Chapter 12:
Decision
Edward and I stayed on the floor for a long time. Neither of us said anything. I didn't know what to say; I didn't know what to do. What was I supposed to do? The Volturi were coming to get me in just two short weeks, and with back up if I refused to go with them. I couldn't think of any solution that would work. I stood up shakily and Edward looked up at me with tears in his eyes that could never be shed. I reached down and grabbed his hand, pulling him up, and forcing him to the bedroom.
When we got their we both laid down on the bed and curled up into each others arms, just cherishing the moment. Trying to make the best out of the time we had left. Finally I heard Edward clear his throat, about to speak.
"What are we going to do Bella?" He questioned, and I felt pathetic because I had no answer. I lifted myself up and lightly kissed him on the lips.
"I don't know Edward, I don't know." He wrapped his arms around me tighter, shaking slightly as it really hit him that I would be gone. Suddenly his face lighted up.
"Bella, I could join the Volturi to!" He shouted, excited with this new realization. "I could still be with you!"
I looked down, away from his face thinking about what he had said. He hated the Volturi; he would feel horrible there. And I had a feeling that since the Volturi know about my powers; they would not let someone so emotionally attached to me come close. They would probably think it would make me, in the end, betray them. But even if they would let Edward come, he would have to leave his family behind, the people he loved who loved him. And I couldn't take him away from them.
I looked up at his face sadly and his expression quickly soured. "What's wrong? Isn't it a good idea?" He questioned, confusion sparkling in his glorious eyes.
"I couldn't make you do that Edward." I stated and he just looked down at me confused. "I couldn't take you away to somewhere you never would have wanted to go, I couldn't take you away from your family. I couldn't ask you to give up everything just for me." He stared at me and his face softened.
"Bella, you mean the world to me. I would go anywhere whether I liked it or not, to be with you. Because if I wasn't with you, I would go crazy!" His eyes became wild as he said this. "I can leave my family behind Bella, I need you more than anything." He looked down at me, hoping I would cave in and agree with him. And I wanted to more than anything, but I knew that if I took him away, his family might never forgive me. I didn't want them to suffer, and I didn't want Edward to suffer either. I didn't know what to do.
"Edward…" He looked down at me, his face saddening. "I can't make you leave your family…" I dragged on. And then an idea hit me. "Hey! What if you could convince the Volturi to come after the baby is born!" Edwards's face lighted up once again until we heard a voice shout.
"That won't work! They want the baby to!" Alice shouted, she must have had a vision. I sighed, this was so hard. Edward looked down at me and surprised me by grabbing my face roughly and pulling me into a long passionate kiss.
He slowly pulled away from me, eyes closed, and breathing heavily. "Bella, I wish you would let me go with you." He said opening his eyes and staring longingly into mine. "But I will not go if you do not wish it. I would do anything to make you happy. And if keeping me with my family is what you wish, I will respect that." He said and I could see the sadness start to spill into his eyes. I quickly smiled hiding my shame at not letting him come with me, and pulled him into another long kiss.
We spent two long wonderful days together. We ran in the forest and laid in the meadow, simply enjoying each other's company. Taking in every moment and cherishing it. And that's when I got the phone call.
It was Jacob. I had forgot about Jake. And now I was going to have to tell him I was leaving, for good.
"Bella! I was wondering when we could hang out again!" Jake shouted. Edward flinched slightly at the thought of me spending some of my last days here with Jake instead of him.
"Jake I cant." I simply said.
I could hear the confusion in his voice. "What do you mean by I can't?" He questioned.
I quickly told him the story about the Volturi, and I could hear his breathing becoming ragged, his anger swelling.
"Bella, the pack will stop them! I promise!" He shouted in pure rage.
"NO!" I screamed, and I heard Jacob whimper at how loud my voice must have been in his ear. "They have powers to Jake, stronger than any you already know of, they could easily kill your whole pack off with one look." It took awhile to convince Jake of the Volturi's amazing power, but when I did, I could hear the sadness in his voice.
"So I guess this is goodbye then…" He said, hoping I would say I would go see him one last time. But I knew I couldn't say that, for Edward's sake. Edward stood next to me calm on the outside, but I knew he was fighting an emotional battle on the inside. I couldn't hurt him anymore.
"Bye Jake." I said as I hung up the phone and turned to Edward. A small smile was spreading across his beautiful face.
"You could have went and saw him you know." He said, but I could hear his voice waver.
"No I couldn't have. I couldn't hurt you anymore by taking myself away from you any sooner than must be." I said smiling up at him as he picked me up into his arms and kissed me lightly on the forehead.
"I love you Bella. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me." He said now kissing my lips.
"I love you to Edward. And no matter what happens, I will always love you. Just remember that." I said.
He nodded down at me before he continued with kissing me. And I couldn't help but wonder what would happen when the Volturi would come. What would happen to Edward and myself? I asked myself this a lot the past couple of days, and still, I have found no answer.
