Chapter 6

A/N: Here we are with another chapter of this rollercoaster. I knew that a lot of people are mad at Alice, but all I can say is give her some leeway, she has her reasons. I know some have asked about why no one has contacted Bella's parents. All these things will be addressed soon. No other real questions I can answer. I love hearing all your theories and thoughts. Without y'all I'm just sitting here talking to myself. Thanks always to Maplestyle, SassyNoles, and 2 brown eyes, these ladies are awesome and soooo encouraging. Thanks to my beta AlicesWhiteRabbit, she is amazing. Let's see how Bella is doing.

I knew it. Alice lied straight to my face. I felt the anger flare in me, and before I knew it, Carlisle's door was covered in a sheet of ice, and I flung it open. Carlisle and Esme gaped at me, and the fact that they looked scared just pissed me off more. I turned on my heels and went back the way I came. I felt Carlisle grab my wrist, but he recoiled in pain, and his hand immediately turned red, like what had happened with Lauren and Jasper. I had no idea why until I looked down, and I had turned the lighter blue color I had earlier, with the snowflakes embedded in the surface. I let out a huff, and I could see my breath, and there was a snowy mist surrounding my hands.

"What's going on with me?" I asked, more than a little freaked out.

"The only thing I can think is that you're using the energy your anger is generating."

"Why did Alice lie to me? Not only that. Why does everyone else seem to know and no one told me? I have a right to be angry, Mr. Cullen."

"Alice's visions aren't absolute, and what she saw was still very blurry. We didn't want to unnecessarily upset you if it could be avoided."

See, now that just pissed me off more. "I'm not a child, damnit; I have a right to know. Why did Alice see my future disappear?" I demanded. I was tired of this already.

"Bella, if you want to come sit down in the office, we'll talk about this," Esme said soothingly.

I stomped my foot and ice skated across the tiled floor, causing Esme and Carlisle to back away from me and the ice. "No, I don't need to sit down. I want to know. Now."

Carlisle told me what Alice saw in her vision and what it could mean. "Either something happens that causes your future to be beyond her gift or …"

"What would cause my future to be beyond her gift?" I asked, knowing the answer wasn't good.

He and Esme shared worried looks. "Death, or close enough to it that the future would be unsure."

I felt a bit of my anger wane at this, and my skin changed to the darker blue I was used to. "What's the other option?"

"Just like you can shield your mind from perceived threats, there are a few rare, gifted people who can hide from people with psychic abilities. Has Edward told you—" Carlisle explained.

"About the wicked witch of the northwest? Yeah. I know all about his crazy ex," I told him.

"Well, she showed an ability to do close to the same thing. Esme has some precognition. It works differently than Alice's, but she never saw Angela's attack coming. Otherwise, it would have never happened," Carlisle replied.

"So, I may have Edward's unstable ex coming after me. Why?" I demanded.

"Well, Edward had to have told you that she is on the other side now. It's obvious even without being fully trained that you're especially powerful. Can you see where I might be going with this?" Carlisle asked.

"You're saying the bad guys want me for my power? This is some superhero bullshit, which I didn't sign up for, thank you." I scoffed.

"Bella, none of us asked to be gifted. We just are, and some people want to use the extra boost we've been given to do good. Others want to use it to oppress normal people or give themselves a leg up," Esme explained. "You may not have wanted to join this war, but you've been drafted regardless and will have to choose a side."

"Well, obviously, I want to be on the side of good. Every time I've hurt someone, it'd been an accident, and I've felt horrible. Alice wants me to use Caius' power to supercharge myself, and that doesn't feel right either. That's why I came to talk to you, Mr. Cullen."

"Do you want to come sit down so we can talk about these concerns, Bella?"

I nodded, feeling kinda embarrassed now that I'd lost it on this nice guy and his gorgeous, empathetic wife. "Sorry, I kind of lost it. I don't like being kept in the dark."

"Perfectly understandable, dear. I have a class to teach, so I'll leave you two to talk. Bella, again, if you need anything, I'm here," Esme said.

I nodded and sat in the comfortable, plushy chair in Carlisle's office. I waited while he spoke quietly to Esme and bid her goodbye. After a few minutes, he joined me and sat at his desk. "So, what are you wanting to know?"

"Well, Alice and Edward said that you usually have a training session on Saturday, and everyone is in, so we can all support each other, but Alice said Caius was going to join too and that maybe I can see if my psychic whatever thing could protect someone else's mind too. Doesn't it seem wrong to use him in that way, and even more, that he is volunteering for it?"

