The next few days flew by too quickly. The only thing that went on was spending time with Edward, getting ready for traveling to my family for the holidays. Katlyn would be looking after my apartment while I was gone. She already had a spare key and Edward provided her with a list of daily chores. Cleaning, organizing, dry cleaning, tending to the indoor plants. I thought it was a bit much to ask Katlyn to do all this, but there was no convincing Edward otherwise.

There still was no word from Jacob. I tried not to worry about it. In fact, I attempted to pretend Jacob never even existed. But I knew it was pointless. It may not have been for very long, but Jacob left a mark on my life. One that wouldn't be easy to forget. As angry as he had made me, I still was concerned for him. He wasn't acting like himself at the company party. I still felt myself shiver at the look he gave me, right before he left. I couldn't describe his gaze with words. But the feeling that it caused was fear. For just a second, I was petrified of Jacob. He looked like he wanted to kill me.

I just wanted to forget everything and move on. If I would get a chance to speak with him again, I wouldn't even bring up what happened. I just want to know that he is okay.

There was only one suitcase left to pack, Edward had purchased a set of seven suitcases for me. They all were different sizes and had a very expensive design. Something smooth, not quite leather, but a different, waterproof material. All white in color with small gold accents in the zippers, handles and logos at the front of each suitcase. This would be my first time flying. Needless to say I was extremely nervous about the whole thing.

By car, the trip would have been about seven hours. Which I wouldn't have minded, Uncle Charlie makes the long drive every month to pick up the money for Ana. But after Edward mentioned the journey would only take an hour if we flew. So with that in mind I decided to give flying a try. I was eager to get to the farm, this would be the first time I've been home, since I've moved away.

As I finished packing my last suitcase, I felt hands on my shoulders, which caused me to jump. My heart nearly leapt from my chest, but as I turned, I was relieved to see it was Katlyn. She had a very serious look on her face as she quietly handed me an envelope.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, looking at the envelope closely. It only had my name scribbled on the front of it. Poorly written.

"Jacob wanted me to deliver this letter to you, before you left for your trip. He asked that you read this in privacy." She said with a nod, before heading towards the door.

That's weird. Why didn't Jacob just come and talk with me? I know our last conversation had been… tense. But he was more than welcome to come to my apartment and speak with me. Surely Edward hasn't banished him from Boswell entirely. He only fired him from the company. Did this mean Jacob has decided to move back to the city of Gallen?

"Thanks Katlyn," I muttered.

She offered me a weak smile, before walking out of the room. Leaving me completely to my thoughts. I wasn't sure if I was ready to read the letter. Maybe I would just hold off until I made it to the farm. I didn't need my mood to be completely ruined, before the trip even started.

But on the other hand, what if it was something really important? No. I'm just going to put Jacob out of my head for now.

I tucked the letter into the suitcase and finished getting ready. Edward was waiting for me down in the garage. He was trying to get the luggage organized in a way that everything would fit. Which was proving to be difficult. Judging by the look of frustration on his face as I walked out of the elevator. He was just closing the door of the trunk as I approached him with the last suitcase. He eyed it with apprehension, but gently took the suitcase from me to add it to the stack of others in the backseat.

I took my seat in the front and pulled out the company cell phone that Edward had given me. I still wasn't the biggest fan using it. But there was one thing about it that I was beginning to really like. And that was being able to play games. It wasn't something I did often, but for the long trip to the airport, I figured it was necessary. The airport was an hour drive. Thankfully the weather has held up so far. A few flurries of snow, but nothing to be concerned over.

Edward moved into the driver's seat once he was finished with our luggage. He seemed a little distracted, his emerald eyes danced around as we pulled out of the garage. This was the first time Edward was taking a break from work. I knew Esme had given him a bit of a hard time about the whole thing. For a while, I wasn't sure if Edward would be able to come along with me. But after everything that happened at the company party, Esme has been more than a little understanding. Even in regards to Emmett. It was clear that she was feeling a little guilty and was striving to get back into the good graces of her sons.

