Chapter 40: Learning

Despite everyone's fear that Edward would kill his parents, he couldn't even think about the tantalizing blood around him. All he could hear was his mother's thoughts. She wished it had been her. She wished they hadn't fought so much about college when now it was silly, all things considered. She wished they were still alive.

After burning for two days and a half, Edward thought he had paid for every mistake he had done in his human life. Apparently not. He had to endure his mom's agonizing thoughts. His dad wasn't thinking much, just of how young they had been and that it wasn't normal for a parent to bury their child.

Once they had been out of the coffins, Edward broke down and then snapped at Bella, regretting his words as soon as they were out of his mouth. He knew what he had to do. And for some miraculous reason, Alice told him to do it.

That was how Bella and he ended up on the porch of his house, knocking on the front door. It was late, Edward was aware of that. But he could hear that his parents were awake.

Who can it be at this hour? His mom wondered as she shuffled toward the door. Pain laced her thoughts.

The locks turned and the door opened. Her eyes widened and her hands went to her mouth then to her heart.

"Liz? Who is it?" His dad asked, coming downstairs.

His mom was watching them in disbelief. When his dad joined her, he gasped loudly and rubbed his eyes.

I need sleep. Maybe I'm going insane.

Edward bit his tongue. He waited for one of them to say something; anything.

"It's really true?" His mom whispered so softly Edward wouldn't have heard if not for his super hearing.

"Yes, it is," Bella answered on the same tone.

His dad swayed and Edward reacted on instict and caught him before he hit the floor. Shit. He was insane for doing this to them. Bella had been right. His mom knew something. It was like she had almost expected them to come.

Edward helped his dad on the couch while Bella fetched a glass of water. He stood anxiously, gulping venom through his flaming throat. He wasn't going to hurt them.

After about five excruciating minutes, his dad came around. His heart started beating erratically when he saw his son again.

"Edward?"

Edward tried to smile a little. "It's me." He nodded.

"It's not possible. Liz, what's going on?" He turned to his wife, who was watching her son through teary eyes.

Edward glanced at Bella, and she nodded. He ran a hand through his hair.

"What has Billy told you?" he whispered.

"Years ago, I heard him talking about one of their legends. I didn't believe him immediately," his mom started explaining. "I remembered the story when I came home the day you two made up, last year."

"We weren't doing anything then," Bella announced to her.

"Hold on! Will someone fill me in? And may I ask why your eyes are red, Edward?" His dad asked, frowning.

Didn't he figure it out? Edward wasn't about to admit he was a vampire.

"Have you heard about the cold ones?" His mom turned to her husband.

"No." Why do I feel so out of loop? What the hell is happening? We buried them hours ago!

Edward exchanged a look with Bella. Was it a good idea, after all? She nodded and went to sit next to Ed.

"We're just going to say it. I hope we won't cause you any distress," she said softly.

"Why…?"

Bella looked Edward's dad the eye and said it. She was so much stronger than Edward. "There's no easy way to say it. We're vampires."

His mom sucked in a breath. It was probably worse to hear it. She turned to Edward, and he averted his eyes. A few moments later, his sad started laughing. He didn't believe it.

I had a nightmare and just woke up. The kids are fine. Although they think they're vampires.

"Can we prove it?" Edward whispered to Bella.

"No funny business," she warned.

He rolled his eyes and looked around for something that could be destroyed that they wouldn't miss. His gaze fell on one of his first toys – a wooden car. What the hell was it doing on the mantle place?

"If you don't believe us, I'll show you," Edward said, going to the toy and picking it up.

His mom's eyes welled up with tears. She'd brought it out as a reminder of him. He turned the car in his hands a few times. He had flashes of that day he had helped his dad make it. His mom was thinking of the same thing, her thoughts clearer than his.

Ed was watching him intrigued. He couldn't understand what was wrong with his son's eyes.

Edward should have thought of that. He should have used Bella's old method – contacts.

As his fist closed around the car, it started cracking and with one not very hard squeeze, the car split in little pieces that became dust as he kept squeezing. He threw the dust in the fireplace as not to put it on the carpet. His mom was anal about cleaning.

They were watching him shocked. They both believed them. Bella came to Edward, wrapping her arms around him.

"How is it possible?" His dad asked in disbelief.

"I was one before Edward," Bella answered. "It was the only way to save him."

"So there had been an accident," his mom interjected.

"Yeah… I was tired. I should have let Bella drive." Edward sighed, trying to distract himself from the potent blood coming from their direction.

Bella started explaining to them in a few words about her life and finished with how Edward turned into a vampire. Being able to read their minds was beneficial. As the explanation went on, they started believing more and more and thought they were insane less and less.

"Well, what can I say?" His dad chuckled nervously at the end of Bella's story. "I was just joking when I told you that you'll marry a vampire; you and your obsession."

Edward joined him in laughter before focusing on his mom. She got up from the couch, ready to come to him.

