Chapter 33: The Present, Past and Future.

Finally, it was over. The silence closed in as I gazed at Bella's death pale face, how I suffered for her then. Her poor body, so horribly skinny and broken made me come undone with sorrow. I barely heard Carlisle cleaning up my baby girl as I sat on the floor, my head back against the wall and needlessly breathless. I stared at Bella intensely as she moaned, he cried out now and then. My fear and pain caused my emotions to surface and now without much resistance. Casting aside my confident façade, I broke down crying.

Footsteps broke through my grief and I came aware of Carlisle's presence. I looked slowly up blinking through my venom tears that welled up in my vision.

''Here, meet your daughter, ''he said, holding her out for me.

I reached for her and looked at her face closely for the first time. She cooed softly and slept peacefully in her soft pink blanket. I got up and went to the crib to see my son. I kissed my daughter on the cheek and laid her by her brother. I just couldn't take my eyes off my two miracles. Soon though, my blissful thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. As I turned Carlisle looked at me for permission to answer it and I nodded for him to open the door after I covered Bella up with a blanket. As the door open, I could not help my amusement as seeing most of the coven standing outside the door peeking in. Aro and Marcus moved through the crowd and with their mates on their arms, coming in first. Then the high guard in the Cullen's followed behind.

They all stopped at seeing Bella crying out for a moment. Jacob walked over to her side and took her hand and squeezed it. It moved me to see him try and comfort her in some way. I allowed it, knowing he meant only to give my Bella support and love. Bree leaned her head against his shoulder as he whispered his words of encouragement to Bella.

''Be strong bells. I'll be waiting for you, ''he said softly and then grinned. ''Hey, but you didn't think you'd be spending forever as friends like this, huh?''

I chuckled and Alice added. ''Neither did you, Wolfe. ''

''Hey Pixie, you're just jealous and wish you were this awesome! I can still phase.''

Aro had that glint in his eye and smiled. ''Remarkable, I'm looking forward to witnessing this Jacob.''

''Cool, '' was Jacob simple answer and laughter rang out in the room.

Sulpicia looked over at Bella stepped up to her side when the laughter died down. She sniffed and Aro patted her arm.

''Thank heavens, ''Aro said with a tone of relief, ''she will surely make it through, and everything will be alright. You'll see, my love. ''

Marcus nodded his agreement to Aro, and his sister smiled. I joined them and then Marcus clasped my back. I nod to Bella.

''There, I did it, it's done. '' I say softly.

For an instant no one spoke in the room they all watched me as I reflected. My mind was suddenly a washed with what I had to do, and it made me exhausted and sad. I knew in my mind I had no choice, but it didn't nothing for the pain in my heart. It was a horrible end to Bella's mortal life. She had so much fear for her babies and her own life. I cringed as I hear her painful cries now, mix with the cries of our children in the background. I looked around at the two sweet babies and mused that no matter how much I feared for Bella's life, I will love them all and never let any of them go. I was thankful that I maintain control of my bloodlust and grateful that I only had to do this once. For, I could not bear to do it again. I just didn't know how much more I could take. I sighed as I thought, yes and I never will again, for Bella will be immortal. That truly is why I never undertook the role of sire before. It was painful to maintain such self-control and not drink too much blood.

Changing a human into a vampire is no small feat. It was difficult on both human and sire to go through. Bella had three days of pain, confusion, and darkness. I had three days without her and hoping and praying that she would make it through the change. The fear was in mobilizing. The sheer emotion that it took to complete such a task was immense. One thing that I remembered through the pain of self-control was I had to see them all safe, well and in the end all that agony that I had to suffer would be all worth it and the joy of my family together will be the best moment of my life.

I stopped my thoughts in their tracks as I began to focus on all the sea of faces as they came back into view. Yet, it remained quiet and no one uttered a word. Even after a moment, Aro motioned me over with Marcus. I stood there before him quiet and grave as he greeted us.

''Oh brother, I'm sorry to see you in such distress. I know what you must be feeling.'' Aro's words came softly with difficulty from the emotion that was plain to see.

''I know its agony to wait, but it's all up to her now. ''Marcus added as I nodded my understanding.

I sighed as the clasped a brotherly hand on my shoulders to convey comfort.

''Yes, I know all will be well, I have faith. ''

They searched my face for the truth of my words and it no doubt found that I had every ounce of faith and strength to make it through this.

''I know that you are concerned but now that the fear and confusion is gone, I can think clearly. I know we all did our best for her, ''I say and so they were satisfied that I was OK.

Though the devastating feelings were lost now, still anxiety remained. I worried for her and the confusion, fear, and pain she was going through. I cannot hide it. The babies' welfare also worried me. Suddenly, the thought occurred to me that I didn't know one thing about bringing up babies. I panicked inwardly as I fished through my studies about children and how to care for them. The mother usually fed them, and she will not be able to as she became a vampire. Her body will be changed and produce no milk. Wet nursing days were over, that was out question. Suddenly the babies cried loudly together. For Christ sake, what do I do now?

''Damn it, ''I swore, looking around helplessly. ''They must be hungry, what the hell are we going to do, Carlisle? ''

Esme clicked her tongue and admonished me. ''Caius, shh, language. ''

Carlisle chuckled and went into his bag with a constant smile on his lips, which irritated me because he was clearly not affected with worry of a father as I was and seemed to be in complete control of the situation as he produced a can of baby formula. I smiled sheepishly as he prepared the bottles and brought me one. Then he carefully lifted out one of the babies and began feeding him. I approached my daughter with caution as the whole company followed me, and I became unnerved for I feared making a mistake in front of the whole coven. Damn! Witnesses.

