***Small recap and explanations for those who are confused.

Some of the character I guess you would say are OOC, but it's my opinion that in any story that differs from SM's original the characters are going to be at least a little different. Characters are organic and bend and change with their environments. Sure some things will be the same, there are things they will react the same way to, and handle similarly, but they're also older, wiser, maybe more bitter and have lived a little more life. They're not kids anymore, they're adults. And some of it will seem different to you, because my perception of the characters in their original form will be different from yours. So, in effect, if it bothers you that they're not exactly the same people SM wrote in Eclipse, New Moon, and Breaking Dawn, I apologize, but that's the way I'm writing it. I do hope everyone is enjoying it, and that this will maybe shed some light on things.

Bella— She's been going to community college and living in Forks with Charlie since graduating High School. Her split with Edward left her feeling really insecure and depressed, so she didn't make her usual amazing grades senior year, and wanted the security of a familiar place and familiar people. Her and Angela are still best friends. Her and Jake semi-dated for awhile, but Bella's heart was never really in it. She thought it was because she was in love with Edward still, but she slowly is realizing she just wasn't in love with Jake. She's learning also that she is more over Edward than she had once thought. Bella is really confused about Jasper's presence in Forks and why he cares about what happens to her. She thought the whole family had discarded her when Edward did. She's unsure of whether or not to trust him, and her insecurity and confusion are a dangerous combination. She's an adult now. No longer a child. And maybe a little embittered by things that have happened to her. She's also more mature, smarter and this time around will hopefully stick up for herself a bit and not let people walk all over her. And we can hope she'll find a balance between the doormat and the person wiping their boots on the doormat. She doesn't like wearing boots, that's not really her.

Jasper— saddled with guilt for the way his behavior at Bella's birthday affected his family, Jasper hit the road. Carlisle called him back under the pretense of asking his help, but really just wanted to ask him to stay behind for them, and to look out for Bella. He and Alice had been separated for a little over a year but put it all behind them for their last night together. We're not quite sure yet, what the real reason the Cullens picked Jasper to stay behind is. All they said was true, but we're left feeling like there's something more going on. Jasper's current assignment is to look out for Bella, and with crazed vampires on the loose and Bella identifying with her more stubborn side, he's got his work cut out for him. He's currently waiting for her to come around and see she needs his help. Jasper is in love with Alice, but is trying to block it from his mind and not dwell on the pain of losing her and the rest of his family. Oh and he rides a sexy motorcycle and really likes his whiskey. Its his means of escape.

Alice— Alice is an enigma to herself. She doesn't know why her usually reliable powers have suddenly gone haywire. She's suffering from intense headaches and sporadic glimpses of the uncertain future. She's not able to look for specific things, but rather her visions are forcing themselves on her. (I.e. Visions of Jasper and another woman) Once they actually get to Italy Alice is overcome by the pain and finds herself in a very odd vision. She can't make heads or tails of it yet, so you're not supposed to either. She loves Jasper, but also has prepared herself for the possibility that they will never be together again, or that he will move on in her absence.

Carlisle— I've always thought Carlisle was secretly a badass so, in my story, he is. He can go head to head with Aro, the formidable leader of the Volturi and acting head of the Order,(Don't worry, we'll know what that is later) and hold his own. Carlisle's ability is different, and we're not sure yet how powerful he is. When he told Esme he couldn't influence strong-willed or minded people, we're supposed to think that's what he's always told everyone. But through Aro's eyes we get a glimpse of the fact that he may be more powerful than he lets on and has been "playing it close to the vest" to use Aro's words. Also, Aro bluntly stated that Carlisle has collected some precious talent and implied that he's done it to gain influence. Carlisle vehemently protests this accusation because he does love his family, but we're left with the nagging possibility since, it is a possibility that he did that and learned to love them.

Aro— Based on what Carlisle told Jasper, we think they're being summoned to Voltera to be killed, but Aro values abilities and plans on integrating the Cullens into his little army of super-vampires. Aro is obviously really threatened by Carlisle and we'll get glimpses into their past and understand better why and what that may mean for the future. Aro has some interesting new additions we'll get to meet later. Aro was obviously involved in Alice's confusing vision but we're not sure how… yet. Aro is particularly interested in Edward. He thinks Edward is some master move in what he thinks is Carlisle's goal of check mate. Maybe Aro is just super paranoid like many people in power are. Maybe Carlisle is really up to something.

Edward— What's going on with Edward… hmm he's still in love with Bella. He asks Jasper to stay because he doesn't want her hurt or involved in anything else. WE're left to think maybe Carlisle and Edward's silent exchange told more than Jasper assumed. Jasper noticed some strange difference in Edward's appearance that may or may not be significant. Carlisle and Edward like to exchange meaningful looks lately, so maybe that means something? Maybe they just like to look at each other. Haha. No, we'll find out later what those meaningful looks might mean. Edward hid something on Bella's front porch, and apparently didn't put the floor board back very well because Charlie tripped over it. What could it be?

Rose, Emmett, Esme— they're just along for the ride at this point, but since I love their characters, at least Rose and Emmett will have more significant roles later on, and maybe some interesting secrets of their own.

Renee and Charlie— After Phil breaks Renee's heart over some flighty flight attendant, she has to come up to Forks to check on Bella. Charlie and Renee quickly rekindle their romance. Bella is afraid Renee is just using Charlie like Bella herself was just using Jake, even if that wasn't her intention or something she consciously did. But Bella is happy if they're happy, and what kid doesn't dream about their parents getting back together?

The Razor murders— who the hell knows what's going on with that. Very public killings that may or may not be associated with vampires. Jasper thinks they are, and that it may be someone after him and Bella since the Cullens are in trouble in Voltera, but he's not sure, and can't really understand why they would go about it this way— So publicly. Bella is essentially scared shitless, but doesn't want to believe it. She wants out of the freaky vampire world, but once you're in— you're in.

Mike Newton— Sweet Mike is at UCLA and still asks about Bella.

Lauren Mallory— will be involved in later chapters. Lauren has always had a crush on Tyler, and hated Bella because Tyler was interested in Bella and not her. Yes, she will still be a superficial character.

Tyler Crowley— works with Charlie at the Police Department and still talks to Mike.

** Let me know if this helps and if there's anything else I can clarify. It's no fun to be confused when you want to enjoy a story, and my goal is for you to enjoy the story I am enjoying writing. Sometimes my imagination gets away from me and I fail to take you on the same ride I'm on. I hope you can jump onboard now. Thanks for reading!