“Edward?” I whispered.

The response was better than nothing. He stumbled to the middle of the field and sat down, locking eyes with me. I saw the acknowledgement, the love, but also fear. His eyes were frighteningly black, but I didn’t care. He was still Edward.

I stood up, however Alice and Esme continued to hug me. Wriggling out of their grasp, I took a step toward Edward. All eyes turned on me while I continued to watch Edward. As I moved closer he straightened up. He never stood or opened his arms. He simply sat very still, watching me.

I knelt in front of him to study his face closer. It was dirty and he looked wary but I could still see my perfect Edward. Unsure, yet not scared, I reached out to touch his cheek. Edward’s eyes closed and he leaned his cheek into my palm. There was no smile but I knew he was happy to be with me.

“Very good, Bella.” Jane clapped. “We are all so glad to see you again.”

Edward made no movement or recognition of Jane save opening his eyes. I looked up to see her standing a few feet from the tree line.

“Now, dear, it would be a shame for you to run off.” Her finger twitched and I turned to see six, cloaked vampires surrounding the Cullens. Facing Edward again, I saw two more standing inches away. Demetri also appeared next to Jane. This accounted for the ten needed to kill the town.

Tears came to my eyes at the memory. The pictures of all my friends scattered ripped another hole into me. One tear escaped and Jane squealed in delight as Edward carefully wiped it from my cheek.

“Why don’t we pick up where we left off?” With another flick of her finger, the two, cloaked vampires behind Edward were replaced with a smiling Jane and Demetri. A wolf howl rang out nearby and I knew Jacob was here, trapped by two Volturi. I didn’t want him here, I didn’t want him hurt – but it was too late.

“Why, Bella, you look… human,” Jane said in a mocking tone. They were the same words she had used when she first found Edward and I in the clearing.