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Dream's Shadow

Summary:
This is my take on the over- and usually poorly- done plot. Edward leaves Bella again. She is changed and they meet again in the future. There will be a big twist! Requested by Iris. Banner by Iris!

Notes:
Try it! I know stories like this usually stink, but I thought I'd give it a try. I own nothing. Stephenie Meyer owns all.

69. Chapter 69

Rating 3/5   Word Count 545   Review this Chapter

“No, I’m afraid I don’t. I simply can’t understand why you’d be interested in depriving me of the only thing that can make me happy.”

He shakes his head as if to say silly Bella. “Well, your tale was looking dangerously close to a happy ending. I couldn’t have that.”

“Why not?”

“Because happy-ever-after is boring. It’s tedious. It’s always the same. There’s no danger. No fear. No action.”

I can’t believe this. I can’t believe him. This is my life, not some giant game. But clearly, the way Aro sees the world is as a chess board with him the mastermind, moving the helpless little pieces. “What do you mean?”

“You needed a villain, sweet child, and I so kindly provided one. I am the nemesis in this tale. I will struggle to separate you and your valiant lover- but fear not, happiness will prevail. It’s merely a matter of time.” He smiles angelically.

“You did all this so you could play the hero?”

“No. So I could play the villain. I just want to see how it will all work out. One more obstacle. You’ve had so many before, Isabella. Surely one more can’t be a problem. This little issue won’t last long. You can just spend a while longer in confinement here, defeat some enemies, and the story will wrap up.”

I don’t want my story to wrap up, and I don’t want to suffer any more. Haven’t I had enough obstacles? Shouldn’t we be together? It’s all I’ve ever wanted… the only thing I’ve ever wanted. Edward. “Aro, I don’t… does it… why can’t I see him?”

“Because, my dear, there simply isn’t enough pain that way. It is so truly a better fairy tale if I keep you separated for a little longer. You can’t suffer if you get to see him,” he says. And he smiles as he does so, as though explaining something very simple to a very stupid, very small child.

“I can,” I offer far too quickly. “I’ll suffer plenty. Make it as long as you want between visits. Years, even. I don’t care. Just let me see him, just once. Don’t you think it’s better torture to make me anticipate and continually disappoint me? With only the occasional visit to keep my hopes up?”

He shakes his head. “No, Bella. No.”

“Why not?”

“Because. You two are only miserable when you’re apart. You’ve both tried to kill yourself due to a separation.”

“Exactly!” I exclaim. “Don’t you think that’s enough? Don’t you think that’s plenty of conflict for one story? Your readers are going to get bored, Aro.”

“But there are no readers. There’s only me, Isabella. And I don’t bore easily. I’m several millennia old now, and you are far more fascinating than any lovers since… oh, I’d say you’re even better than Tristan and Isolde.”

“Um, thanks,” I say. I’m not entirely sure that’s a compliment. “But…”

“No, Bella. Now, I have a world to rule, if you’d be so good as to excuse me.”

He sweeps out of the room. I watch him leave, and then scream. The sound echoes against the empty walls.