A New Existence

by Byher

This is a story about Bella getting changed into a vampire by Victoria after book one and what ensues from that occurrence. Rated M for violence. I don't own Twilight or its characters.

5. Bella's ambuscade

A little over nine months after Bella is Bitten

Bella's point of view

I have done very well for myself, my invested wealth is stable now, just about doubling monthly at this point. Currently, I am worth about 2.3 million which is nothing compared to the immense wealth of the Cullen's have. Alice probably has jewelry laying around the house more expensive than that. Even so, I went back to the Cullen's and replace the ninety-grand total that I had taken. I kept the clothing items and necklace though. I wear the necklace every day to feel close to Alice, and as a remember that there out there somewhere.

Alice always seemed to spend money like it was water, and know I understand why and have grown to embrace the very comfortable income I have.

I Know money is a necessity, but I also don't want to accrue too much, I will reevaluate my investments in a few months and adjust them for a smaller return. I am happy to have the money, I just think it may attract unwanted attention.

My view on money and gifts were so different as a human. I have been thinking about why that is and come up with two main reasons. Firstly because I earned it. I studied and paid attention to current stock trends and investing in start-ups that went big. I never liked taking gifts from Edward because I felt like it was an unequal exchange, just him being with me was an overwhelming gift that I couldn't hope to repay.

And secondly, because for us vampire's money is so easy to come by, resulting in it having little more meaning than paper. I can now see how pointless it all was, to as a human have those feeling of unequal exchange. It must have been frustrating for him, me arguing about the extravagance of paper.

It's nice buying what I need and not worrying about the cost. I still don't spend frivolously I don't think that will ever be me. I generally buy things I need, I just have no qualms when the price tag is high.

My most expensive purchase was buying My house in Alaska. I got it a month ago but only moved in last week when I came here for school. I brought a nice house in a more secluded heavily forested area in Alaska, not too far from campus. I haven't been here long but already love my home. It's a modern multi-level county style house designed with natural stone and reclaimed wood. Boulders and smaller stones, providing a solid structure that has a rising look along the outer walls, as if they are swallowing the house in a natural uneven way. The dark rich colored wood frames the windows and top rounded entry doorway in a thick border.

The house is on a shallow hillside with a lovely meadow out front that reminds me of the one Edward took me to. That meadow is the main reason why I bought this house. Although it's not the same one, it makes me feel close to Edward and I cherish it. Since I moved in I often lay out there and think about Edward, what he could be doing at that very moment. Often, it makes me a little jealous of those unknown to me, that get to be with him.

Behind the house where the hillside flattens out, there is a circular shaped cobbled patio and wast high border of wooden planters around it. In the distance snow-topped mountains can be seen.

I feel grounded by this house, I feel like I have a home again. I know this will be the first of many homes in my long life, and that suspicion will force me to leave it eventually, but it will always hold a special place in my soul just like Edward does. It has become important to me in the short week I have resided within.

Just getting back from a hunt, I enter through the front door of my house and walk into the single room on the first fool, a large open-floor-plan room. with a large wide stone fireplace to the far right with an inlaid reclaimed wood mantel, and to the far left the kitchen and staircase to the second floor. The room is separated only by the large wooden rectangular table that's surrounded by chairs. The whole wall facing me as I enter is glass and wood framing. I flip the lights on as I walk over and sit on the center of the three couched, all angled towards the fireplace.

The glass wall running the length of the house usually provides plenty of natural lighting to each room, but night has fallen. I am not sure if I turn the lights on by habit or just find it comforting like the light is filling the room and bringing it to life with warmth. I can see fine either way, i think its probably that the soft yellow light is soothing.

I am feeling overly full from my hunt, I might have overdone it, but School starts tomorrow and I didn't want any burning in my throat for my first big day of college. Laughing aloud from the thought, I hear a beautiful melody of bells. The thought is so absurdly traditional mixed with the unnatural, giving a juxtaposition of imagery.

I make myself sound like most other kids out there, just your average full belly kid from eating to much breakfast, that's definitely not me. I am the dangerous vampire that goes out into the forest to drink a bear and a few moose before school. I suppose I have never been the picture of normalcy, I've allows been the grown-up with my parents, never the kid so I have adjusted well. And breakfast for me just went from being a quick pop-tart to a quick bear. I tell myself aloud "well breakfast is the most important meal of the day" the expression taking on a whole new meaning, without morning hunts my throat would burn painfully.

