Disclaimer: Don't own it. But thanks for reading anyways!
Bella's point of view.
Chapter ten: Experiments
Last time:
Edward's fingers lifted my face up, "I love you, Isabella Cullen".
I sighed as I put my arms around his neck, "I love you, Edward Cullen".
As Edward kissed me fiercely, I heard Alice's shrieks of joy running own the stairs.
I love my family.
I am engaged!! I am going to marry Edward Cullen! OH! If Jessica and Lauren could see me now. HA! They'd pass out from jealously. I am too lucky – I love him, I love him! Oooo, and the wedding night? I didn't even think of that. Definitely something to be nervous about….hmmm…..and look forward to…
"Bella! Did you hear what I said? You are up in the clouds today", Alice laughed from below me finishing my pedicure.
"Sorry Alice", I said sheepishly.
"No need to apologize! I could only imagine what I must look like when I get lost in thought about Jasper", she said softly.
"Did I hear my name?" Jasper's voice came from the bathroom door.
"All done!" Alice squealed as she ran to Jasper, throwing her arms around him.
That reminds me.
"I'm going to go find Edward", I announced to them as I stood up, walking out of the bathroom.
Alice pulled away from Jasper, "don't smear your toes!" she called after me. I heard Jasper laugh softly against her neck as I ran down the hall.
I found Edward in the same position in his room as I'd left him. He was lying on the floor in the middle of his room, listening to Debussy. I smiled and shut the door. Before he could open his glorious eyes, I was lying on top of him taking in his scent.
"Hey you", he said in a relaxed voice.
"Hey yourself", I said kissing his neck. He purred in my ear – I love what I do to him.
Edward and I had a month until our wedding. Alice had seen that a month would give her enough time to do everything. Edward and I were in good hands. My life had really changed so much. You know what the funny thing is though? As much grief as these changes have given me, I have received so many good things as well. The positive out-weighs the negative big time here.
Edward's hands were crawling slowly up my back. He was breathing heavily in my ear.
"We have to be downstairs to do more testing with Carlisle soon", I said hinting to Edward. I wasn't going to say stop – I'd let him figure that out on his own.
He didn't stop – maybe my hinting isn't as good as I thought, "I know, love, but I asked Carlisle if I could monitor your testing today and he said yes", he whispered to me.
I had to repeat in my head what he had just said – stupid dazzling, lovely, handsome vampire. Boy – I am whipped so bad. Sigh.
"Really?" Was what I managed to squeak out.
He smiled, "yes, really. What do you want to try today?"
"You're not scared? You're not going to set rules for me?" I said warily.
Edward looked at me seriously, "no, I'm not. I trust you. You said you knew where this power of yours is heading and I want you to fulfill your potential. Now, what do you want to do today?"
I stared at him and slowly spoke, "I would like… to try and change you and me again – and see if I can do it simultaneously like I did when I changed us back last time."
Edward nodded his agreement, excitement in his eyes. I stood up and he followed. We stood facing each other. I concentrated and looked into Edward's liquid golden eyes.
Human, soft, breathing, warm, human, fragile, blood, human…
A blinding heat, then I opened my eyes. No colors, ok I'm changed – I looked at Edward – green eyes and pink cheeks – he's changed too.
"You're getting better at this, love", he said. Vampire or not, his voice could cease any argument – and his looks could stop traffic.
I smiled at him, "I hope so. It's kind of scary though – not really knowing concretely what this power could lead to, you know?"
"I know Bella, but we have to play around with it to see where you'll go". He always knows what to say.
"Let's see how long this lasts", I said.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, what if our human form can fade or change based on time". I said.
He raised his eyebrows, "good thinking".
I walked over to the large bed he had up against one of the walls and sat on the edge. Edward looked at me seductively and ran forward and lunged. He flung himself onto me, knocking me down, laughing the whole time. We were tangled up in each other's arms and legs.
"Definitely not as smooth as a vampire's speed or agility", I panted holding my side.
He laughed too, "Or as attractive looking. Did I hurt you?"
"No. No need to worry. You're human too – so any hurt goes both ways." I said.
He smiled and grabbed my left hand, "are you counting down the days until you're mine exclusively, or am I the only one doing that?" he said as he kissed my ring.
"I am already yours exclusively and of course I am anxiously awaiting the wedding", I said looking at him, both of us lying down on our sides facing one another.
"Alice has been blocking me from her thoughts for a while now. She wants so badly for us to have what we want. I will be indebted to you forever for not complaining once this whole time", he said finishing with a yawn.
"Did you just yawn?" I said incredulously.
He thought for a moment, "Wow, I guess I did. Interesting."
I felt my eyelids getting heavier – what a curious sensation to have after a long time. I dragged my hand up and down Edward's warm arm yawning as well, my breathing getting slower. Edward had closed his eyes to my touch. I briefly wondered if he felt as tired as I did, before I lost consciousness.
"Bella? Edward!? Can you hear me?" I heard a panicked voice near my ear. Through the fog in my brain, I knew this voice. I felt like I was being shaken then I heard another voice I knew,
"Edward, Bella, you need to wake up", the deeper voice said.
