Really sorry for such a late update! It was not even late, but an ultimate late for anyone who is publishing a story on a website. But please forgive me.

I know maybe some of my few readers would have even forgotten about my story but I am sorry to those who waited for it; or, had even thought about it…But here is the new chapter! Hope you like it, I found it a bit interesting…

And please don't forget to tell me how it was… : p

Happy reading!

_XXX_

Chapter 10: Chiseling the Talent.

The precipitation fell in the form of powdered snow. This December was colder and rigid than ever, but, what other kind of weather can you expect in Forks?

It has been three months since Edward returned from the trip and three months since Jacob and I haven't met… we have several times tried talking on the phone, but it was a big risk, considering there were six other attentive and alert vamps in the house. I couldn't take the risk, so by and by; there was no contact with Jacob at all.

The Cullen Manson was back to normal from the next day of the return of the family. Everyone did their jobs like they used to do and did many things in these three months.

Carlisle went to the hospital and Rosalie and Alice dressed up Renesmee in various attires – from dressing her like Cleopatra to dressing her up like Hannah Montana. Renesmee never seemed to mind at all; instead she looked as if she enjoyed it, the grooming and awes she was getting from both the adult vamps flattered her and she took participation in the activity enthusiastically.

Jasper on the other hand had given a casual whip to video games. All day and all night, he was accompanied with his Nintendo GameCube and Xbox 360. Whenever Alice tried to have some 'alone time' with him on some particularly cold and wet nights, suitable for having a cuddle by the fireplace, he refused and before he barely let Alice verbalize something, he turned his attention to the Gears of War 3 on the screen. Alice would stare at him with disbelief, but it had no affect on Jasper. Slowly and slowly Jasper's Video Game collection broadened as the shelf was increased when Need for Speed: Underground, Mortal Kombat II, Final Fantasy XII, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, Luigi's Mansion and many more games made his shelf, which had gradually became his prized possession.

Emmet on the other hand had something more important and serious on his mind. The topic on his mind was so grave that at first no one believed him but they gradually processed the issue and let Emmet further enlighten it.

Emmett has attended several high schools and colleges, but never earned any particular degree, preferring instead to move quickly from one subject that interests him to the next. This time a Master's Degree in Humanity interested him so strongly that he had even labeled out plans, as we listened to his plane one October afternoon. He told that he had decided to take up a 1 Master's Degree program in humanities from the University of Washington in Bothell.

At first everyone, including me was against his interest. Carlisle said that Bothell was a little far and not appropriate for him if viewed from the point in which Emmet is a vampire. Emmet calmed everyone down and explained that he had all that suited out for his Vampire body. It was usually sunny in Bothell, but Emmet would be joining the one program in November and will be backing home till February. So all in all he will be attending the college in winters and will be back before the sunny summer days. And for his thirst for blood, he had that sorted out. Near the University lays the mature coniferous North Creek Forest, which supports some species of animals and Emmet was sure that he could go there for his hunt for at least three times in three months. Everyone was a little daunted with his planning and desperation to study Humanities. Everyone slowly but surely approved but Rosalie remained condemned. She was on edge that Emmet was going alone to a University and may lose his endurance, so as to, not drink blood for three months, and do something unexpected. She was skeptical and everyone didn't disapprove of her apprehension.

Some days passed, and one evening she affirmed that she valued and comprehend that Emmet's interest in Humanity was significant to him. She said that she was good enough with him attending the in Bothell, but not alone. Everyone listened attentively as she declared that she would be accompanying Emmet to Bothell, and will be taking Humanities' as a subject adjacent to Emmet, so as to keep an eye on him and to be together with him; because according to her three months was long time for her, to be without Emmet. Everyone was delighted and Emmet was so thrilled that he kissed Rosalie full on her mouth in front of everyone. Renesmee closed her eyes and everyone gave blissful pitied looks at them.

So November arrived and the forms were filled and submitted and accepted. The bags were packed, the advises and a word of caution was given to both of them to remain watchful and careful and return home at first if they sense something wrong with them. And with the reminders to call everyday and best wishes, Emmet and Rosalie departed for Bothell.

