31
Breaking Dawn, the Battle!
by Jim Parzych
Chapter 10: The Epilogue
Jasper's POV - May 2008
"Alice?" I prodded when I saw the distress cross her pretty face.
One moment, she indicated with her finger and after a few seconds more she sighed.
"What is it?" I asked.
"The coven in Canada…"
"Yes," I acknowledged.
"If we don't intervene, that confrontation will prove disastrous."
"Oh...?"
"They have themselves a redhead with an unusual gift."
"That's all we need," I replied as I pulled out my cell.
I called Felix in Volterra.
"We're going to need Bella on this," Alice commented. I gathered as much.
"Greetings, Jasper..." Felix answered the call.
"Felix... Have you dispatched a detail to Canada yet?"
"Demetri led a group of ten out this morning."
"My family and I need to meet with Demetri before he executes the mission."
"What's the problem?" Felix asked.
"The Canadians have themselves a very powerful talent, which elevates them beyond your run of the mill coven."
"Should I dispatch more Guard?" Felix asked. I turned to Alice, who nodded her head yes.
"Ten more should suffice and we'll need Dane on this as well," I replied.
"I'll get with Maria," Felix responded.
"Set up a rendezvous time so we can conference with Demetri."
Carlisle and Esme, and of course Jacob, stayed behind to take care of Renesmee. My siblings and I met Demetri and Dane in the woods north of Plentywood, Montana.
"What did your reconnaissance turn up?" I asked Dane.
"Right now they're about fifty miles north of the Canadian border. Our Guard are south of the border by five miles, and we're a good twenty miles south of them."
"Their numbers...?" I asked.
"They're at seventeen - twelve of which are newborn. This includes a female undergoing the transformation as we speak."
"What are we up against?"
"The leader appears to be a male but he defers some times to the redhead you asked me to observe. I'm not sure if this means anything, but the redhead is a lesbian... and definitely has some sort of sway over the other five females. She actually makes use of them on a rotating basis."
"Could this get any hotter?" Emmett commented, and that drew a glare from Rosalie.
"What?" he asked, feigning innocence.
"What did you see, Alice?" Demetri asked.
"The redhead's gift allows her to mesmerize anyone upon locking eyes with them and her power is strong enough to tame newborns."
"Dane... I'd like you to monitor the redhead again, and this time I'm going to sit in on it," Edward spoke for the first time.
"Perfect timing," Dane responded – this drew everyone's attention. Edward proceeded with the play by play...
"The redhead is eyeing a newly awakened female newborn. She's blonde and looks about high school age. The males have her surrounded and it's obvious the newborn feels threatened."
"Incredible," Dane muttered before Edward continued…
"The blonde newborn suddenly calmed down and the redhead is now kissing her."
"Awesome," Emmett responded with a smile.
"If the blonde was straight before - she isn't now... or at least not with this redhead… the blonde is kissing her back now with passion," Edward observed out loud.
"Fuck, yeah!" Emmett replied and I could see this was trying Rosalie's patience.
"The redhead doesn't seem to care about privacy either because they're both stripping their clothes off right there in the open. The newborn appears docile as a kitten," Dane added.
"It appears she can mesmerize her subjects with eye contact and then make them desire her sexually with a kiss," Edward deduced.
"I never heard of such a gift," Demetri commented.
"Do you think she's acting on her own?" Rosalie asked, and I immediately understood what she was hinting at. Even though the redhead was the one wielding the power didn't mean she wasn't blindly being manipulated by the leader. Rosalie's words reminded me very much of my own blind loyalty towards Maria.
"I can't tell," Edward replied to Rosalie.
"How are we going to handle this?" Demetri asked.
"That depends on Bella's acting skills," I replied with a grin.
"Well, ask your wife, Jasper, she thinks my acting skills suck," Bella replied, rolling her eyes.
"Only towards Edward specifically, Bella… for this you'll do just fine," Alice responded.
"Just tell me what you need me to do," Bella stated, and I could see she was anxious for our role to be over.
I smiled reassuringly at her, and she smiled back. I knew it was hard for Bella to be away from Renesmee like this, and I knew Edward preferred we handle this without Bella's involvement, but they understood that certain responsibilities would always fall on our shoulders.
"A redhead and newborn army... Is anyone else thinking how eerie this is?" Emmett asked. "It's like our past is coming back to haunt us."
"We all thought of it, Emmett… but only you felt the need to vocalize it," Edward responded with a roll of his eyes.
