When the new school year started, Bella and Carlisle quickly fell into their normal routine both holding onto the hope that this year would go by much smoother than the previous year. Bella had finally selected a major, deciding to go with English for now, and was working on her required classes which involved a lot of reading and writing. The reading she enjoyed, the writing, not as much. Thankfully, Carlisle was there to assist her anytime she got stuck on an assignment and would give gentle nudges in the right direction.
On the day of her 21st birthday she came home expecting a small celebration with just her and Carlisle, like last year, but was met with everyone crammed into their living room all smiling at her. One by one they all came to her and hugged her and wished her a happy birthday as she made her way to the dining room table where a cake was waiting with lit candles. With a smile, she quickly blew them out, not bothering with a wish as she already had everything she could want right there.
Knowing her dislike of gifts, they had abstained this year, and she thanked them for it, but Alice giddily took her hand and led her to the bedroom. "You need to change, we're going out."
"Where are we going?" She asked as Alice raided her closet looking for just the right outfit.
"We're all going out to the club down the street. You're 21 no, time to drink while you can." Alice pulled out a tight-fitting single strap shirt and a skirt to match it.
Bella tried to remember buying the items but couldn't remember doing so, shrugging she changed having long ago given up fighting the pixie girl on these matters. They quickly teased her hair a little to make it look nicer and added a little make up and rejoined the others. Together they headed downstairs and out to the street, each couple paired off and holding hands as they made their way down to the club. When the bouncer saw them coming, he didn't even make them wait and just waved them in, to the outrage of the people waiting in line.
The club was like the one in Paris they'd visited, lots of neon lights lighting up the dance floor, lots of people dancing and grinding against each other, and loud thrumming music. They managed to snag a table near the bar where she was able to order herself a drink then stayed snuggly tucked against Carlisle's side as they watched the crowd of people dancing. Rosalie and Emmett were the first to brave the mosh pit of people to dance, followed by Edward and Esme. It was a bit of a shock to watch Edward and Esme dance together, they were really good at it and were really in sync with one another. She wondered if that just came with time or was because of Edwards' mind reading, either way, she was mesmerized by them.
Alice and Jasper went last, and again, were mesmerizing to watch as they moved fluidly together. She hoped in time she could learn to move like that with Carlisle. Carlisle offered to take her out on the dance floor, but she turned it down. Not two minutes later, Edward came over and picked her up and carried her over to the group and set her down, turning her towards Jasper.
"Dance." That was all he said before he took Alice's hand and started dancing with her, as Carlisle and Esme began to dance.
Jasper took her hands grinning. "Don't worry, I won't let you trip and fall."
They started with simple steps for her to get used to doing formal dancing to EDM music, then started on more complicated moves like turns and spins. Jasper was surprisingly good at guiding her and keeping her steady on her feet and soon, she actually found herself having fun. At some point Jasper spun her out and Edward caught her taking over, Alice going to Carlisle and Esme going to Jasper, and their weird little dance party continued.
Edward smiled at her. "You look like you're having fun."
She couldn't help but giggle, she was slightly buzzed from her drink and just hyped-up having fun. "Yeah, it's kind of fun with all of you here."
"Good, you should have fun on your birthday." He spun her around making her laugh.
"What about you, are you having fun?"
He smiled. "Sure, it's a little much with all the thoughts going on but I can manage it."
"Let me guess, its mostly sex and why are those people dancing all weird?"
"Mostly, yes. Some are having fun watching Emmett and Rose doing their dirty dancing, but we have them perplexed for sure since we're basically swing dancing in a night club. On the other hand, who cares, if you're having fun that's all that matters. Now, go to your husband he's been wanting to dance with you for a while." Edward carefully handed her off to Carlisle.
She smiled at him. "If you wanted to dance you could have told me."
"You know I don't like forcing you to do anything you don't want to." They started to move together and after dancing with Edward and Jasper, she found dancing with Carlisle almost second nature.
She knew Carlisle's cues on where they were going to move and how better than she knew the others and soon it felt like she was drifting on a cloud as they danced. Maybe this was what the others felt when dancing with their partners. After a few more songs, Bella had had enough and needed a rest. Hot and sweaty, her and Carlisle made their way back to the table, where she ordered another drink to try and cool off. The others slowly joined, pretending to need a break as well and they sat around and chatted for a while before dancing some more.
