A/N: Hello again everyone! Thank you for all the support I received for my first chapter. I am aiming for at least 1 chapter per week. As always, feel free to critique my writing by leaving a review and forgive me for any grammatical mistakes I so happen to make.

*Updated (12/29/16)

Chapter 2: Friendly Visitors

A gentle shaking roused me. "Isabella Swan? Can you wake up please?" a deep voice asked. It reminded me of daddy—calm and soothing.

"Daddy?" I mumbled aloud, sitting up slowly and rubbing sleep away from my eyes. It felt like I had just closed my eyes a minute ago. I looked around, trying to find the voice. I quickly realized there were two very tall people standing by the door. They were strangers—I didn't recognize them. One of them was much larger than the other. They were also covered in dull gray clothing, like a blanket was draped over them—a cloak.

"I'm sorry, Isabella, but I'm not your father," the same person said. It came from the smaller, shorter man.

I pulled the bed cover closer. "Who are you? Why are you here?" My voice trembled, shaky with fright. I was so scared, and I wanted my mommy and daddy, but they weren't home yet. Then I remembered—they never could come home anymore. They were gone. To my surprise, my eyes began to tear up. I'd missed my mommy and daddy so much. I wanted to talk and hug them again, but I couldn't. Suddenly, I felt myself being picked up and held against something hard and cold.

Startled, I blinked away the tears so I could see. "Shh, shh, don't cry," the large man shushed soothingly, his voice deeper than the first. How did he get to me so quickly? Wasn't he standing by the door? Why didn't I hear him coming?

"Sorry," I whispered in apology. I hated crying, especially in front of people I didn't know. But I couldn't help it! "I miss my Mommy and Daddy," I whimpered.

He shot the other person a look—of helplessness?—before he turned back to me, pulling me closer. He wiped dry my cheeks with the sleeves of his cloak. The action was very soothing. I tilted my head up to inspect him. He was very pretty. His face was friendly, like a happy dog, and had short, black hair. His eyes were a bright red color—it reminded me of strawberries, my favorite fruit. Was he wearing contacts? Mommy had wore colored ones once and it was weird—it changed her eye color. He smelled nice, too. I didn't know the name of the smell, but it was lovely. I didn't understand why I could feel myself relaxing with them. They were strangers! Daddy always warned me not to talk to or trust strangers. But I still felt a sense of safety and security with them. It was confusing why I would feel it with the man holding me when I should be scared.

"It's okay, little one. My name is Felix. This is my friend, Demetri," he introduced in a friendly way. A murmured 'hello' came from his friend standing behind him. I shifted sideways so I could examine him. He was pretty like Felix,too. He also had the same colored eyes. The difference was his longer hair—a dark coffee-brown that stopped at his shoulders.

I waved hesitantly at him and he gave me a smile in response. "Hi Felix, Hi Demetri," I said shyly, blushing a little. "My name is Bella." Felix's name suited him perfectly—it was a strong name that matched his large size. Demetri's name also fit him too—I couldn't explain it, but it just did. I smiled to myself. They weren't strangers anymore, now that I knew their names. They could be my friends! Then I remembered—Felix had called me Isabella. How did he know my name? I had never met him before. "Felix?" I addressed slowly, still getting used to saying it. I looked up at his face. "How did you know my name?"

"Umm…" was his only answer.

Demetri rolled his eyes like Mommy would sometimes do and stepped closer. "We know your name because a distant relative of yours told us," he explained carefully. "He was informed of your becoming an orphan and dispatched me and Felix to bring you to him. He's offered a place in his home to you."

I was both shocked and confused. I didn't realize there were other family members still alive. Mommy and Daddy didn't talk a lot about family. Yet someone was willing to adopt me, and I didn't even know anything about him! "Where does he live?" I asked, curious to find out more. "And what is his name?"

"His name is Aro," replied Demetri. "And he lives in Volterra, Italy, along with the rest of his family." Italy? Where was that? He had a family?

"Am I going to meet them, too?" I said excitedly. I wanted to talk to and make new friends with my relatives.

"Of course, Bella. You'll meet everyone," Felix promised with a smile.

All of the sudden, I became afraid. "What if they don't like me?" I whispered to Felix. I hoped they would, but I wasn't sure. I didn't want to upset anyone.

