Chapter 7 – No More
The
Cullens have been gone for a month. I fell back into my sadness, but
this was more. It was worse. When humans were brought to us, I
barely feed. When the humans screamed, I flinched away. I broke the
neck of my human and consumed the blood; trying to be merciful.
Clearly Carlisle had some influence on me. Jane eyed me suspiciously
and I glared back. As the bodies were cleared out, I watched how
Felix, Alec and Demetri laughed about their meal. "Mine was
like honey," Felix guffawed. I darted out of the room. Even
though they were weaker than us, I began to feel some respect for
humans. They sustained us. Without them, many of us would be weak
beyond all reason. I played my hardly used CD player, letting the
music fill the air. I wanted to block out the braying laughter from
the three members. As the music played, I knew it wasn't calming me.
Only one thing calmed me; thinking about the Cullens. I thought
Alice dancing through my closet and I smiled. I thought of fencing
Jasper and I sighed. And, my favorite memory, Edward and I whirling
around the dance floor. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. I went
to the back of my closet and opened the garment bag of my gold dress.
After their departure, I gingerly took the dress off and hung it in
the plastic garment bag. I didn't want anything to taint it. I
opened it and sniffed at the torso. The scent was fading but still
their. It was his scent. His scent from that last hug, from our
goodbye. I closed the bag and laid on the floor.
I
thought about Edward too much. I suppressed my hope for the outside
world, but my longing for him would not be silenced. It refused to
be silenced and locked away. I tried so hard, but I couldn't. I had
to think about him. I had to miss him. I couldn't forget him. From
his short visit, he stained me. What was it about him? Why was he
unforgettable? Why was I so, so.... enchanted by him? There was a
knock on my door. I got up and walked to the door at a human pace.
The knock brought me out of my fantasies. I opened the door to my
parents. "Is something wrong?" They looked at me. "What
is it?" The both of them floated into my room. I realized that
this was it. What I have been for since the Cullens left. The
torrent from them about my actions while the Cullens were here.
Being alone with Edward and talking with Alice, Rosalie and Esme for
long periods of time. My parents have always kept my interactions
with outsiders limited; not wanting me to be persuaded or tempted
even further to see the world.
I closed my door and exhaled; I would accept anything they would do. It was worth it. My mother sat on my bed and my father folded his arms, the both of them still looking at me. I played innocent, "Did I do something?" "Dear one, why would you think you did something?" my father finally spoke. I still played innocent, "Then what's this all about?" My mother smiled, "We need a reason to come and see you." She stood up, "But, we came to see you because you've seemed really distant for sometime now? Are you alright?" The torrent wasn't coming, at least not now, "Yes. Why?" My father held out his hand and I took it. He had me sit with my mother, "Dear, you have seemed more upset since the Cullens left. Did they upset you?" I looked up to him, "No, no." I laughed, "It's just…" I couldn't tell them the whole truth, "I miss Alice. She was a lot of fun." Both of them sighed and smiled. "That's it?" my mother asked placing her arm over my shoulder. "Yes, Mother. Was that it?" I was still worried that they were mad at me. My father kissed my hair, "Yes. We hate seeing you upset." If you hated seeing me upset, then let me leave Volterra, I thought to myself. I smiled, "I know, Father. I didn't mean to worry the both of you. I will be fine. I'll always be fine." My father hugged me, "My daughter, do not worry. The Cullens will return for a visit and you will see Alice again." I smiled, "I know they will. But please," I looked to my mother, "do not worry about me. I am feeling better." I lied coolly to them, but I had to hide my true pain from them. My mother kissed my check, "Alright, but if you ever feel upset, do not hesitate to speak to us. Remember, we love you." I smiled, "You love the both of you too." I leaned my head against my father's chest and he hugged me.
After my parents left my room, I was feeling lighter. I did love my parents and they did make me feel better. I sat at my window and began drawing again. I drew the Cullen family. I took extra time drawing Edward. I committed his features to memory; from the beautiful, messy bronze hair to his chiseled jaw line. All of them with their gold eyes. I went to my usually veranda, I wanted to draw the town. I was walking to the veranda when I heard them.
"It is too bad Isabella could not convince him," I heard Caius say. "Yes, Aro. I felt their bond; it was getting stronger. But his bond to his family and Carlisle was stronger. I wonder if they remained, if his and Isabella's would have gotten stronger than that?" Marcus added. My mouth fell open. "Yes, having Edward here would have been wonderful. And Alice of course. Jasper would have made a lovely addition as well." Caius chuckled, "Yes, Jasper. If Isabella had gotten Alice to stay, we would have gotten two for one." I remained silent. "Please Caius, I have considered that. If only she had convinced Edward to stay. That would have handled to things. We would have gained a wonderful addition in Edward and he would have diminished Isabella's want for the outside world." He was silent, "We cannot lose her. She is too important." I heard someone take a step, "That is why she is your daughter," I heard Marcus. "You saw they way they were when Caius and I found them in the courtyard. Even then, their bond was growing stronger. When they danced together at the ball, their bond was so strong, I was hopeful that he would stay. Oh well, maybe if you had let Isabella out of the tower, she could have learned to use her feminine whiles better and Edward would have stayed." I heard Caius and Marcus chuckle. "Leave her alone. If the bonds you say were that strong, I am sure Edward will return on his own. Maybe then she will convince him to stay with her." They continued their conversation and I slinked back to my room. I closed my door quietly and ran into the back of my closet. I screamed into one of my blouses. My eyes prickled and I broke into a tearless cry. I cried for a long time.
