All things Twilight belong to the Talented Stephenie Meyer

Chapter Songs:

Weathered - Creed, Tranquilize - The Killers (Feat. Lou Reed), There For You - Flyleaf

Chapter Twenty-Five - My Love

Aro seemed pleased with the revelation of Edward's plans but he hadn't finished digging through my mind, it was almost like an addiction to him now. He sifted through each of my visions, every vision I had ever seen. I saw them all again too, each moving like they were on a reel spinning too fast to speculate on the contents. I was sure, that the speed in which things were flowing were due to Aro's expertise of reading, I was sure his complex mind could decipher every image shown. I also considered that he was looking for something. I wasn't sure what, and I was almost positive I didn't want to help him, so I stopped thinking.

Somewhere amongst the speeding memories, I let myself relax, I tried not to relive every thought I'd ever had, it seemed like a pointless exercise. With my relaxation, my senses returned. I was aware the room surrounding us had turned silent in the anticipation, Aro, however seemed oblivious.

After what felt like a lifetime to me, the thoughts and memories began to slow, I was acutely aware that they had turned to black. The black wall that I had so often encountered when I tried to remember my human life, when I tried to remember who had freed me from my prison. It seemed even Aro's skill could not unlock that door.

I opened my eyes to see Aro's head bent over our hands. The whole room was staring at us expectantly. I waited silently.

Aro's hearty laughed filled the large room, he looked up, his eyes were filled with the excitement of what he had just seen. "That was fascinating!"

"I'm glad you enjoyed it." I said, not sharing his enthusiasm.

"To see the things you've seen—especially the ones that haven't happened yet!" he shook his head emphasizing his amazement.

"But that will," I reminded him. My voice came out calm but in my head it was delighted 'We saw the decision Edward.'

"Yes, yes, it's quite determined. Certainly there's no problem."

Caius didn't seem happy about the confirmation and Felix and Jane seemed to mutually agree.

"Aro," Caius complained.

"Dear Caius," Aro smiled. I knew that once he had seen what I had to show him, he would be less inclined to side with Caius. I was glad that I was, once again, right. "Do not fret. Think of the possibilities! They do not join us today, but we can always hope for the future. Imagine the joy young Alice alone would bring to our little household . . ." I inwardly shuddered at the thought. "Besides, I'm so terribly curious to see how Bella turns out!"

'Edward, I think we did it. I think we got out of here.' I froze when I was slapped with a vision. They were convened to feed. I looked at Edward hoping he had seen the vision. The slight movement of his eyes made me realize he had. I looked to Bella, she seemed to be sinking into a pool of depression. I couldn't understand what was wrong, but I didn't have time to worry about that just yet. We had to get out of this room. 'Edward, they're close, you have to say something now. We're running out of time.'

"Then are we free to go now?" Edward asked, he'd heard my frantic begging.

"Yes, yes," Aro sang to us in happiness. "But please visit again. It's been absolutely enthralling!"

"And we shall visit you as well." Caius threatened, he was not happy about the turn of events that had just occurred. This wasn't my main concern right now though."To be sure that you follow through on your side. Were I you, I would not delay too long. We do not offer second chances."

Edward nodded once in acknowledgment, his jaw tight from the threatening words.

Caius smirked and drifted back towards Marcus who was still sat in his chair, disinterested in anything unveiling around him

Felix seemed disappointed, gone was his little game. Not a hint of it left in his mind. He groaned audibly.

"Ah, Felix." Aro was amused at his theatrics. "Heidi will be here at any moment. Patience."

"Hmm." Edward now stepped in hurrying along the farewell. Another flicker of the oncoming group had flickered through my head quickly, Aro's words making the situation all the more urgent. "In that case, perhaps we'd better leave sooner rather than later." he concluded.

"Yes," Aro agreed. "That's a good idea. Accidents do happen. Please wait below until after dark, though, if you don't mind."

"Of course." Edward agreed. I could see Bella wasn't enthralled at the idea of spending more time in the company of the Volturi or their home.

"And here." Aro added motioning to Felix with one finger. Felix obeyed his command and stepped forward. Aro unfastened the gray cloak from around his neck and pulled it from around his shoulders. He threw it to Edward. "Take this, you're a little conspicuous."

