Bella's POV
It was the most curious thing. I think the attraction between Edward and I had been there from the very first touch; I just hadn't noticed it as I was concentrating on how cold he was, which I'd assumed was the result of the snowballs.
The van accident had happened so quickly that I could not be totally sure of anything, but Edward had been insufferable in the hospital. So maybe it wasn't so surprising, as Dr. Cullen walked in looking like sex on legs, that I felt some of the same attraction when he prodded my head with his fingers.
On the night Edward had rescued me in Port Angeles, I touched his hand in La Bella Italia and the sparks were still there.
When we sat in the darkened Biology classroom, watching a movie neither of us would remember, I could only wonder that the crackle of electricity between us was not audible. It was the first time we felt the attraction without actually touching—but not the last.
As our relationship progressed, I became more sensitive to the electricity and it sometimes seemed like more of a magnetic pull. As the contact between us increased, I was often painfully aware of his touch.
I would never forget the first visit to our meadow, when I had the opportunity to really get close to him. I had become so carried away stroking the skin on his hand and arm, which was sending tingles through my body, that I moved too close and scared him away. I know he had been feeling it too, and he was soon back for more.
Have you ever touched one of those lightning globes where the spark inside finds your hand where it rests against the glass? That is how it was when he ruffled my hair, and it moved with him from neck to cheek, throat, shoulders, and chest, where he listened to my heartbeat. As I took the chance to explore his face with my fingers and I felt his lips part at my touch, I realised there was a very good reason for panty liners and wished I'd thought to use some.
I guessed that seeing Edward in the sunlight, exploring his skin and face, feeling him exploring me, and all the electricity sparking around, it was not so out of character that I was worked up enough to mindlessly attack him when he kissed me. I must admit I hadn't ever felt like that before, so out of control—and so turned on.


Waking up and realising that Edward was there, I rushed into his arms. I was getting used to the electricity that flowed between us most of the time we spent together, but I was always thankful for "human moments", as I found my sweatpants would be going in the wash. The situation was not helped when he threw me over his shoulder and dumped me at the breakfast table. After downing a bowl of cereal, I ran upstairs to get dressed. After spending the day with Edward yesterday, I thought it would be prudent to slip a spare pair of panties in my pocket, knowing that I'd be around him too much today, as well.
I was so excited to see where the Cullens lived that I raced down the stairs and barrelled straight into Edward, who chose that moment to get fairly personal. As he pressed his lips to my forehead I shivered with electricity. Before I knew it, his fingers were running down my spine and his lips moved to cover my mouth—there went another pair of underwear. As he parted his lips I briefly lost consciousness; after convincing Edward that I was fine and just needed to splash some cold water on my face, I returned to the bathroom to change my panties and made a mental note to buy some more.
The ride to the Cullen house was uneventful, but as soon as we arrived, Edward took my hand and began to rub soothing circles on the back of it. I did not want to chance my usual reaction so I took my hand back and marched purposefully up to the front door. Edward, of course, got there first and opened it, guiding me through with his hand in the small of my back.
His parents were waiting by a beautiful grand piano. Carlisle stepped forward to greet me, extending his hand for me to shake—and there it was again, that spark of electricity…and more. Shocked, I instinctively looked to Edward and caught him raising an eyebrow at Carlisle. Something passed between them, and Edward's face flashed a look of anger, before turning back to my blushing and slightly guilty one.
Confused, I was distracted by Esme welcoming me in the same manner. As our hands met, the electricity sparked again. Esme couldn't help a slight exclamation as I once more looked to Edward, whose face showed that he was as confused as I was.
It was then that I noticed Emmett and Rosalie had appeared from behind Edward. Rosalie looked to be hanging back sulkily, holding Emmett's hand, whilst he was straining in our direction. He was about to come and say hello, when Alice came bounding down the stairs. She stopped in front of me and pushed something into my hand, saying "slip this in your pocket for later. We're going to be great friends," she announced and jumped me, hugging me tightly and kissing my cheek. Wow, I was not expecting that!—and neither was she!
Alice was sitting on the floor with her mouth agape, staring at me in shock. In a split second Edward had stepped in front of me, and Jasper was kneeling by Alice asking her if she was okay. I peered around Edward as Jasper raised his eyes in confusion, when his gaze settled on us, he rolled his eyes before giving Edward a dirty-looking smirk.
Shit, he knows.
Jasper stood up with Alice in his arms. "Nice to meet you, Bella," he said, and disappeared up the stairs.
Emmett's laughter was rumbling like thunder, and even Rosalie was smirking. Carlisle and Esme were looking a little embarrassed.
"Aw, can I have a go?" Emmett crossed the room and stood in front of us with his arms wide open. "Hi, Bella."
Edward remained static, defensive and ready to pounce.
"It's okay, Edward," I said, as I pressed on his side to get him to move. He slowly complied and Emmett grabbed me in a big bear hug.
"Jeez, Emmett…need…breathe," I panted breathlessly.
Emmett's hold relaxed as he held me at arm's length disappointment written all over his face. I could almost see the cogs of his brain churning. Suddenly his eyes lit up, and he pulled me closer to plant his lips on my cheek.
"Oh! Wow, Bella!" Oh no, Emmett. Not you, too! I am going to be spending half my life in the bathroom. "That's so neat!" he bellowed.
"Bella and I are going for a walk," Edward proclaimed, and almost yanked my arm off as he dragged me outside.
Carlisle's POV
As I shook hands with Bella, I felt a small electric shock. Edward read my surprise and raised an eyebrow in query. I recalled a similar incident at the hospital which had appeared to make him angry; at the time, I had chalked it up to static electricity.
I was even more surprised when Esme felt it, too.
But the biggest shock was Alice. I don't know what had possessed her to be so forward, but she obviously hadn't foreseen the result. It wasn't often that Alice was surprised, and it took a lot of self control not to laugh at the look on her face.
I was almost glad when Edward forced Bella outside, as her obvious arousal was a little embarrassing.
Jasper's POV
I could hardly believe my eyes as Alice jumped away from Bella so fast that she landed on her backside. As I sped to her aide I was hit by a wave of lust—where the hell had that come from? I spied Bella tucked behind Edward, and guessing the source, I rolled my eyes at them.
That was when I caught the smell of Bella's arousal, and I smirked at Edward in appreciation. Try keeping her under control, I thought for his benefit. A deep blush spread across Bella's face as I made my excuses and carried Alice upstairs—no point in wasting a good emotion.
Emmett's POV
Wow! What a shocker!
Edward's POV
My surprise that Carlisle felt a spark as he touched Bella's hand soon turned to anger, as I saw that it was not the first time. I had thought that was just me. I was considering whether Bella might have feelings for Carlisle, when I was thrown back into confusion as Esme elicited the same reaction, compounded by Alice's stunt.
All this was forgotten, as Jasper rushed to Alice, and I had to shield Bella in case Jasper forgot himself. I was monitoring Jasper's thoughts for any threat, when he sensed a rush of lust and concluded that it came from Bella and me. Well, it hadn't been me and I didn't think that it was Bella, until I became aware of her arousal both through Jasper's thoughts and my own senses. Ugh, I did not need to "hear" his intentions as he whisked Alice upstairs.
I had been vaguely aware of Emmett's enjoyment of events, but hadn't considered that he could be stupid enough to try and copy them, or I would never have moved out of the way. Yes, Emmett felt a jolt from Bella too, and as interesting as Carlisle found that, he and Esme were becoming embarrassed by Bella's obvious arousal. It was time to get her out of there!
Bella's POV
As I stumbled outside, I let myself lean against Edward, slightly exhausted after all the tension. For a while, he put his arm around my hip and held me close as we walked down to the river. When we reached the riverbank. Edward stopped and then turned to face me. I thought he was going to kiss me, but he said it would be a good idea to keep a little distance for a while, if I thought I could walk along the bank without tripping. Edward shoved his hands into his pockets. As we strolled, I soon fell into the familiarity that was being with Edward. Although we kept a space between us, I was always aware of him, as though I was permanently plugged into him but the electricity was not always switched on.
I pondered the morning's events, extremely grateful that Edward could not read my thoughts. How could I possibly explain what had happened when I didn't understand it myself? I felt the habitual heat in my cheeks as I recalled that Jasper had picked up on my emotional response. A nasty misgiving niggled in the back of my mind; I suspected that Carlisle had some idea of the effect they had had on me. I was familiar with the electricity and sensations that I had come to associate with my attraction to Edward, but why would it happen with his Dad? I mean there was no denying that Carlisle and Emmett were pretty hot, but then why would I be affected by Esme and Alice?
Oh, yes—Alice. What had she meant about us being such good friends? What kind of friends? She couldn't be turned on by my reactions—could she? I remembered the small packet in my pocket and pulled it out to take a better look, it was a plastic bag. What was that for? Now I was worried what Alice might have seen.
"Okay, we're far enough away now." Edward's voice jolted me from my musings.
"What? Far enough away?" I had no idea what he was talking about. Had I missed something?
"Far enough from the house that they can't hear us," he clarified. I frowned at him mystified, and he explained how acute vampire hearing was.
"Well, that was certainly interesting. Do you have any idea what happened?" he said, sitting on a fallen tree.
"You probably know more than me, seeing how you could get inside all their heads." I joined him on the tree.
