Here you go, an extra long chapter to make up for the somewhat long wait :) I hope you like it - we take a step closer in this one!

DISCLAIMER: Maybe I should start making a long-ass disclaimer at the beginning of every story.. That would save me from having to come uo with new creative ways to say that I do indeed not own Twilight; I'm just playing with the characters

BPOV

It didn't take long to open the Café and for it to become popular. We had many regulars, and they, thankfully, recommended our Café to their friends and family. The food smelled horrible; actually, everything we served smelled horrible to us, but the humans seemed to enjoy it. Minnie and I had spent a lot of money on cookbooks, but it wasn't really necessary seeing as I remembered my human life so clearly and I could still remember how to bake cakes and bread and whatnot. The old recipes were really popular in Paris. Funny, how we hadn't been living in Paris seeing as we had lived in France for about 7 years. During the sunny days, we always took on long sleeves. Thankfully, it was warm in France, and so therefore, we could easily have a small cover over our little Café. We experimented with our sparkling skin when it was sunny, and we weren't working. It turned out we could have shorts on in the sunlight, if we wore tights. Then our skin didn't sparkle. We would be a little less suspicious, if we were able to walk around in shorts. It was just Minnie and me taking care of the Café. We actually lived in the Café; we had big room out in the back where we had our stuff. Felix stayed in there all day and read or just relaxed. He was such a good dog. In the morning, I would bake bread and cakes and they would be fresh for when people started to arrive. Then Minnie would take their orders, and working vampire speed, I fixed the food. The doors into the kitchen had no windows, and people thought we had more people working. Truth is, working the speed we could; their food could have been ready five minutes after they ordered. As it was a Café and not a restaurant, we only served breakfast, cake and sandwiches. We got really good tips because of our looks. It was annoying, and at the same time flattering. But we were happy that people actually came to our café and didn't just cringe away like their instincts told them to.

After a couple of years in our Café, it was time to move on. We sold it, and moved to Italy where we decided to work for the police. Minnie being able to detect any lie and me being able to see the past, we were the quickest to solve crimes. We were a really good team, and mostly, the poor criminal would blurt out the truth when we questioned them because of our – shall we say - identity.

"Hey Min, I think being a police-officer is fun, but firstly, we have to move, and secondly, I think it will become more interesting as the world develop. Don't you think?" I asked. She nodded looking thoughtful.

"What is it Min?" I was a little worried. She had this faraway look on her face and she biting her lip; something she had picked up from me. Like I had picked up running my hand through my hair like her.

"Do you remember telling me about the Volturi?" She asked; not saying anything, I nodded.

"I think we should visit them. It wouldn't be good to be caught doing what we do, mingle with humans, here in Italy; I am almost positive that they wouldn't listen to us." She whispered. I nodded, and called on Felix. When dawn came, we had already finished packing, and we were walking to the station to quit. When we were out of there, we ran. We used the woods, and roads where there were no humans out. After about a week, we found Volterra. It was day when we got there, so we hit in an empty house. It was pretty cozy, but according to the smell, people lived there. When the night came we hurried out of the house, leaving everything untouched and ran with all our things to the castle of Volterra, where we had heard from other vampires that the Volturi lived.

Before we even had the chance to find the door that lead into the impressive castle, there was a huge buff vampire standing before us. I saw in his past, that he was changed by the Volturi, he was loyal to them, and that he lived off of humans. That was no surprise seeing as his eyes were a ruby red. Minnie looked disgusted. I was calm, already knowing who he was and what he was able to do. I could take him anytime; he relied on his strength, and that was no smart move. But I did have some doggy tricks…

He had no power, but he was very strong, and that was why the Volturi kept him. His name was Felix; ironically. He was changed after FeeFee; in the year 1705. That was now 31 years ago. His intentions? Waiting for his Master's orders.

"Hello. My name is Isabella." I said, reaching out to shake his hand. With a suspicious look in his scary eyes, he shook my hand. He visibly relaxed when he felt that I wasn't burning him with my hand or whatever he thought might happen.

"My name is Felix. Come with me." He said, and without further ado, we walked into the castle.

"And what is your name?" Felix asked Minnie. She frowned, probably thinking; and now you remember? Rolling her eyes she told him her name was Minnie.

The fashion around this time for the rich people was to wear gloves. I was happy, because I knew Aro's gift only worked when there was skin to skin contact.

Felix led us through the amazing castle, and I took it all in. The fantastic paintings, the well decorated rooms of the castle, and most of all, I admired the mystical feeling the castle gave me. It was like magic; though, it scared me. My loyal dog was right beside me, and Minnie was gripping my hand really hard on the other side of me.

"I do not like this Bella. I do not like this at all." FeeFee said. Stroking his fur, I tried to calm him down.

"Don't worry FeeFee." I whispered so low that Minnie didn't even hear. I knew Felix did, but only because his hearing was so much better than mine.

