The morning was cool and invigorating as Bella and Edward set out for their first day at King's College, London. The expansive college campus was a stunning juxtaposition of old and new – gothic arches and modern glass structures standing side by side in harmony. The sight had Bella captivated, her eyes darting around in fascination.
"Remarkable, isn't it?" Edward asked, sharing her amazement.
"It's more than that," Bella murmured, her eyes wide as she admired the massive brick edifice. "It's history and future combined."
Inside, the building was a reflection of its exterior charm. Marble floors echoing with the sound of lively conversations, the high vaulted ceilings contributing to the aura of scholarly pursuit. It felt overwhelming and awe-inspiring all at once.
"By the way," Edward interjected as they navigated through the bustling crowd, "I'll call Carlisle after our class to keep him updated."
Curiosity piqued, Bella looked at him, "What happened at the meeting last night?"
"We'll discuss it later, Bella," Edward assured her, his voice gentle. "Right now, let's focus on your first day."
Bella had chosen psychology as her major. The extraordinary personalities she'd encountered in her life had piqued her interest in the human mind. "I think understanding how the mind works is the first step in understanding the complexities of behavior," she explained, her voice carrying a note of excitement.
Edward seemed intrigued by her explanation, his golden eyes twinkling in understanding. "Given what we've experienced, your interest makes sense."
Edward had chosen Computer Engineering as his major. Bella wasn't surprised. "You've always had an insatiable curiosity, haven't you?"
Edward chuckled, "A few decades of life will do that."
As they made their way through the bustling corridors to their first class, Bella noticed the admiring glances Edward received from girls, and even some guys. Aware of her gaze, Edward asked, "What is it?"
Bella pointed out the stares, causing Edward to let out a chuckle. "Well, I suppose my charm does get in the way sometimes."
Bella couldn't help but laugh at Edward's comment, his humor making her initial anxiety ebb away.
Her first class was an introduction to psychopathology. The thought of understanding the diverse aspects of abnormal psychology was both fascinating and terrifying. The experiences she had been through made her relate to the subject in a unique way. Edward, ever supportive, squeezed her hand and gave her an encouraging smile, turning her apprehension into a sense of anticipation for the new experiences ahead.
Edward and Bella shared a brief, intimate glance before parting ways to their respective classes. Bella watched him stride away, his graceful steps captivating the attention of many around him. Shaking off her amusement, she turned to enter her classroom.
The room was a buzz of activity, students settling into their seats, chatting animatedly amongst themselves. The walls were lined with bookshelves filled with aged volumes, the worn out pages and bindings giving the room an old-world charm. The blackboard at the front of the room bore the remnants of the previous class. Students from diverse backgrounds and appearances filled the room, reflecting the cosmopolitan culture of the city.
Choosing a seat towards the back, Bella observed her surroundings and the people. Her gaze eventually landed on the professor. He was a middle-aged man, with graying hair and a beard that framed his face. His spectacles perched on his nose gave him an air of erudition.
As the professor began the lecture, Bella found herself hanging onto his every word. He started, "Psychopathology is not just about diagnosing disorders. It's about understanding people, their motivations, their fears..."
The professor, whose name Bella now knew as Dr. Collins, paced around the classroom, his voice resonating throughout the room as he started to explain the key concepts of psychopathology. As the lecture went on, Bella could feel her attention wavering. Her thoughts, despite her efforts to stay focused, kept drifting back to the note and the silent threat it posed.
Suddenly, she was jolted from her thoughts when she heard her name being called out by the professor. "Mrs. Cullen," Dr. Collins said, an inquisitive expression on his face, "can you tell us about the biopsychosocial model of understanding mental disorders?"
Caught off guard, Bella felt a wave of heat rushing up to her face as she looked around to see her classmates turn their attention towards her. She stammered for a few moments before finally managing to pull herself together. "Well," she began, her voice shaky at first, "the biopsychosocial model... It's an interdisciplinary approach that understands health and illness through biological, psychological, and social factors."
A few classmates snickered at her nervousness, but the professor gave her a gentle smile. "That's right, Mrs. Cullen," he said, "Can you explain further? Perhaps, give us an example?"
Bella took a deep breath and thought for a moment. "Um, okay," she said, "so if we were looking at something like depression, the biological aspect would include things like brain chemistry and genetics. The psychological aspect could include the individual's mood and personality. And the social aspect might look at their personal relationships and socioeconomic status."
Dr. Collins nodded, seeming impressed. "Well done, Mrs. Cullen. That's a comprehensive answer."
A sense of relief washed over Bella as she leaned back in her seat. For the rest of the class, she focused on jotting down the key points from the lecture.
Once class was dismissed, she saw Edward waiting for her at the door. His bronze hair was a mess, a telltale sign of his agitation. As she approached him, his lips curved into a smile. "So, how did your first day go?" he asked, trying to mask his worry.
Bella caught the look of concern that flashed in Edward's eyes, a concern she knew wasn't just about her first day in college. The weight of the threatening note and the mystery that surrounded it still loomed over them.
