Ahhh! I'm so sad! Only like…SIX CHAPTERS LEFT! It's getting depressing figuring out how I am going to wrap this story up guys! I hope you enjoy!

So you were never a saint

And I've loved in shades of wrong

We learn to live with the pain

Mosaic broken hearts

But this love is brave and wild

And I never saw you coming

And I'll never be the same

Chapter Twenty-Four: Is That Enough?

Bella POV

I sat with Emmett in my room and we were swapping war stories.

"I'm telling you Bella, I remember I fell out of the tree and my arm was like… backwards." I 'ewwwww-ed' like a little girl and laughed. I liked hearing about Emmett's human life and he seemed to like talking about it. It's been about two weeks since I ran into Jacob and since then the wolves have come to visit the Cullen's to talk about building a partnership. I smiled remembering Sam's words.

"We really have a common goal here and I think we should use that to strengthen our friendship, Carlisle." He had winked at me and I had just laughed. My thoughts drifted back to Emmett and I smiled as he threw himself on the ground, mimicking falling from the tree and I couldn't help but fall backwards laughing.

"Careful, Old Man, wouldn't want to bust a hip." He popped up at the side of the bed and growled playfully.

"HEY. Just because you're a youngin' doesn't mean I'm old!" I scoffed with humour.

"Please, you're 103!" He grinned at me and chuckled.

"Yea and that's a baby compared to Carlisle." We heard a mock=offense 'Hey!' from downstairs and we busted into another round of laughter. I love spending this time with Emmett. For the last two weeks we've been virtually inseparable. I smiled to him as he settled back down across from me, crossing his legs. We used to sit like this when I was human and we would have our late night talks.

"So what did you do?" He smiled lovingly and I was almost mesmerized.

"My little sister was with me…I'm pretty sure she ran to the house and got our dad." He looked like he was in deep thought so I let him think.

"She was really scared…I think…she was screaming and crying…I forced myself my to cry just to make her feel better." He looked to me and smiled sadly.

"What was her name?" His eyes glazed over and I could tell he was scanning through probably blurred memories. His smile fell and he shook his head.

"I can't remember to be honest. I know she had black hair…and bright green eyes. I like to think I had the same green eyes but Rosalie always told me my eyes were blue." I put my hand on his and thought deep. I had realized I have an index of gifts in my mind and I could go through them and get descriptions of them and I wanted so badly to help him remember. I knew I had glazed over when Emmett sounded so far away but I couldn't come to, I needed to keep scanning.

Ability Identification, Addictive Contention, Beauty, Brave, Child-baring, Compassion, Gift Giving, Elemental Manipulation, Empathy, Enchanting, Enhanced Leadership, Enhanced Self-Preservation, Epilepsy, Evil, Fighting, Happiness Induction, Humanistic, Know-It-All, Lie Detection, Life-long Seer, Love, Manipulation, Memory Preservation, Memory Retrieval, Mental Invisibility, Outcome Manipulation, Pain Illusion, Physical Attack Diversion, Physically Attractive, Psychic Electro kinesis, Relationship Identification, Relationship Manipulation, Repulsive Magnetic, Seer, Self-Control, Sense Deprivation, Shield, Shield Penetration, Speed, Strength, Tactile Telepathy, Tactile Thought Projection, Telepathy, Temperature Control, Tracking, Virtuous, Weather Vain, World Atlas

So many to sift through…I can't possibly go through them all. 'I never knew there were so many gifts…' I came to and had a better idea.

"Oh hey there friend. Welcome back. Can you warn me next time before you disappear into that chaotic mess of a mind you've got going there?" Emmett told me with humour and I smiled shaking my head.

"Shut up and look at me." He gave me a curious look and I looked straight into his eyes. All of a sudden my scanner popped up.

Emmett McCarty

Strength – Passive Gift

This vampire does not possess an aura or traditional gift, however they are much stronger than the average vampire.

I popped back to reality in shock. Emmett had a gift.

"Emmett! You…you have a gift!" He scoffed and me and rolled his eyes.

"No Emmett…I'm not kidding. It's called a passive gift. I've never tried to scan you because you don't have an aura but that doesn't matter…I wish I had've known!" He was looking at me stunned.

"Bella what's my gift?!" I smiled.

"You're super strong. You have the gift of strength…you're a lot stronger than the average vampire." He grinned an Emmett grin and chuckled.

"I suppose that makes sense… that's kind of cool." I smiled, remembering my intention.

"Sorry, I got distracted. Ok look me in the eye." He obliged and I focused, trying to remember how I did this before.

"I wish that Emmett could be a Gift Giver.' All of a sudden I felt a shift… I looked into Emmett's eyes and I knew he felt it too. It was like a much stronger, interwoven connection. I felt like I was the closest I've ever been to him and we weren't even touching.

"Woah…Bella what was that." He whispered and I smiled.

"I gave you a gift Emmett." His eyes went wide and his disappeared into his mind and I could tell he was going through the gifts in his mind. Once he came to he looked stunned.

