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When You Love Someone

Chapter Three: A Million Years Ago

"His Mate"

Her words rang in my head and yet I still didn't understand

"His what," I said my voice calm

"Bella neither of us saw it coming, not even me, he was hunting and she was camping by herself it was all so sudden – "

"She's human?" I asked my voice thick, her words crushing me with a heavy blow

With a nod of her head, I looked down to the ground.

He has a mate. A human mate.

That's not me.

"When did it happen?" I asked quietly, memories of us together swirling through my head like a tornado, trying to find any clue as to how or when or what the source of the mysterious changes began, At least now I know why they happened.

"Before Italy," She said quietly, reluctantly "That's why he went to the masters, he felt so guilty Bella – "She begged

"So, he traded my life for hers," I said fiercely anger bubbling in my belly for the first time. He traded me in for something better, something more human.

"No! No, it wasn't like that!" Alice chimed shaking her head fiercely

"That's how it sounds" My voice rang with bitterness, before a wave of unnatural calm hit me and I looked to see Jasper behind her, a look of concentration on his face.

"Jasper stop that!" I demanded and with a grimace, the anger came back full force. I went to the nearest tree and pulled it by its roots throwing it half a mile. This anger is hot, dry, and betrayal at its core. It felt like the whole world is coming down on me, the air coming too quickly, the world spinning too fast. Edward wasn't my mate, he never was.

I always knew something wasn't quite set, wasn't quite right. Edward had always been this unreachable deity that I could never quite match. Me being human in all my imperfections was the cause I always thought and now I am perfect. I'm equal to him. I'm finally a match for my mate. Edward is my mate there was no question in my mind until after Italy when things started changing. Edward being my mate; this undeniable, indisputable, irrefutable, unquestionable fact…was wrong.

I was wrong.

"Is that why everyone was gone those weeks? To go to her!" I yelled and at their guilty expressions I scoffed "Unbelievable!"

Those weeks where everyone disappeared, even Edward, even Alice. No one was there and when I discovered Charlie's body lying cold in the dirt in the forest, I was alone. I had to deal with the consequences. I had to move him. Only when I called Jake in a panic did Jake come and when Alice saw me disappear did they come. Until then I was alone. Until I decided to jump, I was alone. Does something drastic always have to happen for me to be first!?

"How could you do this to me? Alice, I don't blame you for what he did but you all left! With no explanation nothing! Charlie had just died and Jacob imprinted on Leah and you all left me alone! You all were supposed to be my family!" I yelled brokenly as I collapsed on my knees, the tearing in my chest ripping open and sobs raked through my body. "Charlie died because I was left alone! I couldn't protect him! Now I know it was for nothing!" I shrieked, hot tears in my eyes, never to fall again.

I look my shaking white hands, the unnatural hardness, the cold, the skin like steel. Was all this for nothing? Did I change for nothing? Could I have stayed human and all this could be for nothing? Was my change preventable? Could I have grown more, found another love, one that wasn't passionate but one that could fulfill me none the less? Given me children and a death that I could revel in, being reunited with my family. My real family?

"I can't believe you all" I looked at them, no doubt betrayal in my eyes as Alice covered her mouth her own sobs breaking free.

"I'm sorry Bella. I know you don't believe me now but we had too. We had too to get everyone's happy ending" She explained her voice small

"Everyone's happy ending except mine," I said bitterly, looking at the ground. Is this my fate? Is love supposed to torture you?

"Especially yours" She replies fiercely, her tear-filled eyes angry and determined

"Bella, I don't care if you hate us, I don't care if you never want to see us again but I just want you to know that everything that happened had to happen. There are things in motion right now that have bigger consequences for everyone. More than you realize, hell more than I realize. It's a bigger picture that we all have parts in and this is the beginning of mine and yours." She whispered her eyes blazing

Shaking my head, I laughed, a bitter and cold sound as Alice simply shook her head "I know you don't believe me Bella but you had to know that. I had to tell you." Sighing in defeat Alice turned but before she walked away, she handed me a manila envelope with Bella, written in her elegant script and my old backpack.

"Here, inside is a burn phone and a card with all the settlement money you got from Charlie's life insurance plus all the equity from the sale of the home. There's also a one-way ticket to Volterra in there as well. The plane leaves tomorrow but if you change your mind you can refund the ticket and go another time. Aro still wants to make sure of your change and it could be good for you to get away from all this. From us" She whispered, her eyes taking on a murky hue to them. "You should go, get away from all this"

I look at her and her eyes instead of joyful and energetic are heavy with the burden of the unknown. She looks tired and run down and for a moment I feel genuinely sorry for Alice.

