Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot.
"How does the memories thing work?"
"It's quite simple, actually. Once a new soul arrives, they are given the option to have the memory of their previous life wiped or they can choose to keep them. If they decide to forget, I have the ability to painlessly wipe them. Usually if they're kept, they will also gain insight on other matters important to them."
"Such as?"
"Hmm. Parents can learn of the fate of their children. People that died in an unexpected event can learn of how their family is coping without them. Things like that."
"I could know why my parents gave me up?" I ask in a whisper. It's the only thing I've ever wanted in life.
"Yes, you could." We're all silent. I'm glad they're giving me a moment to take this all in.
I would be amazing to know why I was abandoned as a baby. My only wish would be fulfilled and I could be content with that knowledge. Hopefully.
But if I choose to forget, I wouldn't even remember that. I wouldn't have that heavy feeling of being unwanted and abandoned before I could even understand it. I would get a fresh start up here; a life full of happiness and pretend annoyance (most of the time) at Edward being Edward. These people care about me. They don't even know me, not really, but they care more than Charles and Renee did.
I could forget the pain and embrace my new future. I could get the answers I've wanted forever and get some closure.
I don't really know what I need right now.
"What did you all decide?" I ask the room. I don't care who answers. I just want some insight.
Esme answers first.
"I chose to forget my past. Even though I don't remember it, I know it was horrid and painful and I did what I felt was best for me."
"Do you ever regret it?"
"No. I can't bring myself to. You can ask Carlisle about it later if you'd like, but my life wasn't worth living, much like you felt. There was nothing left for me to remember."
"I chose to remember," Edward says next. "I died when a man passed out at the wheel and pushed my car into guardrail on the highway. It flipped and fell into the river. The impact knocked me out and I drowned."
"I'm sorry," I whisper. That's truly a horrible way to die.
"Don't be. It's not your fault. I wanted to know how my parents would cope with my death. I was an only child and they cherished me more than anything. They took it hard, but they lived on for twenty more years. It didn't feel right to choose to forget the people I loved and raised me, especially when they were suffering without me. "
"I also decided to remember. My life didn't end in tragedy like you three. I followed in my father's footsteps and became the lead pastor in my church. I studied the word of God and lived an honest and fulfilling life. I spread the faith, assisted the poor and needy, and mentored the young in my village. I was proud of my accomplishments and I died from natural causes at the age of 36."
I nod in understanding, taking in all of their responses.
"You don't have to decide right now, Isabella. You can think it over."
"Thank you."