1A/N : Sorry for the long lapse in posting lately. I had totally fallen into a dark pit of writers block with this story and needed to give my brain some downtime. I actual ended up writing some short fanfics (mostly 'Twilight') and posting them - so go check them out:)

Also, I have to express my deep appreciation for flamingo 1325 for helping me over the hurdles with this story. I don't know what I would have done without their help!

So, without further ado, read and enjoy!

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Chapter 07 - Comforts Of Home

I don't even know when I grabbed the keys for my truck but they were in my hand as I opened the door to it, tossing my bag into the bed. I climbed up behind the wheel and instantly started it, the overly-loud rumble causing me to jump slightly, my tears now being accompanied with mournful cries. I'm not even sure how I managed to back out of the driveway without hitting Charlie's police cruiser or the trash-cans placed along the curb.

I could see my dad standing in the doorway on the porch, his face unreadable through my tears and I pulled away, making it hardly around the curve before I stepped on the brake and threw the gear-shift into park.

He was there instantly, the drivers side door seeming to be opened while the truck was still moving. I barely had time to get my hand off the wheel and I was in his arms, burring my face into his neck. He let me cry silently, rubbing my back and cradling me in his arms. I felt his fingers through my hair and his lips on my brow and the crown of my head from time to time, especially whenever I let a slightly louder sob out.

It wasn't until I had glanced up from his shoulder some time later that I saw he had been driving with me curled up on his lap, the position not offering any difficulty to his driving.

"Where are we going?" I asked softly, seeing the town buildings start to thin out into slightly more wooden surroundings.

"My house," Edward replied without hesitation, the tone in his voice making it sound like he thought I was crazy for having to ask him.

I pulled back more, feeling guilty and embarrassed all at once. "Edward, I-I didn't say all those things or do this so you would feel obligated to take me home with you." My voice was desperate as I tried to plead my case. I hadn't really thought about it at first, what I was doing, but after he let me cry I had worked it out in my head, figuring I could use what little cash I did have to rent a room somewhere and take on more hours at work to pay for it.

His eyes were hard around the edge when he looked away from the road and met my face, his voice determined. "I don't do anything because I'm obligated when it comes to you Bella; I do them because I want to."

I gave a slight sigh and tried again. "I can get my own place - maybe rent a room somewhere."

I didn't have to look away from his face to feel the truck pull over to the side of the road and stop, the engine shifting into park. His eyes were unreadable as he watched me for a long moment.

"Do you not want to stay with me?" he asked finally.

I instantly softened, telling him earnestly, "no, of course I do." And I did. The thought of sharing a bed with Edward every night again, waking up in his arms every morning and not having to hide it sent a shiver of excitement down my spine; not having to bid my time alone, waiting to be able to see him or even just knowing that at the end of the day he would always be there with me made my insides churn in the good way.

"Then it's settled," he said, leaning up and placing a kiss on my forehead. He sounded so final and trusting, making me almost feel like the choice was only up to him.

Almost though, not entirely. "But your family..." I paused there though, looking at him. "Where are they?"

Edward just smiled then, telling me cryptically, "around."

I rolled my eyes as he pulled back out onto the road, not even having to look. I kept quite for a few more moments before I started to bite my lower lip, my eyes dancing around the cab nervously.

"What?" Edward drawled out, knowing me so well.

I opened my mouth twice before I finally said, "my dad...he's gonna go ballistic when he finds out where I am." I looked down then, not being able to look at Edward's face.

"He already thinks this is where you were heading, anyway. He's counting on the fact that Carlisle and Esme won't let you stay." He seemed calm enough when he said the words, almost like he was bored with the subject but I could see the slight clench in his jaw when I glanced back up. Then he felt my gaze he smiled at me, adding, "besides, I know this will blow over eventually. You two love each other very much."

"You really think so?" I questioned him, my voice low.

His grin widened even more before he told me, "the only thing you have to worry about is me not wanting to give you back."

I couldn't stop a smile from forming on my face then, which Edward rewarded with a sweet kiss to my lips.

"Hey, eyes on the road mister," I instructed, earning myself a eye roll.

"Like I can go fast enough in the hunk of junk to need to look."

I pretended to be offended and reached out, rubbing the dashboard. "It's ok baby, he didn't mean it."

We had turned off of the main road and were now driving down a gravel path lined with trees on both sides, so I didn't complain when he pulled me closer and sent me a slight frown. "I thought I was your baby," he said, those glorious eyes dazzling me.

"Forever," I answered, my voice breathless from the trance he always seemed to hold over me when he did that. My nose was right beside his as we pulled into the Cullen's garage, the roof shading us as he put the truck into park.