I plan to blend in tomorrow as the Cullen's did in Forks, step one of the plan is driving to school instead of running. I have a detached garage that is hidden past the tree line of the meadow that holds my car. A Deep Blue Metallic Painted 2020 Model 3 Tesla that drives very well on the Alaska roads. I chose it not because it's a luxury car, which it is to me, but for the practicality that it can charge up in the garage where I store it. I won't have to get it gas, which further limits my human interactions. I also like that it's not overly fancy like a sports car, but it does an impressive 140 mph in 4.3 seconds.

Step two, spend lunch in the cafeteria appearing to eat. I have signed up for a full class schedule and have school from 8 am until 3 pm with a brake to fake eat at 11 am. Classes are Monday through Thursday, giving me long weekends away from the humans.

I am taking, introductory Ancient Greek, introductory Italian, introductory American Sign Language, along with some required general education classes like English 5, advanced Biology and a middle eastern studies class. I am looking forward to mastering the languages, and think I probably will be fluent in all of them by the end of this first semester. I don't plan to follow along with the slow class pace so it shouldn't be hard to accomplish.

I have a feeling after this first semester I will be rather board sitting in the continuation classes. I can focus on honing the language I guess, making sure I don't have an American accent when I talk. Then after that, I don't know what I will do. Try not to look bored I suppose.

It's going to get tiresome but for now I'm excited. This is the first of many college carers. I had always dreamed I'd go to college, now it's happening, admittedly not at all how I assumed it would.

I imagined mom and Charlie helping me move into my college dorm. The thought of my parents is making me a little sad, so I pull my legs up to my chest and wrap my arms around them in a comforting manner.

I continue, thinking what each of them would have been like had they dropped my off at college and helped me move in. Charlie would be worried I won't be moved in before it got dark, and my mom wouldn't be helping much, making friends with the students passing by instead. When they are leaving, they would tell me study hard and that they love me.

Charlie would say in his chief swan voice "keep your door locked, there's a lot of creeps out there Bells" and Renee would say "you have to call me every week and will talk boys. I can't believe my little girls in college already."

The picture I've painted Is making me sad because its never going to happen, so I grab the book resting on the small wooden table in front of me. Its Pride and Prejudice a classic I have been reading often lately.

After finishing the novel, I spend all night reding the textbooks for my classes and listening to the pronunciation cd's that they come with. I know it's silly and that I am most likely as prepared as the professors, but I am nervous. This is a new school, in a new town. In a reassuring tone I say aloud to myself "Bella, you're going to do great." Then in a worried voice "In fact too well, oh crap, now I am nervous about both doing too well, and not well enough."

I quickly calm myself down, and reason with myself, "you have been interacting with humans for nine months, so you know how to blend. As for too prepared for school, Alice, Jasper, Rosalie, and Emmitt all did fine and they have graduated from school many times."

Its early morning now, the sun is just rising, brightening the sky slightly. Since it's mid-August it must be around 6 am if the sun is coming up. That means I have a class in just two hours. I unwind my arms and stand, heading for the door, then my meadow. I'll get ready to go in a bit.

I contemplate what's in store for me today. Should I try to make friends or just keep to myself. Alone I might stick out too much. The Cullen's for the most part in Forks high school isolated themselves, so maybe I should do that. If I do that, I might draw more attention, as they did. So maybe I should just try to blend into a crowd.

I make my way to the center of my meadow, it is peaceful with the sounds of animals waking up and the wind blowing through the trees. I can hear the owl I've talked to from time to time, I think of her sort of as a wild pet. I think its a symptom of being lonely.

The noises of nature are nice and calming, I can feel my brain unscrambling. "I suppose I should just be myself, just Bella."

I lay down on my back when I reach the center, I can feel the damp ground soaking into my clothes, but don't mind. I just watch the sky brighten slowly for a half-hour while I think of Edward. I try to remember all my human memories of being with him, everything seemed so simple then. I loved him, he loved me. At the time I didn't believe I deserved his love, but I could never not accept it.

Why he left me is still one of my most irksome questions left. After my change into a vampire, I thought I needed the Cullen's to survive. I no longer feel that way, I can fend very well for myself. I have answered most of my questions about this life on my own. All that remains unanswered are my questions for Edward.

