A/N: And here we are at the last episode of the second season...
EXT. FOREST – NIGHT
EDYTHE CULLEN runs through the forest, BEAU SWAN on her back. Beau has his arms around her neck. The trees flash past them. Beau kisses Edythe's neck quickly.
EDYTHE
Thank you.
Edythe slows to a walk. Beau gets off her back and takes Edythe's hand. They walk through the forest.
EDYTHE (CONT'D)
Finally believe you're awake now?
BEAU
More like I've just given up being careful. I've decided I might as well live dangerously. A coward dies a thousand deaths and all that.
EDYTHE
Not thinking about more extreme sports, I hope?
BEAU
No, not that kind of living dangerously. More like the emotional kind.
EDYTHE
I can't believe I actually missed that. Those cryptic remarks designed to divest me of my sanity.
Beat.
BEAU
Look. It's not that I don't want to believe you when you say...when you say you love me. And that you were lying to me because you were trying to help me, and that you're going to stay now as long as I want. I think a part of me already does believe you. But...every day when I look in the mirror, I just see a boring, ordinary guy. Like I said, I just don't see a logical reason for you to want to be with me, for you to put up with everything you've had to put up with to be around me. And - well - I mean...when you were gone...I didn't know what to do. I was underwater. Everything was gray, and I knew I had no hope of ever having the only thing I ever wanted. I was stuck in limbo, couldn't go back, couldn't go forward. The only way I could keep going...keep functioning...I just had to be careful. Keep my mental defenses up. I'd already been broken once, and I just couldn't let myself experience that again.
EDYTHE
I really did a number on you, didn't I, Beau.
BEAU
You were trying to save me. Maybe it would have worked on a normal person.
EDYTHE
I hurt you. I keep demanding to know why you won't believe me, but of course you don't believe me. I know you, Beau, I know you never have seen yourself clearly. That you can't see what I see when I look at you. Your belief in how I felt was tenuous from the very beginning, fragile, and instead of reinforcing the truth, building it up, I betrayed you, shattered the trust that you were only beginning to feel. You're right, Beau - it is dangerous to trust. And even more, to trust someone who brutally betrayed you, mutilated the heart that you entrusted to them.
Edythe pulls Beau to a stop and wraps her arms around herself.
EDYTHE (CONT'D)
You trusted me before. And I failed you. I see it clearly now - I wanted so badly to save you, for you to be happy. I wanted to love you the best I could - and perhaps that is where I went wrong. Perhaps I thought if I sacrificed what I wanted for your own good, then that would prove my love was not of the ugly, selfish kind - the kind that drew you into our world, regardless of the danger. I wanted my love to be strong enough that I could be selfless, so that I could deny myself everything, so long as it was better for you. But I was so eager to sacrifice myself I was blind - blind to the fact that I was acting in the most selfish way of all, lying to you, betraying you, in order that I could make myself a martyr.
(choked up)
I'm so sorry, Beau. So sorry. I - I wanted you to be happy. So much. I would have given up anything for that. But - in the end I - all I did was strike a deeper wound than you'd ever experienced. I made you suffer more than anyone ever made you suffer before. I can't ask you to believe me. I can't ask you to trust me again. I can never ask for forgiveness.
Beau pulls Edythe into a tight hug, putting a gentle hand on the back of her head. Beau leans in to Edythe's ear.
BEAU
(whispering)
I believe you.
Edythe makes an odd sound, halfway between a sob and a laugh.
EDYTHE
No you don't. You're just saying that to make me feel better.
BEAU
I mean it. You were right. Maybe what you said before, about how I believed you way too quickly, is true. You always want to know what I'm thinking. So I'll tell you.
Beau holds Edythe at arm's length. He points at his skull.
BEAU (CONT'D)
You know this thing about my brain? This thing that keeps you out - mental shell, defense, whatever it is?
Edythe nods.
BEAU (CONT'D)
Well, I think I have two. There's the one that keeps out your mind powers, keeps my head safe, and then there's the other one. The one that was around my heart, I guess you could say. That's the one that's kept me from completely believing you - ever, even before you left.
EDYTHE
I'm not following you.
BEAU
I've always kept my defenses up. Kept people out. Never any crushes or close friends. That was how I was, how I wanted it. Things were easier that way, I never had to risk getting hurt. I always had my guard up - until I came to Forks and met you. That first time I admitted to myself how I felt about you - that was a huge step for me.
Edythe flinches.
BEAU (CONT'D)
But I think I had another defense up that never did go down, even then. Because I was just too afraid of being disappointed.
Beau puts his hands on Edythe's shoulders.
BEAU (CONT'D)
I accepted how I felt about you, but letting myself think you might feel the same way, too - trusting that it would really be as permanent as I knew it was for me - I just couldn't do that. That was one risk too far. I always thought that I didn't really fully accept it all the way because I knew I could never be good enough for someone like you, and that's true, but when it comes down to it, I think I was just afraid. I think all the time it was just another defense, some survival instinct to keep at least some part of me safe, or what my instincts thought was safe.
Beau cups Edythe's face in his hand.
BEAU (CONT'D)
I don't want you to blame yourself. I don't blame you for anything, and I never did - you were doing what you thought was right. If you didn't love me, you had no choice but to leave, and now I know you left because you were trying to help me - I can only love you all the more for that. If anything, I brought it on myself - I was so busy protecting myself, keeping myself safe, I couldn't see what you were doing. You're right - I should have seen right through you then, I should have understood. I didn't, I just went ahead and believed what I was already half expecting to hear. But I'm going to do better now. I can't make myself think I'm good enough for you, because I'm not, but I know, against all the odds, you do love me. I'll never second-guess you again.
