A/N- Hii, thanks again for the reviews! I'm still so relieved that people are sticking with this story, and have been for so long now. But yeah.. I'm writing to everyone now.

Sorry this took a while... but to be honest it's a really long chapter. It has honestly taken me ages and ages to write and I just couldn't decide what to do with some parts, I got there in the end though! So yeah... reviews would really be appreciated. More for this chapter then any. Really hope you all like this chapter! Only one more to go after this!

(Carry you home- Nashville Skyline)

"Come closer, we're alone,
And it chills me to the bone.
I wish that I'd been mad,
To care, and carry you, carry you home.

You're not the only one, Isolated and undone,
So many miles to go, Well I know, I know.

I know you think that you've been down,
You never know when things will turn around, turn around
I know you think that you've been down,
You never know when things will turn around, turn around

Come closer, we're alone. And I know,
You feel so helpless, I know, I know.

December, I remember, We smiled for awhile.
In December, Together we'll climb,
And I'll carry you home."

Fearless

Chapter nine.

The sunlight reflected off from the broken glass, and almost gave the illusion that the plastic was melting. The heat was the hottest I had ever felt it, and yet it didn't matter to me.

I stared, silently looking at the broken phone, somehow hoping that it was piece back together, but knowing that it didn't really matter either.

It's not like they were going to call anyway.

Instead, I was going to them… to him. I was finally going to be reunited with my salvation… I had to know if he was okay. I had to know why he wasn't contacting me…

And so, I wiped away the tears and turned back to the car, leaving everything behind me in my wake.

1 week earlier…

As the massive hoards of people passed us, I only clutched onto Edward tightly, like he was my lifeline. Which in this moment, he truly seemed like he was… I really didn't know how I was going to cope without him for these next couple of weeks.

"You'll call right?" I asked him anxiously, as I fisted his shirt in my hands.

"Yes," he replied, squeezing me gently.

I leant in to rest my head against his chest, breathing in his scent, "Will I be able to call you?" I whispered against the fabric.

He rested his chin on my head, "I think so yeah," he murmured.

It was the day that I was leaving to go and see Renee – and Edward had insisted on going with me to the airport, so he could draw out our goodbye… he said he wanted to spend as long as he could with me. However, because Edward had come with me, it also meant that Charlie had come too, partly to help by driving Edward back, and partly to say goodbye to me himself. We had already said our goodbyes to eachother, and so he was now hanging back to let me and Edward have a few minutes together before I had to board… and leave them behind.

I sniffed as a couple of tears fell down my cheeks, and just nuzzled myself closer to Edward. I knew that by the way I was acting, people would have thought that I was going away for a year and not two weeks. But I couldn't help the way I was acting… something deep down was telling me that this was a very bad idea.

Only, I never told anyone these thoughts out loud… though I couldn't help but think that some people suspected this, through how reassuring they were acting… Edward especially.

We continued holding eachother, and whispering our promises and devotion, when it happened… the announcement for my flight came over the intercom. I sighed sadly, and wiped another tear from my cheek, hoping that he wouldn't notice.

"I guess you have to go huh?" Edward whispered as he pressed his lips to my hair.

"Yeah, I guess so," I agreed, not making an effort to pull away from him.

He leant down to kiss my cheek, but frowned when he felt the wetness there. "Are you crying?" he whispered sadly, as he gently ran his hand across my cheek.

I nodded, knowing he would feel the movement, and he groaned, leaning his forehead against mine. "There's no need to be sad, love, we'll see eachother in a couple of weeks… it'll be okay."

"I know, but I just don't want to go," I mumbled.

He only hugged me tighter, and gently swayed us side to side, "I know that, but you'll be back soon," he whispered against my cheek, before pausing for a moment, swallowing heavily - "you will come back to me right?" He suddenly asked nervously.

"Of course! I'll be counting down the days till I can see you again," I insisted, almost too loudly… how could he think I was even considering not coming back? Didn't he know he was now my soul reason for living? There was no way I could be without him.

"Me too," he sighed in relief, kissing me gently on the lips a couple of times before loosening his grip on me, "now go on, before the plane leaves without you," he said somewhat teasingly – though the sadness was very clear in his eyes.

"Oh, what a shame that would be," I teased him back, rolling my eyes, as I stepped away from him, "Goodbye then… I love you," I whispered, already feeling alone now I wasn't in his arms.

His expression told me he was feeling the same way, "I love you too, so much," he murmured, before raising his hand slightly in a wave, "goodbye love."

I sniffed, trying desperately to hold the tears in… suddenly that feeling I had that this was a very bad idea was back in full force. But I knew that I had to leave now, or I would never go.

I slowly walked through the crowds, looking back at him, until he was out of sight, and then I finally let the tears fall.

