Bella's POV
"I'm sorry about your father, Bella," Carlisle said. I nodded in response, unable to do anything else. Edward still had his arms wrapped around me, Esme was still holding my hand in both of hers. "And I'm sorry about your losses as well."
I watched, from my peripheral view, Angela lean into Ben. Her eyes were closed tight, the grief for her family evident in her expression. Ben was watching her sadly. Eric was staring off into space, lost in his own thoughts. Jess lifted her head to peer up at the lightening sky. I couldn't tell if she was angry at the reminder, or simply sad.
I saw Mike shrug. "Life goes on, even in the afterlife," he said nonchalantly. He didn't fool anyone. The pain could never be masked completely.
"Even so," Carlisle's compassionate voice responded, "I apologize. I know it's not easy overcoming such losses, especially in such a short amount of time. I know from experience, personal and not." He glanced around at his children and wife, then back to Mike and the others. "And I also realize how blurry most of your human memories seem to you..." My friends' heads turned slowly to Carlisle.
"We won't forget them, right?" Jessica burst out before Carlisle could continue, her voice more vulnerable sounding than I've ever heard. "Our families?" she explained. "We won't forget them, will we?" The thought terrified her. And why wouldn't it?
The fear of not remembering your loved ones... it was something I never thought about, something I never had to think about. All I had in my human life was Charlie, Renee, and Jacob. They were the only people I truly cared for that I left behind - though in Charlie's case...well, I didn't really leave him behind because he's moved on. But I never worried about forgetting them, as they were almost always in my thoughts. Although their families might very well be the center of their minds as well, I had been expecting my memories to be clouded a bit. My friends were different. There was no way for them to tell what was normal and what wasn't in this life. I never explained all the details, because I had never given much thought to them (they were nearly second nature to me already). I should have realized to tell them everything, even the seemingly insignificant things. I could see that now, see that as clear as the fear on their faces.
There was a gentleness to Carlisle's features when he answered, it was reassuring. "No. For you five, your memories of the loved ones you lost will remain, I'm sure of it. Just keep reminding yourself of them, to start -- I'm sure they are already in your thoughts all the time anyway." A few of them nodded. "The more you think of them now, the better your memory of them will stay for later."
I watched a huge burden suddenly lift off my friends' shoulders. It was yet another thing I had failed to notice about what they were having trouble with. How could I have been so blind? Was I really so worried about myself, and what being a vampire meant for me, that I had turned completely selfish? I was again immersed in my guilt.
"And I'm sorry, as well," Edward spoke. I tilted my head up to see him. He was addressing everybody, and because of this I knew what he was about to apologize for.
"Edward, if you're blaming yourself-"
"Then save your breath," Alice finished for me, her tone cutting.
Defiance flashed in Edward's dark gold eyes. I waited for the inevitable response from him - I wasn't disappointed.
"Every decision I have made in the past year has gone from bad to worse, leading up to everything that happened in just these past few days. If you don't believe any of this is my fault then you are the one not seeing things clearly, not me," he spat, glancing briefly at Alice, then me. "Or you're simply in denial," he added indifferently, looking away.
I scowled at him.
"Edward, you need to stop eating yourself up over everything that goes wrong," I told him sharply, my temper flaring. "There's no way you could have foreseen any of this."
"But I could have," Alice jumped in. She no longer sounded frustrated with Edward, but with herself. "I could have foreseen everything. I should have visioned some outcomes, but I never did. If anyone had the power to prevent the fate of Forks it was me. I'm guilty of this whole mess."
Edward and I both opened our mouths to protest - though I was a little confused by the way she spoke, like she was trying to get a point across rather than actually taking all the blame - but Jasper spoke up before we could get a word out.
"Nonsense, Alice. I don't want to hear you putting yourself down. If not for my lack of self-control in September we wouldn't have left Forks to begin with. I could have tried harder...to compose myself, but I didn't. I just let the blood lust take over. Because of my weakness," he looked to Edward, "this is entirely my doing."
Although I wanted to argue with him about that, too - tell him he's wrong - I wondered if maybe I didn't have to. Because there it was again, that tone, that implication... Only this time it came from Jasper instead of Alice.
