A/N: Hey Everyone! So chapters might be few and far between until I figure out what the heck I am going to be doing with school which is making my life crazy insane right now…CURSE AP CLASSES! Anyways, just a heads up please don't hate me for it I'm juggling school, work, and dance as best I can right now!

Chapter 25

Natalie's Point of View

After showing my dad what was essentially my entire past in less than 24 hours we packed up and headed home. I felt we both had a better understanding of each other even though he didn't say anything about himself while he was here. I was somewhat amazed at his willingness to drop everything and meet me in Louisiana but it was the most amazing feeling I had ever felt.

We flew home first class, which was nice, not to mention a first. However I was not able to fully appreciate it seeing as I crashed less than ten minutes after we took off. The last few days had been so exhausting. Just seeing Danni again was insane, let alone telling my life story to my father. After he had told me we were flying, I was really confused about how we were going to get the car back home but he told me he'd take care of it and not to worry.

I woke with a jolt when we landed feeling more well rested than I had in a long time. Going back home again and just allowing myself to wallow for a little while really brought about a sense of catharsis within myself. The whole family was waiting for us at the airport by baggage claim which was equal parts beautiful and awkward considering Esme looked as if her heart had shattered into pieces over the last few days with the rest of them either mirroring the hurt or having a look of hardly contained rage at my sudden disappearance.

Esme hugged me tightly and while she didn't say it, it was obvious she was telling me not to do something like that unless I wanted to be yelled at for a good hour and a half. I went around giving everyone a hug while shedding a few tears. I had missed them a lot more than I thought I had. It was strange to think that a while ago I had given up hope on finding my father and now I had an entire family…it was unbelievable!

Of course, the peace couldn't last and not long after being reunited with them, my family began interrogating me until Carlisle gave them "that look" that I was surprised worked on everyone else as well as me, but glad it did. Considering how much I didn't sleep on a regular basis, all I wanted to do was go home, take a bath, and crawl into bed. You would think that sleeping as much as I had on the plane would have rejuvenated me but apparently not. I spent the drive home resting my head on Jasper's shoulder and holding Rosalie's hand, relishing the closeness of my family and drifted in and out of sleep.

When we finally got there, Daddy carefully carried me up to my room and tucked me into bed, despite my protests of needing to shower first. Apparently my stubborn streak was beginning to wear thin because I don't remember the last thing he said to me, only that he kissed my hair and pulled the covers up to my chin, tucking me in for the night to recover from the trip.

Carlisle's Point of View

I smiled at my snoozing daughter, unbelievably happy that she was home safe and sound and that I didn't have to worry about her whereabouts anymore. Of course, now came the questions. Luckily, I was able to ward off most of them until Natalie got some well-needed sleep but I knew that despite their unending patience for most things, when it came to my beautiful daughter, my family did not like waiting for answers.

They had all already convened around the kitchen table, naturally expecting this discussion to take place. Honestly though, I wasn't quite sure what to say. I didn't want to tell them about her marriage and pregnancy, that was up to her to share with them as she wished, but I knew that if they didn't get some sort of explanation, they would only go to her…a situation I was sure would only begin to bring back Natalie's barely wavering stress and anxiety.

I took my seat at the head of the table and took a deep breath, which was apparently the signal for the beginning of this conversation. Everyone began asking questions over one another, not being able to get all the words out quickly enough but luckily, I was able to catch what seemed to be the most important parts of it.

"Where did she go?" -Emmett

"Is she going to be okay?"-Jasper

"Does she need to talk to someone?" -Edward

"Is there something we should know?"-Esme

"Will shopping make her feel better?" –Alice (of course)

But while the others expressed their undeniable concern, Rosalie seemed unfamiliarly silent, though she had certainly wanted to talk to Natalie earlier. I guess it was up to her to work that out but answered what I could pertaining to the rest of the questions: "She went South, a place she's become familiar with over the years, and visited some old memories. She seems like she'll be fine but if she approaches you wanting to talk, don't deny her that opportunity either, not that I think any of you would. As for you Alice, " I smiled at one of my beautiful adopted daughters, "I'm sure she'd love spending some quality time with you and Rose. Ask her in the morning if she's feeling up to it and feel free to do whatever you think will cheer her up"

Everyone seemed to accept the straightforward answer which surprised me but I was not about to argue. It was clear everyone in the family had come to love her as an irreplaceable part of the family, which made my heart melt. We continued to sit around the kitchen table, secretly talking about Natalie and how glad we were to have her around, smiling knowing that if she could hear us she'd be bright red. It certainly was a moment that was worth quite a lot.

A/N: Hi guys! I know it's been a super long time and I'm sorry…also, this chapter might be super rusty and I'm sorry about that too BUT (I know I say this every time but it's true!) I'm going to make a goal to start posting once a week so hopefully that will let this story resolve in the way I want it to in a reasonable time frame! Love you all! Reviews always welcomed!