And I whispered, "Goodbye Edward."

EBEBEBEBEBEB

He did keep his promise… for a little while at least.

For the first couple of days that I was here, we were constantly calling eachother – wanting to hear eachother's voices. He told me that my voice helped calm his nerves, and convince him that his surgery was the right thing to do. While I told him that talking to him was the only thing keeping me sane… literally.

However, yesterday we hit a downward spiral – it was the day he went into hospital, so I obviously tried to call him to see if he was okay. Only… he never answered.

I left him text and voicemail messages, begging him to just let me know how things were going – only… I never got anything back. I refused to give up though, believing he had a good reason to act this way. After all, he promised me… and I knew he wouldn't break his promise.

And so, throughout yesterday and today so far, I dedicated almost all my attention to reconnecting with Renee. Unfortunately, things with her were strained to say the least… admittedly we did act the way we used too, by taking walks and cooking together. However, as picky as it sounds, I hated that she was acting like everything was okay between us.

She hadn't even apologised for the way she had acted a year ago… and that really bothered me, more then anything. Not to mention, she hadn't even asked much about Edward – and because of that didn't even know that he was in surgery right this moment.

Yep, his surgery was today, hence my panic on not being able to contact him.

I made my way downstairs in the house, looking round at everything, trying to commit it to memory… it had been so long since I was here after all. I vowed later on to try calling Carlisle and Alice if Edward didn't answer, but for now I was going to try my best not to worry. If anything bad or important did happen I'm sure they would tell me anyway.

I finally made it down to the kitchen, and called out for Renee, surprised that she wasn't down here yet. I then decided to start with making lunch for the both of us by myself and started by opening up the cupboards to find the ingredients for the pasta I was planning.

However… as I opened the first drawer, something caught my eye.

It was a picture frame placing upside down so I couldn't see the picture. Without thinking about it I quickly picked it up and flipped it around so I could see what was in it.

But what I saw took my breath away.

It was Jacob and me a year ago… the day before the accident. It was a candid photo – I never knew at the time that Renee had taken it – and it was of us just simply sitting on the sofa. I was laughing at something, while Jacob was looking at me, a wide smile on his face.

It was his eyes that shocked me though… the emotion that was in them. How had I not noticed it at the time?

He really did love me.

It was such a surprise that night on the road where he told me he wanted more, yet it shouldn't have been. It was here… as clear as daylight that he loved me, you could see it on every inch of his handsome face.

If I wasn't so dumb to not notice… maybe things might have been different.

We wouldn't have argued… and maybe he might still be here.

Oh Jake, I'm sorry.

I quickly pulled the photo I always kept in my pocket… the photo of me and Edward in the school cafeteria, and placed them next to eachother, trying to notice any difference in how happy I looked, or whether I was just as happy both times.

But it wasn't me who was the same… it was them. Both Edward and Jacob had the same expressions on their faces, which was so full of joy and love that I couldn't believe it was just for me.

I've known all along who my love is… and I know it will always be him, my Edward. But to know Jacob had felt this way, and had to cope with unrequited love… it must have been devastating.

I suddenly knew what I had to do now… I had to go back there. Back to where everything happened that rainy night.

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Renee coming into the room – I quickly placed the photo of Jacob and me back in the drawer and slammed it shut, before turning back to her with a smile. We both made casual conversation, before I remembered the photo still in my hand.

"Hey, mom, I've got something to show you," I told her awkwardly.

"Oh yeah, what's that?" she looked up, smiling at me.

I held out the picture, "it's a picture of me and Edward. I thought you'd want to see what he was like," I whispered.

Instantly her face grew excited, "Ooh, let me see," she said eagerly, stepping forward and taking the picture out of my hand. She took a step back and examined it for a while, her blue eyes bright. "Wow, he is handsome," she remarked.

"Like I said," I nodded.

"Mmm… why the glasses though? He shouldn't be covering up half his face like that," she asked me confused.

I rolled my eyes, "Mom, he's blind, he wears them to cover up his eyes," I told her as I gently took the picture back from her and looked at it myself, smiling at his beautiful face.

When I looked back up, to my dismay, Renee was frowning at me, "Why didn't you tell me he was blind?" she asked me slowly.

Oh… no, I hadn't ever told her. "I'm sorry, I guess that it never really came up," I told her apologetically.

She smiled slightly and nodded, accepting my apology. Before that frown came back into place, and she sighed as she spoke, "Bella, I don't know if it's such a good idea."

"What isn't?" I asked, now confused myself.

"Being with a blind man," she told me, seeming reluctant to say those words, "he can't take care of you the way someone else would," she whispered softly.

