Chapter 12:
27 Years Later
Bella and Garrett entered their house in Florence and cuddled up on the sofa. It had been a hard couple of months for Bella. Renee, her last living human relative, had passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 93. She had been buried in Florida next to Phil, who had passed away six years earlier. Bella knew her mom's time would come soon, but it was still hard to say goodbye.
After the funeral, Bella and Garrett spent two months with the Cullens at their current home in Chicago. Being surrounded by her entire family during such a time was comforting to Bella. She and Rosalie embarked on a project of restoring a classic car, reminiscent of the time when Bella first became a vampire. They had eventually donated their '57 Chevy to a car museum, as cars did not run on gas anymore, and they felt they should keep it original and let others enjoy seeing it, rather than just keeping it locked away. Engaging in hands-on work repairing another antique car provided a welcomed distraction and allowed Bella to momentarily escape her thoughts.
Bella and Jasper immersed themselves in training sessions once again, relishing the exhilaration it brought them. Though their skills were already unmatched, the sparring sessions served as a form of enjoyable recreation rather than a necessity. However, Jasper found himself caught off guard when Bella unleashed several completely new fighting styles. Over the past few decades, Bella had delved into various human fighting techniques and seamlessly integrated them into her vampire combat repertoire. The clashes between them resembled an epic battle of warriors, as Bella skillfully wielded her expanded arsenal of moves.
Emmett, on the other hand, took on the role of a gaming mentor, introducing Bella to the latest in holographic technology. The video game characters now occupied a physical space wherever they were played. Bella, who was not a gamer at all, was quite impressed with what Emmett showed her. Emmett worked remotely as a game designer, and Bella loved hearing the joy in Emmett's voice as he explained and showed her all that he was working on.
During her shopping trips with Alice, Bella couldn't help but chuckle at some of the latest fashion trends she came across. While she personally found some of the styles to be outright ridiculous, she understood the importance of keeping up with the times. Thus, she made the conscious decision to purchase the clothes and wholeheartedly embraced the current fashion trends, regardless of how silly she felt wearing them.
Bella and Garrett enjoyed their time with Edward and his wife, Kiyoko. Edward took them to see his childhood home and neighborhood, which Bella had never seen before. Edward's original home was still there as he still owned it and ensured its upkeep, with tenants occupying it consistently. However, the neighborhood had undergone profound transformations since Edward's human days, undergoing substantial development and growth. Amidst the modern structures that now dominated the landscape, Edward's house remained as a steadfast reminder of a bygone era.
Kiyoko, who worked as a second-grade teacher, invited Bella to visit her classroom and school. Bella was genuinely impressed by the educational environment, feeling that the children's level of education had advanced significantly since her own childhood. It was heartening for Bella to witness the progress and dedication in nurturing young minds.
Bella lent her assistance to Esme, who was working as an architect now. Witnessing the advancements in architecture, with the integration of modern technology, delighted Bella. Esme's job embraced both holographic and artificial intelligence technology, enabling her to seamlessly create and modify structures on the fly. With a touch of her stylus, the changes to the blueprints manifested instantly on her design desk. Alternatively, Esme could simply speak the desired changes, and the AI would implement them instantly, allowing her to witness her creations in real time. Bella marveled at Esme's talent and the captivating blend of artistry and innovation in the architectural world.
She spoke with Carlisle about his thoughts on medical school. Bella and Garrett had talked, and she thought now was a good time to start over and go back to college, learning new skills and reinventing themselves for the next phase of their lives. She did not think she would want to become a full-time doctor, but she was interested in learning how to help people if she ever found herself in a situation where someone needed medical assistance. After discussing her interests, Carlisle suggested that nursing school would provide Bella with the necessary knowledge and skills to assist others in such situations.
Bella and Garrett decided they would enroll in college together and take a break from the business world. Although they still owned Swan Publishing, they had entrusted its management to others for well over a decade. Bella and Garrett would be in their 70's now if they stayed on, and neither felt like pretending to be old people when there wasn't any need any longer.
They were keeping there house in Florence but were not going to be living there permanently like they had been for the past four decades.
They had decided to go to college at UCLA for a different experience. Bella had decided she needed a "Malibu Dream House," which gave her a smile every time she said it.
After sending some of their more personal items to the Cullens' house until they found a new home of their own, they locked up their beloved house and set off to bid a temporary farewell to the Volturi.
Much had changed with the Volturi in the past three decades, a lot thanks to Bella. Sulpicia and Athenodora, both Bella's good friends, could now finally leave their tower and live life like everyone else. Bella had perfected her shield placement on others. She didn't do it for everyone, of course, just a few who needed extra protection if a situation arose. Bella had also learned how to protect vampires from the sun's rays without her having to be present. That ability she had done for many vampires whom she considered friends, and she was loved by all who could now go out in the sun.
While Garrett bid farewell to some of his friends in the guard, Bella approached Aro's door and gave it a gentle knock. Upon hearing his invitation to enter, she pushed open the door and stepped inside.