I have so much Love, anger, sadness, and confusion when it comes to him. All those emotions at once swirling around in my head trying to be the prevalent one. I think in trying to control these strong emotions it has made me something of an expert in controlling my, newborn vampire mood swings, as I like to call them. After my change, I noticed that my emotions had become easily erratic and extremely strong at times, but I always reel them in and control myself. As of late, it happens less and less.

Well, that's times up, I better go back inside and get out of these sodden clothes, shower and put fresh ones on. I want to get to school early and find the classroom. The campus is much larger then Forks High and I'll be moving at Human Bella speed, but at least now I don't have to worry about falling in the snow or sliding on ice coved paths.

Step three to blending is dress like the humans. I've noticed the teens aren't quite as bundled up as I would have been in their position. Getting dressed I decide to put on a soft blue sweater that's formfitting and dark blue jeans. I grab my dark blue jacket that cinches at the waist and stops mid-thigh to place on my passenger seat. If I notice a lot of kids did decide to bundle up, I'll put it on.

I make my way downstairs and collect my scattered textbooks needed for today's classes. I place them into my minimalist design Ultramarine bag that I oddly enough got free with the purchase of my car. I sling the leather strap onto my right shoulder and continue out the door. It only takes seconds to get to the garage and inside my car. I turn the car on and pull forward enough to trigger the sensor, when I do, the garage door opens and I drive onto the gravel road that leads to the main street.

It is a very quick drive, going almost top speed for the long stretch of deserted rural roads, only slowing when I get to the main highway closer to campus. I pull into a parking spot, in the lot for the administration building. A large light gay rectangular-shaped building, where on the second floor resides the language department. I still have an hour until class starts so ill just read on my phone in the classroom. I grab my bag off the passenger seat but leave the jacket, it looks like the students out aren't wearing the haver stuff.

Opening the door and getting out of the car, I notice that there aren't very many cars in the lot. I guess the other kids are opting for the extra sleep. I shrug and walk across the black paved parking lot towards the middle of the long building where I see the door. As I do I notice the block letters, Administration Humanities, in the far-right corner and think on the oddity to the two being together.

When I walk through the doors I enter a large room with a wide staircase that climbs to the second floor. To the right there is a counter with a banner above reading financial aid, to the left is another counter with a banner reading admissions and records. I am just looking over at the admissions and records counter when I hear a familiar persuasive voice, and the click of the door closing behind me.

The voice is saying "Yes, I am sorry about the mix-up, my sister signed me up for classes since I was out of town. However, I have…" the voice stopped abruptly and its owner turns to look directly at me as if I had called his name.

It is Edward, a very wide-eyed Edward but still, my beautiful and irresistible looking Edward. The look of surprise was cute, and I am sure mirrored on my face. Is he disappointed to see me, will he ignore me. Then with only a, hold on a moment, to the lady he was talking to, he makes his way to me at a brisk human pace. Then surprises me by crushes me in his arms, saying in a soft voice "what kind of dream is this? No, I shouldn't question it, just wish for it never to cease."

Even with all the emotions swirling in my head, I have space to contemplate Edward's words. I too feel the same, a never-ending dream of Edward would be worthy of being trapped within. I understand the sentiment but am confused with why he thinks he is dreaming now. why am I a dream to him? Does he think he is imagining me standing here, is he ok? Concern and confusion are the prevailing emotion for me. Well, that and hope.

The woman Edward was talking to is saying Sir Repeatedly her voice echoing around the deserted room. I wish she would be quiet and just give us a moment.

This feels so good, being back in Edward's arms. I Look up at Edward, he is holding me so tight, like if he loosed i would disappear. I reassure him "this is not a dream Edward, I won't evaporate with the morning." He barriers his head into my shoulder. I place a hand on his cheek and ask "are you ok"? and continue with " I think the secretary is calling you Edward" in a soft soothing tone.

He lifts his head from my shoulder and looks me in the eyes "I know but I don't care, how can i, my world is shifting right now, and I don't think I am strong enough to let you go." I tell him light-heartedly "I don't want to let you go either but I have class in an hour."

