Song of the Episode: Gone, Gone, Gone by Phillip Phillips

INT. OFFICE RECEPTION

BEAU SWAN and ARCHIE CULLEN sit on one of the pale leather couches. EDYTHE CULLEN sits on Beau's lap. ALI sits at his desk, writing on a piece of paper.

BEAU
Edythe. Oh, Edythe.

Edythe smiles at Beau, tracing her fingers along the back of one of his hands.

BEAU (CONT'D)
Oh. You're hungry, aren't you?

EDYTHE
Maybe a little.

BEAU
Maybe I better go sit with Archie.

Edythe smiles and laughs softly. Before Beau can push her off him, she grabs Beau's hand, holding him there. Edythe strokes Beau's jaw. Beau holds his breath.

EDYTHE
What? Don't tell me, after all this time, you're finally developing a proper sense of fear. What Sulpicia said finally get through to you, did it?

BEAU
I know it just makes it harder on you.

Edythe laughs, presses her lips to Beau's neck, then lays her head against his chest.

EDYTHE
It's not hard. It's never been easier than it is right now.

BEAU (V.O.)
With her in my arms, it was so easy to fantasize that she wanted me. I didn't want to think about her motivations now –- about whether she acted this way to keep me calm while we were still in danger, or if she just felt guilty for where we were and relieved that she wasn't responsible for my death. Maybe the time apart had been enough that I didn't bore her for the moment. But it didn't matter. I was so much happier pretending.

ARCHIE
So, il suo cantante. "Your singer." What was that about?

EDYTHE
Beau's blood's allure for me - they have a word for it. When a human's blood calls to you in a particular, powerful way, they call that human your singer. Because their blood sings to you. It's supposed to be quite rare.

ARCHIE (V.O.)
Of course. He's your singer, you're his music.

ARCHIE
You're just lucky.

EDYTHE
Apparently.
(to Beau)
If you need to sleep, you should sleep. Archie and I will wake you when it's time to go.

Beau nods. Beat.

BEAU
Hey. Um, can I ask you something?

EDYTHE
What is it?

BEAU
You know, what Sulpicia said before...about love being a force of destruction? Um, does she really believe that?

EDYTHE
Yes. Wholeheartedly. Perhaps even more than she expressed. Why? Why do you ask?

BEAU
I guess...it's just, it's hard to imagine looking at love as a bad thing. At least, in the way she meant. I could see her looking at love as a weakness or something, maybe...but destruction? Seems kind of overly dramatic, or something.

EDYTHE
Perhaps. But you also have to understand Sulpicia's history. She has good reason for thinking as she does.

BEAU
She turned against her husband when he went bad.

Edythe nods.

EDYTHE
When Aro murdered Marcus's mate in secret, Sulpicia betrayed him to Marcus, and his soldiers seized Aro. She watched his execution.

BEAU
She must have really hated him. After what he did...

EDYTHE
That's the funny thing. Sulpicia doesn't hate him, not then, not now. She hasn't the slightest regret for her decision, and yet she still loves him. Every time she uses her power, she thinks of him. I can read her mind, but that doesn't mean I understand. I don't understand how she was able to do it, and then continue to live on, for centuries. If I were in her place I could never have done what she did.

Edythe stares straight ahead, her brow furrowed in frustration.

BEAU
But Aro was insane, right? If I became a vampire and turned into some kind of crazed, dictator-wannabee, you would to do something to stop me, too. Right?

BEAU (V.O.)
It was all a joke, of course. We weren't together anymore. Things felt just like they once had been for the present, because Edythe was so happy and relieved she hadn't been responsible for my demise, but I knew in the end everything still stood as it had. It didn't change a thing.

Edythe looks at Beau, not smiling. She presses her face into Beau's chest and grabs his hand tightly. Beau sighs.

BEAU
So why does Sulpicia always think of Aro when she uses her gift?

Edythe looks back at Beau, beaming. Beau is completely dazzled by her.

EDYTHE
Because it wasn't originally her gift, it was Aro's.

Beau blinks and shakes his head.

EDYTHE (CONT'D)
When Marcus and his soldiers captured Aro, they didn't kill him right away. His gift was too valuable to simply destroy - Aro was capable of drawing out an enemy's sensitive battle secrets, what gifts vampires in any given coven possessed, even their individual predispositions and weaknesses, all at the touch of a finger. The Volturi knew that, without his power, their plans to unite our world and establish order were most likely destined for failure. Consequently, Sulpicia went in search of a new power, and she found Mele. The girl had the power to steal a vampire's extra talent and pass it to someone else. Mele stole Aro's power and gave it to Sulpicia.

BEAU
So this girl could steal abilities and pass them along to someone else. So if she was still around, if she wanted you or Archie's powers, she could have just taken them. But she's not around?

EDYTHE
(surprised)
Yes. She was...killed.

BEAU
How?

EDYTHE
It's a bit of a long story.

BEAU
I think we have time.