"Bella...? How fast can you precision shield someone?"
"About a second per…"
"And how long can you maintain it?"
"Twenty plus hours," Bella replied, and she smiled when she saw my eyes lit up.
"You've been practicing," I responded. "How far out can you shield someone?"
"Two hundred plus yards," Bella answered, still smiling.
I smiled and turned to Edward, who smiled back at me after reading my thoughts. He nodded before I addressed everyone. "Our main objective is the same as it always is. Eliminate the threat, but not the coven. Unfortunately, we're dealing with mind controlled newborns which means a risk to our own safety. I just want to emphasize that these newborns are innocent victims much like the old Volturi Guard during Aro's regime."
"Do we confront them head on?" Emmett asked, anxiously.
"That's what it will look like on the surface, but we'll be executing a plan of deception."
"The element of surprise," Demetri commented with a grin.
"The single most powerful element in achieving victory," I stressed.
"You have got to be kidding me?" Alice suddenly cried out, and it was apparent she had herself a new vision. It was safe to say that she saw the role she and Rosalie would play.
"What?" Rosalie asked Alice with a look of suspicion.
"It works, though, doesn't it, darlin?" I asked my mate.
"Yes, but..."
"It works," I re-emphasized.
"You aren't going to like this," Alice told Rosalie.
"Like what?" Rosalie demanded, and then she turned to me for an explanation.
"What do you think?" I asked Edward, ignoring Rosalie for a moment.
"It's a brilliant plan given your objective," Edward replied.
"Wait! Are you thinking of offering us up to this lesbian bitch?" Rosalie asked with alarm… and then she seemed to consider it. "Actually, I can see that working."
"It's not like you think, Rosalie," Alice warned her.
"Then will you please spell it out?" Rosalie asked.
"I'm sorry, Rose," I said in a soft voice. "But only Bella will be acting."
"But Alice and I are a thousand times better actors than Bella," Rosalie argued, prompting Alice to sigh and shake her head no.
"Damn-it, you pixie fortune teller… what is it?"
"The second the redhead kisses you, she will notice your lack of passion. She will know that you are not under her sway."
"You mean I have to fall under her power?" Rosalie shrieked with shock.
"We both do," Alice pointed out.
"But not me...?" Bella asked with a smirk.
"Not you, Bella… and your shield wouldn't allow it anyway. But you will be taking your queues from Rosalie and Alice, and the second she focuses all her attention on you, you will precision shield your sisters triggering our plan."
"Hot damn, Rose," Emmett responded with a smile, and this earned him a slap to the back of his head. "Fuck, Rose... that hurt," Emmett complained.
"Then fucking control yourself," she replied, glaring.
"If it's any conciliation, Rose. You will be playing the heavy as soon as Bella shields you. Basically, while Bella and Alice restrain her, you're going to threaten her life if she doesn't completely comply with everything you tell her."
"And while all this goes on, what will we be doing?" Demetri asked.
"We'll have our own role to play," I replied.
"All this to save some newborns…?" Demetri asked.
"Tell me, Demetri... What if you were one of those newborns?" Bella asked.
"But what if Bella's shield isn't effective against the redhead?" Dane asked.
"The redhead's gift works just like Chelsea's gift worked and I've already seen the outcome," Alice replied with a grin.
"So, who exactly am I shielding?" Bella asked.
Rosalie's POV:
I could see the smiles on their faces. Like Dane had said, there were seventeen of them... and given our number stood at twenty-eight, it was kind of unsettling to see them defying us with smiles on their faces.
"And here I thought the mighty Volturi had fallen," the male leader commented.
"Are you responsible for the direction your coven has taken?" Demetri asked, and it was then that the redhead stepped forward.
I saw the redhead glance over at myself, Alice, and Bella... and I was beginning to feel angry.
"We'll allow some of you to live if you turn over your girls," the male leader announced, while ignoring Demetri.
Then I saw the redhead lock eyes with me and a second later I felt a strange vertigo sensation.
"Wow," I heard, but ignored Emmett as I found myself walking forward.
Out of my peripheral vision, I saw Alice and Bella walking along side of me, and we didn't stop until we stood at attention before the redhead.
"You're all so very different, yet so incredibly beautiful," the redhead responded as she gazed into our golden eyes. "I'll enjoy adding you three to my harem."
It was strange. I understood what had happened, but didn't seem to care about it… all I wanted to do was obey her every command… so, the three of us stood motionless while the redhead inspected us.
