Chapter 16

Epov

It was over, finally over. I kept repeating it in my head over and over again.
I sometimes couldn't believe it. James was dead, slaughtered by my own hands. My Bella was safe and nothing or nobody would ever harm her again. She'd only been gone for three days but to me, it felt like three decades.

After the others had arrived at the steel factory, we swiftly released Bella from her chains and brought her back home, carrying her in my arms. Esme was so happy to see my Bella back, taking her immediately in her arms. The invisible tears were shining in her eyes. And her thoughts only contributed her expression.

"Oh, I'm so glad that she's all right. I was so worried. Edward, I'm so relieved that you're all back home. We're hole again."
Everybody was relieved that Bella was back.

But the last few days had his effect on Bella. She had shut herself down again. Not like before but the first few days that Bella was back she acted very calm. She didn't talk much and mostly she sat in her room. She was still a bit shocked over what had happened, what was understandable.
And she never left my side. Mostly we sat on her bed together, reading a book, listening to music or we just lay in each other's arms. But no matter what, we did everything together. It was like she had to remind herself that I was really there by touching me. And I understood Bella completely as I felt that same attraction towards her, wanting to have her with me at all times. And with days slipping by, Bella became more and more relaxed.

We sat in the family room, watching some action movie on the television. Bella was feeling a bit better, having processed the last events. I sat on the couch with Bella spread over it, her head on my lap. I liked it when she lay like that. That way I could easily stroke her soft hair. I was more interested in her hair then the movie itself. So it didn't bother me when Carlisle came into the room, breaking the little cocoon that I and Bella had created.

"I'm sorry to trouble you two but I was wandering if I could have a word with you?"

I knew that this conversation was coming. Ever since the attack Carlisle wanted to know what had happen at the factory. And I always postponed that talk because I was more concerned about Bella. But now the time had come to explain the matter.

"Of course. Not a problem."

I looked down at Bella who was also looking at me. She nodded, knowing what was coming and went sit up straight. Carlisle took his place in his seat.

"I think you know why I'm here." We both nodded.

"I don't want to act like a curious old man but…"

"Carlisle, you have a right to know what happened back there. You don't have to feel guilty." I said.
I didn't want to hear Carlisle's apology. Because there was no need for that.

"Oke, so what happened when you arrived at the factory?"

He specifically asked me and not Bella to answer that question. He didn't want to remind Bella what had happen before that, knowing that it would bring back only bad memories. We could all guess what had happen.

"I saw James leaning over Bella, thinking the most despicable thoughts about her. I tackled him and we fought. I easily could avoid his attacks but then I was… distracted by something and James crashed me against the wall. I couldn't get away. He was going to kill me. He threw me against the floor and was going to attack when suddenly…"

I stopped not knowing how to explain this to Carlisle. Bella still sat beside me and took my hand, given me some extra support.
"Yes. What happened next?"

"Well, he was going to attack me but then he was pushed away by something."
Carlisle looked surprised by this strange change.

"Was there someone else in the room?"

"No, he jumped at me but then he was just slammed back. It was like he had hit an invisible barrier, like there was a jar placed around me. He just couldn't come near me."

Carlisle looked strange at me.
"And where was Bella when this thing occurred?"

I looked at my girl. She stared at me, clearly wanting for me to continue.

"She still was hanging by those chains. She couldn't move a muscle. But when I looked at her, she had this strange glance. She was staring extremely at me. And one moment she said in a very deep and strange voice that he wasn't going to touch me."

Bella was surprised by this. She glanced very confused at me.

"Did I say that?"
Now It was my turn to look surprised.

"You don't remember?"

"No, I just remember you fighting… him and that one moment you were both distracted and then you defeated him."
We both stared at each other, not understanding what had happened.

"Carlisle, do you have any idea?"

"Actually I do. I think that however Bella has a special power."

We were both shocked but my girl clearly the most.
"No, that's not true. I never had a special power."

"I think you did, Bella. The only problem was that you suppressed it. You didn't know you had a power because you buried it deep inside of you. From the beginning your life had been filled with pain, loss, misery and anger. The death of your parents, the torture of James, the struggling against the urge for blood,…. And because of those traumas you protected yourself from everything outside of you. You did everything to avoid more pain. And that's why you never discovered that you had a power."

