Hello again!

I must say, thanks to Bliltxgirl for once again being a wonderful beta and laughing at my mistypes and crazy ideas, and helping me be more creative than constantly using "said" every other line.

Thanks to TheSpoiltOne for encouraging me to write this in the first place, and all of the girls at TheWritersCoffeeShop(dot)com.

You girls are all so amazing. Now, without further ado, enjoy the final chapter in this lovely saga!

Chapter 5

Hayley POV

"Mum!" I waved my hands in front of her face. "Mum!! Stop! I so don't want to hear about that!"

"Alright," she laughed. "I'll stop."

"It's about time!" I said, exasperated. "I don't want to hear about that."

"In all seriousness though, not much else happened that night. We kissed a bit longer and then went back to our separate cabins."

"So, is that it?" I asked. "Did you fall in love and live happily ever after?"

"Not quite," Mum said. "Embry and I dated through the rest of college, and my time in law school. Those six years were some of the longest years of my life. Well, that's not entirely true, when they were finally over, I felt like it had all flown past me."

"Wow, six years is a long time," I commented, not sure where this was going.

"Yea, it is. After I finished my undergraduate degree we moved from Washington State to New York so I could attend law school at NYU. Embry wasn't excited about the concept of leaving the reservation, but decided that he would rather leave home than let me move across the country alone."

Bella POV

Today I was graduating law school. Finally. Three years at NYU, studying international law and everything was coming to completion. To say I was excited would be a gross understatement. I was elated, thrilled, euphoric - over the fucking moon!

I would be graduating in the top ten-percent of my class in mere hours. The only regret I had was that my family – Charlie, Jake, Rose and Alice wouldn't be here with me. Charlie, I understood, couldn't leave Forks being the Chief of Police. Rose was a couple months pregnant; her and Jake hooked up the summer after the camp fiasco, and had quite the romance. They were married, and expecting their first. Rose called and told me the doctor wouldn't let her fly. Alice was in Australia and the flights were just way too expensive this time of year. I missed them, but I understood.

I was broken out of my thoughts when Embry walked into the room.

"God, Bella, baby, I'm so proud of you," he said, coming up behind me. "When you're officially a graduate, we're going to dinner … somewhere special."

"Are we now?" I asked teasingly.

"Yupp. It's a surprise, but I swear you'll love it."

"If you say so," I laughed. "Zip me up?"

"Sure," he said. After he zipped up the dress, he placed a soft kiss on my shoulder. "I love you so much. I can't believe this day is finally here."

"Love ya too," I replied.

The rest of the day passed by in a blur. We left the apartment and it felt like the next thing I knew, my name was being called as I walked up the stage in the auditorium. I scanned the crowd for Embry, and quickly found his smiling face. I did a double take when I saw who he was sitting with. Alice, Rose and Jake were here too. I beamed back at them, and tried to wave discreetly.

I began to walk back off the stage moments later, but was stopped in my tracks by a familiar set of eyes watching me from the back of the room. I would recognize those blue eyes anywhere. Even from the stage I could see the twinkle in them, the boyish gleam that he would probably never grow out of. When he realized I noticed him, he mouthed "Congratulations" to me. I gave him a half smile and a nod, hoping that he could read all the questions in my eyes.

James. I never thought I would see him again. It had been six years. Six long years. I heard from him once after that summer. That was about three years ago now. I received a letter from him; it was dated nearly three months prior to the date it landed in my mailbox. The letter was short, just a page or so, outlining some of what he had been up to in Africa.

I'm sorry I didn't write sooner. Time means very little to the people here. I didn't realize that a year had come and gone until other Americans came to the nearest city. I know it's been three years, Bella. I hope you can forgive me for that. I'm staying in Africa longer than I ever planned. I'm sorry for the way I left Bella. I couldn't face saying goodbye to you, so I put if off for as long as I could manage. I'll never forgive myself for leaving like that. I don't know if it's too late. Or if you're even reading this letter. Just know that I'm sorry, and I miss you so much, Bella. I hope our paths cross again. James

When I got the letter I cried for hours. I cried for what could have been and never was; I cried for myself, for being angry that he took three years to contact me, for him leaving the way he did, and for letting it affect me so after three years.

I hid the letter before Embry got home. I kept it folded up in an old journal. I don't think he ever knew I got it. He was camping with the guys that week. Alice and Rose knew, but they never brought it up again.

