Ummm. . .oops? I just realized that I hadn't added a disclaimer to this story yet, so in case my mediocre writing didn't tip you off already. . .
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, New Moon, or Eclipse, nor do I own its characters.
The Cullens were moving to Italy.
I watched in fascination as boxes upon boxes came in through the gates of Volterra. Aro was much less strict upon the Cullens when he heard that they were willing to stay without force. They could leave the castle anytime they liked, and could leave the country to roam wherever they desired with special permission and the accompaniment of a powerful guard member.
My realm was extended to the walls of the city, since I obviously couldn't indulge in my new diet in the castle. I couldn't leave alone, but yet again, I wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth.
I was surprised with how well the Cullens had taken to their new living arrangements. Jasper and Alice had gone back to Washington for a few days to pack up all of their possessions and had them boxed and shipped. Alice had then come back to Europe and indulged with Rosalie in all of the finer stores in England, France and Italy. After spending what looked to be hundreds of thousands of dollars, Rosalie was much more accepting of the new housing situation.
Edward was a bit disgruntled that his things didn't come until after everyone else's. Apparently his worldly goods were rather breakable. Today I realized why. I watched in vast amusement cross-legged on Edward's bed as he carried in yet another cardboard box in, filled to the brink with CDs again. I had gone through this routine with all of the Cullens, now feeling much more comfortable with them.
I had specific instructions to not make any move to try to organize Edward's ridiculous music collection, so I just watched contently. He said nothing as he dropped the last box and began organizing his CDs in what seemed completely random. He couldn't possibly just set that many CDs there without some rule or rhyme could he?
"How are you setting those?" I asked curious. He didn't turn to me or stop working when he answered.
"By year, then personal preference within that time." He muttered gruffly. I tilted my head slightly to the side as I chewed on my bottom lip.
"You don't like me much, do you?" I was surprised as the words left my mouth, not expecting to be so bold. I waited his answer, strangely anxious. He finished sorting the stack of CDs in his hands without a word and I expected him not to answer. He finally turned to me and sighed.
"I have nothing against you. . . exactly; I just don't completely trust you." He muttered reluctantly. My brow furrowed and I felt a grimace twist onto my face.
I hoped that he would be able to tell that I meant no harm, even though he couldn't read my mind directly. I respected him for staying here, obviously concerned for his family. The Volturi aren't any vampires to be taken lightly, and I was glad he understood that.
On the other hand, for him to still associate me with them despite knowing that I had no choice in staying here was insulting to say the least. It would hurt for anyone to link me with the monsters here, but for a potential friend; someone I had hope for was worse.
Over the past few days, I had gotten to know the Cullens faster than I had thought I could. With vampire speed, even a three hundred year old life story was a quick one to tell. Rosalie had kept her distance for obvious reasons, and I understood completely. I actually was surprised she was the only family member to hold a grudge against the girl who got her stuck here.
I hadn't become particularly close to Jasper because it was just in his nature to be a bit reclusive. We had some conversation which was quite nice until a vampire came in from the outside still carrying the smell of his last meal and Jasper decided it best to go back to his room.
And then there was Edward, who was difficult to talk to for his own reasons, but mostly intimidation. Not only was he undeniably gorgeous, but he looked like he was my age and had gone to college about four times. As though I didn't feel like an idiot enough as it was. Other then those three, I had shared quite a bit with the rest of the family.
"Would you like me to leave?" I asked, twisting my legs out from under me, eyes already on the open door. He sighed again and shook his head.
"You're fine, I don't mind." He turned back to his music. Yeah, I thought sarcastically, you don't seem to mind at all.
"Do you need help with anything?" I hedged, feeling awkward. He looked around seeming to consider it for a while before his eyes landed on a smaller box which had been shoved aside a bit to make way for his other things. He let out a small smile of triumph and he picked it up and tossed it to me.
I lifted the cardboard flaps and grinned brightly at what they contained. Books, much smaller in number than his CD collection, but quite a few none the less called up to me, just begging to be explored.
"Just order them alphabetically by author, alright." He dipped his head to a medium sized bookshelf oriented closer to the bed. I nodded enthusiastically and turned to do my work. I began unloading them onto the shelves, and thought I'd try to loosen him up a bit.
"Lolita? Do you have a particular fascination in pedophiles, Mr. Cullen?" I turned to see him facing me, eyes wide, stuttering over air. It took all I had not to burst out laughing at the sight.
