as they molded against mine. I had been without that feeling for too long. But it was too intimate of an action and we had much to discuss.

We arrived in Atlanta and Bella and I had yet to speak a word to each other. I tried to question Alice when we were switching planes, but she just shook her head.

The two of you will have to figure this out for yourself. You made this mess, brother of mine; you get yourself out of it.

I wasn't thrilled with what Alice said, as true as it was. I tried to shake the doubts that were clouding my mind, but was unsuccessful. So they swirled and tumbled and asked questions I had no answers to. Did she still love me? Was there even a future for us anymore? Would she ever forgive me? Had she moved on? I came back to that question often; for it was the one I feared the answer to the most.

By the time we were about two hours from home, my insides were a panicky mess of jumbled emotions and fears. I couldn't contain the very real fear that I would lose Bella as soon as we walked off the plane. I even went so far as to imagine someone else besides my family waiting for her. It was a nameless, faceless person, but definitely male. I knew I needed something to quell the fear that was steadily getting out of control.

Urgently, I searched for a way to calm my nerves. I knew that nothing would get figured out on this plane, were both unwilling to speak right now. I wanted something to cling to, some hope, faith or sign that things were going to be ok. I knew that I didn't have it in me to find the hope I so desperately needed; I knew that from the attic. Unsure of what Bella was thinking or feeling, I could not lean on her and the faith she once had in us. So I did something that was completely uncharacteristic, I asked for a sign.

I tried to nonchalantly to look around the cabin of the plane, hoping that something would scream 'sign'. I just needed to know that everything would be okay. That Bella and I would be able to figure everything out and I wouldn't have to worry anymore. I just wanted something to tell me Bella was still mine.

As my gaze made another sweep of the cabin I noticed a guy in a seat in front of us listening to music and one of the ear buds had fallen out. I focused on that tiny speaker and heard the tail end of a song that captured what I was feeling.

And now I'm calling, calling out your name
Even if I lose the game, I'm all in
I'm all in tonight, yeah I'm all in, I'm all in for life

I want it, I want it, I want it
I want it, I want it, I want it, yeah
I want it, I want it, I want it, yeah

And I'm all in, calling out your name
Even if I lose the game, I'm all in, I'm all in for life
And I'm all in, nothing left to hide
I've fallen harder than a landslide
I spent a week away from you last night
And now I'm calling, calling out your name
Even if I lose the game, I'm all in
I'm all in tonight, yeah I'm all in, I'm all in for life
Yeah I'm all in, I'm all in for life

As I listened to my feelings unfold in song I couldn't stop myself from thinking that the next song to come out of that ear bud would be my sign. Whatever I heard next would tell me exactly how things were going to go. I knew it was cheesy, I knew it was juvenile. But I was so scared; scared of the consequences I would face because of my actions. Fearful that I finally managed to screw up my only chance for happiness, completely terrified that I have lost Bella forever. So, I let it all go. The next song to come on would tell me if everything was going to be ok.

As the seconds ticked by and I heard the last cords of the music fade away, I held my breath in anticipation. When I heard the first few opening notes, I wished once again that I had the ability to cry. Never had a song sounded so sweet. Turing my gaze fully on Bella, I sang the song to her, even if it was only in my head.

This time, This place
Misused, Mistakes
Too long, Too late
Who was I to make you wait
Just one chance
Just one breath
Just in case there's just one left
'Cause you know,
you know, you know

That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you'll be with me and you'll never go

Stop breathing if I don't see you anymore

I longed to sing out loud, for her to hear how much I missed her, how much I need her. She was my life, my air, my heart, my very essence and I knew with complete certainty that I could never be without her. I had to have her in my life, in any shape or form; I needed to be where she was. So in my head, I kept singing.

