The Way Back Home21/02/2009 01:04:00

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, or the Characters. (Even though I wouldn't mind owning Edward!!)

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Chapter 8 Meeting for the first time. Again. (Bella's POV)

I dreamt of Edward again and lets just say that I had to take an immediate shower and change as soon as I woke up. I turned on the water and let the hot water run on my head. It was so refreshing.

I kept having quick flashbacks from my dream. Edward's eyes staring at me while his hands massaged my breasts, his grunts while I licked his…….ugh I had to stop thinking about it.

I got out of the shower and dried my hair. I threw on some sweats and headed downstairs. I smelled the coffee right away. I got downstairs and turned the corner into the kitchen. Rosalie and Alice were already in the kitchen talking. They both looked up at me and smiled.

"Well Good Morning Sunshine." Rosalie stood up and hugged me.

I took a sip of coffee and Alice started rambling.

"Charlie called and said that his flight landed early this morning and he wants to meet for breakfast once Renee arrives. She should be landing any minute. Oh and by the way, I think Charlie brought Jake."

I felt the anger begin to surface. What the hell is he thinking, I told him to butt out and to mind his own business. Why does he always do this?

Jake had been my friend since we were small. We spend a lot of time with Jake and his Dad Billy on the reservation in LaPush growing up. Jake and I did everything together. He helped teach me how to drive, how to cliff dive, and even how to work on my old rusty red truck that Charlie bought me for my seventeenth birthday. Jake was my friend.

The problem was that as we grew up, Jake grew more attached to me, but not in a brotherly way. He started acting funny, and even tried to kiss me. I immediately told him that I only saw him as a friend, maybe even as a brother, but he would not take no for an answer.

When I left for college I told Jake that he needed to find a girlfriend. He told me that he would try, but that whoever they were had some really big shoes to fill.

Charlie was no help. He always tried to set up time where Jake and I could be alone together. I tried to explain to Charlie that Jake was only my friend but he didn't seem to take the hint.

Don't get me wrong. I don't mind Jake coming in to see me graduate, he is my friend after all its just that I don't want to give him any ideas now that I am about to move back home.

Alice saw me pondering and sighed. She always knew exactly what I was thinking.

"Don't worry Bella. Jake has a girlfriend. He met her last year when her family moved to the reservation and they have been inseparable."

"Really, why didn't he tell me? Not that I am upset, but why did he keep that from me?"

"Who knows why that mongrel does anything he does Bella. He has always been strange to me."

I laughed, "Whatever Alice."

Then the phone rang. I answered it and heard a loud intercom blaring flight departures.

"Hey Mom."

"Bella Honey we just landed and are about to catch a cab to the house. I am so excited honey. I can's wait to see you graduate."

I was so glad to hear my Mom's voice. Since she had moved to Florida with Phil I was only able to see her a couple of times per year. I loved my mother. She was so carefree and she always followed her motto of living her life to the fullest.

"Mom just meet us at Manny's Café on Jefferson. Dad and Jake are going to meet us there for breakfast and then we are heading to UIC for the ceremony."

She sighed. "I think Phil knows where that is, we'll meet you there. Love you Bella."

"I love you too Mom"

I hung up the phone and looked at my 2 best friends. I knew what was coming. Both Rose and Alice took it upon themselves to be my personal beauticians. Now that both of them were her together I was in for a quite an experience.

I started to walk away and as soon as I got to the bottom step I heard them right behind me.

"Oh no you don't Bella. You know the routine. Go straight to Rose's bathroom, NOW!"

I stuck my tongue out at them both and ran for it. I made it to my room but was not quick enough. Rose caught me and we both landed on my bed. Alice was right behind her. She landed right on top of us and we all started laughing.

"Okay I give. Now let me up!"

The girls got up and Alice went into my closet to get my new outfit ready. Rose went into her bathroom to get the curling iron and makeup ready.

Then I heard a familiar jingle from my phone. It meant I had received a text message.

Bella,

You are such amazing woman I just wanted to know that even though we just met, I am so very proud of you today. Just to be able to see you walk across the stage and see you graduate will be an honor.

I am counting the minutes until I see you again.

Miss U!

E :)

As I read the text my heart soared. Alice saw my face and grabbed my phone. She smiled and looked at me.

"Wow Bella, this guy seems to be pretty great."

"Alice, I can even begin to explain Edward. He is just so perfect. To be honest I consistently worry when I am going to wake up and realize that he was just a dream."

