*** I own nothing, all of this is Stephenie Meyer's. I love the reviews from you guys, thank you so much! :) ****

Chapter 2

Carlisle

"Carlisle" I said, I was relieved it was really him. I knew Carlisle was a man of peace and would not want to cause me any harm, so I stood there and waited for him to speak, I would let him set the tone for this chance meeting.

"Bella, my dear, is it really you?" he asked, and I could detect a little bit a confusion and surprise in his voice, yet his face remained calm.

His mind on the other hand was a very different story, his thoughts were not so calm, he was confused about why I was in Italy and alone, not to mention how I had become a vampire. He was surprised because he never imagined he would run into me of all people while hunting.

"Yes, it's me. How are you Carlisle?" I said, I was unsure if I should make him aware of my talent at this point. I was unsure of how the rest of the Cullens felt toward me after they left Forks, but as of this moment Carlisle harbored no ill will against me, but my talent maybe best left secret.

Carlisle took a step toward me, his hands were raised. I almost wanted to smile at his caution, it was a considerate gesture, his thoughts were focused on not making me uncomfortable.

"Bella, are you okay?" he said with concern in his voice.

I was always amazed by Carlisle's kindness, even now under such tense circumstances he was calm, logical and above all caring. Of course Carlisle was just as beautiful as I remembered, but all vampires were, yet something about the way he carried himself made you think class.

"I'm well Carlisle, thank you for asking. I am young Carlisle, but I assure you I mean you no harm." I tried to say this in such a way that it would put him at ease. His thoughts were so sad and concerned, I almost couldn't take it anymore.

"I am sorry Bella, I meant no offense, I just didn't want to startle you. Your eyes of course indicate you are no to young, and that you have chosen a very difficult lifestyle to follow, may I ask who has been helping you to live in such a way?" his voice was full of pride and curiosity.

I found it most interesting that Carlisle words echoed his thoughts. It seemed to me that most people thought one thing yet said another.

"I have been alone since I was changed Carlisle, there is no one else." Just the sound of those words made me feel more alone than I had realized.

"My god she is alone, what have we done, I knew us leaving was a bad idea. I only blame myself" Carlisle's thoughts brought to my attention that he felt pity for me, and that was the last thing I wanted, but had I said anything he would have realized that I had extra abilities, so I chose to remain silent. At that moment it began to rain, and I could tell through Carlisle's thoughts that he thought it best to go.

"Well, I don't wish to keep you Carlisle, I'm sure you would like to get in out of the rain. It was very nice to see you again, please give my best to the rest of the family." I wasn't sure I wanted to go, but I had caused him and his family nothing but trouble in the past, and I didn't wish to make a nuisance of myself again.

"Wait, Bella where are you staying? I would very much like to catch up with you and I know Esme would especially love to hear from you and know that you are well. Alice and the rest of the family miss you very much, please lets go back to where I am staying and we can talk." his voice said pleadingly.

I wasn't sure if I was ready for this, if I could handle this, but I wasn't sure that avoiding this was a good idea either. It was sure to happen that I ran into one of the Cullens again one day, and eternity is a long time to wonder "what if".

"Umm... I'm not staying anywhere, I mean that I don't have a residence sort of speak. If you think that your family would be okay with my presents and that I would in no way offend anyone or be of any burden to you, then I would love to come, but if you think that it would upset anyone then it is best we go our separate ways here." I didn't mean to seem rude, but I have been a burden to the Cullens to many times to count, and causing any trouble for them is not something I wanted.

Carlisle face looked taken back, and then softened, his eyes were full of love when he spoke again.

"Bella you have never been a burden to this family, never think that. We love you very much, and the thought that you had to endure this change alone hurts me deeply, you are and always have been apart of this family. There is much for us to discuss, come". With that he motioned for me to follow, I considered his words and for the first time in so long I didn't feel so alone.

I nodded and then he started to run, I hadn't ever imaged I would have gotten such a reaction from Carlisle or any of the Cullens for that matter. To think that I would see them all again made me smile, and then a thought passed through Carlisle mind at that moment.

"Edward will finally be whole again."

I almost stopped dead in my tracks, Edward how had I not considered Edward in all of this, how would I be able to handle seeing him again, could I. It had taken me a long time to accept the loss of Edward, could I just see him and then watch him walk away again. I still loved Edward, I longed for him and every second I have had to endure without him has been devastating, I would have to control myself. Edward had the power to hurt me in ways I never thought someone could, l needed to prepare myself for the worst. This was just a visit, nothing more.

At that moment Carlisle said, "Were here".

We had come to a clearing about 40 miles out side of the nearest town. In the middle of the clearing was a beautiful cabin, if that's what you want to call it. It wasn't as big as the Cullens home in Forks, but it was large, two stories by the look of it. It was made of stone, large windows covered the majority of the front of the cabin, it looked very old. As always I was amazed, the Cullens had impeccable taste, it was evident in every material possession they owned.

"What do you think? We are only going to be here for another month, but we fell in love with the place the moment we saw it. Esme and I found it one day while hunting, and you know how Esme loves to re-modle and decorate. After she saw this place, she just knew she had to have it." He spoke with pride in his voice, his love for Esme was unconditional.

Even when he spoke of something like Esme's taste in housing, there was no doubting his love for her. They were perfect for each other, I was so happy for them both to find a love a beautiful as theirs.

"It is lovely, it has Esme written all over it. She has a way of making a home breathtaking and comforting in a way that I will never understand. She is really one of a kind, you are a very lucky man Carlisle." I said.

I never took my eyes of the cabin as I spoke, and although he said nothing, his thoughts said something I was not prepared to hear.

"So was Edward, that foolish boy, I truly hope she can forgive him" he thought.

I just stood there, I was shocked, what did I have to forgive Edward for. I didn't blame him for leaving me, I knew from the moment I laid eyes on Edward Cullen that I was not good enough for him. I was thankful for the time I had with him, I would have rather spent one day with Edward than and eternity with out.

I felt Carlisle's eyes on me and after a few moments I turned to look at him.

"Shall we?" he said motioning towards the cabin.

"After you", I said.

I was worried and unsure what was going to happen, how the rest of the Cullens would react to me, but at least after today I would know and I would have some closure when it came to them.

After a few more steps I heard the thoughts of what I could only assume to be Esme. The thoughts were of the well being of the family and an upcoming trip to town to visit some "friends". Aside from Esme I could only hear Carlisle, so I assumed that the rest of the Cullens were gone.

I was some what relived by that thought, maybe I could gauge the reaction of the rest of the family based on how Esme responds to me. I hoped that they would accept me and forgive me for all the trouble I had caused them in the past, but I was prepared for whatever may come.

We reached the front door and Carlisle opened it for me.

With out a sound I stepped in side.

"Esme, darling we have company."

I took another step forward then took an unnecessary breath.

"Here we go", I thought.

I could do this, I wanted to do this.....

***Well there is my second chapter I hope you enjoy, let me know what you guys think!:)****