"They feel the same spark I do when we touch. I thought that was just us, something special, but even the girls…" Edward drifted off. It was plain from his demeanour that he did not like the situation.
"Ours is special," I urged, attempting to comfort him. "I feel the connection even when we don't touch, and so do you." That was when I realised that with Edward's family, the electricity was only there when their skin touched my skin. As I told Edward, he smiled.
Edward's POV
I was pleased there was a distinction between the way I affected Bella and the way the others did. I knew how I felt about Bella, how much she meant to me, but this business with my family had made me question her feelings, and whether they were just based on this strange reaction. It was a relief to know that it was more than that. "So, if you wore gloves and long sleeves, it wouldn't happen." I reasoned happily.
"Oh sure," she pouted. "Why don't I wear a balaclava to make sure, or maybe a big sign saying 'vampires don't touch' around my neck."
"I'm only trying to help," I soothed. Bella's blush had alerted me to her embarrassment, so her sarcasm was not entirely unexpected. "But if you're going to be like that we might as well go back to the house."
"I know. I'm sorry. The whole thing has been exhausting and more than a little disturbing."
"Come on, then. Let's find something relaxing to do at home." I waited for Bella to get up and let her walk in front of me, careful not to touch her or give her any cause to become excited again. I didn't mind that Bella became aroused, in fact, it was rather sweet that I affected her that way, and totally normal for a teenager. I just wasn't comfortable with it around my family. I was already in for a lot of ribbing from Emmett and Jasper. I could deal with that—but I didn't want Esme to be any more embarrassed.
Bella's POV
I was confused that Edward kept me at arm's length, much as he did at school. I had given him cause to sulk, but I was certain it wasn't that. As we approached the house, Alice came skipping along.
"I'm so sorry, Bella. I had no idea. It was quite a shock—still, every cloud has a silver lining," she rattled off. I had no idea what she was on about, but Edward frowned at her.
"Alice, how many different colour nail varnishes can you buy in Macy's for $3000?" he asked quickly. As Alice worked out an answer, Edward's frown melted away. I smiled at him, guessing that he hadn't liked her thoughts. I'm sure he spoke to Alice then, but too fast and quiet for me to hear; Alice barely nodded in reply and disappeared into the house.
The house was very quiet. "I'd like to use the bathroom," I told Edward, wondering if they even had one. Esme appeared as if from nowhere.
"I'll take you, Bella." She made to take my hand, then corrected herself and put her arm round my waist. "Come on." She steered me up a flight of stairs and down the hall to a beautiful bathroom.
After changing my panties, I stood there reluctant to put the soiled ones in my pocket. Maybe I could wrap them in some paper, my hand strayed to my pocket, of course, the plastic bag. I really did not want to think about how Alice knew I'd need it.
Edward sure wasn't kidding when he said this family had no secrets.
Edward's POV
I was grateful that Alice had spread the word about skin contact. As Esme ushered Bella upstairs, she directed her thoughts to me. Edward, go and talk to Emmett. He's far too excited about all this.
My four siblings were in the main lounge where Emmett was almost bouncing off the walls, with all sorts of rubbish running through his mind.
I addressed them all, but glared pointedly at Emmett. "Maybe it's best if you all keep away from Bella, at least until we work out what's going on." Emmett had a vision of passing the electricity from Bella through him and on to another human.
Alice pouted. "Don't be ridiculous. It's not like it hurts, it was just a shock. I see no reason to shun my new friend." Always the drama queen.
"Do you think we could use it to jump start a car?" Emmett was asking Rose.
"Can't you keep him under control?" I growled at her. "Bella is not some fairground curiosity," I admonished Emmett. "She's not a toy, either, so just stay away from her okay."
I met Bella as she left the bathroom and showed her round the house, telling her some of our background and ending up in my room. We sat on my couch and listened to music.
Bella's POV
The family history was very interesting, and I was fascinated with Edward's bedroom. He had so much music, and we spent much of our time lounging on his couch listening and chatting. Although it was very pleasant, I had hoped we would be closer, maybe cuddle or even kiss again, but Edward seemed determined not to touch me.
All too soon it was time to leave. We poked our heads into the family room to say our goodbyes. Everyone got up and hugged me except Emmett, who was sulking and just waved. Edward was glaring at him. It wasn't until we were parked outside Charlie's that Edward finally relaxed and kissed me.
"Goodnight, Bella. I'll pick you up in the morning for school." With that, he was gone.
I lay in bed that night and ran through the day's events in my mind. It had been bizarre and Edward had acted strangely, too. At least by the end he seemed to be back to normal, so I decided to draw a line under it and start afresh in the morning.


If I thought my day at the Cullens' had been bad, the next day at school was on a whole new level. It started well enough. Edward picked me up in the Volvo and was back to his old self, greeting me with a light kiss and tucking a stray hair behind my ear. When we arrived at school he opened the car door and suddenly, it seemed I'd grown three heads. Everybody stared as he walked me to class, his arm firmly round my waist. We only got half way across the parking lot before Rosalie's sports car appeared. At least all the male attention was refocused on that—until Emmett came running over.
"Bella! Hey, Bella! High five!" he was yelling. Without thinking, I responded by slapping his hand—so not a good idea, at least for me. It appeared that Emmett had enjoyed it. "Way cool, Bella," he almost roared, doing a little dance. "Ha ha, you're so cool." Rose grabbed him by the ear. "Ouch, Rose! Just a bit of fun." As she led him away, Alice ran up and hugged me. Thankfully, I was well wrapped up and Alice did one of those air kisses.
"Hi, Bella. Will you come shopping with me at the weekend? You could do with some more underwear." I was too stunned to say anything, but Edward scowled at her. "What? It's your fault she needs to shop."
Alice turned in a huff and danced back to Jasper, who waited patiently a short distance away.
Emmett's POV
Rose parked the convertible, and I jumped over the door, leaving her to the adoring male populous. What? Rose can take care of herself. Besides, it was the car they were ogling. I was eager to catch Bella and check out if she was still sizzling. I managed to get a high five from her. Whatever that shit was, the girl was still shooting. Better yet, she turned a lovely deep pink.
Rose stopped my little celebration, yanking me off to class, but I heard what Alice said about shopping for underwear. I hadn't missed the smell—jeesh, she'd smelt like that all the time with Edward at our house. Then I thought back. She was with Edward when I got to school, and she didn't smell then. I had an idea that the smell appeared around the time of our high five. So she did know a great body when she saw one! I laughed out loud, wondering how long it would take Edward to pick that from my head, and whether I should flirt a bit with Bella to wind him up.
Rose scowled and rolled her eyes, clearly not as amused as me. I had a few points to make up there. A passionate kiss pressed into a doorway, with a vampire speed grope down her bra, put a smile on her face. She playfully swatted my ass as I scooted off to World History. Life was sweet.
Edward's POV
Oh, how I wished I could shut out the thoughts today. We Cullens had certainly made an impression. Considering how hard we worked not to draw attention to ourselves, I suppose I should have been relieved that the focus was on Bella—but I hated it.
The female thoughts were bad enough, from bitchy "what do they see in her?" to bitter "as if bagging Edward Cullen wasn't enough, now she's BFF with all of them" to envious "two hunks after her and I don't get one". The male thoughts, ran from admiration "she seems to have impressed the big guy" to x-rated and worse.
I made sure to meet Bella after her last class of the morning, and walked her to the cafeteria. As we carried our trays, I was headed to an empty table when Emmett's voice boomed across the room.
"Hey, Bella! Come and sit over here." I gave Emmett a withering stare. He appeared to be under the impression that Bella had some kind of crush on him.
Bella's POV
Emmett was grinning like a Cheshire cat. I glared at him, turned my back, and sat down opposite Edward. Pushing my tray to one side, I buried my head in my arms. Edward groaned, and I looked up as Emmett arrived at the table.
"What are you playing at, Emmett?" Edward quietly growled at him. "Leave her alone."
"That might be best," I agreed with a sigh. "We're already attracting too much attention." Every pair of eyes in the room was watching the Cullens or me. Edward was glaring at Emmett, Rosalie was glaring at me, Alice was glaring at Edward, and poor Jasper was gripping Alice's hand with his eyes closed, looking like he wanted to throw up.
"Have it your own way," Emmett said, and went to sit with Rosalie again, just as Alice left, pulling Jasper behind her.
I turned back to Edward. Reaching across the table, I placed his hand on my forehead. His coolness was soothing—I tried to focus on that and ignore all the speculation going on around us. The bell couldn't ring soon enough.
All through biology, recent events raced round and round my mind. Luckily, Edward had my back and whispered the answer to the only question I was asked. By the end of the lesson I had decided that I needed to explore this electricity phenomenon further and formed a plan. I told Edward that I had to use the bathroom before gym so I'd see him later, and headed to the girls' restroom. I quickly scribbled two notes:
Meet me in the parking lot at the beginning of lunch.
Alice, please give enclosed message to Emmett tomorrow morning at school. Don't let Edward know!
I wrapped the first message in a blank sheet of paper and sealed it with tape, then wrapped both messages in another sheet of paper and sealed it too. Now, all I needed was a girl from Alice's class to pass it on. I was about to run and check by the lockers when Alice herself came in.
