The time to say goodbye has come. Oh, woe is me. Anyhow, the ending was the ending...I only wrote this extra chap cuz I left a few ends untied and they didn't let me sleep at night.

I guess the reason I wrote this fic at all was because the whole way Edward and Bella fell in love in the book was kinda bogus. Yeah, yeah, don't get me wrong, it was uber-romantic, I'm not saying it wasn't. I just didn't think it logical. The "Oh, I can't read your mind and you smell yummy, what an enigma. I am madly in love now," just didn't do it for me so I made Gabe. I guess I just wanted to make a rational relationship where two people saw each other's strengths and weaknesses but accepted them nonetheless. Oh and for those who did catch on, yes, I got the title All That I've Got from the song of The Used, as in 'I'll be just fine pretending I'm not, I'm far from lonely and it's all that I've got'...yeah, I love that line. I'm a sucker for nice lyrics.

Epilogue

Somebody once gave me an analogy of the length of what encompassed eternity. It went something like this: eternity would be like having a vast pile of sand, as big as the country I was born in and moving it grain by grain to the neighboring continent, crossing the ocean—by foot (Though I never understood the logic in that) and returning for another grain the same way. All the time it would take to transfer the monumental pile of countless grains would constitute as eternity.

I know. It left me aghast at the thought too.

"Yeah that is a good way of putting it," Gabe mused after I had told him. He had been sipping on a mug of tepid rabbit's blood so I had been unsure if his grimace had been at the idea of such a long period of time or because of the taste.

"How far do you think you are on your pile?" I asked putting down my own mug trying to control my gag reflex. Rabbit's blood was the worst in my opinion; it tasted like licorice without any sweetness.

Gabe, probably trying to show off, downed his in two sizable gulps without any signs of choking, "A grain of sand, the distance…I'm in less than a handful I think."

Less than a handful…and that came from the guy who had been born on Ancient Rome….

Probably noticing my troubled expression he added hastily, "But that is just me, I was bored most of the time so everything has seemed more tedious. It might be different for you, how you see experiences and how you spend your time."

I smiled faintly at that and looked pointedly at our surroundings which consisted of a moldy and sultry roof of a beat down motel. It was located in the slums of Tokyo so there were dozens of taller buildings surrounding us. Many were apartment buildings so people would stare down from their windows at the strangers lounging around casually on a roof as rain fell. Enough time had passed that I was able to control my thirst urges as well as the disgust at the smell of human blood. It had been hard and taken practice but I had accomplished it. At least I could now walk on the streets on nice cloudy days instead of being holed up somewhere far and abandoned.

Once again Gabe and I had been forced to relocate thanks to the Priam. It had been the third time in two months. This time had been unexpected and Gabe, whose senses were still far better than mine, had sensed them as soon as they had entered the city we were in and had rushed to me to take my hand and begin to run.

Though it seemed they chased us at an unhurried pace, no matter how fast we ran—and we ran very fast—it sometimes felt as if they were two steps behind us. They were like a group of serial killer Jasons. I mean seriously, the guy walked, how was it that he always managed to murder people who ran like their cahoots were on fire?

"I don't watch television, it stifles my creativity," Gabe had replied at my question with a remarkably straight expression. I hadn't bothered to dignify that with a response.

"What should I do with my time Gabe?" I asked now as the fat drops of rain that had been falling turned into a soft drizzle.

He leaned on the railing and stared at the empty street below us. His soaked hair hanged like dark, shinning dripping waves, "You can become a doctor, or a lawyer, or a ballerina. The sky is the limit, you can be anything you want to be Bella, believe in yourself."

"If it wasn't for your dripping sarcasm," I muttered back scathingly, "You would sound exactly like my mom."

"I wasn't being sarcastic Bella," he said turning to look at me with wide innocent eyes but he couldn't manage to keep a straight face.

"You are making fun of me, is that your favorite hobby?" I asked sourly.

He shook his head but his grin had become all too pronounced. "You have to admit it is funny to imagine. You a ballerina, ha! You trip over your own feet by just walking."