That is until I remembered all the secrets. All the lies. All the broken promises. With a stiff nod, I took it from her without a word before running to the airport and leaving them, everything behind.

Alice

Seeing Bella runoff, the emotional dam I've been keeping burst and I turn myself into Jasper's waiting arms. I cry into his shirt as he slowly rubs my hair and takes me into the quiet house.

"Are we wrong Jasper? Am I wrong?" I whisper wringing my hands together

"No," He says firmly "If anything we're helping them. I know better than to go against you Alice" He says kissing my ear

"But everyone is hurting and yes Bella and Edward will eventually be happy but...there are so many variables! So many things could change!"

"Both are miserable, the family is in shambles, and there is no guarantee that Bella will ever let anyone in after this. Look what we did to her!" I sob, seeing Bella in that much pain, how broken she looked. The first time we left was hard and after learning of Edward's mate it only got harder. I should have knocked more sense into Edward, should have looked harder, should have tried some other way….

"Darlin you can't control people; you can't control the outcome you can only control your actions and emotions. I know Bella. Her heart is pure and she feels so deeply for everyone around her. She's hurting but if everything comes to pass then she won't be hurting anymore. She'll be happy, happier than she could ever dream of being." He tries to calm me, but Bella's burden is mine as well.

"She'll be hurting for a long time. She'll be put through hell and back" I say hauntingly seeing Bella's future. Her confusion, her pain, her torture. "If she stays on this path Bella will hurt. She'll make tremendous sacrifices and lose so much." I whisper, seeing Bella's future anguish everything blurry except her pain-filled eyes. I don't know who or why, but Bella was going to suffer but further down the line of fate I see Bella, regal, her eyes bright and happy, a smile lights her face. Everything will be healed and as I stand there looking at my reflection; dirt and blood on my face with the smile of victory.

"yet she'll save us all" I look at Jasper and seeing his grim look I look out the window to where Bella disappeared.

I close my eyes to look, her future hazy. Images pass me by of the people she'll meet, the challenges she'll face yet the one image that keeps me going, our family finally complete, old secrets revealed and Bella, scarred yet thriving in the arms of her true mate, surrounded by people that love her. That image keeps me going and justifies the path I sent her on. I just hope she forgives me, I hope she'll be strong enough to forgive herself.

"Good luck Bella" I whisper

Walking into the airport in the early morning hours I see people coming and going. Seeing as I was already checked in all I had to do was wait. Sitting in a lone chair in the corner I rummaged through my backpack to see what was there. A change of clothes, plus all my favorite classics which I was pleased to find. There was also a soft pouch on the bottom and inside was a jewelry box holding a dainty pearl bracelet with the Cullen crest hanging as a charm. There was a note along with it and I recognized Carlisle's doctor scribble immediately

Bella, I realize you must be incredibly angry with all of us, for which I do not blame you, I would be surprised if you didn't. You have been lied too, used and I'm sure to feel very much betrayed. I see it as my personal failure to you and as a leader of my family for choosing one child over another, a sin for which I hope for no forgiveness. However, I know I can speak for everyone that you are and have always been a Cullen. You are an inspiration to us, and I sincerely hope you find the happiness you very much deserve. I am so very, very sorry for my actions and for the choices we have made. We love you, always

Carlisle

Tears smart my eyes as I gently placed the note and bracelet back in my bag. Words were easy to say, words meant nothing if not for actions to back them up.

Edward constantly said he loved me, yet he was able to lie to my face and toss me to the side when he gets bored.

Alice said she was my friend yet covered the lies he was telling me. Asking me to trust her when she's shown me that she isn't trustworthy? I give a short laugh to myself. Priceless.

What family would leave on the request of a boy? A boy I loved, may still love, but who doesn't love me. It doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things anyway. I'm here and he's wherever she is I imagine.

I wonder what she looks like, how she is? If she's kind, fierce, tall, small, or anything and everything between. I wonder if she knows about me, knew about me? I wonder if they kept me secret or if he keeps secrets from her as he did me?

Would he abandon her? Would he caress her cheek as he did mine? Call her 'love' and 'dearest' with the same sweetness he did with me?

Would he take her to our meadow? The place where our love bloomed and died? Would they stretch in the grass with his skin shining and her warming in the sun?

