Disclaimer: I do not own anything.
Chapter 20
Sarafina's POV
Edward told me he would wait until I was done. Until I was done saying my goodbyes to the wolves. I knew this was too good to be true. To have a life with people that are different then me but still accept me. Or at least Jacob and Seth did. This would be best for them too. Their people would stop complaining and probably stop making fun of Jacob for his silly imprint. He's probably got it all confused anyway.
At least they'll be safe. I, on the other hand, am going to meet the Volturi for the first time in my life and I wasn't excited, I mean who would be? They're scary beings. I only heard stories about them, and I definitely didn't want to get on their bad side. But now they want to take revenge again for something I thought that was over with? Isn't there some other vampire doing something bad in this huge world? I sighed.
I ran back to where I had left Jacob and Seth, and as I half expected, they were still there. They were both in their human forms, leaning against a tree, waiting. Once spotting them I slowed down and slowly took my time walking towards them. I lowered my head as I neared them, I couldn't get the courage to stare at their faces. I knew my expression would upset them.
"Sara! What was that all about?" I heard Seth's voice shout out. I perked up my head and my eyes locked with Jacob's. I think he knew something was wrong right away. His face was solemn and his eyes were hard on my face. At first I thought he was mad for something I did.
I opened my mouth to talk but I didn't know what to say first. That there's a mafia of vampires coming after me? No. I can't say that. They'll want to help out. I need to lie. Or at least say the truth in a subtle way. I exhaled a breath and took a good look at both of their faces. Jacob's was still stern but Seth's was anxious and soon it started to turn worried.
"I need to leave" I blurted out softly.
"You what?!" Seth exclaimed, "You can't!"
"Seth" Jacob said, looking at Seth with his hard eyes. Probably telling him to cool it.
I looked at both of them and then sighed, "I just came back to say goodbye" I dropped my head and stared at the ground. I'm such a coward! I can't even look at their faces…
I heard someone's heart rate speed up. I wasn't sure whose it was exactly, but either way I wish they would control themselves.
"If you're in trouble I want to help" Jacob said, just as I expected. I looked up at him and shook my head. I couldn't let him get involved. Especially if he would be the only one to join. I knew his pack wouldn't come and defend me. No shot.
"It's something I need to do on my own" I said. I had to make this end quick and us staring at each other in worried silence isn't going to speed anything up. I started to take a step back but suddenly a hand grabbed onto my wrist. I looked up and saw Jacob, lurched forward, gripping onto me.
"Don't go. I don't even know if you're coming back" Jacob stated, his voice growing gloom.
"I don't know either" I exclaimed, staring at him. I needed to be truthful with him. I didn't want to keep his hopes up if I don't return.
"But…but you're my life now—" Jacob began to say.
"No! I'm not! You're not part of my life and I'm not part of yours!" I exclaimed. I needed to hurt him so he could let me go. I'm sorry…
"But it's complicated…I'll do anything to prove it" Jacob exclaimed. There he goes getting dramatic...
I sighed, "When we're older…" I said, "In another sense" I cleared up since we aren't really aging physically but mentally, "You'll understand. And it's enough when I say so. Maybe some things are that simple"
The sun started to beam out of the clouds, shining its hot rays on me. My porcelain skin was sparkling violently as I stood before Jacob and Seth. Seth stared in awe but said nothing as his eyes were glued to the shimmering, while Jacob turned to face the ground.
Jacob clutched his fists and they started trembling. I stared at them and then looked back up at his face. I was a bit nervous. Hoping he wouldn't lash out on me in his wolf form.
I slowly turned to Seth who was also staring worriedly at Jacob. This wasn't how I wanted things to be, but I couldn't expect them to be all fine and dandy about me leaving either.
"Jacob…" I sighed. Instantly he started turning his body. I knew that "confessing" to me that he had this weird wolf crush on me wasn't easy. Since the first time we met he's always been skeptical about me. And I proved his theory about me right; you can't always trust a vampire.
I threw my arms around him, in this case he had his back towards me. I gripped my arms around him from behind. His head bent down and I could hear his husky breathing. I didn't want him to lose a friend so I made a promise to myself at that moment.
I leaned my forehead on his back, "I remember….I remember that Seth told me that when this imprint thing happens, that the two people are always connected. Jacob, I'm always with you too." I suddenly got a weird sensation growing in my stomach, "I'll come back to you. I promise"
I knew I couldn't stay any longer. I needed to leave now to make things easier. I couldn't say a formal goodbye to neither Jacob nor Seth, it wasn't that easy. Once I made up my mind, I let go of Jacob and sprinted back towards the divider.
