A/N
Edward's running amok in Italy, while Julia, Alice, and Bella try to head him off at the pass.
Thank you for reading and reviewing if you leave one.
Thank you to transitory07 for pre-reading. Thank you to my beta validator, Kherisma, who goes above and beyond, every time. I'm sorry but honored when I make you ladies cry. (*sniff sniff* you totally did! ~K)
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. Julia and Daniel are figments of my imagination. And they are fine.
Chapter 9: Volterra, 2006
You figure there's time
For a man to run
You figure it's time
For the falling stars to come down on us
"Falling Stars" - UNKLE
The passage of time loses its gravity when one measures a lifetime in eternity. Without the specters of age and death, there is no need to mark each second as it passes, to organize them into minutes, hours, and days that stretch into months and years. Human lifetimes pass in the blink of an eye, with thousands of moments fraught with murky human emotions come and gone in an instant.
A frantic urgency I have never known fills the hours following Edward's flight from Dona Marta. A sick feeling grips me as I watch the minutes slide by. Each one bring closer the moment when Edward's fate is decided, while those of us left behind can only wait.
Sprinting through the humid evening toward Galeãoairport, I catch Edward's scent and follow it through the slowly shifting crowds of travelers to the main terminal. As I feared, he is nowhere to be found, and his trail disappears into an empty jetway. A glance at the arrivals and departures board tells me I have missed the most recent flight to Rome by at least an hour; Edward is gone.
I press the keys on my phone furiously, fighting the urge to grind my teeth while the call connects.
"I missed him," I say at once, speaking over Emmett's terse greeting. His sigh echoes over the line, forcing me to pace in an effort to defuse the anxiety crawling through me. "I won't be able to get a flight out of Rio for another two hours."
"Damn it," Emmett swears softly. The dejection in his voice tells me his spirits are sinking even as he tries to reassure me. "Alice and Bella are already in the air over Washington; with their connections, they should arrive in Volterra just ahead of you."
I stop short with a sharp intake of breath, appalled by the meaning behind his words. "That's the plan? Sending Alice and a human into the Volturi stronghold?"
"Alice was very clear, Julia, and she insists we follow her instructions," Emmett replies. His words clipped with the effort of maintaining his composure. "If Edward hears any of us approach, even you, he'll do something rash. He'll do whatever it takes to push them into ripping him apart before we ever have a chance to speak with him."
"So you're proposing that we do nothing?" I ask, my eyes darting to the arrival and departures board to check the next flight times.
"We're allowing Alice to take the lead. She maintains that no one be allowed anywhere near Edward until she's had a chance to show him that Bella is alive." His voice wavers just slightly on the girl's name. I understand in that instant that Emmett is not entirely in agreement with the family's decision not to act.
The fear I have been cradling in my chest since discovering Edward's ruined room withers in the heat of a sudden rush of anger.
"That is the most idiotic thing I've ever heard. Has every Cullen completely lost their reason tonight?" My low voice is harsh, drawing the attention of several curious humans.
"I understand what you're saying, Julia," Emmett replies quietly, the weariness in his voice cutting through the furious buzz in my head. His voice is lower still when he continues. "But you understandEdward as well as any of us; you know what he is capable of. Alice is right. He's far enough ahead at this point to be approaching Aro before anyone else even steps foot in Italy. You won't catch him before he makes his request, and if he knows you are there, he will overreact. He'll think you are deliberately trying to mislead him."
I do not reply, knowing Emmett is right and despising him for it, Alice even more so. Understanding they are right, however, will not keep me from getting on the plane. Though Emmett says nothing, I feel certain he is aware of my intentions; what's more, I believe he approves.
"I understand, Emmett," I murmur before ending the call.
My phone chimes quietly with an incoming call as I am buying the airline ticket. The sight of Carlisle's number on the screen further taxes my exhausted patience. I move to stand by the windows inside the departure gate, and train my eyes on the waiting aircraft before accepting the call.
"What's going on, Carlisle? Has there been word from Edward?"
Carlisle's normally serene voice is rough with tension. "I'm afraid not. I'm calling out of concern for your welfare, actually, Julia. Alice believes that you will be making the journey to Volterra despite her warning. I cannot, in good conscience, allow you to get on that plane."
