Thank you to my beta Catherine (dollybigmama) for doing such a wonderful job!

Chapter 5

The tears flowed hot and heavy down my cheeks as I clutched onto my family with all the strength I had in me. As I came in contact with their cold skin and their delicious scent wafted into my nose, I felt whole. I couldn't get enough of them, even Rose.

We made our way to the baggage claim and Emmett loaded my luggage onto the cart. I didn't feel the need to speak with them, just being with them was enough for me. I didn't feel the need to fill in the silences with words when there were thoughts that weren't so kind in the back of my mind. It wasn't the time to rip them and myself apart with the past; that would come later, after I had gotten my fill of them.

I sank into the back of Carlisle's black Mercedes with Alice on one side, her head on my shoulder, while Esme was on my other side with her arms wrapped around me. It wasn't a comfortable position physically, but my heart was content and any discomfort to my body was worth it.

We drove through the city and out into the surrounding countryside. My eyes were blurry with tears, making it difficult to appreciate the landscape of a new country.

Carlisle drove effortlessly along the winding driveway. The sides were lined with tall trees and white statues, greened slightly with age and weather.

I disentangled myself from Esme's arms as I got out of the car to see the house I would be staying at for who knows how long.

I didn't know what the home would look like. In my mind I had expected a Cullen house to look like the white mansion in Forks. I imagined lots of glass, clean lines and Victorian charm. This house was so much more. Standing in front of me was a large, cream colored, stone structure. The front door was a rich, thick mahogany with an intricate crest engraved over the double doors. The mullioned windows shone brightly with pale yellow light. There were four floors to the house that wrapped around the circular drive.

"Oh my..." My voice trailed off as I took in the beautiful fortress in front of me.

It was fantastic and I couldn't wait to take and send photos to my mother. She, I was sure, would say it looked like a fairy tale castle. All it would need was a long bridge, bright banners flying from the turrets, and most importantly a knight in shining armor with a noble white steed.

Esme smiled at me and pulled my arm gently so I would follow her into the house. As unprepared as I was for the outside, I was nearly paralyzed with the interior. I had always known the Cullen's had exceptional taste, but this was beyond anything I had ever seen.

Historical artifacts were scattered perfectly around the room on multiple tables that stood along the wall in the foyer. Priceless paintings lined the walls. At the top of the stairs, before they split, was a massive painting of the Cullen family. I took in Edward's masterfully artistic face and looked around quickly into the rooms that were in my sight.

"He isn't here, and I promise that he won't interfere with your time here. This is for us, to get to know you again," I heard Rosalie say as she stepped beside me. "Would you like to get something to eat or would you prefer to rest up and shower?"

It seemed tonight was going to be a night full of surprises. Rosalie had never been mean to my face, but she had never tried to hide her dislike for me, either.

"If you wouldn't mind, I could do with a quick shower. I hate flying and never feel right until I clean up and wash the stale air of the plane off."

"Of course. I'll show you to your room." She smiled at me and it was truly an enchanting smile, a genuine smile. I was so used to sneers from her that I couldn't help but smile back at her.

I followed Rose up the winding stairs and down endless hallways. I was out of breath and starting to sweat by the time we made it to the tall white door that stood entrance to my room. She opened the door slowly, only heightening my excitement.

The room was stunning. The walls were a beautiful cream with blue silk drapery. A tall four poster bed, covered in pale blue bedding, sat near floor to ceiling French doors that opened to a balcony overlooking a large lake. On the right side of the room there was a door that led to a dreamy bathroom. A large marble tub sat in the corner with ornate silver fixtures. There was a massive closet that was bigger than my entire room at Charlie's house. I expected it to be empty, but hanging along the back were white garment bags I was sure were filled with costly couture creations.

I sighed and made my way over to the small sitting area in front of the fireplace. I sank into one of the delicate chairs and smiled with content.

"So, you like it?" Rose asked quietly behind a grin.

"Like it? It's perfect." There weren't words to describe how much I appreciated the room and how excited I was to be here.

