Chapter Fifteen

Bella

It had been both sad and painful to say goodbye to Maggie although she tried to make it easy for us. She had been thrilled when I told her I would call my daughter after her and I promised to bring her namesake back to visit her soon.

"Don't you worry about me? You've given me the best Christmas present ever, a baby born on the farm who got to live. I like to think my Mary would have been like little Firefly. Besides, I got all the jobs done on the farm that needed doing. I'm sure going to miss my handyman.

Before we left she took me to one side and handed me an envelope, "This is for Jasper. Make sure he doesn't get it until you leave Volterra. Take care, Bella."

"You seem sure we will get to leave."

Maggie smiled, "Oh, I am. You could charm the birds out of the trees, you and little Maggie. I'm sure you'll have all those vampires eating out of your hands in moments. Don't let anyone try to control you, Bella. You're a strong independent woman. Besides, you have the world's greatest soldier at your side. What more could you ask for? Be happy my dear."

I felt the tears trickle down my cheeks as we hugged goodbye.

"We'll see you soon, Maggie, and thank you once again."

As we drove away from the farm I turned to see maggie watching us from the porch. She looked so small and lonely and I thought my heart would break. Then a little voice piped up from the back seat, "I left Maggie a drawing so she won't forget us. Why couldn't she come too, Mommy?"

"I don't think she wanted to. Maggie likes to stay on the farm. Besides, who will look after all the animals while we're gone?"

Little Maggie thought about this for a minute then nodded and resumed her frantic waving until we were well out of sight of the farm.

I could tell that Jasper was nervous as we took our seats for the flight to Volterra. He didn't entirely trust Aro but he was prepared to go along with my decision and I was grateful for his trust.

I'd never been in a private jet before and this one was very luxurious although I doubted its usual passengers noticed the sumptuous seating or the kitchenette.

We were left to our own devices once aboard and Maggie knelt on a seat staring out of the window and exclaiming when we soared through the clouds into bright sunshine. It was all new to her. She'd never been off the farm before and I enjoyed her sense of wonder at everything she saw.

There were meals aboard for Maggie and me and she loved trying everything. However, whoever stocked the fridge had little idea about what a child would eat. Luckily Maggie was adventurous and tasted the rich foods although her favorites were the fries and fruit juice.

"What's it like, Mommy? Volterra?" she asked as she licked the ketchup off her fingers.

"Hot and sunny. It's also very old."

"Like the farm?"

"More like a fairy castle with a clock tower."

I remembered my former visit to the citadel with Alice. It had been dark and forbidding and the residents very scary but then I had been visiting vampires in their den. Hopefully this time the welcome would be more congenial. I had Jasper at my side too which made a difference.

I desperately needed his calm support but I was aware that I would have to speak to Edward alone. I had a copy of Maggie's birth certificate safely in my pocket. It had been couriered to the farm by Jenks and I was aware that Edward wasn't going to be happy about it, not unless he was about to surprise me and I doubted that.

In my bag was a copy of the divorce papers for him and again I doubted that would go well. I did not doubt that in his mind he loved me and felt that he had done nothing wrong regarding my pregnancy so he wouldn't see my side of things. I wasn't sure if he would be hurt or angry or maybe even both but I would deal with him either way.

Jasper and I had told Maggie she was going to meet more of her family and she was intrigued to discover that she had a Nana and Grandpa in Italy.

As I told her this, I felt a pang of guilt. She had human grandparents too but she could never know them. It would be far too dangerous all around. I wasn't so bothered about Renee, she'd never shown any interest in children but Charlie was different. He would have made a great grandpa, just as he'd been a great dad if only part-time. Besides Maggie and I were all the family he had left.

I made a mental note to talk to Carlisle about Charlie. I needed to know what he'd told my dad about me. I knew Charlie would have made straight for Carlisle when I disappeared and realized how difficult it must have been for Carlisle to come up with some excuse. Fooling a cop wasn't easy and my dad was sharp.

When Maggie finally fell asleep I broached the subject with Jasper and he agreed that telling Charlie about his granddaughter was not wise.

"The Volturi may have made an exception for you Bella but I wouldn't rely on their favor if they found out that another human knew their secret. Have you thought about what you're going to do about Charlie?"