It was mid- Novembers, when we heard about Emmet and Rosalie, both were OK and Emmet was contented with himself for taking up the step to study Humanities. Though they told us over the phone that they were getting the usual glare and constant stares from the students like they used to get from students in Forks because of their pale skin (and probably because of Rosalie's beauty.). Though this time Emmet told us that he met a boy named Jack Cooper. He was a human and studied with Emmet. He was from New York and Emmet found him very amusing. Emmet told that he has actually hung out with this Jack a couple of time, and they both are good friends now, though Jack sometimes gets suspicious whenever they shake hands or any other gesture, in which Jack could touch Emmet's ice-cold body. Jack has several times asked Emmet to go to the doctor and get a check-up, but otherwise Jack is very well. We frequently heard from Em and Rose, and they went for hunting one night and considered it trouble-free and it was risk-free to them.

So Emmet and Rosalie were off to Bothell, Jasper was busy with his games, Alice and Renesmee always found something to amuse themselves with, Carlisle was attending his patients, and loving Esme was working on her desk which was loaded with blueprints of houses and she had even decided to go for restoring a 18th century house in the forest of north Ithaca.

Edward was his usual self but looks rather depressing now days. He always seemed to be in deep thoughts and at nights he spends his time listening to Beethoven rather than clasping with me in bed. I was fine with it. In its place, I too had something else in my mind.

XXX

I looked outside the window and found that the weather was not so bad; it was good enough for the activity which was in my mind. December was in the air and maybe Christmas too. The sun was behind the big clouds and the snow had thinned today. Even the winds were not that chilly, it was cool, but not like those winds which would freeze you from head to toe.

Jasper was playing Grand Theft Auto, Alice and Renesmee were flipping through magazines, Esme had just returned from north Ithaca and was brushing her hair, and Edward was surfing the net. Me, on the other hand was finding an excuse to execute my plane. No, it had nothing to do with Jacob… No, maybe it had, but it was not my purpose.

I came to living room, so everyone could see me. No one acknowledged me standing there, even when I cleared my throat.

"Hey, guys? I wanted to have a word." I said impishly.

Alice and Esme looked up from there magazines, and Edward and Esme turned to me. Jasper however remained fixed to his games, as the headphones blocked my right to be heard.

"Jasper?" I said, but there was no effect. I walked to the screen and pulled the plug. Jasper grunted noisily, and everyone laughed.

"Now I know what I have to do the next time…" Alice whimpered.

"Why would you do that?!" Jasper bellowed.

"Stop hyperventilating, it's not the end of the world…" I said and calmed him down. He didn't say anything, but his face told that he was really annoyed, and my issue better be important, or his lid would blow off.

"I just wanted to talk about something with you all." I said and everyone nodded.

I pushed my hair out of my face and began.

"I know, you all are already pre occupied with your work," I said and looked at Jasper, he rolled his eyes.

", but, I just noticed that the weather is so good outdoors-"

"- yeah, so what?" Jasper snapped.

"Jasper! Let her finish." Alice said and tugged his arm.

"So, we can do something fun out there… what do you say?" I said and hungrily searched for their response.

"Like what?" Renesmee asked tenderly.

"Like we can play… or have a picnic-"

"- It's snowing outside -" Jasper said uninterestingly.

"- It's not snowing now!" I said impulsively.

"Come to the point Bella." Edward said coolly.

"My point is…" I said, a little taken aback by Edward. "I just wanted to brush my skills, my ability to create Shields. I want them to be perfect and to be enhanced."

"But why? It is not like we are going to a fight tomorrow that you need to brush your power." Esme said animatedly.

"It is not about fighting, it is about chiseling my talent with your help, of course!" I said and they all looked confused.

"See, I just said that, because I thought that it will be good once in a while, to have some fun outside as well as fortify your powers." I said and everyone looked positive.

"I am not in it." Jasper said coldly.

