The following day, Bella reached out to me, providing a brief overview of the events. She managed to stop Edward from revealing himself to the world just in time. Promising to share the details once she returned, and she fulfilled her promise. Bella recounted the entire ordeal, including the Volturi denying Edward's request for death due to his valuable gift. However, they summoned him again, leading Edward, Alice, and Bella back to them. Bella's unique ability to shield her mind from psychic intrusion baffled the Volturi. I wonder if I tried to enter her mind, would that shield keep me out? She also briefed me on Edward and his family, sharing minor details about each member and their personalities.

Additionally, she extended an invitation to visit their house, indicating that she had something important to discuss with us all. She recounted her harrowing experience in the first few weeks in Forks, discovering Edward's vampiric nature, and then being hunted by another clan of vampires. Victoria and James. Bella described the terrifying moment when she was bitten and how Edward had to extract the venom to save her life. She even revealed the scarred bite mark on her wrist, a lasting reminder of the ordeal.

I let the weight of her words sink in, my gaze fixed on her. We sat on the same couch where she and Alice had been just days before. "Bella... that's..." I struggled to find the right words to express my shock and concern. "I think you've had a rougher time than me," I chuckled softly, trying to lighten the heavy mood that enveloped us. She softly chuckled along with me.

"I was meaning to tell you about it all. But I had to go," Bella announced, her gaze drifting, her voice lowering as if she had broken some unspoken friendship code. I shook my head, reaching out to touch her hand.

"You had to go," I clarified, her gaze returning to meet mine before I even uttered the first word. ""To save him," my voice softened as I understood. She loved him deeply. "I just... I wish I was there with you. I could have done something," I recoiled my hand back, before briefly staring down at the pair.

I could feel Bella's gaze on me, as if she sensed my internal struggle. "Are you ok?" she asked, my eyes meeting hers. A silent invitation to speak of my troubles.

"Remember when I said we moved here for a reason," I began, my voice steady but laden with the weight of past events. She nodded, recalling our previous conversation from months ago. "Well, it was because of my magic... I..." My words faltered; the memories still vivid despite the time that had passed. I glanced around, realising I had no one to confide in but her, my only friend. "I lost control one day at school. It was like a nightmare. Lightning hit the school, rain poured so heavy that it cracked windows, an earthquake, and then... I set the school on fire." The images replayed in my mind; each detail etched into my memory. "Luckily, everyone got out. But as I stood in that rain, and watched as the flames took over the school. I just trembled with fear at my own destructiveness. I had unleashed that power because some kids were being mean to me. I lost complete control." My voice trailed off, the weight of my confession hanging heavily in the air. Tears welled up, stinging the corners of my eyes.

"Charlotte," Bella spoke, her voice carrying sympathy. I blinked back the tears, relieved to see no hint of fear in her gaze.

"After that, I stopped using my magic. But even that turned out to be a terrible idea," I replied, my fingers fidgeting nervously.

"What happened?" Bella inquired, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

"Every time I got upset, angry, frustrated, even if it was a brief emotion, things would happen without me even uttering a word," I responded, remembering those days when windows would shatter, fires would erupt, and strong winds would whip around.

"That's what happened when you tried to stop Jake and Paul," Bella realised.

I nodded in agreement. "I knew I was going to lose control, so I stopped. I couldn't risk hurting you or Jake." I spoke softly, offering her a small, thin-lipped smile that hung in the air between us. "Throughout that summer, my Grams dedicated herself to teaching me control. We practised every day until I could perform spells without fearing something going wrong...I can manage small spells now, but the fear still lingers," I admitted, releasing a shaky breath as Bella continued to gaze at me.

"I... I can't imagine how scared you must have been," Bella responded after a moment of silence. "To have all that power, and fear yourself."

"I'm trying not to be," I replied gently, knowing it was the truth. I longed to help, to use my magic freely without the constant fear of tipping over the edge and causing natural disasters.

"I want you to meet them," Bella spoke after another brief silence, as if to shift the conversation away from its gloomy tone. I raised an arched brow at her. "Edward, and his family," she clarified, prompting a realisation to dawn on me.

"I don't know," I replied, but she gave me this look, as if she was about to get on her knees and beg me to come. "I hate it when you do that face," I added, unable to resist a smile at her persistence. "Fine, I'll come," I admitted defeat, as Bella smiled and laughed for a moment.

"I told him a lot about you," Bella began, her eyes drifting to her own hands, thumb rubbing the back. "How you helped me when he wasn't here." Her voice softened, eliciting a smile from me in return. I reached out, and gripped her hand in mind, as she rose her gaze back up.

"We helped each other," my reply was soft in the air, as it was the truth. Bella needed me as much as I needed her.

.........................

Meeting a family of vampires made me nervous. Prior to encountering Victoria and then Alice, I had never encountered vampires in my life. The unknown nature of what to expect left me feeling uneasy. But I swallowed my anxiety, held my head up high, as I was doing this for Bella.