Edythe strokes Beau's cheek, then laughs softly.
EDYTHE
What am I going to do with you? Brought it on yourself indeed - what have you done, Beau? Except for accept me, even being the monster I am, never wavering, showing nothing but love and understanding... What have you done, except stay by my side with absolute loyalty when anyone else would have fled long ago, and when I have done absolutely nothing for you but torture you and place you and those you love in danger?
BEAU
You're not thinking of leaving again, I hope.
EDYTHE
No. Leaving would have been the right thing in the beginning, but I see clearly now that it is too late. And like the self-serving beast that I am, I am unpardonably happy for that.
BEAU
Good. Glad we've got that straightened out.
Beau slips an arm around Edythe's waist and pulls her to his chest.
EDYTHE
Oh, Beau. That boundless kindness - you are so much kinder than someone like me could ever deserve. Even after seeing what I'm capable of, you still don't see me for the monster that I am. And selfish as I am, I am grateful for the reprieve. But I think you will see the real me, someday... And when that day comes, my hope for you is that you will feel free to choose, unfettered by any sense of obligation.
Beau pulls away.
BEAU
And you always say I'm the one who doesn't see myself clearly.
EDYTHE
Beau.
BEAU
Edythe.
Beau kisses Edythe gently.
BEAU / EDYTHE
That was so cliché.
Edythe and Beau laugh.
EDYTHE (CONT'D)
Shall we?
Edythe extends her hand. Beau takes it. They begin walking through the forest. Beau laughs.
BEAU
So, now that you're back. Are you going to give me back my stuff?
EDYTHE
(embarrassed)
It's still there. I hid it all - the CD, the pictures, the tickets - under your floorboards. I swore to myself I would give you peace without reminders, but...some childish part of me won out.
BEAU
Wow. Awesome.
Edythe smiles widely.
EDYTHE
By the way, I'm only humoring you in all this, you know. It doesn't matter what they say. I won't allow you to sacrifice anything more for me than you already have. Not your life as a human, not your relationships with your family - and not your soul.
BEAU
It's my choice. Those are my sacrifices to make or not. But now it's not just me - every single one of them could be affected now, too. They should have a say.
INT. LIVING ROOM, CULLEN MANOR
A pale couch is pushed up against the wall. Two pale chairs sit next to the couch. In the center is a coffee table. Two small tables sit on either side of the couch. A piano is in one corner, the lid above the keys down. No sheets of music sit in the stand. The back wall is completely glass, and a small control panel sits on the wall beside it. ELEANOR CULLEN stands across from the couch, setting up a flatscreen TV. JESSAMINE HALE stands behind her, her hands on her hips.
JESSAMINE
Archie said you weren't going to want to set that up till tomorrow.
ELEANOR
And Archie also saw Beau drown - which didn't happen. I think I'll take my chances.
Jessamine sighs.
INT. DINING ROOM
A long table with eight chair surrounding it sits in the middle of the room. ARCHIE CULLEN sits in one of the chairs, leaning it back on two legs. Jessamine walks into the room.
JESSAMINE
Still no idea why he's dragging her over here?
Jessamine sits on Archie's lap, and he puts his arms around her waist.
ARCHIE
Nope. Not a clue.
ARCHIE (V.O.)
Hey-o.
EXT. CULLEN MANOR – NIGHT
The porch light is on. EARNEST CULLEN stands next to the previously broken window, which is fixed now, holding a trowel. Edythe and Beau walk up the porch steps.
BEAU
Is everyone home?
EDYTHE
Yes, they are.
Beau notices the new window.
BEAU
Oh, shoot, Earnest! I'm really sorry about that window! I was going to -
EARNEST
Don't worry about it. Archie told me the story, and I have to say, I wouldn't have blamed you for doing it on purpose.
Earnest glares at Edythe, who is glaring at Beau. Beau raises an eyebrow. Edythe looks away, opens the door, and leads them in.
INT. FRONT ROOM
Beau and Edythe stand by the door. Beau has his arm around Edythe's shoulders.
EDYTHE
Carine? Royal? Eleanor? Jessamine? Archie?
DR. CARINE CULLEN walks down the stairs and over to Beau and Edythe.
CARINE
It's good to see you back, Beau. Though I imagine, being here at this hour, this is more than a social call.
BEAU
Yeah. I sort of need to talk to everyone at once, if that's okay.
CARINE
Very well. Of course. Why don't we go sit down in the other room?
Edythe, Beau, and Carine walk into the dining room. Earnest, Eleanor, and ROYAL HALE walk down the stairs and follow them.
INT. DINING ROOM
Edythe, Beau, Carine, Earnest, Royal, Eleanor, Archie, and Jessamine walk in and sit down. Beau sits at the head, Edythe at his left, Carine at his right. Archie is next to Edythe, Jessamine next to Archie, Royal next to Jessamine, Eleanor next to Royal, and Earnest next to Eleanor.
CARINE
(to Beau)
Very well then, Beau. Please tell us what you have to say.
Edythe takes Beau's hand under the table.
JESSAMINE (V.O.)
He wants something you won't give him. That leaves only two possible options: transformation, or...physical intimacy.
BEAU
Okay. So, this is it. Archie's probably told you all everything that happened in Volterra, right?
ARCHIE
Yeah, they all know. Everything.