My father wanted to use me to steal from Carlisle. That thought made me cry harder. My so-called father wanted to use me to keep Edward here. I wanted to roar, but I fought the urge. When my cried ended, anger filled me. It consumed me. That was it; that was the final straw. I couldn't remain in Volterra. I couldn't remain the imprisoned princess. It was time for the princess to rescue herself. It was time for me to leave Volterra. Leave and never come back.
Since I heard my father and uncles' conversation, I distanced myself from them. I didn't care what Marcus felt. None of them care about what I wanted. One evening, all of us were gathered in the main chamber. There was trouble in Asia. "It is confirmed, Master. Someone is unleashing immortal children in China. There are about 10 of them. We know who the creator is," Jane and Alec reported. I was on the opposite side of the chamber, near Heidi. My father and uncles deliberated. "We must go and dispense with them. They have broken our more sacred law. Caius, Marcus, Sulpicia, Athenodora, Felix, Demetri, Jane, Alec and Retana, you will come with us. We will punish the traitors." Everyone flew out of the chamber and prepared to leave. My father looked to me; I composed my face. I made myself look concerned. I was a good actress. My father smiled at me and came towards me. I played my role and hugged him, "Father, how long will you be gone?" I needed to know. "Do not worry, child. A little more than a week. That is a large number of immortal children. There may be some who will fight to defend them." He looked to Heidi, "You will remain here, Heidi. Chelsea and Afton, you will remain here as well. Look after my daughter." I sighed, "Please, handle the immortal children. I will be fine. I always am," I smiled. He kissed my forehead and left the chamber.
This was perfect. Everyone was leaving and I only had to evade a few members of the Guard. This was my time. I will no longer be a princess. I remained in the main chamber as everyone left. I watched for my mother and aunt. I hung the both. "Do not worry, dear. We will be home soon," my aunt promised and hugged me. I hugged my mother a little longer. I knew what I needed to do, but it would hurt her. I couldn't stand hurting my mother. "I love you, Mother." My eyes tickled at the words. She held my face, "I love you too," and kissed my cheeks. I glowered at Jane and smiled at Alec. "Have fun," I wished Felix and Demetri. Demetri smiled at me and Felix winked. The last to leave was my father and uncles. I let my face fall, still playing my roll. Caius raised my chin. I wanted to jerk away from his touch. He kissed my forehead and so did Marcus. I hugged my father, "Take care, Father." I couldn't say I loved him; I was too angry and hurt. "I love you, daughter." He kissed my cheek and left, leaving me in the empty chamber.
I went to my room and began to plan. I prepared a bag with my human money. I didn't bother to pack clothes. I had more than enough money to buy new ones, in case I needed it. In the back of my closet, I had some human contact lenses. Heidi had given me some, on the occasion I was allowed out of the tower. She said they would irritate my eyes and they would dissolve in my eyes, because of the venom. The last thing I packed was Alice's contact information. I put that in my jacket pocket. To look occupied, I used my laptop. I looked up when flights were leaving for America. I also reviewed local maps. I saw I would have to run to Venice, then take a cab to the airport. My parents were gone for two days. Before I left I wrote my mother a letter:
Dear
Mother,
When you read this, I will be gone. Please do not be mad
or punish Heidi, Chelsea or Afton. I left because it is what I
needed to do. Please, do not take my abrupt absence too badly. I
promise I will come back to visit, however I will be returning
permanently. I will miss you and when everything is settled, I will
let you know where I am. Mother, I truly am sorry, but I cannot
remain here and continue to be used. I love you and I promise, I
will see you again.
Isabella
It was almost time for Heidi to gather humans to feed on. I knew she wouldn't be gone long. Knock, knock, knock. I pretended to be changing my clothes. "Come in." I heard the door open and I poked my head out of my closet. "Yes, Chelsea." "I'm sorry. Heidi will be here soon." I smiled, "Ok. I will be there. I am just looking for my sapphire studs. Save one for me, ok?" She smiled, "I will." She left the room. I walked out of my closet, dressed to go. I wore the heavily hooded jacket I altered. I opened my door and heard the humans in the main chamber. Before I left my room, I took my art book and left. This was the last time I would see this room. With that I darted to my veranda. I darted to the veranda. More luck was with me, it was raining. I waited and I heard the screams. I strapped on my bag, leaped from the balcony and landed in the alley. I was out. I ran through the town's courtyard. I kept running, inhaling the scent of the rain. It was exhilarating. I reminded myself to focus as I ran. I reached the outskirts of Venice. I stopped in a deserted alley. I opened my bag and put in my contact lenses. They distorted my vision, but I endured it. I called for a cab, in Italian. I asked the car driver to take me to the airport. I watched the city as I rode in the cab. I didn't breathe as I rode in the cab. I was not this close to a human, unless I was going to kill them. I couldn't kill this man; he was helping me escape. When we pulled into the airport and paid and thank the driver. I went to the counter and bought my ticket to America. I board the plane and I felt a sudden burst of excitement. I was returning to the land of my birth. When the plane was pulling away from the terminal, my excitement increased. Soon, I was in the air. The flight was not long, at least not for me. When the plane landed, I was in New York. This is where I was supposed to go for college when I was human.
I looked at the view and I smiled brightly. I did it. I was out of the tower and away from Italy. But soon my smile faltered. I was in America, but I was alone. What was I going to do? I tucked my hands into my pocket and felt the piece of paper. I pulled it out. My smile returned. Alice. I went to exchange my Italian lyres for American dollars. My contact dissolved and I bought sunglasses. I found a payphone and made my call. There were two rings, "Hello?" I sighed at the sound of her voice, "Alice?" "Bella?" "Yes, Alice. Please, I need your help."