"Bella what the fuck was that?!" I laughed and smiled to him.

"I gave you the gift giving gift. You can go through all of those gifts in your mind and pick and choose which ones you want but I think they are temporary…I always shut mine off when I'm done with them. You can grant any vampire three wishes as well. I…I found a few gifts in that database that might help you remember your human life better." I could see tears forming in Emmett's eyes and I smiled warmly to him.

"Bella…I don't know what to say. You…that's the most amazing thing anyone has ever done for me." He whispered and I could feel my heart swell. A white glow began to form around him and I touched the aura, making it ripple.

"There. Now you glow too!" He rolled his eyes with a smile.

"You and those auras. I don't even know what they look like." I grinned.

"So? Wish that you could see auras." He looked at me funny but did as I asked and when he opened his eyes they went wide.

"Bella! You're glowing!" I laughed and poked his aura.

"So are you!" He looked at his own aura, bewildered as it moved with him.

"This… is…amazing." He told me as he started jumping around, watching his aura move to keep up with him. I smiled.

"Now you're a super cool toy." He grinned and lunged at me, enveloping me in a hug.

"You didn't need to do that." He whispered in my ear and I smiled.

"I know…but I want you to have this. I know you'd never abuse it and that it will help a lot in remembering your human life." He pulled back and kissed my temple and I fought back a sigh. 'I love when he does that.'

"You think there are some gifts that could help me?" He asked and I nodded.

"Yea. I know it can be overwhelming at first but if you can locate the Memory Preservation and Memory Retrieval gifts those could help…and there might be an organization one…I'm not sure. There are a lot I was only able to remember about thirty." He nodded and disappeared again. I knew he'd faintly hear me so I leaned into his ear.

"I'm going to go grab some lunch…you take your time." His eyes moved a bit so I knew he had heard and I got up to leave the room. I went downstairs and saw Alice and Jasper in the living room talking. Alice looked a bit upset.

"Hey guys, what's up?" Alice forced a smile.

"Oh not much. How's boy time?" She said with a look and stuck her tongue out at me. I laughed, letting it go. Her eyes went bright orange and I knew she was hiding something pretty big but I wanted to give her the privacy she needs. I looked to Jasper who shot me a look of thanks. He seemed almost proud of me.

"Oh Alice, you know I love you too!" She giggled and smiled genuinely at me.

"I'm going to grab lunch Alice, want some?" She nodded in thanks and I went to the kitchen to start heating up lunch. Carlisle was right, it's a lot better warm. I shuddered thinking back to the cold blood I had drank in his car. It did the trick but it was pretty nasty.

Jasper POV

I rubbed Alice's back as Bella left the room. She was pretty upset, though I knew she'd never want Bella to know. I smiled at the thought of Bella though. She had every ability to know Alice was lying, and she knew. But she respected Alice's privacy enough that she wouldn't force the truth. Many of the gifts we are given when we wake are very dangerous in the wrong hands. I remembered back to when I would use mine to help me train newborns…and mask their pain when I had to kill them. In truth I could torture someone and make him or her like it. It's a very morbid gift…but I refuse to use it for evil. Alice knows the limits to her gift as well. She could go around telling people their futures…but then what's the point of living? Where is the privacy? She won't even tell me if she's seen us having a child. And Bella is one of the best people I know to be so powerful. She could force truth out of you, get in your head with the gifts she could turn on and off…but she doesn't. She's a very trustworthy girl and I'm proud to have her as my niece. I smiled at that thought. After all this time I never thought I'd ever have a connection like that. I love all of the Cullen's as my family of course…but the only one I have a true connection to is Alice. My sire isn't a Cullen…the ones that found me weren't the Cullen's…I lived a whole separate vampire life before the Cullen's…I've killed a lot of people. But Alice really brings me in and makes me feel like I belong. The Cullen's have been so unbelievably welcoming and understanding. I owe them a lot…I found my soul again when I found Alice and this family. But having Bella around…especially with being here when she woke. I feel very protective and paternal over her. I'd never take away from Charlie but I actually feel like I need to be a strong male figure in her life. I'm her uncle…

Knowing how I feel about having Bella in my life makes me really want to have a child with Alice. I'd love a baby girl of my own…one I can protect and be a father to. A little girl I could spoil and raise with my values and morals. I looked to Alice and thought about our little girl looking just like her and it almost brought a tear to my eye. I love Alice more than anything else in this world. If I lost it all…if everything was gone but her, I'd be happy. That's how I know she is my mate…if I ever lost her I don't know if I could ever go on…I wouldn't want to. My existence is Alice…that's what makes it so clear.

I can feel love and devotion surging between Bella and Emmett but it is hard to tell if they are true mates or not…only they could know. I know this love is stronger than anything Emmett and Rosalie possessed, that's for sure. Rosalie loved Emmett…but she wasn't in love with him. She was in love with herself. But again, messing with people's emotions and telling them how others feel about them is taking advantage of this wonderful gift I was given.