BEAU
Good. Okay. So here's the thing. Archie promised the Volturi that I would become one of you. Sulpicia said we could wait until after I graduate high school, but after that, by your laws, I'm supposed to be changed - and if I'm not, there's a good chance Sulpicia will hold all of you responsible for abetting a crime. I think I've made it pretty clear what I'd want if it was up to me. And I think you all know what Edythe thinks, too. But I don't want anyone to feel forced into anything. Archie said he'd be willing to change me, but I don't want that if it's not what you all want. You've all made me feel welcome here from the start, but I get if it's a little much thinking about having me move in. As for the threat of the Volturi if I'm not changed - I'm not going to let anything happen to any of you if I can help it. Even if that means I end up having to go back to Italy and face my fate.
Edythe HISSES.
BEAU (CONT'D)
So basically, I think the easiest and most fair thing to do here is put it to a vote. Whether you want me to become one of you or not.
ELEANOR (V.O.)
HA! He's going over your head!
EARNEST (V.O.)
You two are meant to be.
ARCHIE (V.O.)
It's fate - absolute destiny.
ROYAL (V.O.)
He doesn't know what he's saying - what he'd be leaving behind.
JESSAMINE (V.O.)
A decree cannot be disregarded.
CARINE (V.O.)
I was afraid it would come to this. But he is Edythe's mate. She couldn't live without him, that much is clear. As the mother of this coven...
Beau turns to Carine, but Edythe holds a hand up.
EDYTHE
Before the voting, I have something to add.
BEAU
Go on, then.
EDYTHE
I think Beau may be somewhat overstating the danger. We don't need to be quite as concerned as all that.
ARCHIE (V.O.)
Spin your webs, Edythe Cullen. It's not going to change anything.
Edythe stands up and puts both her hands on the table.
EDYTHE
I gleaned quite a bit of useful information while we were there. And I think I might know a solution. The main problem with eluding the Volturi for long is that they always seem to have a way of finding you, no matter how far you go - but it seems that's largely thanks to one of the guard, Cato. Sulpicia took a gift from a long-range tracker and gave it to him - a gift far stronger than Joss ever had. It works a bit like Archie's visions of the future - once he has seen someone, all he has to do is close his eyes and focus on that person, and he can see through that person's eyes, their surroundings, and through their knowledge of where they are, get a precise location. That's what Sulpicia relies on for chasing down violators. However. Considering Sulpicia's little tests, I have a feeling that should Cato ever try to track Beau down, he'll be disturbed to realize that he can't. Beau will be good as invisible to him. Archie can keep a watch on the Volturi, so if they decide to pay us a visit, then we can just take Beau away from here and keep him hidden.
ELEANOR (V.O.)
They'll come to us, and we'll be able to pick them off one by one.
ELEANOR
Sounds like fun to me. I'm in.
BEAU
(to Edythe)
But Cato will still be able to find you. Or any of you.
JESSAMINE (V.O.)
Have I told you how much I like him?
EDYTHE
We'll take you some place safe. Then of course, even when Cato finds us he won't have anything to report back to Sulpicia. She can't do anything to us when there's no evidence.
BEAU
All Sulpicia will have to do is read your mind to find out where I am.
EDYTHE
Sulpicia and the other two ancient ones very rarely leave Volterra - only for real emergencies that are a threat to their reign, like putting down the rebellion half a century ago. Sulpicia isn't going to come all the way out here for you, Beau. On her list of priorities, I think it's fair to assume that you'll be pretty low. Plus, Cato's gift relies on his target's own knowledge of where they are - so if they're lost, or aren't aware of exactly where they are, he won't be able to pinpoint them exactly. That's why he almost always works in conjunction with a short-range tracker of some kind, to compensate for his blind spots. Sulpicia uses Tacita for more critical operations - Sulpicia found a very powerful, precise tracking for her, which never fails over short distances - but Sulpicia doesn't usually like to spare Tacita if she can avoid it, so most often Cato works with one of the less experienced trackers. Knowing that, combined with the fact Archie and I will always be able to see them coming - I think we can ensure Cato and his team would be in for a very long chase. If Sulpicia even felt the need to dispatch Cato at all for such a minor reason, which she may very well not.
ROYAL
No.
BEAU
Absolutely not.
JESSAMINE
Nice.
ARCHIE
Idiots.
Earnest glares at Edythe.
BEAU
Okay, Edythe has put forward another alternative to consider. If that's all, then let's vote.
(to Edythe)
Do you want me in your family?
EDYTHE
Not like that. You are going to remain human, Beau.
Beau nods.
BEAU
Archie?
ARCHIE
Definite yes, man.
BEAU
Jessamine?
JESSAMINE (V.O.)
You can hide him for a little while, Edythe, but they'll never stop looking. And I can't risk my family's safety - especially Archie's. I won't have him anywhere near them ever again.
JESSAMINE
Yes.
BEAU
Royal?
ROYAL
Yes. And let me explain why. I didn't get a choice, and if I had, I would have chosen to stay human. But this is your choice, and you don't want to stay human. I know Edythe doesn't like that decision, but I've also seen her without you, and it's not good. But I also want to say something else. If you hurt her, you will end up like Tanvir.
BEAU
Who's Tanvir?
ELEANOR
He's this vampire guy who was in love with Edythe for like fifty years or something.
BEAU
What happened to him?
JESSAMINE
He tried to have sex with Edythe without her consent, so Carine and Royal brutally beat him. He lost his arm.
Royal smiles fondly.
CARINE
Usually I'm against violence, but when it comes to rapists, I know no bounds.
