A/N Once again, I've struggled with writing from Edward's POV regarding Bella's transformation and her first few hours of becoming a vampire. I didn't want to omit that part because it's the culmination of all that she'd hoped for in this love story. So - sadly, again, for now, I've abandoned Edward's exclusive POV and use the narrator's omnipresence. But then I missed that boy, so much – so much. Just so much so here I will post his POV. YEAH – I know I had you scared, but don't worry I've almost completed the chapter from the Narrator's POV and I will post it as a one shot. Until then, wrap your arms around yourself, get a warm drink and welcome our boy back. And tell me how glad you are that he's here again.

I don't own Twilight or the characters, it's all Stephenie Meyer's work

Everyone in the make shift hospital room stood still, it looked like a 3d picture. The colors looked airbrushed, all muted and dull with no brilliance to be found. Even the tone of our skin was white, so colorless that one would imagine we were transparent or luminescent. There was not a shimmer of sparkle anywhere in the room, not even the jewelry worn by Alice or Esme. The light's rays coming from the two over head lights seemed to hold the grays in prominence, all other color was subdued. Yes, it was an insipid scene of six statuesque vampires gazing at a pyre.

Except for the astonishing being on the metal table, there would be nothing to draw your attention to the picture, nothing outstanding or eye catching. There on the pyre was the splatter of paint missing throughout the portrait. It was there in her skin, especially around her cheeks and lips. It was the color of blood, however it wasn't the bright red you'd see from lipstick and a delicious red apple, but the faint red from a watered down strawberry soda.

And as we watched the only color in the 3d photograph, it began to fade away, even the infrared that only we vampires could see was extinguished, until finally her skin was as chalky white as everyone else's and just as cold.

I watched more carefully than all the rest. I was unsure whether I should mourn or celebrate. After all, for me and my monster, this was her death. No more blushes, no more heat, no intoxicating smell. No blood. The monster wanted her blood, more than anything else and I in so many different ways I wanted that same blood. Not to ingest or quench my thirst but her blood meant that she was human and I wanted that for her. And if there were anyway possible, I'd want it for myself as well. But there would be no more blood. What would the monster do now that it no longer had Bella's blood to aspire? Was that bloodlust monster dead? My monster had been my nemesis and then an ally, but now it had no place in my life – would it seek a new desire? How would I fight it?

I have fought with myself for so long, my entire vampire existence I'd fought that monster, but not as hard as in the last two years. How would I release all the stress and adrenaline from being ever ready for battle? It should be easy, right? I had so many other things to occupy my life - things I'd never dream would be mine.

I held Bella's hand as the color left her fingers taking with it her sweet, hot and intoxicating smell. I cupped my hand around her chin and rubbed my thumb along her cheek as the warmth turned to cool and with my caress, the color that once held blushes disappeared, never to return.

Ultimately, I wasn't sad about the loss.

Her body would always remain unchanged, she'd never gain an ounce or lose a pound. Her thick shiny brown hair with tints of red would always cascade down her back, luscious and full unless cut. She'd never have to worry about her nails or perspiration. She was my own Aphrodite. My Venus. Mine.

I'd watched nearly every part of her change. I only left for those times I'd spent with Renesmee. What a wonder those times were. My daughter had put my world on axis, tilted it askew and set it spinning wildly. I couldn't help but grin at her natural affinity to music. She was able to repeat music in perfect clarity after hearing it only once. At our first music lesson, she learned the lullaby I composed for her, but changed the ending from the elementary tinkling of high C notes to a complex bravado. It took me two tries to get the new ending right. Incredibly she was patient with me and just repeated the ending again, until I had it Renesmee perfect. She was a marvel and my veneration for her was immeasurable.

Amazingly, she continued to grow quickly. Every time I held her I could see the changes in her face – her eyes were brighter, nose more angular and her smile fuller, even freer. Her arms and legs were longer which made securing her body in my arms easier. She no longer had to be cradled like a newborn – which she hated but tolerated for me. Renesmee preferred being held upright so she could observe the world around her, a world I'd gladly lay at her feet.