"Now wait just a minute," Emmett exclaimed angrily from behind me. This was the first time I heard his booming voice in months. It startled me. "Who let Edward run off on his own, not once, but twice? That was me. So, because I clearly can't seem to learn from my mistakes, this whole thing," - he gestured around him, at the once-battlefield - "is my fault." He sounded serious, but then I saw the corners of his lips twitching, and suddenly I understood - I caught on to what they were doing.
"Actually, Emmett," I smiled at him; he smirked back, cocking an eyebrow at me curiously, "I'm the epitome of bad luck here. Because I made the choice to move to Forks at all - making it the core of that magnetic pull on danger that I was born with - everything that's happened was the result of me even existing."
"Bella, what are you talking about?" Angela asked, seeming genuinely surprised. "I'm your friend, I should have warned you that Edward was the wrong choice for company. Just his intimidating presence screamed 'dangerous'. Yet, I let you go with him, and if not for that..." Angela shrugged.
Ben followed her lead.
"I don't think so," he said, shaking his head, his brow creased. "This is definitely my fault. Every bit my fault. When those vamps attacked our school I should have used my ultra-extraordinary kung fu on them, you know, that I learned from all those comics and martial arts movies." He held up his hands, as if to stop us from arguing his point. "And I know what you're thinking; no moves I make as a human would have so much as touched a vampire. But who said I had to strike them with my mighty power. I flip around a little, kick and punch the air in all my glory, and the next thing you know their all running away, screaming like the cowards I would have turned them into." He raised his eyebrows high, nodding animatedly.
We were all smiling. Even Edward, who had been keeping his serious, self-loathing up even after figuring out what was going on, was chuckling at our confessions now.
"But did I use it?" Ben shook his head.
"Should've used it," I heard Eric whisper to him. Ben bowed his head solemnly. Angela laughed.
"Actually, I've seen you at work, Ben, and you aren't very good," I heard Jessica say. Mike snorted his agreement, and Ben scowled at them, coming up with excuses to defend himself. I heard Emmett comment about something, but I had tuned them out by this point, as I looked up at Edward, trying to read what I saw on his face. I almost smiled when I saw the wistfullness in his expression. Although it was mixed with confliction, too, at least he was actually processing the message Alice, as well as the rest of us, wanted to get through to him despite the humor some of us used. I could never really be positive with my assessments when trying to figure Edward out, but I hoped I was right. Because even though Angela's and Ben's excuses were merely humorous, the rest of us were being quite honest, even me.
Every one of us makes decisions in our past that forms our future, that creates today, for better or for worse. Does it make it our fault if months later a decision comes back and haunts us? If we had made another choice, did that guarantee the same result would not have occurred? Or that the new result would be any better than what we have now? There was no sure way to know, and the past cannot be changed, and maybe, in the end, things will turn out the way they're supposed to even if it all seems completely wrong. Edward has to realize that his choices are merely a few knots in a couple hundred or thousand that make up an embroidery. We all share the credit for the outcome of our lives equally. Just as much as him... Just as much as me...
How ironic it was. Hypocritical. I smiled inwardly, remembering how often I criticized my own choices. When I have time to think about it I blame myself for things I probably could have never prevented anyway. I take on the fault and blame just as Edward does. Here I am telling him he's wrong to do that when I am no better. I look around, at my friends, at my family, and wonder if maybe we all learned that some things are out of our control, or aren't meant for us to take full responsibility for. Things just happen.
"Well, if anyone is at fault here, it's me," said Carlisle, bringing me out of my reverie. His look was very grave. "I'm the one who turned Edward and Emmett, and took in Alice and Jasper in the first place - four kids who's choices have brought this on us. I suppose as the creator of two of them, and a father to all four, I am responsible for them and their actions. I apologize for what I have caused."
There was a short silence. "Wow," Emmett said, breaking it. "I just realized that all of this...is Carlisle's fault." He laughed humorlessly. "Well, damn."
"The shame," gasped Alice, starting the onslaught of comments.
"I knew it. It was him this whole time."
"Don't you ever think before you act, Dr. Cullen?"
"And to think I trusted him with my stitches that one time!"
"This sure changes things."
"I don't think I can look at him the same anymore."
"Dear, you really should be ashamed of yourself," Esme reprimanded quietly, but seriously.
Carlisle laughed after that; and we all joined him. It was so nice just to laugh, this feeling of happiness that I haven't felt in so long. I couldn't stop. I didn't want to stop. So much has happened in such few days, so much that I've learned and acknowledged and felt, that I was undeniably overwhelmed by it all. This was a pleasant change of emotions, and I wasn't planning on giving it up anytime soon.