She chose not to mention it though, not wanting to tarnish this small moment of normalcy. She knew they would have to confront the situation soon enough, but for now, she wanted to hold on to this semblance of a normal college experience.
"You're stronger than you give yourself credit for, Bella," Edward reassured her, his gaze soft but serious. Bella smiled, deciding to respond with light-hearted humor instead of acknowledging the tension they were both trying to ignore.
"Well, if I can survive your driving, I can survive anything," she teased, a gentle reminder of the fast and wild rides Edward was known for. Edward chuckled, appreciating the momentary distraction, as they made their way out of the college building and towards Carlisle and Esme's penthouse.
In the car, as Edward smoothly navigated the London streets, their conversation turned towards his experience of the first class.
"So, how was computer engineering?" Bella asked, trying to picture Edward sitting in a modern classroom among other students.
Edward smirked, "Well, it was fascinating... in its own way. The professor, Dr. Simmons, was a bit too engrossed in explaining the intricacies of machine learning algorithms."
Bella laughed, "And let me guess, you already know all about them?"
Edward nodded, "I've had a few decades to catch up on technology, Bella." He paused, then continued, "But the truly interesting part was the students. They were so engrossed in their screens, coding away. One student, in particular, was trying to design a new gaming app during the lecture."
Bella chuckled, "Sounds like a normal college class to me. But doesn't reading their minds... distract you?"
Edward gave a wry smile, "It does, especially when they're mentally debugging code while trying to listen to the professor. But I've learned to tune it out over the years."
The conversation lightened Bella's mood. It was so ordinary - two college students discussing their day. She then asked, "But, Edward, why college again? Why not... I don't know, just enjoy the time?"
He shrugged, "Doing something 'normal' helps blend in, Bella. And besides," Edward added with a small grin, "College courses change. High school algebra? Not so much."
Edward glanced at Bella, a softness in his eyes, "More than anything, Bella, I want to share this experience with you. You've decided to live as a human for a while longer and I want to live every bit of that human life alongside you."
Bella turned to look at him, touched by his words. "That's... really sweet, Edward."
He grinned at her, his golden eyes twinkling. "Plus, unlike my siblings, I don't really need a break. It's not just about blending in. It's about engagement, learning new things, being part of something... dynamic. Every new course, every new place offers something different, you know. It's fascinating to see how knowledge evolves, how education changes."
Bella nodded, understanding dawning on her. "That makes sense. And well, as long as we're in this together... I think it could be fun."
"Fun is what I'm aiming for, Mrs. Cullen," Edward replied, reaching over to give her hand a gentle squeeze. The lightness in his voice brought a sense of ease to Bella's heart, quelling the nervous fluttering in her stomach as they drove on towards the Cullen family meeting.
Observing Edward's effortless maneuvering through the traffic, Bella voiced her concern. "The driver's side is on the right here. That's... different."
Edward glanced at her, a playful smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Well, that's one way to put it. But trust me, Bella, it won't take long to adapt."
"Edward, I drove a truck in a town with a population of three thousand. This," Bella gestured to the traffic around them, "is not the same."
His chuckled echoed in the confined space of the car. "You're right, it's different. But you're also more adaptable than you give yourself credit for. I'll be with you every step of the way, until you're comfortable. If you could handle a vintage truck, you can handle London."
Bella took in his confident smile and felt her anxiety ease a bit. "You really believe that, don't you?"
Edward looked at her, his amber eyes full of unwavering trust. "I do, Bella. I believe in you, always."
As they approached their new building, Bella's eyes widened at the sight of their home nestled in the heart of London. Edward had chosen a modern high-rise that stood tall and elegant amidst the historical architecture of the city, a striking contrast of old and new.
The building, encased in a sleek exterior of glass and steel, shimmered in the midday sun, reflecting a vibrant palette of the cityscape. Bella's gaze traveled to the top, where their penthouse sat like a crown jewel. The enormity of it, the extravagance, still took her breath away.
"Our humble abode," Edward remarked, his voice dry as he glanced at her from the corner of his eye.
Bella chuckled. "Yes, quite modest."
They pulled into the underground parking, a secure location that provided direct access to their private elevator. Stepping out of the car, Bella couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement intertwined with her nervousness.
As the elevator ascended to Carlisle and Esme's penthouse, Bella felt Edward's hand grip hers a bit tighter. The silent gesture did little to quell the storm of emotions brewing within her. When the doors slid open, she stepped into a space that was quintessentially Esme – modern yet warm, sophisticated yet inviting. Two storeys of exquisite décor bathed in soft natural light from the expansive glass walls, offering a stunning panorama of London's cityscape.
Yet the beauty of the place did little to distract from the palpable tension that greeted Bella and Edward in the open-plan living area. All the Cullens were there, a tight knot of hushed anticipation. Rosalie's icy glare met them head-on, causing Edward to visibly tense.
Esme, ever the peacemaker, tried to dispel the tension with her motherly concern. "Bella, dear, have you eaten anything?" she asked. Bella shook her head, confessing she wasn't hungry. Esme's question seemed to hang in the air, and for a moment, Bella thought Edward would argue. But he held back, his jaw tightening but staying silent.
