[BamaFan121s]

My stunt in the hotel room and not only kept us from leaving early, it had actually caused us to run late. We had to rush to the airport in order to make our flight home. Once again, we had the entire first class section to ourselves. Once we were finally in the air and Renesmee was truly sleeping in Rosalie’s lap, was I able to discuss what had happened with Carlisle and Edward.
“Bella,” Carlisle began, “I have always believe that over time, our talents strengthen. I have suspected for some time now that that is what is happening with you. I can’t be sure, but it seems like you have developed new abilities with your shield that you are not even aware of. There have been indications, like the one earlier tonight when you answered Edward’s unspoken thought, that perhaps you possess the power to not only shield yourself and those around you, but you have the ability to use it to reverse those talents being used on you….even manipulate them to an extent.”
My jaw dropped, but I composed myself quickly. “Indications? What indications? Other than tonight, I mean.” I didn’t remember anything out of the ordinary.
“Bella, that’s not the first time you’ve done that with me.” Edward said.
“It’s not? When has that ever happened before?”
“Well, I first recall it happening about a month ago. We had not been back from Hanover long, and you and I were sitting together at the piano. We’d been in Carlisle’s office, talking with him and were waiting for Renesmee to finish her lesson with Rose, remember?”
“Yes.” Of course I remembered. Aside from many of my human memories, I remembered everything.
“I’d wondered, to myself, what you were thinking. No sooner had I finished the thought in my own head, had you then answered it out loud. Much in the same fashion as when I had done years ago with Carlisle.”
“I did? Well why didn’t you mention it then?”
“Truthfully, I just thought it was a coincidence. It wasn’t until that day in the field when we played baseball and you and Jasper turned on each other than we—Carlisle and myself, that is—really began to question if there was something more….something changing. You’ve never been immune to Jasper’s talents, but that day, he couldn’t calm you. And then it was like you projected your rage on him…making him feel the way you did.”
Things were beginning to make more sense. “And then in the hotel the other day…after the museum….” I trailed off, fitting the pieces together in my head.
“That’s right,” Carlisle confirmed. “Jasper tried for hours, but couldn’t manage to reach you then either.” I was silent, not sure of what to say. “I think that when we arrive home and get settled, it might be beneficial for us to call on Eleazer. He may be able to help determine exactly how your ability has changed.”
I nodded in consent. Carlisle and Edward exchanged brief whispers, and then he returned to his seat beside Esme.
“I’m guessing you are feeling a bit overwhelmed?” Edward joked. He reached around to wrap his arm around my shoulders.
“Ha, that’s the understatement of the century!”
“Ready to get home?”
“Yes!”
“Well that makes two of us!”
“Three of us!” Alice called up from several rows back.
Edward and I both laughed and settled in for the flight home. I was content to stare out the window at stars outside, not bothering to fill the time with idle chatter. I had plenty to think about on the way home as it was.