Chapter 16

I caught one last look of her face. It was covered in dirt but one thing stood out. Her eyes…. After the red crimson had haunted me for years, they now stood out to me.

They were a dark brown with gold around the edges.

The next thing I could see was hands, placed at either side of her face. She closed her eyes as they did. All resistance had faded as she said one final thing.

"Please tell them, I love them."

The words made me come back to reality.

They had been so soft and gentle, it sounded like she was addressing them to me.

Whispering, I repeated them to the person they were meant for.

"She loves you."

Esme point of view

I heard the words that I had longed to hear for a very long time. But they sounded so broken and wrong at this exact moment. In no way they gave me the comfort and joy I had expected them to give me.

"Bella, she loves you."

Croaking the words another time, the fragile little human girl sitting in front of me seemed to shrink even more as she pulled up her shoulder and dropped her chin. Hiding her face behind her long thick hair. I could see her pull away from me both emotionally and physically.

"I love her too."

Carefully I acknowledged out loud, the words I had kept silent for such a long time. Ever since the day Bella had disappeared a little part of me had died. Only last week when at the most unexpected place and time a little human had crossed my path and caught my eye, only then that love was sparked again.

"I remembered my love for Bella, the evening I found you. "

My own voice sounded unsteady as I confessed the truth. Mary Alice shifted in her seat and as she did, for a second she glanced up at me letting her empty eyes rest on mine. The moment was very short but made me understand. The girl sitting in front of me had no idea how important she was to me and Carlisle. I felt I owed it to her, to let her know that. Moving closer to her. I took a deep breath and started talking.

" When I was young, I was hurt by the person who supposed to take care of me. I felt like I had lost everything and could never love again. Then I found Bella, and I decided to take a chance and open up my heart. But she left me. When she did, I vowed to never ever open up my heart again. But I was wrong." Waiting for a moment, I couldn't help but smile a little bit when she pushed her hair behind her ears. Uncovering some of her face, just enough to show me she had started to cry.

"What changed?"

For the second time she glance up at me. The color of her eyes sharp and alive, a reminder of her humanity. The tears in them only adding depth to them and at the same time reminding me of how fragile she was. Not physically, but emotionally.

"I came across a girl, she doesn't realise but she is extremely special."

Getting up from my seat, I sat down on my knees in front of her. Lowering myself to the ground so she would no longer be able to hide her eyes from me by looking down.

" That girl instantly managed to win over my heart completely. So against better judgment I brought her home, nursed her when she injured, provided her with good meals and clean clothes. Even a bath."

Winking at the last comment, I could see Mary Alice started to smile a little bit.

"And while I was busy doing all these things. I did not only find she had made it into my heart without even wanting or trying to do so. I realised my heart is big enough to love her also, just like I love Bella. Now only if she wouldn't sit in front of me crying, that would make me feel so much better."

Gasping Mary Alice finally realised the truth behind my words. Shaking my head I smiled at her.

"I'm the girl?" Her insecurity seemed to fade away a little bit as she thought about my words.

"Yes, of course you are the girl. I don't make a habit out of taking home random strangers who have no other place to go to. I chose you because there was something that instantly told me you were special."

"I was chosen."Repeating my words, Mary Alice smiled again.

"That's right you were chosen….. Now please, can you allow yourself to be not only chosen but loved also?" Holding out my arms, I waited for her to come into my embrace.

For a moment she hesitated, then very slowly she stood up from her chair and stepped closer. She was tiny, and even with me sitting on my knees in front her. I could easily wrap my arms around her waist. As I did, I rested my cheek against her stomach. The warmth greeting my cold skin, even through her dress. And underneath it all, the steady beat of her heart confirmed to me… Mary Alice had let me in.

We sat for a few hours in the garden, she tried to ask me about myself. Each attempt alarming me to the fact, through her visions and dreams.. she had already learned to much. I managed to evade each question, turning the conversation back to Mary Alice herself.

Slowly but steady finding out more and more about her. Each answer blew me away, causing me to feel both angry and disappointed at the humans that were supposed to take care of her.

The reality hurt. She had been abandoned by her family and guardians, for just one reason. She had a gift that made her different. Her gift however was something magical. After talking about it for a long time, slowly she started to confess more and more about why she had come to London.

Five years ago the visions had started growing in length and intensity. She hadn't been able to control them but no matter how terrifying they had been, one recurring vision had send her to this town. The vision of herself standing on the deck of a large ship, as it left the harbour she could see the city in front of her. Slowly growing smaller. No matter how obvious it was she was leaving England, the vision had always left her with great joy.

And so she had asked and asked. Talking to travellers, describing the buildings she had seen. After time being able to describe them with adequate precision until one day, someone had told her. She was talking about London.