"Well, it doesn't matter. There isn't anything I want to do at the moment," I said airily, ignoring his chortling. I walked over and hopped up to sit on the rail he was leaning on. It squeaked ominously at my weight as I sat on its precarious edge. "Besides, eternity is eternity. They are bound to get tired of us sooner or later."

"Bella, you have the patience of a pin head, you won't be able to stand this out," Gabe said, his smile fading slowly. I pursed my lips but said nothing; I had learned that whenever Gabe began on this topic it was better to let it go. If I didn't he would go off on all the good pros of me leaving him and living a happy immortal life without him.

I was growing increasingly frustrated at Gabe and his constant harping on the topic of me leaving him. Just what exactly would I have to do to prove myself to him, to prove that I wanted to stay, that I would stay?

"I know you will get tired of the running eventually," he continued and I rolled my eyes, here it came…

"Or there is the possibility you might hate me for all of this. Eternity is a long time to be pursued Bella."

"I can't see myself moving my grains of sand without you," I said shrugging. "So I won't leave you."

"I wouldn't be able to stand it if you hated me Bella," he finally said after a pause.

Sitting serenely on the bar I smiled at him. He looked like a statue of marble as the rain dripped from his hair and clung to his eye lashes. I had wondered that if in time I would get used to his incandescent eyes as they fell on me but nope, no go. They still managed to take my breath away.

"What are you worried about Gabe? I know you wouldn't admit something like that if you were okay, so what is wrong?"

He blinked at this which dislodged some of the drops from his lashes.

"I lied," he finally said, "The Priam wasn't the ones after us this time, it was the Cullens."

I jumped lightly from the rail and walked closer to him.

"You were afraid they would take me away," I stated softly, unsurprised at his confession.

Gabe suddenly looked flustered and affronted, "Wh-what, afraid, me? That is the stupidest—"

I grinned at his stammering, he was so damn cute

"Where are they Gabe?" I asked him gently.

He turned from me and leaned on the rail to look up at the night sky which even at night looked like charcoal above us with occasional lighting shooting through.

"Gabe…"

"If you really want to know," he muttered walking over to collect our abandoned mugs, "They are close, take a hike Bella. They will eventually find you."

He walked to the door of the stairs that led down. His shoulders twitched and his steps faltered as if he was about to stop and turn but he seemed to think better of it. He walked on and slammed the door behind him.

Take a hike…harsh. But I had learned enough of Gabe's moods to know that it was best for him to have his time alone.

'The Cullens are here…for me…' I thought turning from the closed door to look at the surroundings. I had known that there would be a time when we would meet again at some point. It had been a little more than a year since I had left them after all. We were bound to meet sooner or later especially when we would be roaming the world for a very long time.

Except that I was afraid.

As I jumped down the building and almost landed on an overflowing trashcan on the side alley I realized that I was afraid they would be disappointed in me. For having left them the way I had and now for not having a heartbeat. Their sole purpose had been to protect me and keep me alive. How was it that they would react to me, to my new eyes and the purple shadows under them? Or how hard and cold was my skin to the touch…

'Don't hate me, please don't hate me,' I implored silently.

I walked the dark streets as the faint drizzle fell like a fine mist. I ignored the group of boys who would see me pass by or the occasional gossiping pair of women on the street corners. The foreign language didn't faze, I didn't care or feel intimidated by being in strange places alone anymore. At least I had gained that by my death, a sort of courage in the face of adversity. But this was different, how could I face them?

'But I made my choice, I fell in love again,' I thought, remembering the time I had hung up on Edward. That had been the climax for us though I hadn't known it then. By hanging up I had left behind the hope for Edward. The love hadn't left. I would love Edward forever…in a way; he had been my first love after all. But time had passed and Edward was no longer the starting star in my dreams. Gabe had taken that spot with his rude remarks and rolling eyes. It had been like replacing a cuddly teddy with a prickly hedgehog but I had done it and I had never regretted it.

Edward.

Would he look at me in disgust and claim I had lost my soul? The idea froze me in terror. I still needed his approval, even if I wouldn't be able to have his friendship.