Her tiny hands were miniature versions of my own, long and slender – easily malleable for the piano and guitar. She always had the sweetest smile, made just for me when we spent our time together. There was nothing more fascinating than Renesmee and my gasp grew longer every time she amazed me with who she was, while my sigh became more pronounced when my little girl fell asleep in my arms and I'd give her away to one of the many set of eager hands. Yes, my daughter was an awesome phenomenon and I couldn't wait for Bella to get to know her.

When I returned to Bella, I searched for her changes. The first change came to her hair, which surprised me and drew my hands to it. I greedily caressed the gentle soft strands of red, blond and brown with a scent of strawberries. Most of her metamorphosis was difficult to see until complete, like her bone structure and organs. Staring down at my wife, I was amazed that she'd taken her extraordinary beauty and transformed it into something beyond a multifarious description. I hadn't believed that my lamb, the former Miss Swan, could conquer perfection a second time, but she did – she always shocked me, I didn't know why this should have been such a surprise. And with that thought, I smiled.

Emmett nudged the person next to him and nodded his head toward me. The five sets of gold colored eyes that had been on Bella, were now focused on me. I was incredulous.

"Come on Edward, no one can see anything but that goofy smile of yours." Emmett teased, causing everyone to chuckle out the stress of the moment and inhale.

I ignored the comment.

Focus, Edward! Jasper thought. You can admire her later. Right now we've got to help her control her thirst until she hunts and she'll trust you the most.

I immediately put my admiration aside, remembering that I would have the same opportunity later. She would forever be my beautiful bride. I smoothed Bella's hand and marveled that it was as soft, warm and marble hard as my own. Another smile began to cause my cheeks to rise.

Damn it Edward, stop it! I can't focus on Bella's emotions with you having a constant cloud of joy over everything. Either focus or you'll have to go protect the baby.

Jasper was right. Bella was now a newborn vampire whose strength and hunger had to be corralled. I would be most likely to succeed in guiding Bella. It was my responsibility and I would not let our family down.

I was somber. We were at the end. There was no more blood, no color. I worried that she wouldn't wake up again, wouldn't become fully aware. She'd reached for the sky but now she was still. Immobile. The blood was gone – it was time for her to come back to me and she hadn't. Everyone in the room was expectant, I was troubled and serious.

I forced myself to monitor my wife's actions. I watched closely, I was unsure how long we stood before her eyes popped open.

Air rushed out of my lungs in relief.

Once again I thought of the image of the seven vampires in the room. Minutes before the only color visible was on her skin, now her skin was as translucent as ours. With a careful look, one could see a simple brilliance of color remained in the room. It wasn't an abundance of color, but it was there and more powerful than previous. Her eyes blazed red, like the blinking lights on a dark deserted road. She was aware.

She inhaled and took in the swirling dust motes and I knew she was able to taste each microscopic one. Each had a different flavor and easily identifiable from familiarity. I inhaled as well and tasted the air particles around her. Some tasted like silk and wood, but the largest flavor in the air was my own scent of almond and honey mixed together with Bella's freesia and sunshine.

I wondered if she was aware of the faint smell of her own blood that I tried desperately to clean away. Would that be the first dry ache her throat would feel? Was her blood thirst awakened?

Her eyebrows arched as her head turned slightly as if she were listening to the sounds throughout the house. Had she heard the drumming rap music from the car driving by on the highway, far away? Her face wrinkled – a sign of confusion? I squeezed her hand in comfort, ready to offer words of assurance. The shock of my touch or maybe the new, overwhelming amount of sensory input made her body respond. She growled and flipped off her back in a spin causing a tornado of dust motes to swirl around the room. Bella was crouched against the wall ready to fight. Or maybe ready to defend?

Jasper stepped forward sensing the fear and seeing Bella's suspicious stance. She's confused, you've got to get her to relax. Jasper thought. Emmett moved in conjunction with Jasper and both bent their knees ready to guard against an attack. Alice, Esme and Carlisle stood behind the two defenders.

