I woke up with a slight jolt, something familiarly cold was touching my shoulder. My eyes snapped open to see Carlisle standing there, the duffel bag Esme had packed me slung over his shoulder and his own backpack secure on his back. He was bent over slightly, waking me from what apparently was the dead seeing as when I looked around I realized we were the only ones left on the plane.

Edward and Bella were standing together waiting at the head of the aisle and Aro stood just where he had been sitting speaking in what I guessed was Italian to a rather enchanted flight attendant. I stood up quickly, sure I was looking as rough as I was feeling.

"I'm so sorry." I said quickly, holding my hand out to take my bag, but Carlisle shook his head.

"I got this. And don't apologize. I'm glad you got some sleep. I was hoping you would." He gave me a kind smile, using his hand to touch my arm and guide me out into the aisle.

I was annoyingly aware of my clumsy and groggy steps as I followed the practically gliding Bella and Edward. I couldn't help but once again focus on my friend. She looked better which made me happy, maybe she was just waiting for me to get some sleep to know I was fine.

I stepped off of the plane into the small tunnel like hallway that connected us to the airport and Bella stood there waiting, her hand held out for me and I gladly took it. It was a small gesture, but I felt a new surge of security go through me. Her hand was just as cold as the others, but she was my friend and I was just happy she was okay.

The five of us made it to the descending escalator when Edward's voice broke through the odd mixture of silence and nonstop chatter from strangers around us.

"I see the twins, Felix, and Demetri." He said, irritated causing Carlisle to chuckle a bit. I was amazed at how just doing that lightened the mood Edward had put off.

It didn't take me more than three seconds to find out who our "escorts" were. The four of them were just as striking as the Cullen family, all but their eyes which matched Aro's. I was starting to get rather self conscience surrounded by all of these beautiful people.

I followed Carlisle who seemed to hold a layer of esteem in the presence of the four of them. Their respect apparent even though they all wore straight faces of slight irritation, two of them looking far too young to be as terrifying as they were. They all wore black including black overcoats that almost matched, only slightly different.

"Carlisle." The only girl greeted. Her voice rang clear, like a bell, yet haunting and lingered in my ears. She was blonde and looked especially serious.

"Jane." Carlisle greeted kindly and with just that, she turned her attention to Aro, a new level of excitement dancing in her deep red eyes.

"Hello, Jane dear." He greeted her with care equal to that of a father making her perk up even more.

"Master Aro, who is this?" The blonde girl asked, looking at me with a sternly as if very presence made her want to vomit.

"All in due time, my dear. Please, let us return home." He said kindly and with only that, she turned and began her departure from the airport. The rest of us followed dutifully, the three men in the back, standing on either side of and behind Aro.

I kept my head down, following Edward, Bella squeezing my hand twice for reassurance and Carlisle directly behind me. It felt like being marched to my own execution.

It wasn't until we were in a large black car that the girl, Jane, spoke again.

"Master Aro, Master Caius said he and Master Marcus will be waiting for you in the hall." She informed respectfully, though there was a certain amount of eagerness in her voice, happy to give him information he needed.

"Thank you, Jane." Aro said with a smile, his legs crossed in his seat, far more calm than I was feeling. "I am sure they would agree time is not to be wasted in this matter."

I looked at Carlisle who just gave me a small look, as if he was reminding me to breath. I could feel my heart speed up. Something about Aro expressing the urgency of the matter made me remember that this was a trip with potentially life ending outcomes and once this car stopped, it would be time to face the music.

"And the girl?" The youngest looking boy said, looking at me with curiosity. Something in his expression made me realize that he and Jane must have been the twins that Edward had been referring to.

"This is Annabelle, yes." Carlisle answered.

That seemed to be the end of the boy's curiosity as he leaned back into his seat, ignoring my existence once again.

My eyes scanned the car. It was almost like a limo the way the seats were along the sides, but not nearly as long.

I couldn't help but notice that one of the other two vampires, the shorter one, was looking at me judgmentally.

My curiosity must have shown because Edward piped up.

"He's wondering what's on Earth it is about you that kept Aro from killing you on the spot." Edward informed.

I learned he could read during the trip to the airport...something I wasn't sure I could ever get used to.

"Oh, is that the um...usual?" I asked, trying to direct the question to Carlisle.

But Jane answered in her voice, sweet and yet evil all at once...

"Yes."

I saw Aro raise a curious eyebrow and I swear the corner of his mouth moved up a bit, but it was gone almost instantly.

I watched the people around me almost religiously terrified to miss a glance, a look, anything that would let me know something. These people... vampires... whatever they were, were scarily subtle and read one another like books.

I felt so slow and foolish compared to them and I didn't want anything going on I didn't know about especially because I was the one drawing the short straw. I was so lost watching their faces for any sign of expression that I missed the ride completely being called back into reality only by the robotic voice of Jane.

"We're here."