Disclaimer: SM and affiliates own all that is Twilight. No copyright infringement intended.

Author's Note: This chapter is the closing door to Jasper's old life, and the beginning to the second half of the story. Bella will be in the next chapter, YEA! I hope you like this chapter; it wasn't really my favorite, but still necessary. Of course not feeling well will make you hate just about everything.

Welcome Home

Part Eleven

The eleventh hour was before me. I was about an hour away from Forks, and I was getting anxious. After talking with Carlisle on the phone earlier in the week, he informed me the family was back in Forks, Washington. I wasn't with the Cullen's the first time they resided there, so I was eager to see the house. From what Esme confided it had always felt like home to them. She said the family was finally together again and the only thing missing was me.

Emmett and Rose had gone on another honeymoon of some sort, not long after I left. They often did that, and quite frankly it wasn't something I wanted to be thinking about. I got enough of Emmett and Rose's lust when I was at home. Carlisle told me that everyone was enrolling at the local high school and would be starting the day after Labor Day, which was in a couple days.

I didn't really need to hunt, but decided to stop anyway. I needed the time to clear my head and center myself. I pulled my Infiniti QX56 on the side of the road and got out. Carlisle warned me that it rained constantly here, thus making it perfect for vampires. I shut the driver side door and stretched my body. There really was no need for the action, but it was one the human habits I picked up somewhere in my travels.

I walked into the woods and took in a deep breath. There was so much moisture in the air I felt like I was inhaling water. I could smell and hear a few deer about two miles to the east. I took off running, allowing my senses take over, but never all the way. While hunting, I learned to retain some level of control and awareness. I never wanted a repeat of my darkest hours. After taking down three deer and disposed of their carcasses, I sat down on a fallen tree. I took in my surroundings. I was so close to my family. After two years and only seeing Carlisle and Esme, I was ready to see everyone else.

Carlisle told me everyone was excited to see me. They were anxious to learn what I had been up to these last couple of years. Everything Carlisle and I discussed was private and wasn't shared with anyone else. This was not easy to do with a family full of vampires. Our family had no secrets. Eventually, everything always came out into the open. I asked Carlisle not to say anything, because I wanted to tell them myself. I didn't want Carlisle to have the burden of telling everyone about my weaknesses and failures; he didn't deserve that obligation, even though he would have taken it willingly.

The only other ones who knew were Alice and Edward, and that was only because of their talents. Carlisle assured me they hadn't discussed it with anyone else. I knew his word was law in the house so I had nothing to fear. I stood up from the tree and started to make my way to the truck. Did I mention how much I loved my baby? I just bought it a year ago. I loved Infiniti's. They were so kick ass. As I got back on to the road I knew I had about another hour before I literally came face to face with my past.

…

As I pulled onto the road that led to the house, I took an unnecessary breath to help settle my nerves. I thought of Bella's brown eyes and the worry she had for her mother. I thought of her selflessness in her time of need, and I thought of her worry for me. Thinking about Bella always helped to calm me. It brought me to a time and place that was both dark and endless for me. But in thinking about that time, I knew that if I could survive that, I could survive facing my family and Alice. I pulled up to the house, and noticed it was more like a mansion. It was a huge white house with three levels. There were windows everywhere and I could see why Esme loved it so. Even though it was big, the house screamed "welcome home".

When I approached the front door, I took in the emotional climate of the individuals of the house. It was so strange. I only seemed to be picking up on one being. They were weighed down by fear, happiness, and anxiousness. It was a good thing they were a vampire or I was afraid they would explode. The only other person I recalled feeling such ranges of emotions was Bella. How she was able to withstand it with her frail human body was beyond me.

