I had never been so tired in my life.

Alec and I started off at a small café for lunch and made our way to different Churches and Museums as we immersed ourselves in the culture. The people, the places – it was all so astonishing.

I had wondered, though, if such a magical and beautiful place made such an impression to me now then why could I only remember bits and pieces from my first visit? They say when something intrigues you and captures your attention that you never forget it or at least you remember most of it.

Alec said we didn't see much last time we were here. And our visit was shortly after he had found me in that New York street and my mind was most likely blocking out the painful memories.

I didn't question him and only took in the scenery around me now knowing that I would always remember it.

Our last stop was at a small bakery where they designed a very beautiful ivory red velvet cupcake for me. They sang me happy birthday in Italian and I couldn't help but smile over at Alec who looked down at me proudly. I blew out the candle and made a wish to always have such a wonderful life as I do right now.

"Happy birthday, ma biche." Alec said, rubbing my shoulders as I took my first bite.

By the time we got back to the house, I was begging Alec for a short nap. I couldn't seem to keep my eyes open.

"No, Bella. You must get ready for the dinner. Your dress is hanging on the closet door. Up you go." He told me, pushing me gently towards the stairs. I sighed and huffed with every step, trying to contain my annoyance. Alec only laughed at me.

My dress was beyond magnificent.

I had no words for it.

I had wondered if Alec actually meant this one for me.

It was a soft shade of purple and it flowed gently and elegantly to the floor. I had noticed, it was quite revealing, shapes of vines covering most of me but leaving open room to reveal a few spots of my front and nearly all of my back.

It was so different. I had never worn anything like it and I had doubtful thoughts that Alec expected too much of me. What if it didn't look good?

And just as my fears had begun to overpower me a knock on my door set me back down onto the ground. A woman had stepped in, her smile brightened and sweet. Her skin was very pale, whiter than mine as her red eyes glowed kindly. Her caramel hair waved down the side of her as she stepped towards me, her green gown swaying across the floor as she moved.

"Bella." She only said as her smile widened. I stood straight up in front of her, my hands fidgeting by my side.

"Hello." I whispered.

"Oh you probably do not remember me. I met you when you were very little." She said, stepping closer. "I'm Esme."

"I'm sorry," I said. "I don't remember you."

"That's quite alright dear. Let me just take a look at you." She said, suddenly twisting me around. "Oh my, have you grown into such a pretty young woman."

"Thank you."

"Why are you not dressed yet, my dear? It is almost time for us to leave." She said, leaving me no time to answer as she ran her fingers through my hair as if deciding what to do with it. She helped me out of my clothing and into my purple dress and was very tender when she did my makeup, not putting too much on and just a light shade where it looked more natural. Within two minutes she had my hair curled and pinned back with soft curls hanging down on the side.

"Do I look okay?" I had finally asked her, feeling a bit awkward in such an elegant dress.

"Oh." She whispered, bringing her hands to her lips. "You look marvelous, darling. I'm sure the men will appreciate this very much." She smirked as my cheeks grew pink. "Come on now, dear, we must be heading out."

Esme grabbed a hold of my arm, the coolness not bothering me one bit. She helped me walk in my soft purple heels as we made our way to the stairs. Alec stood at the end of it in a dark gray suit, smiling broadly at me as I made my way down.

"Bella, ma biche. You look stunning." He said, cupping my face. "But it is missing something." He told me and swiftly pulled out a long black box. He opened it up in front of me and I gasped softly seeing the diamond bracelet. "For you, my doe. Happy seventeenth birthday." He told me, grabbing my wrist and gently putting the bracelet on. I smiled, feeling the tears make their way into my eyes.

"Alec! You are messing up her make up!" Esme scolded forcing a giggle out of me.

"I'm sorry." Alec grinned before reaching down and kissing my cheek.

Behind us a low voice cleared his throat, gaining just my attention as Alec and Esme already knew who it was.

I turned to see a man dressed in an all black suit, his copper hair in disarray on the top of his head as his red eyes stared directly at me. I felt my breathing hitch as my heart raced, his lips moving but I could hear nothing. He was undeniably beautiful but even more than that he looked so familiar.

"Bella, this is Edward Masen." Alec said behind me as I watched Edward's eyes travel up and down my body. Alec growled gently behind me as Edward continued to stare. He blinked a few times, as if lost in his own thoughts.

Edward stepped closer to me, every step quickening my heart race as he was now only an arm length away.

"Isabella." He said softly.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Masen." I said lowly, my voice quivering.

"To you as well." He nodded, stopping just a second to look down. "That dress suits you well." He said with a nod, as if he weren't very interested in it. Though only seconds ago it looked as if he were nearly drooling over me.

"Edward be nice, she is our guest." Esme said, putting an arm around me.

"Indeed she is." He said, looking away in distaste.

I felt as if I had been smacked across the face.

Alec reached down and rubbed my back as he brought me away from the man who damn nearly just insulted me.

"Remember, little one, lions come in all different shapes and sizes. Never forget that." He told me and I nodded my head, hearing a snarl behind us.