I managed to pull out another chapter! Wo0t!

At least this makes up for the big cliffy right? ;D

Shortest AN!

Lights! Camera! …Read!


Edward's POV

We waited for what seemed like hours.

Everyone was anxious. Their minds were all thinking about how they would greet her when she came, everyone except Alice that is. She was singing some lame 80s tune in her mind. She obviously was trying to hide something from me but I didn't care at the moment about it. All I wanted was to see Bella. I knew exactly how I wanted to greet her.

Then I saw her. She came out through the door and my breathing stopped.

I didn't want to run and look desperate to get to her, even though I was. I walked at a fast pace towards her meeting her half way. I stopped about a foot away from her. Her topaz eyes lured me closer. It felt like a million years since I had seen them in person. I worried for months that I wouldn't get to see them again. But here she is, finally back.

I pulled her against me holding her as tight as I could and buried my face in her hair. It smelled of strawberries as always. She wrapped her arms around me I heard her inhale taking in my scent as well.

"Bella…" It felt so good to finally have her in my arms again.

I held her closer than I had ever held her before. My hands were still at her waist. I missed the way her skin felt on mine. I remember how she liked the way my warmth on her skin felt to her. Her skin left a similar effect on my own. Her cold temperature left burning sensations to spread through my body instead of cold shivers. I can't completely explain it, but the closest I can think of is feeling electrical pulses where ever our body's touch. Every time I'm near her there seems to be some pull keeping me close to her, pulling me closer and closer to her face.

I pulled away from her slightly so I could look into her gorgeous face.

I raised one hand to her cheek.

I looked at her lips, so kissable.

"You have no idea how much I've missed you." She said with so much passion and longing in her voice.

I placed my forehead on hers as I felt that pull towards her again.

"Not nearly as much as I've missed you, love."

I gazed into her eyes not wanting to break from her captivating hold.

Her topaz eyes were as light as honey and I found myself drowning in them.

I slid my hand from where it was on her cheek to under her chin. The pull was taking me closer I could feel it. Her cold breaths hit my face and I was dizzied by the scent. She's so intoxicating.

I needed her lips upon mine.

I can't hold back now.

I'm too far gone…

"Hey bro, stop hogging Bella! We all want to catch up too!" Emmett boomed as he grasped my shoulder and took Bella from my arms to give her a bear hug.

As soon as her body left my arms I felt empty. I longed for her touch again…

I wanted to kill Emmett, he ruined it. I was going to kiss her, to finally show her how I felt and he fucked it up!

I sent him death glares but he didn't even notice my presences anymore.

"We missed you so much Bells! I'm so glad your back!"

"I missed you too Em." She said before she glanced back at me.

She gave me a smile and it made my heart skip a beat. Immediately all my anger left my body. Forget Jasper's ability to change emotions, one smile from Bella could change my mood in a split second. I was walking on air again.

I grinned and started to come up with the perfect plan on when and where I would spill my heart to her.

Bella's POV

As much as I love Emmett, I could absolutely punch him right now.

I already missed his touch. I could still feel the tingle from his heat on my skin. From what it looked like when Edward was so close, I couldn't help but think he would have kissed me. I would have looked like a fool if that wasn't what he intended, because if he wouldn't have soon I would have leaned in and closed the distance myself.

My anger was short lived as soon as I saw Emmett's face. I couldn't stay angry at such an adorable life-sized teddy bear. I hugged him back as hard as I could. I'll think of something to get back at him for ruining that moment later. He set me down and I shot a glance at Edward.

His eyes held a hint of angry. I held back a laugh and just smiled at him. He was probably pissed off at Emmett right now too.

He smiled his crooked grin and instantly I saw the anger leave his eyes. He looked peaceful again. I could see his eyes shimmering in the faint glow of lights coming from the airport windows.

I suddenly felt a slight blow in the chest and stumbled backwards a bit.

Alice clung to my neck with her head on my chest and I wrapped my arms around her placing my head on top of hers. After a few seconds she tilted her head to look at me.

"Bella! Oh Bella! I'm missed you so much! Every time I missed you I went shopping, and well don't hate me but I've bought you so many clothes since you were gone. Esme and I built you a bigger closet to fit it all. You'll love them though. Did you bring me any presents?"

