Part V 'Let's Play a Game of What If…'

Chapter 16

The next day, Edward informed us that he was leaving. He did not say where he was going, but he mentioned that he needed some time alone to get accustomed to his new reality. No one pressured him, but Carlisle and Esme let him know that he was welcome to come back whenever he was ready. When he looked at me, I nodded and smiled, hoping he knew that I wanted him to return. He nodded back at me, gave a half-hearted smile, turned, and was gone.

I found myself standing at a crossroads. Seeking solitude, I ventured deep into the forest and perched upon some large rocks. As I contemplated my future, I absentmindedly played with my powers, lost in thought. It wasn't something I shared with the others, but every time I was alone, I would work on my abilities, attempting to better understand them and explore what was possible.

Following the destruction of the Cullen home in Forks, I knew it was necessary to gain better control over my powers. I needed to do this not only for my own safety but also for the protection of my family. As I sat there, deep in thought, I began to manipulate my shield, causing small objects to move in different directions. It was fascinating to see that I could control my shields movements and shape it into any form I desired. I even discovered that I could use it as a blade, which could potentially be lethal, as I could with no effort slice a tree or a large rock in half.

I didn't know if it could slice through vampire skin, and I didn't have any desire to find out. I knew that the Cullen's had already seen me floating on my first day as a vampire, so I was slowly figuring out the best ways to do it. I could place a shield under myself and raise it, making it appear as though I were floating. However, my control wasn't quite up to par, and I couldn't hold it for very long. I knew that the key was to keep practicing until I had mastered it, even if it took me a hundred years or more - luckily, I was immortal, so time was not an issue.

The next hurdle I wanted to cross was college. My newborn year was over and so far I had had no issues interacting with humans. I would speak with the others but I knew I wanted to sign up for courses next year. I had looked into the University of Denver and saw that they offered many night courses which sounded great and they have a tunnel system under the campus to protect the students from heavy snow or in my case that damn sun. Stupid sparkles.

I decided to go for a run. I figured I could reach Denver by nightfall and it would be safe to venture into the city. It was still summer, so walking around without a jacket should not draw any attention.

As I raced through the forest, avoiding populated areas, I thought about going to school again. I knew I needed to open myself up more to different experiences, and college was the perfect place to do it. Looking back at high school, I saw a girl who did not have any fun. My human self was, of course, happy and content, but viewing it now through my vampire eyes, I would never be that girl again. I needed more… more of everything. I wanted to be the woman who could make friends with anybody. I wanted to take classes that would push me to be a better person. I had eternity to learn facts and figures, but that was not what I wanted from my college experience.

The sun had set, and I had made it to Denver. I took public transportation to the college I hoped to attend. As I walked through the campus, I watched the students make their way around. Some walked in a rush, focused on where they were going, while others were in groups having a good time. There were so many different types of people at the school, which was very different from Forks High, and I liked the change. I smiled at people as I walked through the campus, and many smiled back. One guy approached me, clearly interested in my physical attributes. I had better get prepared for more of that, I determined.

I saw what looked to be a student center called "The Spot." I went in and sat down, watching friends meet and eat together, as there were many food choices, like the food court in a mall. As I watched everyone, I visualized myself here, sitting with friends. No, I saw myself here, eating with friends. I would not be the strange girl who does not eat. I would be like everyone else, a normal college student. I smiled as I saw the future I wanted play out in my mind. It was perfect.

I continued to walk around the campus until it got late and it was time to head home. After feeding on my way back, I reached the Cullen's house by morning, and I called everyone to the living room. Once everyone was present, I announced my news, "Guys, I've been thinking a lot about my future, and I've decided that I'm ready to attend college."

Alice gave me a big smile, clearly she already had seen this conversation with the family, "That's great, Bella! What do you want to study?"

"I want to broaden my horizons and get out of my comfort zone. I've realized that I've been way to reserved my entire life, not wanting to stand out or gather attention in any way, and I want to change that. I want to have a diverse educational experience and I figure changing how I and others view myself is a great way to start. Learning facts and figures can come later."

Emmett grinned, "So, what kind of classes do you want to take?"

"I want to start by taking a lot of drama courses. I want to take acting classes and join a theater group. I want to learn music and take singing lessons and anything else that will enable me to become a more well-rounded individual," I explained.

Esme beamed and said, "That sounds wonderful, Bella! We're all so proud of all you've accomplished so quickly in this new life."

After the initial excitement had died down, I sought out Jasper to ask for his help with my application to the University of Denver. "Jasper, do you think you could assist me with my college application?" I asked.

"Of course, Bella. You do understand that we cannot use your Isabella Swan transcripts, right? We will have to enhance the Bella Cullen identity that we created for you and use that to send in. You should know though, that we use other methods and ways of getting accepted into universities through donations or other means," he cautioned.

I nodded, "Yes, I had a feeling that would be the case. But I want you to make my new transcripts exactly like my real ones. I want to know I got accepted on my own merit."

Jasper smiled at my determination, "I admire your integrity, Bella. I'll help you in any way I can."

"Thank you so much, Jasper. Your assistance and teachings have meant the world to me this past year." I replied with a smile, feeling grateful for his support.