He grins widely, exuding happiness saying, "I don't know how this is possible, but I have thought about holding you every moment of the last nine-month and am not letting you go in an hour." He unwraps his right arm and tucks me into his left side keeping his left arm firmly around my shoulder Cocooning me into his body. It is a very pleasant feeling, he then glides us over to the admissions counter.

He asks me as we're walking "what classes are you taking"? I tell him my schedule of classes and he looks lovingly and adoringly at me. I am not sure why my schedule is so enchanting to him but I love the look on his face. He looks up to the woman and says in a smooth decided voice, "sorry for my impoliteness, but as I was saying before it was my sister that chose my schedule and I have decided on a different course schedule. I'd like to major in Language Studies and would appreciate you enrolling me in introductory Ancient Greek, introductory Italian, introductory American Sign Language, along with English 5, advance biology, and middle eastern studies."

The young woman, probably a work-study student looks quizzical and a little disappointed that Edward has his arm wrapped around me. I ignore her and focus solely on how Edward's body is so close to mine. He is so warm and soft against me. He also smells amazing, mostly the same as before but now with my superior nose, I can also smell his shampoo white honey and argan oil and the distinct scent of our kind.

The women looks thoroughly entranced by Edward, I can't blame her. She replies to Edward "it's no problem switching the classes out for you, it looks like there is room in all the ones you mentioned. Are you sure though, it's a bit of an extreme change?" Edward tells her "positive, thank you for your assistance."

I hear the printer and then Edward is handed a slip of paper while the women says "here is your new schedule, it looks like your first class is upstairs on the second floor in just forty-five minutes. The student center is not open until 8 am so you'll have to go without the textbook for today's class."

I pipe-in softly with "he can share mine." Edward looks down at me in his arms and says gratefully like I am giving him the world "thank you Bella" and it positively melts me. He has been gone from my life for about a year now and I am still hopelessly in love with him, complete putty in his arms. I do want answers from him, and fully intend to extract them later, but for now, I just want to enjoy his presence.

Edward gives the women one last thank you and we make our way to the stairs climbing them as he asks "how is this possible? I don't understand how you can be here."

I playfully tell him "I drove, I really don't live to far."

He looks overwhelmed so I continue "I settled in Alaska a week ago figuring it had plenty of cloud coverage. I looked for your family for a while after I was changed but decide to start school."

Edward shocks me with "no, I mean how are you alive, or more accurately when were you turned"?

We have just made it to the second-floor landing and completely ignoring what he asked I say, "It's really good to be back in your arms" and Edward glides us effortlessly to our classroom.

The large classroom has six tiers of seating overlooking the area for the teacher below, with three whiteboards covering the walls behind a large wooden desk.

We climb to the highest row and sit at the very end of the long wooden bench, I place my bag on the table. While Edward looks expectantly at me. Before I answer his question I take a moment to appreciate Edward sitting on my right, his left arm around me with his hand resting on my abdomen comfortably.

I look up at him, he looks extremely happy but there is also relief in his face, relief to have me back. He thought I was dead, he has been suffering because he thought I was gone all this time. But if he thought that, then that must mean Alice can't see me anymore. Since it happened after my change, I am assuming it has something to do with my gift.

"Edward, I need you to stay calm while I answer what you asked," he nods so I continue trying to sound calming. "Shortly after your family moved away I was hiking, and Victoria came across me, she tried to drain be." Edward's whole body goes ridged beside me and he growls low. I soothingly say "it's ok, she didn't succeed in her attempt, I am here aren't I." then with a more confused tone, "I think wolves saved me, and killed Victoria."

I stop as Edward growls low and murderous at the mention of her name again. Then I think he decided I wasn't safe enough next to him with just an arm around me. He pulls me protectively onto his lap encircling his arms around me so that they overlap over my chest. He rests his chin on my head and murmurs sadly "I was so close to losing you, for real." He continues with a questioning tone that turns appreciative mid-sentence "The werewolves saved you, I will be eternally grateful to them then."

I turn my head to him and look up, exclaiming surprised "Werewolves, what do you mean Werewolves"?

Edward answers "the tribe near forks has members that can shift at will into wolves. You look so surprised, you are a vampire Bella, you know better than most that this world has beings of the supernatural hidden within it." He leans down and kisses my cheek. He doesn't remove his soft lips for a few moments.

when he does it is to tell me "I am sorry Bella, that you have been alone this whole time. I can't imagine how difficult learning this life was for you; I am amazed you can even be sitting in this classroom so near humans. I don't know how you can stand the pain. What I do know is that I love you deeply and if you will allow, I wish to never be parted from you again."

