A/N. Thank you for all the kind reviews and adds and such. Eight reviews! You guys made my day.

Edward Cullen, the one and only, shook Mr. Johnson's hand, and began to converse with him, talking in a low voice.

My memories were unworthy compared to the Greek god standing mere feet from were I was. The sharp angles of his face were defined in the bright lights. He had shadows under his eyes- he was hungry. I was transfixed, my eyes taking in his sight hungrily, as though I would never see him again.

And with a pang, I realized that that scenario could, and most likely would, occur. My heart seemed to tighten in my chest, as the flood of emotions I had been holding back throughout the concert rushed through my body like a waterfall, leaving me stunned. As much as I tried to pry my eyes away, I simply couldn't, as though a charm held me in place, unable to move a slightest bit.

I could only watch as Mr. Johnson walked away. Edward walked up to the podium, and smiled, although the smile did not reach his eyes. His eyes…were a charcoal black- he had dark shadows underneath them.

"Ladies, Gentlemen, my name is Edward Cullen." He murmured, his voice still the honey sweet velvet that I had loved, "Before we continue with the performance, I'd like to know your names, just for the sake of," he pondered it a second, "Familiarity."

My breath was coming out in short, choppy waves, and my hands were shaking. What would I tell him? I couldn't very well tell him my name- that wouldn't be of any good. He had said he didn't want me. I had to respect that, and I couldn't very well make attention towards myself. He would ask questions, and I didn't think I would be able to deal with it, not then.

"Let's start with our stringed section. Cellos, please?"

The list was fairly quick- there were only about five cellos, most of them eager to get the ordeal over with. It was from that moment on that I hate cellos. They couldn't have stalled, could they?

As I looked up at him, I noticed an expression in his eyes that I did not expect. There was a hint of…pain? Frustration?

"And now the violins."

This section decided to go a little bit slower. I silently thanked them.

But why was I trying to avoid this? It was inevitable now, the only thing left to do was to take bravely, without breaking down.

I took a deep breath, willing myself to not curl up into a little ball right there and then, and let the pain wash over me. It was a definite struggle, and I fought desperately for it not to show. Even after a transformation and twenty years, I still remembered clearly the fact that Edward could read my face like an open book. Ythank goodness he couldn't do that with my thoughts.

Edward nodded, the odd expression still etched lightly on his face, "Flutes and clarinets."

I was blocking out the voices of those talking around me, mind whirring desperately.

What would happen once he got to me? If he ignored me, that would be the best for everyone. But if he got in deeper, then who knows what would happen? I wasn't afraid of talking to him, that was not the matter. But who knew how much the conversation would hurt me? After twenty years, my foolish heart still loved him. Would it be able to be broken one last time? Or would it shatter?

Would it push me over the edge? Would I do something drastic?

"And finally, my brass people."

My throat tightened, and I clutched my other hand tightly, knowing I could crush my trumpet if I held it too tightly.

"David Acampo, Renée Abuganara, Kathy McLain.." the names were squished together into a big jumble of noise

"Merith Escobar." Muttered that whom I knew was the last one before me.

My stomach flipped, and I took a deep breath.

"Isabella Marie Masen." I murmured quietly.

Edward looked at me, his face unreadable. "I'm sorry, could you say that a little louder?"

Little-

"Isabella Marie Masen." I said a bit louder.

Wasn't it bad enough he left me? Did he have to humiliate me?

"I'm sorry?" he said, his face expression

I gaped at him incredulously. What the hell?

My anger took over me, and I flew into a rage.

I nearly screamed at him, "My name is ISABELLA MARIE MASEN!"

There were no words to describe that exact moment in time. Everything seemed to freeze in place. The bizarre expressions on everyone's faces. It was completely quiet, except for a dull noise coming from behind the curtains. And as for Edward…His face was a mixture of emotions, shock overbearing them, however.

He composed himself in record time, quickly straightening his face.

"No need to yell, Miss Masen." He said coldly, turning to face the violins slightly.

The words hit me full blast. I felt them sting, tug at my heartstrings brutally. The words themselves were harmless, the way he said them were brutal. They reminded me of that day at the meadow, the way he said them, heartless and cruel. My heart was shattered. I gasped for breaths noiselessly, feeling the air fill my lungs. Whatever he had ever said about breathing- it wasn't true. Breaths were the only things giving me any sort of strength at the moment.

My chest no longer had a hole in it. It was all gone. A big hollow. The pain threatened to consume me there and then. It had been exactly what I had been trying to prevent. But that damned hope, that damned love had kept me there. It had been my destruction.