Mary Alice had gone to London from there, on foot. The thought of her travelling alone on foot. Being passed by carriages heading towards London but never ever receiving help. It confirmed my feelings again, humanity was slowly loosing the ability to show compassion.

As we talked, we first slowly walked around the garden and after that went back inside. She had only seen the bedroom we had given her and the bathroom. Each room I showed her brought a smile on her face. She was amazed by all the space we had and beyond herself when she found out I had rows and rows of dresses. Running towards them, she seemed to forget about me as she started going through them.

"I've never ever in my life seen so many dresses." Laughing out loud she held a blue dress in front of her. It was full length and would be too long for her, but the shoulders and body seemed to be her size. "I made this for Bella but would love for you to wear it, if you want?"

Taking the dress from Mary Alice I hung it out and got my sowing bag. Knowing that very easily I could shorten the skirts so she would fit it.

"Are you sure?" Her face had that same insecure frown again. Glancing at the dress, she fumbled with the ribbons on her dress.

"I'm sure. Bella does not care about clothes very much. Give me a few days and I'll shorten it for you. Now… how about we go back to the kitchen and I start cooking. I'm sure you must be hungry?"

At the same time, Mary Alice her stomach growled. Making her blush and giggle. Placing her hands on her stomach she glanced down. "It seems like that."

She took one last look at the bright blue gown before leaving the room. As she did, I let her walk in front of me. At the end of the hallway she stopped and waited for me. I slowly walked up to her, keeping up the little of my human façade she still hadn't managed to see through.

"Is it ok if I go outside for a little bit more. I'm feeling rather strong today and would love to get some more fresh air while the sun is still out." Her face had lost its carefree smile, instead her eyes looked sad and I could see she was biting on the inside of her cheek. Almost like she was thinking about something that worried her.

Nodding I opened the door to the kitchen, leaning against the frame. "Sure that won't be a problem, I'll come get you when your dinner is ready. Have fun" I knew that without her in the kitchen watching me cook her food, it would make preparing her food a lot more easy. To begin with, I wouldn't have to pretend the smell of chicken made me want to throw up.

"Great. " She took one step forward before stopping and turning back. Without any warning she flung her arms around my body. If I had not been an indestructible vampire, I could have even been hurt by the force. Luckily I was a vampire and her hug only gave me warmth and joy. Enjoying the few short seconds before she let go.

"I love you too Esme. "

She didn't wait for me to answer, instead she let go of me and rushed away from me. Down the hallway and towards the back of the house. Her footsteps causing an echo in my head, followed by the soft click of the backdoor closing.

Smiling wide I stepped into the kitchen. Feeling happier than I had been in the past few centuries. Today I not only got a lead to reuniting with Bella. I knew without a doubt, another member had been added to our family.

Grabbing everything I needed to start cooking for Mary Alice, I hummed a soft lullaby. Trying to take my mind of the smell. It didn't work but still I managed to finish the simple chicken dinner for her with a smile on my face. Placing the food on a plate, I picked it up and took it with me.

Mary Alice was still outside, I hoped that if she didn't mind the cold evening air. She might like to eat outside also. Walking down the hallway, I listened for her footsteps but heard nothing. Opening the door I stepped outside and looked around.

At the little seating area, I couldn't see her so I placed the food on the table. When I did and turned my back to the food a new scent rolled over me, alarming me I was not alone. It was unmistakable but most of all fresh and unknown. Rushing forward, I got to the side of the house where some fruit trees were.

There standing in the middle was a vampire. His back was towards me but even with his back to me, I knew his eyes would be red. Slowly he turned around.

As he did I crouched low to the ground and growled at him. In his left hand, holding her out in front of him like she was a rag doll instead of human… was Mary Alice. She was still alive, her eyes open and staring at me with intense fear as soon as she could see me.

"I found your little pet."

His eyes were full of hate as he dangled her out in front of him. Like bait.

"Let her go, she's just an innocent child."

Growling the words out loud, I caught Mary Alice glance at me with panic in her eyes. Shifting my weight, I tried to calculate if it would be possible for me to attack him and keep Mary Alice safe at the same time.

"Ah but you see. She isn't innocent. In fact you have feelings for her. That makes her very valuable to me. She could be very useful in the negotiations that are about to start."

Running his fingers through her hair again, he wound a strand around his finger before yanking it out of her head. The pain caused her eyes to fly wide open as she screamed. Filling the air with blood at the same time. Trying to play the game with him, I slowly stood up straight, dropping my defensive stand and approaching him slowly..

"Alright. What do you want that I can give you?"

His lips curled up into a very satisfied grin as he lowered Mary Alice slightly, her feet dragging through the dirt as he dragged her with her as he took a step forward towards me.

"I want what is mine."

