Disclaimer: Twilight was written and created by Stephanie Meyer.

BELLA

The next two days that had passed were simultaneously the slowest and fastest days I had ever experienced. I so desperately wanted to sleep away the grief, but sleep didn't come to vampires. I didn't even have the option of gorging myself on food – I'd just throw it all up eventually.

Carlisle and Jasper kept a fridge full of IV bags with animal blood for me. There was a large variety; deer, black bear, elk, mountain lion, grizzly bear – which is apparently Emmett's favorite so could I please not drink all of that? – cougar, coyote, wolf. I blanched at all the options and tried to keep myself from drinking at all. I thought if I starved myself and died that way I could stop myself from having to live such a gruesome existence. However, within a few hours, my throat started burning again, and I had to stop myself from clawing at my neck in front of the Cullen's. Unfortunately for me, Jasper would correctly deduce when I was thirsty again and made sure I drank an IV bag.

Edward avoided me at all times, ducking out of rooms if he saw me in there. Annoyed by this, I decided to spend my now vast amount of time in the guest room where I had woken up. I also discovered that my hearing and eyesight had greatly improved, and I could hear every so-called whisper in the house. Of course, it seemed as if the Cullen's had other ways of communicating without my tuning in. They might as well have posted a sign outside the door that said GO AWAY BELLA, and it'd still be less obvious.

Not that they weren't being kind. Well, as kind as they could be. Rosalie ignored me, and I stayed out of her way as well. She peered at me as if I was a burden, and perhaps I was, but it wasn't my fault I'd been randomly selected to die in a round of Trial by Vampire. Emmett was usually found by Rosalie's side, but he would give me the occasional awkward smile. Jasper and Carlisle were always concerned about my thirst levels and would pop into the guest room every hour on the dot. Jasper seemed to always know when my thirst was rising and would bring a bag for me. I noticed that he always had a second bag for himself as well, but I didn't want to call him out on it. Esme was sweet and motherly but allowed me my space. She seemed like she was perpetually about to say something to me but always decided against it at the last moment, giving me a timid smile. Despite her hesitance, I liked Esme the best. Edward, of course, ignored me as well. Alice was rather talkative, or she only seemed talkative because no one else knew what to say. She was thoughtful enough to ask me if I wanted her to get me some things from Charlie's house, but I told her maybe after the funeral.

I wasn't allowed to go to the funeral. The initial fight had almost come to a gasket between Edward and me before he suddenly walked out. Every time I tried to broach the subject again I was shut down quickly. They always cited my newborn status and how I have no control over my thirst. There was also the minor issue of being officially declared dead.

Isabella Swan. Dead.

If I showed up to the funeral in my current state, two things might happen. One, I show up and smell the humans – my friends and family – and kill them all in my thirst. Two, I might show great constraint for a newborn – which, according to Jasper was not likely, but I expose the supernatural world to humans. Both were not great options.

I didn't have it in me to care though. I wanted to go so desperately. I could never forgive myself for not attending my father's funeral. We should have died together. If anything, Charlie was the one who should have lived between the two of us. I was a walking disaster who was a magnet for unfortunate things. At least Charlie would have had a chance.

My poor mother. I had to put my head between my legs in order to stop myself from hyperventilating. Renee must be crushed. All I wanted was to run to her and bury myself in her warm arms and beg for her forgiveness. She would blame herself of course. She must be in Phil's arms sobbing, wailing how she should have never let me leave Phoenix. She would have grieved Charlie, but I was her best friend. She wouldn't be able to move on after my supposed death. I was concerned for her wellbeing. She'd been so upset when her mother died, even though they never truly got along. Renee was so easily overtaken by grief that I feared she might do something drastic. She might let her marriage to Phil crumble, or worse.

A knock on the door brings me out of my woolgathering. Alice peeks in, her inky black hair wet from a shower. She mouthed if she could come in, and I nodded hesitantly. I had myself wrapped in the comforter on the bed so that only my face was visible as I balled my body into the downy fabric. She pushed open the door, making a face at my pathetic state. She gave me a stiff smile when I noticed her face falter and I scowled, hiding my face even more. She sat beside me on the bed, tenderly resting her hand on my back as I turned away from her.

"Do you want to come out of your shell, Bella?" Alice inquired softly.

I shook my head vehemently, pulling the comforter closer to me. The force from my fingers accidentally ripped some of the seams in the blanket. I groaned internally. Apparently, I was ridiculously strong now as well, even stronger than Emmett currently. I'm sure I made quite a sight. A newborn vampire hiding in a depression den was probably not what the Cullen's had prepared for. Emmett railed against classic stereotypes about vampires, and here I was hiding in my blanket/coffin.

Alice chuckled slightly, and I turned towards her, glowering. She laughed out loud then, amused by my appearance, and I looked in the mirror across from me. I had the comforter completely wrapped around my body, and only my face was visible. My harsh, red eyes glowed from underneath and I wanted to hide from myself. I turned away, not being able to stomach the sight of myself any longer.