"I know you will" I heard Jacob's voice breathe as ran away.
******
I ran farther down the divider, wondering where Edward could've gone. He didn't tell me he was going to the Cullen's house as I went to say my goodbyes. He said he was going to meet me here.
"Edward…" I grumbled. Suddenly I heard a honking and saw a black BMW just a few feet in front of me and Edward holding the steering wheel. I reached the car and poked my head inside the passenger window, "When did you ever get this car?"
"Carlisle lent it to me so I could pick you up" Edward exclaimed. I shrugged and hopped into the passenger seat.
Soon Edward raced down the street, back towards the familiar path of the Cullen's residence. I stared off into the window, watching the houses and people zoom by. I soon saw Edward's reflection glance at me.
"So how'd it go saying far well to the wolves?" He asked, making a turn in the woodsy opening. I didn't say a word and continued staring off into the window. He let the question go and continued driving.
"How's Tanya?" I spat, remembering the last time I was around and how he used to cheat on her.
"She's well. I told her I was going to visit the family." He exclaimed. I nodded and watched tree after tree pass by. "I also told her that our relationship wasn't working out"
I whipped my head towards him and stared at him in awe. My mouth hanging open ever so slightly. "Really?"
"I know you wanted me and her together but I didn't feel that spark with her anymore. I never did honestly" Edward confessed.
I grinned and wrapped my arms around him happily, "Yay! So you're not a slimy cheater anymore!" I laughed.
I heard him grunt and then he started to shake me off, "I'm driving" I chuckled and sat back straight in my seat. "I didn't think you were going to take this as good news" he said in a low voice.
"Well I am. I'm just glad you did what you thought was right. You'll find someone else, Edward. We all do sometime" I smiled happily at him. My mind quickly skimmed passed the past few days that I had experienced Giacomo's death…again and then meeting Jacob.
"Hm so now you're feeling something towards that wolf?" Edward smirked as he turned into the Cullen's parking lot.
"Stay out of my head, creep!" I shouted grumpily at him. He snickered and then opened his door and stepped out. I huffed and opened my door as well. Soon to find the whole family, excluding Carlisle and Esme, were standing in the doorway leading towards the house.
"Edward!" A shrilly voice called. I pinpointed the voice and saw the pixie-like vampire standing on her tiptoes and grinning from ear to ear. She then laid her eyes on me and smiled, but it wasn't the same happy smile she gave Edward. It was more of a mercy smile. I sighed and crossed my fingers, hoping I wouldn't have to hear pity about meeting the Volturi throughout my short stay here.
"Oh Sara I'm so sorry!" The girl wailed.
I was wrong.
*
*
*
"Alice, why don't you explain to Sara what it is you saw exactly" Edward exclaimed as he took a seat on the loveseat in the vast living room of the Cullen's house.
Alice nodded cooperatively and explained her vision with even the slightest details of how they're hair looked like to what they were wearing. Which she added she wasn't too happy about since their wardrobe looked so gloomy.
I bit my bottom lip and nodded after she explained everything. For some odd reason I didn't feel as nervous anymore, I felt a sort of calming feeling, it was strange for this sort of situation. I looked at each of the family members. From what I remember, I did recall the blonde gorgeous girl and her beefy boyfriend. Alice and her mate, Jasper, were the new assets to the family. Alice probably came in handy in times like these since she could see what's coming and all. Jasper, who sat next to Alice, was still a mystery to me.
"So…h-how's Esme?" I asked cautiously. Alice's happy exterior suddenly began to sulk and she turned to look at Jasper who also had a hurt expression on his face. Soon the feeling of sadness vanished too and a comforting sensation waved over. I was getting a bit frustrated with the change of emotions in this household. It makes you feel happy, sad, worried, angry…and the feelings only last for a couple of seconds.
"She's still…sick" Alice stated and glanced over at Edward.
"Everyone tries to get through to her but she's been in that state for a while now" The bulky vampire exclaimed.
"Emmett, not everyone has seen her" The blonde girl said, glaring at Edward. Soon everyone started staring at Edward, who was staring at the floor. His forehead was creased and he definitely was thinking about Esme too.
"Edward, you should go" I said, cutting the silence. He looked at me, his brows furrowed. I nodded towards the staircase and tried to throw him a considerate smile.
Edward stared at me for a couple of seconds and then looked at each of his brothers and sisters. Soon he got up and without saying a word, he walked up the stairs.