I laughed. She was too adorable. I was a little weary about all the new clothes she would make me model for her when I got to the house but she looked so happy, so excited. She acted her frozen age then. A 15 year old waiting to open her presents on Christmas.

Oh shit, Christmas…

Today was Christmas Eve, how could I forget?

"I…" I stared.

"It's ok Bella." She grinned. "I knew you'd forget. Which is why we all decided not to do any gifts this year."

"I don't want to ruin your Christmas…" I frowned.

"Oh Bella, please. We all got the best gift that you could have possibly given us this Christmas." She countered.

I furrowed my brows in confusion.

"You came back to us, silly. That's the best gift we've ever received." She smiled and kissed my cheek. "Welcome back, sis."

I smiled when I remembered the things I brought back from Italy for her.

"Well, regardless of Christmas, I did bring you gifts Alice."

"Really?!" Her face lit up she must have not seen when I got them.

"Yep."

Her eyes started to glaze over.

"Alice! Don't you dare peak! I wont give them to you if you do." I said as I gave her my best glare.

She pouted and I almost gave in and let her look anyways. When she saw that I wouldn't let her she poked her tongue out at me and we both laughed.

"What ever happened to 'it all goes out the window when it comes to Alice'?" I turned to see Edward with a crooked grin placed on his face again walking over towards us.

"Well, that went out the window when I realized I could still make it a surprise for her. Surprises are really hard to come by when it comes to her as you may know." As I spoke directly too him I had completely forgotten about everyone else until they started to let themselves become known.

Esme walked over to hug and kiss me. Rosalie kissed my cheek and then went to stand by Emmett. Carlisle kissed my forehead.

"I'm glad to see you came back to us all in one piece." He smiled.

"Yes, but we have much to discuss." I whispered in his ear as he hugged me. He nodded slightly enough for only me to notice.

"So where's Jasper?" I said craning my neck around Carlisle looking for him.

"Boo!"

I jumped a little into Carlisle's arms and quickly turned around to find Jasper behind me. He started laughing uncontrollably.

"Oh, wait till I get you back!" I grinned and leaped over to him crashing in a hug. I missed Jasper a lot too. He and I became pretty close before I left. Usually while Edward was sleeping I'd go with Jasper out by the river and we'd have long conversations about the different wars he'd been in and books. He'd also tell me stories about him and Alice which I always wanted to hear more of.

"I finally have my convo buddy back. I missed our talks down by the river." he said and then kissed my forehead.

"I missed them too. I've got tons of new stories to tell."

"Well children, I think it's time we head out of here. Once we get home we could fully welcome her back." Carlisle announced.

Emmett and Jasper grabbed my bags. Edward wanted to take some of them, being the gentleman that he is, but they wouldn't let him get any. I walked up beside me looking just a slight bit down. I smiled at him and handed him my small carry on bag. He laughed and took the bag placing it on his shoulder. He placed his arm around my waist and led me to where they had parked the cars.

They brought Rosalie's M3 and Carlisle's Mercedes. Rosalie, Emmett, Jasper, and Alice rode in the M3 while Carlisle, Esme, Edward, and I took the Mercedes.

It was a decently quiet ride. The only talking was between Esme and Carlisle.

I ended up placing my head on Edward's shoulder and closed my eyes letting his warmth flow through my face. He eventually placed his arm around my shoulders and placed his head on top of mine. He must have fallen asleep though because he was way too still the rest of the way to the house.

I opened my eyes when I felt the familiar curves of the driveway. When I took in the view of the big white house I let out a happy sigh.

Home.

I was the first to step in the house. I took a deep breath. I really missed this house. I'm so glad they invited me to stay here.

I followed Emmett and Jasper up to my new room where they were taking my luggage.

I grinned as I walked into the room. Alice and Esme did a great job decorating it.

The walls were painted a midnight blue color. The ceiling was white but had some kind of gold paint swirled in it. It looked as if they were stars. I had a full size bed with sheets the same color as the walls. The carpet was tan with a hint of gold. I liked it mostly because it was very fluffy and soft when I walked over it. There was a desk and a big book shelf with all my books on it on one wall. The last wall had two doors and a big TV hanging inbetween them. I opened the first and it was a private bathroom with a beautiful glass shower and a vanity that was antique like. I opened the second door and of course it was my closet, actually it was my walk in closet. I never had one of those before. But I guess that's what it has to come to, having a shopaholic for a sister.