Carlisle assured me the family would be here to welcome me, but I guess someone had different plans. No matter how long I was away from Alice, I would always be able to sense her. I could hear her breathing rapidly, reassuring herself she could do this. I figured this time was as good as any, I put my hand on the door knob and turned. When I walked into the foyer I couldn't see her, but as I made my way into the living room, there she was. From what little I had seen of the house, Esme had done a wonderful job. The back wall was completely taken up by a bank of windows. The walls were painted a muted off white color that seemed to sooth the soul. The furniture was done in complementary colors that blended in with the room. There was a huge sixty inch screen TV facing the couch with every game imaginable. No need to guess who that belonged too. For some reason I couldn't picture Carlisle and Esme playing some video game. There were two chairs opposite the couch facing each other. A large grand piano in the corner completed the room.

Sitting in one of the chairs opposite the couch was Alice. She had yet to look at me. She had her knees drawn up to her chest with her arms wrapped around them. Her head was laid on the top of her arms. I couldn't see her face. There really was no need; I knew every curve, line, and texture to her beautiful face. I knew all of the different faces she made and what they meant. I knew that when she had a crease between her eyebrows, she was thinking hard about the latest sale that was about to happen. I knew when a slight smile she was trying to keep from appearing on her face, she was thinking about something funny Emmett had done to provoke Edward; usually it was because he called him Eddie, a name he detested. And most of all I knew when her eyes glazed over and her face became blank she was having a vision. That was the look I liked the least. That was the look, which changed my entire life.

I really couldn't take the silence anymore. I approached her slowly, not wanting to frighten her. Alice lifted her head and looked into my eyes. I was immediately taken back to the last time I had seen her. I remembered every word spoken, every touch felt, and every sound uttered. I remembered the look of devastation and loss on her face. But most of all, I remembered her feelings of grief and acceptance. Today Alice was feeling some of those feelings, but to a much lesser degree. I looked at her face and saw she had a slight smile playing on her lips. It was in this moment and after two years of separation that she finally spoke.

"Hey, Jazz. Long time no see, huh!"

Out of all the word combinations and all the scenarios I ran through my head, this was not what I expected. To be honest, I was not sure what to expect. It wasn't my gift to see future possibilities. Alice continued to stare at me, waiting for me to talk. I ran my hands through my hair, which was something I did when nervous.

"Yeah, Alice, it's been a long time," I answered her, my voice a little shaky from my nerves. "So what have you been up to since I last saw you?" For some reason, I felt this overwhelming need to laugh. Everything was just so awkward. This was not how I picture our reunion.

I would come through the door. My family would all greet me with hugs and pats on the backs. I would see Alice, everyone would become uncomfortable, and Emmett would make a stupid ass joke to break the tension and receive a slap in the back of the head from Rose. The room would clear out. Alice would start crying and apologize for breaking me. I would embrace her, telling her it was okay. We would then talk about what happened and then decide to be friends. Life would return to what we made it.

This silence and discombobulatedatmospherewas uncomfortable to say the least.

"I know, Jazz. This is so weird. I'm not really sure what to say or do. I feel like I am constantly spinning and it's never going to stop!" Well that was a surprise to me.

"What, are you kidding? The all seeing and powerful Alice doesn't know what is going on?" I teased her. Alice stuck her tongue out at me and shook her head.

"Shut up, Jazz. You know what I mean," Alice tinkled, and just like that some of the tension faded. I walked further into the room and sat on the couch, taking a look around. It really was a beautiful place.

"So," I started to say, "How many playstation's has Emmett broken recently?" Alice just giggled.

Too many for me to count." I guess it was a good thing Alice knew when to play the stock market, or all of Carlisle's salary would have gone towards video game equipment.

"I am sorry, Jasper, for everything," Alice whispered. I knew she was. I could feel her remorse. It was covering me like an overheated blanket.

"I truly never meant to hurt you. If I could have taken your pain and struggles these last two years and made them mine, I would have, but then you wouldn't be the person sitting here that you are today." I could feel the truthfulness of every word in her statements. Alice loved me and wanted nothing but the best.

"Thanks, Ali, that means so much to me. I know we didn't leave things on the best of terms."

