Bella's Point of View

It's been a week since the battle. Caius was dead. But today wasn't about his death. Today we would be having a funeral for those we lost during the battle. Carlisle was one of the fallen. The news of his death has spread through all corners of the world and many have come to honor him.

With the Volturi wiped out of existence completely, and no one to our knowledge holding onto their ideals, this is the first time in centuries there is true peace. I only wished that Carlisle was here to see it. This was the world he had envisioned.

Vampire, humans, half breeds and now even werewolves. Since Carlisle passed away in battle for the peace and safety of humans, Sam and his pack accepted Carlisle as a true hero and ally to the La Push wolves. Their treaty is now null and void, which might have led to another battle. However, one of the female wolves from Sam's pack imprinted on baby Elijah. I wasn't sure of the details on this relationship, but it prevented any harm from happening between the wolves and the others.

The funeral would be starting in the next hour, and my house was buzzing with preparations. At the moment I was in Kora's room, straightening her dark mahogany hair. Her eyes shined, a gorgeous emerald green. She was growing so quickly, it appears that she was beginning to enter her teenage years now. Perhaps thirteen years old, at least in appearance. Her personality has changed slightly, she was a little calmer, she had a better handle on her emotions. Thankfully she wasn't fighting with her siblings nearly as much.

Down the hall, Alice was helping Ezra decide on an outfit. Ezra has changed a lot as well. She was beginning to find her voice. The scared, shy little girl she once was is gone. She had thoughts and ideas, she wasn't afraid to share them anymore. She seems to be catching up with Kora in age. Ezra appeared to be about ten, or even eleven.

Darius was outside, sitting on the porch, totally invested in one of Carlisle's old medical books. Darius has taken an interest in medicine, he wishes to become a doctor. After all the blood shed and pain that he has seen, he wants to heal people. I was thrilled that my son wanted to do something so compassionate and kind. I couldn't have asked for a better son.

Sitting across from Darius was Edward and my father. They were talking back and forth over a cup of blood. I didn't bother listening into their conversation. I only knew that they sounded peaceful.

Demetri was with Elijah, sitting at my kitchen table, where Rene was fixing both Elijah and little Greg a drink. They spoke calmly with each other. But I could hear Rene's discomfort from a mile away. She still didn't think much of Demetri, but she was trying.

"Mom, can I go meet up with Daniel?" Kora asked, as I finished up the last piece of her hair.

Daniel was one of the boys we saved from the dungeon. He has been staying with Emmett and Jada. They are more or less, his adoptive parents. He is a good kid, and it seems that he really made a connection with Kora. They have been spending a lot of time together recently. I knew that it was driving Edward a little crazy. But it was harmless.

"Of course, just make sure you let your father know you are going." I said pulling her in for a hug.

She hugged me back, with a groan. "I'd rather not see dad before I go. He hates when I see Daniel."

"It's best to be honest and open, either way, your father will know." I said tapping my forehead.

Again she groaned. "Having a father that can read minds… not as cool as others think."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Well, go on, I better see if Ezra needs help."

With that I watched as she made her way out of the room, a slight nervousness visible in her movements. I waited patiently for her to make it down stairs and out to the porch, where Edward was waiting, probably already aware of the situation.

"Hey dad," She was using her sweet voice on him. The same tone she would use when she wanted something, she knew she couldn't have.

"You look lovely sweetheart, where are you off to?" I heard Edward ask.

"I was going to meet up with Daniel, he wanted to go to the funeral with me… so we are meeting up at the lake." Kora continued.

"Is that so," Edward's voice changed slightly, but probably not enough for anyone else to notice.

"She's off to see her boyfriend." Darius chimed in with a snicker.

"Shut up Dar, we are just friends." Kora snapped at Darius.

Darius and Charlie were laughing now, while Edward appeared to go silent.

"Take it easy on the girl. She won't be a baby forever. Let her go out and figure things out on her own. Boys coming around is just inevitable." I heard my father speak up.

Edward sighed deeply. "Go ahead and have fun, but I need to have a word with you later tonight." I could hear the warning in his tone.

I knew this was hard for Edward. Kora was our little girl. He was very protective of our daughters. He just didn't want anything to happen to her.

"Okay," She responded dejected.

Now with that situation done with, I walked down the hall and into Ezra's room. Alice greeted me with a nervous look. She motioned to the closet door, where I could hear crying.

"Ezra, are you alright?" I asked, walking over and taking a seat on the other side of the closet door.

"No, no matter what I do… I just look ugly." She cried.

"Ezra you're not ugly, you are beautiful, why would you ever say that?" I frowned.

"Because, everyone pays all their attention to Kora, no one ever wants to talk to me, or even notice that I exist."

"That's not true at all." I sighed. "Please open the door. I'd like to see my gorgeous daughter."

