Chapter 60: A Brand New Edward
As Edward stepped through the gleaming glass doors of the mega mall, as Bella had called it, the sight that greeted him was nothing short of staggering. He paused, momentarily overwhelmed by the sheer size and brightness of the space. Back in Chicago, the largest store near his old home had been Delahunt's—a one-story masterpiece at the time that sold a little bit of everything. But this... this was an entirely different world.
The mall stretched out before him like a city within a building, seemingly endless. Gleaming white marble floors reflected the sunlight streaming through the expansive glass roof above, casting a soft, warm glow. The ceiling soared high, a transparent dome framing a flawless, cloudless sky. Sunlight poured in, illuminating every inch of the massive structure, making it feel even more vast, as though the mall was somehow connected to the heavens.
Three stories of stores stretched upward, each level connected by sleek, moving staircases—escalators, Bella had whispered with a small smile when she saw his curious glance. He had heard of escalators before, but had never seen one in person. His eyes followed the mechanical steps, watching in silent awe as humans were effortlessly carried from one level to the next, their casual steps making it seem like just another mundane convenience.
As they walked, Bella quietly pointed out the various stores, her voice soft and instructive in his ear. They passed storefronts boasting names and items that were completely foreign to him. The vibrant displays in the windows showed mannequins dressed in the latest fashions—clothing that seemed so unusual compared to what he was used to. Some of the outfits looked like costumes more than actual clothes, and no one from his time would have been caught dead in them. He saw stores selling shoes, bags, and accessories, the sheer variety and extravagance of which left him dumbfounded.
Other stores were an even bigger mystery. They passed one particularly colorful shop filled with kids, and when he asked, Bella explained that it sold video games. He recalled the games she'd shown him on the phone the night before and wondered what other kinds of games existed. They walked by several stores selling phones and other similar devices that looked bigger than phones. It surprised him how many different stores sold the same thing, but Bella explained each store carried a different brand. Their first stop had been to buy a charger for his phone—Bella had already shown him the phone was nearly out of power by the time they finished with it last night.
As they approached a central hub where the mall branched out in four directions, Edward's attention was immediately drawn to a series of large circular fountains. People sat on the edges, laughing and chatting, when suddenly a jet of water shot up from one fountain, arcing gracefully over everyone's heads before landing in the center of another. Edward stood in awe, stunned by the display, but the people around him seemed unfazed. Young children though shrieked with delight, chasing the water as it danced from fountain to fountain. It was a spectacle unlike anything he had ever seen.
Standing in the center, he slowly turned, taking in the scene around him. The entire place was alive with activity—people bustling in and out of stores, bags overflowing with purchases swinging at their sides, their voices merging into a constant, buzzing hum. The energy was palpable, the sheer volume of human life thrumming in the air.
What amazed Edward the most, though, was how completely oblivious the humans around them were to their presence. The bright sunlight overhead should have revealed them for what they truly were, but Bella allowed them to walk freely, unnoticed, blending in as if they were just like everyone else.
"This… all of this… is unbelievable," Edward couldn't help but murmur aloud.
In that moment, Edward couldn't help but reflect on how grateful he was for the silence in his mind. The absence of everyone else's thoughts was a gift, one he hadn't fully appreciated until now. He remembered all too well what it had been like—the incessant flood of human thoughts bombarding him from every angle, the overwhelming noise threatening to drive him mad at times. But now... now there was only his own mind, free to focus on the present, to absorb the sounds, the sights, and the smells of this strange, new world.
Taking in a deep breath, Edward savored the familiar, tantalizing scent of fresh blood in the air. He was already looking forward to tonight, to sating his thirst once again. Once, he had been filled with so much doubt about whether drinking from humans was the right thing to do. But his time in captivity had allowed him to make peace with who he was. Either through age or wisdom, he could now make distinctions more easily, and the thought of feeding on criminals or murderers no longer haunted him. He was happy with who he was, and he wouldn't let anything taint this second chance at life he had been given or let any past hang-ups darken its outlook.
He turned to Bella, who seemed to be enjoying the moment just as much as he was. Her expression was calm, but her eyes sparkled with quiet amusement as she watched the bustling crowds. A grin tugged at his lips. "We seem to be at a crossroads. Which way are we going?"
"The map said straight ahead," Bella replied, nodding toward what looked to be an even busier section of the mall. The noise in that direction was even more pronounced. "Let's get you a new outfit first, then we can explore some more. I'm sure there are plenty of stores here that'll catch your eye."
Edward couldn't help but smile back. The past day had been a whirlwind, one unexpected twist after another, but he was enjoying it—enjoying every moment with Bella by his side. "Yes, I've already seen a few stores that looked interesting," he admitted, his tone playful, "but I'm sure there's more to discover."