Emmett reluctantly bared his teeth. Damn she's quick, please do something, Edward – I don't think I can hurt her.

Bella didn't actually look directly at her vampire family and the impeding attack from the doorway. Her gaze was fixed upon me. Was she frightened of me? Her body remained in attack position. Her red eyes met my black ones. There stood absolute exquisiteness and I warmed at her sight.

Get it together, Edward, you've got to help her before she attacks.

I leaned across the table, palms up and moved to Bella, cautiously. My emotions were vacillating. I was hurt that she'd not immediately recognized me. Even now, I didn't see the sparkle of recognition in her eyes. Why had a need for self-preservation kicked in when she needed it the least? All those nights she'd slept next to me, stayed on a deserted island alone, she'd shown no fear, yet now she was ready to defend herself. It was seriously ironic.

Total awe captured me as well. Before me stood a powerful killer that was a frightening vision of unadulterated charm. Everything about her made me want to be closer, despite her swiftly reached attack stance. I would die a happy man at the hands of my bride.

Then I felt love. Of course I knew, within my silent heart, that I loved Bella and nothing could interfere with that sentiment, except to make it stronger.

I decided to focus on my love for her, and abandon my own vacillating emotions and focus on her needs. I took a tentative step towards her.

Stop gawking at her Edward and smile. Alice thought as she peeked around Jasper's elbow flashing her own smile. Alice's confidence that everything would be fine radiated to a concerned Jasper. But Jasper wasn't ready to allow even a slight chance that Bella would hurt Alice or Esme. He remained in his defensive posture.

Bella comforted maybe at Alice's grin or at her realization that she was the danger and everyone was responding accordingly. She immediately stood upright and it was then that my smile returned.

From the time Bella's crimson eyes opened to the instant moment, barely ten seconds had passed. She froze all her movements and I moved slowly around the table—each step taking nearly half a second, each step flowing sinuously like river water weaving over smooth stones—my hand still outstretched.

"Bella?" I asked in a low, calming tone. I tried hard to maintain my grin, but with no response, worry crossed my face. Couldn't she feel my love? Had she not brought her love for me with her? Didn't she recognize me? Why was she so ready to fight? Why hadn't she answered my call?

All my fears showed on my face and it was Jasper that brought me back to solace. Her emotions are jumbled but two feelings are evident. Confusion is the first, she's somewhat disoriented and love is the second. Jasper explained.

I sighed and understood what I needed to do.

"Bella, love? I'm sorry, I know it's disorienting. But you're all right. Everything is fine."

Somehow my words calmed, not only Bella but the vampires at the door as well. I moved closer to her and I could see her concentrating, but her mind was silent to me.

A frown crossed Bella's face.

I wanted these first moments to be happy for Bella and I wanted so much to rid the frown from her and to have it never to return. I longed to touch her, caress her and feel the electric current flow between us. Ever so gently, slowly, I ventured a subtle touch and my hand curled the shape of her satin smooth face.

I recognized her response, but was confused by it. The electric spark was there, but how could she focus on that? Yes her desire for me was there. But shouldn't the burn in her throat be paramount? All newborn vampires were unable to focus. We'd seen them, just months earlier – I've lived with them and none of them had been able to show any interest in anything but quenching their hunger for blood.

Perhaps I was misreading her face because none of the other tell tale signs were there. Her heart did not race, it was silent, never to beat again. Her face did not flush, it remained ashen white, and the lack of breathing was even more inconclusive, she could hold her breath for years.

Oh, how marvelous if it were possible for her to focus on something other than her bloodlust. It would mean those horrid, erratic years could be avoided. Could I suppress my pessimistic self and grasp at hope? Hope that I would have my wife and her crazy teenage hormones. I tilted my head and looked into her eyes and waited. Was it so much to ask for her to speak and confirm my hope?