I shook my head softly, clearing the memories and scanned the crowd, one last time. I couldn't see James, but I got the distinct feeling that he was watching me, that I hadn't just imagined the whole thing. It wasn't hard to find my friends though. Between Alice's catcalling and Embry being pretty damn tall they were a far cry from blending in. I scooped Alice and Rose into a hug.

"You two are terrible friends! Saying you couldn't be here, and then surprising me like this," I said. "I've missed you guys so much."

"We missed you too," they both said together, and the three of us started giggling.

"C'mon ladies, we can't miss our reservations," cried Jake. "I'm hungry!"

"Some things never change," I sighed. We made our way out, and piled into a taxi-van.

I squealed when I saw the restaurant we pulled up to. It was the Central Park Boathouse. "I've always wanted to go here!" I shouted.

Embry reached over and squeezed my knee. "I told you you'd like it," he said with a smile.

We got out of the cab, and I had the distinct feeling that someone was watching me – us. I glanced around briefly, but didn't see anyone. I didn't feel threatened, just like I was being observed. I decided it wasn't worth ruining dinner over. I was thrilled about being at this restaurant.

We were seated at a table, overlooking the water. The section we were in was relatively empty so we could talk freely and just enjoy the night. I planned on doing just that. Wine was ordered and everyone, save Rose, partook freely. After Jake finished his second glass she cut him off.

"Jake, I am not dealing with your drunk ass tonight," Rose declared.

"Awww baby," he cooed. "You love me and my drunk ass." He reached over and placed a hand on her tummy as he said this.

"Yes, I do. But me loving your drunk ass is how this happened. So you get to be mostly sober with your pregnant wife."

"Okay, baby. Whatever you say," he conceded. "But first… I propose a toast. To Bella Swan, who has practically been my baby sister since forever."

"Jake, I used to babysit you, when Charlie and Billy would go fishing," I interjected.

"Shush Bells. This isn't about you," he replied. I raised an eyebrow at him. "Oh, I guess it kinda is. My bad."

"Go on Jake. Bella, stop stealing his thunder. We all know this night is yours!" Alice proclaimed.

"Anyways," Jake continued, "it will be good to have you back in Forks. We've all missed you. Here's to Bella!"

"Here! Here!" Everyone echoed, except me.

"Jake, I, we, haven't decided if we're coming back to Forks yet, or even Seattle."

"Can we not talk about this right now?" Embry asked. We'd been fighting about where we were going to be next. I want to explore DC, or California; or even go somewhere in Europe – London, or Berlin perhaps, to really practice international law. Embry wanted nothing more than to return to somewhere familiar.

"Sure," offered Alice, always the peacemaker.

"Alice, fill us in on what you're doing in the great down under," said Rose.

Conversation flowed easily after that. We finished off two bottles of wine, but decided to save any more alcohol consumption until we got back to mine and Embry's place, or a bar that was considerably cheaper. We paid the check, and Embry suggested we walk about in Central Park a bit. The weather was still pretty mild, and the park is gorgeous all lit up at night.

We walked for a while, stopping near a beautiful fountain in the east part of the park. When we stopped, I got the feeling of being watched again. The feeling was almost ominous this time. I glanced around us, just to be sure, and in the distance I saw a figure leaning up against a tree. I got a strange sense of déjà vu. The figure walked a little closer. No one else noticed him, or if they did, they hadn't let on yet. He stepped under a light for a moment, and the realization hit me like a ton of bricks. It was James. He had been around all night, but not interfering. I didn't know whether to hug him or slap him for that.

"Bella? You okay sweetie?" Alice asked. "You looked like your mind was in a different universe."

"I suppose it was, sorry about that," I said. If James wasn't going to man up and approach us, I certainly wasn't going to bring it up.

"Bella, forgive me if I stumble through what I'm about to say. I'm a little nervous," Embry fumbled. "I just, I couldn't wait any longer, and I am so in love with you."

"I love you too," I offered tentatively.

"Bella, please, let me finish?" he asked. When I nodded he continued. "Bella we've been together for six years, just shy of that, I guess, but that's not the important part. The important thing is I've been looking forward to this for those six years, and then some." He paused and knelt down.

"Embry," I said, as tears started forming in my eyes.

"Bella, please."

