Author's Notes: I have author notes writers block. Just enjoy this chapter. Next one will be out soon, very, very soon.

Chapter Thirty-Two

"Just give us some more time, Aro. I promised she'll be changed. We want her to at least finish school." Carlisle was pleading with Aro. The Volturi sat in their respective seats as Carlisle talked to them. "She's my daughter and Edward's mate."

"She's a human who knows entirely too much." Caius said.

"Who has never said anything to anyone." Carlisle interjected. "And will never say anything to anyone. She knows what would happen." Carlisle wasn't afraid of the Volturi. He had spent years living with them and knew them quite well. "I have never mislead you or lied. We will change her as soon as the time is right."

Aro clasped his hands together and looked thoughtful. "We'll discuss this, Carlisle. Now go and enjoy the evening. Come back tomorrow afternoon." Carlisle held in a sigh and nodded then left. He hoped that Aro chose the right thing.

"Mom…" Edward said as Esme continued to fret around folding up Carlisle's clean laundry or tidying up Edward's room. She was so worried about her husband she blocked everything out. Edward wished Jasper was around now, but he was out hunting again. "Mom…" He said again, but failed to get her attention.

Edward went up to her and took his boxers out of her hands and dropped them to the ground as he held her hands. "Mom, he'll be okay." Edward said as he sat Esme down on his couch. Esme let out a little sigh and leaned against her son. Edward comforted her the best he could.

"He's going to work everything out and Bella will be fine and Carlisle will come home." Edward soothed her. He HAS to come home. He thought that last part. He wouldn't know what to do if Carlisle didn't come home. What if Aro deemed Carlisle a threat? The Olympic Coven was one of the largest covens besides the Volturi and Edward knew for a fact that they thought of them as a threat, though they had no desire to overthrow the Volturi and take over.

Esme was crying tearlessly in her son's arms and he rubbed her back. Why couldn't they cry? Why couldn't the venom make tears? Crying with tears would help so much with the release. He'd have to ask Carlisle to look into that when he returned. Because Edward Anthony Masen Cullen was one hundred percent sure that his father, mentor and best friend, Carlisle Cullen, would return to them unharmed and very much alive, if that's what they were.

After a few moments Esme managed to compose herself and Edward smiled at her. "Feeling better, mama?" He rarely ever used that term because he thought it was babyish, but he wanted to cheer her up. She smiled brightly and nodded. Esme ran a hand down his face and kissed his forehead before getting up.

"You're a good boy, Edward. Your mother would be proud, I know I am." They rarely spoke of people from their human lives as they tend to forget their human memories over time. Edward ducked his head. He hoped he made his biological parents proud. They were good people who raised him until he was seventeen.

Alice was sitting in the garage while Rosalie worked on Emmett's jeep as Rosalie and her were chatting about an upcoming shopping trip when Alice became silent and her eyes went out of focus and soon refocused when Rosalie was calling her name.

"Alice? Alice, what did you see?" She asked. "Was it about Carlisle and Bella?"

"They decided. It's certain for sure." She wrapped her small arms around her sister. What she saw wasn't good. Rosalie hugged Alice back. "Carlisle is coming back the day after tomorrow."

Carlisle walked besides Aro through the Volturi's halls. Aro had insisted on talking to him alone.

"We have discuss the situation with young Bella." Aro told his long time friend. He knew that his friendship with Carlisle could come to an end and probably would. Aro also knew that the Cullens would defend Bella and to the death. "Our original decision remains the same. I truly am sorry, but we have our laws to abide by."

Carlisle stopped in his tracks. "Why? Why are you doing this to us?" His voice barely above a whisper but he knew Aro could hear him clearly. "We have never bothered you. Why do you want to tear our family apart?" His voice sound broken, lost. Aro shook his head.

"Carlisle, it's the way things are. If only you lived by the way vampires are supposed to live, you would understand more." Aro said. "Now go home, be with your cov… family and prepare them for what's to come. We will see you in a few days." With that Aro turned around and left.

Carlisle had nothing else to do but to hurry home. Perhaps if they hurried they could change Bella before Aro arrived with the Guard.

Emmett had overheard Alice and Rosalie in the garage. He stopped and listened.

"They're going to kill her, Edward too." Alice said to Rosalie.

"Do you see any other possible future?" Rosalie asked. "What if she's changed?" Alice was silent so Emmett knew she was searching for any other outcome.

"If she's changed she'll live." Alice breathed silently.

Emmett raced over to the couch where Bella was sleeping and took a deep breath. He didn't want Bella to die. He loved his little sister and Edward was being stubborn about changing her. He had to take the risk. He leaned down and whispered in her ear about how sorry he was as venom pooled in his mouth in anticipation.

Emmett leaned down and bit her neck.

To Be continued...

Endnotes: Bet you didn't see THAT coming. Now review please!

Also, don't knock the "mama" thing. I still call my mother "mama" It's a term of endearment and one Edward only uses to make Esme feel better as he loves her.