"Okay, give it to me. I have
a class to get to." I put the messages in her hand and she disappeared.
Recovering from the shock of Alice showing up and knowing I had something for her, I closed my mouth.
I realised that having Alice on my side was a very good thing.
.


Edward's POV
Something was up. Even though I wasn't at home as much these days, I was aware that Alice was avoiding me. This morning, when Bella and I arrived at school, Alice was mentally reciting Latin verbs. Other than that, the morning was typically boring, and I looked forward to seeing Bella at lunch.
I sat alone in the cafeteria waiting, but Bella didn't show. Neither was Emmett sitting with the others. Rose wondered where he was, but Alice knew something. I searched her mind…there, she'd given Emmett a note.
I was trying to figure it out when Emmett rushed in, grabbed Rose, and almost dragged her outside. You lucky bastard, he snapped at me. I didn't want to see his thoughts, but I needed to know if he had seen he was desperately blocking something, he had seen her…and now I knew where.
As I headed off to find Bella, I heard Alice ask, "What was that all about?"
"Darned if I know, but Rose and Emmett need to be alone," Jasper replied.
Emmett's POV
I thought today was going to be a normal day. We arrived at school, ignoring Edward and Bella as he steered her away. Jazz and I went off to our first class as Rose and Alice went off to theirs. As Jasper disappeared around the corner in front of me, I felt someone grab my arm and the little minx slapped a note into my hand. I opened it and wondered why she wanted to meet. Why all the secrecy? Alice never had secrets from Jazz. Class started and I decided I'd find out at lunch.
When I got to the parking lot, Alice was nowhere to be seen—but Bella was, and she beckoned me over.
"Thanks for coming, Emmett," she said. "Can we go somewhere we won't be disturbed?" Well sure, I knew a few places…
She followed me into a nearby wood. As soon as we were out of sight, she turned to me and said, "Emmett, I want you to keep very still and let me touch you. Okay?"
"Sure, if you like." Bella reached up and put one finger on my chin.
"What does that feel like?" she asked.
"It's a bit tingly, like static electric."
"It's not bad? It doesn't hurt?"
I laughed at the idea. "No. Does it hurt you?"
"No." She laid her palm on my cheek and the feeling got stronger, then she held my face in both her hands and the electricity intensified. The feeling was quite enjoyable, and my mind went off on its own path. I wondered how much stronger it could get if, say, two bodies were touching. They'd have to be naked, of course.
Catching a whiff of arousal, the idea of naked bodies led me to wonder about the ultimate skin-on-skin contact. That could be interesting. Hmm, might be fun…
My mind was in overdrive and imagining those sparks of hers shooting through my dick. Shit, this is Bella, Em, I berated myself for thinking like that about my brother's girl.
"I don't think this is such a good idea, Bella," I said, taking her hands away, and I left her standing in the woods. I needed Rose. Now.
As I pulled Rosalie from the cafeteria, I couldn't help thinking what a lucky bastard Edward was. Goddamn!
Bella's POV
Well, that was interesting. The more skin contact, the stronger the feeling. It was when I used both hands that the lust kicked in, though I didn't get chance to explore that, as Emmett took off. How much could he tell?
I wasn't really surprised when Edward found me. "What happened?" he demanded.
"I thought I should get to know Emmett better, and maybe stop the 'high five' business, but he ran off." Edward appeared to accept my explanation, though he looked far from happy. I sighed as we headed back to school; I guessed that Edward would always find out in the end.
Next day at school, I realised that Emmett was giving me a wide berth, which pleased Rosalie. I wanted to find out more. I was sitting with Edward at lunch, when I hatched a plan.
"Edward, would you mind if I have a girls' night?" At the other end of the cafeteria, Alice squealed.
"Are you sure?" he asked. "Do you know what Alice intends to do to you?"
"How bad can it be?" Does she know what I want to do to her? Actually yes, she probably does.
Edward grinned. "So, you're ready to be a Barbie doll, are you?"


The next afternoon, Edward drove me straight to their house. As he helped me out of my jacket, I reached up and pulled him into a kiss. I wasn't sure how much they could tell, but I wasn't having them know that Alice, or anyone other than Edward, did that to me.
"Wish me luck," I said, as Alice beckoned me upstairs.
"Come on, Bella," Alice chided. "Let's get your stuff out of the way so I can concentrate on you. We haven't got long as Charlie wants you home by ten thirty." Not long? We had hours. Obviously Alice had prior knowledge of my hidden agenda, so I jumped straight in and enquired.
"Alice, would you mind if we touch, and you tell me what it's like for you? Emmett ran off before I could ask him. Did I do something wrong? Was he upset?"
"No, Bella. Emmett was just being a dick! So, touch me." Alice held her hands out, and I grasped one and then the other.
Just then there was a knock, and Jasper peered round the door. Alice hissed something about a cold shower and Jasper left sheepishly .
Alice confirmed that a light touch tickled, which soon turned into a tingling, and by the time both hands were fully touching, sparks were flying. I was relieved that was all, and asked her, "Did you say something about a shower?"
"What? Yes. We need to get you showered, because you can't eat until I've finished your hair."
"We're eating?" I asked in amazement.
"No, silly. You're eating. Esme went a little mad at the market, so I hope you're hungry."
Alice bundled me into the shower, and then spent the next couple of hours drying, ironing, brushing and styling my hair. Only when she was completely satisfied was I allowed downstairs to find Esme, feeling a little self-conscious in the towelling robe Alice had lent me.
Esme was in the kitchen, slicing tomatoes and onions. "Great timing, I'm just finished," she said, pouring a dressing over the salad and carrying it through to their huge dining table. "Dinner is served," Esme announced. She added the tomato and onion salad to the many dishes already laid out on the table. The whole family appeared and filled all the side seats except one. I sat in the empty seat, the only one with a plate, and wondered where to start.
"I thought it best not to cook, this time, so I kept it simple," Esme explained.
"It's wonderful, Esme. I'm not sure where to begin." The table was full of salad dishes, coleslaws, and fresh fruit.
Edward took control. "How about a bit of everything?" He took my plate and spooned a little of one dish after another onto it.
At the opposite end and on the other side of the table, Emmett leaned back in his chair, stretching his long legs behind the unused end chair. "Esme wanted us all here," he said. Next to him, Rosalie leaned against his chest, arms folded, and glared at me, obviously thinking she could be better occupied.
"It's nice for the family to get together," Carlisle said from his seat opposite Edward. "How was school today?" Five pairs of caramel eyes looked at him.
Rosalie spoke for them all. "Seriously, Carlisle?" At least she wasn't glaring at me anymore.
"Of course, Dear," Esme answered her. "How was Advanced Math?" Rosalie snorted, which made Emmett chuckle.
Alice, who was seated next to me, was bouncing like a rubber ball. "Let me help you, Bella," she said, grabbing a dish and filling it with fruit. "There. Now eat up—we have lots to do."
"Alice! Give the poor girl chance. Take as long as you like, Dear." I returned Esme's smile as I nibbled on a piece of carrot. Rosalie went back to glaring at me, and Jasper had pulled Alice into his lap to calm her down.
Carlisle tried again. "Anything interesting in Biology, you two?"
Emmett guffawed. "Well, Edward was there, and Bella was there, but I don't think they know squat about biology!" I could feel the blush rising as he carried on. "Would you like me to draw you a diagram?"
Edward was growling. "I've seen more than diagrams, Emmett! If you don't think of something else, I'm going to describe the new outfit Rosalie bought you." He gave Emmett a very smug smile.
"Rose hasn't bought me any new clothes." Emmett retaliated, glancing quickly at Rosalie for confirmation. Rose shrugged.
"I believe she keeps it in her bottom drawer," Edward smirked. Jasper pushed Alice off his lap and made to get up. Rosalie hissed at him.
Esme declared, "Nobody leaves this table." Jasper sat back down, pouting.
"If you go in my room, you're dead, Jasper!" Rosalie snarled. Jasper turned his back to Carlisle and Esme, and flipped her off. "Did you see that, Emmett?" Emmett whispered in her ear, and Rosalie glanced smugly at Jasper—which was scarier than her glare.
Alice climbed back onto Jasper's knee, reaching across Edward, to push my chin back up. "Chew, Bella."
"I had a lovely morning at the market," Esme said. "Who knew there were so many types of tomato?"
"At least we don't have to pretend to eat them." Edward smiled at me a little apologetically. "It does get a bit tedious after a few years."
I wished then that they did have to pretend, or at least do something; it might stop Rosalie staring so hard. Jasper was watching me intently, too, although his gaze was somewhere around my neck—he seemed a little uncomfortable. Alice was logging every bite, willing me to hurry. Esme nervously scrutinised my enjoyment, or lack of it, in every mouthful. Edward beamed down at me, pleased I guessed, that I was there. The only ones not watching me were Carlisle, who appeared to be watching Jasper, and Emmett, who was doing a very good impression of eating Rosalie's ear.
"That's it," I said, slapping the table and surprising them all. "I can't eat with everyone staring. If I catch you watching me, you have to eat too." Everyone faced away, except Rosalie. "Got it?" I barked at her. She smiled slightly and turned to Emmett.
Great! Now I felt uncomfortable that everyone was avoiding looking my way, as if I was the elephant in the room. Esme reached across the table and put a comforting hand on my arm.
