DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN TWILIGHT BUT I WISH I DID.
EPOV
I'm alive.
Yeah I know I'm pretty shocked about it myself as well; I thought I wouldn't make it past this weekend for sure. I guess I must've offended them pretty badly to torture me with having me wait or maybe they want to make an example out of me to insure that nothing like this happens ever again. Either way I'm screwed though.
Of course these are just theories because we don't really know what they're thinking, obviously, but Aro and the rest of the Volturi have only ever delayed punishment for one reason and one reason alone and that is that they have something special planned for the poor bastard getting punished which in this case is me woohoo.
If it was just me I wouldn't really care but this is affecting my whole family. My mom and sister have been crying almost nonstop since they found out. They didn't leave my side all weekend and they've taken to spontaneously hugging me, which is a bit annoying if I'm being honest. It's good they'll have Rose, though she's shed a couple of tears here and there which was surprising to say the least since I didn't know she cared that much, she's been trying to stay strong for them. When I'm gone she'll be there for them especially for Alice. I know my dad will also be there but I think Rose will be able to understand both of them more and bring them more comfort.
My dad, Jasper, my cousin Emmett, who was called back from college and has taken a leave from school for the time being, and the rest of our men have been very jumpy all weekend which got old pretty fast. Honestly we're lucky no one was accidently shot this weekend with all the gun pulling they did at the slightest noise.
All in all my weekend was very frustrating. And as if all that wasn't enough yesterday my dad came up with the brilliant idea that maybe if I got back together with Tanya they would rethink their decision and not kill me since I was back with one of our own and had seen the error of my ways. I think its complete and utter bullshit and I know this won't make them stop but I'm willing to do it for my family's sake. I'm willing to pull this farce and stay away from Bella for them.
Bella
I sigh.
I wonder how she'll take the news. I mean I know she doesn't love me but since she believed I would most likely be leaving because I was in trouble and probably assumed I was at least grounded or something then me showing up with Tanya today as my girlfriend, after 'sleeping with her at a party yesterday', it would…I mean she would feel something right? Since she'll most likely believe I lied to her? Feeling lied to has to cause some sort of feeling right? She has to feel something.
I sigh and my eyes automatically search for her in the parking lot.
It's not hard to find her since I know she'll be with Black and he always parks in the same exact spot. I find her there and I see her rush off by herself and the idiot, Black, instead of going after her is arguing with Leah. She looked upset and her words about her believing that Leah was never her friend come back to me. My feet automatically start in her direction to go after her but Tanya's hand stops me.
"You can't go" she whispers "you promised your parents to stay away from her."
"But I can't just leave her alone when she looked like she was crying Tanya!" I hiss.
"I know" she says calmly "but you can't go to her Edward. I would go myself if I could but I don't want to make things worse either."
"So what? You just want me to stay still and do nothing when she's upset?" I say getting angry and resenting her a little, which is unfair to her I know "well I'm sorry Tanya but I can't do that" I start in the direction of the building when another hand stops me.
"I'll go" says Rose "I need to retouch my make-up anyway."
"Thanks" I whisper and then reluctantly add "remember the story Rose"
She just nods and heads towards the bathroom.
BPOV
"Hey" Rose says coming into the bathroom "you okay?" she asks not really looking at me.
I consider lying for a second but I realize that I still have tears in my eyes and I really just don't have the energy to lie right now.
"No" I answer "I'm crying I'm obviously not okay."
"So what's wrong?" she asks ignoring my somewhat bitchy tone and taking out her make-up bag.
"I don't want to talk about it if you don't mind."
She nods and starts applying some foundation.
"It doesn't by any chance have to do with Tanya and Edward being back together does it?" she asks still not looking at me.
I once again consider lying but I just can't so I nod.
She stays quiet for a second and I think maybe she didn't see me nod but when I look up I see that she has stopped in the middle of applying some lip gloss with a surprised look on her face. I don't think she expected me to admit it.
After another minute where she seems to be contemplating on whether or not to say something she finally speaks "look Bella on Saturday wait no on Sunday they" she pauses "Edward and Tanya they" she stops and takes a deep breath.