"I'm sorry I laughed." Alice apologizes, and I grunt in response. "But I thought you might be thirsty."

I was starting to feel thirsty again, but I felt like I had no room in my body. I had gorged on blood for the past two days, and I didn't want to start again. Alice holds an IV bag out for me, and I shake my head. She makes a face of disbelief but otherwise withdraws it, holding it against her stomach.

"Well, I'm not sure if you'd be too interested, but I had a little chat with Carlisle, and I think I might have found a plan for you to see the funeral after all." She mentioned nonchalantly, swinging her legs off the side of the bed. I turned to her in surprise, the comforter falling off my head and revealing the bird's nest that was my hair.

"Really?" I squeak, and Alice grins, her sharp teeth gleaming in the bright light of the room.

"Don't get too excited, you still won't be able to go in person." I harrumph at that. Why did she bring it up if I couldn't go in person? That was the whole point after all.

Alice tilts her head at me, frowning slightly. "Don't be like that Bella. Once you leave the safety of the house you'll understand what we mean."

Deep down I felt that she was right. Carlisle had explained to me that even though animal blood was their main diet, human blood smelled much richer and sweeter. If I was having trouble keeping my thirst down with just the IV bags in the house, going outside where the scent of humans was everywhere would be an absolute nightmare for everyone.

I grumble underneath my breath. "I guess."

"Anyways," Alice moves on. "I found this tiny little camera online!" She takes something out of her pocket then and hands it to me. "Be careful okay? It's very fragile."

I hold the small, black camera in both of my palms, staring at it. It was tiny, just slightly bigger than my thumbnail. The lens was nice and clear, with an iridescent circle just behind it, and I could see inside the camera at the machinery behind it. There was a small clip on the back of it, made to clip onto something thin, and the small power button on the side. I look at Alice for an explanation.

Alice beams at me. "Edward or Carlisle can wear it on their suit jacket to the memorial! Its wireless and we can connect it to a laptop so that you'll be able to watch from home! I bought a matching earpiece so you can hear as well." She winks at me, taking the small camera from my grasp and placing it on the nightstand.

I gawk at Alice, trying to stop the sobs that were about to escape my mouth. She had found a way to circumvent my current situation and allow me to say goodbye to my family. I bit down on my lip hard, and if I was human I was sure I might have broken through the skin.

"T-thank you." I stammer, and Alice smiles tenderly. "Alice, thank you." I threw my arms around her suddenly, and we fall back onto the bed as I squeeze her tight. She laughs as she wraps her arms around my waist. I tighten my grip, although it seems to be too much because she starts to gasp.

"You're very welcome Bella," She breathes. "But please don't thank me by cutting off my air supply. It sends mixed messages."

I let go of her at once, standing on my knees above her. She takes in a deep breath and grins widely at me, shaking her head in amusement. I smile sheepishly.

"I thought vampires didn't have to breathe," I mumble.

"Well, we don't have to. It is uncomfortable though, and it looks more human if we breathe normally."

I shake my head at that. "I don't know how I'll keep this stuff straight. It's too much."

Alice lifts her lips in sympathy. Her small, elfin-like face glowed silver-white in the moonlight cascading down from the large window I had opened. Her wet black hair fell in her face, and she casually flipped it back, running her thin fingers through it. Her hair was choppy, and fell in layers to the top of her neck, just past her jawline. Wisps of it fell on her forehead. She noticed me staring at it, and gave me a wry smile. She held onto a small lock and looked at it. "It was cut before I was changed. I eventually figured out it wouldn't grow back."

I nodded awkwardly, not sure what to say. She was leaning up on her elbows and gazed at me blankly. "What?" I asked.

She shrugged. "Nothing. Just thinking about how you'll fit into our lives after this."

Well, I see that she liked keeping things subtle. "Listen, I know this is a burden on you all-"

She laughed again. "That's not what I meant silly. I know you'll stick around. I'm just wondering in what manner." She said that last part quietly, more to herself. Regardless, she was making no sense. A loud thump on the wall vibrated through the whole house and I jumped. Alice rolled her amber eyes.

"Ignore Edward. You'll soon notice he's very moody."

"Don't need to be a vampire to see that," I grumble. I hear Emmett and Jasper cackle from all the way downstairs, and I realize I had said that out loud. I look at Alice sheepishly, wondering if they were laughing at what I said. She giggled, hiding her mouth behind her palm as she nodded yes fervently. I groaned. That meant Edward heard it as well.

Alice took a moment to come down from her giggle high, but I could still hear the boys downstairs guffawing. A door opened, and a voice asked what they were laughing about. I heard Emmett explain to Rosalie what I'd been grumbling about, and she snickered. Another thump was made, though this one made on the floor. It only started their laughter up again downstairs. I frowned, feeling bad about making a snarky comment about Edward. And I had made it essentially right to his face. Alice snapped her fingers, commanding my attention. She grinned at me from where she was resting on the bed. "He'll get over it. Tomorrow it'll be someone else who's the butt of everyone's jokes. It's usually Edward though." She mouthed that last part, snickering to herself.