Shaking my head, I pushed those thoughts away, the stinging hurt piercing me like a hot needle on butter. I don't want to think so I won't. Pushing all those thoughts and feelings down in a locked box, tossing it in the deep sea in my unconscious.

Sighing I picked up wuthering heights, focusing more on Catharine and Heathcliff's doomed love than my own. Losing track of time, I heard my plane being boarded and gathering the things I headed to the door, going through the motions, and taking a seat. Buckling in and being thankful that Alice got me a single seat. Putting in my headphones I try and enjoy the sixteen-hour flight towards what, I had no idea.

Finally landing, I look towards the city in twilight and I see the city is actually quite gorgeous. I guess I didn't pay enough attention when I was here last time. Figures.

Coming out of the airport I try and ignore the stares from other people as I cross into the city. So many people milling about as I walk the streets, seeing all the history and gorgeous agriculture. Seeing children being called into dinner I smile at their joyful faces. So peaceful and innocent.

Following the directions on my phone, I see the ancient castle in the distance, a few miles from the city, and begin my trek. When it gets dark enough, I use the tree cover to go at my new pace, running until the castle is only a mile away.

I must say running is probably my new favorite activity. It feels so freeing, so liberating. Coming closer I slow my pace until I arrive at the entrance and seeing the locked doors, I realize I don't know how to get in.

Is there a special vampire entrance or something? Puzzled I start to walk until I spot, a door that seamlessly blends into the wall. Feeling accomplished I pull realizing I need to use my vampire strength and open it to find a very clean hallway that leads into a reception area of sorts where a single woman sits at a desk.

Walking up I make my steps known as to not frighten her and as she looks up, she asks "what is your purpose?"

"Um, to see Aro," I say awkwardly

"Name please," she asked

"Isabella Swan" I answered

"one moment" she reached for her phone and pressed a button until I heard a voice on the other end roughly going "yes"

"I have an Isabella Swan here requesting an audience with Master Aro," She said pleasantly

"Alright I'll be right out"

"Someone will be here momentarily," She said unnecessarily and not wanting to be rude I said a quick thanks as I waited.

I didn't have to wait long as I see a familiar figure walking toward me, but I didn't remember his name. He smiled however and greeted me like an old friend

"Good evening Bella, how are you? The change suits you" He said nicely, the smile genuine

"Uh, thank you um; I'm sorry I don't remember your name" I apologize to which he laughed and brushed it off

"Don't worry about it, I remember your last visit here you didn't have enough time to learn everyone's names. My name is Dimitri" He smiled and held out his hand as I shook it and he opened a large door that leas to a very familiar throne room with three familiar faces looking at me.

"Bella! What a lovely surprise to see you!" Aro claps as he smiled at me and remembering to bow, I take a quick curtsy with Aro shooing it off.

"Oh, no matter for that. How have you been my dear? I see you have made a beautiful vampire, a lovely sight to behold" He complimented and I smiled softly

"I see you have come alone; where is your lovely mate, Mr. Edward?" He asks looking over my shoulder as if expecting him to come at any moment.

I flinched slightly as I replied, "I'm sorry to say that he isn't my mate he – "stopping short I didn't want to give him away because even if I hate him now that human girl shouldn't pay the price "has left once I was turned. After my change, the feelings faded and we quickly realized we weren't right for one another." I lied smoothly, internally rolling my eyes feeling the familiar anger bubble in my stomach.

"Ah, yes, the mating bond is as elusive as it is rare. One would consider themselves very lucky to find their mate but I must say I would say his loss is another's gain is it not?" He smiled gently and I found myself nodding

"yes, I would hope that would be the case" I answered softly not daring of thinking of my possible mate if I even have one. I doubt it. I swear now I will not put myself through that kind of pain again. Not unless I know, not unless I'm sure.

"Well that's enough I will say my patience is growing thin Aro, we see the girl is changed. No rules are broken. Are we done?" Caius asks impatiently, breaking me out of my musings.

"Just a moment brother, patience is a virtue after all. Miss Bella, I do remember your unique gift as a human and I do wonder how it has changed since your transformation?" He asked holding out his hand in offer.

"Of course," I reply hold out my own for him to take, confident that if Edward couldn't read my mind, he can't either.

