A/N: Another update for you all! Basically a double update. This chapter was originally combined with Chapter 16, but I decided to split them up. You'll all get to see the boys' night in this one as well as a little scene I very much enjoyed writing between Edward and Vitalia. Enjoy!

. ..*.

Earthshine

Chapter XVII

"Memento"

…

"When you remember me, it means you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are. It means that you can summon me back to your mind even though countless years and miles may stand between us. It means that if we meet again, you will know me." - Frederick Buechner

…

[Edward]

Running to Seattle took a lot less time than driving would have. We ran to the outskirts then made our way into the downtown area. The night air was salty from the coast and carried the roasted scent of coffee. The skyscraper lights gleamed sharply against the blackness, and the crowd, even on a week night, was sizeable. Lots of the thoughts around here were excited and hopeful — looking for one spontaneous adventure or another. Some others were weary — those who were just eager to get home after a long work day.

As my brothers and I walked down the sidewalk, many people paused to stare. They were stunned by the sight of us, as mortals so often were. Most of their thoughts were flustered and admiring, but there were a few — those more in tune with their intuition — who were inexplicably nervous.

"Ah! City night life." Emmett grinned. "I've missed it."

"You can come anytime you want, you know." I pointed out.

"It's not the same on my own." He let out a loud holler, causing a group of college kids to jump and stare at us with wide eyes.

"Maybe we should tone down your excitement. Just a little." Jasper said before I heard from his mind that he was using his ability to calm Emmett's mood.

"Hey! Cut that out." Emmett ordered, though he looked noticeably more relaxed.

Jasper laughed and I smirked at them.

They continued to banter as we walked and my eyes wandered. I purposefully took in our surroundings, taking note of things I might have overlooked otherwise. I observed all the mortal people and situations that I commonly found so dull. Their thoughts and behaviors tended to follow a predictable, mediocre pattern.

But just now, I tried to see beyond that. To see the uniqueness and the individuality. To see the beauty of their humanity. I tried to see what Carlise saw. What Bella saw. What Vitalia saw.

We paused at a crosswalk and I saw a homeless man sitting there, his thoughts dismal and desperate. His mind was a broken thing, but he was thinking something kind as he watched a young family stroll by. He was filled with regret as and I was greeted with memories of his past — of the family he'd let go of in pursuit of his addictions.

Take care of them, he was looking at the father of the family. Don't take them for granted.

I found myself pausing there in front of him before I pulled out my wallet. Emmett and Jasper both stopped and watched me curiously. I knelt and smiled at the man before placing a crisp hundred dollar bill in his gloved hand.

"Take care," I told him softly.

The man looked down at his hand then back at me, but I was already disappearing into the crowd again. W-who was that? Some sort of angel?

I was far from that. Paying special attention to the people around me went against my natural instincts. My instinct was to think of them all as potential prey, and nothing else. Something less than myself. It was hardly an angelic way to be.

"Feelin' charitable tonight, Edward?" Jasper asked.

I shrugged. "Something like that."

"The whole do gooder thing is a good fit for you. You always were the most like Carlisle." Emmett added.

"It was more a whim than anything. Trying something different." I explained.

Wonder where that whim is coming from? Emmett thought to himself. Maybe a certain blue-eyed little friend of yours?

Jasper picked up on my sudden tension. Easy, Edward. Don't know what Emmett's saying to you, but don't let it ruin our night.

"Whatever you're thinkin', knock it off." He said to Emmett aloud.

"Fine, fine." Emmett held up his hands. "I'll keep my observations to myself."

I scoffed. Observations indeed.

A loud, thrusting bass sounded from an open door where a bouncer sat. Emmett grinned as he peered inside the club, eyeing the strobe lights and the energetic dancing with interest.

The thoughts in there were rather base level and I quickly tuned them out. I turned my head to gaze down the street, where a bar stood. The sign in the window was advertising pool and billiards.