Beau pulls Edythe slightly closer to him and kisses the top of her head.
BEAU
I'm so sorry, baby.
(to everyone)
God, I wish I had been born so that I could've helped you.
ROYAL
Oh, this happened in February.
Beau nods and looks at Eleanor.
ELEANOR
Full on yeah! We can find another way to play games with that Demetria.
Beau turns to Earnest.
EARNEST
Of course, Beau. Far as I'm concerned, you're already a part of this family.
Beau turns to Carine.
CARINE
Edythe?
CARINE (V.O.)
He seems very well-informed of what he's facing, Edythe. If you'd only reconsider your stance. He'd be safer by a much higher degree to start with, but more than that. He's confident in his decision, Edythe. He knows what's at stake for all parties involved - his self, his family and loved ones, and you especially, I think. I don't think he views the transformation from human to immortal as something he's giving up, rather -
EDYTHE
No.
CARINE
You must see at this point, it's the only way that makes sense. You've chosen not to live without him - that doesn't leave me a choice.
Edythe stalks out of the room. Beau stares after her, concerned.
CARINE (CONT'D)
I suppose you know my vote.
ARCHIE
Don't worry about her. She'll calm down. Though unfortunately not before she destroys half the furniture.
ELEANOR (V.O.)
Will you stop fighting the inevitable? Once he's finally a vampire, you'll get everything you wanted. You won't have to hold out anymore - which will be so relieving for the rest of us. The sexual tension between you two is -
A CRASH echoes from the next room.
ARCHIE
Told you so.
BEAU
Well, I guess that's it then. Thanks - all of you. This means more than I can say. (beat) So. Now that that's decided, I guess we need to start coming up with a plan. Our absolute deadline is after graduation, but with Victor running around, I think we should do it long before that. I don't like being a liability and putting you all in danger, or Charlie, either. Archie, man? I'm ready whenever you are.
Edythe storms back into the room.
EDYTHE
(to Beau)
Abnormal. Absolutely, obscenely abnormal, a glutton for punishment, mentally unsound -
BEAU
If you have something to say, you can address the entire assembly.
EDYTHE
(to everyone)
This is ridiculous. I think after graduation is the absolute earliest we should even be contemplating this, and I don't think this is so urgent that even that soon will be strictly necessary. For the sake of remaining inconspicuous - which Sulpicia herself fully supported - I think it's better that this conversation is put off at least until Beau finishes high school and moves out of Charlie's house. And I think we can all agree that would be the best thing for Charlie, too.
BEAU
Unless he gets eaten by a vampire who's after me.
EDYTHE
Victor. He doesn't have a prayer of even getting close now, not with all of us back here, and he'll know it. And we'll keep Charlie safe, too.
(to Beau)
Tell me, what's going to be harder on your father - a nonexistent threat from a vampire outnumbered seven to one, or waking up after he's finally gotten his son back, days after one of his closest friends passed away, to find he's gone again?
BEAU
After graduation, then? Right after?
ARCHIE
Yeah, sure. Although, to be honest...I'm not actually sure how to do it without killing you.
BEAU
Hey, you swore -
ARCHIE
Yeah, I know. I'll do it.
BEAU
(to Carine)
Hey. What about you, Carine? You've done this before, haven't you?
CARINE
Yes. I am able to do it. You would be in no danger of my losing control.
BEAU
Yeah. Yeah, okay. If Archie doesn't feel comfortable... Maybe we better do that. Cool. We've got it all settled then. You promise, right? After graduation.
CARINE
You have my word.
EDYTHE
Okay. We'll have plenty of time to discuss all this later. For now, I think it's best if Beau gets back home before Charlie wakes up and finds him AWOL - again.
BEAU
Thanks again. You guys are the best.
EARNEST
Come back again soon.
Beau stands. Edythe pulls him out of the room.
INT. BEAU'S ROOM
Beau stands by the open window. Edythe paces back and forth across the room.
BEAU
Come up with anything yet?
EDYTHE
I was just thinking, Beau - we're both rational people, aren't we? So what if you and I struck a deal - you give me something that I want, and I give you something that you want.
BEAU
Depends on your definition of rational.
Edythe stops pacing.
EDYTHE
It's just business, Beau. You name something you'd like from me, and I'll make you an offer. Then we haggle until we come to an agreement we're both satisfied with.
Beau collapses on the bed. Edythe sits next to him.
BEAU
I already have everything I want. I have Carine's word that she's going to change me after graduation - the only thing I really want is to be able to be with you, and that's what I'm going to get. I don't need to make any deals.
EDYTHE
Oh, Beau, but there are surely things you want that you're not thinking of...extra things. Something you would want me to do for you.
BEAU
I know you want me to stay human. And I know why. But if there's one thing I could have...I'd want you to be behind this. I'd want you to vote yes with the others. So...I guess what I'm saying is, if I'm going to be changed, I don't want Carine to be the one to do it. I would want it to be you.
EDYTHE
And if I did agree to that...what would you give me?
BEAU
What do you want?
EDYTHE
What about time? Say - Five years?
BEAU
Dream on.
EDYTHE
Three years then.
BEAU
That would make me twenty-one. I'd probably have a beard.
EDYTHE
Hmm. That's right. It is strange you haven't started to grow one already... That's something I would love to see.
BEAU
What, you have a thing for beards now?
EDYTHE
(laughing)
I would if you had one.
BEAU
No way. I'm willing to go to nineteen, but I don't want to go over twenty if I can help it. If you're a teenager, I want to be one, too.