Hours passed and the storm went with them. Dawn was almost on its way and grey ribbons of clouds were dispersed on the sky. If it hadn't been for the light pollution I would have been able to see a faint speckle of stars. I inhaled the smell of rain along with a faint sweetness. It made me stop on my tracks.

That sweetness…it was hard to explain, it was like bruised peaches and fading lavender but they meshed so well. The back hair of my neck stood up as the sense of being watched struck. I heard the soft footsteps approach casually as I turned slowly.

The sickly street lights cast a sallow glow on her face but it was still angelic in its preternatural beauty.

I didn't even grant her the time to blink in surprise before I rushed in a flash to her and threw my arms around her.

"Alice, you are here! I'm so happy," I hugged her tight and gave excited jumps. I could hear her tinkling laughter on my ear and feel her wispy hair tickle my chin.

"Bella, you are incorrigible as ever," she said stepping back from my embrace smiling. She gave me a subtle up and down look but whatever she might have seen to her dislike she didn't comment on it.

"I thought it would be Carlisle or Edward," I gushed still giddy at her appearance. I had really missed her and it had been far too long.

"No, Jasper and I have been following your trail for the past month. I told Jasper to split up today. He is on the other side of the city district right now."

"Oh, that is too bad," I said disappointed looking over her shoulder as if Jasper might materialize behind her any moment.

"He will probably come and find me eventually," she said taking my hand. My smile faltered as I saw a touch of sadness glimmer in her eyes, "You are so cold Bella."

I took back my hand in the disguise of brushing my hair behind my ear. I wasn't prepared for this. When I had thought of the Cullens nowadays it had been mostly Carlisle, Esme and Edward I had concentrated on. Alice had slipped my mind, probably because she had not been with us in Prague.

"Yeah well, it comes with the territory," I said trying to laugh it off, "You know what it is like, right?"

Instead of smiling again she looked at me somberly, "Yes, I know too well."

"I didn't want for this to happen Alice," suddenly I felt like pleading my case. It hadn't been my fault; I hadn't pressed Michael's venomous fangs on my neck and pressed like a stapler…ooh, morbid picture.

"I know Bella," she said squeezing my arm placating, "I think I know better than most."

My mouth dried in a fraction of a second, "Better than most? Does that mean that…?"

"Everybody knows," she said gently, "I told them when we returned from Forks."

Turning on my heels I began to walk again knowing that she would follow me, "When did you return?"

"A couple of months ago…I couldn't stay away anymore. Esme's pleading became too much to ignore."

"How are Charlie and Renée?"

"Heart broken, you should contact them…let them know you are fine."

"Something tells me they are better off. I can't go back and that is what they would want. How would I be able to face them now? They would see right through me…they would realize the Bella they knew died."

"I knew you would say that," Alice sighed resigned.

I nodded but remained silent, just how much did Alice know, what future did she see for me now?

"I always knew you would turn Bella, nobody else seemed to believe me on that matter."

"You mean Edward didn't want to believe it," I corrected her pragmatically.

She grimaced and looked guilty, "Yes, he always thought that leaving you would keep you from that future. That is why when the visions of you began again I had to stay away from him. It was too difficult making sure he wouldn't read my mind."

I stopped abruptly so that she bumped slightly to my shoulder, "What visions?"

Alice walked further on but when she saw that I wasn't following she turned, her lips pursed, "Visions of you…and that man, Gabriel. I had to stay away from Edward because I didn't want him to hurt, Bella. I didn't want him to see that despite his efforts, you would still die and live forever, except that it wouldn't be in his arms and with him. That would have killed him. I let time pass so that he would grow used to the idea, but it was hard for him. I don't know if he has ever disliked anybody as much as he does Gabriel…

"At first the visions only showed you returning to Forks somehow but then they changed, you changed."

"I don't regret it Alice."

She grinned and gave a graceful shrug, "I know Bella, trust me, I do."

"I am happy the way things are.'

"I can tell."

"Gabe can be a smartass but I love him, he is a great person."

"I am sure he is…you talk a lot Bella."