"I think that's more what we're looking for," I smacked Emmett's shoulder and pointed to the bar.

"Oh yeah, alright!" He clapped his hands together and rubbed them together. "Let's do this."

"After you, Jasper motioned to Emmett before sending a relieved look my way.

At least Emmett's interests shifted so easily. Neither me or Jasper were very keen on visiting a place like that night club.

We swiftly moved across the street and entered the pool bar. The lighting was dim and the air was hazy with tobacco smoke. A majority of the thoughts here were hopeless and self-loathing and I internally cringed at how uncomfortably relatable they were. But there was no substance I could take that would drown my sorrows once I left Bella — aside from the inexcusable. A part of me envied these people for having the option, however hateful that option felt.

Here I go again. Going home drunk again. The man at the counter had his head in his hand.

Just make it stop. A woman winced and took a shot.

Life. An endless cycle. Just the same thing over and over and over again. What's the point? An eldery man thought in the corner.

Your mood's dropping, Jasper noted to me. Depressing place, isn't it?

I glanced at him and breathed in to compose myself. He was just as bad as Alice, in his own way. I had to be careful not to slip up.

"Empty table," Emmett pointed before leading the way. The thoughts were brighter here. Just a bunch of people feeling competitive and having a good time.

Jasper set up the rack and I moved to grab three pool sticks. I tossed one to each of my brothers then reached for the chalk. This would be interesting. Some restraint would need to be involved to avoid breaking anything. I glanced teasingly at Emmett. "You sure you can handle this?"

"'Course I can. Who do you think I am?"

"He means, can you handle not going all out." Jasper added.

"I know what he meant." Emmett chuckled before leaning over the pool table to break and scatter the balls. He got both a solid and a stripe in, though the solid was slightly sooner.

"Guess that makes you solid." I stated. "With a mark against you."

"Yeah, yeah."

"You two go ahead." Jasper motioned to us before smirking. "I'll play the winner."

I nodded then leaned forward, looking for the most efficient trajectory. I saw the shot I wanted to take, exerted the force needed, then watched as it came to life with a victorious grin.

"Game on!" Emmett shouted excitedly.

The game went quickly. We circled the table, took our shots swiftly, then watched as they nearly always came through how we wanted. I won marginally, as I'd set up a complex situation that Emmett wasn't quite able to maneuver out of.

"You and your cheap tricks," he told me with a shake of his head before leaning against the wall with his arms crossed to watch Jasper and I play.

Jasper was more tactical than I was, and seeing his plans ahead of time only helped a little. I was able to avoid some of his traps, but most plans were made during his turns, so there wasn't much I was able to do.

In the end, he won in a fairly solid victory. He threw down the pool stick and smirked.

Emmett laughed. "Serves you right! Taste of your own medicine, Eddie."

I raised a brow at him. Vitalia had started something, it seemed. Would more people start calling me that now? It felt strange coming from anyone else.

"You and I next," Jasper pointed to Emmett.

"Let's go!" Emmett clapped his hands and jumped forward.

Their style together was less tactical and more action-oriented. They were more impulsive and spontaneous.

"Speaking of you-know-who," Emmett started, referring to his use of Vitalia's nickname. "How are things with you and Alice?" His attention shifted to Jasper. "Aren't you on opposite sides of this thing?"

"Thought I told you to cut it out with that?" Jasper asked.

"I know, but I've been curious."

Jasper leaned forward to neatly send two more balls flying to opposite baskets before straightening with a sigh. He glanced at me, no doubt gauging my response to this subject.

I also sighed, feeling weary of fighting them on this. They were going to think what they wanted to think, whether I liked it or not. It wasn't as if it mattered. It didn't change anything. I shut my irritation down and remained impassive.