I exhale and say, "You want me, but then why did you leave me"? asking a question that I have wanted an answer to for such a long time.

He slowly exhales, resigned to tell me something he doesn't think I'll like. That look worries me but then Edward says "It wasn't an easy task, leaving you was the hardest thing I have ever done in my existence, but I did it because I thought it was best for you. I wanted you to live a happy long human life, safe from the dangers that surrounded my world. I broke down and went back for you countless times but could never go through with it and left. A deepest regret of mine, only surpassed by the regret of leaving you in the first place."

A little peeved I tell Edward "it should have been my decision. You broke my heart when you left." Then with a voice that I instill with all my love, I confess "even then I could never let you go. I thought of you daily Edward and stubbornly held on to the hope that we would be together again."

Then I turn around in his arms and wrap him in my arms and say determinedly "now that I have you, I won't let you go, so it is a very good thing that you feel the same way."

That's when the door begins to open so we shift to a less intimate way of sitting. With just each having an arm wrapped around the others back, Edwards is long enough to still rest on my mid-sections. We are well covered by the table in front of us. To anyone below it just looks like we are sitting close to each other.

The man is older, he must be the professor for our first class, introductory Italian. He doesn't seem to notice us but instead goes over to the whiteboard and starts writing the class name and under it what he plans to cover in today's lecture.

Edward whispers to me "love, how are you doing this? how can you stand being around humans, you are still a young newborn vampire."

"it doesn't bother me anymore Edward so don't give me that worried look, I am not in any pain. It was hard the first week, but I adjusted, and never hurt a human," I say proudly.

Edward places a hand on my cheek and tells me "you are amazing, and I don't think you realize how uniquely amazing what you are doing is. You have been alone, and I never told you before about what it is like for our kind, as newborns. I didn't wish this life for you but you seem to be born for it, and I am glad you have it." Then he tells me "my Bella, you are a vision. You always have been the most beautiful creature of my existence."

I can hear the squeak of the professor's pen writing away on the whiteboard and know he still hasn't noticed us.

If I was still human, I would be bright red from the complement. Instead of saying anything, I kiss him on the lips. They are so soft and warm and form to mine. They move with mine urgently and burn me with the intense passion. He stops when the door opens again, this time a few students enter. He mutters "this is so frustrating. The class should be starting in about fifteen minutes so the classroom should be filling up, but all I want is to be alone with you. To hear about every second that you were away from me."

I tell him "neither of us needs to pay much attention to keep up, we can catch up during the three-hour lecture ahead of us. I want to spend lunch visiting with everybody through, so I won't let you whisk me off, and keep me to yourself. we can go be alone after the school day is out. I'll show you my house and tell you anything and everything, but there are also things I want to know."

Edward responds, "are you sure I can't convince you to leave with me now."

I admonish him "what we do best it seems is endure, I know you can do it for a few more hours. This is our first day of college, and it's important for us to be here and blend."

He looks sheepish at his attempt and then chuckles and tells me "You are right, and I always wanted this for you, the college experience. Now here I am trying to lure you away and keep you all to myself."

I kiss his cheek and tell him "it's ok, I understand the feeling." The room is starting to get a steady murmur of excided students as it fills up more and more.

I notice that the student are mostly filling up the first four rows of benches, probably wanting a good view of the board. Only a few have ventured up by us but none on are row. The ones that have settled closer keep glancing wide-eyed at us. I am not sure if it is the normal, wow their beautiful stairs, or the way Edward is holding me so close to his side. Edward is the mind reader, so I ask him "do I want to know what are classmates are thinking"?

Edward whispers "I wish I didn't have to, it is making me want to commit violent offenses. The group of boys to are left are rather taken with you." Then he clutches me closer "but your all mine, and I am not letting go. Or more accurately, it is a physical impossibility for me to, you have me ensnared body and soul." Then he leans down and kisses my forehead.