"I know, Jazz, and I am sorry for that also. I didn't know what else to do. There were so many visions come at me. I felt like the walls were coming at me from all sides. The last thing I ever wanted to do was hurt you in any way. I wish things could have been different for us." Again, I felt the truth of her statements. Alice never wanted to hurt anyone.

I never took the time to realize how much she was hurting. Alice had a way of hiding some of her emotions from me so I wouldn't worry about her. It never really worked too well, but sometimes she would get lucky, and pass something over my head.

"I'm sorry too, Alice," I started to say but was cut off.

"You have nothing to apologize for. You didn't do anything. It was me who turned your world upside down, leaving you alone to figure everything out. I was the one who changed everything. But I swear to you, Jasper, if there was any other way I would have tried to find it." Alice was partially right; she had changed everything and turned my world upside down. But she was also wrong; I did owe her an apology.

"You're wrong, Ali, I do own you an apology. I knew how much you were hurting. I could feel it with each breath you took. Even with the emotions you tried to hide from me, it never worked. I think you underestimate my gift at times." Alice threw me a sad smile. "But as I was saying, I never tried to lessen your pain. I let you live through hell those last couple of weeks. I was angry for you not confiding in me. I wanted to know why you were avoiding me. I felt like I had the right to know . . ." Alice interrupted me again.

"You did have the right to know, Jazz. I just didn't know how to tell you!"

"Regardless, Alice, I should have never let you suffer so much. You were in more pain than me, but I wanted you to hurt like I was. I was such a selfish bastard. I hope you will be able to forgive me for not making any of it easier on you." Alice just got up from her chair and sat next to me on the couch.

"There is nothing to forgive, but if it makes you feel better, I do!" At this statement, Alice grabbed my hand. I wasn't sure what I was expecting to feel, but what I did amazed me. I felt comforted and loved. I felt that there was hope for us. With time we were going to be okay.

"I hope in time we can become friends, Jazz. I don't want to lose you again! It was hell without you, but I know you needed the time away to start your own path and destiny."

I'm not really sure what Alice meant about starting my destiny, I thought I already had, but I figured I would find out in time. "Sure, Ali, I'd like to be friends again. Let's take it slowly, see where each day takes us, okay?"

Alice squealed and hugged me. She was never this easy to please when were together. I hugged her back before pulling away. It was still a little awkward.

"Thanks, Jazz, but I should probably tell you we will be friends again. Sorry, buddy." I laughed at her antics. It was nice to see Alice a little happy and content. But then, I also realized I would have to get use to her visions again. I lived without them for two years, and it had been liberating. Never knowing what was going to come, being allowed to make my own mistakes, and learning on my own time. Her visions were a side effect with living with the Cullen's, something to be tolerated. It didn't mean I liked them one bit.

"You are an evil, little pixie; you know that right!" Alice stuck her tongue out at me again and giggled.

"I know, but you still love me!" At these words Alice froze and started to become unsure of the situation. I wanted to put her at easy.

'You're right, Alice, I do love you. Okay. Never doubt my love for you. It may not be the love we shared while together, and it may not be that all consuming love I felt for you, but my love for you is still there. It's just taken another form." Alice looked as if she would cry; I was no good at these situations.

"Thanks, Jazz. I love you too. Never doubt."

I didn't doubt her. I could feel her love flowing around us, and it was strong. Alice had always loved strongly and fiercely, it was just who she was.

"So, Jazzy," she started and reminded me how much I hated that nickname. I held my tongue. "What would you like to do? The others aren't expected back for another hour. I wanted us to be alone. I wanted to give us the chance to clear the air somewhat. I hope you don't mind."

"That fine, Alice. I actually appreciate you doing that. I'm also glad we got the chance to do it alone without an audience, and by that I do mean Emmett." Alice laughed and stood up. "Would you like a tour of the house?"

