6.

I stared down at the box in my hand and slowly lifted off the top. The first thing I saw was my wallet. I pulled it out and opened it. My credit cards were still there, though I had no use for them now. There was a little bit of cash and on the left side, a picture of John. I pulled it out of the pocket carefully and examined it, recalling every laugh line around his eyes and the dimple in her left cheek when he smiled. I sat in silence for a long time, just looking at that picture. Finally I set it down and took out the other two pictures in my wallet. One was of John and I together at one of my dance performances and the other of my parents and John and I. I held both close to my heart and closed my eyes, letting myself sink into the pain.

When I reopened my eyes, I noticed it had grown darker in the room. I turned on a light and sat back on the couch, picking up the box. Next I lifted up a small jewelry box that I didn't recognize. When I opened it, I almost lost it. Inside was my engagement and wedding ring. I carefully pulled them out of the box and slipped them unto my finger. My heart began to ache for the life I had been taken away from. I held on to the hope that I would one day see my husband again so as not to sink into a depression I would never pull myself out of. I wept silently with no tears, clutching my hands to my chest and fingering the rings. I had loved my husband, truly. I wondered how he was doing and prayed he was holding himself together, that he wasn't hurting like me. "I love you, John," I whispered. I lay absolutely still for the longest time. I covered my hand with my mouth when a loud wail slipped through my lips, horrified that everyone had heard me. I closed my eyes tight, pushing my lips together, and wept bitterly but quietly. If I could cry, which I realized I couldn't, there might be a small ocean collecting under me.

When finally the pain became less intense and the longing dissipated a little, I opened my mouth and took a deep but shaky breath. I sat up slowly and picked up the box. I went through the CD's that had been taken from my car, setting them neatly next to the stereo. The only thing left in the box was a picture. I lifted it up and flipped it over. The face I saw was red, and though I'd never seen her, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt this was my baby girl. I let out a slow sigh.

"Oh, my baby. I'd give anything to just hold you."

I took all four pictures and put them back in the box, along with my wallet and the box that had held my rings. I placed the box back on the bookshelf and stood in front of it, just staring at the wall. Then I shook myself out of the trance and walked out of the room.

As I looked around the hallway, I saw a bathroom to my left and headed towards it. It hadn't crossed my mind until now that I probably looked very different. It was dark in the room so I hit the light switch and the room became bright in an instant. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw there was a mirror to my left. Taking a deep breath, I turned toward it. The air pushed out of my lungs in a rush from the surprise at the face staring back at me. Was that me?

I almost half expected to find my eyes puffy and red, but all I saw was pale white since I had cried no tears. Though I was sure I would look exactly the same if I had cried a whole ocean of tears. What was red, however, were the eyes, staring at me. They were red like bright rubies, set in a perfectly white face. Light blue bruises showed under my eyes. My hair was the same, long, blonde curls, cascading over my shoulders. I pushed my bangs out of my eyes and examined my face more closely. My nose was the same shape and my lips were just as plump as before, but somehow I had gained a sort of stunning beauty during my transformation. The light freckles that had dotted my nose were slightly darker now, in contrast to my pale skin. I pressed my hand to my cheek: solid rock. And then I turned so I could see my profile. I rubbed my belly, which seemed very flat now compared to how big it had been only a few days ago. Again, I longed to hold my child, but I pushed down the feeling, not wanting to sink any deeper into the sadness that threatened to swallow me. Lifting my shirt, I searched for the scar from the C-section, but saw nothing. And then I placed my hands on my cold, naked tummy. I concentrated on the feeling of my stomach rising and falling as I inhaled and exhaled. But then, I one quick movement, I pulled my shirt down and stalked out of the bathroom, turning the lights off as I went.

The week passed uneventfully, as they let me grow accustomed to the differences. I had learned a lot about my new self in these few days, and was still astonished every time I looked in the mirror and saw those unnervingly red eyes watching me from that hauntingly beautiful face. I spent the nights locked in my room, each night telling myself I would be all right, but each night I ended up with an undying ache in my heart and the feeling that a part of me was ripped away.