"I won't go back," I said ignoring the comment, "I know you guys mean well but I won't leave him."

Alice frowned for a moment, "Bella I am not here to take you back with us, I am here because I wanted to see you."

When I didn't reply, only stared at her wide-eyed and slightly doubtful she continued, "I have seen so many versions of your future Bella, but there isn't a single one that didn't have Gabriel in it…Edward almost went berserk when I wasn't able to hold the visions back from him anymore."

"How is he? I mean, did—does he hate me now?"

"There is hate," she began but when she saw my face fall she continued hastily, "but towards himself. He regrets his actions now.

"I think…I think he wishes he had been more like Gabriel and thrown caution into the wind like him just to be with you. He knows you are happy Bella; that more than anything else calmed him down."

I had never known relief could be so liberating. A second after Alice words had registered in my head I felt a huge weight lift from my shoulders. Edward would be okay, there were no ill feelings left.

"Everybody else still wants to see you. Maybe someday you will pay us a visit?" her gentle smile could not be denied. I smiled back, "Definitely, someday."

After a while of silent walking we saw the sky begin to gain a rose shade, dawn had arrived.

"Tell me Alice, what is the future you have seen for me so far?"

Alice stopped and laughed lightly, "What is the fun in knowing Bella?"

Before I could reply she turned and waved gently to somebody behind me. I smiled as Jasper made his way over. I wasn't sure if the sense of well-being I was experiencing was caused by him or by this reunion.

I suppose it had always been meant to be for me to become a vampire sooner or later. My only real friends were them anyways; normal humans had never done it for me.

Not to mention two undead boyfriends, that says millions about a girl.

"I met your partner a while ago," Jasper said casually, "He threatened to stick my head in a meat shredder if I kept making him feel happy, strange guy."

"Sounds like my Gabe," I said fondly.

"He asked me if we were here to take you back," Jasper continued and looked questionably at Alice who only smiled and shook her head. "I told him it was up to you."

"Gabe thinks I'll end up leaving him," I explained to them. "He doesn't believe me when I tell him I won't."

Seeing as how it had been a long time since we had last met, I made a point of spending the rest of the day with Alice and Jasper. I did not know how much time would pass before we would meet again. We talked and walked in the heavily shaded areas of markets that were too crowded for us to be conspicuous. They gave me tips on my newly attained immortality and I told them of my entire adventure. The day passed by fast so before we knew it the sun was setting on us.

"Can't you stay a little longer?" I begged, "You chased after me far longer than this."

"Which is why it is best if we head off now," Jasper said kissing me gently on the cheek. I smiled at this small action of affection. A year ago he hadn't been able to be left alone in the same room with me, let alone touch me.

"Carlisle and the others are anxious to have an update on your new…condition," Alice explained standing on a tiptoe to hug me and peck me on the cheek, "We can't keep them waiting much longer."

"Fine," I surrendered gracelessly, trying hard to hold back a pout.

"It will take time to convince Gabriel of the deepness of your love," Alice said winking at me, "But you managed to win his heart, I'm sure you will manage to take away his insecurity. He found you, and you found him, this is the way things were meant to be."

…this is the way things were meant to be…

Yes, she was right.

I ran the steps of the motel that led to the roof two at a time. By the time I had banged open the door in my hurry night had fully settled. There was no moon in sight as well as no stars, only the faint glow of a city that never slept.

Gabe was by the railing once more, his back to me. It was as if he had never moved.

"Hey…" I walked cautiously to him wondering if his black mood had improved.

Finally he turned and eyed me without emotion, his face blank as ever, "Hey."

"So I hear you met Jasper," I said attempting to go for a light tone. When he continued to merely stare, not attempting to answer, I went on, "It was Alice and Jasper who came this time. They were the ones following us for a while. You never met them, did you? Alice has this…ability. Well, so does Jasper but I'm sure you know that already."

He remained silent and continued to stare it was unnerving, "So…how was your day Gabe?"

"Uneventful."

"Oh, that is nice," I muttered. I walked over and took my old seat on the railing. Before I knew it there was a high-pitched screech and the metal rail, probably rusty, finally gave. For a second I felt my sudden descend that made my insides jump as in a roller coaster but then Gabe's hands were there, pulling me back to safety.

