I couldn't believe it. I had never thought about Jane's human life. I had always figured her and Alec had been cruel as human people, and so they were made into cruelly powerful vampires. But her story was so…sad!
"I spent so many years with the Volturi I've lost count. I've hurt so many people. Killed people. Killed other vampires. And I never even cared. But that night in the clearing… I was terrified, as I told you. I was so angry at you for taking that from me. And I realized that I was evil. I realized that I was…no better than those who had hurt me, so long ago…"
Jane broke off and fell to the floor, sobbing. I looked at Edward. What were we supposed to do?
Jasper calmed her down, and she reached up to feel the tears in her eyes, as if she didn't believe they were real. "My first tears in… since my sister died."
I couldn't help it. I threw my arms around Jane. She looked stunned, and became instantly tense. The she relaxed. I realized it had probably been a long time since anyone had hugged her, and an even longer time since anyone but Alec had.
When I released her, she smiled sadly. "So I came here," she said. "I need your help. I don't know if I should go back to the Volturi."
Edward stared at here. "Are you saying that you might want to stay here!?" he asked her.
"If you would allow me to , I would stay here a few days until I have had time to…rethink. To decide who I am."
No one spoke for a moment. Then Carlisle broke the silence by saying, "You would have to stick to our diet, and under no circumstances could you use your powers on anyone."
Jane nodded, her face serious. "Of course," she said simply, looking Carlisle in the eyes.
"Then I will have to see what my family has to say about it," he replied calmly, rising. "If you will excuse us a moment Jane, we will discuss this in the dining room."
Jane nodded again. We all stood up and walked out. I looked at Renesmee, and at Jane. I didn't want to disturb her, and my shield and Edward would let me know if Jane tried to hurt her.
"Well, I think we'll vote in reverse order. Newest family members first." Carlisle smiled kindly at me, but I knew that they were all wondering what I though about Jane being here.
"I think her story was very sad," I began.
"She wasn't lying either," Edward interrupted. I shot him a look.
"And I think that if she truly wants to change, and she will follow the rules, she should stay." I said decisively.
Alice smiled. "I foresee nothing going wrong. She is very firm in her decision to follow the rules. It is very clear that she plans to hurt no one. I see her with different colored eyes. Yes, we should let her stay."
Jasper looked at Alice. He shook his head, but didn't say anything for a moment. Then he looked at Alice again. "If you all think that is what's best."
"if she does anything wrong, it could be fun taking her out," was all that Emmett said.
"She had a hard life," Rosalie said. "She wants to turn around, to have a second chance." She didn't have to actually say yes for us to know her vote.
"The poor girl came to use," Esme said, "Who are we to turn her away in her time of need?"
I looked at Edward. He was frowning, but only slightly. He looked in Jane's general direction and sighed. "She seems truly confused. That's very unlike Jane. I don't like it, but I think it would be okay."
We all stared at Carlisle. He was silent for a moment. Then he waved his hand toward the living room. "I think," he said, "That if you go in there, you will see what my vote is."
We stood up and walked back into the room. Jane had moved couches, and was now sitting, stroking Renesmee's hair, tears streaming down her face.
"Jane, we would love to have you stay here."