I had to get through the next hour without collapsing. As soon as it was all over, I was free to do whatever the hell I wanted. I looked ahead of me, knowing very well what was evident in my expression, but I chose to ignore it, not caring what everyone else thought. I had to throw myself in, like before, and stay there, without a care in the whole world.

I watched blandly as the curtain opened, exposing all those outside. I didn't feel the same excitement as before. I only stared as he took a bow in front of the audience, and turned to face us, baton raised. I quickly pulled my music to the front, and read it over carefully. Unfortunately for me, I needed a wow-wow mute.

Quickly searching for an attendant in the back, I quickly found one. As quietly as possible, I pointed at my trumpet and pulled back and forth inside the bell. The attendant grinned and pulled a wow-wow out of her front pack. I sat there, wondering how exactly she did that, when she threw it at me. Acting quickly, I grabbed it, hoping, and secretly knowing, that nobody had seen me. I quickly placed it on my stand- I wasn't going to need it too soon yet.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the New York Philharmonic playing the introduction for the jazz song Rhapsody In Blue. Playing the solos will be Daniel Fernandez and Saline Jameson," Said the female's voice.

My eyes stayed on the baton, unwavering as I raised my trumpet lightly. It swung down like a pendulum, along with my trumpet. There was a clarinet solo at the beginning, from what I understood.

Quickly, I raised my trumpet, and came in, the notes low, contrasting with those of the clarinet's. It was an interchange of music also, the clarinet trading off with the trumpets and trombones.

We launched softly into the main song, very lightly and carefully. My mind was concentrated on the music alone. And then…I quickly inserted the wow-wow into my trumpet, setting my trumpet in my lap for a second.

I pulled my trumpet up to my lips, playing softly as I pulled and pushed the wow-wow with one hand, the other tapping away at my valves. I was completely surprised when I realized I was the only one playing, but I nonetheless pushed through, and I heard the piano join in, making a medley of music. I took the opportunity and pulled the wow-wow out, just in time for the cymbal crash, to the point where we were supposed to play stronger. And just as suddenly, the fortissimo was reduced to a piano. The song was full of these little twists and turns. They kept one on ones toes, staying alert.

The piano was playing solo, starting off gently and soft, to a point where it was quickly paced. It seemed to resemble a chasing scene, with much trilling.

The music jumped to another place quickly. The piano played smooth, gentle notes. The group burst in strongly, blasting the music throughout the area. Just as quickly, the piano's gentle melody was returned, giving one a feeling of calm- and yet again, the band came in, blasting everyone's ears out. It was a hilarious sight, I pondered, as we finished up the song, seeing all those in the audience shaken up.

I desperately tried to ignore Edward. It was easier than I thought, I quickly realized, as I looked over the audience. Many were on their feet, giving us the standing ovation of our lifetimes. I felt the pain fade for a couple of moments as I watched, completely awed.

I was so distracted that I hadn't even noticed Mr. Johnson quickly approaching us, smiling, with the greatest glow. All the irritation at him washed away. It was great to see him happy, not frustrated and worried as usual.

He walked over, and murmured to us, "Okay guys, I want you to file off of the stage, if you played a solo, please stay on the stage."

He paused, "You did a terrific job."

There was a wave of whispers, he hadn't ever said that. The curtains closed gently, and there was a slight scratching of chairs being pulled off the stage, and of stands being put away. The same attendant from before approached me and took my trumpet gingerly from me. I smiled and nodded. I trusted her.

All four of us stood in the front, nervously awaiting what was beyond the curtains. I felt a pinky wrapped around mine, and I looked up into the eyes of Saline. I looked down the line; the boys had done the same. We were linked. We had never talked before- but the solidarity of the moment filled my heart with emotion. We had all been together, we would face this together.

Busy as I was, I couldn't help but sneak a look at Edward, my mind- and heart- itching for a look, out of, was it stupidity or curiosity? It was mostly a mixture of both. He was watching us with a look of curiosity. I looked ahead, as the voice crackled.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the night's soloists."

I smiled at the other three, and received smiles back. We took a step forward, and past the curtains. The lights went off immediately, flashes everywhere, and screams pierced the air. A rumbling was heard in the audience, it quickly grew into a massive sound wave that enveloped us. It took me a second to realize that it was clapping, That incredible, surreal noise was because of us. It was mind-blowing, incredibly so, that so many people appreciated the music so much.

