As always, reviews and constructive criticism are greatly appreciated.

Disclaimer: I am NOT Stephenie Meyer and I don't own any of the Twilight series characters or stories. I borrowed the dialogue and storyline from New Moon, but the rest is my own take on the story, as seen through Edward's eyes.

18. MEMORIES

Aro's red eyes shone brightly in the candlelight as he stepped toward me. His raised hand was mere inches from my own. I could feel the tow of his curiosity, like the gravitational pull of a planet, urging me forward.

Our hands touched and I watched as Aro's eyes flashed open with awareness and closed as he watched my memories. I closed my own eyes, watching the playback of my life through his mind.

I could see the dim human memories of my childhood, of my loving parents and our home in Chicago. I could see my mother, perched over me as she cared for me while I lay dying of Spanish influenza. I could see Carlisle's face hovering over my hospital bed, whispering about my mother's wishes. And then the pain, the searing pain of the venom as it coursed through my veins.

The memories rapidly became clearer. Carlisle was sitting with me, explaining what he had done and what I had become. His eyes were filled with sorrow, but I did not blame him for his actions. He taught me how to live as a vampire, but not as a monster. He helped me to make sense of the voices and images in my mind that were not my own, the confusing rabble that invaded my psyche.

Then I saw Esme. She was battered and broken. Carlisle explained that she had attempted to commit suicide after the death of her son and that he wished to save her as he did me. I could see the love in his eyes when he watched over her during her change. I saw her awaken and the same love filled her eyes. They seemed to know each other from before this meeting. I saw their wedding and our new bond as a family of three. Esme adopted me as her son and I happily complied. She needed a son and I needed a mother; we were able to give each other that.

Then, I saw the sadness in their eyes as I left. My rebellious youth had gotten the better of me. I did not understand Carlisle's lifestyle and it felt wrong to go against my true nature. I remembered my first taste of human blood, the sweet nectar that satiated my thirst like nothing else could. Yet, even in my rebellion, the moral compass Carlisle had instilled in me remained. I sought out criminals, killers and rapists, and exacted my own form of justice. I found myself falling down a dangerous slope, beginning to kill merely for their thoughts and not their actions. My conscience got the better of me and I humbly returned to Carlisle and Esme. They welcomed me back like the prodigal son and did not judge me for my departure.

The memories flashed a few more years to 1933 and Carlisle brought home a badly beaten woman. Her blond hair was streaked with blood, her lip swollen, and a purple bruise formed on her cheek. I recognized her at once. I yelled at Carlisle for his carelessness. How could he bring her to us? She would be so easily recognized! Carlisle's compassion compelled him to save her. I knew that he and Esme hoped she would become a mate for me. When Rosalie awoke, she was indeed beautiful, but I only saw her as a sister. I knew from the minds of Carlisle and Esme what the pull of a mate would feel like and I did not experience that with Rosalie. She was not meant to be my mate. She seemed put out by my lack of affection toward her, but grew to love me like a brother.

I saw Rosalie carrying a large man in her arms. He was badly mauled and she begged Carlisle to change him for her. I saw the love in her eyes that I saw in Carlisle's when he changed Esme. Rosalie explained that she had found him in the forest as he was being attacked by a bear. He reminded her of a boy she knew when she was human and she knew that she had to save him. When Emmett awoke, Rosalie rejoiced in finding her mate. Emmett was a welcome addition to the family, the brother I always wanted.

Shortly after Emmett's arrival, we move once again. This time we moved to the small town of Forks, Washington. We were confronted by a tribe of Quileute warriors as we were hunting. Carlisle acted as spokesperson for our family and convinced their chief that we were not what they thought we were; that we were different. A treaty formed and we promised to stay off their land if they, in turn, promised to protect our secret.

Years passed as the memories flashed forward to 1950. Our home was invaded by two new vampires, a small woman with dark hair and her mate, a tall blond man. The woman, Alice, seemed to know everything about our family. She and Jasper sought us out and wished to join us. Their arrival was odd, but they seemed to fit into our family dynamic seamlessly, as though they were always meant to be there. It was a welcome relief to me to meet others with abilities, those who I could share common experiences with. Alice formed an instant and unbreakable bond with us all.

Our lives continued to pass before my eyes. Aro saw my memories and gleaned much more than I had anticipated. Not only could he see my thoughts and memories, but he also got a glimpse into the minds of my family, as their own thoughts had passed through my mind. Aro was intrigued by all he saw and enjoyed the glimpse into the life of his friend and his anomalous family.

The year was 2003. We returned to Forks, Washington sixty-some-odd years after our first encounter with the Quileutes. They remembered our agreement and honored it, although they did not seem to be happy with our return. We began high school once again. The building's facilities had changed somewhat since our last encounter, but much of it remained the same. We went through the tedious motions of blending in with the humans, pretending to learn material we had studied hundreds of times over.