On my knees, I'll ask
Last chance for one last dance
'Cause with you, I'd withstand
All of hell to hold your hand
I'd give it all
I'd give for us
Give anything but I won't give up
'Cause you know,
you know, you know

That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you'll be with me and you'll never go

Stop breathing if I don't see you anymore

So far away
Been far away for far too long
So far away
Been far away for far too long
But you know, you know, you know

I wanted
I wanted you to stay
'Cause I needed
I need to hear you say
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I forgive you
For being away for far too long
So keep breathing
'Cause I'm not leaving you anymore
Believe it
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
'Cause I'm not leaving you anymore
Believe it
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
Hold on to me and, never let me go

In the simplest of terms, I craved to hear Bella tell me that she still loved me. I knew I had no right to expect that, but it was what I want to hear her tell me. But I took heart in the song. It fit us, it spoke of us and that allowed me to cling to a tiny fraction of hope that I did not have before. As the plane began its decent towards Sea-Tac, I found myself latching onto a small bit of optimism and faith.

As we made our way towards the exit, I could hear the thoughts of my family. They were heavily guarding themselves, not sure what they would see, and not sure what was happening. Bella was cautiously looking in their direction and I observed as she gazed at the reunion between Alice and Jasper. For a brief second I saw hurt, pain and longing. I ached to take those away from her, to turn her towards me and fall upon my knees and beg her forgiveness. If that is what it took, I would do it for as long as she needed me.

As we came closer, Esme grabbed Bella into a fierce hug. I saw her eyes and the unshed venom floating in there. My daughter, you are back. I am so very sorry. I love you. Her thoughts cried out and I took them in. I deserved all I was going to here. It was just some of the many consequences I had to face.

"Thank you so much," whispered Esme. Bella's only response was to tighten her grip.

Just as quickly she was in my arms and I wanted to cry along with her. "You will never put me through that again." You and I will need to talk, soon. I knew that was coming as well. I had hurt them all and I needed to make it right.

"Sorry, Mom." One day soon I hoped I could tell her how sorry I truly was.

Carlisle walked up next to Esme. "Thank you, Bella. We owe you." Not only for saving my son, but for ever leaving you in the first place. Carlisle had nothing else to say, content to watch as his family was put back together again.

"Hardly," was Bella's mumbled reply. The tiredness she was fighting on the plane was slowly overtaking her. I knew it was only a matter of time before she could hold out no more. I looked forward to that more than anything.

"She's dead on her feet," exclaimed Esme, throwing a scathing look at me. "Let's get her home."

We slowly shuffled to the waiting cars in a sheltered overhang of the parking garage and I was greeted with Emmett and Rose waiting for us. I stiffened visibly, not really wanting to talk to Rose right now. There was too much between us, most of it bad, and I had not the patience or the inclination to deal with her.

"Don't," whispered Esme, "she feels awful."

"She should." I was not going to pretend that everything was fine, but I was willing to be as civil as I could be, for Esme's sake. I owed that to her.

"It's not her fault," interjected Bella, although it was quite slurred. She was fast falling asleep on her feet.

"Let her make amends. We will ride with Alice and Jasper." I nodded to my mother and slowly made my way to my siblings, but I did not try to school my face into anything other than utter contempt.

Of course Bella spotted it right away and played peace-maker, "Please, Edward."

I could deny her nothing, even when it made no sense. So, I pulled her towards the car and tucked her into my side in the back. I focused my attention on Bella, it would be only way I could survive the car ride home.

Edward, I don't even know where to begin. I did not know that you would react that way. I underestimated your love for Bella. I am so sorry for the pain I have caused. I will try and be more understanding of you and Bella.

"Edward," began Rose. I had heard her organize her thoughts; it was more than I cared to hear and nowhere close to erasing the huge gulf between us.

"I know," was all I could give her.

I should apologize to Bella; I put her in danger as well. "Bella?"

Bella's eyes opened briefly, "Yes, Rosalie?" Her voice was unsure and timid.

"I'm so very sorry, Bella. I feel wretched about every part of this, and so grateful that you were brave enough to go save my brother after what I did. Please say you'll forgive me?" I was surprised by the honesty I heard in her words. Maybe, just maybe, there was hope for her, but right now I was not willing to bet on it.

"Of course, Rosalie. It's not your fault at all. I'm the one who jumped off the damn cliff. Of course I forgive you." If it was possible, I loved her even more as she spoke. She couldn't stay mad for long, even when she had good reason. I wished I could be half as selfless and she was.

