Entering the double doors of the school building, I allow Bella to walk past and in first. She begins turning, shuffling her feet back, reversing her steps walking in the same pace as Edward and I. " I find it a little rude of Jacob to hand you a gift, on the day of my birthday. An after thought in his mind, he was staring at you as he'd discover the sun for the first time. gazing at it as if it was the most beautiful thing he had seen."

'Now Bella was talking nonsense. I wasn't the one to see it that way.'

" bella is correct, Malachi. Why is it you receiving the gift? Out of all days. a little conspicuous of his motives." Edward goes on to state, " I read his mind. Jacob disregarded the information, of being its Bella's birthday, and instead got the dreamcatcher for you." he mutters, in a volume to which I could only hear.

I was having trouble in believing Jake took no account of Bella and her birthday.

" I never have such dreams. they are never bad. If it's any correlation, quite the contrary to belief the ones I have are very pleasing." each corner to my mouth twists up, turning in a roguish grin, pleased. Bella's jaw loosens, Edward begins smiling; smug. " Malachi John decker! That is revolting. My virgin ears!" I splutter in a laugh, using an arm in deflecting her craven strikes.

" Come here." My hand latches on hers, " you know you love me and my inappropriate mind." She throws her head, holding in giggles, to my tickling. " but I am being serious. Here. I am quite sure Jake will not mind you having this." I place the talesman in her open palm. " No, you know I like to mess around, Kai. Jacob created it for you. It is an important and quite meaningful. Don't take what I say serious." She moves my hand back, the material of the shirt I had on pressing on my skin. " keep it."

" Alice." Edward says." has a present for you. Bella." His words made me arch an eyebrow. I direct both eyes of mine to Alice, with grace, bound over a railing of a pile of steps. Jasper was standing at a safe few steps away, beside a green structural foundation pole. He offers a pleasant nod, I return the same. Bella goes to talk, her jaw moving in going to speak, but is adjourn.

" happy birthday, Bella!" her words are whispered when bringing her in an hug. I gave a questioning stare, wondering to what she is planning. " this is for you, a beautiful green Saturn dress. I have seen you open it, guess what, you love it. I had a vision of you wearing this to your party!" My eyes expand in size, bella faces and turns to where I stand an inch behind her, a grey plaster box being presented. " party? Vision?" She questions.

" It was meaning to be a surprise, Alice. But yes, I planned for this party to happen at her and Edwards house. Tonight, at seven o'clock. Now you know, surprise!" I use a shimmying motion of both my hands, in a mock 'surprise'. Bella face twists, " I know you are not the greatest fan of parties and surprises. eighteen is a mark of adulthood and should be cause of celebration."

I was doing my best part in convincing Bella this is planned, only it wasn't. Alice talking in regards of a party was the truth, but I was wanting to tell her. Tonight and not now. 'Way to reveal what I wanted to do, Alice' I pout.

" Yes! I agree on what Malachi is saying, Bella. Come you, please." I knew Jasper was making use of his ability to control, manipulate, the emotions on her; giving the next words to come out were " I... guess I accept and deal.. sure." It worked. Alice gives an excited clap, " this is very exciting. I will see you tonight, oh! I just not forget to tell you, Malachi. I saw in the vision of that necklace you gifted Bella! So beautiful. Okay! See you." She leaves, before Bella could have a change of mind.

" I am not going to ask the meaning of vision, or why I was so quick to entertain and accept the idea of even attending a party."

" trust me, Bella, when I say Alice is unique."

-

" there is one thing you should learn, when it comes to me, Edward. Is how much I despise Romeo and Juliet. English literature has made the hatred grow even further, they could have chosen taming of the shrew. I find the film more fascinating, then the tale of two powerful families feuding." I spoke in a hushed approach, talking.

" I already know of history. How the tragedy ends, there are one too many adaptions."

He stares, showing just how amused he is at my pontificating opinion. " I never had the suspicion you were so passionate, when it comes to movies. Taming of the shrew? quite the classic." my hand is held, I feel absentminded touches over my thumb. He then appears despondent. " though I do envy him one thing." My face straightens.

" the girl. Juliet, is alright, if you like that obvious beauty she possesses." never knew the day I would become or show jealousy of a woman written as fiction.

" Not the girl, the suicide."

I wait for him to begin further of his explanation. Giving a stare that asks to continue. " it's nearly impossible, really, for some people. For humans, a little poison, a dagger to the heart. There is so many different options."

my boyfriend is talking about death, great.

" why would even say or think like that?"that was never a causal subject of conversation, to have. " because I had to consider it once." Once? Now my concern was greatly rising.

" when did you consider taking your life."

I knew asking would have an answer I wouldn't care to know, or hear, dealing the fact this was not normal.