It was late by the time they headed back to the apartment and Bella was thoroughly drunk. Carlisle had her up in his arms as walking was a dangerous game and she was apologizing the whole way back for getting drunk, which only made him chuckle as he laid her in bed. He tucked her in and went to see the family off before joining her and only once he was on the bed and she was able to snuggle up to him did she allow herself to sleep.
The next morning, she cursed alcohol and its creators as she suffered a massive headache and felt sick to her stomach all morning. Carlisle brought her pain meds and breakfast which she took the meds and picked at the food before rolling over and going back to sleep. By dinner time she'd mostly recovered and emerged from the bedroom a disheveled mess and attempted to work on her homework while Carlisle cooked for her.
Gifts from her parents arrived a few days later, and she sent them both thank you text messages. Renee had been badgering her to come out to visit them so she agreed over the winter break they would come down to visit. When Renee mentioned bringing Edward along, Bella realized she'd never told her mother she wasn't dating Edward. In all the confusion with Charlie and his change, she'd forgotten to mention that her and Carlisle were together and living together.
Her mom was in for a surprise, to say the least.
The school year passed slowly, not that she was complaining. She was enjoying her time with her husband, going on little dinner dates, or to the movies, or just little walks around the campus. Really whatever they felt like doing. It wasn't until finals week came and went that she started to get nervous. Carlisle had one more week before his winter break started so she was left alone in the apartment during the days and spent her time cleaning, packing or trying to relax. She fretted about how to explain to her mother that she had been dating Edwards 'brother' and whether to tell her that they had married.
Carlisle told her he'd go along with whatever she wanted to do, her problem was she couldn't settle on a plan. On the plane ride down, she finally made up her mind to claim they were engaged, so they both slipped off their wedding rings and tucked them away for safe keeping. Even after making the decision, she continued to weigh her options all the way up to the last minute when they were walking out of the airport to meet up with her mother.
Her biggest problem was she didn't want to lie to her mother, but also didn't want to break her heart by telling her she'd gotten married without inviting her. It felt like a no-win situation. As her mother came over and hugged her, her mind scrambled for what to say to the question she knew was coming.
"Who is this?"
Bella took a deep breath. "Mom, this is Carlisle, my fiancé."
Her mom looked shocked but giddy with excitement. "Congratulations sweety, let me see the ring."
Holding out her hand her mother inspected the ring for a bit while Carlisle and Phil introduced themselves to each other. Once her inspection was complete, the questions started. "What happened with Edward, when did you two get engaged, why didn't you tell me sooner?"
Bella held up her hands. "Mom, slow down. Edward and I are just friends. Carlisle is his older brother, and we got engaged when I started college, and I just forgot to tell you. With school and everything going on in my life I just forgot."
Renee put her hands on her hips. "How could you forget to tell me something so important?
When Bella stumbled over an answer, Carlisle jumped in. "We got engaged shortly after Charlie's accident, a lot was going on for Bella and it just slipped her mind."
Her mom nodded. "I suppose that makes sense. That was an unexpected tragedy. Fine, but you better make sure I get a wedding invite." Her mom smiled looping her arm around one of Bella's.
Bella felt a tinge of guilt hit her as her mother led her to the parking garage then to Phils car where they all piled in. Along the way her mother had her regale her about how they came to date and what not. Carlisle was sweet and made up a lie for her when she looked at him feeling panicked having not thought about what to say in this situation. He proceeded to tell her they simply got to know each other thanks to her being friends with his younger siblings and they started dating. When asked about their first date, Carlisle gave a PG version of their first Valentine's Date, stating he'd wanted to make a good impression on her, so he'd gone all out for their first date. Renee seemed very impressed, which eased some of the tension in Bella and helped her relax.
By the time they reached the house, Renee seemed smitten with Carlisle which had Bella grinning as Renee led him inside and showed him around the house. Once they were shown the guest room, which used to function as her room, Renee left them to settle in. Bella wrapped her arms around Carlisle's waist, hugging him with a smile on her face.
"My mom likes you."
Carlisle chuckled hugging her back as he tucked some of her hair behind her ear. "I noticed."
"Thank you for saving me back there." She stepped away to unpack their suitcases. "Hopefully one day I'll be better at this."
He hummed as he explored the room. "You'll have time to get used to it, it's also easier when its not a loved one."
Pausing in unpacking his suitcase she glanced over at him. "Does it get easier?"
