FOREVER

Waiting

Waiting

As Kirill had said, we were escorted in the cold all the way to the car Rosalie had left. The mood was somber but also paranoid. I kept looking over my shoulder at the guards and everyone seemed to be on edge. I didn't like it, and when we finally made it to the car, I wasn't as excited or relieved as I had hoped to be. The guards spoke in Russian to Carlisle and he gave a simple nod, gesturing for us to get into the car. We did as we were told, Emmett climbing in first as he was still cradling Rosalie in his arms. I could tell that she was feeling better as far as it went and her facial expression hinted to me that she would have preferred walking but the smile on her face was just for Emmett and it was sweet to see.

He talked to her in a hushed voice on the right side of the car as Alice took the middle seat leaving me to the left behind Carlisle, who was driving with Esme in the front passenger. The moment between Rosalie and Emmett was extremely personal and I didn't want to look for too long. But I did stare for a few more moments just to see the look in their eyes as they spoke to one another. I think I realized then for the first time just how much they loved each other. I couldn't tell just how romantic it was, but it didn't matter. Love was love and I was bearing witness to one of the purest forms I'd ever seen.

Alice placed her hand on top of mine and I looked over at her. She looked exhausted but happy. I wished I could join in her happiness but I couldn't. It was too good to believe, no matter how much I wanted to. Carlisle mumbled something to all of us and in a moment all of the windows were being rolled down. I could only assume it had to do with my scent. Alice reached over me and rolled my window down before she zipped up my jacket and sat on my lap. She leaned against the side of the door and with her there she obstructed the cold wind that was flying through the window. I smiled at her and she returned it, leaning over to hug me. I hugged her back and when I pulled away I opened my mouth to ask Alice what was going to happen .But she shook her head, silencing me, and leaned in to kiss me once more.

"Just enjoy it right now. We'll talk later."

"Alice...I miss my dad," I said softly, trying to keep the waiver out of my voice. However, Alice must have heard it for she reached out and wrapped her arms around me, holding me tightly.

"We'll be in cell range soon, Bella. I'm sure one of us has an international phone on them and you can call him. Just a few more hours."

I nodded at her and she rested her head on my shoulder. It was comforting and I loved feeling her against me once again but I couldn't imagine how terrible my father was feeling. I looked down, sighing, and felt something brush against my thigh. Looking up, I noticed Rosalie was staring at me. She'd kicked me with her bare foot and now I was looking into those eyes that seemed to have regained some of their life

"Your dad will understand, Bella," Rosalie said slowly, as if speaking was still hard for her. "He's been fairly decent to you through all of this. And you're a good daughter. Everything will work itself out, won't it, Alice?"

Rosalie looked to the pixie on my lap and kicked her softly. Alice smiled and grabbed Rosalie's foot, rubbing it softly and Emmett nuzzled into Rosalie's neck as she ran her fingers through his hair. I smiled at all of them, knowing that they were right. Besides, there was nothing that could be done about it now. Taking a deep and relieving breath, I pulled Alice closer to me and held her until we reached Norilsk.

0-0-0-0-0

I waited until we were in the United States to call Charlie. I didn't want my mother to get my phone bill and see extra costs listed for Russia. In Norilsk there was a quick stop to grab clothes for Rosalie and from there we had no problems getting on a plane out of there. When we arrived in Moscow we had a massive layover. Thankfully the heat was much more tolerable and the Cullens took that opportunity to leave the airport and find something to satiate themselves. Rosalie was still fairly full so she stayed with me and pretended to sleep on my lap, lying across three seats. I absently watched the people as they passed, stroking Rosalie's hair, which she didn't seem to protest to.