I smiled at the thought of Bella and Emmett together. They would make a great couple. I really couldn't think of anyone that would be better to Bella than Emmett, and vice versa. I chuckled at the thought of giving Emmett a stern talking to about "his intensions" with my niece and looked to Alice who was watching me curiously. I hadn't realized I'd been smiling like an idiot for a few minutes and she just laughed at me. The image of being protective of my own daughter when she finds a nice boy of her own popped into my head and I knew I wanted to give Alice a child. I knew she'd want a whole coven of her own if I'd agree to it but I think that would get a little out of hand. I kissed her forehead and smiled to her.

"I love you, Alice. More than my existence itself." She smiled lovingly up to me and I could feel a flutter in my still heart.

"I love you too, Jas." She rubbed my nose with hers and gave me a small, sweet kiss. I pulled her into my side.

"It will all work out. Let's not worry about it right now, ok?" She nodded and sighed. Bella soon came back in and handed Alice her glass and they "had lunch" together. I chuckled at the two of them.

"You ladies enjoy, I'm going to go ask Emmett for a hunt." I stood up but Bella stopped me.

"No, no, Emmett is in his head right now." I looked to her weird and she realized she didn't explain.

"Oh, I gave Emmett my gift-giving gift so that he could pick a few gifts to help him remember his human life. He's upstairs in his head right now." I smiled to Bella and nodded.

"Well look at you spreading the joy. First Alice, now Emmett? It's like we're getting a makeover." She laughed and shook her head and I just grinned, heading to the open window.

"Alright, I'll be back soon, girls." I heard a resounding 'Bye Jas!' as I hopped out the window for a hunt. I was glad to have the alone time to sift through my many thoughts.

Bella POV

"So, giving Emmett a 'cool toy' gift?" I laughed at Alice as she mocked Emmett. I nodded.

"Yea, it's easier than giving him a gift that won't work and wasting a wish right? This way, I took up one wish and he has the ability for trial and error." She nodded and smiled, taking a sip of her meal.

"That's true. Good thinking Bella." We talked about meaningless things for a few minutes until the phone rang. Alice grabbed the phone.

"Heyyyyy Charlie! Yes, Bella is here, one moment please!" I heard my dad sputter "Oh Alice, you and your visions!" I laughed and took the phone.

"It's like you just know." I told her, remembering back to having lunch with the Cullen's at school. I once told Alice she was annoying because it's like she always just knows things. Little did I know at the time, she actually did know things.

"Hey dad, what's up?" I asked as he chuckled.

"Oh just miss you, haven't seen you for a few days what with the hours I've been working." I nodded.

"Yea you've been working a lot…anything going on?" He sighed.

"Not a thing…but the station wants me on duty as much as possible with the town still afraid. I tried telling them it was ok…we got the bear, you know. But… I suppose they think we're bound to get another." He said dryly and I nodded.

"Yea I suppose they wouldn't get it." He 'hmm'-ed into the phone in agreeance.

"I was going to ask if you wanted to come over tonight Bells? I've been working like a dog and could use some company." I smiled.

"Of course dad, how about I'll make you a nice meal and we can watch movies. Whatever you want." I heard him perk up on the other end.

"Well if you want to…I mean I could get my own dinner of course…" I cut him off.

"Dad that's silly. I'm never without energy. I'll make you something good and we can have a night in." He sighed in "defeat".

"Alright Bells, you can bring the Cullen's if you want, I don't mind." I smiled.

"Actually Emmett was just saying he wanted to get over there to see you soon, so I'll ask if he wants to come." We said our goodbyes and I hung up the phone.

"I'm going to need to grocery shop…I know my dad has nothing in the fridge." I told Alice with humour and she giggled.

"No, probably not. You can't go though Bella, but I'm sure Jas and I could go for you. Make me a list and we will go as soon as Jasper get's back." I nodded in thanks and scribbled out a list for her.

"Stuffed shells with beef and cheese...and some garlic bread. That way he can freeze what he doesn't eat and have it for leftovers later. That should be what I need, Alice. I'll grab you some money-"

"Oh please, Bella. Don't be ridiculous. I've got it." I shook my head at her, but sat back down. Her and I have had the money talk before and it was a lost battle at this point. She just tells me that when I've been a vampire for thirty years I'll have the money to treat everyone to ridiculously expensive gifts too. That was when I came back from a walk with Emmett and saw a shiny new 2013 black Range Rover Sport Autobiography with a V8 engine sitting in the driveway that cost six figures. It has all tinted windows so people can't see in at me and is…admittedly…gorgeous. They insisted I have my own way around and something that I can enjoy so I don't have to stay cooped up and worry that someone could see me. Of course, going to my dad's I have to come through the woods but I am able to go out of town in it and enjoy it. A brand new, very extravagant SUV showing up at my dad's house often might raise a few questions.