Edward threw the cloak around his shoulders and fastened it, leaving the hood down. Aro sighed.

"It suits you."

Edward was chuckling when he stopped abruptly, with the aid of my astonishingly strong vision and the sounds coming from beyond the walls, we realized our cue to leave was upon us. Once again we were running out of time.

"Thank you, Aro. We'll wait below."

"Goodbye, young friends." Aro sang, he could also hear the approaching group and I was beginning to wonder if he was above drooling. I closed my eyes and saw the group almost to the outer chamber. We had to move fast to get Bella out of here. This whole experience had been traumatic enough, without witnessing the lambs being led to slaughter.

"Let's go." Said Edward, full of urgency.

Demetri motioned for us to follow him, it seemed we were leaving the way we came in. This would complicate things. There was no hiding the scene from Bella now, they were too close. Edward pulled Bella along and I flanked her other side.

'Not fast enough." I muttered across Bella to Edward. He would know what I meant. Bella's wide brown eyes turned on me, her heartbeat rose.

The room filled with the sound of talking, Bella's head swung in their direction, I knew she could hear it, but I was sure it still wasn't as clear to her as it was to us. The group made their way through the doors and Demetri motioned for us to move aside to make room. We stepped against the wall. Each member of the group was chatting to the member next to them. They seemed confused as though they had no idea what had brought them to this specific room.

Some of the faces were turning to fear as they looked at us, I was sure that their minds were chattering away at themselves and I didn't envy Edward one iota.

Bella's eyes followed as a woman in the back, seemingly alone looked scared. I tried not to focus on her, hoping that Bella would do the same.

"Welcome guests! Welcome to Volterra!" Aro's voice could be heard as he greeted his meal. We had to get Bella out now, they were hungry and the smell was now torturing them.

Bella's eyes were following a small woman at the end of the group, she was grasping at a rosary. She was touching someone in front of her trying to get answers, she was asking in Greek 'Where are we? Who are these people?'

She was scared and the more people ignored her, the more fearful she became. Edward pulled Bella to him, but the look of recognition hadn't been lost on me, she knew why these people were here.

A small break appeared and we dashed towards it, we couldn't keep what was happening from Bella any longer, but we could stop her hearing it and witnessing it. Bella's face was frozen in horror and the tears pooled in her eyes threatening to spill over.

We got through the door and into the ornate hallway without incident. The hallway was quiet but there was a tall, beautiful vampire making her way towards us. She stared at Bella with curiosity.

"Welcome home, Heidi," Demetri's voice carried over us.

Heidi smiled at the welcome. She was dressed provocatively, I assumed she had been the one to lure the unsuspecting tourists. It's what beauty like that was good for.

"Demetri," she replied her face still curiously flickering between Edward and Bella.

"Nice fishing," Demetri complimented.

"Thanks," She flashed him a smile, "Aren't you coming?"

"In a minute. Save a few for me."

Heidi nodded and disappeared through the door, but not before one last glance at Bella.

Edward pulled Bella as fast as her legs would carry her but it didn't help. The screaming started before we left the hall, leaving a tingling in our ears and a shiver down our spine.

Demetri left us in the reception area and turned to us in his haste to return.

"Do not leave until dark." He warned.

Edward hadn't nodded once before Demetri had disappeared through the door. The brief opening letting screams come through once again, I hoped the noise was too quiet for Bella to hear, It seemed we had a small amount of luck on our side.

Gianna curiously eyed Edward who was holding Bella, the cloak still wrapped around him. I was sure that she was speculating on why exactly he was wearing it.

"Are you all right?" Edward asked Bella quietly, concern flooding his voice.

Bella stood pale and teetered on the spot, her entire body shook, he teeth chattering. I knew that the shock had finally hit her. "You'd better make her sit before she falls." I warned, "She's going to pieces."

The sound of her sobs filled the room as Bella's chest heaved with the task of pushing them out, she was hysterical. Her body shook as it pushed the sound from her lungs. I'd never heard Bella make any noise close to this and it concerned me.