She sat next to me on the bed and wrapped her arms around me. She pulled my chin up to look at her and she smiled.

"Bella, you are a beautiful woman. Your smart, and funny, and you are one of the very best people that I know. You have always been under some impression that you don't deserve someone that appreciates you, but you do Bella. You deserve the moon, the stars and more. I know you Bella, and I know that you are so very insecure about yourself. I want you to see yourself for who you really are. I want you to find someone that makes you feel the way I see you Bella."

I hugged her tight. I loved Alice ever since we were little when she first moved to Forks I knew she was going to be my best friend. We had been through so many things together. She was the sole reason I was able to cope with Charlie and Renee's divorce. We may not have been sisters by blood, but she was the best sister anyone could ask for.

"Well let's you beautified Bella"

"Wait I need to text Edward back"

Edward

I am so glad that you will be there. I will be the girl in the blue stilettos trying not to break my neck.

I can't wait to see you either.

B

After about an hour of torture I walked into my room and looked into my full-length mirror.

I looked beautiful.

The blue skirt and cashmere sweater complemented my pale skin. Rose had somehow managed to get half of my hair up with long tendrils hanging down and the rest fell down my back in long curls.

Alice walked in a saw me admiring myself.

"Now you see yourself how I see you Bella"

I walked up to her and hugged her again. "Thanks Alice, I love you so much."

Rose walked into room and did a quick spin. She was wearing a beautiful red dress that had spaghetti straps. Her long blonde curls had been pulled up on top of her head.

"What do you guys think?" She asked.

"Wow, Rosie, you look great."

"Well lets get going then."

We got into Rosalie's brand new BMW X5 and were on our way. On the way I remembered that Jasper was coming.

"Hey Alice, when are we going to meet up with Jasper?"

Alice looked at Rosalie and looked worried for a moment.

"Oh. Um..He going to meet us before the ceremony at the school with his brothers."

Since I had been spending so much time with Edward I had forgotten about Jasper's brothers. I was hoping that both Alice and Rose didn't think I was ignoring them.

"Alice, I am sorry if you felt like I was ignoring you the last couple of days. I was so wrapped up in spending time with Edward I know I wasn't a gracious host."

She looked at me and laughed. "I think you're a better hostess than you think."

What was that supposed to mean.

"Actually Bella, I think that you may really like one of Jasper's brothers, he is really good looking and he.."

"Don't you dare Alice." Every time you try to set me up before it never worked out. I know you love Jasper but that doesn't mean that I am going to fall madly in love with one of his brothers and that we can become one big happy family. I have Edward now, and hopefully that pans out to be more than just a friendship. So Alice whatever ideas you have in that little pixie head of yours, well you can just forget it!"

She crossed her arms across her chest and pouted. I knew that she meant well. I felt bad immediately.

"I wasn't trying to hurt your feelings Alice, I just think that I need to find someone on my own."

Why do I always cave in to this woman? No matter what Alice always got her way and I knew that I would have to meet Jasper's brothers anyway.

She smiled and looked at me.

"All right Bella, I understand"

Wait a minute; Alice didn't put up a fight. Something must be wrong with the cosmos.

We pulled up to the restaurant. When I tried to step out of the car I tripped and waited for the sidewalk to catch me. Instead someone grabbed me and before I knew it I was upright. I opened my eyes and saw him.

Jake had caught me and was laughing.

"Geez Bells, some things never change."

"Jake" I wrapped my arms around his waist and hugged him.

"Its so great to see you Jake. Oh and thanks for helping me."

He laughed again. As he was laughing I looked him over and saw that he had grown about a foot taller. His black hair that had been cut so short had grown long and hung down below his shoulders. Jake was so handsome. Many girls had tried to get to Jake but he never seemed to find anyone that suited him. Oh yeah, till now.

"So who is this girl that you have been dating that you have failed to mention?"

Jake looked up in the air and started stuttering.

"Oh yeah about that, well I kind of married her last month."

Jacob Black, how the hell did you meet a woman, date her for a year and marry her without even mentioning her to me?"

He looked nervous and was looking to Alice and Rosalie for help. They both just stuck their hands up muttering something along the lines of.. Don't look at me.. and walked into the restaurant.

"Bells, I wanted to tell you, but you were moving on with your life and I thought that you didn't want to be a part of my life anymore."

I was furious.

"Just because I didn't want to be your girlfriend Jacob Black did not take away the fact that you were my best friend. After all of those years, we were like brother and sister, and you didn't even think of picking up the phone and letting me know any of this."