As they continued, Edward's heightened senses were bombarded by an overwhelming volume of stimuli. Every sound and scent seemed magnified. The smell of food wafted over him, drawing his attention to a massive array of restaurants—or at least their front counters—set beneath a large sign that read "Food Court." People lined up at each eatery, placing their orders with practiced ease. The variety of aromas hit him all at once: a chaotic blend of spices, grilled meats, and sizzling dishes, swirling together in an almost dizzying assault on his senses. As he paused for a moment, it was nearly too much to process.
He glanced at Bella, who had noticed his distraction and was standing next to him, an amused look on her face. "Don't worry, we're certainly not stopping here," she said with a teasing smile. "Come on, we're almost there."
He let out a quiet chuckle as they left the food court behind, leaving that area for the humans to enjoy. Bella pointed ahead, down the way toward the end. Far in the distance, he saw what looked to be a larger store with a sleek, modern sign and expansive windows. "That's the one," she said. "Time to get you something that fits in a bit better with the times."
Finally, they arrived at their destination. The store was vast, with different sections branching off in all directions, filled with every type of clothing imaginable. Walking beside Bella, Edward took in the space, noting the clean lines of the displays and the sleek design. The store catered to both men and women, and Bella nodded approvingly as they passed rows of neatly folded clothes. "Perfect," she said, her eyes scanning the racks. "We should be able to find everything you need here."
As they strolled down the wide aisles, Edward's curiosity grew with each passing section. His gaze swept over the racks of clothing, some familiar and others foreign to him, sparking a quiet intrigue. But as they continued, something made him stop in his tracks. They had wandered into the women's unmentionables section, a place he had never ventured into before. His eyes were immediately drawn to the mannequins standing nearby, each one adorned in garments that left very little to the imagination.
Delicate lace clung to the forms in intricate patterns, draped across curves in a way that seemed both intimate and suggestive. Thin straps crisscrossed bare skin, barely concealing what lay beneath, while sheer fabrics shimmered under the artificial store lights, revealing glimpses of what was usually hidden. Edward's breath hitched, his mind racing as he tried to comprehend this new world of clothing meant for women. The idea that these pieces were not only for show but actually worn stirred a mix of fascination and confusion in him.
Did women really wear these things now? It seemed bold, even scandalous. The very thought of seeing someone—seeing Bella—in something so revealing made his dead heart feel like it was about to start up again. He didn't know what was proper. Should he be looking? Should he avert his gaze? Regardless of etiquette, he couldn't help but glance back for another look.
As he stood there, caught between curiosity and embarrassment, he noticed the women shopping nearby. They flipped through the racks casually, as if browsing for a dress or a pair of shoes, completely at ease with the intimate nature of the items on display. Not one seemed to notice the young man standing awkwardly in their midst.
Bella's voice cut through Edward's wandering thoughts, and he turned to her with a start, realizing he had lingered far longer than he intended.
"I take it you like what you see?" she teased, her tone light and playful, a glint of amusement dancing in her eyes.
Edward blinked, still processing her words, caught off guard by the smirk curving at her lips. His mind raced—had he done something inappropriate?
She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I'm guessing lingerie didn't look like this in your day," she said, raising an eyebrow as her gaze flicked briefly toward the mannequins. "You should really wipe your mouth, Edward—you started drooling all over yourself staring at those see-through bras and panties."
Edward's eyes widened in horror as he quickly raised a hand to his mouth, wiping the back of his hand across his lips—only to find them dry. He froze for a beat, realization dawning on him.
Bella's laughter rang out, rich and unrestrained, her whole body shaking as she hugged him lightly. "I'm sorry," she managed between chuckles, stepping back after a moment, still grinning from ear to ear. "I couldn't help myself. You looked so befuddled standing in front of the mannequins and, well... my thoughts can get a bit raunchy at times."
Edward absorbed Bella's words, and though a flicker of embarrassment still lingered, her easygoing nature made it hard for him to dwell on it. Bella had a way of making everything feel natural, even when he was far out of his element. If she didn't mind standing here with him, then neither would he. "Do women really wear things like this?" he asked, his gaze flicking back to the sheer, lacy garments hanging nearby.
Bella's eyes sparkled with amusement, and she nodded. "Oh, absolutely. Fashion's evolved a lot over the years. You missed the decades where everyone was covered head to toe—prim and proper. And then there were the eras where, let's just say, people had very few moral quandaries about wearing anything at all. Today's trends are somewhere in the middle," she added with a smirk, "but of course, that depends on the woman."