EDYTHE
It happened over half a century ago. A vampire with a dangerous natural talent was amassing an army of our kind, preparing to overthrow the Volturi and seize power. His talent allowed him to control of others. You saw Jovian's power earlier - this was like that, only a thousand times more potent, and it worked on our kind and humans. The Volturi's guards and most powerful talents could all be turned against them. The fact that the Volturi would be wiped from existence and replaced with a new regime seemed inevitable - Mele saw what she had to do. She had a knack for sneaking into places undetected, and she stole into the enemy camp. She managed to place a hand on the leader, and she took his ability. Seeing what she had done and now powerless, in a rage, he destroyed her. It was not long later that the Volturi came, and seized the leader of the rebellion. When Sulpicia touched him, she knew immediately what had happened to her thief - and she was possessed of such a rage that the world had never seen the like of it. Sulpicia unleashed the might of Volturi's armies on the vampire world, personally leading her forces to track down and slaughter not only every rebel, but everyone who had so much as breathed a word in support of the rebellion. Her rage was like a blazing inferno, and she rained down terror on the whole of Europe. As most of the vampires who held territory anywhere near the conflict had believed that the Volturi would certainly be destroyed, almost all had swayed in their loyalties, and Sulpicia showed them no mercy. For three years she led her forces across Europe, until almost almost our kind in that area of the world were all but wiped out.

BEAU
I'm surprised someone didn't notice that.

Edythe laughs softly.

EDYTHE
The human world was a bit preoccupied at the time. Let's just say, not all the deaths attributed to Adolf Hitler were entirely his doing.

Beau nods.

BEAU
Is that what she was thinking about? When she said that love can be a force of destruction.

EDYTHE
Yes. One of the things, anyway.

BEAU
Is Sulpicia a good guy or a bad guy?

EDYTHE
I don't know. By your human standards, she's probably bad. She has killed many, and ordered many executions. She eats humans, even if she does make an effort to stick mainly to criminals. Don't be fooled by her gentle façade - she is ruthless, and she will eliminate anything that threatens the order she and the other two have built. (beat) However, by vampire standards I could see, in terms of rulers where we could do worse.

Beau nods.

BEAU
Tell me more. About Sulpicia. The Volturi.

EDYTHE
Well, several of the guards Sulpicia has now have abilities that were not originally theirs. Before they lost Mele, whenever Sulpicia came across an ability she believed would be useful, if the vampire in question did not have the disposition to live up to the ideals of the Volturi, Mele could transfer the power to a worthy member of her guard. Sometimes she asked permission - sometimes not.

BEAU
What about Jonathan?

EDYTHE
What about him?

BEAU
I don't know. He just seemed a little sadistic. More than the others.

EDYTHE
Jonathan seems to be an odd case. I picked up a great deal while we were in there - Sulpicia has such a vast mind, always working on multiple levels of thought. I was able to get bits and pieces of the past. It seems like Sulpicia has been aware that such a power as Jonathan possesses was prone to abuse, and she knew she ought to have transferred the power to someone more responsible. But for some reason she didn't. It could be because Jonathan's sister Alexandra - Alexa - loved him, and Sulpicia didn't want to split them. Or perhaps something about their story made Sulpicia pity him enough to grant him a chance. I don't know if Sulpicia herself knows for sure. In any case, she hoped that Jonathan might mellow out, once he was in a new environment.

BEAU
But it didn't work?

Edythe shakes her head.

EDYTHE
Actually, I think he might have been better at first. Jonathan and Alexa both loved Sulpicia like a mother. Sulpicia hoped that the two of them might be friends for Mele. But instead, it seems that Jonathan resented Mele for being Sulpicia's favorite. And he's only grown to resent her more, even now that's she's dead. And that's only made him worse. Sulpicia regrets not taking his power when she still had the chance, but now it's too late. Jonathan and Alexa's powers are too important to the Volturi's power to be destroyed.

BEAU
But why does Jonathon stay, then? If he's not happy, why doesn't he and Alexa just pack up and leave?

Edythe shrugs.

EDYTHE
There are benefits to being part of the Volturi. You have authority and prestige. You don't have to work for your food. Even though Sulpicia herself and many of the guards are very disciplined, limiting themselves to dregs Jonathan and Alexa are given the first choice. And it seems like Jonathan does want Sulpicia's approval, even now. That's why he hates the memory of Mele so much.

BEAU
Kind of sounds like a Gothic soap opera. Life with the Volturi must be exciting. Sure you don't want to join? Sulpicia said you were in, if you just got over the inconvenient passions thing.

EDYTHE
(smiling)
I think I'll pass. Though it really is such a sacrifice. I crave relationship drama.

Edythe and Beau laugh softly.

EDYTHE
I think Jonathan and Alexa can't leave. There's something that keeps them bound to the Volturi. The others are loyal to Sulpicia and her ideals because she chose them specifically. Look at Tacita - she would cut off her own hand and burn it if Sulpicia ordered her to. But when Athenodora said that they had their ways to keep their humans under control, she was thinking of Jonathon and Alexa. As far as anyone knows, Athenodora doesn't have a talent, but it felt like she has some influence. However they control the humans, I think they're doing the same thing with Jonathan and Alexa, though they don't seem to be aware of it. I only got the vaguest sense - it seemed like Sulpicia and Athenodora were being careful not to think of details. But it seems like those two are under their control.

