A/N: Guys, I have the utmost apologies to you for being such a lousy writer and ignoring you all for six months. I am so sorry and I will try not to let it happen again. School is crazy right now and I'm sure if any of you are youth writers you'll understand that homework and studying takes over and that fan fiction has to take a back seat. Thanks for sticking with me, you lot are the best.
Cullens POV.
There was a stony silence that lasted for a prolonged amount of time after Eleazer ended the call. It was Emmett who brooke the silence.
"Now, what?"
The others turned their unblinking eyes to him, slowly returning to the present.
"Nothing."
Alice glared at Rosalie, while Esme shot her a disapproving look.
"What? She's free to make her own choices; we aren't hear to tell her to live her life. If she wanted to join the Volutri it's her own choice and her own stupid fault. But it's not up to us decide for her. Haven't we already messed up her life enough already?"
"But-"
"No, Alice! For once you need to stop trying to control everyone, Bella's made her bed and now she needs to lie in it. Sorry but it's true. She won't thank you for trying to stop her."
"How can you say that Rosalie? After all we've been through together?"
"Not we. What her and Edward have been through together. Hell, we only met her a couple of times. That doesn't suddenly make her our best friend."
"You're just saying that because you're jealous Rosalie, Bella's part of our family now and we help our family-"
"Jealous? Of that pathetic human girl? No, I'm just being realistic, in fact I'm protecting her from your scheming!"
"Girls!" Esme snapped.
"Admit it Rosalie. You need to come off your high horse and accept that you envy her because she's human!"
"How dare you-"
"Rose-" Emmett started.
"Don't Rose me," she snapped, "why aren't you backing me up?"
He looked uneasily at his feet.
"Is it really necessary to throw her completely to the wolves?"
"Exactly, Emmett!" Alice hissed. "Why can't you see that Rosalie?"
"Because we're not throwing her to the wolves; she went of her own choice,, no one forced her to!"
"Jaz, help me out here," Alice rounded on her mate. He frowned, his golden eyes uncertain.
"I don't know Ali, Rose has a point, it's Bella's life and Bella's choice."
Alice gaped at him.
"But she's family!"
Jasper shifted uncomfortably, "Rose is right when she says we did only meet her a few times."
"See Alice, it's not just me who thinks so, Jasper and Emmett agree too. It's not up to us, it's none of our concern!"
Alice huffed angrily,
"I cannot believe what I'm hearing!"
They lapsed back into a tense silence.
"The question remains though? What should we do? Are we to inform Edward?" Esme asked, her eyes concerned. She reached for Carlisle.
"Carlisle?"
The blonde at the head of the table sighed, running his fingers through his hair.
"Edward can't know, he'd be irrational, storm Volterra and demand her back and most probably get himself killed in the process. No, we musn't tell him."
"And Bella?" Alice demanded.
Carlisle looked torn.
"How is the answer not obvious? The Volturi have probably brainwashed her and they'll use her as a bargaining chip to make us cooperate!"
"So that's all you're bothered about Alice? That we might have to listen to them once in a while? Don't be so shallow."
"Did you seriously just call me-" Alice started fiercely, her eyes dangerously black. Jasper sensing a fight brewing quickly stepped in.
"We vote."
Everyone turned to look at him.
"We vote on whether to intervene or not."
Carlisle nodded, "That does seem the most rational thing to do."
"Well I say no," Rosalie said straight away, eyeing Alice with a scornful gleam in her gaze.
"And I say yes," Alice snapped back.
"Emmett?" Carlisle asked. The dark-haired vampire looked uncertainly between the hone and Rosalie's tense figure.
He sighed, "No, we should leave her be."
Alice gasped and narrowed her eyes at him. Esme frowned.
"I think we should help her. I don't like it. Why is she there?"
"Because she wants to be," Rosalie growled.
"No."
Alice turns on Jasper, her eyes filled with betrayal.
"How can you..."
He shrugged apologetically.
"If it's what she wants I'm not going to be he one who ruins it for her."
"We wouldn't ruin it-"
Alice fell silent Carlisle's warning glance.
"What do you think?" Esme murmured softly, reaching for his shoulder.
Carlisle hesitated before a look of resolution came over his face.
"They're right. Once upon a time, I would've agreed with you but we've moved on and so has she. No, it's Bella's life now and as sad as I am to say it, we're not part of it and therefore it isn't up to us to get involved."
"I see." Esme's voice is neutral but the hurt in her eyes is evident.
"Esme-"
"No, it's fine."
He reaches for her arm but she brushes him off, leaving the room quickly.
Alice is trembling.
"I hope you're happy with yourselves. Don't say I told you so when it all ends badly."
Then she too storms out, Jasper gazing guiltily after her.
Rose locked eyes with Carlisle.
"You'll see. In the long run this is better. Bella Swan isn't part of our life and they need to accept that. The sooner the better," she adds darkly.
"Emmett?"
He nods to Carlisle before following her out of the room. He and Jasper share a look.
"We should probably give everyone some space to cool off," Japer murmurs quietly, his eyes troubled.
"Yes," Carlisle sighs.
"I just hope to God we made he right decision."
I hope you enjoyed that and again I am so sorry for the horrific wait.
Dreamshadow102 xx