"Shh, Bella, shh," Edward soothed as he pulled her to the sofa that was placed further away from the desk and the curious gaze of Gianna. I followed quietly, I wasn't sure what to do.

"I think she's having hysterics. Maybe you should slap her." I suggested. They always seemed to do that in the movies, I couldn't see how it would hurt now. She was practically non responsive.

Edward looked at me, panic filled his entire face. He was as concerned as I was and Gianna was still staring. 'Hold her, Edward.' I suggested in my mind. I imagined it would be safer to talk this way.

Edward sat on the couch and pulled Bella onto his lap, wrapping the cloak and his arms around her. "It's all right, you're safe, it's all right." he reassured her, speaking in a soothing tone.

Her tear filled eyes looked at Edward as they spilled over, her body shuddered as she held back the sobs.

"All those people." she wept.

"I know,' Edward whispered, his voice still soothing and calm.

"It's so horrible."

"Yes, it is. I wish you hadn't had to see that."

Bella laid her head on his chest, and sucked in deep breaths as she tried to calm herself, I watched her, wishing there was something more I could do.

"Is there anything I can get you?" Gianna asked as she leant over Edward's shoulder. Her confidence surprised me, it seemed she had spent a long time in the company of these vampires to have no qualms about leaning over a vampire, whose patience had been run thin.

"No," Edwards voice was sharp and cold.

Gianna nodded, smiled briefly at Bella and then disappeared as quickly as she had approached.

"Does she know what's going on here? Bella asked.

"Yes. She knows everything." Edward answered.

"Does she know they're going to kill her one day?"

"She knows it's a possibility,"

Bella's eyebrows skyrocketed at the reply.

"She's hoping they'll decide to keep her." Edward said in disgust.

"She wants to be one of them?" Bella asked mortified.

Edward nodded and waited for her reaction, I'm not sure what he was hoping for but I was sure he was taking it all out of context.

Bella shuddered. "How can she want that?" she whispered, "How can she watch those people file through to that hideous room and want to be part of that?"

Edward's face reacted to the comment and I knew that I had to step in, his face had twisted giving away the pain of what Bella had said, he was taking it as though she didn't want to be one of us. I couldn't sit here and watch him torture himself whilst he tried to convince himself to leave her again. I had to make him understand part of it. The rest I would get to later.

'Edward, she still wants you as much as you want her. She still wants to be one of us, what she's talking about is knowingly wanting to become one of them, one of the red eyed fiends who is feasting upon the poor unsuspecting tourists in there. She knows the difference and I think you should be a little more understanding about that. If you knew the conversation we had on the plane . . .' Edward's eyes flickered to me briefly. Bella's face was still buried in his chest. 'She loves you, Edward. I am going to let you two talk for now. But, as soon as we get out of here and thing quiet down we're going to have a talk.'

Edward nodded to me with his eyes once again and sighed softly. Even Bella didn't notice.

"Oh, Edward," Bella cried and her body lapsed into another sobbing fit. Her tears were now streaming down her face freely. Edward looked at her his eyes full of concern.

As he held her sobbing figure I decided to double check our chances. I knew that we were out for now, and I didn't see them changing their minds, but I felt it would be better to look ahead and make crystal clear, that I was right.

That's when I saw his smiling face, my Jasper. He was at the airport waiting for us, looking as handsome and statuesque as ever, I smiled at my vision of him, I couldn't have asked for more in a husband. He was perfect in every way, and I would be in his arms by tomorrow.

Edward was still holding Bella's sobbing body, he looked completely lost.

"What's wrong?" He asked, rubbing her back gently.

Bella wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and pulled herself closer to him. "Is it really sick for me to be happy right now?" she asked her voice breaking.

I felt a big smile break out on my face which was reflected by Edward. He pulled her closer to him and smelled her hair lovingly. "I know exactly what you mean," he whispered to her, his eyes twinkling in his happiness. "But we have lots of reasons to be happy. For one, we're alive."

"Yes," Bella agreed. "That's a good one."

"And together," he breathed into her hair. Bella nodded in reply.

"And, with any luck, we'll still be alive tomorrow."

"Hopefully," She replied, still with doubt in her voice.