I inform him "I am happy with the prospect but a little worried about the young minds watching. I don't want to draw any more attention than our kind already does." Edward looks down at us, we have become wrapped up in each other without noticing. It's not too bad for a college classroom considering there are a few couple around the room making out. Neither of us has ever been big on PDA though, so he unwraps me only keeping the one arm around me again, and I do the same to him. I use my unoccupied arm and free hand to take out a notebook and pen, trying to make our section of table blend in with the others. I ask Edward "you didn't bring a bag"?

He informs me "I was not planning on staying, my bag is in my car. I was at the admissions counter to drop out of my classes. I was about to unenroll when I smelled you walk in. Alice enrolled me, she had it in her head that this would be good for me. When I thought I lost you I took it hard. After arriving on campus, it felt wrong to me, being in school, doing mundane things like everything was ok. It felt like moving on, and I wasn't ready."

I pull out a second notebook and pen for Edward and place them in front of him. Its just in time to because the instructor is bringing the class to order, introducing himself as Professor Darrius Amato.

Then lets us know "I will be taking attendance now, then for the first hour of lecture, will go over the syllabus and class expectations. Much of this class will be done with a partner so at the end of class write your name and partners name on this list" then he holds up a sheet of paper than places it back on his desk.

He continues "For the last two hours I will be starting my first lecture on the material, each lecture has homework that corresponds to it. The homework is posted on the class portal. If anyone is having trouble accessing the class portal see me after class."

Then the professor starts rattling off names and quickly gets to "Edward Cullen" and Edward says "Present" in his beautiful strong voice. The class looks astonished by his voice and plenty of people look are way. Then the professor continues with "Isabella Cullen" and I answer "Here" and everybody looks mesmerized by my voice. The professor continues rattling off names.

That's when I put him on the back burner so to speak and give my attention back to Edward who is patiently waiting with a curiously look on his face. I whisper to him "well I needed a new identity."

We spend the whole class after that talking quietly, never loud enough for human ears. When I hear the instructor dismiss class, I am surprised at how fast time went by. Edward always did have a way of distracting me, no time with him was ever long enough.

I swiftly pack are unused items away in my bag and I place it on my right shoulder, but Edward slides it off and puts it on his.

He tells me "Let's wait for the students to clear out." I wonder why he wants to wait, but don't voice my thought, assuming he has a reason.

When the class has emptied, we get up and make our way to the partner sign-up sheet. Edward in his elegant hand writes are names down as partners. The professor looks up from where he sits at his desk and comments "you both look so young, you must have gotten married right out of high school."

Edward smoothly lies "we did, after dating most of high school. Its only natural to marry the women you love."

The professor agrees "I know the feeling, I married the love of my life right after we graduated, but that was thirty years ago back in Italy. I wish you both luck, marriage can be hard work for a young couple, and I expect exemplary work form all students so remember not to neglect your studies"

Edward smoothly says, "thank you, we won't, me and Bella both excel in languages," and smiles mesmerizingly, making even me want to believe him. Then he waves goodbye and holding my hand in his we walk to the door at a leisurely pace. He says, "there is a surprise outside the classroom for you."

When we exit the classroom, Alice is there. And if I am surprised then Alice is shocked, I think it is a first for her. She utters "Bella, but your dead."

I ask her "why do people keep telling me that today." Then she lurches forward and hugs me, the force pushing me into Edward. She is grinning impossibly large. When Alice lets me go Edward whispers in my ear "I heard her waiting out here, practically shouting her thoughts."

Alice is positively beaming and tells us "I have been monitoring Edwards future closely so when it disappeared, I got worried and traced his sent here."

I look at Alice guiltily and tell her "sorry Alice, I have been shielding Edward on instinct, it must block you somehow."

Edward looks down at me impressed and asks, "we spent the whole class talking and you didn't tell me you were a shield."

I look up to Edwards questioning eyes "It didn't come up, and as I said the shield is instinct now, I didn't think about shielding you it just happened." Then look to Alice and tell her "I missed you." I touch Alice's necklace around my neck and tell her "I browed this from you, I have worn it every day since, it reminds me of you. Now that I have you, you can have it back."

Alice shakes her hade and says "I missed you too. The neckless is yours now, consider it the first gift of many."

I tell Alice "thank you, sorry about worrying you with Edward. Why have you been keeping such a close eye though? Is something wrong"?

Edward assures me "no everything is perfect." I know it's not the whole truth but can ask about it later.

