Unforgivable Lacerations

Chapter Fifty-Seven

Edward and I returned home later than we should have if we were only hunting. Thankfully, unlike what my human lips would have been like, the stone lips weren't swollen- speaking for the both of us. However, my hair and clothes were something else entirely. 

Before the trees cleared for the lake in front of the house, a pile of clothes was left underneath a tree with a simple note on top.

'Bella x'

I frowned and looked at Edward who didn't share the same confused expression as me. "Alice," he answered my obvious silent question.

"Oh." I smiled, picking up the beige blouse and brown jeans. My eyebrows shot up at the choice of clothing, which was simple yet elegant. 

"I'll go over there." Edward turned his back and walked farther into the dense trees on my right. "Remember to not be forceful!" he added, knowing that my actions would have to be restricted now with my strength as if I used the same forceful movements as I did when I was human, they would tear.

"Done," I said after.

Edward returned to me speedily, catching my hand in his large one before we both ran and jumped over the lake.

"My emotions are now heightened, aren't they?" I asked as we walked breezily to the front door, the opposite side of the house from the lake. We had binned the scraps of my clothing when we passed the bins, knowing that there was no hope with the material now.

"Yes, especially because you're a newborn, but in general, a vampire's emotions are stronger than a human's."

"Thought so," I mumbled as I felt the love I had for Edward had intensified as if my heart had grown into an endless pit. 

When we entered, the family were all seated in the living room- presumably waiting for us. I smiled and seated myself on the empty loveseat, even though I felt as though I could stand forever without becoming tired or uncomfortable, where Edward followed and sat beside me, draping an arm over the back of the chair, behind me. 

"How was it?" Carlisle asked, smiling as Emmett and Jasper paused their car game.

"Good," I answered with an open-mouth smile.

"Bella's gifted," Edward said, stopping any further conversation, his voice full of pride.

Alice was the only one, apart from me and Edward, not surprised.

"What's your gift?" Emmett excitedly asked first.

"Physical and mental shield." I looked at Edward, unsure if that was the correct name.

"Mental shield would make sense as you can't hear her thoughts," Carlisle pieced together while sounding his thoughts. "In addition, I can understand why you have a physical gift as well. From what you've experienced, Bella, you would have at one point thought of pushing them away..."

I nodded and told the story of how we found out my gift. I understood my physical shield as I remembered my transition, trying to put an invisible wall up to protect myself. The Cullens listened intrigued while my eyes kept flickering to a bouncing Alice. Literally, up and down in her seat. What I also noticed was that Alice kept looking at Edward knowingly, with a small smile and a twinkle in her eye as if to say 'I know'. I was curious, naturally, but I knew that whatever it was would come out eventually.

"Bella..." Alice drew out my name for at least three seconds after mainly Carlisle and I discussed my gift.

"Yes...?" 

"Come on!" She stood up, clapping her hands excitedly while I heard Edward breathe a chuckle. "We need to get you ready for tonight!" Confusion must have shown on my face as I didn't remember anything being mentioned about tonight.