I am silent for a moment, blinking with surprise. Inserting the tip of my tongue between my front teeth, I bite down firmly in an effort to still the flood of words threatening to overwhelm me. "With all due respect, Carlisle, there's not much you can do to stop me," I reply politely when I trust myself to speak.
"Regardless of that very obvious fact, I would like to ask you to stay away from Volterra entirely." I realize Carlisle is appealing to the cautious side of my nature. He is unaware that tonight I have abandoned all prudence and forethought.
"I don't understand what harm it will do for me to be there," I say with a sigh, rubbing my fingers over the nape of my neck in frustration. "Emmett has already told me Alice's concerns, and I will take care to heed them."
"For the moment, I am not speaking of Edward," he replies quietly. "Julia, do you understand that entering the Volturi domain under these circumstances puts your life at risk?"
I close my eyes as the sentiment behind Carlisle's words hit home; his kindness toward me during these moments of extreme concern for his son is devastating.
"I have considered the risks, yes," I admit gently.
"I am speaking for Edward and the rest of my family when I tell you that you must put your own safety first." Carlisle's voice is dark with sorrow, but firm, and I hear the father that has influenced Edward so deeply over the years. "The idea that you would be harmed standing in place for our family is unconscionable."
"I appreciate your concern, Carlisle, more than you realize," I reply with a sad smile, amused and exasperated by the trademark Cullen obstinance. "But at the risk of repeating myself, you can't stop me from getting on that plane. Two of your family will almost certainly risk their lives tomorrow, Carlisle; I have to try. At the very least, I might be of help to Alice should Edward's plan succeed."
Carlisle is silent for some time and obviously conflicted; the increased chances of saving one or both of his children appeal to him strongly.
"All right then," he replies with extreme reluctance. "If Edward cannot be saved, perhaps something can be done for Alice and Bella."
Bella. The mention of the girl's name sparks the rage inside me. I cannot grasp how the introduction of a single, frail human has brought such calamity to Edward's life and mine. My lips pull back in a silent snarl over teeth that are wet with venom. Despite the chaos of these past hours and the uncertainty ahead, I know one thing: if Edward dies in Volterra, I will stop at nothing to destroy the human girl.
"I'll do whatever I am able for both of them," I lie softly to Carlisle, watching my reflection's cold smile in the window.
I play a game of waiting. Waiting to board the flight out of Brazil with a baseball cap purchased from the duty free tucked in my pocket. Waiting in the confines of the airplane cabin as the night deepens and the humans slumber around me. Waiting while dawn breaks and the plane touches down in Rome. Waiting to I steal a car to race into the brilliant and treacherous Tuscan sun toward Volterra. Waiting for word of Edward's fate.
Hills and fields made barren by winter blur by as I urge the car forward, bypassing the traffic on the motorway. The sun is overhead when I park outside of the city's gate, which has been decorated to celebrate a feast day. The place is teeming with humans clad in red cloaks. The deep toll of bells echoes over the noise of the crowds as I step under the ancient portcullis, and pull the brim of my cap down low over my face. My phone chimes when I move into the deep shadows inside the city walls, and I look down to see a text from Alice.
The clock tower in the Palazzo - he's seen her.
A long, stuttering breath comes from me with the realization that while Edward is no longer a danger to himself, the Volturi guard pose an imminent threat to his life. I use the back alleys to run, winding behind the city to bypass the throngs of humans congesting the narrow streets. As I dart around corners, I don't quite dare to hope that I can also avoid members of the guard.
There. The palazzo opens in front of me, flooded with blazing sunlight. The humans move in vast waves of crimson clothes, their banners swirling in the cold wind. And there, through the crush of bodies and almost out of sight in the alley opposite me, I see them. Flanked by three cloaked members of the guard, Edward and Alice stand with the human girl, her frail body wrapped in Edward's protective embrace. The girl is pale and drawn, her whole being clearly marked by the misery Edward unwittingly inflicted on her when he left Forks. Yet, her face is ablaze with an astonishing mixture of terror and joy. There is also a strange defiance in her expression and posture as she stares at the cloaked figures, as if she is willing to fight. After a moment, the group moves further into the shadows of the alley, and away from the legion of curious eyes in the palazzo.
