Chapter 30-

Goodbyes

"Are you sure you have everything?"

"Yes mother, I have everything." I said for the hundredth time in thirty minutes.

I shouldn't be surprised. Renee got like this every time I had to leave. Today was the day. Today was the day I would be going back to school. Strangely, a part of me was thinking about blowing off my last year of magical school and maybe signing up to Forks High for my last year. However, my head was reminding me that I worked too hard to just drop out of school. Plus my parents would kill me if I left school for a guy.

It's hard to believe that this time a few months ago I was dreading arriving in Forks and now it was breaking my heart that I had to leave it.

"I can't believe this is your last year." I rolled my eyes as tears fell from Renee's. She pulled me into another bone crushing hug, almost enough to rival Emmett. Who was laughing his head off at my mum's display.

"Dad," I called begging him for help. He smirked but came to my rescue.

"Renee, let go," he said peeling her tight arms off me. "She needs to breathe honey."

"Oh I'm so sorry, Bella," Renee sniffed, wiping her running eyes as Charlie wrapped an arm around her waist pulling her close.

In that moment I was reminded of the image I had of my parents when I first arrived in forks. They had looked happy, but just below the surface I could sense worry and anxiety. Looking at them now I could see that they were truly happy. Like a giant weight had been lifted off their shoulders. They were practically glowing. I felt content and happy knowing that they would be happy while I am at school. Plus I had a whole new extension to my family to look after them if they need it.

My eyes swell with tears as I hugged them both. Charlie kissed my head gently before I pulled away.

"I'll be back at Christmas," I said discreetly wiping the tears from my face. "So I'll see you then."

"Promise you will write every day." As much as I was going to miss them all there was no way I was going to write to them every day. I mean even once a week was pushing it.

"No. I'm not going to do that." I answered causing my dad and the Cullen's to laugh and Renee to frown.

I dodged the playful slap Renee was sending my way before turning my attention to the family standing to the side. Alice launched herself into my arms, almost knocking me over.

"I can't believe you're going. What am I going to do while you are gone?"

"Whatever you did before I came here. Plus you go back to school tomorrow." I laughed removing her arms from around my neck.

"True. Please try and dress yourself properly when you're not in your uniform." I couldn't help but roll my eyes. Typical Alice.

"You know, it is my last year. That means I'll have a prom and graduations to get through." I hinted knowing she would pick up what I meant. It eventually clicked then she screamed in excitement before throwing her arms around my neck again.

"I would love to, Bella! Thank you! They will be the most amazing dresses ever!" she exclaimed, jumping up and down.

"I'm sure they will," Once again I gently pulled her arms from around my neck before rubbing it gently. That was going to bruise. Alice resumed her place next to Jasper, her whole frame vibrating in excitement. Next to the smiling couple was Rosalie. She looked at me before stepping forward. She didn't pull me into a hug; we never had that kind of relationship. In fact we didn't have any relationship. We were civil to each other with awkward small talk and forced smiles. So first I was shocked that she even came today and even more surprised that she was about to talk to me directly.

"I hope you have a good time at school Bella," Rosalie smiled a bright open smile at me for the first time since I had known her. Was this her trying to make amends or was she secretly happy that I was leaving and wouldn't be back properly for over a year?

"Thank you Rosalie," I smiled back and for once it wasn't forced or hostile.

Well that was a surprise. I never saw that one coming.

What surprised me even more was when Jasper wrapped his arms around me in a hug. Jasper and I had a very different relationship. I was always conscious of the fact that Jasper struggled the most with me being around his family. I knew I was caused him pain and unnecessary stress, so in an attempt to make it easier for him we mutually agreed to be friendly but keep our distance. So the fact he had hugged me was shocking. After a beat, I gently wrapped my arms around him returning the hug. Not pushing our luck we pulled away after a few seconds.

"See you soon Bells," he winked before taking a few steps back and taking Alice's hand. This day was just getting weird.

"Come here," Emmett shouted before picking me up in a tight hug, spinning us around the airport as innocent bystanders looked on. Most of them looked unimpressed. I couldn't care less. I squealed in laughter before my feet were placed safely on the ground once more.

"I can't believe you're leaving me here with these people. Edward is going to go all emo again!" he roared in laughter. Pretty soon we were all laughing, except Edward, who was glaring at Emmett.

I had really come to see Emmett as the older brother I never wanted. He teased and taunted me, commented on my clothing, and almost sent me flying through a glass wall, the usual activities brothers get up to. However, he had been so protective and supportive of me when things had gone bad. What could I say Emmett Cullen was impossible not to love?

"Promise you will look after yourself." Emmett was rarely serious, so when he was you knew to take notice.

"I promise," I smiled back before giving him one final hug.

I hugged Esme and Carlisle in a more subtle way. They both enclosed me in their arms before kissing my head gently, making me promise to be safe and to write as much as possible.

"Watch over them for me," I whispered in Esme's ear before I pulled out of her arms.

"Of course we will," She whispered back, touching face gently.