"You especially," the redhead said, whispering into my ear.
"What did you do to them?" Demetri demanded, and the redhead laughed in response.
Then the redhead cupped my face and kissed me... full on my lips and never in my life before had a single kiss invoked such lustful desire in me. My sudden and intense need for this incredibly beautiful redhead sent a wet heat throughout my lower extremities, and only for a fleeting moment did it cross my mind that I've never been attracted towards my own gender before… but now, all that mattered to me, was having the honor of making love to this goddess. The thought that someone other than my Emmett was causing this desire should have appalled me, but it didn't. The thought that what I was feeling was one hundred percent artificial should have caused me to pause, but it didn't. The only thing that mattered in my life was to please and pleasure this girl before me.
"Oh god," I groaned from soaking my panties, and I felt a spark of jealousy when I saw my goddess kiss Alice. Of course, Alice responded much like I had and this would mean I would have to share with her.
Then the redhead moved to Bella, but something in her line of vision caused her to consider something. I then watched as she spent time looking across the field at the Volturi members before she returned her attention to Bella.
"You're a sexy one as well, your hotness, aren't you?" I heard the redhead tell Bella before she leaned forward to kiss her… and it was right then that all the adoration... all the love... and all the lust disappeared.
My eyes lit up in shock and I flashed over to her… as did Alice… and within a second, Bella and Alice had the redhead restrained. I walked up in front of her while Bella had one arm and Alice had the other.
"What is this?" the redhead demanded.
"One more word… or make one more wrong move… and I tear your head off and burn you," I promised the girl, and I could tell from the fear etched on her face that she believed me.
I looked across the field and saw the Volturi army stay on script. They'd only break from it if a fight broke out... or unless I gave the signal. So, for the time being, they stood there at attention staring forward like zombies.
I turned back to the redhead and snarled. "Make no mistake. We will end your existence if you don't cooperate fully."
"You'll end my life anyway," she replied in a soft defeated voice.
"Luckily for you, the new Volturi isn't like that... so, play nice and live... otherwise you die," I replied.
"Why aren't you still under my power?" the redhead asked.
"We have our own way of neutralizing powers such as yours. Now, what's your name?"
"Carrie," she replied, sounding scared.
"You need to release everyone on your side but the newborns," I told her.
Carrie turned to her coven and suddenly, I saw Edward flash across the field and tackled the leader of the coven. Emmett and Demetri provided back-up.
Jasper's POV:
While the Guard took over the duties of relieving Edward, Emmett and Demetri from detaining the so called leader, who actually was a nomad that manipulated Carrie, I stood in front of the twelve newborns that remained in Carrie's thrall.
"How long can you keep them like this?" I asked Carrie.
"I... I think once they're under... it's until I make a conscious effort to release them. That goes for their desire for me as well," Carrie replied. I could feel her embarrassment as how the females still reacted towards her.
"You are going to release them one at a time and on my word," I told her, "…and that is the last time you are allowed to use your power until permission is granted otherwise.
A total of six newborn, three of which were female, attacked the second they were released from their thrall... and surprisingly even my attempt at calming them down wasn't worth the risk of dealing with them. We had no choice but to destroy them.
The remaining six, which surprisingly included the newly awakened blonde, calmed down enough and agreed to cooperate. I assigned three Volturi Guard to each one of them.
We executed the nomad leader who proved to be the manipulator and spared the real Canadian coven of three. They had fallen under Carrie's thrall by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. We also released the three nomads who also took the wrong road. The final decision as to what to do with Carrie surfaced plenty of mixed emotions.
Demetri, having already experienced several centuries under Chelsea's sway, argued that Carrie's power was too dangerous. I argued that Maria's reputation was too dangerous... and that Bella's power was too dangerous... and that it wasn't the power itself that he should be concerned with, but the person controlling the power. My family supported me; especially Rosalie, therefore Carrie's fate would be decided by the Volturi council.
Alice and I volunteered to make the trip, along with Emmett and Rosalie. We would lobby for Carrie, using my own experience as how one could be manipulated. I wondered for a moment how Maria would react… and vote regarding Carrie's fate.
Edward would have made the trip if Maggie hadn't been available. Carrie didn't know it… but the Volturi would know if she was being sincere in her own repentance.
Despite pleas from Emmett, Rosalie refused to comment on her experience while in Carrie's thrall... and she made me promise that I wouldn't divulge what it was she was feeling during that experience as well. Alice, who was slightly more shaken from the experience, also preferred not to talk about it.