As usual, she did what I least would expect, she threw her arms around me and buried her face into my chest, knocking the wind out of me. The power that she used would have left a mark on any human, but I was able to hold my ground. It wouldn't do for us to crash into the table. She was hugging me. Mine.

In the past, I would have been overtaken by her scent and unexpectant burst of affection. Her warm smoldering body heat was gone, cooled to my own temperature. Her blood was the most extravagant smell I knew, it sang to me, now it was mute. The remaining scent was the delicious bouquet of sweet freesia and orange blossoms that enveloped my senses.

"Um…carefully, Bella. Ow." I shifted playfully.

"Oops," she mouthed. She threw her arms behind her back. She looked surprised that she could hurt me, she was now stronger. I was glad to see her frown gone but it was replaced by concern. She's frightened, Edward. Jasper whispered in his thoughts.

"Don't panic, love," I said, lifting my hand to touch her lips, parted in horror. "You're just a bit stronger than I am for the moment."

I stroked her cheek, hoping that the panic would leave her face and be replaced by a smile. I watched her face wane into understanding. Then I smiled because I recognized her, the bottom lip a little larger, the bend of her heart shaped face and the 'v' that had formed between her eyebrows. Yes, she was the same, just more durable - stronger.

Bella, very carefully touched my cheek and an electrical charge went through her fingers. She felt it now. I dug my heels into the floor, refusing to allow my heart to take off in flight with my happiness. She had returned.

As soon as my joy spread throughout my body, she parted her lips and spoke the three words of confirmation for all eternity. "I love you." She murmured.

My eyes widened as I heard her new voice, an elegant chime of crystal. Without hesitation my lips curled up and I replied, "As I love you."

And I could no longer contain my desire to have my lips melt into hers. I didn't want to startle her or overwhelm her unfamiliar extraordinary senses, so I cupped my hands around her beautiful face and leaned in slowly and then slowly again. Our lips touched lightly, barely together. Then slowly I leaned further and for the first time, my lips bent to hers, and I continued to lean into her lips until the only resistance was her own desire to be careful. I no longer had that limitation so I pressed closer and eagerly enjoyed the taste.

This was the kiss that I had longed to have from the first moment I discovered I loved her more than I wanted to kill her. The monster that used to live inside me was forever defeated. I no longer had to control anything when it came to expressing my love for her and what's more I didn't want to.

My hand moved seductively along Bella's side, while I boldly made love to her mouth and she folded her body around mine. We became victims to the delicious kiss that we'd long for and easily forgot that our family was in the room – but not really because we both had so much room in our minds, there would be nothing we'd ever forget.

We both heard Emmet clear his throat, the same as he'd done at our wedding. This time, I was annoyed that we had to cease our embrace.

Yep, it's going to be fun teasing you two, now that Rose and I aren't the newest newlyweds anymore!

I wasn't certain, but it seemed that Bella was embarrassed. Incredible. I was free and nothing would stop me or control how I loved my wife ever again. Not my nature, her father or a room full of people. But I would always remain a gentleman.

Yes, I was right, Bella was embarrassed because she half-stepped away from me, but I was not about to allow any distance between us, especially now that she was awake, no longer on the hospital table. No I wouldn't be far away anytime soon. And if she objected in the least – she'd have to get over it. I turned to her side and wrapped my arms around her waist. I laughed. No, she was not getting away from me.

Although, we were standing side by side, our eyes had stayed fixed on one another. I searched the depths of the crimson orbs and found the same Bella I'd fallen in love with. I relaxed. Mostly, I was elated at being able to kiss her with all my passion. My seventeen year old human self had returned with all the glee and energy for the love of my wife.

"You've been holding out on me," Bella accused in her chiming voice.

I laughed out loud, any earlier concerns that she was frightened, that she would attack, disappeared, she was my love and I was her husband.

"It was sort of necessary at the time," I reminded her a bit smugly. "Now it's your turn to not break me." I chuckled.

It was then that I was able to hear our waiting family's laughter. Carlisle was the first to step forward and welcome Bella. Jasper was on his heels, like a body guard. She looked pensively up at her father-in-law.

