Carlisle Cullen arrived in Volterra two days later. The previous days had been boring. Leslie spent a lot of coughing and sneezing. Alec’s duties had been suspended temporarily, so he spent a lot of time with her. When Carlisle came into her room that morning, he stood against the wall.  The vampiric doctor came over to her bed and gently looked her over. “Does everything hurt?”

“Yes.” She had gotten tired of giving lengthy explanations. She watched Carlisle as he examined her. “Is it serious?” Leslie asked after a minute of silence.

“Not so much. Though I think Aro and the others made a good call.” Carlisle was looking into her eyes now. “You cannot be expected to remain here in this condition.” He turned towards the door. “You can come in, Alice and Jasper.”

“Is it what you thought?” Jasper asked. He was eyeing Leslie. The girl swore that he was trying to  control the mixed emotions that were swirling inside her.

“Yes, as a matter of fact.” Carlisle stood up. “Why don’t you three get acquainted. I need to speak with the Elders.” The doctor stood up and left the room. It’s sc

“Well...” Alice sat down on the edge of the bed. “The Elders told Carlisle everything about you. You must be overwhelmed, after finding out that it was all true.”

“Yes....” Leslie felt like she was dreaming. It had been one thing to get used to being under the roof of the Volturi, and knowing she could be dead at any minute they choose. It was quite another to realize that the Cullens could be her way out.

“I’ll return shortly.” Alec’s voice made Leslie jump. She turned towards him. He was smiling, but not the genuine smile he gave her. It was his more reserved, cold smile. Leslie watched him leave. She sighed.

“Do you truly care for him?” Jasper asked. His voice was gentle, and not reprimanding.

“I... I thought I did...” She didn’t look at either of them now. “He’s shown me kindness when no one else here would have. Even Master Aro saw it.”

“Master?” Alice raised an eyebrow. “You have been here too long already.” The small woman went to over to  Leslie’s wardrobe, and looked in. “They didn’t give you much variety...”

“It doesn’t matter. I’m just their errand girl. They didn’t have to do anything special anyway.” Leslie heard the mechanical nature of her own voice. It annoyed her.

“We’ll get you better clothes...” Alice glanced up as Carlisle returned with Alec Demitri and Felix.

“We’re clear to take her.” Carlisle announced. “She’ll do much better.”

“Can I have a couple of minutes alone with her, please.” Alec must have seen the look of apprehension Leslie was sure she was wearing.

“Only a few. We have to check into our hotel in an hour.” Carlisle advised. He gestured for Jasper and Alice to follow him out. Felix and Demitri left too.

***

Alec closed the door, and leaned on it. “Why are you looking at me that way? I told you, I don’t have a say in this anymore than you do.” He moved to her side. “It’s going to be for the best. Maybe the Cullens will be so great to you that you won’t want to come back.”

“I hate you.”

“Well, that’s the first sensible thing you’ve said in the last month.” Alec eyed her. “I don’t want to fight witg you, Leslie, but you’re not seeing what I am. Your health...it’s deteriorating, as is your spunk.” “

“Oh I wonder why that is. Oh yeah, your sister had me ordered to fish my own kind! She’d have me dead tomorrow if she was in charge, and do you know why? Because she’s jealous.”

“Don’t blame this on Jane!” Alec slammed a palm on the edge of her bed. “She may have suggested it, but the Elders could have said no. They didn’t. “I know you don’t like her. She hates you. It’s understood. But the fact is, you can’t handle life with us as you are, and you can’t be changed.”

“You’re just scared because for the first time, you love something besides Jane!”

“Fine! I’m scared then! Happy? I’m scared I’ll lose you before I can preserve you.” Alec lowered his tone. “Please.” Outside, Alec heard quiet gasps. “Hey, you at the door! If you’re going to eavesdrop, do it quietly!” He turned back towards her. “Leslie, I promise you. I will come for you, when the time is right. You have my word.”

Leslie sat up a bit, and looked at him. The dimness in her eyes was even more apparent now. “Promise me...”

“Stand up a minute.” As Leslie carefully stood up, Alec reached up, unfastening the chain around his neck. “Lift up your hair.” He put the chain around her neck, fastening it. “The Royal Guard crest. I got this a few years back, for having served a long time. I’ll want it back.”  He turned the girl to face him. He gently cupped her chin in his hand. “I do love you, and I will come and bring you back.” He leaned in,  kissing her softly. He felt her pull him closer, and when she pull away from the kiss, he held her tightly. Leslie was shaking.

“I don’t want to go...” She whispered against his ear.

“I know. But it won’t be long. Four years... that will pass so quickly, Love.” Alec held her away from him. He reached up, brushing her tears away from her eyes. “Besides. You should be going to school, having fun. This is no life for a pre-teen.”

“I know...” They said that a lot lately. They knew a lot of things. They didn’t always follow through.

Well, Alec was going to make sure she did this time. He glanced up as the door knob turned. He pulled away from her. “Tuck it in your shirt. They won’t let you leave with it.” He finished speaking just as Aro came in with the others. “She is ready.”

“Good.” Aro studied Leslie. “I wish you well, dear girl. We will see you very soon, I expect. We’ll even keep your room just as it is now.” Without another glance, Aro left.

“Jasper, if you would help her...” Carlisle began. He turned to Alec. “Your friend will be in the best care possible.”