"Oh!" Alice's lips curled back, her gasp slithering into a hiss. Edward's eyes shot to his sister, and they hardened. Alice was still locked on something in the future. "They're coming."
The laughter halted. My moment of bliss was once again gone, for although her words were simple, plain, un-explanatory...they made perfect sense.
My eyes met Carlisle's. He looked calm. I knew he saw the sudden panic in mine. From my side view I saw Emmett and Rosalie turn their heads toward Alice, then Carlisle, expressions wary. I was not the only one that understood who Alice was referring to.
Carlisle scanned his family, and my friends, all grouped together beside Jasper and Alice. Eric looked from person to person, a crease forming above his ruby eyes, taking in our varied expressions. What was happening was not as clear to them as it was to me or the Cullens.
"Who's coming?" Eric asked. "Are we in trouble again?" His voice raised at his second question.
"You've got to be kidding me," Mike hissed.
"No," Carlisle answered Eric immediately before anyone else could jump to conclusions. He glanced at Mike and me subtly, but pointedly. "We're not in any trouble." He sighed and stood up. "It's the Volturi, but," he spoke quickly before my friends could protest that we were indeed in trouble if it was them, "they merely want to know what happened. We took care of Victoria and her newborns, and, if you remember, that was their job.... There is no danger here."
"Carlisle's right," Alice agreed. "They just want information."
"And the sooner we give it to them...," started Rosalie, coming over to stand beside Edward and I, Emmett along with her. She was noticeably more at peace being back at his side.
"The sooner they can go back to Italy," Edward finished.
I knew it was true. Though, despite their reassurances, I found it difficult not to worry when it came to the Volturi, especially considering our previous encounter was terrifying. Then, my body calmed without my permission, relaxing, the nervousness fading fast. Jasper walked by me, being towed by Alice. He winked as he passed. I smiled gratefully.
I stood beside Edward, holding his hand tightly. Carlisle had helped Esme up and they took their place next to him. My friends moved to follow Carlisle's instructions. Our loose half circle was formed quickly and quietly. I could still feel Jasper trying to calm the mood, and succeeding, as my stress dimmed. On my other side was Emmett and Rose. Emmett tilted his head toward me and smirked again. His giant arm came around my shoulders and he squeezed me into his side.
"So nice of you to finally join us, Bella. I always knew you'd make a good vampire," he boasted. I saw Edward give him a brief, irritated glance.
"Thanks so much," I said.
It wasn't long before the Volturi were in range of my senses. Their presence sent me on edge. I sprouted my shield around my family and friends protectively. Carlisle might be right, that they only want information, but I wasn't taking any chances with the Volturi. What they could do was still fresh in my mind. I wouldn't leave anyone open to Jane's gift. The invisible - invisible only to others - power of mine stretched across the grounds until I could feel everyone in my grasp, each one with a distinct light and taste. Each one safe from a pain I never wish to see be inflicted again.
It was somewhat eerie to watch the dark shades of black and grey cloaks approach, for the second time in my life. It reminded me of a horrifying nightmare you dream for a second time in a row; you realize what's happening, you know what terrors await, yet you can't stop it, and it makes it that much scarier.
The procession stopped once all were in view. My eyes nearly bulged out of my head. There were more of them than last time. The sight before me was perfectly symmetrical. Two large groups, two small leaders up front, side by side, perfectly mirrored. Their size had doubled since I last saw them. What did they do, clone themselves? I tried to remember if they had mentioned something back when we were facing them with the Denali's, but they spoke before I could recall anything.
"Cullens," Jane's evilly pleasant voice greeted. "And company," she added distastefully. I doubted she liked any of us. Me especially, as I all but disabled her internal weapon.
"Jane," Edward answered casually. He was so good at that sometimes, at keeping cool, at hiding his anxiety. Maybe in a hundred or so years I could be that good, too. "And company," he added, mimicking Jane's exact tone.
Jane smirked, slightly shocked, a bit humored. I spotted the irritation there as well. I remembered that she did not like to be mocked, or anything close to it. I wanted to tell Edward, warn him of it, but the action would be pointless. He already knew everything in her head. It was why Carlisle didn't step forth, didn't take a place ahead of the rest of us as leader. Instead stood equally with his son, allowing him to act as spokesperson. Surely we could trust Edward not to provoke them over a limit unnecessary.