Edward listened intently, trying to imagine a world where people dressed with such freedom. It sounded like he had missed a lot, but the thought didn't weigh on him like it might once have. He was free now, living in the present—and that's all he'd ever wanted. There was no temptation to cling to the past.
His eyes met Bella's, a playful glint forming in his gaze. Two could play at this game. He leaned in slightly, his own voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Have you ever worn clothes like this?"
Bella raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a slow, mischievous grin. Without missing a beat, she stared directly into his eyes, her voice bold as she responded, "What makes you think I'm not wearing them right now?"
Bella giggled, the sound light and carefree as she enjoyed their playful banter. She liked being free with her words—something she hadn't always felt comfortable with in her human years. Back then, she had been so repressed, always holding back her thoughts. But now, well into her thirties, she felt more at ease in her own skin, unafraid to say whatever came to mind. And she was thoroughly enjoying her little back-and-forths with Edward.
"Come on, the men's clothes are this way," she teased, her eyes glinting with amusement as she motioned for him to follow. "You're the one getting a new outfit today. You can help me pick out some bras and panties next time," she added with a smirk.
Edward blinked, still caught up in the lingering heat of their conversation. He watched as Bella turned, her grin widening as she sauntered toward the men's section, her steps full of confidence. His eyes instinctively drifted to her rear as she walked away, the casual sway of her hips commanding his attention and leaving him momentarily distracted. His gaze lingered for a second before flicking over to the nearby mannequin clad in the skimpiest pair of underwear… err, panties, he corrected himself—he had ever seen.
The sheer lace barely covered anything, leaving little to the imagination. His thoughts flickered between the mannequin and Bella's words, an image forming in his mind. Could Bella really be wearing something like that under her jeans? He swallowed hard, relieved he hadn't actually started to drool. Smiling to himself, he quickened his pace, eager to catch up with her.
When they reached the men's section, Edward paused, taking in the racks upon racks of clothing. There were so many options—brand after brand, all slightly different but still looking much the same to him. The vast selection of jeans, shirts, jackets, and shoes left him feeling a bit overwhelmed. He had never been one to focus much on his appearance, and it felt strange now to consider all these choices. But he trusted Bella's judgment and hoped she would steer him in the right direction.
Right on cue, Bella's voice broke the silence. "How about some jeans?" she suggested, her tone light and casual as she gestured toward a nearby rack. "Pretty much a standard if you're not going anywhere fancy."
Edward smiled, nodding in agreement. "Sure, those look fine." He didn't mind keeping things simple, and from what he had observed, jeans seemed to be the go-to option for most people these days.
As he watched Bella move toward a nearby sales assistant, Edward felt a growing sense of ease. She spoke with confidence and charm, her energy contagious as she chatted briefly with the woman. Moments later, Bella returned, a playful glint in her eyes as she held a tape measure in her hand.
Without warning, Bella dropped to her knees right in front of him, her face now level with his crotch. Edward's breath caught in his throat as her smile widened mischievously.
Bella had been having a great time with Edward ever since they arrived at the mall. His reactions to the modern world were nothing short of entertaining, and she quickly realized how much fun it was to tease him with some playful ribbing. She knew there was only a limited window where he'd be out of the loop, so she planned to take full advantage of it. Besides, the look of uncertainty—or better yet, embarrassment—on his face was so infectious, she just couldn't get enough of it.
She returned with the tape measure in hand, a mischievous glint in her eye, and without any warning, dropped to her knees in front of him. Bella couldn't help but notice the way Edward's face went slack, his expression a mixture of confusion and nervousness as she knelt at his feet. She couldn't be sure, but he seemed so innocent when it came to matters of the opposite sex—maybe even more so than her, which was saying something.
As she began measuring the length of his pants leg, Bella's mind wandered. Her eyes flicked briefly to his crotch, and the memory of the massive hard-on he'd had the night before flashed through her mind. She had to swallow quickly as venom began collecting in her mouth. No way was she going to start drooling in front of him. But the longer she kneeled there, the more inappropriate her thoughts became. She bit her lip, trying to focus on the task at hand, but it was hard not to imagine all the things they could be doing right now if the circumstances were different.
"Okay," she said, forcing herself back to the present. "36 for the inseam." Her tone remained professional, though her mind was anything but.
Bella shifted to measure his waist, wrapping the tape around his midsection. Her fingers grazed the hard muscles of his sides as she tightened the tape, her touch lingering for just a second longer than necessary. She had to admit, Edward was built well—lean but strong, his body practically carved under her fingers.
"And 34 for the waist," she said with a little grin. "That should be easy."
As she stood, she tried to shake the fantasies from her mind, but it wasn't easy. Being this close to him made it hard not to wonder... what if? She quickly directed her attention to the nearby racks of jeans, thumbing through a selection of Levi's until she found a pair that seemed like a good fit.
