This chapter is kind of short but important. Shane will be back in a couple of chapters (woo hoo!). Like I could keep him away- I love that evil kid. Surprises are coming and I can't wait to show you. Thanks for reading and for the reviews.

Enjoy!

We sat for a few moments in silence before Edward stood up and placed himself in front of me. Tenderly, he reached out to touch my chin and raise my face so that I'd meet his eyes. Reluctantly, I looked up at him.

There was such torment and guilt in his eyes that tears began to form in mine. I didn't want to feel bad for him.

"Please," I whispered, "don't touch me."

He dropped his hand and the same strangled sound came from his throat. "I want to explain everything to you but I need to get you out of here first."

"I don't want an explanation," I sighed. "Please sit down before you make more trouble for yourself."

"I don't care about me, Bella," he whispered. He reached out his hand again to stroke my face but I cringed back.

He sighed and took a deep breath. "I left for you," he said simply. "I need you to know that."

I looked up, shocked. "You left because of me."

"No, Bella," he said, shaking his head, "for you. I saw how every day I brought another element of danger into your life. Just by being around me, your life was threatened. I couldn't protect you anymore. I saw what you were giving up, what you could have without me, and I knew I was keeping it all from you. You're so beautiful, so good. It wasn't right to keep you from living the life you were meant to lead."

I was confused. What was he talking about?

"I love you, Bella," he breathed, reaching his hand out once again. He ignored my flinch and stroked my jaw. "I always have and always will. I lied that day to protect you. I'm so… disgusted with myself. Apologizing and professing my undying love does not seem to be anywhere near enough but it's all I have. I will say I love you and I'm sorry every day for the rest of our lives."

"My life, you mean?" I laughed bitterly. I was just humoring him with this conversation. It was easy for him to say all of this; I'd be dying in a matter of minutes.

"Yes," he agreed. "If you'll allow me to be a part of your life then I'll be by your side until your last breath. I'll follow you not too long after."

Alice whimpered but he ignored her.

"Can you ever forgive me?" he whispered, kneeling down in front of me.

I was captured in his gaze, unable to look away or think any unpleasant thoughts. I wanted to feel his cold lips on mine. I wanted to run my fingers through his perfect silk hair. I wanted his freezing stone chest pressed against mine.

Thankfully, Aro came into the room.

"My brothers have left this decision to me." He looked over at Carlisle and smiled. "Carlisle, since you are such a dear old friend, and I'm well aware of how responsible you are, you and your family are welcome to go with our blessings. Please be more careful in the future."

Carlisle looked over at me and back at Aro.

"You know the law, Carlisle," Aro warned.

"No!" Edward growled, on his feet the instant Aro spoke the words.

"You really don't have much of a say in it, my boy," Aro chuckled darkly. "I can see how much your family loves you. Don't hurt them any more. Leave with them, go on with your existence, and seek pleasure where you can. Move on, just as you wanted the human to do."

"There's no point in me existing if she's not alive," Edward yelled.

I was taken aback but then I quickly realized it was just a tactic to convince Aro to spare my life. Edward was taking responsibility for me, once again.

"Stop feeling guilty, Edward," I heard myself saying. "What's done is done. This is where I'm meant to be."

He looked over at me, his face frantic. His eyes were wild and pitch black.

"Don't you dare say that!" he cried out. "You're meant to be with me!"

"That's hardly the truth, Edward. After all, you left her." Aro put his arms behind his back.

"I'll never forgive myself for that," Edward said, never taking his eyes away from mine. "But I know now she belongs with me."

"I'm afraid it's too late for that," Aro remarked sadly.

"What if we were to change her?" Alice asked, ignoring Edward's glare.

"Absolutely not!" Edward bellowed.

"Hmm," Aro said, casting an appraising glance my way, "that could work. Her ability to reject mind-controlling abilities is astounding. It makes me quite curious to see what her talent would be. Undoubtedly, it would be amazing as well."

My heart throbbed loudly to my own ears; I could only imagine what it sounded like to them. I wasn't afraid to become a vampire. I was excited. Suddenly a vision of living forever with Edward by my side appeared to me. It warmed my insides and, for the first time since Edward left me, I felt nearly happy. His next words, however, quickly took me out of my daydream.

"It's out of the question!" Edward barked, walking over to stand in front of me. "I won't allow it. The last thing in the world I want her to become is one of us."

My heart dropped and tears finally spilled over and down my cheeks. Aro watched me and laughed.

"The human's crying! How delectable. I find tears absolutely fascinating."

The Cullens all looked at me but I couldn't bear to meet their eyes. I heard Alice sob louder.

"Can we just get this over with?" I whispered.

"Very well," Aro said. "This will be your decision to make, Bella, though I'm afraid you'll have to make it soon."

"No!" Edward cried out again. "Please let her just live! Take me instead. Can't she-"

"Be silent," Aro commanded, his smile finally fading and his voice sounding harsh. It was quite a change from before. He looked back at me and smiled again. "Your decision, my sweet?"

I looked over at them- the people I once thought would one day be my family. I looked at Rosalie first, who actually seemed to look sympathetic. Jasper looked like he'd be crying if he could. Emmett glared murderously at Aro. Esme was still clutching on desperately to Carlisle, her eyes wide with horror. She looked like she was about to faint any minute. Poor Esme.

Edward was looking back and forth between Aro and me, no doubt planning something. Then I let my eyes fall on Alice. She looked terrified and heartbroken. I saw then that she knew already what I was going to say. She knew and she was about to speak. I had to stop her.

"I choose death."