"Sure, let's go." I finally agreed. Our problems weren't magically fixed, but by clearing the air a little, we were able to move on and learn to coexist with each other. We just had to take it a day at a time.

Alice skipped out of the room and started the grand tour in the kitchen. I wondered if the girl had an internal coffee machine that gave her so much energy.

The kitchen was just as beautiful as the living room, but I expected nothing less. There were granite counters, stainless steel appliances. The cabinets were dark wood with glass fronted doors. The floor was a travertine tile on a diagonal pattern. It was clean from top to bottom, but of course we hardly ever used it. Alice showed me the dining room next; there was the table from the other house. Esme loved her antiques. We then checked out the second floor. It had all of our rooms except for Emmett and Rose's, and for that I was grateful. My bedroom and study were right next to each other. They were decorated in light blue with tones of grey. It was very masculine, but not overly so. Esme had done an amazing job, and my favorite thing in the room was the bed, believe it or not. It was an oak sleigh bed. It was centered in the room with a sofa at the footboard. It had grey bedding with blue stripes running horizontally. On the dresser was a 45'' TV.

My study had two leather club chairs, a few tiffany lamps on the desk in front of the window and two places on the side tables next to the chairs. The shelves housed all of my books that I left at the old house. It was so nice to be among my possessions again.

On the third floor was Carlisle study and the sex fiend's bedroom. Carlisle study was classic. He had hundreds of books on the shelves. A massive desk was on the far wall facing the door, two club chairs were place in front of the fire place. He also had two wing back chairs place in front of his desk. He always wanted everyone to be comfortable.

We made our way back down stairs and to the living room. I took a seat on the couch, taking the time to look out the window. The view was unbelievable. It felt like we were living outside. Everything was so green, many different shades. I don't think I would ever tire of the view. Alice sat down next to me and grabbed my hand. As I turned my attention to her, she took a breath before asking me the question that was on her mind.

"How hard was it really, Jazz? I was able to see some of the time what was happening, but I couldn't tell how you were feeling. If it is too painful just forget I even asked the question." I looked her in the eyes. I use to be able to lose myself them, but that didn't happen anymore. I also didn't want to talk about this right know, but she could be relentless.

"I'm not going to lie, Alice, it was difficult. The part where I almost killed an innocent was the fucking worst. You cannot imagination the pain, and I would never want you to." Alice's eyes misted over with venom. "In that moment, I never hated myself so much. My life was never easy, as you well know. It was filled with so much ugliness and pain. The things that I did are inexcusable, not to be forgiven. I was a fucking monster. I caused devastation and a wake of death as long as the Nile, but no matter how bad I was, I lived by one rule only. I would never touch a child. Maria knew that. She never even tried to tempt me with one. Thank bitch knew there would be hell to pay if she even tried."

"Wow, Jazz, I don't think I've ever heard you speak so candidly of your past. I know it was always difficult to talk about." I laughed at her statement. Alice seemed to be confused.

"Sorry, I wasn't laughing at you. I was just remembering something someone told me. She said I was really honest." Emma was such a precocious angel.

"Are you talking about Emma? I would love to have met her. I also think it was amazing what you did for her and her family." Of course Alice would have seen. It made me a little upset. It was something I had done in private.

"Please, Alice, don't tell anyone about it. I really didn't do anything a person in my position wouldn't have done." Alice shook her head.

"You're wrong, Jazz. What you did was such a beautiful gesture. Paying all of her medical bills and then setting up a trust fund for her to receive when she goes to college was beyond amazing. It is just the kind of man you are. I always knew you were astounding. I want you to know that Emma will be able to use that trust fund for college. She will get better. I just wanted you to know that." Alice had just made my week.

"Thank you, Alice. You don't know how much that means to me. I was never sure how she would fare. The doctors said she was getting better and would probably stay in remission, but one never knows. To hear you say that she will make it is just amazing. She really is beautiful and so preconscious. Some guy is going to have his hands filled with her!"