I start walking and Edward moves along with me in the direction of the stars. Alice falls into step next to me and says "so you're a shield, this explains a lot of questions I had the moment I saw you. Leave it to you to completely surprise everyone and come back from the dead, you always did keep things interesting. You know what this means don't you Bella." Alice looks expectantly at me like I'm the mind reader. I look to Edward and he shakes his head and says to Alice "no Alice"

Alice says pleadingly "come on, knowing Bella her closet is in desperate need of my expertise, just one short shopping trip to Europe this weekend and will be right back." Edward says "you expect me to give you, my Bella, the first weekend after getting her back. I love you Alice but it's not happening. Stop giving me the puppy dog eyes."

She then turns them to me, probably figuring I am the week link, and she is right. Her pleading sad eyes are impossible to resist. I tell her "maybe in a few weeks Alice" and she hugs me her thanks and sticks her tongue at Edward who looks disappointed. He says, "how about I tag along Alice, you'll want an extra hand to carry bags." Allice says, "that's not a bad idea I'll also have Jazz come along."

We make are way to the cafeteria and through the lunch line grabbing random items, Alice with an extra tray for jasper. Edward pays for us all and then we commandeer a table in the back near the large windows. The grounds outside are lush and green with a small bridge over a creek that has a walking path and a dense tree line on the other side.

I sit with my back to the window and Edward moves his chair so close its touching mine. Alice sits on my other side at the small four-person table. Alice informs us "Jasper will be here in a few minutes."

I ask her "what about the others, how is everybody," in a worried voice.

Edward answers adoringly "Everybody is fine Bella, Emmitt and Rosalie took this semester off, and Carlie works at the hospital here in Anchorage, Esme is working on a design for a cottage she wants to build on our property."

Alice says, "Everybody is going to be so excited to see you, we should head back to our place after school, to see them all." I look to Edward to see how he feels about it, I did already promise him some alone time.

He seems to know what I am asking by the look, and nods his ok with Alice's plan. I tell her "I would love to, just follow me home so I can drop my car off then we can all drive there together."

Alice looks unhappy and it confuses me. She looks at me and smiles "it's nothing just your ability is annoying me with blind spots."

I tell Alice "sorry about that, but for me it's a little exciting. My shield has never been tested out in a situation where I knew for sure what it was doing. Later we should do tests maybe you will be able to see me if I lower my inner shield."

Alice says, "so know you are telling me you have two shields." That is when jasper glides into the room and takes the seat between Alice and Edward. He calmly says, "Hi Bells, it's good to see you, I am glad you're not dead." Edward hugs me to him a little tighter as jasper says "I thought I smelled you but mingle with a new, vampire quality. I am very impressed that as a newborn you can handle being here." he says impressed but looks kind of peeved.

Edward answers him "Bella's coming back to our house later, she will answer questions so everyone can hear at once how amazing she is, right now I want to hear about her shield."

I respond, "well if we're being exact, its three shields." Both Edward and Alice look impressed, so I clarify "I don't know what each one does, there untested. At first, I thought I had only one shield, just a single thin membrane surrounding me but over time I was able to separate them and pull the two outer layers outward and the third inner layer in"

Jasper says "gifts take time to develop, it took me years to be able to affect the emotions of an entire room this size." Then with his hand's gestures to the room were in and finishes with "I can't feel you or Edward here, it's strange this has never happened to me before."

Edward chuckles and whispers to me "Alice was just thinking about how frustrated I was when you were human. She used to make fun of me when I would grumble about not being able to hear your thoughts. She has come to my side of things and agrees it is maddening."

Alice says to us "it is maddening, Bella distract us, where should we go first; Milan, Paris or Rome"?

All I say is "first?"

Then "it's up to you, let go to your favorite." She replies "Milan first than, we are going to have so much fun. Since we only have the weekend, we should take the jet. I'll make sure frank our piolet puts it on his schedule." Then she turns to Jasper saying "I signed you up to carry bags, you don't mind coming do you Jazz" he takes her hand and brings it to his lips "Madam, I would go anywhere with you, Milan is hardly a chore," then kisses her hand.

Edward and I are laughing a quite symphony at the cute seen they are making, Alice is staring at Jasper starry-eyed.

I searched nine months for those these people surrounding me now, my loved ones, and find them the week I decide to leave it to fate. I am starting to wonder if this was fated to happen or if life really is just one big coincidence.