Still, I was quiet. I pondered what Alice could have meant when she said she already knew I'd be sticking around. Would I be a nuisance? Would I stay after they helped me out of the newborn phase? Alice lightly nudged me with her foot, bringing me back to reality.

"Earth to Bella, this is ground control speaking." She teased. I smiled half-heartedly at her attempts to make me feel better. "Anything on your mind?" She asked.

"What…" I lead off, not sure if I should ask. She smiled nicely, encouraging me. "What did you mean, when you said you knew I would stay with you?" I finally asked. She stared at me for a beat, mulling something over.

She sat up, crossing her legs Indian style. She was still silent as I waited for her to explain herself. "Oh what the hell, I might as well tell you. You're already a vampire, so how much weirder can it be?" She mumbled to herself.

"Alice…" A warning came out from the hall, and I turned, startled.

She turned towards the door, staring at it. I heard Edward grumbling about something. I looked between Alice and the door, wondering what she was doing. I narrowed my eyes as she swiveled back to meet me. "What aren't you telling me?"

She looked at me and finally came out with it. "I can see the future."

All was quiet in the house as the words left her lips. She smiled brightly at me, shrugging. "Surprise." She murmured.

"You what?" I asked, emotionless.

"I see the future. You know, events that are still to come?"

"And you just…see it?" I asked dumbly. She chuckled, nodding slowly as if I was dumb.

"Does that just…is that standard in every vampire model?" I asked her, a bit mean.

"Ha! No, it's not. Some vampires bring over…abilities from their human life." She explained, and I looked at her dumbly. "I had visions when I was a human. Not powerful ones like I do now, but I could still discern when something was going to happen."

"I see." I didn't see. "So…does everyone here have some…power?" I ask, embarrassed.

"Well…" She trailed off, and I knew I needed to strap myself in for another session of overwhelming knowledge. "Jasper is an empath. He can feel what you're feeling, and he can affect your emotions as well."

"You're joking." She shook her head. "So he can feel what I'm feeling right now?" I whispered, and I tried to stop myself from emitting any emotion. As if she knew what I was doing, she leaned in and smirked.

"He can feel you trying to be emotionless right now."

"That's messed up," I said bluntly, and I heard laughs from downstairs. I scowled. I'm glad they were all getting free entertainment out of my ignorance.

Alice rolled her eyes at her siblings, as I realized something. Jasper always came up when the itch in my throat started to flare again and I tried to control it. "Um, Alice? Can Jasper…" I pointed to my throat, not wanting to say it out loud. Her face fell serious, and she nodded.

"He can feel all of our thirsts." She confirmed, whispering very softly so he wouldn't hear us. I felt guilty as if it was my being there that was causing Jasper to be thirsty all the time. Alice shook her head, warning me silently not to feel bad. I stare at the ground instead. I slyly glance back up to see Alice staring at me. The awkward atmosphere had mostly dissipated between us, and it was instead a nice calm. I enjoyed when I found someone I could be silent with. It meant I wasn't forced to make small talk with them.

"So…anything else I should know?" I ask hesitantly, wondering what other powers the other Cullen's might have.

"Well, not everyone brings over some supernatural ability. Some bring over their strongest traits from when they were human. Take Emmett for example. He's like, super strong." She exaggerated. I heard Emmett say 'Aw yeah,' in confirmation and it got a small laugh out of me. "Rosalie is mind-numbingly gorgeous. Her beauty could launch a thousand ships." She says dramatically, her eyes alight. "Carlisle is very compassionate. Esme is very maternal, the love that pours from her flows like a river. Edward just so happens to read minds." She blew through that last part, and my jaw unhinged as I stared at her in shock.

"ALICE." Edward rumbles, and she shrinks in fear.

"He reads minds?" I hiss. I had been freaking out for nothing over Jasper's power and Edward was sitting in the room across the hall, reading my every single thought. I cursed inwardly, and then stopped, berating myself when I knew he could hear everything. How many times had I thought of him during school, while I sat next to him? He must have known how much I wanted him to pay attention to me those first few days after Tyler's van almost hit me. How much of an open book was I to him? He must have been telling his family everything I was thinking. I grabbed for the comforter again, burying myself in it as I groaned. This was not good. Alice lightly rubbed my back as I leaned over, willing myself to wake up from the worst dream I've ever had.

"Guess I shouldn't have sprung that on you, huh?" She said.