*****
Edward's POV
Walking up the long staircase of my old home felt like I was walking through memory lane. Sudden flashbacks of when Carlisle and I, spending some quality time together. Memories of when Rosalie and I would fight over the silliest of things. And of Esme. When she used to care for each one of us like we were her own flesh and blood. I felt a tinge of regret not having memories like those with the new part of the family. Instead they all hated me.
I walked slowly to the all familiar hallway and assumed that Esme would be in her room. Since the day Carlisle came to my home in Denali, I always pictured Esme sick in bed like a human. I was glad that I finally got the urge to come and visit her.
I knocked on the door lightly and heard faint footsteps approaching the door. Soon I saw Carlisle's face staring at me. It looked more dead and empty then the time he came to tell me the news. His eyes gleamed with surprise and relief.
"Edward, you came" Carlisle had spoke in his thoughts.
I stood straight and nodded solemnly. Carlisle stepped aside and allowed me to enter the room. "How's Sarafina?" Carlisle asked. His voice sounded tired and raspy. It was something strange, something I never heard come from him before.
"She's fine. She's downstairs with the others" I exclaimed staring at the back of my mother's head. She was sitting in a white rocking chair. The same rocking chair that she had bought for her room the first time we moved in. She loved rocking chairs, since it reminded her of when she used to hold her baby in her arms.
"I'll go say hello then" Carlisle said just before stepping out and closing the door. The door shut with a loud creak which made me turn my head. It was eerily quiet in the room and everything seemed to look dull without Esme's lively spirit.
I took a step forward and the floor made a creaking sound. I took another step and another until I quietly stood beside Esme. She looked empty, as if her spirit had left her body and just abandoned it. Her eyes were closed and her arms laid on the arms of the chair. She wore the white bathrobe that I had gotten her for her birthday last year along with the matching slippers.
I remember that day clearly.
::Flashback::
"Carlisle, I'm not the shopping type" I said as I picked up a red blouse from a shelf in the widely arranged clothing stocked from wall to wall. The small clothing store was colorfully decorated with pictures and designs, and also had adorned mirrors on the ceiling.
"It's your mother's birthday. You need to get her something" Carlisle stated.
"Can't I just make her something? Gifts come from the heart" I retorted tossing the blouse back and picking up a pair of beige slacks.
"She told me she wouldn't mind wearing a comfortable robe or something around the house." Carlisle explained, hinting something at me.
I grumbled and looked around the door from where I stood. I took what he said into consideration and walked towards the rack of bathrobes and other toiletries. I picked up a couple of items and showed them to Carlisle.
"This seems lovely" He said picking up a white fluffy bathrobe. He then looked around the store curiously, as if he was trying to find something. "And this would go great with it" he said picking up a pair of white slippers.
I smiled as I stared at her gift, "You know her so well"
::End of Flashback::
I slowly moved my hand towards her arm and then retracted it. Then I budged my body to move in front of her, getting a good look at her face.
She looked hallow. As if she was just bones and skin. I went on my knees and looked up at her empty face. She still looks lovely I tried to smile but I couldn't get myself to do it.
"Esme…I'm so sorry for doing this to you. I'm sorry I had left you and Carlisle, just to live with Tanya. I shouldn't have been so ignorant. And now look what I've done. You are dead. No vampire venom can help you come back to life" I exclaimed. My voice became hard, as if any second I would feel a tear roll down my cheeks. "I shouldn't even be allowed anywhere near you. I am truly a monster" I spat as I stared at the palms of my hands and then clutched them into fists.
"Mother…" I said, my voice cracking as I opened my mouth. I dropped my head and stared at the wooden floor. My shoulders sulked and I shut my eyes, wishing that I could take Esme's place. I regret all my mistakes and for ever listening to Sarafina.
"It's okay, mama's here"
*****
Sarafina's POV
Once Edward had left, everything went silent again. I sat back on the couch and stared at my fingers. Suddenly someone got up and started walking out of the room. I looked up and saw it was the blonde and her mate leaving.
Alice turned her head around to watch her siblings leave and then faced me, "It's nice to have you here. I believe that you are the one that brought Edward back to us!"
"Now Alice, I don't think Edward is going to stay" Jasper said.
"No, she's right" I spoke up, "Edward had told me that him and Tanya were done. I wouldn't be surprised if he moved back in here with you guys" I stated. Alice's face lit up and she had the biggest grin I've ever seen plastered on her face, "That is…if you all let him move back…" my voice trailed off.
"Of course we will!" Alice exclaimed. "I always wanted a chance to meet Edward and spend time with him! He's my brother and I will always love him!"
I smiled and looked at Jasper who wasn't sharing the same feeling as Alice. I looked back down at my hands and sighed.
