Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Differences Between Us Make Us Special

By Midnight Dreamer

Chapter 19: Edward and Carlisle’s conversation.

It was early the next morning that Edward and Isabella got a call from Carlisle. He asked that they meet him at his office to discuss the things he found out during his search for answers. They rushed around and headed out, arriving only minutes later. They entered the hospital and went straight for his office.

They barely made it to his door when he called them in.

“Edward, Isabella please enter.”

“Carlisle” Edward said.

“Edward I have decided to tell you this here instead of at the house so as to keep this between us. I don’t wish for my family to know just yet.”

“Why is there a problem?”

“It could be dangerous for them and us.”

“How so?”

“I will explain everything once I tell you what I have found.”

“Okay then.”

“I had my friend in Italy search the archives in the public records building. When he sent me this package I rushed to read the findings. I was shocked to say the least. If this information was to ever get out it could be bad. Well for us anyway.”

“What did you find Carlisle that could be so bad?”

“You children are direct descendants to Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius.”

“How can that be a bad thing Carlisle I don’t understand?” Isabella projected.

“Isabella Marcus Aurelius was not killed as your history books have led everyone to believe. He was turned. Marcus Aurelius is a vampire.”

“So he is still around?” asked Edward.

“Oh yes very much so. Except today we vampires know him as Marcus Vultori. One of the three kings.”

“And how is that a bad thing?”

“If the other kings found out that Marcus hid some of his human family from them he could be killed. Not that I see that happening as Marcus may be shy and seem vulnerable but he was once a warlord.”

“So the other kings don’t know that Marcus has family still alive?”

“No Aro and his brother Caius have killed off most of the remaining family the three had. I don’t know how they missed one unless Marcus covered his tracks.”

“But how are we related to him?”

“When Marcus was Ruler of Rome he fathered many children. Some of those children Married and had other children. All of those were killed off. I believe that you were the product of one of his later relationships. I believe you are descended from his wife and later mate Didyme. She gave birth before she was turned. The brothers were told the child died. Perhaps Marcus hid the child and that is how your family line started.”

“Wow.”

“Yes I also believe that if this is true then Marcus would have someone watching the archives in case someone became to…aware. Or in our case came looking.”

“So you think he already knows we know?”

“I’m not sure but I have a feeling that I will be receiving a phone call any day now.”

“You won’t be in trouble will you?” Isabella projected.

“No I don’t believe so. I think Marcus will be thrilled.”

“So we have nothing to worry about unless on of the other kings find out?”

“Yes but Marcus is very cunning and has learned how to deal with his brothers. After being with them for centuries you learn to pick up a few tricks.”

“Okay so will you tell us when he calls?” Edward asked.

“Yes I will let you know.”

“Thank you Carlisle. We must be going now we promised Granma we would meet her for lunch.”

“Very well then. I will see you later.”

Edward and Isabella left the hospital lost in their own thoughts. They were direct descendant’s of a Roman Emperor. That was a lot to wrap you head around. They headed off in the direction of the diner they were to meet Granma at. Takin a seat in the back they waited for her to arrive.

“Hello kids. How has your day gone?”

“Good.”

“Alright well let’s get something to eat and then we can head home. I have the rest of the day off.”

They found it strange that Granma would have the rest of the day off. She never left work early. They ordered their meals and waited for them to be served. It wasn’t long before the waitress returned and they began eating. Once finished Granma paid the bill and the three set off for home. Upon arriving home they noticed that Grandpa too was home and Uncle Charlie’s cruiser was in the drive. Now they were highly suspicious. They entered the house and were almost to the stairs when Grandpa called them in.

“Edward, Isabella, would you come in here please.”

“Okay. What’s up?”

“Your Uncle Charlie received a call today at the station from a very upset young lady named Victoria, do you know her?”

“Vicky. What is wrong with Vicky? Was she hurt?”

“Calm down kids, nothing happened to Victoria. She called to say that Mrs. Tanner was in the hospital.” Charlie told them.

“What?”

“Mrs Tanner apparently has been ill for a while and was sent to the hospital after she passed out.”

“We must get the first flight home.” Edward said standing up.

“Now Edward don’t get over dramatic. They said she would be okay.”