"I don't think so, Bella. I think it worries you that this may somehow hurt him, but he can generate massive amounts of energy, and he can't reabsorb it, so it's probably a relief to have someone who can take it and use that energy. All your friends are deeply passionate about wanting to help you, so I don't think they would suggest something that would make you unhappy or even hurt you.

"I know that last training session took a lot out of you, but just a few minutes ago, you did something that's never happened before. Your body is learning how to use that excess energy automatically. Most of the training is for up here," he said, pointing to his head. "The brain takes a lot longer in some people to fall in line. The body is the quickest learner in maintaining homeostasis."

"So, you're saying the more stubborn I am, the longer it'll take to 'learn' how to control these powers?"

"Well, to put it bluntly, yes. It's not necessarily about how to control your powers, but more about how to prioritize so they aren't always in the on position, so to speak."

I nodded, taking in everything he was telling me. It was a lot of information to process, especially with the other things on my mind as well. "So, what are we supposed to do about this possible Angela situation?"

"I think all we can do is remain diligent, and you should continue to train. I did want to tell you that I spoke with your parents."

"You did? Why?"

"Well, I spoke with the authorities and your parents to make sure there wasn't any legal blowback. You're still a minor who's supposed to be under their care. After some discussion and gentle nudging, your parents begrudgingly agreed that it's best for you to stay here at school. It's not the first time I've had to talk to parents on behalf of students before."

"I'm surprised they gave you any pushback on me staying here."

"Why? Your parents obviously care for you."

"Did they tell you what happened before I ran away?"

"Yes, your dad was very vocal about how many strings he had to pull to keep you from getting charged with assault."

"I was defending myself. That bi—" I started, stopping myself from getting upset. She wasn't even worth it anymore. "She wasn't a nice person."

"Well, whatever your dad did, it worked. You're staying here, and it's all legal. No worries. Now, have I addressed all your concerns?"

"Yeah, thanks, Mr. Cullen. I appreciate you being honest with me."

"Anytime, Bella. I think we're in the middle of lunch, so you better hurry so you can eat before it's time to go back to class."

"Yeah, I'm sorry I missed classes on my first day."

"It's no worry."

I headed straight for the cafeteria and grabbed something to eat. I noticed everyone was still gathered together at our regular table. I saw Alice watching me with a weary look. I grabbed her arm and set my tray down. "I need to talk to you. Now," I said, pulling on her arm before she could respond. I felt a lethargic haze settle over me. I pushed on the barrier I was becoming familiar with. "Stay out of it, Jasper." Alice and I made our way outside. "You know, I really don't know why I expected anything less, Ali, but for you to keep your vision from me is pretty messed up. I thought we were best friends. Did just everything fucking change the minute you stepped foot on this property?"

"Bella, do you know what happened before my parents died?"

"I don't get—"

"I saw the car accident, B. I saw them get severely injured, for days, it just kept coming back to me."

"But they—"

"Yeah, they died. Because I told them what I saw. I told them everything I saw happening. They didn't want to believe me, but that seed of doubt was planted. I was sitting in second period, math, in our shitty high school, and I had a new vision. In this one, I saw both of them dying on impact. It was too late for me to do anything because, by lunchtime, they were already gone," she explained, tears running down her face.

I pulled her tiny body in my arms, embracing her, feeling like an ass. I really needed to stop jumping to conclusions and making snap judgments. The fact of the matter was every person in this school had a story. We all could do things that normal people could only do in their dreams. "I'm sorry I snapped at you, Ali. That had to be really scary. Just realize we're all in this together. We only get through it by sticking together. What happened to your parents won't happen here. We all have superpowers," I said, trying to get her to smile.

She smiled and sniffled. "You're right. We both need to be more trusting. I'm sorry I told everyone but the one person who really needed to know."

We made it back to our table with our arms linked and smiling widely.

We ate lunch and sat around talking. I mostly sat observing. The way that Rose smiled at Emmett, and the adoring look he gave her. The way that Alice and Jasper seemed to communicate without talking, but they were always touching, even if it was just holding each other's hand. Jessica had an easy confidence, but it wasn't fake or bitchy. Seth was quiet, but I saw him taking in and absorbing everything, the picture of calm.

Caius and Edward were both acting differently than usual. It was like they had switched places. Edward was laughing and joking around with everyone else, and Caius was quiet and broody. It looked a lot better on Edward, honestly. I wondered if there was some male ego thing going on there. I knew Caius had shown interest in me, and it seemed like Edward wanted to be friends now. The whole thing just hurt my head, and I gave up trying to figure out teenage boys.

The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, and we all hurried to empty our trays, stack them, grab our bags, and book it to class. My next class was with Rose, Edward, and Caius. We were all walking together when Caius tugged on my sleeve, asking me to fall back so I could talk to him. Rose looked back at me, and I shooed her on.

