Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight or any of the characters.
BPOV
Time seemed to move differently. Edward was here and some part of the hurt I've felt the past few months started to heal. But I knew it had to be short-lived.
I noticed he was more affectionate than before. He sat closer to me. Kissed my head as we waited to leave Volterra. It had to be some form of guilt or gratitude... right? He said he didn't love me anymore. That hasn't changed. Has it?
By the time we were allowed to leave Volterra, it was late. Too late to take a flight back home. Alice reserved a suite in a hotel in a city outside Volterra.
By the time we were in the room, I could barely think straight. The events of the day were wearing on me and I barely made it to the bed before falling asleep with thoughts of him. Always him.
EPOV
My Bella is back. She's finally back with me. But, is she really with me? I can't help but notice she seems distant. Almost like she's protecting herself. My fault.
I have to talk to her. But first, she needs to sleep. I felt terrible watching her stumble into the hotel practically dead on her feet. All because of my recklessness.
After she fell asleep, I just watched her for hours. Wanting so badly to lay beside her and hold her but knowing I have to earn that privilege again.
After a few hours, I slid out to make a call to Carlisle. I know he's worried about his son... and his daughter. I know he views Bella as his daughter. It's one of the reasons I had to leave the family. The agony in his thoughts of leaving his daughter only further destroyed me while I was lost in my own misery.
I picked up the phone determined to start making amends. As soon as my Bella opens her eyes again, I will confess everything to her. My feelings, the lies I told as I walked away. I'll beg for all eternity if I have to. But I will make this right. I just hope I'm not too late.
BPOV
I woke up in the dark. Suddenly, the events of the day before came crashing back. Alice coming back. Italy. The Volturi. Edward.
At first, o thought it was a dream. A quick glance around at my strange surroundings confirmed its reality.
Some part of myself expected Edward to be waiting at my bedside. Hoped he would be there telling me he loves me and would never leave again. But he wasn't. I didn't see either of them. They must be outside the bedroom in the suite, right?
After making an effort to tame my hair and straighten my clothes, I went to leave the bedroom. This is it. This is where I find out if he's leaving again. If he's already left. Suddenly, I understand easy death row inmates must feel like when they walk to their execution.
I walk into the suite's main room and there is no sign of him. Of either of them. Of course. What did I expect? That he loves me again? That he was going to return home with me and I would have my family back? He never made me any promises yesterday. And maybe I just imagined the extra touches and affection in his voice.
I was alone. In Italy.
With shaking hands and tears rolling down my face, I walk over to the phone. I guess it's time I figure out how to get home. God, I hope someone at the airport speaks English.
I suppose I could use my cell phone to call Charlie, but I would personally rather walk back to Volterra and ask Aro to help me book a flight. My death would at least come a little quicker that way.
I pulled out my phone and pulled up an English to Italian translator and started trying to contact the airport. I learned quickly that having an Italian name does not lend itself to picking up Italian. The more I spoke (or tried to speak) the more panicked I became. The more I cried. I was starting to think I may never get home. What if I run into another vampire? Just as I was about to go into a full-blown panic attack, I heard the hotel door click.
EPOV