Disclaimer: I do not own Edward Cullen or any other Twilight characters mentioned in this story. I own Vince and Contessa Lombardi, and the plot.

Author notes: Some feedback would definitely be appreciated. Seriously, how hard is it to click the button in the bottom corner, ya know, the one that says 'submit a review'.I honestly had a great time doing the research for this story.

Story edited: 11/27/08

Eternal

Before I continue I guess I should tell you a little bit about myself. My name is Contessa Lombardi, and I was born in Chicago in 1909. My parents were killed when I was thirteen, and my brother Vincent took care of me until his tragic death in 1925. Eighty three years ago and the night is still fresh in my mind. Tonight is the anniversary of the death of my brother, Vincent James Lombardi.

I remember this night as if it happened only yesterday.

We left the saloon late that night. Edward's arm was around my shoulder and Vince was by my side. As we stepped out of the building we were hit with a cool gust of wind, and I found myself slipping closer into Edward's embrace.

As we stepped onto the sidewalk Edward stopped dead in his tracks. He shoved me behind his body and spoke to Vince. "Something's not right here." His eyes began to scan the street. "I don't like this." He began to focus on a well dressed man across the road.

"What's going on?" I tried to look around his frame, but he would not allow it.

"Stay behind me Tessa." I unconsciously grabbed the back of his coat and nodded my head.

"Let me go grab the car." Before Edward had a chance to stop him, Vince had taken off towards the parking lot.

Edward turned around and pressed my back against the wall, just a gunshot rang out. I heard a loud thump from nearby, and I heard my brother cry out.

"Vince! Are you alright?" I wanted to see what had happened, but he blocked my vision. I wanted to know if Vince was alright.

Someone yelled out, "No one move!" The gun went off again.

Edward's face was close to mine as the bullets went flying. I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes as he started to speak. "I'll get you out of here, I promise." His arms wrapped around my small frame. I couldn't see a thing, for my head was buried in his chest, but I could hear screams from all around us.

The squealing of tires along the street caused Edward to turn his head. I took the opportunity to take a peak at the scene that was unfolding. The police had arrived on the scene, and the sirens were drowning out the screaming. I saw Vince laying on the ground, in a pool of his own blood.

I couldn't control myself as I began to sob into Edward's chest. Vince was the last member of my family, and I had lost him the same way I had lost my mother and father. Edward held me tighter, and began to move us away from the body.

I gasped as I looked behind Edward. There was a man that looked to be in his mid thirties standing across the street, his gun drawn, his finger on the trigger. I watched in horror as his finger pulled the trigger, and the bullet headed toward us.

I wanted to scream, but I couldn't find the voice.

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