Charlie had walked out of the restaurant and saw us arguing.

"Bella, don't be mad at Jake. I told him not to tell you. I didn't want you to run home and miss out on school. It was during your finals. I know how important this is to you and I didn't want to do anything to hold you back."

"Dad, Jake is my best friend and now I have missed out on one of the most important days of his life."

Jake hugged me and apologized again and again. He looked down at me and smiled.

"I really missed you Bells, and by the way you look beautiful."

I laughed. "Don't try and change the subject Jake. I am still mad at you, but I am glad that you're here."

I hugged him again and he led me into the restaurant.

My whole family was there. Charlie was with his new wife Sue, Renee was there with Phil, Alice, Rosalie, and Jake. I was happy to see all of them together, but a small part of myself felt like something was missing.

(Edward POV)

We were about to leave the hotel room when the phone rang.

Emmett was the first to answer.

"Emmett's House of Love, what pleasure can I bring you today."

His face suddenly got serious and he began apologizing.

"Mom I am so sorry, I was just kidding. I didn't know it was you, really. Oh God."

He stopped apologizing and started smiling.

"Really, okay great see you in a few"

He hung up the phone and looked at me.

"Mom and Dad are downstairs, they just arrived. Apparently Jasper invited them to come down while we were here. Apparently Jasper has some big news he failed to mention to us."

Jasper walked out of his room and looked up from the cufflink he was trying to put on his sleeve.

"Why are you both looking at me like that? Who was that on the phone?

"I don't know J, why don't you tell us why Mom and Dad are here and waiting downstairs?" Emmett asked.

"Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that?" He started rubbing the back of his neck, which let me know he was nervous.

I looked at him and suddenly I knew.

"Your goings to ask Alice to marry you aren't you?"

He looked at me surprised. "How did you know Edward?"

I laughed. "Actually I didn't but it's the only reason that makes sense"

"Well I actually plan on asking her on Sunday. I have a whole special night planned and I wanted you guys and Mom and Dad to be there."

I had to admit that I wasn't surprised at all. I knew that Jasper was in love with Alice since the first day they met. At first I was envious, but I could see that same sparkle in him my parents had in their eyes everyday. It was just a matter of time.

"Well the lets get this show on the road so we can all officially meet the newest member of our family."

I laughed to myself. However a part of me felt like there was something that I was missing in my life. I couldn't put my finger on it.

(Bella POV)

We had finally finished breakfast and were on our way to the school for the ceremony. On the way I told Jake about Edward. He didn't seem too happy and tried to tell me that no one was good enough for me. I punched him in his arm and told him in so few words that he was not my father.

When we finally pulled up in front of the school we realized that we were late. Rose and I had to run to the back of the hall to get our gowns and line up to enter. So much for trying to find Edward.

I decided to send him a quick text to see if he had arrived.

Edward

We were running late, but I finally made it.

R U Here?

B

I got a text back immediately.

Bella,

Thank God. I was worried. I was looking through all of these people and became worried when I couldn't find you. After the ceremony I will meet you by the front of the hall.

Looking forward to seeing you graduate!

E

I sighed with relief and told Rose what Edward said. She smiled and sent a text to someone. All of a sudden her phone rang. She was speaking so low that I couldn't hear what she was saying. She turned to me and looked sad.

"What's wrong Rosie, who was that?

Tears started forming in her eyes and I hugged her.

"My Dad wasn't able to make it Bells, he said that the case he was working on turned for the worse and he cant leave. Why does he always do this Bell? Its my college graduation."

I held her close and looked her in the eye.

"Rosalie listen to me, you know that your Dad loves you and he would be here if he could. I know it hurts and I just want you to know that just because your Dad isn't here doesn't mean that your not surrounded by family. We are all here for you. We are your family and we will always be there for you. No matter what you will always have me Rosalie"

I pulled her into a hard hug and she pulled away and smiled.

"I am so proud of you Rose."

"And I am so proud of you Bella."

She pulled a tissue and her mirror out of her purse and checked her makeup. She still looked great, of course.

We all filed into the large hall alphabetically and were seated. I was so excited that I didn't even hear most of the speakers. They began calling names and when I heard Rosalie's name I stood and cheered. I heard a very large group hollering her name in the back and she waved.

I saw a tear fall down her cheek and she looked at me and smiled.

I yelled "Way to go Rosie!"

After what seemed like a million people later, they had my row stand up and head over to line up by the stage. I looked at the stairs to the stage and prayed to God to not let me fall and bust my behind.