"How's your father, Bella?" she asked. Alice looked daggers at her, obviously frustrated that she was prolonging the meal.
"He's good, thanks. Although he won't be feasting like this." I indicated all the wonderful food. "I left him some of yesterday's lasagne."
"I'll make sure to pack up the leftovers for him, then," she promised.
"Aw, Mom," Emmett whined.
Esme frowned at him and carried on. "We're not going to eat it now, are we?" Emmett looked crestfallen, and Edward was chuckling right by my ear.
"What's funny?" I asked him.
"Emmett had plans for a food fight," he whispered, although everyone could hear.
"I'm sure I can sort something." I winked at Emmett, and he waved his hand at me.
"High five!" he called.
"Back at ya," I replied, waving my hand.
"Please don't encourage him."
"Trust me, Esme—I won't let them make a mess. With my rules, you won't even know it happened."
Esme smiled. "I'll leave it in your capable hands then."
"Way to go, Sparky!" Emmett shouted, punching the air. Rosalie had sat up in her chair as Emmett was bouncing up and down in his.
"Appreciated, Socket!" I returned.
Carlisle put his hand up in a bad attempt at hiding a snicker. "Sparky and Socket?" he questioned. "Explain please."
"Bella's Sparky because she zaps us with electricity and great ideas," Emmett began.
"And Emmett's Socket because when he high fives me, it's like electricity going in the socket, and he can 'sock it' to you," I finished.
"I never knew you were so deep, Emmett." Edward seemed impressed. "Got any more nicknames?"
I rolled my eyes. "Obviously, Alice is Wired." Everyone laughed, and Emmett piped up. "So that makes Jasper the Earth, keeping us all grounded." I was about to say something, when Alice interrupted.
"Bella, eat! I got this one. Edward is the Control Box, and Rosalie the Transformer."
When I was so full that I was in danger of not fitting into my own clothes, we all carried a few of the plates out to the kitchen.
"Esme, this is all so tasty," I said as I helped her pack up some salads. "But I'm afraid Charlie's not much of a fruit eater, and it will go off very quickly. If you don't mind I'll only take one tub of the fruit home. The rest we can divide up for the boys."
"I guess I got carried away—everything was so colourful." Esme disclosed. "Too much for one little girl, Bella?"
"Way too much," I laughed. "Try dividing by about ten, though I'm not complaining." Everything was packed away, apart from the three plates of fruit for the boys. Alice was dancing from one foot to the other impatiently, and Emmett was bouncing as he hovered nearer the ammunition.
"Can we start already," Jasper pleaded, with a silly grin on his face and jigging about. "I can't take much more of this."
"Okay, everyone grab a plate." I sent Edward out to hide and ambush the other two, telling him his mind reading made it even. Then Jasper and Emmett went to try and surprise him. They had to keep it outside, and the one who was messiest had to wash all the clothes for losing.
"Now, can we get back to the main event?"
"Of course, Alice. I'm all yours."
"And mine," said Rosalie, with an evil laugh and hands full of nail varnishes.
The thought of Rosalie anywhere near me was intimidating, but I was blushing at the idea of her holding my hands steady to apply varnish. "I…um. I don't…er," I stuttered. "One hand at a time?" I squeaked.
Carlisle appeared by my side. "Relax, Bella," he said, with a comforting squeeze of my shoulder. "Here, I brought these home."
I took the box he offered, and sighed in relief. "Thank you." I smiled at him gratefully. "These are for you two," I said, handing the latex gloves to Alice.
As Alice took them, she grabbed my hand. "Come on, then," she trilled and led me to her enormous bathroom. It looked more like a salon, laid out with bottles, tubs, and tubes in every size and colour.
I was given the fastest manicure and pedicure in history. "That will have to do until we can get you to a proper spa," Alice said. I was then man-handled into her bedroom, and dressed in one outfit after another while Alice made a mental note of which colours and styles suited me. Rosalie whipped accessories on and off me so fast I felt dizzy.
Having found a pair of skinny jeans and a purple camisole top that satisfied her, Alice dragged me back to the bathroom to do my makeup. Meanwhile, Rosalie painted my toe nails deep purple and my finger nails a shimmering mauve. After trawling through box after box of designer shoes, and arguing about heel heights, we settled on a pair of low ankle boots.
The climax of the evening was parading me downstairs to where the boys were playing on the X-box. Thankfully, only Edward seemed more than vaguely interested.
Jasper, who had been watching the game, gave an appreciative nod. "Nice," he said, diving for the controller that Edward had just dropped.
Emmett waved. "Hi, Bella," he boomed, not taking his eyes off the screen.
Having dropped the controller, Edward stared dumbstruck before letting out a low whistle. "Alice, Rosalie, I think you have monopolised Miss Swan for far too long." He swept me into his arms, kissed me, and ran up to his room.
Before long, it was time to go. The whole family gathered to see me off—I think Esme had unplugged the X-box.
I thanked Alice and Rosalie for the make-over. "We'll have to do it again sometime," I said, thinking that next year would be soon enough.
"Sure, Bella." Alice smiled sweetly. "As soon as we fix you up with some decent underwear." I wasn't sure if I was more embarrassed that she implied my underwear was substandard, or that she'd mentioned it in front of the others.
"Next time, stay overnight and we can give you the works," Rosalie told me. I was too afraid to wonder what "the works" might be.
I felt unusually calm about the whole idea, and then caught Jasper's eye as he smiled shyly beside Alice. "See you at school tomorrow, Bella," he muttered.
Esme and Carlisle had loaded the tubs of food into Edward's Volvo. They each hugged me on their way back indoors. "Come again soon," Carlisle said, and I thanked Esme for dinner.
My feet left the ground when Emmett grabbed me for a hug. "Gimme a kiss goodbye, Sparky," he chortled. What the heck, I thought, and planted a kiss on his cheek. He giggled like a big kid being tickled, until Edward led me away and Rosalie smacked him upside the head.
As Edward drove me home, I reflected on what I had learned about the whole electricity thing. It didn't amount to much, but I'd had a pleasant if exhausting evening.
.


I slept on it and mulled things over. On Friday morning, I was leaving Trig when I decided I had to go and see Carlisle. I made a detour on the way to Spanish to pick up a text book from my locker, when Alice came up and gave me a hug.
"It'll be just fine, Bella." It took me a moment to realise that she meant my talk with Carlisle. "The others are leaving at lunch to hunt, so Edward will make it back by tomorrow evening," she continued. "He's sorry he won't get the chance to say 'goodbye', but he'll see you when we get back from Seattle. Carlisle will be at the hospital until around six if you want privacy."
"Thanks, Alice." I hugged her back. Seeing Carlisle at the hospital was a good idea. Anyone at their house would be able to hear our conversation.
"Come and sit with me at lunch or I'll be on my own," she urged.
I joined Alice in the cafeteria. She was supposed to have gone hunting nearby with Rosalie and Esme, but Alice told me that she had cried off when I decided to visit Carlisle, so Rosalie and Esme had gone with the boys.
By the end of Biology, I had decided to skip Gym and go straight to the hospital. I informed Coach Clapp that I needed to see Dr. Cullen about a personal matter. Not being a good liar, sticking to the truth as far as possible was best. I drove to Forks Hospital as soon as I was given leave to go.
I went straight to Carlisle's office and asked to see him. The receptionist called him, and said he would see me, but I might have a bit of a wait.
When Carlisle finally appeared, he took a few steps toward me. "Bella," he said, holding his arm out and shepherding me into his room. He followed very close behind, managing not to touch me at all. As the door closed, I gave him a questioning glance. "I've become very good at protecting my personal space," he explained. "We can't risk touching humans. I assume that you're here about such contact?"
"Yes. I was wondering what you made of it?"
"I've thought about it a lot. I do have to touch humans from time to time, of course, but I have never had any reaction at all. Until you." Carlisle motioned for me to sit down. "I have been concerned that your heart rate appears to increase, and may go up further with increased skin contact—that is, with the intensity of the electricity."
"Oh." I looked down, blushing slightly.
"You know something about that?" he asked.
"Maybe." I hesitated. "It's…embarrassing."
"Because I'm Edward's father?"
"Well, kind of—yes."
Carlisle settled into the chair on his side of the desk. "Bella, I'm also a doctor who lives amongst a lot of teenage hormones…and Emmett." I giggled at that.
I continued. "You know when I shook your hand?" Carlisle nodded. "Edward was angry because he thought it was something between us. When Edward touches me, kisses me, I get a…umm…reaction."
"Perfectly normal." Carlisle reached across the desk to pat my arm in support.
"Yeah." I screwed my face up, recalling that first meeting. Carlisle could pat my arm all he liked, it would not lessen the humiliation. When I looked back at it, I was if anything, more embarrassed now that I was sure what had happened. "I thought that was just Edward and me."
"And it's not?" He leaned nearer, eager for the facts.
"No." I began reluctantly. My hands had moved to my lap, where my fingers were twisting and fidgeting. I lowered my head and watched them, wishing the conversation was over. At last, in a small voice, I told him, "It happens with all of you…even the girls."
"I see." Carlisle leaned back in his chair, crossed his legs, and brought his fingertips together. "That's a bit of a relief."