"The outlook is quite good," I assured her. She looked surprised at the sound of my voice. "I'll see Jasper in less than twenty-four hours." I added trying to keep my pleasure at bay.

Bella turned her eyes back to Edward, she was still doubtful of him. Again, I wondered what he had told her to make her so convinced that he no longer wanted her. She was absolutely convinced he was going to take off again. I could see it in the way she looked at him. Although, as he gazed back at her, his dark eyes full of love, she seemed to relax, just a little.

Edward stroked under her eyes gently. She still had dark circles under them. All the more evident for her lack of sleep since our little charade started.

"You look so tired." he whispered.

"And you look thirsty," she replied not taking her eyes from him for one second.

He shrugged, "It's nothing."

"Are you sure?" Bella asked hesitantly. "I could sit with Alice,"

"Don't be ridiculous," he sighed. "I've never been in more control of that side of my nature than right now."

As Bella lay in Edward's arms, drinking in his presence, Edward did the same, but we discussed how to get home. In my haste to get to where Edward was, I had left my phone in the bag in the alleyway. Our plan was that Edward and Bella make their way directly to the gates, at human speed so that the Volturi would see us leaving directly. I would circle as fast as I could through the alleys and shadows, where no one dare set foot at night, no matter how safe the city was. Pick up the bags, jump the wall and find a car. Not to mention call the airline and get the tickets arranged. I was glad I had become apt at multi tasking.

After we had everything organized we sat quietly for a moment. The day seemed to be dragging terribly. Due to, I'm sure, our surroundings.

"What was all that about singers?" I finally asked after the silence began to make my ears throb. The room had no windows and therefore had no muffled sounds not even from outside of the building. It was deafening and maddening all at the same time. I was trying not to disturb Edward and Bella's reunion too much but I was bored.

"La tua cantante," Edward repeated.

"Yes, that." I said raising my eyebrows.

Edward shrugged, "They have a name for some who smells the way Bella does to me. They call her my singer—because her blood sings for me."

I couldn't help but laugh at that, it sounded like such a silly explanation. But I was sure it made sense. Even I hadn't known quite how bad it had been for Edward. I knew that first day he had thirsted to where I could feel it, but the way Aro had described it from the depths of Edward's thoughts and memories. I felt guilty for not being more supportive, and more understanding. I had no idea it had been painful for him. That it still was.

While we all sat in silence, and I thought about Jasper, I missed him dearly and my body ached for him. This was perhaps the longest I had ever been apart from him, and I certainly didn't plan on doing it again any time soon. I longed for the strength of his embrace, the comfort of his emotions. The smile, that devastatingly handsome smile of his that could make me melt in a heartbeat.

I looked up to see Edward watching me with his eyebrows raised, I grinned and shrugged my shoulders in nonchalance. He had his love in his arms, I only had my memory until Jasper was within my reach once again.

I replayed the journey to Volterra in my head, now that there was a light at the end of the tunnel I could begin to truly appreciate the Porsche, the cool leather seats, the canary yellow paint, the pretty cursive turbo written on the back of it. The feel of it as I changed through the gears. It had been the smoothest ride I had ever been in, and I'd had no time to fully appreciate it's grace and style. I sighed quietly to myself. I would have to get one, I believed it suited me perfectly. Edward smiled at me again curiously. I knew he waiting for me to start the lecture, he would have to wait for that.

We sat quietly waiting for a decision, I was sure it must be growing dark by now, and I checked periodically to see if they would be sending anybody.

I saw the decision as soon as Aro made it, he sent Jane's twin Alec to come and dismiss us. He moved quickly and I nodded at Edward to alert him. He pulled Bella closer, not that it was necessary, she was practically part of him as it was. But her face immediately changed when she realized we were about to have company, she cringed slightly, anticipating the arrival.

Alec breezed through the door looking like nothing at all had transpired.

"You're free to leave now," he told us warmly. "We ask that you don't linger in the city."

"That won't be a problem." Edward's tone was ice cold and razor sharp.

Alec, still satisfied with his meal nodded, smiled and disappeared.

"Follow the right hallway around the corner to the first set of elevators," Gianna directed us, Edward stood, still gripping Bella to him. "The lobby is two floors down, and exits to the street. Goodbye, now."