"Psh, I'm not a shopaholic. I can stop any time." Alice called from downstairs.

"Says the druggy with blow on her nose for the passed 30 years..." I said rolling my eyes.

Emmett and Jasper stifled their laugher.

She appeared by my side in a second. She glared at them for laughing and then turned to me with glossy eyes.

"You don't like the clothes?" she asked.

"Alice, I love them. Thank you. Just try not to miss me that much next time." She smiled.

She laced her fingers with Jasper and pulled him out of the room.

"It really is nice having you back though Bella." Emmett said as he ruffled my hair. He turned to walk out of my room to let me unpack.

I unpacked at vampire speed so it only took about a minute.

I went over to my computer and hooked up my cell phone to it to print out the picture I took of my old home. When it finished printing, I picked up the big envelope I had put all of Alice's paintings and drawings in and made my way downstairs.

Jasper and Alice were in the living room sitting in their usual love seat. I smiled and walked over to them and sat down in the couch in front of them.

"Alice did you see anything of where I went to last night and this morning?"

"I saw you go to Rome. Which by the way, that club fight was hilarious!"

"So you didn't see me go to Marcellina?"

"Nope. Jasper kind of…distracted me." She giggled. "What's in Marcellina?"

"It's where we used to live." She quickly became serious and listened intently. "I went to visit or parent's graves and left them roses. I found out our family had also made graves for us there too…" she winced but nodded for me to go on. "When we both… went missing, they assumed us dead and left a tombstone right beside where our parents lay." She half-smiled. "Then I went for a walk in our old neighborhood. I didn't expect to see much but I was completely surprised. I came across our old house." I handed her the picture and smiled brightly.

"It's beautiful."

"Mom designed it and Dad built it. They wanted to have a proper home to start their family." I smiled. "The township was going to have it destroyed after our funerals but Bethany stepped in with a fake will that stopped them. The house was passed down from generation to generation apparently. A family of three live there now. When I took the picture I met one of them. Her name was Lyllian Swan, named after our mother I'm guessing. She had an English husband and daughter named Marie. I don't know exactly what their relation is to us. All I know is that her great great grandmother Jacqueline Swan gave her the house after her passing."

"I could look up your family tree if you'd like. I'm really good with things like that." Jasper said with a smile.

"That would be nice."

"So what's in the envelope?" Alice asked.

"Well, the three of them had to leave to catch a plane. I waited until they left and went inside the house. I was curious to see if it looked the same. And it pretty much did. I went up into the attic and I came across a few things that belonged to us there and brought it back with me." I pulled out the drawings from the envelope and handed them to her. "These were yours."

Her eyes widened as she looked over all the pieces. Jasper looked over her shoulder and kissed her cheek every time she was a bit overwhelmed when she flipped through each drawing.

"I didn't know you had such a talent." Jasper said when she was through looking at them all.

"Neither did I." she said and smiled.

"There's other things too. Some clothes I found of ours and Mom's wedding dress." I picked up the envelope again and pulled out the portrait and placed it in her hand. "Alice, these were our parents."

She gasped and pulled her hand to her mouth. Her eyes were glossy like she wanted to cry. Jasper pulled her into his chest. I got up and kneeled beside them placing my head in Alice's lap. She combed her fingers through my hair as we both looked at the photograph.

"I thought you'd like to know what they looked like since you can't remember. I know it must be hard and frustrating but I hope it helps that I found this for us." I looked up at her face she was smiling down at me.

"Thank you so much." She then bent down and kissed my cheek. We lay there for awhile just admiring the picture.

The rest of the family later joined us in the living room having heard our conversation. They passed around Alice's drawings to look at them and then the picture as well.

"Damn, you guys. Your mom was hot!" Emmett boomed.

Rosalie smacked him hard across his neck and glared at him. We all laughed at him but he soon joined the laughter.

I caught Edward's gaze and smiled. I stood up and took his hand in mine and motioned for him to follow me. I walked into his music room.

"I wrote you another song." I said. Though I slipped up and said another. I hope he didn't notice though.

