Something Better Than Forever
by Skydancinghobbit
Chapter 11:Graduation
and Volterra
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Bella, this is more of a request than a demand, okay? You’re free. But I’m hoping you’ll use that freedom… judiciously.
Charlie Swan, Eclipse, Chapter 1, p.11
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
The cheers were deafening, a thousand parents all gathered into one small space, the sudden noise startling the birds into flight over the heads of the new graduating class of Forks High. Bella found herself engulfed by her father who had forgotten the fact he was in uniform and nearly squeezed the life out of her as she stepped off the stage in quest of her cap among the few hundred that had just hit the ground below in the traditional fashion.
"Dad, need...air"
Her murmur theatrical as it was, drew soft laughter from the surrounding parents, who also seem determined to deprive the new graduates of their air supply with hugs, sobbing, and laughter. Charlie released her after a long moment. Standing back to give her a good look before hugging her again this time to cover his murmur against her ear.
"My baby girl is all grown up"
She doubted anyone but the Cullen’s heard the statement. Looking over his shoulder, she was watching Edward get tackled by his. Esme who was sobbing right along with the other parents and Carlise who beamed like this was the proudest moment of his life. Taking pity on poor Charlie, who was apparently fighting tears, she murmured gently into his ear carefully to dodge the stiff brim of his hat.
"Dad, I'll always be your Baby girl, just a little older"
It worked; he pulled back grinning like a fool and Bella gave him a gentle mock glare poking a finger into his chest as she made the obligatory statement.
"Tell anyone else I said that, and you’re not getting any of my cake"
His bark of laughter was worth the prick of her pride as he threw back his head and sent his official hat tumbling. She had never seen him so happy and free and they dispersed to talk to friends. Alice pouncing on her the minute Charlie was out of range.
"That was a very good thing you just did Bella"
There was little time for any more congratulation’s as the entire group wandered in different directions. Parents and grads meeting again with another round of tears and enough picture flashes to make a starlet jealous, Bella doubted she would stop seeing dots before the day ended; so many had her father taken. Jasper tipped his cap to her in passing and Carlisle nodded knowing the family would be seeing her soon, the party for the class graciously being held at their home.
"Hey Bells!"
Mike high fived her in passing and Jess and Angela hugged her promising to keep in touch. Finally she made it to the police cruiser. Sinking into the leather seats with a grateful sigh. Peace! Charlie seemed to agree and with a few flicks cool air was pouring from the vents as they crossed the space between the football field and their home. Pulling into the driveway he sighed deeply reaching over to ruffle her hair as he had done when she was 5 years old.
"Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life Bells"
Bella smiled brightly. Clique as it might be, the statement held promise of another world. Beyond anything she'd ever known.
"Thanks Charlie, now we have to tackle the alarming pile of mail in the hall. I have been afraid to see which schools offered me a place till now. Does that sound silly?"
"Nope!"
His cheerful reply was all Bella needed as she rushed inside to change; her heart fluttering gently as she pounded up the stairs to her room. There on the table was a single rose and a letter written in an elegant old world hand she would have recognize anywhere. With shaking hands she opened the flap and pulled a piece of fine parchment from the envelope.
"Miss Swan,
We are delighted to offer you a full scholarship to the Volturi Institute of Art located in the rolling hills of Italy. Your work came recommended by a former pupil of the school who sent us samples of your work. We were well pleased to make the offer due to the excellence portrayed by your pen.
Awaiting your reply,
Headmaster Marcus and the board of directors
Slipping into her favorite pair of comfortable jeans and a blouse of soft green, she was soon downstairs, hungry and ready to get to the party. Her face was alight with joy as she gathered the rest of the letters into her bag as she slid past the hall table and out the door handing the letter to her father who glanced at the paper with an expression of mixed surprise and amazement.
"Italy? Wow Bells! You have your mom’s talent!"
"They offered Renee the same offer when she came out of college. but at the time she was too infatuated with a certain football player to consider leaving."
There was just a trace of a smug smirk in his tone as he pulled out of the driveway.