BEAU (V.O.)
Several times my mind wandered back to Sulpicia, and her long, sad story. What she had said about love and destruction. I found myself agreeing with it. Love did have the power to destroy, more than anything else. I ought to know that as well as anyone. It didn't just destroy by violence - it could hollow you out and leave you empty. These past few months, it had been love that had broken me. But I disagreed with Sulpicia on one thing. Even if it had been love that had destroyed me, I wouldn't go back and change a thing. I didn't regret loving Edythe. I would rather have experienced this love, and suffer the pain a thousand times, than to have never had it at all.

ARCHIE
So, did you run all the way to Rome, then?

EDYTHE
I wasn't exactly in the right frame of mind to rent a car. What would you suggest for our return?

ARCHIE
What a trip up...

EDYTHE
I don't think a two-seater will do us any good.

ARCHIE
You could sit in his lap. No risk of you flying through the windshield by the way he's holding onto you.

Edythe laughs, and Beau just grips her waist tighter.

EDYTHE
A four-door would better suit our needs, don't you think?

ARCHIE
Yeah, yeah. I get it.

Edythe and Archie stiffen and look at the doors. Beau does the same. ALEXANDRA [Alexa] enters, her eyes now a ruby color.

ALEXA
Lady Sulpicia says you're all free to leave now. She asks that you please do not linger in the city, if that's all right.

EDYTHE
That won't be a problem.

Alexa nods and exits. Archie and Edythe stand. Edythe helps Beau up.

ALI
Simply follow the hallway around the corner to the first set of elevators. You will find the lobby two floors down, and it exits onto the street. Have a fine day, miss, sirs.

ARCHIE
Thanks.

Edythe, Beau, and Archie exit down a hallway.

EXT. VOLTERRA – NIGHT

Edythe, Beau, and Archie walk down the street. Beau clings to Edythe's side. There are still PEOPLE milling about in long black cloaks and plastic fangs.

EDYTHE
Ridiculous.

Archie veers off to the left, leaving Beau and Edythe. They keep walking. They pass a MAN with a red-lipped WOMAN in his arms.

MAN
Abbastanza il costume convincente, la mia bellezza dai capelli rossi.

[Quite the convincing costume, my red-haired beauty.]

Edythe rolls her eyes.

EDYTHE
Vaffanculo.

Edythe flips the man off as she and Beau keep walking. Beau laughs.

BEAU
You're incredible. (beat) Hey. We're missing someone.

EDYTHE
Archie's gone to get us a ride.

BEAU
Stealing another car?

EDYTHE
We're going to meet him outside.

BEAU
Somebody should remind him this isn't Grand Theft Auto.

Edythe laughs. She and Beau walk through the gate and walk up to a dark car. The car has its engine on. Edythe opens the back door and helps Beau in, then gets in herself.

INT. STOLEN CAR

Archie sits in the front seat, driving. Beau and Edythe are in the back. Beau is still clinging to Edythe and is about to fall asleep, but is fighting to keep his eyes open. Archie starts driving.

ARCHIE
Sorry. Not much to choose from this time.

EDYTHE
That's fine, Archie. We're not in any hurry.

ARCHIE
Porsche 911 Turbo - she handled like a dream, you can't imagine. I'm going to get me one just like her, just as soon as I get the chance.

EDYTHE
I'll get you one for Christmas.

ARCHIE
You're the best, Edy. Make it yellow.

Edythe gives Archie a thumbs up.

EDYTHE
(to Beau)
You can sleep now, Beau. It's over. We're safe.

BEAU
I'm not tired.

EDYTHE
You really should try to get some rest.

BEAU
I'm fine. I'm wide awake.

Edythe sighs.

INT. AIRPLANE

Beau, Edythe, and Archie sit in airplane seats. Beau has his arm around Edythe. Archie is talking on the phone.

ARCHIE
(into phone)
Jess.

JESSAMINE HALE (O.S.)
(from phone)
Archie, where are you? I hadn't heard for so long, I was just about to -

ARCHIE
(into phone)
We're fine, love, we're all fine. Don't board that plane. We're on a flight to Atlanta. I'll see you soon, okay?

JESSAMINE (O.S.)
(from phone)
Thank God. How soon will I see you?

ARCHIE
(into phone)
Only in seventeen hours and...forty-nine minutes. Not long at all.

JESSAMINE (O.S.)
(from phone)
Speak for yourself. I was so worried about you - don't you ever put me through something like that again, Archie.

ARCHIE
(into phone)
I missed you too, Jess. So much. Now, you get that gorgeous ass of yours back to Seattle, and you wait for me there.

JESSAMINE (O.S.)
(from phone)
Don't believe for a second you're getting off easy.

ARCHIE
(into phone)
Easy?

JESSAMINE (O.S.)
(from phone)
I know you lied to me.

ARCHIE
(into phone)
I didn't want -

JESSAMINE (O.S.)
(from phone)
To worry me, I know. And I don't blame you - but please don't lie to me again, Archie.