"If it's any consolation, I can't hear your thoughts." A low voice says, and I peek out of the blanket to see Edward standing in the doorway. His tall frame blocked most of the door, and he leaned on the hinges, shoving his hands into his pockets. He chuckled at my appearance, and I looked down, realizing I was still covered by the blanket. I slowly uncovered myself, revealing the old Dartmouth sweater I was still wearing. His face turned blank at that, and I crossed my arms shyly, wondering if he wanted it back before I realized what he had said.

"You can't hear me?" I asked slowly.

He shook his head, pursing his lips. He looked frustrated. "You've been completely blocked off to me, ever since we met. You're just…blank." He said quietly.

"Oh," I said simply. I almost sighed in relief, but that would have been as much of an indicator of my thoughts if he had read them. How could a mind reader not hear just one mind? The atmosphere had tensed again as the three of us said nothing. Can you hear me? I thought. I tried to raise the volume of my inner thoughts, concentrating. Edward furrowed his eyebrows, staring at me.

"Are you trying to get me to hear you?"

"Um," I guess I was, although I didn't know why. Just a minute ago I was silently rejoicing he wasn't in my mind, filtering through my thoughts.

"Anything?" Alice asks, looking between the two of us.

Edward stares at me, contemplating something. "Nothing."

At that, Edward decides to leave, turning his back on us as he made to step across the hallway.

"Wait," I called out, and he turned back to me, raising an eyebrow. "Um…" I forgot what I was about to say. "Did you want this back?" I said, pointing to the sweatshirt sheepishly. I had accidentally spilled some blood on it yesterday, and I had freaked. Edward had been out with Jasper and Rosalie, so I felt safe enough to tug on Esme's shirt and ask her if she could help me with the stain. Thankfully, this seemed to be a common enough occurrence in the Cullen residence, as Esme told me not to worry and showed me how to use their modern looking washer. Edward stared at the sweater.

"That's alright. You can keep it for now." He said quietly, almost running to get out of the room. I frowned as he left quickly, looking down at the sweater. I tried to sniff it, to see if the scent of blood still lingered on the worn fabric. Alice looked down at me with a soft smile.

"There's been enough blood on that thing to make a whole new animal." She said very softly, winking at me. "Anyways, you should be feeling thirsty now." She said confidently, retrieving the IV bag from the nightstand next to the bed. I hadn't even realized she had placed it somewhere else. She held it out to me. "Drink." She commanded.

I did as she said, hesitantly holding the bag between both of my hands. I made a face, but the smell was starting to affect me, and the burn erupted in my throat then. I put the bag to my mouth, sucking gently. The thick substance washed down my throat, tasting of rust and iron as it soothed the burn momentarily. There was a hidden note to it as if it was starting to taste good to me. When I first drank it, it only felt good, as I had finally iced a sore, itchy throat. I gagged, some of the blood coming back up my mouth. I wanted to spit it up, but Alice gave me a look and I forced it back down, gulping. It was like choking down vomit.

Her face softens. "It gets easier."

I wish I could have believed her, but I didn't.

EDWARD

The ride to the funeral home in Forks felt long, but only because Carlisle drove slightly above the speed limit. I gritted my teeth as I fidgeted in the passenger seat of Carlisle's Mercedes. Carlisle glanced towards me and peeked at Rosalie and Alice in the back through his rearview mirror. Rosalie was staring at the scenery passing by, thinking of how she didn't want to sit through the funeral. Alice was pondering what she needed to pack for Alaska, and planning her goodbye to Jasper. I made a face, wishing I hadn't seen that.

I made sure I had the camera in my pocket once again. I had tested out the camera this morning by running far into the woods while Jasper made sure the connection was hooked up to his laptop. We all wanted to make sure it worked so Bella would be able to have her goodbye. Rosalie grumbled about going out of our way to please 'some random girl', but Emmett had to gently remind her that she had been able to attend the funerals of her family in person, even if she had to watch from the edge of the cemetery or the back of a church. She conceded at that, but still complained lightly in her head.

Carlisle pulled into the parking lot, where the whole town seemed to be. We circled around a couple of times, trying to look for parking as people dressed in their finest black clothes walked into the funeral home. It was a dreadfully grey day, and Alice had informed us there was no chance of the sun coming out. At least there was some good news.

"Did the whole town come?" Rosalie murmured, staring out of the window as Carlisle eventually found some street parking. Looks like we're walking, she grumbled.

Carlisle put the car in park. "Chief Swan was a fine man," He said, unbuckling his seatbelt. We all climbed out of the Mercedes and started on our way. Thankfully, no one stared at us as we walked past, their minds thinking of Chief Swan and Bella. There were a couple of pre-pubescent boys staring at Rosalie's figure, but a quick glare from my end had them running back to their mothers. Rosalie nodded stiffly at me, thanking me for my silent intervention.

You should turn the camera on Edward, Alice reminded me. I fished around in my coat for it, slyly clipping it onto my lapel. Thankfully the camera blended in perfectly with my coat, and I could hide it in case someone wondered too close to us. I quickly turned on the power on both the camera and the earpiece. I leaned into my shoulder, pretending to cough. "Is it working?" I mumble. I received a text message a second later, a quick confirmation from Jasper. We walked into the entrance of the hall, waiting to be greeted. I scanned the area quickly, stopping as I found two portraits on standing frames in the center of the circular room.