Holding up a pair of classic dark-wash jeans, she turned back to him, an eyebrow raised. "Do you like these?" she asked, her tone casual, though her mind still raced with thoughts she'd rather not admit.
Edward, still recovering from her earlier closeness, blinked before nodding, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, those look good," he replied, though his voice was a little strained, as if he too was trying to keep his thoughts in check.
As they moved on to find a shirt, Edward, now sure Bella wasn't looking at him, quietly let out the breath he had been holding. The tension in his chest eased, but the memory of her kneeling so close to him still lingered in his mind. He had been so worried that his body might betray him again, it had been difficult to focus.
Every time she smiled at him, a warm feeling twisted in his stomach—something between excitement and nerves that left him a little breathless. He knew he was sweet on her, but everything about the customs of men and women today was still so foreign. The world had changed so much while he had been locked away. Relationships now seemed less formal, more open. What was once whispered about in secret or never spoken aloud was now talked about with ease, as Bella had proven over and over again since he'd known her.
Still, whatever he was doing seemed to meet her approval, so he resolved to continue as he was—playing along, following her lead, and enjoying the ease that came with her company. She seemed to enjoy the playful banter between them, and if it made her smile like that, well, he'd be happy to oblige.
His thoughts drifted to the journey ahead. She was taking him to France to meet her mother. The idea of traveling with Bella, spending more time together in unfamiliar places, filled him with anticipation. There would be more than enough time for them to get better acquainted during their travels, a thought that brought a subtle warmth to his chest.
He glanced over at Bella, who was casually sorting through racks of shirts, her attention focused on finding something for him to wear. Edward couldn't help but feel lucky. Lucky to be free, lucky to be standing here in this moment with her, and more than anything, lucky to have a chance to explore something new—something that had felt entirely out of reach just a short time ago.
Bella glanced back over her shoulder and caught Edward watching her. "What's that look for?" she teased, her voice light, her smile wide.
Edward shook his head slightly, forcing a small chuckle. "Nothing," he replied, his voice soft. "Just thinking."
She arched an eyebrow. "Thinking, huh? Well, try thinking about which shirt you want," she said, holding up two options with a playful grin.
Edward's lips twitched into a smile. He didn't care much about the clothes, but he could tell Bella was having fun, and that was enough for him.
After Edward had settled on a shirt and t-shirt, Bella's smile widened as they headed toward the underwear section. She could already anticipate his reaction, knowing exactly what was coming next. Stopping in front of a rack filled with various choices, she casually ran her fingers over the fabric, her eyes sparkling with playful mischief.
"Alright, Edward," she began, her tone teasing, "are you a boxers or briefs man?"
Edward glanced at the racks, his brow furrowing slightly. He hesitated for a moment before asking, "Which would you recommend? In my time, only ones like those were available." He gestured toward the boxers, their loose fit and traditional cut far more familiar to him than the options surrounding them.
Bella chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Well, if that's what you're comfortable with, you could always stick with the classic." She gave him a sly smile before her hand reached for something decidedly less traditional. "Unless," she continued, pulling a thin red speedo off the hook, "you're feeling a little daring?"
With a smirk, she held the skimpy fabric up in front of his crotch area, the bold color a stark contrast to the more conservative options. "What do you think? A bold new look for you?"
Edward glanced down, his eyes widening as he took in the tiny piece of fabric Bella held up. The sheer absurdity of... whatever that was left him momentarily speechless. Did men really wear such things now? He wondered if Bella was playing another joke on him, and somehow a women's item had been placed there by mistake. Whatever the truth, he certainly wasn't about to be the first man to wear such a thing.
He raised an eyebrow and met Bella's amused gaze, his lips twitching into a half-smile. "No, no," he said, his voice firm but amused. "I think I'll stick with the boxers." He could see Bella stifling a laugh, clearly enjoying herself.
Bella grinned, hanging the speedo back on the rack with a wink. "Fair enough. I thought I had to try," she said, stepping back to let him browse the boxers. As Edward sifted through the options, Bella couldn't help but watch him, still smiling to herself.
After a few moments of browsing, Edward selected a pair of simple, dark-colored boxers, holding them up for Bella to inspect. "These seem... appropriate."
Bella nodded, her grin softening into a more genuine smile. "Perfect choice."
Finally, they headed over to the shoe section, where rows upon rows of shoes stretched out before them, each pair more colorful and varied than the next. Edward paused, taking in the sight with wide-eyed amazement. The shoes were nothing like what he had worn in his time—simple, black, and utilitarian. These shoes, by contrast, were vibrant, almost playful in their designs, featuring such unique colors. He hadn't realized footwear could be so... expressive.