We sat at his piano and I started to play a piece I had written two weeks ago for him.

Under your spell again.
I can't say no to you.
Crave my heart and it's bleeding in your hand.
I can't say no to you.

Shouldn't let you torture me so sweetly.
Now I can't let go of this dream.
I can't breathe but I feel...

Good enough,

I looked at him to catch his reaction. He was simply just looking at me. I couldn't tell what emotion was in his eyes. He was just living through the moment taking it all in.


I feel good enough for you.

I turned back to look at the keys.


Drink up sweet decadence.
I can't say no to you,
And I've completely lost myself, and I don't mind.
I can't say no to you.

Shouldn't let you conquer me completely.
Now I can't let go of this dream.
Can't believe that I feel...

I closed my eyes thinking back to when I wrote this. I couldn't get him off my mind for a second. I wanted to be with him. I felt that I really was good enough. I just wanted him to love me in return.


Good enough,
I feel good enough.
It's been such a long time coming, but I feel good.

And I'm still waiting for the rain to fall.
Pour real life down on me.
'Cause I can't hold on to anything this good enough.

I took a deep breath. What ever happens now will be in his hands.


Am I good enough for you to love me too?

I turned to look at him. His eyes were wide. I couldn't look away as I sang the last part directly too him.


So take care what you ask of me,
'cause I can't say no.

I bit my lip and waited impatiently for him to say something.

"Bella…I…That was, Oh god." He looked away from me and stared at the keys of the piano. I saw a smile pull up on his lips.

He took my hand and stood up leading me out to the garage towards his car. I stopped him before we could get any closer to it.

I pulled out my keys and handed them to him.

"I still owe you my car for the weekend, remember?" he laughed.

He opened the passenger door for me and I stepped in. He walked around the car painfully slow but quick for him. He shut the door and turned the key. The engine roared to life and we drove off.

"I was beginning to think you weren't ever going to let me drive your car!"

I playfully pushed him.

"I don't break promises. Besides, your car reeked of werewolf, I could smell it a mile away!" we both laughed.

"Sorry about that." He smiled his crooked grin. "Seth and his girlfriend Jessica have been keeping me distracted while you were gone."

"I was lucky to have Demetri and Bethany there to distract me. Would have been worse to be alone. I missed you terribly."

He took my hand in his and raised it to his lips. He kissed my knuckles and laid our hands in between us still not letting go of my hand.

"You have me to distract you now." He said softly, crooked grin in place.

"So, where are we going anyways?"

"It's a surprise."

"Ugh, you know I hate surprises, Edward." I groaned. He chuckled.

A few minutes later we turned off on to a dirt road and followed it to the very end. There was a small clearing with five small openings in the woods for different trails.

"Hiking?" I asked skeptically.

"Something like that."

We got out of the car and he came around and took my hand again. He led me to one of the trail openings. We walked for about 3 or so minutes in silence. He tugged on my arm and we veered left off the trail. I raised an eyebrow at him.

"Last year, I came out here to get away and I got off course a bit." He said.

We continued to walk for about half a mile when I saw brightness shine through some trees ahead of us. He picked up his pace walking towards the light. We walked through rows of fern and out into a meadow with bright green grass and wildflowers everywhere. There were patches of purples, yellows, and whites. The grass was long but not too tall, it was about four to five inches high. I could here water running some place close too.

I looked up. The sun was shadowed by a few clouds but it was only a matter of time before it shined down upon us. Will my skin overwhelm Edward?

"Edward, this is beautiful…"

"It is." He said while spinning me around. His eyes searched mine and I saw that bright shimmer in his eyes that I love so much. His eyes were seriously just like emeralds. Especially when the light hit them at just the perfect angle making his eyes sparkle.

He led me over to the middle of the meadow and he sat down leaning back on his arms. I quickly followed sitting right next to him. I pulled my knees up and under my chin as I wrapped my arms around my legs. He was quiet for quite awhile, he looked deep in thought. I bumped his shoulder with mine trying to get him to say something. He just looked at me with curiosity. I fought the urge to kiss him. It wasn't the right moment yet.