Chief Swan's portrait was from when he was first inducted as Chief of Police. He looked staunch, his thick mustache combed to perfection and his uniform was and hat shined in the camera light. He had a straight, serious face as he looked every bit the part of a man who worshipped the law. Bella's portrait was more casual. It was a headshot of her from when she lived in Phoenix. She had a shy smile, reluctant to show her teeth as the sun warmed her skin. The Grand Canyon stood behind her, but I was focused on the girl in front. She looked so young and innocent. My dead heart flopped in my chest as I continued to stare at Bella's portrait. One of the local officers was greeting Carlisle then, and Alice tugged on my elbow, motioning us to move on.

"Dr. Cullen, I'm glad you were able to make it. Hey kids," The officer waves at us slightly.

"Of course, we couldn't miss it, Wyatt." Carlisle murmured. "Are you getting any sleep?"

Wyatt shrugged, his eyes rimmed with sorrow and exhaustion. "Not really doc, but what can we do?" Carlisle nodded his head in agreement. And still no god damn leads, Wyatt cursed internally. "Esme couldn't make it?"

"No, unfortunately not. Her aunt is terminally ill, and she's packing to move up with her to Alaska in a week." Carlisle said mournfully. "Emmett and Jasper are helping her with some of the heavier things."

"Aw, I'm sorry Carlisle. Give Esme my love. Edward, didn't want to help your mom out today?" Wyatt tried to joke, but it fell flat. I was admittedly caught off guard by his question as I had stopped paying attention to his thoughts.

"Um…" I stammered, trying to look for a typical teenage excuse.

"He was friends with Bella." Alice lies smoothly, and Wyatt's face falls. His chubby red face twitches with emotion and we're all silent.

"Oh, I'm sorry Edward. Hope I didn't hurt your feelings," He mumbled, crossing his arms.

"It's alright," I mumble under my breath, looking anywhere but him.

"She was a sweet kid. She came down to the station on one Saturday with lunch for all of us." Wyatt recalls, and through his mind I see Bella walking into the Forks Police Station with a picnic basket, handing out warm grilled cheese sandwiches as she warmed up thermoses of tomato basil soup. She smiled shyly as Chief Swan awkwardly embraces her with one arm. Bella didn't see it, but everyone saw Chief Swan glow with quiet pride for the rest of the day.

"She was a nice girl." Carlisle murmurs in agreement.

"Alright, I'll let you guys sit down. It should be starting soon." He waved us off, and we walked quietly into the main room. Most of the seats were taken by now, and there were two coffins in front of the room, both closed shut. One had a wreath of ivy and the other a wreath of white tulips. A woman with short brown hair sat in the front, sobbing into a man's arms. Through the man's arms, I saw that the woman looked remarkably like Bella, only with light blue eyes. That must be Bella's mother, Carlisle thinks. I scan the room, catching Bella's friends in the middle. Mike Newton, Eric Yorkie, and Angela Webber had been crying sincerely, their faces streaked with tears and eyes rimmed red. Tyler Crowley sat quietly, kicking at something on the floor. Jessica Stanley sat with her hands folded in her lap, willing herself not to tear up in front of Mike. I rolled my eyes at that. Lauren Mallory looked bored in her seat next to Jessica, twiddling her thumbs. She scanned the room as well, eyes widening when she saw us standing in the back. She nudged Jessica sharply, ignoring her cries of pain.

"Edward Cullen is here." She hisses, and Jessica turns in astonishment. We all pretend not to hear her and look off in different directions. Jessica eyes me, and turns to her friends in the front aisle, whispering. A bevy of teenagers look in my direction, and I stare them head-on. Mike glowers at me, turning back into his seat as he mumbles "Jackass." Angela gives him a look, swiveling back to us and giving us a small wave. Alice indulges her, and Rosalie and I stare at her in shock.

"Since when are you so friendly with humans?" Rosalie grills her in a high pitched voice so no one overhears. Alice pouts slightly.

"Since Bella became one of us." She whispers. Rosalie rolls her eyes furiously, muttering to herself in her thoughts. She started thinking of an old friend, but quickly shook those thoughts from her mind. Alice looked up at our sister in dismay, knowing that she was thinking of old times but turned back to the front where the interim chief was standing and testing the mic on the podium.

"Um, if I can have everyone's attention please we'd like to get started." He mumbled.

Almost every officer on the force had a speech prepared in honor of Chief Swan. As the memorials were being spoken, I took the time to search for people's thoughts as they all crowded into the small room. I was glad Alice had convinced us to drink before we came as the overwhelming scent of human was starting to distract me from my task. Rosalie shifted on her heels uncomfortably, feeling the same way.

