Lilliana Swan (Unedited)

Chapter 23

"Maybe they're purposely ignoring it. Or even...behind it. When we were in Italy...I read it in Aro's mind...He didn't want me to see, but it was there...He wants Alice and me to join him. Our gifts would shore up his power...But he knows we'd never choose him as long as our family is alive...An army could solve that for him." Edward said

"Really now." I said

"We can't wait two weeks for graduation; you need to change me now--" Bella said

"You'd be a liability as a newborn. Unable to control your instincts. An easy target." Jasper said

Carlisle puts an empathetic hand on Bella's shoulder.

"There's also your father to consider. And your mother. How terrible would it be for them if you suddenly disappeared?" Carlisle said

Bella just sits knowing that Carlisle was right. Emmett on the other hand looks confused...

"But...we are gonna kick someone's ass, right?" Emmett asked

I kind of just laughed. Bella and I stayed at the Cullen house for a little while longer before we headed home. When we got home we see Charlie sitting at the kitchen table looking at picture of Riley that reads "have you seen me?"

"Hi Dad. You already eat dinner?" Bella asked

"Huh? Um...no...not yet." Charlie said

I walk over to dad.

"Dad what is wrong?" I asked

"Riley Biers. His parents are papering Seattle with these. Fifth time they've tired." Dad said

"...Do you think they should give up?" Bella asked

"I wouldn't, if it was you or your sister. Not ever." Dad said

I see Bella swallow guilt knowing she was about to put him through that and may still. Dad then wraps an arm around us. Then stands up covering his emotionality.

"So, one large, extra cheese, and a salad?" Charlie asked

After we ate Bella and I headed upstairs. Jasper soon found himself in my room.

"I'm worried about Bella." I said

"Why?" Jasper asked

"Listen." I said

Jasper and I listened in on the conversation Edward and Bella were having.

"How to explain why I won't be home for Christmases. Why I won't visit. Why they'll never see me again." Bella said

"After a few decades, everyone you know will be dead. Problem solved." Edward said

"Why are you so against me becoming like you?" Bella asked

"I've told you." Edward said

"There's more to it. You can be honest." Bella said

"The choice you're making. I know the consequences of it - the loss, the isolation. I've lived it. To let you suffer that...And I know you believe I have a soul, but I don't. and to risk yours, just so I'll never have to lose you...it's the most selfish thing I'll ever do." Edward said

"Then I'm just as selfish." Bella said

"I thought maybe you were afraid I'll be too different-- I won't be, you know...warm anymore. Won't smell the same..." Bella said

"You'll always be my Bella." Edward said

Jasper and I stopped listening.

"Do you see what I mean. Immortality will become Bella, but I don't think things are going to go as planned." I said