He still didn't say anything he just watched my small moments. I sighed and let myself fall back on to a patch of violet wildflowers. Some of the flowers bend down onto my face. The smell was quite lovely. But they blocked my view of Edward. I felt Edward lay beside me. I propped myself up on my side with my hand holding up my head from the ground. Edward was doing the same but in my direction.

"Hi." He breathed.

His exhaled breath landed on my skin causing me to daze out a little. I lost myself in his eyes again. I could definitely sit here forever just laying here with him. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I had been holding since he spoke. I laughed.

"What's so funny?"

"You must have been a vampire in another life." I stated.

He looked confused.

"What makes you think that?"

"Because, I've never met a human who could dazzle."

"What do you mean?"

"Vampires have many ways they can lure their prey. Not like we need to lure them, we could take anyone if we really wanted to, but that's besides the point. Vampires can lure with just looking deep into some ones eyes, or by the scent of their breath. It makes their prey loose there senses and make their thoughts drift to where their vampire wants them to. Like persuading them to do as they please by just their look or smell. I call it dazzling."

"I dazzle you?" he asked.

My breathing caught. He looked up at me through his lashes as he breathed every word at me. Maybe I shouldn't have mentioned dazzling.

It took me a second to compose myself and actually answer back.

"Cheater." I breathed. He smiled crookedly. And I let my self fall back again.

We fell in to a comfortable silence, though I was still anxious to hear his voice again.

"Your song from earlier… It was about me dazzling you?"

"To an extent…"

A few seconds later I heard him mumble out a few words. He wasn't quite singing, but with the sound of his voice it was still as beautiful as if he were.

"And I've completely lost myself, and I don't mind.
I can't say no to you."

I smiled. "You have a good memory, another thing to add to my list for my theory of you being a vampire in a past life."

He chuckled.

"Shouldn't let you conquer me completely.
Now I can't let go of this dream.
Can't believe that I feel..." he continued to recite.

I was beyond impressed. How he remembered the lyrics after only hearing them once amazed me. I sang out the next lyric as I had earlier, though my voice rang and echoed throughout the woods.

"Good enough,
I feel good enough.
It's been such a long time coming, but I feel good."

He suddenly sat up and looked out towards the woods where we came through and whispered the next words.

"And I'm still waiting for the rain to fall.
Pour real life down on me."

I sat up to be closer to him again. I started to sing the next phrase.

"Cause I can't hold on to anything this good enough.
Am I…" I stopped suddenly and looked down at my lap.

"Bella." I looked up as he called and he took my face in his hand. He traced my jaw line. I felt the heat start at my ear and lightly trace up my jaw then back down again. His eyes followed his hand. The heat of his touch increased as he traced my neck and let his fingers rest on the hollow of my neck. His eyes shifted back to catch my gaze.

His heartbeat was pounding in my ears. His scent was overwhelming me. But, I felt completely at ease. I was in pure bliss.

"You are more than good enough."

My breathing caught and I searched his eyes desperately.

Could he be saying what I think he is?

His heartbeat quickened. His lips slightly trembled. I felt his hands shake lightly.

His beautiful face leaned in towards mine inch by inch until there was barely any room left between us.

I took in a deep breath, I felt weightless.

His lips brushed slightly over mine then slightly hovered. He made no sudden movements. He waited a second and then placed his lips firmly on mine.

I was in sensory overload. It was more than I could have ever imagined.

His lips moved with mine. I could feel the moisture of his mouth upon my lips and it sent a spasm through out my whole body, a spark.

All too soon he pulled away, his breathing was ragged. I opened my eyes a split second before he opened his. His eyes were so intense. His lips were full and red, beautiful. They pulled me in and I laid a chaste kiss on them. I pulled away only slightly enough to see his full face. I smiled and bit my lip. He was absolutely amazing in every way.

I had always day dreamed of kissing him but nothing I imagined was anywhere remotely as perfect as it felt to actually kissing him. It was more than I ever thought I could feel in just one kiss. I've never felt so alive.

His fingertips traced lightly from neck trailing heat up towards my chin. He traced my bottom lip with his thumb. Each touch felt feather light, but I felt the heat stain my skin. All the while, our eyes were still locked in place.

"I love you, Bella." He whispered.

I love you, Bella.

My head was spinning.

His voice echoed in my mind a few times before it registered.

