Bella's POV

Lying on a bed I did not need, I went over the events of the past 24 hours. I had gotten on a plane, travelled to Alaska from Italy, whilst going against the wishes of my family, I had confided to Chase (of all people) that I had a secret home and car near the Cullen's, I had saved Alice, exposed myself and rejected both Edward and Jasper.

It's been a long day.

I reached my hand out to the bedside table and grasped my old copy of Wuthering Heights. I remembered the times I would curl up on my bed and read through the slightly torn pages, gripping the desperation of the characters. I remembered the times I had caught Edward reading it, in an attempt; I knew, to get closer to my mind. He always wondered why the book had fascinated me.

I hadn't been able to read it since my transformation. I couldn't bear to remember who I was and the dreams I had as a human. It was too hard. The memories were painful and harsh and left me empty inside; emptier than I already was.

As I mused on the things the paper represented to me, my cell phone rang, breaking me from my trance. Checking caller ID I groaned; it was Aro. Flipping the silver flap up, I answered the call.

"Hi Aro." I groaned. I was not ready for a fight.

"Are you ok Bella?" He asked, his Italian accent sounded richer through the phone line. I was shocked at his concern for a moment; I was sure he would shout at me.

"I...I'm fine." I stuttered.

"You are a silly girl for coming here. You promised me you would stay where it was safe."

Rather than anger he went for worry which filled me with guilt.

Oh he is good.

"I know but I couldn't just sit back not knowing what was happening. I needed to check on everyone myself, including you. I don't want you to get hurt either."

He chuckled lightly at that. "Oh my dear girl, I will not be harmed."

I laughed lightly at his confidence. "Well, I had to make sure." I said.

He sighed before continuing. "Bella?"

"Yes Aro?" I asked, suddenly scared of what he wanted to say.

"Will you be returning to Italy with us when this is over? I understand if you want to stay now that the Cullen's know the truth, but I would still love for you to return with us. You are part of our family." He said, sounding sad.

I looked around my room and imagined myself staying in this place.

Could I stay close to the family that I had left? To a family who had watched my heart tear so many times? Could I bear to be close to both Edward and Jasper?

"Of course I will be coming back with you. I'm not sure I like it here very much."

I could his smile in his voice. "That's wonderful news! Well I am going to speak with the rest of our family in Italy but I will see you tonight. Would you like to meet at the Cullen residence at 8pm?"

I glanced at the clock on the wall, it was already 2pm.

Where is all the time going?

"Sure...I will be there." I answered and closed the phone; ending the call.

Rising from the bed, I stretched my arms above my head and wiggled my bare toes against the soft carpet. Loosening my muscles slightly I realised how tense I had been feeling.

I think I need a long soak in a bath.

Walking to the bathroom, I noticed the mess of the broken wall.

I'll have to fix that before I leave.

Walking towards the large bath, I turned the taps, letting the older brown coloured water run clear before securing the plug. I walked to my room and placed a CD of classical music in the sound system and although it was turned to a low volume, I knew I'd be able to hear the sounds clearly from the other room. It was one of the advantages to being a vampire. I gathered a couple of vanilla scented candles and placed them in the bathroom, illuminating the rather dark and depressing room. Adding some bath oils and bubbles, I waited until the water was scalding hot before submerging myself in the relaxing liquid.

I sighed as the heat and oils mixed; relaxing my tense muscles and rested my head on the back of the bath tub. Lifting a leg out of the water and holding it in the air above me, I saw that my skin was still a pale white rather than the angry shade of red it would have been, if id still been human.

When I was first changed, I had felt a deep amount of self loathing. It's strange considering that for so long; becoming a vampire had been my one wish. However, when I heard of my 'destiny' I knew that I would happily give immortality back, should the chance arise. As a human, I shied away from the spotlight, not needing or wanting any amount of attention. That hadn't changed with eternal life. I hated the fact that the Volturi believed me to be Godlike and that if they were only in my presence for a few seconds, they would be blessed. I felt like a fraud.

I'm nothing special.

I still didn't quite understand my purpose; what was I made to do? Aro was constantly saying that I was born to lead, that I was the balance that would bring two halves together. Two halves of what exactly? He could answer that. As for being a leader; I shunned that responsibility with every fibre of my being. I couldn't lead anyone, if I did they would surely die; it's my luck. If my luck didn't prove it my 'name' surely would.

I slid under the water, letting the bubbled liquid blur my vision slightly. I stayed that way for a long time, not needing to breathe and to clear my mind of its thoughts. However the questions still rang through my mind.

I understood that people couldn't penetrate my mind or my physical essence; that was pretty straightforward. I brought that gift with me from my human state. As Carlisle said, vampires could bring powers into their eternal life and make them heightened. That, I believe is why my physical essence in now impenetrable, that is how it was heightened. As for the red eyes and my power to throw people across the room when my emotions get slightly erratic, I don't understand. The only thing I can say is that, when I get angry, I see fire dancing in front of my eyes. I see the flames as though they were present and my body seems to take over. I don't realise what has happened until I have calmed enough to watch the flames die. It is terrifying when that happens. I feel as though I am burning from within. It feels as though I am changing again; it physically hurts. No one can explain to me why this happens; I am a unique case. Perhaps someday I will know. As it stands, Aro calls me 'his little Phoenix.'

As I lay beneath the bubbles, I became aware of a dull throb vibrating throughout the house. In one graceful move, I lifted my head and body from the water and landed without a sound on the dry ground. Reaching for a towel I heard another series of bang's sounding from the front door. Whoever it was, desperately wanted access to my home.

It's probably Chase.

I wrapped the towel around my wet body and left my wet hair hanging loose down my back, already starting to curl into waves. Dashing from the room and down the stairs I opened the door. I suddenly became very aware of my half naked state as Jasper stood on the other side of the doorway.

"Hi." He simply said.