Chapter Eight
Escape
Grace Cullen-Swan

Demetri guided us to the eerily cheerful reception area, where the Volturi's newest human receptionist was at her desk. Tinkling music played from somewhere in the room, and I knew it was going to drive me crazy by the time we were free to leave.

"Do not leave until dark." Demetri warned us, pointing in the direction of the small sitting area across the room.

I nodded stiffly, wanting to really give him a piece of my mind for decapitating me without orders, but I bit my tongue and Demetri hurried away.

"Are you alright?" I overheard Edward ask Bella quietly, too low for any prying human ears. She was shaking uncontrollably as we walked over to the couches. He spoke roughly to her, I knew it was just from lack of using his voice for months combined with stress, but I still didn't like it.

"You'd better make her sit before she falls," Alice said. "She's going to pieces." She worried over her.

She really was shaking hard, similar to how she used to wake up from nightmares in the beginning, teeth chattering, frame vibrating, eyes unable to focus on anything from the blur the shaking caused.

Edward tensed as he read my mind, I knew he had caught a glimpse of Bella in her depression, and a sick twisted part of me was happy he was forced to see what he had done to her.

Sobs suddenly erupted from Bella's chest, deep ripping sobs that only shook her harder.

"Shh, Bella, shh," Edward said as he pulled her over to the sofa farthest away from the main area where the receptionist sat.

"I think she's having hysterics. Maybe you should slap her?" Alice suggested and I shot her a dirty look.

"No one is slapping anyone." I spoke firmly, crouching on the floor in front of where Bella sat so I could run my hands over her to calm her down.

"Bella, everything is fine." I cooed. She glanced at my neck, reaching out as if to touch something, when she lost control crying again. "My neck." I touched the cracks, realizing I must look terrifying to her. "Alice, give me your scarf." I ordered. I took the scarf and wound it around my neck before going back to soothing Bella. "I'm fine, Edward is fine, Alice is fine, and most importantly, you are fine. Please, calm down sweet girl." I spoke calmly, rubbing circles over her arms and hands.

She seemed to settle down some then, and I allowed Edward to pull her into his lap and tuck the thick cloak around her as he worried over her.

"It's all right, you're safe, it's all right," Edward chanted again and again in his effort to fully stop her crying.

"All those people." She sobbed into his neck, clutching him closer to her.

"I know." he whispered to her, meeting my eye contact.

He looked absolutely torn apart inside, and my heart suddenly hurt too badly for my son to sit so far away from him. So, I quickly rushed over and sat next to him, putting one arm around him tightly and the other reaching out to rub circles on Bella's back.

"It's so horrible." She cried.

"Yes, it is. I wish you hadn't had to see that." He murmured to her, looking slightly better knowing he had my support.

I rested my head against his shoulder as I sat there holding the both of them together as if they would shatter and break apart again at any moment. Bella was taking therapy breaths, and so I joined her breathing pattern as I tried to reassure myself that all of my kids were safe.

"Is there anything I can get you?" a voice asked politely. It was the receptionist, leaning over my shoulder with a look that was just as politely detached as her voice. I couldn't tell if she was entirely oblivious or downright stupid for her involvement with the Volturi.

"Water, please." I nodded, knowing I had to try to force Bella to drink something to keep her alive. She hadn't had anything since the plane and it was going to be a long day.

She nodded, offered me a polite smile, and then disappeared.

"Does she know what's going on here?" Bella suddenly demanded, her voice low and hoarse from the sobbing cries.

"Yes. She knows everything." Edward told us.

"Does she know they're going to kill her someday?" I asked him, shooting her a worried glance as I watched her grab waters from the glass paneled fridge behind the desk.

"She's knows it's a possibility." He replied.

She returned with a few bottles of water then, I thanked her, and she drifted off towards the desk again.

"She's hoping they'll decide to keep her." He added.

"They always do." I shook my head. "Anytime they have a human receptionist, which is nearly always, they all hope they'll make it."

"She wants to be one of them?" Bella paled as I forced a bottle into her hands and nodded.

"How can she want that?" Bella asked. "How can she watch those people file through to that hideous room and want to be a part of that?" She shuddered in horror.

No one answered her, all Edward and I could do was offer her a sympathetic look and reassuring touches as I forced her to keep drinking her water and take calm breaths.

"Oh, Edward." Bella cried, and in an instant she started sobbing again. It seemed it had finally hit her that she was indeed with Edward again.

I couldn't make sense of their interaction. She seemed both thrilled and heartbroken to be with him again. Like she was waiting for him to disappear again but desperately wished that he wouldn't. It hurt me to see her in such anguish over him again. I couldn't imagine how painful it must be to think you've lost your soulmate and father of your child only for him to come back in such a terrifying way. She must assume he's leaving again, I do, so that must be what's affecting her so deeply.