"I don't think everyone is excited" I said, glancing at Jasper.
Alice followed my glance and smiled at Jasper, "Oh don't worry. Jasper is just as excited as I am. He just has a different way of showing it. Right Jasper?" Alice gleamed a smile at her mate.
Jasper smiled exasperatedly and nodded, "Of course Alice"
"But I'm sure someone is upset about how Edward had ignored his family" I said in a low voice.
"Well none of us were thrilled that he chose to disregard us but the main thing is that he's back!" Alice smiled.
I felt horrible for making Edward choose Tanya. Because of me he had ignored his family and well, here we are today.
"I need to tell you all something—" I began to say, but then footsteps started down the stairs. Was Edward done visiting already?
The three of us turned and saw Carlisle's tired face smile at us. I smiled back and stood up from the couch to greet him. Carlisle was the head of the house and he always seemed to have a calming aura to him. As I heard before, he was a doctor at a hospital nearby. He had a lot of restraint to blood and never attacked a human in his entire life, even when he was beginning to be a vampire.
Carlisle was always a good looking guy, even for his older age. I started to stare at his apparel. He wore a soft blue pinstriped button down with grey slacks. Even if outfit looked so nice.
"Hello Sarafina. How are you?" Carlisle's kind voice rang in my ears. Every time I was in his presence I felt like I was in a holy place. That's silly.
"I've been better" I smiled and reached my hand out to shake his. He smiled and took my hand in greeting. "How have you been?" I asked, trying to hide my worried tone.
"Just getting by" He stated. He walked around us and sat in the loveseat Edward was sitting in. "So Alice told me the news"
"Same. I didn't know about any of this until Edward came to find me." I went back to my spot on the couch and placed my hands on my lap. I looked down at them and I knew that I had to say it.
"Jasper, let's leave these two alone" Alice said, bouncing up from her seat. Jasper got up quickly and walked off with Alice down the hall.
Dang. How did she know I wanted to speak to Carlisle in private…Oh right.
"What's wrong?" Carlisle smiled, just when everything was quiet again.
"Carlisle…" I breathed, I gulped involuntarily and locked eyes with him. "I was the one who told Edward to marry Tanya." I said.
"Yes we know" Carlisle's warm smile didn't leave his face. "Edward told us you two were close"
"No, no you don't understand. The reason why Edward chose Tanya, the reason why he didn't come here to move to Forks, the reason why the Volturi are coming after me…the reason why Esme's like this. It's all my fault" I chose to stop breathing, due to the fact that I knew I wouldn't be able to control my hyperventilation.
"What do you mean?" Carlisle's face turned serious.
"I can travel time…with my journals. In a different time when Esme and you were healthy, Edward was dating a human. She broke his heart and I knew how that felt. I knew the feeling of having to leave the one you love." I exclaimed, my voice rising, "So I told him…I told him I could help him. That I could make him forget that he had loved and lost" I looked up at Carlisle who was silent and staring at the floor.
"I went back to before he met the human. I told him to marry Tanya and to not go to Forks, where the girl lived." I said, my voice starting to get shaky, "And now because of me Edward left you all and Esme became ill" I clutched my fists and felt them tremble as they laid on my lap. "Carlisle, I'm so sorry…"
Carlisle still hadn't said anything. I wouldn't be surprised if he told me to leave their home right now. I couldn't bare to look at his face. I stood up from the couch and hastily walked towards the door.
As I reached for the doorknob and suddenly I felt a hand grab onto my arm. I dropped my head and my eyes stung as I stared groggily at the doorknob. "It's okay" The voice breathed, "I forgive you" his godly like voice soothed.
I let out a soft whimper as I spun around and wrapped my arms around Carlisle's chest and buried my face in his button down shirt. I felt his arms rest on my back as I held him in an embrace. It felt nice having a fatherly figure comfort me.
Suddenly a shooting pain came to my head. I cringed and grabbed onto my forehead. Instantly visions of when I had gone to Edward in the field came to me. I saw Edward, confused as ever to see me approach him.
Suddenly a loud shattering sound disrupted my visions. Carlisle and I turned and saw Alice standing over broken glass; her face looked anxious and petrified. Her eyes stared straight at Carlisle and I, but it didn't seem like she was looking at us.
"They're coming" she breathed.
******
Carlisle assisted Alice to the couch. She seemed to be shaken up at the vision of the Volturi. What exactly did she see them doing? Or was it just their presence that had her scared.