January 18, 2005 seemed like any other day, until I saw her. The high school was abuzz with the arrival of a new student. I saw her face in the minds of the students, but she did not interest me. I saw her in the cafeteria as my siblings asked questions about the new arrival. I struggled to peer into her mind, to see what her reaction to us might be, but her thoughts were strangely silent. Confusion and anger overwhelmed the memory.

I was sitting in the classroom, wishing the hours to pass quickly, and there she was. She strolled into the biology lab and the warm air from an overhead vent blew her hair, her scent wafting toward me. The aroma hit me like a wrecking ball and my throat blazed. She came toward me and, with no sense of the danger I posed, sat in the seat right next to me. What a stupid girl! Why was she there to tempt me? The million scenarios I had concocted in my mind to take her flashed through my memories, yet I had resisted. With a scent as potent and mouthwatering as hers, I still do not understand how I was able to resist its draw.

I opened my eyes slightly and could see Aro licking his lips at the memory. Yes, she was mouthwatering. I growled instinctively, but he ignored my reaction.

I saw myself hastily explaining to Carlisle why I had to leave and rushing toward Denali. I saw the week-long struggle, attempting to understand why fate was trying to tempt me. I saw myself, determined and strong, returning to Forks to face and conquer my demons.

And there she was again…Bella. I introduced myself and tried to befriend her, asking questions about her life, endeavoring to figure her out. Her silent mind intrigued me and I struggled to overcome the thirst that overwhelmed me when she was near. I had never encountered a creature so beautiful and so fascinating. I found myself strangely drawn to her and she, unlike other humans, was oddly unafraid. She scoffed at all my attempts to subtly warn her of the dangers she faced.

I saw the van skidding through the icy parking lot, careening straight toward Bella. Not her! Without thinking, I flashed to her side and stopped the van from crushing her. Her face was full of awe and wonder. The curiosity in her eyes and in her questions posed a serious threat of exposure to me and my family. I distanced myself, fighting to ignore her inexplicable draw.

There she was, my angel, sleeping peacefully. Her hair was splayed across her pillow and she whimpered in her quiet slumber. She spoke in her sleep, mumbling about her mother and the weather, and that's when it happened. At that moment, she spoke my name in her sleep. I knew in that instant that I was in love. My heart swelled in my chest at the memory and the warmth of her love pulsed through my body. I was completely and permanently changed in that brief moment. My life would never be the same.

The memories of our courtship passed by too quickly for me to fully appreciate them. I longed to linger in the memories, where Bella was alive and in love with me, before tragedy ripped us apart.

I saw her awestruck face as she watched me glistening in the meadow. My lips tingled at the memory of our first kiss and my arms felt perceptibly empty as the memory of holding her while she slept passed through my mind.

The memories continued. I saw my family playing baseball in the field. I saw James and the flash in his eyes when he caught Bella's scent. I saw my family fleeing with Bella and Bella bleeding and broken by James' hand. I could feel the rage burning in my stomach as I watched my battle with James. I could taste her blood on my tongue, remembering the sensation as I sucked the venom from her wound. I heard Aro gasp at the memory, captivated by the way her blood affected me and amazed by my restraint.

I felt Bella in my arms as we danced under the moonlight. I heard her ask me to change her, to make her into a vampire so that we could be together forever. Oh, how I wish I had only granted her request. It was one of a million mistakes I now shouldered. If I knew that my parting would result in her death, I would have gladly given her what she asked. I would have given her anything.

I saw Bella, her cheeks flushed, holding a silver package in her hands. I saw the drop of blood forming on her fingertip and Jasper's body lunging toward her. I saw Bella lying on the floor, broken and bleeding, because of me.

I saw Bella standing in the forest, tears streaming, begging me not to go. My chest heaved with a sob at the memory. I squeezed my eyes tight, forcing myself to remain strong. The memories overwhelmed me and my knees threatened to buckle under the weight.

I saw myself running through the wilderness. I saw my father's disappointment. I saw Benjamin. I saw Victoria. I saw the nothingness that overtook my life for months. Then I heard the voice, the voice of my sister telling me that Bella was gone and the voice of the boy that confirmed it.

I could not take it anymore. I closed off my mind, unwilling to watch the memories anymore. Aro continued to watch for several more moments before releasing my hand. I squeezed my eyes tight and pinched the bridge of my nose between my fingers.

"Fascinating, simply fascinating," he mused.

Ah, what a family, what amazing gifts.

I opened my eyes slowly and met his gaze.

