14. Farewell

"You're leaving."

The accusation in Alice's tone was impossible to miss. "Yes," I sighed. "I am." I packed the last of my clothes into the large duffel bag.

"But why?" she pressed.

I sighed again. "I thought you could see the future."

"I can't see why, though."

I hesitated- I knew her eyes were on me. I took a deep breath. "I just need to be alone for a while," I answered.

"But you could stay here!" she insisted. "You know how much we like you."

I had to smile. "I do- really, I do- but I need time to think. Plus, I don't want to be a burden." I held my hand up, forestalling her argument. "Don't say I'm not- I don't exactly contribute to your lives, here."

She pouted.

I exhaled softly. Then I looked her in the eyes. "I know you want me to stay- and I'm really, really honored and thankful that you do- but, I've had to relive some incredibly painful memories. I just need some time to clear my head."

She was immobile. I patiently waited- I couldn't tell if she was looking at me or at something beyond me. Finally her eyes focused, and a corner of her mouth pulled down. "Fine. I can see you've already made up your mind." The defeat in her voice lessened as she talked. "I suppose you want to go home before leaving?"

I nodded.

"Then at least let me drive you there." The look in her eyes dared me to object.

I smiled. "Okay, Alice, I'll let you win that one."

Her familiar smile brightened the room. She flashed away, then flashed back. "Wait for me outside," she said, and disappeared once more.

I shook my head, amused.

I bid farewell to Carlisle and Esme- the others were out today- and settled into the passenger seat of Carlisle's Mercedes.

Alice was quiet the short ride to my cabin- she never even looked my way.

We arrived without incident. I took a quick glance around. Everything was just where I'd left it- though it did look like someone cleaned up.

Alice was at the door. "We tidied up the place when we passed by to get their portrait," she explained.

"Thank you." I went into my bedroom and put my meager belongings into a large suitcase.

"You don't have a lot of things, do you?" she asked, leaning against the doorframe.

"No." I put on a flannel shirt. "Less stuff to move around with. Makes it easier."

I thought I heard her tsk but her face was composed when I glanced over. I flashed around and got my suitcase ready in about a second.

Then I looked at the bed, and thought of the paintings beneath it.

"We'll take care of it," Alice said. She was smiling again. "We'll keep it for you someplace safe, ready for when you return."

"Am I returning?" I asked her.

She just smiled enigmatically.

I rolled my eyes. "I suppose I should be thankful. No, I am thankful. Really. You have no idea."

She laughed.

I took one last look at the bed, then went back to the main living area. I took stock of what was in the refrigerator and pantry, and decided to just throw the contents away.

"Wait," Alice said. She looked at what I had and picked out some non-perishables. "I'm sure Bella can use these."

I nodded and tossed the rest into a trash bag. I stepped out to put that and my belongings into the back of my truck, and went back in for Margherita's painting.

It was then that I heard a car pull up.

I glared at Alice. She shrugged, her face angelic. "I had nothing to do with it," she smiled.

I sighed. I knew what would be waiting for me outside:

A shiny silver Volvo.

Edward opened the passenger door, and Bella stomped into my cabin to glare at me. The effect would have been more threatening had she not stumbled on the lip of the doorway on the way in.

Her scowl was fairly menacing. I struggled to keep my face composed, but I could feel my mouth twitching.

She surprised me yet again- the mask of anger slipped away, and she buried her face in my chest, throwing her arms around me. I blinked, unsure of what to do.

"I'm not mad," she mumbled. "Just upset that you would leave without saying goodbye."

I sighed, and put an arm around her.

"This is exactly why I didn't want to make a big production of leaving," I chuckled.

Edward was suddenly there. He looked apologetic.

"I'll miss you." She pulled back to look at me. "I didn't even get to see all of your paintings."

"Well…" I looked at Alice. "Alice said she'll put them somewhere for safe keeping. You're welcome to take a look anytime."

"But you won't be there to tell the stories," she grumbled.

I was still looking at Alice. "She thinks I'll be back."

Bella turned to her. "Is he?"

"I think he is," she replied. "I'm not sure when, but I do see him coming back someday."

"Well that makes me feel a lot better." Bella tiptoed to kiss my cheek, and went into Edward's waiting arms.

If I were human, I would be blushing. I just looked at Edward. "Fortunate," I reminded him.

He nodded, grinning.

I took Margherita's painting from the wall, and placed it on the passenger seat of my truck. They waited for me by the cars while I went to lock my cabin up. I handed the key to Alice so she could retrieve the paintings later.

"Where will you go?" Bella asked when I joined them.

"I'm not sure," I replied. "I was going to pass through town and tell some folks I'd be out for a while."

"Don't worry about it," Edward said. "We can spread a story for you."

"Well, so long as it's nothing scandalous," I chuckled.

"We know others in Denali," he suggested.

"I do see you heading north," Alice added.

"Hmm," I mused. "I was thinking of heading that way."

Edward told me about the coven there, and that he would inform them of my potential arrival.

"Thank you again- for everything," I said, looking at each in turn. "It was a tremendous pleasure getting to know you all."

"You're not so bad yourself," Bella teased. Then her face turned serious. "Come back when you're ready, okay?"

I shrugged. "That might be a while."

She shrugged back.

I turned to stare at my cabin. "Usually when I build something like this, I intend to stay for a few years." I looked back at them. "Usually when I leave, I destroy it as well."

Bella laughed. "Well I'm sure you've noticed by now that there's nothing 'usual' about this town." The others laughed with her.

I laughed as well. It felt good, laughing.

I didn't want to prolong the goodbyes, so I thanked them again and climbed into my truck. They watched me pull away, and I waved as I left my little cabin behind.

I drove north, wondering if I should pass by this coven in Denali or not. I decided I might as well put in an appearance, seeing as Edward would no doubt be true to his word and tell them about me. Not to mention the possibilities of painting the landscapes there…

I was many miles out of Forks before I noticed there was something behind Margherita's painting. It was an envelope, with my name written in elegant script on one side. I tore it open.

Inside was a letter. I pulled over to read it.

Dear Giovanni,

Our family is indebted to you. When you saved Bella and Edward, you saved more than their lives- you saved their love. As I am sure you are aware, love does not come easily to our kind. And so it is with tremendous gratitude that we bequeath this little token of appreciation. Oh, and do not think of returning it- Alice has made sure that you would not notice this letter until you were well out of Forks, and you wouldn't want Bella to know you came back for such a trivial matter.

Signed,

Carlisle Cullen

Folded into the letter was a check. My eyes widened at the number of zeroes.

I hesitated. I didn't deserve such a gift- trivial or not in Dr. Cullen's mind. But Alice was right- I wouldn't dare go back so soon, not after just having said goodbye.

I contented myself with the thought that I might one day repay their kindness. It was hard to figure out exactly what I would do, but if we vampires are known for anything, it is patience.

I stroked Margherita's painting as I pulled out. This was going to be interesting.

I had a smile on my face as the miles raced by...