"But what is her special power then Carlisle?"
Carlisle leaned back in his chair, eyeing us both.

"I think that Bella's a shield."
A shield? I had never considered that possibility. Probably because one: we all thought that Bella hadn't a power. And two: shields were a rare power.

"And why do you think that?"

"Isn't it obvious? Can't you see it, Edward? This explains a lot. Why you can't read Bella's mind or why can't Alice see her future? She is blocking both your powers."

"It still doesn't explain what has happened with James."

"I think I have an explanation for that too. Bella, when James was about to attack Edward, what were you thinking of? Try to remember. "

Bella looked a bit confused by this odd question.
"Of Edward. I was thinking of Edward. Wishing that I could help him, protect him. I was scared and so angry!"

Carlisle looked pleased with this answer.

"Well, that confirms my theory. You see, when Bella feels a very strong emotion, without noticing it she pushes her shield away. That's why Alice had that vision of her. Bella was so scared and wanted so much that we were there. So the shield was lifted and Alice could see where she was. And when Bella saw you there, lying on the floor with James coming toward you, she got so angry that she created a shield around you, to protect you. It all makes sense now."

"So how is it that she doesn't remember this stuff?"

"She is still young. And as I said, she didn't even knew that she had a power. And maybe the shock has confused the memory a bit. But believe me when I tell you Bella is a shield."
_

And indeed, my little Bella had a power, a great shield.
After our conversation we started practicing. In the beginning it didn't went well. Bella had to try to push her shield away so that nobody could touch me. Just like she did in the factory. But after a few hours Bella still hadn't managed to protect me. And after some days it was started to frustrate her.
But that was the key. By making her frustrated or angry the shield would be lifted more easily. So I used Emmett and Jasper to get Bella really annoyed, demanding them to attack me hard and doing everything to make Bella angry. Emmett was very pleased to help as he was still a bit disappointed that he had missed the fight with James.

"Well, it's not the same as a real fight but I can at least push the crap out of you without you cheating. It's payback time, little brother."

He got a little carried away but this technique worked. Bella got so pissed she created a shield that pushed both of my brothers miles away from me, breaking Esme's garden furniture in the process.
I was so proud of my girl. And as the days passed, she got better and better with controlling her power.
After a month of continuously practicing, she could handle her shield, expanding it with ease.

Then we tried to learn Bella how to lift her shield so that it was possible for me to read her mind. That wasn't so easy than expanding her shield. After weeks we still hadn't been able to lift her shield. Just once I had been able to see a glimpse of her thoughts. Bella wasn't pleased that she couldn't handle this. But I had confidence in my girl and I told her so. She had to be patient. Because I knew that one day she would be capable of lifting her shield. We had years, decades to practice.

It was a beautiful day in the middle of May. The trees were getting there leafs back, the flowers were coloring the ground in several lovely colors and the birds were singing all their newest songs. Nature was showing her good looks. But the most beautiful thing was seeing my Bella laying in all of this. It was such a beautiful day that I decided to take my girl out to our little happy place.

The meadow that I found years ago. It was situated deep in the forest and a normal human wouldn't find this place easily. The meadow was my place to think and to come at peace. Large trees surrounded the little, round field and hundred wild flowers were popping out of the grass. Nearby you could hear a little stream passing. It was just perfect.

Bella was lying on her back, staring at the clouds that were floating by. She looked so stunning. Alice had kept her prisoner this morning but I have to say that she did her job well. Bella's hair was all shiny and the ends were curled. She was wearing a deep green dress today. It fitted her perfectly as always. It had a fitted bodice with a small cleavage, a wide skirt and around her waist she wore a tiny black belt. Absolutely breath-taking. Nature was no competition for her.

I was started to get a little nervous. I hadn't brought Bella here without a reason. Since she was back, I had this urge to ask her something. Something that could change our lives. This experience with James has taught me that without Bella I would be lost. A ghost, wondering alone on this planet without sense or reason. She was my life, my happiness and my joy. Bella was the one who closed the gap in my heart and I didn't want to lose her ever again.
But every time I wanted to ask her, my guts took a leap and ran for it. I was always scared that she would be shocked or disgusted by my question. I didn't want to scare her away, not with my own stupidity or selfishness. One part of my heart was screaming to pop the question but the other part told me to just shut up and enjoy the time that we spent together. I was so confused.