Alice winked at me and stood up, finishing her lunch. She put her dishes in the sink and with a smile and a wave she hopped out the window to find Jasper. I sighed and listened upstairs. Still not a peep out of Emmett. I smiled as I stood as well, ready to do the dishes. I'm sure he was having fun in his own mind. The "databases" as I like to call them are very overwhelming but really it's spectacular. There are so many different things to explore. I know it won't be as overwhelming for him because he doesn't have the scanner in his mind as well but it's still a big adjustment. While doing the dishes I saw Alice skip out of the forest with Jasper close behind her. They got into Jasper's truck and headed off down the long, private driveway. I finished up quickly and decided to give my mom a call.

"Hey baby! How are you?" I smiled. She still treated me like her baby girl.

"I'm good…you?" She sighed.

"Oh you know…trying to get my gardening done. It's tough when Phil is gone a lot… you know. Spring training." I nodded.

"Mom, why don't you come for a visit?" I could hear her grin on the other side.

"Bella, I was just there!" I laughed.

"I know… but I feel bad having you stay cooped up alone for weeks at a time. Now that Phil is gone a lot I'm sure you could spare some time to be here more often. I'll even cover your flights."

"Now Bella, that's just silly." I shook my head.

"No, it's not. I have all that savings just sitting there…I was saving for school, which won't happen right now…but I have forever to make more money and only a lifetime to spend with you." I heard her sigh sadly on the other side. I forced back the tears and just hoped she'd agree. Since my transformation I had been able to really set aside the brutal secrets my mother had kept from my dad and I…I just wanted to be able to spend as much time with her as possible.

"Come on mom…the flight is free…the stay is free…you're there alone anyway…" She giggled.

"Alright. When would you like some company?" I smiled big and laughed.

"Anytime! I know Alice would love having you come visit more often too so really…whenever you want."

"Well I'll call Phil tonight and I'll let you know tomorrow?" I nodded.

"Sounds good mom. I miss you." She let out a deep breath.

"I miss you too honey." We said our goodbyes and I hung up the phone to see Emmett standing at the door with a soft smile on his face.

"Hey Bella. You ok?" I nodded as he came to sit beside me. He tucked me into his side and I welcomed the comfort.

"Yea I just miss her. I see what you guys wish you had and I just don't want to regret not spending as much time as I can with my parents before… you know." He nodded.

"I know." We sat there in silence for a few minutes, his fingers tracing shapes on my arm. Being home with the Cullen's I never worry about exposing my scars. I was never cold so I usually just grabbed whatever Alice had tossed into my closet. Today was a ribbed thick-strapped grey tank top and a pair of dark wash skinny jeans. I liked that no matter what I wore I was always surprisingly comfortable.

"Your hands are much softer now." I said quietly, breaking the silence. He chuckled.

"Well we are the same temperature now. And made of the same thing." I smiled.

"I did love the cold though." He nodded against my hair.

"I know. You weirdo." I laughed and jabbed him.

"Ouch…Jesus Bella." I laughed harder and looked at him.

"Yea yea…funny girl." I smiled and turned to face him, crossing my legs and grabbing his hand to trace on.

"So? Find anything interesting?" He grinned big and nodded.

"Yea, Bella that thing is so cool! I can wish for any gift… and then shut it off." I nodded and smiled.

"Yea it's useful for sure. Alice and I often have conversations you guys don't know about." His jaw dropped in confusion and I giggled.

"I just wish to read her thoughts and she can see the response I would have in her head and I can hear her thoughts. It's a system we worked out." He shook his head.

"Sneaky little brats." I laughed big and smiled to him. I waited for him to get to the meat of the response.

"I did find something…its this gift that helps me go into a coma like state and just…search. I can search my entire memory for everything I've ever thought important enough to store. I'm sure that's the catch. You know how Aro can read every thought with a touch? Well I can't go back through every thought…just what I wanted to remember." I nodded.

"I found a lot of my human life actually…my sister…her name was Charlotte." He smiled big and I felt my heart flutter. I was so happy he found what he was looking for. I wanted to badly to help him…and now that he was looking at me with such happiness in his eyes I felt more…complete.

"That's a beautiful name, Emmett." He nodded.

"And I remembered that my mom's name was Helen, she had brown hair and blue eyes…I kind of remember my dad. He had the black hair and green eyes, like my sister. I must have gotten my blue eyes from my mom." I smiled softly still tracing shapes on his hand.

"My dad…he died when my sister was baby I think. I was kind of the 'man of the house' after that. I feel like…I abandoned them." I shook my head, looking into his eyes.

"Now Emmett Cullen you listen to me. You did not abandon them. They would never have blamed you for your attack and would have never held it against you."

"How do you know though…" I smiled and placed a hand on his cheek.

"Because they helped shape the person you are. Someone as amazing as you could only come from incredible people." I saw tears come to his golden eyes and I closed my eyes tightly and went through my mind. Maybe I could project. "I wish to see Emmett's human eyes." I opened my eyes as his eyes began changing to the most beautiful shade of green. My mouth hung open and I couldn't help but stare.

"Emmett…they were green. You're eyes were green." I whispered. He looked at my oddly and shook his head.

"No…Rosalie told me they were blue." I shook my head and pointed to the mirror. He got up and went to look in the mirror and gasped.