"Jazz! Please! Yours is the help I will need desperately!" I beseeched. "I am sorry, If I did anything wrong, but your ability can help me strengthen my power… please don't turn your back on me… please." I said and looked at him with pleading eyes.

He looked haughty, but then he softened his expression. "Okay…" he said and I flanged my arms around him with ecstasy.

"So okay, but how exactly can we help?" Alice asked softly.

"I have it all arranged." I said and winked at them.

30 minutes later…

So I got the Cullen's out of the house and they were pretty enthusiastic regarding the whole activity.

"So just do what I say, OK?" I said, with my hands on my hips.

So in the next few hours we practiced. I grouped myself with Renesmee and Alice, and told Jasper to control our emotions while I will try to duck them while using my Mental Shield. I know everyone must be thinking I was stupid, because it will have no effect.

"Bella you know that your shielding power has no effect on my mood control." Jasper said bluntly.

"I know Jasper, but that is what I have to overcome." I huffed.

"- But you can't - your shield can block physic powers that are connected to the mind, Bella, you can't do it. My power is not connected to the mind, they are physical." Jasper said in a matter of fact tone.

"Thanks for reminding Jasper, but I know what I am doing." I said and signaled him to control our moods.

At first I concentrated on Jasper, at his control, but nothing happened I felt heavier, and heavier, by every passing minute. I concentrated once again but it went in vain.

"Bella…" Alice grunted. "I feel the same, do something." She gasped.

I was doing everything I could, but Jasper's mood control was getting stronger and heavier. He was good in his effort to defuse the opponent, but I sucked at protecting. Jasper saw our expressions, he realized that I was not getting any further, so he came back to a charming mood control, and Alice, Renesmee and I felt lighter and superior.

This feeling was like, penetrating, making me feel like I can do anything, it was possessing me of some unseen Satan, who can make me do anything, but I couldn't shield myself from it too. I again tried to stop Jasper, to stop his mood control, but it didn't work. It was difficult. Very difficult. It was like my invisible bubble shield didn't have any effect at all. Jasper let go of the 'penetrating' mood control (as I call It.) and made us feel quite normal and blissful.

"Stop the mood control now…" I said chilly to Jasper.

He rolled his eyes and turned his back on us and sighed heavily.

As he damned his control, I tasted failure.

I felt very repulsive from inside, and wished I haven't showed so much self-confidence in me, because there was always a chance that I will be proven wrong and I am proven wrong.

I asked Jasper to try again but I can feel my emotions plain. After a while I gave it a rest and asked Edward to try reading Alice's and Renesmee's mind.

Edward stood in front of us, and the invisible bubble or shield was formed and Edward looked firmly at Alice and Renesmee, meanwhile I felt a load on the shield and then Edward said it.

"No, nothing. The shield worked."

I must have felt assurance but this was the thing which I knew I can block. Edward's ability was telepathy and I knew that I can block it anyway… I even know that I can block Renesmee's ability. But I have to do something about Jasper.

Everyone suddenly became uninterested in 'chiseling' my abilities, and instead of paying attention to me everyone walked around the yard and enjoyed natural beauty. Esme and Alice examined the plants covered in frost. Renesmee looked at me bigheartedly, wanting to say something comforting to me, but I signaled her out, and she joined Esme and Alice. Edward had his back turned on me, so I couldn't see his face and Jasper was looking at me. I turned my back on him and recalled what had happened…

I felt ghastly. Obscurity fell over me, and then suddenly I felt guilt and shamefulness. A sense that I had wasted their time… I had a constant frown on my face, and couldn't look into their eyes… it was not about I being, not able to do anything, but; it was about, the family losing their trust in me, and thinking that I was a big show off or something…

Then I suddenly felt lighter, like I was trouble free, and in fact cheerful…

But how can this happen in a flicker?

I then firmly thought about my failure and then the obscurity returned to me… my expressions again changed to a frown. I deserved that I thought… I deserved to be left alone and frown over my deeds, and I don't deserve anybody's pity…

"Wha-?! How did you do that Bella?!" Jasper asked me affably.