I continue to make my way toward them through the maze behind the buildings, skirting the edges of the sunlight pouring over the walls. I cross into a stream of scent trails just as Edward's voice rings out quite close by, freezing me in my tracks.
"It's all right, Bella, Alice will catch you," he says in reassuring tones.
Pressing tightly against the wall to my left, I peer around the corner of the building in time to see Edward lowering the girl into a drain in the street. Two of the guards, whom I recognize as Demetri and Felix from their scents, stand at Edward's sides. Alice and the third guard are already underground and out of sight.
For a fraction of a second before he steps into the drain, Edward's eyes meet mine, shining with life for the first time since he approached me in New Orleans. The seconds I have to read Edward's intentions tell me that, whatever fear he may have for the human girl's safety, his descent into madness and despair has halted. Emerging in its place is the shrewd intelligence I know, and an overwhelming determination to ensure the girl's survival.
I turn away the instant Edward disappears, and make my way back through the city. I race out of reach of the guard, who have been summoned by their masters to observe the consequences of the spectacle Edward nearly presented today.
I seek shelter from the sun in the stolen car, and exchange text after text with Emmett, unable to tell him anything other than what has already happened. Edward is alive for the moment; once again, all that is left is the waiting.
Dusk has fallen when I pull the cap off and leave the confines of the car. On impulse, I run to the far side of the city perimeter through winter air stirred by strong winds. Vestiges of the setting sun stain the sienna walls a deeper red, and the age-softened stone makes it almost too easy to climb. I reach the top of the wall and take a moment to sit, swinging my legs over the edge to rest against the stone walkway. My presence will not go ignored a second time.
"You know where the gate is, Julia. You made use of it this afternoon." There is an undercurrent of amusement in Demetri's voice as his polite words float over the darkness. "These are hardly medieval times; you needn't scale the walls."
"I'm American. I've always had a misplaced sense of adventure," I reply with a shrug that draws a chuckle from Demetri and nothing from the massive figure standing a few paces back.
"If you're here about the young Cullens, you're already too late," Felix says quietly, a subtle, unmistakable menace in his voice. His dark cape flaps quietly in the breeze as he steps closer.
"Too late?" I murmur, digging my fingers deeply into the stone of the wall beneath me.
"You misunderstand Felix," Demetri replies softly, directing a glance over his shoulder at his comrade. "As I'm sure you are aware, my masters held an audience with the Cullens and their human this afternoon. They'll be leaving the city within the next few hours."
The moonlight is bright in Demetri's large, beautiful eyes. They are a brilliant crimson, vivid with the blood of a fresh kill still lingering on lips. I study his impassive expression before speaking again. "They will be allowed to leave, I presume?"
"My masters rendered their decision." Demetri nods easily, holding my eyes with his gaze. "The Cullens have confirmed that the girl will not remain human for very long, and that is a condition that satisfies everyone."
Knowing Edward's opinions on the girl's mortal state, it takes effort to keep my expression neutral. There is no way Edward has pledged the girl's mortality without several avenues of diversion planned. I wonder how long he will be able to evade what seems inevitable.
"Julia, why are you here?" Demetri's expression is at once curious and knowing.
After a moment, I answer honestly. "I would answer that question if I could, Demetri."
He nods, turning his gaze over my shoulder to the silent countryside. "You must realize that you cannot change Edward's fate, no matter how hard you try. No more than you can change your own fate; the die has been cast."
"I have no desire to change anyone's fate; I know quite well that such a thing is not possible." I hold his gaze when Demetri's eyes meet mine. He takes another step closer, his lush linen and amber scent rolling over my tongue. I want, not for the first time, to understand him. I also recognize the danger inherent in the impulse.
"Unless I am mistaken, you haven't the ability to ascertain neither my fate nor that of anyone else."
"Indeed not." He chuckles. "I've simply had enough time during the last millennia to come to understand that fate is immutable, much like our kind. Perhaps even more so."
"And perhaps less so," I offer, amused by Demetri's good-natured shrug.
The toll of the clock tower in the palazzo sounds again, rolling over us and prompting an increase in the sounds of celebration from the humans. As if on cue, Demetri steps back to stand at Felix's side, his expression growing blank once more.
"Cullen and the others will be leaving the city shortly," Felix remarks, a sneer just audible in his soft voice.