"I think you're going to love the improvements in footwear," Bella said, amusement lacing her tone as she watched him take it all in. "A pair of running sneakers should be perfect for you."
She directed him to a seat, where there was a foot measuring device. With Bella's prodding, Edward began to take off his shoes, something he realized he hadn't done in almost a hundred years. As he pulled on one of his laces, it disintegrated in his hands. He looked up at Bella, holding the remnants in his fingers, giving her a wry smile. For once, Bella seemed to think it was best to hold her tongue. She guided him to place his foot into the measuring device. Thankfully, his socks didn't have any holes. Bella took note of the measurement—size 13—and quickly headed off.
She returned a few moments later, handing him a shoebox. "Here, try these," she said with a bright smile.
She stood back, watching as he opened the box to reveal a sleek pair of shoes... err, sneakers.
Edward's eyes lit up the moment his feet settled into them. The cushioning under his soles was soft yet supportive, a far cry from the stiff leather soles he had grown accustomed to over the past century. He stood up, taking a few tentative steps, then smiled at Bella, clearly impressed.
"These are incredible," he said, marveling at the comfort and lightweight feel. "I've never felt anything like this. They're so... soft."
Bella grinned, happy to see him so pleased. "Told you you'd like them. Modern sneakers are all about comfort and performance. You know, wearing these bad boys, you just might beat me in a race." She smirked, winking at Edward as they shared a laugh.
Edward chuckled, glancing down at his feet again. "I love them. They feel so different, like I'm walking on air."
"I know that feeling well," Bella teased. "And you're right."
Once Edward was satisfied with his choice, Bella grabbed a pair of white socks from a nearby rack and tossed them into the basket. With their clothes shopping complete, they made their way toward the counter. On the way, Bella spotted a small backpack hanging by the checkout and grabbed it, tossing it over her shoulder. "Just in case we need to carry anything," she explained with a wink.
After they paid for the clothes, shoes, and the backpack, they stepped outside into the bustling mall again. Bella handed Edward the bag with his clothes and gestured toward the men's room just outside the store. "How about you change into your new outfit?" she suggested. "I'll wait out here for you."
Edward gave her a grateful nod before turning and heading toward the men's room, glancing back once to see Bella watching him with a grin.
As Edward disappeared around the bend into the men's room, Bella took the chance to look around. The most prominent thing in sight was the large, elegant fountain in front of the store they had just exited. The water bubbled softly from its center, the gentle sound adding a calm backdrop to the bustling mall. She strolled over and sat on the edge of the fountain, her eyes drifting as she absentmindedly people-watched.
Minutes ticked by, but soon she saw a figure emerging from the men's room. Bella blinked, her heart metaphorically skipping a beat. Holy shit!
It took her a moment to fully register what she was seeing. Gone was the old, battered jacket that had clung to him—literally a relic from a different era. Now, walking toward her was one of the most undeniably attractive men she had ever laid eyes on. Edward's transformation was breathtaking. The snug, dark t-shirt she had chosen for him clung to his form perfectly, highlighting every defined muscle. His broad shoulders seemed even more prominent now, tapering down to a trim waist. His biceps, revealed by the short sleeves, were chiseled, strong, and firm—exactly the kind of arms a girl would want wrapped around her.
The jeans, fitted in all the right places, hugged his hips and legs, giving him a relaxed but undeniably sexy look. As her eyes traveled downward, she couldn't help but notice how effortlessly the denim molded to his frame, emphasizing his long legs and the subtle flex of his muscles with each step. Bella found herself biting her lip, her breath catching slightly as she admired the view.
As Edward approached her, she stood up, beaming. She couldn't help herself. "Turn around," she said with a playful smile, motioning with her index finger in a small circle. "Let me see the whole look."
Edward, looking slightly amused but obliging, turned slowly in a full circle. Bella's eyes drank in every detail, her gaze lingering on his back as the shirt stretched over his muscles, before drifting downward to where the jeans framed his ass. God damn. He looked amazing. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, trying to compose herself, thankful her heart no longer beat—it would have given her away instantly.
"How do I look?" Edward asked. He was pretty sure Bella approved—the way her eyes had lingered on him, trailing up and down his new outfit—but he was still a novice at reading body language. The last time he'd been out in public like this, he had relied almost entirely on his mind-reading abilities. Now that those were gone, he was still figuring out how to interpret the subtle signals from others, but most importantly, from Bella.
Bella blinked, realizing she had been staring for a little too long. She cleared her throat, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Wow, you look… just, wow." She laughed softly, shaking her head as she struggled to put her thoughts into words. "It's like those clothes were made for you."