"What are you thinking about, love?" a lovely voice said.
I came back to earth and stared at my little girl. She had turned her head and was watching me very closely.

"Oh, nothing special."

"Don't you dare lying to me. I know that look. You are struggling with something. You're lucky that you don't get wrinkles."

I laughed at that. Somethimes it felt like Alice was sitting next to me when hearing such comments. "I'm glad I amuse you. But do I get to know the reason for those creases in your forehead?"
I snuggled closer to my princess and took her hands in mine. I just loved the feeling of her skin against mine. Also it was a way to relax myself.

"I already told you that it's nothing."

"Please?"

God, now I was certain that she spent too much time with Alice. Those puppy eyes she could only have learned from that little pixie. And she probably knew that that trick worked on me. I sighed. She really wanted to know.

"Where do you see yourself in 15, maybe 20 years?"
This question made her rise her eyebrows.

"I don't know. I never thought of that. But to be honest, I don't really care."
Her answer surprised me. So she had no expectations, no dreams to fulfill. Nothing to look forward to.

"But as long it is with you, it will be perfect. The future that I always dreamed off." she said while showing me her gorgeous smile.

So she did have thought about it. As long she was with me, Bella would be happy. That idea sounded just right. I gathered all my courage together and went to sit straight. Bella followed my example, looking rather worried.

"Edward, what is it? You're acting a bit strange. Is there something wrong?" I grinned.

"No, there is absolutely nothing wrong. On the contrary, I never felt so happy in my life. It's just that I have to tell you something. Ask you something very important."

God, no wonder all the guys were so chicken shit when there were about to propose. This was harder than I thought. The nerves were trying to take control of me once more but that wasn't going to happen. Once again I took Bella's hand in mine and looked her straight in the eye.

"My dearest Bella. I know that you have been through a lot. You have seen and heard terrible things. But I assure you that all that is over. It's in the past and I want to start over with you… I always thought that I would end alone, becoming the only Cullen without a true love. But then you appeared rather spectacular in my life and I knew from the moment you stood there in the living room that I was lost."

Bella smirked at my words and slowly I could see the tears appear in her eyes.
"You gave my life a reason, a purpose. I promise you that I will always be there for you. I will protect you, comfort and cherish you every second of my everlasting life."

I kneeled down on one knee and took my mother's engagement ring out of my pocket, placing it in front of Bella. It was a golden band with an oval face covered with little diamonds. I could hear Bella taking a deep breath.

"I love you with all my heart and I will always love you for all eternity. Bella, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Suddenly it was death silent in the meadow. There was no wind, no movement and no singing from the birds. If my heart was still beating it probably would have stopped now. Bella said nothing. She just stared at the ring in my hand, occasionally shifting her eyes to me. Finally after what seemed like hours, she looked at me again and started to speak.

"Are you serious, Edward?"

"I have never been so serious in my life. I want you to be my wife and I would love to become your husband. Bella, do you want to marry me?"

It remained silent for a few seconds but then an incredible smile appeared on Bella's face.
"Yes, I would love to marry you!"

Yes, heaven did exist! My smile could have split my face in half when she said yes. I wanted to slip the ring on her finger but I wasn't given the chance.
Bella attacked me, pushing me on the ground. She smashed her lips on mine, giving me a passionate kiss. She sucked on my upper lip while pushing her bottom lip between my lips. She knew how much I love her bottom lip. I quickly returned the kiss, anticipating this all day. She tangled her small fingers through my hair while I pulled her closer to me, draping my arms around her waist. And ever so slowly she deepened the kiss by pushing her tongue between my lips, asking for entrance which I granted her all too willingly.

We kissed for what seemed like an eternity. But when we released our lips, we grinned at each other, seeing the smiles on our faces. And I finally slip the ring on Bella's ring finger, claiming her as mine.

Hey, next chapter is up. I hope you all like it.
The story is almost completed. I'm working on it and I'll try to update soon.
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