"Things are fine." He answered, looking Emmett's way again. "We disagree, but we haven't been letting it get between us. I can feel how strongly she cares for Bella, so I get where she's coming from. She's been trying to change my mind about it, of course, but my mind's made up about it all." He chuckled. "I'm not about to go getting involved and cross my little monster though. I'll leave that to Rosalie. She's doing a fine enough job of that."

Emmett laughed loudly. "It's Bella all over again."

"They just can't seem to agree on this."

It was like I wasn't even here, the way they spoke. Making light of their absurd involvement in my love life.

"She was looking real chipper today, wasn't she?" Emmett continued. "Alice. When she was heading off to that bowling thing. Looked a little like the cat who ate the canary."

"What'd you mean?" I spoke up. I hadn't noticed anything off about her. Her thoughts had only shown excitement for the party planning and her eagerness to spend time with Bella.

"Well she's got an ace or two up her sleeve, I'm sure." Jasper answered. "She's not letting this thing go without a fight. She's gotten pretty good about meanuvering around your ability too."

"There's no fight." I rolled my eyes, but suddenly felt a foreboding feeling about the way the evening would go with the girls.

"Hey, don't make me calm those anxieties of yours. You'll have plenty of time to deal with it later." Jasper commanded.

I frowned. Having my emotions read was incredibly inconvenient sometimes, but I supposed it was only fair. After all, he thought the same of my mind reading.

They finished up their game then walked over to the dart board. I followed behind them.

"What'd you say? Winner chooses the dance venue. If it's me, we're going back across the street." Emmett pointed toward the door.

Jasper and I exchanged a glance.

"Alright, you're on." I stepped forward and grabbed three darts before moving to the starting line. I sent each one flying with perfect precision.

This was going to be a simple task for each one of us, so I wasn't sure how Emmett wanted to determine the winner.

Jasper went next and he scored three in the dead center of the board next to mine. He smirked then handed the darts over to Emmett.

"We're going to have to look real close at these, huh?"

Emmett nodded and flexed his hands before sending his darts flying at a third board. They all struck, though one nearly bounced off another, skewing it slightly.

"Ugh," Emmett groaned, knowing it would cost him.

Jasper and I stepped up to examine the boards, determining who was closest to perfection. By a very slight degree, Jasper's third dart was closer to true center.

I clapped him on the shoulder. "Guess it's your call then."

Jasper nodded. "Seems it is." I saw him consider a few different ideas before nodding and heading to the door.

I wanna get outside. He thought. "Let's find an outdoor venue. They do a lot of live music here."

If it were me, I'd have selected a solid destination and had a set plan in motion, but Jasper preferred to explore and discover these things. He liked the bit of adventure involved.

"Sounds good to me." Emmett laughed, following after him.

As I returned to the city sidewalk with my brothers, I was swept up a little in the spontaneity. I felt a fresh appreciation for it. It was surprisingly relieving not to have to plan the next step I needed to take.

I'd been taking new risks ever since meeting Bella though, so I suppose that part of me had been developing this whole time. Vitalia drove it home though. Like Jasper, she didn't often have a plan. She liked to see what jumped out at her.

We walked a few blocks until we heard the unmistakable swell of music from a park amphitheater. We moved in that direction then stopped as we reached the field of grass to observe the circle of food trucks and people gathered in front of a stage, where a band was playing a classic 80's Eagles song. There was a notable flare to the cover band's version though, delivering the original in a more upbeat style.

Emmett immediately started to dance in place before making his way over and urging us to follow.

I laughed at him, feeling that curious liveliness that now sprang up whenever I observed people dancing.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Jasper watching me. I raised a brow and he tilted his head.

Your mood really brightened.

I shrugged, unable to explain it either. I had no idea a single image could inspire me like this. I wondered now if I should have bought it. Maybe it was still at that antique store?

Jasper and I joined Emmett and we danced along with him. I noticed how many of the young women were watching us, most wondering if they should approach and ask us to dance, but feeling intimidated by the prospect.