"What's wrong?" Edward asked, still anxious, replacing my hands rubbing circles on her back.

"Is it really sick for me to be happy right now?" She asked, her voice breaking as she wrapped her arms around his neck tightly.

"I know exactly what you mean," he assured her. "But we have lots of reasons to be happy right now. For one, we're alive." He sighed in relief.

"Yes," She agreed. "That's a good one." She nodded.

"And together." He breathed into her hair thankfully.

"And, with any luck, we'll still be alive tomorrow." I teased them, trying to lighten the mood more.

"Hopefully." Bella sighed uneasily.

"The outlook is quite good," Alice assured us, coming out of a vision. She'd been so quiet, I'd almost forgotten her presence. "I'll see Jasper in less than twenty-four hours." she added in a satisfied tone, offering me a wide happy smile.

"Lucky." I laughed half-heartedly. "Your husband will there with open arms. Mine might shoot me...again." I chuckled.

"Dad shot you?" Bella asked me, momentarily distracted from her depression.

"Have we not told you that story?" I smirked at her. "It's a great one." I laughed, before launching into the tale in an attempt to keep her distracted.

She listened intently, still keeping her eyes on Edwards face as if he would disappear if she blinked, but I was happy trying to distract her anyway I could from whatever grief was settling into her heart. I had worked too hard to revive her and keep her alive for her to wither away now.

After my story was over, Edward, Alice, and myself launched into into a discussion on how we planned to get back home. We spoke quickly to avoid any eavesdropping, just in case the Volturi was using the secretary as ears to overhear our plan and ambush us. I knew it seemed silly, but I had to take all precautions.

When the doors opened again, and Alec stepped out looking fed and happy, we all tensed. I stood politely, as a way to block my kids in case of any attack.

"You're free to leave now," Alec told us, his tone so warm you'd think we were all lifelong friends instead of friendly enemies. "We ask that you don't linger in the city." He spoke cordially with me.

"Of course, thank you for your hospitality, make sure to pass my compliments onto your Masters." I nodded and he smiled before disappearing off down the hall again.

"Follow the right hallway around the corner to the first set of elevators," The receptionist told us as Edward helped Bella to her feet. "The lobby is two floors down, and exits to the street. Goodbye." She smiled and I quickly rushed to call the elevator and hurried the kids inside.

"Relax, Aunt Grace." Alice pleaded with me. "We're fine."

"We're not in the clear yet." I shook my head. "I'll be calm when we're back in Forks." I told her, stepping out of the elevator and watching the kids like a hawk as we made our way through the main lobby and out onto the streets of Volterra.

The party was still alive and well as we made our way back through the cobbled town roads, now dimly lit by street lamps. The party was more adult too, and every time my eyes caught someone in a dark cloak I tensed and stepped in front of the kids.

"Where's Alice?" Bella suddenly whispered in a panic, realizing she was no longer with us.

"She went to retrieve the bags from where we hid the Porsche this morning." I told her softly, reaching back to hold her hand in mine reassuringly.

"She's stealing a car, too, isn't she?" Bella asked and I couldn't help but laugh at her tone.

"Not till we're outside the gates." Edward chuckled.

I was on such high alert that it seemed like an eternity to me as we made our way through the streets to the towns gates. With Bella so tired and us having to be so careful about our speed, I felt somewhat trapped.

Finally, I breathed a sigh of relief as we reached the dark nondescript car Alice had stolen that was waiting just outside the cities gate. After forcing Bella and Edward into the backseat quickly, I climbed into the passenger seat and urged Alice to drive.

"You can sleep now, Bella." Edward murmured as he tucked Bella into the cloak again. "It's over." He promised her.

"I don't want to sleep. I'm not tired." She protested.

"You're still just as stubborn." He laughed at her.

"Isn't that the truth." I giggled to myself, not lingering on any one memory of the last few months long enough for Edward to see it.

I may want him to know the full extent of the torture he's caused Bella, but I wasn't prepared to tell them of Elizabeth yet. Also, I didn't want to trigger anything painful for Bella, so protecting my girls had to come above everything else at the moment.

"Who's Elizabeth?" Edward asked, and Bella and I both tensed up.

"I haven't seen an Elizabeth." Alice shook her head. "Is that another wolf friend you've made, Bella?" She cringed.

"Something like that." Bella nodded, meeting my eye contact in the rear view mirror, understanding why it wasn't wise to say anything just yet. We still didn't know what to expect about the Cullens staying in Forks or not.