I gasped, shocked that she would say something like this… how could she think this of him? Hadn't I told her just how much I loved him and how much he'd helped me? Not to mention he'd taken much better care of me in these past months then what she had in my whole life.

"Of course he can… he does!" I told her angrily, "He has been there for me, he's always there – he loves me and that's more then enough."

I hoped that my comment would have been enough – I would have accepted an apology now. However, I didn't get one - "Bella, I'm just saying that you shouldn't be so tied down so young. Especially not to someone who'll always rely on you – "

I cut her off, even angrier then before. I almost snarled the words out at her, furious that she would say these things about Edward - "How dare you! You just don't understand do you? You don't understand what he means to me."

She still didn't seem swayed though, and even began saying something else – "Bella, I –"

I cut her off again, and by this point, I was yelling, "No, mom… did you know that today he's going in for surgery? Trying to get his eyesight back?" I asked her, pausing for a moment to wipe away the angry tears that had fallen - "Its terrifying for him… either he'll get his sight back but be confused… having to learn everything again. Or he might just have to face up to the fact that he will actually never see again. And you think I should leave him for someone who can see?" I almost screamed, losing myself in my temper - not just at her comments, but at her in general.

"I didn't mean it like that, Bella," she sighed sadly, her expression and voice now much sadder and regretful then before.

"You did… please don't lie," I begged, before turning away from her as I began pacing the room, "This was such a waste of time, I wanted to be there for him, but he convinced me to come here, because he wanted me to be able to re-connect with you. That's how selfless he is, but you… you're just as selfish as you've always been," I muttered.

"I'm sorry," she apologised.

Too late.

"Yeah, well…" I sighed, not knowing what to say to her anymore. She remained speechless, so during the silence I remembered what I was planning to do before we even had this conversation. So I turned back to face her, "can I borrow your car?" I asked.

She blinked, surprised by my change of conversation. "What?" She asked, confused.

I sighed, "Can I borrow your car? There's somewhere I need to go," I almost begged her.

She seemed reluctant, "But Bella, we need to talk this-"

I cut her off again, I knew it was rude… but at this moment I didn't care. "We'll talk when I get back, I promise I won't be long," I asked her, before adding - "please?"

She sighed and looked at me for a long time, her expression mostly unreadable. Clearly though she must have seen something in my own expression because hers softened, and she turned and picked up her keys from the cabinet before holding them out to me.

And then she finally whispered her agreement – the nicest thing she's done for me in a long, long time.

"Yes, of course you can."

EBEBEBEBEBEB

I had been here for hours now, crouched by the side of the road, with the flowers and note in hand, in the place where it all happened.

I knew that I would remember this exact spot for as long as I lived.

Yet being here wasn't as painful as I thought it would be… sure it hurt, and the tears had been falling steadily since I had been here, due to the memories going through my mind – the memories of whom I had lost.

But I no longer remembered that night… I no longer blamed myself.

Renee always told me that she believed that people had a purpose in life that had to be filled – and then and only then could they pass on. She believes that if its your time to die, it's your time to die… there's no arguing it, or avoiding it, no matter whom it hurts or who you have to leave behind. I always believed in her statement until a year ago – because I know it wasn't Jacob's time to die… he was still so young, and full of life. He hadn't achieved what he wanted to achieve… he hadn't even come close.

And for a while I believed it was my fault that he wasn't able to do all those things.

But I knew now… sure it wasn't his time, but who can really say that? What happened, happened. It wasn't anyone's fault, and I know if I could somehow talk to him that he would tell me that he didn't blame me and that he was okay.

And sitting here in the hot Phoenix sun, I managed to smile at the memory of Jacob, knowing what I had previously believed was true.

I was okay… I was more then okay.

I would always miss him, and I would always wish he was still here, but I've accepted it. I knew this before, but coming here… to the exact spot where the accident happened just confirmed my thoughts, because I was here, and I was just as okay as I normally was.

I stayed sitting on the edge of the road, grateful that it was such a deserted highway – only a few cars passed in all the time I was there, which was nice. I knew that my thoughts would be disturbed if it were a busier road.

I eventually walked back to the car and put the radio on, wanting to hear some sort of music while I continued to stay lost in my thoughts. Admittedly, the radio was predictably a buzzing mess, but the music was still clear enough for me to hear. There was currently a song on that was announced as being called 'Carry you home,' playing which I couldn't help but find ironic.

I hadn't really had a 'home' in so long… until last September.

Despite what I had thought at the time, Phoenix was never my true home… it wasn't where I was meant to be at all. It was just sad that it took losing my best friend to realise that.

Home wasn't a place; it wasn't a building or somewhere you liked… it was where you belonged and where you were loved, never alone and always happy.