She seems calm enough. She's able to think in a straight line, unlike the others. Remember, Edward, how confusing it was to talk to them? It took them months to think about anything but the thirst and to understand that they couldn't drink human blood. I venture to guess she already understands.

I gave a quick nod to Carlisle and attempted to keep up with his musings, but it was only a half-hearted effort. I wanted nothing more than to look at and absorb whatever Bella offered. I was ecstatic that she was off the hospital table and in my arms.

"How do you feel, Bella?" Carlisle was eager to examine Bella and test his theories.

"Overwhelmed. There's so much. . . ." She trailed off, distracted. I watched as she caught the sound of her own voice by tilting her head.

"Yes, it can be quite confusing." Carlisle confirmed.

She nodded her agreement. "But I feel like me. Sort of. I didn't expect that."

I was so thrilled to hear her ringing words glide from her lips; I pulled her closer to me anxious to whisper. "I told you so." She felt so perfect in my arms, so right.

"You are quite controlled," Carlisle deliberated. "More so than I expected, even with the time you had to prepare yourself mentally for this."

"I'm not sure about that." She wiggled her head from side to side.

Edward, she's gone through the transformation, beautifully, it seems she didn't experience the burning. If that's true, can you imagine what that will mean?

Carlisle nodded seriously to me. "It seems like we did something right with the morphine this time." He turned back to Bella. "Tell me, what do you remember of the transformation process?"

"Everything was…very dim before. I remember the baby couldn't breathe. . . ." She looked up at me, her eyes wide with concern – the baby.

"Renesmee is healthy and well," I promised. I could hear our daughter's thoughts and marveled at how she controlled Jacob and Rosalie and proud that I was able to keep my promise to her. Bella was well, better than well – she was exceptional.

"What do you remember after that?" Carlisle encouraged.

"It's hard to remember. It was so dark before. And then…I opened my eyes and I could see everything." I took a breath, it looked like she lied.

"Amazing," Carlisle breathed, his eyes alight.

Why wouldn't she tell the truth? I was somewhat skeptical of her description. She was vague, stuttered with her words, and she didn't hold eye contact, but none of the other physical signs were available to confirm my suspicions. Ultimately, I figured it didn't matter. If she wanted me to believe her story, then I'd go along with it. At some point, I'd have to mention this to Carlisle, but not now – I wouldn't worry about it, besides I could be wrong.

"I want you to think—to tell me everything you remember," Carlisle pressed excitedly.

A 'v' formed between her eyebrows and she didn't immediately answer. Yes, she didn't want to talk about her transformation or maybe she was thirsty.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Bella," Carlisle apologized immediately. "Of course your thirst must be very uncomfortable. This conversation can wait."

Suddenly, her hand flew up to cup her throat, like she could smother the flames from the outside. I couldn't have her hurting, when it was something that we could easily take care of.

"Let's hunt, Bella." I dropped my arms and took her other hand, tugging gently. Her pain would get worse until she hunted and soon she'd be unable to control her actions. I watched her red eyes as they widen, questioning? Was that fear in her eyes? Didn't she know that this was the last barrier, the last secret that we hadn't shared?

"It's quite easy, love. Instinctual. Don't worry, I'll show you." I felt Bella plant her feet. Maybe I'd scared her off from hunting too well. But now it was my job to help her transition into it so she wouldn't hurt.

"I was under the impression that you'd always wanted to see me hunt." I said trying to dazzle her.

Her responding laugh made me chuckle, it was astonishing to hear her laugh again. It had been so long and I welcomed the sound. From this point on, it would be my goal to do whatever it takes to make her laugh.

"Shall we?" I encouraged. She still had not moved. "I don't want you to be hurting," I added as I gently stroked her throat.

"I'm fine," She said. Oh I hated those two little words, a statement used often, more out of habit than fact. She was placating me and I wouldn't have it. I tugged her hand again, insistent.