"Bella how the fuck did you do that?!" I got up and stood beside him.

"I just projected… my humanistic trait allows me to change my eyes back to their human colour and I wished I could see your human eyes. Emmett they are green!"

"Just like Charlotte's." He whispered, touching the mirror.

"She lied?" I shrugged sadly.

"I don't know, Em. I just know that you have the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen." He turned to look and me and I felt the connection again…so strong. He lightly grabbed my chin and tilted it upwards, giving me a soft, sweet, lingering kiss. I felt like had I been human, my legs would have given out. I would have been lost for oxygen and all thought…I was blurry now. He pulled back and I looked into his eyes, which were now turning bright gold again and smiled.

"Thank you, Bella. You've given me more than I ever hoped I would have. I feel like I have a place now…like I come from somewhere. I feel more like a person." I touched his still heart and smiled.

"You were always a person, Em. You just lost your home." He looked into my eyes and I saw…something.

"I guess…I found it again." I felt my breath hitch at his words and thanked the lord I didn't need to breath. I closed my eyes and tucked into his chest, hugging him tightly. He wrapped his massive arms around me and held me close. I know I love him. He's my world…my everything. He's practically my existence. But is that enough?

Emmett POV

After the day we had I was happy to join Bella at her dad's house. I ran with Bella through the woods to the back of Charlie's yard and met Jasper and Alice there who had brought the groceries. Jasper gave me an odd look and I knew I was practically radiating happiness, love, devotion…all that mushy crap and I didn't care. I love Bella Swan. With all my heart. I just need to know that's enough before I take the next step. Jasper smirked and me and I shook my head, unable to hold back my smile. Alice of course was practically giddy. I'm sure she saw me kiss Bella. Hell…I was still reliving it. Every time our lips meet it just feels like... I'm getting closer to happiness. I smiled at the thought. Looking at her I knew I wouldn't have been able to not come with her today. I just needed to be around her. Near her. Touching her. I brought my hand to the small of her back as we went in the back door with Alice and Jasper and ignored the smirks following me.

"I got you everything you wrote down…look good?" Alice asked as Bella unloaded the bags. She nodded with a smile.

"Thanks Alice, that's perfect. Did you guys want to stay? My dad loves having you guys over. They smiled.

"We might come back later but we want some time alone." I nudged Jasper with a grin and wiggled my eyebrows. He rolled his eyes and Bella laughed.

"Emmett you're gross. That's my Aunt and Uncle!" I let out a booming laugh and shrugged walking into the living room.

"Well…they need to make babies somehow Bella!" I heard her laughing from the kitchen and smiled. Her laugh warmed my cold, dead heart. Truth be told, around Bella I didn't feel so cold and dead. I felt lively…warm. Complete. I looked out the window to see a neighbour looking back at me from their curtains and rush away from the window.

"That can't be good…" I heard the phone ring about thirty seconds later and went to the kitchen to see the others just ignoring it.

"Guys, I think a neighbour saw me." Bella turned to me non-chalantly.

"That's ok, Em. So my dad has company…no big." I nodded hesitantly but shook it off. I'm sure Bella's right. I sat with Bella, Alice and Jasper in the kitchen for a bit when there was a knock on the door. Bella's eyes went wide and Alice began pushing Bella up the stairs.

"Hide. Now." She went to the door and opened it politely.

"Hello? How can I help you, officer?" I went to see who was there and saw a hesitant looking policeman eyeing Alice and myself. I looked to see Jasper but he was nowhere to be found. I heard him whispering to Bella upstairs and knew he had followed her up.

"I got a call from a neighbour saying there was mysterious activity in this house. Is the owner home?" Alice smiled again and giggled.

"No, Charlie is at work. I was a friend of his daughter's and I'm just making Charlie dinner for when he gets home." The man seemed to soften at the mention of Bella.

"Would you mind if I take a look around, mam?" Alice created a path for the officer and nodded.

"No problem." The officer came in and looked around the living room and kitchen, seeing the half cut up onions, mushrooms, peppers and grated cheese. There was a box of shells on the counter and a pot not yet filled out on the stove. There was also a fresh loaf of bread and jars of pasta sauce.

"What's for dinner?" He asked Alice.

"Oh just some stuffed shells. Good for work lunches." He nodded with a smile. I knew he was putty in Alice's hand now.

"My wife makes me manicotti. Freezes good. Great for overnights." Alice giggled and nodded.

"Yea it does the trick!" He smiled to her, glancing at me.

"And this is…?" He asked her and she put a hand on my arm.

"This is my brother, Emmett. He came for the free food and male bonding." She said with a laugh. That seemed good enough for the officer who grinned.

"Mariners on tonight." I nodded and grinned.

"Hell yea! We're gonna kick some Angel's butt tonight!" He chuckled and smiled.

"You two look familiar." Alice nodded.

"Our father works at the hospital here in town." He snapped his fingers and pointed to us.

"You're Dr. Cullen's kids!" Alice smiled and nodded.