Rosalie was the first to shatter the tense silence, her words a direct attack on Bella. "Since you came into our lives, it's been one problem after another. I didn't sign up to protect a human."
Edward shot back instantly, his voice cold. "Our nature as vampires is what put Bella in this situation. We dragged her into our world, and it's our duty to keep her safe."
Rosalie scoffed, "Just because you decided to marry her doesn't mean we all have to look after her."
"Enough, Rosalie," Carlisle interjected, his voice firm yet calm. "We are a family, and we look out for each other. That's what we've always done."
"Well, maybe it's time for a change, Carlisle. Maybe some of us want to live our lives without constantly looking over our shoulders," Rosalie retorted sharply, her anger now directed at Carlisle.
Bella felt a pang of guilt twist her stomach. She reached out to Edward, trying to calm him, but he was beyond reach, his amber eyes ablaze. Rosalie, not waiting for a response, announced, "I'm leaving," turning to Emmett as if expecting him to follow.
Emmett looked conflicted, but after a moment, he said softly, "I'm staying, Rose."
Emmett looked at her leave. The silence that had enveloped the room felt almost suffocating. Bella felt a ripple of calmness wash over her and she cast a quick glance at Jasper, understanding his efforts to soothe the tense atmosphere. However, the tension still hung heavy in the air, a tangible reminder of Rosalie's unexpected outburst.
It was Emmett who broke the silence, his usually jovial voice sounding somber and unsteady. "She'll be back," he announced, attempting to instill some optimism in the gloomy room. "Rose just needs some time to calm down." Yet, the uncertainty lingering in his eyes contradicted his hopeful words.
Carlisle and Esme stepped forward, their faces etched with concern and resolve. Esme's warm, motherly gaze landed on Bella. "You are a part of this family, Bella," she said firmly. "Any threat to you is a threat to all of us."
Bella swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry. She wanted to reassure them, to promise them that she was okay, but the words seemed to be stuck in her throat. Sensing her discomfort, Edward quickly wrapped an arm around her, his hold secure and comforting. "We're in this together," he promised, his voice low but filled with conviction.
Meanwhile, Alice had gone oddly quiet. Her pixie-like features were drawn in a frown, her usually sparkling eyes clouded with confusion. "My visions," she started, her voice barely above a whisper, "they're becoming less reliable. More and more, they're failing me."
Jasper was quick to validate Alice's concern. "It's been happening since we moved to London," he admitted, his golden gaze locked on Alice, concern etching his features.
Esme, ever the nurturing figure, moved closer to Alice, offering her a comforting presence. Edward, his earlier fury subsided, frowned at Alice's admission. "But why? How is that possible?" he asked, a note of desperation seeping into his voice.
Alice could only shake her head, a grimace marring her delicate features. "I'm not sure, Edward," she confessed.
"It could be the proximity of a powerful vampire with a unique gift, something we haven't encountered before," Carlisle suggested, his voice thoughtful. But his eyes revealed his uncertainty, casting a shadow of doubt over his theory.
As the room absorbed his words, a new wave of tension settled in, an ominous cloud threatening to unleash a storm they were yet to comprehend. Bella clung to Edward, his steadfast presence her anchor in the tempestuous sea of uncertainty.
Bella bit her lip, her mind churning with thoughts and theories. She couldn't shake the feeling that she, despite being the intended target of the note, might not be the ultimate target. "I'm the weakest link," she confessed, her voice barely a whisper. She felt Edward stiffen beside her, his discomfort palpable. However, he didn't interrupt her.
Jasper nodded in agreement, his military background shining through in his strategic mind. "Whoever left the note knows that by targeting Bella, they're targeting all of us," he said. His gaze shifted to Edward. "Why not change her now, Edward? Her strength as a newborn could be an asset." His words echoed the room, a question poised with certainty, reflecting his experience of leading an army of newborns once upon a time.
Edward's gaze darkened, his jaw clenching visibly. "Her transformation is not a tactical maneuver, Jasper. Bella wanted to experience more of her human life, and she will," he stated emphatically.
Carlisle nodded in agreement with Edward but added, "We might have to reconsider if the situation becomes even more dangerous, Edward." He then turned the conversation back to the renovation team. "They're our first lead. Someone passed them that note."
Alice chimed in, her voice steady despite the distress etched on her face. "I have the names of everyone who worked on Bella and Edward's penthouse," she shared, holding a list in her hand.
Edward took the list from Alice, scanning the names quickly. "I'll talk to them. They won't be able to lie effectively with me there," he declared, a hard edge to his voice.
"I want to come too," Bella interjected quickly. The idea of being sidelined didn't sit well with her. Edward immediately objected, but Bella was firm. "Edward, they're humans. I won't be in danger, especially not with you there."
Edward was silent for a moment, realizing he wouldn't win this argument. Finally, he nodded. "You stay behind me, Bella. And don't say anything," he instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Bella agreed to his terms, a sense of victory mixed with dread settling in. They were stepping into uncharted territory, but at least they were stepping in together.