"We followed some newborns' scents here, but it looks like you've done our work for us," a soft, male voice spoke. It came from next to Jane, from the shadowed figure that looked most like her. He sounded surprised at Edward's tone, too - admiring his bravery, while doubting his sanity at the same time, like it was foolish to use so much as even the tiniest bit of attitude when speaking to them. They saw themselves so high above the rest of us, 'the rest of us' meaning the vampire population in general.
"Yes. We ran into them," Edward responded, this time more formally.
Jane nodded, still carrying that wicked smirk. "How many were there?" she asked, eyeing the dimming flames and light grey smoke off to the side. "That's quite a large fire. The one we ran into a while back was larger still, and was covered in your scents. If I remember correctly," - she grinned - "and I do, you said there were five newborns, plus their creator. Victoria, was it? Were there more than the ones you mentioned before?"
Edward nodded. "I fought Victoria personally. She had two newborns with her, and then five more - the five who Angela told you about - arrived, too." His voice was very controlled as he explained. "Here," - he gestured around him - "my family fought and destroyed ten of Victoria's newborns, and one just dew west of here." He pointed in the direction.
Jane's eyebrows raised.
"There were nineteen vampires all together, including Victoria," Edward said, answering something that was not spoken aloud.
"And how do you know you've dealt with all of them?" Jane asked.
Edward, reluctant to answer, sighed quickly and quietly. "Alice," his head nodded to our family member in question, "has a gift that comes in handy with things like this. She saw how many newborns were left after the massacre. And, as I said, there were eighteen."
"Plus, their creator," Jane said. Edward nodded again. "Hmmm." Jane looked at Alice thoughtfully for a moment, contemplative, as if something about Alice appealed to her. She then turned her head to the left, panning right, scanning the damaged area that was the remains of a battle. The tiny member of the Guard actually seemed impressed before going back to her apathetic-looking self. "It seems we came all this way for nothing."
"So it seems. It's a shame, though. You were so close to helping us." It might have been just me, but there was an underlying suspicion in Edward's voice.
"Yes," Jane agreed lightly, darkly amused now for some reason. "Quite a pity how unlucky we were."
Edward's eyes hardened. He managed to get something out of her thoughts, and possibly even all their thoughts, and he wasn't liking it.
"That's sick!" Mike's voice startled me. It made me jump. It was customary, for us at least, that we remained quiet when regarding the enemies - enemies in my eyes - before us. And Carlisle had informed us to keep quiet through this. It was easier, he said, letting Edward handle most of the talking. Vampire life had created quite a rebelliousness in Mike. Edward looked angrily in his direction, as if warning him to shut his mouth. But Mike wasn't paying attention to any of us. He was glaring at the Volturi. "You weren't on your way here. Once you figured out we were fighting the newborns you took your time to see if we would survive or not."
What? That is...sick. Why would they do that when we are part of Carlisle's family? Aro respected Carlisle. It wouldn't make any sense for them to want us gone. And if it was true, how could Mike possibly know this?
"Mike," Edward growled quietly through his teeth, so only our side could hear him.
The moment Edward growled his warning a sharp stabbing vibrated off of Mike, bouncing off the elastic protection I had around him. My eyes widened and shot up to Jane. The leader of the guard in front of us was expressionless, but her eyes were dangerously focused on my friend, and they became aggravated when he wasn't falling to the ground in pure, agonizing torture. Her red eyes glanced at me, peeved. Edward stiffened. But of course she could do nothing with that power of hers. I held back the urge to grin, to smile in a mocking way, to laugh at her. I did not want to provoke the Volturi anymore than I already have. And right now, I just want them to leave. But it was euphoric. Here was one of the Volturi's most feared, intimidating member, despite her small appearance, and I had the power to render her useless. How invigorating it was to not feel so worthless and...human when danger was upon my loved ones.
A vivid memory sprang to my mind. I could now be Superman, too, not just Lois Lane. It was something I had voiced to Edward once. A wish of mine. My only wish at the time. The ability, the strength to be his protector once in a while. To be equal. My still heart lifted at the realization that my wish had come true, even if it had done so in the most twisted of circumstances.
Mike, ignoring Edward and oblivious to Jane's anger, went on with his tirade.