I rolled my eyes and followed Edward and Bella from the room. As soon as we were in the elevators I felt the weight slowly release me, I knew we still had to get out of the city, but it would be easy in comparison to being stuck in that hell hole all day.

We stepped out on to the cool darkened streets, the festivities were still in full swing, although there were no more children present, and a new friend, alcohol, had begun making an appearance. The fangs worn by the children were now being fashioned by the adults. It seemed so pointless and ignorant, but I was a vampire.

Edward nodded at me and I disappeared into the shadows, I ran flat out through every dark alley straight to the black hidden alley to retrieve the bags. The journey had been easier without the sun blocking all of the easy routes. I smelt the air around me, checking for vampires. Aro hadn't given out a formal order to follow us, but I wouldn't have put it past Caius. He had been disappointed about our freedom.

I found my way to the city walls, cell phone at my ear. I was getting frustrated at the woman on the other line, she continued to correct my Italian. It was impossible to keep all grammar and vocabulary perfect when you were running at full speed through a vampire city, and scaling a fifty foot wall. I was sure that the parking lot was just a little to the west of me, so I checked the other side before I dropped silently to the ground. I hung up the phone once the tickets had been purchased.

There was, unfortunately, no yellow Porsche in the parking lot. In fact, there was not one Porsche in sight. I sighed and looked at my choices. I settled on a Citroën C6. It was beautiful, but I had been spoiled by the Porsche. I used the skills Rosalie had taught me once again and had the car started. i would have to thank her for the handy skills once everything had returned to normal. I was sure she would appreciate that her talents had helped us out of this mess.

I drove to the shadows of the gate and waited, leaving the lights off and the engine running. I was lucky enough to have found a dark blue car, most were obscure colors. I had no idea what had been running through some of these humans minds. Why anybody would own a turquoise car was beyond me.

Bella and Edward came out of the gates and slid into the back of the car quietly.

"I'm sorry." I pointed toward the dash in exasperation. "There wasn't much to choose from."

"It's fine, Alice." Edward grinned. "They can't all be 911 Turbos."

I sighed happily. "I'll have to acquire one of those legally. It was fabulous."

"I'll get you one for Christmas." Edward promised.

I spun my head to look at him, I could see Bella's nervousness, she was afraid because I was already barreling down the curvy hillside at full speed.

"Yellow," I said happily. If Edward promised you something, especially a car, you got it. I was almost giddy. But I turned my attention back to the road. Because I was more interested in getting us to the airport so I could finally see Jasper. It felt like it had been months since I had seen him last rather than days.

"You can sleep now, Bella." I heard Edward murmur quietly. "It's over."

"I don't want to sleep, I'm not tired." Bella argued.

There was silence but it was broken when Edward muttered. "You're still just as stubborn."

I chuckled quietly to myself, I knew what Bella was doing, she was still so convinced Edward was going to leave again she was refusing to close her eyes.

We all sat in silence, and I knew that this was a good a time as any to begin speaking with Edward.

'Edward?' I asked into the darkness of the backseat in my head. I could see them clearly so I waited for Edward's acknowledgment before I continued. He nodded.

'I just want to let you know everything that's been going on. I have a feeling that you will not have any free time when we get home so it'll be safest to talk now. You need to understand what happened when you left her.

Bella didn't do so well, I spoke with Charlie while I was there. Edward, she was almost hospitalized because she was in such a state. She wouldn't eat, she wouldn't talk, she wouldn't sleep.'

Edward closed his eyes, I knew my words were hurting him. But he had to hear it. He looked down at Bella briefly, who was still fighting sleep.

He nodded for me to continue. 'Charlie said he called Renee to come and get her but she flew into a wild tantrum and refused to leave Forks. Charlie relented and let her stay. After this she went into living dead mode, Charlie's words not mine!' I said looking at the frown Edward was giving me. 'Anyway, she walked around like that for months, barely functioning. Charlie said he was terrified. All of the people from school stopped calling, and she would only speak when spoken to, she wouldn't listen to music, read her books or watch television. Charlie said she was avoiding everything that reminded her of you!'