"No, I can't. Embry, please." I place my hand on his shoulder. "Please stand up. Don't do this. Don't ask me what I think you're about to. Because god dammit, I don't know that I'll have the strength to tell you no. Embry I am so sorry, so fucking sorry. I love you, but I'm not in love with you, not really. If I could force the issue, I would – in a heartbeat."

"Bella, remember what I told you all those years ago?" He asked sadly. I nodded, tears pouring down my face. "I told you not to fight this. Why now, why after six years do you decide to fight this? Bella we would be happy together. Our life would be good. You know I would make sure of that. Haven't I done so for the last six years?"

"Embry, I stopped fighting for everything that night. I stopped fighting the feeling that there was something so much greater than comfort. I stopped fighting to hold onto the hope that the man I was destined to be with would recognize that. I stopped fighting for my heart that night. I put my heart, what was left of it, in a box. I will always care about you, but I can't give you forever. Not when that would mean giving up the truest part of myself. The part of me that you knew, on any other night, would have fought." I took a deep breath and noticed that our friends had moved away a little bit, to give us some space I assumed. "Embry, I hate that I'm doing this to you, to us. But I would hate myself more if it all came out later, when we had built even more of a life together. I owe you so much for these past six years, but I cannot marry you, I can't let you even ask because in the end, it would destroy us both."

"Bella, I…" He shook his head. "What changed?"

I started to say something, when he cut me off.

"No, don't. I have a feeling I don't even want to know."

"I'm sorry," I whispered, as he walked away. This was not how the night was supposed to end. I stood staring at the fountain until I felt Alice and Rose come up on either side of me.

"Wanna talk about it?" Alice asked.

"Not really," I sniffed. "Where are the boys?"

"Jake took Embry back to our hotel. Alice and I will stay with you, if you want, or we can just get you home."

"I'm so sorry girls. I just… it wasn't supposed to be like this."

"We know," said Rose. "Can I be honest with you, Bella?" I nodded and she continued. "We didn't know Embry was going to try to propose until dinner. You were in the bathroom, and he pulled out the ring to show us. If we had had more warning, we would have tried to talk him out of it."

"We had hoped that you would have ended it sooner," Alice added. "We didn't know how to go about it, but then I saw James at your graduation…"

"You knew he was there?!" I shouted.

"Yes, honey, I did. But I didn't talk to him. I was watching you when you spotted him. I saw your face Bella. It was then that I knew a part of you, a significant part, had never truly let go of him. You loved him, you still do. You just don't know it yet."

"Actually, I think I did know that. I just didn't want to admit to it. It was painful enough as it was."

I pulled them both into a hug. We broke apart as James approached.

Hayley POV

"Wow. That is so just like the movies!" I cried. "It's so romantic."

"It does sound like a movie, doesn't it?" She agreed.

"So did he declare his undying love for you? Sweep you off into the sunset?"

"I wish," Dad said, surprising us both.

"Hi, Dad," I said.

"Honey! You scared me," Mum exclaimed.

"Sorry Dear," he said with a smile.

"So, Dad, what happened in Central Park?" I asked.

"Alice and Rose busted my balls, that's what," He laughed.

"They weren't that bad," Mum replied.

"No, they were worse. You forget… Rosalie was pregnant back then."

"Oh, yea," Mum said, "I forgot about that."

He turned back to me and continued, "Your mum and I did talk some that night. There was a lot to talk about. We mostly focused on the previous 6 years, if I remember right. Your mum didn't know until years later that I'd been keeping tabs on her," Dad mused. "Ever since I sent her that letter. I just needed to know she was alright."

"Mum, that is SO romantic."

"Or a little creepy," she quipped with a smile.

"Anyways," Dad continued while rolling his eyes, "I was only in New York for a week."

"See the recurring theme Hayley?" Mum questioned through a giggle.

"Woman…" Mum raised her eyebrow at him, while I giggled. "Never mind. I helped your mum and Alice pack up her apartment. We shipped most of the stuff to Alice's house in Australia. Everything that was left over, the three of us were taking back to Forks, or giving away."

"I wanted to go back and explain to Charlie, in person, what had happened. He deserved to know why I was running off to Australia with Alice," Mum finished.

"I bet that went over well," I said with a sarcastic laugh. Grandpa Charlie was not one for surprises, especially big ones like that would have been.

"He was surprisingly understanding," Mum said. "I think it was because he always did like Alice, knew I'd be safe with her."

"About a year later Bella was practicing law here in Sydney, and still living with Alice," Dad said.