"A few of them, yes. We've stayed close to Charlie…now that it's just him we like to help when we can." The officer nodded, removing his hat.

"That's mighty good of you kids. Poor guy has gone through enough. I suppose the neighbour thought they were being helpful but it seems they just caused more hassle than it's worth." Alice waved her hand casually.

"At least he's looked after." He nodded.

"I suppose…sometimes nosy is a better word." He said with a wink to me. I chuckled. Nosy old bitch spying over here.

"Well kids, I'm sorry about the trouble. Gotta follow these up." Alice smiled warmly.

"No, it's no trouble. We can appreciate the job." With a smile and a "take it easy" from the cop he walked over to the neighbours house. I could faintly hear him explaining the situation to the woman, though it was a lot more businessy than our comversation.

"I saw that old bat looking out the window at me. I bet she was the one that called over here." I told Alice who rolled her eyes. Bella and Jasper came down the stairs and Bella had tears in here eyes.

"That man is a good friend of my dads…used to come to my birthday parties." I pulled Bella in for a hug.

"Oh I do recognize him! He was at the funeral." Alice said as an after thought. Jasper smiled at Bella as she pulled away from me and I pulled away. Jasper scooped her into his side and I knew he wanted a moment with her. As soon as he had his arm around her she was more calm.

"That woman has always been nosy. She's always calling over here. "There's a strange car in your driveway. Are you alright?" meanwhile it's just Billy over here watching the game…like every night." I chuckled at Bella.

"Well at first it was helpful…now it's just annoying. Probably was her that called." I nodded.

"Oh well. I'm sure she got an earful from that cop." Alice said and Bella nodded.

"I never thought I'd be hiding in my own home." She whispered and Jasper pulled her closer. I truly felt bad for her. The whole situation really wasn't fair. Soon Bella and I were in the kitchen…Bella cooking and me trying to stay out of the way, and Alice and Jasper had gone back home. My "bow-chicka-wow-wowww" wasn't fully appreciated by Bella and she hit me…and yes. It hurt.

"Well maybe you should mind your manners, Mr. McCarty!" I laughed and shook my head at her, smiling.

"I kinda like that. McCarty. Emmett McCarty." She smiled at me and I momentarily lost my train of thought. I smiled back though, truly happy.

Charlie came home and gave me a firm handshake and pat on her back.

"Emmett, my boy. Good to see you." He gave Bella a kiss on the cheek and a hug. He headed for the kitchen rubbing his stomach.

"Smells incredible Bells! What's for dinner?" Bella grabbed his shoulders and spun his around, pushing him towards the living room.

"Ah, ah, ah. Not yet! Go clean up, you stink. Dinner will be done in about twenty minutes." Charlie grinned and winked to me, holding his hand up in defeat.

"Fine, fine. No need to go all hulk on me." I laughed at Bella's reaction and went back into the kitchen with her as we heard the shower turn on.

"So what do we do with this?" I asked, holding the loaf in my huge hand. She giggled and took it from me, grabbing a serrated knife.

"Garlic bread. Want to grate some of the cheese please?" I nodded, happy to help rather than be in the way. Soon we got the bread in the oven to crisp up and set a TV tray up in the living room for dinner for one. Bella said her dad usually enjoys eating in front of the TV anyways. Soon we were all in front of the TV, Charlie eating and Bella and I sitting on the couch chatting with him.

"So I asked mom if she wanted to come visit. She's going to call me tomorrow with a date." Charlie nodded, a mouth full of food, and motioned his hand as if asking for more information.

"Well, Phil is in training over in Jacksonville and mom is home all alone. So I told her she should come hang out with me. I'm going to pay for her to come visit more often while Phil is gone." He gave her a look.

"Can you afford that Bells?" She laughed.

"Dad I have like thirty grand saved for school." My mouth hung open

"How long did it take you to make that?!" She giggled and shrugged.

"I aways knew I wanted to go to college or university so I've been putting good chunks of every paycheck away since my first job when I was fourteen." I nodded and smiled. I could see why she always had a fit when people tried to buy her stuff.

"Yea but Bella…that money is still for school…" Bella nodded calmly.

"I have every intention of going to school dad… I will probably get a few degrees to be honest. But I only have one shot to spend time with you and mom and I will be this young forever. I have plenty of time to make more money for school. I just don't want to go right now." He looked to her for a moment but nodded with a shrug.

"I suppose that makes sense." I tossed my arm around her shoulders.

"You'll need to go back to high school first kiddo. You haven't graduated." She realized this and nodded.

"True…I didn't think of that. And I can't do that now or around here anyway." Charlie nodded and the subject was dropped. I don't think anyone wanted to talk about Bella needing to move away from Forks.

"So old lady Carson sent Roger over here today eh?" Charlie asked, breaking the silence. Bella scoffed and nodded.

"Yea. She saw Emmett looking out the window and called over here. We didn't answer, so she called the police." Charlie chuckled and shook his head.

