A New Dawn

Everyone must leave something behind when he dies, my grandfather said. A child or a book or a painting or a house or a wall built or a pair of shoes made. Or a garden planted. Something your hand touched some way so your soul has somewhere to go when you die, and when people look at that tree or that flower you planted, you're there. It doesn't matter what you do, he said, so as long as you change something from the way it was before you touched it into something that's like you after you take your hands away.

-Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451

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I want to let you know that I'm not frozen anymore. You broke that, your love for me, your dedication and loyalty. In those last moments, I realize now that I caught a glimpse of God in your eyes and I wonder how I never noticed him there before. If there was ever a testament to his existence, it lived within your soul, your heart. I guess that is where the pain begins, but for once, there is pain though now I have no one to comfort it.

You fill me. A bigger and better part of me than has ever existed before and I feel you inside me. It has been a week, a week since the ending and now the beginning of a new chapter. A week since you saved me, since you were the key to my salvation all along. And why wouldn't you be? You had always been my rock, my edifice; keeping me from crumbling on more occasions then I could count. It had to be you didn't it?

I ache for you and all the others whom I have loved and lost… but mainly you, always you. The wound your absence creates is new, different, rather than a hole - you have done nothing but fill me, completing me. I am at peace, though I constantly reach for you, and I stumble each time I remember you aren't there. Whole and absent at the same time. I have no words. I miss you.

I carry your heart, I carry your heart in my heart...

Aro had been defeated, our two clans fighting as one to end the mad reign of Aro and everything he stood for: His empire, his dictatorship, his complete obsession and enslavement of the truly gifted of our kind. The war had gone on for days, until all who had opposed us had fallen and it was by my hand that Aro had met his end.

It was time for a new regime, a new outlook on our world. Much to his unease, Daniel had accepted and stepped up as our leader. He was fair, just and had no real want for power, which is why Carlisle had insisted it be him. My family had spent the past days planning their transition to power and had invited all established vampire covens to a celebration in Volterra, with a vegetarian meal selection.

"Bella," Sarah joined me, "how are you holding up?" She had been so worried about me lately and I was sure that as much as she was paying attention to everything that was going on, she was just as focused on how I seemed to be doing.

I nodded, "I'm holding up. Part of me feels so far away and I don't know what to do with myself. One day at a time, right?"

She reached for my hand, "I'm here, so is everyone else, and we love you."

I jumped up from the chair, wrapping my arms around her shoulders and holding on for dear life, tearless sobs escaping my lips.

She stroked my hair, snuggling her face to my neck, letting go of something inside herself as well. "I'm not used to this Bella," she laughed. "She is quite different from the friend I have grown used too."

"Sister," I corrected.

"Always," she smiled.

She parted from me, heading off in search of Alice to help on the numerous preparations for the coronation. At least, that's what she said, I knew it had more to do with the fact that I had wanted to be alone for days now. I spent the hours on the balcony, starring off into the city, perched in a rocking chair wanting to be by myself.

I didn't know how to tell them I wasn't staying. I needed to move on, I needed time to mourn, to grasp the events of my life. What Volterra offered was not part of that plan. I hoped they would understand.

"Bella," I heard, Edward's voice breaking the silence. I was still growing accustomed to something stirring inside me when he was around and I closed my eyes to momentarily adjust. "May I join you?" he asked.

I smiled, "I'm afraid I'm not much company." I reminded him, hoping he would get the hint that I didn't need to rehash the feelings of Bella Swan circa 17 years old.

"That's fine," he answered and I expected him to leave. Instead, he took a seat in the rocker next to mine and I just looked at him. He smiled, sensing my confusion, "I could use some quiet."

We sat in silence for hours, starring off into oblivion, nothing but our thoughts and each other keeping us company. We never said a word. I wasn't sure what was in store for me next; it was like the world had been opened up for me once again and I didn't know where to begin.

I thought of Jackson, of my love for him, simple and unique. He had held the ocean of my self when I wasn't able too, and how for a moment, however brief that moment was, we had become one, and no matter what I would carry him with me always.

With that, the sun broke over the horizon, new light spilling onto a new beginning, new day, a new dawn.

Author's Note:

As always, I hoped you enjoyed it! Read & Review!!

I'm not sure what's next. I know that this story has come to an end, though I have been thinking about adding short stories of the backgrounds of the Reece family (perhaps, and maybe even a sequel **no promises**). Again, just toying with the ideas. Also, This story turned into something unexpected, so I will be changing the title soon - sorry for the confusion!

So, in grande fianle style:
I'm sorry to those disappointed by Bella NOT leaping into Edward's arms.
I'm sorry to those disappointed by Jacksons death.
and I'm sorry that all good things must come to an end.

3 XOXO