There was a long pause, before slowly the closet door came open, revealing Ezra, sitting in her black dress, her bronze curls falling down past her shoulders to the middle of her back. Yet her eyes, just like mine, were full of sorrow. Her face was pink from crying.

I pulled her out and into a hug.

She held tightly onto me, letting her tears slide down her cheeks.

"Did you know, beauty isn't just about how someone looks?" I said stroking her face. "The most stunning beauty comes from the inside of a person."

Ezra raised a brow at me, looking curious. "Tell me what that means."

"You are so kind and caring. You are brave. Those qualities make you so much more than a pretty face." I said kissing the top of her head.

Ezra finally smiled, wiping at her tears. "Thanks mom."

"Alright, now let's get going you guys, the funeral will be starting soon." Alice said with a calm smile.

Alice, Ezra and I all made our way downstairs and out to the porch where Rene and Demetri had joined Charlie, Edward and Darius.

Edward smiled as Ezra went straight to him. He hugged her with a chuckle. "You look gorgeous." He now slid his eyes to me. "Both of you." I could plainly hear the hunger in his tone as our eyes met.

Darius stood up quickly, his eyes wide as Alice approached him. She was in a nice black sequin dress. It highlighted her small curves and really captured her beauty. "A-Alice… you look… wow. Stunning." He stuttered.

Alice giggled, taking his hand, and pulling it around her waist. "Shall we get going?"

He nodded, keeping his eyes on her as they walked together, off the porch and out towards the lake.

Rene handed Greg over to Charlie, wiping at his mouth. "Man, does this kid eat." She chuckled before turning to the rest of us. "I'll save you guys a seat."

Charlie waved, as he and Rene followed after Alice and Darius.

"Wait for me grandma." Ezra grinned, running to catch up with Rene and Charlie.

That only left Demetri, holding Elijah. He sheepishly shifted Elijah from one hip to another. His eyes peering out towards the edge of the forest.

"She is there, she is always lingering close by." He muttered. "It's a little creepy."

I knew that Demetri was most likely referring to Leah. He wasn't exaggerating. Leah was always close by, wherever Elijah was, she was there. Following him… like a stalker.

"Maybe one day she will attempt to talk with you." I said, lightly shrugging my shoulders, as Edward moved to my side.

"I don't even know what I would say to her, she has some kind of claim over my son. A strong connection, at least that's what Sam said… which… he didn't appear too happy about that."

Edward sighed. "After reading his mind, I can understand why Sam isn't happy about the situation. Sam and Leah…. Were in a romantic relationship, prior. But now, Leah is committed to this imprint."

"I just wish she would speak to me." Demetri sighed, looking towards Elijah. "She could at least… hold him."

"I highly doubt that Rose would be accepting of that." I spoke up, with a slight cringe.

Since we came home from the battle, it was clear that Demetri and Rose had begun getting close. Very close. I wasn't sure how far their relationship is, but they have moved in together. She has completely taken over the role of mother to Elijah. She doted on him and seemed completely satisfied with her current life.

"I'll see you guys later, I have to meet Rose." Demetri said with a shrug of his shoulders, before walking off towards the lake.

Finally Edward and I were alone.

Edward pulled me into his arms, staring deeply into my eyes. I couldn't help the smile on my face as I leaned in to give him a tender kiss.

He responded, deepening the kiss, leaving me feel like I could melt into a puddle. His arms now held me upright.

"It's been an honor, being by your side. A complete joy to become the father of your children. And to experience the most epic love of my life." He said pressing his lips to mine again.

"I feel the same way. You are everything to me Edward. I may not have realized it in the beginning, but you opened my eyes to a life, I never knew I could live."

With surprise, I watched as Edward slowly went down on one knee. He peered up at me, with a sign of nervousness. Reaching into his back pocket, he pulled out a little black box and presented it to me.

"Isabella Swan, I should have done this a long time ago. But would you do me the distinct pleasure of being my wife?" Even his voice sounded like it was full of anxiety. I've never seen Edward in such a state… he seemed so human.

He opened the box with the snap of his wrist. Revealing the most beautiful ring I've ever seen. The diamond glistened in the sunlight. It was set in while gold. Truly breath-taking.

"Yes… of course I will." I couldn't contain my excitement and my happiness at this very moment.

He seemed to exhale in relief as he delicately slid the ring on my finger. "It's a perfect fit." He smiled widely. "This had once belonged to my mother."

"It's a complete honor… to be wearing this." I hugged him closely. I don't think I could have been any happier.

As much as I wanted to linger in this moment with Edward, and fully enjoy what had just happened, we heard the sound of the church bell ring, signifying the funeral was starting.

With a few more kisses, we walked hand in hand to the lake, to say our final goodbyes to our fallen friends and family.

This wasn't like any other funeral I've been to. We decided last minute to celebrate the life and death of all those who passed away on this journey. It was the right thing to do. Most of those who had passed away never got a proper burial or ever were found by their loved ones.