"We would prefer you use the gate this time, Julia," Demetri adds. "The moon is bright tonight and this particular feast makes the humans more observant than usual. Saint Marcus seems to inspire vampire hunter fantasies."
"They'd rather be victims," I reply, stepping toward the staircase with a glance over my shoulder. "Good evening, gentlemen."
"I'm sure we'll see each other again soon, Julia. Until then, you would do well to remember our conversation about fate," Demetri says softly, his dark cloak swirling in the wind.
I make my way carefully through the crowds. I smile grimly at the humans' high spirits and costumes, and the way their plastic fangs gleam strangely under the streetlights. I recognize Alice's scent in a trail of lavender and chocolate, and follow it to a dark alcove where two small bags are hidden. The bags smell strongly of freesia and the salty tang of the human girl's blood. Seized with curiosity, I press the smaller bag to my face and inhale. Sweet Jesus. I bite back a humorless laugh at the thought of Edward willingly subjecting himself to this intoxicating smell with no hope of release. The intensity of the girl's scent causes my head to swirl briefly and I swallow the venom that floods my mouth. I am composed when I meet Alice's wide-eyed gaze a few moments later.
"You're safe," Alice says as I hand her the bags, a smile spreading over her beautiful face. "You know I'm grateful, Julia, but you are far crazier than even Edward realized to follow us here."
"Running a fool's errand to the Volturi with a human at your side isn't exactly sane, Alice," I reply in a dry tone.
"Yes, well, my brother does seem to provoke extreme behaviors in those who love him," she says, giving a small sigh as she meets my gaze. "He's heading out of the city now. Bella has been... well, a bit hysterical, but that's to be expected. And I daresay, Edward is chastened for once, but I'm sure that won't last long."
An intense and delayed sense of relief briefly overwhelms my anger at Edward. I push the hair away from my face with trembling hands, and try to hide them in my pockets before they betray me. Before I can, Alice reaches to brush the back of my right hand with her slim fingers.
"We're leaving for Florence immediately," she says, her expression becoming tentative. "I just need to steal another car. Why don't you travel with us, Julia?"
"No," I reply at once with a shake of my head. "It's not a good idea for me to share an enclosed space with Edward right now. There are too many things I want to say, none of them kind. I am not to be trusted around him at the moment. Or the girl."
"Bella is safe from you," Alice says casually, drawing the bags onto her shoulder.
I know she and Edward will protect the girl, and shield her from my rage. I also understand that too many of my emotional limits have been surpassed in the last several weeks, leaving me raw and volatile. I am not ready to face Edward yet, particularly in the confines of a car or plane.
Alice's expression grows concerned as she studies me, her little face tilted up toward mine. "You'll forgive him eventually, won't you?"
"I'm not sure, Alice," I admit.
"Come back to Washington before you make a decision. Talk to him," she urges, holding my gaze steadily.
I nod after a moment, still undecided. My need to withdraw is strong. The walls I have been building around my dead heart are weakened. My feelings for Edward and his family are too strong.
"Tell me," Alice says curiously. "If Bella and I had been too late to save Edward, what were you planning to do?"
"I told Carlisle I would try to help you out of Volterra," I murmur. "I thought... I felt that if I could do nothing else, I owed your father that. I owe Edward that."
For a moment, Alice grasps the fingers of my hand, and a peculiar mix of sorrow and kindness crosses her face. With a shrug, I press the keys to the stolen car into her hand and step back, giving her a moment to go ahead before I follow.
Edward is leading the girl toward the car when I pass through the gate, tenderly helping her into the backseat. In the moment before he slides in next to her, his eyes meet mine. This time I see a plea for understanding in their black depths as I stare him down, and a troubled crease appears between his brows before I turn away.
I take my time returning to Washington after arriving back in the States. I fly to Los Angeles and spend several weeks in the silent house where Daniel's scent lingers. In the evenings, I sit in clubs listening to bands and talking with my human acquaintances, politely refusing requests to take a turn onstage. I walk for hours on the beaches, following the coast north with the crashing tides of the Pacific for company. I hunt bear in the massive forests outside of the city, and grin when I remember Edward's stories of his hunting adventures with Emmett.
