Chapter 14

Farewell

The Cullens permitted the twins and I to stay with them for a few more days, each day both Ambrogio and Renesmee continued to grow – though Ambrogio's growth was slightly faster in his earliest days but after a while his growth began to slow. After the first month and a half; Ambrogio was now the size of a six-year-old child.

His beautiful dark sienna brown hair had grown just above his shoulders, Alice insisted that instead of cutting it she tied it in a small silver satin ribbon; Ambrogio quickly developed in his verbal speech almost flawlessly, though he preferred the use the advancement of his mental speech. And Bella gave him the necklace I sent her for him to play with – he absolutely adored it.

My son had won over the hearts of the Cullens, just as Renesmee had won over mine, but he had even won over Alec and Jane's affection; I had never seen them act their own age in a long time, Ambrogio had genuinely re-opened their inner child. Though Jane and Alec had fondly adopted 'Gino' as his alias; and quickly so had the Cullens and Jacob, as they all seemed to believed that his name was a bit of a mouthful – at first I felt it was a bit droll, though in the end I too came to like it over time.

Ambrogio and Renesmee had formed a special bond, the two had become closer then friends; to me, they made an adorable couple, Alice and Rosalie took many pictures of them every day – dear Alice was so kind as to make a rather large photo album for me, she even bought old-fashioned clothes for Ambrogio.

Even though Alice had to keep on replacing them because Gino would keep on out-growing them.

Jane, Alec and I – now back under the comfort of our regular diet – had been able to control our thirst around the boy, Carlisle was gracious enough to allow us to drink from the human blood he had in storage for Ambrogio and Renesmee; but Ambrogio had inherited his mother's singing blood. Like Bella's father, my son's blood seemed to be far more appetising than most; which honestly began to frighten me, for what if the others in the Volturi felt the same way.

Everything was absolutely perfect, everything in Forks seemed at peace; there was nothing going on and I perhaps was enjoying it far too much. But after the twins and I shortly returned from hunting, Alice spoke out of a vision she saw of the Volturi coming for me – thought she almost seemed relieved to have finally seen a pure, un-hazed vision – even if it was not one that she wanted to see.

"Edward, the Volturi are coming! They think something has happened to Aro."

I was nervous, "Oh dear, perhaps it's time we leave... I'm just so afraid that they'll try to kill Gino."

Jane came to my side, protectively; with Ambrogio sitting comfortably in her arms, "Fear not, Master; my brother and I will make sure to protect him."

I smiled and let my hand graze against her cheek, turning to the Cullen family, I whole-heartedly thanked Carlisle.

"Thank you to you all, we have learned to control our thirst; though it is only now that I see the reason why you live the way you do." Understanding that without the animalistic thirst for blood, only then could civilised and pure love attachments could be formed. "Thank you, Carlisle; you and your family have really opened my eyes these past few weeks… probably more than I have learned in over three hundred years."

Carlisle came forth, "We've all enjoyed your company, Aro…" Carlisle's mind then turned to Rosalie, "Well almost everyone."

I was so pleased to have earned back his trust, as we embraced each other as lifelong friends; I whispered into his ear.

"I will miss you, my old friend."

Carlisle smiled, "And I you... old friend."

Renesmee then came behind her grandfather with her hands stretched up to me, I bent down and we exchanged our thoughts; her memories were all the times that she had spent with my son.

"Do you really have to go?" came her little voice; it would have brought tears to my eyes, if only it were possible.

"I am afraid so, dear one. But do not fret, my little angel, I'll tell you what; you and your family can come whenever you wish to see him. And who knows, I might just be able to bring him over for a visit."

My finger tip came and brushed down the spine of her little nose; and her beautiful smile shined once more.

"Thank you." Renesmee then unexpectedly wrapped her little arms around my neck and hugged me.

Smiling happily, incandescently, I wrapped the little jewel in my arms and kissed her brown russet hair. As I released her I turned to Jane, she handed me Ambrogio and he was passed around the room saying goodbye in his own way; and then finally he gave Renesmee a long embrace.

"I'll miss you, Nesmee." He whispered,

Renesmee replied softly, "I'll miss you too, Gino."

I was so moved by them, their parting was such sweet sorrow; Gino then turned to me and opened his arms, I picked him up effortlessly, and we said our last goodbyes as we jumped out the door and began the journey home to Italy.

As we reached the north of France that was where we found the Volturi guard sent to come for us; it was a pleasure to see the faces of my guard again, I had missed them so – Felix, Demetri, and Renata, even a few of the other members came.

"Good day, my young friends; it's such a relief to be in your presence once again." I greeted.

"Lord Marcus and Lord Caius were concerned about your well-being," came Demetri, "It was Marcus who ordered us to come and bring you b-" Demetri's words were then cut short as his gaze fell upon the child in my arms. "If I may ask, Master, but what is the meaning of this?"

Ambrogio turned and looked at the guard. "Who are they, Father?" his mind asked timidly.

"These are some of the members of your new family, my dearest one." I replied, but Gino coward and hid his face at the base of my neck, lightly clinging onto my hair.

Renata stepped forward. "Would this be an immortal child, Sir?"

I smiled. "No. No, of course not, he is a half-breed; a child of half mortality and half immortality."

They leaned in closer, and I saw their eyes grow slightly darker as they breathed in his scent; Alec and Jane stepped forward in front of me to protect him.

"Let us just calm down and we'll all go home. Alright." The three guards led the way; while the twins kept their eyes on them at all times.