As Time Goes On

2

Ness, Kol, Jake and I all stood in front of the house we hadn't seen in years. It looked just as it did before we left. I can still remember the figures that smiled at me as I ran away from here.

The four of us slowly began to ascend into the house, tears in my eyes as I remembered every event that took place here. Bella's 18th birthday, Bella's wedding, Renesmee's birth, Bella's becoming a vampire. Every memory I had of this house had to do with Bella.

"It's so strange to see it so empty," Ness spoke, her brown eyes looking over the living room.

It was strange, not seeing the Cullens here. It had been their home for many years. I didn't like seeing it so empty.

Dust suddenly flew up in my face, causing me to sneeze.

Laughter ran out through the empty house. I turned to look at a guilty Jake, with a sheet in his hand.

"Sorry..." He muttered.

I smiled and shook my head. Jake and I had grown even closer since Bella's death. It was almost as if we used each other to close the hole she left in our hearts to heal.

"We need to be cautious from here on out. The town of Fork won't remember us, the Traditionals made sure of that. The Pack will know who we are, but they won't give us any trouble as long as we stick to the Treaty."

I explained to the three people in the room. They all looked at me with understanding eyes. I smiled softly at Ness who had ventured to the back porch. I knew exactly where she wanted to go.

"Let's leave Kol and Jake to some guy time while we go to the Cottage," I whispered in her ear.

Ness' eyes lit up in excitement as she ran out the door. Kol and Jake both chuckled in amusement, while I just shook my head at the little girl.

I followed her out, watching as her eyes roamed over all the familiar trees and sights of her old home. I had to admit, it felt good to be back in Forks. I hated all the various time changes we went through on the run, and it was nice to get back to a familiar one for a while.

Soon, we stumbled upon the Cottage. It looked the same as it did the day we left, much like the house.

Ness suddenly stopped walking, and I could see the tears building up in her eyes.

"You don't have to go in there. It's okay."

Ness shook her head as if she was having a debate with herself.

"I want too."

My niece was a very determined little girl, that much I could say. I did not want to go back to my dad's house, afraid I would reverse his compulsion.

I grabbed Ness' hand and the two of us walked into the Cottage, facing Bella and Edward's memory together.

I had expected it to be emotional, that much I can tell you. But I did not think I would start crying at the vague sent of Bella lingering in the air.

Ness put a comforting hand on my cheek, brushing away all of my tears before she kissed my forehead.

I smiled at her and watched her venture father into her old house.

I stood in the living room, remembering when Bella had found the rest of Alice's note. I remembered the worry in her voice as she and Edward spoke, the determination in her eyes as she faced off against Aro.

'I love you, Piper. Take care of my daughter and yourself.'

Bella's voice rang in my head as I remembered her wind words.

I knew Bella was with me, I felt her every day in my heart, and I saw her more and more as Renesmee continued to grow.

Ness came out from her old room, a note in her hand and a small box.

"Whatcha got there?"

Ness smiled softly at me before she began to read off the page.

"My dearest Renesmee,

By the time you read this, I will be gone. I do not want you to grieve long, or be sad that I am no longer with you. I am doing what any mother would do. I am giving my life to let you live. I cannot tell you how much it pains me to know that I will never get to see you grow up and get married. But I want you to know something, I am always with you. Do not ever forget that.

Love,

Mommy."

I felt tears roll down my face as Ness finished reading the letter. My sister loved her child more than anything in the world.

"What's in the box?"

Ness smiled and opened the box revealing Bella's wedding rings. I smiled softly and grabbed Ness in a hug. We were home.