'Never a normal in my life'

" that evening at the abandoned mall. I saw, heard, what James was planning to do. His thoughts were clear, loud, and apparent. He had it all imagined how he would drain your blood, see the life leaving your eyes. I had to come up with a plan, some kind. just .. anything." With each sentence, second that goes, there is a pained undertone lacing his words. relaying the memory.

" it was not your fault, Edward." I frown. " what was the plan?"

" That I'd go to Italy and provoke the Volturi." He answers.

" the Who?" the tone I use implying to tell me who he was referencing to. " the Volturi."

" Now, who would like to repeat the last few lines of iambic pentameter just to show they were paying attention? Mr Cullen. I like to assume you would, giving you and Mr decker are in quite the nice conversation. You must have the time to tell the class the lines I just asked in doing." Mr. Berty had paused the film, now directly staring at Edward then to I.

I went to reply with sarcasm. But my ever polite boyfriend creates a feign cough, then puts a hand down on my thigh, the muscles tauten at the feeling. " of course Mr berty." Heads turn, eager to wait for his passage of words. " O, here will I set up my everlasting rest and shake the yokes of inauspicious stars from this world-wearied flesh. Eyes, look your last. Arms, take your last embrace. and, lips, o you, the doors of breath, seal with a righteous kiss a dateless bargain to engrossing death."

I was too engrossed in the concern, to have been impressed with how he memorised that poem.

-

A Eighteenth century oil panting, in a beautiful golden frame, is placed centred before one of the walls of the Cullen house. It depicts four figures, wearing century correct and appropriate robes, on a balcony. people are portrait celebrating.

" the Volturi are a very old, very powerful family. I guess they're the closet thing to royalty my world has. Francesco Solimena painted this; he often depicted the Volturi as Gods, you could say."

'Worshipping false gods. I wonder how grandpa, dad, would take this, or if he or my father is are aware of such governed coven that believe themselves as such beings.' Surely grandfather would never allow for this, who knew. 'They sound like righteous fools. Mind my language.'

" is that.. Carlisle?" I examine the difference in clothes, to how his eyes were a shade darker; red. " Yes. He lived with them for a few decades. describe them as very refined.. for killers. No respect for human life, of course. But had respect for arts and the science, at least. Most importantly the law, above all, the law."

" vampires have laws?"

My eyes drift over each of the rulers faces. Large crests are visible, having rubies engraved and on display. " Not many. Only one that is regularly enforced. To keep the existence of our kind a secret, to never reveal to humans. Don't make a spectacle of ourselves, and we don't kill conspicuously. unless of course you wish to die."

there would never be a day, time, where i would allow harm to happen, to Edward, to Bella, mom, Trix, Charlie or Dan. The thought alone had me shaking my head, in refusal.

" you got to stop talk- don't even mention that. I can't even begin thinking of someone hurting you."

Edward, now giving me his attention, stares; endearing. " Malachi, the only thing or person that can hurt me is you. I don't.. have anything else to be afraid of."

" that is not true. I can name one or two enemies from memory." Victoria, Laurent. Victoria would definitely come after Edward, easy in mistaking him as the one to take her mates life. She could have never be incline to think I was the one, still led to have the thought of me being human. " Victoria."

" she'll come for me. One day. Alice will see her decide, we'll be ready."

I look to him, displeased with his nonchalance. " you know I can protect you, Edward." My hand finds his shirt collar, the rings on each of my fingers press in his marble skin. He nestles the point of his nose to my hairline, leaving a lingered kiss. " you're my only reason to stay alive. You protect me from boredom, loneliness, all the above. if that is what I can I am, Alive. but I am serious when I say, it's my job to protect you. Kai."

I sense someone entering the hall, Alice voice comes in echoing on the walls. " Kai! It's time, Bella is waiting down in the main room. Come on! Don't wish to keep the birthday girl waiting, now." She takes a firm hold of my hand, with amazing strength begins dragging me.

Edward huffs. " Alice. I would appreciate if you were not trying to dislocate Malachi's arm."

" What? I am not even pulling with force." She innocently reply's. The top of the landing comes in view, Bella was making conversation with Esme; who was in a lovely magenta purple frilled dress. Crystal bowls, vases, and light shade pink candles filtered the space.

" There you are, Kai. I was starting to think of wondering this gorgeous house in search for you." Bella, in a quick pace, walks over taking a hold of my hand; seeking comfort. She didn't do well in the presence of new people. Alice, Esme, and Edward being an exception.

" we were just giving our birthday wishes to sweet Bella, here. We wanted to begin present opening but was told to wait for you."