EDYTHE
Sometimes you seem so mature, Beau. Others...I don't know if I know anyone more ridiculous.
BEAU
Call me eccentric.
EDYTHE
All right, never mind about time then.
BEAU
What?
EDYTHE
(shyly)
I thought of something I'd like.
BEAU
So? What is it then?
EDYTHE
You said you would want me to change you. And not be quite so difficult in all this. I can't promise that I won't still try to convince you to change your mind about eternal damnation, Beau, but I would be the one to change you when the time comes. But in exchange, there's one thing I'd really like you and I to do. While you're still human. (beat) I would like for the two of us to get married.
Beat.
BEAU
You're joking, right?
EDYTHE
Beau, you're lucky that when we turn into vampires, our hearts stop beating. Because you might have broken an ordinary girl's heart right there.
BEAU
Married. Right after graduation.
EDYTHE
What? What's that reaction? Don't tell me you're still wanting to go out and live life before you let yourself get tied down.
Beau shakes his head.
BEAU
It's just - getting married right after graduation. You know how that would look? Not to mention my mom would probably kill me.
EDYTHE
I have trouble believing that your mother could be so opposed to seeing you settled down.
BEAU
It's not that exactly. It's just, things didn't exactly work out between her and Charlie, and to her, early marriage is right up there with teenage drinking and tagging fences. It's what dumb, irresponsible kids do - she's pounded that into my head since I was five. If I tell her I'm running off to get married right after graduation...well, let's just say, Victor and the Volturi may not be the biggest threats to my life.
Edythe sighs.
EDYTHE
So you won't brave your mother's wrath for me?
BEAU
Why do you want to get married anyway? I mean, once I'm changed, it won't matter. We can take our vows or whatever vampire rituals you have then.
Edythe leans her head against Beau's shoulder and sighs.
EDYTHE
I don't know, Beau. Maybe it's silly. But I want to be tied to you when you're still human. I want it to be generally felt by everyone that you and I are one entity, before...before you disappear.
Beau puts an arm around Edythe's shoulders and rubs her arm.
BEAU
What kind of ring do you want?
EDYTHE
Oh, you don't need to worry about that. We can keep it simple - we can take a trip to Vegas, if you prefer. I don't think your college fund can afford to take any more hits.
BEAU
And why do I need a college fund again?
EDYTHE
Because you might surprise yourself and end up going after all. I told you I'd change you when the time came - that doesn't mean I won't still work on you to change your mind.
Beau shakes his head.
BEAU
I'm going to get you an engagement ring. The diamond is going to be huge. So huge, it'll weigh down your entire arm, and be visible halfway across the school parking lot.
EDYTHE
(laughing)
Did I hear just a bit of spite in your voice, Beau? You think that would embarrass me, but it wouldn't. I'd wear it every day, and even twist the diamond around so it refracted all the sunlight and blinded everyone who came near me, just to ensure they noticed it. I'll look forward to the potential conversation starters with positive glee.
BEAU
You're unbelievable.
EDYTHE
Charlie's awake and getting up to check on you. I better go.
Edythe stands, but Beau grabs her arm. She turns back to him.
BEAU
You'll come back, won't you?
Edythe kisses Beau quickly.
EDYTHE
I won't be far.
Edythe smiles and disappears. The door opens. CHARLIE SWAN enters.
BEAU
Morning, Dad.
CHARLIE
Oh, hey, kid. I didn't know you were awake yet.
BEAU
Yeah, I was too tired to get up. I thought I'd wait until you were up to take a shower.
CHARLIE
Hold it. I think you and I need to have a talk first. (beat) You know you're in trouble.
BEAU
Yeah, I know.
CHARLIE
That was pretty reckless. Just taking off like that - no phone call, no number for me to contact you. You didn't even give me the slightest idea of when you'd be back. After I got back from Holly's funeral, that was a pretty nasty shock. This is serious, Beau. To think you could do something like this - you've always been a responsible kid, and you've always had my complete trust, but this is too much. Maybe you're just too young still. Maybe you would be better off in Jacksonville with your mother and Phil, with more supervision. Don't ever do that to me again, kid.
BEAU
I'm sorry, Dad.
CHARLIE
Well, mostly I'm just glad you're back, safe and sound. But you're still grounded.
BEAU
I figured that. Until graduation?
CHARLIE
We'll see. (beat) So they're all coming back, then? Her too?
BEAU
Seems that way.
CHARLIE
And you're back together?
BEAU
Yeah.
Charlie snorts.
CHARLIE
Look, kid, you're not going to want to hear this, but I think it needs to be said. I know how you feel about this girl, Beau. But I think you'll end up even worse off than you were before if you don't stop and stand your ground now. Tough it out, and keep away from her - that's my advice. Or you'll just end up in the same boat you were last year. Let me tell you something. To be frank, kid, since the Cullens left...I was ticked at that girl. She couldn't control the fact that her family left, but if she had been serious about you, she could have found a way to keep in contact. But she didn't. That's the way I felt about it. But - rationally, I knew that was a lot to expect out of a teenager. Better that she made a clean break at the start than act like you'd still be together someday and all the while be running around with other guys in L.A. And she couldn't have known how you'd react. When your mother left...that was a rough time for me. And if she had ever come back, one year, two years, five years down the line - I would have let her back in in a second. But now looking back - I'm glad she didn't. Renée was always a free spirit. She couldn't have been happy here. Even if she had come back, she would have left again. The only thing worse than going through that would have been to go through it twice. (beat) I know how you feel, kid, believe me. But you're doing so much better now. And if you let her have a second chance, chances are, you'll just end up in a repeat of last fall. If she didn't care enough to keep things going when she left last time, I guarantee it'll just happen again. Is that what you want?