Chairs were all set up in front of the lake. Everyone was sporting black attire. There were so many people, some I have never had the pleasure of meeting. There were even some human families here, from the girls that had been killed in the dungeons of Italy. It was a huge mix of different species.

I hoped that on this day, everyone would get along, but I wasn't so sure.

Now that everyone has showed up, the service began. I stood and made my way up to stand in front of everyone. When I was human, there was no way I would have the courage to stand in front of such a big crowd. But what I had to say would start this service moving in the right direction.

"I stand before you all today, to honor those who have passed from this world to the next. I stand here representing the fallen women, who bravely stood next to me… when it felt like freedom was impossible. Those women who couldn't escape the hell we were prisoned in."

I looked around to the sea of faces, taking note of a few of the humans, weeping.

"Katherine, Monica, Jennifer. May you all rest in peace." With that I moved to the cool marble stand, and lit three candles. One for each of them.

With that I returned to my seat next to Edward and my mother. Now it was Alice's turn. She danced gracefully up to the front of the crowd. I could see the raw emotion on her face. I knew this was a day she would be dreading.

"Today, I saw goodbye to a man that I loved dearly. He was my best friend and my husband. He was always so kind and always knew the right things to say. His name was Jasper Hale. He was a man of little words. He spoke with action. And I know that Jasper would want me to be happy. He would want all of us to be happy and free. Today will be my last goodbye." She spoke, with sorrow. She walked over to the table and lit another candle, she sat his urn right next to it before taking her seat.

Rosalie was next, she walked up front with purpose on her face. She said her goodbyes to Esme, the only person she ever felt was a mother to her.

Demetri went after her, to say goodbyes to Avery. But he also mentioned the woman that had taken her life. Casey. He didn't offer her any kind words, but she was mentioned for Tidus' sake. It was a big debate if we should let Tidus come to the funeral, but when we put it to a vote, the majority allowed him to be here. But just for the funeral. Then he would have to leave.

The next up to speak was Tristian and Morgan. They wanted to honor their fallen friends, from Caius' high school massacre. They had mentioned Stephany, Andrew and Malcom. How they died bravely to protect her, Avery and me. And even though Britany wasn't really seen as a friend of theirs, they did mention her. She had been wrapped up in the Dawn Guard family business, but he truly didn't want to hurt people. It was all for her father.

That day still haunted my thoughts. With Demetri killing Britney right in front of me and that entire high school of innocent people. Dead. In a matter of fifteen minutes.

Darius went up to speak about a young boy that he had only known for one afternoon. On this boy's last night of life, Darius had gone bowling with him, with his two brothers, Will and Malcom.

"His name was Zachery, I may not have known him for very long, but he and his brothers were one of the first friends I ever made." Darius said, raising the boy's candle up to Will and Malcolm, who traveled all the way here to attend the funeral as well.

Will nodded to Darius with a smile, while Malcom cried silently next to him.

It was truly nice to see them again, I hoped that we would have a moment to speak after the service.

Tanya and Kate took the stand, to speak for their fallen sister Irene. They seemed more angry than sad at this moment, but I knew it was just the way that they dealt with death. They wanted to appear strong in front of so many other vampires being present.

Benjamin spoke for Amun. His speech was beautiful, but I heard an edge of guilt in his words. I hoped that he didn't blame himself for Amun's death. If anyone should take the blame, it should be Caius. He had caused all the heartbreak.

The funeral was now wrapping up, there was only one more person to give our goodbyes to. It would be Edward now to speak. With Edward now the eldest Cullen, it was him to speak for the others. He would lead the Cullen coven now.

I watched him, as he walked towards the front. Everyone went completely quiet as he faced the crowd.

"Carlisle Cullen was a man of many things. A son, a father, a husband, a mentor and a doctor. He was the most compassionate and wise man I've ever known. I don't know what we will do without his brilliant mind. And his unwillingness to give up on someone. He saved a lot of us… he created a lot of those here, sitting in front of me. He loved you all. He respected you all. And I know… that if there is an afterlife, he will be watching over all of us. And when the moment strikes, when you don't know what to do, think to yourself, what would Carlisle do? I guarantee you will arrive at the right answer. Goodbye father." Edward finished, and lit the final candle.

There was a moment of silence, before everyone got up and began to mingle. There were a few people I wanted to speak with, so I made my way through the crowd, Edward following behind me.

Darius must have had the same idea, he was already over to Will and Malcolm. It was astonishing to see how different it appeared with Darius and Malcolm standing beside each other. Malcolm still looked like the young boy we met at that ski lodge, maybe thirteen. And Darius, now appeared my age. It was heartbreaking.

"It's nice to see the both of you." I smiled as I approached them. "I'm glad you were able to make it all the way out here."