Like a charge went through the bed of the trick, I could feel his desire to kiss me intently, sending goose bumps down my arms. The kiss was sweet and heartfelt as Edward reached up and cupped my check, wiping away a stray tear that was still lingering there. I felt his forehead rest against mine and I slowly opened my eyes, content to simply gaze upon his serene profile - eyes closed gently, relaxed and happy smile; it was more than enough to enlist a heartfelt sigh from myself.

We climbed out of the truck together a few moments later, his hand wrapped around mine as he helped me onto my feet. I glanced around the large multi-car garage and paused, letting my hand slide from his as I walked over a few feet, trying to get a better look.

It took me less than a second to notice Carlisle's car in the garage when we pulled up, as was Edward's Volvo, which we had left at my house, but I had just figured Alice took it when she left earlier, after stashing Carlisle's car here first.

But what threw me for the loop was the little black sports-coup sitting neatly in the corner.

That's Jasper's car...

"Edward..." I trailed off and looked at him, taking in his smile and enjoyment.

With a hand reaching outward he said pleasantly, "come on, they're waiting for us."

I took his hand and allowed him to lead me around the house and up the front porch steps before I stopped, making him gaze down at me from a step up.

"I-" I stopped for a brief moment, wanting to get my words right, "I don't want to intrude or just drop in on them with no warning."

Edward just smiled and looked at the doorway where Alice was now leaning.

"The guest of honor has arrived," she stated joyfully. When I looked at Edward she took offense and asked with mock-anger, "did you really think this would get past me?"

My eyes widened a bit and I asked her after a pause, my voice strained, "how much did you see?"

She shrugged like it was no big deal. "Enough." Then, as if a thought occurred to her she asked me, her eyebrows raised, "just what did happen to your desk?"

I opened my mouth but stopped when I felt a hand on my lower back. Encouraging me once more up the stairs Edward explained, "Alice has graciously explained the situation to everyone else." I threw him a quick look and he added, "just the turnout." He eyed his sister intently. "Correct?"

"Of course." Alice then turned to me and gave a little happy-hop. "This is going to be so much fun," she declared, taking my hand and pulling me through the large open doors. She continued to go in the background, saying how we could stay up late and do each others hair and paint our toe-nails, but my eyes were entranced by the Cullen's home. There were no white sheets, no cobwebs, not even any dust; it was sparkling clean and looked exactly like it had months ago, with just a few new things thrown in perfectly; possibly new trinkets from their latest travels, I guessed.

I noticed Alice had finally trailed off and I glanced back at her. Something nagged at me and I finally questioned, "who's everyone else?"

Edward, knowing what I meant, smiled and came up, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. "Carlisle, Esme, and Jasper are around here somewhere."

"Rosalie and Emmett are away on their, what is it, 6th or 7th honeymoon," Alice added. "So we'll be one less for the slumber party, but it'll still work."

I looked back at her and I heard Edward threaten her softly, "Alice..."

Not at all looking worried, Alice just stuck her tongue out and claimed, "you can't hog her the whole time."

"I can certainly try," Edward responded, hugging me closer.

"Bella!" I heard happily exclaimed from the living room and I looked over to see Esme walking in, her arms wide in a welcoming hug. Leaving Edward, I greeted her back joyfully, reveling in her embrace. Of course I knew I missed all of them, not just Edward, but it truly hit me just then how much I had missed Esme.

After I pulled back she offered, "I hear you need a place to stay."

Feeling embarrassed and ashamed for intruding, I quickly stammered, "I, uh, I can go somewhere else if it's a problem or-"

"Bella would love to stay," Edward said instead, cutting me off. Esme tossed him a smile and, keeping her arm around me, she escorted me out of the living room and toward the stairs.

"Carlisle will be delighted to see you," Esme confided in me with a warm grin. "I think he's missed playing hero-doctor," she joked.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes and add, "I doubt that - I'm a walking accident waiting to happen." I could feel the blush start in my cheeks and I looked down, hoping to hide it.

But Esme just laughed as we headed up the stairs. I didn't need to look behind to know that Edward was right there with us. Unlike when Edward has brought me to the study, Esme didn't pause any and went ahead to open the door, ushering me inside.

"Bella," Carlisle greeted, standing up and coming around his desk. He smiled widely and said, "we would be delighted if you stayed as long as you need."

