Thank you for your patience…let's end this, shall we?

Chapter 21: The morning after

The sun rose over Masen Manor, glistening off of the heavy dew, giving the estate a bejeweled appearance. In a small but comfortable bedroom, two young lovers lay entwined in deep slumber. A light breeze drifted in the window, rustling the sheers.

Bella shivered slightly at the cool morning air and snuggled deeper into Edward's arms, sighing happily as his grip tightened around her. Somewhere in her subconscious she thought briefly just how comfortably they fit together.

"Need me to close the window?" he whispered before dropping a soft kiss on her shoulder.

She shook her head in the negative before shifting even closer against him, a serene smile gracing her lips.

"Thank you, though," she murmured before that lazy weightlessness one feels just before falling asleep overtook her.

Edward smiled at the woman in his arms as he thought back through their adventure—from the day she rescued him from the side of the road with a flat tire on Buttercup to nights pondering the clues in Anthony's journal to waking up in bed with her back in 1820 to finding the mirrors and Felix and Sweetie's appearance. No matter the end result, he was content in knowing the love of his life was by his side through it all.

Someday, he thought with a sigh of contentment. Someday soon, he was going to do everything in his power to tie himself to this wonderful, crazy, beautiful woman for all of eternity.

He closed his eyes and soon his breathing matched his beloved's as he drifted off to sleep.

Bella?

Bella blinked her eyes rapidly, her brow crinkled as she tried to block the bright light that assaulted her. As her vision slowly adjusted, she looked around at her surroundings. She discovered she was alone in a huge all white room and heaved a sigh of resignation.

You're not surprised?

Bella looked around for the disembodied voice but found nothing.

"No. After the last few days, nothing surprises me."

"Interesting," Felix's voice came from behind her.

She spun around to find him standing a few feet away from her, clad in a long cardinal red robe. Her eyes trailed up and down his body, taking in the image before her.

"Too much?" he asked before his clothes changed to jeans and a thermal tee. "Better?"

"It was a bit over the top."

Felix grinned broadly.

"Walk with me?" While the words were a question, the sentiment was anything but.

Bella looked at the blank white walls that surrounded her.

"Where?" she demanded, her voice rising at the end.

The environment suddenly changed to her favorite park in her hometown.

"Better?" Felix offered her his arm which she hesitantly took and the two began to walk.

"You have a choice," he began.

"And that is?"

"History has been changed."

"Alaric?"

"Defeated."

"But not without a cost."

Felix hummed noncommittally.

"Marie and Anthony?"

"Reunited. They'll have the baby and live their lives like they were supposed to."

The two walked for a few minutes. Bella enjoyed seeing some of her favorite places but she became aware that she was only seeing the park. She heard no playing kids or chirping birds, felt no light breezes or squish of the ground under her feet.

"Very astute, Ms. Swan," Felix smiled. "Not to draw this out, let me be blunt. You need to decide if you want to remember."

Bella stopped dead in her tracks, her jaw dropping in disbelief.

"What? Why?"

Felix continued walking a step or two before stopping and turning to face her. His eyes glowed a dark, wet black, causing her to step back.

"History has been changed. Things in your new reality aren't exactly like they were when you left. A lot has changed. I can erase your memories of this adventure. Erase Edward's memory. When you wake up, you will be fully immersed in the new reality."

Bella opened and closed her mouth a few times, unable to speak.

"And your decision will be for yourself and for Dr. Cullen."

"And if I refuse?" she finally squeaked.

"It will be up to you to accept the new reality, deal with it and never ever reveal what happened."

Bella thought for a few minutes, trying to process what sort of changes could have happened and what the ramifications would be.

"Oh, and Bella?" Felix asked softly.

She looked up and was surprised at the sadness in his face.

"The changes aren't only in your life or Edward's. Chaos Theory is more than just a theory."

"So a butterfly sneezing here…"

"Causes a tsunami there."

Bella kicked at a loose stone in her path before continuing.

"What kind of changes?"

Felix shook his head ever so slightly.

"I can't tell you for certain," he replied. "The future isn't written yet."

"It's not fair that I have to choose for both of us."

He shrugged as he continued walking down the path, leaving her standing alone.

"Life isn't always fair. Magenta sent you back to free her brother and sister-in-law and hopefully spare her parents and herself that grief," Felix called over his shoulder. "That certainly wasn't fair to you or Edward."

Bella noticed a small spark in Felix' eyes as he said her bosses name. She smiled wanly before quickening her steps to walk alongside him. Her mind flew through everything she had experienced. She wouldn't take anything in the world for her time with Edward. Not just because of the night they had spent together but the entire relationship she had built with him.

"Felix?" she asked softly.

"Yes, Bella?"

