"You disappoint me, my friend," Aro said softly. "Surely you will not deprive us of your company so soon?"

Carlisle smiled. "Aro, like you, I have my own little family to look after. I've done what I came to do."

Aro grasped his hand warmly. "For which you have our greatest thanks."

Carlisle returned the gesture. Then he turned to Bella, who stood close beside Aro. He looked tired to her, and she remembered why he'd left the Volturi in the first place, all those years ago.

"I'll miss you, Carlisle," she whispered.

"Oh, Bella…" He touched her cheek gently. "You take care of yourself, alright?"

She stepped forward, hugging him. "Watch over Edward for me."

"Of course." He felt her hard arms pressing him close, and closed his eyes with relief. At least she would be safe now, no matter how his son felt.

Dark shadows behind Aro materialized. The two wives came forward, along with Marcus, who shook Carlisle's hand silently. His sister-in-laws were a little more verbal.

"It was so kind of you to come all this way," Athenodora said sweetly.

"Yes," rejoined Sulpicia. "You've given us a wonderful playmate."

Carlisle smiled at her word choice. "It's been a pleasure, ladies." He pulled his hand subtly from Sulpicia's grasp, and turned to see Edward leaning by the door.

Are you ready, son?

He nodded.

Don't you want to say farewell to Bella?

Edward walked forward, almost at the same time Bella did. He held her close, then pulled away before Aro's eyes could darken. "Good-bye, Bella," he whispered.

"Edward." She couldn't say anymore. Her eyes felt hot and rough, and it was only then she recalled the strange absence of tears.

Carlisle took his son's arm, and they retreated through the doors, Demetri following. The doctor looked back once. Bella was leaning against Aro's shoulder, and his pale hand was moving through her long, silky hair. She did not look happy.

But she will be, he thought, taking a breath. And the rest of us will move on. He felt stifled, and when they walked out of the passageway, he breathed the fresh, European air with relief.

Demetri bowed to both of them. "And so we part," he said mockingly. "Another time, my friends."

He disappeared. Carlisle shook his head, loosening the smooth, blonde curls.

"Will she be safe?" Edward said wistfully.

"I hope so, for your sake. I, for one, never want to walk through those hallways again." He shuddered, as if from cold, and picked up his medical bag. "Let's go."

"You're back!"

Esme practically flew out the front door, her hair tumbling in her face. Carlisle caught her, holding her tightly to him. "Yes, I'm back."

He tried to kiss her, but she leaned back playfully. "Did everything go well?" she asked.

"Hasn't Alice told you?"

"You know how she is, dear. So flutter-brained sometimes… I could hardly catch a word."

Carlisle laughed, finally stealing the kiss he wanted. He gave his other hand to Edward, leading both of them up to the house. The story was recounted in better detail inside, and Carlisle had barely finished speaking when Alice herself cascaded down the landing. Jasper and the rest were close behind her, so it seemed like a train of solid white for a moment.

"Carlisle!" she sang. She gave him a quick peck on the cheek, then grinned. "I am so proud of you! You're not to be fooled by him, are you?"

"If you mean, Aro, then no." Carlisle took Esme's hand. "And now, children, if you'll excuse me, I have some important things to do."

The Cullens smiled, nodding as their parents rushed out the door. They turned to Edward, lounging silently on the couch, and bombarded him with questions. He answered civilly enough, but soon they left him alone, urged on by Alice. Rose and Emmett wandered outside, and Jasper disappeared somewhere with his own sweetheart.

The room was quiet. Too quiet. It gave Edward's thoughts louder voice, until he could hardly bear to hear them. His fist opened, clenched by his side, and something fluttered to the floor. He picked it up. It was a piece of paper, with a number scribbled on it. He snapped open his cell phone, muttering something unintelligible. It was better than sitting there, stifled under his own memories.

"It's Edward," he said, after waiting a moment. A female voice answered, and he smiled. "Yes, that Edward. I'm calling from home." "Why? Nothing better to do, I suppose."

The front door slammed, and he turned. It was Alice. "Who are you talking to?" she mouthed.

"Can I call you later?" he muttered, ignoring his sister. "No, it's only Alice."

Alice raised an eyebrow.

"Alright. Thanks, Heidi. Bye." He slipped the phone in his pocket, meeting Alice's eyes unwillingly.

"Heidi?" she repeated. "Have I missed something, Edward?"

"Stop making assumptions."

"I'm not!"

"I can hear them, Alice."

She followed him into the kitchen. "Well, can you blame me? How on earth do you have her number?"

"She gave it to me."

Alice grinned. "Ah…"

Edward grunted. "Shut up."

"Better not call at night," she continued, teasing him. "The Volturi may eavesdrop on the other end."

"Stop it!" he snapped. He flung open the patio door, slamming it shut behind him. The wind ruffled his dark hair, bitterly cold. He knew without looking that she was beside him.

"Why are you so upset?" she asked gently. "I was only teasing."

"I know."

She slipped her arm through his. "Well?" she said. "Aren't you curious?"

He looked at her briefly. "No, I'm not."

"Not in the least? You don't want to know how it will end up?"

"The future is subjective."

Alice sighed. "Why don't you trust me?"

He put his arm around her. "I do trust you. I'm just not… I guess I'm not ready to hear it right now. There's not much between us, Alice. We've only spoken twice, as acquaintances."

"She really likes you," his sister whispered.

Edward shook his head. "It's too soon. I'm still getting over… all the rest of it." He looked at her, suddenly laughing. "You won't leave me alone now, will you?"

She grinned impishly. "Nope."

"Not even if I ask nicely?"

"Well, I might leave you alone if…"

"If?"

She batted her eyelashes. "If you buy that Porsche for me? I barely drove it at all."

"I'm not going back to Italy, Alice."

"You don't have to! I found one just like it, in the city. Paint job and everything."

Edward sighed. "Do I have to go get it tonight?"

"No." She winked at him. "You'll be too busy chatting with Heidi."