ARCHIE
(into phone)
I won't. Will you forgive me for this time?

JESSAMINE (O.S.)
(from phone)
I don't know. Come home and find out.

Archie laughs lowly and turns away from Beau and Edythe, into his seat. Edythe slaps Archie's arm.

EDYTHE
No phone sex.

Archie rolls his eyes and waves his hand at Edythe. Edythe sighs and turns farther into Beau's arms.

EDYTHE (CONT'D)
You really need to sleep, Beau.

BEAU
I'm good. Really.

EDYTHE
Please, Beau. Won't you try to sleep for a bit? It would make me feel better.

BEAU
If I go to sleep now, I'll have nightmares.

Edythe nods.

BEAU (V.O.)
I knew there were a lot of questions I needed to ask, and this would be the perfect time. But I felt like if I put them off longer, then that would mean I would get more time with her. After everything we had just lived through, I wanted nothing more than to turn my head and press my lips to hers, to revel in the pure relief and joy of the fact that she was alive, and we were together, for a little while at least. A pet to her or not, I didn't think she would turn away now. However, though I'd made up my mind to make the most of this too temporary reunion, at the back of my mind I knew it was time to start steeling for separation. I knew I was going to be completely destroyed, but if I prepared myself, maybe I wouldn't be left comatose. I had Jules and my dad to think about. She was going to be pissed when we got back - but she would be happy I wasn't dead, too. I couldn't think about the pending separation now, or the future - it was too much to take. But I held on to the tiny spark of hope - hope that, even as I was destroyed again beyond recognition, I'd still have something to come back to.

BEAU
I'm going to go to the bathroom. Stay. Please?

EDYTHE
Of course. Where else would I go?

Beau kisses Edythe's temple and leaves his seat, walking up the aisle. Edythe turns to Archie, who's hung up the phone.

ARCHIE
It's okay, and you're welcome.

EDYTHE
Archie...there are no words...

ARCHIE
Shh. You don't have to say it.

Archie hugs Edythe.

EDYTHE
I should have listened to you. You were right - when you said I wouldn't be able to stay away. Next time I'll listen - I promise.

ARCHIE
I'm holding you to that.

Edythe pulls away.

ARCHIE (CONT'D)
You know, this all could have been avoided if you'd called me after you talked to Royal.

Edythe tenses, squeezing the armrests.

ARCHIE (CONT'D)
Hey. I see you fracturing the seat's armrest in three seconds. Whatever's on your mind, it can't be worth the destruction of public property.

Edythe lets go of the armrest.

EDYTHE
It's just...nothing. You're right. I should have called you. But I wasn't...myself by then. I was...lost, and couldn't think straight...

ARCHIE
I get it. You couldn't go on without him - and I don't blame you.

Beau sits back down in his seat and wraps his arms around Edythe, pulling her against him. Edythe sighs in relief and settles her head on his shoulder.

EDYTHE (V.O.)
Royal was the one person who did not deserve my apologies. But Beau deserved more apologies than I could give him. Words evaded me - there was too much to beg forgiveness for. Forgiveness I didn't even deserve in the first place, so why should I ask for such a thing? Forgiveness for failing to stop Victor. For giving him cause to leap to his death from a cliff. For, in all intents and purposes, throwing him to the wolves. For bringing him to the blackest hole of immortality, in the heart of Volterra, and risking his life in such a dire, inescapable way. For doing the unthinkable, for lying in the worst possible way, for breaking his heart. For causing him to believe I no longer wanted him. But cowardice was as formidable a force as ever, and I was prevented from speaking the words, for fear of his rejection.

INT. SEATAC AIRPORT

DR. CARINE CULLEN and EARNEST CULLEN wait nervously near the gate. PEOPLE walk through the gate. Eventually, Edythe, Beau, and Archie walk out of the door. Jessamine runs over to Archie and smiles up at him. A pink mist floats from Jessamine's feet, surrounding the couples around them and making them show affection. Earnest hugs Beau. Carine hugs Edythe.

EARNEST
Thank you, Beau - so much.

EARNEST (V.O.)
Thank you for rescuing my little girl...

EARNEST
I don't think we'll ever be able to repay you.

Earnest hugs Edythe tightly, then holds her back at arm's length.

EARNEST (V.O.)
I suffered a great deal, thinking we'd lost you...

EARNEST
You are in big trouble, little lady.

EDYTHE
I'm sorry, Dad. Am I grounded for life?

EARNEST
Nearly - and that's an awful long time for you.

Carine steps forward, drawing Edythe and Beau into a group hug.

CARINE
I'm so glad to have you both back home, and safe.

CARINE (V.O.)
You're staying home, now. And going hunting at your first convenience.

CARINE
Thank you, Beau. We are entirely in your debt.

BEAU
S'noth...n...

Beau shakes his head, then nearly falls over. Edythe and Earnest catch him.

EARNEST
We'd better get him home.

EARNEST (V.O.)
He looks awful. Don't think you're getting off easy, either.

CARINE (V.O.)
Neither of you appear well. It's clear...you need each other.

