In the Grip of Twilight

By:

Olivia Tannis Moore

Chapter Nineteen:

Love and Aloneness: Part I

I didn't care for the greasy smile on Aro's face after the evasive answer he'd just given me. It made me wonder, yet again, of his honesty. Because with everything I knew about vampirism—which I admit was only what Edward had shared with me—there was no grey area. You were either changed or you were human. Aro's answer of "yes and no" to my question didn't make sense.

Confused, I turned to Carlisle and Edward, hoping for an explanation.

But then Aro clapped his hands loudly and his voice carried through the room. "It seems Isabella and I have a few matters to discuss in private. You may join us at a later hour."

Everyone seemed annoyed at the dismissal. Emmett and Rosalie, Alice and Jasper, they closed in and seemed to form a wall around Edward and me.

Edward's jaw tensed and I could see that he had no intention of leaving me alone with Aro, not after what had just transpired.

Esme stepped forward and took my hand, "I believe it would be best if we stayed with Bella," she told Aro. "We are her guardians while her father is away—and especially while she is here in our home."

Aro frowned. "Too much distraction," he sniffed. "Although, if Carlisle wishes to stay…then I will allow it."

Edward's hands clenched into fists at his side and I could see another confrontation brewing.

I put my open hand lightly on his chest. "I'll be fine," I reassured him. It was a strange turn of events. I wasn't so uneasy around the Volturi now that I'd discovered I had worth to them other than a quick meal. And besides, I would have Carlisle with me to guarantee that Aro was honorable and truthful in his dealings.

"You need me with you," he declared, his topaz eyes burning into mine. And I thought of how self-centered I'd been since learning I was special with this reformer blood—I'd not had the chance to consider what a huge bombshell this must be to Edward, how he might feel somewhat alienated.

"I will always need you with me," I said passionately. "But for now, I'm just going to listen to what Aro has to say, that's all. Nothing rash." I stood on the tips of my toes and kissed his pouting mouth. "I'll not make any decisions without you. I promise."

"Bella," he whispered sadly, "you're being naïve. You talk of decisions as if you have a choice—meanwhile he's planning the rest of your life."

I could've told him that I always have a choice: Life or Death, Sorrow or Happiness, Good or Evil. I was given this gift, apparently, for a reason. But I kept this to myself for now. Aro didn't need to know my mind or my heart; that would expose my weaknesses. If nothing else, I understood all too well that I would have to be very clever and agile to avoid Aro's enslavement.

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(Note: A short chapter today, I know. Sometimes I won't have time for anything longer. Love and Aloneness Part II, the second half of this chapter, I'll try to post tomorrow. Thanks for reading. –OTM )