I shook my head although I guess that was a lie. I just didn't want it to be set in concrete by voicing it, not yet.

When we landed we found Carlisle and Esme waiting for us at the airport and they waved frantically when they spotted us.

Maggie took my hand in hers and looked up at me for reassurance.

"That's Grandpa Carlisle and Nana Esme."

She eyed them shyly from behind my legs until Esme knelt and spoke to her. Once the ice was broken Maggie began chattering away as if she'd known Esme all her life. This was good because it gave us a chance to speak to Carlisle.

He shook Jasper's hand, "Thank you, Jasper. For looking after them. The next few days are going to be a little uncomfortable I'm afraid but I know that you can hold your own with Edward."

Jasper shrugged nonchalantly, "It's Bella's show. I'm just here for backup should it be needed, Carlisle."

Carlisle nodded and then turned smiling with open arms to embrace me.

"Bella, I asked myself if I'd done the right thing more than once but seeing you here now and with your daughter, well… I'm so glad for you. When you have time perhaps you can give me some details. I'd like to know if there was anything I could have done for Mary. Something that I missed. It's the one thing that still tortures me. As a doctor, I hate to lose a patient, especially one so very precious. Anyhow, enough about that for now. Aro and the others are eager to see you and…" he hesitated, "I don't think you told me your daughter's name."

"It's Maggie."

He smiled with delight, "How lovely. I'm sure she was delighted."

I nodded, "She was."

Maggie insisted on traveling in the front of the car on Esme's lap as we drove up the mountainside to Volterra.

"I hope you don't mind but Aro asked if I would drive you to the citadel first. He's trying very hard to reassure you. If you approve he would like to greet you there. If not then he's happy to arrange an alternative venue tomorrow."

I didn't know how I felt about that, it was his home turf but Carlisle seemed relaxed about the whole thing and I was sure if he knew of any danger he would warn us.

"I'm not sure, Carlisle. I did tell him I wanted our first meeting on neutral territory. I know what that place looks like. It frightened the life out of me and she's so little."

By the time we passed through the town gates, I was becoming more anxious but as Carlisle pulled up outside the citadel's clock tower I stared in disbelief. It was all lit up with colored lights.

"Mommy, it's like magic. A fairy castle. I love it. Can we go inside?"

I glanced at Carlisle who shrugged, "Athena and Sulpicia thought it might look more inviting to a child. They didn't want her to be scared and they are aware that it can look a little foreboding."

"Well circumstances are a little different but it was thoughtful of them. I guess I should be just as thoughtful and Maggie wants to explore this fairy castle."

I got out of the car, looked around nervously, and took Maggie by the hand feeling Jasper's comforting presence at my shoulder.

"Any problems, any time. Just say the word and we're out of here."

I turned to him and smiled, "Thank you."

As we ascended the steps to the entrance, Maggie looked around for Jasper who winked at her.

"I'm right behind you, Firefly."

She smiled and watched as the huge doors opened silently to reveal a foyer still decorated for the festive season with a huge evergreen tree and more twinkle lights.

I glanced at Carlisle who laughed, "We all put on the usual displays as camouflage, Bella. Aro just decided to put it all back for his guest."

He motioned to Maggie who was looking around wide-eyed.

"Wow! It's so huge. A real castle."

I nodded, it still seemed strange to me. I remembered dark stone walls and silent pale figures moving about.

Once through the foyer and into the citadel proper I stopped dead, pulling Maggie close to my side as I saw Edward standing there beaming.

He came forward with his arms outstretched to embrace me and only stopped when I held out a hand.

"Edward."

Frowning he took my hand and squeezed it, "It's so good to see you again, Bella. You have no idea how long I've been dreaming of this moment. You look wonderful."

Squatting down he stared at Maggie who gazed back seemingly unimpressed.

"Hello there."

"Hello."

"And what's your name?"

"I'm Maggie"

He frowned up at me, "Maggie?"

I realized he didn't like the name I had chosen for my daughter. Or maybe he just felt I should have called her 'IT' until I could consult him about the matter!

"Yes, Edward. Maggie, this is Edward."

Standing up I saw I had upset him by introducing him to 'his' daughter by name but he wasn't going to make a scene out here in public.