After hearing our testimony, and receiving a report from Maggie regarding Carrie's sincerity, the council voted unanimously to spare her life - but with the condition that she spend a minimum of twenty years serving the Volturi in a capacity to be determined later. Marcus didn't call this a form of punishment, but more a training exercise.
Carrie didn't seem to mind, conveying a need to learn right and be productive. She sincerely felt bad for allowing her libido to take advantage of those girls and wished there was a way to make it up to them - at least the ones still alive. It was about this time that Carrie learned that the newborn blonde girl's name was Jeanie… she was sixteen years old and a high school student… and had been a closet lesbian.
Carlisle's POV - January 2014 - in Volterra
"Greetings sir... ma'am... welcome to Volterra," the female vampire greeted us the second we stepped out of the elevator.
"How are you, Carrie," I greeted the lovely redhead with a smile. It was nice to see a pair of golden eyes on the Volturi receptionist.
"I'm doing well, sir, thank you," Carrie replied as she shook my hand… and then she giggled as she flashed into Esme's open arms.
"It's so nice to see you, dear," Esme declared as they embraced. "Tell me, how is your beautiful mate, Jeanie?"
"She's wonderful, Esme… and we're both extremely happy. She's so excited about getting to see you all tomorrow night," Carrie replied with a loving smile.
Carrie and Jeanie were vegetarians now, having been two of the first vampires to graduate under a new program offered by Garrett and Kate. Any vampire that wished to change their dietary lifestyle was now offered a highly successful program.
Garrett and Kate had been very passionate about it when they first proposed the program five years ago. Jasper even contributed by offering his services to newborns. Garrett proved to be the perfect spokesman and we were all pleasantly surprised at how many vampires actually partook in the program, and the very low dropout rate.
Drinking animal blood didn't suit everyone; so we weren't disillusioned to think we could change everybody. The much larger percentage of vampires still preyed on humans. Although, one practice we were happy to get rid of were the tourist death tours that Heidi used to perform.
"Esme," Carmen called out as she flitted over to us.
"How are you, Carmen?" Esme said as they hugged affectionately.
"Can you believe it's already been five years?" Carmen asked, hugging me as well.
"Are you insinuating that time here goes by quickly?" Esme asked with surprise.
"Well, I wouldn't go that far," Carmen replied with laughter.
"Where's Eleazar?" I asked, surprised that he didn't meet us.
"He's in deliberation behind closed doors."
"Oh...?" I responded with surprise. The only time deliberation was conducted behind closed doors was when there was an unusual circumstance… or when Marcus was expected to break a tie.
"We had to summon a Texas coven for some suspicious deaths in their city," Carmen elaborated.
"Yes, I saw something regarding this on Fox News. I'm sure Maria has something to say about this."
"Actually, she's recused herself from the proceedings… but has offered to witness if called upon," Carmen replied.
"Are you surprised, Carlisle?" Maria suddenly asked as she flitted over to us.
"Hello, Maria... and no, I'm not surprised. But I am impressed knowing you didn't have to do this," I said as we shook hands.
"We've made too much progress to let perception knock us backwards," Maria said with a smile.
"It's wonderful to see you, Maria," Esme greeted her with a hug.
"And it's especially nice to see you, too, Esme," Maria responded with genuine affection. Esme was one of the few that actually put a crack in Maria's armor.
"Who filled your seat in your stead?" I asked.
"Sulpicia."
"She's proving very reliable in this role, isn't she?" I remarked, nodding my head.
"Reliable and smart," Maria agreed. "She'd be a perfect candidate if Marcus were ever to step down."
"Is he still rambling on about that?" I asked, curious.
"I seriously think it's going to be soon," Maria replied with a touch of sadness.
"Well, in any event I agree. Sulpicia would be the perfect candidate," I declared.
"Well, I'm sorry I can't talk longer but I have a previous engagement. I just wanted to greet you proper."
"Thank you, Maria," Esme responded.
"I will see you all at tomorrow evening's social," Maria said before she left.
"Will all the Cullens be in attendance?" Carmen asked after Maria's departure.
"Yes, we're pretty sure they're all flying in tomorrow," Esme replied and with this, Carmen's eyes lit up. Esme smiled. "Yes, Carmen… including Bella and Renesmee."
"Wonderful," Carmen gushed with excitement.
Every Cullen had visited Volterra over the past six years except Bella and Renesmee. The three times that Edward had made the trip; he did so without his wife and daughter. Bella simply didn't want Renesmee near Volterra until she felt the new regime was stable.