And before I even realized a thing, bouquets of roses were laid in each of our arms. We let go instantly, arms wrapped around the arrangements.

I looked down at mine, a smile growing on my face. They were blood red, the buds closed tightly. They seemed to sparkle with their own light, shimmering in the lights. A thin ribbon held them together perfectly, whiles a clear plastic cover stayed in place, protecting them from the elements. I breathed in the smell of them, sweet, floral. It was incredibly touching, and my heart was the lightest it had been in the entire evening.

Slowly, the curtains began to open, and we took our cue, and walked off of the stage, where in the very front were seats, most obviously reserved for us. May have been the big Reserved sign that clued me in…

Nonetheless, we sat silently, watching what would be the last act of the evening. And I had no idea what or who was going to do it, although, and I thought this painfully, I believed it was Edward.

My eyes were wide in surprise as the curtain opened completely, exposing a grand piano sitting in the middle of the hall. My eyes traveled to the person poised on it, my gaze unwavering on him. Edward was about to play.

"Ladies, Gentlemen- Belle Lullaby by Edward Cullen."

My heart clenched at the simple statement of the title- had he meant it to be so similar to my name? Or was it a coincidence? Was it- was it my lullaby? No, I scorned myself, my chest feeling empty, not my lullaby. My lullaby had been gone twenty years ago; it had left with Edward. No, it was simply Beautiful Lullaby.

His eyes were closed, and he set his fingers on the ivory keys, and played my lullaby.

I sat rigid, my hand clenched tensed around the other. It had been years since I last heard it- the pain was worse than ever. It ran through me like an electrical charge, I was anguished. Twenty years of avoiding the pain were catching up to me. And suddenly, it fell away. The torturous pain was gone; my mind was instantly cleared, as the music washed it away slowly.

Several images flashed through my mind at that very moment. Our old meadow. Running through the woods. The first time we kissed. His arms encircled around me, lying in bed, staring up at the ceiling. Him, playing the lullaby for the first time.

The music encircled me, enchanted me. My mind was in euphoric state- I truly believed that it was all true. That it wasn't a cruel prank. That my Edward was mere meters from me, playing my lullaby. He was mine, and mine alone.

I heard every single thing, my mind grasping at all it could- the way his fingers moved flawlessly over the keys, the subtle way he moved with the music- were all imprinted in my mind.

And, I slowly realized, that this could be the last time I ever saw Edward. This could be the last time- and my chest burned with apprehension and hurt. It would be so much worse after this, having to be accustomed to the fact that he had been so close, so attainable…if it weren't for the fact that he didn't want me.

He didn't want me.

And I wouldn't force myself on him.

The music ended, and my decision was made. I wouldn't contact him. I would not bother him. As much as it hurt, as much as I wanted desperately to talk to him, I wouldn't.

Watching as Edward stood and took a bow, I couldn't help but give him one last reminder of myself. It was childish, it was immature, but I stood, and pulling a rose from my bouquet, I placed it on the stage. Quickly spinning around, I ran out of the concert hall and out, holding back choked dry sobs.

The roses hung limp in my arms. I quickly threw them down on the concrete, ignoring them as I ran as fast as I could. I felt free, wild, unaware of my surroundings, running for the hell of it. I had to stop eventually, and I couldn't just leave the city that easily. As I slowed to a stop, I realized that I was well away from the center of the park- my feet were planted firmly by a large pond, surrounded by trees. Nobody was around, it was still and peaceful. Exactly what I needed at that very moment. I sighed and walked over to the bench, lying down on the cold stone.

I let the emotions wash over me undisturbed. I had not the strength, nor the will, to fight it. All I wanted to do now was be alone. I didn't want to talk to anyone, have to explain.

I was drained, both physically and mentally, by seeing him. The ache in my chest pulsed continually, stronger with each passing minute. I knew things would never return to normal- to the way they had been…a mere three hours before? Was it that little?

I would have to go off again, keep a low profile.

A new life, with a destroyed heart. And I had no hope of doing otherwise.

I couldn't return to the group, not after that little performance of mine after his playing. My heart wrenched as I considered it. I would be miserable. At least before I had something to do. I could take up another instrument? Anything to distract me. But I feared nothing would. And I slowly realized that what I was trying to avoid had happened, and that I would indeed do something drastic.

Something drastic.

Volterra.

Perhaps I could go, and then…

Maybe they would accept.