"Well I'll look the others over of course, but it really is an elite school dad, I don't think I could do better!"
"Maybe so Bells but for now Let’s get some food!"
&&&&&
Bella enthusiasm with the school was doubled by her desire to see a certain vampire again, when she had awoken that morning a few weeks ago the cool touch of lips on her forehead had been a wonderful way to greet the morning. Even before her eyes had opened a pair of cool hands had traced her lower jaw and rested a moment on her cheekbone. When her eyes had opened his warm crimson eyes had locked with her own.
"Good morning Mia Cara"
Though his greeting was warm there lingered a bit of a feral gleam in his eyes. Shifting slowly to a sitting position the events of the night before had come rushing back to her.
"The Cullen’s what happened?!"
"Shh Mia Cara, that pack of ingrates will trouble you or anyone else no longer"
It was only then she realized he had dressed at some point in the proceeding hours, the frigid light in his eyes spoke volumes as he flexed almost instinctively against her as he struggled to stem the tide of his newly chained rage. Bella realized in horror what this meant and spoke sharply immediately beginning to check him over.
“Aro! You could very well have been hurt!”
>>
Aro's Perspective
>>>
Once she had fallen deeply to sleep, he had gone hunting. Tracking the foolish newborns to the clearing where the battle still raged. Quickly doing a head count to distinguish friend from foe he unleashed the beast that lurked so thinly beneath his cultured manners and polished demeanor. The end of the coven leader had come far too quickly for Aro's tastes. A quick series of snaps and the fool lay in pieces; his head alone having been sent flying by one swift motion of the elders hand.
Closing his eyes Aro had summoned the lightning that reduced the pieces to nothing more than a fine ash and he began to return to his sense, his vision having gone red during the event, perhaps it was for the best, as now looking around he saw stark expressions of horror and complete submission on each member of the Cullen Coven. A quick shower rinsed the black immortal blood from his body before he returned to his mate.
Watching her sleep an unknown emotion had rushed into his being as he reached out a tentative hand to brush back a curl from her pale cheek. After a moments consideration, Aro recognized and named the emotion so fresh and raw with its power. After eons of everything being done at his slightest whim he feared to see his Bella wake and be forced to see the fear in her beautiful brown eyes as she finally realized the monster she was bound to.
"Would she agree to the plan, could she agree to be chained to such a monster as he, leash the darkness of the beast that rattled beneath the surface threatening his soul?"
He had no answers. What a wonderful broken feeling, to be so held captive by those simple thoughts of one mere mortal woman, who held his tormented soul enthralled. He was no fool knowing that she could with a single motion; end his eons of existence should that be her wish. Yet would he obey such; with the power of their bond there was nothing he would not do for her. In the darkness he waited, watching the sun begin to creep over the horizons, as his beloved began to stir.
>>>
Snapping suddenly out of the memory Bella found herself on a familiar picnic bench a plate of food before her half eaten, the shriek of playing children having startled her from her musings. Alice plopped down beside her, the rest of the family being fully occupied with entraining their guests. Charlie and Carlisle were in an all-out bad mitten war it seemed. Jasper was supervising the mother of all water balloon fights and Emmett was playing referee between the two players with rackets. It seemed her father was getting the better of the immortal doctor much to everyone's general amusement.
“Bella don't worry you'll see him soon”
“Alice, I know I must go but, I'll be leaving you, him, and everyone else in my life behind!”
“Who said that?”
Alice's eyes sparkled gently at her friend as she pulled a letter from her purse with a flourish. Even seeing the letterhead was enough and Bella gasped her good humor restored and bringing reinforcements as she let out joyful squeal.
“Oh Alice say you'll come! Please!”
“Of course you nut!. There are a thousand untapped shopping locations! You think I'd let you sample them all without me?”
They're laughter rang out, Edward who was shooting arrows into a butt with Rosalie sighed deeply as he aimed his next shot, honey eyes sad but resigned now to the inevitable .
“I never had a chance did I?”