Following Bella's directions, I navigated my car through the winding paths of the forest, each winding road leading me deeper into the heart of nature's embrace. The house, nestled amidst the towering trees, exuded an aura of tranquility, far removed from the town below. As I parked the car just outside the large house, I switched off the engine and climbed free, slamming the door behind. They probably all heard me coming miles away. I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty surrounding me, the verdant canopy above, the gentle rustle of leaves, the symphony of crickets echoing through the woods.

Being a witch, I felt a deep kinship with the natural world. Nature was more than just scenery; it was a source of power, wisdom, and solace. Like my grandmother before me, I found peace in the outdoors, in the symphony of sights, sounds, and scents that greeted me at every turn. The fragrance of pine mingled with the sweet perfume of wildflowers, filling the air with a heady aroma that invigorated the senses.

As my feet crunched under the gravel, I felt a profound sense of connection with the ancient trees that loomed overhead. Their gnarled branches reached out like ancient sentinels, whispering secrets that only the forest could understand. If I closed my eyes and listened closely, I could almost hear their voices, a soft murmur that spoke of centuries past, of life, death, and the eternal cycle of nature. In that moment, I felt truly alive, embraced by the timeless beauty of the natural world. Immersing myself in nature had a calming effect on me, soothing my anxious thoughts and easing my worries.

Ascending the steps, the imposing yet welcoming facade of the house loomed before me. Despite its size, it didn't exude a sense of confinement. Instead, expansive windows stretched across its walls, embracing the surrounding landscape and inviting the limited daylight filtered through the cloudy skies of Forks.

I approached the front door, where Bella greeted me with a warm smile and gestured for me to enter. Stepping inside, I took in the vastness of the room, with a staircase tucked to the side, leading up to the next floor.

"Follow me," Bella's voice rang out cheerfully, indicating her eagerness for me to meet Edward's family. I trailed behind her as we ascended the stairs, the click of my boots echoing against the wooden steps. Glancing around, my eyes fell upon a large picture adorning the wall — a collection of graduation caps in various shades of blue, red, orange, and creams, each seemingly representing different schools attended over the decades.

We quickly reached the top of the stairs and entered a room where the Cullens were gathered, standing together in a loose formation. Immediately, I felt the weight of their golden gazes upon me as I met their eyes. My heart quickened its pace as I took in their striking appearances — each one frozen at the perfect age, exuding eternal beauty.

"Charlotte, meet Emmett, Rosalie, Alice — who you already know," Bella introduced each member of the Cullen family, gesturing from left to right as we stood before them. "Jasper, Esme, and Carlisle," she concluded, her voice warm and inviting. As Bella spoke, I greeted each of them with a soft smile, taking in their pleasant expressions.

"Welcome, Charlotte. We've heard a lot about you," Esme's welcoming demeanour stood out as she greeted me, her smile radiating warmth. With her heart-shaped face and compassionate gaze, she exuded a motherly aura. Esme's slender figure had a gentle elegance, contrasting with the angular features of the others. Her caramel-coloured hair was neatly tied back in a ponytail, cascading gracefully over her shoulders. Carlisle, standing beside her, exuded a sense of calmness and kindness. His well-toned physique and blond hair framed his gentle eyes, giving him a youthful appearance.

"Bella's told me a lot about you as well," I responded sweetly, recalling the conversations Bella had shared about the family. My gaze wandered over the family once more, lingering on Jasper. His honey-blond hair cascaded in soft waves, skimming just above his collar. Despite his muscular physique, there was a sense of lean gracefulness about him.

My gaze shifted to Rosalie, who epitomised ethereal beauty. Standing tall and statuesque, she exuded an air of elegance reminiscent of a runway model. Her golden blonde locks cascaded down her back in graceful waves, framing her striking features. Her golden eyes, mirroring those of the Cullen family, exuded a quiet intensity. With a subtle smile and a nod, she acknowledged my presence, her demeanour poised and confident. Beside her stood a tall, muscular man with dark hair that contrasted sharply against his fair skin. Despite his intimidating broad stature, his features held a certain youthful charm, giving him a somewhat boyish appearance. His handsome face exuded strength and allure, captivating my gaze for what felt like an eternity. As I observed him, I couldn't help but feel a warmth spreading across my cheeks, betraying the heat rising within me at the sight of him.

"And this is Edward," Bella announced, drawing my attention to where she stood below the first step of the second staircase, with Edward positioned above her. Edward was strikingly handsome, holding that pale skin that they all shared. A strong, angular jawline, high cheekbones, and a straight nose. His eyes are a deep, gold colour. Edward's hair is bronze-coloured and though it seemed untidy, it was perfectly styled.

I noticed his gaze lingering on me, as though he was attempting to decipher my inner thoughts. Then I recalled Bella mentioning his gift, the ability to read minds. Was he attempting to read mine? Could he?