(to himself)
That she expects she can just walk right back in...pick things up where you left off like nothing happened...
BEAU
You don't know her, Dad. This isn't a second chance, because she never did anything wrong.
CHARLIE
She's a flake, and you deserve better. I don't know what she's said to you, but I know her type - the type who can talk her way out of anything. If you were smart, you would shake her off and find someone steady, someone reliable. If I see her in this house again -
BEAU
- you'll be polite and you'll treat her like you would any other girl I bring over. I'm not going to change my mind. Where I am, Edythe is going to be too, so you might as well just deal with it. (beat) You mind going now? I need to take a shower.
CHARLIE
This conversation isn't over.
Charlie leaves. Edythe appears in the rocking chair.
BEAU
Sorry about him. He just doesn't understand.
EDYTHE
I think he understands more than you give him credit for.
BEAU
So you do think you might get distracted and run off again?
EDYTHE
Don't be ridiculous. But he is right...I did do badly by you. I deserve everything he said and worse. I don't deserve a second chance.
BEAU
Weren't you listening? I'm not giving you a second chance. You're still on your first.
EDYTHE
Which is an even more ridiculous thing to say than the other. In any case, please don't start a fight with your father over me. Everything he said was more than warranted.
BEAU
No promises. And I really need a shower, so I'll be back in a few.
EDYTHE
Take your time.
BEAU
Hey. By the way. Back when we were at your house, and when I asked Carine if she could change me and she said she could. What was it you were smiling about? I hope you aren't getting any more pointless ideas. I am joining you, no matter what kind of stunts you try to pull.
EDYTHE
Oh, that. Well, let's just say there is going to be a bit of an obstacle in you giving up your soul. To be honest, it's not a big one that most of us would even consider. Only Carine would be troubled by it. And - possibly you.
BEAU
Me? What problem would I have? I'm the one who asked for this.
EDYTHE
Maybe you wouldn't. And obviously, Carine has made her decision. It's probably just going to be more aggravating than anything - but Eleanor will probably be happy. She loves any opportunity for a fight.
BEAU
Fighting? Who's fighting?
EDYTHE
Don't worry about it, Beau. It's not important. Maybe they won't even make a big deal about it.
BEAU
Oh, I get what you're trying to do. You can try to get me all stirred up over vague, made-up worries all you want, it's not going to make me change my mind.
EDYTHE
So eager for eternal damnation.
BEAU
I'd believe you believed that, except, when you first saw me in Volterra, your first response was, "Carine was right after all." I think you have more hope in you than you like to pretend.
EDYTHE
Well, I'm aware there's always that slim possibility I might be wrong. But as that has happened to me only rarely, I believe in hard facts and covering all the bases to gambling on slivers of chance.
BEAU
I'm glad you're back. So glad. Even the frustrating parts.
EDYTHE
Sometimes I think it's our mutual frustration you and I thrive on the most.
BEAU
I hear sometimes those make the best love stories. Just look at Romeo and Juliet. If they hadn't been forced to keep away from each other most of the play, I'm sure they would have had a lot to argue about.
EDYTHE
Oh, no doubt.
Beau kisses Edythe.
INT. BIOLOGY CLASSROOM
The lab tables are filled with STUDENTS. Beau and Edythe sit at a lab station, holding hands.
BEAU (V.O.)
Things seemed to go surprisingly quickly back to normal - pre-drowning normal. Carine went back to work at the hospital, and they were so happy to have her back that, from what I heard, they didn't ask for too many explanations, besides the fact that Earnest had found that L.A. didn't really agree with him. My grades in math weren't looking too good, thanks to the Calculus test I'd missed while I was off in other countries consorting with vampires, and now Edythe and Archie were looking in better shape to graduate than I was. Edythe was still trying to find ways to convince me to hold off on immortality a little longer, and she came over every day with stacks of college applications to fill out, in spite of the fact I'd already managed to miss a lot of the deadlines, what with my irresponsible last few months. Charlie was still miffed and, though he didn't show it, disappointed and hurt by my abrupt skipping-town stunt. The way he treated Edythe, you'd think it was the cold war at our house and Edythe was Russia. But he was at least letting her inside the house during my designated visiting hours, so I decided not to give him too hard a time on that, at least for now. School had grown on me. Mainly because Edythe had resumed her previous schedule, meaning we had almost all our classes together again, and once again we were inseparable. It was almost like all the intervening, nightmarish months between now and last fall had never happened. Like it had never happened - all but for one thing.
INT. KITCHEN - CHARLIE'S HOUSE – EVENING
Beau stands by the phone, waiting.
BEAU (V.O.)
Jules never came to see me at the house, and with my house arrest situation, I couldn't exactly drive down to La Push. During the time in the evening between after Charlie frostily asked Edythe to vacate the premises and before she came up to my room after he went to bed, I tried to call her, but she never answered. I was happy now that Edythe was back, I felt like I was in a dream - but that didn't change the fact that I missed my best friend. I'd learned not to mention Jules or the other members of the pack when I was around Edythe if I could avoid it, because I found when I brought them up, she always got this dark look on her face. I already knew he wolves hated all vampires including the Cullens, but I got the impression apparently the feeling was mutual. Still, I figured Edythe was probably aware of my efforts, and I didn't want to make it seem like I was sneaking around behind her back, so I made it a point to bring it up now and then. Edythe was picking me up from work one Saturday, and I was irritated. I'd tried to vary my pattern of calls to try to catch Jules, but when I'd tried calling her from work, I'd only gotten Bonnie, who'd made it very clear that Jules didn't want to talk to me. What was going on with her, whether she was depressed or not, was constantly needling me, and I was frustrated to find myself thwarted at every turn.
