I nearly forget why I'm home as I enjoy my time with my family. The boys tell me all about school, their friends, and their sports, and I still can't get over how much they've all grown. Even little six-year-old Jared seems older than he should be. I've only been home a few times since I left for college over five years ago, and the last time was about a year ago. I've missed so much, it seems.
Jasper's taken over the mantle of the town's chief of police—the job my dad held before he passed—and tells us all about the crazy townsfolk. I laugh more than I have in months as Emmett and Carlisle throw in their own stories as well, but of course, eventually, my failing heart catches up to me, and I'm almost falling asleep as we hang out on the deck with the fire pit going.
"I should probably get her home and settled," Emmett says as I blink to stay awake.
Jasper nods, checking his watch. "Yeah, and Alice should be home anytime too. She's sorry she had to miss this, by the way, but she sends everyone her love."
"I'm so sorry to be a party pooper." I sigh as we all stand up to start our goodbyes. "Thank you all so much for the wonderful welcome home though. I've had a blast."
Esme smiles, taking my hand and squeezing it. "We'll see you soon. I mean, now that you're not thousands of miles across the country from us."
I wasn't exactly thrilled with the prospect of coming home, but it will be nice not to be so alone. My roommate, Kate, was really all I had back East, and I never realized how much I missed being surrounded by loved ones.
We head out a little after eight, and Carlisle drops us off at what was once our childhood home since Jasper has the boys. Emmett's renovated it in recent years, but when I walk through the door, it still gives me the same warm feeling of home. I still remember my dad watching the baseball game in the living room, my mom baking in the kitchen, and Emmett practicing football in the back yard. My childhood was … so normal—until the accident.
Emmett lugs my bags upstairs, putting them on the floor as I look around my room. He hasn't changed a thing while I've been at school, and it's comforting.
"Mind if I take your vitals before leaving you alone?" he asks, almost timidly. "I know I'm not allowed to doctor you, but it'd make me feel better."
I roll my eyes with a smile, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "Sure, but only because you asked nicely. I feel okay today. A little tired, but the trip probably did that."
"I'm sure. I'll be right back."
He's quick in retrieving his bag and pulls out his stethoscope first—listening to my heart, and then lungs. He says the fluid in my lungs isn't too bad, but I could have told him that. That was the first sign of my heart failing, but with meds, it's gotten better. Even my ankles seem to be back to normal size finally. Next he clips the pulse oximeter to my finger, and then takes my blood pressure, telling me it all looks good. He looks so relieved.
"I'm sorry for putting you through this," I say as he packs his things away.
He scoffs, shaking his head. "You don't get to apologize for something that isn't your fault."
"I know, but—"
"Nope, we're not doing that," he interrupts. Sitting down beside me, he takes my hand in his. "I'm going to get you through this. We're going to get you a new heart, and then you'll go back to your life. But no apologies, okay? You're not a burden on me—you never have been and never will be. In fact, I should be thanking you for coming home. It means a lot to me that you agreed. Now, I don't have to give up my job and move into that tiny apartment you had."
I laugh softly, shaking my head. "Not sure how that would have gone over with my landlord—or Kate, for that matter. I trust you, Em. If this … Edward dude is as good as you say, I'm sure I'll be in good hands."
"He's brilliant. How'd you get along with him anyway?"
I smile, remembering the lumberjack's hand on mine. "He kept me calm when I was sure we'd all die in a plane crash."
"I'm glad he was there for you. Now, get some sleep. You look like you're going to pass out any minute."
"Probably because I am," I say with a soft giggle. "Night, Em."
"Night, Bells." He smiles, leaving my room.
I don't own Twilight
Thanks to May, Nole, Fran, Brier, and Meg for prereading and Sally for Beta'ing.
Thank you all for reading! Next update Monday unless I get trigger happy and post another, which is likely.