"NO," he said, panicked. She froze. "I can't… I'm sorry."

"You'll have to keep this a secret," Bella told them. "No one, under any circumstances, is to know that vampires exist or that we are alive."

"What about earlier?" she asked, frowning. "In the coffin…"

Edward kept his smile hidden. "We did a pretty good job, eh?"

Bella slapped him upside down the head.

"What?" he asked, surprised.

"You didn't change at all." His mom laughed shakily.

Edward shrugged, looking sheepish. He turned his attention to his dad when he heard his thoughts. Edward couldn't help but laugh. He was upset Edward had destroyed the car. He had worked a whole weekend to make it.

"Sorry about the car," Edward whispered.

He glanced up, shocked. "I didn't say anything."

Bella raised her hand to slap him again. Edward dodged her before she could hit him again.

"Sometimes… we can have powers," he started saying. "I can read minds." He beamed.

"You always had a tendency to read people." His mom nodded, acknowledging the information.

They were taking it too well, but then again, Edward hadn't even blinked when Bella admitted she was a vampire. He had suspected her for some time, just like his mom had suspected something. His dad seemed quite okay with this new situation as well.

"And the Cullens?" His mom asked after a few minutes of thinking.

Edward exchanged a look with Bella before she answered. "Yes, they're like us."

"We should have realized it. You never ate when you stayed over and Lord knows how many times Edward ate two helpings," his dad said with a chuckle.

"You saw that?" Edward asked, surprised.

"I'm not blind, kid. I just thought Bella didn't eat much. You know how kids are these days."

His mom started thinking if they were indeed leaving or were they going to stay longer in town. She wanted to talk for longer. Edward was reaching his limit and he knew he had to leave. He had to hunt.

"We're staying until the weekend, I think. I'll have to ask Carlisle, though," Bella said, sensing Edward's problem. "We'll leave now, let you sleep. We're really sorry for hurting and scaring you."

"A small part of me hoped some miracle happened and that you were alive. But when I saw you this morning…."

"Mom, we're okay," he whispered. "I really…have to go," he continued, making his way to the door.

Bella explained that he was uncomfortable, letting them think whatever they wanted of that. They understood why he had to leave. Edward promised to visit them again then took Bella's hand and went toward the woods.

"This was the stupidest thing I've done in my existence!" Bella exclaimed when they were a few miles away.

"For everything is a start."

"You knew I couldn't say no to you!"

He grinned and kissed her cheek. "Hungry?"

"Thirsty." She corrected, rolling her eyes.

"I wish I could offer you my wrist."

"And for you?" She smirked. "Let's find some deer. And please, snap the neck before drinking."

"Got it." He thought about it for a little while then turned to Bella. "Race you!"

Edward started running, still looking behind. She wasn't moving. Her eyes were wide and she was watching something in front of him. He turned around right in time to see a bear.

His feet froze and he almost turned around, ready to run the other way when he realized the bear should have been scared of him. Not the other way round.

"No, Edward!" Bella cried out.

It was too late. Edward had jumped on the furry animal. The bear wrapped his long, strong arms around him, but he was stronger.

Edward hissed, and the bear dropped him, growling, sitting on his back legs. Edward went behind him before he could see him moving and snapped his huge neck. When the bear fell, it was like a small earthquake. Bella appeared at him side, slapping him upside the head.

"Show off."

Edward smirked and sank his teeth in the jugular. The warm blood flew nicely down his throat, soothing the ache he had felt all through the meeting with his parents.

Bella knelt on the other side of the bear and helped herself. Edward surprised himself when he hissed violently at her. She looked at him panicked.

He wanted to share. Why was he acting like this? Why couldn't he get control over his new body? He had very nearly attacked her when he first woke up.

She returned her attention to the other side of the bear's neck, but cautiously. Edward tried to suppress a growl. Was it a good idea to fight against his own body when he was so young? He was afraid to just suddenly snap at her without even meaning to hurt her.

When the bear was drained of blood, Bella hid him under a part of the ground Edward had ripped. He was afraid of even going near her. She didn't seem to realize he had no control over himself, and approached him, taking his hand and walking in the direction of the Cullen home.

"What happened earlier?" He finally asked.

"With the bear?"

"Yes. I swear, I didn't mean it."

"I shouldn't have done it. It's my fault." Figures, she'd blame herself. "Usually, mates allow each other to drink from the same prey. I guess, you are too young to think more of me than a threat to your food."

"What the hell?" Edward shouted, whirling around so fast, he stopped an inch from her face. "I always care about you, Isabella."

She sighed, shaking her head. "Have you forgotten everything we told you? It's possible, you know. I could tell you again."

"I realize that for some time…blood will be my first priority…and I hate it! But I will never harm you! I fucking love you!"

"I love you too," she whispered, stroking his cheek.

