Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or its characters. I own the plot of this, though. Anberlin & The Orange Peels - not mine. :)

Author's Note: Crap! I missed writing like hell! My days have been filled with research and papers that I haven't had the time for comfort writing! I'm so sorry for the delay, loves! I hope you understand. :( I'm a college freshman still adjusting so yeah. I love you all! Thanks for the support! By the way, I like this chapter, ya know. :D Just so ahh. :)) anddd I wasn't able to proofread since I have to wake up in like 5 hours. I'll proofread soon. Shoutouts to Kimi, Arya & Sisterchua.

Thank you to blizardwolf1, LeeAnn McCarty, Flying with Fairies & dreaming in black and white, for the story/author alert and/or favorite story/author add! I love twilightstarshine, Lizzi Marie Cullen, Sarrebham1, rayeman25, Panda-Pigeon, DaOneAndOnlyTt, Straw Hat Melody, June Afternoon, Nymphadora Cullen & dreaming in black and white because they sent in lovely reviews! :D I shall reply to them soon!

Chapter 18

The past three days sped by like a breeze. I was having so much fun with my cousins that I was earnestly surprised to find out that it was already Friday. If it weren't for the constant flying of my thoughts to places about a hundred miles away, I would definitely have no means of reminding myself of the date.

Tuesday morning, I left home and began my three-hour long journey to the other side of the state. The drive was rather uneventful, unless you consider the many texts messages of Edward otherwise. I was caught in between already missing what I had just left and being excited for what's to come. I decided that once I've arrived at my cousins' place, I am to enjoy what's happening without thinking of what happened. I was more or less successful. I think.

I arrived at my destination just in time for lunch. The rest of the day was spent catching up and hanging out with my too-missed adorable cousins. The second day was spent in an amusement part a half-an-hour drive away. It's been too long since I had my adrenaline level go up that high that I had to admit, I felt a tad nauseated after that multiple-loop high-speed roller coaster. My last day was both the most eventful and uneventful day of my stay. We went to the mall.

"Hey, who are you buying that for?" asked Stephie as I stood examining two pieces of almost-similar apparel.
"It's for me," I smiled. "Why?"
"You're buying two of the same kind for yourself?" Zoe asked with an eyebrow raised.
"Fine," I sighed. "For my friend."
"Friend, huh?" Stephie repeated, following Zoe by cocking an eyebrow, too. "Really?"
"What is this, the Spanish inquisition?" I laughed. "You two are so silly."
"But you cannot hide things from us," Zoe complained.
"I'm not hiding anything," I reassured them.
"Fine," they chorused. I laughed. With that, we carried on with our shopping.

At the end of the day, we emerged victorious against our battle with fatigue with a dozen paper bags to show for it. I bought quite a lot of stuff for myself and my cousins. I was also able to purchase matching "The Orange Peels" t-shirts for Edward and myself; an Anberlin CD for the former, too; a couple of games (oh hello, Grand Theft Auto, Need For Speed, Guitar Hero 3 and Tekken 6!) for Emmett and Jasper; a pink wide-collar top and purple-on-white polka dotted flats for Alice; olive pumps and a denim cropped jacket for Rosalie; a bright blue bag for Esme; the newest best-selling novel for Carlisle; and a whole lot of assorted food for everyone.

The ride home was very monotonous. Just like the journey that took place a few days ago, I was again torn in between sentiments. I was extremely worn out and would want to rest, at the same time, I missed both the people from where I just departed and where I am heading. During the last half-hour of my drive, I was on the phone with Edward, who called to ask what time I'd be leaving for home, but caught me on my way. After what seemed like forever, but was, in reality, only a tad over three hours, I finally arrived at the Cullens' residence. I pulled over the driveway and was greeted by Edward, who was already waiting for me.

"Welcome back, Cessa," he said with a hug.
"Nice to be home if my reception's like this," I laughed as I hugged him back tightly.
"Come on," he beckoned to the front door as he helped me unload my purchases. "They've been waiting for you."
"Francesca!" I heard Alice's jovial squeal as I entered the door. The air was knocked out of me by her amazingly tight bear hug. "I miss you."
"I missed you, too, honey!" I smiled.

As soon as she let go of me, we walked to the dining room where everyone was having afternoon tea. I was greeted very warmly, receiving a whole lot of embraces from people who missed me and was missed by me just as much. I handed everyone, excluding Edward, the items I brought home for them. They all seemed to like their gifts, and that made me glad. Edward just smiled, not looking the least bit curious as to why I haven't given him anything. He's probably even happy that I didn't spend for him. I figured I'd give it to him later.

"Hey, guys," I said to Alice and Rose. "I was thinking – would you like to sleep over tomorrow?"
"That would be great!" Rose beamed almost as enthusiastically as Alice.
"We'd love to," Alice said, dancing around. "Oh, it would be so much fun!"
"Hey," Edward protested. "Can't we come?"
"Yeah!" Emmett sided with him. "We should be invited, too."
"We feel so left out," Jasper sighed, feigning loneliness.
"You can come," I smiled. Edward smiled back and held my hand under the table.

The rest of the afternoon was spent planning for our weekend. After that, we decided to call it a day. Edward walked me out the front door to my car.

"Hey, I got you something," I beamed.
"You seriously shouldn't have," he said, his mouth twisting into a slight smile.
"But you'd like it!" I laughed as I handed him his package. He opened it and chuckled.
"I do like it," he grinned. "But I still feel bad about you spending for me."
"Nah," I said, then I showed him my matching shirt. "So now we can really match."
We both laughed.
"So did you miss me?" Edward asked.
"Hmm," I said, trying to sound indifferent. "Yeah, I suppose."
"How much?"
"I missed you as much as you missed me," I said mischievously. "You tell me."
"Well then," he grinned smugly then reached to pull me into a tight embrace. "You missed me a whole lot."