Edward chuckled, feeling some of the tension ease from his shoulders. "Thanks," he replied, running a hand through his hair. "I tossed my old clothes. I'd rather not have any keepsakes to remind me of those times." His voice softened as he added, "I want to look toward the future."
Bella nodded approvingly, her smile growing more genuine as she looked at him—really looked at him. There was something different in his eyes now, a peace she hadn't seen before. It made her heart swell a little, knowing that Edward was letting go of the past and the horrors that had been inflicted on him.
"Good call," Bella said warmly. "You deserve a fresh start."
With that, they set off to explore more of the mall. Bella walked beside him, her thoughts constantly drifting back to how different he looked. She couldn't stop glancing at him, sneaking little looks whenever she thought he wasn't paying attention. It wasn't just about the clothes, though. Edward seemed lighter, more at ease, and it made him even more attractive, if that was even possible.
What she couldn't help but notice, though, was the way other women were looking at him. Every girl—young and old—that they passed seemed to have their gazes locked on Edward, their eyes trailing after him like he was some kind of rare prize. Bella caught the way a few of them whispered to each other as they walked by, their heads turning to get a better look.
She clenched her jaw slightly, resisting the urge to glare at them or, better yet, tell them straight up, Sorry, girls. He's with me. The thought crossed her mind more than once, but she kept it to herself, smiling at Edward as they continued to stroll through the mall. Instead, she focused on keeping their conversation light and teasing, pointing out different stores as they passed.
It was on the second floor of the mall when Edward came to an abrupt halt. His eyes locked onto a store filled with enormous screens displaying moving images. He had seen the smaller flat screens on the phones they had acquired, which had already amazed him, but these were something else entirely. The sheer size of them left him momentarily stunned. Without thinking, he walked into the store, his curiosity pulling him in like a magnet.
He approached the nearest screen, mesmerized by the lifelike colors and the crispness of the picture. His hand hovered just in front of it, as though he expected to feel some sort of heat or pulse coming from the glowing surface. Curiously, he moved to the side to look behind it, but there was nothing—just a sleek surface barely an inch thick. He tried to wrap his mind around what it could be. There was no projector, no hidden device. The image was coming directly from the screen itself.
Stepping back, he returned his attention to what was on the screen. There was no sound, but it appeared to be a family seated in a living room, talking and laughing, their movements natural—almost as if they were real people just beyond the glass. He stared, captivated by the fluidity of it all, completely engrossed. He had never seen anything like it.
A few moments later, he sensed Bella beside him. He hadn't even realized she had moved to join him.
"I take it they didn't have TV before your... extended stay in Volterra?" Bella asked, a playful tone lacing her words. She couldn't help but smile at the awe on Edward's face. "I'm not exactly sure when it was invented, but I think it was around the '40s. I know they had TV shows by the '50s, at least. Now, everyone has a TV like this in their homes—usually in multiple rooms. And there are thousands of shows, covering every subject you can imagine... and some you wouldn't even want to imagine," she added with a chuckle. Bella could see Edward was hooked; typical man, she mused.
Edward, still transfixed by the screen, barely registered her words. "The picture is so... lifelike," he murmured, still staring at the family on the screen. "Back in Chicago, it was revolutionary when they added sound and music to motion pictures. But this... this is something else entirely."
Eager to explore more, he began to wander deeper into the store. The screens seemed to grow even larger, each one more mesmerizing than the last. But it was one particular display that made him stop dead in his tracks, his eyes widening in disbelief. The scene playing out in front of him was beyond anything he could have imagined.
"What is that?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, completely dumbfounded as he stared, slack-jawed, at the spectacle unfolding before him.
Bella smirked, barely containing her amusement as she watched Edward's wide-eyed stare. This was just too good. "So, that big guy over there," she said, pointing to the screen, "that's the Incredible Hulk. See those aliens attacking? They were the Chitauri. They tried to invade New York City, but the Hulk and the Avengers defeated them." Her grin widened as she studied Edward's face, his expression shifting between confusion and disbelief. "Look, there's Iron Man," she added, as the armored hero flew across the screen in a burst of energy.
Edward's eyes were glued to the screen, taking in every chaotic scene unfolding before him. The fact that this battle had happened in New York City of all places was mind-boggling. But when a man transformed into a giant green monster and punched a flying, worm-like creature—larger than any airplane he had ever seen—stopping it dead in its tracks, his jaw went slack, his mouth falling open in disbelief.
Finally, he tore his gaze away from the screen, his expression one of bewildered seriousness. "Aliens exist? And they attacked New York?" His voice carried a quiet intensity, as if he were trying to piece together an unfathomable truth. "Why didn't you tell me about this sooner?" he asked, almost accusatory as his eyes darted back to the action. His mind raced. If such creatures existed... how did they compare to vampires? That green guy had to be stronger...