INT. PARKING GARAGE

ELEANOR CULLEN and ROYAL HALE stand by two cars. Edythe, Beau, Archie, Jessamine, Carine, and Earnest walk toward them. Edythe stiffens when she sees Royal.

ELEANOR (V.O.)
Please, Edy, listen to his apology. He only wanted you home - he saw how much I missed you; and God, did I miss you. You scared the hell out of your big sister pulling such a stupid stunt. His intentions were only good, believe me. You know Royal would never want to see you even close to the Volturi.

EARNEST
Be nice, Edythe. He feels terrible.

EDYTHE
Maybe he should.

EARNEST
Let him try to make up. Please, Edythe. Carine and I will ride with Archie and Jessamine.

CARINE (V.O.)
It wasn't anyone's fault. It's over now, in the past. We're all home and safe where we belong.

Earnest, Carine, Jessamine, and Archie get in one of the cars. Edythe glares at Royal.

BEAU
C'mon, Edythe. Let's go.

Edythe sighs. Edythe and Beau walk over to Royal and Eleanor. Eleanor and Royal get into the front seats, Eleanor driving. Beau and Edythe get in the back seat.

INT. CULLEN CAR

Eleanor begins driving. Beau holds Edythe close to his side, but leans his head against the back of the seat.

ROYAL
Edythe.

EDYTHE
I know. Believe me, I know.

ROYAL
...Beau?

BEAU
Um, yeah?

ROYAL
I'm sorry. For everything. Thank you for saving my baby sister.

BEAU
N'prob... S'more...my faul'...I'm the one - damn cliff... S'treme spsh...

ELEANOR (V.O.)
I'm sorry, Edy, but he sounds inebriated...

ELEANOR
Sounds like sleep talk to me, Roy... Maybe try again when he's awake...

BEAU
M'wake.

EDYTHE
Let him sleep.

Beau falls asleep, his head resting on Edythe's shoulder.

ELEANOR (V.O.)
He's not going to snore, is he?

EDYTHE
Have you come across Victor's scent yet?

ELEANOR
Not yet. But it was pouring rain when we got in yesterday. Didn't miss the stench of those flea-bitten dogs, though. Over by Beau's house.

Edythe groans.

ELEANOR (CONT'D)
What?

EDYTHE
It seems that we aren't the only monsters Beau is interested in. Beau's made friends with one of the wolf girls.

ELEANOR
(laughing)
That's...unfortunate.

EDYTHE
It's not funny.

EXT. CHARLIE'S HOUSE – DAY

The car pulls up to the house. Edythe helps a sleeping Beau out of the car. CHARLIE SWAN walks out of the house, furious.

CHARLIE
Beau! What's going on here? What's wrong with him?

EDYTHE
It's a long story, Charlie. He's fine, he's just exhausted.

Charlie pushes Edythe away from Beau and grabs him, supporting his weight. Beau clutches at Edythe's arm.

CHARLIE
I've got him.

Charlie tries to pry Beau's hand off Edythe's arm, but he doesn't let go.

EDYTHE
It's okay, Beau.

Edythe runs her fingers over Beau's hand until his fingers slacken.

CHARLIE
It is definitely not okay.

BEAU
Don't go.

Edythe kisses Beau's cheek lightly.

EDYTHE
(into Beau's ear)
See you soon, Beau.

EXT. CHARLIE'S HOUSE – NIGHT

Edythe sits on the branch of a tree.

JESSAMINE (O.S.)
I won't berate you, because I know you already feel guilty enough. But I think you and I need to at least discuss things. You need to know what I went through.

Edythe drops down from the tree, landing next to Jessamine on the ground.

JESSAMINE (CONT'D)
You almost got him killed. Do you know how that would have destroyed me?

EDYTHE
Yes, I do. But I never asked him to come after me. That was his own doing.

JESSAMINE
Of course he did. Archie loves you. Any of us would have done the same, if we were in his shoes.

EDYTHE
I tried to protect him - all of you.

JESSAMINE
You didn't do a very good job of it.

EDYTHE
I'm sorry. I never meant to put his life at risk - do you think I would have gone to them if I'd known he would follow me?

JESSAMINE
I don't know - would you have?

EDYTHE
I thought Beau was dead, Jess. I couldn't live without him.

JESSAMINE
I know. But you have to acknowledge the pain you caused us as well. I'm glad to have you back, sister - truly, I am - but you hurt all of us by leaving, too.

EDYTHE
How many times can I say it, Jess? I'm sorry!

JESSAMINE
And then...as if the grief and pain was not enough...you went and exposed us to the Volturi...

EDYTHE
I'm beginning to feel like this isn't quite the sisterly conversation you had in mind.

JESSAMINE
You have no idea of the consequences! If it weren't for Archie... You have no idea what you've signed him up for!

EDYTHE
It's not -

JESSAMINE
Don't even think of crossing the Volturi, Edythe. They are not to be reckoned with. They will destroy us without a second's hesitation. All of us.

Edythe looks at the ground, breathing faster.

JESSAMINE (CONT'D)
Edythe. (beat) Edythe, stop! Please!

