Wow! I am amazed with myself. Two chapters in one day. Since you've waited a long time for me to update, I figured what the heck. Besides, once I written this chapter, I am too impatient! I wanted to post. So here it is!

Chapter 19

The Funeral

"What?" Bella asks in disbelief, jaw dropping to the horrid news of her son's announcement to depart from the family. Emotionally, Bella heart breaks to the idea of her son leaving the family. Every fiber in her being beckons her to wrap her iron cold arms around him. Vampires can not cry, but the light glare from the moonlight shining off her golden orbs shows the deep emotion of sobbing. The mask of complete terror is plastering on her face. The sound of Paul and Mildred's feet making way towards them continues. Bella slightly shakes her head, "No." She says breathlessly, her voice trembles to her emotions. "We're going with you."

Luken sighs internally, knowing very well his mother would fight him on this. "I am going alone…" He murmurs, barely moving his lips. His eyes stare dully at his mother, almost wearisome. "I need to leave. To be on my own." The firmness in his voice is light yet it holds strong meaning. The emptiness that lingers in his eyes shines off his demeanor. A small part of him knows he is truly not one of them. Ever since his vampire trait has decay to allow the human side to be dominated, Luken felt like an outcast. The very truth appears before his eyes when seeing Ebony's remains. He the weak link and no matter how many times the others tell him otherwise, the very truth rears it ugly head. He can't protect his family nor be fully one of them. Luken drops his eyes to the ground in shame, "I don't belong here."

A slight furrow edges in Bella's brows in confusion while tilting her head slightly. Her mind tries comprehend his words while emotionally and desperately trying to keep herself together. It certainly is better listening to Julian's story rather facing this. "W-what? What do you mean? You belong here…with us." Bell says, voice is lacing with her heart-wrenching emotions.

Luken face saddens when knowing he is hurting his mother but he can't stay any longer. The regret and dreading the loss is suffocating him. His tightly clenching his fists and ignores the piecing sting of his nails digging into his hands. Lips tremble to his pain that throbbing maliciously at his heart. Luken breathes heavily to prevent himself from breaking down into tears. His eyes redden as a watery barrier covers his vision. "I..I.. sorry." Luken stammers under the pressure of his agony. His body trembles as his chest heaves bundles of air. A heavy tear hangs on the brink of the corner of his eye. "I can't stay here."

That single streams down his cheek while other tears form rapidly in his eyes. Luken struggle hard to keep his emotions at bay but fails. Sobs slips through his lips follow by other sobs. The back of his throat aches to his crying while an overwhelming unknown pain swells in his chest. Redness breeds on his cheeks, Luken face is lightly damp from his tears. His shoulders haunch forward while his chest rises and falls rapidly. Bella stares in disbelief as her own lips tremble. The painful sobs that her son is releasing echoes in her ears. She attempts to approach him for comforting by Luken quickly shies away. Swiftly, Luken briskly walks away from his mother towards the front door. The tears continue to fall down his cheeks. Bella body in such a daze that her commands are ignore. The overwhelming feeling freezes her in places as Bella is force to watch helplessly at her son retreat.

Luken ushers quickly towards the staircase when his eyes momentarily sees Renesemee standing a few feet from the stairs. No doubt she has heard every word considering the disbelief feature on her face. Her lips are parting with her eyes widen in fear of losing her brother. A glassy barrier coats over her eyes as the light reflects off her orbs. The emotion is written loudly on her face. Her head follows Luken's movements as he briskly walks to the stairs. Behind Renesemee, Julian leans against the door frame. Helpless to watch his families slowly fall apart.

Luken tries to avoid the look on his sister's face for he can not bear the agony. He reaches to the staircase as he feet thumps up the stairs. Halfway up, Renesemee speaks up, "Luken?" She says breathlessly, barely able to make a whisper. Her single word holds everything that she is enduring. The very sound breaks Luken even more. His hand clenches the stair rail as it moans to his tight grip. Luken continues to keep his face away from her as he slightly dips his head. As much it kills him to ignore her, Luken can't find any words to say. He sighs deeply before continuing his way up.

Renesemee watches fearfully as her heart breaks. Her eyes follow him until he disappears from her view. The idea of her brother living will her leave her aching. The rustling sounds of Luken's feet echoes in her ears as she pictures him packing a few things for his departure. Sounds of clothes being thrust into a bag echoes as Luken feet move towards the nearest window. The window moans to the strain then a light thump of Luken's feet landing on the hard ground. Finally, the soft blare of his feet running through the woods until Renesemee can hear no more. When the sound finally fades away, all evidence of his departure becomes reality. Renesemee purses her lips to prevent her sobs but fails. She dips her chin down with her shoulder rising to his jaw line. Her chest heaves air as she breathes out her sobs. The endless tears slid down her eyes. The pain overlaps Renesemee body, forcing her legs to give in. Renesemee lowers herself down to the ground with her upper body lean forward. Then a pair of arms wraps her in a tight embrace. The love of her mother pours onto her. Bella softly rocks Renesemee while resting her cheek on her hair. Renesemee cries into her mother's shoulder while Bella tries desperately to keep her sobs at bay. "He'll be back." Bella voice trembles in uncertain, only a fool's hope keeps it alive. "He's just lost right now." Bella says in the same tone, trying to convince herself of the words she speaks. Julian approaches them before lower himself down to their level and wraps his own arm around them.