"If I as to have this memory erased and we go back, Edward and I are still together, right?"

Felix didn't answer. Bella truly had not expected him to. Some of the words he'd said before the battle with Alaric and just then came back to her. The future has not been written yet. Only the past. Bella didn't want to lose any of her history with Edward, no matter how difficult the future might be.

"But if I remember, Edward and I are still…"

"Your relationship stays the same. You two will just have to work through any changes that might have happened around you."

"But we get to do it together."

"Yes."

"I don't want to forget any of this if it means I might lose him."

He slowly nodded, a genuine smile gracing his lips.

"Then I'll see you in the future, Ms. Swan. And I'll do my best to soften the changes."

And the room faded away, darkness engulfing her.

Bella sat up suddenly, her eyes darting around the room. Her brain took a few seconds to process just where she was. The warm smell of fresh brewed coffee wafted through the open bedroom door, and she heard someone shuffling around downstairs.

The buzz of her alarm clock jolted her, and she slapped at the snooze bar and flopped back into her pillows. She stared at the ceiling until the alarm went off again.

"Bella! Aren't you awake yet?" Angela yelled up the stairs.

"What?"

She was home. In her bed. Angela was here. Edward was not. Her heart sank as she realized she wasn't warm and cozy snuggled up next to him but rather alone in the home she shared with her best friend.

Angela appeared at her bedroom door, clad in her chef whites, holding a cup of coffee and a plate with a chocolate chip muffin.

"You're going to be late. Didn't you say you had a field trip today?" Angela asked, handing over the breakfast goodies.

Bella silently nodded as she took the plate and mug.

"You don't want to be late!" Angela sang, grinning broadly. "Especially with Dr. Cullen going."

"Edward?"

Angela laughed at the confused look on her friend's face.

"Alright, you eat and shower up. You'll feel more awake once you do." She shook her head as she moved toward the door. "You never have been a morning person."

Bella slowly did as she was told, wondering just what was going to be different. She looked around her bedroom. Everything was just as she remembered it. The purple bedspread, the bookshelves, her computer were all in place.

Her phone interrupted her thoughts with an alert that a text had just come in.

Morning, love!

She grinned at the message which was closely followed by another before she could respond.

Strange, strange dreams last night. Maybe not dreams?

"I know how you feel," Bella murmured, quickly typing a response before heading to the shower.

An hour later, Bella parked her trusty, rusty truck in front of the Hands-On History headquarters. From the outside, the building looked the same. She waved at a few co-workers as she entered the main lobby.

"Morning, Ms. Swan!" a familiar voice called.

Bella stopped dead. She turned to see Mike Newton sitting at the front welcome desk wearing a security guard uniform. The memories of him and her in the elevator attacked her and she stumbled. A stinging prick needled her brain and the memory faded ever so slightly. A few moments later and she was not even sure it was real.

"Careful, dear," Maggie soothed, taking her arm and guiding her toward the elevator. "New carpeting."

"No, it wasn't that. It was…"

"New carpeting," Maggie insisted, her gray eyes meeting Bella's as she carefully enunciated every syllable. "It takes a while to get used to."

"What?" Bella started, her eyes wide.

"Some things changed," Maggie explained softly, pressing the call button.

Bella looked at her boss in silence. She realized Maggie's appearance had altered ever so slightly. Instead of a severely cut black hairdo, the raven tresses were more natural and bouncy. Her pale white face was still fair but held none of the tightness nor sadness that Bella was used to seeing.

The elevator doors opened and the two entered. Maggie waited until the doors slid silently together before speaking.

"Mike dropped out of college as a sophomore. He realized it wasn't the path for him. Joined the military, had his ass kicked a few times, served admirably and left the service six months ago to join us here as a security officer," Maggie quickly explained, her eyes never leaving the elevator doors.

"But…"

"Felix told me I needed to tell you that. That it was important you know that memory you think you have didn't really happen. Mike's a model employee. He's even engaged to be married soon."

"Oh." Bella felt relieved and confused at the same time. The memory of him assaulting her in the elevator fading even more. It now felt like a bad dream rather than an actual event, for which a large part of her was thankful for.

The elevator reached their desired floor and Maggie guided Bella toward an office at the end of the hall.

"Mrs. Green! Mrs. Green! So glad I caught you before you left for Masen Manor," a young woman called, running toward them, a folder in her hand.

Bella stared at the woman, certain she should know this person's name but it was just beyond her reach. The blonde was pretty but not overly so with simple jeans and an unadorned sweater that hung loosely on her slim body. Bella wracked her brain as she tried to recall where she had seen this person before.

"Yes, yes. Thank you so much, Jessica," Maggie replied, reading over the top page and closing the folder. "Bella and I were just about to head out after we talk with Dr. Green."