"I wouldn't worry about that," he quickly reassured. "In fact, just about everyone I know is anxious to meet you," he added.

I nodded. "How will we get there?" I questioned curiously. I didn't want to bother Felix or Demetri or Aro. I knew traveling cost a lot of money because Mommy and Daddy and I had gone somewhere fun and rode roller coasters—they had worked hard to save up money before we could go.

"We're going to the airport and taking a flight there," said Felix

"We're flying?" I said, terrified. Not only was I causing Aro to spend a lot of money on me, but I was going to be on an airplane! I didn't trust them. They flew in the sky without needing anything to touch the ground. How did that work? "I don't wanna go," I mumbled, closing my eyes and burying my face into Felix.

"What's wrong, Bella?" he inquired worriedly. I shook my head. "Please, Bella? You can tell me anything," Felix begged.

"I don't like flying," I admitted weakly after a minute, blushing. Why couldn't I be braver? "And I don't want to be a burden. I don't want you to spend money." I didn't like people going out of their way to help me. It made me feel embarrassed that I couldn't do it myself.

To my surprise, Felix laughed loudly. It sounded like heavy ringing bells. "Bella, you could hardly burden us even if you tried. The only way would be for you to not go. And the cost of plane tickets does not hinder us in any way," he grinned, amused.

I peeked up at Felix, my mood brightening. "Really?" I was eager to meet Aro, but I had been worried of being too troublesome to him.

"Yes, Bella," he said with a grin.

Suddenly, I remembered about Sarah and Mark. Should I tell them I was leaving? What if I wasn't able to say goodbye? I didn't want them to worry. Also Billy! What was going to happen to him? Would he be okay with me not joining his family? I felt so conflicted.

"Felix? Can I say goodbye to Mark and Sarah first?" Felix gave me a confused look. I realized I hadn't told him about them yet. "Sarah takes care of me when I get home from school or the police station. Mark is a policeman that helped me find someone I knew so they could adopt me," I explained.

Felix and Demetri glanced at each other briefly. Demetri spoke this time. "I… don't think that's a good idea," he answered slowly, looking sadly at me. "Aro asked us to make this trip as quietly as possible. He is… a very rich and powerful man, and doesn't like it when others get involved in family matters."

"Oh," I said, dejected. I really wanted to say goodbye and thank them for taking care of me. And I wanted to apologize to Billy for leaving without meeting him.

"I'm sorry, Bella, but we need to leave now. Our flight departs soon," Demetri reminded.

"Okay." I didn't know why I was tired, and being held in Felix's arms was making me sleepy. Which reminded me—why did he feel so cold? Did he need a jacket? I shut my eyes when Felix began walking through the empty house with Demetri behind. I barely felt his body movement—it was very smooth, like he was rolling on wheels than actually walking.

I opened my eyes when I heard the door open. I realized I was tired because it was still dark out—early in the morning. The darkness was scary. I whimpered to myself, grabbing a fistful of Felix's cloak with my hand. He looked down at me, confused at first, before understanding crossed his face. "Don't worry, I'll protect you," he confidently assured.

I believed him. There was something about his words and presence that made me feel safe. I couldn't explain it. Maybe it was his huge size? I relaxed and rested my head on his shoulder when he walked towards a large, black car with darkened windows and stopped.

"Is this yours?" I asked, awed. It looked powerful and fast—and expensive.

"It's just a rental," Demetri replied casually as he stepped in front and opened the backseat door. Felix gently lowered me onto the soft and comfortable tan leather seat. He was about to close the door when I spoke.

"You said you would protect me," I accused, panic in my voice. I didn't want to be left alone in the dark! It scared me. Felix let out a quiet sigh and climbed in after me. I smiled happily as he picked me up and cradled me again. Demetri got into the driver's seat and started the car. I turned to look back at the dark house—a place where I used to call home. Now, I wasn't sure if I was able to anymore. I felt myself relax into Felix's cold and cloaked arms and fell asleep.

So what are your opinions? My biggest fear is that I am making Bella a bit too... unchildlike. Or do you think her current observations and behavior fits her age? I don't know! Anyways, the next chapter should highlight her arrival to Volterra.