His eyes moved across our small party and stopped on Jasper.

"Jasper. I wondered where you'd gotten to. I take it Carlisle asked you to make sure they got here safely. Thank you for that."

Jasper didn't answer him, he just nodded an acknowledgment and waited. The tension in the hall was palpable.

"Bella, I know Aro wants to see you but I think we should talk first. Alone."

I nodded, the sooner we talked the sooner it would be over, "I agree. Jasper, will you look after Maggie for me."

"Sure. come on little Firefly."

Maggie ran and took his hand and followed Esme and Carlisle up the sweeping staircase leaving Edward and me alone. His eyes followed Maggie until she vanished from view. A frown on his face.

When he turned back to me the smile was back in place.

"Well, it was a shock to hear you survived, a wonderful surprise I mean. I've prepared the suite for you and M..Maggie. Come and see."

I ignored his hand and gestured for him to precede me.

The suite looked like a cross between a flower garden and a high-class toy shop. He sensed my disapproval and hurried to explain.

"I wasn't sure what to expect so some of the toys might be a little young for her. I was thinking of a baby, not a little girl."

"Maybe if you'd chosen to stay in her life you would have been better informed."

The muscles in his jaw jumped but he forced a smile.

"I guess so. No, I know so. I'm very sorry, Bella. I was so frantic with worry for you. I couldn't imagine my life without you. I guess I never thought you could do it but you proved us all wrong."

"Not all, just you, Edward. Everyone else was behind my choice."

His eyes tightened and I knew this was not what he wanted to hear. Had he really thought I would hand Maggie over, fall into his arms and forget everything that had happened?

"OK. Yes, I was wrong and I understand your hostility but let me make it up to you. I never thought I'd have a daughter. A child of my own."

"You don't, Edward. You gave up any rights you may have had when you tried to murder her."

This time he tried a light-hearted tone and even managed a wan smile.

"That's a little melodramatic, don't you think? I had no idea what you were carrying and every reason to believe that it might kill you. My bride of a few weeks."

I sighed, "Edward. All this…" I waved my hand to indicate the room and all the stuff, "this show doesn't make any difference. I can't look at you without remembering the things you said to me."

"I was in shock. You can't hold me responsible for that. I mean, no one would have imagined we could create a baby."

"Well, I did and I do. I'm not going to pretend there's a chance for you and me because there isn't. It's over between us."

He stared at me in shock, "Over? You can't mean that, Bella. We have a daughter. She deserves a loving family with two parents. Every child needs a father and you can't keep me from my child."

"Then we have a problem. One I'm hoping the Volturi can help to solve."

He was scowling now like a petulant child.

"The Volturi? What do they have to do with it? Once they see M…Maggie they will understand that she's not dangerous. That's all they will concern themselves with."

"You're wrong, Edward. You brought them into this when you called on their help to hunt me down and now I'm calling on their help as we can't use human courts to sort this mess out."

"Courts? I don't understand, Bella."

"A divorce I can gain myself. In fact, I have the papers here for you. I didn't want to waste time."

His face darkened as he took the papers from my outstretched hand and unfolded them. As he read the words I could see his anger rising. He hadn't expected me to come out fighting although he should have.

"There's no mention of M…Maggie on here."

"That's because as far as the human world is concerned she doesn't exist, yet."

"That's ridiculous. She's here alive and thriving. I hope this doesn't mean you are going to try taking her away from me?"

"I can't take away something that you never possessed. You turned your back on her when she was no more than a possibility. You don't exist in her world."

"And you think that the Volturi are going to let you get away with this? I have rights. I'm her father, whatever you might think about it."

"Well, let's see, shall we? I understand the Volturi are waiting to speak to me. I assume you'll want to be there?"

That Edward was shocked by my attitude was plain to see but I didn't feel sorry for him. I couldn't forget the things he had said to me and how if the Volturi had been able to find me what he might have persuaded them to do. I just hoped I could trust Aro's word.

"Very well, if you insist on going through with this travesty but I'm not going to let you walk all over me."

He followed me out into the corridor to find Carlisle waiting for me and I was relieved to see that he was alone. I didn't want Maggie in Edward's company any more than strictly necessary. The idea of him picking through her thoughts made me feel sick.

