Hey guys! Sorry I was not able to update yesterday but I had a dentist appointment that I had to go to. Trust me, I would have preferred to stay here in update instead of going there of all places. Thank you to all of you who reviewed!

Disclaimer: Just to save Edward a monologue I'll say it. I do not own Twilight.

EPOV

It had been exactly three months since I left Bella, or should I say since she left me. I still could not comprehend her reasoning. Deep down inside I knew the truth. Bella had only been using me until someone else came along. I was nothing to her but a way to waste time.

The moment I arrived in Italy I realized I had nowhere to go. The school I created to derive Bella from my actual plans did not exist. I wanted to go somewhere I belonged. Unfortunately, only one place existed in Italy. The Voultera awaited me. I joined quickly without thought or question.

Aro was only too pleased by this. I soon became his number two man. This was a very prestigious placement. I was practically the head of the government. I was given many opportunities to make important decisions but I left them to Aro. I did not feel that I was in the correct state of mind to make vital decisions that would affect the government for many centuries to come.

I had finally accepted my tragic state. The day I Bella made her decision was the day I left my heart behind in Washington. It would forever belong to her and I was okay with that. She had stolen my heart from the moment I saw her.

It was still difficult for me to see normal human people. I hid from the world as much as possible. Every human being I embarked upon reminded me of her. Unfortunately, human's walked around this establishment day and night. Their blood was the nourishment for my fellow government members. Though I was tempted I refrained from consuming human blood.

I still dreamt of Bella, though I never truly slept. During periods of deep relaxation I could see her in my mind. I could feel her hot breath against the nape of my neck. I could smell her delicious scent that perfumed the air surrounding me. I could feel her precious hand encased in mine. I knew this could never be true but my dreams told me differently. I wanted to hold her in reality, not in illusion.

"Hello my young friend," Aro said as he approached me. He pushed forward his hand until it was lightly touching my back. A few moments later his eyes grew sad. "You still miss this girl? Edward how can that be? You have so many options to choose from her."

"It's not the same," I said shaking away his hand. "Bella is different from anyone I have ever known." I had no idea why I was even discussing this with Aro. It wasn't as if the man ever experienced any form of the love I was describing. To him women were possessions. He used them then when he wanted to then let them go. Not once did he ever have a mate to share his life with. He could never understand what I was feeling. No one could.

"Weep not for the past Edward," Aro said on a parting note. Once he left the room I buried my face in my arms. I just wanted to be alone. Though I missed my family I could not stand to be around them. They all had something I would never have. They had someone who they loved and who loved them in return. Once again I was the one singled out. I saw no reason to stay with them.

Just as I began to think about them my phone started to ring. I lifted the tiny silver object from my pocket and groaned when I saw who was calling. It was Alice.

"Hello," I answered.

"Edward it's me," Alice said rather quickly. She was talking even faster than normal. Something had to be wrong. "Bella's in trouble. I need your help." My breathing stopped at the very sound of her name. How could she be in trouble? She lived in Forks, Washington for crying out loud. No danger could be found there.

"What do you mean she is in trouble Alice," I asked her quickly losing my tempter. Then something occurred to me. Alice promised me that she would stay away from Bella, no matter what. "How do you even know she is in trouble Alice?"

"That information is irrelevant dear brother," she said nervously. It was easy to see that she was trying to change the subject. "In a couple of days I am going to bring Bella home. Until then I refuse to leave her side." Her words frightened me.

"Alice why," I asked her now in a complete and total panic. "What is going on?" If I had a heart it would be beating through my chest. I knew Alice would never even begin to bring up the subject of Bella unless something was truly wrong.

"He's back Edward," Alice said simply. What did that mean? Why was she choosing to be so vague? I needed details!

"Laurent," she said. I began to seethe as a low growl escaped my chest. I could never recall being this angry before. I had warned him to stay away from her. "He's not alone either. He's brought two other vampires with him." Before I knew what I was doing I found myself packing all of my belongings and walking towards the corridor where Aro spent his free time. A few seconds later Alice spoke the words I had been dreading to hear since we started this conversation. "They're after Bella."

"Where are you Alice," I asked pausing at the door.

"Arizona," she said sheepishly. "I just got here last night. Bella and I needed to discuss some things."

"Alice are you crazy," I questioned her. "The sun shines there 360 days of the year!" How could she be so stupid? By simply stepping in the sun she could expose our secret to the world and put Bella in even more danger at the same time!

"Arizona will be experiencing overcast for the remainder of our stay," she said calmly. "I will meet you in Forks in two days."

"Forks," I repeated. "You want me to come back to Forks? Do you really think that is a wise idea? Bella made it clear that she never wanted to see me again."

"Just come home Edward," Alice whispered. "Please, just come home. We will sort out this mess together. I will call the rest of the family and have us meet them there."

"Alice," I hesitated.

"Trust me Edward," she said cutting me off. "Please just trust me. I have to go. Bella needs me." The line went dead. I closed my eyes tightly and exhaled.

I would go back to Forks, but I would not be visible to the human eye. I would distance myself. I would hide at the mansion until I was needed. I could not allow myself to see Bella again. There was no way that I would be able to survive losing her a second time.