I love you, Bella.

He….loves me.

"Oh Edward…"

My lips hungrily took his. I held his face with both my hands and kissed his lips once…twice…three times. I kissed his nose, his eyes, his forehead, his cheeks, and once more on his lips. I hesitantly pulled away to look deep in his eyes.

"I love you, Edward. More than anything. There isn't a moment that I'm not thinking of you. I've longed to here those four words from you for so long now. Please, please tell me I didn't imagine them." He smiled.

"Bella, I love you." He gave me soft quick kiss "Believe it. It took me awhile to realize it, but that day you played the piano for me the first time, something just clicked in my mind. I knew after that day that I would fight anyone off for you. I love you. I need you."

I wrapped my arms around him. I never wanted to let go. I buried my face in his shoulder. I felt his arms snake around my waist as he pulled me up into his lap burying his face in my hair.

We sat there in each others arms for nearly an hour in silence.

I looked up at the sky and saw the clouds start to move out of the suns way.

I felt Edward look to the sky after I had. "Bella." I could hear the smile in his voice.

I looked up and he gasped.

His eyes widened as he took in my appearance.

"Beautiful." He breathed.

I smiled and entwined my fingers in his.

The sun was only out for a few brief minutes. Not once did his gaze drift from me.

When the clouds took over the sun again, he kissed my forehead and brought me closer to his chest. His heartbeat was faster than normal but it was steady. It sounded like music to me, the way it beat and hummed at my ear.

"Bella?"

"Hm?"

"The other song you played for me before you left…was that the other song written about me?"

I winced.

"Yeah…"

"Would you please explain what you meant by it. I'm still not quite sure. It wasn't a happy song, so it concerned me…"

"It's mostly about my feelings on your decision to stay human." I said cautiously.

He stiffened.

I pulled away a little to look at him better.

"Edward, I've come to accept it. It doesn't matter if you're human or vampire. I'll always love you and I'll always stay at your side. My love for you grows even more with every day that passes. You are my life now, Edward. Everything about you makes me feel alive."

I sighed.

"When I wrote it, you seemed so mad at me. I thought you didn't want me near you and all I wanted was to be by you, to make you happy again. I was afraid you hated me and wanted me to leave. I couldn't bear the thought of giving you up so easily like that. But if that's what you wanted I would have done it in a heartbeat."

I turned away from his gaze.

"You know I won't grow older as you do and I won't be able to bare your children. If you eventually decide to want to grow old with someone and have children with them, I'll understand. I'll still be there for you, Edward. No matter what."

"Bella, I'll only ever want you." He said cupping my cheek.

"You say that now. But it could change."

He lowered his head and closed his eyes.

I kissed his forehead and he opened his eyes to look at me again.

"Would you rather me be a vampire?"

I pulled away from him and stood up, turning away from him.

"It's your decision to make, Edward. It doesn't matter what I think."

He stood up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist.

"Your opinion matters to me."

"If I tell you, you'll hate me."

"I could never hate you Bella."

I sighed.

"I don't know what I will do with out you…after." He was silent so I continued. "Vampire's are naturally selfish beings, Edward. I'm no different. Yes, I want to spend eternity with you but I don't want you to have to give up so much for me. You'd be giving up a lot. You'd never be normal and that's what you've always wanted. How ever our lives play out, I'll always be there to keep you safe. I'd give my life for you. I'd give you anything. All you have to do is ask."

He kissed the top of my head and moved to turn me around.

"I love you, Bella. And you're right. I do want to be normal. But I'm extremely selfish too. I want to stay human, but I want you forever. I wish there was a way to have both. I know there will be complications along the way, but in my heart I know that no matter the situation, in the end we'll always be ok."

I smiled even though I was screaming inside.

Everything will be ok with us…until Edward dies.

I can't keep him alive forever as human.

But unless he truly wants to be changed, I could never poison him.

We went back to the comfortable silence as we lay next to each other again.

"I don't want really want to bring the mood down again, but I'm curious. What did the Volturi decided about me?" He asked out of the blue.

"Well, Aro has a gift sort of like yours. He can read thoughts, but only through physical contact. Though, his is much more thorough. He can sort through any thoughts and memories you've ever had. When he read my mind he saw that you had the gift of mind reading and that Alice can see the future. And now Aro has requested that I send out an official invite for the both of you to join the Volturi."