Sitting in a café one night with my ex-band mates, I smile as they talk excitedly of their work in the studio. When I glance toward the bar, I see a familiar figure angled my way. Crimson eyes gaze at me through cigarette smoke, and a shock of salt and pepper hair gleams in the dim light. I hold Daniel's gaze for a long minute before a sad smile graces his lips. He nods once, and turns to go before I think to respond in any way.
Much later that night, my phone chimes with an incoming message. I am not surprised when I see Daniel's name on the screen.
I'd like to talk, if you'll let me.
I tuck my phone in my pocket and sit at the piano, wishing my cello were not across the country in New Orleans. The dawn's gray light slowly illuminates the room as my fingers run through Handel's Keyboard Suite No. 2, filling the air with an aching loveliness. Longing surprises me as I play, and makes me wish for the chaotic green wilderness of the Olympic Park and my complicated, infuriating friend, Edward.
I leave the city at sunset that evening, driving the rented car north up Highway 101 through the night. It is early morning when I park on an old logging road with a smile, and wonder if the last car I abandoned in Forks is still hidden by the forest.
The city of Forks is enjoying a rare sunny spring day and I know the Cullens will stay close to home, avoiding contact with humans. The notes from one of Edward's lovely and intricate compositions echo through the trees as I approach their dwelling. As always, I am mindful of the perimeter around the property, keeping to the edges of the meadow surrounding the great white house. Today, however, I pause by the trunk of a massive maple at the back of the house, allowing myself to hear the voices of the inhabitants. Movement in the glass wall catches my eye, and I recognize Emmett's massive frame. His hand lifts in greeting at the same moment Edward stops playing, and I return the wave before turning once more to run into the woods.
I stop by the old stone bench to wait for Edward, sitting to run my fingers over the velvety fronds of young ferns while birdsongs pierce the air. It is not long before a pair of long legs is standing in front of me, and a familiar scent mixes with the rich smell of the spruce surrounding us.
I raise my eyes to meet Edward's, warm gold and bright once more. He is dressed to blend in with the human teenagers, wearing dark jeans and a grey button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled to the elbow. His hair is the mess it always is when he is composing and, though his expression is tentative, even fearful, Edward is beautiful. The haunted expression he wore during the days we tracked Victoria is gone; his eyes are keen and shining.
"Before you berate me for not returning your calls-" I begin, sighing when Edward interrupts me almost at once.
"And showing up announced, yet again," he cuts in teasingly, the beginnings of a soft smile on his lips. "You gave Emmett quite a turn, by the way. He nearly went right through the window before he recognized you."
"It's nice to know I haven't lost my edge," I reply quietly, cocking my head to one side as I look up at Edward. "My poor manners aside, I would like to remind you that I am still wildly angry with you, Edward."
The playful gleam in his eyes fades as he absorbs the seriousness of my words and mood. We watch each other for a long time in silence, Edward's face growing troubled. With a sigh, he gestures to the space beside me on the stone bench, flashing me a grateful look when I make room for him to sit.
"How could you, Edward?" The depth of the pain I hear in my voice surprises me. I find I cannot bear to look at him, and a deep ache spreads through me when he lets out a long breath.
"I think I have some idea of how you were feeling when you thought the girl was gone," I say softly. "When Miranda disappeared, it felt as though my world was ending. I understand that you were grieving, Edward, I truly do. But to seek to end your life?" My voice cracks on the last words and I pull my legs in against my chest, closing myself off and resting my chin on top of my knees.
"I realize that apologies are not nearly enough to make up for what I put you through." Edward's voice is low and unbearably earnest. "Not only when I ran to Italy, but before as well. When we were tracking and then in Rio... my behavior was inexcusable, Julia. Looking back at those weeks, I know I don't deserve the friendship you gave to me."
"I'm inclined to agree, actually," I reply, meeting his gaze.
His eyes are burning with sadness when he nods and murmurs, "Can you forgive me?"
I am silent for a few moments, frowning deeply before I reply. "It's going to take some time. I'd like to think so."
Edward's jaw tightens with my words, his lips pressing into a hard line. One hand rises to run through his hair, and his eyes shift down to study the ground under his feet. The stillness of the forest thickens as the minutes pass. The things I want to say to Edward catch in my throat while I watch his unhappiness mount.
"Is the damage I've caused between us irreparable?" His whispered words are loud as he raises his eyes at last, his hands dropping to rest in his lap.