There was only one problem. I had to leave Italy and I knew Aro would not be pleased. I lifted my hand and lightly tapped on the door. Caius and Aro were discussing something quietly in the center of the room when I entered.

"Hello Edward," Aro said pleasantly. "Caius say hello to Edward." Caius despised me. He hated the fact that I had such a high place in the government after being there for only a day.

"Hello Edward," Caius said as he glared at me.

"Aro there is something I wish to discuss with you," I said calmly. "I just received a call from my family and I am told that I am needed at home. Would it be possible for me to leave for a few days?" Caius huffed at my words while Aro began to stare at me with a worried expression.

"Is there something wrong with Carlisle," he asked me. He and Carlisle had known each other for quite some time. My father had once been part of the Volturi but left shortly after joining.

"No," I answered truthfully. "But a fellow family member is in danger. My sister has asked me to go to Forks for a short while. I will return quickly."

"We will go with you," Aro said. "After all you may need our assistance." Caius scoffed at his words. Why should we help him? I wish he would just leave permanently.

"I'm afraid that will not be necessary Aro," I told him. "This is a private matter." Aro nodded at my words.

"How long do you plan to be gone for," he asked me.

"A week," I told him. "I may be back even before then." Aro sighed deeply before crossing the room. He rested his hand on my head and began to smile wryly.

"Oh Bella," he practically hissed. "That girl seems to give you and your family quite a bit of trouble." I wanted to tear him apart for even saying those words. He did not know Bella and if I had anything to say about it he never would.

"She needs me Aro," I said. "I will not dessert her now." Aro sighed deeply and removed his hand.

"Seven days Edward," he said as he walked away. "No more, no less. If you do not return in then we will be forced to find you." I looked away from him.

"Seven days," I agreed.

"You took an oath Edward," he reminded me. "When you came here you begged for a position. You also begged me to spare Bella's life, remember?"

"Of course I remember," I said between clenched teeth." Bella was the one of the only humans in this world to know our secret. If I disobeyed Aro, Bella would be forced to die.

"You may go Edward," Aro told me. "Take care of this woman once and for all. When you return I expect you to be ready to take on your duties. Choose your decision wisely my son. Your love's life is at stake here."

"I will not let you down Aro," I said locking my eyes with his own. He smiled sweetly before speaking again. I wanted to tear him to pieces but I had to remain rational.

"Have a safe trip then," he said as I exited the room. It was night time at the Voultera which meant I was able to leave without making a scene. I boarded the first available plane to America.

Instead of heading straight home I made a pit stop in Chicago. Bella was in good hands and Alice had informed me that the three vampires would not make it to Arizona until she and Bella were safely gone.

I now stood before the grave of Violet Katherine Swan. I would never forget her. In some ways I would love her for eternity, but she no longer held the place in my heart that she used to. It was time for me to say goodbye once and for all.

BPOV

I could kill Alice! First, she disappears after showing up out of nowhere. Then, she leaves me to deal with my frantic mother who is dying to know who Edward Cullen is.

"Oh come on Bella," she begged. "Just tell me. I promise you I won't freak out." I poured myself a bowl of cereal and attempted to repress the pain that was doomed to surface if my mother continued to press me for information. When I left Edward I was forced to rebuild myself once more. Thinking of him only brought me back to square one.

"He's just a friend Mom," I told her. "He left for Italy three months ago. We haven't spoken ever since. Besides, you know I'm dating Jacob." My mom walked up behind me and wrapped her arms around me.

"I can also see that you are not happy with him Bella," she whispered in my ear. "I can tell that you want more, and believe me sweetheart I understand that more than anyone. Don't settle."

"I'm not settling," I snapped at her. "I just….Edward and I can never be together. He's all the way in Europe while Jacob is right there in Forks. I have to be practical Mother."

"No Bella," she disagreed. "You can be practical about many things, but when it comes to matter's of the heart being practical is not an option." She kissed the top of my head before heading upstairs. A few minutes later Alice danced into the kitchen with a huge smile plastered across her perfect face.

"Thanks a lot Alice," I muttered. "Now my mother seems to think that I'm settling for Jacob." Alice approached me and grabbed my hands before twirling me around.

"You are settling Bella," she pointed out. "The sooner you realize it the better of you will be. You and Edward are meant to be together." I pulled my hands from her's and headed toward my bedroom.

"Tell him that," I muttered under my breath.

"He already knows," Alice called after me. I ran the rest of the way to my room. I tripped four different times in the process. I collapsed on my bed and began to cry. How was I going to go back to the way life used to be? How was I going to be able to face Edward again?

APOV

We had three days at best. Laurent, Victoria, and James were only a couple of states away. They planned to arrive in Arizona the day after Renée's wedding. I would not have allowed Bella to stay for the nuptials if they were any closer.

Before we knew it the wedding day had approached. During the last couple of days I had worked around the clock to make this Renée and Phil's dream wedding. I had ended up firing the wedding planner seeing as she had no idea what she was doing. I was now running everything by myself.