"What did I do?" I said and suddenly became conscious that he was looking at me.

"You changed my emotions?" I asked him unexpectedly.

"Yes – yes I did! But, how did you block it?" Jasper said vivaciously.

"I-I blocked it?" I asked in disbelief.

"Yeas you did!" Jasper derided "After you blocked Edwards's telepathy, you became sad, and rather felt guilty…um, I am sorry to interfere with your emotions, - eh - but I can't help it, and I felt them too. I thought that you were unnecessarily feeling worse and I just lightened your mood… But then you – I don't know – but sort of, pushed back my mood control and continued to sulk!" Jasper said dynamically, and everybody's attention turned towards us.

"I did that?" I asked him in a small voice.

"Y-yes! You did that! But, how?" Jasper asked in a thoughtful manner.

I didn't know it myself. I thought a little and summon up what had happened in the past two minutes.

I failed - I felt bad – guilty – miserable - then I suddenly felt happy, because of Jasper's mood control - then I thought how I felt, and firmed on my true emotions, which I believed were true and were what I deserved - and then I again felt gloomy.

I recited my summary to everyone and they nodded till I finished.

Everyone was in deep thought. But Renesmee looked as if she was thinking very hard.

"Mom, you said you felt your emotions change when Uncle Jazz changed them… right?" She said solicitously.

"Yes dear."

"And you pushed them back… and felt 'gloomy' again, right?"

"Certainly."

"Hmm, and you said when you felt your emotions change, became happier, you firmed or concentrated… on your emotions – your true emotions… right?" She asked in deep thought.

"Yes dear, yes!" I said, waiting for her point.

"Hmm… so mom… maybe I get it…" she said and everyone looked at her hopefully.

"Mom, to stop Uncle Jazz, control your emotions – your feelings, according to his will, you have to truly and serenely believe in what you believe."

Everyone gasped silently, and comprehended what Renesmee has said.

"That is to say… you have to believe what you truly feel and want to feel." She said hurriedly.

"When Uncle Jazz changed your mood when you told him to, you were concentrating on how to stop it, concentrating on how will you stop him from changing your feelings… but when you really wanted to feel guilty, you sort of believe you deserve them, right? Sort of truly believe in your true feelings, and that stopped Uncle Jazz to change… your mood – your feelings – your belief."

"I think Renesmee is correct." Edward said pleasantly. "Bella, you need to focus on your true feelings."

I pondered a little.

"OK, Jasper. C'mon, let's do this once again." I said and looked at Alice to come and stand with me.

"No, Bella. I think you should first try yourself and then try it in a group." Alice said discreetly.

"OK." I said.

I felt quite good myself. Felt I deserved to feel good, after being able to stop Jasper for some seconds, i thought that this was my true feeling right now. Good and humble.

I signaled Jasper to start. He looked at me contently. My shield was formed. I felt a little dizzy at first, because I felt moving from one feeling to another at once. But after some time, I felt natural, like I felt before. Good and Humble.

"You did it again!" Jasper said with his hands up in the air.

"Wow Bella!" Alice said and hugged me.

"Congratulations, Dear…" Esme said optimistically.

"You did it!" Renesmee said and came towards me. She was at the same height as me, and more beautiful, if I may say so.

"I did it with your help. Without it, I might have gotten nowhere." I said and kissed her forehead. She blushed and hugged me.

"Well done." Jasper said grinning.

"Say that when I stop you from changing everyone's mood!" I said wickedly.

"Bella." This time Esme said. "In that matter I think that you should practice that, some… other time. Give yourself a little rest, maybe give your mind a little rest and we'll try that again later."

"All right." I said mildly and everyone went inside the house.

Regardless to say that I was able to defend myself, Alice and Renesmee, from Jasper's mood control the next day. Slowly and slowly I was able to do that to a large group, and I felt very contented. To see everyone gain confidence and trust in me made me feel excellent, and I learned to focus on what I believe and feel.

And I was good and humble when I finally chiseled my talent.