"Physically, how old is the beautiful child now?" Carmen asked with a smile.
"She still has nine months of sweet sixteen," Esme replied like a proud grandmother.
As we passed the closed doors of the Throne Chamber, I noticed a large vampire with long sandy hair pacing nervously back and forth. Two other vampires stood off to the side and it was obvious that the three of them were together. Four Volturi Guard kept an attentive eye on them.
"Carlisle Cullen?" the large vampire inquired. I took in his thick Texas drawl, and automatically compared it with Jasper's.
"Yes, what can I do for you?" I asked.
"My name is Cal and I'm an old acquaintance of General Jasper."
"It's nice to meet you, Cal," I responded as I shook his hand.
"I was hoping to lobby for your support," he stated.
"I'm under the impression the council is already deliberating."
"Yes, but..."
"Then there really isn't anything I can do for you."
"I thought-"
"I'm sorry. Once deliberation has started, it cannot be interrupted unless there's additional evidence prudent to your case."
Cal paused for a moment.
"Do you have additional evidence?" I asked.
"No. But Jasper and I fought in the Southern Wars and I'm confident he'd support me on this."
"Do you mean as a character witness?" I asked, not really sure what Cal meant.
"If Jasper were here, I'm sure he'd interrupt that council and assist me," Cal snapped.
I sighed. "Sir... We have rules for a reason... and we all must abide by them. That includes the Cullens. Jasper is arriving tomorrow; perhaps you would like to talk to him yourself."
"Perhaps," Cody replied.
"Then if you'll excuse us," I replied and proceeded on down the corridor.
"You really are a saint, Carlisle," Carmen declared when they were outside of earshot.
I smiled at Carmen but didn't say anything.
"I wonder if Jasper even knows him," Esme commented.
"I'm kind of curious about that myself," I replied.
Once we said our goodbyes to Carmen and settled into our quarters, my cell phone vibrated. It was Alice.
"Hi Alice," I greeted her.
"Hi Carlisle," she responded in her pleasant bell-like voice. "Jazz doesn't recognize anyone by the name of Cal, but he did say that there were a lot of vampires during the Southern Wars that he didn't know by name."
"Well, I invited him to meet with Jasper tomorrow evening but I seriously doubt he'll stick around. I just don't like the fact that he dropped Jasper's name if he truly doesn't know him."
"Alice? Will our entire family be in attendance?" Esme asked from across the room.
"Yes. Rose called from Scotland and said she and Emmett are meeting up with the Irish coven tonight and then they'll all be flying in tomorrow morning. Jazz and I will arrive a little afterwards... and Edward, Bella and Nessie will arrive in the afternoon."
"Wonderful," Esme replied, happily.
"No Jacob...?" I inquired, knowing that had been a last minute decision.
"As much as he wanted to accompany Nessie, he said he needs to take advantage of this opportunity to spend some quality time with his Dad. He realizes Billy is getting older and won't live forever."
"Good for him," I replied, proud of Jacob.
"I don't like the way they're gawking at her," Bella complained as she paced up and down our room. When Bella was angry... there was no greeting... just frustrated anger.
"Mom, it's okay. It doesn't bother me," Renesmee said as she tried calming her mother. I glanced at Edward who simply shrugged his shoulders.
"Bella, they're just fascinated with Renesmee... that's all," I pointed out.
"Honey, they've never seen a half vampire - half human before," Esme added, and then she took Bella into her arms and hugged her. As Esme hugged her stressing daughter, Edward spoke up.
"They weren't all staring at Renesmee, anyway."
"What?" Bella asked with alarm while Esme shot Edward a glare of displeasure.
"They're just as fascinated with you, love, as they are with our darling daughter," Edward pointed out.
"You see, Mom?" Renesmee said with a giggle.
"But… why?" Bella asked.
"Your role in Volturi History has been recorded in the annals and every vampire that visits Volterra reads the account of how Aro was taken down."
"You're kidding me!" Bella responded with shock.
"And based on the thoughts I read, they all look upon you with great reverence," Edward elaborated.
"Then tell them to knock it off!" Bella demanded.
"Bella," Esme tried soothing her, but this time Bella couldn't be soothed.
"Carlisle…? You got influence here… tell them! Tell them you will execute anyone that treats me like some sort of celebrity!"
I smiled while Edward rolled his eyes. Renesmee giggled. Esme just looked like she felt sorry for Bella.