Edythe collapses, Jessamine catching her and helping her onto the ground. Jessamine strokes Edythe's hair.

JESSAMINE (CONT'D)
Edythe. You're okay. Shh... It's okay. You're safe, you're here, and so is he.

EDYTHE
I'm okay...I'm okay.

JESSAMINE
You're okay.

INT. BEAU'S ROOM

Beau lays in bed, half-asleep. Edythe sits cross-legged in a rocking chair next to the bed. Edythe moves a piece of Beau's hair from his forehead.

EDYTHE
Beau?

Beau opens his eyes.

EDYTHE (CONT'D)
Beau? What is it? What's wrong?

BEAU
I'm dead, aren't I?

EDYTHE
No... You are most definitely not. I would know if you were, trust me.

Beau sits up and looks around the room.

EDYTHE (CONT'D)
I have no idea what's going through your head right now, Beau Swan, and for once I think I probably don't want to know. Whatever you're thinking, you're not dead.

BEAU
So...I'm in a medically induced coma?

EDYTHE
No, you're not.

BEAU
Huh. So...

EDYTHE
You're not dead, Beau.

BEAU
I could still be asleep. I might still wake up.

EDYTHE
I'm afraid not. I'm sorry to say this isn't a nightmare - not one you'll be able to wake up from, anyway.

BEAU
So, I'm not dead? Or hallucinating?

EDYTHE
No.

BEAU
So, all that happened. Everything.

EDYTHE
Everything. That is, we did go to Italy and were nearly executed by strict, totalitarian vampires, if that's what you're remembering.

BEAU
Italy. Huh. Wow. I don't think I've been further east than Albuquerque. What time is it? How long was I out?

EDYTHE
About one in the morning, local time. So about fourteen hours.

BEAU
What about Charlie?

EDYTHE
Asleep. If he was aware I was here now, I think he might be inclined to set the station dogs on me.

BEAU
He wasn't rude to you, was he?

EDYTHE
Oh, not particularly. Not aloud, anyway. If he was a little curt, I think it might have been more than warranted.

BEAU
So what's our story? I mean, for why I suddenly disappeared for...how long was it?

EDYTHE
Three days. Archie called me earlier, and we put our heads together to put together a cover story. But...we didn't come up with anything.

BEAU
Great. So much for genius vampires.

Edythe looks down and laughs softly. Beau pushes back his covers, faces Edythe, and crosses his legs. He takes her hand.

BEAU (CONT'D)
So. What have you been up to these last few months?

EDYTHE
Nothing in particular. Nothing you would find interesting, anyway.

BEAU
Try me.

EDYTHE
Tracking. Or, more accurately, trying to track. As it turns out, it's not a particular strength of mine. In fact, you might say I was an abysmal failure. I tried to get Royal to help, but he refused.

BEAU
Oh. Well, that sounds fun. What were you tracking?

Edythe shifts uncomfortably.

EDYTHE
I'm sorry, Beau. So sorry - I just had no idea. I thought you would be safe here. Completely safe. If I had had the slightest idea that Victor would return here, seeking vengeance, I would have acted differently. I didn't see how closely tied Victor was to Joss - he was so certain of her skills, he never once feared for her safety, and that obscured the depth of his feelings. But even worse than that - to think your sole protection was a pack of werewolves. Immature, volatile, essentially the most dangerous thing out there other than Victor himself - I feel ill whenever I think of it. I have to be the most wretched, contemptible -

Beau puts a hand up, and Edythe cuts off.

BEAU
Look. Edythe. You can't take responsibility for this - any of this. If I trip in front of a bus or something one day, you can't just go flying off to Italy again. Seriously. Even if I had been trying to take myself out jumping off that cliff, that would have been on me, not you. I mean, think of what you almost did, trying to - to atone for my death. What you almost did to Carine, Earnest, Archie -

EDYTHE
Beau. Beaufort Marshall Swan.

BEAU
I thought you knew how I felt about the Beaufort thing.

EDYTHE
Beau. Do you really think that I went to the Volturi and asked for death because I was - trying to atone?

BEAU
Um...yes?

Edythe raises her hand and caresses Beau's cheek. Beau cups his hand around hers.

EDYTHE
Beau, I would have gone to Italy no matter what the case, whether your - your death was my doing or not. Clearly I should have been more careful, and not been so quick to take Royal's word for it. But I did try to check...and when she said Charlie was at the funeral, I didn't think for a moment that... I suppose I can no longer criticize Romeo, after such a near fatal misunderstanding myself.

BEAU
Okay. But why, then? Why does you thinking I'm dead equal going to the Volturi? You're not making any sense.

EDYTHE
You're not listening, Beau. Don't you remember anything I said to you before?

BEAU
I remember. I remember everything. Right up to...to the last.

EDYTHE
I told you, when we were watching that movie. And I told you before that, over and over - so many times even I can barely keep track. I told you that I love you, that you're everything to me. That a world without you has no meaning for me.

BEAU
Yeah, well. I remember. But...I mean, that wasn't how it was. You realized that - it wasn't really love.