Then a thrust of wind blows through the room as Mildred and Paul enter into the house. They notice the three on the ground, embracing each other. "What happened?" Mildred asks, her own voice is still weak. Bella looks up at the two with a sentimental feature as she prepares herself to share the news.

A few days later

Ebony's private funeral by the lake

Bella stands at the edge of the lake with her bare feet digging into the golden dirt. The dirt is hot from the sun which is now setting in the far distance. The sunlight is a bright orange that lighten the clouds to tint in a reddish color. The horizon morphs from the orange light to the blue sky which will be darkening in less than a few hours. The cool wind blows lightly into Bella's face, tugging on her hair. Her arms wrap around her chest, protectively as her mind ponders on the memories of Ebony. She thinks upon all the times that the girls came here to watch the sunset. The beauty of the horizon never fails to amaze her, for it's a different painting each time. She believes God in Heaven paints it every day.

The soft murmurs of other vampires, who have come to pay their respects to Ebony. Their words move quickly which humans would never be able to comprehend. Renesemee went to the Canadian border until the end of the funeral due to her human scent. Bella does not want to rick any conflict. And since Julian was a large part of Ebony's vampire life, he must attend to the gathering and allow Renesemee to go alone. Bella continual worries for her daughter's safety, but knows she has to be here. Luckily, Paul bought cell phone for them recently which slightly eases Bella's worries.

Bella turns in place to retreat from her thoughts and joins the gathering. Her eyes scan the premises where a few vampires come together in peace. They are shatter across the land, talking to a fellow vampire. So many faces are unknown to Bella and so, she walks up to Mildred who is in a conversation with another vampire. When she is standing next to her, Mildred directs her attention to her momentarily. "Yes, thanking for coming." Mildred says while she ends the conversation. A small sympathic smile tugs on her lips. Mildred cold hand grabs Bella's, "We'll be alright."

Bella nods sadly when another vampire approaches them. When Mildred acknowledges her, she immediately hugs the nameless vampire tightly. The two girls remain in the position for a few minutes before parting. The vampires breathes a short sigh, "I wish was here." She says sadly, the look in her eyes is expressing deep emotion. Obviously, she knew Ebony well.

"I know." Mildred says quietly with a small smile in a way of comfort. Mildred turns to Bella while holding the vampire's hand. "Bella….this is Claire….Ebony changed her years ago.."

"I know." Bella cuts her off, acknowledging. Bella stares at Claire while remembering Julian's story about Ebony changing her. Claire is slightly shorter than Mildred with a petite body. Her hair is a dark auburn that waves down to her chest with layers from her jaw. The waves in her hair are fluffing out in a frizz, but it looks beautiful and natural on her. A few leaves are tingling in her mane. Her oval head shape holds almond shape eyes with nice full lips. The cheekbones are noticeable but not strong. Her pale skin looks very soft, almost too majestic to look upon. Her beauty is utter along with a kind demeanor shining off her. Slight curves forms on her waist and hips. Bella looks directly at the beauty, feeling intimidate by her, "Julian told me about you."

A single brow lifts curiously with the side of her lips swaying upward. The look is beautiful and kind, Claire immediately comes forth to embrace Bella. Hesitantly, Bella return the gesture to not be rude. When they break to contact, Bella takes a step back but smile warmly at her. "If you don't mind." Claire begins timidly, "I would like to come home." The question is mostly directing to Bella who nods once to approve. Although it shocks her for asking her considering she's part of this family before she came along.

"Its good to have you home, Claire." Mildred says solemnly.

Claire stares into Mildred eyes until looking past her when her eyes land on Julian who is making his way towards them. A large smile elopes on her lips, revealing her pearly whites. She quickly passes Mildred to embrace Julian in a tight hold. "Oh! I missed you." Claire declares shamelessly before giving him a small peck on the cheek. Julian returns a smile. Paul comes closer after ending a conversation with a fellow vampire and immediately, Claire embraces him. Groggily, Paul returns the gesture without complaint.

Bella watches the scene, almost similar to Mildred and Julian reuniting all those years ago. Bella huffs to herself as she thinks of the years that has past on by so quickly. While Claire and Julian have a private conversation, Bella looks at the nameless vampires again in astonishment. At least seven other vampires attend to the gathering of Ebony's funeral. Unlike human funeral, vampires just say their quick goodbye to a fellow creature and they reminisce with others. In some way, Bella is happy there isn't a long speech for she would be crying dry sobs. "Who are all these vampires?" Bella asks curiously, voice is dreamy while continue to graze their faces.