"I thought. . . it was interesting. . . the author. . . and Humbert. . ." I could no longer keep my composure as I folded over in laughter. He looked at me shocked.
"Calm down Edward, I'm kidding. I wouldn't accuse you of anything." I was extremely proud that I had yet to blush any bit of invisibility yet. He gave me a hard, but not too serious glare.
"I thought it interesting that the protagonist was a villain." He finally said, completing the sentence. I giggled a bit more as I nodded my head in agreement. I turned back to my work again, satisfied that I was making progress with him, whether it bad or not.
"Slaughterhouse Five. . ." I mused. "Funny, I hadn't pegged you for the time traveling aliens type." I smiled. It was quite a good book if I remembered correctly. Edward turned again from his organizing, this time putting the extra CDs he had still in his hand back in the box and coming closer in curiosity.
"You've read that too? I'm surprised. No offense to you of course, but you seem strangely well read for a seventeen year old. Do they have many books in the castle? Have you spent much time reading during the duration of your stay?" He sat on the edge of the bed; a careful distance away as I tried not to laugh that this teen boy sitting in front of me had just said 'duration of your stay'.
"First of all, I'm nineteen, and yes, I have. . . had, quite a few books in my possession." He looked amused by something.
"Yes, I know you're nineteen, I just meant that- wait, what do you mean had quite a few books?" His brow furrowed. I shrugged as though it was no big deal.
"I may or may not have reduced them to dust in a bit of a tantrum." I bit my lip and played with my fingers in front of my face as I tried to keep my eyes from darting to him.
"Why?" he asked curiously. I dropped my fingers from my face in a frustrated sigh. I kicked my legs out from under me and let them hang off the side of the bed, swinging them a bit.
"Because I recently found out that I had killed innocent humans for no reason." I bit out, automatically regretting it. Edward wasn't at fault for what I had done, and he deserved none of my anger. He nodded in understanding.
"Oh," he finally replied uncomfortably. He sat there staring at me for a bit before slowly standing and returning to his wall of music. He began sorting again, but not quite as fast, like he had something on his mind. I waited, thoroughly amused by the mirage of expressions marring his features.
"I'm sorry," I murmured. "I didn't mean to come off so harsh. You don't deserve my anger, Aro does." His head whipped around quickly, alerted by something I had said.
"I'm afraid of the torture you may wreak upon yourself if you continue to show your anger to Aro. You realize that had anyone else threatened his life, they'd be destroyed before another breath was taken? Honestly Bella, are you suicidal or just ignorant?" I smiled sadly.
"At the time, I'd say suicidal, but that's beside the point." His eyes were huge after my confession, but I recognized a look of understanding flickering beneath the shock. "I may not be as old an experienced as you, Edward, but I know my way around this place. I know who can and cannot inflict wrath and who will receive it when deserved. For reasons not even I know, I am precious to Aro. He may threaten me with assault, but I will stay alive, no matter what my actions."
He seemed to take my words seriously, which I appreciated. He nodded dismissively and I took that as cue to leave. As I made my way to the door, his voice rang out, though he didn't turn to face me.
"I am also comfortable with your protection here, as demonstrated the other night, but I cannot say the same for my family. I beg of you, please do not force them to hurt you by hurting us. Just promise you'll behave and stay safe." His voice was pleading, vulnerable. I smiled at him though he couldn't see.
I wished more than anything that I could somehow see my parents again. Even more so than leaving here forever. I wanted to somehow tell my mom that I was okay, and not to worry. I couldn't imagine what my disappearance had done to her, as well as my dad and Phil. It was clear to see that Edward didn't take his own family for granted.
"I promise." I put as much conviction as possible into my voice, making him finally turn and smile in thanks.
"I still don't trust you though." He called as I walked down the hallway, my laughter echoing through the castle.
Success! I got out of school an hour early today, so I made it on the computer without my parent's watchful eyes. It's not the longest chapter ever, but it's kind of filler anyways. I just wanted to develop Edward and Bella's relationship a bit. I'm sorry if the whole developing thing isn't your style, but I refuse to have them fall madly in love in three days.
Okay, I'm going to ask random questions every once in a while to get to know my readers better and their personalities. Ignore it if you want. I want to know what your favorite movies are. Mine personally is either Fight Club or Kill Bill. How about you?
Review and wonderful things will happen!