A/N: Thanks to Sherry & to all of you for the reviews/favs/follows xx
Chapter 36
Facing everyone after what I had done wasn't easy. I was embarrassed to say the least, and in all honesty, I wouldn't have blamed them if they never wanted anything to do with me ever again. It was what I deserved.
I was more than grateful to have Edward by my side, holding my hand. I knew I hadn't earned his support, but I was nevertheless thankful for it.
"How are you feeling?" Carlisle asked, setting down his newspaper as we walked into the living room.
"Better than I deserve," I said, glancing around the room, taking in everyone's faces. Alice and Jasper were here, as well as Rose and Emmett. Edward had said that everyone had been worried about me. "I'm sorry for putting you in a position like that, Carlisle, and I'm sorry for letting everyone down. I don't even know how to begin to explain my actions, but I promise it won't happen again."
"You need counselling, Bella," Carlisle stated, "and I am afraid that in your current state of mind, I can't allow you to continue working in my office."
I nodded. "I understand." It broke my heart that I had ruined my chances with him, but at the same time I understood his position.
Jasper got up off his seat and pulled me into a hug. "I'm glad you're okay, but I am warning you. Don't ever do anything like that to me again. Okay?"
I nodded.
Alice was next. She hit my arm and then pulled me into an embrace with tears streaming down her face. "Don't do that to me again, I've been worried sick. I've kinda got used to your black clothes and stomping boots hanging around."
"I'm sorry."
Emmett and Rose hugged me too, telling me that they were glad that I was okay. It was then that I realized just how good a support system I had around me. I had friends and family, people that cared for me and were willing to be there for me if I let them.
I could be happy, if I stopped getting in my own way, and for the first time in a long time, I wanted to be happy. I didn't want to continue living in the past, in a world of hurt and pain. I didn't want to forget about my parents by any means, but I knew it was possible to find a way to keep them in my heart and move on from their deaths.