Chapter 29- The Moment Of Truth

A Chapter by Hotaru Miyuki

As we hugged each other, my heart was pounding really hard. I was both full of worry and fear. I leaned closer into Bella's ear.

"Bella," I whispered, "whatever happens, even if it involves me leaving again, you'll always be my friend."

She nodded. "Same here."

I heard the door open. We went rigid on the sofa. We both dared to peak over behind our shoulders.

Right there, as beautiful as ever, was Edward.

Something was different about him though. He had dark circles under his eyes and his eyes were pitch black like the night.

Alice looked astonished. "When was the last time you hunted?"

"2 weeks ago," he said in a worried kind of voice. He walked over to us. He walked over and stood about a couple of inches from Bella and I. He studied us over: the way we were positioned, the look on our faces, even the way how tense we were.

He sighed. "I had a feeling that you'll be here Lauren."

I just looked up at him. I had to respond, with my heart. "Edward... I just couldn't take it. I had to leave, to make things better. I want you to understand that I love you because you seem to care. I love Alice, Rosalie, andthe rest of the family too. I also love Bella. I don't want to do anything to hurt her. She's my friend. It would kill me if I hurt her again. I just want you to understand that."

He nodded softly to show that he understood. "Alright."

He was thinking. I sat there with Bella, trying not to cry.

Edward motioned to Bella. "Come here."

This was it. Bella got up and walked slowly to Edward. Alice and Rosalie came over to me and sat down with me.

Bella and Edward looked at each other. Edward leaned over to Bella and their lips met. Bella wrapped her arms around his neck and Edward put his hand on her back. They let go.

"Bella... I'm very sorry. I'm sorry I betrayed you. You are truly... you are my life."

I lightened up along with Bella. She started to cry also. "And you're my life too."

I felt happy. Seeing those two together just made my day. I never reliezed how much I loved it. I loved it more than when Edward and I were together.

I smiled. I got up and walked to them. "You two look so cute together!"

Everyone laughed. I laughed with them. We then stopped and Edward spoke. "I feel so much better. Well... we better get Lauren home to see her dad."

"I'll take her home," Bella said. "My truck's outside anyway."

"You sure?" Edward asked.

"Positive."

"Well... I need to talk with her dad so..."

He was right. That could help a lot. "All right. I guess you could follow us."

Carlisle stood beside Edward. "I guess I should go too. Have a talk about the last few days." He looked at my arm. "How has your arm been Lauren?"

That surprised me. I have completly forgotten about my broken arm. I looked at it and looked at everyone's names. I wasn't alone.

I shrugged. "It's fine."

"Ok. The cast should come off in about 5 more weeks. Let's get you home."

That's what we did. I was in the truck with Bella while Carlisle and Edward followed behind in his black Mercedes. We pulled up in front of my house. I saw a police car in the driveway that must now belong to my dad. I got out and closed the door. My dad walked out of the house to greet us. I ran into him and hugged him. He hugged me back. "I'm sorry dad."

He rubbed my back, happy that I was now home. We let go and my dad now faced Edward and Carlisle.

"I'm surprised that you came here Edward," my dad said in a stern voice.

"Mr. Head, I just want to say that I'm sorry that I took Lauren away from you like that. I just couldn't think."

Carlisle spoke. "And..."

I was on the verge of laughing. It didn't seem right to have Carlisle act like a parent and making his soon apoligize.

"I'm sorry because Bella and I were together before. I cheated on her for Lauren. Your daughter helped me get back together with her. She didn't want to be with me like that. I'm sorry if you lost my trust."

My dad seemed to think it over. "Alright. Since you did bring her back, your forgiven."

"She still wants to be friends with me if that's ok."

"Of course. Carlisle, I'm very grateful of you. You have very nice kids," my dad commented.

"Thank you very much. We love Lauren and she is welcome anytime."

He agreed.

I truley felt happy.

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