I look up at her somewhat confused but also somewhat scared she'll want to go into details about what happened yesterday.
"You know what fuck this shit! I'm…I can't" she gives a frustrated sigh "I can't tell you a whole lot actually I shouldn't even be saying anything but I just want you to know that things aren't as they seem ok."
I think over her statement while she begins to put her things away.
Things aren't as they seemed? When Edward and I were together things weren't as they seemed. Could that possibly mean that Edward and Tanya aren't really together? No that can't be right I mean why would Edward and Tanya fake being together? To save face? No Edward wouldn't care about that…..but maybe Tanya does and Edward is just helping her?
"Why are they together then?" I ask
She smiles briefly.
"I can't tell you that" she says "I just wanted to let you know."
"Why?" I ask
"Because I'm hoping there's hope" she says before leaving.
Hope? Hope for what? For Edward and I to be together? Could that mean that maybe Edward loves me too?
The thought makes me smile.
But….I still have to marry Jacob.
I sigh sadly.
As much as it would hurt I really hope that isn't the case. I really hope Edward didn't fall for me because maybe then one of us has a chance of being happy.
A tear escapes.
EPOV
It's torture.
It's Thursday and I'm still alive not that its bad thing to be alive but this is seriously going to hurt my mom. My mother's convinced that Aro forgave me and even though my dad should know better he's half way convinced she's right. I know he hasn't though and it sucks that they're both so hopeful because when Aro gets here it's going to crush them both.
With everything going on in my life you would think that Bella would be the last thing on my mind but I can't get her out of my head. When I wake up she's the first thing on my mind and when I close my eyes to go to sleep her face is the only thing I see. If I was sleeping right I bet I would dream about her too but I can barely manage a couple of hours of sleep and that's only because I'm so exhausted.
The crazy thing is though that I could swear she feels the same. I've caught her giving me these longing looks and she also tends to get sad when she's looking our way but then she turns to Black and smiles and laughs at whatever the fuck he's saying. The guy must be a comedic genius or something with how much he makes her smile and laugh.
UGH! SHE'S DRIVING ME CRAZY!
It's all pointless though whether she likes me or not because for one I'm going to die and she has to marry Black which is apparently set in stone.
I let out a sigh
"Thinking about her again" Tanya whispers beside me.
"Yeah" I say smiling ruefully.
I feel kind of bad for Tanya because she's once again with someone who doesn't love her and Tanya deserves to be loved.
"You don't have to look at me like that you know. I knew what I was getting myself into this time besides I know that someday I'll find someone who loves me just as much as you love Bella." She smiles.
"I really really hope so" I say "you deserve it T" I smile back at her "listen Tanya I want to thank you for what you've done for me and for my family. I really appreciate it. You gave them hope."
"Don't talk like that Edward!" she yells on the verge of tears "You can't give up! Aro might"
"Come on Tanya" I interrupt "you know Aro doesn't change his mind. You know they never forgive."
"You've given up?" she asks though I know she already knows the answer.
I nod
"Don't! You can't give up!"
"I can't" I whisper "not when I know what's going to happen. Besides what good is having hope? James' family had hope but his mother still died. Stefan and his brother had hope but Vladimir still died. Heck not even Aro's sister was spared!"
"I know there doesn't seem to be any hope and you might think there's no point but please!" she takes a hold of my hand and when I look at her, her eyes are pleading with me to believe to hope. "please for all of us don't give up yet. Aro has never waited this long before you never know. Please."
I look at her for a long moment and nod not because I actually have hope but because I can see that they need me to not give up.
"Thanks" she hugs me and laughs.
I smile and hug her back. When I look up I see Bella standing there watching us. I don't know how long she's been standing there but it doesn't seem like she's been there long.
BPOV
He was hugging her. He had his arms around her. Nobody was around and he was happily hugging her.