Just then; Emmett, Rosalie, Jasper and Alice barged into the room and immediately lavished their attention on Renesmee. It had been awhile since they'd last seen their niece so their reunion was most joyful. It also proved to be the perfect distraction.
"Introducing the Cullen family," a voice called out and with that the entire room stopped to watch us enter. "Doctor Carlisle Cullen and his wife, Esme," the voice proclaimed and Esme and I proceeded to the receiving line to make our greetings. The reception was heartfelt and loud.
"Emmett Cullen and his wife, Rosalie," the voice proclaimed, and Emmett and Rose followed suit, receiving another round of applause. I saw Felix meet Emmett's smirk with one of his own. The two of them had become good friends.
"Jasper Cullen and his wife, Alice," the voice proclaimed, and with this came a great deal of awe and respect. With great reluctance, Jasper accepted the official role of the Volturi General – something Maria constantly zinged him about.
"Edward Cullen and his wife, Bella... and their daughter, Renesmee," the voice proclaimed and all eyes landed on Mother and Daughter. For a few long moments, everyone in the hall was awestruck as they took in the sight of the newborn that took down the Volturi… and the newborn's daughter, the only hybrid they knew in existence.
Eevery set of eyes followed the family of three while the place erupted with an overwhelming wave of applause… and for a moment, I didn't think Bella would make it, but thanks to Alice's foresight and Jasper's gift, she pressed on. As I watched Jasper place his hand affectionately on Bella's arm, doing his best to keep Bella calm, I was momentarily reminded of Bella's nineteenth birthday party, and the irony. Being the center of attention had never been something Bella enjoyed as a human... and given she was a vampire, those feelings were amplified. Renesmee, on the other hand, soaked in the attention… and proved charming and graceful with every guest.
Bella's POV - 2050
The Quileute pack provided the logistics and cover for Edward and I to sneak through the back way to gain access to Charlie's hospital room.
"Dad," I greeted my father with a smile. Sue immediately moved away from his side to allow me room to be with my father. I took his hand in my hand and forced a huge smile.
"Hey kid... Hi Edward," he greeted us in a weak voice. "Thank you for coming," he added.
"Of course we'd be here, sir," Edward responded.
"Dad, Seth picked up Renesmee and Jake a few hours ago, so she should be here any second," I assured him.
"That's nice," he replied and then began coughing. I could smell the blood that coated his throat.
"Dad... Can I get you something so you'll be more comfortable?" I asked, trying to hold back my sob.
"I'll have everything I need in a second, Bells," my Dad replied with a smile.
Just then Renesmee burst into the room with a look of great sorrow on her face. Not bothering to hide her true nature, she flitted over to the other side of Charlie's bed and immediately climbed into the bed to join Charlie. They hugged.
Jacob nodded to me and Edward before he left the room. Alice saw Renesmee much better these days, but still couldn't see Jacob.
While Renesmee continued to hug her grandfather, she placed her palm on his cheek so he could see how much he meant to her… and then the quiet was shattered with the sound of Edward's cell phone vibrating.
"I'm sorry, Edward. Forty-one seconds," I heard Alice's soft voice on the phone, and I knew Renesmee also heard because she began to cry harder.
"Dad," I whispered, stretching out along the other side of him. He did his best to comfort both daughter and granddaughter.
"I'm ready," Charlie assured me with a smile.
"Grandpa, I love you," Renesmee said in-between sobs.
"My most precious girls," my Dad whispered, and I saw him shoot Sue a glance to include her in this as well. Sue smiled at Charlie – for she and her side of the family had already said their goodbyes.
"Dad, I'll miss you so much," I told him.
"No regrets, honey. You made me proud... and, so very happy," he said, and then looked over at Edward. "You take good care of my two little girls for me, okay?"
"Yes, sir," Edward replied in a soft respectful voice.
"You too, Jacob," Charlie added, knowing Jake would hear him.
"I will, Charlie," Jacob responded as he re-entered the room.
Renesmee and I hugged Charlie tight for the last thirteen beats of his heart and just before it stopped, we heard him say; "I love you."
Renesmee sobbed wet tears while I sobbed dry ones and we stayed with Charlie until Leah poked her head into the room and warned us that we had about thirty seconds.
I flashed over to Renesmee... took her in my arms and then picked her up and held her tight. I carried her over to Jacob, and Jacob quickly left the room with his sobbing wife in his arms. Edward comforted me as I sobbed, and then we left Sue to deal with the aftermath.
