Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or any of the characters

Chapter 3

Playing Games

August 16 1923

Volterra, Italy

Edward's Point of View

We sat in a room that was filled with all the toys that a little girl Bella's age would play with…but Bella completely ignored them, especially when Felix tried to get her to play with the dollhouse. Instead, Bella led Carlisle to a big bookcase where some books were.

"Why isn't she playing with the toys?" I asked Felix quietly. He sighed and gave up with the dollhouse.

"She's not a normal girl, anyone can see that. She prefers reading to playing with dolls and doing things that she considers are too girly. I guess because the things in here need two or more people and it's impossible to play with adults." Felix explained.

"What does she read?" I inquired.

"Anything in that bookcase. After we figured out that she prefers books, Aro bought her this whole bookcase." Felix explained. I walked over to the bookcase and looked through all the books. Most of them were children stories. Nothing interesting. I looked at Bella who was sitting next to Carlisle as he read quietly to her.

"She can read by herself, right?" I asked Felix as he joined me. He nodded.

"She can. Like I said, she's not a normal girl. Aro worries about the amount of time she spends in here reading," Felix explained.

"I wouldn't," Felix looked at me like I had grown a third head. "What? How many girls would find who would read books and have a vast vocabulary?" I asked him.

"You can find a lot here,"

"Back where we live, you won't. They care more about looking pretty than studying,"

"Studying what…exactly?"

"Reading. They can write, but they focus on arts because apparently that is a necessity for a woman,"

"Bella learns art. She paints actually." Bella looked up at Felix then.

"Are you talking about painting?" She inquired. A beautiful smile spread across her face.

"Art, actually." Felix replied.

"I love art! Especially painting."

"That's what I was just telling Edward here." Bella's eyes brightened in excitement as she looked at me.

"Would you like to see what I've painted?" She asked me. She looked so happy; I couldn't say no and hurt her feelings.

"I'd love that." Bella squealed in delight, rose from the spot where she was sitting with Carlisle and ran over to grab my hand. She dragged me out of the room and led me to another one. In the room there sat an easel with a chair in front of it. There were different paintings scattered around the room. Some of meadows, butterflies, gardens, flowers and basically the outside world.

August 19 1923

Volterra, Italy

Edward's Point of View

Carlisle and I were sitting the in room filled with books and toys for Bella when Felix came in.

"Aro will be arriving shortly. Come with me." We stood and followed Felix. Bella decided to jump on my back halfway there so I gave her a piggyback all the way to where we were going to meet Aro. We didn't have to wait too long as Aro arrived shortly, like Felix had said, after we arrived in the room.

"Ah, Carlisle! My good friend." Aro greeted Carlisle with a warm smile. Bella jumped down from my back and stood in-between Carlisle and I.

"Aro, it's been too long." Carlisle smiled back. Aro nodded in agreement and then looked down at Bella.

"Isabella!" He opened his arms and Bella jumped into them willingly. "How are you my dear?"

"Good. Uncle Carlisle arrived a few days ago." Bella explained.

"Really?"

"Yes. And that's Edward, Carlisle's son!" Bella pointed at me and Carlisle looked at me with interest.

"Aro, leader of the Volturi." He held out his hand and I shook it. Aro's eyes widened as soon as our hands made contact. "A mind reader?" I nodded. "We share the same power…though yours is much more powerful." I frowned.

"Daddy needs contact to read minds and he can see every thought that has ever been in your mind." Bella explained. I nodded and let go of Aro's hand.

"Edward can read minds from a distance and only what's passing through your head at the time." Carlisle added.

"How interesting…" Aro mused.

A mind reader who can hear minds from a distance would be such a handy power. Aro thought.

"Would you consider joining us, Edward?" Aro asked. Bella gasped quietly.

"But he has a family!" She whispered to Aro.

"I know sweetie," Aro replied softly as she stroked her cheek. "So, will you Edward?" Aro asked again.

"No thank you." I answered.

"Such a waste," Aro sighed.

"It was good to see you again, Aro, but I think we must be going." Carlisle spoke up quickly.

"That is a shame, how are the measurements?" Aro asked.

"Ask Felix." Carlisle said as he turned and walked out. I followed silently behind him. "Goodbye, Aro. Until next time." Carlisle said as we headed out the door.

"Wait!" We heard Bella call. We stopped and turned to see Bella running towards us. She jumped into Carlisle's arms and gave him a big hug before jumping into mine. "Will I see you again?" She whispered as she pulled back to look me in the face. I looked at Carlisle.

"Eventually, Bella." Carlisle promised. Bella sighed unhappily and hugged me once more before jumping out of my arms.

"I'll miss you," she whispered softly before she turned and ran off to her room.

"Let's go, Edward." Carlisle said as soon as she disappeared. I nodded and followed him as we left the castle and walked through the dark streets.