"Bella, Edward, it's good to see you both. Your community here is so beautiful." Will said with a grin. "It's going to be sad to leave."

"I actually wanted to talk with you about that." I said with a hopeful look. "I know that you have mentioned that you have a degree in education."

Will nodded, a curious look on his face. "Yeah, I do… but I never managed to get an actual teaching job." He laughed nervously.

"I just wondered if you were interested in a job offer that I have for you."

Malcolm was the first to respond. He turned to Will with excitement in his eyes. "Yes! We can stay here." The boy begged.

Darius shot me a huge smile, with a look of surprise on his face. "That would be awesome."

Will cleared his throat. "Well hold on, I need a little more details on this job offer."

"Well you will have to live here, but you have free housing, you can make your own schedule and freedom to hire more help if you need." I offered. "We have a lot of special children here, it's not quite safe for them to be away from this community. Public schools aren't an option."

"And food? I noticed that this is a very remote place. How would we go about getting groceries and essentials?" Will asked with a serious look.

Edward jumped in now. "We have volunteers that take trips in town, just pass them a list of the things that you need and they will bring it back for you. For a small fee, usually five bucks."

Will's eyes brightened for a moment. "Is this a job… that comes with pay?"

"Of course, name your price." Edward said with a casual smile.

This seemed to take Will off guard. "Erh… well… how about three hundred, every two weeks. That's about what I make at my current job, anyway."

"That's nowhere near enough. We will offer you five hundred a week. Does that sound fair to you." Edward said, holding his hand out to Will.

Will's jaw dropped, and instantly he shook Edward's hand. "I'd be an idiot to say no."

"Excellent, I'll have Alice come meet up with you both to show you to your new home." I said with a grin. "Welcome to the community."

"Wow, thank you both so much for this opportunity." Will stuttered.

"This is awesome!" Malcolm grinned widely. "Come on Darius, let's go hang with the other kids." He said snatching Darius by the hand and dragging him to where the group of other kids were all playing.

We had one more person to talk with now, although this conversation would be a little more tense than I would have liked. Sam Uley wanted to speak with us, before he and his pack left to head back to Forks.

Sam was waiting for us on the very edge of the woods. He stood alone, with a somber look on his face. He always had the type of expression that was hard to read, the only person that could possibly know what this man was thinking, would be Edward.

Once we made it to him, he took one respectful step back from us. "We will be leaving now, but unfortunately some of the pack has decided to…. Stay in this area…. With your permission of course."

"And who has decided to stay?" Edward spoke up with a frown. "The safety of our people do come first, before any personal feelings, I'm sure you understand."

I wondered if Edward had been referring to the Leah, and Elijah situation. But it would be cruel to keep them separated from each other. Not when they had such a strong connection.

"Billy Black and his son Jacob wish to stay, their reasons were to stay close to Charlie. Billy is a close friend of Charlie, and wishes to live out the rest of his days, fishing with his friend."

"Well that is reasonable." I said looking up to Edward.

Edward nodded in agreement. "Go on,"

"Leah and her little brother Seth also wish to stay… for obvious reasons." Sam sighed, folding his arms across his chest. "Leah imprinted on Elijah, there is no breaking the connection now. Even as much as she wishes she could. She must stay close to her imprint. For his safety."

"And how could we possibly know that Leah won't hurt Elijah?" Edward asked firmly.

"Look, there isn't a guarantee, if she loses control around the boy he may get hurt… but something tells me that is why she is keeping her distance."

"If she was to hurt him… who would I have blame? You for allowing her to stay behind? Or myself for allowing her to stay?"

"You would blame Leah, for allowing herself to lose control around the person she cares for most. Elijah wouldn't be the only one hurt in that situation." Sam said, taking nothing step away from us.

I looked to Edward, pleading him silently with my eyes. I wanted Leah to stay. He took note of my expression and sighed with a reluctance on his face.

"Fine, she is permitted," He said, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Is there anyone else?"

"Embry and Quil, they want to stay for a few weeks, just to spend some time with Jacob. They are close friends." Sam said, casting his eyes back into the woods.

"That's perfectly fine. Safe travels." Edward nodded to him.

Sam nodded as well and quickly turned his back to us and ran back into the woods.

"Well, that went better than I'd expected." I said turning to face Edward.

"It's going to be a real headache with all these dogs running around. We are going to have to be very careful. We can't let the children go running in the woods anymore."

"Everything is going to work out. You will see." I said leaning up to press my lips to his.

He smiled, as he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me closer.

"Is that so… Mrs. Cullen." He purred in my ear, leaving kisses down my shoulder.

"That is so, Mr. Cullen." I whispered back, letting myself completely melt into his arms.

I couldn't wait to finally start our story.

The End

SEQUEL COMES OUT SOON!

Thank you all so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it! See you all in the sequel.

Broken Truth