And I now knew that Fork's was my true home… because it was where I had grown up with my best friend, where Charlie lived and most importantly… where I met Edward.

I knew that wherever I went from now, that I would always think of it as my home… just so long as I had Edward with me.

I suddenly had a desperate urge to call him… mainly to ask him how his surgery went, but to also hear his voice… and to let him know that I was okay. I clicked dial and pressed the phone to my ear, praying desperately that he would answer… but as it continued to ring I began to lose hope. Eventually the voicemail came on, but I quickly cancelled out of that.

I kept trying to ring him, but after a couple of tries, my phone beeped loudly telling me it was out of battery. Suddenly I found myself angry for no real reason, and so I opened the car door, stepped out and threw the phone down the road with as much force as I could.

"Stupid piece of junk!"

It hit the road about 20 foot away and smashed into pieces, I smiled in satisfaction, before realising… I now had no way to contact Edward. I couldn't remember his cell number off by heart – it was only his home number that I knew, but he wasn't going to be there. The whole family were staying in Seattle until he had recovered.

I knew that there many other possibilities… I could ring the hospital for starters, or get Charlie to ask Jasper…. But I didn't want to take any of them options.

I had achieved what I wanted to achieve – I had reconnected with my mom, and faced my fears, coming back to the spot where it had all happened. And so I knew that it was now time to go home, to Edward.

I would be there for him to help him learn everything again, or to hold him and tell him I loved him if it hadn't worked… I hadn't been there for the surgery, but I would be there for the recovery, for all of it.

At that moment, I looked back at the smashed object, and noticed how the sunlight reflected off from the broken glass, and almost gave the illusion that it was melting. The heat was the hottest I had ever felt it, and yet it didn't matter to me.

I stared, silently looking at the broken phone, somehow hoping that it was piece back together, but knowing that it didn't really matter either.

It's not like they were going to call anyway.

Instead, I was going to them… to him. I was finally going to be reunited with my salvation… I had to know if he was okay. I had to know why he wasn't contacting me…

And so, I wiped away the tears and turned back to the car, leaving everything behind me in my wake.

I'll be with you soon, my love.

EBEBEBEBEBEBEB

"Eighteen years had come and gone,
For momma they flew by,
But for me they drug on and on.
We were loading up that Chevy,
Both tryin' not to cry,
Momma kept on talking,
Putting off good-bye.
Then she took my hand and said,
Baby don't forget…

Before you hit the highway,
You better stop for gas,
There's a 50 in the ashtray,
In case you run short on cash.
Here's a map and here's a bible,
If you ever lose your way.
Just one more thing before you leave,
Don't forget to remember me."

EBEBEBEBEBEBEB

"Do you really have to go?" Renee asked me sadly as we entered the large air-conditioned building… the airport. It was the day after my epiphany, and although my flight wasn't until the evening due to every flight being fully booked, I was here as early as I could be… because I somehow felt closer to Edward this way.

It was my first step towards closing the distance.

"Yes," I replied without hesitation as I walked ahead of her, "I probably shouldn't have come in the first place."

"Ouch…" she mumbled from behind me, stung by my comment, "Why do you think that?"

I sighed, and pulled my suitcase harder, annoyed at it… I could have sworn it wasn't this heavy before, "Because… I need to be with him… I shouldn't have ever left his side," I told her truthfully, as I paused to look at the signs, figuring out where I had to go.

"You were never like this whenever you had to leave Jacob," she commented quietly.

I didn't even wince when I heard his name… even if it did surprise me, "that's because I never loved him." I told her truthfully.

We finally found the check in and got in the queue. "I always thought you'd end up together," she told me.

Now this surprised me, "Really? Why?"

"You just seemed so attached… I always thought that one day you'd decide you loved him," she told me truthfully.

I looked at her, "That's not how it works," I told her, shaking my head.

"I know," she whispered, seeming dejected for a reason.

I knew that I had to make her understand… if it was the last thing I did.

"He was only ever a brother to me… he'll always be my brother," I told her quietly. It was funny… throughout this whole trip we hadn't really approached the subject of Jacob at all… yet here we were - not long before I was due to leave - finally talking about it.

She was silent for a moment, watching me, taking in my words. And then she whispered - "You're so much stronger now."

"Yes, I am," I replied instantly, taking a step forward as the line progressed.

"Why?"

"Because I've got Edward… and people who support me, and who don't blame me for what happened," I told her, somewhat bitterly.

She was silent for a long time, and I didn't dare look in her direction, almost nervous of what I would see. She then took a deep breath, "I get it now…" she murmured, "you think I blamed you for what happened? Why would you think that?"

Finally.

"You sent me away, mom… it was like you were ashamed of me," I whispered, blinking away the tears as I turned to look at her.