"It doesn't count until she's conscious, Rose." Emmett chuckled at Bella. It's nice to have her back, Edward. You too, I guess. I could hear the humor in his words and knew that everything was fine in his world.

"I'm conscious," argued Bella as her eyes slowly closed once again.

"Let her sleep," I chided Emmett, but there was a lack of bite to my words, I was glad to see that Emmett was happy.

With Rose's driving we were pulling into Forks rather quickly and for the first time I worried about Charlie's reaction to seeing me. Alice had replayed a conversation she had with him the day before they left and it was safe to assume that I was not high on his list of favorite people.

We pulled up to the house and I carefully extracted Bella, trying not to jostle her as she had finally fallen asleep. She looked so peaceful and she needed the rest. Charlie must have heard us as we pulled up for he was flying out of the house, headed straight for us.

"Bella!" The relief he felt at seeing her alive and well was staggering.

"Charlie," mumbled Bella, it was barely recognizable.

"Shh, it's okay; you're home and safe. Just sleep." I tried to walk toward the open door, but was blocked by Charlie. It was like he finally realized I was standing there. When his eyes met mine his thoughts went straight into disorganized chaos. I saw images of Bella staring off into space, I watched as he ran into her room because she was screaming. Over and over the images and words came; I almost staggered with the weight of them.

"I can't believe you have the nerve to show your face here." Stay away from Bella. You are not good for her. I won't let you hurt every again! I had never heard such furious thoughts emanate from him. All he could think about was how to get Bella away from me and make sure I stay out of her life.

"Stop it, Dad." Bella tried to say, but it was so weak, he did not hear.

"What's wrong with her?" He demanded.

"She's just very tired, Charlie. Please let her rest." I tried to keep my voice calm, but all I wanted was to see Bella tucked into bed.

"Don't tell me what to do!" his voice grew in volume. The need in his words to get in the house with Bella was staggering. "Give her to me. Get your hands off her!"

I tried to give her to him, but Bella clung onto me, her eyes pleading that I just keep holding her. Never had I felt so torn.

"Cut it out, Dad. Be mad at me." I couldn't stand to listen to Bella trying to take the heat for this. She had done nothing wrong, I deserved Charlie's wrath. Throughout all this I steadily made my closer and closer to the front door. I was growing more frustrated by the second and I was fighting the urge to fly by Charlie and rush her up to her room.

"You bet I will be. Get inside." Charlie addressed Bella, but he never took his eyes off of me.

"Kay. Let me down." I didn't want to, but I knew it would appease Charlie if I listened to her. So I gently set her down, but kept my hands close as she tried to steady herself. I watched as she tried to move but all that happened was that her torso began to sway as she collapsed.

I scooped her up; I had enough of Charlie and his attitude and anger. He could rail at me all her wanted after I got her into her bed.

"Just let me get her upstairs. Then I'll leave." I pushed my way through the door as I was speaking. Hearing my words, Bella's eyes opened wide, they were full of fear. Her tiny hands fisted into my shirt, clutching at them as if they were a lifeline. My heart gave a lurch at the sight.

"No!" she cried, unshed tears gathered at the corners of her eyes.

Bending close to her ear I reassured her. "I won't be far."

I entered her room and laid her down. I pulled the covers over her and brushed my fingers on her cheeks. Slowly I worked her fingers from my shirt. I made my way down to the living room where I faced an irate Charlie.

Pointing to the door, he stated flatly, "Get out, now! You are to never walk through this door, ever again. Do I make myself clear?" His eyes bored into mine. You will never get a chance to hurt my little girl ever again, over my dead body you little punk.

I nodded to him and calmly left through the open door. I slid into the back of Rose's car and we drove away. Blocks later they wordlessly stopped and I got out. In seconds I was back at Bella's house, scaling my tree. Nothing, not even a pissed off father was going to separate me from my Bella and that was a promise I was planning on keeping.

A/N: See... when I started this journey.. I did lots of thinking and I swear whenever I was planning or writing or thinking about this story- Nickelback's Far Away would be playing.. it became my anthem to writing this story. So I needed a way to put it in. The other song was Lifehouse's All In. I hope you didn't find it too cheesy!

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