Jessica beamed and gave a half-wave before heading back toward her office.

"That's…" Bella started, unable to form the words she wanted to say.

"Jessica Stanley. Mike's fiancée. Best damn cryptographer I've ever known. Brilliant woman. Hard worker. Employee of the month twice already this year. This way."

Maggie took a few steps down the hall and rapped two times on a door. Bella noticed the small black, plastic sign indicating it was the offices of Sweetheart Mobolade, Administrative Assistant to the director, and Dr. Felix Green, Director, Hands-On History. Bella's heart leaped at reading her co-worker's name.

"I guess I should warn you…" Maggie began before the door opened.

"Der you ah!"

Bella's eyes widened as she took in the woman standing before her. She instantly recognized the orange, brown and yellow headdress surrounding a head full of thick braids but the dark brown skin and shining brown eyes that sparkled back at her gave Bella pause.

"Sweetie?" she whispered.

"D'one and d'same! Come in. Dr. Felix is finishing a report and he'll be right with you. I'll go get coffee." With her bracelets clanking merrily, Sweetie exited the office, paying no mind to the confusion that filled Bella's face.

"What? How?"

"Albinism occurs in approximately 1% of the world's population," Felix said, appearing at the door. He seemed a little less frightening than he had at the manor house in his modern-cut suit and stylish glasses that softened his features ever so slightly. "When Sweetie was essentially reborn, she became part of the 99. Come on in."

"Reborn?" Bella cocked her head to the side in confusion.

"What happened with Alaric happened before she was born so on October 31, she'd kill me if I told you the year, a new baby girl joined the Mobalade family and was well loved and accepted by all," he replied matter-of-factly.

"I'll leave you two," Maggie said with a smile before reaching up and placing a soft kiss on Felix's cheek. "Don't take too long. You know she has to be at the manor at noon."

"Yes, Dear," Felix smiled, watching Maggie leave before returning his attention to Bella. He motioned for her to lead the way into his office and closed the door behind them.

The two took seats on opposite sides of a desk Bella recognized from her interview with Maggie when she was hired at Hands-On History.

"So…" she began, not knowing just where to take the conversation.

"So," Felix smiled, waiting patiently for her to formulate the questions in her mind.

"How much else is different?"

"Other than Mike, Jessica and Sweetie?"

"Yes."

Felix thought for a moment before answering. "Anthony and Marie had their child. A girl. She grew up to be the most powerful witch the world has ever known. Still is. Maggie's parents did not die of a broken heart. Maggie and I courted and about twenty-five years ago, I was able to convince her to be my wife. With her parents' blessing."

"They still live?"

"Part of the joy of being around me and my winning personality. Until they ask, they will all enjoy this adventure called life."

"And Edward and I?"

"Are still madly in love. You met on the day you interviewed. Buttercup had a flat and you gave him a ride. In an effort to apologize for his rudeness, he took you to dinner a few days later and the rest is history."

"Wow," Bella breathed, leaning back into her chair, letting everything wash over her. When she looked back up at Felix, she found him watching her with a faint smile tugging at his lips. "What?"

"The entire Masen Manor project didn't happen. Since Anthony and Marie didn't disappear, there was no need."

"But all the research…"

"Edward's is still valid. His work on Anthony's compositions is the featured exhibit at Masen Manor, also known as The Washington School of Musical Arts."

Bella paused for a moment as she felt new memories float into her brain. The Washington School of Musical Arts was founded in 1830 and produced some of the West Coast's most talented musicians and composers. Her eyes widened as she wondered where this information came from.

"It's a gift," Felix shrugged, answering her unspoken 'how.' "I'm not really creating new memories for you. I'm just pushing a little knowledge into the gray matter. That evening researching in your office over pizza and the first kiss…it happened. Motorcycle ride to your house…it happened."

"And what do I work on?"

"You are coordinating the project to celebrate the renovations to Masen Manor. Just like you would have. Alice has created an exhibit on concert wear through the years. Rosalie has done some amazing work with instrument fabrication and how it corresponded with technological innovations in the automotive industry. Jasper and Emmett have done their projects as well."

"So it's all real?"

Felix shrugged. "What's reality, really? So very malleable. You good?"

Bella took stock of everything. Hands-On History had not changed that much.

"Where is Edward?"

"He's waiting for you at the manorhouse."

Felix's iPhone chirped an alarm and he picked it up, silently reading the message there.

"And it appears everything is set and ready to go at the estate. Shall we?"

Felix offered his arm and escorted Bella to his waiting car. She watched the scenery fly by, using the 'oh-hell' handle only once or twice around a few of the curves. Then Masen Manor came into view. It was still gorgeous, surrounded by oak trees and Camilla bushes, all fully in bloom. He pulled to a stop next to a gravel walkway and smiled kindly at her.