My face was blushing even more as Carlisle turned to Esme and Edward and asked, "would you mind giving me and Bella a moment?" Esme, nodding with a smile, reached out and gave my arm one last squeeze before leaving the room. Edward, for some reason, lowered his head and avoided my gaze but did what Carlisle requested. I couldn't help but stare at his retreating back feeling like I was missing something.

I couldn't help but let a little wave of panic swell up as I was left alone in the room with Edward's father. Not that I was worried about him biting me or anything - he would be the last Cullen I would need to worry about that about - but because I thought he was going to be mad or disappointed with me; and that thought was almost as staggering as the one I had when my own father felt that.

Carlisle, for his part, seemed calm and very serene. Going over to his desk, he leaned against it and settled his gaze back on me.

"I believe I owe you my gratitude."

I nearly lost my footing at this and I mutely followed Carlisle's hand as he offered me a chair. I sat down and before I could ask what he was talking about he began again.

"When we left I was very worried about Edward. He was not doing well."

I found myself imitating Edward's lowered head, my face twinging pink once more. Edward was not one for being embarrassed - quite the opposite actually - so I knew this conversation was not something he wanted to happen.

"He left us and I can't say I agreed to it but I knew he had to do what he needed to get back to how he was." Carlisle seemed to think for a moment before adding, "little did I know that what he needed to get back to normal was you."

I shifted in my seat and finally looked back up. I wasn't sure if he was waiting for me to say anything or just thinking, but I felt the need to express how I felt. "I need him too...I love him. More than he knows, I think."

Carlisle smiled and nodded. "He's only been in the house a few minutes but the difference in his mood, his personality..." He smiled even more and stood up from the desk he had been leaning on. "I clearly see now how happy you make him."

I smiled softly at his words, my blush reaching up to my ears. "He makes me very happy also." Before I could stop the word from tumbling out of my mouth I looked up, adding suddenly, "I'm sorry for all that happened."

Slightly confused, Carlisle paused. "You have nothing to apologize for Bella."

"No, I do," I insisted, standing up. I didn't step far from my chair for fear of my knees wobbling, but I needed to get this out into the open; I needed to make him understand. "I was the reason you had to leave your home and for that I will always be sorry. I nearly made Jasper loose everything he had worked for over the last few years, and I put your family in danger of being exposed." I swallowed deeply then, trying to find my voice once more.

"But most of all I'm sorry cause I don't regret any of it. Edward, your family...I'd be lost without them. And for that I apologize for - it wasn't my place to demand that of you." I found myself looking at the floor once more, feeling like I was barely a foot tall.

"That was very brave of you, admitting that."

Yeah, brave, I thought, holding back tears for the millionth time today. Bravely had nothing to do with it - it was selfishness, true and pure. I needed Edward in my life like a drug-user needed his addiction; he was my alcohol, my heroin, my air.

"And completely unnecessary."

I looked up at Carlisle's last words, my eyes wide. He seemed to stare into to space for some time before saying gently, "loneliness is a blessed thing. It can damn you to hell or much worse with a casual flick or whim before going into a different direction just a quickly. If you're strong you survive it's torrent, you hold the world's sorrow on your shoulders. If you are unable to brace those things you crumble."

With a sad smile, Carlisle looked at my face once more. "You nor I were the first, nor will be the last, to fall to our knees."

Carlisle had changed Edward out of loneliness I had once been told; he had been facing the world alone and needed someone to help him understand it all, to help him keep the sorrow from off of his shoulders.

"Do you regret your decisions?" My voice was low enough that I had barely understood what I had asked myself but I knew I had been heard.

"Some more than others," he mused after a pause. "When you actions affect another ones so strongly you can't help but start to wonder if they would have been better off without your interference. So yes, I have some regrets." Carlisle walked closer then, placing both of his hands on my shoulders. "But none that involve you, my dear."

I swallow down the lump in my throat and smile, telling him a shaky thank you. He smiles briefly before going back toward his desk.

"You can come in now."

I look over my shoulder and watch as Edward walks in, his eyes still downcast. I quickly turned back to Carlisle, almost about to ask if Edward heard us but stopped, knowing it didn't matter - he knew what the talk was going to be about before he even left the room.

"Well, I'm sure Bella would like to see the room she's staying in," Carlisle told Edward, who just nodded.

"Um, yeah, sure," I agreed, taking Edward's hand and following him out the door, down the hallway, and toward the next set of stairs. But before I could place my foot on the first step Edward had me in his arms and his lips were overtop mine.

I sighed into his mouth and leaned into the kiss, wrapping my fingers into his hair, needing to feel this release right now. It didn't take long for Edward to get control and pull back, taking in a deep breath with a saddened smile. I looked up into his eyes and I saw him staring down in mine intently.