I gasped and looked down at the far five story fall. Even though I knew I was already dead and the fall would not have even given me a scratch, I still retained my human fears. My nails dug deep into his shoulders as he settled me back on the ground.

"Are you okay?"

I nodded wordlessly, suddenly embarrassed at my groundless fears but Gabe only stepped back and continued to look morose. Whatever his mind was on it was bad, especially if he hadn't felt like poking fun at me.

"Gabriel, does everything I tell you enter one ear and go out through the other?" I asked him suddenly exasperated.

His mouth snapped open, "Since when do you call me Gabriel?"

"Since you decided to continue to act like an idiot. Alice and Jasper are gone," I informed him sulkily crossing my arms, "And as you can see I chose not to go with them."

His expression softened fractionally but I could still see the doubt like a thin glaze on his eyes.

What could I do or say? How would I get him to believe in me, in us?

"It will take time to convince Gabriel of the deepness of your love," that is what Alice had said…and Alice always knew best, right?

Gabe had said I had the patience of a pin head; I would just have to prove him wrong.

"Alright, I get it," I finally sighed, my frustration melting.

"What do you get?" he asked suspiciously.

"Time, that is all you need," I said shrugging, "And we have all the time in the world, literally."

"Bella you are not making any sense," he pointed out dryly.

"You want me to be with you, that is a fact. All you need to realize is that I do too. I have said it countless times and showed it in different ways but you still don't get it…it's okay though. I don't mind if you are slow, I can wait."

Finally his protective shell broke and he gave one of his awkward grins, "Slow? Yeah, I guess being with you has finally rubbed off on me."

I scowled and inhaled to begin a tirade but he stopped it by leaning down and kissing me. I had a faint suspicion he had done it partly to shut me up, which was cheating, but you wouldn't catch me complaining.

"Bella, can I ask you a favor?" he later asked placing a large hand on my head.

I frowned and pulled his hand down, "Yeah, what?"

"Don't call me Gabriel. It's too weird."

"I thought you hated being called Gabe?" I asked amused. We had definitely come a long way from those times in my room where "Fabio" and "Gabe" had earned me a withering look from him.

He thought about it for a moment and shrugged, "It's like being two different people. I am Gabriel to everybody else, Gabe only for you. That is just the way it is."

If I had had any warm blood running through me I knew this confession would have made me blush. Yet he had stated it as if it was something normal.

"That is the way it was meant to be," I said remembering Alice's words.

"I love you Bella, I know I'm not perfect but just bear with me."

I stared at the tall man before me and tried to envision spending every single day of my endless eternity with him. I remembered the grains of sand…so many grains of sand. And he was right, he was not perfect…

The thing was that I tried to imagine it, our life together, always running. If the Priam never grew tired of it we would run forever probably. I tried to imagine it and accomplished it.

It was so real and crystal clear. I could see myself by Gabe's side moving our pile of sand together. Just like Alice had probably seen it as well.

"I do want to be a ballerina sometime this century," I told him seriously

Gabe shook his head laughing, "I think it might take you more than a century."

"As my life companion you are supposed to humor me and help me achieve my dreams," I informed him sniffing, "And also become a ballerina yourself...you know, to show your support."

"Uh, I won't be doing that but let's just pretend I am."

"Okay," I said in mock resignation. I looked up at him and smiled.

The wall around him was no longer there, or if it was he had made a door just for me to go in and out from. He was Gabe only for me, always and forever.

It was hard to end it, but end it I did. Thanks for all the reviews and messages I really appreciated them you guys. I don't think my lovely muses are up to the challenge of a sequel but La-Mer-De-Lune suggested pulling a Midnight Sun kinda deal but with Gabe's point of view. I honestly liked the idea and my muses got all gittery about it but I can't make any promises. I might write a demo chapter for it, if people like it I might go with it but...I dunno, we'll see.

Anyways thanks for everything, I'm glad I made some of you happy. That was trully awesome. Toodles.