Confused I looked at him. Knowing for sure I had never seen him before in my life. So how could I have anything of value that belonged to him.

"I don't understand. There is nothing…"

My voice was cut off by another voice. A familiar voice, one I had been wanting to hear for a very long time.

"Let the girl go Tristan."

BPOV

The sound of footsteps broke me from my perfect and triumphant thoughts. Someone else was here, closing my eyes I focused on the scents that surrounded me. Alarmed I noticed not one but two scents. Were they looking for me in groups now?

Alarmed I circled away from the clearing, prepared to run away. But after a few meters I stopped and took another deep breath. As I did, the two scents found its way to my lungs I thought about them for a moment, remembering good and happy memories when one of them slowly got a face in my mind. Kind eyes and a gentle smile, framed by blond hair. Gasping I realised I knew one of my followers.

Going back, I focused on his scent. Pulling my shield up to make sure my own scent would be hidden. Hiding my trail from whoever else was in this forest. I could see him before he caught sight of me. He was exactly the way I remembered him.

Just as I was about to put my hand on his shoulder, he wanted to step forward. Afraid to speak out loud I wrapped my arms around him. He resisted my embrace for a moment, making me hold him tighter until he suddenly relaxed.

My mind exploded as his soft voice whispered the name I had not used for so many years. "Bella."

Panicked I moved around him, looking at him with angry eyes. Placing my fingers to my lips, demanding him to be silent. He stared at me for a moment and then slowly nodded. The wide smile on his face still there as he did.

I couldn't make myself smile, not yet. First I needed to bring myself in safety. Knowing it wouldn't be a lucky guess for two vampires to find another vampire hunting. I decided not to go back to my sanctuary… or perhaps was it our sanctuary? Carlisle had introduced it a very long time ago to me, perhaps it was his and I was just a humble visitor.

In thoughts I ran, careful to keep my shield in place. Afraid Carlisle would see the truth about what I had become. After a while, I felt him come up next to me. He grabbed my hand and made me slow down.

"Bella, please stop for a moment."His voice sounded pleading,. I couldn't deny him that, after all this time and stopped suddenly.

The moment I stood still he pulled me into a fatherly hug. "I've missed you."

I didn't know what to do or say, so I just stood there with my arms at my side. Feeling that no matter how close to his body he held me, there was distance between us. And I was the one to blame.

When he did let go of me. He watched me for a moment. Nodding as he recognised I had my eyes shielded from him. "When we get home, we can talk about everything that happened. Now let's first focus on the reason why the Volturi is tracking you."

The easy way he said the name out loud, told me he did not fear them but did feel concerned.

"You know the Volturi?" Confused I took a step back.

Carlisle followed my movement, keeping the same distance between us.

"Yes, I've stayed with them for a few years. Their way of living is not to my liking but they have a grand collection of books... and knowledge. I consider them to be old friends. What is your connection to them."

For a moment I considered his words. According to Tristan they were the most vicious collection of vampires. Ruling over all, destroying those that did not yield to their laws.

"A few days ago, three of my friends ran into their guard. Two of them were destroyed, one got away. Together we left and tried to get away, I've been running ever since."

I didn't feel ready to tell him why we weren't running together any longer.

"Have you ever met them?" Sitting down, Carlisle picked a rock up and carefully traced the lines, smoothing them out as he did.

"No I haven't … the stories however tell me I should be afraid." Remembering everything Tristan had ever told me about them. Nothing had ever made me want to meet them.

"Some of the stories might be correct. The Volturi are without a doubt the most powerful group of vampires. And to you, with your ability to somehow shield your vampire appearance and powers from the outside world. They would be very interested in that, especially Aro. He is always looking for a new addition to the guard. "

For a moment I considered his words. I would be wanted for my gift. Could Tristan possibly have know this, making him even more motivated to keep me away from them? Feeding me lies and causing me to fear them without reason? Biting my lip, I sat down also. As I thought about Tristan and the Volturi, I considered something else.

"Carlisle how did you know how to find me, and why today?"

Looking at his profile, I could see my question amused him very much by the way the corner of his mouth curled up even further. Letting me know he found great joy in the things currently on his mind.

" Faith, if you believe in it. Or perhaps just pure luck." Chuckling he turned to face me. " Esme picked up a human on the street. This girl is the most amazing human I have ever met in my entire existence. Somehow she seems to be gifted in a way that even for a vampire is rare."

I considered Carlisle's age. He greatly surpassed my own age, and even I could be called an old vampire.

"In what way is she special?" Intrigued by his words, I moved slightly closer. Sitting with him like we always used to in the past when we were discussing a new play or theory from a paper.