"You made me realize that you are willing to remove yourself from this world, Edward." I shake my head when he opens his mouth to interrupt. "I always thought that, while I'd never have your heart, I could at least count on you to be there as my friend. It would seem that I can't count on that anymore."
"You have to know I'll never act so rashly again," Edward says in protest. "I shouldn't have run without getting some kind of confirmation, I know that now."
"But what will you do when the girl's life runs its course, Edward?" I ask with a sad smile. "Despite what you told the Volturi that evening, I know you well enough to understand you'd rather die yourself than change her. If you follow this course, one day she will be no more... and then you will be gone."
Edward's face falls as he shakes his head. "I suspect there's little I can do to prevent her from being changed," he murmurs, a pained expression growing in his eyes. "At this point... I believe that Bella becoming one of us is inevitable, regardless of my feelings on the subject."
The intentions I read from Edward do not surprise me, though I suspect he may still be denying them. "You want her changed," I whisper. "You are ashamed to admit it, but you want her to be one of us."
Edward's eyes slide closed, misery rolling off him and his silence acting as confirmation. Wordlessly, I slide my legs back down, reaching to run one hand slowly from his elbow to wrist, spreading my fingers across the back of his hand. Edward's eyes flutter open, shining deep gold as they flick from our hands to my face.
"Thank you for always being honest with me." Edward's voice is husky with emotion. "Today, in Rio, in New Orleans; for all the years I've known you. You've never hesitated to tell me the truth, even when the words are difficult for me to hear. Even when it is even more difficult for you to speak, you never hold back. Alice is right; you're so brave, Julia, far more so that I have ever needed to be."
I shake my head, my lips curling up in a small smile. "There are different kinds of courage, Edward; you taught me that. You want to do the right things, despite the risk of adverse consequence, and that is incredibly brave. Moral courage is far less common and much more difficult to embrace. You are stronger than you realize."
Edward says nothing in response, his face growing thoughtful as he considers my words and we watch each other. The sun makes its way slowly overhead, the light filtering through spaces in the canopy above us and refracting against our skin in tiny, brilliant rainbows.
Without a word, Edward lifts his hand to my face and runs one long finger over my right eyebrow before dropping to meet our joined hands on in his lap. His expression is sad when he speak next. "Why does this feel like a goodbye?"
"Edward," I begin with a sigh. "Have you told the girl about me? That you and I are friends?"
"No, not yet," he admits with reluctance.
"That feels a bit like goodbye to me," I reply, unable to keep from smirking though his admission stings. I know, more clearly than ever, that there is little room for me in Edward's world now that the human girl has entered it.
Edward shakes his head firmly as he hears my thoughts, tightening his hold on my hand as his face becomes troubled. "I do plan to tell Bella about you, Julia, I always have."
"I don't quite believe you," I retort softly, my free hand lifting to ghost a finger over his jaw.
"It's true, Julia," he replies. Edward's face and voice fill with a quiet urgency as he speaks. "When Bella and I first became involved, you were not speaking to me. And since my departure and the confrontation in Volterra... there just hasn't been a right time. Bella is not entirely secure in our relationship at the moment, and rightfully so. I have made her emotionally vulnerable."
"She expects you to disappear again," I surmise, nodding when Edward's eyes light up with relief at my understanding.
"Yes, very much so. And that is entirely my fault," he says. "Right now, I'm just not sure how to explain who you are and how we have known each other for so long. That we lived in the same house in New York and then Boston, that I invited you to join the family." He breaks off, lifting a hand to rub his forehead distractedly. "I can't even begin to understand how to explain that we were hunting Victoria together."
"You told her you were tracking alone?" I ask warily, concern drawing my brows together.
"No. I let her assume I was tracking alone," Edward admits sheepishly.
"Edward," I groan. "What are you thinking? You are dragging your whole family into the deception with you as well. You really don't have an ounce of common sense."
"Believe me, I agree," he replies. A grin brightens his face before he grows serious once more. "I will tell her about you, Julia, I just need to be sure she trusts me again."
"It's not all that important, Edward," I say lightly. "It's not as if she and I will be spending any time together. But keeping things from her doesn't seem particularly wise; you'll have a long road ahead if you continue to lie by omission."