She opened her mouth to reply, but in that same moment the assistant called me up. I glanced at Renee, and without hesitation, walked forward to the check in desk and handed my suitcase over.

I could feel her eyes on me the whole time I was checking in, and it was unnerving… not knowing what she was thinking, or what she was going to say. I considered just running away – because I was afraid of what I would hear – but then I remembered I was fearless… despite everything that happened, she was still my mom, and there was nothing to be afraid of.

And so, once I had finished checking in I went to join her on one of the seats she was sitting on. I held my head high, keeping my eyes solely focused on the departures board, relieved to see that my flight was on time. I smiled at the thought of being with Edward in mere hours, though all the possibilities rolled around in my mind.

He'll know by the time I get there… he'll know if the surgeries been a success or not. And I knew to be prepared for either the happiest Edward ever, or the saddest if it hadn't worked.

And I would help him no matter what.

Beside me, Renee cleared her throat, bringing me back out of my thoughts and back into the present. I turned to look at her, to see she was looking at me, and her blue eyes were misty with tears.

"I'm sorry," she whispered sadly, as one tear spilled down her cheek.

I nodded but didn't say anything.

She took a deep breath and ran her eyes over my face; "I shouldn't have sent you to Forks, I know that. But I have to tell you, it wasn't because I was ashamed of you."

"It wasn't?" I asked, surprised.

"No, of course not… there was nothing to be ashamed of, was there?" she asked, raising an eyebrow slightly.

"No," I mumbled, shaking my head. "So why did you send me away then?"

"For a couple of reasons," she replied, "I knew that you found it difficult being here – near where it happened. Charlie and I discussed it and realised that perhaps a fresh start would be better for you, I worried that you would stay alone here… its not like you had many friends anyway. And… the second reason was because I was afraid of failing you," she whispered sadly.

Now that line truly did stun me, "F-Failing me?" I asked, my voice coming out really quiet, speechless almost.

She sighed, and in an action that was really familiar to me, ran her hand through her hair as she spoke. "I've hardly been the perfect mother for you – and I knew that I couldn't handle this, your grief right. I knew that I would end up interfering, whereas what you really needed was space… somewhere new to help you through it. And that was exactly what Charlie could offer you," she explained.

"He never really talked to me much… only when he had to," I mumbled, still stunned by all of this… suddenly everything made sense, and I found all my resentment towards Renee fading away quickly.

She nodded, "I know – that must have been his method for dealing with everything, did it work?" she asked, before blinking and backtracking her comment, "Sorry stupid question, I can tell that it has… you're the happiest you've ever been," she smiled.

I nodded, matching her smile, but didn't say anything… I couldn't think of anything.

Her smile faded slightly, growing sad, and she leant forward stroking my hair gently, "I am sorry by the way, I really am," she told me sincerely, her eyes growing watery, "I'm sorry that I haven't been a good mom to you."

Something in her expression and words broke me… there was no way I could be mad at her anymore. I instantly knew that I accepted her apology, and decided to let her know, "I forgive you," I told her gently.

"You do?" she asked, surprised.

"Yes," I replied instantly – with no hesitation in my voice.

She then leant forward and pulled me into a tight hug, I responded instantly by resting my head against her shoulder, letting her hold on to me. I breathed in her warm scent and smiled, allowing myself to truly feel loved by my mother. It was so different to the types of hugs Edward and me shared, but almost as nice… She hadn't held me like this in a long, long time, and it suddenly dawned on me just how much I had been missing my mom all this time.

I blinked away the tears that had formed in my eyes, "Thank you by the way," I whispered, clutching at her.

"What are you thanking me for?" she whispered, her voice surprised but still tender.

"For sending me to Fork's. If it wasn't for you, I never would've met Edward, and he and I still would be been alone and unhappy – but because of you, we found eachother," I told her, smiling widely against her shoulder, "thank you."

She was silent for a while after that, and when she finally spoke I could tell that she was smiling.

"You're welcome."

EBEBEBEBEBEBEB

Leaving behind Renee turned out to be very difficult.

When I had to step away from her and board my plane, I turned to look at her one last time… and all I saw in her was myself twenty years on… if I didn't have someone like Edward. I could tell by the look in her blue eyes that she was still happy - or so she seemed to be - but something was lacking. There was something missing from her essential make-up and I had a feeling I knew what it was.

She was alone… she had no one to love her.

I suddenly knew how difficult it must have really been for her to send me to Fork's – I was all she had after all – but she did it out of love, because she truly thought it would be the best option for me.

And she was right.

It had taken a long time, but now Renee and me finally understood each other – yes, she was wayward and yes she liked to be crazy and spontaneous, but underneath she was exactly like me. She also craved company, friendship, and someone to love her.

