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Chapter Thirteen: Edward

All's quiet when you're deaf to the world.

Usually.

When your heart doesn't even beat, it surely can't be broken.

Sometimes.

I told Bella I didn't want her, and then burst back into her life and expected her to come running back.

Never.

And she was right, absolutely right.

So why was I running.

She needed me. Not wanted, but needed me.

Too bad I wanted her.

I barely noticed the ancient stone walls as I flew past them. Certainly, the small crowd of tourists waiting outside the gates didn't notice me. Too bad. I'd have to attract some attention to get what I wanted anyway.

I knew the way too well to take my time. The streets were a blur, as well as the small, drain entrance.

Speeding through the labyrinth of underground drains, I wondered if my family would miss me.

Alice had probably already seen this. I would miss that.

Carlisle would take it the hardest, as would Esme. My 'parents' would miss me, sure, but they had to understand. They knew what would happen if I couldn't live without Bella.

I wouldn't live.

A solid mass in front of me made me stop. One of them, no doubt.

"Cullen," he said dramatically. "We've been expecting you."

Fast as he could now, he led me to the biggest chamber, where the trio were assembled.

Edward? What is he doing here?

Wonder if Carlisle knows he's here.

Aro stood, while the other two remained seated.

"Edward," he said briefly. "What are you doing here?"

I walked forward, brushing my fingers to his outstretched palm.

"Oh," he said after a while, eyes closed with concentration. "I see." Bella said no? Bella doesn't want him?

His eyes snapped open. "You know I can't do this, Edward." If you're going to ask what I believe you will, don't bother. The answer's no.

"But I can't bear this," I whispered. "Isn't that enough?"

True, but such a waste. Should we try to convince him? No, that wouldn't work. Carlisle wouldn't allow his son to be one of us…

Caius looked over, clearly bored. And what about Bella? How is she these days? Still… mortal?

I growled. "It was her decision."

He nodded, smiling menacingly. "But you know the rules, Edward. And now that she's upset about you, maybe she'll need to confide in someone." And then we'll need to pay her a little visit…

"No!"

Aro shrugged. "But that's why you're here, isn't it?"

He's offering us a deal?

Caius caught Aro's hand, and pressed his palm against it.

"Ah, of course," said Aro, absentmindedly. "But Edward has a solution to that, so it seems."

I nodded. "I have a deal to offer you."

Caius raised his hands, gesturing for me to continue.

"My life for Bella's."

What?

Why?

Aro shook his head. "I already said, I will not allow it. However, if you were to work for us, then we may have a deal…"

And that's the only deal we'll make.

I admit, I was tempted. Alive, I would ensure Bella's safety. Dead, not so much. However, would I be able to withstand the awful emotion that cocooned me? But, as Aro said, Carlisle would never allow it.

My cell beeped from within my pocket. I sighed. It was new, and I was sure no one had the number.

I opened the message. A private number.

Do it.

Alice.

Aro glanced over at the message, and shot me a puzzled look. I raised my palm against his – I could not be bothered explaining this in words.

"Oh," he said, deep in concentration. "So dear Alice has already seen this, so it seems…"

I sighed. "So you know what I'll say?"

Aro nodded. "But let's make it official, anyway."

This was it.

Goodbye, Bella.

Goodbye, family.

"I accept your offer."

Well, this is it!

No more.

I'm sorry =(

Thanks so much to everyone who even read this.

You're all awesome.

Thanks for being part of Equinox.

Little Miss Illusional

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