I was walking down the stairs to the living area. The sun was hanging halfway in the sky, shinning brightly, so I knew it was around 10. I had spent the night in my room, alone, like I always did, but this night had been different. I felt like I was finally beginning to get better, like my heart was giving up on trying to hurt so much. I knew I would always feel the emptiness that made my stomach drop, but some part of me was letting go of the pain and sadness, choosing to enjoy the second chance at life I had been give.

I felt the warm rays bathe my skin, but felt no change in my temperature. I stooped in front of the window and stretched my arms out in front of me, turning them this way and that, watching the way the light flickered off my skin like my hands were two disco balls. I stood like that, lost in thought, for a few minutes, before turning away from the window and walking the rest of the way down the stairs. I saw Carlisle looking around, standing in the middle of the room. The rest of the room was empty. He turned towards me and a smile lit up his face. "Ah, I was just looking for you!"

I smiled at him, pushing my pain aside. "Hello, Dr. Cullen." I said with a smile.

He reached me and put his hand on my shoulder. "Please, call me Carlisle," he said with a smile and I nodded. He hesitated for a few seconds, as if deciding whether he should skip the chitchat or not. He went with the latter. "Are you alright?"

I nodded. "As fine as I can be," I managed with a small smile.

Carlisle saw my pain but decided not to dig further. I thanked him with my slow nod.

He clasped his hands together and smiled curiously. "Well, I've been wondering about this little gift of yours. If you're up to it, I'd like to see if we can do some experimenting."

I laughed in surprise. "Sure?" I said, glad for the distraction.

"If you're sure?"

I nodded, "Yes, I'm good with that." I smiled convincingly.

He nodded and turned on his heels. "Walk with me, please," he said.

I kept up with his pace but stayed a few inches behind him as he talked. We were going back up the stairs towards his study. "Have you been able to feel or share your feelings with anyone else lately?"

I shook my head, though he couldn't see it. "No, only that first day."

Carlisle began stroking his chin thoughtfully. He muttered to himself. We reached the door that led into the big office and went through it silently. I noticed Edward lounging on a chair in front of the big wooden desk, one of his legs dangling off the side. I sat in the chair next to him and smiled. "Hello, Edward."

He nodded. "Hello, Allisa. How are you feeling?"

I shrugged, knowing he would be able to tell how I felt by reading my thoughts. He nodded again, smiling at me sympathetically.

Carlisle had taken a seat in his big black leather chair and was watching us, a slight smile turning up the corners of his mouth. He had both of his elbows on his desk, and he was leaning forward with his chin on top of his clasped hands.

Edward glanced at Carlisle and asked him what I had told him. There was a silent reply as Carlisle communicated by thought. I glanced around the room and for the first time noticed Alice standing to the left of the big desk, smiling brightly at me. I returned the smile. She pranced over to me and positioned herself on the arm of my chair and began absentmindedly twirling my hair with her finger.

I looked back up towards Carlisle and saw that he was done telling Edward everything. "It seems odd," he said, "that you haven't felt anything else. Have you tried?"

I nodded. "I just seem to draw a blank."

Carlisle's left eyebrow raised slightly. "Hmm. Edward?"

I saw Edward shrug out of the corner of my eye. We sat silently for a split second, and I felt Alice's hand slip from my hair and touch my shoulder lightly. A gasp escaped my lips as millions of images began flying past my mind's eyes. They were all blurry and I couldn't concentrate on them, but I recognized all of the Cullens in several of them, along with Jacob and Bella's father.

When I was able to look around, I saw Edward watching me in amazement, a slight 'o' forming on his lips. Carlisle had gotten up and walked to my side and he was watching us all in confusion. "What is it, Alissa?"

I gasped again. "I don't know!" My mind was racing from the images that had flooded my head so suddenly.

"Edward!" I heard Alice squeak behind me in an excited voice. His mouth closed slightly as he nodded in astonishment. "Amazing!" he whispered. He stood up now and reached my side swiftly. And then his cold hand came towards me and he placed it firmly on my arm.