'You're welcome, Jazz. I like to see you smile. I know you haven't had many opportunities to smile these last few years, so I will just have to take every opportunity to make sure you do." I liked that she had shared that vision with me, but I really didn't want to know anymore. I wasn't a fan of her gift. Those were thoughts left to another time.

"Alice, you are one of a kind," I said, trying to keep the mood light. "How did I ever put up with your pixie self? Were you always this annoying, or is this something you picked up from Emmett in my absence?"

Alice stood up and walked in front of me. She was throwing off some serious mischievous vibes. I was immediately on guard.

Alice then attacked me. Her little fingers went straight to my underarms. Did she really think I was ticklish? I was a vampire after all. After about five seconds of the little annoying pixie poking me, I picked her up and threw her onto the couch. I leaned over her and began poking her back. Alice was in hysterics, not from me tickling her, but from the amount of laughing vibes I was throwing at her.

"Jazz. . . . stop . . . please . . . I can't . . ." she sputtered out between laughs.

"What was that, Ali? I couldn't understand. Did you ask me a question?"

"Jazz.!" Alice screeched at the top of her lungs.

"What, Alice? You have to tell me what you want?" I joshed her.

"Jazz . . . I . . . Jazz please!" she continued to scream. I decided to play with her a little more.

"Please what, Alice, make you laugh some more? I can do that for you?" I hit her with another strong cheery vibe and added some tickling on top.

"Damn it, Jazz . . . you have to . . . I . . . stop!"

"Say please, Alice," I chided above her giggling.

"Please, Jazz . . . No more!" she screamed. Her eyes were glassy from the venom that pooled there.

"That's not right. I said say 'please Alice'!" I teased her.

"Fine you, bastard . . . Please." I hit her with another strong dose of laughter just for calling me a "bastard". I was one, but she didn't have to know that.

"Okay . . . Okay . . . Please Alice," she choked out.

"Say, 'I'm Sorry', and I'll stop!" I really did have every intention of stopping after this round. She paid enough.

"I'm sorry, Jazz! No more . . . please!" I took her off the laughing juice, and let her get her breath back. When she finally recovered, she smiled up at me. "It really is wonderful to have you home!"

"Thanks, Alice. It's great to be back. I really did miss you!" As I spoke, I leaned over her little form – still lying on the couch – and wrapped her in my arms.

It was great to have my little sprite back. Our relationship had always been comfortable. Even though we still had a long way to go, I knew we would be alright. The hour I had spent with her proved just that. When I was about to release her, someone behind us cleared their throat.

...

"Well what the fuck is going on here?"

SLAP!

"Damn, baby, you know how much that hurts!" Emmett screeched. I laughed at him. He really was too funny.

"Well then why do you even open up your mouth? Do you have no filter from your brain to your mouth?" Emmett stared at Rose as if he was trying to figure out what she was saying.

I got up from the floor before helping Alice off the couch. I looked past Rose and saw Carlisle, Esme, and Edward coming through the door. Esme just stopped, staring at me. I could feel her love about to burst. She took me in again, trying to decide if I was really here. Perhaps she thought me an apparition.

Tears started filling her topaz eyes. Her joy seemed to fill the entire room. I took it in and projected to everyone. I wanted them to feel the amazing amount of love she had for her children. Esme started to cry harder, shaking her head as if telling herself I wasn't standing here. A sob escaped from her lips, she put her hand over her mouth.

"I'm home, mom. It's really me, I promise."

"Jasper," Esme whispered. She ran to me, and I lifted her off the ground. She wrapped her arms around my neck. She continued to sob into my chest. I sent her my love and waves of calm. I was happy to see her, but I hated it when she cried. She just clung to me. I picked her up higher and spun her around. I wanted to hear her laughing. Of course she granted me my wish.

"Jasper," she laughed, "you put me down this instant." I just spun her around again. She continued to laugh along with the rest of us. I finally abided her request, putting her down. She brought her hands to my face, looking into my eyes as hers started to water again.