As I peered in, I saw her wiggle and squirm with a red face looking back at me too. She cried louder, reaching up to me. I reached down to take her and as I did, she grabbed both my fingers on each hand. I gasped. The moment of contact, I melted at her soft hold on me. I scooped her up masterfully with care then held her close. I was suddenly surrounded by admiring faces as I turned around. Women all pushed ahead eager to see the babies.

''Such lovely set of twins, Caius,'' Athena said splendidly.

I saw my former mate's eyes sparkle with joy and knew she was happy for me. I motioned her forward and gave her the honor of being the first one of the covens to hold the babies. Carlisle to motion Sulpicia to hold my son. Every female's eyes in the room welled up with tears as they looked on the irresistible cuteness before them. Aro and Marcus joined their mates and looked over at the babies with curiosity.

''Such oddness, Aro began but Paused looking at me and seeing me frown, ''in the best possible way Caius. Such unusual thoughts for such a little being. I see his memories as he was developing in the womb, ''Aro said as he took my son from Sulpicia and gazed intensely into his face as he read my child's mind.

He turned to face the crowd.

''It's so beautiful! I see so much love, such awareness of his mother and his father." Aro said walking over to Athena.

Athena kissed the baby's forehead and handed her over to Aro. Aro upon receiving her, sucked in a needless breath from the surprise as we all looked on in wonder.

''She's so intelligent! Amazing thoughts for a baby to have! Much of them about her father. Her memories of you Caius is so sweet. She has thoughts of closeness to you that puzzled me exceedingly. Such emotional thoughts of love so strong. ''

I saw Marcus nodded his agreement to his statement and then placed his hand over Aro's. Aro's eyes went wide as Marcus thoughts were shared with him as well.

''Incredible! The child has a strong bond to you, Caius!''

I cross my arms as I try to process Aro's words. I wish not to interrupt, but of course we should have a strong bond, she was my baby after all. Aro always was the dramatic kind.

''A family bond thicker than her brother's,'' Aro paused again and I saw his forehead furrow in concentration.

''Curious, she seems to think on you as her father and brother. I wonder why that is?''

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

At that moment, time froze. Then I was cast backwards as the years flashed by my mind's eye to my baby hood. I could never have recalled my past in such a detail when I was human, let alone from the years as a baby. But we vampires can remember everything which can be quite overwhelming.

Back in the time my birth, the moment I was born I felt such loneliness, along with being suddenly thrust into a cold bright world. I was the first to be born and as the result I missed my sister's presence greatly. The closeness that we shared in the womb was comforting and I loved her even then. I remember crying for her as I wanted to be with her again.

As the midwife held me, I looked away from her towards my dying mother. My heart broke as I saw her fade away. There suddenly was such a commotion in the room from the others that tried desperately to save my mother from bleeding to death. When it occurred to me, as the horror spread over my soul, my sister was not born yet! With bated breath I waited for the other midwives as they finally delivered her. I watched them crowd around her as I fussed angrily as they blocked my view. Soon the midwife emerged from the crowd and I saw my sister as pale as stone and did not move. Just then, my father burst in and shouted in agony upon seeing my mother did. His voice, along with my shrill sad cries, echoed through the small stone room.

Fire lit up my father's grief-stricken face as he looked upon my poor sisters like this body. I watched in sadness as the midwives offered him to hold her, but he denied them.

''Bah, it's nothing but a girl! She is weak and frail. She is nothing to her mother's strength. Take her away and out of my sight. Burn her mother and the baby with her! ''

My processing cries came desperately as the room quickly emptied. I want as I watch them carry out my mother. I became so inconsolable that the midwife passed me to my father. However, he held me high with pride.

''My boy! May you be renown and strong. Mighty for the people. How happy I should be and your name to reflect that joy. Caius! ''

Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

I flashforward to the present and I found myself already reaching for the baby girl with joy. Aro laid her into my waiting arms gently and stood back, shaking his head and wonder.

''I would not believe it if I didn't see it in her mind myself. Caius, she is indeed your sister reincarnated. ''

Sometime later after all the well-wishers left me in peace, I spent my time now tending to my children and watching over my mate's change. Carlisle instructed me on how to mix and heat up the bottles. I must say, the task is most pleasant. Just providing comfort like food for my children ease my troubled mind considerably. I learned how to handle them with care and Esme was kind enough to show me how to burp them. As I experienced it for the first time, my lips curved into a sideways grin as I heard the sound of cooing following in satisfaction. Though, changing the diapers was a challenge. Urine was not so bad; it was the poo! I had to hold my breath to finish up. Athena and Sulpicia giggled heartily at my expense.

When it came time for everyone to hold my children, I became wary as a new mother and father combined. I rushed to each one holding them and said things like, mind the head, be careful not to drop them and be gentle etc. Plus, I had to endure comments like ...Oh how he has changed, and to my horror, look has how the mighty has fallen. See how he melts by her single touch. Conquered by cuteness and captivated by joy. Felix and Demetri will pay for that last comment, in front of witnesses no less!

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

When evening fell, I paced alongside Bella with my daughter in my arms wrapped in thought. I looked down and smiled at the baby sucking noisily on her bottle. I gazed into her face and marveled at her. The knowledge that she was also my sister returned astounded me, but I found peace in it. The flesh of my flesh found its way home to me.

I stopped at Bella sighed and smiled as I observed the beginnings of her change. I heard her heart thread my venom through her veins steadily. The death pale turned slowly to porcelain. Her hair became so luscious and full. It shone bright in the glow of the candlelight. I knew that she was going to make it and rejoice at that fact. Soon I will have my other half my soul mate. My future looked promising as I was surrounded by my family.