One young woman did eventually approach us. She looked first at Jasper, but seemed to pick up on the danger he presented. She looked between Emmett and I before deciding I looked the most approachable and made her way to me.

Her friends sent shocked gasps at each other as they watched. Apparently they'd dared her to ask one of us for a dance.

Wow. He's even better looking up close. She was thinking.

I knew that my intimidating edge had been softened by my very great efforts to appear and behave as human as possible.

"Can I interest you in a dance?" She asked me hopefully.

I smiled at her apologetically. "Sorry, no. I doubt my girlfriend would appreciate it."

Of course he's taken. He's decent too. Nice guy. She nodded and returned my smile before returning to her friends.

The band started to play a swing/jazz fusion beat and I showed off a little as I danced around my brothers. Jasper smirked and decided to take me on, an unspoken dance off of sorts. Emmett was less familiar with the classic stuff, but he joined too, creating a three way competition.

People around us started to watch as we glided and expertly executed our steps. Jasper seemed to be using the crowd's energy to boost his confidence and he displayed a very complex, smooth set of moves that had the crowd cheering.

Emmett waved him off and performed his own series of steps, adding his own, more modern flare to the typical steps of the dance style.

I channeled all of my skill as I stepped up to try and outperform them both. I let all the liveliness soaring through me direct my steps as I glided over to where the onlookers were and performed directly in front them, a few even following along with some of my movements as they clapped for me. I lost myself in it a little and immersed myself in the moment.

These kids are the real deal. No one dances like this anymore. An elderly man was swaying to the music, smile on his face and glass of wine in his hand. He tossed his hat to me and I reached up to catch it with a laugh.

I placed the hat on my head, snapping my fingers to the rhythm as I continued the routine steps. I finished it off with a quick spin before flipping backwards on one hand. The crowd cheered and I grinned widely.

"You are such a show off!" Emmett shoved me playfully.

Jasper walked over and clapped me on the shoulder. "Well earned victory though."

I nodded at them both before returning the older man's hat with a "thank you."

We spent a little longer there, enjoying the music, before deciding to head out of the city.

"See? Wasn't this a good idea? You both had fun, right?" Emmett asked.

"I rolled my eyes but flashed him a grin. "Yes, it was fun. Surprisingly so."

"Good to see you lighten up," Jasper told me. "You needed it."

As we moved down the sidewalk, my eyes slid to the illuminated display window of a jewelry store. Something caught my eye and I paused to observe it more closely.

It was a white and gold charm bracelet, with a blue gummy bear charm the color of the sky. It instantly reminded me of Vitalia. I sighed and considered. Would it be appropriate to buy her a gift? Would she mind? Would Bella mind? It wasn't a romantic token. Friends bought things for each other, didn't they? It might be nice to know she had something to remind her of this summer we'd shared. A memento of sorts.

I figured Emmett and Jasper might take it to mean something else, but why should that stop me?

Decidedly, I told them I'd catch up with them before walking into the store. Once inside, I looked around for any other charms I could add before smiling as I spotted the perfect one.

I moved to catch up with my brothers and Emmett looked to the bag in my hand curiously. "Birthday gift for Bella? Didn't think she was the jewelry type."

"No, she's forbidden me to buy anything for her birthday."

"So who's it for?" Jasper asked.

I just gave him a look. He smirked to himself then exchanged a glance with Emmett. From their thoughts, I knew they'd both figured out who it was for.

"Race you guys back to town!" Emmett suddenly shouted before speeding into the thick of the forest.

"You're on." I grinned widely before taking off after him.

Cheap move getting a head start like that. Jasper was thinking. But all's fair, huh?

I was faster than them both, and was able to pass Jasper up, but Emmett seemed to know a short cut he'd discovered on one of his hunts. I saw the images in his mind, but was unfamiliar with it myselef. I tried to follow his scent as I ran, but the light fall of rain made it more difficult. I felt excited anyway though. The thrill of a solid challenge and the feel of uninhibited speed spread through my nerves like lightning. It was the single greatest part about being a vampire — the only part I genuinely enjoyed.