"I just wanted to make sure you were okay after the training this morning."

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine. Thank you. I didn't mean to make you worry. It's just been one thing after another today."

"Sorry that Carlisle stuck you with Edward. I know you guys haven't been getting along lately."

"Oh, we're fine. He apologized and told me what happened with Angela," I explained, noticing that he flinched when I said her name. "Caius, are you okay?" I asked, concerned.

"Yeah, she just messed with all of us. I'm glad you two are getting along now," he said, but his tone made me think he was anything but thrilled that Edward and I were on our way to becoming friends.

I looked up and saw Edward trying to be covert about watching our interaction. I wanted to stick my tongue out at him, just out of principle. Again, the tug of war was starting to hurt my head. We had just arrived at our classroom when Caius pulled on me again to stop me. "Just watch out for Edward, okay? He's good at hiding who he really is."

"I thought you guys were friends."

"We were great friends a long time ago, but things changed when A-Angela showed up, and he's been a different person since she left."

"Well, yeah, something like that is bound to leave its mark."

"With his temper, I wouldn't be surprised if he was the next one to switch sides."

"Caius, if you really think that, then now more than ever, he needs the support of his friends. You might want to decide if you fall in that category," I said, abruptly turning and walking into class.

I bypassed Rose and went to sit next to Edward. He gave me a sweet smile. The bell still hadn't rung, so I gestured for Rose to come sit next to us. She got up and sat in front of Edward—the only free seat near us. Edward squeezed her shoulder, still smiling. Caius quietly took a seat a few rows over, looking more than a little grumpy.

I wasn't stupid. I knew what Caius was trying to pull when he warned me away from Edward, and I was someone who hated to have their judgment questioned, so he had basically shoved me toward Edward by trying to warn me away. I would figure out who Edward was on my own, and if Caius ended up being right, then I would owe him an apology, but I very much doubted he was.

Classes, homework, and meals all passed by in a blur for the rest of the day, and the next day was like my first day all over because I actually had all my classes. It was more exhausting than the day I had passed out training. Back in Forks, I had no friends and was in all regular placement classes, so there was a lot of time acting like a vegetable. Here, I had a huge circle of friends, I was in accelerated classes, and we also had subjects regular schools didn't have.

Soon Thursday, my training day with Edward, was upon me. I don't know why I was so nervous, but I really was. Our powers basically canceled each other, but his energy was so warm and soothing it was hard not to gravitate toward it, and I knew he hated "leeches", so I was worried that I would accidentally do it again.

I was dressed in my midriff-baring attire again, and I felt a sliver of pleasure ripple through me when I noticed him watching me with darkened green eyes. We were waiting for Carlisle to show up, so I called back to my gymnastic days and lifted myself off the floor mat into a handstand, and then I flipped over and landed on my feet, smiling smugly at Edward. He chuckled and was about to respond when Carlisle walked in the door.

"Good morning, Bella, Edward. Sorry, I'm a little tardy this morning."

We both mumbled responses, and Carlisle took off the cardigan he was wearing, and I was surprised to see that he had a form-fitting T-shirt on under it, and his form was pretty impressive. Edward was wearing a tight, sleeveless shirt and track pants. I was suddenly glad I was dressed the way I was.

"Okay, Edward. I know how you feel about this, but I want to see if she can project her shield in this controlled environment before she tries it on Saturday. To do this, she'll need to absorb your energy. Are you okay with that?"

Edward looked over at me, and he nodded and looked like he was concentrating, and his skin started to turn that deep crimson color, his hair looked like a shimmering flame, and flames danced across the skin of his palms.

"Okay, I want to tax you as little as possible, Bella, so I think if you're touching, it might make it easier," he said calmly.

I closed my eyes and tried to feel, but nothing was there; it was just like standing in a room by myself. "Carlisle, I can't feel his energy."

"This will be more subtle, Bella. You're not in a heightened emotional state, and this energy is different than Caius'."

I nodded, and after trying to feel, I opened my eyes. I was starting to get frustrated. "I still can't feel it."

Edward was faster than I expected, and suddenly, he had his arms around me from behind, holding me in his iron grip. It completely freaked me out, and I fought against his warmth with my ice, and I felt the warm sensation seep deep into me, soothing me. I pushed against the barrier that was becoming a familiar friend, and I visualized it enveloping Edward and me.

"I can't hear either of you. This is fascinating. Okay, Bella. Can you control it so it only protects you?"

I shook my head because the control was starting to falter. "I can't hold it much longer. It's burning me," I said, gritting my teeth.

