This chapter ends the Bella turns 40 arc of the story. The next five chapters will all involve time jumps covering roughly a 5 year span until a bigger time jump for the final chapter. I just wrote and added a new chapter which will be Chapter 9 and it's out of this world. Chapter 11 is also a really entertaining one with the most drama and action I've ever written. It puts Bella's small incident with Victoria to shame. It's titled 'The Avenging Angel'
Chapter Seven:
Aro's eyes widened in surprise the moment he laid eyes on Bella. "I can't quite put my finger on it, but you appear different, Bella," he remarked, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Aro, what brings you here? I don't mean to be rude, but my mother and stepfather surprised us with a visit today. They're in the other room at the moment. I assume you've come for me to remove the shield, I've already removed it. They're waiting for me in the living room. Would you like to say hello to them?" Bella spoke rapidly, eager to avoid raising any suspicions about her absence.
"I would be delighted to meet your relatives, Bella," Aro replied, straightening his suit, which he hadn't been able to do in the past few days due to the shield around him. "Felix, please hand me some contacts from the glove compartment," Aro requested, as Felix stepped out of the car to hand a set to him.
"Looking good, Bella," Felix remarked with a smirk before returning to the car. Bella felt relieved. She liked Felix a lot, but explaining the presence of a towering 7-foot giant visiting her would be a lot more challenging than introducing Aro to her mom.
After Aro put in the contacts, concealing his red eyes, they entered the living room to make introductions.
"Mom, Phil, I'd like you to meet a good friend of mine and Garrett's," Bella said, with a warm smile. "This is Aro Volturi. I became friends with Aro all the way back when I visited Italy during my college years."
"It's a pleasure to finally meet Bella's parents," Aro greeted warmly, his smile shining as he shook Phil's hand before turning to Renee. As their fingers intertwined, a surge of surprise coursed through him. In that very instant, his unique ability came alive, unraveling the tapestry of Renee's entire existence. A cascade of memories and thoughts flooded his mind, painting a vivid picture of Bella's upbringing, each precious moment woven seamlessly into his own consciousness.
Aro was captivated, his curiosity piqued as he glimpsed Bella, the familiar adult, through the lens of her childhood. She remained fundamentally herself, and yet so markedly different from the person she had become. In that moment, he beheld a young girl burdened with an excessive amount of responsibility, forced to bear a weight beyond her tender years. And her mother, who fought tirelessly, but struggled to attend to her own well-being, let alone provide for the needs of a child.
Within the tapestry of memories, Aro witnessed countless adventures shared by Renee and Bella, their spirits entwined in a whirlwind of escapades. He observed the young Bella, her earnest attempts to rein in her mother's wild and extravagant notions, a steadfast anchor amidst the storm of Renee's whimsical ideas.
As the years unfurled before Aro's eyes, he witnessed Bella's remarkable journey of maturation, watching her blossom into a young woman with an undeniable strength and resilience. He observed the profound transformation of Renee, as she gradually found the maturity necessary to embrace a life shared with Phil, finally ready to embark on her own path of happiness. And in a bittersweet moment, Bella, with a heart full of love and understanding, released her mother, allowing her to pursue her newfound bliss. It was then that Bella's life took an unforeseen twist, leading her to the small town of Forks, where destiny had unexpected plans in store for her.
In the final stretch of memories, Aro delved into the last two decades of Renee's life. He witnessed the profound joy radiating from her as she beheld the remarkable transformation of her daughter, marveling at the incredible woman who stood before her. Each moment was steeped in a deep sense of pride and admiration, as Renee basked in the fulfillment of witnessing Bella's growth and evolution. It was a testament to the unbreakable bond between a mother and her daughter, and the immeasurable happiness that blossomed from seeing a cherished loved one flourish into their fullest potential.
In a mere instant, an uninitiated observer would never fathom the profound experience Aro had just undergone. To them, it appeared as though Aro had simply exchanged pleasantries with Bella's parents. Unbeknownst to them, within that fleeting moment, Aro had traversed the entirety of Renee's lifetime, delving into the depths of her memories. It was a secret hidden within the recesses of his mind, a journey that only he had undertaken, leaving no trace of the extraordinary voyage he had just witnessed.
A knowing smile played upon Bella's lips, for she was well aware of the profound encounter that had taken place between Aro and her mother. In contemplation, she had considered whether to shield her mother from Aro's unique gift, but ultimately decided against it, guided by a myriad of reasons. First and foremost, she recognized the leniency the Volturi had extended to her, granting her ample freedom to immerse herself in the human world and maintain a genuine connection with her parents. It was a privilege she treasured, one she had not witnessed any other vampire possess. Allowing Aro to witness Renee's memories was a demonstration of her unwavering commitment to adhere to the laws that governed their kind. Moreover, her mother remained blissfully unaware of the supernatural secrets that permeated her surroundings, a testament to Bella's unwavering dedication to preserving the delicate equilibrium between her two distinct existences.
"Mom, I think you would be interested to know that Aro here is the brilliant author behind one of your favorite books. He penned 'Shadows in the Halls'," Bella revealed with a smile, her eyes sparkling.
"Oh my God! You're C. A. Volt? I absolutely loved reading your book! It was so enthralling," Renee exclaimed, her voice filled with awe as she realized she stood in the presence of a renowned author.
"I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed it," Aro responded, his voice filled with genuine warmth. "You see, I'm more inclined towards business ventures, but when Bella started her own company, I thought, why not give writing a try."
"We both thoroughly enjoyed your book," Renee expressed, a bright smile on her face. "In fact, I even recommended it to my friends!"