I felt like I could finally breathe again when we touched down in Seattle. I had had to suffer through Alice's phone call home to Jasper, who was justified in his anger over the situation, but I couldn't help the terrible sense of longing that gripped me as I listened to them talk. I could hear everyone's voices in the background and I was reminded of how intensely I had missed them all.

I wasn't surprised at the reception waiting for us, but it was jarring nonetheless. After spending so many years together as a close family, a few months apart shouldn't have felt so long, but every day apart had felt like an eternity.

Jasper was front and center, eyes glued on Alice the moment she stepped out of the gate, and they rushed to reconnect in the form of intense eye contact. My eyes, however, zeroed in on my identical blond hair across the room.

Carlisle stood with Esme just past the metal detectors, keeping to the wall to allow people better passage through the area, and I refrained from making eye contact with them as Edward, Bella, and myself approached.

"Sister." Carlisle gasped, as if he were breathing air for the first time, pulling me into a bone crushing embrace. "I'm so sorry." He sobbed, and my heart lurched for my twin brother.

We had always shared our life, from the womb to our childhood to our ministry to our existences as vampires. We were always side by side. But, he had betrayed that bond and trust and I could not easily forgive him for such a heinous act. I had to punish him for as long as I could stand to.

So, I simply nodded and stepped out of his embrace. Which, allowed Esme to grab me next and spit out every apology she could think of in an attempt to mend our relationship as a family.

Again, I simply nodded and drifted off towards the doors to wait for everyone to catch up.

"She's dead on her feet!" I heard Esme scold Edward and I turned to observe them. "Let's get her home." She nodded, helping Edward brace Bella as they made their way over to me.

I followed behind Bella as we made our way to the cars, worried she might fall backwards, and was surprised to find Rosalie and Emmett standing at the cars in the parking lot.

"Don't." Esme whispered when she noticed Edward tense up. "She feels awful." she sighed.

"She should." Edward growled, making no attempt to keep his voice down.

"So should you." I shot back at him, not masking my anger at all. "Let's not start pointing fingers here."

"It's not her fault." Bella said, words filled with exhaustion.

"Let her make amends." Esme pleaded. "We'll ride with Alice and Jasper. You three go with them." She urged.

"Please, Edward." Bella said, I was sure she was just delusional from her sleep deprived mind, but it was sweet of her regardless.

He sighed, and towed her off toward the car while I followed behind.

"I missed you so much, Mom." Emmett smiled sadly, but still goofily, at me. "I'm really sorry." He sighed, making no move to hug me like the others did.

That's how I knew he was really suffering from the guilt. He's always quick to hug, tease, and smother with attention those he loves. So, by him not even attempting to hold me, I knew he was really sorry.

"It's going to be alright, Emmett." I swore to him, hugging him to me tightly. "I'm your mother. Nothing you could ever do could make me love you any less than I do." I promised him. "I just need some time." I smiled softly at him.

"Thanks, mom." He smiled back, a real smile, before lifting me into his arms and hugging me even tighter.

After he set me down, Emmett and Rosalie got in the front seat while Edward and I braced Bella between the two of us in the back.

"Edward." Rosalie began shakily, afraid of Edwards anger.

"I know." Edward answered easily, however his tone was not generous in the slightest.

"Bella?" Rosalie asked softly.

"Yes, Rosalie?" Bella asked, hesitantly.

"I'm so very sorry, Bella. I feel wretched about every part of this, and so grateful that you were brave enough to go save my brother after what I did. Please say you'll forgive me." She begged. It was the nicest I had ever heard Rosalie speak to someone outside of her circle.

"Of course, Rosalie," Bella mumbled. "It's not your fault at all. I'm the one who jumped off the damn cliff. Of course I forgive you." She slurred through her thoughts.

"Bella." I chastised her for the way she spoke of her actions.

"It doesn't count until she's conscious, Rose," Emmett chuckled.

"I'm conscious," Bella promised, but it just sounded like a sigh.

"Let her sleep," Edward insisted, but his voice was a little more relieved.

"I'm sorry to you too, Aunt Grace." Rose added quietly as Bella drifted off to sleep. "I'm sorry for hurting you and Charlie, along with everyone else."

"I know, Rosie." I nodded. "It's okay." I told her, not quite sure if I meant it or not yet.

It was quiet then, except for the gentle thrum of the engine. The closer and closer we got to the house, the more and more I began to panic.

"Aunt Grace, Charlie is obsessed with you. Everything is going to be okay." Rosalie offered me a careful supportive smile as we pulled into the drive and Charlie stumbled out onto the porch.