Esme explains, too giving me a hug. " We tried reigning in Alice. That never works." Carlisle humours. " like it was possible to do so." Esme adds, allowing for me to have Bella put her arms and encase them around my body. there is a flash, from a camera, a photo being taken.

Alice being culprit. " I found this in your bag. You mind?" Bella shakes 'no'. " not at all. Go ahead."

It was opening presents time, at last. There are a quarter dozen individual wrapped boxes and an envelope on the piano, elaborately sorted. ready for Bella to open. I situate my legs to face Alice, who gave a silver package to rose. " you first rose." showing signs of not wanting to be here, I expressed a 'come on. Rose' expression when she spoke, bored.

" it's a bracelet. Alice picked it out." She glances to me, noticing, fixing her posture.

" thanks." I could hear a smile in Bellas tone.

" Now! A picture of the two best friends. Show me the love." Bella leans her ear to my chest, I place both hands on each side of her hip. Alice does the picture, a satisfying grin gracing her lips. " Edward! It's your turn. Get into the frame."

Next present was from Emmett, a new state of the art sound system for Bella's monstrosity of a truck. Moving from his and Bella bantering, it was now the turn of Esme and Carlisle. The sealed white envelope. " open this! You will really like and appreciate it."

" just a little something to brighten your day."

" yes, you've been looking kind of pale. Lately."

Bella begins opening the paper, a quick wince at the sight of blood. A paper cut. " ouch! Paper cut." A deep shade of scarlet is drawn, the deafening silence that follows makes a strong sense of realization dawn. Blood. It was loud, the drop of blood stains the carpet. 'Too late.'

A feral, grisly, disturbing snarl rips the silence. Jasper begins charging having no reasoning in his eyes, bared teeth and there is nothing that could stop him. Edward is quick, I didn't have time to process his action, pushing Bella out of harms way. I snap out of what trance I was in, eyes ablaze and I March towards Jasper stopping him in his tracks. " Jasper stop!" it wasn't my voice that left my mouth, no. This was someone else. He fought my grip.

Bella had let out a pained, surprised, cry. Plates were shattered, " Jaz. Jaz! It's okay. It's just a little.. blood." Alice came to help in holding him in place, down. " Malachi. Y-your eyes. It's all beginning to make sense, now." Alice spoke, forbidding; flinty. " now is not the time Alice." Edward spoke through his teeth.

I could smell the pulsating blood leaving Bella's arm. It was strong: potent. Carlisle uses his speed, which earns a gasp from Bella at how fast he was.

" get Jasper out here. Malachi. You have the strength of everyone here, times ten, please see him out."

I couldn't bare to look at Bella. This was all my fault. I knew then better to think having a party at the Cullens house was a good idea. " M-Malachi." Bella spoke, showing her fear.

" I'm sorry, about this. Belle." I use my nickname for her, giving an wistful smile that didn't reach my eyes. Guiding Jasper out of the room.

Once I knew Jasper was a safe distance, out of the reach of Bella, I allow Emmett to take control. My hands fist my hair, the events that played out repeating. I could only blame me, for thinking it was safe to bring Bella in a house full of ravenous vampires. " this-this is the fault of mine only." Is what I could manage to say. Esme gave a confused noise, " why are you taking the blame on yourself? Malachi."

" I was stupid. Stupid enough, to think Jasper could be in the same room. I didn't take in consideration he was, is, still new to your lifestyle of eating. And now Bella is probably afraid, out of her mind of what she witnessed."

Tears begin bordering on my eyes. " how did I not see this? And is not even jaspers fault." I wanted to punch a tree, holding that urge. " Oh darling, don't do or say that." She brings my body down, in for a quick embrace. I sniff, trying my hardest in not letting the tears run down.

" I am going to check in on Bella." I murmur.

-

The ride home to Charlie's residence was quick. Which I thank in the name of my grandfather, I wanted to talk but no words would leave, putting the car in to a stop. Bella had a pensive, thinking look to her face, pinching the skin off of her nails.

" Doctor Cullen.. Carlisle explained what he, Edward,  and his family are. Kai." That is what I was afraid of talking on, vampires. Bella now knowing puts her in more danger.

" Vampires."

" I didn't wish for you to know of this world, Bella. I did everything in my effort, power to keep this hidden." My jaw is tight, my mind creeps to jaspers snarling face. " I was even surprised you still accept me, as an Angel. I could have prevented this."

My nails dug firm in my hand, blood appears.

" Malachi. Hey. Hey. Stop, no. Hey." Bella moved her body across the seat, taking and drawing mine to meet in the centre. I couldn't meet her gaze, I knew I would crumble under her eyes.

" you can't predict or protect me from everything. Something will always happen that is out of your strength, your control. You can't beat everyone or thing. I would never blame you for anything."