Emmett passed the Welcome to Forks sign then stopped, waiting for us. I was seconds behind him and Jasper fractionally behind me.

"Yes!!!!" Emmett pumped a fist into the air and shouted loudly, scaring some of the night critters nearby. Had to win something tonight, he thought victoriously.

I laughed and stopped in front of him, feeling electric still as my body hummed like a power line. "Well done."

Emmett smirked then stepped toward me with arms outstretched. "Come on. Bring it, brother."

He closed his strong arms around me and I embraced him wholeheartedly. I hadn't realized how much I'd missed this. Just spending time together without feeling a need to be anywhere else.

Jasper smiled at the two of us and we both motioned at the same time for him to join us.

He rolled his eyes but stepped forward as we brought him in for a group hug.

"Thanks for this, Edward." Emmett was saying. "Let's not wait so long to hang again, huh?"

I nodded. "I'll try my best."

Jasper chuckled then he and Emmett stepped away with a wave. They headed home and I checked my phone, moving to the side of the road as a car sped by, headlights washing over me.

I saw that it was a quarter after eleven, which was relatively early for Vitalia. I decided to go ahead and deliver her present now. I first stopped to grab my car, then drove the few miles to the rental cabin. As I stepped outsidez I could smell the smokey cedar scent of the wood stove, and watched as the wispy grey billowed from the chimney.

Deciding to tease Vitalia, I opened my trunk and grabbed the large book sitting there — part of my summer reading curriculum – then walked up the steps to the front door. I could hear laughter from inside and their thoughts were all uplifted and relaxed.

I knocked firmly then stepped back.

"Maybe it's the lost pizza driver?" Diego asked.

"We already canceled the order," Eden answered.

I have a suspicion, Vitalia thought before she pulled the door open and grinned. "Thought so! Hey there, Eddie!"

"Hey," I answered before motioning my head back. "Will you join me out here a minute?"

She glanced at her parents. They both smiled and waved her out. Vitalia stepped onto the porch and closed the door behind her. "What's up?"

He looks like he had a good time. I'm so glad! She thought.

"I got you something, actually."

"Oh?" She asked with a coy smirk. "I feel so honored."

I gave her a lopsided smile, feeling my trace of nervousness disappear. I hadn't been sure how she'd feel about me gifting her something, but I was glad to see that she seemed pleased with the idea.

I did my best to hide my amusement as I lifted the book and held it out to her.

She glanced down and her brow lifted.

A book? She thought, sounding confused. I saw her try to work up a smile as she reached out and read the title. Her thoughts betrayed her though.

Oh, man…I don't really read and I don't like Shakespeare very much, but I don't want to be rude. He looks so excited.

"…thanks." She looked up at me with a forced grin. "This is, uhm… yeah. Thoughtful."

I erupted in a laugh, eyes gleaming with mirth. She shot her gaze up at me, brows creasing.

"Sorry, I wanted to tease you a little." Another soft laugh escaped me before I pressed my lips together and held the small jewelry box out to her. "This is your real gift."

Vitalia's confusion shifted instantly and she shook her head. Wowww, Eddie. She stepped forward with a chuckle and firmly pressed the heavy book to my chest. "You dummy."

I caught the book before it fell. "It was a good one, you have to admit."

She rolled her eyes and swiped the box out of my hand, corner of her mouth lifting. "You made me feel bad for a second. Thought I was gonna have to actually read that ridiculously large book so I could at least try and enjoy your gift."

"Huh. Maybe I should've let you keep it then."

"Shut-up," she laughed. She looked down and untied the ribbon on the box before opening it.

I held my breath as I waited for her reaction, eyes roving over her face in anticipation.

She lifted the bracelet and held it up to the light, gaze focused on the glittering accessory. I watched as her corner smile slowly spread across her whole face, lighting it up brilliantly.