"Are you sure this isn't going to draw too much attention to us?" I asked as we prepared to say our final goodbyes at the cemetery. We had all listened to the funeral proceedings outside the church earlier.
"The only people attending who will recognize us are Ben and Angela, and would it be so terrible if they find out?" Alice asked.
"I don't know, Alice. You tell us," Edward replied, rolling his eyes. Alice smiled and shook her head no.
Nearly the whole Quileute tribe attended to pay their final respects to Charlie. He would join Billy, who had passed away several years before.
At our request, the pack provided us cover by surrounding us. Given how huge the Quileute boys were so huge; they blinded most people from seeing us.
I watched as Seth took his place to address everyone. He shot me a comforting smile before he pulled out two pieces of paper. Renesmee and I had written something for Seth to read.
"My name is Seth Clearwater," he introduced himself. "Charlie was my step-Dad. He was also my friend."
Seth had stopped phasing nearly two decades ago when he imprinted on a lovely young woman by the name of Nina. His two teenage boys flanked Nina while his sister, Leah, stood beside their mother, Sue.
I had seen Ben and Angela arrive but forced myself not to look at them more than I had to.
"Charlie was the Police Chief in Forks for over thirty years. He always put the safety of this town first. He was a beloved husband to my mother, Sue Clearwater... a beloved father to Bella... a beloved step-father to me and Leah... a beloved grandfather to Renesmee, Edward and Bella's daughter, and to Harry and Jacob, me and my wife, Nina's, children."
"Angela is wondering if the adopted girl she had heard about so long ago is named Renesmee," Edward told me in vampire speed.
"Bella and Renesmee wrote a note each that they asked me to read for them."
I glanced over at Angela and saw her looking around now. I could see her getting frustrated with trying to see behind the huge frames of the Quileute boys.
"Trust me... to know Charlie, Bella and Renesmee, is to know how truly close their relationship was over these years. I know he treasured his time with them, and he considered himself to be the luckiest man on the planet."
I swallowed a sob while Renesmee began crying. Angela obviously heard a young woman crying and looked around for her.
"I will read Bella's goodbye first... Dad, I love you so very much and will miss you dearly. Having you in our life has been so special to us and we'll always treasure your acceptance and understanding… and most of all your love. Edward and I, along with Renesmee, will love you for an eternity... and that goes for all us Cullens. We'll never ever forget you."
I openly began sobbing while Edward did what he could to comfort me. I also felt a comforting hand from Esme and Alice. I could see Angela looking around again.
"I will now read Renesmee's goodbye... Grandpa Charlie, I miss you so, so much. I love you so very much and will take comfort in all our memories together. I love you, Grandpa."
Renesmee burst out in tears and I walked over to her and wrapped my arms around her. She sobbed openly and loudly.
"Bella, she's spotted you," Edward whispered to me, and I turned to see Angela starring at me with a look of shock on her face. I could also see her tears, streaming down the sides of her cheeks.
Seth brought the ceremony to an end and the people started to walk back to their cars. Angela remained… standing with Ben.
"Your call, honey," Edward whispered, and I knew this meant I had Carlisle's blessing.
"Let them through," I said in a soft voice, and the Quileute tribe parted like the Red Sea.
Angela and Ben slowly approached us and I saw Ben's eyes light up with shock as he neared me. Angela's eyes were not only darting from me to Edward... but to Renesmee's as well… and I heard her gasp before collecting herself.
"Bella?" Angela whispered… still not completely sure.
"Hi Angela," I replied with a shy smile.
Angela's eyes were as big as saucers as she scanned all the familiar faces. Alice and Jasper... Rosalie and Emmett... and Carlisle and Esme... before she returned her eyes to me.
"I... I'm sorry about your Dad," Angela said in a soft sincere voice.
"He had a good life, Angela. Thank you so much for coming," I then glanced at Ben and shot him a smile. I could hear their hearts working overtime.
"You sound different," she admitted.
"Sorry… I wish my voice sounded more like my old voice," I joked.
"Nonsense, it sounds beautiful," Angela replied with a comforting smile… and then she turned to Renesmee. "Is this your precious daughter?" Angela asked as she eyed Renesmee.
"Yes, Angela," Edward spoke for the first time. "This is our daughter, Renesmee."
"You're a very beautiful young woman," Angela told Renesmee with a smile.
"Thank you, Angela. It's nice to finally meet you," Renesmee replied. "My Mom has told me so much about you."