'Is this meant to be helping, bee. Come on.'

" but you know what you can do, right? Is to keep on being the greatest friend. Brother, a girl could ever ask to have." She grabs each side of my head, placing a ever soft peck on each line that creased my forehead.

" my Angel."

There was a change in the atmosphere and energy the following day that rolls about. Edward and each of the Cullens who did attend school were no shows, it felt empty. Not seeing each of their faces. It was no difference when coming back from the day finishing, Bella was in the house already.

That allowed for me to have space with Edward, to who was standing still as can be on the line where the trees are. " there you are, you weren't at school. What is the matter?"

He didn't respond. There is an unexplained cold; distant front on his face. " come take a walk with me, Malachi." I let him take my quivering hand, dread be-fills my chest. We are silent in our walk; now deep and away from the house. A fallen tree is behind Edward, as he faces his back to me.

" we have to leave forks."

His words take my mind by shock, leave forks. Why? " why? What?" This was a sudden. " Carlisle's supposed to be ten years older then he looks, people are starting to notice." I have to think of a way and excuse to make, in some way convince Bella to come. I couldn't leave her behind, No. not again. 'I have to think of how I should tell and say this information to bee.' The face Edward is giving makes me reel back, a dawning moment of realising his true meaning.

" when you say we..." I didn't dare to finish.

" I mean my family and myself. Not with you."

No. This couldn't be happening. No " Edward.. I. If this is going to be because of what happen with Jasper, Bella she-she does not blame Jasper." I tried reasoning, " she told me. Herself. We can talk, we just.. no." I knew I was not being coherent in how I was speaking.

" see that is where her first error is, Malachi. She sees this as nothing but an accident, no one at fault. But this, this was what I always expected. Nothing compared to what could have happen."

I inhale, Sharp. But I let him continue. " this, this will hurt me to say." 'Please. Don't say it.'

" I don't think it's safe to be in each others lives, no more. Kai, I only bring added weight of danger. This is for the best."

A knot begins tying in my chest. in my heart I could physically sense pieces crumble, a overwhelming force of fear enters my veins. This couldn't be true, real. " Edward, don't. Please. I-I belong with you." I step back. there was a shroud of dark mist dancing in my vision. His words begin cutting deeper.

" No. you don't."

' So this is what rejection feels like.' I chuckle, dryly. " and I don't want you.. to follow me. You must stay here. Stay with Charlie, Bella, live a life where it's though you never met me."

" you.. don't... want me." That solidifies the rejection feeling. There is a sharp feel that goes around my heart like an electric shock, an elastic tie breaking. " this changes things."

The weight of my body became much heavier in those seconds.

" I need you to promise me, something. And in return I will do the same. This is the last time you will ever see me, I won't come back. The promise is, find happiness. In someone, who isn't me. And my promise is I won't be an interference in your life beginning now. Like my existence was never there to begin with."

I couldn't talk. I was stunned. " I'm sorry this was going on for so long." I could hear his voice; but it sounds far. The feel of his lips as he left one last goodbye kiss. " goodbye, Kai."

Then he was .. gone.

" Edward. Edward. Edward! No you are not leaving and running off. No, no." I begin running, searching the trees and beyond that i could see for any signs of Edward. The light of the sun fades, as sun set approaches, the forest life changing to the soft calls of owls.

'Edward!' There is determination powering my run, until I come to a sudden conclusion of how far; deep in the forest I am.

In panic I glaze over each shrubby in the hopes Edward would come out, this was all some twisted prank. But there is just nothing. Only crickets, the roaring beat of my heart in my ears. He was truely gone. My knees finally gave out from the pressure. The crunch of moisture damaged sticks breaking.

I couldn't hold in the scream that leaves. My head throwing back. The pain, heartbreak, and acceptance being released. The birds in the branches flutter away in fright. The earth begins moving under my body, and there is the sound of distant wolves howl morphing in with my screaming. I could never imagined how painful this would be.

" how could you Edward?" I cried. Then there was anger. I was Numb. I stand, I allowed my hand to form in a fist, throwing down my formed fist hand in the ground. A crack is created. My chest heaves. I let loose the pain, each feeling I was having. Before just stopping.

My head falls between my legs. My body accepting the exhaustion. I couldn't do it anymore. 'I'm so tired. I want my mom. I want.. Bella. Dad. Please just make it stop.'

It begins raining, this is just want I needed. Is my thought before I could feel the feeling of being tired catching up and taking its place in my body. The last voice I hear comes from some place in the forest.

" rest, my dear grandson. Help is coming."

-

Jasmine Speaks;
This chapter was three thousand nine hundred and thirty three words long. The longest chapter I have done, spending over seven hours on this alone.