I was woken by Alice's gentle voice, and I realised with surprise that we'd already landed, and the plane doors had just opened, people milling about in the aisle ready to depart the aircraft. I had no idea how I'd managed to sleep so peacefully, but I was glad I had – it had saved me countless hours of worrying.

"He's going to wait for us to get back to your apartment. Well, you, because he thinks you're alone. For now," she added, almost as an afterthought as we got to our feet. I hauled my carry-on bag onto my shoulder with a sigh, and started into the airport.

"What's he going to do when he realised I'm not alone?" I asked as we walked, needing some form of distraction – otherwise, it was entirely possible that I would turn around and sprint back for the plane we'd just exited.

"Well, he's not going to be happy about it. I can see that much," she murmured, shooting me a worried glance out of the corner of her eye. I sighed again but was spared having to ask more by the ringing of my phone. I shot the piece of technology a furtive glance before realising that it was only Lisa – I'd texted her my flight details, but that had been before Rosalie had turned up at my door. She probably thought I'd been back for a while already.

"Hello?" I answered, shifting my bag up on my shoulder. There was a queue to get through immigration, and Alice and I came to a halt as we waited impatiently to get through.

"Bella! You got back safe, then?"

"Yup. My flight got delayed, though – I've only just landed."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Do you want me to call back later?"

"No, no, it's fine. What's up? Want to know when I'm going to be dragging my ass back into work?"

"Maybe? How's your dad?"

"He's doing ok. The doctor's say he'll be out of hospital in a couple of days, so… We're hopeful he's going to be fine. And I should be back the day after tomorrow, if that's ok? I need to catch up on my sleep tomorrow, I think. Unless you want a zombie in your office."

"Not particularly. I'm glad that everything's alright. And I'll see you bright and early the morning after next, then. There's a god few stories for you to choose from – no-one can substitute for you for long, Bella. I hope you know that and don't leave us for a better offer."

"There is no better offer, Lisa!" I said with a laugh. Because, for me, at least, it was true. I didn't want to work anywhere else. I loved that magazine too much. I just regretted that I hadn't been doing a good job as of late. We said our goodbyes and she hung up, and I was glad to see that Alice and I were at the front of the queue – we slid past easily, and went to wait for our luggage.

"How did you get out of working for so long?" I asked my so-far silent companion, and she tore her gaze away from something on the far side of the airport to glance back at me.

"Huh?"

"You only started working at the office a couple of weeks ago. How did you get out of it?"

"Oh, I said I had a family emergency and wouldn't be able to work there for any longer. Seeing as I was only a temp anyway, they didn't seem too bothered." Her voice was distracted, and I tried once again to see what she was looking at, but I saw nothing.

It wasn't long before we had our bags and were making our way outside, into the crisp, rainy, London air and hailing a taxi. I slid inside gratefully and rattled off my address to the driver, who began his manic drive into the city centre.

I contented myself with staring out of the window, watching some of the tourist sites fly by, intermixed with the occasional green of one of the London parks. The streets were crammed with people, even though it was getting on for late afternoon – no doubt a result of the rapidly approaching Christmas holiday.

It took just over forty-five minutes to reach my apartment building, and it was with trepidation that I handed over the money to the driver and slid out of the comfort the vehicle offered. Alice, perhaps sensing my inner distress, grabbed my hand and squeezed gently.

"It's going to be ok, Bella, I promise. I'll be with you the whole time." We made our way into the building, and into my apartment. I threw my bag into my bedroom and had barely even sat down on the couch in the living room when there was a knock at my door.

I froze, unable to do anything but stare at the wooden, my muscles locked into place. All I could think of was the person on the other side; mind filled with images from years ago – imagines that I barely ever allowed myself to think of.

"Bella, I know you're in there." His voice called out from beyond the door as he knocked again, more insistently, and I flinched. Alice kissed me gently on the cheek before whispering in my ear.

"Do you want me to let him in?" I could only nod, eyes looking down, as I twisted the frayed edge of one of the couch cushions between my fingers. I heard the door open, and I heard two snarls – one his, as he saw that it was Alice, and not I, who had opened the door, and her answering one. Then I heard heavy footsteps that came to a stop not far away from me.

I kept my head down for a few seconds longer, steeling myself, before I took a deep breath and stood up, forcing myself to meet the eyes of my first, and only, boyfriend.

