“Bella!” Alice Embraced me tightly, “It’s good to have you back.”

I was shocked at how suddenly fragile she felt beneath my embrace. The rest of the family, with the exception of Rosalie, who was not present, fell in line behind Alice to welcome me back.

“Lets get the show on the road before those werewolf things show up.” Emmett clapped after the greetings had been exchanged.

“Werewolf things?” I raised my eyebrows.

“You know what I meant.”

I turned to follow them all out the doors, but hesitated to take one final sweep of the house I had been able to call home for only one short week. Esme noted my hesitation and laid a gentle hand on my shoulder encouragingly.

“We’ll come back one day, don’t worry.”

I knew she was right, but I was also aware of the fact that our return wouldn’t take place until at least 100 years from that point. 100 years was the standard precaution, or so had been explained to me. After 100 years the coast should be clear of werewolves and any other human who may recognize me. I let my eyes wander across the large living area. The house seemed so empty, even though all of the furniture was still there.

“Bella?” Edwards silken voice snapped me back to reality. I blinked and looked around. While I was surveying the room, everyone else had left, leaving Edward and I alone.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes. I’m fine.” I nodded. “Lets go.”

He gave my hand a gentle squeeze and led me out the door. As I slid into the back seat of Alice’s flashy yellow convertible, I saw Rosalie’s blonde hair blowing in the wind as she sped off with Emmett and Jasper in her flashy red convertible.

“She’ll come around.” Edward assured me as he followed my gaze.

I didn’t respond. Alice sped off in a cloud of dust as soon as Edward and I were safely secured in our seats. Edward put his arm around me and kissed my forehead lightly. The lack of my rapid heartbeat was something that I realized would take a lot of getting used to. His hand elevated to my face and he began rubbing comforting circled on my cheek with his thumb.