"And for once he let me know he was coming to visit," Mum continued.

"And it was for more than a week," Dad finished with a pointed look at Mum.

Bella POV

"Alice, what if this goes terribly wrong?" I asked as I paced the room.

"Bella, it won't. It will all work out," She replied.

"How can you know that, Alice?" I questioned. I couldn't understand how she was so calm about this.

"I just know, Bella. Have a little faith. Do you really think James would fly all the way out here just to screw with your head?"

"Maybe."

"Bella!" she cried, exasperated.

"Alice, I want to believe that you're right, but I don't have the greatest track record."

"You haven't dated at all since you've gotten here. That's saying something. If you didn't want this, you could have had so many other men, but you didn't. You held out. Whether you see that or not," she reasoned.

"Okay. One chance. But I swear to god…"

"Don't finish that sentence," Alice said, cutting me off.

"Fine, but I'm blaming you when this goes to hell," I threatened.

"You can say that, but you'll have no need to," she called as she walked into the kitchen. "Ooh! I think he's here."

I was still pacing the living room when a loud knock sounded at the door, causing me to jump.

"Alice, can you get that?"

"Bella, stop being a pussy and open the door. You're closer to it anyways."

I glared in her direction, even though she couldn't see me. Taking a deep breath, I tried to calm my racing heart, and opened the door.

"Hello, Bella," said James as he leaned against the door frame. "Ready for our date?"

"I, um... let me grab my purse," I stammered.

"Bella, you might want to grab something to tie your hair back with, too," he called after me.

"Bye kids! Have fun!" Alice called, in a sing-song voice.

I picked up my purse from the couch, and dashed down the hallway to grab a hair band. James was watching with an amused expression on his face as I flitted about the house.

"Ready?" He asked, extending a helmet to me.

"What's this for?" I asked, walking out the door.

"It's for you to wear." I just stared at him, "On the motorcycle." He motioned to the bike that was in our driveway.

"You've got to be kidding me," I groaned. I didn't know where we were going, but riding on that bike, with my body pressed against his was not going to help my resolve at all.

He chuckled at my obvious discomfort, but hopped on the bike without another word. I climbed on behind him, tentatively placing my hands at his side. He pulled my arms father around him, so my chest was flush with his back. Moments later he took off down the road.

I would have enjoyed the ride more if I hadn't been so absorbed in my thoughts about what was going to happen. We pulled up outside a club. After he pulled the helmet off, I gave him a questioning look.

"We met dancing. I wanted to re-create that moment." He must have seen something in my expression because he stopped and just looked at me for a few seconds. I looked away, feeling vulnerable and uneasy under his gaze. He gently grabbed my chin, and tilted my head back so I was looking at him. "Bella, we don't have to fix everything tonight. We don't have to figure everything out tonight. Let's just enjoy each other. Eat dinner, dance, maybe have a couple drinks. Have a little fun Bella."

"Sorry," I smiled. "Let's do this, shall we?" I offered him my hand.

He led me into the club. We found a booth in the back, ordered some food and drinks, and just talked. I finally relaxed, the alcohol helping a bit. Small talk was made, dinner was finished and then James was pulling me to my feet.

"Dance with me?" He asked.

I agreed, and we made our way onto the crowded dance floor. A song with a catchy beat that I didn't recognize poured through the club. James stood behind me, his hands on my hips, guiding them in time with his own. My hands moved up and over my body, lifting into my hair.

We danced like that for a few minutes before the music got a little slower, and a little quieter.

"Bella, the way you move, the way you look when you're dancing… When I first saw you in that club, I fell hard and fast for you."

"James," I turned around, his hands still on my hips.

"Let me finish, Bella, please." He paused and I nodded. "I didn't know what to do with myself. I hadn't felt that way before. Then, when I was asked to head up the Africa project I took it in a heartbeat, and didn't think of the consequences until I saw you that week. Then I saw those assholes, and lost it, and Bella, I'm sorry, for letting you down, and being an idiot."

I ran my hands over my face and into my hair, pulling slightly on the roots. When I released my hair I put my hands on his chest.

"James, you broke my heart the day you left. Then, not only do you shatter me, you drop off the face of the earth, send me one letter, and I don't even know if you're still alive until you show up at my law school graduation. You were more than just an idiot. There aren't even words to describe what you were. I wasted six years of my life with Embry because I didn't think you were coming back." I took a deep breath, willing myself not to cry. Clearly, in spite of hours upon hours of phone calls and countless emails over the last year, there were emotions and fears that had never been expressed.