Oh, this is such a mystery! How exciting!, I heard Alice's voice, high and excited in my mind.

What is happening? What did she see? It was Carlisle's voice. I heard Edward's voice mixed in with the rest, questioning. I sat completely still, unable to move. Edward?

Edward?, I thought. Why had Carlisle called me Edward?

And why could I read everyone's minds? Slowly, as if I was made of hard putty, I moved my head down. Edward's hand was squeezing my arm tightly. I'm sure, if blood still flowed through me, my hand would be asleep from lack of blood.

"Edward?" I said in a shocked gasp, still staring down at my arm. His hand jerked away from my arm, and just like that, the voices inside my head faded.

I gasped again, jumping out of my seat this time, grabbing my arm. "What?"

Carlisle looked so confused. "What happened?" he demanded.

Edward looked like he was lost in a trance, his mouth hanging open in shock. I looked back at Carlisle. "I could see!" I explained in a gasp. "And hear!"

"See and hear what, Alissa?" He took my hand in his, hoping to calm me down.

"I saw images! And I heard what you were thinking!"

Carlisle looked around. "You saw when Alice touched you?"

I hadn't remembered that Alice's hand had slipped down to touch my shoulder, but I nodded now. "Yes! And when Edward touched my arm, I could read your thoughts!"

Carlisle was shaking his head in fascination, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Amazing! Incredible," he muttered to himself. Then he clapped his hands together and called out Bella and Jasper's names.

They appeared in a matter of seconds. Jasper walked in first, a look of confussion in his eyes as he glanced around the room, and Bella came second, smiling brightly. "Yes," she said, as Jasper took his place next to Alice, who was now standing. Bella moved toward's Edward and grasped his limp hand in hers. She looked from Carlisle to Edward, a startled look crossing her face. "What happened?" she asked, concerned.

Edward shook his hand, looking down at her. "Bella, darling," is all he could manage.

"Carlisle, why did you call us," asked Jasper quietly. Carlisle beckoned him to come towards me. "We're doing a little experiment on Alissa's gift. Please, put your hand on her shoulder."

Jasper moved towards me silently and stretched his hand out slowly to touch me. I felt his feathery touch against my shoulder the same minute a concentrated sense of confusion and concern washed over me. I closed my eyes, concentrating on the emotions. I felt Alice and Carlisle's wonder, and the confusion coming from Edward, Bella, and Jasper. Jasper's emotions were especially easy to read, while the others were more like background noise.

And then, once again, it was gone as Jasper's hand slid away from my body.

"What happened?" he asked, looking around worriedly.

"I could feel what you felt!" I began to explain to him, but Carlisle spoke up. "Bella, please. Come take Alissa's hand in yours."

Bella glanced up at Edward, who nodded, and then moved over towards me, grasping my stiff hand in hers. I felt nothing for a few minutes. I glanced at Carlisle. "I don't feel anything," I whispered. Edward gasped softly.

"What?" we all asked together as we looked at him.

"I can't hear."

I shook my head, not understanding.

"It's like Bella. I can't hear Alissa's thought anymore," he sounded panicked.

Bella unconsciously let go of my hand and stepped towards her husband. But he shook his head. "I can hear her again. Bella, touch her again."

Bella glanced down at her hand, as if she just now realized she wasn't holding mine anymore, and put her hand against my arm. Edward shook his head. "Amazing."

"You can't hear her when Bella touches her," Jasper asked in bewilderment. He still looked dreadfully confused.

I looked at Carlisle. He was lost in thought, his mouth hanging open slightly. He closed his eyes for a second to think, and then snapped them open again. "Bella, why don't you try pushing your shield out around you?"

I glanced over at the beautiful brunette next to me. And suddenly there was a shimmery bubble surrounding me and her. Carlisle frowned slightly. "I said, only you, Bella," he reminded softly.

Bella nodded, looking aghast. "I did. I've only got it around me."