"Well. Just trying to be helpful I suppose. Roger called me after he left saying Alice and Emmett Cullen were at my house and I let him know it was alright. He kinda chuckled and said he had thought so. You know…procedures." Bella nodded.

"How is he?" Charlie shrugged.

"He took it hard. Thought of you like a niece or something. It's hard not being able to just tell people… hey no worries! Saw her yesterday… you know?" I nodded this time, knowing what he meant. Angela…Alice…Jasper…myself…we all felt that way at school. Alice, Jasper and I didn't go to school very often since Bella died. The school called saying they understood and offered counseling for us if we needed it but that if we missed more than 40 days we wouldn't pass. Not that we cared. We could try again another time… but Bella insisted we graduate and go for Angela. We went most days of the week unless its sunny or one of us just feels like…not. Most days Alice will go and spend time with Angela and Jasper and I are a little less strict about it.

I saw Bella open her mouth when we heard a knock on the door. "Dad…shit." I heard from the other side and a growl escaped me. Bella put a hand on my chest and I settled. She looked to my dad and went to the door, opening to reveal Billy and Jacob.

"Shit…I forgot Billy comes over Sundays for the game…" Poor Charlie… he's been working so hard he doesn't have his head on straight.

"It's fine, come on in." Bella said stiffly, stepping aside. Billy rolled in, looking sad and shocked by Bella's appearance and Jacob just looked shameful. He hung his head and came in quietly, standing before Charlie and myself. I stood up, my expression murderous and Bella grabbed my hand and pulled me close to her.

"Emmett, enough." She told me quietly and Billy looked at her with a small smile.

"Bella…my dear you look beautiful." He told her, reaching out a hand. Bella took it carefully and smiled softly.

"Thank you Billy." He sighed, putting his other hand on top of hers.

"I wanted to say on behalf of the Quileute tribe that we have the utmost respect for you and your new life. I'm sorry it had to be this way…but I still love you like my own." Bella wiped a tear with her free hand and gave Billy's hand a squeeze.

"Thank you." She whispered. I put an arm protectively around Bella as Billy let her hands go, respecting their moment but not willing to be away form her for long with that thing in the house. I never took my eyes off Jacob as he looked up to Charlie.

"Charlie…I…I'm so sorry. I feel horrible for what I did and I have no excuse. I understand if you don't accept that apology…Bella hasn't accepted my apology. But I came with my dad just to face you like you deserve. I truly do regret what I've done." He told Charlie and for a moment…I believed him. Until I felt the shutter of the beautiful woman in my arms and my glare returned to my face. Charlie looked to Bella and myself. He stood up and looked to Jacob.

"I'm not really ready to accept your apology yet either Jacob, to be honest. But I'm going to." Jacob looked up to Charlie in shock and Bella just watched her dad, blank faced.

"I look at my daughter and I think about how she can't even be seen in this town anymore. How she didn't finish high school. How she has to sneak around…and worry about how long she has with her family and I hate you. But I look at Bella and also see someone I know can take care of herself. Someone I know I don't need to be afraid for. Someone strong…and happy…and confident. And for that I kind of…thank you." He finished and I looked to Bella and saw that too. Really… without Jacob attacking Bella I would never have the ability to be with her… hold her the way I do… kiss her the way I did…I'd never have a shot. I want to thank him for that but knowing he took her heartbeat away from her…I'm not ready.

"Charlie…I don't know what to say. I really don't deserve this… but thank you. So much." Jacob said as he shook Charlie's hand. Jacob turned to Bella to see her tucked to my side. The corner of his mouth twitched dangerously and Bella turned her body fully towards him.

"And that right there is why I don't." Billy looked to Jacob and hit the side of his wheelchair.

"Hey! That's enough Jacob." Jacob broke his stare from me and looked to his dad. He turned back to look softly at Bella, holding up his hand.

"I know… I'm sorry. I can't help it." I pulled Bella behind me and stood in front of her, completely blocking her from view.

"Well you'd better start." I said in a low growl. Bella grabbed my arm and nudged me.

"Emmett do not start something in my father's house." Jacob looked to her and Charlie, who looked on edge.

"I'm sorry Bella but he will be respectful to you and he will have a bigger problem on his hands." I said, holding my own fist.

"I have to agree with Emmett." Billy said in a clipped voice. Jacob looked to his dad and back to me and nodded once, breaking eye contact.

"I know. I gotta go." He moved to the door and turned, looking at Bella who was now in front of me as I looked to the door.

"Look Bella… if you ever want to talk. Just… come on down to the res, ok? I fucked up. I know I did. Take your time and…I'm going to do my best to support you." He said looking broken. He looked at me pointedly when he said that he would support her and I saw her soften.

"I'm sure I will be able to do that one day Jacob." She said softly and he nodded, leaving the house. I put my hands on Bella's shoulders and she sighed, turning back to Billy.

"Billy I'm sorry about all of this I just-" But he cut her off with a raise of his hand.

"Don't be silly Bella. I love my son but he has a lot to account for and I personally think you two are easier on him than I was. Bella…when I found out what he did I…I don't think I've been that upset since Laura died." He said. Bella moved to put a hand on his shoulder and he put a hand on hers. By the context I assume Laura was his wife.