Mildred looks at Bella before looking around herself. "They are other vampires that knew Ebony. In many ways, Ebony was a mother to all of them. It was kind of… natural for Ebony to mother anyone new. Even though they didn't travel with her, Ebony left an impression on them." Mildred says in sad note while capturing all the vampires' attention. The talk of Ebony being a mother draws them near. If Bella could blush she would be. The vampires approach them in a swift and graceful manner.

A particular male vampire stands closely to Mildred. He is tall with an oblong face. His skin is a pale tan with dark hair that is curling. His cheekbones are strong along with a long chin. Next to him, a woman, who Bella suspect is his mate holds his hand. She is about the same height with a lighter complexion. Her looks are intimidating due to her strong features. Her body is long and small. Both of them have deep crimson eyes. "I am Alvaro." The male vampire speaks with a strong accent from South America and there is proper tone lingering in his voice. "I am from the Amazon as well as my wife Hatria. We both met Ebony in the southern land of North America. We were traveling through the state to return to our homeland when met Ebony."

"She was mother to us." Hatria speaks up in a deeper voice that soft spoken. "She embraced us as her children before becoming acquaintance. Before long, she has captured our hearts and ever since we've called mother."

Someone from behind speaks up once Hatria finish her statement. Bella turns in place to listen half-heartedly to their testimonies. "I am Louie from Canada." A male vampire says, his voice is sweet and articulate. He is pale white, almost wintry. His dirty blond hair is short with small spikes stilling up. He looks no more than a seventeen year old. Golden eyes are liquidly; no doubt he fed before coming. Louie has a smooth face with a lay back demeanor. "I was changed years ago and as a newborn I was wild. But Ebony and Julian." Louie nods his head towards Julian to indicating the face of that name. "Took me under their wind and taught anything I needed to know. Ebony was my mother in this existence."

"I am Sandra." A female next to Louie speaks up; her voice is high pitch that ring beautifully. Her skin is pale, similar to Louie but her dark hair outlines the curves in her face. Her hair is straight and reaches to her hips. Her face looks wise. "I was ripped apart by another vampire when I met Ebony. She put me back together and like the rest of you, she was my mother."

Through those moments, Bella is touch by their words. Each other these vampires had their story to tell. Despite the hidden tension between some of them, they put their differences behind to honor Ebony's memory. Even Bella's family members share there story as well as Bella. Even the pain of loosing Ebony aches in her heart this day brings a since of closure to embraces her. As the day begins to darken, a few of the vampires left. But three remain to talk privately with either Claire or Paul. Julian soon left to be with Renesemee; no doubt he has been aching to be near her.

Mildred approaches Bella while holding a small smile. She grabs Bella's hands, "It difficult without Ebony, but we have each other. We're family, remember that." Her words are inspiration yet firm. A sense of security fills Bella's chest as she secretly yearns for her son. Then, a voice echoes in Bella ears. A familiar voice. Bella eyes looks beyond Mildred's shoulder towards Claire who is speaking to a tall vampire who is obviously late considering, Bella doesn't remember him telling his story. He is tall with blond hair and golden eyes. His looks are familiar as Bella slightly furrows her eyebrows in disbelief. Her chest becomes heavy. Bella remember his face, Carlisle Cullen.

Carlisle hugs Claire before saying a good bye. Even though Mildred is questioning on what is she looking at Bella can't remove her eyes from Carlisle. Everything is flashing before her eyes. She remembers him attending to her cut arm in a strange living room that is full of balloons and party gifts. Slowly, Bella moves past Mildred while feeling her eyes on her. Her feet move toward Carlisle who is briskly walking away but soon, his pace speeds up to an inhuman run. His body vanishes into the forest. Mildred voice continues to echoes in her ears but she is too daze to answer. Soon, an urging feeling awakes in her chest. Bella eyes widen slightly before charging after Carlisle.

Briskly, Bella dodges the branches easily while hearing Carlisle feet in the far distance. Before long a sound of an engine revives to life along with the car speeding away. Bella heart drops as she picks up her pace and follows the car. Down a winding path, miles away from the house, Bella sees a black Mercedes with dirt trailing behind it. Her eyes come in contact with his when he looks through the rearview mirror. His eyebrows furrow in curiosity. But before long, Bella's pace begins to cease. She comes to a stop and watch the car drive away at a high speed.

Bella feels a strange feeling in her heart, a warning yet again reassurance. "We'll meet again….Carlisle Cullen."


To be continued

Well, I hope Luken's departure was full of feeling. I tired to put a lot sentiment into it and I hope you can feel emotions that Renesemee and Bella were feeling.

Oh, I am so happy right now. When I first started to write this fic I envision the funeral and here it is! Finally!!

Ok, do not hate Luken…. He one of my favorites, so don't hate him!

A/N: The next chapter is the last chapter for this fic.