"You aren't sorry that you didn't make it on time. You aren't sorry at all." He paused. "Actually, I take that back. You are sorry. Sorry that we didn't get annihilated!"
"Mike," Carlisle said this time, his voice harder than I'd ever heard. "That's enough," he demanded gently, as his eyes cautiously appraised the annoyance visibly emanating from the dark group acoss from us.
Though it was clear Mike wasn't finished with his charges, I was thankful when he listened to Carlisle anyway.
Demetri lifted his hood back enough for me to see who he was, and leaned toward Jane, whispering something so low we couldn't hear what it was. Edward, however, was another story.
"Actually," Edward said. Demetri halted his secret words and peeked up. "He does have a gift, but it is not like mine." He sighed quietly again, like when he was speaking of Alice. Clearly there were things he wanted the Volturi kept in the dark about. I just couldn't place what or why. "However, his gift can allow him to use mine."
It took only a second, but my mind eventually put the pieces together. I had forgotten about what he could do. Mike could have the ability, when around Edward, to read minds. He was using it now. He heard what was in Jane's thoughts that upset Edward, which must have been what Mike accused them of. The problem was he had no self control the way Edward did, and therefore spoke his hatred for their ways aloud. As much as finding out that the allegations were true disgusted me, Mike's reaction was not smart. I grimaced. He needs to learn some restraint, because when it comes to cases like this speaking out might not be the best option.
Neither Jane or Demetri responded right away. I noted the intrigue that flashed in their eyes. Then Demetri straightened out, and Jane spoke.
"You carry quite an arsenal of talent," she mused, her eyes roaming over us. "Aro will be interested in hearing about...our encounter." She smiled sweetly, too sweetly. I failed to understand why, but her words, her smile, her tone...it all churned my stomach. I glimpsed up at Edward. He didn't look happy either, so maybe my unease is justifiable. I couldn't imagine why though. She had nothing to report against us. "It was interesting seeing you all," Jane said, her mood suddenly polite and formal. "Your help was kindly given and will be acknowledged. Aro will be pleased to hear you're doing so well Carlisle."
"Thank-you. And please pass on my regards to him as well."
"Certainly."
The formation of vampires came to order at the snap of Jane's fingers. My family, friends, and I remained silent until each figure was out of sight and out of hearing. When the last footsteps were heard, I sighed, releasing the hold on my shield.
"You heard their thoughts, too, why would you just not call them out on it?" Mike turned on Edward so abruptly that it actually made me defensive. A growl rumbled in my chest. I had to remember to breathe - even if it was unnecessary, it still helped, out of human habit, to calm down. I felt someone place a hand on my shoulder. It was Jasper, and I was immediately feeling the consequences of his touch.
It was strange to react so hastily, so rashly. For me especially. How irrational I acted. Edward was in no danger, yet I reacted on impulse to protect.
I thought back to the times where I counseled Edward for being so over protective over the simplest things. I can remember Edward's intimidating worry flare over something that simply bothered me and how that turned him defensive. Or Jasper leaning over Alice in such a protective manner when there was nothing around that would really threaten her. Or Rosalie watching Emmett in such a way that made her seem like she was his hand-chosen guardian angel, determined to do her job with all she had. The most insignificant things set them all off, the most unexpected of instances made them tense, had them worrying. I never understood. But perhaps it was mere instinct that drove them, instinct and love.
Edward had told me once that feelings, desires, emotions...they were all intensified for vampires, even more so for newborns who are brand new to it all. In these last few days thoughts that I would normally never say aloud I've let slip. Passions I usually have tight control over have been let loose impulsively; like growling at Mike when his voice raised at Edward. Protectiveness certainly, as I had just witnessed, was heavily embedded into me over Edward. Like Edward had been to me, and that I had laughed at how ridiculous he was being, I was now the one defensive over him, my mate. I almost smiled. I would have smiled too, if reality hadn't come crashing back down on me through Edward's loud, yet entrancingly velvet-like, voice.
"You do not want to provoke them," Edward said, his voice strained to stay even. He was glowering at Mike. "I warned you not to say anything."
"I don't follow orders from you, Cullen."
"It wasn't an order. It was a warning. And because you didn't listen they now know of the gift you possess."