Last but not least was my hardest goodbye. Edward was standing just outside of the group, his arms folded across his chest and look of heartbreak on his face. As I approached him he unfolded his arms, before taking hold of my wrist and pulling me to him. I buried my face into his neck, inhaling his sent and trying to hide the tears that were now falling from my eyes. We both knew this day would come. We had talked about it, but that wasn't making it any easier. I had lain in his arms all night refusing to sleep because I didn't want to waste the time we had left together. Of course he scowled at me, but deep down I knew he was happy I had stayed awake.

"I'm going to miss you so much, Bella." Edward whispered to me, his voice dripping with pain. I shivered as his lip brush my cheek.

"Me too," I managed to choke out as I soaked his shirt with salty water.

No more needed to be said in that moment. We just held each other. It was amazing how someone could become so important in such a small space of time. In the two and half months I had been here, Edward Cullen had been my enemy, my saviour, my friend, then the guy I was deeply and irrevocably in love with. The guy who occupied my thoughts all the time, the guy I hated to be away from. These three months were going to be hard, a lot could happen. He could meet someone else and fall for them. The thought of Edward with someone else tore at my heart.

In that moment I knew I had to tell him. This would be the only opportunity I would have to tell him.

What if he doesn't feel the same way?

It doesn't matter! You know he likes you, he told you that himself.

Love was a whole different level to like though. But could I actually walk away from him for a long period of time without him knowing?

The answer was no. I had to tell him.

"Edward?" I whispered into his ear softly, so only he could hear.

"Yes Bella?" He whispered back delicately. His voice was low and velvety. Oh how I was going to miss that.

My breathing and heart rate had increased a little. I was starting to doubt that he should hear it. Thankfully he chose not to comment. Before I had a chance to back out, I said what I needed to say.

"I love you." I finally managed to get out in a strained and breathless voice. Well done Bella! Really romantic!

I had synched my breathing with Edwards so I noticed when he had stopped breathing altogether. Silence followed my admission. For a second I thought he was going to push me away and run off but instead he held me tighter for a second before moving out of my grip to look at my face, his cold hands resting on my cheeks.

"I love you too Bella." He said so delicately like the words themselves were fragile.

My heart swelled at his admission and tears fell faster from my eyes. He lifted his hand to gently wipe them away.

"Don't cry love," he whispered before leaning into me and catching my lips in a soft, gentle kiss. I have no idea how long we stayed in each other's arms, but all good things come to an end. Especially when Emmett is around.

"Get a room," he screeched making me jump away from Edward. I swear if we weren't in a public place I would have turned him into a girl.

"I hate your brother," I whispered playfully to Edward.

"You and me both," he winked back before placing a chaste kiss on my lips.

"Hey!" Emmett exclaimed from behind me but neither Edward nor I even acknowledged it.

I couldn't believe how much had changed over the last few months. I had gone from hating vampires to falling in love with one. I had gained a best friend, a boyfriend and another family.

"It's only three months and I'll be back," I said as his hand came to rest on my cheek.

"I'll wait for you Bella," he said as I leaned into his hand. "Nothing will change for me."

This is the final call for flight number X5FC2, to London Gatwick. Please make your way to gate number 2 as the flight is now closing.

Time to go. I sighed, finally pulling away from Edward.

I hugged my parents once more before picking up my bag.

"I love you guys!" I called back as I made my way toward the boarding gate.

I was met with a chorus of 'Goodbye Bella's and 'We love you too's.

I handed my passport to the strawberry blonde women at the desk. While she fiddled around with my passport, I took the chance to look back at my family. They were all standing together, everyone holding onto someone else.

I waved, so happy that everyone was united together.

"Thank you so much Miss Swan. You are in Row A Seat 4. Hope you have a good flight."

"Thank you," I replied, taking my passport back. I glanced back one more time and blew a kiss. I turned back around and walked through the boarding gate before anyone saw the tears start falling from my eyes again.

My seat was easy to find and before I knew it; the plane was speeding down the runway. I glanced out the window as the plane climbed higher and higher into the sky, trying to keep the airport in my view. However, soon we were soaring high above the clouds away from America.

I relaxed back into my chair. Three months. I only had to wait three months before I would be back home.

That small recognition put a smile on my face.

Three months and then I would be home with my family.

Back with Edward.

A massive smile graced my face before I lay back in my chair wondering what my school year would bring after such an explosive summer.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of the characters or locations from the series.

We finally reached the end! Thorns and Magic is finally completed.

I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has taken part in this story. From reading to reviewing to giving me feedback. Every single one of you has been amazing, giving me enough support to continue writing.

This is the first time I have completed a story with the same beta. I owe so much to Tarah, who has been be supportive and patient from the start. So thank you so much and I hope we get to work together again soon.

My next story is Bouquet of Dreams, the sequel to People who can't wed: Plan. So if you want to read more of my work then check it out.

Once again...thank you so much.

Hope you all have a great Christmas and new year.

See you in 2015.

xxx Red as a Rose xxx

Thorns and Magic: A Broken Christmas

So have posted a new Thorns and Magic story. Not a full sequel just a small dose of magic