Unfortunately, I don't own any of the characters from Twilight, New Moon, etc. Sometimes life is just SO not fair…

Chapter 1 - The Beginning of my End

B.P.O.V

And then Alice stepped away from us, forward toward Aro. We turned to watch her. Her hand was raised like his.

She didn't say anything, and Aro waved off the anxious guard as they moved to block the approach. Aro met her halfway, and took her hand with an eager, acquisitive glint in his eyes.

He bent his head over their touching hands, his eyes closing as he concentrated. Alice was motionless, her face blank. I heard Edward's teeth snap together.

No-one moved. Aro seemed frozen over Alice's hand. The seconds passed and I grew more and more stressed, wondering how much time would pass before it was too much time. Before it meant something was wrong-more wrong than it already was.

Another agonizing moment passed, and then Aro's voice broke the silence.

-Stephenie Meyer

"Hmmmm…" He mused. "That changes things." He then glanced at Edward.

"It seems Alice doesn't always tell you everything, Edward. I am very sorry. But considering what Alice has seen, we must change her now." I glanced at Edward, who snarled at Aro and repositioned himself to his protective posture around me. Alice was still standing where she was when Aro touched her; small snuffling noises were coming from her nose and mouth. If vampires could cry, she would now.

"No!" Edward cried. I still didn't understand what his complete resentment to my change was about, but I knew from the look on his face that he wasn't going to budge anytime soon. Which I also knew would cost him his life. Felix and Caius would have a field day.

"Edward!" I said, with complete horror in my voice. He turned to me, and saw his eyes widen as he saw my tears.

"Bella!" He choked out. "What?..."

"Edward, this is my chance to be with you forever – and you are giving your life to stop it from happening! Do you… Not want me for eternity?" The tears came faster, and although I could see that I was breaking his heart – again – I couldn't seem to make them stop. Felix snickered, and Caius snorted, but Edward seemed oblivious to them. His entire focus was on me. Edward dropped his stance and turned so he completely faced me.

"Bella! Do you have any idea what you are saying? I don't mean any resentment against Carlisle, but I had no choice, and now I have no soul. But you have a choice, something I never had, and you are just… Giving it away!" But then Aro cut in.

"Edward, Bella does not have a choice. Should she-" Suddenly he cocked his head to the side and smiled, but in a less friendly way. He continued,

"Our lunch has arrived." But he was not addressing us; it was to all the other crimson eyed creatures which surrounded us. They hissed in anticipation, licking their lips. I realised with horror what he meant. But then Aro said,

"Alice, Edward, and of course, Bella, you can leave. We will see you soon." Edward took my hand and pulled me at vampire speed to the door, muttering,

"I will not let her see this." Alice followed, a grim mask plastered to her face. She was clearly thinking the same thing as Edward.