"What? We would never… Do we even have a choice?"

I sighed.

"Yes, you do have a choice. But regardless he wants you both to visit Volterra so he can ask you personally. He would rather hear it straight from you and probably take your memories as well. Aro wanted you both to go as soon as possible, but I asked if it could wait until after graduation and he agreed. But, don't have to worry about the Volturi too much. I'll find a way so that you don't have to go at all."

He nodded.

"But Edward, I have to tell Carlisle about Aro's request. In doing that he's going to have to know about your gift."

"I guess I'll have to tell them now then."

I frowned. "I'm sorry, Edward. I know you didn't really want to tell them. I should have tried harder to keep those memories away from Aro."

"Bella, it's ok. Don't worry about it. I would have had to tell them eventually anyways. I've kept it from them long enough." He kissed the top of my head and I relaxed.

"It's getting late. We should start getting back home." I suggested.

He nodded and we started making our way back to my car.

"Edward, please slow down. What if you get in an accident?"

"But I like going fast." He pouted. "Besides, if I crash you'll save me before there's even an impact." He grinned.

"Yeah, that's if I don't kill you myself for crashing my car!"

His grin immediately fell.

I laughed and pushed into him playfully. "I'm only kidding, Edward."

He smiled.

"I would save you. Of course later I'd have to demolish your Vanquish."

He laughed. "I guess that would be fair."

"Yep, then I'd use your Volvo and you'd have to walk to school."

"Aw, you wouldn't give your beloved boyfriend a ride to school?"

"Is that what you are then?"

"What?"

"My boyfriend."

"If you'll allow it…"

"Hmm, I don't know…I'll have to think about that. What if you're not boyfriend material? Maybe I wouldn't like you as a boyfriend." I said sarcastically.

"Would you like me as your husband better?"

My head whipped around in his direction and my eyes widen.

"Relax. I'm only kidding, Bella." He laughed.

I let out an exaggerated breath and a small laugh.

He rolled his eyes.

He's joking, but what he doesn't know is in that split second I imagined myself in my mother's wedding dress standing next to Edward at an alter.

And the crazy part about it, I actually liked the idea.

"Boyfriend sounds good." I smiled.

He grinned my grin and then kissed the back of my hand.

We got back home just as the sun set.

We walked in the house hand in hand with smiles on our faces.

Everyone was waiting for us in the living room when we came in.

Edward blushed.

Alice squeaked and ran towards me knocking me down to the floor. We stood up and she hugged me wildly.

"It played out much better than what I had seen before!" she smiled.

"So that's what you were hiding…" Edward mumbled.

She pulled us both to the living room where everyone else was sitting at.

"So do you guys want to tell us why Alice has been jumping around and yelling 'oh my god' randomly for the last couple of hours while you were gone?" Emmett asked Edward and me.

Before I could say anything I was being pulled down to the couch by Edward. He placed me in his lap and I wrapped my arms around his shoulder. He leaned in and kissed me. I was so lost in the kiss that I completely forgot that we were surrounded by our family.

Carlisle cleared his throat and I broke off the kiss.

Edward blushed furiously. I don't know what caused him to be so bold.

Alice giggled and Jasper winked at me.

My mouth gaped open.

Jasper.

I sent a big wave of lust towards him.

He instantly jumped on Alice and attacked her mouth.

Edward and I went into hysterics.

"That's enough you two." Esme said pointing to Jasper and I.

I sent him a wave of calm to release the lust.

I gave her an apologetic smile and said, "Sorry Mom."

Her face lit up with a lovely smile. I felt so much joy from her that I couldn't control my absorbed empath power.

Every one in the room was instantly filled with the same joy that I felt from Esme.

They were all smiling and laughing.

"Bella, may I speak with you for a moment?" Carlisle asked.

I bit my lip and looked at Edward.

"Wait. I have something to confess." Edward started.

"What is it, son?" Carlisle asked confused.

"Well ever since the beginning of summer, I found out that I have…a gift."

"A gift?" Esme asked.

"Yeah…" I gently squeezed his hand for reassurance. "I found out that I can read the thoughts of people around me."