"You look so much like your Mom and Dad," Angela whispered with a look of awe on her face. Then she returned her attention back to us. "I missed you," she said. "I... I tried contacting you a few times but Charlie..."
"I know… I'm sorry," I replied, and I truly was.
"I can see now you had legitimate reasons, but I'm glad you were able to still share your life with your Father."
I smiled at Angela.
"Is your mother still alive?" Angela asked.
"No. She passed away awhile ago."
"I'm sorry," Angela replied. "But mostly I'm so happy for you," she added, gesturing to Edward and Renesmee. I could see she was on the verge of crying again.
"And I'm happy for you as well, Angela. I know all about your two boys and girl... I know they are quite successful and how they provided you with five lovely grandchildren."
Angela eyes lit up in surprise at everything I knew. It was my way of telling her that although I couldn't see her all these past years, I never stopped loving her. She understood, and I saw her tears streaming down her cheeks. Then something must have occurred to her, because she shot Edward a glance.
"The scholarship money," she whispered.
"It was the least we could do for such great friends," Edward replied.
Angela smiled at Edward before returning her gaze back on me. "Can… Can I hug you," she asked me with tears.
I took a step forward and opened my arms, and a second later we were embracing. We stood there hugging each other for a few minutes. Her sobs with tears... my sobs without… and then we broke apart and stepped back from one another. Then she looked over at my family.
"I always knew you Cullens were special," she said with a grin. "Nothing pleased me more when you made Bella one of you," she added.
"Your special, too, Angela," I replied.
"You make me feel special," she admitted with a smile.
"Can we count on your discretion," Carlisle spoke for the first time.
"Yes, sir," Ben replied without hesitation.
"Nobody will ever know of this, Doctor Cullen," Angela assured my father, and I didn't doubt for a moment she was telling the truth. Then she turned back to me. "Will I ever see you again?"
"If you want to," I replied with a smile.
"I want," Angela gushed.
"Then from time to time, we'll pay you a visit," I replied with a smile.
"That would be real nice," Angela replied with a smile. "Well, I have to admit you certainly aged well," she added, and this caused not only my family to bust out laughing… but the wolf pack as well.
"Angela?" I said after we all calmed down.
"Yes," she responded with a smile. I saw she was on the verge of crying again.
"Edward and I will continue to look in on you from time to time, but if you ever need to get a hold of us for anything, I want to give you a way to contact me."
"But Bella... you have already given us so much," Angela replied.
"I want you to know how to get a hold of me," I insisted, making Angela smile. "Leah, can I see you for a moment," I called out to my step-sister.
Leah was my beautiful Native American step-sister, who still phased. She still looked like a hot gal in her early twenties. Leah took a moment to give Renesmee a tight hug before she came before me. I smiled at her, lovingly. Leah had grown especially close to Renesmee over these years.
"Leah, this is my good friend, Angela," I introduced them. Leah understood what this meant.
"Hi Angela, it's nice to meet you," Leah said and Angela smiled.
"Angela, if you ever need to contact me... just go to the reservation… tell them who you are… and ask for Leah Clearwater. I will ensure my sister gets your message."
After Angela thanked Leah, she must have sensed this was goodbye because she moved into my arms again for another hug. "Thank you," she whispered into my ear. "Thank you so much for this."
"And thank you, Angela… for being such a great friend," I replied. I then glanced at Ben, smiled, and then watched them walk off to their car.
"Honey…?" I called out to my daughter. She was being comforted by Rose for the moment, and then broke away to flit by my side.
Together, hand in hand, we approached Charlie's grave for our final goodbye. We stood in silence, gazing down at the casket, hugging each other.
"We love you, Charlie Swan... and none of us will ever forget you," I whispered.
Then Jacob wrapped his arm around Renesmee and Edward did the same with me… and then the four of us turned back to the rest of our family and our Quileute friends.
"Thank you... Thank you all for being here for me and saying your final farewells to my Dad," I said, smiling. They all smiled back at us.
"Bella…? Would you like to spend a couple weeks at our old place before we return to Volterra?" Carlisle asked.
"Could we?" I asked with hopeful response. I could see the wolf pack was all for it.
"Of course we can as long as you are okay with it," Carlisle replied with a reassuring smile.
I looked at my siblings and friends and saw their anticipated excitement. Then I turned to my daughter. "What do you say, honey?"
"I say Jake and I call dibs on our old cottage," Renesmee replied, and with that everyone laughed hard in response.
The end of Breaking Dawn, the Battle!