Edward Cullen looked exactly the same as he had done that day he'd abandoned me in the woods. Even his expression was similar. His eyes were the same as Alice's, but different – hers, whenever she looked at me, were filled with warmth, compassion, and love.

His were filled with thinly-veiled anger and contempt.

"What are you doing here, Edward?" I manage to keep my voice level and steady, and to keep my eyes on his face. It wasn't, I realised with some surprise, as difficult as I thought it would be to talk to him. All that filled my mind was anger, and, unless I was mistaken… hatred.

"What do you mean, what am I doing here? I came to see you. To talk some sense into you!" The voice that once made me melt now made me see red, and when he took a step towards me, I scrambled backwards until my back was against the wall, several paces away. He had the grace to look shocked, but it was replaced a moment later by what I guessed was confusion.

"I'm not going to hurt you, Bella," he said, his tone softer than it had been before. "Please, just come here. Let me see you. It's been so long…"

"It's been so long because you left me four years ago without a second thought!" I spat, and he actually winced at my tone. I shot a glance at Alice, who was still stood by the door, but she wasn't looking at me. "And why do you need to talk sense into me?"

"Because you can't seriously be trying to get back at me by dating her!" He said, gesturing towards Alice. I felt my anger rise a few notches and forced myself to calm down. Getting riled up wasn't going to help matters, I knew that much.

"I'm not trying to get back at you, you idiot. I couldn't care less about you. I haven't cared about you, in a romantic sense, for three and a half years. And I'll never care about you again. So I can do what the fuck I want, Edward, and right now, dating Alice is what I want."

"You can't be serious. She's manipulating you. It's not right - "

"It's not right? Why's that? Because we're both women?"

"And because if you're supposed to be with one of our kind, it's me."

"You don't get to dictate my life, Edward. I'll be with whoever I want to be with, and there's nothing you can do about it. I don't want you, I'll never want you again, so if you'll kindly get the fuck out of my apartment and out of my life, I'd be grateful." I was breathing hard, and anger had made my hands curl into fists. I hadn't expected to have such a violent reaction, but every word he said just made me want to explode in a fit of fury.

That, and hit him. But I didn't really want the broken hand that would no doubt accompany the gesture.

"Bella, please," he started again, forcibly trying to get himself under control. His eyes were still liquid rage, though. "Just think about this for a second."

"I have thought about it." I matched his tone, forcing myself to stay calm, managing it only by keeping my eyes on Alice. She was immobile still, her expression impassive – but I was from the uneasy flickering of her eyes that she was uncomfortable.

Probably not as uncomfortable as I was, though.

"Clearly you've not. Bella please," he said as he advanced another step towards me, palms up, and brushed my arm with his cold fingers – I recoiled, flinching, and then Edward was crashing into the wall of my apartment. The plaster cracked, a line running halfway down the wall, and I grimaced at the damage.

"Sorry," murmured Alice, who had appeared in front of me. Her eyes were on Edward, her body braced if he tried to come near me again. She turned to Edward and growled, a low, menacing sound. "How dare you touch her?"

"Get away from her," Edward spat back, but he didn't move any closer. "Bella, please just listen to me. I love you. She doesn't. She'll never love you the way I will. You and I, we're meant to be. You're my mate, and I yours. She can't match that."

"I thought that vampires weren't supposed to be able to leave their mate?" I replied from over Alice's shoulder. I dared not move from behind her protection – the thought of him touching me again made me feel ill. "And you left me."

"So did she!" He cried, but if he was about to say anything more he was cut off by the loud crack that echoed through my apartment as the front door was broken open. Exasperated at yet more damage, I looked over to see the rest of the Cullens spilling through the doorway, and barely managed to stifle a groan.

I couldn't even say that I was surprised, with all the other crazy shit that had been happening in my life lately.

They were all there. Esme and Carlisle came first, followed by Rosalie and Emmet, then, finally, Jasper and another female vampire that I didn't know – the mysterious addition to the Cullen household. The six of them surveyed the scene for a few seconds as we all stood in stunned silence.

"Um, what are you guys doing here?" I managed to say when it looked like no-one else was going to speak. I stayed where I was though, still using Alice as some sort of shield.

"We came to try and talk some sense into Edward," Rosalie replied, shooting her brother a sour look. Alice was still tense, and I decided that this was one family drama that I'd rather not be involved in.