Wake up?
Am I asleep?
I felt hands around my face, "Bella?" Edward is here.
I opened my eyes slowly and sat up. Edward was still next to me looking confused, and Alice and Carlisle are leaning over the bed looking amused.
The situation dawned on me, "Oh my gosh! Edward! You were asleep!" I cried.
He laughed groggily, "So were you, love."
He still looked human, I looked down to myself, and I was as well. What just happened?
Carlisle seemed to read my thoughts, "Your power must have enabled you both to fall asleep. Obviously you haven't changed back, so you didn't lose any concentration during your slumber, Bella – either that or your power was on pause while you were sleeping. How do you feel?" His eyes were bright with excitement.
Edward spoke first, "I can't remember the last time I slept. I don't know what to say. I feel fine though", he said softly.
I must have looked forlorn because Edward's eyes snapped up to meet mine.
"Don't look that way, love, I adored every second of it." He said to me, touching my face.
"I am going to write this new development down. You both rest up for more testing in a few days." With that Carlisle left the room.
"I can honestly say that I've never seen him this wound up about anyone's power. And that's saying something – he's been around for a while. I wonder if he remembers what it's like to feel human." Alice said quietly to us, staring after Carlisle.
Just then an idea came to me.
Alice's looked at me, her eyes wild, "YES! That is an incredible idea, Bella!"
"What is she referring to, Bella?" Edward said laughing.
I looked at him and smiled, "You're really going to have to trust me, because I trust myself", I started, "Rose, Emmett, Jasper, could you all come up to Edward's room?" I said slightly louder.
Edward looked suspicious, "what --?"
I interrupted him, "This is something I really want to do, ok? We've experienced it, and they haven't".
Just then, Rosalie, Emmett and Jasper came through the door.
I looked to them, "Rosalie, Emmett – could you come over here?" They both approached warily – Emmett still said he was scared of me and it showed in his eyes, and Rosalie looked absolutely hopeful, "I am going to change you, alright? Don't be scared – you don't need to do anything." I walked to them slowly and got close so only they could hear what I was about to say, "I know you Rosalie, I know that you want to remember what it feels like to be human. I want to tell you that it is only an elaborate illusion, but it's quite convincing. And Emmett, you've never been able to be with Rose as a human, I want to give this experience to you – if you'll let me". I then took a step back from them – they were staring at each other.
Emmett looked at me, his eyes wide, "Bells, if you want to do this, I would love it. Rose had wanted to feel this too. You can do this?"
I smiled, "Yes, I can do this for you. I want to. You have given me something to be happy about – I want to do the same!"
Emmett turned back to Rosalie, "Rose? You ok sweetheart?"
Rosalie nodded, if she could cry, I think she would have been right then.
I took a deep breath, and concentrated on them both; human, warmth, love, human, fragile, Emmett, Rose, human, soft – my eyes burned and I heard a gasp. My eyes instantly opened and I saw Emmett and Rosalie eyeing one another. They were both human, but still breath-taking. They were both touching each other and laughing softly at the sensation. Emmett took Rosalie's hand gently and they walked to their room slowly, Emmett winking at me as they passed.
I smiled and turned to Alice and Jasper. Alice was bouncing out of her skin and Jasper look terrified.
"It will be alright, Jasper." Alice said to him. He relaxed immediately, turning to her, smiling.
I concentrated on the two of them – human, Alice, soft, warm, Jasper, human – it happened much faster this time. I opened my eyes to see them already kissing! I shut my eyes instantly, laughing. Edward's arms pulled me to him. He was so warm! He kissed my neck softly.
"They are already in their room", he cooed into my ear.
"Should I change Carlisle and Esme?" I said quietly.
Edward thought for a minute, I opened my eyes to see him, "Let's ask him – Carlisle? Esme?"
At once, they were in Edward's room.
"Yes, Edward?" Esme said.
"Bella wants to ask you something", Edward said smiling.
I smiled back at him and looked to my new parents, "I have played with my power long enough to know that I no longer have to be in the room to keep someone changed. I just have to keep my focus. What I would like to know is if you both would like to be changed."
Esme smiled and look up to Carlisle, "Well it's been such a long time", he started, "and I know this is a new power. I trust you Bella and I know that you can change us back at any time if your focus gets too strained – and I expect you to use your best discretion. If you want to practice, then you may change us".
I smiled and closed my eyes – I didn't even need to chant words before the heat came. I opened my eyes to find Carlisle and Esme already leaving the room.
Edward came to me grinning, "You have no idea how long Carlisle has been suppressing his curiosity to ask you to do that. You are too kind".
"Oh please! You and your family have given me so much; it's only fair that I repay the favor".
"Oh, you have, love – a thousand times over", he leaned down and touched his warm lips to mine. This was heaven – and if anyone deserved to feel true bliss, it was my family; and I am so lucky to be able to give them what they have wanted for a long time.
Thank you for reading!
I plan on taking the story much further, so in another couple chapters, expect some more drama.
Talk to you all soon!