I didn't know what to think. All week I had been getting through with the hope he didn't love her but that was clearly wrong because he was hugging her. I know I might be over reacting I mean it was just a hug after all but she looked so happy and he didn't seem to mind that she was that close both seemed to be enjoying it. Honestly I have been so stupid of course they're together Rosalie must have had a blast laughing at me after I confessed I liked Edward I bet she told everyone. She never did like me.
I guess I arrived home because I heard my mother as me what was wrong. I ignored her and went to my room. I didn't come out the rest of the day. I cried myself to sleep that night.
~FFL~
As I'm getting ready for school the next day I put on some extra make-up to cover up the redness and puffiness of my eyes from crying yesterday. Before leaving I put on my engagement ring. I hadn't worn it until now because I had foolishly believed that it would hurt Edward but after what I saw yesterday….there's no reason for me not to wear it.
EPOV
Friday, the day starts off normal enough. I wake up and get ready for school. I go downstairs and eat breakfast with my family. My dad says there are rumors Aro and the rest have gone back home to Voltura which is in New York. It's just a rumor but everyone seems to relax a bit. I smile and say "that's great". I leave to go pick up Tanya and she says the same thing.
"See Edward I told you! Aro loves you I knew he wouldn't be able to do it. You're his godson for Christ's sake! Obviously the Volturi and the Cullens will have to present a united front against everyone. Don't worry my dad says he'll back you guys up if any of the other families decide to revolt or do something because Aro didn't go through with the punishment." She's so excited I don't have the heart to tell her it's just a rumor besides I'm supposed to have hope now.
Throughout the day the rumor gets passed throughout the group as a fact and everyone is so happy that they start planning a party to celebrate. I cancel the party idea right away saying that I don't feel good though because I think it would be too much to be having a party when we don't know for sure what's going on and where Aro is.
It isn't until lunch that I notice it. Bella has on her engagement ring and just like that my somewhat good mood goes down the drain. She hasn't worn it all week I thought it was because maybe she was changing her mind maybe she would do something for herself because I know he doesn't really love her and will end up hurting her but I guess I wrong.
The rest of the day was crap I got in trouble for not paying attention and for talking back to a teacher. Whatever.
After my last class I go and pick up Tanya to take her home I'm ready for this day to be over.
"Hey do you want and go get some"
"Edward Cullen" a voice interrupts. I know that voice it belongs to Felix one of the Volturi's enforcers.
Oddly enough all I feel at that moment when I see them is a sense of calm because I know why they're here and some part of me knew it wasn't over that Aro hadn't forgiven me and I had already accepted my fate.
Strange I know, it's not like I want to die at least I don't think so.
"NO!" Tanya cries out. "No please you can't do this! PLEASE!"
"Calm her down or else" Felix threatens
"It's ok Tanya calm down please" I say trying to sooth her.
"But it's not fair!" she wails
"I know but I broke the rules and now I have to pay for it." I tell her quietly. "So please stop crying before you call attention to us and Felix decides to shut you up himself."
She quiets down but continues to silently cry. I hide her face by pulling her to me and putting her head on my neck.
Felix leads us to the park near the school where the rest of my gang is surrounded by the Volturi. Aro along with his brother Caius and brother-in-law Marcus stand to the side.
"Edward how….I would say nice to see you but that would sound a little morbid and wrong wouldn't it?" Aro says speaking up. He's the leader of the group.
"Hello Aro" I say calmly before greeting the other two. " Marcus and Caius" I nod to both of them.
"I wish we could've met under different circumstances my boy but it seems you've made a grave mistake and you should've known better Edward" Aro says getting right down to business "after all that time your father spent training you since you were what? 13? 14? How could you do this to him to me to organization."
"I'm sorry" I say quietly not looking up.
"You think sorry is going to fix it?" Caius says coldly. He's always kinda hated me because Aro cares about me so much I think he's been jealous or something.
"no, I know sorry isn't enough and I won't try to defend myself because I know what I did was wrong but I'm sorry for….I can't lie and say I'm sorry that I did it because that would be a lie but I'm sorry for…."