"It's so good to have you here, darling. I knew you would eventually come home," she murmured through her tears. She kissed each of my cheeks. "My son is home and our family is finally whole again. Please tell me you are staying, darling."

"I'm staying, Esme. I start school the day after labor day, along with this lot." All of the other high school bound 'children' groaned. Esme turned, shooting them the look all mothers seemed to have. Suffice it to say no one made a peep.

"Tell me, darling, did you get to look at the house? I hope you like your room and study. I worked really hard to make sure they were comfortable enough. Did you get to see the outside garden? We have plenty of land and more privacy than anyone could ask for. You have to see the hospital where your father is working. The school isn't too far from it. We don't live too –" Carlisle was the brave soul to interrupt Esme.

"Esme, dear, may I say hello to my son before he gets the Spanish Inquisition." Esme released me from her embraced and turned around. Carlisle gulped. Emmett was snickering like a fool.

"What was that, dear? Did you just ask me to release my son that I haven't seen in over a year so that you could have a turn?" Carlisle looked around the room, silently asking anyone for help. No one wanted to step up to the plate so I decided to give him a break; it was the least I could do. I put my arm around Esme's shoulder and kissed her cheek.

"Aww, mom, give him a break. He hasn't seen me in a while too, what would you say, Carlisle, it's been about four months?" I shot him a little smirk, and he just grinned. "I know he misses me, but of course not as much as you, mom." And just like a house of cards, Esme fell. She could never resist the title.

"Okay, darling, I will let Carlisle have a turn." She stepped to the side and allowed Carlisle to approach me. He was weary of her and walked to my other side – as if to avoid her. I could tell she wasn't really mad; she was just having him on.

Carlisle stood in front of me, drinking in my appearance. He placed his hand on my face and brought my head to his shoulder before wrapping me in his embrace. This was the moment I had been waiting for. This was the moment I had always envisioned, making my father finally proud of me for accomplishing my hardest trial. I couldn't hold in my happiness anymore before the dam broke. I was a starved child in the embrace of his father, who was his hero. I grabbed clung to him and started to cry. I could hear Esme and Alice also crying. They were celebrating my triumphs and homecoming. Carlisle then said the words all sons want to hear from their fathers.

"I'm proud of you, son!"

Carlisle had said those words to me countless times over the years, but this singular moment was the defining time. I had finally made him proud of me on my merit. He was one of my saving graces, and I gloried in his praise. My joy seemed endless in that moment. I released my emotions, letting everyone feel them. Esme came up and wrapped her arms around us. The three of us hugged for a while, reveling in our love Emmett was not to be outdone.

"Jasper isn't the only child here."

SLAP!

"Damn it, baby, you know how much that hurts."

"Then let them have their moment," Rose scolded him. I took pity on him.

"Come on, Emmett, get in on the action."

"Foursome, hell yes!" Emmett ran over and wrapped the rest of us in his massive arms. I unwrapped myself from Esme and Carlisle and embraced my giant ass brother.

"It's good to see you, brother. It's been a long time." I hugged Emmett and then Esme attached herself to me again, but not before she . . .

SLAP!

"Oww, mom. That hurt. I thought I was your little boy!" Emmett pouted, never being able to even fill the requirement of little boy.

"Then my little boy needs to learn to watch his language." Emmett had the good grace to look shameful.

"Sorry, mom." Esme just smiled and kissed his cheek. Emmett's dimples popped out and he was happy to have his family whole. I looked over Esme's head and saw tears in Rose's eyes. I knew she had a hard exterior, but she loved her family fiercely, only wanting the best for everyone.

"Am I going to get a hug from my twin sister, or am I just going to get some love from Emmett." Rose actually giggled before running to me.

"I do give the best kind of love, huh Rosie?" She ignored him; I ignored him also, causing Emmett to pout.