"Ah, Bella," Aro greeted, gesturing for her to take a seat on the sofa beside him. "It is a pleasure to see you again. Allow me to express my condolences for the loss of your mother. Though I only had the opportunity to meet her on one occasion, I truly knew how much she loved you."
"Thank you, Aro," Bella replied. "I will miss her, but she lived a good long life."
"That she did," Aro acknowledged. "I've heard that you and Garrett are returning to the states for a while. What are your plans?"
"We're going to start over. My human life would be ending soon, and I think it's time to say goodbye to Isabella Swan for a while and be someone new. We'll be our own ages again. I'm looking forward to seeing what Garrett and I will accomplish in our next lives. We're going to start by going to UCLA and learn some new skills. A lot has changed in the 50-plus years since I was last at school," Bella said with a smile. "I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing the world again through the eyes of a 20-year-old, with all its endless possibilities."
"Well, I wish you luck and hope you'll stop by from time to time when you and Garrett are on vacation," Aro said, his tone warm and sincere.
"Of course, Aro. You know how much I enjoy being here," Bella replied, her voice filled with fondness and gratitude.
"That reminds me, I have something for you," Aro said, a hint of excitement in his voice. He rose from his seat and made his way to the desk, opening one of the drawers. After a moment, he retrieved a decent-sized box and returned to Bella, a smile lighting up his face as he handed it to her.
Bella eagerly took the box, her curiosity piqued. With anticipation, she lifted the lid and revealed its contents—a manuscript. The title, "The Life We Shared," adorned the cover page. Bella's eyes widened as she noticed the date, indicating it was written 30 years ago. Puzzled, she turned to Aro and inquired, "What is this? It seems you wrote it decades ago. We haven't been involved in the day-to-day affairs of Swan Publishing for quite some time."
"Oh, I know," Aro said. "The book is really for you, but you are welcome to have it published if you would like. It is the story of a single mother's life with her young daughter and the good times and adventures they go on together. I really think you will enjoy reading it."
Bella's breath hitched as she slowly opened the book, revealing her mother's story told from her own perspective. It depicted the challenges and joys of raising Bella, giving her a glimpse into her mother's world. The realization overwhelmed Bella with emotions. It was a precious piece of her mother that she believed was forever lost. Almost all of her early human memories were lost just from ageing normally as a human. This unexpected gift touched her deeply.
Looking up at Aro, Bella's voice trembled with gratitude. "I don't know how to thank you, Aro. This means so much to me. Having this book is a treasure beyond words. Thank you." She knew she would be crying if she was able.
"No need to thank me, my dear," Aro replied warmly. "You know how much I value our friendship. I believe you will find the book intriguing. I didn't embellish or diminish any of the events you will read. It truly reflects Renee's thoughts and actions at that time. You'll gain a new understanding of her mind and the challenges she faced. Although she may not have been fully prepared for motherhood when she had you, she did her best, and in the end, she succeeded masterfully. Look at you now, one of the finest vampires I know."
Aro's eyes twinkled with genuine admiration. "Enjoy your time with Garrett, my dear. We'll eagerly await your return and the stories you'll have to share."
Feeling overwhelmed with gratitude, Bella rose from her seat and embraced Aro in a heartfelt hug. They exchanged warm smiles and bid each other farewell. With the precious book clutched to her chest, Bella made her way to find Garrett, eager to share this unexpected treasure with him. The anticipation built within her as she imagined the moments she would spend immersed in her mother's story, unable to contain her excitement to delve into the pages that held a part of her past she thought was lost forever.
After bidding farewell to their friends in the Volturi, Bella and Garrett made their way to the airport. Their next destination was Los Angeles, where they intended to find a beach house in Malibu. The prospect of unwinding on the sun-drenched shores filled them with excitement. Securing a private and secluded location was paramount to their plans. They eagerly anticipated their intimate moments, relishing in the freedom and joy of being naked and indulging in the blissful act of making love on the beach each and every day, for the foreseeable future.
As they waited for the plane to board, Garrett gently rubbed Bella's hand and asked, "What are you most looking forward to?"
Bella took a moment to gather her thoughts and carefully articulate her excitement. "The prospect of starting over is truly invigorating. I've lived the life of Bella Swan, and now it feels like I have a chance to start anew. It's a thrilling realization that our journey continues, and we have the opportunity to forge new connections and friendships. One thing I've been considering is enrolling in nursing school, perhaps attending classes in the evenings for a year. Being in such a vibrant city like Los Angeles opens up possibilities, and I've even contemplated exploring the world of professional acting. Of course, it would depend on whether I can use makeup to conceal my true appearance. I don't think it would be wise to immortalize my visage on TV or in movies, but if I can alter my look, it could be an intriguing and fun avenue to explore."