James moved his hands from my hips to my back, one gliding up to cradle my head against his chest. We swayed with the music. Soon, the song changed again, something loud and fast.

"Wanna get out of here?" James asked.

I nodded and said, "Let's go home."

"I'm already there," he whispered.

I smiled softly at his statement then pulled the helmet back over my hair. This time I paid more attention to the rushing wind, the feeling of flying. It was as though the wind was taking my burdens and fears with it, leaving me free to move on.

We got back to the house, and James walked me to the door. My stomach felt like hundreds of butterflies had taken flight within it. My heart was racing, and I felt like I was nineteen again. We were back on the Rez, but this time he wasn't saying goodbye, he wasn't leaving me. The thought made me smile.

His hand brushed a strand of hair behind my ear then came to rest on my cheek. His thumb traced my lips softly, and he leaned in to kiss me. Just as our lips connected, Alice flung the door open.

"Why are you two on the porch?! Our neighbors don't want to see you sucking her face off, James. Bella, you do have a bedroom," she announced then walked back inside the house.

I groaned and James laughed. "So, you have a bedroom Bella? I never would have guessed."

I smacked his arm lightly. "Shut it you."

"What?" he asked in mock ignorance.

"I'm sorry she interrupted."

"Don't be," James said. "Now where were we… Oh yes, I remember."

He leaned back in, capturing my mouth with his. I sighed, and melted into his caresses. We kissed on the porch for a few minutes, eventually both needing to breathe and compose ourselves.

"What's your middle name?" I asked as I took a moment to settle myself.

"Dean, why?"

"James Dean, JD. I like that," I mused. "Do you mind if I call you JD from now on?"

"Sure," he smiled.

A moment later James asked, "Can I take you to breakfast in the morning?"

I nodded, "Yes, of course."

He pulled me into a hug, promising to pick me up at 9am the following morning.

I walked into the house, shutting the door softly behind me. I felt like I was floating as I walked down the hallway to my bedroom. I plopped onto my bed, and squealed into my pillow.

Alice knocked on my door before letting herself in. "So, the date went well?"

"Mostly, yea," I replied, sitting up. "I had a small meltdown while we were dancing, but it was good."

"I'll only say this once, but I told you so, Bella," she gloated, a smile dancing on her lips. "When are you seeing him again?"

"In the morning. We're going to breakfast."

Alice threw her arms around my neck, knocking us both back onto my bed. "I'm so happy for you."

"Now we just have to see where this goes," I sighed.

"Don't over think things Bella. Just let your heart lead you."

Hayley POV

"We had breakfast, and things progressed from there," Mum said. "We dated for a few more months, and then JD finally got the nerve to propose."

I giggled and Dad tried to defend himself, "I was waiting for the perfect moment. That ring was burning a hole in my pocket for weeks."

"Regardless," Mum continued, "you're only sixteen; Kurtis still needs to grow up. I met your father when I was 18, and he still had a long way to go then, too."

"Hayley," Dad said sternly, "this Kurtis boy - where'd you meet him? Why haven't I met him? Who are his parents? I really don't remember giving you permission to date. Why, in fact I think…"

"Lighten up," Mum said. "Just because we didn't meet until college doesn't mean we didn't date in high school, too, Dear."

"Yea, but…" Dad protested.

"But nothing, James Dean Michaels," she challenged.

My phone started ringing; I checked the caller I.D. and saw that it was Kurtis.

"Mum, thanks for the talk. I'm gonna take this."

She smiled at me saying, "Sure honey, anytime."

I walked out of the kitchen and was headed up the stairs, but not before I heard Dad say, "I love you, Mrs. Michaels." I smiled to myself, and answered my phone.

"Hey, Kurtis."

SO! There we have it. My baby is all grown up and out of the nest. *Sigh* I'm glad you've all stuck with me this far, and have hopefully laughed right along with me. I will say, there are a couple of outtakes in the works, James' experience at the gay bar, and potentially a smutty outtake with James and Bella and all the absurd jokes I came up with while writing that pair. If you're interested, I will also tell the story/background of the lovely characters. Regardless, this has been a spectacular journey, and voting starts on Monday! Mark your calendars… Or don't. Up to you. I'm going to stop rambling now. Thanks! Shae