"That was a sad day for all of us." Bella nodded and he looked to her.

"And it was equally as sad when you died Bella." Charlie coughed a little, clearly uncomfortable with that term. Bella wiped a tear from her eye and shook her head.

"Dead but not gone Billy. I'm still dancin'." He smiled through his own tears and nodded, chuckling a bit. There was a joke there…I just didn't get it. Billy seemed to though and Bella gave him a hug. We all sat around the living room as Bella got Billy a plate of dinner and we watched the game, getting along better than ever. Soon though we had to be going. I got Billy into the truck as Bella said goodbye to her dad.

"You take good care of her, son." Billy said to me with a pat on my shoulder and I smiled, nodding.

"I hope to, sir." He winked at me and backed out of the driveway. I went back in and said goodbye to Charlie, who planned to stop by after his fishing trip with Billy tomorrow. Bella and I ran back to our house…and I smiled like a little girl when I thought of it as "our house". We went in to see everyone talking and laughing in the living room and Bella nodded to Alice.

"Would you two cut that out!" I hollered and Bella just laughed while everyone looked at me confused. Alice had a small smile on her face but didn't offer more than that.

"These two," I said pointing at them both. "Have been having secret conversations!" Jasper looked to Alice and Esme looked to me with a smile on her face.

"What do you mean, dear?"

"Bella turns on her telepathy and hears Alice's thoughts, and Alice can see Bella's response! They just did it!" Bella called from the kitchen as I heard her put a pot on the stove.

"I haven't a clue what you're talking about!" Alice laughed and smiled.

"But it's so much fun!" I shook my head and sat on the floor in front of the only spot left on the couch, saving it for Bella who emerged from the kitchen five minutes later with two cups, Alice took one with a "thank-you". We sat around and spoke while the girls "ate"…keeping it light hearted.

"So. Emmett got big news today." Bella said, nudging me. I looked to her and she winked. If I could blush, I would have. I loved talking to her about it but I'd never really spoken much to the rest of the family about it.

"Oh yea? What's that dear?" Esme asked with a smile. I turned to face her and grinned.

"I remembered a bunch of stuff from my human life." Everyone was buzzing immediately about how fantastic that was and I felt Bella lightly stroke my neck on my hairline and melted into her touch. I felt a little more confident at the contact.

"My sister's name was Charlotte. She looked just like me really… my dad died when I was young and I was left to take care of my mom, Helen and sister." Carlisle smiled genuinely.

"Son, that's great news! How did you manage to remember it?" I grinned motioning to Bella.

"Bella said there were a few good memory gifts she had found and that instead of giving me a few gifts and wasting wishes she'd just give me her gift-giving ability and I could wish for them on my own. Only spend one wish that way." Esme nodded and smiled to me and Jasper patted my shoulder.

"That's awesome man, I'm really happy for you." I smiled to Jasper but turned back to Carlisle, who looked stunned.

"What's the matter Carlisle?" I asked him and everyone went quiet. He looked from me to Bella and seemed to question Bella with his gaze.

"You gave Emmett your gift-giving ability?" She nodded hesitantly.

"Well…yes. Only because I know he wouldn't abuse it. I know that isn't a gift to treat lightly." He didn't respond, only looked to her.

"How did you do it?" She shrugged and I could tell she felt uncomfortable. I put my hand on her shin and rubbed it like I used to. That was the leg she had broken.

"Well…just like I gave Alice the humanistic gift. I just sort of…looked him in the eye and wished that he had it." Carlisle again, didn't respond.

"Did…did I do something wrong?" She asked softly and I looked to Carlisle who started to smile softly. He shook his head, looking from me to Bella.

"No…I'm just shocked. That isn't a gift you can give others Bella." I looked at Carlisle curiously.

"What do you mean Carlisle?" Alice asked in a maternal tone. He paused for a moment, again looking from me to Bella.

"Well…I did research on Bella's gifts. As Bella said before with the child-baring gift there are limits and restrictions to gifts and abilities. You can't just give certain gifts to anyone and the gift-giving ability is not a gift that can be shared." He said.

"How did she transfer it then, darling?" Esme asked, looking concerned to Bella. Carlisle smiled and took Esme's hand in his own, looking back to Bella.

"The gift-giving ability can only be given to the mate of the one that possesses it." Everyone went quiet and I looked at Carlisle stunned as he smiled to us. I turned slowly to see Bella's face, mimicking my own I'm sure. She looked at me wide-eyed and opened her mouth, only to close it again. Maybe love is enough. I never saw Bella coming…and I could never explain my pull to her. And now I had my sign. I loved her when it was wrong…and even more now that it's right. Looking into her golden eyes shining with tears I knew…I'd never be the same.

There you go you beautiful creatures! I hope you are all pleasantly surprised at my ending…I was going to add more but I just couldn't trample on that moment you've all be waiting for. Read and Review!

Song: State of Grace – Taylor Swift