"Whoa," her eyes shifted to me as she lowered the bracelet. "This is-" she looked to the hanging charms as her fingers drifted over them. "This is a beautiful gift." Her eyes found mine again. "Thank you, Eddie. I love it."

I felt a new rush of excitement run through me at hearing how much it seemed to mean to her.

I stepped forward and held my hand out. "May I?"

So proper. She thought before handing me the bracelet and holding her wrist out for me. "Of course!"

I smiled and carefully wrapped the piece around her wrist, feeling her lively pulse thrumming strong and fierce beneath her skin. Then I tilted my head and admired the way the gold and pale silver shone in the glow of the porch light. "I wanted to give you something to remember all of this by. To remember… me by."

"It's perfect." She nodded. "The bear is, you know obviously, so me. But the little fork charm," she let out a laugh. "I mean, that's unmistakeable."

"Figured it would be. I'm really glad you like it."

She nodded before her expression turned thoughtful. "Even without this, I don't think I'm ever going to forget you. How could I?"

Because you mortals forget so much more easily than you think, I thought as I stared down at her.

I smiled at her though. "I suppose I'm a pretty memorable person."

It was an unfortunate truth.

"One in a million, no matter how uninteresting you think you are." She raised an accusing brow.

I sighed and shook my head down at her. "I pale in comparison to you. By far."

"You are significantly paler than me." She joked.

I laughed. "Good one."

"Thank you!" She chirped before moving past me to grip the banister, where she twirled around once. "But I am flattered you think I'm so extraordinary."

"Don't be too modest now." I leaned against the rail and crossed my arms, watching her with amusement.

"I just have a healthy dose of confidence is all," she closed her eyes and leaned her head back, curtain of black hair flowing in the gentle night breeze. "Unlike some people I know." She peeked up at me from one eye.

"Don't be a brat." I told her teasingly.

She barked another laugh before trying to right herself. She lost her balance though and stumbled backwards. I quickly stepped forward, but couldn't move quite fast enough to grab her. Not without giving myself away. She toppled onto the grass and I tried to hold back an immediate laugh.

"You alright?" I stepped towards her.

Embarrassed again. Why do I have to make a fool of myself around him?

"I'm fine." She sat up and looked around herself before chuckling. "Guess that makes me the dummy now."

I released a short laugh. "Guess so." I offered her my hand. "Here, let me help you up."

She gripped me and let me pull her to her feet. I noticed the lack of reaction to my cold touch this time. Her shock at my differences was diminishing with her growing familiarity.

As she looked up at me, my eyes lowered to her bottom lip, where a small amount of blood had pooled. "I think you might've bit your lip there." I lightly touched it with my finger then held it up so she could see the smear of red.

"Man…" she trailed off, lifting her hand to wipe at it.

I didn't know if it was the blood lingering there, or the fact that I was standing so close to her, or that the onslaught of opinions were starting to mess with my head, but as my eyes continued to stare at her lip, I had a disturbingly intrusive thought. A curiosity.

I caught myself wondering what it might feel like to kiss her. To step closer, to lean in, to be so near this exhilerating person.

I blinked once and forced the thought away before stepping back from her.

She tilted her head at me. Huh. He looks kind of tense all of a sudden.

I forced myself not to dwell on where my thoughts had taken me. I lifted a hand behind my neck and sought a new conversation before she could ask why I was suddenly acting different.

"So how'd tonight go with everyone?"

She followed my wordless direction easily, all thoughts turning to her time at the bowling alley. I saw an array of images, ranging from fun and laughter during the game, to the party planning, and finally to an argument that had erupted near the end.

She's got one or two aces up her sleeve, Jasper had said about Alice.

The foreboding feeling returned and this time I couldn't ignore it.