I knew that she once had it with Charlie, but due to other aspects of her personality she panicked and lost it. I truly hoped that she would find that kind of love again, but knew that it wasn't a certain, so I promised to keep in more contact and to visit her more.

And in return, she promised to come and stay with Charlie and me for a little while.

Once those promises were made I finally felt content enough to leave her – even if it still hurt a lot. I quickly boarded my flight and before I knew it I was landing in Seattle and making my journey across the city to the hospital I knew Edward was in. The whole day had been a whirlwind and a rush… all because of my haste to be with Edward, and even though I could feel the fatigue catching up with me I refused to let it take over.

I had to be with him first.

When in the hospital, I finally slowed my pace and made my way to the reception, finding out the correct ward. And then made my way to the open elevator, pressing the button for the right floor when I was in.

Once the doors closed I leant against the wall, closing my eyes as I took deep breaths to calm myself. I was suddenly very nervous for a number of reasons - mainly for finding out how Edward was… I was afraid that I would find out the surgery hadn't worked… because I was scared for him and how he would be dealing with it. And I was also scared because I remembered the last time I was in a hospital a year ago… and the very bad result that came from it – I feared that it could be the same again.

And there was also another, slightly irrational train of thought that made me nervous. What if Edward had got his sight back, but when he sees me he's not impressed? What if he thinks I'm not good enough, or beautiful enough for him?

I knew I was being far too insecure… Edward loves me; he won't think those things or speak them aloud. It was stupid of me really to worry about this, and far too selfish – it's not what I should be thinking about right now and the rational side of my mind told me to shut up.

However… another part of me was really scared about this and the fear that if he has got his sight back that he will want someone better.

However, before that train of thought could consume me, the doors opened revealing the ward. I quickly walked out, making my way towards the desk to ask which room Edward was in. There was one person already standing there asking questions so I stepped up behind them awaiting my turn. I casually glanced around, taking in my surroundings. It was a surprisingly quiet area, with only a few people sitting in the waiting chairs, but I guess that it wasn't weird considering the time.

As I looked at the people sitting there, one person looked back at me, annoyed at me for staring at them so I turned back to face the desk, embarrassed. However, I found myself turning back around again as two voices caught my attention… they were ones that I knew so well. I silently watched as Esme rounded the corner, coming clearly into view… with Edward holding her arm tightly.

All my breath came out at once, and I stepped back, away from the reception so that I was slightly covered by a large plant. I so desperately wanted to talk to him… to see that he was okay, but for now I just wanted to watch him.

I watched as they walked closer… even though he was relying on Esme a lot to help him walk, it was clear through the way his eyes flickered to everything around him that he could see a little again.

It felt like my heart expanded in my chest in that moment and I felt tears well up in eyes as I truly took in the scene in front of me. There were no words to describe the joy and happiness I felt for him in that moment… I had to brace myself against the wall to stop myself collapsing from the sheer force of it.

And yet somehow, it was a feeling of rightness… like this was the way things were supposed to happen all along. He deserved this after all; someone as wonderful as him deserved to see the world… the beauty and the complexity of it.

A wide smile spread on my face throughout my tears, and even though my blurred vision made it hard to see, I readied myself to step out… to go and see him truly.

And to let him see me for the first time.

I was no longer afraid of what he would think… because I knew that he loved me. He wasn't looking for the most beautiful girl in the world… or even close. I knew that now.

They were now closer, and I could just about make out their words as they spoke. I stayed back just so I could hear what they were saying –

"Wow, this is so weird… its so much brighter out here," Edward whispered, somewhat shakily.

"I know, but you'll get used to it I promise," Esme rubbed his arm soothingly as she smiled up at him.

He looked down so he could smile at her too, "I wasn't complaining… I love it. It's much better then the darkness," he grinned excitedly.

"I'm so happy for you, son," Esme told him truthfully – you could see it in her expression that she was just so happy to see her son with the one thing he wanted the most. "I'm so happy that you got everything you wished for."

Something in her words changed him… his expression became thoughtful, almost sad even. "Thank you," he murmured quietly, before turning to look at her as they came to a stop… literally 10 foot away from me. "Did Alice manage to reach her yet?" he asked worriedly, as he looked down at his mother.

Reach who?

"No, I'm sorry," Esme replied softly, shaking her head.

He sighed, and let go of Esme's arm and instead ran his hands through his hair, "Do you think shes mad at me?" he asked her in a rush, not even waiting for a response before continuing. - "I told her we would keep contact but I failed, I just didn't want to worry her… I knew she needed that time with her mom."

Oh… he meant me. How did I not realise that before?

"I know," Esme nodded, understanding.