Jasper was by her side the whole time, caressing her hand soothingly. I gagged internally, it was cute but I'm not in the right situation to think that it was a cute gesture. I was about to get the crap beat out of me! Or was something more horrible going to happen? I can't die again can I? Or do these Volturi people have the power to do that?!
I sighed and turned to Carlisle, "I should go. Shorten the distance and all. I don't want them coming into your home" I said.
Carlisle looked at me worriedly. I didn't wait for an answer though. I knew it was the right thing to do.
"I can talk to them. Straighten some things out" Carlisle suggested.
I smiled and shook my head, "Its okay. I can handle them."
Carlisle then threw me a warning type of look. "Don't worry I'm not going to attack them or anything!" I chuckled nervously. I straightened up and looked towards the front entrance, "I need to do this on my own. I'll be back soon" I turned to him and grinned, "Don't worry about me!"
Carlisle slowly formed a small smile. I started for the door, walking towards my fate.
"I'll come with you" A voice piped up from behind.
I turned and saw Alice walking towards me, "Alice, really, I'll be okay"
"I know, but it can get dangerous. Please…" She said, her wide eyes trembling. I sighed. What gives? This perky little nymph wants to hold my hand too? These people can't be that bad…
Alice then turned to her father, "Can I Carlisle?"
Carlisle let out a low breath, "Just be careful. And come straight back"
"I'll come too" Jasper exclaimed as he stood up from his seat and stood beside Alice. Alice looked at him and smiled lovingly. I turned towards the door and actually made a gagging motion.
Alice then walked over to me and slipped her arm around mine, "Ready?" she smiled.
This was it. I needed to be serious from here on out. I turned around and saw Carlisle staring at us as Alice opened the front door.
"You go and take care of Esme, Carlisle! We'll be back sooner then you know it!" I grinned and then started off.
*
*
*
"Only a few more miles" Alice stated as we ran through the forest. Everywhere in Forks was full of trees. I was getting sick of looking at the green blur. Soon we reached a somewhat mountain path. Alice stopped for a second and then continued running up the mountain.
I followed close behind with Jasper trailing in the back. Probably watching if there was going to be a sneak attack from behind. This isn't war…
As I glanced over my shoulder to look at how high we were running up this mountain, I hadn't noticed Alice had stopped running and I almost ran into her.
"What's wrong, Alice?" Jasper asked as soon as he reached us.
"They're here" Alice stated.
I looked ahead and saw two tall pale men. One seemed to be floating, not even touching the ground; that one had long jet black hair. His equal had a vicious look on his face, with white hair reaching his shoulders. Three other men were standing behind them, wearing long black cloaks.
"One of them is missing" Alice said, her eyes glued to the two tall men.
I nodded, "Well this is it" I said. I turned to smile at Alice and Jasper but they were too busy staring wearily at the group on front of us. I took a step forward to approach the black cloaked vampires.
"Who are you?" one of the voices called out.
"…Sarafina Bellanie" I said, my courageous demeanor was slowly crumbling already. Even their voices made you feel like you were in a nightmare. I took another hesitant step forward, staring at all of them cautiously. "I know you wanted to come see me."
"Ah yes. That one over there. She foretells the future" One of the two tall men spoke, staring at Alice.
"I'm here, so what do you want?" I blurted out. I quickly regretted it.
"My, you must be eager to perish" The one with the white hair said the last word in a slithering voice. My eyes widened and I felt my hands begin to tremble.
Suddenly one of them stepped forward and I reacted. I saw one of their shadows and captured it. It was one of their henchmen behind them. He snarled and bared out his teeth.
"Interesting…" The man floating on air, hummed. "Caius, why don't you take her back"
Caius, the one with the white hair, sadistically smirked and locked eyes with me. With his index and middle finger sticking out, he moved his wrist up and down and suddenly the ground began to shake. In a matter of seconds the stone ground raised and engulfed me in a case that resembled a somewhat oval snow globe. Instantly the stone turned transparent and it looked as if I was surrounded in glass.
I pressed my hands on the clear walling that surrounded me and glowered at the men.
"Now…" Caius snickered, "You will suffer"
And slowly my vision began to get blurry. My fingers were slipping from the glass and slowly I started to fall backwards with everything fading in view. The last thing that rang through my ears was the shrilling scream of Alice.
AN: Firstly I want to add that I am not sure if vampires can hyperventilate..heh..but hey it's my story. Secondly I'm sorry if Edward was a bit OOC. I didn't know exactly how he would act in these certain situations, I hope it was okay though. And lastly I don't remember what Caius's real gift was so I just went with the flow and gave him the gift to control matter? If that makes sense XD haha
I hope this chapter was okay! The next chapter will be the last one!