“No, the minute they set eyes on each other your claim was revoked, sorry Edward but the bond of true mates is something far more ancient than just us. Why do you think Helen left troy and started the 7 year war? They both immortal and fair, let history take its course, drawn by the same cords that now tug at Bella”
“So he'll turn her then?”
Edward murmured, as he lost another arrow and heard the satisfying thunk at it struck the target, still an inch shy of the bull’s eye.
“Eventually, I suppose but with the bond in its current state, he must wait”
“Why, if our laws demand either her turning or immediate death, does he linger so?”
Rose smiled looking over at the two women now spreading out all the offers on the table with a notebook and appearing to jot down the pros and cons of each school, its ranking and financial benefits. Golden eyes locking on Bella she inhaled sharply shaking her head.
“Because Edward, she does not love him, at least not yet, the bond is only half formed and bone china fragile at best. She must spend time with him learning everything there is to know before she makes her choice. If it is in his favor, then they will marry, and well it will be completed and turning can occur. If not there is a good chance Bella would merely become an Immortal child”
“Bah, Rose be sensible, that’s only a scary bedtime story used to frighten newborns come on!”
“No Edward, it’s no fairy tale, listen!”
An immortal child is as much mental age as physical, if not grounded by the ties of true love any newborn immortal can become an immortal child, stripped of any moral compass they become mindless killers no more than former shells of themselves. That’s why all Sire's must bring their chosen fledglings to the Volturi before they are bitten for Marcus to check the bonds”
Struck dumb by this revelation, Edward was silent, for a long time, musing over his sisters words.
“So she must go to Volterra. For all our sakes?”
“Yes she must Edward, don't you see?
“if we lose Bella, Aro will swiftly join her, driven mad by the loss of the one who chains his soul to the light unleashing a force that could bring the entire vampire world to its knees.”
Rose let out a sudden huff her growl muzzled only by the hand of Jasper who suddenly appeared behind her appearing to be switching places with Edward as they all turned to face the laughing mortal now dodging water balloons.
The fate of our entire world rests in the hands of someone who doesn't even know the sheer amount of raw power she has, so be kind Edward our futures may entirely depend on what happens these next few months in Volterra, God help us all if this ends badly.”
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Bella, this is more of a request than a demand, okay? You’re free. But I’m hoping you’ll use that freedom… judiciously.
Charlie Swan, Eclipse, Chapter 1, p.11
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
The cheers were deafening, a thousand parents all gathered into one small space, the sudden noise startling the birds into flight over the heads of the new graduating class of Forks High. Bella found herself engulfed by her father who had forgotten the fact he was in uniform and nearly squeezed the life out of her as she stepped off the stage in quest of her cap among the few hundred that had just hit the ground below in the traditional fashion.
"Dad, need...air"
Her murmur theatrical as it was, drew soft laughter from the surrounding parents, who also seem determined to deprive the new graduates of their air supply with hugs, sobbing, and laughter. Charlie released her after a long moment. Standing back to give her a good look before hugging her again this time to cover his murmur against her ear.
"My baby girl is all grown up"
She doubted anyone but the Cullen’s heard the statement. Looking over his shoulder, she was watching Edward get tackled by his. Esme who was sobbing right along with the other parents and Carlise who beamed like this was the proudest moment of his life. Taking pity on poor Charlie, who was apparently fighting tears, she murmured gently into his ear carefully to dodge the stiff brim of his hat.
"Dad, I'll always be your Baby girl, just a little older"
It worked; he pulled back grinning like a fool and Bella gave him a gentle mock glare poking a finger into his chest as she made the obligatory statement.
"Tell anyone else I said that, and you’re not getting any of my cake"
His bark of laughter was worth the prick of her pride as he threw back his head and sent his official hat tumbling. She had never seen him so happy and free and they dispersed to talk to friends. Alice pouncing on her the minute Charlie was out of range.
"That was a very good thing you just did Bella"
There was little time for any more congratulation’s as the entire group wandered in different directions. Parents and grads meeting again with another round of tears and enough picture flashes to make a starlet jealous, Bella doubted she would stop seeing dots before the day ended; so many had her father taken. Jasper tipped his cap to her in passing and Carlisle nodded knowing the family would be seeing her soon, the party for the class graciously being held at their home.