"I know now how much," he whispered finally.

I instantly blushed and tipped my head down some before Edward grabbed my chin and make me look back up. "I've lived too long to not have my own set of regrets, but you will never be placed among those ranks - my whole salvation is you, Isabella Swan."

He let go of my chin and I leaned in, burring my head in the crook of his neck. I inhaled deeply, letting his indescribable scent envelope me, calming my nerves and frayed emotions. I took strength from his closeness, from his being and told him, "you keep me from crumbling."

"As you do I," he promised softly, his fingers running through my hair as I clung to him. "Do you want to see your room?"

I nodded and, after pulling back slightly, followed him closely up the steps, watching my feet so I didn't trip. Edward lead me down hallway and stopped at the last door. I paused and stole a glance at him, wondering if my layout of his house was as accurate as I thought.

Sending me a smile, he opened the door and ushered me in. At first glance I stopped, surprised. "This is your room..." I said in confusion.

"You don't want to stay in my room?" he asked.

"N-no, it's not that," I explained. "But where did you get the bed?"

Sitting in the middle of his room was now a very large, very frilly looking bed. It was pilled high with pillows and blankets in rich browns, maroons, and gold to match the decor of Edward's room.

"Alice acquired it as soon as she saw you were staying," he explained, walking me further into the room and shutting the door behind us. "And..." he added slyly, going over to his walk-in closet. "She also got you these, but don't blame me."

Curious, I walked over and stared at the hanging clothes placed in the very middle of the closet. I shook my head and backed out.

"No, Edward, no," I told him.

"Bella," he offered, knowing what I was going to say. "She meant well."

I sent him a look. "I know that. But..." I trailed off, feeling uncomfortable. Glancing back at the bed I offered, "Edward, you have a bed in a house where no one sleeps."

"You sleep," he pointed out, coming over and wrapping his arms around my waist. Walking me backwards toward the bed, he added, "and now you're staying so..." I sent him a slight eye roll as he settled us both down on the overstuffed bed. Instantly I could feel how comfortable it was and relaxed some, but I didn't back down.

"As much as I...appreciate the gesture, your sofa would have been more than fine Edward."

He seemed to nod but then thought better of it and told me, his face and body very close to mine, "even someone who doesn't sleep knows that beds do have their purposes, though."

The tone in his voice stopped me cold; my stomach had permanently launched itself into my throat and I knew my breathing had stopped for a few beats. When Edward leaned over and kissed me gently I easily swooned, throwing my whole soul into it. The kiss was long and sensual, setting my already beating heart into overtime. I couldn't stop myself from moving closer as the kiss went on, wrapping my arms around his neck and threading my hands through his hair.

Suddenly, hands like vice grips steadied on my waist and moved me back over to the bed. Edward's lips left mine and he shook his head, telling me in a tight voice, "you continue to tempt more than you should, love."

Smiling widely, I leaned back closer to him again. "How many times do I have to tell you you're not dangerous Edward Cullen," I stated calmly.

Edward just growled softly, earning a raised eyebrow from me. "You don't have any self preservation, do you?" he demanded. If it hadn't been for the slight tremor under his hard voice I might have thought he was mad at me, which he probably was, but I knew the whole reason for the comments was cause I was tempting him further than his control could handle.

"When it comes to you? None," I answered his question, making another growl form in his chest. It was more than obvious that my answer didn't make him happy but I just smiled. Rolling his eyes, he got up from the bed and took my hand, helping me down from the extremely tall, puffy bed.

"Lets get you some lunch," he muttered, throwing an arm across the back of my neck. As if on cue, my stomach growled. I could see his smile peeking out and I jokingly punched him in the arm for laughing. He pretended to rub his sore arm.

"Ha ha," I mocked sarcastically, sticking my tongue out at him. I saw the playful glimmer in his eye and I didn't even have time to run before Edward scooped me up into his arms and over his shoulder.

"Edward!" I squealed with a giggle. "Put me down."

"No," he decided after a pause, carrying me out the door and down the hallway. I could tell he was headed for the stairs and I panicked. Esme and Carlisle were down stairs.

"Edward, no," I hissed, kicking my feet. I guess he sensed my stress and obliged, lowering me back down to the floor. My cheeks were flaming and he just laughed at my embarrassment, earning a glare from me. "It's not funny."

Throwing his arm back around my neck, he leaned down and kissed my cheek before heading for the steps once more.

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I hope this helped with the ling wait you guys had! Maybe, if I get enough reviews I'll post the next chapter much quicker... :)

Melissa