A/N: I am so glad you all liked the previous chapter. I wanted to thank you all for your reviews. I love reading them. This chapter isn't going to be nearly as long as the last one, but I hope you still like it anyways.

Anam, as always, I love your reviews. :)

Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyers own Twilight.

Chapter 24. Forgiveness

Once everyone had calmed down, I decided to break the uncomfortable silence. "Um, I know that we've all been through a lot tonight, but I still have more things I need to say."

"Can whatever you have to say wait until tomorrow?" asked a tired Emmett.

"I'm with Emmett on this one. I don't think I can handle anymore tonight, Bella." said Alice.

"Actually, no. I really don't want to wait, and I think all of you need to hear what I have to say after what just happened." I said. I took a deep breath and let it out before I began again.

"I just wanted you all to know that I forgive you. I want to put everything behind us now and move on, but I want to move on with all of you in my life. I was very happy with James, but there was always this feeling of emptiness and sadness inside of me. I didn't even realize it was there until Edward showed up. I understood then that it was because I didn't have you guys in my life. When I saw you all earlier, that emptiness and sadness went away and I felt whole again. I don't ever want to feel like that again, and I've missed you all so much, so I would really like it if we could all be friends again, if that's something that you want."

Alice ran over to me and gave me a hug. "Of course we want to be your friend! I think I can speak for all of us when I say that life just hasn't felt the same without you in it."

Jasper came up to me next and gave me a hug and a smile and said, "Bella, Alice is right."

"Of course I'm right! I always am."

That made us all chuckle. Jasper continued, "Things haven't been the same without you. I've missed our conversations about history. You were the only one that didn't get bored talking about it with me. I look forward to doing that again."

"That sounds like plan. I've missed that too." I said with a smile.

"My turn." said Emmett. He walked over to me and pick me up off the floor in a gigantic bear hug. "Wanna know what I missed? I missed embarrasing you and making you blush. It was so easy." He laughed and said, "I can't wait to do that again!"

Rosalie walked over to us and smacked Emmett on the back of the head. "Emmett! Put her down and stop hogging her!" As soon as I was back on my feet, Rosalie gave me a small hug next.

"Bella, thank you so much for forgiving us. It means a lot. We've all had this huge weight on our shoulders for years, and you finally made it go away by getting everything out in the open. So, thank you." she said.

"Your welcome. I've known for a long time that I would eventually have to face my past, and I'm glad that I got the opportunity to do it."

It was Carlisle's turn next, but all he did was sit there and stare at the floor.

I turned to the others and said quietly, "Why don't you guys go on upstairs and get some sleep. Tomorrow is a big day." They got the hint and did as I suggested.

Edward stayed where he was and just watched his father. I walked over to him and asked, "Is it alright if we just stay here tonight? We're going to be here tomorrow anyways and Riley is already asleep."

"That sounds like a good idea." he said.

"It is. Why don't you go on upstairs too? I'd like a few minutes alone with Carlisle."

He sighed. "Alright. Don't take too long, okay? If you need anything, you know where to find me." He kissed me and gave me a hug before disappearing up the stairs.

I walked over to the cabinet where the liquor was kept and got out a bottle of whiskey. I poured some in a small glass and carried it over to Carlisle. As I sat down, I handed it to him and said, "Here, I figured you could probably use some of this right now."

He took the glass from me and and took a few sips before saying, "Thank you. I feel like I could drink an entire bottle of this right now."

"I'm sure you could, but I really don't want to have to carry you up the stairs by myself because you're too drunk to walk." I joked.

"Edward offered to help you if you needed it." he reminded me.

I smiled and said, "I know that, but I know for a fact that he's most likely asleep already. He's usually out like a light after a long day and a lot has gone on tonight."

"You really love him." It wasn't a question, it was a statement.

"I really do. Riley and I are lucky to have him in our lives. After James died, I didn't think I could ever love anyone else again, but I was wrong."

"As much as I love Esme, I don't think I'll ever be able to get over what she did to all of you. I have no idea what to do now." he said quietly.

I sighed and grabbed his hand. "Carlisle, the only advice I have for you, is to not think about it right now. Enjoy the holiday's with your family and worry about her later."

He nodded. "You're right. But it's not going to be easy. I've spent every holiday with her for the last 30 years. It's not going to be the same. But, I'll do my best to make sure we all have a good time."

"All I ask is that you at least try to stay sober. Getting drunk didn't exactly turn out too well for my father. And besides, if you get drunk and pass out, there's no telling what Emmett might do to you." I said with a smile.

Carlisle chuckled at the thought. "Yeah, that wouldn't be a good thing. A few years ago, Edward got completely wasted and passed out on the couch and we left him there, but when we came back down in the morning, he was still there. The only difference was that he looked like a giant smurf."

We both started to laugh really hard. Carlisle continued, "Apparently, Emmett snuck back downstairs in the middle of the night and painted his skin blue and dressed him up in white clothes." We laughed again.

"That is such an Emmett thing to do! Please tell me you have pictures of that?" I asked.

"I'm sure I do. I'll have to find them before you guys leave."

"I'm looking forward to it." I said. "Well, it's late and I'm tired, so I think it's time to call it a night."

We stood up and Carlisle hugged me. "Thank you for trying to cheer me up. I really appreciate it. I'm glad you're back."

"Thank you Carlisle. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Bella. I'll see you in the morning." he said, and then he walked out of the room.

I grabbed a quick snack from the kitchen and then made my way to Edward's room. He and Riley were both asleep, so I gave them each a kiss on the cheek, and then I went to sleep.

A/N: I had a bit of trouble with the beginning of this chapter, but I think it turned out okay. I also added a bit of humor at the end.

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