INT. EDYTHE'S VOLVO
Edythe drives down the road, Beau in the passenger seat.
BEAU
She's unbelievable. Seriously. What is her problem? Would it kill her just to get on the phone and talk to me? So much for friends.
EDYTHE
I doubt it's you she's avoiding so much as me. She knows we're back, and she's probably guessed that wherever you are, I'm with you. A vampire.
BEAU
She knows as well as I do that you're not like other vampires.
EDYTHE
I'm afraid the enmity is rooted too deeply for that to matter. You must see that, Beau. The best thing is for the two of us not to come anywhere near one another. I could maintain control of myself - but she is young and volatile, and it's very likely we would find ourselves entangled in a fight. And I'm not sure I would be able to stop it before I k - before I harmed her.
BEAU
You wouldn't kill Jules.
EDYTHE
I would absolutely kill her, without a second thought, if she in any way put you in danger. But obviously, that would very much upset you, so I think we ought to take all necessary precautions to avoid having it come to that. You have to remember, Beau, she has more reason to hate me than that I'm a vampire, and that's already more than reason enough. There's no reason to tempt fate. She's quite right to keep away.
BEAU
Hey. You know Charlie's probably staring at the clock right now. You better get me home before I get myself into it even deeper.
EDYTHE
Speaking of Charlie, I've been thinking. You never did actually tell him what you were doing when you were gone for those few days, did you?
BEAU
I couldn't come up with anything. So I just left him to guess.
EDYTHE
I think he might be under the impression that Archie said something that gave you some hope of winning me back, and so you just up and left to find me. Perhaps he's subconsciously drawing from his limited knowledge of the typical overly dramatic, heartwarming romance novel.
BEAU
Yeah, I sort of figured he thought it was something like that.
EDYTHE
Well, I've come up with something to tell him that might make you seem a little less irresponsible. I doubt it will be enough to earn you a pardon in your sentence, but it might shorten it a little, and win you back a few points. I'm going to try to catch Charlie alone this afternoon - I've been hesitating because it might also have the unfortunate effect of his glaring at me less, and getting a small measure of what I deserve has been of a little comfort to me.
BEAU
Isn't it a little late for that now?
Edythe laughs.
EDYTHE
You should know me better than that, Beau. Built into what I'm going to say is an implied, believable explanation for why you didn't say anything. It might even make you look good.
BEAU
What is it? What are you going to tell him?
EDYTHE
The truth.
BEAU
You're joking, right?
EDYTHE
Not the entire truth, of course. I might leave a few things out, and tweak a couple of things here and there. But I think there's enough truth in there for Charlie to understand, and not think any the worse of you for leaving like you did. You should give your father more credit, Beau. He loves you, and wants to be on your side.
BEAU
So, what are you going to tell him? Exactly?
CHARLIE (V.O.)
He could have killed himself! After everything I've warned him about - he does this!
EDYTHE
Well - On second thought, today might not be the best day after all.
BEAU
What?
EDYTHE
You have bigger worries than getting home a little late.
BEAU
I can't be in more trouble. What is it now?
EDYTHE
You are in more trouble. No, I don't think I'm going to try that today. But I will stay with you - I promise, I won't let anything happen to you.
BEAU
You're kind of scaring me, baby. What's going on?
Edythe parks near the forest by Charlie and Beau's house. Edythe glances back at the house, where Beau's bright red motorcycle sits. Beau sees it.
BEAU (CONT'D)
She didn't.
EDYTHE
She did.
BEAU
I'm going to kill her. Formal, public execution. Gallows or guillotine, one of the two. Is she still here?
EDYTHE
Yes. She's waiting for us over there.
Edythe points to the forest in front of them. Beau jumps out of the car.
EXT. CHARLIE'S HOUSE – DAY
Edythe gets out of the car, following Beau as he stomps toward the forest.
BEAU
Hey! I know you're there!
Edythe catches Beau's arm.
EDYTHE
Charlie will hear you. And once he has you inside, he might just brick over the doorway.
BEAU
Just give me a second here. I have an execution of honor to perform, then I'll go face Charlie.
EDYTHE
It's not you she's stayed to talk to. It's me.
BEAU
What does she want?
Edythe steps in front of Beau and smooths his hair back from his face.
EDYTHE
Just to talk. That's all. She's acting as spokesperson for the pack.
BEAU
Oh.
EDYTHE
We better hurry. Charlie's getting impatient.
JULIE BLACK (V.O.)
Why did I think this was a good idea? The last thing I want to do is see them together.
Edythe puts her arm around Beau's waist and pulls him toward the forest. JULIE BLACK waits a small ways up the path.
JULIE
Beau.
JULIE (V.O.)
Bloodsucker.
BEAU
Why? What was with that? This isn't like you, Jules.
JULIE
Trust me, it's for the best.
JULIE (V.O.)
I had to try to keep her away from you. She's dangerous. Grounding was the only way...
BEAU
What's for the best? Even if you were trying to get back at me, did you have to go and drag Charlie into it? You have to know what this is going to do to him.
EDYTHE
She wasn't trying to hurt anyone. She was hoping if you were grounded, you would spend less time with me.
JULIE (V.O.)
