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Chapter 7: Compassion

BellaPOV

Carlisle lead me back to the car, and as we drove back to the house I explained how I made it into town, never once having the urge to hurt anyone. How all I could smell was this terrible stench, still flowing even now through the air. Carlisle didn't say anything; he was obviously deep in thought.

He spoke finally, "We are each reborn with rare and unique abilities. These special skills are most often related to a trait we held as human beings. In life Bella, you were selfless; you risked your own life to save the ones around you. You could not sit and watch people get hurt. It is my belief that your compassion for human life is part of your ability. Even as a vampire, where the instinct is always for human blood, you can not bring yourself to cause another pain."

I thought of what he said, it made sense in ways, and I would never second guess Carlisle's wisdom on all things vampire. One thing he said though caught my attention.

"You said that my compassion was part of my ability to not harm anyone; What else is there?"

He smiled before answering, "Bella, when you were human, you were quite sensitive to even the slightest scent of human blood, even your own, correct? The scent made you instantly nauseous and light headed."

I nodded seeing where he was going with this, "So you're saying that, that awful smell all around is the humans…ew." The stench would take some getting used to.

AlicePOV

The house was nearly packed up; we would be leaving first thing in the morning. I volunteered to pack my brothers belongings. I was almost through; his clothes, music collection, and books were all stored away. The last was Edward's chest; here he kept all his most valued possessions.

I took the chest and sat down on the leather couch. I opened it to find right on top a photograph of the entire family. Carlisle stood at the center with Edward to his right side with his arm around me. I still can't believe my brother is gone. I love Emmett, but Edward and I shared a much stronger bond. We were always so in sync with one another.

I kept rummaging through the chest; there were pictures of his birth mother and father, one of he and Carlisle from the 40's, and a single picture of Bella. At the bottom of the chest, I found a small box, I didn't have to open it to know what it held. (Flashback)



I rushed in to Edward's bedroom and tackled him. I could not control the happiness I was having after having seen what I did in my last vision! "Oh Edward, I'm so happy for you and Bella! You must let me do all the planning," Edward looked at me confused.

"Alice, could you please think one thing at a time? Your mind is a jumbled mess, and I haven't the slightest clue what you're talking about."

I punched him in the arm, why was he playing dumb, "You, Edward Cullen, are planning to ask Bella to marry you! Two guess what she says!"

He laughed loudly and just shook his head at me, "I should have known better, there are never any secrets with you as a sister."

"Let me see it!" I asked, holding out my hand.

Edward handed a small black velvet box, inside was the most beautiful ring. It was an antique, I could tell by how the stones were placed. The band was gold and built for the most petite of hands.

"It was my mother's; I've kept it all these years. Will she like it, Alice? Or should I get her something new?"

I shook my head, "She will adore it, and it is perfect for the two of you. My vision wasn't clear on the timing, when are you popping the question?"

He replied, "As soon as I return from Seattle, once this business with James is finished."

I was awoken from my trace by the sound of Carlisle's car; He must be home with Bella. I looked down at the ring again. He would want her to have it. So I took the velvet box out of the chest, and placed it in my pocket. I stowed the chest away inside the crate holding the rest of Edward's belongings. I left the room, closing the door behind me.

BellaPOV

Carlisle and I did some hunting before returning home. Even though he was quite certain about my immunity to human blood, we couldn't take any chances. We were leaving Forks tomorrow morning, and it would be a few days until we could hunt again. I went back upstairs to my room, but was afraid to be alone with myself. When I was with the rest of the family, I felt numb; they were a healthy distraction. I knew that behind closed doors, a fresh wave of pain and memories were awaiting me. I walked in my room to find Alice sitting on my bed with a look of mixed emotions her face. She seemed to be having an argument with in herself. She waved for me to come sit with her; I shut the door and followed.

"Bella, there is something I need to tell you, but I'm struggling because I don't want to cause you anymore pain. It's just I know he'd…" she trailed off, afraid to finish her sentence.



I grabbed her hand then spoke, "Alice, nothing you could tell me right now would worsen my pain. This hurt has no limitations, and I will carry it until the end of my days, however long that may take. So please, tell me what it is you need to say." She looked at me and sighed.

"Perhaps it is better if I show you." She reached into her sweater, and pulled out a small, velvet box. She handed it to me and continued to explain. "It belonged to his mother; well his birth mother. He was going to give this to you once he returned from Washington. I made him tell me everything, since I had already seen it in my vision."

"He loved you so much Bells, he kept that the entire time, and saving it for the time when he found the person he wanted to spend eternity with. He found you Bella. I just thought that he still would want you to have it. You were already his anyhow. I'm sorry if this wasn't the best time, but honest I don't think there ever will be a good time, I—"

I cut her off, and sent her a reassuring grin, "I'm glad you showed me this, but I need to get out of the house, there is somewhere I need to go now. Don't worry. I will be back before sun up." I kissed her on the cheek, and darted out the door.

I needed to hold myself together; there was somewhere I needed to go, and I can't fall apart now. So I ran. Ignoring the stench of humans, ignoring being spotted; there was no way the human eye could see me anyhow. I didn't stop until I reached the plot of freshly moved soil. There I collapsed to my knees; and finally let go. I released all the pain inside me and howled out in agony. As I lay in the soft soil, clutching the cold marble in one hand and the velvet box in the other; lost in memories and of the news I just received, the only words that would come out were, "it's not fair".

This so far is really sad. But I am forever a girl who believes in love conquering all. Keep that in mind, while you curse me for killing off Edward, jk but seriously it will be okay. I'd be committing the greatest form of blasphemy by keeping those two kids apart (:

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