"Bella, Aro is ready to see you whenever you're ready. Your daughter is safe in our suite with Esme and Jasper."

I nodded, "Thank you, Carlisle. Well, let's get this over with."

As I walked to the audience chamber flanked by Carlisle and Edward I remembered the last time I had been here. On that occasion, my 'companions' had been less friendly vampires.

I recognized the huge man who opened the door for us, it was Felix, the same vampire who had fought Edward and almost ripped his head off. Looking back, maybe I should have let him!

The chamber was empty to my surprise, but Felix gestured for us to follow him through another door into a much less intimidating space. The three Volturi brothers I had met before were sitting at a large polished wooden table and stood to greet us.

Aro smiled, still a sinister look on his thin face, but he was trying and I appreciated that.

"Bella, how delightful to see you again and under such interesting circumstances. Please, take a seat. You know my brothers, Marcus and Caius. Our wives wanted to be here but I thought that might be a little overwhelming."

"Thank you, Aro. I appreciate the thought and all that you've done to make our visit a pleasant one."

He nodded his approval of my gracious words and we sat down.

Edward was about to take the seat next to mine when Aro spoke again.

"Now then, perhaps you could tell us about your recent experience with the, sorry, with your daughter. Edward, why don't you take a seat beside Carlisle? I assume you won't object to his presence as Bella doesn't?"

Aro was giving me the floor and I began to feel more confident.

He waited patiently as I gathered my thoughts.

"I don't think I need to cover the ground before I left Forks for the last time. I'm sure Edward has given you his version of events and Carlisle will have added to that."

"Wherever you feel is correct to begin."

I told them about being taken to a secret place without giving away Carlisle's friend or her secret. The pregnancy was soon taken care of, after all, I hardly thought they would be interested in my diet or the things I did while I waited.

"You did very well. It sounds as if Carlisle made the correct decision sending Jasper Whitlock to protect you."

There was a slight emphasis on the word protect and I knew that Aro suspected there was more than met the eye to my relationship with Jasper.

When I got to the part where Maggie became sick everyone sat forward, this was the part that Carlisle was most interested in. There were exchanged looks and a groan from him as I explained Jasper's theory. I knew he felt guilty because he'd had the means to save Mary all the time and hadn't realized it.

"Jasper is very resourceful."

Edward exploded at Marcus' calm word of praise, "Resourceful? Is that what you call it? He fed my daughter his venom. How could that possibly be right?"

"It saved the child's life, Edward. How could it possibly be wrong? If you object because it was Jasper who saved her and not you may I point out that it was your fault? You forced Bella to run, your actions forced Carlisle to find a protector for her and her unborn child. Or am I missing something? I'm sure you told us you were looking for her to persuade her to terminate the pregnancy. Hardly the actions of a caring and loving husband or father to be."

"I told you. We all know what happens with hybrids. I wasn't prepared to lose Bella, my mate, for anything."

Marcus glanced at Aro who gestured for him to continue. I thought Aro was enjoying this and even Caius who had looked bored to this point was now watching the proceedings with interest.

"It seems the stories were wrong. Hybrids don't always kill their mothers. Nor are they always monsters. I admit a lot of stories end badly but not all, we did point that out to you if you remember."

Edward opened his mouth and then shut it again listening presumably to the thoughts of everyone in the room. Everyone's but mine that is.

"I see it doesn't matter what I think. You've already made up your minds. You're wrong though, I do love Bella. I always did."

"I don't think it matters what your feelings towards Bella are, Edward. There is no connection between you and Bella. That much is plain."

I was relieved that Marcus' gift had shown him that Edward was not my mate, it made things less complicated although Edward hated to hear it and would probably argue the point, or at least try.

Marcus continued," As for your connection with the child."

He turned to me, "Maggie is it?"

I nodded, "Yes."

"If Bella has no objections perhaps we can speak with Maggie. I hear she is a remarkable child. Her reactions to you should tell us a lot. Bella has made her feelings very clear and as she said, the human authorities have no jurisdiction over a hybrid child. Therefore Bella has put the onus on us to make any decisions as rulers of our world and Maggie is certainly of our world. You do agree, don't you, Edward?"

What could he do but agree? He had given them that authority when he called on them for their help and now he was stuck with the consequences.