Bella tried to hold it together but couldn't. The tension in Edward's voice and the seriousness of his words were too much. She clamped her hand over her mouth, stifling a laugh, before she finally burst into outright laughter. Her shoulders shook, and before she knew it, she was leaning into Edward, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug as she laughed uncontrollably. She could barely catch her breath, her laughter echoing through the store as passersby glanced curiously at them.
"Edward... I'm... I'm sorry!" she managed between breaths, her voice trembling with humor. "I just... I couldn't help it!"
Edward's frown deepened, but he turned to her, puzzled. "What? Why are you laughing?"
Bella wiped the nonexistent tears from her eyes out of habit, trying to calm herself. "It's not real!" she said, her voice still light with amusement. "It's a movie, Edward. Just a movie. Aliens don't exist."
Edward blinked, glancing back at the screen as if needing confirmation. "A movie?" It looked so real... He watched as the metal man blasted one of the alien creatures with a beam of light from his hands, followed by the green monster leaping through the air, tearing through the aliens like they were nothing.
"Yeah," Bella said, grinning. "Movies today can make anything look real, including aliens and big green monsters." She gestured at the screen again as more unbelievable battle scenes took place. "This movie—it's called The Avengers. It came out in 2012."
Edward's face softened slightly as realization dawned on him. "So... no alien invasions?"
"Nope," Bella confirmed with a chuckle. "But I gotta say, they do an amazing job making it look like it could be real. The technology they use for movies now is incredible." She nudged him playfully with her elbow. "Imagine seeing this on a screen that's 30 feet high and 70 feet wide. That's what it's like in theaters these days."
Edward's eyes widened once more, this time in a different kind of awe. "Wow."
Bella nodded, smiling fondly. "Yeah. I remember seeing this movie with Peter and Charlotte in Texas. Watching the Hulk toss aliens around on a screen that big was... well, unforgettable."
Edward shook his head slightly, still processing the idea of such an advanced world. "Back in Chicago, we had silent films—black and white, with title cards for dialogue. We thought it was revolutionary when they added sound."
Bella grinned. "Well, you've come a long way. Welcome to the 21st century, where we have movies about superheroes, talking raccoons, and wizards saving the world on a regular basis."
Edward chuckled softly, shaking his head, still processing the fact that he had been duped. He couldn't deny how realistic it had all looked. "That was a good one," he admitted, a hint of amusement dancing in his voice. "You're right, I couldn't tell the difference. I'd be interested in seeing one of these movies on the big screen, like you described."
Bella's smile widened, her eyes lighting up. "Well, you're in luck," she said warmly. "On our way into the mall, I noticed a huge movie theater complex just next door. How about later, we head over and we can be amazed together?"
Edward's grin spread across his face. The thought of seeing one of these movies with Bella excited him. "I'd like that very much," he replied, his voice sincere as he glanced back at the screen, still mesmerized by how much had changed in the world.
Edward continued walking through the store, his eyes drifting from one screen to the next. Most of the shows flashing across the TVs were vibrant and captivating in their own right, but nothing held his attention for long. That was until he stopped in front of another screen. The movie wasn't as polished as the high-action scenes from The Avengers, but something about it drew him in.
On the screen, there was chaos. A burning building loomed in the background, black smoke pouring from its lower corner. But what really held his gaze—and the camera's focus—was the flying woman. She darted through the air at incredible speed, making it difficult for the camera to follow her at times. When it pulled back, Edward could better see her flying into the building, only to reappear moments later, carrying one or two people in her arms. He stood transfixed as she swiftly flew them down to the ground, then immediately shot back up into the sky and back into the building to seemingly rescue even more people. It was nothing short of extraordinary.
The movie kept cutting from one angle to another, sometimes showing the chaos below—firefighters scrambling to help survivors, panicked civilians being led away from the burning wreckage of the building. Other times, the camera zeroed in on the woman, who continued her mission at a relentless pace. The destruction of the building was immense, making Edward wonder what had happened there, as it looked like the entire front of the building had vanished. Then, the scene changed again, deepening his confusion. Now, it showed dozens of people floating down from the building on their own, as if being gently lowered by some invisible force… was it supposed to be magic? The flying woman hovered above them, overseeing it all.
His brow furrowed as he tried to make sense of what he was seeing. The movie, while thrilling, wasn't making much sense. He noticed the headline at the bottom of the screen, which at least told him who the movie was about. But then the screen split in two—one half showing people sitting calmly behind a desk, while the other half continued to display the flying woman and the burning building.