The rest of them released me and I took my sister into my arms. I picked her up and spun her like I did to Esme. Rose tucked her face into my neck and cried. I knew she was a big softie inside.

"Welcome home, Jasper. I missed you," she whispered. I put her down and stroked her hair.

"I missed you too, sister. I'm sorry for all the pain I put you and the rest of the family through. But always know I loved you and everyone else at every moment." Rose nodded her head.

"You have nothing to be sorry for, Jasper. We all love you and missed you. I'm so glad you are finally home."

"Me too, sister, me too." Rose stepped out of my embrace and clung to Emmett.

I turned around, staring at the remaining person in my family. We were never really close. He and Alice had the close relationship. Edward was another one who I owed an apology to. I put him through a lot and he suffered because of my mistakes. He should have never been put in such a position. I should have taken responsibility of myself from the start. Edward shook his head and looked at me.

"You're wrong, Jasper. You owe me nothing."

"Can someone tell us what you two are gossiping about?" Edward and I smiled at our outspoken brother.

"I was thinking how much I owe Edward an apology for the pain I caused him. I put him in precarious situations over the years when I should have been taking responsibility for my own actions. Edward seems to disagree."

"I made my own choices, Jasper. You never asked me for help. You never sought me out. I wanted to help you and Alice, so I took it upon myself to play the role of mediator in your life. Any failings I had or the pain that was caused from those mistakes was my own. I shouldn't have interfered, Jasper, and for that you have my apology. I should have known you could do it. I apologize for coddling you, Jasper, and having such little faith in your abilities." I could feel his sincerity.

"Its fine, Edward. You are also forgiven. There are no hard feelings." I stepped up to him and put out my hand. Edward took it, and I pulled him into my embrace. He was uncomfortable but finally hugged me back.

"I love you, Edward," I whispered, not wanting to embarrass him. I could feel his returned affections, but he was uncomfortable in front of everyone expressing it.

"Its fine, Edward, I know you love me. I can feel it. There is no need to say it out loud," I told him in my thoughts. He just nodded. When we were about to let go 'the mouth' had to make a comment.

"Aww, look everyone . . . Eddie has finally gotten some action, and now he is acting like a blushing bride."

Emmett was snickering from his comment and looked around at everyone else's expressions. Esme was mad as hell. Carlisle was just fine; he already expected this from Emmett. Rose was fuming mad and Edward wasn't far behind her. Alice was just shaking her head, trying not to laugh.

"Um . . . sorry Eddie," The big-ass vampire tried to apologize, awkwardly.

Unfortunately, he drew the short straw. Emmett took off running and was followed out the door by Rose and Edward. I knew he wouldn't get far. I sat down on the couch and thought how good it was to finally be home. Esme and Carlisle sat down on either side of me, and Alice sat on the floor at my feet. I looked down at her and winked. She smiled at me. Esme threw her arms around me again, smothering me in her love and joy.

"I'm so happy. I have my family back. Thank you, darling, for finally coming home. The family was never the same without you." I was happy to be home and with the ones I cherished. However, I knew something would always be missing, and when my angel reappeared, things would be absolute in my existence.

"Eddie, I was just happy you finally got some action, even if it was with your brother." I could hear Emmett in the background.

SLAP!

And that one wasn't from Rose. It was good to be home.

Author's Notes Continued: I had Jasper driving an Infiniti because I love them and so does SM. I read an interview with her saying how much she loved hers. Also I hoped you liked the chapter. Sorry it has taken me a while to post it. I rewrote it a few times, and finally decided to leave it alone.

I wanted to start out like always and thank all those who continue to read. I hope that you find a little enjoyment in this story. To all of those who add me to their favorites and alerts, you guys rock my world. Thanks for wanting to keep up with it. And always thanks to those who review. I would have never gotten this far without your comments and thoughts. You all rock my universe. I also wanted to thank those who gave me wishes to feel better.

Thanks again and much love to all.

Posted: 3 June 2010

Edited: 17 June 2011