They Could Hardly Believe Their Eyes!

Past, Present & Future

Everyone was ready to go, well everyone but Romain. He was going to teleport in with Charlie on the day of the executions. Rome had its own trading post at the Baths of Caracalla; they are the ruins of a vast rectangular-shaped Roman thermal bath complex used from around 216 A.D. to 537 A.D. They had been brand new when the trading post first came into being there. The other four were going to see some sights and do a little shopping first.

Bella wasn't really into fashion that much, but for her sister Charlotte she would endure and Milan was said to be beautiful. They didn't stand out quite so much around all the other beautiful people once they'd arrived. She was amazed about seeing so much of the world as a Witch Vampire. They had come as almost regular tourists, but not by plane. Bella teleported them to Turin, but not the trading post as she was no longer technically a witch. That would have to be addressed later at world-level meetings.

Italy had many wondrous things to see and she considered making a bucket list, she just wasn't planning on dying after she'd seen them all. There was so much history of all the worlds' peoples and Bella had a thirst for knowledge. She was, however, enjoying learning new languages as well and finding different ways to say 'I love you' to Jasper. He just was so happy she loved him as much as she did, still not seeing himself as totally deserving her.

They hired a car in Turin and would be able to return it to the Rome offices. But in the meantime, they were going to see as much of Italy as they could in the few days before the executions. First Milan for outfits to wear as they would no doubt be under scrutiny. Then off to Venice for a gondola ride and Char wanted some Murano glass, she had been collecting it for decades.

After that, it would be on to Florence for more shopping and sightseeing then a side trip to Volterra to see Felix Volturi. Then all would head to Rome where they would be entering into the catacombs to secret locations the humans weren't aware of. When the official business was over Naples would be their next destination and of course, Pompeii before teleporting home to Forks.

TCHBTE

While Peter and Jasper were getting fitted for some Armani three-piece suits, apparently Jasper had a thing about vests and Fedoras. Bella and Char were in Versace checking out the amazing styles and Bella felt in over her head at first, but as the initial opulence wore off she set to, to find the perfect outfit. Bella was just looking at an elegant ribbed fitted dress when Char nudged her repeatedly,

"Bella, Bella! Look its Alice" Charlotte groaned, on seeing the little female Witch Vampire holding court as it were,

"Remember she doesn't know me as far as she's aware. So just introduce me as the American Witch Vampire leader to start with" Bella said in a hushed tone,

"Charlotte Whitlock is that you? What on earth are you of all people doing in Milan, the fashion capital of the world?" Alice asked none too pleasantly, unable to keep the condescension out of her voice. She never had liked Jasper's sister of sorts,

"We, Bella and I that is, are attendin' the gatherin' in Rome for the executions and thought we might do some shoppin' beforehand. Bella this is Alice Cullen" Charlotte said laying her accent on thick, knowing it annoyed Alice and she was angry with her already,

"Ooh, how gruesome of you, why would anyone want to see that?" Alice said looking down her nose at Charlotte and now Bella too,

"Unfortunately Ms Cullen I have no choice, the European heads of the three councils asked for my presence along with the other two American leaders," Bella said formally still not liking Alice much,

"Oh, then you're somebody! I mean, are you someone important? How do you know Charlotte...," Alice said obsequiously,

Letting her sentence hang as if to say, how could anyone important know someone so common. Bella bristled and in her coldest tone replied,