What if...

Chapter 22 ~ Locked Up

“What was Carlisle saying to you?” I asked as we lay intertwined on the small bed. He sighed into my neck, probably contemplating whether or not to tell me.

“He was telling me I needed to keep a calm façade, knowing that Aro likes to build up tension in the people he interrogates. I can’t show him that he wins by losing my temper.” Edward whispered, leaning his face closer to mine so I could hear.

“We’ll get through this Edward.” I told him, trying to reassure both him and myself, “Has Alice seen anything?”

“No, they haven’t made a decision yet.”

“Edward,” I started, deciding to just spit it out, “If I need to change in order to get us out of here…I’m willing to, I—“

“No.  Bella, I don’t want to have this discussion right now.” He interrupted, squeezing me tighter to him. I looked up to meet his dark eyes. I wondered if it was anger or hunger.

“When are we going to talk about it then? Edward…I want this. I’ve always wanted this, you.” I paused, “I promised to marry you, I want to marry you…but if becoming like you first has to take place then so be it, nothing else will change.”

“Bella I’m not changing you here. How would we get back home?” He asked me, “If we agree to change you into a vampire now, we wouldn’t be able to leave for months, a year maybe. You wouldn’t be able to ride on a plane full of humans.”

I listened to his reason, quickly accepting that. I hadn’t thought of it that way.

“Plus…I want our wedding to be a human experience. I promise to change you after if that’s what you still want. I just want to be married to you…to make sure you,” he paused, looking down as if embarrassed.

“To make sure I what?” I asked, curious.

He sighed, “That you want me and not just eternal life.”

My jaw dropped open in shock. Is that what he thought? That I was using him?

“Edward…I would never…I only want to spend eternity with you.” He met my eyes, bringing up a hand to trace my cheek, then leaned in to kiss me lightly on the lips.

“I’m sorry…I just…” He stumbled. It was rare that Edward stuttered, but when he did I knew he was embarrassed.

“I know…you’re just making sure, just don’t ever doubt my feelings for you.” I reassured, kissing him this time. He sighed, pulling my body tightly to his as I traced my tongue on his lips.

“Bella,” he breathed, “I can’t right now, I’m sorry.” I pulled back, realizing that he was hunger.

“Will they not let you out to hunt?” I asked, suddenly worried.

“No. Though even if they did I wouldn’t leave you here.” Of course not, not that I would want to be left here alone.

“Are you hungry?” He asked, pressing his hand to my stomach. I shook my head, telling the truth. I had lost my appetite early this morning. He nodded, seeming to be thinking along the same lines as I was.

The next few hours dragged, but I was very thankful to be with Edward. I would have given myself a heart attack if we couldn’t be together. I tried sleeping, simply to pass by time, but found that whenever I closed my eyes I saw crimson red eyes staring back at me. Instead Edward and I just lay there, talking every now and then, but mainly just staring at each other.

No one was allowed of our their rooms in fear of us somehow getting away, and we weren’t allowed to conjugate in fear that we would form some sort of master plan to kill off the Volturi. Honestly these people thought we couldn’t do that without being together? Edward was a mind reader, Jasper was an empathy and Alice could see the future. I rolled my eyes. It wasn’t like we would want to act on it. We were waiting for them to make their decision, we weren’t stupid enough to extend our stay by getting into trouble.