"Well, I'll leave you to freshen up." She made her way soundlessly to the door and graced me once again with a dazzling smile. "I'll try to keep Alice out of here until you're ready. I can smell cooking, so I'm sure Esme has something good for you to eat."

I waited for the door to click shut behind her and ran into the bathroom. I turned the knobs and poured some of the jasmine bath salts into the water that was steaming it was so hot. I relaxed my body and laid my head back to rest against the cool marble.

I used my time soaking to try to collect my thoughts. As soon as I got out I would need to call Charlie and let him know I had arrived safely. I hated that I was going to lie to him about what I was really doing, but I needed this. I needed the closure of my past and a new start to my future. With those thoughts I felt my body relax and my eyes close.

An hour later I woke up to find the water had cooled and the taught skin that covered my hands and feet were wrinkled and soggy. I sighed and eased myself out of my comfortable position. I grabbed the white robe that hung near the door and wrapped my body in its thick folds.

I grabbed my cell phone and opened the large glass door that led to the balcony outside of my room. My nose was instantly assaulted with the sweet scent of roses and gardenia. My room overlooked a large garden filled to the brim with an assortment of stunning blooms and trailing greens.

I sank down on top of the chaise and dialed Charlie's number. He picked up on the second ring.

"Hello?" his deep voice answered into the receiver.

"Hey, dad. I was calling to let you know I landed and I'm at the hotel." I wanted to keep the conversation short. The less I explained to him, the less lies I would have to keep straight.

"That's good, kid. How was the flight? Long, I bet?" He was curious. I banged the phone into my forehead a few times, remembering how horrible I was at dishonesty.

"The flight was good. No turbulence. Honestly, dad, I slept through most of it."

"So, what's it like? A new country, do you feel you can breathe any better?" The man was not going to let up tonight.

"Look, dad, I'm really wiped. Do you mind if I give you a call tomorrow? I'm dying to jump in the tub then sleep the night away." I hoped the jet lag I had felt earlier would be evident in my voice.

"Sure thing, Bells. Enjoy your rest and... well, this is good for you."

"Love you, dad."

"I'll talk to you tomorrow and I'll give your mom a ring to let her know you landed safely."

A few more pleasantries and the line clicked to a pleasant hum. I sat there, just taking in the fresh air and change of scenery.

"Penny for your thoughts?" a quiet voice sounded over my shoulder.

I smiled back at the blond man and his petite wife, with her billowing caramel hair.

"We brought you some light food. I wasn't sure what you would be hungry for, so I guessed." Esme looked between me and the plate of food she was holding in her hands.

I sat up and pulled myself to the small iron table. The food really was delicious. Fettuccine pasta over a grilled chicken breast, with a medium drizzling of creamy Alfredo sauce. My mouth was watering as I nearly inhaled the food. When I finished I leaned back against my chair, content with a full stomach.

"Bella, let us start off with saying how sorry we are to have left you. If there was a way to fix or even reverse what he have done, you must know that we would do it. The only thing we can ask of you is to give us a chance to make it right, to try to make it up to you."

I believed the regret in Carlisle's eloquently spoken words. I had to think for a few moments, to compose what I was going to say. Along with the apology I was going to accept, there were a few words that hinted of the malice and hurt they had caused. Deciding to get it all out in the open I took a deep breath and began.

"It hurt me, deeply, when you left. It wasn't just Edward leaving, but I lost all of you. I had no chance to say goodbye, to tell you how much you meant to me." I tried to hold back the tears, but they spilled over my lower lid and trailed along my cheek. "I forgive you and know you only did what you had to do for your family."

I felt Esme's cool hand touch my tear stained cheek. "You were our family, too. When we first met you and you sacrificed yourself for our safety, when you put your life in danger for us repeatedly, you became part of this family."

"We don't deserve your trust, but we will be doing everything in our power to earn it back," Carlisle stated pulling me into a gentle hug.

Suddenly the door to my bedroom opened and Alice flew to the balcony. Her face was a storm of anger, and betrayal shone bright from her eyes.

"Bella, how could you? I thought we were sisters!"