"It is?" I asked in surprise, looking up. He gazed back expectantly, until it dawned on me. "You knew, didn't you?" I accused.
"Yes, we knew. We could only imagine that it was the effect Edward was having on you."
"I had my suspicions," I admitted. "But how?"
"Our senses are heightened," Carlisle explained. "Not just our hearing and sight, but smell, too."
"Oh, God," I groaned and buried my face in my arms. This was worse than I had ever imagined. How would I look any of them in the face again?
"Bella," Carlisle said softly. "If you can get past the embarrassment, I would like to test our theories, and explore them further. Is that something you'd like to do?"
I peered sheepishly at Carlisle, and felt my face burn with shame as I confessed. "There's more." Carlisle raised an eyebrow, but let me continue. "I tried with Emmett and Alice, and found that the electricity intensifies with an increase in skin contact—and that's all…for them."
"Not for you?" He encouraged me to carry on.
"No." I paused, already emotionally exhausted. Then I sighed, deciding that I probably couldn't blush more than I already was, and nothing I was going to say could be worse than knowing they had all smelled…everything. "There is a point where the arousal intensifies, too. I really don't want to feel like that, except with Edward. I know it's different with Edward, but how do I trust my own feelings when I can even feel lust for Alice?"
"How much contact have you had, Bella, and when does the lust kick in?" Carlisle was so matter-of-fact about it that I followed his lead, took a deep breath, and answered.
"When Alice first hugged and kissed me, I was shocked. Apart from that, the most contact has been two hands, which is when the lust kicked in."
"Alice kissed you on the cheek. Where else have you touched?"
"I touched Emmett's face and Alice's hands."
Carlisle pondered that for a while, then asked. "You want to explore this more, don't you?"
"If I can work out what's happening, maybe I can prevent it." And I really want to prevent it, I thought.
"If I arrange it with Charlie, would you sleep over tonight?"
"Sure. Alice and I are going to Seattle tomorrow, so I guess it makes sense. We can get an early start."
"I'll get Alice to pick you up after dinner."
I smiled; obviously, it would be easier for me to cook at Charlie's. I stood up, and went to shake his hand.
"Thanks, Carlisle." There was a brief delay as he perused my outstretched, bare hand, before patting my shoulder.
Carlisle held the door open for me. "See you later, Bella."
With a hasty "thanks", I left as briskly as I could without seeming rude. I was going to need every second I had to prepare myself for tonight.
.


Bella's POV
Alice drove me to the house. "Carlisle is in his study when you're ready. Do you want to do anything first? Have a drink? Watch TV?"
"No, thanks. I'll go on up. You'll be around, though?" I pleaded, suddenly nervous.
"Yes, Bella. I'll be in my room. Carlisle thinks it's best if I'm available, as you're not quite sure what will happen."
"You aren't sure either?" I was surprised Alice hadn't 'looked' at the outcome.
"Carlisle hasn't decided exactly how to approach it, so there are several possibilities." I must have looked worried, as she added, "Nothing bad. I'm just hanging around as a precaution."
We were outside the study now, and Carlisle called out, "Come in, Bella." I entered the room. As the door closed behind me, he asked, "Are you ready?"
"As ready as I can be," I answered, taking off my jacket and laying it on a chair. Underneath, I was wearing a halter top, leaving my back bare as Alice had insisted when she called for me. "How are we doing this?"
"I thought we would try back to back contact." Okay, I could do that.
"I'll stand here, then." I stood facing the chair, not wanting to look at Carlisle as his shirt joined my jacket on the chair.
Carlisle's POV
I stood with my back to Bella, feeling the heat rolling off her body but not quite touching.
"Give me your left hand." I felt the tingle as our fingers met, and the sparks as I gripped her hand in mine. There was her arousal, as expected. "Now, your other hand." I felt more sparks—stronger, too. "You're feeling lust now, Bella?"
"Um…yes."
"When you're ready, lean back into me." As our shoulders touched I began to feel a little uncomfortable, and by the time our backs were fully together, the sensation was quite strange. Bella's heart was thumping in her chest, and her breathing was heavy. "That will do," I said, and let go of her hands.
As I turned around, I caught a glimpse of her face, which was flushed; somehow I knew it was not simply a blush. I waited for her heartbeat to return to normal before enquiring, "Are you alright, Bella?"
She twisted round to face me, keeping her eyes to the ground. "I'm fine, thank you."
"Could you bear trying for more contact?"
Bella agreed, so we removed our shoes and socks. With her back to me, I lifted her, placing her bare feet on mine, and letting her lean against my chest. I brought my arms around her, and laid them across her bare midriff, as she laid her arms along mine.
I was most uncomfortable now, and Bella's breathing was fast and ragged. I leaned my head down to her neck, and nudged my cheek to hers.
Her heart was hammering, and I was about to ask if she was okay, when she shrieked, "OhmygoodGod!" and ran from the room, leaving me staggering.
Bella's POV
I could not believe that had happened! Running straight into the bathroom, I locked the door behind me, leaning on the sink until I could breathe again. When I had calmed down, I noticed the pile of my clothes and toiletries sitting on a shelf—Alice. I took a long shower, dressed, and opened the door to find her waiting for me.
"Have you been here the whole time?"
"No, silly. Vampire hearing and being super fast equals perfect timing. So, how was it?"
"What? You don't know?" I asked, surprised.
"No, I wasn't 'looking', just listening, in case either of you needed help," she patiently explained.
"I need a drink!" I exclaimed.
"I'm sure we have a bottle of whisky somewhere," she said, somewhat surprised.
"Actually, I was thinking of coffee." Now I was mostly over the shock of what had happened, it didn't seem real. Alice was so easy to talk to, and as we made our way downstairs, I couldn't resist the urge to tease her. "And maybe a cigarette…"
Alice stopped abruptly in the kitchen doorway, and spun around to frown at me. "A cigarette?"
"Isn't that what you do after sex?" I purred at her, all innocence. Alice's face was a picture as her jaw hit the floor.
"You didn't…Carlisle didn't…he wouldn't!" I could almost hear the cogs turning in her mind as she muttered, "The heart rate…breathing…oh…the smell."
I couldn't help myself, I doubled up laughing.
"Not funny, Bella."
Alice picked me up and dumped me on a kitchen stool while she proceeded to make coffee. I was almost in control of myself again as she handed me a mug. "So, no sex then?"
"Well, kind of…" I began.
"Be…ll…a." Alice dragged my name out, warning me that she was not in the mood to play.
"Did you even check in on Carlisle?" I teased.
"No, I…"
With that, Carlisle walked in. "Enough, you two. Bella, I'm glad you feel able to laugh about this. I think it's time we discussed it."
"Sure." The laughter and caffeine had gone to my head. I figured I'd get this over with before I calmed down and really thought about it.
"I have an idea what may have happened, but I need to hear your opinion, Bella."
"Well, you know how it was the first time?" The first time? Alice mouthed at me, surprisingly I was enjoying this. I looked Alice in the eyes as I carried on nonchalantly. "Tingly, aroused." Aroused? she mouthed, raising her eyebrows so high that they almost disappeared under her hair. "Lust." Lust? she mouthed with a frown. I turned back to Carlisle. "The second time went further."
"Further?" he prompted.
I sighed, "Oh, Carlisle, you're not going to make me say the 'O' word, are you?"
"You had an orgasm?" Alice screeched.
"I thought so," Carlisle mused out loud.
"You thought so? How much skin contact did you have?" Alice was almost beside herself.
"We took our shoes and socks off, and I removed my shi…"
"Stop! I really don't want to know." Alice's horror was priceless, and I couldn't help one last shot.
I angled my head to look up at Carlisle through my lashes, and said, "How was it for you, dear?"
Alice was speechless at last, but Carlisle was unperturbed.
He put his head in his hands, and ran his fingers back through his hair. "Actually, not so good. First time, I think I had a headache."
"A headache?" Alice asked. "How?"
"I think so. Of course, I've never had one…at least, that I can remember. Very interesting."
"And the second time?" I was eager to know how that might progress.
"The second time I was in quite a bit of pain."
Alice put her hands on her hips and pouted. She glared at me. "Let me get this right. You get the pleasure." Then she aimed at Carlisle, "And you get the pain."
"Yes." We both chorused.
Alice began to laugh. "Oh, my. " She giggled. "Poor Edward!"
"We can keep this from him, right?" I looked expectantly at them both.
"Yes, I think we should until we know more," Carlisle answered. "Don't worry, Bella. Alice and I are very good at keeping secrets, even from Edward."
"Do you have any idea what it is?"
"I have never come across a human that could hurt a vampire in any way. There is a vampire called Jane." Alice hissed as he said the name. "Who can inflict pain without touching. I'm not sure it's comparable though, as the pain Jane inflicts is all in the mind, though she does seem to enjoy it."
"I did not enjoy causing you pain. I didn't even know I was hurting you." No, I was too busy having a good time, wasn't I?
"I know." Carlisle reassured me. "I will think it over and discuss it with an old friend, Eleazar," he promised.
I had definitely come down now, and I was feeling tired. "Where am I sleeping?" I asked with a yawn. "You did remember that I need to do that?"
Alice rolled her eyes. "Esme made up Edward's couch, or you can have my bed," she offered.
"A lovely thought, Alice, but I know what vampires use a bed for," I told her. "Edward's couch it is."