The sun was just beginning to rise into the sky, bringing a lovely golden orange glow. Boswell was covered in a blanket of pure white. It was truly beautiful. Traffic was light on the way to the airport, a few scattered plow trucks were busily coating the roads with salt. The weather was mild now, but later a storm would be approaching the city. Although, by the time it hits, we will be landing in Everglade Harbor, which is the closest big town to Plum. Since Plum was a microscopic country town in the middle of nowhere, there were no airports. Everglade Harbor was just about forty-five minutes from the farm.

We made it to the airport relatively early, which was good, there were so many people, the lines we had to stand in quickly ate up the small extra window of time we had. It was incredibly tedious and not to mention boring. There were all walks of life here, business executives, families on vacation, there was even a group of young kids, all in cheerleading uniforms.

The airport was huge, you could easily get lost. I was thankful Edward seemed to know the right place to go. Dragging along all our luggage was another pain in the ass. We brought a lot of stuff. Which I was beginning to regret.

But it wasn't long before we boarded the plane. I attempted to keep my anxiety under control, Edward kept a tight hold on my hand, that was helpful. I just had to focus on him. There was a light rumble of conversation throughout the plane, but from where we sat it was mostly quiet. We were in the first class section, so seating was comfortable enough. Flight attendants hovered around our section, offering drinks and snacks often. But I couldn't even imagine relaxing enough to eat. My eyes never left the window. Even as the plane began to ascend. There was so much noise and rattling and once the plane was in the air my ears started to hurt.

I wasn't used to the intense pressure of being this high up. Edward offered me a stick of gum, which helped a little. But my stomach began to bubble, nausea hit me mid-way through the flight.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Edward asked as I unbuckled myself from the seat.

I gave him a sheepish smile. "I'll be fine, I just need to use the restroom." It was news to me that planes even had a bathroom. It boggles my mind a little. Where did the waste go when flushed? Maybe I didn't want to know.

Quickly I took a few steps to the cramped latrine, it was smaller than a closet. The door shut loudly behind me. I didn't even bother locking the door. The smell inside only added to my queasiness. I bent down, just in time to puke directly into the toilet. My face was flushed, I felt sweat starting at the back of my neck. I continued to retch, until all the contents of my stomach was gone. Dizzily I sat down, trying to calm myself. Due to how tiny this bathroom was, I could easily reach the sink. I wet my hands and quickly rubbed at my face. I still felt sick, but a little better.

This was my first experience on a plane and I had to say this was a poor first impression. I never would have considered that I would have gotten this sick. Sure, the flight so far had been a little bumpy, but it was relatively easy. Was it my nerves?

I needed to get back to Edward, before he got worried about me. That's the last thing I wanted to do. Hesitantly I stood from the toilet and looked at myself in the mirror. My cheeks were still a little red. I felt warm, but at least I don't think I need to puke anymore. The plane would be landing soon, I just had to wait. I'm sure once my feet were back on the ground, everything would be alright.

I forced a smile on my face and made my way out of the restroom. Edward's eyes were instantly on me. He watched me closely as I walked back to the seat and strapped myself back in.

"Everything okay?"

"I feel much better now. I just got a little sick."

He raised a brow. "Do you usually get motion sick?"

I shook my head. "Nope, this is a first for me. But it's nothing to worry about. I'm just not used to flying."

Edward took my hand, lightly placing a kiss at the top of my hand. "Is there anything I can do?"

"No it's fine, I'm sure I'll feel better once we land."

Thankfully it wasn't a long wait, the plane began its descent down into Everglade Harbor, which was probably the most terrifying part of the entire flight. You could feel the impact of the plane hitting the surface and the sounds of the brakes being applied. But I had never felt so relieved. I hoped that Edward might consider driving back to the city, once the holidays were over. Especially if I was going to get so nauseous.

Once everyone was allowed to get off the plane, we went to claim our baggage, then meet up with Uncle Charlie at the exit doors to the airport. I was getting more and more nervous of Uncle Charlie meeting Edward face to face. The two of them are so completely different. They come from completely different worlds. Not including Edward being a reaper. City man meets country man. How would this go?

There wasn't much time for me to mentally prepare for this meeting. This airport was much smaller than the one in Boswell. It didn't take long for us to gather our things and make our way for the exit. Edward seemed completely at ease, not even a hint of anxiety could be seen on his face. Which made me feel a little more confident. Even as we spotted Uncle Charlie waiting with his arms folded across his chest. His three sons stood by his side, each with a skeptical look on their face as they watched Edward.