"Hey Bells!"
Mike high fived her in passing and Jess and Angela hugged her promising to keep in touch. Finally she made it to the police cruiser. Sinking into the leather seats with a grateful sigh. Peace! Charlie seemed to agree and with a few flicks cool air was pouring from the vents as they crossed the space between the football field and their home. Pulling into the driveway he sighed deeply reaching over to ruffle her hair as he had done when she was 5 years old.
"Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life Bells"
Bella smiled brightly. Clique as it might be, the statement held promise of another world. Beyond anything she'd ever known.
"Thanks Charlie, now we have to tackle the alarming pile of mail in the hall. I have been afraid to see which schools offered me a place till now. Does that sound silly?"
"Nope!"
His cheerful reply was all Bella needed as she rushed inside to change; her heart fluttering gently as she pounded up the stairs to her room. There on the table was a single rose and a letter written in an elegant old world hand she would have recognize anywhere. With shaking hands she opened the flap and pulled a piece of fine parchment from the envelope.
"Miss Swan,
We are delighted to offer you a full scholarship to the Volturi Institute of Art located in the rolling hills of Italy. Your work came recommended by a former pupil of the school who sent us samples of your work. We were well pleased to make the offer due to the excellence portrayed by your pen.
Awaiting your reply,
Headmaster Marcus and the board of directors
Slipping into her favorite pair of comfortable jeans and a blouse of soft green, she was soon downstairs, hungry and ready to get to the party. Her face was alight with joy as she gathered the rest of the letters into her bag as she slid past the hall table and out the door handing the letter to her father who glanced at the paper with an expression of mixed surprise and amazement.
"Italy? Wow Bells! You have your mom’s talent!"
"They offered Renee the same offer when she came out of college. but at the time she was too infatuated with a certain football player to consider leaving."
There was just a trace of a smug smirk in his tone as he pulled out of the driveway.
"Well I'll look the others over of course, but it really is an elite school dad, I don't think I could do better!"
"Maybe so Bells but for now Let’s get some food!"
&&&&&
Bella enthusiasm with the school was doubled by her desire to see a certain vampire again, when she had awoken that morning a few weeks ago the cool touch of lips on her forehead had been a wonderful way to greet the morning. Even before her eyes had opened a pair of cool hands had traced her lower jaw and rested a moment on her cheekbone. When her eyes had opened his warm crimson eyes had locked with her own.
"Good morning Mia Cara"
Though his greeting was warm there lingered a bit of a feral gleam in his eyes. Shifting slowly to a sitting position the events of the night before had come rushing back to her.
"The Cullen’s what happened?!"
"Shh Mia Cara, that pack of ingrates will trouble you or anyone else no longer"
It was only then she realized he had dressed at some point in the proceeding hours, the frigid light in his eyes spoke volumes as he flexed almost instinctively against her as he struggled to stem the tide of his newly chained rage. Bella realized in horror what this meant and spoke sharply immediately beginning to check him over.
“Aro! You could very well have been hurt!”
>>
Aro's Perspective
>>>
Once she had fallen deeply to sleep, he had gone hunting. Tracking the foolish newborns to the clearing where the battle still raged. Quickly doing a head count to distinguish friend from foe he unleashed the beast that lurked so thinly beneath his cultured manners and polished demeanor. The end of the coven leader had come far too quickly for Aro's tastes. A quick series of snaps and the fool lay in pieces; his head alone having been sent flying by one swift motion of the elders hand.
Closing his eyes Aro had summoned the lightning that reduced the pieces to nothing more than a fine ash and he began to return to his sense, his vision having gone red during the event, perhaps it was for the best, as now looking around he saw stark expressions of horror and complete submission on each member of the Cullen Coven. A quick shower rinsed the black immortal blood from his body before he returned to his mate.
Watching her sleep an unknown emotion had rushed into his being as he reached out a tentative hand to brush back a curl from her pale cheek. After a moments consideration, Aro recognized and named the emotion so fresh and raw with its power. After eons of everything being done at his slightest whim he feared to see his Bella wake and be forced to see the fear in her beautiful brown eyes as she finally realized the monster she was bound to.