I didn't like keeping things from Edward, but it was necessary if I wanted the chance to understand what was going on. We decided that I would sleep over again the next time that the family went away hunting.
It was three weeks later that Carlisle picked me up from Charlie's, saying that Alice was stuck in traffic, on her way back from stocking up for our girlie weekend.
.


Carlisle's POV
"Alice went hunting, too? Is Esme at home?" Bella enquired.
"No, Bella. Eleazar is coming and bringing his mate, Carmen. Eleazar is an old friend, and we have been discussing our little experiments. He has some theories."
We were sitting in the lounge when they arrived; I opened the door as they were coming across the lawn. "Good to see you, Eleazar. You, too, Carmen." I welcomed them, kissing her cheek.
His large hand clapped me on the shoulder. "Carlisle, my friend, please be assured that I will not harm Bella, but I need you to play along with me tonight." Carmen nodded in agreement. I would trust Eleazar with my life; whatever he intended to do must be for a reason. I showed them into the lounge.
"Bella, this is my very good friend, Eleazar." Bella stood up to greet Eleazar, but he spurned her advance with a hostile glare. "And this is his mate, Carmen." Carmen inclined her head to Bella, keeping behind Eleazar, who turned to me.
"So, this is what we have come all this way to see," he sneered. "Really, Carlisle. Is it worth the fuss?" Bella was not amused. She slumped back onto the sofa folding her arms and crossing her legs. "Come on, then," Eleazar addressed Bella, walking toward her. "Hold my hand."
"Why?" she responded sulkily. This was not good—he had got her back up and she might not cooperate.
"I don't have time to waste. Hold my hand!" Eleazar ordered. Bella looked to me for reassurance, and I nodded. Slowly, she edged to the front of the sofa, and tentatively touched her fingers to his offered hand, and he gripped her hand firmly.
He laughing mockingly. "Just another pathetic human," he said. Bella turned to me in confusion. "I thought you could harm vampires, little girl," he spat at her. Bella's lip trembled in anger. "Come on, hurt me!" Bella gripped Eleazar's hand with both of hers—if looks could kill…
"Carlisle, come and stand by me," my friend requested.
More interesting by the minute, I thought, and complied.
"Give me your hand." Eleazar held my gaze as he accused, "Why do you waste my time?" He pulled my hand to his mouth as he said, "I've a mind to take your finger off for that." I watched in surprise as he slowly made to bite, until at the last second he yelped and released our hands.
"If I had not been expecting that, you might have lost a finger, dear friend," he laughed.
Eleazar bowed. "Dearest Isabella, I must apologise for being so crass. It was, indeed, necessary."
I could not contain my curiosity. "Did she hurt you, Eleazar?"
"She did, Carlisle." I had never seen someone so happy to have felt pain.
"The theatrics, what were they all about?"
"First, let us ask how that was for Isabella?" We both looked to her; she was lost for words.
"Did you feel the usual arousal and lust?" I prompted.
Blushing, she answered, "Not at all—I was confused and angry."
Eleazar was looking very smug. "You have great affection for the Cullens." Bella nodded. "As a teenager your emotions are a maelstrom, which I think complicates matters. By playing the fiend and threatening a loved one, I distracted you from your affections and focused your emotions. The threat to you, Carlisle, forced her to lash out. Pure instinct. Something she would not do in her own defence."
"I didn't get aroused because you were a threat?" Bella interrupted.
"Not quite," Eleazar explained. "You have a relationship with Edward, and this 'electricity' is all wrapped up with that. Your mind associates it with your affections. When you meet his family, for whom you also feel affection, it is enough to elicit the same response."
I had to ask. "Why would I feel pain through that?"
"I can't be sure, but my guess is that, as the intensity became too great, Isabella lost control. With time and a lot of practise, I believe she could harness the power." Eleazar then spoke directly to Bella. "If you obtain a good control, I think Edward will be a very lucky man."
"It is a mind control power then?" I asked Eleazar. "How similar to Jane's, do you think?"
"Isabella's mind appears to control the power—and to an extent whether it induces pleasure or pain—but it is not like Jane's. Isabella, as far as we know, needs to make contact for it to work, but the pain she causes is not in the mind."
"I will certainly vouch for that."
"It is most interesting. I am excited to know where you will go with this, Isabella."
At this point, Carmen chose to interrupt. "Enough for one evening, I'm sure this poor child is exhausted." Carmen joined Bella on the sofa. "Bella, dear, tell me all about yourself. How did you meet Edward? Who are your family? What do you like to do?"
"You have to give her chance to answer," I chuckled, as Eleazar and I took a seat.
Carmen was not deterred, and continued to bombard her with questions, until Bella began to yawn.
When Bella had retired to Edward's couch, Eleazar accompanied me to hunt deer.
"What an extraordinary child, Carlisle," he commented once we were sated and took a moment to sit on a rock. "You intend to turn her, of course?"
"No!" I was taken by surprise, though it was something we would have to consider at some point.
"How can you not? She will make a formidable vampire."
"The subject has not been broached, but I think Edward will be opposed. You know how he feels about our kind."
"It would be such a waste. You must be careful she is not noticed, my friend." I knew what he referred to.
"There is no reason for her to show up on the Volturi's radar." I changed the subject, and enjoyed catching up with Eleazar and hearing about the Denali girls, but our previous conversation worried me.
I had intended to leave Bella with Carmen and Eleazar when I left for work, but now, I was not sure it would be such a good idea. I called Esme. "Darling, Carmen and Eleazar came to visit. I thought you might like to come home."
"How nice—I would love that. Maybe the girls would like to come home too? They haven't seen Carmen for some time."
"Let the boys stay. Edward needs a good hunt, and it'll give them time for some male bonding. They'll be heading back tomorrow, anyway."
"How are you coping all alone with visitors?" Esme enquired.
"Eleazar wanted to hunt together and talk over some things, so I brought Bella over to meet Carmen."
"Was she alright with that?"
"Fine, but could you get home before I leave at one? I don't care to leave Bella alone with them—it seems rude."
Alice's POV
Of course, I knew that Carmen and Eleazar were coming, and why. I was eager to return with Esme, and worried as to why Carlisle needed to ask. Rosalie wasn't too happy about leaving the men, but she came anyway.
On arriving home, I sought out Bella to make sure she was okay, and she filled me in on Eleazar's findings and theories.
"Wow, who'd have thought you'd have a power like that, Bella? It'll be awesome when you get it under control."
"I was wondering…would Jasper mind helping me get a grip on my emotions?" she ventured.
"He'd love to." I told her with certainty.
"But you haven't asked—oh, did you see it?"
"No, but he will because I want him to." I settled back on the sofa. "We'll both work with you every day." No sooner had I relaxed, than I jumped up again. "Eek!"
"Alice, what is it?" Bella was alarmed.
"A plan, Bella." I grinned wickedly. "When we get you trained up, we can get Emmett back for being such a dick."
Smirking back at me, she asked, "Will Jasper be able to keep it secret?"
"From Emmett? Sure." I said. "But Bella, you're going to have to tell Edward."
"I know, he's going to be pissed." Her chin dropped into her hands, dejectedly.
"Not if you pitch it right." I told her, taking her hands so she had to sit back up. "Edward's all about your safety. Carlisle was exactly the right person to go to with this, and Edward will see that. If you skim over the details, I'm sure Carlisle will never let him 'see' what went on. And I'm not about to let on about your merciless teasing afterwards." I smiled, letting her know she was forgiven.
Bella and I joined Rosalie, who was watching a DVD, and it was soon time for bed—apparently.
I went with Bella, as she readied herself, and we discussed exactly what she might do to Emmett. It was a lot of fun, and we ended up jumping around my bed singing, "I've got the power! I've got the power!"
Edward's POV
I hadn't seen Bella since Friday morning at school. Male bonding be damned, I wanted Bella bonding. After convincing Emmett and Jasper to leave in the early hours, I got out near Forks and ran to her house, but she wasn't there. Worried, there was nothing else I could do but run home. As I crashed through the door, Esme shushed me; Bella was asleep in my room.
Jasper and Emmett had taken their wives out—no doubt shooed away by Esme so that they didn't wake Bella. "What is she doing here?"
"Carlisle brought her over to meet Carmen and Eleazar." I wondered how she had reacted to that introduction, and was a little disappointed not to have been there for her.
I thought it would be nice to see my Denali cousins. "Where are they?" I asked Esme.
"They left not long ago," she answered. "They wanted to get the other side of Seattle before daylight."
I needed to see Bella, so I sat on my bedroom floor and watched her sleep. She tossed and turned and began to mutter; I caught a few words: Power. Edward. Lucky Edward. Help.
Emmett and Rosalie came in and went up to the shower. Ugh, why must Emmett always be so graphic. I searched the house for any distractions. Carlisle was heavily into his medical journals, and Esme was wondering what Bella might like for breakfast. Concentrating on the steady beat of Bella's heart, I waited for her to wake up.
Eleazar's POV
Esme and the girls arrived home in the middle of the day, shortly before Carlisle left for the hospital. Carmen was excited to see Esme, and they talked well into the night. By the time Carlisle returned from work, Alice and Rosalie were fixing Carmen's hair and whatever else women vampires do. Carlisle and I had the chance to reminisce for a few hours before Emmett and Jasper arrived unexpectedly. After saying hello, they went to find their wives and Carlisle quietly suggested that Carmen and I leave as Edward would not be far behind.