Like always, the sight of Uncle Charlie had tears in my eyes. He just looked so much like my father. With dark hazelnut brown hair, just like mine. His massive arms came around me as he squeezed me into a hug, a huge smile stretched across his wrinkled face.

"Welcome home lil brownie," He spoke in his usual boisterous tone. I clung to him tightly, wishing just for a moment that he really was my father. As we pulled apart, Uncle Charlie held his hand out to Edward, but the smile disappeared from his face.

Edward nicely shook his hand, keeping a somber expression on his face. Both men appeared to be analyzing each other for a moment.

My heart was pounding in my chest as I watched for any kind of reaction from either one of them.

"You've lost a heck of a lot of weight Bell," Uncle Charlie's youngest boy Scott pointed out. Uncle Charlie's boys all had the same curly blonde hair, just like their mother Aunt Lucy. They could have all passed as triplets. They all were so much alike, and they all were relatively close in age.

Daniel was the oldest, he never spoke much, he always had such a serious demeanor and had a book in his hands. Today was no different. This time, he had some kind of western book clutched under his arm. Matthew was my age, we were always really close, he was like the brother I never had. He was a lot like his father, loud and willing to do anything to help anyone. That left Scott, the baby of their little family. He was mischievous, always fooling around and being annoying. He picked on Ana a lot, before her diagnosis. I wondered who his new target of torment was now.

"That's none of your business," I grumbled at Scott.

Scott gave me a devious grin. But Matthew gave him a hard elbow to the back of his head. Causing a glare from Scottie.

"She just got home, leave her be." Matthew said with a frown, before turning to me with a warm smile. "I'm glad you made it here alright. This must be your boyfriend huh." He looked at Edward with a raised brow.

There difference between Edward and Matthew was almost comical. Edward was dressed head to toe in expensive business attire, clean, neat, incredibly handsome. While Matthew was in ripped up jeans, work boots and a button-down flannel, all covered in mud. Even his hands looked rough, darkened by some kind of black fluid. I'm assuming had had been working on his truck.

"U-um yes, guys this is Edward," I said quickly. "Edward this is Uncle Charlie and his boys, Daniel, Matthew and Scott."

Edward squared his shoulders. "It's a pleasure to meet you." He offered a sincere smile.

"Good to meet you, we really appreciate all your help." Uncle Charlie was the first to speak up. "And thanks for looking out for our lil brownie."

My cheeks warmed a little, especially when the boys turned their eyes on me with smirks on their faces. They always enjoyed how embarrassed I got when Uncle Charlie referred to me as lil' brownie.

"Of course," Edward replied easily.

The boys just eyed him, not making any comments. I couldn't tell what they were thinking, or if they were even going to attempt to get to know Edward. The thought made me feel a little nervous. I didn't want Edward to feel uncomfortable, or left out. He has been nothing but wonderful to me, he deserved to be accepted by my family.

"Well, boys don't be rude, help them with their luggage." Uncle Charlie said as he snatched some of my suitcases.

Wordlessly, each of them began taking some of our things. I was going to protest, but I knew better. When Uncle Charlie made his mind up, there was nothing you could say or do to discourage him. If he wanted to help, he would help. So, we followed behind Uncle Charlie and the boys out to the parking lot.

The weather in Everglade Harbor was completely different than it was in the city. It was much warmer during December; it was wetter and rainier. Humid. There wouldn't be snow until March. So, getting a break from the cold was a nice change of pace.

We made it to where Uncle Charlie's truck sat, Daniel's truck was right next to his. Everyone started placing our things into the bed of the truck. Edward scanned over the trucks with a raised brow. The trucks weren't in the best shape. They were coated in rust and mud. It was clear they had just run those trucks through the swampy marsh that sat just on the outskirts of Plum. It was the only place in this area to go mudding.

Scott took notice. "What, have you never seen a truck before, city boy?" His tone was sarcastic.

Uncle Charlie turned to Scott with a hard look. "Scottie, shut your trap kid."

Edward cracked an amused smile. "I have seen a truck before, I've just never rode in one." He admitted.

"Is that right?" Scott continued with a look of confusion. "So, what do you go muddin' in?"

"What's mudding?" Edward asked.