They walked in silence the rest of the way home. Alice was excited about some present that had arrived. It was for them so she hadn't opened it.

"Don't you have anything better to do? Why must you meddle?" Edward hissed as they went inside.

I'm sorry. I'm just excited, she answered in her mind. Besides, I already know what is in there. She winked and skipped up the stairs.

"Why were you so rude?" Bella asked, confused.

"Rude?" he asked, surprised. What was wrong with him? "There's a packet for us on the bed in your room."

"Our room," she corrected him, and led the way there.

Bella unwrapped the present and gasped loudly upon seeing the contents. Edward went behind her to peek at it. There was a delicate necklace on the bed and…there was a letter in her hands. Edward read over her shoulder.

My dear friends, Isabella and Edward,

I hope you had a wonderful wedding and even better honeymoon. It's unfortunate to hear about the accident.

But I am pleased to hear you kept your promise. How does the new life become you, young Edward?

I want to extend this letter as an invitation for you to join us. I am sure you are both generously gifted. I am still intrigued by your muteness, Isabella.

Hoping to hear from you soon,

Your faithful friend,

Aro Volturi

"Shit," Edward said under his breath.

Bella scowled at the red jewels on the bed. They looked like rubies. Lots of them. "Do you want to reply to him?"

"And decline?"

"Of course! I hope he hasn't heard yet about our visit to your parents."

"You can write the reply," he muttered. "I'm sure you know what to write. I'm going to talk with Carlisle."

Edward didn't wait for her to answer, simply leaving the room. As much as he had wanted this life, it suddenly didn't look good at all. He was snapping at the people he loved, he was thinking only of blood and nothing else. He was a monster.

He stopped in front of Carlisle's office door and thought if it was a good idea to ask him about all this. Could he really help?

Come in when you are ready, Edward, he thought, focused on a medical journal.

About a minute later Edward opened the door and stepped inside.

"I hope I'm not interrupting you," Edward started.

"Nonsense, son. Come, sit down." He waved to the chair in front of his desk.

Edward sat down slowly, trying not to destroy the chair. "Everything is…different." That was an understatement.

He chuckled softly. Edward, it takes some getting used to. As everything else.

"I was never…violent or hurtful before."

Ah, that is your body adapting to this change. Do you remember the time you were fourteen or fifteen?

"A little," he admitted.

Your body was transforming then, as it is now. You were leaving your childhood behind and going to the teenagehood. Being a teenager is the hardest part of the life stage. The hormones are running wild while the body is turning the person into a true man or woman.

It felt like they were having an anatomy lesson. Edward nodded. "But I never…" He trailed off, remembering some vague memories about the tantrums he used to throw.

Carlisle nodded knowingly. You will see, Edward. As time goes by, you will get better. What triggered this conversation? The letter from Aro?

"Uh…no," he mumbled. "I almost turned on Bella while we were hunting."

His eyes widened. "How is that possible?" Carlisle exclaimed.

"She drank from my food."

"Ah, Bella. You should have known better," he said in an almost chiding tone.

"I didn't even think about it," she replied from their room. "I realized my mistake when he hissed at me."

Did you touch her at all? Carlisle asked, silently.

"Are you insane?" Edward shouted, jumping up. Carlisle didn't answer, just allowed his body to relax and when Edward was calm enough, he sat back down. "Sorry, but no! Jesus, Carlisle! I love Bella."

Edward, do you realize that now you have to share everything you like and love, including Bella, with your thirst? Let me make you understand, he continued when Edward opened his mouth to protest.

"Okay," Edward whispered, slumping into the chair.

When you were hungry – really hungry – as a human. Did you allow anyone else to share your food?

Edward thought how he used to be, even toward his father, when he tried to steal some muffins. "I guess I see your point."

Good. Now amplify that sensation by one hundred, one thousand. That's how you felt when Bella drank from the same animal as you. You felt threatened. She was stealing your precious food.

"But it was plenty. I took down a bear and I didn't even think of hurting her…I just hissed. I was surprised by my own body's reaction."

You can't control nature. Like you couldn't control falling in love with Bella.

Edward was starting to understand how it worked. How he worked. There was just one thing he had to do – he had to learn discipline over his body. He was its master, not the other way round.

"Thank you, Carlisle. The discussion was…fulfilling."

He smiled. You're welcome, son. Feel free to knock on my door with any questions. You must have many.

"Just a billion, but they can wait." Edward chuckled.

He left, feeling a lot better. When he reached the living room, he found Rosalie at the piano.

An idea came to him and Edward joined her on the bench. She looked surprised to see him there. Maybe he had moved too fast?

"Edward!"

"Hi." He grinned. "Would you like to…teach me?" He nodded to the piano, not taking his eyes off hers.

"The pleasure is mine. You know the basics, right?"

"Yeah, I know how to play Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."

She laughed, shaking her head. "By the end of our lessons, you will be able to play Moonlight Sonata."