"Yes, it gets easier, and you'll have us with you to help."
Returning to her unpacking she was almost finished when she paused again. "Will we be able to watch from a distance when my mom gets old and close to dying?"
Carlisle considered it for a moment before coming over to her. "That would be risky, if she were to see you, or anyone were to recognize you from her photos, it could cause suspicion."
Nodding, she finished her unpacking. Carlisle pulled her into his arms.
"Are you second guessing your desire to change?"
"No." She turned to face him, her hands coming to rest on his chest. "I want to be with you forever, that won't change. I just worry about her losing her only child and then dying all alone. I know it's silly, I just thought maybe we could at least be nearby, but you're right. It would be too risky."
Bella could see in his eyes that he was trying to work out how to give her what she wanted. Smiling, she shook her head stepping back out of his grasp.
"Don't do that, don't go against the rules for me. I'll be ok, I have two years to be with her, I'll make the most of that time. Then I'll spend the rest of my immortal life with you and the family where I belong. I was born to be with you, I know that, and nothing will change my mind."
A little grin spread across his face. "Yes, ma'am."
Smiling she gave him a playful shove and they headed back down to join Renee and Phil. Over the next few days, Bella spent a good deal of time with her mother, talking about what she wanted for a wedding, how college life has been, and so on. Carlisle was unfortunately constricted to the house most of the time thanks to the sunny weather, but he and Phil talked baseball a lot of the time so at least he wasn't alone. They ended up staying for a week before heading back to Forks. Carlisle was busy the following week getting ready for his next semester, so she kept herself busy with her own work trying to get ahead of her reading assignments.
The next semester passed uneventfully.
They spent Valentine's Day wrapped up in each other's arms, with Carlisle telling her stories of his past as she listened to the sound of his voice. Their spring break didn't line up this year, so they ended up not being able to spend the week like they had hoped, but Bella managed to convince Carlisle to go away for the weekend and they headed to Portland just to get out for a little while. It was a fun little trip, they saw the Japanese Gardens, went to the Portland Museum, and just wondered the streets enjoying each other's company.
March soon gave way to April and before she knew it finals week was upon her. She found herself busy with multiple large papers to write and several tests, so a lot of her time was spent with her nose in a book with Carlisle hovering nearby to make sure she wasn't pushing herself too hard.
When finals week came to an end Bella was ecstatic to have her third year of college over with, and only one year left and she'd be done with school for as long as she wanted to be. Carlisle surprised her by bringing home her favorite dish from a local restaurant that had popped up across the street. She happily ate it as they sat on the couch watching tv. Once she'd finished, it was then he reminded her of Alice's impending visit to go dress shopping for the coming galla.
"Do I really have to?" She whined at Carlisle, hoping to sway the man.
"Sorry, love, you're not getting out of this one." He chuckled as he took her empty container to the kitchen to throw away.
Pouting, she followed him. "Will you at least be coming with?"
"No, Alice for some reason wants to keep your dress a surprise, though I have no idea why." He gave a little shrug. "Just know this is a fancy event so it will be a designer dress that will likely require alterations and fittings. Jasper and I will be going to get fitted for our own outfits while you girls are busy dress shopping."
"I'm surprised you don't already have a fitted tux." She teased him.
Carlisle grinned. "I did about 50 years ago, but it's a bit outdated now, and got donated at some point."
She chuckled. "Guess there's no avoiding it."
The next day, Alice showed up and they headed to an expensive-looking dress shop and started browsing through the different gowns. They spent several hours browsing through the many styles until they finally settled on a cerulean blue gown that was strapless, which made Bella nervous, and a slit up her left thigh. The bodice had elegant stitching all over it that sparkled in the light and the skirt came to just above the floor so she wouldn't trip over it.
It was beautiful.
Next came fitting it to her and she swore they were trying to kill her as they synched it as tight as they could, or so it seemed, to her frame and once they had what they needed, she was allowed to change back into her normal clothes. Alice took her to a shoe store where they found shoes to go with the dresses, they'd both picked out and after that they headed back to the apartment.
Over the next two weeks, she was hard at work breaking in her knew shoes as Carlisle taught her more ballroom dances. She could do the Waltz if they didn't do any spins or fast turns, but the others she struggled with and quickly got frustrated with herself. Carlisle was persistent and gentle with her, encouraging her through the whole process. She worried she would embarrass the family in front of the Volturi, and worse the Volturi's guests. These were supposed to be people of authority; she was just a girl from a small town that fell in love with a vampire.