He didn't seem to hear her though and continued pulling at his hair, "Only now… I've been calling her and she won't answer… do you think shes okay? Should I ring Charlie?" he asked anxiously. My heart ached for him, and I almost stepped out and revealed myself right then… but something held me back.

Esme reached for Edward's hand, successfully freeing it from his hair, "I'll ring him for you, but please try not to worry. She'll be fine and I'm sure shes not mad at you, she loves you." She whispered, smiling up at him.

She was right… I did… more then everything in the world.

He nodded, "I just miss her that's all… I really do, I want her here," he murmured sadly, "Is that too selfish of me?"

Esme shook her head, "No dear, I'm sure she wants the same. Come on, let's go back to the room and we can call Charlie – perhaps he has Renee's home number we can try," she suggested, as she grabbed hold of his arm again.

"Okay," he visibly brightened at her words.

They both turned around and started walking back in my direction… I stepped back again, preparing to follow them in a minute or two. Only, as they both passed me… Edward looked directly at me.

I took in a deep breath, suddenly hopeful, that maybe, just maybe he would know who I was. Only… to my disappointment, it was barely even a fleeting glance, for as soon as he looked at me, he looked away.

However… just as soon as he looked away, he looked back at me again – his head snapping back in my direction as his eyes locked on mine.

His beautiful eyes turned curious, and a slight frown formed above his brow, as he stopped walking - Esme looked at him curiously. Only, as I looked back into his eyes… something had changed.

They were hopeful… disbelieving… loving.

The green in them was brighter then I had ever seen… they were shining with so much life and wonder that it was literally dazzling.

And suddenly a breathtaking smile formed across his face… he let go of Esme and turned so he was fully facing me. I held my breath, not knowing what was going to happen next, but kept looking into his eyes… willing him on.

His green eyes sparkled with some new unrecognisable emotion and then he slowly took a step towards me, and when he spoke his next words it was not a question… he knew.

He knew who I was.

"Bella…" he whispered.

EBEBEBEBEBEBEB

"When I, I saw your face,
It was like a space,
In my heart was filled.
It's like I knew,
From the very start,
That you were every other part of me.

And it's like I have loved you since,
from the moment when…
Since time began,
You fill my heart.

Oh, love of mine,
Why did it take so long to find your Touch?
Hope was never gone,
Even though it took so long to find you.

Because I have loved you since…
From the moment when…
Since time began,
And I have loved you since
From the moment when
Since time began,
You fill my heart."

EBEBEBEBEBEB

Everything around me became a blur… all sounds were blocked out, and it seemed like everyone in this hallway disappeared… because nothing, no one else mattered.

Only him.

At his two words, my smile only grew even more, and my breath came out at once… as I nodded at him.

His own smile grew to match my own… his face was now full of so much joy and love… that it almost seemed impossible. Surely it was… there was no way that this much love could be for me.

Only it was… as his arms opened wide in an invitation, and his expression turned pleading, asking me to come to him. And upon seeing that sweet action, my heart started racing… and with no hesitation at all, I ran to him as fast as I could.

He caught me easily - even though it knocked the breath out of both of us – and spun us around several times. I clutched on to him tightly, not wanting him or this moment to disappear.

He eventually stopped the spinning, but didn't loosen his hold at all; instead he whispered to me, "It's you, you came back…" he paused for a moment, before telling me - "you're so beautiful."

His words literally sent me over the edge, and the tears I'd been holding back for so long spilt over. "Of course I came back, I missed you so much," I whimpered into his shoulder.

He nuzzled his face into my hair, kissing the shell of my ear several times, "Oh sweetheart I missed you too, when you left it was like you took a piece of me with you," he murmured, moving his mouth to kiss my temple.

"I love you," I whispered, feeling completely calm and loved just through his touch, "… I'm so glad you're okay,"

"You too," he replied instantly, clutching me impossibly tighter to him.

I sighed gently, "What's it like…? Can you see everything?" I asked him curiously.

I felt him nod, "Kind of yeah… it's blurry, but it'll get better, I'll have to wear glasses… not dark ones this time though." He replied quietly.

"You'll look really handsome," I murmured, smiling at the thought.

He pulled back slightly to look at my face, and it shocked me to see that tears were falling down his own cheeks. I reached up to gently kiss them away, and he sighed softly at my touch.

He moved so he was nuzzling my cheek, and when he spoke, his lips brushed against my skin, "You're so beautiful… just as beautiful as I imagined," he whispered sweetly.

I felt my cheeks heat up at his compliment, and when he noticed the colour he chuckled kissing both cheeks, causing me to blush even more.

"How did you know it was me?" I asked him curiously.

He shrugged slightly, "I don't know… I just knew. I saw you, and I knew you were my Bella," he whispered, smiling.