Edward felt Bella step beside him, but she seemed to be just as immersed in the movie as he was. His eyes remained glued to the screen as he asked, "What movie was this 'Starshield' character in?" His voice was filled with curiosity.
Bella stood quietly next to Edward, her own eyes fixed on the screen. She had never gotten the chance to see any of the footage from that day. Watching it now, she saw that the news crews had captured everything, but seeing it from this different perspective felt surreal. It really did look like a superhero movie. She watched the firefighters doing their part, helping the survivors—something she hadn't been able to focus on at the time. Her mind had been so laser-focused that day, every ounce of her energy and concentration had been devoted to getting as many people out of that building as possible. Now, seeing the faces of the people she had rescued, it made everything feel more real.
She glanced at Edward and smiled. If it hadn't been for that event, he would still be locked away in that cell in Volterra. Knowing all that had happened as a result of her actions, the lives of so many had been changed forever. Foremost were the people who would have perished, but beyond that, and more importantly to vampires, the Volturi were now gone. The consequences of that were still unknown, but Edward and Yoshi were now free as well. She was grateful that some good had come from the tragedy of that awful day.
Edward's question still hung in the air, and Bella knew it was time to tell him about what had led her to come to Volterra.
"That's not a movie, Edward. That really happened. Not even a week ago." Bella's voice was quiet, but her words hung heavy in the air. She glanced at the screen, where the news report had switched to footage of Starshield hovering above the crowd of reporters, addressing the media after the building had collapsed.
Leaning in closer to Edward, her breath soft against his ear, she spoke in a low, conspiratorial tone. "Take a look at her clothes. Do you notice anything about them?"
Edward's eyes narrowed as he focused on the figure on the screen. Starshield floated effortlessly in the air, the camera zooming in on her pale face, partially hidden by a mask. He scrutinized her appearance—her white blouse, the tight jeans... wait a second. He shot a glance at Bella, then back at the TV, his brows furrowing as he pieced it together. His gaze dropped to Bella's clothes—the same white blouse, the same jeans. He looked at her face, picturing her in that mask...
"That was you?" he whispered, his voice filled with disbelief.
Bella nodded, her eyes softening as she watched him process the revelation. Edward's gaze lingered on the screen for a few more moments, the magnitude of what he had just learned washing over him. He turned back to her, awe written across his face, his voice quiet but thick with emotion. "You saved all those people. You're a hero, Bella."
A small smile tugged at Bella's lips as she met Edward's gaze. "Thank you for saying that," she murmured, her tone sincere but humble. "I was just a few blocks away when the explosion happened. I didn't have time to think—I had to make a quick decision." Her eyes flicked back to the screen, where her alter ego, Starshield, hovered with a confidence that felt far removed from how she had actually felt in the moment. "It wasn't a hard choice. I couldn't stand by and let all those people die, not when I knew I could stop an even bigger tragedy from occurring."
"Now you understand why the Volturi came for me," Bella continued, her voice steady but introspective. "I broke the law. I exposed myself to humans."
Both Bella and Edward turned back to the screen, watching as Starshield flew away before the footage cut back to the news program. Bella's voice softened. "At least the secret is still safe. No one would think 'vampire' after seeing that. All they saw was a woman in a mask. I'm not sure how I'm being portrayed around the world..." She smiled, then nudged his shoulder playfully. "I've been a little busy here in Italy." Her grin widened. "Breaking your ass out of the slammer for one thing."
Edward chuckled, his grin matching hers as the weight of the moment lightened between them.
Edward had known Bella was powerful—after all, she had single-handedly defeated the Volturi—but what he had witnessed just now took that power to an entirely new level. His voice came out in an almost disbelieving whisper. "You can fly?"
Bella's smile widened, a flicker of excitement dancing in her eyes as she thought about soaring through the sky. She glanced up at him, her nod slow and deliberate. "That I can... And if you play your cards right," she added with a teasing edge, "maybe I'll take you up with me one of these days."
Their eyes locked, a shared smile growing between them as the thought of flying together lingered in the air, both imagining how much fun it would be to experience that kind of freedom—together.
I hope you've enjoyed reading about Bella and Edward's first day together. I feel it's a fitting introduction to welcome Edward into the present and showcase their dynamic. Now, the story can move forward again, and we can witness their relationship begin to take shape. And what better place to start than in 'The City of Love'.
As always comments are appreciated. It always makes me happy when I read you've enjoyed what I've written. Unless you think it's total crap...
I also wanted to let you know I posted the first chapter of a new-ish mini story I've written. It's called Bella, Unbound and is an all-human tale featuring Bella, Jake, and Edward. So, if you want to read a really crazy, hyper-sexualized tale, go take a peek.