"I believe what you are looking for is down that path."

"Thank you, Felix."

"No, thank you, Bella. I know it wasn't easy but you've done remarkably well. Perhaps if you ever get an inkling, I can find some other projects for you to work on."

Bella blinked a few times in disbelieving silence at the offer. Something in his tone told her that the projects he was mentioning were not the kinds of research done in a library or on the Internet.

"You don't have to answer me now," he continued. "Just realize that you and Dr. Cullen have impressed a lot of very important people."

"That will take quite a bit of thought and discussion."

"Absolutely. Now you better get down the path." He glanced at the clock on the dashboard. "I've nearly made you late."

Without another word, Bella climbed out of the car, catching herself as her 2-inch heel refused to cooperate on the gravel. She walked as quickly as she could down the path and found an elaborately decorated table under a Maple tree. Edward sat at one of the chairs but rose as soon as he saw her approach.

Bella threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly.

"Miss me?" Edward chuckled, holding her just as tightly.

"Just a bit. And waking up in my house was not what I was expecting. Not that I should have let it bother me. The last few days have been…something."

"Completely understand."

Edward leaned down and gently kissed her, his hands framing her face. Bella sighed happily as she returned his attentions.

"God, I missed you," he murmured, pulling back ever so slightly, his warm green eyes shining.

"I missed you. I just have no concept of time. Did it all just happen? Was it weeks ago?"

Edward motioned toward the table and the two took their seats. Bella noticed the spring house a short distance away and saw it was just as she had last seen it. Some things did not change.

"When I talked with Felix on my way here he said we'd probably have a little confusion as things happened but we would probably catch on quickly," he said.

"But I was just talking to him as he drove me here. He couldn't be in two places at once, could he?"

"I'm beginning to think he can."

Bella's stomach chose that very moment to let out a rather large growl.

"I think we'd better attend to that beast," Edward smiled. "Let's eat."

Edward seemed a little nervous throughout the meal but after everything that had happened to them, Bella brushed it off. As they ate, both relayed what had happened after they woke up. Their stories were remarkably similar, both being given a choice, both meeting with Maggie and Felix in his office, both being completely shocked by Sweetie.

Bella momentarily thought if she could write down her experiences and try to pass them off as a piece of fiction but decided against it. Fantasy was one thing but this had been almost beyond that.

"Bella?" Edward said softly, pulling her out of her thoughts.

"Yes?"

"I love you."

"I love you, too," she smiled.

"And I didn't like waking up alone this morning."

"I wasn't that thrilled with it, myself. I'm sure Angela thought I was a complete spaz."

"After everything we saw, I have no doubt."

"Not that we can tell anyone."

"Who would believe us?"

"Felix. Maybe Maggie and Sweetie."

"Rather lonely group. I think we should do something about that, then."

"What could we do?" She smiled and took another sip from the glass of water in front of her. "What could we…"

Then Bella's eyes grew wide as she realized he was no longer sitting across from her but kneeling beside her.

"Bella Swan, I will love you forever. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?"

The delicate platinum band with a sparkling solitaire glittered in his hand and with a silent, teary-eyed nod, Bella held out her left hand and smiled as it slid onto her finger. She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around his neck before kissing him deeply.

A cheer went up from a copse of trees behind Bella and she spun around in her chair to see all of her HOH friends clapping, Jasper with his phone in hand, recording the moment. She laughed and wiped a tear from her cheek, flushing ever so slightly in embarrassment.

Soon the two found themselves surrounded by good friends and hearty congratulations. Discussions about dates and plans and project deadlines popped up, giving Bella and Edward even more insight to what was going on around them and filling in the blanks left by their voyage into the past.

"So now that the Masen Manor project is done, what do you two think your next great adventure will be?" Alice asked after oohing and ahhing over Bella's ring.

"No telling, Alice," Edward said with a shrug as he wrapped one arm around Bella's waist. "But as long as I'm with Bella, we can do it together."

"Ab. So. Lutely," Bella smiled.

~HOH~

And so it ends. I don't really have plans for an epilogue but if you have any questions, please PM me or put them in a review & I may write something to answer them.

I greatly appreciate your patience with this story. When I started it, I had everything planned out & then life happened. In the last 4 months alone, I've finished up a school year with my daughters, sold a house, moved ourselves out of the house, moved into an apartment & 2 storage units, moved into a new home, started the new school year on August 5th, and last night unloaded the last bit from the storage units (the rest of my books!)

For those that have read Evermore Experience, I will be working on the sequel but I hope to have it entirely written before I start posting.

Thank you for all of your encouragement. It truly means a lot so if you are so inclined, let me know what you think by leaving a review!

Thank you.

DeJean