Then unexpectantly, she tilted her body away from me and whispered, "Wait. First."

"Yes?" Carlisle answered before I could.

"I want to see her. Renesmee." Bella's voice quivered at the name of our daughter. She pulled her hands away from me and dropped them to her stomach.

Carlisle looked at me. She seems controlled enough to see the baby, but it's your call. There could still be a risk, but it will be smaller after she hunts.

"What?" Bella demanded, she was still as observant, probably more so.

"Bella, that's not really a good idea. She's half human, love. Her heart beats, and blood runs in her veins. Until your thirst is positively under control… You don't want to put her in danger, do you?" I was wrestling with the pull that she had on my heart, not to mention Renesmee's. It pained me to keep them apart, but I had already messed up by letting the baby bite Bella and I sure wasn't about to let Bella bite the baby. No, she had to hunt first, regardless of how well she was controlling her thirst.

"Where is she?" Bella cocked her ear toward the stairs.

I saw Bella's mouth water - confirmation that she had to wait to see our baby until after she hunted.

"Is Rosalie with her?"

"Yes," I answered. Jacob too. I haven't been able to get rid of him and his blasted imprinting. The more I thought of Jacob the more upset I became and exhaled a heavy breathe. This was not the time address this issue so I grabbed Bella's hand and tugged her again, it was time to hunt.

"Wait," She protested again. "What about Jacob? And Charlie? Tell me everything that I missed. How long was I…unconscious?"

I heard the hesitation in her voice, confirming my suspicions, she didn't want to talk about her transformation.

How is she doing it Edward? Carlisle's unspoken words came to me. None of the others were able to change the subject once we mentioned blood and hunting. What's going on in her mind?

I could only shrug my shoulders. I was just as confused as Carlisle regarding Bella's ability to prioritize and her thoughts. She was an anomaly.

"What's wrong?" Bella whispered.

"Nothing is wrong," Carlisle said.

"Nothing has changed much, actually—you were only unaware for just over two days. It was very fast, as these things go. Edward did an excellent job. Quite innovative—the venom injection straight to your heart was his idea." He paused to smile proudly at me, not like I deserved it. "Jacob is still here, and Charlie still believes that you are sick. He thinks you're in Atlanta right now, undergoing tests at the CDC. We gave him a bad number, and he's frustrated. He's been speaking to Esme."

"I should call him…," Bella murmured. "Hold on—Jacob is still here?"

For the love of all things, "Bella," I said quickly not wanting to get into the damn Jacob issues. "There's much to discuss, but we should take care of you first. You have to be in pain. . . ."

She swallowed dryly. "But Jacob—"

"We have all the time in the world for explanations, love," I reminded her gently.

"Okay." She agreed.

"Wait, wait, wait," Alice trilled from the doorway.

"You promised I could be there the first time! What if you two run past something reflective?"

"Alice—," I protested, this was getting ridiculous. The longer we waited the more Bella would be in pain. These distractions could wait.

"It will only take a second!" Alice countered and dashed from the room. Don't even think about leaving before I get back or I'll follow you two and you really don't want that!

Once again, I relinquished to Alice's will – it was futile to contradict her plan.

"What is she talking about?" Bella asked cautiously.

Before I could explain, Alice was already back, carrying the huge, gilt-framed mirror from Rosalie's room, which was nearly twice as tall as she was, and several times as wide.

Jasper took a guarded step near Alice and for the first time Bella was able to view him with her new improved vision. The sight of Jasper's battle scars startled Bella to the point that she tensed to defend herself. Every vampire upon first meeting him had the same response. In reply Jasper smiled wryly but did not back away.

"Edward gave me grief for not getting you to a mirror before the wedding," Alice said. "I'm not going to be chewed out again."

"Chewed out?" I asked skeptically, shaking my head.

"Maybe I'm overstating things," she murmured absently as she turned the mirror to face Bella.

"And maybe this has solely to do with your own voyeuristic gratification," I countered.