"Would she agree to the plan, could she agree to be chained to such a monster as he, leash the darkness of the beast that rattled beneath the surface threatening his soul?"
He had no answers. What a wonderful broken feeling, to be so held captive by those simple thoughts of one mere mortal woman, who held his tormented soul enthralled. He was no fool knowing that she could with a single motion; end his eons of existence should that be her wish. Yet would he obey such; with the power of their bond there was nothing he would not do for her. In the darkness he waited, watching the sun begin to creep over the horizons, as his beloved began to stir.
>>>
Snapping suddenly out of the memory Bella found herself on a familiar picnic bench a plate of food before her half eaten, the shriek of playing children having startled her from her musings. Alice plopped down beside her, the rest of the family being fully occupied with entraining their guests. Charlie and Carlisle were in an all-out bad mitten war it seemed. Jasper was supervising the mother of all water balloon fights and Emmett was playing referee between the two players with rackets. It seemed her father was getting the better of the immortal doctor much to everyone's general amusement.
“Bella don't worry you'll see him soon”
“Alice, I know I must go but, I'll be leaving you, him, and everyone else in my life behind!”
“Who said that?”
Alice's eyes sparkled gently at her friend as she pulled a letter from her purse with a flourish. Even seeing the letterhead was enough and Bella gasped her good humor restored and bringing reinforcements as she let out joyful squeal.
“Oh Alice say you'll come! Please!”
“Of course you nut!. There are a thousand untapped shopping locations! You think I'd let you sample them all without me?”
They're laughter rang out, Edward who was shooting arrows into a butt with Rosalie sighed deeply as he aimed his next shot, honey eyes sad but resigned now to the inevitable .
“I never had a chance did I?”
“No, the minute they set eyes on each other your claim was revoked, sorry Edward but the bond of true mates is something far more ancient than just us. Why do you think Helen left troy and started the 7 year war? They both immortal and fair, let history take its course, drawn by the same cords that now tug at Bella”
“So he'll turn her then?”
Edward murmured, as he lost another arrow and heard the satisfying thunk at it struck the target, still an inch shy of the bull’s eye.
“Eventually, I suppose but with the bond in its current state, he must wait”
“Why, if our laws demand either her turning or immediate death, does he linger so?”
Rose smiled looking over at the two women now spreading out all the offers on the table with a notebook and appearing to jot down the pros and cons of each school, its ranking and financial benefits. Golden eyes locking on Bella she inhaled sharply shaking her head.
“Because Edward, she does not love him, at least not yet, the bond is only half formed and bone china fragile at best. She must spend time with him learning everything there is to know before she makes her choice. If it is in his favor, then they will marry, and well it will be completed and turning can occur. If not there is a good chance Bella would merely become an Immortal child”
“Bah, Rose be sensible, that’s only a scary bedtime story used to frighten newborns come on!”
“No Edward, it’s no fairy tale, listen!”
An immortal child is as much mental age as physical, if not grounded by the ties of true love any newborn immortal can become an immortal child, stripped of any moral compass they become mindless killers no more than former shells of themselves. That’s why all Sire's must bring their chosen fledglings to the Volturi before they are bitten for Marcus to check the bonds”
Struck dumb by this revelation, Edward was silent, for a long time, musing over his sisters words.
“So she must go to Volterra. For all our sakes?”
“Yes she must Edward, don't you see?
“if we lose Bella, Aro will swiftly join her, driven mad by the loss of the one who chains his soul to the light unleashing a force that could bring the entire vampire world to its knees.”
Rose let out a sudden huff her growl muzzled only by the hand of Jasper who suddenly appeared behind her appearing to be switching places with Edward as they all turned to face the laughing mortal now dodging water balloons.
The fate of our entire world rests in the hands of someone who doesn't even know the sheer amount of raw power she has, so be kind Edward our futures may entirely depend on what happens these next few months in Volterra, God help us all if this ends badly.”