"Edward, let go of her and get over here, quickly."

I felt Edward's warmth leave me, but there was a burning sensation that was pulling in from my limbs to settle right where my heart was. "It hurts. What's going on?"

"You need to do something with the energy, Bella. Visualize it; see it turning into something you can use."

I focused on the feeling, the buzzing in my veins, the electrical hum, and suddenly, all I could think of was icicles. How water would run down from the roof, but it was so cold that it caused icicles to form from the peaks. I felt the energy rush out from my hands. I opened my eyes, and I was holding two perfectly formed icicles. They were thicker and came to sharp points—they obviously would be perfect to stab someone with. I also noticed I was a lighter blue color with the snowflakes. I was starting to find I preferred my skin this way. I was so surprised that I dropped one of the icicles, and it shattered. I groaned. I heard Edward and Carlisle both exclaim their surprise.

"That was wild," I said. "I projected my shield to cover someone else."

"Yes, you also learned how to manipulate energy that was different from the one you did on Tuesday. There are all types," Carlisle answered.

I looked over to Edward, and he looked a little worn down. I rushed over to him. "Are you okay?" I asked, cradling his face.

He flinched away from me. "Yeah, I'm okay, but your hands are freezing," he said, chuckling. I playfully punched him, laughing with him.

"Carlisle, I was wondering. You said from the beginning that you wanted me and Edward to work together, but if I'm just sapping his energy, how is that helping him?"

Carlisle smiled. "Bella, I want you to try something." He took a glass and filled it with water and set it on the floor. Immediately, I felt the signature energy of my power. "Pull the energy from this cup of water, but don't absorb it, hold it on the surface, and visualize it warming every second that you hold it. When it gets too hot to hold, touch Edward's skin, and let the energy go."

I focused on doing what Carlisle told me to do. It was easy to draw the energy from the glass of water; it was a little harder to hold it on the surface instead of letting it wash over me and make frost. I visualized it warming up, and when it felt like my skin was about to burn, I gripped Edward's bicep and let go of the energy that was right there. Edward gasped, and I opened my eyes. He looked more energetic and not so worn down.

"Holy shit! I can heal people?" I asked. Edward looked as surprised as me.

"Well, no. You can probably only do that with someone who has the same power as you, or the same energy. And someone like Edward, who has the exact opposite power as you. You know what his power feels like, and so you can take what you have and manipulate it to be what he needs to energize him. You wouldn't be able to do the same thing for say someone like me or Alice. Or Emmett."

"That's still pretty cool."

"And that was why I wanted you two to work together. I think we've done enough today though, yes?"

"Yeah, and incidentally, I'm starving again."

"I'll go find a snack with you, Bella. I'm feeling a little hungry too," Edward chimed in.

I smiled at him, we bid farewell to Carlisle, and I pulled on my hoodie, which he did as well. We walked out into the brisk, early morning spring air, and it took me a moment to notice we were holding hands. They were actually linked together.

"Is this okay?" Edward asked.

I surprisingly couldn't find one thing wrong with holding his hand. His large one dwarfed my smaller one, but his grip was still so gentle. We stopped by the vending machines and had a debate over whether Squirt or Mello Yellow was a better alternative citrus beverage. He found my defense of Squirt so moving that he got one himself. We grabbed pretzels and Swedish Fish, which we mixed together and divided the mix between us.

I found when Edward was in a good mood and we weren't fighting, he was a very calming presence to be around. It wasn't time for second period yet, so we sat on a raised concrete slab and ate our snack. I leaned against him, feeling completely calm. The training had left me feeling buzzed, but now it was starting to wear off, leaving me just content.

"That was pretty intense. I had no idea you could do all that." Edward said.

"I had no idea I could either."

"Are you willing to concede that you're pretty powerful?"

I chuckled and nodded. "Okay, fine, you win this round, Mr. Masen, but don't get used to it."

He chuckled, and I was surprised to find his fingers on my chin, lifting my head to look at him. "You are so much more powerful than you give yourself credit for, and not just in terms of your gift, Bella. Caius told me what he said about me, trying to apologize, and that you defended me. I'm continually intrigued by you daily."

His face was so close to me. I could feel his breath on my face, and it smelled sweet from the candy we had eaten. I closed my eyes, trying to find my bearings. It was hard to think straight with him so close to me. I felt his breath closer to me, and then I felt his lips brush against mine, softly at first, then more firm. My eyes snapped open, just to make sure I wasn't imagining things, and when I clarified he was kissing me, I drove my hands into his hair and just melted into the kiss.

A/N: So, how are we feeling now? Let me know what you think and leave a review. Y'all rock and see you next week lovelies!