Remember Me; Chapter 20/Epilogue

Chapter 20

Epilogue

12 years later….

EPOV

Today was my birthday. If life hadn't had a change of plans, I would have been forty two years old today. Bella would have been thirty years old. Oh how time flies. You would think that there would be some type of distinction with the way time moves, but I guess after been a vampire for nearly 20 years, it was something you got used to. Time was just a breeze in the past with no looking back. These past twelve years t had not only changed my life, but others as well.

Looking out in the window, I thought about that fateful day. I admit I only did it for my own selfish reasons, but I have yet to feel any remorse for it. A lot had to change, but wasn't that what life was supposed to be about? The changes that either break or make you.

I looked out the window and got my answer.

BPOV

It's been twelve years since that day and like before, it was hard for me to regain any control over my memories. What I did have before was now lost and only haziness was left. It was like I woke up with nothing. I couldn't even remember my own name. Edward always told me that the memories that were most important to you stayed with you no matter what and he was right. I didn't remember my friends, school, or even the accident that took away my parents.

What I do remember was the intense burning sensation racking its way through my body. I felt like I was dying despite the notion that I thought I was dead, despite being only unconscious.

When I first awoke, I distinctly remember the clarity of Edward's face only mere inches away from mine. I saw the flawless porcelain skin of his face and ran my hand alongside his jaw. He wasn't cold as I once remembered, but warm as if he were any other human. His molten topaz eyes were even more golden; small flecks of green speckled in the irises. My memory was so vivid of him that I knew I never wanted to let it go. I knew things were different and that I was different. I got my concerns validated when I looked around the room.

Everyone was huddled behind him with cautious, but reserved looks upon their faces. Though I couldn't remember distinctly who they were, I can tell they were all very protective of him .They were all looking at me like I was about to make a break for it, but I certainly didn't want to. An unknown force pulled me to all of them and even though I couldn't remember them specifically, I knew that I never wanted to let go.

Ever since Edward changed me, I admit it hasn't been all peaches and cream. We of course had to leave and I had to adapt to a new world full of many problems and possibilities, but also an eternity of love, family, and hope.

Sitting back on my knees, I looked at all the small white flurries around me. It was only June, but Alaska still reared its ugly haunches with snow. To a normal human they would have frozen their buts off my now, but it felt like nothing out of the usual to me. It was our fifth year here and it felt like home. I could even hear Alice was yapping away about some sale one of her favorite stores was having to Jasper and Carlisle a few miles away. Esme was upstairs remolding a wall Emmett had broken earlier and Rose was downstairs in the garage restoring a car. I didn't know where Edward was, but I knew he was close by; his scent lingering potently in the air. I was happy that they were back to their usual routines, but sometimes it became too much for me to handle and I had to break away.

I would come to this small field; very reminiscent of the one back in Forks and would come out here to just sit and think.

It was hard for me to concentrate. I had to relearn everything and start from scratch. Every now and then I would get a brief flash of a lost memory and I would try my hardest just to hold onto it. I would get frustrated when I couldn't remember what happened, but they all reassured me that it was going to be okay and it was. I would be doing the simplest task and would quickly lose focus on what I was doing once I got a brief glimpse of a memory. Because of that, I almost nearly burnt the house down, lighting the pilot light to the hot water heater. The memories I did have were very vivid, almost as if I were reliving that very moment again. Memories of my first hunt, glimpse in a mirror and even beating Emmett in an arm wrestling match. I couldn't help but remember those times.

I came to terms with the fact that I was never going to remember the things I wanted to and that my brain was never going to work right. The first couple of years were rough, but I somehow managed to make it through it all. With each year my memories became stronger.

I looked down at the small diamond encrusted ring on my left hand and smiled. I remembered that too. Only two years into this life that special day happened. That distinct little memento also showed me that no matter what happened, happiness had a peculiar way of coming back to you.

I looked back out into the white lush and saw a long pale hand appear in the line of my view; a single golden band on the left ring finger glistened in the upcoming sun. I felt a smile spread across my face as I grabbed his hand and stood up.

"What are you doing out here?" Edward asked.

"Nothing really. Just a little daydreaming about the past." I answered, sighing as Edward wrapped his arms around my waist.

"Daydreaming?" He purred, rubbing his nose alongside my jaw.

"Mm huh." I mumbled, completely intoxicated by his touch. He pulled back. "Yeah, just a few memories I was reliving that's all." I groaned as he began kissing down my neck.

"Memories huh?" Edward grinned mischievously, and I soon found myself looking at his rear end as he began running through the forest. The air whooshed across my face and I could hear the laughter of my family behind us at his antics.

"Edward! What are you doing? I squealed as he bounded up the stairs and into our bedroom.

"Making new memories." He growled, tickling my sides.

"I didn't mean that kind of memory." I laughed, looking up into his sparkling eyes.

"Too bad." Edward cheered. "I love you Isabella Cullen." He smiled.

"I love you too Edward Cullen." I grinned knowing I was definitely going to remember those words.

"Life's an interesting journey. We all make our mark on the world; in some way or fashion. The real dreamers leave their work behind while the others leave their memories. Now the real question is, will you remember it or will you remember me?"- S.J.F.

The End