"I only keep her from things that will hurt her," he says stubbornly, a scowl marring his lovely face for a moment.
"You need to face the fact that there is always the possibility of something hurting her, Edward," I murmur in reply, squeezing his hand to lessen the blow of my words. "You hurt her every time you deceive her."
"I know you're right. But I'll always try to spare her, if I'm able, and protect her."
"From what you tell me, the girl does seem to lead an extraordinarily unlucky existence."
"You have no idea just how apt that statement is," Edward says, his expression growing dark with rage. "Victoria was spotted here in Forks, you know, while you and I were in Rio. She played me perfectly, distracting me and all the while planning to come here after Bella."
"You're here with her now," I reply quietly. "You'll keep her safe."
We are quiet for a time while Edward's eyes fix on mine. I know he is looking at their dark amber color, which is a result of my recent intake of animal blood.
"Have you spoken with Daniel?" Edward's face is tense, though his effort to remain calm is evident in his composed voice.
"Not yet. I saw him in Los Angeles for a moment a few nights ago, but we did not speak," I say, making my own effort to control my emotions. "He reached out to me. And I would like to talk to him again, to hear what he has to say."
"I'm not entirely sure I agree with you, but I'm not surprised that you're giving him a chance," Edward says with only a hint of rancor, his mouth quirking up in a crooked smile. "You've given me many more chances than I deserved, after all."
With immense care, he winds his arms around my waist, gently drawing me closer to him. After a moment, I mirror his movements, threading my arms under his and relaxing against his shoulder. Edward's chin comes to rest on my hairline when I let my head fall against his long neck, the hush of the forest rising around us.
"You'll be careful, won't you?" Edward murmurs finally, his lips moving against my hair. "You'll be careful when you speak to Daniel?"
"He poses no risk to me," I reply, scoffing gently. "But yes, I'll be careful."
The twilight deepens into dusk, and the fading light provides enough cover for Edward to go amongst the humans without fear of discovery. As darkness falls, I realize he is putting off going to the girl in order to extend his time with me for a few moments longer. He stirs at last, breathing a small sigh as we stand, and flashing me a smile that I cannot help returning. We run easily between the dark trees, Edward darting ahead playfully before dropping back to allow me to catch up. It's not long before we stop beneath the cedars sheltering the Cullen home.
"I'm guessing you'll be going underground for a while," Edward says, his face growing wistful as he looks at me.
"For a while." My fingers brush against the back of his hand. "I'm leaving L.A., I think. I'll find music to play, photos to take, maybe even some bridges to climb. I need to find some parts of myself that have become lost."
Edward drops his eyes, and his expression becomes deeply serious. He seems to be struggling to find words and I see him swallow once before he looks at me again, his eyes bright with shame.
"What is it?" I ask, concern bubbling in my chest.
"In Rio... I shouldn't have said those things to you, Julia," he murmurs, the corners of his mouth turning down. "When I told you to get out. That I don't care about you."
I watch him for a moment before speaking, my voice low, but kind. "I think each of us has said things to each other in the past year that should have been left unsaid."
Edward nods slowly, reaching to take my hands in his. "I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry, too." I step closer to press a soft kiss on his cheek, closing my eyes when Edward drops my hands to slide his arms around me. I allow myself to sink into his embrace for a moment, pulling him close to rest my cheek against his shoulder.
"Don't disappear for too long," Edward whispers, his lips ghosting the bridge of my nose, and the sweet smell of his breath fanning over my face.
We step away from each other; our fingers somehow still entwined before the distance forces them apart. We leave unsaid the words that have failed us so often in the past. Instead, we share a smile over the space separating us before I turn to run into the night.
A/N
*Sigh* This chapter makes me yearn for their hunting human days of yore. Next chapter, Edward will seek out Julia; he's got some stuff to say.
There are two more regular chapters remaining and then I plan to post some outtakes. I know it takes me a while to cobble my chapters together. Thanks so much for bearing with me. Teasers will be sent to those who review.
I plan to submit a o/s for the first round of the Canon Tour on FFn. Voting for round one begins on September 1 and I am stoked to read some good vamp fics. Links are available on my profile.
Note: I'm quoting New Moon when Edward reassures Bella before dropping her into the drain in Volterra.