Edward nodded sadly, he began smoothing Bella's hair gently.

'Well, she made herself a friend, and she started getting a little better, but even Charlie admits, it was never great. Well, this friend it seems, disappeared and cut all ties with her abruptly, she was concerned and tracked him down, and well to cut a long story short. He had just phased for the first time as a werewolf.'

Edward's look was of complete astonishment, he looked down at Bella and then back up at me incredulously.

'Well, that pretty much got you caught up, I already told you about the wolf.'

Edward's eyes grew wide, he was asking me a question.

'Oh, you want to know about Laurent and Victoria?' I asked, he nodded slowly, trying not to disturb a very groggy Bella.

'Well, Laurent's dead, the wolves killed him, which we owe them for. He was about half a second away from killing Bella. They were in your meadow. She doesn't know that I know about your meadow! Don't look at me like that! So anyway, she told me she went on a hike. But he saw her there tried to killed her but the pack showed up and killed him. But not before telling Victoria everything about us. So now, I'm sure she knows about your mind reading and my visions. The wolves have been keeping her away from Bella for the last couple of weeks, they've been running her out of there, but from what Bella was saying she's quite elusive.'

I looked in the mirror to see Edward cock his head in shame.

'I didn't mean that and you know it!'

Edward smiled. I swallowed, now came the difficult part.

'Oh, and Edward, I promised to change Bella if you didn't!'

I kept my eyes on the road after that, I didn't look back once. The rest of the drive was silent. We reached the airport in Florence and I parked the car. It was less inconspicuous that way. Our connection was in Rome which was a short flight away. I bought Edward some clothes in Duty Free so that he didn't have to wear the ridiculous cloak, for the rest of the travel. The conversation was never brought up again at this point because, the lights had brought Bella into full consciousness once again. It seemed I would be in the arms of my husband when that conversation came around. That suited me fine.

In Rome our connection was almost Immediate, another thing I was thankful for, it was getting me to Jasper quicker. I sat behind Edward and Bella and waited for the seat belt light to ding off so I could call him. I knew he must be worried. I would be cursing him now if it had been the other way around.

As soon as the ding was sounded I swiped the card along the phone and dialed his number. His voice was like his touch, it sent shivers down my spine.

"Alice?"

"Yes, Jasper, it's me."

"I've been so worried, what's going on?"

"We're on our way home, all of us. It's a really long story so i will explain when we get home. I really don't want to retell it five times. You understand don't you"

He sighed into the phone, "Alice, I'm just happy that you're alright." He said and then shouted to everyone around him that we were all safe and on our way home. I could hear the celebration in the background.

"We're flying into Seattle, are you still in Alaska?" I asked. My tone was growing desperate, the thought of spending a second longer than necessary away from him was torturous. My vision had seen him at the airport, but I hadn't concluded which airport it had been.

"We're actually in Forks. Esme made the decision, she said we never should have left. So we came back not knowing what the outcome was. She had a plan for everything though."

I laughed. "Of course she did, she's Esme."

"What time is your plane getting in?" He asked sounding just as Desperate as I was feeling.

"I think it's around five, I know we have a connection in Atlanta."

"I'll be there, I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too, I'll be home soon."

"I love you, Alice."

"I love you, Jasper." I said before hanging up the phone.

The phone call ended too quickly, but speaking to him had made me all the more desperate to see him, I was sure the entire family was suffering from the emotions he was emitting right now, it made me smile to just think about it. I was growing impatient and the waiting was distracting to me. When would this nightmare be over?

A couple more hours, I thought to myself, a couple more hours.

A/N: Okay , I hope that answered your questions lol. I know she didn't end up in Jasper's arms this chapter, but if I'd of kept writing it would have become a novel rather than a chapter lol.

To Caww and swimbutterfly, thank you for the questions, they helped fill in the holes I think. I really appreciate the feedback. and that statement is true of every reviewer, YOU ROCK! and I appreciate the time you take to write them. (Sorry, I know it sounds like I'm accepting an oscar or something weird like that.

link to playlist and a link to the Citroen C6 is on my profile, as well as a link to a pic of the Porsche :)