Chapter Five: Forgiven

Bella looked at Aro as she entered the library. He was sitting at his desk and then waited till Felix left. Bella watched as he continued to write, so she took the opportunity to wander around and look. Aro lifted his head a little to watch Bella and noticed that she was intrigued with everything he had in the library. He had never seen anyone so intrigued by books before besides Jane and Nerissa.

He stood silently and moved behind her. He saw her looking through a book that was titled Beauty From The Heart. He watched her for a few minutes longer before he took the book from her hands. Bella turned towards him and looked at him.

"Sorry. It was a catchy title."

"I bought it because Nerissa and Jane love to read it. I've caught them reading it over a hundred times and still they come back to it."

Aro placed the book back up on the shelf and then turned to look back at her. He saw the hurt still evident in her eyes as he brushed her hair from her face and trailed his fingers down her cheek.

"Was there something you wanted to see me about Aro?"

"I want your opinion on something. I know I treated you badly earlier, but it involves the Cullens."

Bella tensed and she looked at him. Other than being a shield, Bella had no other powers and it was very odd for her not to have any, but she had a very loving heart. He looked at her and felt the pulling he felt earlier. He was so shaken up after the kiss that he couldn't understand how this girl…no woman before him could have the effect on him.

"What about the Cullens, Aro?"

"I have invited them to the ball I'm holding tonight and I would like to know what you want."

"Aro, you know that I feel extremely betrayed by them."

"I know dear, but would it help if I escorted you myself?"

Bella looked at Aro and saw that he was actually begging her to go with him to this ball. She nodded and then accepted the gift he had gotten her. Bella opened the box and saw a diamond bracelet sitting on a velvet lining shining brightly back at her.

"I'm sure Jane and Nerissa will help you get dressed."

"Very well."


Bella was sitting in her room looking out at the night sky, when she remembered the advice she was given. Jane and Nerissa had left her after they had finished getting her dressed.

"Bella? You look sad?"

"More like confused Jane."

"What about?"

"My feelings for Aro."

Nerissa looked away from the window she'd been staring out of for an hour and looked at Bella. Nerissa then chuckled which turned into a laugh as she heard what Bella whispered. Jane was shocked because no one besides a few could make Nerissa chuckle more less laugh out right. Bella looked up at Nerissa when she stopped in front of her. Nerissa took Bella's hands in hers and smiled at her.

"Bella, Aro is harder to understand than most men. Trust us. We know. He's my uncle and he's like a father to Jane."

"That's true Bella. He's always loved everyone, but he's never had a true love."

"Really?"

"Bella, all you have to is just be yourself. Don't pretend to be anyone else. Just be you."

"Okay girls. Thank you."

"We will leave you to your thoughts now."

"You do look lovely by the way Bella."

"Thank you girls."

Jane and Nerissa left the room and walked down to the throne room where the ball would take place, leaving Bella to think on what they had told her.

Bella stood from her window seat and brushed the gown she wore. She looked at her self in the mirror and sighed. There was no denying that she was beautiful, but the strapless royal blue velvet gown embroidered with rubies she had on enhanced her features. The word beautiful did not do her justice on this night, but she could think of no other word to describe her self. She jumped at the sound of someone clearing his or her throat and turned around to see Marcus standing there.

"Bella, are you all right?"

"I'm not sure."

"Confused are we?"

"I have no idea what to do Marcus."

"Come. I will take you to Aro. He's in the library finishing an arrangement."

"The Cullens?"

"Yes."

"I see."

"Oh I'm sure my daughter has already told you, but you look magnificent in that gown."

"Jane and Nerissa told me that Aro had bought the dress for me."

"Yes he did."

"I should thank him for it."

"One last thing though."

Marcus stopped and pulled out a velvet cloak and placed it around her shoulders. Bella let him fasten it and then watched it drape around her. She smiled and nodded her head at Marcus. He smiled and led her to the library.


"Aro, please. We mean her no harm."

"I know that Carlisle. But she feels betrayed."

"How does…"

Bella entered the library and looked at them. Alice saw the hurt in her eyes and then bowed her head.

"Bella, welcome."

"May I speak with them alone Aro?"

"Of course."

Aro moved to leave, but before he left the room, he placed a hand on her face. He trailed his fingers down her cheek and looked at her, asking her with his eyes if she was sure of this. Bella nodded her head at him and watched him leave. She then turned towards her second family and looked at Rosalie. Rosalie looked at Bella and then moved to her. Bella hugged her as she broke down in tears. Carlisle and the others were shocked at Rosalie's display. Bella hugged her friend and stroked her hair to calm her down.

"Rose, what's wrong?"

"I'm sorry…"

"Rose, sit down. You are ruining your gown by wrinkling it and I'm sure that would not be be good."

"Bella, please...please forgive me."

"For what if I may ask?"

"For hating you."

"I forgave you the day you talked to me for the first time without venom."

"I'm still sorry."

"Okay Rose. I know you are, but it's the past. I'm all right."

Rosalie nodded and then looked at her family. She saw their shock and chuckled a little bit. A knock on the door caught their attention and Nerissa stood there leaning agiasnt the doorjamb as she waited to be addressed. She knew that this family would always love Bella, but Nerissa just was not fond of how they hurt her.

"Yes Nerissa?"

"The ball is starting."

"We will be there soon."

"Hurry. Aro will go crazy if you're not there soon."

"Would you hush and go?"

"Now where's the fun in that?"

"Go Nerissa. Before I call Demetri."

"You would!"

"That's right I would."

"Evil Bella. Pure evil."

"Oh well."

"Okay I'm going."

Nerissa smirked and left as she watched the others stand and follow Bella out of the library. Rosalie never left Bella's side until they entered the throne room.


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