"Master" Felix – the vampire – said as he entered a big, round room where the ceiling was so high up, that the windows that hung just below it, shone with the last remains of the setting sun.

"Felix, it's good to see you again." said Aro. He past flashed before my eyes, and I saw how he and his brothers, Caius and Marcus, had become the leaders of the vampire world. I wasn't very pleased about his past; he could be truly deadly and evil. But he had his moments. The most interesting part of seeing Aro's past was that he had read so many vampires thoughts and now I had read them all. It was intimidating actually.

What caught my eye the most though, was that he had met Carlisle Cullen.

I gasped. I couldn't help it. He knew my father. My father was alive. He was out there, somewhere. And he hadn't forgotten me. He still loved me. If I was still human, I would have been crying. Minnie, sensing my sudden change of mood, looked concerned at me, and asked what was wrong.

"Minnie." I whispered. I didn't really care that I was about to reveal one of my powers to Aro; I would deal with it later.

"Minnie, he knows my father!" I squealed in delight. Aro was looking at me strangely, and with this power-hungry look in his eyes.

"That's great Bella!" She said, smiling and looking amused at me. FeeFee was getting restless beside me, so I reached down and stroke his fur.

"FeeFee; he knows my father! My father is alive!" I said, and hugged him. Showing his support, he rested his head on my shoulder, and thought to me he was happy for me.

"Hello, dear, my name is-" thinking I had already blown my cover I cut him off.

"Aro, yes I know. Excuse me for being so blunt. My name is Isabella Cullen" I said, and shook his hand. He looked disappointed that I had a glove on. I didn't want him to get too suspicious, so I introduced my little family.

"This is Minnie; my sister, though not biologically. This is Felix; my baby." I said and grinned at Felix as he playfully growled at me. I heard the vampire-Felix snicker behind Aro.

"Named a dog after me? How sweet." He said; wow, that guy was annoying. Smiling cruelly, I explained FeeFee to them.

"Actually not Felix. This dog, I met in 1692; he had been following me around the city when I went to look for food. You see, I lived in the forest. I didn't have a home; my whole family was dead, and my dad was missing. Well, in December 1693, I was again on the streets. Felix here was by my side, and he was when the vampire caught me and changed me. He lay by my side during my change; not once did he leave me. 3 days later, my creator was still there; I got angry and killed him. My instincts told me to burn him, so I ran out of the city and into the forest where I burned him. Felix followed me again, and we somehow formed a bond again. He didn't smell like a food-source for me and he became my friend. If it wasn't for Felix, I might be living the same way you do now;" I told Aro. He seemed to be caught up in my story; always searching for new stories to add to his little book, he had in his mind.

"-Off of humans. I was out hunting some meat for him, knowing he must be hungry. When I found the deer, I drank it, and now I have never tasted human blood. I stayed in the forest with Felix, but after about a year we moved on to Dublin. I had met a vampire – you know him Aro, he was on his way to meet you – Theo, and he told me about the vampire world. When we had moved around a lot, I started working in a hospital, and one day when I got home, Felix was very sick. So I tried to change him, and here he is. I changed him in 1696, so I believe, Felix – not you FeeFee – that he is older than you. Of course you can tell what that means," I said. I almost couldn't hold in the laughter as he turned furious. Well, it was hilarious to piss off one of the Volturi guard.

"Want to fight me?" I knew he did, I just didn't want to have to explain this other gift of mine. Minnie was looking worried, but I winked at her, and she knew how good at fighting I was. I mean, with my past, who wouldn't want to defend themself?

Felix was looking furious, but I just edged him on.

"Bring it." I said and he lunged at me. I dodged him, and before he had turned around, I was rolling under his legs. When he turned, I wasn't there, and I jumped from behind. I got him in a grip there was no way he could escape from, and let him lay there on the floor, with little me holding him down. I told you I could take him.

"I win." I announced and got up. Aro was looking wide-eyed at me; as were every other member of his guard. Embarrassed, I waved awkwardly to those who wouldn't stop staring. They still all stared at me.

"Okay… Aro, could we, perhaps, talk somewhere else? I'm not quite comfortable here…" I trailed off. All those stares, including Aro's were making me want to flee the place. Minnie didn't look exactly comfortable either.

"Why of course dear." The way he said it, made a shiver go down my spine. And not in a good way; it felt like he just found his most prized possession. I was no one's possession; I belonged to myself.

We made our way through the castle – not after Aro said that Renata, a physical shield, could just stay; I wasn't going to hurt anybody – and when we finally got to Aro's office, I almost couldn't contain a small gasp. The office was filled with the most expensive jewelry, and paintings of the times most popular painters hung on the walls. He was a collector; you could see it on how many different type of things there was; different cultures. Minnie held my hand so tight it almost hurt and, to reassure her, I gave her hand a small squeeze. She relaxed; she knew I would let nothing happen to her or Felix. And the fact that she was nearly as good as me in a fight, made her somewhat comfortable. I do not think Minnie would ever be as good as me in a fight; the more vampires I met, the more techniques I got. I was able to see what others used, and could use it against themselves and others. That made me a real lethal fighter. I could teach Minnie as many of the moves as possible, and that was what I did; Minnie was a really, really good fighter too.