Once again, I felt my heart racing at his words, "What did I ever do to deserve you?" I murmured, as I reached up to trace my fingers across his face gently.

"Oh believe me, Bella its me who's the lucky one," he murmured as he pulled me back to him, "I'm so, so lucky."

EBEBEBEBEBEB

The next couple of hours passed quickly… once Edward and I had spent some time reuniting, Esme cut in and hugged me tightly, telling me how happy she was to see me here. After that, we all walked back to Edward's room where Alice, Emmett and Carlisle were waiting. They all greeted me just as enthusiastically, and we all spent some time talking in the room, before Edward insisted on them going home… so he could spend some time alone with me.

It was another action that made me love him even more… if such a thing was even possible.

We both lay down on the bed, with my head resting on his chest and his arms wrapped around me, as he explained everything that had happened the past few days. He talked about how he'd gone on for the surgery, and had his bandages off 24 hours after it… which was literally only about 8 hours ago. He explained about how things slowly came back to him – and his vision came clearer as he remembered what everything was.

I promised that I would help him through everything… and that from now on I would never leave his side. I also explained everything that had happened in Phoenix and why he wasn't able to get hold of me… because of my broken phone on the highway. He held me and kissed me softly, whispering his love and how sorry he was for breaking his promise.

And then I remembered something… the picture of us in the cafeteria that I had in my bag. I quickly climbed off the bed, grabbing it out of the bag before resuming my position in Edward's arms on the bed. I handed it over to him as he smiled as he observed it, murmuring about how he could remember having the picture taken.

His expression softened even more as he traced my face with his fingertip, "You look so happy there," he whispered, smiling.

I smiled as well, and nuzzled myself even closer to him, "It's all down to you," I murmured against his chest, sighed when I heard him chuckle in disbelief. "I mean it Edward… I wouldn't be this happy, nor would I be this strong - hell I wouldn't have even had the courage to go back to Phoenix if it wasn't for you. You've… you've saved me, Edward," I told him, softly, allowing all my emotions to just pour out.

He was silent for a moment, before leaning down to kiss the top of my head, "You've saved me too… In every possible way," he whispered against my hair, "and now we can really live our life together."

"For forever," I smiled.

"You really mean that?" he murmured, awed.

"Yes, I do," I told him as I moved myself up so I could see his face, "you're it for me Edward, you're everything."

His smile grew wider, and then he gently pulled me up so that I was lying face to face next to him. He then leant forward, catching my lips in a passionate, loving kiss, "You're my everything too… my whole world," he whispered against my lips before pulling away slightly to see my face. His own expression was contemplative, doubtful and nervous before suddenly growing determined and excited as he whispered, - "Marry me?"

Wow… did I hear him right?

"What?" I gasped, stunned.

"Marry me," he replied instantly, his face bright and excited, "I mean why not? We've come through so much together, and now we've got our whole lives together… let's do it properly."

Something in his words triggered something in me… I remembered all the love I had and everything that we had come through.

And through everything that had happened in the past year, I remembered my realisation… you only have one life that could be over at any time, so you must live it and appreciate every single second of it.

So why not?

"Ask me again, please," I whispered, noticing that the words were out of my mouth before I really realised what I was saying.

His face lit up even more at my words, as he pulled me closer to him, kissing my forehead lovingly, allowing his lips to linger there before he pulled away to look at me again. He tenderly cupped my face as he sweetly whispered his words, "Isabella Swan, I promise to love you for the rest of my life and beyond… will you marry me?"

I knew that my response was incredibly important – it could possibly shape the rest of my life. And as I considered my answer, suddenly my whole life flashed before me, as all the events leading up until now came to me in a series of flashing images.

My childhood… my parents separation… Jacob dying… my whole dark, heartbroken phase… meeting Edward… falling in love with him…

… Basically everything leading up to now.

And then I imagined the future… everything that could be ahead of us.

A happy life… full of love and laughter, where nothing else really mattered but eachother. I imagined the house we would live in after we graduated college, and the two children we could have and love as we watched them grow up as we grew old together. We wouldn't want for anything but a happy, content life… because really, that was all that mattered.

It was life I had always dreamed of, but I never thought I could have.

And now it was just within my reach.

And I wanted it… I wasn't going to lose.

And with that I leant forward, so that my lips were brushing his, and with a wide smile on my face I whispered - "Yes."

So yeah... thats chapter nine for you. I really hope you all liked it, I know most of you were really nervous about Edward not getting his sight back, so I hope you all like the happiness of this.

Only one chapter to go now! So please review and let me know what you think... it only takes a minute as compared to the 6/7 hours it took me to write this chapter.

Anyway, thanks for reading! Emma.x