Tempus | Alec volturi | Joel Courtney |

† two †

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" The past beats inside me like a second heart. " 

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C A R L Y

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"Time travel?" Rosalie gasped, her eyes wide. 

"Yes. It's the reason why we were in such deep shit." I admitted lowly. 

"Girls sit down and tell us everything from the beginning." Carlisle said, leading us to the couch.

"So, we were going on a road trip and decided to halt for a while. We stopped our car near a forest and went in to look for a snack." I spoke. "We started climbing trees and looking around when I suddenly felt dizzy. I looked at Carly to ask her what was happening, but I ended up passing out."

"When we woke up, we were in a forest but this time it wasn't the same. It had an odd vibe to it, which we ignored. We got up to go look for our car but all we found were trees. I saw a dusty path and walked to it for assistance. We reached there and saw a hackney and asked the guy riding it for a lift. He was dressed weirdly but we ignored it, because its a free country. But he was surprised to see us differently dressed." Maddy explained. 

"He dropped us off to a nearby village. As we reached there we thought of calling you but here was no signal. We walked into the village to look for someone who can help us return to our car, but the villagers started to glare at us like we didn't belong among them. They called us 'witches' and passed comments on our clothing though the villagers themselves were dressed weirdly. The glaring of the villagers got too much that we ran, them on our heels. We reached a seaport and hopped onto a ship just as it was leaving. One of the mariners spotted us getting in and started to chase us.By then we ran into the lower deck and hid behind the engine." I said. 

Maddy and I then exchanged glances as we got to the part about the Volturi and this would be difficult to explain.

"What then?" Jasper asked, sensing our uneasiness. 

"We were in the engine and three guys walked up to us. We thought they were the mariners, but they turned out to be the Volturi." I said. 

"The Volturi?" They asked, not believing their ears - I wouldn't either. 

"Yes. It was Joel, Demetri and Felix. They found us there and knew at the first glance that we didn't belong in their time. They tried to force out information from us about our world but we didn't say anything. Joel decided to take us to Aro so he could see what was going on - Carly agreed with his decision and we soon reached the castle." Maddy continued, shooting me a wicked look.

I shrugged continuing, "In the castle Aro welcomed us and asked us to stay so that he could 'help us'. Joel and Alec Volturi, were asked to guide us to our room. To be specific - their chambers. They turned out to be our mates even though they didn't possess any quality of one." I said, agony laced in my voice. 

"We were supposed to listen to everything they said and follow all their rules. We were supposed to wear clothes like them, speak only when we were spoken to. We weren't allowed to state our opinions in any matter. I couldn't handle any of it, and so I did whatever I desired. Unfortunately, they threw us in the dungeon so that we mend our ways." Maddy said, annoyance.

My eyes wandered towards the big windows as I looked at the beautiful life outside filled to the brim with freedom. I didn't need to fear anybody, now that I was back. I can now go on with the way I was, though I lacked something. I had a feeling about what it was but I didn't want to show my pain. I wanted to forget, though the empty reminder in my chest didn't allow me to.

"We were tortured on regular basis." I spoke, coming out of my thoughts. "Maddy and I were dragged into seperate cells and were beaten by guards for hours. After they were gone, Jane came in and tortured us for fun. Our so called mates were too busy to come to us. Not once did they bother to step up, or at least ask us whether we were fine." I said, my eyes pooling with unshead tears. The little scene between Joel and the other women kept flashing before my eyes. Even though I hated him, I couldn't bear the thought of him forgetting me so quickly. The surprising part was that he even found himself a new companion to do away with his lust.

"At least Joel used to stand out of the cell and secretly stare at you Carly. Alec never showed up." Maddy said, her eyes filled with hurt. She turned back to the Cullens and continued, "Our mates came to meet us after three months. They wanted to talk us into joining the Volturi. That obviously didn't work, so they gave up. A day later, Jane came to escort us to the throne room."

"That moment was more painful than all the torture sessions combined." I said looking up at Carlisle.

"When we entered the throne room, we saw you." Maddy said, her voice slightly shaky. 

"And then you tried talking to me, I didn't recognize you so you ran out." Carlisle spoke, his gaze distant. 

Maddy and I glanced at each other in shock. We didn't realize that being there, we had caused a change in the future. 

"We missed you Carlisle." I said, my voice cracking. We moved forward wrapping our arms around his torso, needing the comfort. 

"We sat on the rooftop, just thinking about the life we had before we got transferred to the past. It must have triggered something inside me and the next thing we knew, we were back in the same time we had left." I said, breaking the hug.

"You two need rest." Esme said  picking out dry leaves from our hair.

"You're gift is dangerous Carly." Carlisle stated, his voice even. "You could cause unfixable changes to our times with it. You have to promise me that you won't use it until absolutely necessary."

"I promise." I nodded. 

"After you both are done, I need everyone here. I have something to say." Edward sighed. 

"Sure." Maddy smiled. 

"You two need to shower. " Emmett chuckled, playing with Maddy's hair.

"You don't have to tell me twice." Maddy smiled. We got up, speeding to our separate rooms. I stripped off my tattered clothes that I wore for so long, and stepped into the warm shower. It took me around four washes, to get my hair smelling normal and removing all the dirt from it. 

I changed back into a pair of pajamas, gathering my torn clothes to throw. As I lifted up my jeans, a small square cloth fell out of the pocket. I picked it up, finding Joel's scent all over it. I couldn't help but burn his handkerchief along with the clothes remembering all the shit he put me through. 

Love and hate are two strong emotions - both being capable in causing pain. I was pained, as I hated the person I loved. Pushing my thoughts aside, I walked out taking this as a lesson.

Maybe it was best that this would be the last time I fell in love.

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