"So Isabella, tell me about Felix." Felix growled quietly; Aro cringed back just a fraction. I had to agree with Aro though; his growl was so frightening that I would cringe back too, if it was directed at me.

"Well his change was strange. I don't know if you remember FeeFee, but it lasted exactly a week. On the exact same day, hour, minute, yes even second a week after, he stopped changing." Aro's eyes lit up with excitement.

"But Aro, I do not think you will be able to change animals. First of all, I drink animal blood. That must do something with my venom. Second of all, I had formed a bond with Felix even after my own change. He trusted me, lived with me; never once cringed away from me. I provided for him and loved him. I still love you FeeFee,-" I said as Felix huffed. I grinned at him, and ruffled his ears. In turn, he did the most doglike thing of all doglike things; he stuck his tongue out and breathed through his mouth.

"I love you too Bella." He said. Aro though, he frowned slightly.

"Yes Isabella, I think you may be right; I have never heard of an animal change before." He seemed to remember something right that moment.

"You said you knew Theo. He came to me many years ago; I remember him. He showed me some interesting things. I especially liked what information he had about you; even when Felix was mortal, you had a bond with him, yes?" I nodded. Aro seemed pleased.

"I could hear his thoughts back then too, if that is what you mean." I knew he had seen it in Theo's thoughts. Aro smiled.

"Aro?" I asked. Minnie was unusually quiet; I think she was a little afraid of Aro and what he could do. I had no intentions about Aro finding out Minnie's gift. Aro nodded a gesture for me to continue.

"Have you told anybody about my abilities?" I whispered. He frowned.

"No I have not. I saw that you told Theo, to ask if I would please keep quiet about it." I sighed relieved.

"Thank you." I said to him. He smiled. I looked at Minnie as if to ask if he told the truth. She looked down at Felix, ruffled his ears, as if not to seem suspicious and then looked at me again. He was telling the truth. Aro was looking at the two of us.

"Oh, how rude of me. This is my sister; Minnie." I told Aro. He shook her hand, still disappointed that she had on a glove.

"It is very nice to meet you." Minnie said. She didn't really like Aro; there was something about him.

I told Aro all about my gifts; how I was able to see the immediate intentions of another creature – human or vampire – my gift for seeing the past and knowing their power.

"Other vampires' gifts do not work on me. I think it has to do with my past; it was very rough and I don't want anybody to know, unless I tell them myself. So I think my gift is a defense of some sort; no gift work on me, but I can know everything about my opponent; I can talk, flee or fight." I had no intentions of telling Aro about my past, and I think he knew so, no matter how curious he was.

Minnie never told Aro about her gift; we were already feared and desired enough already. The guard feared us because they knew Minnie could fight just as well as me. Aro desired us because he knew my gifts and because of Felix. I had told him about how much better FeeFee's hearing, smell and speed was. Aro had been so intrigued that he told Felix to run around for him; even to a vampires eyes, Felix was a blur. Aro was so fascinated that he wouldn't let us go at the time.

Minnie and I stayed there for about 3 years, and Aro still had no idea what Minnie could do. I hated staying there; the human's screams the smell of blood. Minnie didn't like it one bit either. She had perfect self-control now, so it wasn't the smell that bothered her. Everything that we fought for when we worked at hospitals seemed to be pointless while we lived here. I told Aro that I would not help him when he executed; he could see the past just as well as I could. I also refused to teach my fighting methods or fight in general; Minnie did too. FeeFee didn't want to either. All in all, I refused to be used as a tool for the Volturi. Caius was furious, but he was smart enough not to cross me; he knew I could probably beat him, since I knew how he fought.

I had had enough after those 3 years; Aro constantly asking us to join his precious guard, the guard constantly trying to make me fight so they could copy me. It was getting irritating, and so Minnie, FeeFee and I decided to move on.

"I will see you around at one point or another, of that I am sure Aro. Live well, my friend." I told him when we parted. Well, he wasn't exactly my friend, but he didn't know that, now did he?

It was a relief to escape Volterra; we moved to Switzerland where we worked as doctors again.

It was good to be the master of your own life again. I was on the look for my father; it was hard, but now that I knew he was alive, I never gave up the hope to find him some day. That melody I heard when I was changed kept playing in my mind. I hummed it all the time. I wish I had a piano so I could actually play it. Perhaps even compose lyrics to it.
I would have to buy one soon.

So there! Bella is now aware that one Carlisle Cullen is alive!
What do you think of it?

Cheers!