"You came a little late," said Alice, voice stiff as she finally relaxed, standing up from her slight crouch and slinging a comforting arm around my shoulders. Edward snarled at the gesture and moved toward us, but Carlisle's arm shot out and grasped his shoulder.

"This isn't your place, son," he murmured, voice low, his eyes on Alice and I. "Bella's made her decision – you being here isn't going to do anyone any good."

"But - "

"It's too late!" Hissed Rosalie, eyes flashing with anger. "She's not for you, Edward, everybody can see that now. They're just not man enough to say it. Accept that they're together and move the fuck on."

Esme and Emmet re-iterated the same point, and, with one last furious glance at Alice, Edward turned and stormed from the room, much to my relief. I let out a breath I hadn't known I'd been holding and finally allowed myself to relax, sagging against Alice's side.

"Are you ok?" She whispered, fingers touching my cheek gently. I managed to nod, but I was still beyond words – arguing with Edward had taken all the energy I had.

"Bella," Esme called from across the room. "It's good to see you again, and to see that you're well. It's a shame it's under these circumstances."

"It's… nice to see you all, too." It was a lie, and I think they all knew it. After all, even Alice had had to win me over – every one of them was at fault for leaving me that day, when I'd considered them family. Even more so for keeping Alice from me for so long.

"I think we all know that's not true," she replied, a sad smile on her face. Amazingly, Rosalie was the only one of them that I wouldn't have minded being here – that just went to show how much times had changed, really.

"Sorry," I muttered, looking away. I glanced briefly towards Jasper's mate – she was short and pretty (as all vampires were), with long, auburn hair. But she didn't have anything on Alice.

"I'm Erica," she said, noticing my scrutiny. Her voice was high and child-like, and I wondered how old she had been when she'd been changed. I didn't reply, and we all stood there in an awkward silence for another few moments before Carlisle spoke.

"I'm sorry we've caused you so much strife, Bella. I think we can all see now that Edward isn't right for you, but that Alice is. I hope that you can consider yourself part of our family again – both of you – and if not, then I wish you happiness together. We won't trouble you again, but feel free to trouble us any time you wish. Our door will always be open. Alice will know how to find us."

He glanced once towards the two of us one last time, then turned and left, followed shortly by Esme. Emmet and Erica soon followed, leaving me, Alice, Rosalie and Jasper.

"I know you're still pissed at them, Alice," called Rosalie, her eyes sad, "but please don't stay away for too long. We miss you. I miss you. So please forgive them soon." Then she, too, turned and left, and it was just Jasper, standing framed in the doorway, wearing a conflicted expression. I saw the shadow of Erica in the doorway, watching the three of us with golden eyes.

"I…" He paused, clearing his throat, before trying to speak again, eyes locked on Alice. "I never really got the chance to talk to you the other day. I'm sorry with how we left things, I really am. You were my best friend for years, and I do miss you. But I'm glad that you're happy, and I hope that you can be my best friend again soon." Alice was still silent beside me, and after a few seconds he sighed and turned away, but he paused in the doorway. "And Bella?" he murmured, voice gentle. "Take care of her. She deserves it."

And then we were alone, all threats (or until the Volturi came, anyway), lifted from over our heads. Alice finally turned to look at me, and I managed to attempt a smile.

"Well, that wasn't so bad was it?" I couldn't stop a laugh from escaping my lips at how false that statement was, and she soon joined in, and we didn't stop until we sank down to the floor, gasping for breath.

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"Do you reckon the door will be alright until morning?" I asked, eyeing it suspiciously –from across the room. Alice was sprawled on the couch, and I lay half on-top of her, snuggling into her side.

"Um… Sure?" She said, stifling a laugh. We'd propped it up against the frame, but it was obvious to anyone that it wasn't stable. I'd called a repairman who had berated me for the late hour that I called him (but come on, in what world was nine late?), but he'd agreed to come and fix it in the morning. How I was going to explain what had happened, I didn't know.

"Why didn't they just knock?" I muttered, and Alice pressed a soft kiss to the side of my head, apologetically.

"I don't know. Maybe they thought Edward had gone on a rampage and you needed rescuing. Either way, I'll pay for the damage." I turned my head to glance at her and protest, but she cut me off with a kiss. "No arguing."

I smiled and relaxed into her, and she pulled the blanket covering my back closer around me – she'd insisted, saying that I'd be too cold otherwise. I didn't complain, though, because it let me cuddle the girl I may or may not be falling for.

Hard.