Bella was upstairs helping Renée get ready while I was downstairs assorting the floral arrangements. I had informed Bella earlier that we would be leaving first thing in the morning. She was now discussing this with her mother. I wished we could stay longer but I had no choice. I had to get Bella out of here.

Just as I was about to finish decorating the church I had a vision. Laurent, James, and Victoria had changed their course. They were currently right outside of Arizona. If I did not make Bella leave immediately she would be dead by morning.

BPOV

"You look beautiful Mom," I told her as I fitted her veil. My eyes were filling with tears at the very sight of her. I had never seen my mother so happy in her entire life. She was practically glowing.

"Thank you baby," she said smoothing out my hair. "I'm so glad that you could be here." I could only smile at her. She had no idea how thrilled I was to be as well. At the same time I felt saddened by the fact that I would be leaving in the morning.

Ten minutes later the ceremony began. I hadn't seen Alice in almost two hours and this made me nervous. It was only when I walked down the aisle that I spotted her in the audience. She had a look of pure terror on her face.

I continued to watch her only looking away when Renée walked down the aisle. The ceremony lasted only twenty minutes. As soon as it ended and Renée and Phil had made their way back down the aisle Alice grabbed my arm and dragged me into a deserted hallway.

"Alice what is it," I asked her. I had never seen her look petrified in my life. Her eyes continued to glaze over as she grabbed my arm even more tightly. I winced as she did this causing her to let go.

"Bella listen to me," she said. "We have to go. I know we didn't plan to leave until morning but we have go immediately." I shook my head in confusion. What was the rush? No one expected me home for another twenty four hours.


"Why," I questioned her. She grabbed my arm once more and continued to drag me until we were outside of the church. A car was waiting for us. Our luggage was being placed into the trunk of a black Mercedes.

"Just let me get you out of here," she said pushing me towards the car. "I'll explain later." Through my peripheral vision I could see my mother begin to stare at me with a look of sadness.

"Alice," I whispered softly. I turned to stare at my mother. Alice did the same.

"Bella," she said taking my hands. "Say goodbye. I know this is difficult but you need to trust me." I knew that Alice wouldn't be doing this unless it was vital. I breathed in deeply before walking over towards my mother.

"Bella honey," she said in confusion. "What's wrong?" Tears began to build in the back of my eyes as I s tarred at my mother's worried face.

"Mom," I said. "I have to go. I'm so sorry and I wish I could explain, but I just can't right now." I took her into my arms and hugged her tightly. "I love you so much."

"Baby," she said holding me tightly. "Please don't leave. You don't have to go." I kissed her cheek lightly before pulling away from her.

"I do have to go," I told her. I turned around quickly and got into the car. An hour later we were on a plane to Seattle. Alice still had not explained to me what was going on.

"I'll tell you as soon as were back in Forks," she would tell me. "It's too dangerous for you to know now." Five hours later we were back in Seattle. Alice had rented another car at the airport and was now driving relentlessly towards Forks.

Once we pulled up outside of my driveway I noticed another car in my driveway. It was Jacob's old Volkswagen Rabbit. I would recognize it anywhere. What was he doing here? Was this all part of Alice's plan?

"Alice tell me what's going on," I demanded. Before she was able to speak I heard someone begin to tap on my window. I turned to see Jacob hovering over the car.

"Welcome home Bella," he said with an angry expression. He opened the door and pulled me out of the car. I noticed that Charlie's police cruiser was missing. He had no idea that Jacob was here. He also had no idea that I would be home so early.

"Jacob what are you doing here," I asked him. "How did you know I would be coming home early?"

"I've been waiting here since you left," he said gripping me tighter. His eyes were filled with rage. Alice exited the car swiftly and began growling. "Easy there bloodsucker, I just want to talk to Bella." I turned toward Alice and gave her a pleading look.

"Alice," I said softly. "Could you give us a minute?"

"Not here," Jacob said. "I'm taking you to La Push. We need to talk in private."

"You're not going anywhere without me," Alice hissed.

"Alice please," I begged.

"No Bella its fine," Jacob laughed. "The little leach can wait outside of the boundary line. This won't last that long anyway." Before I knew differently Jacob picked me up into his arms and placed me into his car. Alice got back into her car and raced behind us. Ten minutes later we were in La Push.

EPOV

Bella and Alice were going to arrive tomorrow morning. I still had twenty four hours until I was supposed to pick them up at the airport. I would escort Bella home, spend some time with my family, then return to Italy.

The house was empty and silent. A familiar scent filled my nose the second I opened the door. Bella's aroma filled every nook and craning of my home. I followed her scent up to my room where an envelope addressed to me awaited me. It was from Bella.

I read its contents carefully several times. I could not believe my eyes. Bella did love me! She had been lying all along. She only wanted me to be safe. She never wanted Jacob. He had threatened her in order to make her his own.

I threw the letter down quickly in a blind rage. I found myself running faster and faster towards the direction of La Push. Just as I reached the boundary line I heard a blood curdling scream.

"EDWARD," I head Bella cry in agony. "EDWARD!"

Uh-oh. So there you go. Edward knows the truth and Bella is home. Why did she scream? Where is Alice? What will Edward do? Review to find out :)