"You say that like it's a bad thing," Mike snorted. "It was after they found out what I could do that that little Jane girl was afraid I'd use her gift against her. That's why she decided to end the meeting as quickly as possible and left, and you know it. You just don't want to admit I have the power that scares the Volturi away."
Edward growled at him, turning his body to face Mike head on.
"Edward," Carlisle and I said together, as I grabbed his arm. Edward paid us no mind.
"How can you have stolen the ability to read my mind, to read everyone's mind, most importantly Jane's, and still be an absolute clueless moron?"
"Edward!" Esme reprimanded, shocked. I had to admit, I wasn't quite expecting that either. I heard Emmett muffle his laughter against Rose's shoulder. Ben and Eric's mouths thinned into hard lines, and Jessica looked like she wanted to applaud Edward. Mike's jaw clenched, anger flared within him.
I knew this was only going to get worse, so I decided now was the time to intervene before things got too out of hand.
"Oh come on," I sighed. "The Volturi are gone, Victoria and her newborns have been taken care of, and we're all OK. Can't we just be happy for a little while...please." I ended in a whisper, my eyes downcast. My heavily contained emotions weren't as guarded as I thought, and they slipped out when I spoke, exposing myself to everyone. Yet, I couldn't find the strength to care. I was just so tired of it all. I wanted a break, I needed a break, and I knew everyone else definitely deserved one, so why not start now? Arguing was the last thing I wanted to see.
I looked up when no one responded to me. Edward was pinching the bridge of his nose, his eyes shut. Mike was still glaring at him, though not as harshly.
"Bella's right," Alice said. "Arguing is the last thing we should be doing right now."
"But those Volturi losers-"
"Those Volturi losers," Edward interrupted, opening his eyes, "we don't stand a chance against. No matter their true intentions, provoking them would have been fatal for us. However, if that was your plan then you were doing a hell of a good job."
Mike grimaced. He didn't answer, and I could guess he wasn't admitting he was wrong to Edward, ever. At least not out loud. It's not like Mike's thoughts were safe...
"Way to go, Mike," Eric said tauntingly. Mike hissed angrily at him, which only made Eric grin wider.
An abundant supply of calm came over me - Jasper was clearly at work once again. Always when the newborns were getting cranky, I thought.
"I'm sorry, Bella," Edward said then, sighing. "You are right. We can discuss things later. I think we would all like some time to calm down. On our own," he added, glancing at his blond brother.
Jasper grinned. "It's not like I don't want a break from playing with emotions, you know. Living in such a climate of constant anxiety is stressful, especially when you are trying to relieve it all for everyone else"
"So lets go home," Emmett boomed.
"Home?" Jessica chewed on the word hesitantly. It made me wonder, too: what was home? Were we all 'Cullens' now? We had to be too many for one family. We couldn't live anywhere with so many people without bringing loads of attention to ourselves. And, most importantly, what do my friends want to be Cullens?
Carlisle spoke coolly. "Actually, we should head for the Denali's place. They'll be waiting to hear from us anyway, and it's the nearest place we have to go."
"That's a good idea," agreed Esme. She had her arms wrapped around both Alice and Jasper; Jasper had an arm draped securely over her shoulder, while Alice hugged her waist. I laughed inwardly. Alice looked like a true child tucked under Esme's arm because of how small she is.
"Yeah, that's cool," said Ben, his eyes alight with excitement. "Wait until Eleazar hears how we kicked butt with our powers. Bet you ten bucks he'll be impressed." Like Emmett, nothing puts his spirits down for too long.
"You don't even have ten bucks," Jessica said. "You don't even have one dollar."
Ben pouted. "That was so not the point, Jessica."
Angela and Eric seemed to like the idea of seeing the Denali's again, too. I personally wouldn't mind either. It was thanks to them that I learned about my shield and how to wield it properly. If not for that some things could have gone terribly different. I avoided imagining such horrible outcomes.
Mike actually looked pleased that that was where we were going, too. I heard him mumble something but it was too low to hear.
Edward shook his head at Mike, but let whatever it was go. He turned toward me then. When our eyes met, the look in his topaz orbs suddenly held the utmost adoration. It was like all previous tension had vanished from him. The corners of his mouth turned up as he took my hands in his. The smile took my breath away.
You want to review, yes? Well, whether you do or not I hope you liked this chapter anyway. There is one more chapter left of this story (kind of like an epilogue), then it will be complete.