I didn't allow myself to think about the implications of that, though. For the moment I was content, for the first time I had been in days, and I was happy to just lie there in her embrace. I was thankful that I didn't have to go to work tomorrow – I planned to spend the entire day in bed.

"What time do you want me to go?" Murmured Alice, her breath stirring my hair. I frowned and glancing up at her. Golden eyes met my own, and when she saw my expression she raised hand to caress the side of my face gently. "What's wrong?"

"Do you want to go?"

"No, but - "

"But nothing. You're staying. End of discussion." I lay my head back down once more, and I felt her smile against my skin when she kissed my forehead.

"Well, if you insist." There was a subtle flirtation in her voice, and I shivered, remembering the night that had been so rudely interrupted. Mistaking the shiver to mean I was cold, she tightened the blanket around my shoulders. "Are you too cold?"

"No, I'm fine." I glanced at the clock with a groan, wondering when it had gotten so late. "I think I'd better get some sleep though." Alice gave a murmur of approval so I climbed to my feet, wincing at the stiffness in my joints. "I just want a quick shower – go ahead and get comfy, though."

I decided to resist the temptation of stripping there and then, just to see the look on Alice's face, and instead waited until the bathroom door was shut behind me. The shower was refreshing – exactly what I needed after a day of travelling. Add to that that it felt like I was washing the horrible day that I'd away, and I was feeling pretty great by the time I'd dried myself off and was stepping back into my underwear.

Alice was sat in the chair in my bedroom when I entered the room, and I frowned at her in disapproval.

"I hope that's not where you're planning on spending the night."

"Well, I was actually planning on going out hunting after you'd gotten to sleep…" she trailed off, and I noticed that her eyes were much darker than they had been this morning. Seeing Edward must have taken more out of her than I'd realised.

"But come here while you wait," I replied, patting the bed. I was still clad only in my underwear, and I could feel Alice's gaze on me. "Please? And lose some of the clothes?" I added with a wink, and she laughed, scooping me up in strong arms and dumping me onto the covers.

She landed with her arms over my head, supporting her weight, but I could still feel her pressed intimately against me. I leaned up to capture her lips, my hand tangling in her hair, and she let out a growl against my mouth when I nipped playful at her bottom lip.

Embarrassingly, I was already breathless, but to my satisfaction, she looked a little flustered too. She peppered kisses along my jaw and neck before rolling to the side and propping herself up, leaning her head on her elbow. Her gaze ghosted over inch of me, and I shivered under the intensity – it was probably the most intimate moment that I'd ever shared with anybody, and she wasn't even touching me.

"You're so beautiful," she murmured, reverently, as she reached out a hand to trace across my skin. She barely touched me, her fingers like a feather, but it didn't matter. My eyes flickered shut, enjoying the feeling of her hands on me. Even though I knew it had only been a day since we'd been in a similar position, it felt like it had been years.

"You're still wearing too many clothes," I managed to say when she'd retracted her hand, after what felt like hours of sweet torture. She'd only touched where was uncovered – but that was still most of my body. My body was on fire, regardless of her cold touch, and I sighed contentedly.

"Because I don't want you to get too cold."

"Aliceeee," I whined, drawing out her name as I finally cracked one eye open to glare at her. She just laughed, leaning over to kiss me once, gently, on the lips before pulling back.

"Not when I need to hunt, sweetheart. I promise that we'll both get what we want soon enough, but I don't want to risk hurting you. I already don't know how I'll react the first time we…"

"Sleep together?" I supplied helpfully, slipping under the covers when I realised that she wasn't going to budge. It was probably for the bets, too be honest – I was exhausted.

"I don't want to risk it even more by being thirsty," she finished, ignoring me.

"So you're not getting naked?"

"Not right now." I pouted, but my eyes flickered shut of their own accord, and I sighed, curling to the side. I felt her press against my back, on top of the covers so I wouldn't catch a chill, and she laid an arm across my waist, pressing a gentle kiss to the back of my neck.

"Sleep tight, Bella. I'll be back before you wake up – you won't even know that I'm gone." I fell asleep shortly after, comforted just as much by the familiarity of my own apartment as I was by the woman holding me.

A.N:

I've noticed a drop in the amount of hits and reviews for the last chapter compared to the rest – I hope that's because I take so long updating and not because the story's deteriorating.

To everyone that did read/review, though – you're all awesome, and I'm glad you're still following this. 3