Mostly, people were convinced it was a premeditated attack against the Swans, but no one could figure out who could have been so vengeful. Charlie hadn't charged anyone in town with a serious crime during his tenure. In fact, crime had gone down while he was chief. Except for the traffic violations and occasional shoplifting charge, Chief Swan had made Forks a very safe place to live. Except for us, I thought bitterly. Mrs. Stanley threw out the theory at some point that it could have been someone in the heroin drug ring in Port Angeles that murdered the Swans. Charlie had been an integral part of the case and was present during the arrests. I had to admit; it was a good theory and could have been very plausible. That little rumor already had sparked an investigation, with detectives interviewing former ring members about their whereabouts that night and if anyone else might be implicated.

I nudge Carlisle who glances at me through the corner of his eye. Anything? He asks.

I look at a painting on the left side and then move my eyes to the right side of the room. If anyone looked, they wouldn't see me communicating with Carlisle. Carlisle breathed a sigh of relief, all the tension on his shoulders dissipating. "They think it might be the drug ring from last year." I murmur at vampire speed. Carlisle nods, gazing at the speaker in the front of the room.

"Good theory."

The current speaker ends, and we all clap politely. A woman moves to the stand, and I notice its Bella's mother. I subtly adjust the camera, making sure Bella would have a clear visual. Renee was slim, and her light blue eyes were bloodshot from crying. She took a few moments to get her bearings together, tears rolling down her face. "Um…thank you all for coming," She stumbles, her hands shaking as she pulls out a notecard. She looked down at it, trying to decipher the tear-stained note. Her thoughts were of similar nature. It was interesting that I could hear Renee's thoughts clearly, while Charlie's had been muddled and quiet, and harder to read. Bella had once mentioned she had gained her father's quiet disposition.

"I…I haven't been to Forks in almost seventeen years." She said quietly. She had wiped her tears with a handkerchief her husband handed her. "I never thought I would come back to bury my baby."

All was quiet as they listened to Renee speak about she first met Charlie and how it had been love at first sight. She didn't voice it, but she was just as devastated about Charlie's death as much as Bella's. There was a small part of her that still loved him, even if she was in love with someone else now. "And Bella…my sweet Isabella." She teared up. "I should have…I should have been a better mother to her. Did you all know she started the bookkeeping for us when she in the fifth grade?" She cry-laughs. "She was so responsible and mature for her age. I've thought about it, and if I had to raise Bella again, I'd do it so much differently." Renee whispers. "I'd make sure she was happy, happier than she let on." Inside, Renee was cursing. I should have never let her come to this forsaken town.

"Bella…Bella loved books. And animals. I think she liked those two things better than people." That got a few laughs out from the audience. "We adopted this small yellow kitten when Bella was young, I think she was five? Anyways, she would read to this kitten every day. Everything from her storybooks to the cereal box. The kitten ended up running away one day, and Bella was so devastated." Renee trailed off. "I think I'm only feeling a fraction of what she might have felt that day."

"I am…so heartbroken," She sobbed. "I miss them both so much. They didn't deserve this, any of this." Renee became incapable of speaking then, sobbing into her hands. Her husband Phil had to gently take her away from the podium. I shifted, becoming uncomfortable as there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Alice nudged me, passing me a small bottle of fake tears. I glanced at her and saw her eyes swimming in the liquid, and she looked upset enough. Rosalie was turned into the wall, pretending to wipe her eyes. Carlisle and I were stone-faced, but I handed him the bottle if he wanted it. He almost cracked a smile and put in the drops quickly so no one would notice.

People were starting to mill about and leave, so I checked my watch. It was almost time for the burial. Rosalie led the way out and we walked a slow pace to the car. I breathed in the fresh air, grateful we were out of that human packed hall. We all sat in the car, not moving. Carlisle slumped in his seat and he closed his eyes. The circles under his eyes were starting to become more prominent. He hadn't been taking proper care of himself the past week, instead making sure we were all fed plus the stress of taking care of a newborn. He hadn't been near a newborn in almost seventy years and had forgotten how exhausting it was. It had been his idea to collect the blood of various animals into IV bags for easy access for Bella to consume. He didn't say it, but he knew it would be easier on Jasper as well, and he wouldn't have to continually go hunt when he was around Bella's constant thirst.

"You should hunt after this." I murmur, and he glances at me. Alice and Rosalie nod in agreement, and he sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. I turned off the earpiece and camera for now, not willing to accidentally record the conversation and live stream it at home.

"I know. Maybe I'll grab a bag after this." He chuckled.

"That was a good idea dad," Alice complements, and Carlisle smiles at being called 'dad'.

"I'm just glad it seems to be working for now." I thought of it years ago in case I ever had to change someone else. As if realizing his mistake, Carlisle turns to me in surprise. I furrow my eyebrows in confusion.

"What do you mean by that?"