Her nerves really kicked in when they picked up her dress, the bag hanging by the door tormenting her each day before they were supposed to leave. Then the day came, and she and Carlisle headed to the airport to meet up with the family for the trip. Felix met them at the airport, welcoming them as they boarded the Volturi's plane as the pilots took care of their bags, the man seemingly even more excitable than normal. Bella and Carlisle took a seat across from Esme and Edward, the others taking the seats on the other side of the plane, and soon they were on their way.
The trip went smoothly, having the other Cullen's around to entertain her really helped keep her nerves down. They all chatted through the whole plane ride and played games to pass the time. Bella tried to nap at one point, but she was too riled up to get to sleep so she just gave up and decided she'd sleep at the hotel they'd be staying at. When they arrived at the hotel, they separated each couple going to their respective rooms.
Bella pulled Carlisle into the large bathroom of their suite and together they soaked for a long while until she finally felt tired enough to try for a nap. Climbing out of the tub, they dried off and she slipped into bed to rest. She woke as the sun set and ended up awake the rest of the night. It would work out in her favor as the galla was supposed to be an all-night event, and even though Carlisle had assured her it was not against the rules to leave early, Bella wanted to make sure they could stay the whole time. Anything she could do to lessen any chance of embarrassing her family, she would do it.
On the day of the galla, Esme, Alice and Rosalie all came to Bella's room to help her get ready. They did her nails, toenails, her hair, giving it loose curls that framed her face, and make up, before helping her with her dress. They topped the dress off with the necklace Aro had given her for her wedding, before smiling at her.
"You look beautiful." Esme beamed at her.
They stepped aside so she could go show Carlisle who was waiting outside the bedroom for her, and as she stepped out, his eyes grew wide as a smile spread across his face. "Stunning, absolutely stunning."
Blushing, she carefully made her way over to him as the girls left to get ready themselves, calling out that they'd meet them downstairs. Bella reached out to tuck a stray hair of his back. "You look extremely handsome. I think everyone's going to be jealous of me."
"I think it's me they will be jealous of. Shall we?" Carlisle offered his arm, and she happily took it.
They headed down to the lobby and within minutes the others joined them, the guys all in tuxes, while Alice was in a deep purple strapless dress with a flowing skirt. Esme was in an elegant black dress with off-shoulder sleeves and a slit up the side, and Rosalie was wearing a red sparkling halter top dress. All looked like runway models as they headed towards them, and Bella felt inferior. Alice took her hand before she could dwell on it too long and led her out to the waiting car. They split into two groups, Alice, Jasper, Carlisle and her in one car and the others in the second.
About 15 minutes later, they arrived at a large mansion with marble steps going up to the front door. The car stopped at the steps and the doors were opened by the servants standing by who helped Bella and Alice out of the car. Carlisle placed a hand on her lower back soothing her growing nervousness. Holding her head up, she took his arm, and they headed up the steps with the rest of the family and threw the front doors into a large ballroom that felt like she'd walked into a movie. Large chandeliers hung from the marble ceiling, there was a full orchestra playing at one end of the room with people dancing, and on the other end were tables setup and people carrying food around on platters.
The whole room was dazzlingly bright, and everyone looked incredible, once again making her feel inferior as she clutched at her skirt and Carlisle's arm. They made their way over Aro and the other Volturi leaders getting in the short line to greet the men. When it was their turn, they stepped forward Carlisle giving a little bow and Bella doing her best to curtsy in her dress. Aro beamed at seeing her.
"Magnifico. My dear Bella, you look outstanding. I'm so glad you could attend. It is wonderful to see you all. I do hope you enjoy yourselves."
They gave him a smile and quickly moved to the side so the next guest could have their turn. Carlisle led her around the dance floor and towards the tables where they all took a seat. Servants in red vests came over offering to get them drinks handing them a menu with a V printed on it, where Bella was handed one without a V on it. Curious she leaned over to look at Carlisle's menu, but it wasn't in English.
"You don't want to know, love." Carlisle spoke softly as he closed his menu handing it back to the servant.
The others followed suit, and Carlisle helped her pick a drink that wouldn't be too strong for her. As she waited for her drink, she noticed that those serving food were wearing black vests instead of red and wondered if it meant something.
"Why do some of the servants have red vests and some have black?" She whispered to Carlisle.