"It would not be wise for him to hear your thoughts," he said, and I wholeheartedly agreed. Carmen bade Esme farewell, and she promised to pay us a visit soon to help find soft furnishings for our lounge.
Running flat out to Port Angeles, we swam across Juan De Fuca Strait. After another short run to Sidney, we mostly swam, landing near Richmond. The sun came up as we entered the Provincial Parks north of Vancouver, where we enjoyed the day hunting before retracing our steps to Vancouver International Airport for an evening flight home.
.


Bella's POV
When I awoke, it was to the wondrous sight of Edward sitting by the couch.
"Good morning, Bella."
"When did you get back?" I couldn't help but smile at this surprising start to my day.
"Only a few hours ago," he said. My stomach chose that moment to rumble loudly…even to my human ears. "Are you hungry, Bella?"
"No," I answered sweetly. Edward gave me his don't try to lie to me look. "I'm ravenous!"
Edward stood up and gave a small bow. "If Madam would like to make her order, Chef can be preparing breakfast while you dress."
"Anything will go down well this morning. You choose." I beamed up at him.
"My choice, would of course be mountain lion. Luckily for you, though, Esme has been wondering all night what you might like, and is ready to prepare almost anything."
"I'm sure that whatever Esme decides will be fantastic," I said. "I'll bet she could even make mountain lion palatable," I giggled, and ran into the bathroom. When I had washed and dressed, I skipped down to the kitchen. Esme had outdone herself.
Edward held my chair for me before settling beside me. There was coffee, orange juice, cereal, toast, pancakes, fried eggs, fried mushrooms, fried tomatoes, and tiny blueberry muffins. Sitting in the middle of it all was a tiny vase with a single white rose.
"This is wonderful, Esme. Thank you," I exclaimed. "Is the rose from your garden?"
"Yes, but that was Edward's idea," she replied, smiling sweetly and ruffling his hair. He swatted her hand away, but grinned back.
I really was hungry, and so I tucked in. I was starting on the muffins when Alice and Jasper walked in.
"Sleep well?" Alice asked with a smile.
"Very well, thank you." I grinned back at her.
"Am I missing something?" Edward asked.
"All in good time," Alice replied, with a wink at me, that Edward could see. "Come on, Jasper. Let's go and find Rosalie and Emmett, and leave these two alone." I waved them off with a mouth full of muffin, as Alice pushed Jasper toward the stairs.
Edward rolled his eyes at them. "If you've eaten enough, Bella, what shall we do this morning?"
"I'd like to take a walk. Mmm, these muffins are delicious."
Edward picked up two more muffins. "Can't have you fainting out there, miles away from food," he said cheekily, flashing his crooked smile. Lifting me out of the chair, he took the white rose and pushed it into my hair. I clasped the arm he offered me, and we walked along the river to the same fallen tree we had sat on the first time I had visited his family. I was trying to work out the best way to tell him the real reason behind Eleazar's visit, when he broke the silence.
"Are you okay, Bella?"
"I'm fine, Edward. Why?"
He lowered his head bashfully. "You were talking in your sleep."
I gave a guarded "oh," as I was unsure what he had heard.
"Nothing coherent. I only picked up odd words here and there, but they puzzled me."
"What did you hear?" I asked, yielding to the inevitable.
"Power and help. They don't sound so good together." I was relieved, and saw a way to broach the events from the day before.
"That's sort of what we need to talk about. I was worried about the electricity business with your family. Knowledge is power, so they say. I wanted to know more about it, but it takes two."
"So," he growled warily, "who was your number two?"
"The obvious choice, Edward. Who was the one most likely not to kill me?"
"Carlisle," we said in unison.
"What happened?" he asked eagerly, his thirst for knowledge outweighing any concerns he may have had for my safety.
"Please hear me out and don't interrupt until I've finished, okay?" Edward agreed, though his forehead creased in worry. "We tried more skin contact and it hurt." Edward made to interrupt. He looked angry. I shook my head. "It hurt Carlisle," I explained.
"What? How?" I raised my hand for him to let me finish.
"He talked it over with Eleazar."
"So, that's why they came." I glared at him, and he zipped his mouth shut.
"Eleazar goaded me and I hurt him, while only holding his hand." Edward's eyebrows rose, but he said nothing. "Eleazar says I have a power, but I'm not able to control it because my emotions are all over the place. He's sure I will gain control with practise and some help." I reached over and unzipped his mouth for him.
"Awesome! We touch all the time, so how come you don't hurt me?"
"I think because I don't want to, and partly because we don't have much contact."
"But I hold your hand," Edward said, reaching for it to prove his point. "That's all it took with Eleazar."
"I also said he goaded me. I wasn't in control, and I lashed out."
Edward bristled. "What on earth did he do to get you to lash out?"
"He threatened to bite Carlisle's finger off."
Edward laughed out loud. "I guess that explains your sleep talk—almost."
"Almost?" Now I was worried.
"Yes, I was quite amused at the phrase lucky Edward." I blushed and tried to brush it off.
"It was just something Eleazar said."
"You have to explain, Bella. Why would Eleazar say I was lucky that you could hurt vampires?"
I sighed. "Because he believes that, when I learn control, I will be able to choose to inflict pain or…um…pleasure."
Edward took a moment to process that thought, then he smirked and asked, "How can I help?"
"At least to start with, you can't. That's why I went to Carlisle. You must know that you would always be my first choice?"
"It's different with us," Edward stated, understanding perfectly.
"Eleazar thinks I should start with Jasper, to help with my emotions." Edward nodded, seeing the sense in that. "Alice and I have a little plan…"
"Alice knows too?"
"Carlisle wasn't going to chance anything going wrong." Like him killing me. "So Alice was there to cover my back, and I think that's why Carmen accompanied Eleazar. I'm sorry I kept this from you, Edward. It was just something I had to do for myself."
"That's what you were doing with Emmett at lunch that day."
"Yes, but he ran off too quickly."
"Not fast enough for my liking. Alright, whatever Alice's plan is, I'm in."
We fell into a routine. Edward would pick me up in his Volvo for school, while the others arrived in either Emmett's jeep or Rosalie's convertible. Alice and Jasper joined Edward and me at lunchtimes, leaving Emmett and Rosalie alone on their old table. After school, the four of us would drive and run to our meadow for a couple of hours, working on controlling my power.
Of course, we worked on causing pain so I could pay Emmett back, but we also practised being able to touch them without any effect, essentially switching my talent off. That particularly pleased Carlisle, who turned up whenever his shifts allowed. I also insisted that we sometimes concentrated on the differences between my power, and what went on between Edward and I. I found I was now aware of Edward entering a room, even if I didn't see him.
Jasper and Alice would often run home from the meadow, while Edward made sure to get me home in time to cook Charlie's dinner. On Saturdays, Edward would come over and we would catch up on school work. On Sundays, if Charlie went fishing, which was most weekends, we would meet up in the meadow again.
This had been going on for a few weeks, when one day at school, Jasper pulled me to one side. "Bella, can I talk to you?"
"Sure." I was surprised, Jasper had never approached me alone before. "I've got a couple of minutes."
"We're aiming to shock Emmett with a little pain," Jasper said, and I nodded in agreement. "But Eleazar believes you can choose to use it to give pleasure as well…"
"I think he's right." I felt myself begin to blush, not realising that it was not all me, until Jasper spoke.
"I would like to ask you a favour. Alice is so obsessed with pranking Emmett that she has not been…close for a while." Jasper seemed a little embarrassed, but continued. "Even at night, she's searching for futures she can't possibly see, trying to work out if you're ready. She's so distracted that she's not even succumbing to my emotions. I wondered if you'd be willing to try something for me?"
"Anything, Jasper. You've helped me so much." I smiled at him, pleased that he could feel how happy it made me to be of service to him.
"I think that if you tried to send pleasure, it might get Alice in the mood." Jasper obviously picked up on my worry about what that would do, adding, "I'd take it from there. Take Alice, I mean—well away."
I considered his request. Wouldn't Alice see what we were doing? "Okay, Jasper, but you will have to decide at the last moment and help me with the relevant emotions. I'll go along with it and see what happens."
A few days later, in the meadow, I had zapped Alice with enough power to give her a headache, and she celebrated by hugging me. Over her shoulder, I caught Jasper's eye, and he gave a wink and a big grin as he sent me a strong wave of happiness and joy. Making sure my hands connected with Alice's neck, I relaxed and thought nice things as I channelled the emotions. I guess it worked a treat, as Jasper had pulled Alice from my arms and disappeared before I could blink.
I overbalanced, suddenly not having Alice to cling to, but of course, Edward was right there to hold me.
"What happened, Bella?" he asked. "I know you and Jasper set that up, so tell me why."
"Jasper just wanted to spend some quality time with Alice," I answered, as I turned into Edward's arms and kissed him. It felt so good. Edward buried his fingers in my hair, pressing my lips more firmly to his. I felt his hips begin to push toward mine, and wound one leg round the back of his.