And if they wouldn't…well, I could take matters into my own hands, couldn't I? It was not difficult to find a vampire willing to destroy me. Along the years, I had discovered that a single slip could gain you enemies for eternity. Perhaps even find a group of vampires…

"Nice night to consider suicide, isn't it?" said a musical voice behind me.

I jumped up, standing in a defensive stance, crouched slightly.

Edward put his hands out in front of him.

"I won't bite." He said, flashing a smile. I was frozen. That beautiful half-smile of his.

I never thought I would see it again.

"Bella." His voice was anxious, "Bella, I- I don't know what to say."

"Then don't say anything." I murmured, walking past him, in an effort to walk out of the clearing.

His hand closed around my upper arm, spinning me around.

"This can't end like this. I know what you're thinking, Alice told saw it. You can't do this Bella, you can't d—" Edward was cut off.

"Why Edward? Tell me, why? I have control of what I am, what I do. You cannot tell me what to do." I spat, pulling my hair back.

"Bella, I can't leave you to die! You are-"

"You can't leave me to die? Edward, why should you care? Remember you didn't want me? I was left alone! Alone. Victoria bit me, didn't you ever find out?" I screamed, furious.

Edward looked shocked. "Bella- I, never knew."

I raised my hand, where a crescent moon was shaped delicately on my palm.

"See this, Edward? I had to face THREE DAYS of hell. By. Myself. Do you know how much of a comfort it would have been to have you?" I enunciated every word carefully, "And after that, I had to shut myself up. I had the most terrible blood lust, but I held it back. It hurt terribly, and I'll be the first to admit it, I slipped. I slipped. I felt so guilty afterwards; I would curl up and go off. After I managed to control myself, it hurt so much to go through every damned day. A little thing could set me off, send me twisting into the pain of you. I threw myself into my music. Hours and hours every day. Soundproof rooms, basements…. Twenty years of practice brought me to where I am today. Just when the pain was lessening, you show up."

My eyes were flashing with anger at the horrified Edward.

"So don't come with me with this crap of not leaving me to die. I've been dead, Edward! Having nobody to turn to, only a few people here and there! My life has been hell Edward."

"Because if anything, it would be a relief to die. I would leave this all behind, because there IS no point to living, if you don't have love." My voice was choked with emotion.

Edward grabbed my wrist rapidly, the only thing preventing me from walking away. No, I was strong enough to make him let go, but there was something in his eyes that convinced me to stay.

"Bella, if you think that I do not love you, then you have another thing coming." He said quietly, dropping my wrist. He sat at the bench, head in his palms.

"Oh, gods, how do I explain this? Bella- I never stopped loving you. You were- and still are- my everything. My moon, my stars, everything." He paused, looking up with me, despair etched on his face.

"It hurt so much, to leave you in the woods. I had convinced myself it was for the best, you would grow out of me. But, I didn't expect you to believe me so quickly. That you would be so sure of the truth that I would have to lie through my teeth for hours before I could even plant the seed of doubt in your mind. But how could you believe me? After all the thousands of times I had told you that I loved you, how could you let one word break your faith in me?" he said, sadness and guilt ridden in his eyes.

I was silent. I could say nothing, shocked as I was. He had always loved me. And I had loved him also.

He continued, "I could see it in your eyes, that you honestly believed that I didn't want you any more. The most absurd, ridiculous concept—as if there were any way I could exist without needing you!"

"I lied to save you, and it didn't work. I'm- I'm sorry Bella. And I know that is no excuse, and I am the lowest of the low, for leaving you. I was told- that you were killed. Killed by a wild animal. They had 'evidence'. Victoria must have cooked it up. When I found out- I was anguished. I escaped to Volterra, pleaded with them to kill me—"

"No." I gasped quietly. He had suffered for me also.

"They refused. Alice caught me, and convinced me, that you would have wanted me to go on. So I didn't go through with it. The years after were torture- pure torture. I no longer had a reason to live. So I too, threw myself into my music. And this evening- when I saw you lost, I nearly broke down, there and then."

I sat on the bench next to Edward, looking at him anxiously. He was so close. So, so close.

"Bella- all I can say is- I love you. So very much. And if you hate me now, well, that's alright. I can just walk away right now, and never come back."

My chest tightened with the prospect, he couldn't leave! Not when I had him so close.

"Edward." I rasped, reaching out for his hand, "I never want you to leave me, again. Never. Twenty years is a long time- I don't want to live eternity without you next to me."

And without a moment's hesitation, he kissed me.

And at that moment, I knew it would be alright.