"The red vests cater to the vampire population; they will primarily only serve those that are vampires where the black vests will focus on the humans. Less chance of getting things mixed up." He explained.
She knew she shouldn't ask, but she couldn't stop herself. "Your menu, it was catered towards vampires, wasn't it?"
The others nodded collectively. It made her stomach turn a little to think that there was human blood being served here. "How do the humans not know then?"
"The servants are careful not to let the humans see the wrong menu." Edward explained. "When you pick out your choice, they'll ready your meal, and you go into a room to…eat."
Bella shook her head; she felt bad for the people they had locked up ready to be killed for nothing. "That just seems so cruel."
Carlisle took her hand in his. "I know, but sadly there's nothing we can do. This is how the Volturi works. I tried to change them when I was with them. They are not ones for change. Try not to let it ruin your night."
Nodding she sipped at her drink, and as the servers walked around with appetizers, she took a few to munch on as she people watched. This all reminded her of a royal ball you'd see in movies with everyone in fancy garbs, dancing to classical music, the gowns flowing out behind the women as they twirled around. Even the single plate she was using, with its gold inlaid in it, looked more expensive than the whole set she had at home. It felt like a strange dream, and she wasn't sure if it was a good one or bad. She was surrounded by aristocrats and vampires so for most people that would be a nightmare but somehow had become part of her life.
As the songs changed the other members of their table excused themselves to go dancing and as Carlisle turned to her to ask her, Felix's voice interrupted him. "Bella, darling. Would you do me the honor of a dance?"
Bella almost laughed at the perturbed emotions flooding her from Carlisle, but she managed to contain it. "Oh, um, sure, but I'm not very good."
"Nonsense. I'm sure you'll do just fine." Felix offered her his hand and helped her to her feet before leading her to the dance floor.
They started their dance and Bella felt like a child dancing with her father thanks to their height difference. Felix was so tall compared to her. Trying to ignore the imagined stares she felt like she was getting, she smiled to Felix.
"I'm surprised you'd want to dance with me." She offered up as a topic of conversation.
He chuckled. "So critical of yourself. I find you quite fascinating, I think you will make a good vampire. Also, I thought you looked like you could use some entertainment."
Felix waggled his eyebrows at her making her giggle. "You know I'm married right?"
"A technicality. Many married people share partners." He retorted gleefully.
"Felix." She chided with a smile. "I'm sorry but I'm not that kind of woman, but I appreciate the sentiment behind it."
The song came to an end and Felix bowed to her. "I understand, my dear. I will, however, leave the offer open should you change your mind."
She gave a nod and turned to head back to Carlisle but to her surprise, Aro stepped in front of her. "Bella, might I trouble you for a dance?"
Bella glanced at Carlisle then back to Aro before nodding. "Yes, of course."
The man held out a gloved hand and they started to dance as the music started up. She was thankful for all the extra lessons they'd done over the last couple of weeks now as she'd hate to accidentally step on Aro's toes of all people. Though the man might find it amusing. She was so nervous she almost missed the man complimenting her on her appearance.
"Oh, th-thank you."
Aro grinned. "Do I make you nervous, my dear?"
"No, it's not that. I'm not a great dancer, so I'm just focused on the steps."
"You're doing just fine. Try to relax, no one will harm you here."
Trying to heed his words, she attempted to relax a little as they continued to dance.
"I have been thinking about your ability and am eager to see it blossom once you've become a vampire. Would you consider allowing me to change you instead of Carlisle? We could do it tonight?" Aro asked in that feather light voice of his.
Bella stumbled slightly, but Aro compensated for her, and they continued to dance as if nothing happened. "Um. I've still got two years before I'm 23 though."
"Yes." Aro grinned. "I'm aware of our original agreement, but I'm offering you a chance to get what you want early. I know it's Carlisle that wants to wait. You've asked him several times to change you earlier, so I will grant your request."
Taking a slow breath, she shook her head slowly. She knew Carlisle could hear them, and he was pissed that Aro was trying to horn in on his plans to change her at 23. Trying to keep his emotions out of her voice, she responded as calmly as she could.
"I'm sorry, but I want to wait. I want it to be Carlisle, I want him to be there with me when it happens. He's my husband, my mate. I hope you understand."
Aro came to a stop, standing a little taller. "It's considered a great honor to be changed by me, are you sure that is your answer?"
"It is."