He pulled away. "Bella, stop," he gasped. "Stop before I hurt you." He held me at arm's length until my breathing, and his, returned to normal. "Okay, that's enough for today. Let's get you back to Charlie's." He swung me on his back, and we almost flew back to my truck.
"You'll be the death of me, Bella Swan." I heard him mutter.
.


Emmett's POV
I couldn't understand why Jasper and Alice were spending so much time with Edward and Bella. They drove off together every afternoon, and Alice and Jasper disappeared most Sundays, too. I tried to get Rose to at least sit with them at lunch, but all she'd say was, "Let the freaks sit together."
It was nice spending time with Rose, but I missed guy time. Rosalie could fight as well as any man, but I couldn't brawl with her because I'd always let her win. Wrestling with Rose was nothing like scrapping with my brothers—thank God. I shook my head to erase that image from my brain. Rose was rubbish on the Xbox, too.
They wouldn't hunt with me. Jasper had come along a few times at night, but even Carlisle didn't seem to be around as much. The last time that I got Jasper away, I asked him what they had gotten up to while they were gone. He said that it was girl stuff.
Then today at school, Bella had sidelined me.
"Hey, Emmett." She beckoned me to stoop down nearly to my knees, so that she could talk in my ear. "Do you want to know what Alice and Jasper have been doing?"
"Hell, yeah! You know about that?"
She tapped the side of her nose and winked. "Do you know the meadow Edward takes me to?"
"Sure."
"Meet me there on Saturday at noon." Bella scurried off to her next class.
Why, I wondered was she going all Secret Squirrel on me? I considered whether to buy a black cloak and a rakish hat for our meeting.
Bella's POV
As soon as Charlie left for work, Edward and I got stuck into our school work so that we would be finished in plenty of time to get to the meadow by noon. I drove down the one-ten, parking at the end of the pavement.
We hadn't been in the meadow long when Alice and Jasper arrived. Alice pointed out which direction Emmett would arrive from, and she sprayed the area, and me, liberally with perfume, before they all hid among the trees. I settled down on the ground, pulling a sandwich, a bottle of water, and a book from my backpack. Alice had said Emmett was running late, so I started on my lunch, getting stuck into 'Little Women'.
Even though I was expecting him, I still jumped at Emmett's loud, "Hey, Bella."
Emmett's POV
I was a little later than we had arranged because I'd had trouble getting away from Rose.
"You're going for a run, Emmett?" she'd asked, looking real sexy with a wrench in her hand.
"Yes, Babe." I smiled sweetly.
"A run?" She took a moment to consider that. "Where to? Why?"
"In the woods. It's healthy and I just feel like running," I told her.
"Healthy!" Rosalie rolled her eyes, but didn't comment further. "Okay, shall we go now?" She took a rag from her pocket and started wiping her hands.
"Err, I really want to run by myself, if you don't mind, my little grease monkey." Rose looked at me as if I was mad. "Um…I have some thinking to do, and…and you're so beautiful and sexy that you would be too distracting, sugar," I pleaded.
"Hmmph." Hands on hips, Rose looked me up and down. "I suppose you'll need a shower when you get back—so will I." The wrench pressed into my butt as she pulled me close and attacked my mouth. "I intend to get very greasy," she whispered in my ear, rubbing my junk to emphasise her meaning. "Pick me up on your way to the shower." Releasing me, she headed back into the garage.
I sprinted off in the direction of the meadow before she changed her mind, smiling as I thought about what I would be coming back to.
I could smell her before I saw her. She reeked of highly overpriced, stomach churning perfume. Maybe I should have wondered about that because it wasn't like Bella. I slowed to a human run before emerging from the trees, but she still jumped in surprise, which was real funny. While I was dying with laughter, she nearly choked and ended up hiccoughing, I helped her out with a tiny slap on the back.
The hiccoughs stopped, though Bella was now face down in the dirt. "Gee, thanks, Emmett," she sniped as she stood up. Oops!
I'd never been totally alone with Bella, and it struck me that I shouldn't have been there. "Are you sure this is a good idea? I'm not quite as…careful as Edward."
"It's fine, Emmett," she assured me, dusting herself off. "I trust you. At least, I trust your body, if not your mind. I mean, you're a bit of a pussy, Emmett McCarty Cullen, aren't you?"
My first thought was whether she had hit her head on the ground. Then I decided that she just didn't know me very well. "You're mixing me up with Edward," I told her.
"Oh, really?" Hands on her hips, Bella stalked toward me. "Was it Edward who ran off like a little girl because I touched his face?"
I backed away in confusion. "What are you doing? Don't pick a fight with me, Bella, I really don't want to hurt you."
Bella laughed. "I'm not afraid of you, Emmett."
"You should be," I retorted. Bella was still advancing, and I was circling backwards as I tried to keep space between us. "I can crush your skull like…swatting a fly," I warned. "To be honest, that worries me."
"Hah! Pussy!" she crowed, nearly jabbing me with her finger.
Has this girl got a death wish? "Knock it off, Bella." She had at least stopped.
"Scared are you?" she smirked.
"Hell, yeah! Scared of damaging you." I stood upright, towering over her. She turned her back to me. Yeah, I was that intimidating.
"I doubt you'd manage that," she remarked carelessly.
"You're being ridiculous." I almost laughed, reminding myself that she was only human—and a girl, but my fists were clenched anyway.
Facing me again, Bella made little cat ears, curling her fingers above her temples. "Mee…ow," she taunted. I was growling at her now—time to walk away before I lost control.
As I turned to leave, Bella calmly and quietly said, "Emmett McCarty Cullen, I challenge you to an arm wrestle."
All my anger forgotten, I laughed loudly as I swung back round. "Sometimes, Bella, you're adorable."
"So, come on then." Bella challenged, pushing up her sleeve.
"Come on?" I questioned her sanity. "There's nothing to wrestle."
"Can't beat a human, Emmett? Can't even beat one little girl?"
"It's not like that, Bella, and you know it!"
"Come on," she said, walking off to one side of the meadow. I followed as she stood by a large rock, putting her elbow on the top, hand in the air. "Okay, big guy. Show me what you've got."
"I can't," I stammered. "I…I don't want to."
"Then I'll call you out at school, and tell them all how a great big guy like you could be such a baby!" I'd been confused, angry, and amused, but now I found the situation tiresome. With a sigh, I knelt on the other side and put my arm to hers. What harm was there in letting her push against me? I'd just keep still.
As soon as our skin made contact, that damned tingling started—that was going to be tedious. I didn't know if Bella was pushing or not, because really, I wouldn't know the difference. By the concentration on her face, I'd say she was giving it her best shot. That tingling—it travelled right up my arm and into my head, buzzing like a lost mosquito. My head…ached.
Okay, so maybe I could shift my arm a tiny bit, enough to put a stop to this.
I moved the slightest amount, and the errant mosquito got real angry and started jabbing stings into my brain. The tingling had become more of a crackle, and it ran up and down my arm building in intensity until the whole limb appeared to explode with pain and burned like I was holding it in a furnace.
I wanted to pull away, but my arm was locked tight. I did the only thing I could, and used my free arm to lever myself away from the rock, breaking the contact.
I jerked backwards and fell right onto…Edward?
Edward's POV
I carried Bella to the meadow. The nearer we got, the more convinced I was that this was a bad idea.
"Bella, are you sure that you've thought this through?"
She sighed. "Yes, Edward."
"I don't want you to get hurt. You're so fragile, you know?"
"I'll be fine," she said as Alice and Jasper arrived. "The three of you will be close by, and you can watch everything."
"Stop fussing," Alice admonished "I've seen it—it's fine. Emmett's coming this way. He's running a little late, Bella."
"We should get in position," Jasper ordered.
Alice gave Bella a quick hug. "Have fun," she squealed, then took Jasper's hand and they both disappeared.
"Be safe. I won't be far," I told Bella, giving her a quick kiss.
"Keep hidden, though. Don't go ruining it, Edward." I rolled my eyes, and slipped away amongst the trees, taking up my position on a sturdy branch, close to the rock Bella wanted to use.
I had been apprehensive, not sure Bella could handle Emmett. I was wrong. She played him like a fool, and pushed his buttons. Her domination was sexy to watch. And dangerous. It took all my control not to jump down and defend her; I was glad my fingernails were short as the tension gathered in my balled fists.
I could tell when Emmett was affected, and luckily saw his intention to move his arm. As the pain hit, I dropped in a flash and grabbed his wrist. No way was I chancing him lashing out near Bella. I held Emmett's wrist like a vice, so intent that it wouldn't knock Bella, that Emmett fell on me before I knew what had happened. "Bella, are you alright?" I asked from under the man mountain.
"Edward?" she giggled. "Where are you?" Bella was laughing hard, along with Alice and Jasper. The latter at least had the decency to pull Emmett up off me.
"There you are, and you were worried about me," Bella exclaimed.
Emmett's POV
Jasper pulled me up.
"Holy shit! What just happened?" I examined my arm, expecting to see scars. Nothing. Alice, Bella, and Jasper were all laughing. "Seriously, what was that, dude?"
"That, dear brother, was Bella," Alice answered.
"Bella?" How could sweet little Bella have done that? "But, it was like I was on fire."
"Neat, huh? She's been practising." Jasper enlightened me.
"Bella, huh? Bad-ass!"
.

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Tag der Veröffentlichung: 01.04.2011

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