Bella's gaze shifted to Garrett, a mischievous smirk gracing her lips. "Speaking of Los Angeles, I know you won't have any trouble finding delicious food with such a diverse culinary scene nearby. You can do your part in cleaning up the streets, one tasty criminal at a time." She chuckled playfully. "As for me, I'm sure I'll be all set exploring the vast forests or, maybe like Kiyoko, finding sustenance in the sea. After all, we'll be at the beach. I'm just grateful that we get to experience all of this together. During my first college experience, I often longed for someone to share it with. And now, we have the chance to embark on new adventures side by side. So, what are you looking forward to the most?"
Garrett smiled and replied in his usual relaxed manner, "Beyond spending every day with you, I guess it would be getting a formal education. Believe it or not, but I've never been to college. I learned everything I know from just living life. It will be a real change for me to take formal classes. I'll have to study the course books to see what they have to offer, but I'm sure there will be many areas that will hold my interest."
"I think we should take some time before enrolling to rediscover what it means to be young again," Bella suggested, contemplating their upcoming life. "Back in the 2020s, we were in sync with all the latest trends and what was popular at the time. However, it's now the 2070s, and I'm afraid I haven't kept up with what humans our age are into these days. We don't want to end up standing out at school, clueless about what everyone else is talking about. Let's dive into some research, explore clubs, and attend events first. I believe we can adapt quickly, but it'll require a different kind of education before we fully immerse ourselves in regular school again."
Garrett squeezed Bella's shoulders in a sign of comfort. "We'll do all the research you want, and I have no doubt you will adjust easily. I know we pretended to be much older in the human world for the past 50 years, but we were never truly acting that age. We'll get in the flow easily enough, and let's face it, you're a great actor and could probably act on the fly exactly as needed. We'll crash some college parties. I think that will show us exactly what kids of today are like."
"I think I want to be called something new for this lifetime. I'm thinking Marie," Bella expressed, contemplating her choice. "I'd still like you to be Garrett, as I love your name, but let's pick a new last name. Do you have any that you've used in the past or that you like?" Bella inquired curiously.
"We could always use my mother's maiden name," Garrett suggested with a thoughtful expression.
"Maybe, what was it?" Bella asked with a wry grin, genuinely curious. "My mom's maiden name was Higginbotham, but sorry mom," Bella looked up as if addressing Renee in heaven, "we're never going to use that one," she added, with a hint of playful irony in her smile.
"Well, you're in luck then," Garrett replied, a playful smile playing on his lips. "My mother had the very common name of Martha Smith."
"Garrett and Marie Smith, sounds good to me, Mr. Smith," Bella said, leaning over and planting a sweet kiss on Garrett's lips.
"I'm glad you approve, Mrs. Smith. Hey, they just announced that first class can board. Maybe the plane will have some sleeping compartments," Garrett said, playfully faking a yawn and stretching his arms.
"Let me guess, you want Mr. and Mrs. Smith to join the mile high club?" Bella chuckled. "I'd say your chances are looking pretty good."
They finally boarded the plane, and Bella was still clutching her book tightly, yet she hadn't opened it yet.
"Aren't you going to read your book?" Garrett asked, knowing how excited Bella was when she received it.
"I am. I'm really looking forward to reading my mom's life story and seeing my own childhood," Bella replied, her anticipation evident in her voice. "I don't remember much from those early years, just a few fleeting memories. But I'm also a little nervous. It's strange to read what I'm about to."
Closing her eyes, Bella allowed herself to reminisce about all the great times she shared with her mother. A bright smile illuminated her face as she reflected on their special bond. With a deep breath, Bella opened her eyes, a sense of readiness washing over her. "Okay, here goes," she said, her voice filled with resolve.
Bella smiled as she read the title page once again. With a sense of anticipation, she opened the manuscript for the first time. Her eyes landed on the first page, and in that moment, before delving into the words, she felt an immediate and profound sense of connection. It was as if she was embarking on a captivating journey alongside her mother, traversing the unfolding chapters of her life.
Exhaustion washed over me, leaving me drained and dazed. The pain and messiness of childbirth had taken their toll, leaving me feeling utterly spent. I struggled to keep my eyes open, fighting the heaviness that threatened to engulf me. But amidst the fatigue, a flicker of determination pushed me forward—I needed to see my little girl.
By my side, Charlie beamed with pride, his face lit up like a Christmas tree. He looked so happy, eager to catch a glimpse of our newborn daughter, his excitement palpable. I mustered a tired smile, grateful for his unwavering support. Being a good mother was all I could hope for, even though I had never really been around babies before.
Finally, a nurse entered the room, cradling a bundle in her arms. She gently placed the tiny, swaddled figure in my trembling hands. As I gazed down at her, sleepily nestled in her blanket, a surge of tenderness welled up within me. She looked so small, so vulnerable, and yet so utterly perfect.
"What do you want to call her, Renee?" Charlie asked softly, his voice full of emotion as he looked upon his daughter for the first time.
I pondered for a moment, my gaze fixed upon the precious gift in my arms. She was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen, "Let's name her Isabella."
