Chapter 3: Goodbye

#A/N. I'm currently in the middle of writing chapter 4! I will update either tomorrow morning or afternoon! :)

*Bella's POV*

"I'll be back so soon, you won't even have time to miss me." Edward told me, pulling me into a warm embrace. We were standing by the front door of our little cottage, giving our final goodbyes. Edward was getting ready to leave for his three day hunting trip with Jasper and Emmett.

"But I will miss you, so much. I can't help that." I said, pulling myself closer into his chest. I took a deep breath, breathing in his sweet, intoxicating scent.

"I know, love, I know. You will be in my every thought." Edward said. Standing on my tiptoes, I pressed my lips firmly against his. We kissed passionately, conveying all our love and how much we will miss each other into the kiss. My hands tangled in his hair, pressing his face closer to mine. Edward broke the kiss, putting his forehead against mine. We stood that way for a few moments.

"Emmett will have my head if I'm late" Edward whispered. I pulled him into me for once last hug, all the while holding him tightly.

"Ok, you better get going then." He gave me one more peck on the lips before turning to open the door. Standing outside the door, he turned to face me once more.

"I love you." he said

"I love you too." I said, offering him a smile. I watched Edward's back as he walked away until he was no longer in my line of sight. I closed the door quietly, pressing my back against it when it was fully shut. I took a deep breath. Ok, I said to myself mentally, I can do this. It's only three days and it's not like I'm never going to see him again. I can call him anytime I want to. With that thought in mind, I pushed away from the door and went to check on Renesmee. Opening her door a crack, I poked my head through to observe her. She was on her side facing the door. Her copper hair, the same color as her fathers, was spread out on her pillows. There was a peaceful look on her sleeping face. She was absolutely gorgeous. I smiled as I slowly shut the door and crossed the hall into my own room. I went straight into the closet, deciding to humor Alice and wear a light green sweater dress for the day. When I finished dressing, I picked up Wuthering Heights and curled up on the bed, planning to read until Renesmee awoke.

I looked up from my book when I heard Renesmee's light footsteps crossing the hallway. Glancing at the clock, I saw that it was 8:30am; I had been reading for over an hour. Renesmee walked into the room and came straight over to my side. She placed her hand on my cheek.

"Good morning, Momma." I heard in my head.

"Good Morning." I said to her, pulling her into my arms.

"Where's Daddy?" she asked me.

"He went on a hunting trip with your uncles."

"When will he be home"?

"Monday afternoon. He'll be here when you get back from your trip with your aunts." I said. A hint of sadness flashed across her beautiful face.

"I miss him." her mental voice whispered.

"So do I." I sighed. More than words can say. I gave her a hug to comfort her.

"But look on the Brightside, you and I can spend some time together - just you and me." I told her. A smile brightened her face, the idea pleased her.

"Now, go ahead and get dressed. Ok?" I removed my arms from around her as she nodded. Once free, she left the room to get ready for the day. When Renesmee was finished dressing, we headed out to the main house. We walked hand in hand through the forest, chatting about nothing in particular. It was a wonderful moment we spent together. In no time at all, we finally reached the Cullen house.

"Hello Bella, dear." Esme smiled warmly as we walked through the front door. "How are you today, sweet Renesmee?''

"Good Morning, Esme" I said, smiling at her as Renesmee went to touch her grandmother's cheek. Esme smiled at what Renesmee told her.

"That's wonderful, dear" Esme said, pulling Renesmee into a hug. Just then, Rosalie and Alice walked down the stairs.

"There's my beautiful niece." Rosalie said when she reached the bottom of the stairs. "Hi Bella." She smiled slightly at me. Rosalie and I stayed on good terms through the years. She was now my friend and a sister to me as much as Alice was.

"Look at you!" Alice squealed, bouncing in front of me. "You look fabulous."

"I knew you would approve." I said, laughing at her enthusiasm.

"You're starting to learn how to use your closet. I'm so proud of you, Bella." she stated, grinning hugely.

"Gee, thanks." I said, rolling my eyes at her and smiling.

"One of these days, I have to teach you to do your makeup."

I cringed. "I think I'll just stick with the clothes, Alice."

"The future always can change." She said.

"Of course, you would know that."

She laughed her silvery laugh.

"Rosalie and I were planning to dress Renesmee up. You wouldn't mind us stealing her for a while, would you?" she asked me.

"No, it's fine. You guys have fun."

"Come on." Alice said to Renesmee and Rosalie, all of them smiling. They flew up the stairs together, Renesmee being carried in Rosalie's arms.

Esme came over to my side and took my hand in both of hers. "How are you holding up, Bella? I know you must miss Edward terribly."

"I'm fine Esme, thank you. I mean, I do miss him, a lot, but I'm determined to not let that eat me up. He'll only be gone a short while." I said honestly.

"I'm happy to hear that, dear." Esme said, giving me a kiss on the cheek and my hand a light squeeze.

"As I am too." Carlisle said as he came down the stairs with his medical bag in hand. "Good morning, Bella."

"Hello Carlisle." I said, smiling as he came to stand beside Esme.

"I must be leaving now, I'm afraid. Dr. Gerandy has called in sick, and I am to take his place for the day." He told us.

"Duty calls." I said.

"Have a nice day, Carlisle." Esme said to him. Carlisle gave her a kiss on the cheek and gave me a smile and placed a firm hand on my shoulder before walking at the door.

"Well, looks like it's just you and I for now, Bella." Esme said, placing her arm around my shoulder.

"Edward was telling me how you made some new recipes for Renesmee; can I help you with them?" I asked.

"That's a wonderful idea. Let's start now" she said, smiling as we walked towards the kitchen.