"Isabella Marie Swan" I began my ascent up the stairs. When I made it to the top I saw Dr. White and he smiled. Then I heard the large group in the back start yelling. I looked to see if I could see them but there were so many people that at first I couldn't see anything. Then I saw a huge sign that said. Congratulations Bella. I smiled. Dr. White cleared his throat. He handed me my degree in a big blue binder.

"Congratulations Bella, I just want you to know that you were one of my best students and I know that you are going to do very well in whatever you choose."

He took my hand and squeezed it.

"Thanks Dr. White I really appreciate it."

Then I walked off of the stage and went back to my seat. I felt so happy. I felt so overwhelmed. I did it. I made it. I graduated. I felt so….proud. The best part was that all of my family is here with me. Edward is here, somewhere. Suddenly I felt complete.

The ceremony was done and all of the graduates threw their caps into the air. It was a beautiful. A sea of gold graduation caps flew through the air.

I made my way to the front of the hall to find my family and to find Edward.

All of a sudden someone grabbed my arm and I turned. It was Alice. She embraced me into a quick hug and whispered her congratulations into my ear.

"Bella come with me I think there is someone you should meet."

"Alice, wait I just need to…" She glared at me and pulled me anyway.

I saw my family and I saw Jasper. Charlie and Renee enveloped me in a huge hug. "We love you Bella, and we are so proud."

Then Jake hugged me. "At least you didn't trip on the stage Bells." I smacked him on his arm. "Just kidding, you did great kid."

Then Rosie pulled me to the side and hugged me.

"I love you Bells. You are my sister and you helped me get through all of this. Thanks so much."

"I love you too Rosie, and Congratulations to you too."

Then Alice was right next to Rose and they were dragging me away.

I saw Jasper again. He was standing next to a really big guy and a beautiful couple. Jasper grabbed me and hugged me hard.

"Congratulations Bella"

"Thanks Jasper"

He turned and introduced me to the couple.

"Bella these are my parent Carlisle and Esme Cullen." Wait what did he say their last name was.

Carlisle looked like he was no older than his early 40's. He was beautiful. Most models would be jealous. He took my hand and kissed it.

"It's a pleasure to meet you on such a joyous occasion Bella. Congratulations."

Before I could thank him the woman next to him had enveloped me into her arms.

"Oh Bella I'm Esme, I am so happy for you. Congratulations dear." She was also beautiful. She has long wavy light brown hair and chestnut colored eyes. I could only hope to look that good when I get older.

"Thank you both so much, I didn't know you were coming so this is a wonderful surprise."

Someone grabbed me from behind and pulled me up into the air. I turned my head to see who it was and realized it was the large man that had been standing next to Jasper.'

"I am Emmett, Jaspers older and more attractive brother. Congratulations Bella." I laughed and he put me back down. When he put me down he looked at me, whistled and I blushed.

Carlisle gave him a look and Emmett laughed.

"Aww come on Dad she looks great it's a compliment"

I began looking through the crowd for Edward. Esme saw me looking and smiled.

"Looking for someone dear?"

I blushed. I didn't want to seem rude but I wanted to find Edward.

"Well a friend was supposed to meet me here, and I haven't seen him yet."

Then Jasper said "Hey Bella hold on a second, before you go I want you to meet my other brother. He went to the restroom, he will be right back."

"Oh, well okay Jazz, but I really need to find my friend, he is waiting and I prom…"

Jasper turned when he heard someone talking behind him. He smiled. I saw Alice.

"Here he is now. Bella I want you to meet my other brother" As he said that he moved to his left and a man walked up with his head down talking under his breath. I knew who it was immediately.

"Edward I would like you to meet Alice' best friend, Isabella Swan"

His head looked up so fast I could have sworn he got whiplash. He looked at me surprised. "

"Wait, you mean that Bella is…I mean you knew, the whole time?

Jasper just laughed and shook his head

Then a smile crawled across Edward's face.

I smiled too. Then I asked. "Edward, YOU.. are Jaspers brother?"

He didn't respond. He walked up to me, enveloped me into his arms. He stared into my eyes. He spun me around and when he placed me back down he pulled back, looked at me again and embraced me once more.

"Isabella Marie Swan. Congratulations. I'm so glad it was you." Then he placed his soft lips onto mine and kissed me. Right there in front of my whole family and his, he kissed me. And you know what, I didn't even care who was there because I was with Edward.

I know it's a long chapter, but I had to let them find out they were connected.

Till next chapter!!!

Be Safe!!

BeSafe1223