Chapter Thirteen: Goodbyes

I wished for a moment that I could cry real tears. It had been purely wonderful to see three members of the Cullen family for a week. They had extended their stay to accommodate me, and now they had to return to the rest of their family.

Alice and I had spent hours talking, shopping, laughing. Esme had treated me just like a daughter, constantly checking to make sure that I was being treated well, that I had everything I needed. Carlisle reminded me over and over that everyone was desperate to see me – including Rosalie – and that I was welcome any time. I told him that I would be sure to visit, but I'm pretty sure they all caught on to my lie; I might not be able to withstand a visit to the Cullens anymore.

Edward was returning to his family. Having renounced his former plots – honestly, as well – he was granted reprieve. While Aro vehemently disapproved of a coven so large outside of the safety of Volterra, he was beginning to recognize its usefulness. Six vampires could easily stop two rogue ones – Charlotte was returning with them too, having violently threatened against being separated from "her dear loved one." I had almost lost control a second time at her comment, but bit my tongue and remembered my new perspective.

We waited in the airport lounge; I had chosen to accompany the family to their flight. Sitting a few feet away was an inconspicuous couple – Andrew and Cathy, in actuality. I wasn't running any risks.

Carlisle noticed them after a while, and said, "You don't have to do that."

"You're accompanying two very dangerous people." I replied, low enough that Esme and Alice wouldn't hear. "I've made enough mistakes recently."

Edward and Charlotte sat across from us, Esme telling them about where they lived in New England. I sat confused for a minute; Edward had recognized my pain – did he not remember his own mother?

Alice surmised my thoughts. "I went to talk to him, after he was let out of the cell. He knows that he's hurt people, but he has no idea who, or how."

"And he didn't recognize you even?" I wondered; Alice had been his closest friend.

"No, but he said that he's willing to get to know me," She laughed emptily.

OOOOOOOOOOO

I stood at a large window, watching the airplane glide along the tarmac. I silently wished that the family would be able to return, to visit once again. I smiled, remembering the gift I had hidden in one of Alice's many suitcases.

I had Andrew and Cathy following my friends for several reasons – foremost was Charlotte's unspoken intention to resume her revolt. I was no fan of the Volturi, but they kept the peace; the world needed them more than it realized.

"Are you going to be alright?" Heidi spoke from behind me.

"How did I not notice you?" I snorted, trying to stifle a laugh. "Do they seriously think that I need a bodyguard as well?"

"Given your reaction to my appearance, you might just," Heidi joked, leaning on the window. "You didn't answer my question."

I thought for a second, watching the Cullens' plane soar into the distance. I was going to miss them. But then it struck me; I would be fine. I voiced my thoughts, waiting for my companion's reaction.

She righted herself and looked me in the eyes. "If he came back to you, would you take him back?"

"Immediately," I hadn't even hesitated.

"You still love him," She noted, taking me by the arm and pulling me into the crowd. "It's getting a bit sunny," She explained.

"I already told you that I'd be fine." I said, moving quickly towards the multi-level parking structure. "Marcus said that I would be, and he's the expert."

"Then why do you think I was sent to follow you?" She asked, a little exasperated. I stopped in my tracks, and whirled around to face her. We were in a nearly empty section of the airport now.

"You want honesty, right?" She lowered her voice. I nodded quickly.

"Marcus said that your heart was healed." She began, "but there was a reason he told you to be careful with it."

I tilted my head by way of a question and waited for her to continue.

"It could break in a second." She finished. "We saw what happened in the courtyard. They're never going to let you visit America."

"I wasn't planning on it." I spoke bitterly. Marcus had given me false hope – it would be a long process, accepting Volterra as my home. His encouragement and intentions were sincere, but the means were dubious.

"Thanks for telling me." I told her as we climbed into our respective vehicles.

My heart wasn't broken, but I still felt hurt.