"The arrogance!" Caius interrupts "do you hear what the boy is saying Aro? He's clearly unrepentant! After what he did he should be on his knees after all who knows that girl knows and will do maybe we should"
"NO!" I yell interrupting Caius "sorry" I say after both Aro and Caius give a look "Bella she's not….she wouldn't tell anyone heck she doesn't have anything to tell. She thinks I'm some rich punk who likes to act like a gangster. She never found anything out about the organization she never even suspected I swear"
"How can you know for sure?" Caius asks
"Because she's like an open book" I say smiling involuntarily "she might think she hides it but whenever she's sad or happy or shocked you just know. And I know that if she had found out she would've had some reaction and would've said something or asked me if she was suspicious of anything." I know I'm sort of lying but I can't let anything happen to Bella.
"You love this girl?" Aro asked
I nod
"Then why didn't you get her to join the gang? We would've had no problem with that. In fact with the power her father has…..it would've greatly beneficiated the organization."
"Things weren't that serious between us"
"If things weren't that serious then why did you take that chance? Why risk it for her?" Aro asks
Before I could think of something to say Marcus answers for me.
"Things weren't 'serious' because she's set to marry Jacob Black. They've been engaged for years. Is that why things weren't serious Edward?" he asks
I nod.
"So it's not that things weren't serious it's just that she was just using you as her little toy until she got married. Is that it Edward?" Caius asks with a laugh.
"Don't be cruel brother" Aro says "the poor boy fell in love with someone he shouldn't and made a mistake."
"Yes a mistake that will cost him his life." Caius says viciously. "Let's get on with this."
"I guess so" Aro responds then he turns to me and says "I'm sorry Edward but it has to be so. If only…." He trails off leaving all of us confused
"You weren't thinking of sparing the boy were Aro?" Caius asks incredulously
"What I was thinking doesn't matter." Aro says "Now Edward you say you didn't tell her anything and we believe you specially because it concurs with what James said but unfortunately you DID break the rules and since we can't forgive nor amend that then by the decree of the council you are sentenced to death."
Everything is quiet for a second before the silence is broken by someone's cries, probably Tanya, and then the gang starts trying to move past the guards surrounding them.
"ENOUGH!" Caius commands "SILENCE!"
I can't speak I can't say or do anything I'm numb. It's kind of like I'm already dead.
"Felix and Demetri" Aro calls out and the two come forward leaving their place beside Rose and Riley "Edward The Council has decided that for your punishment you will first get a beating and then a bullet to the head."
He stops talking I don't know if it's to let that sink in or if he expects some kind of response.
"So I won't die right away. I am to suffer." I say
Aro nods.
The punishment is unusual but I guess all those bitter old crows who are jealous just like Caius of all the power I was to have not only because my father was so powerful and had a lot of territory but also because Aro was going to give me a good sum of money on my 21st birthday along with a quarter of his territory which would've made me a powerful son of bitch
"May I say something?" I ask
Again Aro nods.
I turn to Rose and Jasper
"I guess I'll see you guys later" I say trying and failing to smile "tell my mom and dad and Alice that I love them and that I'm sorry for causing them this pain. Tell Emmett I wish him luck with…everything and that he can do, that I know he can. Rose don't be too hard on him and please be there for my mom and Alice. I know you'll end up married to the big lug so I'll say this early since I won't be able to say it later welcome to the family" this time I do manage to smile "would've been great to…well never mind that. Jasper I consider you part of my family too not just because you're Rose's brother but because of you. Take care of the family man. To the rest of you thank you for considering me worth it. Thanks for following all these years and promise you that Emmett is just as capable if not more than me. Thank you Aro and goodbye."
"Proceed" Aro says after a couple of minutes and I don't know if I'm hearing things but I could swear I heard some sort of emotion in his voice. I don't look and check though because I already have enough people to worry about.
Felix and Demetri begin to pound on me and I don't resist because its pointless.
Goodbye Bella I'm glad I had the chance to meet you and get to know you. I don't regret it. I wish you happiness. I'm glad won't have to see you with him anymore though. Goodbye…..
SORRY!
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