EDYTHE
All of us are good liars, Beau. Living how we live, vampires in a world of humans, we have to be. But I've always had a particular aptitude for it.

Beau looks away, hyperventilating.

EDYTHE (CONT'D)
Beau. Look at me right now.

Edythe stands and starts pacing the room.

EDYTHE (CONT'D)
Of course, I realized you wouldn't let go. The only way I could effectively remove myself from your life was if - if you believed that I didn't actually love you, that it was over, utterly and completely. But how to convince you? I couldn't just come out and say it, you would never believe that, I thought. I had to set it up right. I had to be cold, distant for a little while, just to begin to instill in you the hint of doubt. Then I had to have the right words, the right story - something that would explain everything I had done, everything I had said, and cast it in a new light that might just begin to change your mind. Every inflection in my voice, every word I said, I had it calculated to perfection - cruel enough to leave you with no lingering doubts or suspicions, but not so cruel as to be out of character, that would permit you to suspect the truth that I knew to be so glaringly obvious. Those three days I went through every possibility in my mind, everything you might demand, every argument you might level at me that could punch a hole right through the lie. I weaved my story tighter and tighter, going through every single conversation that you might remember, figuring out how I might twist it into something else to fit with what I needed you to believe. I was prepared to argue for hours, until you finally began to waiver, and at last were forced to accept it. And then, after all that, you -

Edythe turns around.

EDYTHE (CONT'D)
I told you my story one time, and without any further explanation, without any argument, you just stood there and accepted it. Just like that - after I had already told you the truth a thousand times. I deceived you, Beau, and I repent of that now - I hurt you, trying to save you from what I am, from our dark world, and it was a failure. I will never be able to apologize enough for the harm I've caused. In retrospect, I see it all too clearly now, the futility and folly of my actions. But what I still don't understand is - how. How you could be deceived so easily. I relived that moment - that far too short conversation - a thousand times in my mind, and I still don't understand it. (beat) Won't you say something? Please, Beau.

Beau shakes his head.

BEAU
I think maybe I shouldn't listen to this anymore. Because when I finally wake up, for a second I'll think this is all real, and then I'll have a breakdown or something. And I think I've put Charlie through enough.

EDYTHE
Why? Why is it that no matter how many times I say it you won't believe me? Or else you think you're dreaming, or dead - I told you the truth over and over, and I'm telling you now, but one lie - and I know, Beau, it was a horrible lie - but even so, why do you believe that and nothing else? I'm right here, trying to repair the damage I've done, but - it's like I've come up against a wall, and I can't break through.

BEAU
The thing is, Edythe... The thing about me being kind of like a special pet or something - I can see that. That makes sense. You being in love with me - like you'd run off and kill yourself just because I didn't exist - that doesn't. I mean...look at me.

EDYTHE
I am looking at you, Beau. (beat) Please, Beau. Tell me what it will take to convince you. Tell me what I have to do. How many times I have to say it.

BEAU
Okay. Let's say - hypothetically - all this is true. You love me. But how long before you leave again?

Edythe walks over to Beau and takes one of his hands.

EDYTHE
I won't leave. I swear, Beau, I won't leave you ever again.

Beau winces and puts a hand up to stop her.

EDYTHE (CONT'D)
Now, what's that reaction? (beat) I... If you've already moved on, Beau - and after everything I've done to you, that would be more than understandable - don't worry. I will only stay as long as you want me to. If you want me to go - I will. The very moment you ask it. Please believe me when I say all I want is for you to be happy.

Beau grabs Edythe's forearm.

BEAU
Don't - Don't make me any promises, okay? Don't. Please, Edythe.

EDYTHE
You don't believe me when I say I won't leave? You think I'm lying?

BEAU
Maybe you believe it. For now. But I know you can still change your mind. Any time. If you start thinking it's the right thing to do - say Jessamine has a go at me again - you'll leave, no matter what I say.

EDYTHE
Do you still love me, Beau? Even after what I did?

BEAU
You know I do. I never stopped.

Edythe sits back down in the rocking chair and takes Beau's face in her hands.

EDYTHE
Then that's all I need to know. As long as that's true, I'll be here. I love you, Beau, and I won't ever leave again, not unless you ask me to. And I will convince you of that truth, day by day, a little bit at a time.

Edythe leans in close to Beau. He stiffens.

EDYTHE (CONT'D)
What? What now?

BEAU
Well...Well, this will just make it that much worse. When I wake up, I mean.

EDYTHE
You're not dreaming, Beau.

BEAU
Okay then. When you leave again.

EDYTHE
You really are impossible. But you really do love me?

BEAU
I just said I did. And that's never going to change.

EDYTHE
I believe you. Now I just need to make you believe me. This is for your own good, Beau.

Edythe kisses Beau. Beau pulls Edythe so that she rests on his chest. After some time, Edythe pulls away and rests her head on Beau's shoulder.

EDYTHE
Ah. Beautiful. (beat) Okay. Somehow, I think you still don't quite believe me - which, you have no idea how painful that is - but I vow, I will convince you eventually. No matter how long it takes.