Bitch! Get out of my head!
BEAU
Newsflash, Jules, I'm already grounded. Charlie is still recovering from the last stunt I pulled. Otherwise I'd already have been down to La Push to read you the riot act for avoiding me.
JULIE (V.O.)
Already grounded? But...I thought it was her keeping him away.
JULIE
You are? Grounded?
BEAU
If it wasn't a life sentence before, it sure is now. Two consecutive life sentences, I'd guess.
EDYTHE
She was under the impression that I was keeping you away.
JULIE
Beau really wasn't exaggerating about you. Your...abilities. So, I guess you must already know why I'm here.
EDYTHE
I do. But before you begin, there's something I'd like to say. (beat) Thank you. You kept Beau alive, and...whole, when I wasn't here to. I will never forget that.
JULIE
You've got to be kidding. Don't thank me, bloodsucker. I didn't do it for you.
EDYTHE
I know. But just the same, I am in your debt.
JULIE (V.O.)
Go to hell, where you belong. As far away from here as you can get yourself.
JULIE
If you wanted to repay me, you'd leave. That's the only thing I'd want from you, beast, and you know it.
EDYTHE
I will only leave when Beau wants me to leave.
JULIE
Fine. That's okay, leech. I would hate for you to go, just because I wanted you to. The last thing I want is to owe a monster any favors.
BEAU
Was that all? Maybe you should go. I'm tired of you insulting Edythe, Jules.
JULIE
I'm just here to lay out a few reminders about our treaty.
BEAU
Reminders?
JULIE (V.O.)
Aw. And here I thought you told your sweet Beau everything.
JULIE
First, they stay off our land, we stay off theirs. They don't hunt humans, either - period.
BEAU
Everyone already knows that.
JULIE
One more thing. If you read the agreement carefully, you'll see it actually says that they are forbidden from biting a human, or the truce is over. They aren't allowed to hunt humans, but they also aren't allowed to make any more of them.
BEAU
What - That's none of your business.
JULIE
Give it up, leech. I wouldn't hurt him. Never. Beau doesn't have anything to fear from me.
JULIE (V.O.)
Don't fool yourself into thinking you're protecting him - you soul-stealing succubus!
CHARLIE (O.S.)
BEAU! YOU GET IN THIS HOUSE THIS INSTANT!
JULIE (V.O.)
He just saved your life, little leech.
EDYTHE
(under her breath)
Actually, I think it was yours he spared.
Edythe, Beau, and Julie freeze. Beat.
BEAU
Crap.
JULIE
Sorry. I just - I had to try something...
BEAU
Thanks a lot.
EDYTHE
One last thing. We've found no trace of Victor on our side of the line - what about you?
JULIE
Last time was while Beau was - away. We let the thing think he was slipping through our defenses, getting closer, but as we tightened our circle and were just about to get him, he took off like a bat out of hell. Maybe he caught the short one's scent, since he was at Beau's house for awhile, we don't know. We haven't had a whiff of him since.
EDYTHE
Well, when he returns, you don't need to worry about him. We'll take care of it.
JULIE
He's ours.
CHARLIE (O.S.)
BEAUFORT SWAN! I SEE THE CAR AND I KNOW YOU'RE OUT THERE! I AM COUNTING TO TEN, AND IF YOU AREN'T INSIDE THIS HOUSE IN ONE MINUTE -
EDYTHE
I think we better go.
Beau nods.
JULIE
Sorry. See you, Beau.
BEAU
Hey. We're still friends, right? You said we would be.
Julie shakes her head.
JULIE
I've already tried, Beau. You know how hard I've tried. But things are different now. We just can't...
CHARLIE (O.S.)
THAT'S IT, I'M COMING OUT THERE!
BEAU
Come on. Come on, we've got to go. Charlie's going to come out and kill me any second.
Beau tugs at Edythe's arm. Edythe relaxes as Beau puts his arm around her waist and pulls her toward the house. Julie walks into the forest.
EMBER CALL (V.O.)
Jules! God - there you are! Where'd you run off to?
JANIE CAMERON (V.O.)
Are you in FORKS? Girl, you are so totally busted!
SAMANTHA ULEY (V.O.)
What the hell have you DONE?
JULIE (V.O.)
I'm on my way back - it's worse than we thought, guys...
As they walk forward, Beau kisses the top of Edythe's head.
BEAU (V.O.)
I'd thought now that Edythe was back, all my problems would be solved, like the breaking of a curse. But it seemed like, as usual, they were only just beginning. My best friend considered me an enemy. A psychotic vampire was on the loose, and could show up to kill me and the people I loved at any second. The vampire government would come and execute me and my future family if I didn't become a vampire soon, and if I did become a vampire, the Quileute wolves would come after us - and if they did, there was a very real chance Jules would get herself killed in the process. All these were very real, very serious problems - the kind of problems no teenager should have to deal with. Yet, somehow, as we broke through the trees and I spotted Charlie, suddenly all my supernatural problems seemed strangely insignificant.
EDYTHE
I'm here.
Beau takes a deep breath.
BEAU (V.O.)
That was true. And as long as it was, I could face anything. Love was a force of destruction. It could make you do stupid things, maybe even turn you into a bad guy, or leave you a hollow shell. But there was nothing in the world that could make you stronger than love, either.
Beau and Edythe walk forward.
A/N: As always, reviews and follows/favorites are greatly appreciated and have been one of the things that is getting me through finals. Anyway, I'll be posting the intro and first episode for season three the day after tomorrow (Saturday, January 23rd). I'll see you then!