Carlisle

I put down the phone. Edward was dead and Bella was right. It was my fault. Even my family agreed with her. I allowed too much. I should have never allowed us to get involved with a human girl but Edward was so happy.

That was always at the center of my decision-making. Did it make Edward happy? It was the question I always asked myself. I should have been asking myself if it was best for my family, if it made Esme happy, and if it would better our family. I had neglected my mate to satisfy my first son.

I was lost in thought when Jasper cleared his throat.

"Carlisle," Jasper said, "I don't think Bella was wrong. You spoiled Edward at everyone else's expense. I've sat back and watched. I've felt everyone's dissatisfaction. I've felt everyone's unhappiness. But, I didn't do anything about it. No longer. Alice and I are going to go off on our own for a while. While we're gone we'll decide whether we still want to associate with this coven. If we do come back, much is going to need to change. You'll have to take everyone's preferences and happiness into consideration. I'm not going to neglect my mate anymore."

Emmett stood up and said, "I know I'm the family jester but I saw it too. Edward's opinions were the only ones that mattered. Edward chose where and when we moved, why we moved, and what we did once we got there. Hell, we all put ourselves through high school over and over because he wanted to live like a real boy. You let him hurt and belittle all of us because his gift allowed him to read our minds and that made him feel superior. Rose and my opinions were dismissed, discounted, and discarded. I should have stood up to you a long time ago. We might not be in this position if we'd all stood up to you and insisted things be different. Rose and I are going to go on one of our world tours for a year or so. Then we'll see where we stand. Perhaps we'll be stronger as a family if we focus on pleasing our mates, not an immature school boy. I'm going to go pack Rose. I want to be ready to leave in an hour."

Two hours later the large house was empty barring Carlisle and Esme. "I'm sorry my love. I've neglected you. Bella was right. I let Edward get by with too much. I allowed him to manipulate and mistreat her. I should have curbed his behaviors. I should have done so much and now our family has fallen apart."

"We still have each other, Carlisle. That may have to be enough." Esme said.

Bella

I was refreshed and relaxed after Demetri and my morning shower. Demetri was going to let me watch court today if there were no humans involved. My control wasn't good enough to deal with humans. I wanted to learn everything I could about the laws that governed vampires. When I could handle fragile pages I'd study, but till then I just got to watch justice enacted.

My new clothes had come in and I was dressed in black. A black shirt and slacks should ensure that I didn't stand out. I hadn't been given my cloak yet. You don't get it till you are ready to go on missions and I was far from ready, but I was excited. It was a whole new world, just like my Demetri had said.

Everyone was solemn and composed during court. There were no smiles. I composed myself appropriately and Demetri and I observed from the shadows. Since I was a newborn, Demetri found it necessary to hold on to me so his arm was around me. I reveled in the contact even if its purpose was to restrain me if need be.

I watched as covens came in to introduce new members to the Masters. Three covens made their appearance in court to do so that day. I was in awe of the Masters and the Elite Guard. They handled each appearance with polish and grace. It seemed like a choreographed display.

I was hungry before court finished for the day so Demetri and I slipped out halfway through. I would get to the point where I could go the whole day. It would just take patience. After a quick feed, we went to train in fighting ability. I learned some dirty tricks for taking someone's head in a fight. I couldn't imagine Demetri ever having to resort to using them but I might have to. Demetri's moves flowed like water. I admit that I wanted him to take me on the floor of the training room but that was impossible. There were always members of the lower guard around perfecting their skills, like me.

By the time we finished working on combat training, court was over and we all gathered in the recreation room. We decided that it would be a game night. The only problem was I didn't know which games I could play. Alec recommended Jenga and while Felix and Demetri played poker I got to know everyone better and tried not to knock over the wooden tower. I only destroyed one piece when all was said and done. Jane assured me that it would be replaced. I had fun with them. Laughter echoed through the room often and I hoped we had game nights more often.

After we finished Alec took the time to show me his sketches. He did some realistic work but he seemed to prefer drawing cartoon-like characters. There was even a picture of me holding my shield over Edward. I was impressed by his skill and he confided that he'd done art as a career for a period in his vampire life. I was surprised by this but not because of anything to do with skill. His work was superb. I just thought the Volturi would leave no time for a career. Perhaps someday I could follow my dream of writing novels. I was sure the Volturi would give me a lot of inspiration.

Santiago shared his music collection with me. He had eclectic tastes. He liked everything from grunge to heavy metal. I even heard some pop in there. He was an interesting character. Before my change, he had been the youngest member of the elite guard. He seemed glad to no longer hold the title.

Chelsea showed me some of her fashion designs. She seemed to favor quality over frills. I found that most of her designs, I genuinely liked. They were classy and elegant without being too conservative. I asked if she did formal wear. I was of the mind that she should. I mentioned it to her and she said she might try it out.

Demetri and Felix quit playing poker for the night when Demetri was thirty-five thousand dollars down. I wasn't sure if they played with real money but laughed at the expression on their faces as they told me about their respective wins and losses. It appeared Demetri wasn't a frequent loser and looked shocked. I couldn't hold in my laughter.

I walked into the apartment with Demetri and he guided me to a part of the wall that held a shadow box framing my father's uniform shirt complete with his badge. I sobbed and hugged Demetri so tightly that he grunted a little. He hugged me back fiercely as well. Though I wouldn't give up my life with Demetri for anything or go back to being human even if I could, I suddenly wished I could have a long night's sleep.

"I know what I want to do, Demetri," I said.

He only hummed to indicate his interest.

"I want to sleep and I know I can't. So I want to pretend and just have some downtime." I explained.

Demetri froze then with a speed he hadn't demonstrated with me before he scooped me up in a bridal carry and walked toward the bedroom. At first, I thought he was going to acquiesce to my wishes. Then he began removing my clothing.

"What are we doing Demetri?" I asked curiously though I had my suspicions and didn't object to making love all night, though it wasn't what I was craving at this exact moment.

When I was naked he placed me on the bed face down.

"You'll learn, my love, that there are things over time you'll learn to miss about being human. Some vampires embrace their natures and some lament it. We are going to give you an alternative for longing for sleep." he said. "I want you to be one that embraces your nature," he whispered. Then he put his hands on my back and started to rub.

"I figure that it is unlikely that you'd ever had a massage before. If done right, and I'll do it right, it is a relaxing substitute for the sleep you long for."

He rubbed, caressed, and kneaded my back till I was in a relaxed state of bliss. It wasn't sleeping...it was better. "Thank you," I groaned into the silence of the room.