Carlisle raised his hand to indicated that the same wall of glitter surrounded me. He opened his mouth to speak, but changed his mind before muttering out, "How astonishing!"

I reached out my empty hand slowly, mesmerized by the bubble around me. I touched the walls softly, and the bubble moved as I pushed out, always staying a few inches from the edge of my finger. "Wow," I muttered in amazement.

"Carlisle, will you please explain this to me?" Jasper uttered in a exasperation. Carlisle snapped out of his though process and looked towards his son.

"It appears that Alissa can share our gifts whenever someone touches her. When Edward touched her, she heard what Edward heard, which was everyone's thoughts. Alice touched her and she saw the visions that float around inside her head. And it seems like she can share Bella's shield of her mind and body."

Jasper looked at me, smiling. "That's quite a gift you have," he said to me.

I let out a small giggle, before covering my mouth, embarrassed.

"Never have I seen anything like this," Carlisle exclaimed, clapping his hands excitedly.

Edward was smiling at me. He glanced at Carlisle. "Do you think she share two gifts at a time?"

Carlisle shrugged. "Well, why don't we try," he said enthusiastically.

Edward walked over to stand beside Bella, taking my other hand in his. Again, I could hear everyone's thoughts, but one 'voice' surprised me.

It was Bella's soft voice. She was wondering if it was working and who all I could do this with. Edward's face looked like it was about to crack open as a huge smile spread across his lips. I noticed that the shimmery bubble was now also surrounding the tall, slim man who was Bella's husband.

Was I doing that? I wondered.

It seems so! Edward's voice came clearly through my mind, louder than the others. "Bella, I can hear your thoughts," he said.

Bella gasped. "What?" She had been marveling at how handsome he was, and quickly changed her train of thoughts, embarrassed. Can she hear what I'm thinking, she wondered as she glanced at me.

I laughed and nodded. "Yes!"

Bella smiled shyly at me. I heard her whisper Edward's name in my head and Edward's reply, flowing with love and enthusiasm.

Isn't it incredible,he asked Bella.

Bella nodded. How does she do it, do you think?

I glanced at Carlisle for the first time since Edward had grabbed my hand. He was watching us patiently.

I heard him call Edward's name, his voice reverberating inside my mind. Edward broke his gaze with Bella and looked at his father.

I heard Edward start explaining what had just happened in his head a split second before he spoke the exact same words. "It's like Lisa is acting as a sort of link, a go-between. I am inside Bella's bubble and I can hear her thoughts."

"And I can hear yours," Bella said slowly, as if it dawned on her just now. "I can hear Edward's thoughts and everyone else's through Alissa!"

Carlisle was glancing from me to Edward and then to Bella, and back again to me. "It appears your gift, Alissa, is that you can not only see through other people's minds their gifts, but that you can also share it with someone else who touches you." He looked around. "I wonder if it would work with me, since I have no gift."

He stepped forward and took the hand that Bella had been holding. The bubble around Edward and I popped silently. I watched Carlisle's face, reading his thought's through Edward. It was like there was an echo inside my mind as I heard Edward's thoughts through his voice and through Carlisle's who was listening to them as well.

Carlisle dropped my hand slowly. "That was quite a rush!" he said with a soft laugh.

"You could hear our thoughts?" Alice asked excitedly. I had nearly forgotten about her and Jasper. Carlisle nodded, smiling at the petite woman. Then he turned to me. "Well, you surely are incredible! Your gift will come in handy!"

He smiled broadly at me and I returned it. My mind had gone silent a few seconds before as Edward had released my hand, and I was already missing the sound of everyone's voices echoing inside my skull.

But then everyone spoke up at once, speaking in amazed tones to no one in particular. Alice skipped over to me and grabbed my hand. I saw the images appear and she ran through a few that she wanted to share with me. I saw myself in a beautiful field with light green grass up to my knees and then one of Renesme and I, sitting in front of the piano.

And then Carlisle walked towards the door, saying something about sharing this with Esme.