"It went okay in the beginning," Vitalia proceeded to explain. "Rosie and I won the bowling match and then we ordered some food and started planning the party. I really thought I was making some progress with Bella for a minute there, but then Rosie kind of called her out right in front of everyone. Started arguing with Alice about whether Bella was really suited for you or not. And then…well, Bella got pretty upset when she found out that some of your family members are trying to set us up."

I groaned, seeing from her thoughts how livid and hurt Bella was.

"Alice looked weirdly satisfied by it too. Like she set it up or something. I don't know. Maybe I'm wrong."

I ran a hand through my unkempt hair. "No. No, you aren't wrong." My hand fell. "Alice knew exactly what she was doing." I sighed and looked up at the cloudy, starless sky. Just how bad was this going to be?

I took a moment to collect myself before looking to Vitalia again. I stared at her regretfully, unable to help but wonder if this would be the last time I'd be able to spend time with her this way.

"I'd better go. See how Bella's doing."

She nodded. "Yeah, that's probably a good idea." She sent me a tight smile. "See you later?"

I nodded but didn't answer, not wanting to promise something that I might not be able to follow through on.

I waved at her then turned to run to my car. I drove quickly across town, dropped off my car at home, then ran to the Swan house. I stared up at the house and lingered on the sidewalk, feeling the faintest sense of dread. It felt all wrong, dreading seeing Bella, but I couldn't shake it.

I silently slipped inside the house, then widened my eyes as I saw Bella sitting cross-legged in the middle of her bed.

"I didn't expect you to still be awake," I said to her.

"I was waiting up so we could talk."

I nodded then moved to sit at the edge of the bed, taking one of her hands between mine. I braced myself and stared at her intently. "I'm listening."

Bella bit her lip as her eyes fell. "Edward…you never told me that your family was actually trying to set you up with Vitalia."

"I didn't think it mattered. Their opinion doesn't change the way I feel."

"It still hurts," she answered with a grimace. "Having them turn against me like this."

"They love you, Bella, whatever else they might think. I mean, except for Rosalie, but that doesn't have anything to do with Vitalia."

She shook her head and ran a hand through her hair. I saw she was blinking away angry tears. I gritted my teeth, silently cursing Alice for doing this. I knew, ultimately, she was just trying to help Bella, but hurting her this way was unnecessary. Why couldn't she see that Vitalia was not a threat?

"I tried, Edward." She said, voice breaking. "Tried to get used to this idea, tried to like her, but-" she squeezed her eyes closed. "I can't keep pretending it doesn't bother me, especially if so many of them are trying to talk you into being with her." She looked up at me. "That's too much for me."

I slowly nodded, fully expecting this. I suppressed the immediate surge of disappointment and reluctance. It was more than fair for Bella to ask this. She had to come first. Perhaps it was for the best anyway. However unwanted or unwarranted, I'd imagined kissing Vitalia and that wasn't something I wanted to happen again.

"I'll put an end to it," I told her.

"I'm sorry, Edward."

"Don't be," I gave her a half smile. "You have nothing to be sorry for."

Bella nodded. "We've got that house party we're planning, so if you want to wait until after that's over, I'm good with that."

"Alright," I told her. "Since she'll already be there, I'll take her aside afterwards and talk to her."

"…thank you."

I nodded again then leaned in for a brief kiss. "Get some sleep now, Bella."

She lied down and I put the covers over her before easing myself down and wrapping my arms around her.

Once she was asleep, I felt my face contort at the thought of what was coming. I let my emotions run through me uninhibited. The grief of having to say goodbye to a person I had very much started to treasure. To Eden and Diego too. To a representation of life that was rare and inspiring. My life, even though entirely claimed by Bella, felt dimmer. It felt less somehow.

Saying goodbye to Vitalia had always been inevitable, so it wasn't a shock, but knowing she'd be around for several more weeks yet being unable to see her…that made the entire thing more upsetting.

It seemed Alice had gotten what she'd wanted after all.

Unable to help myself, I opened my phone and texted my sister.

Edward: Happy now?