Alice had a smile on her face and everyone else looked dumbfounded.

"This is interesting. I've never heard of humans having gifts." Carlisle said.

"What if he's lying?" Emmett asked.

"Why would I lie about something like this, Emmett?"

"I don't know, maybe as a joke!"

Edward rolled his eyes.

"Ok fine, prove it. What am I thin—"

"Emmett don't you dare think of my sister naked!" Edward cut him off.

"Holy shit, you can read minds…"

Rosalie smacked the back of Emmett's head.

"Ow, why'd you do th—"

"Cause you were going to show Edward what she looked like naked." I said cutting him off.

Alice and I laughed and everyone except Edward looked at us like we were crazy.

"Alice had a vision of what this would turn out like…" Edward informed them.

"Oh, that makes sense." Jasper said.

Edward stood up and screamed, sending death glares at Emmett.

"What the hell Emmett!"

"Just making sure!" Emmett laughed.

"And this is why I didn't say anything earlier…" Edward shook his head. "…damn stupid perverted vampire." He mumbled.

Apparently Emmett was already planning on messing with Edward in his mind every chance he got.

"If you didn't want us to know, why are you telling us now?" Rosalie asked.

"Well it's because of the Volturi." I started "Aro wants Edward and Alice for the guard. He told me he wants for them to go to Volterra so he could ask them personally. He wanted them to go as soon as possible but I asked for it to be sometime after graduation."

"This isn't good at all." Carlisle said. "When Aro wants something he doesn't stop trying until he gets it. Who knows what he has in store for them. He'll respect if you decline, but that doesn't mean he plays fair. He doesn't like to be told no."

"I'll figure something out so they don't have to go, Carlisle. I don't want either of them to ever have to go there." I said.

"It's going to happen either way, Bella. You know how determined Aro is. Especially with the gifts they have. He'll probably get desperate. He might just pop up here if they don't go for themselves."

I frowned. "We'll find some way."

Carlisle sighed. "Well at least they won't expect them until after graduation. We have plenty of time to figure something out. Let us forget about it for now. Let's not let it ruin our Christmas Eve."

"Christmas carols!" Alice chirped.

Everyone laughed.

"I haven't listened to Christmas carols in years. I haven't actually celebrated Christmas in so long…" I admitted.

"Well, you'll celebrate them every year now. It's Alice's favorite holiday. Although I don't know why, she knows what everyone will get her months before the actual day." Edward chuckled.

I smirked evilly.

"WHY ARE MY VISIONS BLOCKED?!" Alice yelled.

I fell back on the couch laughing. Everyone looked at me wide eyed.

"Sorry Alice, I just wanted to see if it would work." I let out another small laugh and pulled the shield off of everyone.

"What the hell was that, I couldn't hear anyone's thoughts for a moment."

"I used a shield to block all your minds from Alice. I'm practicing on how to shield only certain things from the mind instead of everything but I haven't mastered that yet. I think it'll come in handy when it comes to Christmas gifts don't you think?" I grinned.

"Dude, that's awesome! We haven't been able to surprise Alice in…well ever." Emmett laughed.

"Bella! Please don't do that again." Alice pouted.

"Ok I won't. For now anyways. Surprises can be healthy sometimes." I looked over at Edward smiling and placed a small kiss on his forehead.

Alice poked her tongue at me but then let out a small giggle.

"Alright, so… Edward will you play some carols for us now?" she asked.

"Of course." He stood up and we all went into the music room.

Edward played a couple of carols on his piano and we all just hugged each other and sang our hearts out.

I looked around at everyone cuddled up around the piano, smiles on their faces, utterly content.

I was happy, truly, extremely happy.

I felt whole. I felt loved.

I was home.

Family. Friends. Edward.

There's nothing I could ever want more.

Hope that's a good wrap up for the chapter.

And I hope it made your expectations for their reunion!

The song Bella plays is "Good Enough" by Evanescence. It's up in my profile if you've never heard it before.

I'll do everything I can to get internet ASAP and get more chapters out for you guys.

At least I could leave you some small closure on how they reunite!

The story is not, I repeat NOT, over.

I still have much more to write. So please, if I don't update for awhile, don't panic. I will be back and better than ever!

Please review and thank you for reading!

-Jan