He gave a slow nod as he stepped back. "I see. Well, that's disappointing, if you'll excuse me."
A chill ran down her spine at the icy tone in his voice as he walked away and jumped when Carlisle's hand came to rest on her lower back.
"It's just me." Carlisle spoke softly. "Are you ok?"
Hugging him, she shook her head. "Can we go somewhere and talk?"
"Of course."
Letting him go, they left the ballroom and headed up a flight of stairs to an empty balcony overlooking a lovely looking garden. Carlisle sat her down on the bench before joining her, wrapping an arm around her.
"Tell me what's wrong."
"I think I upset Aro and now I'm scared, and I want to leave, but I know if we leave it will look bad so now, I don't know what to do." She blurted out, her hands starting to shake as they sat in her lap.
Carlisle laid his hand over hers, running his thumb over fingers. "It will be ok. I heard Aro's proposal, he may not be happy, but he won't do anything. The agreement was already made, he should never have even offered to change you."
This didn't settle her nerves. "What if he tries to threaten the family to get me to agree to him changing me, what if he tries to take Alice, Jasper and Edward away from us because I upset him, what if he decides to just eat me?"
She felt herself spiraling into more and more absurd theories, panic rising inside her. Carlisle's hands came to rest on her face, pulling her attention to him. "Breathe, Bella, breathe slowly."
Gasping she tried to focus on her breathing listening to him as he spoke softly to her until her breathing finally evened back out. Her trembling, however, continued as Carlisle's thumbs brushed against her cheeks.
"No one will harm you or anyone from the family. Aro will hold to his word, the Volturi value the law above all else and they've already agreed to our arrangement. Also, this is a special event, he won't do anything to make himself look bad with his guests here. I promise, we're all safe." He assured her.
Nibbling her lip she gave a slow nod. "You're sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure. We'll be perfectly fine."
Taking his hands in hers, she gripped them tightly, taking a slow breath to try and stop her trembling. "Ok."
He smiled at her. "Do you feel a little better now?"
Nodding, she stood. "I suppose we should head back. I don't want anyone thinking we're up to something we shouldn't be."
Carlisle chuckled at that standing as well. "We can take as long as you need, but if you're ready let's head back." He led her back down the stairs, but instead of heading back to their table, he led her to the dance floor. She looked up at him in confusion. "Did you think you'd get out of a dance with me?"
"Kind of." She pouted slightly.
"Would you really deny your husband the chance to dance with his wife after he had to watch two other men dance with her?" Carlisle gave her a cute puppy dog look which got her giggling.
"Ok, ok, we can dance." Reaching up she kissed his pouting lips.
Carlisle smiled and pulled her closer and soon they were gliding across the floor. It amazed her that even after all these years that she'd been with him, he still had the ability to make the world vanish around them and make her feel like they were the only two people around. She lost all track of time as they danced together, her only concern was the man holding her in his arms, making her smile and feel loved.
When her feet started to ache from her heels they headed back to the table. Edward and Esme came over, Esme asking to borrow Carlisle for a dance, while Edward sat next to her. "Hey, how are you feeling?"
She frowned. "How…?"
Edward grinned. "Carlisle, duh. He was worried about you and asked me to have Jasper ready if he couldn't calm you down."
"I should have guessed." She shook her head. "I'm feeling better, though still a little worried that Aro will use this against us in some way."
"Would it help if I told you he won't? He was irked that you turned him down, but he's not dwelling on it."
"That does help actually, thank you."
He grinned. "Anytime."
They spent the next hour or so chatting, sometimes about the people around them, Edward giving her the inside scoop on what was going on inside their heads. They made a game of her trying to guess what they were thinking before he told her, she was wrong most of the time, but it was still a fun game. The rest of the night she spent a lot of time at the table, the Cullen's coming and going, and occasionally pulling her out onto the dance floor. The other humans slowly started to filter out as the night went on and soon it was mostly just vampires left.
Bella was exhausted and though she kept telling Carlisle she would be fine; he ended up putting his foot down and told her they were leaving as the last of the humans were saying their goodbyes. They gathered their things and headed over to the Volturi leaders, thanked them for the lovely party, and were out the door a moment later and headed towards the car. Once they were back at the hotel, she felt herself finally relax, and once freed from the dress, she cozied up to Carlisle and happy went to sleep. They headed home the next day, and Bella was looking forward to spending time at the main house and their little cottage.