"At first, I thought it was a coincidence. Esme found her on the street when we went to the theatre. The girl was hurt and weak from living on the streets, when Esme came closer she seemed afraid but then out of nowhere she said your name. I considered the option that somehow, she had met you and gotten away. But Esme, had hope. So the girl, named Mary Alice, was taken home. We took care of her and slowly I found out more about her and her gift. She appears to have visions or dreams of people and events that have not happened yet." His smile was glorious as he finished talking.

"You mean like the ability to tell the fortune, like a witch? Esme took a witch home?" Giggling, I couldn't help but find the fact that a witch had found a witch and taken her home, extremely funny.

"That is what some people would call her, but in fact she is just a little girl without a home. Her gift has caused her to become an outcast." Carlisle stopped smiling as he mentioned the word outcast.

I did too. Remembering how I had felt like an outcast living with Tristan, Kent and Ivan. Never fitting in with them but exiled by myself, unable to return to Esme and Carlilse. Perhaps this girl was more like me than I would want to admit.

"So she told you I would be here?"

Shaking his head, Carlisle got to his feet. "No. She mentioned seeing you at a house, with an orchard. The woman inside recognised you from the painting in the house. From her description, I was farely sure that she was talking about Swan House."

I got to my feet also, looking at the ground as I remembered how tempted I had been by the women with the child who had answered the door. The woman had called after me, asking me if she had met me before. Now the pieces finally fit together. " She has my painting, the one my father had made.. the one Edward had in his room?" Astonished I realised that the grey eyes and pale blond hair,had reminded me of Edwards wife. The woman who had attacked me in fury, sealing all our fates. Now the house... My house had stayed in his family, being passed down through each generation. Mary Alice, who did not know me, had been able to see all that. A small spark of hope ignited inside of me, if she could do this now? How powerful would she be as a vampire and what would that mean for me... and Edward?

"I need that painting." Stepping closer to Carlisle I felt myself starting to tremble. This last reminder of my human past had so much history to it, somehow I was sure it could help fix me. That and the new addition to our family, if Esme and Carlisle still considered me part of that.

Carlisle opened his arms and this time, I did wrap my arms around his body. Holding him, as he held me for a short moment. When he let go, he placed a fatherly kiss on top of my hair. " If that is what you need, that is what we will get you. Let's go."

Turning around he started to walk towards the house, crossing the small stream that was only two miles from the house. As we got closer to the house, I noticed his scent. Then as we could see the frontdoor, a second known scent made me come to sudden stop as I let out a soft long hiss. Carlisle had noticed also, turning around as he stared at me with an astonished look.

"You know this scent?"

Closing my eyes, I took another unneeded breath of air. Checking to be sure.

"Yes. It belongs to the friend I have spend the last centuries with. The one I was running with from the Volturi." Growling soft as I spoke, I could see Carlisle did not understand my reaction.

" He isn't a good friend, in fact if I never see him again... that would be too soon." Following the scent, I noticed to my relieve it did not go all the way to the house. Instead it went round, following Carlisle's scent.

I felt a hand placed on my arm and I stopped, looking up at Carlisle's worried face. " Why would you say you never want to see him again?"

Hesitating I stayed silent for a moment. " He likes to play games, control people... he controlled me for centuries."

Carlisle stepped closer. " Did he hurt you?"

His eyes were soft but his eyebrows were pulled close together in a frown, showing me he was very worried. I didn't know what to say, afraid to admit out loud what happened. Instead I looked down and nodded. As I did, I felt Carlisle place a hand on my shoulder. A soft squeeze letting me know, he felt bad but wanted to give me space.

Then he let go and grabbed my hand. Startled I looked up at him. "What's wrong Carlisle?"

Letting him pull me to a run, I kept his pace. Staying close to him as he suddenly seemed to be in a hurry. " The Volturi has been tracking you. But your friend, he is tracking my scent."

Esme POV

Turning around, I saw her standing next to Carlisle. Their hair windswept, showing they had run fast and far to come here. Slowly they approached me. Carlisle looked at me, his cautious expression telling me that he was very worried about the situation. Alarming me that he did know who the man was that held Mary Alice.

I nodded at him, letting him know I understood the situation was serious. Then I allowed myself to break away from his knowing eyes and stare at the person standing next to him. My eyes met hers and with shock I noticed the crimson center in his eyes, it wasn't so much the color but the unapproachable hard look in them that upset me.

Like me she was silent, as she looked back at me. I tried to say something but in the corner of my eyes I could see the unknown vampire was watching us, Mary Alice still in his hands. Carlisle grabbed my hand and she looked down at the gesture with a pained expression before taking another step forward. She held her head up high when she looked the other vampire straight in the eyes. He lowered Mary Alice further, making her sit on her knees in front of him.

"What will it be."

She glanced at Mary Alice without showing any emotion and without any hesitation I listened to her speak out loud the words I didn't want to hear.

"I'll give you what you want."