I think you know what I mean. I scowl, realizing his hints.

"Mind telling us commoners what's going on?" Rosalie grumbles. She pulled out her cell phone and started texting Emmett.

"Nothing," I grumble. Carlisle pulls out of the space, putting the car into drive and sped off to the cemetery. I was annoyed by his insinuation that I might find someone to love and damn. If Carlisle had found another girl dying in the street, would he change her in hopes that I might come to love her? He had already damned Rosalie to this life for me, and while she was eternally happy with Emmett, there was a part of her that still resented Carlisle for that night. She resented me slightly as well. My rejection of her only proved that she had been changed for naught. I couldn't go through the same thing again with a different girl and be the cause of her resentment. She would be damned for nothing.

We reached the cemetery in record time. I groaned at the fact that we had parked next to Tyler's van. Alice gave me a small smirk as she climbed out of the car. The past never dies. I thought you would have realized that by now Edward.

"I just never realized the past has a sense of irony," I muttered, shutting the door. Rosalie ignored all of us, striding over to the sidewalk and into the grass. I swiftly turned on the camera and earpiece and made sure it was working. Snowflakes were beginning to fall, and they tangled into our hair and dissolved. Rosalie made a face as she regarded her heels, hoping they wouldn't be ruined. Alice beamed at the sky. The general consensus was that most people had wished they had the foresight to bring a coat. Everyone from the funeral home had reached the cemetery by now, and the hearses containing the Chief's and Bella's coffins were just arriving. Renee and her husband Phil climbed out of a black rental car. Renee was trying to hide her tears as Phil greeted the priest. They made their way over to a small seating area, and we all followed suit. The Forks Police Force arranged for some of the band students at the high school to play a somber rendition of Taps, and the police force carried both coffins in front of the graves already dug up. The next hour was filled with emotional turmoil as people gave their condolences to Renee and Phil. The priest said his final words, and finally, it was time to bury the coffins. Renee wailed with fresh tears as people started to put in handfuls of dirt in both graves. The graves were side by side, separated by only a few inches, but they would be sharing a large headstone.

Here Lies:

Chief Charles Swan; Beloved Father, Son, and Husband

He Served Well and True.

1964-2005

Bella Swan; Loving Daughter and Friend

Her Smile Was Sweeter Than Sunshine.

1987-2005

We quickly put in our handfuls of dirt and threw them on the coffins. We were the last people in line, and we waited to give our condolences to Bella's mother and stepfather. I wondered what she was thinking right now, seeing her mother for the last time through a laptop screen. We hadn't received any calls urging us to come home right away, so we assumed she must be fine.

Fine as she could be, at least.

"We are so sorry for your loss." Carlisle murmured, holding Renee's hand in his. She shivered at his cold touch but grabbed it anyways.

"Thank you." She said. Her voice was rough with emotion, and I noticed that her voice was just a tinge higher than Bella's was. She glanced at all of us, eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "I'm sorry, but I don't recognize you." She murmurs, looking towards Carlisle again.

"Of course, we only moved here two years ago. I'm Dr. Cullen. These are my children, Edward, Alice, and Rosalie." Carlisle discloses. Her eyes widen in surprise, staring at me in particular.

"Edward Cullen?" I raise an eyebrow and nod once. Did Bella tell her mother about me?

She sighs, moving closer to me and takes my hand in hers, catching me off guard. "You saved my daughter's life." She recalled in her mind the phone call with Charlie about how Bella was in the hospital and then talking to Bella on the phone once she was home safe and sound. "I wish we met under better circumstances." She whispers, staring intensely into my eyes. They were about the same height. Bella didn't receive her mother's blue eyes, but she certainly inherited her intensity and her bold stare.

"So do I," I say quietly, lying smoothly. Had Bella never been attacked, I would have never met her mother in any circumstance. Renee took another moment to look me up and down, appraising the man who saved her daughter once. I only wish he could have saved her again, she thought mournfully.

I wish I had too.

Renee smiled at Alice and Rosalie politely, her lips tight with tension. They returned the gesture, and we bid goodbye to the grieving mother. Carlisle ran into some of his colleagues from the hospital and was making small talk with them, murmuring about what a shame it was about Chief Swan and Bella. Alice and Rosalie whispered amongst themselves near a grove of trees, glancing over at me every once in a while. I couldn't stand their thoughts, so I moved away to take a walk.

I somehow found myself in front of the Swan's headstone again. They had filled the graves quickly and I stood at the edge of the now flattened earth. Years from now, maybe even months all of this would be forgotten, and all that would be left of the Swan's was a large slate headstone bearing their names. I surprised myself and I couldn't tell why I was upset. It's not as if I hadn't gone through the same thing, burying my parents and later on myself. I've grown used to this life, and I've seen how dark of a man I could be. Deep down I knew I deserved this life, and I deserved to watch the future pass me by as I longed for an ending to my misery. But Bella was a different story. She was fundamentally good, and pure at heart.