"Hello," he said after a brief pause. "I want to thank you for staying with Bella, for being there when I couldn't," Edward's voice, deep yet soft, carried sincerity.

"We were there for each other," I replied in a soft tone, my gaze shifting from Edward to Bella. "I wouldn't change it for the world," I continued, a smile spreading across my lips as Bella returned the gesture. Edward had drifted further up the stairs, making Bella climb a few as I stood just to the right of the staircase.

"You all know what I want," Bella stated, and I understood her intention perfectly. She had mentioned that their permission to leave was granted because Alice had a vision of her as a vampire, and combined with her mental shielding, it sparked great curiosity among the vampires. "And I know how much I'm asking for. The only thing that I can think of for it to be fair is to just vote." Bella added, acknowledging the gravity of her proposal.

"You don't know what you're talking about," Edward mumbled, clearly disapproving of the notion of Bella becoming a vampire.

"Shut up," Bella retorted, turning to shoot a quick glance at Edward, silencing him instantly. I smirked to myself as she turned back to address the rest of us.

"Alice?" Bella noticed her smile indicating she had already made her stance clear on the matter.

"I already consider you my sister," Alice replied warmly, detaching herself from Jasper and moving toward the staircase. She ascended a step and enveloped Bella in a tight hug. "Yes," she affirmed, keeping Bella grounded as she gently brought her back down to the floor.

"Thank you," Bella responded gratefully.

"I vote yes," Jasper spoke, his voice carrying a slight southern accent. "It would be nice to not want to kill you all the time." He smiled, though it appeared strained, as if he struggled to restrain his thirst for blood. Dimples appeared on his cheeks, disappearing as soon as the smile faded. Bella allowed a 'hm' to escape her lips, as well as nodding in agreement with Jasper's sentiment.

"I'm sorry," Rosalie spoke next, her voice carrying a heavenly tone, soft and gentle as if she were an angel. "I'm really sorry to both of you for how I've acted, and I'm really grateful that you were brave enough to go save my brother," There was a moment of silence as she lowered her head slightly, meeting Bella's gaze with her eyes. "But this isn't a life I would have chosen for myself." Rosalie's torment as a vampire was evident, clear as day. "And I wish that there'd been someone to vote no for me," she continued, her words hanging heavily in the air. "So, no," she concluded, acknowledging that she wouldn't wish this existence upon anyone.

"I vote hell, yeah," Emmett's deep, rough voice resonated, a fitting match for his robust physique. He lunged towards Bella, lifting her up and spinning her around before gently setting her back down. "And we can pick a fight with these Volturi some other way," he added, taking a step back. His gaze briefly shifted to me before returning to Bella.

"I already consider you part of the family," Esme began, her words carrying warmth and affection. "Yes," she affirmed in a gentle, motherly tone. Bella then turned to me, her gaze filled with anticipation, silently urging for the same response from the others. I could feel her eyes, as well as the golden eyes of the Cullens, fixed on me, their intensity palpable.

"You... you want my answer?" I questioned, unable to conceal the shock and surprise evident in my tone.

"Of course I do," Bella declared, stepping around Alice and clasping my hands in hers, drawing me further into the room. "I consider you my best friend. You're the only other person I trusted with this," she gestured with her eyes around the room, indicating the world of vampires. "And I want your answer too," she asserted, her seriousness reflected in her eyes, expression, and words.

"I... I..." My words stumbled, lost in the weight of the moment. Her pleading eyes implored me, as if she needed my approval to proceed with this life-altering decision. "You know I'll support you no matter what decision you make, Bella," I affirmed. "If becoming a vampire brings you happiness, then yes, you have my vote." Stepping closer, I enveloped her in a warm, tight hug filled with love and reassurance.

"Thank you," she whispers into my ear, a smile playing on her lips as I pull back and return to my position, but brought myself closer. Carlisle lets out a sigh before stepping forward, positioning himself to the side of Bella. She turns to face him, and he directs his attention to Edward.

"Why are you doing this to me?" Edward questions his "father", his voice low yet tinged with seriousness.

"You've chosen not to live without her, which leaves me no choice," Carlisle asserts, shaking his head towards Edward. "I won't lose my son." Edward averts his gaze from Carlisle, his stare fixed into space. The atmosphere becomes heavy with silence and gloom.

"Charlotte," Esme's voice echoed softly, drawing my attention as she stepped forward. "Would you like a drink?" Her tone was so motherly, it warmed my heart, her smile adding to the warmth.

"I would love one," I replied, returning her warm smile. Esme briefly extended her arms in a welcoming gesture before heading to the kitchen. I followed her eagerly, marvelling at the spacious and beautiful surroundings of the kitchen.

A strange sensation crept over me, as if every move I made was under careful scrutiny. Though I felt like I was being watched, I resisted the urge to turn around and confirm it. I preferred not to discover whose pair of golden eyes were fixed on me.

***************