Gripping my hand, he closed his eyes in concentration laughing loudly after a few tense moments. Smiling he says "As elusive as ever! Not a word! Truly astounding" He says moving back to his throne. "Bella, I hope you don't mind but I am ever so curious. Would you mind if I try a few more tests?" He asks eagerly and nodding my head, yes, he instructs a young woman who couldn't be older than 20 steps forward and I immediately recognized her as the one who inflicts pain. Bracing myself I get ready for whatever she throws at me.

"This may a sting a bit," She says impassively

Closing my eyes, I wait for it and wait for it, until I open my eyes to see her glaring at me as her brows are knitted in concentration. Huffing and giving a small dissatisfied grunt she says a bit annoyed "It doesn't work on her"

"Fascinating" Aro murmurs "Tell me Bella do you know if you can shield just yourself or others as well?" He asks, his eyes lighting up

"Um, I'm not sure, I've never tried to defend anyone before," I say honestly my mind going blank.

"Interesting, may we try one more test Bella?" He asks almost out of his chair with excitement as Caius looks on bored while Marcus looks over at me and has this strange expression on his face.

"Of course, Aro" I respond

"Excellent my dear!" He swiftly put himself about 10 feet away from while calling for Jane. The same girl steps out from before with slight confusion. "Now Bella concentrate on putting your shield on me as Jane dear, attack me" He's grinning from ear to ear as I looked at him, he nodded at me as I took a quick look at Jane who had a similar expression to mine. After a moment I see Aro withering on the floor, his face contorting in pain. Alarmed I looked at him and imagined a bubble surrounding him holding out my arms feeling something stretch from fingers; like invisible plastic wrap.

Immediately Aro stopped moving as I saw him breathing hard but laughing. Holding the shield though was taking more energy, I collapsed when my body couldn't take the weight and I saw Aro start convulsing again.

"Master!" I heard Jane gasp as he sat up and had the biggest grin on his face. Getting to his feet he smiled at me and took my hand.

"You Bella are a very powerful shield. I would be honored Bella to invite you to join the guard; spend a year here in our home, with us to help you develop this gift and natural skill you have." He asked brightly as I blinked.

Live here? In the castle? With the Volturi?

"I…don't know what to say" I whispered cause truthfully what do you say to the vampire rulers?

"Say yes!" Aro replied brightly "and I understand if you need some time to think it over, I invite you to spend time here and get to know our family. Jane?"

She stepped out as Aro said "please show our newest guests to one of the rooms? Show her around" He smiled as she nodded her head and walked toward me, although a little hesitant.

I guess I would be hesitant too if my gift didn't work though I'm guessing she must not like me too much.

"Your room is down this hall," She said emotionless as she turned and lead me down the nearest hallway. We walked in silence, her small heels making a clicking sound every time she stepped and the whole thing is kind of awkward.

Wanting to make conversation I awkwardly said "Um, sorry I deflected your gift" Looking at her in the corner of my eye I saw her lips purse a bit and I bite lip. Okay, so wrong thing to say.

Stopping short in front of a grand looking door she opened it and motions for me to step in. With a flick of her wrist the lights turn on and I see beautiful cream painted walls with a spacious bed, a flat-screen tv, and a desk with a bookshelf right next to it.

"This will be your room for the night if you decide to use it. If you choose to join the guard you will be moved to a more spacious room in the guard's quarters." She said in that monotone voice

"There is a game room down the hallway to your left and a library to the right. If you choose to feed, you can use the surrounding forests or request for Renata to fetch you something since today is not a hunting day for us."

I shivered slightly at the request and simply said "Thank you"

"Your welcome" Turning she walked to the door before stopping and saying "and don't worry about it"

"I'm sorry," I asked confused

Turning and giving me the tiniest smile, she repeated "don't worry about it, to deflecting my gift. Don't worry about it" and with that, she swiftly left me in my new room alone to think.

I know I'm not the only one

Who regrets the things they've done

Sometimes I feel its only me

Who never became who they thought they'd be

I wish I could live a little more

Look up to the sky, not just the floor I feel like my life is flashing by

And all I can do is watch and cry

I miss the air, I miss my friends

I miss my mother, I miss it when life was a party to be thrown

But that was a million years ago

Adele: A Million Years Ago

A/N: So not going to lie this was a challenging chapter to write, I either had too much emotion or not enough and trust me when I say I was adding and taking parts of this chapter up until uploading. Alice's part I was debating about taking out but odiously I didn't because going through the future chapters she does play an important role although we don't see her for a hot minute, it was nice to see her reasons for sending Bella away more or less. Updates are every Monday and I hope you enjoy the story so far. Review, Review, Reviews make my heart happy!