"Bella! Grace!" He shouted our names in relief, quickly running up to me and wrapping me into a tight hug. "You had me terrified." He told me gruffly, refusing to yell at me.

"I'm so sorry." I apologized, trying to keep myself from crying in front of the kids.

"Dad?" Bella mumbled as she woke up.

"Shh." Edward whispered to Bella. "It's okay. You're home and safe. Just sleep." He told her as he lifted her out of the car.

"I can't believe you have the nerve to show your face here." Charlie bellowed at Edward, unafraid to yell at him, as he moved to take Bella from Edward.

"Stop it, Dad," Bella protested, but Charlie couldn't hear her in his anger.

"What's wrong with her?" Charlie demanded, turning to me with wide panicked eyes.

"She's just very tired, Charlie," Edward assured him quietly. "Please let her rest."

"Don't tell me what to do!" Charlie yelled at him. "Give her to me. Get your hands off her!" He ordered him sternly.

Edward tried to pass Bella to Charlie, but she clung to his shirt with locked fingers. Charlie however was in a panic to get Bella safely into his arms.

"Cut it out, Dad," Bella snapped at him. "Be mad at me." She begged him.

"You bet I will be." Charlie promised her. "Get inside." He ordered her.

"Okay. Let me down." She told Edward.

The moment she went to walk, she dropped towards the ground, and I quickly scooped her into my arms to keep her from hitting the dirt.

"I'll take her upstairs." I told Charlie. "Try not to shoot him. You'll scare the neighbors." I frowned at him as Edward helped me gather Bella into my arms. I heard Edward softly promise Bella that he wouldn't be far, too quiet for Charlie's ears, and I didn't know what to think about it.

After getting Bella settled into bed, I went across the hall to peek in on Elizabeth. I just stood over her crib, marveling down at her, as I let all of my relief flood my emotions.

"Are you alright?" Charlie asked me, brushing tears I didn't know were falling down my face away.

"Fine." I nodded, turning around in his arms so I could latch onto him. "I'm so sorry." I sobbed into his neck.

"I know. I'm not mad at you." He promised me. "I know you were just doing what you had to. But, a phone call would've been great." He muttered.

"I couldn't call you because I knew once I did you might convince me to stay." I sighed. "I had to go stop my son." I cried.

"I know, Honey." He soothed me. "I know."

"Kiss me?" I begged him, wanting him to prove he wasn't upset with me.

I was granted my plea and then some as he attacked my lips with his, pulling and gripping at me desperately as if we had been apart for months, and as his hand slipped inside my shirt I pulled away and smiled at him.

"Let me put Elizabeth downstairs in her rocker." I grinned, carefully picking her up and running downstairs to her rocking basinet before joining Charlie back in our bedroom. "Where were we?" I grinned, pouncing at him with the same eagerness he had shown me.

I let go of all of the tension, worry, and stress I had been feeling since my family had first left me as Charlie's hands roamed around my body. It still amazed me after months together that he seemed to always know exactly what I needed and when. While I didn't want to wish it sooner, I couldn't help but wonder how amazing we would be together as vampires. The idea alone was enough to make my head spin. By the time we were both satisfied and he had fallen asleep, I was beginning to feel like my old self for the first time in months.

I was laying there, in the dark in the arms of my supportive husband, when my phone suddenly rang out downstairs. Which, caused Elizabeth to wake and cry out, and so I quickly threw on my clothes and rushed downstairs to avoid waking up Charlie.

"It's okay, little one." I cooed to her, getting her to calm down so I could answer my phone. "Hello?" I answered, expecting one of the Cullens voices this late at night.

"Mom." Bella stated nervously. "Could you-"

"Stop." I interrupted her. "If you're calling me, that means that you're not in your room. Where the hell are you?" I asked her, beyond angry she had snuck out when we had been home barely six hours.

"The Cullens." She sighed. "I need you to come over. We're having a meeting and you deserve a vote."

"Vote?" I asked. "A vote on what?!"

"Just come." She pleaded. "And bring you-know-who." She added.

"What?! No way I'm bringing her into that lions den, Bella! Are you crazy?" I laughed at her.

"They're going to find out about her anyway from the town. It's better they learn the truth from us now than lies from the town later." Bella huffed.

"I can't argue with that." I sighed deeply. "Fine, we'll be there soon." I agreed, hanging up and moving to get Elizabeth ready.

In a matter of minuets I was at the front door of the place I had once called home, but it seemed like nothing but a façade now. I carefully opened the door and made my way to the dining room where I heard everyone else gathered. I paused to take a deep breath before turning the corner into the room.

All eyes zeroed in on the baby strapped to my chest.