"What an extraordinary life you have lived, young Edward. What experiences you have shared with me! And your gift…simply intriguing."

"His gift?" a voice from the back of the room spoke. I saw a cloaked figure approaching. He floated forward gracefully, the light flickering off his long, white hair.

Caius.

"Yes, my brother. It seems that our friend here has a power much like my own. He can read the thoughts of others, but only as they are passing through their minds, correct?"

I nodded in confirmation.

"Ah, but he does not require touch. I venture to guess that he is reading all of our minds at this very moment. How wonderful! How…convenient." Aro's eyes gleamed with excitement and Caius looked on skeptically.

"So, tell us, Edward. Why have you come?" Caius questioned.

I opened my mouth to begin, but Aro answered before the words could come.

"Young Edward here has come to ask to die."

Murmurs rippled through the room.

A suicidal vampire?

What is he thinking? How could he want that?

What must have happened to make him desire to give up his immortality?

"Why?" Caius asked, confused.

"It seems that our young friend has lost his mate. He has fallen in love with a human."

A human?

Did he say a human? Is that even possible?

Is he joking?

"Yes, he fell in love with a human, one whose blood sang to him. I must say, Edward, I am enthralled by this. How you could resist such a siren's call astounds me. If I had not experienced her power over you through your memories, I would not have believed it possible."

"Restraint was not without difficulty," I replied.

"Yes, yes. And it seems that you left your mate for her own protection. Is that right?"

I nodded.

"And the separation did nothing more than create immeasurable sorrow for you both, correct?"

I nodded again, the sadness etched on my face. My shoulders slumped forward in defeat. I did not know how much more I could take before I broke down again.

"And it seems that the separation caused your beloved such a sadness that she took her own life. And now you wish us to take yours?"

I nodded, unable to form words.

"Alright then…Felix!" Caius turned and waved for Felix to approach.

Aro raised his hand to halt the guard as he looked into my eyes. I was unsure of what I saw there. Was it compassion? Was it understanding? Or was it something else?

He turned to Caius and gave him a knowing glare. He motioned for Felix to stand down and he faced me once again.

"Young Edward, I would like to confer with my brothers regarding your request. Would you mind allowing us a few moments to deliberate?"

"Of course," I replied hesitantly.

"Very well then. Alec?"

A small cloaked figure stepped forward. He was a boy, no older than fifteen, I guessed. He had short brown hair and red eyes. He had the face of a cherub, but there was something sinister in his eyes.

Aro addressed him. "Alec, would you please escort our guest into the next chamber while we have our discussion? And please, make him comfortable."

Aro turned to me. "Edward, would you like something to eat while you wait?" His eyes glistened in the candlelight and an evil grin stretched across his face as he tried to bait me.

"No, thank you."

"Very good. Please follow Alec and we will call you when we have made our decision."

I turned to follow the young vampire, listening to the thoughts and murmurs that followed me through the tunnel.

"Come Caius, Marcus, there is much to discuss."

I looked over my shoulder and saw the three brothers converging in the middle of the room. I tried to concentrate on their thoughts, but the agony of reliving all of the painful memories was searing through my chest and making it difficult to concentrate.

We traveled through a damp, stone passageway. We stopped and he opened a door, ushering me into a dimly lit room. The walls were stone and a leather couch sat in the center of the room.

"Please sit," he instructed.

I took a seat on the leather couch and folded my hands in my lap, wringing them nervously. I heard a shuffling outside the door and it creaked open as a woman peered in. Her heartbeat elevated when she saw me sitting in the room.

"Hello, Gianna," Alec greeted the woman without turning to look at her.

She nodded to him. She was tall and beautiful, with a dark complexion and green eyes. She was clearly human.

"Can I get you anything?" she asked me politely.

I paused for a moment, considering her offer. Was she the meal that Aro had spoken of? Had she been sent here to tempt me?

"Gianna is our receptionist," Alec offered.

My thoughts immediately drifted to the letter in my pocket. I had nearly forgotten. I reached into my pocket and pulled it out, handing it to her.

"If it's not too much trouble, could you please mail this letter for me?" I asked.

"Certainly." She nodded and smiled. She took the letter from my hands and took the pen from behind her ear to scribble down the address.

"Thank you."

"It's no trouble at all." She turned and left the room.

My eyes scanned the room nervously. I tried once again to peer into the minds of the Volturi masters in the other room. What was there to deliberate? My request was simple enough. Perhaps they were worried about Carlisle's reaction.

It was then that a strange sensation crept over me. The sounds of the room became muddled and my vision became blurry. In the next instant, my senses were completely cut off. Blackness enveloped me and held me tightly.

Wow..lots of good reviews on the last chapter. I love hearing from all of you. It really makes my day!