“But you don’t know for sure. We have to go see for ourselves.”

“Okay we will get you on the first plane out today.” Grandpa said.

“We will pack our things.”

(E&B)

Isabella and Edward were on the first flight back to Chicago that afternoon. It was nearly dusk when they landed. They rushed through baggage claim and made it to the doors just in time to see Vicky pull up in the queue out front. They rushed to her.

“Vicky is Mrs. Tanner gonna be okay?”

“We don’t know kids. I’m on my way there now do you want to come with me?”

“Of course we do.”

The three of them headed off in the direction of the hospital. They parked in the visitor’s parking lot and headed inside. Vicky talked to the nurse at the station and she told them what floor and room she was in. Heading to the elevator they made their way to her room. As soon as they entered Edward and Isabella knew right away it wasn’t good. They had spent enough time around the patients in Forks to know. Mrs. Tanner was dying.

“Vicky.” Edward said softly.

“Edward?”

“Mrs. Tanner isn’t good.”

“What do you mean Edward?”

“What I mean is that she isn’t gonna leave here. She is dying.”

“Are you sure? How do you know?”

“We worked at the hospital in Forks, we know the signs. Vicky we are so sorry.”

They started to cry and hold each other. They just dried their tears when Mrs. Tanner’s eyes open.

“Children. What are you doing back here?”

“Vicky called our Uncle Charlie and we caught the first flight out.”

“You didn’t need to do that I’m gonna be just fine.” she ended with a cough.

Just then her doctor walked through the doors.

“Ah Mrs. Tanner I see that you are awake, and you have visitors.”

“Yes Doctor. These are my grandkids. Edward and Isabella.”

“Hello.”

“Hi.”

“So Mrs. Tanner I have your test results back.”

“What’s the verdict Doc?”

“It doesn’t look good.”

“What do you mean?”

“It seems as if you have a sudden case of lung cancer.”

“Well that ain’t so bad. There’s treatment for that.”

“Mrs. Tanner I’m afraid not. Yours is so advanced that even with treatment you only have a couple of weeks.”

“Oh”

“Doctor?”

“Yes.”

“Can I have a word with you outside please?” Edward asked.

“Sure.”

They stepped out into the hall.

“Doctor I have seen cases like this before are you sure there is nothing you can do?”

“Cases like this? How have you seen cases like this?” The Doctor asked.

“My sister and I work in a hospital in Forks, Washington during our summers off from school.”

“Oh. Do you know Dr. Cullen?”

“Yes actually I have worked with him a few times. We are friends with his family.”

“I see.”

“Our Grandfather is also a doctor out there. Dr. Masen.”

“Yes I know him as well. We meet a few years ago at a conference out here.”

“Well then you know I know what I’m talking about.”

“Son, there is no nice way to put this but Mrs. Tanner is going to pass. The cancer is so severe that treatment would only prolong the pain. Even with the newest drugs she would only get a week more.”

“Oh. It’s that far.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Thank you.”

Edward turned and headed back in. The girls were crying again. Isabella heard the whole conversation and projected it to Vicky and Mrs. Tanner.

“It’s okay. I have made my peace. If it is my time to go then I must go.”

“But we don’t want you to die.” Isabella projected through her tears.

“Isabella, Death is not the end child. It is only the beginning of a new journey. I have walked this path for many years and now it’s time for me to blaze a new trail.”

“Please.” Isabella projected.

“I’m sorry child. But don’t worry. I have left everything to Vicky. She will have the orphanage, and everything I have saved to keep the place going, and with your help I believe the place will thrive.”

The crying continued until Mrs. Tanner fell asleep. That was the last time she would ever wake. She passed that night holding onto Vicky and Isabella’s hands.

It was a sad time for all when they returned to the orphanage. The younger children ran to Edward and Isabella. Hugging them tightly and saying how much they missed them. Vicky, Edward and Isabella called everyone into the dining hall. There they told the children of Mrs. Tanners passing. Tears fell silently on the surfaces around the room. Vicky went and fixed everyone something to eat. Once they finished eating they all retired for the night. The next day would be tiresome. They had a funeral to plan and arrangements to be made.

Edward and Isabella would never make it back out to Forks that summer.