BEAU
These past few months. You never did tell me exactly what you were tracking. New prey? Jaguars, tigers, big African lions? What else did you do? You said there were plenty of distractions out there.

EDYTHE
Beau, I told you, everything I said before I left was a lie. There was nothing that could distract me from thoughts of you, and I knew there wouldn't be. As soon as we left, I separated myself from the others - I couldn't bear listening to their thoughts - and I went out deep into the wilderness to be alone. There I did absolutely nothing, but exist in a state of both physical and mental paralysis. Only when I felt my will begin to weaken - when in the midst of my deepest torment I began entertaining treacherous thoughts of returning, of coming to your window and begging you to take me back - did I take on the notion of trying my hand at tracking. I knew I could never be distracted, but I hoped having an occupation would help me maintain my resolve.

BEAU
What were you tracking?

EDYTHE
I would have done so earlier...should have done so earlier. If I had not been so immobilized with the grief of separation - but eventually it did finally come to me, if there was one thing that I ought to do in my present state of uselessness, it was surely that.

BEAU
What?

EDYTHE
Victor. (beat) After we took care of Joss, I always had it in my mind that I would also eventually dispense with the mate as well, as soon as I had the opportunity. He helped her, after all, and that could not be forgiven. However, as chasing Victor would have necessarily taken me away from you, I thought for a time that perhaps I might let him go after all, at least so long as he kept away. But now... Now, he will die.

Beau tightens his hold on Edythe.

BEAU
No.

EDYTHE
No?

BEAU
You said you weren't going to leave. I don't see a lot of room in that for you suddenly setting off on another extended tracking expedition.

EDYTHE
Well, yes. But -

BEAU
You've been trying to convince me you're staying right here, and now you're already talking about leaving.

EDYTHE
I am staying. But Victor is going to die - and soon.

BEAU
Look. We don't know if he's even still around. Maybe he's given up and gone back to whatever he was doing. Jules and the rest of the wolves might have run him off for good. I don't think we need to go looking for him - we've got bigger problems.

EDYTHE
I won't leave as long as you want me here, Beau. But you are right, that is another problem. It appears that, in our absence, we've developed something of a wild dog problem.

BEAU
No, I meant the Volturi. They're going to come for me sometime. To make sure I've been changed. What did Sulpicia say? She said we could wait until I graduated, to keep from arousing suspicion. That's coming up faster than you think. If we're going to have everything in order by then, we've got to start making our plans now.

EDYTHE
I still think the dogs are the bigger problem.

BEAU
You heard what Sulpicia said. If they think you aren't following the rules, they could execute us both. In fact, she said she would execute everyone, if they tried to support us.

EDYTHE
Sulpicia and the other two are thousands of years old. Time means something different to them than it does to you, or even me. They count years the way you count days. You could be thirty before you even cross her mind again.

BEAU
You're going to wait until I'm thirty -

EDYTHE
Even longer than that, if I can manage it.

BEAU
You're just saying that.

EDYTHE
Well, it doesn't really matter anyway. I have some ideas on how to evade Sulpicia, if it comes down to that. Archie will see her coming a thousand miles away.

BEAU
You really don't want me around forever, do you?

EDYTHE
Not if it means taking your soul.

BEAU
I'm going to die eventually. Even if your plans work, and the Volturi don't get me. I'm getting closer every day.

EDYTHE
And once we get to that point, I'll follow right after you.

BEAU
That is just so...twisted. Sick.

EDYTHE
I can accept that you think that.

Beau pushes Edythe away from him gently.

EDYTHE (CONT'D)
Do you want me to leave?

BEAU
No. I'm leaving.

Beau climbs out of bed and fumbles around, looking for his shoes.

EDYTHE
May I ask where you are going?

BEAU
I'm going to your house.

Edythe gets up and walks to Beau's side, picking up his shoes on the way.

EDYTHE
Here are your shoes. How do you plan to get there?

Edythe hands Beau his shoes.

BEAU
My truck.

EDYTHE
That will probably wake Charlie.

BEAU
I know. But honestly, I'll be grounded for weeks as it is. How much more trouble can I really get in?

EDYTHE
None. He'll blame me, not you.

BEAU
If you have a better idea, I'm all ears.

EDYTHE
Stay here.

BEAU
Sorry, no. But you go ahead and make yourself at home.

Beau heads for the door. Edythe blocks his way. Beau turns around and walks toward the window.

EDYTHE
Okay. I'll give you a ride.

BEAU
Either way. But you probably should be there, too.

EDYTHE
And why is that?

BEAU
Because you're extremely opinionated - which I personally find hot, so don't worry - and I'm sure you'll want a chance to air your views.

EDYTHE
My views on which subject?

BEAU
This isn't just about you anymore. You're not the center of the universe, you know. My personal universe is a different story, but if you're going to bring the Volturi down on us over something as stupid as leaving me human, then your family should have a say.

EDYTHE
A say in what?

BEAU
My mortality. I'm putting it to a vote.

A/N: I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but after the next episode - the last one this season - I'll be starting the third season, which is where things start to change slightly. But that's mostly at the end of the season, so not yet...