Uncle Charlie and the boys exchanged looks, before starting a fit of laughter as everyone started getting into the trucks.

"Don't worry city slicker, we'll take you muddin' after a good rain. It's easier to show, then tell." Scott continued.

"Sounds good, looking forward to it." Edward said with a small nod. He kept a kind smile on his face.

Maybe things would work out. I mean, the boys are offering to take Edward out and show him our way of life. This would be a good chance for them to bond, maybe he will enjoy mudding. I just needed to stay hopeful.

The drive through Everglade was pretty peaceful, Uncle Charlie had the radio turned up, on his favorite country station. He and Matthew sat in the front seat, singing along to the songs, while me and Edward listened quietly in the backseat. Scott and Daniel followed behind us in the other truck. It didn't take long before we made it into Plum. And instantly I felt bliss. The familiar surroundings filled me with warmth. I had no idea how much I had missed being home.

Plum used to be a prosperous coal mining town, that was years ago, long before I was even born. My father had talked about it a little. Apparently, his father had worked in the mines in his youth, but by the time my father was old enough to join the workforce, the coal mines all began to close down.

There are one or two small factories left, still standing, abandoned. The town itself consisted of a grocery store, a gas station and small post office. Of course there was also the school building that had kids of all ages. Kindergarten, all the way to high school seniors. They all went to the same building. Everything else was housing scattered acres apart throughout a luscious grove of trees.

My family owned the largest farm in the area and at one point we were the only ones producing milk for the entire town of Plum. During those times, my father made sure the whole family was well-off, money was never something we had to worry about. But that all changed when my father passed away, at the same time a new farm had moved in on the other side of town and was producing not only milk, but fresh produce and eggs. We couldn't compete with them. Especially as our family was in mourning. Our farm started to get neglected, the further my mother spiraled into depression. Then she began drinking, so the small amount of money the farm was producing was getting wasted on alcohol. Thus the money troubles began.

I still held a lot of resentment towards my mother. I know she was going through something awful, the loss of her husband. But we lost him too. And we needed her. But she left the burden on me to make things right. She let Uncle Charlie clean up her mess and try to get the farm back in operation.

So as we began down the long winding driveway, I had conflicted feelings in regard to seeing my mother. The farm was exactly as I had remembered. Just a small townhouse, sat directly in the middle of a ten-acre field. Cows were grazing in the fenced section behind the house. The garden that took over most of the front yard seemed to be blooming with different plants, mostly cabbage by the looks of it. At least the farm was still thriving. Mostly thanks to Edward's generous donations. I'm sure if he wouldn't have stepped in when he did, the tax collectors would have seized the property by now. It's been a few years that taxes were paid, it was a miracle they hadn't come for it sooner.

Uncle Charlie cleared his throat as we parked the truck right up to the steps of the porch. He looked back at me through the rearview mirror. There was a small frown on his face.

"I just wanted to say something, before you see your mother." He sounded nervous.

Matthew averting his gaze, getting out of the truck to start getting our suitcases out of the bed of the truck.

"What is it?"

"Well, I'm not gonna lie. Rene has been awfully heavy on the bottle as of late. And well. She found herself… a companion."

I blinked a few times, allowing his words to fully sink in, before replying. Edward watched me closely with a look of concern. He didn't speak, but I could only guess he wasn't thrilled hearing this. He would be subjected to spending the holidays with a lousy drunk and some random dude. Frankly, I was completely pissed.

If I would have known, I probably wouldn't even have bothered coming to visit. I would have just stayed home and sent Ana's Christmas gifts through the mail. I didn't want to see my mother like that. It was embarrassing. I wished that Uncle Charlie would have said this sooner. But he knew me too well. If he would have told me, I wouldn't have come.

I gathered a big breath and exhaled slowly through my mouth. "Has she started drinking today?"

Uncle Charlie nervously rubbed the back of his head. "Actually, I don't think she has stopped, she drank all last night and into the morning. I wanted to say something, but Ana bean has been looking forward to seeing you. And I'd hate for something like this to get in the way of that." He admitted.

I nodded. "Fine, let's just get this over with."

Thanks for reading! Sorry it took so long to get this chapter out. Lots of distractions at home lately! Just haven't found as much free time to write. But I'm working on it. Leave a review if you are enjoying this so far :D