Author's Note: This is the beginning of the end of our story and is just a short chapter for now. A longer one will come in the next day or two. And this chapter is dedicated to Zayride – who was the first reviewer for the last chapter. =)

The Truth and the Consequences

Chapter 21

Edward drags me into the kitchen. "First you will take sustenance. Then we are going to take a walk – get some fresh air. It will do you good. After our walk we'll have a therapy session. You can talk about anything you want – but you will talk. It's not negotiable. Then we'll have another meal followed by a bath and quiet reading. I'm going to establish a schedule that you will need to keep."

I say nothing. I watch with unblinking eyes as he cooks a meal and places it in front of me.

He looks at me expectantly. "Well?"

"I'm not hungry," I say tonelessly.

"Well you're going to at least take a few bites. You need to take care of your body, despite your obvious depression. Now come on. Pick up your fork."

I shake my head. "No."

He puts his hands on his hips. "Who is in charge here, Bella?"

"The Devil," I say snarkily, staring right at him. I'm sure he has to get my meaning.

He rolls his eyes. "Enough games. Eat your lunch."

I sweep my hand and knock the plate to the floor with a crash.

"Very mature," Edward mutters. "So you're resorting to infancy."

I don't respond but watch with satisfaction as he quickly cleans the mess off the floor.

"Since you're not hungry, we will proceed with the next scheduled activity – walking. Follow me."

"No."

"You are trying my patience," Edward hisses.

I stare at him. "You don't own me. You can't tell me what to do. I promise you this – I will not cooperate with anything you want. In fact – you should rid yourself of me as soon as possible."

He smirks. "Bet you would just love that, wouldn't you? Travel back to Forks and your… filthy dog. I don't think so. And you might resist me but eventually you will obey. Because if you don't – I will force you. And trust me, little girl, that is not what you want."

I say nothing but leave the challenge in my eyes. I can see the tightness of his jaw. I'm getting to him. I am going to be the worst company he's ever had – and I will never stop reminding him of how much I hate him – and how much I love Jacob. Eventually he'll lose it and hopefully kill me. Because I know that I'd rather die than live as his prisoner.

Hours later Edward gets another call. I tiptoe out of my room and strain to hear him speaking into his cell.

"So you've killed them all – even Jacob? Excellent. Now that there isn't any competition, this process is going to go much smoother. Thank you, Alice. You're the best sister a guy could have. Take care."

The shock spreading through me is like lightning. I stagger and fall. He's gone then. Dead.

Nothing matters anymore.

The next few days are like a living nightmare. Edward strapped me to a bed after I tried to slit one of my wrists with a razor and he is now forcing a feeding tube down my throat at regular intervals to make sure I'm getting enough nutrition.

Every time he comes into the room I beg him to let me die. The hurt in my heart is endless. I know nothing but pain.

Edward sits on the edge of my bed after my latest request. "Bella – you have to stop. Yes- Jacob is dead – but I'm right here. I love you – I never stopped loving you. And I'll never ever leave you. I cannot give you death – but I can give you everlasting life – if you wish it. You can live by my side always – strong, beautiful, young forever. That you used to be your dearest wish – do you remember? I'm willing to give this to you now. It will free you of your pain. You'll forget all about that mutt – I promise. That hurt you're feeling will melt away. What do you say?"

I would rather die a thousand deaths than live by his side forever. But being a vampire didn't mean eternal life. The Volturi could take immortality away. I would have a way out if I did this. And I would do anything to avenge Jacob, anything at all.

If becoming a vampire will allow me to kill Edward and his whole fucking cursed family, I will do it. I don't care how much it hurts to go through the transformation. I will not stop until they are all ashes. And when I finish my gruesome deed – I will join Jacob in the afterlife, if there is such a place.

I look at Edward. "Change me. Take this pain away from me. Please."

Edward smiles tenderly and kisses my forehead. "Yes, my love. I am only going to retrieve the supplies needed to make sure this is as comfortable for you as possible. Then we will begin our life together."

He leaves the room and I let the tears come again.

I love you, Jacob. I will kill your murderers. I promise.