"Hi, Edward." A small voice greets me, and I turn to see Angela standing behind me, holding a bouquet of white roses. She pushes her glasses further up her nose as she studies me. I give her a semblance of a pained smile and raise my hand to greet her, not in the mood to speak. She moves in front of me, placing the bouquet on the top of the headstone. Her light brown curly hair is sprinkled with snowflakes, and she shivers as she crosses her arms and tries to warm herself. I point silently to my jacket, asking if she'd like it. She shakes her head no and smiles shyly at me. He's sweeter then he lets on. She thinks.

We stand in silence for a few minutes in front of the grave, looking down. We made eye contact twice and quickly averted our eyes. I didn't mind Angela, but I wasn't in the mood to be near humans. I was just lucky I wasn't standing next to Jessica or Mike. I gritted my teeth at that thought.

"She was really nice, wasn't she?" Angela muses, and I'm not sure what to say entirely. I clear my throat, and she looks up expectantly.

"Yeah, she was," I mumble, kicking at the ground gently. My kick wasn't as gentle as I thought, and I killed a small patch of grass. Angela noticed and purses her lips.

"You two didn't seem that close." She deduces, and I pay attention to her now. He seems really beaten up by her death…

"Well…" I start. I try to think of a good excuse, but Angela was right. We hadn't been on friendly terms when Bella was still human. I don't believe we were on friendly terms even now. I just shrugged my shoulders, leaving it at that. Angela studies me once more before turning back to the sad sight in front of us.

"Bella was a good friend." She murmurs. "She helped me ask Ben to the dance."

"That was nice of her," I mutter. I see myself through Angela's eyes, and I cringe at the image. I'm scowling at the ground, my face tight with unsaid tension. Should I ask him? He looks so angry. I'm almost sure he did now. Sure of what? I take a glimpse at her and she meets me.

"Did you like her Edward?"

"What do you mean?"

"…I think you know what I mean." The second time someone uttered that sentence to me today. "Did you have feelings for Bella?" He saved her life, and he's standing at her grave by himself. He had to have liked her.

I bite the inside of my cheek, ignoring the wind that wafted the smell of human right to my nose. I willed Angela to go away and let me be, but she stood firmly next to me, waiting for an answer. I looked over to where the rest of my family was, and they were engrossed in conversation with our school principal. Carlisle was explaining to him that Esme would be taking Alice and me to Alaska for the rest of the school year. The principal didn't seem to mind that much, he was even somewhat relieved.

"I'm not sure what I felt," I answer finally, and Angela accepts it. She seemed to realize that I was telling the truth. We stood in silence once more.

"Angela!" A deep voice calls, and we both turn towards the source. A chubby man with light brown curly hair motioned for Angela to move, and she smiles apologetically before moving. She pauses though, turning back to me. She hesitates, before placing a soothing, warm hand on my forearm.

"I miss her too." She murmurs. The concern in her voice was comforting. I give her a tight-lipped smile, and she returned the gesture. She let go, waving goodbye as she ran off to meet her parents. I stare at her, pondering her line of questioning more deeply. Did she really believe that I had feelings for Bella? I felt something, but it was more along the lines of curiosity, not what she was thinking of. I tried to probe her mind once more before she disappeared out of range, but it was too late. She was already in her parent's car, speeding off into the streets.

I sigh heavily and look up into the now evening sky. Clouds with snow still churned, and small snowflakes fell delicately. I could catch the unique patterns of each snowflake in my path, memorizing them before they dissolved on the ground. A few landed on my face, and I closed my eyes at the cool sensation, trying to figure it all out. When I opened my eyes, I could see the stars in the sky coming out of their shell. It was much too faint for the human eye, but the faint twinkle was easy enough to spot for a vampire. Soon, the entire sky would be filled with the golden light of stars whirling past, and I would spend yet another night staring and wishing for something better to come along.

A faint line of silver shot past, and I recognized it as a shooting star. I trailed it, watching it shoot across the endless ceiling of stars and beyond the horizon. In a past life, I recalled my mother holding me as a young boy, pointing at a shower of shooting stars deep in the countryside.

"Do you know what shooting stars mean, Edward?" Mother asked me, and I turned towards her, shaking my head fervently. She laughed, tapping my nose playfully.

"They're the start of new beginnings. Signs from a greater being that all will be well."

"Are you sure?" I ask, doubtful. She laughs again, her sea green eyes full of mirth.

"I met your father the night after I saw a shooting star fly across the sky. They are filled with fate, sweet boy."

The memory was still foggy, but my mother's words had always stayed with me. I close my eyes, wishing everything would right itself.

A sign that all will be made well.

AN: Thanks for being so patient! So this chapter was 10,000+ words. Could you spare the time to write a review? :)

I also cannot wait for you all to read chapter 7. It's definitely one of my favorites so far.

I sincerely hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Thank you for reading!