I read Alice's thoughts as she looked forward into the blurry future of me and Bella in a compromising position when we hunted. Edward don't linger while you're out, Bella needs to see Renesmee. And the baby wants her mother. Alice then winked at me, apparently her visions of Bella were back.

I turned to watch Bella look at the person she saw in the mirror. I only hoped that she saw the same undisputable beauty I did. She was fluid even in stillness, and her flawless face was pale as the moon against the frame of her dark, heavy hair. Her limbs were smooth and strong, skin glistening subtly, luminous as a pearl. As usual, she focused on the thing I least expected.

"The eyes?" She whispered. "How long?

"They'll darken up in a few months," I said. Her eye color was temporary and alluring, she was the most beautiful creature with or without eyes of deep amber. "Animal blood dilutes the color more quickly than a diet of human blood. They'll turn amber first, then gold."

"Months?" Her voice was higher, stressed.

Jasper took a step forward, alarmed by the intensity of her sudden anxiety. He knew young vampires only too well, often volatile before they knew it. Jasper prepared for Bella to lose control. Careful she's feeling stressed and won't be able to calm herself.

I was keenly aware of Jasper's warning and gave her a gentle squeeze of the arm, but it was Bella that defused the situation.

She took a deep, unnecessary breath.

"No, I'm fine," She promised. "It's just…a lot to take in."

"She's so in control of herself," Jasper thought. "How's she doing it?"

"I don't know," I murmured.

"What question did I miss?" Bella asked

I grinned at how much more observant she was. Jacob had been right, I'd have to do a better job if I were to consider lying to her. The thought of Jacob made me shake my head. "Jasper wonders how you're doing it."

"Doing what?"

"Controlling your emotions, Bella," Jasper answered. "I've never seen a newborn do that—stop an emotion in its tracks that way. You were upset, but when you saw our concern, you reined it in, regained power over yourself. I was prepared to help, but you didn't need it."

"Is that wrong?" Bella asked, as usual placing any blame on herself for an unknown offense.

"No," he said. Let's get her fed as soon as possible; I'd hate to see the damage she'll cause by holding in all her stress and corraling her emotions.

I smoothed Bella's arm and she comforted. "It's very impressive, Bella, but we don't understand it. We don't know how long it can hold." We turned our eyes to the mirror.

"But what do you think?" Alice asked, a little impatient now, pointing to the mirror.

"I'm not sure," Bella was hesitant.

I couldn't imagine what was going on in her head, like Alice I was dying to hear her comments on her new appearance and she wasn't cooperating – just keeping her thoughts to herself. I sighed at the lack of knowledge.

"Disappointed?" Bella asked in her ringing voice.

I laughed. "Yes," I had to admit and at the same time tease my family.

Initially Bella was shocked, her eyes widen and she stood frozen.

Why are you being such an idiot? Alice snarled. Jasper leaned forward again, waiting for Bella to snap.

Carefully Edward. Carlisle chastised.

Mischievously I snuggled my nose into the fragrant hollow of her frozen neck. "I was rather hoping that I'd be able to hear your mind, now that it is more similar to my own," I murmured. "And here I am, as frustrated as ever, wondering what could possibly be going on inside your head."

Instantly she warmed, relieved. "Oh well, I guess my brain will never work right. At least I'm pretty."

When would this wondrous creature ever see herself as I do? I growled in her ear. "Bella, you have never been merely pretty."

Get her fed! Jasper shouted in my head. Stop all that lovey-dovey talk. I can't stand her mood swings and I'm not sure she'll be able to control herself much longer.

I pulled my face away from hers and sighed. "All right, all right," I replied.

"What?" Bella asked.

"You're making Jasper more edgy by the second. He may relax a little when you've hunted."

"Okay. Let's hunt," she agreed, and took my hand and once again all things in my universe were right.

Endnotes

Glad to have him back?

Okay, two more chapters to go and with school out – I won't be able to update as quickly but I will have the remaining chapters up before the end of my month long vacation – as long as I can find an Internet connection.

Please comment now – it'll make me finish quicker.