Chapter 21: Epilogue

Bella's POV

Life became calmer and better after the whole Aro and demon-girl ordeal. Edward "unlocked" the Volturi houses and the police arrested Caius and Marcus, the other Volturi brothers, immediately. Marcus pled guilty but made a deal for a lesser sentence if he testified against Caius. Apparently they're not as close as I thought. The law enforcement team were thrilled they were going to finish this ordeal. I guess they'd been gathering evidence for years but the Volturi have always managed to cover their asses. Peter & Charlotte, the prosecutors, couldn't thank us enough and we were just happy to help and get them out of the picture, once and for all. Nothing like a good 'ol ass whooping to brighten your day.

We stayed for about a month at Carlisle's before Papa and Carmen returned to Phoenix. He said he had a surprise for me and to stay at Carlisle's until he sends word for me to come.

I'll admit it, it hurt. Especially when he sent for Eli first after being gone for two months. I know he probably has good logic but that doesn't mean it's easy to deal with. Jas felt my sadness and tried to send me some happiness but I didn't need that. I just needed him to just hold me.

Yet, instead, I attacked him and we didn't really bother with sleeping that night. Or the next few afterwards. We may have even broken RoMet's sexcapades record. Ok, probably not.

We finally got word to come down to Phoenix 4 months later and I couldn't wait! I was so excited that I was jumping up and down for joy! It was like I channeled my inner-Alice.

Speaking of her, she's coming with us. Eli told her not to come until we do and I know it hurt her, too. He turned on his shield, so she couldn't see his future and not even I could tap into him telepathically. Apparently cell phones were the only instant communication we could use.

How the hell can people live like that? Oh right, I used to.

My bad.

It seems like so long ago that I was just a somewhat normal human being who was a college dropout/poor musician that couldn't foresee a future with a 5 year plan, let alone even a one year one.

We decided to make a road trip out of it. One, it's fun to take the scenic route and two, Alice packed a fuckload of clothes and shoes, even though we tried to explain the blanks and closeting system to her.

No go.

I don't know if she refused to believe it or just had more faith in her abilities than anything anyone else could create. Sorry babe, Eli is a fucking genius. Good luck with disproving that.

So, it took us a couple days because even though Jas and I didn't, Alice still ate and slept so we had to make stops other than gas. Apparently she had to have her beauty sleep.

When we finally got to Phoenix, we got lost. How? I'll tell you how. The restaurant was no longer there. Instead, it was a massive hotel and parking garage. The named it, appropriately, The Escape. I, at first, wondered if they sold the place and relocated. Nope. Apparently, Papa built out and up on the restaurant. He kept the place below it for us to all live in but this'll ensure no one buys space near us. Apparently they bought the whole block and are "living" in a hotel suite for when Carmen's daughter comes to visit.

They decided not to tell her just quite yet, until she gets comfortable with Papa being in Carmen's life first. Her daughter is still as annoying as fuck but she and I get along civilly, at least. Carmen is still undecided about the whole living forever deal, but she has started uploading her brain "just in case."

Um, yeah.

Also, Carmen's daughter is in her third trimester of her pregnancy. Yet another reason to take it slow and not tell her right away. Jasper says she's confused and hesitant whenever she's around us but I can't fault her for it. Her instincts are right, after all. Plus she's moody all the fucking time. I can't wait until her "pregnancy stupid" time comes around. I read about it, where pregnant women can't think straight toward the end of their pregnancy. Maybe I'll fuck with her mind a little or prank her.

Ok, maybe not.

After Papa and Carmen saw the sonogram pictures, I'm pretty sure they made up their minds about the whole living forever deal. But, I could be wrong and then I would be able to see the purple flying pigs out my window. He did end up teach Eli and I how to create a humanoid if they end up deciding to go on, before their human death. I'd rather they do it sooner rather than later, just in case.

The rest of us got our own suites, too, for show. I honestly preferred being in the compound below. The privacy and, ok, the closet is just so cool. I don't have to cook or clean. The only thing that it lacks is sunshine (even though the lighting is totally fine) and I'm sure if he could, Papa would somehow bring it down there. I wouldn't be surprised if I saw it on his to-do list.

Eli and Alice became engaged a couple months later. It's funny how they're so in tune with each other that they don't need the whole dating saga to know each other. I know Alice won't, but sometimes I have nightmares about pink taffeta coming back in style.

Edward and Sahar are taking things very slowly. Which, is good. He's insanely complex and has plenty of relationship issues. Plain and simple, he needs to get over me (even though there was never an "us") and focus on her. She deserves nothing less.

RoMet and Carlisle & Esme have suites in their honor when they come to visit. They have decided to stay in Alaska as their permanent home but RoMet travels frequently, so they make sure to stop in Phoenix every couple of months.

As for Jas and me, we are living it up. We travel but we stay either close to home or stay in constant communication (meaning, by phone or Eli's and mine telepathic link). Papa got a smartphone and is thrilled he didn't have to create it. However, he did modify its programming to make it more secure (like a 300% encryption boost) and get satellite TV channels. Don't ask, I have no idea how. But, now he has access to his email 24/7 in case I can't reach him by calling.

Yeah, he's just being a great dad.

It's times like these where I wish I could have children and not need to live vicariously through other parents. Now that I have my soul mate, it would be nice to spread the love. I suppose I could create mini Humanoids and raise them or help with Carmens' daughter's kid. But, I feel complete with him, regardless. He is my everything and I am his, as well.

Too cheesy or no? I'm going to leave it here, unless I get questions or a request for an outtake. Thanks for reading!