While Aro was already privy to this information, he played along with enthusiasm, willingly answering some of Renee's inquiries about the intriguing characters in his story.
"Bella and I had plans to meet later in the week," Aro began, his tone sincere and regretful, "but an unexpected business matter has called me away and I came to inform her. While we were talking at the front door she mentioned that you would be staying here for the next week or so."
As a smile graced his lips, Aro continued, his eyes shining with anticipation. "I happen to have tickets for the renowned Teatro alla Scala opera house in Milan, scheduled in just two days. Unfortunately, my wife and I won't be able to attend. However, if you and your husband would be interested, I would be more than happy to inform the opera house and arrange for you two to go in our stead."
He couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction, having discovered Renee's lifelong desire to experience the opera through the memories he absorbed.
"Oh, that would be absolutely amazing, Mr. Volturi. Thank you so much!" Renee exclaimed, her smile reaching from ear to ear, brimming with genuine excitement.
"It's truly my pleasure," Aro responded warmly, his eyes reflecting a sense of gratification. "It brings me joy to know that these tickets will be cherished by those who will truly relish the experience. Unfortunately, I must take my leave now. My flight is departing soon. I just need to have a quick word with Bella before I go. It was an absolute pleasure meeting both of you."
As they reached the front door, Bella turned to Aro with gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you so much, Aro. I know my mom will absolutely adore the opera," she expressed sincerely.
"It was my pleasure, Bella," Aro responded warmly, his voice carrying a sense of genuine satisfaction. "I couldn't help but notice the depth of your mother's love for you in her memories. As for the opera, I have no doubt that she will thoroughly enjoy herself. That particular opera house is renowned for its grandeur and elegance."
Aro's keen observation continued as he shared his insights. "However, I couldn't help but notice that neither Renee nor Phil brought appropriate attire for such a fancy venue. To ensure they feel comfortable and at ease during the show, I would suggest taking them shopping tomorrow. It would be an opportunity for them to find suitable clothes that align with the grandeur of the occasion, so they won't feel out of place when they arrive."
"We'll definitely do that, Aro. Thanks for the tip," Bella replied gratefully. She then shifted the conversation to another topic of interest. "So, how did the shield work out?"
Aro's smile widened as he shared his excitement. "It has incredible potential. I have several upcoming meetings with some visiting covens, and it seems we overlooked the fact that my gift does not work when the shield is in place."
"Ah, you're right. I had thought the issue might be because you weren't able to spend quality time with Sulpicia," Bella remarked, a playful smirk adorning her lips.
Aro's expression shifted to a slight frown as he acknowledged her observation. "Yes, I did notice that as well," he replied, his voice tinged with a touch of disappointment. However, his frown quickly transformed into a confident smile. "Fortunately, I have quite an inventive mind and was able to figure out some workarounds," he said, his smirk mirroring Bella's. "When you next visit Volterra, we can explore different variations with your shield. It will be an intriguing endeavor."
With a nod and a warm smile, Aro bid Bella farewell. "Have a pleasant visit with your family. Goodbye for now," he said, as he turned to get back in his car where Felix was waiting.
"Until next time, Aro," Bella replied, her voice filled with anticipation, her eyes following as he and Felix drove off.
Bella returned to the living room, rejoining her family as they continued to enjoy their pleasant evening together. The atmosphere remained light and enjoyable, with conversations and laughter filling the air. Time passed smoothly as they relished in each other's company.
Eventually, as the night grew late, Renee and Phil expressed their need for rest. They bid goodnight to the others and retired to their room, seeking the rejuvenation of a well-deserved sleep.
The following day, Bella and Renee embarked on an enjoyable quest to find the perfect gown for Renee. Joined by Garrett and Phil, the group ventured out together, seeking the ideal attire for the upcoming opera. While Phil ventured off to explore suits, it was evident that the men were not quite as enthusiastic about the shopping experience as the ladies.
Meanwhile, Bella and Renee embraced the thrill of trying on various elegant gowns, reveling in the excitement of finding the one that would make Renee feel truly radiant. Laughter and camaraderie filled the air as they immersed themselves in the world of fashion, savoring the joyous moments of their mother-daughter bonding time.
"Have you ever been to the opera, Bella?" Renee inquired, her voice filled with curiosity as they stood together in the dressing room.
Bella's eyes sparkled with memories as she responded, "Aro and his wife, Sulpicia, took Garrett and me to the opera about a decade ago. It was quite an experience, dressing up just like you are now. But to be honest, the opera isn't really our thing. However, I have a feeling that you will find it much more enjoyable than we did," she said, offering a warm smile.
"I've always dreamt of attending the opera," Renee confessed, her eyes shining with excitement. "It's such a wonderful opportunity, and I'm truly grateful that your friend offered us his seats."
"Yes, Aro is highly regarded for his remarkable dedication to the well-being of others and his humanitarianism," she said, suppressing the private amusement as she kept the irony of her words to herself.
Once they were ready, Renee and Phil embarked on their journey to Milan to experience the opera the following night. After indulging in the mesmerizing performance, they planned to venture further and explore the captivating sights and landmarks in the vicinity before making their way south. Bella eagerly anticipated showing them the wonders of Rome, accompanied by Garrett.
By the end of Renee and Phil's trip, they had embarked on a captivating exploration of Italy's renowned cities and historic landmarks, immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of culture and creating lasting memories alongside Bella and Garrett. From the iconic streets of Milan to the awe-inspiring sights of Rome, they reveled in the beauty and history that surrounded them, savoring each moment of their shared adventure.
